The Moonlighter
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Posts posted by The Moonlighter
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To help with the long days indoors.
Posted out within 24 hours.
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To help with the long days indoors.
We're still able to post out books, get your copy here.
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2 hours ago, Bill said:
Would it be possible to post some photographs of the grave and the plaque you mention please?
I did try to but it said i wasn't permitted to post for some reason,i'll try again.
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On the 9th April 1938 our Founder Moses McNeil passed at Townend Hospital Dumbarton. Moses had been visiting a friend in Dumbarton and became unwell. He was the grand age of 82.
Moses was born on the 29th October 1855 at Belmore House which today is part of the Faslane Naval Base. His father John was from Comrie in Perthshire and mother Jane Bain from Downpatrick in Ulster.
He was a natural athlete Powerful and of stocky build, it was said that was also known for his pace.
In the Ibrox trophy room is a cup won by Moses for a half-mile race at the Garelochead Athletic Sports on 1 January, 1876 and it’s the oldest Trophy that the Club has.
Moses played for the club he helped form for ten years, playing in the 1877 and 1879 Scottish Cup Finals.He was also a member of the first Rangers side to lift a trophy, the Glasgow Merchants Charity Cup in 1879.
He was the first Ranger to play for his country when Scotland defeated Wales 4-0 at Hamilton Crescent in Partick in 1876.
Moses led a nomadic lifestyle mainly due to his 20 year employment with the company Langs whose name was synonymous with the famous brand of whisky.Their premises,which Moses worked from,was at 70 Union Street in Glasgow.
During his time in Glasgow Moses lived at 169 Berkeley Street and 333 Dumbarton Road.
These locations are among many others that we cover during the Founders Trail.
We have a wonderful newspaper report which details Moses and his friend, team-mate and fellow Founder Tom Vallance attending the 1905 Scotish Cup Final as supporters.
Only 9 months after Moses passed Rangers would set their record attendance at Ibrox Park of 118,000 .
It’s a comforting thought that our Founder was sitting in his cottage while the Club that he’d help form and nurture were now one of the biggest in the World.
Moses spent the last few years of his life living with his sister Isabella in Clynder at Craig Cottage.She died in 1935, to be followed by her brother, the last of the siblings, in 1938. They lie together with their sister Elizabeth and Isabella’s husband, Duncan Gray, in the lovely churchyard at Rosneath.But sadly for the man who gave Rangers their name his own isn’t inscribed on the family headstone.
The late great Sandy Jardine was a supporter of the Founders project and had expressed a wish to have a plaque with Moses name on it placed at the churchyard at Rosneath, this is a project that we completed on Sandy’s behalf on Sunday 28th June 2015.
Our Restoration team cleaned Moses stone and placed an engraved plaque which was purchased after funds were raised via the Rangers support.
Today we remember Moses McNeil.
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On the 30th March 1901 our Founder Peter McNeil passed at Hawkhead Asylum in Glasgow.
He rests in Craigton Cemetery with his brothers William and James and parents John and Jean.
On the 9th September 2009 Heather Lang unveiled a plaque at Fleshers Haugh to mark the location of the first match played by Rangers Football Club, against Callander, in May, 1872.
There was no-one more appropriate to carry out the ceremony than Heather, Granddaughter of Gallant Pioneer, Peter McNeil. Heather and her sister Doreen Holland were the strongest link we have with Peter and his fellow Pioneers; his brother Moses, Peter Campbell and William McBeath.
Sadly Heather passed at her sister’s home in London in 2016.
Heather and Doreen, though, were unaware of their link with the founding of Rangers. Grandfather Peter had a tragic end to his life. It was probably because of this, that their mother, Gertrude, daughter of Peter and his wife, Janet, never spoke of her father. He had died in Hawkhead Asylum, on 30 March, 1901. He had clearly suffered from a form of mental illness, though his death was recorded as “general paralysis’’.
Peter was born in 1854, a year before his brother and fellow Pioneer, Moses. In his mid-teens, he had moved to Glasgow with other members of his family. Peter played in the first match against Callander, in May, 1872. He was one of the Club’s earliest captains and was a regular in the side until 1876. It was off the field of play though Peter McNeil made his greatest contribution to the formative years of the Club.
William Dunlop tells of Peter heading to Fleshers Haugh about noon to secure the field for the Club. The goalposts would be planted and he would then have to watch over the field until the “appointed hour”.
When his playing days were over, and he gave way to better players, he became honorary secretary. He held this position from 1876 – 1883. He was vice-president from 1886 – 1888. He was a greatly respected administrator, serving as treasurer of the Scottish Football Association from 1879 – 1883. He was known as “Genial Peter”, a much-loved and respected figure within Scottish Football.
Peter had a business which he ran with his brother, Harry, “H and P McNeil”. It was one of the forerunners of the modern sports outfitters. The business had started in the mid 1870’s. The original premises had been in Renfield Street but in 1883, the brothers moved to Union Street. They were suppliers of outfits to both Rangers and Scotland.
In March, 1885, Peter married Janet. Rangers Football Club presented the happy couple with “a beautiful inlaid marble clock and a pair of equestrian bronzes”. Within five years, the family was complete with the birth of John Fraser and Gertrude Grace. Despite the happy home life, it was clear the pressure of business was taking its toll of Peter. His brother Harry was a partner in the business . Harry McNeil had been one of the most famous and popular footballers of his day. He played for Queen’s Park and had been an established Scottish internationalist. For many years after he retired from playing, his name was frequently recorded in the sports media of the day.
The business of H & P McNeil disappeared from the PO Directory by 1896. Bankruptcy had come to Peter and Harry.
The deterioration of Peter's mental health caused anguish to his family. In January, 1901, he was committed to Hawkhead Asylum.
Peter McNeil lay at rest for many years with his parents, John and Jean, and older brother William in what was an unmarked grave at Craigton Cemetery. Either side of him are his brothers Alexander and James.
On the 22nd June 2013 memorials to our Founder Peter McNeil and his family were erected on their final resting places at Craigton Cemetery.
Peter’s resting place fittingly looks on to the front door of Ibrox Stadium.
Our Founder Peter McNeil died at a young age ,he was only 47, but he lived long enough to see the Club that he helped form and nurture grow from what was essentially a boys club on Fleshers Haugh into a worldwide sporting institution.
Today we remember Peter McNeil.
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To help with the long days indoors.
We're still able to post out books, get your copy here.
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On 23/03/2020 at 20:14, MacK1950 said:
A wee bit off topic,I was just looking at gallery posted on Gers main site about Davy Cooper.
I noticed that the plaque on his statue at Hamilton is a bit worse for wear and if you think so maybe could include it in a tidy up under your restoration programmes.
Once we're back at work this is something that we will pursue.
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Earlier this week Robert auctioned a signed Rangers jersey from this season in aid of The Restoration of Rangers Graves Project which raised the wonderful amount of £250.
We’d like to thank Robert for this extremely kind gesture which will help ensure that the restoration project will continue with pace once we’re back at work.
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Thanks to all who purchased books at the weekend, these were all posted out today. Enjoy and stay healthy.
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On 18/03/2020 at 07:23, Bluedell said:
I've got the original version, and I feel a bit short-changed in that there's been at least 2 updates since I bought it.
I understand the rationale behind updating it, but I'm not wanting to buy it again when it's basically the same book.
We continued to research which led to the update, a chapter on the Founders Trail which had only taken to the streets when the original was released was also added.
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The ideal item for all those long days at home.
Only £16.00 ( + £1.72 P+P).
Our copies are all signed by author Gary Ralston.
This is the updated version of the book which has a chapter devoted to the Founders Trail.
A must read for all True Blues !
Purchase your book here on our website and we’ll post your copy out within 24 hours.
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The ideal item for all those upcoming long days at home.
The Greatest Sporting Story Ever Told.
Only £16.00 ( + £1.72 P+P).
Our copies are all signed by author Gary Ralston.
This is the updated version of the book which has a chapter devoted to the Founders Trail.
A must read for all True Blues !
Purchase your book here on our website and we’ll post your copy out within 24 hours.
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The winner of the signed jersey was Steven McIness....congratulations Steven!
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Still time to enter the draw,the winner will be notified and their name posted on here at 3pm today.
Total raised so far £435.
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Total raised so far .....£335.
Still plenty of time to enter the draw only £5.
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Total raised so far £265. Thanks everyone.
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Total raised so far £150.
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Only £5 per entry.
We have this framed shirt signed by this season’s squad up for grabs,it was very kindly donated by Colin Stewart, head of the RYDC.
All monies raised will be split between The Restoration of Rangers Graves Project and the Rangers Youth Development Company.
To be in with a chance of winning the jersey just donate £5 via the link below.
All names will go into a hat and the winner drawn on Monday 16th March.
Thank you.
PAYPAL LINK. - https://www.paypal.com/sendmoney
***Follow the link and add following email address along with donation – sonsofstruth@aol.co.uk0 -
Adults £30 Child/Concession £20.
If you’d like to join us please reserve your seat here on our website
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Adults £30 Child/Concession £20.
If you’d like to join us please reserve your seat here on our website.
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Last week we had the pleasure of presenting the Founders Story for the Calderwood Rangers Supporters Club and friends in East Kilbride.
At the end of the evening the Restoration of Rangers Graves Project received a cheque from the supporters club for the incredible amount of £500.
We’d like to thank everyone for their generosity as this will help to ensure that our restoration work continues over the coming months.
Thank you.
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- Popular Post
- Popular Post
On the 16th February 1935 Rangers legend Tom Vallance died at the family home at 83 Pitt Street Glasgow aged 78.
Tom is buried in Hillfoot Cemetery in Bearsden and his funeral was attended by Mr. Struth, Chairman James Bowie and his old team-mate James McIntyre who both took a cord. Incredibly, players from the Vale of Leven team whom Tom had faced 60 years earlier in 1877 were also in attendance. That will give you an indication as to how highly regarded Tom Vallance was.
Tom was paid the ultimate accolade by the Club in May 1898 when he was made a life member of the Rangers.
In 2012 we had Tom put on to canvas by way of a painting by artist Helen Runciman which was unveiled at Ibrox Stadium at the end of our Founders Trail. Tom Vallance took his rightful place at the top of the Marble Staircase alongside his friends and fellow Founders.
Some facts on Tom Vallance:
Tom had an incredible 60 year association with his Club that he loved.
He was a master oarsman, a champion athlete (he set a Scottish long jump record of over 21 feet), he studied at the Glasgow School of Art, had paintings accepted by the Royal Scottish Academy and was Rangers Club Captain and President for many years.
While President of the Club it was not uncommon to find TomVallance working the turnstiles on match day at First Ibrox.
In 1890 he owned the Club Restaurant at 22 Paisley Road Toll which today is the Viceroy Bar.
We have recorded details of Tom Vallance being present at the ceremony held on 1st January 1929 which saw the opening of the Main Stand at Ibrox and also at a Dinner held in the old St.Enoch’s Hotel after a Rangers match in 1933, he was also a guest of the Club that year for the New Year’s day game against Celtic.
So, the lad who was present at Fleshers Haugh in 1872 was still attending Ibrox some 60 years later where the Club that he’d helped form and nurture were now playing in front of crowds touching 100,000.
Today we remember Tom Vallance.
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Over the last few years we've been searching the cemeteries of Glasgow and beyond for the final resting places of those men who played such a vital role in not only forming our Club but the subsequent years thereafter.
Work has already been carried out on 38 plots.
We extended the project into assisting those bereaved by the 1961 and 1971 Ibrox Disasters.
We of course can’t carry out work on these plots without the consent of family,sadly many have either passed on themselves or have moved away.
This is where you can help.
Do you know of any relatives of those bereaved by the tragedy who would like to discuss the possibility of some restoration work being done on the plot of a loved one or perhaps a memorial plaque etc placed?
If you can help please call 0790 2855536 for a chat or email thefounderstrail@gmail.com
Thank you.0
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164 Years Ago Today. Founder William McBeath.
in Rangers Chat
Posted
On the 7th May 1856 our Founder William McBeath was born in the village of Callander.
Willie’s dad Peter owned a general store on Callander’s Main Street and the family home was above the store which is now The Waverley Hotel.
William had an older sister Jane and an older brother Peter. Another boy was born after William but he like so many other children of the time died in infancy.
Tragically, his dad Peter McBeath passed in November 1864. Shortly afterwards, his wife took William and his sister Jane to Glasgow to start a new life.
By the time of the 1871 census, the McBeaths were living at 17 Cleveland Street, living in the same close were five members of the McNeil family, including brothers Peter and William.It was here that the boys first made contact.
The following year,at the beginning of 1872,the boys had the idea to form a football team.
William McBeath played in our first ever match v Callander and according to fellow Ranger William Dunlop ‘’ was awarded man of the match then spent a week in bed recovering due to his exertions’’!
In 1874 at the age of just 17 William was elected as Rangers first ever President.
By 1878, he was a commercial traveler and had moved to the Crosshill area of Glasgow after marrying a Jeannie Harris. Within a year, the family had moved to Bristol in what was almost certainly the most settled and happiest period of William’s life.
In 1884 at the Club’s ‘Annual Hop’ his friends and fellow Founders honoured William for the role he played in its conception and presented him with a gold badge.This was at an event held in the St.Andrews Hall which is at the rear of today’s Mitchell Library in Glasgow.
Sadly,the remaining period of William McBeath’s life is clouded in mist.
What happened to cause a breakdown in the happy family life of the McBeaths is uncertain.William’s son Norman was sent to Glasgow to live with his grandmother.Norman McBeath died in Glasgow, aged eighty-three, in 1973.
William last few years make for unpleasant reading. He moved from town to town, found himself in court on charges of fraud (of which he was acquitted) and married for a second time.
He moved to Lincoln and stayed at 57 Cranwell Street and 34 Vernon Street.
Tragically the deterioration in William McBeath’s life continued until his death in a workhouse at Lincoln in 1917. He was certified‘’imbecile”.The evidence of his state of health suggests he had actually suffered from Alzheimer’s.Medical terminology back then was brutal to say the least.
William McBeath was buried in an unmarked, pauper’s grave in Lincoln Cemetery but there is a happy ending to his story.
During his research for the Gallant Pioneers book Gary Ralston found William’s final resting place. The grave is now marked with a fitting stone which was paid for by the worldwide Rangers support and placed there by a group of fellow supporters.
Today we remember Founder William McBeath.