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Glasgow Humane Society
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George Geddes
1859 George Geddes I became Officer until he passed away in 1889.
1889 George's son also named George (II) was appointed officer.
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Mr.George Geddes, the Officer of
the
Glasgow Humane Society, outside the boathouse at Glasgow Green c1900
Mr. Geddes was a very strong man and rescued many people from drowning in
the
Clyde
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George Geddes II's son also called George (III) drowned while attempting a
rescue 11th Nov.1928
1928 Benjamin Parsonage
was appointed officer in conjunction with George Geddes II.
George Geddes II subsequently
died in 1932.
1932 Ben Parsonage took sole charge until his death in 1979 |
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April 2005, extract from GlescaPals messageboard, 'GlescaPal AnnieMay', Ontario, Canada
I remember when ah wis a wean ma grandpa would threaten if ah wisnae being good.
"Geordie Geddes i'll get ye" Scared me half tae death. Scared me even merr when ah fun oot who he wis.
Geordie Geddes wis the keeper o' the Morgue as well as the river. He wis
the wan that dragged the river when they were lookin fur a body. A believe
his son (also a Geordie Geddes) took over frae him when he retired.
Aye an' Ah got threatened wi the bad fire tae on occasions.
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April 2005, extract from GlescaPals messageboard, 'GlescaPal Ronnie', London
George Geddes was appointed full time officer to the Glasgow Humane
Society in 1859 and was succeeded in the post in 1898 when his similar
named son took over and held the post until 1932. It was said for two
generations, whenever there was a fatality connected to the river, the cry
'send for Geordie Geddes' went up.
Following George Geddes death in 1932 the post was taken over by his
assistant Ben Parsonage who had been appointed in 1928, and he proved to
be the longest serving officer of the GHS, working on the river until his
death in 1979. During his employ it was reckoned that he was responsible
for saving more than 1,000 lives, and had recovered more than 2,000
bodies. After his death his son George Parsonage took over as an officer
on a part time basis.
The Glasgow Humane Society still operates as on an autonomous society,
independent of Glasgow District and the Strathclyde Region.
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April 2005, extract from GlescaPals messageboard, 'Tammytroot', Glasgow
I have to get a plug in here for Neil Munro's "Para
Handy" and "Erchie" stories, because Geordie Geddes is
mentioned in one of the Para Handy episodes. (GlescaPal SunnyJim claims to have been dragged from the Clyde by Geordie
Geddes.)
Most of the stories were set in the period 1890-1920 or thereabouts, and
give a real insight into how life in Glesca was lived at that time.
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May2008, extract from email,
Michelle Schaller, Australia
Dear Mr. McArthur,
I just
found your site when I googled the humane society Glasgow.
I was rapt to find the photo and write up on George
Geddes.. He was the son of my gggGrandparents George
(the original) & Christina Geddes.
This photo I am attaching may be of interest to you.
Unfortunately its not in the best of condition. It
was sent to me by another descendant.
It
is of Georges' (from your photo) brother, John
Geddes, his wife Eleanor and their
very large brood.
They are my gr gr
grandparents.
I
have been told John was also involved with the
Humane Society.
A distant relative says he has a
medal that was handed down to him that belonged to
John.
John lived at the Humane society, presumably until
he married Eleanor Borle at Stockwell Pl, Glasgow,
in 1880.
In
the 1881 census he is listed as a Sand Merchant,
employing 6 men..
In
the 1891 census his occupation is listed as 'Ferry
Lessee' So I guess he went back to his roots.
An old Aussie
saying.. "your bloods worth bottling!!'
Thank You :-) regards Michelle
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then 4 years later!!!
in Aug 2012, I received an original copy
of this photo see page2 |
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Nov.2012, extract from email,
Fiona Birks, England
Hello, I found your website while searching for the words
to a song that my parents and grandparents used to sing to me when I was
wee, while bouncing me on their knee! I've been singing it too my
children and my four year old asked me what it was about. I searched
"Geordie Geddes" and your website came up. Thank you for the information
and the photograph, it is wonderful to learn about the history and have
some context for the words!
"Send for Geordie Geddes, tell him he's to
come,
Tell him he's to save the life of Baker and his chum,
Tell him if he hurries up he'll get a half a crown,
For the boiler's burst and the boat's gone down."
I don't suppose you have any insight as to who "Baker and his chum" are?
With thanks, Fiona Birks. |
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Glasgow
Humane Society post is currently held by George Parsonage,
his house is
in Glasgow Green near the Peoples Palace ( more info and photo's to
follow)
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http://glasgowhumanesociety.co.uk/ |
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