Nellie Nicol (Barrie) Morton (1897 - 1977)

Ancestors

Wife of John McGruther Morton — married 16 Apr 1919 in Govan Manse, Govan, Glasgow

Descendants

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Biography

Nelly had a certificate in Bookkeeping Commercial Department at Skerry's College and it seems likely that this occurred prior to the marriage in 1919. Skerry Colleges were a series of institutions that prepared students for various roles in Public Service and then in industry. Many went on to University after or joined the expanding merchant sector. It seems likely that Nelly attended Skerry's in Glasgow.

Nelly is known to have worked for the National Projectile Factory from Sept 1916 to 16 Jan 1919. The National Projectile Factory, Glasgow, was located at Cardonald to the south west of the city. The first female employees at the Cardonald Factory were five forewomen and twenty girls appointed in June 1916 and Nelly must have arrived shortly after. The women worked shifts broadly 12 hours long, seven days a week; either a day shift or night shift. Although there were many concerns regarding the ability of women to perform the work none of the fears materialised and the women released men in the factories to fight on the Western Front.

On her marriage record she is recorded as being a Mercantile Clerk(ess) and having resided at 11Brighton Place, Govan, Glasgow, prior to her marriage. The record identifies her parents and records the best man at the wedding as Alexander Lindsay Barrie, who is presumably her brother.

Sources

• BDM Extract; Marriage record for Morton and Barrie; 16 Apr 1919, Govan, Glasgow; District of Plantation, No: 52/1919

• Family data sheet provided to Profile Manager, 5 Dec 2014. Not all elements independently verified.