Bluepeter9 5,167 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Posted this on a thread by Minstral but though it warranted its own thread and aplolgies i a repost. Minstrals Thread: http://forum.rangersmedia.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=115965 Record Link: http://www.<No links to this website>/news/editors-...86908-21518811/ Revealed: The curse of the Rangers pioneers Jul 14 2009 By Mark McGivern RANGERS Football Club are one of the world's most famous sides, with an illustrious history and fans that follow them to the ends of the Earth. But few know the true story of how Rangers were formed by four teenage pals - and their touching, yet tragic stories. Record sports writer Gary Ralston spent three years researching the history of the reigning SPL champions' founding fathers. In Rangers 1872: The Gallant Pioneers, out today, he reveals that far from being venerated, one ended his days in a lunatic asylum, another was lost at sea and a third was buried in a pauper's grave. The birthplace of Rangers was Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park, known as West End Park back in the spring of 1872. Brothers Moses and Peter McNeil went for a walk with pals William McBeath and Peter Campbell and came up with the idea for the club. Soon, they were joined by another friend, Tom Vallance. He quickly became the skipper of the fledgling outfit after early matches on Glasgow Green. McBeath and Campbell were only 15 when they set up their new team. Moses McNeil and Vallance were 16 and Peter McNeil the elder statesman at 17. These teenagers had founded a sporting dynasty known the world over. But the lives of almost all the founders were touched with terrible sadness. Peter McNeil died in 1901 at the Hawkhead Asylum near Paisley as a result of insanity brought on by business worries. Former SFA treasurer Peter owned a sports shop in Glasgow with another brother but was so down on his luck towards the end of his life that his wife was forced to apply for Poor Law relief. Scotland winger Campbell died at sea in 1883, aged just 26, when his ship, the Saint Columba, went down in the Bay of Biscay in a storm as it ferried coal from south Wales to Bombay. Perhaps worse still was the fate of William McBeath, who lies buried in a pauper's grave in a Lincoln cemetery after his death in a poorhouse in 1917. McBeath had moved to England but his marriage collapsed and he even stood trial near Bristol in 1897 for fraud, although he was cleared of falsely selling advertisements for a newspaper that was never distributed. He wed again soon afterwards, most likely bigamously, and was cast as a certified imbecile soon after his arrival at the Lincoln poorhouse in 1910 where he lived out the final years of his life. His life was so anonymous, no photograph of him has ever been found. Ralston said: "The story behind the formation of Rangers is one of the most romantic and inspiring in sport and yet many of the personal stories of the founders were filled with such pain and suffering. "In effect, these were five teenagers who decided to form a club for no other reason than to feed their appetite for the new craze of association football. "It's such a shame the lives of Peter McNeil, McBeath and Campbell ended in such a harrowing fashion. Cruelly, McBeath was cast as an imbecile. "He was showing signs of what would probably be diagnosed today as dementia and McNeil's mental torment would also be better managed in the 21st Century. "Thankfully, there are other, happier tales from the time and I'm sure all the founders would look back with pride on everything Rangers have achieved over the years." Moses McNeill, an international winger, was 82 when he died in 1938. He is buried in the village of Rosneath on the Clyde peninsula, where he saw out his final years. Former Scotland defender Vallance lived to 78 before his death in Glasgow in 1935. He was a successful restaurateur, a poet and an artist, whose paintings were displayed by the Scottish Academy. His grand-daughter Betty married legendary Stoke, Blackpool and England footballer Stanley Matthews. They met at a golf match in Girvan and married at Bonnyton Golf Club in Eaglesham. Matthews even guested for the Light Blues during World War II. Ralston added: "Sir Stanley was football aristocracy, but Rangers also boasted royal links going back to its earliest days." Queen Victoria's honorary surgeon Sir James Jenkins was the uncle of founder, tragic seaman Peter Campbell. Queen Victoria's son-in-law, the Marquis of Lorne, later the Duke of Argyll, was the fledgling club's first honorary president. Gary said: "It was quite a coup as he had only recently married Princess Louise, Victoria's daughter, and he soon went on to become governor of Canada and one of the best known figures in British society." Rangers' rise is all the more remarkable because of their humble beginnings. Gary said: "They didn't even have kit when they first started and turned out in their civvies. "Peter McNeil was forced to pitch up at Glasgow Green in the early days several hours before kick-off and stake a claim to a patch of land on which to play. "They quickly won an audience for the style of football they played, which attracted working class fans who could not afford to watch the powerhouses of Queen's Park at Hampden. "However, within five years of their formation they were Scottish Cup finalists and already establishing themselves as one of the best clubs in the country. "Rangers were basically established as a boys' club and the fact they reached the final in 1877 against Vale of Leven was seen at the time as astonishing. "They lost but took the much more experienced side from Alexandria to three games, all the time winning more and more supporters. "They also quickly organised behind the scenes and within a couple of years had taken out a long-term lease on a ground at Kinning Park, where they played until their move to the first Ibrox Park in 1887. "It's amazing to think their move to Ibrox was considered an enormous risk at the time as it was considered quite far out in the country." The book also outlines how the overwhelming evidence suggests the club was formed in 1872, not 1873, as many fans believe. It also reveals Rangers were most likely named after a rugby club in Swindon. Gary said: "The last in-depth history of the early years of Rangers was published in 1923 so it was worth taking a fresh look at the subject. "For most football fans, including Rangers, the present is all that matters but it's also important to get a perspective on the past." . Rangers 1872: The Gallant Pioneers by Gary Ralston is published by Breedon Books, £14.99. Shock at link to tragic Peter HEATHER Lang's grandfather was one of Rangers' founding fathers - and she knew nothing about it. Heather and sister Doreen Holland were stunned to hear how their grandad Peter McNeil formed the Light Blues with his brother Moses and his friends in 1872. Gary broke the news as part of his research, helping solve a family mystery that stretched back decades. Peter died in the Hawkhead Asylum near Paisley in 1901. Their mum Gertrude Grace was 10 at the time of her dad's death - and never mentioned his suffering to them. Heather, 82, of Glasgow, said: "The news about our connection with Rangers came as an absolute shock, a bolt from the blue. "My sister was speechless on the phone. We didn't know a thing about it. "Peter was never, ever discussed and maybe, in many ways, it was a result of the 'shame' they felt at his mental decline. "Mother lived until the age of 93 and when asked about her father and other events of her family past, saying: 'Och, I can't remember.'" Heather, left, is sad about his death, saying: "He probably wouldn't have died today. He'd have been diagnosed earlier and treated. "He was only in his mid-40s when he passed away. "However, I'm very proud of my grandfather's achievements, even though his life ended so sadly. "Rangers Football Club is quite a legacy to leave behind." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
4boysandabaw 3 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Hello, hello, Im john. I joined the forum after finding it while searching for info about "The Gallant Pioneers". I have read the first three chapters of the book and the emotion rises by each turning of a page. I havent been to Ibrox for a while but will be getting a season Ticket tomorrow. There should be a statue at ibrox dedicated to the Pioneers. something like 4 Boys and a ball. I am personally considering getting a memorial stone made and putting it in the cemetary in Lincoln where the remains of William MaBeath lie,somewhere. RIP, 4 Boys and a ball. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUEDIGNITY 32,859 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Hello, hello, Im john. I joined the forum after finding it while searching for info about "The Gallant Pioneers". I have read the first three chapters of the book and the emotion rises by each turning of a page. I havent been to Ibrox for a while but will be getting a season Ticket tomorrow. There should be a statue at ibrox dedicated to the Pioneers. something like 4 Boys and a ball. I am personally considering getting a memorial stone made and putting it in the cemetary in Lincoln where the remains of William MaBeath lie,somewhere. RIP, 4 Boys and a ball. Tell us if there's a kitty ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kplfishtank 4,642 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 ive ordered the book but not got it yet Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUEDIGNITY 32,859 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Hello, hello, Im john. I joined the forum after finding it while searching for info about "The Gallant Pioneers". I have read the first three chapters of the book and the emotion rises by each turning of a page. I havent been to Ibrox for a while but will be getting a season Ticket tomorrow. There should be a statue at ibrox dedicated to the Pioneers. something like 4 Boys and a ball. I am personally considering getting a memorial stone made and putting it in the cemetary in Lincoln where the remains of William MaBeath lie,somewhere. RIP, 4 Boys and a ball. cemetery Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUEDIGNITY 32,859 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Posted this on a thread by Minstral but though it warranted its own thread and aplolgies i a repost. Minstrals Thread: http://forum.rangersmedia.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=115965 Record Link: http://www.<No links to this website>/news/editors-...86908-21518811/ Revealed: The curse of the Rangers pioneers Jul 14 2009 By Mark McGivern RANGERS Football Club are one of the world's most famous sides, with an illustrious history and fans that follow them to the ends of the Earth. But few know the true story of how Rangers were formed by four teenage pals - and their touching, yet tragic stories. Record sports writer Gary Ralston spent three years researching the history of the reigning SPL champions' founding fathers. In Rangers 1872: The Gallant Pioneers, out today, he reveals that far from being venerated, one ended his days in a lunatic asylum, another was lost at sea and a third was buried in a pauper's grave. The birthplace of Rangers was Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park, known as West End Park back in the spring of 1872. Brothers Moses and Peter McNeil went for a walk with pals William McBeath and Peter Campbell and came up with the idea for the club. Soon, they were joined by another friend, Tom Vallance. He quickly became the skipper of the fledgling outfit after early matches on Glasgow Green. McBeath and Campbell were only 15 when they set up their new team. Moses McNeil and Vallance were 16 and Peter McNeil the elder statesman at 17. These teenagers had founded a sporting dynasty known the world over. But the lives of almost all the founders were touched with terrible sadness. Peter McNeil died in 1901 at the Hawkhead Asylum near Paisley as a result of insanity brought on by business worries. Former SFA treasurer Peter owned a sports shop in Glasgow with another brother but was so down on his luck towards the end of his life that his wife was forced to apply for Poor Law relief. Scotland winger Campbell died at sea in 1883, aged just 26, when his ship, the Saint Columba, went down in the Bay of Biscay in a storm as it ferried coal from south Wales to Bombay. Perhaps worse still was the fate of William McBeath, who lies buried in a pauper's grave in a Lincoln cemetery after his death in a poorhouse in 1917. McBeath had moved to England but his marriage collapsed and he even stood trial near Bristol in 1897 for fraud, although he was cleared of falsely selling advertisements for a newspaper that was never distributed. He wed again soon afterwards, most likely bigamously, and was cast as a certified imbecile soon after his arrival at the Lincoln poorhouse in 1910 where he lived out the final years of his life. His life was so anonymous, no photograph of him has ever been found. Ralston said: "The story behind the formation of Rangers is one of the most romantic and inspiring in sport and yet many of the personal stories of the founders were filled with such pain and suffering. "In effect, these were five teenagers who decided to form a club for no other reason than to feed their appetite for the new craze of association football. "It's such a shame the lives of Peter McNeil, McBeath and Campbell ended in such a harrowing fashion. Cruelly, McBeath was cast as an imbecile. "He was showing signs of what would probably be diagnosed today as dementia and McNeil's mental torment would also be better managed in the 21st Century. "Thankfully, there are other, happier tales from the time and I'm sure all the founders would look back with pride on everything Rangers have achieved over the years." Moses McNeill, an international winger, was 82 when he died in 1938. He is buried in the village of Rosneath on the Clyde peninsula, where he saw out his final years. Former Scotland defender Vallance lived to 78 before his death in Glasgow in 1935. He was a successful restaurateur, a poet and an artist, whose paintings were displayed by the Scottish Academy. His grand-daughter Betty married legendary Stoke, Blackpool and England footballer Stanley Matthews. They met at a golf match in Girvan and married at Bonnyton Golf Club in Eaglesham. Matthews even guested for the Light Blues during World War II. Ralston added: "Sir Stanley was football aristocracy, but Rangers also boasted royal links going back to its earliest days." Queen Victoria's honorary surgeon Sir James Jenkins was the uncle of founder, tragic seaman Peter Campbell. Queen Victoria's son-in-law, the Marquis of Lorne, later the Duke of Argyll, was the fledgling club's first honorary president. Gary said: "It was quite a coup as he had only recently married Princess Louise, Victoria's daughter, and he soon went on to become governor of Canada and one of the best known figures in British society." Rangers' rise is all the more remarkable because of their humble beginnings. Gary said: "They didn't even have kit when they first started and turned out in their civvies. "Peter McNeil was forced to pitch up at Glasgow Green in the early days several hours before kick-off and stake a claim to a patch of land on which to play. "They quickly won an audience for the style of football they played, which attracted working class fans who could not afford to watch the powerhouses of Queen's Park at Hampden. "However, within five years of their formation they were Scottish Cup finalists and already establishing themselves as one of the best clubs in the country. "Rangers were basically established as a boys' club and the fact they reached the final in 1877 against Vale of Leven was seen at the time as astonishing. "They lost but took the much more experienced side from Alexandria to three games, all the time winning more and more supporters. "They also quickly organised behind the scenes and within a couple of years had taken out a long-term lease on a ground at Kinning Park, where they played until their move to the first Ibrox Park in 1887. "It's amazing to think their move to Ibrox was considered an enormous risk at the time as it was considered quite far out in the country." The book also outlines how the overwhelming evidence suggests the club was formed in 1872, not 1873, as many fans believe. It also reveals Rangers were most likely named after a rugby club in Swindon. Gary said: "The last in-depth history of the early years of Rangers was published in 1923 so it was worth taking a fresh look at the subject. "For most football fans, including Rangers, the present is all that matters but it's also important to get a perspective on the past." . Rangers 1872: The Gallant Pioneers by Gary Ralston is published by Breedon Books, £14.99. Shock at link to tragic Peter HEATHER Lang's grandfather was one of Rangers' founding fathers - and she knew nothing about it. Heather and sister Doreen Holland were stunned to hear how their grandad Peter McNeil formed the Light Blues with his brother Moses and his friends in 1872. Gary broke the news as part of his research, helping solve a family mystery that stretched back decades. Peter died in the Hawkhead Asylum near Paisley in 1901. Their mum Gertrude Grace was 10 at the time of her dad's death - and never mentioned his suffering to them. Heather, 82, of Glasgow, said: "The news about our connection with Rangers came as an absolute shock, a bolt from the blue. "My sister was speechless on the phone. We didn't know a thing about it. "Peter was never, ever discussed and maybe, in many ways, it was a result of the 'shame' they felt at his mental decline. "Mother lived until the age of 93 and when asked about her father and other events of her family past, saying: 'Och, I can't remember.'" Heather, left, is sad about his death, saying: "He probably wouldn't have died today. He'd have been diagnosed earlier and treated. "He was only in his mid-40s when he passed away. "However, I'm very proud of my grandfather's achievements, even though his life ended so sadly. "Rangers Football Club is quite a legacy to leave behind." And this is one as well ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperonthewing 0 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 This is just part of the Founders project. The plaque is due to be unveiled at Glasgow Green in September. Project Launch: The Commemoration & Celebration of Rangers' Founders -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The greatest rags to riches story in the history of sport.” That is a quote which has been applied to Rangers by a number of different writers and Rangers fans and there is little in there that can be argued with. When the four young men who founded Rangers did so in 1872, it is impossible not to ponder on where they saw their vision going. Would they have dreamed that they were the founding force behind a football team that would grow into not just a football team but an institution that took a special place at the heart of Scottish society and which became a focal point for Scots and Ulster-Scots even after they had emigrated? Would they dream that their creation would reach out and establish roots in all four corners of the world? Would they dream that their creation would become the most successful football Club in the world? We can only speculate as to what the Gallant Pioneers were thinking when they first kicked a ball all those years ago; but we can and will promote their dream, their ethics, their drive and determination to succeed, their character, a word synonymous with all true Rangers. The reasons behind the project to commemorate the Founders are many, but essentially, it has been felt among a circle of Rangers supporters that not enough is known about them, nor is enough done to promote them. This, we hope to rectify through a series of events and promotions which, it is hoped, will spread the word about the origins of our great and proud institution and also to introduce the names of the young boys who founded Rangers to younger Rangers fans worldwide, in the hope that the reputation of the pioneers is given the audience it deserves. There might not seem an obvious date to launch this campaign as it does not correspond with an anniversary that is immediately familiar; however, the campaign is the culmination of a lot of behind the scenes work that has been going on over the past few years and is now on the verge of coming to fruition. As will become evident in the coming weeks and months, there are a number of exciting projects planned, participation in which will be open to all Rangers supporters in the interests of fundraising. Possibly, the most prominent ones will be a plaque that will be put on permanent display at Glasgow Green (which is what the fundraising will be directed towards), a banner and a book which will be released later on in the year. It is also hoped that the Club’s participation will involve having a Founders’ Day at Ibrox, coinciding with a home fixture next season. There will also be a dinner, a sponsored walk and a football tournament which will undoubtedly be popular. People can make contact with the committee either on here or by e-mailing gallantpioneers@hotmail.co.uk Further details and prices will be released in due course and fans can also make donations via the following link https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/websc...ton_id=5012396 in order to help see everything come to fruition. The story of Rangers is a long and wonderful one – you can play your part in getting it told. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
4boysandabaw 3 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 Hello, hello, Im john. I joined the forum after finding it while searching for info about "The Gallant Pioneers". I have read the first three chapters of the book and the emotion rises by each turning of a page. I havent been to Ibrox for a while but will be getting a season Ticket tomorrow. There should be a statue at ibrox dedicated to the Pioneers. something like 4 Boys and a ball. I am personally considering getting a memorial stone made and putting it in the cemetary in Lincoln where the remains of William MaBeath lie,somewhere. RIP, 4 Boys and a ball. cemetery Oh thank you O spelling master . Now. dont be so pedentic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
4boysandabaw 3 Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 As will become evident in the coming weeks and months, there are a number of exciting projects planned, participation in which will be open to all Rangers supporters in the interests of fundraising. Possibly, the most prominent ones will be a plaque that will be put on permanent display at Glasgow Green (which is what the fundraising will be directed towards), a banner and a book which will be released later on in the year. It is also hoped that the Club’s participation will involve having a Founders’ Day at Ibrox, coinciding with a home fixture next season. There will also be a dinner, a sponsored walk and a football tournament which will undoubtedly be popular. People can make contact with the committee either on here or by e-mailing gallantpioneers@hotmail.co.uk Further details and prices will be released in due course and fans can also make donations via the following link https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/websc...ton_id=5012396 in order to help see everything come to fruition. The story of Rangers is a long and wonderful one – you can play your part in getting it told. Just what Im looking for. Cheers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLUEDIGNITY 32,859 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Hello, hello, Im john. I joined the forum after finding it while searching for info about "The Gallant Pioneers". I have read the first three chapters of the book and the emotion rises by each turning of a page. I havent been to Ibrox for a while but will be getting a season Ticket tomorrow. There should be a statue at ibrox dedicated to the Pioneers. something like 4 Boys and a ball. I am personally considering getting a memorial stone made and putting it in the cemetary in Lincoln where the remains of William MaBeath lie,somewhere. RIP, 4 Boys and a ball. cemetery Oh thank you O spelling master . Now. dont be so pedentic. Nae problem but start actin like a Protestant and spell correctly ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaguy51 912 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 Hold on, I thought the Daily Record was a pure f****n paper n awwww that Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouncy 315 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 that was a great read and well done to the Bears involed in the project. i never knew the idea of RFC came on kelvingrove park when out for a stroll Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
westendblue 3 Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 wow, blown away by this. even had a tear in my eye by the end. WATP! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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