return to index page

Florence Maclean

Born in 1872 in West Hartlepool. In 1896, she married Frederick Hodgson Rudd Alderson (1868-1925). He appears to have been something of a dashing figure. Born in Horton, Northumberland, he was educated in Durham, and then at Clare College, Cambridge from 1886 to 1889. At that point he became a master at Henry Smith School, Hartlepool, rising to the position of headmaster in 1892 until his death. More importantly perhaps, he was well-known as a very talented rugby player. A blue at Cambridge he was subsequently described by Clare College's history as "one of the most brilliant rugby players of his day; a three-quarter back of the highest class; finished his international career in 1893, when he played against Wales".

There were at least four children: William Hodgson Rudd Alderson (b 1899), Frederic Rudd Alderson (b 1900), Edith Elizabeth Alderson (b 1902) and Cuthbert Rudd Alderson (b 1905). William, known as Rudd Alderson, was also a keen sportsman, although his speciality was cricket not rugby. He played numerous matches for Durham between 1921 and 1933. 

I have no further information on this line.

William Share Maclean (pictured above right)

Born in 1873 in West Hartlepool. His middle name was derived from his grandmother (Catherine Hogg nee Share). In 1902, he married Georgina Elliott Hall (b 1875) in Easington, County Durham. There were at least two children, the twins Enid and Joan Maclean, born in 1904 in West Hartlepool. I have no further information on this line. An English actress by the name of Joan Maclean achieved some success on the stage in London and New York in the mid 1920s. Sadly, this turns out to be an entirely different Joan Maclean, and no family relation.

George Henry Maclean (pictured above left)

Born in 1877 in West Hartlepool, and known in the family as Harry. In around 1909 he went to work in Argentina as administrator of the Sol de Mayo ranch and stables owned and run by Don Benigno del Carril and his son Justo del Carril. (The farm is still owned and run by the del Carril family to this day). On August 22nd 1912, while out hunting duck, he was accidentally shot by his friend Lionel W Elliott, and appears to have died instantaneously. (See here for brother Keith's letter informing the family of the details). He was buried in the English cemetery in Buenos Aires.

Horace Malcolm Maclean

Born in 1878 in West Hartlepool. I know very little about Horace. However in 1901, he was employed as an articled clerk in London, living at Marie Treherne's lodging house at No 3 Mecklenburgh Street, St Pancras, London along with his cousin Thomas Pyman. In 1909, he moved to Canada and died in Vancouver in 1922. I have no idea whether or not he married and had children.

Mabel Pera Maclean

Born in 1884 in West Hartlepool. She later became an Anglican nun in the Order of the Holy Paraclete based at Sneaton Castle, Whitby. I have no other information.

Norman Keith Maclean

Born in 1885 in West Hartlepool. He appears to have followed older brother Harry to Argentina, and took a position at the Estancia Las Camas. He was alerted to his brother's death, and attended the funeral two days later (see his letter regarding this tragedy here). I have no further information.