A J Cronin (1896-1981)

Novelist

A J Cronin studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, served as a sublieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the First World War and was appointed Medical Inspector of Mines for Great Britain in 1924. The success of his first novel 'Hatter's Castle' in 1931 enabled him to give up medicine and concentrate on writing. His later publications include 'The Stars Look Down', 'The Citadel' and 'The Spanish Gardener'. A collection of short stories formed the basis of the radio series 'Dr Finlay's Casebook'. He died in Switzerland on 6 January 1981. 

Birth in 1896

Archibald Cronin was born on 19 July 1896, the son of Patrick Cronin, clerk and Jess Montgomery. The entry in the statutory register of births for Cardross gives the place of birth as Rosebank.

Birth entry for A J Cronin (29 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1896/494-1/24

1901 and 1911 Censuses

In 1901 Archibald Cronin, aged 4, was living with his parents in Station Road, Cardross. His father's occupation is given as commercial traveller, Dutch products.

1901 Census record for A J Cronin (13 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1901/494-1/2, page 11

In 1911 Archibald Cronin, 14, was living with his grandparents, mother (now widowed), aunt and uncle in Dumbarton.

1911 census record for A J Cronin (16 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1911/496/14, page 19

Marriage in 1921

Archibald Joseph Cronin, 25, married Agnes Mary Gibson on 31 August 1921. The entry in the statutory register of marriages for Blythswood in Glasgow gives his occupation as medical practitioner and usual residence as Lightburn Hospital in Shettleston. They married at St Enoch's Station Hotel in Glasgow.

Marriage entry for A J Cronin (58 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, 1921/644-10/1985