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HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

VOL. II,

-^ /f^r^^u/z^L^

SVC'

THE ./^"^

HISTORY OF PAISLEY, ,_

FROM THE ROMAN PERIOD DOWN TO 1884.

ROBERT BROWN, F. S. A., Scot,

UNDERWOOD PARK, PAISLEY.

AUTHOR OF

' THE HISTORY OF THE PAISLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND ACADEMY
AND OF THE OTHER TOWn's SCHOOLS," ETC., ETC.

IN TWO VOLUMES.

VOLUME II.

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAISLEY:
J. & J. COOK, PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS,

"GAZETTE" BUILDINGS, 94 HIGH STREET.

MDCCCLXXXVI.

t-Z-i^

2o/Y^^

CONTENTS

OF VOLUME II.

CHAPTER XV.

Pages

Paisley FROM 1750 till 1800, 9-97

CHAPTER XVI.
Paisley FROM 1800 till 1825, 98-217

CHAPTER XVn.
Paisley from 1825 till 1850, 218-314

CHAPTER XVHI.
Paisley from 1850 till 1884, 315-495

Index, 496-507

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

IN VOLUME II.

1. Portrait of the Author, Frontispiece.

Page

2. Old Tollbooth and Cross Steeple, lo

3. Plan of the river Cart, by Robert Whitworth, in 1786, 50

4. Illustrated Map of Paisley, by ^Y. Semple, in 1 781, 90

5. County Buildings, Paisley, 120

6. Radical Pike, 191

7. Radical Cleg, 192

8. Architectural elevation of the west facade of the Abbey, 232

9. Martyrs' Monument , 2S8

10. Halberd of Town Ofiicers, 3°^

11. The John Neilson Educational Institution, 32S

12. Armorial Bearings of Hammermen's Society, 381

13. Paisley Free Library and Museum, 384

14. George A. Clark Town Hall, 392

1 5. Paisley Penny, 460

16. Farthing of Jervis Coats & .Son, 460

17. Farthing of Peter Taylor, tobacconist, 461

1 8. The Common Seal of the Burgh of Paisley, 461

19. Blackball Castle, 492

20. Fac-siiiiile of the Signatures of the Bailies of Paisley, from 1594 till

1811, and of the Provosts from 1S12 till 1884, 494

21. Map of Paisley in 1884, 495

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

CHAPTER XV.

1750 TILL 1800.

N the latter half of the eighteenth century, the period
embraced in this chapter, the Town of Paisley made
more rapid and striking progress than in any previous
period of its history. This statement applies not only
to the increase of population and erection of dwelling-
houses, and places of worship, and other public buildings, but also
to the starting and rapid extension of new industries, and the
enlargement of those that had been commenced in earlier periods.
This will appear, while we proceed with our record of events, as
they occurred, and as we give an account of the progress of Paisley
as a manufacturing town.

Of the properties sold by the Town Council, one was the meeting-
house in Moss Row, already frequently referred to. It was bought
by Thomas Kerr, postmaster, for ;£io2 stg., under a burden of 2s.
of annual feu-duty ; and the Council reserved a piece of ground at
the south end of the building, extending to about nine feet in
breadth, " for a road or passage, or any other use they shall think
proper" ( Council Records, 25th January, 1751). On 31st March,
1 79 1, the Council agreed to sell the Bark Mill and ground attached
thereto, at the Saucel Bridge, belonging to the community. On 6th
September, 1792, they sold to " John Gibb, vintner, in Paisley, for
;^2oo, Woodneuk and Sergeants Acre," adjoining the lands of
Ferguslie. On 3rd September, 1794, they authorised the Magis-
trates to offer the town's old houses at West Steeple to Robert
Speir, merchant, at ^300.

A purchase effected by the Council was the superiority of the
lands of Carriagehill, for ;^63 iis. 8d. stg., from the Earl of
Dundonald. On 2nd October, 1779, they agreed to purchase from
William Stewart, merchant, his houses near the West Steeple, for
^220 stg. And on 22nd August, 1781, they bought from "John
Snodgrass, Sheriff-Clerk, and James Renfrew, smith, sometime in
Chappell of Blackball, now in Mains of Blackstone," for ^{^300, the
tenement in Moss Row, adjoining the Tollbooth.

We have already frequently referred to the stringent measures
which the Magistrates and Council adopted for checking Sunday

10 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

desecration. It appears that, notwithstanding all their efforts, they
had not succeeded by their enactments in enforcing the due obser-
vance of the Sabbath. On 17th April, 1752, the Council "ordain
the visitors or privy censures to be appointed for taking notice of
those who vague or stroll on the streets or in the fields on the Sab-
bath day as formerly was appointed." So far as we have been able
to discover, this is the last time the Council interfered in matters of
this kind.

On 19th February, 1753, John Lang was elected "one of the
town officers," and also to be "jailer of the Tollbooth jointly with
the other officers"; and the Magistrates were requested "to take
his oath of fidelity," and to receive caution from him. At this
meeting, they also " elected William Gordon to be town drummer
and for ringing the town bell, and for which he is to have ^^ stg.
yearly of salary," besides " one fourth share of money that arises
from proclamations made by tuck of drum."

The condition of the Tollbooth had been engaging the attention
of the Council, and they found it to be very defective in several
ways. It was their opinion that it had " become insufficient for de-
taining prisoners, and has been for some time past, which is both a
loss to the town, and by the escape of prisoners, through the in-
sufficiency of the prison, the community run a very great risk." In
these circumstances, the Council resolved that the Tollbooth should
be taken down, and the Magistrates were authorised " to get a plan
made out, and to get proper materials purchased for the building,
and to agree with tradesmen for the building"^ (Council Records,
23rd January, 1756). At a meeting of Council, held on the 7th
May following, " several plans were produced for the new Tollbooth,
and they preferred the one made out by Bailie Birkmyre." On 9th
July thereafter, they had under their consideration the condition of
the steeple adjoining the Tollbooth, and agreed that it should also
be rebuilt, " both on account of the danger of falling when the Toll-
booth walls are taken down, and also that they will be built jointly
with more convenience and usefulness." At this meeting, they also
agreed " that there be piazzas made under the fore part of the Toll-
booth."- At a meeting of Council held on 15th July following, we
learn that as they had several plans for the proposed new Tollbooth
and steeple, they agreed to submit them to Mr. Peters, the Deacon
Convener, Glasgow, for his advice as to the best, and that he had
" approved of one drawn by John Whyte, one of the Council, as the
best and fittest." The Council, on 2nd August following, adopted
this recommendation, but not unanimously, as three of the members
of Council, one of whom was Bailie Birkmyre, objected, for various
reasons. On nth July, 1757, the Council, "considering it will be

^ It is unfortunate that no old plan or view of any kind of this old Tollbooth
has been preserved.

^ W. Semple, in his history of 1782 (p. 309), states that the front of the
Clerk's "chamber is adorned with a piazza supported with two square rustic
arched stone pillars."

CROSS STEEPLE AND TOLLBOOTH, ERECTED 1757-

1750 TILL 1800. II

more ornamental to finish the spire of the new steeple at the Cross with
stone, agreed that such should be, and appointed acommittee to agree
with masons for building and finishing the said spire." By this
decision, it would appear that they had contemplated the using of
some other material than stone, but, if such was the case, there is
no indication given of what it was to be. In the completion of the
spire, it is worthy of being noticed that John Mair, a young mason,
aged sixteen years, had just fixed the cock which formed the vane,
and was descending, when he fell from a considerable height, and
would have been killed on the street below, but that he caught a
projecting stone, to which he hung till feather beds were laid below
him, and on these he fell uninjured ; a man on the street also par-
tially breaking the fall with his hands. On reaching the ground, he
is said to have uttered the exclamation, " By this fall, I rise." He
did not return to the mason trade, but went into the muslin busi-
ness in Glasgow, and acquired considerable wealth. He afterwards
established a large mercantile business in London; and, in 1793,
bought the estate of Plantation, near Govan. He laid out upwards
of ;^3o,ooo in improvements and alterations on the dwelling-house
and the estate.^ He obtained possession of the stone that saved
his life, and had it fixed near his arbour, in Plantation estate, where
he was in the habit of sitting. In his prosperity he did not forget
the man who had broken his fall with his hands ; for, having ascer-
tained that he was in indigent circumstances, he sought him out,
and pensioned him for life. In memory of his escape, Mr. Mair
had emblazoned on his carriage the figure of a swan, with the
motto, " I rise by a fall." The figure of the swan was suggested by
his mother's maiden name, which was Swan ; and the motto repre-
sented improvement of circumstances, which his fall had brought
about. He died in 1824, and was interred in Govan churchyard.
Mr. M'Lean, who purchased the lands of Plantation, preserved Mr.
Mair's two relics. The seat was taken down, and re-erected in the
adjoining grounds of Haughhead ; and the stone was offered to Mr,
Mair's grandson in London, who removed it to that city in 1870.

We give an elevation drawing of the spire at the Cross, and the
ToUbooth or Jail, adjoining.^

While the spire, 128 feet in height, forming the south angle of

^ It is reported of him that he was at one time reduced, by the wreck of a
vessel which had not been insm-ed, to the necessity of requesting indulgence for
some time from his creditors. This, from the high character which he bore as a
commercial man, was at once freely granted. Some time afterwards, he invited
his creditors to his house, and, on sitting down to table, each found under his
plate the principal and interest owing to him. — Glasgaiu, Ancient and Modern,
P- "75-

^ As taken from a drawing by Mr. Hugh Vallance, when a young man, before
the old Tollbooth was taken down in 1821. We are indebted to Miss Helen
Macfarlane, formerly of Canal Bank, Paisley, and at present residing in Edin-
burgh, the possessor of this interesting sketch, for allowing us to take a copy of
it ; as hers, we believe, is the only drawing preserved of this former landmark of
the town.

12 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

High Street and west angle of Moss Street, was a graceful structure,
the buildings of the ToUbooth or Jail, adjoining it on the north
side, did not exhibit any striking architectural feature. The north
door, in the basement storey, led to what was at first the Guard-
■ house, and afterwards the Police Office, Town Clerk's Office, and
Council Chambers. The south door, on the same flat, besides
being the entrance to the ground floor of the room within the
steeple, which was called the " howf," where ale and porter were
sold, and to the apartment behind, facing High Street, called the
jailer's room, where ale and porter were likewise occasionally sold,
also communicated by an inside stair with the rooms in the third
floor, where debtors were incarcerated, and also with the attic,
where females were imprisoned. The rooms or cells in the second
and third floors, within the steeple, and also the cells above the
jailer's room, were well secured stone rooms, in which criminals
were confined. The fourth, or highest room in the steeple, was
set apart for the bell-ringer. The north door, at the head of the
outside stone stair, formed the entrance to the County Sherift' Court
Rooms, in which the Magistrates also frequently held their courts.
The south door on that stair-head formed another entrance to the
Tollbooth.

The space at the head of this stair was of some size, and was used
for a variety of public purposes. It was here that the Jugs, Stocks,
and Pillory, were placed ; and culprits sentenced to undergo punish-
ments by any of these means were in this conspicuous position
exposed to the gaze, and sometimes to the fury, of the public
assembled on the adjoining street. There also public proclama-
tions were made, and, when the King's birthday was celebrated, it
was on the platform of this stair-head that the Magistrates and
others stood while they drank His Majesty's health, afterwards
pitching the empty glasses among the crowd assembled at the mar-
ket cross. The population of the town at that time was about
5000.

Shortly after the lands belonging to the Monastery of Paisley had
been formed into a Regality, in 145 1, by King James II., who
granted the privilege of arresting and punishing malefactors. Abbot
Thomas Tervas erected a court hall on this site of the Tollbooth,
which was in 1490, as already stated, conveyed to the Bailies and
Town Council by Abbot George Schaw, who described it in the
charter as the Prcetorium.

John Spar, and not the Town Treasurer, disbursed the money
connected with the erection of the Tollbooth and steeple. On 30th
January, 1761, his accounts were examined, and it was found that
the whole expenses amounted to ^914 4s. 6d. stg. On the 2nd
of the following month, the Council elected John Campbell, mer-
chant in Paisley, to be jailer of the Tollbooth. He did not, how-
ever, fill this situation for any length of time, as the Council, on
26th July, 1763, "thought proper to remove John Campbell from
his office on account of his misconduct." At the same meeting,

175° TILL 1800. 13

they resolved to return to the old practice of giving the charge of
the Tollbooth to one of the town's officers. This was not, however,
carried out, as on the 21st October following they appointed John
Lang, late weaver, to be jailer. Besides the jailer's fees, he was " to
have ;^4 stg. per annum of salary, and ^\ stg. in full for allowance
of candle and sweeping vents." On nth February, 1771, the
Council fixed the following dues to be paid to the jailer ; —

I St. Every burgess incarcerated shall, during his con-
finement, pay for jailer's fee for each night at
the rate of ... ... ... ... ... ^o o 2

2nd. Every person not a burgess, ... ... ... 004

3rd. Every person imprisoned, by virtue of an act of
warding, shall pay to the jailer, exclusive of the
dues in first article, when the sum is los. stg. or
below, ... ... ... ... ... ... 003

4th. Do., when los. and above, but not exceeding 20s., 006
5th. Do., 20s. and above, but not exceeding 30s., ... o o 9
6th. Do., 30s. and above, but not exceeding 40s., ... o i o
7th. Do., 40s. and above, to pay ... ... ... o i 2

N.B. — In the four last articles, the keeper of the
records shall be entitled, from articles 3rd and
4th, one half-penny ; from articles 5th and 6th,
one penny; and from article 7th, twopence.
And every person incarcerated, by virtue of a written
warrant from a Magistrate, a Justice of Peace, or
Sheriff, shall pay to jailer and keeper of the
records, ... ... ... ... ... ... o i 2

But if the Procurator-Fiscal be concerned in such

warrants, to pay nothing.
Every person incarcerated in virtue of the caption or
admiral warrant, exclusive of the dues first and
second article, to jailer and Keeper of the
Records, ... ... ... ... ... ... o i 2

The jailer, on signing an attestation of a commitment,

shall receive ... ... ... ... ... 006

And the Keeper of the Records, on the delivery up
of diligence to persons, neglecting to require
the same within eight days after the liberation,
shall for every act of warding receive, ... ... o o 6

And every caption or admiral warrant, ... ... o i o

For every person imprisoned on a personal conveen

shall pay the jailer, exclusive of first article, ... o o i

On 25th June, 1774, the Magistrates reported to the Council
" that they had agreed with William Kelly, clockmaker in Paisley,
to keep the clocks in the Cross Steeple, High Church Steeple, West
Steeple, and movement in the Middle Church for a year, and to
receive ^^5 stg. therefor." The Council, on 15th June, 1793,
appointed William Hart, jailer, and found caution for his fidelity.

14 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

On 8th September, 1797, they fixed the following rules to be
observed in the prison :■ —

I St. The jailer to attend from nine to ten o'clock in the morning,
from one to two mid-day, and from eight to nine at night,
for the purpose of serving the prisoners with their victuals,
and at no other time for victuals.

2nd. The jailer to shut up the prisoners in their rooms at nine

o'clock at night, by locking and bolting each of the inner

doors and hanging catbands thereon ; also, locking and

. bolting the outer doors and hanging catbands on them, with

a lock on the outer catband.

3rd. The stairs and house-room, although they are entries to the
jail, yet they are not to be considered as any part of, the
prison.

In the morning of 17th November, 1785, the prison was broken
open, and John Barbour, jun., merchant in Kilbarchan, and John
White, Paisley, both confined for debt, made their escape. John
Barbour was a young man of twenty-two years of age, and John
White was about the same age. The Magistrates and Council
offered a reward of ^25 to anyone who would apprehend them.
Three years afterwards, the prison was again broken open. On the
night between Sunday the 12th and Monday the 13th October,
1788, Christian Cameron effected her escape by making a hole
through the roof of the prison. The upper flat of attics was
reserved for the imprisonment of women. She was incarcerated on
a charge of breaking into the house of William Ewing, Mitchelton,
and stealing therefrom a quantity of wearing apparel. The Magis-
trates intimated by advertisement in the newspapers that whoever
apprehended her would be handsomely rewarded.

Early in the morning of 9th September, 1787, three prisoners
escaped from the ToUbooth. One of them was named Roderick
MacCuillin, an Irishman, twenty years of age, and w-as in confine-
ment preparatory to being tried before the next Circuit Court at
Glasgow for a forgery on the Paisley Banking Company. One of
the other prisoners was John Taylor, weaver in Paisley, also twenty
years of age, who was charged with housebreaking and theft.
James Taylor, who escaped at the same time, surrendered himself.
A reward of one hundred guineas was offered by the Paisley Banking
Company to anyone who would apprehend MacCuillin. A
reward of ^10 los. w^as offered by the Procurator-Fiscal for the
apprehension of Taylor. On the 12th of that month, MacCuillin
was apprehended at Wraes, in the parish of Houston, by two Mes-
sengers-at-Arms, who were assisted by a party of the Royal Paisley
Volunteers, and committed to Paisley prison. MacCuillin, who
was tried at Edinburgh and found guilty, was to have been exe-
cuted on the 6th December in that year, but he succeeded in de-
stroying himself in prison. On the previous night he made an
attempt to escape, and had very nearly succeeded, when he was

1750 TILL 1800. 15

discovered by the under-jailer, and secured after a severe struggle,
in which the jailer was dangerously wounded.

A post between London and Edinburgh was first established in
1635, and three days were allowed for the journey.^ The postage
charge for a letter was eightpence. In 1654, the revenues of the
Post Office for England, Scotland, and Ireland were farmed, and the
sum received was ;2^ 10,000 per annum. The revenue of the Post
Office in Scotland at the Union was ^1194; in 1730, ;j^5399 ; in
1760, ^11,942 ; in 1776, ;^3i,io8 ; and in 1793, ^^40,000. In
1726, the Post Office revenue at Paisley amounted to ;^28 13s.;
and in 1769, to ;^223 3s. 8d., thus showing in a most satisfactory
way the great increase of business in the town in the course of
forty-three years.

The Post Office was in Moss Row, at present No. 43 Moss
Street, and in 1751 the Post-Master's name was Thomas Kerr; and
for three generations afterwards descendants of that name held the
situation.

The first proprietor of the lands of Ferguslie was John Hamilton,
a descendant of the Hamiltons of Orbiston, who obtained a grant
of them from John Hamilton, Abbot of Paisley, in 1554 ; and by
an heiress of the family they came to John Wallace, a younger son
of William Wallace of Elderslie, whose successor was John Hamilton
of Barr. These lands were afterwards acquired by William Cochran,
son of Col. Hugh Cochran, brother-german of William Earl of
Dundonald ( SJiire of Renfrciv described by George Craivfurd p. 63 J.
As already stated, this estate was bought by the Town Council on
6th July, 1 748. Tradition has it that there was a castle at Ferguslie,
but there is now no trace of such a building. In 1864, a stone was
found at the mansion-house with the initials on it of J. W. and
M. H., and it was alleged that Ferguslie Castle was erected by John
Wallace and Margaret Hamilton in 1634, and that this stone was
the keystone of the arch to the main door in the fortalice. If this
castle had been erected so recently as 1634, some trace of it would,
as in the case of other substantial buildings of this kind, have been
found at the present day. This stone with initial letters on it may,
very likely, have been used in connection with some unimportant
additional building, but that it belonged to any castle is very
improbable. As building operations were proceeding so rapidly and
extensively at this time, many of the stones were taken out of the
lands of Ferguslie without permission. On 29th January, 1751,
however, the Council interfered, prohibiting burgesses and others
from taking stones from " the town's craigs or quarries " in these
lands without permission from the Bailies, under the penalty of one
hundred pounds Scots. There appears to have been a large
number of trees growing on this estate, but these were sold by

^ Post is believed to be derived from the Latin word Posiitis, a station.

1 6 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the Council at different periods. On 2nd December, 1770, they
" authorised the IMagistrates to sell some of the timber growing on
the lands of Fergushe." On 29th November, 1776, they "agreed
to roup and sell sundry trees on the lands of FergusUe." On 28th
February in the following year, they "authorised the Magistrates to
roup and sell the plot of firs at Ferguslie opposite Thomas King's
house." On 25th October, 1773, the Council "agreed to dispose
to Bailie John Storie of the superiority of the lands of Ferguslie
and Carriagehill, in life-rent only, during his life." The sale of this
political privilege brought nothing but trouble to the Council. The
object of the purchase was to secure the right to vote for a certain
party to be M.P. for the shire. James Wilson, writer in Paisley,
and William and John Wilson, merchants. Paisley, in the interest, no
doubt, of the opposing political party in the county, " raised and
executed summonses of reduction against the Magistrates and
Council to compear before the Lords of Council and Session for
reducing this life-rent granted by them." The Council were,
however, in no way frightened at this formidable legal action in the
Court of Session, but appointed " a committee to employ a proper
agent and lawyers to appear in the defence of the said action";
and in order that the committee might not be without the sinews
of war, they were authorised " to draw on the Treasurer for the
necessary expense" (Council Records, 13th May, 1774). As no
further reference is made to this matter in the Council records, we
may safely conclude that either the pursuers were successful in their
action of reduction, or that the Council cancelled the sale of the
life-rent. On 25th Januar}^, 1793, Gavin Maxwell, merchant, and
Wilham Hume, wright, Paisley, made a proposal to the Council for
"a lease of the lands of Ferguslie for the purpose of searching for
coal." Although the Council approved of the proposal, yet it
apparently ended in nothing being done. On ist February
following, the Council agreed " to roup sundry trees on the lands of
Ferguslie, consisting of ash and other qualities of timber."

The increase in the manufacturing population of the town, and
the consequent addition to the number of the poor, rendered the
erection of a commodious hospital or poorhouse for the proper ac-
commodation of the many destitute and infirm to be a necessity.
In this good work the Council received the practical and hearty
support of the inhabitants, and also that of the different trades, and
other societies in the town. The terms of the contract entered into
between the Council and the societies were that each should con-
tribute the following sums to aid in erecting a poorhouse within the
burgh : —

The Town Council, ... ... ... p^4o o o

Merchants' Society, ... ... ... 30 o o

Weavers' Society, ... ... ... ... 30 o o

Carried forward, ... ••■ ^i<

175° TILL 1800.

Brought forward^
Maltmen's Society, ...
The Wrights' Society,

^100 o o
1000
1000

^120

In all, ...
(Council Records, 29th September, 1749).

The Town Council and societies further agreed " that they would
contribute the following sums annually during a period of ten years
towards the maintenance of the poor people in the hospital. After
ten years, to have the option to adhere to the foresaid yearly pay-
ments, to add, diminish, or be free :" —

Ihe lown Council, ...

.. ^10 0

Merchants' Society, ...

7 10

Weavers' Society,

.. 15 0

Maltmen's Society, ...

The Wrights' Society,

I 10

Low Church Session,

20 0

In all,

• • £$(^ 0

(Council Records, 30th September, 1749).

By this agreement, the Town Council were " to elect three mana-
gers, the Kirk Session three, and each of the fraternity three
annually " (Maltmen's Society Records, 9th November, 1757). Within
two years from the commencement, the present substantial poor-
house was erected, at a total cost of ;^584 4s. 9^d., and the con-
tributors to this outlay were as follows : —

Sundry contributions of the inhabitants, ^170 14

The Town Session of Paisley, ... ... 25 o

An unknown hand, ... ... ... 20 o

Materials sold after building the house, 31 6

The Town Council, ... ... ... 40 o

Society of Merchants, ... ... ... 30 o

Society of Weavers, ... ... ... 3° o

Society of Maltmen, ... ... ... 10 o

Society of Tailors, ... ... ... 15 o

Society of Wrights, ... ... ... 10 o

Society of Shoemakers, ... ... ... 100

Town Council, to complete the building,
over and above the £,40 contracted

for, 192 4 o^

^584 4 9^
The hospital was opened in May, 1752, and the first entry in
the minute-book on the 26th of that month is thus — " Follows the
names of the directors, written in their own hands, who are to visit
the house daily by turns, and likewise what each of them have of
remarks in their turns." This minute will be better understood

l8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

when it is explained that the intention of the directors, when the
institution was first opened, was that it should be visited daily by
one or two of their number, who should enter in their minute-book
anything they had to report relating to the hospital. This arrange-
ment continued for nearly a year, when the daily visits ceased.
The directors had, besides, weekly, monthly, and quarterly meet-
ings, and a general meeting annually. Of the office-bearers among
the directors there was a convener, cashier, and clerk, who were
elected annually. Their names were not given in the minutes till
about six years after the opening of the hospital. The female
superintendent of the hospital was for several years, even in the
records, only called the mistress. There was also a teacher for the
children, who likewise acted as chaplain.

In the early years of the hospital, the business coming before the
directors was only of a routine nature, and not of very great impor-
tance. It related mainly to the purchasing of provisions, the ad-
mission of poor persons of different ages into the hospital ; the
giving of out-door reUef, or pensions as they were termed, to those
outside the house ; the apprenticing of boys to trades ; and the
getting of females to be servants in respectable families. In the re-
cords there are, besides, many matters disposed of by the directors,
which illustrate in no small degree the feelings, manners, and social
circumstances of the time. We therefore give a few extracts from
the records : —

22nd August, 1752. — These present ordered four double dales to
be bought for a board to contain the names of those who contribute
to the erection and support of the house.

28th November, 1752. — The Committee also agreed that a big
Bible be bought for the use of the House and question -books for
the children in it.

nth June, 1754. — The Largs Fair being now come, the Com-
mittee thought it proper that some sarking be bought for the use of
the house.

9th December, 1755. — This day the Directors agreed with
William Peterson, in order that he may keep vagrant beggars out of
this town, to pay him one shilling and sixpence stg. weekly towards
his maintenance.

2ist December, 1756. — The Directors sett to Alexander Robert-
son the upper storie of the Poorhouse for drying manufactured
goods from this time to Martinmas next, at the rent of ;^i los.

26th July, 1757. — This day the Directors present made an agree-
ment with Robert Bowie, weaver in Paisley, with respect to John
Fleming, a boy in the Poor House, viz., that the said John Fleming
shall serve the said Robert Bowie as an apprentice for the space of
three years, who obliges himself to instruct his said apprentice in
the art of weaving as far as he is capable during his apprenticeship ;
and shall provide him in bed, board, and washing, and cloaths ;

1750 TILL 1800. 19

and shall give caution that his said apprentice shall be no further
burdensome to the Poorhouse during the space of three years
above-mentioned.

22nd November, 1757. — A general meeting of the Directors held
this day both of the Directors, who officiated last year, and of the
Directors who are to officiate this year.

28th August, 1758. — Mr. Andrew Miller, bookseller, London,
gave to the Mistress ^2 stg. for the use of the house, which was
given to the Cashier.^

5th September, 1758. — They have agreed with James Waterston
to paint upon the walls of the hall the names of the contributors
for the support of this Hospital at one farthing per letter, the size
of which is to be according to letters upon the charity-box.

nth September. — This day the Hospital was visited by the
Rev'^- James Baine and the Directors, before whom (after prayer")
the children said lessons and were catechised, and being exhorted,
were dismissed with prayer.

8th May, 1759. — The Committee granted a precept 'on Thomas
Marshell, cashier to this Hospital, for paying the remainder of the
chaplain's salary, which was due on the ist instant.'^

loth July, 1759. — John Miller is ordered to write to Kilmarnock
for a web of serge for the use of this Hospital. New books for the
children are to be got from Mrs. Davies, and it is hoped the Session
will help as to the expense of so necessary an article.

loth July, 1759. — The Directors also granted a precept on Mr.
Marshell, cashier, to pay to Thomas Lang 15s. stg., for teaching of the
children in the Hospital church music last winter.

i8th January, 1760. — The Directors present, by a great majority
of voices, have agreed that William M'Alpin be no longer a
Director of this house during their time, as it appears from his
conduct that he acted imprudently betwixt Duncan Knox and the
Directors, and they recommend to the Society of Tailors to send
another in his place.

23d September, 1760. — The Directors do agree that the chaplain
in the Hospital become surety for the boys who go apprentice from
the house ; and that he do this in name of the Directors, as his
security from any trouble which may arise from the boys' misconduct
during their apprenticeship.

28th April, 1 761. — The Committee has also ordered for a standing
rule that the chaplain shall have is. 6d. for each indenture he shall
write for the boys who go apprentices from the house ; which he is
to receive from the boy's master, as the house undertakes to pay
the stamped paper, which at present is is. 8d. per sheet.

1 This gentleman was a son of the Rev. Robert Miller, of the Abbey, already
referred to.

- The chaplain's name is not stated, and this is the hrst time he is alluded to.

iO HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

iSth December, 1761. — The Directors present gave orders to
Robert Cross, late cashier, to make haste and pay off all accompts
due by the house for the preceding year, and particularly to pay the
chaplain what remains due to him of ;^io stg. as his appointed
annual salary.

26th January, 1762. — The Directors agree and require that
Robert Cross, their late cashier, against Monday next, grant his bill
for ^20 stg., and at the same time pay up the full of what else
remains of the balance due to the house and charged to him as
cashier, and that the said bill be payable to William Buchanan,
their present cashier, at the term of Whitsunday next, otherwise a
lawsuit must take place.

2d February, 1762. — W""- Buchanan, cashier, has received a bill
from Robert Cross, late cashier, as part of the balance due by him
to the house, containing ;^2o iis. 8d., accepted by Robert Cross
and James Wilson merchant in Paisley.

29th June, 1762. — Agree that W™- M'Nair insure the Charity
Workhouse in Paisley, viz.: — On the house, ^^250; on body and
bed clothes and utensils, ;^5o stg., with W™- Buchanan, agent for
the Sun Fire Office, London.

nth January, 1763. — A half-dozen knives and forks at 3s. is
received into the house.

loth May, 1763. — The Committee, taking into their consideration
the original intention of this Hospital, do agree and resolve that,
for the future, no bastard children shall be received into it upon
any pretence whatever, and also order that all such children who
are in it be removed away from it.

24th January, 1764. — -Elizabeth Lyle having brought forth a child
in uncleaness, and having concealed her being with child unto the
very last, the Directors order her to be dismissed from the house as
soon as she is recovered.

26th June, 1764. — The Committee thinks it proper that John
Weir and James Whyte be employed to keep the beggars out of
town, and if they refuse the office they ought to be expelled the
house.

nth September, 1764. — John Lillie, chaplain, is allowed a broth
pot pertaining to the Hospital, in regard that he had written some
indentures for the house, for which he had got no payment.

1 8th September, 1764. — James Whyte, wright, having refused the
office proposed to him (about beggars), is ordered by the Com-
mittee to dismiss him from the house immediately.

7th July, 1767. — John Scott went out apprentice this day, and
was furnished with the following clothes: — A coat, almost new;
new vest with sleeves, new breeches, new slip, three new shirts,
new hose, new shoes, new bonnet, two napkins, new Bible and
Catechism.

175° TILL 1800. 21

2d December, 1767. — They have also ordered that the bell in the
Hospital be cast anew, and about 1 2lbs. weight added thereto, and
it is to be sent to Bristol for said purpose. The present weight of
the bell is 49lbs. i20z.^

i8th August, 1767. — The Directors agree to make application to
the Societies of Smiths, Masons, and Fleshers, for their assistance
in building a house for the accommodation of distempered people,
where they are to be taken care of and secured from danger. "-^

ist December, 1767. — Likewise, do appoint Friday next be a
general meeting in order to agree on supplying the house with a
chaplain and teacher, of which there seems to be a necessity at
present.

8th November, 1768. — Also, ordered George Neilson to provide
a boll of short malt, to be distilled into aquavitse for the use of
the Hospital.'^

6th December, 1768. — Agreed that John Maxwell should con-
tinue for the space of another year as chaplain.

6th November, 1770. — -A new box was brought in by Patrick
Mann, for keeping and preserving what valuable papers belong to
the Hospital ; which box having two keys, one of them was
delivered to Bailie Buchanan and the other to John Gemil, to be
kept by them for the ensuing year.

Two key-keepers were afterwards annually appointed.

3d November, 1772.— -Ordered an examination of the Hospital
school to be held upon the last day of December next. Mr. Carson
and Mr. Robert Orr are chosen to converse with the Magistrates
and ministers to attend the same.

14th February, 1774. — Ordered the people in the house who
formerly used to receive one penny per week for snuff, to receive
again the same until a general meeting.

28th February, 1774. — A Committee ordered to enjoin upon
Mrs. Lochhead to be frugal in managing these articles under her
hand, viz.:— These articles of butter, sugar, cheese, and wheat
bread ; and the meeting resolve that no accounts shall be paid
hereafter until they are read by a monthly general meeting and
docketed by the convener, in presence of the Directors, at their
meeting, and these accounts to be settled on a day when they are
docated.

6th February, 1776. — They then proceded to elect a surgeon

^ It was a popular saying that when the Poorhouse bell was rung it " said " —
"Tinklum, tanklum, tinklum, tanklum,
Tak your parritch or want them. "

" The Council have agreed to give a compliment of ;^io stg. towards building
cells in the Town Hospital for disordered people. — Coitncil Records, 22d
January, 1768.

^ Notices of this kind regularly appear afterwai^ds in these records.

2 2 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

to attend the house, in room of Mr. Stevenson deceased, when
W'"- Stewart, surgeon in Paisley, was made choice of unanimously.

5th November, 1776. — They made choice of James Andrew to
continue schoolmaster and chaplain.

4th May, 1779. — The Directors of the Weavers' Society intimated
to the Directors of the Hospital that they should continue the old
mode of out-pensioners, otherwise they would discontinue their
yearly payment.

22nd June, 1779. — Ordered that, as Alexander Jamieson has for
several days by gone been always drunk, and always neglects his
work that he should do to the house, therefore he is to be sent
out of the house ; and if he return any more, he is only to lay in
Bedlam, but to have no bed clothes, nor anything else but straw.

7th September, 1779. — To agree with a man to teach the children
in the house church music.

I St December, 1779. — The representatives from the Tailors and
^^'rights — each of them gave in a bearing that they had withdrawn
both their representatives and support from the house from this date.
The representatives from the Shoemakers and Fleshers also declared
verbally that they had withdrawn.

The cause of these withdrawals was the same as that of the Old
Weavers, already stated — the stopping of out-door relief by the
Hospital Directors.

13th March, 1781. — John Hart and Alex. Jamieson had been
fighting and swearing in the Hospital, and as the former was the
aggressor, he was ordered to pay one shilling for swearing ; and in
case he fails to do so, to be confined to the cells for five nights and
have only straw to sleep upon ; and Alex. Jamieson, for swearing,
to pay one shilling, which if he fails to do, he is to be confined three
nights in the cells, and to lay as above.

14th September, 17S1. — Agreed that there be an iron rail placed
on the front of the house upon the palisade wall.

TSt April, 1783. — Agreed John Morrison to shave the old men in
this house and to dock the children's hair for one year to come,
commencing from this date, for which he is to get ^\ 4s. stg.

Frequent appointments of this kind are referred to in subsequent
records.

2ist September, 17S4. — A communication from the Town
Council to the Directors of the Hospital ^^■as read as follows : —
The Council agree to sell to the Managers of the Poor's Hospital
the piece of ground at the back of the same, at the price of ids. per
fall, as the same shall measure, on this condition, that no buildings
shall be erected thereon but an outter stone dyke, and the same
shall be used as garden ground, and to no other use ; and if the
Poor's Hospital shall cease, and not be occupied as such, this

1750 TILL 1800. 23

ground shall return to the community, on their repaying back the
price to such as have a power to receive the same. The meeting
agreed to take the ground on the above price and conditions,
except tliat they want to have liberty to build such buildings on
said ground as shall be found needful for the use of the said Poor's
Hospital, and occupied as such ; and appointed a Committee to
return thanks to the Town Council for the attention and regard
that they had for this hospital, and to agree with them and get a
disposition to said ground.

5th October, 1784. — Then the meeting made choice of Mr. John
Whyte, surgeon in Paisley, to be surgeon to this house from this
date till the first June next.

This appointment of House Surgeon is in the place of
W™- Stewart, who was elected on ist June last.

7th June, 1785. — They fixed the salary of M''^- Robertson, the
mistress, at ^12 12s. per year, and her other privileges as formerly.

6th December, 1785. — Ordered James Andrew to get bonnets
for the boys in the house, to be used on the Sabbath days.

6th February, 1787. — There was a motion made in the house
that every master that takes an apprentice out of the house after
this date, shall be obliged to take a seat in some one of the places
of public worship where he sits himself for him ; and to keep him
under the inspection of some of his family, and to see that he
attends public worship regularly.

6th March, 1787. — That upon M""^- Robertson's representation
of the trouble at present in the house, the meeting have agreed to
get some wine for the house, to fulfil the surgeon's order, the
cashier to furnish it.

4th May, 17S7. — The managers engaged a woman to teach the
girls in the house tambouring work in its different ways, at the rate
of ;£i IDS. per annum for each. The hours of attendance in
summer to be from seven morning to seven at night, with hours for
meals and two hours for education ; in winter, to begin after break-
fast and continue till eight at night, with the same time for education
and one hour for dinner.

4th December. — Appointed a Committee to converse with
M''- Banks anent his taking Thomas Drummond to be his apprentice
to learn to play on the fiddle.

2nd June, 1789. — The managers unanimously passed a vote of
thanks to M""- Connachie, Sheriff-Depute of the County, for his
obliging and disinterested services.

14th July, 1789. — Agreed that a four-loom shop and rooms above
shall be built.

6th October, 1789. — Reported that the Magistrates and Council
were pleased to agree that the money arising from the mortcloths
of the town be given to the Session.

24 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

2nd February, 1790.— M«- Robertson has liberty to employ the
women in the house to spin wool to M""- Callings as she can, forby
what is needed in the house.

16th February, 1790. — W""- Love was brought before the
meeting for raising disturbance and striking John Andrews, there-
fore he is ordered to the cells.

Frequently inmates, who caused disturbances and misbehaved,
were confined in the cells, or " bedlam," as it is sometimes called.

7th May, 1790. — The Committee, after communing with
M""^- Duncan, agreed that she shall have both boys and girls in the
hospital for tambouring for three years, at 1/3 per week the first
year, r/6 the second year, and 2/- the third year — M''^- Duncan to
have two months' trial of each new beginner before wages commence.
The Managers reserved the powers to put any of them to service
when they are eleven years old.

The Town Council, on 2nd November, 1790, in order to assist
the Managers in suppressing the begging practice, recommend to
the Magistrates to make a similar proclamation with that of Glasgow
against vagrants and beggars, and to look for a proper place to
confine them in.

5th July, 1791. — The meeting agreed that in place of Saturday
afternoon, which has for some time past been allowed people in the
house for recreation, it should be changed to Wednesday afternoon,
as a more proper day.

5th July, 1 79 1. — James Andrew, the clerk and schoolmaster,
represented to the meeting that, from frailty and indisposition, he
was unable to discharge the duties of his office, and wanted an
assistant. The Managers appointed a Committee to endeavour to
find a proper successor, and to report.

15th July, 1 7 91. — The Committee reported Thomas Crichton,
schoolmaster in Paisley, as a proper person for the office of school-
master and clerk to the house, both from his abilities as a teacher
and his moral character. The Managers accordingly appointed
M""- Crichton to be assistant-schoolmaster and clerk, and to have a
salary of ^25 yearly during the life of the present teacher,
M""- Andrew.

I St November, 1791. — Upon the application of Th^- Drummond
for liberty to leave the house, the Managers, considering that he is
now so well instructed in the violin, allow him to go, and appoint
the former Committee anent him to speak with his master about
further instruction.

8th February, 1792. — The Managers allowed M""*- Robertson,
the mistress, ^2 los. yearly, to enable her to give tea and sugar to
sick people of the house.

5th June, 1792. — Agreed to appoint M""- Crichton, the master of
the house, to be clerk to the cashier, as there was now great trouble

1750 TILL 1800. 25

attending this office, in keeping the accounts and purchasing
victuals ; and also agreed that application be made to one of the
banks in town for a cash credit on account current, in order that
any money in the cashier's hands from time to time may be deposited
for behoof of the house, by which a saving of interest may be made,
and also that liberty may be had of drawing to the extent of _;^5o in
case of necessity — M""' Crichton's remuneration to be afterwards fixed.

4th September, 1792. — The Rev^- M"^- Gillies applied to the
Managers to have a person who had been "deprived of his reason"
to be taken into the Hospital, but they declined to do so, " both on
account of there being no proper apartment in it for lodging him,
nor fit persons to attend to him "; and, besides, that it is not the
original design and intent of the Hospital for lodging mad persons.
The Managers were also of opinion that some representation should
be made by the Sessions and them to the Magistrates and Town
Council for erecting a proper house for mad persons, which is every
day becoming more necessary from the great increase of the inhabi-
tants of the town.

6th January, 1793. — The Managers voted the sum of two guineas
to M""- Lochhead, weaver in Sneddon, for teaching the children in
the house church music.

5th February, 1793. — The Managers appointed a Committee to
make application to the Magistrates and Town Council anent
building cells.

3rd September, 1793. — There was laid before the meeting a letter
from M""- Whyte, surgeon, addressed to the Managers, enclosing five
guineas for the benefit of the Hospital, and containing some remarks
upon his account.

ist October, 1793. — A committee who had been formerly ap-
pointed to meet with M""- Whyte, surgeon, reported " that he had
offered to serve the house at ;^i2 per year," which the Managers
agreed to ; "and that his attendance shall be as formerly."

5th April, 1796. — The children of the Hospital were this day
examined, and the Managers being well satisfied with their pro-
ficiency, agree that, on account of the present high price of provi-
sions, the Master shall receive a present of ten guineas for his en-
couragement.

20th June, 1796. — The meeting ordered that a strait jacket be
immediately furnished for the Hospital, as they consider necessary
to be put upon persons in the state of Margaret Mitchell, who was
in a deranged state of mind.

2nd August, 1796. — Agreed that John Whyte shall continue as
surgeon to Hospital until ist June next, and ordered the Clerk to
inform the rest of the surgeons of the town, who petitioned for their
succeeding in rotation to said office, that if they think of petitioning
further they must do it in the months of April or May, as the sur-
geon is always chosen the first Tuesday of June.

26 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

7th March, 1797. — M'^s- Robertson, the mistress of the Hospital,
having, in consequence of her faihng health, resigned her situation,
M^^- Montgomery was chosen her successor.

13th June, 1797. — The meeting agreed that the master of the
house, Th^- Crichton, shall have forty-five pounds stg. for his yearly
salary, besides ^5 stg. for doing the business of cashier.

4th July, 1797. — Agreed that the house shall be visited by one
of the Managers every day in the week, except Sabbath and Tues-
day, according to the original articles of the house ; and that said
Director shall each day he visits write down in a book his report
respecting the state of the house. It is agreed that any Manager
neglecting to visit the house in his turn shall pay sixpence stg. ;
but if any Manager finds it inconvenient, he shall have it in his
power to send another of the Managers in his place.

23rd January, 1798. — Ordered that Adam Muir, in a deranged
state of mind, be admitted into the cells.

As the Managers at this time commenced to receive a few luna-
tics, they must have made some arrangements for their accommoda-
tion.

3rd April, 1796, — Agreed that M''^- Montgomery, the present
mistress of the Hospital, shall have ^^20 stg. of yearly salary, be-
sides a gratuity of ^^ stg. for tea.

2nd January, 1799.— The meeting, considering the increasing
number of insane persons for whose admission application is made
to this Hospital, and that there is no proper accommodation nor
people to take care of persons in such unhappy circumstances, ap-
point a committee to wait on the Magistrates and Council respect-
ing what plan may be most proper to be adopted for getting such
persons better accommodated and taken care of.

24th April, 1799. — M""^- Montgomery having given up her charge
as mistress of this Hospital, the meeting unanimously made choice
of M""^- Jackson (Helen Anderson) to succeed her in the office.

2nd September, 1800. — Agreed that, on account of the exceeding
high price of provisions, the master of the House shall receive a
present of ;^io.

13th January, 1801. — The meeting, taking into their consideration
the very high price of all the necessaries of life, appoint Messrs.
Robert Brown, W'"- Niven, Robert Speir, as a committee to make
enquiry if any other kind of food than what is commonly used
might be more advantageous for the house.

The first proposal by the Council to obtain powers to levy a tax
on ale came before the Council on 31st October, 1752, It is likely,
however, such an important matter would frequently have been con-

175° TILL 1800. 27

sidered previously in private by the members of Council, This
important resolution is as follows : —

" Said day it was agreed by a majority of voices that application
should be made to Parliament for an act imposing two pennies
Scots on the pint of ale vended within the burgh and suburbs there-
of, as extensive as the same can be obtained ; and in order to the
furtherance and pursuance of this act, they thereby nominate and
appoint the three Magistrates presently in office, together with
\Villiam Caldwell, James Storey, and W™- Langate, late Bailie, as a
committee, to meet from time to time and concert the proper means
to be taken for making the said application and the method and
nature thereof, and to report from time to time as to their pro-
cedure.'"'

The subject again came before the Council on 20th February,
1753, when it was resolved by a majority "that application be made
to the Earl of Dundonald for purchasing his concurrence in allow-
ing the act to comprehend his Lordship's lands and estate to the
distance of half a mile beyond the boundary of the burgh on all
sides ;"' and that his Lordship for this privilege should receive a
sum not exceeding ;^ioo. The objectors to this agreement were
Robert Finlayson, late Bailie, and Thomas Kerr, postmaster, who
took " instruments in the hands of the clerk." The Act of Parlia-
ment which the Council obtained in this year was entitled " an Act
for laying a duty of two pennies Scots, or one-sixth part of a penny
sterHng, on every Scots pint of ale and beer which shall be brewed
for sale, brought into, tapped, or sold within the town of Paisley
and liberties thereof, in the county of Renfrew, for improving the
navigation ofthe river Cart, and other purposes." The preamble of this
Act, which fully explains all that it contemplated, was as follows : — •

" Whereas the town of Paisley, in the county of Renfrew, carries
on a considerable trade in the manufactures of thread and linen
cloth, and is situate on the River Cart, which falls into the Clyde
about four miles below Glasgow ; which said River Cart is, by rea-
son of the banks, stones, and rocks therein, scarcely navigable to
the town of Paisley except at the highest spring tides ; and the
making of the said river practicable and commodious at all times
would be a great advantage to the said town ; and whereas there is
not at present a sufficient Prison, Court-house, School-house for the
education of the children, or House of Correction for the punish-
ment of vagrants in the said town, and the Shambles are at present
in the middle of the town, and a great nuisance to the inhabitants ;
and, whereas the inhabitants of the said town have at their own ex-
pence built a new church, but cannot provide for a minister to be
called thereto, nor can they make the said river navigable, build a
Prison, Court-house, and House of Correction, or remove the
Shambles to some more commodious place, without the aid of Par-
liament, the Bailies and Council of the said Burgh of Paisley do
therefore most humbly beseech your Majesty that it maybe enacted,
and be it enacted by the King's most excellent Majesty, by and with

28 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and
Commons in the present Parliament assembled, and by^the autho-
rity of the same, that from and after the 24th day of June, in the
year of our Lord, 1753, for the term of thirty-one years, and from
thence to the end of the then next session of Parliament, there shall
be laid an imposition or duty of two pennies Scots, or one-sixth part
of a penny sterling, over and above the duty of excise paid or pay-
able to his Majesty, his heirs and successors, upon every Scots pint
of ale and beer that shall be either brewed, brought into, tapped, or
sold within the said town of Paisley and liberties thereof ; and
that the said imposition or duty shall be paid or made payable by
the brewers for sale, or venders, or sellers of all such ale and beer
to the Magistrates and Town Council of the Burgh of Paisley for the
time being, who are hereby nominated and appointed Trustees for
making the said River navigable, building a Prison, Court-house,
School-house, and House of Correction ; providing a maintenance
for the ministers to be called to the said new church ; and removing
the Shambles to a more commodious place ; and also for putting
in execution all other the powers in and by this Act given ;
and that the money so raised and collected by this Act is, and
hereby shall, be vested in the said Trustees ; and the same and
every part thereof shall be paid, applied, and disposed of, or
assigned to and for the several uses, intents, and purposes afore-
said, the reasonable charges expended, or to be expended in about,
or by reason of passing the present Act of Parliament being first
deducted."

The other parts of this Act relate to the clauses for carrying it
out. The Council greatly over-estimated the amount of money
derivable from this tax, for it was altogether inadequate to carry
out the important purposes the Act contemplated. At the expiry
of the period to which the Act was limited, all that had been
realized from the tax was the sum of ^2634 6s. 4^d. For three
years at the commencement the town collected the tax, but after-
wards it appears to have been farmed out. The tax in 1757 was
^76 los.; in i762,;,^ioo; in 1767, £iS; in 1772, ^^85; in 1777,
4,85; in 1782, ;^^85 ; in 1783, ^^105 ; in 1784, ^105; and for
sixteen months after the Act expired, ^^120. The money obtained
by this tax was expended as follows : —

1753. — Expense connected with obtain-
ing the Act, ... ... ...p/^271 I 8

1754. — Building the (jrammar School, ... 298 o o

1758. — Building the Prison, Courthouse,

&c., ... _ 1053 7 o

1767. — Building, fitting-up, and complet-
ing the Flesh Market and
Slaughterhouse, ... ... 925 10 9^

1774. — Deepening of the River, ... 86 6 11

^2634 6 4}^

1750 TILL 1800. 29

Although the deepening of the river and the improvement of the
navigation formed the first and principal reason for this impost on the
consumpt of ale in the town, yet it will be seen from the foregoing
statement of expenditure that only ;^86 6s. iid. was applied to
that purpose. No reason is assigned for this course, but we
suppose the Council considered the erection of the Grammar
School, Prison, and Flesh Market were the items of which the
inhabitants stood most in need. They would, no doubt, also be
influenced by the fact that the revenue arising from the tax, with
what they would otherwise advance, would be sufficient to enable
them to complete these useful and important undertakings. Very
likely, also, they believed that they could obtain a renewal of the
Act, which would enable them to apply the proceeds to the
improvement of the river. When the beer tax ceased to be
collected, the account showing the apphcation of the money was
examined and signed as correct on 23d March, 1786, by the
Overseers appointed under the Act of Parliament. The balance of
this account, which includes interest, amounted to ^1450 os. 2}4d,
being the sum advanced by the Council, in addition to what they
received from the beer tax, in the erection of the Grammar School.
The Overseers who signed this account were George Houston of
Johnstone, Gavin Ralston of Ralston, and Charles Maxwell of
Merksworth.

Notwithstanding the general dislike to this tax among the in-
habitants, the Council resolved to apply to Parliament to have it
renewed. The inhabitants, however, were strongly opposed to this
proposal, and particularly the Societies, which now exercised a
considerable influence in the community. The Maltmen's Society
gave the resolution of the Council their most determined opposition.
On loth June, 1784, at a meeting, when "the Boxmaster, Collector,
and a great majority of the trade" were present, "they resolved
that the said Bill, in so far at least as relates to the twopenny tax,
ought to be vigorously opposed as a grievous and unnecessary
burden upon the inhabitants, and highly prejudicial to the country
in general, and to the interests of this Society in particular. Resolve
that this Society will cheerfully concur with such of the Societies
and public-spirited inhabitants of Paisley who entertain similar
sentiments of the evil tendency of this Bill ; and will, to the utmost
of their abiUty, contribute to a strenuous opposition thereof in
Parliament ; and it is in the meantime enjoined upon the Box-
master to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the most patriotic
members in both Houses of Parliament, humbly soliciting their
countenance and support in such measures as shall be adopted for
the above purpose ; and likewise, to transmit a copy thereof to the
different Incorporations and Societies of Maltsters and Brewers in
other towns, requesting their aid and concurrence in this matter,
which ought to be looked upon as a common cause throughout
Scotland."

The strong and very unanimous opposition of the inhabitants to

30 HISTORY Ul" PAISLEV.

the renewal of this tax upon ale and beer caused the Council to
relinquish the Bill, after they and its opponents in the town had
expended about ;^5oo.

From the steady and continued increase of the population in this
period, it became necessary to erect more places of worship. The
first of these to be built was the High Church, which was finished in
1754, at an expense, not including the ground, of ;^ 1558 12s. lod.
Of that sura the Council paid ^173 9s. 6d., and the balance was
advanced by a number of the inhabitants, who in return obtained
sittings in the church. The plan of the building was drawn by
John ^M■lyte, one of the Bailies. The first minister was the Rev.
James Baine, who w-as translated from Killearn, and inducted on
22d April, 1756. His stipend was ^100, including allowance for
manse and glebe. In December, 1765, he gave up his charge, and
accepted a call to be pastor of the Relief congregation, South
College Street, Edinburgh.^ His successsor was the Rev. George
Mure, Old Cumnock, Avho was inducted 30th October, 1766. His
stipend was ;^ 11 2, including allowance for manse and glebe, but it
was afterwards increased to ;;^i2o. In 1776, the congregation
agreed to erect the High Church Steeple, from a plan also suppUed
by Bailie Whyte. It was not till June, 1771, that the clock in the
steeple was put in motion. Mr. Mure died 20th July, 1771.- His
successor was the Rev. William Taylor, Lainshaw, who w^as in-
ducted 2istjuly, 1772, the stipend being ;^i2o. He was trans-
lated to the High Church, Glasgow, in 1780. He was succeeded
by the Rev. John Findlay, a probationer residing in Glasgow,
who was ordained 14th March, 1781. His stipend was also ;^ 120.

The population being still on the increase, another church in
connection with the Church of Scotland was required, and the
Middle Church was erected near the High Church in 1781. It con-
tained 1520 sittings, of which 865 belonged to those who subscribed
towards its erection, and 655 to the community. The expense of
the erection was ;£2\\i 5s. gd., and a number of the inhabitants
subscribed ^2149 i^^- 7*^- The plan of this church was drawn by
Samuel Henning, wright ( Council Records, 25th June, 17 yg).

The burgh, at its disjunction from the Abbey Parish in 1736,

^ Mr. Baine died 17th Januaiy, 1790, in the eightieth jear of his age and
sixtieth of his ministry. His published ■works were — Sermon preached at the
translation of the Rev. Mr. Wotherspoon from Beith to the Low Church,
Paisley, i6th June, 1757 ; Sermon preached at Edinburgh, 2d December, 1770;
Volume of Sermons, containing twenty-five discourses, 1778.

- Mr. Mure was the author of the following works : — An Essay on Christ's
Cross and Crown, to which arc subjoined Six Sermons, 1769 ; The Parable of
the Sower, Illustrated and Applied, 1 769 ; The Parable of the Tares, in Twenty-
one Sermons, to which are arlded Two Semions, 1771 ; A Sermon preached at
the Opening of the Synod of Glasgow and Ayr, on 13th October, 1769; Eour
Table Services, delivered in Tollbooth Church, Edinburgh, i6th March, 1 760;
Semion preached 20th Ajnil, 1769, at the Admission of the Rev. Colin Camp-
bell to the Church and Parish of Renfrc\\'.

1750 TILL 1800. 31

formed one parish ; but by a deed of the Court of Teinds, con-
curred in by the Presbytery and the Council, it was on 20th
February, 1781, divided into three parishes, the Low Church Parish,
the High Church Parish, and the Middle Church Parish, these
names being given from the position in which the churches were
situated. The parishes were divided as follows : —

" The Laigh Church division, from the bridge on the south side,
Water Wynd, (both sides southward). Water Brae, whole of Causey-
side, (both sides), New Street, Shuttle Street, Orchard Street, and
lanes off that, Saucel, Seedhill, Gordon's Lone, Prussia Street, and
Common Lone (Canal Street) to Storie Street, (both sides). To the
High Church Parish, head of New Street, both sides westwards as
far as the town's property, including Storie Street and houses in
Oakshaw west from the church. To the Middle Church Parish,
from the head of New Street eastwards to the Cross, (both sides), in-
cluding the houses round the Cross, and to the Old Bridge, (both
sides), and to Dyers' Wynd, School Wynd, including these streets,
and the whole of the town's property to the north thereof" (Council
Records, 26th February, 17 81).

The Rev. John Snodgrass, the first minister of the Middle
Church, was translated from Dundee, and inducted to the pastorate
on 2ist July, 1 78 1. His stipend at first was in all ^120, but three
years afterwards it was raised to ;^ 130. He died in 1787;^ and
Jonathan Rankine, his successor, was ordained to the charge on
22nd June, 1797, his stipend being ;^i45.

The first congregation of dissenters from the Church of Scotland
in Paisley was the Associated Session of Paisley and Greenock,
known also by the name of Antiburghers. The first place in which
they worshipped (1750) was the building in Moss Row, called
the Meeting-house, which has been already frequently referred to.
They had no regularly appointed minister till the election of
Mr. James Elice, probationer, in 1756. Their first church was on
the site of the present one in Oakshaw Street, and was erected in
1762 ( W. Scmple's History, p. 308). On 28th August, 1787,
Mr. William Ferrier was ordained as colleague to Mr. Elice, whose
health was failing. This union continued till the death of Mr. Elice,
on loth June, 1798, in the sixty-sixth year of his age and forty-
second of his ministry.

The church belonging to what was called the Burgher congre-
gation, in Abbey Close, was erected in 1769. On 14th June in
that year, Mr. Samuel Kinloch, the first minister, was ordained to
the pastorate (Historical Sketch of that Church, 1866).

In 1767, a Congregational Church was opened in the Abbey
buildings; and in 1782, a Berean Church was opened in New

■^ His literary productions were a sermon preached in Edinburgh before the
Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge in Scotland, on 29th May, 1794- —
Edinburgh, 1795. And two years after his death, a Commentary on part of the
Boole of Revelations, printed pages 592. — Paisley, 1799.

32 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Sneddon Street, — the first minister being the Rev. WilUam
Neilson ( IV. SeniJ>le's History, p. 308).

In 17S2, a Chapel of Relief was built in Canal Street. The first
minister was the Rev. Patrick Hutchison, who was translated from
St. Ninians, and inducted 22nd May, 1783.

The first Cameronian, or Reformed Presbyterian Church, was in
Lowndes Lane, New Sneddon Street. It was first used as a
preaching station ; and the Rev. Thomas Henderson, who lived at
Kilmalcolm, and had a church there, officiated in the Paisley church
every third Sunday.

The Gaelic Church, in Oakshaw Street, was erected in 1793, as a
place of worship for the numerous persons from the Highlands of
Scotland residing in Paisley and neighbourhood who did not
thoroughly understand the English language. The services were
appointed to be regularly conducted in the Gaelic tongue, and the
church to be connected with the Church of Scotland, and to form
one of the churches of the Presbytery of Paisley. But no parish or
territory was assigned to this church. The first minister was
Mr. William Simpson, who was ordained in 1795.

In the Low Parish Church, Mr. Peter Scott, who had been
ordained pastor, as already stated, in 1740, died on 4th August,
1753. Robert Findlay, D.D., was called from Galston, as his
successor, to this church, on 29th January, 1754. In 1756, he was
translated to the Ramshorn Parish Church, Glasgow, and afterwards
he filled the Divinity Chair of the University in that city, till he
died, in 18 14. Mr. Wotherspoon, who was called from Beith,
succeeded Dr. Findlay, and was inducted on i6th June, 1757.
His stipend was fixed in whole at ^100. In 1766, he received a
call from a congregation in Dundee, but the Council, assisted by
many of the inhabitants, successfully opposed his removal. In
April of that year, the Council presented him with ^15, as a
compliment; and in October following, ;^i2 annually was added to
his stipend. On 22nd June, 1768, he resigned his charge, and went
to America, where he received the appointment of President of
Perceton College, New Jersey. His death took place in 1794, at
the age of seventy-two years. His successor was Mr. James
Morrison, minister of Strathblane, who was inducted 29th June,
1769. Mr. Morrison died 28th March, 1781 ; and the next
incumbent was Colin Gillies, assistant and successor to Mr. David
Turner, West Parish Church, Greenock, who was inducted 19th
December, 1781.^ On 22nd January, 1790, the Council agreed to
fit up two chandeliers, of twelve candles each, in the church.

^ The following is an extract from Rowland Hill's journal of August 14th,
1798 : — "I passed the evening at the house of the truly affectionate son of
that truly apostolic man, the late Dr. Gillies, the author of the memoirs of
Mr. Whitefield's life. His house was filled with good ministers of the different
denominations, all living in affectionate love and cordiality with each other.
This makes Paisley the paradise of Scotland. Indeed, hell would be a paradise
if love were there ; and an earthly paradise is little better than hell, if love be

175° TILL 1800. 3^

At this period the Michaelmas head court was held the second
Friday after the 29th day of September ; Candlemas head court on
the second Friday after the 30th day of January ; Beltane head
court on the third Friday after Pasch or Easter, being the loth
April (Council Records, 4th October, 1756). At Michaelmas head
court, 15th October, 1756, the Council elected the following
committees. We omit the names : —

Lyners, visitors of the meal market, of wheat, bread, and butter,
of iron works, of cow hides, &c., of shoe market, metsters, keepers
of the keys of the charter chest, of the standard weight, visitors of
malt, of Wright work, town's smith, town's wright and mason, of
inspectors of bad yarn, clerk, fiscal, visitors of thread and reels,
water works keys lodged, directors of the poorhouse, master of
work, and visitors of bad cloth; and on 25th October, 1760, they
elected six weavers "to be inspectors of ill -counted yarn and
cotton and reels within ten quarters, with powers to inspect yarn
and cotton brought into the town, as well as in shops."

The following is the resolution of the Council of 5th May, 1767,
relating to the appointment of an assessor: —

" The Magistrates and Council, considering the great increase of
the town's inhabitants, and the consequential multiplicity of the
public business, both respecting the community itself, as well as the
administration of public justice, find it necessary, and accordingly
resolve, to have a lawyer as an assessor to the Magistrates, as many
other burghs In Scotland have, that they may consult him in all
matters of importance ; and having entire confidence in the integrity
and abihty of Mr. Islay Campbell, advocate, hereby appoint him
the town's assessor during pleasure, and appoint him a salary ^100
Scots, or ^8 6s. 8d. stg."

Mr. Campbell having resigned (the reason is not stated), the
Council, on 7th March, 1783, made choice of Mr. Robert CuUen,
advocate, to be their assessor, at the same salary. He was ap-
pointed one of the Judges in the Court of Session, and the Council
then appointed Mr. Robert Davidson, advocate, to be their
assessor.

When the Council first resolved to fit up lamps to light the streets,
they adopted an important measure for the increase of the comfort
and safety of the inhabitants. It was in November, 1756, that they
first moved in this matter, and their resolution is as follows : —

" Said day, the Magistrates and Council, considering how much
the town are in want of lamps for the service of the inhabitants in

absent. My soul loves Paisley, for there I believe Christians love each other.
May the precious leaven that is amidst them spread itself throughout the north !
I grieve to find so many separated by human laws on earth, who are all to be
united in one by Divine law in heaven and glory." A true picture of the state
of feeling in Paisley, as it exists in the present day, would not, we fear, be so
flatterine;.

34 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the winter, and how necessary lamps are in the night-time of that
season, have, therefore, after the good example of other burghs, re-
solved, and hereby resolve, that a competent number of lamps be
immediately purchased for the use and service of the inhabitants of
the burgh, not exceeding thirty ; and appoint the Magistrates to
agree with tradesmen for the same ; and the expense of making and
setting up of the said lamps to be advanced from the town's common
stock, but with this provision that the said lamps shall be maintained
at the expense of the inhabitants in oil and wicks for keeping the same
burning ; and the inhabitants shall also pay on their own expense
the person or persons to be appointed by the INIagistrates and
Council for cleaning, keeping, and lighting the said lamps."

It is doubtful, however, if this resolution was carried out at that
period, for W. Semple, who lived in Paisley about that time, states
that " in 1768 the town erected a number of lamps to give light to
the streets" ( JV. Scmple's History^ p. 331).

On 25th September, 1786, the Council entered into a contract
with James Borland, merchant in Glasgow, " to light the lamps in
the town for three years, at three -half-pence per lamp each night,
and to furnish oil, &c."

At this time the Council had two fire-engines, but as they were
considered insufficient for extinguishing fires expeditiously, a num-
ber "of the principal inhabitants in the town" contributed money
to purchase a larger one for the purpose of preserving the " town
from the danger and hazard of fire." The Council agreed that the
fire-engine should be bought in London, along with a leather pipe.
The engine was to be of the kind marked No. 4 in the London
proposals, and to be sent down by sea. (Council Records^ 4th
January, 1760). It is not stated how much money the inhabitants
subscribed, nor the price of the engine.

The first notice we have found regarding the cleaning of the
streets at the public expense was on 24th July, 177 1, when the
Council entered into an agreement Avith Francis Douglas, Abbots -
inch, for having this necessary measure carried out. The agree-
ment with him was to the effect that he was, at his own expense, to
have the exclusive privilege " to clat the whole streets and lanes in
this town, and to carry off" the dung, ashes, straw, and other garbage
that shall be laid down without the front or street doors," for the
space of three years. The middens in back closes were, however,
to be carried off by the proprietors. At the same time, the in-
habitants were discharged from laying down any stones or rubbish
on any of the streets or lanes, unless in connection with building
operations, under a penalty of 5s. for each offence. This contract
and arrangement connected therewith were to be proclaimed three
times at the usual places by tuck of drum (Council Records, 24th
July, 1771). On ist June, 1792, the Council enact that none of
die inhabitants within the burgh be allowed to lay down sand or stones
on the streets for the purpose of bruising the same in time coming.''

1750 TiLi, 1800. 35

The Magistrates and Council considered it part of their duty to
regulate the way in which the measurement of the mason work of
new buildings should be done; and on 26th January, 1781, they
enacted " that the side walls of houses or buildings within the
liberties of the town of Paisley shall be measured on the inside of
the house, from gavil to gavil, and the joist gavils on the outside, as
from corner to corner, and the measurement thereof to be cast up
according to such measure."

Very few resolutions appear in the Council Records regarding the
watching of the town at night by the town guard. It appears to
have become the practice for the inhabitants, when it fell by
rotation to them to watch, to provide substitutes. To check this
practice, the Council resolved that " in order that the town guard
may be on a respectable footing for the safety of the inhabitants, all
heads of families shall mount guard, and not send any person in
their place, under the penalty of half-a-crown for each transgression,
unless such person shall give in an excuse to be accepted and
approven by the Magistrates (Council Records, 24th November,
1792).

The westmost portion of the range of Oakshaw Hill, the site of the
prsetorium of the Roman Cam]), and called the Ilutt in this period,
was formed into a bowling-green in 1758.^ This was done by the
Council " for the benefit of the community, and they authorised the
Magistrates to receive estimates of the expense of furnishing the same
and agreeing with tradesmen" ( Council Records, 25th November,
1758). No time apparently was lost in proceeding with the
formation of the bowling-green, for on 27th February following
" they appointed the fir trees that are now cut down in the Hutt at
Oakshawhead to be sold by roup."' On 4th January, 1760, the
Council " authorised the Magistrates to write to London for twenty-
four pairs of bowls for the town's bowling-green." The dimensions
of the bowling-green were sixty-three feet long and thirty-eight feet
broad. On 9th January, 1761, the Magistrates reported to the
Council that they had subscribed a tack in favour of Hugh Fulton,
gardener in Paisley, of the town bowling-green at the Hutt for the
space of three years, at the yearly rent of ^8 stg." In 1784, " the
Council authorised the Magistrates to procure eighteen bowls for
the bowling-green, and to take the tacksman's receipt therefor."
There was also a billiard -table at the bowling-green (IV. Scniple's
History, p. 329).

There is every probability that the first bowling-green formed in

^ The game of bowls, a product of the middle ages, has in Scotland been
traced to the thirteenth century ; a bowling-alley or bowling-green was attached
to every manor-house. During the eighteenth century the game was practised
generally, a public bowling-green being constructed in the principal hamlets.
In 1769 a Society of Lowlers at Edinburgh obtained from the Governors of
Heriot's Hospital a lease of ground for a public bowling-green. — Social Life in
Scotland, by Rev. Chs. Rogers, vol. ii., p. 301.

36 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Paisley was what was called the x\bbey Bowling-green. It was
situated on the east side of Mill Street, at the southern end of that
street. The Town Council bought this bowling-green, along with a
piece of ground adjoining, " for the benefit of the rock for stones
for the streets" (Coimcil Records, loth November, 1777). The
rock is hard whin, and the place has been known as the Town's
Quarry for upwards of a century. Although the ground was bought
by the Council from Lord Abercorn, yet there is every likelihood
that the bowling-green was laid off by the Earl of Dundonald when
that family lived at the Place of Paisley.

In 1780, a brutal murder was committed on the road, at the
north side of the bowling-green, at Oakshawhead. A young
man of the name of William Waterston, a painter by trade, became
acquainted with a young lady of the name of Stewart, who was
believed to be betrothed to a Mr. Archibald Paisley, a wealthy
merchant in Paisley. Mr. Paisley and some friends, the night on
which the murder took place, were spending the evening in the
Saracen's Head Inn. Two of them had occasion to go to the front
door of the inn, when they saw Mr. Waterston going along the
street. They asked him to take a walk up towards the bowling-
green, and he reluctantly consented. When the party came to the
bowling-green, the two men from the inn commenced to question
him regarding his intimacy with Miss Stewart, and desired him to
promise that he would henceforth give up all intercourse with her.
On refusing to do so, he was knocked down ; but immediately
rising to his feet, and grappling with his assailant, he had the best of
it, when the other with a large stone struck him so severely on the
head, that he fell to the ground insensible, and the others ran away.
Mr. Waterston afterwards recovered so far as to be able to go home
to the Cross, where he resided. The surgeon who was sent for
found his head to be severely injured, and he died in the course
of the night. The two alleged assailants, Mr. James Orr and Mr.
Walter Cross, absconded immediately after his death. They were,
however, summoned before the Court of Justiciary on a charge of
murder ; and appearing on the day of trial, they were acquitted.
The popular belief was that they were guilty, and had been unduly
indulged by the court. Mr. James Orr was afterwards Sheriff of
Renfrewshire ; and it was generally believed that it was Mr. Walter
Cross who used the fatal stone. The stone, discoloured as if with
blood, was some time afterwards placed in the enclosing wall of the
bowling-green, at the north side, and had W.C. cut on it. Such is
the tradition about this stone which we have frequently looked upon.
It remained there till the wall was taken down when the John
Neilson Institution was erected. Mr. Paisley afterwards married
Miss Stewart.

The Old Bridge had hitherto been the only means of connecting
the burgh with the east side of the river, unless we take into account
the fords at Saucel and Sneddon, which could only be used when

175° 'I'li-i' 1800. 37

the river was not in flood. In this period many houses were built
in Sneddon district ; and a great part of the ground on the east
side of the river was laid off for feus by the F)arl of Dundonald. A
bridge, instead of a dangerous ford at Sneddon, became, therefore,
absolutely necessary, particularly to accommodate the large population
that had gathered on the west side of the river. Hie inhabitants
of Sneddon district, who appear to have possessed much public
spirit and enterprise, resolved to erect a bridge at Sneddon ford at
their own expense. They, therefore, " presented a petition to the
Magistrates and Town Council, representing the great advantages
that would arise to the public from the erecting a bridge across the
water of Cart at Sneddon ford ^ ; and as they and several others had
agreed to erect this bridge at their own expense, craved their
concurrence therein ; and that they would appoint a committee to
inspect the ground, in order to conclude what part was most
convenient to rest the bridge upon " (Memorial of the Inhabitants of
Sneddon to action of Suspension by the Magistrates and Town Council,
p. 5). No reply was given by the Magistrates and Council to this
communication ; and as it was rumoured that they objected to the
erection of the bridge, because the income from the duty upon the
pint of ale, granted by a late Act of Parliament, would be injured,
the inhabitants of Sneddon sent in another petition, and offered to
take a long lease of that duty at the rent it then yielded, and also
offered to take a lease of the toll on the Old Bridge at the rent it
then realised. As this petition was treated in a similar way, the
inhabitants of Sneddon presented a petition to the Justices of Peace
in Quarter Sessions, praying for their authority to erect the bridge,
which, having been intimated to the Magistrates and Town Council,
a representation was preferred in their name, declining the juris-
diction of the court. This plea was repelled, and the Justices
appointed a committee to visit the place where it was proposed the
bridge should be built ; and Mr. Cunningham of Craigends, Mr.
M'Dowall, the Sheriff- Depute, Mr. Milliken of MilHken, Mr.
Porterfield of Porterfield, and Mr. Alexander of Newton, reported
to another meeting of Justices " that they had visited the place
where the bridge is proposed to be built ; that it w^s their opinion
the building of the said bridge would be of general advantage both
to the town of Paisley and the country adjacent ; and that no
damage would thereby be done either to the navigation of the river,
or to the ford. Whereupon the Justices unanimously authorised
the petitioners to build and erect the bridge, conform to plan
thereof." The Magistrates and Council were dissatisfied with this

^ " Rivers were crossed at fords, v>here the ordinary assistants were women. By
an easy adjustment of their garments, they waded across the streams, bearing
the men upon their shoulders. In reference to tliis practice James VI. rejoiced
to inform his English courtiers that he had, in his native kingdom, a town of
five hundred bridges. The king facetiously alluded to the small town of
Auchterarder, on the Earn, of which all the females were ford- women." — Social
Life in Scotland, by Dr. Rogers., vol. i., p. 219.

38 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

decision of the Justices, and presented a bill of suspension to the
Court of Session, in which they repeated their declinature of the
jurisdiction of the Justices of the Peace, and also stated the following
objections, viz., that the erection of the bridge would be hurtful to
the common good of the burgh — ist, by depriving them of
the toll in use to be uplifted at the old bridge, to avoid
which passengers Avould go by the new bridge ; 2nd, that
it Avould be equally hurtful to the duty exigible upon the
pint of ale brought into the town from the Smithhills, as, by open-
ing a new passage over the river, it would furnish an opportunity to
the brewers from that quarter to smuggle their ale into the town with-
out payment of the duty, and that their stationing a collector for levy-
ing this duty at the new bridge would be attended with double ex-
pense ; that one of the purposes specified in the Act of Parlia-
ment imposing said duty upon the pint of ale was for making the
river navigable, in doing of which they had already expended con-
siderable sums ; and that the building of this bridge would stop the
navigation between the old and new bridges.

On 2ist February, 1759, the inhabitants of the Sneddon lodged
a memorial in answer to the objections stated by the Town Coun-
cil ; and the court, having sustained the jurisdiction of the Justices,
a bridge consisting of two arches was erected at the Sneddon ford
in 1760, leaving passages on each side of the river for access to the
ford. The inhabitants of the Sneddon were either unfortunate in
the employment of their architect or contractor, or they failed to
provide in the specification of the work for sufficient piling to sup-
port the side walls, as subscriptions were raised in 1792 for taking
down and rebuilding the bridge, in consequence of the insufiiciency
of the work.^ At this time, the strong animosity manifested by the
Town Council thirty years previously against this bridge had ceased to
exist, for, on 20th June in that year, they "agreed to subscribe ^50 to-
wards rebuilding the Sneddon bridge by subscription." The bridge
was accordingly taken down, and a new one, consisting of one arch,
with a roadway twenty-six feet in width, was erected in 1792, leav-
ing passages as formerly to the river. On 15th November, 1793,
the " Council found that the subscriptions for Sneddon bridge, with
the interest thereon, will be deficient for rebuilding the same, agreed
that on condition the gentlemen of the county will advance ^40
stg. towards rebuilding said bridge out of the toll duties, that the
Council will advance the like sum, to be applied for the same pur-
pose." Two years afterwards, those having charge of erecting the
bridge " reported to the Council that, over and besides the contri-
butions, there is still a deficiency of ;^i5o ; and the Council agreed
to pay ^50 over and above their former contributions, providing
that the gentlemen of the county pay the balance out of their public

^ On Sth March and 6th August, 1793, contractors were advertised for in the
Glasgoio Mercury to take down and rebuild the bridge, with one arch of seventy-
five feet,

175° TILL iSoo. 39

funds" (Council Records, 22nd July, 1795.) This debt must have
been disposed of in this way, for no further aUusion is made to it in
the Council minutes, and there is no record to show the cost of re-
erecting this bridge.

The Abbey, or, as it was more frequently called, the Saucel
Bridge, was erected in 1763. The great extension of the town,
in New Street, Orchard Street, and adjoining streets on the west
side of Cart, along with the formation of streets and building of
houses on the east side of the river, rendered this bridge necessary
for the accommodation of the inhabitants. It consisted of three
arches, and the width of the roadway, including the two parapet
walls, was only fourteen feet. The minutes of the Town Council
are silent regarding the building of this bridge, and there are, so far
as we know, no other records relating to it. It is very probable
that it was erected at the expense of the Earl of Abercorn, for the
use of his numerous feuars in the Newtown, which he had formed
on the lands surrounding the Abbey.

Criminals convicted of breaking the laws of the country were
much more severely punished in those days than at the present
time, and executions were more frequent throughout the country.
At Paisley there were several executions in this period. On 12th
and 13th November, 1753, Robert Lyle, who resided in the parish
of Kilbarchan, was tried at Paisley before the sheriff and a jury, for
the crime of housebreaking and theft, aggravated by his being by
habit and repute a thief The following was the finding of the
jury : — " The jury unanimously finds the said Robert Lyle, pannel,
guilty, art and part, of the crymes charged against him in the indict-
ment, respecting the goods stolen from off the bleachfield and yard
of James King, in Causeyend of Stanely, and also of the goods
stolen furth of the dwelling-house of William Wilson, in Meiklebog;
and also finds the mala fa/iia charged against the said panel in the
indictment proven ; but does not find the rest of the crymes charged
in the indictment against the panel, Robert Lyle, proven."

This verdict was only for the theft of some articles which were of
little value, aggravated by the panel being by habit and repute a
thief. The charges of housebreaking were not proven. The jury
gave their verdict on the 13th November, and he was sent back to
prison till the 20th November, when he Avas brought up for judg-
ment, and sentenced as follows : — " The Sheriff, in respect of the
verdict of assize returned against Robert Lyle, pannel, on 13th
November instant, decerns and adjudges the said Robert Lyle to
be taken to the common place of execution at Gallowgreen of Pais-
ley, upon the 27th day of December next to come, and there, be-
twixt the hours of ten of the clock forenoon and three in the after-
noon, to be hanged by the neck until he be dead ; and ordains his
whole moveable goods to be confiscated, and hereby confiscates the
same, to His Majesty, and remands him back to the Tollbooth of
Paisley until that time " (Hector s Judicial Records of Raifreius/iire^
vol. i., p. 248).

40 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Robert Lyle, who was an old man at this time, was accordingly
executed on the Gallowgreen, where a great concourse of people
had assembled. The sentence was generally considered too severe,
even at that time, and caused a great sensation in the district.

On yth November, 1765, Alexander Provan was executed on the
Gallowgreen for murdering his wife. This cruel murder was dis-
covered, it is alleged, in a strange manner. Some persons called on
him, and, taking a bottle from under a bed, to treat them to some
whisky, he poured out blood into the glass instead. A noise im-
mediately arose. The Rev. Mr. Morrison, of the Low Church
passing at the time, went into the house to have some conversation
with Provan, and did not leave till the poor man was arrested and
taken to the prison. He was afterwards tried, and sentenced to be
hanged, after having his right hand cut off by the wrist. His hand
at the place of execution was fastened to a stake driven into the
ground, and the rope about his neck fastened to it. The hangman
being agitated, struck the hand at the wrong place, and, on Provan
crying, " Cut and pull, cut and pull," he was thrown off.

Another tradition is that the hangman, through trepidation,
severed his hand by the palm, instead of the wrist, and Provan,
with a shriek, cried, " The tow, the tow, the tow." The rope was
immediately brought, and a termination put to his sufferings. The
axe used was long kept as a relic, and shown as Provan's axe to
those curious in these matters.

The next and last execution in this century was that of Thomas
Potts, on 17th August, 1797. On Sabbath evening, 19th March,
1797, between the hours of eleven and twelve o'clock, William Oak,
weaver, Johnstone; Thomas Potts, weaver, William sburgh. Paisley;
and William Pullans and George Aitchison, weavers, Irvine, all
Irishmen, broke into the house of John Barr, farmer, Gryffe Castle,
parish of Houston, armed with bludgeons, large knives, cutlasses
or swords. The female servant was the first to get up, and she
proved herself a heroine on the occasion. The ruffians brandished
their weapons over the heads of the inmates, threatening to take the
life of Barr; and, with horrid oaths and imprecations, demanded
money and the keys of the repositories. They robbed the house of
;^ii in notes, ^i in silver, and some silver spoons. The spoil
was carried to Oak's house, and divided among the robbers. Potts
had been previously charged with other crimes ; and the large knife
with which he was armed at the robbery was discovered concealed
in a barrel on his premises.^ Potts and Aitchison were both appre-

^ At the Circuit Court, Glasgow, in April, 1792, Roger M'Ghie and Thomas
Potts, weavers, in Sandholes of Paisley, natives of Ireland, were accused of the
crime of hamesucken, or the felonious entering the dwelling-house of Allan
Cochran, farmer at Ferguslie. ; that on the evening between nine and ten
o'clock, in November last, they forcibly entered the dwelling-house of Mr.
Cochran, having their faces blackened, napkins tied round their heads, and
wearing their shirts outermost ; and with large sticks did beat and wound, to the
effusion of their blood, Mr. Cochran and his wife, who, with the aid of the house
dog and by their own exertions, beat off the assailants. The Jury, by a majority
of voices, found the libel not proven, whereupon they were immediately dismissed
from the bar.

1750 TILL 1800, 41

hended, but Aitchisoii escaped from Irvine jail. Billy Oak and
Billy Pullans both absconded, and a reward of ^10 was offered for
the apprehension of each of them. Aitchison was again apprehended,
and became a witness for the Crown. Both Oak and Potts were
indicted to stand their trial before the High Court of Justiciary, at
Edinburgh on 12th July, 1797. Oak was outlawed for not
appearing, and Potts pled not guilty. The other Crown witnesses
were John Barr and his wife Janet M'Lellan, and their servants,
Jean Donaldson, James Rowan, and Joseph Lang. The exculpatory
witnesses, whose testimony was merely on character, were John
Brown, John Meikle's wife, Thomas Cochran, and Doctor Robinson.
The jury found Potts guilty, and he was sentenced to be hanged at
Paisley, on Thursday, 17th August, 1797. When in Edinburgh
jail, while under sentence of death, he wrote a letter to his wife ;
another, on 15th July, to his father and mother; another on 14th
July; afterwards, two long letters to his wife; and on the i6th
August, a letter to a friend.^ He states, in one of his letters, that
" George Aitchison had a very well made-up story to take away my
life, although he sent me a line before my trial, saying he could do
me no harm but a great deal of good." In one of his letters to his
wife, he gives eight reasons " why he finds his life accompanied
with very great mercies." They may be thus abridged : — ist. All
mankind are born to die, and the difference is not great whether
soon or late. 2nd, It appears very shocking that I cannot live any
longer than the 17th day of August, but consider how many
thousands of people will be dead before that time. 3rd, Sentence
of death, whether natural or violent, is pronounced by the mouth of
God ; our only great concern is how to be prepared for it. 4th, If
I had lived, I might have turned desperately wicked, and perhaps
have turned wholly from God, and died in an entire state of sin.
5th, That if my death be violent, was not that of my blessed
Saviour so, too ? and did not the apostles and martyrs finish their
lives by the hands of executioners ? 6th, I have great reason to
hope that, as God punishes me here, He has reserved no punishment
for me hereafter. 7th, I am perfectly sure that if I cast myself on
God's mercy. He will accept of me just as well as if I had died in
my bed. 8th, I trust in the merits of Jesus Christ, that He has
freed me from all these future torments by His peace-speaking
blood.

The scaffold and gibbet for the execution were put up at the
Cross of Paisley. Two iron batts were fixed in the Cross steeple,
and remained there till the steeple was taken down. The projecting
gibbet stretched out from the south-east corner of the steeple, so
that the crowd in High Street, Moss Street, and the Cross, could
readily see the execution. The scaffold was erected within a few
feet of the strong cell in the steeple, where Potts was confined.

^ These letters, consisting of 15 pages, i2mo., were printed by J. Neilson, in
that year, in pamphlet form.

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Potts was thirty-five years of age ; and in his last letter to his fi-iend
the night before the execution (already noticed), he stated — " I
declare, as a dying man, that I have not been guilty of either murder
or robbery, or any thing of that sort." While confined in Paisley
jail — that is, from the 7th till the 17th of August— he was attended
by all the clergymen in the town; and at his own request, was
accompanied to the scaffold by the Rev. William Ferrier, of the
Associate Congregation, Oakshaw.

The Council had considerable difficulty in obtaining payment of
the expenses— amounting to ^33 5s. i)^d.- — they incurred in
connection with the execution of Potts (Council Records, 5th
December, 1798). As the crime was committed in the county, and
not within the burgh, they naturally applied to the Commissioners
of Supply; but being refused, they resolved to memoralise the Lords
of Justiciary thereanent.^ On 20th November, in the following year,
these expenses being still unpaid, they agreed " to petition the
Lord-Advocate to order the Crown Agent to pay the expenses, and
pursue the Commissioners of Supply therefor in case of refusal."
The Council probably received payment from some party, as the
matter is not a'^ain referred to in the Council records.

Another way in which convicted criminals were severely, and
indeed often cruelly punished, was by being whipped in the streets.

^ These expenses, given in detail, were as follows : — i6th August,

1797-

To William Pattison, for Wright

Brought foi-ivard.

work — •

John Orr, for Dinner-

Going to Glasgow for infor-

Dinner, ■ ■■£a-

mation, ... ... •••;^o 2

Port, 3

Robert Fleming carting deals,

0 I

Sherry, ... i

My own lads putting up the

Negus, ... ... 0

scaffold,

I I

Punch,... ... I

Six labourers assisting,

0 10

Toddy, 0

My lads taking down the

Brandy, ... 0

scaffold,

0 10

Gin, ... ... 0

Drink and sundries,...

0 4

Whisky, ... 0

A large table,

I 15

Porter and Beer, 0

A crane,

I 10

Officers, ... 0

A coffin.

0 7

Punch, 0

Masons putting in bolts.

0 3

Gin, ... ... 0

Ropes,

0 5

Rum 0

Hunter and Walkinshaw for

Whisky, ... 0

wood, 62 planks,

II 10

Porter and Beer, 0

James Duncan, for iron work
for gallows,

T 1

2 6

James Bain, a chaise hire.

John Motherwell, for nails, . . .

0 9

for execution, ...

Paid making dead clothes.

20 15

Paid executioner and assis-

tants,

Cash received for the planks.

John Currie, for entertain-

after execution,

9 3

ment to hangman and

assistants,

Hemp rope.

Carried fonoard, £

II 12

;^33

175° TiLi, 1800. 43

The crimes so punished were frequently of no great moment, and
this makes the mode of punishment all the more revolting to us.
Such sights indeed must have been most demoralising in their effects
on the inhabitants. Convicted females, too, had to sufifer the same
brutal treatment.

In 1765, James Moody, innkeeper in Smithhills, Paisley, was
summoned before the Sheriff Court at Paisley by Robert Ewing,
in Auchingraith, for a debt of ^8, due by a bill. Moody denied
that he owed more than ^4, and alleged that the bill had been
fraudulently obtained from him when intoxicated. Proof was taken,
and to get rid of what was clearly a just debt, Moody bribed several
persons to give false evidence for him. To one witness he gave ten
shillings, and promised more if he succeeded in his suit ; and to
another he promised the use, free of hire, of a horse. He thus
committed "the crime, subornation of perjury, aggravated by being
habit-and-repute a suborner of witnesses," and was tried at Paisley
on the 25th March of that year, before the Sheriff and a jury, at the
instance of James Wilson, Procurator-Fiscal of Court. The jury,
after a lengthened trial, " found the panel guilty of the crime of
subornation of perjury charged against him in the criminal letters ;
but found the last part of the said criminal letters, respecting the
panneFs being habit-and-repute a suborner of witnesses, not
proven." The sentence by Sheriff M'Dowall was that he should be
" carried to the Tollbooth of Paisley, and remain therein till the
second Thursday of May next to come; to have his body then
stripped naked to the middle, and his hands tied behind his back,
and to be then carried with a rope round his neck furth of the said
Tollbooth, betwixt the hours of ten in the forenoon and two after-
noon, and so to be led by the common hangman from the prison of
Paisley to the Townhead of said burgh, and there to receive on his
naked back twenty-five lashes from the common hangman ; from
thence to be carried down to the head of New Street, and there to
receive on his naked back twenty-five lashes more by the hands
of the said common hangman ; from thence to be carried to the
foot of New Street, and there to receive twenty-five more lashes
by the hands of the said common hangman ; and from thence
to be carried down the Causeyside Street, and up St. Mirin's
Wynd, to'ijthe Cross of Paisley, and there to receive twenty-five
more lashes on his naked back by the hands of the common
hangman ; and thereafter ordain the said panel to be carried
back to the said Tollbooth of Paisley, and detained therein for
the space of five months from and after the said day ; and,
after expiry of said space, decerns and adjudges the said James
Moody, panel, to perpetual banishment furth of the said shire of
Renfrew, and never again to return thereto ; ordains him to be
carried to the confynes of this shire by the officer of this court,
and then to be turned out of it, with certification that, if he
return to the said shire, he shall be immediately apprehended and
imprisoned in the foresaid Tollbooth of Paisley for the space of five

44 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

months, and whipped by the hands of the common hangman as for-
merly, through the town of Paisley, the first Thursday after he shall
be so apprehended ; and ordains him to be so whipped accordingly,
and thereafter confined in prison for the space of six months ; and
ordains this like punishment in all and every part to be inflicted
upon the panel so often as he shall return to the said shire and be
found therein. And which is pronounced for doom."

The punishment in the case of Peter Bishop, hosier in Paisley, in
the following year, was somewhat milder. At his trial, on 19th
December, 1766, the jury, after a long trial, found him "guilty of
stealing or resetting ten bobbins, one spindle of thread, and four of
thread," and Sheriff M'Dowall sentenced him " to lye in the prison
of Paisley till Thursday, the 29th day of January, 1767, and in the
forenoon of that day to be delivered over to the officers of court,
who are to cause the said Peter Bishop, at twelve o'clock at noon
on said day, to be carried through the streets of the town of Paisley
bareheaded, his hands tyed behind his back, and a rope round his
neck, with part of the goods stolen or resetted by him, the hangman
holding the ends of the rope, and a drum beating ; and thereafter
to be carried back to the prison of Paisley • and decerns and
adjudges the said panel to be thereafter banished and transported
to any one of His Majesty's coloneys or plantations in America for
the space of fourteen years, and to remain in the said ToUbooth of
Paisley until an opportunity off"er for his transportation ; with certi-
fication that if the said panel shall return from transportation within
the foresaid term of fourteen years, that he shall be apprehended
and imprisoned within the Tollbooth of Paisley for the space of six
months, and whipt by the hands of the common hangman through
the town of Paisley, receiving twenty lashes on his naked back at
each of five different stations, and thereafter to be carried back to
the said Tollbooth of Paisley, and continue therein until the said six
months shall be expired ; and thereafter until an opportunity offers
for his being re-transported."

The following case of Jean Montgomery is one of the most
inhuman that could be met with. On 23rd February, 1770, Jean
Montgomery, wife of John Storie, weaver in Paisley, was tried
before a jury, who, "by a plurality of voices, find the panel guilty
of resetting the piece of plain lawn mentioned in the libel, knowing
it to be stolen, but that the value thereof is under ten shillings stg.;
and unanimously find proven that the panel has for several years
been habit-and-repute a resetter of stolen goods, and an enticer of
children and servants to steal from their parents and masters."
The sentence of the Sheriff was, " that she should be carried back
to the Tollbooth of Paisley, and to remain therein to the second
Thursday of April next ; to have her body then stripped naked to
the middle and her hands tyed behind her back, and to be then
carried furth of the said Tollbooth, betwixt the hours of ten in the
forenoon and two in the afternoon, and so to be led by the common
hangman, and receive on the naked back ten lashes at the head of

175° TILL 1800. 45

New Street, at the foot of New Street, and at the Cross, by the
hands of the said common hangman ;^ and thereafter ordains the
said Jean Montgomery, panel, to perpetual banishment furth of
the said shire of Renfrew, and never again to return thereto ;
ordains her to be carried to the confines of this shire by the officers
of Court, and then to be turned out, with certification that, if she
return to the said shire, she shall be immediately apprehended and
imprisoned in the foresaid Tollbooth of Paisley for the space of one
month, and whipped by the hands of the common hangman, as
formerly, through the town of Paisley, upon the first Thursday after
the expiration of the said space of one month after she shall be so
apprehended ; and ordains her to be so whipped accordingly, and
thereafter to be confined in prison for one month longer; and
ordains the like punishment in all and every part to be inflicted on
the panel so often as she shall return to the said shire and be
found therein. And which is pronounced for doom."^

It is thus little more than a century since the streets of Paisley
were disgraced by such atrocious proceedings ; and yet it was by
the law of the country, and apparently in accordance also with the
feelings of jurymen, that a married woman should be punished in
this brutal manner.

The stealing of silk from the manufacturers by their servants
prevailed to a considerable extent. A small quantity of it, although
of considerable value, could be easily concealed, and detection
therefore was very diflicult. Tlie administration of the law against
those who bought, or rather resetted, this silk from the thief was
particularly severe. On 9th August, 1781, John Craig, late
" changekeeper " at Quarreltown, was tried before the Sheriff-
Depute and a jury for stealing or resetting stolen silk, aggravated
with the circumstance of being habit-and-repute. After a tedious
trial, the jury found him guilty, and the Sheriff sentenced him to be
recommitted to prison till 6th September next, and then to be
brought forth to the pillory, there to stand for a full hour, with a
label on his breast having these words, written in large characters,
" Infamous Resetter of Stolen Silk," and the day following to be

^ A difficulty arose in carrying the sentence into execution from the want of
a " whippie," none being nearer than Ayr or Stirling. An application was made
to the '' Paisley Society for the Reformation of Manners" for funds to engage a
" whippie," and they allowed three guineas toward the ?,z.ixiq ( Records of that
Society).

^ " The jury were not unanimous in finding the panel guilty of reset as libelled,
but they unanimously found her guilty of being habit-and-repute a resetter,
although there was no previous conviction or proof of any such crime put before
them. It does, however, appear from the evidence that some of her neighbours
had a bad opinion of her, and on their hearsay and most unsatisfactory evidence,
she was held to be guilty of being ' a reputed resetter and enticer of children
and servants to steal.' What is really proved is her having had in her
possession a cut of a piece of lawn that had been stolen ; but this was found at
the foot of a stair by a constable, who swore that it had been dropped there by
the panel" (Judicial Records of Renfrnushire, by IV. Hector, vol. i., p. 254).

46 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

perpetually banished the county of Renfrew. Three years after-
wards, there was a case somewhat similar. On loth June, 1784,
John Burd, Paisley, was charged with having resetted twenty
bobbins of silk. He solicited an apprentice to embezzle the silk
from his master, for the purpose of making silk stockings with it.
The Magistrate sentenced Burd to stand on the Tollbooth stairhead
for one hour bareheaded, with three silk bobbins round his neck,
and a label on his breast bearing " For Reset of Stolen Silk," and
afterwards banished the town and liberties for three years.

It was on this same stairhead of the Tollbooth that Alexander
Wilson, poet and ornithologist, and one of our most illustrious
townsmen, had, by a sentence of the Sheriff, to burn on the 6th
February, 1793, at eleven o'clock forenoon, before the public, one
of his own poetical effusions. To aid the weavers of Paisley in a
dispute between them and the manufacturers, he wrote a satire,
entitled, " The Shark, or Lang Mills Detected." If he had stopped
there, little harm would have been done ; but in an evil hour he sent
in manuscript to the gentleman against whom it was written a copy
of the poem, with an offer to suppress it if paid five guineas. This
subjected him to a prosecution before the Sheriff, which resulted in
his punishment as already mentioned.

The Councillors who were chosen to fill the important office of
treasurer did not record their money transactions in a book, to be
transmitted from one treasurer to another, but only apparently on
loose sheets of paper, which, after being examined and docqueted
by the committee of Council appointed for that purpose, were
generally retained by them. For this reason, the receipts and
disbursements of the Council cannot be regularly given prior to
1800. The following certified copy of the income and expenditure
of the Council for 1753 will therefore be found to be somewhat
interesting: —

State of the Town's Revenues, 1753.
D''- Town of Paisley.

To interests of ;;^5oo stg. due W""- M'Dowall, ...

„ „ 1000 o o James Milliken, ...

,, „ 230 o o Messrs. Shields, ...

„ ,, 140 o o James Storie, mer''

,, ,, 120 o o Heirs of J^- Gibb,

„ „ 80 o o Rob^- Fulton, mer'"

„ ,, 254 o o New Bank of Glasgc

„ „ 100 o o John Smith, mer'>

,, ,, 30 17 6 Robert Menzies, ...

„ „ ^ZZZ 6 8 Owing upon the Es-
tate of Ferguslie,

;^2 2

w, 12

^0%

^3788 4 2 Carried forward, j[i^^A ^ 2}4

175° TILL 1800. 47

Brought fomiard, ... ... ...^(^184 8 2)4

To Peter Scott, Minister, his stipend and house

rent, 65 11 i^

The salary payable to M""- Ballingall, Master of

the Grammar School, and his house rent, ... 19 13 4

The salary payable to James Porter, of the Eng-
lish School, ... ... ... ... ... 511 lyi

The salary payable to the Master of the English

School, ... ... ... ... ... 113 4

The salary payable to the town's Master of

Works, ... ... ... ... ... 700

The salary payable to the Clerk, Treasurer, and

Fiscal, ... ... ... ... ... 117 6

The salary payable to the three Magistrates, ... 6 13 4

The salary payable to Gavin Skeoch, for keeping

the town's clocks, ... ... ... ... 300

Salary payable to 6 pensioners in the Hos-
pital, 19 17 9^3

Salary payable to W"^ Gordon, town drummer, 500

Teind payable by the town to the two Abbey

Ministers in Abbey Church, ... ... 3 t^3 4

The Lords contribution money, payable to the

Earl of Dundonald, ... ... ... ... o 17 9^

The yearly cess of the town's lands, ... ... 12 10 6^

,, ,, of Ferguslie lands, ... ... i 10 2

The feu-duty of the lands of do., ... ... 2 2 9

A boll multure bear, do., to the Seedhill

Miln, 0150

Communion elements at the Sacrament, ... 418 i

Payment of the Edinburgh newspapers for the

town's use, ... ... ... ... ... i 6 o

The clothing of 4 town officers, ... ... 624

By examining the town's accompt of incidental
charges for this last year, 1752, it appears
that the Treasurer's disbursements for small
accounts, such as candles, coals, trades-
men's accompts, and other incident and
occasional expenses by the Magistrates,
and as these expenses seem to be daily
growing, the sum appears to be moderate
commimibus annis, ... ... ... ... 8012 9

Upon examining the Master of Work's accompts
for the last four years, it appears that upon
an average the town's annual expenses for
making and maintaining their streets, keep-
ing their lands and inclosures in due repair,
amount to, ZZ 3 3^4^

;^467 17 10

4 8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

Contra.
By Interest due to the town from sundry bonds and

bills, £i2

„ Interest from the sales of part of the estate of

Ferguslie, not paid up, ... ... ... 75

„ Interest from the sales of the lands of Sneddon,
sold and not paid up,

„ Rents of houses and shops belonging to the town,

„ Rents of the seats in the church, viz., in the
Abbey and town church,

„ The rent of the coal pit,

„ The rent of the meal and flesh market,

„ The town's customs,

„ The rents of the town's lands, exclusive of Fer-
gusly lands, ...

„ The rents of the lands of Fergusly,

„ Feu-duties payable to the town out of their sun-
dry lands,

„ By balance,

3V4

4/3

io}4

9tV

^467_i7_9>^

That the above is a true and fair state of the burgh of Paisley their
annual revenues and disbursements, extracted from the records and
accompts of the said burgh, kept by me, Town-Clerk of the said
burgh, is attested at Paisley, the fourteenth day of March, one
thousand seven hundred and fifty-three years, by

(Signed) Tho, Simpson, C/k.

In 1770, when the Glasgow Town Council applied to Parliament for
an act to improve the river Cyde, they attempted at the same time to
increase the dues on goods in vessels going up and down the river
Cart. The Council, believing that if this power were obtained, it
would be injurious to the town, acted in a very spirited manner,
and, without hesitation, resolved " to oppose said application, so far
as the same may be prejudicial to the community, and appointed a
committee to conduct .said opposition, and to draw on the Treasurer
for the expenses necessary thereto" (Council Records, 26th January,
1770). The Glasgow Town Council must have abandoned their
proposal to apply for the increasing of these dues ; at least, the
subject is not again alluded to.

The Council in every way manifested their anxiety to have the
navigation of the river improved, but the great barrier in the way was
the want of funds. On 21st August, 1763, they agreed to purchase
and fit up a crane at the quay. The Glasgow Town Council,
by their operations in the improvement of the navigation of the
Clyde, and the building of stone jetties at the mouth of the Cart,
caused a raised bank to be formed, and had thereby rendered the
water at that part "considerably shallower than it was formerly, and

175° TILL 1800. 4^

had in a great measure hurt and obstructed the passage of vessels
on the Cart." A representation and complaint regarding this
injury was made to the Corporation of Glasgow, who caused their
overseer of the river to examine the mouth of Inchinnan water, and
to report as to its condition. He did so, and reported " that there
would be a necessity of erecting three jettees on each side of the
river Cart, which would undoubtedly remove any sand or mud that
has settled in that part of the water," and stated that the expense of
forming these jettees would amount to £iZ9 ^s., or thereby. The
Council ultimately accepted ;^i5o from the Glasgow Council in
full of all claims, to enable them to follow out their own plan of
deepening the mouth of the Cart and restoring it to its ancient
siaXQ ( Coimcil Jiccords, loth April, 1784). The Council afterwards
gave ^5 5s. to Mr. Bennet, overseer on the Clyde, " for his pains
and trouble in drawing plans of the river Cart and suggesting a
method how the mouth of the river could be cleaned so as not to
hurt the property of Mr. Campbell of Blythswood ;" and the balance
of the money received was to form no part of the town's revenue,
but to be applied to the purposes for which it was obtained (Council
Records, 6th August, 1784).

The first serious movement that was made by the Council for the
improvement of the navigation of the river was on 29th November,
1786, when the Magistrates laid before them "a plan and profile
of the river Cart, from Paisley to its junction with the Clyde
below Inchinnan, drawn by Mr. Robert Whitworth," along with an
estimate of the expense that it will take to deepen the river.
" The Council having deliberated on the affair, they approved of
deepening the river, and following out every preparatory step for
that purpose ; and for that end appointed the present Magistrates,
together with Messrs. Charles Maxwell, Andrew Brown, James
Wilson, John Cochran, and Andrew Smith, as a committee." Mr.
Whitworth's recommendations, contained in his report of 23rd
November, 1786, were mainly to form a canal, so as to avoid the
shallow water at Inchinnan Bridge, and the bridge itself, and to
construct a drawbridge twenty-four feet wide over this canal, on the
line of the road leading from Glasgow to Greenock. Several low
stone jettees were also to be raised in the wide part of the river
below Knock Ford and below the lower end of the proposed canal,
at different parts of the river. He stated in his report that " the
method of deepening the shallow parts of the river must be by
dragging in the manner that was done upon the Clyde ; or by
ballasting, that is, by cutting up the bed of the river with a ballast
machine and taking it into a barge. The last is the method I have
practised upon the river Thames for many years with great success.
These machines will cut up the hardest gravel, clay, &c." Mr.
Whitworth also recommended a towing-path to be formed. His
" estimate of the expense of improving the navigation of the river
Cart from Paisley to the river Clyde, by deepening the bed of it, so
as to obtain seven feet depth of water in an ordinary spring tide, as

50 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

represented upon the profile, and making a new cut and drawbridge
to pass Inchinnan Bridge and the shoals below," was as follows : —
Digging 8200 cubic yards in making proposed cut, at 2^d. per
yard, ;^85 8s. 4d.; digging or ballasting, or both, of 7700 yards
below low water mark, including the digging the foundation of the
drawbridge, at 6d. per yard, ^192 los. od.; five acres of land for
said cut and bank, at ;?^2o per acre, ;^ioo ; about 4 roods of ruble
masonry, to secure upper end of cut, at ;£^ per rood, ;!^2o ;
making a drawbridge, the side walls of which to stand on an
inverted arch, ^^470 ; ballasting to cut out the shoals to the depth
of the line G.H.I.R. in the profile, 25,000 tons, exclusive of the
rock at R. and the stoney ground at S., at 4d. per ton, ;^4i6 13s. 4d.;
cutting the rock at R. and large stones at S., ;!^ioo ; jettees, 300
yards, at 8s. per nmning yard, ^120; forming a foot towing-path
on east side of the river, 4 feet wide, 3^ miles, at 2d. per yard
running, ^^51 6s. 8d. ; two acres of land for towing-path, ;!{^4o ;
ballast -barges and machines, ropes, tackle, wheel-barrows, planks,
&c., 20 per cent, upon the whole, ^^o^ 3s. 8d; in all, the moderate
sum of;^i9oi 2S. od.

The plan supplied by Mr. Whitworth is a complete view of the
Cart from Paisley to the river Clyde, along with a longitudinal
section and several cross sections of the river. It is highly
interesting, and as it gives the first exact and full view of the river
Cart and its banks, we give a copy of it.

On the 22nd December following, the Council agreed "that the
river shall be deepened by a tonnage laid on vessels and goods
navigating the river, but that such shall not exceed tonnage up to
Glasgow." A bill to Parliament was prepared and approved of,
and submitted to the Lord- Advocate ( Council Records^ ^th Jajiuary,
^7^7-) On 7th February following, the Council signed a petition
to the House of Commons for leave to bring in a bill into Parlia-
ment for deepening the river, " and to transmit the same, along
with a copy of the bill, to Mr. Seton, their solicitor." He was
also desired to " lay the whole before Lord Abercorn for his advice,
and if his Lordship shall signify that he will be against the bill, then
he is not to present the petition to the House of Commons." On
13th March following, "the Council voted BaiUe Carlile to go to
London to support the bill." The Act was accordingly obtaine»i ;
and on the 8th June in that year, " the Council unanimously agreed
to and voted their thanks to the Earl of Abercorn, John James
Hamilton, the Lord Advocate of Scotland, and John Shaw Stewart
(the County Member), for their friendship and zeal in supporting
the bill in Parliament." The Act, as stated in the title, was for
" enabling the Magistrates and Town Council of Paisley to improve
the navigation of the river Cart, and to make a navigable cut or
canal across the turnpike road leading from Glasgow to Greenock;"
and the preamble states that the river Cart " is at present navigable
only for small boats in floods or spring tides, and even then with
much difficulty." The Council were empowered by the Act " to

5 ITU -1 LONGS 3

1750 TILL 1800. 51

make and keep the river navigable in ordinary spring tides for
vessels drawing seven feet of water," and to " erect on both sides of
the said river such and so many jettees, banks, walls, sluices, works
and fences for making, securing, keeping, and maintaining the
channel of the said river within proper bounds ; to build wharfs and
quays, and to form the canal already mentioned seven feet deep,
fifty-four wide at the top, and twenty-four wide at the bottom," and
to construct a drawbridge over it. The Council were empowered
to borrow money to the extent of ;^3ooo for executing these works,
and to levy an impost of eightpence per ton on merchandise and
fivepence per ton on coal carried on the river. Goods carried no
further than the Knock Ford were to be charged the half of these
dues ; and manure, lime, and marl for lands within five miles of the
river to be exempted.

On 26th of this month, the Council appointed a committee, whom
they called the Water Committee, " for conducting the cleaning and
deepening of the river ; but before making any contracts of conse-
quence, they were to take the minds of the Council. On the 17th
August following, the committee, after advertising for contractors,
laid before the Council two ofters to cut the canal, and the preference
was given to the one given in by Charles Hopkins. This necessary
and important contract, we learn afterwards, cost ^458 2s. 2d. At
the same meeting, the committee reported that " Mr. Douglas, of
Mains, had appointed Mr. Haiston, of Jordanhill, as his arbiter, to
value the damage done by digging the canal through Col. Camp-
bell's lands, and for towing path, &c." The Council were dissatisfied
with the choice made by Mr. Douglas, and named Mr. Robert
Corse on their part. On 1 5th September thereafter, the Council
" agreed to employ Alex. Bissland, wright. Paisley, to build and
make the draw arch, both mason and timber work, over the intended
canal at Inchinan bridge, agreeable to a proposal and offer made
by him." The price of this bridge amounted to ;^4io. The
Council thus showed great energy and zeal in making the two
principal contracts within three months after obtaining the Act of
Parliament. At the same meeting, the Council agreed to employ
Mr. Bennet to build a jettee in Inchinnan water, agreeably to a plan
prepared by Mr. Whitworth. In entering into these contracts,
money was required ; and the Council, on 1 8th October, agreed
"to take out a cash account from the Paisley Bank for ^1000 ;"
and on 14th January, 1788, the Magistrates reported that they had
agreed with John M'Kechnie, Greenock, to build two vessels or
ballast barges. On i6th August, in that year, the Council agreed
with a person " to attend to the draw-bridge till about the new year,
and to give him one shilling per day for his trouble." On 3rd
November in this year, a letter from Mr. Whitworth was laid before
the Council, pointing out the method of improving the foot of
the canal towards Colin's Island, and they authorised the committee
" to see the same put in execution as soon as the season will permit."
On 22nd April, 1789, the committee agreed "to cut the river from

5 2 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the foot of the canal to Colin's Isle, and appoint an undertaker, the
same to be advertised for in the Glasgow Mercury and Journal."
At the same meeting, they agreed " to erect a lodge to collect the
tonnage on the north end of Mr. Carswell's house, on the quay, of
seven feet long and four feet wide, or thereby." And likewise " to
build a breast at the slate quay, of four feet high above the level of
the water, and about fifty feet long, to lay sand and other things
on." Efforts were frequently made to remove the rock in the river
at Merksworth by blasting, but not with much success. On 22nd
July, 1793, the committee reported that they had entered into an
agreement with John Henderson to make the cut at Merksworth,
on the side of the river, 52 feet wide and six feet deep. By another
agreement with the same contractor, the canal, as it was called, was
to be 9}^ feet deep. It would appear that the arbiters, for some
reason which is not explained, had not fixed the price of the land
taken from Mr. Campbell of Blythswood, in connection with the
formation of the canal at Inchinnan ; for the Council, on 17th
November, 1798, "made offer to him of ^^40 stg. per acre for such
lands as have been taken of him into the navigation." They
objected, however, to pay any damages. It is likely the offer was
accepted, for the matter is not referred to again. A proposal was
brought before the Council, on 25th January, 1799, regarding the
"great advantage to the navigation of the river Cart, to have a cut,
at the nearest possible distance, from the great canal to the river
Clyde, as nearly opposite the mouth of the river Cart as may be."
Nothing was done with this proposal at that time, but it will be seen
that such an undertaking was, many years afterwards, successfully
carried out.

The following is a yearly statement of the revenue received from
tonnage dues on the river, from the passing of the Act of Parliament
till the end of the century : —

1788,

••• ^152 0

1794,

••• ^172

1789,

151 0

1795,

149

1790,

150 0

1796,

152

1791.

154 0

1797,

... 165

1792,

150 0

1798,

222

^793,

135 12

1799.

118

The money expended on the different river works under the Act
of Parliament, including the cost of the Act itself, down to the end
of the century, was ^3,804 12s. 3d. This does not include any
interest.

In the winter of 1784-85, the rivers Clyde, Cart, and other
tributary streams, were frozen during four months ; and it was not
till the middle of March that the ice broke up. In London, the
frost lasted for five months and twenty-four days — in all, 176 days — ■
the longest continuance of frost in Britain upon record. The frost
in 1739-40 continued 103 days.

1750 TILL 1800. 53

In the erection of sucli a great number of houses in all parts of
the town, as the rapid increase of population implies, building
materials were, of course, in extensive demand. The stones were
principally obtained from Gallow-green, the Craigs of Ferguslie,
Newtown, Brediland, Thrushcraig, and Nitshill. The limestone for
mortar was also brought from various places in the neighbourhood
of the town. A little to the south-east of Stanely Castle there was
a lime work, called Stanely Lime Crsiig ( JV. Seviple''s History, p.
264). In the lands of Brediland there was a good lime work, at
which were two seams of limestone about two feet apart, and each
seam about two feet thick. John Parkhill, in his autobiography,
published under the nom de pbmie of " Arthur Sneddon," states that
his father, about 1790, became the manager of this lime work, which
was situated a little eastwards from the head of the Chain Road.^
His father then lived at Bankfoot, a house a little east from the
Chain Bridge.- To the east of Blackball, on the lands of Mavisbank,
there was a lime work, and the machinery for working the pumping
apparatus for removing the water from the quarry was propelled by
a windmill (W. Sempk's History, p. 273). In 1795, lime was sold
at I OS. per chalder of 16 bolls, the boll containing from four to five
Winchester bushels of slacked lime ( IVi/son's View of Renfrewshire,
P- 273)-

The practice of pasturing the cows belonging to the burgesses
upon the common lands of the burgh, and the tending of them by
two herds, as already explained (1596), continued through the whole
of the seventeenth century, and down to the time we are at present
concerned with. These common lands were now, however, from
the demand for dwelling-houses, being built upon and enclosed, and
thereby this ancient custom came to be altogether stopped.

The two herds employed by the Council carried a large horn,
which they blew when collecting the cows in the morning, and like-
wise to let the owners know when they were bringing them in again
at the close of the day. These horns were also used by the herds
for the purpose of collecting a portion of the town's customs or
causey tax. In addition to the salary and perquisites which the
herds received from the Town Council and owners of the cows, they
were empowered to lift and retain the butter or sour milk custom,
which was the full of this horn of sour milk, for every load that was
brought into town by the farmers who lived outside the burgh
boundary. The horn was assumed to hold a Scotch pint, and very
frequently the herd got a half-penny instead of this milk, as that
was the price at which the stipulated quantity was sold. Latterly
the town herds had, besides, for their trouble, is. per annum from

^ This name has arisen from the fact that a chain was at one time placed
across the foot of this road where it joins the road from Paisley to Johnstone.

^ "The whole of the hill, from the head of Maxwelton Brae to the West Toll,
was at this time covered witli bramble and hazel bushes, hence our house was
named Bankfoot " (Autobiography of Arthur Sneddon, '^. 15).

54 HISTORY OF PAISLEY

each owner of the cows ; and from the Town Council, ^5
stg. of fee and money to purchase a plaid, and ^3 to purchase a
bull, which at the end of the season he was allowed to sell for his
own behoof The charge made by the Council was then 3s. for the
pasturage of each cow. When this practice of pasturing the
burgesses cows was stopped, and the town herds were not required,
the Council continued to levy a half-penny of custom on every cart
of sour milk brought into the town. Some of the farmers objected
to this; and in 1785, Mr. John Lock, Crookston, and Mr. John
Fleming, Hillhead, refused to pay this charge upon the butter-milk,
on the ground that the town's herds never had it in their power to
exact any milk, or money in lieu of it, alleging that when they did
get any, it was at the option of the farmers. They accordingly
raised an action in the Court of Session, which was embraced in
the one regarding the custom charged upon potatoes, to be after-
wards referred to. The judge allowed a proof, and a great many
witnesses were examined on both sides. It appears from the
evidence led, that for some time after the beginning of the eighteenth
century, the milk was brought into the town by the farmers, " either
in one or two kirns, which were upon a car, or in one or two barrels,
which were placed upon a horse's back ;" ^ and the hornful of milk
was exacted by the herd wherever he found the milk upon the
street ; and at this time " the sour milk was sold to the inhabitants
in luggies, three of which made a lucky Scots pint ; and the price
of each luggyfull was two pennies Scots," ^ or two-twelfths of a penny
sterling. As in their claim to be exempted from paying the custom-
duty on potatoes, they failed in this one also.

About 1740, the culture of potatoes was commenced in the
vicinity of Paisley, on an extensive scale, by one John Marshall,
who came from Kilsyth about that time, and took up his residence
in Renfrew. Previous to this, however, they were reared in gardens
in Paisley and its neighbourhood ; and persons who cultivated more
than they required brought them to the Cross of Paisley for sale.
The Council then began to charge one penny of custom, or
" causey tax," for each bag of potatoes so exposed. Although the
tax was not objected to at first, it was so after a time ; and in 1785,
two farmers, John Lock and John Fleming, already referred to,
raised an action in the Court of Session to have it declared that the
Council were not entitled to levy custom upon potatoes, and
alleging that they had a right by their charters only to the " ancient
customs and tolls of the burgh." The pursuers challenged at the
same time the tax upon milk, butter, meal, and fresh fish. More-
over, with regard to the tax upon potatoes, they undertook that it
had not been in operation for forty years, which prevented the right
of prescription. There were altogether twenty-one witnesses
examined in this action. They spoke of the time when the culture

^ Evidence — Law action. - Ibidem.

1750 flLL iSoO. 55

of the potato was commenced in this district, and when they were
first brought into Paisley for sale ; that potatoes at first were
brought " into the town only in pecks and half-pecks, for private
use, as people wanted them •" that " the quantities exposed at the
Cross at one time did not amount to above two pecks, and in the
course of the whole year did not exceed a boll." Another witness,
Mr. John King, who was seventy-four years of age, " remembered
that, about forty-eight years since, he saw potatoes exposed for sale
at the Cross of Paisley ; and about that time he himself brought
potatoes to the Cross for sale, and he continued this practice now
and then for several years. The potatoes which he brought into
the town at first were raised by him in a yard at a place called ' The
Hole,' and the second and subsequent years he raised potatoes in
other places at ' The Hole ' aforesaid in lazy beds ; and this was
the manner in which they were then cultivated, being then a scarce
article in the country ; that the first year he planted six pecks of
potatoes in the yard, which contained about a rood of ground, and
he brought three or four bags to market ; and the greatest quantity
which he brought in any one of these years was, he thinks, six bags ;
that the potatoes were not plentiful in the neighbourhood of Paisley ;
and at the time above-mentioned the places from which they were
brought to the town were Stanely Green, Urumonyhall, and ' The
Hole,' all in the Abbey Parish of Paisley ; and from the first two
places they came in much the same quantities as from his own
place, ' The Hole ;' and Renfrew and its neighbourhood first sent
in potatoes to the market of Paisley in any considerable quantities,
though potatoes were brought from other places in lesser quantities ;
and that at the time first -mentioned he knew that potatoes were
brought to Paisley in boats from Kintyre." On 5th December,
1789, the Court, after upwards of four years' litigation, assoilzied
the Town Conncil from the conclusions of the libel of declarator,
and found the pursuers liable in expenses. But, in consequence of
the delay that arose in adjusting the expenses, the case was not
finally settled till two years after this time.

Before the middle of the century there were, besides numerous
private gardens attached to dwelling-houses, many public gardens
and orchards ; and the inhabitants were therefore w^ell supplied with
every kind of vegetable and fruit. They were situated in diff"erent
parts of the town ; and before the end of the century there were no
less than eighteen gardens ( W. Semplis History, p. 331). For
two hours every forenoon, vegetables were exposed for sale at the
market cross, outside, but on a line with the " plain stanes," and the
" kail wives," as they were termed, who sold them, were for the
most part protected from inclement weather by small tents, gene-
rally painted red.

Although the calling of the packman or chapman may be said to
be now extinct in Scotland, yet it is known to have existed for
many centuries. They are referred to in the poem of " The Three

56 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Tales of the Three Priests of Peebles," written during the reign of
James III. Sir James Semple of Belltrees, in his once-popular
poem of " The Packman's Paternoster," published in 1669, makes
the itinerant merchant have a long discussion with a priest in rela-
tion to the abuses of the Romish religion. The most prosperous
period of the chapman was between the first quarter of the last
century and the end of the first decade in the current century.
Packmen travelled regularly throughout the country, and also
exposed their wares at the fairs in the different towns Some of
them carried their goods in carts, others on horseback, — the goods,
in bales, being hung on each side of the horse ; and many travelled
on foot, with immense packs on their backs. They carried almost
every description of goods, including Paisley muslins, lawns, and
ribbons. They were, besides, welcome visitors in the country
districts, for they were newsmongers, and were generally hospitably
entertained by those they visited. Those of them who were perse-
vering and energetic, and had a good address, were almost all
prosperous, becoming ultimately merchants with shops of their own.
Numerous stories are told about pedlars rising to eminence in their
business, but this was not the case with poor Alexander Wilson, the
gifted Paisley poet, who wrote the poem of " The Pack," " Apollo
and the Pedlar," " The Loss of the Pack," " Epistle to a Brother
Pedlar," " The Insulted Pedlar," and his prose " Journal as a
Pedlar." John Brown, Professor of Divinity in the Secession
Church, and author of the " Commentary on the Sacred Scrip-
tures," " The Biblical Dictionary," and many other learned works,
carried a pack in his youth.

The leading industry continued to be the weaving of cloth of
different kinds ; and the successful introduction of the manufacture
of silk gauze, about 1760, gave a great impetus to the trade and the
prosperity of the town. To Mr. Humphrey Fulton belongs the
honour of introducing this manufacture into Scotland. In company
with his two sons, he carried on a most extensive business, and
often employed in Paisley and the surrounding villages from 400 to
600 looms in the various branches of manufacture, and gave daily
bread to 1000 and frequently 1500 people (Weavers' Magazine,
vol. I, p. 45). He was born at Midtown of Threapwood, in the
parish of Beith, on 17 th April, 1713 (J. Pater son's History of
County of Ayr, vol. i, p. 265). When a young man, he was a pack-
man ; and after travelling extensively both in Scotland and Eng-
land, he first commenced the manufacture of linen and lawn goods
in Beith. In 1 749 he removed to Paisley, and conducted the same
business till he commenced the silk manufacture. He died on
27th May, 1779, leaving two sons, one of whom bought the Hart-
field and the other the Park estates. The goods made in Paisley,
and exposed for sale in the London market, were soon found to be
of very superior quality ; and they were so moderately priced, that
one or two manufacturing firms were induced to leave London and

1750 TILL 1800. 57

open establishments in Paisley. Their success was so great, that
other firms followed ; and the trade increased to such an extent,
that manufacturers of these goods soon had warehouses in London,
Dublin, and other important towns. Some of them had shops even
in Paris for the disposal of the goods they produced with so much
skill and taste. Spitalfields, which had hitherto been the seat
of the manufacture, was in a measure superseded by Paisley. In
1766, a hst of the looms in Paisley was taken, and found to be as
follows: — Linen, 855 looms; silk, 702 looms; thick work, 45
looms; network, 165 looms — in all, 1767 looms ( ^V. Semple's
History, p. 324). Seven years afterwards, when a list of the looms
was again taken, they were found to be as follows : — Silk looms,
876 ; ribbon looms, 155 ; linen or lawn, 557 ; thick goods, 66 ; and
empty looms, 579 — in all, 2233 looms. At this period, or soon
after, a large number of looms was employed throughout the
county. The extent of the manufactures of Paisley can best be
judged by comparing the number just given with the total number
of looms, including those in the neighbouring villages, at subsequent
dates, which may be stated thus : —

1776. 1781.

Silk looms, ... ... ... ... 2500 4800

Linen or lawn, ... ... ... 1500 2000

Total, ... ... ... 4000 6800

"In 1780 there were eighteen manufacturing firms in Paisley, six of
which belonged to London, and kept stocks in their warehouses
there ; and eight of the other twelve had also warehouses in London "
(W. Semple's History, p. 323).

In 1 79 1-2, when the silk manufacture had declined, and muslin
had taken the foremost place, there were fewer looms engaged in
the towns and villages of our county. Within Renfrewshire alone
there were : — -

In Paisley and suburbs.

In the parish of Eastwood,

In the parish of Kilbarchan,

In the parish of Lochwinnoch,

In the parish of Neilston, ...

And in the other parishes in the county, ...

Total, 5032 „

(Statistical Account, 1793.)

State of the Silk Gauze for 1284.
(W. Carlile, in the Scots Magazine, vol. 49, p. 324, No. for July, 1787.)
Number of weavers employed, not under ... 5000
Winders, warpers, clippers, drawboys, and others
necessary in the various parts of the silk
manufacture, ... ... ... ... 5000

E io,oco

3602

looms,

470

417

135

152

256

58 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Suppose these 10,000 workers at an average to
earn 5s. per week, the sum paid for wages
will be ^130,000

Every silk loom produces in value yearly, upon

an average, ^70, the amount is ... ... 350,000

The Value of Paisley Manufactures for 1784.

Silk gauzes, ... ... ... ...^350,000 o o

Lawns and thread gauze, ... ... 164,385 16 6

Thread, 64,800 o o

^579,185 16 6
The Number of People Employed.

Lawn branch — Weavers, ... ... ... 2400

Spinners, ... ... ... ... ... 7384

Winders, warpers, clippers, &c., ... ... 1000

Overseers, ... ... ... ... ... 100

Makers of machinery and implements, ... 800

Thread spinners, winders, bleachers, twiners, &c., 4800

Silk weavers, ... ... ... ... ... 5000

Winders, warpers, clippers, &c., ... ... 5000

Total employed, ... ... ... 26,484

The other goods manufactured in Paisley, such as plain, striped,
spotted, and figured lawns, bordered handkerchiefs, plain and
figured gauze, along with other fabrics, were distinguished by great
taste and superior workmanship. In the home and foreign markets
the various goods thus manufactured in Paisley came to be in great
demand, and the foundations of extensive businesses were laid.
The subjoined reports of the Stampmasters to the Board of Trustees
for Fisheries, at different periods, will show the progress of these
branches of trade : —

1744,

1748,

1750,

1760,

1770,

1780,

1784,

1791,

1793,

The following from the pen of Mr. William M'Gavin (who lived in
Paisley about twenty years), regarding the weaving trade in the
town about 1789, is trustworthy and highly interesting : —

" About this time silk -weaving was going out of fashion, and that
of muslin was taking its place, which made a great change in the
circumstances, and eventually in the state and character of the in-

Yards.

Value.

353>4o7

.. ;^i5,886

413,660

23,671

567,805

41,710

812,328

54,442

632,834

64,547

1,492,973

93,347

1,922,020

164,385

• — •

82,009

—

58,749

1750 TILL 1800. 59

habitants. The silk manufacture was engrossed by a few great
capitahsts, who could set at defiance all rivalry by poorer men.
They were not under the necessity of competing with one another
to force' the sale of goods by underselling and running the prices
down to the lowest rate. The weavers' hours of labour were moder-
ate, yet they were so well paid that they could dress like gentlemen,
and many of them bought houses vvith their savings. The raw
material of the silk weaving was brought from foreign parts, and sold
for cash at the India House ; but cotton yarn was spun at home in
immense quantities, and could be had in sufificient abundance by
any man who could command five pounds of money, or had credit
to that amount. Thus hundreds became manufacturers of muslin
who could never have produced a web of silk. The market became
overstocked with goods. Those who had got their yarn on credit
were obliged to sell at an undervalue, or at whatever they got, in
order to pay their bills. Then the prices of weaving were reduced
to the lowest possible rate. Men were required to work longer
hours to make a living, which increased the evil by bringing forward
an extra quantity of goods " (The Posthunwiis Works of Williani
M^ Gavin, vol. i., p. 16).

We take the following from the Glasgow Mercury newspaper, of
22nd November, 1791 : — " A few months ago, Mr. Andrew Wright,
of Paisley, wove a web of silk, spun from worms of his own rearing.
This, we are told, is the first web of the kind made in Britain. Mr.
Wright is decidedly of opinion that this climate is extremely favour-
able to the rearing of the silkworm, and that the only obstacle to its
becoming a valuable branch of trade is the scarcity of mulberry
trees. A few plantations of such trees would in time remove this
obstacle."

When light lawn cloth was made, many bleachfields came into
operation in the town and surrounding districts. The streams
whose banks were favoured as sites for these were the Candren and
the Espedair, to the south and south-west of the town. The water
in these rivulets was pure, and was considered the most suitable for
the washing and purifying of that cloth. There were about a dozen
of these bleachfields in full operation at this time. In addition to
these, there were eight bleachfields on the river Cart, between the
Sneddon and the Saucel, for the bleaching of thread.

The next important branch of industry in Paisley was the manu-
facture of thread, which greatly increased, and gave employment to
many people. The different kinds of threads made at this time in
Paisley were — Nuns, or ounce thread ; Lisle, or dozen thread ;
Lash thread, used for heddles ; flourishing cotton, for embroidery ;
India cotton, for flowering ; and wave thread. In 1784, the num-
ber of machines employed in twining thread was about 120. Each
machine, upon an average, twined about 2400 spindles, making the
total quantity, 288,000 ; which, at the estimated value of 4s. 6d.

6o HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

each spindle, gives for the total value of thread made annually,
;^64,8oo (William Carlile, in the Scots Magazine, vol. xlix., p. 294,
No. for June, 1787). Mr. M'Gavin's remarks on this trade also
will be found very instructive : —

" With the view of going into business, I spent a few months with
Mr. Walker and my brother, to make myself acquainted with the
trade of threadmaking. This I found a very pleasant business. I
had a variety of active employment, with perfect freedom from
anxiety of mind. I then set up a small concern in the thread line,
which I intended to pursue for the remainder of my life. It had
been at one time the staple trade of Paisley. Many families had
been supported, and some enriched by it ; but the tide was turning
by this time, and it was about to be superseded by an article made
of cotton upon another principle. After two years, I found it neces-
sary to abandon it, which I did, with considerable loss. This
brought me into debt, though happily I suffered no embarrassment,
and did not even require to make the fact known to the public.
My worthy friend Mr. Walker paid all my engagements, and took
my bill for the amount, trusting to my integrity and future industry
for payment, which I effected, with interest, in about three years "
(Posthumous Works of Williain J\P Gavin, vol. i., p. 27).

Mr. Macdowall, M.P. for the County, must have looked after the
weaving industries of the town very carefully, for on 20th August,
1784, "The Magistrates and Council unanimously voted thanks
to William Macdowall, Esq., Member for the County, for the
attention he paid to the manufacturing interests in this place,
by obtaining an exemption of the lawns and gauzes, of linen or
namested, figured or sprigged with cotton, from the tax proposed.
And likewise for his cordial union with other members in obtaining
the proposed duty upon manufactured silks to be laid upon the raw
materials ; and appointed the Magistrates to intimate this to Mr.
Macdowall."

When the prosperity of the town was thus increasing rapidly, the
Town Council bought the property in High Street adjoining the
Tollbooth ; and in 1751 they erected a public inn upon the site,
which was first called the " 'i'ovvn's House," and afterwards " The
Saracen's Head Inn." The building was three storeys high, and
the entry to it, nine feet wide, was from High Street, and had a
shop on each side. In 1759 the yearly rent was ;£'^6, and in 1761,
;^40. On 6th August, 1784, the Council agreed " to repair Andrew
Drew's shop, and to set it for a coffee-room along with the Town's
Inn." This was the eastmost shop, which was changed into a
coffee or reading room, most likely because the news-room, already
referred to, was found to be greatly deficient in accommodation.
The reading-room appears to have been always kept open on Sun-
days. At anyrate, it was so in 1789 ; for on the ist May in that year
we find " the Council are of opinion that Mr. Sinclair must shut up

175° TILL 1800. 61

the Coffee Room on Sabbaths during the time of divine worship,
and till it be four o'clock in the afternoon." In January, 1791, the
Council agreed to add to the inn, at the back, an assembly-hall,
with bedrooms above, and cellarage, along with a building for
stabling and hay -loft. In March, 1794, the inn was let at ^it^o of
yearly rent. The accommodation in the Town's House at this
time, according to a notice advertising it to be let, consisted of " a
large coffee-room, a large ball-room, six large parlours, twelve bed-
rooms ; besides a garret, a very convenient kitchen, with a suffi-
ciency of cellars and offices, an excellent stable that will contain
20 horses, likewise a hay-loft." Mr. Sloan, the tenant at this time,
changed the name to the " Saracen's Head Inn," and fixed up on
the front in High Street a signboard, with a portrait on it represent-
ing a savage-looking Saracen holding a scimitar in one of his hands.
The year ending Whitsunday, 1 79S, was the last year of the coffee-room
in the Town's House, — the annual subscription at that time being
i6s., and the number of subscribers 169. The following newspapers
were then received into the reading-room : — London — Sitn (two
copies), Star (two copies), Courier (two copies). Morning Chronicle
(two copies) ; Oracle (Dublin), a daily paper ; Edinburgh — Cale-
donian Mercury, Advertiser, Scots Chronicle ; Glasgow — Advertiser,
Courier (two copies), Monthly Review, and British Critic. Insuffi-
cient accommodation in this reading-room caused the subscribers
to raise a fund of ^800, in 160 shares of ^^5 each, with which they
bought a shop at the Cross in Moss Street, with a flat above, which
was made suitable for a reading-room.

Another of the ancient landmarks of the town was ordered to be
removed, as being no longer required in its altered circumstances.
On 8th December, 1763, the Council resolved "that the Bridge
Port be taken down, as useless, and obstructing the view betwixt
the town and Smithhills." In the same minute it is, however,
further stated that this was done " at the request of Dundonald."

The Council, in consequence of the great prosperity of the town
and increase in the population, agreed to carry out further improve-
ments for the benefit of the inhabitants. Hence the erection of a
new flesh-market and slaughter-house ('G^/zz/r// Records, i8th Feb.,
1764). The site they selected for this public building was "their
own steading in Moss Row," and they purchased a tenement ad-
joining, along with "a steading in Litsars' Wynd" (Dyers' Wynd).
On 2nd April following, a plan of the new flesh-market and
slaughter-house, " along with an elevation drawing by Bailie John
Whyte, was submitted to the Council and approved of" The new
market fronted Moss Street. A contemporary says it " is seventy-
two feet long, has a genteel front of cut stone, and is one of the
neatest and most commodious of the kind in Britain. It cost the
community ^1200 stg." (Pcnnanfs Tour in Scotland, vol. ii., p. 16).
The shambles were immediately behind the market, and the entry

2633

2412

2o8l

2978

138

2682

2220

1806

2158

2488

2IOO

1594

2564

2601 2244 1827 2567 99

62 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

to them was from Dyers' Wynd. The following account of the
number of cattle, &c., killed in this market at different periods,
will serve to give an idea of the consumption of butcher- meat in
the town: —

From September Oxen and
to September. Cows. Calves. Sheep. Lambs. Hogs. Goats.

1781 - 1782, ... 2193 2724 3318 3219 80 87^

1791-1792, ...
1792- 1793, ...
1793 -1794, •••

Average of these
three years.

This does not include what may have been killed outside the burgh
boundary.

The previous flesh-market was on the opposite side of the same
street ; and, after the erection of the new market, was converted
into the tron and custom booth, where butter, cheese, fish, and
several other articles were sold by the tron pound of 22^ ounces.
Above this custom booth was the assembly hall, which was repaired
in 1 77 1, and let for a dancing school (W. Sonp/cs History, p. 318).

The Council continued to have four officers and a drummer.
One of the officers, through old age, became unable to perform his
duties; and in 1765 the Council adopted a most unusual, but at
the same time a very economical, method of assisting him. On 4th
April of that year, when removed from his situation, the Council
agreed that, "on account of his long and faithful services, they hereby
burden the four town officers with the payment by each of them of
;£\ stg. yearly to the said W'"- Stewart during his life, and payable
at the month of January in each year." The Council also agreed
to pay him ^£2 yearly.

On 30th January, 1767, the Council, " on the application of some
of the chief inhabitants of the city of Glasgow, agreed to contribute
^40 towards the expense of building a new bridge betwixt the said
city of Glasgow and the village of Gorbals," but on the condition
that it shall " be a free and open bridge, without payment of pont-
age or any duty whatever." On nth February, 1774, Avhen the
Glasgow Town Council were " about to apply to Parliament for an
Act to augment or double the pontage on their new bridge," the
Paisley Town Council agreed to join the gentlemen in the county
in opposing such an Act being granted, and to subscribe money in
proportion to the valuation of the cess.

1 The value of the cows was ;^5 each ; the calves, 4s. each ; the sheep, 8s.
each ; the lambs, 4s. each ; the hogs, 15s. each; and the goats, 3s. each ;— in
whole, ;^2588 17s. stg. (IV. Scmplc's History, p. 318).

- John Wilson of \\\\A\:V—Gaicrai View of Ihc Agric-icllnrc of KciijiLiosliire.

175° TILL 1800. 6;^

When a bill was brought into Parliament in 1778 to repeal certain
penalties and disabilities imposed on the Roman Catholics, a great
sensation was created in Scotland, under the fear that it was for
their complete emancipation and restoration to power. This sub-
ject came under the consideration of the Council in consequence of
" a petition from representatives of the Incorporations, setting forth
that they and their constituents, being friends to the Protestant
interest and firmly attached to the present Constitution, are appre-
hensive that an attempt will soon be made to obtain a repeal of the
statutes against Popery in this country : they therefore intimate
their unanimous resolution to assist and support the Magistrates
and Council in taking such legal and constitutional steps as they
shall judge necessary for preventing the same taking place " (Council
Records, 30th December, i^tS). There do not appear to have
been any further manifestations in Paisley in this direction, but it
was very different in many other towns. ^

The Kirk-Session of Paisley also objected strongly to this bill,
and at a meeting held in January, 1779, expressed their disappro-
bation of it, "as equally contrary to religion and sound policy.
Popery is in its very nature destructive of the best interests of man-
kind ; its principles and tenets are in many instances directly con-
trary to the important doctrines of our holy religion ; and its
system of morals subversive of the foundations of all civil hberty.
Nor can this design, if carried into execution, fail to alienate from
Government the affections of many loyal subjects, who have always
approved themselves zealous friends of the Revolution settlement
and of the illustrious House of Hanover. Add to this that the pro-
posed repeal appears to be unjust in itself, as calculated to deprive
both the nation and Church of Scotland of privileges dearly pur-
chased by our ancestors, and unalterably secured to us by the
Claims of Right and Articles of Union solemnly ratified betwixt the
two nations in 1707." The Abbey Session also, on nth February,
1779, appointed proper persons "to collect the opinions of the
inhabitants of the parish with regard to repealing of the penal
statutes against Papists in Scotland ; and after having heard the
sentiments of each family apart, found the opinion of upwards of

^ In Leitli, on 31st January, 1779, a numerous mob assembled and burned a
house to the ground, which, it was alleged, was being used as a chapel by the
Roman Catholics. Next day, several other houses in Edinburgh in which Popish
clergy resided were destroyed.

In Glasgow, a mob proceeded to a Popish chapel in High Street, and after
expelling the congregation, destroyed a number of pictures representing the dif-
ferent saints hung around the altar. The populace also destroyed the shop of a
man of the Roman Catholic persuasion ; and when stopped by the military, they
went to his house in the east end of the town, and burned it to the ground
(Chronicles of St. Micngo, p. 261).

No place was more zealous in opposition to the Popish Bill of 1779 than
Paisley. It was not without danger that a person durst venture to express him-
self even with indifference on the subject. At this period not a Papist was
known in Paisley (Wilson's View of RenJravsJiire, p. 260).

64 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

looo heritors, heads of famiUes, and a very numerous body of
other inhabitants, to be against their repeal."

In 1 781 the Protestant feehng in the town was very strong. The
seventeen Societies, as a proof of their enthusiasm, collected ;;^86,
which they sent to Lord George Gordon to assist in payment of the
expenses incurred in pleading the Protestant cause in London.
Also, on 8th January, 1 781, the Incorporations of Weavers, Tailors,
Smiths, Gardeners, Shoemakers, Masons, Fleshers, Bakers, Malt-
men, Old Journeymen ^Veavers, Princes Incorporation, Maxwelton,
Sandholes, Croft Incorporations, at a meeting, resolved " that it is
their opinion that the Protestant interest can never be secure so
long as Popish priests, schoolmasters, and Jesuits are tolerated by
law to propagate their anti-christian superstition within any part of
these united kingdoms ; that, though the petitions of the English
Protestant associations were not attended with that success last
session of Parliament which they deserved, yet the friends of the
Protestant ought by no means to be discouraged, so as to give up
the glorious cause of our Religion and Constitution ; that the Right
Honourable Lord George Gordon deserves all legal support and
sympathy under his present distressing and critical confinement ;
that he was neither the author nor promoter of the late horrid riots ;
and that he will soon quit the horrid abode of a prison, and shine
forth like the sun from behind a dark cloud with redoubled lustre "
(IF. Scmple's History, p. 329).

The Masonic Lodges established in the town were the St. Mirin,
on 9th May, 1749 ; the Renfrew County Kilwinning, on 23rd
November, 1750 : the St. James Paisley, in 1773 ; and the Paisley
Royal Arch, which received a charter of constitution and erection
from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, i8th March, 1777 (W. Sempl^s
History, p. 330).

It is not known at what time the custom was originated by
the Town Council of burgesses and others perambulating the
boundaries of the burgh annually, on what was called Lonimer's
Day. It is an ancient custom, not only in this burgh, but in many
others in Scotland. The records of the Town Council, however,
are silent regarding its establishment. As representing the com-
munity, they are the Superiors of all the land within the burgh ; and
it certainly is a proper thing that a day should be set apart for
perambulating their property, to see that none of the ancient land-
marks showing its boundaries have been removed or destroyed.

" It [Lonimer] is a pure Saxon word, though in the West it has been
corrupted by elision into Lonymer or Lanymer, from Londe-demer
and Lande-demer, a judger and determiner of land. Deem, and
doom, and daim are all from the same verb, though in present use their
oblique significations are considerably different. The word Land-
decmcr appears to have been indiscriminately applied either to the

175° TILL iSoo. 65

officer on whom the duty of riding the marches devolved, or to
the upright stone, tree, water, or whatever else served to denote a
boundary. The word in its latter signification we find used and
spelt " Landymere " in the famous controversy between George
Abbot of Paisley and the burgh of Renfrew anent the marches of
the regality of Paisley and those of that burgh, which was settled by
arbitration in 1408/'^ The first account we have of holding this
day is by William Semple, the historian of Renfrewshire in 1781,
and is as follows : —

" All the new-elected Bailies, Treasurer, and Councillors, who
never were elected into said offices before, with all the new-entered
burgesses, annually, upon the second Tuesday of June, walk round
the five-merk lands or royalty of Paisley, attended by the town
officers and a great number of spectators ; which custom is called
Landymers, or land marches. Within the town's marches are three
wells, viz., Castlehead Well, Lone Well, and Craig's Well, where
they are all stopped and washed at. While walking through the
Moss, they pull a number of flowers, such as that soil produces ; and
at the Duseing Brae, viz., at the north end of the Long Lone,
where Paisley horse race starts,- they are stopped, not without both
mirth and terror ; then two of the officers take the person highest
in office first, and taking hold of his shoulders and legs, then with
a swing return his posteriors with a velocity against said brae,
which is called " douping ;" this being thrice repeated, the person is
a free brother burgess. All the rest are served after the same
manner. Generally, the first person so served assists for one in
serving the next. When this ceremony is ended, then they walk,
all in grand procession, attended by the ISLigistrates with officers,
and drums beating before them, — being all ornamented with the
foresaid flowers,- — from the said brae to the Town House, and all
dine together, each one at his own expense " ( JK Scmplis History,
P- 311)-

On 3rd October, 1791, "the Council enact that in future every
person who enters burgess, and who dines with the Council at
Head Courts or Lonimer's days, shall pay half-a-crown for his dinner
and drink, and the like sum for his cautioner, if he be present."^

^ Paisley Advaiisex, 28th June, 1828. The learned author is no doubt
William Motherwell, who was the editor of the newspaper at that time.

* Duseing Brae, here described, is on the site of the cottage called Springbank,
at the east end of the Shambles Road, recently named Springbank Road, on the
west side of Love Street. Long Lone is now called Love Street.

^ Many of the burghs in Scotland preserve the practice of " riding the marches "
with all the ceremony of former times. At Lanark, the celebration takes place
on the last Wednesday of May, old style. .A. procession of boys is formed,
headed by a band of music. The procession ends at the "ducking hole," on the
border of the burgh lands, where those who have joined the diversions for the
first time are compelled lo wade in and touch a stone in the centre of the pond.
They are tumbled over and drenched. The procession next marches to the
plantations of Jerviswoode and Cleghorn, where the youths cut boughs from the

66 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

An attempt having been made by the Government to make the
laws relating to the importation of grain more stringent, the Council
were very zealous in co-operating with other public bodies in
attempts to prevent the proposed change, and also in petitioning
the legislature themselves. On 20th October, 1786, they appointed
a committee to correspond with any public body in Glasgow and
other neighbouring towns that agreed to oppose the proposed laws,
" and that to the utmost of their power."

On 19th October, 1786, there was a contest between Mr. John
Shaw-Stewart of Greenock and Mr. William Macdowall of Garthland,
for the representation of the county in Parliament. On the day of
voting, the former had 64 votes, and the latter 44 votes. Shortly
afterwards, Mr. Stewart, the successful candidate, sent four hogs-
heads of beer to the inhabitants of Paisley, as an acknowledgment
for their peaceable behaviour at the late election, and ;Q2 2s. to the
Town House, which was divided among the poor prisoners. About
the same time, Mr. Macdowall, the unsuccessful candidate, gave the
Magistrates ;^io los., to be distributed among the poor (Glasgow
Mercury newspaper).

In 1788, the inhabitants manifested their appreciation of the

birch trees, with which they proceed through the streets in boisterous triumph.
They finally assemble at the Cross, where, under a statue reared to the memory
of Wallace, they sing " Scots wha hae." The juvenile celebration terminates at
noon. The Magistrates and Town Council now appear at the Ci'oss, attended
by the town drummer on horseback. A procession is formed, which, after
inspecting the marches, enters the race ground. There, amidst demonstrations
of merriment from the assembled multitude, a race is ran for a pair of spurs.
The proceedings terminate in a banquet in County Hall (Scotland, Social and
Domestic, by Charles Rogers, p. 154).

At Linlithgow, the Sovereign's health is drunk at the Cross. When the
glasses are drained off, they are tossed among the crowd. A procession is
formed. The Members of the Coi^poration, seated in carriages, take the lead ;
then follow the Trades, bearing banners. The farm-servants of the neighbour-
hood, mounted, and displaying from their bonnets a profusion of ribands, bring
up the rear. After a march of several miles, the procession returns to the Cross,
whence the different bodies proceed to their favourite taverns, to dedicate the
evening to social mirth (Scotland, Social and Domestic, by Charles Rogers,
P- 154)-

At Dumfries, every first of October, the Magistrates, Town Council, Incor-
porated Trades, and other burgesses, assembled at the Market Cross or White
Lands, and having been duly marshalled, proceeded with banners and music along
the far-stretching line which enclosed the property of the burgh. Their course
was first to the Castle, then do\ni Friars V^ennel, and along the Green Sands to
the Moat at the head of the town. As a matter of course, the cavalcade was
accompanied bya crowd of juveniles, who at this stage were treated with a scramble
for apples — the town officers throwing among them the tempting fruit. The
marchers then passed through the grounds to the village of Stoop, at the race-
course, near which a race was engaged in for a saddle and pair of spurs. They
afterwards went to Kelton Well, where, after being refreshed with something
stronger than the produce of the well, the roll of heritors was read over, and
absentees were liable to be fined for not being present at the ceremony
(M'Daioall's History of Dumfries, p. 307).

175° I'iLL 1800. 67

benefits wrought by the Revolution of 1688 in a very demonstrative
manner. On 4th November in that year, " the windows of the more
wealthy part of the inhabitants were in the evening generally illu-
minated, and the utmost cheerfulness and happiness prevailed. On
the thanksgiving day, the churches were crowded, and the audiences
all appeared to be impressed with a just and becoming sense of the
blessings of civil and religious liberty, which they enjoyed under a
mild and just government to so much greater an extent than their
forefathers before the accession of King William III. to the throne "
(Glasgow Alercury).

On nth May, 1790, the Council signed a petition to the House of
Commons, and another to the House of Lords, "to oppose the bill
depending relative to the Corn Laws from passing into a law, and to
employ counsel in the matter." And authorised the Magistrates
" to form resolutions on the subject, and publish the same in the
London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow newspapers." On T8th July in
the following year, they agreed to send to Mr. Macdowall, M.P. for
the county of Renfrew, a letter of thanks for his great attention to
the business of the Council in regard to the Corn Bill.

In the wars in which the Government were engaged from time to
time, the Council and principal inhabitants, to strengthen the hands
of the Government, and to testify their loyalty and sympathy, gave
bounties to those inhabitants who volunteered to serve the country
in the navy and army. In February, 1778, they offered a bounty
of five guineas to every able-bodied man, residing in the town and
Abbey parish, who shall, betwixt the first day of April next, volun-
tarily enhst in any of His Majesty's regiments of foot, from the first
to the seventy-first inclusive, or in the marine service ; and that over
and above His Majesty's bounty. And on 27th July, 1779, they
authorised the " Magistrates to offer, by advertising, a bounty, over
and above His Majesty's bounty, or any other bounty, of four
pounds for every able-bodied seaman, and two guineas for every
ordinary seaman and landsman, resident in the town and Abbey
parish." In August, 1781, the Renfrew County Kilwinning Lodge,
from a desire to promote His Majesty's service, and from the
esteem they had for Brother Captain William Walkinshaw, agreed
to offer a bounty of one guinea to each man who should, betwixt
and the loth of September following, voluntarily enlist to serve in
his independent company of foot, then being raised by him. This
bounty was to be in addition to what was given by Captain Walkin-
shaw (Glasgow Mercury).

The Revolution, which commenced in France in 1789, had a
most pernicious influence over many individuals of the working
classes in this country. In several towns, the people after a time
became inspired with revolutionary sentiments, and in 1792 dis-
turbances broke forth in several parts of England. At Sheffield, a

68 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

day was appointed to rejoice over the success of the French revo-
kitionary arms ; and there were outbreaks at Yarmouth and
Shields. There were also riots at Dundee, Perth, and Aberdeen,
and military aid was required to quell them. At Dundee, a meeting
Avas held ostensibly regarding the high price of meal, but before it
closed there were cries of " Liberty and Equality."' Some even
called out, " No Excise, no King," and they concluded with planting
a Tree of Liberty, according to the pattern of France (Life of Pitt,
by Stanhope, vol. ii., p. 175). A public meeting of the principal
inhabitants of Paisley, called by the Magistrates, was held in the
Court Hall, in December, 1792, to take into consideration the state
of the country, and passed a series of resolutions. Those present
declared their steady attachment to the principles of the British
Constitution ; that any attempt to overturn or alter it proceeded
from the secret enemies of the country, whom they held in abhor-
rence ; and resolved to give every assistance to Government in pre-
serving the peace of the country. On 2 1 st January, 1 7 93, the head of
the dethroned French king, after a mock trial, fell beneath the blow of
the guillotine. And, on ist February following, the overstrained peace
relations between France and England were broken up altogether,
by the former declaring war against this country and Holland.
Then followed that long series of bloody and expensive hostihties
in Europe, extending over a period of twenty-two years.

In some parts of Scotland the popular revolutionary feeling took
a firm hold. A meeting of delegates from all parts of Scotland was
held in J^dinburgh, adopting, in imitation of the French, the name
of a convention, and every member was styled " citizen." After
they had continued their debates for about a month, the Provost of
Edinburgh entered their room, with a suitable force, and ordered
"Citizen President" to leave the chair. Skirving, their secretary,
and Margorat and Gerald, were afterwards brought to trial ; and,
being found guilty, were sentenced to be transported for fourteen
years. These conventions or societies, which were held in several
towns in Scotland, were, among other things, in favour of putting an
end to waging war with their brother citizens in France.^ In
Paisley such a society existed, and issued a declaration, dated 12th
March, 1793, which they pubHshed in the newspapers.

At this critical period the Government took precautionary mea-
sures of defence, by increasing the military forces of the country
both by land and sea. A part of the militia were called out by
royal proclamation. And on ist April, 1793, a meeting of the
Magistrates and principal inhabitants was held in the Court Hall,
who, after considering the present honourable and necessary war in
which Great Britain is engaged with the ruling powers of France,
and considering that the steady manning of His Majesty's navy is of

1 In January, 1 793, the Rev. James Steven, Lochwinnoch, pieached an able
and powerful sermon in the Parish Church in favour of the British Constitution,
which was afterwards published at the request of many of his parishioners.

175° TILL 1800. 69

great importance to this country, resolved to offer a bounty to the
first hundred seamen or landsmen belonging to, or who have resided
in, the county for six months, and who shall voluntarily enter with
the regulating captain at Greenock before ist May next : — Three
guineas to each able-bodied seaman, and two guineas to every
ordinary seaman or landsman (Glasgow Mercury). The money
raised by the inhabitants to pay for these bounties amounted to
£S2)'^ ^s- -^ bill was brought in for restraining the export of arms
and ammunition, and another for prohibiting the export of grain,
on 22nd March, 1793. The Council of Paisley authorised the
Magistrates to subscribe ^^50 to the fund towards the encourage-
ment of seamen entering the navy, and also to call a meeting of the
principal inhabitants to contribute to a subscription for the same
purpose.^

To assist the local civil powers in preserving peace, troops were
quartered by orders of the Government in the large towns in dif-
ferent parts of the country. These soldiers also made every effort
to secure recruits, who were so much wanted for the army and navy
in connection with the war against France. A body of troops was
sent by the Government to Paisley ; and as there was no regular
barracks to put them into, the Council agreed that they should be
accommodated in " their large granary, now completely finished."^
For the security of the country, the Government recommended that
bodies of Volunteers, both infantry and cavalry, should be formed.
Paisley at once responded to this call ; and by the energy mainly
of Mr. William M'Kerrell of Hillhouse, then a merchant in Paisley,
this town " had the honour of raising the first Volunteer corps em-
bodied in Scotland during the revolutionary war"^ (History of

■^ The Presbytery of Paisley, "having taken into their consideration the irre-
ligion and inhumanity of the French nation," deemed it to be their duty in this
eventful period to issue a printed address (dated 5th February, 1794) to the
people under their charge.

- Council Records, 23rd May, 1794. This granary, as it was called, was
situated, we beheve, at what is now St. George's Place.

^ The M'Kerrels were an ancient family in Ayrshire. Sir John M'Kirel dis-
tinguished himself at the celebrated battle of Otterburn, on 19th August, 1388.
The first of the name in connection with the property of Hillhouse was William
M'Kerrel, who at the beginning of the seventeenth century was Sheriff-Clerk of
Ayr. He died in October, 1629. It is not known when a descendant of the
M'Kerrels commenced business in Paisley and came to reside there, but it must have
been about the middle of the seventeenth century ; for "Jon M'Kerrell, broyer
to Hilhous," was one of the witnesses to the important contract of 3rd May,
1658, already described, between Lord Cochran and the Master of Cochran and
the Town Council of Paisley. In 1726, the freedom of the burgh was conferred
on John M'Kerrel, Esq., and the following is a copy of the burgess ticket :—
" Att Pasley, the twenty-eight day of March, one thousand seven hundred and
twenty-six years. — The which day, John M'Kerrell, Esquier, for his good deeds
done, and to be done, for the ability of the said Brugh, was by the Bailies and
Councell thereof made and created a free Burges of the samen, and admitted to
the whole priviledges and immunities of the said Brugh as a free burges in all
tym coming. Who made faith as use is, and thereupon a.sked instruments. —

70 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Ayrshire, by James Paterson, vol. ii., p. 32). In July, 1794, the
gentlemen of the county of Renfrew resolved to offer to Govern-
ment to raise a corps of infantry, consisting of 400 men. The
Town Council likewise entered heartily into the movement, and
" unanimously agreed to make a present of a stand of colours to the
Paisley Volunteers, with the town's arms thereon, — the expense
whereof not to exceed twenty guineas " (Council Records, loth
September, 1794). On 25th October following, being the anniver-
sary of His Majesty's accession to the throne, the Royal Volunteers
marched to the Cross, where they gave four volleys, amidst the
cheers of the numerous onlookers ; and, on the fourth of the follow-
ing month, the Magistrates presented their colours to them, and
they were afterwards reviewed by William Macdowall, M.P., Lord-
Lieutenant of the county. The Council also, in accordance with
a bill pending in Parliament for raising a number of men in the
several counties, burghs, and towns in Scotland, for the service of
His Majesty's navy, " appointed a committee to agree with such
able-bodied landsmen as can be procured, for supplying the town's
quota imposed on them by the bill" (Council Records, i6th April,
1795). The Rev. John Findlay, of the High Church, acted as
chaplain to the Volunteer corps, and they were so much pleased
with his services, that they resolved, on 3rd March, 1795, to ]3resent
the rev. gentleman with a token of the esteem in which they held
him. The presentation consisted of " an elegant silver cup, with an
ornamented compartment on each side, in one of which was argent,
the colour of the corps in Salter, displayed with an imperial crown
in chief; the thistle in base all proper." Motto — "To support the
King and Constitution." There was a suitable inscription in the
other compartment, expressive of the donors' esteem for their
clergyman.

At this time great distress prevailed among the working classes
in the country, from the dearth of provisions caused by bad har-
vests. Trade also was bad, and there was therefore great popular
discontent. Parliament was opened on 29th October in this year;
and when the King went down in state to deliver his opening
speech, he was greeted with hootings and hisses ; with cries of
"Bread," "Peace," "No War," "No Famine," "No Pitt."
" Down with George" was also heard from several voices. When the
royal coach was opposite the Ordnance, a pebble or bullet, proceed-
ing from what was supposed to be an air gun, broke a hole in the
glass of the window (Stanhope's Life of Pitt, vol. ii., p. 353).
Numerous addresses were afterwards sent to the King from all

Extracted by Ro. Wilson, Clk." The M'Kerrels afterwards conducted a large
business in Paisley and London as manufacturers of gauze and muslins, along
with their brother-in-law, James Kibble of Whiteford and Greenlaw, and their
cousins the Fultons, under the firm of M'Kerrels & Kibble and Fultons &
M'Kerrel. The reader is further referred to X\\e History of the Fatiiilies of Ayr-
s/nn\ by Mr. James Paterson.

1750 TILL 1800. 71

parts of the country, and the Town Council of Paisley " unanimously
agreed to address His Majesty on the lucky escape from the late
attack made on his person going to and coming from the House of
Parliament" ( Coimcil Records, 6th November, 1795). This attack
on the King was immediately followed by a royal proclamation,
from which we extract the following : — " We, therefore, with the
advice of our Privy Council, in pursuance of an address from our
two Houses of Parliament, do hereby enjoin all Magistrates, and
all other our loving subjects, to use their utmost endeavours to dis-
cover and cause to be apprehended the authors, actors, and abettors
concerned in such outrages, in order that they may be dealt with
according to law ; and we do hereby promise that any person or
persons, other than those actually concerned in doing any act by
which our royal person was immediately endangered, who shall give
information so as that any of the authors, actors, or abettors con-
cerned in such outrage, as aforesaid, may be apprehended and
brought to justice, shall receive a reward of one thousand pounds "
( William Hedoi' s Judicial Records of Renfreivshire, vol. i., p. 169).

Parliament, after carrying measures for alleviating the distress
prevailing in the country, passed an Act, which was restricted to
three years, against seditious meetings. Summary powers were
given in it to Magistrates to disperse them by force, if necessary.
On 30th November, 1795, the Council appointed a committee "to
draw up a petition to the House of Commons to pass the bill re-
specting seditious meetings." When the French Government were
making preparations for w-ar, near the end of 1796, Parhament
agreed to increase the forces of the country, both by recruiting the
regiments of the line and also by a supplementary body of militia.
The number of men the Council had to provide was eighteen, and
they appointed a committee " to enlist men for that purpose, and
to draw on the Town Clerk for the necessary expense attending the
•sdiXiit" ( Council Records, i8th November, 1796).

The Volunteer Corps, as well as the Yeomanry Cavalry, were
reviewed on several occasions about this time. On 25th November,
1795, the Volunteers were reviewed by Major-General Hamilton,
who expressed his high approbation of their appearance and con-
duct. The weather was uncommonly fine, and the scene was,
besides, much enlivened by the presence of four companies of the
Renfrewshire Yeomanry Cavalry, who guarded the field. On 9th
August in the following year, the Renfrewshire Yeomanry Cavalry
were reviewed by Major-General Hamilton, in the presence of an
immense number of spectators. The word of command was given
by the Earl of Glasgow, colonel of the corps ; and the men, consist-
ing of eight companies of fifty each, went through their firings and
evolutions with the greatest exactness, and received the thanks of
the General in the warmest terms of commendation (Glasgow
Mercury). In the beginning of the following year, when the Council
wished more volunteers for the " internal defence of the community,

72 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and to be managed under the ' Volunteer Act,' they agreed to call a
meeting of the principal inhabitants of the town, to lay the measure
heioxQ lh.tm" ( Coie/icii Records, 23rd February, 1797). The result
of this meeting is not recorded in any way ; but as the inhabitants
were animated with a strong patriotic and warlike disposition at this
time, there is no doubt the wish of the Council was readily com-
plied with. In the latter end of this year (1797), when the finan-
cial measures of Pitt were in committee in the House of Commons,
it was suggested that an opportunity should be extended to those
who wished to give free contributions in addition to their assess-
ments. During January and February, 1798, Pitt availed himself
of this proposal, and the sums received in this way were immense.
Hustings were erected under the piazza of the Royal Exchange,
London, and people of all ranks came forward and gave sums vary-
ing from ;£i to _;^3ooo. The first day's subscriptions exceeded
;^46,ooo. Mr. Robert Peel (the father of the great Sir Robert
Peel) subscribed ^10,000, the City of London gave the same
amount, and the Bank of England, _;^2oo,ooo. Upwards of two
million pounds were subscribed throughout the country in this way.
The Town Council of Paisley, inspired by a patriotic impulse,
" agreed to give ^300 as a voluntary subscription for the aid of the
Government, and authorised Bailie Orr to sign for this sum along
with the other inhabitants" (Council Records, 2nd March, 1798).

Enthusiastic public meetings were held throughout the entire
kingdom for the purpose of promoting similar subscriptions to aid
the Government. A meeting, convened by the Magistrates and
Town Council of Paisley, was held on 3rd March, 1798, — John
Orr, chief magistrate, presiding. The meeting was well attended,
and unanimously resolved—" (i) That all the friends of their country
ought in every time of danger to exert themselves for its protection
and defence. To this they are called, not only by true patriotism,
but by a regard to their own personal safety, their domestic com-
forts, and everything that is dear to the hearts of men. (2) That
the danger which at present threatens our country is greatly alarm-
ing ; when our powerful, resolute, and implacable enemies have
insolently refused to propose or listen to any reasonable terms of
peace, and have boldly declared their intention to invade our
country, destroy our constitution, and to ruin our commerce, on
which our prosperity depends ; when, to accomplish this design,
they are making the most formidable preparations, and to defray
the expense have not only called for voluntary contributions, but
have opened a loan for which the spoils of Britain are to be the
special security. (3) That in these circumstances it is our interest,
as well as our duty, to make the greatest exertions for our own de-
fence, as the privileges we enjoy are inestimable, and as we have
every reason to fear that, if our desperate enemies should succeed
in their daring attempt, they will not only overturn our Government
and annihilate our navy, but rob us of our religion, strip us of our
property, ruin our trade, and reduce us to a state of the most abject

1750 TILL 1800.

dependence. (4) That, as Government are carrying on most effec-
tual measures for the preservation of our independence as a country
and our safety as individuals, and as in present circumstances it is
clearly the interest of the nation to raise as large a proportion of
the supplies as possible within the year, the proposal of a voluntary
subscription in aid of the fund to be raised by a new assessment is
highly proper, and becoming the spirit of a wealthy and generous
people, who wish to secure to themselves and posterity those in-
estimable privileges, civil and sacred, which they and their fore-
fathers have so long enjoyed." A further resolution was passed for
the appointment of a committee to carry out the objects of the
meeting; and the following is a list, taken from the Glasgow
Courier of the munificent subscriptions made by the inhabitants at
that period in response to this able and eloquent appeal : —

The Town of Paisley, ;if 300 o

The Royal Paisley Volun-
teers, 1000 o

John Orr, 50 o

John Wilson & Co., 105 o

John Wilson, 105 o

William Stuart, 52 10

Thomas Bissland, jun., 52 10

The Society of Merchants, 105 o

The Paisley Banking Co., 500 o

James Hunter, 52 10

John Pollock, 26 5

William Orr, jun., 50 o

Alexander Macalister, 31 10

Jamiesons & Robertson,... 63 10

William Stuart 50 o

Thomas Whitehead, 30 o

Brown, Sharps, & Co., 63 o

William King, 60 o

Brown, Gourlay, & Co.,... 50 o

Robert Ralston, lo 10

James Dunlop & Co., 100 o

John Davidson, 10 10

The Society of Writers, ... 50 o

John White, 10 10

Alexander Bissland, 10 10

Alexander Gibson, 10 10

Robert Brown,

James Gardner

William M' Walter,

Alexander Dunn,

Thomas Brown,

10
I
2
I
I

Robert Hunter, 52 10

James Walkinshaw,

James M 'Walter, sen., ..

James Paterson,

Hugh Richmond,

Archibald Gardner,

John Stirling,

John Love, 21

William Nevin, £e^ 5

John Galbreath, 5 5

Andrew Leiper, 21 o

Gerard & Smith, 42 o

Thomas Stevenson, 5 5

John Motherwell, 10 10

John Peddie,

Hugh M 'Gregor,

Alexander Kerr,

Lorrain Wilson & Son, ...

Andrew Kerr,

George & James Christie,

William Cochran,

John Warnock,

William Aiken,

Gavin Browning,

Nathaniel Gibson,

Peter M'Arthur,

John Neilson, 3 3

James Paterson, 5 5

James Campbell, 3 3

William Twigg, 21 o

Archibald Maxwell, 5 5

Robert Maxwell, 10 10

John Graham, 21 o

Andrew Wright, 2 2

Andrew Leitch,

James Finlaytor, ...
William Aberdeen,

Peter Wright,

William Langmuir,

2 2
I o
I I

30 o

3 o
10 10

I I

1 I

3 3

2 2
10 10

2 2

Fulton M'Kerrel, 25

James Millingan,

Archibald Livingston,

Walter Neilson,

John Galloway,

David Coats,

David Gordon,

Andrew Miller,

Robert M 'Kinlay, R. P. V. ,

^ These letters represent Royal Paisley Volunteer, and the subscription is in
addition to what was subscribed by the Corps.

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Alexander Walker, £i i

Thomas Walker, i i

John Bishop, I II

William S. Stephen, i I

James Beith, R.P.V., 2 2

John Laird, 2 2

William Gififen, R.P.V.,.. 2 2

William Lamb, R. P. V.,... 2 2

Gavin Lambie, R.P.V.,... 2 2

John Morrison, I I

George Maxwell, R.P.V., 2 2

John Barbour, sen., 2 2

John Stewart,, i i

David M'Neill, i i

John Craig, R.P.V., i i

David Thomson, i i

James Blaikie, R.P.V., ... i i

John Parker, R.P.V., i i

Thomas Spreul, i i

William Adam, I I

John Robertson, 2 2

John Fulton, i i

Alexander Robertson, o lo

Daniel Shaw, i i

Robert Weir, o 7

Walter Buchanan, jun., ... i i

James Carlisle, 5 5

William Clark & Co., 21 o

John Knox & Sons, 10 10

Thomas Scott, 2 2

John Bell, 5 S

William M'Lean i i

Bain & Howie, 5 o

James Mair, 10 10

William Stow, 10 o

John Brown, 2 2

Stevenson & Mann, ... 5 o

Robert M'Lean, 5 5

William Barr, 3 3

John Calder, 5 5

Thomas Aikenhead, 3 3

Robert Wilson, 31 10

Robert Burnet & Co., I I

William Campbell, 2 o

William Hodge, i i

William Campbell, 2 o

David Traill, 2 2

Charles Ross, 10 10

William Borland, i I

John Baton, 2 2

Robert Jamieson, 1 I

Robert Carswell, I I

John Auchencloss, 2 2

Walter Weir & Son, 4 4

Thomas Marshall, i I

John Storie, 5 5

John Thomson, 2 2

William Love, 6 o

Andrew Smith & Son, ;,f2l

Robert Leishman, i

Robert Barclay, 10

William Wilson, 2

Claud Neilson, loo

James Lindsay, i

John Cochran, o

William Neilson, 2

Smith (S: Strang, 5

Robert Gilmour, I

William Alexander, 10

James Boyd, i

Robert Lockhart, o

Henry Bowie, 5

James Neilson, I

Francis Dunnet & Co., — 3

Andrew Deans, 5

Robert Baird, 5

William Pattison, 5

Jas. Buchanan, Newtown, 100

John Corse, 50

John Buchanan, Newtown, 21

John Gibb, 26

John Speirs, 5

John Fleming & Co., 6

Hugh Thomson, 15

Andrew Moody, 30

William M'Kechnie, i

Matthew Smith, 10

David Finlay, 5

John Fyfe, 2

John Shields, I

Gillies & White, 25

Edward Jamieson, 10

John Snodgi-ass, 10

William Orr, jun 10

Joseph M 'Leod, 5

Thomas Ker, 3

James Kibble, sen 50

Robert Cochran, i

Alexander Nairne 26

Archibald Smith, I

Matthew Cathcart, I

Robert Cathcart, I

John Woodrow, 2

Archibald Roxburgh, 2

James Donald, 2

William Gordon, o

James Pattison, I

David Corse, 21

John Young, lo

Hew Snodgrass, 5

William Hume, 3

Robert Muir 2

John King, 21

Thomas Bissland, sen...... 21

Wm. Robertson, Greenhill, I

Jas. Gardner, Arkleston,^ o

0
6

I
10

0
6

0
0

5
0

0
0

5
5
6

0
0
0

5
3
0

0
0
0

5
5
0

0
0
0

2
10

0
6

5
3
2

0
0
0

^ Glasgow Courier.

I7SO TILL 1800.

The ladies of Paisley also being anxious to evince their patriotism
and loyalty in that crisis, opened a subscription -list, and the follow-
ing sums were procured : —

Mrs. Hamilton, ^100 o o

Mrs. Neilson, 80 o o

Mrs. Wilson, 30 o o

Mrs. John Orr, 5 5°

Mrs. Hunter, 880

Mrs. Fulton, Hartfield, ... 10 10 o

Mrs. Stuart, £6 6

Mrs. Thomas Bissland, ... 5 5

Mrs. Andrew Brown,

Mrs. Charles Maxwell, ....
Mrs. James Walkinshaw, . .
Miss Young,

5 5

10 10

3 3

5 5

The total voluntary contributions in Paisley at that time amounted
to ;^45i6 4s. The population, including the Abbey Parish, was
then about 27,000. In Glasgow, ;^i 5,1 91 13s. 6d. was subscribed.

On 24th October, 1798, there were great demonstrations in
Paisley in honour of His Majesty's accession to the throne, and of
the naval victory of Admiral Nelson at Aboukir on ist August,
1798. The Lord -Lieutenant inspected the Volunteers; and,
attended by the Magistrates and Sheriff, witnessed " three cheering
volleys " at the Cross. The Lord -Lieutenant dined afterwards with
the officers of the Volunteers, the Magistrates and Sheriff, the
officers of the Dumbarton and Argyleshire Militia (then stationed in
Paisley), and a number of private gentlemen. In the evening, illu-
minations commenced, and soon became universal throughout the
town. Many beautiful transparencies, maritime devices, and ap-
propriate mottoes and sentiments were exhibited. In the centre
window of the County Hall and Sheriff-Clerk's office was a trans-
parent crown, with the letters " G. III. R." over it, and the words,
"God save the King." In a scroll over the figure of Britannia,
pointing to ships at sea, was written, " Rule Britannia." On the
other five windows were the names of Duncan, Nelson, Howe, St.
Vincent, and Warren, in a transparent scroll, with the date and
scene of their respective victories ; and under the name of Nelson
the beautiful introductory sentence of his lordship's official account
of his victory. The whole was executed by Mr. Waterston, sen.,
painter. There were several bonfires ; and the crowds in the
streets conducted themselves in a most correct and orderly manner.
When the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Ayrshire
and Renfrewshire Militia heard of the victory of Admiral Nelson,
they agreed to give two days' pay for the relief of the widows and
children of those brave men who had fallen in that memorable
action.

On 28th May, 1799, the Council agreed " to paint one flag to the
town." It would likely be for the Militia. While it is true that a
number of the inhabitants who held seditious opinions, and were
admirers of the revolutionists in France, the great body of the people
were nevertheless thoroughly loyal. During the latter part of the last
decade of the century, the military ardour of the inhabitants was
strong, and many recruits were obtained in Paisley for the army.

76 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

We have this, along with other interesting matter, testified by John
Parkhill, who then hved in Paisley.

On 31st August, 1799, all the Volunteer associations of the
county of Renfrew were reviewed by General Drummond, accom-
panied by Mr. Macdowall of Garthland, Lord -Lieutenant, in a field
at Barnsford. The arrangements in connection with the review
were upon a most extensive and novel scale. A tent in form of a
square was erected in the field, to accommodate a company of about
300 ladies and gentlemen. In the centre of the tent a platform was
placed for the company to dance on, and around it temporary tables
and benches were erected for the Volunteer corps. Shortly after
mid-day, the different corps, viz., the Infantry, Yeomanry of the
County, the Royal Paisley Volunteers, the Loyal Greenock Volun-
teers, the Port-Glasgow Volunteers and Artillery, assembled in the
field, and formed an extensive fine two deep. The artillerymen,
with two field-pieces, were ranged on each flank. The number of
Volunteers present exceeded 1500. After the General and Lord-
Lieutenant had passed along the lines, and the marching, firing, and
evolutions were performed, and arms piled, the men went by com-
panies to the tables, where they partook of an excellent dinner, — ■
the respective captains presiding over each company. Afterwards,
the General and Lord- Lieutenant, along with a numerous assem-
blage of ladies and gentlemen, repaired to the tent to partake of a
cold collation, during which the band of the Forfarshire Militia
discoursed some appropriate music. When the company withdrew
from dinner, the tent was thrown open, and dancing was commenced,
which continued for several hours. The crowd of spectators in the
field was immense, amounting to at least 20,000. The utmost har-
mony, however, prevailed, everyone being impressed with those
sentiments of loyalty, zeal, and public spirit which on all occasions
distinguished the Volunteer associations of the county of Renfrew.
Several popular songs were sung at the different tables. We give
here the last verse of a song that was composed for the occasion : —

" When some demagogues wild to our Monarchy mild

Had assumed of rebellion the armour.
Their rage to restrain and our rights to maintain,

We appealed to the Yeoman and Farmer.
Now let Heaven's vault ring to the health of the King,

To Britannia, — no Frenchman shall harm her, —
To our soldiers so brave, to each son of the wave,

To the Volunteer, Yeoman, and Farmer.''

" The war was now going on in all its fury. Nothing was heard
but the sound of drums and fifes, mixed with cavalry trumpets.
There were, for two or three years, at least two dozen of recruiting
parties in Paisley, which seemed to be universally considered a
depot for recruits. At its commencement, the great majority of the
people both in England and Scotland were much against war ; and

175° TILL 1800. 77

the Government displayed great anxiety to infuse a warlike spirit
into the nation. Hence, in every large town regiments of Volun-
teers were embodied, each of whom had a due complement of dnuns
and fifes. They played through the streets at night, beating what
was called the ' tattoo.' Every country parish had generally a com-
pany, termed the Yeomanry, who came in occasionally and were
brigaded in the nearest large town. The first burst of the war took
place in the Netherlands, where an army had been sent under the
Duke of York. Here the army was defeated, and had to make a
disastrous retreat in the most inclement part of the year. A vast
number of the youths belonging to Paisley were in that ill-fated
expedition, and the news of the death of many of them rendered
the peaceful town a scene of sorrow and mourning. Indeed, it
came so unexpectedly that the shock was irresistibly severe • — many
who had fallen not having been six weeks enlisted. There were a
great many Highlanders at this time in Paisley. The Irish had not
come in like a flood then, and therefore at all times there was a
considerable Highland population here. As there were at least a
dozen of Highland fencible regiments raised at the commencement
of the war, a great number of recruits were drawn from that locality.
Two or three regiments of light cavalry fencibles, too, had their
head -quarters here ; the town and its surrounding neighbourhood
supplied sufticient raw material to make soldiers ; and thus gradu-
ally a warlike spirit was infused into the nation. There is a
w^onderful alteration in men's minds now. I do not think that a
regiment of a thousand strong could be raised in seven years, such
is the growing intelligence of the people and their antipathy to war.
So great a change from a state of peace to that of war made a won-
derful impression on people's minds. Broken hearts and all the
vicissitudes of ordinary life were nothing to it. Families were
broken up, children were made fatherless, and wives left in all the
misery of desolation ; whereby a state of things was produced of
which we, after more than forty years of peace, can form no con-
ception. This, too, is only one jDortion of the picture. Thousands
on thousands of innocent boys were spirited away ; and it was
nothing uncommon for three sons of one family to become soldiers.
I had a brother who went off, and, young as I was, my heart was
like to -break. Every week letters were coming home giving the
sad details of sons, fathers, and brothers killed, and of others who
had died in hospitals from wounds or fevers produced by the pesti-
lent malaria of inhospitable climates. Our soldiers were praised for
their bravery ; but, alas ! many who came home severely wounded
had the pitiful allowance of sixpence or tenpence per day awarded
for all their bravery ; whilst others, with their constitutions ruined
for life, if they were not wounded, had no allowance whatever."^

'^ Autobiography of Arthur Sneddon, p. 22. John Parkhill assumed this w^^w
de plume in this way : — He lived in a house at Maxwellton that belonged to Mr.
Arthur Smith, who resided in New Sneddon Street ; and when Mr. Smith called
for payment of rent, John Parkhill always said to his shopmates, ' ' There comes
Arthur Sneddon."

78 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

A game -preservation society existed in the county in this period,
and its place of meeting was in Paisley — generally the Saracen's
Head Inn. But we have no knowledge when it was established.
The first notice we have of one of their business meetings was on
27 th March, 1783, when the noblemen and gentlemen present
resolved that all poachers should be immediately prosecuted — not
only for offences committed against the game laws, but likewise for
injuring fences. Offenders were to be prosecuted, at the expense
of the society, by William Campbell, writer in Kilbarchan. At
another meeting of the members of the association, held on i6th
September, 1788, for the preservation of game in the county, it was
represented that much game was destroyed with traps and snares ;
that poachers were extremely numerous ; that many persons had
taken out licenses who possessed no real property, and presumed to
hunt upon grounds where they had no liberty ; and that the rewards
falling to informers, upon the conviction of offenders, were not
generally understood. The meeting therefore resolved to intimate,
as they were determined to put a stop to such illegal practices, that
every person shooting a hare was liable in ^{^20 scots (33s. 4d. stg.)
for each offence ; that any person carrying any sort of game, or
having the same in their custody, without the leave or order of a
person qualified, was, for the first offence, liable in payment of 20s.
stg., or six weeks' imprisonment, and in payment of 40s. stg. for the
second and every subsequent offence, or three months' imprisonment,
and the informer is entitled to the half of these fines. And
any person who shall use any gun or dog for the destruction of
game, without having first obtained a license certificate, and paid
;£2 2S. therefor to government, is liable in the sum of ;^2o stg.,
payable wholly to the informer. William Campbell, writer in
Kilbarchan, was again empowered to prosecute offenders at the
expense of the society, and to pay informers a moiety of the penalties.

The first of the several serious depressions of trade in Paisley,
which it will hereafter be our painful duty to record, occurred in
1783. In that year many of the weavers were out of employment,
great poverty therefore prevailed, and they suffered very much,
notwithstanding the efforts that were made to alleviate their distress.
Provisions, at the same time, were high in price and very scarce.
One of the schemes proposed by the manufacturers for assisting the
working classes to get an opportunity of purchasing food at a
moderate price, was to subscribe money, to be given in loan to the
Town Council for six months, without charging any interest, and to
be employed by them in purchasing meal and grain, to be sold in
the market-place (Council Records, 24th January, 1783). The
Council readily agreed to this proposal, and appointed a com-
mittee to manage the fund subscribed. Twenty manufacturing
firms subscribed upwards of ;^i8oo to carry out this philan-
thropic object. In addition to this generous loan of the manu-
facturers, about ;^40o was subscribed, to be given in weekly

175° TILL 1800. 79

payments to the necessitous, and committees of the subscribers were
appointed to visit these in the different districts into which the town
was subdivided, and to report to the general committee how much
each should be allowed. In this way upwards of three hundred
families, or single persons, enjoyed the benefit of this charitable
supply. The relief committee also, in order to encourage farmers
and others to bring meal to the market, offered a bounty of sixpence
per boll to any who should bring above nine bolls of meal, and sell
the same in the market, in one week. Persons acting in this way
were also to be free from all town's dues.

At the beginning of 1786, many of the working classes were again
suffering from the depressed state of the weaving trade. A fund, to
which the Council, in consequence of " the state of the poor
inhabitants" (Council Records, nth January, 1786), subscribed
;^2o, was raised for their relief. The different societies in the town
also joined in contributing to this fund ; and the Countess of
Glasgow gave one hundred carts of coals, to be distributed among
the poor of the town, which helped to relieve those who were
suffering from the temporary stagnation of trade.

In 1793, the weaving trade was again in a very depressed state,
and many of the industrious poor suffered severely. On 26th
November, in that year, a meeting of the principal inhabitants was
held, to consider some method for relieving those out of work, when
it was agreed to open a subscription for that purpose. Three
hundred guineas was subscribed at that meeting — one firm having
given fifty guineas ; and Col. Allan Cameron generously transmitted
twenty guineas to the Magistrates, in aid of the fund. Within a
week afterwards, nearly ;^9oo had been subscribed (a proof of the
opulence and liberality of the merchants) to assist in lessening the
sufferings of those who could not obtain employment.

The Town Council continued, when necessary, to enforce the fine
against those who refused to act as councillors when elected. On
3rd November, 1788, "the town clerk reported that Bailie John
Storrie had lodged in his hands ^^3 stg., as a fine for not accepting
being a councillor." On 22nd October, 1799, "the Council,
considering that Mr. Wm. Bissland has refused, after being chosen,
to accept of the office of councillor, they enact and fine him in
p^3 stg. for this refusal, and to be prosecuted therefor."

Unlicensed distillers of whiskey appear to have been numerous at
this time, and interfered very much with the business of those who
paid their licenses. On 6th October, 1786, a meeting of the hcensed
distillers was held at Paisley, for the protection of the trade and the
fair dealer. For that purpose they resolved to raise a fund, each
paying in proportion to the contents of his still, to be applied to the
discovery of illicit distillers, those who let houses for such purposes,

8o HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and officers of excise who connived at such unlawful practices within
their districts (Glasgow Mercury).

On the recovery of George III. from his alarming attack, in April,
1789, the Magistrates and Council forwarded an address to His
Majesty, as follows : — "We take leave to offer to your Majesty our
most cordial congratulations upon the very joyful occasion of your
Maj esty's being recovered from an inflicting indisposition, and restored
to a dutiful and affectionate people. We cannot but express our
sincere joy upon an event so felicitous to these realms, and so
ardently desired by persons of every rank amongst us. And we trust,
in the benignity of the gracious providence of God, that your Majesty
will be long preserved a blessing to your people, the great promoter of
public happiness and of private virtue, and the patron and protector
of these inestimable privileges, both civil and sacred, which we have,
in so eminent a degree, enjoyed ever since the illustrious House of
Hanover ascended the British Throne." The address was signed
by the three BaiUes.

When the renewal of the East India Company's charter, in 1792,
came to be discussed by Parliament, a meeting of manufacturers,
called by the Magistrates, was held, to consider how they might be
affected by that measure. They unanimously agreed to petition
Parliament not to renew the charter.

A petition being laid before the Council by John Gibb and Nisbet
Sinclair, vintners, and others, for liberty to erect a machine to weigh
hay, on a steading in Broomlands, the Council agreed to grant the
same (Council Records, 1 7th September, 1788). This, no doubt,
was the commencement of what is now known as the Hay Weighs,
in King Street, at the present time. On 7th October, 1791, the
Council appointed all persons within the burgh, "who have lead
weights, in the sale of their different articles, to lay them aside, and
in future to use metal (iron) weights in their stead." At the same
meeting, they also ordained "the whole of the potato dishes,
within the burgh, to be adjusted and marked by James Graham,
cooper, and those found not marked to be seized." On 7th
October, 1795, they enacted, "that no milk in town shall be sold
with a less measure than one of the four gills brandy measure."

It was in 1788 that the subject of the abolition of the slave trade
was first brought under the notice of the Council. On 28th
February, in that year, they agreed "to petition Parliament for the
abolition of that trade." Four years afterwards, this subject was
again brought under the notice of the Council, when the Magistrates
reported that they had been requested " to call a meeting of the
inhabitants, to consider of the abolition of the slave trade ; and in
consequence thereof, they had warned a considerable number of
the inhabitants to meet this evening in the Court hall." The

1750 TILL iSoO. Si

Council unanimously approved of the Magistrates' conduct in this
matter.

Sabbath schools, from which the children in the town have always
derived so much good, were first established in 1788. At a meeting
of Council, held on 25th January, in that year, there was laid before
the members "a scheme for Sabbath schools, by the ministers and
members of the Society for the Reformation of Manners," and they
approved of the same. On 15th February following, the Council
nominated nine gentlemen, to be directors, for managing Sabbath
exercises. It was not, however, it appears, till ten years thereafter,
that an energetic society was constituted for the management of
Sabbath - evening schools. The promoters of it first met in November,
1797. On 26th December following, they had another meeting in
Mr. Bell's school -room, Storie Street, and afterwards a meeting in
the Low Church Session -house, on 5th January, 1798, when rules
were agreed to "for the erection and support of Sabbath -evening
schools in Paisley,'' and also " rules for conducting the schools."
The first rule was, " the sole rule of these schools shall be religious
instruction." The income of the society, for the first year, was
derived from the sums collected at six sermons, delivered in the
High Church, amounting to ;^ii9 8s. 5d. One of the sermons was
by the Rev. Wm. Terrier, of Oakshaw Secession Church, on ist
July, 1 798, and it was afterwards published in that year, at the request
of the committee for directing the Sabbath schools. During the first
year of the society, Mr. Wm. Carlile was preses, and J\lr. Wm.
M'Gavin, secretary. The society was at first very successful. At
the commencement there were 1200 children ; at the end of April,
in that year, twenty schools and 1495 children, and in September
following, 1526 children.^

Letterpress printing was commenced in Paisley in 1769. Prior
to that time, what was required was done in Glasgow, where the art
was introduced about 1630. The first book printed in Paisley
was entitled, " An Essay on Christ's Cross and Crown, to which are
subjoined six sermons, by the Rev. George Muir, minister of the
Gospel, at Paisley ; the second edition. — Paisley : Printed by Weir
and M'Lean, and sold at the shop of A. Weir, near the Cross, 1769."
Mr. Muir was minister of the High Church at that time. In that
year the same firm printed "Ascanius — the third edition — for
James Davidson «Sc Co., Fergusley, near Paisley." Another book was
printed in Paisley in this year, the title of which was, "A Prophecy
concerning the Lord's return to Scotland, &c." The printer's name
is not given, but it was " printed for and sold by George M'Kimmen,
travelling merchant, 1769." The Rev. Thomas Blackwell, one of

^Appendix to two sermons, published in 1798, by the Rev. Mr. Ferrier, —
the one being the sermon ah-eady referred to, and the other relating to the death
of his colleague, the Rev. Mr. Elice.

82 HISTORY OF PAISLEY

the ministers of the Abbey, was the author of a work entitled,
" Schema Sacra ; or sacred scheme of natural and revealed religion,"
which was also printed in Paisley, in 1769, by A. Weir and A.
M'Lean, for A. Weir, bookseller, at the Cross. A work entitled
" Dying Thoughts, by the late Wm. Crawford," was also printed in the
same year by that firm, and for the same bookseller. In 1770, and
subsequent years to the end of the century, many important and
valuable books and pamphlets came from the Paisley press. The
first Paisley Directory was combined with one for Glasgow and
several other towns. It was published by John Tait, stationer,
Glasgow, and was entitled, " Directory for the City of Glasgow —
villages of Anderston, Calton, and Gorbals ; also for the towns of
Paisley, Greenock, Port- Glasgow, and Kilmarnock, from 15th May,
1783, to 15th May, 1784." There is only one copy of the original
now remaining, and a reprint of it was published in 1871, by Robert
Forrester, Glasgow. Mr. Tait did not publish any more Directories.
The first Directory published in Scotland was for Edinburgh, in
1773-

Cotton spinning, so extensively carried on in some other parts of
the country at the end of this century, was commenced in Paisley
in 1782. This industry, however, was never prosecuted in Paisley
with the same energy and spirit as some other trades. At the
end of this century there were ten mills of this kind, but some of
them were small, and the machinery was propelled by horse-power.

Although horse racing was continued yearly in this period, yet
very little is mentioned regarding it in the Council records. At the
races in August, 1780, a melancholy accident happened. One of
the horses fell with his rider, and the horse that was coming up close
behind went over them, and the man was so much bruised that he
died the following day. Another young man, who was looking on,
was also ridden down. He had his skull fractured, one of his legs
broken, and was otherwise so much injured that he died also.

The following is a copy of the advertisement in the newspapers,
intimating the race that was to take place in August, 1790 : — "A
race at Paisley. That upon Thursday, the 26th day of August
instant, there is to be run for over the ordinary course, for ten
guineas, the best of three heats, by any horse, mare, or gelding, who
never gained a fifty pounds prize. The horses to be booked at Mr.
Sinclair's, Saracen's Head, at ten o'clock that day, and to pay ten
shillings and sixpence each ; and the race to start precisely at twelve
noon. No race unless three horses start. There will also be after
shots by the beaten horses. Judges will be appointed for the race.
Paisley, 7th August, 1790."

On 25th January, 1793, a minute of Council states that "it was
suggested by a number of the councillors, that the present course
for Saint James race is not convenient for the purpose, on account

1750 TILL 1800. 83

of the buildings. The whole Council is appointed as a committee
to examine what course shall be most proper for continuing said
race." The records do not afterwards show whether any resolution
was come to regarding the improvement or changing of the race
course. But on 22nd July following, "the Council agreed, by a
majority of votes, that fhere shall be no race, as usual, at Saint
James Fair." At a meeting of Council, held three days afterwards,
" a petition being given by a number of the inhabitants, praying that
the Council would reconsider the last act of Council cancelling the
race at Saint James Fair, and to allow the race to be continued as
usual, and the Council considered the same ; they, by a majority of
votes, agreed to receive said petition, and to grant the desire thereof,
by allowing the same to go on as formerly ; against which Bailie
Patison dissented, and adhered to the act superseding the race at
last meeting." At the same meeting, the Council appointed "a
committee to look out for a new race course, and to report."

Mr. W. Semple, in his History of the Shire of Renfrezu, page 329,
states that, " on Friday following St. James Day Fair, there is a
horse race called Son James's Race. The reason for this was that
in ancient times Lord Scrapie's family gave an acre of land, called
the green acre, lying on the south side of St. James Street, the rent
of which to pay the winner of the race his prize, and the race for
ever to be called Our Son James Race." No ground was at any
time gifted by Lord Scrapie's family for such a purpose. This was
plainly brought out at a subsequent period by a Town -Clerk who
was well qualified to speak upon the subject. At a meeting of
Council, held on the 9th August, 1842, Mr. Robert Wilson, town-
clerk, in answer to an inquiry from a member of Council, stated
" that it was a popular error to suppose that ground had been
bequeathed to the Council for the support of the race for the
Silver Bells. No such bequest had taken place. The Bell
Race, however, was of very old standing, having been insti-
tuted in 1608 by the Town Council, and afterwards remodelled
by them, with the advice of the Earl of Abercorn (then Lord
Provost of the Burgh), Lord Sempill, Lord Rose, Lord Blan-
tyre, and other nobles residing near the town. Since the institution
of the Bell Race, it had been run every year, with few exceptions, —
the Council having always contributed a certain sum towards
the prize." As regards the name of the race, it is derived, not in
the way stated by W. Semple, the historian, but from the fact that
it was run at the fair of St. James. We have hitherto given every
authentic particular relating to the establishment and conducting of
these races from the Council records. Mr. Semple appears not to
have consulted these, or he would not have given currency to such
fables as the bequest of the green acre and the race named from
" our son James." At that time, the race-course consisted of the
roads round about the piece of land belonging to the Council called
the twenty-four acres. The horses were started in Love Street, at

§4 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the east end of Springbank or Shambles Road, thence they ran along
Love Street, Saint James Street, Caledonia Street, to the Shambles
Road, and so returned to Love Street.^

The year 1782 was distinguished by a wonderful inundation of
the river Cart. Every winter there were floods or spates in the
river to some extent, but that which took place on Tuesday, 12th
March, 1782, was the most remarkable for magnitude in the annals
of the town. During several days previously there had been a con-
tinuous fall of snow and rain in the districts surrounding the upper
reaches of the Cart. On the day mentioned the water was at its
height. Unfortunately, we are without any detailed information as
to the effect of the flood on the town and the injury it did. Mr.
William Semple, the historian, to whom we have been indebted in
several instances for information, published his work in 1782 ; and
although in some cases he is sufficiently particular, and even gar-
rulous about unimportant things, yet regarding this occurrence he is
painfully laconic. All he states is, that "in March 12th, 1782, the
to\\Ti was visited with an inundation of water. The river was fifteen
inches higher than in the year 1712." We are, however, so far
fortunate that we have at the present day an excellent landmark,
which plainly shows the height the water attained on that memor-
able day. On the wall of the meal-house of the Seedhill IMill,-
fronting the public street, the exact height of the flood is marked in
these words : —

"Height of flood here, on the 12th March, 17S2."

This graving out of the solid, is at least five feet above the level
of the street. That height of water throughout the lower parts of
the town must have done much damage, and subjected many to

^ The following advertisement appeared in the Glasgow Mercury of 20th
August, 1778 : — " There is a race to be run upon the ordinary course of the Muir
of Renfrew, upon Friday, the 28th of August instant, for the sum of one guinea to
the first and half-a-guinea to the second horse, mare or gelding. To start at 12
o'clock mid-day. Likewise, a foot race, at 1 1 o'clock said day. There will also
be an after-shot race. The articles of the race to be seen in the hands of the
Town-Clerk of Renfrew any time betwixt and the day of the race. N.B. — The
Magistrates to be judges of the race."

Glasgcnv Courier, 29th September, 1798. — " Yesterday, one Spence, a Chairman
in Paisley, undertook to decide a bet of twenty guineas between some gentlemen
in Glasgow and Paisley, by nmning from the Cross of Paisley to the Cross of
Glasgow, and thence again to the Cross of Paisley, a distance of fifteen and
a -half miles, in one hour and thirty-five minutes, being at the rate of ten miles
an hour, which he lost only by five minutes. This extraordinary undertaking he
could have accomplished within the time, but for the high wind and the badness
of the road, which had been undergoing alterations and repairs."

2 On'^the i8th October, 1799, the Seedhill Mills were, except the large water
wheel, "entirely destroyed by fire, notwithstanding the exertions of a multitude of
people, who tried to extinguish the flames. The water wheel was presented by
admitting the water, which kept it in motion, and prevented the flames from
affecting it."

175° TILL 1800. 85

distress. Several bleachfields in the neighbourhood were overflowed
by the water, and a considerable quantity of goods was carried away.^

The Infirmary, that noble and beneficial institution, was first
commenced as a dispensary ; and the first meeting of its promoters,
of which the following are the minutes, was held on i8th April, 1786.
"This day a meeting of some of the principal inhabitants was held,
to consider a proposal by some of the medical gentlemen, for
establishing a General Dispensary for the Town of Paisley and
Abbey Parish — Andrew Brown, Esq., preses. The proposal being
read, was unanimously approved, and a considerable sum subscribed
towards defraying the expense of the charity. The meeting
appointed the following gentlemen, viz. : — Messrs. Andrew Brown,
Robert Fulton, James Lowndes, James Wilson, writer, Robert
Cross, James Hay, and Robert Orr, a committee, to commune with
the medical gentlemen, and draw a proper plan for the management
of the dispensary ; to be reported at the first general meeting." It
will thus be seen that the medical gentlemen of that day have the
credit and honour of proposing the establishment of this useful
institution. The first general meeting was held in the Court-house,
on the 5th May following, when the committee appointed at the
previous meeting, "reported the follomng plan for managing the
medical department of the charity : — That a convenient and central
place, consisting of two apartments — one for preparing the
medicines, and the other for a consulting room, being provided,
and a set of instruments, and a stock of medicine being purchased,
and a proper person being hired for dispensing the medicines,
according to the prescriptions of the physicians and surgeons. The
surgeons shall take charge of the charity quarterly, by rotation, and
physicians through the year. That one of the surgeons and the
physicians shall attend at the Dispensary every Tuesday and Friday
morning, from nine to ten o'clock, to give advice to such patients
as are able to come to the Dispensary. That the patients who are
confined shall be visited at their own houses. It being understood
that the physician and surgeon are not obliged to visit any beyond
the limits of the town and suburbs. That the Dispensary shall be
open every day from nine o'clock in the morning to eight o'clock at
night, for the reception of certificates. That the ofticiating surgeon
shall, at least a week before his quarter ends, make the succeeding
surgeon acquainted with the state of the patients. And if any
principal operation has been performed, and the patient not cured
at the end of the quarter, the surgeon who performed the operation
shall continue his attendance till the cure is completed ; in like
manner, if there is any particular case at the end of a quarter, the

^ "I was present in the year 1782, when the great flood of Clyde overflowed
the whole of the lower parts of the city [of Glasgow], and beheld boats navigating
the Bridgegate, and ascending King Street above the markets, to the great
wonder and terror of the inhabitants " (Old Glasgow and its Environs, by Senex
[Robert Reid], p. 119.

86 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

surgeon who treated it formerly, shall attend with the ordinary
surgeon, if necessary ; if the officiating surgeon is obliged to be
absent, he shall call the next in rotation to attend the Dispensary
till his return. That it shall be in the power of the physician and
officiating surgeon to call one other to their assistance, when they
think proper, and they shall attend at every consultation. That
the patients shall be obliged to conform to the rules drawn up for
their regulation, during their attendance in the Dispensary." This
sensible and practical report is signed by Wm. Farquharson,
physician, and John White, Robert Thyme, and David Wardrop,
surgeons. The committee also submitted the following regulations
to the consideration of the meeting: — "ist, That no subscription
under 5s. shall be received ; but as many people who are willing to
subscribe may choose to contribute, there shall be an annual
collection at the house of non- subscribers. 2nd, Every subscriber
shall be entitled to have one patient on the books at a time, for
every los. he subscribes. Two subscribers of 5s. each shall likewise
be entitled to have a patient on the books. 3rd, Every person who
subscribes £1 stg. annually, shall be entitled to be elected a
manager. 4th, Every person who subscribes ;£2> 3S- annually, shall
be a perpetual manager. 5th, The Dispensary shall be under the
direction of the perpetual managers, the physician and surgeons
of the charity, and eighteen subscribers chosen annually. These
eighteen elected managers shall form themselves into three
committees, of equal numbers, for the constant management of the
Dispensary, each of the committees to act four months at a time by
rotation. The other managers to be members of all committees,
and to have the same power as those who are elected. The
committees shall appoint their own meetings. 6th, There shall be
an annual general meeting the second Tuesday of May, for the
election of managers and the inspection of the books of the charity.
7th, At least fourteen days before the election, the printed lists of
those who are entitled to become managers, shall be furnished to
the subscribers, who, on the day of election, shall give in signed
lists of such gentlemen as they choose managers, and these lists shall
be referred to the preses and two gentlemen named by the meeting,
as scrutineers, to declare on whom the election has fallen. The
state of the votes to be secret, unless a scrutiny is demanded. 8th,
Each subscriber shall have a vote for every los. he subscribes,
9th, Ladies may vote by proxy ; and noblemen and gentlemen not
residing in town, may vote and recommend patients by a proxy
given to any subscriber. loth. The apothecary shall be balloted
for at the first general meeting, and be continued in office while he
behaves to the satisfaction of the managers. The agreement with
him shall be such, that the managers shall have it in their power to
turn him off in case of misconduct, on paying him a month's wages.
On the other hand, he shall engage for a year certain from the time
of his first election, and thereafter be obliged to give two months'
warning to the managers, before leaving his place. In the event of

175° TILL 1800. 87

a vacancy, a general meeting shall be called, for the purpose of
balloting for another apothecary, nth, Every question shall be
determined by a fair majority of votes, the preses for the time being
to have the casting vote. 1 2th, To prevent the charity from being
abused, no patient shall be entitled to the benefit of it without a
certificate from a subscriber ; and if it appears that such subscriber
has willingly recommended an improper object, he shall be obliged
to refund the expenses incurred by his certificate, or be deprived of
the privilege of recommending one patient for the remainder of the
year. 13th, To prevent confusion in admitting patients, printed
tickets, signed by one of the managers, shall be delivered to every
subscriber, in proportion to his subscription ; and when he sends a
patient to the Dispensary, he shall enclose one of his tickets in a
letter, purporting that he has given the bearer the benefit of the
enclosed ticket. This letter he shall sign, seal, and send to the
apothecary, by the patient, and the ticket shall be returned to the
owner when the patient is dismissed. 14th, The apothecary shall
keep books, for the purpose of entering the patients' names, by
whom recommended, diseases, and treatment when under cure.
He shall keep a daily account of the medicines used, to be compared
with two inventories — one taken at the beginning of the year, and
the other at the end. He shall, likewise, keep an exact account of
the general expenses of the charity. The books shall be open at
all times to the inspection of the managers, and be annually laid
before the general meeting. 15th, A list of the subscribers, and
general state of the patients and funds of the charity, shall be
published annually." The meeting unanimously approved of these
most excellent rules, some of which are in force at the present
time, and ordered them to be printed for the information of the
pubhc.

The next general meeting was held on the 27th of the same
month (May), when the following managers were elected, — printed
lists having previously been delivered to the subscribers : —

Messrs. John Wilson,

Robert Fulton,

Claud Neilson, \ Perpetual Managers.

James Lowndes,

Robert Corse,

Messrs. Andrew Brown. Messrs. Robert Hunter.

Herbert Buchanan. Robert Boog.

James Hay. John Orr.

James Wilson, writer. John Pollock.

William Stewart. James Mylne.

John Bell. James Kibble.

John Young. Alexander Gibson.

John Christie. Thomas Caldwell.

Charles Maxwell. Thomas Kibble.

The meeting then proceeded to elect an apothecary, by ballot.

88 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

There were two candidates, Mr. Winning of Paisley and Mr. Brown
of Edinburgh, when the former was chosen, — his salary to be ;^25
per annum, without board. The medical gentlemen reported to the
meeting that they had purchased the medicine and shop utensils of
the late Mr. Gibson, surgeon, for the use of the Dispensary, for
p^'45 ; and of this the meeting approved.^ The managers resolved
to open the Dispensary, and desired the preses to ask the Rev.
Mr. Finlay to preach on that occasion. The next meeting of the
managers was held in the session-house of the High Church, on 6th
June following, immediately after the sermon by Mr. Finlay. At
this meeting, BaiUe Brown was elected preses and convener for the
year; Mr. James Hogg, treasurer; and there was a unanimous
vote of thanks passed to Mr. Finlay for his sermon. The Dispensary
required two rooms, but the minutes do not state in what part of the
town they were situated ; all they state is that they were in premises
belonging to John Love, Esq.

The number of patients admitted from ist June,

1786, to ist June, 1787, was ... ... 337

Of whom there were cured, ... ... 230

Relieved, ... ... ... ... ... 4

Dismissed for irregularity or as deserted

and improper, ... ... ... ... 6

^ Died, ... ... ... ... ... 49

Remain under cure, ... ... ... 48

337

The managers divided themselves into committees to attend to the
Dispensary ; and at a meeting of committee, held on 13th June fol-
lowing, at the suggestion " of the physician and surgeons that some
wine and porter would be needed for the patients," ordered such to
be bought. At the general meeting, held on loth June, 1788, the
Rev. Mr. Boog, of the Abbey Church, was elected preses and con-
vener for the current year. In January, 1789, an additional small
room, at the annual rent of p/^i, was taken from Mr. Love. At a
meeting, held on i8th May, 1789, the following was reported as the
state of the patients during the past year : — " Cured, 220 ; reheved,
27; died, 47 ; found incurable, 2 ; dismissed for irregularities, 7;
and remaining on the books, 38. In that year, Mr. Hogg having
resigned his treasurership, choice was made of Mr. James Wilson,
writer, in his place. The statement regarding patients under treat-
ment for the year 1789-90 was as follows : — Cured, 260; relieved,
16; died (of whom 21 were incurable when admitted), 33; and
remain on the books, 56; in all, 365." In October, 1791, Mr.
Winning, apothecary, having resigned in order to attend the Medical
College at Glasgow, Mr. John Holmes was elected to succeed him,

^ Mr. Gibson was a brother of Mr. Gibson, town-clerk at that time, and his
place of business was at the Cross.

^ Of this number, 30 were either far gone in consumption, or had been for-
merly dismissed from different hospitals.

1750 TILL 1800. 89

at the same salary. He resigned in 1795, ^-nd Mr. Rodman was
chosen as his successor, at the same salary. Mr. Graham and Mr.
Paton were also candidates for the situation. On 13th June, 1796,
Mr. Wilson, treasurer, reported to a meeting of managers that the
expenditure during the past year had been ^276 12s., and that
there was a balance against the Dispensary of ^65 13s. iid.
This is the first annual statement of income and expenditure
given in the minutes. The first reference to the funds is to be
found in the yearly statement for 1791, when the balance of cash on
hand was ^70 i8s. 7d. ; in 1792 it was ^68 13s. 8d. ; in 1793,
;^8o 2S. lod.; in 1794, ^96 13s. iid.; and in 1795, ;^92 15s. 2d.
The statement as to the patients for the year 1795-6 was as follows:
— Cured, 380 ; relieved, 70 ; incurable, 9 ; dismissed, 5 ; left the
town, 4 ; went to the poorhouse, i ; dead (of whom ^2 were incur-
able when admitted), 46 ; remaining on the books, 16 ; in all, 531.
In September, 1796, Mr. Rodman, apothecary, resigned. He
stated, " in consequence of the great number of patients admitted
to the benefit of the charity during the last winter, he had been sub-
jected to an extraordinary degree of labour, and requesting that such
an acknowledgment should be made to him as the directors might
think reasonable.'" They agreed to allow him ^10 in addition to
his salary. Mr. \\'illiam Hepburn was elected apothecary. The
subscriptions for 1797-8 were ;^ 189 is. 6d, and the expenditure,
£146 9s. 6d., leaving a balance of ;^42 13s.; which, with ;!^io
3s. 9d. of a balance of the previous year, made the sum in the trea-
surer's hands to be ^50 14s. 9d. In January, 1799, an apparatus
for the recovery of persons immersed in water was ordered from
London. In July, 1799, the apothecary reported that, of the
patients treated during the past year, 95 had been cured, 8 relieved,
18 had died, and 7 had left the town, while 36 remained on the
books; in all, 164. In October, 1799, Mr. Hepburn, apothecary,
resigned, and Mr. David Black was elected in his place.

Prior to 1783 there was no banking estabhshment in Paisley, —
all business in that way having been done through banks in Glasgow.
In that year, however, the Paisley Banking Company was estab-
lished, and the following is a copy of the advertisement in the news-
papers announcing its commencement of business : —

" 1st October, 1783. — The under-mentioned gentlemen, viz.: —
Andrew Thomson of Faskine,

TT ^^T.T- ^ "^ ' [■ Merchants in Glasgow,

Hugh Niven, > ° '

John M'Kerrell of Hillhouse,

Robert Fulton,

Ckud^ Neibon, ("Merchants in Paisley,

James Lowndes, and
Robert Corse,

Beg leave to intimate that they have commenced the business of

90 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

banking in the town of Paisley, under the fimi of the Paisley
Banking Company ; and that an obligation is this day registered in
the Borough Court books of Paisley, obligating themselves to pay
all notes and bills issued under the foresaid firm, and signed by
James Hogg, cashier."

On ist October, 1785, Andrew Thomson of Faskine, George Thom-
son, and Hugh Niven retired from the company ; but the other six
partners belonging to Paisley remained. In 1789 there was a
forgery on the notes of the company, and a man of the name of
Provan, belonging to the parish of Dreghorn, was committed to
Paisley Prison for being concerned in circulating them.

In May, 1788, another banking company was formed, — the
Union Bank, Paisle)\ The first partners were George Houston, of
Johnstone ; John Semple, of Earnock ; Charles Maxwell, of Merks-
worth ; James Henderson, of Enochbank, Glasgow ; Charles
Addison, of Woodhead; John Cochran, Robert Orr, and John
Christie, merchants in Paisley; and John Duguid, merchant,
Glasgow. The first cashier was Mr. John Likly. In November,
1 791, a parcel containing notes of the Paisley Union Bank, to the
amount of ^500, was abstracted from the London mail coach,
between London and Carlisle.

The first map of Paisley was published in 1781, by W. Semple,
author of Semple' s Contiimation of Crawfiird's History of the Shire
of Renfrnv} As this plan, with its numerous illustrations, is very
valuable and interesting, we give a copy of it.

In 1782, the Magistrates and Council "found it necessary to
take down the bridge betwixt the town and Smithhills, on account
of its decayed state, and to rebuild the same wider than formerly."
The bridge recently improved was then erected, at an expense of
";^779 5s. 1 1 ^d., of which the Council received ^350 stg. from the
Trustees on the Turnpike roads ; and the remainder, being ^^429
5s. ii^d., was paid out of the town's funds" (Council Records^ 2nd
August, 1783). The plan of the new bridge was drawn by James
Brown, architect, Kilbarchan (Coimcil Records, 25th January, 1782).
The arches of the pen bridge were then stated to be each forty-six
feet wide and thirty -six feet high, and the bridge twenty -nine feet
broad at the east end, and twenty-five feet broad at the west end."^

^ William Semple was born at Kaimhill, in the Parish of Kilbarchan, on 29th
April, 1747. He received his education at the Parish School of Kilbarchan,
where he also learned mensuration. On leaving the school, he carried on there
the business of a land surveyor for several years, and frequently acted as an
architect. He afterwards removed to Paisley, where he carried on the same
business. Some time after the publication of his history, he went to America
to live with his brother, and never returned.

" The following advertisement appeared in the Glasgow Mercury of 6th
December, 1781: — A bridge to be built. The Magistrates and Council of
Paisley ]-)ropose to take down, and rebuild, the bridge betwixt the town and
Smithhills, agreeable to a plan lying in the Town Clerk's Chamber for inspection.
Such as incline to undertake this work, are desired to lodge their proposals in
the hands of Alex. Gibson, Town Clerk, immediately.

^=r-

1750 TILL 1800. 91

In 1785, the practice of vagrant begging had increased to such a
degree in the country parishes, that a petition was presented to the
Justices at the May Quarter Session, signed by farmers and other
inhabitants in many of the parishes, praying them to interpose their
authority to stop the nuisance. After agreeing that the different
parishes should arrange to support their own poor, the Justices
resolved that vagrant beggars should be prevented strolling through
the country ; and to carry their resolution out, appointed a
number of respectable farmers, and other inhabitants, in each
parish, to assist the constables in apprehending every vagrant who
should, after the 8th of August, be found begging in the country
(Glasgow Mercury).

The streets in Paisley were certainly in a bad condition during
the period we are considering ; but the roads in the county,
including those leading into the town, were even worse. The
county roads were maintained under the Acts of Charles II. and
George I., called the statute labour acts, by which Justices of Peace
were authorised to call out the tenants, cottars, and servants, with
their horses, carts, and implements, for six days yearly, to make and
repair the highways in the county. These acts were found,
however, to be very ineffectual. In 1753, a turnpike act was
obtained, followed by two other acts, for building a bridge at
Inchinnan, and for making roads from Glasgow to Greenock, and
from the three-mile house to Clark's bridge on the Beith road.
These roads were made about seventeen years thereafter. The
statute labour was reserved for the cross and parochial roads, which
were almost impassable, and quite unfit for carriages. Wheel
carriages were not then used; for so late as 1770, hme, coal, grain,
&c., were generally carried on horses' backs (Wilson's View of
Refifreio shire, p. 177). Prior to the erection of a bridge at Inchinnan,
in 1759, the White Cart and the Black Cart were only crossed at
that part by ferries and fords \ and the traffic between Paisley and
Greenock was by Inchinnan, until Barnsford bridge was built in
1793. Some pedestrians, to secure a shorter road than that by
Inchinnan, went through Paisley Moss, and crossed the Gryfife at
Barnsford, by the ford or ferry there. The Town Council
contributed '•'■;£\oo towards the building of the bridge at Barnsford,"
and also agreed " to become assignees on this road, along with the
other trustees, for making and repairing the same" (Council Records,
2ist January, 1793).

We do not know when carriers first commenced to trade regularly
between Paisley and Glasgow; but in 1783, a carrier started daily
from Findlay's, Trongate (Taifs Directory). And in the same
year, we read that "A Paisley diligence sets out from Pinkerton's and
Dunbar's, Trongate, twice every day but Sabbath" (Taifs Directory).
The Council, it appears, had some kind of houses for protecting
coaches, for on the 30th December, 1793, they agreed "to set the

92 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

town's shades for coaches, at thirty shillings each, or as much more
as can be got for them, and authorise the magistrates to make
the bargain."

The inhabitants derived their supply of water, for domestic
purposes, almost entirely from public wells, situated in different
parts of the town. Some proprietors of houses had a well of their
own at the " yaird fit," but of these there were not many. The
wells throughout the town appear usually to have been sufficiently
numerous to meet the moderate demands of the inhabitants, who
did not then require it for baths and other purposes which, at the
present time, are deemed indispensable. The Burgh records do
not refer to any scarcity of water being felt by the inhabitants,
except in one instance, when a petition was presented to the
Council, from the " inhabitants and burgesses in Moss raw, repre-
senting that they are frequently much straitened for Avant of water,
and craving, therefore," that they would open the " old well " at Mr.
Gibson's tenement. The Council " agreed to do the same, and for
that end allow any of the neighbours that pleases to contribute
what they think proper, — and recommend to the Bailies, wholly or
severally, to see this act put in operation" (Council Records, 30th
June, 1 7 13). It would appear that prior to 1780, the wells were
mostly dipping or draw wells, and it was after that period that
pumps were attached to them. At anyrate, it was only at that time
that pumps, in connection with wells, are referred to ; and
occasionally the Council, with the view of aiding the inhabitants in
obtaining water more readily, supplied pumps. On 5th June, 1787,
the Council agreed "to give a pump to Sneddon well, the inhabi-
tants always preparing the well in suitable manner for it." On 17th
September, 1792, the inhabitants in West Street, being about to dig
a well there, petitioned the Council to supply them with a pump,
" they agreed to do so when a sufificiency of water " was found. At
the same meeting, the Council agreed " to allow Bailie Smith, and
others, ^\ i6s. for a house to the well at the head of Causeyside."
On 22nd September, 1794, "the Council appoint the Master of
Works to examine the pumps in town, to see how far one can be
spared to a new dug well in Castle Street ; and if none can be
spared, to provide a new one ; and at same time, they allow ^2 2s.
for a house to the well." On 30th November, 1795, the Council
agreed " to give the inhabitants in John Street a pump to the well
that they are setting down, and to sell the old pump at west steeple
well, as it has gone out of use." " At the Seedhill Mill there is a
good spring well, the pump under lock and key, being particular for
its taste and smell, and used as a remedy for several diseases."
(W. Semple's History, p. 289).

In 1778, the Council contemplated applying to Parhament for an
act to accomplish certain police improvements, and to obtain powers
to provide a supply of water. On the ist September in that year,
they actually resolved " to apply to Parliament for an act

1750 'iILL 1800. 93

authorising them to bring in water for supplying the town, hghting
and paving the streets, and other purposes.'"' This important
resolution, however, is not referred to again.

The Council, on 2Sth September, 1799, fixed the entry of
burgesses as follows : — A stranger, ;^3 6s. 8d. ; a person who has
married a burgess's daughter, j£i iis. 6d.; eldest son of a burgess,
IDS. 6d.; each younger son of a burgess, ;£i is.; stallinger fine for
not entering a burgess, los. 6d. No alteration was afterwards made
on these rates. During the latter half of the century, the freedom
of the town was not conferred on any person.

The birth-day of George III., on 4th June, was always held as a
day of rejoicing by the inhabitants, and was celebrated in a variety
of ways. In 1768, W. Semple states, that "all the weavers in the
town and suburbs formed themselves under a committee, parading
through the town in grand procession, with captains and all other
inferior officers, in form of a regiment of soldiers, only not in the
military dress, and under a head captain in lieu of a colonel. Their
brilliant appearance was equal to anything of the kind ever seen in
Scotland. They have their procession once in three years." The
Magistrates and Council also invariably celebrated the King's birth-
day. On the previous night, a committee generally met in the
Saracen's Head Inn, to make the punch to be used on the following
day; and the expenses then incurred varied from 15s. to double
that sum. The toast of the King's health, and sometimes others,
were drunk, with great decorum, by the Magistrates and Council,
on the stair head of the ToUbooth ; and the glasses, after being
emptied, were thrown among the assembled crowd below, as if to
show they should never be degraded by any other sentiment. The
tavern bill, on 4th June, 1794, was:- — Port, 42 bottles, ;£^ ids.;
porter, 5s.; sixty glasses, £1 ; twelve broken bottles, 2s.; ham and
biscuits, ;^3 13s.; toddy, fifteen pints, :£2>; punch, twelve pints,
^8; officers, 9s.; — in all, ^£2^ 19s. In 1796, the bill was ^25
13s.; in 1799, ^31 i8s. 6d.

The intense loyalty of the inhabitants to the throne, was not
displayed in the celebration only of the King's birth day, but was,
at times, extended to that of his consort, the Queen. In January,
1795, "the birth day of Her Majesty Queen Charlotte was celebrated
with great show of loyalty and attachment." Although the weather
was exceedingly unfavourable, from a heavy fall of snow, the Royal
Paisley Volunteers, in full uniform, with their flags displayed, were
drawn up at the Cross at mid day, and the flank companies, having
wheeled inwards, the whole, with great accuracy and precision,
discharged three rounds, amidst a numerous assemblage of the
inhabitants. In the afternoon, a number of the corps dined
together, in honour of the auspicious day, when many patriotic
toasts and sentiments were given. In the evening, there was an
assembly in the Abercorn Inn, which was more numerously attended

94 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and brilliant than any that had taken place for years past" (Glasgow
Mercury).

The following are the prices of provisions in the last decade of
this century : —

s. D.

Beef, per lb. of 2 2}^ oz., o 5^^

Mutton, do., o 6

Lamb, do., 06

Veal, do., o 6%

A Turkey, 6 o

A Hen, i 3

A Chicken, o 6

A Duck, I 3

s. D.

Eggs, per dozen, o 7

Butter,perlb.of 22^ oz., o loyi

Cheese, do., o 4

Potatoes,perpk.of37lbs., o 7

New Milk, per Scots pint, o 2 ^

Butter Milk do., o o^

Whey, do., o o^

The progress of the town during this century was both varied in
kind and important in degree. At the commencement, the popu-
lation was about 2200, in 1753 it was 4195, and by the close of the
century it had rapidly risen to 24,324. In addition to the many
new industries that had arisen, the old staple trade of handloom
weaving had also vastly increased. While the handloom weavers at
the beginning of the century numbered only about 87, by the end of
1782 they had increased to 4007.

The wealth and public spirit of the inhabitants in this century
were manifested in many ways. They built eight churches to pro-
vide accommodation for the public worship of the inhabitants. The
Municipal Buildings, Jail, and Steeple at the Cross, the Flesh
Market and Shambles, the Old Bridge and Grammar School, were
all rebuilt. The enterprising inhabitants likewise erected a new and
commodious poorhouse, a new bridge over the river at Sneddon,
another bridge over the river at the Abbey, new English and com-
mercial schools, along with schools in Storie Street, Maxwellton,
and Seedhills, and a new Town's Inn. But the most extraordinary
progress made was in the erection of new dwelling-houses, in the
latter half of the century, to meet the rapid increase of the popula-
tion. It was in Sneddon district, about 1 730, that the building
of new dwelling-houses and loom -shops first commenced. After-
wards, as trade extended, there followed the rapid erection of many
other houses in all parts of the town, to accommodate the great influx
of workers from the surrounding counties, who were attracted to
Paisley by its abundant and well-paid work.

In 1757, the Earl of Dundonald, following the example of the
Magistrates and Town Council, commenced to feu ground adjoining
the Abbey for building purposes. The advertisement in the Glasgow
Courant, of 1757, announcing the selling of the first of these old
Abbey lands, states that about four acres of the Abbey gardens,
" very advantageously situated upon the river Cart, a little above the
Old Bridge of Paisley," will be feued, by public roup, on the 27 th
January, 1757 ; and that "excellent materials for building will be

1750 TILL 1800. 95

supplied from the houses and garden -walls of Paisley, where
there is a vast quantity of hewn stones, which Lord Dundonald is
to become bound to sell to the purchasers at a reasonable rate, to
be specified in the articles of roup."

The ground here referred to included the gateway and road or
avenue leading to " The Place of Paisley,'' and was the commence-
ment of what was afterwards called Abbey Close. The tenement
to the west of the gateway, was called the " Yett House." Before
being acquired, about this time, by the Earl of Dundonald, it
belonged to Robert Park. Adjoining thereto, on the south, was
the tennis court, used by the Dundonald family. The removal of
the ancient gateway to the Abbey, gave the place an entirely new
appearance (Statistical Accoimt, 1793, vol. vii., p. 95). Other great
changes speedily followed. The Place of Paisley, which had
hitherto been occupied, successively, by the Abbots, the Commend-
ators, and by the Abercorn and Dundonald families, in whose times
it had been the scene both of merriment and of misery, was now let
out for the occupation of tradespeople.

In 1764, the Lordship of Paisley was re -purchased by the Earl
of Abercorn, who, finding a great demand for ground to build upon,
had the whole of the ancient large garden, orchard, and deer park,
laid otT in a regular plan for feuing. In 1778, a number of steadings
were feued out for building upon ; and within three years thereafter,
eighty-one houses had been erected (W. Stmple, p. 291). The
streets in the new plan were generally named from the different
branches of the weaving trade in the town, and they continue to be
so designed to the present time. The Earl of Abercorn appears to
have been very sanguine of his ability to establish a new town on
the east side of the river, opposite the old burgh, for he erected
there, amidst other things, at great expense, an elegant and commo-
dious public inn. The first tenant was Joseph Ritter; and the
following is a copy of his advertisement, announcing the opening of
the inn, on 13th October, 1783: —

" New Inn of Paisley.

" Joseph Ritter begs leave to inform the nobility, gentry, and the
public in general, that he has taken that large and commodious inn,
in Newtown of Paisley (just now built by the Earl of Abercorn),
which is furnished and fitted up in the neatest and genteelest
manner; and will be opened on Monday, the 13th current, for the
reception of those who please to favour him with their company,
where they may depend on the best usage, and every article charged
on the most reasonable terms."

The prosperity of Paisley at this time was unbounded ; and the
following extract from the Scots Magazine, vol. xlii., December,
1786, shows that, in this light, it was at the time so viewed: —
" No town in the kingdom, or perhaps in Europe, has made such
rapid progress in population and wealth as the town of Paisley.

9 6 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

In the year 1738, the inhabitants were only about 4000. These are
now increased near sixfold, the inhabitants at present being not less
than 22,000. The houses were formerly mean in their appearance,
the streets narrow and dirty, and the people slovenly in their dress
and manners. The houses are now mostly new and elegant ; the
streets spacious and well paved ; the people gay and polite ; and
their servant maids more neatly dressed, with their caps, gauzes, and
white stockings, than were formerly the citizens' wives. Some years
ago it was reckoned indecent for even one of the better sort of
inhabitants to be carried to their own door in a coach. When,
therefore, any of them were conveyed from Glasgow in a stage or
hackney coach, they ordered it always to stop at some little distance
from the town, where they came out, in order to avoid the censure
of their neighbours for their luxury. Now the case is altered ; and
not content with foreign accommodation, they have just now got from
this town a hackney coach for themselves, the most elegant, perhaps,
that has been made, and thought much superior to any other either
here or in London. The new inn, lately built there by Lord
Abercorn, will compare, either for the neatness of the outside or
accommodation within, to anything of the kind in Britain.
Formerly, they depended on Glasgow, in a great measure, for the
support of their manufactures. They now do for themselves ; and
have of late set up a bank for the facility of their merchants. If
they go on for twenty years more in the way they have done for
twenty past, Paisley will be a much more considerable place than
even Glasgow."

The following is an interesting and well - prepared statement
relative to the trade of the town in 1789 : —

Abstract of the Manufactures of Paisley, with their value, and the
number e7nployed in them in the year 1789.

Manufactures.

Employments i.v the Manu- No. of Produce in

FACTUREs. Hands. Money.

Silk Gauze, Weavers employed in this branch

in Paisley, 5000

Winders, warpers, clippers, over-
seers, &c. , employed, 5000

10,000

Vahie manufactured Ijy every

silk loom, ;^70 stg. per annum,

at an average, is ;ic^35o>ooo o o

Lmvns, Weavers employed in these

branches, 2S00

Cambrics, Winders, warpers, clippers, over-
seers, bleachers, &c., Iioo

Thread Gauze Spinners of the yarn used in this

and Micslins. manufacture, 73^4

Makers of machinery, implements,

heddles, &c. , for silk and lawn, 800

12,084

1600 of those now employed in the muslin trade.

Carried fo}~ivard. ^^350,000 o o

1750 TILL iSoO. 97

Brought foi-tuard, ^350,000 o o

Value of the lawns, cambrics, and muslins

manufactured, is 180,385 16 o

White or Spinners, winders, bleachers, twisters, and

Threads. drivers, 4800

Value of this manufacture amounts to 70,000 o o

HardandSoft 1

Soap and > Value of these branches will amount to 48,000 o o

Candles. )

^ / '^ ' J Value of these trades put together will be 12,000 o o

Janworks,<kc. \ i & >

^ Total yearly value of the manufactures of Paisley, ;if 660, 385 16 c
^ Statistical Account, 1793, vol. vii., p. 73.

CHAPTER XVI.

1800 TILL 1825.

HE period comprising the dose of the last and the
commencement of the present century, is memorable
for the great scarcity and the consequent high price of
provisions. The harvest of 1799 was a great failure ;
and during the following winter provisions of every
kind rose to famine rates. It was a period of great hardship to all
classes. Oatmeal, which was then the staff of life, was bad in
quality. Many were under the necessity of travelling miles to
obtain oatmeal and flour, and frequently the small quantity they
managed to procure was almost worthless. "To assist in alleviating
the sufferings of the poor, the Town Council of Paisley deemed it
necessary to join the inhabitants in having public kitchens, and to
enter into sul3Scriptions for the relief of the poor at this season of
scarcity and of expensive markets " ( Council Records, 3rd February,
1800). Subscriptions were also commenced by the benevolent,
who sympathised with the sufferings of the poor, " towards a fund
for importing grain into the country" (Coimcil Records, 28th
February, 1800); and to aid this very laudable scheme the Council
subscribed ;;/^2oo. The trades and other societies of the town,
along with the more wealthy inhabitants, were likewise liberal
contributors. The Merchants' Society, on 3rd February, " con-
sidering the present necessitous state of the poor, and that there is
a fund now raising, by subscription, for their support, agree to con-
tribute twenty guineas."'

The importation of foreign grain, to meet the wants of the
inhabitants, was a wise measure, for the quantity of meal and
potatoes at this time in the hands of the farmers and dealers was
very small. Parliament also adopted measures to encourage the
importation of grain, and agreed to indemnify those who brought
grain from the Mediterranean and America before the end of
October, if, in consequence of a good harvest, it should decline in
price. By many of the members of the House of Lords, a novel
form of agreement was entered into, with the view of limiting the
consumpt of bread. Every subscriber to that agreement became
bound to limit the quantity of wheaten bread consumed in his
family to one quartern loaf a week for each person.

Unfortunately for the country, the scanty crops of 1799 were
followed, in 1800, by a harvest equally deficient, and this, of course,
aggravated the distress of the working classes. Frequently the
oatmeal brought to the market was very inferior in quality. In the

i8oo TILL 1825. 99

middle of August, the Magistrates confiscated three bolls of meal
which were found, upon examination, to be of an unwholesome
quality, and fined the exposer of it in five guineas for the benefit of
the poor. The Council, in order to induce the farmers and dealers
to bring potatoes into the town in greater quantities, resorted to the
expedient of offering bounties. A premium was given " of jQt, 3s. to
those who bring in the greatest quantity; ^2 2s. to those who
bring in the second greatest quantity; and ;£i is. to those who
bring in the third largest quantity ; and the same to continue for
fourteen days" (Council Records^ 26th August, 1800). How far
this plan succeeded we have no means of knowing.

In consequence of some attempt at rioting by a few evil- disposed
persons, the Magistrates, Lord-Lieutenant, and Sheriff, were, on
29th October, under the necessity of issuing the following
proclamation : — " Whereas, in the morning of yesterday, several
seditious and inflammatory notices were posted up in different parts
of the town of Paisley, inciting the inhabitants to a meeting at five
o'clock ; and whereas a mob of riotous and disorderly persons did,
in the evening of yesterday, assemble and commit many acts
injurious to the persons and property of the peaceable inhabitants,
we give this public intimation of our determination to suppress all
riots, tumults, and illegal assemblies, and to carry into effect, by
every means in our power, His ^Majesty's proclamation, dated i8th
September, 1800. We hereby offer a reward of twenty guineas to
any person or persons Avho will discover the writers, or those who
posted up the said inflammatory notices ; and any person or persons
who will give information respecting the outrages already committed,
shall be liberally rewarded by applying to the Town Clerk of the
Town of Paisley. We further pledge ourselves to aftbrd every
encouragement to such persons as may supply the Town of Paisley
with meal and other articles of provisions, and have adopted the
necessary measures for their complete protection."

The demand for oatmeal was so great, and the supply so
deficient, that in the month of November, when the dearth was
most severe, it rose to 4s. and 5s. per peck, the rate before the
dearth being only about is. a peck. When a shopkeeper got a supply
of meal or potatoes, a crowd of a hundred or two immediately
surrounded the shop to purchase them. The distress among the
working classes still continuing, the Council agreed " to contribute
^40 towards carrying on the public kitchens, for behoof of the poor
of the town" (Council Records, 27th November, 1800), and the
Merchants' Society again subscribed twenty guineas. At the same
meeting, the Council resolved " to convene the inhabitants of the
town, to consider the propriety of a subscription for behoof of the
poor of the town in this time of scarcity." On ist December
following, they agreed " to subscribe ;^2oo for importing foreign
grain to the town, for the relief of the inhabitants, providing that
such a measure be countenanced by the principal inhabitants of the
town by their subscriptions." Although we have been unable to

lOO HISTORY OF PAtSLEY.

discover any records showing what was done, yet we have no
doubt, looking to the general pubUc spirit of the inhabitants, they
would cordially support the Council in their philanthropic efforts.^

In consequence of the high price of provisions, and the severe
pressure upon the poorer classes, Parliament was called together
as early as November. The question of remedial measures was at
once referred to select committees in both houses. The Commons'
committee recommended that the King should be empowered to
prohibit, by orders in Council, the export of provisions ; that there
should be a bounty on the importation of certain articles ; the pro-
hibition, for a limited time, of the use of corn in the distilling of
spirits, or in the making of starch ; and the prohibition of bread
made solely from the fine flour of wheat. All these proposals, with
some others, were at once passed into a law.

A very great deal of excitement prevailed at that time among a
certain class of the community, in consequence of a belief that some
of the dealers in provisions withheld them from sale, in order to
obtain higher prices afterwards. Great support was given to this
supposition, by the fact that the discontented discovered some
cellars, in the buildings adjoining the Abbey Church, to be filled
with good potatoes. When this became known, a vast crowd,
consisting mostly of women, boys, and girls, assembled at the cellars,
all provided with pocks or bags. The potato stores were broken
open, and immediately the bags were filled with potatoes, and
carried off by the mob. In the meantime, the conduct of the
rioters became known to the Magistrates, who appeared on the scene
with a corps of volunteers, then quartered in the town, but not till all
the potatoes had been carried away.- It was alleged that many of
the volunteers, instead of trying to stop the pillage by the mob,
went so far as to add to it themselves. Shortly afterwards, a
caricature was exhibited in the shop windows, representing a
volunteer with a well -filled bag of potatoes on his back, calling to
the crowd to keep out of his way, as he was hurrying home for his
gun (Tlie Burnlip, by Thomas Dick, p. loo). The inhabitants of
Paisley, however, suffered less from the dearth than those of many
other towns. After the stagnation of trade, in 1793, the fancy
muslin trade had been prosperous ; the work was light, and the
working classes earned good wages. This epoch has since been
known among all classes in the country, even to the present day, as
" the year of the great dearth." In the course of a year or two
provisions, in consequence of better harvests, became reduced in
price.

^ "For the benefit of the poor, there will be dances in the Abercom Arms
Inn, on Monday evening, the i6th February, 1801, to begin at eight o'clock.
Tickets, five shillings each" (Glasgow Courier).

* ParkhilVs Ten Years' Experience of a BethreVs Life, p. 98. Parkhill lived at
this time in Paisley. In Glasgow, at the same period, the poorer inhabitants
gathered together in the meal market, at the foot of Montrose Street, and
tumultuously proceeded to effect theirownrelief f C/^JwnVA'j^^'/'. Mtingo, p. 266).

l8oO TILL 1825. lOI

In the first week of September, 1801, an earthquake was felt very
generally over the country. In some houses in Glasgow and neigh-
bourhood, the bells rang and the windows shook. In Paisley and
Hamilton, it was felt at nearly the same moment. At Renfrew, a
weaver standing in his workshop felt it most distinctly. The
heddles of his loom were set in motion by it, which led him to
believe that a rat had got upon his web. At Renfield house, in the
neighbourhood, six ladies, in different apartments, felt as if their
bedsteads had been shaken by some person ; and a negro in the
stable had the same impression as he had frequently experienced
from a similar cause in the West Indies. It was also distinctly felt
in Edinburgh, Leith, and neighbourhood. It continued two or
three seconds. It was preceded by a rumbling, rushing, hollow
noise from the ground. It had a tremulous, undulating motion,
somewhat resembling the waves of the sea. Beds, tables, chairs,
&c., shook violently in some houses. Several persons who felt it had
a very disagreeable sensation, attended with headache (Glasgota
Courier, loth September, 1801).

" Hutcheson's Charity School " was founded and endowed by
Margaret Hutcheson, who was born in the Parish of Govan. Her
husband, John Park, was born in the Parish of Houston. They
both, however, resided in Paisley the greater part of their lifetime.
Her brother, James Hutcheson, was a tailor to trade, who went
in early life to St. John's, Antigua, and as a merchant-tailor accumu-
lated a considerable fortune. At his death, Margaret Hutcheson
succeeded to upwards of ^20,000. Her husband at this time was
working in Paisley as a daily labourer. In their altered position
they acted with great prudence, and were eminently kind to the
poor, and very charitable in assisting many of their acquaintances
and relations with money to relieve their wants. Their donations
were numerous. To the Ladies' Hospital, ^100; to the Kirk
Session of Paisley, ;^ioo; to the Magistrates and Council, £,So, the
interest being meant to support a Public Dispensary; to the same
body, ^200, the interest to be applied to the support of some old
people residing in Paisley of the name of Park or Hutcheson ; to
the same body, ;^5o, to promote the institution of a Sunday School ;
and ;^2o to the Kirk Session of Houston. All the rest of their
fortune was bequeathed amongst a great number of legatees, except
the sum of;i^i5oo, "as a fund for erecting, establishing, and endowing
a Charity School in the town of Paisley, to be called Hutcheson's
Charity School, for the end and purpose of instructing poor orphans
or the children of poor parents residing in the town of Paisley or
town parishes thereof, who shall be presented and admitted by the
Patrons or Governors of said charity aftermentioned, in reading
English, and in the principles of the Christian religion, and also in
writing and the common rules of arithmetic in case the said governors
shall judge this branch of education expedient, and that a proper
teacher be got for both of these branches " (Margaret Hutchesoiis Deed

102 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

of Settlement, dated 22nd August, 1793. It was registered in the
Commissary Court books of Glasgow, 22nd March, 1795). The
gift was for the time being vested in the Magistrates and Treasurer
of the town, the governor of the Town's Hospital, the Deacon or
Boxmaster of the Old Society of Weavers, the preses or the Box-
master of the Society of Merchants, and one member from each of
the three Kirk Sessions of the town parishes, to be chosen annually,
by the several sessions, as governors, directors, patrons, and
managers of said Charity Institution — any five of whom to be a
quorum. Full and ample powers of every kind were given to them
in the management of the trust.

Margaret Hutcheson died 1 2th February, 1795, ^g^d 70 years ; and
her husband died 14th April, 1797, upwards of 70 years of age.
They were interred on the west side of the High Church Burying
Ground, where, during their lives, a stone had been erected with this
inscription: — "This is the burying place of John Park and Margaret
Hutcheson, his wife, 1789."

" By faith a man enjoys his Maker;
By love his neighbours.
And by contentment himself.
Remember, man, as thou go'st by,
As thou art now, so once was I ;
As I am now, so thou must be ;
Therefore, prepare to follow me."

The first meeting of the directors, — for that was the designation
they afterwards assumed, — was held on 6th August, 1802, at which
Mr. James Carlile, one of the executors under Margaret Hutcheson's
deed of settlement, was elected to be preses, and Mr. James
Walkinshaw, writer, to be clerk. At a meeting held on i ith January,
1804, Bailie Moody was elected preses, Mr. Carlile treasurer, which
situation he held till his death in 1835, and John Boyle clerk.
At this meeting "the directors agreed first to lease a place for
a school-room, and also to advertise for a teacher, to be allowed ;^4o
of yearly salary with a free school, and declared it to be their inten-
tion to build a house for a school-house, and dwelling-house for the
master at some future period." At the following meeting, held on 6th
March, they agreed to take from Mrs Sharp a room in High Street,
to be used as their first school, for one year, from Whitsunday
next, at jQ^ ; and also approved of a set of rules relating to
management, which they ordered to be printed. On 13th March,
they elected Mr. Shields, teacher, Rutherglen, to be their first master,
and appointed a committee for the admission of children, another
for accounts, and a third for education. When the School was
opened on 4th June, 1804, there were 44 children admitted to the
day school, and 40 admitted to the evening school on the following
night. The teacher was appointed to act as clerk to the directors,
an arrangement that exists at the present time. The directors
leased the school -room in the west or wee steeple, which had formerly

iSoo TILL 1825. 103

been the Town's English School, at an annual rent of ^8 8s., and
the scholars removed thither at Whitsunday, 1805. When the
Council, in 1807, offered to sell this steeple by public roup, the direc-
tors offered to give ^^ 500 for it, but it was sold at a much higher sum.
In January following "the proprietors of the Baptist meeting-house,
in Penn Road," offered to let it to the directors, who agreed to take
it for their school-house, the annual rent being^i3 los. In 1811,
Mr. Shields, who had on several occasions received a gratuity of
;^5, fell into bad health, resigned, and the directors elected Mr.
Peter T^I'Laren as his successor. The number of scholars in the day-
school varied from 40 to 80, and in 181 1 it reached 109. The
night-school was not very well attended, for the greatest number of
scholars was about 50.

In March, 1812, Mr. Walter Carswell died, and left by his deed
of settlement the very helpful sum of ;^5oo to the Institution, "but
under the express provision and declaration that the managers and
directors of the said Institution Fund, hereby appropriated therefor,
shall be bound in admitting children to the benefit thereof, to give
decided preference to all such children bearing the name of Carswell
and applying therefor. The number never exceeding ten." On
30th October, 181 2, Mr. William M'Ewen, teacher at Dalswinton, in
the Parish of Kirkmahoe, was elected to succeed Mr. Peter M"Laren,
at a salary of ^60. Mr. Carlile, the treasurer, at this time added
;^5o to the funds. " The thanks of the directors were given for his
generous gift." Mr. M'Eavcu having also fallen into ill health,
retired; and on 7th May, 1816, Mr. John Armour, student of
divinity, was appointed, at the same salary as his predecessor.
In October, 18 18, the teacher informed the directors "that he
usually meets on the evening of the Lord's day, for an hour and a
half, with advanced scholars, who either are or have been in
the school, for religious instruction, and that at that time there
were between twenty and thirty attending." In this month the
directors bought from C. J. F. Orr, Esq., a piece of ground,
extending from " Pen Lane," fifty feet eastward, along Oakshaw
Street, for ^100, on w^hich to erect a school-house. On 20th
October, 181 9, the funds of the Institution stood as follows: —

Lent to the Town Council, ... ... ^2070 o o

Lodged in Union Bank, ... ... 20 o o

Ground for a School, ... ... ... 100 o o

Cash on hand, ... ... ... ... 918

In all, ... ;z{^2i99 i 8

On 23d October, 1820, the directors agreed that they should
erect a commodious school- house, on the ground they had recently
purchased, capable of accommodating 250 scholars.

On 2nd November, 1820, it was intimated to the directors "that
the late Hugh Thomson, Esq., had by his Deed of Settlement

104 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

bequeathed to them ^200, for the more effectually promoting and
carrying into effect the ends and designs of the Institution."

On the estimates being opened for the erection of the school-
house, it was found that the offers of Alex. Davidson and Thomas
Miller for the mason-work were alike, ^160. The directors left it
to the offerers to settle among themselves who should do the work.
William & Robert Walker's offer of ^285 was accepted for the
Wright, smith, slater, plumber, and plaster-work. In October, 1821,
the directors bought for ^32, apiece of ground on the south side of
that which they had already purchased. The new school -house
being finished, was first occupied in March, 1822, and the directors
" authorised the treasurer to pay Mr. Vallance ;£,\2 12s. for his
great trouble in making out plans and specifications, and in superin-
tending the building." The attendance of day scholars, for several
years prior to the opening of the new school, was about 100 ; and
in the night school the number varied considerably. In 18 16, the
attendance at one time was as low as 34, but in 1819 it rose to 102.
The teachers appointed in succession after this were, Mr. John Reid,
on 4th April, 1827;^ Mr. James Shaw Brown, on i8th August,
1831 ; - Mr. Neil Livingston, on 21st Oct., 1834; Mr. Matthew Adam,
on ist December, 1835 ; Mr. John Meikleham, in 1837 ; Mr. Joseph
Robertson, on 4th April, 1838 ; Mr. John Campbell, on 27th
January, 1847. ^^^- Campbell continued in office till November,
1882, a period of 35 years, when he resigned. The school prospered
under his good management, and the directors in the minute of their
meeting of 30th November, 1882, " resolved to record an expression
of their deep regret at receiving Mr. Campbell's resignation, their thanks
for his long and faithful services, and their good wishes for his future
welfare." The clerk was instructed to send to Mr. Campbell an ex-
cerpt of this minute. " Mr. John Davidson was appointed Mr. Camp-
bell's successor on 20th April, 1883. The school was always full of
scholars during Mr. Campbell's tenure of office, having about 150
during the day, and at the night class about 70." In 1835, ^^i"-
James Carlile, who was one of the executors of Margaret Hutcheson,
died. He discharged the duties of treasurer gratuitously from the
opening of the school till his death. The directors recorded in their
minutes their high appreciation of Mr. Carlile's work. " To his
economical and faithful management of the trust, this establishment
owes much of its prosperity and succe'ss. He watched its progress
with the assiduity and affection of a parent ; and the successive
teachers and pupils ever found in him a sincere and liberal friend."
In 1866 the pupils attending the John Neilson Institution did a
very handsome thing for the benefit of the scholars of Hutcheson's
Charity School. They gave a Musical Demonstration in the Free
Middle Church, on 29th June in"^that year, and the proceeds, which
amounted to ;^3o, were given in articles of clothing as prizes, to

' Mr. Reid was afterwards master of the Town's English School.
" Mr. Brown was appointed governor of the Town's Hospital.

iSoO TILL 1S25. TO5

such of the pupils as were selected, after a competitive examination,
as having made the greatest progress in their lessons. In this way
prizes in clothing were given to twelve girls and thirteen boys.

On 24th January, 1883, the following regulations were adopted
by the directors in the management of the Institution : —

ist. — " That henceforth no children be admitted to the benefit of
the ' charity ' who are under five or over seven years of age, except
in special circumstances, and such as may be sent by the Parochial
Board. 2nd. — That the salary of the teacher commence at this date
at ;^65 per annum. 3rd. — That the hours of teaching be from 9.30
a.m. till 12; and from i till 3.30 p.m.; in the evening, from 7
till 9 o'clock ; and that there be no teaching on Saturday. 4th. —
That the summer holidays be limited to one calendar month, and
be taken in the month of August. 5th. — That the regulation to
give six weeks' notice of motion, be altered to one month's notice.
6th. — That the corporal punishment of the children be limited to
stripes with tawse only on the palms of the hands."

The following shows the number of scholars that attended during
the years stated : —

Scholars in day class, - 1880-1, 240 In 1881-2, 235

Left School for work, -

- 50

Removals,

- 21

To attend other Schools,

- 16

111 health, - - -

Deaths, - - - -

„ „ - 40

„ - 24

„ - 14

„ „ - °

„ - 2
90 80

Leaving on roll, August. 1 801, —86 boys and 64 girls, - 150
Leaving on roll, August, 1882, — 93 boys and 62 girls, - 155

Attendance day class, Dec, 1882, Boys, 96; Girls, 64=160. Average, 135
,, evening class, ,, Boys, 42; Girls, 6=48. Average, 37

Sfafe of the Funds for the Year ending November, 1880 : —

Income.

Interest, ... ... ... ... ... ... £,']<) 9 o

Books Sold, 3 5°

Burgh Parochial Board, ... ... ... 10 00

Rent for use of School-room, ... ... ... 100

Rent from Property, ... ... ... ... 44 12 4

Excess of expenditure, ... ... ... ... 25 5 2

Teacher's Salary,...
Repairs, ...
General Charges,

Expenditure.

- ^85 0 0
44 12 I
33 19 5

^163 II 6

106 history of paisley.

Assets.

Burgh Annuity Fund, ... ... ... ... ^148^ o o

Water Commissioners, ... ... ... ... 500 o o

National Security Savings Bank, ... ... 52 10 o

House Property, Oakshaw Street, ... ... 268 4 7

;^2303^4_ 7

List of Presidents.
1802, Mr. James Carlile ; 1804, Bailie A. Moody; 1804, Bailie
John Orr ; 1806, Bailie Wm. Stow ; 1807, Bailie Archd. Jamieson;
1808, Mr. Wm. Fulton ; 1809, Bailie Jamieson ; 18 10, Mr. Adam
Kerr; 181 1, Bailie Davidson; 181 2, Bailie Alex. Macalister ;
1813, Bailie M'Lean; 181 7, Provost Carlile; 1818, Bailie Vallance;
1819, Bailie Farquharson ; 1820, Provost Carlile; 1824, Provost
Farquharson ; 1826, Bailie Gilmour ; 1827, Provost Farquharson;
1829, Provost Boyd; 1830, Provost Gilmour; 1832, Bailie
Buchanan; 1833, Mr. J. Carlile; 1834, Provost Hardie ; 1837,
Bailie Hart; 1839, Mr. James Forbes; 1840, Provost Bisset ;
1843, Bailie Murray; 1844, Provost Murray; 1851, Provost
Philips; 1853, Provost Macfarlane ; 1856, Provost Robert Brown;
1859, Provost Pollock; 1862, Provost Campbell; 1865, Provost
Macfarlane; 1869, Provost Murray; 1879, Provost M'Kean ;
1882, Provost Clark.

On 24th June, 1803, the Faculty of Procurators before the Courts
of Paisley and Renfrewshire was incorporated by 'Royal Charter.'
The Office-bearers consisted of a Dean, Treasurer and Clerk, three
Councillors, three Examinators, and a Librarian. They also formed
a Society for the Mutual Assurance of their Widows. They had also
a Library which consisted mostly of law books. This society
continued till 1883, when the members obtained an Act of Parlia-
ment empowering them to have it dissolved and the funds divided
amongst themselves, after setting apart sufficient money to meet
the annual aliment to the widows.

About the close of last century, the Magistrates and Council
commenced to forward addresses to the King and the Houses of
Parliament on matters relating to the public affairs of the nation.
As time went on, this practice increased in frequency. An attempt
was made to shoot the King while in the theatre ; and the Council,
on 19th May, 1800, unanimously agreed "to address His Majesty
on his escape from being assassinated by a pistol fired at him."
When the treaty of peace with the French nation was finally
concluded at Amiens, on 27th March, 1802, the Council, on the
17th May following, voted an address to His Majesty, "offering
their tribute of gratitude, in rendering to the nation the inestimable
blessings of peace." ^ On 28th March, 1803, the Council voted an

^ The preliminary articles of peace between Great Britain, Holland, France,
and Spain, were signed in London by Lord Hawkesbury and Mr. Otto, on the

l800 TILL 1825. 107

address " to His Majesty, on his fortunate escape from the
conspiracy of Col. Despard and his associates."

When the peace of Amiens was ratified, the officers of the Paisley
Volunteers, and the Town Council, must have fully believed that it
was to be a solid and permanent one. They did not, however, go
the length of turning their swords into pruning hooks ; but they
must have satisfied themselves that the services of the Volunteers,
along with their flags, were no longer to be required. About two
months after the signing of that treaty, the officers of the Volunteers,
acting under that conviction, presented to the Council the standards
belonging to the corps, as the following interesting minute, dated
17th May, 1802, in the Council records, plainly shows: — "The
standards of the corps of Royal Paisley Volunteers having been
deposited in trust by the commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel
M'Kerrell, in the hands of the Magistrates, the meeting appoint
them to be lodged in the Council Chamber, to be preserved in
sacred trust, as a memorial of the loyalty and patriotism of the
Town of Paisley in times of unparalleled danger, and recommend
a display of them on the anniversary of His Majesty's birth, and
other proper public occasions ; and they ordain this measure to be
engrossed on their records, and to be officially communicated to
Lieutenant-Colonel M'Kerrell."

The peace of Amiens was of very short duration. On the
renewal of the war between France and England, Napoleon
Buonaparte, First Consul of the Republic, devoted all his energies
to a scheme of the most gigantic proportions for the invasion of
England. A camp, consisting of upwards of 300,000 men, was
planted on the heights of Boulogne, in sight of the English shores ;
and above 50,000 additional troops, ready for action, were placed
along the coast of France, in a cordon stretching from Brest to
Antwerp. It was in this exciting period that the Paisley Town
Council, on 8th July, 1803, unanimously resolved to address the
King on the state of the national affairs. This able and patriotic
address, which was transmitted to Mr. Macdowall, M.P., for
presentation, runs as follows : — " Most Gracious Sovereign, — We,
your Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Magistrates and
Town Council of Paisley, address your INIajesty, with unfeigned
assurance of affection for your Majesty's person, and of attachment
to your Majesty's family and government. At a period when the
nation is justly roused in expressing indignation at the malignant
hostility to the British empire evinced by the French nation and
their domineering and arrogant ruler, we should be unjust to our
feelings, and unworthy of the protection of that happy constitution

part of England and France, 1st October, 1801. A toast by Mr. John Love,
at a social meeting, on the evening of the illumination, in Paisley, at that event,
was: —

" Here's peace and plenty, and no killing;
Success to trade, and meal a shilling."
(Paisley Repository of 18 12, part ii., p. 4.)

TOS HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

under which we liYe, were we to refrain from transmitting to your
Majesty our sentiments upon this important occasion. We feel and
experience, that upon the preservation of our constitution our
happiness and independence do wholly depend ; and we humbly
beg leave to assure your Majesty that no exertions shall be wanting
upon our part which may tend to the support of your Majesty's
crown and government, and the honour of your family, and the
rights and safety of the nation. Signed by our chief magistrate,
in our name and by our appointment, and sealed with the seal of
our burgh, this 8th day of July, 1803."

The British people were in no way dismayed by this threatened
attack of the French. National feeling, on the contrary, was
completely aroused ; and all sections of the people resolved, as one
man, to repel the invaders should they attempt to put a foot upon
our shores. The navy and regular army were strengthened and
increased ; but above all, there was again awakened the strong
national spirit that showed itself in volunteering. Men of all classes
came eagerly forward to be enrolled and to be armed ; those
unable to act in person contributing money. The inhabitants of
Paisley were not behind -hand in showing how strongly they were
imbued with this warlike impulse. The Magistrates of Paisley, with
the view of eliciting the opinion and feelings of the inhabitants
regarding the establishment of Volunteer corps, resolved on holding
a public meeting, and circulated an advertisement, of which the
following is a copy : —

" Defence of the Town of Paisley and Neighbourhood.

" The Magistrates of Paisley hereby give notice, that a meeting
of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood is to be held
within the Laigh Church, upon Friday, the 29th day of June current,
at twelve o'clock noon, in order to take into consideration the
raising and forming of a corps of Infantry for the defence of the
Town of Paisley and neighbourhood, in terms of an act passed in
the present session of Parliament, entitled, ' an act to enable His
Majesty more effectually to provide for the defence and security of
the realm during the present war, &c.'

"John Orr,
'■'■Eldest Magistrate and Deputy - Lieutenant T

The result of this meeting was, that within a {t\\' days a Volunteer
Corps was raised of about one thousand strong, under the command
of Mr. William M'Kerrell. Several gentlemen afterwards, influenced
greatly by personal considerations, urged the Magistrates to give
their countenance to the forming of another corps. This request
was complied with, and they were called the " gentle Volunteers."

At a meeting of Council held on the ist August in this year, the
Magistrates reported " that many respectable inhabitants had
suggested to them the propriety of raising a Corps of Volunteers to
serve without pay." The Council highly approved of the proposal,
but agreed to delav the taking of anv active measures till the Act

l800 TILL 1825. 109

of Parliament relating to the general defence of the country was
received. On the 9th of the same month they unanimously
adopted the following resolutions.

" Corps of Volunteers to be Raised.
" The Magistrates and Council, induced by a sense of duty and
patriotism, in these perilous and critical times, agreed to make an
offer to the Government to raise a Corps of Volunteers, and came
to the following resolutions on the subject : —

Resolve ist. — To offer a Corps of Volunteers to serve in terms,
on the conditions specified by Lord Cobart's circular-letter to
Lord Lieutenants of counties, of 3rd August, 1803.

2nd. — Government allowance to be applied solely for adjutant,
drill-sergeants, drums and fifes, and other contingencies.

3rd. — The uniform to be provided by every gentleman in the
corps at his own expense, as it may be afterwards agreed on.

4th. — The officers to be recommended to the Lord Lieutenant
by the magistrates and town council.

5th. — Messrs. Walter Robertson, Robert Barclay, Robert M'Lean,
William Jamieson, and Alexander M'Alister, are appointed a
committee, along with the magistrates, to take the proper actions
for procuring subscriptions, publishing terms, and arranging measures
necessary for the establishment of the corps."

Two days afterwards " the Magistrates reported to the Council
the conversation they had had this day with Messrs. Twigg, James
Orr, John Motherwell, and other gentlemen deputed to wait upon
them by the subscribers for a Corps of Volunteers, from which it
appeared that the intending members of said corps were determined
to abide by their resolution of recommending their own officers."
The Council resolved not to deviate from their resolutions of last
meeting, so far at least as regards the recommendation of the
commanding officer and captains of companies ; but with the view
of preventing any discord on this point, they are willing to submit to
the choice of the members of the corps a list of gentlemen all of
whom they consider to be well qualified to hold commissions, and
from whom they may select such a number as may be found to
be necessary for commanding the corps in the departments of
commanding officers and captains,. Thereafter the following list
was voted by the council : —

" The commandant, Robert Fulton, Esq., of Hartfield. For
captains, Messrs. John Pollock, Wm. Stewart, John Davidson Wm.
Twigg, Wm. Jamieson, Robert Orr, Thos. Bissland, John Mother-
well, James Sym, Thos. Lowndes, Robert M'Lean, James Whyte
and Robert Smith. The other field officers under Mr. Fulton, if
any are requisite, are allowed to be nominated from the above list of
captains ; and so soon as the corps shall be formed into companies,
the subalterns for each company to be recommended by the
individuals comprising these companies."

110 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

The suggestions of the council regarding the appointment of the
officers, it appears, were not altogether approved of by the gentlemen
who proposed to raise the independent corps of volunteers ; but
these reported to the council on the 15th of that month, "that they
had begun to take enrolments for having corps to be commanded by
Robert Fulton, Esq., of Hartfield, to whom they had recommended
Messrs. John Pollock, William Stewart, John Davidson, Alex.
Campbell, Wm. Jamieson and Robert Smith, as proper persons to
be appointed captains of companies," The council "expressed their
approbation of these proceedings, and recommended the adoption
of every prudent and effectual measure for completing the corps."
Three days afterwards, another meeting of council was held, to
consider " the propriety of subscribing towards the expense of
clothing for the corps of volunteers ;" but as this motion related to
cash matters, it was deferred to next meeting, which was held on
the following day, when they, "with one dissenting, voted £,$0 for
that purpose." ^ In the County of Renfrew the same enthusiastic
feeling prevailed. At a meeting of deputy- Heutenants, landed pro-
prietors, and magistrates of towns, held at Paisley, on 19th Novem-
ber, 1803, the Lord Lieutenant of the County, ]\Ir. Wm. Macdowall of
Garthland, presided, and referred to the "loyal spirit and patriotism
that had induced so great a number of volunteers to offer their
services in every parish in the county, and the zeal and perseverance
which those who had been selected in obedience to His Majesty's
commands had uniformly manifested, by the regular attendance at
exercise and constant attention to discipHne. and represented the
importance of supplying the Volunteers of Renfrewshire with
comfortable clothing and other necessaries at this momentous crisis,
when there was every reason to expect they would be called out to
actual service." The meeting " after a full discussion of the subject,
and the examination of an estimate laid before them by the Lord
Lieutentant, unanimously resolved to assess themselves at the rate
of one shining for each pound scots of their valued rent, to be paid
in two years by instalments, for providing in aid of the allowances
granted by government, clothing and such other necessaries as may
be deemed useful to the volunteers of the county."

Sir Walter Scott, in his admirable work, The Antiquary (vol.
iii., p. 2>?)Z y First edition), appropriately expresses the enthuiasm
which prevailed at this time when he makes Bailie Littlejohn, of an
earlier period, exclaim, when billets were wanted in Fairport for
the volunteer corps and their horses, " let us take the horses into
our wash-houses and the men into our parlour, share our supper with
the one and our forage with the other. We have made ourselves
wealthy under a free and paternal government, and now is the time

^ The officers of the Volunteer Coips leased for drill exercise the field f oitnerly
used by them, from the Town Council, at an annual rent of £^i. That field is
now part of the site of the present coal depot, belonging to the Caledonian
Railway Coy., in Underwood Street, and of the timber-yard and works of Messrs.
John Young & Co.

l8oO TILL 1825. lit

to show we know its value." Before the end of this summer,
upwards of 300,000 volunteers had been accepted and enrolled
throughout the country, and of these Renfrewshire supplied
2701 infantry. John Parkhill, already referred to as writing
under the nojii de plume of Arthur Sneddon, joined the volun-
teers, and says regarding them: — "Two regiments of volunteers
had been raised, one about a thousand strong, by Mr. William
I\I,Kerrell ; and another, the second regiment, nearly three hundred
strong, was raised under the auspices of the magistrates and council.
This second regiment bought their own clothes, which consisted of
a scarlet coat with yellow facings, white small clothes, and black
gaiters. ^ The cap was of the sugar loaf pattern, high in the crown,
with two gold plated chains which hung in festoon style from the
top. The whole dress was most becoming, and the regiment had
a very smart appearance, carrying a number of rather old fellows in
the ranks, which precluded the possibility of having a very good
line. Thecolonel was Robert Fulton, Esq., of Hartfield. Mr. Camp-
bell, the Sheriff, was major. The Sheriff at that time was newly off
the irons at Edinburgh, about twenty-seven years of age, and alto-
gether a sprightly young fellow. The captains were Mr. Twigg, Robert
Orr, of Lylesland ; Mr. John Pollock, of JMaxwelton ; and Bailie
Davidson. ... I was also a member of the above second
regiment, and obtained a tolerable knowledge of military tactics.
Each of the regiments had occasional meetings in the event of a
victory or an illumination. I was, of course, also initiated in
everything connected with local and social life. In addition
to this, the regiment was on permanent duty for a fortnight.
And in looking back, I am of opinion that this was the happiest
period of my life. Our first fortnight of permanent duty was
in Paisley. This took place in midsummer. The weather
was fine ; and our worthy old colonel was a very considerate man,
and did not fatigue us with severe drill. ^Ve went, however,
through all the movements of a regular regiment, even to the
receiving of the tommy. Next year we went to Greenock, marching
sixteen miles. This was also in midsummer. We were billeted up
and down Greenock. Our parade ground was the square ; but our
field for drill was nearly half a mile from the town. To it we
marched every forenoon, accompanied by a large concourse of boys
and girls, as well as grown-up people; our excellent band being a
great inducement for this promiscuous following. At the evening
parade, on the square, we had an equally good attendance ; and on
Sunday it was still larger. The regiment, when under parade there,
owing to the small extent of the ground, had to form a hollow
square ; and within the same the whole elite of the town favoured
us with their presence. Our famous band was the great attraction ;
here, for upwards of an hour, they performed to the admiring crowd.

^ They had an excellent band, of which Duncan Henderson vas the leader.
R. A. Smith was also a member of the band.

1 1 2 HISTORY OF PAISLEV.

The tunes were chiefly the most celebrated ; but I must acknowledge
that, with a few exceptions, they were of a pathetic character.
' 'I'he Yellow Hair'd Laddie,' ' The Bush aboon Traquair,' ' The
Broom o' the Cowden Knowes,' * Logie o' Buchan,' and 'The
Flowers of the Forest,' were amongst the favourites. We generally
finished with ' The Wife that had the Wee Pickle Tow ' which
unfortunately took fire. We had a very pleasant time of it. The
war was at the hottest ; and the merchant vessels that had to come
from or go to a distance, had, for safety, to be in fleets, with a
frigate or two as a guard or convoy. At this time two or three fleets,
of upwards of twenty large vessels each, came to Greenock and
Port -Glasgow. They were from the West Indies, and loaded with
rum and sugar. They had very rich cargoes ; and the rum which
they brought was largely participated in by us, the military
defenders of the empire. Greenock, during the period of the fleet
arrivals, was quite in a state of carnival, and fraternised with us in
the kindest manner. After enjoying ourselves well in this expedition,
our term of duty expired, and the day at length came for us to
return home. Our arrangements in regard to baggage waggons and
the other necessities of the march, were upon a style of military
greatness of a most imposing character. We were to start early in
the morning ; but there were so many farewells to take, that it was
nine o'clock before we could get gathered together. I was put on
the baggage guard ; and at last the band struck up " And from
sweet Barr we parted," and so we were off" with a convoy of some
thousands. It was a great difficulty for us to keep the stragglers in
order. The rum had been very generally distributed, and of course
military discipline was greatly despised. Home at length we came,
which finished our second term of permanent duty. During this
year we were reviewed, down at Walkinshaw, by General the Earl
of Moira and Brigadier- General Elphinston. This was the greatest
field-day we ever had during our servitude. The whole volunteers
in the county were brigaded together, and I suppose they amounted
to nearly 5000 men. It was a brilliant day, and all the beauty and
fashion of the surrounding country were present. The public works
were stopped, and it was a general and joyous holiday to all classes.
' Loudon's Bonnie Woods and Braes ' was resounding from all
quarters. Next year our permanent duty was performed in Saltcoats ;
it was in midsummer also, and the march was rather longer than to
Greenock, but the pleasure and the weather were much more in
accordance with our tastes. We left Paisley at seven o'clock in the
morning, and had a great following ; Saltcoats being a favourite
watering-place for Paisley. About a mile beyond Beith, we had a
picnic breakfast in a large field. There was abundance of bread
and cheese, and plenty of porter (London and Scotch) to wash them
down. After resting an hour, we started, and reached Saltcoats in
the afternoon. Here billets were ready for us. Our parade-ground
was in the main street, and our drill about half a mile in the country.
The weather was particularly fine, and our proximity to the sea made

l8oo TILL 1825. tt;J

everything delightful. There was not so much rum here as in
Greenock ; but to make amends, we had plenty of milk. The
people and we were very friendly, and we were truly sorry to part
with them. This method was well calculated to make volunteering
popular ; and all those engaged in it held it ever afterwards in
happy remembrance" (Arthur Sneddon, p. 37).

Such was the jovial and happy life which, according to one
of their own number, the volunteers led. Although the war on the
Continent of Europe continued, and the volunteer scheme remained
in force, yet the government gradually began to give the greatest
encouragement to the militia, so as to increase their number and
improve their efficiency. Volunteering had the effect of unsettling
the minds of those who were closely engaged in business ; and that,
along with other causes, induced the government to till, by ballot,
the ranks of the militia, as the more reliable nursery for the regular
army. The act to raise and establish a militia force in Scotland,
was passed on 26th June, 1802 ; and every person from eighteen to
forty -five years of age, who did not come under the exemptions
specified in the act, was enrolled and made liable to serve. On
loth September following, the articles and rules of the Paisley
Militia Society were approved of by the Magistrates. The objects
this society had in view were very commendable, and were after-
wards of essential service to the inhabitants. The society was
divided into eight sections, each consisting of not less than sixty
members liable to be enrolled under the militia act, and desirous of
being protected from the consequences of that act. Those
subscribing the articles before 24th September had to pay 5s., and
5s. on till 15th October ; and those who joined after the latter date
had to pay iis. Members balloted were not entitled to protection
till they procured sufficient caution, or i)aid ^i is. into the funds
as a pledge for future payments for five years. The committee in
each section was empowered to provide substitutes for all members
balloted ; and when such could not be found, to pay the penalty
prescribed by Act of Parliament. Afterwards, several societies of
this kind were formed in the town ; but from the jarring interests
that prevailed among so many, they were all dissolved, and one
society, called the Paisley Militia Society, was formed in their place.
In 181 7, the rules were altered to meet the amended acts passed
between 1802 and 1817, and they were published in pamphlet form
in 1821,

The continuation of the war with France was the means of
sustaining the military spirit of the nation ; and the drilling and
training of the volunteers and militia connected with Paisley were
actively carried on. From a return, dated 12th November, 1806,
we learn that the officers of the Paisley first regiment of volunteers
were as follows: — -Lieutenant- colonel commanding, William
M'Kerrell ; heutenant-colonel, Robert Maxwell ; major, John
Bisset ; captains, Robert Hart, Fulton M'Kerrell, William Bissland,
John Snodgrass, and Oliver Jamieson; lieutenants, John Orr,

114 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

John Buchanan, Nathan Gibson, Gavin Maxwell, William Murray,
AVilliam Gififen, William Stirling, Charles Downie, James Muir,
Charles Fraser, Francis Martin, and Thomas Sharp ; ensigns, John
M'Lellan, Charles Peacock, Thomas Campbell, and James Camp-
bell; adjutant, Campbell Snodgrass ; chaplain. Rev. James Smith;
surgeon, James Muir; assistant-surgeon, Robert M'Kechnie;
quartermaster, Thomas Campbell.

The officers in the Paisley second regiment were as follows : —
lieutenant-colonel, Robert Fulton; major, Alexander Campbell;
captains, John Davidson, WiUiam Twigg, Robert Orr, and John
Pollock ; lieutenants, Alexander Macahster, John Motherwell, F.
Orr, and John Bell ; ensigns, Alexander Pollock, Hugh Vallance,
and James Wliyte ; quartermaster, Andrew Dunn ; surgeon, Robert
Watt; assistant -surgeon, Thomas Richmond; paymaster, Hugh
Vallance.

In 1807 and 1808, additional alarm was caused in this country
by the continued successes of Napoleon, now Emperor of the
French, who appeared to be making preparations for the invasion
of Britain. It was resolved that additional preparations were
necessary on the part of Britain ; and Renfrewshire, always foremost,
raised and embodied no less than three additional regiments, which
were named respectively the First, Second, and Third Regiments of
Renfrewshire Local Militia. They were commanded by lieutenant-
colonels Boyd Alexander, William Mure of Caldwell, and William
M'Kerrell. These regiments remained embodied till the close of
the war.

At this period, the Magistrates and Town Council presented to
His Majesty the King the follo^\^ng able and patriotic address : —
" But while the times are difficult, and the contest most arduous,
and while the nation must submit to privations hitherto unexperi-
enced, we are very far from yielding to, or indulging, sentiments of
despondency and despair. Our resources are still most ample; and
there exists in the empire a native spirit of loyalty and subordination
which, rightly directed, cannot fail, under the blessing of Providence,
to secure us from the hostilities of our enemies and the s\'stematic
inveteracy of the general disturber of the nation. Satisfied, then,
that the most vigorous measures are necessary to counteract the
daring and ambitious designs of the foe, we humbly presume to
assure your Majesty of our most cordial support and co-operation
in every undertaking which is calculated to the safety of our country
and to promote the prosperity and happiness of the people."

Before the middle of this century the Renfrewshire Militia were
disbanded ; but in 1854 they were again, on account of the Russian
war, embodied by Act of Parliament. They mustered for the first
time on 25th January, 1855. The officers were — Sir J. M.
Napier, Bart, of Milliken, colonel - commandant ; Mr. WiUiam C.
Bontine, major; Mr. James Lowndes and Mr. James Stewart,
captains ; Mr. F. R. Reid and Mr. Daniel Shaw- Stewart, lieu-

iSoO TILL 1825. tig

tenants ; and Mr. William Cunningham, ensign. On 4th January,
in the following year, the Earl of Glasgow presented to the militia,
in the Barracks Square, a stand of new colours ; and at this muster,
colonel Sir J. M. Napier stated that, although the regiment had
only been twelve months embodied, it had furnished three hundred
men to the regular army and was still five hundred strong. The
gallant colonel further intimated that Her ^Majesty, as a mark of
her approbation of their good conduct, had been graciously pleased
to call it the " Prince of Wales' Own." On the same evening the
officers of the regiment gave a grand ball in the Abercorn Rooms,
to a large and fashionable party, in honour of the presentation of
the new colours.

The County Commissioners of Supply, as empowered by a recent
Act of Parhament, agreed, at a meeting held on 23rd July, 1856, to
provide stores for the arms and accoutrements of the militia when
disembodied. The building was erected on a field which they
bought at Williamsburgh, nearly opposite the barracks, at the end
of a lane leading from the public road. It is plain and unpretentious,
one storey in height, and so much secluded that we are sure one
half of the inhabitants are not aware of the existence of such a public
building. It consists of orderly and guard rooms, colonel and staff"
officers' rooms and kitchen, store room and armoury room, armoury
shop, day or mess room, rooms for quartering the men, powder
magazine, mustering yard, and other conveniences. About six
hundred stand of fire arms, an equal number of bayonets, the
cartridge boxes, the band instruments, and the clothes of the
regiment, are accommodated therein. The building cost ;£2,;^^o,
including ^^225 for the price of the ground; and when it was
completed, the arms of the militia, which had been removed from
the County Buildings to the Barracks, in October, 1831, for greater
safety, were safely placed within its walls. This money was raised,
by assessment, over the whole county, — the landward parts
contributing ^i,3S5 ^7^- 5 Greenock, ;^496 iis.; Paisley,
^400 los.; Port-Glasgow, ^71 17s. 6d.; and Renfrew, ;i^25 4s. 6d.
The men generally muster for drill once a year on the moor at
Irvine. The officers for 1883 were: — Hon. colonel. Sir J. M.
Napier, Bart.; lieutenant-colonel. Sir Archibald Campbell, Bart.;
majors, William Cuninghame and Alexander Boyd ; captains, Robert
Anderson, G. L. Houstoun, A. C. D. Dick, M. D, Campbell,
M. H. Shaw-Stewart, A. J. Blacket Ord, J. C. Cuninghame, and
the Hon. T. H. A. E. Cochrane ; lieutenants, W. R. Shaw-Stewart,
H. R. Wallace, W. G. Peareth, P. W. J. Alexander, D. C. Guthrie,
C. H. Fenwick, C. W. E. Milborne Swinerton Pilkinton, and
A. Murray; captain and adjutant, H. G. Fallowfield ; quarter-
master, Alexander Barr; surgeon -major, Thomas Graham; ser-
geant-major, William Pettigrew (warrant officer).

When the Honourable Spencer Perceval, Prime Minister, was
assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by Bellingham,

il6 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

on iith May, 1812, the Magistrates and Council sent an address of
condolence to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent. And on
the declaration of peace, in 18 14, they voted, on loth May in that
year, an address to the Prince Regent, expressing their loyalty, and
rejoicing "in the happy prospect now afforded of a termination of
the calamities of war and a speedy restoration of the royalty,
liberty, and independence of those nations in Europe which had
been long enthralled by lawless and tyrannic domination."

Hitherto we have frequently had occasion to narrate many inter-
esting matters relating to the ToUbooth, which was now generally
called the Jail. In this period the incidents connected with it were
somewhat important, for one of them refers to its being taken down
and built in another part of the town in connection with the County
Buildings.

On 18th November, 1800, the Council fixed the yearly salary of
the jailer at ;^2o ; and on the 20th December following, agreed
that the fees to be exacted and regulations to be observed in the
Tollbooth should be as follows : —
I St. Every burgess incarcerated shall, during his con-
finement, pay for Jail fee for each night, . . . ;£o o 2
2nd. Every person not a burgess, ... ... ... 004

3rd. For every person imprisoned, by virtue of an act
of warding, the jailer shall be paid by the
incarcerator, ... ... ... ... ... o i o

4th. For every person imprisoned, in virtue of a written
warrant from a Magistrate, a Justice of Peace or
Sheriff, the jailer shall be paid by the incarcerator, 012
5th. For every person imprisoned, by virtue of a caption,
justiciary, or admiral warrant, the jailer shall be
paid by the incarcerator, if the prisoner is a
burgess, ... ... ... ... ... ... o 2 6

6th. If an unfreeman, ... ... ... ... ... o 5 o

7th. The jailer, on signing an attestation of a commit-
ment, shall receive ... ... ... ... o i o

8th. And on delivery up of diligence to persons
neglecting to require the same within eight days
after the prisoner's liberation, he shall receive 010
But if the Procurator- Fiscal be concerned in any of
the above diligences, the jailer shall receive
nothing.
9th. The Town -Clerk shall be entitled for keeping the
Records of each of the articles aforesaid, viz.,
Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6 for every person incarcerated,
and to be paid to him by the jailer as usual, and
the warrants to be delivered by the jailer to him
as soon as the prisoners are liberated, ... ... o o 2

loth. The jailer shall collect from each prisoner

liberated, and pay to the clerk for his liberation. 003

l8oO TILL 1S25. 117

Rules to be observed by the Jailer and /lis ser'c'ants : —

ist. The jailer shall not, by hhiiself or any of his servants,
directly or indirectly, demand or receive from any prisoner, or from
any person, in his or her name, at entry, or during his or her
confinement, any sums of money under the name of entry-money,
garnishing, or any other denomination, separate from and_over and
above the fees stipulated as above. Further, the jailer shall not
suffer any of the prisoners to make demands of money or drink
from persons newly incarcerated, on any pretence whatever.

2nd. The prison shall be opened no sooner than nine in the
morning for the admission of visitants, and shall continue open for
that purpose till three o'clock in the afternoon, when the Jail shall
be shut; and again opened at five o'clock in the afternoon, and
shall continue open till nine o'clock at night, and no longer, for the
admission of visitants. Only on Sundays the prison shall be shut
during public worship. And the jailer is always to keep the whole
keys of the prison in his own custody while it is shut up, and not
entrust them with any of the servants.

3rd. The jailer shall, every morning and evening, at the opening
and before shutting up the prison, personally visit every room and
place therein, carefully inspect the windows, chimneys, and bolts
thereof, in order to prevent and discover all attempts to cut the
iron staunchers or to break through the stone walls, joists, and
floors of the prison. And he shall take particular care that no
instruments be conveyed to, or be in the possession of, any of the
prisoners, whereby they may effectuate their escape or hurt one
another. And in case the jailer shall, through indisposition, be
prevented from the execution of his duty, he shall take care to
employ some faithful person in his absence.

4th. The jailer and his servants are expressly prohibited, on any
account, to sell or suffer to be brought in to any of the prisoners
spirits or strong liquor, whereby they be in danger of being intoxi-
cated, and to use their utmost endeavour to promote sobriety among
those under their charge.

5th. The jailer shall keep the prisoners for debt in the best
rooms, and separate from criminals and disorderly persons, and
prevent, as much as possible, their associating and conversing
together ; and the friends and servants of debtors shall be allowed,
at all convenient times, to bring in vivers for their support.

6th. In order to make the prison more healthy and clean, the
jailer shall, at own expense, clean the stairs, sweep the rooms and
passages, and remove and carry away all filth and nastiness, at least
three times in the week.

7th. The jailer, in the event of his exacting by himself or his
servants more fees than are stipulated as above, or in the event of
his transgressing any of the rules or instructions foresaid, shall be

Il8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY

dismissed from his office, or otherwise punished as the Magistrates
for the time being and Council shall judge proper.

It is recommended to the Magistrates frequently to examine and
enquire into the fidelity of the jailer and his servants ; and the
Council hereby ordain these dues and regulations to be printed and
published, and ordain the jailer for the time being to affix a copy
thereof in the most conspicuous part of the ToUbooth.

Besides the yearly salary of ;^2o received by the jailer, he had,
in addition, the foregoing fees which are so minutely described, and
the profits arising from the sale of malt liquors in the Jail, which, no
doubt, would be considerable. Mr. Hector, in his Judicial Records
of Renfrewshire, states that, in 1794, there were one hundred and
thirty-six civil and forty-four criminal prisoners; and in 1801,
one hundred and twenty-one civil and sixty-eight criminal
prisoners. Spirituous liquors were neither sold in the Jail, nor, as
may be seen from these excellent rules, permitted to be brought
into it. The jailer had to pay out of his emoluments at least one
assistant. On 4th March, 1801, William Hart sent a letter to the
Council agreeing to accept the office of jailer, and offered his two
sons as sureties. The Council agreed to this, on condition that he
gave a third cautioner, and that they might have this and their bond
for ^500. On 5th November, 1808, the Council judged it proper
to associate John Hart in the office of jailer with his father, and to
ordain that the new bond should stipulate for six months' notice
previous to their resignation.

The unsatisfactory condition of the Paisley Prison and Court-
house had frequently engaged the attention of the Town Council,
the Justices of Peace, and the Commissioners of Supply for the
County. When these buildings were re-erected in 1758, the
population of the town was only about 5000 ; but at the time we
have arrived at, it amounted to upwards of 30,000. The population
in the country parishes had also greatly increased. It cannot,
therefore, be matter of surprise that the prison and court-house
accommodation had become totally inadequate. The Jail itself,
also, was ill adapted for the safe custody of the prisoners. It was
not, however, till 181 2 that the Council had seriously under their
consideration the rebuilding of the Jail and public offices in a more
suitable part of the town. On 3rd November in that year, the
Provost intimated to the Council that, having attended a meeting
of Commissioners of Supply and Justices of Peace at the Quarter
Sessions, in Renfrew, he presented a memorial which had been
previously prepared and approved by the Magistrates, submitting to
the meeting the propriety and necessity of their contributing
towards the much -wanted enlargement of the present prison, and
the providing of beds and bed-clothes for those prisoners who were
destitute of these necessary comforts. The Provost further stated
that the memorial had been well received, and the Sheriff- Depute
of the County had also urged the necessity of estabUshing a

iSoO TILL 1825. 119

Bridewell or Workhouse in the town. The Commissioners of
Supply entered with great promptitude and earnestness into the
proposal to have a new prison and other public buildings. They
expressed their approval of the contribution, viz., ;^i5oo, which
the Council offered towards the expense of the proposed buildings,
the Council retaining the old Jail, which was valued at ;^i2oo.
The important matter of the accommodation required by the
community in these buildings was also, after some conferences,
satisfactorily arranged, before November, 18 14 (Council Records).
During the two subsequent years, the same active progress was not
made in the prosecution of this important matter.

In the meantime, on the evening between the 24th and 25th
August, 1 81 7, the Jail was broken, and two prisoners escaped. One
of them, named William Broadfoot, twenty -four years of age, had
been imprisoned on a charge of stealing a promissory note of the
Paisley Bank, of forging the signature of the person to whom the
note was payable, and obtaining payment of the contents from the
bank. He was at one time in the corps of Artillery Drivers, but
was latterly employed as a cooper at Neilston. The other prisoner,
named Alexander Forbes, nineteen years of age, had been imprisoned
on a charge of housebreaking and theft. He was a clothlapper to
trade, in Glasgow, and was well known to the police there, having
been repeatedly in custody in the Jail of that city. The Provost
and Magistrates offered a reward of ^20 to anyone who would
apprehend Broadfoot, and £,\o for the apprehension of Forbes, but,
so far as we can learn, without success.

After the erection of the buildings had proceeded some length,
an important alteration was ])roposed by the Commissioners under
the Act of Parliament, viz., the putting of an additional storey upon
the Jail and Bridewell, — that is, making them four storeys high
instead of three. This matter was brought before the Council on
4th May, 1 81 9, and, from a variety of considerations, they most
cordially approved of the proposed alterations.

When the subject of providing furniture for some portions of the
building came to be considered, the Council were of opinion that
if the County Hall, Sheriff's apartments, &c., were to be furnished
from the assessed funds, it appeared reasonable that the same allow-
ance should be extended to the Council Chambers and other apart-
ments allotted to the community ( Council Records, 26th Jan., 1821).

When the buildings were all but completed, the question naturally
arose, by what name should they be known ? The Town Council
( Council Records, 22nd March, 182 1) recommended the Magistrates
to have a conference with the Commissioners under the Act of
Parliament regarding " the propriety of designating these buildings
by the appellation of 'The Castle,' or some such appropriate name."
But the preponderating number of county gentlemen who were
Commissioners, ruled that they should be called the County
Buildings, notwithstanding that a considerable part of the funds
were provided by the Town of Paisley.

T20

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

At a meeting of the Town Council held on Sth August, 1823,
the Town Clerk produced copy of act and warrant received that
day from the Clerk to the Commissioners, declaring the south
division of the prison buildings of Paisley a legal Jail, and
authorising the removal of the prisoners from the old to the new
prison ; and the important document was appointed to be deposited
in the Charter chest for security.

The form of the County Buildings — the total expense of which,
including the Jail, was ^28,000 — is quadrangular. They are
turreted and embattled, and have a most commanding and imposing
appearance. The elevation, for beauty of design and substantial
elegance, is not excelled by any edifice of the same description in
Scotland. We give an architectural elevation of this building
fronting County Square.

COUNTY BUILDINGS, PAISLEY.

The prison was in every respect most complete and secure.^
The portions allocated to the community of Paisley, were as
follows : — -

I St. There is given over and appropriated to the Provost and
Magistrates of Paisley, as such, and to their successors in office, the
south half division of the prison range of buildings, with the several
areas and yards thereto belonging. 2nd. The hall in the centre of
the front building, with the two back apartments entering from the
hall, which hall, with the pertinents, is occupied as a court-house
for the accommodation of the Sheriff Court-house of Paisley, in

^ About twenty-five years afterwards, a large addition was made to the Jail, at
an expense of upwards of ;i^io,ooo.

-Abridged from the Council Records of i8th November, 1825.

l800 TILL 1825. 121

terms of the said act, and is so to remain and to be upheld conform
to the said act ; also the joint right and possession, along with the
Commissioners, of the vestibule between the court -hall and the
main door of the said buildings. 3rd. The south wing of the said
front buildings, for the accommodation of the Town Council, the
Town Clerk, Chamberlain, and otherwise, comprehending those
parts, both high and low, of the said buildings, which are south of
the said court-hall and vestibule, excepting that apartment in the
upper flat immediately adjoining to, and entering from, the county
hall, on the south, and excepting, also, what is appropriated to
Commissioners of the Police of the Burgh, and under the further
reservation of the use and privilege of the convene rooms, as the
means of access from the court- hall. 4th. There is given to the
Commissioners of Police that apartment situated on the south end
of the upper flat of the south wing; also the vaulted apartment in
the ground flat, called the ofticers' hall, and of the two lock-up
rooms, with the privilege of holding their evening meetings in the
convene room ; the Commissioners being bound to maintain the
apartment in the upper floor, and to defray the one half of the
expense of the officers' hall and lock-up rooms, the Magistrates
being bound to defray the other half

On Sunday forenoon, the 6th March, 1825, a daring attempt was
made by a number of criminals, confined in the Jail, to make their
escape. In the morning, the turnkey neglected to secure properly
the door of the cell where a prisoner, named Faulds, was confined.
After the Jail was locked up for the forenoon, Faulds availed himself
of the liberty thus afforded him ; and having gained access to the
corridor, he unfastened the doors of the cells, which during the day
were only secured by a large cross bar, and could, therefore, be
opened from the outside without a key. By this means he gained
the assistance of ten other prisoners, and the united efforts of the
whole were directed against the large iron gate at the foot of the
stair. At this time the assistant jailer overheard the noise created
by their attempts to force open the gate, and being warned also by
signals from a woman confined above, he cautiously entered, and
ascertained that a number of the prisoners were at liberty. He
immediately proceeded to the square outside, where he procured
the assistance of a part of the 79th regiment, who fortunately were
at the time assembled in front of the County Buildings preparatory
to going to church. On entering the Jail, the military and police
found that the prisoners, aware that their design to escape had been
discovered, had all retired to their cells, where Faulds had again
secured them.

On the evening of 24th September, 1847, ^ mysterious escape
was made from the prison by two prisoners, named Thomas M'Kay
and John Campbell. The prison was left at night in a proper
condition of safety ; and the turnkey, on the following morning,
found the outer door open, along with the safety gate. The gate
had the appearance of having been forced, as there were marks of

122 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

violence discernible on it. The carriages were in waiting to convey
to Glasgow the prisoners who were indicted for trial at the Circuit
Court ; and it was when the turnkey proceeded to bring out the
prisoners to the conveyance that the doors were discovered open.
On proceeding up stairs he found that the cells of the prisoners men-
tioned, who were indicted on the charges of having forced open the
Post Office and Renfreioshire Advertiser office, had also been broken
open, and that both of the culprits were away. On examination,
the cells on the same corridor were all right ; but on going up stairs,
it was ascertained that a prisoner, an old accomplice of the two
otliers, was likewise off. A prisoner, in a cell adjoining that of
M'Kay and Campbell, stated that the three men came into his place
about eleven o'clock, and said they had orders from the jailer for a
ladder. They took from him a ladder of about eight feet in length,
and left. The ladder was got at the back wall tied, by means of
ropes, to a pair of common shop steps used about the prison. A
rope was also tied to the top of the ladder, and hung over the wall
into the river. By this means the escape over the wall was effected;
but how the locks were opened was a mystery. It was quite
impossible that anyone could do it from the inside ; and the only
plausible supposition was, that it had been effected by accomplices
from the outside. The whole affair was cleverly managed. Nothing
was heard of any of these escaped prisoners till January, 1850,
when M'Kay was found to be one of the artillerymen in Leith
fort. The Renfrewshire Fiscal sent through two officers to identify
him, on the 14th of that month, and bring him back to Paisley
prison. M'Kay was identified and put in the guard-house, until
the commanding officer had given his sanction to have him removed.
In the interim, M'Kay got out of the guard-house on some pretext,
and managed to make his escape. It was strongly suspected that
some of the military connived at his escape.

On the removal of the officials of the Town Council and court
to the County Buildings, and the prisoners to the new Jail, the
Tollbooth at the Cross was taken down and rebuilt, according to
plans provided by Mr. Reid, the architect for the County Buildings,
and added to the Saracen's Head Inn. We have already given
drawings of the Steeple and Old Tollbooth as they stood, before the
latter was thus taken down.

Previous to 1801, the money transactions of the Town Council
were all conducted by one of their own number, who was called the
Treasurer. On the one hand, he collected all the revenues and
received what money was borrowed ; and on the other hand, he
disbursed the funds according, generally, to precepts from the Town
Clerk, as instructed by the Town Council. As a rule, his intro-
missions were examined, or, as it was frequently termed in those
days, " footed," every quarter by a committee of the Council. It was
unfortunately not the practice for these quarterly statements of the
Treasurer to be given up to the Council orTown Clerk for preserva-

l8oO TILL 1825. 123

tlon ; they were generally retained by the Treasurer himself. Those
of the sixteenth and seventeenth and of nearly all the first half of
the eighteenth centuries, with their relative vouchers, are therefore
lost. At the latter end of the eighteenth century, and the beginning
of the present century, the money transactions of the Council had
increased so much that, on the loih October, 1800, the Council
agreed to appoint a Chamberlain to manage their affairs, and
instructed the Magistrates " to think of a proper person, and to
report." On the 30th January, in the following year, the Council,
on the recommendation of the Magistrates, elected Mr. John Patison
to be Town Chamberlain, at a yearly salary of ;^8o ; and appointed
a committee to meet with him, and to prepare a set of books for
his regulation in the execution of his office ; and to appoint a proper
person to draw a plan of the community's lands. The Town
Chamberlain's office was first in the Tollbooth Buildings at the
Cross, and afterwards in the County Buildings. Mr. Patison held
this important situation till 181 2, when Mr. James Craig, jun.,
manufacturer, was elected his successor on 13th October in that
year. Mr. Craig was at that time a member of the Town Council,
but resigned immediately after his appointment. His annual salary
was at first ^^130, and he gave security for his intromissions to the
extent of ;^2ooo.^

The two fire engines possessed by the Council were, with their
appurtenances, placed in what was called the Meal Market, in the
Weigh -house Close, High Street. The following regulations were
enacted by the Magistrates and Council on 24th December, 1800,
for regulating the conduct of the firemen and encouraging them in
their difficult duties : —

" That no fireman shall appear at any fire without the jacket, cap,
and badge which have been furnished him. That after every fire
the engines shall be cleaned by the firemen, within twenty -four
hours at least, that they may be in readiness in case of future
accidents ; and it is expressly required that the engines shall be

^ Mr. Craig continued to act as Chamberlain till 1833, when he resigned; his
salary at that time being ;^i6o. On 4th October in that year, Mr. John R.
Callender, a brother of one of the councillors, was elected Chamberlain, but he
resigned in September in the following year; and Mr. Robert Brown was chosen
in his place on 8th October, 1834. Mi-. Brown resigned 4th October, 1845. At
that time the Chamberlain's Ofhce was open every day in the week, including
Saturday, from ten a.m. till nine o'clock p.m. On 29th November, 1836, a
motion was made by a member of Council, that the Chamberlain's Office should
be shut at eight p.m., except for a month at each term of letting the church seats,
but it was negatived. At the present time the Chamberlain's Office is open
from nine a.m. till six p.m., and on Saturdays from nine till one o'clock. Mr.
John Lorimer was elected Chamberlain on 8th October, 1845, and resigned in
1854. Mr. Robert Ferguson, assistant chamberlain, was promoted to the
Chamberlainship on 25th April in that year. Mr. Ferguson resigned in 1862.
and was succeeded by Mr. James Adam on 2nd December in that year. Mr.
Adam resigned in 1872; and Mr. A. M. Ross, the present Chamberlain, was
elected on 8th November, 1872.

124 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

dried as completely as possible before they be replaced in the
house appropriated to them. In order to encourage vigilance and
activity, a premium of five shillings will be given to the fireman or
firemen who shall bring the first engine to any fire that may happen
in the town or suburbs, and two shillings and sixpence to those who
shall arrive with the second engine. But if the alarm of fire given
shall turn out to be false, or if it shall afterwards appear that the
report of fire has been excited by a foul chimney only, the premium
in either of these cases shall be two shillings to the firemen who
bring the first engine. In the event of fires taking place whereby
damages are occasioned, the firemen shall be paid for their trouble,
according to the determination of the Magistrates ; but in this case,
each fireman who shall have been present and acted at the fire,
shall not have less than half-a- crown, and the allowance shall be
made as soon as the keeper of the engines reports to the Magistrates
that they have been properly returned to the engine-house and that
the firemen did their duty."

At the present time the brigade, which consists of twelve men
and one superintendent, is in a very efficient state. The apparatus
and materials include a steam fire engine, one manual engine, three
hand reels, and the necessary quantity of hose. These are all kept
in wdiat was at one time the stables connected with the Saracen's
Head Inn, Moss Street.

The Town's Assessorship was an honourable position, which the
Council took great pains to fill properly as vacancies occurred. Mr.
Davidson, at the time we treat of, having been appointed Professor
of Law in the University of Glasgow, and the Council being of
opinion that it would be more suitable for the interests of the
community to have an Assessor resident in Edinburgh, made choice
of Mr. Robert Semple, advocate. At his death, the Council, on 6th
January, 1808, appointed Mr. John Colin Dunlop, advocate, to be
Legal Assessor to the Burgh. On 31st July, 18 16, the Council
elected Sir William Hamilton, advocate, to be Assessor in the place
of Mr. Dunlop, who had been appointed Sheriff- Depute of Renfrew-
shire. This was the last appointment by the Council of an Assessor.

The Council, in September, 1801, as recommended by a com-
mittee of their number who had been appointed to examine the
woods of Ferguslie, agreed to sell thirty ash and forty beech trees.
Shortly after this the Council approved a more important resolution
regarding that valuable property. They agreed to sell the Ferguslie
estate, along with the superiority of the part of Carriagehill belonging
to them, and fixed the upset price at ^^12,000. Not finding a
purchaser in this way, the Council disposed of them privately, in the
month of July following, to Mr. Thomas Bissland, for ;^i 2,000.

The Act of Parliament prohibiting the distilling of spirits from
grain expired in January, 1802 ; and the distillers, along with
others, used great efforts to prevent its renewal. On the other

iSoO TILL 1825. 125

hand, many influential parties were in favour of having the act
renewed, and of this number was, the Town Council of Paisley, who
petitioned Parliament to that effect. In their petition, they held
that the prohibition to distil spirits from grain had been attended
with the happiest results in this part of the United Kingdom, both
by lowering the ])rice of provisions to the poorer classes of the
inhabitants, and by restraining them in the immoderate use of
spirituous liquors, whereby an evident improvement of their health
and morals had taken place. On 14th February, 1809, the Council
petitioned against the bill that was brought into Parliament for permit-
ting distillation from grain in Ireland. In 18 10, when the act was
about to expire which prohibited distillation from grain, the Council
again petitioned Parliament for its continuance. And in 181 1 and
i8i2,theCouncil petitioned the Prince Regent to prohibit the distilla-
tion of spirits from grain, on account of the high rate of the markets.'-

On 25th January, 1805, the Council resolved to petition Parliament
for a Repeal of the Corn Laws. The petition was transmitted to Mr.
Macdowall, M.P., for presentation ; and Lord Archibald Hamilton,
M.P., and Boyd Alexander, Esq., M.P., were requested to support
it. On 13th July following, the Council voted their unanimous
thanks to Mr. Macdowall, M.P., for his assiduous exertions in
procuring amendments on the late Corn Laws. In March, 181 2, the
Council again petitioned Parliament " not to renew the exclusive
privileges possessed by the East India Company, in order that
the nation at large might be admitted to a participation of the
commerce of the east." There was a movement, in different parts
of the country, to have the protection afforded by the Riot Act to
churches, dwelling-houses, &c., extended to warehouses and public
works of every description, which may be burned or injured by
riotous persons. The Council, " believing that an act to this effect
appeared in the present times to be requisite," directed a letter, on
ist May, 181 2, to be sent to the representatives of the county and
district, respectfully soliciting their support to any bill which may
be brought into Parliament for effecting this important object. In
1813, a committee of the House of Commons recommended an
alteration in the existing Corn Laws; the Council, on ist June in
that year, adopted a resolution, strongly objecting to the "prohibiting
of the importation of foreign grain, until the price in the United
Kingdom shall have reached a standard far exceeding that prescribed

^ Distilleries were first introduced into Scotland in 1701. Two applications were
made to the Estates, in consequence of the prohibition of foreign brandies, for
privileges to be granted to home distilleries, the first established in the kingdom —
one for distilling a spirit from sugar, malt, and other liquors, by a company in
Glasgow, in 1701 ; the other from malt alone, by Alex. Monteith, chirurgeon in
Edinburgh, who craved that the art discovered by him to draw a spirit from
malt, equal in goodness to tnie French brandy, might be declared a manufactory,
with the same privileges and liberties as are granted to others. Previously to
this the staple beverage of the Lowlands was ale (Aikmans History of Scotland^
vol. v., p. 404).

126 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

by Statutes now in force," and " that such an advance is neither
required nor warranted by the present circumstances of the country,
and is only calculated to enrich the landowner at the expense of
the commercial classes, who, from various considerations, are ill
fitted to afford it." In March in the following year, they again
petitioned the House of Commons against any alteration in the
Corn Laws, and transmitted the petition to Mr. Kirkman Finlay,
M.P., for presentation. In July, 1814, the Council petitioned
Parliament to aboHsh the African slave trade. In March, 181 5, the
Council renewed their petition to Parliament against any alteration
in the Corn Laws. And during this year the inhabitants of Paisley
forwarded a petition against the Corn Laws, signed by 6,400 of the
inhabitants, to Lord Archibald Hamilton, M.P., for presentation to
the House of Commons. Notwithstanding all the opposition it
aroused in every part of the country, the Corn Bill, sanctioning a
protective duty of 80s. per quarter, was passed by the legislature.

When the British army was victorious in any of the battles in
which they were engaged during the long -continued Continental
war, the inhabitants displayed their joy at the result, and their
loyalty, by illuminations and the ringing of the public bells. These
rejoicings were generally conducted in an orderly manner. Some-
times, however, the youthful portion of the inhabitants were much
more demonstrative — burning tar barrels and making manifesta-
tions of a rather unruly kind, which required occasionally the inter-
ference of the Magistrates. But it was at the peace in 18 14, which
turned out to be only temporary, when the combined armies of
Europe vanquished the French nation, and banished Napoleon to
the island of Elba, that the greatest demonstrations were made in
the town. The British nation had long suffered severely from these
bloody and expensive wars on the Continent of Europe ; and now,
when peace was secured, the joy of the people Avas universal and
unbounded. In no part of the country, however, were loyalty,
patriotism, and abhorrence of the lawless ruler of the French nation,
more conspicuously manifested at this time than in Paisley. The
Provost and Magistrates readily complied with the desire of the
inhabitants in issuing a proclamation for a general illumination to
celebrate the return of peace.

This splendid illumination, as described in the Glasgow Chronicle,
took place on the evening of the 19th April, 1814. In the afternoon
of that day, a numerous and respectable body of operative weavers
paraded the town, under leaders of their own selection, accompanied
by several military bands of music and an excellent local band,
and displaying standards and insignia. The operative wrights and
tradesmen of other crafts formed a part of the long- extended pro-
cession. At six o'clock in the evening, they were formed into a
square at the Cross, in front of the ToUbooth stair, in which stood
the Magistrates and Council, the Sheriff, &c., who drank the healths
of the venerable King George III. and the Royal Family, during

iSoO TILL 1825. 127

repeated discharges of musketry by a detachment from the local
militia of the county. The ringing of the bells at eight o'clock was
the signal for illumination, and from the darkness of the night every
part of the town instantly exhibited a grand and luminous blaze,
displaying taste and splendour far exceeding all former demonstra-
tions of the kind. All the houses in the vicinity of the town were
likewise tastefully lighted up. At Crossflat House, the residence of
Mr. Brown, the entire front exhibited a display of variegated lamps,
disposed in columns, wreaths, and festoons. A large transparency
in the centre showed an equestrian statue of the Emperor Alexander,
surmounted by an imperial crown of brilliant light, the whole form-
ing a fine architectural representation of an illuminated temple.
The Coffee -Room was brilliantly lit up, and displayed three trans-
parencies with appropriate devices. The centre transparency
exhibited the words, " Tyranny Overthrown and Europe Saved
under the auspices of Britain," with the figure of Britannia trampling
on a very hateful monster or figure of Tyranny in chains ; in her
left hand was a shield and in her right a trident, with which
to strike the prostrate figure ; the British Lion was on her left hand,
and the Star of Peace was seen rising above the horizon on the
right. On the pedestal was exhibited, in separate lines, " Moscow
Burned," " Paris Spared," " Louis XVIIL" In the transparency on
the right were the letters, " G. IIL R.," surmounted by a crown;
and immediately beneath were the names, " Alexander, Francis,
and Frederick"; in the centre was the word "Peace," encircled
with laurel on azure ground ; beneath was the name and a likeness
of Nelson, inscribed, " Britain has done her duty," and a view of
ships-of-war. The third transparency represented the letters
" G.P.R.," surmounted by the Prince of Wales' feather ; the names
of Rutuzo, Blucher, and Schwartzenberg, arranged opposite to those
of their respective sovereigns in the corresponding transparency ;
" Commerce " occupied the centre, encircled like Peace ; beneath
was a portrait of Wellington, the deliverer of the Peninsula, with
warlike trophies. On the base of the supporting pedestal appeared
" Victory." The house of the Provost was splendidly Hghted, and
exhibited three very appropriate and well -executed transparencies.
One of the Avindows of James Muir, surgeon, represented Britannia
standing in a car drawn by a lion and a unicorn, Britannia in the
act of rescuing the map of Europe from the torch of Discord.
Below was seen —

" From this blest hour all violence shall cease,
The age grow mild, and soften into peace,"

— a dove descending with the olive branch, and the motto, " The
Captive set Free." Of nine transparencies presented by Mr. George
Carswell, the two following were particularly noticed : — A figure
representing France in a resting posture, " Set Free from Tyranny
and Oppression," with Fame rising over Europe proclaiming the
joyful news ; the other figure. Justice, pointing to a bust of

12.'^ HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Louis XVIII. on a pedestal, with the words, "The finger of
Providence is in this." At the corner was a figure of Buonaparte,
with his crown tumbUng headlong. Mr. James Wilson, Love Street,
had five transparencies, of which the following was distinguished : —
A mounted Cossack throwing his lance at a fugitive figure of
Buonaparte, with the inscription, " Thanks to our heroes who have
vanquished the destroyers of commerce and the disturber of the
world." Mr. Peter Wright exhibited a transparency of Peace
persuading Mars to sheathe his sword, surrounded by a beautiful
display of light. Mr. Stevenson exhibited in St. James Street a
Blasted Tree of Liberty, with a serpent encircling the branch, and
presenting a discharge to Buonaparte, who is represented on his
knees receiving it, — while the scourge of the nation falls from his
hand, and the fire of the furies blazes before him. Mr. Farquharson,
of St. James Place, exhibited, amid a blaze of glory, Britannia
exalted on a pedestal, surrounded and looked up to by the repre-
sentatives of the Alhed Powers, and busy Fame with her trumpet.
Messrs. R. Cochrane & Sons had three transparencies, the most
prominent of which was Marshal Ney delivering to the Emperor
Alexander a parchment roll containing the abdication of Buonaparte.
Mr. Leishman had four transparencies, the principal representing
the breaking up of the Confederation of the Rhine, and the
triumphant Ministers and Warriors of the United Kingdom, with
Wellington in the centre, encircled with laurel ; on the right, on an
appropriate ground, were Pitt, Nelson, and other of the departed
British statesmen and heroes who shone conspicuously in the late
eventful contest ; on the left were represented the Allied Powers,
with the great commanders of their armies, and the British Mission
attached to them. In the second range, the centre window had a
full transparent figure of St. George destroying the dragon monster,
while the horse trampled over the broken eagles of Buonaparte ;
above, in front of the balcony, forming an ample semi -circle, were
the words, " Europe saved by the example of Britain." The
balustrade was studded with variegated lamps. The whole was
surmounted (on the top of the balcony) by a large brilliant star,
with the motto above, " The star of peace returns," and below Louis
XVIII. On the south front was a fine transparency of the British
Crown with its emblems, and the ancient arms and crown of
France, connected by wreaths of olive twigs. At the Union Bank
was a flag of Great Britain, with her trident surmounting it. Mr.
Blaikie, engraver, exhibited the triumphant entry of the Allied
Powers into Paris. Bailie AVilliam M'Laran had three transparencies
ingeniously and appropriately designed for the occasion. Messrs.
Brown, Macalister & Brown, had figures of Britannia, with the
motto, " Britain the hope and anchor of the world." At the head
of Orchard Street, there was a grand exhibition of variegated lamps,
displayed in the form of a triumphal arch, decorated with flowers
and shrubbery. Mr. C. J. Eraser, Church Lane, had a picturesque
representation of Buonaparte's voyage to the Island of Elba, he

iSoO TILL 1S25. t20

being rowed off in an open boat, with a Cossack standing over him,
while a group of Cossacks occupied the foreground, with the
inscription, " The obstacles to peace removed." The Tollbooth hall
and offices had, in the bow front, the first range of windows entirely
fi.Ued with variegated transparencies bearing illustrious names. In the
centre window were those of our revered King, the Prince Regent,
and the Duke of York. On a pedestal was a statue of Neptune
with his trident. On the front was a bust of Mr. Pitt, supported on
one side by a soldier " in the garb of old Gaul," bearing a British
standard. On the other lay a British sailor, directing the soldier to
the inscription, " The Pilot who weathered the storm." Messrs.
Wylie's office had, in variegated lamps, the words, " Europe is free."
Numerous other transparencies, of great taste and splendour, were
exhibited in every part of the town. At ten o'clock the ringing of
the bells ceased. This was the signal for extinguishing the lights ;
and the memorable evening was brought to a close by the combustion,
on the uppermost battlements of the High Church steeple, of a
chemical mixture, prepared and superintended by Mr. Davidson,
lecturer on chemistry. This exhibition was continued for nearly
fifteen minutes, and notwithstanding heavy rain and a dense atmos-
phere, the country for many miles round was brilliantly illuminated.
The effects of the light at a distance were much more striking than
in the town. Although the concourse of people in the streets during
the time of the illumination was immense, thousands having come
from a distance, yet the most exemplary order and decorum prevailed.

There was no proper public library established in Paisley till
1802. Prior to that time, books were lent out by the booksellers,
such as Mr. George Caldwell, in the Moss Row, and others, whose
stock of literature was of the most circumscribed range. On 14th
May in that year, the "Paisley Library Society" was instituted.^
It commenced, as stated in the first printed catalogue, with 138
subscribers, who paid three guineas on entering, and half-a-guinea
a-year thereafter. Those paying ten guineas at once, were exempted
from the yearly contributions. The library was managed by a com-
mittee of twelve members, who were elected annually, and were
empowered to purchase books to the amount of one- third of the
annual income, — purchases to be confined to such books as were
of high character and general utility, and excluding all those that
Avere merely professional. A subscriber refusing to act as a manager
or curator, after due election, was fined in half-a-guinea; but after
paying once, he was not subjected to another fine on a similar
account.- The library appears to have prospered, and to have been
much appreciated by the inhabitants ; for, ten years thereafter, the

^ In Glasgow, the Stirling Library was established in 1791, and the Glasgow
Public Library in 1804.

" In 1803, Mr. Thomas Crichton, master of the Town's Hospital, published a
poem of considerable merit in praise of the institution, and dedicated it to the
President and Curators of the Librarj'.

130 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

number of subscribers had increased to 200, and the books to 3000
volumes.^ The books in this Hbrary were transferred to the Free
Library when it was opened in 187 1.

On ist January, 1806, the Paisley Trades' Library was instituted.
The annual subscription was six shillings, and it was largely taken
advantage of by the operative classes. But it was given up about
thirty -five years ago, because it was not sufficiently supported.

The Paisley Theological Library was instituted in 1808. Those
present at the first meeting on i8th Ma}^, 1808, when it was first
projected, were — ^The Rev. Messrs. Findlay, Rankin, Reid, Terrier,
Smart, Macdermid, and Blair • and Messrs. William Carlile, James
Carlile, James Walkinshaw, George Carswell, and John M'Gavin.
The object of the institution was " to form a collection of such books
as are subservient to religious knowledge of the Scriptures." The
annual subscription was half-a-guinea, without any entry-money.
The society at first consisted of 56 members. In 1825, according
to an advertisement at that time, the library was stored in the
society rooms. No. 25 Moss Street; and was open forgiving out
and receiving books every lawful day, except Wednesday, between
the hours of one and three afternoon. At this time the books had
increased to 700 volumes.

Besides these public libraries, Mr. Thomas Auld, jun., bookseller,
at the " fourth shop north of the Council Chamber, Cross," had a
circulating library of 2500 volumes "in the various branches of
literature, which were lent by the year, at 9s.; half-year, at 5s.;
quarter, at 2s. 6d.; or month, at is. Readers who did not choose
to subscribe had to pay one penny for each volume. If they kept
any book more than two nights, they were deemed subscribers, and
had to pay accordingly " (M}-. Au/d's Catalogue, published in 1808).

Mr. John Millar, at the head of Castle Street, issued at this time
a catalogue " of books in every department of literature," but he did
not state whether he lent any of them out. At the head of this
catalogue he states : — ■

" This list o' beuks — sum dull, sum clever,
An' sum ye ne'er will see again —
Cum, purchase now ! for wha could ever
Sic beuks sae cheap before obtain ! "

Mr. Millar in this catalogue states that he had edited the following
publications : — " Rational Recreations," " The Paisley Repository,"
" Hardyknute," " The Life and Death of the famous Piper of Kil-
barchan," " Accurate Account of the Dreadful Calamity at the
Canal Basin, loth November, 1810," "The Songster," and " The
Witches of Renfrewshire ;" and that he was also the " author
of a ' Collection of Arithmetical and Mathematical Questions,'
' Problems on the National Debt,' ' Exercises in SpeUing and
Numbers,' 'Tyro's Orthographical and Numerical Exercises,' &c."

^ Gilroy's Paisley Directory for 1812.

iSoo TILL 1825. 13!

The first proposal for the formation of a canal in this district was
made by James Watt, of Birmin<^ham, the improver of the steam
engine. When residing in Glasgow, in 1773, ^e surveyed a course
for a canal from Paisley to Hurlet, and his estimate of the expense
was ;^4,6oo (Wi/son's Vietv of Renfrcioshire, p. 1S6). In 1791, a
number of gentlemen who believed that the formation of a canal
from Saltcoats to Paisley and Glasgow would be a great public
benefit to the country, had its course actually laid down (Statistical
Account of Beith^ vol. viii., p. 327). At the beginning of this
century the last -mentioned measure for connecting by a canal these
towns and other intermediate places with the sea, for the safe
and cheap conveyance of passengers and goods, received the earnest
support of the inhabitants and their representatives at the Council
Board. The Council, when applied to, subscribed five guineas " on
behalf of the community towards defraying the expense of making
a survey of the intended canal from Saltcoats to Glasgow " (Council
Records, 26th January, 1803). And on 4th December in the
following year they agreed to address the committee of management
on the propriety of making its direction in a straight line from
Paisley to Glasgow. In 1804, surveys, plans, and estimates of the
canal, prepared by Thomas Telford, the celebrated engineer, were
brought before the public by the Earl of Eglinton and a number of
other public -spirited gentlemen, as an undertaking certain to be of
great advantage, with every probability of being highly profitable.
His I^ordship was in reality the grand mover in this scheme.
Captain Sandford Tatham, of the Royal Navy, regulating officer in
this district, who was consulted regarding the proposal to form this
canal, was highly in favour of it. Masters and owners of vessels,
he held, would prefer discharging their cargoes at Ardrossan, and
having them carried by canal direct to Glasgow and other places,
to suftering the delay that vessels were subject to in working their
way by the circuitous route up the Clyde. The estimated expense
of making this canal from Glasgow through Paisley to Ardrossan, a
distance of 31^ miles, was ;,^ 125,000. In 1806, an Act of
I^arliament was obtained for making this canal, with a branch, to
the coal works at Hurlet. The share capital was fixed at ;^ 140,000,
with powers to borrow ^30,000 in addition, should such be
required. The Town Council, on 23rd January, 1807, agreed to
subscribe for ten shares of the stock of the company ; and many
others in Paisley also took stock. As the application for shares
amounted to ^43,000, the company agreed to make only the part
of the canal between Glasgow, Paisley, and Johnstone, which was
estimated by the same engineer to cost ^49,000. Contracts were
accordingly entered into ; but before the canal was nearly finished
the capital of the company was exhausted, and money had to be
borrowed under great difficulties, and more stock taken up by the
existing shareholders, to complete the works. Before that was
accomphshed, however, upwards of ^100,000 had been expended.
The Town Council, on 5th September, 1809, agreed " to guarantee,

132 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

with the other holders of shares, any sums which it may be found
necessary to borrow for the completion of that pubhc and useful
undertaking." And on 26th November in the following year, they
agreed " to take other ten shares of the capital stock of the canal, at
^25 each share, agreeably to the resolutions of the last general
meeting of the proprietors.'"' The original shares were ^50 each,
but by this time they were reduced one half This important
undertaking was commenced in 1807, and the part from Paisley
to Johnstone was opened for traffic on 6th November, 1810.
On the loth of that month, being Martinmas Fair Saturday, a most
calamitous accident occurred at the canal basin. When the passage
boat, " The Countess of Eglinton,"' arrived from Johnstone, a crowd
of passengers, to the number of nearly two hundred, rushed on
board and overset it, throwing nearly all its occupants into the water.
Although every effort was made to save them, eighty -seven were
drowned. Thereby, as may readily be believed, gloom overshadowed
the whole community.

A public meeting, called by the Magistrates, was immediately
held, to consider the best means of affording relief to the relatives
of those who perished in the canal. At that meeting a committee
was appointed to collect subscriptions and receive information as to
the situation of those requiring assistance. Collections were also
made in aid of the funds at the different churches in town. The
inhabitants sympathised so much with the object of the subscription,
that the large sum of ;^954 iSs. 6d. was raised, and the distribution
of it among the relations of the sufferers extended from that period
till April, 1 814.

On 4th October, 181 1, the ceremony of the opening of the canal
was earned out. Three of the company's boats, filled with
gentlemen, among whom were the Earl of Eglinton, Sir John
Maxwell, Mr. Campbell of Blythswood, the Sheriff of Renfrewshire,
and the [Magistrates of Paisley, accompanied by the band of the ist
Lanarkshire ^slilitia, left Paisley for Glasgow amidst an immense
concourse of spectators. They arrived at Glasgow under a salute
from the artillery of the Forth and Clyde Canal Volunteers. The
company on landing were received by the Lord Provost and
Magistrates of Glasgow, the Dean of Guild, the Deacon Convener of
the Trades' House, the ^Magistrates of Gorbals, and other gentlemen.
The company met in the warehouse at the end of the canal ; and
after an impressive prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr. M'Lean,
minister of Gorbals, they partook of luncheon, and several loyal and
appropriate speeches were delivered. On returning to Paisley in
the boats, a company, numbering about one hundred, dined in the
Tontine Inn,- — the Earl of Eglinton occupying the chair. In
November, 1813, the company advertised that the fares by the
passenger boats would be — for first cabin, is. 3d.; and for second
cabin, lod. The time taken was about one hour and fifty minutes.

The charges for the carriage of goods from Paisley to Glasgow
was 4^d. per cwt.; from Paisley to Johnstone, 3d. per cwt. For

l8oO TILL 1825. 133

grain, flour, &c., from Paisley to Glasgow, the charge for ten bags
was 7s.; for pig iron, per ton, 3s. 6d. Single parcels below 1 cwt.
were charged per stone one penny. The depth of the canal was
4^ feet, the breadth was generally 28 feet, but in many places
much narrower.^

The following table gives some idea of the passenger traffic : —

Decrease in Increase in
1815. 1816. 1816. 1816.

April, ... ... ... 7467 7225 242

May, 9220 9568 348

We do not learn from the Council records when a company of
special constables was first organised ; but on many occasions they
were of great service in preserving the peace of the town.^ They
appear to have been first constituted about 1795 ; and in 1800
regulations were published, along with a statement of their powers
and duties. The body consisted of respectable citizens. Each
constable was furnished with a baton. The town and suburbs were
divided into four wards, according to the number of parishes. Each
ward had a chief constable, empowered to command as if he were
a military officer. There was, likewise, a second in command, to
aid the head constable \\dth his advice, and to act in his absence.
Each ward was divided into eight or more districts, according to
extent and population. The captain, or head of each district, kept
a roll of his men, and his duty Avas to warn them to attend the
several rendezvous at the time notified by his commander. The
number enrolled in the four parishes exceeded five hundred, and
these could be collected in less than an hour, ready on receiving
orders from the Magistrates in the town, or the Sheriff or Justices
in the suburbs, to disperse any mob or subdue any riot. Without
such warrant, the men were not empowered to act (Statement in
1820 by the late Provost Williavi Car/He). The supplying of each
constable with a baton, was all the expense incurred by the town.

^ "Some time since, Mr. Cunningham of Craigends engaged with another
gentleman for a wager of ;i{^20, that he would, on horseback, leap over the canal
between Glasgow and Paisley. He was to have his own choosing of the ground ;
and the weather being extremely inviting on Tuesday last, the parties met to see
the exploit performed. After riding up and down for some time, a piece of
ground was fixed upon about a mile on the east side of Paisley, called Cook's
Ridge. Mr. Cunningham then put his horse in motion, and accomplished the
feat with ease. The spirited animal went four feet over the canal, which being
eleven feet broad at the place, made fifteen feet of a leap in whole (G/asgmu
Chronicle, 26th December, 1822).

" The word constable is, by some authorities, derived from the Saxon words,
"Koning" and "Stapel," signifying a support of the King; and by others, from
the Latin words, "Comes" and "Stabuli,"' denoting a master of the horse.
The latter derivation is that adopted by Spelman, Du Cange, and others, and has
reference, probably, to that officer well known in the Empire, who had to
regulate all matters of chivalry, tilts, tournaments, and feats of arms, which were
performed on horseback (T. D. Mai-wick's High Constables 0/ Edinburgh, p. 3).

134 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

The following is a copy of the constables' instructions, as fixed in
1809. They will, no doubt, be found to be interesting : —

" Instructions and regulations for the special constables appointed
for the town and suburbs of Paisley, published by authority of the
Lord Lieutenant of the County, the Sheriff and M^igistrates of
Paisley, 25th July, 1809. In general, the duty of special constables
is to aid the Civil Magistrates in the preservation of good order, by
the suppression of riotous and seditious conduct, and by discovering
and bringing to justice all disturbers of the public peace. But
besides assisting the Magistracy, they are entitled, of their own
authority, to seize the persons of delinquents, in all cases of felony,
or capital crime, and in all breaches of the peace, committed in their
presence. Breaches of the peace comprehend not only the com-
mitting of actual violence against persons or property, but the
uttering of violent threats, or making other demonstrations of
immediate mischief, — such as pursuing or following any of the
lieges with abuse, or clamour, or threats, so as to excite reasonable
dread of personal danger, even although no actual violence should
take place. In all such cases there is an aggravation of the offence,
when it is committed by one or more, united with others, aiding or
abetting. The persons seized by the constables ought to be carried
before a magistrate without unnecessary delay ; and if a magistrate
cannot conveniently be found to examine the offenders, they may
be detained in custody till examination. A special constable is
entitled to demand the assistance of the neighbours or bystanders
in securing offenders ; and any person who shall refuse or withhold
such assistance when required, is highly culpable, and liable to be
punished on complaint made to a magistrate. If resistance or
violence be offered to a constable in the execution of his duty (after
making his office known), he is, of course, entitled to persist, and,
if necessary, to repel force by force ; but in the event of there being
much personal risk, the most prudent course will be to endeavour
to identify the offenders and to report the offence to a magistrate,
with the names of the oftenders and of any witnesses who can give
testimony in the matter ; and if the oftenders are not known, to
follow or otherwise endeavour to procure and to report information
concerning them. Although a baton be the usual badge of ofifice,
the want of it is not material ; and when the constable is either per-
sonally known, or declares his office when it becomes necessary for
him to act, an offender will be liable to punishment if he should
ofter resistance. The town and suburbs being di\ided into wards,
under the Police Act, the Commissioners of Police of the several
wards are to act as head constables, ex officio., for their respective
wards. The special constables will not, except in cases of sudden
emergency, proceed to act without receiving directions from the
Sheriff or Magistrates, which will be communicated through the
head constable. Places of rendezvous will be appointed by the
head constables for their respective wards, where they may convene
the special constables in the event of any tumult or riot existing, or

tSoo till 1825. 135

being expected ; and from which places of rendezvous they may-
send patrols, or adopt such other measures as may appear best for
the preservation of the peace ; the special constables taking their
directions from the head constables of their respective wards, and
they again from the Sheriff or Magistrates."

On 9th December, 1S12, the Magistrates reported to the Council
that they had considered it their duty in these times to revive the
establishment of special constables, for the security of private pro-
perty and the maintenance of public tranquility ; and they reported
the measures pursued for that purpose, of which the Council highly
approved ; and as a number of batons, in addition to those on
hand, would be necessary, the Magistrates were directed to obtain
them without delay, and to procure estimates from such tradesmen
as they should think were quaUfied to furnish them. On the 15th
of the same month, the Magistrates reported that, after obtaining a
variety of offers, " they had contracted with Mr. Waterston, painter,
for as many as might be required, at the rate of is. 4d. each."

In 1804, the Magistrates and Council, from the increase of popu-
lation and manufactures, accompanied as these naturally are with
an increase of crimes and irregularities, seriously directed their
attention to the securing of a police force, and the making of other
sanitary regulations, as fixed by Act of Parliament. Prior to the
union of Scotland and England, the inhabitants were mainly ruled,
as we have shown, by acts passed by the Bailies and Council, and
administered also by themselves. The town -guard was organised
by the Bailies and Council, and was at first taken advantage of when
such was required, but afterwards it became a regular force. The
Magistrates had the sole control of this body, which at this time
consisted of thirteen householders, who were warned in rotation.
During fairs, the number was increased to eighteen. They nightly
elected their own captain, and their duties lasted from ten at night
till five or six in the morning. The captain reported to the acting-
magistrate what had taken place during the night. When the popu-
lation was small, this social arrangement was very successful ; but
with a greatly increased population it was found to be insufficient.
There were many objections to this system. One of them was that
the more wealthy portion of the inhabitants did not personally act,
and their substitutes were very often persons quite unqualified for
the work. Frequently, instead of suppressing breaches of the peace
and arresting those who were riotous, they became abettors of the
mob, and failed to perambulate the streets and to report breaches of
the peace to the Magistrates. The streets also at this time were
inadequately lighted, there being only about seventy lamps provided
by the Council for the use of the whole town. The streets of the
town received some attention ; but they do not appear to have
had any foot-pavements, as such are not alluded to in the Council
records. It is not, then, to be wondered at that the Council, after
consulting the inhabitants and holding many meetings, had the

136

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

draft of a Police Bill considered and matured. Five hundred copies
of it were printed for the use of the inhabitants ( Council Records,
4th January, 1805). After much discussion and deliberation, a bill
was ultimately framed, and passed both Houses of ParHament with-
out opposition, and received the Royal assent on nth July, 1806.
The expenses incurred in obtaining the Act were ^^797, which the
Council advanced, but they were afterwards repaid. On 23rd
August, 1806, the Council agreed "to make a present of the public
lamps and lamp -irons to the Commissioners of PoHce for the
Burgh." They also agreed "to allow the Commissioners the use of
the outer chamber and former guard -room, on condition of their
furnishing coals and candles for their officers of police." At first,
and down at least till 1820, the Burgh Police force consisted of a
master of police, two sergeants, four corporals, a clerk, a surveyor
of houses, and twelve night watchmen. The watchmen were to be
on their respective stations at ten o'clock at night from April to
September inclusive, continuing till five in the morning ; and from
October to March inclusive, at nine o'clock at night, continuing
until six in the morning (George Ritchie's Directory for 1820, p. 56).
The Burgh was divided into nine wards, and two Commissioners
were chosen for each ward by such householders as paid ^^5 or
upwards of rent yearly. The Magistrates were Commissioners by
oftice. The suburbs were divided into six wards, with one Com-
missioner for each ; the Sheriff being always a Commissioner ex
officio. The rate of assessment in support of police, &c., was — J[^2
and under ^3, sixpence per ^i ; £^2> "^^^ under ^5, nine-
pence per ^i ; ^^5 and upwards, one shilling per ^\. The
following table gives us a view of the state of crime, as judged by
the Magistrates, from 1807 to 181 8 : —

1807.

1808.

1809.

1810.

i8ti.

1812.

1813.

1814.

181S

1816.

1817

1818.

Persons convict- )

ed of breaches >

218

267

144

169

1.34

1 06

167

144

146

202

of the peace,.. )

Cases of theft,

Persons convict- )

ed of swincHing \

Persons fined for )

profanation of >

—

the Sabbath,.. )

Persons convict- )

ed of vending >

— -

base money, .. )

Cases of house- )
breaking, \

—

Persons convict- 1

ed of reset of >

—

theft, )

Cases of murder, . .

—

Robberies on the ")

streets or in !
the vicinity of f

—

the town, J

l800 TILL 1825. 137

Breaches of the Peace. — Under this head are inckided only those
who suffered punishment either by fine or imprisonment. Cases of
a trivial nature dismissed are not inserted. The greatness of the
numbers in the first two years is accounted for partly by the oppo-
sition at first offered to the police force, as it imposed a greater
restraint on the turbulent ; and partly by the number of strangers
employed at the canal, who frequently got drunk and became
riotous.

Cases of Theft. — This table only includes those in which there
were convictions. The table only shows the number of cases, and
not the number of thieves.

Profanatmi of the Sabbath. — Under this head are included land-
lords of public -houses for keeping company in their houses till
advanced hours on Sunday mornings.

Murder. — -This was the case of a person found in a close at
night with marks of serious injury on the head, which caused
death on the same afternoon. The Sheriff", after an investigation,
offered a reward for the murderer ; but the wounds may have been
caused by a fall.

Robberies. — For the single case in 18 14 one man suffered death ;
in some of the other cases the culprits were undiscovered.

To operate as a check on public begging, now and then those
found in the act were apprehended and brought before the Magis-
trates. Those taken on the 3rd May, 181 7, may be held as a
specimen. They are as follows : —

The number on that day was, ... ... ... 53

Of whom were Irish, ... ... ... 39

Belonging to the Burgh, ... ... i

From different parts of Scotland, ... 13

(Published Statement in 1820 by Proi'ost Williani Carlile).

The following is an abstract of the published income and expendi-
ture of the Burgh Police establishment for the year 1816-17 : —

Income.
Money advanced for lamplighting at last balance, ;^ 1 6 13 i
Assessments received, ... ... ... ... 1231 7 8

Fines, ... ... ... ... ... ... 3115 ^

Manure, ... ... ... ... ... ... 17 5 o

Owing the Union Bank, ... ;^i2i 7 8

Due the Bank at last balance, ... 114 7 10

6 19 10

Advanced by the Treasurer and Accounts not

paid, ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 II 8

^1344 12 9

138 history of paisley.

Expenditure.
New lamps and repairs, ... ... ... ^27 10 o

Lighting 405 lamps, 22 weeks 5

days, between 7th September,

1816, and 26th March, 181 7, at

7^d. per week, ;^287 9 6

Lighting 3 lamps, 19 weeks i day,

at 7^ d. per week, .. ... i 15 11

Lighting 5 lamps, 15 weeks 6 days,

at 7^ d. per week, ... ... 296

Lighting 93 lamps, from 5 th till

25th April, 1817, ... ... 700

Lighting 93 lamps, from 13th till

20th August, 1817, ... ... 2 18 o

301 12 II

Salary of Superintendent of Police,

Collector, and Treasurer,

^1^0

Salary of Clerk, ...

Do. 2 sergeants, at ;^45, ...

Wages of 4 corporals, at 12s. per

week, ...

124

Wages of 12 watchmen, at los.

per week.

312

Substitutes and extra men on par-

ticular occasions,

• 654 4

2 7

40 16

89 19

6
6
I

;., 221 15
6 7

I
8

^1344 12

Repairs of watch-boxes,
Clothing for officers and watchmen,
Scavengers and carting manure.
Stationery, printing, coal, oil, surveyor, street
improvements, prosecuting for assessments, &:c
Interest paid Union Bank,

The proprietors of the Coffee or Reading- Room in Moss Street,
finding the accommodation to be insufficient for the number of
members who were attending it, resolved, in 1807, to acquire ground
on which to erect a new and larger building. The additional capital
required was ;^9ooo, which was at once raised by a new company
in 1200 shares of ;^7 los. each. The present handsome building
on the east side of the Cross, with its elegant front to High Street,
was erected from drawings supplied by Messrs. Nicholson & Reid,
architects. The Reading Room, which is beautifully finished, is 61
feet long, 45 feet broad, at side walls 20 feet high, and in the centre
28 feet high. The old Coffee Room and shop adjoining were sold
by public roup, on 6th October, 1808, and realized ;^i2oi. It was
perhaps quite proper to call the Reading Room, while it formed
part of the chief inn, the Coffee- Room ; but it was very strange to

l8oO TILL 1825. 139

continue that name after its removal to separate premises in Moss
Street. And it is still more extraordinary that such an inappropriate
name should be perpetuated in its application to the entire new
range of buildings. During the erection of the building, the Town
Council resolved to hold a jubilee on the 50th anniversary of King
George III.'s accession to the throne on 25th October, 1809, and
as the large room in the Saracen's Inn was found to be too small to
accommodate the 140 gentlemen who were to dine on that occasion,
the dinner took place in the new Reading Room. This jubilee was
celebrated in a most harmonious, loyal, and imposing manner, and
was conducted according to a programme prepared by the Council.
The following graphic account of this jubilee is taken from the
records of the Old Weavers' Society : — •

" This day being the anniversary of His Majesty's accession to
the throne, and the commencement of the fiftieth year of his reign,
it was natural to expect that an era so interesting would not pass
without an unusual display of loyalty and patriotism among the
inhabitants of Paisley, and that attachment to the Constitution and
respect for our venerable monarch should show themselves in suitable
expressions of joy and satisfaction. Accordingly, at eight in the
morning, flags were hoisted, and the public bells were rung from
eight till ten. At eleven, the Magistrates and Council and others
assembled in the Council Chambers — the managers of the after-
mentioned Corporations in the Court-hall, and the officers, &c., of
the Militia regiment at the Cross — for the purpose of walking to the
church in procession. Immediately thereafter, the procession moved
in the following order : — (i). The Magistrates and Council, preceded
by the town officers with their halberts and a band of music, and
accompanied by William Macdowal, Esq. of Garthland, Lord-
Lieutenant of the County and M.P. for the County ; Alex. Porterfield,
Esq. of Duchal, and Robert Fulton, Esq. of Hartfield, Deputy-
Lieutenant ; Bovd Alexander, Esq. of Southbar, and Alex. Campbell,
Esq., Sheriff- Substitute. (2). Colonel M'Kerrell and the other
officers of the 3rd Regiment of Renfrewshire Local Militia. (3).
Permanent staff of the 2nd R.L.M. (4). Incorporation of Tailors ;
Incorporations of Weavers, of Maltmen, of Wrights, of Merchants,
of Fleshers, and of Hammermen. The procession occupied the
front and second seats in the galleries of the High Church, where
they heard an excellent and appropriate sermon preached by the Rev.
John Findlay, from ist Tim. xi., i, 2.—' I exhort therefore that first
of all supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
all men. For kings and for all that are in authority, that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty.' The
procession, in returning from the church, had to pass through an im-
mense crowd which the novelty of the scene had collected ; and, after
marching round the whole square of the market-place, they dismissed
opposite the Council Chambers. At two o'clock, the Magistrates,
Council, Lord -Lieutenants, and a number of the County gentlemen,
drank His Majesty's health and that of the Royal Family on the

140 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

jail stair -head — a party of the third regiment R.L.M. firing a volley
after each toast. The bells were rung from two till four. At four,
140 gentlemen sat down to a subscription dinner in the new Coffee -
Room — the Lord -Lieutenant in the chair. This party consisted of
the Magistrates, Council, the most wealthy inhabitants, and a
considerable number of county gentlemen. There were many
private dining parties in the different inns, and the inhabitants
spent the day in festivity and conviviality, with a propriety of con-
duct highly creditable to themselves and suitable to the memorable
occasion. The bells were again rung from 7 till 9 p.m., and the
greatest good order prevailed, tliough in the evening vast crowds
thronged the streets. Mr. Pattison, the boxmaster of this society,
being in England, James Brown, eldest deacon in the management,
acted as boxmaster of this incorporation."

We have not been able to discover from the Council records or
any other authentic source when the "West Port" was removed.
On 7th November, 1807, the Council agreed to dispose of the
Almshouse with the "wee steeple," by public roup, "under reserva-
tion of the clock, bell, and lead work about the steeple, and all the
metal and apparatus." ^ The property was accordingly sold on 24th
December following, and realised ;j^5t2. There was a public
arched passage through the Almshouse leading to Oakshaw Street,
and known by the name of the " Pen Brae." Sometime previous
to this, Orr Street was formed, and the Council agreed that "as the
road from West Steeple to Oakshawhead is no longer useful in
consequence of the opening of Orr Street, the feuars in which have
given their consent to its being employed as a public passage, the
Council gave orders for presenting to the Quarter Sessions the
necessary application for procuring authority for shutting up and
discontinuing the said road." The present Orr Street and passage
to the north is still sometimes called, by the older inhabitants, the
" Pen Brae."

A very curious proposal was sent to the Council regarding the
supplying of the inhabitants with fish. On 25th August, 1807,
" a letter from Mr. Robert Boyd, Largs, soliciting a premium for
supplying the town with fish, was read, and the Clerk was appointed
to write to him to learn what sum he expects and what premium he
is to receive from Glasgow." This matter is not, however, referred
to again.

At the different fairs prior to 1809, it appears that the amuse-
ments, stands for the sale of confections and goods of almost every
kind, along with the other accompaniments of a public fair, all
found place at the Cross. The shopkeepers around the Cross

^ Mr. Love, who built Hope Temple in Love Street, bought the bell and clock
from the Council for £^4, and placed them in the spire there, and also the
weather-cock, which he placed on the top of the spire.

l8oO TILL 1825. 141

objected to this, and petitioned the Council to remove this grievance.
"After long deliberation on the subject, they resolved by a great
majority that the four public fairs held annually within the burgh
shall be henceforth discontinued at the Cross, and held in Caledonia
Street, James Street, and James Place betwixt James Street and
Moss Street, and public notification of this alteration of long-
established usage was appointed to be given by proclamation by
the town officers, circulation of printed bills, and advertisements in
some of the newspapers " (Council Records, 17th November, 1809),

The Paisley Philosophical Society was instituted on 25th Sep-
tember, 1809, by a few intelligent and energetic gentlemen belonging
to the town, who were animated with the very proper desire of
promoting scientific study. On that date, the first record was as
follows : — At a meeting of the Paisley Philosophical Society, held
in their lecture -room, it being the first Monday after the autumnal
equinox, the following members attended : William Waterston,
Andrew Young, Malcolm Lang, Thomas Hutchison, Thomas Auld,
James Duncan, Allan King, Gilbert Smith, Rev. William Ferrier,
Alexander Carlile. The business for which the meeting was con-
vened was commenced by the President reading over the articles or
regulations of the society, when, after being debated and corrected,
they were unanimously agreed to, and ordered to be printed.
Afterwards the society proceeded to the election of managers for the
year ensuing, when they made choice of the Rev. William Ferrier
as president, Messrs. Alexander Carlile as secretary, William
Robertson as treasurer, and Thomas Hutchison, Andrew Young,
and Thomas Auld, directors. The second meeting was held on
Monday, 2nd October following, when the Rev. William Ferrier
delivered a lecture on the subject of Philosophical research, which
is thus described in the minute-book — "On this subject he pro-
posed to advert to several topics, but confined himself at present
to the general character of philosophy. He spoke of the meaning
of the term philosophy, showed that philosophy is the knowledge of
what is first in nature, that nothing can be admitted as philosophic
truth but what is supported by proper evidence, that philosophic
truth is ascertained by observation and experiment, that philosophy
is conversant with the whole phenomena in nature, which may all
be reduced to two kinds — viz., existences and events — that it is
the object of the philosopher to attend to the character and circum-
stances of particular existences and particular events, to compare
among themselves the phenomena in each of these great divisions,
in order to mark wherein they agree and wherein they differ, and in
order to arrange them by their circumstances of agreement into
classes, general and subordinate."

During the remainder of this session, the lectures were delivered
as follows : —

Allan King — Attractions.

Thomas Hutchison — Physical Properties of Light.

142 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

David Allan — Hydrostatics and Hydraulics.
Gilbert Smith — Chemical Property of Light.
Robert Laird — Anatomy and Physiology.
Archibald Duncan — Botany.
Thomas Hunter — Mechanics.
James Laird — Electricity.
Thomas Auld — Moral Philosophy.
Robert Laird — Anatomy.
Archibald Carlile — Structure of the Earth, &zc.
James Thomson — Latent Heat.
Andrew Ferrier — Volcanoes.
James Kerr — Mode of Teaching Chemistry.
(Records of the Society.)

Such were the practical and scientific subjects treated of during
the first year of this society, which now holds such a praiseworthy
and important position among the associations of the town.

On 26th February, 18 10, Messrs. Robert Watt and Hugh Vallance
were, on the proposal of Mr. Andrew Young, admitted members.
The former is well known as Dr. Robert Watt, author of Bibliotheca
Britaiinica, who was a medical practitioner in Paisley. It is not
stated in what place these lectures were delivered, but we learn
from the records of the society that on 24th September, 18 10, the
members for the first time " assembled in their new hall in Sneddon
Street " (this was a back building, now No. 7 Old Sneddon Street).
By this time, they had collected and acquired a good many articles
to form a museum, and on the 3rd of the following month they
agreed " that the museum shall be open to the public every day
between the hours of one and two o'clock." Mr. Young was
appointed superintendent of the museum, and Mr. Thomas Hunter
of the apparatus, for the ensuing year. During the second session
— 1810-11 — twelve lectures were delivered by the members ; and
on 23rd September, 181 1, the treasurer laid before the meeting a
statement of the cash transactions for the past year, the expenditure
being ;^ii3 4s. iid. and the receipts _;;^ 1 1 2 13s. 2d. The society
was now so firmly established that the members deemed it proper
to apply to the Magistrates and Town Council to be incorporated
by charter. The petition for charter states that the office-bearers,
whose names are given, " and several other persons belonging to
the town and neighbourhood had been united since the year 1808
into a society denominated the Paisley Philosophical Institution,
estabhshed for the purpose of promoting the theoretical and practical
knowledge of philosophy. That at their meetings essays were
delivered, experiments exhibited, and conversations maintained by
the members upon philosophical subjects agreeably to certain rules
which had been made for the government of the society. That by
purchase and donations the society had acquired an experimental
apparatus, a museum of natural and artificial curiosities, and a
library, to each of which additions were being made from time to time.

l8oO TILL 1825, 143

That, owing to the increasing number of its members, the institution
had been gradually rising in importance, and promised to be highly
beneficial not only to its own members but also to the community
at large. That it was their opinion that the society should be in-
corporated, with power to acquire and possess property, to prosecute
by the name of the Paisley Philosophical Institution, to make laws
for the management of its funds, and to establish other rules for
conducting the affairs and promoting the objects of the society."
The Magistrates and Council granted a charter accordingly,
" declaring that, in the event of the dissolution of the said corpora-
tion, all its collections and effects of every description shall devolve
upon and belong in trust for the public to those individuals who
shall then and thenceforth in succession constitute the medical
department of the united establishment of the Dispensary and
House of Recovery in Paisley, the Committee of Management of
the Coffee-Room in Paisley, and the Curators of the Library of
Paisley, instituted in 1803, under which provision and declaration
this our charter is especially granted." The charter is dated 28th
September, 1812.

Every succeeding session, down to about 1818, the reading of
essays was continued with great regularity by both old and new
members. In the session of 1 818 -19, Mr. William Motherwell, the
poet, read an essay on INIetaphysics, and in the following session he
read, as the records state, " an elaborate essay on the Scottish
language." He afterwards read another essay on the same subject.
On 1 8th October, 18 19, seventeen members resigned, the reason
assigned by them being that " they found it entirely out of their
power, or at all events very inconvenient, to attend the meetings."
But twenty members still remained, and the entry- money was fixed
at one guinea. In the following year, a sufficient number of mem-
bers could not be got to give lectures ; and the president, Mr.
George Miller, at a meeting held on 30th September, stated " that
in consequence of the laxity of many of the members, not only in
reading essays before the institution, but in their marked indifier-
ence as to attendance, it became a matter of necessity to resort to
some new measures for the purpose of keeping the society together.
This neglect on the part of many of the members, he considered,
Avas owing in great degree to the little certainty they have of hear-
ing essays regularly delivered in the hall. To obviate all this, he
deemed it expedient that a stated lecturer should be provided."
The members present were of the same opinion ; and some time
afterwards, Mr. John Steele, practical chemist, Greenock, was
chosen to give a course of lectures on Natural Philosophy. At
this time thirty -one new members joined the society. On 9th
August, 1822, the Directors agreed to forward an address to King
George IV. on the occasion of His Majesty's visit to Scotland. On
9th December, 1822, "a vote of thanks was given to Mr. Henning,
London, for his gift of a set of valuable casts from the Elgin
marbles," and he w^as also chosen an honorary member of the insti-

144 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

tution. Mr. John Kennedy, teacher, Paisley, at this time offered his
services as lecturer; and on 3rd November, 1823, he was elected
to fill that position. It was arranged that he should give twenty-
four lectures : ten on Astronomy, two on Optics, three on the
Atmosphere, three on Electricity and Galvanism, two on Caloric,
two on Water, and one on Gas. At a meeting on 27th December
following, a letter from Mr. Kennedy was read, declining to be a
candidate for the office of lecturer ; and thereafter Mr. Murray was
chosen lecturer for next session, at a salary of ^100. The pre-
sidents during this period were as follows : — Rev. William Ferrier,
in 1809, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1816 ; Rev. James Thomson, in 1810;
Mr. Robert Laird, in 1811, 1817; Rev. Robert Burns, in 1815,
1818 ; Mr. George Miller, from 18 19 till 1823 ; and Wm. Waterston,
in 1824. The secretaries were Alexander Carlile, in 1809, 1814;
Rev. William Ferrier, in 1810, 181 1 ; Alexander Simpson, in 181 2,
1813 ; Dr. Rodman, in 181 5 ; Rev. R. Burns, in 1816, 1817;
George Miller, in 1818; William Waterston, in 181 9 ; William
Motherwell, from 1820 till 1823 ; and Robert Wylie, in 1824.

The first Paisley Directory published in Paisley after Mr. John
Tait's in 1783, already referred to, was compiled by Mr. William
Bell, teacher in the Low Parish School, Storie Street, in 1810. He
published it for that year only. The next Directory was published
in 181 2 by Mr. C. Gilroy, teacher of writing and accounts. Cross,
Paisley. Besides a list of names, it contains a great deal of interesting
and useful information relating to that period. So far as we can dis-
cover, there was a lapse of seven years before another Directory was
published — viz., that by George Ritchie in 181 9 and 1820. As his own
name does not appear in his book, the probability is that he did not
carry on any business in the town. The Directory which followed
was published in 1823 by Robert Biggar. He was the collector of
police assessments, and resided at No. 23 Love Street. Four years
passed without the publication of any Directory in Paisley. In
1827, Mr. George Fowler, bookseller, commenced to publish a
Directory, and continued to do so every year for the long period of
twenty-seven years. His last volume was for 1853-54. His first
Directory consisted of 96 pages, and his last one of 178 pages.
This arose from the increase in the population, the introduction of
additional matter, and the inclusion of the names of those residing
in Johnstone and Quarrelton.^ More than one Directory was
started in rivalry witli Mr. Fowler's. In July, 1840, Messrs. Dick
& Macfarlane published a Paisley Directory for 1840-41, the
inhabitants being classified according to their professions, and not
according to surnames, in alphabetical order. A chart of the streets
was also given. In 1844, Messrs. Biggar & Macfarlane, booksellers,

^ Mr. Fowler published in 1834, in pamphlet form, the historical and de-
scriptive sketches of the towns and principal villages in the Upper Ward of
Renfrewshire which had already appeared in his Directoiy.

l800 TILL 1S25. 145

Cross, published a Directory ; and in 1848 Mr. Matthew Spreull,
residing at Linwood, brought out a Directory. After the pubHca-
tion of Mr. Fowler's last Directory, four years elapsed before any
one undertook the publication of another. In 1857, Mr. Peter
Hinshelwood, auctioneer, issued a Directory, and continued to do so
annually till 1862. In the following year — 1862-63 — Mr. Richard
Watson, proprietor of the Paisley Herald, commenced to publish a
Directory, and continued to do so yearly till his death in 1880. His
last volume was for 1880-81, and the publication was continued by
his son, Mr. W. B. Watson, till 1883-84, when Messrs. J. & J. Cook,
the proprietors of the Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette, purchased the
copyright of the Directory along with the plant of the Paisley Herald.
Mr. James Winning, accountant, published a Paisley Directory for
1864-65 and 1866-67. There were only 210 pages in Watson's first
Directory, and the last consisted of 376 pages. Much useful and
interesting information was added to the work during that period,
and in the Directory for 1883-84 a map of the town within the
Parliamentary boundary was introduced for the first time. That
and subsequent issues included names of persons residing in Ren-
frew, Johnstone, Elderslie, Thornhill, Quarrelton, Balaclava,
Clippens, Inkermann, and Linwood.

At the end of last century, and also during the period em-
braced in this chapter, several societies of different kinds were
established, all having for their aim the advancement of the interests
and the amelioration of the condition of the humbler classes. The
Widow and Orphan Society was formed in 1776. From its yearly
subscriptions and other sources of income, it contributed money,
provisions, and coals. The Female Benevolent Society was es-
tablished in 181 1. Its income in 181 2 was about ^300, and it
was most beneficial in assisting aged and indigent females, and
particularly in giving clothing to aged females. In that year, 534
were relieved (Burns on the Poor Lazus, p. 22). The Female
Union Society had also the same objects in view. The Female Bible
Association was instituted in 1819. There was a branch for the
Abbey and one for the three town parishes. In 1820-21, the total
sum available for the purchasing of Bibles was ;^2 23. There was
also instituted on 31st March, 181 7, a society in Paisley and its
vicinity for Gaelic missions to the Highlands and Islands of Scot-
land. The object of the society was the diffusion of Divine
knowledge ; and the office-bearers and missionaries consisted of
persons of every denomination holding Evangelical sentiments.

In the first decade of this century, a marvellous number of
Friendly Societies was established which adopted local or street
names. During their continuance, they were of great benefit to
their distressed members ; but many of them, after a brief existence,
disappeared. This was in consequence of their being founded upon
erroneous principles. The great number of these societies, and the

146 HISTORY OF PAISLEY'.

able support they received from the inhabitants, along with the
considerable sums they paid annually, will be best understood from
the following statement : —

Journcytnen Societies. — Brewers, Ayrshire, Prince, Sandholes,
Paisley Gardeners, Widow and Orphans, Croft, Maxwellton,
Cumberland. These nine Journeymen Societies expended in sup-
port of their members — in 1805, ^666 i6s. 4d.; in 1806,
;^5o2 IIS. id.; in 1807,^^516 iis. yd.; in 1808,^^528 iis. 5d.;
in 1809, ;^455 IS.; — making an average expenditure for each year
of ^543 13s- 5d.

Frietidly Societies. — Moss Row, Paisley Old, Cumberland, Paisley
Union, Causeyside, New Street, Re -United, Sneddon, Sawyers,
Journeymen Wrights, Maxwellton, New Maxwellton, New and Old
Town, Young Sneddon, Croft, Ferguslie, Gordon's Loan. Storie
Street, Seedhills, Middle Aged, Smithhills and Loan Wells,
Newtown, Strangers, United, Bedfast and Funeral, Journeymen
Tailors, John Street, High Street. These twenty- six Friendly
Societies expended in the support of their distressed members —
in 1805, ^407 2S. iid. ; in 1806, ;^45i i6s. iid. ; in 1807,
^435 13s- 5d-; in 1808,^448 i8s. 7d.; in 1809,^^478 8s.;— being
an average expenditure for each year of ^443 19s. iid. (Glasgow
Neivspaper '\\\ November, 1810).

The Paisley Ayrshire Society, whose stock amounted to about
;^6oo, held a meeting on 30th August, 181 1, to consider their
condition. They found that, from the depressed state of the times,
by continuing their present aliment the funds would in a short time
be reduced to a state similar to that of some of the other societies
of the same nature, which were now^ unable to pay any aliment.
Some of them, indeed, were completely annihilated. They agreed
to reduce the aliment as nearly as could be calculated to the existing
income of the society. They also resolved to levy money from the
members to enable them to resume, as soon as possible, the pay-
ment of the former aliment.

In 1 8 II, there were seventeen fleshers carrying on business in
the town, and the number of animals slaughtered for them at the
public shambles stood thus — Cows, 1937; calves, 1640; sheep,
2561 ; lambs, 4091 ; and hogs, 145 ; — in all, 10,374. The dues
charged by the Council was sixpence for each cow ; one penny for
each calf, sheep, and hog ; and one halfpenny for each lamb. The
greatest number slaughtered for one flesher was for Robert Braid —
namely, 15 16 — and the next highest was for Robert Speirs, the
number being 1273. The total dues received in that year by the
Council was ;^ 7 5 is. i^d.

We have already more than once referred to periods of severe
depression of trade in the town, and the distress thereby caused to
the working population. In 181 1, trade generally throughout the

l8oO TILL 1825. 147

country was in a very unsatisfactory condition, and the depression
was severely felt in the town by both manufacturers and operatives.
At the commencement of that year, the sufferings of many of the
working -classes through inability to obtain employment was very
great. A meeting of the inhabitants, at the request of the Magis-
trates, was held in the Court- House on 4th February in that year,
for the purpose of devising measures for the relief of the unemployed
operatives. The meeting agreed that immediate and efficient
measures should be adopted for relieving the wants and alleviating
the distress of many of the working-classes, which from various
causes they " experienced to an extent unprecedented in the town."
The meeting was numerously attended, a large committee was
appointed to soUcit subscriptions, and, in consequence of the
immediate pressure of distress upon the poor, they were authorised
to apply a sum not exceeding ;!^2oo for their relief Among those
solicited for subscriptions were the Marquis of Abercorn, Earl of
Glasgow, and Lord Douglas, as they owned lands in the immediate
neighbourhood of the town. Public collections were also made in
all the churches and places of worship in the town, under the
sanction of the Magistrates, who were also desired by the committee
to appoint proper persons to wait on the farmers in the district for
contributions of produce to the fund. Owners of coal works were
also solicited for donations of coals. On 25th February — three
weeks after the first meeting was held — Mr. Barclay, the treasurer,
reported that the subscriptions amounted to upwards of ;^82 5.
On the 8th of the following month, it was intimated that 459 pecks
of oatmeal, 405 pecks of potatoes, and ^^14 ns. 2d. in cash, had
been distributed to the unemployed in the previous week (Minutes
of Relief Committee). Part of the Canal between Paisley and
Glasgow was unfinished. When the Town Council, on 14th June,
petitioned Parliament and memorialised the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, among other things they stated " that for many months
bygone the trade and manufactures of this large commercial town
have been subjected to a degree of depression and limitation hitherto
unprecedented, and, from whatever causes originating, the revival of
them is an idea which the memorialists lament to say cannot at the
present moment be with any kind of security indulged ; that the
operative classes of the community have with laudable resignation
yielded to the severe privation inevitably consequent upon the
present distressed state of commercial affairs, and the most liberal
and beneficent subscriptions have from time to time been procured
from the opulent portion of the inhabitants for the relief of those
who were either altogether unemployed or whose wages, in conse-
quence of the unexampled reduction of prices, Avere totally
inadequate to support themselves ; that these resources, although
distributed with the most judicious economy and discrimination, are
now nearly exhausted; and the memorialists, as guardians of the
public comfort and tranquility, deprecate the alarming efl'ects which
may result from habits of idleness in a hitherto industrious popula-

148 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

tion consisting of many thousands." The memoriahsts after-
wards go on to state that, looking about for employment to the
operatives, the canal not being finished, " they suggest that
a portion of the funds of the Government could not be more pro-
perly and usefully invested than in the completion of the canal."
Such money as might be advanced would be afterwards refunded.
The records do not state what was the reply to this application, but
it must have been unfavourable. After a time, trade gradually im-
proved; and on the 14th January, 1812, when there was rather
more than ;^ 11 in the treasurer's hands, the committee agreed that
the balance, whatever it might turn out to be, should be paid over to
the managers of the Female Benevolent Society.

In December, 181 2, it appears that trade had so much revived,
that illegal combinations of operative weavers had been to a large
extent entered into for the purpose of compelling their employers to
raise their wages, and in prosecuting their aims they struck work in
a body. The Sheriff of Renfrewshire, Magistrates of Paisley, and
Justices of the County issued a proclamation, dated the 17th of that
month, strictly prohibiting all such illegal combinations, and ad-
monishing and enjoining all operative weavers to return to their
work without delay, with certification that the law shall be vigorously
enforced against all offenders. As various friendly societies within
the county had voted away their funds to support persons engaged
in these combinations, the proclamation earnestly made recom-
mendation to all persons to give no pecuniary assistance to any
persons that are able but not willing to work ; and declared that all
such appropriations of the funds of friendly societies were contrary
to law. The proclamation strictly prohibited all persons from
molesting or intimidating weavers who are working or disposed to
work, and declared that the full protection of the law would be
given to all persons persevering in habits of honest industry ; and
renewed the offer of a reward of ;^2o (contained in the proclama-
tion of the nth of that month) to anyone who would give the
desired information against offenders.

In our last chapter, we pointed out the number of public carriers
connected with Paisley and several other towns about the end of
thelast century, as indicating the amount of intercourse between these
towns and Paisley. It is not difticult to detect the principal causes
for so extensive a traftic. Notwithstanding the number of weavers
in Paisley, they were unable to execute all the work for which the
manufacturers had orders ; and hence the latter employed handloom
weavers not only in the villages of Renfrewshire, but in many of
those of Ayrshire. This traftic did not consist merely in the carry-
ing of webs and material connected therewith, for this intercourse
led to a large traftic in other goods purchased from the Paisley
shopkeepers. Some of the Paisley manufacturers did not employ
any Paisley weavers at all, but had agents in the villages who got

l800 TILL 1825. 149

work executed for them. This largely tended to increase also the
business of the public carrier. The following gives the carriers'
quarters in Paisley, with times of arrival and departure. It shows
an immense increase as compared with 1783 : —

Beith — Arrives at Daniel Wright's, High Street, Tuesday, Thurs-
day, and Saturday, and departs same day. Beith and Saltcoats —
At Daniel Wright's, High Street, on Monday and Thursday, at 10
o'clock, and departs at half-past 3 o'clock the same day. Busby —
At John Muir's, foot of New Street, weekly. Dairy — At James
Currie's, head of Dyer's Wynd, on Tuesday, between 10 and 11
forenoon, for Glasgow ; returns from Glasgow on Wednesday be-
tween 2 and 3 afternoon ; departs for Dairy same day. Edin-
burgh — From John Campbell's, New Smithhills, on Tuesday, and
returns on Saturday. Glasgoiu — From James Shearer's, West
Street; xAdam M'Cargow's, Smithhills; Robert Aitken's, Well-
meadow ; John Taylor's, Gauze Street ; William Burnside's, Abbey
Close, between 12 and i o'clock afternoon, daily; arrives at James
Currie's at half- past 4 o'clock afternoon, and departs at half- past 7.
Greenock and Port- Glasgow — From John Russell's, Causeyside,
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 11 o'clock forenoon ;
returns on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 4 o'clock after-
noon. Housto7i — At Robert Rowan's, New Street, on Thursday,
at 10 o'clock. Johnstone — At Peter Ferguson's, High Street, daily.
Innne — At Robert Rowan's, New Street, on Monday and Friday,
and departs on Tuesday and Saturday ; and at Mrs. Wilson's,
vintner. High Street, on Tuesday and Friday at 8 o'clock morning,
and departs on Wednesday at 3 afternoon and Saturday at 6 morn-
ing. Kilbaj'chan — At Robert Rowan's, New Street, at i o'clock,
and departs at 6 afternoon ; and at Mrs. Wilson's, vintner. High
Street, daily. Kilbirtiie — At James Currie's, on Tuesday and
Saturday, from 10 till 3 o'clock. Kilmarnock and Steivarton —
From Hugh Whyte's, Causeyside, on Tuesday and Friday ; returns
on Wednesday and Saturdaj'-. Kihvinning — At Robert Rowan's,
New Street, on Tuesday and Thursday ; departs Wednesday and
Friday. Largs — At D. Buchanan's, St. George's Inn, Moss Street,
on Tuesday, and departs on Wednesday. Lochiuinnoch — At
George Murray's, Salutation Inn, High Street, on Tuesday, Wed-
nesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 11 o'clock, and departs same
day at 3 afternoon ; and at Mrs. Wilson's, on Monday, Wednesday,
and Friday. Mauchlinc — At Robert Rowan's, New Street, once
every fourteen days. Neilston — At Daniel Wright's, High Street,
on Thursday ; and at John Muir's, foot of New Street, on Thursday
and Friday. Nciumills — At Robert Rowan's on Tuesday, and
departs on Wednesday, Saltcoats — At Robert Rowan's, on Mon-
day and Tuesday, and departs on Thursday and Friday. Saltcoats
and Strcenston ■ — At Alexander Alexander's, Wellmeadow Street,
Tuesday and Friday, and departs on ^^''ednesday and Saturday
(Gilrofs Directory, 181 2, p. 76).

150 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

In the early part of this century a Humane Society was estab-
Hshed ; and we find the Council, on an application from the preses,
the Rev. Mr. Ferrier, consenting to " accommodate them with
ground at the Slate Quay for the temporary lodgment of one of
their boats." In 18 12 the president was William Garble; the secre-
tary, Robert M'Kechnie ; the treasurer, David Wallace ; and there
were besides thirteen directors. A boat, with instruments for saving
those in danger of drowning, was stationed at the Brick -Kilns, at
Slate Quay, and at High Linn ; and each was under the manage-
ment of from seven to ten persons who resided in these locahties.
There were also medical apparatus at the Town's Hospital, at the
House of Recovery, and at the shop of Gavin Browning, druggist,
Gross (Gilroy's Directory for 181 2).

Sometime after 1823, and prior to 1835, this useful society ceased
to exist ; and on 2nd April in the latter year a public meeting of the
inhabitants was held in the Gourt Hall, for considering the great
necessity there was for establishing a Humane Society. The meet-
ing agreed to raise subscriptions for procuring boats and other
necessary apparatus for the preservation of human life and searching
for bodies in cases of drowning. Besides a committee to collect
subscriptions, a working committee was also appointed. In Sep-
tember, 1836, the society petitioned the Gouncil for money m
in addition to the ;^5 formerly subscribed, as the implements that
had been bought were in a state of disrepair. The Gouncil de-
clined to give any more money, but some of the members promised
to subscribe. In the following year, Mr. Hastie, M. P., gave £,\o;
and although this liberality helped to infuse new life into the society,
yet it did not continue for any length of time.

Paisley, in this period, appears to have been well provided with
teachers. In 181 2, there were, in addition to those in the town's
schools, the following private teachers : — John Barbour, Garriage-
hill ; George Barr, Storie Street ; John Begg, Seedhills ; Peter
Gunningham, teacher of mathematics. Love Street ; Monsieur
Despreaux, French teacher, New Street ; James Drummond, Moss
Street ; James Fergus, Abbey Street ; J. Forrester, teacher of
mathematics, &c.. Gauze Street; Archd. Galbreath, West Brae;
John Gemmel, New Sneddon Street ; G. Gilroy, Gross ; James
Goldie, High Street ; John Millar, Brown's Lane ; WilHam Mont-
gomerie, Gross Street ; William Porteous, teacher of drawing,
Incle Street ; John Taylor, Abbey Glose ; Thomas Taylor, Old
Sneddon Street ; Alex. Tajdor, Gauze Street ; Misses Twigg, Gauze
Street ; and John Young, Broomlands. The poor children in the
Town's Hospital were taught by Thomas Grichton.

The Magistrates reported to the Council on 19th May, 181 2, that
this was the period when the town -officers and town -drummer
usually received new uniform dresses. The Gouncil agreed that
such should be given to three of them, and the Magistrates were

iSoO TILL 1825. 151

authorised to examine the quahty of the cloth. As the fourth officer
was in some respects a pensioner on the community, a renewal of
uniform was not necessary in his case. They also " voted that
Walter Peacock, town -drummer, should receive breeches, vest, and
hat." " It having been remarked that the officers and drummer
have of late years often appeared in their official capacity without
their uniform dress, it was recommended to the Magistrates to
insist in their instructions that they be attended to in future ; and
the names be reported to the Council of those who fail to pay
respect to their orders in this particular." The town -officers have
down to the present time received suits of uniform from the Town
Council. There is now no town -drummer, and even the town-
bellman is seldom heard, — other modes of giving publicity having
superseded them.

Pubhc whipping through the streets, and exposure on the tollbooth
stairhead or on the pillory, were punishments which, as we have
already shown, were frequently inflicted. On iSth February, 181 2,
Claud Wilson, weaver, and Andrew Rowan, tanner, Paisley, were con-
victed by a jury of stealing a quantity of oil from the works of Mr.
John Bell, jun.. Croft, Paisley. Sheriff Campbell sentenced them
" to be taken back to prison, to remain there till 5th March following,
and upon that day to be carried to some conspicuous part of the
public street at or near the Market Cross, such as the Magistrates of
Paisley shall appoint, at twelve noon, and to be then and there ex-
posed to the public on the pillory for the full space of one hour,
with their hands fastened behind them, and with an inscription hung
upon the breast of each bearing in large and legible printed or
painted characters the word ' Thief,' and afterwards banished from
the county during their lifetime ; with certification that, if they re-
turned, they were to be publicly whipped upon the outer stairhead
of the tollbooth, each receiving 100 stripes." The Magistrates of
Paisley were ordained to see this sentence carried into effect. A
curious case arose out of this decision. The Magistrates objected
to carry the sentence into effect, and appealed to the Lords of
Justiciary to be relieved from doing so, on the ground that the
Sheriff should carry out his own decree, as the theft was committed
without the burgh, and " as they were not disposed to undertake
the degrading office." They besides held that, if they were " to
superintend the pillory scene, it follows of course that they must
direct the flogging should the delinquents return, and employ the
executioner and defray all expenses. The erection of a scaffold will
alone cost a good many pounds, besides gratuities to guards, <S:c.
It were recognising an inferiority which the Magistrates are not in-
chned to acknowledge." The two men were, however, punished in
accordance with the sentence of the Court, and the Magistrates and
Council, by the decision of the Lords of Justiciary, had to carry it
out.

On the 1 6th December, 1820, an atrocious attempt was made to

153 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

shoot Mr. John Orr, jun., in the house of Mr. William Orr, sen.,
Causeyside Street. On that evening he was visiting there ; and
being informed by the servant-girl that two men wished to speak to
him at the door, he went thither, and on his arrival two shots were
fired in. Two pistol bullets passed through the door on the side
where it opens, and went into the plaster : and would have passed
through Mr. Orr had he come in the line of them through the passage.
Henry M'Connell, Owen Callaghan, Malcolm Cameron, and Hugh
Lafiferty, cotton -spinners, were apprehended and tried at the High
Court of Justiciary for this daring offence. Cameron, for about
three months before this, had been seen hanging about Mr. Orr's
cotton -work. Underwood, occasionally getting employment, and
had been working for the two days previous to the shooting.
Lafferty had for a good many months been regularly employed by
Mr. Orr as a spinner. There had been a reduction of wages by the
Paisley manufacturers in April ; the men therefore struck work
about August, when they were making 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. a-day, in
order to force the wages up to the old standard. Previously, several
shots had been fired at Mr. Orr, one of which struck his house.
The jury gave a verdict convicting M'Connell and Cameron as
guilty, and Callaghan as art and part ; and declared the libel not
proven against Lafferty, who was dismissed from the bar. The
other three prisoners were adjudged to be whipped through Paisley
on 5th April following. When the day came round on which the
three men were to be whipped, great excitement prevailed in the
town. The Magistrates being fully aware that the novelty of the
punishment would cause consideralile curiosity, and believing that,
as it was the Sacramental Fast- Day in Glasgow, many people would
come from that city, they took every precaution to prevent tumult
and disorder. A proclamation was extensively issued in which they
enjoined parents and masters to keep their children and servants
within doors during the whipping in case of accident, stating at the
same time that they did not apprehend any confusion, as few would
be so base as sympathise with hired assassins. Near midday the
town began to be very densely thronged, and parties of the 3rd
Dragoon Guards patrolled the streets. About one o'clock the
Paisley sharpshooters and a company of cavalry paraded at the
jail. Shortly before two o'clock the prisoners were brought out at
the north door of the jail, handcuffed, with their coats hanging over
their backs. They were bound to a strong plank that was fastened
on the hind trams of a cart. The dragoons, aided by a detachment
of the 41st Regiment, cleared the street of the spectators, and the
cavalcade moved forward. The military preceded the horse and
cart, which was followed by the police ; then came the local and
civil authorities and a party of infantry — a few dragoons closing
the rear. The procession crossed the Sneddon Bridge, went up
Lawn Street into Smithhills Street, and straight on till they came to
the head of INIill Street, where they stopped. The infantry formed
a line along the footpath, and the official attendants formed a line

l8oO TILL 1825. 153

on each side about twelve feet behind the cart, and a few dragoons
kept back the crowd. By this arrangement, which was repeated
at every place where the prisoners were whipped, the spectators
behind and those on each side saw the infliction of the whipping.
Cameron was first stripped. When his shirt was turned over
his head upon his arms, the Glasgow executioner flourished
a large cat- o'- nine -tails, and laid it smartly on the delinquent's
shoulders. At Mill Street each of the three prisoners received
fifteen lashes. Their shirts and hats were then put on, and
the horse and cart moved slowly forward to the head of
New Street, where the culprits received another series of fifteen
lashes each. They were punished next at the Cross, afterwards at
the foot of Moss Street, and they suffered the last infliction at the
entrance to the jail next New Sneddon Street. They thus each
received seventy- five lashes. Cameron, after the first stroke, stood
firm to the repeated lashes ; the other two shrank frequently ; but
not a single cry nor expression of pain escaped from any of the
prisoners during their punishment. When they returned to the Jail
they thanked God that the whipping was over ; and Dr. Thomson
proceeded immediately to dress their backs. The streets were un-
commonly crowded, the shops were all shut, the doors and upper
windows, closes, and cross -lanes were filled to excess with spectators,
and an immense multitude preceded and followed the procession.
No exclamation indicating disapprobation of the executors of the
law or pity for the prisoners was made by the numerous spectators.
Everything being done with great regularity, no accident happened.
The military were dismissed when the prisoners were lodged in jail,
the shops were opened, business went on as usual, and by six o'clock
most of the strangers had left the town.

About three years afterwards, another man was whipped in the
streets of Paisley for the commission of a crime arising also out of
the dangerous combination among the cotton -spinners. Bernard
Shirkin and John Morrison, cotton -spinners, Bridge of Weir,
attacked William Kerr, cotton-spinner there, on the evening of the
25th November, 1823, when returning from his work to his own
house in that village. While he was ascending the stair leading to
his own house, they discharged a loaded pistol at him, and he was
severely wounded. His life was at first despaired of, and he was
long confined to bed. The two men were tried at Paisley before
Sheriff Dunlop and a special jury on 25th May, 1824. It appeared
in the course of the proceedings that the attempt to murder Kerr
arose out of the fact that he had agreed to work as a cotton -spinner
upon the wheels of another man whom his masters had thought fit
to discharge, while an illegal and dangerous combination of work-
men resolved his situation should not be occupied by another. The
prisoners were found guilty, and sentenced to be confined in the
bridewell of Paisley at hard labour; Morrison for eighteen, and
Shirkin for twelve months, and afterwards banished from the County
of Renfrew for life. Morrison was further to be scourged through

154 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the streets of Paisley, on Thursday, the first of July, being the
market-day, and to receive six dozen stripes on his naked body at
the hands of the common hangman. On that day Morrison was
brought out of the jail at twelve o'clock, and was bound to a cart
which moved round to the front of the building, where the punish-
ment commenced. Instead of the common executioner an old
sailor was selected, who seemed in every way qualified for the
disagreeable office. His face was so besmeared with black, white,
and red paint, that he could not have been recognised by his most
intimate acquaintances. At every lash he carefully separated the
tails, and measured his distance with the most careful and cautious
precision. Morrison received in all seventy-two lashes, — fifteen in
front of the Jail ; fifteen at the Cross ; the same number at Lone-
wells ; at the head of New Street ; and lastly twelve at the Cross
on the return of the procession. The seventh lash made him cry,
but during the rest he was silent. The punishment was concluded
at a quarter past one o'clock. Sheriff Campbell and the INIagistrates
were attended by a number of the special constables and police,
and the streets were kept clear by two troops of the Enniskillen
dragoons that were brought from Glasgow. All the shops were shut
and business stopped along the line by which the procession passed.
Although there was a heavy fall of rain at the time, the crowds of
people in the streets were immense, and the windows were filled
with spectators. No person manifested publicly the least sympathy
for the culprit. On the contrary, such was the general abhorrence
of the crime for which he was punished, that exclamations were
occasionally heard to the effect, " He well deserves it all."

The subject of the assumption by the senior Bailie of the title of
Provost was frequently considered by the Council. On 23rd
September, 1811, Bailie Jamieson moved, "that on account of the
respectability and augmented population of the town, he considered
it highly expedient that the burgh should have a Provost, as
authorised by the Charter of Erection, but which title he understood
had never been assumed," but they agreed to discuss the motion
at next Michaelmas Head Court. At that meeting they agreed to
take the opinion of counsel, and authorised a memorial to be
prepared for that purpose. The counsel consulted were Mr.
Thomas Thomson, advocate, and Mr. John Dunlop, advocate.
The opinions received were very similar. Mr. Dunlop's was as
follows: — "Having considered this case, I am of opinion that the
Town Council of the Burgh of Paisley are legally entitled to confer
on their Chief Magistrate the name of Provost, instead of eldest
Bailie, under which he has been hitherto elected. It is clear from
the terms of the charters produced, that the power and faculty of
choosing the Chief INIagistrate by the designation of Provost, was
bestowed by the granters and intended by them to be enjoyed by
the predecessors of the memorialists. The only question therefore
that remains, is whether this privilege has been lost, non utendi, in

l8oO TILT, 1825. 155

such a manner that it cannot be now exercised. The right does
not appear from its nature to be one capable of falhng under any
species of negative prescription. It seems to be a power which
may be exercised or not at pleasure, as its assumption can make no
alteration in the internal constitution of the burgh, nor in any sliape
affect the rights and privileges of others. Such being the case, I am
not aware that the exercise of this power can be attended with any
risk or damage to the Magistrates and burgh, or that any individual
or public body is entitled to object to its adoption. (Signed) John

DUNLOP."

Hitherto the Bailies did not possess any distinctive badge for
wearing when on duty. This matter was brought under the notice
of the Council on 22nd October, 181 1, when they were of opinion
" that it was now highly befitting the respectability of the town and
necessary for maintaining the dignity and distinction of office, that
gold chains as now universally worn by the Magistrates of other
towns of note in the country, should also be procured at the
community's expense for the Magistrates of this burgh ; but previous
to coming to any decision," they appointed a committee to make
inquiry as to the expense and to report. On the first of the
following month the Council unanimously agreed that gold chains
should be procured without delay, and authorised the Magistrates to
receive estimates of the expense. On the 9th November following,
the Magistrates " reported that, after considering the different
estimates of tradesmen in Glasgow and Paisley for furnishing gold
chains," they had "contracted with Mr. Hannay, jeweller in Paisley,
whose offer was much the cheapest, and who had undertaken to
furnish them of the best guinea gold, and executed in a handsome
and suitable style." The cost of the gold chains with the accom-
panying badge for the Provost, and the same for each of the three
Bailies, was ^116 2s. 6d. The badges were all alike, but there
was an extra loop of gold chain attached to the Provost's. By the
Burgh Act of 1833, the number of Bailies was increased from
three to four, and the youngest Bailie was without a gold chain
and badge like the other Bailies. The Council did not remedy this
defect; but at a meeting of Council held on 14th October, 1869,
there appeared a deputation from a number of gentlemen belonging
to Paisley, who — from a desire to provide the corporation with a
gold chain and medal with which to invest the youngest Bailie when
in office, and from the respect entertained towards Bailie Watson,
the then youngest Bailie — had, from subscriptions raised, pur-
chased a gold chain and medal similar to the chains worn by the
other Bailies, with this exception, that the year " 1869 " was engraved
on it. The gift was presented by Mr. P. C. Macgregor; and
Provost Macfarlane, after accepting it on behalf of the corporation,
moved that the thanks of the Council be voted to the subscribers.
Thereafter Bailie Watson was invested with the chain. Bailie
Watson was the proprietor and editor of the Paisley Herald news-
paper. In June, 1881, the Council agreed to procure a new chain

156 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and badge for the Provost ; and at a meeting of Council held on
the forenoon of the 30th January, 1882, before joining the procession
at the opening of the Geo. A. Clark Town Hall, he was invested
with it.^ On this occasion Provost MacKean explained " that for
many years it had been complained that the Chief Magistrate of the
town had not insignia worthy of his office. It was all very good
when lying in a drawer, but when displayed it was a very small
affair. At other municipal gatherings, and especially in London,
the Provost of Paisley was thrown entirely into the shade by the
insignia of office displayed by other Chief Magistrates, so much so
that he was fain to take off his and put it in his pocket." The
Treasurer, who had no insignia of office, was invested with the
Provost's old chain thus condemned by Provost MacKean. Trea-
surer Clark said no chain worn by any of the Magistrates was so
much valued as the one he then had got to wear.

On i2th September, 1812, the Council resolved "that at the
ensuing election the title of Provost should, in terms and under the
sanction and authority of the Charter of Erection of the Burgh, be
assumed by the eldest Bailie in addition to the present title and
appellation." On 5th October following, "'the old and new Council
being met together, they elected and appointed Mr. John Orr to be
Provost and eldest Bailie." At this election the Council, in terms
of a resolution of 28th September j^reviously, elected a fourth Bailie.
The reasons assigned for doing so were these : — " The title of
Provost being assumed by the Senior Magistrate, and from a
consideration of the augmented population of the burgh, and the
laborious and multitudinous duties which had now to be discharged
by the Magistrates from the establishment of the police and
numerous other sources," and because " they held it to be conform-
able to precedent and agreeable to the terms of the Charter of
Erection."

A very singular occurrence took place at the election of Coun-
cillors and Magistrates in 181 9. Mr. John Muir, who had been
elected junior Magistrate, declined to accept of office, and the
Council found him liable in the penalty of ^20, as prescribed by
Acts of Council already mentioned. Orders were given for recovery
of this sum, and for debiting the Town Treasurer with the same
(Council Reco7-ds, 4th October, 181 9). It does not appear that this
sum was ever recovered. On 6th December in that year, the
Council records state that a letter from Mr. Martin, writer, on behalf
of Mr. John Muir, relative to the fine for non-acceptance of the
office of Magistrate, having been read, the consideration of it was
deferred till next meeting. On 26th June, 1821, the Clerk was
directed to search for precedents of measures adopted in cases
where Councillors elected refused to accept of office and to report.
On 2 1 st August following, the Clerk stated that he had searched
the records for precedents for fining those who declined acceptance

^ The new chain and badge cost ;i^i33 los.

l8oO TILL 1S25. 157

of the office of Councillor, but had not found any applicable to the
cases of those who had previously acted in that situation. Fining
for this particular offence is not further adverted to.

On the occasion of George IV.'s visit to Edinburgh in August,
1822, the Council voted an address to His Majesty, "expressing
the feelings of pride and exultation which are experienced from your
Royal consideration in visiting our ancient kingdom of Scotland, a
portion of your Majesty's dominions which cannot fail to call many
pleasing recollections to your Majesty's mind, and still distinguished
for loyalty and regard for the august house from which your Majesty
descends." The Magistrates were authorised to present this address to
His Majesty at Edinburgh. On 30th August following, " the Provost
(Wm. CarJile) reported that he and other Magistrates had, in pursuance
of the appointment of last meeting, proceeded to Edinburgh for the
purpose of representing the community on occasion of His Majesty's
visit to Scotland, and with that view had secured lodgings in Queen
Street, which they occupied for twelve days during their residence
in town. That they had retained a coach, upon which the town's
arms had been elegantly painted. That they had considered it
necessary to employ four horses, and to procure liveries of scarlet
cloth with blue facings, the proper and admitted uniform of the
burgh officers, for the postilions and for two of the town's officers
and a valet who accompanied them. That they had attended His
Majesty's levee, when they had been received in the most gracious
manner, and had the honour of kissing hands when the Provost
had presented to the King in person the loyal address voted at last
meeting. That on the night appointed for a general illumination,
the windows of their lodgings had been lighted with wax candles.
That they had been highly gratified by their mission on the occasion;
and with due regard to economy, on account of the limited nature
of the burgh funds, had omitted nothing which appeared to be
essentially necessary on their part as representatives of a respectable
community. The Provost also stated that as a member he had the
honour of attending His Majesty when the address of the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland was presented." At a meeting
of Council held on 28th September following, it was "unanimously
voted by the Members of Council that the thanks of the community
were deservedly due to the Provost and other Magistrates for pro-
ceeding to Edinburgh on occasion of His Majesty's visit to Scotland,
and representing the corporation in respectable style, — to which
the Provost, for himself and in name of his colleagues in office,
made a suitable acknowledgment. And the Council were of opinion
that the swords worn by the Magistrates on that occasion should
be retained by them until required for some public occurrence here-
after." The total expenses connected with this visit to Edinburgh
amounted to ^205 3s. yd.

In the creating of honorary burgesses the Council continued to

158 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

adhere to the custom latterly adopted of limiting considerably the
exercise of their ancient prerogative. On 23rd January, 1807, they
authorised the Magistrates to order a plate with a suitable inscription
and devices for printing tickets to be given to persons who may
thereafter enter as burgesses. On 22nd October, 181 1, the Council
" voted the freedom of the burgh to Edward Earl, Esq., Chairman
of the Board of Customs for Scotland, on account of his exertions
in promoting various works of high interest and utility to the country,
and appointed an appropriate ticket to be transmitted to him." On
7th February, 181 2, they agreed that in all instances which may
hereafter occur, the fine or penalty known by the name of the
"Stallinger fine," shall not be less than £^\ is., nor more than
j[^2 2S., and that the same shall be required once every year from
those who resist or neglect to enter as freemen after being warned
in the usual manner to do so, and be recovered by action in the
ordinary way. On 6th June, 181 2, the Council conferred the
freedom of the town on Captain Kenneth Snodgrass, of the 52nd
regiment, son of the late Rev. Dr. Snodgrass, minister of the Middle
Church, Paisley.^ On 28th September, 1814, the Magistrates and
Council, from considerations of personal deserts and meritorious
conduct as an officer, conferred the freedom of the burgh on Captain
John Orr, of His Majesty's 7th Regiment of Foot. On 2nd
October, 181 5, the Council voted the freedom of the burgh to John
Connell, Esq., advocate. His Majesty's Sherift"- Depute of the County
of Renfrew, and Alexander Campbell, Esq., Sheriff- Substitute, as a
tribute of respect most deservedly due for unremitting diligence in
the discharge of their official duties, and more particularly for the
incessant exertions recently manifested by them in the adoption of
measures for obtaining legislative authority for the erection and
maintenance of a bridewell, jail, court-house, and public ofiices, for
the Burgh of Paisley and County of Renfrew.- In August, 1816,
Mr. William Barr, writer, wrote to the Council as follows : — " In

^ In May, 1814, this gallant soldier, who had been raised to the rank of
lieutenant -colonel, was presented with a handsome sword of the value of a
hundred guineas, purchased from Messrs. Rundell, Bridges, & Rundell, London.
The subscriptions for raising money to obtain the sword \\ere restricted to half a
guinea, and a sufficient sum was immediately got with almost no trouble.
The sword was presented to Col. Snodgrass at a public dinner in the Renfrew-
shire Tontine, Paisley. The Earl of Glasgow occupied the chair, and Mr.
Campbell of Blythswood acted as croupier. Mr. Speirs, M.P., and other
subscribers, to the number of 150, were present. The following inscription was
beautifully executed on the blade : — "To Lieutenant -Colonel Snodgrass. This
sabre is presented by his townsmen of Paisley, joined by several noblemen and
gentlemen in the vicinity, as an expression of high esteem for his character, and
admiration of his distinguished services in the cause of his country and her allies."
(Reverse) "St. Sebastian taken by storm, 31st August, 1813."

* When Sheriff Connell was afterwards appointed Judge Admiral of Scotland,
the Council, on 5th August, 1816, transmitted an address to him, congi-atulating
him upon his honourable and well -merited promotion, and expressing their
highest ajiprobation of his public conduct for upwards of twenty years, during
which period he discharged the duties of first judge in the county.

l8oo TILL 1825. 159

behalf of Mr. Nicolson of Carnock, I am to request that you will
be pleased to elect his father, Sir Michael Stewart, and himself,
burgesses of Paisley. This has no reference to any recent matter,^
but arises from a wish to patronise the town in the immediate
neighbourhood of the residence of their ancestors. I will pay the
fees." The Council elected them both honorary freemen of the
burgh, and authorised the Provost to transmit to them admission
tickets certified in the usual way. On 30th April, 1S19, the Council,
in compliance with sentiments expressed by some very respectable
burgesses, ordained that in future "dissenters entering as freemen and
burgesses shall not be required to take and subscribe any burgess
oath whatever.'"' At a meeting of the elders and deacons of the two
congregations of the Secession of Paisley, held on 6th May, it was
agreed to forward a letter to the Council, expressing their " cordial
thanks for the liberal and reasonable measure they have thus
adopted."

From an early period Paisley had been comparatively well
supplied with stage coaches, which gave numerous opportunities for
travelling to different parts of the country. The first notice we have
been able to discover of a stage coach connected with this town,
was on 13th July, 1780, when Mrs. Graham, the tenant of the
Saracen's Head Inn, intimated that the " Paisley and Glasgow Fly,
made to hold six persons with ease, will set out from the Saracen's
Head Inn, Paisley, on Friday first, a quarter before nine o'clock in
the morning, and continue to run to Glasgow at the same hour every
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and will set out on her
return every evening at a quarter after six o'clock from Mr. Durie's, at
the sign of the Swan, nearly opposite to Hutchison's Hospital,
Trongate. On Thursdays and Saturdays she will set out from
Paisley a quarter of an hour before eight o'clock in the morning and
a quarter before five in the evening, and from Glasgow a quarter
before ten in the morning and a quarter before seven in the evening;
the proprietors to be answerable for no bundles, parcels, &c., above
the sum of ;^5, and not for those under unless they are marked in
the way-bill and paid for accordingly. And as the price of the
ticket will be for some time only one shilling sterling, they humbly
hope for the encouragement of the public." On 27th June, 1782,
Alexander Ewing, vintner, at the Saracen's Head Inn, Greenock,
advertised " to run a diligence from Greenock to Mrs. Graham's,
Paisley, every lawful day, and to commence on first July, at eight
o'clock, and to leave at the same hour. The fare to be four
shillings." On 4th December, 1783, Thomas Durie, Swan Inn,
Glasgow, and Joseph Ritter, Abercorn Arms, Paisley, advertised a
coach, carrying six passengers, to leave Glasgow for Paisley at nine
o'clock morning, and a coach from Paisley at ten o'clock for Glasgow,

^ This alludes to the successful action by Sir Michael in preventing the Council
from selling a life - rent superiority.

l6o HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and returns to Paisley at five o'clock, and from Paisley at six o'clock,
every lawful day. On 3rd March, 1785, John Gibb, vintner,
Paisley, advertised that he would continue to run every day his
coach from Paisley to Glasgow six times a day (Wednesdays
excepted). The fare must have continued at is. down to 29th
September, for the proprietors then intimate that, " on account of
the additional taxes and heavy turnpikes, the fare is raised to
IS. 2d." In November, 1788, further changes were made in the
hours for departing and arriving. The fare was is. 6d. ; and the
journey between the two towns was performed in an hour and
quarter. On ist June, 1791, a coach was advertised to run from
Glasgow to Ayr, by Paisley, Beith, and Irvine, on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting from Glasgow and Ayr at nine
o'clock morning. The fare is not stated. In 181 2 the coach fare
between Paisley and Glasgow was raised to 2s. inside and is.
outside. In 181 2 five coaches were run from Glasgow to Greenock
daily, by Paisley (Gilroy's Paisley Directory, 181 2). The fare
inside was 8s., and outside 6s. In September, 181 8, a coach ran
between Paisley and Kilmarnock three times a week, via Barrhead,
Neilston, Dunlop, Stewarton, and Kilmaurs. The fare between
Paisley and Kilmarnock was 7s. 6d. inside and 5s. outside. On
22nd June, 1820, a coach commenced to run between Paisley and
Kilmarnock, by Beith, three times each week,- — the fare inside
being 8s., and outside 5s. 6d. In 1820 the number of coaches
between Paisley and Glasgow had increased to nine each day ; and
on Monday morning a coach started at four o'clock for the accom-
modation of the fleshers attending the Glasgow market. The
intercourse between the two towns still continued rapidly to
increase ; and four years afterwards, the arrivals and departures of
conveyances rose to the astonishing number of thirty-two every day,
with additional coaches on Wednesdays. Competition brought the
fares down to is. 6d. inside, and for the basket and outside is.^

While the County Buildings were being erected, the Council had
under their consideration the formation of a street from these build-
ings to the Cross. The subject came before them on 6th January,
1 816, when they were of opinion that the plan No. i, prepared by
orders of the Commissioners under the Prison Act, " was much the
most suitable, and likely to prove the most advantageous, inasmuch
as it will give opportunity for opening the long- projected and
anxiously-wished street through Dyers' Wynd to the Sneddon, and
afford direct communication from the Cross to the intended public
buildings." To further the making of this new street, the Council

^ At this time the Sheriff, Provost, and Magistrates of Paisley, and the Justices
of the County, were, in consequence of numerous complaints, under the necessity
of issuini^ a proclamation, which states that " the drivers of stage coaches are
carrying greater numbers of passengers, and a greater quantity of luggage, than
the statute prescribes; and that furious or incautious driving of these coaches, to
the danger and alarm of the lieges, is almost daily complained of."

l800 TILL 1825. 161

agreed to give the property on the north side of Dyers' Wynd to the
Commissioners, who undertook in return for the same to put the
community in possession of such portion of the ground dehneated
on this plan as belongs to Messrs. Muir, Reid, & Speir.

When the charter of the East India Company was about to
expire, a numerous and influential meeting of merchants, manufac-
turers, and other inhabitants of the town was held on 31st March,

181 2. Mr. Herbert Buchanan presided. Spirited resolutions were
carried calling upon the Legislature to adopt efficient measures for
the relief of manufactures and commerce, then so much depressed
in the district ; and at the termination of their charter to discontinue
the monopoly held by the East India Company, as such a course
would be highly advantageous to the commercial interests of the
country. The meeting agreed that the Earl of Glasgow should pre-
sent the petition to the House of Lords, and Mr. Speirs, M.P., to
the House of Commons, and " to support it with their utmost exer-
tions." On the 28th January in the following year, the Council also
transmitted a petition to both Houses of Parliament, praying that
British subjects may enjoy the privilege of trading to every country
in the East free from any control on the part of the East India
Company.

In 181 2 and the year following, a series of " Paisley Assemblies "
was advertised in the Glasgow newspapers, to be held in the Ren-
frewshire Tontine, Paisley. Tickets, as was always stated, " were
to be drawn at nine o'clock." At the assembly held on i6th April,

1813, it was advertised "there will be a dancing assembly in the
Renfrewshire Tontine for the benefit of the Paisley Benevolent
Society." In 1816 and 181 7 there were also what were called
" Winter Assemblies." Mr. John Birkmyre, a young student of
divinity, under the nom de pi nine of " Matthew Bramble, " published
in the latter year two short pamphlets against them, with the title —
" Hints to the Young Ladies of Paisley on the Winter Assemblies."
As regards payment of the ladies' tickets of admission, he stated —
" Many may recollect that during the course of last winter several
balls were given on a new plan for the accommodation of our young
ladies and gentlemen. It would perhaps be more correct to say for
the accommodation of the gentlemen; for the ladies, contrary to the
old and long -established custom, purchased their own tickets, and
went to the ball-room to procure gallants, which they would find no
very difficult task providing they were tolerably handsome and the
gentlemen pretty numerous. Thus passed our first season." But
he admitted that in the second season the gentlemen did " not per-
mit the young ladies to be anything out of pocket, but generously
provided them in the increased price of their own tickets." He
stated also " that it is a notorious fact that ladies have been allowed
to depart unattended from the rooms, at the hour of two in the
morning, to grope their way homewards amidst the welcome shades

I 62 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

of darkness, which concealed their blushes." William Motherwell,
the poet, in a pamphlet, under the name of " Ephraim Muckle-
wrath," and in another, under the name of " Peter Plain," replied
to Mr. Birkmyre in a very able manner, showing that his allegations
were founded in error.

In February, 1814, Thomas Cochrane, tenth Earl of Dundonald,
was accused of being concerned in the propagation for interested
purposes of a false report of Napoleon's abdication, which caused a
great rise in the Funds. He was tried on this charge, and found
guilty of fraud ; and was sentenced on the 5th of July to stand in
the pillory, pay a fine of ;^iooo, and undergo one year's imprison-
ment. So convinced were the public that he was innocent, and the
victim of party feelings, that he was immediately re-elected to
Parliament for Westminster. Having made a daring escape from
prison and appeared in his place in Parliament, he was re-com-
mitted, but his fine was paid by public subscription. In Paisley,
where the popular sympathy was strongly in favour of Lord Cochrane,
a number of the inhabitants in meeting assembled appointed a com-
mittee to collect subscriptions in aid of this fund. At a meeting of
that committee held on the 30th November, 1816, they fully con-
curred in the resolutions thus formed by the meeting for paying, in
the first place, Lord Dundonald's fine of ;2£"ioo — the residue to be
applied in the discharge of his former fine of ;^iooo, and the ex-
penses to which he had been subjected in consequence of the
various prosecutions that had been raised against him ; and they
resolved " that a subscription be immediately commenced in Paisley
to assist in carrying this highly laudable object into effect." We
cannot state, however, what amount of money was obtained.^

Prior to 1814 no register of marriages was kept in the town. On
7th October in that year the Council, considering the inconvenience
and frequent loss and disappointment which resulted from the want
of correct registers of marriage, which were so much regarded as
evidence in courts of law for establishing propinquity and patri-
monial succession, agreed that such should thereafter be kept in the
different parishes in the town by the session- clerks.

At a public meeting held in June, 1815, called by the Magistrates,
the Paisley Provident Bank was established. At that meeting,

^ One of the descendants of the Dundonald or Cochrane family, who during a
part of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries owned the Lordship of Paisley,
and resided at the Place of Paisley, has become through marriage allied to the
family of the Earl of Glasgow. On 2nd December, 1880, the Hon. T. H. A. E.
Cochrane, second son of Lord Dundonald, the eleventh Earl, and a lieutenant
in the Scots Guards, was married to Lady Gertrude Boyle, daughter of the Earl
of Glasgow, at .St. Mark's, North Audley .Street, London. On that day there
were great rejoicings at Hawkhead, Largs, and Millport; and at night there was
a bonfire on Dykebar hill.

iSoO TILL 1825. 163

trustees, committee of management, and cashier, were appointed ;
and in November of that year the bank was opened for business.
The least sum received was one shiUing, and no interest was paid
on any sum less than j£,i 5s. The deposits were lodged in the
Paisley and Union Banks, then the only banks in the town, which
at first generously allowed five per cent., and thereby gave the power
to the directors to pay four per cent, to the depositors, leaving the
one per cent, and interest on small sums to be applied to the
management. After a time the interest to the depositors fluctuated
according to the state of the money market, but they always received
as much as mercantile men got in other banks. The amount of
money deposited never amounted to a large sum. In 1816,
^^1192 ; in 1818, ^1312 ; in 1820, ^1677 ; in 1822, ^3193 ; in
1824, ;^286i. This bank was given up when the National Security
Savings Bank was established in 1838.

The first proposal to establish a National Security Savings Bank
in Paisley, was made at a meeting held on loth December, 1838, in
the Saracen's Head Inn, — Sherift' Campbell in the chair, — when it
was agreed that a requisition should be prepared and presented to
the Provost, requesting him to call a public meeting of all who were
favourable to the establishment of such an important scheme. This
was accordingly done ; and the public meeting was held in the Court
Hall on the i6th of that month, when it was agreed that such a bank
should be established. Three days afterwards, a meeting was held
in the Saracen's Head Inn, when trustees and managers were
elected. At another meeting, Mr. Archibald Hodge, accountant,
was appointed the first cashier and actuary ; and the bank ofiice,
which was at No. 3 Christie's Terrace, was opened for receiving
deposits of money on the 14th May, 1838. The rate of interest
allowed to depositors was jQt^ 6s. 8d. The periods fixed for
receiving deposits were : — Mondays, from nine to twelve o'clock ;
Thursdays, from twelve to three o'clock ; Saturdays, from one to
three o'clock, and from six to nine evening. Only one period
weekly was given for paying deposits, and that was on Wednesdays
from twelve to three o'clock. And the bank was " open on Fridays
from one to three o'clock, for the purpose of giving information to
those from the neighbourhood, and for receiving money from the
receivers in the country, in addition to the other days for receiving
deposits." In 1855 Mr. Hodge resigned, having been appointed
agent in Paisley for the City of Glasgow Bank. Mr. John M'Gown,
who was chosen his successor, has filled the situation down to the
present time. In an evil hour the committee of management lent
the funds of the Savings Bank to the Western Bank, in order to
obtain a higher rate of interest ; and as that bank suspended pay-
ments in 1857, the credit of the Savings Bank was considerably
injured in the sight of the depositors, but they sustained no loss.
The money of the Savings Bank was again invested with the
government commissioners for the reduction of the national debt ;
and after a time confidence was thoroughly restored.

164 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

The following figures give us a view of the wonderful progress of
this invaluable institution, which was established to encourage habits
of economy and foresight among the industrious classes. At the
year ending 1838 the amount deposited was ;!^i5,774 (silver and
coppers not included) ; in 1840, ;,^27,204; in 1845, ;£/^6,']Z'] ; in
1850.^42,646; in 1855, ^58,999; in i860, ^45,101; in 1865,
^64,170; in 1870, ^^96,846; in 1875, £'^A^S?>9) i" 1880,
^185,478; in 1883, ^^219,954.

Number of accounts open year ending 1882, ... 7994
New accounts during year 1883, ... ... 1883

Accounts closed during 1883, ... ... 1511

Increase,... ... ... 372

Accounts open year ending 20th November, 1883, 8366

The Penny Banks depositing in this institution number twenty-
four; and their funds have increased from £22,2'] 15s. iid. to
^2408 4S. 3d.

As we have seen in a former period, the Council failed to turn
the Ferguslie and Carriagehill superiorities to the pecuniary
advantage of the burgh. The second attempt of the same kind,
made in 181 5, was equally unsuccessful. Not profiting by experi-
ence, but being anxious to improve the burgh funds by converting
the superiority of the burgh, which entitled them to vote for a
member to represent the shire in Parliament, to a monetary use,
the Council agreed to sell, for ;^3oo, to Mr. Alexander of Southbar,
for one of his political friends, a life-rent disposition of as much of
the superiority as constituted a freehold qualification. The expenses
attending the sale, estimated to cost £12^, were to be paid by the
])\ixch2i%tr ( Council Jiccords, 17th November, 1815). Mr. Alexander's
friend was not a political supporter of Sir M. S. Stewart, who, along
with others in July in the following year, applied to the Court of
Session for a bill of suspension and interdict of this sale. The
Council lodged answers to these ; and the Lord Ordinary having
ordered parties to prepare and print memorials, the Council on 23rd
September following, " resolved that the action should be resisted."
In the meantime a number of the feuars requested the Provost and
Magistrates to call a public meeting to consider this sale. As they
declined to do so, the requisitionists and others, on 19th July, 1816,
held a public meeting, at which they passed strong resolutions,
holding that it was an illegal act on the part of the Council to
dispose of the superiority. At another meeting of the feuars, held
on the 29th of the same month, they again denounced this sale, and
objected to the entries of vassals with the burgh being doubled.
Then followed a keenly contested law suit (with, no doubt, the
usual replies and answers) ; and the decision of the court was not
given till January, 1822, when it was intimated to the Council "that
the court had pronounced unfavourably to the community, and

iSoO TILL 1825. 165

found them liable in expenses." On 5th February following, "they
agreed to acquiesce in the decision.'"'

The illicit distilling of whisky was carried on to a great extent at
this time in several places in the adjoining districts, and the officers
of excise in Paisley had a busy and even dangerous time in detect-
ing and securing the smugglers. In January, 1816, in consequence
of information received that illicit distillation abounded in the
western part of the parish of Neilston and eastern part of the parish
of Beith, the Supervisor of Excise, with a body of officers, went from
Paisley to the different suspected places, and after great exertions
succeeded in destroying four iUicit distilleries. One of them was on
a large scale, the still being of copper, and capable of holding
60 gallons. From the resistance made by the smugglers, the excise
officers were unable to secure any of them. But nine of them were
afterwards seized, and on loth April convicted before a bench of
Justices in Paisley, and amerced in fines amounting in all to ^£210.
The Town Council, on 27th February, on account of the unpre-
cedented extent of illicit distillation of whisky, agreed to petition
the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to adopt measures to
suppress the same, in order to secure obedience to the law and pro-
tect the fair trader. In May, 1822, there were three large stills dis-
covered on the farm of Nethercraigs, two of which were at work.
There were three men and a boy at the place, but they all escaped.
In July following, a thirty-gallon still was seized in Waulkmill Glen,
near I3arrhead. On 4th February, 1824, the excise officers at
Paisley, headed by Mr. Milligan, supervisor, discovered in Mearns
Moor an illicit distillery at work, with a still of 100 gallons. Two
of the smugglers were seized and lodged in Paisley jail. On the
nth of that month, the same party of officers detected at work at
the Bridge of EUiston an illicit distillery, which had been carried on
for a considerable time. Three of the smugglers were seized, and
afterwards fined in ;^3o ; and being unable to pay this sum, they
were committed to jail. Three days after that, another illicit distil-
lery was seized in full operation at Hagg Mill, near Johnstone. An
old man only was found at this distillery. Notwithstanding all
these detections and the noise made regarding them, illicit distilling
continued. On 9th June, Mr. Milligan and the excise officers in
Paisley found in Eaglesham Moor an illicit still in operation. And
four days thereafter, the same officers returned to these moors and
found two distilleries of considerable magnitude, the contents of one
of them being 133 gallons, along with two mash tuns each capable
of holding 250 gallons. This work appeared to have been carried
on for a long time. In other parts of the country illicit distillation
was practised with much activity and daring. To give one speci-
men. The Excise in January, 1822, seized in various houses in
Gorbals, Glasgow, six illicit stills, varying in size from 25 to 60 gallons.

In 1816, stagnation of trade again prevailed to a great extent,

I 66 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and many operatives were thrown out of employment. On 5th
October in that year, a pubhc meeting was held in the Relief
Church, Canal Street, " for the purpose of considering the distresses
of the country, their causes and remedies, and the propriety of
petitioning His Royal Highness the Prince- Regent thereon." The
meeting was addressed at great length by Mr. J. Wilkinson, Mr.
Hastie (who was chairman), Mr. M'Naught, and Mr. J. Beith, in
strong language. A series of resolutions was unanimously agreed
to with much enthusiasm ; and as they breathe in an unmistakable
manner the political and social feelings and opinions of the working-
classes at this time and for several years afterwards, we give them
at length : —

ist. "That the present distress of the agricultural, the commer-
cial, and manufacturing interests of the country are to be ascribed,
not to a transition from war to peace, but to excessive taxation,
occasioned by an enormous debt, useless offices, exorbitant salaries
for nominal services, and a standing army, all of which are clearly
deducible from that unequal and insulting representation of the
people in Parliament which not only deprives them of those in-
estimable benefits which are natural fruits of a fair representation,
but condemns them to suffer all the evils which inseparably attend
the mischievous legislation of a House of Commons not represent-
ing the nation ; and these evils having been accumulating for many
years, are now become too harrassing and degrading to be longer
endured, without being incessantly protested against and as un-
ceasingly resisted by all means warranted by the Constitution.

2nd. " That if any proof were wanting of the impolitic, partial,
and unjust system of legislation produced by the present mockery
of representation, the additional Corn Bill lately passed affords
ample evidence. It was passed, despite of the unanimous disappro-
bation of the people, ostensibly to support the farmer ; but whether
we consider its objects to have been to support the landed interest
in order to have their support in the property tax, or to buoy up the
price of all articles of taxation and consumption in order to be able
to pay the fundholder with a high nominal currency — to produce
a steady price in the article of corn — it appears to have been suc-
cessful only in depressing the industrious manufacturer and me-
chanic, in first raising the price of the staple article of consumption
at home, and next in preventing our own or foreign merchants from
bringing us the surplus produce of other countries in return for
those articles by the manufacture of which our artizans used to earn
a comfortable livelihood.

3rd. " That from the present corrupt representation of the people
in Parliament hath arisen that system of profusion, under the name
of sinecures and rewards for public services, by which thousands
wrung from the hard earnings of the industrious mechanic and
labourer have been squandered upon men wholly unknown to the
public ; or, if known at all, remarkable for nothing so much as their

l800 TILL 1825. 167

hostility to the inalienable rights of man and their execrable in-
trigues in support of that system which enables them to riot in
luxury at the expense of the best part of the nation.

4th. " That to the same cause, viz., a partial and corrupt repre-
sentation of the people in Parliament, is to be ascribed those
ruinous wars which the country hath lately been engaged in, by the
expense of which the resources of the nation have been so far anti-
cipated that forty-five millions of pounds sterling are but barely
adequate to pay the interest erroneously said to be the nation's, the
great majority of the people having never given their sanction either
personally or by their representatives to the mad and wicked mea-
sures which created it.

5th. " That the cause and character of the late wars, particularly
that which commenced in 1793, is no small aggravation of the pre-
sent distresses of the country, it being now well understood to have
been a war against liberty and the principles which seated the present
family upon the British throne, notwithstanding the many proclama-
tions of the high allies to the contrary ; and if there were any doubts
of this whilst its tremendous tempest was raging in many parts of
Europe, they must now be wholly dispelled by the frightful conse-
quences of its disastrous termination — the restoration of His Holi-
ness the Pope to his abominable dominion over the bodies and
souls of men, and the replacing of Louis XVHI. upon the throne
of France, who has resumed his hereditary prejudices against the
Protestants and the friends of liberty ; and Ferdinand upon the
throne of Spain, to the abandonment of our patriotic allies the
Cortes.

6th. "That a standing army of 150,000 men in time of profound
peace, besides being wholly unknown to the Constitution of our
country, and exposing our yet remaining liberties to the most im-
minent peril, contributes mightily to that excessive and grinding
taxation which has filled the land with pauperism and crimes to an
extent unparalleled in the history of our country, and which no lover
of the true greatness, happiness, and lasting freedom of the nation
can contemplate but with horror, because of the depth and extent
of the ravages which they have already made among the working-
classes of society, together with the appalling consequences which
they portend, if not speedily checked by an immediate abandon-
ment of that profusion in the national expenditure which has so long
and so deeply stamped the policy of the present system, and by the
rights of the people being secured by annual parliaments freely
chosen by the people.

7th. " That, considering the number, power, and the experience
of those interested in the continuation of the abuses of which we
complain, it is the imperious duty of every lover of his country to
come forward constitutionally in the cause of justice and humanity,
that the disasters which the present evils threaten to bring upon the
country may be averted.

l68 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

8th. " That a petition be presented to His Royal Highness the
Prince- Regent, beseeching him to take into his most serious con-
sideration the sufferings of the industrious and patient people, and
praying that he would be pleased forthwith to cause the Parliament
to be assembled, and to recommend to them the absolute necessity
of immediately undoing our heavy burdens by reducing the army,
abolishing all sinecures, pensions, grants, and emoluments not
merited by public services ; to introduce into every department of
the public expenditure the most rigid economy ; and to listen to the
repeated prayers of the people for being restored to their undoubted
right of choosing annually their own representatives."

Meetings of a similar kind were held in almost every town and
village in the West of Scotland.

Early in January, 1817, a public fund was raised for the relief of
the unemployed; and the Council, on the 7th of that month, "con-
sidering the present necessitous condition of the labouring and in-
dustrious classes of the community, voted ^50 towards the public
fund now raising for their relief.' A public meeting of the inhabit-
ants was requested to be held on the 20th of this month, in a field
belonging to Mr. James M'Farlane, to the east of the Baker's Mill,
to take "into consideration the propriety of petitioning the Legisla-
ture upon the defective state of the representation." For some
reason which is not explained, the meeting was held in the East
Relief Church. Mr. Hastie was in the chair. It passed no fewer
than twenty-two resolutions, and the burden of all of them was that
" the continued and increasing calamities of the times arose from
the want of a proper representation of the people in Parliament, and
that they should be put in possession of their undoubted rights —
universal suffrage and annual Parliaments." Another meeting was
held on Saturday, 17th July, 181 9, on Meikleriggs Moor, at three
o'clock, to consider the distress of the country, and " the propriety
of petitioning the Prince- Regent for a redress of grievances, and
remonstrating against a continuance of those measures which have
brought the country to the present state of unparalleled distress."
The day being uncommonly fine, the meeting was numerously
attended, there being at least 30,000 present (History of Paisley,
by John Parkhill, p. 46). Mr. James AUison was called to the
chair. The committee brought forward a list of resolutions, with
the object of petitioning the Prince -Regent for a redress of
grievances, but these were negatived, and an address to the nation,
proposed by Mr. John Neil, was adopted instead, — the Houses of
Parliament being thought unworthy to receive a petition which
contended for universal suffrage, annual parliaments, and vote by
ballot. Eight speeches were delivered ; and at the close votes of
thanks were accorded to Mr. Cobbett, Mr. Wooler, and others, after
which the meeting quietly dismissed, marching off at the sound of
the bugle.

l8oO TILL 1825. 169

On the 22nd July, the Council having again under their consider-
ation " the prevailing distress of many of the operatives in town,
by reason of non- employment, representations of which had been
made from various quarters, were unanimously of opinion that
immediate relief, by some mode, was imperiously requisite." They
agreed to follow the course adopted by the Abbey heritors, viz., to
empower the kirk -sessions of the two parishes to advance ;^ioo
for relief of the distressed and unemployed operatives, after due
enquiry into their circumstances, until some further source of aid
should be devised. At the same time an extra assessment was
authorised to be raised for the parochial poor. At a meeting of
Council held on 28th August, the Provost reported that he had,
since last meeting of Council, received a letter from Mr. Campbell
of Blythswood, enclosing a list of the subscriptions for the rehef of
the numerous operatives in this manufacturing district presently out
of employment, and requesting the community's subscription.
That he had acknowledged receipt of that letter, and stated his
humble apprehension that the community had been already suffi-
ciently exemplary in their efforts to relieve the unemployed opera-
tives. That at an early period of the prevailing distress they had
cheerfully voted ^100 to be at the disposal of the members of the
general kirk -session of the town ; and he had the great satisfaction
of knowing that the greatest part of that sum had been usefully
appropriated. That for several weeks past the community had
retained, and for some time would continue to keep in pay, above
forty of the operatives, in improving a portion of their moss lands,
at the rate of one shilling per day each, an allowance which, consider-
ing the inefficiency of those employed, and the limited hours of
labour, would very far exceed the remuneration if executed by
persons accustomed to such work. When, therefore, it was con-
sidered that for labour of a similar or any other kind that might be
furnished any of the very respectable subscribers, the one half of
the wages advanced was to be defrayed from the fund, while the
community of Paisley neither solicited nor expected indemnification
of any kind, he was hopeful it would appear that the community
had come forward as liberally as, under existing circumstances,
could be expected. With these explanations the matter, the Provost
reported, had been satisfactorily arranged with Mr. Campbell.

At a county meeting, held on 20th August, 181 9, called by
requisition, it was resolved to aid in relieving the distress at present
experienced by a considerable proportion of the operative manufac-
turers in the county. A large sum was raised at the meeting, — the
Earl of Glasgow heading the list with a subscription of ;i^ioo.

In the first week of September, a placard with a mourning border
was circulated, calling a meeting of the inhabitants of Paisley and
vicinity, to be held on Meikleriggs moor, to consider the late pro-
ceedings at Manchester. In consequence of the inclemency of the
weather, the holding of the meeting was adjourned till the nth

lyo HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

September. Several large bodies of people, however, came from
Kilmarnock, Kilbarchan, Johnstone, Dairy, &c., to attend the
meeting. Several of these parties carried flags, with the usual
devices on them ; but by the advice of some persons who met them
outside of the town, they were furled and taken down. The com-
mittee adjourned to the Unitarian Chapel, High Street. Mr.
John Wilson gave some information to the meeting regarding the
starting of a radical reform newspaper, and reported that Mr. Lang
had offered to print and assist in editing it. Mr. Lang stated that
he had written to London about it to see what could be done in
that quarter, as it was absolutely necessary to have a newspaper to
advocate the cause of universal suffrage.

According to advertisement, the public meeting which had been
adjourned on account of the unfavourable weather, was held on
Saturday, the nth September, on Meikleriggs moor. As the day
was particularly fine, the people began to assemble at an early hour.
The Sheriff and Magistrates of Paisley had previously published a
proclamation prohibiting the appearance of any flags ; but a band
of about two or three hundred persons from Glasgow marched
along the Cross and High Street to the place of meeting with their
flags flying. Eight flags were displayed before the hustings at the
place of meeting, with such mottos as — " Justice, liberty," " Magna
charta," " Liberty, civil and rehgious," " Annual parliaments,"
" Abhor the inhuman butcheries at Manchester," &c., &c. A
drapery of black cloth, from four to five feet deep, was hung in
front of the hustings ; and all the speakers of the Paisley committee,
and several others, were dressed in mourning. All the flags were
edged with black. The band from Neilston came into the field
playing " Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled," and other national airs.
Mr. Alexander Taylor ^ was chosen preses, and began the business
of the meeting by enjoining attention and good order. He further
stated that the reformers had no wish for disturbance and revolution,
as was falsely asserted by their enemies ; they merely wished an
end put to all unnecessary places, pensions, and sinecures, and a
proper share in the legislature of their country. He adverted to
the inhuman butchery at Manchester; indeed he and all the
speakers were particularly vehement and declamatory upon this

^ He was a schoolmaster ; and although not connected with the unions, soon
found it necessary to leave this country for America. He was a man of an
excellent character, and humane and gentle in his disposition, and had no idea
that his being chainnan of a meeting would make him liable to pains and
penalties. In Montreal he opened a public stall, and sold otT all the books
which he took out with him. He afterwards went to Quebec, and obtained a
situation in a government school. On returning home he stayed a night at the
town of Prince William Henry, where he fell in with a soldier whose regiment
was quartered at Montreal, and with him spent the evening. Next morning he
was amissing ; and after some searching, his body was found on the banks of the
river. It was found he had been murdered and also robbed, as his watch and
money were gone. The soldier was tried for robbery and murder, and convicted
of the former, and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. The evidence of
murder was defective (I^ife of Artlnti- Sneddon, p. 75).

l800 TILL 1825. 171

subject. "Will it be believed by posterity," said one of the
speakers, " that a peaceable assembly of freeborn Englishmen were
wantonly murdered in open day ! Oh, I would rather see the bones
of all my kindred whiten in the sun, and have my carcase thrown
to the dogs, than that such an event should pass without a proper
enquiry and punishment upon the guilty perpetrators. This is no
time to pause between two opinions, when murder and massacre
stalk in open day ; when the inhuman magistrates have received the
thanks of those who gorge their bloated carcases with the blood of
the artisan." Another speaker observed that " the British sword
had been drawn on starving men and fainting women ; has it deso-
lated every country in the world, to be at last drawn upon ourselves?
and will you allow your brethren to be murdered, without raising
your voice against the infernal deed ? No ! sooner shall the lake
wash Benlomond from its elevated site, than the sons of Caledonia
shall be silent ! " x\n orator stated that '• such proceedings clearly
demonstrated the necessity of a radical reform. If the Manchester
magistrates had not calculated upon the applause and support of
the borough faction, this tragedy never would have been acted."
" None but fiends," it was stated, " could have wished the slaughter
of men, women, and children ; but a clergyman, whose duty it was
to pour the balm of peace and consolation into the wounds, had
sanctioned the deeds, and imbued his hands in human gore."
Another speaker said, " the pious Sidmouth has sent his Reynolds,
his Richmonds, and his Olivers, through the country to ensnare the
people and excite them into acts of treason and rebellion. They
have suspended the constitution, in the foolish hope of putting an
end to pubUc meetings ; but the suspension has not answered the
purpose of its miscreant authors. Sooner shall the waves which
wash our western shore cease to roll, than we shall forego the
right of assembling together." A number of resolutions deprecating
the conduct of the Manchester magistrates were passed ; votes of
thanks were given to the most illustrious radicals ; Mr. Peock was
thanked, with great applause, for allowing the meeting to be held on
Meikleriggs moor. A vote of censure was passed on the Glasgoiv
Chrofiide for abusing the great leaders of radical reform, and for
upholding a degrading and fallacious plan of emigration. Another
resolution carried was, " that as the contest between the borough-
mongers and the people is of vital importance, hence it becomes
indispensably necessary that the people use every means in their
power to cut off the resources of these relentless tyrants, whereby
they may be expelled from their usurped authority, and the people
regain their legitimate rights. That on glancing at the vast
revenue which the borough- mongers derive from tea, tobacco, and
spirituous liquors, we conceive it to be our duty to abstain from the
use of these articles ourselves, until a radical reform in the
Commons' House of Parliament be obtained. And we hereby
strongly recommend to all reformers to adopt, as far as possible, the
same measures. That Major Cartwright, Mr. Hunt, Sir Francis

172 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Burdett, Sir Charles Wolsely, Mr. Wooler, and other friends of
reform in London, be respectfully invited to name a day for a
general meeting of reformers throughout the whole kingdom, in
order that the above resolution be adopted and carried into effect,
whereby it will become a truly national measure." An address to
Mr. Hunt was produced and read, and carried amidst great applause.
After a speaker from the east side of Glasgow had spent some time
in making severe strictures upon the duplicity and unfeeling conduct
of the clergy, the business of the meeting was ended, on the preses
requiring the people to depart with regularity and good order, and
to go peaceably home. About the middle of the proceedings a cry
of " the hussars " arose, when the people fled on all sides, and it was
with some difficulty the committee could get them rallied and order
restored. A collection was made when the people were retir-
ing for the relief of the Manchester sufferers. It is supposed
there were from fourteen thousand to eighteen thousand people
present.

When the people were going home, those from the west with their
flags, and the Neilston band of music, went down Storie Street in a
compact body, and got quietly out of the town ; but those from
Glasgow were not so fortunate. The special constables lined both
sides of High Street, with the civil authorities at their head. The
first flag was seized at the Cross, a scuffle ensued, and the public
mind being in a state of the greatest agitation, an immense crowd
instantly collected. The special constables did their utmost to
clear the streets, but the crowd continually increased. Stones and
other missiles were thrown with violence ; the windows of the
Council Chamber were broken, and similar outrages were committed
in other parts of the town. Shortly after ten o'clock the Riot Act
was read ; and the mob increasing, the cavalry were sent for at eleven
o'clock, arriving from Glasgow about one o'clock. When they
appeared the people gave them a hearty cheer and immediately
dispersed. Next day as the Magistrates were going to church they
were insulted by the populace, and one of the most active of the
mob was seized by Bailie Bowie, who, with the rest of the Magis-
trates, conducted him to jail before proceeding to church. During
the evening of Sunday, gentlemen were generally assailed with
stones wherever they were found. About a dozen of the panes of
glass in the Coffee -Room windows were broken, and gentlemen were
prevented from retiring for about an hour ; but the cavalry dispersed
the mob without using their swords. The prisoners in the Police
Office attempted to force their way out, but were prevented by the
night watchmen, who were brought from their stations to guard
them. The riot became serious at seven o'clock. The Riot Act
was read three times before nine o'clock. Many windows were
broken, along with all the lamps in Causeyside, High Street, Storie
Street, Canal Street, George Street, and Broomlands. The iron
rails at the Methodist Chapel, George Street, were taken out of the
stone work, and used as weapons against the cavalry and special

iSoO TILL 1825. 173

constables, and the mob charged them most daringly up Storie
Street. All was quiet by one in the morning.

The mob began again to assemble about eight o'clock on ]\Ionday
morning, and continued to increase till one o'clock, when the Riot Act
was read, and the cavalry and special constables endeavoured to clear
the streets. Two companies of the Sothregiment arrived from Glasgow
at three o'clock, piled their arms, and remained in readiness at the
Cross. In the meantime the Provost and the Reform Committee
had a conference at the Cross ; and a meeting of the people was
held afterwards at St. James Street, where about six or eight thousand
assembled in a minute or two to hear the report. A member of the
Reform Committee said, " We have had a long conversation with
the Provost, and he has pledged his honour that every person who
has sustained any damage in the late outrages, shall have ample
justice done him ; and should any person accuse any baton -man of
wanton cruelty in the discharge of his duty, the affair shall have a
complete and candid investigation; and if the baton -man be found
guilty, he shall be brought to condign punishment though he were
his own father. You must now disperse immediately, as the Provost
is determined to use every effort to keep the peace." (Here the mob
shouted, "Who first broke the peace?" "Restore the prisoners;"
" Restore the prisoners without bail ; " " Give up the flags," &c.)
" Our message is delivered — one quarter of an hour only is allowed
you to disperse — every man's fate is in his own hand." The great
body of the people still continuing in the streets, the military were
forced to interfere. The cavalry and special constables immediately
scoured the streets, and dispersed the mob in all directions. At
night every close and lane were searched with torches, and quietness
was completely restored by midnight. At this time there were also
radical mob riots in Glasgow.

In addition to the foregoing account of the rioting at this time,
which we have gathered from various sources, we are also able to give
the official report by the head of the police department in Paisley.
It was as follows : —

" Narrative of the riots in Paisley, September, 18 19, by James
Brown, superintendent of poHce, Paisley. A meeting was advertised
to be held on Meikleriggs IMoor upon Saturday, the 4th September,
for the purpose of taking into consideration the late proceedings at
Manchester. This meeting was advertised by printed bills with
black edges, which were posted not only in the town and suburbs
of Paisley, the neighbouring towns and villages, but in Glasgow and
in different parts of Ayrshire. On the 4th the scaffold or (as they
call it) hustings were erected in the moor, but owing to the wetness
of the day the meeting did not take place ; though according to the
statement of a man I sent to the place on purpose, from three
hundred to four hundred people did arrive at the place of meeting.
About the 2nd or 3rd instant, public report stated that flags were
to be carried by people from different parts of the country, and that

174 HISTORV OF PAISLEY.

they were to march to the place of meeting in mihtary order. I
have reason to beHeve Mr. Sheriff Campbell sent for some people
connected with the meeting, and enquired if such was the fact.
They said they had heard so, but they had used such means as they
imagined would prevent any such useless parades. On the 4th a
party did arrive, but the Paisley people made them lay the flags
aside. The Kilbarchan people had a committee of reformers
walking at the head of their procession ; and it seems there were a
number of committees from various places, for it became necessary
to go to the Unitarian Meeting-house in High Street, to have room
for a general meeting of the committees, at which meeting it was
agreed to postpone the public meeting till the nth instant. The
flags carried into Paisley on the 4th were four in number.

"Saturday, nth September. On the 9th instant, the Sheriff and
Magistrates published the following proclamation : —
" * Proclamation by the Sheriff of Renfrewshire, and by the Provost
and Magistrates of Paisley. — Whereas a public meeting has
been called by certain persons, and has been advertised to be
held at Meikleriggs Moor, on Saturday first, the nth current,
for the purpose, as the advertisements bear, of " taking into
consideration the late proceedings at Manchester ; " and
whereas credible information has been received that bands of
persons from various quarters (including the City of Glasgow)
intend to parade through the town and suburbs of Paisley, in
going to and returning from the said meeting, with flags bearing
inscriptions and devices of a political and inflammatory nature,
a measure unauthorised and illegal in itself, as well as unne-
cessary for the avowed object of the said public meeting;
therefore the Sheriff and Magistrates, determined as far as in
them lies to prevent the peace and tranquillity of the well-
disposed inhabitants of the said town and suburbs from being
wantonly disturbed or threatened, and their feelings insulted by
such illegal proceedings, do hereby caution all well-disposed
persons against joining or allowing any of their families to join
in such parades or processions ; and certify to such as disre-
garding this proclamation, shall be found actors or art and part
in such illegal proceedings, that they shall be made responsible
for their conduct. — Paisley, 9th September, 18 19.'
" This proclamation was posted in Paisley and the neighbourhood
and in Glasgow, on the 9th and loth September.

" The meeting at Meikleriggs Moor was to take place on the nth
instant, at two o'clock ; and by order of the Magistracy the special
constables assembled at one o'clock in the Court Hall. Between
one and two o'clock a most motley group, perhaps to the number
of one hundred, came from Glasgow with flags,— the one having an
inscription ' Justice and Liberty,' the other ' R. and L.' This
despicable rabble had more the appearance of the inmates of jail
and bridewell than of people going at large. When they came in

iSoO TILL 1825. 175

sight of the IMagistracy and special constables, they seemed to
hesitate for a moment as if doubtful whether they should proceed.
They hooked each other by the arm and advanced closely linked
together, apparently more under the impulse of fear than of courage.
When directly opposite the Magistracy and constables they gave a
hurrah and waved their flags. The immense mob that surrounded
them and their own barbarous appearance, struck the peaceable
inhabitants with a kind of panic, and the shopkeepers instantly shut
up their shops. After them passed great numbers of more respectable
persons, though of shabby appearance, and it was obvious that the
desperadoes with tiags were sent before by way of experiment. The
town remained tranquil till about seven o'clock in the evening.
About seven o'clock the same flags were carried back, followed by
an immense crowd of people in marching order, as well as along-
side of them, — the High Street being literally crammed, and the
desperadoes with such accompaniment had acquired a greater
degree of confidence. Special constables had been placed along
the pavement on both sides of the High Street as far as the Saracen's
Head Inn door,^ to prevent the multitude from stopping and
crowding the streets and the square opposite the jail. When the
procession reached the Saracens Head Inn, the flag -bearers and
those around them gave a hurrah and waved their flags in the most
insulting manner almost in the face of Provost Jamieson. The flags
were then seized ; but such was the confusion which occurred by
their resistance and the pressure of the crowd, that the bearers of
the flags made their escape. After the flags were seized, a vast
number of persons who had been at the meeting passed down the
High Street and through the Cross in military order four abreast.
The party from Neilston, who were on their march also to the Cross
with their flags and a band of music, hearing the fate of their
brethren of Glasgow, struck off from the main street down Storie
Street. It is believed, however, that the difterent parties from the
country did go away speedily, from the very great crowds in many of
the streets and particularly at the Cross, for their appearance
indicated many of them to be strangers.

" Between seven and eight o'clock, Mr. Burns of Gateside came
to the Police Office and complained that he had been knocked down
on the street and robbed of his gold watch, chain, and seals.-

^ At this time the entrance to this inn was from High Street.

" The Procurator-Fiscal in a handbill, of which the following is a copy, offered
a reward for the discovery of those who committed this violent depredation : —
' ' Robbery. Reward of 20 guineas. Whereas, during the riot in Paisley
which h^ucceeded the public meeting of Reformers held at Meikleriggs Moor, on
Saturday last, a gentleman, while endeavouring to persuade the people to go
quietly to their houses, was knocked down once and again, and robbed of his
gold watch, chain, and seals ; the watch is horizontal, caped and jewelled, -with
ruby cylinder, goes in the time of winding up, maker's name Thomas Johnston,
Paisley ; these are offering a reward of twenty guineas for such information
given, within one month of this date, as shall lead to the discovery and conviction
of the perpetrators or any of them, to be paid by the Procurator-Fiscal of the
County. Paisley, 14th September, 1819."

176 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

" From this time the streets assumed a riotous appearance, and
so soon as it grew dark hostilities were commenced. Stones were
thrown at the pohce officers, Council Chamber and Court Hall, and
many of the windows broken. The Magistrates and special con-
stables, previous to its being dark, went round the crowd and
advised them to disperse, but in vain. After it was dark every
constable that appeared was pelted with stones, and the experiment
was tried to withdraw the constables altogether to see if the crowd
would disperse of their own accord. Accordingly they were taken
to the large room of the Saracen's Head Inn, but the same riotous
conduct continued. Stones were thrown at the windows of the
Court-House, and, as before -mentioned, when any of them took
effect by breaking a window the crowd instantly gave a huzza.
Between nine and ten o'clock it was suggested and agreed to by the
Magistracy that the constables should try to clear the streets. This
was attempted, but ineffectually, and many of the constables were
hurt by stones from the crowd. Perhaps five out of every six of the
constables who acted with any courage received blows from stones
thrown from among the mob, and some of them were carried from
the street in a state of insensibility. This scene of riot continued
till half-past 10 o'clock, when it became necessary to read the Riot
Act, and to send for cavalry from Glasgow. Mr Sheriff Campbell
called silence, and the Riot Act was read by Provost Jamieson.
The cavalry arrived before one o'clock, and the constables, without
their assistance, cleared the streets by three o'clock in the morning,

"Sunday, 12th September. — At an early hour on Sunday
morning, crowds collected at the Cross ; but this was not thought
much of, as anxiety to see the damage done to the windows on
the preceding night was thought might be the cause, and it
was thought when this curiosity was satisfied the crowd would
disperse. This, however, was not the case, as such was the
unusual and indecent conduct of the mob, that it was with
difficulty the peaceably-disposed inhabitants, with their families,
could make their way to church past the Cross. When the
Magistrates left the Council Chamber to go to church, as they
stepped out of the door, they met with a huzza from the crowd,
and as they turned up the High Street they were hissed by
well-dressed people, and when they turned up the High Church
Brae they were again hissed. In the afternoon, they were again
hissed on going out of the Chamber; and at the foot of High
Church Brae, as they turned up, the crowd gave a huzza. A party,
after divine service, followed Bailie Bowie to his own house, and
hissed him all the way. Towards twilight, an alarming crowd had
collected at the Cross, and no decent person passed without insult.
Between 6 and 7 o'clock, Mr. Motherwell, Sherift"- Clerk, in passing
along the Old Bridge, was violently assaulted, knocked down, and so
severely treated that he was left for dead, and carried into a house
nearly in a state of insensibility. One of the police officers (George
Ritchie) was struck a severe blow with a stone, about the kidneys,

l8oO TILL 1825. 177

and was in consequence confined for several days. Mr. John Mann,
collector of poor funds for the Abbey Parish, was advised^by a young
man to go home, for if he remained only a few minutes he would
repent it. It had been agreed on that no special constables should
be called out, or cavalry make their appearance, this night till eight
o'clock, in order to ascertain whether the mob would go away of their
own accord, and every appearance of suspicion on the part of the
Magistrates was avoided, lest it might be said they, by their pro-
ceedings, had provoked the crowd. It appears from what was said
to Mr. Mann and the after procedure of the mob, that a systematic
plan had been laid. Many stones were thrown, and at every crash
of lamp or window breaking the crowd gave a shout. Between 7
and 8 o'clock, a whole volley of stones were thrown, at the Cross, at
the Coffee -Room windows, and a grand huzza was made when a
mob ran off from the Cross to Causeyside Street, and they instantly
began and broke every lamp in their way ; and proceeded along
several streets, stopping now and then and breaking windows of
such persons as they seem to have previously fixed upon, as they
were heard to deliberate several times where they were to go next.
Near 8 o'clock, information of their proceedings was given at the
Police Office, and that they were coming down High Street. Bailies
Valance and Bowie, the Superintendent of Police, and a few special
constables who had assembled of their own accord, proceeded to
meet them. They saw their approach at a distance by the ex-
tinguishing of the lights. The Magistracy, &c., were in time to
save a number of lamps in High Street. At 8 o'clock, the cavalry
were sent for, and the Riot Act was read by Mr. John Wylie,
Procurator-Fiscal, by order and in the presence of Bailie Valance
himself. At half-past 9 o'clock, the cavalry and special constables
began to clear the streets. They were repeatedly assailed with
stones by the mob in different parts of the town. This evening a
great deal of damage was done to public lamps and windows of
dwelling-houses. There is in the Police Office a list of thirty-seven
dwelhng.houses in which windows were broken this night and some
nights after — the greater part were broken this night, and it was
ascertained on Thursday that the number of lamps broken altogether
was 258, and the greater part of them were also broken this evening.
The railing of the Methodist Chapel in Storie Street was broken this
evening, and many pieces of it were brought by the constables to
the Police Office, some of which they picked up just after they had
been thrown at them. It was from one to two o'clock before the
streets were cleared.

"Monday, T3th September. — The crowds at an early hour
were greater this day than on Sunday, and there was evidently
exhibited a very unruly spirit. There was a wildness in the
countenance of every person I met this day, and there were many
strange faces among the crowd. Different people called early in
the forenoon and complained of having been insulted on the
streets. About twelve o'clock, Mr. James Jackson, shopkeeper

178 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

at the Cross, brought a stone in his hand which had been
thrown at him while he was shutting his shop in consequence
of some riotous conduct of the mob, whereby lie considered his
property in danger. Information also came to the office that Mr.
William Wylie had been assaulted in the Newtown, driven down,
his hat taken from him and kicked among the crowd, and it was
with some difficulty he had reached the Tontine Inn. At a quarter
before one o'clock, the Riot Act was read by Provost Jamieson, and
infantry sent for from Glasgow. The cavalry were also brought to the
Cross. From this time till five o'clock in the evening, the appear-
ance of the town was alarming. The cavalry and special constables
had cleared a space at the Cross, round which the Sheriff and
Magistrates went and endeavoured to persuade the people to
disperse. The shops were all shut and business wholly suspended.
About nearly an hour after the Riot Act was read, the mob was
disappointed in what appeared to be a deep laid scheme. About
forty boys marched in military order, two and two, with stobs
shouldered like muskets. The crowd gave way and allowed them
to pass. When they reached near the Jail, they were met by Mr.
Martin, of the Suburbs Police. They instantly threw down their
stobs, as if by word of command, and retreated. Some of the stobs
were picked up and thrown at Mr. Martin, which caused the crowd
to retire and leave an open circle round Mr. Martin. He kept his
place at very great hazard till nearly the whole were thrown at him
and picked up by the police officers. No doubt these stobs were
intended for a very different purpose. Two companies of the
80th Regiment arrived from Glasgow between four and five
o'clock in the afternoon, and it was not deemed prudent to clear
the streets till their arrival. About this time, information was given
that a meeting was then in St. James Street, consisting of from
5,000 to 6,000 persons. The Magistrates, accompanied by a party
■ of both special constables and ordinary constables and some
infantry and cavalry, proceeded towards this assemblage of persons
to apprehend some of them and disperse tliem. As they went down
Moss Street, a great crowd fled before them, but suddenly turned
round and threw a shower of stones at them and ran away. The
cavalry were instantly ordered to charge, and in a short time the
streets in that direction were cleared. During the whole evening
and till an advanced hour on Tuesday morning, the cavalry and
constables were engaged clearing the streets, and were often assailed
with stones and brickbats, during which time many persons were
apprehended.^

^ During this day, the following proclamation was issued : — " Proclamation.
The Sheriff, and Provost and Magistrates, and Justices of the Peace, hereby
require all parents and masters in the town and suburbs to keep their children
and servants within doors as much as possible during the day, as in the present
disturbed state of the town it may be necessary for the military to act against
the mob. And the said Magistracy do earnestly recommend and strictly enjoin
to all the inhabitants, parents and masters, to keep their whole household within

iSoO TILL 1S25. IJCf

"Tuesday, 14th September. — This day passed over very quietly,
though in the evening there were a number of windows broken in
different places. Planks of wood were laid across the streets to
bring down the cavalry, but there was no riotous assemblage so as
to occasion reading of the Riot Act. The countenances of the
people exhibited less bitterness than on the former days.^

A proclamation in similar terms, which we have given above, was
also issued on this day.

"Wednesday, 15th September. — This day was quite tranquil till
seven o'clock in the evening, when suddenly a crowd appeared at
the Cross. After the clock struck eight many of them went off;
but a determined party remained : and, some time after, the lamps
above the Police-Oflice door were broken by a stone from the crowd.
At half-past eight o'clock the Riot Act was read by Provost
Jamieson, and an hour thereafter the military began to clear the
streets. Before this, however, a party of rioters had commenced in
George Street by destroying a police watch-box. They were heard
to deliberate whether they would fall upon ^Ir. Robertson's cotton
mill, but they proceeded to Colonel Fulton's gate which they
demolished. A number of windows were broken in the course of
the evening. Stones were thrown plentifully at the constables and
military, and wood, as in the former night, laid across the streets to
trip the cavalry. This day the following proclamation was issued : —

" ' Proclamation by the Lieutenancy, Sheriff, and Justices of Peace
of the County of Renfrew, and by the Provost and Magistrates
of Paisley. — All well-disposed inhabitants of the town and
suburbs of Paisley, are hereby warned to keep themselves and
their whole household within doors after eight o'clock in the
evening, so long as the present riotous disposition continues ;

doors after six o'clock in the evening, as they and theirs will be amenable.
— Council Chambers, Paisley, 13th September, 1819."

The following "instructions" were published by means of printed placards
circulated in the town: — "The special constables, and other well-disposed
persons of each ward, will remain assembled, under the direction of the Com-
missioners and deputy constables for the ward. They will prevent crowds from
gathering on the streets and will require all passengers to go on directly to the place
of their destination. If any breach of the peace is committed, they will endeavour
to secure the offenders, and carry them to the Police Office, two or three
witnesses to the offences accompanying the prisoners and remaining with them
till their names and the nature of the charge is taken down in writing. During
the present disturbed state of the town, the constables, on hearing the alarm
bell, will instantly repair to the rendezvous to be appointed for each ward. —
Paisley, 13th September, i8iq."

^ The following is a copy of a handbill that was circulated in the town by order
of the Magistrates : — "Whereas, a false and infamous report, intended to excite
riot and disturbance, has been invented and extensively circulated that a child, in a
woman's arms, had been killed, or severely injured, by a blow from the baton of
a special constable, a reward of ten pounds is hereby offered by the Magistrates
of Paisley for the discovery of the villainous incendiary who is the author of this
most unfounded and malicious report. — Council Chambers, Paisley, 14th
.September, 1819."

l8o HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

certifying to all that disregard this proclamation, that they
will have themselves to blame for any injury they may sustain
from the military force which the Magistracy are under the
necessity of employing, in the most decisive manner, to
prevent a repetition of the late riotous assemblies and
mischievous attempts to pillage, plunder, and destroy. A
reward of thirty guineas is also hereby offered for such infor-
mation as will lead to the discovery and conviction of the
miscreants who have been concerned in breaking street lamps
and windows, or in destruction of other property. — Council
Chamber, Paisley, 15th September, 1819.'

" The following is a copy of another proclamation that was issued
this day : —

" ' The Sheriff of the County, and the Provost and Magistrates of

Paisley, require all parents and masters in the town and suburbs

to keep their children and servants within doors as much as

possible during the day, while the present riotous disposition

continues in Paisley. But it is expected and particularly

enjoined, that all the well-disposed inhabitants will keep

themselves and their whole household within doors after eight

o'clock in the evening. — Council Chamber, Paisley, 15th

September, iSig.'

"Thursday, i6th September. — This day passed over very quietly;

and shortly after eight o'clock in the evening there was scarcely

any person on the streets except the military and constables.

" Friday, i ytli September. — This was a quiet day. A crowd
collected at the Cross in the evening, who lingered longer than on
the preceding day. The constables were dismissed at ten o'clock.

" (Signed) James Brown."

Sheriff Campbell, in a declaration on the 13th September in that
year regarding these riots, corroborated the statements made by Mr.
Brown, superintendent of pohce.

Mr. Wm. Motherwell (the poet). Sheriff- Clerk Depute, made a de-
claration before Sheriff Dunlop on the 23rd of that month. He stated
that " he was called upon to officiate as a special constable during
the riots in Paisley on Saturday, nth, Sunday, 12th, and Monday,
13th September; that he saw a party pass through the town on
Saturday on their way to the meeting on Meikleriggs Moor ; that
they carried two flags, but he could not make out the inscriptions
on them. That in the course of that day curiosity induced him and
an acquaintance of his, Mr. Warrand Carlile, to take a look at the
place of meeting. That he observed eight flags planted about the
centre of the multitude which had assembled on the Meikleriggs
Moor. That he can form no idea of the number that might be
there, but which seemed to be always increasing, as a continuous
stream of people covered the road from the suburbs of Maxwelton
to the said place of meeting. That at the gate which enters into

l8oO TILL 1825. 181

the field where the meeting was, there were placed two pewter
trenchers well filled with half- pence. That between five and six in
the evening the meeting broke up, and great crowds proceeded
down the High Street of Paisley towards the east. That the Sheriff
and Magistrates of Paisley, along with the constables, were stationed
at the Cross, to prevent the free passage of the streets being closed
up by the crowds that were passing, or being interrupted by others
that had previously passed, and Avere standing on the pavement and
in the square at the Cross. That the party which in the forenoon
had passed through the town now returned much augmented in
numbers and with their flags displayed. That when they came
opposite to that part of the line of special constables where the
Magistrates were, they waved their flags and gave a loud cheer.
That the Provost of Paisley then ordered the flags to be seized,
which was accordingly done ; but those who carried them got off by
skulking among the crowd. That after this the crowd increased
every minute, and stones were thrown at the special constables and
at the windows of the Court House and Council Chamber and
Police Ofiice, many of which were broken, and several of the
constables much hurt. That the Riot Act was read about half- past
ten o'clock at night, but the crowd did not disperse. That an hour
and quarter of an hour, or thereby, having elapsed after the reading
of the Riot Act, he and others of the special constables were desired
to proceed up the High Street and clear it, at all hazards, of the
people who were still assembled. That in going up the street he
observed many of the crowd skulking into closes. That at the head
of Storie Street he observed some people standing together, whom
he earnestly urged to go home as the Riot Act was read. That
having got the length of William Fulton's, Esquire, a man darted
from an adjoining close and gave him a severe blow on the face,
which cut his nose and his mouth. That he ran after this person to
apprehend him, but was immediately surrounded by others, who

assailed him with stones, and cried to each other, ' kill the b r,

for he is by himself That he was obliged to fall back and join the
rest of the constables, who were considerably further down the
street. That on his way to the Cross he observed some folks still
standing at the head of Storie Street ; and on asking why they had
not gone home, one returned for answer that they would go when
they chose. That on this he took up the person whom he imagined
gave this answer, and knows him to be the lad who calls himself
David Monro. That this lad when opposite Sommerville the
cooper's close ran up it to escape, but was afterwards seized and
carried to the Police Office. That on Sunday, the 12th current, he
observed the town to be unusually full of people, many of whom
seemed to him to be strangers. That at seven in the evening, as
he was about to enter his lodgings, he saw a considerable crowd
collected at the Cross, and heard a shouting among them. That
apprehensive of some disturbance he went to the Police Office to
enquire what was the matter, and at that time George Ritchie,

1 82 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

sergeant of police, came in almost unable to walk, having, as he
said, got at that very moment a brickbat thrown at him while
returning from the Procurator -Fiscal's, where he had gone to inform
him of the suspicious aspect of the crowd, and which brickbat had
struck him on the spine. That having asked if the Sheriff was
aware that so great a crowd had assembled, he was answered in the
negative ; and with the view of letting the Sheriff know that there
was a great disposition to riot manifesting itself among the crowd,
he left the Police Office and went down the town. That when in
the middle of the square at the Cross, some fellows looked earnestly

at him and said, ' mark the b r.' That one of them attempted

to trip him but failed. That these attempts were repeated, and
several blows aimed at his head which he parried off That the
crowd was all this time hurraing and pushing on those nearest to
him, who then struck him and retired into the heart of the crowd.
That at the end of the Old Bridge, as he warded off a knock-down
blow aimed at him by a fellow in a long blue coat and dark trousers,
another came behind him and tripped up his heels. That he fell
on his side ; and before he could recover his feet, he was so much
stunned by the blows and kicks he then received on the face and all
parts of the body, that he became almost senseless. That on
regaining his recollection he made a spring on the crowd, succeeded
in breaking through those that were nearest him, and with much
difficulty, owing to his bruises, gained the door of William Strang,
vintner. That the foremost of the crowd had by the time he reached
Mr. Strang's door fastened on his collar, and endeavoured to draw
him back, all the while using most horrid imprecations. That in
the struggle his waistcoat was torn away and his shirt rent to pieces.
That when his feet were tripped as aforesaid, and he fell in conse-
quence, a cry got up among the crowd of ' murder the b r !

finish the b r when he is down ! ' That after he got inside of

Mr. Strang's house several windows of it were broken. That he
was so exhausted and hurt, that he lay in Mr. Strang's for three
hours scarcely able to move a limb. That in the meantime he
heard of riotings on the street ; and that the windows of the Coffee-
Room, the street lamps, the railings of the INIethodist Chapel, had
been broken by the mob. That on Monday, the 13th current, the
town began early to be perturbed by numerous bands of idle persons
going backwards and forwards, and a report that a party from
Glasgow was on its way to assist the Paisley rioters. That about
eleven o'clock the whole square opposite the Cross was almost
entirely filled with people, and stones were occasionally thrown, one
of which lighted at his feet as he was standing at the Police door ;
and in a short time some boys, to the number of forty or fifty,
marched up the middle of the square with stobs or stakes shouldered.
That these boys were hurraed and cheered by the crowd as they
advanced ; and when they reached the centre thereof, they threw
down their stobs on the ground, many of which were taken up by
the crowd ; and when the Sheriff and some of the police officers

iSoo TILL 1S25. 183

Stepped forward to pick up the remainder, they were assailed by
persons in the back part of the crowd throwing the stobs at them
which they had taken up as aforesaid. That not long after this the
Riot Act was read by Provost Jamieson ; and while reading it the
declarant observed some stones thrown at him and those who were
beside him on that occasion. That placards intimating that the
Riot Act had been read were affixed to boards and then carried
along the edge of the crowd. That at six o'clock orders were issued
that the streets should be cleared, and he accompanied a party of
constables and cavalry up the High Street. That several stones
were thrown from the Meal Market close, and he ran down with
some others and discovered two lads running into a workshop
adjacent to the garden wall at the end of the said close. That they
shut the door of the shop after them ; that the people who wrought
in it gave admission to the constables. That he laid hold on one
of the lads, and then gave him over to some of the other constables
to take to the Police Office. That this lad's name the declarant
does not know, nor could he recognise his features again. All
which is truth.

"(Signed) W. Motherwell."

At the first meeting of the Council, held on 20th September, after
these outrageous disturbances, the Provost briefly adverted to them,
and stated that " they had excited alarm for several days, and had
been productive of personal injury to many respectable individuals
and of great destruction of property both of a public and private
nature ; and he rejoiced that the tumultuous proceedings were
suppressed without bloodshed or violence on the part of those most
actively engaged in the hazardous duty." He also laid on the
table extracts from minutes of a meeting of the Lieutenancy held
on the 14th of that month, in which they were of opinion that the
present military force should remain in the town for some time,
that temporary barracks should be obtained, and that the expense
of the same should be borne by the town and county. They also
offered their thanks to the Sheriff and Magistrates for the active
measures they took in suppressing the proceedings of the mob, and
for their temperate conduct in preventing the effusion of blood.
At another meeting of the Lieutenancy held four days afterwards, a
representation, signed by the Sheriff and Provost Jamieson, urged
" the propriety, and indeed the necessity, of having a permanent
military force stationed in this large manufacturing town, which is
surrounded by several very populous villages." They also " hoped
the Government would see the propriety of erecting in Paisley a
barracks of a moderate scale." The meeting unanimously concurred
in this opinion, and requested the Vice-Lieutenant to transmit a
representation to Lord Sidmouth, pointing out the necessity of a
proper barracks capable of holding a hundred infantry. The present
barracks were erected within three years afterwards in consequence
of this application. The Council, at a meeting held on 20th

184 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

September, resolved that their most cordial thanks, and those of the
community in general, are due to the Deputy-Lieutenants for their
very friendly counsel and advice and personal co-operation in
subduing the spirit of tumult and insurrection ; also, to the Sheriffs,
and the Procurator-Fiscals, and the special constables, for " their
continued perseverance and humane exertions in the dispersion of
the deluded and infuriated mob, notwithstanding the hazard to
which they were frequently exposed and the personal injury which
some of them sustained." Thanks were also voted to the police,
Major Kingdon, of the 80th Regiment ; Lieutenant Hodgson, of
the loth Hussars ; Lieutenant Strangeways, of the 7th Hussars; and
all the officers and privates of these regiments.

At a County meeting, held on the 15th October, regarding the
distress of the operative manufacturers in the county, on the
suggestion of Mr. Maxwell, M.P., they agreed to memorialise the
Government to grant a loan of such magnitude as would enable
them to expend ;;^2o,ooo annually for four years, to complete the
Ardrossan Canal ; to request a donation of ;^3o,ooo, to employ the
overgrown population in cultivating waste lands or in improving the
navigation of the river Clyde ; to request a donation for the forma-
tion of new roads and railways ; also, that a Bill be brought into
Parliament to regulate the time of apprenticeship to the weaving
trade, and also a sum to assist in emigration.

According to previous intimation, a large meeting of the Radical
Reformers of Renfrewshire was held at Johnstone, on ist November.
By one o'clock, the people from Paisley and neighbouring towns
had arrived to the number of about two-thirds of the meeting,
with various bands of music and thirty-two flags. Upon a fine
large blue flag was a full-length likeness of Major Cartwright
with his Bill in his hand. The motto above his head was,
" The venerable champion of our cause," and at his feet,
"For a nation to be free, it is sufficient that it wills it;" reverse,
" Let all who love liberty rally round the standard of Reform."
Upon another was a painting of Wallace inscribed "Sir William
Wallace" on the top, and at the foot, "Like our ancestors, we'll
defend our liberty and laws." Upon another was a spade and a
grape, with the motto, " The mucking of Geordie's byre." Others
had harps, Scottish thistles, &c., and such mottoes as, " Abhor the
inhuman butchers at Manchester;" " No Corn Laws ;" " Cartwright's
Bill ;" " Take away the wicked from before the King, and his throne
will be established in righteousness;" "Reason not with tyrants;
man has only once to die;" "The borough -mongers' fall is fast
approaching ;" " Against tyranny and oppression our lives we'll
spend our rights to gain ;" "A day, an hour, of victorious liberty is
worth a whole eternity of bondage;" "Liberty the object and
reason the guide;" thistle, rose, and shamrock — motto, "May
our union be firm," and on the other side, " Let tyrants and despots
be banished from the face of the earth," with the figure of Justice ;

l800 TILL 1835. 185

thistle, "Our love of liberty shall ripen with our years;" " Thread
Street Juvenile Reformers;"' thistle, "We are the descendants of
Wallace and Bruce," — reverse, "Parents, recover your rights, and
let them be handed down unimpaired to your children's children ;"
thistle, and on the reverse, " A day of liberty is worth a thousand
of slavery;" "The rights of man are liberty, proper security, and
resistance of oppression," — reverse, "Shall Britons ever be ruled
by knaves? No, Britons never shall be slaves ;" "Who would not
guard so dear a right, or die in such a glorious cause ? " — reverse,
" Remove the wicked from before the King, and his throne shall be
established in righteousness ;" a Paisley flag bore, " To be inactive
is a crime, and to resist slavery is death," &c. Mr. Brodie, Kil-
barchan, was chosen chairman, and a good looking young woman
placed a splendid cap of Liberty on his head. Caps of Liberty and
addresses were presented by the female Reformers of Johnstone,
Millarston, Kilbarchan, and Elderslie. Some short speeches were
delivered and resolutions of the usual kind passed, and an appeal was
agreed on to the Prince Regent. A number of female Reformers
remained upon the hustings during the proceedings. As there were
five caps of Liberty on the hustings, every speaker put on one when
he addressed the meeting. The chairman put on one at the close,
and he requested the people to go quietly home. The meeting then
dispersed. When the procession was returning through EldersUe,
they halted beneath Wallace's tree, when the bands played " Scots
wha hae wi' Wallace bled." Three cheers were given, and a number
of pistols were fired. The whole body of people turned down
Storie Street to avoid the Cross. A band of about a hundred boys
closed the procession. They carried eight little flags with such
mottoes as "The draw-boys' lament for the times;' "Bread and
liberty;" "The juvenile Reformers;" "As the auld cock crows
the young cock learns," Avith the figure of a cock ; " Let tyrants
tremble and look down upon the rising generation ;" " Rights of
man," &c. There had evidently been a good many pistols brought
to the meeting. All the Radicals had sticks, and two battle-axes
were carried in the procession and placed upon the hustings during
the proceedings. All the shops from the west-end of the town to
the head of Storie Street were shut. The cavalry were kept ready
saddled all day — one-half at the Tontine Inn and the other at the
Saracen's Head Inn. A picquet of twelve constables from each of
the town's parishes were assembled in the Saracen's Head Inn, at
half-past three o'clock, and a picquet of twenty constables from the
Newtown met in the County Hall at the same hour. It was also
arranged that if the alarm bell should be rung, the whole of the
constabulary for the Town and Newtown should repair to the Cross.
The people, however, dispersed in the most peaceful manner, and
by six o'clock the streets were no more thronged than usual.

On 5 th November, another county meeting was held regarding
a communication from the Secretary of State as to raising a corps of
yeomanry cavalry in the county. The Earl of Glasgow, who pre-

l86 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

sided, first adverted to the existing distresses of the manufacturing
classes, which he deeply lamented, and earnestly recommended to
the liberal consideration of everyone. The meeting, on the motion
of the noble chairman, afterwards agreed that the recommendation
of His Majesty's Government respecting the formation of a corps of
yeomanry cavalry in the county should have their zealous support,
such a force being peculiarly suited to the present state of the
country. A committee was appointed for carrying the resolution
into effect. The meeting further, collectively and individually,
pledged themselves to give their most zealous aid to the formation
of every measure for the preservation of the public peace.

On the 9th November, the Council unanimously voted an address
to the Prince-Regent expressive of their personal regard for His Royal
Highness, of undiminished attachment to the constitution of the
country, and of abhorrence of the seditious, revolutionary, and
irreligious principles so actively disseminated by the enemies of
order and good government.

At this period, several daring house -robberies were committed in
different parts of the country by lawless persons, not Radicals,
taking advantage of the times. One of these took place at the
farm-house of Western (or High) Capilly, occupied by Mr. James
Arneil, on the morning of the 13th November. The robbers broke
open the door leading to the milk -house, entered the kitchen, and
compelled the servant -women to remain in their beds. Mrs. Arneil
and her daughter, on hearing the noise, concluded that robbers were
breaking into the house, and escaped by a window. Miss Arneil,
by the directions of her mother, went, in a state almost of nudity,
to John Brown's, of the farm of East (or Low) Capilly, less than
half-a-mile distant, to give the alarm. John Brown and his eldest
son (Archibald Brown), the only men in the house, left immediately,
each armed with a good staff.^ On coming near to Mr. Arneil's
house, they met the band of seven or eight robbers, a few of whom
swore some awful oaths, and shouted, " Shoot them,'' and one of
the robbers flourished a naked sword over the head of John Brown ;
but others cried " Let them pass," and the advice, fortunately, was
attended to. On getting admittance to Mr. Arneil's house, John
Brown and Archibald Brown learned what had taken place, for Miss
Arneil had left so hurriedly that she could not give any definite
information relating to the robbers. Mrs. Arneil did not leave the
house so qickly as her daughter, but looked into the room by the
window and saw the pillaging going on. She went to Mrs. Glen's,
at the meal mill on the Killoch burn, less than half-a-mile distant,
where there were only females. The alarm was given by them to
those in the nearest farm, who, on hearing what was going on, came
armed. The robbers had left, however, a good while earlier. The
robbers in their plundering secured £10 in money, a gold watch,
and a large quantity of wearing apparel. This daring robbery
caused great excitement, particularly in Neilston Parish. For

^ These were the father and eldest brother of the writer.

l800 TILL 1825. 187

committing this robbery, Samuel Maxwell, Robert Muir, James
Donelly, and Alexander Hamilton, were tried before the High
Court of Justiciary at Edinburgh, on 12th December, 1820. The
jury found the charges against Muir and Donelly not proven, but
Maxwell and Hamilton were found guilty, and sentenced to be
hanged. Dolin was one of the accomplices, but was set at Hberty
because he gave evidence against the other prisoners.

Another of the daring robberies committed at this time was at
Crossmyloof, at four o'clock on Sunday morning, the 19th of the
following month. A gang of nine men, armed with guns, swords,
and other deadly weapons, broke into the house of the late Dr.
Watt there, wherein were four young men, a maid -servant, Mrs.
Watt, and a female friend. Some of the robbers stood watch at the
young men's bedroom door, and other two of them, whose faces
were discoloured with some material, stood at the beds with guns
pointed at the trembling females, and with horrible imprecations
threatened them with instant death if they made the least noise. A
guard was also placed outside the gate ; and the robbers being
strong and secure, pillaged the house with great deliberation. A
great variety of things were carried off, among which were three
dozen silver spoons, one silver divider, one pair of silver candle-
sticks, two pairs of silver snuffers, three gold rings, two suits of
clothes of the late Dr. Watt, a miniature picture of him set in gold,
thirty gowns, five dozen shirts, a gun, and a great quantity of napery.
The robbers were more than an hour in the house ; and judging
from the slang they used and the systematic manner in which they
proceeded, they appeared to be practised depredators (Glasgow
Chro7iicle, 21st December, 1819).

A county meeting, called by requisition, was held on 20th
November, and was numerously attended, — the Earl of Glasgow
presiding. Those present expressed " their firm determination to
support by every means in their power the constitution of the
United Kingdom against the seditious attempts which have been
recently made in difterent parts of the country to disturb and
endanger the public peace." It was agreed that an address, in
terms of the resolutions, should be sent to the Prince -Regent.
During the last month of 1820 the country was in a very disturbed
state. Near Airdrie the Radicals engaged in a course of military
training ; and the Glasgow magistrates, as stated in their proclama-
tion, were " so deeply impressed by a sense of the danger to which
the city was exposed from the attempts of the turbulent and dis-
affected, that they thought it their duty to call upon the citizens to
take arms in defence of their lives and property." They also " had
reason to believe that disaffected and seditious persons intend to
assemble in large bodies, with arms of different kinds and various
offensive weapons, with the view, it must be held, of proceeding to
acts of pillaging and plunder ; " and gave notice that all such illegal
meetings would be immediately resisted by military force.

Let us hear what John Parkhill, who was one of the leading

l88 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Radicals, states regarding the movements in Paisley at this time to
overturn the British Government by force of arms : —

" I am now coming to the most eventful period of my life.
Reform — Radical reform — was at this time, 1820, becoming the
universal cry; and I, poor fellow, got into its meshes. In the street
where I resided (Maxwellton) the inhabitants were all Radicals
throughout. The association had been divided into sections or
unions ; and I happening to go to a meeting one night, before I
knew where I was was made a member. Several speeches were
made, quite sensible in the main, for things had not got into the
rabid state to which they afterwards attained ; and I thought that
some sport might be had although reform did not prove to be the
upshot of the affair, nor yet a ' psalm in the Grassmarket.' The
unions still increased ; and such was the temerity of the young
aspirants after political fame, that the old leaders to a man had
resigned and left the field to the young politicians already alluded
to. Training after nightfall became quite common ; and officers, if
not appointed, were talked of Pikes, guns, and pistols were getting
in readiness ; and over and above drill, large public meetings added
to the general agitation ; whilst the fatal meeting at Manchester, on
the iSth of August, 1819, was a culminating plan in the insurrec-
tionary movement. Our drilling got brisker than ever. One squad
might be seen on the road to Gleniff'er ; another at Brediland ; and
indeed throughout the whole country they were gathering. After
all I do not believe the third part of them had any idea that it
would come to earnest. The great proportion of them were below
thirty years of age; and their turning out was through excitement
and what they termed fun — hence the drill afforded excellent sport,
and the causing of alarm became an important feature in the matter.
It must be acknowledged, however, that a vast number were in
downright earnest, and spoke of blood and wounds like old
campaigners. The authorities had but a glimmering knowledge
both of the strength and tactics of the Radicals, who carried on
their treasonable practices with all the skill of sly and imperturbable
diplomatists. In preparation for the coming struggle yeomanry
cavalry were raised, and a force of what were termed 'dandy rifles'
organised. The Radical committee contrived to obtain a list of the
names and residences of the members of these bodies, with the view
of forcibly seizing their arms. I saw the danger of this proposed
proceeding, and took means to frustrate the attempt ; and on
looking back on the strange state of things in which we had involved
ourselves, I am proud of having saved many on both sides from
perishing in an ignoble and disgraceful strife. The first day of
April was the appointed day for the rising of the Radicals, and great
activity was being displayed by the leaders. There was a safety-
valve in the case which, had it been attended to, would have
prevented an explosion in Scotland. The ambassadors who had
been sent by us to Nottingham stated that, by an agreement with
the English, we were not to move until we heard that 200,000 had

l8oO TILL 1825. 189

taken the field in England. Had we been as wise as we are
generally presumed to be, we would have been perfectly safe ; but
we were keen to try our unfleshed swords, and the sequel showed
us to be a parcel of egregious fools. I had always depended upon
this saving clause, and so was quietly led into the trap from which
it was scarcely possible to get extricated. Our leaders Avere very
industrious, and ever and anon were telling us of officers they had
secured ; that surgeons and a medical staff were also in a state of
forwardness ; and that even women were employed to prepare
dressings for the hospitals. These last things were not very pala-
table to many of us. They indicated blood and gunshot wounds ;
and from the number of military that were gathering around us, it
appeared we were approaching a stern reality, and that a cataract
of horrid carnage was in sight, provided we, the Radicals, stood
firm. By this time, however, I was quite satisfied that not a man
would appear in this mighty contest which we had been preparing
for ; and the sequel will show I was right. In a certain weaver's
shop in Maxwellton Street, a large assemblage took place every
night, when everything in reference to the general rising was
discussed. A good deal of Avhat was serious was brought under
review, although it must be owned that fun and humorous stories
were the commodities in greatest repute. This House of Commons
was called the 'smiddy;' and although we had no legislative powers,
we often assumed a right to do things that ought to have been done
by the central government. As matters were drawing to a head,
the subject of the appointment of officers — not generals, but the
lower class, such as regimental officials — formed the marrow of our
cogitations at one of these meetings. After a pretty long conver-
sation, we found there Avould be plenty of officers obtained, but the
great difficulty was to find properly qualified persons. That we had
the stuff of which to make officers was apparent to all, but experience
was necessary; and then before experience could be attained, two
or three generations of officers would have to die. This was rather
a damper on our enthusiasm. Amongst our company we had a
nice little fellow of the name of Daniel Bell, and our fear was that
there would be too little of Daniel, for he was only five feet high.
It appeared that he had been an officer's servant some short time,
and had received several trinkets from his master, among which
was a pair of epaulettes. On the possession of these he grounded
his claim to be an officer. He had also been our drill sergeant,
and an excellent one he was ; and we therefore appointed him our
captain by a unanimous vote. He was, I believe, the first officer
that was chosen, and I am constrained to think the only one.
About a month before the grand proclamation was issued, a meeting
of delegates from all the surrounding country met in a tavern in the
Gallowgate of Glasgow ; and they had not been assembled above
ten minutes, when the servant-maid came into the room quite in a
panic crying out that the police were coming in. In the midst of
the consternation produced by this, a strong force entered the room
and took the whole of the company prisoners, seized all the

190

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

documents in their possession, and forthwith marched them off to
prison. In the course of two hours a delegate arrived at Paisley
with the alarming intelligence. Our committee was accordingly
called together ; and for safety we marched off to Gleniffer, and
dived into the heart of the gorge in the hills in the same manner,
and with the same instincts, that prompted the old Covenanters.
Here we and the ' cushat ' had all the solitude to ourselves. On
comparing notes we found that not much danger was to be appre-
hended from the capture, as the documents the delegates had were
only scraps to help their memory, and being somewhat hierogly-
phical would not be very easily understood. After remaining in the
glen for an hour we returned home, agreeing to send two delegates
to Glasgow on the morrow. In the meantime pikes and pike shafts
were still accumulating, but very few fire arms. I recollect of once
going out to Elderslie to bring in two dozen of pike shafts. I went
out at the request of, and in company with, one of our chiefs. The
complement of shafts being delivered to us we started for home.
As the military had been on the increase, and in Paisley and Glasgow
there might be a force of from twenty to thirty thousand,
which afforded patrols throughout the whole country, we
were under the fear of meeting with some of them, and
thought the safest way to convey our seizable burden was
to swim them in by the canal. We got to the end of
our destination unmolested, but our great difficulty was
to get any persons to take them into their houses. This
did not speak much in favour of the coming war, as the
people, when it came to the push, did not seem to be
possessed of great alacrity in the matter. At the time
Daniel Bell was made captain, I was also appointed to
what is generally accounted a lucrative office, namely,
that of commissary-general. I objected a good deal ; but
he who proposed me considered I was exactly made for
it, the more so as I had a great antipathy to saltpetre.
These appointments (and I am convinced we were
the only officers who were ever appointed in the
cause) led to no result whatever, further than furnish-
ing a little sport for the time being. Daniel showed
his epaulettes ; but as for me, I had not half-a-loaf
to show to my kind constituents. Our Provost was a
Mr. Oliver Jamieson, naturally a good gentleman, but,
like all the rest of the authorities, haunted by the idea
that the Radicals were a most formidable body of men,
and if not looked after would, some fine morning, over-
turn the State, when, in fact, we could not have made
ourselves masters of the porter's lodge of Dumbarton
Castle" (Autobiography of Arthur Sneddon, p. 74).

RADICAL PIKE.

The Radical pikes so frequently referred to were of
the rudest description. The head, about thirteeen
inches long, was made of iron, representing a spear, and

iSoO TILL 1825.

191

the handle or shaft was generally a young tree about six feet long
and about one -and -a- half inches thick, taken from the plantations
around Paisley. We give a drawing of one of those weapons,
taken from a pike in our possession. The manufacture of pikes
was continued by night with astonishing rapidity and persever-
ance. Blacksmiths' and carpenters" shops were taken possession of
by strangers, and those in outlying country places were in great
requisition for preparing weapons in anticipation of the approaching
combat. Files were carried off wherever they could be got, to
hammer into pikes, which " were openly sold at from sevenpence to
one shilling, according to the quality." ^ Some of these pikes, we
are informed, were made with a hook of considerable size attached
to the lower end of the spear, and were meant to be used for
unhorsing troopers and other warlike deeds.

The other weapons called Radical clegs, a kind of dart, which
the Radicals made, were somewhat of the nature of a sluittlecock.
They consisted of a piece of lead,
about two inches broad at the
one end and tapering to about
one inch at the other end, where
a sharp steel spear of about three
inches in length was fixed. At
the broad end of the lead, fea-
thers were fixed, so as to guide
its flight. These could be thrown
to a considerable distance with
precision and effect. We here
give a sketch of one of these clegs.

At the end of January, 1820,
three young men, named Daniel
Jamieson, Matthew Adam, and
Adam Macarthur, were tried be-
fore the Sheriff and a jury, for
aiding the rioters in the previous
September, in Paisley. Daniel
Jamieson acknowledged his guilt,
and was sentenced to four months'
imprisonment, and to find proper
security to keep the peace for two
years. Matthew Adam denied
the charges made against him,
and after an investigation, which
lasted eight hours, he was found
guilty, and sentenced to nine
months' imprisonment, and also
to find security to keep the peace

RADICAL CLEG.

1 Letter, published in pamphlet form, dated 20th April, 1820, to the Duke of
Hamilton, detailing the late Rebellion in the West of Scotland, by a British
Subject.

192 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

for an equal length of time. The charges against Adam Macarthur
were departed from by the Procurator-Fiscal, and he was dismissed
from the bar.

On 15th February, 1820, the Council voted "an address of con-
dolence to King George IV., on account of the demise of our
revered Sovereign, George III."

In the last week of March, a spirit of insubordination prevailed
in the town ; and discontent and disaffection, which had been
smouldering for a considerable time, had the appearance of break-
ing out into open rebellion. A rumour was current for several
evenings that a general rising was in contemplation, and that the
disaffected were very active in making the necessary arrangements
for that purpose. One of the reports Avas that large parties of
Radicals met every night in the woods and moors adjacent to
Paisley, to learn the pike exercise and other military tactics. The
authorities were informed that an immense number of weapons were
concealed in Legget's Wood ; but when a number of constables and
a small party of the military went there and made the necessary
search, they were unsuccessful in finding anything. During these
proceedings, the streets were very much crowded with people, some
of whom treated the authorities and the constables accompanying
them with the utmost disrespect. On one occasion the miUtary
were ordered to clear the streets, when some of the more obstinate
persons were put into the Police Office.

When the first of April came round, the day frequently named
for the threatened rising throughout the whole country, the following
revolutionary and seditious address was extensively posted in many
places in the town : —

" Friends and countrymen, — Roused from that torpid state in
which we have been for so many years, we are at length compelled,
from the extremity of our sufferings and the contempt heaped upon
our petitions for redress, to assert our rights at the hazard of our
lives, and proclaim to the world the real cause which (if not mis-
represented by designing men, would have united all ranks) have
induced us to take up arms for the redress of our common
grievances. The numerous public meetings held throughout the
country have demonstrated to you that the interests of all classes
are the same — that the protection of the life and property of the
rich man is the interest of the poor man, and in return it is
the interest of the rich to protect the poor from the iron grasp
of despotism ; for when its victims are exhausted in the lower
circles, there is no assurance but that its ravages will be continued
in the upper ; for once set in motion, it will continue till a succession
of victims fall. Our principles are few, and founded on the basis
of our constitution, which was purchased by the dearest blood of
our forefathers, and which we swear to transmit to posterity unsullied,
or perish in the attempt. Equality of rights (not of property) is the
object for which we contend, and which we consider as the only

iSoO TILL 1S25. 193

security for our liberty and lives. Let us show to the world that we
are not the lawless, sanguinary rabble which our oppressors would
persuade the higher circles we are, but a brave and generous people
determined to be free. Liberty or death is our motto, and we have
sworn to return triumphant or return no more ! Soldiers ! shall you,
countrymen, bound by the same sacred obligations of an oath to
defend our King and country from enemies, whether foreign or
domestic, plunge bayonets into the bosoms of fathers and brothers
and at once sacrifice, at the shrine of military despotism, to the un-
relenting orders of a cruel faction, those feelings which you hold in
common with the rest of mankind ?

" Soldiers ! turn your eyes towards Spain, and there behold the
happy effect resulting from the union of soldiers and citizens !
Look at that quarter, and there behold the yoke of hated tyranny
broke by the unanimous wish of the people and soldiers, happily
accomplished without bloodshed ; and shall you, who taught those
soldiers to fight the battles of liberty, refuse to fight those of your
own country ? Forbid it, heaven ! Come forward, then, at once,
and free your country and your King from the power of those who
have kept them too long in thraldom !

" Friends and countrymen, the eventful period has now arrived
when the services of all will be required for the forwarding an object
so universally wished and so absolutely necessary. Come forward,
then, and assist those who have begun in the completion of so
arduous a task, and support the laudable efforts which we are about
to make to replace to Britons those rights consecrated to them by
Magfia Charta and the Bill of Rights, and sweep from our shores
that corruption which has degraded us below the dignity of men.
Owing to the misrepresentations which have gone abroad with
regard to it, we think it indispensably necessary to declare inviolable
all public and private property ; and we hereby call upon all Justices
of the Peace, and all others, to suppress all pillage and plunder of
every description, and to endeavour to secure those guilty of such
offences that they may receive that punishment which such
violation of justice demands. In the present state of aftairs, and
during the continuance of so momentous a struggle, we earnestly
request of all to desist from their labour from and after this day, the
first of April, and attend wholly to the recovery of their rights, and
to consider it as the duty of every man not to recommence until he
is in possession of those rights which distinguish the free man from
the slave, viz., that of giving consent to the laws by which he is to
be governed. We therefore recommend to the proprietors of
public works and all others to stop the one and shut up the other
until order is restored ; as we will be accountable for no disaster
that may take place, and which, after this public intimation, they
can have no claim to. And we hereby give notice to all those
found carrying arms against those who intend to regenerate this
country and restore its inhabitants to their native dignity, we shall
consider them as traitors to their country and enemies to their King,

194 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and treat them as such. By order of the Committee for forming a
Provisional Government.
"Glasgow, I St April, 1820.

" Britons ! God, justice, and the wishes of all good men are with
us ; join together and make it one cause, and the nations of the
earth shall hail the day when the standard of Liberty shall be reared
on its native soil."

This treasonable address was printed by Robert F. Fulton and
John Hutchison, in the employment of Mr. Duncan Mackenzie,
printer. No. 20 Saltmarket, Glasgow, and they used the types and
printing-press belonging to him without his knowledge. Fulton and
Hutchison being warned by their friends that they had committed
high treason, fled from this country to the United States of America.
The Glasgow authorities offered a reward of ^^300 to any person
" who will give such information as shall secure the apprehension
of Fulton and Hutchison." R. F. Fulton some time afterwards, in
a letter to Mr. William Lang, printer, Glasgow, gave the following
interesting information regarding the printing of this address,
from which it will be seen that, although the preparation of this
treasonable document was commenced in Glasgow, it was ultimately
completed in Paisley : —

" The first time I ever heard anything of this address was on
Tuesday, 28th March, when 1 was sent for through the means of a
nephew of one of the Provisional Government, whose name was
Craig. By him I was introduced to another member of the Provi-
sional Government, whose name was Lees, with whom I made an
appointment to meet at the corner of Ingram Street, opposite the
Royal Bank ; but owing to the Secret Committee taking suspicion
that they were watched by the local authorities, they removed from
the house in which they met in the Saltmarket to Anderston, from
thence to Govan, and last of all to Paisley, where they finally
resolved on that copy of the address which was printed. By the
removal to Paisley, Lees could not meet on Wednesday at the time
and place appointed with me. He sent for me again on the Thurs-
day, when he told me the copy was transcribing, and at the same
time he gave me ^i 3s. to purchase paper, and he requested to
meet him (Lees) at the Cross at half-past eight o'clock p.m. After
meeting him at the time appointed, we adjourned to the Globe
Tavern, in the Saltmarket, where I received the copy, which he had
concealed between his stockings and his legs. It was written on a
form something like a law paper, and had much the appearance of
having been written by a hand which had been much accustomed
with writing. I can positively aftirm that there was not a single
copy thrown off by us before Saturday morning, a few minutes after
twelve o'clock (at night), and we put on the press as soon as it was
corrected. We had the best half of them ready before five o'clock,
and about seven I carried all that was thrown off to the house of
the above-mentioned Craig. We began again at nine o'clock on

iSoO TILL 1825. 195

Saturday night, and had them all off before twelve, and it (the
address) was distributed immediately. Lees got the second package
in the office at midnight. I saw him in about half an hour after-
wards in the Globe Tavern, where he was sitting along with Craig
and Mrs. Lees, when I received seventeen shillings in cash, and
here the business closed with us concerning the address " (Exposure
of the Spy System, by Peter M'Kenzie, p. 80).

The first of April was on Saturday, and this revolutionary placard,
issued by the would-be provisional government, must have been
posted some time between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
We shall again hear what Arthur Sneddon, who was on the spot and
an actor in the scene, says regarding it : — •

"It was well known that the first day of April, 1820, was to be
the starting day for our mighty revolution ; and for the five days
previous the greatest activity was displayed by the Radical officials.
Arms, money, and all requisites for a coming struggle were promised
by them, and it was the belief of thousands that an internecine war
was at hand. But alas ! I knew better. I say alas ! for what was
to become of us? On Saturday, the first of April, John Neil called
upon me. He was one of our chief leaders, and had been our
ambassador to Nottingham, and it was he who brought home the
arrangement whereby we in Scotland were not to start till 200,000
were up in arms in England. A few days after he came home I
advised him to put all his writings and books of a political nature,
such as Painc's Jiig/its of Alan, Cobbctfs Register, Voltaire, and
several others of a revolutionary tendency, out of the house. He
had a visit one morning from the police, who carried off a pretty
large parcel, and conjecturing he had not taken my advice I went
to his home to know if I was right. It appeared he had removed
nothing, and so they had taken all the treasonable and seditious
documents and books he v/as possessed of When I left his house
and came out to the street, to my astonishment all was in an uproar.
A crowd had collected round the police, and were pelting the poor
officials without the smallest compunction. At length the police got
under cover and the mob dispersed. Next forenoon two companies
of soldiers marched into the street where I lived, and were met by
an equal number who came in at the other; and when they formed
into line opposite my door, this to me seemed ominous, as matters
were in such a state one did not know what would come next. It
was not long, however, till things appeared in their true colours ;
for the Sheriff- Clerk Depute came and told me he had a warrant to
arrest me for being engaged in the riot of yesterday. The celebrated
William Motherwell was the Depute Sheriff-Clerk. The author of
'Jeanie Morrison' was ill calculated for work of this kind." Mr.
Parkhill and another young man were taken before the Fiscal, and
after being examined were dismissed. " The purpose of John
Neil's visit to me," he continues, " was to show me the celebrated
proclamation issued by the provisional government. I read
the document, which was exceedingly well drawn up. Next

196 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

day (Sabbath) was the big, the important day. On the after-
noon and evening a more than usual turnout of the inhabitants
might be noticed, together with many from the country. There
w^as Httle preparation however for the war, further than a few of the
most sanguine carrying an old pistol or a gun or enquiring if there
was any news from Glasgow. After nightfall, the cavalry as well as
the infantry were much engaged in showing themselves in various
parts of the town, preparatory for to-morrow's struggle. At seven
o'clock in the morning considerable crowds were on the street — very
dull, however, and sombre of aspect. By the middle of the day I
met occasionally some of our leaders, and on enquiring if that
portion of the provisional government connected with Paisley had
met or was likely to meet, in sullen gloom received for answer that
they did not know. About two o'clock in the afternoon I had a
visit from a friend resident in the neighbourhood of Dairy ; he
served in the Foot Guards and was a determined Radical. He
came in expressly to see how we were coming on. I told him my
opinion was that nothing would be done — that there was no
provisional government in existence, and that there would not be
a shot fired. He was mad because there was to be no fighting. It
was long before I got him pacified. Our conversation took place
in the ' Linn,' a noted hostelrie where people were coming and
going the whole day, but none could tell what was to be done.^ In
the afternoon I was led to understand that there was to be a meet-
ing on Monday, in the ' Smiddy,' and likewise there was to be a
search for arms in the Stanely Barony.- It was also agreed that a
forge for making pikes should be established in the Pinnel Glen,
near Kilbarchan. Monday morning, the 3rd April, came, the sun

^ This public-house, the rendezvous of the West-End Radicals, was the comer
house in Broomlands at the south-east end of King Street, now the site of the
Free Martyrs' Church. The occupant at that time was "Granny Rowan." It
was called the Linn because the curlers in the West-End who played at the
"Heigh Linn" usually met there.

* During the night or early on the Sunday, a flaming proclamation announc-
ing the rising was placarded up on all the church doors in town and country,
stating that the insurrection was to begin that day in London and in the chief
towns of England and Ireland, and calling upon the Reformers here to be ready
to join them, threatening instant death to all who opposed them. On that Sunday
morning the writer of this could not understand what attraction was about the
church gate. He saw the chiefs of Reform in motion, hastening to the gate and
looking mighty big when turning away from it. Understanding that the cause
of this excitement was the proclamation referred to, the minister preached a
sermon from the following text : — "Put them in mind to be subject to princi-
palities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to
speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers ; but gentle, showing all meekness unto
all men." This produced the happiest consequences in the parish. Except by
the musical band, a few wrong-headed men like themselves, the operatives
resolved to attend their work as usual. To their honour and credit be it told,
they did' so ; and it was very remarkable that while the whole works of the same
kind in Lanarkshire, Dumbarton^hire, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire stood still
that week, not one of all the twenty-two large public works stood idle for a
moment in Neilston Parish (Fev, Dr. Fleming in the Statistical Account of Scot-
land. March, iSjj. Vol. vii. p. 324).

iSoO TILL 1825. 197

shining in all his majesty. The streets were crowded quite early
with friends and foes. The military were also on the alert, and
everything promised a busy day. At ten o'clock the ' Smiddy '
filled with anxious patriots, and I observed there a great many
working-men who, I was sure, would never lift a pike in our favour.
A chairman was chosen, and the first subject discussed was the
search for arms in the Barony of Stanely. A motion to this effect
was carried unanimously. The powder question was then discussed,
and many a queer observation was made, it being fully agreed that
twopence halfpenny worth should be the stock of ammunition for
each individual. A good deal of fun was sported on the occasion,
and sly winks passed plentifully between those who considered the
whole matter the very height of nonsense. One old fellow, his face
perfectly black with indignation, cried out at the top of his voice,
' Behold ! the British Government, the strongest on yerth, is to be
overturned wi' five bawbees' worth o' cheap poother.' It was then
agreed that the searchers for arms should meet at the Braes of
Maxwelton in the evening. At the gloaming, as had been agreed
upon, a numerous body met at Maxwelton Hill and proceeded to
Stanely. In various farm-houses they obtained fire-arms, some of
which were of great value. Our party came to Foxbar House, the
inmates of which had been prepared, and, with the intention of
intimidating the assailants, fired their pieces into the air. At the
same time, however, shots were fired from a neighbouring plantation,
by which a young lad of the name of Cochran was shot through the
heart. It was a singular circumstance that the shot which killed
Cochran passed through him and lodged in the elbow-joint of a
young lad of the name of M'Kechnie, who was standing beside
him. The incidents created some consternation and induced a
consultation. One party was for breaking into the house and taking
vengeance on the inmates, while another was clear for a retreat.
The prudent party at last prevailed, which was fortunate, as a body
of cavalry from Paisley were within three minutes' ride of Foxbar
House at the time. Intelligence of the dangerous proximity of the
horsemen was soon conveyed to the other parties scattered in the
vicinity, and, favoured by the darkness, the whole body got safely
home. I learned to my sorrow in the evening that a man had been
shot. In order to learn who it was I went over to the ' Smiddy,'
where half-a-dozen of those who had been at Foxbar were met.
They were rather hearty, and said that, so far as they had learned,
they supposed it was an old man of the name of David Wylie, one
of the most detemiined of the party, vvho had fallen. This they
thought was good, as he had no relation to lament his loss. The
pike-making expedition took place on the same evening, and the
place selected was the Pinnel Glen, a very picturesque scene about
a mile north of Kilbarchan. Some carried iron, others hammers,
and others tools ; one stout fellow had the large bellows and two
had the heavy anvil. After passing Millarston they fancied they
heard the sound of approaching cavalry, and the whole party made

198 • HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

a detour to the north, and crossed Alt-Patrick Burn a little below
Elderslie Bridge, and from thence reached Kilbarchan in safety.
By this time it was the ' noon of night.' The signal to be given by
the Paisley party that they had arrived was to beat on the streets
with their sticks. They accordingly rattled away till they were
tired ; but as not a living soul appeared they began to make a care-
ful scrutiny, but found there was not a light to be seen in the whole
village. Every person in the village seemed to be asleep. Of
course this most spirited party had to return to Paisley heart-broken
at the apathy of the Kilbarchan section of Reformers. I was of
opinion that the Kilbarchan people had begun to see the folly of
the whole matter, and, being a shrewd set of villagers, had cut the
connection. Tuesday, the 4th of April, was rather a stormy day,
and rain fell during a great portion of it. There was much dulness
manifested. Some talked of Glasgow being up, but belief in these
things was getting narrowed every day. The cotton mills in and
around Johnstone were stopped, and the military, along with the
police, were paying visits to the suspected insurgents. Mr. Mother-
well, accompanied by soldiers and constables, paid my house an
uninvited visit in the afternoon. After ransacking the house in
every corner for pikes and seditious papers, and finding none, he
asked my wife if she had any pikes or guns. She said she had
nothing but a pretty long spear. Mr. Motherwell very civilly asked
a sight of the spear ; and on its turning out that her name and that
of the warlike weapon were the same, the poet turned on his heel,
and laughingly enquired what had become of her husband. Of him
she could say nothing, so the author of " Bonnie Jeanie Morrison "
went away. When I came home in about an hour afterwards I was
informed of what had taken place, on which we came to the con-
clusion that in the meantime I had no home, and that the future
was singularly dark and gloomy. What to do in the circumstances,
melancholy to say, we could not tell. Although I had committed
no overt acts, the Government which we had to contend with, we
knew well, would stick at nothing ; and I had perhaps done sufficient
to provoke their wrath, and of course enable them to make an
example of me ; and the punishment even though short of hanging
might be terribly severe. I began now to feel my wounds, and no
human being could feel them more severely. I found that in the
full possession of my senses I had been a most egregious fool, and
that very folly was to lead to the dismembering of my family. For
the time being I had to sleep where best I could. "^

"Arthur Sneddon," who was a leading actor in Paisley in the
Radical rising of 1819-20, has told us a good deal about that
eventful period ; and he is almost the only one among those who

^ Autobiograpliy, p. 94. — After wandering about the country, under hiding,
for some time, he sailed for Montreal. He remained fourteen months in
America. Leaving New York on 20th August, he landed at Liverpool twenty-
one days thereafter. On coming to Paisley, as trade had improved, he at once
obtained work.

l8oO TILL 1825. 199

were so engaged that has done so. A\'e are thankful for it ; but he
might have suppUed more information about what took place at the
meetings in the "Smiddy" and at the "Linn," where, no doubt, as
elsewhere, the plotters discussed, among other matters, whose
estates in the neighbourhood should, on the overthrow of the
government, be taken possession of, and by what leaders of their
party. The aim of his narrative is to throw ridicule, to some extent,
on the actings of the Radicals. He also wishes his readers to
believe that their proceedings were fooUsh, and that he told them
so, and therefore kept aloof from them. If he had done no more
than what he informs us, there would have been no occasion for
him to fly from the country. While several who were involved in
this revolutionary movement afterwards spoke in similar terms, the
great majority held that they were entrapped into it by the
emissaries ^ employed by the government. John Parkhill, however,
never hints at such a thing, but on the contrary states — referring
to the meetings of the Radicals in that period — that "from the
commencement till the time it was broken up it is perfectly evident
there never was a spy among them." -

On Monday, 3rd April, a firm and intelligible proclamation,
of which the following is a copy, was extensively published through-
out the town by means of large handbills by the local authorities : —

" Proclamation by the Lord -Lieutenant and the Sheriff of Ren-
frewshire, and Provost and Magistrates of Paisley. — Informa-
tion having been received which renders it necessary to adopt
immediate precaution for preventing and suppressing riot and
disturbance in the town of Paisley and its neighbourhood, and
for bringing to justice the persons who may be found concerned
therein, the Lord- Lieutenant and Magistracy deem it proper
to issue the following orders (and in doing so they have to
express their anxiety to prevent the sacrifice of innocent lives,
while they declare their determination at all hazards to pre-
serve the peace and maintain the authority of the laws) : — ist.
Upon the alarm-bell being struck, all well-disposed persons
who are not called upon to aid the civil power will retire to
their houses, and protect themselves and their property as they
best can. 2nd. All persons not called upon as aforesaid shall
keep their houses after seven o'clock in the evening until
further notice. 3rd. In case of tumult happening after dark,
all well-disposed persons will put lights in their upper windows,
secure the lower, and retire to the back part of their lodgings.
4th. It is earnestly enjoined that all well-disposed people will
avoid standing in closes, as these, in the event of disturbance,
will be cleared by military force, without distinction of persons,

1 See Exposure of the Spy System duruig the years 1816 to 1820, by a Ten
Pounder (Peter M'Kenzie), 1832; also Metnoir of John Fraser, Neii<field; also
Radical Rising in Strathaven, by John Stevenson.

- History of Paisley, by John Parkhill, p. 45.

200 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

5th. In case of any injury being offered to the civil or military
force from houses or otherwise, warning is hereby given that
such injury will be retaliated on the spot. 6th. Tavern-
keepers will be careful who they admit into their houses ; and
in case of tumult will allow no company to remain in their houses,
unless such persons as they shall be accountable for ; and no
person whatever to be harboured by them after seven o'clock
in the evening till farther notice. — Paisley, 3rd April, 1820."
On that day the streets were thronged to an excessive degree.
In obedience to the command of the Committee for the Organisa-
tion of a Provisional Government, almost all the labouring popula-
tion abandoned their work ; and where any remained, they were
soon either compelled to desist by their companions, or dismissed
by their masters because of the threats made against them if they
allowed any to remain at work. This was done openly by large
bodies of men. Labourers at ordinary occupations were compelled
to give up work and swell the crowd. An agent of the Provisional
Government had the audacity to go into a printer's office where
the workmen were throwing off the proclamations of the civil
authorities, and there, in the name of that Provisional Government,
commanded them to desist at their peril. The proclamations of
the Magistrates were also audaciously torn down, even in the pre-
sence of the military. The treatment of the military, including the
yeomen, was on every occasion most disgraceful and brutal, and
the insults they suffered are almost beyond belief. But the forbear-
ance and moderation of these brave men, even in situations where
their lives were in danger, were most honourable to them.^

^ The following song was written at that time bya local poet, Mr. John Goldie : —

" What think ye o' our Paisley wabsters sae smart,
Wha bauldly resolv'd wi' their shuttles to part

For a sharp pike and a Radical cleg ;
Wha vow'd that the patriots should be crusht,
An' the altar o' loyalty levell'd in dust ;
That nae mair wi' their heddles an' treddles they'd toil,
But salute a' their faes, on the first o' April,

Wi' a sharp pike an' a Radical cleg.
" A foragin' party ae e'ening was sent
On murder an' plunder an' robbery bent,

Wi' their sharp pikes, &c.
.Some twa-three auld pistols an' gims they had got,
But the Radicals wanted baith pouther and shot ;
For without them they cou'dna weel keep up the war,
But, gude faith, they got plenty o' baith at Foxbar,

Wi' their sharp pikes, &c.
" At length the lang-leukit-for morning cam' roun'.
When their hosts should assemble in country an' toun,

Wi' their sharp pikes, &c.
When they vow'd that such valorous deeds should be done,
What battles they'd fight, an' what fiel's they wad win ;
But they countit their chickens afore they were hatch'd,
An' they guttit their haddocks afore they were catch'd,

Wi' their sharp pikes, &C.

l800 TILL 1825. 201

At this critical juncture the civil authorities in Glasgow and
Paisley resolved to put down this threatened rebellion at once by
force of arms. All the available troops in Scotland, along with a
large force of yeomanry cavalry, were assembled in Glasgow and
Paisley. As comparative quietness prevailed in the county of Ayr,
three troops of the second regiment of the patriotic and loyal yeo-
men of Ayrshire were sent to Glasgow on Monday, the 3rd of April ;
on the same day two troops of the first regiment, under Major Craw-
ford, were sent to Paisley ; and the remaining three troops of the
united Ayrshire corps remained at Ayr. The march of these troops
to Paisley and Glasgow caused " much excitement among the
country villagers along the line of route, and a considerable amount
of unnecessary sympathy was expended upon the poor yeomen who
were going, according to the popular belief, to be skivered by the
pikemen of Glasgow and Paisley. The two troops of the first regi-
ment reached Paisley about five o'clock in the afternoon, and they
appear to have received some delicate attentions from the mob on
their arrival. One of the yeomen, who on his entrance into the
town had stated to his ofiticer that he did not like the idea of a
reticontre with an unarmed mob, seems to have undergone a change
of sentiments ; for on the officer taking notice of the matter in the
evening before the troop, the individual in question replied, ' I'm
no that man noo, for I've got a brick on the side of my head
and anither on my shouther, and I'm ready to gie them twa
for't' "1

When this veteran battalion arrived at Paisley wearied with their
long march from Ayr, the crowd were heard to observe, " There are
three hundred muskets for us." Orders were issued by the leaders
of the Radicals that all should provide themselves with cartridges
in the event of their procuring muskets. On the Saturday of the
posting -up of the rebellious address, weavers were known to cut the
webs from their looms, lock up their shops, and declare they would
work no more. The ordinary business of life was in a manner sus-
pended. Bank-notes, they were heard to state, would soon be of

" For their courage grew caiild when it cam' to the bit,
An' the puir bodies thocht it was time to flit,

Wi' their sharp pikes, &c.
Their orator leaders turn'd out rather shy,
An' they thocht it was best to let sleepin' dogs lie ;
For they didna' much relish the leuks o' the chiels
Wha were ready to scatter some Wellington pills

'Mang their sharp pikes, &c.
" Success to each Briton who fearlessly rose
To defend Freedom's birthplace frae rebels an' foes,

Wi' their sharp pikes, &c.
May they ne'er lose the freedom they rose to defend,
May peace and content spread their wings o'er the land,
An' may ilk trait'rous chiel wha rebellion wad breed
Get a prog in the guts an' a skelp on the head

Wi' a sharp pike an a Radical cleg."

^ History of the Ayrshire Yeomanry Cavalry, by W. S. Cooper.
O

202 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

no value ; but they had, they stated, thrown off notes of their own
to issue in payment of what they might require. Mr. Cooper, in
his excellent history of the Ayrshire yeomanry, states that the first
regiment while in Paisley " had also an opportunity of studying the
natural history of clegs, many fine specimens of which were to be
found there. Once while marching through the town, a member of
the mob threw one into the middle of the Ayr troop, whereupon
Sergeant Cameron, who did not approve of such insects, galloped
after the offender, pursued him through a passage and across several
gardens, and eventually secured and brought him back in triumph
by the skruff of the neck" (History of the Ayrshire Yeomafiry
Cavalry^ by W. S. Cooper, p. 19).

The small town of Port-Glasgow, containing only about 3000
inhabitants, brought forward one hundred and twenty volunteers at
a call in defence of their country. They cheerfully marched to
Paisley at a moment's notice, and were stationed there during the
week of excitement and alarm. With others, they submitted to
the insults and provocations of the Radicals there without retalia-
tion.

In some other places the demonstrations of the Radicals were
even more offensive and violent than they were in Paisley. Early
on Wednesday morning a party marched from Glasgow towards
Falkirk, in the neighbourhood of which place they expected to meet
with friends assembled from all parts of the surrounding country.
With this force they intended to attack the works of the Carron
Iron Company, where they gave out they had a number of friends,
from whom they expected aid in obtaining cannon to assist them in
their future operations. On their way thither they called at Castle-
cary, and for some refreshments they received tendered a Radical
note, which the landlord refused. At last they paid him in silver.
This Radical force, about fifty in number, not meeting with the
support they expected, were overtaken in Bonnymuir by a detach-
ment of about twenty men of the i oth Hussars and Kilsyth Yeo-
manry, commanded by Lieutenant Hodgson and Lieutenant David-
son. According to the report of Lieutenant Hodgson to General
Graham at Stirling Castle, they " found the rebels with arms in
their hands on a rising ground, the base of which was skirted by a
stone wall, through which there was only one opening affording
access to the position taken up by the Radicals. Lieutenant
Hodgson immediately led his men to this gap ; but before he
reached it the insurgents descended the slope with a cheer, and
posted themselves in such a manner as to oppose the passage of the
gap. In forcing his way through the lieutenant received a severe
wound in the hand from a pike, and his sergeant, who followed
him, was also severely wounded in the arm ; and some of the
cavalry horses were severely injured or killed. After the cavalry
passed fairly through the gap, all resistance was soon at an end.
Such of the insurgents as could make their escape did so, and the
others threw down their arms and surrendered. A few of the men

l8oO TILL 1825. 203

who were taken had suffered from the swords of the cavalry."^ The
prisoners taken, amounting to nineteen, were all tried for high
treason ; and being convicted, were sentenced to be hanged and
beheaded, but only two of them suffered the extreme penalty
(Andrew Hardie and John Baird-), the others having their sen-
tence commuted to transportation for life.

To keep up the spirits of their followers in Glasgow, the leaders
of the Radicals circulated a report that the troops had been de-
feated. This delusion, however, was soon dispelled ; but the
leaders had gone too far to draw back. They circulated numerous
stories stating that the force to assemble against Glasgow exceeded
80,000 men. French vessels were said to have landed arms and
money in Ayrshire. The military were represented as favourable
to their cause, and many of the nobility and leading men were
alleged secretly to favour their plans. Towards the evening on
Wednesday they began openly to muster in the suburbs, preparatory
to uniting their forces for attempting the general assault. From 400
to 600 openly paraded in the suburbs of Bridgeton and Calton, with
drum and colours, and armed with muskets, pistols, and pikes. Some
armed men also proceeded to Rutherglen with drum and flag,
beating " to arms," and calling to their friends there to come forward
in the glorious cause. The early part of the night, however, was
unusually wet and dark, and this tended to cool the ardour of many
of them. Cathkin Hill was appointed as the general rendezvous
for all the forces downwards from Strathaven and from the country
to the south-west and westward. The Strathaven division openly
and very boldly set out from that village to the place of appoint-
ment. Their flag bore the inscription, "Strathaven — Liberty or
Death." They reached the woods of Cathkin — -where powder and
arms were afterwards discovered — but they were the only division
that assembled there out of the many thousands that were expected.
After waiting some time, they returned home.^ The Radicals find-

^ Memoirs of General Graham, edited by his son, Col. James J. Graham, p. 283.
General Graham was, so states this memoir, "the son of Mr. John Graham
and Euphanel Stenson, his wife ; was born at Paisley on the 20th May, 1756 ;"
and " received the rudiments of his education at the Paisley Grammar School."

2 The admirers of Hardie, Baird, and Wilson collected in 1861 sufficient funds
to purchase ground in the Paisley Cemetery and to erect a monument therein to
their memory. On 14th October in that year, the Town Council, at the request
of a committee of the subscribers, " agreed to accept of the transfer,_ and to take
charge of the ground and monument in trust for behoof of the inhabitants. "

3 Mr. John Goldie, in his humorous and clever song of " Radical Bodies, Gae
Hame," thus refers to this expedition of the Strathaven Radicals to the Cathkin
Braes to join their brethren in the attempt to overthrow the British Government :—

" On Cathkin your camp was nae doubt rather damp,
An' when it began to rain — to rain,
To keep yersel's warm frae the wat an' the storm,
Ye wei-e wise just to step awa' hame — hame — hame.
The cavalry's comin,' gae hame — gae hame,
In case you should get yoursel' lame — lame — lame ;
For I'll wad a groat, if ye slocken a shot,
Ye'U think ye'd been better at hame — at hame.
For the remainder, see Poems and Songs, by John Goldie, p. 105.

204 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

ing in Glasgow the military prepared at every point, and their own
numbers small in comparison, abandoned their plan in despair,
threw away or hid their arms, and dispersed in every direction.
Many of their pikes were picked up next morning, and many were
thrown into the canal and river.

The Magistrates of Glasgow offered a reward of ;^3oo to anyone
who would lead to the discovery of the person who printed the
seditious address that was issued on the first of April.

During that week there were gatherings of the Radicals and dis-
turbances by them at many other places throughout the country.
But by the end of the week the revolutionary spirit was suppressed ;
Paisley had almost attained its former tranquillity ; and the great
body of the workmen, except those engaged in the cotton work, had
resumed their labour. Many persons, however, were apprehended,
charged with the distribution of seditious placards and the holding
of arms. On the 7th April the Magistrates deemed it necessary to
make a general search for arms, pikes, &c., and also to apprehend
suspected persons. In the streets they visited, crowds of people
collected, and the constables had to be assisted by the military, who
at this time were about 1000 strong. A fatal accident occurred at
the head of Lady Lane. The soldiers were repeatedly employed in
driving back the multitude. Numbers received bayonet wounds,
even very severe ones ; and an old man of the name of Campbell
was so much injured that he died in a very short time afterwards.

On the 8th of April, King George IV. issued a proclamation
offering a reward of ^500 to any person giving such information as
would lead to the discovery of the authors and printers of the
treasonable paper distributed on the first day of April.

The presence of the yeomanry cavalry from Ayrshire and the
volunteers from Port -Glasgow being no longer required in Paisley,
they were, with the thanks of the Lord -Lieutenant for their good
conduct, directed to return to their respective homes. In con-
sequence of the crowded state of Paisley Prison, five prisoners were
sent on 8th April to Greenock Jail escorted by the Port- Glasgow
volunteers. A considerable crowd had collected on the arrival of
the prisoners, but no disposition was shown to annoy the military
in the execution of their duty till they were about to return, when
some stones were wantonly thrown among them. As the volunteers
repassed through the town, more stones were thrown, and they
fired their pieces at the assailants, when two persons were wounded.
Instead of the attacks of the crowd becoming less, they became
more frequent, and many of the volunteers were wounded. A sort
of running fight ensued till they were almost clear of the town. In
this encounter six were killed and fifteen severely wounded. In
the evening a crowd collected at the square — there being no
military to restrain them — when they broke open the outer gate,
forced the inner doors of the jail, and succeeded in liberating
the five men brought from Paisley. The other prisoners were
allowed to remain.

l8cO TILL 1825. 205

The following is a copy of a proclamation that was issued that
evening : —

" Proclamation by the Magistrates of Greenock, Sheriff of Renfrew-
shire, and Justices of the Peace. — Whereas, in consequence of
the outrageous assault made this evening on the Prison of
Greenock, and the rescue therefrom of five prisoners confined
on a charge of high treason, the Magistrates have deemed it
their duty to call in a strong military force for the security of
the town ; and they solemnly warn the inhabitants to avoid all
breaches of the peace and all molestation or insult of the
military, who have positive orders from the highest civil
authority in Scotland to act instantly in self-defence in case of
receiving personal insult : All persons therefore who presume
to molest the military have themselves alone to blame for the
consequences that may ensue. A reward of fifty guineas is
hereby offered by the Magistrates of Greenock to any person
who will give such information as will lead to the conviction of
the persons guilty of the foresaid assault and rescue. — Council
Chambers, Greenock, 8th April, 1820."
Many of the Radicals in Paisley in endeavouring to keep out of the
hands of the authorities made some very narrow escapes. John Dickie
was an active leader among them, and as he frequently conducted
their correspondence, may be said to have been one of their secre-
taries. A warrant was issued to apprehend him and to search his
house. As the officers were on the stair leading to the house, some-
one having informed his wife of their approach, she seized his papers
and thrust them into the kettle, then on the fire. The officers
never thought of looking there, and had to go away without obtain-
ing anything of importance. She immediately thereafter destroyed
the papers.

On 6th June, Mr. Maxwell, M.P., presented a petition to the
House of Commons from distressed persons within the town of
Paisley to afford them means to emigrate to Canada.

A Special Commission of Oyer and Terminer was appointed by
the King for trying those charged with high treason in Scotland, and
courts were held at Stirling, Glasgow, Paisley, and Ayr. The
Special Commission in coming to Paisley went on board of a
steam vessel at Dumbarton, having come that way from StirUng,
and landed at Renfrew, where they were met by the authori-
ties from Paisley, and conveyed to the Tontine Hotel, escorted
by a detachment of hussars. On ist July their lordships and
attendants went to St. George's Church, where the trials were
to take place, followed by a great crowd. The doors were guarded
by the police. Half-an-hour before the judges took their seats,
the doors were thrown open for the indiscriminate admission of the
public to the lower part of the church, and no one was kept out
while there was sitting-room, but none were allowed to stand in
the passages. The admission to the galleries was by ticket. The

206 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

judges were the Lord President, Lord Justice Clerk, and Lord
Chief Commissioner. The Lord President dehvered the charge to
the Grand Jury. The court retired for an hour and a-half, and
returned with true bills against James Speirs, weaver, Johnstone ;
John Lang, weaver, Kilbarchan ; John SmelHe, weaver, Elderslie ;
James Walker, weaver, Johnstone ; Robert Parker, shoemaker,
Johnstone ; James Nixon, weaver, P^lderslie ; and John Young, as
guilty of high treason. The first two were indicted ; the last five were
not in custody. The prisoners named Francis Jeffrey and J. P.
Grant, advocates, as their counsel ; and Messrs. P. & J. Jack, writers.
Paisley, as their agents. The court fixed that the prisoners should
be arraigned on the 22nd July, and their trial take place a few
days afterwards. The Rev. J. Finlay officiated as chaplain, and
offered up a most appropriate prayer at the opening of the court.
Their lordships' carriages were escorted back to the Tontine Inn by
a party of the hussars and the Paisley Rifle Corps. The duty of
guarding them afterwards devolved upon the 13th Regiment, whose
guard-house was immediately behind the inn. The crowd which
followed the Commission gathered round the door and pressed upon
the military. While the soldiers were driving back the people, one
man who lived at Elderslie received a slight stab in the arm, and a
young man of the name of Logic was cut severely in the head with
a halbert. The indignation of the crowd was immediately directed
against the sergeant. Observing this ferment, the sergeant ordered
a fresh relief from the guards, and set down his halbert. Provost
Jamieson, who was present, at once made an enquiry into the charge
of harshness, the result being that the sergeant was sent to the
Police Office. Afterwards the soldiers at the door were ordered to
remove their bayonets from their muskets, and in that condition
they did duty during the time their lordships remained in town.
On the 22nd the indictment was read before the judges to the
prisoners, who pleaded not guilty. The court informed them that
they must be prepared to take their trial on Tuesday, the ist of
August, to which day the court adjourned. On that day there were
present the Lord President, Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Pitmilly, and
the Lord Chief Baron. The counsel for the Crown were the Lord-
Advocate and the Solicitor-General ; for the prisoners, Messrs.
Grant and Sandford. The counsel for the Crown intimated that
they would proceed first with the trial of James Speirs. The jury
were — Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart, Bart., Allan Ker, John M'Naught,
Robert Hunter, Alexander Leiper, James Coats, Gavin Browning,
Matthew Rodger, David Trail, John Gibson, Thomas Wright, and
James Wilson. The indictment against James Speirs was to the
efiect that he attempted to stop the cotton mills at Johnstone from
working, according to the orders of the Provisional Government as
stated in their proclamation of ist April. In the indictment there
were four counts, and in some of these there were nineteen overt
acts of high treason. After a great many witnesses were examined
in behalf of the Crown, the court adjourned till the following day.

iSoO TILL 1825. 207

Mr. Sandford then addressed the jury m a long speech, and argued
that it was their duty to return a verdict of not guilty. Afterwards
a great many witnesses were examined by Mr. Grant and Mr. Sand-
ford on behalf of the prisoner, at the close of which Mr. Grant
addressed the jury on his behalf; and was followed by the Lord-
Advocate for the Crown, who asked the jury to return a verdict of
guilty. The Lord Justice Clerk then went over the evidence. At
twenty minutes before four o'clock on the following morning
(Thursday), the jury withdrew to consider their verdict, and returned
in one hour and twenty minutes thereafter, intimating as their ver-
dict that the prisoner was guilty of the fifteenth overt act in the first
count of the indictment, but unanimously recommending him to
mercy. As the stopping of the mills had no connection with high
treason nor the compassing the life of the King, the court would not
receive such a verdict. The jury were then sent back to reconsider
their verdict, and returned in rather more than an hour and gave in
a verdict similar to the first. As this verdict was also rejected by
the court, the jury again withdrew, and returned at eight with a
verdict of not guilty. Of this announcement the audience im-
mediately manifested their approbation by cheering and clapping of
hands. The court pointed out a young man of the name of James
Mitchell who was more noisy than the others, and by their orders
he was instantly taken into custody and sent to jail, but he was
liberated soon afterwards. James Speirs was discharged after
receiving a suitable admonition from tlie court. The Lord- Advocate
intimated that he would not lead any evidence against John Lang,
and would accept of a sentence of acquittal. They therefore
found him not guilty, and he was discharged (Trials for High
Treason in Scotland, vol. iii.). The joy of the people that
were waiting, on the acquittal of James Speirs/ was un-
bounded. They carried him through several of the streets
shoulder-high, and his agent, Mr. Peter Jack, was similarly treated.
Thus concluded this great trial ; and it may be said to mark the
termination of the period known by the name of the " Radical War,"
or, as sometimes called, the " Radical Rising." The story we have
now told indicates the prevailing tone of highly -pronounced and
strongly-advanced political feeling at that time among the working-
classes of Paisley, which has caused the name of our town to be
known over the land as a centre of Radicalism, and very likely
induced the late observant Lord Beaconsfield to advise his party to
" keep their eye upon Paisley."

An interesting correspondence took place in October, 1831,
between Sheriff Dunlop and Mr. Wallace of Kelly. Mr. Wallace,
at a meeting of the Renfrewshire Political Union, accused the anti-

^ In 1850 public subscriptions were raised in Paisley by the friends and
admirers of James Speirs. About £10 was obtained in this way and presented
to him. At that time he lived in Sneddon district, and within two years there'
after he died in great destitution.

2o8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

reforming authorities, meaning the Sheriffs, with bringing troops into
the county with the view of raising, as formerly, a commotion.
Sheriff Dunlop, in a letter to Mr. Wallace dated the 13th of that
month, asked if he referred to the Sheriffs of Renfrewshire, and on
what authority he founded his assertion that he (the Sheriff) was
" desirous of exciting a commotion in Renfrewshire, and had
adopted means for producing it." Mr. Wallace replied in a long
letter of the following day. " I believe," he stated, " that persons
in the confidence and employment and pay of the Government were
sent among the people to stir them up to mischief, and did stir
them up to it in the years 1818 and 1819; and that troops were
poured at that time into all parts of the county at the request of the
authorities, — none of whom ever contradicted the allegation,
although a thousand times advanced, of hired spies and informers
having betrayed the people into acts of insubordination." Mr.
Wallace in the same letter further asked the following questions : —
" I St. Had you officially as Sheriff, or privately, directly or in-
directly, any information of the intention of sending or the actual
employment of any strangers in the county of Renfrew for the pur-
pose of gathering information as to the views and feehngs and con-
duct of the people during the years 1818, 1819, and 1820, for your
own use, that of others, or the Government ? 2nd. Did you,
officially or privately, directly or indirectly, know of any persons
being employed as above, or receiving pay or rewards, or communi-
cating with the other authorities, — such men belonging to or being
resident in Glasgow or in Renfrewshire, or any other county of
Scotland ? 3rd. Was a man of the name of Richmond employed
as above to your knowledge, or did he to your knowledge communi-
cate of his own accord with you officially or privately, directly or
indirectly, or with others in office in the county, or the Crown
officers ; and did he or did he not, so far as you may know or have
heard, receive public money or obtain pension or place from
Government ?" Sheriff Dunlop, in a letter five days afterwards,
among other matters stated — "I am not aware of having been
accused during the years 181 8 and 1819 of such odious conduct as
that which your queries imply ; nor can I admit the propriety of
being now subjected to interrogatories on the subject when no
proof or even presumption of guilt has been adduced. Waiving,
however, all such considerations, I shall answer your questions in
the manner you desire — ' frankly, explicitly, and on the honour of
a gentleman.' To the whole questions you have comprehended
under the first head, I answer distinctly and decidedly, No. To the
second query I give the same reply, with this understanding, that
I presume the question is not meant of the Sheriff having according
to his duty obtained his information by fair and legal means on
every point that concerned the peace of the district. I also answer
No to the third query, with this exception, that I have certainly
heard that the person referred to had been employed as a spy, but
only heard this report through the usual channels of public com-

iSoo TILL 1825. 209

munication, and have no knowledge whatever with regard to the
truth of the surmise. My answers to these three interrogatories
apply to the Sheriff- Substitutes as well as to myself, according to
the best of my knowledge and my implicit belief.'"' Mr Wallace
rephed to this letter, but there was not anything in his reply of
public importance.

The race-course around the "four -and -twenty acres" used at the
end of the last century was changed within the period we are con-
sidering. The new course chosen was along Underwood Road,
Greenhill Road, to the Greenock Road either by the lane now-
called Murray Street or by the lane farther north, and back to
Undenvood Road by Caledonia Street. It is not stated why this
change was made, but it does not appear to have been an improve-
ment upon the former course. As the Council records make no
reference to the races during this time, they must have been managed
by other persons in the town. Along a good part of the sides of
this new course there were dangerous ditches. On the forenoon of
the day on which the races were to be run, the " Silver Bells " were
brought from the Town Clerk's office, and exhibited in one of the
windows of the Tollbooth at the Cross. The conditions under
which the races were to be run were kept in the Town's Inn, and
the horses entered there for the "Bells "and after-shots. At the
same time also stewards, judge, and starter were appointed, accord-
ing to the ancient custom of the burgh. The conditions or articles
were generally as follows :— " The riders and horses to be at the
starting-post at four o'clock, and to run twice round the ordinary
course, and afterwards to the winning-post near the south end of
Caledonia Street. No horse, mare, or gelding which ever gained a
place, purse, or prize of the value of ^2^50, to be allowed to be
entered. No crossing or unfair jockeyship to be practised ; and if
the rider of the horse who shall first reach the winning-post be con-
victed of having employed any unfair methods in the course of the
race, the prize shall be withheld from him, and adjudged to the
owner of the horse which succeeded him. The prize to consist of
a pair of " Silver Bells," which must be immediately restored on
payment of two guineas. The owner of the horse arriving second
at the winning-post shall receive an allowance of half-a -guinea."
In going to the starting -place at the race -course the procession was
first formed at the Cross, and consisted of the four town officers in
front in full dress, with their halberds, and frequently some of the
bailies. The tow^n drummer was also there to beat his drum when
necessar)^, and the " Bells " were carried to the stand at the starting-
place on the race -course suspended from the point of one of the
town officer's halberds. In this way they marched with great show
to the course, followed by an immense crowd of people of ever}'
age. While many went to see the races on the roads along which
the horses ran, others went to the north side of Oakshawhill, where
a distant but safe view was obtained. The race was, as already

210 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Stated in the articles, run in heats, and these had the effect of pro-
longing the period of the racing. Several scaffolds also were
erected at different places for those who chose to pay for this
superior accommodation in order to have a better view of the races.
Accidents sometimes, however, unfortunately occurred in connec-
tion with these, in consequence of their not being securely fitted up.
One of these took place at the races in August, 1816. A scaffold
fell, and although none of those who were upon it were seriously
injured, yet a young woman with a child in her arms who was
standing underneath it was killed on the spot by some of the wood
falling on her head. It is very remarkable that no harm occurred
to the child.

The St. James Fair extended over three days. On Thursday,
the first day, there was a well -attended horse and cattle market.
On the following two days the public works in the town and neigh-
bourhood were all stopped to permit the workers, along with the
farm-servants and others, to see the famous Paisley " Bell " race
and the other attractions at the fair. The number visiting the race
in August, 1820, was comparatively small, but in the following year
the attendance was great. The races and fair are thus described in
the Glasgow Chronicle of i4t]i August, 1821 : —

" The races at Paisley last week were uncommonly well attended,
particularly on Saturday — indeed, more so than was ever remem-
bered. The day was uncommonly fine, and crowds of all ranks
from every part of the country assembled, and many equestrians and
pedestrians went from this city. Five horses started at twelve
o'clock for the principal race, and two other races took place in the
afternoon at three and five o'clock — the last of which was an
excellent race, and well contested. It was highly gratifying to
observe the good humour that pervaded all classes in the com-
munity. Everything went off agreeably, and we have heard of no
serious accidents that happened. Notwithstanding the great con-
course of people, the streets long before midnight were all quiet,
and nothing like noise was heard. Paisley race -course with a little
improvement might be made as fine a one as in the kingdom. The
local situation both for seeing and running is admirable ; and con-
sidering that we have no races at Glasgow, it would be desirable
that something were done to improve the race -course at Paisley.
We are happy to understand that this is in contemplation, and we
doubt not the local authorities of the town and the gentlemen of
the county will give every aid and encouragement to it."

At the races in the following year some serious accidents occur-
red. With the exception of one of the races, riders were thrown
from their horses. At one of the races two riders and two horses
came down, and were much hurt — one of the riders being carried
from the course in a state of insensibility. The other rider was
also taken in an apparently lifeless state to the adjoining field, where
animation was restored by his having his arm lanced by a medical

l8oO TILL 1825. 211

gentleman who happened to be at the place at the time. These
accidents were caused by an inattentive man coming in contact
with one of the horses. He was himself severely injured. A child
was also knocked down by one of the race -horses, and hurt severely
in the face and eyes.

One of the many benevolent and useful societies established in
this period was that for the education of those poor children who
laboured under the grievous calamity of being deaf and dumb. In
November, 181 7, a public meeting of the inhabitants was held in
the Court Hall for the purpose of considering the propriety of
having such an institution — Sheriff Campbell presiding. After
several gentlemen had addressed the meeting, it was unanimously
resolved that such a society should be established, and those pre-
sent appointed William Fulton, jun., president ; David Wallace,
treasurer; and George Carswell, secretary, along with eighteen
directors.

On loth January, i860, a general meeting of the managers and
friends of the Deaf and Dumb Society was held in the Council
Chambers — Mr. William Phillips of Crossflat in the chair. Mr.
Archibald Gardner, the secretary, stated that during the last three
years three pupils were in attendance at the Glasgow Institution, one
of whom had completed the curriculum of six years in August last ;
that during the same period seven pupils, from sixteen to thirty
years of age, were under the tuition of Mr. Mitchell four nights a
week, — two of whom left at the end of two years, and five were still
in regular attendance. Since 1833 a class for religious instruction
was open to all the mutes in town every Sabbath evening, conducted
by Mr. Mitchell, and was attended by about ten adults. Mr.
Gardner further stated that the society, since its commencement in
181 7, had educated thirty-three pupils, in addition to the seven
then under instruction, and the claims for the education of the mutes
in town had been fully met.

Near the end of the second decade of our century, considerable
agitation prevailed in the town on the subject of Burgh Reform. A
public meeting of the feuars and burgesses, called by public adver-
tisement, was held in the West Relief Church, Canal Street, on 29th
September, 181 9, — Mr. William Barr, writer, in the chair, — when
it was resolved, by a considerable majority, that as the inhabitants
were lawfully entitled to choose their Magistrates and Councillors,
and to audit their accounts, measures should forthwith be adopted
for regaining their authority. The meeting likewise disapproved of
the Council exacting a fourth part of a year's rent, instead of an
eighth, for entering vassals. Provost Carlile moved an adjourn-
ment of the meeting, to give the inhabitants time to consider
these matters, and stated that neither the Council nor himself were
disposed to resist any well founded proposal of the burgesses.
The Provost's motion, however, was only supported by a small

212 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

portion of the meeting. Subsequent to this meeting, and before
the end of the year, numerous printed statements and pamphlets
were issued from the press on this subject. The Town Council
themselves entered into the controversy " in vindication of their
official conduct against certain charges published by a committee of
feuars and burgesses." This vindication, which referred to the
selhng of the life-rent superiority, — a new Crown charter alleged to
have invaded the privileges of the feuars, — the admitting of burgesses
to elect the councillors, the raising the entries of vassals from one-
eighth to a quarter of the yearly rent, and the giving of facilities for
the inspection of the public accounts, "was ordered to be printed
and circulated and inserted in the newspapers." Another meeting
on burgh reform — convened by Mr. Barr, writer — was held on
5th March, 1819, but the demand for parliamentary reform and
other political agitations, superseded any further movements of this
kind. At this time the electing of Magistrates and Councillors was
conducted in a very curious and circuitous manner, and the plan
continued till the passing of the Burgh Reform Bill in 1833.
It was thus : — On the Monday preceding the day of election the
Council, by a general vote, nominated five of their number as a leet
or list for Treasurer, and fourteen persons who had formerly been
in Council as a leet for ordinary Councillors. These fourteen and
six individuals were elected by each of the Councillors present
naming one in rotation ; but should the number of the Councillors
be less than twenty, so as to leave the list incomplete, the remainder
were supplied by a general vote. On the day of election, the Treas-
urer, five old and three new Councillors, were chosen by a general
vote, and after administration of the oaths prescribed by law, they,
accompanied by the Burgh Clerk, retired to an ante-chamber, and
chose thirteen of the former Council, making, in toto, the number
twenty- two, of whom the Council for the year to come was to be
composed. The old and new Council afterwards nominated three
persons in succession to retire into an adjoining room, and select
one of them to return who was, of course, one of the leet for Magis-
trates, and he in turn suggested another who should retire in his
stead, and if approved by the Council, which was usually the case,
that person retired ; and from the three thus in the other apartment
the Council selected one who also was in the leet for Magistrates,
and in a similar way one was voted out and another in, until the
number of nine, composing the leet, was completed. These nine
having given their votes sigillatim, again retired ; and those
remaining in the Council Chamber having given their votes, the
election was decided in favour of those who appeared to have the
majority.

Several claims for damages suftered from the riots in 1819-20,
and also for the accommodation of troops, were made to the
Council. That body took the advice of counsel, who gave it as
their opinion that it was from the county the claims were recoverable.

l8oO TILL 1825. 213

The county objected to this. After much correspondence, the
government allowed ;^428 towards the charges incurred for
cavalry, infantry, &c., in consequence of these riots ; and the
Council and County in August, 182 1, agreed that the balance
should be paid equally by both parties. Before this arrangement
could be carried out, several parties raised an action before the
Sheriff against both the town and the county, for the recovery of the
sums due to them. The Sheriff found the Magistrates, as repre-
senting the community, liable in the damages, reserving to them
i;ehef against the community; "and in respect that the Magistrates
of burghs are the parties liable in terms of the statute for damages
committed during riots within burghs," assoilzied the county. It was
not, however, till April, 1825, that the expenses connected with
these riots were finally adjusted, when the Council authorised an
assessment of 2 3^d. per ^ to be made upon the annual rental of all
houses and possessions within the burgh.

In 1819-20 a rifle corps was raised in Paisley with the greatest
alacrity to aid the civil power and the special constables in main-
taining peace in the town. They were frequently called "the dandy
riflemen," and sometimes the sharp-shooters. They consisted of
two companies, and never exceeded 120 rifles each. The first
company was under Captain M 'Alpine, as captain commandant ;
Captain Stewart commanded the second company. Mr. Halden
was first lieutenant in the first company, and Mr. Thomas Carlile
was the other officer. Under Captain Stewart was Mr. William
Carlile, then a silk yarn manufacturer, afterwards bleacher at
Houston. Mr. A. H. Simpson, writer, was sergeant-major; Dr.
Joseph Macleod, surgeon. The band instruments were all key
bugles, except black Peter's drum ; and much of the music was
composed by Mr. R. A. Smith. Captain M'Alpine served in
America, and for his service there was entitled to a grant of land.
Captain Stewart served in the royals, and was also in America, but
not in war-time. He was an authority in his regiment on all
matters connected with discipHne and drill. Lieutenant Halden
served in the 21st regiment, and was with it at New Orleans when
it suffered severely in consequence of the 44th not being forward
with the fascines, on which the 21st was to cross the ditch. This
rendered the attack a failure. All these officers served in Spain
and rose by merit. It was no uncommon thing for clerks and
warehousemen to be at work in uniform, with their arms beside
them, ready at the signal (the ringing of the High Church bell) to
turn out ; and they mounted guard with the regulars. Sometimes a
regular officer, and sometimes a rifle officer, was in command of the
guard. On more than one occasion they were on guard for twenty-
four hours; and were at Foxbar, along with a party of the 13th
regiment, under the command of Sergeant Leiper. The following
well-known names formed part of the corps : — Messrs. John Dunn,
writer; John Gemmill, writer; Alexander Macfarlane, banker;

214 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Rev. James Smith, Cathcart; John Crawford, writer; Thomas
Henderson, accountant ; James Lymburn, merchant ; John Craw-
ford, teacher of dancing; John Mair, shoe merchant; Alexander
Wardrop, manufacturer; Alexander Bartholomew, Glasgow; George
Miller, Glasgow ; James Murphy, Glasgow ; Alexander M'Lean,
Andrew Sinclair, Thomas Cook, James Miller, William Sharp,
Robert Stevenson, Thomas Risk, John Jamieson, William Semple,
&c. The corps reached a high state of discipline, and often were
complimented by general officers by whom they were reviewed.

Measures were adopted at the end of 1820 for defraying certain
expenses incurred in the equipment of the yeomanry cavalry of the
county; and the Council on the 21st January following voted the
sum of ;z^2 5 for that purpose, being at the rate of ^£2 los. per ^{^loo
scots of the community's valuation. The county authorities
contributed their subscription in a similar manner.

Many of the inhabitants of Paisley, like those of several other
towns, took great interest in the proceedings connected with the
" Bill of Pains and Penalties " raised against the Consort of George
IV. A public meeting was held and an address to Queen Caroline
agreed to; and the writer of it — Mr. John M'Gregor — was
arrested by the orders of the Lord -Advocate. When the news
arrived on 23rd April, 1821, of the abandonment of that prosecu-
tion, those who were favourable to the Queen's cause exhibited a
great amount of joy, and agreed to have an illumination, when the
Magistrates published a proclamation prohibiting bonfires and the
carrying of tar- barrels and the discharging of fire-arms. The order
was generally obeyed, and the illumination was only partial. A
number of devices were exhibited. A green bag and several figures
meant to represent certain characters were burned with some
ceremony. By midnight the streets were as quiet as usual. The
proceedings against Mr. M'Gregor were abandoned.

In 1 82 1 a very correct and superior map of the town and suburbs,
upon a large scale, was published by Mr. Knox, Edinburgh. Its
dimensions were two feet nine inches by two feet.

The removal of the disabilities to which Roman Catholics were
subjected, were in April, 1822, brought before Parliament by Mr.
Canning, who proposed to empower Roman Catholic Peers to act
as members of the House of Lords. The country objected to this
measure ; and in Paisley a meeting of ministers and members
of different congregations in the town and neighbourhood was
held, and resolutions against the bill were passed. A petition,
founded upon these resolutions, was subscribed by a considerable
number of ministers, magistrates of the town and county, and by
nearly four thousand of the inhabitants. The petition was presented
to the House of Commons by ]Mr. Robert Peel, and to the House
of Lords by the Earl of Liverpool.

The year 1824 was notable in the literary annals of Paisley for

l8oO TILL 1825. 215

the commencement in it of the first newspaper. For many years
prior to that time the want of a newspaper to chronicle passing
local events, and to afford facilities for advertising, for the discussion
of social and political subjects, both local and of a general nature,
was severely felt. For such and much other information the
inhabitants were almost entirely dependent upon the newspapers
published in other places. And although in these were narrated
some of the principal events that occurred in the town, yet in many
respects they fell far short of supplying the wants of our community.
Before the commencement of the first newspaper, several periodicals
had been issued weekly and monthly from the Paisley press for a
time and had then disappeared. Of these we may mention the
following: — Amtual Miscellany or Literary Recreatiojis, 181 2;
Paisley Repository, 181 2; Weavers' Magazine, 2 vols., 181 7 -19;
Harp of Renfrezvskire, 18 19; Paisley Literary Miscellany, 1823;
Moral and Literary Observer, 1823; The Comet, 1823; The
Gaberliinzie, 1824. The Tickler did not appear till 1828; and The
Paisley Magazine, now so much prized, was published in the same
year.

The desire to have a newspaper in Paisley was general. The
first meeting was held in the Saracen's Head Inn on nth August,
1824, when Provost James Carlile was in the chair. The following
were appointed a committee to obtain shareholders to subscribe the
capital required : — Provost Carlile ; Bailies Matthew Boyd, William
Gilmour, Andrew Deans, and Treasurer M'Donald, along with
fifteen gentlemen — Provost CarUle, convener. Messrs. Barr,
Hart, and Auld, writers, were appointed to prepare conditions for
the signature of the shareholders. When these were agreed upon
and the company established, the proprietors were as follows : —
John Auld, William Barr, John Bell, John Boyd, Matthew Boyd,
Gavin Browning, jun., John Caldwell, Edward Campbell, John
Campbell, Alexander Carlile, James Carhle, Thomas Carswell, jun.,
James Coats, James Cook, John Craig, David Crawford, William
Currie, Thomas Dick, James Dunn, William Falconer, Robert
Farquharson, John Fleming, Joseph Fleming, Peter Fraser,
Alexander Fullarton, Andrew Gibson, John Gibson, John Lawrence,
jun., John Lymburn, William Lyon, George Miller, Andrew Millar,
Henry Miller, William Motherwell, John Macalister, Archibald
M'Alpine, Adam M'Cargow, Neil M'Donald, Robert M'Kechnie,
M.D., Joseph M'Leod, John Neilson, Robert Patison, John Paton,
William Paton, James Peddie, John Peddie, P. A. Ramsay, John
Scott, James Scroggie, James Shearer, James Shearer, jun., William
Sim, Robert Smith, WiUiam Stirfing, Hugh Strathern, Matthew
Taylor, William Gilmour, John Goldie, John Halden, John
Hamilton, John Hart, William Hart, John Hunter, M. W. Ivison,
John Jamieson, James Lamb, William Taylor, James Walker,
William Waterston, Alexander Wilson, James Wilson, John Wilson,
jun., Robert Wilson, and William Wylie.

By article VL of the constitution, the editor was bound not to

2l6 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

indulge in strong party politics, but to take a medium course. The
first editor was Mr. James Goldie, and the first number of the
Paisley Advertiser appeared on the 9th October, 1824, and continued
to be published weekly on the Saturdays thereafter.

In the following year another weekly newspaper commenced
to be published in Paisley. On the 8th January, 1825, the following
advertisement appeared in the Paisley Advertiser: — "Early in
February will be published No. i of a new Hberal and independent
weekly newspaper, entitled the Renfrewshire Chronicle, to be
published every Friday afternoon. The prospectus will appear in
the course of a few days." We find a notice to the following effect
in the Paisley Advertiser of 17th September following: — "At a
meeting of the proprietors of the Renfreivshire Chronicle, held on
Monday last, it was resolved that, after the present number, the
publication should be discontinued. — -Renfreivshire Chi'onicle, 15th
September." The twenty- fifth number, "printed by R. Fraser,
Coffee -Room Buildings," dated nth August, 1825, is in the
Reference Department of the Free Library ; and, looking to the
date of its stoppage, there have been in all thirty numbers published.

The following is an extract from a very interesting report to the
Town Council, by a committee of their number, relating to the
Statute Labour Fund, for the year 1824 : —

Number of persons assessed,
Persons considered poor,
Certificates of inability,
Exemptions from military service, ...
Removed, and not yet found,

143 houses, kept by 92 persons, at los.,
Houses rented above ;^io — 250 at 5s.,
Houses rented under ^10 — 3781 at 3s.,

Collected in five months.
Remaining uncollected,

In 1822, the amount of statute labour money

collected was ...
In 1823,

Immediately after the inhabitants had celebrated the great
victory of the British arms at Waterloo, a number of gentlemen in
town formed a Waterloo club. At the anniversary meetings they

5630

. 580

• 517

■ 177

233

. ^71

. 62

567

;^7oi

'£zsi

■ 344

•^341

. 358

l800 TILL 1825. 217

dined together; and the ninth and last was held on the 18th June,
1825, in the Saracen's Head Inn. Provost Farquharson was in the
chair ; supported by Colonel Mure and Sheriff Campbell. William
Lowndes, Esq., acted as croupier, and the meeting was numerous
and highly influential. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, the
Provost, in an eloquent speech, proposed the toast of " the Duke of
Wellington and his illustrious warriors of the memorable i8th of
June, 1 81 5." Among the other toasts given during the course of
the evening were, " the memory of our gallant countrymen who laid
down their lives in raising their country's fame and in achieving the
most splendid victory that ever adorned the annals of history ; " " the
King of Prussia and his brave warriors;" "His Majesty's Ministers,
and may they continue to increase the comforts and decrease the
burdens of the people;" "Sir Edward Paget and the army in
India;" "Colonel Mure and the Renfrewshire Militia;" "Lord
Kelburne and the Renfrewshire Yeomanry ; " " Colonel Snodgrass,
Captain Macalpine, and the Paisley Rifle Corps ;" "The friendly
union of Whig and Tory ; " " Plenty in the land the best guarantee
for loyalty in the people," &c.

Well might Paisley rejoice over such a termination to so disastrous
a war. As a home of peaceful industry, she can only hope to thrive
by the blessings of peace. The self-aggrandising war of Buonaparte
brought only mischief to her, and his downfall was the herald of
increased prosperity in all departments of her manufactures and
trade.

CHAPTER XVII.

1825 TILL 1850.

T several periods in this century, we have been under
the necessity of recording great depressions of trade in
the town, with accompanying distress among the
industrious classes. But the bad trade and commercial
gloom that swept over the country in the latter part of
1825, the whole of 1826, and a part of 1827, was the most severe
that had been experienced in Paisley. The unfavourable condition
of trade which prevailed, more or less, between 1817 and 1822, was
followed in 1823 and 1824 by great prosperity. Money became
abundant ; labour was in great demand and was well paid ;
speculation was rife ; and the public funds, which stood in the
money market at ^65 in 1820, rose to ;j^96 in 1824. But in the
autumn of 1825 a sad change began to manifest itself, and by the
beginning of 1826 trade became generally depressed throughout
the country. It was on 27th February in this year that the distress
existing among the operatives, from inability to procure employment,
was first brought under the notice of the Town Council, who,
thinking that this state of matters would only be temporary,
arranged with tlie General Session to obtain funds from the
Directors of the Town's Hospital, to afford assistance to the most
necessitous. On the 23rd of the following month, the Provost
reported to the Council that the number of weavers, with their
dependants, out of employment and requiring assistance had
increased to 2200. To obtain the additional funds required to
assist those in distress, the Council, still thinking the depression in
trade would soon pass away, authorised a supplementary assessment
to be raised by the Directors of the Town's Hospital. This was
also found to be quite inadequate. As many of the operatives in
the villages in the surrounding district were suffering from inability
to find work, a county meeting was held on 27th March, to decide
what should be done. The attendance at the meeting was both
numerous and influential. The deepest interest was displayed in
the extent of the distress that existed, and the greatest anxiety for
its removal. Upwards of ;^6oo was subscribed by those present.
Another meeting, also numerously attended, of gentlemen belonging
to the town, was held for the same purpose on 3rd April following.
The greatest unanimity prevailed among those present in their desire
to assist those suffering severe hardships from want of employment.
The amount subscribed at the meeting, and within a few days there-
after, was upwards of ;^7oo. By the end of April the town and

1S25 TII.I. 1850. 219

county subscriptions, which were conjoined, amounted to ^2657.
In Paisley at this time there were three thousand looms idle ; in
Kilbarchan, three hundred out of seven hundred ; and in Houston,
fifty out of eighty- four. By the middle of May the number out of
employment in Paisley and neighbourhood, along with their
dependants, amounted to 12,890. As distress from want of employ-
ment prevailed among the operatives throughout nearly the whole
country, subscriptions for their relief were commenced in London ;
and so much was the object approved of, that ^18,000 was raised
during the first day. By the middle of June the weekly expenditure
for the support of the unemployed and their dependants amounted
to ;^54o. The money received in the locality could not meet this
great outlay, but funds were fortunately obtained from other sources.
The King subscribed ^500 to the funds ; and money was sent
from the London manufacturing committee ; from Newcastle,
Bristol, Edinburgh, and Greenock. In the beginning of July the
number of persons in Paisley and district wholly or partially
depending on the fund for relief was nearly 15,000. Another
county meeting was held, and further sums subscribed for the relief
of the distressed operatives.

In several towns in England there were severe riots, much
property was destroyed, the military was called out and lives were
lost. The object of the rioters was to destroy power-looms, as the
cause of the depression in hand- loom weaving. In spite of the
privations the operatives in Paisley and surrounding district endured,
they conducted themselves in a most orderly and exemplary manner.
Several of them were engaged in improving the foot-paths on the
roads surrounding the town, and many were employed upon the
banks and towing-path of the River Cart. The Council were so
satisfied v/ith the operations at the river, that on nth July they
voted p^ 1 50 to the relief fund.

Towards the end of August the general trade of the country
showed symptoms of improvement, and as these continued and
gradually increased, the operatives obtained work ; and by
February in the following year, the applications for relief ceased
altogether.

The money expended in reUeving the distress of the operatives at
this time, was upwards of ^^13,000 ; and of this sum ;^3,7oo was
received from the London manufacturing committee. The Council
were so much pleased with the generous conduct of Mr. Robert
Peel, M.P., the Home Secretary, that they sent an address to him
expressing their best thanks " for the anxious solicitude, patient
attention, and benevolent interest exhibited by him in his official
capacity relative to this district of the country, during a protracted
period of unexampled distress." Mr. Peel's interesting reply to
Provost Farquharson was as follows : —

"Whitehall Gardens, 7th May, 1827.

"Sir, — I request that you will assure the Magistrates and
common Council of the Burgh of Paisley, that the sentiments of

2 20 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

respect and esteem which they have expressed towards me are very
gratifyuig to my feelings. The daily communications which for
many months came respecting the state of the district in which
Paisley is situated, have left impressions on my mind which will
cause me to take a lasting interest in its welfare. The painful
sensations inseparable from the contemplation of severe distress
were relieved by the consolatory reflection that every local effort
was made for the mitigation of it that could be made by benevolence
unremittingly and most judiciously directed towards its object. I
can never forget either the zealous exertions of that benevolence, or
the patient fortitude with which misfortunes were borne by the
immediate sufferers. The mutual feelings of good -will between all
classes of society which have sprung from the near and affecting
relations in which they were thus placed towards each other, will, I
am confident, long survive the occasion which gave them birth, and
will be a lasting compensation for an evil the pressure of which
was so severe. With many acknowledgments to yourself personally
for the flattering terms in which you have conveyed to me the
unanimous resolution of the Magistrates and common Council, I
have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

" Robert Peel."

This depression in the state of the trade of the country was
greatly aggravated by the harvest of 1826 being very unsatisfactory.
The heat and the drought were severe, and the crop of oats in many
dry soils was so short that it had to be pulled out by the roots.

The operatives were so much delighted with the great exertions
Provost Farquharson had made in their behalf, that at a meeting
held in the Saracen's Head Inn on 30th September, 1827, — Dr.
William Craig in the chair, — they presented to him three beautiful
and chastely designed silver salvers, bearing the following inscrip-
tion : — " To Robert Farquharson, Esq. of Allargue, Provost of
Paisley, as an expression of public gratitude for exertions in behalf
of the unemployed operatives during the late period of unexampled
distress."

The weaving trade in 1829 Avas again depressed, and funds were
raised to assist those out of employment. The London manu-
facturing committee contributed p^6oo.

In 1 83 1 the Paisley weavers were again subjected to bad trade.
A meeting of the subscribers to the relief fund in 1829 was held in
November, 1831, and more money was collected by public sub-
scriptions for relief of the unemployed. Upwards of _;^2ooo was
received in this way. By the beginning of 1832 trade had improved
so much that the giving of relief was stopped.

Bad trade had now unfortunately become periodical in Paisley,
and the intervals were very short. In 1837 depression of trade in
Paisley existed to a very great degree. In April of that year there
were of unemployed weavers 850, of dyers 60, and in addition there
were many flower -lashers, draw-boys, pirn-winders, sewers, and
others, in the same unfortunate condition. Many of the able-

1825 TILL 1850. 221

bodied men were employed in breaking stones in the town's quarry,
and in repairing the banks and towing-path connected with the
river Cart. Several soup kitchens were also established in the
town, and as many as eight hundred quarts of soup were distributed
daily to those out of work. A considerable amount of money was
collected by pubUc subscriptions both in the town and county.
Trade becoming better, payments to the unemployed were stopped
in the middle of September, and the soup kitchens were closed at
the end of that month. The money received at this time for the
relief of the distress was as follows : —

General subscriptions and collections.

■• ^5853

London subscriptions.

•• 3345

Edinburgh do.,

2009

Loan per Mr. Hastie, M.P.,

2000

Work done in the quarry,

359

Interest, ...

^13,581 8 8
Repaid Mr. Hastie, ]\LP., ... ... 1500 o o

;;^i2,o8i 8 8

This large amount of money was all expended. The sum lent
by Mr. Hastie was understood to have been received by him from
the Government Treasury.

We now approach the years 1841,2,3, when the weaving trade
in Paisley and surrounding district was, from a variety of disturbing
causes, in a worse condition than it had ever been. During this
terrible period the sufferings and distress of the working classes,
which were endured with the greatest patience, were without a
parallel for duration and extent. In the summer of 1840 a number
of unemployed weavers received assistance ; but it was not till 22nd
June, 1 841, that serious and pressing applications were made to the
Town Council for relief. They called a public meeting of the
clergy, bankers, merchants, manufacturers, traders, and other inhabi-
tants, to be held in the Court Hall on the 29th of that month, to
devise means for the relief of the unemployed operatives of the
town. The meeting was well attended ; and being of opinion that
a great deal of real distress existed among the operatives of Paisley
and its neighbourhood, agreed that a committee should be appointed
for the purpose of raising a fund with the view of providing for the
relief of the unemployed. Thereafter the state of trade and manu-
factures gradually became worse, and the unemployed increased in
numbers. To add to the sufferings in the community, several of
the leading manufacturers were compelled to suspend payments,
confidence was destroyed, and extensive bankruptcies followed.
The Town Council also, whose borrowed money was repayable at a
short notice, being unable to meet the demands made on them,

2 22 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

were under the necessity of suspending payments on 22nd December,

1841. The number receiving relief on 7th July, 1841, amounted to
2180; it rose to 14,791 on the nth February, 1842; and gradually
fell, with slight fluctuations, till 4th October, 1842, when the number
was 5989 ; from this time it again increased until the 27th Decem-
ber, 1842, when it reached 11,885. The number then decreased
until 7th March, 1843, when it was found to be 4442.

The allowances made to those on the relief list ranged from
threepence to one penny per head per day.^ During the period of
the distress the destitute unemployed were supplied in two different
ways — first by tickets or orders on the shopkeepers, and after-
wards by orders on the stores belonging to the Relief Committee.
Latterly a little money was also given.

It has been alleged by some parties that the contributions of the
inhabitants of Paisley to the general fund were small. But it must
be kept in view that all classes in the community suffered so much
that they were unable to give more. Out of 1 1 2 manufacturing
firms solvent and doing business in July, 1841, 67 failed ; and out
of 40 persons ranked in the Directory as merchants, 20 failed, and
these were the leading men in town. The amount of the liabilities
of those firms that failed was upwards of ^750,000, and thus caused
a great loss to those banks that did business in the town.

In consequence of a complaint made in the House of Commons
by Mr. Wallace, M.P. for Greenock, in February, 1843, that the
unemployed and destitute in Paisley were not receiving proper
treatment, a committee of their number was appointed to inquire
into the allegation and to report to the House. The witnesses
examined before that committee were — William Henley Hyett,
secretary of the London Manufacturers' Relief Committee ; E. T. B.
Twiselton, Assistant Poor- Law Commissioner for England ; Robert
Wilson, town -clerk, Paisley ; Provost Henderson, Sheriff Campbell,
Rev. Dr. Burns, Paisley ; Rev. Mr. Bremner, and W. M. Alexander
of Southbar. The result of the labours of this committee was a
mass of interesting evidence relating to the distress in Paisley, along
with a short report made by the committee.

To encourage the weaving trade in Paisley, the Queen in January,

1842, desired the Provost to forward to Her Majesty a number of
Paisley shawls that she might make a selection from them. There
were accordingly thirty shawls sent to Windsor Castle, at prices
varying from ^2 los. to J[,\2 los., and Her Majesty retained
eighteen of them belonging to eight different manufacturers, the
value of which amounted to ^157 5s. 6d.

Before the end of March trade had greatly revived, and the
number of the unemployed had decreased so greatly that the stores
were stopped. By the end of April the soup kitchens were also
closed.

^ See Report of Select Committee of the House of Commons for full particu-
lars, p. 136.

1825 TILL 1850.

22-

The sources from which the Relief Committee obtained the funds
they expended were as follows : —

London Manufacturers' Relief Committee,

London Private Committee,...

Edinburgh,

Glasgow,

India, ...

Greenock,

Ireland,

Paisley,

Various parts of Scotland, per Clergy,

County of Renfrew, ... ^4,240 19

Off for Villages, ... 1,477 16

^16,656
4,914
2,423
1,322

1,528

659

500

2,031

4,670

9
o
10
5
7
2
o

Various quarters,

Queen and other Patrons to County Subscrip-
tions,

New York,

France,

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway,

Glasgow and Renfrewshire Charity Ball,

General Assembly of Church of Scotland,

Weaving Fund, the loss on which

was ... ... ... ^1,371 16 o

Emigration Fund, ... ... 177 o o

To Agricultural Labour Fund, 95S 16 o

2,763
6,910

325

200

120

399

o
o

5
II

^2,507 12

Say One-half for Paisley,
Implement Fund,

1,2;;

386

^47,187 18 10

Before that quarter of the 19th century we are now considering
had finished, a fifth depression of trade had occurred. In January,
1847, the number of unemployed, including their dependants,
amounted to 5500, and in the same month in the following year the
number was about 7000. Money was again raised by subscriptions
and by contributions from the poor funds. The assistance granted
for the support of the unemployed was chiefly by means of soup
kitchens.

The general trade and business in the country for some years at
this time was in an intensely depressed condition ; and the
entire failure of the potato crop in every direction increased the
universal gloom in commercial affairs. Money became high in
value — the discounts charged by the Bank of England rising as
high as ten per cent., and the shares and stocks in public companies

224

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

fell immensely in value, causing the ruin of many who thought they
were in affluent circumstances.^

When the Abbey Bridge was built, as already stated, in 1763, the
roadway was made so narrow that two vehicles could not pass one
another, and there was no foot-path for passengers. On several
occasions its insufficiency appears to have attracted the attention of
the county road trustees. So far back as 1806 they had agreed to
a resolution that some very necessary improvements should be made
on the entrance to Paisley by the Abbey Bridge, but these were not
carried out. At the annual meeting of the trustees in October,
1822, Mr. Maxwell of Pollok brought the matter under the
consideration of the trustees, and stated that " when passing that
way in his carriage he had frequently observed that the bridge was
very narrow, and that foot passengers ran a considerable risk,
particularly if the carriages were driving hard. Money expended
on this improvement would be a benefit to the county." In the
discussion that followed, the trustees, after declaring they were
ready to give one -third of the expense incurred in making the
necessary improvements, appointed a committee to examine the
bridge and to report to a future meeting. Nothing definite, how-
ever, was done till three years afterwards, when the " Provost
reported that, at a meeting of Quarter Sessions, held at Renfrew on
the 25th instant, it had been agreed to contribute from the bridge
money fund ;z^2oo towards widening the Seedhill Bridge, provided
the community of Paisley and the inhabitants of the Newtown and
suburbs should subscribe ^400, and that the repairs be carried into
effect within three years" (Council Records, 31st October, 1825).
The Council, at a meeting held on the 15th of the following month,
agreed to subscribe ;^ioo towards this improvement. But it
appears to have been a difficult matter to raise the remainder of the
money required, for the widening of the bridge was not completed
till 1829. The bridge was made nine feet wider, and this increased
its width to twenty- three feet two inches over the walls. A narrow
foot-path was made on the east side, the side on which the
additional width was secured. Looking to the immense traffic that

^ The following table shows the prices of stock in a few of the principal rail-
ways at the end of December for the five years ending 1849 : —

1849.

York and North Midland, . .

York and Newcastle,

London and Norlh-Western,

Glasgow and Ayrshire,

Lancashire and Yorkshire,...

Caledonian,

Great Western,

Edinburgh and Glasgow,

Paid.

1845.

1846.

1847.

184S.

;^=;o

;^I02

£9^

£l^

£m

100

210

193

145

125

100

150

125

100

104

100

168

141

ICO

136

132

£^1
16

log
22

55
20

1825 TILL 1850. 225

passed along the bridge, the wonder is that the serious inconvenience
and danger to passengers arising from its narrowness could have
been submitted to so long.

In 1827 the Old Bridge was in a state of disrepair; and on the
1 2th October in that year the Provost stated to the Council, "that
the Cross Bridge, commonly called the Old Bridge, was in very
great disrepair and required immediate attention ; and the meeting
appointed application to be made to the meeting to be held at
Renfrew on the 30th current of the Road Trustees, for an ap-
propriation of part of the County Bridge money to repair the said
iDridge." In the meantime a proposition was made, — as stated at
a Council meeting held on the 25th of that month, — that besides
repairing the bridge, it should also be widened by projecting the
foot-path on the north side, and it was expected that money would
be raised by public subscription to pay part of the expense. The
Town Council accordingly made application to the County Trustees,
who granted ^56 13s. 4d. towards the cost of the repairs. The
Council agreed to pay other ^20, and ^50 was raised by sub-
scription. On 27th May, 1828, the Council ordered specifications
to be prepared for the work, and employed Mr. James Gillespie, slater,
to point the mason work of the bridge with arden lime. When the
offers were opened on 25th June, 1828, that of Mr. James
Donaldson at ^2 5s. per lineal yard, with an allowance of ^'j for
old materials, was accepted, being the lowest. In 1832 the late
Mr. James Dunn of Greenhill, took down the house at the north-
east end of the bridge, and the opportunity was embraced of
widening the street there. Towards this improvement the Council
contributed ;^3o.

The retaining wall at the north-west end of the Sneddon Bridge
gave way in 1840, and was rebuilt at an expense of ;£,22i i8s. 3d.
The County Road Trustees on being applied to paid one -third part
of that sum ; and the Town Council and Newtown Road Trustees
contributed the balance, in the proportion of the sums which they
received for statute labour money.

The troops of the Renfrewshire Yeomanry Cavalry formed, as
already mentioned, in the period of disaffection and rioting in 1820,
were not disbanded like the rifle corps, when these troublous times
had ended. The head quarters of these troops were generally in
Paisley, and they continued to meet for drill during many years.
On 6th October, 1826, this yeomanry force, after they had been
engaged for eight days at drill, were reviewed by Major Campbell,
in the presence of many spectators, in a field at Hawkhead farm,
adjoining the Canal. They consisted of four troops and mustered
two hundred strong. When the review was finished horse-racing
commenced ; and the plan always adopted for finding out the
swiftest horse was by each of the four troops trying among them-
selves, and the four victors in this contest afterwards running, when
the first horse was declared the winner of the race. In this

2 26 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

concluding trial of speed the victory was won by Mr. Galloway, who
gave the stakes to the unemployed relief fund. The corps after-
wards dined in the Renfrewshire Tontine, — Sir M. S. Stewart in
the chair. The next review took place on 8th August, 1827, in a
field near to Barnsford Bridge. Archibald Campbell, Esq. of
Blythswood, in his uniform as lord-lieutenant of the county, was
present as inspecting officer ; and Sir M. S. Stewart, major
commandant, was, in his absence, represented by his brother,
Captain Houston Stewart. The force mustered about 240 strong,
and looked extremely well in their new clothing. The heavy
helmets formerly worn were superseded by caps of a more becoming
pattern. There were many superior horses on the field ; and the
readiness with which, in so short a period of drill, the men performed
the various evolutions, was favourably commented on by those in
command and by the numerous spectators assembled. At the
termination of the review there was the usual horse-racing. On
returning to Paisley many of the yeomen dined in the Renfrewshire
Tontine, — Captain Houston Stewart occupying the chair.

On 28th January, 1828, the gallant and chivalrous officers of the
first or Paisley troop gave a splendid ball in the Renfrewshire
Tontine. Besides the members of the troop, there were both
officers and men from the other troops. According to the local
newspaper, then edited by Mr. William Motherwell, the assembly
must have been highly successful, for it stated — "The ball-room
was crowded, and there could not be fewer than 250 individuals
present. Dancing commenced about eight, and continued till four
in the morning. "With truth can we say that we never witnessed a
more animating and joyous scene, and never was a ball conducted
more perfectly to the satisfaction of all as that on Tuesday night.
The whole evening was one unceasing round of festive and hearty
enjoyment — trooper and civilian — lady and rustic maiden, in
holiday attire, mingling in the giddy mazes of the dance without
distinction and in perfect harmony." In this year the review, after
the usual days of drilling, took place on 9th August, on the same
field as in the previous year. There was likewise the customary
racing ; and the fifth or concluding race was won in dashing style
by Mr. Lindsay, of the Kilbarchan troop. Upwards of seventy
yeomen dined in the afternoon in the Tontine Inn, — Sir M. S.
Stewart in the chair. On the 20th November in that year, the
privates in the first troop gave a ball in honour of their officers, to
show the kindly feeling of the troopers towards them. About 160
were present.

In August, 1829, Sir M. S. Stewart, the major- commandant,
issued orders for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the
corps, recommending the different troops to have occasional drilling
previous to mustering for permanent duty. This was attended to
with commendable zeal. On 27th September, the Yeomanry
Cavalry, under the command of Sir M. S. Stewart, marched into
(quarters for the usual period of training and exercise. The muster

1825 TILL 1850, 227

of the regiment that year was considerably above 200 ; and it was
stated in the pubHc prints at the time that a finer body of men or
better horses and more perfect equipment had never been reviewed
in any yeomanry corps in Scotland. The troopers were reviewed
on the 3rd October in a field abounding in many picturesque
beauties on the side of the river at Abbots Inch.^ The attendance
of spectators was very considerable. A. C. Campbell, Esq. of
Blythswood, Earl Cathcart, Sir Archibald Campbell of Succoth,
and other gentlemen, were present. Major Graham of the 12th
Royal Lancers was the inspecting officer, and the yeomen in per-
forming their exercises must have given unbounded satisfaction,
judging from what was afterwards stated. After the review the
troops were drawn up in a hollow square, and Earl Cathcart, after
addressing them in flattering terms, concluded by saying — " Yeomen
of Renfrewshire, you have charged to-day like heroes. With such
as you at my back the conquest of the world were easy." Sir M. S.
Stewart also addressed the troops at some length, and said — "You
have earned distinguished honours, but I can add nothing to the
warm terms in which Lord Cathcart, the first cavalry officer in the
kingdom, has addressed you. I thank you for the personal sacrifices
I know many of you have made in coming to do duty at this season
of the year. You have mustered around the banner of your Sover-
eign when that banner called you to the field, with a readiness
creditable to your own loyalty and truly flattering to me as your
officer. It is the proudest feeling of my heart that I have at this
moment clustered around me the flower of the yeomen of Renfrew-
shire, and that they have most emphatically done their duty."
Then followed the troop races, which excited marked interest ; and
the final tie (or heat) was gained by Mr. John Speirs. In the after-
noon about 130 gentlemen dined in the Renfrewshire Tontine —
Sir M. S. Stewart in the chair. The Yeomanry in the following
year (1830) were on permanent duty at Greenock for eight days,
and the review was held in a field at Finnart.

The officers of the Paisley troops gave a ball on 31st January,
183 1, in the Renfrewshire Tontine, and there were about 200 pre-
sent. In 1832 the different troops were drilled at Mearns. On
27th October, 1833, the Yeomanry went on duty for eight days, at
the end of which they were reviewed by Major Hill of the 7th
Hussars, who expressed himself satisfied with their equipments and
manoeuvring. After the customary races, a number dined in the
Tontine, under the presidency of Captain Houston Stewart, R.N.

^ Jamieson states in his dictionary that Inshc and Insh in Gaelic generally
mean an island of a small size. According to the map of the river Cart supplied
by Robert Whitworth along with his report in 1786, already noticed, upon the
improvement of its navigation, two islands are shown at this place. One of these
at least must have been appropriated in some way by the Abbots of the Monas-
tery, and hence its name. There were five inshes or islands in the river Clyde
between Renfrew and Glasgow, according to Blean's map of 1654. There are
none now, but their respective names were ^ Water Inch, Whyl Inch, Bush
Inch (or Packman's Isle), King's Inch, and Sand Inch.

228 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

On 6th December in that year the privates of the first troop gave a
ball in the Renfrewshire Tontine in honour of their officers. The
company assembled exceeded 300. In August, 1834, the first
troop assembled for eight days' drill under Captain Farquharson.
On 23rd January, 1835, a cavalry ball took place, under the auspices
of the officers of the first troop, in the Tontine assembly-room. The
troopers were all in full uniform with the exception of spurs. There
were present, besides the officers of the 72nd Regiment, Sir M. S.
Stewart, P. M. Stewart, M.P., Sheriff Dunlop, and the Lord -Lieu-
tenant of the County, Mr. Campbell of Blythswood. Li August,
1 836, the Yeomanry Cavalry were on duty at Greenock for eight days.
In 1838 the Government, in consequence of the continued peace
enjoyed by the country, resolved to dispense with the services of the
Renfrewshire Yeomanry Cavalry. They were finally disbanded on
31st March in that year; and on the previous evening the officers
gave a grand ball in the Tontine Assembly Rooms.^ The warm-
hearted, upright, and generous Captain Farquharson, of the first
troop, was a great favourite with the members, and they entertained
him at dinner on the 4th June in that year, in the Saracen's Head
Inn, in testimony of their respect and esteem for him, with whom
they had been so long associated.

The petitions presented to Parliament by the Town Council in
this period were numerous, and many of them related to subjects of
very great importance. They were as follows : —

On 25th February, 1826, they petitioned Parliament against the
bill for prohibiting the issue of small notes by bankers. On 26th
January, 1827, they petitioned both Houses of Parliament to revise
the Corn Laws in such a way as to be beneficial to the commercial
interests of this country ; while at the same time the agricultural
interests would be protected. On 27th April, 1829, they petitioned
Parliament in favour of a bill for making a railway from the coal
fields of the upper parts of Lanarkshire to communicate with the
western markets, by the Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway, Monkland
Canal, and other communications. On 22nd January, 1830, they
petitioned in favour of a bill to connect Lanarkshire coal fields with
the Clyde, at the Broomielaw, by means of a railway. On 30th
March, 1830, they petitioned against the renewal of the charter to
the East India Company. On i6th December, 1830, they petitioned
in favour of Parliamentary reform. On 15th March, 183 1, they
petitioned in favour of the plan of Parliamentary reform proposed
by Government. On 24th June, 1834, they petitioned against the
Law of Entail. On 22nd July, 1835, they petitioned in favour of a
measure to regulate the wages of hand -loom weavers. On 26th
April, 1836, they petitioned against the duty on Fire Insurance.
On 9th May, 1837, they petitioned against the mode of assessment

^ In Scotland only two corps were retained at this time, — the Lanarkshire and
Ayrshire, — all the rest being disbanded.

l82^ TILL i8:;o.

229

proposed in the Prisons Bill. On i6th May, 1837, they petitioned
the Government to grant a sum for the support of the unemployed
artizans. On 30th May, 1837, they petitioned Parliament for the
abolition of the punishment of death in all cases except murder.
On 23rd May, 1838, they petitioned Parliament in favour of the
Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Bill. On 4th April, 1838, they
again petitioned Parliament against the proposed mode of levying
the rates in the new Prisons Bill. On 29th May, 1838, they
petitioned Parliament in favour of a reduced and uniform rate of
postage. On 24th July, 1838, they, for the third time, petitioned
Parliament against the Prisons Bill, as regards the proposed mode
of assessment and the board of management. On i8th March,

1839, they also petitioned Parliament against the Prisons Bill. On
29th March, 1839, they petitioned Parliament in favour of a uniform
penny post. On 21st January, 1840, they petitioned the Queen for
a commutation of the sentence of death passed upon John Frost,
Zephaniah Williams, and William Jones, lately found guilty of high
treason in South Wales. On 21st January, 1840, they petitioned
Parliament against the Clyde Navigation Bill, in so far as it was
intended to increase the dues on vessels coming to Paisley and
navigating the lower stages of the river. On 21st December, 1841,
they petitioned the Government in favour of the members of several
emigration societies in Paisley having free passages to Canada. On
1 8th February, 1845, they petitioned Parliament against the bill
relating to the Glasgow Bridges. On loth February, 1846, they
petitioned Parliament in favour of Sir Robert Peel's measures
relating to the abolition of the Corn Laws, &c.^ On 20th May they
petitioned Parliament against the bill for the amalgamation of the
Glasgow and Paisley Canal and the Glasgow and Ayr Railway.
On 6th June, 1848, they petitioned Parliament in favour of a reform
in the existing banking laws. On 12th April, 1848, they petitioned
Parliament in favour of granting sites for churches to all non-
conformists. On 1 6th June, 1848, they petitioned Parliament in
favour of an extension of the elective franchise, vote by ballot,
electoral districts more equally distributed, and the restoration of
the duration of Parliament to a period not exceeding three years.
On 4th September, 1849, they petitioned Parliament for the abolition
of the Convention of Royal Burghs. On 9th October, 1849, they
agreed to delay the petition for the abolition of the Convention of
Royal Burghs.

^ On nth December, 1837, a public meeting was held in the Old Low
Church, which agreed to petition both houses of Parliament for a repeal of the
Corn and Provision Laws. A public meeting was also held on 9th January,

1840, — Provost Bisset presiding, — which agreed to petition Parliament for a
speedy and total repeal of the Corn Laws. This meeting also resolved to form
an anti-corn law association, and to send two delegates to represent the town at
the great meeting of the Anti-Corn Law League, to be held in Manchester at
that time. The association then formed continued till the Corn Laws were
repealed, and took an energetic and intelligent part in helping to bring about
that very important event.

230 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

The Council forwarded addresses to the Sovereign on the follow-
ing subjects : — On 24th January, 1827, an address of condolence to
His Majesty on the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of York
and Albany. On 3rd July, 1832, an address to the King in relation
to the late attack upon His Majesty. On 3rd December, 1834, an
address declaring regret at the sudden and unexpected change
which had taken place in your Majesty's Councils. "We are par-
ticularly sorry that your Majesty should have again called into office
the avowed and uncompromising opponents of those measures of
Reform which the united voice of the whole country declared
necessary for its peace and prosperity."' (King William IV. was
born 2ist August, 1765, and died 20th June, 1837.) On i6th June,
1840, an address to the Queen expressing indignation at the late
treasonable attempt upon Her Majesty's life, and congratulating
Her Majesty upon her happy preservation. On 2nd December,

1840, an address of congratulation to Queen Victoria on the auspi-
cious event of the birth of the Princess -Royal. On i ith November,

1841, an address to the Queen and Prince Albert on the occasion
of the birth of the Prince of Wales. On 21st December, 1841, an
address to the Queen asking again for pardon to Frost, Williams,
and Jones. On 28th August, an address to the Queen on the
occasion of Her Majesty's visit to Scotland. On i6th May, 1843,
an address of condolence to the Queen on the death of his late
Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex ; and also an address of con-
gratulation on the birth of another princess. On 8th October, 1844,
an address to the Queen congratulating Her Majesty and Her
Royal Consort on their safe arrival at home from their late gracious
visit to Scotland. On 13th August, 1847, an address to the Queen
on the occasion of her visit to Scotland by the river Clyde.

In this period the following gentlemen were created honorary
burgesses by the Town Council :—

" On 6th October, 1826, Sir M. S. Stewart, of Greenock and Black-
hall, Bart., major- commandant of the Renfrewshire Yeomanry
Cavalry, from the very high consideration of his character as a
gentleman ; from recollection of the friendship he has so actively
and ardently evinced for the welfare of the burgh ; and from the
repeated acts of benevolence so very liberally, handsomely, and
seasonably manifested by him on behalf of the unemployed opera-
tives in these times of unparalleled depression and distress."

On ist February, 183 1, the Council, " in consideration not only of
his distinguished literary attainments, but of his public and private
virtues, created John Wilson, Esq., Professor of Moral Philosophy
in the University of Edinburgh, an honorary burgess of the burgh of
Paisley, his native town, with the usual privileges."

On loth December, 1832, " the Council unanimously created Sir
John Maxwell of Pollok, Bart., and John M'Kerrell, Esq. of Hill-
house, burgesses, being the two first candidates for the representa-
tion of Paisley in the British Parliament."

1825 TILL 1850. 231

28th October, 1834.— An address was sent to the Right Hon. the
Earl of Durham "expressing gratitude in particular for the eminent
share taken by your lordship in preparing the Reform Bills,
measures which, we trust, will yet lead to the most beneficial results
as regards the happiness and prosperity of the country."

9th August, 1836. — A motion by a member of Council that the
freedom of the town be conferred upon Thomas Campbell, Esq.,
author of " The Pleasures of Hope," who is to visit this place in a
few days, was negatived.

ist February, 1842. — "The Council unanimously created and
admitted the Right Hon. James Carr Boyle, Viscount Kelburne, an
honorary burgess and freeman of the burgh, as a token of the grate-
ful sense which they and the community entertain of his lordship's
exertions to obtain aid for the suffering operatives of the burgh in
their present distressed condition, and of his own munificent con-
tributions for their relief."

On 22nd January, 1844, " the Council unanimously created and
admitted Robert Wallace of Kelly, M.P. for Greenock, an honorary
burgess and freeman of the burgh, as a token of the grateful sense
which they and the community entertained of his great exertions in
obtaining the Penny Postage, a measure so beneficial to all classes
in the country."

On 7th February, 1846, "the Council unanimously created and
admitted their eminent townsman, John Henning, Esq., London, an
honorary burgess and freeman of the burgh, in token of the high
sense the community entertained of his private worth and dis-
tinguished talents as an artist."

In June, 1827, when the old Burgher Meeting-house in the Abbey
Close was taken down to make way for a new church to be erected
in its place, a grand view was obtained from the foot of Causeyside
of the fine proportions of the lofty west gable of the Abbey. The
idea immediately occurred to many that the new church should, if
possible, be erected in another place, that this prospect might
thereby be permanently secured. On 26th June in that year the
Provost brought the matter under the notice of the Council, and
stated that " a very strong feeling appeared to exist among the public
that the view if possible be preserved, which the managers of the
congregation, he understood, were inclined to gratify provided a
convenient site could be procured elsewhere for their new church.
To accomplish this end, a subscription had been proposed, and he
had brought this subject before them that they might have an op-
portunity of considering how far and in what way they could assist
in attaining this object." But they came at that time to no specific
resolution. Afterwards, at a public meeting called by the Provost,
subscriptions were commenced to raise money, and a committee was
appointed to treat with the Burgher congregation for a change of
site, and to adopt such additional measures as might be deemed
necessary to effect the desired object. The advances of the com-

232 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

mittee were met with much cordiality, and a temporary stop was put
to the proceedings of the builder. At a meeting of Council held
on 3rd July, they unanimously voted the handsome grant of
;2^3i I OS. in aid of the general subscription for procuring a new site
for the Abbey Close Church, and thereby preserving the view now
laid open of the west end of the Abbey Church, on condition that
the enclosing wall on the line of the street be made a parapet
with a rail like that enclosing the area at the west end of the Abbey
Church. The committee offered the Abbey Close congregation a
choice of three several steadings or ;^4oo in cash, with the reten-
tion of the old ground as a place of sepulture, with a pledge to orna-
ment it by a wall and railing. The managers of the congregation
exhibited in the different meetings on the subject every disposition
to comply with the wish of the public so far as might be practicable ;
but all the overtures made them were rejected by a vote of the con-
gregation. It was afterwards explained on behalf of the congregation
that in the offer of ^400 made to the managers of the congregation,
it was understood that they (the congregation) should be at the
expense of enclosing the gronnd ; and that at the meeting of the
congregation called to decide upon the various proposals, it was
calculated by them that a loss of about ;!^3oo would have been
incurred by a change of site.

When Mr. Salmon, architect, was engaged in the renovation of
the Abbey in i860, he in addition to preparing a view of the Abbey
as it would be when completed by the Abbots, and given in the
frontispiece of vol. i. of this work, also prepared a drawing of
the architectural elevation of the west faQade of the edifice as it
would be seen from the south end of Saint Mirren Street. We give
a view of this extremely beautiful and imposing structure. Both of
these views appeared in the Builder of 9th May, 1863.

In December, 1828, a great and deep sensation of horror was
created in the town by the proceedings of the spoliators of the
church -yards, or resurrectionists as they Avere then termed. On
the morning of the 8th of that month, it was discovered that they
had been at work during the previous night in the burial-ground
attached to the United Presbyterian Church, Oakshaw Street. A
grave Avas found to have been opened, and the body of Helen
Duncan, a young woman of about twenty -three years of age, who
had died of consumption, and was buried four days previously, had
been taken away. The grave was left only half- filled up, and the
grave clothes were not even hidden from sight. These circumstances
led to the discovery of the unhallowed work that had been perpe-
trated. The distressing intelligence having been conveyed to the
father of the young woman, he Avent to GlasgoAv, but his search
there for the body proved fruitless. On returning home in the
evening, a young man, residing in Back Sneddon Street, communi-
cated some circumstances of a suspicious nature, Avhich led him to
believe that the body had been deposited in a garret adjoining his

1S25 TILL 1S50. 233

house about three o'clock in the morning. Acting on this
information the father and uncle of the girl proceeded to the spot,
and while one remained as a watch the other went to the police
office. The police officers immediately set out for the premises,
and on searching the garret found the body tied up in a sack. It
was brought down and indentified by the relatives — their feelings,
as might be expected, were most acute ; but by the prudent
management of the captain of police they were prevented from
giving way to any violent ebullition calculated to stir up popular
clamour. The body was first conveyed to the police office, then
at midnight removed to the vestry of the church at the burying-
ground, and next day interred. The police had not left the
premises more than half- an -hour, when two strangers, muffled in
cloaks, went up to the garret ; and having borrowed a candle from
a woman in a neighbouring house, were heard rummaging through
it; and one was overheard saying — " It is off, let us begone." In
going away they studiously concealed their faces from observation ;
and no men being there at the time, the women, though full of
suspicions that they were concerned in the foul transaction, did
not oppose their flight. The garret, as has been described, was a
lumber-room, the door of which was quite insecure, and could be
opened at will by any one. The whole matter was judicially
inquired into, but the body-snatchers were never discovered.

While the feelings of the inhabitants were thus aroused against
those connected with this sacrilegious action, they were still further
shocked by the publication, during this month, of the foul deeds
committed by Burke and Hare in Edinburgh. Although Burke
was only tried and condemned for killing one person, yet it was
known, and confessed by himself afterwards, that he and Hare had,
within a year or two, murdered seventeen people, and sold their
bodies to the anatomists. The panic caused by these deeds and
those of the grave violators, was universal. The young were
unwilling to walk alone at night under the fear that the body-
snatchers would put a plaster on their mouth and carry them off to
the dissecting-room. At a private meeting of a few persons to
consider what should be done in the circumstances, they resolved
to call a public meeting of the inhabitants ; and the advertisement,
dated 17th January, 1829, calling the meeting, was as follows : —

^''Horrid Murder. — -A meeting will take place on Monday
evening, in the Burgher Meeting- House, George Street, at seven
o'clock, to deliberate on the best mode of expressing their
sentiments on the unparalleled murders which have partially been
brought to light in the City of Edinburgh, and to consider upon
other matters connected with that subject. Those who feel
interested in a full disclosure of those atrocities, are respectfully
invited to attend. By order of the committee. James Orr,
chairman. N.B. — A collection will be made at the door."

The meeting was numerously attended ; and resolved to petition

234 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the King on the subject of the late murders in P^dinburgh, to the
effect that, without respect of persons, every means should be used
to bring the authors and abettors of such atrocious deeds to condign
punishment. Resolutions were also passed relating to the watching
at night of all the burying -grounds in the town, and a large
committee was appointed to carry out the views of the meeting.
The abettors here referred to were the doctors who bought the
subjects. Seven days afterwards another public meeting was held,
to which the committee formerly appointed reported as to the best
mode of preventing the violation of the sepulchres of the dead.
They were of opinion that the purchasing of a sufficient number of
mort- safes, corresponding to the mortality in the town, would be
too expensive ; and that the best method for protecting the dead
would be by the nightly watching of the different burying- grounds.
This recommendation was adopted, and committees were appointed
to call meetings in the different districts of the town to carry the
resolution of the meeting into effect. The inhabitants entered into
the scheme of establishing a society for the protection of the dead
with the greatest spirit and unanimity. The entry-money for each
member was fixed at sixpence, and the quarterly payments one
penny. A commodious and comfortable wooden box, with a grate
for a fire in it when required, was placed in each burying-ground,
and every member took his turn of watching. The enthusiasm was
so great that before a year had passed there were, including
females, about seven thousand members. At the half-yearly
meeting of the society held in April, 1830, the funds were found
to be in a good condition, — the income for the half-year being
;^'58 9s. id., and the expenditure ;^48 4s. 6d. The principal
expenditure was the officers' wages, amounting to j[^\2 for the half-
year, and about £^\o for coals and fire-wood for the watch-boxes.
The property of the society, which consisted mostly of the boxes
for the night watchers, was valued at ^80.

On the night of loth February, 1 831, the church -yard of Renfrew
was entered by grave -despoilers, who succeeded in disinterring the
body of Mrs. Hugh Glen, late wife of the postmaster. She had
been interred about a month. This event, so afflicting to the
husband and to her relations, caused a great sensation in the Royal
Burgh, as well as in the neighbouring towns, and crowds of people
congregated to see the empty coffin. The sepulchre -robbers left
the grave quite open and the dead -clothes scattered about. At
this time a young lad, who was drowned in Lounsdale dam, was
interred in the West Relief Church -yard. A report was very
widely circulated that the body had been removed. The general
committee of the Paisley Society for Protecting the Dead, not
believing this, had the grave opened up and satisfied the relatives
of the young man that the grave had not been disturbed. These
circumstances tended much to show to the inhabitants the advantages
of this society, and to satisfy them that there were no spoliations of
graves in the burying-grounds of Paisley. At the half-yearly

lS25 TILL 1850. 235

meeting of the society held in November, 1832, the income of the
previous half-year was stated to be ;£2)^ i6s. yd., and the expendi-
ture ;^35 IS. gd. It was mentioned at this meeting that the mem-
bers continued to turn out regularly to the watch at the different
churchyards, and that the only difficulty experienced was in
procuring members to go about regularly among the members to
collect the quarterly subscriptions.

An act was passed by the legislature relating to the providing of
bodies for anatomical examination ; and after it had been some time
in operation, the churchyards ceased to be disturbed by the grave-
despoilers, and the minds of the people were set at rest on this
distressing question. The members of the society accordingly
became gradually less punctual in their attendance at the night
watchings ; and on ist August, 1836, a meeting of the members was
held in the Old Low Church for the purpose of considering the
propriety of dissolving the society. The clerk reported to the
meeting that there was a great falling off in the membership in all the
districts except Causeyside, for the number had gradually dwindled
down to under three thousand ; that notwithstanding the great
exertions of the managers, funds could not be procured to meet the
necessary expenditure, and that the society was about ^8 in debt.
The meeting agreed, by a large majority, that the operations of the
society should, in the meantime, be suspended ; and that anyone
having relations who died should, if they wished, have the use of
the boxes in the burying-grounds for the purpose of watching.

St. James Day Fair commenced on Thursday, nth August, 1825,
with the usual festivities and popular amusements of equestrians,
tumblers, fiddlers, fire-eaters, jugglers, &c. But the principal
attraction as formerly was the races, which took place on Friday.
At the first race for the " Bells," at four o'clock, only two horses
started — Alexander Barr of Wishaw's chestnut mare (rider, green
coat and red cap) ; and Ronald Brown's pony, Rory Bean (rider,
yellow sleeves and black cap). Alexander Barr won easily. The
after- shots were at seven o'clock — Alexander Barr of Wishaw's
brown mare, Glasgow Bet (rider, green livery and green cap), and
Rory Bean. This race was much better contested.

At this and the other Paisley fairs a curious custom prevailed of
having bonfires or tawnles. There are none of these observances at
the present day, but they were the relics of a time immemorial.
These bonfires were lighted on small artificial mounds formed in the
river above the Old Bridge. The youths of the town for weeks pre-
vious to every recurring fair solicited money from anyone passing
along the streets to defray the expense connected with these bon-
fires. With the money obtained in this Avay they bought coals,
wood, and old barrels ; and on the Wednesday night before the
Thursday Fair the tawnles were kindled. It was a pleasing sight to
see the merry youths on these islets dancing round the blazing fires
which had taken them weeks to prepare. The ancient Druids had

236 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

four great festivals yearly at which great fires were lighted — in
February, May, August, and November — and it is believed that
these tawnles on the nights prior to the fairs were a relique of
Druidical worship.

In 1827 the race -course by Underwood, as already described,
was abandoned ; and the new course adopted was the road
round the present course. It was an improvement upon the former
one, but still in many places it was bounded by some deep ditches.
The St. James Race took place for the " Bells " or ^2 2s. on the
loth August in this year. Four horses started ; and Mr. Aitken's
bay mare from Irvine won the " Bells." Mr. William Howie's bay
mare won the second prize, los. 6d. The after-race, which started
at seven o'clock, was won by Mr. Howie's mare which had run in
the former race. At both races there was a very great concourse of
people. No accidents occurred. On the following day (Saturday)
the first race, for a purse of ^^ 5s., was run in heats, and was gained
by Mr. Aitken's bay mare, Spitfire. Three horses started. In the
first heat Mr. Mullen's bay gelding fell near the distance-post.
From the fact that the Saturday races were not generally known,
the attendance was not so great as on the previous day. As the
races had given so much satisfaction at this time, the Provost and
Magistrates gave permission for more races being run on the 23rd
of the same month, being the colt market day in Paisley. The
races commenced on that day at half- past twelve. The first race
was for a silver cup or ^10 los. Four horses started, and the race
was won by Spitfire, belonging to Mr. Aitken. The second in this
race received thirty shillings, and the third ten shillings. The
second race began at half- past five o'clock, and five horses started.
The race was won by Mr. Dick's Creeping Kate, which secured
;£^ ; Mr. Baine's Lucky was second, and ;£i was awarded. Mr.
Morrison's horse. Orphan, broke his leg, and in consequence of this
accident he got ^^2. The weather was remarkably fine; and
though a great multitude of people thronged the ground not a single
casualty occurred. The corners of the new race -course were rather
sharp, and the Council, on an application from those promoting the
races, allowed them on 22nd July, 1828, " to be improved by taking
as much ground, not exceeding two or three falls, as may be neces-
sary to round two of the turns." The intimation relating to the
races in August, 1828, was as follows : —

"Horse Racing. — Paisley New Course. — Subscription -purses for
;^5 to^2owillbe run in heats over the new course (which has been
formed at very considerable expense) on Friday, 15th, and Saturday,
1 6th August. The conditions will be seen in the hands of Mr. Fraser,
Saracen's Head Inn. The horses to be run must be booked on the
day preceding the race. N.B. — The race for the ' Silver Bells ' and
an after-race by the beat horses will take place on Friday as usual."

For the first race at twelve o'clock (prize, £^\o los.) six horses
started, and the first heat was won by Mr. William Smith's brown

1825 TILL 1850. 237

horse, Stag ; but the next two heats were won by the Dairy Maid,
owned by Mr. Hugh Kelly of Dairy. For the " Silver Bells " at
four o'clock five horses started, and they were won by Mr. Barr of
Wishaw, this being the tenth year he carried them off. At the
after-shots at six o'clock two horses started, and the race was won
by Mr. Smith's horse. Win -if- you -Can. Numerous scaffolds and
mounds were erected along the course to afford every opportunity
for seeing the sport to pedestrians, while horsemen and equipages,
of which there was a great display, found in another quarter suitable
accommodation. There were also numerous booths and tents
scattered over the ground for providing refreshments. The Magis-
trates in a body attended on the occasion, and occupied a stand
tastefully decorated in a position which commanded a view of the
whole course. The crowds which attended were immense, being
estimated at from ten to fifteen thousand. The first race on the
following day (Saturday) was at twelve o'clock, for a purse of twenty
sovereigns. Four horses started, and that race was won by Mr.
Kelly's Dairy Maid. The five o'clock race was for a purse of ten
sovereigns, and Mr. Smith's horse. Stag, was the winner. The
stewards gave £,2 2%. for a race run immediately after the twenty-
sovereign race, and it was won by Mr. Barr's mare. Three horses
started. I'he stewards also gave three sovereigns for a race after
the one for ten sovereigns. Two horses started, and Mr. Smith's
horse was the winner. A foot-race was run for 15s. to the winner
and 5s. to the second. Seven started, and the race afforded great
amusement. The weather was very fine, and the number of people at
the race was very great, being computed at from 25,000 to 30,000.

The races on Friday, 14th August, 1829, were well attended,
although the weather was not favourable. Seven horses started for
the race for ten sovereigns at twelve o'clock. Mr. Brown's Candour
was the winner. On starting one of the horses came in contact with
a boy crossing the course, and falling broke its neck and died
instantly. The boy and the rider escaped unhurt. The " Silver Bells "
at four o'clock were won by Mr. M'Fadyen's Tally-ho. Five horses
started in the race. For several days previous to the races a num-
ber of horses were exercising on the race-course, and one morning
a favourite Irish horse, from which great things were expected,
while taking its airing stumbled and dislocated its shoulder. The
following morning another horse somewhat vicious, shying at some
object, threw its rider over its head into a ditch and scampered off
full speed along the road. The races of the following day far
exceeded those of Friday, and the number present could not be
estimated at less than from fifteen thousand to twenty thousand.
Five horses started in the race for ten sovereigns at twelve o'clock.
At four o'clock the " Silver Bells " were won by Mr. Lindsay's Bit-
of- Tartan. Three horses started ; and at six o'clock three horses
started. The races advertised to take place at St. James Day Fair
in August, 1830, were as follows : —

" Paisley St. James Day Races. — The following races will take

238 HI.^TORV OF PAlsLEV.

place on the new course on Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th
of August, 1830: — Friday^ J^Jf^h twelve o'clock noon: Race for
ten sovereigns, to be run in heats ; second horse in winning heat,
one sovereign. Four o'clock : The annual race for the ' Silver
Bells,' given by the Town of Paisley. Six o'clock : The after-
shots, by the best horses in the ' Silver Bells ' race, for a purse of
gold. Saturday, 14th, twelve o'clock noon : Race for ten sover-
eigns, to be run for in heats ; second horse in winning heat, one
sovereign. Five o'clock : Race for the beat horses in the above
race for five sovereigns, to be run in heats ; second horse in winning
heat, if three horses start, one sovereign. Horses to run on Friday
must be booked at Mr. Fraser's, Saracen's Head Inn, on Thursday ;
and those to run on Saturday must be booked on Friday, by eight
o'clock p.m. both days, or be subjected to double booking-money.
Mr. Fraser will show the articles. N.B. — By order of the Magis-
trates, no tents, scaffolds, or other erections will be allowed in the
parks belonging to the community within the race ground ; nor
carts, carriages, or any other obstructions upon the course."
Fewer horses entered for these different races, and the spectators
were not so numerous as in the two previous years ; but every-
thing went off quietly, and there were no accidents.^

The advertisement regarding the races to take place at St. James
Day Fair on 13th and 14th August, 1831, was precisely the same
as the one for the previous year. As for the races themselves, there
was not any new feature connected with them.

^ Andrew Kinloch, a jockey, better known by the name of " f^iday," rode at
these races, and the following letter of his relating to them appeared in the
Paisley Advertiser of the 2 1st of that month : —

" The Catastrophe of the Paisley Races. — Mr. Editor, — On Monday last,
through the course of the day, I was attacked by all the ignoramuses of Seestu,
and upbraided for being bribed and behaving like a thief on Friday and Saturday
Fair days ; but how they came to say this I know not, but this I can say, that I
did all in my power to win the different races, and took the turns of the course
like a compass. In doing so I tore my breeches and cut my leg severely. I was
also struck to the effusion of my blood by a cowardly person, in consequence of
his having been told by the owner of the mare I rode that I had been bribed.
All I can say to the said owner is, that he knows as much about horse -racing as
a cow. I have now been a rider at horse-races upwards of ten years, and in
that time I have rode 250 races, gained 195, lost 55, won;i^450; and yet to be
called a thief I think is very unhandsome and ungentlemanlike. I defy any man,
woman, or child to say, or even to hint, that I ever in my life was bribed, took
a bribe, or asked a bribe ; nor never will as long as my name is Friday. Let
every rogue shake his own paw, and it will be a New- Year- Day morning about
the head of Cotton Street ; 'evil doers are evil thinkers,' and that is the case
with him who has attempted to injure me in my feelings and reputation. I have
also been attacked by a number of the daft, delirious, demented, and silly-
minded idiots, who said that I am a rascal ; their conscience is glee'd that said
so. The only proof that they have against me is, that when I took the turn at
the starting-post I jockeyed the Doctor off the road. In so doing I lost my
switch ; and the mare having nm every race on Friday and Saturday, and on
account of this she had no speed ; and when all is put together, I think it will
be an excuse for him (the Doctor) passing me. — I am. Sir, with much resjiect. a
true-hearted sportsman, Friday."

1825 TILL 1850. 239

In 1832, when the cholera disease was prevalent in this town, the
Town Council, by the desire of the Board of Health, agreed " that
the whole races be prohibited at the ensuing fair, that no show
exhibitions be allowed to enter the town, and that every other law-
ful means be resorted to in order to remove or prevent the causes
of dissipation" (Council Records, 26th July, 1832). These resolu-
tions were widely advertised and strictly carried out.

For the races of Friday and Saturday, the 9th and loth August,

1833, increased sums were offered to the winners. For the race at
twelve o'clock on Friday the sum was raised from ten to twenty
sovereigns, and for the race at the same hour on Saturday fifteen
instead of ten sovereigns were given. Great preparations were
made for these races. The number of tents at the race-course
exceeded any previously seen, there having been about seventy of
them. The turn-out of race-horses was numerous, and the contests
were regarded as good. Five horses started in the race at twelve
o'clock, and it was won by Mr. Gray's Border Lass. Four horses
ran for the " Silver Bells," and the winner was Mr. Morrison's
Falkirk Maid. The horse ridden by Friday, who boasted in his
letter that he " took the turns in the course like a compass," in
taking one of the turns too sharply came in contact with the fence,
and received rather a serious injury. A man was also knocked
down and cut about the face, but not severely. On Saturday the
racing horses were not so numerous ; but the weather was favour-
able, and the attendance of visitors at the course greater than it
had been for several years. ^

The committee of gentlemen who took charge of the races at this
time were desirous of still further improving the race-course. They
were satisfied from what had transpired that, if this were done, a
much better class of horses would be brought forward. In March,

1834, they applied to the Council to lease ground to them within
the course, their object being to take the race-course ultimately
altogether from the public roads, and to form a new course. The
application of the Race Committee was remitted to a committee of
the Council, who afterwards, on the 2nd April, asked the Council
to permit them to confer with the Race Committee as to the terms
on which a lease should be granted. A member of Council moved
— " That, understanding that the Council is under the necessity of
sanctioning one day's racing in the year, there ought to be no further
encouragement granted to the practice." An amendment was carried
" that the committee be authorised to treat with the Racing Com-

' The amount of amusement furnished to the inhabitants at this fair exceeded
anything of the kind for the previous twenty years. There wei^e fifteen Water-
loo-flys and merry-go-rounds, Buckley's Exhibition, Mumford's Theatre of
Arts, PaviHon of Novehy, Steel's Minor Theatre, Scott's Royal Pantheon, glass-
blowing and working in miniature, scriptural and historical paintings ; Wallace,
the Scotch gigantic youth, ; the surprising giantess ; the astonishing child,
born without hands or arms ; Wombwell's royal collection of quadrupeds,
reptiles, and birds, %vild and tame, with a lion and tiger occupying the same
cage.

240 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

mittee for a lease of the ground wanted, upon the understanding
that there is to be racing upon two days, viz., upon the Friday and
Saturday of St. James Day Fair, from twelve noon till sunset." On
the 22nd of this month the Council, on the recommendation of the
Property Committee, let certain fields within the race-course at an
annual rent of ;^54 iis. id.; and in December following the Coun-
cil let more ground to the Race Committee.

The announcement for the races on 15th and i6th August, 1834,
was in every respect the same as in the preceding year. On this
occasion there was nothing novel in connection with the races.
Four horses started in the race at twelve o'clock on Friday, and it
was won by Mr. R. Cumming's mare, Little-Thought -Of. The same
number ran in the " Bell " race, and it was won by Joseph Miller's
brown mare, Maggy. On the following day the number of horses
that ran was about the same, but the spectators were fewer than in

In 1835 some alterations were made in the advertisement
regarding the races. The stakes for the race at twelve o'clock, on
Friday, were raised to thirty guineas ; and for the winner of the
" Silver Bells," eight guineas were added by the committee. On
Saturday the horses in the race at twelve o'clock were to be the
bona-fide property of gentlemen residing in the Counties of Lanark
or Renfrew. At two o'clock the race was to be for twenty guineas,
and the winner of the race at twelve o'clock in the previous day was
to be excluded. Five horses started for the first race on Friday,
which was won by Mr. Morrison's Miss Hope ; and the same
number for the " Silver Bells," Mr. Morrison's Wombwell being the
winner. A great number of people from Glasgow and the district
round about Paisley attended the races, and it was estimated that
there would be forty thousand people assembled on the race-course.
There were upwards of sixty tents ; and the erections for people to
view the races were on a large scale, amounting to a dozen in all.
The races presented a more than usually animated scene. The
hustings were all completely crowded. Immense numbers thronged
the parks, and the adjacent roads were covered with horses, carts,
gigs, and carriages of all descriptions. The order maintained was
greatly superior to that of any former year. The patronage this
year was also more liberal than formerly, nearly all the nobility of
the county having contributed to the race funds. New arrangements
were carried out by the committee. A bell was rung to clear the
course, to warn to saddle, and to confirm the starting; and this
proved a decided improvement, for it let all know what was to be
done.

In December of this year additional ground was acquired by the
Race Committee from the Council with the view of still further
improving the race -course.

The published placard of the races that took place at St. James
Day Fair in 1836, was very different from any of the preceding
ones, and these differences were of importance. The number of

1825 TILL 1850. 241

the races was increased, as well as the amount of the prizes ; and
the Stewards, under whose auspices the races were conducted, now
advertised for the first time, embraced the first noblemen in the
country. The advertisement by the Race Committee is so
important, that we give it entire. It is as follows : —

PAISLEY RACES, 1836.
These races take place on Friday and Saturday, the I2th and 13th days of

August next.

Stewards —

The Right Hon. the Earl of Eglinton,

Archibald Hastie, Esq., M.P.

Alexander Speirs, Esq., M.P.

The Right Hon. Viscount Kelburne.

Sir James Boswell, Bart.

W. M. Alexander, Esq. of Southbar.

George Houston, Esq., Yr. of Johnstone Castle.

Friday, is o'clock.

The Burgh Member's Plate of 50 guineas. Heats. Two miles and distance.
Weights — 3-year-olds, 7st. 5lbs. ; 4 do., gst. lib.; 6 and aged, gst. 4lbs.

Same Day. — The Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovereigns each p. p., with 20 sovereigns
added by the committee for horses that have been hunted with Lord Kelburne's
hounds at least three times during the last season. No horse to be allowed to
start that is not actually a hunter. Gentlemen riders, weight I2st. ylbs. Heats.
Two miles. Six subscribers. But only the following gentlemen are named : —
A. W. Speirs, Esq.; James Merry, jun., Esq.; Alexander Fletcher, Esq.;
Alexander Cunningham, Esq.

Same Day. — The "Silver Bells," given by the Town of Paisley, with 10
sovereigns added by the committee. Open to all horses. Three -year -olds, 7st.
gib.; 4 do., gst.; 5 do., gst. gib.; 6 and aged, lost. Heats. Twice round and
from the north-west corner home. Second horse in winning heat (provided
three start) to be allowed 3 sovereigns.

Same Day. — The " Aftershots," for a purse, by the beaten horses in the Bell
race. Two miles and quarter. Weights as in said race.

Saturday, 12 o'clock.

The Glasgow Subscribers' Cup of 50 sovereigns, added to a sweepstake of 5
sovereigns each p. p. Three -year -olds, 7st. Slbs. ; 4 do., 8st. ylbs. ; 5 do , gst.
lib.; 6 and aged, gst. 4lbs. Heats. Two miles and distance.

Same Day. — The Yeomanry Stakes of 2 sovereigns each p. p., with a sum
added. Open to two horses from each troop of the Renfrewshire Yeomanry,
and which shall have done regular duty during the current year. The winner
and second horse in each troop race, provided such shall have taken place, to
have the preference. The length of the race and weights to be afterwards
determined.

Same Day. — The Paisley Subscription Cup of 50 sovereigns. Heats, i Mile
and quarter. Three -year -olds, 7st. gibs.; 4 do., gst. gibs.; 6 and aged, lost.
The winners of each of the Member's Plate and Glasgow Cup to carry 5lbs. extra.

242 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Same Day. — A Free Handicap of 8 sovereigns each, with lo sovereigns added
by the committee for the beaten horses of the week. The weights to be
declared immediately after the previous race. One mile and a quarter.

Same Day. — Match for 50 sovereigns.

The entries for the Member's Plate, Glasgow and Paisley Cups, and "Silver
Bells," to be made with the Secretary by two o'clock of the day previous to the
running. Entry -money for the Member's Plate and Cups 2 sovereigns, 5s. to
the Clerk, and 2s. for weights. Entry -money for the other races in proportion.
The money added to each of the stakes to be M'ithdrawn if walked over for.

Mares and geldings to be allowed 3lbs. ; and a winner during the present year,
previous to the day of entry, of 50 sovereigns, to carry 3lbs. extra. A winner of
100 sovereigns to carry 5lbs. extra. The races to start each day at twelve
o'clock, and half-an-hour will be allowed between each heat and race. The bell
will be rung for saddling, and again for starting; and five minutes thereafter
the horses at the post will be started M'ithout waiting for others.

On ringing for saddling the course will be cleared, and anyone attempting to
cross will be taken into custody.

These and the rules of York and Doncaster will be strictly adhered to; and
all disputes will be subject to the final determination of the Stewards, or those
they may appoint.

All dogs found on the course will be destroyed.

John Auld, Secretary.

N.B. — Stances for tents or scaffolds may still be had on application to the
Secretary, No. 5 Moss Street, Paisley.

The ground let by public roup this year by the Race Committee
for tents and stances at the race-course realised ;^i2o. In the
previous year they had amounted to ;^73. At the race at noon on
Friday eight horses started, and the winner was the Earl of
Eglinton's Aeolus. Four horses started at the Hunters' Stakes
which followed, and Mr. A. W. Speirs's Silvan won ; and four horses
started at the Bell race, which was won by Mr. Smellie's Cistercian.
On the following day (Saturday) three horses started at the tirst
race, w hich was won by Mr. W. R. Ramsay's Forester ; and at the
second race five horses, when Mr. Smellie's Cistercian won. The
Yeomanry race did not take place, no horses having come forward.
Likewise the race for the Handicap of three sovereigns was, for want
of competitors, not run. The match for fifty sovereigns was con-
tested by Mr. Merry and Mr. Bonar, but the horse belonging to the
former gentleman fell and was killed. Mr. Merry himself was con-
siderably hurt, but not dangerously. With this exception no accident
occurred.

The proceedings at the race- course on this occasion were of a
more animated nature than usual, and the races attained much
greater celebrity on account of the excellence of the course and the
number of distinguished persons in attendance. Among the
numerous conspicuous persons on the course were the Earl of
Eglinton, Lord Kelburne, Sir James Boswell, W. M. Alexander of
Southbar, Mr. Fleming of Barochan, Mr. Ramsay of Barnton ; Sir

1 82 5 TILL 1850. 243

W. Napier, Bart, of Milliken and family; Mr. Cunningham of
Craigends ; Mr. W. Macdowall of Garthland ; Mr. W. Houston,
Johnstone Castle ; Colonel Harvey of Castlesemple and family ;
Alexander Oswald, Younger of Shieldhall ; Professor Wilson and
family ; Thomas Campbell, Esq., the poet. Ten stances, exclusive
of the mound, were erected for witnessing the races ; and the
refreshment tents numbered about fifty.

It was difficult to estimate the number of persons forming the
immense crowd that attended the races, but it was certainly much
greater than had ever been witnessed on any similar occasion. The
prevailing estimate was fifty thousand. The Stewards expressed
themselves much pleased with the whole arrangements of the
committee, and subscribed 120 guineas, to be added to the races in
1837. They also subscribed to various other races to the extent of
about ^200 ; and further, in order to encourage the breed of
horses, subscribed to races, for two and three -year -old horses, for
the years 1839 and 1840.

In the following month the Council, after a conference of a com-
mittee of their number with the Race Committee, agreed to allow
that committee to erect a permanent stand adjoining the Greenock
Road upon the race-grounds; and to remove the same at the end
of the lease, if not taken by the Town Council at a valuation. The
Council also agreed to allow the winner of the " Silver Bells " to
retain possession of them for a year, on security being given for
returning them. The Council also agreed that the Fair called St.
James Day Fair, which has latterly been held within the burgh upon
the second Thursday of August and two following days, shall hereafter
be held upon the third Thursday of August and two following days
yearly, and appointed this alteration to be duly advertised. On
25th October in this year, a motion was made that the races be run
on Thursday and Friday instead of Friday and Saturday, but an
amendment was carried that there should be no change. But on
13th December following, this subject was again brought before the
Council by the Secretary to the Race Committee, when the Council
agreed that the races at St. James Day Fair should be altered from
Friday and Saturday to Thursday and Friday. The Council, in
fixing the conditions of the lease on 27th December resolved that,
while it was their opinion that there should not be more than two
days' racing, the particular days should not be specified in the lease.

The racing in 1837 took place on the 17th and i8th August.
The stewards were the same as in the previous year, and there was
an additional number of races. At the first race at twelve o'clock
on Thursday, called the Paisley St. Leger Stakes of twenty -five
sovereigns each, with fifty sovereigns added from the Race Fund,
three horses started, when Mr. Merry's Bederston won. Five
horses ran for the Burgh Member's Plate of fifty guineas, given by
A. Hastie, Esq., M.P. for the Burgh. It was won by Sir Wm. Scott's
The Count. The next race was the Glasgow Cup (specie), value
two hundred sovereigns, added to a stake of twenty-five sovereigns

244 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

from the Race Fund. Only one horse (Mr. Ramsay's Vestment)
was brought forward and walked over the course. Seven horses
started for the Paisley Cup (specie), value one hundred sovereigns.
It was won by Earl of Eglinton's Potentate. On the second day
(Friday) the first race was for the " Silver Bells,"' with one hundred
and twenty sovereigns added by the stewards of the previous year,
and three horses ran. It was won by Mr. Houston's Inheritor,
The Glasgow Plate of fifty sovereigns was the next race, and eight
horses started. It was won by Sir James Boswell's Sunbeam.
Three horses ran for the Gold Cup, by subscription of fifteen sover-
eigns added from the Race Fund. It also was won by the Earl of
Eglinton's Potentate. Then followed a sweepstake of twenty sover-
eigns each, with twenty sovereigns added from the Race Fund.
Two horses ran, and Mr. Ramsay's Centurion won. Afterwards
came the Hunters' Stakes of ten sovereigns each, with twenty
sovereigns from the fund. As only one horse came forward, there
was a walk over the course by Mr. Cossar's Conservative. The
day's racing was brought to a close by the after-shots, and two
horses started. It was won by Sir James Boswell's Bella. The
following amongst others had horses running at these races : — Earl
of Eglinton, Lord Kelburne, Sir James Boswell, Lord Rosslyn, Sir
William Scott, Mr. Merry, Mr. Ramsay of Barnton.

The races that year were superior to any that had ever been held
at St. James Day Fair, and, it may be safely stated, they had arrived
at the highest pinnacle of their fame. The amount of the prizes run
for, the number of good horses, the immense crowd of spectators,
the extent of accommodation provided for them, the excellent con-
dition of the course, and the favourable state of the weather — all
combined to confer a degree of attractiveness on the races never
before equalled in Scotland. A professional judge (Mr. Orton)
acted for the first time at these races. There were sixteen stands
for witnessing the races, and about one hundred regular tents.
Among the tents on the field was one called " The St. James Club-
house." It was a branch of one of the gambling establishments
in London. Rouge-et-noir and roulette were the kinds of game
carried on. Refreshments were given, and much politeness was
shown to the visitors, many of whom hazarded their money,
and, as a matter of course, lost it. Mr. Orton, who had much ex-
perience in these matters, was of opinion that on Thursday there
were present not fewer than 110,000 to 115,000 persons. On
Friday the number was greater by several thousands. On both
days the front and back seats of the grand stand were filled in their
whole length with female rank and fashion, and the space behind
was occupied by several noblemen and many gentlemen of distinc-
tion. Among these were the Earl of Rosslyn, the Earl of Eglinton,
Viscount Kelburne, Lord Seymour, Sir William Scott, Sir W. M.
Napier, Bart.; George Houston, Esq., M.P.; Colonel Crawfurd,
Alexander Speirs, Esq., M.P.; Claud Alexander, Esq. of Balloch-
niylc; W. M. Alexander, Esq. of Southbar; William Macdowall,

1825 TILL 1850. 245

Esq. of Garthland ; Captain Dunlop, Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Barry, Mr.
Merry, Bailie Lumsden, Mr. Campbell of Jura, ISIr. Campbell of
Sornbeg, Colonel Harvey of Castlesemple, Mr. Bailie of Polkemmet,
Mr. Wilson of Aucheneden, Sir Robert Pollok of Upper Pollok,
Bart.; Hew Crawford, Esq.; Mr. Harvey of Castlesemple ; William
Napier, Esq. of Blackston ; W. M. Fleming, Esq. of Barochan ;
Thomas Dundas Speirs, Esq.; David Mure, Esq., advocate; Wm.
Cunningham, Esq. of Craigends ; Alexander Cunningham, Esq.;

William Houstoun, Esq., Johnstone Castle ; Campbell, Esq.

of Saddell ; Campbell Snodgrass, Esq. of Thornhill ; James Orr,
Esq., Crofthead ; R. Stewart, Esq. of Stewarthall ; W. Lowndes,
Esq. of Arthurlie ; Charles Lowndes, Esq.; A. Fletcher, Esq.;
William Hussey, Esq.; with a great number of other distinguished
strangers and resident gentry.

The Paisley Races, or " Meeting," as it was now called, took
place on the i6th and 17th of August, 1838. The stewards were
Sir William Scott, Bart; W. R. Ramsay, Esq. of Barnton ; and
William M. Fleming, Esq. of Barochan. The number of the races
and the value of the stakes were similar to those of 1837, but
neither the horses nor the spectators were so numerous. The
carriages, of which there were from fifty to sixty of various kinds
within the course, were ranged along the eastern side, while
numerous equestrians were in the part of the field behind. The
arrangements of the Race Committee were so good that neither
confusion nor accident occurred. There were none of the profes-
sional gamblers present, in consequence of the refusal of the com-
mittee to allow them.

The grand stand was completely crowded by a highly fashionable
company, the two front rows being wholly occupied by the ladies.
Among the company assembled there were, in addition to those of
last year. Viscount and Lady Kelburne, Colonel Lord Frederick
Fitzclarence, Alexander Speirs, Esq., ^LP., and his Lady ; the Hon.
General Stewart, the Hon. C. F. Stewart, Sir Frederick Johnstone,
Archibald Hastie, Esq., M.P. for the Burgh ; Mr. and the Hon.
Mrs. Ramsay of Barnton, Sheriff Campbell, and Robert Speir,
Esq., yr. of Burnbrae.

In July, 1839, the Race Committee advertised the races to take
place on the fourth Thursday of August instead of the third, as
formerly arranged with the Council. This matter was brought
before that body on the i6th of that month by one of the members,
when they agreed that the Race Committee should be written to for an
explanation. On the 24th of the same month a communication from
Mr. Auld, secretary to the Race Committee, was laid before the
Council, apologising for not first asking their permission to make
this alteration, and stating " that nothing could have been farther
from their intention than to ofter the slightest incivility to the Town
Council, from whom they at all times received the utmost courtesy.'"'
The Council agreed, " seeing that the days of racing have been
fixed and extensively advertised, that great inconvenience might

246 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

arise to the Race Committee if the time were now changed, and
that they might be Hable in heavy damages, to allow the races to
proceed on the day fixed this year, on condition that this permission
shall not be held as a precedent." At this meeting of Council they
negatived a proposal made by one of the members to revert to the
second Thursday of August as the day for having the races.

The St. James Day Races, on 23rd and 24th August, 1839,
varied little as regards their number and the amount of the prizes
from those of the preceding year. The stewards were the Earl of
Eglinton, David Robertson, Esq., and James Merry, jun., Esq.
Notwithstanding that Thursday happened to be the Sacramental
Fast -Day in both Glasgow and Greenock, the number of spectators
at the race -course was considerably less than in some of the former
years. There were only thirty-five tents — not much above one-
half the number in the previous year. The grand stand was
tastefully fitted up, but the attendance was rather below the average
number. There were none of the " Fouge et Noir" people on the
field, but there were many other minor gambling tables on the
Greenock Road. Of race horses there were twenty -nine booked,
belonging to seventeen noblemen and gentlemen. The Earl of
Eglinton had five, Mr. Ramsay four, Mr. Merry three, Mr. Wauchop
three, Mr. Fairly two, and twelve other gentlemen had one each.
Two of the horses were booked for five races, three for four races,
three for three races, si?i; for two races, and fifteen for one race.
The whole number which ran during both days amounted to
seventeen, and of this number one ran three races, seven ran two
races, and nine ran one race. The regulations of the two former
years were adhered to. Carriages and horses were admitted for
payment to the inside of the race grounds. No carts or carriages
were permitted to stand on the Greenock Road, nor in the lane
leading to the carriage entry, nor within the race-course. No carts
were permitted to remain on any part of the race grounds after
half-past ten o'clock on each day of the races, and no carriages or
horses were allowed to stand between the tents and the course.

The question as to the time when the races should take place
came under the consideration of the Council on 8th October, 1839,
when they, " being of opinion that the change in the time of holding
St. James Day Fair from the second to the third Thursday of August
and two following days has proved inconvenient to the public,
resolved to revert to the second Thursday of August and two
following days." On the 15th of that month, the Council changed
their opinion somewhat on this matter, and instructed the Property
Committee to confer with the Race Committee as to the time of
nmning the Saint James Day Races. On 1 7th December follow-
ing, the Council, after considering the report of this committee,
agreed that permission be given in the lease to be granted to the
Race Committee to nm the races upon the third or the fourth
Thursday of August and following day, at the option of the com-
mittee, under the condition that the days of racing shall not be
changed without consent of the Town Council.

1825 TUA. 1850. 247

The races in 1840 were on the 22nd and 23rd August, and the
number of the races and of the prizes were as formerly. The
stewards were Viscount Kelburne, Claud Alexander, Esq., and
John Tennant, Esq. For the first race on Thursday, the Paisley
St. Leger Stakes, two horses started, and Lord Eglinton's Dr. Caius
gained. There was no race for the Paisley Champion Stakes, as
the two horses entered had become the property of one gentleman.
For the sweepstakes of fifteen sovereigns each p.p., for horses
belonging to oflicers of the Royal Dragoons, to be bona-fide their
property on the day of naming — one mile and a half ; to be
ridden by officers on full pay — four horses ran, and forfeiture was
paid for three horses. The race was won by Colonel Marten's
Salamanca. Four horses started for the Glasgow Cup, and it was
won by Mr. A. Campbell's Modesty. For the Burgh Member's
Plate, three horses started, and it was won by Mr. Bowman's
Easingwold. Two horses started for the Paisley Cup, and it was
won by the Hon. J. Sandilands's Oswald. On Friday, the first race
was for the " Silver Bells." Three horses ran, and the " Bells " were
won by Mr. Bowman's Easingwold. The next race was a sweepstake
of twenty sovereigns each, with twenty sovereigns added from the
fund. Two horses started, and it was won by Mr, Ramsay's
Martyrdom. The next race was a match for twenty -five sovereigns
each. Won by Mr. Yates's Lear. Two horses started for the
County Member's Plate of fifty guineas, given by George Houstoun,
Esq., M.P. Two horses ran, and Mr. Ramsay's Sunbeam won.
The next race was for a gold cup, by subscription of fifteen
sovereigns each. Lord Eglinton's Dr. Caius walked the course.
The next race was a sweepstake of ten sovereigns, with twenty-five
sovereigns from the fund. It also was walked over by the Hon J.
Sandilands's Oswald. The only horses that started for the after-
shots were Mr. Bowman's Easingwold and Mr. Redfern's Kathleen,
and the former won. In consequence of the greater facilities
afforded by the opening of the railways connected with Paisley, an
increased number of visitors was expected. On Friday there was
an unparalleled number of spectators on the race grounds, there
being about a third more than on the previous day. The grand
stand was erected to accommodate about 470 spectators, and was
fitted up tastefully and substantially. Southwards from it were nine
other stands, each capable of accommodating 300 persons. All
these had booths underneath for refreshments. In addition to
these, there were Patison's mound, with accommodation for 500 ;
Kelburne mound, capable of holding 250 ; and one person had
fourteen carts placed in a line with planks between. All these
would give accommodation for above four thousand. The number
of equestrians and of carriages, gigs, carts, &c., was immense.
There were twenty- four refreshment tents on the grounds. The
stands were all crowded during the day. The railways, with the
trains passing along, formed a new feature in the scenery. In the
race by the officers of Dragoons, one of the riders and his horse

248 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

fell near the corner at the distance, but neither was hurt. The
rider almost immediately resumed his seat and rode in. Mr.
Orton, of York, acted as judge.

Among the company present were the Earl of Eglinton, Viscount
Kelburne, Sir William and Lady Milliken Napier and Miss Stirling
of Kippendavie, Sir W. A. Maxwell of Calderwood, Hon. Mr.
Sandilands, Hon. General Stewart, Hon. C. F. Stewart of Erskine,
Sir Gilbert Stirling, Hon. Stewart Erskine, Mr. and Lady Gordon of
Aitkenhead and Lady AUcia Erskine, Mr. Houstoun, M.P., and
Mrs. Houstoun of Johnstone Castle, Colonel Crawfuird of Newfield,
Mr. Fleming of Barochan, Mr. and Mrs. Speir, yr. of Burnbrae ;
Mr. Thomas and the Misses Speir of Burnbrae, Colonel Marten
and the officers of the Royal Dragoons, the officers of the 12th
Regiment, Mr. and Miss Loundes of Arthurlie, Mr. Ramsay of
Barton, Mr. Napier of Blackstone, Mr. Milliken Napier, yr., of
Milliken ; Mr. Cuninghame of Craigends, Mr. Alexander Graham
of Capilly, Mr. Meikleham of Carnbrae, Mr. Buchanan of Auchen-
torlie. Colonel Harvey and Mr. Harvey, yr-, of Castlesemple : Mr.
WiUiam Houston, Mr. Thomas Dundas Speirs, Mr. Campbell of
Sornbeg, Mr. John Tennant, Mr. Alexander of Ballochmyle, Mr.
Campbell of Blythswood, Captain Harrington of Torrance, Mr.
Mure of Caldwell, Mr. Alexander of Southbar, Mr. Campbell of
Jura, Dr. Cairnie, Largs, &c., &c.

An interesting foot-race took place on the Paisley Race -course

on 27th November, 1840. The match was that AVylde, not

Merrylegs, as commonly called, from the neighbourhood of Man-
chester, who had been a runner from his boyhood, would beat any
Scotchman that could be pitted against him for a race of three
miles, the Scotchman to be allowed one quarter of a mile of start.
The amount of the bet was to be ;;^ioo, and the winner to pocket
the whole. Two persons were at first brought forward as competi-
tors on the Scotch side — Robert Gilchrist, a shepherd, from
Straiton Parish, Ayrshire, and William Lindsay, a country weaver.
On trial, Gilchrist was preferred. Lindsay went thrice round the
course — three miles — in seventeen minutes, but Gilchrist accom-
plished it in sixteen and a half minutes. After Gilchrist had been
in some degree fixed upon, another competitor was brought forward,
named James Hamilton, farmer, Laigh Drumclog, in the Upper
Ward of Lanarkshire, who went thrice round in sixteen minutes two
seconds, and, this being a quicker rate than Gilchrist's, Hamilton
was selected. The speed at which Wylde went round was four
times in twenty-two minutes forty-five seconds. The number of
bets pending on this race was quite astonishing. Several of them
amounted to from ^,2>° to ;£^o. It was arranged that the signal
for starting should be the discharge of a gun midway between the
positions of the parties at starting. Wylde, the Englishman, was a
light -made man, of low stature, but very sinewy. His only dress
was a pair of striped drawers, reaching half-way down his thighs, his
body and legs being wholly bare. His head was wrapped in a

1825 TILL 1850. 249

black napkin. Hamilton was a man of five feet ten or eleven
inches, and was at least two stones heavier than Wylde. He had
on a white stocking slip dress from shoulders to ankle, with a white
nightcap of the same material, and he was, like W3'lde, bare footed.
He had often run at weddings and on other occasions, and was
never beaten. On one occasion he ran round the course twice,
and on another thrice, but he had no other training. He had been
holding the plough since he came to Paisley, and was employed
two hours in thrashing on the day of the race. The time taken by
Hamilton, who was the winner, was — first round, five minutes ten
seconds ; second round, five minutes twenty-two seconds ; third
round, five minutes twenty seconds ; — in all, fifteen minutes fifty-
two seconds. The time taken from the start to the arrival at the
winning-post was fourteen minutes forty-two seconds ; but he did
not stop at the winning-post — he ran on to his own starting point.
That quarter of a mile occupied one minute and ten seconds,
making the whole time by running thrice round the course fifteen
minutes and fifty -two seconds. Wylde took fourteen minutes and
fifty-five seconds, consequently he ran the three miles in fifty-seven
seconds less than was taken by Hamilton. The weather was very
unfavourable. A close frosty fog settled down the night before,
which never cleared off all day, and objects could scarcely be
distinguished at the distance of thirty yards. The number of
spectators was immense. The race, on the whole, did not possess
such deep interest as if both runners had started from one point at
the same time, because at no period could both be seen at once.
The excitement, especially towards the close of the race, was very
great. Hamilton felt almost no fatigue, and Wylde seemed equally
fresh on his arrival.

The stewards at the races on 19th and 20th August were Lord
Belhaven and Stenton, IMr. Campbell of Blythswood, and Mr.
Thomas Speir of Burnbrae. There were the usual number of
stands and tents. Shortly after mid -day on Thursday rain began
to fall, and continued, with little intermission, till the close of the
races. At the first race for the Trial Stakes four horses started, and
Mr. Ramsay's Nubian won. Two horses ran for the Burgh
Member's Plate, and Mr. Ramsay's Sunbeam won. At the race for
the Glasgow Cup two horses started, and Lord Eglinton's Potentate
won. Two horses started for the Sweepstakes of twenty sovereigns
with twenty sovereigns from the fund, and Mr. Ramsay's Whistle-
Binkie won. For the Paisley Cup Lord Eglinton's Dr. Caius
walked over. On Friday the weather was more favourable. For
the " Silver Bells " only two horses started, and they were won by
Lord Eglinton's Potentate. The next race was a match for 120
sovereigns. It was contested by Mr. Hope Johnstone's Returned
and Mr. Redfern's Slashing Harry. The owners rode, and the
former won. Three horses started for a Sweepstake of fifty
sovereigns and fifty sovereigns from the fund, and Mr. C.
Alexander's Jerry won. Two horses started for the Plate of fifty

250 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

sovereigns, given by Mr. Houston, M.P. Mr. Ramsay's Nubian
won. The Blythsvvood Stakes was walked over by Mr. Ramsay's
Sunbeam. For the " Aftershots " three horses started, and Lord
Eglinton's Zoroaster won the race. At the north-west corner
coming home, Mr. Cook's SuUeman got off the course and came
down, when Noble the rider had his collar-bone broken. The
Earl and Countess of Eglinton were among the distinguished visitors
at the course.

The St. James Day races in 1843 came off on the 24th and 25th
August. The stewards were the Earl of Eglinton, Andrew John-
stone, Esq. of Halleathes, and James Merry, Esq. The judge was
Mr. William Nightingale. The number of the races and the amount
of the prizes corresponded very much with those of former years.

Thursday.
Paisley St. Leger Stakes. — Two horses ran. Winner, Lord Eglinton's Egidia.
Burgh Member's Plate. — Two horses i-an. Winner, Mr. Ramsay's Shadow.
Glasgow Cup. — Three horses ran. Winner, Lord Eglinton's Jamie Forrest.
Paisley Cup. — Two horses ran. Winner, Mr. Ramsay's Shadow.
Match, 100 sovs. — Mr. Willington's Veteran and Captain Boyd's Clown. The
former won. Gentlemen riders.

Friday.
Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. — Two horses ran. Winner, Mr. Merry's Prudence.
The " Silver Bells." — Two horses ran. Winner, Mr. Ramsay's Shadow.
The Hunters' Stakes. — Two horses ran. Winner, Mr. Ramsay's Zoroaster.
Railway Stakes of 10 sovs. — Four horses ran. Winner, Mr. Hope Johnstone's

William Le Gros.
"Aftershots." — Three horses ran. Winner, Mr. Merry's Cable.

There were above thirty tents, eight of which were surmounted
with hustings for viewing the races. The grand stand was as usual
well filled with ladies and gentlemen. The weather on both of the
days, but particularly on Friday, was somewhat unfavourable, and
the attendance was therefore scarcely so numerous as in some of the
former years.

The races in 1844 took place on 22nd and 23rd August. The
stewards were the Earl of Glasgow and Sir James Boswell. Judge —
William Nightingale, Esq., Skipton, Yorkshire. On Thursday the
first race was —
The Paisley St. Leger Stakes. — Three horses ran. Winner, Mr. Dawson's

Geneva.
Burgh Member's Plate. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Cook's Zoroaster.
Glasgow Cup. — -Three horses started. Winner, Mr Dawson's The Biddy.
The Paisley Cup. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Ramsay's Lady Skepsey.

On Friday the first race was —

Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. — Two horses ran. Winner, Lord Eglinton's Pythia.
The "Silver Bells." — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Cable.
Hunters' Stakes. — Gentlemen riders. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Cook's
Zoroaster.

1825 TILL 1850. 251

Railway Stakes. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Christopher.
Aftershots. — Five horses started. Winner, Mr. Dawson's Geneva.

The races at St. James Day Fair in 1845 took place on 21st and
22nd August. The stewards were the Earl of Eglinton and Winton;
James Lumsden, Lord Provost of Glasgow ; and Colonel Mure of
Caldwell. The races on Thursday commenced with the

Trial Stakes of 5 sovs. and 25 added. — Four horses started. Winner, Lord

Eglinton's Bretwalda.
Burgh Member's Plate. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Johnstone's Millden.
Glasgow Cup. — Three horses started. Winner, Sir C. Monk's Glossy.
Paisley Cup. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's John Harris.

Frid.vy.
The races should have commenced with a Sweepstake ; but
although three horses were entered, none were brought forward.
"Silver Bells." — Two horses started. Winner, Lord Eglinton's Bretwalda.
Hunters' Stakes. — Four horses started. Having first qualified by jumping a

wall 3^ -feet high. Winner, Mr. Campbell's Waverley.
Railway Stakes. — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. Morris's Mesmeria.
The Aftershots. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's John Harris.
The meeting on the whole went off with great eclat, although the
absence of many distinguished personages who were wont to grace
the course was very generally regretted.

The races at St. James Day Fair in 1846 took place on 20th and
2 1 St August. The stewards were the Earl of Eglinton and Sir
James Boswell, Bart.

Thursday.
Trial Stakes of 5 sovs. and 25 sovs. added. — Four horses started. Winner,

Hon. J. Kennedy's Doctor.
Burgh Member's Plate. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Pilot.
Glasgow Cup. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's John Harris.
Selling Stakes, a sweepstake of 5 sovs., with 25 sovs. added. — Three horses

started. Winner, Mr. Ellis's Claudia.
Paisley Cup.— Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Badinage.

Friday.
Anybody's Stakes of 5 sovs., with 50 sovs. added. — Four horses started.

Winner, Mr. W. H. Johnstone's Marion Ramsay.
"Silver Bells." — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Pilot.
Hunters' Stakes. — Two horses started, and first qualified by jumping a wall

3^ -feet high. Winner, Mr. John Henderson's Speculator. Gentlemen riders.
Railway Stakes. — Three horses staiied. Winner, Mr. Merry's Badinage.
Aftershots. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Hill's Bathan.

On Friday the weather was good, and the number of spectators who
visited the course was estimated at 70,000.

The races in 1847 were on 19th and 20th August. The first
race was the
Trial Stakes, — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's John Harris.

252 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Burgh Member's Plate. — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Marion

Ramsay.
Glasgow Cup. — Two horses started, Winner, Mr. Merry's Chanticleer.
The Selling Stakes. — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. H. Murland's Tanais.
The Paisley Cup. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Pilot.

The first race on Friday was —

Anybody's Stakes. — Mr. Merry's Pilot walked over.

" Silver Bells." — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Chanticleer.

Hunters' Stakes. — Mr. Speirs's Alligator walked over.

Railway Stakes. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's John Harris.

Aftershots. — Five horses started. Winner, Mr. Nicol's Moscow.

The estimated number of people on the course on Thursday was
30,000, and on Friday, 40,000.

The races at St. James Day Fair took place in 1848 on 17th and
1 8th August. The stewards were Colonel Mure and Sir James
Boswell. The first race on Thursday was —

The Trial Stakes. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Aspasia.
Burgh Member's Plate. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Pilot.
Glasgow Cup. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Collier.
Selling Stakes. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. M'Kenzie's John Harris.
Paisley Cup. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Pilot.

The first on Friday was —

A Sweepstake. — Three horses started. Winner, Captain J. Campbell's Heads-
man.
"Silver Bells." — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Pilot.
Hunters' Stakes. — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Collier.
Railway Stakes.- — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. M'Kenzie's John Harris.
Aftershots. — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. Merry's Aspasia.

There was a want of ladies on the grand -stand, and the attendance
of gentlemen, usually so considerable, was greatly diminished. The
crowd who visited the course on Friday was immense, numbering,
as is supposed, not less than 50,000, and about three times Thurs-
day's number.

In 1849 the races came off on 30th and 31st August. The
stewards were Sir M. R. Shaw Stewart, Archibald Hastie, Esq.,
J. R. Lee Harvey of Castlesemple, George Baird, Esq. of Gart-
sherrie. The first race on Thursday, 30th, was —

The Trial Stakes. — Six horses started. Winner, Mr. Dinning's Railway King.
Burgh Member's Plate. — Four horses started. Winner, Mr. Drake's Reversion.
Glasgow Cup. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Shepherd's Alp.
Selling Stakes. — Six horses started. W^inner, Capt. O. V. Harcourt's Inheritor.
Glasgow Yeomanry Stakes. — Two horses started. ^Vinner, Mr. Lawson's

California.
The Paisley Cup. — Three horses started. Whinner, Mr. Shepherd's Alp.

1825 TILL 1850. 253

On Friday the first race was —

A Sweepstake of 5 sovs., with 20 sovs. added. — Three horses started. Winner,

Mr. Dinning's Railway King.
"Silver Bells." — Three horses started. Winner, Mr. Russell's Tortoise.
Hunters' Stakes. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Sharkey's Eighen.
Railway Stakes. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Drake's Reversion,
Aftershots. — Two horses started. Winner, Mr. Drake's Reversion.

Mr. David Campbell acted as clerk, and Mr. John Auld as judge.
The number of spectators on the course was fully more than that
of last year.

The races did not pass off so quietly this year as hitherto. The
sports of Thursday were followed by a most disgraceful riot, which
took place on the course towards midnight, after the whole of the
police had left. It commenced with a number of blackguards
throwing about an old tree -stump, which they had procured in the
neighbourhood for the purpose of gathering the crowd. Speedily
the rioters commenced an indiscriminate assault upon the stalls, and
stole hams, biscuits, tarts, clothing, and everything which came in
their way. The owners of the tents after a time, but not until they
had been divested of a considerable amount of property, united in
self-defence, and succeeded in capturing about a dozen of the ring-
leaders and in having them conveyed to the Police Office. The
whole of those apprehended belonged to Glasgow.

In the beginning of 1829 the Council resolved to remove the
slaughter-house from behind the flesh-market in Moss Street, where
it had been for many years. This became necessary to admit of
the formation of the new street from the County Buildings to Dyers'
Wynd, and ultimately to the Cross ; and also to remedy the insuffi-
cient accommodation. The first proposal was to erect the new
shambles on the side of the river in Sneddon ; but this idea, owing
to the opposition it raised, was abandoned, and they were built on
the site where they now stand. The butchers objected very much
at first to going so far out of the town.

In 1836 the Council erected a new flesh -market on the west side
of Gilmour Street. Very few of the butchers went to it, and for
several years only one stall was used in it, viz., by Miss Burns.
After she left the market, it was let for several years to tradesmen ;
and latterly the Council feued the ground, on the southern part of
which now stands the handsome shop of Messrs. Alexander King &
Son. When the market was removed from Moss Street to Gilmour
Street, the Council disposed of the ground on which the old market
stood. A superior building was erected on the site, and the floor
above the range of shops is used as a hall, and known by the name
of the Exchange Rooms.

The appalling public spectacle of the execution of criminals had
not hitherto been frequent, the last being the case of Potts in 1797.

254 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

In 1829 the inhabitants, however, witnessed the execution of two
men for committing the serious offences of housebreaking and theft
in the neighbourhood of the town.

On Sunday morning, the 14th June in that year, John Craig,
glazier ; James Brown, labourer ; and Robert Stewart, weaver, all
Irishmen, violently entered the house of Mr. William Robertson,
bleacher, West Foxbar. He and his sister were the only inmates.
Mr. Robertson was alarmed by an uncommon noise in the house,
upon which he arose and endeavoured to get out of his room, but
was prevented by one of the robbers holding the door fast. Mr.
Robertson then had recourse to a poker, with which he broke the
pannel of the door, and by this means he was enabled to get to the
room from which the noise proceeded. He there found that they
had abused Miss Robertson, who was then lying on the floor.
Mr. Robertson was also repeatedly struck by one of the number
with a bludgeon. Thus situated, and finding further resistance
unavailing, Mr. Robertson submitted to a minute and strict exami-
nation of the house for money, and the robbers left after spending
an hour in it. Previous to leaving it, they bound both ^Ir. and
Miss Robertson, and used horrid imprecations in threatening what
would follow should they give the alarm. They carried with them
from the house a single -barrelled gun, a quantity of silver tea and
table-spoons, a bank cheque for ^90, and about twelve shillings in
silver. Mr. Robertson having got loose, unbound his sister and
gave the alarm. Craig and Brown were apprehended in Belfast,
and on 22nd September following were charged before Lord Mon-
crieff and a jury at Glasgow Assizes with this housebreaking and
robbery. Stewart was outlawed for not appearing. Craig pled
guilty, and the Judge warned him that he was pleading guilty to a
crime which was punishable with death. He, however, pled guilty
a second and third time. The jury found Brown to be guilty, and
the two men were sentenced to be executed on the 29th October,
in County Square, Paisley. Prior to the day of execution they
showed great attention to the religious instructions given to them
by Professor Symington, Rev. Mr. Geddes, Messrs. Warrand Carlile,
Robert Symington, and John Hart. The prisoners, particularly
Craig, ascribed all their misfortunes to violating the Sabbath and
wandering about the fields on that day. The stick with which Craig
struck Mr. Robertson was cut in a wood on the Sabbath day.^

^ The reader is referred for further information to "The Journal of Conver-
sations with John Craig and James Brown previous to their execution at Paisley,
29th October, 1829, by the Rev. John Geddes, minister of the High Church,
Paisley; with an address to the prisoners by the Rev. Professor Symington, Paisley."
Also "A Sermon to the Young, preached at the request of John Craig and
James Brown while under the sentence of death in Paisley Jail, and delivered in
the High Church, Paisley, on Sabbath evening, 15th November, 1829, by the
Rev. John Geddes." Also to "A Voice from the Scaffold, or a Solemn
Address, on the execution of John Craig and James Brown, by the Rev. Dr.
Burns, of St. George's, Paisley." These were all published by Mr. Alexander
Gardner, bookseller, Paisley.

1825 TILL 1850. 255

They were both married and had large famiHes. The interviews
with them all before the day of execution formed heartrending
scenes. At the execution, County Square was filled with a great
crowd of people.

Seven years afterwards there was another execution, arising from
the perpetration of a barbarous murder, an event of very rare
occurrence in Paisley. ^Villiam Perry, a native of Glasgow, who
had been working in Paisley for seventeen years as a tobacco -
spinner, went home to his house in Barclay Street on the 31st May,
1837. After entering the house, he sent out two of his children by
his first wife, and afterwards barred the door. Immediately there-
after a scuffling was heard, intermingled with cries of murder. A
woman who lived in an adjoining house attempted to open the
door, but found it barred ; she applied all her strength to the door,
and Mrs. Perry, who appeared at the same moment to have got the
bar removed, fled staggering into her neighbour's, where she cried
out — "I am gone; send for assistance." In a few minutes, and
before any medical aid could be procured, she breathed her last.
The deed was committed with a common three-sided saw file
ground to a bayonet, and stuck into a short handle. At the
moment after the deed, and no doubt during its commission. Perry
was in quite a distracted state, and his eyes were glaring with such
desperation that his neighbours feared he would attempt suicide,
but they took some precautions to prevent this until the arrival of the
officers of police, who took him into custody. AVhen the body was
examined, eight wounds were found upon it, — two in the arm, three
near the shoulder, one behind the ear, one in the back, and one in
the breast, by which the fatal instrument reached and penetrated
the heart. The wound in the back was supposed to have been the
last of all, dealt as the woman was flying out of the door. And in
this wound the instrument appears to have stuck, as it dropped
from the body on the floor of the neighbour's house. Perry, on the
same evening, underwent an examination before the Sheriff and the
Procurator- Fiscal of the County; and after being particularly
cautioned, according to the practice observed in such cases, against
self-crimination, he freely emitted a declaration confessing his guilt.
Perry's first wife died in the spring of the previous year, and he
married Mary Mitchell, his second wife, although he knew of her
having been the mother of several illegitimate children. He was a
man of strong passions, and deep jealousy found ample fuel on
which to feed in the past history of his wife. It was in one of these
moods he murdered her. Perry was tried for the crime of murder
on 27th September following, at the Glasgow Circuit Court, before
Lord Cockburn and a jury. A most ingenious defence by his
counsel, Mr. Maxwell, of temporary insanity, was attempted, but
the jury unanimously found him guilty, and four of them recom-
mended him to mercy. During the time between condemnation
and execution he was most penitent, and conducted himself with

256 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the greatest propriety. The Rev. John Macnaughtan^ attended
him most assiduously till his last moments. At eight o'clock on the
morning of the i8th October, 1837, he was executed in front of the
County Buildings, in the presence of a great assemblage. The
whole space from the County Buildings to Moss Street, and from
Dyers' Wynd to Sneddon Street, presented an almost uninterrupted
mass of human heads. Before the body was interred within the
precincts of the jail, a phrenologist, with some assistance, took a
cast of the head.

The year 1830 was memorable for the commencement, not only
in Paisley but throughout the whole nation, of important political
agitations, which terminated in completely altering the system of
electing Members of Parliament. King George IV. died on 26th
June, 1830, and immediately thereafter William IV. was proclaimed
King. This led to a new election of Parliament. In the mean-
time events of great importance happened in France. The King
abolished the liberty of the press, dissolved the Chambers, and
adopted a new mode of electing the Deputies for the Lower House.
Then followed the Revolution on the 24th, 25th, and 26th July, or,
as they were termed, " the three glorious days of Paris," which
ended in the abdication of Charles X. These proceedings had a
most extraordinary influence on the politics of this country. Many
meetings were held in the various towns in England, and an
enthusiastic one in Edinburgh congratulated the French people on
the successful progress of their Revolution, and resolved to subscribe
funds for the relations of those who had fallen in the several encounters
with the military. On the 19th August a preliminary meeting of
persons with similar objects in view was held in the hall of the
Paisley Philosophical Institution. They appointed a committee to
draw up a requisition and present it to the Provost and Magistrates
to call a meeting of the inhabitants to consider the best means of
giving expression to public opinion regarding the occurrences in
France. As the Magistrates did not see it to be their duty to
accede to the request, the requisitionists called a meeting them-
selves, to be held on the 2nd September, in the church, St. James
Street. This meeting was numerously attended, was influential in
character, and the proceedings were most enthusiastic. Sir John
Maxwell of Pollok was called to the chair, and the speakers who
moved and supported resolutions were Mr. Wallace of Kelly, Mr.
Speirs of Elderslie, Messrs. Hugh Macfarlane, William Barr, William
Bell, John Crawford, James Fleming, John Gilchrist, and George
Mason. The following is a copy of the resolutions carried, which
will best exhibit the temper of the meeting : —

I. " That the inhabitants of Paisley, participating in the joy

^ He afterwards published "A Sketch of the Life of William Perry, and
Recollections of Conversations with him during his Confinement and when under
the Sentence of Death," as given in two discourses jjreached in the High Church
on 22nd October, being the Sabbath after his execution.

1S25 TILL 1850. 257

which pervades all ranks of His Majesty's loyal subjects in this
country, beg leave to congratulate the people of France on their
late glorious struggle, and more especially to convey to the citizens
of Paris the expression of their applause for securing, by their noble
resistance to arbitrary power, the inestimable blessings of liberty
and well-regulated government."

2. " That the moderation which has so eminently characterised
the conduct of the French people in obtaining so signal a victory
over their infatuated ruler exhibits to the world a striking instance
of the triumph of virtue and patriotism over bigotry and intolerance,
and justly entitles them to the esteem and admiration of every
friend of liberal institutions."

3. "That the magnanimous conduct on the part of the people of
France affords to rulers at once a splendid example of the folly and
danger of attempting by despotic measures to prevent the diffusion
of knowledge and to enslave mankind ; and at the same time
demonstrates that it is the true wisdom of statesmen, in accordance
with the spirit of an enlightened age, considerately to adopt such
improvements as time and experience demand."

4. " That the more effectually to evince our feeling and esteem
for the citizens of Paris, a public subscription shall be entered into
and the proceeds presented to the wounded and to the relatives of
those who have fallen in the late glorious and eventful struggle — a
stmggle by which the liberties of the people of Europe have been
so greatly advanced."

5. " That these resolutions be transmitted to the venerable and
patriotic General La Fayette and to the Prefect of Paris, with a
respectful request that the same be communicated to the inhabitants
of Paris, and to the people of France generally, in whatever manner
they consider best."

The feeling in favour of a better representation of the people in
Parliament had now become very strong among all classes. The
visit of Mr. Hume to Paisley on 17th September, when an address
was presented to him, and the manner in which his observations
were received, manifested a great desire for Parliamentary reform.
At that time arrangements were made to hold a public meeting to
petition the King and the House of Commons for a radical reform
of Parliament. This meeting took place on the i6th November in
the Thread Street Church; and by the hour of assembling the church,
which was able to contain nearly 2000, was densely filled, and many
hundreds were unable to obtain admittance. Sir John Maxwell of
PoUok occupied the chair ; and resolutions in favour of Parlia-
mentary reform, supported by Mr. Wallace of Kelly, Mr. Speirs of
Elderslie, Messrs. George Gardner, William Waterston, George
Mason, William Barr, J. Osburn, James Fleming, and John Hender-
son, were carried amidst great enthusiasm.

Parliament was formally opened on ist November, and on the
1 6th a motion relating to the civil list was brought up, the decision

258 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

upon which left the Government in a minority of twenty-nine. The
Premier (the Duke of Wellington) along with his colleagues im-
mediately resigned. Earl Grey being called upon by the King,
formed a new Ministry. In the first speech of Earl Grey in the
House of Lords after assuming the premiership, he stated his willing-
ness to support a measure for the better representation of the people
in the House of Commons. The attention of the public after this
announcement became entirely engrossed in the subject of Parlia-
mentary reform. In every town of any importance in the country
enthusiastic meetings were held to give support to the new Ministry,
and the Houses of Parliament were called upon to give such an
extension of the franchise as would include a fair representation of
the property and intelligence of the country. On 3rd December a
public meeting of the noblemen and gentlemen, freeholders, Com-
missioners of Supply, heritors, magistrates of towns. Justices of
the Peace, merchants, and manufacturers of the county of Ren-
frew, was held in the County Hall, to congratulate His Majesty
King William IV. on the occasion of his having displaced an
administration which had proved hostile to the liberty and
prosperity of the country, and to implore His Majesty forth-
with to dissolve the present Parliament, and thereby enable the
people to return representatives in consonance with their own
opinion ; and also to take into consideration the propriety of stating
to the King and his Ministry the necessity of an immediate reform
of the Commons House of Parliament. The meeting was well
attended, and Sir John Maxwell was called to the chair. The pro-
posers and supporters of the resolutions that were carried in accord-
ance with the terms upon which the meeting was held were — Mr.
Wallace of Kelly, Mr. C. Pontine of Ardoch, Mr. Speirs of Elderslie,
Mr. Maxwell, yr. of Pollok, Messrs. Simpson, Ritchie, and Gardner.
At this time the Town Council, like almost every similar body in
Scotland, had also under their consideration the subject of Parlia-
mentary and Burgh reform, and unanimously agreed to petition
both Houses of Parliament in favour of the same. This moderate
and sensible petition, dated i6th December, 1830, was as follows : —
" That your petitioners view with great satisfaction the resolution
of His Majesty's Ministers to adopt a system of retrenchment and
economy in every branch of the public expenditure ; that your
petitioners also rejoice in the assurance given by His Majesty's
Ministers that the state of representation in Parliament is about to
be taken into consideration by the Government ; that in counties in
this part of the United Kingdom the elective franchise is vested to
a great extent in those who have no interest in the soil, and the
members for Royal Burghs are elected by the Magistrates and
Council, who generally elect their successors, and form but a very
small part of the community. It is therefore expedient that the elective
franchise be amended. That many populous towns have no voice
in the election of members to serve in Parliament — Paisley, with
its suburbs, comprehending a manufacturing population of nearly

1825 TILL 1S50. 259

50,000 persons, being in that situation ; that the petitioners humbly
submit that the claim of such a population to send a member to
represent them in Parliament cannot be overlooked in remodelling
the representative system of the kingdom ; that the constitutions of
most of the Royal Burghs and Burghs of Barony are defective ;
that your petitioners have not only no desire to possess political
rights to the exclusion of respectable fellow- citizens in the munici-
pal affairs of the town, but are disposed to regard with entire satis-
faction any Parliamentary reform which, by extending the elective
franchise, shall diffuse more equal political rights amongst His
Majesty's subjects, and which at the same time shall be calculated
to preserve inviolate the just balance and stability of our invaluable
Constitution."

During the great European war there were reading-rooms in
every quarter of the town, but in the period of peace that followed
they were all given up with the exception of the one in Sneddon
district. The stirring and interesting events of Reform, however,
again diffused a spirit of inquiry and a demand for news among the
inhabitants, and several new reading-rooms were opened. In the
one in Broomlands there were 140 members.

On the 4th January, 1831, the first preliminary meeting of a
committee of the Renfrewshire Political Union was held in the
Saracen's Head Inn — Mr. Wallace of Kelly in the chair. A sub-
committee was appointed to prepare the rules and regulations of the
Union, with the duties of the members and the council of the
Union. These were similar to those adopted by the Birming-
ham Union, At a meeting held on the 14th February following, in
the church, St. James Street — Sir John Maxwell in the chair — the
rules prepared by the committee were confirmed, and the members'
quarterly contributions fixed at sixpence. The meeting agreed to
petition Parliament in favour of a reduction of taxation, a shorter
duration of Parliaments, extension of the elective franchise to male
householders, and of giving burgesses in burghs the power to elect
their councillors.

The Government measure for a reform of the representation of
the people in the House of Commons, which had been looked
forward to with great anxiety, was brought before Parliament on ist
March, 1831. The bill was generally approved of by the country.
On the 7th of that month the Political Union held a meeting to
discuss the different parts of the bill, and although it fell short of
the principles of the Union, they approved of it. Petitions were at
once forwarded to the King, Lords, and Commons, cordially
thanking His Majesty and His Ministers for the reform proposed,
and praying the legislature to pass it, undiminished in its scope,
immediately into law. On the 15th of that month the Town
Council also agreed that petitions should be presented to the
Houses of Parliament approving of the Reform Bill submitted to
the House of Commons by His Majesty's Ministers. On the same

26o HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

day a public meeting of bankers, merchants, manufacturers,
professional gentlemen, and other inhabitants of Paisley, called by
Provost Gilmour, passed resolutions approving of the Reform Bill,
and expressing grateful thanks for the benefits proposed to be con-
ferred on Paisley by allowing the town the privilege of sending a
member to Parliament to represent its extensive and varied interests.
The meeting also agreed that an address to the King, and petition
to both Houses of Parliament, should be subscribed by the inhabit-
ants. These petitions, in the course of less than two days, were
signed by 7500 of the inhabitants. On the i6th of that month the
Commissioners of Police likewise agreed that a dutiful address to
His Majesty, and petitions to both Houses of Parliament should
be forwarded in favour of the Reform Bill. And on the i8th of
that month a general meeting of the County of Renfrew was held in
the Square in front of the County Buildings,- — Sir John Maxwell in
the chair,— when resolutions were passed in favour of the Reform
Bill, and of an address to His Majesty William IV.; and it was
agreed that petitions to Parliament, founded on these resolutions,
should immediately be forwarded. This meeting was attended by
upwards of six thousand persons of a fairly representative character.
On the 2 1 St March the second reading of the Reform Bill was
carried in the House of Commons by a majority of one. This
caused great excitement throughout the country. When the news
of this result arrived in Paisley, they afforded the greatest satisfaction,
and the different reading-rooms resounded with tumultuous applause.
In a few hours after the arrival of the news, a requisition, signed by
a number of respectable gentlemen was presented to the Provost,
requesting permission to illuminate the town on Monday evening,
the 28th March. This permission was granted to all who chose to
illuminate, and instructions were given to ring the bells from eight
to ten in the evening. On that day the County Buildings were
decked with flags, and many more were displayed from windows
and chimney- tops. Notwithstanding the short time allowed to
prepare devices and transparencies, they were numerous, and many
of them were very good. The County Buildings and Mr. Lowndes's
house bristled with torches. In Dr. Baton's window was displayed
a luminous circle, like a halo, with the large figure " One " in the
form of a pillar in the centre, 1688 on the apex, 183 1 at the base,
while on the shaft of the pillar there was inscribed "one is enough."
In Mr. Fletcher's a very tasteful, well -executed transparency was
displayed, with the King's Crown surmounted by 302 ; in the four
angles were inscribed the names of Hamilton, Argyle, Grey, and
Russell, and in a panel below those of Jeffrey, MTntosh, Ferguson,
Kennedy, and Grant. Several portraits of the King were displayed.
There was one in the window of Mr. Murray, the painter, surmounted
by " William IV. Rex.," and in a circle underneath Earl Grey and
His Majesty's Ministers. His Majesty was represented in Court dress.
The likeness was striking, and was very generally admired. In Mr.
Gillespie's window there appeared a beautiful Crown, with the words

1825 TILL 1850. 261

" Loyal Reform " beneath. In the window of George Gardner was
a Crown, supported on the right by the King, and on the left by the
Ministry, and beneath by the People ; two branches composed of
the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock entwined, sprang from " unity and
freedom," and meeting at the top formed a circle in which
"Reform Bill" was inscribed. Near it in the window of Mr.
Crawford's office was a transparency with a Thistle on the top, in
the centre a Rose and a Shamrock occupying the two corners ; the
King, Lords, and Commons were joined into one by a waving line
and a few "ones." The amount of the majority was placed in
different positions to fill up space ; immediately beneath were the
words '"'' tria una jiinda" joined together by "one." The remainder
of the space was occupied with the following expressions : — " The
nobility and splendour of the throne ; the honour, virtue, and
renown of the nobles ; the freedom, prosperity, and happiness
of the people ; the regeneration of the Constitution ; in one word,
reform insured by 'unit-y.' The King, the sailor King, the
Constitutional King; William the Reformer for ever — hurra." In
the window of Conway and Collins, jewellers, there was a very good
likeness of a printing press, with the pressman removing from the
tympan a hand -bill headed Reform; in a circle above that was the
following couplet : —

'* Aided by thee, O Art Divine, our race spurns the tyrants in or out of place."
" The press is the fourth estate of the reahn."

The most grandly illuminated house was that of Mr. Simpson, writer.
In three windows of equal size were well-executed transparencies.
In the one on the left was a cornucopia pouring out all the blessings
necessary to sweeten the lot of a free nation, with the inscription —
" Thanks to an honest Ministry and glorious 302." On the right
was a huge scavenger's besom, with the words — "Good-bye to
corruption, the Boroughmongers, and the whole 301 "; and in the
centre was a crown, with the words — " Hail, William the Reformer ;
immortal fame awaits thy name, thou patriot King." The house
and warehouse of Mr. PuUar, Causeyside, was illuminated most
tastefully. One ornament, a transparency, decked the middle
window, with the words — " Reform, and by Grey we will have it."
The centre part of the triple window of the artist's room was orna-
mented with a portrait of the King, surmounted by " Long live
King William the Reformer," and beneath " Let liberty prevail and
the fine arts flourish." In one of the windows was " Success to
Lord Russell's labours." In the Turf Inn were two racers, one
about a single neck ahead of the other, the front one mounted by
Lord Russell, exclaiming — "The race is won," and Peel on the
other, saying — " I have done my best," while the crowd near the
winning-post were waving their hats and exclaiming — -"Wha
would ha'e thocht it? " The word " Freedom " was seen in a corner
not far from the winning-post, and on the tO]) of the post was the
King, waving his hat to the victor and exclaiming — " The people

262 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

must have their rights." Opposite the Turf Inn, in a window of
Mr. Robb's warehouse, was a chister of Boroughmongers, repre-
sented by rubbish, and a great tall Reformer with a huge besom
sweeping them out. In Mr. Yuill's window was a fine large bee-
hive, surmounted by the words — " Turning out the drones "; and the
smart little workers had turned them out with such rapidity that
a cluster of them had accumulated nearly as high as the entrance of
the hive. At the window of Mr. Stewart, teacher, New Town, a
magic -lantern was fixed, which exhibited a great variety of figures,
to the amusement of the spectators. The office of the Gas Com-
pany was illuminated with equal brilliancy and taste. They had a
number of flexible tubes to carry the gas, and in one window these
were made to twine neatly round a St. Andrew's Cross, in another
window a display of fancy burners was shown, while in the centre
was a crown, supported by a thistle, with the words — " God save
King William the Fourth." The whole had an imposing appear-
ance. On the lantern in front of the ofiice were three inscriptions
— "Let us have light, new light, and more light." In the Broom-
lands Reading-room was displayed a balloon beginning to ascend ;
the car was loaded with rotten burghs, corn laws, sinecures, and
tithes, all in bags. From the netting of the balloon a number of
ropes were suspended, and of these Wellington, Peel, Wetherall,
and some others, had got hold, but away they went up into the air.
While this balloon was taking the Boroughmongers up into the
clouds, there was exhibited in a house on Renfrew Road a ship
engaged exporting them by sea. The vessel's name was Corruption,
as indicated by her colours ; motto, '' Where bound? — Oblivion" ;
" cargo, Boroughmongers "; and there they hung so as to appear
uncertain whether they should jump overboard or go on the voyage.
Others displayed paintings, busts, statues, stuffed birds, mirrors,
evergreens, and flowers. The King, Earl Grey, the Ministry, and
" the glorious majority" Avere everywhere lauded ; but the Borough-
mongers were dealt with in many very summary ways — some
hanging by the neck, and others suspended in the middle of
the street by lines extended from opposite windows. Two
bands of music — the Paisley Amateur one of thirty-two and the
Levern one of sixteen — perambulated the principal streets, pre-
ceded by banners and torch -bearers, playing airs connected with
the word " Liberty." The starting tune at all the difterent places
where they stopped was always " Up an' waur them a', ^^'illie 1 "
The weather was very favourable, and the turn-out of the inhabit-
ants was immense, High Street from the Old Bridge to the head
of Storie Street being at times one dense mass.

At this time active measures were taken by means of subscriptions
to establish an instrumental band in the town, consisting of bugles,
clarionets, horns, &c. The proposal originated with the Flute
Club, who called a meeting of those favourable to the design, in the
Philosophical Institution, on 19th April, when a committee was
appointed to procure subscriptions. The proposal was afterwards
successfully carried into execution.

1S25 TILL 1850. 263

In the House of Commons in Committee, on 19th April, an amend-
ment was carried relating to the reduction of the number of Knglish
Members, which the Ministry deemed fatal to the Reform Bill, and
shortly thereafter Parliament was dissolved. Great excitement
followed throughout the whole country. The election of a Member
of Parliament to represent Renfrewshire was fixed for Monday, the
9th May, and it was resolved that there should on that day be a
grand procession from Paisley to Renfrew to hold a meeting there
and vote an address to the King on the occasion of his dissolving
Parliament in order to take the opinion of the people on the subject
of the Reform Bill. This was perhaps the most imposing demon-
stration that ever took place in the county, and the enthusiasm was
quite unprecedented. The place of assembling was St. James
Street; and by half- past nine o'clock that street, from Love Street
to Underwood Street, and even a good way down Caledonia Street,
was one dense living mass, while floating over their heads were to
be seen flags of all colours, sizes, and devices. At ten o'clock the
procession started, in the following order : — J. C. Cunningham,
preses of the Trades' Committee, rode in front to clear the way, and
was followed by the local band. In front of the trades rode Mr.
Murtrie, superintendent of police. The hammermen, masons, and
slaters were preceded by the band from Bridgeton. The hammer-
men, in addition to an anvil and some other implements, had three
flags. One of them bore the regular smiths' arms, the second had
the motto " With hammer in hand we will support the King," the
other " With hammer and hand we will beat out corruption." The
masons had two flags — the one with Paisley County Buildings and
some masonic devices ; the other, painted expressly for the occasion,
had two pillars on which an arch stood without the keystone, but
supported by Grey and Russell. The motto on the top was —
"The foundation-stone of Reform is laid," and beneath — "Ere
long the building shall be finished." The slaters carried a ladder,
with the inscription attached — "With the ladder of Reform we will
mount above the Boroughmongers." One flag had on it — " Long
hve King William, the personal dispenser of the Boroughmongers,"
and on another — "With these tools we strip the house of corrup-
tion." The manufacturers were followed by the seven district
parties of weavers, having a band of music and six flags accompany-
ing each. Among the devices and mottoes were — " Reform
prevents Revolution," " Stand fast and we will support you," " The
genius of Scotland with the Reform Bill in her hand — Reform or

" (the rest of the sentence was indicated by a sword in the

other hand pointing to a band of Highlanders defiling from a
mountain pass), " We are many and determined," " A reforming
King, a united Ministry, and a determined people." Among a
great variety of ornaments and devices were carried five Lochaber
axes, nineteen spontoons, six stands of colours, four garland poles,
nine garlands, twenty gorgets, seventy-five pink scarfs, and nineteen
green scarfs. The soapboilers had the word " Reform," in gilt

264 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

letters on a black ground, placed in the front of their hats. The
dyers had the Govan band ; on one of their flags was displayed
the Scottish national coat-of-arms, surmounted by a crown-motto —
" We will dye for the cause." The bakers had the Rutherglen band
and two flags. The tailors had a band from Glasgow, and two very
handsome flags. The cotton -spinners had one flag, and there was
on it —

" 'Twas Royal William swept the house,
Then, Boroughmongers, why so crouse ? "

The flower-lashers, painters, clothlappers, pattern drawers, stationers,
printers, and bookbinders had Parkholm band, and carried a
number of flags. The wrights and turners had the Levern band,
and carried three flags. The men, about 170 of them, were all
well dressed — the masters with sashes and the men with belts of
light blue ribbon. Each carried a six feet rod in his hand, on which
was fixed a rosette of blue ribbon, and many of them had a neat
little crown of shavings. They all had, besides, shoulder rosettes of
ribbons. They were everywhere received with cheers. The coopers
had a flute band and five flags. The ropemakers had on their flag
a figure of the celebrated female, Joan of Arc ; motto, " Reform."
The tanners had in their front ranks one of their number riding on
an ass, and entwined behind him was a huge pair of bullock's
horns, as representative of John Bull. On one side of the neck
was — " May they tan our hides if we don't show our horns in
defence of King William, Earl Grey, and Reform ;" on the other —

"Boroughmongers rode us long,

And pinch'd us sore on ilka side ;
But I'm on their back ; if they don't submit,
I'm now resolved to tan their hide."

The shoemakers had the Kilwinning band and three flags.
Tobacco -spinners and cork-cutters had a flute band from Glasgow.
On one of the flags was " Long live King William, the bloodless
Reformer. We seek Reform, and we shall have it." There was
also a very large number of boys, with flags in every variety of size
and colour. The procession was joined on the south -side of the
town by the party from Pollokshaws and Eastwood. About fifty of
the respectable yeomen on Sir John Maxwell's estate appeared on
horseback, all well dressed, carrying a number of beautiful flags
and devices. The gardeners joined in the procession with those of
the same trades from Pollokshaws and other places in the south.
In addition to their flags, they carried a great variety of garlands,
bouquets, and evergreen shrubs, and presented a cheerful and
enlivening appearance. The route taken was up Moss Street to the
Cross, along High Street, Wellmeadow Street, down West Street,
along George Street, down Causeyside to foot of New Street, along
Orchard Street, Bridge Street, a part of Abbey Street, Cotton Street,
Gauze Street, and through Incle Street to Renfrew Road, near
Wallneuk. Near this place a triumphal arch was erected, under
which the procession passed. The road to Renfrew presented such

1825 TILL 1850. 265

an appearance as, we believe, was never before witnessed.
Throughout its whole length between the two towns it was, at one
period, literally covered with pedestrians. The procession entered
the extensive domains of Mr. Speirs, where the meeting was to be
held. At four o'clock the election was over, and the gentlemen
who were engaged at it marched into the field preceded by a band
of music. The speakers from the hustings, erected by Mr. Speirs,
in support of the address to the King, were Mr. Cunningham, Mr.
Osburn, and Mr. John Thomson. The vast assemblage was also
addressed by Sir M. S. Stewart, Mr. Patrick M. Stewart, Mr. John
King, Mr. Wallace of Kelly, and Captain Houston Stewart. No
part of tlie ceremony, for grand effect, could be compared to the
appearance which the multitude presented in the park.

On the whole the procession was a splendid success. The day
was fine, and the men forming the procession were, generally
speaking, well dressed. All manifested a desire to be well pleased.
The mottoes, while they breathed a spirit of liberty and independ-
ence, had, with few exceptions, no tincture of bitterness. The num-
ber who marched in the procession from Paisley alone was estimated
at upwards of eight thousand. When the procession passed the
Cross in the morning, there were thirty bands of music and 171
flags ; three or four additional bands, and from thirty to forty flags
must afterwards have been added. AVith respect to the whole
number on the field, it was estimated that they would amount to
between forty and fifty thousand. The last of the procession arrived
in Paisley about half- past six o'clock. Excellent order and harmony
were everywhere displayed.

As soon as the proceedings of the meeting in Mr. Speirs's policies
were concluded, a number of gentlemen dined in the Black Bull
Inn — Sir M. S. Stewart took the chair, — and was supported on the
right by Sir John Maxwell and Mr. Speirs, and on the left by Sir
D. K. Sandford and Sheriff Dunlop. Captain Stewart, R.N., acted
as croupier, and was supported by Dr. Robert Patrick of Trearne,
and Robert Orr, Esq. of Ralston.

On 4th May, at a special meeting, the Commissioners of Police
voted a congratulatory address to the King on the late exercise
of his prerogative in dissolving Parliament, for the purpose of
ascertaining the sentiments of the people on the subject of reform.
The Renfrewshire Political Union, at a meeting held in the West
Relief Church on 3rd May, agreed to present an address somewhat
similar. The Renfrewshire Agricultural Society also, on 26th May,
transmitted a dutiful address to His Majesty, thanking him for the
enlightened and patriotic support he had given to the great measure
of reform by the dissolution of Parliament.

The first annual meeting of the Renfrewshire Political Union was
held on the 4th July, — Sir John Maxwell presiding. On Mr. John
Crawford being proposed as a member of Council, he stated that his
political opinions should be known before proceeding to the vote ;
and he explained that he was a Reformer but no Radical, nor an

266 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

approver of universal suffrage, annual parliaments, or vote by ballot;
he was also no Huntite. Mr. Wallace, in the conversation that
followed, said he suspected there was some mistake about the
meaning of the word Radical — it did not necessarily involve
universal suffrage — the word meant "belonging to the root of any-
thing"— and Radical Reform meant a rooting out of all abuses.^

The great increase in the number of members returned to Par-
hament who were in favour of the Reform Bill, secured its easy
passage by large majorities through all its different stages in the
House of Commons. After the bill had passed the third reading in
that House on 22nd September by the large majority of 109, as many
people in Paisley had still strong doubts of the House of Lords agree-
ing to the bill, a public meeting was held in the church in St. James
Street to address the King and to petition the Upper House on the
urgent necessity of passing the Reform Bill. John Bell, Esq.,
Woodside, was called on to preside, and the resolutions proposed
were supported by Mr. J. ISI. Bell, advocate, Mr. Kennedy, Mr.
William Barr, and Mr. George Masson. Mr. Maxwell, yr. of
Pollok, on being called on by the meeting, also addressed those
present. The meeting was well attended. The Provost had been
requested by a number of persons to call it, but he had declined to
do so, as he thought it unnecessary. The progress of the Reform
Bill in the House of Lords was watched throughout the country
with feverish anxiety ; and the Renfrewshire Political Union
resolved, at a meeting held on the 7th October, that in the event of
the Peers rejecting the bill, a great county meeting should imme-
diately thereafter take place. On Monday evening, the loth October,
the startling intelligence having arrived that the House of Lords had
on the previous Saturday morning rejected the bill by a majority of

^ A Paisley friend writes to inform us that his brethren of the Political Union
there are like to fly into each others' faces about the real meaning of the word
Radical, — some affirming that Radical Reformer is a most respectable cognomen,
and others maintaining that since the compound substantive has been employed
to designate such men as Hunt and his party, it has become allocated, and
should never henceforth be applied to any friend of consistency. The writer
asks our opinion on the question, and hopes that our decision may pour oil on
the troubled spirits of the Paisley politicians. All we can say on the subject is,
that Johnson, Walker, and other lexicographers, give a veiy satisfactory
description of the adjective "Radical," but we have no authoritative explanation
of the noun "Radical" on record. A Tory Dictionary and a Whig one are at
present going through the press here ; and our friends Oliver & Boyd have
favoured us with a proof-sheet of both to look up the meaning of the dubious
word. The Tory Dictionary explains it thus: — '■'■Radical " having the properties
of a broom or besom — a sweeping propensity. A Radical, a political scavenger
— a leveller of established institutions — a serf or mean person who pays taxes,
and applies sweeping remedies to every abuse ennobled by time. Radicalism, a
tendency to sedition, or incurable love for radical reform — in pathology,
Radicalism is a non- epidemical disease, vulgarly called Huntism. i'he Whig
Dictionary gives its definition thus: — Radical, the preservative principle of
animal and vegetable substances. A Radical — a patriot, a man of sound under-
standing, a lover of justice and hater of iniquity. Radicalism, the essence of
truth and purity — the love of reforming abuses in church and state {Scotsman
Newspaper, July, 183 1).

1825 TIIX 1850. 267

41, a meeting of merchants, manufacturers, and others was imaie-
diately held, when it was agreed to present a requisition to the Pro-
vost to call a public meeting. This he agreed to do, and on the
following forenoon placards were circulated calling a meeting, to be
held in the Old Low Church the same afternoon at three o'clock.
At that hour the church was greatly crowded, while parties from
different parts of the town, with flags and music, continued to arrive
in such numbers, that it was resolved to adjourn to the churchyard,
where, notwithstanding the almost continuous rain, the business was
transacted. There were ten flags placed round the slightly -raised
place on which the committee and speakers stood. As the Provost
did not appear to preside, Mr. A. H. Simpson, writer, was called on
to do so. After some spirited speeches had been delivered, the
meeting resolved to address the King to the effect that no plan of
Parliamentary reform less extensive than that proposed in the
Reform Bill would give satisfaction ; that, having perfect confidence
in the present Ministry, His Majesty should retain them ; that His
Majesty should exercise his Royal prerogative by creating Peers to
secure the passing of the bill, and that the opposition to its passage
had been injurious to the commercial interests of the country. The
speakers, besides the chairman, were Mr. A. Yuill, Mr. I). Murray,
Dr. Henning, Mr. W. Aitken, Mr. J. Osborne, and Mr. J. Thomson.
Another great public meeting, called by the Justices of Peace and
others, was held in a field on the south side of the Canal, east from
Camphill. Sir John Maxwell, on the motion of Mr. Speirs of
Elderslie, was called to the chair. The speakers were, besides the
chairman, Mr. J. M. Bell, advocate, Mr. Wallace of Kelly, Mr.
John Maxwell, yr. of PoUok, Mr. Alexander Speirs, yr. of Elderslie,
Mr. Bontine of Ardoch, Mr. James Fleming, Mr. M'Kerrell, an
avowed candidate for the representation of Paisley, Mr. J. Hender-
son, Mr. J. Barr, Mr. George Masson, and Mr. Collins. The

'1*1

resolutions agreed to were in effect similar to those carried m the
Old Low Churchyard. There were about thirty flags of various
descriptions near the hustings, and a number of bands of music.
Among the flags was a fine new one belonging to the First Ward,
of blue silk, with the Paisley coat-of-arms emblazoned on it.
The number of persons estimated to have been present at the
meeting was about 40,000.

The Reform Bill was again introduced in the following session of
Parliament, and, after passing successfully through the House of
Commons, was read a second time in the House of Lords on 7th
May. But the IV'Iinistry were defeated in Committee. Earl Grey
and his colleagues at once tendered their resignation, which the
King accepted. At this sudden change of affairs, when it was
thought the Reform Bill was progressing favourably through the
House of Lords, the excitement in the country became most intense.
It became even more so when it was known that the King had desired
the Duke of Wellington to form a new Ministry. On the arrival of
this intelligence by the London mail on Friday afternoon, the nth

2 68 HISTORY OF PAISI.F.Y.

May, the committee who had been appointed to watch the progress
of the Reform Bill called a public meeting, to be held at Mr.
Patison's mound at the race- course, on the following day at one
o'clock. The meeting was attended by about 4000 persons, among
whom were a number of musicians. Two flags and a banner were
planted beside the speakers. The edge of the banner was black,
and it bore the inscription — " Trust not in princes. We'll die our
rights maintaining." Mr. A. H. Simpson was called on to preside.
Many stirring and indignant speeches were delivered in support of
the resolutions, which were, first, to thank Earl Grey for standing
firm to his principles, and, second, to petition the House of
Commons to stop the supplies. When the business was finished,
the chairman recommended all to go home in peace. The com-
mittee and a number of gentlemen, with the flag in front, marched
to the town, followed by the greater part of those who attended the
meeting. Perfect order and regularity prevailed. On Monday
afternoon following, the Paisley band of music paraded the streets,
preceded by a large standard, carried by two men, on which was
inscribed the following notice : — " An extraordinary meeting of the
Renfrewshire Political Union, and of all those who are ready to join
it, will be held at Mr. Patison's mound this evening at six o'clock."
By that hour a dense multitude had assembled in front of the
mound, and parties were to be seen advancing from every direction.
Some of the districts had flags, and one party had a small standard
on which was inscribed — "United we stand; divided we fall."
The band on approaching no longer played the popular air of
" Up and waur them a', Willie "; but the people came forward with
solemn step to Handel's " Dead March." On two flags belonging
to Sneddon district the portrait of His Majesty was painted with
the head reversed, and, a fire having been prepared, they were
committed to the flames amidst the cheers and execrations of the
meeting. A crimson flag shared the same fate as the two others.
Some vigorous speeches were delivered by those who proposed and
supported the resolutions, which condemned the advisers behind the
Throne, whose machinations had led to such calamitous results,
and who deserved to be impeached as traitors to the country. The
meeting also deplored the return of the Duke of Wellington to
power, as the upholder of everything that was inimical to the rights
and welfare of the people and the certain introducer of military
despotism or of violent revolution. After the business was over,
the meeting marched to the town, preceded by the band of music
and by drums and fifes. On reaching the Cross, the band having
played " Blue bonnets over the border," the assemblage separated
in peace and quietness.

A great county meeting was also held upon the lawn at EldersHe
House on Saturday, 19th May. Processions, composed of people
from nearly all the towns in Renfrewshire, marched to Renfrew to
attend this meeting. The various bodies which had expressed their
intention to walk from Paisley to Renfrew mustered in St. James

1825 TILL 1850. 269

Street ; and having taken their stations according to appointment,
began to march about half- past eleven o'clock. The Superintendent
of Police as grand marshal, assisted by a deputy- marshal, led the
van. Next to them was a very effective band of music, seated on a
van drawn by four horses. These were followed by sixty-four men
on horseback, walking two and two. The pedestrians, headed by
the manufacturers, followed in order four and four. Of flags and
banners of every kind there were 103. The number of persons in
the procession was about 2500. There were eighteen bands of
music of different degrees of efiiciency, besides one mounted and a
few pedestrian pipers. The line of march was similar to that
of the previous year, and at Wallneuk a handsome triumphal arch
was erected for the procession to pass under. The various parties
from the different towns of the county arrived at the field about two
o'clock. Among them was a large body from Greenock, headed by
some of the Magistrates, and a party of about 2000 pedestrians and
140 horses from Pollokshaws, headed by Sir John Maxwell, the
provost of that town, and some of the masters of public works. In
the field, a short distance from the mansion-house, hustings were
erected, on which were ranged a number of county gentlemen who
intended to speak on the occasion, the members of various political
committees, the reporters for the press, some delegates of the trades,
and several ladies of distinction. Mr. Speirs of Elderslie was called
on to preside ; and the other speakers were John Maxwell, Esq., yr.
of Pollok, Sir John Maxwell, Robert Orr, Esq. of Ralston, Mr.
Wallace of Kelly, Mr. M'Alister, Lochwinnoch, Alexander Speirs,
Esq., yr. of Elderslie, Mr. William Barr, Mr. R. C. Bontine, Mr.
Park, Renfrew, Mr. Stewart of Stewarthall, Mr. Dunlop of Arthur-
lie, Mr. James Fleming, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Eraser, Johnstone,
Mr. James Lambert, Barrhead, Mr. William Aitken, Mr. Leitch,
Pollokshaws, Sir Daniel K. Sandford, Mr. David Ritchie. The
principal resolutions carried advocated a creation of Liberal Peers
in favour of Reform, and the withholding of all supplies until the
Reform Bills were carried. The number of individuals in the
field, it was estimated, would be from 25,000 to 30,000. Of
flags and banners there were about 170, and among the mottoes
on them were " Death or Liberty," " The whole Bill or more than
the Bill," " Boroughmongers on their Last Legs," " Going, Going,
Gone," " The Majority of the People," " A nation's degradation is
not its forced subjection but its tame submission to misrule,"
" Scotland expects every man to do his duty," " Reformers
a'thegether draw and break the Boroughmongers law," " Now or
never." In front of the hustings a cap of hberty was stuck on a
pole, with the inscription, " The Rights of Man," and near it was
the representation of a human hand cut off at the wrist by a bloody
sword, with the motto, " The last shift, the only cure." There were
very few black flags, and only one tri -colour. The flag borne by
the Covenanters at the batUe of Drumclog was also on the field.
The spectacle on the field was altogether very imposing. By five

270 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

o'clock the last of the parties marched out of the field to the tune of
" Scots wha ha'e," and between six and seven o'clock the procession
arrived at Paisley and afterwards broke up.^

Similar indignation meetings were held throughout the whole
country, and the majority of the people were in a most dissatisfied
and indignant mood at the new turn of afiairs regarding the Reform
Bill. Fortunately Wellington failed to form a new ministry, and
the King was under the necessity of recalling Earl Grey along with
his former colleagues. They agreed to be reinstated on the under-
standing that it would be in their power to create a sufticient number
of new Peers to enable them to carry the Reform Bill through the
House of Lords. The Scotch Bill, after being introduced into
Parliament, passed rapidly through both Houses with little opposition,
and received the Royal assent on 17th July. In anticipation of
this important measure becoming the law of the land, a meeting of
the future electors of Paisley was held in the Church, St. James
Street, on 5th July, to consider the propriety of requesting a proper
person to represent Paisley in Parliament, and to determine what
measures should be adopted in a reformed Parliament for the good
of the country. A requisition, signed by four hundred of the future
electors, had been presented to the Provost to call this meeting, but
he declined to do so. Robert Orr, Esq. of Ralston, was called
upon to preside. The meeting agreed to a series of eight pledges
that a candidate should give before being elected. Stated shortly
they were — the repeal of septennial and the re-establishment
of triennial parliaments ; the total abolition of all monopolies and
restrictions on trade, particularly the corn laws, and all other law^s
aftecting the importation of human food ; the setting free of the trade
with India and China, and the abolition of the bank monopoly ; the
repeal of assessed taxes, and all taxes on knowledge or aftecting
articles of health and cleanliness, and also the abolition of all
unnecessary offices and unmerited pensions ; the procuring of a
revision of the manner in which laws are administered, so as to
secure cheap and expeditious justice ; the insisting on the speedy
abolition of colonial slavery; the abolition of the law of entail, and
the placing of the heritable property of persons dying intestate on a
similar footing with movable property. But the last pledge was the
most serious and degrading one, viz., "That I will, at all times, and
in all things, act in my capacity of representative conformably to the
wishes of my constituents, deliberately expressed; and if I shall at
any time not feel inclined to do so, I shall, at their request, resign
to them the trust committed to me." The meeting further resolved

^ On 4th June, Mr. Speirs of Elderslie was entertained by the Refonners at a
public dinner in the Tontine Inn, Paisley — Mr. Robert Bisset in the chair —
and presented with a large silver medal, in token of their respect for his public-
spirited conduct in granting the Reformers of Renfrewshire, upon several
occasions, a place to hold their public meetings. The first toast on that occasion
M-as " The people the source of all legitimate power," and the second "The
King."

1825 TILL 1850. 271

that Sir John Maxwell was eminently qualified to become a candidate
for the representation of Paisley. On the following day Sir John
Maxwell published an address to the prospective electors of Paisley,
agreeing to become a candidate to represent them in Parliament.
John M'Kerrell, Esq. of Hillhouse, who had offered his services as
far back as ist October, 1831, was also a candidate. On the 8th of
this month a meeting of the friends of Sir John Maxwell was held in
the Court Hall. Robert Orr, Esq. of Ralston, who Avas called on
to preside, stated that the committee appointed at last meeting had
waited upon Sir John, who, in the most cordial manner accepted
all their pledges as the rule of his conduct. Arrangements were
made to institute a street canvass of the electors in order to secure
Sir John Maxwell's return.

According to arrangements made some time previously, the
jubilee to celebrate the passing of the Reform Bill took place on the
23rd September. The ceremony consisted of a procession through
several streets in the town, and afterwards a public meeting in
County Square. The number of those who joined in the procession
was under fifteen hundred. There were twelve bands of music,
forty-nine flags, and a variety of devices of different descriptions.
At the meeting in County Square, Mr. John Dunlop was called to
the chair ; and resolutions were passed congratulatory of the passing
of the Reform Bill, and other measures were referred to that should
engage the attention of the first reformed parliament. In the
afternoon there was also a jubilee dinner in the large hall of the
Renfrewshire Tontine. It was well attended, there being 250
present, and the price of the ticket was 2s. 6d. C. G. Bontine of
Ardoch was in the chair. The first toast was " The King, and may
he never forget that he derives all his power from the people." The
second toast was " The people, from whom all power is derived."
The proposers of the toasts, besides those of the chairman, were Mr.
Wallace of Kelly, Rev. Mr. Baird, Mr. William Aitken, Mr. George
Gardner, Mr. Speirs, Mr. David Murray, Mr. John Mure, Mr.
William Barr, Mr. J. M. Bell, Sir John Maxwell, Mr. Robert Muir,
and Mr. John M'Kerrell. The dinner proceedings were prolonged
till midnight, and passed off very well.

The contest between Sir John Maxwell and Mr. M'Kerrell for
the representation of Paisley was generally conducted in a most
becoming manner, being free from the poHtical acerbities displayed
in many other places. One great cause for this state of matters was
the very general unanimity of both electors and non- electors in
favour of Sir John Maxwell. The political feeling manifested in the
county contest was very different. A week before the election came
on, the Sheriff of the County and the Provost and Magistrates of
Paisley deemed it their duty to issue a proclamation, calling " upon
the respectable inhabitants of Paisley and of the county at large,
whatever be their political bias, to do their utmost, by influence and
example, to discountenance and prevent all proceedings which may
embitter or exasperate political hostility, and thereby lead to

272 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

violence and riot. On such occasions of excitement the display of
ensigns and badges of political partizanship, or pageants and
processions with flags and music, were dangerous follies, which may
speedily lead to end in crimes ; but if resorted to during the period
of polling, they will receive and deserve a worse character, and will,
with reason, be complained of as devices expressly calculated for
intimidation in order to destroy freedom of election, to the imminent
hazard of the pubhc peace."

The nomination of the candidates for the representation of the
town took place on hustings erected in front of the County
Buildings, on Monday, i6th December. Sir John Maxwell was
proposed by Mr. Robert Orr of Ralston, and seconded by Mr.
WiJIiam Barr, writer. After Sir John Maxwell had addressed those
present, Mr. M'Kerrell was proposed by Mr. Alexander Borland,
and seconded by Mr. John Roxburgh. Mr. M'Kerrell addressed
the assemblage. Mr. John King, advocate, who had been
canvassing the electors for three or four months, attempted to speak
about the slave trade, but the meeting would not listen to him.
The show of hands was vastly in favour of Sir John Maxwell ; but
Mr. M'Kerrell's friends demanded a poll, which the Sheriff fixed to
take place on Wednesday and Thursday following, the i8th and
19th December. The ceremony being altogether new, an immense
assemblage surrounded the hustings. On Wednesday, the polling
proceeded with the greatest regularity and dispatch. Sir John
Maxwell shot ahead with great rapidity at the outset, and con-
tinued rapidly to distance his competitor till the close. By twelve
o'clock one half of the whole voters had declared themselves in his
favour, and Mr. M-Kerrell's friends came to the resolution that they
should retire from the contest. When the poll-books were opened
on the Friday following, it was found that 777 had voted for Sir
John Maxwell, and 180 for Mr. M'Kerrell, thus giving a majority
of 587 for the former. On the afternoon of that day a public dinner
was given to Mr. M'Kerrell by a party of his friends. Although the
meeting was got up at a few hours' notice, the large ball-room in the
Saracen's Head Inn was unable to contain the number that applied
for tickets. The chair was filled by Mr. Alexander Borland, and
Mr. Robert Hannah acted as croupier.

The first Reformed Parliament assembled early in February,
1833, and on the 14th of that month Mr. Hume's motion for the
abolition of sinecures did not receive the support of the Member
for Paisley. This procedure gave great offence to many of those
who voted for him. He was written to on the subject by the
Political Union, and a requisition, signed by 148 electors, was
presented to the Provost " to convene a public meeting of the
electors for the purpose of choosing a committee of their number to
correspond with the representative of this town in Parliament
regarding any instructions necessary for him as to the course he
should pursue on such matters, either of a national or local character,
us they may consider of so much importance as to require the inter-

1825 TILL 1850. 273

ference of his constituents." It was also intended that this
" meeting should take into consideration the bill then before Parlia-
ment for the coercion of Ireland." As Provost Orr dechned to call
the meeting, it was called by the requisitionists, and was held in the
AVest Relief Church on the 5th March. Mr. Robert Muir, late
chairman of Sir John Maxwell's committee, w-as called on to preside.
After much discussion, in which the conduct of Sir John Maxwell
was very severely condemned by nearly all the speakers, a com-
mittee consisting of three persons from each of the wards was
appointed to form a committee of correspondence with the repre-
sentative of the town. An amendment that, having broken his
pledges, he should be called upon to resign, was lost. The meeting
also agreed to petition against the Irish Coercion Bill. The
Political Union petitioned against the Irish Coercion Bill proposed
by the Government, and requested Sir John INIaxwell to present the
petition. At a meeting of that body held on the 4th of March, a
letter from the Member was read, stating " I fairly own that I
cannot consistently support the prayer of it. I am perfectly con-
vinced of the necessity of some strong measure to put a stop to the
murders, (See, and I have formed my opinion from the statements
of the Repealers themselves." This letter excited general disap-
probation in the meeting, and several members expressed their dis-
satisfaction at Sir John's conduct. The following motion was
unanimously agreed to : — " That the meeting feels much disap-
pointed at the course which Sir John INIaxwell has pursued since he
went to Parliament, and strongly and decidedly disapprove of his
vote against Mr. Hume's motion for abolishing sinecures, and of his
purpose of supporting the Irish Coercion Bill, both of which are at
variance with his previously- expressed political sentiments." A
])ublic meeting was held on the 8th April, in the church, St. James
Street, to bring under review the correspondence between the
committee of the constituents and Sir John Maxwell regarding his
refusing to present and support the petition against the Irish
Coercion Bill. Mr. Robert Muir, merchant, was called to the chair.
Resolutions strongly condemnatory of Sir John's conduct were
agreed to by the meeting, as being contrary to the pledges he had
given. No further conflicting opinions of a serious nature arose
between the honourable baronet and his constituents during the
remainder of the session. But after the meeting of Parliament in
the following year. Sir John, in a kindly letter dated 21st February,
1834, addressed to Provost Hardie, intimated his resolution to
resign his seat. Among other things in that letter, he stated —
" I gave an assiduous attention to every debate, and voted on every
question conscientiously — sometimes with the Ministers, sometimes
against them, but always to the best of my judgment. I came in
an independent man, I go out the same ; and while I freely forgive
those who rashly condemned me, I most truly and gratefully
acknowledge the kindness of all my friends, and continue to desire
as sincerely as ever the individual happiness, the liberty, the peace,

2 74 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and the prosperity of the inhabitants of Paisley." Sir John Max-
well died 31st July, 1844.

The candidates who at once came forward to represent Paisley in
Parliament were Sir D. Keyte Sandford, Professor of Greek in Glasgow
University ; Mr. John Douglas, writer, Glasgow ; Captain James
Edward Gordon, R.N., residing in Morayshire ; and Mr. John Craw-
furd, London. As the political opinions of Mr. Douglas and Mr.
Crawford were much alike, they and their supporters agreed that the
householders in a joint canvass should decide who should retire from
the contest. This canvass took place on the i8th March, when 2675
householders were in favour of Mr. Crawfurd, and 2630 were in favour
of Mr. Douglas, and he, having a smaller number of supporters,
retired. Both of these gentlemen took most freely all the pledges
which brought the former representative into trouble, but Captain
Gordon and Sir Daniel declined to do so, the latter, however,
promising that if at the end of a session, when giving an account of
his Parhamentary services, a majority of the electors should require
his resignation, he would comply. The candidates were nominated
on Wednesday, 19th March. Mr. Crawfurd was proposed by Mr.
C. J. Kennedy, and seconded by Mr. Bell of Woodside. Captain
Gordon was proposed by Mr. William Lowndes, and seconded by
Mr. William Fulton. Sir Daniel K. Sandford was proposed by
Mr. William Maxwell, and seconded by Mr. Joseph Twigg. The
show of hands was in favour of Mr. Crawfurd ; but a poll being
demanded, it was fixed to take place on Friday and Saturday, the
2ist and 22nd March- — two days of exciting interest. At the close
of the poll, the numbers were declared as follows : —

Sir D. K. Sandford, ... ... ... 542

Mr. Crawfurd, ... ... ... ... 509

Captain Gordon, ... ... ... 29

Shortly after the election was over, there was published, in
pamphlet form, " The Elector's Guide," being a list of the con-
stituency of Paisley who polled at the election of a member of Parlia-
ment in 1834, and of those voters who did not exercise the franchise.

Sir D. K. Sandford's representation of Paisley in Parliament was
of very short duration. In a letter dated 2nd September in that
year, addressed to the electors of Paisley, he stated, " with deep
regret I find myself compelled to announce that it will not be in my
power to undertake in another Session of Parliament the honourable
duties which your flattering choice so lately imposed upon me.
The state of my health, and my certain conviction that it would
unfit me for discharging the functions of a legislator with the
assiduity and vigour justly required in the representation of a great
community, form my sole reasons for breaking a tie by which I had
fondly hoped to be long connected with the citizens of Paisley."'

The election of another representative took place on the 14th
January, 1835. The candidates were Mr. Horatio Ross of Rossie,
and Mr. Speirs, cotton -spinner, Culcreuch. The former was pro-
posed by Mr. Alexander Carlile, and seconded by Mr. Robert

1825 TILL 1850. 275

Cochran, late merchant; and the latter was proposed by Mr.
Robert Orr, l.ylesland, and seconded by Mr. Campbell Snodgrass,
Thornhill. The show of hands was greatly in favour of Mr. Speirs;
but as a poll was demanded on the part of Mr. Ross's friends, the
Sheriff fixed the polling to take place on Friday and Saturday, the
1 6th and 17 th. On the first day 11 34 voted for Mr. Speirs, and
477 for Mr. Ross. The poll, however, did not require to be opened
on the second day, as Mr. Ross consented to its final close on the
first day. At this election intimidation prevailed to a considerable
extent against the supporters of Mr. Ross.^

Mr. A. G. Speirs, like his predecessor. Sir D. K. Sandford, did
not long continue to represent Paisley in Parliament. On the ist
March, 1836, the Provost received a letter from Mr. Speirs,
intimating that the necessity of giving greater attention to his
personal business, precluded him from continuing his parliamentary
duties, and that he had, therefore, applied for the Chiltern
Hundreds. Two candidates came forward at once, and oftered
their services to represent the town in Parliament, — Mr. Archibald
Hastie, merchant, London, a native of Paisley, and Mr. James
Ay ton, advocate, Edinburgh. Monday, 14th March, was the day
appointed by the Sheriff for the nomination of candidates. Mr.
Ayton was proposed by Provost Hardie, and seconded by Mr.
Hugh M'Farlane. Mr. Hastie was proposed by Mr. Robert Orr,
Lylesland, and seconded by Mr. William Brown, Egypt Park. The
show of hands was decidedly in favour of Mr. Ayton ; but as a poll
was demanded, it was fixed to take place on Wednesday the i6th.
When the poll -books were opened on Thursday by the Sheriff, the
votes were declared to be —

For Mr. Hastie, 680

For Mr. Ayton, ... ... ... 529

Majority for Mr. Hastie, • 151 ^

^ Various meetings of non- electors were held in different districts for the
avowed purpose of coercing electors, and of constraining them to vote for the
popular candidate. Resolutions were drawn up and printed with this object in
view, and numerous committees waited on the electors in order to bring them
over to the popular candidate. The following are the resolutions appended to
an address from one of the districts: - (i) "That we shall hold those electors
who refuse to vote for the Liberal candidate, or who will give their vote to any
candidate in favour of a Tory administration, as enemies to the common weal,
and be kept in remembrance for time coming; and further, that we shall with-
hold our support from all the electors who liave voted for an illiberal candidate.

(2) That a committee be appointed, consisting of three men from each street in
the district, to call on those electors that are within the sphere of our influence,
for the purpose of persuading them to vote for the Liberal candidate, Mr. Speirs.

(3) That every support shall be given those electors who will vote agreeably to
the Liberal interest. (4) That we will endeavour to get a list of those electors
who have voted for the Liberal candidate; and also a list of those who have not ;
and that the same shall be published and circulated among the non -electors, that
they may see who are their friends. (5) That the non - electors in said district shall
subscribe the resolutions agreed to at this meeting." — Paisley, 13th Jan., 1835.

* At this time there was published in pamphlet form a list of the electors who
voted for Mr. Hastie and Mr. Ayton, distinguishing the supporters of Mr. Speirs
and Mr. Ross.

276 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Both the candidates, during the contest, agreed in writing to all
the pledges that were submitted to them. The seventh pledge
was — " That at the end of every session he shall appear before his
constituents, at a public meeting properly intimated, and give an
account of his conduct in Parliament during the session, and if then
required to do so by a majority of the constituency, he shall at once
resign IJiis Parliamentary trust into their hands." With admirable
tact, Mr. Hastie promised a great deal more than they asked,
knowing well that a majority of the electors could never be obtained
to demand of him the doing of any such thing. His answer was —
" Not only am I willing to comply with this resolution, but I go
further. I shall feel it my duty at any time, either during session
or vacation, to present myself before the constituency when called
on so to do."

In the summer of 1831 cholera morbus, after destroying many
lives in India, travelled to the north-west of Europe. In Hamburg
that dreaded malady made considerable havoc among the popula-
tion, and in October in that year it was brought across by some
vessels to Sunderland. It excited, not without good cause, great
alarm throughout the whole country, and precautions were taken in
every village and town to avert this pestilence, or at anyrate to
diminish its virulence. In Paisley measures were adopted to
establish, under the powers of the Privy Council, a Board of Health.
The first meeting to consider the precautions necessary to be
adopted for preventing the introduction and spread of cholera
morbus was held on the 12th November, 1831, andwas attended
by the Magistrates, the Sheriff-Substitute, and a committee of the
medical practitioners. The meeting agreed to the following highly
sensible and business-like resolutions : —

" I St. That an interim Board of Health for Paisley and its suburbs
within the bounds of police, be now established, consisting of the
Magistrates of Paisley, the Sheriff-Substitute, the ministers of the
town and Abbey Parishes, and a committee of three medical
practitioners, to be nominated by themselves, and of the inhabitants
after-named, viz.: — Mr. Farquharson, Mr. Bissland, Mr. William
Sharp, and Mr. William Orr. One of the Medical Committee will
have the charge of corresponding with the Board of Health in
London.

" 2nd. That the town and suburbs, for the purposes of health, be
divided into districts, — each police ward forming a district, — and
the Commissioners of Police of these wards to be the District Com-
mittee, in conjunction with one medical practitioner at least for
each ward. The business of the committees will be to watch over
the state of health in the several wards and to give the earliest
information of everything material to the Board, and to carry into
effect such measures as the Board will adopt.

" 3rd. That in the meantime it is most earnestly recommended

1825 TILL 1850. 277

that the committee for each ward cause speedy and efficacious
means to be taken for promoting cleanHness, by the removal of
dunghills of unnecessary size, all other impurities, and stagnant
water from closes and from behind houses, and to cause the interior of
houses to be cleaned and washed with lime, soap, lees, or other proper
fluid, and to secure proper ventilation, especially in small crowded
apartments.

"4th. That proclamation be immediately published by the
Magistracy, calculated to give effect to the important object in view.

" 5th. That a fund be raised by subscription for defraying any
contingent expenses which may be found necessary, and for which
there is no other available fund.

" 6th. That a copy of these resolutions be communicated to each
of the Boards of Police of the town and suburbs, respectfully calling
for their prompt co-operation. The medical gentlemen will be glad
to hold communication with a meeting of the whole Commissioners
of Police for the burgh and suburbs, on notice being given by the
Commissioners of the time and place of such meeting to Dr. Kerr.

" 7th. Mr. Gavin Lang is named secretary of the Board."

The second meeting of the Board was held on 12th December,
and nominated Dr. M'Kinlay to correspond with the Board in
London. The meeting also declared the Board to be permanent,
the names of the members, including those added at this time, being
as follows: — Alexander Campbell, Esq., Sheriff- Substitute; Provost
Gilmour ; Bailies Lymburn, Buchanan, Hart; Rev. Dr. Burns; Rev.
Messrs. Geddes, Begg, M'Nair, Brewster, Smart, M'Dermid, and
Symington ; Doctors M'Kechnie, Kerr, M'Kinlay, Wylie, Rodman ;
Messrs. Farquharson, Bissland, Sharp, and Orr. Provost Gilmour
was appointed chairman of the Board.

At a meeting of the Board held on 21st December, a revised
draft of an address to the inhabitants was read and approved of,
and 1000 copies were ordered to be printed and circulated among
the inhabitants.^

1 "Board of Health — General Directions.

" Visitofs. — I. Visitors are to inspect and report on all nuisances or other
matters connected with the health of the inhabitants of their respective sub-
divisions ; and they ought to keep small books for engrossing the substance of
what is reported, and make renewed complaints when grievances are not
attended to. 2. Their attention should not only be directed to what is objection-
able out of doors, but also to the interior of houses, and the condition, as to
cleanliness and comfort, of the inmates. 3. Cases of cholera, with the general
health of the quarter, should be regidarly noticed. 4. Visitors are to order any
thing likely to engender disease to be removed or remedied immediately, under
certification that the pains of law will be enforced against the parties who fail to
comply. 5. Visitors should specify in their reports the means necessary, and
the parties liable, to remove any ground of complaint. 6. Visitors \\-ill instruct
the people whom they visit as to the method of applying for medicines and other
supplies, as well as medical aid, and give every information and advice in their
power to the Fumigating and Cleansing Committee of the Central Board,

278 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

A public meeting of the inhabitants — Provost Gilmour pre-
siding— was held in the Court-hall on 27th January, 1832, for the
purpose of promoting means for defraying the expenses which may
be necessary in endeavouring to arrest or mitigate the fatal progress
of cholera ; and in particular for bringing within the reach of the
working-classes of the inhabitants the means necessary for domestic
cleanliness, and whatever other preventives and remedies may be
found essential to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and those
diseased. Mr. William Bissland was appointed treasurer to this
fund. At the meeting immediately thereafter, ;^579 8s. was
subscribed by 120 of the inhabitants.

On 26th January a proclamation was issued by the Sheriff of
Renfrewshire and the Provost and other Magistrates of Paisley,
prohibiting all public begging, as there was reason to fear that
disease might be communicated by vagrants passing from place to
place. And it was recommended to the inhabitants to give nothing
to vagrant beggars. Two days afterwards the same authority issued
a proclamation, strictly ordering and enjoining the whole inhabitants
of the town and suburbs of Paisley, in the present emergency, to
give immediate obedience to the previous proclamation respecting
the means of cleanliness, and particularly with regard to the
accumulation of putrid matter and the prevention and removal of
stagnant pools in midden -steads, under certification that the pains
of law would be rigorously enforced against those who disobeyed or
neglected this warning. Hollows in midden -steads which have no
drain should be filled up with furnace ashes, or otherwise, to the
level of the adjacent ground.

As cases of malignant cholera began to occur in places near to
Paisley, the Board of Health were most vigorous and energetic in
completing their arrangements against its appearance in town. Soup
kitchens, under the management of the Relief Committee for the
Unemployed, were established in different parts of the town to
supply the poor with soup ; it was fixed that a Hospital should be
erected at the Infirmary, with the consent of the Directors ; in the

7. Visitors must forward their reports to the chairmen of their respective sub-
divisions once a week at least.

^^ Chairmen of Stibdivisions. — i. Each chairman will see that the visitors
within his bounds inspect and report regularly, and he will procure and forward
their reports to the convener of his ward. This must be done at least every
Tuesday evening, and oftener as occasion may require. 2. The chairman to
convene and preside at all meetings of the visitors of his subdivision.

" Supplies to he Granted. — I. No supplies of clothing or materials for washing
will be granted except upon the certificate of the chairman of the subdivision in
which the applicant resides, and he is only to grant it after he and at least three
visitors have investigated the case, and the poor must be told to apply only
through their respective visitors. 2. Medicines are to be given only on the
certificates of one or other of the medical advisers attached to the ward.

'''' N.B. — Visitors should impress it on the minds of the poor that their pre-
servation will greatly depend on their own scrupulous observance of personal and
domestic cleanliness, and on their instant application for medical aid on feeling
any of the first symptoms of cholera."

1825 TILL 1850. 279

meantime Hutchison's Charity School was fitted up as a temporary
hospital, the scholars being accommodated in the Presbytery House,
and a board of three medical practitioners in the town was appointed
to attend to the patients in it ; depots were provided — the central
one being in Christie's Terrace - — for supplying to the poor
medicines, flannel for bed-gowns, shirts, slips, rollers, &c., and
flasks, jars of various sizes and shapes, and other requisites for the
application of heat to persons suftering from the disease, and also
with materials for the purposes of cleansing and fumigating ; properly
qualified nurses, both male and female, were appointed either to
act in the Hospital, or to attend to the poor in their own houses.
The Board also issued to the inhabitants a series of precautionary
instructions prepared by the medical practitioners, which all should
follow.^ On 28th January the Board agreed that they should not

1 "Board of Health. — In consequence of the near approach of Spasmodic
Cholera, the Board of Health now issue the following instructions, in addition to
the precautionary measures formerly recommended : — This violent disease being
more under the control of medicine at its commencement than in any future
stage, the instant that a person is attacked medical assistance ought to be
procured ; but that no time may be lost, the following summary of the early
symptoms and treatment is given : —

'■^ Symptoms. — The first symptoms generally are languor, feebleness of the
limbs, uncomfortable feelings throughout the body, loss of appetite, slight
headache, giddiness and ringing in the ears, pain at the pit of the stomach, a
sense of tightness and commotion in the bowels, followed by looseness and an
inclination to vomit ; the symptoms more peculiarly belonging to cholera now
gradually make their appearance. The calls to stool are sudden, and the
discharges at first consist of the natural contents of the bowels, in a liquid state,
and passed with griping pains ; in a short time these become much more copious,
and consist of a fluid like thin gruel or rice water. Coldness, beginning at the
extremities, and gradually extending over the trunk of the body, ensues ;
spasmodic twitches or cramps in the limbs and body soon follow. If the disease
1)6 not now checked, a more alarming train of symptoms comes on ; the board,
however, think it unnecessary to detail these, as it is presumed, that before the
disease can have arrived at this stage, medical assistance has been obtained.

'■'■Treatment. — Should cholera become prevalent in town, no case of purging
ought to be neglected, but checked as soon as possible by proper applications.
As soon as a person becomes affected \\ith the disease, he ought to be suitably
attired with flannel next the skin, laid into a warm bed, and have a warm flannel
roller applied round the belly. The heat of the body should be kept up by the
application of bottles, jars, or tin cases filled with hot water, warm bricks, bags
of hot salt, bran, &c. If purging be present, thirty drops of laudanum, or one
grain of opium ought to be given, and if the looseness do not cease within an
hour, the same dose may be repeated. If the stools are like thin gruel or rice
water, or the above measures seem to fail, an emetic of one or two tea -spoonfuls
of mustard, with double that quantity of common salt diffused in two or three
gills of warm water may be administered, and if coldness or cramps of the limbs
be present, recourse may be had to friction with Spirit of Turpentine, Spirit of
Hartshorn, or Tincture of Capsicum.

" The board would have entered into further details, but being convinced that
the treatment of eveiy stage of this dreadful malady requires accurate
discrimination, they would once more earnestly impress upon the pul)lic the
absolute necessity of early application for medical assistance. — Depots of medi-
cine will be established in various parts of the town for the use of the poorer
classes, but as cases of the disease frequently occur during the night, families are
recommended to have at hand some powdered Mustard, Spirit of Turpentine,

280 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

only meet statedly on Wednesday evenings at seven o'clock,
but that it should be understood among themselves that they
severally, according to their convenience, call at the secretary's
office at very short intervals to receive intelligence, in order that, in
case of any emergency a general meeting might be immediately
called.

As arranged, the number of members at the Board was increased
by the subscribers to the fund in the different wards electing a
representative. Those chosen in this way were — Messrs. A. H.
Simpson, Alexander Carlile, John Fleming, William Reid, John
Henderson, John Dunlop, Peter Pollock, James M'Arthur, John
Biggar, David Ritchie, Thomas Kerr, and William Langmuir.

On the yth February the Board intimated, by placards circulated
throughout the town, that they were desirous to provide clothing for
the poor, and that they had opened a depot in Christie's Buildings,
where articles of clothing (old or new) for men, women, and children
would be thankfully received ; and that a person authorised by the
Board would wait upon families in the town and neighbourhood for
donations of this description.

In the first week of February several persons were attacked with
spasmodic cholera, and death in many cases followed, in the towns
of Musselburgh, Tranent, Haddington, Prestonpans, and Kirkin-
tilloch. On the 13th of this month Dr. M'Kinlay intimated to the
Board that a man residing at No. — New Sneddon Street had
been attacked with cholera. His name was Murdoch Galbreath, a
hawker, and he had not been visiting any of the infected places. He
died on the following day. The next death was that of Mrs. Sunter,
also in that street ; and the third, Edward Paterson, warper,
living in Blacklaw Lane, who was taken to the hospital in Oakshaw
and died on the following day. During the first four days from the
appearance of the cholera eighteen persons were attacked, and nine
of them died. From this time onwards for a few months there were
weekly upwards of thirty new cases of cholera. At this time the
Board authorised the printing and circulation of 1000 copies of
brief directions on the subject of cholera, recommended by Dr.
Arthur, the medical gentleman sent to Glasgow by the Government.

On the 1 8th February the Magistrates intimated, by placards
circulated throughout the town, that in consequence of the small
space alloted in the different churchyards of Paisley as common
ground for the interment of the poor being found inadequate to
meet the present demands, and having besides other objections to

Spirit of Hartshorn, Tincture of Capsicum, Castor Oil, a few Opium Pills of one
grain eacli, small quantities of Laudanum, Ether, and Calomel. — As all cases of
this disease are directed to be reported to Dr. M'Kinlay, Medical Secretary, for
the information of the Board, the public are cautioned against giving credit to
vague reports. They may rest satisfied that, should the disease make its
appearance among us, authentic reports will ])e published by the Board.

" By order of the Board, William Gilmour, Chairman."

Paisley, 3rd February, 1832.

1S25 TILL 1850. 281

them, the Magistrates deemed it necessary to give public intimation
to the inhabitants that they have set apart a portion of the com-
munity's lands, near the Toll-bar on the Greenock Road, for those
who have no burying -ground of their own, or whose relations cannot
procure a private lair for their interment.^

The Board, in order to carry on their work correctly and ex-
peditiously, appointed separate committees of their number for the
following purposes : — A building committee, hospital and lazaretto
committee, burying and disinfecting committee ; a ward committee,
to receive all reports from the different wards and maintain a regular
correspondence with each of them ; and a depot committee. The
Board decided that at least ten of their number should meet every
day at two o'clock for transacting business.

To purify the atmosphere, fumigation was at times resorted to.
A public meeting was held in the convene-room to consider the
propriety of fumigating the town. At this meeting a committee of
gentlemen was appointed to procure materials and obtain sub-
scriptions to defray the necessary expenses, and to have this object
immediately carried into effect. In addition to this resolution, the
inhabitants of the Third Ward were called together by tuck of drum,
and met in the Court Hall, with a similar object in view — Bailie
Lymburn presiding. A committee was appointed to procure and mix
the necessary materials, which consisted of diluted sulphuric acid and
chloride of lime ; and within two hours after the resolutions were
passed, six different tubs of the mixture were placed on barrows,
and, preceded by torches, were passing through the streets, lanes,
and closes, while the greater part of the windows were thrown open
to admit the fumes.

On account of the harassing duty devolving upon the medical
gentlemen during the continued and extensive prevalence of cholera,
the Board appointed two young medical students to visit and pre-
scribe for the poor affected with that disease, under the respective
district surgeons. The town was divided into two districts, and
each of the students had a district assigned to him, along with a
depot containing cholera medicine, heating apparatus, and other
necessary supplies. The Board also authorised the medical gentle-
men to procure for the necessitous poor whom they were called upon
to visit such cordials, medicines, and articles of food as they might
deem necessary. In addition to the general operations carried on
by the Board of Health in almost every part of the town, cholera-
preventing societies were formed, medicine -chests procured and
stored, cans for holding hot water furnished, and everything placed
in readiness to meet the first attacks of the fatal malady. At any
hour of the day or night the necessary articles could be procured at
a moment's call ; and as almost everyone subscribed a httle, the
amount of the expense was but trifling. These district societies

^ This burying -ground was at the extreme west end of the field in which the
toll -house stands, and is No. 14 on the Ordnance map (Middle Church Parish).

282 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

proved efiticient auxiliaries to the general Board, who, of course,
gave every encouragement to their formation. The Board instructed
the visitors to grant tickets for soup to those persons who had no
obvious income of their own, or from the parish funds or otherwise,
or who might have been thrown entirely destitute in consequence
of the prevailing calamity. The Board likewise made an earnest
appeal to the ladies of Paisley to make donations of clothes of all
sizes for the purpose of supplying destitute widows, orphan chil-
dren, and other poor persons who had been removed to the lazaretto
from homes in which their relatives had died of cholera.

The Board was re-constituted on the 14th March, according to the
terms required by Government. These terms required the number of
inembers not to exceed fifteen, of whom one was required to be a
resident magistrate, one a resident clergyman, and not less than two
medical practitioners. The following gentlemen were appointed :—
William Gilmour, Esq., Provost of Paisley, chairman; Alexander
Campbell, Esq., Sheriff- Substitute ; Rev. Dr. Burns, Rev. John
Bremner, Rev. William Smart, Robert M'Kechnie, M.D., Daniel
M'Kinlay, M.D., George Wylie, M.D., Messrs. Robert Farquhar-
son, William Sharp, Alexander H. Simpson, Alexander Carlile,
William Reid, John Henderson, and Francis Orr. While thus
complying with the orders of Government, all the other gentlemen
cheerfully consented to continue their services.

On the 29th of February the Board of Health applied to
the Government, and also to the Relief Committee of London,
for pecuniary aid ; and near the end of the following month a
remittance of ;^3oo was received from the latter body.

From the period when cholera first made its appearance in
Paisley, the medical practitioners gave their valuable assistance in a
most disinterested manner to mitigate and check the ravages of this
disease among the poor. Nevertheless, they were subjected to
much suspicion, and indeed persecuted by certain parties of the
lower orders, who appeared to be impressed with the belief that, as
bodies could not be obtained in the burying-grounds owing to their
being so well watched, the doctors were allowing empty coffins to
be buried, and were selling the bodies of those who died of cholera.
These serious and unfounded suspicions culminated in a serious and
disgraceful riot. On Sunday afternoon, the 26th March, some people
strolling about that part of the moss which had been appropriated
for the interment of cholera patients, discovered two shovels,
together with a few feet of small cord having an iron hook attached
to it. These to the finders were irrefragable proofs that the resur-
rectionists had been committing depredations. The implements
were brought to town, the manner in which they were found de-
scribed at length, and next morning they were placed in a shop in
Blacklaw Lane for public inspection. By nine o'clock large crowds
began to assemble in that quarter, and, as usual in such cases, the
most exciting and exaggerated reports were circulated. At length
the populace, no longer able to restrain themselves, rushed off to the

1825 TILL 1850. 283

burial-field to ascertain if any bodies had been lifted. On arrival
there, among the first cofiins reached, one was found empty, and
this appeared fully to confirm previous suspicions. From time to
time eye-witness messengers arrived in town stating that first five,
then seven, then eight coffins had been disinterred, and in only one
were the remains of their former tenants found. This of course
incensed the people still more, and a large additional number
hurried off to the scene of operations. After an immense crowd had
collected, the first empty coffin found was mounted shoulder-high ;
the stobs that fenced the field were torn up and shouldered like a
forest of pikes, and in this threatening array, breathing destruction
to the doctors, the immense crowd marched off" in a dense body
towards the town. By this time the Sheriff, Provost, and Magistrates,
the Fiscal, Captain of Police, and a few constables, had left the
County Buildings to meet the mob, in the hope of turning them by
expostulation from their purpose of making a procession through
the town ; but all in vain. The Magistrates and the crowd met in
Glen Lane, the coffin was taken from its bearers and broken, and
many of the stob- bearers getting ashamed of their proceedings,
threw down their weapons. For a time the voice of the Sheriff
seemed to stem the torrent, but it was eventually drowned in the
vociferations " hurrah for the doctors." At this point of time two
of the police-officers were struck, and one of them was constrained
to retreat into a house in St. James Street, the windows of which
were in a few minutes riddled with stones. The mob moved on,
and as they went round the corner of St. James Street made a dead
halt till the shop -windows of Dr. Vessie, and the bottles in it, were
destroyed. The windows of Mr. W. Young and of Dr. A. K. Young
were next wrecked. The crowd then retraced their steps through
New Sneddon Street, passed the County Buildings, and moved up
School Wynd breathing vengeance on the Cholera Hosjjital in
Oakshaw Street. On reaching the head of the lane they forced the
gates erected to prevent intercourse, seized on the cholera van and
marched off" down Orr Street with it, riddling with stones in
passing, the windows of Dr. Kerr. They then proceeded down
Storie Street to throw the van into the canal, but on arriving at the
basin this resolution was overruled on the ground that the pro-
cession without the cholera van would not be so imposing. The
body of the van, however, was smashed to atoms and the fragments
strewed around the canal area. The shops of Drs. Bell and
Falconer, in George Street, were next demolished ; and while this
was going on, a grocer's shop adjacent was robbed of a one
pound note and some silver. Onwards the crowd moved up
Lady Lane, and east High Street ; and after breaking a few panes
of glass in the windows of one of the active members of the
Board of Health they arrived at the head of New Street.
The subsequent route was soon resolved on, viz. : — down New
Street, through Orchard Street, Bridge Street, Cotton Street, Lawn
Street, and across Old Bridge to the Coffee -Room. The windows

284 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

of Drs. M'Kinlay, Munn, Jeffrey, Fulton, Corbet, and M'Kechnie's
houses, in that route, were all more or less damaged in succession.
On reaching the Cross, Bailie Lymburn, Mr. R. Lang, Mr. Bell, and
Mr. Reid, of the Board of Health, interposed, and stopped the
progress of the crowd, who retired across the Old Bridge, leaving
the half- destroyed vehicle in the hands of these gentlemen. Shortly
after this the military arrived, and were drawn up in the vestibule
of the Court- Hall. The area in front of the County Buildings was
by this time filled with a dense throng, but in a very short time
they began to separate ; and as it was not found necessary for the
military to act, they were drawn off about four o'clock. On retiring,
a part of the crowd paid a second visit to the Hospital in Oakshaw
Street, and broke between forty and fifty panes of glass. A couple
of sweeps by some means gained an entrance, and broke open the
medicine -room in quest of the doctor ; but fortunately he had retired.
They, however, found the whisky jar, to which they applied them-
selves with such vigour that they were soon senseless. In this state
the two, along with a temporary porter in the hospital, who
had also been assisting to empty the jar, were carried to the
Police Office. In the evening a party of men, engaged in
further examination of the burial- field, raised and examined
other nine coffins, all of which were found to have been un-
disturbed. Handbills to that effect were immediately circu-
lated, which, together with a proclamation issued in the early
part of the afternoon, offering a reward of ;^5o for the discovery of
the resurrectionists, tended in a great degree to allay the popular
ferment. Parties of special constables paraded the town throughout
the night, and no further disturbance took place. On the following
day the remainder of the coffins were disinterred, when it was found
that two more bodies were missing, being three in all out of eighty.
Attempts were made to bring these two additional cofiins into town
in a second procession, but this was wisely prevented. The
miscreants who abstracted these bodies, and thus outraged public
feeling, and excited such a dangerous and disgraceful commotion,
were never discovered.^ In most of the towns which had been
visited by this fatal disease, similar riots took place.

On the following day there was a meeting of the Board of Health,
at which it was resolved that, " considering the cruel and unhand-
some treatment which the members of the medical faculty yesterday
received from a misguided multitude, they do express their deep
regret at the outrage committed and their undiminished confidence
in the medical gentlemen, and do tender them their cordial thanks
for their past services and pledge themselves to give them every
countenance and protection in their power in the prosecution of
their disinterested labours for the alleviation and removal of in-

■• A statement of the sums decerned for against the town for damages incurred
during the cholera riots, and expenses, amounting to ;i^i04 7s. 3/^d., was
appointed to be paid {Council Records, loth October, 1832). There were 420
panes of glass broken.

1825 TILL 1850. 285

fectious disease " (Records of the Paisley Board of Health). The
Board also appointed their vote of thanks to be communicated to
the medical gentlemen. A watch was set over the burying-groiind
at the Moss after the day of the riot. At a meeting of the Board
held on 28th March, a communication was received from the medical
gentlemen, of the following tenor : — '' Before the town was visited
by the pestilential disorder which now rages, the whole medical
practitioners volunteered their gratuitous services to check and
mitigate its ravages and to attend the poor. The town accordingly
was, under the sanction of the Board of Health, divided into small
districts, which were placed under medical superintendence ; a
cholera hospital, under the management of medical practitioners
of the town, was established ; and till this date the medical men
have been prodigal of their labours in the discharge of their re-
spective duties. No charge of neglect or dereliction of duty
has been made against any of their number ; yet, a groundless
prejudice among that class of sufferers for whose benelit their
exertions were chiefly intended has from the first been harboured
against the medical men, and to a degree not only calculated to
damp the ardour of their zeal, but almost entirely to prevent the
usefulness of their labours. At first they sympathised with their
townsmen smarting under the visitation of a disease new in this
country and unexampled in its severity, and hoped a little time
would show that their exertions were pure and disinterested ; but
to their mortification, the clamour has now reached a pitch which
causes in the minds of the medical men the most serious doubts
whether the continuance of their labours under the present system
be not likely to eventuate in evil rather than in good. The position,
too, in which the Board of Health now stands in consequence of
the powers conferred on it by the late Act of Parliament, greatly
lessens the difficulty of the medical men in coming to a decision.
Accordingly, at a meeting of their associated body for the prevention
and cure of cholera, duly convened and held this day, the under-
signed medical practitioners of Paisley unanimously resolved — with
all respect for the Board of Health and with every sense of the
courtesy shown them by that body — to resign into their hands the
offices they hold as district surgeons, their superintendence of the
Cholera Hospital, and in general all charge of cholera cases coming
under the management of the Board. — (Signed) R. M'Kechnie,
M.D., preses ; Thomas Richmond, James Kerr, John Rodman,
Allan Stewart, George Wylie, William Jeffrey, David Fulton, Daniel
M'Kinlay, John Torbet, William Vessie, A. K. Young, William
Kerr, William Falconer, John Nisbet, D. Munn, William Muir,
William Bell, D. M'Pherson, William M'Walter, Robert Lym-
burn."

The Board accepted, with reluctance, these resignations, under
the assurance that the medical gentlemen who were members of the
Board would still remain. The inhabitants generally deplored the
insult and injuries offered to the medical gentlemen by the lawless

286 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

mob, and lamented the ingratitude which had occasioned such mis-
conduct. Many bodies of the inhabitants so expressed themselves,
and among these were the Commissioners of Police ; the Roman
Catholics, at a meeting held in their own chapel ; the inhabitants of
Gordon's Lane, Prussia Street, and Causeyside, at a meeting held
for that purpose ; the inhabitants of the First Ward, at a meeting in
the Lyceum Rooms; the inhabitants of the Second and Third
Wards, at a meeting in the Court Hall ; and the inhabitants of the
Third Ward at a meeting held in the Lyceum Rooms.

Fortunately, by the middle of April the number of cases com-
menced steadily to decline, but the disease continued to linger in
the town till the beginning of November following. Among the
deaths from cholera during the week ending 13th October were
three, which from their suddenness and from the social position of
the parties, excited a deep sensation. The first was that of Mrs.
Todd, wife of Mr. Todd, tobacconist. She was in the shop on
Monday at eleven o'clock forenoon conversing cheerfully, and she
died at six o'clock in the evening of the same day. The second
was that of Bailie Lymburn. He attended a meeting of the Old
Weavers' Society on Monday evening in excellent health and spirits,
became unwell at seven'o'clock the following morning, and died the
same evening at nine o'clock.^ On the following day (Wednesday)
Mrs. Lymburn, who had attended her husband closely on the pre-
ceding day, took ill and sank rapidly till next day at eleven o'clock,
when she expired.

The total number of cases of cholera in Paisley at this period was
769, and the number of deaths 446.

Paisley was again visited with cholera in 1834, when there were
140 deaths. In the latter end of December, 1848, cholera returned
to Paisley, the first case being in St. James Street. It continued
till the beginning of March in the following year, during which space
of time there were 381 cases — 190 deaths and 191 recoveries.
The pestilence raged most severely in the Charleston district, the
inhabitants there being then supplied with water from wells of a
very inferior quality. In August, 1854, cholera again visited Paisley,
when there were about fifty deaths, but it disappeared the following
month, and fortunately has never returned.

When it was proposed in 1789 to erect a new church at West

' "The Council, before proceeding to business, unanimously agi-eed to record
their deep regret at the loss of two of their most efficient members, viz., Provost
Gilmour and Bailie Lymburn, both of whom discharged the office of Magistrates
and Councillors for many years. The Provost died (of dysentery) after a few
weeks' illness, shortly before the late election, and had nearly terminated the
third year of his Provostship. Mr. Lymburn died last Tuesday evening, after a
few hours' illness, of spasmodic or Indian cholera, a disease which had made its
appearance in this country last year, and has spread its malignant influence over
a great part of the United Kingdom. The disease began in Paisley, Februaiy
1832" {Council Records, 12th October, 1832).

1825 TILL 1850. 287

Broomlands, a burying -ground was formed there also, and the
remains of the Martyrs, James Algie and John Park, along with the
stone slab already referred to, were removed from Gallowgreen, by
order of the Magistrates, to this new place of interment. The
business of disinterring the bones of the Martyrs, where they had
rested for nearly a century, and conveying them to the new
mausoleum, then newly laid off, was conducted with great solemnity.
Many of all denominations attended on the occasion to pay respect
to the cause for which their forefathers bled. Part of the expense
was defrayed by the Magistrates, but the greater part by subscriptions
from individuals and public bodies. John Parkhill, in his work
"Ten Years' Experience of a Betheral's Life," page 28, states that
"the bottom of yard No. 21 Maxwelton Street, formerly a part of
Gallowgreen, was the site where the bodies of the Martyrs were first
interred." The erection of the proposed new church was not how-
ever carried out ; and after a few interments the burying -ground
was abandoned and fell into neglect, the inscription on the Martyrs'
stone becoming nearly effaced. In 1834 the proposal made to have
a public monument erected at the Martyrs' grave was at once
heartily responded to, and the necessary funds obtained. The late
Rev. Dr. Andrew Symington entered with great zeal and energy
into the proposals to erect a monument commemorative of the two
Martyrs, and delivered an eloquent and impressive discourse in the
High Church on the evening of the 24th October, 1834, explanatory
of the intended memorial — the collection on the occasion being in
aid of the funds. The result of these efforts was that the monument
was completed on 3rd October, 1835. It is of Stevenston stone,
consisting of thirteen pieces. Two form the base ; four the shaft of
the pedestal, on which the inscriptions are engraved ; two form the
cornice at the four angles; and the thirteenth piece, weighing 4^
tons, forms a smooth tapering obelisk with chamfered angles, the
base of which is thirty-two inches square and the height fourteen
feet three inches. The whole height of the monument — of which
we give a sketch — from the base of the pedestal, is twenty feet six
inches, and the weight of stones used about twelve tons. On the
east side of the pedestal is engraved the original epitaph on the
stone slab, already given. On the north side of the pedestal is an
inscription stating the time and circumstances of the removal of the
remains from the Gallowgreen, as follows : —

" The stone containing the epitaph transcribed on this monument,
was erected over the grave in the Gallowgreen, the place of common
execution ; and on occasion of the grounds being built upon, it was
removed near to this spot, along with the remains of the martyrs, by
order of the Magistrates, —

"John Storie, John Paterson, and John Cochrane.

" MDCCLXXIX."

2S8

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

On the south side is the following inscription : —

" Erected
By the contributions of Christians
of different denominations in
and about Paisley to
renew and per-
petuate a memorial
of the respect
and gratitude
with which pos-
terity still cherish
the memory
of the mar-
tyrs of
Scotland.

MDCCCXXXV.

And on the west side is inscribed the following beautiful and
appropriate extract from Cowper : —

" Their blood is shed
In confiniiation of the noblest claim —
Our claim to feed upon immortal truth,
To walk with God, to be divinely free,
To soar, and to anticipate the skies.
Yet few remember them. They lived un-

known,
Till persecution dragged them into fame
And chased them up to Heav'n."

The workmanship of the monu-
ment is good, and the design, al-
though plain, is chaste and graceful.
The architect was Mr. James Drum-
mond, Paisley, and the sculptor, Mr.
Matthew Gemmell, Paisley. At this
time a church, — appropriately named
the Martyrs' Church, — was erected
there, and the martyrs' grave became
part of the burying-ground. Ten
years afterwards this burying-ground
was included in the new and spacious
cemetery adjoining, that was then
formed, and the martyrs' monument
is now one of the most interesting
in these beautiful grounds. We give
martyrs' monument. a sketch of this monument.

The first Act of Parliament for the establishment of a Gas
Company was passed in 1810, and under its powers the Chartered
Gas Company of London commenced operations amidst the sneers
of almost everybody. It was not, however, till December 1S13

1825 TILL 1850. 289

that gas-lighting was employed on a large scale in streets, by the
lighting of Westminster bridge ; and on ist April, 18 14, the Parish
of St. Margarets, Westminster, substituted gas for oil in their streets.
At a public meeting held in Glasgow in November 181 6, it was
agreed to form a joint-stock company to make gas, and to apply
for an Act of Parliament. In March, 1 8 1 8, that company announced
that their works were in such a state of forwardness that they were
able to supply light to the city. The first movement made in
Paisley regarding the using of gas was in 181 9, when James
Williamson, china- merchant, High Street, and others, applied, to
the Council for permission to convey gas by pipes across the street
opposite their premises. The Council willingly gave their consent,
and expressed their readiness to afford every facility and encourage-
ment to any measure of the kind (Council Records, 24th November,
1819). It was in September, 1821, that the first steps were taken
for the establishment of a company in Paisley to make gas. The
promoters of the scheme applied to the Council to take shares, but
they declined to do so with expressions of regret, alleging that the
state of the community's funds did not justify them in taking such
a step, but they hoped the undertaking would be beneficial to the
public and profitable to the promoters (Council Records, 12th
October, 1821). Sufficient funds having been obtained, the
promoters of the company applied to Parliament for an act for the
better lighting of the town. A part of the preamble of the bill
was — " And whereas inflammable air or gas, coke, oil, tar, pitch,
asphaltum, ammoniacal liquor, essential oil, pyroligneous acid,
charcoal, and other products, may be procured from coal, oil,
tallow, tar, peat, turf, rosin, wood, and other inflammable substances;
and whereas the said inflammable air may be safely and beneficially
used for lighting the streets," private houses, &:c. ; " and the coke
may be beneficially employed as fuel ; " and the oil, tar, and other
inflammable substances already mentioned, " may be used and
applied in various other ways with great advantage," &c. The act
so applied for was passed by the legislature, and the Paisley Gas
Light Company so incorporated was authorised to raise ^16,000 in
shares of ^5 each, and to borrow a further sum of ;^4ooo. The
act received the Royal assent on 30th May, 1823, and the first
directors were Ludovic Houston, of Johnstone, governor ; R.
Farquharson, deputy-governor; Messrs. Alexander Fullarton, James
Buchanan, W. Waterston, John Orr, John Bell, James Wylie,
Joseph Twigg, William Gilmour, James Jackson, and George Millar.
Operations were commenced without any loss of time, and the
directors applied to the Council on 23rd August in that year for
permission to open some of the streets for laying pipes. In the
following year the greater number of the inhabitants were enjoying
all the comforts to be derived from this greatly superior mode of
supplying light. At the annual election of directors in June 1825,
Mr. John Orr resigned his treasurership ; and the company cordially
united in a vote of thanks for his important services, and unani-

290 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

mously agreed that a piece of plate of the value of fifty guhieas
should be presented to him in their name.

In 1832 the company obtained powers from Parliament for
additional capital to the amount of ^16,000, — in shares of ^5
each, — with power also to borrow ^8000. This money was re-
quired for the further extension of the works to meet the increasing
demand for gas.

In the latter end of 1843 ^ new gas company was formed ; and on
29th January, 1844, the i/ifen'm directors applied to the Town
Council to consent to their operations being carried on in the mean-
time without an Act of Parliament, and to allow pipes to be laid in
the streets. The directors of the old gas company, hearing of this
application, desired the Council to give them an opportunity of
stating their objections before coming to any decision. This meet-
ing took place, and the Council afterwards appointed a committee
to confer with the directors of the old gas company on the subject
of that company ceding their whole works to the Council for behoof
of the public, which it had been announced they were willing to do
on terms advantageous to the community. After some corre-
spondence and meetings, heads of an agreement for merging the
Paisley Gas Light Company into a public trust in connection with
the Corporation of Paisley were agreed to and signed by both
parties. These were to the effect that the trust should be constituted
with a view to secure cheap lighting for the town, and that the ^5
share of the company should be valued at ^8, which was the
market price at that time, and that the shareholders should receive
four per cent, thereon. That the board of management should
consist of twelve trustees, eight of whom should be elected by the
shareholders and four by the Council. When one- fourth of the capital
should be paid up the Council would elect five, and when one -half
of the capital should be paid the Council would elect six, trustees ;
and this system should be continued to the end of the trust. The
Council also was to have power to terminate the trust by paying the
shareholders, and was entitled to borrow money on the works for
that purpose. This arrangement was only to be carried into effect
in the event of the new company not obtaining their Act of Parlia-
ment. The subject of this agreement and the prosecution of the
new Gas Bill involved many public meetings, and caused much
excitement in the town. The new Gas Bill passed the Committee
of the House of Commons ; but while pending in the House of
Lords, an arrangement was made whereby, on payment of ^^3600
by the old to the new gas company towards defraying expenses, it
was agreed to except Paisley within the Parliamentary limits from
the new bill, and this arrangement was sanctioned by Parliament.
Afterwards Parliamentary notices were published and a bill pre-
pared to carry out the agreement between the Council and the old gas
company. This bill, establishing the gas-works as a public trust,
passed through both Houses of Parhament without any opposition,
and received the Royal assent on 30th June, 1845. -^^^ following

1825 TILL 1850. 291

Statement shows the annual revenue, price of gas, and number of
consumers of gas, at different periods since the company was
established : —

'Price of

Number of

Total

Gas per

Consumers

nding

Revenue.

1000 feet.

of Gas.

1825, .

.. ^1969 12

... I1/4

... 568

1830, .

3094 18

... I1/4

... 1338

1835, ■

7240 19

... 9/6

••• 5777

1840, .

9607 10

... 8/6

... 7728

1842, ,

8706 2

... 8/6

... 6088

1845, ■

9618 15

... 6/6

... 6846

1850, ,

9628 2

... 6/

... 6867

It is worthy of being recorded that when the Council arranged
with the old gas company in 1844 to make the gas-works a trust for
behoof of the public, the price of the gas was, by good management,
only 7s. per 1000 cubic feet, being the lowest price in Scotland at
that time. Unfortunately, the same cannot now be said, as several
towns are at present (1884) supplied with gas at a lower rate than
Paisley.

Before the introduction into Paisley of an abundance of pure
water from Gleniffer hills in 1838, the supply of this most important
element of life to the inhabitants was very defective. There was no
want of enterprise among them in raising the necessary funds, but
the great difficulty was to find a source from which a proper supply
could be obtained. A committee of the inhabitants who had been
previously appointed, reported to a numerously- attended meeting,
held in the Court- Hall on nth October, 1824, regarding the
different schemes they had been considering. The committee
stated that at one time it was thought that reservoirs of water,
sufficient for the consumpt of Paisley, might be formed on the hills
to the south and south-west of the town ; but after a careful survey,
it was found that the quantity which could be collected in that
quarter was comparatively insignificant, and that its quality was
very doubtful ; while so many private interests interfered to impede
the appropriation of water there, as to present insuperable obstacles
to the prosecution of that proposal, even if it had been likely to
answer the first expectations of those who suggested it. Another
project had been considered by the committee. It was to construct
extensive artificial filters in the bed of the river Cart ; and probably
the success of several experiments which had been made might have
led to the adoption of that plan, had it not been discovered that a
great abundance of pure water was to be found by digging pits on the
banks of the river, on the lands of Blackball and Whiteford. A bed of
gravel, varying in depth from three to four feet, formed a deposit at
a moderate depth below the surface of these lands, and when this
gravel had been laid open by borings and excavations, a quantity of
water was found which left no room for doubt that the formation of

292 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

tunnels would yield as great a supply as was likely to be required ;
and by the application of machinery the water could be raised to
the necessary height. Such were the views propounded by this
committee ; and the meeting believing that the latter scheme was
perfectly practicable, agreed that the raising of subscriptions should
be immediately commenced, with the view of carrying it out.
Upwards of ^11,000 was subscribed before the meeting separated.
Shortly afterwards the proposed capital of ^30,000 was all taken
up ; and at a meeting of the subscribers, held on the 29th of that
month, the capital was increased to ;^4o,ooo. A committee was
appointed to see a bill prepared for an Act of Parliament to incor-
porate the company, and to procure powers for prosecuting the
undertaking. An act was obtained, but the serious depression of
trade that immediately followed, in which many of the shareholders
were involved, caused delay in proceeding with the operations.
Doubts besides began to be entertained regarding the practicability
of the undertaking ; and the company also became alarmed at the
large claims made by the owners of public works, at Saucel and
Seedhill, for compensation for the water proposed to be taken from
the river by the town. In the meantime Dr. James Kerr, who was
a shareholder in that water company, was maturing a plan by which
the town would be satisfactorily supplied with water. His plan was
based on the first scheme already referred to, and rejected by the
committee in 1824. At a meeting of the Water Company held on
3rd May, 1830, Dr. Kerr was desired to explain his proposal for
providing a sufficient supply of water to the town. His description
to the meeting was in substance as follows : — That the water of the
Espedair burn, before it became contaminated with public works,
was of a pure quality, free from moss and mineral impregnations ;
and he proposed that a reservoir should be formed at Nethercraigs,
capable of containing six or seven months' supply to the town ; that
it should be conveyed in a stone conduit to the head of Calside,
where a small reservoir should be formed, and the water conveyed
thence in iron pipes throughout the town. Dr. Kerr's plan was unani-
mously approved of by the meeting, and a hearty vote of thanks
awarded him for his exertions. He afterwards described his water
scheme on 7th February, 1831, in a lecture at a meeting of the
Philosophical Institution. But nothing was done till 7th January,
^^33, when a special meeting, called by Provost Orr, was held in
the Court -Hall, for the purpose of taking measures to obtain an
abundant supply of water to the town. Sir John Maxwell, M.P.,
was called on to preside. The meeting, besides being well attended,
was enthusiastic, and resolved to desire Mr. Thom, of Rothesay,
who had much experience in similar undertakings, to report as to
the best mode of supplying the town with water.^ Several gentlemen

^ In 1824, at the desire of Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, Mr. Thorn, of Rothesay,
inspected all the grounds to the south of Greenock, and found that it was not
only practicable to collect water to give a sufficient supply to the inhabitants of
that town, but also such a supply as would propel machinery. Accordingly a

1825 TILL 1850. 293

were appointed to collect money to pay for this survey. On 6th
November, 1834, a meeting of these subscribers and others was held
in the Court- Hall, — Mr. John Orr presiding. Mr. Thorn's report,
which had been delayed by the delicate state of his health, was read
and approved of The meeting resolved to form a Joint -Stock
Company, for procuring a plentiful supply of good water, according
to the report supplied by Mr. Thom, which was similar to the
scheme by Dr. Kerr, and fixed the capital at ;^3 5,000, in ^10
shares, with powers to borrow ^^ 15,000. It was intimated to the
meeting that, on the previous day, and that day, ^14,000 had been
subscribed. At a meeting of shareholders, held on iQth December
following, they agreed to extend the capital to ^40,000. At that
meeting the following gentlemen were chosen to form the Board of
Management: — John Orr, governor; Dr. James Kerr, deputy-
governor. And the ordinary Directors appointed were : — -William
Kerr, William Brown, jun., William Reid, Robert Farquharson,
Peter Brough, Alexander Fullarton, David Bain, John Scott, John
Stewart, and A. C. Holms.

The bill that was introduced into Parliament received the Royal
assent on 21st July, 1835. Considerable time was taken up in
arranging with the various proprietors of the lands, with the bleachers
about compensation water, and the making of contracts for the work
to be performed ; and it was not till 29th April, 1836, that the first
spade of earth was turned over.

When the works were completed and the water ready to be let
into the pipes, the directors invited the Earl of Glasgow, who had
all along been a kind friend and patron of the company, to perform
the interesting ceremony of opening the sluices at the Stanely
Reservoir, on Friday, 13th July, 1838. This invitation was readily
accepted ; but the state of his Lordship's health when the day
arrived did not allow him to perform the ceremony, and Dr. James
Kerr was appointed to do so. On that day at one o'clock the
directors, accompanied by the Sheriff-Substitute of the County and
the Provost and Magistrates of Paisley, with several strangers,
assembled in the County Hall, the turrets of which were decorated
with flags, and proceeded in carriages, by the Corsebar Road, to the
reservoir. The party, with the workmen following, formed in pro-
cession, passed beneath a triumphal arch that had been erected,
and, to the sound of the bagpipe, marched along the embankment
that separates the large from the small reservoir. When the gentle-
men of the procession ascended the gangway, the Rev. Dr. Burns,
at the request of the governor, in a most appropriate and impressive
prayer, invoked the Divine blessing on the proceedings. After the
Governor and Provost Drummond had addressed the assemblage. Dr.
Kerr, amidst great cheering, opened the sluice to allow the water to

joint -stock company, under the auspices of Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, with a
capital of ;^3i,ooo, was incorporated by Act of Parliament, for carrying the plan
into effect. The greater portion of the works, under the directions of Mr. Thom,
was successfully finished in 1827 ("Account of the Shaws Water Scheme," 1829).

294 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

flow out towards Paisley. To the spectator on this interesting
occasion the scene, beautified by the recently- formed broad expanse
of pure water, — the grey-walled castle of Stanely surrounded by
the water with the Union Jack flying from its lofty battlements,
and the towering Braes of Gleniffer forming the near southern
horizon, combined with the pleasing thought that the industrious
and enterprising inhabitants of the town of Paisley would thence-
forth be blessed with an abundant supply of good water, — must
have been extremely grand and impressive.^

The procession next went to Calside, where Dr. Kerr opened the
sluices also, and then it moved towards the town. The turning on of
the water was made known to the inhabitants by the ringing of the
bells and by the playing of jefs d'eau throughout the town. There
were five of these — one at St. George's Church, one at the foot of
St. Mirren Street, one near the Tontine, and one at the Cross.
They were all in the form of Prince of Wales feathers, except the
one at the Cross, which was fitted with revolving arms, on the
principle of Barker's mill or Avery's engine. Near the residence of
Dr. Kerr, a beautiful triumphal arch spanned Orr Square, formed

^ " See yonder frowning castle's crumbling form
That centuries has stood stern winter's storm,
Now stands an island in the watery plain
Which patriots placed on Stanely's wide domain,
That tens of thousands may with ease enjoy
The beverage that judgment ne'er will cloy.
And first, to Dr. Kerr the praise is due,
Who dared with perseverance to pursue
His darling project, till wise laws were framed
To give his townsmen what his genius claimed
As likeliest to confer a lasting boon
To those who domiciled in Paisley toon.
Auspicious rose the morn ! the crystal rills
Witli tenfold haste forsook their native hills,
As eager to be first in the new way
Which would their treasures to men's homes convey
Clear as when first they bubbled from the spring,
Fresh as the dawn when larks essay to sing.
From towns and villages vast groups repair,
Resolved the pleasures of the day to share,
Among whom ladies fair were to be seen,
Whose smiles spread joy around the hazy scene,
And gallant youths, whose eyes too well betrayed
The wounds that beauty in their hearts had made.
Even age and thoughtless childhood might be seen
Throng pressing onwards to the Stanely green,
Intent to witness Doctor Kerr let flow
The liquid element to plains below.
The sluices drawn, down rushed the willing tide
Through hollow tubes, and soon it reached Calside,
Where Kerr again, joy beaming in his face,
Open'd the second sluice. With quicker pace,
On, on the waters rushed ! In every street
A thousand welcomes its arrival greet."

Extract from "Lines" in the liW Steeples GJiaist, &^c., p. 141, by John

Mitchell.

1825 TILL 1850.

295

with wild flowers and shrubs from " the Braes ofGlenifter," and in its
centre a stream of water spouted from a large bunch of the water -iris.
On that afternoon 120 gentlemen dined in the Exchange Assembly
Rooms, — -John Orr, Esq., governor of the company, in the chair.
A pleasant evening was spent in rejoicing over the completion of
so important an undertaking as giving to the inhabitants the in-
estimable blessing of a pure and abundant water supply. The
company did not break up till half- past eleven o'clock, when three
cheers were given, with the greatest enthusiasm, to Dr. Kerr.

On 3rd February, the Directors published their scale of charges
for supplying water from nth November, 1838, and giving it free
for the period prior to that date.

Dwelling- Houses
Rented under j[^2, ... ... ... ... 5/-

j£,2 and under 3, ... ... ... ... 6/-

6/6

7/6
8/6

9/-
9/6
10/-
10/6
11/-
11/6

Do.

10,

Do.

11,

Do.

12,

i/- for each ^ of rent,
tional ^ of rent.

All

From ^12 to ;^3o, the charge was
above ^30 rose by 6d. for every add

The landlords of a tenement provided with a water pipe con-
tracting with the company for all the dwellings in it having rentals
of ^4 and under, were allowed a discount of ten per cent, from the
preceding rates.

Public Works
Taking water by measurement during a year of 310 working days
were to pay as follows : —
Gallons Daily. I Gallons Daily.

500, ••• ^3 10 o ' 5»ooo, ... ^22 o o

600, ... 400] 6,000, ... 25 o o

700, ... 4 10 o 7,ooo> ••• 28 o o

800, ... 500 8,000, ... 31 o o

900, ... 5 10 o 9,ooO) ••• 34 o o

1,000, ... 600 10,000, ... 37 o o

2,000, ... 10 o o 15,000, ... 47 o o

3,000, ... 14 o o 20,000, ... 57 o o

4,000, ... 18 o o

A number of gentlemen resolved to express their gratitude to Dr.
James Kerr for his exertions in procuring a supply of water for
Paisley, by presenting him with a handsome testimonial. The pre-
sentation took place on i8th December, 1840, when he was enter-
tained in the Saracen's Head Inn. Provost Bisset presided, and

296 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

ex -Provost Drummond acted as croupier. The testimonial was a
beautiful piece of sculptured marble. The artist was Mr. James
Fillans. The design was most appropriate and chaste, and the
work was altogether tastefully executed. Briefly described, the
testimonial consisted of a shield upon which in bas-relief were
represented a full-sized medallion of Dr. Kerr, surmounted by his
crest, a unicorn and laurel. Right of the shield — the goddess of
the fountain supplying water in a cup to the young inhabitants, one
of whom is drinking greedily of the pure stream, while another is
striving to share it, as emblematic of the previous scarcity of water.
At the feet of the goddess is the figure of St. Mirin, the tutelary
guardian of Paisley, looking up in gratitude to the goddess of the
fountain, his limbs hidden in water-lilies, while in his left hand he
holds a cup of water and in his right a medallion of Dr. Kerr,
partly concealed by his tunic, as indicative of Paisley's grateful re-
membrance of the Doctor. Left of the shield — Esculapius, the
god of medicine, healing a child who has been bitten by an asp.
The mother, holding the boy on her knee, is bending over him
watching returning health, while the asp disappears among the
water-lilies — the whole surmounted by a slab of marble of a dif-
ferent colour from the shield, with the inscription, " Presented by
the Water Company." ^ The original model of this beautiful piece
of art is placed inside of the north wall of the Paisley Coffee- Room.

^ Dr. Kerr died on 4th March, 1848, at No. 40 Cambridge Street, Glasgow,
to which place he had removed from Paisley, along with his son, Dr. William
Kerr, a few years previously. He was born at Stevenston, County of Ayr, on 1st
October, 1769. After completing his education at the Glasgow University, the
first scene of his labours, when only twenty-one years of age, was in the town of
Beith, where he remained about one year. Leaving Beith to practise in Paisley,
he lived there fifty-six years. His professional abilities were admittedly great,
and he was famed as a surgical operator. He was, besides, a kindly and warm-
hearted gentleman. A few months before his death he fell and hurt himself,
and this was instrumental in hastening his death. A monument as a tribute to
his private worth and public usefulness was erected over his grave in the Paisley
Cemetery, where the body was interred in .September, 1853. It is a simple
obelisk raised on a massive pedestal and terminating in a basement of a flight of
steps. On the front pillars of the pedestal are sculptured emblems of the
blessings derived by a community from an abundant supply of pure and whole-
some water. On the two front pillars on each side of the space for the inscription
are chaste classical basso re/iei'os. A mother engaged in the act of washing
her child, another female looking on while her pitcher is being replenished at the
well, forms one of these; and the other shows an old man, travel -worn and
thirsty, receiving a draught of water from the hands of a kindly, sympathising
maiden. On the other pillars of the pedestal are represented amphora, or the liquid
measures of the Greeks. The carved mouldings represent the lotus or water
lily adapted to architecture ; and on the base of the needle are the classical
attributes of health, in allusion to the doctor's profession. The needle is formed
of a single block of stone eighteen and a-half feet in length, and the monument
altogether is upwards of thirty feet high. The stone is from Craiksland Quarry,
near Troon. The following is the inscription on the front of the pedestal : —
" In memory of James Kerr, Esq., M.D. Erected by subscription in testimony
of public respect for private and professional character, and grateful acknowledg-
ment of his invaluable public services as the originator and promoter of a plan
for supplying the town of Paisley with water." The reverse side of the pedestal
contains the date of the doctor's birth and death. The design and execution
are by Mr. John Mossman of Glasgow.

1825 TILL 1850. 297

Down to the time the Stanely water was brought into the town,
the inhabitants experienced great inconvenience from the want of a
proper supply for domestic purposes. As the water in the river was
polluted by public works, and therefore unfit for use in houses, they
were dependent on two other sources of supply. The one was
public and private wells ; but the water in the most of these was not
pure, and the supply, besides, was frequently very defective. Where
a public well was situated, those residing in the district took charge
of it, and allowed the water to be taken from it only at certain
periods. Those wishing water placed the vessel meant to hold it,
which was generally a stoup, next to the well if first, or next to the
one immediately before them, and in this way every one secured his
supply in proper rotation. By the time a well was unlocked and
Avater allowed to be drawn, there would be seen a long range of
these stoups.^ In Camden's Britaimia (p. 924, edition 1695) ^t is
stated that "in the lands of Newyards, near Pasly, there is a
remarkable spring, which is observed to ebb and flow with the tyde,
tho' it be on a far higher ground than any place where the tyde
Cometh." George Crawfurd (History of the S/ih'e of Renfrezc, p. 3)
states that " there is a spring in the lands of Woodside, the
possession of Hugh Crawfurd, my brother-german, that flows and
ebbs at spring tides, tho' at three miles distance from any part of
the river of Clide and half- a -mile from the bridge of Pasly, where
the river of Cart ebbs and flows, the ground where that spring is
being much higher than the river."' Principal Dunlop (History of
Re?ifrewshire'^.i/^-^),g\wQ?, a similar account. Mr. W.Semple (Histoty
of Renfrewshire, p. 148) only states that " the spring -well mentioned

1 Amang wells o' the town it aye bore the degree
Of being the best for the making o' tea,
And our mothers, ye mind, did us often compel
To tak' up the turn at the Storie Street Well.
When water was scarce during summer's warm drouth,
The stoups stood in raws to lang James's close - mouth ;
And shifting their places caused many a gell
Wi' the wives and the weans around Storie Street Well.

The householders held every year a franchise
For appointing a board to raise the supplies.
When their business was done, they'd adjourn the Counsel
To some public -house near the Storie Street Well.
The gill and the yill gave their humour the fang ;
They bantered each other, they roared and they sang.
It would tak' a whole night a' the smart jokes to tell
That were crack'd at the meetings of Storie Street Well.

"Truth's hid in a well," as the old proverb says,

But the Well Committees, to their credit and praise,

Had truth in their dealings, and friendship as well.

In a' their transactions of Storie Street Well.

Now, Storie Street neighbours, I hope that my sang

Has been of some service in helping to fang

And good feeling draw out from each breast's inmost cell.

As the pump draws the water from Storie Street Well.

— Dai'id Pic ken.
V

298 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

by Mr. Crawfurd lies south-west of Woodside House." This well
was on the north side of the road leading from the main street to
Ferguslie House by what is now called Ferguslie Walk, but in our
century at least there have been no such marvellous movements of
its water. The other way the inhabitants supplied themselves with
water was by purchase from persons who carted it through the town
in barrels, the price charged being a farthing for each stoupful.
Much of the water, also, that fell on the roofs of slated houses was
led into barrels in back courts and used for washing purposes.

A requisition was presented to Provost Gilmour that he should
call a public meeting, to petition both Houses of Parliament for the
immediate amelioration of the condition of the slaves in the British
Colonies, and for the speedy and entire abolition of British Colonial
Slavery. As the Provost declined, the requisitionists called a
meeting, to be held in the Court- Hall on ist November, 1830.
Mr. James Carhle was called on to preside. The speakers in
support of the resolutions were — Mr. J. M. Bell, advocate (son of
Mr. John Bell, Woodside); Mr. Simpson, writer; Mr. Kennedy,
teacher; Rev. Mr. Burns, Rev. Mr. M'Nair, Rev. Mr. M'Dermid,
and the Rev. Mr. Smart. Subsequent to this, and down to the time
when slavery was abolished in our empire, pubHc anti- slavery
meetings were frequently held. Lectures were also given by Mr.
George Thomson and others against slavery.

The act of 1832 for a better representation of the people in
Parliament, was followed, as a matter of course, in 1833, by another,
to give similar privileges in the election of Town Councillors to the
inhabitants of burghs. By this measure the system of self- election,
with all its tortuous and complicated arrangements, which we have
more than once described, was effectually abolished. To the bill
in its course through Parliament there was no really serious
opposition offered from any quarter. At a meeting of Council, held
on 6th May, the Provost asked the opinion of his brethren as to the
propriety of calling a public meeting, to consider the new Burgh
Reform Bill, and they unanimously expressed themselves in favour
of such a course. This public meeting was held in the Court- Hall
on 14th May, — Provost Orr presiding. It was the opinion of
several of those present that the right of voting should be extended
to holders of houses rented at ^^5 and upwards, and that both
burgesses and feuars should have a vote ; but the meeting remitted
to a committee to consider the bill, and to report thereon to another
meeting. That adjourned meeting was held on the 12th June.
Provost Orr was called to the chair. A series of resolutions was
passed suggesting some additions and alterations upon the bill, but
declaring at the same time that " the Burgh Reform Bill deserves
the grateful acknowledgments of the country." The meeting wished
that burgesses and feuars should have votes ; that the Council
should number not less than twenty-four; that the fee provided by

1825 TILL 1^50. 299

the bill for substitutes and assessors at elections should be limited
to £1 IS. per day, and that it should be competent for any
accredited reporter for the press to attend all meetings of Council,
in order that the public might be informed of their proceedings. The
Burgh Reform Act received the Royal assent in September following;
and the Commissioners under the authority of that act visited
Paisley on the nth September following, to divide the town into
wards. At a public meeting held on the 13th September, a com-
mittee of twenty-one was appointed to make such a division of the
town as they might deem advantageous, and to appoint a committee
of their number to meet with the Provost, Magistrates, and Com-
missioners, and to submit such division for their consideration.
The Commissioners — Mr. R. Bell and Mr. R. Handyside,
advocates, Edinburgh — had an interview with the Magistrates and
Committee. No decision was come to, but the Commissioners
promised to return. They did not, however, come again ; but after
a visit of the Town-Clerk to Edinburgh, at their request, the town
was divided into five wards, the same as they are at present (1884).
The plan of Paisley in this book shows the ancient burgh boundary,
along with the parliamentary boundary.

On the 8th October following, a meeting of electors was held in
the Old Low Church, to receive the report of the ward -dividing
committee, and to discuss and decide upon other important matters
relating to the approaching elections. Mr. Hugh Macfarlane_ was
called on to preside. After hearing a report from the committee,
their proceedings were approved of, and a vote of thanks was passed
to them. The meeting afterwards carried unanimously a series of
resolutions relating to the future procedure of the electors under the
new Burgh Act. These were in effect — that the assessors for the
poor rates, and managers for the poor and statute labour trust,
should be elected by the ratepayers ; that the corporation property
should be economically managed ; that treating of every description,
and all public entertainments with the town's funds, should be
entirely abolished ; that every effort should be made to get the
number of councillors increased ; that a central committee, con-
sisting of five from each ward, should be appointed to select proper
candidates for the office of councillor ; and that all laws should be
repealed which press unequally on the town and county.

As it was the first time any of the inhabitants had an opportunity
of choosing their representatives at the Council Board, the greatest
excitement prevailed, and numerous candidates were nominated in
all the wards. While sixteen councillors were to be elected, there
were no fewer than thirty candidates brought forward.^ Among the

1 The following is a list of the candidates for the five wards, with the number
of votes given for each candidate. The first column in each case shows the suc-
cessful candidates.

First Ward.

R.Hendry, 107 Thomas Glen, 7^

John Dunlop, 106 James Coats, 72

Robert Bisset, 103 John Bell, 53

300

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

numerous changes made after the election was a resolution by the
new Bailies to discontinue the ancient practice of walking together
to the church on Sundays preceded by the town officers with their
halberds. The halberds carried by the town officers at that and the
present time may be said to be somewhat ornamental. We have,
however, been assured by those who have seen the halberds used by
the town officers in the second decade of this century that they were of
quite a. different form, and partook more of the shape of the weapon
called the Jeddart staff or axe, of which we gave a drawing at page
190 in the first volume of this work. Indeed, it is very likely that
the halberd in use before the present kind was certainly the Jed-
burgh or Jeddart staff; for in January, 1602, those sent to watch at
the East and West Ports during the time of threatened pestilence
were, as already stated, ordered to be armed with " ane sword and
Jedburgh staff." The town officer also who on 27th July, 171 1,
as formerly described, stabbed a horse at the race -course, must have
had in his possession a very different weapon from the present
halberd. We give on the opposite page a drawing of the halberd at
present in use.^

The Council also resolved to let the Magistrates' seats in the
High and Middle churches.

At first, and for a long time afterwards, the Council meetings were

Second Ward.

Robert Patison, 134 A.H.Simpson, 80

James Drummond, 131 James Lamb, 74

John Henderson, 107 David Bain, 65

T/iird Ward.

William Brown, 115 David Ritchie, 73

William Jeffrey, m James Forbes, 50

Dewar Watson, 84 Thomas Gilmour, 23

Fom-th Ward.

John Orr, 252 Hugh Macfarlane, 135

Robert Cochran, 156 John Muir, I13

Robert Farquharson, 153 Robert Muir, 105

Alexander Carlile, 145

Fifth Ward.

James Clark, IS4 William Forrest, 70

William Hardie, 106 John Kerr, 48

Thomas Calderwood, loi

The following table shows the number of electors entitled to vote, the number
that did vote, and the number that kept back from the poll in each ward : —
Wards. Total.

First, 211

Second, 257

Third 220

Fourth, 346

Fifth, 227

Totals, 1261 ... 80 ... 983 ... iq8

^ The halberds used at present by the Glasgow city officers are of the ancient
battle - axe kind, and are formidable ■ looking weaj)ons. They are not in James
Dnmimond's list of ancient Scottish weapons.

Disquali;

fied.

Voted.

Did

not Vote.

177

203

164

274

165

1825 TILL 1850.

held weekly at eight o'clock even-
ing, and generally lasted from two
to three hours. As reporters for
the press were then admitted for
the first time, the proceedings of
Council were fully reported in the
newspapers. Prior to the Burgh
Reform Act, the three Bailies were
allowed an annual salary of forty
merks (^2 4s. 53^d.); and on
18th February, 1834, the Council
agreed, after much discussion, by
a majority, that the Magistrates'
and Fiscal's salaries should be
henceforth discontinued, and that
the present Magistrates be re-
quested not to draw the current
salaries. The Fiscal's salary was
ten pounds Scots (i6s. 8d.).

A public dinner, at which 140
were present, took place in the
Saracen's Head Inn, — Sheriff
Campbell in the chair, — on 20th
May, 1834, the anniversary of the
King's birthday ; and although all
the magistrates were present, Pro-
vost Hardie was absent. This
occurrence gave rise to some dis-
satisfaction on the part of several
of the magistrates and of the in-
habitants. At a meeting of Coun-
cil held on the 27th of that month,
the Council by a majority "ap-
proved of the course the Provost
had pursued in this matter, under
the circumstances in which he was
placed." The Council records,
unfortunately, do not state what
the circumstances were.^ A peti-
tion was signed by a number
of the inhabitants requesting per-
mission for the public to be ad-
mitted at the Council meetings;
and on 7 th February, 1835, the

1 Provost Hardie, in a letter of 24th May to the newspapers, stated : — " I did
not decline presiding in honour of His Majesty's birthday, but only the putting
of my name at the head of the list to get up a meeting for that purpose, — an act
which, without knowing who were the parties likely to be present, I consider
would be both below my own dignity and the dignity of the office I hold."

302 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

Council agreed by a majority " to admit the public to their deliber-
ations, under such restrictions as it appears necessary to impose."

At the election of the Provost and Bailies in November, 1841,
Mr. William Barr, writer, who was a disappointed aspirant to the
Provostship, complained that a certain number of the Councillors
met in the Treasurer's house on the previous evening and determined
who should be appointed as the new Provost and Bailies on the
following day, and moved as follows: — "i. That, whereas he has
been credibly informed, and offers to prove, that the order of
election of a Provost and BaiHes was all settled last night by a
regular vote of nine Councillors who should be Provost and who
should be Bailies ; that this be declared a most unconstitutional
interference with the freedom of election. 2. That whereas there
are only three gold chains and four bailies, that the three chains,
belonging to the community, should be converted into the current
coin of the realm and applied to the exigencies of the burgh.
3. That the election of Provost and Bailies ought to be made by
ballot." At the following meeting of Council, Mr. Barr said he
would not press his motion to a division.

In 1844 Mr. Barr was again a candidate for the Provostship along
with Mr. David Murray. On the vote being taken, each of them
had the same number of supporters. These were as follows : — For
Mr. Murray : Bailie Baton, Councillors Murray, Coats, Clark,
M'Nair, Wilkie, Todd, and Bailie Telfer, — 8. For Mr. Barr:
Councillors Kirkland, Barr (sen.), Campbell, Barr (jun.), Snodgrass,
Reid, Semple, Robin, — 8. Bailie Baton, as Senior Bailie, was in
the chair, and gave his casting vote in favour of Mr. Murray. Mr.
Barr, in thanking those who voted for him, stated that he (Mr.
Murray) might be assured that he would not hold the office long.
He would lose his seat as sure as the sun was in the firmament. All
this vapouring of Mr. Barr's, although he renewed his protest at the
next meeting of Council and threatened to take remedy in law,
never went further, and he was afterwards known by the sobriqtcet
of the " Firmament Provost."

In the previous chapter we noticed the important and interesting
circumstance of the establishment of the first newspaper in Paisley
— the Paisley Advertiser. As already stated, the first editor was Mr.
James Goldie. His first paper was issued 9th October, 1824, and
"his last 25th February, 1826. He died 27th February, 1826. He
was a native of Ayr, and published in 1822 in Ayr a volume of
poetry. The second editor was Mr. William Kennedy. His first
paper was issued 25th March, 1826, and his last 17th May, 1828.
He was for some time British Consul in Texas, and pubhshed in
1 841 an account of the rise, progress, and prosperity of that
country ; he also was the author of a volum-e of poetry
entitled Fitful Fancies, besides many other beautiful lyrics. He
died in 1849. The third editor was Mr. William Mother-
well. His first paper was issued 24th May, 1828; his last,

1S25 TILL 1850. 303

9th October, 1830. Mr. Motherwell left the Advertiser for the
Glasgow Courier, which paper he conducted till the day of his
death, ist November, 1835. Mr. Motherwell's literary works are
well-known and highly and justly appreciated. The fourth editor
was Mr. Robert Hay. His first paper was issued i6th October,
1830, and his last 27th July, 1844. Mr. Hay became sub-editor
to Mr. Motherwell on 6th March, 1830, and on the departure of
Mr. Motherwell to Glasgow he assumed the full management. Mr.
Hay conducted the Advertiser with great consistency and ability,
and was, besides, universally respected. He was the author of
" Sam Spritsail " that apjjeared in the Paisley Magazine, published
in 1828. Mr. Hay died on the loth of June, 1847. In 1844 the
title of the newspaper was altered to Renfrctvshire Advertiser.
The fifth editor was Mr. Andrew Bell. His first paper was issued
3rd August, 1844, and his last 28th September in that year. The
sixth editor was Mr. Wm. Wallace Fyfe. His first paper was issued
on 5th October, 1844, and his last nth September, 1846. The
seventh editor was Mr. William Wilson. His first paper appeared
iSth September, 1846. Mr. Wilson joined as sub-editor under Mr.
Fyfe, 14th March, T846. The last paper published was on 20th
April, 1850, when the interest of the Renfrewshire Advertiser yN2i%
transferred to the Giasgoiu Constitutional newspaper.

On 13th February, 1834, a weekly newspaper, under the name of
the Western Independent, and Paisley, Johnstone, and Renfrewshire
Neivsman, was first published in Paisley. The Voluntary War, as it
was frequently termed, raged violently at that time, and this news-
paper was started by those advocating voluntary principles, or as
stated in the prospectus issued at its start, " the immediate and
entire dissolution of the connection between church and state." ^
It continued only a few months. The editor was Mr. James Adam,
a native of the town, who afterwards conducted successfully the
Aberdeen Herald till his death.

Another weekly newspaper called The Glasgow Saturday Evening
Post, and Paisley and Renfrewshire Reformer, was published in
Glasgow and in Paisley at the same time. The politics of this
newspaper were also ultra -radical, and the Paisley department was
conducted by Mr. John Henderson, who was Provost of Paisley
from November, 1841, till November, 1844. It had a large
circulation — greater than that of any other Glasgow newspaper.

Before the opening of the Railway ^ from Paisley to Renfrew in

^ The Paisley Voluntary Church Association was formed at a meeting held in
the Rev. Mr. Smart's Church, on the evening of 14th January, 1833. The Rev.
Dr. Thomson was appointed president ; Mr. William Hardie and Mr. John
Muir, vice-presidents; Messrs. Hugh Macfarlane and Thomas Watson, jun.,
secretaries.

^ The first reference to a railway in the Council records was on 4th March,
1802, in these words: — "The Magistrates submitted to the meeting a letter from
Mr. Edingtone, of the Clyde Iron Works, relative to a projected iron rail -road
betwi.xt Glasgow and Greenock, but the meeting consider themselves not possessed

304 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

1837, — the Railway from Glasgow to Ayr, by Paisley, in 1840 ; and
tlie Railway from Paisley to Greenock in 1841, — the different
public means of conveyance for passengers and goods in connection
with Paisley, were the Canal, the coaches, and the carriers, between
Paisley and Glasgow and other places in the West of Scotland ;
and the small passage -boats on the river Cart, between Paisley and
the steam vessels on the Clyde. As already stated, the first kind
of passenger boats on the Canal took two hours to travel between
the two towns, and carried about 120 passengers. In 1832 that
class of boats was superseded by light gig-boats, made of sheet
iron, the invention of William Houston, Esq. of Johnstone Castle.
They only cost about ;£'^o — drew one foot of water — and were
drawn by two horses — a boy to control them riding on the last
one. Their speed was between eight and nine miles an hour, and
they carried a hundred passengers. The fare for each passenger in
the cabin was ninepence, and in the steerage sixpence. This mode
of conveyance was very popular. One of these boats started for
Glasgow from the Canal Basin, Paisley, every hour from nine o'clock
morning till eight o'clock at night; and from Port-Eglinton,
Glasgow, to Paisley, every hour from nine o'clock morning till nine
o'clock at night. The number of passengers carried was : — in 1831,
79,455; in 1832, 148,516; in 1833, 240,062; in 1834, 307,275;
in 1835, 373,290; and in 1836, 423,186. The number of tons of
goods carried on the Canal in 1831 was 48,191 ; and in 1836, 67,305.
Notwithstanding the great number of passengers who thus travelled
by the canal boats between Paisley and Glasgow, there were
many also who went by the numerous coaches that traversed the
road between the two places. In 1827, and onward to the opening
of the railway, a coach started daily from Paisley to Glasgow every
hour between nine o'clock morning and nine o'clock evening, and
the same number arrived at Paisley from Glasgow. On Wednesdays
there were extra coaches ; and the number of passengers travelling
daily was estimated at 200. The fares were is. 6d. inside and is.
for the basket and the outside. Mr. William Lyon was one of the
most enterprising of the owners of these coaches, which were called
" The Sons of Commerce." Indeed, the coaches that travelled
between Paisley and Glasgow were generally called " Lyon's
coaches."^ A coach from Glasgow passed daily through Paisley

of sufficient information to decide with regard to the propriety of the measure,
and are of opinion that they should not, as a community, enter at present into
any stipulation on the subject."

^ He was a native of Paisley, and when a youth was apprenticed by his father
to the loom ; but disliking the weaving trade, he joined the army by enlisting in
a regiment of artillery. He was engagtd in the bombardment of Copenhagen in
1807, and was afterwai-ds in the Peninsular wars. In the disastrous retreat to
Corunna he was one of the followers of the brave Sir John Moore. By his good
behaviour and bravery in the service he was raised to the rank of a subordinate
officer in the artillery corps. On leaving the army, Mr. Lyon returned to Paisley
n 1822, and became a coach proprietor, as already stated. For some years
before his death in 1848 he resided in Glasgow. A severe apoplectic shock
ended his useful life.

1825 TILL 1S50. 305

to Beith and Saltcoats during the winter, and two coaches in the
summer time, which returned the same day. Coaches also went
to and from Renfrew and Neilston. A steam coach commenced to
run between Paisley and Glasgow in 1834. It was elegantly fitted
up, and could hold six passengers inside and twenty outside.
The axle of the hind wheel was propelled by two engines of fourteen
horse power each. On the 29th July in that year, when on its way
from Glasgow to Paisley, and while standing opposite the Half-way
House, the boiler burst, and many of the passengers were injured,
four of them fatally.

In 1834 the number of passengers who travelled by the small
boats drawn by horses on the river Cart to and from the steamers
on the Clyde, and by steamers to the coast, was estimated at
46,680. One of these steamers, of 32 tons burden, was named the
Gleniifer.

A company was formed in 1834 to make a railway from Paisley
to Renfrew. The Act of Parliament they applied for received the
Royal assent in 1835, and operations were commenced on 29th
September in that year. The railway was opened for traffic on 3rd
April, 1837. The first class fare was sixpence and the second class
fourpence. There were four passenger- trains daily each way, and
the traffic was considerable till the railway from Paisley to Greenock
was opened, when it became so much reduced that locomotive
power had to be abandoned, and horses were used instead. The rail-
way was sold in 1846 by the shareholders to the Glasgow and South-
western Railway Company, who connected it with the Joint-Rail-
way at Greenlaw, thereby giving a railway communication between
Glasgow and Renfrew, and another station to those residing at the
Renfrew Road.

The year 1837 was distinguished by a company obtaining
Parliamentary powers to make a Railway from Glasgow to Ayr, and
by another company to construct a Railway from Glasgow to
Greenock, both Imes passing through Paisley. These important
undertakings, for the conveyance of passengers, goods, and minerals,
by this new mode of transit, were looked upon with great favour,
as being destined to facilitate the intercourse of people distant from
one another, and a great public benefit in many ways. The part of
these Railways between Glasgow and Paisley was termed the Joint-
Line, on account of its being the joint-property of these two
companies. The formal opening of this part of the railway took
place on 13th July, 1840, amidst great rejoicings. A company,
amounting to about three hundred, among whom were many ladies,
left Glasgow for Paisley on that day, in nineteen carriages, drawn
by two locomotives. The County Buildings, Railway Station, and
many of the surrounding houses, were decorated with flags.
Almost every window from which a view could be obtained was
crowded, and the roof of the County Buildings was covered with a
fashionable company. All the streets in the vicinity were crowded,
and the whole area in front of the County Buildings was filled with

306 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

a dense mass of people. The Paisley band, in their uniform, were
in attendance ; and the bells were likewise rung. The company-
assembled in the Station buildings ; and after partaking of refresh-
ments, returned by railway to Glasgow. The Directors entertained
about 1 60 gentlemen at dinner in the Tontine Hotel there, — R. D.
Ker, Esq., Greenock, the Chairman of the Joint-Line of Railway,
being in the chair.

The part of the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway,
from Ayr to Irvine, was opened for public traffic on 5th August,
1839; the part from thence to Kilwinning on 23rd March, 1840;
from thence to Beith on 21st July; and the whole line on nth
August, 1840. On that day a railway train, with twenty- one
carriages filled with the company invited, left Glasgow for Ayr,
drawn by two locomotive engines, — the one being called "The
Bruce," and the other " Cutty Sark." An instrumental band
occupied the front carriage. The railway train arrived at Ayr
Station amidst the enthusiastic cheers of a great concourse of
l)eople. The Directors entertained a company of about 450
gentlemen at dinner in the engine and carriage buildings, which
were fitted up in a temporary manner for the occasion.

The Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railway was formally opened
on the 30th March, 1841. A railway train, bearing the company
invited, left Greenock for Glasgow on that day. Where that railway
joins the Ayrshire Railway at Stoney Brae, Paisley, a triumphal
arch, formed of evergreens and flowers, was erected across the line,
having over it the motto, " Sic arte vicimus." The railway train,
after going to Glasgow, returned to Greenock, and the directors
entertained a company of 240 in the Tontine Hotel. These
divergent railway lines have proved an incalculable boon in develop-
ing the mauufacturing industries of Paisley.

The General Session of the three Established Churches in the
burgh founded a school in each of the town parishes for the purpose
of imparting elementary instruction at a moderate price. Reading,
writing, and arithmetic were taught for the small charge of twopence
per week. No sectarian line of exclusion was drawn, children of
every religious denomination being admitted on the same terms.
The first of these schools was erected in George Street for
the High Parish, and was opened in May, 1834. Another was
erected at the head of Causeyside, for the Low Parish ; and
the third, for the Middle Parish, was erected in New Sneddon
Street. All these Sessional schools, as they were called, were fitted
up in an exceedingly commodious manner, and possessed the
advantages of excellent light and air, and a convenient playground
for the children. They proved very successful, always being well
filled with scholars.

The original Paisley Temperance Society or Association for the
Prevention and Cure of Intemperance, was instituted in 1829, and

1S25 TILL 1850. 307

the first public meeting was held on the 5th April, 1830. In 1830
a youths' society, having the same title and with the same object in
view, was also formed. The associations were based upon the
principle that their members should abstain entirely from distilled
spirits, but they were allowed to use fermented liquors. The report
of the society was read at the first annual meeting held in April,
1 83 1. The Rev. Mr. Smart was president; Messrs. William Lyall,
John Hart, and William Brownlie, vice-presidents ; Mr. David
Fulton, treasurer; and Messrs. Robert Philips and Matthew M'Gown
Hart, secretaries ; along with many members in the General Com-
mittee. At that time there were, as stated in that report, about 1300
members after deducting those who had joined and afterwards
broken the pledge. When Mr. Finch, of Liverpool, visited Paisley
in 1836, he delivered a public lecture in the Old Low Church, on
2ist September, in favour of the total abstinence principle. The
lecture produced such a powerful impression that at the close of the
meeting fifty individuals subscribed the pledge of total abstinence
from alcoholic liquors. In October following, at a meeting of the
pledged abstainers called for the purpose, they agreed to form
themselves into an association to be designated the Paisley Total
Abstinence Society. By means of sermons, Saturday evening social
meetings in the Renfrewshire Tontine Assembly Rooms, the dis-
tribution of numerous tracts, and the influence of district committees,
the exertions of the society were rewarded by having at the end of
1838 upwards of 2000 members (West of Scotland Temperance
Standard, p. 4). There is no doubt that this society has been the
means of doing an immense amount of good in the town.

No efiforts of any importance were made to improve the navigation
of the river Cart from the end of the last centur}^ as already noticed,
till 1835. In the period of great distress in 1826 and 1827, many
of the unemployed weavers were engaged in repairing the towing-
path and the banks of the river, but not in any way to deepen its
channel. When the first Town Council chosen by the electors came
into power, the improvement of the navigation of the river was the
most important measure that engaged their attention. On 22nd
April, 1834, they appointed a committee to enquire and report as
to the best means of improving the river. Air. Hughes, C.E.,
Glasgow, who had been desired to give his opinion on the same
matter, submitted his report.

It bore the date 9th August, 1834, and stated — "I have taken
the levels and soundings of the river Cart from the Sneddon Bridge
at Paisley to its junction with the river Clyde, with the view of
ascertaining the practicability of improving its navigation." The
depth of the water in the shallowest places at ordinary spring tides
he found to vary from five feet seven inches in different places to
six feet four inches at the town. The fall "from low water at the
quay to low water in the Clyde " was two feet four inches. He
stated there were " three modes of improving the navigation of the

308 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

river Cart : — " i. To deepen the channel so as to obtain nine feet
water during spring tides, admitting the tiow and ebb of the tides as
at present. 2. To deepen the river until twelve feet water are
obtained during ordinary spring tides, also admitting the flow and
ebb of the tide. By adopting this plan, the navigation of the Cart
would be equal to that of the Clyde up to Glasgow. 3. To convert
the river into a wet dock by deepening its channel to twelve feet, as
above, placing a lock at the termination of the towing-path (then at
the north end of the canal), keeping the water between the lock and
Paisley always at the level of ordinary spring tides, and by increas-
ing the depth between the lock and the river Clyde, a distance of
only six hundred yards. By this method, the vessels which now go
up to Glasgow at high water could get up to Paisley at low water."
Mr. Hughes estimated the cost to obtain nine feet water at ^7866
19s. yd., and twelve feet water at ^^i 8,665 ^^s. He only proposed
a lock after the channel was deepened to twelve feet, the cost of
which he estimated at ;^6226 is. 3d., the two together being
^24,891 19s. 3d.

A committee of Council who had been appointed to meet with
Mr. Campbell of Blythswood regarding the extension of the towing-
path from the north end of the canal, where it then terminated, to
the river Clyde, reported that Mr. Campbell readily agreed to the
proposal, but on the condition (ist) that a fence be erected, such as
a stone parapet wall not higher than two feet high, and a malleable
iron railing not less than iive feet high lixed on the same, or a
malleable iron railing seven feet high without a stone parapet wall ;
and (2nd) that he receive the annual rent of the ground to be occu-
pied for the towing-path.^ The commitee appointed on 22nd April
reported thus on 19th September : —

" Your committee have to report that the improvement of the
river Cart is one of the greatest measures that has occupied the
attention of the Council, and therefore beg their sincere attention
to it. Your committee highly approve of the report by Mr. Hughes
generally, and are fully convinced that the most extensive measures
for the improvement of the river proposed by him would ultimately
repay the cost of the operations. Considering all circumstances,
however, your committee would recommend to the Council the
adoption of the first plan proposed by Mr. Hughes — that is, to
deepen the river to nine feet at ordinary spring tides, the cost
amounting to ;^8ooo ; and would recommend further that the
Council go into this plan provided the feuars in the burgh and
whole constituency do not object to it, regularly called to a public
meeting.'"'

The Council agreed to this report, and called " a public meeting
of the feuars in the burgh and the whole constituency of the town
of Paisley, to be held in the Old Low Church on Friday first a

^ This agreement was in effect confirmed by the Act of Parliament afterwards
obtained, but Mr. Campbell never made any charge for the ground so taken.

1825 TILL 1850. 309

seven o'clock evening, to take into consideration the plans ^and
reports obtained by the Town Council relative to the deepening and
improvement of the river Cart ; and when the feuars and con-
stituency will be required to say whether they recommend the im-
provement of the river be gone into. The area of the church will
be exclusively appropriated to the feuars andj electors. — Council
Chambers, Paisley, 24th October, 1834."

The meeting was well attended by influential gentlemen in the
town, and Provost Hardie was in the chair. After considerable
discussion, the meeting almost unanimously, amidst reiterated shouts
of applause, resolved in substance that the measures of the Council
be approved of, and that they be recommended to proceed with the
operations to such an extent as will give at least a depth of three
feet of water at the quay at ebb tide, and to place the river other-
wise in such a state that steam vessels may ply at all states of the
tide. The amendment made to the motion — that the considera-
tion of the subject should be postponed to another meeting, to give
time to examine Mr. Hughes's report and plans — met with little
support. There was read to this meeting by one of the Magistrates
a letter from Mr. Hughes to the Council, guaranteeing the accom-
plishment of the w'ork at the estimated sum ; and also a letter from
Mr. Napier, Kilmun, offering to pay the interest of the money ex-
pended for the exclusive privilege of plying by steam vessels on the
river, provided that a depth of three feet of water was maintained at
low water.

An Act of Parliament was applied for, and received the Royal
assent 17th June, 1835, empowering the Town Council to carry on
the necessary works, and to borrow money for that purpose.

The first meeting of the Trustees, under the new Act of Parliament,
was held on 21st July, 1835. Besides other business, they
appointed Mr. Gavin Lang, the Town- Clerk, to be Clerk to the
Trust; Mr. Robert Brown, the Town Chamberlain, to be Treasurer;
and agreed to meet weekly upon Tuesday, at seven o'clock evening.
The Trustees applied for a loan of ;^i8,ooo to the "Board of
Commissioners for the loan of Exchequer Bills for Public Works."
The Board expressed their willingness to grant the request, provided
that upon the survey and report of an engineer, to be employed by
the Board at the expense of the Trustees, it should appear to be a
practical and desirable work, and capable of being executed at a
cost not exceeding ;^'i 8,600, the sum stated by Mr. Hughes to be
requisite for obtaining twelve feet of water in the river at high tide.
The conditions connected with the loan were, that the Trustees
should first borrow ;^6ooo from the corporation and expend the
same on the river works ; and the Board would afterwards advance
^12,000, having a collateral security from the corporation for the
one-half of this amount. The Trustees having favourably enter-
tained this proposal, the Board sent Mr. M'Neil, C.E., to survey the
river, and he reported favourably regarding the proposed improve-
ments. As the Trustees afterwards made different financial

3IO HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

arrangements, nothing further was done with regard to this proposed
loan.

Within five years after obtaining the Act of Parliament, the
money expended upon the works agreed upon was as follows : —

Dredging -machine and punts,

New swing -bridge at Inchinnan,

Fence at river- side on the grounds of Blyths-

wood,
Rock-cutting at Merksworth, ...
Widening the Canal, ...
Quay at Carlile Place,...
Crane at Carlile Quay,
Property, Carlile Place,
Dredging operations, ...

;^46o5

4225

861

337

1063

3307

187

1157

4292

^20,037 13 5

By the Act of Parliament the Trustees were authorised to borrow
to the extent of ^30,000 ; and to enable them to meet their
expenditure, they borrowed ;j^6ooo from the corporation, and
;^6ooo from the Bank of Scotland. The latter sum was guaranteed
by private patriotic gentlemen belonging to the town who were
favourable to the improvement of the navigation of the riv^er.^
There was also ^^9148 iis. 2d. lent by sundry persons to the
Trustees, through the River Cart Savings Bank,- on the security of
the revenues of the river, making in all ;^2 1,148 iis. 2d.

When the financial affairs of the Town Council became embarassed
in December, 1841, the Cart Trustees were compelled to suspend
payments also. The state of the trade of the town and the con-
dition of the inhabitants being then so deplorable, the depositors
of money were under the necessity of calling it up. The financial
affairs of the River Cart Trust at this time were altogether unsatis-
factory, the liabilities being very considerable and the assets of
small amount.

By the Act of 1835 the repayment of the sum of ^^27,401 4s. 3d.,
then owing to the community, Avas postponed, and all money
borrowed subsequently to that period was preferable debt. The first
sum, with interest then added to it, amounted to ;!^37,286 13s. 7d.
By the same Act the Town Council were empowered to lend or to
become guarantors to the Cart Trustees to the amount of ;^ 12,000.
This sum was wholly received by the Cart Trustees, the sum of

^ These were James Clark, thread manufacturer; Matthew Slater, starcher;
Thomas Callander, currier ; Hugh Macfai lane, manufacturer ; Alexander Carlile,
thread manufacturer; James Forbes, manufacturer; John Pinkerton, feuar;
William Hardie, tobacconist ; and James Taylor, manufacturer.

' On 13th December, 1836, the Trustees agreed to receive deposits of money
in sums of ^i and upwards, at five per cent., for the use of the Trust. Sums
under ;CS'^ were repayable on demand, and above that amount by giving two
months' notice.

1825 TILL 1850. 311

;!^6ooo having been received from the town and the remaining
;^6ooo from the Bank of Scotland, which, as we have said, had a
bond in security over the dues and properties of the river, along
with collateral personal security. The gentlemen who gave their
names received a back bond of security from the Town Council
over the properties and revenues of the community. In 1838 the
Town Council, for the purpose of enabling the Cart Trustees to borrow
more money to complete the river improvements, in addition to the
;^i 2,000, agreed to postpone and relieve the Trustees not only of
the ^6000 they had advanced themselves, but also to pay the
interest on the ^{^6000 advanced by the Bank of Scotland, for which
they were security.^ The interest due to the town at that time, in
addition to the ^£12,000, was ;;^2335 3s. iid. There was also due
to the depositors in the Cart Savings Fund at that time, including
interest, the sum of ^9147 us. 5d. The financial affairs of the
River Cart Trust, and also those of the Corporation, were all
arranged by an Act of Parliament passed in July, 1843.

The following is a statement of the annual revenue of the River
Cart, at intervals of five years or thereby, during the first half of this
century : — ■ •

1800,
1805,
1810,

1815,
1820,
1825,

^157 4 0

1830,

182 18 0

1835,

242 5 II

1840,

174 14 7

1845,

191 0 0

1847,

270 16 5

1850,

^^252 II 8

341 19 I

584 9 6

402 5 o

482 12 4

536 7 8

The accession of George IV. to the throne happened on 29th
January, 1820, and the Council resolved that the anniversary of His
Majesty's birthday should be observed on 24th April " with proper
demonstration of loyalty, and agreed to assemble at one o'clock of
that day to drink His Majesty's health in former style on the stair-
head in front of the Court- House at the Cross. It was also agreed
that it would be expedient, from considerations of economy as well
as from a desire to avoid giving offence to any individuals, to
restrict the invitations on that occasion to persons in public situa-
tions ; and the following enumeration was made out for the regula-
tion of this matter, viz.: — The Magistrates and Council, Chamber-
lain, Clerk, and Procurator- Fiscal ; the Sheriff- Depute and Substi-
tute and Procurator- Fiscal for the County ; the resident Justices of
the Peace, the EstabHshed Clergy of the Town and Abbey, the
Lord- Lieutenant and Vice-Lieutenants of the County, the regular
Officers of the Army and Navy who may be in town, the Repre-
sentatives of the County, the Officers of the Paisley Rifle Corps,

^ To enable the community to meet this additional expenditure, the Council at
this time raised the composition payable in cases of non- entry by singular
successors, vassals of the town, from one -fourth part of the yearly rental of the
subjects in non -entry for each transmission of the same, to the full composition
authorished by law in such cases (Council Records, 25th September, 1838).

312 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and the Superintendent of Police. It was also agreed that it would
be proper to invite on such an occasion the Earl of Glasgow, Vis-
count Kelburne, the Hon. Colonel Stewart, Mr. Alexander of South-
bar, Mr. Napier of Blackstone, and any other county gentlemen
whom the Magistrates considered entitled to such respect ; and it
was recommended that the public bells should be rung from
twelve till two o'clock, and in the evening from six till eight"
(Coujicil Records, 19th April, 1820). The arrangement thus
commenced for celebrating the King's birthday annually in
this public manner, first at the Cross and afterwards at the
County Buildings when the old Tollbooth was taken down,
continued till 1824. But in 1825 this immemorial custom of drinking
the King's health in public was discontinued. One reason given
in the public prints at that time for the abandonment of this ancient
social practice, was that on a few of these occasions some of the
Radicals in the crowd, instead of cheering or keeping silent when
the King's health was proposed, actually indulged in hissing. The
sum paid to the tenant of the Saracen's Head Inn for expenses con-
nected with the King's birthday was in 1820 ;^i 8 i8s.; and although
the sum was not so great in the following years, we are inclined to
believe that the observances were given up in consequence of their
expense and from a desire to economise with the town's funds. In
1825 the demonstrations of loyalty were confined to having flags
placed on the turrets of the County Buildings and having the
bells rung at intervals during the day. The Paisley Rifle Corps,
and the Staff of the Renfrewshire Militia, assembled at their usual
muster-ground in the afternoon, and marched thence to the Barrack
Square. On being formed into line, a Royal salute was given ; the
whole then grounded arms, when each man being duly supplied
with wine, Captain Macalpine proposed the following toasts, which
were pledged in bumpers, and accompanied by appropriate airs
from the two bands : — " The King," " The Royal Family," " The
Duke of York and the Army," " The Duke of Clarence and the
Navy." The soldiers attached to the recruiting parties in town,
who mingled with the spectators, were also served with wine ; and
the crowd uncovered at each toast, and made the air ring with
acclamations, in which not a single discordant voice was heard.
The military then gave three hearty cheers, fired a feu de Joie, and
marched to the town, where they were dismissed. In the evening
a large party of gentlemen met in the Saracen's Head Inn, — Provost
Farquharson in the chair, — to drink the King's health, along with
other patriotic toasts. During the next four years the manifestations
of loyalty on the King's birthday anniversaries were confined to the
ringing of the public bells, the displaying of flags on the County
Buildings, and a meeting of gentlemen in the evenings, — with the
Provost presiding,— to drink His Majesty's health, along with other
patriotic toasts. In 1830 the usual demonstrations were ordered by
the Provost and Magistrates to be postponed, in consequence of the
serious indisposition of His Majesty. King George IV. died, as

1825 TILL 1850. 313

already stated, on 26th June following ; and William, Duke of
Clarence, third son of King George III., was proclaimed King, as
William IV. On 13th July the Council agreed to "an address of
condolence on the demise of his late Majesty, and of congratulation
to the King on his accession to the throne." The funeral of his
late Majesty was on 15 th July ; and agreeably to a suggestion of the
Magistrates, the shops in town were all closed at six o'clock, as a
mark of respect to his memory. During the first five years of
William IV.'s reign, the annual birthdays on 28th May were cele-
brated by the customary exhibition of flags on the County Buildings ;
the ringing of the public bells from twelve till two o'clock afternoon,
and from six till eight o'clock evening ; and a number of gentlemen
meeting in the evening, — with a Magistrate or Sheriff Campbell in
the chair, — to drink His Majesty's health. In the last two years,
however, of His Majesty's reign, the flags were displayed and
the bells rung, but there were no oflicial meetings held for the
drinking of the King's health.

King William IV. died at Windsor Castle on the 20th June, 1837.
For the event the public mind was fully prepared. Queen Victoria,
in pursuance of a precept from the Crown Office, was proclaimed
in this county on Saturday, 24th June. The Sheriff, accompanied
by several official gentlemen and the Magistrates of Paisley, attended
by two trumpeters and a suitable retinue, first proceeded to Renfrew,
where they were received by the Magistrates of that burgh and by a
number of resident gentlemen, and proclaimed Her Majesty in due
form at the Market Cross. After partaking of refreshments, pro-
vided by the Magistrates of Renfrew, the procession returned to
the County Hall, Paisley, where the members of Council, Justices
of the Peace, Clergy of all denominations, Commissioners of Police,
Stentmasters, Overseers of the Poor, and a great number of other
gentlemen in mourning, were ready to receive them. There was a
large concourse of the inhabitants assembled in County Square to
witness the proclamation ceremony. The depot of the 9 1 st Regiment
fired a feii dejoie there. At one o'clock the Sheriff, in his Court
dress, ascended the temporary hustings that had been erected, and,
after the trumpeters in attendance had sounded the signal for
quietness, read the proclamation. The Sheriff and Magistrates,
accompanied by the military and by all the gentlemen who had
been in attendance, then marched in procession to the Cross, where,
on a temporary erection,^ Baihe Bisset, in the absence of the
Provost, again read the proclamation. After some cheering from
the people, the band first, and afterwards the trumpeters, played the
National Anthem, which closed the public part of the ceremony.
The gentlemen of the procession and the officers of the 91st Regi-
ment, on the invitation of Bailie Bisset, then accompanied the
Sheriff and Magistrates to the Saracen's Head Inn, where the health
of the Queen and a few other public toasts were given. The flags

^ This was the table of the Council Chambers, at present in use there.

314 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

were displayed during the day on the turrets of the County Buildings
and the bells were rung during the afternoon.

On 27th June the Magistrates and Council agreed, as at the death
of George IV., to present to Queen Victoria a loyal and dutiful
address of condolence on the death of her late Royal uncle, and of
congratulation on Her Majesty's accession to the Throne. In the
first three years after Queen Victoria's accession to the Throne, the
anniversaries of her birth were honoured by the usual ringing of
bells and display of flags ; and by a meeting of gentlemen in the
evening, with the Provost in the chair, to drink her health, along
with other appropriate toasts. After 1840, however, only the first
two of these manifestations of loyalty were carried out on Royal
birthdays. When Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince
Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha were married on loth February,
1840, the auspicious event was celebrated with demonstrations of
rejoicing. Bells were rung and flags displayed. A public dinner,
attended by sixty gentlemen, was also given in the Saracen's Head
Inn — Sheriff Campbell in the chair.

It is not too much to say that the beautiful domestic life and the
many public virtues of the Queen and her consort have done much
to engender feelings of the purest loyalty in the hearts of many
after this time.

CHAPTER XVIII.

1850 TILL 1884.

H E period extending from the middle of our century to
the present time, has been by far the most important in
the annals of Paisley for the establishment of educational
institutions. These institutions are not confined to one
department of intellectual culture, but are of all the
various kinds deemed best fitted to meet the requirements of the
present age. They comprise the School of Design, known also by
the more appropriate name of the School of Arts ; Ragged and
Industrial School ; John Neilson Endowment Educational Institu-
tion ; Paisley Society for the Blind ; Miss Kibble's Reformatory
Institution ; Academy in connection with the Grammar School ;
the Paisley (Burgh) School Board, established by Act of Parliament ;
and the Duncan Wright Endowment for educational purposes.

In 1836 an attempt was made by the Town Council to induce
the inhabitants to take an interest in the establishment of a School
of Arts. A public meeting of the inhabitants was held at the
instance of the Council in the Old Low Church, on 12th May in
that year, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best
means of establishing a School of Arts in the town ; but the
attendance was so discouragingly small that it was deemed
inadvisable to proceed with the business. It was not till ten years
afterwards that a school of this kind was instituted. On 28th
February, 1846, a meeting of gentlemen favourable to the foundation
of a School of Design in Paisley, called by circulars and by advertise-
ments in the newspapers, was held in the Council Chambers.
There was a good attendance. The meeting was unanimously of
opinion that the formation of a School of Design in Paisley would
be of the greatest advantage to the town ; and appointed a committee
to make the requisite application to Government, and to adopt all
other measures deemed necessary for the establishment of such an
institution. At the first meeting, the committee appointed Provost
Murray to be their president ; and Mr. Robert Wilson, Town-Clerk,
their secretary. The committee also forwarded a memorial to the
President and Council of the Government School of Design, at
Somerset House, London. The following is a copy of the
memorial : — " That your memorialists have perceived with much
satisfaction the Estabhshment of Schools of Design in various
manufacturing towns of the country, and are deeply sensible of the
importance and beneficial results which may be expected to accrue

3t6 history of paisley.

to the manufacturers of Paisley from such an institution. That the
said town contains a population of 60,000, chiefly employed in the
manufacture of shawls, muslin, and other fancy figured fabrics,
machine -making, iron -founding, &c., in all of which the art of
design is of the utmost importance. The manufacturers, in addition
to the population in the town, employ a great number of artizans in
numerous towns and villages in Scotland, — in proof of which about
two hundred pattern -drawers and designers are employed in the
town. That it appears to your memorialists that Paisley is
peculiarly adapted for the establishment of a Branch School of
Design, from its being the seat and centre of a large manufacturing
trade wholly of a fancy description, to the success of which the art
of ornamental design is so essential, and that such an institution is
calculated more than in any other town in the kingdom to benefit
the industrious, and to improve the staple manufactures of the
country. That at a numerous meeting of those interested in this
matter, your memorialists have been appointed a provisional com-
mittee, and have the utmost assurance that the necessary amount of
subscriptions will be forthwith collected, and that nothing further is
required but the sanction and assistance of the Government Insti-
tution, providing a master or masters, and furnishing the usual
pecuniary grants, and supply of models, works of art, and other
requisites."

The application was complied with, and afterwards a good deal
of correspondence took place regarding a suitable building for the
school. At that time no premises could be found of which the
general arrangements and structural accommodation were suitable
for the purposes of the proposed institution. The committee there-
fore resolved to have a new building erected, and to raise subscrip-
tions for this purpose. The committee fixed on a site in Gilmour
Street, where the building now stands. Plans of the building were
prepared by Mr. Lamb, architect, and approved of by the Com-
mittee of Management at Somerset House. The buildings during
the course of their erection were repeatedly inspected by Mr.
Wilson, the director from Somerset House, and other officials, and
these gentlemen pronounced the school to be admirably adapted
for the purposes intended, and one of the most complete Schools of
Design in the United Kingdom (Repoi-t by Committee to the Sub-
scribers, dated ist August, 1848). The cost of the site for the
school was ;^5oo, and of the buildings and furniture about ^2500.
As the subscriptions amounted to ;^i8oo, a debt of ^1200 was
incurred. The school was then fixed by the Committee of Manage-
ment of the Board of Trade to be managed by a committee of
fifteen gentlemen chosen by the subscribers. Laws and regulations
for the management of the institution were adopted at this time.
Mr. Wm. Stewart was appointed head master, and Mr. Peppercorn
second master. On 4th December, 1848, when the school was
opened, there was a large attendance of gentlemen, among whom
were the Earl of Glasgow, Lord Blantyre, and Mr. Crum of Thorn-

1850 TILL 1884. 317

liebank. On the 19th of that month the number of pupils attending
the morning class was 19 males and 10 females, and the evening
class 82 males. On 25th June, 1850, the occupation, &:c., of the pupils
attending the school stood thus — Sons of manufacturers, 5 ; pattern-
drawers and their apprentices, 2 1 ; sons of pattern-drawers, 4 ; shop-
men, 4 ; schoolboys, 9 ; carpenter, i ; engravers and lithographic
printers, 2 ; house-painters, 2 ; calenderer, i ; jeweller, i ; — in all,
50. The amount received as Parliamentary grant for the year end-
ing 30th June, 185 1, was ;^4oo. The highest number of students
on the books during the year 185 1-2 was in February, 96; the
smallest in September, 52; and the average of the year was 80,
During the previous session the highest number on the roll was 78
in March, the smallest 49 in October, and the average 64. The
highest number in the ladies' class was 19 in March, and the smallest
7 in September; the average was 15. IDuring the preceding session
the highest number was 13 in March, the smallest 2 in September;
the average, 10. At this time a mechanical and architectural class
was estabhshed.

In the session 1859-60 the highest number attending the classes
in the morning was in April, 1 2 ; the lowest in September, 7 ; the
average, 9. The highest number in the evening was in October, 70 ;
the lowest in September, 46 ; and the average, 57. Outdoor
teaching was given in schools besides to 500 young persons.

In October, i860, the laws and regulations of the institution were
amended. They stated that the institution shall be called " The
Paisley Government School of Art," with a view generally to the
widest diffusion of art education in the town and neighbourhood,
and particularly to the study and practice of ornamental compo-
sition as applicable to manufactures. Instead of the fifteen directors
being elected by the subscribers as hitherto, three were to be ap-
pointed by the Town Council.

In 1 86 1, through a variety of causes, an additional debt of about
^250 had accumulated since the institution was opened, and the
directors resolved to appeal to the public for subscriptions to
hquidate this debt. In the circular issued by them in making this
appeal, they stated that "although the Government regulations
regarding these schools have undergone several modifications since
the establishment of this local branch, and the grants originally
promised have been much reduced, still the income of the institution
has on the whole very nearly met the expenditure." They further
stated that, " considering the importance of an Art Institution to
any, but especially to such a town as this, and considering further
that no appeal has been addressed to the community on its behalf
since 1846, the committee feel that they may with confidence trust
to the public responding to the call now made." They stated also
that " neither annual subscriptions nor donations had been received
since the foundation of the school." The directors succeeded in
obtaining the money that was wanted.

The sums received in 1862 from the Department in London

3l8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

were: — Master's salary, jQ20o ; public schools, ^^38 15s.;
prizes, ;^7 8s.; pupil teachers, ^i los. ; prize students, ;£<\;
and the fees received from pupils, one -tenth of which belonged to
the master, ;£(ix ; making the total income ;^3i2 13s. (Records of
the School).

In 1864 the grants formerly given by the Government to the
school in Paisley and in other towns were withdrawn, and in lieu
thereof was substituted the system of payments on the results of
teaching. By this resolution the head master's emoluments were
greatly reduced. The representations and remonstrances by the
directors to the Government against the proposed changes, with the
view of having them modified or rescinded, was altogether unsuc-
cessful. The directors were therefore compelled to enter into an
arrangement with Mr. Stewart, the head -master, by which they were
relieved of all responsibility of the institution beyond the maintenance
of the building, which they accomplished from the rents paid by the
tenants.

At the annual general meeting of subscribers held on 15th
December, 1870, Mr. Stewart reported that the number of students
enrolled was 124, and that the average monthly attendance was 71.

At this time the Town Council contemplated the purchasing of
the School of Art Buildings, with the view of using them for
municipal purposes. They offered ^^3300 for them ; and at a
special meeting of the subscribers, held on the 29th of that month,
to consider this off"er, they agreed to sell the buildings by public
roup, making the upset price ;^35oo. But no further steps were
taken in the matter.

The total number of pupils on the roll, as reported to the sub-
scribers at their annual meeting in December, 1880, was 187, being
9 less than in the previous year. Of these 60 were art students,
being a decrease of 15; and 127 were science students, being an
increase of 6. There were 25 students who attended more than
one class. The number of pupils enrolled for the afternoon art
class was 22, and for the evening class, 38.

In 1 88 1 Mr. Stewart resigned, and the institution was put under
the charge of Mr. Charles Hayes, who had acted previously as an
assistant, and Mr. William Shedden. Under their management
there was a great increase in the number of students attending the
school. The total number of students on the roll in 1882 was
274, being 176 more than in the previous year. Of these 122 were
art students, being an increase of 75 ; and 152 were science students,
being an increase in the science class of loi. The number of pupils
enrolled for the morning art class was 20 ; for the afternoon class,
21; and for the evening class, 81. The income from fees and
payments on results was ;^264 12s. In the following year the
institution continued to prosper. At the annual meeting of the
subscribers, held on the 20th December, 1883, the report submitted
showed that the total number on the roll was 288, being 14 more
than in the previous year. Of these 125 were art students, being

1850 TILL I<

3^9

an increase of 3 ; and 190 were science students, being an increase
of 38. The number of art students enrolled for the day classes was
50, and for the evening class, 75. The income from fees and
Government grant was ^^353 los. The income from fees for this
session showed an increase of ^24 ids. The following is Treasurer
Abercromby's statement of income and expenditure for the year
then ending : —

Income for year ending 20th December, 1883.
Cash in Bank last year, ...
Science and Art Department, ...
Rents,

Interest on Cash in Bank,
Subscription,

Expenditure.

Masters: — Amount received from Science and

Art Department paid them, ... ... ;;^i37 2 o

Interest on Heritable Bond, less Income Tax,... 52 14 8

Feu- Duty, ... ... ... ... ... 915 4

Local Taxes, Advertising, and Incidents, ... 10 7 4

Income Tax (two years), ... ... ... 51611

Fire Insurance, ... ... ... ... ... 211 6

Union Bank of Scotland — lodged ... ... 25211 3

••• i^i95 6

137 2

132 5

5 4

I I

7
0
0

5
0

;^47o 19

State of Funds.
Heritable Bond, ... ... ...^1200 o o

Less Cash in Bank, ... ... 252 11 3

Amount of Debt last year,
Decrease of Debt during the year,

;^47o 19 o

^947 8 9
1004 13 5

£si 4

The first proposal made in Paisley to establish what were tenned
" Ragged Schools," which have accomplished so much good in
checking and reclaiming juvenile delinquents, was in 1847. It was
in Aberdeen that Mr. William Watson, sheriff- substitute there, first
set the successful example in Scotland of this kind of schools a few
years previously. Afterwards followed Dundee. The great object
aimed at was the laying hold of vagrant children who were neglected
by their parents or who had no parents alive, and thereafter by a
careful system of upbringing to make them useful members of
society. The first important meeting on the subject consisted of
committees from the Town Council and from the Burgh and Abbey

320 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Parochial Boards, held in the Council Chamber, on nth April, 1847.
After considering the matter, they resolved to convene a larger
meeting, with the view of adopting measures to establish a Ragged
School in Paisley. This meeting was held three days afterwards in
the Court- Hall. It was numerously attended, and was composed
of magistrates, members of Council, ministers of all denominations,
members of the Parochial Boards, bankers, merchants, and other
influential inhabitants. Sheriff Campbell was called on to preside.
The meeting, after deliberating, appointed a committee to concert
measures for the establishment of Ragged and Industrial Schools,
which had proved so successful in Aberdeen and Dundee. This
committee, after preparing rules and regulations as a basis for the
contemplated schools, along with an estimate of the expense and
other necessary information, called a public meeting of the inhabit-
ants, to be held in the Court- Hall, on 9th November following, for
the purpose of founding such an institution. This meeting was well
attended by influential gentlemen, and Provost Murray was called
to the chair. Professor Symington moved the following resolution :
— " That there is a considerable number of destitute, neglected
children in this town, who, having no regular means of living nor
any moral superintendence on the part of their parents or relatives,
are allowed to grow up in habits of vagrancy and crime ; that this
class forms the great and increasing source of juvenile delinquency,
which is the disgrace of our large towns ; and that there is an urgent
call upon all who wish well to the community to take immediate
steps to remedy this great social evil by reclaiming these children,
and providing the means of raising their condition and enabling
them to lead an honest and useful life ;" which motion was seconded
by Robert Farquharson, Esq. of AUargue. The Rev. Patrick
Brewster moved the following emendation on the motion : — " That
the clause ' having no regular means of living ' be changed to
' having been left by their parents and the Parochial Boards without
any regular means of living.' " The motion was almost unanimously
carried. The Rev. J. G. Wood proposed the next resolution : —
" That these unfortunate children are not reached by any of the
existing means of instruction, the irregular life which they lead in
search of food by begging or stealing preventing their attendance at
school, and rendering them averse to any kind of discipline ; that
though convicted and sentenced to repeated imprisonments, it is
found that they retain their vicious propensities and soon return to
criminal habits ; and that it is necessary that a system should be
adopted which, while it shall provide the children with wholesome
food, and thereby take away the temptation to an irregular life, shall
also provide a good common Christian education, training them at the
same time to habits of industry, by employing them daily in such work
as is suited to their years ;" which motion was seconded by Bailie
Coats. The Rev. P. Brewster moved as an amendment that the
word " stealing " be omitted, as stealing in their case was not felony ;
but the motion was almost unanimously carried. The Rev. Dr.

1850 TILL 1884. 321

Baird moved the following resolution : — " That this meeting there-
fore resolve that an association be now formed for the purpose of
establishing and maintaining Industrial Schools in this town. That
the following shall be the constitution and rules of the association,
viz., to give the children an allowance of food for their daily sup-
port ; to instruct them in reading, writing, and arithmetic ; to train
them in habits of industry, by instructing and employing them daily
in such sorts of work as are suited to their years ; to teach them the
truths of the Gospel, making the Holy Scriptures the groundwork of
instruction, it being understood that the Holy Scriptures shall be
read daily in the school ; a particular time shall be allotted for more
enlarged religious instruction, and that the children of parents who
object to the latter shall not be compelled to attend. On Sabbath
the children shall receive food as on other days, and such religious
instruction as shall be arranged by the Acting Committee." This reso-
lution was seconded by Mr. Robert Rodger, and carried unanimously.
The business of the meeting was brought to a close by the appoint-
ment of a numerous General Committee and an Acting Committee,
proposed by Sheriff Campbell, for carrying the resolutions into effect.
The Acting Committee, some time afterwards, proceeded to collect
subscriptions for the support of the school, and also secured suitable
premises in Dyers' Wynd for the institution.^ It was not, however,
till February, 1850, that the institution was open for the reception
of children. After occupying the premises in Dyers' Wynd for three
months, the committee were under the necessity of removing the
school to Cawthorn Court, in Orr Square. By the end of July
following there were 18 boys and 17 girls in the estabhshment.
In January, 185 1, a meeting of ladies was held, at which they
resolved to form themselves into an association for superintending
the female department of the school, and to arrange for the periodical
visitation of it from week to week, and for an examination once a
quarter. Mrs. Campbell of Blythswood w^as appointed president ;
Mrs. Speirs of Elderslie, vice-president ; and Mrs. Thomson,
secretary ; and to these appointments the ladies severally agreed.
The first report of the directors was dated 2nd February, 1852, and
relates to the management of the institution from the time it was
opened down to 30th November, 185 1. Among other matters, they
state " The instruction furnished to the children consists of reading,
writing, and the common rules of arithmetic, geography, and music.
It is matter of deep regret that comparatively few remain sufficiently
long at school to receive the writing, arithmetic, and geography.
The girls are taught knitting and sewing, and are in rotation called
to assist in the kitchen, with a view to fit them for the duties of
domestic life. The boys have to some extent been employed in
teasing hair and cotton, but it has been found more difficult to
procure employment for them than the other sex. Your directors,

^ Now the site of part of the Good Templars' Hall and the workshop of Mr,
Kilpatrick, plumber.

322 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

however, are so strongly impressed with the importance of training
to the habits of industry that they have made arrangements to obtain
the services of tradesmen to teach the boys industrial occupations.
The Avork of both sexes has been comparatively unproductive ; that
of the girls consisting chiefly in making their own and boys' clothing.
However, the value of the employment is not to be sought for in
pecuniary return, but in the habits which it fosters." Referring to
the pecuniary support given to the institution, they state : — " Supple-
mented as that subscription was by the liberality of Mrs. Campbell
of Blythswood, who, in addition to the many other liberal charities
to the school, gave two -thirds of the proceeds of the sale of a carpet
(^84 15s. lod.); by the proceeds of an oratorio by the Paisley
Harmonic Society, which realised for the institution the sum of
;^49 3s. lod. ; and also by a donation of ;£io from the Society for
the Reformation of Manners. Your committee have to report that
during the course of last year a number of ladies who have taken a
warm interest in the school originated a proposal for a fancy bazaar
in aid of the funds, which took place in October last, and realised
the munificent sum of ;!^ioi6 19s. id. after all expenses were paid.
The directors feel that the best thanks of the public are due to all
the ladies connected with this undertaking for the great exertion and
zeal displayed in its arrangements." The directors also refer to the
report by Mr. Bird, Governor of Paisley Prison, regarding juvenile
crime, which had diminished nearly one-half, arising from the
establishment of the Ragged School. The number of children
remaining on the roll at ist January, 1852, was 68.

As the accommodation afforded to the institution in Cawthorn
Court was very unsatisfactory and much complained of, the directors
eagerly looked out for more suitable premises. In November,
1854, they were fortunate in securing for ;^55o buildings which had
been erected shortly before in Cart Lane, New Sneddon Street, to
which the school was then removed.

In 1856 the importance of the institution was much increased by
the legislature recognising the power of Ragged and Reformatory
Schools in reaching cases of juvenile criminality. The institution was
then put under the provisions of two statutes — one known as Lord
Palmerston's — for dealing with juvenile criminals; and the other as
Mr. Dunlop's act, providing for cases of vagrancy. The Government
also, by a minute of the Committee on Education, dated 2nd June
in that year, undertook to pay half the rent of such schools ; half the
salary of the teachers if certified, and their assistants ; one-third of
the cost of tools, books, and raw materials of labour ; and an annual
capitation grant upon every child who is provided with food as well
as instruction, and is not otherwise paid by the Treasury. The
directors were enabled by these means to secure superior teachers,
and to employ master shoemakers and tailors for teaching the
children these industries.

In 1866, when the number of children on the roll had increased to
1 02, the directors, in order to secure closer vigilance and better control

1S50 TILL 1SS4. 323

throughout the institution, resolved to place it completely under the
charge of a superintendent and matron, who should be man and
wife, and should reside therein. The superintendent, in addition
to his ordinary course of school instruction, was to be responsible
for the efficiency of the industrial training of the inmates ; and the
matron was to take the management of cleaning, cooking, and other
household duties and internal arrangements, and to give her time
to the guidance especially of the girls, thus giving to the school more
of a family character. Mr. Thomson, the teacher at that time, and
his wife, were appointed to these situations. Mr. Thomson was
attacked with fever, and died on 1 2th February in the following year.

The subject of providing better accommodation for the increased
number of scholars, again engaged the attention of the directors.
In 1868 they purchased about three and a half acres of ground
for ^^980, with entrances from Albion Street and Caledonia
Street ; and in the following year the building of the new institution
was commenced. On 24th October, 1870, the inauguration meeting
at the opening of the new institution was held. The building is
commodious and handsome, and is surrounded with ample play-
ground, with sufficient space to secure the complete separation of
the sexes. In the new building, besides convenient class-rooms
and apartments for industrial work, there is sleeping accommodation
for 180 children, wdth all the requisite appliances for bringing up in
comfort and decency this large number of young people. The
directors thought at one time that the Reformatory and A^agrancy or
Industrial Acts might be wrought together in the same establishment
without any injury to the children, but they found this to be a
mistake, and relinquished the Reformatory certificate.

The grant to Industrial Schools in England was 5s. per child per
week, while the grant to schools in Scotland was 4s. 6d. In 1879
Mr. Holms, M.P. for the Burgh, was successful in carrying a
resolution, that the allowance to Scotch schools should be increased
to 5s.

The new institution had not been opened for many years when it
was found that the capacity of the building was frequently taxed to
the utmost in providing accommodation for the ever- increasing
number of inmates. But in 1880 the erection of new workshops, at
an expense of ;^5oo, enabled the directors to convert the old
workshops into dormitories, capable of accommodating about fifty
more children.

The following table shows the comparative average daily
attendance and number sleeping in the institution for the last seven
years : —

1877. 1878. 1879. iSSo. 1S81. 1882. 1883.
Average daily attendance,... 167. 179. 183. 188. 189. 176, 175.
Number sleeping in the insti-
tution 31st December, ... 179. 180. 192. 197. 183. 170. 1,76.

The following statement for the year 1883, taken from the report

324 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

of the directors, gives a very good insight into the way the time of
the children is improved in this excellent institution : —

Time Table. — 6 a.m. to 6.30, children rise, make beds, air rooms;
in winter, half-an-hour later. 6.30 to 8 a.m., work — shoemaking,
tailoring, hair-teasing, tassel-making, cleaning, &c. 8 to 8.30 a.m.,
breakfast. 8.30 to 9.30 a.m., wash, dress, play. 9.30 to 9.45 a.m.,
morning worship. 9.45 to 10 a.m., inspection as to cleanliness. 10
to 11.45 a.m., Bible and secular instruction, shoemaking, tailoring,
hair-teasing, &c. 11.45 ^•™- to 12 noon, play. 12 noon to i p.m.,
secular instruction, shoemaking, tailoring, hair-teasing, &c. i p.m.
to 1.30 p.m., dinner. 1.30 to 2.30 p.m., drill, recreation, play. 2.30
to 4 p.m., secular instruction, shoemaking, tailoring, hair-teasing,
&c. 4 to 4.15 p.m., play. 4.15 to 5 p.m. (girls), sewing, knitting,
&c. 5 till 545 p.m. (girls), play. 4.15 to 5.45 (boys), shoemaking,
tailoring, hair-teasing, &c. 5.45 to 6 p.m., wash, prepare for supper.
6 to 6.30, supper. 6.30 to 6.45., evening worship. 6.45 to 7.30,
play, amusements. 7.30 to 9 p.m., evening classes for apprentices
and older scholars. 9 to 9.15 p.m., prepare for bed. Special
religious instruction, — Sunday evening, 5 to 6.30. Special nights
for library, — Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Special play and
recreation, — Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Brass band
practice, — Monday and Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30.
Boys' bath, — Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Girls' bath, —
Friday evening. Schoolrooms, dormitories, and dining-hall scrubbed
by boys and girls twice a -week. On an average, 9 hours are allotted
to sleep; 6 hours to meals, play, &c.; 4^ hours to work, and 4^
hours to school, — total, 24 hours.

In the period embraced in this chapter it is gratifying to us
to record the giving of many important and valuable donations to
Paisley by her philanthropic sons. The large sum of money be-
queathed by John Neilson, Esq., Nethercommon, for the establish-
ment of an educational institution was the first of these great public
gifts ; and taking it all in all, and looking at what it has accomplished, it
has perhaps been the most beneficial of all the gifts to the inhabitants.
Mr. Neilson's father, whose name was also John, carried on the busi-
ness of a grocer at the Cross towards the end of last century ( Tait's
Directory, 1783). At the termination of the first decade in the
present century the name of the firm was John Neilson & Sons,
the two sons, James and John, having been assumed partners by
the father (Bell's Directory, 181 2). Their place of business was
never changed from No. 12 Cross. ^ The two brothers were never
married. James, the eldest, died on 12th November, 183 1, and
John died on 6th November, 1839. By his deed of settlement he
set apart a certain portion of the residue of his estate, amounting
to ;^i8,ooo, "to form and endow for the educating, clothing and

^ These premises were totally destroyed in the great fire at the Cross on 12th
November, 1833.

1850 TILL 1884. 325

outfitting, and, if need be, the maintaining of ]:>oys who have resided
within the Parliamentary boundary of Paisley for at least three years,
whose parents have died either without leaving sufficient funds for
that purpose, or who from misfortune have been reduced, or who
from the want of means are unable to give a suitable education to
their children." The institution was to be called " The John Neilson
Endowment for the Educating, Clothing, and Outfitting of Young
Persons." The testator gave ample and unlimited powers to his
trustees for making all necessary regulations as to the number of
boys to be admitted from time to time ; the manner in which they
shall be educated, clothed, and outfitted, and maintained if con-
sidered expedient, but not otherwise ; and for the management of
the funds of the endowment, as well as in regard to the appointment
of teachers and other servants. But it was expressly provided that
the education should be based on the Scriptures. Although the
trustees were required to feu or purchase a piece of ground in
Paisley, for the erection of an Institution House, at any time within
five years, yet they were forbidden to commence building till after
the expiry of that term. By this restriction they were not pressed
to adopt any plan until they had given it mature consideration; and
in the meantime the funds would be accumulating, and thereby the
trustees would be enabled to do more, and to do it better, than if
hurried in any way in carrying out their plans. Mr. Neilson also
made liberal bequests to his relations, and appointed for the
management of his whole estates Messrs. Thomas Risk, banker ;
Archibald Hodge, accountant ; Rev. James Graham, minister of the
North Church ; and Archibald Gardner, writer, his nephew ; and
to these gentlemen he gave power when the institution was fairly
formed and set a-going, or at any time they might deem it advisable,
to assume into the management or to devolve the trust on the
Provost of Paisley, the Sheriff of Renfrewshire, the Sheriff-Substitute
for the Upper Ward of Renfrewshire, the Convener of the Merchants'
Society in Paisley ; but it was provided that if at any time any one
or more of these public functionaries were not members of or sitters
in the Church of Scotland, then he or they should not be eligible
for the said office, but without prejudice to his or their successors in
office acting if he or they are connected with the said Church as
aforesaid ; and along with these public officers they are also to
assume or devolve the trust on the minister of the Middle Church
of Paisley, and the successor of the Rev. James Graham, and their
successors in office. Power was also given to the trustees who
should be in office at the time of the assumption or devolution being
made, to name any other person or persons holding official situations,
under the declaration foresaid, and to substitute others if they think
it advisable and for the prosperity of the institution, in the room and
place of those above designed as permanent trustees. Power was
further given to the trustees to assume or appoint such other person
or persons in whom they had full confidence to be trustees during
their lives, although such persons should not hold official situations ;

326 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and provision was otherwise made for carrying on the institution in
all time coming. Mr. Neilson burdened the Endowment Fund with
the payment of the following legacies, viz.: — ^150 to the Dis-
pensary and House of Recovery ; ^ig 19s. to the Gaelic
Missionary Society in Paisley, the Paisley Female Benevolent
Society, the Blind Asylum in Glasgow, and the Church of Scotland
Scheme for Providing School Districts in the Highlands and Islands
of Scotland.

The trustees, in accordance with Mr. Neilson's deed of settlement,
acquired land, within five years of his death, on which to erect the
institution ; and were fortunate in securing the town's bowling-
green, the most conspicuous situation in the town, formerly the
Pr^torium of the Roman camp, as already mentioned, along with a
field adjoining to the north-west of it for play-ground. On this
elevated and central situation they erected a building alike sub-
stantial and beautiful, and forming one of the chief architectural
adornments of the town. In the institution there are four spacious
school -rooms, with class-rooms capable of accommodating from
six hundred to seven hundred children in all.^ The first two
departments of the institution were opened on 15th April, 1852,
and the following is a copy of the hand -bill that was circulated in
the town intimating the opening : —

" 7'Ae John Neilson Educational Institution, Oakshawhead, Paisley. — The
first session of this institution will commence on Monday, the 15th April next.
The EngHsh and Commercial Department by Mr. M'Millan and Assistants,
from nine a.m. till half-past three o'clock p.m.; Saturdays, from nine to twelve.
The Initiatory and Infant Department by Miss Bald and Assistants, from ten
a.m. till three p.m.; Saturdays, from ten to twelve. The classes are to be
conducted on the training system.

^'Pupils on the Fund. — Schedules to be filled up by parents or guardians for
admission of boys on the endowment fund, will be furnished by the janitor on
application at the Institution, on and after Monday, the 15th instant; and the
trustees will meet before the opening of the schools to consider such applications
as may be lodged by the end of March. Boys eligible for admission on the fund
must have resided within the parliamentary boundary of Paisley for at least three
years, and whose parents have died without leaving sufficient funds, or who from
misfortune have been reduced, or who from want of means are unable to give a
suitable education to their children, and shall not exceed ten years of age.

*^ Pupils Paying Fees. — The teachers will attend during the week, commencing
on Monday, the 29th curt., from ten forenoon to twelve noon each day, to enrol
the names of pupils of all ages and conditions of life, whether boys or girls.
The fees, payable in advance, are as follows : — For English reading, 2S. per
quarter; English, with Grammar and Geography, 3s. per quarter; the above
branches with Writing, or Writing and Arithmetic, 5s. per quarter. The first

^ Dimensions : — North-west room, 67 feet by 33 feet; north room, 62 by 33;
south room, 62 by 33; south-west room, 31 by 33; height of ceihng in all the
rooms, 23 feet 1 1 inches.

1850 TILL 1884. 327

quarter to extend to the first of August ; and children admitted during that time
to pay a quarter's fees.

"The classes to resume on first September. — On the play-ground the children
will be superintended by the teachers and janitor, who shall direct the gymnastic
exercises.

"Paisley, 4th March, 1852. Archd. Gardner, Secretarj'."

The advantages derived by scholars attending this seminary-
soon became known to parents and guardians, and it rose rapidly
into great favour. In 1852, the first year of the institution, the
number of pupils on the roll was 280, and the number has gradually
increased year by year, till in 1883 the number was 935. The
following shows the number of pupils attending the institution at
different periods : —

Pupils Paying

Boys on the

Fees.

Foundation.

Total

1852,

205

280

1855,

417

511

i860,

433

105

537

1865,

425

132

557

1870,

538

114

652

1875,

696

153

849

1880,

741

140

881

1883,

787

148

935

Owing to the great increase in numbers, the tnistees have been
obliged to add to the buildings of the institution ; but from the
unity of design in the main building (it being in the form of a Greek
cross with a central dome), they have made them detached
buildings- — one for the classical and industrial departments, one
for the infant classes, and one for gymnastic training.

According to the annual report of the directors for 1883, "The
average enrolment during the session was 922, of whom 533 were
boys and 389 were girls. In the classical department, taking the
average of the four quarters, there w-ere 168 pupils taught Latin, of
whom 45 were boys on the foundation ; of the total number 38 were
first year pupils, 35 second year, 48 third year, 26 fourth year, and
2 1 fifth year pupils. In Greek there were, taking the average, 1 1
pupils taught, of whom 3 were foundationers ; and in mathematics
there were 65 pupils taught, of whom 14 were foundationers. In
the modern languages department there were 43 pupils enrolled in
French, 8 of whom were foundationers ; and 4 pupils received
instruction in German. In addition to the above, 8 pupil teachers
received instruction in Latin and Mathematics, and 2 in Greek ;
also 1 1 were taught French and German."

This institution has conferred no ordinary benefits on the youth
of Paisley by its highly complete course of intellectual, moral, and
religious training. Its success, as in all similar institutions, is to be
attributed to the trustees having succeeded in securing teachers of
zeal and ability. The institution has undoubtedly been a great

328

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

blessing to the whole community. Messrs. Daniel M'Millan, John
Smart, John Laidlaw, and John Gray Thomson, have been the
successive head -masters of the senior department.

The present trustees are Sheriff Cowan, Robert Kerr, Thomas
Hodge, John A. Brown, and Francis Martin ; Mr. James Gardner
being secretary and treasurer.

We give a view of the eastern elevation of this noble structure.

THE JOHN NEILSON EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

The Paisley Society for the Blind was established in September,
1859, for the purpose of meeting a very serious want that existed in
the town, — that of an opportunity for the unfortunate blind to be
taught to read. The first Committee of Management were : — Mr.
Robert Brown, president ; Rev. William France, Rev. William
Fraser, Rev. John Alison, Messrs. Peter Coats, Thomas Coats,
David Murray, William M'Kechnie, J. M. Symington, Matthew
Scott ; William Barbour, treasurer ; and Thomas Walker, secretary.
They appointed Mr. Alexander Irvine, who had formerly been
employed by a similar society in Edinburgh, to be teacher. The
first annual meeting of the subscribers was held on 28th January,
1861 ; and the committee reported that the teacher had ascertained
that the number of persons in the town who were so blind that they
could not read ordinary type, was 41 males and 32 females, — in all,
73. There were under 15 years, 6 ; 15 and under 30 years, 3 ; 30

1S50 TILL 1884. 329

and under 50 years, 20 ; 50 and under 60 years, 18 ; 60 and under
70 years, 12; 70 and under 80 years, 14, — in all, 73. None of
these were born blind, but all of them, through some cause or other,
had lost their sight in after life. The position of the blind at that
time was that 34 did not begin to learn to read ; 4 died during
the course of the year, of whom only i began to read ; 3 commenced
to learn to read and afterwards gave it up, and 28 who commenced
to learn to read were continuing to do so. The directors adopted
the books according to Moone's system of type for the blind, and
were induced to do so from the success which had attended the
labours of the Society for the Blind in Edinburgh. The books
which the society had at that time were: — 17 volumes belonging to
the New Testament, 19 volumes belonging to the Old Testament,
3 volumes belonging to the Psalms, 4 volumes belonging to Bunyan's
Pilgrim's Progress, besides a number of small books for beginners.
The expenses of the society for the first year were ;j^i24 15s. 6d.,
and the subscriptions amounted to ;^i52 14s. 5d. Votes of thanks
were tendered to the directors, who were urged to continue the
operations of the society. This society continued to attend to the
blind in Paisley, by the instrumentality of a teacher whom they
employed, down to 1877, when the Mission to the Out-door Blind
for Glasgow, who at that time had under their charge the blind in
Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Greenock, offered to attend also to the
blind in the Upper Ward of Renfrewshire, including Paisley. The
Paisley Committee agreed to this proposal, and the blind in the
town under this management have been carefully attended to.
Sir Peter Coats and Mr. Robert Brown are the directors who
represent Paisley at the Board of Directors in Glasgow. Of
the blind in Paisley, the greatest number became so at an
advanced age. The following statement applies to those in 1880,
and little change has taken place since that period : — The number
who have lost their sight under 10 years of age, 2 ; between 10 and
20 years, 2; between 20 and 50 years, 11; 50 years and above,
15, — in all, 30 blind persons.

Miss Elizabeth Kibble, Greenlaw, Paisley, by her trust disposition
and settlement, dated 27th August, 1840, provided as follows : — The
" second just and equal half of the residue of my said means and
estate shall be laid out at interest on good heritable or personal
security until the same, with the whole accumulations of interest, shall
amount to the sum of ;^75oo sterling, when my said trustees shall
pay over the same to the trustees after- mentioned, to be applied by
them in founding and endowing in Paisley an institution for the
purpose of reclaiming youthful offenders against the laws, subject
to such rules and regulations as shall be considered best for the
accomplishment of this object, according as such rules and regula-
tions may be fixed and determined by the trustees of such institution,
who are hereby appointed and declared to be as follows, viz. : — The
Sheriff of Renfrewshire, and Sheriff- Substitute at Paisley, for the time

33© HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

being, the Provost of Paisley for the time being, the minister of the first
charge of the Abbey Parish and the minister of the High Church
Parish of Paisley for the time being, and the said James Kibble, the
Rev. Dr. Robert Burns, Paisley, Robert M 'Gavin, Glasgow, and
Robert Wylie, writer, Paisley ;" with full power to the said trustees
to purchase and acquire such lands and houses, and to erect such
buildings as may be necessary, to make regulations for the govern-
ment of the institution, to appoint officers and servants necessary
for the same, and generally to do everything in the premises which
they may find expedient towards carrying the object contemplated
by me into full and efficient operation. This new trust was con-
stituted on 24th October, 1854, when they received from the
Testamentary Trustees of Miss Kibble ;^85i8 8s. lod.

As the trustees found this sum too small to provide suitable
buildings and to maintain an efficient establishment to carry out
Miss Kibble's benevolent design, they resolved to take advantage
of the Statute 17th and 18th Victoria, cap. 86, which gave grants
for the reclamation of juvenile criminals.^ In arranging to erect
premises for the institution, they purchased three acres of land on
the side of the road leading to Greenock, and erected thereon the
buildings at present occupied by the institution. The upper floor
contains a large dormitory with a separate bed for each inmate, a
sick ward, an apartment for the assistant, a lavatory, and other
necessary conveniences. The lower floor is occupied by workshops,
dining-hall, schoolroom, kitchen, and governor's house; and the
back building consists of apartments for cooking, washing, drying,
&c. The building can accommodate sixty inmates ; and if the
necessity for extension should arrive it may easily be effected by
adding one or two wings to the front building, the staircases being
arranged to suit such an extension, while the kitchen and cooking-
house and other offices are quite ample for a larger establishment.
The premises, both in their internal and external arrangements, are
well adapted for carrying out the training and discipline of a
Reformatory Institution.

The Ragged School having, as already stated, given up the
keeping of boys who had been convicted of crime, from the fear of
their contaminating the other boys, 14 of these boys were transferred

1 "Commitment of Offenders to a Reformatory School. — Whenever
an offender who, in the judgment of the Court, Justices, or Magistrates before
whom he is charged, as under the age of sixteen years, is convicted on indictment,
or in a summary manner, of an offence punishable with penal servitude or im-
prisonment, and is sentenced to be imprisoned for a term of ten days or a longer
term, the Court, Justices, or a Magistrate may also sentence him to be sent at the
expiration of his period of imprisonment to a certified Reformatory School, and
to be there detained for a term of not less than two years and not more than five
years." " Provided always that a youthful offender under the age of ten years
shall not be so directed to be sent to a Reformatory School unless he has been
previously charged with some crime or offence punishable with penal servitude
or imprisonment ; or is sentenced in England by a Judge of Assize or Court of
General or Quarter Sessions ; or in Scotland by a Circuit Court of Justiciary or
Sheriff" (Extract from 29 and 30 Victoria, cap. 117, section 14).

1850 TILL 1884. 331

to the Kibble Reformatory on ist August, 1859, the day the
institution was opened. By the end of that year the number of boys
had increased to 29. At this time the trustees engaged a tailor and
also a shoemaker, and had workshops fitted up with the view of
teaching the boys one or other of these trades. The total funds
under control of the trustees amounted to ^^^^i 0,300 i6s. 9d., and
the expenditure on land, building, furniture, &c., was ;^36oi 15s. 46..,
thus leaving of capital to be invested, ^6699 is. 4d.

At the end of 1865 there were 51 boys on the roll; during the
five previous years 29 boys had been discharged, and of these 18
were known to be doing well, 4 were doubtful, 4 had again been
convicted of crime, 2 had been drowned at sea, and of the remaining
I, who joined the army, nothing had been heard (Report by
Directors for 1865). In 1868 the trustees leased fifteen acres of
moss plantation for out- door working, as they found they were
unable to employ to advantage all the boys at the industrial
occupations carried on in the institution. On 31st December, 1870,
there were 64 boys on the school roll. Twenty-one boys were
finally discharged during this year; 14 were placed in situations
provided for them ; 4 returned to friends ; i emigrated ; i went to
sea, and i was transferred to another school. By the rules of the
trustees, no boy need leave the institution till a suitable situation is
provided for him. When he leaves he is supplied with an excellent
suit of clothes, and his own accumulated earnings are generally
sufficient to procure him another suit. For some years after
leaving, the boys are either regularly visited or enquired after, and
help and guidance are afforded them so far as that can be judiciously
done.

The tnistees' report for 1870 states that 32 boys have been
engaged at agricultural and gardening operations during the year.
Although the one master takes special charge of the garden, both
are frequently employed on the field. The trustees consider this
branch of their operations an excellent and suitable field of labour
for the boys, who become active, hardy, and handy, and are thereby
better enabled afterwards to push their own way honestly and
bravely. The joiner's shop was discontinued in 1869.

" While the boys are urged to enter heartily into their work and
apply themselves diligently to their lessons, they are at the same
time encouraged to enjoy themselves with all the zest and ardour of
youth. The play-ground has been a busy and exciting scene since
it was enlarged two years ago. On it many of the ills of life, moral
and physical, are being sweated away. Cricket in summer and foot-
ball in winter are the favourite games. An evening weekly is
devoted to vocal music, and is a source of great enjoyment. The
flute band has also afforded much gratification to all connected with
the institution. Through the kindness of a number of friends, the
boys composing it have been supplied with a handsome uniform,
and have accompanied several excursions during the summer. The
trustees believe that these and other sources of enjoyment, such as

332 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the weekly readings and the cultivation of flowers, cannot fail to
have an invigorating and elevating effect on the inmates of the
institution. On Sabbaths the whole of the boys go to church, —
forenoon and afternoon, — accompanied by each of the masters, in
rotation."

The number of boys on the school roll at the end of 1876 was
76. The admissions during the year were 25. Of these there were
from Paisley, 3; from Greenock, 11; Renfrew, i; Edinburgh, 7;
Perth, 2; and Campbeltown, i; — 4 of these were under 11 years;
13 were between 11 and 14; and 8 were over 14. 13 of them had
been sentenced to 5 years' detention; 5 for 4 years; 5 for 3 years;
and 2 for 2 years. During the three years 1873, 4, 5, there were 53
boys finally discharged; while in the institution, 26 were employed
at agriculture and gardening; 16 at shoemaking ; 11 at tailoring.
Of the 53 boys discharged, 47 are known to be doing well ; 2 are
doubtful; 3 have been re-convicted; and the case of one is
unknown. The state of education was as follows : — Of the 29 boys
leaving, 10 could read fairly ; 19 could read well; i could write;
12 could write fairly ; 16 could write well ; 4 had a little knowledge
of arithmetic ; 13 had a fair knowledge of arithmetic ; and 12 had a
good knowledge of it.

From the last report of the trustees for the year 1881, we learn
that since the opening of the institution, 462 boys had been
admitted to its benefits. Of these 97 remained on the school roll
at the end of that year ; and of the 365 discharged, a great
proportion were known to be doing well. Those on the roll at that
time, besides receiving" instruction in the ordinary branches of
education, were either employed in the tailor's shop, the shoe shop,
or the farm and garden, or in the joiner's shop. The daily time-
table was as follows : — " Half-past five to six, rise, wash, dress, «S:c. ;
six to nine, school and worship ; nine to ten, breakfast and play ;
ten to one, work ; one to two, dinner and play ; two to six, work ;
six to seven, wash, supper, and play; seven to half- past eight,
school and worship ; half-past eight to nine, prepare for bed ; nine,
to bed." The average yearly expenditure for each for the five years
ending 1881, was ;^2i 3s. lo^d. For the three preceding years
the average was ;^2o 13s. id. Besides the boys, there were
maintained in the house the governor and the matron and one
child, and the assistant superintendent and cook, making the average
number of persons 91, and the cost of provisions for each three
shillings weekly, or j[^'] 15s. lo^d. for the year.

The institution is well managed, and carries out successfully the
objects for which it was founded by Miss Kibble, for it gives a
useful education and trains the boys morally and industrially. The
financial position of the establishment, which should be looked upon
as a place not for the punishment of the boys sent there but for
their reclamation, is also in a prosperous and satisfactory condition.

In this period the important subject of extending and improving

1850 TILL iJ

333

national education had frequently been under the consideration of
the Legislature. Six different bills had been introduced into Parlia-
ment, and it was the one brought in by Lord- Advocate Young in 1872
which eventually passed both Houses of Parliament, and received
the Royal assent on 6th August in that year. According to this
Act, a School Board had to be established in every burgh and
parish. Householders paying annually ^4 and upwards of rent
had as many votes as there were members to be elected, and in the
event of a contest could distribute their votes among the candidates
in any way they pleased. At the election of members for the first
Paisley School Board, great excitement prevailed in the town in
connection with the selection of candidates. During the canvass
by the candidates, many cartoons were published, and several of
them were highly amusing and possessed considerable merit. There
were altogether nineteen candidates, while only nine members were
required to form the Board. The election took place on 23rd April,
1873, when the following were elected : —

Votes.
Mrs. Arthur of Barshaw, ... ... ... ... 6293

Rev. Dr. Fraser,
Mr. Robert L. Henderson,
Rev. James Dodds,
Mr. Thomas Coats,

Rev. G. C. Hutton,

Rev. J. M'Lachlan,

Mr. P. Comyn Macgregor, ...

Rev. James Brown,

The unsuccessful candidates were as follows

4902
3816

3725
3542
2962
2610
2478
2286

Rev. Robert Duncan, ... ... ... ... 1617

Rev. Andrew Henderson, ... ... ... ... 1580

Mr. John M'Gown, 1396

Mr. John Paterson, 1387

Mr. Robert Crawford, 1357

Mr. George Masson, 885

Mr. John Stewart, 885

Mr. James Clark, 867

Mr. Alexander Pollock, 556

Mr. John M'Innes, 527

Mr. Thomas Coats was elected chairman of the Board. They
resolved to erect four schools, — one in the east, south, west, and
north districts of the town. When the plans, which were prepared by
Mr. William Stewart, architect, were submitted for consideration, Mr.
Coats agreed to give ;^iooo towards each school in order to secure
additional space to the scholars above the Government minimum
allowance of eight square feet per child. The assessment for the first
year was threepence per £, and the second year sixpence per £,?■

^ For the third and fourth year, fivepence per £ ; for the fifth, sixpence ; for
the sixth, sevenpence per £^.

334

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

The amount of assessment levied caused great dissatisfaction among
the inhabitants. A pubhc meeting was held and resolutions were
passed, one of which desired the Board to reconsider their proposal
regarding the school accommodation necessary for the town. Not
having received a satisfactory answer from the Board, another pubhc
meeting of the inhabitants was held in the Drill Hall, on i6th
September, when it was resolved to memorialise the Board of
Education in Edinburgh and the Scotch PMucation Department in
London on the subject. Ultimately, both of these bodies intimated
that they did " not feel warranted in refusing their assent to the
plans submitted by the Paisley School Board." The East School
was the first ready for occupation, and was opened on 20th March,
1876. The South, West, and North Schools were not opened till
9th September following. When the question of religious instruction
came to be discussed by the Board, they agreed by a majority to
adopt the practice of "use-and-wont." ^

At the election in 1876, there was not so much excitement as at
the first one; and although there were twenty-three caricature
cartoons, they were much inferior to those issued at the first election.
In 1878 the question of chastising the scholars came before the
Board, when by the casting vote of the chairman it was agreed that
corporal punishments in all Board schools should be abolished.
The following is a statement of the cost of sites, erection, furniture,
&c., of the undernoted schools : —

Cost of Site

Glaziers and Tiling

Mason

Joiner,

Plasterer,

Plumber,

Slater

Painter,

Heating & Ventilating,

Gas Fittings,

Play Sheds and Offices,

Gates and Railing

Architect,

Measurers,

Inspectors,

Watching,

Furniture, Sec,

Miscellaneous,

East
School.

£ s. d.
Unredeemed

3243 7 4

1853 15 9

173 II 3

289 6 II

23s 7 8

156 8 3

149 8 5

156 10 7

682 3 6

44 13 7

193 4 o

129 9 3

210 4 4

82 17 3

359 3

320 18 II J

8280 10 8

West
School.

£ s. d.
473 15 o

208 II
271 I
244 I
151 9
124 15
122 18

567 4

8 9

201
135
236
115
318
92

North
School.

£ s. d.

1805 II 6

213
283

255
202

137
121
615
36
190
128
229
117
311
159

16 2

19 5

10 7
19 9

18 I

19 o
12 o

7 3

19 o

6 o

15 7

11 II

901S 14 s\ 9931 13 2

South
School.

£ s. d

1339 6 9

3912 14 8

1990 ig 2

186 12 o

248 15 o

237 IS o

151 4 4

14s 19 8

140 4 7

571 17 8

66 II o

211 I o

137 II 3

245 14 o

117 II o

311 12 4

66 12 8

10,121 2 I

Grammar

School and

Academy.

1321

s. d.
13 II

2513
875
107
294
200
53

17 0
10 10
15 8
4 10
14 2
19 0

2 8

149
256

3 9
0 0

89
78
58

15 6

16 9
16 4

6024

10 5

Ferguslie
School.

400 13 6

4180 o o

2290 o o

276 9 z

324 5 6

355 8 o

94 o 10

145 10 o

136 I 4

266 o o

84 18 4

461 o o

350
300

1 For "use -and -wont," — that is, the teaching of the Bible and Catechism
(in terms of the Conscience Clause), — ■ there voted : — Mrs. Arthur, Rev. Dr.
Fraser, Rev. Mr. Uodds, Mr. Macgregor, and Mr. Henderson. For excluding
the Shorter Catechism there voted : — Mr. Coats and Rev. Mr. Brown. For a
purely secular education there voted : — The Rev. Mr. Hutton and Rev. Mr.
M 'Lachlan.

^ The site of the school, with additional ground and cottage to the east, valued
at;i^785, and also the play-ground, containing i^ acres, valued at ;^I250, were
the gift of Mr. Thomas Coats.

•* Mr. Thomas Coats's money gift was ^1000. The building grant from
(Jovernment was;^865 i6s. 3d.

1850 TILL 1884. 335

The subjects taught in the schools are — i. Ordinary: The
ordinary subjects, in addition to rehgious instruction, are reading,
spelling, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, geography, history,
writing to dictation, and letter -writing. The girls are taught, in
addition, sewing, knitting, and cutting. 2. Special: The special
subjects, and the number of scholars taking each, were, in the first
year: — (i) In the four new schools, Latin, 151; mathematics, 25;
French, 64; drawing, 1378; domestic economy, 178. (2) In three
schools, physical geography, 149. (3) In two schools, English
literature, 85. (4) In one school, magnetism, 43. (5) In one
school, animal physiology, 87. In the old schools, Latin, 15;
algebra, 53 ; French, 22 ; English literature, 76 ; domestic economy,
58 ( School Board Report).

The school fees were to be paid monthly. For scholars under
seven years of age, eightpence per month ; for those in first standard,
one shilling; for those in second and third standards, is. 4d. ; for
those in fourth, fifth, and sixth standards, is. 8d. per month.
When any of the higher branches — Latin, Greek, French,
Geometry — is taken, fourpence extra is charged. If there are
extra classes taken, the quarterly fee would be 6s. The subjects
taught without any charges were — drawing, vocal music, sewing,
knitting, and domestic economy. When four or five children from
the same family attend regularly, the eldest of four, or the two eldest
of five, are not charged.

A fifth school — called the Ferguslie School — was erected near
the gas-works, and was opened on 4th September, 1882. The
cost of this school is already given in the table along with the other
schools.

Another benefactor to his native town was Mr. Duncan Wright,
by whose munificence bursaries were founded for the education of
young men, both at school and at the university. This generous
and large-hearted gentleman was born at Williamsburgh, Paisley, on
15th June, 1797. When quite a youth he went to Glasgow to
obtain a situation ; and after being there for several years, he was
sent to Buenos Ayres to represent a Glasgow firm. Some years
afterwards, he and another person in the same firm commenced
business on their own account. By honourable industry and perse-
verance, Mr. Wright became a wealthy merchant. On returning to
this country he bought the estate of Alticry, in Wigtonshire, and
afterwards secured the farms of Nether, Mid, and West Carswell,
extending to about 370 acres, in the Parish of Neilston, which
realise an annual rental of ^^450. This estate was invested in
trustees as an endowment, under the name of "The Duncan Wright
Endowment for Educational Purposes." The trust disposition was
dated loth June, 1864, and provided that the proceeds from these
lands should be appUed to the education of boys and young men
born, or who have resided at least five years before applying, within
the Parliamentary boundary of the Burgh of Paisley, or within the

336 HISTORY OP^ PAISLEY.

Abbey Parish of Paisley, whose parents being poor and deserving,
have died, or from misfortune have been reduced in their circum-
stances, or from want of means, or from having small earnings, are
unable to give a suitable education to their children. The trustees
were bound, after paying all expenses, to lay aside ;^5o annually as
a sinking fund, until it should amount to ^500, to meet any
extraordinary expenditure. One-fourth part of the balances was to
be applied to the benefit of boys who should not be less than ten,
or more than fourteen years of age, in bursaries not exceeding ;^io
annually to each boy, with power to expend a portion of the
bursaries in the clothing of these, but no bursary to extend to more
than five years. The other three -fourths of the free revenue was to
be appropriated to the benefit of young men not less than fourteen,
and not more than twenty- one years, but no bursary was to extend
to more than five years. Such were the provisions of this noble
endowment made by the benevolent donor. The trustees, ex-officio,
were — the Sheriff- Substitute of the Upper Ward of Renfrewshire ;
the Provost, Bailies, Town -Treasurer, and Town-Clerk of Paisley;
the Dean of the Faculty of Procurators ; the Ministers of the first
and second charge of the Abbey Parish ; the Ministers of the
Established High Church, Free St. George's Church, and Oakshaw
Street United Presbyterian Church ; the Convener of the Merchants'
Society; the Boxmaster of the Old Weavers' Society. The life-
trustees were — Mr. Wright, the donor ; Mr. Hugh Wright, his
nephew, and four private friends.

The trust came into operation at Martinmas, 1864. Mr. Wright,
till his death, on iSth October, 1871, took a lively interest in the
management of the trust, and even in that short time witnessed the
great good it was calculated to accomplish. There are on an
average thirteen boys always on the bursary fund connected with
the schools and nine young men who enjoy the benefits derived
from the University bursaries.

In this period the Town Council petitioned Parliament on the
following important subjects: — In March, 1850, they petitioned
the House of Peers in favour of Lord Brougham's Bill to remove
obstructions in the Corn Laws; in April, 1850, to repeal the Soap
Tax; in May, 1850, to repeal the University Tests; in May, 1850,
to amend the Poor Laws in Scotland; in January, 185 1, to repeal
the Paper Duties; in February, 185 1, to repeal the Soap Duties;
in March, 1851, against the Window Tax; in May, 1851, they sent
a memorial to the Treasury for relief from the expense of maintaining
convicted prisoners ; in May, 185 1, a petition against the University
Tests ; a memorial to Viscount Palmerston to ask Government to
use its influence with the Turkish Government for the liberation of
Louis Kossuth and his compatriots ; petition for Parhamentary
Reform ; to the House of Commons, in favour of Viscount
Melgund's Education Bill ; in April, 1852, in favour of the Electric
Telegraph Company's Bill ; in January, 1853, to the Home Secretary

1850 TILL 1884. 337

for commutation of sentence of death upon Margaret Bell at Paisley,
26th June, 1853 ; in March, 1853, to the Lords of Her Majesty's
Treasury to order the Ordnance Map for Paisley to be prepared on
a scale often feet to the mile ; in January, 1854, to the Postmaster-
General to accelerate the London mail train; in April and July, 1855,
against the law of billeting soldiers in Scotland; in February, 1857,
for a reduction in the Property and Income Tax ; in February, 1857,
for the Abolition of Tolls; in February, 1857, to the Postmaster-
General to increase the allowance to clerks and letter- runners in the
Post Office, Paisley; in January, 1858, and in April, 1858, against
the proposed increase of rates on the two lower stages of the river
Clyde; in May, 1858, to assimilate the law of Scotland to that of
England regarding the right of forty- shilling freeholders to vote at
Parliamentary elections; in May, 1858, in favour of the appoint-
ment of a Secretary of State for Scotland ; in February, 1861, against
the proposed amalgamation of the Caledonian, the Edinburgh and
Glasgow, and Scottish Central Railways; in June, 1861, to the
Postmaster- General for increased Post Office accommodation in
Paisley; in February, 1864, against the part of the Clyde Bill which
proposed to abolish the rating stages on the Clyde and to substitute
a mileage rate ; in February, 1865, for the abolition of the duty on
fire insurance, and against the Glasgow Bridges Bill ; in April, 1868,
against the Established Church of Ireland; in March, 1871, in
favour of the Bill for legalising marriages with a deceased wife's
sister; in March, 1872, in favour of the Education Bill, and also in
favour of the Ballot Bill; in January, 1873, against the Amalgama-
tion Bill of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway and the Midland
Railway; in April, 1873, by a majority, for the disestablishment of
the Churches of England and Scotland, for the removal of the
electoral disabihties of women, and against the Stipendiary Magis-
trates Bill; in May, 1874, it was resolved by a majority not to
petition in favour of Bill for legalising marriage with deceased wife's
sister; in June, 1874, it was resolved by a majority to petition in
favour of abolishing compulsory Church rates; in 1876, in favour
of the Banns of Marriage Bill, Game Laws Bill, and against
Employers' Liability for Injury Bill, against the trawling system of
fishing, and for amendments on Roads and Bridges Bill and Poor
Laws Bill. In 1877 the Council petitioned in favour of the Public
Parks Bill and Patent Laws Amendment Bill. They also
memorialised the Government to arrange that greater attention be
given to Scottish legislation, and that there should be introduced a
Bill or Bills for amending and consolidating the Municipal Laws of
Scotland, with the view of affording governing bodies greater facilities
for promoting local measures of improvement, and for simplifying
and rendering less expensive the procedure connected with local
Bill legislation. In 1878 they petitioned in favour of the Women's
Disabilities Bill and the Education Amendment Bill. In 1879 they
petitioned in favour of the equitable readjustment of the rating of
the Probate of Inventory of Duty Bill, and for amendments on the

;^;i8 HISTORY of paisley.

Poor Law Bill, and against the License Board (Scotland) Bill. In
1 88 1 they petitioned in favour of the Parliamentary (Corrupt and
Illegal Practices) Bill, the Bill to amend the law relating to Parlia-
mentary elections, the Ballot Act Continuance and Amendment
Bill, the Boiler Explosion Bill, the Bill to amend the law of entail
in Scotland, the Canal Line of Railway Bill, the Assimilation of the
Burgh and County Franchise ; the Council declined by eight votes
to seven votes to petition in favour of legalising marriage with a
deceased wife's sister; they petitioned in favour of the Married
Women's Property (Scotland) Bill, the Bill to amend the Municipal
Elections Amendment (Scotland) Act of 1868 ; the Bill to render
judgments obtained in certain inferior Courts in England, Scotland,
and Ireland respectively effectual in any other parts of the United
Kingdom ; and they petitioned against a Bill to enable Parochial
Boards in Scotland to grant superannuation allowances, and against
the Tiends Bill. In 1882 the Council petitioned in favour of
Copyright of Works of Fine Art Bill, Patents for Inventions Bill,
the General Police and Improvement Bill, Educational Endowment
Bill, the granting the same representation in the local governments
of the Metropolis as is conferred on the inhabitants of burghs in
Scotland by the Municipal Acts, the Passengers' Vessels Licensing
(Scotland) Bill, and the Agricultural Holding Notice of Removal
(Scotland) Bill. The Council petitioned against the Bill to make
provision respecting the pensions, allowances, and gratuities of
police constables in Great Britain. In 1883 the Council petitioned
in favour of the Education Act Amendment Bill, the Bill to confer
the Parliamentary franchise on women ; they agreed by a majority
to petition Parliament to take the Licensing Laws into consideration
with the view of transferring the power of granting certificates from
the Magistrates of burghs to Town Councils, without appeal ; in
favour of the Local Government Board (Scotland) Bill, and the
provision that the office of the Board should be in Scotland ;
and in favour of the High Court of Justice (Service of Writs)
Bill.

The Town Council during this period sent a considerable number
of memorials and addresses to the Queen on public and social
events. They memoriaUsed the Queen on 21st January, 1840, for
a commutation of the sentence of death passed upon John Frost,
Zephania Williams, and William Jones; in June, 1840, expressing
indignation at the treasonable attempt upon Her Majesty's life, and
congratulating Her Majesty upon her happy preservation ; in
August, 1842, they passed an address upon the occasion of Her
Majesty's visit to Scotland ; in May, 1843, an address of condolence
on the death of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Sussex ; in
October, 1844, an address congratulating Her Majesty and Her
Royal Consort on their arrival at home from their visit to Scotland ;
in August, 1847, an address on the occasion of Her Majesty's visit
to Scotland by the river Clyde; in January, 1858, a congratulatory

1850 TILL 1884. 339

address on the marriage of the Princess Royal ; in September, 1861,
an address of condolence on the death of the Duchess of Kent ; on
23rd December, 1861, an address of condolence on the death of
Prince Albert, on the 14th of the same month; in March, 1863, an
address on the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales ; in
May, 1868, an address on the attempt to assassinate His Royal
Highness, Prince Alfred, in Australia; in March, 1871, an address
on the marriage of Princess Louise; in January, 1872, an address
of congratulation on the convalescence of the Prince of Wales ; in
February, 1874, an address on the marriage of the Duke of
Edinburgh; in May, 1878, an address of condolence on the death
of Princess Alice; in March, 1882, an address expressing their
sincere congratulations on Her Majesty's providential escape from
attempted assassination ; and in May, 1882, a congratulatory address
on the occasion of the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Albany.
In July, 1 88 1, the Council agreed to express their horror and
profound regret at the attempted assassination of General Garfield,
President of the United States of America, their earnest hope that
his life may be spared and that he may speedily recover, and their
sincere sympathy with him and his family and the people of the
United States in the painful circumstances in which they are placed.
The Town-Clerk was instructed to send a copy of this resolution to
the Minister of the United States in London for transmission to the
American Government.

Shipbuilding, of almost any kind, on the banks of the river Cart,
may be said to have been unknown till March, 1838, when the first
steam vessel was launched. The first builders were the enterprising
firm of Messrs. Barr & M'Nab, of the Abercorn Foundry and Engine
Works. ^ This vessel was built of iron, and the dimensions were: —
length of keel, 108 feet; breadth of beam, 15 feet; depth of hold,
9 feet. She was conveyed from the Abercorn Works by block and
tackle, on two parallel logs of wood, to the field opposite Mr.
Carlile's mill, and launched broadside foremost into the river. The
vessel was named the " Royal Victoria." From the novelty of the
occurrence, many thousands of spectators lined both banks of the
river. The builders advertised that the " first public trial trip from
the Sneddon Wharf will take place on Tuesday, the ist of May, at
seven o'clock morning, to Greenock, Gourock, Dunoon, Largs,
where she will remain one hour, and again proceed homewards,
calling at the above-mentioned ports." The traffic, however, was
insufficient to justify the continuance of the " Royal Victoria " on
this route, and she was withdrawn from the Cart. The shipbuilding
yard of the firm was afterwards on the field from which the " Royal
Victoria" was launched, and many steam vessels, celebrated for
their speed and graceful appearance, were built there, such as the

^ The first steam engine made in Paisley was by this firm, in 1837. It was
about twenty -horse power, and for Mr. Galloway's factory.

340 HISTORY OF PAISLEV.

"Lady Brisbane," "Lady Kelburne,"i "Pioneer," "Petrel," and
others. The last-named vessel was the last vessel built by this firm,
who had conclusively shown that iron was superior to wood for
river passenger vessels.

A few years afterwards, Messrs. Blackwood & Gordon, who
succeeded the last-named firm in the Abercorn Engine Works, com-
menced shipbuilding on the piece of ground on the side of the river
Cart to the south of Gockstone Burn, and called it the Cartvale
Building Yard. Many iron steam vessels, both paddle and screw,
were built at that yard down to i860, when the firm removed to
Port-Glasgow. The great progress, however, of this important
branch of industry on the banks of the river Cart will be best
understood from the following statement: —

Messrs. John Fullerton & Company commenced shipbuilding in
1867, and from that year down to and including 1883 they built 60
vessels of various sizes, having an aggregate tonnage of 11,401. In

1 88 1 they launched a vessel of 350 tons burden, another 400 tons,
and another 500 tons.

Messrs. Hanna, Donald, & Wilson, who commenced shipbuilding
in 187 1, built a good many vessels at their Abercorn shipbuilding
yards. The vessels are launched broadside foremost, the position
of the yard not admitting of any other plan. The gross tonnage of
the vessels they built from 1878 to 1883 inclusive was 2997, one of
the vessels being 1200 tons burden.

Messrs. Hugh M'Intyre & Company, shipbuilders, Merksworth,
who commenced business in 1876, launched between 1878 and 1883
vessels having a gross tonnage amounting in all to 44,595. One of
the vessels they launched in 1879 was 1200 tons, and other two
vessels each 1000 tons burden. In 1881 they launched one vessel
of 380 tons burden, three vessels of 700 tons, one of 1000 tons,
three of iioo tons, and one vessel of 1200 tons burden.

Messrs. Campbell & Company, shipbuilders, Abbots Inch, during

1882 and 1883, built vessels having an aggregate tonnage of 2610 ;
and the tonnage of the vessels built by Messrs. J. M'Arthur &
Company at the same place during 1882 and 1883 amounted to
4226.

In little more than ten years after the town was first supplied with
water from Gleniffer braes, a strong feeling began to be manifested,
that the control of such an important necessary of life should be in
tlie hands, not of a private company, but of the inhabitants. The
manufacture of gas had been taken over by the town from a private

1 In 1843 the owner of this vessel made a bet of £sp^ ^i^h the owner of a
vessel called the "Engineer" as to which was the swiftest. The course to be
run was from the buoy at the Tail of the Bank, round Ailsa Craig, and back to
the starting place. The "Engineer" was not brought forward on the day fixed
for this trial of speed, and the " Lady Kelburne " had therefore to run the course
alone, the owner receiving the ^500, which had been lodged in the hands of the
Editor of Bi'//'s Life. This vessel, under the name of the "Balmoral," is still
plying on the Clyde.

1850 TILL l!

341

company, as already explained, and put under the charge of a public
board, with a fixed dividend payable to the shareholders ; and many
were of opinion that the same system should be applied to the
providing of water to the community. The water was good, but the
price charged for it was considered to be high as compared with
many other towns.^ Expression was given to the opinions of the
inhabitants by the Town Council, on 6th March, 1849. Impressed
with the importance, for the sanitary well-being of the town, of the
poorer classes of the inhabitants having a plentiful supply of water,
they appointed a committee to enquire and report as to the propriety
and practicability of the Council acquiring, by Act of Parliament or
otherwise, the works of the Water Company, for behoof of the
community, with power to meet with the Directors of the Water
Company. This committee reported in favour of the Town Council
acquiring the water- works, provided proprietors of houses under
_;^io of rent were assessed for the water-rate instead of the tenants.
The Town Council adopted the report, and agreed to offer the
Water Company five per cent, upon the capital stock of the
company, down to the period the deterioration fund amounted to
;j^io,ooo, and five and a half per cent, on stock added afterwards.
This offer was not however accepted, and the subject was not again
revived till 1853. In that year the Directors of the Water Company
reported to the annual general meeting of the shareholders, held on
2 1 St June, "that it is now the company's duty and pressing interest
to provide for the growing wants of the community, by securing
additional contributing grounds and storage, for upon the estab-
lishment of such works will depend, to a considerable extent, the
increased success of the company." By the advice of Mr. Leslie,
C.E., Edinburgh, the Water Company agreed to construct a reservoir
at Nethertrees, on the Rowbank burn, and to apply to Parliament
for powers to complete that undertaking. On 4th November in that
year, the Council appointed a committee to correspond with the
Directors of the Water Company, with the view of obtaining their
works for the community. No arrangement was, however, arrived
at between the two bodies, and the Water Company lodged a bill

^ Comparative view of the water rates charged for dwelling-houses in nine of
the principal towns in Scotland : —

Rental.

Paisley.

Stirling.

Edinburgh,
lod. per 2
on 4-5ths of
Police List.

Gorbals.

Dumfries

Glasgow.

Ayr.

Greenock

Kil-
marnock.

£. s. d.

£ s. d.

£ .r. d.

S. s. d.

£ s. d.

£ 5. d.

£ ^. d.

£s,...-

094

039

040

050

0 5 loa

070

0 10 0

050

10, ... .

0 16 0

076

068

0 10 0

0 II 8

0 II 0

0 10 0

15,....

I I 0

0 II 3

0 10 0

0 15 0

20, . . .

I 6 0

0 15 0

0 13 4

100

I 3 4

100

30,....

I i6 0

126

100

I 10 0

I 15 I

I 10 0

342 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

in Parliament asking permission to form the new works, and to raise
^60,000 of additional capital, but did not seek powers to transfer
the works to the Town Council. On loth January, 1854, the
Council therefore agreed to oppose the bill in Parliament. But on
the 8th March following, the two parties, after some correspondence
and meetings, came to a mutual agreement, to the effect that powers
should be taken in the bill to transfer the old works to the Council
for behoof of the community, who should also be empowered to
make the new works, and that the value of the undertaking should
be fixed by arbitration. The bill received the Royal assent on 7th
August, 1854. The Council appointed BaiUe James Gourlay,
Glasgow, as their arbiter ; and the Water Company named Mr.
Alexander Ramsay, manager of the Edinburgh Water Company, on
their behalf The arbiters could not agree in the award to be given,
and appointed John Stirling, Esq. of Kippendavie, to be oversman,
who, after considering the claim made by the Water Company, the
answers thereto by the Town Council, and hearing a number of
witnesses, decided "that the rate of annual dividend to be allowed
should be ;^6 13s. 4d. per cent, on a capital of ;;^6o,ooo, with
power to redeem the whole of the annual dividend at 22^ years'
purchase." ■■■ During this year the shareholders were receiving
seven and a half per cent.

The powers granted by the Act of 1854 to construct the Rowbank
works were, in consequence of the depressed state of trade in the
town, not exercised ; but as a scarcity of water began to be
experienced in the summers of 1864 and 1865, a new Act of Parlia-
ment was obtained in 1866 to complete that scheme. This delay,
however, of upwards of ten years in the formation of these works,
effected a saving of interest on capital to the Water Commissioners
of upwards of ^20,000. The Rowbank water scheme was completed
in 1870, and at the inauguration, on 13th April in that year, a dinner
was given by the Commissioners in the George Hotel. The drainage
of the contributing grounds to the reservoir extends to 1220 acres,
and being situated on a high level, it can supply the more elevated
parts of the town which the Stanely Reservoir did not command. This
reservoir was made to supply the inhabitants of Johnstone and Elders-
lie also, having a population of 20,000, with water. When Provost
Macfarlane retired from the Town Council in November, 1869, it
was suggested by various persons that he should receive a memorial
in acknowledgment of his energetic promotion of the various
measures for procuring an abundant supply of pure water to the
town. The proposal was universally approved of, and although the
subscriptions were small, ;^2 5o guineas were soon obtained. The

^ The costs incurred by the Water Company connected with obtaining the Act
of Parliament, was £1^']'] is. iid. ; and those incurred by the Council, were
^701 los. 7d. ; — in all, ;!^3378 12s. 6d. The costs of ai-bitration by both parties
were £,11^) 12s. 3d. The costs of conveyance of the works, and other property
of the company, in favour of the commissioners, including £4$'^ fo*" stamps and
other expenses in completing the titles, amounted to ;i^653 i8s. (Rccoi-ds Water
Covimissioiiers).

1850 TILL 1884. 343

presentation took place before the subscribers at a cake and wine
banquet in the County Hall, — Mr. James Arthur of Barshaw pre-
siding, - — ■ and consisted of tea, coftee, and desert services of silver
plate. The inscription on the salver was as follows : — " Presented,
" with a service of plate, to Hugh Macfarlane, Esq., by his townsmen,
" as a testimonial of their respect and esteem, and of their grateful
" sense of his public services as Provost of Paisley during three ten-
" ures of office, and especially of his successful exertions in obtaining
" a transfer of the Water Works to the Corporation and an additional
"supply of water from Rowbank. Paisley, March 19, 1870."
Notwithstanding the additional storage, the great demand for water
by the increasing number of public works, combined with the
drought which took place in 1879, compelled the Commissioners to
curtail the supply to the inhabitants. In the following summer the
supply of water to the inhabitants was still farther reduced, being
limited to five hours daily. Although at this time a small additional
reservoir was being constructed on the higher parts of the Glen
Bum,^ yet it was deemed to be quite inadequate to meet the increased
demand for water. The inhabitants became alarmed at the repeated
periods of scarcity of water; and the Commissioners, being influenced
in a similar way, agreed on 6th October to instruct Mr. Leslie to
report to them the best place from which an abundant supply of
water could be obtained. He recommended the Rye water, and
the forming of a reservoir at Camphill, about four miles to the west
of Dairy and seven miles from Largs, commanding a drainage area
of 3450 acres, that is, 1004 acres more than Stanely and Rowbank
put together. An Act of Parliament was obtained for the securing
of this extensive water supply in 1881, and it is part of the scheme
that the water is conducted from the Rye reservoir to the Rowbank
reservoir by an iron pipe of two feet diameter. The laying of the
first pipe took place on 15th September, and was followed by a dinner
given by the Commissioners in the George Hotel ; and the cutting
of the first sod of the new reservoir was accomplished with great
ceremony on 12th April, 1883. The embankments of the reservoir
will, as contracted for, not be raised to their full height, but they
can be increased at any future periods to meet the demands that
may arise for a greater storage and supply of water.

Ihe following table shows the extent of storage of water in the
five different reservoirs belonging to the Paisley Water Com-

^ The ceremony connected with the cutting of the first sod of the Glenbum
reservoir was carried out on i6th October, 1879, the same day as the drainage
works in the George Street district were inaugurated. The company invited left in
carriages for Glenfield, and afterwards walked to the reservoir on the plateau of
Gleniffer Braes. The Rev. Mr. Sturrock, at the request of Provost MacKean,
offered up a short but impressive prayer. Mr. Peter Quin, the contractor for
this work as well as the George Street drainage, formally presented to the
Provost a silver spade having a mahogany handle, with which he performed the
ceremony of cutting the first sod. The numerous company, at the request of
the contractor, afterwards dined in the temporary "houff" which had been
erected to accommodate the workmen.

344

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

missioners, along with the amount of contributing ground in
connection with each of these reservoirs : —

Contributing
Ground.

Acres.

Storage.
Cubic Feet.

Stor.\ge.
Gallons.

Stanely Reservoir,

Harelaw do.,

Glenburn do.,

624

166

436

1220

36,000,000
14,248,000
12,651,000
78,074,000

225,000,000
89,050,000
79,058,000

486,558,000

Rowbank do. ,

Camphill Reservoir, as pre-
sently being carried out,...

Camphill Reservoir, when
fully taken advantage of, . . .

2446
3549

140,973,000
30,000,000

879,666,000
187,000,000

5995
4789

170,973,000
120,000,000

1,066,666,000
750,000,000

The following statement shows the yearly consumpt of water for
all purposes, exclusive of compensation water, since the Water
Works were acquired by the Commissioners : —

Cubic Feet.

Gallons.

185s,

64,758,846

404,742,912

1856,

60,709,850

379,436,562

1857,

58,937.623

368,360,143

1858,

58,556,5^

365,978,212

i859>

62,740,827

392,130,168

i860,

64,657,310

404,108,187

1861,

66,970,602

418,566,262

1862,

68,502,706

428,141,912

1863,

70,325,451

439,534,068

1864,

79,780,910

498,630,687

1865,

70,717,627 ^

441,985,168

1866,

95,276,102

595.475,642

1867,

107,486,447

671,790,299

1868,

• • • Changed to May to May.

1869,

93,072,880

581,705,502

1870,

115,682,422

723,015,143

1871,

148,326,761

927,042,260

1872,

160,767,116

1,004,794,481

1873,

161,225,190

1,007,657,443

1874,

178,810,313

1,117,564,457

1875,

182,756,840

1,142,230,256

1876,

180,431,023

1,127,693,899

1877,

198,094,084

1,238,088,025

1878,

204,524,300

1,278,276,881

1 TU^ ^lo^vonco ;

r. iSl^e ;= nor>rMir.tf.rl fr^,- Kt7 ihf rf

■ itvinti'nnc nut nnnn thp. nc(^ r.(

water in consequence of its great scarcity during the summer of that year.

1850 TILL ]

884.

Cubic Feet.

Gallons.

i879,

181,327,582

i,i33,297>39i

1880,

169,379,281

1,058,620,512

1881,

172,602,776

1,078,767,352

1882,

191,850,186

1,199,063,667

1883,

206,470,299

1,290,439,372

345

We have already taken notice of the churches that were erected
during the last century, to meet the growing demands caused by the
great increase in the population. This course we mean to continue
in reference to the present century ; and instead of the narratives
being confined to the separate chapters to which they may properly
belong, we shall, for our own and the reader's convenience, treat
of them all at this period.^

Mr. Gillies, of the Low Church, fell into delicate health, and the
Council subscribed ;^40, in addition to ;j^8o given by him, to secure
an assistant and successor. Mr. Gillies died 6th March, 1810.
Mr. John Reid, who was chosen to fill the position, died on loth
November, 1810 ; and Mr. Robert Burns, who was chosen as his
successor, was ordained 19th July, 181 1. In September, 1802, the
yearly stipend received by the three town's ministers was ^^175 ; in
1806, ^200; in 181 1, ;^24o ; in 1814, ;i^28o ; and in 1816,
;2^3oo, which was the last increase. On loth March, 1820, the
congregation of the Low Church assembled, for the first time, in St.
George's Church, which was erected at an expense, including the
Presbytery House, of ^^7831 5s. 5d., whereof the corporation paid
;!{^6i83 15s. 3d., while the proprietors of seats in the Low Church,
who obtained sittings in the new church, paid the balance.

Mr. Burns received from the University of Edinburgh, in 1828,
the degree of Doctor of Divinity. At the secession in 1843, Dr.
Burns left St. George's Church;^ and Mr. Alexander Rennison,

^ In Paisley are 22 places of worship : — Established Church, 4 ; Gaelic Chapel,
1; Relief, 2; Burgher, I; Anti- Burgher, I; Old Light Burgher, i; Reformed
Presbytery, i ; Old Methodist, i ; New Methodist, I ; Tabernacle, l ; Roman
Catholic, I ; Independent, I ; Glassite, I ; Baptist Trinitarian, 2 ; Baptist
Sabellian, i ; Universalist Unitarian, i ; and Universalist Trinitarian, I
(Annual Miscellany ; or Rational Recreations for jSi2, p. 4).

^ Dr. Burns died at Toronto, Canada, on 19th August, 1869, in the 8ist year
of his age. His son, the Rev. R. F. Burns, published The Life and Times
of his father, to which the reader is referred for more information regarding this
able and eloquent divine. The following is a list of the works which he
published while in Paisley : —

An Essay on the Propagation of Christianity in the East, 1813.

Illustrations of Providence in Late Events: a Sermon, 1814.

A Letter to Dr. Chalmers on the Distinctive Characters of Protestantism and
Popery, 181 7.

An Essay on the Eldership, 1818.

Historical Dissertations on the Poor, 18 19.

Trail's Guide to the Lord's Table, with Life, &c., 1820.

Bonar's Genuine Religion, the Best Friend of the People, with Life, &c., 1821.

Active Goodness beautifully exemplified in the Life and Labours of the Rev.
T. Gouge, 1 82 1.

346 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

who was chosen to fill the pastorate, was inducted 23rd February,
1844. Mr. Rennisondied 12th December, 1867,^ and was succeeded
by Mr. Christopher M'Kune, who was ordained 17th July, 1868.
In 1874 an organ, the gift of Mr. James Clark, was placed in the
church. Mr. M'Kune was translated to Crawfurd Parish Church in
1877 ; and Mr. A. D. Campbell, of Kilcalmonell Parish Church,
was chosen his successor, and was inducted on 2nd May in that
year. Mr. Campbell was translated to Kirkcudbright in 1882, and
was succeeded by Mr. A. Fyfe Burns, the present incumbent, who
was inducted 21st March, 1882. The number of communicants at
present on the roll is 1 200 ; and the average attendance at the
communions has been about 67 per cent, of the membership.

Mr. John Findlay, as already stated, was ordained 14th March,
1781, to the pastorate of the High Church; and the reader is
referred to the history of that church, published by the writer in

Cecil's Visit to the House of Mourning, with Introductory Essay, 1823.

Cecil's Address to Servants, with Introductory Essay, 1823.

Henry's Address to Parents on Baptism, with Life and Preface.

Brown of Wamphray on Prayer, with Life of the Author.

Brown on the Life of Faith, with Preface, 1825.

Treatise on Phiralities, 1824.

Speech on the Roman Catholic Claims, 1825.

Three Letters to a Friend on the Moral Bearings of the Bible Society

Controversy, 1827.
Sober-Mindedness: a Sermon to the Young, 1828.
A Voice from the Scaffold : an Address on the Execution of Brown and Craig,

1829.
The Gareloch Heresy Tried, 1830.
A Letter in Vindication of the above, 1830.
Wodrow's History of the Church of Scotland, with Life, Notes, and

Preliminary Dissertation. 4 vols. 1830.
Jehovah, the Guardian of his own Word: a Sermon, 1830.
Memoir of the Rev. Henry Fisk, with Preface and Notes.
Charge Addressed to the Rev. J. Keith, Scots Church, Swallow Street, 1832.
Bellamy's Letters and Dialogues, with Essay.
Religious Endowments.
Establishments Vindicated.
Hints on Ecclesiastical Reform.
Plea for State Churches, 1836.
Scottish Voluntaryism the Atheist's Ally, 1836.
Plea for the Poor, 1841.
Christian Patriotism, 184I.
Episcopal Liturgy, 1841.

Truth and Love versus Prelacy and Prayer Book, 1840.
Speech at Emigration Meeting, 1840.

Free Thoughts, addressed to the Electors of Renfrewshire, 1841.
More Free Thoughts, addressed to the Electors of Renfrewshire, 1841.
Explosion of the Telegraph, 1842.
Life of Dr. Stevenson M'Gill, 1842.

Report to the Free Church on Canada and Nova Scotia, 1844.
Farewell Sermon, 1845.

^ He was the author of " Strictures on the Marriage and Registration Bills for
Scotland," in 1848; and "The Sabbath a Day of Rejoicing," in 1849. His
son, the Rev. Lewis Rennison, published, in 1868, a number of his father's
sennons, along with a brief memoir.

1850 TILL 1884. 347

1877, for further particulars. We merely remark here that the High
Church at present has a membership of 1279, and in communion
attenders, 917.

Mr. Rankine, as formerly mentioned, was chosen to the pastorate
of the Middle Church in 1797. He died 7th March, 1831 ; and
Mr. James Begg succeeded, and was inducted 8th November in that
year. Mr. Begg was translated to Liberton, near Edinburgh, in
June, 1835 ; and Mr. Robert Stevenson, of the North Church,
Paisley, his successor, was inducted 12th February, 1836. In
March, 1844, Mr. Stevenson was translated to Dairy. His successor
was Mr. James E. Wood, who was inducted i8th February, 1845.
Mr. Wood was translated to the parish of Old Machar, Aberdeen-
shire, in 1848, and died therein October, 1857. Mr. Robert Kirk,
of Newark Chapel, Port-Glasgow, succeeded, and was inducted to
his pastoral charge on 3rd April, 1849. Mr. Kirk was translated
in October, 1858 to the United Parishes of Hutton and Fishwick ;
and was succeeded by Mr. John Allison, who was ordained loth
March, 1859. Mr. Allison was translated to the parish of Bonhill
in September, 1861. Mr. Alexander Bryson was chosen to fill the
pastorate, and was ordained 17th April, 1862. He was translated to
St. Michael's Church, Dumfries, in 1867 ; and was succeeded by Mr.
Robert Duncan, who was inducted 7th May, 1868. Mr. Duncan was
translated to Montrose in 1874 ; and Mr. David Watson was chosen
for the pastoral charge,^ and was ordained 12th May, 1874. Mr.
Watson was translated to Woodside Church, Glasgow, in 1878; and
Mr. Alexander F. Eraser was appointed to fill the pastorate, and
was ordained 20th March, 1878. Mr. Eraser resigned his pastoral
charge on 17th October, 1881 ; and Mr. George Park, Inverchaolain
Parish Church, the present incumbent, was selected to be his
successor, and was inducted 12th April, 1882. The number of
communicants in this church at the present time is 702, and the
actual numbers at the two Communions held during the year 1883
were respectively 500 and 534.

Mr. William Ferrier, as already stated, was appointed colleague
to Mr. Alice in the United Presbyterian Church, Oakshaw Street,
in 1787. That church was known by the name of the Anti-Burgher
Church (Gilroy's Directory^ 181 2). In 1826 the old church was
taken down and the present handsome and commodious structure
erected on the same site at an expense of upwards of ^^4000, In
1833 Mr. Eerrier's health failed so much that the congregation made
choice of Mr. William France as his colleague, and he was inducted
2nd July in that year. Dr. Ferrier died on 20th December, 1835,
when he had entered on the forty -sixth year of his ministry.^ In
1878 Mr. France, when he had been forty-three years in the pastoral

^ It was during Mr. Watson's charge, in 1875, that an organ was introduced
into the church, and inaugurated 2Cth March, 1875.

^ An interesting memoir of the Rev. Dr. Ferrier, by his son, the Rev. Andrew
Ferrier, along with four sermons, was published in 1841.

34^ HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

charge, brought under the notice of the Session that increasing years
had impaired his wonted vigour, and suggested the appointment of
a colleague. This was afterwards carried out by the election of Mr.
John Porteous, Edinburgh, the present incumbent, who was ordained
on 13th April, 1880. Mr. France died on 20th April, 1881.

At the end of last century, as formerly stated, Mr. Samuel Kinloch
was minister in the United Presbyterian Church, Abbey Close,
which was commonly called the Burgher Church (Gilroy's Directory,
18 1 2). Mr. Kinloch resigned his pastoral charge ; and Mr. William
Smart was appointed his successor, and was ordained on 9th
February, 1802. Mr. Kinloch died in 1808. In the beginning of
1827, as already noticed in connection with the efforts made to
secure a good view of the Abbey from Causeyside, the old church
was taken down, and a new one erected in its place at a cost of
^2600. The congregation entered into the new church on 3rd
May, 1828. Mr. Smart died very suddenly on nth July, 1837.
He had been attending a meeting of Presbytery at Glasgow, and
when passing along London Street he felt unwell, and was taken
into a shop and expired almost immediately.^ Mr. AVilliam Nisbet
was chosen by the congregation to fill the pastorate, and was inducted
26th April, 1838. Mr. Nisbet died on 14th March, 1854^2 and
Mr. Andrew Henderson, the present incumbent, was elected to
succeed Mr. Nisbet, and was inducted 17th April, 1855. In July,
1866, the centenary of the church was celebrated by the congregation
in a series of special meetings.

Mr. Patrick Hutchison, as already stated, Avas, at the end of the
last century, minister in the Relief Church, now called Canal Street
United Presbyterian Church. He died on loth January, 1802;^
and was succeeded by Mr. John M'Dermid, who came from Banff,
and was inducted to the pastorate on 19th May, 1802. Mr.
M'Dermid died on 22nd March, 1834 ;^ and his successor was Mr.
James Banks, who was inducted to the pastoral charge on 21st May,
1834. ]\Ir Banks demitted his charge in consequence of bad health
on 15th May, 1849.^ Mr. George C. Hutton, the present minister,
was elected as successor, and was ordained 9th September, 185 1.
In 1873 the church was completely remodelled. Its external

^ In 1838 his son, the Rev. William S. Smart, Linlithgow, published a naemoir
of his father and eighteen of the sermons he had preached.

^ A volume containing a few sermons by the late Rev. William Nisbet, with a
prefatory sketch of his life and character, by the Rev. Dr. Eadie, was published
in 1856.

^ In 1779 Mr. Hutchison, when in St. Ninian's, published a dissertation, in two
parts, on the Kingdom of Christ ; in 1788, three discourses on the Divine character
of Christ ; and in the year following his death a volume of his sermons on various
subjects was published.

•* In 1799 Ml'- M'Dermid, when in Banff, published a sermon which he
preached in Aberdeen ; and a considerable time before his death he published a
volume of sermons.

^ In 1841 Mr. Banks published a sermon entitled "The Stumbling Block
Removed," which he delivered in Glasgow.

1850 TILL 1S84. 349

appearance was transformed from what has been somewhat
irreverently called the Barn style to a more ecclesiastical type. The
sittings were made commodious and comfortable, like those of the
best modern churches. In 1875 the Trustees of Williams College,
Williamstown, Massachusets, U.S., America, conferred the degree
of D.D. on Mr. Hutton. The minister receives an annual stipend
of ;^3oo and has a manse. ^

Mr. William Simpson, who was settled in the Gaelic Church, Oak-
shaw Street, near the end of the last century, resigned his charge on
21 St June, 1802. Mr. Walter Blair was chosen as his successor,
and was ordained 3rd June, 1803. Mr. Blair died on 2nd July,
1832 ; and Mr. John Campbell, who succeeded, was ordained to
the pastorate i6th April, 1833. Although the congregation agreed
at the great secession in 1843 to join the Free Church, yet they did
not leave the building. They thought that the church was origin-
ally erected for the Gaelic population in and around Paisley without
any reference to the Church of Scotland ; and accordingly remained
in it till about the period of Mr. Campbell's translation to the Free
Church, Tarbert, at the end of 1845. At that time, on an action
being raised in the law courts to have it declared that the church
belonged to the members and adherents of the Church of Scotland,
those of the congregation who held Free Church principles left,
and erected in 1846 a Free Gaelic Church in Shuttle Street. The
church remained vacant for several years afterwards, and it was not
till 1853 that Mr. Evan Ross was ordained to perform the duties
belonging to the pastorate. His successor was Mr. Neil Strachan,
who was ordained to the pastorate on 17th December, 1857, and
left for Glasgow near the end of the following year. In 1859, Mr
John M'Gilchrist was ordained to the charge ; and was succeeded
by Mr. Lachlan M'Neil, who was ordained 19th April, i860. Mr.
Ronald Macalister was the successor to Mr. M'Neil, and was
ordained 4th August/ 1864. Mr. John Smith succeeded, and was
ordained 23rd December, 1869. His successor was Mr. P. W,
M'Kenzie, who was elected loth October, 1874. Mr. John M'Kay
succeeded Mr. M'Kenzie, and was inducted to the charge i8th
October, 1882. In the following year Mr. M'Kay left the church,
and the present incumbent, Mr. David Johnstone, was the next
minister, and was inducted on 4th July, 1883.

The first Cameronian or Reformed Presbyterian Church in Paisley
was the building known by the name of the " Garnel," situated on
the south side of Lowndes Lane, leading from New Sneddon Street,

^ Dr. Hutton is the author of the following pubhcations : — In 1853, "The
Rationale of Prayer, or the World's Query Examined : a Discourse." in the
same year, "The Nature of Divine Truth and the Fact of Its Self-Evidence :" a
Lecture In 1857, "A Letter to Provost Brown on the Holidays and the Public
Park." In i860, " Law and Gospel : Discourses on Primary Themes, to which
is added the True Revival." In i860, "The Irish Church : the Wrong and the
Remedy." In 1869, " Irish Church Bill : Speech Delivered at a Public Meeting
in the Old Low Church, Paisley, 19th July, 1869." In 1878, "The Case for
Disestablishment in Scotland."

350 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and on the side of the river. The building was erected, it appears,
some time after the middle of last century, as a store for holding
meal during periods of distress caused by depression of trade, and
hence arose the name. This building was disposed of in 1780, but
we have not discovered who bought it.^ Some time afterwards it
was converted into a preaching station by the Cameronians. Mr.
Thomas Henderson resided at Kilmalcolm, where he had another
preaching station.''^ He had also the charge of preaching stations at
Dumbarton and other places.^ Mr. Henderson continued to officiate
at the church in Paisley generally every third Sunday till Mr.
Andrew Symington was ordained as pastor there on 26th April,
1809.'* The congregation afterwards found it necessary to erect the
present church and manse in Oakshaw Street, at an expense of

^ "The meal warehouse in Sneddon of Paisley is to be sold, by public roup,
upon Thursday, the 17th curt., at three o'clock afternoon, within the house of
Andrew Gralram, vintner in Paisley. The articles of roup will be shown by
James Orr, writer in Paisley ; or Robert Allison, of Greenbank ( The Glasgow
Mercury, loth February, 1 780).

^ "The old Cameronians or Reformed Presbyterians, of whom there were
several large families and some single members, of course travelled to Kilmalcolm,
the only place of worship connected with that worthy old denomination
in the district, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Thomas Henderson
(Ecclesiastical Sketch of Lochwinnoch, by Mr. Matthew Gemmell).

^ Mr. Henderson published at Paisley in 1 791 a work of 506 pages, entitled
" Testimony- Bearing Exemplified," relating to the sufferings of the Covenanters.
Lord Macaulay, in a note to his " History of England," vol. iii. p. 221, edition
1864, refers to this book, and gives extracts from it.

^ Mr. William Symington, merchant at the Cross of Paisley, educated three of
his sons for the ministry. The youngest died before receiving a pastoral charge.
Another was the Rev. Dr. William Symington, M'ell known as a distinguished
preacher and the author of some important works on theology. The eldest of the
three was the Rev. Dr. Andrew Symington, the subject of this notice. The
works published by Dr. Symington were : —

Sermon Preached 14th March, 1813, in the Reformed Presbyterian Meeting,

Calton, Glasgow.
Sermon in High Church connected with Raising Funds to Erect the Martyrs'

Monument, 1834.
Youth Warned ; or, the Sin and Danger of Intemperance : a Sermon, 1835.
A Sermon Preached to the Children of the Paisley Sabbath and Week-day

Evening Schools, 1839.
Private and Social Prayer : a Sermon, 1840.
The Headship of Christ over the Nations : a Lecture, 1841.
Lecture on the Principles of the Second Reformation, 1841.
Speech Against the Desecration of the Sabbath by the Running of Trains on
the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. Delivered at a Meeting in the City
Hall, Glasgow, 26th Febraary, 1842.
Sin and Evils of Saljbath Mails : a Tract for the Times, 1844.
Negro Slavery Unjustifiable : a Discourse by Dr. Alexander M'Leod, with

Preface and Appendix by Dr. Symington, 1846.
Introductory Notice to the Prize Essay, " The Claims of the Sabbath on the

Working Classes," 1848.
Lecture on the Claims of the Church and Society on Young Men, 185 1.
Memoir of the Rev. Thomas Halliday, Airdrie, with Sermons.
Litroductory Essay to Method of Prayer by the Rev. M. Henry.
Litroductory Preface to Youthful Devotedness by the Rev. Dr. Houston.

1850 TILL 1884. 351

;,^330o, to accommodate their increasing numbers. This church
was opened in July, 181 1. Mr. Symington was appointed in 1S20
Professor of Divinity to the Theological Institution connected with
the Reformed Presbyterian Synod ; and the students, whose average
number was about forty, met in a hall nearly opposite the church.
The Hall term was the months of August and September, and Mr,
Symington's pulpit was then supplied with preachers who were
specially appointed by the Synod. Mr. Symington, in 1831, had
the degree of D.D. conferred upon him by the ^Vestern University
of Philadelphia, and the same degree by the University of
Glasgow, on 7th April, 1840. Professor Symington died rather
suddenly. On loth September, 1853, when leaving a railway
carriage at Paisley Station, he fell and injured one of his legs.
Fever supervened, and he died on the 22nd of that month. The
doctor was sixty -eight years of age, and had been a pastor
for forty-four years, and professor for about thirty years. His
successor was the present incumbent, Mr. George Glazy, who
was ordained 3rd October, 1854. This congregation, along with
most others of the Reformed Presbyterians, joined the Free
Church in 1876. The church is now known by the name of
the Oakshaw Free Church. After the union in 1876, it was
thoroughly renovated at an expense of about ;^i8oo, the interior
having been entirely renewed. The number of communicants is
about 270.

The union of the Reformed Presbyterian Church with the Free
Church was not a unanimous agreement in Paisley. Those who
dissented erected a place of worship in Storie Street, and made
choice of Mr. Robert Dunlop, who at present discharges the duties
of the pastorate. The Presbyteries of Edinburgh and Glasgow, who
adhered to the original principles of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, met on ist February, 1866, in the Exchange Rooms, Moss
Street, Paisley, and ordained Mr. Dunlop to the office of the
ministry and pastoral oversight of the congregation in their
connection in this town. The erection of the new church was not
at this time completed.

The " Garnel," to which we have already referred, besides being
the first place of worship for the Old Cameronians in Paisley, was
likewise the first church which the Episcopalians occupied. It was
in 181 7 they commenced to worship there; and their first minister
was Mr. W. M. Wade. They continued there till they entered their
present chapel in St. James Place. It was mostly through the

Two Discourses on the Sabbath after the Funeral of the Rev. Dr. Mason,
Wishaw.

Conversations with Craig and Brown, who were Executed in 1829.
He also wrote a book, by the request of the Synod, on Church Discipline and the
doctrinal part of the Church's testimony. But his great work was the "Elements
of Divine Truth," being lectures delivered during 1844-5 at the request of the
Sabbath School Union, "to exhibit systematically the leading doctrines of the
Gospel. " Dr. Symington died before this work was published.

352 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

exertions of Mr. Wade that this beautiful edifice was erected. The
foundation-stone was laid by Mr. Wade in October, 1831; it was
opened for public worship on Sunday, 19th May, 1833, and conse-
crated on 25th September following. On 2nd November, 1836,
Mr. Wade was presented with a handsome watch by his evening
class for religious instruction. On the death of Dean Routledge,
Glasgow, on 21st August, 1843, Mr. Wade was promoted to be
Dean of the Diocese of Glasgow. Dean Wade did not, however,
enjoy this high dignity long, for he died on 4th December, 1845,
aged 61 years. ^ Two years afterwards the members of the congre-
gation erected a monument behind the chapel to his memory. He
was succeeded in the pastorate by Mr. Pughe, who entered upon
the duties of his charge on Sunday, 31st October, 1847. Mr.
Pughe's successor was Mr. James Stewart, in 1851. Mr. William
Fowler Mills, the present incumbent, succeeded Mr. Stewart on 3rd
March, 187 1.

The Secession Church, erected in Thread Street in 1808, was at
first generally called the New Relief Church, to distinguish it from
the other in Canal Street, which was called the Old Relief Church.
Latterly, however, it has generally been called the East Relief
Church, and the other the West Relief Church, until the Relief and
United Secession Synods joined to form the United Presbyterian
body. The first minister was Mr. James Thomson. He was
chosen, and a unanimous call was moderated in his favour, in
October, 1809. The Rev. J. M'Dermid presided, and preached a
suitable sermon on the occasion (Glasgoiv newspaper). Mr.
Thomson was a native of Strathaven ; and in 1799, at the age of
24, was appointed minister of the Relief Church at Campsie.
Besides fulfilling the duties of the pastorate, he also acted as
Professor of Divinity for the Relief Synod, being appointed to this
position in 1825. The average number of students attending the
lecture-hall was about forty. In 1827 Mr. Thomson received the
degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Glasgow, in
which he had graduated. After a short illness he died on 25th
June, 1 84 1, in the 66th year of his age, and 42nd of his ministry.
The congregation made choice of Mr. William M'Dougall^

^ Mr. Wade was the author of several works, which were as follows : — •
Verses from Scotland on the Coronation of His Majesty King George IV.
Select Portions of the New Version of the Psalms, with a Collection of Hymns

and Anthems, for the use of the Episcopal Chapel, Paisley, 1820.
Walks in Oxford, 1818.

A Tour of Modern and a Peep into Ancient Glasgow, 1822.
The Watering and Sea- Bathing Places of Scotland, 1822.
The Duty and Method of Redeeming the Time : a Sennon, 1820.
English Grammar, 1826.

A Short Letter to Messrs. W. Law and Andrew Equity, 1829.
Ten Sermons, 1839.
The Truth Spoken in Love : a Lecture Relative to Episcopacy and Anglican

Liturgy, 1840.
A Eew Friendly Parting Words with tiie Rev. Ur. Burns, on Episcopacy, 1841.

1850 TILL 1884. 353

Kilmarnock, as his successor, and he was inducted into his new
pastoral charge on 7th April, 1842. He was born in Inveraray on
7th April, 1799 ; and on his parents removing to Glasgow, received
his education at the High School and University of that city. He
was licensed to preach in 1822, and was ordained to his first charge
at Campbeltown in the following year. In 1828 he was translated
to Kilmarnock. He died on 19th February, 1867.^ An unusual
delay took place before a successor was appointed. At last, on
22nd February, 1870, Mr. Andrew G. Fleming, of Alloa, the
present minister, was inducted to the pastoral charge.-

The church till the present year (1884) called the St. James
Street United Presbyterian Church, was erected in 1820 by a body
of Christians under the denomination of " The English Inde-
pendents, Paisley." Their first place of worship was on the site of
the present church ; and the name of the first pastor was Mr.

M' 11, who resigned his charge at the end of 1818 (Pamphlet

published by Dissenting Managers, q^c, in 18 21). His successor was
Mr. Hugh Hart, whom the congregation brought from Wortly,
Yorkshire.^ He was ordained 2nd January, 181 9. His stipend was
fixed at ;^8o for the first year; and if 300 sittings were let, it was
to be increased to jQgo, and to be further increased to ;^ioo if the
church was filled. Mr. Hart's ministrations were so successful that
in the course of the second year the congregation resolved to en-
large the church so as to hold 1400 sitters, and they fixed Mr.
Hart's stipend at ;2^i6o, with ^20 additional for a dwelling-house.
During the building of the church, which cost upwards of ;^i6oo,
the congregation worshipped on the Sabbath evenings in the Baptist
Chapel, Storie Street. Serious disagreeable disputes and misunder-

^ In 1862 Mr. M'Dougal published, in pamphlet form, a series of letters
between him and the Rev. William Fraser, Paisley, "anent interchange of pulpit
services with ministers of the Established Church. " There was published in the
same year of Mr. M'Dougal's death, a sermon preached on the Sabbath after his
funeral by the Rev. Dr. Neil M 'Michael; with notices of his character by the
Rev. George Brooks, Johnstone; Rev. William Becket, Rutherglen; and the
Rev. William Ramage, Glasgow.

* Mr. Fleming is the author of the following publications : — Power of Littles,
1875; Chain with Two Links, 1876; Snow Drops, 1877; Living Fountains,
1878; Better than Gold, 1879; Peeps at Rome, 1879; Look and Live, 1880;
Children of Light, 1881; Wonderful Lamp, 1882; Crown and Coronet, 1883.

^ " The reverend gentleman — Mr. Hugh Hart — in his earlier days served in
the Stirlingshire jNIilitia. We remember being in Arbroath in the year 1805 or
1806, when that excellent body passed through the town on their way to Fife to
be disbanded. On that occasion it was announced by the bellman that there was
a soldier going to preach at six o'clock in the Methodist Chapel. There was a
great crowd present on the occasion, and the discourse which the Christian hero
delivered, formally divided into heads, was reckoned a very good one. We have
also those among us who remember of his ofhciating in the pulpit of the old
Methodist Chapel in Queen Street. On these occasions, it is said, Sergeant
Hart — for he rejoiced in the three arm -stripes — was particularly great in
prayer ; and altogether from his good address, and that he wore a red coat, he
made a very imposing appearance in the pulpit " ( T/ie Aberdeen Pulpit, p. iii).

354 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Standings, however, arose between Mr. Hart and the congregation. ^
These ended in 1823 in Mr. Hart's resigning, and going to the Old
Low Church along with a number of the congregation. He re-
mained in that church for several years. Mr. Hart in his manners
was frequently very peculiar, and often used language tending to
vulgarity. On one occasion, while in the session -house before
going into the pulpit, an elder brought in a plate from one of the
entrance doors to the church well filled with copper coins. On
seeing so much money, Mr. Hart exclaimed, with much delight,
" Am not I the boy for whistling in the maiks." -

Mr. Hart went from Paisley to Hilloa Kirk, Aberdeen, where
" he was king, priest, and prophet in the chapel. The session were
his ministry ; and if they did not do as he would, he dismissed
them, and chose others more subservient. It was the minister's
interest to get his kirk well filled ; and accordingly Mr. Hart did
all that in him lay, — not only to keep what customers he found, but
to increase the number, and he succeeded. His Sabbath evening
lectures were crowded — all his seats were let, and things went on
swimmingly. One great attraction to go to hear him was that he
uttered queer words that he called Hebrew and Greek " (Aberdeen
Pidpit,^ p. 1 24). His chapel was acquired by the Market Company,
and with the money received he built a new chapel in John Street,
which he called Zion Chapel. Mr. Hart died in 1862.

Those of the congregation who remained agreed on ist December,
1823, to apply to the United Associate Presbytery of Glasgow for
a regular supply of preachers, and the request was granted. This
congregation, although without any stated minister, gradually
increased, and in 1825, when the number of members on the roll
amounted to 84, they, under the sanction of the Presbytery, elected

■^ These differences were narrated ad nauseam usque in 1821, in a publication
of 94 pages, entitled "A few plain facts, illustrated with some original documents,
in vindication of the late managers, elders, and other members who recently dis-
sented from the E h Independents, St. James S 1. "

^ " Maik " is a cant term for halfpenny. This term was common in England
as well as Scotland. Its origin is supposed to be from Brummagem -maks (Bir-
mingham makes), a term for base and counterfeit copper money in circulation
before the great re -coinage. It is still a cant term in the West of Scotland
(/atiiiesoii).

The Bawbie or Babie was another copper coin equal to the value of a half-
penny. Pinkerton, on the derivation of this word, states that "the billon coin,
worth six pennies Scottish, called has -piece, from the questionable shape in
which it appeared, being of what the French call has -billon, or the worst kind of
billon, was (in the reign of James VI.) struck in copper, and termed in the
Scottish pronunciation bawbee" (Essay on Medals, II., p. 100).

A curious traditional fancy in regard to the origin of this term is still current
in Fife. When one of the infant Kings of Scotland, it is said, of great expec-
tation, was shown to the public, for the preservation of order the price of ad-
mission was in proportion to the rank of the visitant. The eyes of the superior
classes being feasted, their retainers and the nobility were admitted at the rate
of six pennies each. Hence, it is added, this piece of money being the price of
seeing the royal Babie, it received the name of Babie, lengthened in pronuncia-
tion into Baxubee (Javiieson).

1850 TILL 1S84. 355

as their first minister Mr. Archibald Baird, of Auchtermuchty, who
was inducted on the 8th November in that year. In 1844, he
received the degree of D.D. from Cokimbian College, Washington.
Dr. Baird died on 31st October, 1857, in the seventieth year of his
age, having been a minister eight years in Auchtermuchty and thirty -
two years in Paisley.^ Mr. James Brown, the present incumbent,
was chosen by the congregation to succeed Dr. Baird, and was
ordained to the pastorate on 30th August, 1859. The degree of
D.D. was conferred on Mr. Brown by the Senatus Academicus of
the Glasgow University in April, 1878. His stipend at first was
;^2oo ; now it is ;^5oo, with a manse. When Dr. Brown entered
upon his charge there were 366 communicants, and in 1875 there
were 666. In consequence of the increase in the congregation,
they resolved to erect a larger and more commodious church in
Underwood Road. It is a splendid structure, and was opened
early in 1884. The organ is the gift of Mrs. Archd. Coats, of
Woodside, in memory of her father and mother. On the east
side of the handsome gable fronting Underwood Road is a tower
and spire 180 feet in height. In the chamber of the tower there is
a fine peal of bells manufactured by Messrs. Taylor & Sons, Leicester.
The first tower and spire gave way from having a defective founda-
tion, and had to be taken down and rebuilt at an expense of upwards
of ^^3000. It is understood that the total cost of the structure,
independent of site and gifts, will be about ;^29,ooo.

The United Presbyterian Church, St. James Street, established
a mission charge, with Mr. Cook as pastor, at Greenock Road,
where a large number of new dwelling-houses had been erected.
Mr. Cook was inducted on 5 th April, 1881. His exertions were so
successful that it was resolved a new church should be built in place
of the mission hall. The foundation stone was laid on 1 9th May,
1882. This church, which is of Gothic design, can accommodate
620 persons, and has a spire and bell.

The United Presbyterian Church, George Street, was erected in
1822 by the Old Burghers, or Original Seceders, who as a congrega-
tion had enjoyed regular services from 1809. They met first in an
old saw -pit and afterwards in the " Garnel," New Sneddon Street,
and from about 181 8 to 1823 in the Old Low Church. The new
church was opened in 1823, and Mr. Andrew Thomson, the first
minister, was ordained on i8th November, 1824. Mr. Thomson
resigned his pastoral charge and went to Ireland in July, 1834.
Shortly afterwards, the congregation was admitted into the United

Dr. Baird published the following in pamphlet form: — In 1834, "The
Centenary of the Secession Churcli in Scotland Commemorated," a discourse.
In 1836, " Lecture under the patronage of the Paisley Young Men's Voluntary
Church Society — Subject, 'State Churches founded in rebellion against the
sovereignty of Jesus Christ, and incompatible with the civil and religious rights
of men ' ; including a review of Dr. Burns's pamphlet, entitled ' Scottish Volun-
taryism the Atheist's Ally.' " In 1S51, "The pretensions of the Church of Rome
in regard to antiquity, unity, catholicity, and sanctity, examined and refuted."

35^ HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Secession Church. A call was signed in favour of Mr. John Boyd,
Hexham, who accepted, and was inducted to the pastorate on 19th
November, 1835. ^^i 1839, Mr. Boyd was re-translated to his former
congregation. The congregation worshipping in the Old Low Church
under Mr. Robert Cairns in connection with the United Secession
Church joined the congregation in George Street Church, becoming
one charge on the first Sabbath of December, 1839. Mr. Cairns
died on 26th April, 1857. Mr. John Wilson succeeded, and was
ordained to the pastoral charge on 19th February, 1858. Mr.
Wilson left on 17th. August, 1865, and went to New York. Mr.
Andrew Elder, the present minister, was inducted to the pastorate
on 5th February, 1867. The minister's stipend is ;^2oo, and there
are 366 communicants in the congregation.

The need for additional churches in connection with the Church
of Scotland in some districts of the town was greatly felt, and in 1832
the subject was taken up with spirit by the Rev. Dr. Burns, Rev.
James Begg, Rev. John Macnaughtan, and others. It was arranged
that a church should be erected in Love Street, one about the head of
Causeyside, and another at the west end of the town, thus giving an
additional church to each of the three town parishes. The first of
these churches, fitted up for 1000 sitters, was erected in Love Street,
by voluntary contributions, and was called the North Church. The
following inscription was put on a stone in the front of the church : —

" New North Church.
" This church was erected by Voluntary Contribution, in the year
1834, during the ministry of the Rev. James Begg, and which will
remain in perpetual connection with the Established Church of
Scotland." ^

The church was mainly founded through the exertions of Mr. James
Begg, of the Middle Church. Mr. Peter Macmorland was elected
to be the first minister on 20th May, 1834, and the church was
opened on 29th August following, when the Rev. Dr. Buchanan, of
the Tron Church, Glasgow, delivered a discourse. The managers,
the clergymen who had been present, a number of the elders, and
other gentlemen, dined the same afternoon in the Saracen's Head
Inn. Mr. Farquharson in the chair. Before Mr. Macmorland entered
into his new charge he was elected minister of the National Scotch
Church, London, and he accepted the metropolitan pastorate. Mr.
Robert Stevenson was afterwards chosen by the congregation, and
was ordained on 17th July, 1835, but he, as already stated, was soon
afterwards translated to the pastorate of the Middle Church, Paisley.
Mr. James Graham was chosen on 25th February, 1836, to succeed
Mr. Stevenson, and was ordained 3 ist March following. Mr. Graham
was translated to the parish church of Fenwick in September, 1843,

^ The grammatical construction of this inscription being considered by many to
be wrong, it was subjected to much good-humoured criticism. Ultimately, the
objectionable "which" was erased.

1850 TILL 1884. 357

and Mr. Wyper was chosen as his successor, and was ordained 27th
October, 1843. He remained but a short time, being translated to
the church and parish of Norriston, Dunblane, in September, 1845.
Mr. Duncan Blair succeeded, and was ordained 15th October, 1846.
Mr. Walter Brock was Mr. Blair's successor, and was ordained to
the pastorate in 1851. On his translation to Orkney in 1855, Mr.
James Aitken was elected (5th January, 1856) to discharge the
duties of the pastorate. On his translation to a charge in Glasgow,
he was succeeded in August, 1862, by Mr. J. A. Stewart. His
successor was Mr. William Row, who was inducted 21st July, 1864;
and on his translation to a church in Glasgow his successor was Mr.
John Renwick, who was ordained i8th July, 1867. Mr. D. N.
Imrie succeeded, and was ordained to the charge in December, 1870.
His successor was Mr. Robert GilfiUan, who was ordained to the
pastorate on 20th June, 1872. On his translation to the parish church
of Lochwinnoch, he was succeeded by Mr. Frederick C. Niven,
who was ordained loth January, 1874. Mr. Niven died on 7th
July, 1883, and Mr. J. Young, the present incumbent, who had acted
as Mr. Niven's assistant for some time, was elected his successor,
and was ordained 5th December in that year.

The South Church, in Neilston Street, forming another of the
three new churches in connection with the Church of Scotland that
had been erected to afford church accommodation in the outlying
districts of the town, was opened on 29th April, 1836, when the
Rev. Mr. Macfarlane, Renfrew, delivered a discourse. On the same
afternoon, a number of the members of the church and others
friendly to it dined in the Saracen's Head Inn — Sheriff Campbell
in the chair. The church accommodated 1004 sitters. The con-
gregation, a short time afterwards, elected Mr. Alexander Salmon,
who had been a teacher in Kilsyth, to be the first minister. He
was ordained to the pastorate on 19th August, 1836. On Mr.
Salmon's translation to Barrhead in 1841,^ he was succeeded by
Mr. Peter Henderson. At the great secession in 1843, Mr.
Henderson joined the Free Church, but remained in the South
Church, under the beUef that it did not belong to the
Church of Scotland. But after a tedious litigation the Court of
Session decided that this and similar churches belonged to the
Church of Scotland. After Mr. Henderson's translation, Mr.
Alexander Pollock was ordained to the pastorate on 21st April,
1846. When the Court of Session decided adversely to his views,
Mr. Pollock left the church, along with the most of the congre-
gation. The church remained closed till 1854, when the Presbytery,
assisted by others, raised sufficient subscriptions to pay off the debt,
then amounting to ;^i5o, and the building was opened as a place
of worship. Mr. MTntyre was inducted to discharge the duties of
the pastorate, and died in February, 1855. He was succeeded by
Mr. John M'Lean, who was inducted to the pastorate in 1857, and

^ In this year Mr. Salmon published a discourse entitled " Hope Purifieth."

3S8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

remained minister till 1873, when he went to America (May, 1873),
and died there in August following. His successor was Mr. G. S.
Anderson, who was inducted to the charge on the i8th of December
in that year. In February, 1878, the church was endowed, suffi-
cient funds having been raised for that purpose, and became a
parish church quoad sacra. On the translation of Mr. Anderson to
Aberdeen in 1877, Mr. C. C. Macdonald, Rothesay, was elected,
and inducted to the pastorate on i8th July, 1877. He did not
remain long in the charge. Being elected minister of St. Clement's,
Aberdeen, he was succeeded by Mr. W. M. Metcalfe, the present
incumbent, who was inducted on 17th December, 1879.^ In 1875
the communicants numbered 292, and at present (1883) there are
upwards of 500.

The Martyrs' Church was erected in 1835 to meet the wants of
those residing in the west end of the town, and was seated for about
1250. The situation of the structure is commanding and beautiful.
Over the main door of the church is a tablet-stone bearing the fol-
lowing inscription:- — "Martyrs' Church, erected in 1835 by the
friends of the Church of Scotland. ' Blessed are they that dwell in
Thy house, they will be still praising Thee.' " The church was
opened for public worship on 20th November, 1835 — ■^^^'- N-
Paterson, of St. Andrew's Church, Glasgow, officiating ; and in the
evening sixty gentlemen dined in the Saracen's Head Inn — Mr.
John ]\Iacnaughtan in the chair. Mr. John Macfarlane, probationer,
was the first minister, and was ordained on 21st July, 1S36, to
the duties of the pastorate. On Mr. }klacfarlane leaving for
New Zealand, his successor was Mr. Falconer, who was ordained to
the pastoral charge on 21st April, 1840. In 1843, Mr. Falconer
joined the Free Church party, but holding, like many others
similarly situated, that the property did not belong to the Church
of Scotland, he remained in the Martyrs' Church. After protracted
litigation, as already stated, the Court of Session decided otherwise ;
and on Mr. Falconer leaving, the most of the congregation went
along with him. There were no stated services in the church for a
considerable time afterwards. On ist February, 1848, Mr. G.
Morton was appointed by the Presbytery to conduct services in that
church, and in other places of worship within the bounds of the
Presbytery. In 1849 a committee of the Presbytery was appointed
to meet with the small number of worshippers in the church to elect
managers. Regular pulpit supply began in 1852 ; and in the follow-
ing year Mr. John Fleming was elected to the pastorate, and was
ordained on 7th June, 1853. Mr. Fleming resigned in 1864; and
Mr. R. Woodrow Thomson was elected to be his successor on 5th
October in that year, and was inducted on 26th January, 1865.
During the ministry of Mr. Thomson, which lasted for three years,
the number of communicants and adherents was more than doubled.

1 A sermon preached by Mr. Metcalfe on Sunday, 5th February, 1S83, "In
Memoriam — James Seton Veitch," and entitled "Life after Death,"' was
printed for private circulation.

1850 TILL 1884. 359

Mr. Thomson was translated to St. Luke's, Glasgow ; and Mr. J. D.
Stewart was inducted as successor on 21st February, 1867. Mr.
Stewart was translated to Crossmichael in 1872, and Mr. George
W. Strang was ordained as successor on 26th May, 1872. It was
during Mr. Strang's incumbency that energetic efforts were made
which in 1874 proved successful in having the Martyrs' Church
endowed and erected into a quoad sacra parish, with a population
of upwards of 7500. Mr. Strang was translated to Castlehill
Church, Campbeltown ; and Mr. Finlay R. Macdonald was chosen
to be pastor, and was inducted on 23rd September, 1874. Mr.
Macdonald was translated to the parish of Cupar- Angus in 1881 ;
and Mr. William Low, the present incumbent, was elected to the
pastorate, and was inducted on 26th March, 1882. The number of
communicants is 630 ; and the stipend paid to the minister in 1882
was ;^264 1 8s. lod.

After the great secession from the Established Church in 1843,
there were six new churches erected to accommodate the members
of the congregations that had seceded. Free St. George's Church
was erected to accommodate those who followed the Rev. Dr.
Burns, The new church had an entrance from New Street and
one from High Street by the Weigh-house Close. The foundation-
stone was laid on i8th September, 1843, and the church was
opened 3rd May, 1844. It cost upwards of ;^2ooo, and there
were 1020 sittings in it. In January, 1844, Dr. Burns was sent,
along with Dr. Cunningham, as a deputation to the United States
of America and to Canada to solicit funds in aid of the Free
Church, and, after an absence of five months, returned to Paisley.
In January, 1845, Dr. Burns received a call from the congregation
of Knox's Church, Toronto, which he accepted, and he preached
his farewell sermon on 23rd March following, and sailed for Canada
on the 29th of that month. Dr. Burns died at Toronto on 19th
August, 1869. Mr. John Thomson, of Yester, Haddingtonshire, was
selected by the congregation to succeed Dr. Burns, and was
inducted to the charge on 13th June, 1845. The degree of D.D.
was conferred on Mr. Thomson by the University of Glasgow in
April, 1872. Mr. Gavin Tait, the present pastor, was elected by
the congregation, with the concurrence of Dr. Thomson, to be his
colleague and successor, and was ordained 5th October, 1881.
The Rev. Dr. Thomson died on 6th August, 1883.^

^ Mr. Thomson was the author of the following publications : — In 1848,
"A Lily among the Thorns : a Sermon." In 1849, "Extract Minutes from
the Records of the Free Presbytery of Paisley, and Letters in the complaint at
the instance of the Rev. John Thomson, minister of Free St. George's, Paisley,
against five of the Elders of that church." In 1849, "On Regeneration : its
Necessity, Nature, Author, and Effects." In 1850, "An Abstract of Reasons
and Speeches on behalf of the Free Presbytery of Paisley in the case of the Rev.
John Thomson and others, appellants, against the Presbytery, in the Synod of
Glasgow and Ayr." In 1850, " Speech of the Rev. John Thomson in the
Free Synod of Glasgow and Ayr in regard to the conduct of five Elders of Free
St. George's Church." In 1851, " The Idolatry of the Church of Rome in the

360 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

The new church to accommodate Mr. John Macnaughtan and
those who joined him from the High Church was called the Free
High Church. The structure, the entrance to which is from Orr
Square, was founded on 15th July, 1844, and opened on 20th July,
1845. M^- Macnaughtan continued to be pastor for only four years,
when he accepted a call from Rosemary Street congregation, Belfast,
to which he was translated in October, 1849, where he died 27 th
May, 1884.^ The congregation in August, 185 1, made choice of
Mr. J. B. Dickson, a native of Kelso, as successor, and he was or-
dained to the charge in June, 1852, the church being thus without a
stated pastor for the long period of two years and nine months. Mr.
Dickson in September, 1859, resigned his charge, and was some time
afterwards chosen as pastor to the Presbyterian congregation at
Croydon.- The Free High Church congregation then elected Mr.
James M'Gregor, who was inducted 30th April, 1861. In 1868,
Mr. M'Gregor resigned on being appointed to a Professorship in the
Free College, Edinburgh. Before leaving, he was entertained at a
public dinner in the George Hotel on 27th October, 1868, Provost
Macfarlane presiding.^ The congregation made choice of Mr. James

worship of Saints and Images," "A Guide for the Young," "A Brand
plucked from the Burning." In 1854, " The Race -course, the Theatre, and the
Ball -Room : a warning for the times against prevailing vices and amusements."
In 1856, "Religious Indifference in relation to Doctrine, Practice, and Personal
Piety." In 1858, "The Paisley Coffee-Room z't'rsus the Sabbath." In 1859,
"Personality, Divinity, and Love of the Holy Spirit." In i860, "The
Spiritual import of Baptism." In 1870, " United Prayer in the present crisis of
the Union Question, being substance of an address delivered in the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, Paisley." In 1875, " A Pastor's Counsels to his Flock on
the prospect of a temporary separation." In 1879, "Christ the Resurrection
and the Life : a Sermon preached on the occasion of the death of Provost Murray."

^ The following is a list of Mr. Macnaughtan's publications while in Paisley : —
In 1835, " A statement of the actual income and expenditure of the Established
Church in the Burgh of Paisley." In 1836, " Letters to the Rev. John Bremner,
Popish Priest of Paisley." In 1837, "A discourse preached in the High Church,
Paisley, on 20th August." In 1837, "A sketch of the life of William Perrie,
and recollections of conversations with him during his confinement and when
under the sentence of death ; in two discourses preached in the High Church on
22nd October." " Man a lesponsible and social being, bound to promote the
best interests of society ; lecture delivered in Broughton Place Free Church,
Edinburgh." "Tracts for the Times, under the sanction of the Free Protesting
Presbytery of Paisley — Who are the Separatists ? Who have broken their
ordination vows?" In 1849, "Farewell Sermon preached in the Free High
Church, 7th October."

^ We give a list of Mr. J. B. Dickson's publications while in Paisley: — In 1852,
" Speech delivered on 20th October at a public meeting held on behalf of
Francesco and Rosa Madiai " ; also in 1852, " Lecture on the fundamental law
of Christian ethics." In 1854, " Theodoxia, or glory to God : in evidence of the
truth of Christianity." In 1855, " The Mercy and Judgment of God : adiscourse."
In 1856, "The Voice of Time, an address for the close of the year "; also in 1856,
"The Life, Labours, and Genius of Alexander Wilson : a lecture." In 1857,
"The Temple Lamp," a periodical ; and in 1858, a " Pastoral Circular."

^ Mr. M'Gregor when in Paisley published the following works: — In 1864,
"The Headship of Christ, with special references to the Disruption Church : a
prospective, introspective, and retrospective review." In 1S66, "The Sabbath
Question, historical, scriptural, and practical," of 433 printed pages ; and in 1867,
" Memorials of the late Rev. Henry M. Douglas."

1850 TILL 1884. 361

B. Sturrock, the present incumbent, to succeed Mr. M'Gregor, and
he was inducted on 22nd April, 1869.

The foundation-stone of the Free Middle Church, School Wynd,
was laid on 15th January, 1844, and it was opened for worship on
6th June following, when the first minister, Mr. Alexander Forrester,
was inducted. He was translated to Halifax, Nova Scotia, in
October, 1848. The congregation then elected Mr. William Fraser
as his successor, and he was ordained 20th December, 1849. ^I^^-
Fraser was so eminently successful in his ministrations, that the
church required in 1863 to be greatly enlarged to accommodate the
increase in the number of the congregation. The building at the
same time was greatly improved in its external appearance. In
1857, Mr. Fraser was the means of re-establishing the Philosophical
Institution, which had ceased to exist for several years previously.
Mr. Fraser was president of this valuable institution for several
years afterwards. In 1872 the degree of Doctor of Laws was con-
ferred on him by the University of Glasgow. As an educationist
the doctor stood high, and at the first School Board election in
1872, he was elected a member of the Board, being the second
highest on the poll — Mrs. Arthur of Barshaw being the highest.
At the election in 1876 he was again chosen a member of the School
Board. In the following year, his health, from an internal disease,
began to fail, and he was forced to abandon his ministerial duties.
He died on the 21st September, 1879, in the sixty-second year of
his age. The funeral, on the 27th of that month, was a public one,
and the service was conducted in the Free Middle Church.^ The
congregation made choice of Mr. William M'Cloy for their pastor,
and he was inducted on 7th September, 1881. He only remained
a short time in his charge. In April in the following year he left
the Free Church and joined the Established Church, and was chosen
by the congregation of the new Parish Church, Rothesay, to be
their pastor. Mr. J. R. Caird, of Campbeltown, the present
minister, was chosen to succeed Mr. M'Cloy, and was inducted 14th
September, 1882.

At the Free Church secession in 1843, Mr. Peter Henderson was
pastor in the South Church, as already mentioned ; and although he
seceded from the Established Church, he, like many other ministers
who held charges in quoad sacra churches, believed that the edifice
belonged to the congregation, and therefore did not leave. The
courts of law having decided otherwise, he and those who were

The Rev. Dr. Fraser was the author of the following published works : —
" Lectures on several Sources of Human Happiness," 1852. " The State of our
Educational Enterprises," 1858. "The Educational Condition of Scotland a
National Disgrace," 1859. " Suggested Basis for a National System of Educa-
tion," i860. "The Revised Code : a Plea for a National System of Education,"
1862. "Memoir of Mr. David Stow," 1868. "Reform but not Destroy the
Irish Church," 1868. "Notes on the Death of Jessie M. Stewart," 1869.
" Blending Lights ; or. The Relations of Natural Science, Archaeology, and
History to the Bible," 1873. " Shall we Banish the Bible from our Schools? "
1876.

362 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

similarly situated had to leave these churches along with their con-
gregations. After Mr. Henderson's translation, the congregation
made choice of Mr. Alexander Pollock to be their pastor, and he
was ordained to the charge on 21st April, 1846. The foundation-
stone of the new Free South Church was laid on 22nd August, 1849,
The Rev. Mr. Pollock, who presided, addressed those present on
the history of the South Church. At first, the congregation, he
said, "was small, but it gradually improved, and since the Dis-
ruption its members had largely increased. The church from which
they had been virtually dislodged was now closed, and the grass
growing around ; and there did not appear any likelihood of its
being re-opened." At a meeting of Presbytery held on ist February,
187 1, Mr. Pollock,^ in consequence of the infirm state of his health,
wished that rev. body to apply to the approaching General Assembly
to permit the appointment of a colleague and successor, who would
be allowed to enjoy the entire emoluments. This was afterwards
carried out, and the congregation made choice of Mr. Alexander
Bannatyne, of the West Church, Inverness, who was inducted on
ist November, 1871. Mr. Bannatyne was translated to Man-
chester in 1878, and Mr. John Paterson, the present incumbent, was
appointed his successor, and was inducted on 26th September in
that year.

The foundation-stone of the Free Martyrs' Church was laid on
5th November, 1847. Mr. G. P. Young was ordained to the
pastorate on 6th October, 1847. Mr. J. M. Dixon was his suc-
cessor, and was ordained on 4th May, 1848. He died in July,
1865, and was succeeded in the pastorate by Mr. William MTndoe,
the present incumbent, who was inducted 20th January, 1866.

The Free Gaelic Church in Shuttle Street was erected in 1847,
and the first minister was Mr. M'Kenzie. His successor was Mr.
Alexander MTntyre, who was ordained on 27th March, 1848, and
was succeeded by Mr. Allan MTntyre in 1851. Mr. MTntyre was
succeeded by Mr. A. G. M'Leod, who was ordained on 8th
February, 1855. ^^^- Alexander Munro was chosen successor to
Mr. A. G. M'Leod in 1857. Mr. Alexander MTntosh succeeded,
and was ordained 27th April, 1859. The present incumbent is
Mr. A. M'Neil, who was ordained 17th November, 1881.

The Baptist Church in Storie Street was erected in 1798. For a

^ Mr. Pollock died on 8th July, 1878. In addition to numerous private
bequests and various legacies to public trusts, he also gave his residence of Haw-
stone Lodge, Ascog, Bute, with the grounds and furniture, as a house of resi-
dence for aged or infirm ministers and missionaries in connection with Protestant
churches in Scotland, with an endowment of ;i^ic)00. Mr. Pollock, before
qualifying himself to fill the important position of a pastor in a Protestant con-
gregation, carried on for several years a prosperous business as a yarn merchant
in Causeyside Street. He published anonymously a pamphlet entitled
"Scriptural Reasons for Seceding from the Established Church of Scotland."
He also in 1874 had a volume, of 546 pages, of " Lectures and Sermons delivered
from 1846 to 1 87 1 in the Free South Church," "printed for gratuitous distribu-
tion to the members on the communion roll in April, 1871."

1850 TILL 1884. 363

lengthened period the services were conducted by the elders. The
first paid pastor was Mr. Richardson, who was succeeded by Mr.
David Wallace, he being ordained in April, 1851. Mr. Wallace
died on 3rd February, 1860,^ and his successor was Mr. Oliver
Flett, the present incumbent, in i860. On 28th April, 1881, the
honorary degree of D.D, was conferred on Mr. Flett by the
University of Glasgow. "-^

Since the new Baptist Chapel was erected in George Street in
1844, the clerical duties have been discharged by several pastors,
viz., Messrs. W. Shanks, J. Taylor, D. Balneave, J. W. Macalpine,
A. Smith, J. C. Thompson, R. Steel, and George W. Landels, the
present incumbent, whose ordination took place on ist July, 1883.

The Baptist Church, Lady Lane, was erected in 1867. The
congregation, which was mainly an offshoot from the Baptist Church,
Storie Street, was formed on 4th April, 1866, and first worshipped
in a hall in the Town's Academy. The congregation, which con-
sisted of 82 members, elected to the pastorate the present incumbent,
Mr. John Crouch, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle College, London.
In consequence of the hall in the Academy becoming insufficient to
accommodate the increasing congregation, tlie new church in Lady
Lane was erected at a cost of ^2200, including the price of the
site. The memorial -stone was laid on 25th April, 1867, and the
church was opened on 1 2th December following. Without a gallery,
this place of worship, which is in the Gothic style, is seated for 508
persons, and is altogether a handsome structure.

The Congregationalists' first place of worship was the church in
Canal Street, near the West Relief Church, called the Tabernacle,
which was built in 1747 for a congregation connected with the Old
Scotch Independents. The first pastor was Mr, Young, a student
under the Rev. Greville Ewing, Glasgow. He was ordained 21st
July, 1 80 1. Having changed his opinion regarding the subject of
baptism, he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. George Robertson,
of Inverkip, who was chosen to be pastor on loth March, 1807.
His health having broken down in 181 5, he resigned, and his suc-
cessor was Mr. Robert M'Lauchlan, who was ordained in the
following year, and filled the charge till 1846, when he resigned in
consequence of failing health. After a year's rest his health was
restored, and he resumed the duties of the pastorate. It was during
his ministry, in 1834, that the congregation erected the church in
Old Sneddon Street. Mr. M'Lauchlan was succeeded by Mr.
William Ross, who died after discharging the duties only for a short
period. His successor was Mr. John Renfrew, who left to fill the
important situation of secretary to the Glasgow City Mission. Mr.

^ The works published by Mr. Wallace were "Christian Baptism : is it the
Immersion of Believers or the Sprinkling of Infants, as testified by Pffidobaptisls,"
1856. Also, in the same year, " A Vindication and Rejoinder, in a letter to
A. G., respecting his " What is Christian Baptism ?"

- Mr. Flett published in 1S71 " The Christian Hymnal, a collection of
Hymns for Divine Worship."

364 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

A. B. Morris succeeded Mr. Renfrew. Mr. Morris's successor
was Mr. John Macrae Simcock, who was ordained pastor 8th
September, 1871 ; and Mr. W. N. ChaHce, the present incumbent,
succeeded Mr. Simcock on 31st July, 1881.

A congregation of the Evangehcal Union Church, according to
the tenets laid down by the Rev. James Morison of Kilmarnock,
was formed in Paisley in 1843. The services were at first conducted
by students from the Theological Academy of the Evangelical Union
formed in Kilmarnock in that year. In 1845, Mr. A. M. Wilson, a
student of the Evangelical Union, was appointed the first pastor of the
church in Paisley. The congregation assembled first in the Abercorn
Rooms, then in the Exchange Rooms, and afterwards they leased
the Old Low Church. Mr. Wilson accepted a call to Dundee, and
Mr. Elder, a student of the E.U. Academy, succeeded him in the
pastorate. Mr. Elder fell into bad health, and only remained a few
months ; he died while on a voyage to a milder climate. Mr.
William Taylor, another student, succeeded Mr. Elder in the summer
of 1849, ^^d was called to the pastorate, but he gave preference to
a call he received from Kendal. Before Mr. Taylor left, the
congregation became proprietors of the Old Low Church on paying
;^3oo, — the property being burdened besides with an annual feu-
duty of ^15. As the sittings on the ground floor were damp and
the building too large for the congregation, the area was roofed over
by a floor which was formed across the space between the galleries
and on a level with them, thereby affording accommodation for 700
sitters. The area underneath was then let as a store. In the end
of 1849 Mr. William Taylor was succeeded by Mr. J. Y. Aitchison,
who gave up his charge in 185 1 and joined the Baptist body. Mr.
Ebenezer Kennedy was called from Leith, and was inducted to the
pastorate on Sunday, i6th November, 185 1. Mr. Kennedy resigned
in 1855, and retired into private life. Mr. G. T. M. IngUs was called
from Musselburgh, and was inducted to the pastorate on Sunday,
6th April, 1856. He remained till i860, when he accepted a call
to a congregation meeting in Waterloo Rooms, Edinburgh. Mr.
William Park was Mr. Inglis's successor, and was ordained on 5th
October, i860. In December, 1864, Mr. Park accepted a call to
the E.U. Church in Carlisle, and was succeeded by Mr. John
Spaven, who was ordained on 2nd May, 1866. Mr. Spaven
remained till February, 1870, when he accepted a call to Windermere.
His successor was Mr. Alexander Wilson, Kilwinning, the present
pastor, who was inducted on 2nd June, 1870. Shortly after Mr.
Wilson entered on his duties, the chapel was re -seated and otherwise
improved at an expense of ;^i2oo, which was raised by special
subscriptions. At the same time, the high stone wall that enclosed
the church yard fronting New Street was taken down and the present
handsome railing erected in its stead, about sixteen feet back from
the former line of street, thereby adding considerably to the width
and to the amenity of New Street.

The Primitive Methodists first formed a mission in Paisley fifty

1850 TILL 1884. 365

years ago, and, after worshipping for a long time in a chapel in the
Abbey Buildings, Abbey Close, they removed to the place of worship
in Canal Street known iDy the name of the Tabernacle. This body
generally make a change in their ministers every few years, and
during the last twenty years these have been the Reverend Messrs.
Todd, Langley, Trenwith, Harding, Edwards, Blackshaw, and the pre-
sent incumbent, ]\Ir. Newman, who has officiated for about eighteen
months in Paisley. The chapel in Canal Street having been
required in connection with the Canal Line of railway, the con-
gregation have purchased the United Presbyterian Church, St.
James Street, which has been vacated by its congregation at the
opening of their beautiful new church in Underwood Road.

The Roman Catholic Chapel, East Buchanan Street, called St.
Mirin's Chapel, was opened in November, 1809, and among the clergy-
men who have discharged the duties there during the last half century
have been Messrs. J. Bremner, J- Purcell, J. Carolan, D. Kenny,
C. M'Kenzie, John Kerr, Alexander Munro, J. K. Donelly,
J. Conwa)', J. M'Lachlan, J. G. Hughes, M. Fox, D.D., A. Bisset,
J. M'Donald, E. Cantwell, N. Parrer, J. Coahlan, and the present
clergyman, Canon Hugh Chisholm.

The Roman Catholic Chapel, Queen Street, was erected a few
years ago, and the clergymen who have officiated since then have
been Messrs. John M'Donald and Arthur Beyaert.

The Unitarian Chapel is in George Street, and the following are
some of the ministers who have officiated in it during the last
fifty years : — IMessrs. C. Dunlop, D. Wilson, R. Findlay, P. Cal-
lander, C. Mills, William Bennett, and Mr. Stronge. At the present
time and for a few years back the chapel has been without a
minister.

About the end of the last or the beginning of the present century,
the Wesle3'an Methodists formed themselves in Paisley into a body
for public worship. They had no regular place of meeting till
1 810, when they erected the chapel No. 12 George Street, at a cost
of ^2400. Prior to this time, their numbers had been considerably
increased by those who had come from England to work at the
formation of the Canal. In 1821, the number of members had
decreased so much that they altered the chapel so as only to use
the galleries as a place to worship in, and converted the area into
shops and dwelling-houses. The chapel by this alteration could
still accommodate about 600 persons. In 1834, when the number
of members was 300, a difference of opinion arose among them
regarding the Voluntary controversy which raged at that time.
This warfare was brought to an end by about one -half of the
members leaving the chapel, and forming a new denomination
under the name of the " Independent Methodist Association," with
Mr. C. J. Kennedy as their minister.^ Those who remained in the

^ On this subject Mr. Kennedy published in 1832, in pamphlet form,
" Observation on the terms of Sacramental Communion among the We^leyan

7,66 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

chapel, gradually decreasing in numbers, ultimately became unable
to pay the interest on the _;^iooo borrowed on the property. It
was therefore sold by the bondholder in 1850, by public roup, and
was bought by Mr. C. J. Kennedy for ^720. The congregation,
with Mr. Kennedy as their pastor, remained in the chapel till his
death in 1S54, after which his trustees sold it to the congregation of
Swedenborgians, now worshipping there. On their obtaining posses-
sion, the building was renovated and improved, both internally and
externally, so much that the " New Jerusalem Chapel " is very
handsome. The present minister is Mr. Laurence Allbutt.

Various games and sports were indulged in by a number of the
inhabitants of Paisley during the early part of this century, and
archery was one of them. In 1806, "The Paisley Archers' Society"
Avas established, and they possessed a silver arrow, for which the
members competed at fixed periods. We find from the Glasgow
newspapers that " the silver arrow was shot for by the Company of
Archers at Paisley, on Friday, the 24th August, 18 10, and won by
Mr. John Kinross." In Ritchie's Paisley Directory for 1820 it is
stated that the office-bearers of this society were Robert Small,
captain ; Robert Walkinshaw, jun., late captain ; and James Jack-
son, secretary. On 31st October, 1829, the members of the
Company of Archers had their competition for the silver arrow at
the Butts, and, after a keen competition, it was won by Mr. William
Parker, jun. The grounds, we are informed, were crowded by
spectators anxious to witness this ancient pastime ; but it is not
stated where the Butts were situated. The members dined in the
afternoon of that day in the Renfrewshire Tontine. In the follow-
ing year, the company met at the Butts on 28th May to shoot for
the silver arrow and medals, which, after a short competition, were
won by Mr. Hamilton, who was declared captain for the next year.
We learn from an advertisement in the Paisley newspaper of 4th
June, 183 1, that the Paisley Company of Archers were to assemble
on the grounds for practice on Monday, the 6th of that month, at
four o'clock afternoon, and on every lawful day thereafter during
the season at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. j and it was intimated that gentle-
men desirous of becoming members were to apply to Mr. Joseph

Methodists;" and in 1834, "The Testimony of the dissenting Wesleyan
Methodists in Paisley against the union of Church and State, with an address'to
the Wesleyan Methodists in Great Britain and Ireland regarding the late
decision of the conference in the case of Mr. J. R. Stephens, of Ashton-under-
Lyne." Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Charles Leckie, Barrhead, had a public
discussion on National Establishments, in the High Church, Paisley, on the
evenings of the 15th and iSth March, 1839. Mr. Kennedy published, in 1830,
a work on "The Doctrine of Universal Atonement Vindicated, in seven letters to
the Rev. John Smyth, D.D." There was also published, under the sanction of
the Scottish Association for opposing Prevalent Error, a work written by Mr.
Kennedy entitled "Nature and Revelation Harmonious : a defence of Scrip-
tural Truths assailed in Mr. George Combe's work on the Constitution of Man,
considered in relation to external objects."

1850 TILL 1884. 367

M'Leod, secretary. We fear this resolution to practise regularly
and zealously was not carried out, for we have been unable to dis-
cover any notice of their meeting to compete during that or any
future season for the silver arrow and medals. Such, apparently,
was the ending of this club. But in September, 1857, another club
was formed under the same name. Mr. Crum-Ewing, M.P., was
the patron ; Mr. J. J. Lamb, president ; Mr. J. S. Crawford, vice-
president ; Mr. Thomas M'Robert, secretary ; and Mr. James
M'Farlane, treasurer. They made arrangements for practising regu-
larly, and, with a gallantry that did them credit, they resolved to invite
ladies to join as honorary members. In May of the following year,
Mr. Crum-Ewing presented the club with a valuable baldrick or belt,
and Bailie Lamb, the captain for that year, a silver medal, as prizes
to be shot for. Mr. Reid, bowmaker, Kilwinning, presented the
club with four finely-made arrows. The formal opening of the
ground at Greenhill for the summer practice took place on 12th
May, i860, when the following prizes were competed for : — A green
cap and tassel, presented by Mr. James M'Farlane, the captain, to
go to the gainer of the most golds of the day ; a sweepstake, set of
arrows, to go to the winner of the highest score of the day ; a
second set of arrows for the best gold of the day ; and a third set of
arrows for the best gold at sixty yards. The Aveather being fine and
the wind light, the sport was exceedingly good.^ The second com-
petition was on 24th October in the same year. At the conclusion
of the shooting, the following were declared to be the winners: —
Mr. Wilham Smith, winner of the captaincy and Mr. Ewing's silver
horn in possession for a year ; Mr, James M'Farlane, winner of the
lieutenancy and Mr. Lamb's silver medal for the year ; Mr. Andrew
Ferguson, winner of a set of arrows ; Miss Gardner, Greenhill
Cottage, winner of the prize for the best score of the field at sixty
yards. On 7th May, 1862, the opening meeting was held, and
about the usual number of members came forward to inaugurate the
season's practice. The shootings thereafter took place for the
prizes. The shooting practice, along with the usual competition
for prizes, continued every year down to 1867, since which time the
club has been, we understand, in abeyance.

In the early part of the 1 7th century we noticed that a contribution
of ;!^2o was made by the Council to aid in a theatrical performance,
but it is not stated who were the actors. On 17th August, 1705,
the Council " by plurality of votes allowed Mr. George Glen, master
of the Grammar School, and Mr. James Alexander, Doctor, twenty
pounds Scotch (^i 13s. 4d.) towards the defraying of the expense
of their acting BeUuin Gravimaticalc" and also " for their further
encouragement therein promised to erect ane theatre at their own
expenses." This promise, however, was never carried into eftect.
Before the close of that century there were more theatrical per-

^ The silver arrow belonging to the former club is not mentioned.

368 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

formances, but not under the patronage of the Town Council.^ The
Rev. Dr. Wotherspoon, of the Laigh Church, Paisley, deemed it his
duty to preach a sermon to his congregation against theatrical per-
formances, which was afterwards published in pamphlet form under
the title of " A Serious Enquiry into the Nature and Effects of the
Stage." Before its appearance, a printed placard was circulated with
the heading, " Defence of the Stage by the Members of the Paisley
Company of Comedians," but this publication we have never seen.
On 15th July, 1784, a tragedy and comedy were acted at the theatre,
Paisley, for the benefit of the poor. About that time Mr. Sutherland
was the manager of the theatre in Paisley, but we have not been
able to discover where the Paisley theatre at that time was situated.
In so far as we can discover, there were few opportunities given
in the early part of this century to the inhabitants to indulge in wit-
nessing theatrical performances. In 1801 there was a theatre in
Paisley of some kind, and the manager was Mr. H. L. Moss. On 22nd
September in that year he proposed to the Magistrates to give a
benefit, the profits of which were to be applied to such charitable
purpose as they might prefer. But we do not learn from the Council
records if they accepted of this ofter. Of theatres there were none in
which actors might execute dramatic pieces ; and looking to the
opinions entertained by the inhabitants at that time, we doubt if
much patronage would have been bestowed upon such had they
been attempted. Mr. Hector, alluding to theatres, says — "We
may mention Highet's Hayloft, near Seedhill Bridge, to which early
in the second decade of the century we w^ere taken to see a per-
formance by His Majesty's Servants, and found access to this, the
Paisley theatre, by a long w^ooden outside stair. In this place and
in this company there performed, as we have since often heard said,
Edmund Kean, then unknown to fame. After this, the hall of the
Saracen's Head Inn was fitted up as a theatre. The actors' entrance
to it was by a ladder from a stall in the stable of the inn, by which
they got to an apartment above the stable, and having a door lead-
ing to the hall" ( Vanduara, or Odds and Ends, p. 52). We learn
from a Glasgow newspaper of 18th June, 1822, that Mr. Martin,
manager of the Theatre, Paisley, had engaged Mr. Mackay, of
Theatre -Royal, Edinburgh, for positively four nights only, when he
would make his first appearance, and thus would be presented the
celebrated national opera of " Rob Roy, or Auld Langsyne."
Bailie Nicol Jarvie and Diimbicdykcs were to be represented by Mr.
Mackay. At this time, Harry Johnstone, who was a favourite actor
in Paisley, became the manager of this theatre.

^ In 1752, a temporary theatre was fitted up near to the Bishop's Palace in
Glasgow. Two years afterwards, George Whitefield, preaching from a tent in
the High Church-yard, denounced the theatrical booth as the devil's playhouse,
and it was soon after burned to the ground (History of the Scottish Stage, by
Jackson, p. 97). In the Canongate Theatre, Edinburgh, on 14th December, 1756,
was produced the tragedy of "Douglas." The author, John Home, minister
of Athelstancford, was cited to appear before the Presbytery of Haddington, and,
to avoid high censure, met the summons by resignation. Yet the play of
" Douglas" was elevating in tone and in sentiment harmless.

1850 TILL 1884. 369

In October, 1824, Mr. Byrne, manager of the Theatre -Royal,
Glasgow, fitted up the large ball-room of the Tontine Inn as a
theatre in a tasteful and comfortable manner. It was called the
Bank Street Theatre, and was generally pretty well attended. In
December following he intimated that he had, at an immense
expense, engaged the celebrated Mr. Edmund Kean, of the Theatre-
Royal, London, for one night, but he actually performed two nights.
He appeared the first night in his favourite character of Richard III.,
and on the second night as Othello. The prices of admission were —
Boxes, 5s.; pit, 3s. 6d.; gallery, 2s.; and although thus high for
Paisley, the houses were each night crowded to excess. In August
of the following year, Mr. Seymour, of Glasgow, fitted up a theatre
in a half-ruined building in New Smithhills,^ previous, as he stated
in his handbills, to the erection of a new one on the same site.
There were thus two theatres in Paisley at that time. In this month,
Mackay, of the Theatre-Royal, Edinburgh, appeared in the Bank
Street Theatre in his inimitable performances of his favourite per-
sonages— Bailie Nicol Jarvic, the Laird of Diaiibiedykes, and Caleb
Balderston — to crowded houses. In September, 1827, Mr. Edmund
Kean acted two nights in the Smithhills Street Theatre, in the
characters of Richard III. and Sir Giles Overreach. In September,
1828, Mr. Kean, junior, then under eighteen years of age, acted for
one night in the same theatre in the character of Norval in Home's
tragedy of " Douglas." In this theatre in August, 1829, Mr. Kean,
senior, performed the part of Shylock in " The Merchant of Venice,"
for one night.'^

In May, 1830, Mr. Samuel Johnson intimated that he had taken
the theatre at the Abbey Bridge,'^ formerly occupied by the late Mr.
Stephen Kemble. The prices of admission were — Boxes, 2s.;
pit, IS.; gallery, 6d.; " except when any London performer or other
'star' is engaged, when the admittance will be — Boxes, 3s.; pit, is.;
and gallery, 6d."

On 24th January, 1833, an amateur performance of " High Life
below Stairs " and " The Irishman in London," under the manage-
ment of the Reserve Companies of the ist Royals, for the benefit of
the House of Recovery, took place in the theatre. Bridge Street.
The band of the 2nd Batallion from Glasgow was present. Among
the audience were Sir John and Miss Maxwell, Sheriff and Misses
Campbell, Provost and Misses Orr, Lord Charles Beauclerc, Mr.
and Misses Napier of Blackstone, Misses Dunlop of Househill, Mr.
Macdowall of Garthland, Mr. Alexander of Southbar, Mr. M'Kerrell
of Hillhouse, Mr. Fulton and family. Major Duchar, Major and
Mrs. Mullens, Mr. and Miss Fleming of Barrochan. The box
tickets were 6s. and the pit 3s. each. The total proceeds amounted
to about ;^40.

^ The old tenement immediately south of No. 29 in that street.
^ The writer on this occasion was one of the half-time audience, and he then
for the first time witnessed a theatrical performance.

^ This was a building immediately south of No. i North Bridge Street.

37° HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Early in 1S34 the theatre, Bridge Street, then the only one in
Paisley, underwent extensive repairs, and Mr. Johnson, the manager,
intimated in his play-bills, when re-opened in May in that year,
" that the objections which have hitherto been held in relation to
the accommodation have, at great expense, been entirely obviated.
Every exertion has been made on his part to erect a theatre at once
elegant, commodious, and secure." Mr. Johnson died on ist April,
1 83 7, and it does not appear that the theatre was afterwards continued.

In 1840 the Exchange Rooms, Moss Street, were used as a theatre,
and have so continued, less or more, under different managers, down
to the present time.

In March, 1844, Mr. G. F. Adams, Glasgow, sought from the
local Justices of the Peace a license for a building in Abercorn
Street, which he proposed to convert into a theatre. Some petitions
were presented by the inhabitants against the granting of a license,
and the Justices, by a majority of eleven to five, refused the applica-
tion. Mr. Adams appealed to the Quarter Session of Justices held
at Renfrew on 7 th May following, when twenty-one voted for granting
a license under certain regulations, and seven voted against. The
regulations, afterwards fixed, were that the theatre should not be
open more than 1 20 nights in a year, leaving him to apportion the
time according to his own discretion ; that the charge of admission
should not be less than sixpence, except at Fairs and the New Year,
when it might be reduced to threepence ; that there should be no
half-time for the lowest charge ; that on Saturday nights the theatre
should be closed at half- past ten o'clock, and on other nights at
eleven o'clock. On 5th August in this year the theatre was opened,
and continued to be managed by Mr. Adams for a considerable
time. Afterwards, Mr. Edmund Glover, of the Theatre -Royal,
Glasgow, frequently brought out his operatic company to perform in
this theatre. On 26th February, 1850, Miss Helen Faucit performed
in the drama of " King Rene's Daughter." But theatres never
succeeded well in Paisley, and the one in Abercorn Street was shut
up about i860. Within the last two years a theatre has been erected
at the Abercorn Bridge, called the Royalty Theatre. What was
once called the Exchange Rooms, Moss Street, is also used as a
theatre at the present time, and is called the Theatre -Royal.

Another favourite amusement among the inhabitants is the
fascinating, delightful, and invigorating game of curling on the ice
during the winter season. Although this sport, frequently called the
" roaring game," is now almost confined to Scotland and is a national
game, there are some who believe, from the technical terms used in
the play, that it has been imported from Germany.^ At present.

^ Curl, from the German Ktirz7vcil, a game.
Cjtrling, from Kurzweillcii, to play for amusement.
Rink or Kcnk, a race or course, probably from the ancient Saxon hriiicg (lirink),

a strong man.
Tee, tosee, from the Icelandic tia, to point out ; Teutonic tyjgh-en, indicare.

1850 TILL 1884. 371

however, no pastime resembling curling is practised in that country.
It is believed to have been brought into this country by Flemish
emigrants who came to Scotland near the end of the 15th century.
Curling- stones when first used had no handles, but were hollowed
out in such a way as to admit of the hand holding them. In the
Museum at Stirling there is an ancient curUng-stone, having the date
of 151 1 upon it, that was found in a bog near Bannockburn, and
had the parts cut for the fingers and thumb. A curling stone of
oblong shape, with the date cut out on it of 161 1, was found in
Strathallan. Camden, in his work " Britannia," pubhshed in 1607,
in describing the Isle of Copinshaw, in Orkney, states that " there
are found on it plenty of excellent stones for the game called curling."
Pennicuick, the poet, whose works were published in 17 15, says : —

*' To curl on the ice doth greatly please,
Being a manly, Scottish exercise ;
It clears the brain, stirs up the native heat,
And gives a gallant appetite for meat."

Curling in Paisley can be traced as far back at anyrate as 1757.
The Rev. John Wotherspoon, who was translated to the Laigh
Church, Paisley, in 1757, was a keen curler, and enjoyed the sport
on the " Heigh Linn," which was the place resorted to at that time
and long afterwards.^ Although curling was early practised at
Lochwinnoch, no doubt from the command of favourable opportuni-
ties on the loch, yet Mr. M'Dowal of Garthland considered the
curlers of his own parish to be inferior to the Paisley men. In
1784, Garthland took seven curlers to Hamilton to compete with
an equal number brought forward by the Duke of Hamilton,
whose players defeated the Lochwinnoch men by 21 shots to 12.
At the return game at Lochwinnoch, Garthland brought a party of
the Heigh Linn curlers to combat the Duke and the Clydesdale
Invincibles. Among the Paisley men were the two Ralstons,

IViitei; to inform or make kno^^•n ; Sues Gothic, Wittra, indicare.

JJack or Hatch, from the Icelandic Jiiacka, a chop, a crack.

Wick, IVickiiig, from the Su. G. IVik, augulus a corner, because a corner of

the stone only is hit.
Bonspel, Bonspeil, Bonspeel ; bonne (Belgian), a district or village, and spel,

play, because the inhabitants of different districts contend with each other

at one spot.
Kuting, Kiiyten, probably from the Teutonic Khiyten, certare discis ; or from

the Dutch coete, a quoit { Mcnwriabilia Ciirliana, p. 9).
Curling from one end of Scotland to the other till lately was commonly called
kuting, to curl — meaning nothing more than to slide on the ice.

^ Dr. Wotherspoon, minister of Beith, in 1745 was a keen and earnest curler.
He often came to Lochwinnoch while the frost lasted. He frequented Strand's
Inn with his curling compeers. One Saturday, after a tough match, he, with
his party, dined there, and sat till eleven o'clock at night. Strand's wife,
a douce and serious Christian, patted him and whispered a hint about his public
duty, the next day being the Lord's T)ay. He replied loudly — "A minister
who could not shake a sermon out of his coat sleeve is a silly cuif " (Essay on
Curling by J. Cairnie, p. 89).

37 2 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

brothers (one of whom kept a tavern at the foot of the Water Wynd);
John Paterson, cooper, who was above six feet high, and was called
the big, and sometimes the wee cooper ; James Gumming, above six
feet high ; Bailie John Burns ; and John Dalgleish, draper. High
Street, the douper. Before the last shot on the day of the contest,
both parties were equal, and that shot lying open, Dalgleish, by a
hint from Garthland, allowed the Duke's party to win by one shot
in order to please his Lordship (Cainiie, p. 92).

At the end of the last and commencement of the present century,
several curling clubs were established in Paisley. In 1795, the
Sandholes club, having from 100 to 150 members, was formed. In
1S15, the Sneddon Club had 140 members, and each on entering
and receiving the word paid sixpence into the funds. There was
another club called the Storie Street Club. In 1829, when the
desire for curling had much fallen off, a club was formed, called
the Paisley United Curling Club, with the view of combining them
all. Their motto was — " Meet friends and part friends." In 1830,
they agreed to purchase from the funds of the society a silver
medal, to be played for annually. The opportunity occurred on
23rd January, 1833, when the members of the society turned out
77 players, composing 11 rinks, and played for the medal in a
similar manner to the sweepstakes. After this society was formed,
the curling stones were formed on much better and truer principles,
and were more equal in weight and size. At that time the size used
was from 5 to 53^ inches in depth and from 10 to 10^ inches
diameter, and weighed, on an average, about 36 lbs. avoirdupois.
Their breadth was about 2^^ to 3 inches, and only a few of
them had two bottoms. The old stones, in the breadth of the
bottom, were from 5 to 7 inches.^

About the middle of this century the game of curling increased
its votaries considerably and became very popular, but the curlers
laboured under great disadvantage in not having near the town a
commodious sheet of ice to play on. This difficulty, however, was
overcome. The representatives of the different clubs made choice
of a low- lying field on Corsebar farm, in the neighbourhood of
Paisley, in which by the formation of an embankment a few feet high
on one side a sheet of water extending to about eight acres might be
obtained. During winter the water would be accumulated in the pond,
and being run off in summer, the land would be used for raising
meadow hay. The Earl of Glasgow^, to whom the ground belonged,
was applied to for permission to carry out this arrangement ; and
with his usual generosity and desire to encourage an excellent
amusement, his Lordship readily agreed to the request. The open-
ing of the new curling-pond was inaugurated on first January, 1854,
by a number of agreeable competitions, and by a curlers' dinner —
with the indispensable beef and greens, washed down with the wine

^ Cairnie, p. 81, being observations by Mr. J. M'Hutchison, preses of the
Paisley United Curling Society.

1850 TILL 1884. 373

of the country afterwards — in the Saracen's Head Inn. The
greatest depth of water in the curHng-pond is little more than three
feet, and it is therefore safe from serious accidents. It affords
accommodation for at least thirty rinks, and there is a cottage beside
it which serves to store the stones and to give shelter to the curlers
when required. During the last thirty years the pond has been the
scene of many agreeable, exhilarating, and well -contested games
among the curlers of Paisley.

At present there are five curling clubs in Paisley. They are as
follows : —

When Instituted.

Name.

No. of Members

1841,

Paisley Iceland,

1844, ...

Paisley Union,

1845, •••

St. Mirin, ...

. ... 58

1852, ...

Boreas,

1856, ...

Renfrewshire,

Each of these clubs has a president, vice-president, representative
members, treasurer, and secretary.

The pleasant and healthy pastime of playing at bowls in the
summer months upon the green grass has now become a favourite
amusement with many of the inhabitants. There are at present six
bowling clubs which have bowling greens situated in different parts of
the town. The oldest of these is the Priorscroft, which was formed
in 1839. The entry to it is from Storie Street. There are 130
members in this club, and the annual payment is 25s. The bowling
green at Charleston was opened in 1867, and has 100 members.
The Abercorn Bowling Green is on a part of the Abbey glebe lands,
and was formed in 1868. There are no members connected with
this club. The Wellmeadow Green was formed in 1869. The
entrance to it is from Wellmeadow. There are about 90 members
in this club. The entrance to the Victoria Bowling Green is from
Lady Lane, and the club was instituted in 1859. The forming of
this green cost ^^250, and it has just been renewed and otherwise
improved at an expense of upwards of ;^4oo. The new turf used
was brought from the banks of the Holy Loch. The number of
members in this club is 104. The Caledonia Bowling Club was
formed on 29th January, 1873, and the green is on the north side
of Greenock Road. The membership amounts to about 90.
The members of each of these five clubs have annually a friendly
competition for the local bowling trophy they possess. The club
winning the trophy retains it till the following year, when it is again
competed for. The trophy consists of a silver vase, subscribed
for by the clubs, and was instituted in 1877.

The outlay in connection with the formation of a bowling green
of ordinary size is very considerable, but public subscriptions were
given to assist in the construction of some of them. They are all
kept in beautiful condition. Members pay a sum annually for the

374 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

privilege of playing. There are besides a few private bowling
greens.

Football is a very ancient game. As far back as 1424, the people
appear to have been so fond of that pastime that the first Parliament
of James I. passed an act prohibiting football and golf.^ Acts of
this kind were repeatedly renewed by his successors. James VI.,
although favourable to many kinds of sport, was opposed to football.
In the rules dra\vn up by His Majesty, addressed to his eldest son,
Henry, Prince of Wales, respecting what amusements he should
favour, states — " From this court I debarre all rough and violent
exercises, as the foot -ball, meter for laming than making able the
users thereof" (History of Horse Racing, p. 47). We have not
fallen in with any notice of football -playing in Paisley at an early
period. Indeed this game, which is now practised to such an extent
by the working classes, was only commenced about seven years ago.
At present, there are four football clubs in Paisley. The Abercorn,
which was instituted in 1877, have their grounds at Blackstone (the
Gasworks). Members' first subscription, los. ; yearly payments,
2S. 6d. Honorary members' annual payments, 5s. There are about
250 members in this club. The Saint Mirin, also instituted in 1877,
have their grounds at Westmarch. The first subscription, 7s. 6d. ;
annual members' subscription, 5s.; annual honorary members' sub-
scription, 2S. 6d. The Craigielea, which was instituted in 1879,
have their grounds at Blackball. The Paisley Olympic was formed
in 1S80, and their grounds are at Thistle Park, Greenhill. The
football clubs in Paisley and those in other towns and districts
frequently challenge one another ; and these contests, to which an
entrance charge is made, are attended by thousands of spectators.

There are three bicycling clubs in Paisley. The Paisley Amateur
has forty members, and was instituted 3rd May, 1878. The
entrance fee is 2s. 6d.; annual subscription, active members, 5s.;
and others, 2s, 6d. The Victoria was established loth May,
1879, and has twenty members ; entry-money, 2s. 6d., and annual
subscription, 2s. 6d. The Caledonia was instituted 7th June,
1881, and has thirty members; entry-money, 2s. 6d., and annual
subscription, 2s. 6d. Club runs are generally held on the Saturdays
between the months of March and October to places within twenty
miles from Paisley. Touring excursions take place in August.

A lawn tennis club was estabhshed in i88r, and the grounds are
at Greenlaw. The playing is well attended both by ladies and
gentlemen. The club consists of from sixty to seventy ladies and

^ Football, though forbidden, appears among the sports in which King James
indulged, and "each," a game similar to tennis, and played in a court called a
"cachpule" (Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, ccliv). The
important issues dependent on the tennis court in the grim tragedy of James the
First's death will be remembered by all readers.

1850 TILL 1884. 375

gentlemen, and the annual subscription is 15s. The entry money
for the gentlemen is 15s.

It was about the middle of this century that the game of cricket
became known to any extent in Paisley. Several clubs were
started about that time, such as the Paisley Thistle, the Kelburne,
the Blythswood, and the Caledonia, which continued to flourish till
within the last few years. Many members joined these clubs, and
every Saturday during the summer season there were many well-
contested games. The Kelburne, which has its grounds at
Blackball, is the only club, we understand, now existing, and is by
no means in a prosperous state. The extraordinary popularity of
football has greatly injured the interest and the success that
formerly attended the game of cricket.

At one time there were several rowing clubs in Paisley, but at
present there are only two. The members of the Linside Amateur
Rowing Club, who are gentlemen amateurs belonging to the town,
practise on that pleasant part of the river Cart between Seedhill and
Hawkhead. The other rowing club, named at present the Trades-
men's, was formerly termed the Calendermen's.

The day fixed by the Council for the perambulation of the burgh
marches on Lorimer's day has always been the second Tuesday of
June. During the first twenty- one years of this century, this duty
was performed every year, with only two exceptions, 181 9 and 1820,
and the perambulators always dined afterwards in the Saracen's
Head Inn. The number who walked the marches was generally
from twenty to twenty-four, and the dinner bill was paid by the
Corporation. In 1800, the dinner cost ^11 14s.; in 1805,
;j^io 6s.; in 1810, jQ\2 2S. 6d.j in 1815, ;^i2 3s. 6d.: and in
181 8, ^15 15s. After 1822, no part of the dinner was paid by
the Corporation. In July, 1833, ^'^^ 1'^^* year of the Council under
the old system of election, eighty dined at their own expense in the
Saracen's Head Inn, after having walked over and examined the
burgh marches. In the following year, the burgesses and other
inhabitants were invited, by public advertisement, to accompany
the Magistrates and Council in their perambulation of the burgh
marches on Lorimer's day. The advertisement also intimated that
a public dinner would take place on the same day in the Saracen's
Head Inn, at five o'clock afternoon — tlie Provost in the chair —
tickets, 3s. 6d. each. On that occasion, about sixty dined. At the
perambulation of the marches in 1841, the Council agreed that two
stones should be placed to point out that part of the boundary
which runs in a line from the east wall of the property at Kilnside
to the river Cart. Hitherto there had only been an oak tree at the
river side to mark the burgh march there. ^

^ The Rev. Dr. Rogers states, in his Social Life in Scotland, vol. ii, p. 334,
that "in certain burghs march stones were placed, and young boys were tied to
them and birched, so that in after life they might better remember the landmarks."

376 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

During the last forty years, the burgh boundary has not been
regularly examined, a tacit understanding, we believe, having been
come to that such should be done only once during the reign of
each of the Provosts. The burgh marches were, however, walked
over in 1851, 1852, 1856, 1859, 1862, 1865, 1873, and 1881. On
several of these occasions the perambulators were entertained by
the Provosts of the time.

The route always taken by the Magistrates and Town Council in
surveying the burgh marches was as follows : — After leaving the
Council Chambers, they went along Gilmour Street, High Street,
Abbey Close, Abbey Street, through the property of Kilnside to
Seedhills, and thence in a direct line to the bank of the river Cart,
where a stone has been placed on which was cut " Burgh Boundary,"
thence they returned to Seedhills Road and proceeded onwards to
Seedhills Mill, passed through the mill and crossed the river by the
Craigs to Bladda, thence along Gordon's Lone, Causeyside Street,
Espedair Street, South Campbell Street to the turnpike road, thence
to Calside Street, along this street. Crow Road, thence to the Canal
and along the banks thereof to Neil Street, thence along this street,
Cowieston, Maxwellton, East Lane, Ferguslie Walk, West Campbell
Street, Carbrook Street, High Street, John Street, Sandholes,
Lonewells Street to the old distillery, thence along the burgh
boundary, across the railway to the Gasworks, Blackstone Road,
thence through Ferguslie property to the burgh boundary north of
the Gasworks, thence along the burgh boundary to Mossvale,
Westmarch Road, west and north side of Race- course to the turn-
pike road, thence through the lands of ^Merksworth alongside of
Merksworth goat to Inchinnan Road in front of Marchfield House,
thence along Inchinnan Road and New Sneddon Street to the
Council Chambers.

Of the trades' societies that were established in the early part of the
last century, and have been already noticed, only four now remain,
viz.: — The Old Weavers', Maltmen's, Hammermen's, and Merchants'.
The Tailors', Shoemakers', Wrights', Masons', Fleshers', and Bakers'
Societies, which latterly Avere all charitable societies, have been
broken up, and their funds divided among those members of the
respective societies that were then alive. Some of the transactions
of the four existing societies in this century, and their present
important position as invaluable charitable institutions, are in many
ways worthy of being recorded.

The Old Weavers' Society having, as already stated, been instituted
in 1702, is the oldest of the existing trades' societies. In 18 14, the
managers had some difficulty in getting those to act who were chosen
to fill that position, and they resolved that any one elected a manager
and refusing to accept of office should be fined ^i is. On 15th
November, 181 7, the managers agreed to join the Magistrates and
Council and others in the procession to the High Church to attend
divine service on the occasion of " the day of interment of the

1850 TILL 18S4. 377

universally-lamented Princess Charlotte of Wales." In August,
1822, they resolved to present an address to King George IV. on
His Majesty's visit to Scotland. On 26th May, 1826, Thomas Boyd
petitioned the managers for assistance, and they agreed to give him
"four pecks of meal, two pecks of potatoes, and four pounds of
herring." On 3rd October, 1834, " it was resolved, by a considerable
majority, that the Provost and Magistrates should not be invited to
dine with the managers at the ensuing election." No reason was
given for this resolution, but very likely it was brought about by the
local politics of the day, which excited very keen feelings at that
time. On 9th August, 1844, a Deacons' Court was held, when
Alexander Auld, Robert Kirkland, David Robin, Thomas Hender-
son, Joseph Murray, John M'Lean, and Robert Stewart, were
admitted into the body of Deacons. "The heads of incorporations
were at first called Deacons, for the following reasons : — When the
artizans were incorporated, they were encouraged by the clergy to
erect altars in chapels and churches, and to make choice of a saint
as their patron. In order to officiate at processions and other
religious ceremonies, one of the number was annually chosen who
got the clerical name of Deacon. This officer acquired by degrees
powers different from those of the original appointment. He became
the first man of the trade and preses of their meetings. He had the
inspection of the work of his brethren and the defence of their
privileges, and was at last admitted in many places to be a member
of the Town Council" ( ClclamV s Rise and Progress of the City of
Glasgow, p. 64). In October, 1861, some alterations were made
upon the mode of electing the managers. It was resolved that in
future the Board of Management should consist of two managers
elected from among the old managers, two elected from among
members who had been managers, eight of the twelve retiring
managers of the preceding year, and the collector of the preceding
year — making in all thirteen managers. On loth October, 1862,
another Chapter Court of Deacons was held, when Robert Lymburn,
Archibald Hutchison, John K. Donald, Robert Brown, William
Phillips, James Aikman, John Reid, James J. Lamb, P. C. Mac-
gregor, and Alexander Pollock, jun., old Boxmastcrs, were invested
with the order of Deaconhood. Immediately thereafter. Deacons
Kirkland, Stewart, and Pollock were raised to the rank of Arch-
Deacons. In September, 1868, the managers agreed that the annual
allowance to the recipients should be raised from ^3 3s. to ;£^ 4s.
At this meeting they also resolved to provide a gold medal and
chain to be worn by the Boxmaster when in office. These cost ;^74.
In October, 1870, a Chapter of Deacons was held, and David
Campbell, Alexander Fullarton, William Poison, James Dobie, R.
F. Dalziel, Hugh Macfarlane, and John Stewart, who had filled the
office of Boxmaster since the last election of Deacons, were duly
invested with the order of Deaconhood. Afterwards, Deacons Lamb,
Macgregor, and Macfarlane were raised to the office of Arch-
Deacons. In June, 1873, the number of alimentaries on the roll was

A I

378 HISTORY f)F PAISLEY.

iiine ; two of these were members, and seven of them members'
widows. At this time the dinners of the new entrants at the annual
election were paid by the society, but all the others present paid
their full proportion of the expense of the dinner. In October,
1876, a Chapter of Deacons was held, when Robert Armour, R. A.
Ronald, Francis Halden, John Fisher, and David Murray, were
admitted into the order of Deaconhood. At the same time. Deacons
R. F. Dalziel, James Dobie, and David Murray, were raised to the
order of Arch- Deacons. On 19th October, 1883, another Deacons'
Court was held, and John Donald, John Logan, Thomas Walker,
John Young, and John M'Gown, were created Deacons ; and at the
same time, Deacons Robert Brown, William Poison, Francis Halden,
and John Stewart, were raised to the order of Arch- Deacons.
The entry-money payable by members was, in October, 1808, fixed
at ^i IIS. 6d., and in October, 1821, at ;£2 2s., at which last sum
it still remains. Every member when he enters the society signs a
roll ; and as this practice has been carried on from the commence-
ment of the society, it now extends to a considerable length. It is
interesting to look at the signatures at the beginning of the roll, and
contrast them with those that follow. In March, 1822, John Snod-
grass, the clerk to the society, died, and as a mark of respect to his
memory the managers agreed to cover the seat in the Low Church
with black cloth for four Sundays, and to attend as numerously as
possible. John Hart, writer, was elected successor. He died in
May, 1864, and David Campbell, writer, was elected as his successor.
He died in October, 1873, and his son, John Campbell, was ap-
pointed clerk, and died in 1877, when Robert Russell, writer, was
appointed clerk, and remains so while we write (1884).

In 181 2 Walter Carswell, manufacturer, Paisley, bequeathed
;^ioo to the society; in 1832 John M'Kerrell of Hillhouse, then a
candidate for the representation of Paisley in Parliament, gave a
donation of ;^2o; and Archibald Hastie, M.P., in 1840, also gave
a donation of ;^2o.

The funds of the society were at different dates as follows : —
1863, ;!^i664 13s. 4d. 3 1870, ^1901 i6s. 3d.; and in 1883,
;;^26i2 I2S. 8d.

In 1873 the annual allowance to recipients was raised from
p^4 4s. to ;£^ 5s. In 1870 there were fifteen recipients, the num-
ber of members being ten, who received each ^^5, and of widows
five, who received ^5 each. In 1883 two members received ^5
each, and eighteen widows ;^5 each — in all, ;^9o.

The general events connected with the Maltmen Society, apart
from the discharge of the duties of the managers of a charitable
institution, are not in any way very remarkable. In 1802, at the
fiftieth anniversary of the accession of King George III. to the
throne, the members joined the Magistrates and Town Council and
other corporations in a procession to the High Church to attend
divine worship. They also attended divine worship in that church
on 19th November, 18 17, being the day of the funeral of Princess

1850 TILL 1884. 379

Charlotte of Wales, and they also walked in procession. In 1 7 87 the
entry -money was raised from 15s. to 21s.; in 1830, to ^i iis. 6d.;
in 1839, to £2 2S. ; and in 1868, to ^"3 3s., which is the present
charge. It is the custom of the society, and has been for a consider-
able time, that the boxmaster and collector remain in office for three
years. At the period of the election of the former an eftbrt is made
to obtain new members, who are entertained at dinner at the
expense of the society, but everyone else pays. A good many of
the members belong to Glasgow. The number of new members
who enter at these periods varies very much. In 1846 there were
thirty- three new entrants, and of these twelve were from Glasgow.
In 1858 there were sixty new members — the largest number that
have entered at any one time — and the half of these were from
Glasgow. The number of new members in 1874 was very consider-
able, there being forty-three, and twenty-one of these were from
Glasgow. In 1881 the number of new entrants was thirty-five, and
they all belonged to Paisley. The number of new members in
these years was exceptionally high. It is only during the last half
of the century that the funds of the society rapidly increased. In
1831 the total funds were only ;j^367 19s. iid.; in 1839, _;^io76
19s. 8d.; in 1848, ^1518 14s. 3d.; in 1858, ;!^2386 5s. id.; in
1868, ^3054 i8s. 5d.; in 1874, ;^3468 i8s. 7d.; in 1881, ^3896
2S. lid.; and in 1883, ^4171 14s. 5d. These funds have not
accumulated through the giving of small allowances to recipients,
nor through stinginess in the taking on of new alimentaries ; for
everyone who applies for aid is admitted if legitimately entitled to
receive aid. In 1878, ;^89 was paid to alimentaries ; in 1879,
j£,l(i ; in 1880, ;^75. The members on the roll — that is, males —
receive ;^io annually, and the widows, ^8. In 1881 and 1883
there were on the roll three members and five widows.

The following held the position of boxmaster or convener during
the last half century : — 1833, E. Buchanan ; 1837, James Harvey;
1839, Thomas H. Macfarlane ; 1841, William Harvey; 1843,
Wilham Muir ; 1846, James Harvey; 1848, Graham Menzies ;
1851, Thomas Glen; 1854, John Baird ; 1857, Thomas Muir;
1861, William Phillips ; 1865, H. H. Thomson ; 1868, Alexander
Cattanach ; 1872, Daniel Macfarlane; 1875, William Hodge;
i88x, Robert Brown.

The clerks to the society have been as follows : — 1750, James
Wilson, writer; 1762, Hugh Snodgrass, writer; 1780, Robert
Walkinshaw, writer ; 1821, William Motherwell; 1829, Alexander
Gibson; 1864, John Bartlemore ; 1884, Andrew Millar.

The members of the Merchants' Society in 1801 agreed to
abandon the former practice of having a supper after the annual
election, and to dine instead, "as being more advantageous and
agreeable." In 1805 and 18 14 the directors agreed to petition
Parliament against the Corn Laws, as being " extremely disadvan-
tageous in many respects to the interests of manufacturers." On
24th March, 1825, the members celebrated the centenary of the

380 HISTORY OF PAISLtY.

society by a dinner in the Saracen's Head Inn, when upwards of
eighty of their number assembled on the occasion — Mr. WiUiam
Sharp in the chair. In the course of the evening, the Chairman
stated that the expenditure of the society had been comparatively
inconsiderable prior to 1770, but since that period upwards of
p/^5000 had been laid out for the relief of individuals struggling with
the misfortunes of life. In October, 181 7, the entry-money was
increased to ^4. 4s.; in 181 9, tO;z{^6 6s.; and in 1837, to ;^8 8s.,
which last is the present rate. Sons of members were charged one-
half of these sums. In 1810 the funds of the society were ^2746
19s. lod.; in 1821, ;^3096 i6s. lod.; in 1881, ;!{^8526 13s. lod.;
and in 1883, ;^892i 14s. lod. In 1883 one member received an
allowance of ;!^i5 ; ten widows of members, ;^i2 each ; and eleven
daughters of members, donations of ;^6 each — in all, ;!^2oi.

The following gentlemen have been elected conveners since
1850: — In 1850, Robert Rodger; 1851, Archibald Hutchison;
1852, David Murray; 1853, James Forbes; 1854, Thomas Coats;
1855, Hugh Macfarlane ; 1856, James J. Lamb; 1857, Robert
Brown ; 1858, William Hodge ; 1859, James Barclay; i860, John
Baird ; i86t, John Hutchison; 1862, James Arthur; 1863, David
G. Sharp ; 1864, Peter Coats ; 1865, John Reid ; 1866, Dr. William
M'Kechnie ; 1867, H. H. Thomson; 1868, Alexander Fullarton ;
1869, John Clark; 1870, Alexander Cattanach ; 1871, Andrew
Millar, jun.; 1872, Archibald Craig ; 1873, James Caldwell; 1874,
Alexander King; 1875, William Poison; 1876, Archibald Coats;
1877, Robert Wilson; 1878, John Fullerton ; 1879, Jo^i^ Barclay;
1880, Alexander Begg; 1881, James H. Dunn ; 1882, Robert
Kerr; 1883, Matthew Hodgart.

The last of these four societies which we have to notice is the
Hammermen's, which was established in 1761. In April, 1819, the
managers agreed that what was called the "bed-fast aliment"
should be ^£2, and " walking-about aliment," ^i ; and " gratis
enterers," los. In September, 1828, they resolved that any
managers absent from ordinary meetings should be fined is., and
from elections, 2s. 6d. In September, 1833, the meeting agreed
that the annual election should take place in the Saracen's Head
Inn at four o'clock, and that the managers and such others as chose
should sup at seven o'clock. The hour of supper was changed in
the following year to nine o'clock. In August, 1842, the managers
agreed that a sum not exceeding is. should be allowed from the
funds to those present at each meeting ; and in September, 1848,
2S. additional was allowed when there were enterers, and 3s. 6d. at
elections. In January, 1850, the managers resolved that, from the
high respectability of the society and the status it occupies among
charitable institutions, a gold medal and chain, with the society's
armorial bearings thereon, should be purchased for the boxmaster.
This was afterwards carried out at a cost of ;^6o. They appear to
have discontinued suppers at the annual elections, as in September,
185 1, they agreed to dine in the Saracen's Head Inn at five o'clock.

1850 TILL I(

381

On 27th August, 1862, John Bartlemore was appointed clerk, in
room of Alexander Gibson, who had acted in that capacity for
thirty-four years. On loth October, 1865, the managers agreed,
" in respect there is no alimentary at present on the society's funds,
the expense of the directors' election dinner be defrayed out of the
society's funds." In October, 1875, they agreed that the aliment to
indigent members be increased from ^1 is. to ;^3 3s. annually.
In September, i88r, the meeting agreed that the number of
directors be increased from nine to twelve, two retiring according to
seniority at the annual meeting, who shall not be ehgible for re-
election that year. The funds of the society in 1850 were ;^693
OS. 9d.; in 1871, ;^873 7s. gd.; in 1883, ;^i4oi 17s. gd. In 1883
three members received ;^3 each, being in all, ^9.

This society have a piece of interment ground on the north side

ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF HAMMERMEN S SOCIETY,

382 HISTORY UF PAISLEY.

of the High Church3'ard, with an ornamented memorial stone placed
in the adjoining wall. The following inscription is on the stone : —

"The Property of the Hammermen Society of Paisley, 1796,
" To help the poor is our design
In this our late erection ;
This shall a testimony be
Of this our good intention."

This society have for their motto : — •

" With hammer and hand
All arts doth stand,"

The members of these ancient societies take great delight in the
management of their funds, and from our personal knowledge the meet-
ings they have are a source of much social and intellectual pleasure.

List of deacons or boxmasters in the Hammermen Society since
the middle of this century : — 1850, William Gillespie; 1851, James
J. Lamb ; 1852, John Gilmour; 1853, John Thomson ; 1854, John
C. Sharp; 1855, Joseph Bow; 1856, Robert Wilson; 1857, D. S.
Porteous ; 1858, Provost Robert Brown; 1859, William Craw;
i860, James Donald; 1861, James Clark; 1862, John Carswell ;
1863, Robert Boyd; 1864, Matthew Blackwood; 1865, John
Cockburn; 1866, D. G. Sharp; 1867, P. C. Macgregor ; 1868,
John Reid ; 1870 and 1871, Provost Murray; 1872, James Dobie ;
1873, John Fisher ; 1874, John Barclay; 1875, Richard Watson;
1876, Matthew Hodgart ; 1877, Henry Wallach ; 1878, Thomas
Reid; 1879, John Fullerton ; 1880 and 1881, Robert Balderston ;
1882, William Brodie ; 1883, R. C. Cameron.

The Grocers' Company of Paisley was instituted 9th August, 1824.
The laws and regulations state that " the grocers of Paisley, con-
sidering that human life is exposed to many misfortunes — that
individual exertion, however well directed, is not always capable of
preventing these misfortunes — and that it is an agreeable solace to
an independent mind to know that sickness, old age, or death,
cannot render his family altogether destitute, and having formed
themselves into an association for the purpose of providing a fund
for the relief of such of its members or their families as may unfor-
tunately come to require pecuniary aid, have agreed that it shall be
governed according to the laws and regulations hereinafter stipulated."

This company is entirely charitable, and every person who becomes
a member pays ;^5 of entry-money. In 1867, the funds amounted
to _;^ 2300, and in 1883 they were ;;/^68i2. The annuities distributed
in 1882 were — to one member jQio, and ten females each ^Qio —
in all, ;^iio.

Paisley, during the last half of this century, has been particularly
fortunate in receiving great public gifts of different kinds from her
successful merchants and manufacturers, to the great advantage of
the inhabitants. Indeed it may be doubted if any other town can
boast of having had so many valuable gratuitous endowments
bestowed upon it in a similar space of time. The first of these

1850 TILL 1884. 383

generous gifts was in 1866, when Mr. Thomas Coats of Fergushe
bought, on 26th July, six acres of land on the west side of Love
Street, known by the name of Hope Temple Gardens. These
grounds he beautifully laid off in the form of a garden, with a large
fountain in the centre, at an expense of ^15,000, and named them
the Fountain Gardens. Mr. Coats gave ^5000 in addition for
their upkeep, and conveyed them over to the Town Council, for
behoof of the community, on 26th May, 1868, the anniversary of
the Queen's Birthday. The ceremony in the gardens connected
with this conveyance was preceded by a grand procession of thousands
of the inhabitants through the town, and in the afternoon a public
dinner was given in honour of Mr. Coats in the Coffee Room, the
largest hall in the town. About 200 gentlemen were present.^

It was first suggested by the members of the Philosophical Society
that there should be a Free Library and INIuseum in Paisley. At a
meeting of that body, held on the 22nd January, 1867, the Rev. Mr.
Fraser, the president, announced that he had been authorised to
state that Mr. Peter Coats had made the generous offer to erect
buildings for such a purpose. On ist February following, Mr. Coats
confirmed this intimation by sending a letter to the Council, that he
was ready to erect the necessary buildings, roughly estimated to cost
^3000, to be managed by them in accordance with the Act of
Parliament on behalf of the inhabitants. On 19th ]\Lirch following,
a public meeting of the electors, as appointed under the Library Act,
was held in the Gaelic Chapel, and agreed, by a large majority, to
adopt the Public Library Act. A site for the buildings was selected
on the north side of High Street; and on 27th April, 1S69, the day
for laying the memorial stone, there was a procession of the trades
and others with flags, banners, emblems, and bands of music,
throughout the town. The memorial stone was laid by the Right
Honourable Earl of Dalhousie, Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
in presence of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and an assemblage of
other Lodges. Shortly after the completion of these ceremonies, a
banquet, at which 400 covers were laid, took place in the Drill Hall.
A grand assembly was also held the same evening in the Drill Hall,
under the auspices of Colonel Campbell of Blythswood, the Right
Worshipful Grand Master of the Provincial Lodge Renfrewshire
East. When the buildings were completed, they were handed over,
by a deed of conveyance, by Sir Peter Coats to the Magistrates and
Town Council on 23rd September, 1870, for behoof of the com-
munity, in the Lecture Hall, before a large assemblage, a great
number of whom were ladies. In the afternoon, a banquet in
honour of Sir Peter Coats was given in the Abercorn Rooms. The
institution was formally opened on nth April, 1871, at a grand
conversazione, attended by about 600 ladies and gentlemen, who
were specially invited.

^ The reader is further referred to the illustrated book published by Messrs.
J. & J. Cook, Paisley, entitled — "Inauguration Ceremonies in honour of the
opening of the Fountain Gardens."

3S4

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Mr. Peter Coats received the honour of Knighthood from Her
Majesty at Windsor Castle on 9th July, 1869.

We refer our readers to the elaborate and beautifully -illustrated
work published by Messrs. J. & J. Cook, Paisley, for every particular
relating to the establishment of this institution.

PAISLEY FREE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.

The Lending Library has been largely taken advantage of by the
inhabitants since it was opened, as is shown by the following state-
ment, which gives the number of volumes lent out each year since
it was opened : —

0 ,;

^1
^ 0

in t3

" a.

0 «

.^■°

£ 0.

><ii

Totals.

•3

S M

&&-

5 J

rt 0

cnU

I87I,

490

300

18,091

II30

2853

2013

534

149 1

26,902^

1872,

1900

1360

44,919

3649

4550

4034

1720

3194

65,326

1873.

2731

1947

53,372

5251

6008

5097

3118

5155

82,679

1874,

2936

2530

44,692

5037

6717

6178

3718

4827

76,635

1875,

3001

2680

39,095

4480

6914

5913

3207

4111

69,401

1876,

1006

628

31,562

1759

4132

5018

837

2253

47,195

1877,

1089

619

30,863

1922

4942

5344

925

2618

48,322

1878,

1633

102 1

30,637

2223

5808

S968

1675

3341

52,306

1879,

1387

464

37,104

1865

4760

6323

805

3157

55,865

1880,

1428

463

44,071

1793

4745

6020

706

2914

62,140

I88I,

1354

393

31,367

1495

3727

4344

675

2382

45,737

1882,

1448

331

29,822

1629

3281

3209

650

2379

42,749

1883,

I38I

339

34,696

I7I0

3304

2662

740

2005

46,837

^ Open only from June.

1850 TILL 1!

385

In the Lending Library the number of volumes in the dififerent
departments of hterature in June, 187 1, and in March, 1885, was as
follows : —

Arts and Sciences, Natural History, Philosophy,
Statistics, Political Economy, &c.,

Divinity, Law, Medicine, &c.,

Fiction, Novels, Tales, Romances, &c..

General Literature, Essays, Collected Works,
Speeches, Letters, &c..

History, Biography, Diaries, Almanacs, &c.,

Magazines, Periodicals, Dictionaries, Encyclo-
paedias, &c.,

Poetry, Dramatic Literature, &c., ...

Travels, Geography, Antiquities, Manners and
Customs, &.C.,

1871.

480

1298

692

853

2291

3672

759

1 108

2196

3252

1321

2049

416

588

1069

I4I2

Total Volumes, 9224 14,232

The number of volumes of books in the Reference Library in the

different departments of literature in March, 1885, is as follows : —

Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Natural History, &c., ... ... 1300

Philology, Comparative Grammar, and Languages, ... ... 290

Philosophy, Theology, and Education,... ... ... ... 675

Encyclopaedias, Dictionaries, &c., ... ... ... ... 177

General Literature, Essays, Lectures, &c., ... ... ... 418

History and Biography, ... ... ... ... ... ... 1380

Magazines and other Periodical Publications, ... ... ... 411

Archeology, Antiquities, &c., ... ... ... ... ... 310

Poetry, the Drama, &c., ... ... ... ... ... ... 339

Geography, Travels, Voyages, &c., ... ... ... ... 211

British Museum Publications, ... ... ... ... ... 58

Total Volumes,

5569

The Reference Library, Reading Room, and Museum, have also
been well attended, so much so that in 1882 extensive additions
had to be made to the Library and Museum to afford the necessary
accommodation. The additional accommodation then provided
was greater than that with which it first opened, consisting of a large
museum hall 90 feet by 48 feet ; a picture gallery 80 feet by 27 feet;
a sculpture gallery 24 feet by 27 feet ; a reference library 54 feet by
24 feet ; a vestibule 24 feet in diameter ; a room 31 feet by 14 feet
in which volumes of specifications of patents are stored ; an operating
room 30 feet by 24 feet ; and several small apartments. These
extensions were all done by Sir Peter Coats, and were inaugurated
on 22nd September, 1882, when addresses were delivered by the
Marquis of Bute and others.

Another munificent gift to the inhabitants of Paisley was the
" Brodie Park," consisting of about twenty-two acres of land at High

3^6 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Carriagehill, bequeathed by Mr. Robert Brodie to the Magistrates
and Town Council, " to be held, retained, and applied by them in
all time hereafter as pleasure grounds and places of public recreation
for the use of the inhabitants." ^ Nearly ^3000 was expended by
the Council in laying off and ornamenting the park, which was
opened on 26th March, 1877. There was first a procession, con-
sisting of various societies, trades, &:c., who assembled at St. James
Street, and afterwards went to the Brodie Park by Causeyside.
About 10,000 persons were estimated to be in the grounds, when
Provost Murray, after an eloquent and appropriate address, declared
the Brodie Park to be open to the inhabitants of the town.
Immediately afterwards, about 50 gentlemen dined in the George
Hotel in honour of the occasion.

Mr. Robert Brodie was a bank -accountant in Paisley, and was
born at the farm of Kerse, in the parish of Lochwinnoch. This
farm had belonged to his father and grandfather. In 1822 he began
business as an invoice clerk in the firm of George Houston &: Co.,
Johnstone. He afterwards, through the influence of Mr. Houston,
who was a partner in Paisley Union Bank, entered that bank.
Subsequently he held situations in the Union Bank, the Paisley
Commercial Bank, the Western Bank, and latterly in the National
Bank, from which he retired on account of failing health a year
before his death. Mr. Brodie's life was not an eventful one, and he
acquired his means through careful saving. He never married.

The paramount necessity of having a Town Hall in Paisley, where so
manypublic meetings, concerts, social gatherings, &c., &c., were always
being held, was admitted on all hands. Many schemes were devised
and efforts made to have a Town Hall. In November, 1872, Mr.
James Clark of Chapel, the present Provost (1884), promised, during
the municipal elections, to use his best efforts to secure the erection
of a public hall. His first aim was to raise ^10,000. By the
following January ;^5ooo was subscribed, by the 8th March
the sums promised amounted to ;^i3,87o los. 6d., and there was a
confident expectation that the subscriptions would soon amount to
;^2o,ooo. The following is a list of subscriptions : —

J. & P. Coats, .^2000

John Poison, 1000

J. &]. Clark & Co., 1000

George A. Clark, 500

James Arthur, 500

William Holmes & Brothers, 500

Graham Menzies, 500

James Clark, Chapel, 500

R. & J. P. Kerr, 3CX)

Miss Kerr, Gallowhill, 250

Patrick Comyn Macgregor, 250
H. E. C. Ewing, M.P.,... 250
Robert K. Holmes Kerr,.. 250
Alexander Cattanach, 200

George Smith, Mount Blow,

Pollokshields, /^200

Jas. Coats, Park Terrace,

Glasgow, 200

William Wotherspoon, 200

Right Honourable Earl of

Glasgow, 150

John Scott, London, 105

Robert Macalister, Liver-
pool, 105

William Hodge, 100

Robert Clark, London, 100

Fullerton, Hodgart, & Bar-
clay, 100

^ Extract from Mr. Brodie's bequest, dated June, 1870, and codicil, November,
1870. Mr. Brodie died 20th February, 1877.

1850 TILL 1884.

387

H. B. Muir, London, ;^ioo

John Brown, Thrushcraig,.. 100

Peter Coats, jun., lOO

Hanna, Donald, & Wilson, . loo

James Miller & Son, 100

Thomas Speir, Burnbrae, ... 100

Andrew Coats, Perth, 100

William Fulton & Sons, ... 100

SirM. R. S. Stewart, 100

Robert Brown & Son, 100

William B. Barbour, Man-
chester, 100

William Dunn, London,... 100

John M'Innes, 50

George Coats, 50

Daniel Coats, 50

Hugh B. Barclay, 50

Logan & Gardner, 50

Sacell Brewery Company, 50

James Wallace, Glasgow,... 50

Thomas Greenlees & Son, 50

Matthew Greenlees & Son, 50

John Walker, 50

J. I\L Symington, 50

George Brown, Egypt Park, 50

Peter Jack, 50

John Ronald, 5°

J. Hutchison, architect, 50

J. & A. F. Craig & Co...... 50

David Speirs & Co., 50

James Carlile, Sons, & Co., 50

James Harvey & Co., 50

Matthew Muir & Son, Glas-
gow, 50

Peter Kerr & Son, 50

William Clark, Newark,

New Jersey, U. S 50

Dalziel & Begg, 30

W'allace, Connell, & Co.,... 30

Matthew Whitehill & Co., 30

John A. Brown, 25

D. S. Porteous, 25

William Abercrombie, 25

Archibald Craig, 25

James Boyd & Son, 25

Daniel Macfarlane, Lady

Lane, 25

Archibald Gardner, writer, 25

William Brown, Sunnyside, 25

Mrs. Philips, Stamford, 25

George Hamilton, 25

Misses Macfarlane, Canal

Bank, 25

Wm. Philips & Co., 25

James Watson, Lord Provost

of Glasgow, 25

Francis Martin, 20

John Morgan, 20

Alexander King & Son, 20

J. Clark & Co., 20

Archibald Bell, , 20

o o
o o

Gibson, Mackellar, & Co. ,;^20

Daniel Richmond, M.D.,... 20

Wm. Clapperton & Co., 20

William Poison, 20

William Allison, 20

John Young & Co., 20

W. & A. Coats, 20

Provost Murray, 20

John Bell, Mossvale, 20

Robert Macfarlane, writer, 20

James Pollock & Co., 20

Wm. Holms, Brabloch, 20

William Johnstone & Co., 20
James W. Carlile, Meltham

Mills, Huddersfield, 20

Workers of J. & A. F. Craig

& Co., II

JohnM'Gown, 10

William Gillespie, 10

J. & J. Cook, 10

Spiers & Gibb, 10

James Winning, 10

William Maclntyre, 10

David Young, 10

William Reid, writer, 10

Andrew Foulds & Son, 10

Walter M 'Gee & Son, 10

Parlane & Naismith, 10

William Hatrick, ... 10

Robertson & Son, 10

North British Daily Mail, 10

James Murray, 10

David Campbell, 10

Lamberton & Tenant, 10

Foulds, Gilmour, & Co., ... 10

William Foulds, 10

William Murray, 10

Thomas Murray, 10

Thomas Reid & Son, 10

Robert Murdoch, 10

William Hector, Sheriff -

Clerk, 10

Andrew Millar, sen., 10

John Lorimer, 10

Peter Brough, 10

James M 'Murchie, 10

Crawford & Ritchie, 10

William Coats, sen., 10

James H. Dunn, 10

Hugh Macfarlane, 10

Campbell, Sons, & Co., 10

W. R., 10

Robin & Houston, 10

Archibald Barr, 10

John Bartlemore, 10

Jonathan Thomson, Glas-
gow, 10

John H. Macalister 10

Robert A. Ronald, 10

James Caldwell & Son, 10

Robert Walker, 10

388

HISTORY OF PAISLEV.

Paisley Co operative Manu-
facturing Society, per J.

M 'Kenzie, .;i{J' lo

William P^ould.s, George

StreetjSecond Subscription, lo

Adam Currie, lo

Dr. R. S. Mair, London, ... lo

John M. Stewart, Greenhill,.. lo

John M'William, Gateside,.. lO

Hugh Wright, Alticry, lo

A Few of the Workers of
Fullerton, Hodgart, & Bar-
day, 8

James Bryce, 7

Drs. Donald & Colligan, 7

David Annan, London, 5

J. P. Kerr ( arbitration fee ), 5
A. Kirk Mackie, S.S.C.,

Edinburgh, 5

Robert Eaglesim, 5

Andrew Wallace & Son, 5

T. & R. Graham, 5

David Gilmour, 5

James Johnston, 5

Robert Smith, 5

Robert Paterson, 5

Bailie Cochran, 5

John Andrews, 5

William Cochran, 5

Robert Cowan 5

Bailie Watson, 5

Eadie Brothers, 5

Robert Barr, 5

William M' Arthur, 5

George Dobie, 5

Robertson & M 'Gibbon, 5

Matthew Swan, 5

William Morrison, 5

J. & R. Parlane, 5

Thomas Graham, M.D., 5

Captain Fullarton, 5

David Taylor, M.D., 5

Bowie & Son, 5

John Spence, 5

James Mackean, Castlehead, 5

R. & J. Pinkerton, 5

George Hart, 5

C/a.sgow //era/d, 5

Matthew Blackwood, 5

Archibald Hodge, 5

W. &J. Lang,.. 5

J. Snodgrass, miller, 5

James Caldwell, 5

James Ritchie, 5

James Yuill, 5

James M 'Ghee, 5

Bailie Masson, 5

T. R. Cameron, 5

William Gibson, 5

Matthew Brown, 5

P. Gilleaume, 5

William Cross, Glasgow, £$

John Robin, 5

Robert Guthrie, 5

Hugh Calderwood, 5

James Wood, 5

James Drybrough, 5

Cochran & M'Gechan, 5

Francis Halden, 5

James Paterson & Co., 5

William Craw, 5

David Melville, 5

Robert Russell, writer, 5

Lsdale & M 'Galium, 5

James Roy Fraser, 5

Sheriff Cowan, 5

Thomas M 'Robert, 5

Pollock & Cochran, 5

R. H. Lang, 5

Clark &Turnbull 5

J. B. Hunter, M.D., 5

J. B. Lamb, 5

Muir & Anderson 5

Rev. W. France, 5

Matthew Scott, 5

Dr. Cochran, 5

Charles Wallace, 5

Alexander Boyd, 5

Wm. Abercrombie, jun., 5

Wm. Gilmour, Camphill, 5

John Galloway, Glasgow, 5

Smith, Sons, & Lauchland, 5

Macfarlane, Philips, & Co., 5

Patrick MacGregor, 5

John Cowan, Gateside, 5

Robert Balderston, 5

Andrew Walker, 5

Robert Russell, St. James

Place, 5

John Peden, 5

Ross R. Auld, Gla.sgow, 5

Andrew Millar, jun., 5

Councillor Ker, 5

W. &J. Whitehead, 5

Thomas Crichton, 5

Dunlop Brothers, Glasgow, 5

John Millar, Mossvale, 5

W. Caldwell & Co., Glasgow, 5

Barr & Reid, 5

J. & W. Hutchison, 5

John Martin, W.S., Edin-
burgh 5

James S. Brown, 4

James B. Brown, 4

Robert Paterson, 4

George R. Hislop, 3

James Adam, 3

James Robertson, Stow Place, 3
Part of Surplus from Soiree
and Ball of Glasgow and
Paisley Joint Railway

Employes, 3

1850 TILL 18S4.

389

John M'Kay, ^3 3

James \Vills, 3 o

Patrick M'Ghee, 3 o

W. Currie, jun., 3 o

Robert Robertson, inspector, 3 O

Robert Caldwell, 3 o

Ninian F. M'Leod, M.D.,... 3 o

Gordon & Barclay, 3 o

James Gibson, 3 o

William Bowes, 3 o

Workers of Wm. Fulton

& Co., Glenfield, 2 13

James Dobie, 2 10

Mrs. Clark, 2 10

Mrs. Macfee, 2 10

John Gibb, 2 2

Campbell & M'Lennan, 2 2

D. Murray, jun,, & Co., 2 2

Robert Hay & Son, 2 2

John Snodgrass, 2 2

John M'Innes, Broomlands, 2 2

Robert R. Hatrick, 2 2

John Gait, 2 2

William Brodie & Co., 2 2

John Jaap, 2 o

J. B. Newlands, 2 o

Gavin Crawford, 2 o

Hugh Morton, 2 o

Robert Barbour, 2 o

J. & D. Ure, 2 o

Bonnar & Hamilton, 2 o

James Cunningham, 2 o

Charles Smith, 2 O

J. B. Hatrick, 2 o

William Peattie, 2 o

Robert Harris, 2 O

George M'Kenzie, 2 o

Bow, M'Lachlan, & Co., 2 O

Joseph Russell 2 o

Robert Allan, 2 o

Adam Kelly, 2 o

A Mackellar, 2 o

James Pinkerton, 2 o

Alexander Mitchell, 2 o

Thomas M'Kaig, 2 o

R. L. Henderson, 2 o

Treasurer Russell, 2 o

Walter Hogg, 2 O

D. M'Nair, 2 o

A. Paterson, 2 o

Robert Taylor, 2 O

William Macausland, 2 o

James M'Lardie, 2 o

Thomas Wilson, builder, 2 o

Rev. James Dodds, 2 o

Thomas Drennan, 2 o

W.M.Morrison, 2 o

J. S. Smiles, 2 o

J. B. Barr, 2 o

John Gillespie 2 o

Thomas CuUen, 2 o

William Wills & Co., £2

John Rodger, 2

William Duncan, 2

A. cS: D. S. Semple, 2

Rev. James Brown, 2

Charles Henderson, 2

Robert M'Walter, 2

Fisher&Co., 2

Patrick Costello, 2

Gavin Kerr, 2

J. T. Smith, 2

Armstrong & M 'Nair, 2

Hugh Gibson, 2

James Lang, 2

Rev. Dr. Thomson, 2

Robert Roxburgh, 2

Thomas Hart, 2

Councillor Lewis, 2

Rev. Robert Duncan, 2

Thomas Fraser, Belfast, 2

George Y. Hendry, Girvan, 2

J. K., 2

Robert Risk & Co., 2

William Naime, 2

Ritchie & Pinkerton, 2

Thomas M 'Arthur, 2

Andrew Templeton, 2

Robert Houston, 2

George Barr, 2

H. Stirling, 2

Dr. Falconer, 2

J. Pinkerton, W^ellmeadow, 2

J. B., 2

James Hunter, 2

John Smith, I

Donald Fraser, M. D. , i

Rev. J. C. Balderston, West

Kilbride, i

T. Robertson, i

T. Smith, Industrial School, i

Thomas Kelso, i

Francis Percy, i

John Fisher, I

John Bell, i

William Anderson, jun., i

William Watson, i

George Smith Clark, Chapel, i

James Clark, jun., ,, i

Robert Clark, ,, i

Matthew Blair, i

David Carswell, i

Robert Macintyre, i

James Stewart, i

J. N. Gardner, i

W. B. Stirrat, i

Alexander Gardner, book-
seller, I

John LymbuiT), i

William Smith, i

William Pollock, i

John Wallace, I

390

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

George Weir, /^i

Robert M'Nish, i

Isaac Richardson i

David Fleming, i

Matthew Gibb, i

Alexander Todd, i

T. B. M'Lennan, i

J. Hamilton, i

Duncan M'Nair, i

James Kilpatrick, i

William Reid, jun., i

James Aikman, i

William Gilmour, i

R. Cochran, i

Mark Cook, i

John M'NicoI, i

R. F. M'Gibbon, i

R. Gilchrist, i

J. M'Dougal, I

William Watson, High Street, i

William Paul, i

Thomas Goodlet, i

A. Meikle, i

John Graham, i

John Thomson, i

J. Adam & Son, i

J. Kilpatrick, i

Barr & M'Caig, i

J. Morrison, i

P. M'Dermid, i

J. Anderson, i

William Campbell, i

William Pollock, i

R. L. Hill,.. I

J. Spence, i

Peter Lees, i

John Lyle, i

R Goudie, i

R. Orchardson, i

J. Robertson, calenderer, i

David Robertson, calenderer, I

Matthew Wagstaff, i

G. Maclerie, i

James Steel, High Street, ... I

Thomas M 'Queen, i

J. & J. Brown, i

J. G. Meiklejohn, i

James Steel, draper, i

John Stirling, i

Thomas Stevenson, i

William Simm, i

James Crossley, i

William Cunningham & Co , i

Robert Macfarlane, I

James Thomson, i

James Weir, i

William Smith, i

W. B. Watson, i

James Bryce, North Croft,... i

John Thomson, stationer, i

J. & J. Knox, I

George Robertson, ^i

James Storie, i

Andrew P>skine, i

D. M'Kellar, i

James Glass, i

Hugh Caldwell, i

Rev. G. C. Hutton, i

William Park, i

Thomas Scollan, i

John Galbraith, i

W. & A. Millar i

John Wright, i

Alexander Morrison, i

William Melvin, Glasgow,... i

John M'Ghee, i

H. Buchanan, i

Duncan Campbell, i

John Marshall, i

Robert Oliver, i

John Anderson, i

Peter Sinclair, i

Malcolm Gemmell, i

William Speirs, i

John Buchanan, i

John Kirk, i

William Ronald, i

Robert Stirling, i

Matthew Paul, i

Thomas Kerr, i

Alexander Morton, i

Wilson & Strachan, i

Reid & Arthur, i

J. R. Macfadyen, i

W. H. Murray, i

George Russell, Enniskillen, i

Robert Patrick, i

Robert Hunter, i

John Robertson, i

William Buchanan, i

Robert Ritchie, i

J. Anderson, i

Dalrymple Lyle, i

John Cowan, 3 Love Street, i

John Clark, baker, i

Robert Wilson, i

Donald Sutherland, i

R. D. M., I

A. M'Leod, i

David Fechnie, sen., i

James Fechnie, i

R. S. Wylie, i

M. Mackellar i

Rev. A. Clark, Gatehouse, I

Andrew Taylor, i

J. Robertson, i

Wm. Brown, jun., 1

James Renfrew, i

Alexander Caldwell, i

Wm. Ewing, i

James Walker, i

Robert Hamilton, i

1S50 TILL I<

391

John Brighton, ^i

James Renfrew, i

James Gillespie, i

James M'Lachlan, I

John Barclay, I

Wm. Welsh, i

Wm. Robin, i

John Aitken, i

James Gemmell, i

John Stewart, I

Matthew M'Leod, i

John Gilmour, Moss Street, 1

Andrew Mitchell, i

William Christie, i

Thomas Dick, i

James Ross, teller, i

William Brownlie, i

David Begg, i

John Begg, i

John Logan, i

Thomas Linn, I

Thomas M'Gregor, i

J. F. Lochhead, i

William Richmond, i

Jonathan Paterson, i

Robert Watson, I

William Neilson, /^i

D. Begg, jun., 66 Love Street, i

Robert Craig, i

Archibald Malcolm, i

William Allan, i

James Buchanan, i

James Young, i

J. Mitchell, I

A. Sproul, I

J. Carswell, i

George Dick, teacher, i

James Andrew, jun. , i

John Lang, Moss Street, i

Rev. John Campbell, Tarbert, I

Rev. George Clazy, i

Samuel Scarlet, i

Peter Clark, i

Alex. Gardner, i

D. Macstravick, , i

J. Anderson, i

John Boyle, i

Robert Bird, sen. , i

John Orchardson, i

Sums of los. and under, 3

Sums under los. , 6

Sums under One Pound, o lo o

James Goudie, cooper, i c

Amount Subscribed to 8th March, 1873, when the Subscriptions
were stopped, ;,^i3,87o 10 6

At this period Messrs. Clark, of the Anchor Thread Mills, Paisley,
were informed that theirbrother, Mr. Geo.A. Clark,had died suddenly
at Newark, New Jersey, U.S., America, on the 13th February. A
fortnight afterwards, they intimated to the Town Council that their
brother, among other donations, had bequeathed as follows : — " To
remedy a want long felt in my native town of Paisley, I bequeath to
the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council, the sum of ^20,000,
for the erection of a Town Hall, and combined with this hall a large
reading room for working men, where they can sit in comfort and enjoy
smoking ; and the room shall be open from five o'clock in the morning
until twelve o'clock at night ; said building shall be erected in that part
of Paisley called the New Town." On the announcement of this
important intelligence, it was proposed, at a meeting of the sub-
scribers to the Town Hall, that their money should be added to Mr.
Clark's bequest, in order to secure a superior building ; but the
Messrs. Clark intimated that whatever extra money was required they
would themselves willingly contribute. The site of the present hall
was secured at a cost of about _;2^9ooo, competitive plans of a hall to
cost;^2o,ooo were advertised for, and 54 sets of plans were given
in. The plans furnished by Messrs. Rennison & Scott, architects,
Paisley, were awarded the first prize, but those sent by Mr. W. H.
Lynn, architect, Belfast, were ultimately adopted. Contractors for
the different kinds of work were engaged, and the foundation-stone
was laid on 22nd October, 1879, by Mrs. Clark, the mother of the
donor. On 30th January, 1882, the day fixed to inaugurate the

392 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

opening of the new Town Hall, there were first a grand procession
of trades and others, with flags, ensigns, and bands of instrumental
music. The procession was estimated to contain 12,000 persons,
and it extended to about a mile and a- half in length. Many of the
houses, particularly in the line of the procession, were decorated
with evergreens, flags, and emblems. The ceremony of handing
over the hall took place at the conclusion of the processioning. In
the evening there was a general illumination throughout the whole
town, and fireworks were discharged from the battlements of the
High Church steeple. On the invitation of Messrs. Clark, 1000
ladies and gentlemen met in the hall in the evening at a grand
conversazione.^ We give a view of part of the George A. Clark
Town Hall.2

GEORGE A. CLARK TOWN HALL,

^ We must again refer the reader to a beautifully-illustrated publication of
Messrs. J. & J. Cook's, giving a minute and able account of everything relating
to the erection of this hall and the ceremonies attending its opening.

^ Tariff of the Large Hall — For a public meeting or concert, with grand entrance
and cloak - room, £'] ; with grand entrance, cloak - rooms, and use of rooms for
chorus and orchestra, ^8 ; for a ball, with grand entrance, cloak-rooms, and
north hall and balcony, £,\o 2s. 6d. ; for a ball or banquet, with grand entrance,
cloak-rooms, and use of two adjoining halls on ground floor, kitchen, &c, entire
buildings, £20 ; for a banquet, with all the ground floor, basement, and kitchen,
special arrangement ; for Sunday service, forenoon or afternoon, £,1 5s ; evening,
£2. The North Minor Hall — Ground floor for chamber concert, &c., entrance
from Smithhills Street, for lecture, <S:c , £2 ; with kitchen and cloak-rooms, for
a ball, ;^2 17s. 6d. ; M-ith kitchen, for a dinner or soiree, ;[^2 los. South Minor
Hall — For chamber concert or meeting, entrance by Abbey Close, £2. Organ
rates charged in addition to rent of hall. When hired for evening performance,
£1 IIS. 6d. ; when required only while the audience is assembling, £1 is.

1850 TILT. 1884. 393

The circumstances connected with the presentation of the Obser-
vatory by Mr. Thomas Coats to the Philosophical Society, for the
benefit of the inhabitants, may be shortly narrated here. Mr. James
Cook, at the annual meeting of the members of the society held on
5th October, 1880, suggested that, in order to encourage the study
of astronomy in the town, a telescope, for which a place might
be found in the new buildings about to be erected by Sir Peter
Coats, should be acquired by the society. The matter was
favourably entertained, and the council of the society was
authorised to carry out the proposal if they deemed this ex-
pedient. They agreed it should be done, the cost to be defrayed
from the funds of the society. At this stage Mr. Coats generously
offered to provide the telescope, with the necessary erections con-
nected therewith, and the offer was thankfully accepted. The
memorial stone of this building was laid on the 8th March, 1882,
and Mr. Coats was presented by the Philosophical Society with a
handsome silver trowel for the occasion. When the buildings
were completed, a conversazione, consisting of the members of the
society and others, was held on the i8th October, 1882, in the Free
Library and Museum, when Mr. Coats, after an address, presented
a deed conveying the site, tower, and other buildings, along with
the telescope, to the Philosophical Society, for the benefit of the
inhabitants. He also provided a fund for its future maintenance.
About 800 invitations to this conversazione were issued. It is
understood that this gift cost Mr. Coats in all about ^6000.

Mr. Thomas Coats was born in Paisley on i8th October, 1809,
and died, after a few months' confinement to his bed -room, on 15th
October, 1883. The funeral, which was a public one, took place
on the 1 8th of that month. The shops were almost all shut between
two and four o'clock. So, too, were many of the offices, warehouses,
and public works. The flags on the top of the County Buildings
floated half-mast high, and the bell of the High Church and several
other churches in town were tolled during the time of the funeral.
Besides the devotional services in Ferguslie House, there were
special religious services in the Baptist Church, Storie Street, where
the deceased had worshipped, and in St. George's Parish Church.
The funeral procession to the cemetery consisted of from 7000 to
8000 children belonging to the Board Schools of the town, the
Grammar School, the John Neilson Institution, and the Ragged
School. The number of gentlemen in the cortege was nearly 1000,
and the mournful procession on its way to the Cemetery was Avit-
nessed by many thousands of sympathising spectators.

By the death of Mr. Peter Brough of Oakshawhead House, Paisley,
which took place on the 1 8th July, 1883, the town of Paisley became
the recipient of a number of munificent bequests. The estate amounts
to upwards of ;^i55,ooo. The trustees appointed to carry out the
purposes of Mr. Brough's settlement are — Sheriff Cowan, Provost
Clark, Rev. Thomas Gentles, M.A., of the first charge of the Abbey

B I

394 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Church ; Rev. James B. Sturrock, minister of the Free High Church;
Rev. John Porteous, minister of Oakshaw Street U.P. Church;
Patrick Miller Brough, nephew of the testator ; Mr. Thomas Muir,
Annfield, Castlehead ; and Mr. John Neilson Gardner, Nether -
common House. The continuity of the trusteeship is to be
maintained by the successors in office of the five first-named
gentlemen coming in their room ; and, in the case of the three last-
named, vacancies are to be from time to time filled up by the
appointment of other non-official trustees. After making numerous
private bequests to his relatives, the testator instructs his trustees to
hold the residue of his estates as a permanent fund, to be called
" The Peter Brough Bequest Fund ; " and to apply the annual
income in the promotion and maintenance of the following religious,
educational, and charitable objects, viz.: —

First. — ;^6oo annually in employing such number as they may
judge proper of qualified females (or of males when they deem it
expedient), who shall devote their whole time to the visiting and
comforting of afflicted Christians, and to the reading to them of
the Bible. The field of such females' labours is limited to the
Parliamentary boundary of Paisley, but the trustees have power to
extend the same to districts in the neighbourhood. Coals and
clothing may be provided from this fund to persons recommended
by the visitors. Certain rules are laid down for carrying out this
part of the bequest fund.

Seco?id. — p/^500 annually to the Deacons' Court of the Free High
Church, Paisley, to be expended thus : — The first four annual pay -
nients (;,^2ooo) in obtaining a suitable site, and erecting thereon a
building in which the workers of the congregation may carry on their
labours, and which the testator desires shall be called " The Margaret
Brough Memorial Hall," in memory of his beloved sister ; and the
future annual payments of ;^5oo are to be applied by the Deacons'
Court in promoting evangelical labours in Scotland, or in furthering
missionary labours abroad, in such manner and in such proportions
as to them from time to time shall seem most fitted to do good.

Third. — ;z£^2oo yearly to the Paisley Auxiliary to the National
Bible Society of Scotland, for furthering the objects of that society.

Fourth. — ;^5oo yearly in paying 100 annual bursaries (to be given
by competitive exhibition) of ;^5 each to boys (being Protestants)
between 6 and 15 years of age, who shall have resided within the
Parliamentary boundaries of Paisley for at least two years before
the bursary is conferred, and who shall, while the bursary is held, be
in regular attendance in some public Protestant school within
Paisley. The trustees have power to alter the number and amount
of these bursaries.

Fifth. — ^100 annually to the directors of the John Neilson
Endowment Educational Institution, Paisley, to mark the testator's
appreciation of the good work carried on in his immediate neigh-
bourhood (Oakshawhead). The Neilson directors are free to expend
as they may deem most desirable.

1850 TILL 1884. 395

Sixth. — ^100 annually to the Paisley Ragged and Industrial
School, to be expended as the directors may direct.

Seventh. — ^^300 annually in establishing and maintaining a science
lectureship and its necessary adjuncts and accessories in Paisley.
The testator's trustees have ample powers as to fixing the subjects
to be taught (one of which he recommends should be physiology),
and they are generally to control everything connected with the
lectureship.

Eighth. — -^100 annually among such poor but deserving widows
in Paisley as his trustees may select as worthy to participate, and in
such sums, and at such times, as his trustees may think desirable.

Ninth. — ;^ioo annually to the Provost, Magistrates, and Town
Council of Paisley, for purchasing and distributing coals to poor but
deserving persons or families in Paisley.

Tenth. — ;^ioo annually to the Paisley Infirmary ; and.

Lastly. — The testator's trustees are authorised and instructed to
expend the remainder of the income of "The Peter Brough Bequest
Fund " in the promotion and maintenance of such other religious
and educational work, missionary operations, and charitable or
benevolent schemes, as they may select as worthy of encouragement
— the number to be chosen and the amount to be paid to each, and
generally the whole management, being entirely left to their
discretion.

The trustees have power to increase or diminish the amounts to
be given, as before stated, under the bequest fund. Full powers
are otherwise conferred upon the trustees. It is anticipated that a
large income will be available under the last head of the "Peter Brough
Bequest Fund." Mr. Brough's will is dated 5th November, 1879.

Mr. Brough was born at Scone, Perthshire, on 25th September,
1797. His great-grandfather, David Brough, who was a gardener,
was brought from England to that village by Lord Mansfield, head
of the Stormont family. His son, David Brough, the grandfather of
Peter Brough, was a tailor by trade in Scone. His second son,
David, was the father of Peter Brough. In addition to his business
as a tailor, David Brough after his marriage entered into the grain
and meal trade. Peter Brough received his education at the parish
school of Scone, where he acquired considerable proficiency in the
usual branches taught in schools of that kind in the country. At
the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Mr. Robert Wylie, cloth
merchant, Perth, for a term of three years, without any salary, but
with a promise of ;^5 at the end of the engagement if he behaved
properly. Mr. Brough did satisfy Mr. Wylie, who gave him jQ^
as promised, and further engaged him for a year at a salary of_;^i4.
On the expiry of this engagement, he went to Edinburgh, and
although he called at all the cloth shops he was unsuccessful in
obtaining a situation. Shortly afterwards he went to Glasgow, and,
after much labour and anxiety, got a temporary situation at a small
salary there ; but a few months thereafter he obtained an engagement

396 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

with a Mr. Harvey, mercer, at an annual salary of ^50. When he
had been six months in that situation Mr. Harvey opened a shop in
Paisley, and sent Mr. Brough to take charge of it. In less than a
year afterwards Mr. Harvey offered the stock in the shop to Mr.
Brough at a valuation, requiring acceptances in payment of the same
at three, six, nine, twelve, and fifteen months. Mr. Brough agreed
to this proposal, the value of the stock in the shop amounting to
;;^45o. In this way Mr. Brough, on ist October, 1816, entered
into business on his own account when little more than nineteen
years of age, and the only cash he possessed was ;z^2o, lent to him
by his father. His first place of business was the single shop taken
by Mr. Harvey in Wright's Land, High Street; but in 18 18 he
removed to the double shop No. 96 High Street, which he afterwards
occupied so long as he remained in business. He bought this
property in 1844. His first year in business was a successful one,
and year by year thereafter it continued to improve, less or more.
During the first two years of his residence in Paisley he lived in
lodgings, but in 18 18 he leased a house in the town's buildings at
the Cross, and furnished it at an expense of ;j^2oo.^ His sister,
Margaret, kept house for him, and was his closest companion till
her death. In 1824 he opened a shop in Crieff under the manage-
ment of one of his young shopmen, but not being very profitable, it
was after a few years given up.

In 1830 Mr. Brough was elected a member of the Town Council,
and two years afterwards he was raised to the dignity of the
Magistracy, which office he held for one year. In 1836 he was
chosen to fill the honourable position of a Justice of Peace for the
County of Renfrew. In 1852 he was elected one of the representa-
tives of the Fourth Ward for the Council Board, which seat he filled
in a satisfactory manner during the statutory period. In March,
1862, Mr. Brough was elected a director of the Glasgow and South-
western Railway Company, and continued in the management for
several years.

Prior to 1843 ^^^- Brough worshipped in St. George's Parish
Church, but at the great secession in that year he left the Established
Church to join the Free High Church, in which he took an active
interest during the remainder of his life.

Being anxious for relief from the continuous trouble of attending
to the shop, Mr. Brough in 1837 gave up the business he had
established in Kilmarnock in 1832, under the firm of Galloway,
Sharp, & Co., and assumed Mr. Sharp as a partner under the name
of Brough & Sharp. This copartnery continued till 1846, when it

^ In 1824 he removed from this dwelling-house to No. 10 Bridge Street,
occupied at present by Mr. Robert Paterson. In 1836 he went to live at
Garthland Place, but he removed in 1839 to Mr. Leishman's house in Oakshaw;
and that property having been bought by Mr. J. M. Symington in 1852, he
removed to Mr. Macalister's house, also in Oakshaw. In November, 1S55, he
purchased the house and garden adjoining on the east the property last named,
which belonged to Mr. M 'Kenzie, and to it he removed and in it remained till
his death.

1850 TILL 1884. 397

was dissolved, and a new one formed under the name of William
Miller & Co., Mr. Miller being then one of his young men in the
shop. In 1855 this copartnery was also dissolved, and Mr. Brough,
by arrangement, sold off all the stock, thereby ceasing to have
anything to do with shop business.

Mr. Brough's sister, Margaret, who was an amiable woman, and
did everything to promote his comfort, died, to his great grief, on
4th August, 1879.

For some years previous to his death, from feebleness consequent
upon old age and from the life of seclusion which he latterly
cherished, Mr. Brough was seldom seen on the streets of Paisley.
It was while temporarily residing at Gourock that he died, after a few
hours' illness, on 1 8th July, 1883, as already stated. Mr. Brough
never married.

The first stock that Mr. Brough purchased was in 1832, being
fifty shares in the Western Bank of Scotland. This he sold before
that company suspended payments on 15th November, 1857. Mr.
Brough, besides being pious and upright, was a shrewd, thoughtful
man, and a successful investor in the stocks of public companies,
and it was in this way he amassed most of the large fortune he left
behind him.^

Mr. Brough's remains are interred in the Paisley Cemetery, and
the inscription on the monument erected by his trustees over his
grave is as follows : —

"The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised." — I Cor. xv. 52.

Erected

in memory of

Peter Brough, Esquire,

of Oakshawhead House, Paisley.

Born 25th September, 1797.
Died 1 8th July, 1883.
In a long and prosperous business
career he amassed a large fortune,
which he bequeathed for the pro-
motion of religious, scientific, and
philanthropic objects.

Non sibi sed aliis vixit.
(He lived 7Wt for himself, but for others.)

Also,

In memory of his brothers, Thomas,

David, and John ;■

and his sisters,

Ann and Margaret Brough,

^ The foregoing information relating to Mr. Brough has been obtained from the
diary he kept, of which Mr. James Gardner, clerk and treasurer to " The Peter
Brough Bequest P'und," has kindly granted us the use.

39S HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Though Paisley has its share in the vicissitudes of the weather,
we do not think it suffers so severely as most other districts in Scot-
land. The south-west is of course the prevailing wind; and this,
combined with the nearness of the high hills in Renfrewshire to the
Atlantic Ocean, accounts for the greater humidity of the atmosphere
in the west than in the east of Scotland. The rainfall at Dalkeith in
1809 was 28 inches (omitting decimals); at Glasgow Observatory, 25 ;
and at Largs, 38. There have been frequent severe frosts, storms of
wind, rain, and snow, and some of them have been accompanied
with lightning and thunder. A kw of the most remarkable statistics
of the weather may be given. In 1808 there was a severe snow-
storm on the first of April ; and during the last three days of May
in the following year a great deal of snow fell, by which many fruit
trees were injured, and the crops of both large and small fruit much
diminished. This snowstorm was most unexpected, not being
preceded nor followed by frost. In January, 18 14, the river
Clyde and all its tributaries were completely frozen, so that the
water in the most rapid parts was covered with ice, which was so
strong at the ordinary fords as to admit of loaded carts passing over.
At this time the navigation of the Glasgow and Paisley Canal was
closed for six weeks. On 23rd April, 1827, there was a heavy fall
of snow; and in February, 1831, the snowfall was so great as to
derange all transit operations. The mail coach from Greenock,
drawn by three horses, stuck in a wreath of snow near Barnsford
Bridge ; and the passage boats on the canal were stopped for a
week.

At a meeting of the Paisley Philosophical Society, held on 3rd
May, 1870, the late Dr. Cochran, of Wellmeadow Street, read an
interesting paper on the annual rainfall of Scotland contrasted with
the rainfall of other countries. He said — " The rainfall in England
over a period of years averaged from the returns of upwards of 1000
stations (omitting decimals) ;^;^ inches; in Scotland, 32 inches;
in Ireland, 29 inches, — the average of the kingdom being 31 inches
per annum. Taking last year by itself, the average was as follows :
— In England, 37 inches; in Ireland, 34 inches; in Scotland, 33
inches. Taking the towns of Scotland, the following was the result
for the last year : —

Edinburgh,
Glasgow, ...
Dundee, ...
Aberdeen,...
Paisley,
Greenock,...

This showed a great difference in the amount of the rainfall as com-
pared with the number of days on which rain prevailed — Aberdeen
having considerably more days of rain than Greenock, and yet the
fall was less than half. The rainfall at three of the stations in or

i of Rain.

Quantity.

(no

return)

224

39 inches.

126

24 „

245

30 „

143

44 „

215

64 „

1850 TILL li

399

around Paisley and at Greenock for the last ten years was, in inches,
as follows : —

i860,
1861,
1862,
1863,
1864,
1865,
1866,
1867,
1868,

Ferguslie.

88 ft. above

sea level.

••• S3

... 42

... 66

... 61

••• 55
(no return)

••• 34
... 49

••■ 39
... 56

••• 45

- PAISLEY.

Stanely.

190 ft. above

sea level.

45
29

53
57
52
39
56
54
46
60
38

Thornley Dam.

646 ft. above

sea level.

48
.. ^ 63 .

.. (no return) .

46
.. 38 .

GREENOCK

Station.

64 ft. above

sea level.

59
68

74
75
55
49
73
62

77
64

The number of days on which rain fell increased from the equator
to the poles, but the quantity of rain increased from the poles to the
equator. It was found also that high and abrupt hills had a
tendency to increase the rainfall. In the Khassia hills, in Hindostan,
where the hills rise abruptly to a great elevation, with nothing
between them and the seacoast but a flat, marshy district, the annual
rainfall was 600 inches ; while 20 miles further inland the amount
was only 200 inches, and at 30 miles it was reduced to 100 inches.
A variable temperature and shifting winds were always found to be
productive of rain."

The unprecedented occurrence of a smart shock of earthquake
took place in Paisley and neighbourhood at eleven o'clock on the
evening of Monday, 24th October, 1836. It is thus minutely
described in the Paisley Advertise)- newspaper of that time : — " The
most general impression excited was that a heavy body had fallen
to the floor or to the ground. Many compared it to a person falling
from a bed, others to a sack of meal faUing from a man's shoulder
to the floor, or to the falling of a heavy bale of merchandise. Great
numbers were awakened by it from their sleep, sprung from their
beds, and searched the house, in the belief that they had been
attacked by robbers. Some females were so much terrified that
they would not again venture to bed. Several people con-
nected with public works ran out to see whether their stalk vents
had fallen to the ground. At the canal office it was felt with great
force, not by the clerk only, who was at his desk, but the watch-
dog, who sprang to his feet and began to bark, as if the work-house
had been attacked. The bells in several houses were put in motion,
and the windows, doors, and earthenware were shaken with con-
siderable noise. A letter from one of the persons in charge of the
dredge -boat lying off Elderslie House describes it as feeling like
a smart, heavy blow struck on the mooring chains. Earthquakes
being so seldom felt here, the noise and motion were ascribed to

400 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

almost every cause but the true one ; and it was not until next day,
when the conversation relating to it became general, and when the
effects of it were found so widely spread, that an earthquake was
deemed the cause. Several, however, who in distant lands had
witnessed such a phenomenon, at once recognised it. One young
lady in town, born in the East Indies, the moment she felt it,
exclaimed, 'An earthquake!' sprang from her bed, and fled for
shelter to the apartment of the servants. We have not learned that
the shock was felt at Neilston or in any other place to the southward
or south-west of Paisley, nor does it seem to have been felt at Glas-
gow. We have heard of the shock being felt in Houston, Kil-
barchan, and Johnstone to the west, and as far as Stonehouse in
Lanarkshire to the south-east. In the parishes of Renfrew,
Inchinnan, Erskine, and Old Kilpatrick, the shock was felt in a still
higher degree than in Paisley. One gentleman near Bishopton was
wakened out of his sleep by the noise, which he compared to the
firing of heavy artillery, and his first impression was that the house
was tumbling about his ears. A lady near the same place was so
much alarmed that she nearly fainted, and another who was lying
ill trembled from head to foot, in the behef that the last day was at
hand. At Freeland House, Erskine, the inhabitants were much
alarmed, and state that the cattle around the house were seen in a
state of agitation. The tollman on the Greenock Road was wakened
by the noise, and believing that the lead had been stripped from the
roof and thrown to the ground, he seized the tongs and ran out,
exclaiming, ' I'll catch them ; they cannot be far away !' On both
sides of Clyde the shock was pretty severe. The bells of Blyths-
wood House were set a-ringing. With the exception of the break-
ing of a little crockery, we have heard of no damage being done."

The longest continuance of severe frost within the last fifty years
was in the beginning of 1838. It commenced about the tenth of
January, and prevailed without interruption for about eight weeks.
All the still and flowing waters were completely frozen up, and
curlers had every opportunity for indulging in their favourite amuse-
ment. The Stanely reservoirs, which had been finished and filled
with water before winter commenced, were covered with ice. The
larger of the two reservoirs, extending to upwards of thirty -five
acres, had been frozen over at a time when the water was perfectly
calm, and presented a surface as smooth as glass. Very little water
was flowing into the reservoir, and as the using of it by the
inhabitants had not commenced, there was none flowing out. The
ice, therefore, was quite solid. Besides the many curlers, skaters,
and sliders on this extensive and magnificent sheet of ice, it was
visited by immense numbers of people, both old and young, thus
rendering the wintry scene, day after day, a most enjoyable one.
From the long continuance of the severe frost, the Rivers Clyde,
White Cart, and Black Cart became so firmly icebound that skaters
amused themselves by travelling on the ice between Paisley, Linwood,
and Glasgow. As the ferry boat at Renfrew was stopped, the traffic

1850 TILL 18S4. 401

was carried on in carts and other vehicles over the ice there. One
of the tinest sights caused by the severity of the frost was at the
Gushing Linn, " the warlock craigie," to the south of Glenfield, where
the Espedair Burn falls over a perpendicular ridge of the Gleniffer
range of hills, and has formed in the long course of time a deep
chasm on the side of the mountain for its passage to the plain
beneath. The height of this fall is about fifty feet, and from the top
to the bottom it was one mass of ice, all waved and twisted in the
most fantastic forms conceivable. In addition to the main body of
frozen ice in the centre of the waterfall, there were on both sides
numerous substantial icicles under the projecting rocks, making it
appear as if the projecting cliffs were supported by pillars of glass.
No such frost had been experienced since 18 14. In the middle of
May, 1839, the weather, which had been for some weeks exceedingly
agreeable, became rather cold, and on the morning of the 15th May
hailstones of nearly half an inch thick fell in abundance. Then came
several showers of snow, followed by sharp frost, and throughout the
whole district there was an almost unbroken covering of snow. In
the course of two or three days, however, the snow was melted by
the strong rays of the sun. There had been no such fall of snow in
summer since 1809. The greater part of the fruit crops was
destroyed. On the morning of Saturday, 9th March, 1844, Paisley
and surrounding district were visited by a storm of great violence,
and considerable damage was done to the roofs of buildings. On
the evening of the 8th July, 1847, a thunderstorm broke over the
town. During that day the air was filled with electricity, and the
sky became so fiery and dark as almost to turn day into night, when
at length the overcharged clouds burst forth in all the terrific
grandeur and awe -striking sublimity of a thunderstorm. During
the storm, which continued only about half- an -hour, the lightning
flashed almost incessantly and the rain fell in torrents. No
damage, however, was done. But the most fearful and destructive
hurricane of wind to which this town and district was subjected in
this century was in February, 1856. The gale commenced between
nine and ten o'clock on Wednesday evening, the 6th of that month,
and acquired its greatest force between one and two o'clock the
following morning. During the continuance of the hurricane, many
slates and chimney -cans were blown down, and at daybreak the
streets were greatly covered with these materials. The damage done
to buildings throughout every part of the town was very great.
Several buildings in connection with public works were thrown down,
and many stacks of vents of dwelling-houses were overturned, thereby
causing much loss. Upwards of twelve chimney stalks connected
with public works were destroyed by the hurricane, and several of
them in their descent demolished the adjoining buildings. The
excessive force of the hurricane on that eventful night will be best
understood when we state that the sheet-lead, measuring thirty feet
in length by forty feet in breadth, and weighing two and a-half tons,
was lifted from the flat roof of St. George's Church and carried by

402 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the wind to Messrs. Brown, Sharp, & Tyars' warehouse, a distance
of fully thirty )'ards, where it penetrated the roof and destroyed two
windows. The thatched roofs also of a great number of houses in
all parts of the town were much damaged. Amongst the hundreds
of smaller casualties in the town were the overturning of a boat laden
with charcoal at the quay, the partial unroofing of some cottages on
Renfrew Road, the throwing down of part of the wall at Greenlaw
Nursery and a wall at the Abbey gardens. Many trees in the
neighbourhood that had successfully battled with previous blasts
were either uprooted or broken. No persons fortunately met with any
serious injuries. Altogether, it was estimated that it would take
upwards of;^io,ooo to repair the damage done in Paisley alone.
But there was one piece of destruction accomplished by the violent
gale which admitted neither of replacement nor repair at any cost.
We mean the uprooting of the ancient and revered Wallace Oak,
which had stood for centuries as a landmark at Elderslie, two miles
from Paisley Cross. This celebrated tree stood near the west
end of the village of Elderslie, and close to the north side of
the public highway. Tradition asserts that the branches at one time
were so large as to be able to conceal not only Wallace but 300 of
his followers also from the enemy, who were pursuing them. In the
year 1825 the trunk measured twenty-one feet in circumference at
the ground, and thirteen feet two inches at five feet from the ground.
It was 67 feet high, and the branches extended 45 feet towards the
east, 36 feet west, 30 feet south, and 25 feet north, covering in all
nineteen poles of ground. Previous to that time, and afterwards,
the dimensions of the tree sufi'ered greatly through natural decay,
but mainly through the cutting of branches by people anxious to
preserve a memento of the great patriot -hero.

Comets, as is well known, have frequently by their appearance
startled mankind ; some of them have been of great magnitude.
The year 1858 was distinguished by the apparition of a comet of
extraordmary size and splendour. It was discovered by Dr. Donati,
Astronomer at the Museum of Florence, on the 2nd of June in that
year. Previous to this date there was no knowledge of its existence,
and its appearance without the usual prediction of astronomers made
it the more striking. It first became visible to the naked eye about
the 5th of September; it attained its greatest brilliancy about the
loth of October following, and it disappeared about the beginning
of November. Astronomers estimated that the length of the tail of
this comet was 51,000,000 miles, that it was 1,000,000 miles distant
from our globe at the nearest point of its orbit, and that it travelled
at the rate of about 20,000 miles per minute. While it remained a
conspicuous object and flew with such velocity across the heavens,
it was looked up to, we believe, by every one in Paisley with
admiration and awe.

There was also a storm of considerable violence on 6th November,
1872, and damage was done to several buildings in the town. A
building in course of erection in Stevenson Street, and a number of

1850 TILL 1884. 403

walls in various quarters of the town, were partly blown down.
Roofs of houses were also injured, and many large trees were
uprooted. In the Cemetery, several memorial stones were over-
turned. On the evening of the 28th December, 1879, when the
Tay Railway Bridge along with the passenger train were blown into
the Firth and 75 passengers drowned, the storm was very severely
felt in this district also, and considerable damage was done in
many ways.

The industries commenced prior to this century have continued
in active operation. Nearly all of them have been greatly extended,
and new industries of considerable importance have been introduced.
It may have been observed that the weaving trade has been subjected
to many serious and distressing depressions during the present
century, and it is not to be wondered at, therefore, that for many
years it has ceased to be the staple industry of the town. At the
beginning of the present century the manufacture of shawls was
gradually introduced, and soon afterwards it became the most
important branch in the weaving trade. The introduction of the
manufacture of the " Paisley shawl " was the result of the French
and British expeditions to Egypt at the end of last century. The
officers sent presents of eastern shawls to their lady friends at home,
and the first imitations of Turkish and Indian goods were made in
Paisley and Edinburgh. We shall not attempt, however, to describe
the various styles produced by the Paisley manufacturers from time
to time to meet the different fashions that prevailed, but must refer
the reader to the interesting work by Mr. William Cross, Glasgow,
a native of Paisley.^

From about the year 1820 down to the commencement of the
trade depression in 1841 there were upwards of 7000 hand-looms,
and at the end of 1882 there were only 953." About the middle of
the present century, the printing of shawls in imitation of the harness
shawl was carried on to a great extent, but it has been abandoned
for many years. From about 1867 to 1873 ^ ^^'"y considerable
trade was done in what were called Ottoman stripe shawls. Since
that period a new branch of trade has arisen in the manufacture of
tapestry of beautiful workmanship and artistic design. Tapestry
curtains may be divided into three qualities — first, those made
of the lowest class of cotton ; second, those made of cotton, noil
silk, wool, worsted, jute, and linen ; and, third, those made of rich
silks.

Although the weaving trade has greatly declined during the last
half century, the opposite process has been exemplified in the making

^ Descriptive Sketch of Changes in the Style of Paisley Shawls, being the
substance of a Lecture delivered by Mr. William Cross, manufacturer, Glasgow,
in the hall of the Free Library and Museum. — J. & J. Cook, January, 1872.

'■• There were in Paisley in 1882, 69 weavers over 70 years of age ; over 60, 192 ;
over 50, 234 ; over 40, 211 ; over 30, 127 ; over 20, 52 ; below 20, 10 ; females,
7 ; no age given, 51 — making in all 953 (Glasgoiv News, 31st October, 1882).

404

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

of sewing thread, which is now the most extensive and flourishing
industry in Paisley. There are several works of this kind in the
town, but the most important are the Anchor Thread Works at
Seedhills, belonging to the Messrs. Clark, and the Ferguslie Thread
Works, belonging to the Messrs. Coats. The former, when in full
operation, employ upwards of 2500 persons, the great proportion of
these being females. There are upwards of 2000 persons employed
at the latter works, and they are also nearly all females.

We cannot undertake to notice in detail all the other important
branches of industry carried on in the town, which add so greatly to
its wealth and importance. We gave a list taken from the Poll Tax
Roll, of 1695, of those then engaged in business in Paisley, and we
now supply a somewhat similar list taken from the Paisley Directory
of 1883-84:—

Accountants, 17

Agents and Commission Agents, ... 33

Aerated Water Manufacturers, 6

Architects and Surveyors, 6

Coffee Houses and Hotels (Tem-
perance), II

Contractors, 23

Coopers, 6

Auctioneers and Appraisers, 4 J Corkcutters, 4

Bakers, 47

Banks, , 7

Beltmakers, 2

Billposters, 2

Blacking Manufactureis, 2

Bleachers, Shawl Washers, Scourers,

etc., 18

Bookbinders, 4

Booksellers and Stationers, 30

Boot and Shoemakers, 55

Brassfounders, 5

Brewery, i

Brickmakers and Brickbuilders, 8

Brokers, 8

Brush, Basket, Comb, Toy, and

Fancy Goods Warehouses, 9

Buckram Manufacturers, 2

Cabinetmakers, 17

Calenderers and Finishers, 17

Calico and Shawl Printers,..., 3

Candlemakers, 4

Card and Print Cutters, 7

Carpet Manufacturers, 4

Carters, 18

Carvers and Gilders, 3

Chemical Works, 12

Chimney Sweepers, 3

China and Crystal Merchants, 19

Chiropodist, i

Clergymen ofvariousdenominations, 34
Cloth Merchants and Agents for

ditto, 2

Cloth Merchants and Woollen

Drapers, 7

Coach and Van Builders, 4

Coach Hirers, 7

Coal Merchants and Dealers, 36

Confectioners and Fruiterers, 120

Corn Flour Manufacturers, 9

Cowfeeders, 68

Curled Hair Manufacturer, I

Decorator, i

Distillers, 2

Drapers and Silk Mercers, 60

Dressmakers and Milliners, 91

Druggists and Chemists, 24

Drysalters, 7

Dyers, 29

Eatinghouse Keepers, 5

Elastic Belt Manufacturer, I

Electro -Plater, I

Embroiderers, 2

Engineers and Machine Makers,... 18

Fancy Boxmakers, 4

Fire - Clay Manufacturers, 2

Fishmongers and Poulterers, 8

Fleshers, 48

Funeral Undertakers, 9

Furnished Lodging-House Keepers, 3

Furnishers, 15

Furniture Dealers, 8

Gardeners, 33

Glass Show - Case Maker, I

Glaziers, 6

Grain Merchants, 12

Greengrocers, 28

Grocers and Victuallers (25 of these

are Spirit Dealers also), 195

Hairdressers, 14

Hamcurers, II

Hatters, 9

Hosiers, 1 1

Hothouse Builder, I

House Factors, 14

Inn and Hotel Keepers, 4

Iron Founders, 7

1850 TILL 1884.

405

Iron Merchants, 3

Ironmongers, 19

Jacquard Machine Makers, 2

Ladies' Nurses, 2

Lathsplitters, 2

Leather Merchants, 3

Letterpress Printers, 13

Lime and Cement Merchants, 2

Lithographers and Engravers, 11

Manufacturers, 54

Maker of BowHng- Green Bowls, ... i

Makers of Brooms, etc., 2

Machinery Belting Makers, 2

ManufacturerofMetal Name Plates,

etc., I

Manufacturer of Non- Conducting

Composition, etc., i

Manufacturer of Sanitary and Plum-
bers' Earthenware, I

Manufacturer of Drain Pipes and

Tiles for Field Drainage, i

Manufacturers of Stationery, 5

Masons and Builders, 15

Measurers, 4

Medical Practitioners, 18

Messenger - at - Arms, i

Metal Refiner, i

Midwives, 5

Mill Furnishers, 2

Millers, 3

Nurserymen and Florists, 7

Oil and Glycerine Makers, 3

Packing Box Makers, 2

Painters and Paperhangers, 21

Paper Rulers, 3

Pattern Drawers, 3

Pavement Merchant, I

Pawnbrokers, II

Pianoforte Tuners, 2

Photographers, 6

Plasterers, 6

Plumbago Crucible Manufacturer, i
Plumbers, Tinsmiths, and Copper-
smiths, 23

Potato Merchants, 7

Potter, I

Power- Loom Cloth Manufacturers, 3

Preserve Manufacturers, 3

Purveyors, 4

Ropespinners, 7

Saddlers and Harness Makers, 3

Sculptors, 5

Seed Merchants, 3

Shawl and Muslin Cutters, 2

Sheriff Officers, 2

Shipbuilders, 4

Shipping Agents, 2

Slaters, 12

Soap Merchants, 7

Smiths (7 of these are Farriers),... 25

Starch Manufacturers, 8

Surgeon Dentists, 5

Tailors and Clothiers {18 of these

are Tailors only), 52

Tanners, 2

Teachers, 151

Teachers of Dancing, 2

Teacher of Drawing, I

Teachers of Music, 13

Thread Manufacturers, 8

Tobacconists (3 of these are manu-
facturers), 26

Tobacco Pipe Manufacturer, i

Umbrella Manufacturers, 4

Upholsterers, 15

Valuators, 5

Veterinary Surgeons, 4

Warpers, 5

Waste Merchants, 15

Watch and Clock Makers and

Jewellers, 20

Weavers' Furnishers, 8

Wine and Spirit Merchants, 193

Wood Merchants, 15

Wood Turners, 3

Wrights and Joiners, 44

Writers, 22

Yarn and Silk Merchants, 12

It is extremely interesting to note the great and continuous
increase of business in the Paisley Post Ofifice during the present
century. Frequently commercial men in Paisley had considerable
difificulty in getting the Government to conduct the Post Office
affairs in a proper manner. For a considerable period prior to 1 814,
letters between Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock, were conveyed by
a royal mail-coach. But in that year this was, for economical
reasons, discontinued, and in its place the mail -bags were conveyed
in a very miserable and insecure fashion — viz., by a boy on horse-
back. Strong remonstrances were forwarded by the Provost and
Magistrates, merchants, manufacturers, bankers, and traders in the
town of Paisley, to the Postmaster-General, pointing out that the
property, in bills and money, which passed between Glasgow,

406 ■ HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Paisley, and Greenock, was of immense amount, and showing how
hazardous it was to carry it in so insecure a manner. At that time
letters from London for these towns were first of all sent to Glasgow,
and there made up into bags, and the memorialists insisted that the
letters should at the same time be put into separate bags in London.
These well-founded grievances were after a time removed.

Another matter which the people of Paisley complained of ten
years afterwards, was the insufficient accommodation in the Post
Office, and the small remuneration given to the postmaster. The
memorialists stated that the annual revenue of Paisley Post Office
at that time (1824) was ;!^35oo, and that the postmaster had only a
yearly salary of;^6o, with an allowance of ;^25 for a clerk. They
further stated that " the very small apartment appropriated for that
business, enters from a stationery shop kept by the postmaster,
having a letter-box and wicket in its only window, and another
wicket in the partition wall which divides it from the shop. The
street in which it is situated is a narrow and much -frequented
thoroughfare, which is apt to be crowded and obstructed by those
who await the delivery of letters on the arrival of the posts ; and
there is no place at hand capable of affording shelter from rain.
The access to the wicket within the shop is between the counter and
the wall, a space so small that a very few individuals completely
fill it, and so narrow as with difficulty to enable one person to pass
another." The Post Office at this time, and during a considerable
part of the previous century, was the little shop which is at present
No. 43 Moss Street. In 1829 it was removed to No. 5 Christie
Terrace, and seven years afterwards to Gilmour Street, where it
continued till Government erected the present Post Office Buildings
in St. Mirin Street. These were opened on 29th July, 1876.

We have already indicated the amount of business done in the
Paisley Post Office in the last century. In 1837 the total number
of letters received weekly at the Post Office was about 4000. There
were then also only two letter deliverers in the town, and one penny
extra was charged for the delivery of letters beyond six hundred
yards from the Post Office. At that time the postage of letters was
charged according to distance, weight, and number of enclosures.
From Paisley to Glasgow the lowest postage charge was 4d.; to
Edinburgh, 8i^d. ; to Liverpool and Manchester, ii}4d.; to
London, is. 2i^d.; to Ireland, is. 3j^d.; and to America, 2s. 7>^d.
These charges were doubled when letters contained one enclosure.
Before the immense boon conferred on the country by the system of
penny postages came into operation on loth January, 1840, the
legislature was frequently petitioned on the subject. On 28th
March, 1839, the Town Council of Paisley agreed to petition both
Houses of Parliament "for a uniform penny post"; and on 9th July
following, they agreed to petition Parliament to the same effect.

Mr. Wallace, M.P. for Greenock, took an active part in advocat-
ing this great change in the postage ; possibly ranking second only
to Rowland Hill himself. Mr. Wallaces great services in con-

1850 TILL 1884. 407

nection with the penny postage were universally appreciated. He
received the freedom of the following cities or towns — Glasgow,
Aberdeen, Paisley, Perth, Dingwall, Inverness, and Dornock. He
was presented with an address by the inhabitants of Kilmarnock,
and a communication from the Postmaster- General of France com-
plimenting him on the reforms he had efifected in the Post Office.
There were besides numerous compliments and addresses from
other quarters. Mr. Wallace represented Greenock in Parliament
from 1833 to 1845. Having suffered certain reverses of fortune, a
movement in 1850 was made to raise a pubhc testimonial for him.
This realised nearly ^4000, which was invested in the purchase
of an annuity of ^^500. He died at his residence, Seafield Cottage,
near Greenock, on ist April, 1855, in the eighty-first year of his
age. A public monument of elegant design, thirty -five feet high,
was erected over his grave in the Greenock cemetery.

The increase of letters in Paisley Post Office, after the in-
troduction of the penny postage, was instantaneous and rapid.
In 1854 the number of letters received weekly in the Post
Office rose to 9800, and in 1883 57,000 letters were received
weekly. The number of letter- deliverers now employed is twenty-
five. The transmission of telegraph messages has also greatly
increased since the transfer of that business to the Post Office in
1868. During the first year the number of messages' was 14,000,
and during 1883 they amounted to 57,000. For a considerable
time past the number of letters received at the Post Office, Paisley,
on St. Valentine's Day (14th February), has been decreasing year
by year. While that has been gradually going on, the Christmas
cards, on the other hand, received at the Post Office, have been
increasing in a marvellous manner. On St. Valentine's Day
in i860, the number of letters of all kinds received was 3700,
and in 1883 the number was 8700, being only an increase of 5000.
At Christmas in i860, the number of letters of all kinds was only
2800; while at Christmas in 1883, they extended to the immense
number of 58,000, showing an increase of 55,200. On ist August,
1883, the parcel post was established.

The population of the town during this century will be best
shown by a statement of the census returns at the different decades : —
Town. Abbey. Total.

1801, ... 17,026 ... 14,153 ••• 31,179

1811, ... i9>937 ••• 16,785 ••• 36,722

1821, ... 26,428 ... 20,575 ... 47,003

1831, ... 31,460 ... 26,006 ... 57,466

Prior to 1831 the population of the Abbey Parish within the
Paisley Police bounds was not ascertained separately from the rest
of the parish ; but in 1 83 1 the numbers were separated, and the
population stood thus — In the Burgh, 31,460 ; and in the Abbey,
14,739; being in all, 46,199. According to the census returns of
1801, 1811, and 1 82 1, the population of Paisley was the third

4o8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

highest of the towns in Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow alone
being higher; but in 1831 the census returns showed that Aberdeen
had 553 more inhabitants than Paisley. In 1834 the population
within the Parliamentary boundary was 46,191; in 1841, 48,416;
in 185 1, 47,951. Thus 185 1 showed a decrease of 465 in
population as compared with 1841. This, however, should not be
wondered at. The census of 184 1 was taken before the commence-
ment of the distress of that period. The severe depression of trade
continued so long, that many of the best artizans, with their families,
were forced to remove to other parts of the country to find employ-
ment, and many more to emigrate to the Australian Colonies or to
America. The mortality in the town was also increased by the
fever that prevailed in 1847, ^rid by the cholera in 1849. The
comparison of the following details in the enumeration of 1841 and

1 85 1 is interesting: —

1851. 1841.

Number of persons to each family, ... ... 4'6 47

Total males, 22,458 22,294

Total females, 25,493 26,122

Proportion per cent, to the Population —

Scotch, 87-15 88-43

Irish, ii"34 lO'S^

English, 1-25 0-91

Colonial, Foreign, and Unknown, ... ... 0-26 O'oS

The Scotch element thus decreased i"28 in 1851, while the Irish
increased 0-76 per cent., the English 0-34 per cent., and other
nationalities o'lS. The relative proportion of males and females
was also changed — there being in 185 1, 164 more males and 638
fewer females than in 1841.

Popnlatiofi according to places of Nativity —

Scotland. England. Ireland. Colonies. Unknowii. Total.

In 1851, ... 41,787 602 5439 52 71 47.951

„ 1841, ... 42,813 439 5124 (40) — 48,416

Ages —

Under i year, 1548

I year and under 5 years, ... ... ... ... ... 4^5^

5 „ ,, 10 ,, 5699

10 „ „ 15 „ 5281

15 „ ,> 20 „ 5073

20 ,, „ 30 „ ^732

30 „ „ 40 „ 5977

40 ,, ,, 50 ,, 4777

50 ,, ,, 60 ,, 3128

60 „ ,, 70 >, ^955

70 ,, „ 80 „ 899

80 ,, ,, 90 ,, 188

90 „ „ 95 „ '4

95 „ .. 100 .» 5

Unknown, ... •■• • •■ '9

47.951

i86i.

1851.

2688

2691

1850 TILL 1884. 409

Number of Buildings —

Inhabited,
Uninhabited, ...
Building,

The greatest age returned was that of a female who was in her
1 00th year on 31st March, 1851.

Deaf and Dumb and Blind Perso?is —

Deaf and Dumb, ... Male, 16. Female, 16 — Total, 32.

Blind,... ... ... Male, 33. Female, 22 — Total, 55.

In 1861 the population was 47,427 ; in 1871 the population was
48,257. This shows since 1861 an increase of 830; but there was
a decrease in the military of 85 and in prison inmates of 31, so that
the increase in the inhabitants may be said to have been 946.
During the ten years ending 187 1 the births exceeded the deaths
by 4648, and this shows that large numbers had left the town to
seek employment elsewhere. In 1861 there were 2536 occupied
looms, while in 1871 there were 1551 — being a decrease of 985.
The family average in 1861 was 4*5, and in 1871 it was 47. The
census of 187 1 showed that there were 25,993 females and 22,264
males. That is, there were ii6"8 females for every 100 males, or
nearly 17 per cent, more women than men. In 1861 the excess
was 1 6 '4 per cent. It is not difficult to discover the cause of this
disparity in the numbers of the sexes, the demand for well paid
female labour in the mills and manufactories in the town being
so great.

The children attending school in 1871 between the ages of five
and thirteen was 6658, while the gross number of children between
these ages was 8880. In 1861 the total number of children between
five and fifteen years of age was 10,478, while the number returned
as attending school was 5982.

The number of houses or tenements and windowed rooms in 187 1
and 1861 were as follows : — Tenements in 1871 inhabited, 2622;
uninhabited, 36; building, 17. In 1861, tenements inhabited,
2677; uninhabited, 50; building, 3. Windowed rooms, 22,702;
and in 1861, 21,749. It appears from the foregoing that while the
number of tenements has decreased 551, the number of windowed
rooms has increased 953. At the census of 1861, Paisley had the
smallest number of rooms in proportion to the population of any of
the eight principal towns in Scotland.

According to the Government census return for 1881, the popula-
tion was 56,642 — being an increase of 7330 upon that of 1871.
The following is a statement showing the population in the different
parishes within the Parliamentary boundary, for 1871 and 1881,
along with the increase in each : —

High Parish, in 1881, 17,875.
Do., in 187 1, 15,484.

Increase, 2,391.

c I

410

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Middle Parish, in 1881, 13,123.
Do., ini87i, 9,723.

Increase, 3,400.

Low Parish, in 1881, 7,090.

Do., in 1871, 6,702.

-- Increase, 388.

Abbey Parish, in 1881, 17,468.
Do., in 1871, 16,318.

Increase, 1,150.

Renfrew Parish, in 188 1, 31.
Do., in 187 1, 30.

— Increase, i.

Total increase,

7,330-

Burgh of Paisley Parliamentary and Municipal Register of Voters,
1883-4:—

Female

Voters.

1882-3.

1883-4.

1882-3.

1883-4

First Ward,

914

986

217

210

Second Ward,

1152

1192

291

288

Third Ward,

1030

1115

222

231

Fourth Ward,

1355

1406

205

Fifth Ward,

906

979

181

179

5357 5678

1116 1113

5590 persons are disquaHfied through non-payment of poor-rates,
or being exempted on the ground of poverty.

The annual rental of property in the town has increased very
greatly during the last half-century. In 186 1, it was ;i^98,oo6 ; in
1871, ^119,599; in 1877, ^173,452; in 1879,^^199,952; in
1881, ;^2o6,334 ; and in 1882-3, ^s estimated in detail by Mr.
Nisbet, surveyor of taxes, as follows : —

Parish.

DWELLING-HOUSES.

Shops, Ware-
HGCSES, Mills, &c.

Annual
Value of
Lands.

Annual
Value of
Railways

Canals,
&c.

Total
Annual
Value,

1882-83.

Occupied.

Unoccupied.

Occupied.

Un-
occupied.

No.

Annual
Value.

No.

Annual
Value.

Abbey,

Middle,

High,

Low,

Renfrew, ...
Railways,

772
3698
5976

1573
4

;^33,642

23,575

32,658

12,693

109

£66s

579

897

306

.^27,708

27,417
21,846
18,258

^1029

987

554
846

i:5i68

919

247
69

^6907

^68,212

53,477
56,202

32,172

199

6907

T0TAL,1882-83

12,023

;^I02,660

;^2467

jC9S>229

;^34l6

;^6490

^6907

^217,169

1850 TILL 1884. 411

In the last half of the present century the Town Council, as had
been the custom for a considerable time, created only a very few
honorary Burgesses.^ On nth September, i860, they agreed to
present the freedom of the Burgh to Lord Brougham, in considera-
tion of His Lordship's high position as a philosopher, an orator, and
a statesman. At that time Lord Brougham was expected in Glasgow
to preside over the deliberations of the National Association for the
promotion of Social Science. His Lordship accepted the invitation,
and in consequence of numerous applications from all classes of the
community to be present at the ceremony, the Council agreed that
the presentation should take place in St. George's Church, on 27th
September, i860. On that occasion the church was crowded with
an attentive and fashionable audience, and Provost Pollock, after
an appropriate speech, delivered to Lord Brougham the document
conveying the freedom of the burgh enclosed in a gold box. His
Lordship, who was then in his 83rd year, expressed, not in the firm
language of the eloquent Henry Brougham of former times, but in
the feeble voice of an old frail man, the gratification he felt in
receiving the freedom of the Burgh, and as youngest burgess ac-
knowledged the high honour conferredupon him by the Town Council.

On the afternoon of this day the Social Science Congress, which
had been holding its annual meetings in Glasgow, had a banquet in
the City Hall, and Lord Brougham presided. In replying to the
toast of his Lordship's health, proposed by Sir John Pakington,
he, among other things, said : — "I have canvassed in all
directions in the most populous districts, under the most varied
circumstances, of the great County of York, which I represented for
a short time ; I have canvassed in smaller counties of an agricultural
character ; but in all these canvasses I never have received, even
where I was called most popular, — in all of them put together, —
the reception which I met in Glasgow, and even in the suburb of
Paisley, this morning" (Glasgow Herald, 29th September, i860).
In a paragraph that appeared in the Glasgow Herald of 2nd October
following, it is stated that when Lord Brougham's attention was,
during the banquet, drawn to this matter of calling Paisley a suburb
of Glasgow, " he at once saw and acknowledged the error which he
had inadvertently committed, and promised to correct it ; but
unfortunately having shortly afterwards transmogrified. himself into
an old woman, he forgot all about it." The same paragraph

^ 1846, 9 and 10 Victoria, chap. 17. The exclusive privileges of trading
existing and enforced in the Royal and other Burghs of Scotland, were abolished
in this year by Parliament enacting that " all such exclusive privileges and rights
shall cease, and it shall be lawful for any person to carry on or deal in merchan-
dise, and to carry on and exercise any trade or handicraft in any Burgh, or a
Guild brother or a member of any Guild, Craft, or Incorporation." By the
passing of this Act, the revenue of the Corporation suffered to the amount of
from ;if 100 to ;^i5o annually, this being the sum they received as entry-money
from new burgesses. This offensive tax was exacted from every one who
commenced business within the Burgh, and was always strongly objected to, and
was with great difficulty collected by the Town Chamberlain.

412 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

concludes by saying — "he has since made the amende hojiourable
to Paisley, and thereby satisfied the good people of the city in the
west." At the banquet, and immediately afterwards, many gibes
and facetious remarks were made by the Glasuegians at the expense
of the people of Paisley. It was a thoughtless mistake on the part
of the old man, and should, out of good feeling towards Lord
Brougham, have been overlooked at the time ; but though
occurring twenty- four years ago, it has not been allowed to pass into
oblivion. To the present day, when anyone mentions something
favourable about Paisley in the presence of an inhabitant of
Glasgow, it is often the case that the retort is made — " but Paisley
is a suburb of Glasgow; Lord Brougham said so." Even the
conductors of the most respectable Glasgow newspapers have all
along, during these twenty-four years, permitted the writers of leading
articles and their correspondents to use the false, offensive, and
impertinent statement, that Paisley is a suburb of Glasgow, to be
continued, though its history is as ancient as that of its larger rival,
and its independence, both as an old ecclesiastical centre and in
respect of distinctive manufactures, has always been most marked.

The next to receive from the Town Council the freedom of the
burgh was Mr. Duncan Wright, to whom we have already referred
as one of the benefactors of Paisley. The ceremony took place in
the County Hall ; and the certificate of the freedom of the burgh,
which was presented to him by Provost Murray, after an eloquent
address, was enclosed in a silver box, and was given in testimony of
public appreciation of his generous and munificent endowment
of school and college bursaries for the education of deserving boys
and young men born within the Burgh or Abbey Parish of Paisley,
whose parents are unable to give them a suitable education. Mr.
Wright, in suitable terms, cordially thanked the Council for the
honour conferred on him in admitting him a burgess of the burgh,
and for the very gratifying manner in which the presentation had
been made.

On nth September, 1877, the Council agreed to ask General
Grant, late President of the United States (who was travelHng in
Scotland at that time), to visit Paisley, and accept of the freedom of
the burgh. He replied, expressing his thanks for the honour offered
him by the Council, but stating that he had already made so many
engagements that it was out of his power to avail himself of their
courtesy.

In December, 1882, the Council solicited Mr. Gladstone, as
he was about to come to Scotland, to accept the freedom of
the burgh ; but he declined, as his engagements disabled him from
adding any other to his Midlothian visit.

On ist November, 1883, the Council agreed to admit the Right
Hon. Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke, Bart., M.P., President of the
Local Government Board for England, to be burgess and freeman
of the Burgh of Paisley, in recognition of his high character as a
statesman, his eminent literary qualities, and the important services

1850 TILL 1884. 413

rendered by him to the state in reforming abuses and advancing
the interests of trade, especially between this country and France.

On the 9th of the same month, the Council admitted the Right
Hon. Sir Richard Cross, G.C.B., D.C.L., M.P., to be a burgess and
freeman of the Burgh of Paisley, in recognition of his high character
and eminent abilities as a statesman, and of the important services
rendered to the country as Secretary of State for the Home Depart-
ment.

These lionours were conferred on these two gentlemen, in the
presence of large and fashionable audiences.

A body of gentlemen, thirty-nine in number, established, on 26th
December, 1757, "The Paisley Society for the Reformation of
Manners," on somewhat the same lines as similar institutions which
had been formed in London and other places. The introduction to
the rules of the society stated that the members, " being deeply
sensible that sin is dishonouring to God, and pernicious to every
valuable interest of society and souls, and observing with grief its
power and progression in this town, do therefore cordially associate,
with determined purpose, to prosecute the vicious of every character,
be they blasphemers, swearers. Sabbath -breakers, drunkards, thieves,
idle, &c., and by every possible and legal method to have such
offenders brought to condign punishment." According to the rules
of the society, the entry-money of the members was 5s.; they were
to meet quarterly, and oftener if necessary ; they were to apply to
the Magistrates for a place to meet in, if the Laigh Kirk Session-
House was found inconvenient ; the society was to receive
donations ; and the ministers in the town were to be asked to preach
a sermon annually on the subject of reformation of manners, on the
first Tuesday of January, and contributions were to be made on
these occasions for promoting the purposes of the society. The
series of sermons was commenced in 1758, and was continued
without interruption till 1832, a period of seventy-five years. They
were generally preached on the first day of January, The first
sermon was by the Rev. James Bain, of the High Church, one of
the principal leaders of the society, and the collection amounted to
;^5 15s. 2d, The collections generally were small, — the largest
being ;^i6 15s. 4j^d., in 1812, when the Rev. Mr. M'Derraid
preached. The next highest collection was ;^i6 2s. 9}^d., in the
following year, when the Rev. Robert Burns ofiiciated. The society
may be considered as having aimed at the assisting of the Magistrates,
both with their influence and their money, in the suppression of crime.
The cases principally taken up by the society were — Sabbath desecra-
tion, disorderly houses, assaults, and thefts. As specimens, we shall
give a few of these cases: — On 7th February, 1758, Catherine Mor-
rison, residing in Townhead of Paisley, was accused of being generally
guilty of staying at home from public worship on Sabbath days, and
also of having been seen knitting stockings on Sabbath day. At
the same time three weavers were charged with violently entering a

414 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

change-house, in Water Wynd, on the Saturday before communion,
and of horrid swearing and abusive language. It is not stated whether
convictions were obtained in these cases ; but the Fiscal, who
was always employed by the society to prosecute, was paid j[^2 for
expenses. In January, 1762, two pieces of cloth were stolen from
a bleachfield in Sneddon, and they were found in the house of
James Alexander, formerly town's herd. To avoid being prosecuted,
he voluntarily signed his sentence of banishment from the town,
along with his wife. In 1772, the society induced the Magistrates
to make public intimation through the town, by tuck of drum,
prohibiting, under penalties of law, public swearing, rioting on the
streets, and in houses after lawful hours ; and offering a reward of
sixpence, to be paid to any informer against a young person ; and
of one shilling to the informer against any grown-up person swearing
publicly J the rewards to be paid by the society. In 1779, the
society joined with the Magistrates and others in opposing the
Popish 13ill, and they agreed to pay their share of the expenses. In
1789, the society agreed to offer a reward of ;^5 5s. to any person
who should discover the persons who attempted to set fire to the
house of Mr. Samuel Walker, thread-maker in Sneddon. In many
cases the society contributed money to prosecute persons charged
with committing thefts, or resetting stolen goods ; and in 1820 they
subscribed ;^3oo to assist in erecting the new Jail and Bridewell.
When an attempt was made in January, 1821, as already stated, to
shoot Mr. John Orr, the society offered twenty guineas to assist the
public prosecutor in offering a reward for such information as might
lead to the discovery and conviction of the persons who attempted
his assassination. The society, however, did not prosper. For
several years the new entrants fell off, as it was found that by the
establishment of the Police force the services of the society had
been in a great measure superseded. On ist January, 1832, the
last of the annual sermons was preached by the Rev. Dr. Burns,
and the church-door collection amounted to ]£^ 5s. An unsuccessful
attempt was made in 1839 to resuscitate the society; and in 1848
three prizes were offered for the best essay on the advantages of
Sabbath observance by the working classes. The competitors to
belong to that class. The first prize of;^5 was awarded to James Craig,
stereotype founder. The essay was afterwards published in pamphlet
form, with an introductory notice by the Rev. Dr. Symington, and
consisted of thirty-six pages. The demand for the pamphlet was so
considerable, that it reached a second edition. In 1851, the society
subscribed ;^35 to the Industrial Schools, and a similar sum in the
following year. In January, 1855, the society appointed a committee
of their number to take such measures as they might see fit to aid
the authorities in enforcing the new Public House Act (Forbes
M'Kenzie's) against the sale of drink on the Sabbath day; and two
years afterwards they paid ;^9 to the Procurator -Fiscal for his
expenses in making such prosecutions. Before the society was
dissolved in 1862, various proposals were made for the disposal of

1850 TILL 1884. 415

its funds. They ultimately voted — at the last meeting, held on
2nd December, 1862 — ^^50 to the Paisley Society for Reclamation
of Fallen Women; ^20 to the Paisley Female Educational Society;
£10 to the Tract Society; and ^5 to the Paisley Temperance
Society, to assist in providing a suitable place for refreshments at
the Feeing Fair, to be held in the following February.

The civic authorities in Greenock at the end of the first half of
this century manifested a strong ambition to have a Circuit Court
of Justiciary in cases affecting Renfrewshire established in that town.
This proposal was brought before the Town Council of Paisley on
1 8th June, 1849, by a letter from the Town -Clerk of Greenock.
The Council, in reply, expressed their opinion as unfavourable to
the project, but suggested that some arrangement might be made
for classifying the cases tried at the Circuit Courts in Glasgow into
districts, or that an additional Court should be held in Glasgow
during the year. The Greenock Town Council were not, however,
satisfied with the reply, and applied to the Lord Advocate to have
their proposals carried into effect. The reason urged for desiring
the proposed change was that a great hardship was entailed upon
jurymen, witnesses, and others in being compelled to attend the
Circuit Court at Glasgow, The Town Council of Paisley petitioned
the Lord Advocate against the proposed change, and stated that by
a better classification of cases before the Circuit Court at Glasgow
much could be done to obviate the grievances complained of by
jurymen and witnesses of being detained long in Glasgow, The
Commissioners of Supply also, at their annual meeting held on 30th
October, agreed by a great majority to petition against the establish-
ment of Courts of Justiciary at Greenock, The Lord Advocate
disapproving of the proposed change, or at least giving no encourage-
ment to it, nothing further was done in the matter till thirteen years
afterwards, when the Greenock authorities along with the Procurators
in October, 1862, resumed their agitation of this subject. They
submitted a proposal to Government to erect the four counties of
Renfrew, Dumbarton, Argyle, and Bute, into a Justiciary District,
which they alleged would be more convenient to those counties,
and would conduce to the more speedy administration of justice
than the system then existing. That proposal was afterwards
abandoned in consequence of the Commissioners of the counties of
Argyle and Dumbarton objecting to this scheme. A new proposal
was submitted, viz. — to create Renfrewshire along with Buteshire
alone into a Justiciary District, and to hold a Circuit Court at
Greenock. The Town Council of Paisley on 2nd February, 1863,
agreed to memorialise the Secretary of State for the Home Depart-
ment and the Lord Advocate against this new proposal. In this
memorial they stated that the number of cases tried at Inverary
from the County of Bute was, during the previous nine years, only
eleven, though there had been eighteen courts held, and it was
therefore of little importance to Buteshire where the Court was held ;

4l6 HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

that Greenock was situated 30 miles from the eastmost parts of the
County, and upwards of 20 miles from the most populous portion
of it ; that, as regards facilities of communication, both Glasgow and
Paisley were more convenient places than Greenock for a Circuit
Court for Renfrewshire, should it be found necessary to make any
change ; and that in the upper ward of the County there was a
population of 122,000, while in the lower ward the population did
not exceed 56,000. At a meeting of Council on 7th April following,
a letter was read intimating that, as regarded the subject of a proposed
re -arrangement of the Western Circuit of Scotland, Sir George Grey
was of opinion that it was inexpedient to alter the existing
arrangements. In October, 1867, the Corporation of Greenock and
other parties in that town renewed their application to the Lord
Advocate, the Sheriff of the County, and other officials, to establish
a Circuit Court of Justiciary in Greenock, and to include Renfrew-
shire, Buteshire, and portions of Argyleshire and Dumbartonshire.
The Council again agreed to oppose the application, as they were
satisfied with the existing arrangements ; but said if a change were
considered necessary. Paisley, from its central position, its ready
communication with all parts of the County, and the great popula-
tion resident in the upper ward as compared with the lower ward of
the County, and not Greenock, should be the town selected. The
Council memorialised the Government, repeating the arguments.
The Commissioners of Supply also, at a meeting held on 28th
November following, passed a series of seven resolutions strongly
condemnatory of the proposed Circuit Court at Greenock. Among
other reasons, they stated that the same proposal in 1863 was
unanimously disapproved of, and since that time there had been no
change of circumstances to call for a reconsideration of the subject.
They held that Glasgow for Renfrewshire generally was the most
suitable place in every respect in which to hold Circuit Courts ;
" but should Government resolve to establish a District Court for
the County, this meeting is further of opinion that Paisley is the
proper place for having such a Court." The Government did not
agree to the application, and the agitation on this subject has not
been renewed. In 1868, the number of Justiciary Courts held in
Glasgow was increased from three to six per annum, and this
alteration has had the beneficial effect of causing the jurors to be de-
tained for a much shorter period than formerly at the different Assizes.

In the period we are considering. Paisley celebrated the centenary
of the birth of three distinguished poets — Burns, Scott, and
Tannahill. That of Burns, whose memory had always been revered
in Paisley as markedly as in any other place in the country, if not
more so, was commemorated with intense enthusiasm by all classes
in the community, on 29th January, 1859. The principal banquet
on the occasion was held in the Exchange Rooms, where 270
gentlemen dined, and about a hundred ladies graced the gallery
after dinner. There were two beautiful transparencies in the two

1850 TILL 1884. 417

centre windows of the hall, — the one having a medallion portrait of
the poet, and in the other was the genius of Coila crowning the
bard, with a view of Tarn O'Shanter crossing the Brig of Doon.
Robert Brown, Provost of Paisley, occupied the chair; and the
croupiers were Robert Kirkland, David Murray, J. J. Lamb, and
William MacKean. The working classes had also a well-attended
assemblage in the Abercorn Rooms, — Bailie Cochran in the chair.
Besides these, there were no less than ten social parties. We are not,
we think, overstating the matter, when we say that in Paisley, in pro-
portion to the population, more people engaged in celebrating the
hundredth anniversary of the birth of Burns than in any other town
in the kingdom. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed at all these
meetings, and they were remarkable for their unanimity of sentiment.

The centenary celebration of Sir Walter Scott took place at a
banquet, held in the Coffee -Room, on the afternoon of Tuesday,
15th August, 1871. The room was decorated with the choicest
plants and flowers from the green-houses and gardens of gentlemen
in the town. Immediately behind the chairman's seat was placed a
bust of Sir Walter Scott, and in the room was also displayed the bust
of Professor Wilson (Christopher North). The meeting was graced
by the presence of a number of ladies at the dinner- table — a most
unusual circumstance in Paisley. Mr. David Murray, Provost of
Paisley, occupied the chair ; and the croupiers were Sir Peter Coats,
Sheriff Cowan ; Messrs. Robert Brown, Underwood Park ; Stewart
Clark, Oakshawside; and P. C. Macgregor of Brediland. Many
able, eloquent, and appropriate speeches were delivered in proposing
the different toasts. Another festival was held in the Abercorn
Rooms, and was well attended. Bailie Cochran presided ; and the
croupiers were Messrs. John Jaap, John Robertson, Cowan Gibson,
and Peter Stewart.

The celebration of the centenary of the birth of the illustrious
Robert Tannahill, on 3rd June, 1874, by all classes of his townsmen,
was as ardent as it was appropriate. The demonstration in honour
of the memory of the bard consisted, first of all, of a procession to
Glenififer Braes, where some of his best songs were sung by a
powerful choir, composed for the most part of male voices. The
procession, which consisted of many of the different trades of the
town, and others, assembled in St. James Street, and was marshalled
by Superintendent Sutherland on horseback, accompanied by 150
horsemen. It went through different parts of the town ; and in
passing the birth-place of the poet in Castle Street, and the house
in which he last resided in Queen Street, the processionists
uncovered their heads. Numerous devices of flowers and ever-
greens, along with flags and mottoes, decorated the houses and
streets along the line of march. The processionists and others
assembled on the plateau of the Gleniffer hills, near the Gushing
Linn, where a platform was erected. After a short address from
Provost Murray, and a vote of thanks to Mr. Fulton for the use of
the grounds, several of Tannahill's songs were sung by the choir

41 8 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

with delightful effect. The weather being particularly fine, the
numerous assemblage, which was estimated at from fifteen to twenty
thousand, had a grand opportunity of amusing themselves on the
Braes, and of admiring the unequalled scenery which for miles
stretches along the valley beneath. In the afternoon a hundred
gentlemen dined in the Abercorn Rooms, — the Provost presiding;
and in the evening there was a numerously-attended musical soiree
in the Drill Hall, — Mr. Thomas Coats of Ferguslie in the chair.
Several other agreeable social parties were held throughout the town,
all with one object in view — the honouring of the memoryof Tannahill.

After the stoppage of the Paisley Advertiser in 1850, already
noticed, there was no newspaper published in Paisley for about
three } ears. As a substitute, two Glasgow newspapers, the Saturday
Evening Post and the Reforiners' Gazette, published an afternoon
edition with Paisley news, the former being conducted by Mr. James
Henderson and the latter by Mr. John Parkhill. In 1853 it appears
to have been discovered that there was a good opening for a news-
paper in Paisley, and two were started advocating the same political
views. The first number of the Paisley Journal, which was conducted
by Mr. James Waterston, with whom was associated Mr. Robert
Hay, was published on 28th May, 1853. The other newspaper
was the Paisley Herald, which was owned and conducted by Mr.
Richard Watson, and the first number appeared on 9th July in that
year. They were both published weekly. The last copy of the
Journal w'^.?, published on 7th May, 1857. About two years before
the Journal came to an end, the day of publication was changed
from Saturday to Thursday. A year after this change, Mr.
Waterston began on Saturdays the publication of the Renfreiushire
Independent, the first number of which was issued on June 14, 1856.
After the death of Mr. Waterston, on i8th January, 1863, the paper
was acquired by Mr. John Miller, Barrhead, and by him it is still
continued. Another weekly newspaper named the Paisley and
Renfrewshire Gazette, owned and conducted by Messrs. John and
James Cook, was commenced on 29th October, 1864. On ist May,
1869, a Liberal -Conservative newspaper was first published, called
the Paisley and Renfrewshire Standard. This newspaper ceased to
be published after 25th February, 1871 ; but on 4th March it re-
appeared under the title of the Western Standard and Renfreivshire
Observer. This newspaper stopped on 30th August, 1879. On ist
September, 1874, a daily afternoon newspaper called the Paisley
Daily Express, owned and conducted by Mr. W. A. Lochhead, was
first published, and the price was only one halfpenny. Another
evening newspaper, called the Paisley Telegraph, and owned and
conducted by Messrs. J. & J. Cook, was commenced on 25th
December, 1880; but it did not continue long, the last number
being published on 15th April, 1881. Mr. Richard Watson,
who commenced the Paisley Herald, died on 24th February, 1880,
and the newspaper was continued till the end of 1883, when the

1850 TILL 1S84.

419

printing materials and copyright of the Herald were sold by public
roup, and purchased by Mr. James Cook of the Gazette newspaper,
Mr. John Cook having died on 25th October, 1882, aged 65 years.
The Gazette thereafter continued under the name of the Paisley and
Renfreivshirc Gazette a?id Paisley Herald. At present, the Gazette
and the Express are the only papers published in Paisley.

Before the Cemetery grounds were formed in 1845, the only places
for interments were the bur}'ing-grounds in connection with many of
the places of worship in the town. They were all, however, far
from being kept in a good and tasteful condition. But having been
laid off without being intersected with roads and walks, they could
scarcely be in other than a disorderly and unbecoming condition.
The Paisley Cemetery, from the way in which the grounds are laid
out and adorned with trees and evergreens, combined with its
picturesque situation and the perfect way in which it is kept, is one
of the most beautiful in the country. The shareholders' stock
amounts to ;^7997 15s. 8d. The first interment in the Cemetery
took place on 30th August, 1845. For many years the dividend
received by the shareholders was small. But recently, the revenue
has yielded a good return to the shareholders. The dividend or
bonus to the shareholders in 1882-3 was is. 3d. per share of iis.,
which is I i^^p per cent, per annum. During 1883 the company was
registered as a limited company. The total income last year was
^,^2532 4s. yd., the largest ever received, and the expenditure was
^1381 IS. 6d. The affairs of this company are managed by twelve
directors, who have received an annual remuneration of ^60 for
several years. The total number of interments in the town during
1883 was 689 males and 701 females — in all, 1390; and the
number in the Cemetery Avas 1238. The following table shows the
mortality in Paisley for the five years ending 31st December, 1849,
with the different places of interment : —

1845.

1846.

1847.

1848.

1849.

149

S16

615

726

340

434

499

33(5

330

243

276

271

235

270

230

225

164

13b

150

149

ISO

162

136

122

3«

121

142

7«

1268

1522

2167

1630

1 791

Cemetery,

Abbey,

Canal Street U.P.,

High,

Gaelic,

Oakshaw Street U.P.,

Low,

Abbey Close U.P.,

Reformed Presbyterian

Thread Street U. P.,

Trinity Episcopal,

South,

Martyrs' (included in Cemetery after 1845)

Death-Rate per 1000 (Populn. 48,257),..

420 HISTORY OP PAISLEY.

The reading-rooms in the town are now fewer in number than
they were at many former periods. This may be accounted for by
the small price at which newspapers can now be obtained. Besides
the Coffee-Room at the Cross/ there is the West-End Reading-
Room, instituted ist February, 1850, at No. 84 Broomlands.
There is now also the reading-room in the George A. Clark Town
Hall; and a news room is attached to "The Club, Paisley,"
102 High Street; the Beaconsfield Club, No. 95 High Street; and
the Liberal Club, 1 1 Forbes Street.

The Paisley Athenaeum was established in January, 1847 ; and
when its rooms at the Cross were opened on 12th April
following, there were 361 members; and by the end of that year
the number had increased to 412. Besides the promoting of
lectures and classes of different kinds, there were also the benefits
offered by a good reading-room. The institution prospered for
several years, but then the number of members fell off considerably,
and the remainder joined the Coffee-Room.

The Paisley Artizans' Institution was founded in November, 1847.
Its design was to provide lectures in chemistry, mechanics, and
other departments of science and art, and there were besides a good
reading-room and library. The institution was prosperous for many
years, and the directors were successful for a long time in providing
good courses of lectures in the Old Low Church, which were well
attended. After a time the numbers began to fall off, and, from the
want of sufficient support, it had, in 1881, to be given up. The
rooms were next the Old Bridge on the south side of High Street.

The increase in the quantity of gas consumed in a manufacturing
town such as Paisley is one of the surest proofs of its advancement
and prosperity. \Ve have already noticed this increase, and the
statistics of the period under consideration are as follows ; from these
the increase appears quite marvellous :-

Price of Gas

Number of

Total Revenue.

per

1000 feet.

Consumers.

1850 ..

^9^628 2 3

6/- ..

6,867

1855 .•

11,849 I I

5/5 ••

7,510

i860 ..

13,267 6 10

5/- ■•

8,326

1865 ..

13,252 17 6

4/2 ..

9>i57

1870 ..

16,508 7 I

3/9 "

9,618

1875 ..

27,654 12 8

Si- ' -

10,720

1880 ..

25,250 16 0

3/9 ••

12,052

1883 ..

31,381 II 10

3/9 ••

12,066

^ The number of readers in the Coffee-Room, and the annual subscriptions
they paid at the different periods stated, was as follows:— 1840, subscribers,
213; annual subscription, 28s.; — 1850, subscribers, 134; annual subscription,
28s.; — 1855, subscribers, 135; annual subscription, 30s. In 1856 the proprietors
leased the room to a number of the subscribers, who down to the present time
(1884) manage its affairs. The number of subscribers in 1856 was 225, and the
annual subscription, 20s.; in 1861 the number of subscribers M'as 195, and the
annual subscription, 21s., at which it still continues; in 1870 there were 245
subscribers; in 1880, 235; and in 1883, 167.

* The rate was raised in consequence of the great increase in the price of coal.

1850 TILL 1884. 421

In 1825, there were 180 public lamps; in 1840, there were 637 ;
in 1850, there were 659 ; in i860, there were 794; in 1880, there
were 1171 ; in 1883, there were 1250. In 1877, when excavations
were being made for a new gas-holder, the horn of a red deer,
thirty-six inches in length, was found about fifteen feet below the
surface embedded in very soft black glazy mud. It was in fine
condition, and was very properly placed in the Museum.

The improvement of the navigation of the River Cart is a question
which from time to time has been agitated less or more in the com-
munity. There is a deeply-grounded belief in the minds of most
of the inhabitants, that if the river navigation were improved the
town would be greatly benefited and its prosperity vastly increased.
A movement in this direction was made in 1853. A public meeting,
promoted mainly by Mr. James Murray, shawl manufacturer, was
held in the Court Hall on 13th June in that year, regarding the
improvement of the navigation of the river, and a committee, with
that gentleman as convener, was appointed to consider the important
subject entrusted to them, and to act accordingly. J n July following,
they instructed Mr. James Leslie, C.E., Edinburgh, to make a survey
of the river, " to report on its present state, and to make such
suggestions as he thought the circumstances of the river required,
keeping in view the twofold object of promoting general traffic and
shipbuilding." To aid Mr. Leslie, they appointed Mr. James B,
Chalmers, of Paisley, as their surveyor, who afterwards prepared a
plan of the river on a scale of one inch to the hundred feet, having
a longitudinal section of the river, with cross sections at every 100
yards showing the depth of water. Mr. Leslie, in the report he
supplied, dated 3rd November, 1853, estimated the expense of
obtaining a depth of water in the river of twelve feet at high water
at ;^38,76o. The committee, in their report to the public, made
two suggestions on the way in which this improvement might be
carried out, either by a Joint Stock Company or by an assessment
on the town equally divided between landlords and tenants. But
nothing was done. In 1854, Provost Macfarlane submitted a
proposal for a settlement of the Burgh and River Cart Trust affairs,
and as it was generally approved of by those interested, a bill was
introduced into Parliament. But though it passed the Committee
of the House of Commons, some difficulties arose in the House of
Lords and it was abandoned.

In 1858 the Clyde Trustees proposed, in an Act of Parliament
they were applying for, to alter the rates on goods brought in vessels
up the rivers Clyde and Cart. By former Acts, the Clyde in the
levying of dues was divided into three stages. The first stage was that
part of the Clyde above the old ferry of Renfrew, which was about
600 yards to the east of the present ferry ; the second stage was
from the said old ferry to Dalmuir Burn ; and the third stage was
from Dalmuir Burn to Newark Castle. Goods carried over the first
stage or any part of it were charged two -thirds of the rates and

42 2 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

duties ; on any part of the second stage, one-sixth of the rates and
duties ; and on any part of the third stage, also one-sixth of the
rates and duties. By this arrangement of stages, vessels coming up
the Clyde and entering the Cart were charged for the goods on
board two-sixth parts or one-third of the Clyde dues. The Clyde
Trustees by the bill wished to abolish these stages and to charge a
mileage rate. The Cart Trustees petitioned Parliament against the
proposed alteration ; and after a great deal of correspondence and
a number of meetings with the Clyde Trustees, the proposed ob-
jectionable clause was withdrawn. But in 1864 the Clyde Trustees,
in an Act they were then applying for, made another attempt to
abolish these stages. This bill was also petitioned against by the
Cart Trustees, who had afterwards to be at the trouble and expense
of leading evidence before the committee of the House of Commons
to whom this bill was referred. The committee decided against the
preamble of the Clyde Bill in so far as it affected these stages. The
witnesses examined on the part of the Cart Trustees were Provost
Murray and the present writer.

At different periods considerable quantities of ancient coins of
no small value, have been discovered in Paisley and its neighbour-
hood.

On digging the foundations of the house at the north-east corner of
New Street and Shuttle Street, on 12th May, 1735, a gold Lion of
King James I. or II. was found. The coin is in good preservation,
and is in the possession of the heirs of the late Mr. Archibald
Gardner of Nethercommon. King James I. reigned from 1424 to
1437. This coin weighs fifty grains, and is very rare. On the
obverse is Jacobus Dei Gratia Rex Sc. (James by the Grace of God
King of Scots). The mint mark is the figure of a crown, and the
legend of the king's name is round the margin. Between the words
Jacobus and Dei there is 2^ fleur-de-lis, and between the words Gratia
and Rex there is SiWOthev fleur-de-lis. The Lion Rampant, the
arms of Scotland, from which the gold coins of that monarch obtain
their name, is in a lozenge in the centre within a double tressure
filled \i\\h fleurs-de-lis. On the reverse of this coin is Salvum Fac.
Populum Tuutn A. (Save Thy People ; so be it). The letter A is
an abbreviation for Atnen. The mint mark is a Maltese Cross.
There is ^. fleur-de-lis between the mint mark and the word salvum,
another between a and / in salvum, two small crosses between
salvum and fac, a fleur-de-lis between popidum and tmpn, and
another between A and the mint mark. In the centre is a Saint
Andrew's Cross (with an / in the centre) between two fleurs-de-lis
enclosed in a hexagon figure, composed of arcs curving towards the
centre of the coin, \\\\h fleurs-de-lis on the points where the arcs
join ; and in the curve of each is placed a quatrefoil (D. Scrapie's
St. Mir in, p. 171).

The Glasgoiv Mercury of 5th April, 1791, contains the following
paragraph regarding the discovery of a great number of ancient

1850 TILL 1884. 423

coins : — " Some days ago there was found in the neighbourhood
of Paisley about 515 silver pennies of the three first Edwards,
weighing about twenty-two ounces. They have all the full face,
with the epigraph, Edw., Edwa., or Edzvard R. Aug Dms. Hyb.,
and on the ra'erse the place where coined. Some coins which a
gentleman in this city has rescued from the furnace, and are in high
preservation, have Civitas London, Civitas Cantor, Civ it as Dureme
and Dntielmie, Civitas Lincol, Civitas Eboraci, Vill. Nori. Castri,
Vill. Segofitii, Villa Bristollia, Villa Berevici. One has Civitas
Waterfor; another, which we take to be a rare coin of Edward II.,
has on the obverse, Dux. Ltmburgiae, and on the reverse, Dux.
Brabantiae. There were also among the collection five pennies of
Alexander III., Dei. Gra. Rex Scotorum, and three of John Baliol,
Civitas S. Andreae.

In November, 1869, while a labourer was digging a foundation
for a building on the roadside leading from Paisley to Renfrew,
near where Marjory Bruce, the " Queen Blearie " of tradition, met
her death in hunting, he scattered with his spade a cluster of large
gold coins, each about the size of half-a-crown. They were quite
loose in the soil, not being secured in any wrapping. On counting
the treasure, the labourer found they were twelve in number, and
they were afterwards recognised as gold nobles of the reign of
Edward III. of England. A few were in beautiful condition, the
others being poorer specimens of numismatic art. The general
appearance of the nobles is similar, but, although all of the same
type, they seem struck from different dies. On one of the best of
them the legend on the obverse is Edward, Dei Gratia, Rex. Angl.
R. Franc, D. Hyb. Within the legend is the King armed and
crowned, standing full-faced in a small one-masted ship, with a
httle flag at the mast-head, and on it the cross of St. George of
England. In his right hand he holds a sword ; in his left, a shield
with the quartered arms of France and England. Along the
bulwarks of the ship there is a row of lions, passant quadrant, and
under them a row of port-holes. The reverse has the legend —
Ihc. Avtem Transiens, P. Mcdivm flurixtiin, Ibo. Inside is a rich
cross with lions under crowns in the angles, and in the centre of the
coin is the letter E. These coins are very early specimens of the
gold coinage of England. Edward III. reigned from a.d. 1327 to
A.D. 1377, and his nobles were issued in a.d. 1344. It is of these
gold pieces that the old couplet says —

" Foui- things ane noble showeth unto me —
King, ship, and sword, the power of the sea."

This King was in Scotland in 1356, when he marched through the
Lothians, burning Haddington and Edinburgh and wasting the
neighbouring country, and it is not at all unlikely they were hid on
that occasion (Paisley Gazette, 6th November, 1869).

With the exception of the Radical riots in 1819 and 1820 and the
riot after the Parliamentary election on 12th July, 1852, it cannot

424 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

be said there have been any riots of a very serious nature in Paisley.
Ebullitions of feeling have been manifested on several occasions
on the part of the populace, but they have not had serious issues,
and have not involved any great political or social principles.

In 1835 a difference arose between several of the weavers and
manufacturers regarding the price at which certain kinds of work
should be paid. On the 6th of September in that year some persons
in Charleston formed an effigy of a manufacturer in town, and after
allowing it to hang all the afternoon, a great crowd, preceded by a
band of music, went through some of the principal streets carrying
the effigy shoulder-high, with a lighted lantern to let it be properly
seen. In their route they passed the shop of the Provost, which
they saluted with loud cheering. They afterwards proceeded to the
manufacturer's residence, assailed the inmates with shouting, burnt
the effigy, and then broke a number of panes of glass in his windows.
The alleged reason of the assault was that the manufacturer had
been paying below the table prices, but it turned out that he had no
work going on of the kind to which the table of prices referred.
After the effigy had been burnt, a meeting of operatives was held in
the Burgher Church, George Street, when it was resolved that notices
should be carried through the streets, on boards, declaring the
manufacturer out of the trade ; but this course was abandoned, and
the bills were posted instead upon the walls. The authorities were
much blamed for not stopping these illegal proceedings.

Another riot, somewhat similar to the foregoing, took place at
Charleston in 1846. On 6th February in that year, an effigy
intended to represent a most respectable and inoffensive manu-
facturer residing in that part of the town, who at that time was one
of the Magistrates, was gibbeted upon a lamp -post, with a disgrace-
ful label upon its breast, at the north-west corner of Stock Street.
Before that gentleman made his appearance on the forenoon of that
day on his way to the Police Court to discharge his magisterial
duties, an immense crowd had collected, who immediately attacked
him with hisses and groans and with disgraceful epithets. Not
knowing the cause of the riot, and little at the time suspecting him-
self to be the object of it, he went forward and expostulated with
the rabble on the impropriety of their conduct. The mob, however,
persisted in their insulting demeanour towards him ; and the Bailie,
seeing he could make no impression upon them, was under the
necessity of retiring, when he was followed by the entire mob —
which increased to many thousands — who kept hooting, yelling,
and throwing offensive missiles. He took refuge in the house of a
friend in New Street. A party of police soon after arrived and
charged the mob, driving them back, and they succeeded in reliev-
ing him. A strong party of police then proceeded to Charleston,
and after a severe struggle with the rioters, in which several of the
party were more or less injured, they succeeded in taking down the
effigy and destroying it. The Procurator -Fiscal immediately caused
an investigation to be made, and he ascertained that the reasons

1850 TILL 1884. 425

alleged for those riotous proceedings were entirely without foun -
dation. This was afterwards confirmed by a publication in the news-
papers by three of the most extensive and respectable manufacturing
firms in town. The Fiscal also issued at the same time a mild and
temperate remonstrance on the impropriety of such proceedings,
warning workmen against them as illegal and dangerous, even
although the report mentioned had been true.

At the Parliamentary election in 1852, the contest between Mr.
Hastie and Mr. Haly for the representation of Paisley in the House
of Commons was attended with much bitter political feeling. Mr.
Haly was the popular candidate, and had the support of the great
majority of the working -classes. So early as five o'clock on the
morning of the election on 12th July in that year, Mr. Hal/s
partisans were astir, with bands of music, called "intimidation
bands," and they continued to parade the streets during the day,
occasionally assembling at the different polling-booths for the pur-
pose of hooting and other^vise intimidating Mr. Hastie's supporters.
The first hour's polling was in favour of Mr. Haly, but as each suc-
ceeding hour showed that that gentleman's chance of success was
becoming less hopeful, the populace became exasperated. At four
o'clock, when the polling-booths were closed, the majority, not-
withstanding every species of annoyance, was in Mr. Hastie's favour
by 32 votes ; and it was alleged by his friends that he would have
polled at least 100 additional votes had his supporters been able to
make their way to the polling-booths. Provoked at defeat, an
immense crowd assembled at the Cross and began to show their
wrath by attacking and maltreating the friends of Mr. Hastie, par-
ticularly those observed entering his committee -room in the
Saracen's Head Inn. Several had their hats knocked off and their
coats literally torn from their backs. Missiles were thrown about in
all directions, the glass in the windows of the Saracen's Head Inn
was smashed, and the police repulsed, several of them, along with
gentlemen in the crowd, being severely injured. As the scene at
five o'clock was somewhat alarming, the Sheriff read the Riot Act,
and a detachment of the 33rd Infantry, then lying in Paisley
Barracks, was soon thereafter called out. With loaded muskets
and fixed bayonets, they charged the rioters at the Cross and in
County Square, and these fled in all directions. The various streets
leading to the Cross were then barricaded with detachments of
infantry, and none but respectable and orderly inhabitants were
allowed to pass. This arrangement was quite successful. The
soldiers about eight o'clock were withdra^vn from the barricades,
and perambulated some of the streets in a body, amidst the yells
and cheers of the thoughtless crowd of youths then remaining. By
ten o'clock quietness prevailed.

In September, 1855, a potato riot, fortunately on a small scale,
took place in Paisley. For some time previously potatoes had been
sold in the shops throughout the town at fourpence per stone. At
that time, however, a simultaneous rise took place to fivepence per

D I

426 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Stone without any apparent cause. This, it appears, led to enquiry
on the part of many of the working-classes, who discovered that the
wholesale dealers in potatoes had entered into a combination not to
sell potatoes to any provision merchant who would retail them
below fivepence per stone, and hence the general advance that had
taken place in the price. A meeting was held in the First Ward on
the 1 8th of that month, at which the potato merchants were strongly
denounced for their conduct ; and a handbill was circulated next
day calling on the inhabitants not to purchase potatoes at fivepence
per stone until a pubhc meeting was convened to consider the sub-
ject. Preparations were made for holding other district meetings ;
but the excitement became most intense in the west end of the
town ; and during the following day it was rumoured that an effigy
of a potato merchant in Broomlands Street, who was alleged to be
the chairman of the associated dealers, was to be burned in the
evening. This caused a crowd of boys to assemble near the potato
merchant's premises, and they began to give vent to their feelings
by hooting the young man in the shop. He threw some water upon
those nearest the door, and the crowd immediately thereafter began
to break the windows. The inhabitants of the locality generally
were soon attracted to the spot by the noise and excitement, and at
one time the crowd amounted to several thousands. No attempt
was made, however, to stay the work of destmction, which continued
until almost all the glass in the twelve windows, as well as in several
of the frames, was completely destroyed. A few pohcemen arrived
about nine o'clock, but the force was quite inadequate to cope with
the crowd. About an hour afterwards a few more arrived, and at
the same time the Provost and some of the Magistrates made their
appearance ; but the work of destruction was then completed, and
the crowd soon afterwards quietly dispersed. On the following
evening a crowd collected around the shop of a potato merchant in
Williamsburgh, and after burning his effigy, smashed a number of
panes of glass in some of his windows. A public meeting was also
held in Causeyside district, but as potatoes returned to their former
price further cause for agitation no longer existed.

On the evening of the Parliamentary election on 19th December,
1868, there was a considerable destruction of glass. A crowd of
boys collected in the streets, and out of wanton mischief commenced
to throw stones at the public lamps and at the windows both of
shops and dwelling-houses. The places which suffered most were
High Street, Storie Street, George Street, Underwood, Causeyside,
Gauze Street, Smithhills, Inkle Street, Renfrew Road, Old Sned-
don Street, St. James Place, &c. Some valuable plate-glass windows
were destroyed, 120 public lamps were broken, and upwards of 400
panes of glass. The riot had no political significance whatever, for
the windows of the supporters of both candidates for Parliamentary
honour came in for a share of the damage.

In 1872, Provost Murray submitted a scheme for regulating the

1850 TILL 1884. 427

affairs of the Burgh and Cart Navigation, and afterwards, with the
support of the Town Council, Cart Trustees, creditors of both
bodies, and others, succeeded in obtaining an Act of Parhament
to legaHse the same. By this Act the Cart Trustees were to consist
of three members of Council, six elected by the creditors, and three
by the traders on the river. This Act also reinstated the Town
Council in the management of the property of the Corporation, the
creditors receiving four per cent, per annum.

In 1882, the Cart Trustees, yielding to a desire expressed by
several of their number, agreed that the river should again be sur-
veyed, and a report made as to the best way of improving the
navigation. For this purpose they engaged the eminent civil
engineers, Messrs. Bell & Miller, of Glasgow, who furnished them
with an able and exhaustive report as to what they thought should
be done. The report and plans were prepared by Mr. Miller, of
that firm.^ The revenue of the river during the last half of this
century has increased very considerably. In 1869 it was ;^694 ;
in 1876, ^910 ; in 1880, 1146 ; and in 1883, ^1270 2s. 8d.

In July, 1875, Provost Murray accepted of an invitation to attend
an international banquet in London, and the Council agreed " that
it would be befitting the dignity of the Burgh to provide him with
a robe of office, the cost to be defrayed out of the municipal funds."
The robe was accordingly obtained from a respectable firm in town,
and cost ^32 15s.

On 31st March, 1877, the Council resolved, by virtue of the
powers conferred by the Acts of Parliament, that from the 15th
May following, the Petty Customs, or Causey Tax, as it was fre-
quently called, which had been levied from time immemorial, should
be abolished, and that in lieu thereof there should be levied by way
of assessment upon all lands and premises within the Parliamentary
Burgh liable to the assessment of rates for police purposes, an addi-
tional rate calculated to yield yearly ;^2i6 15s., being the net
amount of these Petty Customs for 1876.

The railways in this district, and indeed everywhere, have proved
so excellent a means of travelling, that they have increased to an
enormous extent. The only additional facihty, however, given
to railway travelling in the present period in our district has been the
joining of the Renfrew Railway to the railway between Paisley and
Glasgow at Greenlaw in 1870, with a station at Renfrew Road.
An Act was obtained in 1881 by the Glasgow and South -Western
Railway Company to convert the Paisley Canal into a railway.
This line is now formed, but not yet in operation. The number of

^ In 1885 an Act of Parliament was obtained to carry out the suggestions in
that report.

428

HISTORY, OF PAISLEY,

railway passengers who arrived at and left Paisley in 1883 is as
follows : —

Passengers who arrived at Gilmour Street Station per Cale-
donian Railway, Glasgow and South- Western Railway,
and Glasgow and Paisley Joint Railway, ... ... 676,800

Passengers who departed from Gilmour Street Station per

these railways, 676,902

Total at Gilmour Street Station, ...
Passengers who arrived at Abercorn Station,

Paisley and Renfrew Railway,
Passengers who departed from that station,

Total at Abercorn Station,

124,730
126,744

1,353.702

251,474

Total at Gilmour Street and Abercorn Stations, ... 1,605,176
At St. James Day Fair and other holidays, the number of people
who take advantage of the facilities for travelling afforded by the rail-
ways converging on the town is very considerable. At the Spring
Sacramental Fast- Days in 1882 and 1883 they were as follows : —
Gilmour Street Station.
To Greenock, by Caledonian Railway,
,, Greenock and the Coast, by Glasgow and South-
western Railway, ...
,, Wemyss Bay and the Coast, ...
,, Kilmarnock, Ayr, &c.,
,, Glasgow,
,, Edinburgh and the North,

Abercorn Station.

,, Glasgow,
,, Renfrew,

1882.

1883

730

399

700
500

2950
4236

500

760

354

1 143

4622

215

107
502

85
494

10,225 8072

The following statement shows the number of people who left
Paisley on the four days at St. James Day Fair in August, 1882 and
1883, commencing on Thursday and ending on Monday following : —

August, 1882.

August, 1883.

10th.

nth.

I2th.

14th.

gth.

loth.

nth.

13th.

Gilmour Street Station.

To Greenock, Wemyss Bay, |
and the Coast, by Cale->-
donian Railway, )

To Edinburgh and the North,

To Greenock and the Coast, |
by Glasgow and South- >
Western Railway, )

To Ayr, Kilmarnock, &c.,

2617

378

2636

1939
1890

1200
120

3000

415
2222

2032
10472

4S62
271

4907

635
3682

4428
2S24

3459
149

2051
257

1443

1618
3246

1862
45

3250

150
2600

1200
4000

665
II

2430

50
2100

1000
2000

878
II

4667

2912

3139

71S8

2500
56

1659

II56

1276
3630

1260
12

Abercorn Station.
To Renfrew and the Coast, ...

10,780

23,274

20,084

10,522

11,876

8469

20,577

9069

1S50 TILL 1884. 429

According to the foregoing table, the total number of people who
left Paisley in 1882 was 64,660, and in 1883, 49,991 ; decrease in
1883, 14,669. The decrease was in consequence^of the unfavour-
able weather that prevailed in 1883.

Prior to the opening of the railways in Paisley for passenger
traffic, there were no hackney carriages or cabs on the streets wait-
ing to be hired ; and when one was wanted notice had to be sent
to that effect to proprietors, and it was obtained after the expiry
of at least a quarter of an hour. Shortly after the opening of the
railways, one or two owners of cabs, as a venture, sent a cab to
the railway station to obtain engagements ; and the inhabitants
finding the great convenience of this arrangement, and pleased with
the moderate charge, soon gave them sufficient employment. As
the demand increased, so did the supply of the cabs, and they now
mumber 29. The charge is is. for a distance not exceeding one
mile, and when engaged by the hour to make calls it is 2s. per hour.

The subject of licensing public -houses for the sale of excisable
liquors has constantly engaged the attention of the Justices of Peace
in this district. Indeed, the discharge of their magisterial duties in
this matter has always been the source of more anxiety to them
than any other business that is brought before them. In 1847,
several meetings of the Justices were held at Renfrew to devise
means to check the increase and even to reduce the number of
public-houses. They resolved in 1850, at a meeting of Quarter
Sessions, that the maximum number of certificates to be granted in
future in each burgh and parish should not exceed the proportion of
one to each 250 inhabitants ; that no new licenses be granted until
the number is reduced to this maximum ; that no license be given
to any one who keeps a shop for the sale of groceries, except in
very special cases ; and that licenses be granted only on the con-
dition that the shops be not opened between the hours of twelve
on Saturday night and five o'clock on Monday morning. In 1858,
on a motion at Quarter Sessions made by the present writer, a
return was made of the number of licenses granted to retail
spirituous liquors in the County of Renfrew since 1828. That part
of it relating to Paisley was as follows : — 378 in 1828, 326 in 1833,
341 in 1838, 258 in 1843, 261 in 1848, 231 in 1853, 220 in 1856,
220 in 1857, and 216 in 1858. The number of licenses granted
afterwards was — 223 in 1873, 225 in 1877, 221 in 1880, 220 in
1 88 1, 6 inns and hotels, 169 public- houses, 5 beer, and 39 grocers',
in all 219, in 1882; 4 inns and hotels, 168 public-houses, 5 beer,
and 38 grocers', in all 215, in 1883. On 15th August, 1853, the
Act of Parliament popularly known as Forbes M'Kenzie's was
passed. Its object was to restrict the hours for selling spirituous
liquors during six days in the week from eight in the morning to
eleven o'clock at night, to prohibit their sale during the whole
Sabbath except to travellers in inns licensed as such, to stop the

sale for consumption on the premises in grocery or provision shops,
and to take away licenses from toll-houses in all cases where there
is a licensed house within six miles of such toll. Powers were given
by the Act 25 and 26 Vict., cap. 35, passed in 1862, to the Chief
Magistrate, or, failing him, to the two senior acting Magistrates of
any burgh, to grant special licenses, in writing, for any public or
special entertainment, if they shall see fit, beyond the hours pre-
scribed by the certificate for closing, Sunday excepted, and under
such regulations as the Magistrates may appoint. In Paisley, special
licenses were granted — 123 of these in 1863, 239 in 1866, 283 in
1869, 237 in 1872, 247 in 1875, 85 in 1878, 83 in 1881, and 57
in 1883.

The clerks to the Town Council have always held a very
important position in the community. They were selected for their
integrity and knowledge in all legal matters, so as to guide the
Magistrates and Councillors in their deliberations in every difficulty
that arose. Their influence in the community has deservedly been
very considerable. As men of peace, they no doubt in many
instances, like the towTi clerk of Ephesus, have urged the Coun-
cillors to do nothing rashly. We have thought it better to give here
a brief resume of the history of the office than to have it broken
down piecemeal in the different chapters.

The first town clerk we have found named in the Council
records is Robert Semple, who, on the loth October, 1595, was
appointed in these terms — " Quhilk day Robert Semple, not., was
choisson clerk and sworne for faithfuU administration of his ofiice
for the yeir to cum in prns. of the haill Counsall Committie." He
was elected annually afterwards, and on every occasion took the
same oath. It does not appear, however, that this was his first
appointment. On 15th October, 1601, the Council elected two
clerks, thus — " Quilk day Robert Semple, notar, and, in his
absence, Johne Hendersoune, notar, wer electit clerks of the said
bghe and sworne for faithfull administratione of their office for the
yeir to cum in prns. of the Csall and haill Committie." This arrange-
ment appears to have continued down to Michaelmas, 1603, when
one of the Bailies for the previous year, " Thomas Inglis, burgess of
the said burgh e and notar publick, was electit and choisne be the
said Bailies and Counsell, wit advyce of James, the Mr. of Paislay,
c'moune clerk of the said burghe for the space of ane yeir next
following the feist of Michaelmes last by past. With power to the
said Thomas to make and constitute substitutes under him, with
consent of the saidis Bailies and Counsell, providing that Robert
Semple and John Hendersoune be admittit nane of the saidis sub-
stitutes. And the said Thomas gave his aithe for leel and trew
administratioune of the said ofiice, and askit actis of the said
electioune." It would appear from the terms of this appointment
that some disagreement had taken place between the two former
clerks and the Council. On loth October, 1605, John Hendersoun

1850 TILL 18S4. 431

was elected clerk. In 1622 his successor was John Greenleis.
In 1634, Robert Alexander, writer, Paisley, was appointed clerk,
and must have resigned his post prior to 1646, for in that year
he was a member of Council. Robert Alexander was descended
from an old and wealthy family in Paisley, who were the owners of
several properties therein. He was born in 1604, and served as
an apprentice to Mr. Thomas Inglis of Crossflat, writer, who died
in June, 1622, and he finished his apprenticeship with Mr. John
White, writer. Some time afterwards, he commenced business
on his own account. Robert Alexander succeeded to the property
called the Paisley Tack, already noticed (vol. i., p. 149). In
1648, he bought Blackhouse estate, near Ayr; in 1665, Boghall
estate, in the County of Ayr ; and in 1670, Newton estate, to the
west of Paisley. He took the title of Blackhouse, and did a con-
siderable professional business in Paisley. The deed of sale of the
superiority of Paisley by the Earl of Dundonald was, as already
mentioned, drawn by him. He died in 1687, aged eighty-three
years. In the chancel of the Paisley Abbey, there is a flat stone
with " R. A." on it, for Robert Alexander, and between the initials
the Alexander armorial bearings, and " M. A." on the same stone,
for Marion Hamilton, his first mfe, and between the initials the
Hamilton arms, and also " J. H.," representing Janet Henderson,
his second wife, with the Henderson arms between the initials.
One of his descendants, Robert Alexander, writer to the signet,
succeeded to the lands of Newton, Paisley Tack, and Aikits Yard.
On 1 8th October, 17 17, he mortified the sum of 2000 merks Scots
with the Town Council of Paisley, " the interest whereof was to be
applied to the sustentation and maintenance of two old, decayed,
indigent, honest persons, man or woman." This is known by the
name of Alexander's Charity. The Alexanders of Ballochmyle and
Southbar are his lineal descendants. At the great Conservative
demonstration in the Clark Town Hall on 8th November, 1883,
Major- General Alexander of Ballochmyle, M.P., stated, in second-
ing a resolution, that, as a Paisley body, he counted it a privilege
to do so, and had he not had a seat for South Ayrshire, he did not
know any constituency he would rather woo than Paisley. He was
succeeded in 1645 by Robert Park, who held oftice till 1678. On
3rd October in that year, John Fork was elected clerk. He did
not retain the office long, as in 1683 he was succeeded by Hew
Snodgrass, writer in Paisley. On 24th October, i68g, James
Alexander, ^^Titer, was appointed clerk. It appears that Mr. Snod-
grass had not returned all the books he had in his possession
when town clerk, for on i8th November following the Council
passed an Act as to his " giving up the town's registers." On
22nd January, 1695, Robert Park, writer, Glasgow, was elected
Town Clerk. In 1703, Mr. Park died, and on i6th September,
1703, Robert Alexander, writer, Glasgow, was appointed to fill
the vacant office till the next head court. At the head court
on 1 6th October following, he was re-elected during pleasure,

432 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and granted " the whole casualties and emoluments pertaining
to the office as use is, and gave his oath de fiddi administ7'atione
and secrecy, and swore and signed the oath of allegiance, and
signed the assurance." In 1709 Robert Wilson was elected clerk.
At his death, the Council agreed that his successor should be
burdened with the payment of forty marks {j[^2 4s. Si'Vd.) to
Christian Gibb, relict of Robert Wilson, at four times in the year
by equal portions. On 12th January, 1741, the Council appointed
James Kerr, writer in Paisley, town clerk, and agreed he should
have all the emoluments possessed by his predecessor, but he was
burdened with the payment of the aliment to the widow of the late
town clerk. On 3rd November following, the Council elected
WiUiam Wilkie, writer in Paisley, as a clerk to sign decreets and
other deeds at the instance of James, their clerk. Mr. Kerr died in
October, 1743, and the Council on the 23rd of that month elected
Alexander Wallace, jun., writer in Edinburgh, to be clerk, and to
make the same payments to Mrs. Wilson. As the clerk was " to be
necessarily absent for some time, and that [seeing] it is requisite an
interim clerk be appointed to officiate until his return," they appointed
on ist March, 1744, Mr. Wilkie, writer in Paisley, for that purpose.
Alex. Wallace died in July, 1746, and on the 28th of that month
the Council appointed Thomas Simpson, writer in Paisley, as his
successor. At that time he was procurator -fiscal. He was not bur-
dened with any payment to Mrs. Wilson. William Cochran was on
27th December, 1754, appointed depute -clerk /r*? re nata ; and on
6th October following, the Council, " considering that the Burgh is
at present without a clerk, by William Cochran having made his
escape out of prison, being incarcerated for an alleged crime, and
fled out of the place, and that it is of moment to the Burgh the
office be properly supplied with a proper person of a known
character for integrity and knowledge," appointed Alexander Skeoch,
writer in Paisley ; and on 14th September, 1764, Thomas Kibble,
procurator -fiscal, was elected depute town clerk. On 15th August,
1768, as Mr. Skeoch was indisposed and unable to attend to the
business of the town, the Council appointed Hew Snodgrass, writer
in Paisley, to be conjunct clerk, and to receive the half of the
emoluments. On the nth November following, the Council, in
consequence of the death of Mr. Skeoch, appointed Alexander
Gibson to be clerk. Mr. Gibson's son, Nathaniel Gibson, was made
conjunct clerk on 30th January, 1801. On 12th October, 18 10,
Nathaniel Gibson was chosen to be sole town clerk. The salary
paid to the town clerks from time immemorial was ten merks
(lis. ii\d.) The Council, in consequence of the emoluments being
considerably reduced from a change in the registry of deeds and
from the increased number of public transactions attached to the
office, agreed that the annual salary should be raised to p^6o. Mr.
Gibson died on 17th February, 1827. The Council on the 28th of
that month "unanimously appointed Mr. James Wyfie, writer. Paisley,
to be town clerk, in consequence of the great interest he had taken

1850 TILL 1884. 433

in the affairs of the community, his kno^\^l ability, and integrity."
But Mr. Wylie respectfully declined to accept the appoint-
ment, and the Council on 19th April agreed to advertise for candi-
dates to fill the ofiice. At a meeting of Council held on the 22nd
of that month, letters of application from the following gentlemen
were read : — Messrs. Gavin Lang, Martin & Simpson, Andrew
Mercer, Gardner & M'Lean, John Hart, Andrew Paterson, and
Samuel Gemmell. On the 17th July, Mr. Gavin Lang was
elected by the casting vote of the Treasurer, Mr. John Hart
having obtained the same number of votes. On nth June,
1839, Mr. Robert Wilson, the partner of Mr. Lang, was
appointed depute town clerk. On 30th September, 1845, Mr.
Lang died, and Mr. Robert Wilson was elected, on 15th October
in that year, town clerk. He did not hold the office for any
great length of time, as he died on i8th March, 1849. "The
Council unanimously resolved to record their deep regret for the
sudden and lamented death of their clerk, Mr. Robert Wilson, who
for a period of nearly five years discharged the important duties of
that office with great ability, impartiality, and fidelity ; and by his
honourable and upright character and great urbanity of manner
secured the respect of all with whom he was associated" (Council
Records, 27th March, 1849). A monument was erected by public
subscription in the Cemetery, with an appropriate inscription on it. On
the loth April following, Messrs. William Martin and William Hodge
were elected joint town clerks. At a meeting of Council held on
4th December, i860, "the Provost stated, in consequence of the
lamented death of Mr. William Martin, one of the town clerks,
which took place on the ist curt.," that it was necessary to make new
arrangements. The Council unanimously appointed Mr. Hodge to
" be town clerk at a salary of ^10 per annum, with right to all the
privileges and emoluments pertaining to the office." Mr. Hodge
having become indisposed and unfit for business, Mr. David Young
and Mr. Francis Martin, son of the late Mr. William Martin, town
clerk, having been long in the town clerk's office, were on loth
October, 1876, appointed town clerks ad interijn. Mr. Hodge,
after a confinement of several years, died on nth December, 1880.
" The Council resolved to record their deep regret for the lamented
death of the late Mr. William Hodge, town clerk, who had, until
laid aside by illness, discharged the duties of the town clerkship
since the year 1849 with much ability, impartiality, and fidelity;
and by his upright and honourable conduct secured the respect of
all with whom he associated. The clerks were directed to send an
excerpt of this minute to Mrs. Archibald Coats " (his only child) —
(Council Records, 14th December, 1880). Messrs. David Young
and Francis Martin were appointed town clerks on 14th December,
1880, and hold that important office while we write.

The marriage of the Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of
Denmark, on loth March, 1863, was celebrated with much re-

434 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

joicing in the town. The public works were stopped, the shops
were closed, and the Volunteers, along with the Militia, fired a
feu-de-joie in County Square in the forenoon, and afterwards
marched through the town. In the afternoon, there was a public
dinner in the Exchange Rooms and a soiree in the High Church.
During the evening, the town was illuminated, and there was also a
display of fireworks. Throughout the town, many flags and beauti-
ful transparencies and devices were exhibited. The public bells
were also rung at different periods during the day, and unfortunately
the bell of the Cross steeple cracked, and was thereby rendered
useless. This bell weighed 5 cwt. i qr. 4 lbs., had served the in-
habitants for 215 years, and had the following inscription on it : —

" Soli - Deo - Gloria..
Cornelius -Ovderocge- Fecit -En. D. J. O. Rotterdam, anno -Domini. 1648."

Glory to God alone. Made by Cornelius Ovderocge, bell- maker
and organ -builder, Rotterdam, in the year of our Lord 1648. And
on the middle of the bell —

"For- the- towne-of- Paslay."
The Council, after receiving estimates from several parties for the
supply of a new bell, accepted the offer of Messrs. George Mears &
Co., London, to provide one at ;^7 7s. per cwt., and to allow
;^5 5^- psr cwt. for the old bell.^ The new bell weighed 7 cwt.
2 qrs. 8 lbs.

About five years afterwards, a more serious misfortune befel the
Cross steeple. In November, 1868, a considerable subsidence of
this steeple towards the south took place, in consequence of a
sewer seven feet from the foundation of the steeple, and five
and a-half deep, being formed in High Street from the shop
adjoining the west side of the steeple. On the recommenda-
tion of skilled gentlemen who were consulted, the steeple
was in the following month supported by large logs of wood
to prevent any farther subsidence. The steeple continued in
this state till the following May, when the Council agreed to take it
down. But an interim interdict at the instance of Mr. John
Crawford, writer, was obtained from the Court of Session to prevent
this being carried out. On 17th December following, the Court
withdrew this interdict, and granted permission to take it down ;
but Mr. Crawford appealed the case to the Judges in the Inner
House, who on loth March, 1870, adhered to the decision of the
Lord Ordinary. The steeple was afterwards taken down, and the
site was acquired by the Commissioners of Police for the widening of
High Street, by valuation, at ;2^i5oo, on the condition that ;^iooo
of this sum was to be set aside for a steeple in some other place,
and ;^5oo to be applied to municipal purposes in lieu of the rent
that was received for the shop in the steeple. The lowest founda-
tion stones, about one foot thick, and projecting two feet beyond

^ This bell was bought by Mr. Dundas Porteous, engineer, Paisley, on the
same terms.

1850 TILL 18S4. 435

the face of the steeple, were only one foot eight inches from the
surface of the ground, the earth having been incautiously taken
away from time to time in the lowering of the street in order to
obtain a more level roadway.

The Town Council and the Commissioners of Police, possessing
and exercising large and independent powers in the government of
the Burgh, had frequently come into conflict. On 5th January,
1864, a deputation from the electors presented a petition to the
Town Council asking them to take measures to place the affairs of
these two bodies under one jurisdiction. A meeting of electors,
called by the Council, was held in the Gaelic Church, on 26th March
following, when those present almost unanimously resolved that the
General Police Act of 1862 should be adopted by the inhabitants.
This decision was afterwards affirmed by the Sheriff, and the effect
of it was that this Act fell to be carried out by the Town Council,
and the Commission of PoHce was thereafter merged in the Town
Council. The combined management of municipal and police affairs
since that time has satisfactorily shown the wisdom of that resolution.

The Commissioners appointed by Government, in their report on
Municipal Corporations in 1833, page 287, state that the courts
held by the Magistrates of Paisley are the Burgh Court, held twice
a week, in which civil cases are decided, and the Convene Court,
which is a court of advice and does not enforce its decrees, and is held
daily. The Magistrates had frequently endeavoured to put an end
to the Convene Court, but the people were attached to it, and the
Magistrates had hitherto yielded to their wishes by keeping it up.
The mode in which it was conducted was this : — Any party con-
ceiving himself to have a claim against another obtained a summons,
which cost a sixpence, calling him to answer before the Convene
Court. If the party summoned yielded obedience to the citation,
which was generally the case, the complaint and the answer were
stated in the presence of the presiding Magistrate, who gave his
advice to the parties, and they were required to state at the time
whether they intended to adopt it or not, in order that, in case of
refusal, the pursuer might employ other measures. In this way
from 400 to 500 cases were disposed of every year, and there were
comparatively very few instances of parties not adopting the advice
they received. Both the Burgh and Convene Courts have long
since ceased to exist, and all that remains of the latter is the apart-
ment in which it was held, still known by the name of the " Convene
Room." The Royal Commissioners state further in their report
that during the thirteen years prior to 1834 the number of cases
decided in the Police Court, which sat daily, was 17,905 ; and that
during 1833 the number was nearly double the general average.

In 1873 and 1874, the police force amounted to 45 ; in 1875 and
1876, to 46 ; in 1877 and 1S78, to 47 ; in 1879, to 49 • in 1880, to
50; in i88i,to 51 ; in 1882, to 53 ; in 1883,10 55 ; and in the last-

436

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

named year consisted of i superintendent, i lieutenant, 2 inspectors,
1 detective, 4 sergeants, and 46 constables.^

The following comparative table relating to crime, accidents and
sudden deaths, fires, licensed lodging-houses, licensed cabs, and
certified pedlars, is compiled from the annual returns of the Paisley
Burgh Police : —

-C

■d

** •0

H . 4J

rt i:

3 2

Years.

.5 . "S
SSI'S

3
0

11 \

•si

ires. lA -c

S Ml

-a

•0

d <

p <

1859,

365

196

1544

2105

i860,

385

196

2062

2643

1861,

402

188

1638

2228

1862,

464

230

1485

2179

1S63,

558

251

1671

2480

1864,

545

276

1812

2633

1865,

433

181

1664

2278

1866,

377

203

1403

1983

1867,

207

202

1473

1882

1868,

300

240

1 701

2241

1869,

298

259

1653

2210

1870,

272

258

1864

2394

1871,

338

217

2065

2620

1872,

320

237

2847

3404

18 17

327='

1873,

1 86

233

2388

2807

[6 22

318

1874,

280

220

2215

2715

[5 22

302

i875>

181

203

1985

2369

t2 18

330

1876,

141

186

2133

2463

t3 18 .

318

1877,

117

154

1924

2195

13 18 :

321

1878,

132

189

1283

1604 :

25 -

21 18 :

327

1879,

183

902

"75 '

21 :

24 18 :

315

1880,

139

200

1226

1565 .

9 II :

293

1881,

126

180

1507

1813 :

8 II :

210

1882,

137

171

1735

2063 :

[4 II 2

793

1883,

179

2029

2230 <!

W :

23 II :

^ The word "Constable" is, by some authorities, derived from the Saxon
words "Koning" and "Stapel," signifying a support of the King; and by
others, from the Latin words "Comes" and "Stabuli," denoting a master of
the horse. The latter derivation is that adopted by Spelman, Du Cange, and
others, and has reference probably to the duties of that officer, well known in
the empire, who had to regulate all matters of chivalry — tilts, tournaments, and
feats of arms - — which were perfoimed on horseback. Such, also, was the duty
of the Constable of France, one of the great officers of State, who, in virtue of his
office, had the chief command of the aiTny, and took cognizance of military
offences. The office was suppressed by an edict of Louis XIIL, but was revived
by Napoleon L, who constituted it one of the six grand dignities under the
French Empire. On the restoration of the Bourbon Dynasty in 1814, however,
it was finally abolished ( History of the High Constables of Edinbui-gh, by James
D. Marwick, p. 3).

* This includes certificates granted for the Burgh and those gi^anted in other
jurisdictions and endorsed for the Burgh.

^ Certificates granted for the Burgh.

1850 TILL 1884. 437

The Paisley Races at Saint James Day Fair during the period we
are considering did not, with one or two exceptions, present any
new feature, and were not equal in any way to what they had been
in the fourth and fifth decades of the century, as already described.
The committee having charge of the races always received the
patronage of the Member of Parliament for the town, along with a
subscription of £s'^ ^°s- to the Race Fund. They also always
succeeded in having a good list of stewards. In 1855, the stewards
were Archibald Hastie, Esq., ]\I.P. for Paisley ; Sir ^lichael Robert
Shaw Stewart, Bart., M.P. for Renfrewshire; James Merry, Esq.;
William Sharpe, Esq.; George Baird, Esq.; and W. M. Redfern,
Esq. In 1865, the patrons and subscribers were the Provost and
Magistrates of Paisley; H. E. Crum Ewing, M.P.; Captain A. A.
Speirs, M.P.; Sir M. R. Shaw Stewart, Bart.; Robert Dalglish, Esq.,
M.P.; Archibald Kintrea, Esq.; Lieutenant -Colonel JNIure of Cald-
well ; H. C. Hughes, Esq.; Colonel Campbell, yr. of Blythswood ;
and James Steel, Esq., Sunderland Castle. In 1875, the stewards
were Sir M. R. Shaw Stewart, Bart. ; Colonel Campbell of Blyths-
wood; Henry Greet, Esq.; and Baihe Cowan. In 1883, the
stewards were the Duke of Montrose ; Sir M. R. Shaw Stewart,
Bart.; Sir Archibald Campbell, Bart, of Blythswood ; Hon. Thomas
H. A. E. Cochrane, Hawkhead ; J. C. Cuninghame, Esq. of Craig-
ends ; M. Hugh Shaw Stewart, Esq., Ardgowan ; William Stevenson,
Esq. of Househill ; and William Hall Maxwell, Esq. of Dargavel.

When the weather was good during the days of the races in the
diiferent years, the number of spectators in the race-grounds was
always very great. The committee who manage the races at present
are, we understand. Treasurer Robert Cochran, ex- Bailie James
M'Lauchlan, and Mr. Daniel Souden. But they hold no public
meetings, and do not publish their proceedings or intromissions.

We noticed the establishment of the first two banks in Paisley
near the close of the last century, the Paisley Banking Company
and the Paisley Union Bank. — The Commercial Bank of Scotland
opened a branch bank on 12th April, 1825. Mr. Francis Martin
was the agent, and the bank was at No. 5 1 Moss Street. It was
given up after a few years. This banking company again opened a
branch bank in 1876. Mr. James Ross is the first agent; and the
bank, which was at first at No. 8 Causeyside Street, has been, since
i2th February, 1878, at No. 6 Gilmour Street. — -The Western Bank
of Scotland opened a branch bank in M'Leod's Buildings, New
Smithhills Street, on 6th July, 1832, and ]\Ir. Thomas Risk was the
agent. The office, a few years afterwards, was removed to the
new buildings erected by the managers at No. i Forbes Place. —
In 1833, the Bank of Scotland bought the property at the foot of
St. ]\Iirin Street known by the name of the Turf Inn. The first
agent was Mr. James Findlay, son of the late Rev. John Findlay,
D.D., of the High Church, Paisley. Two years afterwards, new
bank buildings were erected on the same site, which were opened

43^ HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

for business on 8th March, 1836. Mr. Findlay died on 22nd
August, 1850, and was succeeded by Mr. John Hutchison. The
present agent is Mr. George Seton Veitch, who was appointed joint-
agent with Mr. Hutchison in 1876, and in 1880 sole agent. When
St. Mirin Street was widened, the Bank of Scotland office was
removed to its present place in that street. — Mr. Arthur Welsh in
1834 succeeded Mr. Adam Keir in the Paisley Bank, and on 20th
May, 1837, that banking company, in consequence of the expiry of
their contract of copartnery, gave up business, and made arrange-
ments with the British Linen Bank to continue it. Mr. John Peden
succeeded Mr. Welsh in 1857, and Mr. Hugh Macfarlane, the
present agent, was appointed successor to Mr. Peden in 1868. At
that time the bank office was transferred from No. i Cotton Street
to the present new premises which the directors erected in Gilmour
Street. — ^ In 1834, the Union Bank of Glasgow opened a branch
bank in Christie's Buildings at the Old Bridge, and appointed Mr.
Thomas Risk, of the Western Bank, to be agent ; Mr. John BuUey
succeeding Mr. Risk in the Western Bank. The Paisley Union Bank
amalgamated with the Union Bank of Glasgow in 1838. In the early
part of this century, Mr. John Lickly was the cashier in the Paisley
Union Bank, and his successor was Mr. James Millar. At the end
of the second decade of this century, Mr. John Scott succeeded Mr.
Millar, and at the amalgamation he was continued as cashier, and the
business was conducted at the office in Christie's Terrace till the new
bank buildings were erected in Gilmour Street. Mr. Scott died on
2nd April, 1856, and was succeeded by Mr. John Affleck, at that time
the teller in the bank. Mr. Affleck continued to be agent till 1867,
when he was promoted to be assistant-manager at the head office,
Glasgow. His successor was Mr. William Abercrombie, the present
agent, on 23rd May, 1867. — The Paisley Commercial Banking
Company, with a capital of ;^ 200,000, was established in 1838,
and the first directors were Messrs. William Brown of Egypt Park ;
Hugh Craw of Muirston ; Robert Kerr, manufacturer. Thread
Street ; Andrew Kirkwood, merchant, Beith ; Adam Hamilton of
Lounsdale ; James M'Kenzie, merchant, Glasgow ; and James
Stirrat, thread manufacturer. Paisley. Mr. Thomas Risk was
appointed manager, and commenced business in M'Leod's Buildings,
New Smithhills, on 14th February, 1839. The bank did not con-
tinue long to do business. From May, 1844, it was amalgamated
with the Western Bank of Scotland, and Mr. Thomas Risk con-
tinued as agent. — The Clydesdale Bank, Glasgow, opened a branch
bank in Causeyside, opposite St. Mirin Street, in 1845, under the
agency of Mr. Alexander Borland, but it was continued only for a
short time. This banking company again opened a branch iDank at
the Cross in 1865, and the first agent was Mr. William Abercrombie,
who, on his appointment in 1867 to be agent to the Union Bank,
Paisley, as already stated, was succeeded by Mr. David Campbell,
writer. At his death, in 1874, he was succeeded by the
present agent, Mr. Robert Russell. — When the Western Bank

1850 TILL 1884. 439

of Scotland suspended payments in December, 1857, the National
Bank of Scotland succeeded to the business in Paisley. Mr. P,
Guilleaume, who was the first agent, died on 5th September, 1883,
and was succeeded by the present agent, Mr. Donald Maclean, who
held the bank agency for the National Bank at Langholm. — The
City Bank of Glasgow opened a branch bank in Paisley in 1857,
and Mr. Archibald Hodge, accountant, was the first agent. Mr.
Hodge in 1861 retired from the bank to fill a situation with a
manufacturing firm in town, and his successor was Mr. Alexander
Pollock. During two years prior to Mr. Pollock's death, on 12th
April, 1877, Mr. Thomas Finlator acted as joint-agent. The first
office of the City of Glasgow Bank was in Moss Street, at the Cross.
In 1869, the directors, after the steeple at the Cross was taken
down, bought in 1869 a part of what was formerly the Saracen's
Head Inn, and erected thereon new bank buildings. The Town
Council were at the expense of placing a clock on the top of the
building, as a substitute for the steeple clock. — The Royal Bank of
Scotland opened a branch bank in 1872. Mr. David Murray was
the first agent, and the bank office was in the School of Design
Buildings, Gilmour Street ; but the bank has since erected for its
own accommodation one of the handsome new structures in St.
Mirin Street. After the suspension of payments by the City of
Glasgow Bank, on 2nd October, 1878, Mr. Finlator became joint-
agent of the Royal Bank, and at Mr. Murray's death, on 29th July,
1879, he was appointed sole agent.

At the close of the Crimean War, Lord Panmure, in a letter from
the War Office dated 28th April, 1857, presented to the inhabitants
of Paisley two iron ordnance, which had been captured from the
Russians, to be exhibited in such a place in the town as might be
considered best by the Town Council. The Council accepted the
gift; and in October following, on the recommendation of the Magis-
trates, agreed that the Russian war trophies should be placed in the
vacant space within the railings on each side of the entrance to the
County Buildings. There they remained till after the Drill Hall was
erected in High Street, when the Council resolved, on 3rd April,
1866, that they should be removed, along with the carriages on
which they were seated, and placed in front of that building, as a
more appropriate position. In Paisley, and throughout the whole
country, meetings were held for the purpose of raising funds to
support the widows and orphans of those killed during the Crimean
War.

In 1788, the " articles and regulations of the corresponding and
improving society of farmers in Renfrewshire " were published, and
the sphere of its operations was mostly confined to the parish of
Kilbarchan. The Rev. John Warner, Kilbarchan, who took an
active interest in the society, published several essays on agricultural
subjects. One of them, of 76 printed pages, price 8d., was "A letter

44° HISTORY OF PAISLEY,

to the west country farmers concerning the difficulties and manage-
ment of a bad harvest. Paisley : printed by A. Weir and A. M'Lean,
1773." Afterwards, an agricultural society on a limited scale existed
for a number of years in the parishes of Renfrew, Erskine, and
Inchinnan, for improving the breed of cattle and promoting good
ploughing. This society having become extinct, it was suggested
that an institution embracing numerous objects, and therefore of a
more extensive nature, would be more beneficial. In furtherance
of this object, a few spirited individuals waited upon some of the
large landed proprietors, and, having obtained their approbation and
subscriptions, the members formed themselves, in 181 9, into the
Renfrewshire Agricultural Society, the professed objects of which
were to promote improvement in agricultural science. At first, the
attention of the society was chiefly directed to excellence in ploughing
and the improvement of the breed of cattle. For several years after
its commencement, the premiums for cattle, besides the sums
awarded at the annual ploughing matches, amounted only to about
;^2o. The society, however, was found to be useful, and has
gradually increased in importance, so that at present it is in a most
prosperous position. The annual exhibition of live stock and
implements has always taken place in Paisley. The gradual im-
provement of the annual exhibitions may be judged from the
following statement : — In 1876, the entries for the show were 327 ;
417 entries in 1877; 589 entries in 1878; 697 entries in 1879;
728 entries in 1880 ; 796 entries in 1881 ; 814 entries in 1882 ; and
834 entries in 1883. At the show in 1883 the following prizes were
offered for competition : — For Ayrshire cows, ;^i73 15s.; sheep,
;^34 6s.; Clydesdale horses, ;;^i37 los. ; hunters and roadsters,
^38 IDS.; ponies and cobs, ;^24 ; swine, £t, ; dogs, ^29 15s.;
dairy produce, £\^ ; poultry, £() 15s.

Previous to the invention and the present almost universal use of
the reaping machine, the Cross of Paisley during the early mornings
of the harvest time was a scene of great stir and activity. Between
the hours of five and six in the morning, there would be seen from
400 to 600 reapers, mostly Irish, each carrying a sickle or reaping-
hook, waiting anxiously to be employed.^ When a reaper was
engaged, he delivered his hook to his employer, who laid it over his
left arm along with any others he might have secured. The farmer
on leaving the Market Cross with his armful of hooks was followed
by those he had engaged, and when outside of the town the hooks
were given up to the respective owners. The cutting of corn by the
sickle is very laborious, on account of the stooping required to cut
near the ground. To overtake this work, generally in hot weather,
the Rev. Mr. Bell of Forfarshire, about the middle of this century,
invented a reaping machine to be propelled by horse power. In

^ The common reaping-hook is one of the oldest instruments of husbandry,
and Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, was genei^ally represented by the ancients
with a sheaf of com and a sickle in her hand.

1850 TILL 1884. 441

the United States of America this machine was first taken advantage
of, but it was not till 1861 that it was introduced into this country.
Since then, various reaping machines, differing more or less from
Bell's reaper, have been in successful operation in almost every part
of the country — so much so, that hand -reaping is almost extinct,
and the square at the Cross on harvest mornings, having lost all its
former animation, is litde different from what it is in any other period
of the summer. According to Government returns, the migration
of the Irish as reapers to England and Scotland in harvest times
amounted in 1841 to no less than 58,000 ; in 1880, the number had
fallen to 23,000 ; in 1881, to 21,300 ; in 1882, to 16,800 ; and in
1883, to 14,780. The reaping machines make better work than
either the sickle or scythe, and by their use the farmers can without
harassment cut down their crops expeditiously as they ripen. This
machine has almost superseded also the mowing of grass with
the scythe.

The Paisley Florist Society was instituted as far back as 1782.
As the rules state, it has for its object the encouragement and
improvement of floriculture, by appointing competitions for showing
the various flowers which in their seasons come under the cognisance
of the society, and for the acquisition and dissemination of floricul-
tural knowledge among its members. During the flower season,
members are expected to bring forward flowers for competition among
themselves, or for the purpose of eliciting the opinion of members
respecting their merits ; and during the winter season, by essays or
papers read by experienced growers on the best means of cultivating
the various "florist" flowers, as also for the social intercourse of
its members. The Committee of Management consists of honorary
president, president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary. The
annual subscription is two shillings. Many of the working- classes in
former times, and to a less extent at the present time, have paid
great attention to the cultivation of flowers, and this society has
done good service by their annual competitions and prizes. We
observe that at the annual general competition held in the Royal
Oak, Moss Street, on 5th June, 1830, for the twelve best tulips,
the first prize was given to Mr. William Adam, weaver, Caledonia
Street ; the second to Mr. James Adam, weaver, Caledonia Street ;
the third to Mr. William Robin, weaver. North Street ; and the
fourth to Mr. John Wylie, weaver, Ferguslie. The centenary of the
society was celebrated at a supper in the Globe Hotel, on 3rd
November, 1882. The meeting was well attended. Mr. M'Gechan,
president of the society, was in the chair, and narrated its proceed-
ings from the commencement. An assembly followed. On the
title page of their minute book, which contains the records of the
society from its formation, there is written the motto of the society,
taken from Cicero — " There is a wondrous pleasure and delight in
the cultivation of flowers." In 1794, there were 42 members, and
in 1883 about 100. When the patriotism and loyalty of the nation

E I

44i2 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

was SO greatly strained in 1802, this society devoted the whole of
the funds they possessed to the purchasing of flannel waistcoats for
the Paisley Volunteers. There are other three florist societies,
called the Paisley Amateur Florist Society (Charleston), Paisley
West- End Amateur Florist Society, and the Scottish Florist Society
(Williamsburgh), their chief aim being to encourage the cultivation
of flowers in different sections of the town. In Paisley there are,
therefore, including the Horticultural Society, no fewer than five
societies devoted to the culture of flowers.

The Paisley Horticultural Society — a kindred one to the Florist
Society — was established in 1832, and the first general show of
flowers, fruits, and vegetables took place in the Saracen's Head Inn,
on 12th July in that year. After the distribution of the prizes on
that occasion, some of the competitors and members, along with a
number of other gentlemen, amounting in all to about fifty, dined in
the inn, — Mr. Robert Orr of Lylesland in the chair. This society has
a spring and an autumn flower-show every year, the one in March and
the other in September, and competitions, with prizes for hyacinths,
tulips, crocuses, rhododendrons, greenhouse plants, bouquets, &c.
There are always choice displays, too, from the conservatories of
various gentlemen in the neighbourhood and from the local nurseries.
These exhibitions have in general been very successful, and a society
such as this, which has for its object the improving and beautifying
which Nature admits of in the productions of the vegetable world
by better modes of culture, should meet with every encouragement.

Many of the working -classes also devote much of their spare
time to ornithology, and take great delight in the rearing of the
different varieties of canaries and other birds. At one time, there
was a great number of ornithological clubs in Paisley, but they are
now all concentrated in the Paisley Ornithological Association,
which was established in 1854, and had its first exhibition on the
2nd December in that year. The exhibitions or "bird shows," as
they are generally called, have for a considerable time been held on
the first and second days of each year, and they form a powerful and
an agreeable attraction at that hoHday season. The progress and
success of this association have been deservedly great. At the first
exhibition in 1854, the number of birds entered was 250, and the
prize-money awarded ^14 5s. At the exhibition in 1871, they
numbered 758, and the prize-money was jQ^s i^s. 6d. ; in 1880, there
were 1024, and the prize-money ^140 ; and in 1882, the entries for
poultry 521, for pigeons 261, and for cage birds 534 — ^in all, 1316
entries, representing upwards of 2500 birds — the prize-money
_;^i63 3s. In 1883, the entries had risen to 1457, and the awards
of money and special prizes to ;^i8o. The entries were — Poultry,
641 ; pigeons, 229; cage birds, 587; — in all, 1457. This is the
greatest number the hall can accommodate. The great success and
fame of this association, however, does not consist alone in the large
number of birds that are exhibited, but in the value of the high-

1850 TILL 18S4. 443

class specimens that are brought to their exhibitions from all parts
of the kingdom. It is the opinion of those competent to judge that
the Paisley exhibition of birds is superior to that held in the Crystal
Palace, and to any other in England.

The frequent severe depressions of trade in the town forced many
of the weavers of Paisley to think of emigrating to some other
country, where they might find employment and the means of
support for their families. But not having funds to pay for their
self-imposed transportation, they generally formed themselves into
societies to enable them the better to attain their end. On ist
June, 1828, Mr. Maxwell, yr. of PoUok, M.P. for Lanarkshire,
presented a petition to the House of Commons, signed by 400
unemployed and distressed weavers in Paisley, praying the House
to afford the means of emigration to Canada. Mr. Maxwell made a
long and eloquent appeal on their behalf The petition was read,
laid on the table, and ordered to be printed, but nothing was done
by the Government for the poor petitioners. In 1827, an effort
was made with some success to raise funds to assist in emigration ;
and in 1840-41 societies were formed for the raising of funds to
enable families to emigrate to Canada or Australia. Public meetings,
under good patronage, were held, and considerable sums of money
obtained, the Town Council also giving those wishing to emigrate
permission to canvass for subscriptions (Council Records, 19th
May, 1840). The years 1862, 1863, and 1864 formed another
period in which societies were formed with the view of raising the
means to promote emigration, and were attended with considerable
success. In March, 1863, 120 adults, chiefly handloom weavers,
partly assisted by the Colonial Government, left Paisley for Queens-
land. And in July in the following year, eleven families, numbering
sixty-three individuals, left Paisley for Canada. In this case, the
men, with one exception, were handloom weavers. The sum of;^3
was allowed to each person by the Colonial Government, the
remainder required being provided by the emigrants from the sub-
scriptions obtained in the town.

In 1859, the third raising of Volunteer Rifle Corps took place in
this country. The unsetded state of European poUtics, and the
firm belief, among all classes, that the Emperor of the French,
Napoleon the Third, entertained sinister designs against this
country, was the cause of this rushing into arms. The formation of
Volunteer corps in this county is thus described in the Paisley
Nem/d newspaper of 31st March, i860, by the editor, Mr. Watson,
who was one of the Volunteers at its commencement: — "When
the formation of the Volunteer rifle companies was talked of as a
means of national defence, Renfrewshire embraced the proposal
warmly and enthusiastically as compared with many counties in the
kingdom from which more might have been expected. The conse-
quence was that this county occupied the proud position of being

444 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the second in Scotland, being No. 14 on the roll. The "City of
Edinburgh," the first Scotch rifle corps enrolled, was No. 11. At
first, the Volunteer movement was more lively and active in
Greenock than in Paisley, and the first companies enrolled in the
county belonged to the former town. The second company was a
Paisley one ; and then followed, in rapid succession, PoUokshaws,
Port- Glasgow, Barrhead, Neilston, Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Thornlie-
bank, Lochwinnoch, Hurlet, Renfrew, Gourock, and Cathcart.
The first meeting held in Paisley with the view of forming a
Volunteer corps was on 2nd June, 1859. It was called by Provost
Brown, in accordance with the resolution of a county meeting held
prior to that date. This meeting was but thinly attended, however,
and at the outset it almost appeared as if the movement would
prove abortive. A committee was named to ascertain the probable
number in the town willing to enrol their names. By the 20th of
July, it was reported that fifty- eight Volunteers had consented, and
on the 5 th of the following month it was resolved to commence
drill. The popularity of the movement now rapidly increased.
The columns of the press were filled with reports from all parts of
the kingdom which related to it ; and this, coupled with the active
and untiring exertions of those who took a leading share in the
management of our local corps, soon attracted an amount of
patronage which agreeably disappointed their own anticipations,
and eftectually silenced those who at the outset were inclined to
'pooh-pooh' the affair altogether. On 26th August, 1859, the
first meeting of the corps was held in the Council Chambers —
Provost Brown presiding — for the purpose of electing officers to be
recommended to the Lord -Lieutenant for appointment, and this
meeting gave an additional impulse to the enrolment of Volunteers.
Up to this time, there existed much dubiety respecting the mode in
which each Volunteer company was to be officered, but it was now
made apparent that, so far as this was concerned, the Volunteers
were to have it all their own way. The result was, their numbers
increased so rapidly that in little more than a fortnight another
meeting of the corps was convened for the election of officers for a
second comj^any. From that time, the movement continued to
progress steadily and regularly."

The Volunteer movement in Paisley has from that time to the present
been conducted with great enthusiasm, and is deservedly held in high
estimation by the inhabitants. Money was required, and, besides
subscriptions, several plans were adopted to obtain it. On 23rd
October, 1861, a grand concert, under the patronage of the Provost,
Magistrates, and several other gentlemen, took place in the Exchange
Rooms, when a considerable sum was realised. To aid the funds,
an assembly was held in the Abercorn Rooms, on 2nd March, 1861,
and;j^66 14s. was obtained. For the same purpose, the ladies of
Paisley held a bazaar in the Coffee -Room on 28th December in the
same year, when they realised the splendid sum of about p/^1300,
which was presented to the Volunteers, In 1865, the commodious

1850 TILL 1884. 445

Drill Hall, in the High Street, which is 130 feet long by 50 wide,
was erected by public subscription, for the convenience and comfort
of the Volunteers and the storage of their arms. This hall, which
cost about ;^2ooo, was formally opened on 8th December in that
year, the occasion being celebrated by a supper and ball and
the annual presentation of the prizes. The Newton Woods range
has been of the utmost importance to the Volunteers for the practice
of rifle shooting, and many of them have become good marksmen.
For instance, Sergeant Heiton was the winner of the St. George's
Vase at Wimbledon in 18S1, and Captain Young was second highest
in the competition for the Queen's Prize at the same place, in 1883.
The " St. Mirin Wappenschaw " is the resumption of an ancient and
popular practice already referred to. The meeting takes place
yearly at Newton Woods, and the successful competitors are
rewarded with prizes. There are at least two prizes which are com-
peted for, and consist of the ladies' challenge cup and the gold
marriage ring. The winner of the cup retains it till the following
year. Should the winner of the ring be an unmarried man who
gets married during the year, he is allowed to keep it ; but should
he not be married in the course of the following year, he returns
the ring, and pays a forfeit prize besides. The shootings by the
competitors are at 200, 500, and 600 yards. The " Reserved
Forces " now form, very properly, at public dinners one of the
patriotic toasts. The Paisley, or second, battalion of Renfrewshire
had in 1883 an enrolled strength of 25 officers, 45 sergeants, and
644 rank and file, being in all 714.

In 1866, when Mr. Hugh Macfarlane was Provost, the Police
Commissioners bought the large four- storey tenement, with back
buildings, No. 14 Saint Mirin^ Street, with the view of widening
that street, which was then only fifteen feet wide between the line
of houses that bounded both sides of the street. A tiny footpath
on each side of the street, not exceeding two feet broad, being
reserved for passengers, there was barely enough space left for
two carts to pass one another. All the houses on the west side
of that street were acquired from time to time, and the ground was
afterwards sold to different persons, the result being the present
handsome range of buildings. In consequence of the judicious
purchasing of the different properties, the cost to the ratepayers was
only ^775. This street was opened in 1871. The improvement
of Abbey Close, which afterwards followed, cost the ratepayers
^^4426 i6s. lod. These were the first two street improvements of
any importance by the Commissioners of Police prior to the

^ The orthography of St. Mirin's name varies considerably. The form
"Mirren," which is the Scotch phonetic spelling of the female name, Marion, is
very much used. In Tait's Directory for 1783, St. Mirin's Wynd is called St.
Marion's Wynd, which is a still worse form. The saint's name in the old Latin
deeds is Mirinus, with its oblique cases Mirino and Mirini, and, as Saint Mirin
was a man, we think the proper way to spell the word is, dropping the Latin
terminations, to write "Mirin."

44t) HISTORY OF PAISLEV.

application for Parliamentary powers to carry out more extensive
operations in that way.

In 1876, the Town Council applied to the Legislature for "an
Act for improving the Burgh of Paisley, by the construction, widen-
ing, and alteration of streets and bridges ; for vesting in the Town
Council, as Road Trustees of the Burgh, the management of all
the streets and bridges therein ; for the acquisition of lands for
Municipal Buildings, and for other purposes." The Act received
the Royal assent on 2nd August, 1877. Powers were taken in this
Act for making a new street to connect Albion Street with Cale-
donia Street, and for widening and improving fourteen different
streets ; but only four of the latter have as yet (1884) been widened
— a part of the north side of High Street, north side of School Wynd,
the part of the south side of High Street from the Old Bridge to
St. Mirin Street, and west side of St. Mirin Street. The com-
pulsory powers for acquiring properties were restricted to five years,
the sum allowed to be borrowed was ;2^8o,ooo, and the maximum
assessment to defray the same was 5 j^d. per jT^, equally divided
between the owner and occupant. At the annual balance on 30th
September, 1883, the balance of expenditure over income was
;^ 105,232 9s. lod. This Act also conferred powers on the Burgh
Road Trustees to rebuild the three bridges over the river Cart,
and levy a maximum assessment of 63^d. per ^Q. The new Abbey
Bridge cost ;z^9ii5; the Sneddon Bridge, ;^7987 ; and the Old
Bridge, ;^632 2; — in all, ;^23,424. It may have been observed
that when any of these bridges was repaired or rebuilt, the Statute
Labour Road Trustees for the County always paid one-third of the
expenditure, from an assessment fund authorised by Act of Parlia-
ment. In this bill, the Town Council applied for powers to recover
from the Renfrewshire Statute Labour Tmstees one- third of the
cost of rebuilding and maintaining the three bridges in the town.
The County Road Trustees objected to the Town Council obtaining
such powers, and resolved to petition Parliament against the bill.
Although the promoters of the bill stated that they had no intention
of extending the obligations of the County Road Trustees as
administrators of the bridge fund, and had accordingly limited the
same to one-third of the cost of building and repairing the bridges,
yet they ultimately withdrew that part of the bill, and also came
under an obligation, according to the Act of Parliament, to relin-
quish any rights they formerly possessed of receiving aid " out of
any assessments levied or raised in respect of lands or heritages
beyond the burgh for building or upholding bridges or otherwise,
any share of the expense of maintaining, repairing, or rebuilding
any existing bridges within the burgh, nor any share of the expense
of building, maintaining, repairing, or upholding of any new or
additional bridge or bridges within the burgh." We think it was a
grave mistake on the part of the Town Council to relieve the
County Road Trustees of the obligation to contribute towards the
cost of rebuilding and repairing the three bridges.

1850 TILL 1S84. 447

The first of these bridges that was taken down and rebuilt was
the Abbey orSeedhills Bridge. Like the one removed, it consisted
of three spans. The memorial -stone was laid on 21st October,
1878, by Provost Murray, and the proceedings were commenced
by the Rev. Dr. Thomson engaging in prayer. A hermetically
sealed jar, containing several coins and documents, was placed by
the Provost in a stone prepared for its reception. Mr. J. A. King,
Houston, contractor for the mason work, presented a silver trowel
to the Provost, who, having spread some mortar with it, and the
memorial -stone having been lowered into its proper place, and
three strokes having been given with a mallet, declared it to be duly
and properly laid. The company invited to be present afterwards
repaired to the hall of the new hospital at Bladda, where they were
served with cake and wine. Among the toasts given was — "The
success and speedy conclusion of the new Abbey Bridge, and the
other important improvements connected therewith." This bridge
is constructed of iron girders supported on granite piers. Mr.
Sharp, the master of works, was the designer of the bridge.

The next bridge that was rebuilt was the Sneddon Bridge, and
the memorial-stone was laid by Provost MacKean, on nth
October, 1881. Those invited to be present first met in the Council
Chambers, and afterwards proceeded to the bridge. After prayer,
offered by the Rev. Mr. Sturrock, Messrs. Morrison & Mason, the
contractors for the mason work, presented to the Provost a silver
trowel, to be used in laying the memorial-stone, and having on it
the names of the Town Councillors, contractors, &c. When the
coins and documents had been placed in a bottle and the ceremony
was completed, the company returned to the Council Chambers,
where they were entertained at a banquet of cake and wine or coffee.
A number of toasts were proposed, and speeches delivered suitable
to the occasion. The bridge is formed of iron girders, and, like the
one taken down, is of a single span. Messrs. Hanna, Donald, &
Wilson were the contractors for the iron work, and Mr. Sharp, master
of works, was the architect. At this time, the Town Council changed
the name from Sneddon Bridge to Abercorn Bridge.

The memorial-stone of the addition to the Old Bridge was laid
on 6th October, 1882. The Rev. Mr. Sturrock having opened
the proceedings with prayer, Mr. Young, town clerk, deposited a jar
containing coins and documents, as in the case of the other two
bridges. Messrs. Morrison & Mason, the contractors, presented
Provost MacKean with a handsome silver trowel as a remembrance
of the day's proceedings. When the memorial- stone had been
lowered to its proper place and the usual ceremony gone through,
three hearty cheers were given by the assembly, and the bells in the
tower of the George A. Clark Hall rang out a joyous peal in honour
of the event. The company invited afterwards adjourned to the
Picture Gallery of the Town Hall, where cake and wine were
partaken of, and several appropriate speeches delivered. The old
stone arches of the bridge were not removed, but only enlarged. Mr.

448

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Linn, of Belfast, architect of the George A. Clark Town Hall, was
also architect of the bridge, and he carefully made its design and
style to conform with those of the hall, which closely adjoins. The
Council, at a special meeting held before the laying of the memorial-
stone, agreed to change the name of this bridge from " Old Bridge,"
by which it had been long known, to that of " Saint James Bridge."
In the charter of King James VI., of i6th January, 1598, already
given, this bridge is called the " Bridge of Paisley." If the name
had to be changed, it would surely have been more appropriate to
call it " The Paisley Bridge," instead of giving it the comparatively
unmeaning title of Saint James Bridge.^

Not much was done to improve the sanitary condition of the
town, in so far at anyrate as the important operations of drainage
was concerned, till 1879. The efforts of the public authorities in
that direction had, down till that time, been very partial, and not
according to any defined general plan. Some years ago, the
attention of the inhabitants was directed, by the reports of the
Registrar- General, to the high death-rate in Paisley as compared
with some other towns. The death-rate of the eight large towns in
Scotland has been published since 1855. The following table,
showing the average general death-rate of each of the three years
1855, 1856, 1857, and thereafter of four consecutive periods of five
years, is taken from the reports of the Registrar- General for Scotland.
The rates are calculated as per 1000 living of the population : —

1855-57-

1858-62.

1863-67.

1868-72.

1873-77.

297

29-3

30-9

310

27-8

24-4

26-4

24-6
27-6

25 -8
288

25 9
27-8

221
24-1

22"9

247

25-0

22'6

217

31-5
26-9

287

26 '4

337
28-3

29-4
28-4

27-3
286

217

22-9

237

24-5

222

24-9

25-3

23-4

24-3

Glasgow,....
Edinburgh,

Dundee,

Aberdeen, ..
Greenock, ..

Paisley,

Leith,

Perth,

The following is the child death-rate per 1000 living, under five
years of age, at two periods of five years : —

Glasgow, . . .
Edinburgh,.

Dundee,

Aberdeen,..
Greenock, ..

Paisley,

Leith,

Perth

8-72.

107-5

81 -2

96 '4
64 I

lOIO

806

817
568

1873-77-

Decrease. P?^ Centage
of Decrease.

92-4
64-8
80-5
54 'o
81-2

76-3
66-2

62 "2

16-4

15-9
lOI
19-8

4 '3
5 '5
5-4

14
20

16
19

5
7

^ This new name was not agreed to unanimously. Several others were pro-
posed. There were only eleven Councillors present at the time, and they voted
as follows : — That the bridge should be called " The High Street Bridge," 2 ;

1850 TILL 1884. 449

It will thus be seen that Paisley shows the lowest per centage of
improvement.

Although the death-rate in Paisley appears from these returns to
be very high as compared with the other towns in Scotland, it was
undoubtedly too highly stated for some years after 187 1. That
arose in this way — At the census of 187 1, the population of Paisley
was 48,257, while in 1881 it had increased to 55,638. As the
death-rate between 187 1 and 1881 was calculated according to the
census of 187 1, the statement given was not correct

Those residing in George Street, in looking about for the
cause of the high death-rate in that locality, came to discover
that the St. Mirin Burn and its tributaries, forming the only
drainage of that district, were loaded with putrid and unhealthy
matter. Being satisfied that herein lay much of the cause of
the unhealthiness of their district, the inhabitants induced the
Council — after overcoming some difficulties that were in the
way — to have it thoroughly drained. A new conduit, of con-
siderable size and depth, was formed in place of St. Mirin's
Burn, and sewers were formed in the different streets. The Com-
missioners of Police borrowed ;^io,ooo from .the Board of Public
Works for the completion of this important undertaking, which was
called District No. i. The inauguration of the formation of these
drains took place on the i6th October, 1879. The members of
Council met in the Council Chambers, and afterwards proceeded to
Cumberland Court. Mr. Peter Quin, the contractor for the drains,
presented to Bailie Eaglesim, as convener of the Drainage Com-
mittee, a silver trowel, on which there was a suitable inscription,
together with the names of the members of the committee. Mr.
Eaglesim then went through the ceremony of laying the first brick
of the main sewer, and afterwards briefly expressed his pleasure
that something was about to be done to reduce the high death-rate
of the town. The owners of the different properties, at their own
expense, afterwards connected the back courts, by means of drains,
with the street sewers. Four years afterwards, the drainage of the
New Town, on the east side of the river, was commenced and
completed , and ;^65oo was borrowed from the Public Works Loan
Board to accomplish this. The drainage works of the New Town,
or District No. 2, were inaugurated on i6th March, 1883, t)y the
laying of the first brick of the main sewer at the outfall into the
Cart near to Laighpark. The Rev. Mr. Paterson having invoked
the Divine blessing on the works, INIr. John Sharp, the contractor
for the undertaking, presented Provost Clark with a silver trowel,
as a memorial of the occasion. The Provost went through
the ceremony of laying the first brick, and afterwards addressed
those present.

In 1877, an Act of Parliament was passed, conferring on the

" Saint James," 3 ; " Saint Mirin," 4 ; " Victoria," 2 ; and, in the final voting,
7 voted that it should be called "Saint James I3ridge" and 4 "Saint Mirin
Bridge" (Council Records, 6th October, 1882).

450 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Government powers to centralize the prison system in England
and Scotland, and to discontinue certain prisons not enumerated in
the Act. The Commissioners of Supply for the County of Renfrew
and the Town Council of Paisley received a letter from the Secre-
tary of the Prison Commissioners of Scotland, dated 9th July, 1883,
containing copies of the following orders and rules by the Secretary
of State for the Home Department: — ist Order — ^Discontinuing
the Prison of Paisley on and after 15th August, 1883 ; 2nd Rule-
Appointing the Prison of Glasgow as a legal prison for the detention
of such prisoners as might have been lawfully confined in the prison
so discontinued had it remained in existence as a legal prison ;
3rd Rule — Reconstituting the Visiting Committee of the Prison of
Glasgow. The receipt of this communication came upon every one
in Paisley and neighbourhood with the greatest surprise. The
Commissioners of Supply held a special meeting on the 24th of
that month to consider what steps should be taken regarding this
extraordinary resolution, and they unanimously agreed to forward a
representation to Sir William Harcourt, the Home Secretary, pro-
testing in effect against the carrying out of this uncalled-for and
foolish decision, and suggesting that this Order should be recalled
or at anyrate suspended, to see if a better arrangement could be
effected for the public interest. From this spirited and able
memorial, prepared by Mr. Caldwell, clerk of supply, we take the
following extracts : —

" That until receipt of said letter, your memorialists had not
heard anything whatever of the intention of discontinuing the
Prison of Paisley, and, so far as they can ascertain, such also was
the case with the other County as well as the Burgh Authorities.
That the Prison of Paisley is large and commodious and well
adapted for the purpose for which it has been applied. In the
Sheriffs report to the General Prison Board in 1 841, it was described
as ' sufficient and capable of admitting of the separate system.'
About the year 1850, extensive alterations and additions were made
on the buildings ; and in the official report to the General Prison
Board, in 1854, it was stated that 'the liberality of the Local
Authorities had enabled this important prison to be placed on a
most satisfactory footing,' and that ' this well -planned and constituted
prison affords ample accommodation for all classes of prisoners on
the separate system.' In subsequent official reports, the efficiency
and importance of the Prison of Paisley was unequivocally recog-
nised ; and your memorialists have reason to believe that, as regards
the health of the prisoners, no objection could be urged either as
to its situation or sanitary arrangements. That the present popula-
tion of Paisley is believed to be about 60,000, and it is rapidly
increasing. There are also in its immediate neighbourhood the
burghs of Renfrew and Johnstone, and the villages of Hurlet,
Nitshill, Elderslie, Quarrelton, Barrhead, Grahamston, Neilston,
Lochwinnoch, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir, Linwood,
Houston, and Bishopton, with an aggregate population of about

1850 TILL 1SS4. 451

40,000, employed in manufactures, mines, and public undertakings,
and having their natural centre in Paisley. This is altogether
irrespective of the large populous places in the eastern portions of
the county, which may he said to be conveniently contiguous to
Glasgow. That your memorialists believe that in such circumstances
the discontinuing of the Prison of Paisley will greatly weaken the
power of the authorities who are responsible for the preservation of
the pubhc peace and the repression of crime ; while the transmission
of prisoners to and from the substituted Prison of Glasgow, situated
about eight miles from Paisley, will add to the risk of prisoners
escaping or communicating with their associates in crime, and to
the current expenses, necessitating as it will do the appointment of
additional'constablesto be employed in escorting prisoners, who, after
being taken from Paisley to the prison at Glasgow for further examin-
ation or to await their trial, will often have to be brought back to Paisley
for examination or to be identified by witnesses. That these trans-
missions would have to be by railway, and prisoners would thus
have to be taken upon railway platforms, often much crowded, and
along the equally crowded streets of Glasgow ; and their frequent,
and indeed daily, appearance in this way would, by familiarising
the public with the sight, have a demoralising eftect. That while
there may be cases in which it is of public advantage to close small
prisons, your memorialists believe there is no other instance in
Scotland where a large county prison like that of Paisley, situate in
the midst of an exceptionally large population, has been discon-
tinued ; and they conceive they were entitled to expect that some
communication would have been made to them and the other
County Authorities to elicit their views on the proposal before
so important a step was taken. That your memorialists are aware
of the provisions under 'The Prisons (Scotland) Act of 1877,' by
which police cells may be legalised for the detention of prisoners
before or during or after trial for any period not exceeding fourteen
days. After due consideration, however, they cannot see their way
to recommend the Commissioners of Supply or the Police Com-
mittee to act on this provision. The county and burgh had already
provided a sufficient prison, at a cost of from;,<!'3o,ooo tO;!^4o,ooo,
which had been taken possession of by Government, and it seems
unreasonable to expect the county to expend a further sum on this
account. Besides, to provide legalised cells would entail consider-
able additional current expense on the county, for the Prison
Commissioners' allowance of one shilling per day and night of
twenty -four hours would not meet the cost of providing food,
heating, lighting of the cells or prisons, and still less the wages of a
governor and matron and possible contingencies. Your memorialists,
too, consider that the proper duty of a police force is, as far as
possible, to prevent the commission of crimes and offences and to
bring the criminals and offenders to the Court, and that thereafter
the care of the accused devolves on the ordinary prison authorities.
In ordinary circumstances, the discontinuing of the Prison of

45^ HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Paisley would certainly lead to great inconvenience to those en-
trusted with the administration of the laws ; but if a riot or serious
breach of the public peace were to occur in Paisley or its neighbour-
hood, the authorities might find it impossible satisfactorily to
discharge the duties usually expected of them. Should such un-
fortunately be the case, your memorialists respectfully but firmly
protest that the responsibility of the failure to maintain the majesty
of the law will in no degree be attributable to the local authorities."

This memorial was supported by a deputation consisting of Mr.
Caldwell, clerk of supply, on behalf of the county, and by Provost
Clark on behalf of the town. We understand, however, that the
intimation of the order to shut up the prison was never brought
before the Council, and that they did not memorialise the Home
Secretary against its discontinuance. On the 29th of this month,
the deputation was introduced to Sir William Harcourt by Mr.
Crum, M.P. We give the following graphic description of this
interview, which appeared in the Paisley and Reufrciushire Gazette
newspaper of 4th August following :—

" One of the reasons assigned by Sir William Harcourt for the
discontinuance of the prison was that it was situated in a densely-
populated district of the town, and close to a foul river. To this it
was replied that, if the river were foul, that was not because it was
polluted with sewage and unhealthy refuse, but blackened by the
outpourings from dyeworks in and above the town. That it was
not recognised as productive of ill-health, might be gathered from
the fact that the infirmary of the town was, without any one ever
having said that it was on an unhealthy site, built quite as close to
the river, not far from the prison, while the death-rate of the prison
compared favourably with that of any other prison in Scotland.
Another reason assigned had regard to structural defects. To this
it was rephed that when Government got the prison into their own
hands ^3800 had been obtained from the County Authorities as
the sum required to put the prison into a proper state of repair, and
that it was scarcely fair to retain the money and leave the defects
unremedied and then urge the defects as a reason for discontinuing
the prison. The Home Secretary instanced Dumbarton as a place
where the prison had been suppressed without any complaint. To
this it was replied that Dumbarton had a comparatively small
population, and was situated twenty miles from Glasgow, and ought
not to be compared with Paisley, that had a population of 60,000,
with 50,000 more in its neighbourhood, and was, besides, so close
to Glasgow as to be within easy reach and subject to the depreda-
tions of the criminal classes of that city. The conveyance of
prisoners to and from Glasgow on remand would be most un-
desirable. Were it proposed to convey prisoners along the crowded
streets of London, the citizens would not submit to it for a day ;
and yet'the Strand of that city was not more crowded than were the
streets of Glasgow, along which prisoners would require to be taken

1850 TILL 1884.

45:

daily. Sir William then remarked that he was merely carrying out,
as he was bound to do, an Act that had been passed by the late
Government ; but the deputation replied that it was not the Act,
but the way in which it was being carried out, that they complained
of, as it was never expected it would be applied to close a large
county prison like Paisley. To this Sir William answered that the
matter was done, and could not be altered. The deputation then
withdrew, thanking Sir William for receiving them, but feeling that
no valid reason had been given for closing the prison."

If the Government of Mr. Disraeli had been the means, as
erroneously stated by Sir W. Harcourt, of causing Paisley Prison to
be discontinued, the absurdity and folly of such an order were
equally to be condemned on their part and on that of the succeed-
ing Government of Mr. Gladstone. But they committed no such
act. All they did was to pass a law giving powers to shut up small
prisons ; but it was never contemplated by the promoters of the
measure, or understood in the country, that important and valuable
county prisons such as that of Paisley would be closed in obedience
to a false economy and in defiance of public convenience.

In 1878, the Commissioners of Police, who had previously
acquired the public shambles from the Town Council at an annual
charge of ;^2i3 13s. yd., obtained, on application, from the Home
Secretary a Provisional Order to have them constituted a public
Trust, with powers to borrow ^4500 in order to extend and improve
their accommodation. Within three years thereafter, the shambles
were greatly enlarged, and made to combine every modern improve-
ment, with a perfect system of drainage, at an expense of ^6300.
The internal arrangements are now so complete, and the whole
place so free from offensive smells, that strangers passing it would
not take it to be a public shambles. The following statement
shows the number of animals slaughtered during the years 1881,
1882, and 1883, along with the dead meat brought into Paisley
during these years : —

Catde.

Sheep.

Lambs.

Pigs.

Fed
Calves.

Small
Calves.

Totals.

Year ending iSth June, 1 88 1,
Dead meat during sameperiod,

Totals,

Year ending 30th Sept., 1882,
Dead meat during same period.

Totals,

Year ending 29th Sept., 1883,
Dead meat during same period,

Totals,...

5347
662

9348
970

5008
1205

468
141

—

41
3316

20,212
6,294

6009 10,318

6213

609

—

3357

26, 506

6557
356

9109
638

5261
398

784
112

2778

21,729
4,334

6913

9747

5659

896

2794

26,063

4709
1745

5654
921

4022
261

1278
141

4
49

5
1957

15.672
5,074

20, 746

6454

6575

4283

I4I9

1962

^ The dead meat brought into town is charged the same dues as if the cattle,
&c., had been slaughtered in the Shambles in Paisley.

454 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

In addition to the markets for cows and horses at the Fairs held
at Paisley in May and August, there is at present, and has been for
several years, a weekly cattle market. It is held on Mondays, and
a large amount of business is always done in all kinds of cattle,
including sheep and pigs. Mr. Robert Wilson, auctioneer and live
stock agent, has the credit of establishing this important market,
which is alike convenient for sellers and purchasers. The entrance
to the sale -yard is at No. 13 Storie Street.

Paisley, we believe, is no exception to the general rule of having
a full share of odd public characters. We shall notice some of those
that appeared during the nineteenth century ; and, although their
portraits — of which we have nearly all— would better indicate their
appearance and character than any description of ours, yet we are
compelled, from several considerations, to omit them.

We have before us a lithographed portrait, by Neilson, of " Daft
Sandy," of whom we have learned but little. Some one has written
in pencil on the margin, "A well-known Paisley character in 1805,"
and also, " I'm daft ; man, gie's a bawbee," being an expression
used by him when soliciting aid. We have been told by an old
residenter in Paisley that Sandy lived in Saucel, and was in the
habit of expressing himself as above at the Cross to passengers
departing and arriving by the public coaches.

Johnnie Luske was known all over the town from Cowieston to
Corslets, but his principal rendezvous was in the old Flesh Market
in Moss Street. He was not an idiot, and, although he could neither
read nor write his own name, yet, when led into conversation, he
exhibited an amount of intelligence beyond expectation. In his
youth, he was a member of the Dumbartonshire Fencibles ; but the
greater part of his after life was spent as a retainer of the Flesh
Market, where he was ever on the alert to execute whatever
missions were given to him from any quarter of the town. On one
occasion, when a rumour was in circulation that the market was to
be pulled down and rebuilt in a more convenient place, Johnnie
wept tears of bitter sorrow. " What for," said he, " would they
ding doun the market, when it had stood sae lang. They ha'e
bigget a new jail to put puir folk intil, when the auld ane was gude
aneugh, and mony a drap o' porter I ha'e got in't, but I daurna'
gang to the new ane noo." But it would be wrong to say that he
had no amusement except in the market. He had his hours of
relaxation and enjoyment besides, and at times he was a willing
votary of Bacchus. Johnnie was a frequent visitor in the " houtf" of
the old jail, where he might be seen carefully collecting the drippings
of the porter bottles, and regaling himself with what — to use his
own expression — " the wastrie of others had left." But he became
gloomy and dispirited, sank into imbecility, and died (The Tickler,
published in 1827).

Another of the well-known street characters was Daunie Weir.
He was born in Charleston district in 18 13. At six years of age

1850 TILL 1884. 455

he was sent to school, and remained there till he was twelve, when
his father, who was a weaver, made him a drawboy. He afterwards
became a weaver, and continued to be so till he was thirty years of
age. In 1842 — the period of severe depression in the weaving
trade — he was compelled to give it up, and he commenced the
selling of chap books. At one time, Daunie thought he would
make a good precentor, but others did not seem to think so, for,
although he stood as a candidate at all the dififerent vacancies that
occurred, he was always unsuccessful. He once preached a sermon.
Coming from Sneddon, where he resided, to Jail Square, a number
of years ago, he found a man preaching to a miscellaneous crowd.
After waiting till the preacher had brought his services to a close,
he ascended to the same elevated position and addressed the
crowd, who increased in numbers. They laughed and made a great
noise, so much so that the police interfered and took him to the
Police Office because he was causing a breach of the peace.
Daunie was thought to be somewhat crazed, but there was a method
in his madness. He was of sober habits, and wandered harmlessly
through the streets reciting and selling his favourite poem, "Watty
and Meg," along with other street literature, for upwards of thirty
years. His voice and appearance were known to every one, and
he hobbled along the streets in every kind of weather. Some
gentlemen in the town for several years subscribed money, which
was given to the Captain of Police, to be handed over to Daunie
at certain periods. He died on 21st January, 1879, after a few
days' illness.

Jamie Gemmell, who was a tailor to trade, was another
" character " well known on the streets of Paisley about the end of
the first quarter of this century and during several years thereafter.
He was at times very dissipated, and when tipsy would for
a halfpenny from anyone show the tailor's leap, which consisted
in throwing himself up and falling with great force, so as to sit squat
on the causey. Mr. James Paterson, in his memoir of James
Fillans, sculptor, page 24, states that " two groups modelled for
Mr. Dick, bookseller, became very popular. These were Wilson's
'Watty and Meg' and Jamie Gemmell, a well-known Paisley
character, borne helplessly along between two policemen." This
was about the end of the first quarter of this century. An elegy on
Jamie Gemmell, tailor, by Mr. John Andrews, bookseller. Paisley,
was published about 1842. It appeared as a Paisley chap book,
with a rough illustration on the first page, which, however, had no
reference to Jamie Gemmell. One of the verses in that elegy was —

" Xae mair about the corss ye'll see him,
Nae mair a bawbee will ye gi'e him,
Nae mair his hat he'll gar flee frae him

Upon the street,
An' cry, ' Noo, Jamie Gemmell, gi'e them

The tailor's leap ! ' "

456 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Mr. Motherwell, in his notes on Renfrewshire characters and
scenery, gives some account of Andrew Lindsay, who was truly an
interesting character. Somewhat abridged, it is as follows : —
Andrew is a man of genius, and, what is better, he is a man of
sterling worth ; he has been all his lifetime temperate, contented,
and cheerful. He lost his sight, we believe, in infancy, by smallpox.
For his station in life, he received a good education, but he was
obliged to betake himself to that common refuge of bhnd men —
the profession of a musician. He for many years played the first
fiddle at all the assemblies, balls, &c., in and around Paisley. If
we cannot call Andrew a learned, yet he was certainly an accom-
plished man, for he made considerable proficiency in the French,
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, and has, we believe, taught all of
them. Except the Latin (for Andrew attended the Grammar Scho6l
of this town), he mastered these almost solely by his own unaided
exertions. The want of a tutor or friend to give him the sounds of
the various words and letters was not the least of his misfortunes.
This difticulty he sought to remove in a curious way. He managed
to teach his mother — an uneducated woman, and at the time pretty
far advanced in life — to pronounce all the languages with which
he sought an acquaintance, not excepting Greek and Hebrew.
Andrew used to be a keen florist, and sometimes walked many miles
to see, as he expressed it, a single fine flower. A gentleman
informed us that at a private dance which he attended a number of
years ago, and when Andrew was the sole minstrel, on one of the
reels being lengthened out considerably beyond the ordinary time,
the usual signals for stopping the music were given once and again,
but to no purpose. Seeing that the musician would take no common
hint, the dancers tried the broader one of ceasing to dance, but, to
the astonishment of the whole party, the music still went on cor-
rectly and spiritedly too. Upon going up to Andrew to ascertain
the cause of this extraordinary conduct, he was found fast asleep,
and in that state he must have been playing for at least five or seven
minutes, perhaps much longer. At the time Mr. Motherwell pub-
lished this book (1824), Andrew was above seventy years of age,
and unable to use the violin. He was in a very destitute state, and
dependent on his friends for support.

Although Hugh Shaw in his later years did not live in Paisley,
but at Elderslie, he was so much identified with this town that we
think it proper to take some notice of him. He was a native of
Wigtonshire, was born on i6th August, 1713, and died on 22nd
July, 1826, being then very nearly 114 years of age. He came to
Paisley when young, and, after working at the weaving trade for
some time, he enUsted in 1739 with the "Young Buffs," afterwards
called the 33rd Regiment. In the following year, he went with his
regiment to Flanders, and was at the battles of Dettingen, Fontenoy,
and Tournay. When he returned to Scotland, he served under the
Duke of Cumberland at the memorable battle of Culloden, in 1746.
He was afterwards with his regiment in Asia and America, and,

1850 TILL 1884. 457

being discharged prior to the establishment of the Chelsea Fund,
he received no pension. When he left the army, he resided at
Elderslie, and worked at his trade of a weaver as long as he was
able, and afterwards begged for money to support himself. Every
Saturday so long as he was able, he came to Paisley, with a staff in
his hand, and a label on his hat stating his age, and solicited alms,
commencing at the west end of the town and ending at the east end
of the New Town. He called only on those who lived in dwellings
on the ground floor, and he was generally well received. What
farthings he received were mostly those issued by Mr. Jervis Coats,
hamcurer, Broomlands, and always on returning home he called on
Mr. Coats to get them exchanged for the current coin of the realm.
When he became unable to travel, he was supported by a few
friends. At the time of his death, the 42nd Regiment were in
Paisley Barracks, and all the officers and soldiers turned out to do
military honours at his interment on 26th July. The crowd of
spectators who witnessed the funeral passing down High Street to
the Abbey burying-ground was immense, numbering no less than
10,000 persons. Hugh Shaw was twice married, and outlived, with
the exception of his second wife, all his children and relations.

Willie Love, another well-known character in Paisley, supported
himself by hawking small wares about the country. He latterly
lived by himself in a small apartment in Castle Street. Willie was
a harmless, half-witted person, and was the butt of many a jest.
His characteristic weakness was a readiness to believe anything, no
matter how absurd, which seemed to him a personal compliment.
Willie was particularly weak in relation to the fair sex, and he would
never weary of any amount of nonsense in which he was made to
figure as the object of some female's affection. About a year before
his death, he advertised for a wife, and was very particular in
stating the qualities he looked for in her. He received a number
of replies to his advertisement, but whether they were genuine
was never discovered. WiUie used to make long tours about the
country selling his wares, and was often absent from Paisley for
weeks at a time. About two years before he died, he paid a visit
to America, some said to get a wife, though he was never communi-
cative on that subject. Willie had conceived a notion that he bore
a strong resemblance to Prince Albert, and set out on one occasion
for the purpose of visiting the Queen at Windsor ; but his journey
to the English metropolis was one of the subjects on which he was
very reticent. In The Sccstu Cynic of 22nd October, 1853, it was
stated that, at an imaginary ward meeting, " William Love, Esq.,
itinerant merchant," was nominated to represent the ward at the
Council Board. Willie summoned Messrs. Macgregorand M'Arthur
to the Sheriff Court, concluding for damages of ;^8 6s. 8d. for
injury to his feelings. Mr. Macgregor assumed any responsibility
which might attach to the publication of the article, and the Sheriff
awarded Willie ten shillings for his wounded feelings, with expenses.
In August, 1857, his autobiography was published, setting forth his

F I

458 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

travels, with illustrated caricature of himself. It consisted of fifty-
six pages. 1 He was very proud of the book, and, in the simplicity
of his nature, regarded the clever burlesque as a serious history. A
large number of copies was printed, and Willie, it was believed,
realised a handsome sum by the hawking of the book. He sent a
copy to the Queen, and received a respectful note from official
headquarters informing him that his book had been graciously
accepted. Willie was admitted to the Infirmary on 24th November,
1868, suffering from bronchitis, and he died within four weeks
thereafter.

Thomas Donald, who was nicknamed the " Duck," or, more
frequently the " Juck," from his having very large broad feet and
a waddling gait, was another character well known, not only in
Paisley, but in many of the villages in the West of Scotland.
Having received a pretty good education, he became a
pattern designer. He too often indulged in drinking a super-abund-
ance of whisky. His intellect thereby was sadly injured, and he
often acted in a most foolish manner. He was of a lively dis-
position, and naturally possessed considerable abiUties in writing
very tasteful ornamental tickets for placing on goods in shop
windows. In this way, he made a good deal of money — as much,
indeed, as might have supported him decently, had he been prudent.
By his irregular habits, he destroyed his constitution, and he died,
early in life, in the Burgh Poorhouse, on 24th August, 1872.

Another of the notorious street characters was William M'Allister,
known almost solely by the name of the " Charleston Puddock."
He was a chimney sweeper, and, falling from the roof of the old
Bishopton Inn, his body was injured and became deformed. His
uncouth, short figure, leaning upon his staff", and accompanied by
his favourite dog, Jess, gave him a most peculiar appearance. He
was very dissipated, and died in the Abbey Poorhouse on 31st
June, 1883. For many years in later life, he subsisted on charity,
except when in prison or the poorhouse, from which places, how-
ever, he was seldom absent. On seventy -two occasions between
1869 and 1879, he was apprehended for being drunk and incapable,
but he was always liberated whenever he became sober. For
breach of the peace, he was seventeen times convicted and sent to
prison, undergoing confinement for 508 days. When not in prison
for misdemeanours, he frequently used a cell in the Police Office as
his bed.

In February, 1870, the " Duck" and the " Puddock " were both
undergoing sentence in the prison for being drunk and disorderly
and causing a breach of the peace. James ]\Ienzies, or " Hungry
Jamie," as he was called, another similar street character, who had
been drinking and had become boisterous in Moss Street, was taken
to the Police Office. When placed at the bar of the Police Court,

^ The author of this able and amusing book is understood to have been the
late Mr. John Guy, writer.

1850 TILL 1884. 459

he besought the Magistrate to let him go this once, as it was a long
time since he had been there before, and it would be a long time
before he would be there again ; but he was sentenced to undergo
thirty days' imprisonment. In leaving the Court, Jamie said —
" By Jove ! this is a fine go. Here's the ' Puddock,' the ' Duck,'
and myself all in dumpy, and what will the toun do without us ? "
Jamie's career had been quite as notorious as that of the other two.
Before November, 1861, he had been in custody twenty-one times
for breach of the peace, and had suffered 398 days' imprisonment
in periods ranging from seven to sixty days. Between August,
1862, and May, 1869, Jamie had also been eight times charged with
being drunk and incapable, or with begging, malicious mischief, or
contravention of law, and had been in prison for 1 20 days. He had also
been seven times admonished and dismissed. On 15th April, 1872,
he was apprehended for breach of the peace, and, on promising to
the presiding Magistrate that he would go to the poorhouse, he was
admonished and dismissed. He went to the poorhouse, and
remained there till he died.

William Brodie, or " Heather Jock," who was w'ell known in all
the towns and villages in the West of Scotland, was born in Paisley
about the beginning of the nineteenth century, and was baptised in the
High Church. His first employment was as a drawboy, and after-
wards, while working as a weaver, he married. He left the High
Church, and joined the Methodist body. One of the members
supplied him with goods, and he started as a packman. But being
of a simple disposition, he gave too much credit, and therefore did
not succeed in his packman business. Not finding employment in
Paisley, he went to reside in Bridge of Weir, and about 1840 com-
menced to sing throughout the country. To attract attention, he
assumed a very comical head-dress, by ornamenting his bonnet
with bells, feathers, and heather. He also carried a staff, which had
fixed to its head a weapon of the shape of a battle-axe, surrounded
with bells. " Heather Jock" — for that was the only name he was
known by — visited all the populous places in the west, and was
present at every fair. The song he most frequently sang was
" Bonnie Annie Lawrie." The boys were delighted with him when
he sang this song, and, forming themselves into a ring, danced
around him. If the streets were dry, he and they would throw
themselves down when he came to the touching words, " For bonnie
Annie Lawrie I would lay me doon and dee." Another song he
often sang was " Heather Jock," which, no doubt, had suggested
his head-dress and originated his nickname. When engaged in
singing this song, a group of boys held on by his coat tails, and,
forming a ring, danced along with him, the bells on his head and
staff making a noisy accompaniment to the song. The author of
this song is unknown, but it was composed long before he sang it,
being a travesty on the popular song, " Donald Caird's come
again," by Sir Walter Scott. Largs was one of his favourite haunts,
and often, although he had been singing there all day, he would

460

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

travel home, no matter how far on in the following morning it
might be ere he arrived. " Heather Jock " was good natured, and
very temperate in his habits, and, when offered any spirits, he would
say, " Gi'e me the price o't, an' I'll tak' it when I want it." His
family, which consisted of two sons and one daughter, becoming
ashamed of his leading this vagrant and fantastic life, set him up in
business as a packman, and in the disposing of small wares he sup-
ported himself till 1883, when the old man, who is above eighty
years of age, was laid up. The daughter, in whose house he lives,
nurses him.

Local coins have not been numerous in Paisley. Mr. David
Murray, of Messrs. Maclay, Murray, & Spens, Glasgow, at a meet-
ing of the Glasgow Archaeological Society held on i6th February,
1882, in a paper on some Glasgow and other provincial coins and
tokens, stated that " there are not many Scotch penny pieces, but
one of the most beautiful is the Paisley penny of 1798." The

obverse represents a mitred abbot with
a pastoral staff between two shields and
a third in base. The abbot is Abbot
George Schaw, founder of the burgh.
The shield in base bears the arms of
Schaw, viz., three covered cups. The
shield on the dexter side contains the
arms of Stewart, fess cheque. On the
rim is, "Paisley Penny. Arms 1798.
P. K. Sculpsit. R. Boog, lun., Des."^
On the reverse of this penny is the
interior of the Abbey and the same
inscription as on the medal of 1 788, which has been already noticed.
The view of it we were enabled to give through the kindness of Mr.
Murray, the owner of one of these rare and beautiful medals. The
following is a view of it taken from an illustration in Mr. Murray's
paper. So far as we can ascertain, this penny was never in circu-
lation.

Mr. David Murray states that three different farthings have been
circulated in Paisley. One of them had on the obverse " J. Coats
&: Son, 38 Broomlands," which
at present is No. 14 Broom-
lands. On the reverse was
"Ham Curers and Grocers,
Paisley," with the figure of a
ham pendant. Annexed are
views of the two sides of this
farthing.
The second farthing, Mr. Murray states, had on the obverse a roll of

PAISLEY PENNY.

^ P. K. appears to be the initials of the engraver of the medal, and R. Boog,
jun., designed it,

1850 TILL l'<

461

tobacco with three leaves, circumscribed "Peter Taylor, Tobacconist;''
and on the reverse two tobacco
pipes in saltire, and this circum-
scription, "215 High Street,
Paisley." We give drawings of
this farthing.

Mr. Murray said — " The only
drawing I have of the third farth-
ing is so worn as to be illegible. The word ' Paisley ' is, however,
quite distinct across the middle of the piece, which shows it to be
different from the other two, in which that word is in the base "
(Printed Tnmsactmis of the Glasgow ArcJmological Society, New
Series, vol. i., part i., p. 70).

Paisley, like every other burgh of importance, has its common
seal. It is almost the same as the representation we have given of
the Paisley penny. Abbot George Schaw
is shown standing on a shield, with three
covered cups, the arms of Schaw ; on the
right side is a shield with fess cheque ; on
the left, a shield with roses in chief, and
an escallop shell in base, with a tree behind
eradiated and fructed ; and around the
margin, in Roman capitals, " Sigillum .
Commune . Burgi , De . Paisley."

It would appear that the Paisley penny
not having been put into circulation, its
beautiful and chaste design was, about
1798, adopted as the common seal of the Burgh of Paisley. The
late Mr. David Semple states in his "St. Mirin," p. 22, without
giving any proof, that the present seal or coat of arms of the burgh
" must have been adopted since 1784."^

The old motto of Paisley is — " Lord, let Paisley flourish through
the preaching of Thy Word " (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol.
vii., p. i8i). This is the inscription on the communion silver
cups, of date 1748, used in the Low Parish Church, and afterwards
in St. George's Church ; and the same inscription is on the com-
munion silver cups, of date 1758, used in the High Church.

There are two angling clubs in Paisley. Several of the inhabitants
enjoy themselves on "glassy lake or murm'ring brook" in this

THE COMMON SEAL OF THE
BURGH OF PAISLEY.

^ This seal of the Burgh must not be confounded with the Paisley coat-of-arms
already referred to in Vol. I, pages 220, 245, and 248. The act of the Town
Council of 13th May, 1620, establishing the horse race, leaves no doubt what
really is the Paisley coat-of-arms ; for after describing the starting of the horse
at the " grey stane callit St. Convall's," the " horse and maister yairof that first
come to the scoir at Wallneuk of l^aisley sail have the said bells with the burgess
airmes yairupon for that zeir." They are on the largest bell.

462 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

sport, which, besides being a healthful and fascinating recreation,
calls into active exercise the mental faculties. Shortly after
Stanely Reservoir was constructed, a number of gentlemen formed
themselves into a club, which they called the ^Valton Fishing Club,
and leased from the Water Commissioners the exclusive right to fish
in that beautiful sheet of water. It was stocked with trout, and this
club continues to hold the privilege of fishing there. The club pays
to the Water Commissioners an annual rent of ;;^io. When the
Rowbank Reservoir was formed, a club was instituted under the
name of the Rowbank Angling Club. They likewise possess the
exclusive privilege of fishing in the reservoir, and pay annually j[^2o
of rent. When the Glenburn Reservoir was constructed in 1881,
and connected with the water supply of the town on 26th September,
1 88 1, the Rowbank Club also leased the exclusive right of fishing
in it from the Water Commissioners, at an annual rent of ;^7 7s.
The rules and regulations of the club were agreed to at a special
meeting of the members held on loth October, 1870. Some of
them may be worth noting. One is that each member shall receive
twelve tickets allowing him to fish that number of times during the
season. Another rule is that " no fishing shall be allowed except
with the single rod and single line from the banks ; the net, otter,
boat, double rod, and set lines, or any other contrivance being pro-
hibited. Small fish to be returned to the water. Night fishing
expressly prohibited." This club is still in active operation, and
many of the members are skilful and successful anglers.^

In the second decade of the last half of this century, public
swimming, and other baths were erected by subscription. The
building is situated near to the Priorscroft Bowling Green, and the
entry to it is from Storie Street. Graded charges are made for the
use of the different baths.

In 1875 ^ skating club was instituted. The skating pond is
situated on the plateau of the Hunterhill farm, a little to the south
of the place where the farm steading stood, and is called Lochfield.
The ground is leased from Sir M. R. S. Stewart, the proprietor ; and

^ "On 23rd May, 1883, the National Angling Club competition took place on
Loch Leven. There were thirty-six competitors. A stiff westerly gale blew all
day, rendering fishing very arduous. Mr. Robert Harris, East Greenlaw,
Paisley, a member of the Rowbank Angling Club, Paisley, gained the first prize
of ^12 and the championship with seventeen trout, weighing 131b. ii^oz. Mr.
Charles Allan, Stirling, was second. Mr. Harris, who secured the coveted
honour of first place, found his happy hunting-ground near Gairne}Tnouth, on
the south shore ; and his best flies were red and teal and green and teal. On
3rd September in the same year, the angling championship of Loch Leven, with
four guineas added by Sir G. Graham ^Montgomery, was competed for. There were
eighteen competitors, of whom fifteen reported their takes. Mr. Robert Harris,
East Greenlaw, Pai>.le}% had the largest take — eight trout, weighing gib. lo^oz.
— and he was therefore declared the winner of the championship. The weather
\\-as cloudy, and there -was very little wind all day " (Paisley and Ecn/reics/iire
Gazette).

1850 TILL 1884. 463

the pond is formed on the same principle as the curling dam at
Corsebar. The pond is filled with Avater, which is very shallow, at
the commencement of winter, and let off in spring. The subscribers
to the formation of the dam are charged 3s. for a winter's use of it,
and non- subscribers, 5s. One drawback to this place of amuse-
ment is that it is rather far from the town.

In 1880 the temperance body known in the town by the name of
Good Templars erected a hall in Dyers' Wynd, with an entrance
also from Christie's Terrace at the Old Bridge. The first lodge of
this body, which had originated in America about thirty years pre-
viously, was formed in this town on 26th January, 1870, with only
twelve members. Their numbers increased rapidly, and in four
years they had fourteen lodges and about 1400 members. Not
having a proper place to meet in, they were put to great incon-
venience ; and in May, 1874, they resolved, with the support of those
who took a warm interest in temperance, to erect a building for
themselves. One of the means used to raise funds was a bazaar,
which was opened in the Drill Hall on 23rd December, 1874, when
a clear sum of ^1152 iis. 3d. was realised. There were seven
stalls, and at each was a large flag in the centre, bearing a motto.
These were as follows : — No. i Stall, " God is our Refuge ;" No. 2,
" Legal and Moral Suasion;" No. 3, " Glory to God in the Highest;"
No. 4, "Alcohol a Product of Decay;" No. 5, "Strong Drink is
Raging;" No. 6, "Waste not. Want not;" No. 7 (refreshment stall),
" Linked in One Membership." Numerous and important sub-
scriptions were afterwards obtained ; and in September, 1879, ^'^^'
tracts were made with the different tradesmen for the erection of the
new Good Templar Hall. On 21st February, 1S80, the memorial
stone was laid; and on 21st March, 1881, the halls were opened
with a grand inaugural conversazione. The large hall is 80 feet
long by 47 feet wide, and is capable of holding about 1 200 persons ;
a lesser hall holds 500 ; and another, 300 persons. This structure,
which cost upwards of ^6000, with its halls, and beautiful archi-
tectural elevation towards the river, is an honour to the town ; and
besides accommodating the Good Templars, is of great benefit to
the inhabitants for the holding of meetings. There are at the pre-
sent (1884) twenty Good Templar lodges, each with a distinctive
name, and the number of members amounts to about 1423.^

^ The rates charged for the use of the large public hall are as follows : —
lecture or public meeting, ^£2 los. ; concerts and other entertainments (Satur-
days excepted), £t, ; soiree, with the use of tables, dishes, and kitchen for soiree,
/^^ ; sermon or Sabbath-evening lecture, ^i. The foregoing includes the use of
the two small committee -rooms at Terrace entrance. Terrace small halls —
first flat, 6s. 6d. a night ; second flat, 5s. Lesser halls — East, I2s. 6d. a night;
soiree, with use of tallies and dishes, 25s., and ball, 30s. The foregoing includes
gas, coal, and hall-keeper's attendance up to 11 o'clock. Committee -room, per
night, 2s.; lesser hall ante-room, 3s.; west hall, for dancing, from 11 a.m. till
2 o'clock, 8s.; lesser do., I2s.; do. terrace, lOs. ; do. for marriage, 15^-; west
hall, for public meeting, los. ; and for soiree and balls, ^i — the two latter on
Friday and Saturday only.

464 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Although the Order of Foresters is of very ancient standmg, yet
the courts now connected with that body have only been recently
introduced into Paisley. The first court in Paisley, called the
" Court of Saint John," was instituted in July, 1868, by a number
of the Foresters from Glasgow and Greenock. They assembled in
County Square, and formed into marching order, preceded by the
Paisley Rifle Volunteer band. Immediately following the band
came a person dressed in the real Robin Hood costume, having on
each side a man attired in the garb of the forest ; then came the
banner of the Greenock section, on one side of which was the
emblem of the Good Samaritan attending to the wants of a weary
traveller, while the other side re])resented the four quarters of the
globe. The Foresters marched in procession through some of the
principal streets in the town, and ultimately stopped at the Buck's
Head Inn, High Street, where the court was duly opened accord-
ing to their mystic rites. This court commenced with fifteen
members, and now they number 319. Another court was formed
in 1872, called the "Court King George." They have at present
106 members. In the Paisley District of the Ancient Order of
Foresters is also included a court at Barrhead, called the " Court
Banks of Levern," having 156 members ; and another court at
Kilbarchan, called " Court Robert Allan," having 145 members.
The Paisley District of Ancient Order of Foresters was instituted in
1876, and has at present 726 members. The money these courts
collect is distributed in relief and burial allowances. Only those
who are steady in their habits and of good moral character are
admitted into the brotherhood, and in every way the vice of in-
temperance is discouraged. Benevolent associations of this kind
must exercise a beneficial influence on those connected with them
and on society in general.

On 23rd March, 1872, a friendly society was established in
Paisley in connection with the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds.
The lodge was opened in the Temperance Hall, No. 2 New Street,
by a deputation of the ofticers from the Dumbarton District, who
duly initiated the members of this new lodge, which is named the
"Heather Bell Lodge, No. 1533, of Ancient Shepherds A. U.
Paisley District." Afterwards the ofiice-bearers were elected. The
nominal membership is 130 males and 82 females, and their place
of meeting is the Temperance Hall, Storie Street.

The members of the different Masonic lodges in Paisley suffered
great inconvenience for many years from not having proper places
in Avhich to hold their meetings. For several years past their num-
bers have also been on the increase ; and although this was both
desirable and agreeable, yet it had the effect of making their meet-
ings both overcrowded and uncomfortable. To remedy this evil,
the Masonic brethren formed, in 1881, a joint-stock copartnery
(limited), in 6000 shares of ^^i each, and erected on the north side
of High Street a building of three floors and attics — the hall, with

1850 TILL 1884. 465

rooms adjoining for their meetings, being at the back of the main
buildings, and entered by a passage from the street. On 7th
October, 1882, the memorial stone was laid by Sir Archibald C.
Campbell, Bart., of Blythswood, Provincial Grand Master Renfrew-
shire East, in the presence of about 2000 of the Masonic brethren,
who had come from different parts of the country to take part in the
proceedings.

There are five Masonic lodges at present in Paisley. The
Paisley Saint Mirren Lodge, No. 29, was instituted in 1749, and
has a large number of members ; the Renfrewshire County
Kilwinning Lodge, No. 370, instituted 25th October, 1755,
and has about 160 members ; the Renfrewshire East
Provincial Grand Lodge was instituted in 1826, but became
dormant on the death of Sir John Maxwell. In 1866 the
Grand Lodge commissioned Colonel Campbell of Blythswood
as Provincial Grand Master, and the lodge was resuscitated in the
beginning of October of the same year. There are fifteen lodges in
the Province, and the Provincial Grand Lodge consists of twenty-
three oflSce- bearers, fifteen masters, fifteen senior wardens, and fifteen
junior Avardens of daughter lodges, and about fifty past masters of
daughter lodges. The Abbey Royal Arch Chapter, No. 76,charterwas
granted by the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Freemasons of Edin-
burgh, 5th March, 1856. There are about no members enrolled,
and meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. The
Paisley Royal Arch Chapter, No. 112, was instituted in 1866, and
has about 73 members.

There is. also an " Alexander Wilson Lodge of Oddfellows,"
which was instituted i6th October, 1840. Although the Oddfellows
have forms and ceremonies whereby one brother knows another in
the different lodges all over the world, yet they are in no way con-
nected with the Masonic lodges. They give grants in charity, and
the members receive aliment when sick. Funeral money at death
is also given. The capital stock of this lodge amounts to the hand-
some sum of ;^4i54 i6s. 5d., and there are 300 members. Their
expenditure for the year 1883 was as follows: — Aliment to members,
;^i73 6s. lod.; funeral money, ^^30 ; aliment to members in other
lodges, ;^i3 15s. lod. ; cash remitted to other lodges, ;^27 i is. 4d. ;
salaries and general charges, including doctor's fees, ^28 8s. id.;
and secretary, ;^i5.

The arrangements made and carried out during the last half of
the 1 8th century for relieving the poor were continued in this
century. In 1803, Mr. John Love, merchant, conveyed to the
directors, for the benefit of the poor, a " house situated in Scholars'
Wynd, west end of the English School ;" and in 181 7 it was sold to
the Town Council for ;£^2 ids. In July in the following year, Dr.
John White, medical ofticer for the poor, applied for an increase of
salary, but the directors resolved that it " shall remain on the same
footing as was agreed upon in 1793." In the following year his

466 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

salary was again under tlie consideration of the directors, when it
appears to have amounted to jQ\2 annually, and he charged them
besides for performing surgical operations. At this time his salary
was fixed at ;^i8, being "his whole compensation for medicines,
for all surgical operations, and medical practice in the house." On
loth May, 1804, Mrs. Jamieson (Jean Henning) was elected matron.
In February, 181 5, Dr. White again applied for an addition to his
salary; but the directors declined, on the ground that the number
of people in the house was about the same as in 1807, when the
salary was fixed. In 18 19, on the directors passing some regula-
tions relating to Dr. White's attendance in the house, he resigned ;
and although they induced him to remain for a time, yet on the 2nd
March following he finally tendered his resignation.^ Several
medical gentlemen applied for the office, and the directors
made choice of Mr. Hugh Thomson to be house-surgeon, and fixed
the annual salary at ^30. In February, 182 1, Dr. Thomson
brought under the notice of the directors the deplorable condition
of many of the lunatic patients from the want of proper accom-
modation. He stated that, " even now, for want of other accom-
modation, we are most reluctantly compelled to chain down to their
beds some of these miserable beings." He further stated that
" these wretched mortals are exposed alike during the heat of
summer and the cold of winter to every alternation, without having
it in our power to depress or raise the scale of temperature in the cells
Avhere they are confined." This appeal of Dr. Thomson's influenced
the directors to cause additional apartments to be formed for the
lunatics ; but this was not accomplished till the beginning of 1825.
On the death of Dr. Thomson, the directors, by the casting vote of
the chairman, elected Dr. D. M'Kinlay as his successor, from among
seven candidates who applied to fill the situation. When Mr,
Crichton, in October, 1834, resigned his office of governor, the
directors " expressed their satisfaction with his services, and regret
that his advanced years has rendered it necessary that he should
relinquish the discharge of some of those duties which he for so
many years has discharged with such honour to himself, fidelity to
the institution, and benefit to the inmates." At this time, Mr,
James Shaw Brown, teacher in Hutchison's Charity School, was
elected master of the hospital, and Mr. Crichton continued to act
as clerk to the board of directors. He died i8th November, 1844,
aged seventy years. In January, 1836, the Board resolved "that
any director, when stating his opinions on the business before the
meeting, be requested to stand and address the preses, this being
considered the most advisable method for expediting the business
and keeping order." And on 21st June following, the newly-
elected directors, after discussing the propriety of the course hitherto
adopted of qualification by an oath, agreed by a majority that an
oath was unnecessary and should be discontinued.

1 Mr. James White of Overton is a grandson of Dr, White.

1850 TILL 1884. 467

In 1845 an important change was made in the management of
the poor in Scotland. The Legislature, in August in that year,
passed an Act for the amendment and better administration of the
laws relating to the relief of the poor in Scotland ; and connected
with it was the appointment of a Board of Supervision to enquire
into and regulate the management of the poor in every parish or
burgh in Scotland. In May, 1849, the directors agreed that
reporters from the local press should be admitted to the general
meetings of the Board. In 185 1 a new and extensive addition to
the Poorhouse, fronting Back Sneddon Street, was erected. In
August, 1856, Dr. M'Kinlay, who had held the appointment of
house-surgeon for twenty- seven years, resigned.

The Legislature followed up the passing of the Poor Law Act of
1845 ^y another Act on 25th August, 1857, " for the regulation of
the care and treatment of lunatics, and for the provision, mainten-
ance, and regulation of lunatic asylums." This Act was also carried
into effect by means of a General Board of Lunacy in Edinburgh.
The Burgh Parochial Board erected, in 1854, a lunatic asylum in
connection with the Poorhouse, at a cost of ;;^23oo, capable of
accommodating fifty-one patients. In 1871 they resolved, on the
suggestion of the Board of Lunacy, to erect a new asylum, not in
connection with the Poorhouse, to accommodate their own lunatics,
then only nineteen in number, and also those belonging to some
other parishes. Many of the inhabitants objected to this procedure,
on the ground that the Burgh of Paisley alone should not do so, but
that such a responsibility should be undertaken jointly by all the
parishes in the erection of a district lunatic asylum. For upwards
of a year much discussion followed at the meetings of the Parochial
Board, and also in the public press. A committee appointed by the
Parochial Board reported, by a majority, in favour of a district
asylum, and " were decidedly of opinion that it is not the duty of
the Burgh of Paisley, already oppressed with taxation, to erect an
asylum to accommodate the lunatics of other parishes, as that should
be done by the owners of property in these parishes." They also
held that the expense of erecting a district and a parochial asylum
would be the same — upwards of ;z^i5o per bed — -and also the
maintenance of the patients the same — that is, upwards of los.
weekly. The minority of this committee also reported at length,
holding that a parochial asylum would not exceed p^iio per bed,
and that the patients could be maintained at little more than in the
Poorhouse, which was about 3s. iid. weekly, or, at all events, not
more than 5s. weekly ; and that a large profit might thereby be
made from the keeping of patients from other parishes. The rate-
payers ultimately supported the candidates who favoured the views
of the minority in the committee. The lands of Riccartsbar were
bought, plans were obtained and submitted to a meeting held on
the 4th December, 1872. A motion was then made that the plans
be approved of and the erection of the asylum proceeded with, and
that " Mr. John Brown, as chairman of the Board, be authorised to

468 HISTORY OF PAlSLEV.

borrow from the National Bank of Scotland a sum not exceeding
^8000 to meet the expense of said parochial asylum." Mr. Robert
Brown moved as an amendment — " That as the expenditure
for the erection of a new lunatic asylum will amount to the
large sum of upwards of ^20,000, and as this is the first occasion
the plans and estimates have been submitted to the Board, they
he on the table till the next monthly meeting, to give members and
all parties interested further time for the consideration of these ;"
seconded by David Murray. Seven voted for the amendment and
twelve for the motion. Contracts were afterwards entered into for
the erection of the asylum, of which that majority of the Board
maintained the cost would not exceed ;^8ooo. The asylum was
opened in 1876.

On 27th September, 1877, the Inspector, in compliance with a
motion by Provost Murray, reported " that there had been expended
on the Riccartsbar Asylum, including the cost of the land, the sum
of ^20,899 IIS., and as the estimated amount of work still to be
executed was ^365, the total cost would be ^^2 1,264 us.

The plans that were first drawn provided accommodation for 99
patients ; but while the buildings were in course of erection certain
alterations were made, so that the asylum might hold 120 patients.
After 1877, some farther additions and alterations were made, and the
asylum, including Riccartsbar dwelling-house, now accommodates
195 patients, for which it is licensed. The Burgh Parochial Board
pays for patients from the burgh 9s. 6d. weekly, and those from the
other parishes are charged 13s. 6d. weekly. As already stated, the
number of lunatic poor belonging to the burgh in 1871 was 20 ; in
1876-7 the daily average was 46; in 1877-8, 54; in 1878-9, 59;
in 1879-80, 60; in 1880- 1, 70 ; in 1881-2, 70 ; and in 1882-3, 69.

The following have been chairmen of the Burgh Parochial Board
since the Poor Law Act came into operation in 1845 : — 1846,
Robert Farquharson ; 1855, David Murray ; 1857, William Philips;
1859, Hugh Macfarlane, jun.; 1861, William Russell ; 1863, James
Barclay; 1865, Matthew Scott ; 1867, R. F. Dalziel ; 1869, James
Millar; 1 871, Robert Brown; 1S72, John Brown; 1874, William
MTntyre; 1876, George Masson ; 1878, John Young; 1880,
William Morrison; 1882, James Wills.

The number of poor in the house in 1863 was 266, and in 1883
there were 179 ; but taking the average number for ten years ending
1873, there were 274 ; and taking the average number for ten years
ending 1883, there were 212, thus showing a considerable reduction
during the last twenty years, notwithstanding the increase in the
population. Then turning to the registered out- door poor, the
number in 1863 was 506, and in 1883 the number was 285; but
taking the average number for ten years ending 1873, the number
was 542 ; and taking the average number for ten years ending
1883, the number was 414, thus again showing a considerable
reduction. There was an increase in the population in the three
burgh parishes, between 1871 and 1881, of 6179.

1850 TILL 1884.

469

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"■1

470 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

This table shows that the gross rental of the burgh in 1863-4 was
^^64,290, and that in 1882-3 it was ;^i32,783, being ^4203 more
than double. It should therefore follow that the assessment should
now be less than one-half what it was in 1863, assuming that the
number of inmates in the Poorhouse and of the out- door poor
were alike at these periods. But we have shown that in both
cases they are at present less in number. The half of the assess-
ment on owners in 1863 would be 6^d. per ^, whereas in 1883
it was 8d. per ^. The assessment on banks, offices, and dwelling-
houses is now exactly one- half of what it was in 1863 ; but public
works are rated at one half-penny per ;Q more than the half; and
shops and land at one penny per;^ more than the half

The public Dispensary, as already noticed, was first opened in
1786, and combining with its other beneficent work the giving of
surgical attendance to the out-door sick and poor, had done much
good. In the beginning, however, of this century, it was found that
a House of Recovery, for the reception of poor people attacked by
infectious diseases, was greatly wanted in addition, and would be of
immense benefit to the community. This important matter was first
brought under the notice of the managers on 21st September, 1802,
in a memorial signed by the well-known medical gentlemen — John
White, James Kerr, Thomas Richmond, John Rodman, and Robert
Watt.-"- These gentlemen stated in their memorial — " We often
find numerous families crowded together in very small apartments,
generally garret-rooms, extremely cold in winter, and in summer
most unwholesomely and intolerably warm. Among these classes
fevers more or less contagious are very frequent, and in such
circumstances become peculiarly severe and dangerous. A fever
seizing one person of a family, is almost unavoidably communicated
to the rest with all its symptoms dreadfully aggravated. We have
found the sickening, the dying, and the dead, in the same confined
and cheerless apartment, and in a numerous family not one that was
able to assist another, and when the humanity of neighbours would
incline them to pay some attention to persons in such circumstances,
their well-grounded apprehensions being overcome, it is done at the
risk of catching the contagion themselves, and communicating it to
their own families. The evils of sickness and disease are in many
cases cruelly aggravated by the abject poverty of our patients.
Fresh air, so alleviating to disease and so conducive to recovery,
can seldom be introduced into their wretched habitations ; and
cleanliness, no less essentially necessary, can with great difficulty, if
at all, be procured. The tainted air which the patients breathe
aggravates the disorders, and almost precludes the hope or
possibility of recovery." For these and other reasons they urged
the managers to provide an establishment containing eight or ten

^ This is Robert Watt, the author afterwards of that extraordinary worlc, the
Bibliotlu'ca Britannica,

1850 TILL 1884. 471

beds for the reception of patients suffering from infectious diseases.
This estabhshment, they also stated, could be used with advantage
in cases of surgical operations, where it was necessary the patients
should have undisturbed repose, thereby securing their comfort and
speedy recovery. As the funds of the Dispensary were inadequate
to carry out this recommendation, they suggested an appeal for
subscriptions, as "the humanity of the inhabitants of Paisley has
never been applied to in vain, nor has any plan of benevolence or
charity ever failed in this place for want of liberal support."

The managers at once unanimously approved of the proposal, and
on their suggestion the INIagistrates called a public meeting of the
inhabitants, to be held in the Court-Hall on 28th December, 1802,
at which were present the Magistrates of Paisley, the Ministers of
the Town and Abbey Parishes, with many of the principal inhabitants.
Bailie Andrew Moody was in the chair. The meeting unanimously
agreed that an establishment for the relieving of poor persons
affected with contagious disorders, and for preventing the spreading
of contagion, was highly necessary, and appointed a committee to
find a suitable house, either by renting, or purchasing, or erecting
one ; that a room in it should be appropriated for the reception of
poor persons who are to undergo important chirurgical operations,
and to obtain subscriptions. The committee afterwards not having
found a suitable house, approved of the plan of a new building of
two storeys with garrets, 42 feet long by 24^^ feet wide within the
walls, with a wing of one storey at each end 16 feet by 19 feet
within the walls. The committee first proposed to have this
building on the area behind the Poorhouse, but as that could not
be obtained, they ultimately purchased "the piece of waste ground'"'
at the end of the Abbey Bridge for ^115. On 7th June, 1803,
they found the subscriptions to amount to the estimated expense of
the building, and agreed to proceed with its erection. When
completed, the buildings and ground cost ;z^998 13s. 2d., and ;^20
was further required for rebuilding the wall in Bridge Street, and
;^7o "for furnishing accommodation for eight patients." As the
debt owing by the managers upon the Dispensary and House of
Recovery, which were then conjoined, amounted to ^^372, it was
agreed at a public meeting of the subscribers, held in January, 1805,
that the latter should not be opened till the following month of June,
to give time for the receiving of sufficient subscriptions to pay off
the debt. Application was made at this time for the admission into
the house of two poor families under fever, residing in Sneddon,
they offering to provide bed-clothes. One of these families, of the
name of Chisholm, consisted of six persons, and the other family, of
the name of Fraser, consisted of seven persons. The managers
agreed to admit them ; and the apothecary some time afterwards
reported that the happiest effects followed, as they all returned to
their homes perfectly cured. These were the first patients admitted
into the House of Recovery. From the want of funds, it appears
the house was opened on a limited scale, till the following year when

472 HISTORY OF PAISLEV.

the debt was all paid off. A board with the inscription on it —
" House of Recovery, supported by voluntary subscriptions" — was
placed on the gable of the building facing Bridge Street. The
income at the end of the first year in June, 1806, was ;^423 9s. 8d.,
the expenditure ^^204 17s. 8d., and thirty patients had been
admitted into the house. In 18 ro the income was ;^38i 7s. 4d.,
the expenditure ^380 i6s. 8d., and the surplus funds ^484 155. 6d.
There had been thirty-nine patients admitted during the year. On
3rd April, 181 8, Mr. John Peddie, Rector of the Grammar School,
was appointed by the Board of Directors to be their secretary.
This was the first appointment of that kind ; at anyrate it is the first
mentioned in the records of the managers. In this year a number
of the inhabitants, with the concurrence and co-operation of the
managers, erected at an expense of ^^547 a building extending from
the south-side of the house, to accommodate thirty-two fever
patients. On an application on the 7th April, 1820, from the
Magistrates, an apartment in the north -end of the house was
granted to the military for a guard -house. The income that year
was £^S^2 13s. 8d., the expenditure ;^44i 8s., and the surplus funds
:£S^S 14^- ^^^- 124 patients were admitted during the year. In
1830 the income was ^315 15s. 4d., the expenditure ;^344 iis. 6d.,
and the surplus funds ;^68i 4s. 3d. The number of patients
admitted during the year was no. On 7th February, 1832, as
already stated, permission was granted to the Board of Health to
erect a Cholera Hospital on the grounds belonging to the managers,
on condition the hospital should be built, finished, and furnished
from funds belonging to the Board of Health ; and that on the
disappearance of cholera the hospital should be assigned to the
managers of the House of Recovery. In 1840 the income was
;^592 4s., the expenditure ;^532 19s. gd., and the surplus funds
;^86o. The number of patients admitted during the year was 691.
In June, 1847, the managers, from the great increase of fever
patients, agreed to erect a temporary wooden shed at the south- side
of the house, and a flat of a house in Bridge Street was rented for
the use of medical and surgical patients. In August following, an
addition was made to the wooden shed, which rendered it capable
of accommodating forty-two patients. In October following, fever
being still on the increase, the managers agreed to erect another
temporary building. In 1847 the income was ;^975 19s. 9d., the
expenditure ;^i344 os. 4d., and the number of patients admitted
during the year 1620. At the beginning of the following year fever
had so much decreased that the temporary wooden sheds were no
longer required, and they were removed.

In this year the managers — having had frequently brought before
them the miserable dwellings of the poor, the deplorable want of
comfort in them, and their unfitness for the residence of sick
persons — resolved to make an attempt to have the institution under
their care, which was chiefly a fever hospital, if possible so enlarged
as to admit of its being made an Infirmary for the admission of

1850 TILL 1884. 473

patients labouring under any curable disease. In November of this
year, the treasurer reported that the subscriptions for this purpose
amounted to upwards of ;^2ooo ; and the managers, in order to be
relieved as far as possible of the heavy expenses they were
periodically exposed to in providing temporary accommodation for
the reception of patients during the prevalence of epidemics,
resolved to erect additional permanent buildings, and to convert the
establishment into an Infirmary, — not only for Paisley, but for the
other parishes in the upper ward of the county. The managers,
in their report for 1850, stated, " that from the period the institution
was first opened, till 31st December, 1850, there had been 14,546
patients received into the house, and 62,825 patients had been
attended to in their own houses." The additions and alterations
made by the managers to the institution were extensive and
complete, and embraced among other things the raising of the
original house to three storeys, and the erection of new buildings of
the same height on the site of the two wings taken down. The
hospital, as it now stands thus enlarged, can accommodate 205
patients ; and the building known as the cholera -house, being fitted
up for the reception of medical and surgical cases, could receive fifty
patients in wards properly classified. The cost of the erection of the
new buildings and additions was ;^3io4 3s. 2d. ; and the managers
in their report at this time stated that they considered " the institution
in point of accommodation inferior to none in the country."

In 1863 a Ladies' Dorcas Society was formed in connection with
the Infirmary, for the very laudable purpose of furnishing clothes to
the poor convalescent patients after leaving the Infirmary. The
society also employed a Bible Woman, whose duties were to visit
the homes of patients who had entered the Infirmary, in order to
ascertain their habits ; and if the disease were of an infectious
nature, to see the homes properly cleaned ; also to read to the
medical and surgical patients while in the Infirmary ; and to visit
the patients at their own homes who had been dismissed as cured.^

In March, 1866, the managers accepted of ;£'JSo from the
Commissioners of Police, for ground and buildings sold to them to
widen Orchard Street.

A number of gentlemen, of whom Mr. Arthur of Barshaw was
convener, raised sufficient funds to provide a Convalescent Home
for patients discharged from the Infirmary. These benevolent
gentlemen secured from the managers a house in Burn Row, and
another in Bridge Street, for the reception of male and female
patients. These homes were opened in May, 1868, and were largely
taken advantage of.

In March, 1873, the managers remitted to the Medical Board to
consider as to the sufficiency and accommodation of the buildings,

^ Foi- several years at the commencement of this society, Mrs. Brown, Under-
wood Park, was president; Mrs. Arthur, Barshaw, treasurer; and Miss M.
Greenlees, Calside, secretary; and with these wrought an active and energetic
committee of ladies.

G I

474 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and to report whether any alterations or improvements are desirable,
and to state any observations they may have to make as to the site
of the Infirmary. The managers had also an able and exhaustive
report from Professor Gairdner, of Glasgow, dated 4th October in
that year. Regarding the site of the Infirmary, the learned professor
said — "1 will also assume what is very clear to my own mind, and
would not, I think, be contradicted as a statement, prima facie,
even by the advocates of the present site, viz., that its low level
and its too close proximity to the river Cart, and the still more
objectionable Espedair burn, expose it to at least a suspicion of the
presence of miasmatic vapours, which might be more or less
dangerous to the sick ; and further, that even with great improve-
ments effected in 1848, the existing site of the Infirmary is still too
much and too nearly enclosed by houses, to be in all respects what
would be considered desirable were it now to be selected for the
first time. Having these facts in view, I was anxious to determine,
if possible, from the actual observation of the medical staff and the
statistics of the Infirmary, whether any good ground existed for
condemning the present site absolutely as being, to an appreciable
extent, unsafe as regards the treatment of the sick. I, therefore,
directed my inquiries through the communication above mentioned
(a) to the success of the larger operations over a series of years, and
the existence or prevalence at any time of hospital gangrene or
pyaemia ; (b) to the question whether convalescence had been
observed to be retarded (even if life was not obviously compromised)
by any of the local circumstances above alluded to ; (c) to a like
question in the case of acute diseases and especially of fevers, viz.,
any indication drawn from the death-rate, or from personal
observation of evil effects due to the site operating injuriously as
regards treatment, either during the disease or during convalescence.
On all these points it is right to say at once, that the Paisley
Infirmary appears, from the results of actual experience, to be void
of offence — it may even be said to come triumphantly out of the
ordeal as compared with other institutions. For it appears (a) that
since 185 1, at least, hospital gangrene and pyaemia have not at any
time prevailed, and that results of the greater operations have been
singularly free from unfavourable accidents; (l>) that 'convalescence
has been sometimes remarkably rapid, and unless from obvious
constitutional causes, has not been markedly tedious ; ' (c) that the
mortality of fevers has been low, and the convalescence from them
and from acute diseases has not been unduly prolonged. I must
add that the statistical facts in the reports for the last twenty years
appear to me, so far as I can judge, entirely to confirm these state-
ments of your medical ofiicers. I am accordingly obliged to adopt
the conclusion that — whatever may justly be urged against the
existing site and buildings, on the ground of insufficient accommo-
dation and want of open space — no case can be made out from the
past history of the Infirmary for condemning it as a 7ti/ioIe, or for
incurring the expense and inconvenience of removing to a suburban

1S50 TILL 1884.

475

locality, if it can be shown that the present buildings can be in any
way rendered conformable to the demands upon them." Professor
Gairdner afterwards proceeded at length to offer suggestions to the
managers how to improve the institution.

The following table, the particulars of which have been taken
from the records of the managers, supplies a considerable amount
of interesting statistics for the last thirty-five years : —

Year.

OMISSIONS.

Total
Average

Pat
Dis- tre
pensary in

ients
ated
heir

Ann

ual

Endowed

Medical

and

Fever.

Total.

Mortality.

Patients 0

E.vpenuuure.

Funds.

Surgical

uses.

1849

147

188

I in 534:

205

>^594

^1471 13 I

1850

106

156

262

I „ lY,

4'5

839

1734 15 6

1851

243

180

423

I „ lY

1418 c

959

1991 0 0

1852

294

326

620

I „ io>^

2570 :

289

1080

2031 12 6

1853

429

252

681

I „ 8X

3252 :

244

1288

2130 12 6

1854

461

226

687

I „ iiX

3249 ^

^22

1459

2141 2 6

1855

397

lOI

498

I ,, 12

4252 :

J16

1227

2159 0 2

1856

410

506

I „ io>^

3706 :

205

1357

2678 19 2

1857

523

322

845

I ,, 10

4685

[97

1334

3110 19 5

1858

479

121

600

I „ I2f

3640

320

1295

4126 14 3

1859

519

593

I n 14

1810

366

1174

4467 9 I

i860

645

104

749

I „ i5'99

2696

312

1567

4524 18 9

1861

617

695

I „ 16-38

2845

211

1724

4619 iS 9

1862

476

102

578

I „ 13-6

3132

250

1257

4619 18 9

1863

591

144

735

I „ i6-6

3826

1419

4629 18 9

1804

599

343

942

I ,, 15

4038

220

1690

4720 18 9

1865

488

702

1 190

I „ 167

4926

250

1862

4881 13 4

1866

565

679

1244

I „ 175

5345

270

2349

5482 18 2

1867

546

400

946

I „ i6-i

6840

180

2354

5487 13 2

1868

735

243

978

I ,, 16-15

4753

2046

5664 13 2

1869

734

179

913

I ,, 14-2

5007

186

2142

6088 16 II

1870

683

578

1261

I „ 16-1

5654

100

2539

6930 12 II

1871

649

692

1341

I „ 16-37

4S64

2525

6930 12 II

1872

727

222

949

I „ 1372

4115

2637

6959 9 5

1873

770

155

925

I „ 1356

2754

2602

8049 9 5

1874

796

348

1144

I „ 16-54

3368

2829

9230 16 2

1875

759

141

900

I „ 14-2

3050

2661

9573 6 2

1876

560

151

711

I „ 1314

3169

2270

9815 6 2

1877

662

150

812

I ,, 12

2734

2456

10,040 5 2

1878

625

235

860

I ,, 14-8

3376

2064

10,785 5 2

1879

462

114

576

I „ 154

3907

2467

11,180 5 2

1880

499

587

I „ 17-2

4460

2103

11,860 8 2

1881

499

549

I „ 16-8

4613

20S7

15,030 8 2

1882

625

715

I „ 14-8

4048

2430

15-213 5 9

1883

642

689

I „ 24-1

3788

2386

15.565 0 9

The small-pox cases were in 1871, 6 ; in 1872, 17 ; in 1873, 48; in 1874, 266 ;
in 1875, 37 ; in 1877, i ; in 1878, i ; and in 1880, 4 ; in all, 390. These are
included in the fever column.

A small-pox epidemic prevailed in Greenock in 1874 to an
alarming extent. Several persons were attacked with the same
disease in Paisley also; and the managers fearing a greater outbreak,
communicated with the Police Commissioners, the local authority
under the act of 1867, who agreed to lease for a year the two

476

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

buildings used as convalescent homes, for the reception of small-
pox patients. In 1878 the Police Commissioners acquired the
Bladda grounds, extending to one and a half acres, for ;^45oo, and
erected thereon an Epidemic Hospital, with all the necessary
conveniences, capable of accommodating about sixty patients. On
the same grounds is a building to receive families, in whose midst
fever or other infectious diseases has broken out, where they can be
temporarily kept, while their own dwellings are thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected. About twelve families can be so accommodated.
The Espedair burn, which intervened between the Bladda and
Infirmary grounds, was securely covered over, and thereby the two
institutions were united. To pay the cost of the Bladda hospital
and grounds ^13,000, to be repaid at the rate of four per cent, per
annum for fifty years, was borrowed from the Government. The
Infirmary Managers agreed with the Local Authority to undertake
the management of this hospital. By this arrangement the com-
munity were saved the cost of maintaining a separate hospital staff,
while the increased expense to the Infirmary was compensated by
the obtaining of extra accommodation.

The following is a list of the Presidents of the Infirmary Board
of Directors from its commencement in 1786 till 1883: — Mr.
Andrew Brown, 1786-7 ; Rev. Dr. Boog, 1787 till 1823 ; Rev. Dr.
Burns, from 1823 till 1832; Mr. James Pollock, from 1832 till
1838 ; Rev. Dr. Thomson, from 1838 till 1841 ; Mr. James Harvey,
from 1 84 1 till 1846 ; Mr. Matthew Scott, from 1846 till 1875 ; Mr.
William Hodge, 1875-6 ; Mr. Stewart Clark, from 1876 till 1879; Mr.
William Russell, from 1879 till 1882 ; Mr. R. F. Dalziel, 1882-3.

The following is a very comprehensive table, taken from the
report of the Registrar -General, relating to births, deaths, and
marriages, and their proportion to the population, during the year
1883, in each of the eight principal towns of Scotland; estimated
number of unmarried women and widows between 1 5 and 45 years
of age ; also the illegitimate births, and their proportion to the total
births, and to the number of possible mothers : —

Births.

1 c ,^

Illegit. Births.

Deaths.

Marriages.

Population
estimated

3 S"?

Towns.

to the

Per

« 3 2

Per

middle of

Cent.

Num-

Cent.

S1.S

Num-

Cent.

1 Num-

Cent.

1883.

ber.

c = S

ber.

"£"

ber.

Pop.

S « s

Total

^*J^

Pop.

•B £

Births.

Glasgow, . . .

515,589

19,869

3-85

68,037

1629

8-2

2 -.39

14,562

2-82

5195

I 01

Edinburgh,

235,946

6,844

2 90

39,670

598

1-51

4,541

1-92

1976 : 0-84 1

Dundee,

147,766

4,849

3-28

24,870

525

IO-8

211

3,529

2 -.39

1323

0-90

Aberdeen, . .

109,237

3,678

374

15,682

358

2-28

2,082

I -91

867

079

Greenock,..

71,515

2,845

3-98 1

7,204

146

5-1

2-03

1,785

2-50

561

078

Leith,

65,065

2,298

3-53

6,925

106

4-6

I 53

1,321

2-03

513

079

Paisley,

57,413

2,106

3-67

8,774

1.33

6-3

1-52

1,390

2 -42

590 I -03

Perth

30,556

840

275

4,452

8-6

1-62

584

1-91

221 1 072

1850 TILL l!

477

The following is another table, taken from the report of the
Registrar- General, showing the number of deaths of children under
live years of age, in each of the eight principal towns of Scotland,
during the year 1883 : —

Towns.

Estimated

Number of

Living Children

under 5 years

in 1883.

Deaths

under 5 years

of age.

Per centage of

Deaths
under 5 years.

Per centage of

Deaths
under 5 years

to the
Total Deaths.

Glasgow,

70,633

28,942

19,735

15,025

10,605

9,788

7,725

3,803

6,496

1,577
1,436
697
828
571
493
153

9 '20

5-45
7-28
4-64

7-8i
583
6-38
4 02

44-6

347
407

33-5
46-4

43-2

35-5

26-2

Edinburgh,

Dundee,

Aberdeen,

Greenock,

Leith,

Paisley,

Perth,

The number of intellectual, charitable, and friendly societies and
institutions in Paisley, and the good deeds they are accomplishing
will, we believe, stand favourable comparison with those of any town
in the country. We may recapitulate the titles here of those already
mentioned — the Old Weavers' Society, Maltmen's Society, Cor-
poration of Merchants, Hammermen's Society, Burgh and Abbey
Parochial Boards, Hutcheson's Charity School, Infirmary, Grocers'
Society, Savings Bank, Ragged School, John Neilson Institution,
Miss Kibble's Reformatory, Society for Teaching and Aiding the
Blind, Duncan Wright Endowment, Free Library and Museum,
Peter Brough Bequest Trust, Good Templars' Lodges (of which
there are twenty), Paisley Philosophical Institution.

We may also further enumerate the following societies and
associations of various kinds, regarding which our limits of space
will not allow us to go into any further details : — Equitable
Friendly Society, Female Bible Association, Funeral Societies,
Female Benevolent Society, Ladies' Association for Promoting
Female Education in India, Female Educational Society, Young
Men's Friendly Society, Gaelic Missions, Glasgow Renfrewshire
Society, Glasgow and Paisley Association, Infirmary Dorcas Society,
The Paisley Ladies' Sanatory Association, Paisley Young Men's
Christian Association, The Paisley Youths' Society for Religious
purposes. Ladies' Association for Promoting Christian Education
among the Jewish Females in Alexandria, Association for Improving
the Condition of the Poor, Paisley Christian and Abstinence
Association, The Sneddon Callans, The Tract Society, Paisley Total
Abstinence Society, Society for the Reclamation of Fallen Women,
A'Valdensian Society, Operative Bakers' Friendly Society, Operative
Dyers' Friendly and Protective Society, Carters' Trade Protective
and Friendly Society, Paisley Co-operative Manufacturing Society
(Limited), Paisley Branch of the Associated Blacksmiths of Scotland,
Amalgamated Slaters' Society of Scotland, Amalgamated Bricklayers'

478

HI. STORY OF PAISLEY.

Society, Paisley Branch of Associated Carpenters and Joiners of
Scotland, Paisley Provident Co-operative Society (Limited), Paisley
Livingstone Co-operative Building Society, Paisley Equitable
Co-operative Society (Limited), The Paisley Evergreen Equitable
Friendly Society, The Alexander Wilson Lodge of Oddfellows,
Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds, Ancient Order of Foresters,
Paisley Philharmonic Temperance Association, Paisley Sabbath
School Union, Paisley Auxiliary to the National Bible Society of
Scotland. In addition to all these, almost every one of the
numerous church congregations in town has its associations for
charitable, intellectual, moral, and religious purposes.

A considerable amount of business is done in the different courts
in Paisley, presided over by the Sheriff-Substitute. This will best
be shown by the following comparative tables, giving the number of
cases disposed of for several years past : —

Year.

Ordinary
Court.

Adminis-
trative
Business,
including
Sequestra-
tions for
Rent, &c.

Debts

Recovery

Court.

Small
Debt
Court.

Mer-
cantile
Seques-
trations.

1 Criminal Cases

reported to

Crown Counsel,

and disposed of

during the year.

Summary
Criminal

Cases
disposed
of during
the year.

Males.

Females.

1870
1871
1872

1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878
1879
1880
1 881
1882
1883

125
162
108

167

186
217
276
212
267

237
228

239
237
261
261

345
442
496

374
464

458
538

139
121
112

143

144

190

280
361
337
291
263
280
255

2550

2418
2203

2336
2342
2241
2III
1550
2578
2591
2608
2660
2470
2564

53
45
56
49
54
67

75
46

59
63
61

27
13
20

19
17
19
23
15
10
II
II
24
14
12

72
90

102

99
90

85
98
81
90
109
96
50

The Sheriff Court accommodation, as well as the witness rooms
and chambers for the Sheriff, have for a long time past been quite
inadequate for the increasing amount of business. This evil will,
however, soon be rectified, as a new and larger Court- House, with
ample chamber, office, and public accommodation, is being erected
in St. James Street, at an expense of upwards of ;^i 5,000, by the
Commissioners of Supply for the County, and the representatives of
the Burghs of Renfrew, Paisley, Greenock, and Port -Glasgow, under
the provisions and for the purposes of the Act 23rd and 24th Vict,
cap 79. The foundation stone of this building was laid by Colonel
Sir Archibald C. Campbell, Bart, of Blythswood, convener of the
County of Renfrew, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand IMaster
Mason of Renfrewshire, East, and R.W. Depute Grand Master
Mason of Scotland, on 29th September, 1883, assisted by brethren

1850 TILL 1584. 479

of the craft, in presence of a large assembly of the inhabitants of
Paisley and its neighbourhood. The Government pays one -half of
the cost of this new Court-House.

The Justice of Peace Court has its sittings weekly on Friday, and
the presiding Justices have always a number of civil and criminal
cases to dispose of. They have also under their management, in
the upper ward of the County, the granting of spirit licenses. In
1883, the Justices of the Peace in the Paisley district were as
follows : — Claud Alexander of Ballochmyle, James Arthur of Barshaw,
William Abercrombie, banker ; James Barclay, Canal Bank ; William
Bell, Renfrew ; Hugh Brown, Egypt Park ; John Brown, Causeyside;
Robert Brown, Underwood Park ; Alex. Cattanach, Auchentorlie ;
John Clark, Gateside ; Stewart Clark, Kilnside ; James Coats, yr.,
of Woodside ; Sir Peter Coats of Auchendrane ; Thomas Coats of
FergusHe ; Archibald Craig of Gateside ; Thomas Glen, Thornhill ;
Peter Guilleaume, banker ; George Hamilton of Blackland ; Archd.
C. Holms of Sandyford ; John Hutchison, Garthland Place ; Hugh
Macfarlane, banker ; William MacKean, merchant ; James Anderson
MacKean, Calside ; P. C. Macgregor of Brediland ; John M'Gown,
banker ; Graham M'Farlane, Beltrees ; James Millar, Largs ; John
Morgan, Greenock ; Alex. Russell Pollock, Greenhill ; William
Poison, starch manufacturer ; William Russell, High Street ; George
Seton Veitch, banker; George Wilson, West Hurlet; William Wother-
spoon, Maxwellton ; Sheriff Depute, Sheriff Substitutes of Renfrew-
shire, and the Provost and Magistrates of Paisley for the time being.

In Paisley, as in every important town, there were at the end of
the last century and are at the present day numerous social clubs
meeting in taverns and public -houses. " The Baron Club," which
was opened in one of the rooms in the Town's House on ist
January, 1794, is one of the few clubs that have kept a record of
their proceedings. It was so named in consequence of the members
assuming themselves to be barons and taking their title from some
important barony. The proceedings of the club were regulated by
three rules. The first was that any one wishing to be admitted a
member must appear at one of their meetings and make application.
The second rule was that any member guilty of profane swearing
was, for the first offence, fined sixpence ; for the second, is.; and
for the third he was expelled from the club. Any member entering
the club in a state of intoxication was, according to the third rule,
fined and expelled as in the second rule. Each member paid six-
pence every night, and the liquor they often partook of was a mixture
of beer and whisky, with some oatmeal thrown into it, and was called
Pap-in.^ The liquor was drunk out of a dish made of wood,

1 " Papin ! thou beverage of the gods. Papin !
That giv"st a soul to him who may have none ;
In every dub thou swellest every skin
Like Arab bottles. Whatsoe'er the sun
Can do for earth, by thee, for us, is done.

480 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

called a qiiaich or bicker. The members were all well-behaved
gentlemen, and went home at an early hour in the evening. Only-
three instances are given in the records of the second rule having
been broken, and the names of the offenders are effaced with ink.
When a member was admitted to the club, a mock ceremony with
a sword, corresponding to knighthood, was gone through by the
chairman. One of the customs of the club was that when a member
returned from Gourock or the " saut water," or from London, or
got married, or at the birth of a child, he was fined. But on 23rd
July, 1827, the club " agreed that all fines or usages which do not
apply equally to all the members — such as paying once a year for
being at London or at the salt water, paying at marriage, the birth
of a child, &c. — shall be abolished from and after the ist day of
January, 1828." The club existed till 1846, and from its commence-
ment till that time about 1000 gentlemen had been members.
" The Battle of the Barons " is the subject of an amusing poem by
William Finlay, Paisley, in his collected writings, p. 197.

From ISIr. William Taylors " Answer to I\Ir. Carlile's Sketches of
Paisley," published in Paisley, in pamphlet form, in 1809, we learn
that the working -classes had their clubs which they regularly
attended. He says — "The Paisley operatives are of a free
communicative disposition. They are fond to inform one another
in anything respecting trade ; and in order to receive information
in a collective capacity, they have for a long course of years
associated in a friendly manner in societies denominated clubs.
These in general consist of from thirty to fifty members ; though
often not above the half of these attend regularly. They meet once
in the week ; a few on Thursday ; but mostly on the Saturday
evening. They are to be found in every decent public -house.
Their laws are few. A chairman and collector include all their
office-bearers. These continue in office only one month. Every
candidate, before his admission, must be recommended by two or
more of the members ; and in general no entry-money is demanded.
When met, the first hour is devoted to promiscuous conversation.
At eight, the newspapers of that day are produced. They are read
aloud by one of the company. This occupies nearly an hour. At
nine o'clock the chairman calls silence ; then the report of trade is
heard. I'he chairman reports first what he knows, or what he has
heard of such a manufacturing house or houses, as wishing to engage
operatives for such fabric or fabrics ; likewise the price, the number
of the yam, &c. Then each reports as he is seated ; so in the
period of an hour not only the state of trade is known, but any
difference that has taken place between manufacturers and opera-

Beneath thy sway life is both warm and bright ;

Like docks and dandelions, Wit and Fun

Spread forth their beauties to thj' genial light ;

^Yis,e saws, like haws and hips, thick chistering to sight."

— ( J\e>tJ)ni.s/iire Characters and Scenery, by Isaac Brown [Wni. Motherwell], p. 10.)

1850 TILL 1SS4. 481

tives. In one word, anything respecting trade, — even mountings,
&c. After the labour of the week, here are three hours devoted to
friendly society and useful information, for the trifling sum of six-
pence each." We find from an advertisement in a Glasgow
newspaper of 17th August, 1790, that the Bachelors' Club had
removed from Mr. Kerr's, Moss Row, to Mr. Lochhead's in New
Street, and the members were requested to attend on Saturday as
usual. The notice is signed by the chairman and depute-chairman,
and concludes with the intimation that the " office of chief speaker
is unanimously abolished."

While the clubs attended by the working-classes were generally
held on Saturdays, most of those frequented by the middle and the
upper classes were held every night, and the members visited them
just as it suited their convenience.

Some of the clubs had distinctive names, such as the Bailies'
Club, the Linn Club (which met in Mrs. Rowand's, Broomland
Street), the Saucel Club, the Sneddon Core, the Bell of the Brae
Core, the Kail-Stock Club, the Pickled Ingan Club, the Peep-
o'-Day Club, the Goose Club. But most of the clubs took their
names from the owners of the houses in which they met, such as
Bauldy Barr's Club, Mrs. Brock's Club, Fletcher's Club, Mack's
Club, Weir's Club, Cockburn's Club, Crawfurd's Club. In this last
house there were four clubs, which were named according to the
No. of the room in which they met, — such as Crawfurd No. 4 Club.
In these and other clubs, to one or other of which almost every
person was attached, there was much interesting social conversation,
and frequently much intellectual acumen was shown. There may
have been a tendency at times for members to remain a little late
Avhen the convivial spirit prevailed, but Forbes M'Kenzie's Act put
a stop to all that backsliding — eleven o'clock being the latest hour
admissible. At the same time it must be confessed that not a few
injured their bodily health, and lessened their business, by too
frequent attendance and indulgence at their clubs. The Literary
and Convivial Association, which had many members, was somewhat
different from these clubs. Their meetings were not held in a
public-house but in a private hall, and everyone obtained for
payment what he desired. Several of our local poets were among
them, and the conversation of the members was mostly of a literary
kind. Like the Baron Club they kept a record of their proceedings,
and they were best known by the short cognomen of the L.C.A. This
association ceased to exist upwards of twenty years ago. The Paisley
Burns Club, which may be termed a literary club, was established
in 1805, nine years after the death of the great poet. The record
of the club states that "a number of the admirers of Robert Burns
met on the 29th January (believed at that time, and long afterwards,
to be the anniversary of the poet's birth), 1805, in the Star Inn,
Paisley, to celebrate his memory, when a beautiful transparent bust
of the bard, painted by an eminent artist, was exhibited from the
window. The company, amounting to nearly seventy, sat down to

482 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

supper, after which the president, William M'Laren, addressed the
company." The first secretary was Robert Tannahill, who was
present, and read to the company an ode — "The Birth of
Burns " — written by him for the occasion. This ode is entered in
the minutes of that evening in his own handwriting, and signed by
himself. The club was not instituted merely to celebrate the natal
day of the poet as it recurred ; but having a chairman, vice-
chairman, and secretary, with rules to regulate its proceedings, and
a minute-book to record them, it had regular meetings throughout the
year. Paisley has the honour of establishing the first Burns Club
in the kingdom ; and at present it is as full of vitality as at any
previous date.

Of political clubs and associations in Paisley, there are several.
The Conservative Association was instituted in March, 1878, and
the Beaconsfield Club, instituted ist July, 1880, is now combined
with it. Their club rooms are in the Masonic Hall Buildings, No.
95 High Street, and consist of a large reading room, billiard and
other rooms. There is also a Liberal Association, which was
inaugurated 14th November, 1878. A Liberal Club was also
instituted loth October, 1882, and has rooms at No. 11 Forbes
Place, including reading, billiard, and other rooms. There is likewise
an Orange Association that has its annual procession and meeting.

A club of a superior order, to meet the wants of the wealthier
classes, was estabhshed in April, 1878, and was called " The Club,
Paisley." The entry- money was ten guineas, and the annual sub-
scription five guineas. The property of the club and the manage-
ment are vested in a committee consisting of a chairman, treasurer,
and secretary, and nine other members. Commodious and central
apartments, formerly the dwelling-house connected with the City of
Glasgow Bank, No. 102 High Street, and other rooms, were secured
for the club-house, and before being opened were altered and also
furnished in a superior style. The club commenced with rather
more than one hundred members. According to the bye-laws,
" The club-house shall be opened and ready for the reception of
members at eight o'clock on each morning from ist April until 30th
September, and from ist October until 31st March at nine o'clock.
The club-house shall be closed at half- past eleven o'clock p.m., at
which hour all members and their friends shall leave. On special
occasions, the club-house may be open until a later hour if
sanctioned by the committee. On Sunday, the club-house shall be
open from twelve noon till two p.m., and from five till seven p.m.;
the bar shall only be open from twelve noon till two p.m., and no
hot lunch or dinner shall be served on that day." Rates were fixed
to be charged for billiards and cards, but " no game at billiards shall
be played for a higher stake than one shilling. The stakes played
for at pool shall not exceed sixpence per ball and threepence per
life ; at whist, sixpenny points ; and at other games at cards counters
shall not represent a higher value than one penny each, nor shall
more than six counters be staked at one time," The members

1S50 TILL 1S84. 483

numbered 129 for the year ending May, 1883, and the affairs of the
club are in a highly prosperous condition.

Literary or debating societies are of long standing in Paisley.
In 1827 there were the Barr Street Society and the Junior Literary
Society. These societies met weekly during the winter of 1827-28.
The Barr Street Society was open to the public, and became so
popular that, to accommodate those attending, the meetings were
held in the Old Low Church. The Junior Society held their meetings
in the session-hall connected with the LTnited Presbyterian Church,
Abbey Close. In both of these societies the business of the evening
was commenced by a member reading an essay on a subject previously
fixed. Then followed a debate thereon, between those in favour of
the views of the essayist and those against them, and the whole
was concluded by the taking of a vote upon each of the two views.
Societies of this kind have been conducted at different periods in
Paisley, both before and after the date just mentioned. In
September, 1880, the Paisley Parliamentary Debating Association
was instituted. It was established for the purpose of discussing
political and social topics as far as may be practicable, according to
the forms of the House of Commons. The House met every
Tuesday evening during the session, which extended from the first
Tuesday in October to the last Tuesday in March. The annual
subscription was two shillings and sixpence for Whips' requirements
for party purposes. Their place of meeting was the Good Templar
Hall, and the Association continued for two sessions.

There are several musical clubs and associations in Paisley —
such as the Glee Club, the Musical Association, the Saint Cecilia
Society, the Sol-fa Institute, the Paisley Select Choir, and the
Paisley Philharmonic Society.

Among the many social customs in Paisley, we cannot omit to
refer to the annual dinner of the Potato and Herring Incorporation,
at Renfrew. A few sentences will tell the story of the way in which
this incorporation, as it is termed, was instituted. On a Saturday
in October, 1798, six or eight weavers took their weekly walk down
the banks of the river Cart and along the side of the Clyde. By
the time they reached the ancient burgh of Renfrew, they felt
inclined for some rest and refreshment. They entered a humble
public -house to have their wants supplied, but the landlady had
nothing in the shape of food to offer them except a meal of potatoes
and herrings, which stood ready cooked beside the fire. The
homeliness of the fare was rather a recommendation than otherwise,
and so well did the company relish their refreshment and the
simplicity with which it was served, that they then and there formed
themselves into a club, elected a preses and convener, and resolved
to return annually at the same period of the year, and dine on
herring and potatoes.^ From that time to this the club, through

^ The dinner took place on the first Saturday of October down till about forty-
five years ago, but on account of the shortness of the day at that period of the
year, it was changed to the Wednesday nearest the full moon in September,

484 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

good trade and bad trade, has been kept up. All the original
members of the club were weavers, and for many years all who
attended it were in the same rank. But by and by some of them
having prospered, had become merchants and manufacturers.
Indeed sixty years ago, when the dinner was attended by thirty- six
members, not one of them was a tradesman, the meeting being
composed of manufacturers, merchants, bankers, lawyers, &c. Since
then the meetings have been attended by about the same number
of gentlemen in similar stations. The dinners at present, though
possibly a little more varied, and the herrings subjected to more
numerous forms of cookery than the earliest members indulged in, still
exhibit the same frugal bill of fare for the sake of keeping in remem-
brance the pleasing associations of olden times. At the dinner on
15th September, 1875, the following original poetical effusion was
brought before the meeting :■ —

Herrings fried and herrings boiled,
Herrings vinegar'd and oiled ;
Herrings hot and herrings cold,
Herrings squat and herrings rolled ;
Herrings stewed and herrings fried.
Herrings juicy, herrings dried ;
Herrings that are known as kippers,
These I swear were perfect rippers ;
Herrings cold and herrings hot.
Herrings savoury in pot ;
Herrings red and herrings brown.
Herrings up and herrings down ;
Herrings here and herrings there.
Herrings, herrings everywhere ;
Never surely such a dinner
Charmed the chops of hungry sinner.

After dinner, the charge for which is only a sixpence, the glass
and toast, speech and song, go round the company. Almost every one
of our public men in Paisley has been present and has presided at
one of these most enjoyable meetings. The following is a list of
those who have presided at these social dinners during the last half
century ^ — Bailie Sharp, draper, 1853; Baihe Sharp, in the absence
of Provost Macfarlane, 1854- Treasurer Robert Walker, shawl
manufacturer, 1855; Ex-Provost Phillips, 1856; Provost Robert
Brown, 1857; James Miller, yarn merchant, 1858; James J. Lamb,
architect, 1859; William Fulton, Glenfield, i860; Robert Kerr, of
Crookston Hall, 1861; P. C. Macgregor, Lonend, 1862; John
Affleck, banker, 1863 ; Adam M'Lellan, Knockdow, 1864; Richard
Watson, editor of Paisley Herald, 1865; James Caldwell, writer,
1866; John Cook, editor oi Paisley Gazette, 1867; John Crawford,
Glasgow, editor of Volunteer Neius, 1868; John Bartlemore, Justice
of Peace Clerk, 1869; Bailie Fisher, accountant, 1870; Bailie
Fisher, in absence of William Craw, dyer, 187 1 ; James Dobie,

1850 TILL 1884. 485

dentist, 1872; Thomas Campbell, Justice of Peace Fiscal, 1873;
James A. MacKean, soap manufacturer, 1874; Bailie Armour, yarn
merchant, 1875; William Stewart, architect, 1876; J. Ross
Macgregor, dyer, 1877 ; James Drewette, of the North British
Daily Mail, 1878; John Cook, editor oi Paisley Gazette, 1879;
James B. Lamb, architect, 1880; T. R. Cameron, dentist, 1881 ;
Joseph Irvine, Hillhead House, of the literary staff of the Glasgow
Herald, 1882;^ Benjamin Dickson, Greenock, 1883.

Mr. Matthew Tannahill,'-^ a brother of the poet, was secretary to
the incorporation for about fifty years. At the anniversary dinner
on 14th September, 1853, Mr. Tannahill reminded the meeting
that his appointment was unnecessary, as last year he had been
elected perpetual clerk, with Mr. Robert Boyd his helper and
successor. Mr. Robert Boyd, who resigned in 1872, was succeeded
by Mr. Richard Watson, who died in 1879. His successor, in
1880, was Mr. James B. Lamb, the present secretary. Prior to
1865, the minutes of the meetings were only entered on loose pieces
of papers, which are not preserved. But there is a full record of
the anniversary dinners in a good minute-book since 1865.

The following rules, agreed to by the incorporation in 1879,
minutely explains how their proceedings are conducted : —

"That with a view to the greater stability of this venerable incor-
poration, and the assuring of its chances of perpetuity, the following
regulations are herewith declared the constitution of the club —
(i) That the anniversary shall be held annually in the Royal Burgh
of Renfrew, on the Wednesday nearest the full moon in September;
(2) that at least two weeks previous to each anniversary, a com-
mittee, consisting of the president, the five immediately preceding
presidents, and the secretary, shall meet for the purpose of
determining on the invitations to be issued ; (3) that at least ten
days prior to the anniversary the invitations shall be forwarded by
the secretary, stating time and place of meeting, and soliciting
immediate replies, signifying the acceptance or non-acceptance of
the invitation, so that dinner be prepared for such only as intend
being present, and for such others as the committee may think likely
to be present as the guests of members ; (4) that the incorporation's
long- established character of gladly receiving strangers at its social
board be steadily kept in view, and preserved as much as possible ;
(5) that dinner be served punctually at four p.m., so that parties
from beyond the immediate neighbourhood may have an opportunity
of leaving early ; (6) that at the close of the dinner of each year, the
croupier shall be called to take the chair, and enter on his duties as
president for the year succeeding. A new croupier shall then be
elected, and the business of the evening proceeded with. The loyal

^Author of "The History of Dumbartonshire," and of "The Book of
Dumbartonshire. "

^ Mr. Matthew Tannahill, last surviving brother of the poet, died on 29th
June, 1857, in the 80th year of his age.

486 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

and patriotic toasts duly honoured, ' The Incorporation ' shall be
given from the chair, after which such sentiments shall be spoken to
as may be deemed consonant with the objects of the incorporation ;
{7) that with a view to the due preservation of order, the authority
of the chair shall be at all times held as absolute, and during the
sederunt no questioning as to his conducting of the meeting shall
be allowed ; (8) that at each meeting the utmost freedom of social
intercourse be permitted to all present, consistent with the respect
due to each other as members of the incorporation and the courtesies
of a company bound together by literary and artistic sympathies ;
(9) that prior to the hour of dinner a meeting of all past chairmen
present shall be held for the consideration of matters connected
with the incorporation and specially as to the recommendation of
the new croupier."

In the beginning of 1829 a number of gentlemen in Paisley
formed themselves into a society, under the name of the " Paisley
Fine Art Society," with the view of promoting and encouraging the
study of the fine arts in Paisley. The members had a suite of
apartments in which they regularly met for the purpose of mutual
instruction in the sister arts of painting, statuary, and design. One
excellent feature of the institution consisted in its agreeing to send
each year one of its promising members to Edinburgh or London
to study under some eminent master, and at his return the members
would enjoy the benefit of his instructions and the use of those
copies he had made of works otherwise inaccessible to them.
On 5th March in the following year the members met in the hall,
210 High Street, where they had a number of meritorious pieces of
painting, and elected Mr. James Drummond, architect, to be
president, Mr. John Philips treasurer, and Mr. William Stevenson,
jun., secretary. In the evening, upwards of twenty gentlemen sat
down to supper in the Renfrewshire Tontine. At the beginning of
1 83 1 the number of members exceeded fifty, a great part of whom
were professional artists, the remainder consisting of gentlemen in
the town and neighbourhood who had joined the society for the
purpose of countenancing and encouraging young artists in town in
their endeavour to attain success in the cultivation of the fine arts.
The exhibition of the works of living artists under the patronage of
this society, which was indeed the first of the kind that ever was
held in Paisley, was opened on 13th May, 1831, in M'Leod's
Buildings, Smithhills Street. The charge for admission was is.;
a season ticket cost 2s. 6d., and a party ticket admitting six persons,
5s. Catalogues were sixpence each. Upwards of 240 pieces were
exhibited, and the attendance of the public was considerable.
Another exhibition of paintings and other works of art was opened
in the society's rooms, 175 Causeyside, on 28th September, 1832,
and continued till the 13th October following. No charge was
made for admission. On 12th March, 1833, the office-bearers
elected were — Mr. Robert Muir, writer, to be president ; Dr.
George Wylie and Mr. John Philips, vice-presidents ; Mr. Thomas

1850 TILL 1884. 487

Boyd, treasurer ; Mr. Andrew Roxburgh, secretary ; and Mr. James
Wallace, assistant secretary. On the evening of the same day about
thirty members met in the Saracen's Head Inn, and celebrated the
anniversary of the society. The third exhibition of the works of
living artists was opened on loth August, 1S33, in M'Leod's
Buildings. The charge for admission was the same as in the first
exhibition ; on this occasion it was open in the evening also, when
the charge for admission was a sixpence. The exhibition was closed
in the last week of September following. This was the last of the
society's exhibitions. No attempt was made to constitute a similar
institution till the loth November, 1876, when a meeting of those
favourable to the establishment of an Art Society was, at the request
of Mr. James Anderson, held in the School of Art, and those present
agreed to form themselves into an Art Club. A public meeting was
afterwards held in the same place on the evening of 19th December
following, Provost Murray presiding. On the motion of Mr. William
Stewart, seconded by Mr. John Poison, it was unanimously agreed
that an Art Society, to be called the " Paisley Art Institute," should
be formed. Office-bearers were appointed at this meeting, and the
institute was formally inaugurated by a conversazione and an
exhibition of works of art, held in the School of Art on the evening
of 22nd February, 1877. The first report relating to the proceedings
of the Art Institute was read at the annual meeting held on 30th
May, 1878. This report stated that there were 12 honorary office-
bearers, 64 committee members, and 152 honorary members. The
works shown at the first exhibition were 139 ; at the second, 177 ;
and at monthly meetings, 274 — in all, 590. The works sold at the
first exhibition were 35, realising ;^22i 5s.; at the second also 35,
realising;^! 7 7 6s.; and at monthly meetings 5, realising ;^io 6s. 6d.
— the total sales being ;^4o8 17s. 6d. Since that time exhibitions
of works of art have been held annually. The eighth exhibition was
opened by a special conversazione held in the Picture Gallery of
the Free Library and Museum on 24th December, 1883, and a large
company of ladies and gentlemen was present. The admission
was — From 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., 6d. ; from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m., 3d.;
on Saturdays the charge was 3d. during the day and evening. There
were 416 works of art exhibited, and these were hung to great
advantage on the walls of the new and spacious gallery. The
exhibition was well attended.

The Paisley Heritable Property Investment Society was first
established as a terminating society on 24th August, 1853. After-
wards it was registered as a permanent society on 7th March, 1859,
and latterly it was certified as an incorporated society on i8th
November, 1880. The society was established for the purpose of
raising, by subscriptions from members, by means of ordinary shares
only, and by loans from depositors, a stock or fund for making
advances upon security of real, leasehold, or heritable properties,
feu duties or ground annuals, and shares of the society, along with

488 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

Other approved security, and generally for the purposes allowed by
the Ikiilding Societies Acts. The shares are;^25 each, payable by
fortnighUy subscriptions of one shilling per share, with option of
paying yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, or monthly instalments. The
funds of this prosperous and useful society amount to upwards of
;!^66,ooo, and it has been singularly free from losses.

The system of levying money for the upkeep of roads, by means
of the bars, throughout the country, was discontinued at twelve
o'clock noon, 15th May, 1S83, in terms of the Roads and Bridges
Act, passed in 1878. Toll-bars were first introduced into Scotland
in 1750. Some years afterwards, when the turnpike road was made
from the three-mile house to Beith, a toll-bar was placed on the
east side of Paisley at the north -end of Mill Street. It is at present
No. I Garthland Street, and known by the name of the George and
Dragon Tavern. The first toll- house on the road leading to
Barrhead by Carriagehill, is the one -storey thatch -house on the
opposite side of the road from the South Church, and a little farther
south. Hereafter the roads in the counties will be maintained by
an equal tax on landlord and tenant.

The prosperity of the Philosophical Institution continued, as we
have shown, during the early years of our century, but its history
afterwards, down nearly to the middle of the century, was in many
respects chequered and far from cheering. In 1829 the directors
removed from the Lecture- Hall in Old Sneddon Street to the
Hall in the Abbey Buildings, Abbey Close, that had previously
been used as the Glassite Meeting- House. During the prevalence
of cholera in 1832, and throughout the political excitement of that
time, no regular lectures were delivered. The directors, in
December, 1834, in order to reduce the expenditure, agreed that
the rooms near to the hall, occupied as a museum, should not be
taken for the following year ; and that the specimens of minerals,
&c., should be carefully packed into boxes, and placed under the
seats in the Lecture- Hall. In 1836 the annual subscription,
payable by the members, was reduced from ten shillings to five
shillings ; and as lecturers could not be obtained gratis for the session
of 1839-40, no lectures were delivered at all. It is recorded in the
minute-book for March, 1840, that "a number of meetings of
directors being called, few seemed disposed to act, and the secretary
being indisjjosed in health did not call the half-yearly meeting, as
he could not attend without prejudice to his health." On iSth
February, 1846, Mr. John Henning, London, delivered a lecture on
Egyptian and Grecian Mythology. From that time, and indeed
from 1840 to 1849, the affairs of the institution were in a very
unsatisfactory condition. It remained in a dormant condition till
25th May, 1857, when a meeting was held of those favourable to
its resuscitation. Directors were then chosen. Dr. Jeffrey was
appointed president ; Messrs. David Murray and James Reid, vice-

1850 TILL 1884. 489

presidents ; Mr. James J. Lamb, treasurer ; and Dr. W. B. M'Kinlay,
secretary. A room was taken in the School of Design Buildings,
where they might hold their meetings, and store the articles
belonging to the former museum, which had been placed for safety
in the Artizans' Institution after the hall in Abbey Close was shut up.
After the rules and laws were again revised, the institution entered
on a new career which has proved highly -useful to its members and
the community. Since the Free Library and Museum in 187 1 were
opened, in the promotion of which the directors had, as already
recorded, taken such an active part, the members and the public
have been well accommodated, in terms of the foundation -deed
granted by the donor, Sir Peter Coats. Their proceedings have,
under good management, been distinguished by marked prosperity
and usefulness. The members in 1883 numbered about four
hundred. Much of its recent and present prosperity is undoubtedly
owing to the unwearied efforts in its behalf of the late Rev. Dr,
Fraser, and of the present president, Mr. Sheriff Cowan ; and also
of the late Mr. John N. Gardner, and its present secretary, Mr.
James Gardner.

We have already briefly referred to the kind of entertainments
given at funerals in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The
customs then followed subjected many poor families, in their desire
to honour the memory of departed relations, and not to appear
singular, to serious loss and inconvenience. The practice, however,
continued till near the middle of the nineteenth century. The
ministers of the different denominations in town took up the matter,
and in January, 1846, advised their congregations to abandon the
practice of giving wine, spirits, and cake at funerals. This recom-
mendation was readily adopted, and is still adhered to, by all
classes.

We have already stated that Blackball Castle was at an early
period the residence of several of the High Stewards of Scotland,
who founded and endowed the Monastery of Paisley. With the
exception of the venerable Abbey Buildings, the ruins of Blackball
Castle, situated on the north side of the road leading to Barrhead,
and within the boundary of the town of Paisley, is the most ancient
and interesting memento of a distant past. In 1396, Blackball
estate was bestowed by King Robert III. upon his natural son,
John Stewart. The possessions of Blackball have remained in this
family down to our own time, the present proprietor being Sir M.
R. Shaw Stewart, and many of its members have distinguished
themselves in various public and patriotic positions.

Archibald Steward of Blackball, who lived in the reign of Charles
I., was a person of singular wisdom and prudence, and of consummate
experience in business, and was chosen one of the Commissioners
to the Scottish Parliament for the Shire of Renfrew. The King also
appointed him to be one of his Privy Council, and advanced him to

H I

490 HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

the dignity of Knighthood. In 1650, when King Charles II. was
in Scotland, John Stewart was sworn a member of the Privy Council,
and was, on 27th March, 1667, raised to the degree and honour of
a Baronetcy ( Cratvfurd's History of the Shire of Renfrezv, p. 38).

Members of this family were Commissioners in the Scottish
Parliament in 1633, 1661, 1669, 1672, 1680, 1703, and 1704; and
were in the Imperial Parliament in 1708, 1727, 1780, 1786, 1790,
1830, 1831, 1832, 1835, 1855, 1857, and 1859.

We have been unable to find at what time the Stewart family
ceased to live in Blackball Castle. After they left, the tenants of
Blackball Farm lived in it till about fifty years ago. At that time
the roof commenced to give way in a serious manner, rendering
necessary the taking of it down, and a new dwelling-house was
erected for the occupier of the farm. There is no date on the
building, but it is supposed to have been erected in the fifteenth
century. The structure gives a very good idea of the grim and
solid baronial mansions of the period to which it belonged. A cor-
respondent of the Gentleman's Magazine who visited this ancient
castle on 21st April, 1821, gives a most minute account of it. We
append some extracts from his paper : —

"Scarcely half-a-mile south-east of the populous manufacturing
town of Paisley, a little beyond that remarkable ledge of rock which,
occurring in the bed of the River White Cart, is supposed to have
given the town its original British appellation, and almost close upon
the southern bank of the Ardrossan Canal, I observed a solid and
antique-looking fabric, not large, but wearing the appearance of
something between a house and a castle. I went up to it, and
found that it was, in fact, one of those semi-castellated dwellings in
which, till a comparatively recent period, even barons of the second
class in Scotland dwelt ; and observing from the manner in which
the farmer who now occupies it replied to my interrogatories, that
my entrance into the interior would not be considered an intrusion,
I requested permission to go through the building and to make
memoranda with a view to future description. Permission was at
once granted, and the farmer himself accompanied me both round
and through it. The whole exterior of the fabric breathes an air of
uncourtly strength. On the south a projecting staircase turret
disfigures what is nevertheless the principal front. West of it opens
the main door ; the arch is a plain semi-circular one. One plain
square window occurs between the door and the western extremity
of the front. The second storey exhibits three similar windows west
of the staircase turret, and one east of it. The upper storey displays
an equal number of windows, disposed also in the same way ; but
these windows rise higher than the superior line of the front wall,
and are surmounted by pediments more or less decorated. The
middle window, indeed, of the three west of the turret, is a good
deal ornamented. The cavetto moulding decorates its freestone
casing, and the pediment is adorned by a corded moulding placed
between the cornice and the tympanum. On the upper part of the

1850 TILL 1884: 491

north front, one window, finished with a pediment, is seen ; and
near the ground, on the same front, a small and trefoil -headed, but
merely loop-hole window. With these exceptions, only a few small
windows, square in form, but most irregular in size and position,
admitted light into the interior of the building. I say admitted, for
now, to save window duty, some even of these are blocked up most
effectually with stone and lime, so that the whole exterior, except
on the south, looks as forlorn and desolate as can well be imagined.
From the threshold of the door, already mentioned, we step, on
entering the house, into a strongly vaulted passage, which runs
eastward towards the staircase. Across it is a small square lobby,
also strongly vaulted with stone, and on the western side of which
opens the entry to the kitchen. This apartment, occupying the
entire western part of the ground floor, evinces, in its comparative
magnitude and in the amplitudes of a fireplace on its western side,
that an enlarged hospitality was formerly often exercised in a
confined mansion. A small arched window on the north enables
us to ascertain four feet as the thickness of the wall. A corresponding
window is on the south. In the north-east corner is a recess for a
bed. Looking upwards, we observe evident traces of the original
vaulting of this room also. Indeed, although there were never here
any subterraneous vaults, all the apartments and passages on the
lower floor of the building had exceedingly strong arched roofs of
stone.^ On the north side of the passage into which the outer opens
is the entrance to another room, now used as a depository for
lumber, but which, with the kitchen, are the only apartments of any
size on the first floor. The staircase, a winding stone one, leads up
to the dining-room, which measures about 21 feet by 18, and is
lighted by three windows, placed severally on the north, west, and
south. On each side of the door are now recess bed -places, which
make the room appear less ; otherwise, this is a tolerably good room,
almost the only one to be so styled in the whole house. The fire-
place is on the north, marked on the outside by a tall, antique-
looking chimney. Near the south window is a press or cupboard ;
and in the west wall, near the corner, is a small square recess formed
in the thickness of the wall. In the lobby, opposite the dining-room
door, is a recess, formerly shelved as a place of ready deposit for
dishes. North of it is the entrance to the principal bed-room. This
room is about 18 feet by 10 or 12. On its western side are formed
two recesses, not of recent construction, for beds. On the south

^ About five years after the period to which this description belongs, the author
resided in the neighbourhood of Blackball, and was a frequent visitor at the
castle. It was then occupied by Mr. James Yuill, the tenant of the farm of
Blackball. He had succeeded his father, who was at that time old and frail.
The writer well remembers the capacious kitchen, which was used by the family
for taking their meals in ; even their jovial "rockings," of which he was often
a spectator, were held there ; and it aiTorded indeed the only decent sitting
accommodation in the castle. Sir Walter Scott's description of the hall of
Osbaldiston in " Rob Roy" has often been recalled to the writer by the kitchen
of Blackball, with its dark stone floor, thick walls, and small windows.

492

HISTORY OF PAISLEY.

side is a small window, arched within ; in the corner near it, a
recess, formerly a second window ; and on the north a press. From
the north-east corner of this floor a staircase, narrow, and yet
constructed with an almost terrific solidity, winds in darkness to two
upper rooms, the larger of which, lighted by two windows, one on

FRONT ELEVATION OF BLACKHALL CASTLE IX 1S83.

the south and one on the north, is unfloored ; and being unceiled
too, discloses the bare rafters of the peaked roof. The garden
belonging to Blackball was on the east, but, with the rich groves
that once waved around the seat, has long disappeared. The well,
too, was cut off by the excavation of the canal."

In i860 The Paisley Provident Co-operative Society (Limited)
was established on a very small scale. Prior to that period several
attempts had been made to form societies of this kind, but they had
all been unsuccessful. Even this society, during the first ten years
of its existence, was frequently in a very precarious position. The
following statement shows the rapid progress it has made since
1870:—

Capital. Sales. Profits.

;^228 ... ^2248 ... ^116
1989 ... 14,644 ... I164

9051 ••• 44,323 ••• 4057
15,278 ... 62,987 ... 6817

Members.

1870

(no record)

1875

... 548 .

1880

••• 1334 •

1883

... 1729 .

1850 TILT. 1884. 493

Although our history stops at the beginning of 1884, we cannot
refrain from showing that this progress continues, — for in 1885 the
number of members was 2136, the capital ^19,740, the sales
_;,{^8i,337, and the profits ^10,641. The registered central stores
and bakery are at No. 139 George Street; and the shops at No.
168 George Street, No. 68 Love Street, No. 54 Broomlands, No.
20 Lawn Street, Cleopatra Buildings, and No. 24 Underwood Road.
The boot and shoe shop is at No. 81 High Street; the bread shop
at No. 139 George Street ; and the jewellery and hardware shop at
No. 26 Causeyside.

One of the abuses complained of by the Radical Reformers, as
having been perpetrated by the old Town Council before the
passing of the Burgh Reform Act of 1833, was expenditure
connected with public dinners and entertainments of every kind at
the cost of the corporation. After the passing of this act, and
before the election of the Councillors under its provisions, the new
electors held an important meeting in the Old Low Church, and
passed a series of resolutions relating to the future management of
•the affairs under the control of the Town Council. This meeting
was held on 8th October, 1833; and one of the resolutions was,
" that the corporation property should be economically managed ;
that treating of every description, and all public entertainments
with the town's funds, should be entirely abolished." For many
years thereafter the Town Council faithfully adhered to this
recommendation. But during the last fourteen years it has been
abandoned, and wine and cake entertainments, luncheons and
dinners, have taken place on many occasions. Within the last few
years another practice has arisen for contractors, at the commence-
ment of even trifling undertakings, to present the head of the
corporation with a silver spade or jug, or some such article. We
doubt not that contractors believe it is for their interest so to act.
If such a presentation is deemed necessary to commemorate the
beginning of a large undertaking, it should, we think, be done by
the corporation, and at their expense. Acting otherwise in this
matter, and allowing contractors to provide entertainments of any
kind, is, we fear, a performance that risks the sacrificing of
independent action by the Town Council.

In looking back to the changes that have taken place during the
present century, we see that it has undoubtedly been an age of
rapid progress, important discoveries, and wonderful inventions.
Among these we may instance the propulsion of vessels and the
driving of machinery by steam-power — the extraction of gas from
coal for the giving of light — the application of electricity to the
rapid transmission of intelligence — the construction of iron railways
for the speedy and safe conveyance of passengers and goods by
locomotive steam-power — the introduction of the lucifer match,
now universally used, and superseding the clumsy tinder-box — the

HI*

494

HIsrORY OF PAISl.KY.

metallic pens, that have almost banished from our desks the long-
used quill — and many other inventions, all marking the advancement
of thought, aiding civilization, and inaugurating conditions of life
vastly superior to those that held sway at the close of the preceding
centur}'.

The changes that ha\e taken place in Paisley between the
commencement of the nineteenth century and the end of the year

1883, when our history terminates, have accordingly been both
numerous and important. But as these have nearly all been already
fully described, we do not require to do more than simply to
recapitulate them here. In iSoo there were only seven places of
worship in Paisley; in 1884 there are thirty-two. The principal
industry at the beginning of the nineteenth century was hand-loom
weaving, which has nearly disappeared ; but in its place there is
now almost every kind of manual labour, assisted in most cases by
steam-power, which was then unknown. The numerous chimney-
stalks which appear in every part of the town, testify to the great
extent to M'hich steam-power is applied at the present time. At
the beginning of the century there were no chimney-stalks, and at
tlie end of 1883 there were 189. The prosperity and wealth of the
merchants, manufacturers, and others in Paisley, are prominently
shown by the numerous picturesque and commodious villas they
have erected in different parts of the town and neighbourhood.

Paisley has given birth to many men who have deservedly risen
to great eminence. Some of them we have already mentioned.
Of poets it may be said, their name is legion ; and one of them —
Mr. Alexander Smith — has, in somewhat exaggerated terms,
described Paisley on the banks of the Cart, as having been, " for
about a hundred years, a perfect aviary crowded with singing-birds,
who have filled the sweet air at the foot of Glenififer with their
music." We may safely state, however, that the inhabitants
generally are equal in intelligence and enterprise to those of any
other community.

The following pages contain a list of the Bailies ^ or Magistrates
of Paisley from 1594 to 181 1, and of the Provosts from 1S12 to

1884, with fac- similes of their signatures : —

■' Mr. Alexander Laiiig, in a foot-note, in his "History of Lindores Abbey and
the Burgh of Newburgh" (p. 183), states that "Z)'rt///r7 was the title given to the
officers who collected the revenues referred to (revenues of the Abbot of Lindores
Abbey), hence the title of ' Bailie.' " In royal burghs " the bailie was originally
appointed by the Crown." — Report on Municipal Curpoj-ations, p. 13.

1594 ,Jb7t/i^ (hc/rrifne \
Jo/r// Alf/e<>, y/ifXisf

1595 J?ol/Semp/(' >
t/o/i/v fiifAra/ie, \

1596 Tfios.^Jioi/t/iird
Johi Ihuss

1597 Thomas /ru/fi.s \

1598 T/ivs </u/wi/mir<l
Jndrv Cfnwfitrd

1599 Jo/iri Al^eo
John Wui.ys j
>M/i,3kndetso/v Tfl

1600 TAomrts In^lts
JoA/i VtJUo<;s

1601 T/iormis ^tg/is

1602. Jndrvw &af{i^nf\
'Jc^Ti Mu^s."} j

1603 JJo Do )

1604 JoTittVau.'i \
JoJut Budiesone']

1605 Je^n^3ii^u;sone\
Ikoma^jPe/er )

1606 jBob^Af^eo

Magistrates of Paisley,

^AC-S/M/LE OF SIGNATURES.

2a 1 l^y0tf«.

'if^^

Jgcuf^*^

T/ios. 7n^bs,£tec^cl aerh.J4'^0c^.l603.

. /<>//// /////.v

1608 J7ioT/ut'S Jru/7/s

1609 JoTm mOia/e y

1610 ThoTTUXs Jn^Us

1611 Joh/t millaee^
Thomas In^li'S

1612 }

1613 JoTui. Wi/la^e \
^Mjti ¥ucfi€Sone\

Thomas M^lts. \

1614 /VC /fEQORDS \
John. Stewart /

1615 TTwTiwis ^kuflis I
Jofin. Ptiiflace )

1616 T7u>nu7^ Tn^?ls .
(7o7i/v JUdlare \

1617 Thonut-s M(/li.s i
MinJTiichesone.)

1618 Andrew (roivSniX
^hhfv //ae^esone^ '

1619 -Jju/reuj (hiuSr^y
.JIb/uv ^Lgeo YC \

1620 Jo/w J(,^i> J.'" 1

^O^ne ^^e»a?< .

^(^(PlAf^^

1621 And. Craivfi/ra

^ru(. craimra \ ^ — >^ r
('/oiidMvfii/tvnnA I J J^

1622 (7/nulEtmilton/iA
Ji'hi Afyeo ?7' )

1623 -ZA/n Ali/fx)
r/io/nas /f/(Ojr

1624 C'///ui/Jih'/m7//>/2/u\
T/ffffTMs h'rtojr i

1625 JMy^A^au.^ 1 7cUy:^^n<Y< <y^ ^^
James AJaxii^llX^

1626 Claud //a/m/tofme\
James ifaxwell (

1627 JarnesMojcwfJl i
Ja/fies. Ilixnmf/er)

1628 UaudFa/ni/l/m/ui^X
Jam&sAkcra/idfr]

^li^'^^JC -^fo^Jy ^ry^^T

1629 Ja/iuis Majwell
Jofm/.ud/'

1630 Arch^Siewari i
Cfaud/Ia/ni/tp/i/i^

1631 & Arrk'^Slevwi i

1632 JawcsAfaxo'tJL )

1633 AUa/w /.ocAfuzrt\
Jas.AJa.Tu>eU ]

\ 3^(K^^^«t

I63f am/dJ/flmiIloruu^^ ^^ {MDS^^

I (f: ^a*l-3/

1635 Arc/i^Sleu^art
Jo/iri. I'ou.i

1636 f^'/^/? /^/^/J•
Rot?' m/lfu:e.

1637 JaUlmmi/ier i >/% 0\M^\
X BbuiAinFiecordyj ^^/T^ZP'''^

/ LordMfrafm refused /o /^poin/Ais /jr/dA" dies ffna/:

0^0 : L\ r ^r.^^^y

J(^utSpreuJ/

John Otrswell I ^ — -^^^-TT^Py*

1650 ^fijiSpreuil
John. Oirswell

1651 Joh/t Wrifs .

1652 JmnesMejamder

1653 ,^hn J^u.s J

[^51^ John Spre/if/ ^
—57 Johrv Eelso I

'/'t^

1658 -^7</? ^;c!r<?//^ \ Xj / j '/L ^ '

^1-W,

1659 John Park ^

1661 .y..^ ^y... 1 ^^nd-^anl

1662 Joliri EamiUori
JafAfcLvivelly

1663 John. fixrnUlony
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Provosts of Paisley.

i-'AC-'^/MIL'r. or /■: ^/ATWiCS

c>^/^^ ^^^

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Resigned .-August

1838-41

years ojT

1841-44

1844

1850-53

1853-56

1856-59

1859-62

t862-65

1865-68

1868-69

1869-79

1879-82

1882-85 CZ^CUi^^^-LO^ CJ^Cu/^K

175° TILL 1800. 495

We have endeavoured to trace, in these pages, the history of
Paisley in its three-fold foundation — military, ecclesiastical, com-
mercial ; to tell the leading events that have excited the interest of
its inhabitants throughout a period of eighteen centuries ; to give
glimpses of the phases of its social life ; and to mark the stages of
its gradual progress. As a military position, all interest in it is, and
will, we hope, ever be purely archaeological ; but its ancient Abbey,
the foundation of the family from which came the most famous
dynasty of Scottish Kings — from which, indeed, our present
Sovereign traces her right to the throne — still remains to tell how
largely her early history was bound up in that of the church. The
phases of its commercial life have been very varied; more chequered,
perhaps, than those of any industrial centre in the kingdom ; but
we think it speaks volumes for the citizens of Paisley in by -gone
days, that they managed to send the name of their town throughout
the world, in connection with a trade that required so much of
mechanical skill and of refined taste as did the Paisley shawl ; and
it seems to us equally creditable to its people that when, through
the fickleness of fashion, this branch of industry failed, they turned
their energies so readily into other channels, with the result that
Paisley has not suffered from depression of trade for many years,
and is, when we lay down our pen, increasing in population, in
trade, and what is still more important, in social comfort.

It is gratifying to note, too, that this increase in prosperity and in
the enjoyment of life, is due in about equal shares to the sagacity of
its rulers in devoting themselves to substantial town improvements,
and to the public spirit of its citizens in bestowing gifts calculated
to maintain and to increase its reputation for intelligence and skill.

Our work in tracing this history has been to us a labour of love,
carried out in hours culled from a life deeply engaged in business ;
and, in view of the great truth that all real progress must be based
on religious principles, we close our work with the fervent wish,
which is expressed in the ancient motto of our town — " Lord, let
Paisley flourish through the preaching of Thy Word."

END OF VOLUME SECOND.

INDEX,

Abbey Bridge, 224.

Abbey Close, 95.

Abbey garden feued, 95.

Abbey, view of, from Causeyside, 231.

Abbey Yett- house, 95.

Abercorn, Earl of, repurchased Lordbliip
of Paisley, 95.

Abercorn Inn, 94, 95.

Accident at horse - i"acing, 82.

Act of Parliament regulating affairs of
Burgh and Cart Navigation, 427.

Act of Parliament obtained to improve
Streets and Bridges, in 1877, 440.

Address by the Town Council to Prince-
Regent, 186.

Address presented to King Ceorge IV.
by Provost and Bailies, at Edinburgh,

Address, Revolutionary, by Radicals,

192.
Agricultural Societies, 439.
Aitchison, Rev. J. Y., 364.
Aitken, Rev. James, 357.
Ale, Act of Parliament applied for to

tax, 27.
Ale tax, how applied, 28.
Ale tax, renewal of Act applied for, but

afterwards abandoned, 29.
Alice, Rev. Mr., 347.
Allison, Rev. John, 347.
Almshouse, 140.
Anchor Thread Works, 404.
Anderson, Rev. G. G., 358.
Angling clubs, 461.
Animals slaughtered, 62, 146.
Archers' Society, 366, 367.
Arms, Radicals searching for, 197, 204.
Army and Navy, bounties to serve in,

Arneil, James, robbery at High Capilly,

186.
Art Institute, Paisley, 487.
Art Society, Fine, 486.
Arthur, James, of Barshaw, 473.
Arthur, Mrs., Barshaw, 361, 473.
Assemblies, public, 161.
Assessors, Town's, 33, 124.
Auld's Library, Thomas, 130.
Ayr, coaches to and from, 160.

Ayrshire Society, Paisley, 146.
Ayrshire Yeomanry Cavalry, 201.
Ayton, James, a Parliamentary candi-
date, 275.

Bailie, title of, how derived, 494.

Bailie Muir declines to act, and fined
£^0, 156.

Bailies and Provosts, list of, since 1594,
-w\i\\fac-siinilcs of signatures, 494.

Bailies' salaries stopped, 301.

Baine, Rev. James, 30, 413.

Baird, John, to lie executed, 203.

Baird, Rev. Archibald, D.D., 355.

Bakers' Society, 376.

Balneave, D., Pastor, 363.

Bank, National Security Savings, estab-
lished, 163, 164.

Bank, Provident, established, 162.

Bankfoot at Maxwelton, 53.

Banking establishments, 89, 90, 437.

Bank-notes soon to be of no value, 201.

Banks, Rev. James, 348.

Bannatyne, Rev. Alexander, 362.

Bark Mill to be sold, 9.

Barnsford Bridge, 91.

Barr, William, and the Provostship,
302.

Barracks, new Military, 183.

Barrhead, coaches to and from, 160.

Bawbie coin described, 354.

Begg, Rev. James, 347, 356.

Beggars, vagrant, 18, 20, 24, 91.

Beith, coaches to and from, 160.

Bell in Cross Steeple cracked, 434.

Bell, Rev. Mr., inventor of Reaping
Machine, 440.

Bell -race, no land gifted for it, 83.

Bicycling Clubs, 374.

Bill, new Parliamentary Reform, 259.

Billiard -table at Bowling-green, 35.

Birkmyre, John, public assemblies, 161.

Births, deaths, &c., for 1883, table of,
.476, 477-

Bishop, Peter, sentenced to be carried
through the streets with rope, held
by the hangman, round his neck, 44.

Blackball Castle, 489 to 492.

Blackball, Chapel of, 9.

498

INDEX.

Blair, Rev. Duncan, 357.
Blair, Rev. Walter, 349.
Bleachfields in and about Paisley, 59.
Blind, society for the, 328.
Blythswood land taken at Inchinnan, 52.
Bonfires or Tawnles at St. James -Day

Fair, 235.
Bonnymuir skirmish, 202.
Bounties to serve in Army and Navy, 67.
Bowling-green, Abbey, 36.
Bowling-green at Hutt-head, 35.
Bowling-green murder, 36.
Bowling-greens, 373.
Boyd, Rev. John, 357.
Bridewell to be erected, 119.
Bridge, Abbey or Saucel, 39, 94, 224.
Bridge at Glasgow to be erected.

Council subscribed £t\o, 62.
Bridge at Glasgow to be erected,

Council opposed pontage, 62.
Bridge at Inchinnan, 91.
Bridge, Old, name changed, 449.
Bridge, Old, rebuilt, 90, 194, 225.
Bridge, Saucel, 9.
Bridge, Sneddon, 37, 94.
Bridges over the river Cart, new, 440.
Brock, Rev. Walter, 357.
Brodie, Robert, gift of Brodie Park,

385, 386.
Brodie, William, nicknamed "Heather

Jock," 459-
Brough, Peter, memoir, 395, 396, 397.
Brough, Peter, Bequest Fund of

2'i55,ooo to Paisley, 393.
Brougham, Lord, 411.
Brown, James, executed, 254.
Brown, James, Superintendent of Police,
narrative of the riots after meeting at
Meikleriggs Moor, 173 to 180.
Brown, Mrs., Underwood Park, 473.
Brown, Rev. James, D.D., 355.
Bryson, Rev. Alexander, 347.
Buchanan, Rev. Dr., 356.
Burd, John, sentenced to stand on
ToUbooth stair -head with label on
his breast, 46.
Burgh and Parliamentary Reform,

petition by the Council, 258.
Burgh affairs, how to be managed, agreed
to at a meeting in Old Low Church,
300.
Burgh affairs regulated by Act of

Parliament, 427.
Burgh, election of Councillors, 299.
Burgh Reform, 211, 212.
Burgh Reform Bill, 298, 299.
Burgess entry -money, 93.
Burgess oath, dissenters not to be re-
quired to subscribe, 159.
Burgesses, exclusive privileges stopped,
411.

Burgesses, Honorary, created, 158, 230,

412.
Burke and Hare, 233.
Burns Centenary, 416.
Burns Club, 481.
Burns, Rev. A. F., 346.
Burns, Rev. Dr. Robert, 345, 356, 359,

413. 414-
Burving- grounds watched, 233, 234,

235-
Butter -market, 62.
Butter -milk Custom resisted, 54.
Butter -milk, how carried into town, 54.
Butter -milk, price of, 54.

Caird, Rev. J. R., 361.
Cairns, Rev. Robert, 356.
Caldwell's, George, Library, 129.
Callaghan, Owen, whipped, 152.
Cameron, Malcolm, whipped, 153.
Campbell, Islay, Town's Assessor, 33.
Campbell, Rev. A. D., 346.
Campbell, Rev. John, 349.
Campbell, Sheriff, made an honorary

Burgess, 158.
Canal, from Clyde to Forth and Clyde

Canal proposed, 52.
Canal, Mr. Cunningham of Craigends,

on horseback, leaps over the, 133.
Canal to be formed, 131, 132, 133, 304.
Carlile, William, on Paisley trade, 57,

58.
Carriages, hackney, 429.
Carriagehill Superiority bought, 9.
Carriers, 91.

Carriers, public, 148, 149.
Cart and Clyde frozen over for four

months, 52.
Cart Dues, proposed increase by Clyde

Trustees to be opposed, 48, 421.
Cart Navigation, Contractors engaged,

51-

Cart Navigation, Council empowered to

borrow ^3000, 51.

Cart Navigation improvement, estimated
cost, 50.

Cart, passengers by river, 305.

Cart, river, improvements, 307 to 311,
421.

Cart, river, money spent in its improve-
ment, 52.

Cart, river, revenue from 1788 till
1800, 52.

Cart, river, tax on ale, 29.

Cart to be improved, and Act of Parlia-
ment applied for, 49, 50.

Cart Trust affairs regulated by Act of
Parliament, 427.

Cathkin-hill, Radicals meet on, and
poetry, 203.

Cattle, &c., slaughtered, 62, 146, 453.

INDEX.

490

Cattle -market, weekly, 454.

Cavalry, 172.

Cemetery, Paisley, 419.

Chain, new gold, and badge to the

Provost, 156.
Chain Road, 53.
Chains, gold, and badges to the Provost

and Bailies, 155.
Chairmen of Burgh Parochial Board,

468.
Chalice, Rev. W. N., 364.
Chamberlains, 122, 123.
Chandeliers, two, fitted up in Low

Parish Church, 32.
Chapel, Independent Methodist, 365.
Chapel, New Jerusalem, 366.
Chapel, Roman Catholic, East Buchanan

Street, 365.
Chapel, Roman Catholic, Queen Street,

365.
Chapel, Unitarian, 365.
Chapel, Wesleyan Methodist, 365.
Characters, public, 454.
"Charleston Puddock," named William

M'Allister, 458, 459.
Cheese Market, 62.

Cholera morbus in Paisley, 276 to 286.
Church, Anti- Burgher, Oakshaw, 31.
Church, Baptist, George Street, 363.
Church, Baptist, Lady Lane, 363.
Church, Baptist, Storie Street, 362.
Church, Berean, New Sneddon Street,

32.
Church, Burgher, 31.
Church, Cameronian, Lowndes Lane,

32.
Church, Congregationalist, 363.
Church, Episcopalian, St. James Place,

351-
Church, Evangelical Union, 364.
Church, Free Gaelic, 362.
Church, Free High, 360.
Church, Free Martyrs, 362.
Church, Free Middle, 361.
Church, Free South, 362.
Church, Free St. George's, 359.
Church, Gaelic, Oakshaw, 32, 349.
Church, Garnel, New Sneddon Street,

349. 351. 355-
Church, High, erected, 30.
Church, High, 346.
Church, Low Parish, New Street, 32,

345-

Church, Martyrs, 358.

Church, Middle, erected, 30.

Church, North, 356.

Church, Primitive Methodist, 364, 365.

Church, Reformed Presbyterian, Storie
Street, 351.

Church, Reformed Presbyterian, Oak-
shaw, 349.

Church, Relief, Canal Street, 32.
Church, South, 357, 361, 362.
Church, St. George's, 345.
Church, Tabernacle, 363.
Church, U.P., Abbey Close, 348.
Church, U.P., Canal Street, 348.
Church, U. P., George Street, 355.
Church, U.P., Greenock Road, 355.
Church, U.P., James Street, 353.
Church, U.P., Oakshaw, 347.
Church, U.P., Thread Street, 352.
Church -yards, bodies lifted, 232, 233.
Churches built in eighteenth century, 94.
Churches in Paisley in 181 2, 345.
Circuit Court wanted by Greenock

authorities, 415.
Clark, Geo. A., gift of Town Hall by,

391-
Clark, James, gift of organ to St.

George's Church, 346.
Clark & Co. 's Thread Works, 404.
Clazy, Rev. George, 351.
Cleg, Radical, 191, 202.
Clerks, Town, 430.
Club, The, Paisley, 482.
Clubs and associations, musical, 483.
Clubs, political, 482.
Clubs, social, 479, 480, 481.
Clyde Tnistees, operations injuring Cart

Navigation, 48.
Clyde Trustees' attempt to increase

dues on vessels entering the river

Cart, 48, 421.
Clyde Trustees pay Cart Trustees ;;^I50

to repair injury, 49.
Coaches, public, to different places,

159, 304, 305-
Coach -sheds to be let, 92.
Coat of arms, Paisley, 461.
Coats, Jervis, 457, 460.
Coats, Sir Peter, gift of Free Library

and Museum by, 383, 384.
Coats, Thomas, death of, 393.
Coats, Thomas, gift of Fountain Gardens

by, 383, 384-

Coats, Thomas, gift of Observatory by,

393-
Coats's, Messrs., Thread W^orks, 404.
Coffee- Room, 60, 61, 138.
Coins, ancient, discovered, 422.
Coins, local, 460, 461.
Colin's Island, 51-

Combinations illegal, proclamation, 148.
Comet, 402.
Commissioners report on burgh affairs,

299.
Connell, Sheriff, made an honorary

Burgess, 158.
Constable, derivation of the word, 436.
Constables' batons ordered, 135.
Constables, special, 133, 134, 135.

500

INDEX.

Contractors' presentations, 493.
Convalescent Home at Infirmary, 473.
Cook, John, death of, 419.
Cook, John and James, owners and

conductors oiFaisLy and Renfrewshire

Gazette, 418.
Cook, Rev. Mr., 355.
Cooper's "History of Ayrshire Cavalry,"

201.
Corn Laws, Council petition in favour

of repeal of, 62, 125, 126, 229.
Cotton -spinners whipped, 152, 153.
Cotton -spinning commenced, 82.
Council Chambers, 12.
Council entertainments, Town, 493.
Councillors fined for declining to act

when elected, 79.
Councillors, first election after Reform

Bill, 299.
Councillors stop entertainments, 300.
County Buildings, 160.
County Buildings, allocation of part of,

to the Town Council, 120.
County Buildings, cost of, 120.
County Buildings, so named, 119.
County Buildings, view of, 120.
County Election, Beer to Paisley

inhabitants, 66.
Courts, head, when held, 33.
Courts held by the Magistrates, 435.
Cows of Burgesses, ancient practice of

pasturing stopped, 53.
Craig, John, executed, 254.
Craig, John, exposed on pillory with

label on his breast, 45.
Crawford, J. S., 367.
Crawfurd, Mr., a Parliamentary candi-
date, 274.
Crichton, Thomas, poem in praise of

Paisley Library, 129.
Cricket Clubs, 375.
Crime in Paisley, table showing, 436.
Crime in Paisley, 1807 to 1818, 136,

137-

Criminals exposed in the streets, 44, 45,

46.
Cross, sale of confections, &c., there, 140.
Cross, Sir Richard, 413.
Cross, William, 403.
Crouch, John, pastor, 363.
Cullen, Robert, Town's Assessor, t^^.
Cunningham, Rev. Dr., 359.
Curling, 370, 371, 372, 373.
Custom -booth and tron, 62.
Custom on butter, milk, and potatoes

resisted, 54.
Customs or Causey Tax abolished, and

assessment in its place, 427.

Damages by Radicals, claims for, 212.
Davidson, Robert, Town's Assessor, ^lo-

Deaf and Dumb Society, 211.
Dearth in 1800, 98, 99, 100.
Death-rate, 448.
Deaths, births, &c., for 1883, table of,

476, 477-
Debating societies, 483.
Depression of trade, 78, 79, 146.
Dickson, Rev. J. B., 360.
Diligence, Paisley to Glasgow, 91.
Dilke, Sir Charles, 412.
Directories, Paisley, 144, 145.
Dispensary, public, 470.
Distillers, unlicensed, 79.
Distilling of whisky, illicit, 165.
Distress of working classes in 1800, 98,

99-
Distress in the country, 71.
Dixon, Rev. J. M., 362.
Donald, Thos., nicknamed the "Juck,"

458-

Dorcas Society, Ladies', in connection
with the Lifirmary, 473.

Douglas, John, a Parliamentary candi-
date, 274.

Drainage of the Town, 449.

Drummer, Town, 10, 62, 150.

Dublin, Paisley firms, places of business

in, 57-
Duncan, Rev. Robert, 347.
Dundonald, Lord, subscriptions to pay

fine, 162.
Dunlop, coaches to and from, 160.
Dunlop, Rev. Robert, 351.
Dunlop's, Sheriff, correspondence with

Mr. Wallace of Kelly, 207.

Eadie, Rev. Dr., 348.

Earl, Edward, created honorary Burgess,

158.
Earthquake in Paisley, &c., loi, 399,

400.
East Lidia Charter, petition against, 80,

161.
Editors of the Paisley Advertiser news-
paper, 302.
Education, many schools, 150.
Elder, Rev. Andrew, 356.
Elder, Rev. Mr., 364.
Election of Bailies and Councillors, old

plan, 212.
Election of Sir John Maxwell, M.P.,

272.
Election of successor to Sir John

Maxwell, M.P., 1834, 274.
Election of successor to .Sir D. K.

Sandford, M.P., 1835, 274.
Election of successor to A. G. Speirs,

M.P., 1836, 278.
I'-lection of Town Councillors, 299.
Elections, Parliamentary, 272, 274, 275,

278.

INDEX.

501

EUice, Rev. James, 31.

Emigration, 205, 443.

Entertainments by the Town Council,

493-
Entries of singular successor raised, 311.
Execution of Craig and Brown, 254.
Execution of William Perry, 256.
Executions, 39, 40, 187, 253, 254.
Ewing, II. Crum, M.P., 367.

Faculty of Procurators, 106.

Fair, St. James -Day, 210, 235.

Falconer, Rev. Mr., 358.

Farquharson, Provost, 220, 356.

Farthings, Paisley, 460, 461.

P'erguslie Castle, 15.

Ferguslie estate, offers to search for

coal, 16.
Ferguslie estate, selling of superiority

objected to, 16.
Ferguslie estate sold, 124.
Ferguslie lands, taking of stones pro-
hibited, 15.
Ferguslie lands, trees sold, 15, 16, 124.
Ferguslie Thread Works, 404.
Ferrier, Rev. William, 31, 347.
Findlay, Rev. John, of the High

Church, 30, 346.
Findlay, Rev. Robert, D.D., 32.
Fire engines, 34, 123.
Fiscals' salaries discontinued, 301.
Fish from Largs, 140.
Fish -market, 62.
Flag to be painted, 75.
Flags at meeting on Meikleriggs Moor,

170, 172.
Flags at meeting at Johnstone, 185.
Flags burned at meeting at Pattison's

Mound, 268.
Fleming, Rev. Andrew G., 353.
Fleming, Rev. Dr., Neilston, on the

seditious address, 196.
Fleming, Rev. John, 35S.
Flesh-market, 61, 94, 253.
Flesh market, new, in Gilmour Street,

, ^53-

Heshers' Society, 376.
Flett, Rev. Oliver, D.D., 363.
Flood in the river Cart, 84.
Florist Societies, 441.
Football Clubs, 374.
Foot-race on race -course, 248.
Foot-race between Paisley and Glasgow,

84.
Ford, .Sneddon, 37.
Fords at Inchinnan, 91.
Fords, women carried men on their

shoulders over, 37.
Foresters, Order of, 464.
Forrester, Rev. Alex., 361.
Fountain Gardens, 383.

Foxbar, man shot there, 197.

France, Rev. William, 347.

France, Revolution in, effect on this

country, 67, 68.
France threatening to invade Britain,

107.
Fraser, Rev. Alex. F., 347.
Eraser, Rev. William, LL. D., 361.
rVench vessels with arms and money,

203.
Frost, severe, 52, 400.
Fulton, Humphrey, note about, 56.
Fulton, Robert, commandant of a

Volunteer corps, loo.
Funds, Town's, statement in 1753.
Funerals, entertainments at, 4S9.

Gairdner, Professor's report on suffi-
ciency of the Infirmary, 472.

Game -preserving Society, 78.

Gardens, private and public, 55.

Gardner, Miss, 367.

Gas manufactured, 2S8 to 291, 420.

Gauze, silk, trade in 1784, 000

Gemmell, Jamie, 455.

Gemmell, Matthew, 350.

Gilchrist, Rev. John, 349.

GilfiUan, Rev. Robert, 357.

Gillies, Rev. Colin, 32, 345.

Gilmour Street, 160.

Gladstone, Mr., offered a Burgess -ship,
412.

Glasgow, coaches to and from, 159, 160.

Gla.sgow Library, 129.

Glasgow's, Earl of, daughter married to
son of Lord Dundonald, 162.

Glen, George, 367.

Gold chain and badge for the Provost
and Bailies, 155.

G oldie, John, song by, about the
Radicals, 200, 203.

Gordon, Captain, a Parliamentary
candidate, 274.

Gordon, Lord George, and the Catholics,

Grain imported in 1800 to relieve

distress, 95, 96, 100.
Grain, spirits from, petition by Council

in favour of prohibition, 124. 125.
Graham, Rev. James, 356.
Grammar School, 94.
Grant, General, 412.
Greenock authorities wish Circuit Courts

held there, 415.
Greenock, coaches to and from, 159.
Greenock Jail, prisoners taken from

Paisley to, 204.
Greenock Jail broken open, riot and si.\

persons killed, 204.
Greenock Jail, proclamation, 205.
Greenlees, Miss M., 473.

502

INDEX.

Grey, Earl, recalled to form a new

ministry, 270.
Grocers' Society, 382.
Guard, Town, 35, 135.
Guns, Russian, presented to the town,

438-
Guy, John, 458.

Hardie, Andrew, sentenced to be

hanged, 203.
Halberds of Town Officers, 300.
Hammennen's Society, 376, 380, 381.
Harris, Robert, 463.
Hart, Rev. Hugh, 353.
Harvests, bad, 98, 99, 220.
Hastie, Archd., elected M.P., 1836,

275-
" Heather Jock," named William

Brodie, 459.
Henderson, James, 418.
Henderson, Rev. Andrew, 348,
Henderson, Rev. Peter, 357, 361, 362.
Henderson, Rev. Thomas, 32, 350.
Henning, Samuel, drew plan of Aliddle

Church, 30.
Herds, public, hom carried by, 53.
Heritable Property Investment Society,

487.
High Church erected, 30.
Hope -Temple Gardens, 383.
Horses backs, lime, (Sic, carried on, 91.
Horticultural Society, 442.
Hospital, Epidemic, erected, 476.
House of Recovery, 471, 472.
Houses adjoining ToUbooth, Moss-row,

bought, 9.
Houses at West Steeple bought, 9.
Houses at West Steeple sold, 9.
Houses, dwelling, 94, 409, 410.
Humane Society, 150.
' ' Hungry Jamie, " named James Menzies,

458..
Hutchison, Rev. Patrick, 32, 348.
Hutchison's Charity School, loi to 106.
Hutt-head, 35.
Hutton, Rev. Dr., 348.

Illicit whisky stills, 165.

Illumination on Reform Bill being

carried by a majority of one, 260.
Illuminations, 66, 67.
Imrie, Rev. D. N., 357.
Inchinnan Bridge, 49, 91.
Industries, list of, in Paisley in 1883-4,

404, 405.
Infirmary, 85 to 89.
Infirmary, list of presidents of, 476.
Infirmary, report by Professor Gairdner

on condition of the, 474.
Infirmary, table showing interesting

statistics for the last 35 years, 475.

Inglis, Rev. G. T. M., 364.
Inn, Abercom, 94, 95.
Instrumental band formed, 262.
Institutions, charitable, &c., 477.
Intimidation of electors by non - electors,

275-

Inventions during the nineteenth cen-
tury, 493.

Irvine, coaches to and from, 160.

Jack, Peter, writer, agent for James

Speirs, 207.
Jail, attempt of prisoners to escape from,

121.
Jail, escape of two criminals from, 121.
Jail, new, to be erected, 118, 119.
Johnstone, Radical reform meeting at,

184.
Johnstone, Rev. David, 349.
y(3«;-;/rt/ newspaper. Paisley, 418.
"Juck, the," named Thomas Donald,

458, 459-

Jugs, 12.

Justice of Peace Court, 479.
Justices of the Peace in 1883, list of,
479-

Kennedy, Rev. C. J., 365, 366.
Kennedy, Rev. Ebenezer, 364.
Kerr, Dr., death and monument to, 296.
Kerr, Dr., testimonial to, 295.
Kerr, Thomas, postmaster, 9.
Kibble Institution, 329 to 332.
Kilmarnock, coaches to and from, 60.
Kilmaurs, coaches to and from, 160.
King Charles X.'s abdication, 256.
King George III., attack on, 71.
King George HI., addresses to, 80, 106,

107, 114.
King George III. , rejoicings at accession

of, to the throne, 75.
King George IV., birth-day celebrations

of, 12, 93, 139.
King George IV. , address of condolence

by the Council to, on the death of

King George III., 192.
King George IV., death of, 312.
King George IV., demonstration on

accession of, to the throne, 311.
King George IV. 's visit to Edinburgh,

an address presented, 157.
King William IV. proclaimed, 313.
King William IV., addresses to, 265.
King William IV. died, 313.
King's birth -day anniversary celebrated

by a public dinner, 301.
Kinloch, Rev. Samuel, 31, 348.
Kirk, Rev. Robert, 347.
Knock ford, 49, 51.
Knox's Church, Toronto, 359.

INDEX.

503

Lamb, J. J,, 367.

Lamps, contract for lighting street, 34.

Lamps for the streets, 33.

Landels, George W., pastor, 363.

Lawn Tennis Club, 374.

Letter-press printing commenced, 81.

Library, Free, and Museum, 383.

Library, John Millar's, 130.

Library, Paisley, 129.

Library, poem by Thomas Crichton in

praise of, 129.
Library, Theological, 130.
Library, Thomas Auld's, 130.
Library, Trades, 130.
Licensing public -houses, 429.
Lime, price of, 53-
Lime -works around Paisley, 53-
IJndsay, Andrew, 456.
Literature, periodical, 216.
London, Paisley firms, places of business

in, 57-
Looms, number of, in Paisley, 57, 94,

409.
Lordship of Paisley re -bought by Earl

of Abercorn, 95.
Lorimer's day, 64, 65, 66, 375, 376.
Love, Willie, 457.
Low, Rev. William, 359.
Loyalty of the inhabitants of Paisley, 75.
Lunacy Act, new, 467.
Lunatic Asylum, new, 467, 468.
Luske, Johnnie, 454.
Lyle, Robert, executed, 39.
Lyners and visitors of markets appointed,

33- . .
Lyon, William, coach proprietor, 304.

Macalister, Rev. Ronald, 349.
Macalpine, J. W., pastor, 363.
Macdonald, Rev. C. C, 358.
Macdonald, Rev. Finlay R., 359.
Macdowal, William, M.P., vote of

thanks by the Council to, 60.
Macfarlane, Miss, possessor of drawing

of Tollbooth and spire, 11.
Macfarlane, Provost, 342, 360, 445.
Macfarlane, Rev. John, 358.
Macmorland, Rev. Peter, 356.
Macnaughtan, Rev. John, 356, 360.
Maik, coin described, 354.
Mair, John, falling from Cross Steeple,

II.
Maltmen's Society, 376, 378, 379.
Man died from wounds received from

the military, 204.
Manufacturing, number of, firms in

Paisley, 57.
Map of Paisley in 1886, 495.
Map of Paisley, by Knox, 214.
Map of Paisley, illustrated, 90.
Martyrs' monument, 287, 288.

Masonic Lodges, 464, 465.

Masonic Lodge erected, 464.

Masonic Lodges, 64.

Masons' Society, 376.

Maxwell, Sir John, chosen as a candi-
date to represent Paisley in Parlia-
ment, 271, 272.

Maxwell, Sir John, breaking his pledges,
272, 273.

Maxwell, Sir John, resigns, 273.

Meal warehouse in Sneddon, 350.

Measurement of Mason work, 35.

Meeting-house, Moss -row, sold, 9.

Meeting in Old Low Church to decide
how Town Council affairs are to be
managed, 309.

Meeting in West Relief Church on
Burgh Reform, 211.

Meeting, public, in Relief Church,
Canal Street, important political re-
solutions, 166.

Meeting, public, on rejection of Reform
Bill by House of Lords, 267.

Meeting, public, at Patison's mound,
and flags burned, 268.

Meeting, Radical Reform, at Johnstone,
184.

Meikleriggs Moor, Reform meeting on,
168, 169, 170.

Menzies, James, nicknamed "Hungry
Jamie," 458.

Merchants' Society, 376, 379.

Merksworth, rock at, to be removed, 52.

Metcalfe, Rev. W. M., 358.

Middle Church erected, 30, 347.

Military and Yeomen insulted, 200.

Militia, 68, 69, 75, 113, 114, 115.

Milk, butter, horns of herds used for
measuring, 53.

Millar's, John, library, 130.

Mills, Rev. William Fowler, 352.

Ministry, resignation of, majority being
against them, 267.

Montgomery, Jean, publicly whipped,
44.

Monument erected in Paisley Cemetery
to the memory of Hardie and Baird,
203.

Moody, James, publicly whipped, 43.

Morris, Rev. A. B., 364.

Morrison, John, whipped, 153.

Morrison, Rev. James, 32.

Morison, Rev. James, D.D., 364.

Morton, Rev. G., 358.

Motherwell, William, 161.

Motherwell, William, account of Radical
rioting, 180 to 183.

Motto, ancient, of Paisley, 461, 495.

Muir, John, when elected a Bailie de-
clines to act, and fined in ;^20, 156.

Municipal buildings to be erected, 119.

504

INDEX.

Munro, Rev. Alexander, 362

Murder at Bowling green, 36.

Mure, Rev. George, 30.

Murray, David, 460.

Music, instrumental band formed, 262.

M'Allister, William, nicknamed the
" Charleston Puddock," 458.

M'Connell, Hugh, whipped, 152.

M'Dermid, Rev. John, 348, 413.

M'Dougal, Rev. William, 352.

M'Farlane, James, 367.

M 'Gavin, William, on weaving trade, 59.

M 'Gavin, William, on thread trade, 60.

M'Gregor, Rev. James, D.D., 360, 361.

M'Indoe, Rev. William, 362.

IM'Intosh, Rev. Alexander, 362.

M'Intyre, Rev. Alexander, 362.

M'Intyre, Rev. Allan, 362.

M'Intyre, Rev. Mr., 357.

M'Kay, Rev. John, 349.

M'Kenzie, Rev. Mr., 362.

M'Kenzie, Rev. P. W., 349.

M'Kerrell, William, commander of
Volunteer corps, 1000 strong, in 1803,
108.

M'Kerrell, John, a Parliamentary candi-
date, 271.

M'Kerrells, the, 69.

M'Kinlay, Dr., 467.

M'Kune, Rev. C, 346.

M'Lauchlan, Rev. Robert, 363.

M'Lean, Rev. John, 357.

M'Leod, Rev. A. G., 362.

M'Loy, Rev. William, 361.

M'Ne'il, Rev. A., 362.

M-Neil, Rev. Lachlan, 349.

M 'Robert, Thomas, 367.

Neilson Educational Institution, 324 to

328-

Neilston, coaches to and from, 160.

Neilston, seditious address at, 196.

Nelson's victory at Aboukir, demon-
stration, 75.

Newspaper, first, in Paisley, 215, 418.

Newspaper, Paisley and Renjreivshire
Reformer, 303.

Newspaper, Western Independent, 303.

Newspapers in Paisley, 418.

Newtown, building of, commenced, 95.

Nicolson, Mr., of Carnock made an
honorary burgess, 159.

Nisbet, Rev. William, 348.

Niven, Rev. F. C., 357.

Note, Radical, offered in payment of
refreshments at Castlecary, 202.

Oatmeal, price of, in 1800, 99.
Observatory, gift by Thomas Coats,
393-

Officers, to Militia, 114, 115.

Officers to Volunteers, 109, no, iii,

113, 114.
Officers, town, 62, 150.
Organ in Middle Church, 347.
Ornithological Society, 442.
Orr Street, 140.
Orr, Captain John, made an honorary

burgess, 158.
Orr, John, appointed first Provost, 156.
Orr, John, junior, 152, 414.

Packmen, 56.

Paisley ^^/ew/w^r newspaper, 216, 419.

Paisley Advei'tiser newspaper, the editors

of the, 302, 418.
Paisley //c'/vz/n' newspaper, 418, 419.
Paisley and Renfreioshire Gazette, 418.
Paisley and Renfrnvshire Reformer, 303,

418.
Paisley and Renfrewshire Standard, 418.
Paisley Telegraph newspaper, 418.
Paisley and Renfrew Railway, 305.
Paisley, author's closing remarks on his

history of, 495.
Paisley nicknamed a suburb of Glasgow,

411.
Paisley penny, 460.
Paisley, Place of, 95.
Paisley, pirogress of, 9.
Paisley, progress of, during nineteenth

century, 494, 495.
Paisley shawls, 403.
Paisley Trades, Stampmaster's returns,

58.
Paisley Trades, William M 'Gavin on,

58.

Paisley via Inchinnan to Greenock, be-
fore Barnsford bridge was built, 91.

Paris, Paisley firms, places of business

"}' 57-

Parishes, Burgh divided into, 31.

Park, Rev. George, 347.

Park, Rev. William, 364.

Parkhill, John, Autobiography, 77 ;
becomes a Volunteer, in ; visit of
military to his house, 198 ; goes to
America, 198 ; describes the Radical
period, 188 to 190.

Parliament, petitions to, by the Coun-
cil, 228.

Parliamentary representation agitation,
256, 257, 258.

Passengers to and from Paisley, 304.

Passengers to and from Paisley by rail-
way, 428.

Paterson, Rev. John, 362.

Peace of Amiens, 107.

Peace rejoicings in 1814, 126 to 129.

Peel, Sir Robert, letter to the Provost
on depression of trade in 1826, 219.

INDEX.

505

Pen Brae, 140.
Periodical literature, 216.
Perry, William, executed, 255.
Petitions to Parliament by Town Coun-
cil, 336.
Philosophical Institution, 141 to 144,

361, 488.
Pike, drawing of, and described, 190.
Pike -making expedition to Pinnel Glen,

197.
Pillory, 12, 44, 46.
Pillory or Tollbooth stairhead, criminals

exposed on, 45, 46.
Plantation lands bought by John Mair,

II.
Pledges to be taken by Parliamentary

candidates, 270, 276.
Poets, Paisley, 494.
Police, 136, 137.
Police Act, Council propose to apply

for, 92, 135.
Police Act of 1862 adopted by the Town

Council, 435-
Police Force at different periods, 435.
Police income and expenditure, 137.
Police Office, 12.

Pollock, Rev. Alexander, 357, 362.
Poor, management of the, 466, 468, 469.
Poor Law Act, new, 467.
Poorhouse, 17 to 26, 94.
Population, 94, 407, 408, 409, 410.
Port-Glasgow, Volunteers from, 202.
Porteous, Rev. John, 348.
Ports, 61, 140.
Post Office, 14, 405 to 407.
Potato and Herring Incorporation, 483

to 486.
Potato riot at Abbey buildings in 1801,
Potatoes, brought in boats from Kintyre,

55-

Potatoes, payment of custom resisted, 54.

Potatoes, when commenced to be cul-
tivated, 54.

Potts, Thomas, executed, 40, 41, 42.

Potts's extraordinary letters, 41.

Pox, small, epidemic, 475.

Presbytery of Paisley on French Revo-
lution, 69.

Presidents of the Infirmary, list of, 476.

Price of provisons, &c., at end of 18th
century, 94.

Prince Regent, address by the Council
to, 116.

Printing, letter- press, commenced, 81.

Prison, Paisley, closed, 450.

Procession, great, to Renfrew, at election
of M.P., 263, 264, 265.

Procession to meeting at Renfrew, 268.

Proclamation and reward offered for the
author of letter of 1st April, 204.

Proclamation against rioting in 1800, 99.

Proclamation against illegal combina-
tions, 148.

Proclamations about rioting, 174, 179,
180, 194, 199.

Prosperity of Paisley in the i8th cen-
tury, 94, 95.

Provan, Alexander, executed, 40.

Provisions high in price in 1800, 98,
99, 100.

Provost and Bailies present an address
to King George IV. at Edinburgh,

Provost, assumption of the title of, 154.
Provost, John Orr appointed the first,

156.
Provost, opinion of counsel taken anent

title of, 154.
Provost to have a robe of office, 427.
Provident Co-Operative Society, 492.
Pughe, Rev. Mr., 352.

Quarry, town's, Mill Street, 36.

Queen Caroline, 214.

Queen Charlotte, celebration of birth-
day, 93-

Queen Victoria, addresses to, by Town
Council, 230, 338.

Queen Victoi-ia proclaimed Queen, 313.

Race, foot, between Paisley and Glas-
gow, 84.

Race, foot, on Race -course, 248.

Race, horse, on Moor of Renfrew.

Racecourse, 83, 209.

Racing, hoise, 82, 83, 209, 210, 235
to 253, 437.

Racing, horse, letter of A. Kinloch or
" Friday" on, 238.

Radical, definition of word, 266.

Radical disaffection and military train-
ing, 192.

Radical period described by John Park-
hill, 188.

Radical revolutionary address of 1st
April, 1820, 192, 194.

Radical war, or rising, at an end, 207.

Radicals, many, made narrow escapes,
205.

Radicals, military training at Airdrie,
187.

Radicals throw away their amis, 204.

Radicals, with arms, parade streets of
Glagow, 203.

Rail-road of iron first noticed in Council
records, 303.

Railway, Glasgow, Paisley, and Ayr
305, 306.

Railway, Glasgow, Paisley, and
Greenock, 306.

Railway passengers to and from Paisley,
428.

5o6

INDEX.

Railway stocks, depression in, 224,
Ragged School, 319 to 324.
Rankine, Rev. Jonathan, 31, 347.
Reading-room, 259, 420.
Reaping hooks and machines, 440.
Recruiting in Paisley, 69, 75, 76.
Reform bill rejected by House of Lords,

266.
Reform bill passed, 270.
Reform bill, jubilee to celebrate its

passing, 271.
Reform, Burgh, 211.
Reform of Parliament, 166, 168.
Reformationofmanners, Society for, 413.
Regent, Prince, address by the Council

to, 186.
Regent, Prince, address by the County

to, 187.
Reid, Rev. John, 345.
Relief Church, Canal Street, meeting

in, Reform resolutions, 166.
Relief Church, East, Reform meeting

in, 168.
Renfrew and Paisley Railway, 305, 427.
Renfrew, Rev. John, 363.
Rcnfreivshire Independent newspaper,

418.
Renfrewshire Political Union, 259, 265,

266, 268.
Rennison, Rev. Alexander, 345.
Rental of property, 420.
Renwick, Rev. John, 357.
Reporters first admitted to Council

meetings, 301.
Reservoirs, 344.
Reviewed, Volunteers, 76.
Revolution of 1688, illumination at

anniversary of, 66.
Richardson, Rev. Mr., 363.
Rifle Corps raised, 213.
Riot at Abbey buildings when potatoes

were discovered, 100.
Rioting in 1 800, Proclamation, 99.
Riots, 423 to 426.
Riots in Glasgow in 1801, lOO.
Riots, narrative at Council meeting, 183.
Riots, narrative by James Brown,

superintendent of police, 173 to 180.
Riots, nan-ative by William I\Iotherwell,

180.
Riots, Radical, 172.
Ritter, Joseph, tenant of Abercorn Inn,

95-
Roads, Count)', 91.
Robbery at Crossmyloof, 187.
Robbery at James Arneil's, High

Capilly, 186.
Robe of office to the Provost, 427.
Robertson, Rev. George, 363.
Roman Catholic disabilities, repeal of,

63, 64, 214.

Roman Catholic riots, and houses
burned in Edinburgh and Leith, 63.

Roman Catholics, none in Paisley in
1779. 63.

Ross, Horatio, a Parliamentary candi-
date, 274. .

Ross, Rev. Evan, 349.

Row, Rev. William, 357.

Ross, Rev. W^illiam, 363.

Rowing clubs, 375.

Sabbath, Coffee-room to be partly shut

on, 60.
.Sabbath schools established, 81.
.Saint Mirin, how spelled, 445.
.Salaries of the Bailies stopped, 301.
Salmon, Rev. Alexander, 357.
Sandford, Sir D. K., elected M.P., 274.
Sandy, daft, 454.
Saracen's Head Inn, 60, 61.
School Board, 333 to 335.
.School Board election, 361.
School, children at, 409.
School of Design or Arts, 315 to 319.
Schools in Paisley in 1812, 150.
.Schools, sessional, founded, 306.
Scots Magazine describes prosperity of

Paisley, 95.
Scott, Rev. Peter, 32.
Scott, centenary of Sir Walter, 417.
.Seal of the Burgh of Paisley, 461.
Semple, William, historian, notice of,

90.
.Sergeant's acre, 9.
Shanks, W^, pastor, 363.
Shaw, Hugh, 456.
Shawls, Paisley, 403.
Shepherds, Order of Ancient, 464.
Sheriff Court buildings, new, 478.
.Sheriff Court business, 478.
Sheriff Court-house, 12.
Shipbuilding at river Cart, 339.
Shoemakers' society, 376.
Silk gauze trade in 1784, 57.
Silk web, spun from worms of Andrew

Wright's own rearing, 59.
Simcock, Rev. John M., 364.
Simpson, Rev. William, 32, 349.
Slaughter-house, 61, 62, 94.
Slaughter-house, animals killed, 146,

453-
Slaughter-house removed from Moss

Street, 253.
Slave trade, petition against, 80.
Slaves, amelioriation of condition of

the, petition to Parliament, 298.
Smart, Rev. William, 348.
Smart, Rev. William S., 348.
Sneddon Bridge, erection opposed by

Town Council, 38.
Sneddon Bridge to be erected, 37.

INDEX.

507

Sneddon Bridge taken down and re-
built, 38.

Sneddon ford, 37.

Snodgrass, Captain Kenneth, made an
honorary burgess, 15.

Snodgrass, Rev. John, 31.

Society for reformation of manners,

413. 415-
Societies and associations, list of, 477.
Societies, benevolent, 145.
Societies, friendly, 145, 146.
Societies, trades', 376.
Song by John Goldie about the Radicals,

200.
Spaven, Rev. John, 364.
Speirs, A. G., elected M. P. (1835), 275.
Speirs, James, tried in St. George's

Church, 205, 206.
Speirs, Mr., of Elderslie entertained at

a public dinner, 270.
St. George's Church, 345.
St. Mirin Street, west side rebuilt,

445-
Stairhead of ToUbooth, 12.
Stallinger fine fixed, amount of, 158.
Stampmaster's return as to trade, 58.
Statute Labour Acts, 91.
Statute Labour statistics, 216.
Steam engine, first made in Paisley,

339-
Steel, R., pastor, 363.
Steeple at Cross to be rebuilt, 10, 94.
Steeple, Cross, taken down, 434.
Steeple, houses at west, sold, 9.
Steeple, west, 140.
Stevenson, Rev. Robert, 347, 356.
Stewart, Rev. James, 352.
Stewart, Rev. J. A., 357.
Stewart, Rev. J. D., 359.
Stewart, Sir M., made an honorary

burgess, 159.
Stewarton, coaches to and from, 160.
Stirling's Library, Glasgow, 129.
Stocks, 12.
Stones, where obtained, to build houses,

53-
Storms, &c., 398 to 403.

Strang, Rev. George W., 359.

Strathaven Radicals, 203.

Street, cleaning contract for, 34.

Streets, Act of Parliament obtained to
improve, 440.

Sturrock, Rev. James B., 361.

Subscriptions in 1800 to relieve distress,
98, 99.

Subscriptions, voluntary, to Govern-
ment, 72, 73, 74, 75.

Sunday desecration, 10.

Superiority of lands of Carriagehill
bought, 9.

Superiority sold, 164.

Symington, Rev. Andrew, 350, 351,

414.
Symington, William, merchant, 350.

Tabernacle Church, 363.

Table showing expenditure, assessment,

&c., regarding the poor, 469.
Tailors' Society, 376.
Tannahill, Robert, centenary of, 427.
Taylor, J., pastor, 363.
Taylor's, Peter, farthing, 461.
Taylor, Rev. William, D.D., of the

High Church, 30.
Taylor, Rev. William, 364.
Temperance Society, 306.
Theatres, 367, 368, 369, 370.
Thomson, Rev. Andrew, 355.
Thomson, Rev. James, 352.
Thomson, Rev. John, D. D., 359.
Thomson, Rev. R. W., 358.
Thread, manufacture of, 59, 60.
Thread trade, 404.
Toll bars, 488.
ToUbooth and Steeple, expense of

erecting, 12.
ToUbooth broken open by a female

prisoner, 14.
ToUbooth broken open by men, 14, 119.
ToUbooth called the Pra,'torium, 12.
ToUbooth, drawing of, and Cross Steeple,

II.
ToUbooth, internal divisions, 12.
ToUbooth jailer appointed, 10,12, 13.
ToUbooth, list of dues payable to jailer,

13, 116.
ToUbooth, number incarcerated, 118.
ToUbooth, plan of, by Bailie Birkmyre,

10.
ToUbooth, plan of, and Steeple by John

Whyte approved of, 10.
ToUbooth regulations, 14, 117.
ToUbooth, stairhead of, 12.
ToUbooth taken down, 122.
ToUbooth to be taken down and re-
built, 10, 94.
Town Clerks, 430.
Town Clerks' office, 12.
Town Council funds, statement in 1753

of, 46.
Town guard, 35.
Town Hall, gift of, to the town by

George A. Clark, 391, 392.
Town Hall, subscribers* names for a,

386 to 391.
Town's House erected, 60.
Trade depression, 78, 146, 165, 212,

218, 220, 221, 223.
Trade of Paisley in 1 789, table showing,

97-
Trade prosperity, 218.
Trades' Library, 130.

568

INDEX.

Treasurer's accounts, how kept, 46.
Troops in Paisley recniiting, 69.
Turnpike Act, 91.
Unemployed, fund raised for, 168, 169,

Vagrant beggars to be kept out of town,
18, 20, 24, 91.

Vallance, Hugh, designer of ToUbooth
and Cross Steeple, 11.

Vegetables sold at the Cross by kail-
wives, 55.

Visitors of markets and lyners appointed,

33-

Visitors, or Sunday privy censors, ap-
pointed, 10.
Voluntary Church Association, Paisley,

303-
Volunteers, 69, 70, 71, 74, 76, 107,

108, 109, no. III, 114, 443.
Volunteers give up their flags to the

Council at the peace of Amiens, 107.
Voters, 410.

Wade, Rev. W. M., 351.

Wales, Prince of, marriage of, 433

Wallace, Rev. David, 363.

Wallace, Robert, of Kelly, 406.

War on the Continent, 77, 107.

Watching of churchyards, 233, 234, 235.

Water brought into Paisley, 291 to 295.

Waterloo Club, 216.

Waterworks acquired by Town Council,

340 to 345.
Watson, Richard, death of, 418.
Watson, Rev. David, 347.
Watt, Dr., Crossmyloof, robbery, 187.
Watt, Dr. Robert, 470, 471.
Weather, storms, &c. , 398.
Weavers', Old, Society, 376, 377, 378.

Weavers' Society, 139.

Weaving trade, 56, 403.

Weighs, Hay, 80.

Weir, Daunie, 454.

Wellington, Duke of, asked to form a

new Ministry on resignation of Earl

Grey, 267.
Wells, 92, 297.

IVesteni Independent newspaper, 303.
IVesfern Standard newspa.per, 418.
Wheel carriages, when first used, 91.
Whipping criminals, 42, 43, 44, 151,

152, 153-

Whisky, illicit distilling of, 165.

White, Dr., 466.

Whitworth, Robert, reports how to im-
prove the Cart, 49.

Whyte, John, drew plan of High
Church, 30.

Whyte, John, his plan of Tollbooth
approved, 10.

Wilson, Rev. A. M., 364.

Wilson, Rev. Alexander, 364.

Wilson, Rev. John, 356.

Windmill for working pumping appara-
tus at Blackball, 53.

Wood, Rev. James E., 347.

Woodneuk, 9.

Wotherspoon, Rev. John, 32, 68.

Wright, Duncan, 412.

Wright, Duncan, endowment, 335.

Wrights' Society, 376.

Wyper, Rev. Mr., 357.

Yeomanry cavalry, 71, 185, 201, 214,

225.
Yeomanry cavalry, Ayrshire, 201, 204.
Yett house. Abbey, 95.
Young, Rev. J., 357.
Young, Rev. G. P., 362.
Young, Rev. Mr., 363.

NOV

2 6 ^^S5

-n*-' *^-'

'.'//.

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