"Alloa sixty years ago" by James Archibald was published in 1911 by Buchan Brothers, then owners of the "Alloa Advertiser" newspaper. The book generally covers details from around the mid-1840s until the book's publication in 1911. Some of the [notes] were added by the author as an appendix.
Thanks to Clackmannanshire Archives for access to this book. Obviously, the book being over 100 years old now, an updated one is now well overdue.
Alloa Sixty Years Ago
By James Archibald (A Native).
ALLOA:
Buchan Brothers, Printers.
Advertiser Office 1911.
Introduction.
"Breathes there a man with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said -
This is my own, my native land.
Whose heart has ne'er within him burned,
As home his footsteps he hath turned
From wandering on a foreign strand. "
So wrote the great and good Sir Walter Scott; himself a true Scotsman, and still counted one of her greatest sons; proud, also, of belonging to the great family of Scott. And referring to the particular place of his birth - his much-loved Edinburgh - he, in a matchless description of its appearance from the Braid Hills, hails it as "mine own romantic town." 'Tis thus every true Scotsman should love his native land, with a special preference or liking for his birth-place, - the scenes of his childhood, the happy years of school life, and early manhood or womanhood: memories which are enshrined in many a good Scotch song, such as Burns' immortal "Auld langsyne," We twa hae paddled in the burn, and pu'd the gowans fine," "The Old Oaken Bucket," "The Auld House," "The Rowan Tree", and many others, all recalling the happy memories of youthful days.
Alloa natives have much to look back upon. There was the Saturday excursions "oot the road" - a more common way of spending the time than now, - bird-nesting expeditions, fishing parties to various parts of the Devon and Forth. At Gartmorn boys had numerous ways of spending a summer day. The same loch in winter was (in those winters) sure to be "bearing" for a week or two at a time. It was then a scene of great activity. What with curling matches going on, with the cheery directions of the skips, the hurrahs when a good shot came in, the swift movements of scores of skaters, the long lines of "boys" of all ages sliding, the ice being so thick one could roam all over the "dam" in safety, recalling a scene of health-giving enjoyment and activity that makes one wish to have at least a fortnight of it again.
In the early autumn there were walks out to Lynn Mill, a sweet little dell; then further on to the Forest for blackberries. In mellow October up by Pompei, Number Nine, and the borders of the Gubber for brambles, the ramble being increased in interest if we encountered and had a chase from the "gamey" (gamekeeper). Yes, truly, as the line says, "There's gladness in remembrance, John, when we were boys together."
When one looks back on his early and happy years, more especially after long absence, the heart warms to the old place, be it ever so old fashioned and homely. Everything in it has a special interest, recalling some youthful escapade or boyish prank.
And as we are well on in the first decade of the Twentieth Century, it is proposed in the following pages to take a retrospective view of the town as it looked, say sixty years ago, and notice its appearance then, with the changes that have taken place down to the present, together with notices of many of the leading townsmen who were identified with the daily life, industries and prosperity of the place, but who have, with but few exceptions, joined the "great majority," - their resting places being the "Auld Kirkyaird," or its neighbour, Greenside Cemetery.
They are worthy of remembrance. With the onward march of time they soon would be forgotten; the names of many of them may perhaps be even unknown to the present generation.
The aim of these pages being such as we have outlined, it may be most satisfactory to the reader to group the subjects dealt with in the following divisions :-
2. Ancient Alloa.
3. Its Surroundings.
4. Its Appearance Sixty Years Ago.
5. The Old Town.
6. The Auld Kirkyard.
7. The Shore.
8. The Various Industries.
9. Churches and Ministers.
10. Schools.
11. Halls.
12. Post Office.
13. Fairs and Holidays.
14. Municipal Rulers.15. Music.
16. Pastimes.
17. The Volunteer Movement.
18. The Reigning Sovereign.
19. The Lord of the Manor.
20. Notices of Leading Townsmen
21. Natives who have Risen.
22. Notable Events.
23. Conclusion.
Ancient Alloa.
Regarding the name Alloa, there are many surmises or explanations. The most reasonable seems to be of Celtic origin, but we will leave this to those more learned on this subject.
Many towns have had their origin by a number of retainers of the Feudal Baron, their houses clustered round or near the Castle for protection and mutual support in the stormy feudal times, and to keep in touch with their lord. The little community would comprise mostly those employed in various capacities or crafts on the land or about the Castle. In our case it was the Tower, - a feudal stronghold which usually consisted of a massive square tower, but protected by an outer range of walls and towers. When attacked and driven in the besieged took refuge in the square keep or tower, and there made their last stand. So far as we know there is no evidence of Alloa Tower ever having any defence works other than the strength of the tower itself.
The blacksmith was an important man, keeping all the armour and implements of war in good order. There were also the cattle men and horsemen, the glover, and even the tailor, all ready to rally round their chief when called on to take the field.
The Old Town spread up the burn at least as far as the Meal Mills. Many old Scotch towns had their beginning along a burnside, running the risk (which often happened) of having their dwellings flooded when a spate came down. On the other hand, it was a ready washing-place, as it flowed past their doors.
As the town increased it became necessary to stretch up the braes rising from the burn, so that coming nearer modern times the present town was built, having Mill Street as the central or main thoroughfare. But of that more anon.
Its Surroundings.
If Alloa cannot boast of much beauty of its own, it is compensated by having in the near neighbourhood many charming and historical spots that can be visited in the space of an afternoon. From the Shore can be seen the district where is the immortal field of Bannnockburn. Much of Scottish history centres round Stirling and its ancient Castle, often the residence of the Stuart Kings, especially James V., who built what is known as the Palace, and who made many excursions in the near neighbourhood disguised as the "Guid Man o' Ballangeich." One of these incidents occurred at a farm on the Alva road, still known as King o' Muirs. From the ramparts of the Castle can be seen a panoramic view second to none even in Bonnie Scotland. You have the Abbey Craig capped by the Wallace Monument looking down on the scene of that hero's great victory - the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Coming eastward there is the Ochil Range with its many beautiful glens, such as Alva Glen, Dollar Glen with Castle Campbell, - a most romantic ruin, and a favourite afternoon excursion from Alloa. A few miles further on is the far-famed Rumbling Bridge, while further on is Glendevon and Loch Leven. associated with the history of Scotland's beautiful but unfortunate Queen Mary Stuart. Then there is Clackmannan Tower, from which you get a good view of the Forth Valley, with Alloa House and grounds almost at your feet; while further east is the once famous seaport of Kincardine, and still the home of many worthy old "Salts;" while further on is the ancient and interesting old town of Culross, a perfect mine of wealth to the antiquarian. So that for a Saturday afternoon ramble we have a varied choice of pleasant resorts without going very far afield, and can all be reached by rail in a very short time.
The Town Sixty Years Ago.
While the street buildings are in many respects irregularly built even yet, still they have advanced immensely during the last sixty years. At that period the streets had an old-world country-village look about them. No modern re-building had begun as yet. They had not begun to modernise the shops and business premises, taking Mill Street as the main thoroughfare, with the Cross as its centre. The eastern half was entirely two-storey houses of no great height, with small shop windows divided into squares of small glass panes. The shops were small inside, with low ceilings, - the days of plate glass not having yet reached Alloa.
When plate glass made its first appearance it was by an old-established drapery firm (Mr Henderson's), by enlarging their windows, each window having two panes of plate glass. It was thought so much of at the time that for a good while they had an illustration of the front in their advertisements; and yet these same windows have been taken out to put in one large pane many years ago. The western half of Mill Street had some better and higher frontages than the eastern, and as none of them have been rebuilt are much the same in appearance so far as the upper storeys are concerned, but the shop fronts have nearly all been modernised and improved in many ways. Indeed, we may notice three distinct periods and styles of shop fronts. There was the old-fashioned shop of sixty years ago, the small windows with the shutters put on at night, the door in two halves, the upper parts of the door had glass panes with shutters for closing up. That was the usual method then until, say about forty years ago the second period came into force, when an improvement was started. It consisted in the windows being enlarged, with a division in the centre, or even more, - the day of one monster pane being still in the future. The entrance had an outside door in two halves, all wood, which when shut and bolted at nights was secure enough; when set back for opening business there was the glass door inside, so that altogether it was a considerable step in advance of the older style. And of late years there has come into fashion the most modern method of all, that is by taking out the whole of the shop front, inserting a strong iron beam resting on the masonry at each end, and supported by two round pillars in the centre, thus giving the whole space available for windows, with side windows sloping several feet into the glass door for entrance. The framework and fittings of front being either of teak, oak, or mahogany, gives the whole front such an artistic, airy look, that it is difficult to conceive what further improvements could be effected. We have in the town several good examples of this latest style.
In 1861 a start was made with the re-building of the eastern half by the National Bank acquiring the old properties at the corner of Mill Street and High Street, and erecting the Scotch Baronial pile forming the Bank buildings. This was thought a great building at the time, and even yet can still hold its own with its neighbours. Quite recently the western corner at foot of Mar Street was acquired by the British Linen Bank, who have erected Bank premises which have a very smart appearance.
After the National Bank was built there was no more re-building until 1870, when the good old firm of Messrs R. Carmichael & Sons, clothiers and drapers, set about removing their old premises and erecting the large three storey building as we now know it.
In a year or two it was followed by the late Mr W. Brown taking down a very old block and putting up the handsome front known as the Argyle Buildings. And so having started, every other year saw the process going on of new business blocks being erected, or the old ones modernised, until now, with few exceptions, East Mill Street is quite transformed from what it was long ago.
Coming to the High Street, it was more irregular and old-fashioned looking than even Mill Street. At the corner opposite the Bank, crushed in between two gables, was the small three-cornered shop occupied by Barber Eadie, a noted worthy in his day. When you got inside, between toys of all descriptions round the shop, there was only room for the operating chair in the centre, and if there were one or two customers in waiting their turn they could hardly find standing room. Next to that was a very old building, with an old-fashioned outside stair, such as can be seen in old villages yet. (There are some in Clackmannan).
It must be confessed that under the stair was often in a dirty, insanitary condition that would not be tolerated now-a-days. Adjoining it was a range of one-storey houses, very low, with tiled roofs, all of which were removed in the sixties of last century [1860's]. Beyond that, and right up to the top of the street, the houses were very varied and irregular. Where the Exchange Hall now stands, was an old house with thatched roof, green with age, being the last roof of that kind left in the town. The whole of that (west) side of the street has been almost entirely re-built, the shops being in the style of the second period already mentioned. The other (east) Side of the street is not so modern. Those of them which have been re-built are mostly plain, and only two storey, having no architectural features. There is one old block in the street that has as yet undergone no change. But it, too, is soon to disappear, to make room for handsome new premises for the branch of the Royal Bank.
Primrose Street was a mixture of one storey and two storey houses, entirely residential, - there being no shops, except one well-known to school boys and girls, kept by a worthy old lady known to the youngsters as "Gundy Jean," - nicknames being a common, though not commendable practice in those days.
There was another shop in Mill Street dear to the young folks, kept by Mrs McRory, a tidy, cheerful looking lady, with remarkably rosy cheeks, who was famed for the attractive kinds of home-made sweets she kept in stock, and had a good sale among the young folks, and grown-ups also.
Beyond Primrose Street was a little vale through which flowed the Fairy Burn, and across it was the road leading to Alva, with several old houses dotted here and there. The ground is now entirely taken up by our commodious Railway Station.
Candle Street, then known as the "Caunel Rig," was a very old looking street, with many old houses. A number of them have been re-built in a plain, substantial way. In bygone times the "Caunelrig" was a much busier street for shops than it is now. From its proximity to the then densely populated Old Town it was the nearest resort for purchases.
Broad Street had many old properties which have been re-built. Where the Day Home is, there formerly stood a large three-storey mansion in the plain "harled" style so common in Scotland at the time. In its best days it could house a large establishment. At a later period it had been a College for Medical Students. This was in the beginning of last century; and some auld wives darkly hinted that the students did not go far to procure "specimens" for study. In their opinion the Auld Kirkyard was too near - "jist ower the dyke." Eventually it was gifted by the then proprietor, Dr McGowan of Mar Street, to start the Industrial School for neglected boys and girls, and did good work for many years. With the Education Act coming into force, and the School Board overtaking the children's education, led the directors to alter it into a Day Home, which it continues to be. A number of years ago the old house was destroyed by fire, and the present building was erected on the site. Looking down Broad Street can be seen the beginning of the "Walk," - a beautiful avenue of lime trees, which is at least one thing Alloa has peculiar to itself, there being few towns of its size possessing such an avenue. The story is that a foreign vessel had to put in a winter in the harbour, and had been kindly treated by the good folks of the town. The sailors on their next visit, in grateful recognition of the kindness received, brought sufficient young trees which, when planted, was the beginning of our beautiful Walk. Sixty years hence it will be even better, as our enterprising Provost (J. J. Calder, Esq.) has generously continued the planting well up Broad Street. On the west side from Broad Street to Castle Street were at least three good old self-contained houses which have been more or less altered. One of them had a triangular panel richly carved, supposed to represent Pharoah crossing the Red Sea. Then from Castle Street to the Shore there are three mansion houses of larger dimensions, - the first one the residence of Provost Calder; then the more modern Walk House, with its beautiful gardens, the residence of Bailie Cousin; below it is the mansion of Linden House, which originally had been a large house, but at some period had been altered to accommodate two tenants. Facing the Shore is the modern residence of Seafield House, long the home of the Thomsons of Seafield (to be noticed further on). It occupies the site of an old house taken down to re-build the present one.
Bank Street has improved considerably. The Old Crown Hotel stood on the site of the present Post Office, and it was there that the old stage coach arrived at, and departed from, before the days of the railway. The Chalmers Church, the Crown Hotel, Post Office Buildings, Municipal Buildings, Commercial Bank, and the Clydesdale Bank opposite, have added greatly to the amenity of the street.
Bedford Place, which, by the way, makes a good view on a photo. or painting, has much the same appearance as it had sixty years ago, which, with one side of Mar Street, one side of Mar's Hill, and some at the Grange, were all that was devoted to villa residences. The streets were macadamised, - what causewaying there was consisted of round bullets. High Street particularly was laid with these. In winter the streets were muddy, and were raked to the side like a country road, until carted away, so that when darkness came on one had to pick one's steps warily. Gas was introduced into the town in the year 1830, and the town was lit by lamps projecting from the wall on short brackets, and of course there were not too many of them. When shopkeepers put up their shutters as they always did, then the streets were dismal enough in a dark winter night, and the winters of that period were genuine, old-fashioned ones, it being a common occurrence to have snow and ice for weeks at a time.
Excepting a new house now and again the town had not begun to stretch out into the suburbs we have now, but throughout the town were many good houses occupied by leading townsmen, as they were not so particular as to locality as is the case now. Of the extensions we may begin at the ground between Bedford Place and Castle Street. This was just fields in regular cultivation; now it has North Castle Street, Ward Street, the Goods Station, large malt barns and other stores, which fill up all the space. At the Grange the villas had not got the length of the old toll house which is still standing; beyond was fields and open country, with the exception of Smithfield and Bellevue. Now Smithfield Loan is getting well built up, and new streets behind, while on the other side is the beautiful thoroughfare known as Dirleton Gardens. Grange Place stretches out to the Railway Crossing; beyond the crossing is the mansion of Cowden Park, while further on is the mansion of Norwood, with its beautiful gardens and grounds.
Going up the lately formed avenue of Alexandra Drive we come to the Claremont district. The road itself was then known as the "Auld Road," - a quiet, rural road it is. A favourite rustic walk is out the Auld Road, round by Lornshill, and home again by the Tullibody Road. Until some years after the railway bridge was built there was not a single house in the district. All the fine villas in Claremont have been erected since. The streets that connect Tullibody Road with Claremont - that is, Ochil Street, North Street, Fenton Street, Paton Street, and Victoria Street - have all been added within recent years, with plenty of space left for more.
Mar Place extended out to the Round Toll which stood where St. Andrew's Church now stands. Beyond that there was nothing but the open country; now the houses and cottages are stretching out until they are nearly the length of the beautifully-situated mansion of Inglewood. Beyond that there are many choice sites for mansions for the prosperous sons of Alloa in the future.
Branching off Tullibody Road are Shaftesbury Street and Hill Street, that links itself With the large suburb generally known as Greenfield, clustering as it does round the mansion and grounds of Greenfield House. The old house of Greenfield was taken down to make room for the present modern mansion. The long thoroughfare known as Greenfield Street is entirely modern. There was not a house there until some time after the railway bridge was built. Up Sunnyside there was a plantation with many fine old trees, which formed a nice play-ground for the boys of the period, but which had to make way for the advancing stone and lime stretching up Sunnyside Brae, and capped on the top by Sunnyside Cemetery.
The Glebe lands lying between Mar's Hill and Bedford Place were entirely under cultivation or pasture, but from their central position were often used for public gatherings. A field behind the Royal Oak Hotel was often used for the local Cattle Show, a Circus performance, or other travelling exhibition. On July 24, 1862, the Perth, Fife, Kinross, and Clackmannan Agricultural Association held a great Cattle Show on the Glebe lands, for which great preparations were made. A fine triumphal arch was erected at the beginning of Mar's Hill, with the motto "Speed the Plough" on the top of it. Some of the leading breeders of stock had some very valuable animals exhibited, but alas for our fitful climate, when the great day arrived the proceedings were sadly marred by broken weather, the day being of a damp, foggy nature all through, which interfered greatly with the brilliancy of the show.
Here also, at the beginning of the Volunteer Movement, Mrs Bruce of Kennet, on behalf of the Ladies of the County, presented the Rifle Corps with a silver bugle, for which the late Colonel (then Captain) Mitchell gallantly replied.
It was here also our Scottish Games were held the first year of their institution, - the famous Donald Dinnie being amongst the competitors. A grand stand was erected which, like some of our own day, gave way during the games, causing a great commotion among the occupants, especially the ladies, but luckily no one was injured. Here also was a grand display of fireworks in celebration of the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark, now our beloved King and Queen.
The ground is now covered by the villa residences comprising Church Street, Glebe Terrace, and the east side of Ludgate. Ludgate itself, by the way, was narrow, rural looking lane, with high hedges on each side.
Up Gaberston way there were one or two of the older blocks. All the rest now there have been added since.
The Clackmannan Road had nothing but St. John's Church (now St. Mungo's Roman Catholic Chapel). Now there are villas along the road a considerable distance, with two streets branching off, named Park Place and Balfour Street. The bridge, which has been lately widened, was called by old people the "New Brig;" in their recollection both the bridge and the road were new. Before that the road to Clackmannan led over the "Auld Brig" and through Alloa Park grounds, where there had been many old houses, including the famous "Kirk ow'er the Burn." When the road was closed and the new one formed the Kirk was removed to Drysdale Street where Moncrieff Church stands, having got that ground from the then Lord of the Manor in exchange for the old site.
The population of the town was then between 3000 and 4000, so that it is at least four times that now. There were many old residenters who could look well back into the eighteenth century. There was one especially well known for his picturesque appearance (old David Gillespie), which carried your mind back for a century at least. Attired in an old-fashioned, dark, velvety corduroy, with tight fitting jacket and knee-breeches to match, red neckerchief, blue ribbed stockings, shoes with brass buckles, the whole topped by an expansive Kilmarnock bonnet, he was just the picture one might see in some work illustrating a bygone period.
The Old Town.
Coming to the Old Town and remembering what it was then, we are confronted with the fact that much of it has disappeared altogether, in consequence of two of our largest works being originally started there, and destined to expand on all sides beyond what might be dreamed of by their founders. But of that we will consider later.
In Candle Street, at the entrance to Messrs Younger's Brewery, was a street leading to Trongate, known as Meiklejohn's Vennel, and with the exception of half of one side occupied by the Brewery, the whole of the remainder was dwelling houses. The lane that connected East Vennel with Meiklejohn's had many one storey houses, accommodating a good number of families.
Coming to the space fronting Kilncraigs, which was known as the New Entry, were dwelling houses, with one or two shops, in the windows of which might be seen such good things as potted head, black puddings and mealie puddings, also leaning against the glass would be "ginger horses" clay pipes, etc.; and if thirsty you could step inside, and for a small sum get a bottle of "tre'kle peerie." At one end was a large three storey house, with a balcony on the second flat, where large open-air meetings were held, the speaker addressing the audience from the balcony, such as Temperance Orators and Revival Evangelists. Richard Weaver in his day addressed a large meeting there. A short street connected the New Entry with the old Market Place, generally known as the Square, - a large space with dwelling houses all round. Some of them had been mansions of note. One in particular bore evidence of former greatness, having a fine carved doorway, a good staircase with a massive railing up to its third storey. At the other corner stood the old Jail, the back of which was perched on a rocky precipice long since levelled down. The Jail was long under the charge of William Henderson, a well-known man in his day. In those days it attracted considerable attention when one or more were taken in charge and marched off to be put under the care of "Wullie;" and if they got obstreperous, as sometimes happened, an immense crowd would follow that sometimes nearly filled the Square. On the opposite side were several specimens of the old Scotch outside stair, such as you can see at the present day in many old towns and villages. Leaving the Square we come to Trongate, which extended from the Square down all the way to the "Auld Brig." One side of Trongate is now merged in Kilncraigs; the other side is still much the same in appearance as it was in the period under review. Not far down Trongate from the Square was the space known as the Tron, - another little square with the Tron Well in the centre, a stone structure about six feet square, with the well on one side. Sometimes an Evangelist or Town Missionary would get on the top and give an address to those gathered round. A public well in those days was like a good going washing-house of the present, where the wives foregathered and discussed the topics of the neighbourhood. Opposite the well stood a large three storey house which had been a mansion in its day, known as the "Lodge." It had no architectural features to speak of, except a handsome wooden railing up the staircase.
At the "Brig" there were many houses skirting the burn and in Murdoch's Court, which are now in ruins or have disappeared altogether. Murdoch's Court at this period was densely populated, and received its name after Lord Murdoch, who was well-known and resided in the two-storey house looking up Trongate.
A well-known resident in the Court was old John Docherty, who kept a donkey and cart for driving coals and cinders to people, and any other carting he could get. John had a very high opinion of his "cuddy," and actually gave it accommodation in his little house beside himself, being in fact tethered to the foot of his bed. This would now-a-days bring him into trouble with the sanitary inspectors. One of the ministers visiting down there looked into John's humble abode, and seeing the "cuddy" standing in his stall," mildly expostulated with John about it, to which that "worthy" replied - " Shure, yer Riverance, dos'nt it pay the rent."
Coming up Old High Street there were a great many dwelling houses all occupied, but now forming part of Messrs McLay's Brewery on the one side, and Messrs Henderson's on the other.
The days we are reviewing were noted for giving nick-names to any one with any individual characteristic, a custom we are glad to see has almost fallen off. So in the Old Town there were many "worthies" who for some reason or other were known by some cognomen other than their proper name, such as "Black Rab," " Pitch-in," the " Ruchie" and the " Robin," "Tippy Bob," and last, but best known, was "Dindoll" (Robert Marshall). "Doll" was really a droll body, with many good points as well. If he saw a group of gentlemen at a shop door, or inside, having a "crack," "Doll" would soon be in the midst of them, and had them laughing at his sallies, nor did they forget to slip him a "saxpence" when leaving. We can testify that he was often very obliging. In leaving the Old Town let us hope that those who were displaced from time to time by extensions of works have found other abodes in better localities, which we trust has had the effect of improving their own habits under the influence of improved dwellings, for it must be admitted that in the Old Town at that time, and for a long time after, were the homes and haunts of depraved, drunken, quarrelsome men, aye, and women also. Quarrels, street fights, wife beating, smashing windows and furniture, could be witnessed frequently. Whether it is owing to more strict police supervision, or let us rather hope an improvement in social life, sure it is that the districts mentioned are nothing like what they were at that time. Intemperance is still to be seen, but in general parties are fairly law-abiding. Indeed, the Burgh Courts show that it is other quarters of the town that the majority of "cases" come from.
The Auld Kirkyard.
Ere passing from the Old Town, it may not be amiss to notice the Auld Kirkyard. Visitors can easily be convinced that Alloa is not a town of yesterday by taking a look round the "Auld Kirkyaird." There are many quaint tombstones that are centuries old, with many antique devices, and in many cases quaint inscriptions. The Old Tower is all that is left of St. Mungo's Church, which goes back to the Pre-Reformation days, and was in use until the beginning of last century. In the gable is still seen a niche with a statue of St. Mungo, very weather-worn.
In olden times the sexton was a well-known townsman, and a good budget of anecdotes could be compiled about the sayings and doings of some of these worthies, like the one who was asked how trade was doing, replied quite dolefully --- "Trade, did ye say: I hanie buried a leevin soul for the last sax weeks."
The family best known and certainly the longest were the Blairs, who could trace their family connection with the Kirk-yard for 300 years, and even over that period - a good long record. Auld Pheelie, as he was called, was succeeded in the beginning of last century by Edward Blair, and assisted by Bob Blair. They combined the making up of headstones with their other duties, and on one occasion Auld Pheelie was busy at a stone when a visitor remarked that he had not been long in getting that order, to which Pheelie replied - " Na. I like best to catch them wi' the tear in their ee."
The Shore.
We will now visit the river side, and consider it all under the general name of the Shore. The Shore has always had a great attraction for youths, and no doubt the spirit of adventure and travel received its first impulse there which has sent many of Alloa's sons to all parts of the world. It must be owned that a visit to the Shore in those days was far more interesting and attractive than it is now. There was always a variety of sailing vessels belonging to the port (of which later). Many types of vessels from various European ports; the river steamers were always coming and going; tug boats always on the move, made up a scene of activity that was interesting alike to old and young. The Wet Dock as we know it was not in existence then. In its place, although not so large, was what was known as the "Big Pow." The vessels were afloat, of course, at high water, but when the tide was out they lay embedded in mud, there being great banks of mud at each side, and one huge bank in the middle; and yet with all those drawbacks there were a great variety of craft lying in the "Pow," and being before the days of iron screw steamers, the full rigged ship, the stately barque, the brig, the schooner, and even the sloop had much about them to interest the townspeople who regularly frequented the Shore.
There was quite a large fleet of sailing vessels - splendid specimens of the old wooden walls they were - that belonged to the port. They generally made two voyages in the year, and lay up all winter, and would start off again in the early spring. It was even customary for boys to get an afternoon to "see the ships gaun awa." It is worth mentioning the names of some of these vessels. There were the "Wanderer," the "Royal George," the "Royalist," the "Willie Dawson," the "Pomona," the "General Graham" and the last, but not least, the
"Thames," a grand old majestic vessel. Having such a fleet belonging to the Port implied that there was a goodly number of sailors residing in and belonging to the town; and so in winter you were sure to see a group of "sturdy salts" collected at the end of the "Black Shed," spinning many a "yarn" over their experiences at sea. Boys when down at the Shore were not content unless they got out with a small boat; if it could not be had by permission they just took one. We have seen "Auld Thannel" of Dunmore, after returning from the town, where he had been purchasing, in a terrible state of excitement to find that his boat was missing, and perhaps seeing it in mid-stream being navigated by "laddies."
Then we had the river steamers owned and managed from Alloa, and which plied the greater part of the year, not having the railway to compete with as yet, and were the principal means of communication with the Capital. There was the "Prince of Wales," the "Prince Albert," which was replaced by the "Victoria," which at the time was considered quite a handsome boat, although at the present time it would only be considered a tug compared with the fine Clyde steamers. The Captains longest known by the public were Captain Galloway of the "Victoria," and Captain Fotheringham of the "Prince of Wales," both Alloa men and highly respected. The Company had for manager the late Mr John Fotheringham, agent for the Clydesdale Bank, who took such a deep interest in the steamers that he invariably came down to see them when they called at Alloa, and no doubt interviewed the Captains as to how business was going.
A humbler but well-known man connected with the boats was Alexander Marshall, who looked after the ropes of the steamers on arrival, distributed the bills, and any other duties required.
There was another old steamer, the "Stirling Castle," that in its early years had been a passenger boat, but latterly plied between Alloa and Leith with goods only. The cargo was miscellaneous, but casks of beer and ale were the chief commodity. The "Castle" usually loaded in the afternoon and early evenings ready to proceed down river at night, a custom which recalls a little anecdote of one of the breweries.
The workers were being treated to supper on a festive occasion, but one of the men had to go down to the steamer that night with a cask or two. When proceeding to harness what he thought was his horse he did not notice that he was trying to harness the cow in a neighbouring stall. "Crummie," not being used to harness, was kicking and jumping about, which angered the worthy man, who shouted out --- " Yer funkin', are ye. Funk or no funk, ye'll hae tae gang tae the Shore the nicht."
Beyond the steam-boat pier is a small harbour where a vessel puts into occasionally; on the other side is what is known as the "Glesca" Wharf, where a small steamer plies from there to Grangemouth, conveying goods to and from the larger steamers there. We then come to the Woodyard, then and still a flourishing concern, and gives employment to a number of men. It was long carried on by Messrs A. Thomson & Sons, who were so well known and respected that "Thomson of the Shore" was a household word. Messrs Thomson, seeing wider possibilities before them, started a large Woodyard at Granton for the Edinburgh trade, which increased so that eventually they handed over the business here to the Messrs Dunn Brothers, who had been trained under the Messrs Thomson, and who still carry on the business. Adjoining the woodyard was the Shipbuilding Yard, which in these days was known as the "Dock." One could see every sign of activity, wooden vessels being still in good demand, the days of the "big screw" not having yet arrived. There were usually two vessels in course of construction, and one finishing in the Graving Dock, thus giving employment to a large number of carpenters and other trades, with a good squad of apprentices. A carpenter was a very popular trade with lads at that time, and from their training there they went abroad as ship carpenters, and were often away for a year or two, many of them falling into good positions abroad and settling there. In the fifties and sixties [1850s/60s] the Dock was managed by the late Mr Thomas Adamson - a most energetic business gentleman (see notice later).
In the course of time the trade in wooden vessels came to an end, and thus for a time at least an industry was lost to the town. Now we are glad to see restored again the new yard at Kelliebank, which we trust will be crowned with success, and once more become one of our staple industries.
Industries.
Alloa is fortunate in having great variety of public works, although famed for yarn and ale, there are many industries, so that when dullness of trade comes on it is not so much felt generally as otherwise it might be.
Beginning with our largest industry, the Messrs Paton, Kilncraigs, began about 1813. It was a flourishing mill sixty years ago, although nothing like its present dimensions. There was just the old original mill and one modern building in addition, which was extended to at least a third longer, employing 150 workers, as compared with 1300 at the present date, - a remarkable evidence of business growth and enterprise.
[At the time of publishing this book in 1911 the workforce then numbered 1800.]
Starting first of all by manufacturing the ordinary class of stocking yarn, they have kept pace with the times by producing all kinds of fingering and fancy yarns for every purpose that yarn is required. Without making any invidious distinctions, it is only the modest truth to say that the great bulk of expansion of business and extension of works have taken place during the business career and management of the head of the firm, our benevolent townsman, Mr John Thomson Paton. It is a singular circumstance that owing to the situation of the works they are little noticed by visitors to the town, as it is only from certain points that a view of the works can be obtained; but one can get an idea of its size if they happen to see the great stream of workers coming up Candle Street when the hour for stopping arrives. To those who remember the surroundings of the factory before it began to expand, the wonder at its appearance now is greatly intensified. Messrs Paton have acquired from time to time a good half of the Old Town, which had all to be removed before re-building. There was a rocky precipice on which the old Jail was perched, which had all to be blasted and levelled; one part of the works at the burnside had an expensive system of piling carried out before a safe foundation was secured. Kilncraigs House was built on a rock, the house was taken down and the rock levelled. Across the burn, on a much lower level, was a large piece of ground locally known as the "low ground," adjoining and forming part of the Alloa Park policies. It had several stately trees, but otherwise was in a naturally wild state, and frequented by boys in search of birds nests and brambles, according to the season. The burn was bridged over, the ground levelled up, and a splendid range of new dyehouses built on ground that, formerly yielded nothing. Higher up was another bit of ground known as the high ground, divided by a wall from the low ground. This was also acquired and drying houses erected. Still the extensions had to go on; the burn has been covered the length of the old bridge itself, and a great stretch of one storey mills erected. What is known as the Old Quarrie is now the property of the firm, which, with the ruinous buildings on the other side, also their property, is being built on at present - thus bringing the factory buildings as far as the Alloa Meal Mills, which to those who remember were far separated sixty years ago. Besides all these operations at Kilncraigs, the firm had to keep pace with their requirements by acquiring and working Keilarsbrae Mills, and building a large mill by the banks of the Black Devon at Clackmannan.
In dealing thus lengthily with the growth of our leading industry, the object was to point out the nature of the ground with all its difficulties, which any one going over the works now would have no conception of. In passing on let us hope it will go on prospering in the same ratio in the future, even although they may need to do the same as the Highland Laird, who said he would "briz yont."
The other factory was Gaberston Mill, then and for long after chiefly engaged in the shawl and tartan cloth trade. It had a long period of great prosperity, employing several hundred workers; but, alas, owing to the inexorable decrees of fashion, the wearing of shawls has almost entirely gone out. The works might have been adapted to the tweed trades, as others had done, but owing to the death of the founder, the late Mr David Lambert, and, while still in the prime of life, by the death of his son, the late Mr James Lambert, which unfortunate event was ultimately followed by the work being closed altogether. The Springfield Mill was then but a young concern, founded by Thomson Brothers - Mr Watson Thomson and Mr John F. Thomson. Their trade consisted mostly of spinning yarn for the tweed manufacturers. The mill flourished and was extended at different periods, giving employment to at least 400 workers, until about six years ago it was destroyed by fire, which happening coincidently with a depression in the tweed trade at the time, led the partners (sons of Mr John F. Thomson) to wind up the business, and so unfortunately made one industry less in the town. Hall Park Mill was built and started by the late Mr John Lochhead, who removed from a work he had at Alva to Hall Park. He carried on a good business for some years and ultimately disposed of it to another young Alva firm (the Messrs Donaldson), who are carrying on a fairly good business with every prospect of continuing to flourish. Let us hope so.
Next in importance comes the Brewing Industry. Indeed, when we consider that there are seven works engaged in the brewing trade, it may well be claimed to be a leading industry, only it is not so apparent to the public, as a brewery cannot employ great numbers like a factory. As Alloa is famed for yarn, it is equally coupled with ale. There was Messrs Younger's brewery in Meiklejohn's Vennel, which at that time had only half of one side of the vennel. It has now both sides, including the vennel itself, which they acquired from the town, and which now forms the entrance to the brewery. It has also most of one side of East Vennel, a portion of West Vennel, - a large cellar entering from Candle Street. Then the firm have two immense granaries and maltings in Glasshouse Loan and neighbourhood, also very extensive bottling stores at Kelliebank, which, if all could be brought together, would form a vast work indeed. The firm was founded by a George Younger about the middle of the 18th century, who was succeeded by his son James, after him was his son George, and he in turn was succeeded by his son James, the father of the two gentlemen who control and manage the business now - Messrs George and James Younger. The larger portions of the extensions referred to have been accomplished during their period of management.
The Alloa Brewery, founded by the Roy Family (and at the time one of the leading families of the town), was a good going business, but early in the sixties passed into the hands of the Messrs Arrol of Glasgow, and under the management of Mr A. T. Arrol it has been greatly modernised and extended. An immense new granary and cellars, with latest machinery, were added, so that it is now a large and prosperous concern.
The Mills Brewery, long carried on by the late Mr McLay until vacated by him in favour of the late Mr Robert Henderson of Nether Carsebridge, who was joined by his sons, Messrs Thomas and George Henderson, who now carry on the business. The late Mr McLay, as stated, vacated the Mills Brewery to start what is now known as the Thistle Brewery, situated at the east end of the East Vennel. He was succeeded by his two sons, but through death and other circumstances it eventually passed into a Company of which Mr Fraser is the managing partner, and under whom it has extended on all sides, having taken in most of one side of Old High Street and up to the back of the properties facing Mill Street, with a department in Drysdale Street.
The Shore Brewery was long carried on by Messrs McNellan & Sons, and afterwards by Mr James Calder, and is now under the management of his son, our able townsman Provost Calder. Where the works are situated there is no room for extension, and in consequence have had to extend in other parts of the town to cope with an increasing business.
The Grange Brewery was in the hands of Messrs Meiklejohn & Sons, and succeeded by Mr Maitland, who re-named it The Bass Crest Brewery, and managed it well during his life time, when it was acquired by a Company whose headquarters are in Newcastle. The Townhead Brewery is comparatively modern, being started fully fifty years ago by the late Mr Blair, and did a great trade for a number of years. Mr Blair getting into failing health it was taken over by a number of local gentlemen, who managed it for some years under varying vicissitudes, but of late years it has resumed its old prosperity under the hands of the Company who now own and control it.
In leaving the Breweries we may notice that Carsebridge Distillery was in full operation, had nothing like the extensive cellar accommodation it has now, but employed a goodly number of men.
Foundries.
There was the Foundry beyond Kelliebank long carried on by the Messrs Mackie, but many years ago was acquired by Messrs Younger, and very much extended, to be used as a bottling store. Since then the Sun Foundry has been established, and a smaller one by Pearson & Ramage, and also Sunnyside Foundry, all of a later creation. Akin to foundries there were blacksmith and mechanic shops, such as David Melvin's in Drysdale Street, which was a busy place in Mr Melvin's time, and continued by his son, the late Mr John Melvin, who was joined by his son David. By the time David was helping his father, the bicycle in its early form made its appearance, which David was quick to see had great possibilities before it, and at once began to give it his special attention, with the result that as time went on his name and fame as a bicycle maker spread far and wide, and thus built up a large business, Which unfortunately came to an end by Mr Melvin's death in July, 1906.
We must not forget the blacksmith and mechanic business in the East Vennel carried on by the late Mr Allan Drysdale (whom we will notice further on). Mr Drysdale's work was usually kept busy with various repairs and general smith work, and was afterwards carried on by two well-known and respected blacksmiths, Mr John McLachlan and Mr David Cock. There was a smithy at the Shore carried on by Andrew Cock, who had a good connection amongst the ships in the Harbour, who during their stay were always requiring some little repair.
The business known as the Alloa Copper Works, and is nearly a century old, was long in the hands of the Miller family, and after them was acquired and long managed by the late Mr Willison, and is now carried on by his two sons, Robert and John who in their time have greatly enlarged and extended the business. A few years ago they re-constructed and concentrated their whole works in Broad Street, where all the departments are practically under one roof, and thus easier of supervision. They make up all the fine brass and copper fittings required for breweries and distilleries, and in these branches have an extensive connection.
The bicycle trade is quite a modern industry. It was started by the late David Melvin, and although by his early death his business became extinct, there are still three firms carrying on the cycle, with also the repairing of motor carriages - an industry that apparently has come to stay, although as yet it is only those who have plenty of means who can indulge in the luxury of a motor.
The British Electric Plant Company, whose works are situated on the level carse land beyond Kelliebank, is quite a new industry, being brought into being by the many appliances and mechanisms which have electricity as the motive power. In the same district is a new work to build and equip motor boats, which of course have electricity as the propelling power.
The art and practice of photography may also be classed as a modern industry, as sixty years ago it was practically unknown. It is now a regular business, of which there are two, if not three, in the town who have studios for the production of photographs.
The brewing industry being so well represented implied, of course, that the cooper trade could not be far behind.
The business of Charles Pearson & Co. was then carried on by the grandfather of the present head of the firm (Mr Charles Pearson) in premises situated in Mar Street, where many a good cask was turned out; but as there was no room for extention, the firm got space first in Carron Street, and ultimately built the extensive works at Craigward, where they have long done a prosperous trade. There was a small cooperage in Drysdale Street carried on by "Cooper" Kay (as he was called), who was succeeded by the late Mr John McDonald, who soon found the Drysdale Street premises too small, and removed to Mar Place, and afterwards built and carried on the Townhead Cooperage, where a large business continues to be conducted by his son, Mr John McDonald. Old Robert Scobie carried on a small business in Coalgate. It may be mentioned here that in those days coopers had many articles of domestic use to make that are not so much required now-a-days. There were stoups to make for carrying water from the public wells, also all sizes of tubs, pails, things called keddies, bickers, Scotch luggies, etc., which reminds us of good old Scotch habits and customs now passing away, in the towns at least.
The Glass Works was then in full swing, and carried on a large trade, foreign competition having as yet not made its appearance to hamper our home industries. It is now owned by a different Company from those days, - our townsman, Bailie Duncanson, being at the head of it.
Printing.
The Advertiser office was by this time going ahead, - Mr Lothian being the first printer in Alloa, and started the Advertiser in 1841; a small sheet at first, but extended by his son, the late Mr Lothian, and now by his successors, Buchan Brothers, who vigorously carry on the Advertiser in the most up-to-date style. By and bye a rival appeared in the Clackmannanshire Advertiser, published by Mr Alexander Wingate, Mill Street, who transferred it to Mr S. N. Morrison, who through time re-named it The Alloa Journal, both papers being published every Saturday morning. As the Advertiser represented the Whig, or as it is known now, the Liberal side in politics, and the Journal was on the other or Tory side, it can easily be imagined that they often crossed swords with each other, sometimes good humouredly, and sometimes not even that. The Journal is now under control of Mr Malcolm Gardner, under whose editorship it more than maintains its lively and racy features. Over forty years ago a new candidate appeared, namely the Alloa Circular, begun and carried on by the late Mr John Waddell, and on his death acquired and continued by out well-known townsman, Mr John B. Rae. It comes out every Wednesday morning, and is handy for the middle of the week news, besides all the gossipy matter "Argus" picks up as he meanders "round the town."
We must not forget the Pottery, which was really an old Alloa industry, being at least a hundred and thirty years old, and sixty years ago was in the hands of the Gardner family. It was acquired in 1853 by the late Mr Joseph Bailey, but for long years it has been conducted by his sons, William and John A. Bailey, who made it a flourishing concern, both in glass and in pottery ware; but owing to the death of Mr J. A. Bailey and the removal to London of Mr William Bailey, the works at present are unfortunately closed, and the stock sold off. It is greatly to be regretted, as it was an industry long identified with Alloa.
There is the Brickwork at Craigward - a very old industry - carried on first by the Balds of Craigward, but for fully forty years by the firm of W. R. & J. Carmichael, - Mr John Carmichael being now the sole surviving partner, and still carries on a good business.
In the early seventies of last century [1870s] another brickwork was started just beyond Carsebridge, and known as Hilton Works - the firm being Charles Buick & Sons. It was founded by the late Mr Charles Buick, who came from Oakley, and was joined by his two sons, John and Charles, who since the death of their father have developed and extended the business, so that it is now a large and flourishing concern.
Churches.
we come to notice the churches and ministers of 60 years ago, a great deal might be said. The churches are vastly improved since then, - it would be a shame were it not so. As house interiors have kept pace with the times, our places of worship ought to be still more up to date than even our houses.
During the eighteenth and first half of the nineteenth century, architecture did not receive that attention in Scotland which happily prevails now. The churches to a large extent were of the old Scotch barn style, as were also great numbers of country mansions, of which Tullibody House is an example. Just a large plain house, with a "harled" front, plain lintelled windows, with the door in the centre. Our good town had three specimens of the Barn Kirks, which will be noticed in their order.
Beginning with that grand pile, the Parish Church. it was outwardly the same as now, but the interior has at different periods been improved and modernised, and with it all there is room for improvement still.
The minister was the Rev. Peter Brotherston, who was settled in Alloa in 1829, and was minister for 33 years, until his death in 1862. At the Disruption in 1843, Mr Brotherston, although sympathising somewhat with those who "came out," decided himself to remain in "Old Zion." He lived to a great age, and was unable to occupy the pulpit or do any ministerial duties for some years before his death. The work of the congregation was performed by two young ministers - one appointed by the minister to do his duties, the other the ordinary assistant provided for the church. In this way many excellent young men spent some of their early years in Alloa, who afterwards rose to good positions in the Church of Scotland. As already stated, Mr Brotherston died in 1862, and was survived by Mrs Brotherston by only two days, and they were buried together in the same grave. Verily in death they were not divided.
Mr Brotherston was succeeded by the Rev. Wm. Shaw, who came from Ayr. Mr Shaw unfortunately got into feeble health, and died in 1869. His successor was the Rev. Alexander Bryson, who came from St. Michael's, Dumfries. Mr Bryson on entering on his duties in Alloa was in the full vigour of early manhood, and the congregation and parish soon felt the enervating influence of having such an able and eloquent minister set over them. His powerful eloquence in the pulpit, his genial tact and deportment generally, soon made him a great favourite in the parish. He was identified with the town's affairs in Many ways, but took care that it did not interfere with his pastoral duties, to which he was most faithful and attentive. While on his annual holiday in August, 1900, Mr Bryson took suddenly ill; so seriously that he never rallied, and died at Toward on the Clyde on the 23rd August, 1900. The great gathering at his funeral testified to the universal esteem in which he was held by the whole community. The congregation commemorate his memory by a beautiful stained glass window in the church.
It was no easy matter to find a fitting successor to such as Mr Bryson. But in a pleasant and harmonious way the congregation were guided in electing the Rev. Lachlan McLean Watt as minister of the Parish Church. Mr Watt on being licenced was chosen minister of Turiff in 1897, and was translated to Alloa in February, 1901. Mr McLean Watt is a fitting successor to Mr Bryson, and already by his eloquent pulpit ministrations, his Sunday evening lectures, his writings, and his inborn gift of poetry, has made himself known throughout the churches as a rising minister. More than one attempt has been made to "lure" him away to other spheres of usefulness, but we are glad to add that hitherto without success.
[Mr McLean Watt. - Mr Watt, after withstanding several invitations to other spheres was induced to accept a call to St. Stephen's, Edinburgh, and was inducted there on February 16th, 1911. Mr Watt received many tokens of respect from the congregation, and one cannot soon forget the immense audience that filled the church when he preached his farewell sermon, His removal to Edinburgh has been regarded as a notable addition to the city clergy.]
Across the way was the Associate Burgher Church, which joined in the formation of the United Presbyterian Church in 1847. It was entirely in the barn style, - almost identical in size and appearance with the Melville Church in King Street. It was then under the ministry of the Rev. William Fraser, who came from Crail to Alloa in 1810, and continued his ministry for the long period of 43 years, and died in 1853, aged 74 years. He was succeeded by the Rev. John More, a saintly and devoted young minister of great promise, but unfortunately his health giving way, he tried a winter in Algiers, and died there in 1860, to the great grief of his attached people.
In 1861 the Rev. Dr John Mitchell Harvey was settled as minister. He was a gifted and attractive preacher, and in the year following his settlement here the congregation resolved to take down their old church, and erect the fine church which now adorns the site of the old. It was opened by Dr Eadie, preaching from a text he often used in opening churches - "And I will make the place of my feet glorious." Dr Eadie was one of the great ministers of the period. A great Biblical scholar, a native of the neighbouring town of Alva, who are proud to claim him as a son, and have erected a memorial fountain to commemorate his connection with Alva.
Dr Mitchell Harvey removed to Edinburgh in 1867, and died in 1876. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Young, who removed to Greenock in 1873. His successor was the Rev. William Thomson, who died in 1887; and was succeeded by the present minister, the Rev. Robert MacKenzie, an able and powerful preacher. About five years ago it was found that a further extension was necessary, and through the liberality of two devoted members of the congregation the church has been enlarged and beautified in such a style as makes it second to none in this quarter.
On the site of the present Moncrieff Church stood its predecessor, the old Secession Church, also, a plain barn-like structure, which in 1850 made way for the present church. At this period its minister was the Rev. Peter McDowall, then in the prime of life and usefulness, who was spared to be the minister there for the long period of 53 years. Mr McDowall was a model pastor, well acquainted with all his flock, and even nearly all the children of his ready to help where he saw it was needed. As a townsman he took a deep interest in all questions affecting the public wellbeing, and thus early in his career he became a Temperance reformer, and to the end of his life was at the head of that movement. His jubilee was celebrated in 1876 with great enthusiasm, ministers coming from far and near to testify their regard for him. He died in 1878. In 1862 he received as colleague the Rev. A. S. Matheson, a young and popular preacher who continued for 11 years, and then accepted a call to Bootle, but is now in Dumbarton. He was succeeded in the collegiateship by the Rev. Daniel McLean in 1874, and on Mr McDowall's resignation through failing health, he became sole minister there until his death, which took place suddenly on 2nd September, 1903. Mr McLean was a profound scholar and eloquent preacher, and kept together a large and attached congregation. He was succeeded by the present minister, the Rev. Charles Robson, who came from Inverness.
The Melville Church in King Street is still the same in appearance as it was at this period. It had as minister the Rev. John Wright, a tall, commanding looking gentleman. He retired in 1875, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Wallace who went to Partick. After him was the Rev. George Milne, who went to Glasgow, and was succeeded by the present minister, the Rev. John McAlpine, who has continued for 23 years ministering to his people. This congregation was a "hive" off the West Church in the days of the New Licht and Auld Licht controversy, but joined the Free Church when formed in 1843.
[Melville Church. - This congregation has united with the Chalmers Church, and Mr McAlpine, the minister, has retired to reside in Edinburgh. The Parish Kirk Session have rented the church in the meantime, and are working it as a Mission Hall.]
Those who "came out" from the Established Church and formed the first Free Church here, worshipped for some years in a church in Cunninghar Close, under the ministry of the Rev. John Adam (afterwards known as Dr Adam), and then in 1850 by the Rev. John McLeod. Mr McLeod was an able preacher, and was honoured in being appointed to the Volunteers when formed, an office he did not treat as a sinecure, as he took an active interest in the movement; with his tall and stately appearance, he looked the chaplain well. He sometimes addressed the men on their duties, and at length once preached to them a special military sermon, which at the time was thought worthy of publication. During Mr McLeod's ministry the congregation removed from Cunninghar Close to the fine new church they built in Bank Street, which was opened in 1856 by the Rev. Dr. Candlish, then in the height of his fame as a preacher and church leader. Its pulpit has also been occupied by the great Dr Guthrie, a prince of preachers, and a great philanthropic Scotsman.
Mr McLeod retired in 1870, and was succeeded by the Rev. George Elder, who early removed to Greenock. After him was the Rev. James Moffat Scott, a very able young preacher who was soon called away to Arbroath. Then came the present minister, the Rev J. Wilson Harper, now known far and near as Dr Harper, he having received the degree from Glasgow University for his learned works on social and theological questions. Dr Harper, it must be owned, has identified himself with all the public life of the town. He has long been a member of the School Board, and is at present its chairman, and from long study is looked upon as an authority on all educational matters.
St. John's Episcopal congregation met first of all in the East Vennel, but by this time had removed to the Chapel, Clackmannan Road. Its incumbent then was the Rev. John Franklin, who was succeeded by the Rev. A. W. Hallen, who coming here a young man in 1864, spent the most of his life as minister of St. John's until his death in 1901. Mr Hallen took a deep interest in some of the town's affairs. In his younger days he took part in some of the oratorios given by the Musical Association; and for a long period was a very active member and office-bearer of the Archaeological Society, to which he contributed several papers. It was during his incumbency that St. John's congregation removed, about 40 years ago, to the beautiful Chapel in Broad Street built by the munificence of the late Earl of Kellie, grandfather of the present Earl of Mar and Kellie.
Mr Hallen was succeeded by the Rev. William Perry, who quickly became very popular by his many gifts, so much so that he received the appointment to Holy Trinity Church, Stirling, and was ably succeeded by the present incumbent, the Rev. David Moir.
Those townsfolk belonging to the Roman Catholic Church had no proper place of meeting, but met monthly or so in an upper room in the Old Town, when a priest came from Stirling and held a service. Through time their numbers increasing. they sorted up a workshop at the foot of Broad Street, where John's Court is now built, and had a priest settled amongst them in 1863 - the Rev. James Duffy. He died in 1865, and was succeeded by a succession of clergymen, down to 1884, amongst them being the late Father Donlevy, who was here a number of years, and was then transferred to St. Mary's, Edinburgh, where he did excellent and important work for his own church, and also supported and helped in every good work of social reform. In 1884 the present priest, the Rev. Father O'Neil, was appointed, and has earned not only the esteem and respect of his own flock, but also of the townsmen generally. Father O'Neil, in his genial way, holds that clergymen should join more in the pastimes of the people, and so is a valued member of the East End Bowling Club, and most acceptably held the office of President for two years lately. In 1869 the congregation acquired the Chapel vacated by St. John's in the Clackmannan Road, which provided them with a proper place of worship. Since then they have added a residence for the priest, and a commodious school, which is in a flourishing condition, according to inspectors reports.
There was the Baptist Church, which met then and for long after in the East Vennel, under the pastorate of Mr James Scott of Tullibody, - a remarkable man in many ways, and as a preacher, was a self-made man. He was succeeded by the Rev. Finlay Forbes. In his time, their numbers increasing, they set about and built their fine Church in Ludgate. On the retiral of Mr Forbes, the Rev. J. D Robertson was appointed, who in a few years accepted a call to Burnley, and was succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. A. Douglas Lewis, who came from Helensburgh.
There were sometimes Methodists who met in the "Tabernacle," an old place of worship at the New Entry, long since merged into Messrs Younger's Brewery; and other small bodies who met together for short periods, but have all mostly ceased. Mention might be made of the New Jerusalem Church, begun and carried on in his own house by Mr Allan Drysdale, until his death in 1876. They were by this time in hands with a new church, which was opened in 1877. Services were continued by John McLachlan and William McLeod until 1880, when Rev. Mr Pulsford was appointed in 1882, who continued until his death in 1899; after which there was no successor appointed, and the church was ultimately sold, and is now used for evangelistic meetings.
It will thus be seen that not less than five congregations have had new churches built during the period under review. In most cases fine Gothic buildings succeeding the plain, barn-like structures that had served their day and generation. It must be owned that the services of those day would now be considered as old-fashioned, as the churches were at that time. It was the days of slow singing, long prayers, longer sermons, - certainly a long service altogether, but most devout and godly worshippers, who never even whispered - "Behold, what a weariness it is." The singing was of the slow, drawling style, and the days of reading the line was not quite extinct, which sometimes seemed awkward for the precentor, such as - "Our God shall come, and shall no more" - this was sung, then the next line - "Be silent, but speak out." A seeming contradiction, although not so, as the "be silent" is in connection with the first line, but the slow, precise manner in which it was read out made it look odd. As already hinted, it was the days of long sermons, but of course usually divided into at least two heads, with a thirdly and lastly, as in a country parish where the minister had got past the second head, but with his eloquence had caused the third and last to fly from his book-board. He missed it, but announced thirdly and lastly, and still anxiously looking for it; again, thirdly and lastly, until an old lady nearby sung out - "If I'm no mistaen, sir, I saw thirdly and lastly whupping ower the pulpit stairs." Also sometimes the hearers thought so much of their minister's eloquence that he could interject a sentence or two without being noticed, as when one afternoon the minister discovered there were too many doors open and causing a draught, so, with a knowing look at the Beadle, he went on with - "And thou shall shut the east door, also the west door; yea, verily, thou shalt not keep the north door open." When going homewards two old ladies criticised thus:- "Was nae oor minister grand the day." The rejoinder was - "Aye, aye wumman; was'na he bonnie on the doors." A baptism was an interesting occasion, we remember of a stranger minister giving four or five little dears such a handful each of water as started them all to the screaming, to the great indignation of the mothers.
During the long discourses, the snuff box was handed round, while the mothers had to take a stock of sweeties to keep the bairns in good order. Then in winter, when the interval was short, you were expected back again to get another discourse before you had got time to digest what you had listened to in the forenoon. At that time it was remarkable how opposite were the arrangements as between Presbyterian and Episcopalian. The former met forenoon and afternoon, the latter morning and evening - a more sensible way; the former sat while singing and stood at prayer; the latter stood while singing and knelt at prayer; the former treated it as sinful to have a "kist o' whustles," the latter always have had organs to help in their praise. These differences in order and method of worship must have come down from the days in Scotland when Episcopacy was held in great dislike by the Scotch people.
As for the children, in most cases they had been with their parents at the forenoon and afternoon services, and after that they remained for the Sabbath school, which continued till half-past five o'clock in the afternoon, and then they got home for tea. These hours of study would be considered too grievous at the present day.
The Communion seasons were known at that time, and long before, as the "Preachings," on account of the number of services that were deemed indispensable to celebrate a Communion; and if we went further back we would find that these services were more formidable still, both as to the number of services before and after the Communion. However, at the period we are dealing with it started with the Fast Day services, forenoon and afternoon, the same length as on Sabbath. Work of all kinds was suspended for that day, and proved handy in a factory or work for any repairs that were needing attention. The "Maister" might be at the kirk, and maybe at the "plate," but the repairs or alterations were done all the same. Of course to a great many, who perhaps were not as yet "members," their obligation to attend church was not so binding, so that it was as good as a holiday to a great number. There was the steamer, and afterwards the train, to have a trip; and as it came nearer our own times the holiday feeling was getting the upper hand of the Holy Day. So much was this the case that the Presbyteries were compelled to cease holding Fast-days altogether, - each minister to make his own arrangements as to services. But to return, after the Fast-day there was a Saturday afternoon or evening preparatory service, while on the Communion Sabbath there was the forenoon service, in the afternoon the Communion celebration, and another service and sermon in the evening. And then there was a thanksgiving sermon on the Monday forenoon, and then you might consider that the Preachings were over. As it was a stranger minister who came for the Fast-day, and another stranger for the Communion and Monday, it must be owned in these busy days it would be difficult for ministers to leave their own work so frequently to come and "assist" a brother. And we must sorrowfully admit they would get a scant audience either on a Thursday or a Monday. It must not be overlooked that all these opportunities of hearing the gospel preached and Bible truths expounded arose chiefly from the earnestness and faithfulness to duty of the ministers of the period, backed up in the main by godly and devout people. Indeed, at that period and for long after it might truly be said, there were "Giants in those days," as the Church at large had amongst them men whose names are handed down to our days as Princes of Preachers. The matchless Dr Chalmers was still to the fore; the great Disruption Fathers, such as Candlish, Gordon, Buchanan, the stern Dr Begg, the eloquent and great-hearted Dr Guthrie, the great McLeod Family, including the celebrated Norman, beloved by the Queen on the throne down to the humble cottager; the stately presence, genial manners, and eloquence of Dr Eadie; the scholarly Dr Calderwood; the child-like, unassuming humility, yet grandly powerful eloquence of Dr John Cairns; the sweet, poetic discourses of Dr John Kerr, of William Reid, and a host of others that many will recall. Yes, gentle reader, without disparaging in the slightest the many divines who are ably serving their Master in this generation, we must still say there were "Giants in those days." Talk of short sermons; when the like of these men were holding forth you felt you could not hear enough.
There can be no question that real, vital personal godliness bad a stronger hold on the people generally than is to be found in this lighter, hurrying age. A worthy lady (herself a true type of the old spirit) told the writer of a time she could look back to, when, if passing up Mar Street on a Saturday night about ten o'clock perhaps, you could hear in a good number of houses that there was family worship going on as a preparation for the approaching Sabbath, - a custom which it is to be regretted has fallen away very much; a good deal, perhaps, through shrinking modesty, but still it is to be regretted. No wonder it inspired Burns to pen those noble lines -
"From scenes like these auld Scotia's grandeur springs,
That makes her loved at home, revered abroad;
Princes and Lords are but the breath of kings -
An honest man's the noblest work of God."
The precentor was in those days an important personage, requiring a powerful voice to lead the praise, usually single handed, as choirs were not much the custom as yet. In Alloa we had some good precentors amongst the churches, as in the Parish Church we had Mr Sorley, James Lee, Leslie D. McNicol, and last but by no means least, and longest, David Jack (of whom, perhaps, more later). In the West Church there were James Cowie, Henry Methven, and lastly and also longest, Robert Bowie. In Moncrieff Church there was Thomas Martin, and even his father before him. In Mr McLeod's there was David Melville. In the East Free there was Archibald Ewing, happily still to the fore, who could sing a good song in his younger days. When we consider our church leaders notion of praise sixty years ago, and contrast it with what is in full use now, we can easily trace the gradual creeping in of methods that are now accepted without question, but which at that time were considered "dangerous innovations," and not to be tolerated. At that time there was nothing but the psalms. Some had doubts about the paraphrases; and as for hymns, these were out of the question. They seem to have forgotten the text about "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs". Instrumental music was anathema. Our Episcopal brethren who used the organ were sneered at for having a "kist o' Whustles." As time went on a collection of hymns was sanctioned, and the training and singing of choirs were increasing. Any energetic, painstaking precentor took a pride in his choir, and thus improved greatly the praise of the congregation. But still there was no idea of an instrument. A fashionable U.P. Church in Glasgow had an organ in their church for 20 years before they could lawfully use it. Just think of it, and see its universal use now. How did they discover to be right what they formerly held to be wrong, may well be asked. Did they say - Well, we have taken up rather a hard and fast line on this question, which does not seem to be demanded in scripture? Certainly not; that would have been too much of a climb-down for the average clerical mind. As regards the then U.P. Church, at a Synod meeting authoritative sanction was asked to allow the Presbyterian congregations in England (at that time still connected with the Mother Church in Scotland) to use instrumental music in their churches, as without it they were not so attractive as the other churches, and consequently were not increasing as they could wish. That was the time to thrash the subject out on its merits by a Church that gave themselves out as great sticklers for principle, and even admitting that perhaps they had been mistaken in their views of Church praise. But they did not do so. On the ground of expediency sanction was given, and of course what was right in England could not be wrong in Scotland. So that organs were soon introduced on all sides, giving the organ builders and others a busy time, besides opening up a much wider field for organists in Scotland. What with a good organ, played skilfully by a devout organist in sympathy with the service (and not a more machine for a salary), accompanied by a cultured choir, and joined in heartily by the congregation, the praise becomes as it should be - the best we can give God in His House. In leaving this subject, let us hope that the true spirit of worship may take deeper root, and become more manifest in the future.
Before closing, a little reference to some of the best known beadles, or minister's man, might not be amiss. In the Parish Church, the best known and most characteristic was David Wotherspoon. "Dauvid," as he was styled, served under Mr Brotherston, Mr Shaw, and a number of years in Mr Bryson's ministry, and was a great help to the minister in his visitations and other ways. There was Robert Jack in the church across the way (Mr Fraser's), and in fact one of his sons fulfils the duties to this day. Under Mr McLeod of the Free Church there was the venerable looking William Sands, whose sedate, patriarchial style was quite a credit to any church. In the Townhead, under Mr McDowall, there was the well-known Peter Adamson, who was so much bound up in the duties pertaining to the "Hoose," as he familiarly styled the church, that he did not trouble himself with outside matters not directly connected with the church he loved and served so well. Some little anecdotes might be given of these worthy men, but for several reasons it will be safest to refrain.
Schools.
We now come to the schools, and of all the changes in the period under review, the changes in schools and schoolmasters are the most remarkable. Of course there were no School Boards then, nor for fully a quarter of a century after; and schools had to be supported in various ways, being either Parochial, Denominational, or by subscription and fees, or occasionally private adventure. There was the Academy, consisting of two good class-rooms, entering from a central hall, staffed with a headmaster and an assistant, usually very able teachers, such as Mr Somers, Mr Heath, and longest of all, the late Duncan McFarlane. Under these teachers capable and brilliant scholars were turned out, many of whom, no doubt, rose to good positions in our busy world, emphasising the old saying that there is always plenty of room at the top; so much so that a well-known townsman, addressing the scholars on an Exhibition day, remarked that if some of those who had "left their mark" on the school desks, and on going into the world had "made their mark," would send something to get sorely-needed new desks, it would not come amiss. This improvement, however, had to wait till the School Board took it over, who then, with the powers they possessed, had the building almost reconstructed and greatly extended, but is even yet not quite up to modern requirements. Adjoining it, however, is a new and splendidly equipped school for Secondary or Higher Education - the whole school built and furnished by the munificence of Alex. P. Forrester-Paton, Esq., of Inglewood, and handed over to the School Board to further higher education in the town.
Next in importance came the Parish School, a very plain building, and only occupying the under flat, which was used as the school. In the early forties, it had William Brodie as teacher, who was succeeded in 1846 by William Duncan Bruce, known in our own days as Dr Bruce. It was on the ground floor of this building that Dr Bruce spent the best part of his
life, teaching under disadvantages that would not be dreamed of now. There were two class-rooms: sometimes to make a third a curtain was used to divide the classes. Under these crammed conditions the Dr and an assistant laboured on, and with it all be was known all round as a thoroughly painstaking teacher. Many of his scholars have risen to good positions in the Colonies and other parts of the world; and we have no doubt that the excellent grounding they received under Dr Bruce stood them in good stead when they went out into the world. On the site of this school the new School Board at once started and built what is now the Burgh School. The Dr was spared to be headmaster in the new school for a year or two before his retiral in 1878. He was succeeded by Mr John Ferguson, afterwards transferred to Sunnyside School, - the Burgh School (as a Supplementary School) being now under the headmastership of Mr William Roy.
There was a denominational school connected with the Townhead U.P. Church (now the Moncrieff), situated in Primrose Street (opposite the Baths), now occupied as a dwelling-house, set back from the street, a railing in front. It had several good teachers, such as Mr McCulloch, Mr Bartlett, Mr Fraser, but the one that was longest its sole master was the late Mr James K. Brown, whom many will remember. Indeed, a number of his scholars are well-known townsmen yet. To describe this school the contrast between teaching then and now comes out more clearly. Having only one master without any assistance, the senior classes were taken first, then the others in rotation, down to the beginners. When the master got through with the seniors and got them started to their writing and arithmetic, it was only then that the little ones got a chance of a lesson, having had to sit still till close on dinner time before their turn came for a lesson, with, of course, an interval in the play-ground. Still it was a trying experience for the young scholars, and trying for the master to keep them quiet, although it must be owned he had more trouble with the bigger scholars than with the young ones. Sometimes he would get some of the senior boys to give them their A B C, or "a fat cat sat on a mat," or "no man can say he hath no sin." One youthful student was often asked at home what lesson he was getting; all they could get out of him was that he was still in "No man can say." With many disadvantages Mr Brown was able to impart a fairly good education, if the scholars applied themselves at all. He was well read in ancient Grecian history, and often told interesting stories of Marathon, Leuctra, Thermopular, the Siege of Troy, and many other incidents of Grecian history.
What is known as the Ludgate School was then the Infant and Juvenile, - two separate schools with separate entrances for each. This school was built about 1837, - the foundation stone being laid with full Masonic honours, with a procession in which all the scholars in town took part. It was considered a good school for those days. It had a long and varied career, sometimes even closed for a time and then opened again. Eventually it was taken over by the School Board, and by them extended and modernised.
[Ludgate School. - This School has now been re-modelled and fitted up as a Domestic Economy Centre. (When published in 1911)]
There was a small school kept by the late Mr William Donaldson at the head of Mar Street, where the County Buildings now stand, mainly for the poorer children of the parish. It was a one-storey building, very old and low in height, and the interior must have been very plain indeed.
There was a private adventure school in Primrose Place, which, by the way, was known then as the "Sandy Hole." It was kept and taught by Mr John Muir. Mr Muir had a reputation for teaching the science of Navigation, and many young men of a seafaring turn came to him for lessons to help them forward in qualifying themselves for promotion at sea. Mr Muir eventually removed his school to Greenfield, and after some years finally gave it up.
For a goodly number of years the Misses Hardie, Bedford Place, carried on a seminary for young ladies, but they gave it up and removed to Dublin.
Down at Trongate, in the Old Town, was what, was called the Charity School, long taught by Mr Alexander Hunter, and for the small salary of £30 per annum. It was lucky Mr Hunter had some private means, as the school did not yield what could be considered a living wage. There might be an attendance of between 40 and 50. The attendance, however, was very irregular, as in those days there was no compulsory officer, so that a boy who played truant was looked upon as a hero; or for some trivial excuse, as "My mither was washing, an' I had tae keep the bairn." Once a year the attendance boomed up to high water mark. That was when the time was approaching for the boys to get a new suit of moleskins, and the girls a plain blue striped sort of frock, which looked fairly well. The boys suit consisted of a tight-fitting waist jacket, the trousers came up outside the jacket, and were fixed on the jacket by buttons, so that anyone can see that through time there was a great responsibility resting on some of these buttons. It was noticeable and amusing to see that as the time drew near for the distribution of the new clothes, the parents, and especially the mothers, became suddenly alive to the extreme importance of the value of education, and had a drumming at the children to attend school, although before that they were quite indifferent. A mother would push her head out of the window, and, seeing a boy, would shout - "Johnnie, dae ye see oor Wullie any way; try and get him tae the schule Wi' ye, and I'll gie ye a piece and treacle whin ye come back." And then remarking to those within earshot - "I declare I canny get that laddie tae gang tae the schule, dae what I like." It sometimes happened that after all their drumming their boys were unsuccessful in getting a suit, as the Committee, along with the teacher, could see through these tactics; and then the supposed injustice and partiality would keep the wives talking and fliteing for a week or two.
In passing from the schools we cannot but see the vast change for the better in the present day. Indeed, it would be difficult to imagine what further improvements in teaching could be devised, for an ordinary school any place was thought good enough in those days, if children could be crammed in at all. The idea of so much cubic feet per scholar was not taken into account. Some might have play grounds - the smaller ones had usually nothing but the street. School days, except to the more attentive, were not carried under such pleasant conditions as now, and most of them were glad when they got clear of it, and started work usually at an early age. We are all aware under what happy conditions the children spend their school days now, with splendidly equipped buildings built up to the rigorous exactions of "My Lords," and the lessons made as attractive as the physical side as well as the mental, and many phases of study and development undreamed of sixty years ago.
There is one feature of school life that is much to be commended, and that is the separate play-grounds for boys and girls. Well do we remember the harsh and rough way the girls were interrupted in their games by some of the boys, which to others of a sensitive nature was quite vexing. If it was the jumping rope they were playing with, it was taken from them, and roughly treated with the ropes; if it was the ball they were playing with, it was taken from them, and perhaps never saw it again. When we see the happy, innocent way the girls of the present day can enjoy themselves unmolested, we can have no idea how the girls of a former generation were treated.
The customs and pastimes of the scholars of that period were at any rate not behind what is seen at the present day. Indeed, one might go further and say that there was more ingenuity and method in their games at play-time than can be seen now. For instance, it was the custom when the closing day and examination came round, the scholars of the principal schools - the Academy and Mr Bruce's - walked in procession through the town, the boys two by two carrying flags, and the girls prettily dressed, carrying garlands and arches of flowers, and would halt at intervals and give many hearty cheers.
As has been hinted, there was more of a system in their games at playtime than what is apparent now. First came the "bools" The game usually played was called "ringy," a game capable of developing much skill to be successful. The "bools" might be "in" for a month or so, and were followed by the "peeries," played inside a ring. When stopping "dozing," if it did not clear itself of the ring it was put in a smaller central ring for the rest to fire at and if possible knock it out for the owner to pick it up again and resume his dozing. After the peeries came the ball, with which many games were played. Then the buttons was a great game in those days that has entirely gone out now. It was a game of pitch and toss, with buttons instead of pence - the buttons used being brass or white metal livery buttons, filled with lead, and varying in value according to their size and suitability for pitching. In summer a great game for some weeks was what was called foot-and-a-half, which many will remember. A line was made, a boy was chosen to be "doon" by standing at the line with back bent for the rest to leap over in leap-frog fashion. The boy leading in leaping over left a mark, where the boy advanced to that was "doon," and the rest had to follow. The leader again left a mark further on still, and of course each time it was becoming more difficult for the others to jump the distance from the line over the boy's back; and some amazing feats of jumping could be seen. When it came that a boy could not jump the distance, then he had to be "doon," and so relieved the other boy. Another similar sort of game was called "Bonnety." A boy as before would be "doon," and the others jumped over from one side, then the other, and across as well. Care had to be taken to keep clear of the boy's head. Then one bonnet was put on the boy's back, and the leaping was renewed; and so on, always adding another bonnet, until there might be half-a-dozen piled up. Of course, when a boy in leaping over failed to clear the bonnets, then he was "doon." Then in August and September the "drægons," or kites as they are known now, was in full swing as a pastime, and the skill and enterprise displayed in "fleeing drægons" at that period, and for long after, puts the modern efforts completely in the shade. These kites were made very large - sometimes 6 ft. long, - and the object often was to get them as far distant as to be nearly out of sight, or at least very small. Of course it took a great ball of twine to accomplish that, but it was always forthcoming; usually two boys would join together for its production. In winter there was the game of "the clubs" - something like what is now called shinty. As there was always plenty of snow in winter, there were many fierce battles between the schools; one school would come in force and attack another. With the girls there were some pretty games, such as the jumping rope. Then there were various games with the ball, and balls then were made by the girls themselves. A ball was made round with some plain material, and then was embroidered with wool of many colours, so that there was great emulation amongst the girls as to who could "work the prettiest ba." There was the game of hopping peg, usually played on the street pavement. There was an interesting game with "chuckies," or shells, tossing them up, and deftly lifting one or more and catching the descending one also. Of course there were various forms of jin-go-ring, so that altogether the girls had their own routine of games as well as the boys. There is a degeneracy or want of skill in youthful pastimes meanwhile. With the boys it is mainly something to "kick." whether it be a stone, a bit; of wood, two or three rags tied together, they will "go" for that as if dear life depended on it - all tending to provide work for the cobbler.
Halls.
As for public halls in those days they were as primitive as the schools, - any place might do. There was only one of any importance, known as the Assembly Rooms. It was built as a second storey above the Parish School. It could hardly be called a hall. It was simply a big room; and if there was anything attractive on, it was easily filled to suffocation. In it Professor Anderson, the Wizard of the North, gave performances, showing his conjuring skill, and all done in his pawky, Scottish style. In the matter of illustrated posters the Professor easily took the lead, as he could give illustrations showing him performing in every conceivable part of the globe, including the bottom of great mines, and other unlikely places. Dr Shaw was another noted entertainer in his day, who paid us several visits. His singing of an old lady in "To-day I'm Sixty-two" was most laughable. There was Dr Mark and his forty little men, - a noted combination of clever boy performers and instrumentalists. Dr Mark paid at least three visits, and was so much impressed with the need of a new hall that he offered to give the proceeds of one night's drawings if there was a new hall started before his next visit, - an offer which lapsed on account of no beginning having been made by the time he returned. In the later fifties, the Christy Minstrel troups were at the height of their popularity, the various combinations all asserting that they were the "Real and Original Christys." Although now out of fashion, the fact remains that a darky programme was very entertaining and amusing. There were beautiful catchy melodies, the chorus being given with telling effect by the whole company. Between the songs the corner men would get up an altercation. and eventually appeal to the "boss" in the centre. The various instrumentalists would give a specimen of their powers, usually very good; the whole finishing up with some burlesque extravaganza, - altogether a most enjoyable entertainment. A combination of a higher class known as the Brousil Family paid several visits. They were high-class instrumentalists. One winter there was a fashionable "County Ball" held in the Assembly Rooms. We are afraid the ladies present would have to put up with many disadvantages compared to what they need to do now. As showing the growth of public opinion, one minister had a special discourse on the "sin" of dancing and the frivolity of Balls in particular, whereas now it is thought nothing at all, and you might even see a clerical collar amongst the gentlemen. At last in the early sixties a Company was formed to build a hall to do duty as a Corn Exchange and also the ordinary purposes of a hall*. They acquired an old property in the middle of High Street, and very central, and thereon built the Corn Exchange, which was opened in 1862. It was certainly much more commodious than the Assembly Room. At first it was cold and draughty, but this was as far as possible remedied afterwards. In the sixties, seventies, and most of the eighties it was in great request, and must have paid the Company well all that time, as in it were held concerts, theatrical performances, bazaars, balls, public meetings, etc. At this period, especially in the seventies, the Alloa Musical Association was in the very zenith of its fame and popularity. As the style in which their concert was produced was something much in advance of what Alloa had had hitherto been accustomed to, there was a gallery erected for the large number comprising the chorus; the ladies in front in gay dresses and the gentlemen behind in evening dress had quite a brilliant effect. On the platform were the leading soloists, and also (what was new to Alloa) a select orchestra from Glasgow or Edinburgh, usually about 20 performers, which altogether had a powerful and telling effect, - the hall on these occasions being filled not only with the "elite" of Alloa, but also most of the County Families for miles round; as many as 20 carriages waiting at the close to convey home those from a distance. That was certainly the high water mark period of the Association. We do not for a moment imply that if there is not so much interest taken in the Association's Annual Concerts now as was the case then, that the change is due to a falling off of the musical efforts of the Association. By no means; if any difference exists it is all in advancement of those days. They now have a hall vastly more comfortable for both audience and performers, and the talent displayed is even ahead of what was thirty-five years ago. The main reason can only be that at that period the whole affair was a novelty to Alloa, and that now we are so accustomed to good music that we do not set the high value on high-class music that we ought to do.
*[1863 - 1902 - Alloa Corn Exchange Ltd was formed in 1863 to provide a hall, with staff and facilities, for the purpose of holding markets. The markets were to sell not only grain but also other produce and goods and the hall was to be available for public meetings. The decision was taken to wind up the company in 1901 and the final meeting took place in 1902.] Ref. Stirling Council Archives.
During the sixties and seventies the late Miss Helen Kirk frequently appeared on the Exchange platform. It, was the custom then of some of our local precentors giving an annual concert, and the company was sure to include Miss Kirk as leading singer as she quickly attained to the front rank of the concert platform. Miss Kirk belonged to Tillicoultry, but got her musical training in Glasgow. Her rendering of the "Murmur of the Shell," "O for the bloom of my ain native heather," "Burd Alie," "The Three Fishers," and many others, have never been surpassed in Alloa. Her career, although brilliant, was unfortunately short, as she died in the prime of life. There was the splendid Moore & Burgess Troupe of Minstrels at the top of the tree in their profession, so much so that they established themselves permanently in St. James' Hall, London, where they continued until a year or two ago. Another noted combination was Harry Templeton's Opera Troupe, who came several times and gave splendid performances. Then Messrs Bernard & Vestris Troupe came regularly, and at that time were at the height of their fame as minstrels, which was added to by giving a Command Performance before Queen Victoria at Balmoral. We had also one or two visits of the Glasgow Select Choir, under the baton of the late Mr Lambeth, a noted music master of his day, and who also appeared with his choir before the Queen at Balmoral. It was shortly after the Balmoral visit that they appeared in Alloa, and got a very brilliant house. Their combined melody was simply perfection. Both in the Assembly Rooms and in the Corn Exchange there was a series of Lectures organised by the then Young Men's Branch of the Alloa Total Abstinence Society. Under their auspices we heard such men as George Dawson of Birmingham, Mr Chown of Bradford, George Gilfillan of Dundee, Melville Bell the Elocutionist, the Lord Advocate of the day, the late Sheriff Tait, and many other men of note. It is worthy of mention that Miss Louisa Pyne, at the head of English Opera for many years, also appeared for one night in our Exchange Hall. Yes, it must be owned that in the best days of the Exchange the public of Alloa heard splendid talent in various walks of art, music, and literature; while the ratepayers meetings and political meetings were sure to afford some fun and laughter at any rate. One famous meeting we may recall. It was the general election that Mr Gladstone fought and won his first Midlothian campaign. Mr W. P. Adam, our Member, and Chief Whip of his party, was addressing a packed and excited meeting in the Exchange, when a telegraph boy came in and handed Mr Adam a telegram. He stopped speaking, read the telegram, while there was great silence and tension as to its contents. Mr Adam gave the signal by a wave of his hand, and then the pent up feelings broke forth in tremendous cheers, and was long ere they could be repressed. Mr Gladstone had been returned, in spite of every kind of opposition, in spite of a host of faggot votes, by a majority of 211. That was a memorable night in Alloa, and also over the whole Empire.
However, as years went on and the town branched out in all directions, the question of a new hall came rapidly to the front as a pressing problem. But there it stuck, as it was well enough understood that any company building a hall need not expect much or anything of a dividend back again. But we all know the saying - "If you want a thing done, do it yourself; if you don't want it done, wait on somebody else doing it." In other words, a gentleman in our midst was revolving the matter in his mind, and the Chief Magistrate, at a meeting of the Board, made the welcome announcement that John Thomson Paton, Esq., of Norwood, was willing to erect a Town Hall, under very easy and necessary conditions, the principal one being that the Town adopt the Public Libraries' Act, - a condition, it need hardly be said, that was at once endorsed by the ratepayers at a full meeting in the Corn Exchange, - Mr G. Younger, Chief Magistrate, presiding, and eulogising Mr Paton for his noble offer, and who was supported by fine speeches from the Rev. A. Bryson and Mr Archibald Moir. The conditions being ratified, it was only a question of time when the town found itself with a magnificent Hall, a splendid organ in it, a well equipped Reading Room, an extensive Lending Library, a valuable Reference Library, a series of class rooms for Scientific and Art studies, all on a scale of comfort and completeness such as few towns of its size in Scotland possess.
On the night of 14th December, 1888, the Hall was ready for opening, and a great night it was in the annals of Alloa. The demand for seats was so great in excess of the accommodation that a system of allocation had to be adopted, so as to be as representative as possible. At 8 0'clock precisely the chair was taken by the young Earl of Mar and Kellie, having only recently succeeded to the title and estates through the lamented death of his father, the late Earl. It therefore became the first public duty his lordship was called on to perform, and needless to say he discharged the duties of the chair admirably.
After an introductory and congratulatory speech by Lord Mar, Mr Paton, who on rising to speak was vociferously cheered, said :-
"It is now more than three years since I approached the Commissioners of the Burgh in the matter of a Town Hall and Free Library. My reasons for doing so were that a suitable hall, capable of affording sufficient and comfortable accommodation for public meetings in Alloa, had long been a felt want, and because I believe that a Free Library would be a great boon to the community. I accordingly made an offer to the Commissioners to the effect that, in the event of the householders of Alloa adopting the Public Libraries Act, I would build and furnish a Town Hall capable of accommodating 1000 people, and in conjunction therewith the requisite rooms for a Public Library. I also promised to subscribe a sum of money sufficient to provide a good supply of books. The Commissioners approved of my proposals, and without any loss of time a public meeting was held, at which the Libraries Act was unanimously adopted, and it is pleasing to recognise the public spirit displayed by all, especially by those to whom the Library rate may be somewhat burdensome. It was subsequently arranged with the Commissioners that rooms in the buildings should be reserved and furnished with the necessary apparatus for a Science and Art School, for which they had been designed, and that I should supply an organ for the hall, the Commissioners undertaking to keep it in good order, and to provide a number of Recitals each year, to which the admission for a number of the seats would be free. The community having exhibited their appreciation of the advantages of my proposals, I was thereby encouraged to erect a more costly building than I originally intended, and I secured the services of the eminent architect. Mr Waterhouse, who is sorry he cannot be with us to-night. I leave it to you to say whether the building he has designed, and which has been happily completed without any serious accident, does or does not reflect the greatest credit on his taste and skill. And I take this opportunity of expressing my satisfaction with the manner in which the various tradesmen have done the work allotted to them. It now only remains for me, my Lord, to ask the Chief Magistrate's acceptance, on behalf of the town, of my gifts, which I tender as a tangible proof of my affection for, and interest in, this my native town; and to express the earnest wish that the varied influences which may emanate from this place shall be for the enlightening, ennobling, and refining of the lives of the inhabitants of Alloa. I ask you, Mr Younger, to accept this deed of gift. I also hand you for reference an inventory of the furniture and other furnishings in the building."
Mr Younger, Chief Magistrate of the Burgh, replied in a lengthened speech, in which he stated that it had often been his duty to speak on behalf of his fellow townsmen, but on no occasion had he been impressed with a greater sense of responsibility than now as I do, to offer in name of my colleagues at the Commission Board, and of the whole community, an impression of sincere and cordial thanks to Mr Thomson Paton for the munificent and princely gift which he has just bestowed upon us. Very few men indeed possess the power of conferring upon their friends and neighbours a benefaction of this kind, and it is a power which is all the more to be honoured in Mr Paton's case, as it is largely the result of his own industry and perseverance. We accept these responsibilities all the more cheerfully as these buildings are handed over practically unfettered by any conditions, and so far as this hall is concerned, absolutely unrestricted in its uses. To my mind this adds enormously to the value of this gift, and it may be regarded as n expression of Mr Paton's entire confidence in this community, and in the responsibility of the men who from time to time may be chosen to carry on its Municipal affairs. Let me urge you to show your appreciation of it by taking full advantage of the attractions it offers, and by encouraging liberally the efforts of those who may bring these attractions within your reach. Mr Younger referred at some length to the varied equipments of the building, and how highly favoured our community was in now having these educational advantages, concluding by again expressing to Mr Paton, in the name of those who, for generations to come, shall use and enjoy his princely gift, our most sincere and heart-felt thanks, and I sincerely hope he may long be spared to have the gratification of seeing the pleasure and profit which its possession affords to his fellow-townsmen.
Mr James W. Moir, the Town Clerk, then read the Address to Mr Paton as follows:-
SIR, - We, the Magistrates and Commissioners of the Burgh of Alloa, desire to convey to you, not only for ourselves, but as representing the whole community, an expression of sincere and cordial thanks for the munificent gift of a Town Hall and Public Library, which you have so generously presented to the Town, and which this day has been so auspiciously inaugurated.
We cannot receive this princely gift without expressing our admiration for the spirit which has prompted you to confer such a signal benefit upon your fellow-townsmen, and our conviction that the greatest public advantages will be derived from the possession of such a noble Hall and such a valuable Library.
For our own part, we assure you that no pains will be spared carefully to preserve and profitably use your splendid gift. And we earnestly trust that you may long be spared to have the gratification of seeing the pleasure and the profit which its possession affords to the community.
We are, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
GEORGE YOUNGER, Chief Magistrate.
ROBERT McDOWALL,
AND. A. T. MOYES, Junior Magistrates.
A. T. ARROL,
ADAM FRAME,
JAMES GRANT,
JOHN HOME HAY,
DAVID THOMSON,
JOHN F. THOMSON, Commissioners.
J. W. MOIR, Town Clerk.
This address, beautifully illuminated on vellum, being read, Mr Younger, addressing Mr Paton, said:-
"I have the honour, Sir, on behalf of my colleagues, to present you with this Address, and on behalf of the inhabitants of Alloa, of all classes, I have to ask your acceptance of this Casket as an interesting memorial of the auspicious inauguration of these buildings, and as a very small recognition of your great kindness towards them."
The casket to contain the address was a beautiful example of the jeweller's art, the panels having sketches of some of our local buildings, both ancient and modern.
Mr Paton in reply said:-
"I thank you very much for this Address, and for the beautiful Casket that contains it. It is far too good of you. All that I hoped or wished for was your hearty appreciation of the benefits to be derived from my proposals; and I will be amply rewarded if these benefits are taken advantage of to the fullest extent. I have, however, very much pleasure in accepting your gift, and shall ever prize it, not only for its intrinsic value, but also as an expression of your kindly feelings to me at this time. Permit me, however, to say that the expressions used in the address are far too complimentary. I have only done what many another townsman would have done had Providence given him the means. All that I can claim is that, having a gift to bestow, I have bestowed it in the manner that appears to me the best calculated to confer lasting benefit on the community. I feel happy in making the gift to the town, and especially at this time when it is represented by Commissioners who are so well qualified to discharge any duties committed to them, and who enjoy in an unusual degree the confidence of the ratepayers; and the pleasure I feel is still further enhanced by the conviction that my townsmen are worthy of the gift, and will not only respect any regulations the Commissioners may from time to time make, but will take a warm interest in the building, and do what in them lies to further the purposes for which it has been built. Ladies and gentlemen, I shall always value your gift, and will treasure it all the more if, in the years to come, it be found that the various arrangements of the Hall - its Science and Art Classes, its Library, its Reading Roams, and its Organ Recitals - are a source of continued pleasure and profit to you all. I again beg to tender you my warmest thanks."
Thereafter Mr J. B. Balfour, M. P. (late Lord Kinross), gave an interesting address on Books and their Educational advantages, and the rich possession the town had entered on that night, concluding with:-
"I sincerely hope and trust that what to my mind is the most important part of this munificent benefaction will not only be accepted with gratitude, but that that gratitude will take practical form - the form that will be most grateful to the munificent donor of seeing it used largely and seeing it used to the full."
Mr Thomson Paton then in a few well chosen sentences moved a vote of thanks to Lord Mar for his presence in the chair, with a graceful allusion to the recent death of his father, and how well he had performed the duties of chairman on this the first public occasion he had participated in so soon after succeeding his father. His Lordship in replying said that he was proud that his first venture as chairman should be on such an auspicious occasion.
And thus ended the most memorable meeting of Alloa residents ever held in its history - memorable as regards the great gift they were receiving; memorable as to the hearty, spontaneous, and appreciatory manner it was received; and above all, memorable as regards the quiet, high-souled, yet withal modest manner in which the kind donor handed over the princely gift. His greatest reward, as he nobly expressed it, being a full, intelligent, and frequent use of the benefits placed at their disposal. The hall now being opened was largely used during its first winter for concerts, good theatrical and opera companies, while the Musical Association a fortnight after it was opened gave a splendid performance of "Elijah." Having such a hall also induced higher class artistes to pay a visit; such as Miss Marie Rose with a distinguished company, who paid us at least two visits, and in a recent winter we were favoured with a visit of the renowned Madame Albani*. Then there are four Organ Recitals given during the winter season, when good talent is engaged, both vocal and instrumental, and are usually largely attended. So that the hall, amongst many other advantages, has raised the musical and dramatic taste of the inhabitants, and we trust is having that refining influence that true music is calculated to foster.
*[Dame Emma Albani, (born Marie-Louise-Emma-Cécile Lajeunesse, 1 November 1847 – 3 April 1930) was a Canadian-British operatic coloratura soprano, later spinto soprano and dramatic soprano of the 19th and early 20th century, the first Canadian singer to become an international star. Her repertoire focused on the operas of Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini and Wagner. She performed across Europe and North America.] Ref. Wikipedia
Besides the Town Hall, we still have the Corn Exchange, curtailed in length lately, but still suitable for many purposes. There is the large Drill Hall, very suitable for exhibitions, a big bazaar, and sometimes a great political meeting. The Museum Hall, with its suite of rooms, is largely used during the winter season for many social gatherings, in which a dance is a leading feature. For a select chamber concert or lecture it is most comfortable. In a similar way also the Co-operative Hall is used, the Society itself having many Saturday night functions in it of an educational and entertaining character. So that now at least from our princely Town Hall downwards, we have a choice of halls to suit any size or class of gathering. And it is gratifying to see that during the season they all get a due share of patronage.
Post Office.
Here again there is a complete transformation. Sixty years ago the whole work of the Post Office was transacted in a small side room of a stationer's shop in Mill Street. There was only one postman (Willie Lauder), who ultimately got another man (James McMillan) to help him, but that was all for years. In 1868 premises were taken in High Street entirely for Post Office work. That continued for some years, but postal business still extending, another shift was necessary, and that was found in the new building erected in Bank Street, a portion of it being specially designed for a Post Office, where it remains. And what with parcel post business, telephone, savings bank, entailing an ever-increasing staff, there have been many extensions in their present quarters, that now it may be considered the Post Office is in its permanent quarters, giving employment to a staff of 30, under the control of the Postmaster. That number includes 1 male overseer, 4 male sorting clerks and telegraphists, 6 female clerks and telegraphists, 2 telephonists, and 16 postmen, - a remarkable and amazing development of postal business since the first start in Alloa.
Fairs and Holidays.
As to Holidays, there was a different notion regarding holidays then than happily prevails now. The idea of getting holidays for change of air or recruiting your health was never thought of, consequently days for jaunting or recreation were very few. A day's trip to Inverness in the north, Aberdeen in the north-east, Oban in the west, or Berwick-on-Tweed, or Carlisle in the south - such as has been done in recent years - was then quite an impossibility. Of course those in good circumstances went to sea-bathing resorts for their children's benefit, and even the number of these coast places was limited, and almost unknown through want of communication. The public holidays then were two days at Handsel Monday, which usually fell about the 17th or 18th January, and two days at the Fair in August, and some workers only got the Fair Day. Alloa Fair was to young and old alike the great day of the year. What with limited means of communication, and also limited means for spending, it is easy to see that a good country Fair was a great attraction for miles around. Country people flocked in from a radius of ten or twelve miles around Alloa. We have mentioned limited means; yes, for these were the days of small wages for all classes of workers and tradesmen. A labourer gets more per week now than an ordinary skilled tradesman got at that period. Masons, joiners, bakers, and similar trades were paid wages ranging from 15 shillings to 20 shillings per week, so that the working-classes could not afford many holidays, nor were there many facilities for travelling if they had even the time, which they had not. The taste for higher ways of spending a holiday were neither developed nor available, - the railway system was just emerging from its infancy.
But to the Fair.
Broad Street was the great centre of attention during the Fair, as it was filled from top to bottom on both sides with "shows" and exhibitions of all kinds, - a menagerie or big waxwork having the place of honour at the foot of the street, while from that up the whole of the west side was every kind of exhibition. Fat ladies, dwarfs, African warriors, acrobatic displays, ingenious mechanical shows, performing birds, and indeed anything that would draw 2d of admission. When the west side was full, as it usually was, then those who had been crushed out had to find a place on the east side; leaving, as one can imagine, very limited space for the great surging crowds that came to the Fair. Then Union Street was devoted to hobby horses, fly-boats, - some of them large and other smaller style of swings called garrots. Then from the head of Broad Street right up Coalgate, along both sides of Mill Street up to foot of Drysdale Street was clad with rows of stalls for the sale of all kinds of merchandise; stalls for confections, fruits, toys, various coloured drinks, wheels of fortune, thimble rigging, and other questionable forms of games of chance, which are happily not allowed now, while a dense, crowd continually on the move from mid-day till mid-night, made the Fair a day to be remembered. The shops along the main thoroughfare shared in the circulation of money that was going on, so much so that when the time came when the shows, stalls, etc., were transferred to the Public Park, it made a great difference to many of them. Still it was inevitable, as many of the forms of amusement that came into use were positively dangerous when plied on public streets. The noise and hub-bub of a Fair was also very trying to many of the townspeople living in the line of traffic. A showman is nothing if not noisy; it is a case of who can shout loudest. You are invited to come and see the most wonderful wonder the world ever wondered at; and whatever the nature of the show was, they were sure to have an outside painting of the Queen and Court looking seriously at a two-penny show! Of course when you got inside you sometimes found there was not much to see after all. Indeed the showman very soon wound up with:- "Ladies and gentlemen, that now concludes the performance. I hope you are all satisfied; and tell all your friends outside." A noted and regular visitor at the Fair was Robbie Salmond from Kirkcaldy. He had a travelling van; his stance was at the foot of Mar Street, stocked with ginger bread packages of various sizes, all kinds of sweets done up in dainty packages, and what was well known to the boys was a plentiful supply of brown snaps, which now and again he would throw amongst the crowd, with the cry of "feed the ravens;" and oh, what a scramble to get them. Robbie, as he was called, had a ready wit, and a jocular way of praising up and selling his wares, that sometimes bordered near the vulgar, and would hardly do for the present time.
The next day was devoted to a sail down the river for a day in Edinburgh; at least that was the main attraction, and that terminated the summer holidays, as work was generally resumed on the Friday. There is here, also, a distinct change for the better, as in most cases now an entire week is devoted to spending amongst the hills, or at the seaside, enjoying the life-giving breezes, and seeing the children making sand-castles, or waiding and jumping about the edge of the water, and mother sitting back a bit keeping a watchful eye on her young hopefuls, - surely a thousand times better than crushing through a fair, listening to blatant showmen. An annual holiday of 8 or 10 days is now considered by workers as essential to their well-being. Indeed, it has come to be the custom in great manufacturing towns in Lancashire to have a holiday fund, that is paid into regularly during the year, and "lifted" when the holidays start. That enables them to go a considerable distance and enjoy a complete change of scenery and climate. That is a custom which might well be tried in Scotland.
In October came the Feeing Fair, which at that tune was a great day with farmers and servants, held on the 2nd Saturday in October. The country people flocked into the town in thousands, Mill Street being completely blocked with the crowds; and as they moved up and down the street you could not but notice the great proportion of strongly built, handsome men, that would have stirred the envy of a recruiting sergeant. What shows came to this fair were located in High Street, with plenty of stalls both in High Street and Mill Street. The ballad singer was largely in evidence; you could hear how "Young Jamie Foyer in battle was slain," and many other ditties, which the ploughmen purchased freely, and would no doubt beguile some weary hours in their lonely bothies. As the day wore on and a good quantity of strong ale consumed (a very different liquor than the pale ales that are most in demand in these days), the "yokels" became quarrelsome and finished up with a fight or two. Indeed, some thought it was rather a tame fair without a scrimmage. For many years back the Feeing Fair has lost all these characteristics. Whatever the actual reason, the attendance has dwindled down to close on vanishing point, and those who do come are off home by afternoon, whereas long ago they stayed in the town until the evening. The method of hiring farm servants seems to be getting into other channels, so that the October Feeing Fair has little to distinguish it from an ordinary Saturday. We might here note also the picturesque appearance ploughmen made in the matter of dress in those days, as they had a style of dress peculiar to themselves, and when they came into the fair they had on either a new suit or one that had been carefully kept. It was a suit of very fine moleskin, a beautiful drab colour, the trousers tightly made, with rows of mother of pearl buttons up the sides nearly to the knee; the vest was often a fancy one of calf skin, a mixture of brown and white, while the jacket was also tight-fitting, with a great profusion of handsome buttons, and it is quite likely "Jock" thought he was "gey braw." This distinctive uniform has also disappeared, as any time you see a gathering of country men now they are all clad in ordinary tweed suits.
Handsel Monday was the winter festival, which occurred about the middle of January. It may here be noted that Christmas, and even New Year Day, received very little recognition as yet. Strange as it may seem, anything flavouring of an "English" custom had little chance of being introduced in country districts. On New Year's day even the schools were open as usual, on the ground that the proper holiday had not arrived. The custom still prevailed of keeping the auld style of Hogmanay and New Year which led up to Handsel Monday. On auld Hogmanay the old Scotch custom of "guizing" was largely indulged in, both by young people, and for the sake of the frolic by groups of young women as well, four or five joining together in company. Their favourite get up was as fishwives, and one or two were bold enough to don the male attire as sailors. They mostly called on personal or well-known friends, who perhaps had an inkling of their visit, and after hearing a song or two, and perhaps a bit reel, then the currant loaf was produced and a cake of shortbread, and perhaps a taste of some very temperate wine to drink good health and the compliments of the season, and after some cheery banter and fun they would take their leave to make some other call. The more youthful "guizers," of course, had an eye to receiving some coppers at each house of call, which was carefully stored to spend on Handsel Monday. They had some song learned for the occasion, and some even aimed at a dramatic effect. But the custom of "guizing," like many other Scotch customs, is very nearly out of fashion altogether.
On the Saturday before Handsel Monday there was every evidence that the winter festival was close at hand. The Candleriggs was the centre of attraction then, from the Cross down to the Vennels; there were stands of various sorts, ranged on each side of the street. There were a great many shooting stands, the prize being handfuls of nuts, - shooting being always associated with Handsel Monday; also a game of chance called Billy fair-play Raffle, in which an orange was the prize played for. Then there was the gambling stand pure and simple. You staked your money on red, blue, black, or yellow, or the crown and feather, which if you staked and won on that carried the highest win with it; if the wheel of fortune indicated your colour your money was doubled or trebled as the case might be. We are glad to say that this form of gambling has long been disallowed by the powers that be, and properly so. There was usually a bazaar stall filled with toys and many articles of household use. On paying a penny the box was spun round, and you drew a paper which indicated what you had won, on the understanding that it was all prizes, no blanks. So that what with the continual shooting, the shouts of the other stall-holders, there was all the noise of a fair. As mentioned, this began on Saturday afternoon, till late in the evening, and resumed on Monday forenoon till a late hour, and continued by some on the Tuesday. But the public by this time had had enough of it, or had searched out some other amusement, which, by the way, was not lacking, as there were different shooting competitions in the neighbourhood. These were to be found at Bowhouse Farm, also at Powside and Clackmannan. Tullibody has always been famous for the hearty and old-fashioned manner it kept Handsel Monday. They had races of various kinds, climbing the greasy pole, dancing, etc.; indeed, Tullibody kept up its Handsel Monday celebration long after other places round about had given it up.
The evening of Handsel Monday and Tuesday were devoted to soirees, suppers, dances, and private family gatherings. For a very long period the Alloa Total Abstinence Society held their annual soiree on Handsel Monday evening, and its invariable chairman was the Rev. Peter McDowall, himself a keen advocate of total abstinence. There were usually at least two good speakers, while the musical part was well sustained both by local and professional talent. The soiree was thus a good way of spending the evening, whether your sympathies went as far as the speakers advised you or not. Tuesday night ended the holidays, and all had to be back to work again on Wednesday morning.
Municipal Rulers.
As indicated at the outset, the town had no direct body to look after its condition. The streets were cleaned as part of the county road, - just raked to a side until carted away. There were no causewaying to speak of as yet. For lifting manure and refuse off the streets, a man went round with a barrow. But many business men were coming to see that it was time the question of introducing and adopting the Police and other Acts for paving, draining, and improving the town were adopted for Alloa. A movement with this object in view was begun in 1853, but it was not until the 19th January, 1854, that the Acts were formally adopted by a distinct majority of the £10 house-holders; and on the 14th February, 1854, the first election of Commissioners took place at a meeting held in the Assembly Room, resulting in the election of the following gentlemen:-
Dr McGowan, James Younger, John McNellan, James Moir, David F. Lambert, Allan Drysdale, Andrew Dawson, Mungo Lauder, and Capt. John Liddell.
Dr McGowan was elected the first Senior Magistrate, Mr McNellan and Mr Moir, Junior Magistrates; J. Ewing, clerk ; T. Brydie, treasurer.
It may be noted here that the Commissioners secured a self-contained house in Candle Street, at the corner of Meiklejohn's Vennel, as premises for transacting municipal business. There were two good sized public rooms on the ground floor; one was used as the Board Room, the other was adapted to be used as the Court Room, while upstairs was the house of the sergeant of police, and a room for the constables.
This accommodation served the purpose for many years, until the Commissioners saw their way to erect the present Municipal Buildings in Bank Street. The house referred to in Candle Street has disappeared many years ago, to make way for the modern frontage of Messrs Younger's Brewery.
The Municipal Buildings were begun in 1873. The foundation stone was laid with great éclat, by a procession through the town and a banquet in the Corn Exchange. These were the days of party feeling, which unfortunately made itself visible in the day's proceedings. The buildings were opened for business on May 25th, 1874. From time to time since, the accommodation had to be extended to meet growing requirements. On the night of the 18th October, 1906, before the officials had left the building for the day, it was discovered that the roof was on fire, through the fusing of the electric fittings, and before it was extinguished the whole of the upper storey was destroyed, and the lower flat damaged by water.
In restoring the building the Council took the opportunity of re-modelling and extending the accommodation, - the result being that the requirements of all the departments are ample for many years to come, while the extensive ground behind gives ample room for stabling and shed accommodation necessary for burgh headquarters.
Continuing our account of the first Board, Dr McGowan, owing to failing health, resigned his seat at the Board and office of Senior Magistrate in August, 1855, whereupon Mr James Moir, banker, was elected Senior Magistrate, and he held the post for the long period of eight years. On his retiral from office he was entertained to a public dinner in recognition of his long and faithful services to the burgh. He was succeeded in office by another of our leading townsmen, Mr Andrew Mitchell, merchant, who was elected in 1863, and continued as Chief until February, 1869. At this period (1869) there was a large increase in the electorate by a new Act reducing the municipal franchise from £10 to £4 rental. At this election there had been considerable feeling introduced, and at their first meeting, which was somewhat stormy, five members withdrew from the meeting and resigned their seats, their places being filled by members willing to support Mr John Ewing, who was elected Senior Magistrate. Mr Ewing, supported by the Board, carried out many reforms, styling themselves on an election day as the party of progress. Mr Ewing continued as Chief Magistrate until 1875, when, although a candidate, he was unsuccessful in being re-elected, and thus retired from municipal affairs, devoting himself in future to his duties as Sheriff-Clerk of the County. He was succeeded as Chief Magistrate by the election of Mr William Bailey of the Alloa Pottery. Mr Bailey had been by this time on the Board for 6 years, and during his occupancy of the chair carried out many improvements, some of them of outstanding importance. One was a new 12 in. water-pipe from the filters to Whins Toll Bar, which improved the water supply very much. Another question in accordance with the spirit of the times was the acquisition of the Gas Works by adopting the Burgh Gas Supply Act, so that in October, 1877, the whole plant, properties, etc., of the old Gas Company became the property of the Burgh for the sum of £23,250. In the light of all that has transpired in connection with our gas supply, its enormous growth since then, the cheap rate to the consumers, and many other privileges granted from time to time, marks the step then taken by the Commissioners as a wise and far-seeing measure for the benefit of the community. Another measure of equal importance and blessing to the town was carried out during Mr Bailey's reign, that was the acquiring of 20 acres of ground to the west of Alloa, and now well known as our Public Park. The question was begun and discussed at several meetings, and was put before a meeting of ratepayers and confirmed by them in September, 1877, and on May 1, 1878, the Park was opened with great rejoicing, and has been a blessing to the town ever since. Mr Bailey continued Chief Magistrate until 1881, when he retired after many years of service, and as he himself expressed it, "years of hard work."
The mantle of Mr Bailey now fell on a well-known townsman who had already served 6 years in municipal work, namely, Mr Robert Willison of the Alloa Copper Works. Mr Willison was a practical, clear-headed business man, and did good work for the burgh. He supported Mr Bailey heartily both on the gas adoption and the public park question. He saw carried out many improvements in street causewaying, and in every way possible guided the affairs of the burgh; but unfortunately while doing so got into feeble health, and was only laid aside for three weeks when his illness terminated fatally in January, 1885, to the great grief of the Commissioners in thus losing their Chief, and to the equal regret of the whole town. Later on his numerous friends erected a handsome monument over his resting-place in Sunnyside Cemetery, testifying to their appreciation of his many public services and private worth.
Mr Willison was succeeded as Chief Magistrate by Mr George Younger, a gentleman of great business ability, a master in finance, and altogether a great acquisition to have on the Board. Mr Younger managed the finances of the burgh so skilfully as greatly to reduce the taxes, which is always a popular achievement with the ratepayers. For a year or two before Mr Younger's reign as Chief, the question of our water supply had been looming up before the Commission Board as a great question that must be grappled with: and it was during the later years of Mr Younger's reign that the matter was thoroughly gone into and the work fairly started. Before it got that length, however, there were enormous and seemingly endless negotiations to be carried through. Round Gartmorn the lands of three noble proprietors converge. There was the question of minerals to consider, and almost one hundred and one rights and privileges to safeguard or compensate. Mr Younger having inaugurated the scheme, was determined to see it through, and with the great influence he possessed with the parties interested he was instrumental in overcoming many almost insuperable difficulties in connection with the acquisition of legal powers for carrying out the extension of our water supply. In carrying this to a successful issue Mr Younger spared neither time, trouble, nor expense in order that the town should acquire absolute possession and control of Gartmorn, and thus provide a largely increased and ample water supply, so indispensable to a community. Mr Younger has a long roll of public service, but if he had done nothing else than his labours in furthering the water scheme, it alone laid our good town under a deep debt of gratitude to him. Mr Younger was anxious to retire in 1892, but waited on a few months longer to see all the financial obligations of the Commissioners implemented, and the compensation claims, of which there were not a few. At length, however, Mr Younger saw his way clear to resign office, which he did at a meeting of the Board on March 13th, 1893, having been Chief Magistrate for the long period of eight years, and at least 12 years altogether on the Board, and was the last to be known as Chief Magistrate, as during that year (1893) an Act had come into effect which made all burghs of the same rank as the older and Royal burghs, so that Mr Younger's successor was elected to the civic chair as Provost of Alloa, while the magistrates had the title of Bailies conferred upon them.
In the roll of Chief Magistrates we have been reviewing, our readers may have noted how cheerfully our ablest and leading townsmen came forward and gave much of their time to the service of the burgh, and so a fitting successor to Mr Younger was found in Mr David Thomson of Greenfield House, who was unanimously elected to the chair, and became first Provost of Alloa. Mr Thomson, from his long connection with our greatest industry, brought his great business capacity, knowledge of work, and general experience to bear upon the work of the burgh; and in the 12 years of work on the Commission Board, preceding his election as Provost, he did yeoman service in several departments. As convener of the Gas Committee he saw several extensions at the works carried out. The utility of gas cookers at this period in its infancy, with view of bringing these appliances and advantages fully under the notice of the public, with the hearty support of the then manager, Mr Yuill, got up an exhibition of gas cooking and gas heating appliances. This, the first gas exhibition held in Alloa, took place in the Corn Exchange in April, 1887. In opening the exhibition Mr Thomson gave a resume of the history of gas production in Scotland, and of the labours of William Murdoch, and of gas introduction to Alloa in 1829; and regarding this exhibition said that "It is solely in the interests of the ratepayers that the Commissioners have got up this exhibition, and I trust their action is approved of. The object is to bring gas cooking and heating by gas under your notice. The advantages are no longer speculation, for although it is true it is only within the last ten years that gas cooking has been taken up in earnest, it is now so largely used that it may safely be said to have got beyond the stage of long clothes. Three-fourths of the capital invested in a gas work are nearly entirely unproductive during the summer months, so you can easily see if the ratepayers can be induced to adopt gas cooking, it means to increase the consumpt and reduce the price of gas." The aims and hopes of the Commissioners, so ably expressed by Mr Thomson, have been amply fulfilled and accomplished in the twenty-one years that have elapsed since then, as at the present time gas cookers are in nearly every household, from the handsome villa to the humble room and kitchen, while the price of gas has from time to time been so reduced, that it has for some years been the cheapest, or at least amongst the cheapest, in Scotland.
The first year and likely a part of the second of Mr Thomson's Provostship was largely taken up with seeing the contracts in connection with the Water Scheme carried to a successful issue, which no doubt entailed a good deal of close attention. When the work was completed and the dam head made fit for promenading as of yore, the Provost most kindly provided the row of seats on the bank, - a boon much appreciated by all visitors to the Dam. Not even forgetting the swans, who swim about so gracefully, which we owe to Provost Thomson's goodness. Besides the completion of the water scheme, there were various causewaying improvements, notably causewaying the Whins Road, and the pavements laid with granolithic, - a large and much-needed improvement.
Provost Thomson retired from office in October, 1896, and when the new Council met in November, Mr James Grant was elected to fill the Provost's chair, vacated by Mr Thomson. When Mr Grant took the chair he was by no means a "prentice hand" in municipal work, having a record of not less than 15 years' service, which gave him ample experience of the various departments of burgh work. During his Provostship there was an extensive drainage scheme carried out in the town, which could not but result in permanent good.
Mr Grant served two terms of office, in all six years, and by singular coincidences, which, of course, no one could forsee, it fell to Mr Grant's lot as Provost of our town to represent Alloa in various National functions, which was the first time, so far as known, that Alloa was recognised and represented in a National capacity. The great National event of the late Queen's Diamond Jubilee was an occasion which aroused great interest, when Her Majesty, amongst other functions, and notwithstanding her advanced years, resolved to receive in audience all Municipal heads of the Kingdom. Mr Grant had therefore the unique honour of being presented to Her Majesty as Provost of Alloa. In May, 1898, Mr Grant again represented Alloa in London at the funeral of our great statesman, William Ewart Gladstone, in Westminster Abbey. He was also our representative at the funeral of our beloved Sovereign, Queen Victoria, in January, 1900; and in 1902 received, through the kindness of Lord Balfour of Burleigh, tickets to view the Coronation Procession of King Edward from a good position in one of the Government Offices. As Provost he also had invitations on different occasions to the Lord Mayor's banquets in London; also once in Glasgow under Sir David Richmond. and in Edinburgh under Sir James Steele. During Mr Grant's Provostship he had many duties of a local nature to perform, the greatest being connected with the opening of the new Public Baths for Alloa, being another great gift to the town by Mr Thomson Paton of Norwood. On that memorable morning Mr Grant must have felt that he had a big day's work before him. He had to preside on four occasions. First at the Baths handed over by Mr Paton, secondly at the Town Hall when Mr Paton was presented with his portrait, thirdly, he presided at the banquet in Mr Paton's honour in the Museum Hall, and lastly at the gala held in the Baths in the evening. It is but the bare truth to say that on all these occasions Mr Grant deported himself with singular ability and dignity, and worthily represented his fellow-citizens at such memorable public functions.
Mr Grant's eventful Provostship terminated in November, 1902, and he was succeeded in the chair by Mr Archibald Tower Arrol. Mr Arrol had a record of 14 years in the service of the burgh. His clear-head, business ability, and gentlemanly courtesy made him an ideal Provost. Although not called upon so frequently as his predecessor in office to preside at public functions, still when duty called him to preside at public meetings he did so with tact and dignity. Mr Arrol during his Provostship got an extension of the burgh boundaries carried out. It was attempted to be done on a previous occasion, but on account of much opposition the scheme fell through. Luckily during his regime it was carried out quietly and harmoniously, which was all the more satisfactory.
During Mr Arrol's reign, and even before that, there had been, both at ward meetings and by letters to the papers, a frequently expressed desire that a safety skating pond should be formed for the benefit of the young people of the town in winter. The question seemed to be so much in the public mind that the Provost and Council felt they must take some action. All the more so as the ground at the Grange, that was looked upon as very suitable, was at the point of being feued. A plan was prepared by the late Sir William Copeland, showing a nice ornamental pond, handy for skating in winter and boating in summer, and could have been carried out by increasing the rate by 1d per £. A public meeting was called, and it was soon apparent that it was to be strongly opposed. After the proposal was fully discussed and a vote taken, the proposed scheme was defeated by a large majority, although it was quite apparent that it would have been approved of had it been obtained without cost to many of them. Mr Arrol served one term of 3 years, and was nearly through his second term when, unfortunately, owing to his health at the time not being satisfactory, he was obliged to intimate his resignation, to the great regret of his colleagues, and was succeeded in November, 1906, by Mr Joseph J. Calder, - a gentleman in the very prime of life and usefulness, who in everything made a fitting successor to the three Provosts who had occupied the chair before him, and who, in turn, was succeeded as Provost by Mr Wm. Duncanson, who was elected to the important position in November, 1909, and in closing, cordially wished him a harmonious and prosperous term of office.
[Provost Arrol. - We much regret to add that Mr Arrol died very suddenly on January 26th, 1911, to the great sorrow of the whole community. And we regretfully add that the family sustained another loss a fortnight after by the death of Mr Charles Arrol, who had been in poor health for sometime previously.]
As before mentioned, we as citizens of Alloa have the benefit, of our leading businessmen to guide our municipal affairs. There was only one period when there was anything like friction at the Board, and even that is long ago now. For long years back the business has been conducted courteously and harmoniously, with none of the "scenes" we see recorded in the papers as occurring at other boards. We therefore as townsmen may congratulate ourselves on looking back on the work of our Alloa Town Council and all our Municipal Rulers.
Music.
Alloa has always been more or less identified with the cultivation and practice of music. In the early part of last century there had been a good band in existence, known as the Auld Alloa Band; and sixty years ago there were several townsmen who, when young men, had been members of the band. It was composed of both brass and reed instruments, and in its day had been a powerful combination. At any rate the old members always spoke of it with the highest admiration; but it eventually ceased about 1830. For years after the town had no band, until in 1852 a number of young men in the town had several meetings, and resolved to form a Flute Band, as they said in their appeal to the public for support, "To enliven the town in the winter evenings." And it must be confessed that at that period the winter evenings were dull enough, and needed enlivenment. The band when started numbered about 24 altogether, and they prevailed on Mr Thomas Archibald to be their teacher and conductor, himself a noted flute player, and in his younger days had played the clarionet in the old band. When the Flute Band had practised sufficiently to venture on a march out, they had a great reception from a vast crowd, who accompanied them in their march through the town. Their band house was in Trongate, but when returning from a march out, they usually ceased at the old Market Square, as the crowd quite filled the Square. We question it a Guard's Band were to march through our streets now, if they would get as great a crowd to follow them as the Flute Band got in their early years. There are several townsmen are happily still with us who were members, and assisted in starting the Band. There may be more, but we would fain mention Messrs John Ure, Charles Honeyman, John Honeyman; and of those who have gone we remember Alexander Scott, John Paton, Ebenezer Breingan, John Pollock, D. Thomson, Alexander Breingan, John P. Archibald, William Nelson, and last but by no means least, James Anderson, who played the drum. Jamie had been in the army in his young days, and likely had got some drumming there, but at any rate Jamie was an enthusiast with the drum. The way Jamie flourished the sticks and came down on the drum was an inspiration for all aspirants to be drummers. If any neighbouring band came to the town and Jamie was asked what he thought of them, it depended entirely what Jamie thought of the drum and drummer as to what his opinion might be. When the band started they were content with an old drum that Jamie had; but as they progressed and got more proficient, they resolved on a new drum and two brass side drums, also a pair of triangles. Thomas Archibald and William Nelson were dispatched to Edinburgh, and at Mr Glen's establishment at the head of the Mound they selected drums to their liking. On arrival at Alloa with the drums, they were met at the station by the band, and Jamie was not long in getting the new drum slung in front of him, and away they marched, the proudest man in Alloa that night being Jamie Anderson the drummer. It may here be mentioned that Jamie was often employed by parties as public crier, which he did of course by beating a side drum, and then Shouting "Notice." In this connection also it is worth remembering that Hugh Collins, then a house painter in the town, was engaged to put the name of the band on the drum, which he did very tastefully by first painting a fine flowing riband, and then putting the name of the band on the riband.
Hugh by this time was trying his hand at figure and portrait painting, efforts which eventually budded forth into Hugh Collins, the well-known artist and portrait painter, who did excellent work in various parts of the country, some of his pictures being in Alloa to this day.
The band, under several leaders or conductors, continued in a prosperous way until 1860, when the Volunteer movement got fairly established in Alloa, the Flute Band was induced to become the Volunteer Band, and to be more military like were supplied with brass instruments to learn instead of the flute. After a period of practising, they tried their first march out as a brass band on a Handsel Monday to Devon Shooting Range, where a competition was being held. It is not stated how they acquitted themselves, but they managed at any rate to make a noise!
They continued us the Volunteer Band until 1873, when an unfortunate dispute occurred to certain orders, which resulted in the band being disbanded as the Battalion Band, -
the dignity of such being conferred on the Alva Band. Through time there was a general feeling in the town that there should be a Town Band, even if quite distinct from the Volunteers. So the money was soon raised, and the men supplied with a new set of instruments, with John McBeath as Band conductor, and so it has continued through various vicissitudes as the Town's Band.
It will thus be seen that the band has had a continuous existence since the year 1852, when it started as a Flute Band, down to the present day. Of late years care has been taken to secure the highest professional conductors that could be secured for the means at the disposal of the Trustees, and which resulted in the band rising to such a state of proficiency that for a year or two they were reckoned the Champion Band of Scotland, and as such had many good engagements. Although it must be owned that of late years they have not been quite so successful in reaching the prize list, still they play exceedingly well, and once a week during the summer months they perform in the fine bandstand in the Public Park, when they attract a large gathering of pleased townsfolk to hear their programme of music. The band for a long time was entirely supported by subscription, but a year or two ago they were, by an arrangement with the Town Council, placed on a more permanent and satisfactory footing. Twenty years ago or more the band had an annual contest in Alloa, which in the first few years that they were held made the last Saturday in May a lively day in Alloa, indeed, a wag christened it "Drum Saturday," as during the forenoon there was nothing but drums beating as each band arrived, usually accompanied by a large contingent from their own town. The contests took place at Alloa Park, in a field behind the Mansion House, and as the gardens and grounds were open for inspection, through the kindness of the Earl of Mar and Kellie, it was a boon that was largely taken advantage of. Some of the early contests were open to all comers, which induced many of the leading north of England bands to attend, such as the famous Besses o' the Barn, the Blackdyke Mills, Wykeham Temperance, Oldham Band, etc., and we must confess that when these bands were present they carried off most of the prizes. These attractions brought great crowds of excursionists, and for that day made Alloa a very lively town; but coming year after year, they of course fell off, and were ultimately discontinued. Indeed, the Glasgow Bailie, noticing that there were excursions to Alloa to hear the contests, facetiously thought that there should rather be excursions from Alloa to take the people away. But as it was often a beautiful day, and many of the bands well worth listening to, it must be owned that the band contest at Alloa Park grounds made a most delightful afternoon's outing.
Sometime in the sixties, and for a number of years after, there was a brass band formed by the men employed at the Alloa Glass Works, and really did very well for a number of years, but eventually sunk down again into oblivion. If an effort was made, it should not be impossible to increase our Town Band say to 35 performers, introducing reed Instruments. With the softness they bring in they would make our band known and prized over the whole country.
From instrumental music we come to exponents of vocal music, and in the forties and fifties of last century a good singer was sure to be in request as a precentor. Being before the days even of choirs, and of course organs were still in the far future, it follows that a good precentor was an important factor in church life. And our good town of Alloa has had a fair share of precentors of high musical ability. In the Parish Church there was Mr Sorley; James Lee, a grand precentor, good tenor singer who sometimes engaged several professionals for a concert in town, at which he appeared amongst them to advantage, in fact he has sung Huntingtower along with Miss Helen Kirk. He was followed by Mr Leslie D. McNicol, a splendid singer, popular precentor and choir leader, and who also appeared on the Corn Exchange platform, and got a great reception. We are sorry to add his career was cut short by his sad death on the railway. Then we had last, longest, and by no means least, our own townsman, Mr David Jack, who was precentor and leader of the choir in the Parish Church for the long period of 33 years, in fact continuing down to the period when he had to make way, as a great many have had to do, for the introduction of the organ. Mr Jack possessing a splendid baritone voice himself, was able to train and bring to the front many noted choir singers, so that the Parish Church Choir was famed for a long series of years. Mr Jack, while still in his teens, made his first appearance at a concert on a Handsel Monday evening at Tullibody, when he was highly spoken of even then. He went through a course of training, and then began to take part in local musical affairs, charity concerts, one or two Christy minstrel concerts, but his greatest triumphs were at the Musical Association concerts when they were at the height of their glory in the seventies and eighties, - Mr Jack sustaining the solos, arias, recitatives in all the great works then produced; his greatest efforts being Mendelssohn's "Elijah" and "St. Paul," both of which oratorios he rendered the part of the Prophet and the great Apostle. Mr Jack has also had large classes of young folks trained, and with them produced many capitally performed Kinderspiels, - a modern form of musical drama adapted to bring out the capabilities of the younger generation. Mr Jack, we are glad to say, is still able for musical work yet, and at present is conductor and choirmaster of St. Andrews Church.
The congregation long known as the West U.F. Church had also talented precentors. There was Mr James Cowie, who has been one of our local princes of singers for an average lifetime, and certainly for at least fifty years. Mr Cowie, as a tenor singer had few equals. In those days a good singer was in great request to act as precentor. Mr Cowie was therefore for some time precentor at the U.P. Church, Tillicoultry, and later on for some time in the NVest U.P. Church, Alloa, which was the congregation he was identified with all his life in Alloa. Mr Cowie. however, did not need to precent by way of augmenting his income, so that most of the years that, the public have heard Mr Cowie on the platform have enjoyed hearing him without him receiving any fee or reward. Mr Cowie was always willing with his talents to help any charitable or philanthropic effort, and in the precentor days when a church was in a difficulty he was always willing to take the desk for a day.
Mr Cowie in his daily business was connected most of his life with the Kilncraigs Factory (the Messrs Paton's), beginning as a young spinner he rose step by step until he reached the post of carding master, which he held until he was obliged to retire some years ago on account of ill health. For many years he was principal vocalist at the annual soiree of the Alloa Total Abstinence Society, who in 1877 presented him with a silver tea service. Mr Cowie connected with the old Philharmonic Society, but will be best remembered by his long connection with the Alloa Musical Association, and the splendid services he rendered to it. In the seventies and eighties of last century he took the leading tenor parts in the Association's Oratorios and other works, which he did with telling effect. As mentioned, Mr Cowie was obliged to retire some years ago, owing to his health giving way, and had been more or less of an invalid ever since, until last summer his illness assumed an acute form, and he died on May 22nd, 1909, aged 76 years, making a gap in his home that can never be filled, and a gap in our musical world that will be difficult to fill.
Mr Henry Methven, it may be mentioned, was several years precentor in the West U.P. Church, both in the old church, and a year or two after the new church was built, and was supported by a good choir at that time.
The last and longest in office as precentor in the West U.P. Church was Mr Robert Bowie, who conducted the praise and led the choir for 23 years; until, in fact, he had to retire before the advancing introduction of instrumental music. Mr Bowie, possessing a fine tenor voice, and having a natural bent for the study of music, early in life went through a course of training to fit him for the post of leader of praise, which he first of all received in Stirling, and then was elected to the post he held and adorned so long. He is now gone from us, but his gentlemanly ways, his kindly nature, and above all his genuine piety, will long be remembered by those who sang under him during his years of office.
In the Moncrieff Church better known in those days as the "Townhead," there were the two Martins - father and son. "Auld Tammy," as he was called, was a noted singer in his day, but by the period we are dealing with he was not so much to the front. He rather inclined to make way for his son, "Young Tom." Mr Martin at some of the early Temperance soirees, introduced his son to the audience as a singer of some promise, which was afterwards verified by his being appointed precentor, which he held for many years until he left the district. After an interregnum period in which there was no stated precentor, Mr James Dawson was appointed, and continued for a few years until he left the district. The post was vacant until Mr James Scott was appointed, and did well for a number of years, until, as in the other cases, he had to give way to the introduction of the organ, with, of course, the appointment of an organist.
In the West Free Church, now the Chalmers U.F., they had Mr David Melville, for many years a very good precentor in his day, but had to retire owing to advancing years.
Our esteemed Town Chamberlain, Mr Peter Black, held the post for a number of years. Mr Black is well known as a good singer, and with his knowledge of music, assisted by the choir, led the praise admirably until, with increasing other duties, he retired. And was followed by a local star of a younger generation, namely, Mr John H. Young, who holds the office still with much appreciation.
Mr Young was trained to music almost from the cradle; and when he got the length of manhood a capital choir singer, possessing a powerful baritone voice. More than twenty years ago he had a leading hand in many minstrel and other entertainments, led choirs at evangelistic meetings, prominent, singer in the Musical Association, took a leading part in one or two local operas, and generally Mr Young has been in the front of our local talent for perhaps a quarter of a century. In mentioning Mr Young we naturally turn to his friend and coadjutor, Mr Samuel Glass. During the period referred to regarding Mr Young, the same also applies to Mr Glass, as in most cases they appeared together. Mr Glass was for many years a member of the Parish Church Choir, where he did good service, and during the late Mr Bryson's ministry, when there was only occasional service in the "Auld Kirk of Tullibody," Mr Glass cheerfully accompanied Mr Bryson and conducted the praise. Mr Glass has a good bass voice, and either in solo, duet, or a trio, he appears to great advantage in all three. He was the life and soul of the early minstrel troupes, as he made a first rate corner man, while he was equally at home in the serious oratorio work of the Association. As an exponent of humourous song Mr Glass was often in great request, and 10 or 12 years ago he appeared in the Pinafore as "Dick Deadeye," in the Pirates of Penzance as the "Major General," and in Le Cloches de Cornville as "The Miser," in all of which, and especially as "The Miser," he appeared with great success. At Bazaars, if any side show was wanted, they always found in Mr Glass a willing coadjutor, and was the means of adding considerably to the drawings. Altogether Messrs Young and Glass for nearly thirty years have given the public the benefit of their musical abilities, willingly and ungrudgingly, and are entitled to be included in any list of those who have helped to further the musical entertainments of Alloa. As a parting reference to Mr Young, we may mention that in July of this year (1909) Mr Young was appointed to succeed Mr W.H. Locker as conductor of the Alloa Musical Association, a post which will tax his abilities to the full, in taking up the baton so long and ably wielded by the master hand of Mr Locker. But we have no doubt that time will show that the confidence thus placed in Mr Young as a musical conductor will be fully justified.
There is another gifted pair of local singers who have come much to the front for many years back. We refer to Mr Peter Moodie and Mr R. Hepburn. Mr Moodie is a powerful and cultured bass singer, who has often appeared at social functions, organ recitals, and particularly in some of the operas produced lately, such as the Pirates of Penzance and Le Cloches de Cornville, - his stately "make up" and powerful voice appearing to great advantage. Mr Hepburn is a singularly gifted humourist and capital singer, and both in comedy and opera has raised himself to the front rank of amateurs. His appearance in the revival of Le Cloches could hardly have been excelled by any professional.
In this connection it would be ungallant not to notice the talent displayed by two local prima donas, Miss Whitelaw and Miss Fairweather. These ladies are often retained for local concert and soirees, whilst in the operas previously mentioned they appeared with great success in the leading parts. Their fine voices and dramatic instinct equipped them to give effective support to the gentlemen in their parts.
Since these pages were written there has passed away in the prime of life a noted musician in the person of Mr John Mackison, who was connected with Alloa Band for the long period of thirty years, and for the most of that time was the leading cornet player; and at the many contests in which the band took part, Mr Mackison's solo cornet playing made a great impression on the judges. He won several medals and other prizes at competitions at Edinburgh and elsewhere. In local orchestral work his services were much appreciated. Indeed, his outstanding musical attainments could easily have procured him a position in some city or military combination had he desired such. His early demise was universally regretted.
In closing these notices of townsmen possessing musical talent, we feel these would be incomplete without including the name of a gentleman who has now been amongst us for nearly twenty years. We refer to Mr Alexander Wilson, F.E.I.S., of the new Grange School. Though holding a leading place in his profession, it is as a musical entertainer and delineator of Scottish character and humour that we would notice. Many will remember the late Mr David Kennedy as an able exponent of Scottish song and story, and who appeared several times on our Exchange platform, supported by his gifted family. And now that he has passed away, we think that a large portion of his mantle has fallen on the shoulders of Mr Wilson. Possessing a splendid tenor voice, great knowledge of ballad lore, an extensive store of genuine and typical Scottish anecdote, Mr Wilson retains the unflagging interest of an audience unaided for a whole evening. He is in great request by societies arranging a winter course of lectures, but which he has often to curtail so as to conserve his strength for discharging the duties of his profession.
We may now notice what Alloa had in the way of Musical Societies. In the early forties there is not much evidence of any society for the study and practice of vocal music. Nor during the fifties was there much advance in that direction so far as combined singing was studied. When we come to the sixties we find that Alloa was beginning to wake up. There was what was called the Philharmonic Society started. It made at least one, if not two, appearances in the Corn Exchange, then gradually became extinct.
As the sixties wore on, however, a new society was started, namely, the Alloa Musical Association, which has held on its way ever since, and at the present period is still in a prosperous and vigorous condition. It is but fair to say that the Association has kept the study of music in the forefront. As we have mentioned previously, the Association's annual appearance, whether in oratorio or in some high-class composition, was the musical event of the season. They were the first to bring to Alloa a city orchestra to support them, and give due weight to the performance, and the whole affair making a brilliant appearance on the platform, drew all the elite of the district for miles round. In those early days the gentleman occupying the post of organist of St. John's Church usually was conductor of the Association. As we have mentioned, Mr Cowie and Mr Jack did yeoman service on these occasions, taking the heavy leading parts with great success; the soprano and contralto parts being sustained by some of our leading ladies with great ability, most of whom are gone from us, and we trust have joined the great choir above.
But the one gentleman who has been longest and closest in connection with the Association is undoubtedly Mr William Henry Locker, and who since he came amongst us 36 years ago has lifted the musical taste of the town to its present high position. Mr Locker came from Birmingham to take up the duties of headmaster of St. John's School, which he held with great success till his retirement in 1909. Mr Locker was selected for this post with an eye to his musical abilities as singer and choir trainer being at the service of St. John's Church as well as headmaster of the school. He was not long in our midst when he identified himself with the Association. His fine voice and musical culture were soon recognised by being entrusted with the leading solos of the pieces that were produced. This continued for several years, when the Association, needing a new conductor, appointed Mr Locker in 1880; and in all their productions in Oratorio, Opera, or Miscellaneous, he has wielded the baton with remarkable ability, and under his care and unwearied exertions the Association has given most successful renderings of many of the recognised masterpieces, including Mendelssohn's "Elijah," "St. Paul," "Hymn of Praise," "95th Psalm," "Lovelly," "Walpurgis Night," "Athalie;" Handel's "Messiah," "Judas Maccabaeus," "Samson," "Acis and Galatea;" Dettingen's "Te Deum," Haydon's "Creation," "Spohv's" "Last Judgment," "God, Thou art great;" Gounod's "Messe Solenalle" Beethoven's "Engedi;" Gade's "Crusaders," "Erl King's Daughter," "Spring's Message;" Gaul's "Holy City;" Sterndale Bennett's "May Queen," "Woman of Samaria;" Cowen's "Rose Maiden," "St. John's Eve," etc., etc. Which shows the wide range of musical study of the highest order which Mr Locker has trained the Association to produce, and given the public of Alloa and neighbourhood an opportunity of hearing, besides occasionally our Scottish Lyrics on some Burns' night. We are profoundly impressed with the fact that the Alloa public are under a deep debt of gratitude to Mr Locker, which, let us hope, some day will bear fruit.
[Mr Locker. - This gentleman, who did so much for musical culture in Alloa, has retired, and returned to Birmingham to reside. Before leaving he received many proofs of the esteem in which he was held.]
We must notice also that for a good many years there was a combination of instrumentalists entitled Alloa Orchestral Society. It included all the leading players of instrumental music in the town, such as R. G. Abercromby (clarionet), J. A. C. Brown (violoncello), T. Stirling and J. Carmichael (violins), J. Mackison (cornet), and many others, including a goodly number of lady performers. The Society was started in first members being Arch. Moir (violin teacher), James Dickson, J. A. C. Brown, David Wotherspoon, James Tait, and John Muil. Their first concert was given in the Corn Exchange in April, 1883, when they had 27 performers taking part, and of these 27 only 3 remain connected with the town. Such is the law of change. They gave some splendid concerts in our Town Hall of such excellence that it was hard to remember that it was only an amateur performance. Its highest number of performers exceeding 40 in number, making a very creditable combination, for several years under the baton of the late Mr Robinson, band-master. It is to be regretted that such a fine combination is in abeyance at present, at least as a Society. But the leading members still keep in touch with each other, and have appeared at various functions, to the great delight of those who heard them.
Coming to the present period, instead of a precentor giving a concert, we now have their modern successors, the church organists. And the Town Council give four Recitals each winter, assisted sometimes by local talent, and at other times by a professional or two, to which the humblest citizen can gain admission, thus placing the elevating influence of music within the reach of all.
Let us hope that every musical combination In our midst will go on prospering and improving, that its refining influence will be felt in our social life, and that rough conduct, impure speech, vice and intemperance will fade into nothingness before it.
Pastimes.
Keeping always in view our starting point (1845), we may say at the outset that there was nothing like the organised clubs or societies for the furtherance or participation of any particular pastime as is the case at the present period. A number of youths might get up a game of some kind merely for a Saturday afternoon, and there was no more of it until some spasmodic effort at some other time. There was a great deal more roaming about the woods and bird nesting expeditions than we notice now. To give some trouble to a gamekeeper was a frequent exploit, by trespassing on forbidden plantations, disturbing the game, and perhaps destroying young trees, was certainly annoying enough to any one whose duty it was to look after such.
Of organised clubs the first and foremost was the Alloa Bowling Club, which was started in 1845, having the green in connection with the Nursery grounds so long held by Mr Panton. At first it was only a three rink green, then was made four, and latterly six rinks. It had many of the leading townsmen for members, whether they were in the habit of playing much or not. They had the privilege of the green, and could look in and take a rest, a smoke, and get a "crack" with each other, and see the play going on as well. The club had for its first president Mr James Kirk, who during his day and generation was identified with many of Alloa's institutions. It continues in full vigour as a club, having a splendid green and bowlhouse, and in matches and tournaments can always find a leading place, and several times has gained the local blue ribbon, namely, the County Trophy. In 1876 it was felt that there was room for another bowling club in the town, and to be a little more elastic in the admission of members than the Alloa Club of the period was disposed to be. A green was made adjoining Gaberston Farm House as a private venture at first, but eventually was taken over by the new club, and the ground feued by them from the Superior. And thus came into existence the Alloa East End Bowling Club. The pioneers at the formation of the club and the green were James Grant, Robert Lynn, John Ure, Emmanuel Lerche, John McCulloch, Thomas Inglis, and others. and who in its early days did a great deal of spade work both literally and figuratively. Through time they had the green re-turfed and a commodious bowlhouse erected. After years practice they began to forge ahead in their encounters with neighbouring clubs, until in 1888 they won the Balfour Trophy; and not only so, but won the same distinction other three years in succession - a very remarkable achievement. It is but fair to say, however, that since then, beyond being times in the final tie, they have not been so successful. The distinction of winning the trophy is now more generally shared in by all the clubs, which is a more pleasing feature. The East End is in a prosperous condition, its membership usually being off or on about 100.
The pastime of quoiting has always had a number of followers in Alloa, but fifty or sixty years ago was a great deal more so. Sometimes yet a pitch is made for playing the game, if only for a short time. It must be owned that it has far keener advocates in the Sauchie district, and still more so at Alva. Alva has always been more fully distinguished for athletic sports, such as quoiting, running, jumping, etc., than ever was the case in Alloa. There was a game very popular with the youths, called the Club, so called from using in the game a stick with a crook on the end, and sides being taken, a ball was let off, each side trying to get the ball to their end, when, instead of crying goal, they cried "hail." There was no club formed; merely a number of lads would get together any place where they could find sufficient space to play the game. The space behind the Assembly Rooms was often used in that way on a Saturday afternoon. There was a game with round bullet stones called "Duck" which was some times played near the Shore, and seemed to give great amusement to those engaged, but never got the length of a standard pastime.
Coming to modern times, sports and pastimes have come strongly "In the Forefront." The two are at season games are Cricket in summer, and, in a far greater sense, Football in winter and spring; indeed, it is only stopped for a short period in summer. Cricket is an imported game from England, but every summer it is becoming increasingly popular in Scotland also. There are a number of clubs in Alloa, but the leading and most important is the Clackmannan County Club, which was started in 1868, the field being in Alloa Park Policies. But in 1889 they secured ground at the Arns, where they have a finely equipped field and pavilion, which in summer is a scene of great activity, on week nights for practice, and every Saturday there is a match on, either or at home or at some neighbouring field, and now and then at some considerable distance. In the Public Park during the summer there are games of cricket going on by various combinations. But even this game is far behind the interest manifested by its winter rival - the great game of Football. This game is essentially Scottish in its origin, although it has now spread over the three kingdoms, so much so, that the "crack" players in Scotland can secure tempting offers to come and play for an English team. The game has reached such a height that it recalls the days of the Colliseum at Rome, or the Olympia Games at Athens in ancient history, or the modern Spanish Bull Fight, when we read of 40, 50, or 60,000 spectators at some great match in Glasgow. Our good town has not been behind in going in for this great winter sport. The season begins in the latter half of August, and continues till the beginning of May. There are a great many clubs in town, big and little, all having a distinctive designation; but the principal one is undoubtedly the Alloa Athletic, which has been in existence for 40 years. Many of our most stalwart and agile young men have been members and been in many a hard tussle. The Athletic have been in more than one place in the outskirts of the town, but have found their permanent home in the Recreation Grounds, Clackmannan Road, where they have lately erected a new grand stand, with ample rooms underneath for the comfort of the players and visiting team also. They have a fine pitch, and when an important match is "on" draw out a large crowd, when their shouts in an exciting match can be heard a good distance away. In their encounters with crack clubs in the championship ties, the Athletic are usually "In the Forefront," as they would need to be, hailing from Alloa. A number of lesser teams play in the Public Park during certain specified times, after which their posts have to be removed.
For a good many years back another pastime has come to the front - we refer to King Golf. Golf is a revival of an ancient Scottish sport often practised by the James', kings of Scotland, and had for its headquarters St. Andrews long before it became so general. Indeed, any sea-side resort is of little account unless it furnishes its visitors with a good golf course. Alloa in the meantime has a golf course at Arnsbrae, and although perhaps hardly rugged enough from a golfers point of view, still it suits very well for practice until the holidays come, when they can get to a more natural course. In taking leave of Pastimes we cannot but see that the present generation is in a more fortunate position than the former one, as there are sports and pastimes carried on to suit all ages in life, from the young football or cricket club to the more advanced clubs, while those in middle life have bowling or golf.
Freemasons.
The Masonic craft have long had a lodge in Alloa; indeed this year of grace 1910 marks the 153rd year of the lodge's existence here. They have taken part in many public functions in the town, and also elsewhere, and we are glad to see that they are still in a flourishing condition. In 1842 the Worshipful Master was John Donald; in 1850, Andrew Philp; 1852, John Watson; 1855, S. N. Morison; 1858, John D. Bruce; 1859, William McQueen ; and 1860, Robert O. Arnot - all well-known townsmen in their day and generation. The Master for 1908 was Mr George B. McMurtrie. The designation of the lodge is St. John's, No. 69, and on 27th December each year, being the Eve of St. John, the lodge have their Annual Festival and Night of Harmony.
The Volunteers.
As the history of the Volunteers of Alloa has been dealt with in an elaborate manner by our esteemed townsman, Dr Dyer, we will not on that account go into details in these pages. Suffice it to say that the Volunteer movement in Alloa has an interesting record. In 1859, rightly or wrongly, there was an impression got uppermost amongst all classes of the country that Napoleon III., Emperor of the French, contemplated an invasion of our shores. It is difficult to account for it, as only three years previously the British and French fought together as allies in the Crimea. Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort paid a State visit to Paris, while Napoleon and the Empress Eugenie paid a return visit to Windsor. Notwithstanding all this, the feeling was prevalent. The whole nation was roused, and Volunteer Corps, as they were then styled, were formed in almost every town in England and Scotland. Alloa was not one whit behind. A meeting of townsmen was held, and a memorable list of names drawn up of those willing to join the Corps to be formed. We note that a reduced facsimile of the original list forms the frontispiece of Dyer's great work. Apropos of the name Corps, a little anecdote could be mentioned. The Volunteers were proud to be in uniform, and one of them, of course, had to visit his sweetheart in his uniform. The mistress upstairs heard some one in the kitchen, and sent her daughter to see who it was. When she returned she exclaimed, "Oh, Mamma, it's one of the Corpses." The Corps then formed comprised all the best manhood of the town, all animated by one eager desire to equip themselves for the defence of their homes and native land. For a number of years they were attached to the Stirlingshire Battalion. But eventually, as their numbers and companies increased, they became an important part of the Clackmannan and Kinross Battalion of Volunteers, but for many years known as the 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and is now transformed into a part of the new Territorial Army.
A movement like this is sure of success if it possesses at least one ardent moving spirit. The Alloa Corps was fortunate in this respect in having at their head the late Alexander Mitchell,
Esquire, who was their first officer as Captain, Major, Lieut.-Colonel, and eventually Colonel of the Battalion, and continued at the head of the Battalion until increasing years compelled him to retire. In all these years he was ably supported by another gentleman, John Bald Harvey, Esq., who was every inch a soldier, and who followed Col. Mitchell in all the grades of service, and succeeded him as Colonel of the Battalion. Thus it will be considered our local Corps was specially fortunate in having two such military enthusiasts as Cols. Mitchell and Harvey. Col. Mitchell died December 12th, 1893, full of years and honours. We are glad to say that Col. Harvey is still active, although retired from the service some years ago. We remember distinctly the first social gathering of the Corps, which took the form of a supper in the Oddfellows Hall, Union Street (now used as a hay-loft). Some old Volunteers can still look back to that evening with great glee, as it had been a very convivial gathering, held appropriately on "Auld Handsel Monday Nicht." After an excellent supper, of course there would be a number of patriotic and other toasts, which having been done justice to, began to tell on some warriors. One especially caught the eve of the Chairman, and he was ordered home, escorted by two comrades, who duly saw him safely, as they thought, at home. The escort returned, and saluting, the Captain asked - "Well, did you see Private ---- home ?" "Yes, sir," was the reply. The Captain smiles and looks up, and rejoins - "Why, there he is coming into the hall." He was allowed to remain, but eventually was again ordered home with another escort, but they were not long back when the warrior was back again amongst them, determined to have a night of it. By midnight or so, Officers Mitchell and Harvey retired from the company, and a junior officer was installed in the chair, and carried on the fun. He at once asked a sergeant what was the first duty of a Chairman, to which the sergeant (himself a wag) replied that the first duty of the chairman was to get up six bottles of whisky, which was accordingly done. The regiment has had many a festive gathering since, but for "A Guid Scotch Nicht" the first one will favourably compare with any. For a concise and complete history of our Volunteers we refer and commend Dr Dyer's complete and exhaustive work.
The Reigning Sovereign.
Every one knows that our little township and community is only a unit of a great kingdom and vast empire, and could not but be interested in what was transpiring at Court, and the affairs of the nation as well. Holidays being sometimes regulated by royal events, so that little apology is needed to take note of the Monarch who ruled our kingdom at this period. Need we say that the monarch was none other than Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, and the mother of the Late King Edward. Her Majesty succeeded to the throne in 1837. on the death of her uncle, William IV. She was but a young Princess of eighteen years, yet when she was roused from sleep to come down and meet the deputation who came to announce her accession, her first thought was sorrow for her aunt, Queen Adelaide, then beginning to realise the enormous responsibility of her great position, turned to the Archbishop of Canterbury and said - "I beseech your Grace to pray for me." And then both knelt and besought the Divine blessing. It will thus be seen that the young Queen struck the right keynote, which was to vibrate and sustain her all through her long and brilliant reign. We also may recall how well she acquitted herself in meeting her first Council. After the declaration of allegiance was read, the Queen replied - "This awful responsibility is imposed on me so suddenly, and at so early a period of my life, that I should feel myself utterly oppressed by the burden, were I not sustained by the hope that Divine Providence which has called me to this work will give me strength for the performance of it, and that I shall find in the purity of my intentions, and in zeal for the public welfare, that support and those resources which usually belong to a more mature age and longer experience." These were weighty and well chosen words for a young sovereign. "Purity of my intentions, zeal for the public welfare." These have been two of several principles that have guided the Queen during her reign.
Her Majesty was not long a queen and ruler ere she felt that, whether she was desirous or not, it was almost essential that she provide herself with a husband and consort, - a delicate matter indeed, as she had to show where her preference was to rest. All these little difficulties were soon happily got over, and on the 10th February, 1840, the young Queen was married to the man of her choice, Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha, a young Prince of exceptionally handsome appearance, and, as time afterwards showed, possessed of a richly balanced mind, of many noble qualities, that were of incalculable benefit to the queen and the nation.
Coming, then, to the period we start from (1845), the Queen was the happy mother of three children - the Princess Royal, the Prince of Wales, and Prince Alfred. It is not intended to follow in detail Her Majesty's long and illustrious reign: it rather being our purpose to narrate how the leading events in the Queen's reign were recognised in Alloa, and thus illustrate the loyalty of our town's-people. Before doing so, however, it may as well be stated here that, beside the three children mentioned, there were added to the family other four daughters and two sons, making a family of nine altogether, of which at the present period only five remain, well showing that grim death cannot be kept out of the palace any more than the cottage. But the greatest trial the Queen was called on to bear in all her long life was the loss of her beloved husband, the Prince Consort, while both were in the midst of their days of happiness. This sad event occurred on the 4th December, 1861, after a very short illness, and therefore took the nation all the more by surprise. For the nation had learned to know the worth of such a Prince, - his lofty ideals, his great sagacity, and above all, his devotion to the Queen, made his loss literally irreparable. It was always men who had attained eminence in science, art, and literature that the Prince counted worthy of his notice and friendship. It was his master mind that conceived the noble idea that nations, instead of plotting war with all its miseries, should vie and emulate each other in the arts of peace, which culminated in the great Exhibition of 1851, and from its unique construction, known ever after as the Crystal Palace. It was a noble conception, and although it has not eliminated war from our annals, it was followed by many exhibitions which at any rate bring nations together in peace and goodwill, and has a vast educative influence. Her Majesty was destined to live her many remaining years in lonely widowhood, and it was years before she could be induced to come out from that seclusion that seemed to harmonise with her great sorrow.
But to return to local matters. Her Majesty's birthday was May 24th, 1819, and in Alloa the Royal anniversary was held on the Thursday nearest the 24th. The birthday was celebrated in a manner now likely quite unknown to the present generation. It was not a general holiday, - only the shops, banks, and offices were shut - and if townsfolk were away somewhere during the day, they always returned in time for what took place at night. As darkness set in, a crowd collected at the Cross and the west half of Mill Street, and then began a great discharge of rockets, squibs, coloured zig-zags, crackers, etc. Mr Bansley, whose premises were in the centre of operations, got in a big stock of fireworks for that night, and kept open until all the stock was disposed of. That custom has died out long ago; but it was a regular finish up to the Queen's Birthday for many a long year. In 1857, on the marriage of the Princess Royal, there was an attempt to have a bonfire behind the Assembly Rooms, and although it was not doing any harm, Chief Constable Pennycook when he came on the scene attempted to stop it, but being alone the crowd just made fun of him, and finished by putting him right in the middle of it! We pass on to the great event of the Queen's Jubilee, which was celebrated in June, 1887. It must be owned that Alloa did not come out very strong on that occasion. There was a combined service in Townhead U.P. Church, at which all the ministers took part. The church bells were rung for an hour. The Burgh Commissioners sent a loyal and congratulatory address to Her Majesty. There were bonfires to be seen on all the surrounding heights, including the top of Demyat, and all along the Ochil range. From the knoll at the Hawkhill could be seen numerous bonfires on the heights across the Forth, as far as the eye could reach. June 27th was the day kept as a public holiday in Alloa, which was spent chiefly in making excursions. Several business premises were draped and decorated, but not generally. The Commissioners and some friends outside the Board combined and gave a very good treat to the poor of the town in the Drill Hall, at which many leading townsmen and ladies did all they could to make their humble guests happy for one night in their lives. On the Sunday previous there was an official public service in the Parish Church, at which all the public bodies, societies, etc., connected with the town and county were present, when the late Mr Bryson delivered an impressive and masterly discourse; indeed, it was so eloquent, so worthy of the occasion, that it could fairly be classed as a masterpiece. Another decade passed away and Her Majesty was still spared to her people, and able to discharge her high duties as Sovereign, and so when the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty's reign arrived in June, 1897, every community in the whole country felt that some method must be adopted by each of them to commemorate such a unique experience in our national annals, and concerning a Sovereign who was enshrined in the hearts of her people. It will be remembered that there was a great procession in London, with a thanksgiving service in front of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Her Majesty also received in audience all the Lord Mayors, Mayors, and Provosts of the kingdom. It fell to Provost Grant, who was then in office, to represent Alloa on that historic occasion.
We are glad to acknowledge that Alloa was not behind its neighbours in recognising the unique Royal event on this glorious occasion. To do so fittingly it was resolved to have a cake and wine banquet, to open a new bandstand erected in commemoration of the Jubilee, to give a treat to the school children, a dinner to the poor, and dinner to the inmates of the County Hospital.
At 12 noon, on the invitation of the Provost and Magistrates, a large company of leading and representative townsmen assembled in the Burgh Court Room to testify their loyalty by drinking Her Majesty's health. In the absence of the Provost in London, Dr Home Hay, as Senior Bailie, presided, and the speech which the Doctor delivered on that occasion was so appropriate and well chosen that we include the most of it here.
Gentlemen, - Fill your glasses, please, for the toast I have to submit to you is no ordinary one. It has never been proposed before. I give you our most Gracious Sovereign, Queen Victoria, on the attainment of the sixtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. It requires no words of mine to bring to your knowledge the blessings that have attended the government of this most favoured land under our good Queen's rule. She has been and is the most constitutional Sovereign we have ever had. The advances that have been made these sixty years have been enormous, and Her Majesty has always taken the most lively interest in anything that made for the advancement of her people. Many long reigns there have been. On looking back on our good Queen's reign we can find no blot; nothing but progress, nothing but good for the people, nothing but what we would expect from a true woman, as our Queen undoubtedly is.
(Applause.)
"It is only those," says Sir Theodore Martin, who speak with full knowledge, who have been Cabinet Ministers who could speak with authority of the ever wakeful interest of the Queen in all that concerns the welfare of the nation, of the immense value of her sagacity, of the importance of the knowledge accumulated through a long reign in a memory that forgets nothing, and of the royal courage and counsel that guides and strengthens the decision of Ministers in times of difficulty. She is a great woman, and would be so in any sphere of life, simply from her mental, intellectual, and business capacity. But it is on the moral and religious side of her character that the Queen is greatest. "The Queen." said John Bright, "is absolutely the most truthful woman I have ever known." That was high testimony from one who was no hanger on at Court, and who was a supreme lover of truth.
(Applause.)
During this reign that we are met to celebrate, and pray for a longer continuance of, we have had a most marked improvement in the condition of the people. About the beginning of it the workingman was never seen with a good coat on his back; his wage was so small that he was never able to afford one. Workmen worked under ground in coal pits scarcely clad, harnessed to waggons like brute beasts; boys were sent up chimneys to clean them, and, taking things generally, the condition of the working-classes was very hard indeed. Now we have a very different state of things. We have nearly everything done for the amelioration of the condition of the people. We have a kindly consideration for them, and this is largely due to the example of goodness of heart of our Sovereign Lady, Queen Victoria.
(Applause.)
Immense strides have been made in the Arts and Sciences during her beneficent reign. It surely is unnecessary to mention names, but the names of such men as Tennyson and Browning, Carlyle and Ruskin, Landseer and Sir Noel Paton, Darwin and Sir James Simpson, Livingstone and Paton, Lord Clyde and General Gordon, not to particularise the women of the age. - surely one must feel that this is indeed a record reign. The purity of life has been increased by the example of Her Majesty. When we read of the Courts of the times of the Charles' and the Georges' we are compelled to thank God that our Queen has shown a better example to her people. She, as all of us, has come through times of trial, but she has nobly set a pattern to everyone in having borne her cross meekly, and in endeavouring to set her duty straight before her and in following it. In Scotland this toast is peculiarly appropriate, as our Queen has always shown a great love for our rugged land. In fact, putting the terms of her stay in her Highland home together, she has spent 18 years of her reign in it.
This, the only toast of the day, was most enthusiastically responded to, and then the company joined heartily in singing "God save the Queen."
At half-past one the Magistrates, Commissioners, and their guests proceeded to the Public Park to take part in opening the handsome new Bandstand which was to be opened by Mrs Home Hay, when Mr James Manson, convener of the Park Committee, addressing the assembly, said:-
It gives me very great pleasure to be here to-day to take part in the opening of this grand bandstand, I may say that since I had the honour of being elected one of your Commissioners, I have been on the Park Committee, and for the last two years have been Convener of that Committee. I can assure you that the Bandstand gave us a great amount, of thought, because it was not, in keeping with such a place as Alloa, nor was it in keeping with our fine band, who came here every week and give us such fine music. Hitherto something has always come in the way of erecting a stand, but, ladies and gentlemen, the proper time has now arrived when every body throughout the whole land are doing something to commemorate the long and glorious reign of our good Queen; and we, the people of Alloa, are not last in the erection of this stand to show to our children and theirs the loyalty of their parents.
(Cheers.)
In doing so, Mrs Home Hay, I have very great pleasure in presenting to you this beautiful key, which I hope you will be long spared to keep as a memento of this great Jubilee.
(Cheers.)
Mrs Home Hay bowed her acknowledgments, and having opened the gate, the company passed in and filled the stand, after which Dr Home Hay returned thanks on behalf of Mrs Hay. Thereafter the National Anthem was sung, and shortly after a telegram was read from Provost Grant as follows:-
"Hope you have good weather. Large company here. Queen looks well. Splendid weather."
Another interesting feature was the great procession of school children, numbering over 2000, who, marshalled in the Public Park, marched through the town to a field near the Tower in Alloa House grounds, kindly granted by Lord Mar, the contingent from Sauchie being specially provided for by his lordship. They were regaled with plenty of eatables, and milk and lemonade for refreshments, while all sorts of games and sports were engaged in. To Councillor Duff was due the credit of initiating the gathering, for which he was cordially thanked at the close.
The Poor of the town was not overlooked, for about 300 of them were entertained to dinner in the Town Hall, presided over by Bailie Muir, who had supporting him Rev. Mr Bryson and Rev. D. McLean, who both gave addresses befitting the occasion. Not even were the inmates of the Hospital overlooked, for through the kindness of Mrs Procter, Claremont, they were entertained to dinner also, and were shortly addressed by Mr Procter and Mr Forrester-Paton, and all joined in singing the National Anthem.
At night a huge bonfire was lit on Arnsbrae, and was visited by large crowds from the town and district. Thus ended a most notable day in Alloa, and as celebrated in the Metropolis of the Empire the greatest and most memorable event that ever called forth the love and devotion of a great nation.
When we remember Her Majesty's advanced age at her Diamond Jubilee celebration, it will almost prepare the reader for the last event of all concerning Her Majesty. Her Majesty kept fairly well during the three years following the Jubilee; at least the country got no indication of any failing in strength until early in January a medical opinion was given that she must take a complete and absolute rest. It took the country by surprise, and from that day it only a question of time, and not even very long. Her Majesty was daily losing strength until on Tuesday, the 22nd January, 1901, it was evident the end was near, and at half-past six that evening Queen Victoria breathed her last, surrounded by her devoted family, thus ending a life and reign which, through her benign influence, brought untold blessing to her people, and was felt even throughout the world at large. Her outstanding virtues of veneration for the Constitution and love for her subjects, and her noble Christian example, will go down to history as the brightest jewels in her crown. She will undoubtedly live in history as a sagacious and enlightened Sovereign, and the finest type of female excellence exhibited in high station during the 19th century. Simple but dignified, uncompromisingly truthful, yet always courteous; pattern wife and mother, a firm friend, especially to those in adversity; a kind mistress, a genuine sympathiser with the poor and suffering, a patriotic sovereign, proud of her country and anxious for its welfare. An admirable Queen and a noble woman, - no succeeding Monarch can hope to occupy a pedestal quite so exalted.
As showing how much the life and work of the nation is bound up in the person of the Sovereign, when the news of Her Majesty's death was flashed through the country, the throb of the nation seemed at once to stand still. Every gathering was at once ended, every fixture cancelled or postponed. In Alloa, there was an organ recital in the Town Hall, the audience were assembled, when Councillor Calder came hurriedly in and went to the side-room and gave the sad news, then Councillor Duff came on the platform and briefly informed the audience, who at once quietly dispersed.
The funeral of Her Majesty took place on the 2nd February, 1901, when the entire world paid the last tribute of respect to her memory.
In Alloa, although a Saturday, the shops were practically shut all day. A Commemoration Service was held in the Parish Church, at which all the local public bodies attended, and in which all the ministers of the Cown took part. The Rev. Geo. Mitchell, as senior minister in the town, presided (the Parish Church at the time being vacant through the lamented death of Mr Bryson), while the Rev. Mr McLean delivered the address. We will only cull one or two sentences from his noble panegyric.
"There never has been such a spontaneous and sincere demonstration of mourning over the demise of the Crown, for no Sovereign on record has so won the hearts of a great people as to call forth such signs of genuine grief from all ranks of society throughout the British Dominions. We venture to believe that the special distinction of our good Queen of happy memory will be found in the creation of a new idea of royal dignity, and in the founding of a dynasty on the bed-rock of moral excellence, and governed by the categorical imperative of duty. Her personal character was a unity of opposites held together by a devotion to God, and the best interests of her subjects. Mrs Browning said - 'She wept to wear a crown.' and we know the reason of her tears was the responsibilities and the fear of failure. And in the softened radiance which falls upon a tomb we may read this illumined scroll - 'She touched nothing that she did not adorn, and there was nothing that she did not touch with womanly instinct and Queenly courtesy.' Farewell our most illustrious, longest lived, and best beloved Queen Empress."
Need we say that Her Majesty was succeeded in the throne by her eldest son, whom we had all been familiar with as Prince of Wales and who reigned as Edward VII. Unlike his noble mother, he ascended the throne at the ripe age of 60 years, and the knowledge and experience of State affairs acquired during the best years of his life, made him from the very outset a Monarch of rare tact, kindly courtesy, and an example to every monarch in his love for peace. His rare tact and kindness made this country more friendly with European powers than was previously the case. We may mention notably in the case of France, who is now more cordially united to us than she ever was as a neighbour before. That had been brought about in a manner we could hardly expect to be managed by a Queen as sovereign. After a short but peaceful and eminently successful reign, King Edward passed suddenly away amidst the universal lamentations of the nation and the world at large on 7th May, 1910, and was succeeded by his eldest son, the Prince of Wales, as King George.
The Lord of the Manor.
Alloa is as closely and intimately connected with its Lord of the Manor as is, say, Dalkeith with the Duke of Buccleuch, Kelso with the Duke of Roxburghe, Munro-Ferguson of Raith with Kirkcaldy, Alnwick with the Duke of Northumberland, and perhaps many others who, having their family residence in close proximity to the town, cannot but create a mutual tie between them; the joy or sorrow at the "Big Hoose" being shared in by the town, and therefore little apology is needed to include a notice of the Earls of Mar and Kellie as the Superiors of Alloa. They are a branch of the family of Erskine, and have been superiors of Alloa for about six hundred years. The Earls of Mar are frequently referred to in Scottish history as occupying high offices of State under several Scottish Kings, and particularly were entrusted with the honourable duty of keeping the heirs to the Crown during their minority. (Alas that it should have happened so frequently as it did). James IV., James V., Queen Mary, and James VI., whose cradle is still preserved as one of the heirlooms at Alloa House. His son, Prince Henry, and Prince Charles, afterwards Charles I., have all passed some of their youthful days at Alloa, under the trusted charge of the head of the Erskine Family.
Coming down to the period under review, the Lord of the Manor was John Francis Miller Erskine, who succeeded to the title and estates in 1828, and set about making many improvements on the Alloa estate, including a new Mansion House, built between 1834 and 1838, and still is the central portion of the present Mansion. In his younger days he was a subaltern in the First Regiment of Foot Guards, and was present at Waterloo, and was wounded. He married Philadelphia, eldest daughter of Sir Charles Stuart Menteith of Closeburn, who died in, 1853, in her sixtieth year. In the "thirties" he was involved in more than one escapade, which brought trouble on himself, and which was not calculated to increase the family lustre. His Lordship in his later years lived in great retirement, seldom appearing in public, so much so that if he did venture outside the policies the local newspapers had a "par." about it. There being so little life about the policies around the Mansion, induced some youthful spirits to make free incursions into the grounds by climbing walls and dropping over into forbidden ground. But sometimes his Lordship came across them, as on one occasion he saw the trespassers and asked what they wanted, to which one tremblingly replied - "My Lord, my Duke, my Earl of Mar, I seek my faither's cuddie, sir," which seemed to have amused his Lordship. In his last years he received no visitors, with the exception of Mr Moir, his factor, and Dr Syme, his old friend and medical adviser. In 1866 increasing infirmities began to be felt, which increased so that he saw his end was approaching, and which took place on June 19, 1866.
The titles at this juncture became separated, one relative, a nephew, becoming Earl of Mar, another relative, a cousin, becoming Earl of Kellie, but with the very substantial addition of the estates of the family. The deceased Earl's successor therefore was his cousin, Colonel Walter Coningsby Erskine, C.B., a gentleman of noble and commanding appearance. His Lordship, previous to succeeding to the Alloa estates, had a long and distinguished military career in India, being frequently commended by his Commanders for his valour and thorough devotion to duty, and finally received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and was made a Companion of the Bath - a very high honour. On retiring the Earl and Countess (a daughter of Col. Youngson), with their family, took up residence at Tillicoultry House, so that the townspeople had opportunities of seeing his Lordship, as he frequently drove down to Alloa. If Alloa saw and felt little of the presence of the Lord of the Manor in the previous period, it soon felt the influence of a new era under the new Lord of the Manor. His Lordship at once began an extensive scheme of improvements, which gave employment to great numbers of workmen in the town and neighbourhood. The Mansion House was almost practically re-built, new stabling erected, and the old stabling behind the house being re-modelled, extensive shrubberies planted; and even the Tower was not forgotten, it was substantially repaired, including new concrete steps to the top of the Tower, so that visitors could get to the top in safety. Nor did his Lordship go far afield for his advisers. The late Mr John Melvin, senior, was appointed architect, and in most cases the tradesmen were local. And when all was done he (the Earl) declared he could not have been better advised and served supposing he had called some city man. Like Solomon of old, his building did not end here.
His Lordship apparently felt that he could not enjoy a fine house himself without improving the House of God with which he was connected. So looking at the condition of St. John's Church, he resolved to build a new one altogether. A new site was chosen in Broad Street, with access to Alloa Park grounds, where a splendid new chapel was erected, and in a style of beauty and taste that was spoken of throughout Scotland as a model church. The Alloa Curling Club applied for ground for a pond. His Lordship met them at the place, saw where they wished it, and at once handed over the bit of ground to the Club for their pond. He was the prime mover in instituting the Hospital at Sunnyside, giving the ground free, and contributing £300 towards its erection. His Lordship was frequently amongst the townsmen, speaking or presiding at meetings for some worthy object or other. We have known of his Lordship in attendance and voting in the House of Lords, leaving London that night to be present at the Games on the Hawkhill next day, in order to present the prizes.
Having spent so many years of active service in India, it often happens that it tells on those returning home to enjoy a well-earned leisure in the evening of life; and unfortunately his Lordship's health began to cause his family some anxiety, and therefore in November, 1871, the Earl and Countess left Alloa Park for Cannes, in the south of France, to spend the winter. He was being benefitted by the change, but quite suddenly a change for the worse took place, and after being able to get out of bed, he sat down on a chair and quite suddenly breathed his last, to the great grief of the Countess and those around him. When the sad news reached Alloa, profound sorrow was felt and expressed all over the district. The family with the remains at once returned home, and on Friday, the 26th January, 1872, he was laid to rest in the vaults below the Mausoleum, beside his ancestors, followed to his last resting place in the words applied to Jacob's funeral of old - "And behold it was very great company."
His Lordship had three sons, and was succeeded in the earldom by his eldest son, Walter Henry, Lord Erskine, who by this time was in his 33rd year, having married in 1863, Mary Anne, eldest daughter of William Forbes, Esq., of Medwyn, their family consisting of eventually three sons and five daughters. His Lordship soon proved that he was a fitting successor to his noble father. He had long taken a deep interest in educational matters. The Education Act having recently come into law, School Boards were being formed all over the country. He was for twelve years chairman of the Alloa Burgh School Board, and was no mere figure-head either, but took an intelligent and leading part in all the work of the Board.
He was also an enthusiastic Freemason, taking such a deep interest in the craft that he was promoted step by step till he attained the position of Grand Master Mason of Scotland, which honourable post he held from November, 1881, until December, 1885, when he retired from the Grand Mastership. In recognition and appreciation of his services to the Grand Lodge, the Countess of Mar was, on September 19th, 1885, presented with a beautiful marble bust of her husband, as a testimonial by the members of the Grand Lodge, on the occasion of his Lordship retiring from the throne of Scottish Freemasonry. Sir Archibald Campbell (late Lord Blythswood) made the presentation to which Lady Mar in a neat and suitable speech replied. In this connection we may recall that his Lordship laid the memorial stone of Alloa Burgh School with Masonic honours, and in 1887 laid the memorial stone of our new Town Ilall, on which occasion his Lordship stated that he, as Grand Master, had laid stones in many parts of the country, but there was none that gave him so much pleasure as the one he was laying that day. Alas, that we must add, he was not spared to the completion of the edifice.
His Lordship took an active part in all departments of public business, being connected in one way or another with all or most of the societies and associations in the town. In County business he took a deep interest, and on the retirement of Mr Johnstone of Alva, he unanimously appointed Convener of the County, which office he held for some years.
In 1875, by a decision of the House of Lords, his Lordship as Earl of Kellie, was also declared to be Earl of Mar. - a decision which was hailed with satisfaction by the whole community, and was the occasion of rejoicings (see Notable Events).
The Earl was always on the best of terms with his tenants, and when he was satisfied that they had had an adverse year, he made an abatement of rent. He was fond of farming himself, and kept the farm of Bowhouse in his own hands for many years, and reared some good stock.
In 1888 it was apparent to his family that his Lordship was in indifferent health, which as the year wore on did not improve, and by autumn assumed an acute form, his strength rapidly giving way, and on Sunday, September 16th, 1888, he passed away in presence of Lady Mar and most of the family, - Lord Erskine at the time being with his regiment in London. The Earl was only in his 49th year, and was thus in the midst of his days and usefulness. The somewhat sudden and unexpected demise of his Lordship cast quite a gloom over the whole town. He was greatly esteemed and respected, being one of those gentlemen it would be impossible to imagine having an enemy. Deep sympathy was felt for the widowed Countess, a lady who had endeared herself in the town by her many and unobtrusive acts of charity.
The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, the 21st September, 1888, and attended by a large concourse of mourners, embracing many of the nobility and friends from a distance, and nearly all the clergymen, farmers, tenants, and merchants in the town and neighbourhood, all feeling that a good man and Christian gentleman had passed away.
He was succeeded in the title and estates by the present Peer, Walter John Francis, Earl of Mar and Kellie. His Lordship, who was born in August, 1865, after completing his education, chose a military career, and at the time of succession was Second
Lieutenant in the Scots Guards. Soon after entering on the duties of his position, he retired from the army, and entered fully into all the duties pertaining to his exalted position.
In 1892 he married Violet, daughter of Anthony, 8th Earl of Shaftesbury, and grand-daughter of the Earl of Shaftesbury who for his philanthropic labours on behalf of the weak and helpless was named and famed as the "Good Earl." They have two sons. Their eldest son, Lord Erskine, was born April 25th, 1895, and shortly after, his Lordship, in honour of that event, entertained all the school children in Alloa and Sauchie, numbering 3000, to a great fete in Alloa Park grounds, it being over 100 years since an heir had been born at the family residence.
For taking an active interest in all county business, the Hospital, and any good movement, his Lordship follows in the footsteps of his noble father. He initiated the movement for commemorating those belonging to the district who fell or died of wounds in the South African War, by the erection of the beautiful Monument at Marshill, which was unveiled by his Lordship, as Lord Lieutenant of the County, on the 9th April, 1904. There are now many such memorials in the country, but the design and workmanship of the Alloa one will compare favourably with any.
His Lordship is a representative Peer for Scotland, and belongs to the Conservative side of the Unionist party. But when his Lordship speaks at any political meeting, or takes part in political discussion, his liberal and enlightened views might and ought to please any so-called "liberal" opponent.
The Earl and Countess are very popular in "Society," having the "entrée" into the very highest circles, being frequently included in house parties where His Majesty is principal guest. In turn they entertain exalted visitors at Alloa House, and not long ago were honoured with a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. In private his Lordship is very accessible, and those who have occasion for an interview are charmed with his genial, courteous, and unaffected manner. The Earl and Countess are just in the middle of what we fervently hope will be a long, happy, and prosperous career.
Notices of Leading Townsmen.
No record or reminiscence of the past sixty years would be complete without some notice of those who were in the streets every day, who took a leading part in public affairs, merchants at their shop doors looking up and down the street, and in those more leisurely days having a genial crack with one or two cronies, either at the door or inside between the counters.
In proceeding to recall to memory a number of our leading townsmen, we cannot but see that they are more or less comprised into several family groups.
Taking them alphabetically, we have the Brydies, the Bothwicks, the Carmichaels, the Johnstons, the Lothians, the Mitchells, the Moirs, the Melvins, the Patons, the Roys, the Thomsons, the Wingates, and the Youngers, with, of course, many excellent townsmen not exactly included in these groups.
Mr Matthew Brydie.
Mr Brydie was associated with the oldest group of merchants in town, and belonged to an old Alloa family. His grandfather was a merchant in the town, and his father was merchant and agent for the Paisley Bank. Mr Brydie as a general grocer and wine merchant began first at the foot of Mar Street, and afterwards at the west end of Mill Street, where he continued the best part of his life until he retired about 1868.
Mr Brydie was of a quiet, gentle disposition, not disposed to mingle much in public affairs, but kind and liberal in helping any deserving institution. At the Disruption he took the side of those who "came out," and became a keen Free Churchman, and took part in forming the congregation now known as the Chalmers U.F. Church. He was for many years an elder under several ministers there. Mr Brydie was spared to a good old age, and died April 7, 1876, aged 80 years.
Mr Thomas Brydie.
Was a younger brother of Mr Matthew, and therefore had the same "forebears" that was mentioned regarding Mr Matthew. Mr Thomas, like some of our leading townsmen, began business life with the Jamiesons of the Walk, as clerk, and then was a short time in Glasgow, and returned to his native town as accountant with Mr Gibson, agent for the Union Bank, and on Mr Gibson's retiral Mr Brydie became agent, a post he held all his life, and did a very good business for the bank. Mr Brydie was known and esteemed in the town as a gentleman of a remarkably kind and obliging disposition, ever ready to help where he knew of any case of need, and perhaps even his tenderness of heart was sometimes taken advantage of. He was a short time Burgh Treasurer, but being anxious to serve his townsmen, he freed himself from the treasurership, and served on the Commission Board for a time. Like many others, he took an active interest in all the Philanthropic institutions of the town. The Bible Society had a warm friend in him, being connected with it for the long period of 57 years. Those who came from headquarters felt it a terrible loss when Mr Brydie passed away. Like his brother, Mr Brydie felt constrained to cast in his lot with the Free Church, and continued all his life after a prominent member, and indeed a pillar, of the congregation now known as the Chalmers U.F., and was a great help and adviser to its successive ministers. Mr Brydie lived to a ripe old age, dying in his 85th year, on the 24th march, 1894.
The Brothers Borthwick.
Before passing from "B" we may notice two well-known men in their day - George and Richard Borthwick. They belonged to Jedburgh, and came to Alloa about 1835, and although a long period in Alloa they still retained the border accent. They carried on the chemist and druggist business in Mill Street now in the hands of Mr R. Ormiston. They were well acquainted with all the leading townsmen of the day. George was the more serious of the two, but Richard had often witty sallies on what was going on which were often amusing. George died in 1883 and Richard survived him many years. In his early days he joined the Volunteers, and gave them active service for some years. He was one of the founders of the Archæological Society, and contributed more than one paper - butterflies and moths being his special study. He married late in life, and retired to Kincardine, where he died in 1893.
The Carmichaels.
There are two families who fall to be noticed, and we will begin with Mr Robert Carmichael, clothier. Mr Carmichael came to Alloa from Doune when quite a young man, and working as a journeyman tailor for a year, began business for himself while in his 22nd year. He had many of the qualities likely to succeed in business, nevertheless he proceeded with due caution, and began in a very small way at first, and as he progressed, moved from one business premises to another, until he settled in Mill Street in the old building that stood there before the present modern structure was built. Sixty years ago, and for long after, Mr Carmichael was in the midst of his business life and activity. He had a wide connection of customers, not only in the town, but over a wide district of the country, and was thus able to employ a goodly number of men. His plain, courteous manner, thorough integrity and honesty in all his dealings, inspired and retained the confidence of all. But Mr Carmichael was much more than a mere man of business. He was one of the pioneers of the Temperance Movement, and in that cause he laboured long and earnestly, and had the satisfaction of seeing some fruits of his labours in the reclamation of some Old Town worthies. Two or three evenings per week he was down in the Old Town gathering all he could see to come and hold a little social meeting, and could sometimes prevail on some worthy to say a few words or tell a story. On a Temperance platform he was a powerful speaker in that cause. When any well-known Temperance advocate came to the town, they were sure of warm help and co-operation from Mr Carmichael. We feel we cannot but notice that Mr Carmichael was fortunate in having a helpmeet that not only helped him in business, but also in his social reform efforts. Mrs Carmichael began the drapery department of the business, giving it her personal attention, assisted by members of the family. Her plain, unassuming and kindly way, endeared her to many; indeed, her kindness was such that it is said if some poor person came in to make a purchase, it was not uncommon for them to find their money wrapped up in the parcel. But this was in the "good old days" of shopkeeping. Mr Carmichael some years before his death had a paralytic stroke, which after recovery left him more or less an invalid, but he was able to move about in a quiet way, until another illness which brought the end near, and he died on December 13th, 1876. A well spent life and pattern to all.
Mr Carmichael's two sons, Robert and Alexander, succeeded him in the management of the business. Robert superintended the tailor and clothing department, while Alexander looked after the drapery. Both sons supported their father in all his efforts to reclaim the fallen or erring. They had not the persuasive eloquence of the father, but in Sabbath school work, Band of Hope, Adult Meetings, etc, they were ever in the forefront to do what they could to leave the world better than they found it. We are sorry to add that both have passed away, Mr Robert on November 5, 1899, and Alexander on June 30, 1901.
We desire also to notice Mr William R. Carmichael and Mr John Carmichael of the Alloa Brickwork at Craigward. Mr William succeeded to the business in Craigward so long connected with the well-known family of Bald, and after a year or two was joined by his brother John, under the firm of W.R. & J. Carmichael. William was well acquainted with the practical part of the business, and keeping pace with the times in bringing out new manufactures, has kept up a good flourishing business. Beyond taking a deep interest in the Archæological Society, he was not much mixed up in public affairs. He died in 1898.
Mr John Carmichael, we are glad to say, is still amongst us. His family belonged to Clackmannan. In early life Mr John studied for the ministry, but eventually was induced to join his brother at Craigward, being chiefly engaged in the Counting House. Mr Carmichael is still managing the business at Craigward.
If Mr Carmichael is not in the ministry, he has at any rate been diligent in season and out of season in doing all he can to further his Master's work. He was for some years at the head of the Park Lane Mission. He is one of the oldest members of Session of Moncrieff U.F. Church, and has been the Session-clerk for a very long period. For the best part of his life he engaged in Sabbath School work. Altogether Mr Carmichael has a noble record of good work done while he had opportunity. Let us hope he will be spared to see the work prospering, and his influence inspiring others to do likewise.
The Johnstons.
The two brothers, James and Archibald Johnston, belong to the oldest generation of Alloa merchants. Mr James Johnston succeeded to and carried on the business of grocer and wine merchant in Greenside Street, where his father had been before him, and although in these days Greenside Street would not be considered suitable for business, yet sixty years ago the firm did a good business as wine merchants, being known over a wide area as a firm where you was sure of a good article. Mr Johnston was of a retiring disposition, and therefore took no part in the affairs of the town. He died March 8, 1863. His brother, Mr Archibald Johnston, assisted him latterly in the business, but in early life went to Edinburgh and was in business there for some time and became a member of the Merchant Coy. He subsequently returned to Alloa and joined his brother in Greenside. He was a fine type of a good old man, being much esteemed by many friends for his genial courtesy, kindness and charity. He died full of years in November, 1873.
The Lothians
Comprise Mr Lothian and his son, Mr James Lothian. Mr Lothian was born in Dunfermline, and was for some time a teacher, and seems even then to have had a leaning towards the printing, having printed some class books for his own class. He was invited to come to Alloa, as there was no printer here as yet, - what printing was wanted had to be done in Stirling. Mr Lothian came to Alloa in 1813, and started as printer, and even then there was not enough work to keep him going. He therefore resumed school teaching, but through time the printing increased so that he discontinued teaching, and devoted all his attention to printing, and thus became the first printer in Alloa. In 1841 he started a paper - a very small sheet, - first in monthly form, then fortnightly, then permanently as a weekly - the "Alloa Advertiser." We are glad to mention that Mr Lothian lived to see his ventures in a prosperous condition under the management of his son, James. Mr Lothian was an elder in the congregation now known as the West U.F. Church, with which the family are still connected. He had been remarkably healthy, having rarely had an illness during his long life; but there is no getting past the last enemy, for at the ripe age of 81 he took a sudden illness, under which he quickly succumbed on July 18, 1862.
Mr Lothian followed in his father's footsteps by carrying on the business founded by him, and expanded both the circulation and influence of the "Advertiser," as well as the general business of printing. As Editor of the paper, he brought conspicuous ability to bear in its production, and as time went on improved and modernized it very much. In his early life Mr Lothian joined the Volunteer movement, and was present with the Alloa Corps at the great Review before Queen Victoria in August, 1861 - a memorable day in Scotland, when the whole Volunteer strength of the country marched past their Sovereign, and when our local corps came along some one near the Royal carriage shouted - "Well done Clackmannanshire." Mr Lothian was an active member of the Archæological Society, to which he contributed more than one paper, one of them being entitled "Extinct Clackmannanshire Societies," showing how, in the course of half a century, many societies for various objects were formed, with every intention at the time to be permanent, but yet through time ceased to exist. Mr Lothian also found time to produce some local historical works, such as "Alloa Assembly Rooms Memorabilia," and an interesting work, "Alloa and its Environs," all showing the anxiety of the author to do what he could to keep Alloa "in the Forefront."
Mr Lothian was a ready speaker when occasion demanded, but having a natural shyness, he kept out of public affairs as far as he could manage it, his tastes and talents being more of a literary order. Mr Lothian had four sons, who unfortunately died while in early life, to the great grief of their parents, Mr Lothian having, no doubt, cherished the pardonable ambition of seeing the business and the "Advertiser" pass into the third generation. Mr Lothian was spared to reach the allotted span, but little more, as he died on July 24, 1890, aged 70 years. He was succeeded in the business by Buchan Brothers, in whose hands the "Advertiser" is fully as vigorous and influential as ever. The senior partner, Mr David Buchan, has been connected with the office since he entered it in his teens as an apprentice printer.
The Moirs
Refer chiefly to two brothers, James and Archibald Moir.
Mr James Moir, Fenton House.
Mr Moir was identified with the town for a full half century of its history. He took a conspicuous part in all its projected useful schemes and movements, and exercised from first to last an important influence on local affairs.
Mr Moir was a tall, broadly built, portly looking gentleman, who from his very appearance proclaimed him a leader amongst men. Mr Moir came to Alloa when quite a young man from the neighbourhood of Dunblane. He in 1817 entered the office of Mr John Jamieson, writer and Sheriff-clerk of the County. Mr Jamieson was by this time an old man, but he took kindly to his young apprentice, James Moir. Mr Jamieson died, but his son Robert carried on the business, assisted by James Moir. Mr Jamieson being agent for the Paisley Bank, the bank office was at that time at the Walk. The Commercial Bank ultimately took over the business, and in 1850 transferred their premises to the modern building in Bank Street, with Mr Moir as its agent, where it has been ever since, with a Moir as its agent. As years passed on, other appointments followed, Mr Moir having such an aptitude for business that through time so many offices, honours, and duties flowed in on him that left nothing to desire. To enumerate all the posts he held would be tedious. He was factor to three Earls of Mar, also factor to Mr Johnstone of Alva, and during the minority of Lord Abercromby, he looked after the Abercromby estates. Mr Moir was connected with so many appointments and duties that really his life was one continuous labour, but still he managed to keep a grasp of all his work. Under the heading "Municipal Rulers" we have noticed the important Part he took in starting our town as a Police Burgh, which was fittingly acknowledged at the time by entertaining Mr Moir to a public banquet. Besides the numerous business matters Mr Moir was connected with, he also found time to take a deep interest in the affairs and management of the Church he was connected with, namely, Townhead U.P. Church, under the ministry of Rev. P. McDowall. He was many years Preses of the congregation, and consequently had often to preside at its business meetings. As we have noticed, Mr Moir was tall and strongly built, and seemed likely to have a long career before him; but how often do we see exemplified the fact that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. At the end of a week he did not feel quite so well, but thought he would be all right on Monday. But the illness developed so rapidly that by that time he was in a critical condition, and died that afternoon - Monday, March 1st, 1875. The sad event, by its suddenness, took the town quite by surprise, and it was soon felt that (locally) a prince and a great man had fallen in their midst, as was evidenced by the great company of gentlemen who came from all quarters to follow his remains to their last resting place, thus giving their last testimony of respect and esteem to one who was so widely known and respected.
Mr Archibald Moir.
Like his elder brother James, Mr Moir came from the Dunblane district about 1835. He began as clerk in the office of Robert Jamieson. He then became connected with the Commercial Bank, at that time in the Walk, but, as we have stated, was transferred to Bank Street, where Mr Moir became accountant under his brother James, who was the bank agent. On the death of Mr James Moir in 1875, Mr Archibald, in conjunction with his nephew, Mr James Moir, jr., became joint agents, and a year or two later, Mr James Moir having gone abroad, Mr Archibald became sole agent of the bank, and factor to the Earl of Mar and Kellie. He held the bank agency up till 1892, when his son, Mr J. W. Moir, received the appointment. Mr Moir had for many years been factor for Lord Mar, and although retiring from the bank, he still retained the factorship of the Alloa Estates and several other positions of trust. Mr Moir was an excellent business man, but to the general public he was best known for the active interest he took in all philanthropic, charitable, and benevolent societies. His large and generous heart went out in true sympathy to all classes of suffering humanity. He was identified with every institution that was calculated to help the poor, the afflicted, or the suffering, such as the Society for Teaching the Blind, the Bible Society, the Day Home, the Hospital, etc. The Archæological Society had a warm friend in him, and he could most intelligently take part in the discussion of any subject. Indeed, at public meetings Mr Moir was a fluent and ready speaker, his utterances being often interspersed with a vein of humour, which always secured for him a ready hearing. He was from the first connected with the Townhead (now Moncrieff) Church, and from the interest he took in all its work, made him really the right-hand man to all its ministers. For long years he conducted the senior class in the Sabbath School, and even after he had retired from the work, if there was a gap to fill up, Mr Moir was always willing to come back for a time. He was treasurer for over 50 years, and to mark that event he was presented with his portrait in oil, and a tea service for Mrs Moir, on which occasion abundant testimony was borne to the love and esteem in which Mr Moir was held by minister and people. His readiness to help the widow and orphan was often amazing.
It would be difficult to exhaust all the good Mr Moir crowded into his long life, which in truth was a long record of continuous activity and usefulness, blended with most exalted piety. Enoch like, he was not, for God took him, having died suddenly through the night of November 17, 1838, aged 81 years. Amongst the long roll of Alloa's leading men, there could hardly be a finer example of a genial, happy, kindly Christian gentleman than Archibald Moir. His loss was felt first of all by his widow and family, but also by many a widow who missed the kindly help so quietly and generously given.
In closing we may notice that of the two sons of Mr James Moir, the eldest went abroad, and the younger did not enter a business career, having rather a leaning towards the study of art; while of the sons of Mr Archibald Moir, Mr J. W. and Mr A. P. Moir now carry on all the agencies and clerkships in even larger measure than was the case in their father's and uncle's time.
The Melvins.
The Melvins are a very old Alloa family, the father being a joiner, or wright as they were then styled, having his workshop in Drysdale Street, perhaps a century ago; and it is only lately that the old rooftree (that is, the property adjoining the County Buildings) passed out of the hands of the family, being acquired by County Authorities for County Buildings extensions. It is the sons of John that we are called upon to notice, he having passed away long before the period we are dealing with. There were David, John, James, Archibald, and Thomas.
David Melvin.
Was an active, hard-working, persevering man. He had been trained as a worker in iron, but was not content to be merely a blacksmith; he was better known as a machine maker, and many young men who afterwards made their way in the world got their early training in David's workshop. He carried on a fairly extensive business, and besides his two eldest sons, John and Robert, employed a number of men. He was of a sedate, quiet temperament, a typical God-fearing Scotsman, but did not mingle in any public affairs. He died January 10, 1865, aged 61 years.
John Melvin.
Mr John Melvin may be said to have been the great man of the family, as by his abilities, great force of character. he attained to a position and influence not aimed at by the other brothers. He first of all learned the trade of joiner, but his aim was much higher than merely the bench. When quite a young man, he went to Edinburgh, where he went through a course of study and practice of architecture, and in 1826 he returned to his native town and began business as master joiner and architect, as he frequently combined the two by drawing the plans of a house, or alterations and repairs. and executing the joiner work as well. In this capacity Mr Melvin had a long and prosperous career, and it is likely he was the first settled architect in Alloa. Many of the original villa residences in the town and neighbourhood were improved and modernised under his supervision, and later on, when the town began to expand, he had a large share in the building and planning of the new erections. When the "Old Road" was opened up for feuing, and became known as Claremont, he built the first range of houses in that commanding situation, - the first one across the bridge being his own residence. His leading works in the town are the almost re-construction of Alloa House, the erection of Cowden Park, and later on the larger and more imposing structure of Norwood House. Of churches, especially U.P. Churches he planned and erected not a few. He planned and supervised the erection of the Moncrieff Church, and as he had a life-long connection with that church, and was a warm friend of its minister, Mr McDowall, he not only gave the plans free, but put a fifty pound note in the "plate" on the opening day as well.
Mr Melvin was a man of great force of character, strong convictions, and dauntless courage. He had often to contend for what he thought was right, and in general was successful. In 1878 he was entertained to dinner by the contractors of Alloa, and presented with a handsome silver epergne, emblematical of architecture, on his retiral from active business. Although always a busy man, Mr Melvin took time of an evening, especially Sunday evenings, to visit the afflicted and bereaved, giving them all the sympathy, help, and comfort he could. Mr Melvin was spared to enjoy some years of retirement, although infirmities increased with his years: and so his eventful career closed by his passing away on March 7th, 1884, aged 79.
James Melvin.
Mr James Melvin was of a type in direct contrast to his brother John. James was a veritable Nathaniel, so quiet, unassuming, contented with filling a small space in the world, but possessing deep religious convictions, literally walking with God. - he was a bright example of a humble but genuine Christian. Not aspiring to get up in the world, he wrought as a joiner the most of his life in the workshop of his brother John, and when that work was discontinued, he wrought some time with his brother Archibald. Mr Melvin, like all the family, was a devoted member of Townhead Church, and possessing such high-toned spirituality of mind, marked him out for the Eldership, a post which he held and adorned for a long series of years until his death, which occurred on January 20th, 1878, in his 65th year.
Archibald Melvin.
Mr Archibald Melvin, like his brothers, was also a joiner to trade, and in early life went out to Australia and spent the greater part of his life there in various capacities, until about 1870 he returned to his native town and began business on his own account as a joiner and builder. He built 2 blocks of shops and dwelling-houses in Primrose Street.
He afterwards removed to Glasgow.
There was another brother, Mr Thomas, who was in the iron trade, but as he went to Glasgow very early in life, he could be very little known to Alloa folks.
Robert Melvin.
Mr Robert Melvin was the second son of David Melvin (already noticed. He began work with his father as engineer and iron-founder, where he wrought for a year or two, and subsequently branched out on his own behalf by establishing the foundry at Sunnyside, which he successfully carried on until his death; but many years ago was joined in the management by his younger brother James, who still manages the business. Mr Melvin carried out many important contracts for girder bridges in various parts of the country, being frequently employed by the North British Railway Company. As a citizen Mr Melvin served a number of years in the Town Council, where his practical knowledge was of great service. As Convener of the Water Committee, and later as Dean of Guild, he did good work for the community. He was promoted to a Bailieship, which he held until his death, which also came while still able for more work and service. He died on July 29, 1899, aged 66 years. Mr Melvin was of a quiet but genial temperament, and was much esteemed by all classes in the town, much regret being felt at his comparatively early demise.
John Melvin.
was elder brother to Robert. He also learned the blacksmith and engineering trade with his father, and when a journeyman he with some other venturous spirits went out to Australia, not in the orthodox way of taking a passage out by a regular boat, but purchased a little craft for themselves and piloted their way out as best they could. It seems there was a log of the voyage kept, which, if we mistake not, is preserved in the archives of the Archaeological Society. After being some years out, Mr John returned home and succeeded his father in the Drysdale Street premises, but chiefly in the blacksmith trade, fitting up railings, etc. Through time he was joined by his son David, who, with a far-seeing eye, saw what possibilities were in the bicycle trade, which was only making its appearance, at once gave it all his attention, carefully studying and practising the making up of cycles until he fairly launched on a successful business of bicycle making. Mr Melvin and his son David carried on for a year or two until his father's death, which occurred on April 6, 1899, aged 69. David (the son) then became sole manager of what was styled the Melvin Cycle Co. The business grew to large dimensions, employing a goodly number of men, and was a busy work for many years, until, young as David was, the hand of death was laid on him. Having sustained some injury while on a cycling tour, he had to be removed to the Hospital, but unfortunately his injuries proved fatal in the end, as he died on July 19, 1906, aged 43. A comparatively young man, in his early prime of life, proving once more that death is no respector of persons or of age. By the removal of David, the Drysdale Street premises were closed and the stock sold off, and what used to be a place of great activity is gone.
John Melvin, Junior, Architect.
Was the eldest son of Mr John Melvin, architect (already noticed.) He got his preliminary training as architect under his father, completing his training and experience in Edinburgh, in the office of the Messrs Beattie, after which he returned and joined his father, the firm being known as John Melvin & Son; and on the retiral of Mr John Melvin, senior, he was sole manager of the business for many years, until about six years ago, when, feeling his health and strength unequal for the whole work, he assumed as partner Mr Kerr, under the old designation. Mr Melvin was a true architect, and was much esteemed by all tradesmen who carried out contracts under his supervision, as he was always conscientious, fair, and reasonable as between his client's interest on the one hand and contractors on the other. He designed and supervised many of our public buildings, such as the Combination Fever Hospital, the Liberal Club, Unionist Club, the new Parish Manse, Moncrieff Manse, the two handsome villas between these two manses, and the stately frontage of Messrs Paton's new offices.
Outside his profession he was deeply interested in other pursuits for spare hours and holidays. In early life he studied organ playing, and could play very skilfully, and from his knowledge of music generally, he was qualified to act, as he did on many occasions, as a musical critic. Mr Melvin, senr., had for many years a residence in the charming village of Comrie, where the family stayed during the summer months, and where Mr John became a devoted disciple of the well-known Isaak Walton, so that during his life whenever he could spare the time he enjoyed a day's fishing on Loch Leven or other great angling resorts. He was also a keen bowler, being a member of the Alloa Club, and on the erection of their new pavilion he generously drew the plans and superintended the erection free of cost.
Mr Melvin never being too robust, he was liable to be the worse of exposure. He took an illness which proved to be short but decisive, and died September 30th, 1905, while only in his 51st year, regretted and mourned by a great number of warm friends and townsmen who had all been with Mr Melvin "boys together."
The Mitchells.
The Mitchells are decidedly an old Alloa family. They have been connected with the town for a century at least, and very likely much longer. During the nineteenth century their progress upwards in social influence and importance has been steady and sure; and when we come to notice the careers of Andrew Mitchell and Colonel Mitchell it will be seen that they came to be ranked amongst our county gentlemen in influence and importance.
The foundations of their business enterprise were laid by their father, Mr William Mitchell, whom we will now proceed to notice.
Mr William Mitchell.
Sixty years ago, which we are dealing with, Mr Mitchell was in the very midst of his usefulness, and although he had many "irons in the fire," they all seemed to prosper. He wrought and cultivated all the fields around Alloa as the Alloa Farm, and as it was before the town showed signs of branching out as it has done since, the Alloa Farm at that time was very extensive. The headquarters or "Farm Toon" for working all this was at the Coal Fauld, adjoining the depot where the coals are sold, and where the foreman in charge had his residence. Then there was the Inch Farm, which was long held by the family, and which Mr Breingan had long the management of.
There was also the large bakery business in the High Street, which, besides doing a good trade in the town, did a very extensive trade in the country, at least two carts going off every morning, with the bread packed in large boxes, and which altogether would make a large turnover. Mr Mitchell had barns for maltings in several parts of the town, and when malt was prepared it was carted by road to Glasgow. There was also a small brewery behind some of the old buildings in High Street, which was wrought for some years. Mr Mitchell in his early days lived in High Street. until he purchased the residence in Mar Street, which has been occupied by members of the family ever since. Mr Mitchell was an attached member of the Townhead Church, and when the present church came to be built he was honoured in being asked to lay the foundation stone.
Mr Mitchell, though sometimes seemingly brusque in manner, was straightforward and upright, being of a very hearty and kindly disposition. He was spared to a good old age, and was survived by a good family of sons and daughters, - the most of the daughters becoming allied by marriage with several of our leading families. Mr Mitchell passed away on February the 17th, 1854, and was followed to his resting-place by a large number of his brother farmers and numerous friends.
Mr Andrew Mitchell.
It would be difficult to find one more intimately identified with the daily life of the town than Mr Mitchell, and for more than half-a-century was one of our leading townsmen.
Mr Mitchell was a native of Alloa, and with the exception of five years spent in Cupar, had been all his long life connected with his native town, and from many causes was widely known and respected far beyond his native town and county. Mr Mitchell returned to Alloa to take over the management of Alloa Mills, in consequence of the early death of his elder brother, Mr William. Shortly after this, on the death of his father, there was a re-arrangement made, when Mr Andrew and his younger brother Mr Alexander entered into partnership, thus forming the well-known firm of A. A. Mitchell, merchants, coalmasters, shipowners, etc. The firm held the Alloa Mills from 1838 to 1875, and in this as well as in other directions they formed a large and influential connection, and proved themselves most successful businessmen. Mr Mitchell and his brother were always fond of agricultural pursuits, and leased the farms of Kennet Pans, Inch of Ferryton, Alloa, and Alloa Inch, and afterwards took over the Forestmill Farms, including Forestmill, Meadowhill and Allaleckie.
Mr Mitchell was not only well and favourably known in agricultural circles as a successful farmer, but also as the founder of the famous Alloa Herd of Shorthorns. He was regarded as an authority on the breed, and consequently was frequently asked to act as judge at great shows in Scotland and England, and in this connection came into contact with the leading agricultural men of the day, including the Prince of Wales himself (afterwards King Edward), who was also a noted breeder of stock. Mr Mitchell had the honour on two different occasions of an interview with His Royal Highness in connection with stock-breeding matters. For many years the Messrs Mitchell's stock ranked among the best in Scotland, and the dispersal of the herd brought together a great assemblage of eager buyers, and realised great prices.
Mitchell was also largely interested in the shipping interests, being one of the partners of the "Ben" Line of Steamers, besides being owner or part-owner of the grand vessels belonging to the old Alloa fleet, and noticed in Connection with the "Shore."
Mr Mitchell's many business interests did not prevent him from taking a deep interest in town affairs. In fact he became a busy public man, and held many appointments which he found time to attend to, without forgetting the claims of his own business. He was Hon. Sheriff-Substitute of the County, a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Supply. He (as noticed under another heading) was a Burgh Commissioner, and for a year or two was Chief Magistrate of the Burgh. He was a life-long member of Townhead U.P. Church, and was for some years the Preses. All the philanthropic institutions of the town, such as the Bible Society, the Day Home, and various other charitable institutions, found in Mr Mitchell a warm friend and liberal subscriber. Mr Mitchell was unmarried, and for many years owned and occupied the stately mansion known as Walk House. Mr Mitchell was spared to reach the age of 86 years, and died on March 24, 1897, thus severing one of the best known links with the past, and was one of the leaders of Alloa Society and business life during the period we are endeavouring to chronicle.
Next to Mr Andrew Mitchell we naturally follow with a notice of his equally well-known brother,
Mr Alexander Mitchell.
But who in his later years was known as Colonel Mitchell of Luscar and Carnock.
Alexander was the youngest son of William Mitchell, already noticed, and got most of his education at Alloa academy, then under Mr Bruce (afterwards Dr Bruce), and it is stated was a very apt pupil. He began work by being a short time in a corn merchants office in Leith. But he returned to Alloa to join his brother Andrew in the management of Alloa Mills, and later on was full partner with his brother in the firm of A. & A. Mitchell, and in all the various branches of the business as previously detailed Mr Alexander took an active part, and like his brother took u warm interest in matters agricultural. He was a member of the Burgh Commission Board from 1867 to 1871. He was also a member of the Alloa Burgh School Board during the chairmanship of the late Lord Mar. He was some years Chairman of the Alloa Parish School Board, and was also a member of the first County Council.
But what will confer on Mr Mitchell most lasting fame is his connection with and unflagging life interest in the Volunteer Movement, and as we have already stated, a full history of the Colonel's work in that movement will be found in Dyer's complete history. Suffice it to say that from its very formation Col. Mitchell was its prime mover, and from his position in our midst he was able to do a great deal in furthering the movement, and as in those early days the Government were very niggardly in helping the citizen soldiers, we can easily imagine the Colonel's hand would be frequently in his pocket to carry on the work in all its requirements. Nor was he a mere ornamental soldier, as by close practice he soon became an excellent shot. He was one of the Scottish Eight in the Elcho Shield competition. In 1888, and with increasing years, he retired from the force, and was granted the hon. rank of Colonel by the War Office, and subsequently received the Queen's Decoration for long service. On his retiral his brother officers entertained him to a banquet in the Royal Oak Hotel, all testifying to his invaluable service to the Force.
From this period the Colonel lived in retirement at his estate of Luscar until his death, which took place on December 12th, 1893, - Mrs Mitchell having predeceased her husband by the short period of six months. They are survived by a son (Major Mitchell of Luscar) and daughter (Mrs Graham Paton, Schawpark).
The Patons.
Through their famed manufactures, and other noble and elevating characteristics, the Patons of Alloa have become a well-known family throughout the country generally, and very likely even beyond its borders. It is long since Alloa was famed for its yarn, the term "Alloa Yarn" having reference solely to the products of the firm of John Paton, Son & Co. The "Book" says, "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." That proverb has been strikingly exemplified in the Paton family.
The founders of the family were noted for their exemplary piety, and as they passed away, after serving their day and generation, these characteristics of piety, benevolence, earnestness in promoting every good work, have been followed up in even greater degree by the sons and daughters who came after them, and even in the third generation is still exemplified.
The Patons have not been so long identified with Alloa as other leading families, but they go back to the end of the sixteenth century, when two brothers, John and Andrew Paton, left their early home in the neighbourhood of Muckart and came to Alloa. John beginning the spinning and Andrew beginning the business of dyeing. As to the cause of their migration, according to folk lore (which, of course, is mere surmise), it was a disputed settlement, then a common occurrence in those days of Patronage, which caused the brothers to seek out a new sphere of usefulness. If that was so, it showed how much they valued their principles, and that the privilege of public worship was to them a vital matter of the very first importance. (Still according to folk lore), that is assigned as the reason for the family being always warmly attached to the Secession or Dissenting Churches. Be that as it may, the Secession, and as we best remember it, the United Presbyterian Church, has in a very large degree benefitted intellectually and financially by having such a family included in their Church life and membership. With these preliminary sentences we will proceed to notice the different members of the family.
John Paton of Kilncraigs.
Mr Paton was the founder of the firm of John Paton, Son & Co., and it is likely he would have no conception of the future possibilities that were to be the outcome of his first efforts. The "Old Mill," as it was known afterwards, was built adjoining the burn, a water-wheel being the driving power. Little is known of Mr Paton's life, but from his portrait one would conclude him to be of a benign disposition. He was long an elder in the Secession Church, both "Ower the Burn" and afterwards at Townhead; and what we are specially sure of was his high-toned piety, and which pervaded all his daily life and conversation. He died in 1848.
Andrew Paton, Trongate.
Was brother to John Paton, and who came to Alloa at the same period. He began the occupation of a dyer in a sunk flat in Trongate, but quite open on the side next the burn, thus having the advantage of the stream running past the back door of the house. The burn at that time was nearer its primitive purity than it has been for the last sixty years. Mr Paton carried on the work of dyer until advancing years compelled him to desist. Little is known of his characteristics generally, but for his great piety and exemplary life he was an esteemed member of the "Auld Kirk ower the Burn," and also when the congregation removed to the first church that was built at the Townhead, now Moncrieff Church. We have heard of an incident which gives us an idea of the kind of man Andrew Paton was. His minister one day met his young colleague, who asked him where he was going, to which his senior replied that he was going to see a saint die, - you had better come with me. And both went together and saw Andrew Paton nearing the end of life's journey. He died in July, 1822.
He was succeeded by his son, John Paton, who was associated with the work of his father, and carried it on for a number of years, both during the time of his father's frailty, and after his death on his own behoof. He was a man also who was much esteemed by his neighbours and all who came in contact with him. Indeed, we have reason to believe that his name was a household word in that locality, where, it must be remembered, there were many excellent godly people who lived in the Old Town at that period. In 1832 Scotland, including Alloa, was visited by an epidemic of cholera, and John Paton was one of its first victims, - 31st May, 1832. He had one son who died while a youth, and had also three daughters, - thus ending in the male line this branch of the family.
Alexander Paton of Cowden.
Mr Alexander Paton succeeded his father as proprietor and master of Kilncraigs Factory. The business enterprise, mechanical skill, and integrity of character which Mr Paton brought to bear on the work at Kilncraigs greatly enhanced its prosperity, and under his guidance made the first forward step which has since been followed up by marvellous extensions. He was of a quiet contemplative turn of mind, but true to the traditions of his house. He took an active and prominent part in whatever was to benefit the community or the country generally. It was during Mr Paton's years of activity that the question of the abolition of the Corn Laws was at its height. He entered heartily into that great national movement, and contributed liberally with his purse, his time, and his talents to aid in the repeal of these obnoxious laws, and thus promote Free Trade with all the world; which movement Mr Paton lived to see crowned with success. He took a deep interest in the spreading of education, at that time left entirely to private enterprise or philanthropy. He provided facilities for the young workers at Kilncraigs, improving their learning by evening classes in the winter months; and assisted by the lady members of the family, he instituted and carried on a Sunday School for the workers, an institution which we believe is still in existence. Although Mr Paton's family were generally long lived, it was not his lot to be so. He was never very robust, and so as years increased infirmities set in which induced him to retire from business. About 1850 he built the fine residence of Cowden Park, where he resided until his death, which occurred on September 18th, 1860.
He bequeathed funds to build and maintain a school primarily for the children of the workers, long known as the Paton School. It flourished for many years until the coming of School Boards made its existence no longer necessary, - the funds being now devoted to other educational purposes. He also left large sum to the United Presbyterian Church Headquarters, to be used in Mission and Church enterprise.
James and David Paton,
Sons of John Paton, Kilncraigs, when quite young men, went to Tillicoultry and commenced a factory there, which also was destined to become a great concern, giving employment to a large number of workers, male and female. They began with manufacturing shawls, then finding a ready market, but when the changes of fashion put shawls in the back-ground, the firm adapted themselves to keep the business up-to-date by manufacturing various cloths and wool materials, which still command a good market. Mr James Paton had a residence in Tillicoultry all his life-time, besides a country residence near Kinross. But as Mr David Paton about 1861 came and took up residence in Alloa, and where he did so much good work, we feel bound to notice him further. Mr Paton in 1861 purchased a house in Claremont and made it his permanent residence, going up and down by rail to Tillicoultry every day as long as strength permitted. Mr Paton began leading and invigorating all phases of Christian activity and evangelistic work in the town and district, he from his own means supporting a Missionary and at least one, and sometimes two, Bible Women to do what good they could amongst the careless and indifferent. It was through Mr Paton's generosity that enabled the late Mr Barr to work so long and, let us hope, successfully as a Missionary. The Young Men's Christian Association had a real father in him, attending regularly for a long time its stated meetings, and often on Saturday evenings he had the young men up at his house to spend a social hour or two. To have a rallying centre for all these Christian efforts, he built the Greenside Mission Chapel in Greenside Street, which is largely used for various agencies, besides at various periods of his life-time giving large sums to the missionary schemes of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr Paton was spared to a good old age, and died July 13, 1891, and entered on the Christian's reward.
Alexander Forrester Paton.
Mr Forrester became a member of the family by marriage, and assumed the name of Paton on becoming a partner in the Kilncraigs firm. Mr Forrester Paton was a native of Alloa, and but for a few years out of it, spent nearly the whole of his life in Alloa. Mr Paton might fairly be described as a very handsome looking gentleman, being tall and of a ruddy complexion, which even in his later years did not leave him. He began his connection with Kilncraigs by becoming book-keeper to his brother-in-law, Mr Alexander Paton, then head of the firm, and on the retiral of Mr Paton the business was handed over to his nephew, John Thomson Paton, and Alexander Forrester Paton, and during the best part of his life he devoted his full energies to develop the business, which was extending year by year. Unfortunately, while still in middle life and usefulness, he had an illness from which he never quite recovered his former activity, and was obliged to withdraw from much of his business pursuits, and many studies in which he took great pleasure. For it must be owned that Mr Paton had a mind that carried his bent into other spheres of study, being both of a scientific turn, and particularly a student of art in many of its phases. And thus when the Archaeological Society was instituted he at once became an attached member, and was president for a year or two, and gave the Society his impressions of Rome, Florence, Naples, etc., as seen by him during a winter in Italy. Mr Paton having high ideals of life, led him to support and encourage every movement for social, moral, and particularly temperance reform. All the leaders of that movement in town had a warm supporter and colleague in Mr Paton. He was long an elder in Townhead U.P. Church; and when the movement came in for having instrumental music in churches, Mr Paton, after satisfying himself as to the wisdom and propriety of such a step, by obtaining the opinion of some of the leading divines of the period, generously gave the fine organ that church possesses, but which, alas, he was not spared to see put up. As previously indicated, he was married to Mary, youngest daughter of John Paton, Kilncraigs, - a lady whom it always seemed to us to combine in her person all the graces and excellencies that one could Imagine an ideal lady to possess.
Well do we remember one of the numerous trips the mill workers have had, in the early sixties. On that occasion it was down by steamer to Edinburgh to see the various places of interest in "Auld Reekie." Mr Forrester Paton accompanied the excursionists, and not only so, but headed the procession throughout the day's wanderings, supervising all the commissariat arrangements, which was certainly a kindly, graceful act to do, and which made him none the less a gentleman.
As we have mentioned, he never got quite free of a former illness, and even when unlooked for he died suddenly one evening, December 8, 1883, to the great grief of his son and daughter, - Mrs Paton having predeceased him two years previously. His only son, a partner in Kilncraigs, is in a marked degree following his father's footsteps, being at the very head of the temperance movement. He has gone through a period of service on the School Board, being chairman for several terms. While on the Board he showed his deep interest in educational matters by building, equipping, and partially endowing a New School for Higher Grade or Secondary education, thus making Alloa an educational centre. He also built and equipped a Model Workshop for teaching manual instruction, which is now regarded as necessary for a complete education. Mr Paton being in the very midst of his years and usefulness, we must leave to some chronicler of, let us hope, the far future to notice all the good work he has accomplished.
Of his sister, it is impossible to write in too exaggerated terms of the benevolent work that most estimable lady accomplishes. She is at the head of the British Women's Temperance movement, being at present president for Scotland. For the sick and suffering she is continually rendering help and comfort, keeping some constantly engaged in going on errands of mercy. To Miss Paton's munificence Alloa is indebted for the magnificent Hospital it possesses, and which is proving such a blessing to the community. She also has a home in Glasgow for the training of Nurses to fit them for their beneficent work. We trust the day is far distant when Alloa will lose such a lady as Miss Paton, as it would be difficult, if not impossible, to take up the work she some day may have to lay down.
John Thomson Paton.
There is a line in Pope's Temple of Fame which runs - "High o'er the rest Epaminondus stood;" and in our local annals the inhabitants of Alloa might well say - High o'er the rest John Thomson Paton stood; for the benefits direct and indirect in having that gentleman as a townsman are really incalculable. We believe we are right in assuming that it is greatly to his master mind that the great work of which he was the honoured head, has developed to such huge proportions, giving employment to many hundreds of workers and wage-earners, who, but for it, would have had to find work elsewhere, and consequently reduced our population very considerably. Mr Thomson Paton was a native of the town, a fact which he was always proud to acknowledge, being the eldest son of the late Mr William Thomson, Claremont, - his mother being one of the elder daughters of John Paton, Kilncraigs. After finishing his education he entered the office of his uncle, Mr Alexander Paton, then at the head of Kilncraigs Factory, and quickly showing his marvellous aptitude for business, while still a very young man, his uncle entrusted him with the management of the work.
Mr Paton was thus fairly launched on a career for which he was so eminently fitted, possessing a remarkably clear head, a quick perception in grasping any detail of work, and untiring energy. No idler himself, he could not tolerate idleness in others; and from his knowledge of work was not easily imposed on. All these qualities, and many others, were brought to bear in conducting, developing, and extending the business. In launching an enterprise it is customary to say - "We cannot command success, but we will endeavour to deserve it." Such has been the case in the history of this firm. They have done everything to deserve success, and have been rewarded in receiving success in an overpowering measure.
When Mr Paton began the management of the work there was only one modern building (in addition to the old original mill), and even it was lengthened a third more some years later. So that the extensions that can be seen now by a walk through the works, were all accomplished during the lifetime and management of Mr Thomson Paton himself, ably assisted by the advice and counsel of his partners; but who, under such a leader, soon became imbued with the same spirit and energy.
In the midst of all his business activity Mr Paton was willing to give some of his time to town affairs, and began by entering the Commission Board, with which he was connected for many years, some of the years acting as magistrate. Mr Paton might easily have reached the Chief Magistrate's chair, but at that period there was more bickering and party feeling displayed than happily prevails now, which may have induced him to withdraw. He also gave a term or two to the work of the School Board, and was Chairman for a period. He was for long years an elder in the West U.F. Church, and was for some years the Preses.
In politics he was a staunch Liberal, and was for many years Chairman of the Liberal Association here, and in that capacity presided in many of its meetings. He was a great friend of the late J. B. Balfour (Lord Kinross) during all the years he represented the United Counties, and on his elevation to the Peerage and vacating the seat, Mr Paton was invited to stand for the County. Mr Paton, unfortunately, after full consideration, and under medical advice, was reluctantly constrained to decline the honour, which was to be regretted, as it was almost certain he would have been sent to Westminster to represent his native County and Kinross, which would have been such a fitting climax to a noble career.
But what Mr Paton will most be remembered by the citizens of Alloa is his princely generosity to his native town. More than thirty years ago he feued a large piece of ground beyond Cowden Park, and built a stately residence for himself, the Mansion House of Norwood, and transformed a few grass fields into most beautiful and attractive grounds, which are a treat to walk through.
As years went on, and Mr Paton still prosperous, he made up his mind about a building scheme, but not for himself, but which was very much wanted by the community, - that was the erection of the noble Town Hall, with its Reading Room and Library, which has been fully noticed under the heading of "Halls." Ten years later he saw room for another building scheme, second only in importance to the Hall scheme. That was the erection of magnificent Public Baths, and handed over to our Provost and Council as custodiers for the town, this beautifully equipped building, but the details of which we will notice later on under the heading of "Notable Events." Suffice it meantime to say that such noble generosity finds one at a loss how adequately to express the feelings of one's heart. There were some generous hearts in our midst that could have devised similar schemes, but had nothing like the means to carry them out. It is possible others had the means to do some public good, but did not feel the duty devolving on them. But the heart to plan and the means to carry out these noble conceptions were combined in Mr Paton, and that being so the work was carried out, and let us say that having resolved to undertake such, everything was done and executed in the very best manner possible, as any one can testify who cares to examine the Hall and Baths.
Fully five years ago Mr Paton had the great misfortune to lose his life partner in the death of Mrs Paton, - a lady who was universally esteemed, of warm impulses and generous heart, ever ready with open hand where assistance was needed. After a somewhat prolonged illness, which, however, only in incapacitated him from business for a few months, Mr Thomson Paton died at Norwood on 3rd February, 1910.
Mr David Thomson, Greenfield House.
Mr Thomson is a younger brother of the late Mr Thomson Paton, and was associated with him in the management of the business all his life, - that is after his school days, and after gaining a practical knowledge of the different departments of the work. With his kindly, courteous manner, Mr Thomson has always been a favourite with the workers. He, as already noticed, was many years in the Town Council, and filled the Provost's chair. He has always taken a deep interest in musical matters, having been long connected with the Musical Association, and in later years as a trustee did a great deal to further and keep together the Alloa Band; indeed, but for Mr Thomson and his efforts, the Band might have been non-existing by this time. But he has the satisfaction of seeing the Band now on a more permanent basis. Many years ago he purchased the enclosed domain of Greenfield, took down the old house, and erected on the site the present stately mansion, which we trust he will long be spared to enjoy, and his family after him for many generations.
Mr Robert Proctor, Claremont.
Mr Proctor became connected with the family by marriage, - Mrs Procter being the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomson, Claremont. Mr Procter was a native of Dalkeith, but spent many of his early years at Innerleithen. About 1868 he came to Alloa to a post in the office at Kilncraigs, and ultimately became a partner of the firm, where he continued until failing health intervened. During the more than thirty years Mr Procter was in Alloa, he became identified with all the religious, benevolent, and philanthropic societies in the town, and indeed every movement which had for its object the amelioration of the condition of the poor, and the promotion of the moral and social wellbeing of the community, always found in Mr Procter a warm friend and a generous supporter.
For a long number of years he was Treasurer of the Day Home, and for eight or ten years was Chairman of that Institution. On New Year's day it was his invariable custom to entertain the inmates to a substantial dinner. He had a long connection with, and was a good contributor to, the Alloa Bible Society. The County Hospital, also, he took a warm interest in, and when the new Hospital was erected he generously gave the handsome sum of £1000 towards the endowment fund. Mr Procter was an elder in West U.F. Church. But Mr Procter's chief delight was in Sabbath School work, with which as scholar and teacher he had been identified all his life. He was Superintendent of the West U.F. Sabbath School for many years, and it was during that period that he attained his Jubilee as a teacher, on which occasion he was presented with an address, and a signed album by the teachers in the school. About the same period he received from headquarters the Church's Diploma of Honour for 50 years' service. His interest in such noble work was so absorbing and practical that he built and handed over to the West Church a hall and suite of rooms specially equipped for Sabbath School work. As a brilliant example of the life Beautiful, who was never tired of good work, but rather made it his delight, our community may well bless the day that brought such a gentleman as Mr Procter amongst them. In the end of 1905 Mr Procter's health was far from right, and gradually got worse, and he passed away on January 12th, 1906. Methinks the gates above would be opened wide to receive such a servant as Robert Procter.
The Roys.
The Family of Roy was well-known in Alloa for more than half-a-century. They owned and carried on what is called "The Alloa Brewery" (now owned and carried on by Messrs Arrol). It was established in 1810, and although never attaining to great dimensions, the works must have done a good business. One branch of the family lived in Ashbourn; in fact, it must have been built by them as a residence, as the style of the house shows the period of its erection. Another branch lived in the mansion of Hutton Park. There were at least three brothers, - fine, gentlemanly-looking men. Two of the brothers only came to reside here occasionally, apparently having business interests elsewhere. Adjoining the brewery was a large pond, known as "Roy's Dam," - a great resort of boys in winter for "sliding." In the latter sixties the work was given up by the family, and acquired by the Messrs Arrol, who have greatly extended it since. The family at that time left the district, and thus passed out of Alloa Society.
The Thomsons.
The Thomsons are a good old Alloa family; indeed, in point of long connection with Alloa, they rank next to the family of Younger (who, as will be shown later, go furthest back in Alloa history). The Thomsons have been connected with the timber trade at Alloa since the middle of the eighteenth century, and at one time there were at least four households of the family in town. The three members of the family who were most identified with the business life of the town were Messrs Andrew Thomson, Watson Thomson, and John Forrester Thomson.
Mr Andrew Thomson.
Mr Andrew was born in 1809, and was the grandson of the founder of the timber business, as there are records of the business since 1779, and even for some years before that, only the records have been lost sight of. At the period we start from Mr Thomson was at the head of the saw mills and woodyard at the Shore, and being joined later on by his sons, the firm was Andrew Thomson & Sons. The family resided at Seafield House, and were popularly referred to as the "Thomsons of the Shore." Mr Thomson was a most estimable gentleman, but did not mingle in public or local affairs. He was long a member of Alloa Harbour Trust, and was a Commissioner of Supply for the County. Through time Mr Thomson and his sons saw possibilities of greater expansion by going nearer the Capital, which they did by establishing a great timber yard at Granton, and was thus the means of the family taking up residence in Edinburgh or its neighbourhood. Mr Thomson was survived by three sons, who were all in the business, but we regret to add the two elder sons have died since, leaving the youngest son, Mr Mitchell Thomson, to carry on the business. The business, however, has for many years been managed by a Limited Coy. A notice of Mr Mitchell will be found under a later heading.
Mr Watson Thomson.
Mr Watson Thomson, in company with his brother, Mr John Forrester Thomson, founded in 1844, as Thomson Brothers, the factory known as Springfield Mills, which was one of our standard works for something like 57 years. And we feel bound to add, that hardly in broad Scotland could have been found more courteous, idealistic business men and popular masters than these two gentlemen.
Mr Watson Thomson was a tall, gentlemanly looking man, punctual every morning to business, making every detail of machinery his special study; of a genially humorous turn, yet keenly alive to the development of his business. About 1859 he entered the Commission Board, but did not continue very long, as he found it interfered with the proper discharge of his other duties. Mr Thomson was esteemed by all, being a man of views, a kind friend, a sagacious adviser, a courteous master. About 1872 his health began to cause both him and his friends much anxiety. He tried the bracing air of Creiff for some months. but it was found the trouble was more deeply seated than any change could remove. He was confined to his residence for some time until his death, which took place on August 1873, to the great regret of the whole community.
Mr John Forrester Thomson.
As already mentioned, Mr John Forrester Thomson was the other partner of Thomson Brothers, and we believe Mr Thomson was more identified with the accounting and financial part of the business; although when unfortunately deprived by death of Mr Watson, he would likely have to take a general oversight of all the departments. And so for a great number of years his whole time had to be devoted to developing the business. In later years, after being joined by his three sons; he had more leisure, and for a few years was a member of the Town Council, and for a short time a Magistrate of the Burgh. He took a warm and active interest in all the philanthropic societies and institutions in the town.
Mr Thomson, like Mr Thomson of Greenfield, took a special fatherly interest in the prosperity and progress of the Town Band. He provided them with a suitable band house, which he happened to own at Gaberston, and in the summer months they had the privilege of practising in the grounds of Hutton Park (Mr Thomson's residence) - a much prized privilege, and a great treat to those in the neighbourhood, as the band at that period was at its highest state of proficiency. Living so near the East End Bowling Green, Mr Thomson became a member, and no stand-aloof member either, as in the summer evenings he frequently came over and enjoyed a game, to the great delight of the Club. When ties were drawn, the member drawn with Mr Thomson had only to let him know and he was very pleased to come and play his tie.
In his later years, when he had more leisure, Mr Thomson became an earnest student of photography. He got fitted up a suitable studio, where he practised often in the afternoons, and was always eager to "take" any one up at Hutton Park on business or otherwise, and when completed hand you some well done copies.
Mr Thomson was long an elder in Townhead U.P. Church, and in going about the members was not slack in assisting, where he saw help was needed. Mr Thomson was one of those who, in a long series of years, showed little if any change in his personal appearance. As years went on he looked fresh and vigorous and seemed as active as ever. It therefore was a great shock and surprise to every one to hear of Mr Thomson's death. On June 29th, 1895, he felt in his usual health, visited the local Cattle Show, called at the house of his daughter (Mrs W. T. Procter), and on his way home took so ill that he had to be assisted to reach the house, and died that evening, surrounded by his sorrowing wife and family, - Alloa being very much the poorer in losing such a gentleman as John Forrester Thomson.
The Wingates.
The Wingates have been connected with Alloa for more than a century, and had been in the neighbourhood for fully half-a-century before that, and at one time there were four or five households connected with the family. Their forebears had been in Dovecot Farm, beyond Tullibody, for a long period in the eighteenth century, and Mr William Wingate was born there, and also Mr Alexander Wingate, his brother.
Mr William Wingate referred to was farmer first at Dovecot, but was best known as tenant of Longcarse, to the west of Alloa. From his long connection with Longcarse, he must have run through at least two, or perhaps three, "tacks," as Mr Wingate lived to the patriarchal age of 92 years. He died 13th May, 1873.
Mr Alexander Wingate, Millbank.
Mr Wingate was a younger brother of William Wingate of Longcarse, was born at the Dovecot Farm in 1787, and began business in Alloa as far back as 1810, - his partner in business being Mr William Dawson. the firm of Wingate & Dawson being well known throughout the county. Mr Wingate was one of the leading members of our oldest generation of merchants, and continued in business until 1861, when the business was taken over by James and John Dawson, who carried it on for some years as J. & J. Dawson. Both have now passed away, the business being now carried on by Mr Thomas Lennox, under the style of Dawson & Lennox.
Mr Wingate, besides the Alloa business, was engaged in other mercantile and shipping interests, and in all his business transactions he proved himself to be a man of the strictest integrity and honour. He was not identified with any public bodies, further than helping liberally all the deserving agencies in the town. Having enjoyed some years of retirement, be died in 1874, at the advanced age of 87 years, thus removing one of Alloa's old and respected merchants. He is survived by one daughter, Miss Wingate of Millbank.
Mr Wingate of Longcarse had several sons, whom we will now notice. There was Alexander Wingate, who had the stationer's shop at the west end of Mill Street (now carried on by Mr Thorburn). He also had the Post Office attached to it, which in those days was of small dimensions. He had also a printing press, and was the first publisher of the paper now known as the Alloa Journal. Unfortunately Mr Wingate died while quite a young man, but was so highly esteemed that his friends erected a special memorial to his memory beside and adjoining the family burial ground in Tullibody, and stating - "Erected by a few friends to mark their respect for his character and sorrow for his early death. Born 25th November, 1819. Died 16th May, 1852."
Alexander was succeeded in his business by his brother James, who carried it on for a great many years, when he retired on receiving the appointment of Inspector of Poor for Alloa Parish, which he continued to discharge up till a year or two before his death, which occurred in 1893.
Mr Andrew Wingate took to farming, and was very persevering and successful. He wrought the farm of Broadcarse, on the Kennet Estate, for the long period of 38 years, - that is, two "tacks" of 19 years each. At the expiry of the second lease he retired, and came to Alloa, where he resided until his death.
William Wingate remained at Longcarse and assisted his father in the management of the farm, and after his father's death he carried it on for his own behoof. He was of a nice, amiable disposition, but unfortunately died in 1874, while still comparatively young when the farm of Longcarse passed out of the family who had held it so long.
John Wingate was perhaps the best known in the town amongst all the brothers. About 1837 he acquired the business in Mill Street still identified with his name as Wingate & Lowe. He managed the business himself for many years, before taking in a partner (Mr James Lowe). Mr Wingate did a large ironmongery business both in town and country. Mr Wingate invented and made up several handy implements for farm work, which found a ready sale in the county. He kept a staff of smiths, bellhangers, grate builders, besides those in attendance at the warehouse, where a good counter trade was done.
Mr served on the Commission Board for some years. He took a deep interest in education, and was long connected with the management of the Academy before it was taken over by the School Board. He was a keen curler, acting as treasurer for many years, and on resigning the post he was presented with an easy chair. Mr Wingate was of a genial, kindly disposition, and enjoyed a year or two of retirement before his death, which occurred in September, 1888, aged 74 years.
We are sorry to add that there are none left (at least in the male line) to hand down the name of Wingate in Alloa.
The Youngers.
With the exception of the Noble House of Erskine, represented in our Lord of the Manor, there is none, so far as we know, who can trace their connection with the town so far back as the family of Younger, as their ancestors can be traced back to the sixteenth century. According to the researches of the late A. W. Cornelius Hallen, there was a David Younger resident in Alloa in December, 1584. The branch of Youngers that settled in this district were salt-makers, having salt pans about Culross and Tulliallan. They can be traced (still according to Hallen) down to George Younger, baptised at Alloa February, 1722. And this George, fifth of the name, is first mentioned as a brewer, and was the founder of the present firm of George Younger & Son. It is worthy of note that George has been the favourite name in the family for their eldest sons, and next in regularity is the name of James; and as they come nearer our own times, the eldest son is George and James nearly always alternately. So that our well-known townsman, Mr George Younger, is the eighth in succession bearing the name of George, while his brother, Mr James Younger, is the ninth James in the family, while Mr George's son, Mr James, Jr., is the tenth James, and his young son is the ninth George. An interesting record.
George Younger, the founder of the firm, died in 1788, and was succeeded by his son James younger, born in 1763, and carried on his father's business of brewer, and died February, 1809, and was succeeded by his son, George Younger, who very much increased the business founded by his grandfather. He died 25th September, 1853, aged 64, and it is worthy of note that his widow (whom many will remember) survived her husband for the long period of 37 years, and died in 1890 at the great age of 98 years. The foregoing George Younger was succeeded by his eldest son James, the-eighth bearing the name. He was born in 1818. And as this brings us down to our own times, we now proceed to notice more fully the career of this gentleman.
Mr James Younger.
Mr Younger was certainly one of our leading townsmen in every sense of the term, he was so much identified with everything that would benefit his native town. As a man of business he extended his premises greatly on both sides of the street where the works are situated. He had to acquire old properties, and reconstruct them to suit his purposes. But while diligent in business, Mr Younger was always willing to give a portion of his time to further public affairs, and to the discharge of these varied public duties he brought to bear much practical good sense, a fine geniality of deportment, a sterling integrity, and a generous deference to the opinion of others, which made his presence at all meetings greatly prized. As indicated, Mr Younger was connected with several of our public boards. He was a Commissioner and Magistrate for a number of years, and in point of fact on the Monday of the week in which he died he presided at the Police Court. Mr Younger was possessed of a kind and generous heart, every philanthropic and benevolent scheme obtained from him a prompt and liberal support, to say nothing of his private benefactions, for during the inclemency of some of our so-called old fashioned winters, there were great numbers of firesides rendered cheerful and comfortable through Mr Younger's generosity. We remember the wife of one of his oldest workers (auld Jamie Scott) showing a gift Jamie had received from Mr Younger, and what do you think it was, gentle reader? It was a beautiful copy of the Bible, in suitable type for an old man to read. Indeed, there centred in Mr Younger such a combination of excellent qualities, he was at all times so ready to devise liberal things, and was ever desirous to live at peace with all men. Mr Younger had such a fine personality that one could hardly conceive him to have an enemy.
He built for himself the fine residence in Bedford Place, still occupied by his widow. We feel sad at having to relate that such a useful townsman, such a kind and much prized father in his home, was taken away quite suddenly, - his illness was extremely short, and died on August 5th, 1868, aged 50 years, in the very mid-time of life and usefulness. That at the time was looked upon almost as a calamity. Mr Younger's family consisted of five sons and one daughter. The second son, however, (John McEwan), died while at school in Edinburgh. The eldest son, Mr George Younger, has had such an outstanding career that we feel we must notice him under another heading.
Having thus noted the members of leading families, we now proceed to notice many other notable townsmen who were conspicuous in the daily life of the town during the past generation. And for easy reference we will notice them in alphabetical form.
Mr Andrew Archibald.
was connected with the manufacturing industry all his life. While a young man he was associated with the Strude Mill, Alva, and afterwards at Keilarsbrae, Alloa, and on the Kilncraigs Firm acquiring Keilarsbrae, Mr Archibald acted as manager until advancing years urged him to retire, and after a year or two in retirement he died June 1, 1880. Mr Archibald did not mingle much, if at all, in public matters, but was a very intellectual gentleman. He took a deep interest in all subjects relating to Art. He was unmarried, but was connected with some of our leading families.
Mr R. O. Arnot.
Mr Arnot was a writer in town for fully twenty years. He was treasurer and collector of the Burgh Rates for the Commission Board in some of the early years of its history. By his death Alloa lost a worthy and respected citizen, while the Law lost an accomplished and clear-headed brother. He died rather suddenly, August 29, 1870, while only in his 46th year.
Mr Adamson.
Mr Adamson was a well-known and important townsman in his day, as he was at the head of the shipbuilding industry when the "Dock" was in its palmiest days. Mr Adamson belonged to Anstruther, and came to Alloa about 1852, this being a period when wooden vessels were still in good demand, and during the quarter of a century that he controlled the "Dock" it was a busy hive of industry (as described under Industries). Mr Adamson was a kindly employer, although outwardly he spoke quickly and seemed somewhat brusque, yet he was always anxious to give work to any likely man who applied for it. He sometimes sent a new ship on a voyage on his own behalf (if it did not happen to get sold), and on one of these ships returning the Captain brought home two young bears to Mr Adamson. Shortly after the men in the yard approached him for a rise of wages, to which he replied - "Rise of wages! Rise of wages! How can I give you a rise of wages? Don't you see I've got two bears to keep!" On another Captain returning he brought Mr Adamson a parrot, and on the voyage home had taught it to say "Auld Tammie." So when it was set down in its new home, Mr Adamson could get nothing out of it but "Auld Tammie," which very soon exhausted his patience, and he told the Captain to "Take it away. Take it away." In this connection we might give another parrot story. There had been a parrot in its cage frequently hung outside a house at the Shore, and Polly often heard the carters shouting to their horses, such as "Hi back, hi back." Polly soon learnt it, and one day a horse was standing near with its cart, and Polly began "Hi back," and the horse began to back and back until it backed into the water altogether.
Mr Adamson, although not connected with any public boards, took a deep interest in our Educational Institutions, and was a warm friend to the Church of Scotland. He built the house at the Grange known as Garvally House (the residence of Mr A. J. Mullan), and lived in it for many years. He died October 17, 1877.
Dr. Bruce.
William Duncan Bruce, although not a native, yet was so long identified with Alloa in many of its interests that but for the accident of birth, Alloa may fairly claim him as her own.
Mr Bruce came to Alloa in 1834, and took charge of the Academy School, where he continued for twelve years. In 1846 he was appointed Parochial Teacher in succession to Mr Brodie, and where he continued until his retirement. He was known far and near as a very successful, painstaking teacher, and turned out many a youth who afterwards made his way in the world. Mr Bruce was so much respected and looked up to in the profession that in 1876 the University of St. Andrews conferred the degree of Doctor upon him, an honour which gave great satisfaction to his many friends. After seeing the new Burgh School fairly started and in a regular working method, the Dr resigned in 1878, and was succeeded by Mr John Ferguson, and enjoyed a good many years retirement, although even then he was not idle. He busied himself looking after the welfare of some of our institutions. He was one of the founders of the Archæological Society, and was for several of his later years its president. He was a pillar of strength to the Alloa Parish Church, to which he was devotedly attached. He was an elder in the church for the good record of fifty years, also session clerk for the most of that time. He was also Registrar of the Parish, being the first to hold that appointment. Altogether the was really one of our noted landmarks, and faithfully served his day and generation, and passed away on September 11th, 1892.
Mr David Brown.
Mr Brown was a native of Crail in Fife, and when a young man came to Alloa about 1840. He began business as a boot and shoemaker - that is, a practical boot and shoemaker. He eventually settled in the premises in Mill Street, where he was long and favourably known. Those were the days of made to measure boots and shoes, employing practical men on the premises. And thus Mr Brown had a high class trade as a bootmaker. He had few equals, and made boots for the best people in the county. Mr Brown being of a genial disposition, drew around him a great host of friends; his shop was much frequented by townsmen for a "crack" on town affairs. He took a lively interest in the burgh, served several years on the Commission Board, and for three years was Junior Magistrate. Mr Brown was long connected with the Alloa Bowling Club, and was a keen player, and greatly enjoyed a game with some of his old friends. He died September 12, 1890, aged 67 years.
Mr Samuel Breingan.
Mr Breingan, we have pleasure in recording, is one of the very few of the bygone generation who is still to the "fore," and, despite his 84 years, is wonderfully well, and is enjoying a well merited retirement. Mr Breingan was a son of Alexander Breingan, who for the best part of his life was in the service of the Mitchell family in one capacity or another. At the time of his marriage he was entrusted by Mr William Mitchell with the management of the Inch Farm. Mr Samuel Breingan began work as a tobacco boy with Messrs Wingate & Dawson, who at that time and for long after were tobacco spinners as well as general merchants. While there Mr John Wingate took a liking for young Samuel and started him at the ironmongery business - where he continued about five years, and after that was in situations in Glasgow and Leith. He then returned to Alloa and succeeded Mr Dickie in the management of Messrs Mitchell's large bakery business, High Street; and about 1845 he acquired the china business in Mill Street from Mr White, who went into farming, at Alva.
It is as a china merchant that Mr Breingan will be best remembered, as he continued in that business for more than 40 years, and on retiring he was entertained to supper by the merchants and other townsmen, and presented with a silver snuff box, as a small token of respect and esteem for Mr Breingan, which was certainly very gratifying. So that, as Mr Breingan himself states, he finished his business career just opposite from where he began. Mr Breingan took an active interest in all matters pertaining to the town's welfare, and served a term of three years on the Commission Board while Mr John Ewing was Chief Magistrate.
Mr Breingan had an uncle named Peter Breingan, who was brewer to William Mitchell's small brewery in High Street while it lasted. He had a large family of sons and daughters, some of whom are still to the fore. One son, Ebenezer Breingan, who was at the starting of the Flute Band in the early fifties, and who was chief warehouseman nearly all his life at Messrs J. Paton, Son Co.'s, Kilncraigs, died in the beginning of 1910.
Dr Brotherston.
In most cases medical men are not usually natives of the town - they may settle in, - but in Dr Brotherston Alloa had one of its own natives, and a son of Alloa Manse as well, he being the eldest son of the Rev. Peter Brotherston, minister of the Parish. In choosing the medical profession, it was apparent in his after career that he had been wisely guided, as all through he had a natural aptitude and liking for the profession he had adopted. During his student days, he was assistant to Dr McGowan, and later began to practice on his own account, and through time had a large practice. He soon came to be known as a most skilful surgeon, - many thouogt he had no equal outside of Edinburgh. He loved his profession, and devoted to it his time, study and skill, ever ready night and day, and in all weather, for his work, and went eagerly, no matter at what sacrifice. Many and varied were the instances of successful operations of the most difficult kind, which were recorded in the local papers, and also in some of the leading medical journals. He took a keen interest in the Hospital, and many a poor patient has left that institution, grateful for his devoted labours. But for all the doctor's skill, he could not ward off trouble coming on himself. Internal complications began to manifest themselves, which he tried to abate by rest and change of scene, but ultimately could not be shaken off, and the good and faithful doctor died on April 20, 1877. It took Alloa some time to realise how they were to get on at all without having Dr Brotherston to rely on and look up to.
Mr Robert Buchanan.
For a sterling example to young men of what a business man should be, we could not do better than refer to Mr Buchanan, solicitor. Mr Buchanan was a native of Alloa, and was born in 1832, and after finishing his education entered the office of Mr Jamieson, Sheriff Clerk, and remained there many years until he commenced business on his own account. He possessed such a clear head, keen perception, and was so thoroughly methodical in all his transactions, that it will not be wondered at when we mention that his business grew immensely, and he was appointed to many offices and positions of trust. In his earlier years he was identified with the Volunteer movement, and rose to be a very capable officer. Withal his business affairs, he very wisely relieved the strain by taking a little interest in sport. He was long a crack bowler, and when opportunity presented, he was a keen curler. In fact it was through exposure on the ice that he caught a sharp illness, which unfortunately ended fatally, as he died January 10th, 1887, to the great regret of the whole community.
Mr Joseph Bailey.
Mr Bailey came to Alloa about 1850, and purchased the works comprising the Alloa Pottery. This industry was at that period in rather a low state, but Mr Bailey brought energy, enterprise, and sagacity to his aid, and soon put new life in the business, and now and again had to extend the works. Mr Bailey was a remarkably pleasant looking gentleman, but did not, so far as we remember, mingle much in public affairs. He died in 1878. But during the most of his career, he had the assistance and co-operation of his two sons, William and John A. Bailey, who after Mr Bailey's death carried on and still further developed the business.
Mr William Brown.
Mr Brown's connection with Alloa extended over 52 years, and for at least 40 years of that period he was a well-known townsman; indeed, "Bailie Brown," as he was humorously called, was quite household word. Mr Brown was a native of Hawick, a town that keeps its hold on the affections of all its sons, so that it is no wonder he kept in touch with his native town, especially at some of its festivals.
Mr Brown at the age of 13 was apprenticed to a tailor, and was boarded on the premises, and becoming a journeyman he went to England a short time, and then returned to Scotland, and came up the Forth one Saturday afternoon on his way to Stirling in search of work. But as showing a divinity that shapes our ends, when he arrived at Alloa he found the steamer was not going further, so came ashore and secured work to start on the Monday. And after a time he began on his own account in a small shop in Coalgate, and by and by got into central premises in Mill Street, and prospered so that he was amongst the earliest who re-built their premises (1875), these being known as the Argyll Buildings, where he continued some years, until in 1887 he saw an opportunity of starting the business of auctioneer and house factor. And it is from this date that Mr Brown came more into the front of the public life of Alloa, as from his business abilities, great fund of humour, he made an ideal auctioneer. He had also a large connection as house factor. For some years he had the letting of stances for shows in the Public Park, and was much liked by the showmen.
Mr and Mrs Brown had an unpleasant experience in 1895 by being nearly suffocated by a large escape of gas. Had timely help not been forthcoming, they would have succumbed altogether, and even as it was it took them weeks to get over it.
Mr Brown retired some years ago, and enjoyed a period of retirement, and during that period was elected a J.P., which he much appreciated. Latterly it was evident he was failing, and rather suddenly passed away on September 20, 1908. aged 72. He had one son, who unfortunately died while a young man; and Mrs Brown predeceased him for some years.
In his will he bequeathed sums of money to the Parish Church, and also to Hawick, but as yet it cannot be ascertained to what extent.
Mr Andrew Black
For a good specimen of the artificer of a bygone age, we can mention Mr Black. He was long a watchmaker and jeweller in the town. Mr Black was noted for the substantial nature of all his work. He was of a quiet, genial disposition. He continued in business till well up in years, and died in August, 1872.
Mr James Bansley.
Our record would be far from complete without a notice of Mr Bansley, who was so well known and so very highly esteemed. He was in business as hairdresser. etc., for the long period of 50 years, and his courtesy and urbanity in attending to his customers was proverbial. He was a keen antiquarian, and one of the founders of the Archaeological Society, and took a deep interest in all its transactions. Mr Bansley must have been a remarkably fine looking man in his young days, and which even age could not obliterate. He died in February, 1880, aged 68. He was succeeded by his son John, who carried on the business for many years until his death, which occurred while still a comparatively young man in 1898.
Mr Michael Cummings.
Just next door to Mr Bansley were the premises Of Mr Cummings, chemist and druggist, and still carried on by his son, Mr John Cummings, in the same place. Mr Cummings belonged to Banffshire, and came to Alloa in 1850 and began business, and eventually occupying the premises he held so long. He was genial, courteous and obliging, and to poor people he was ever ready to give them the benefit of his skill in medicines, which was a great help to those who were often unable to seek medical advice.
In the early seventies he took a prominent part in the affairs of the burgh, being a Commissioner and Magistrate for a number of years. He was much looked up to by his fellow shopkeepers, and was chairman at one of their festivals. He died September, 1888.
Dr Duncanson.
Dr John Duncanson was a well known townsman in his day. He belonged to an old Alloa family, mostly connected with the shipping interest. He received his first education at the Academy, and afterwards at St. Andrews University to prepare himself for the medical profession. In 1849 he took a voyage to Savanah, and thence travelled across the States of America. Then on his return he took a Continental tour, which added greatly to his information.
In 1851 he began to practise in his native town as a physician, which he continued to do for a quarter of a century. He also took a share of the public work of the town, being a Burgh Commissioner for some years. He also was greatly interested in educational matters, doing good service on behalf of the Academy, the Industrial School, and on its formation was a member of the School Board, and was also a Governor of Dollar Institution, - all these Boards receiving the benefit of his experience in education. The Dr was one, and perhaps the chief one, of the founders of the Archæological Society, and was deeply attached to it during the remainder of his life. He was its first President, and as such entertained the members to a conversazione at his own residence, which in all respects was a brilliant affair. As a medical man, and having other sources of income, he often gave the poor much of his attention and skill without expecting or receiving any reward. Unfortunately he was taken away while still in the prime of life, Dr Duncanson died on December l7th, 1876.
Mr James Duncan, High Street.
Mr Duncan was a splendid specimen of the good old type of Scotsman, attentive to business, and yet not in a hurry-scurry manner. He carried on the business of currier and leather merchant, and employed several men as curriers preparing the leather. His premises were about the centre of High Street, on the west side. Mr Duncan was an eminently devout Christian, and what is more, he looked it, for he possessed a sweet, pleasant countenance that indicated the graces within. He was long an elder in the Townhead Church, and adorned the office. These were the days of godly men as elders, and the Townhead Church had a good share of them. Mr Duncan was spared to a good age, and died March 16th, 1877.
Mr Joseph Donaldson.
Mr Donaldson was another of the saintly type of elder, and was an elder the most part of his life. Like Paul of old he was instant, in season and out of season. He was in close communion with his God. He was continually using every possible time he could spare in calling on and ministering to the suffering and distressed. Mr Donaldson was a shoemaker, and carried on business at his house in Primrose Street. He had a room upstairs which the men he employed used as their workshop. He often would sit down and read to them a portion of scripture or some choice bit out of a good book. It is impossible to over estimate the good accomplished by such a saintly man. Joseph lived till he was 84 years, and died December 5th, 1882. The memory of the just is blessed.
Mr John Dunn.
Although a generation younger than James Duncan and Joseph Donaldson, yet Mr Dunn possessed many of the characteristics of these good men; and as he has also passed away it is fitting to recall such a beautiful life. Mr Dunn was born at the farm of Starton, a few miles east from Alloa, where the family have long been tenants. When ready for business he began as clerk in the Caledonian Railway offices, Perth. But Mr Thomson, of the Woodyard here, took a liking to the young man, and induced him to come to the office at the Shore, and Mr Dunn was connected with that business as clerk, traveller, and ultimately partner, all his life. Mr Dunn was not one person in business, and a different person out of business. In all his dealings, in any capacity, he was always the pleasant, courteous gentleman. He was deeply interested in social reform and kindred subjects, a keen temperance reformer, and did a great deal in its behalf. He was an elder in Townhead Church, where he was of great service in many ways. Unfortunately, while still in middle life, various phases of bodily trouble manifested themselves, which laid him aside for some time, and which ultimately brought on his death, which occurred in 1889, aged 51 years, to the great grief of his wife and family of sons and daughters.
Mr John Fotheringham.
Mr Fotheringham, although of a quiet, unobtrusive disposition, yet from his many endearing qualities was a great favourite amongst business men. Mr Fotheringham was born in Cambus in 1815 (the great Waterloo year). In 1833 he entered the office of Mr Ramsay, Procurator-Fiscal. In 1836 he became accountant at the Alloa office of the Western Bank, of which Mr Ramsay was agent. He then was sometime in Glasgow, and then returned to his former office at Alloa. Through deaths in the firm Mr Fotheringham was appointed in August, 1851, sole agent for the Western Bank. In 1857 the country was startled by the collapse of the Western Bank, - a catastrophe that was never for a moment anticipated until word came to Alloa to close the doors of the bank, which to a gentleman of Mr Fotheringham's rectitude would be a staggering blow. In that season of great perplexity kind friends rallied round Mr Fotheringham, and through the influence of several of our leading townsmen, the Clydesdale Bank were induced to take up the business, with Mr Fotheringham as agent. Under him the bank prospered to the entire satisfaction of those at headquarters, which was largely due to his amiable personality. The high esteem in which Mr Fotheringham and his family were held would have secured the success of any bank branch for which Mr Fotheringham was agent, so that the Clydesdale were fortunate in securing such an agent, so honourable and influential.
For many years he was manager and treasurer of the Alloa, Stirling, and Kincardine Steamboat Coy., and he was indefatigable in discharging the duties of that office. When one of the steamers touched at Alloa, you were sure to see Mr Fotheringham down, havin a talk with the Captain as to how things were doing. He was connected with various interests in the town, which altogether took up all his time, and therefore had to leave public affairs to others. Mr Fotheringham was spared to a good age, and died January 18, 1876, thus closing a most honourable and exemplary career.
Mr Thomas Frame.
Came to Alloa about the fifties and began business as joiner and builder. Mr Frame was a very active business man, and executed many important contracts, both in the town and neighbourhood. The Corn Exchange was built under his supervision. He also took a deep interest in the affairs of the town. He died in 1875, aged 61 years.
Mr Adam Frame.
Was the eldest son of Thomas Frame, and learned to be a Practical joiner under his father, which practical training would be of great service to him in after years, for Mr Frame was bent on attaining a higher position in the building line, which he did by becoming a complete architect, the firm being Thomas Frame & Son. About 1855 Adam joined his father, and gradually got into a large business. In our town the firm designed and super-intended many private and public buildings. Amongst these may be mentioned St. Andrews Church, St. James Church, Dollar, West U.F. Church Hall, Co-operative business block in Primrose Street, the Museum Hall, the Post Office, and many villas and street buildings. Mr Frame was well known about town, and highly respected, being connected with several societies, etc. He took a deep interest in the Archæological Society, and was a member of its first council. In Church affairs he was an elder in the West U.F. Church. In his latter years Mr Frame was not over robust in health, which caused him much care as to treatment. But unfortunately his ailments increased, and he died January 23, 1901, aged 64 years. He was succeeded by his son Thomas, who gave every promise of being able to follow his father, but ill-health set in, and he died quite a young man in 1903 at the early age of 25 years.
Mr Alexander McGechaen.
Mr McGechaen, although not a native, yet from his long connection with Alloa, with its trade, with its public life, he in his later years was one of our best known city fathers.
Mr McGecaen was a native of Midlothian, and came to Alloa in 1835, and began business as confectioner and pastry baker, having a practical training in both departments. He was in every respect a characteristic Scotsman, shrewd, clear-headed, and conscientious in the highest degree, combined with energy and perseverance. It is not surprising he should have made for himself a name and habitation in our midst. In those early days, when Fairs and Markets were more numerous and so largely attended, especially Alloa Fair, when thousands flocked into the town, refreshment caterers would get more patronage then, than is often the case now.
Mr McGechaen was on the Commission Board as far back as 1859, but only for a short period then. In 1872 he was again induced to join the Board, and served up till 1887, when he finally retired. He discharged his administrative and magisterial duties in a manner creditable to himself and highly satisfactory to his colleagues and the ratepayers generally.
Mr McGechaen early in life cast in his lot with the Baptist Church, and with characteristic energy put his whole soul into the work of the church, so that he was looked upon naturally as the main pillar. When the congregation erected their present fine church, they by common consent asked him to lay the memorial stone, on which occasion he was presented with a silver trowel. To a flattering, although well-deserved compliment, Mr McGechaen, with his usual modesty, said he had merely done his duty to the church as far as lay in his power. Mr McGechaen, although going out and in about his premises, did not do any active work for some years before his death, which occurred on April 7, 1892, when the town lost one of its oldest landmarks, and his church its most representative member. In this connection it is worth noticing that Mr McGechaen's youngest son (the late Alexander McGechaen, junr.) was a member of the Town Council, and also Senior Bailie, and was thus following his father's footsteps. And not only so, but amongst his colleagues in the Council are other gentlemen whose fathers had seats on the Council before them. Provost Calder, Mr Strang, and Mr Mitchell are all taking part in the work of the Council, as their fathers in their day did before them. As regards Provost Calder, his father is happily still to the fore, although not now resident in Alloa.
Captain McDowall.
Robert McDowall was a seafaring man the best part of his life, and through energy and perseverance rose to the rank of Captain, and in that capacity had seen much of the world, and could recall many interesting incidents that had come under his own observation.
The Captain was a native of Edinburgh, and on retiring from active life came to reside in Alloa about 1869. In 1881 he was elected a Commissioner of the Burgh, and soon after they appointed him to the office of Junior Magistrate. During the Captain's long connection with the Board he took a good share of the work. He was some time Convener of the Park Committee, and was ever on the look out for any improvements he could effect. In hard winters - and at that time there were many such - he took an active interest in the work connected with the soup kitchen.
As a Magistrate the Captain was really a "terror to evil-doers, and a praise to them that do well." Brutal assaults and wife beating he had no patience with, and showed his disapprobation by inflicting severe sentences without the alternative of a fine, and giving offenders a bit of his mind at the same time.
Amongst townsmen Captain McDowall was very much liked, and had many friends. He lived beyond the allotted span, and died on the 9th April, 1889, aged 73 years.
Mr Alexander Gall.
The Galls have been long connected with Alloa. Their father was a carting contractor, and amongst the sons, the one who became most conspicuous by his various commercial undertakings was Alexander, the subject of our notes.
Mr Gall began work most likely by assisting his father, but his first venture on his own account was with a carrier's cart to and from Stirling in the early sixties, Succeeding William McPherson of the Vennel, and even at that early period, and with that occupation, the same neatness and taste in apparel characterised Mr Gall then as it did all through his career. Being a carter for the time being, he adopted the garb of a well-dressed carter, which was quite in keeping with the position he occupied. But Mr Gall had other ideas as well, as he began to take small contracts, such as making curling ponds. He then turned his attention to street making, causewaying, road making, etc. He got a contract or two from the Burgh, which led him to go more completely in for contracting, and soon had men causewaying in various parts of the country.
The success of these undertakings only led him to venture further still, and so Mr Gall embarked on the larger ventures as contractor for waterworks. He executed contracts with water-supplies at Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline, etc. His great work was at Malvern, in Wales, where he constructed several large reservoirs to supply the town with water at a cost of £50,000. He was engaged with a large contract at Carryduff, Belfast, which was well advanced at the time of his death, which, unfortunately, occurred quite suddenly on June 25th, 1895, while only in his 53rd year. Mr Gall was of a genial, social nature, that made him a great favourite with the leading townsmen. In hard winters he was in great request as a curler, being one of the champions of known all over the country for his prowess on the ice. His early death was a great trial to his family.
Mr Robert Henderson.
Mr Henderson was a native of Alloa, being born in the memorable year of 1815. In early life he was a baker and flour merchant. Afterwards he became tenant of the farm of Lornshill, where he ran out a nineteen years lease. About 1877 he acquired the lease of Mills Brewery, and since then he, and and latterly his sons, have been identified with the brewing interest, where he developed the trade so that he extended the accommodation and remodelled the oldest parts of the work, and brought the whole work up to date.
Mr Henderson was a splendid type of an ideal Scotsman. He was so genial, good-natured, and courteous that he was a general favourite, and was greatly esteemed and respected in various circles of society. Having had a varied experience of the world, he was able to bring a good sound judgment to bear upon any question of local or national importance that might be submitted for his opinion. Mr Henderson was a director of the Academy, and took a deep interest in that school as a select and high-class seminary.
Mr Henderson while in his prime was closely identified with both our leading pastimes, namely, curling in winter and bowling in summer. He was a keen and successful curler, and made a grand skip. He was at the starting of the Alloa Bowling Club, and kept up an unbroken connection with it until the Club reached the celebration of its jubilee in 1893. To fittingly mark such a unique event. Mr Henderson was elected president for that year, and was presented with his portrait, and he in turn gifted a very handsome silver trophy, to be competed for annually. Mr Henderson had a short illness latterly, which at his advanced time of life told heavily upon him, and he died on December 22nd, 1897, aged 82 years.
Mr Andrew Jamieson.
The Jamiesons of the Walk were a well-known family in the town during the first half of the last century. Living in the Walk House, it was counted quite a mansion in those days, before our modern mansions were built. Different members of the family had held the post of Sheriff Clerk of the County, which ultimately reverted to Mr Andrew, on the death of his uncle, Mr Andrew Jamieson.
Mr Jamieson was a fine type of the country gentleman, and kept up a good style at Walk House. He was a thoroughly genuine man, unostentatiously kind and gentlemanly in all his dealings. Mr Jamieson, besides being thoroughly conversant with all the duties of his profession, could have also attained to a good position in the world of Art, his landscapes and views in our district being creditable works of art, and can still be seen at Walk House to this day, He died on January 25th, 1872.
Mr Robert Knox.
Mr Knox was identified with the neighbouring village of Cambus, but was so much intermingled with the public life of Alloa, and was known over the country both as a business man and lover of true, innocent sport, that no apology is needed in referring to Mr Knox.
The family of Knox have been connected with Cambus and the brewing trade for several generations, - Knox's table beer and stout having a great reputation in the country, and beyond it. Mr Knox took an active interest in County affairs, and was ever ready to do what lay in his power to advance the interests of Cambus and Tullibody. For several years he was Vice-Convener of the County; and for the long period of 29 years a member of the Alloa Parish School Board. Mr Knox was in town every other day, and came much in contact with our leading townsmen. But it was as a lover of certain pastimes that caused Mr Knox to be so widely known in the country. He was known all over Scotland as a champion curler, and in fact he is included in a great curling picture - The Jubilee of the Caledonian Curling Club - in which every one represented is a champion. In February, 1891, he was entertained to dinner by the Alloa Curlers and presented with a pair of curling stones and a silver mounted broom.
Mr Knox while quite a young man built the fine residence of Woodside, which he occupied all his life. Mr Knox took a kindly interest in the poor of Cambus and Tullibody, and at his death he was sadly missed by them as a good friend they had lost. He died April 2, 1905, aged 74 years.
Mr James Kirk.
There were few more closely identified with the daily life of the town than Mr Kirk. He was a native of Alloa, and was educated with a view to entering the ranks of the ministry. But his father's health giving way, he had to return and conduct the business, and has continued ever since as candle maker and general oil merchant, etc. He took a deep interest in education, and was a member of the first School Board. He was also for some years Chairman of the Parochial Board; and in fact was connected in one way or another with most of the boards or companies of the town. He was an elder and some years Preses of the West U.P. Church, and took a very active and leading part in all the business and work of that congregation. Mr Kirk died quite suddenly, while sitting at his fireside, - his sudden removal causing great surprise in the town. He died 18th November, 1888.
Mr David Fraser Lambert.
It is so long since Mr Lambert passed away that few may now remember him; yet he was a well known townsman in his day. He was a native of Kirkcaldy, and spent some of his early years in America, but came to Alloa in 1831, and commenced the business of ironmonger in Mill Street, - a business still in existence as Wingate & Lowe. In 1837 he started a woollen mill at Gaberston, known for long years as Gaberston Mill, and was a busy hive of industry for many years. The shawl trade was at this period in great demand, and Mr Lambert, by close attention to business, and studying the design and quality of his manufactures, got into a large trade, giving employment to several hundred workers.
When the town was formed into a Police Burgh, Mr Lambert was a member of the newly constituted Commission Board for a year, but his health not being quite satisfactory, induced him to retire. Mr Lambert's death was very sudden and startling. He, apparently in good health, left his home for the Station to proceed to Glasgow, and while standing in the waiting room speaking to a friend, suddenly fell to the floor, gave a sigh, and expired, - the tragic event causing quite a gloom over the town, to all that in the midst of life we are in death. He died April 15th, 1856, aged 51 years.
Mr James Lambert.
Mr Lambert's only son James was quite a young man at his father's death, but as soon as possible took over the management of the work, and carried it on for some years, but unfortunately his health gave way, and he took a journey to the Levant in hopes of improving. He returned home, and after a month or two in indifferent health he died in the prime of life on October 19th, 1874, much regretted.
Mr William Landells.
Mr Landells at the age of 14 years became an apprentice to Mr James Wingate, bookseller, where also got some experience of Post Office work, which afterwards fitted him for a post in Stirling Post Office, which he held for ten years. He then returned to Alloa and purchased Mr Wingate's stationery business, and carried it on successfully for about 27 years, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to hand the business over to Mr Thorburn, who purchased it. Mr Landells was of a lovable nature, - a disciple of the Nathaniel type. He an elder in Townhead Church, and took a deep interest in all the church work. He was superintendent of the Sabbath School for some years, until his health giving way he was compelled to relinquish all the work he loved so well. After retiring from business he continued in weak health for some time, and died on July 19, 1896, aged 58 years.
Mr Stephen Nicol Morison.
Mr Morison was one of our best known townsmen, and belonged to an old Alloa family. He was born in the West Vennel, and learned the trade of bookbinder. He acquired the business of Mr McIsaac, bookseller, which with other branches he carried on for the long period of 57 years. In 1846 he acquired the "Clackmannanshire Advertiser" (now the "Alloa Journal"), and continued its publication down to 1885, when he disposed of it.
Mr Morison was an outstanding man in many respects, and was connected with many societies in the town. He was an ardent Freemason, his tall, stately presence being sometimes seen in their processions, and was more than once the Worshipful Master of St. John's Lodge. In his younger days he was a Volunteer, and was present at the review in 1861. He was a well-known curler, being often present at the great gathering at Carsebreck. He was a member of the Bowling Club; was also a short time on the Commission Board. Mr Morison was of a remarkably social nature, and was good company at any gathering. He lived well beyond the allotted span, and died in his 82nd year, on November 20th, 1893.
Mr Andrew L. Mitchell.
We can hardly imagine any one who knew Alloa better than Mr Mitchell. He was so well up in Alloa folklore that his recollections would have been of great value in compiling pages such as these. He was our oldest, best known, and most respected townsman. His family had been long connected with Alloa, and so Mr Mitchell was a native of the town, and while still a young man, began business as a joiner in 1841. By industry and perseverance, he gradually built up for himself a most successful business, so that the name of Mitchell had been long and honourably known to the town and county as one of its leading contractors. He served some years on the Commission Board, and part of the time was a Junior Magistrate. In 1892 Mr Mitchell celebrated his business jubilee, on which occasion he was entertained to dinner and presented with a handsome easy chair and marble clock with side ornaments. As already mentioned, nobody knew Old Alloa better than Mr Mitchell, and had he put his recollections into print, it would have been interesting reading. His pawky humour and telling repartee was often greatly enjoyed by his acquaintances. At the time of the Disruption he sided with the Free Church party, and ever after was connected with the Free Church in Bank Street. In its welfare he was deeply interested, and helped it in every way that lay in his power. When seeing Sir Mitchell in his later years slowly taking his daily walk up the street, we often felt, and even told him, that he was the "Last of the Mohicans," - that is, the last of all his contemporaries, the last of a number who would foregather at some shop door in Mill Street for a few minutes "crack." The time came when he could not take his walk, and his feebleness increasing he passed away on the 30th January, 1905, - truly one of Alloa's last links with the past.
Mr Charles Maitland.
Mr Maitland (as Walter Scott, would have said) came of "gentle blood," being descended from the Earls of Lauderdale, and at one time it was thought in Alloa that Mr Maitland would have come into the line of succession, and had that been so, Mr Maitland would have looked every inch an earl, as he was a tall, stately built gentleman.
He was born in Haddington, being a son of Dr. Maitland of Gimmers Mills. In the early forties he went to Canada, and while there joined the Volunteers, and took part in quelling the rebellion of that period. Afterwards he returned to Scotland, and eventually came to Alloa to manage the Grange Brewery of R. Meiklejohn & Son, which afterwards for family reasons he changed to the name of the Bass Crest Brewery. Mr Maitland being of an inventive turn of mind, he did a good deal in the saving of labour in the work of the brewery. He invented a patent washing machine, among other improvements. He celebrated the centenary of the Brewery on November 20th, 1874, and gave some interesting reminiscences of the work on that occasion. Mr Maitland gave some of his time to public affairs. He served a short time on the Commission Board, but being the days of wordy warfare and party feeling, it was not to Mr Maitland's liking, so he did not continue long. He also served two terms on the School Board. Mr Maitland having a splendid physical frame, lived to a good age, but after a comparatively short illness he died April 26, 1898, aged 80 years.
Mr David MacWatt.
Although not a native of the town, yet Mr MacWatt was identified with the town and its affairs for the long period of 37 years, and for more than half that period filled a large space in our public life and business. As a young man, and trained to the legal profession, Mr MacWatt came to Alloa as far back as 1848. He was a native of Duns Berwickshire, but had been a short time in Dunfermline before coming to Alloa. He entered the law office of the late Mr Ramsay, Procurator Fiscal and solicitor. Mr Ramsay was not long in discerning the great abilities of Mr MacWatt, and took him into partnership, and on the death of Mr Ramsay, Mr MacWatt became sole partner, and by his close attention to business, he soon built up for himself a large connection in the county. The National Bank being desirous of opening a branch in Alloa, secured Mr MacWatt as their first agent, the office at that time being in Shillinghill. The bank officials soon saw that under Mr MacWatt the bank had come to stay and about 1861 secured the properties at the corner of High Street and Mill Street, and erected the handsome edifice known as the National Bank Buildings. A gentleman of Mr Mac Watt's outstanding abilities was sure to get a share of some of the public appointments. He was appointed clerk and agent for the Alloa Police Board in 1856, which he held for some years. indeed, until 1868, when he was appointed Procurator Fiscal for the County - a post he filled with great ability until advancing years induced him to relinquish the post in favour of his son Norman (who by the way, gave every indication of a promising career, but unfortunately died while still a young man).
Mr MacWatt, who had had such a long and close application to business, began to feel that he needed a rest for the evening of life, and so about 1886 he relinquished his various duties and retired to the neighbourhood of Edinburgh to enjoy a well-earned leisure, which, he was spared to enjoy until November 23rd, 1910, when he died at the ripe age of 85 years. Mr MacWatt physically was a fine-looking gentleman, and continued straight and erect to the last.
When Mr MacWatt left Alloa, where he had spent the best and most active period of his life, it was very likely felt by most townsmen that they had seen and heard the last of MacWatt, but if so they were much mistaken, for shortly after his death it was announced that Mr MacWatt had bequeathed the sum of £5000 for the establishment and permanent maintenance of a Soup Kitchen (to be called the MacWatt Soup Kitchen) for behoof of the poor and indigent people of the town and district, the management of the Trust being vested in the Provost and Corporation of the Town of Alloa, to be dispensed by them at such periods of the year as may seem to them most suitable, but specially stating that on Christmas day they shall entertain with extra good cheer all the aged and infirm people and also a treat to young children. So that Mr MacWatt's thoughtful kindness will keep his name in remembrance for generations to come. He also left £500 to the Sunnyside Hospital, Alloa, to be known as the MacWatt Bequest, which will be a help to that model Institution. He left similar bequests in every respect for his native town of Duns, as also £250 for providing treats to the children of St. Fillans, Perthshire.
We may add that Mr Charles MacWatt succeeded his father as agent for the "National," and is a very popular gentleman in town, being highly esteemed by all classes. We trust and believe that the Corporation will exercise a wise discretion in administering the important charge thus entrusted to them.
Mr John Mailer.
Mr Mailer was a native of Alloa, being born in 1827. His father was a builder in the town before him, and so John naturally succeeded him in the business, and during his career executed several important contracts. The best known are the National Bank Buildings, the County Buildings, and the Museum Hall, all of which bear evidence of painstaking workmanship. Mr Mailer was long a member of the Commission Board, becoming a member in 1869, and in 1879 was elected a Junior Magistrate, which duties he discharged most conscientiously. Mr Mailer was a keen curler and bowler, and also a Freemason. Mr Mailer unfortunately met with his death in a very tragic manner. He, with some friends paid a visit to Dollar Glen, and in proceeding along the path, at a sharp turn had missed his footing, and fell over the rocks to the stream below, where, on being found, life was extinct, to the inexpressible grief of his companions and regret of the whole community. His remains were brought to Alloa for burial. The sad event occurred on June 14, 1883, in his 56th year.
Mr James MacLay.
Mr MacLay was a native of Alloa, and began work as clerk at Devon Ironworks. From there he became accountant to Mr Hutton Syme of Hutton Park Brewery. Mr MacLay all his life was a perfect Trojan for going through work, and did a great amount while at Hutton Park. In 1836 he became lessee of the Mills brewery, and laboured there with extraordinary energy for 39 years. He then resolved to build a new brewery, now known as the Thistle brewery. The amount of care and worry incidental to starting a new work, and being by this time advanced in years, told upon his health severely, so that he died quite suddenly on December 9th, 1875.
Mr William Paton.
Mr Paton was a native of Kilmarnock, and came to Alloa about 1838, and was employed first at Devon Colliery, and was promoted to be manager of the Alloa Coal Coy., where his business aptitude and practical skill were used to advantage. He served for a time on the Commission Board. But unfortunately in the midst of his days ill-health set in, and after trying changes of scene in hope of improvement, he died January 28, 1865, - general regret being felt at his early death.
Mr James Peebles.
Mr Peebles belonged to Dundee. In early life he went out to Australia, and set out for the diggings, on the road to which he had many adventures. He persevered at the diggings, and got on fairly well; so well, indeed, that he paid a visit home to Scotland, although meaning to return, but being offered a partnership in the Bass Crest Brewery with Mr Charles Maitland, he settled down in Alloa. Mr Peebles from then onwards took an active interest in public affairs, and served a year or two on the Commission Board. He supported the Public Park scheme heartily when it was promoted, and gave practical help by placing several seats in the Park, with the pregnant motto - "Never cut a Friend." He was a good friend to the poor. Sometimes in a hard winter he would make a "deal" in boots, and got quite a number of boys and girls "shod" for the cold Weather. During the severe weather Mr Peebles, along with the late Captain McDowall, was at the helm of affairs, conducting the Soup Kitchen. In summer he was a bowler, as in winter he was a keen curler, and all felt the better of his genial and kindly presence. He died on November 24th, 1889, regretted by all.
Mr William Spence.
A well-known public man in his day was Mr Spence. He was much in the public eye in many ways. Mr Spence was a native of Kinross, and after finishing his training for the law in Edinburgh, he came to Alloa to be managing clerk to Mr Ebenezer Ramsay, Procurator Fiscal. He afterwards began business on his own account, and when the Fiscalship became vacant, after a keen competition Mr Spence received the appointment of Procurator Fiscal in 1851. He faithfully discharged the duties of the office until the year 1868, when it was thought fit to make a change, after which Mr Spence retired to Edinburgh, where he died June 30th, 1887, aged 71. Mr Spence was a tall, stately looking gentleman, was an able lawyer, besides being well read in other literary subjects. As Fiscal he could ably state his case, and be ready for any repartee, as when on one occasion a housewife from one of the mining villages, when at the Bar, and Mr Spence was piling it on with his eloquence, cried out - "O, Mr Spence, let mercy flow like a stream," to which he replied - "Yes, and justice like a mighty river."
Mr Robert Strang.
Mr Strang was long in business in town as watchmaker and jeweller; and had a large and select trade. Gentlemen in town often looked in at Mr Strang's for a few minutes chat. In his early days he was an enthusiastic Volunteer, and took a goodly portion of his time to keep up his efficiency. He was also member of the School Board for a term or more. He ultimately retired from business, and died on June 20th, 1880.
Mr Alexander Roxburgh.
Mr Roxburgh only goes back about the half of the period under review, being exactly about 30 years in Alloa. Yet from his position as manager of the Alloa Coal Company. he occupied a prominent position. Mr Roxburgh came to Alloa in 1869 as accountant, and three years later as Managing Director of the Coal Company in succession to Mr Wallace, and during his 30 years management the output increased to five times larger than before. It was during his management that the great colliery at Cowie, across the Forth, was sunk and developed into a great concern. Notwithstanding his busy career, Mr Roxburgh found time to take a deep interest in church affairs. He was an elder in Townhead Church, and took a very active interest in all its affairs, and contributed liberally to all its schemes. Mr Roxburgh's only son, a young man of great promise, was destined for the ministry, but unfortunately took ill and died before he had completed his studies Mr Roxburgh had made arrangements for retiring, and his successor appointed, when he himself died suddenly, without any premonitions of illness, on September 4th, 1899.
Mr William Wallace.
Mr was a native of Ayrshire, came to this district about 1850 as manager of the Clackmannan Coal Coy., and continued there for some years until the death of Mr Paton of the Alloa Coal Company. He succeeded Mr Paton in the management, which he held for many years, but had to retire earlier than he might, owing to enfeebled health. He early identified himself with the Volunteer movement, having held the rank of Captain for a time. Otherwise he did not take any part in the public affairs of the town. Mr Wallace ultimately retired to a residence at Croy, Shandon, on the Gareloch, where he died April 23rd, 1896.
Mr John Gregory Wallace.
Mr Wallace was brother to Mr W. Wallace of the Whins, and was a native of Kilmarnock, but spent most of his days in Alloa. Mr Wallace was admitted a Procurator of the Alloa Court as far back as 1857. In that Court his services were in much requisition, and he was most assiduous in furthering the interests of his clients. He became identified with the Volunteer movement, and rose to be Lieutenant. His services to the Corps were so much appreciated that in October, 1869, he was presented with a silver epergne and silver salver as a mark of their high appreciation of his services. Mr Wallace had also a leading part in forming the Company that built the Corn Exchange. In 1873 the Royal Bank opened a branch in Alloa, and appointed Mr Wallace as their agent, and gathered a good business to the bank. In his later years it was evident that his health was failing, and eventually became so pronounced as to cause his death, which occurred on May 27, 1882; at the early age of only 50 years. - universally regretted.
Mr John Waddell.
Mr Waddell was long identified with Alloa in many ways. He came from Falkirk, being a son of the late Dr Waddell there. He served his apprenticeship on the "Falkirk Herald." He had then experience in Glasgow, and on coming to Alloa was 17 years foreman to Mr Lothian. In 1869 he started on his own account, at first with the late Mr Melville, and afterwards entirely on his own behalf, as general printer and publisher of the "Alloa Circular," which in his time reached to a good circulation. Mr Waddell was of a cheery, humorous disposition, and was connected with many societies and clubs. He was a keen Freemason, and was R.W.M. for a year or two. He was a great admirer of Burns, and was the means of keeping
up a Burns Club for some years, which met every fortnight, with, of course, a special night on the immortal 25th. He was one of the early members of the East End Bowling Club, and was president for a term. Like many that we have recorded, his end came very suddenly. He died June 24th, 1895.
Mr John Ewing.
Mr Ewing was a native of Kincardine, having been born there in July, 1818. His early years were spent in Tullibody. He began his professional career in Alloa in 1843, and in February, 1872, he received the appointment of Sheriff Clerk of the County, in succession to the late Andrew Jamieson, and discharged the duties of the post for nearly seven years. Mr Ewing as far back as 1852 took a keen interest in the management of the town. By various ways he roused the community to the importance of effecting a change in the management of the town. It had the effect of meetings being held, and ultimately the "Towns' Police Act" was adopted, and a Commission Board set up, and Mr Ewing having had such a share in bringing this about was elected clerk to the newly constituted Board, a post he did not long hold, as on March 3rd, 1856, the Board appointed Mr David MacWatt as clerk. But some years thereafter, in 1869, Mr Ewing was elected a Commissioner of the Burgh; and through the retiral of four members, the Board was re-constituted, and he was appointed Chief Magistrate. He at once began an extensive programme of street improvements, such as causewaying, better run-channels, improved drains, and many other improvements, - literally proved a veritable "new broom." He continued Chief for six years, when he retired from municipal life, and during his remaining years took little part in public affairs. Failing health coming on, he eventually passed away on January 4th, 1879, aged 61 years.
He was succeeded in his legal business by his son, who from his length of service is now the head of our County "Bar," and has held with much acceptance the honourable post of Town Clerk for many years.
Sheriff Clark.
Sheriff-Substitute William Bennet Clark, from his high position and many estimable qualities, was a popular gentleman in our midst. He succeeded his father as Sheriff-Substitute of the County. When the Volunteer movement started, he joined its ranks and continued in it for some years, attaining to the rank of Captain. With his tall, gentlemanly appearance, he was a credit to the Corps. He also took a deep interest in the Archæological Society, and was president for a year or two, and contributed some papers to the Society. He died July 21, 1876.
In drawing these notices of townsmen to a close, we by no means imply that the list is exhausted; very far from it. If space permitted we might have mentioned many other worthy townsmen who were well-known in their day, such as John Leishman, grocer, a smart business man; John Muil, of quiet disposition, but founded a good grocery and provision business; John Baird, the baker, a favourite with boys, as they were sure of a shower of "snaps" every Hogmanay morning; of old Mr Simpson the baker, whom the boys sometimes annoyed with their pranks; of the genial and hearty John Glen, butcher and auctioneer; next door was Thomas Russell, who from his dark complexion, was known as "Black Tom," and also of his gifted daughters; of William McIntyre, confectioner and baker of pies, at one time a great resort of youths. On Handsel Monday his window was filled with a Christmas tree, to the delight and admiration of the youngsters. Of Mrs Roy, famous for her grand stock of home-made confections; of Mr A. Thomson, auctioneer, etc., a most methodical man of business; of his cousin, David Beveridge, who belonged to an old Alloa sea-faring family, and who could give many racy reminiscences of his voyages to distant shores; of William Lamb the baker, who from his gentlemanly appearance reminded you of Gladstone. He was an upright business man and townsman. Of Mr Andrew Philp, draper, who cultivated a high-class trade, and was highly esteemed as a true gentleman; of his son John, who was a noted younger man about town in his day. Of Andrew Lennox, at head of Broad Street; of Andrew McQueen and his brothers James and typical Scotsmen they were. It was a treat to hear some of Wullie's adventures during a visit he paid to London. There was William McMillan, joiner and builder - a thorough master of his trade, a kind employer, and executed some important contracts.
Amongst our largest works it can easily be understood that the foremen or managers would be well-known townsmen. There was Laurence McLaren, foreman at Kilncraigs, well known as "Auld Lowrie," who, while seeing that all did their duty, was so genial and kindly that he was loved and respected by all the workers. After him was John France, who was connected with Kilncraigs in one capacity or another for over fifty years, the most of that time being manager of the work. Mr France had a perfect genius for machinery, and was so much esteemed by the firm that the jubilee of his connection with the firm was made the occasion of a great gathering in the Town Hall, and he was presented with substantial tokens of esteem by big employers, and also by the workers. At Springfield Mills there was John Pollock, who was long the foreman, until advancing years caused him to retire, and was succeeded by John McCulloch, who was a well-known townsman, and was manager at Springfield the best part of his life, and who only retired a year or two before the works were destroyed by fire. There was Andrew Robb, long the foreman at Gaberston Mill, and a noted quoit player in the days when it was more a sport in this quarter than now. There was Thomas Harrower, the manager at Alloa Meal Mills, a most Godly man, an elder in Townhead Church, and could read and expound the Bible with almost any minister. Also adjoining the Mills was Thomas Falconer, the skinner, a veritable son of Anak, yet most genial and courteous; served on the Commission Board some time, took a leading hand in keeping up the Games, and seeing them successfully carried through.
Our list could be extended indefinitely, if space permitted, of many worthy men, who served their day and generation, and in many cases tried to leave the world better than they found it. Their work and places are now taken up by others, who in turn will have to make way for those coming behind them. We also desire in closing these notices of townsmen to tender our grateful thanks to Messrs Buchan Brothers for their unfailing courtesy and kindness in granting the writer access to their files of the "Advertiser," which was an invaluable help in compiling these reminiscences, and but for their kindness the work would have been more difficult, and certainly less accurate.
Natives who have risen.
We refer to those sons of Alloa who, in various ways, have come to the front and been recognised as public men and men of note in the public eye throughout the country.
Mr William McEwan.
Mr McEwan is a son of the late Mr John McEwan, ship owner in Alloa, - his mother being a fine specimen of the genuine Scotch lady, now so rarely met with. He was born in Alloa in 1827, and learned the brewing trade here, then went to Edinburgh in 1851. He soon identified himself with the mercantile life of the city, where ultimately he played a prominent part. He was the founder and head of the vast brewery business which bears his name. Mr McEwan could not have attained to such a high mercantile position without possessing very marked abilities. Sir Andrew McDonald, Lord Provost, in presenting him with the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh, bore testimony to the ability and energy, the industry, the upright honourable dealing, and the sound business principles which had been displayed by him in building up the vast commercial concern which has now established a world wide reputation.
In 1886 he entered Parliament for the Central Division of Edinburgh, which he continued to represent for many years. His kindness and benevolence are well known in Edinburgh. When the new Infirmary was being projected, people wondered who the anonymous donor was of "thousands" towards its erection, until through time they learned it was Mr McEwan. But his greatest gift was the building and handing over of the magnificent McEwan Hall to the University of Edinburgh. The University conferred upon him the degree of LL.D., and Dr McEwan was only lately honoured by King Edward in being appointed a Member of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. Although not so much in the public eye now, at his advanced years, yet we trust he will be spared to see several years yet, and see more and more of the good results arising out of his splendid benefactions.
[He died in London on 12th May 1913, Aged 85] Ref. Wikipedia
Mr George Younger.
As Mr Younger has passed through 30 years of public service on our local burgh and county boards, and has now entered on a political career, by being elected to represent a constituency entirely on his merits and knowledge of public affairs, we cannot but place him amongst those who have risen, as he is now one of our public men, and known as such throughout the country.
Mr Younger is the eldest son of the late Mr James Younger (already mentioned), his mother (Janet McEwan) being a sister to Mr McEwan, already noticed. Mr Younger was born in Alloa in 1851, [13th October] and began his school years at Alloa Academy, and then went to a school in Edinburgh [Edinburgh Academy] to finish his studies there, when, owing to the early and almost sudden death of his father, he was at once compelled to leave his studies and come home, and take up the work laid down by his father, thus starting his business career much earlier than anticipated. For a lad of seventeen suddenly to find himself at the head of a large concern, to control and manage it, would have tried the nerves of many men, and ended some in shipwreck, but with Mr Younger it was fortunately otherwise, as he proved thoroughly equal to the occasion.
For a number of his early business years he applied himself to developing the business, and being joined by his brother James the two together have extended the works and the business, so much so that it is now one of the largest in Scotland. Like some other public men (notably Mr Chamberlain), before ever thinking of a political career, he entered into all or most of the business pertaining to the Burgh and County. In one capacity or another he has a record of thirty years' service. As already noticed, he served on the Commission Board for at least twelve years, eight of which he was Chief Magistrate of the Burgh, and did excellent work in that capacity. He served 25 years on the different County Boards, and held the honourable post of Convener of the County for some years.
In 1895 he resolved on helping the Unionist cause by trying issues with the sitting member, Mr J.B. Balfour, Member for the United Counties of Clackmannan and Kinross, and his first attempt opened the eyes of his opponents by bringing Mr Balfour's immense majority down to 595. At the next election in 1899 he tried again, and although unsuccessful, he still reduced the majority. And nothing daunted, he opposed Mr Wason, and brought down the majority to 351, so that another effort might have brought it down to vanishing point. However, Mr Younger thought he would leave the field for others to try. He was not long politically idle, however, as a vacancy occurring in Ayr Burghs, he was invited to stand, and after a stiff fight against Mr Dobbie, the Liberal candidate, he was defeated by 44 votes. At the next election in 1905, he again stood for Ayr Burghs, and on this occasion, although the Unionist party suffered great reverses, Mr Younger was successful in wresting the seat from Mr Dobbie by a majority of 261 votes. On his return to Alloa he was received with acclamation. Hundreds of willing hands drew his carriage down to the Unionist Club, where congratulatory speeches were made, all testifying to the delight of his many political friends at his successful effort to gain a seat in the House of Commons.
Since Mr Younger's entry into Parliament he has amply justified the wisdom of Ayr Burghs by attending first of all to the special wants and interests of his constituents, and secondly by proving himself to be a genuine "Scotch" Member by taking a close and active interest in all questions relating to Scotland. We would fain add that his watchfulness, ability, and knowledge of public business may yet mark him out for recognition by his leaders in the future.
[George Younger was made 1st Baronet of Leckie on 12th July 1911, and Viscount Younger of Leckie on 20th February 1923. He died on 29th April, 1929.] Ref Wikipedia
Sir M. Mitchell Thomson.
To have left Alloa, to begin a more extensive mercantile career in Edinburgh, and to attain to the dignity Sir Mitchell has reached, entitles us to consider him as one of Alloa's sons who have risen.
Sir Mitchell is the youngest son of the late Andrew Thomson, Esq., of Seafield House, Alloa (already noticed under the title of the "Thomsons.") He was first at Alloa Academy, then at the Edinburgh Institution, finishing at the University. He was quite a young man when the business at Granton was established as Mitchell Thomson & Co., wood merchants, etc. As time went on and the business expanding, it was formed into a Limited Liability Coy., so that for many years Sir Mitchell has not taken part in the conduct of the business, which has left him free to attend to his various other interests. He is a director of such leading institutions as the Bank of Scotland, Caledonian Railway Coy., Scottish Widows Fund, as also many other interests in different parts of the world.
In 1890 he entered the Edinburgh Town Council, and soon became a leading member. In 1897 he was elected to the high and onerous position of Lord Provost of the City. It will readily be granted that any gentleman holding the position of the municipal head of the capital of Scotland has many duties, public and private, laid upon him, and which take up most of his time during his three years' term of office.
During Sir Mitchell's occupancy of the Civic Chair the Freedom of the City was conferred on our veteran Field Marshal, Lord Wolseley; on Lord Lister, whose name will ever be associated with the antiseptic treatment; on the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava, a nobleman who served Her late Majesty as Ambassador in the principal Courts of Europe, being also Governor-General of Canada, finishing a great career with the high post of Viceroy of our great Indian Empire; on Lord Kitchener, who at present being in the prime of life, may be considered the foremost General in the service; and last, though not least, the "Freedom" was conferred on H.R.H. The Prince of Wales (afterwards King Edward). To worthily voice the feelings of the City towards these exalted and eminent men requires no ordinary tact and ability, and we are pleased to record that in all these functions Sir Mitchell worthily fulfilled his high duties to the admiration of his colleagues and to the credit of the City.
During the Boer war (which occurred during his term of office), Sir Mitchell, acting in connection with the War Office, organised and sent out to South Africa a Hospital, in which a large number of soldiers, Boers as well as British, were treated, the public entering most heartily into this scheme by subscribing nearly £30,000. - a most worthy achievement. And in recognition of his services on that occasion Her Majesty conferred on Sir Mitchell the dignity of the Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England. And when Sir Mitchell's term of office was approaching conclusion, Her Majesty in 1900 conferred the high honour upon him by creating him a Baronet of the United Kingdom, a dignity which he worthily adorns.
On the 30th October, 1900, Sir Mitchell concluded his term of office, and as is usual on that occasion, he gave a resumé of some of the prominent matters that had engaged the attention of the Council, and we have pleasure in adding some of his concluding remarks.
"For my own part, after years in the Council, I can testify to the pleasure which is found in the service of the City, so that as the years go on, Edinburgh, with all its traditions and past history, shall become greater and more beautiful, and its people more and more prosperous and happy. There will always be difficult problems for our municipal rulers to solve, and the City can only keep its place among the cities of the land by the wisdom and devotion of its rulers to the public good. I trust that in the future, as in the past, there will be no lack of men ready to give their whole-hearted service to the community, and that the citizens at large will take a pride in the true welfare of the city, and in supporting their representatives in every enlightened effort for the public good. I desire to express my thanks to you, my colleagues, for the support and consideration you have given me during my tenure of office as Lord Provost. It is the highest honour a citizen can wish to occupy this chair; and I can say that all the anxieties and labours of the office are well repaid if I have in any degree earned the acknowledgments of my colleagues and the citizens that I have done my duty to the best of my powers."
Sir Mitchell has not forgotten Alloa. On the day of the opening of the Baths and presentation of portrait to Mr Thomson Paton, he was present and gave a congratulatory address. He also appeared in the Drill Hall in support of the candidature of his friend and school-fellow; Mr George Younger. Sir Mitchell's son, Mr Mitchell Thomson, has already shown his ability, as he, although still a young man, has become Member of Parliament for an Irish Constituency.
In concluding, let us hope and trust Sir Mitchell will be long spared to occupy and adorn the honourable position he has reached.
[Sir Mitchell Mitchell Thomson died in 1918] Ref. Wikipedia
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay.
Sir William is a native that Alloa should be proud of, as his name and fame as an Oriental scholar is world-wide. It is worthy of note that two of the gentlemen we are noticing under this heading are connected and named after one of our leading families, already noticed, namely, the Mitchells.
Sir William was born in Alloa on March 15th, 1851, son of Thomas Ramsay, writer, Alloa, his mother being a daughter of Mr William Mitchell, already noticed. Sir William was educated first at Alloa Academy, afterwards studying at Aberdeen, Oxford, and Gottingen in Germany.
He early came to the front as an Oriental scholar, having travelled widely in Asiatic Turkey, and has published many standard works on Eastern subjects. We may mention "The Church in the Roman Empire before A.D.170," "St Paul the Traveller and the Roman Citizen," "Impressions of Turkey," "Was Christ born in Bethlehem?" "A Historic Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians," "The Education of the Christ," "Letters to the Seven Churches," "Pauline and other Studies," "The Cities of St. Paul," "Lukan and Pauline Studies," "Studies in the History and Art of the Eastern Provinces of the Roman Empire," "The Historical Geography of Asia Minor," "The Cities and Bishoprics of Phrygia." In all a most extensive list of Oriental and Pauline studies, showing a wealth of erudition and painstaking research little short of marvellous.
Sir William occupies the chair of Humanity in Aberdeen University, and has received many honours from Universities and other learned bodies. He is D.C.L., LL.D., D.D., and received the honour of Knighthood at a Royal distribution of honours.
Sir William being in the prime of life, we trust he will be long spared to occupy the position he so highly adorns.
Notable Events.
The Fall of Sebastopol.
This important event took place on September 9th, 1855. The news reached Alloa on the Monday evening afterwards. The Magistrates at once caused the town bells to be rung. But to apprise the people that something important had happened, and to bring them out quicker, the fire bell was set agoing, which soon had the whole town in a stir. And no wonder. The country had followed the fortunes of our troops in the Crimea with intense interest. The battle of the Al na had been fought and won, the immortal but mistaken charge of the Light Brigade had taken place, and also the less spoken of but brilliant charge of the Heavy Brigade, led by General Scarlet, who in his eagerness to lead his men to the charge, got so far ahead of them that he went in alone, and was apparently lost in the solid mass of Russian Cavalry, and one would have thought he could not get out again; but he fought his way in and fought his way out again. There was the bloody battle of Inkerman, where almost each man had to fight for his own hand; there was the terrible winter privations in the trenches before Sebastopol; there was the repulse at the Redan, the attack on the Malakoff. The whole nation was waiting and wondering when Sebastopol, the key of the position, would be taken. No wonder, then, when the news of its fall came even to little Alloa, that the inhabitants should spontaneously turn out and take some way of giving effect to their joyful feelings. A bonfire was soon decided on. A band of willing carriers soon began to bring material to the Cross, where the fire was started. It was fed up with anything or everything that would move at all, and as each successive barrel, box, boat, tree, tub, trestle, paling stobs, doors. gates, " dookits," sign boards, etc., was consigned to the flames, the hurrahs of the assembled crowd were hearty and prolonged. The members of the Flute Band were mostly at the Assembly Rooms that evening, where a theatrical company under a Mr Briar had been performing for some nights. Word was sent to the hall for the band. Mr Briar came forward and intimated the full news, and stating that the band was wanted to turn out. The members of the band left, and the whole audience along with them, and soon the band was marching through the town amid deafening cheers. They then arrived at the bonfire and marched several times round.
After having allowed the citizens a few hours to give expression to their joy on the occasion, and after repeated demonstrations of applause towards Mr Moir, the newly-elected Senior Magistrate, who generously indulged the loyal feelings which were being manifested. the Magistrates, after thanking the Flute Band for their musical and martial strains, recommended a cessation of further demonstrations of joy. The bonfire, however, was kept up for an hour or two longer, and finally the crowd dispersed about three in the morning. Next day the shop shutters on all the four corners of the street bore evidence of the festivities, as they were all sadly blistered, and would give work to the painters to put right again. We suppose any damage sustained on that occasion would be good humouredly borne in such a time of national jubilation.
The Mar Celebration.
The claim of the Earl of Kellie to be also Earl of Mar had been long pending in the House of Lords, and at length, in February, 1875, judgment was given declaring that his lordship was entitled to the earldom of Mar, and consequently was Earl of Mar and Kellie. This decision gave great joy and satisfaction to the inhabitants of Alloa. The Band turned out that evening, and marched to Alloa House, playing the "Standard on the Braes o' Mar," followed by a joyous crowd, and who were hospitably received by his Lordship and Family, and were briefly addressed by his Lordship.
A number of youths started a bonfire at the Shore, near the edge of the river, and which was the cause of a very sad accident. The fire being too near the pier, and there being a wind blowing from the land, those standing between the river and the fire received the full force of the blown sparks in their faces. They would naturally retire backwards to escape the sparks, and in doing so one very promising young man accidentally stepped over the pier wall into the river, and in the darkness was drowned ere help could reach him. The body was carried down by the tide, and it was some days before it was recovered.
This sad occurrence cast a gloom on the night's proceedings. As this was only an impromptu and unofficial celebration, a proper Committee was afterwards appointed to draw up a programme of festivities at some future date. which was accordingly done, and an account of the proceedings will be found in a subsequent page.
Marriage of the Prince of Wales.
On March 10th, 1863, His Royal Highness Albert Edward, prince of Wales (our late King) was married to Princess Alexandra of Denmark (now Queen Alexandra). This happy event was celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country, and few towns (population considered) observed it with greater heartiness than Alloa.
From 10 0'clock A.M. the day was observed as a holiday, and as evening approached great numbers of country people came flocking into the town to witness the illuminations, which commenced at eight o'clock in the evening. The main thoroughfare was one long vista of festive indications, - arches, flags, banners, and streamers. Leading townsmen subscribed liberally to make the day a success. There was a substantial repast to the poor of the town. Then there was a cake and wine banquet in the Corn Exchange, at which Mr Andrew Mitchell (being at the time Chief Magistrate) presided over a company of eighty gentlemen. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed and enthusiastically responded to, the toast of "The Newly-Wedded Pair," by Sheriff Clark, being especially accorded a right royal reception. There was also another gathering of gentlemen, associated with temperance - presided over by Rev. P. McDowall, who testified to their loyalty and rejoicing without the accompaniments of ale, beer, or wine. A great feature of the day's proceedings was the turnout of the Volunteers, who mustered in the Drill Hall in Union Street, and being lined up, marched through the town to the Glebe Park, facing Marshill, where they fired off a "feu de joie." After firing three rounds, the line presented arms, the Band playing the Queen's Anthem, with three cheers for the Prince and Princess, which were joined heartily in by the crowd of spectators assembled. Thereafter they marched back to the Corn Exchange to participate in the banquet, to which they had been invited.
We should mention that there were erected two triumphal arches, one at the Cross and one at the east end of Mill Street, both being erected by gentlemen connected with each neighbourhood. The day's proceedings concluded with a display of fireworks on the Glebe lands facing Marshill, under the direction of Mr Robert Willison, which was very successfully carried through.
We cannot help adding that our good town showed its loyalty and esteem for the Royal Family in a very hearty and creditable manner on that occasion, and that the high hopes that were given expression to regarding the Princess who came a complete stranger to our shores, have been more than realised in the career of the gracious Princess who is now our beloved Queen Alexandra.
The Mar Demonstration.
As has been noted in previous pages, the connection between the towns-people and the Family at the Manor House was happily very close and friendly. The townsfolk were always ready to share their joys or sorrows, as the case might be. When, therefore, the news came on February 25th, 1875, that judgment had been given by the House of Lords to the effect that the Earl of Kellie had made good his claim to the Earldom of Mar as well, it was felt that fitting recognition should be taken of such a joyous event. On that evening an impromptu gathering assembled, and headed by the Band playing the "Standard on the Braes o' Mar," marched to Alloa House and serenaded his Lordship and Family, giving many hearty cheers. His Lordship thanked them heartily for their kind congratulations. But the official recognition of the event did not take place until the 25th of June following.
In April a meeting of gentlemen was held in the County Court Room, when it was moved by Lord Balfour of Burleigh "That the present is a fitting occasion for a public demonstration to express the universal satisfaction felt in this town and neighbourhood by the accession of the Right Hon. The Earl of Mar and Kellie to the ancient honour of the Earldom of Mar, and for offering to his Lordship expression of hearty congratulation." Needless to say this was unanimously adopted, and a Committee appointed, their labours resulting in the day being appointed (June 25) of holding a great Mar Demonstration.
The day, at least in the afternoon, was observed as a holiday, so that all might participate. The affair consisted of (first) a grand procession, (second) dinner in the Corn Exchange, (third) games on the Hawkhill in the early evening.
The streets and buildings were gaily decorated with flags and bunting, many shop fronts being specially brilliant. The main feature, the procession, was a grand affair, comprising all the public bodies, lodges, orders, a gallant array of richly and some humorously attired horsemen. the display of horses alone being worthy of notice, being the very "pick" of the district, so that what with the brilliant jewels and paraphernalia of the various lodges, the music of the bands, of which there were several, the happy school children, and the splendid array of richly caparisoned horses, gave to the whole pageant an imposing and animated appearance. Having marched through the town they arrived at Alloa House, where an address was presented in name of the townsmen by Mr George Pearson, who said:
"My Lord, I need scarcely say how much pleasure it has given me to be chosen the deputy of this grand demonstration to present your Lordship with the address I now hold in my hand. We are all proud at having the opportunity of expressing our happiness at the title of Mar being brought back 'tae oor ain auld toon.' Scotsmen are proverbially clannish for their loyalty to their Queen and country, and we are therefore jealous of our ancient titles and privileges, and we are always glad, as in the present instance, the colours remain untarnished. For undoubtedly the Mar Flag has braved a thousand years. Without further words I beg your Lordship to accept this address, and trust that you may keep it as a souvenir of the great joy that has prevailed in our midst."
Mr Pearson then read the address as follows :-
"We the acting Committee of the various public bodies who have taken part in this day's demonstration, beg most heartily, on the part of those whom we represent and for ourselves, to congratulate your Lordship on your having established your claim to the dignity of the Earldom of Mar. During the long period of nine years which this claim was pending before the Committee of Privileges of the House of Lords, the result was anxiously looked forward to, not only by the tenants and feuars on the estate of Alloa, but also by the public in general, and now that your right be been established, by the unanimous decision of that august tribunal, this was thought a fitting opportunity to testify our gratification at the happy event. On a former occasion, 1824, when the titles were restored to your ancestors, the inhabitants of Alloa and district turned out en masse to express their feelings of joy at the event, and we have thought that we could not do better than follow such a laudable example. This we do in all sincerity, and we trust that, by the blessing of Almighty God, you and your Family be long spared to adorn the honourable title of Mar, which has for so many generations been connected with the chequered history of Scotland. In conclusion, we trust that this demonstration will show we are loyal to our Noble of the Manor."
The Earl of Mar and Kellie in presence of several friends, returned grateful acknowledgements for the honour which had been done him by the visit of the public bodies that day in such large numbers, and by their exemplary address.
In the afternoon there was a grand banquet in honour of his Lordship in the Corn Exchange, presided over by James Johnstone, Esq., of Alva, when 150 gentlemen were present. The Earl in a long speech replied to the toast of his health, and gave a resumé of the history of the whole case. The proceedings closed with gymnastic sports the Hawkhill in the evening.
The Franchise Demonstration.
September 13th, 1884.
This demonstration, although largely a political gathering, yet was so heartily entered into by the working-classes of the district, that on the Saturday it took place, and the stir it caused made it really a notable event.
There had been a great cry over the country demanding the equalization of the town and county franchise, - certainly a most reasonable demand. Those who were opposed to the measure sheltered themselves by stating that the country generally showed no desire to obtain this boon. And it was in answer to, and refutation of, this taunt that great demonstrations were organised and carried out throughout the country. It was therefore felt that Alloa and its adjacent neighbours - Alva, Sauchie, Clackmannan, and others - should endeavour to put their best foot foremost, and all those who witnessed the procession could not but feel proud of such a turnout, representing all our industries, showing in most cases samples of their workmanship, which we may be sure was the best they could produce.
The procession was divided into five divisions or groups.
Group 1 was headed by the surviving veterans of the ever to be remembered year 1832, but which is such a landmark in history that it is always sufficient to refer to it as the "32." They were a goodly number, and of course were driven in waggonettes. They were followed by Mounted Carters, Workers from Hilton Brickworks, Alloa Brickworks, Alloa Pottery, Pipe Makers, Copper Works, Shore Detachment, Coopers, Brewery Workers, Printers, Tailors, Masons, Joiners, Slaters, Painters, Bakers, Springfield Mill, Hallpark Mill, Curlers, Alloa Colliery, Kilncraigs and Keilarsbrae Workers. There were also contingents from Alva, Clackmannan, Tillicoultry, and Kincardine. Starting from the Public Park, they marched through the town and back to the Park, where platforms had been erected, and from which speeches were made.
The Opening of the Public Baths.
Friday, the 29th day of April, 1898, was a red letter day in the history of the town of Alloa. The inhabitants rose as it were en masse to celebrate the eventful day in as fitting a manner as possible; and to do so requisitioned all the industrial resources of the town to co-operate in making the occasion a complete and overwhelming success. The authorities and the public generally resolved it should be made memorable. It was a day of joyous proceedings from forenoon till evening. The first function was a procession embracing the Volunteers, and the various trades and industries in the town; also, Mounted Constables, Alloa Band, Fire Brigade, Mounted Carters gaily caparisoned, Irish Foresters, Gardeners, Shepherds, Post Office Employees, Boys' Brigade, Alva R.V. Band, Pipe and Bugle Band, Volunteers, Foresters, Sauchie Band, Oddfellows, Ambulance, Alloa Junior Band, Trades, Commissioners of the Burgh (driving), Cyclists. When all was set in motion it was certainly a great procession, - undoubtedly the greatest and most representative gathering that ever took place in Alloa, and most creditable to the town that could produce such a display. On arriving at the Baths, the ceremony of handing over the Baths was proceeded with. Mr Thomson Paton (the generous donor), in an interesting speech, recalling the fact that he had seen with satisfaction how much the Library, Reading Room, and Hall had been appreciated by the public, said he had been encouraged to go further, and furnish the town with Baths and Gymnasium, now that they had such a good and plentiful supply of water, closing with these words:-
"I have now, Mr Provost, to offer for your acceptance this Deed of Gift, as also a cheque for the endowment money, and to express the hope that this building will not only be largely taken advantage of, but that its Baths and Gymnasium may be the means of appreciably adding to the health and happiness of my fellow-townsmen."
Provost Grant, in accepting the deed of gift and cheque, said:-
"In your name and as the representative of the Commissioners allow me to offer Mr Thomson Paton our warmest thanks. He has had the heart to devise this noble scheme; he has had the will to carry out his own wishes and thoughts; he has given his time to plan this splendid building, with lavish hand, and yet with discerning judgment; he has called on Art to adorn it, on Science to apply her latest and best achievements, and on modern invention to furnish her most useful appliances, so that for beauty of structure, for completeness of equipment, and for perfection of detail Alloa possesses Baths which, I think I may safely say, stand unequalled and unrivalled by those of any town in Scotland, or even in England, outside of London. We congratulate him on seeing the completion of his work, and we hope he may see his efforts to add to the comfort, happiness, and health of the people crowned with complete success."
Mr George Cousin then, in name of the Contractors, presented Mr Balfour with a gold key as a souvenir of the occasion of his opening the Baths, which I trust will stand for centuries to come, which Mr Balfour gracefully acknowledged.
Then at three o'clock, the presentation of Mr "Thomson Paton's portrait, subscribed for by the inhabitants of the burgh of Alloa, and painted by Sir George Reid, took place in the Museum Hall. The hall was filled, and Provost Grant was again in the chair, when he excelled himself in his felicitous and well chosen words in handing over the portrait. Mr Paton stated, in replying, that he was against accepting anything from the townsfolk, but when he learned how heartily the matter was entered into, and that 2800 had subscribed to it, he felt it would show an indifference to the town's gratitude, and thanked them in very warm terms. A distinguished native of Alloa, Mr Mitchell Thomson, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, then spoke a few words of congratulation, and Mr George Younger moved a vote of thanks to Provost Grant for the excellent way he had presided on that occasion.
Then at 6.30 p.m. Mr Paton was entertained to a public banquet in the Museum Hall, which was filled with a brilliant and representative company, when speeches all appropriate to the day's proceedings were delivered.
The day's proceedings closed with a grand gala at the Baths, attended by 500 spectators, when the whole proceedings passed off in the most auspicious and enthusiastic manner. Thus ended an auspicious day in the annals of our good town of Alloa. Viewed in any aspect possible, it stands unique, and all brought about by the overflowing kindness of its foremost townsman.
In concluding our recollections of these notable days in our annals, we may briefly summarise the occasions which brought them about.
The first (Fall of Sebastopol) was unique in that it was entirely sudden and spontaneous. The whole towns-people turned out on bearing the welcome and long looked for news, to give expression to their joyful feelings, to testify to their admiration for our brave soldiers, who had borne untold hardships, and who now by this event had brought the blessing of peace in sight.
The second (Mar Celebrations) was to testify to the Lord of the Manor the close connection between the townsfolk and the Laird at the "Big Hoose," and to the deep interest shown by the town in all that concerned the honour, dignity, and welfare of the House of Erskine, and the holders of the ancient title of Earl of Mar.
The third (Franchise Demonstration) was a testimony to the Government, and especially to its opponents, that the people valued highly the possession of their rights and privileges, and felt that they were justly entitled to a voice in the nation's affairs, on the same footing as their fellow-workmen in towns.
The fourth (Opening of the Baths) was the rising of the town in all its strength to show to their kind townsman and benefactor how grateful they were for the great gifts he had conferred on them, gifts intended to benefit them morally and physically - thus showing their esteem for the donor personally, and their appreciation of all he had done for them.
Conclusion.
In bringing these pages to a close, it is apparent to all that Alloa is a very different town from what it was sixty years ago.
The daily life of the town in those early days moved in a much slower and more homely fashion than now. The business man has much at his command that was not then available. He has the telegraph to send an urgent message; through the telephone he can even speak his wants a good distance and get a reply; he can dictate a letter and get it clicked off with the typewriter; when the dinner hour arrives he can mount his bicycle, and five or at most ten minutes will take him to his villa in the suburbs. Our means of communication are so good that now, in one hour, we can get to Edinburgh in the east, to Glasgow in the west, and to Perth in the north.
It must be admitted that the position of the shopkeeper is now very different from the days of the older merchants. There is the gigantic Co-operative Store that gets even more than the proverbial lion's share of trade. Regarding it a good deal might be said on both sides, but we refrain from anything that would give rise to controversy. Then there are fifteen or so branch shops from other centres who secure a large share of the trade, but who do not benefit the town as those shopkeepers who have their residence in the town, and who circulate their money thus earned amongst their neighbour townsmen.
The working-classes are undoubtedly in a much better position now than they were 60 years ago. Their wages are in most cases doubled. They have much better houses, with most of the modern comforts, and in Alloa at least, they have many privileges within their reach that the bulk of towns do not possess.
A few years ago the Lord of the Manor, the Earl of Mar and Kellie very kindly furnished the Town Council with a new Coat of Arms.
His Lordship personally carried through all the necessary preliminaries in the matter, and all the Council had to do was to find a suitable motto. After consideration our representatives adopted the motto of "In the Forefront." That is a very high ideal, therefore we can only say, let the town and all connected with it strive to be in the forefront. It is in the forefront so far, with well kept, well-lighted, well paved, and cleanly kept streets. It is even, we think, morally better than it used to be. There are not so many unseemly brawls and drunkenness seen on the streets, - a goodly proportion of those appearing at the Police Court are not connected with the town, but rather belong to the far too numerous vagrant class.
Let it be in the forefront for faithful, energetic ministers, preaching to churches filled with attentive hearers, for Magistrates who are an example for good to those who come before them.
We are certainly in the forefront with well equipped schools, with able headmasters and competent staffs of teachers. And if "Our Boys" can be weaned from juvenile smoking, and induced to give up the degrading habit of swearing, that improvement would also help to keep us educationally in the forefront.
May we hope that the chronicler of sixty years hence may find "Guid Auld Alloa" still further in the forefront, both in its improved appearance, and in the refinement, industry, and sobriety of all within its borders.
FINIS