218 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. CCXLIV.
JAMES GILLESPIE, ESQ., OF SPYLAW,
AND HIS BROTHER,
MR. JOHN GILLESPIE.
AS the founder of “ Gillespie’s Hospital,” JAMEthSe, elder of the two brothers,
is well known ; yet it is rather surprising that no record of their history has
been preserved. It is believed they were born at Rosslyn, about seven miles
from Edinburgh; but, with respect to their family connections, no accurate
information is to be obtained. They had a sister, mother of the late Mr.
Richard Dick, tobacconist, who succeeded to his uncle’s shop ; but whether they
had any other near relatives is uncertain. If they had, no communication was
maintained with them.
The early years of the MESSRS. GILLESPIE are understood to have been the
reverse of affluent j their steady and industrious conduct, however, overcame
all difficulties, and by a fortunate speculation, during the American war-when
the price of tobacco experienced an unexampled rise-their good fortune was
effectually augmented. The retail shop, a short way east of the Cross, on the
north side of the High Street,’ was attended by JOHNth,e younger brother, while
James (L‘ the Laird,” as he was styled), constantly resided at Spylaw: a property
which he purchased at Colinton, and where he erected a mill for grinding snuff.
Although frugal and industrious,
they were by no means miserly.a On the contrary, James, in particular, is
described as one of the best and kindest of men ; living amongst his domestics
in the most homely and patriarchal manner. He invariably sat at the same
table with his servants, indulging in familiar conversation, and entering with
much spirit into their amusements. Newspapers were not so widely circulated
.
Neither of the brothers was ever married.
season to put on the cocked hat used on such occasions, by pis lordship holding up his first gigantic
digit. He, in consequence, was good-naturedly termed by the bar, with the members of which he
was a great favourite, the “Judicial Fugleman.”
Their first shop,
on the same site, was taken down and rebuilt.
It is situated on the
banks of the Water of Leith, at the he% of the hollow or strath occupied by the village of Colintou.
The house is of a somewhat antiquated form, but in excellent repair ; and the courtyard and walks
around are tastefully kept in order. After Mr. Gillespie’s death the snuff-mill, immediately in the
re.= of the house, was purchased, and long busily employed by Messrs. Ralph Richardson and Brothers,
tobacconistg 105 West Bow.
a Many of the last century charwtera of Edinburgh were eupplied with snuff gratia by the Messra.
Gdlespie.
The shop is No. 231, and is at present occupied by George Cotton, tobacconist.
* This pleasant residence is distant about four miles welit of Edinburgh.
Among others, Laird Robertson and Jean Cameron had their ‘‘mulla” regularly filled.