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WILLIAM
MORRISON#5 OF HAWICK, SCOTLAND
Born 1 January 1839
Died in America on 3 August 1892
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OBITUARY The following Obituary Article was published in an opposition newspaper in Scotland, called "The Hawick News" on 26th August 1892: Article 1: DEATH OF EX-BAILIE MORRISON On Monday information reached Hawick, Scotland (in the form of a brief letter to his wife, (Mrs Margaret Gregg Morrison) from Kent. Washington, United States, of the death of Ex-Bailie Morrison on 3rd August, 1892 and of his interment on the 5th August 1892, with Masonic honours. A prominent figure on the stage of local affairs has thus unexpectedly passed away. Mr Wm. Morrison had a somewhat remarkable career. He was born at Madderty, Perthshire and was for some years a detective in the Leith Constabulary, receiving a gold watch on leaving. About 27 years ago he came to Hawick, and for 11 years filled the offices of Superintendent of Police and Procurator-Fiscal for the burgh, bringing a good deal of ability to bear upon the discharge of his professional duties. He was also Firemaster, and received a handsome gift in acknowledgment of his services in that capacity. About a year before he resigned these appointments in 1876 - he became proprietor of the Hawick Advertiser, in succession to the late Mr Jas. Haining. During the fourteen years he managed this business, he started two other newspapers, the Border Standard, published in Langholm, and the Hawick Advertiser, but both of these ceased to exist some years ago. He was also for a time a coal merchant in Hawick, and secretary of a society for the abolition of the State Regulation of vice. His numerous private engagements did not prevent him from taking a prominent part in public affairs. For a dozen years at least he was a member of Hawick Town Council; and many being of opinion that his experience in the police department admirably fitted him for the bench, he was during the greater part of that period a bailie When Provost Milligan resigned in November 1890, Bailie Morrison was a candidate for the premier honour, Provost Hogg being elected by a majority of only two votes. Besides all this, he was chairman of Hawick Parochial Board, and a member of the School Board. He was a member of Hawick Bowling Club, St James' Lodge of Freemasons, and other local societies. In politics he was a Liberal, and in various social movements he also took a leading part. About a year and a half ago, as noticed at the time, he suddenly left the town, and his whereabouts was for a considerable period, a matter of curious conjecture to those who had known him. Shortly before that time, he had made the Advertiser a limited liability concern under the style of "W.Morrison & Co.," and the business is still carried on by this company. The deceased, who was 53 years of age, leaves a widow, who still resides in Hawick, and one son, who went abroad some years ago. Bailie Morrison possessed to a remarkable extent the faculty of ingratiating himself either with an individual or with a body of people, and invariably secured a considerable following for the various projects of one kind and another in which he interested himself. While in Hawick, he took an interest in almost every movement which enlisted the sympathies of any section of the community, and really did a good deal of service to the town in the various aspects of its municipal work, being not only a Bailie, but Convener of the Lighting Committee, besides representing the Council at the Gas Company's board. He had the gift in a unique degree of giving any scheme a most plausible appearance, and thus securing for it a corresponding amount of support from the public at large, completely capturing an unreflecting audience, and at the same time demolishing all opposition that was not very pronounced. Not only was he able to make others see a subject from the point of view that he desired them to take, but he seemed to be capable of working up in himself the firm belief that any undertaking he engaged in was the only and absolutely certain means of accomplishing the desired end. Whether at an evangelistic meeting, a Masonic social, a Town Council picnic, a philanthropic gathering, or a political demonstration, he appeared to feel fully convinced that he was the right man in the right place. Indeed. he seemed to have laid very deeply to heart the apostolic motto to be "all things to all men". It was almost impossible for any one to ruffle his outward composure. He met all opponents in public with the blandest of smiles, and evinced quite a fatherly solicitude for the welfare of his constituents. No one ever consulted him on any subject without taking away with him the impression that he was the man to rectify his grievance or help him towards the attainment of his object. Acting continually in the belief that it was possible to achieve success in business within a short time, not so much by hard work as by a clever combination of circumstances, he always strove to utilise the "tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune," and in the pursuit of this aim gave evidence of an astonishing fertility of resource. Such was Bailie Morrison, as he was known to the public of Hawick during the quarter of a century in which he lived amongst them. Article 2: Report on the accidental death of William Morrison. Further intelligence from America, contained in a letter from a brother of the deceased to another brother in Greenock, states that on the 3rd of August, Mr Morrison fell off a log, injuring himself so severely that he was unable to reach the house. One of his neighbours heard him calling for help, and found him lying at the side of the log. They carried him to the house, and he died in the evening at nine o'clock. He was interred by the Freemasons of Seattle on the 5th. Article 3: Seattle Post-lntelligencer August 5, 1892 Captain William B. Seymour of the Steamer Grace brought word of the death of WILLIAM MORRISON of Chico as the result of an accident Wednesday. Morrison was living on a ranch a little distance from the town. Edward Bethel, a neighbour of Morrison's, heard a noise like a man shouting in the woods behind Morrison's house Wednesday afternoon. As night came on, he still heard the noise and proceeded to see what the cause was. He found Morrison lying between two logs and in response to his inquiry as to what the matter was, he said he had been hurt by a log. Bethel and another man carried Morrison to his house, but he died by morning. Captain Seymour did not learn any more particulars, but he will bring the body over on the steamer this morning and it will be buried from Bonney and Stewart's undertaking rooms. Morrison was born in Scotland and was 53 years of age. He was a member of a Masonic lodge in Scotland (see note:1), but whether he joined any lodge in this country is not known. He had a brother name James (see note 2.) who is supposed to be somewhere in Washington. Note:1 William Morrison belonged to St James Lodge of Freemasons in Perthshire Scotland. Note: 2 William Morrison's brother James died in Scotland in 1881. He could not have been in the USA at the time of William's death. His bother Andrew was known to be living in Washington State, USA either in Kitsap or King County." [Compiler's note: Re Note:2. This information is not correct. James had actually migrated to the USA and William was not aware of that fact. Go to this link to read James' story] William was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Seattle USA (Space 5 lot 704.) |
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Written
by William (Douglas) Morrison - Sydney, Australia - 1 November 2000 At the end of August 2000, my wife Estelle and I spent a couple of days in and around Hawick, Scotland and I thought it appropriate that I jot down some notes for those who may be interested. My discoveries on information relating to William Morrison and Margaret Gregg have made follow-up research in Hawick essential. There are extensive mentions of William in local newspapers and records. I hope the following is of interest. Upon arriving in Hawick (a much larger town than expected) we drove around and found No. 3 Morrison Place (the known address of Margaret Morrison at the time of her death and previously visited by Lindon Fortey and later my daughter Rachel and Bob Morgan). The address is not in an attractive part of town but is quite tidy and clean. Estelle took a photo of me standing in front of the place. We also photographed the adjacent street sign of "Myreslaw Green". "Myreslaw House" was an address of William at one time - Morrison Place butts into Myreslaw Green. ** PHOTOS HERE The front door of 3 Morrison Place is typical of the area and is right on the street. There was a "For Sale" sign on the property. We parked the car in a large council carpark, where we were greeted by a well dressed lady welcoming us to Hawick; it was her job to greet all visitors and give directions, advice etc - a nice touch. On walking into High Street, the main street in Hawick, I sighted a newspaper office - "The Hawick News" - and decided to walk in and ask if there would be someone who may know where the old offices for the "Hawick Advertiser" might be. A pleasant response of "no idea" and a suggestion I should "stop off at the editorial office of the Hawick News out the back of number 24 High Street - they should know". We strolled along taking in the vista, a typical main street scene for a major town in the United Kingdom. The road was narrow and busy, full of shops (none having overhead awnings), traffic almost at a standstill, lots of pedestrians on narrow footpaths and three-storey buildings facing the road as far as the eye could see. We found No. 24 and a narrow (one metre wide) dark alley adjacent - the sign above pointing to "The Hawick News Editorial Office". Estelle stayed behind window shopping as I ventured the 20 or so metres to an old door. I knocked and received no reply so I opened the door to find an unoccupied desk - papers strewn about, desktop computer displaying work, some rickety old stairs leading up to an area where someone was talking loudly on the phone. I waited until he had finished and knocked again eventually getting his attention with a decent shout of "shop, anybody home?!". He stuck his head around the corner of the office and looking down introduced himself as John Scott and that he had had the message from the main office that I would be stopping in. He apologized profusely saying he was so busy it was impossible to have a chat as the newspaper deadline was literally upon him and that if I could return tomorrow he would like to talk - he seemed genuinely interested in my short spiel about William and his newspaper. We arranged a time. Our whole conversation probably didn't last two minutes. Although I had brought a one page set of notes with me showing a series of street numbers for William's newspaper office I really was trying to confirm the building for a photo or two. I took a photo of both sides of High street showing the buildings from 1 to 9 on one side and 2 to 8 on the other just in case. Had the buildings been renumbered I wondered? On passing an empty shop front at Number 9 High street I noticed another metre wide, narrow and covered laneway with a sign to a printing office so I again left Estelle window shopping, and continued to check things out (was this William's old printing office I thought ?). I went in and a lady asked if she could help - I gave her the spiel and she replied she had no idea whether this place could be the old "Advertiser" print shop. She went and got the boss, so I did the spiel again. He was quite nice but again had no idea whether it was or not the old print shop BUT he was helpful and gave me some phone numbers of a local historian. *** PHOTOS to come HERE The narrow laneway was on the local historic walk tour, as part of the wall construction was the oldest known structure in all of Hawick. I asked if I found out this was the premises of the "Advertiser" would it be OK if I took a photo of the shop? "no problem" he replied. After walking around a bit, Estelle was interested in seeing the factory clothing stores (Hawick being the centre for Scottish woollen goods), this was convenient for us both as the stores were close to the carpark and as it turns out also close to the local museum, Wilton Lodge. The walk to Wilton Lodge was through some very pleasant gardens. Upon entering I paid the admission and spent ten or fifteen minutes looking at the collection of mostly old woollen mill items and memorabilia of one of the towns famous TT motorcycle riders (world champion - but I cannot recall his name). I found nothing on newspapers, etc so I asked if I could have a quick chat to the Curator. I was pointed to an upstairs office, which I entered (feeling as if I was intruding) and where again I did my spiel on William. I was told the museum held bound copies of all William's newspapers but some were in poor condition - I asked if I could take a look as I have planned to study them all at some time. I was taken to a locked storeroom/attic where upon opening one could see shelves of old bound Council Minutes, newspapers, etc., dating back a couple of hundred years. We took a random look at some of William's newspapers. Some were damaged but most were OK. No microfilming of the old papers has been done here. I inquired whether I could look through copies but was told I would have to make an application in writing first. I said I would get back to them. Interestingly, I had previously obtained handheld photographic copies of newspaper obituaries of William and other stuff from the museum. The museum is a good source for information and they do have research staff, but I would suggest they do not perform extended searches - only the answering of simple queries. They may, of course, do extended searches at a cost, but I did not ask. Upon leaving and walking back to the car I said to myself I should try the local library. Estelle was waiting in the car in drizzling rain, but we decided to walk back into High Street looking for the library - upon enquiring it was at the other end of town and a fair walk. On the way we passed a local land agency and noticed the "For Sale" poster for 3 Morrison Place in the window. I walked in and asked if I could have a copy of the sale brochure -"no problem". On exiting, Estelle, who was still looking in the window said: "Did you see that No. 9 High Street is also for sale!" - so I went and got that brochure too. It turns out that only a part of 3 Morrison Place was for sale for 23,000 pounds - the property is divided into a few flatettes. Only the first floor of 9 High Street was for sale. On arriving at the library reception area, I repeated the now well-rehearsed story on William and was told they would have to check what was archived - which they did - and sure enough they also had bound copies of "The Hawick Advertiser". Great. I arranged to see a random selection the following day. (My daughter Rachel had viewed a few bound volumes a couple of years ago). Although none of William's newspapers have been microfilmed at the library, (no money to do so) there has been some copying done on the "Hawick Express" - another town paper. The period copied of "The Hawick Express" has not been clearly explained to me. I must check this out. William's profile was enough to ensure he would get substantial mentions in other newspapers. We then went on to our B&B (bed and breakfast accommodation) - at a farm called "Ancrum Craig" about five miles out of town towards Jedburgh. The following morning I returned to the "Hawick News" editorial office. John Scott greeted me with bubbly enthusiasm as I explained my interest in William in some detail and mentioned my disappointment that the lack of microfilming of William's newspapers was hampering my research from afar. I also told him that William had at one time stood for Provost of Hawick after being a Bailie for a number of years - John Scott was really interested at this - and said: "Would you believe I am only guest editing the newspaper for the next few weeks and you may be interested to know I am the current Provost of Hawick!". Well I was stunned at my good fortune - of all the people I should meet in Hawick, he turns out to be the town boss!! According to John Scott, the position of Provost is far more ceremonial nowadays whereas in William's time the Provost and Bailies had teeth - they were the Law. We talked for an hour or more over a coffee or three. I mentioned to John that I was about to visit the library to browse through copies of William's newspapers; to which he replied he would like to do a story on this for the next paper - so would it be OK if he sent a photographer down and take some shots of me inspecting things? I did not say no. I duly went through this posed exercise, and following my few hours at the library, I returned to the "Hawick News" office to thank John for his interest. He said the story would be published in the issue of 7th September 2000 and he would include details that it was somewhat disappointing that Hawick's history in its newspapers is deteriorating quickly. John also suggested he would also bring this point up at the next Town Council meeting. He also mentioned that I had piqued his interest enough for him to take a look at William for a later historical item. I mentioned that the odd newspaper had malicious damage where items had been removed from the old papers by use of razor blade - he was not impressed. John then went on to show me the copies of "Hawick News" that were bound and sitting in his office - they also were deteriorating. It is interesting that in 1882, this particular newspaper was started in opposition to the "Advertiser" - by the person who sold the "Advertiser" to William a few years earlier! John also took me through an old locked door into the old print shop - now deserted. The paper is computer processed out of town. I said my goodbyes and promised to stay in touch. My last task was to return to the old print shop at No. 9 High Street where I asked permission to take a photo in the premises. I did this, no problem. So ended the short stay in Hawick.
It was a very quick random and cursory looksee (I had already decided it would be impossible to do William and Margaret Gregg justice in this initial foray). It was more important, in my limited time, to obtain some idea of the amount of data available. I suspected there would be heaps of stuff and I was not disappointed. I have discovered that there is probably enough information to fill a book. Here goes:-
To start with, I decided to browse through the bound volumes of the Advertiser for the years 1878-80 - each volume being quite difficult to handle. The newspapers are broadsheets and are heavily bound in hard boards (some binding, I noticed, is fragile). The volumes are weighty and the print is fine AND they cannot be photocopied. Photographic copying is allowed. Each issue of the newspaper appeared to have eight pages and it was issued weekly. I was careful to note any poetry published in the newspaper (as it was known Margaret (Gregg) Morrison was a Poetess). I was pleased to find that poetry was published in each issue as a regular item. Most of the poetry was anonymously written, although much was identified by initials and residence or by a pseudonym. I am positive Margaret Gregg was the writer of some of this poetry.  In the issue of Feb 23 1878 there is a poem "Sweet Maggie G_______ " by A.L. We know that this A.L. was Alexander Lundie (or was it?) from a copy held here in Australia (from Aunty Jessie Fortey). By 1878 Alexander Lundie Snr had been dead for many years - I suggest that Margaret wrote this work: Dec 7 1878 "The Dear Auld Mither Tongue" by H. of Hawick (looks like Margaret's writing to me). Nov 1 1879 "The Auld Rowan Tree" by M.G.M. of Hawick (Margaret Gregg Morrison ?). I took some photos. Nov 8 1879 "The Withered Flower" by Aeolius of Myreslaw Green (a Morrison address). Feb 28 1880 "Acrostic" a poem by M.G.M of Hawick Jun 26 1880 "Flowers of my Childhood" by M.G.M. Of Hawick Sep 4 1880 "The Hole in the Wa'" by M.G.M of Hawick. (date ??) 1880 "The Doggie and the Echo" by M.G.M. Of Hawick.
I noticed on June 7 1879 that W Morrison was selling walking sticks and ball point pens from his office, (see above & below). I
noticed at times there were some very long and detailed reports on
political meetings (5000 words at times). One particular meeting of
the Hawick Liberal Association of Nov 22 1879 caught my eye. William
would have been involved for sure. I wonder whether Alex Lundie (Jnr)
was the reporter? I took a sidewards look at some library shelves
and noticed a number of poets from the region were being published.
I noted "Contentment and other Poems" byThomas
Chapman "Joseph" (sic).
Published by J.J.H.Rutherford of Kelso in 1883. "Joseph" was a regular contributor to Hawick papers, so we can now eliminate that pseudonym as being Margaret Gregg. Another publication "Border Rhymes" is more intriguing. This is by "Free Lance Lillieslief" and published by James Edgar of 5 High street Hawick in 1899. James Edgar owned "The Hawick Express" which ended up merging with the Advertiser. In pencil it is noted that "Freelance" was an Isabella Anderson Grey - I wonder? This was the year that Margaret Gregg died and the initials lAG spell out the initials of both her brother and son. Lillieslief is a place near Hawick (we saw it in our travels through some country lanes). Isabella, of course could have been a real person. I decided to jump ten years in my viewing of "The Hawick Advertiser" to 1890 where I found that William is mentioned throughout. There are literally numerous mentions of him from courtroom sittings to Town Council reports and various board meetings. He is at times quoted (verbatum and with interjections and laughter). I noticed on Dec 28 1890 William was Chairman of the Burgh School Board but it was noted in the report that he had resigned the position. Some poetry by a "J.G." Of Glasgow was about in 1890. I wonder whether this was a Margaret Gregg pseudonym also (i.e., her grandfather, brother and son's initials). My photographs of text are undated in most cases. Much of the text I copied is only part of larger reports, so it is important that anything quoted from my photographs is not taken out of context. Some articles would have taken 8 photos (including a photo of date) and I was not prepared to do this knowing the work is to be done again anyway. Please see portion of an article on Electric Lighting in Hawick and William's involvement - were his listeners laughing at him or with him?? I am supplying a set of photocopies to Gregg Morrison of most of my photographs. (Not received yet) "The Hawick Advertiser" newspapers (whether at the Museum or at the Library in Hawick) varied in condition from excellent to poor. In some cases the bound volumes are falling apart with both torn and creased issues. Some items in Library copies have been razor bladed out. A third set of the paper is supposed to exist in the British Library BUT I do not know the validity of this. It was really interesting to identify that many articles exist on William in his own newspaper - biased perhaps, by his reporters? (which probably included himself/wife and sons!). William is mentioned extensively in Town Council minutes and other various boards of which he was a member. He would, of course, have been mentioned in other newspapers of the era and I would suggest that these should be viewed for a balanced view of his status. I do not think he was liked in some circles. There
is "a lot of meat on the bone" with this research. A lot of the pain
will ease if microfilming or scanning progresses. I will pursue this.
Onsite research would take a month or two I would suggest. |
