Collins, William

PUBLISHER, MAYOR (SCOTLAND)
BORN 12 Oct 1817, Glasgow - DIED 20 Feb 1895
GRAVE LOCATION Glasgow: Glasgow Necropolis, Castle Street (on the eastern edge of the north section of the upper plateau)

William Collins was the son of the publisher William Collins (1789-1853), who was an original promotor of the temperance cause in Scotland. He was educated in Glasgow and entered his father's business as an apprentice. In 1845 he married Annabella Glen (1822-1862). In 1848 he became a partner in the business, and he continued it after his father's death in 1853. It expanded during the next decades it expanded until it became the largest house outside London for publishing, printing, bookbinding, and manufacturing.

He married Helen Jamieson (d.1893) in 1865. In 1868 he became a member of the Council of Glasgow and in 1873 he became a magistrace. He succeeded Sir James Bain (1817-1898) as Lord Provost of Glasgow in 1877 and held that position until 1880. As the first fully abstaining Lord Provost of Glasgow he was nicknamed Water Willie. His portrait was painted by Robert Inerarity Herdman.

Like his father he participated in the temperance cause. He was also involved in the foundation of the Glasgow Liberal Association in 1878 and he was active in the Glasgow School Board from 1888 to 1894. He died in 1895.

Images

The grave of William Collins at Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow.
Picture by Androom (30 Jun 2023)

 

The grave of William Collins at Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow.
Picture by Androom (30 Jun 2023)

 

Sources
William Collins (Lord Provost) - Wikipedia


Collinson, James

Published: 12 Jun 2024
Last update: 12 Jun 2024