Sir William Baillie, of Polkemmet, 2nd Bt.

From Wikipedia - Sir William Baillie, 2nd Baronet

Sir William Baillie of Polkemmet, 2nd Baronet, D.L. (2 February 1816 – 21 July 1890) was a Scottish oarsman and Conservative politician who sat in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom 51.499889, -0.124667 between 1845 and 1847.

Born in Edinburgh, he was the eldest son of Sir William Baillie, 1st Baronet and his wife Mary Lyon Dennistoun, the youngest daughter of James Dennistoun. Baillie was educated at Eton College, Eton, Berkshire SL4 6DW 51.492, -0.608 and then at Christ Church, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP 51.750199, -1.255853, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1836.

While at Oxford, he rowed in the Oxford eight in the second Boat Race which was held in 1836, when Cambridge won. He was also a part of the Head of the River crew at Oxford with his college boat, Christ Church.

Baillie served as captain in the Midlothian Yeomanry Cavalry, and was Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the Edinburgh City Artillery from 1866 to 1884. In 1845 he was elected Member of Parliament for Linlithgowshire, sitting for the next two years. Baillie was a Deputy Lieutenant of Linlithgowshire from 1850 and was a Justice of the Peace.

On 14 April 1846, Baillie married Mary Stewart, the eldest daughter of Stair Hathorn Stewart. In 1854, he succeeded his father as baronet, and when Baillie died childless in 1890, he was succeeded in the baronetcy by his nephew George.

From Scotland's People: Old Parish Registers - Births and Baptisms

• 1 March 1816 birth or baptism of William Baillie, son of William Baillie and Mary Lyon Dennistoun [child 1], in the parish of Whitburn

From Scotland's People: Old Parish Records - Marriages and Banns

• 14 April 1846 marriage or banns of William Baillie to Mary Stewart, in the parish of Whitburn

From British Newspaper Archive: Falkirk Herald Saturday, 6 January 1877 Page 2 Linlithgow: New Year's Day treat to the inmates of the Combination Poorhouse

New Year's Day treat to the inmates of the Linlithgow Combination Poorhouse, now St Michael's Hospital, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland 55.97500, -3.58722. —

The monotony of poorhouse life is not, we are happy to say, without occasional breaks in this institution, and that these should occur at this festive season is, we think, highly appropriate. We had the pleasure to notice last week that the inmates of the poorhouse here were the recipients of a most substantial meal on Christmas Day, Monday, 25 December 1876, kindly provided by Miss Baillie of Manuel House; and it is with equal pleasure that we now refer to the treat which was given them on New Year's Day, Monday, 1 January 1877.

This consisted of a most excellent dinner, composed of beef and plum pudding in abundance, with bread and potatoes, and pint of beer to each adult, kindly given by Sir William and Lady Baillie of Polkemmet, who have for several years provided a similar repast for the inmates on New Years Day.

In the evening currant bread and tea were served, after which all who were not confined to their wards from illness assembled in the dining hall and spent about three hours most agreeably under the superintendence of Mr and Mrs Buglass, the governor and matron. The enjoyment of the evening was much enhanced by the kind services of the Rev. John L. Munro, who presided at the harmonium, and sang and played several pieces, which were highly appreciated. Mr Ferguson, Linlithgow, and Mr Hunter, Glasgow, also contributed readings and songs, which were warmly received.

After a most happy evening had been spent, Mr Buglass, in few remarks, called for three hearty cheers for Sir William and Lady Baillie, who had always, he said, taken kindly interest in the inmates of the institution, and although Sir William and his Lady had not often honoured them with their presence, yet the substantial and recurring proofs of that interest which they had been pleased to give from year to year showed, he thought, beyond all dispute that they were no exemplified of the old adage "Out of sight, out of mind." The cheers were given with great enthusiasm.

Mr Buglass also called for three cheers for the House Committee, who, he said, had always been actuated by a judicious liberality in the management of the House, which was at once just to both the ratepayers and the poor. The cheers were heartily given, and Mr Ferguson, a member of the committee responded in suitable terms. A similar compliment having been paid to Mr Munro and the other gentlemen who had contributed towards the evening's entertainment, and also to Mr and Mrs Buglass, on the motion of an inmate, the proceedings were brought to a close by singing "Auld Lang Syne."

From Scotland's People: Deaths

1890 death of William Baillie, Baronet, [Mother's maiden name] Dennistoun, aged 74 [born about 1816], registered district: Whitburn

From British Newspaper Archive: Falkirk Herald Wednesday, 23 July 1890 Page 2 Death of Sir William Baillie

Polkemmet House, Polkemmet Country Park, Whitburn, West Lothian EH47 0AD 55.86556, -3.71972 It is with regret that we have to chronicle the death of this gentleman, which took place suddenly on Monday, 21 July 1890, at his residence, Polkemmet, Whitburn. The deceased baronet attended divine service on Sunday, 20 July 1890, and was then in his usual health. On Monday morning he was taken suddenly ill, and on the arrival of Dr Kirk, the medical adviser of the family, he found him unconscious. All efforts to revive him were unavailable, as he never regained consciousness, and died about four o'clock in the afternoon. Apoplexy was the cause of death.

In politics Sir William was a Conservative, and at one time represented the county of Linlithgow in Parliament.

Sir William Baillie took an active interest in the volunteer movement, being for many years colonel of the 1st Edinburgh City Artillery Volunteers. On the demise of Colonel Dale, the colonelcy of the E.C.A.V. became vacant, and Lord Provost Boyd, then Major Boyd, was asked to assume the command. He did not see his way clear to accept the post, and it occurred to some of the older officers of the regiment to offer the colonelcy to Sir William Baillie. At that time Sir William was a captain in the Midlothian Yeomanry Cavalry, a corp now disbanded, but which to some extent survives in the Midlothian troop of the Lothians and Berwickshire Yeomanry Cavalry.

Sir William accepted the command, and the formal presentation to the regiment took place on the Castle [Esplanade, Edinburgh 55.9487752, -3.1974513] in the spring of 1866. The new Colonel was introduced by Major Boyd, and in the course of his speech said he was somewhat advanced in years, and could not undertake to actively engage in the work connected with the command, but that he would strive to advance the interests and efficiency of the regiment.

He kept his promise well, and was instrumental in effecting many beneficial changes, notably in the band. In July 1884, Sir William retired in favour of Colonel Laing, and was gazetted honorary colonel on Saturday, 26 July 1884. Every year, at the annual inspection, Sir William rode at the head of his regiment, and often rode into Edinburgh from Polkemmet to attend the battalion drills. Deceased was very popular with his regiment, and contributed liberally towards its funds.

Sir William Baillie was born in 1816, and succeeded his father in 1854. He was closely associated with all that occurred in Linlithgowshire, taking a warm interest in all its affairs. He held numerous important offices in the county, including Chairman of the County Council of Linlithgow, Chairman of the Whitburn School Board, and of the Whitburn Parochial Board.

The deceased gentleman was highly respected, and his sudden death has cast quite gloom over the district.

From Ancestry 18910523 probate Sir William Baillie Baronet Polkemmet Linlithgowshire d 18900621 pr Linlithgow Mark John Stewart Stair Hathorn Johnston Stewart £7793

23 May 1891 confirmation of Sir William Baillie, Baronet, of Polkemmet, County of Linlithgow, who died 21 July 1890, at Polkemmet House, testate, granted at Linlithgow on 23 May 1891 to Mark John Stewart of Southwick, M.P., and Stair Hathorn Johnston Stewart of Pysgill and Gasserton, Captain, H.M. 20th Hussars, executors nominated in Will or Deed, dated 10 April 1889, and recorded in Court Books of Commissariot of Linlithgow, 15 May 1891. Value of Estate: £7793 3s. 10d.

From Baillie of Polkemmet and Leeds Castle, baronets