Gilbert Hamilton of Glenarbuck

GILBERT HAMILTON OF GLENARBUCK

Merchant in Glasgow: Burgess and Guild Brother of Glasgow

Gilbert Hamilton is the younger son of Archibald Hamilton, merchant burgess of Glasgow. His mother was Margaret Aitchison. He was born before 26 January 1744, the date upon which his baptism was registered at Glasgow in Lanarkshire, Scotland. [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, reference OPR.644/1/12]

Gilbert Hamilton was a merchant in Glasgow. He was enrolled as a burgess and guild brother of Glasgow on 22 July 1766, having been admitted in right of his deceased father. Glasgow Burgesses: 53

Genealogy

John Anderson, Historical and Genealogical Memoirs of the House of Hamilton with Genealogical Memoirs of the Several Branches of the Family (John Anderson, Jun., Edinburgh, MDCCCXXV), pp. 442-44

Biographical Summary

Mr. Hamilton was a highly-respected and successful Glasgow merchant. He was the son of Archibald Hamilton, also a Glasgow merchant. His grandfather was the Rev. Archibald Hamilton, minister of Cambuslang in 1688. Gilbert Hamilton was the first bill collector of the Bank of Scotland in Glasgow. He was frequently chosen trustee on bankrupt estates, and conducted the business entrusted to him with much prudence and care. He was elected Lord Provost of Glasgow in 1792 and 1793. This latter year witnessed the outbreak of the French Revolution, and proved a most disastrous year to Glasgow, being marked with many failures and great commercial distress. Mr. Hamilton was the most active of those benevolent gentlemen in Glasgow who distinguished themselves by the measures then originated to afford relief. Mr. Hamilton bought the estate of Glenarbuck in Dumbartonshire, where he resided till his death. He was appointed the first secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and discharged the duties of that office with great satisfaction to his brother directors and to the Chamber. He died in 1808.

The lands of Glenarbuck were acquired at the end of last century by Gilbert Hamilton. The house was built by his directions; the policies and garden were laid out and planned under his superintendence. Gillbert Hamilton was Provost of Glasgow in 1792, and had been Dean of Guild previously. He was a most energetic and useful Chief Magistrate. In 1793, a year long remembered for the distress that was caused by the numerous failures of merchants, manufacturers, and banks, he distinguished himself by the judicious measures he originated to allay the general panic, and assist the working people, who were then on the verge of starvation from being thrown out of work. He was one of the founders of the Chamber of Commerce, and its Secretary from 1783 till 1808 - and, before the Bank of Scotland had a branch in Glasgow, he was their first Collector.

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

• 26 January 1744 birth or baptism of Gilbert Hamilton, son of Archd. Hamilton and Margt. Atchison [child 7], in the parish of Glasgow

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

• 1 June 1769 marriage or banns of Gilbert Hamilton to Cathrin McGregor, in the parish of Glasgow

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

Possible list of 13 children of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGrigor from first: 11 July 1770 Archbald Hamilton to last: 29 June 1794 Charles Hamilton

• 11 July 1770 birth or baptism of Archbald Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGrigor [child 1], in the parish of Glasgow
• 7 November 1771 birth or baptism of James Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 2], in the parish of Glasgow
• 30 October 1772 birth or baptism of Archbald Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 3], in the parish of Glasgow
• 10 May 1774 birth or baptism of Janet Hamilton, daughter of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 4], in the parish of Glasgow
• 2 January 1776 birth or baptism of John Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 5], in the parish of Glasgow
• 4 April 1777 birth or baptism of Margret Hamilton, daughter of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 6], in the parish of Glasgow
• 10 September 1778 birth or baptism of Robert Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 7], in the parish of Glasgow
• 9 April 1780 birth or baptism of Gilbert Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrin McGregor [child 8], in the parish of Glasgow
• 2 July 1783 birth or baptism of Ann Hamilton, daughter of Gilbert Hamilton and Kathren McGregor [child 9], in the parish of Glasgow
• 22 January 1785 birth or baptism of Agnes Hamilton, daughter of Gilbert Hamilton and Kathrane McGregor [child 10], in the parish of Glasgow
• 9 January 1787 birth or baptism of Gilbert Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrine McGrigor [child 11], in the parish of Glasgow
• 13 February 1789 birth or baptism of William Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrine McGrigor [child 12], in the parish of Glasgow
• 29 June 1794 birth or baptism of Charles Hamilton, son of Gilbert Hamilton and Cathrine McGrigor [child 13], in the parish of Glasgow

Possibly Scotland's People - Old Parish Records - Deaths and Burials

5 December 1808 death or burial of Gilbert Hamilton, aged 68 [born about 1740], in the parish of Glasgow