Author: Watson, Alexander
Biography:
WATSON, Alexander (d 1825: Mackenzie)
Nothing is known about his birth and parentage, but he was a Writer to the Signet and worked for many years as the Town Clerk of Port Glasgow. He never married and was known as an eccentric character and canny businessman. He prospered financially by underwriting ships, and bought land—including the estate of Auchinlech, Port Glasgow—with the proceeds. When several of his ships were lost at sea, he was bankrupted but, by living frugally, he was eventually able to clear his debts. He died intestate and several distant relatives came forward to claim his estate, leading to a lengthy chancery case. He arranged for his Essays on Various Subjects to be printed and published in 1821. (Peter Mackenzie, Old Reminiscences of Glasgow 3 [1868]) SR