The first Glasgow directory was published in 1783 by John Tait. This image is taken from a facsimile reprint published in 1871 by Robert Forrester. Page 26 includes surnames from Cocke to Dreghorn.
David Dale was one of Glasgow's best known merchants of the 18th century. A native of Stewarton, he came to Glasgow and prospered through trade in fine French yarns. He established cotton mills at New Lanark which grew to become the largest water-powered mills in Britain, employing 1,500 people. Dale pioneered an enlightened attitude towards the living conditions and education of his workers. He helped introduce turkey-red dyeing to Scotland, and was the first agent and cashier of the Glasgow branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland.
James Dennistoun senior and his son James Dennistoun were successful tobacco merchants in Glasgow. They were founder members of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 914.14351
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
banks, cotton merchants, cotton mills, directories, family history, genealogy, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, John Tait's Directory, Royal Bank of Scotland, Tobacco Lords, tobacco merchants, turkey-red dyeing, yarn and worsted merchants, yarns