W M Wilson was a lawyer and Town Clerk of Govan.
Wilson was educated at Ayr Academy and the University of Glasgow before entering the Royal Faculty of Procurators. He established a reputation as an authority on criminal law and featured in a number of high profile court cases. He also took an interest in civic affairs, his posts including Procurator-Fiscal in the River Bailie Court and Secretary of the Glasgow Cotton Operatives' Relief Fund. In 1867 he was appointed Town Clerk of the Burgh of Govan, one of his first tasks being to successfully organise opposition to a Parliamentary Bill to incorporate Govan into the City of Glasgow.
Described as "a sound hater", Wilson made many enemies but won widespread respect.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 920.04 BAI
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
annexations, Glasgow Cotton Operatives' Relief Fund, Govan Burgh Council, lawyers, Police Burghs, Royal Faculty of Procurators, town clerks