.png)
The History Of Dundee
17th to 19th Century Endowments for Educational and Charitable Purposes.
Arranged Chronilogically
I.—Dr William Guild's, 1656.
By deed dated 19th Dec., 1656, William Guild, D.D., of King's College, Aberdeen, mortified a sum now equal to £363 3s. 9d., and presently in the hands of the Town Council, who are the patrons towards the maintenance and education of a bursar, for four years, at St Leonard's, now the United College, St Andrews. It appears, that besides the money, Dr Guild devised a tenement, described as his "fore and in land, lying on the west side of the Gallogate of Aberdeen," and occupied by Gordon of Crawaillie, and George Cummin, burgess of Aberdeen, with the garden, yards, and pertinents thereof, which cost him 5000 merks, to the purpose of his bursary.
A correspondence was opened by the Town Clerk and the City Clerk of Aberdeen, but no information concerning this tenement could be procured, as the situation of the house could not be ascertained. The Doctor's father was a native of the town. The Town-Chamberlain, Factor.
II.—Bailie William Roger's, 1658.
William Roger, merchant in Dundee, was second son of Mr Charles Roger of Marywell, Coupar Grange, near Coupar Angus, where he was born about the year 1600. After being settled sometime as a merchant in Dundee, and serving as Hospitalmaster in 1641, and Treasurer in 1645, he was elected Bailie in 1646. He died in July 1658, leaving property to the Amount of 19,981 pounds 19s, (Scots money of that period), the half of which (9,990 pounds 19s. 6d.), he directed, by his will, to be applied to the educating and breeding of poor children, within the town and parish of Dundee. The deed came into operation in 1666. The will states—"and, lastlie, I leave, dedicate, and mortifio my pairt of all movable goods and gear to be maid, foorthcommand, for educating and breeding of poor young male children, within the town and paroch of Dundee, at scooles and crafts. My own and my said spous' friends being first preferred."
The mortifier made no rules for the management of the fund; but the patrons, in May 1667, framed acts, statutes, and constitutions, some of which are not now in force :—such as, "The boys were to live together in one house. They were to wear ane green habit or collare, and none were to be admitted to the benefit thereof but such as doe wear the same collare or liveray, They were to meet and sitt together in the church in a place and seat provided for them." Another regulation was—"Each boy to have a yeirlie allowance of 20 merks, Scots money, for furnishing clothes and payment of his scoole dewties ; and, while meill is sold within the burghe of Dundee, within [blank in deed] or thereabout, have allowance of fortie pound yeirlie for his board; and when victual sal be at a higher rate, to have such allowance for boord as the patrons sal think expedient." The benefits of this foundation are restricted to children of the name of Roger, if they can be found.
The annual income, as the fund is invested, varies with the fluctuations in the rate of interest, upon a capital of £1400; besides which there is a superiority yielding £18 2s. per annum. The number of boys cared for is eleven, who receive one suit of clothes and £4 yearly, and education at a sessional school. The time for each bursar remaining on the foundation is four years, at the expiry of which period he receives £1 13s. 4d. to put him to a trade ; and at the termination of his apprenticeship he is entitled to a similar sum, in name of apprentice fee. The Kirk-session are the patrons of this mortification.
Mr John Miln, Savings Bank, Factor.
III—Gilbert Guthries, 1674.
Gilbert Guthrie, merchant in Dundee, by his will, dated 2d June, 1674, mortified, disponed, and assigned, under the conditions after specified, to and in favour of the poor orphan boys, children of honest and indigent parents, residing within the burgh of Dundee, as a constant stock and patrimony for them, and in favour of the Magistrates, Ministers, and Kirk-Session of Dundee, and their successors in office, as patrons, tutors, and administrators to the said orphans and others above specified, ten acres of land, lying in the Westfield of Dundee, and two tenements of land in the Overgate; also, that acre of land known by the name of the "Grey Sisters' Acre," with the little bit of land at the west end thereof, with the teind sheaves of the same; with £2400 Scots, in bonds.
It is expressly provided that the following rules be particularly and precisely observed:—That each person to be admitted be the manchild of honest and industrious parents, residenters in Dundee: that his own kindred or name be preferred: that an orphan be preferred to one who has parents in life: that none be admitted under nine years of age, to continue at least for three years; and that each boy have forty pounds Scots paid him yearly, and to have forty pounds allowed for putting him to a trade: that no Kirk-treasurer be entrusted with the rents and profits of this Mortification, but that some honest man be chosen by the patrons (Mr Guthrie would seem to have grave doubts of the integrity of Kirk-treasurers, although he was one himself, and was the very person who held that office in Dundee. Was his own honesty unimpeachable? Some of his successors were not altogether immaculate,) that the Will be publicly read at the admission of each boy; and that intimation be made at three several diets of Session before a vacancy be filled up: that forty pounds Scots be paid for the education of such children as have no other benefit from this Mortification, but get their maintenance from their parents or otherwise: that if the Magistrates, Ministers, and Kirk-session shall not adhere to the above rules, but shall misapply the rents, and employ the same otherwise than as the Will appoints, they shall lose their patronage, and the next heirs of the testator, of the name of Guthrie, shall succeed to the management. The annual income of the Mortification is £204. 2s. 4d.; the capital is now £1350, with feu-duties amounting to £106 4s. 5d., which provides thirty-six bursars with £2 6s. 8d. annually, besides their education. Five other boys receive their education only, and an apprentice fee of £3 6s. 8d. is paid to those who learn trades.
The ten acres specified as lying in the Westfield of Dundee, lie upon both sides of Guthrie Street, so named in remembrance of Mr Guthrie. They were feued in sixteen lots, to as many feuars at different sums, according as the lots were more or less in extent. From a document in our possession, purporting to be an examination of the accounts of the factor of the Mortification, dated 19th February, 1806, and signed by the late Rev. Thomas Raitt of Lundie and Foulis, at that time minister of St Andrew's Church, and Session-clerk, these sixteen feus produced the sum. above mentioned. It is said that, many years after owing to some remissness or other, the patrons of the Mortification were like to be deprived of the lands of these feus; but, owing to the strenuous exertions of the Kirk-session, headed by the late Rev. Dr John Blinshall, that contingency was prevented, and, in gratitude for such a valuable service, one of the streets which traverse the feus was called Blinshall Street, and another Session Street. One of the feuars, called "William Syme, whose lot was feued at £11 19s. 11d., disponed his property to the late James Brown, Esq., of Cononsyth, who erected Ward House and other buildings on it; and another lot was feued by the late George Wilkie, Esq. of Auchlishie, for £13 19s. 2d. This lot became the property of Provost James Brown and his brother William Brown, sons of the late Mr Brown, formerly of Cononsyth. Mr Brown erected the large factory known as the "Bell Mill," and Mr Wilkie that which is known as the "East Mill," on the north side of Guthrie Street.
Mr John Miln, Savings Bank, Factor.
IV.—Provost George Brown's 1695.
George Brown of Westhorne, in the parish of Errol, formerly Provost of Dundee, by deed of mortification, dated 3d July, 1695, convoyed to the Provost, Bailies, Ministers, and Kirk-treasurer of Dundee, and their successors in office, as Patrons, certain heritable subjects in the Overgate Street of Dundee, the annual produce of which is directed to be paid to the persons mentioned in the rules acted upon by the Patrons.
By these rules the objects of the charity are declared to be—"1st, The maintenance of indigent and poor persons within the burgh of Dundee, of either sex, of not less than sixty years of age, of the mortifier's relations in the first place, or next of the name of Brown, though not otherwise related to him, and, failing any of these, then of any other poor persons within the town and parish of Dundee; and, 2d, The maintenance and education of poor children residing within the town and parish of Dundee, giving a preference to those of the name of Brown, to whatever church or religious denomination they may belong." The annual income of the foundation is £80, derived from a ground-annual over property in the Overgate, of which one-half is devoted to the maintenance of aged poor people, and the other to the education and maintenance of poor children. There are at present eight of each, who receive, £4 per annum, and hold the appointment for four years. Factor—Mr William Kerr.
V.—Rev David Ferguson's 1695.
The Rev. David Ferguson, minister of Strathmartine, on the 20th December, 1695, executed a deed, which was registered in the Court Books at Dundee, 8th December, 1698, by which he mortified, dedicated, and assigned 6000 merks, money of this realm, for the use, maintenance, and education of two poor male children, not under the age of nine years at their admission, nor above the age of fourteen years while they are at school. They are " to be of my own surname; and nearest of blood to me; whilk failing, any other two male children of my nearest relations; whilk failing, any other two poor male children, begotten of good and honest parents, in ane lawful marriage. And for the better administration and managing of this Mortification, I hereby nominate and ordain the Provost of the burgh of Dundee for the time, and his successors in office; David Graham of Fintry; Sir James Kinloch of that Ilk; Mr Alexander Graham of Kincaldrum, and their heirs and successors; Mr Robert Raitt, minister of Dundee, during Ms lifetime, and whom he shall appoint to succeed him,—to be lawful and undoubted Patrons, Managers, and Overseers of this Foundation and Mortification.
That the said children, from the age of nine years to fourteen years complete, be maintained, educated, and brought up at the Grammar School of Dundee, and to be lodged and boarded with one of the surname of Ferguson, in case there be any can do the same ; and to furnish the said children with sufficient clothes and necessaries for their bodies, head, and feet—their coats being always of a grey colour, lined, with blue sleeves. If the Patrons shall find them capable of being scholars, it is my will that they be put to St Leonard's College, St Andrews, for the space of four years, and furnish them with necessaries, bed, board, and clothes; but if the said children shall incline to be tradesmen, then the said Patrons shall bind them to a trade, and pay what apprentice fee they shall judge necessary. Vacancies shall be filled up within the space of six mouths after they happen. I appoint the Patrons aforesaid to deprive and exclude from this Mortification, such as are children of thieves, nightwalkers, breakers of yards, drunkards, whoremasters, swearers, liars, or otherwise scandalous in their lives, and that both of them own the Protestant religion. And I empower my said Trustees to alter and explain any part that may not appear clear to them." (This quotation is not in extenso, but fairly gives the substance of the deed.)
The funds of this Mortification now amount to upwards of £4000, the interest of which is applied to the education and maintenance of two boys as bursars at the High School, till fourteen years of age, and at St Andrews for four years afterwards, if they show themselves apt for learning. Mr Webster of Balmuir and the Provost of Dundee are patrons, and Mr William Kerr, Factor.
VI.—William Stevens, 1720.
By deed of Mortification, dated 12th July, 1720, Mr William Steven, merchant in Dundee, mortified a sum, which at present is equal to about £2400, in favour of the Provost and Minister of the Mur-raygate district of the town, for the time; David Hunter of Blackness, and the heir of George Dempster of Dunnichen, as patrons, for "the maintenance and education of five young poor male children of my own surname; whilks failing, to the surname of Garden; whilks failing, to poor young boys, sons of decayed merchants in Dundee,—to be kept for four years at the schools of Dundee ; and, thereafter, such of them, as the patrons shall find capable of learning and fit for the College, to be put four years to one of the Colleges of St Andrews."
There are no particular rules for the management of the Trust., which at present educates eight boys, who attend any respectable schools approved of by the patrons, and each receives £6yearly. The funds are lent on heritable security. Mr William Kerr, Factor.
VII.—James Clark and Catherine Cave his Spouse
Mr James Clark, engraver to the Mint in Edinburgh, left, by deed, (The original deed appears to have been lost; but, in the year 1723, Captain George Yeaman of Murie, and Mr David Spence, made rules for the management which were not recorded. Other rules were afterwards made by the trustees, in conjunction with Sir John Clerk of Pennycuik, Bart., in 1744. The Town Council presents a list of double the number of vacancies to Sir George Clerk, from which he elects the bursars.) the sum of six thousand merks Scots, as a fund for "maintaining, educating, and breeding two boys, sons of decayed poor burgesses of the burgh of Dundee, from the age of seven to the age of seventeen years, and for putting them to apprenticeships, or carrying them on in such studies as they shall be most fit for.
That the Town Council of Dundee have the perpetual administration of this Mortification, but obliged to observe the rules here set down, and every burgess of the town to have right to quarrel and cause rectify anything done amiss thereanent. That boys of the surname of Clark be preferred in the first place, of the surname of Cave in the second place, of Black in the third place; and failing of these three, of any other surname,—the most destitute to be preferred. When a vacancy happens, Sir John Clerk of Pennycuik, Bart., and his heirs forever, shall have the patronage, choice, and election of the boys to the Mortification, out of a list of two in case of one boy, and four in case of two boys, to be presented to him by the Town Council of Dundee. That no boys be received under the age of seven, nor above nine years of age; and that the entry to the Mortification shall only be on the first Tuesday of May or first Tuesday of November after the vacancy: That, if any of the boys die before they attain the age of seventeen years, they shall be buried at the expense of the Mortification : That in case half a-year's annual rent or more shall happen to vaik betwixt the time of one boy going out and the presenting of another, the same shall be left in the hands of the administrators free of interest: That the Town Council of Dundee shall annually appoint, immediately after the election of the Magistrates and Council, some discreet, honest burgess, not of the Council, to oversee the due application of the annual rent of the said Mortification, according to the rules herein set down."
Usually, the number of bursars is two, as originally appointed. Each receives the interest of 3000 merks annually; but one-fourth is reserved till their time at school is completed, to constitute a fund to enable them to prosecute their studies farther, or to apprentice them, to some lawful calling.
The trust-capital, amounting to £714, is invested on security of the Town. The Town-Chamberlain, Factor. (Rules of this Mortification contained within the Dundee Burgh Minutes of 14th March 1744)
VIII.—Rev. James Paton's, 1726.
The Rev. James Paton, minister of the parish of Kettins, Forfar-shire, by deed of Mortification, dated 27th October, 1726, in favour of the Laird of Pitcur, and minister of the parish of Kettins, for the time being, as patrons, bequeathed the sum of £100 for the education of girls in Dundee, belonging to the parish of Kettins—the number being regulated according to their age, as well as the period of their being entitled to the benefit from the fund.
There are no special rules by which the Trust is governed, but an annual account is required by the patrons as to the state of the Mortification and the expenditure of the interest derivable there from.
Until the year 1869, the interest was expended on the education, in Dundee, of two girls belonging to the parish of Kettins; but the trustees then considered it advisable to avail themselves of the female school instituted in the parish, so as to extend the benefits of the foundation. Accordingly, legal counsel was taken on the proposed change, and as the result, arrangements were made whereby ten girls, of ages varying from nine to fifteen, receive their education in Kettins Female School, instead of two at Dundee as formerly.
The capital having increased to £445, is invested in the stock of the Glasgow and South Western Railway, and yields about £18 per anum.
IX.—John Lawson's, 1728.
Mr John Lawson, the date of whose deed is unknown, mortified the sum of two thousand merks (£111 sterling), in favour and under tho patronage of the Town Council, the interest of which sum is directed to be applied to the education of one bursar of the name of Lawson or Gray. Some misunderstanding concerning this mortification had occurred, and several claimants for the funds appeared in the Court of Session; but the Court, by interlocutor dated 1st November, 1728, in an action of multiplepoinding, preferred St Leonard's College, St Andrews, to the other claimants. The funds are vested in those of the United College of St Salvador and St Leonard, the professors of which, by their own authority, commuted entertainment at the College table into a money payment. The bursar attends classes in the College, and is charged full fees. The United College, or their factor, is Factor to the Trust.
X.—George Bruce's 1738.
Mr George Bruce, Master of the Grammar School, Dundee, by deed of Mortification, dated 27th May, 1738, mortified and disponed in trust to Andrew Wardroper, present Provost of Dundee; John Donaldson, Dean of Guild; Messrs John Willison, Thomas Davidson, and James Munro, Ministers of the Gospel, Dundee, and the person who shall succeed to him (Mr Bruce) as Master or Rector of the said Grammar School, and his successor in office, his library of books, together with the sum of five thousand five hundred merks Scots (£350 13s. 0¾d.); the books to be kept separate from any other library in the place, and to be for the use of the said Provost, Dean of Guild, and Ministers of Dundee, and their successors in office, and of the Master or Rector, and Doctors or Teachers, of the Grammar School of Dundee, in all time coming.
The interest of the 5500 merks is directed to be applied as follows : —One-third part for augmenting the library, by the purchase of new books; one-third part to be paid to the Doctors of the Grammar School, who are appointed to be keepers of the said library, each of them in turn for the space of a year; the other third part to be paid to the Janitor of the Grammar School, for an encouragement to settle one in that office capable to assist in teaching.
Mr Bruce further left in trust to the foresaid Provost, Dean, Ministers, and Rector of the Grammar School, and their successors in office, the sum of 4000 merks Scots (subject to the life-rent of his niece), to be applied for the maintenance and education of an indigent boy, son of a burgess of Dundee, for the space of six years ; of the name of Bruce is to be preferred in the first place; of the name of Gray in the second; and of the name of Duncan in the third; and in the last place, failing all these names, the son of any indigent burgess whatever.
At the end of the prescribed six years, and before another boy shall be admitted, the bursary shall be kept vacant for one year; but the emoluments for that year are to be paid to the retiring bursar, for the purpose of enabling him to prosecute his studies farther, or to put him to some lawful employment.
By the deed of Mortification, the Patrons are empowered to make rules and statutes for the better execution and management thereof.
In case the Magistrates and Town Council should fail in providing a convenient place for the reception of his books, within one year after his death, Mr Bruce made over his library, with the interest of one-third of a thousand pounds Scots, to the Marischal College of Aberdeen (where probably he had been educated), for the use of that University.
The library is preserved in the Grammar School department of the High School. In 1825, the patrons received from the town of Dundee a sum of £53 7s. 6d., being a sum repaid or deposited by the late John Christal with the town, as repayment of the sum drawn from the Mortification by his son. The town at same time paid £19 10s. of interest on the sum deposited with them ; and the patrons, on the 5th November, 1825, resolved to lend said sum to the town, and to apply the interest in payment to a Secondbursar at the Grammar School of Dundee for four years, " of the names or description specified in the Deed of Mortification, and in the order therein mentioned," reserving power to establish rules in regard thereto. The stock of this Mortification is now about £477 Factor—Mr E. C. Walker.
XI.—William Henderson's, 1742
In the year 1742, Mr William Henderson, merchant in Dundee, did "give, grant, assign, dispone, destinate, and perpetually mortify, to the Provost, Bailies, Ministers, Town Clerk, and Catechist of the burgh of Dundee, the sum of eight thousand merks, Scots money, for the education and teaching such a number, not under thirty, poor boys and girls, within the town and parish of Dundee;" with power to the above patrons to make rules, and to alter them, from time to time, as they shall think proper.
It will be remarked that generally the other Mortifications, besides providing for the expense of the education of the bursars, make an allowance, which is paid quarterly, in name of subsistence or maintenance; but this of Mr Henderson only provides that the children shall be taught " in reading, English, writing, and arithmetic, and that they shall be provided with books, paper, pens, and ink."
The funds at present amount to £475 sterling, and the interest is applied to the education of from thirty to forty poor boys and girls at the Sessional School Mr James Christie, banker, Factor.
XII - Miss Euphan Graham's, 1766.
Miss Euphan Graham, (This lady was daughter of Bailie John Graham, and daughter-in-law of Mr William Henderson, mentioned in No. 11. After the death of the Bailie, Mrs Graham was married to Mr Henderson.) on 13th December, 1766, did mortify, legate, and bequeath to the Ministers and Elders of the Kirk-session of Dundee, and their successors in office, the sum of £100 sterling, the annual rent thereof to be employed by them for the maintenance and education of a young girl, from ten to fourteen years of age, of the town and parish of Dundee, and of needful circumstances, and that for the space of four years after being admitted and entered by the said Kirk-session, whom I hereby nominate to be patrons."
The fund was subsequently improved to £200, and a second girl has been admitted since, each receiving £2 per annum, and education at a Sessional School. Mr John Miln, Savings Bank, Factor.
XIII.—Dr John Brown's, 1768.
Dr John Brown, of Pleasance, near Dundee, by his will, dated in 1768, mortified to, and in favour of, John Hallyburton, Provost of Dundee; John Brown, of Kincaldrum; and Charles Jobson and David Wise, merchants in Dundee, and the survivors of them; and, failing of them by death, the Magistrates, Ministers, Elders, and Kirk-Session of Dundee, as trustees and patrons, the third part of his whole effects, which were converted into cash in 1771, and amounted to £9872 17s. 6½d., after defraying expenses, &c. The third part of this sum, amounting to £3290 19s. 2d., was laid out at interest for the maintenance and education of such a number of needful young boys and girls as it will answer, at proper schools, for the space of five years, of the name of Brown, in the first place, and failing them, of any other name, as the Trustees aforesaid shall think proper, of the town and parish of Dundee."
The number of bursars on the roll is at present twenty-nine. The yearly sum given to each boy and girl is £5—it is directed not to exceed £6 sterling out of the annual rent of the capital, which is ordered not to be encroached upon. The recipients are also educated at a Sessional School, and a sum of £8 is paid, one-half at the commencement, and the other at the expiry of the apprenticeship to the boys who learn some useful occupation. The capital, now amounting to £4400, is invested on bonds, and produces annually about £180. Mr John Miln, Factor.
XIV - Captain John Ramsay's, 1774.
Captain John Ramsay, in the naval service of the Hon. East India Company, whose will bears date at Dundee, 15th February, 1769, by deed of Mortification, dated in 1774, mortified the sum of £900 sterling, to the Provost, four Bailies, Dean of Guild, Treasurer, Town Clerk, the three Ministers of the East and South Churches, and five of the Capital [senior] members of the Kirk-session of Dundee, and their successors, whom he appointed patrons to carry his wishes into effect. The following extracts from his last will and testament will explain his intentions :—
"I appoint my said Trustees at sight of the five Magistrates, Dean of Guild, Treasurers, and Town Clerk of the town of Dundee, the Ministers, and fire of the Capital members of the Kirk-session, whom I appoint patrons and overseers of this fund, to lay out upon interest three hundred pounds principal of the said £900 sterling, and to apply the annual rents arising from the said £300 principal towards maintaining two boys of the name of Ramsay, to be the sons of Seamen or Brewers ; as also, for clothing and educating them until the; shall respectively attain to the age of fourteen years ; and £3 to be allowed out of the same annual rent, for binding them to some trade or occupation. It is further my will and desire that none shall enjoy this benefit but two boys of the said name, except the lawful issue of my nieces, or those of the female descendants of my nephews. Proving their consanguinity, such are to be preferred before strangers of the same name ; and if at any time (in the course of Providence) it should be found that any of these boys should be remarkable for capacity and genius, my desire in this case is that he may be encouraged by bestowing the whole interest of the said £300 on him until his education be completed ; and afterwards be applied for the benefit of two as aforesaid."
" Item—I appoint two hundred pounds of the said £900 sterling to be laid out on interest, and to apply the annual rent arising from the said £200 principal towards supporting and helping to maintain decayed aged seamen, brewers, and aged widows of such brewers and seamen, as also for the benefit of lunatics belonging to Dundee."
The latter sum of £200 was never paid.
"Item—I appoint the remaining four hundred pounds sterling of the said £900, as a mark of my good-will towards my brethren and sisters, I mean the poor of Dundee, which is indeed but a mite in respect to the feeling I have for them, and the want of a poor's-house ; I therefore give this in the hope of a poor-house being established on a proper foundation in Dundee, and of its being properly applied for this alone purpose, by the foresaid eight members of the Council, and eight members of the Kirk-session of Dundee as patrons."
On 11th November, 1851, the Trustees handed over to the Dundee Parochial Board the sum of £1200, being the above £900 and accumulations thereon, to aid in the erection of a Poor-house, in terms of the foregoing clause.
" Item—I appoint my said trustees, at sight of the forementioned eight members of the Town Council, and eight of the members of Kirk-session, to lay out, in some sure fund twenty pounds sterling (later increased to £96), the interest arising from this sum to be paid annually to one of the members of the Presbytery of Dundee, after he has preached in the Old Church of Dundee, a sermon on the wonders of Divine Providence. My will and desire farther is that the sermon be preached annually ; first, on the 5th, then on the 9th of February, the third to be preached on the 9th of October, alternately, and to be continued while there remains a Christian congregation in Dundee. It is farther my mind and will that the senior minister of the Presbytery begin this annual sermon, and proceed according to their seniority in the ministry. The text for the first sermon I desire may be from Psalm the 57th, and 2nd verse—'I will cry unto God most High, unto God that performeth all things for me.' "
The number of bursars at present on the funds is three, who receive each of them £4 per annum. The capital is £540, lent out on bonds, which produces about £21 10s. per annum.
The sermon mentioned in the will is regularly preached; and the sum. of £4 allowed for the same. Mr John Miln, Factor.
XV.—James Webster, 1789.
The late James Webster, Esq., of Clapham Common, by his last will and testament, dated 14th November, 1789, bequeathed the residue of his fortune, not exceeding £6000, for the purpose of establishing an Academy in Dundee, where he was born. The following are the terms of the will:—
"But, if any surplus shall remain of my estate or effects, after all the purposes of this my will, and o£ the will of my said late brother, David Webster, are fully provided for and paid, and which I have every reason to suppose will be the case, then I give and bequeath such surplus money, not exceeding the sum of £6000, unto my said brother, John Webster, and Dr Thomas Webster, David Wedderburn, and John Wedderburn, and the survivors of them, and the executors, administrators, and assigns, of such survivor in trust for them or the survivor of them, to lay out and invest the said sum of £6000, or such other sum of money as the residue of my estate and effects shall amount to, at interest, as a perpetuity, either with the Corporation of the town of Dundee, on the security of their town funds, or in Government security, or in the purchase of lands, or in such other manner as they, my said trustees, or such other trustees as may hereafter be appointed, may judge safest and most permanent, and to apply the whole of the interest, dividend, and profit of the said £6000, or the rents of the lands to be purchased therewith, for the purpose of establishing an academy in the town of Dundee, where I was born, or for the teaching and instructing thirty scholars, youths between the ages of twelve years and the ages of sixteen years, who were born in the town aforesaid, or in any of the counties of Forfar, Perth, or Fife, in mathematics in all its branches, book-keeping, navigation, astronomy, mechanics, fortification, geometry, perspective, civil history, and morality. And I will that, out of the interest of the said sum of £6000, there shall be paid to the master of the said academy, at and after the rate of £4 per annum for each and every boy to be brought up in the said academy, so that no boy shall continue to be instructed therein longer than two years. And also for the purpose of educating thirty-five boys in the town of Dundee aforesaid, between the ages of eight years and the ages of twelve years respectively, who were born in Dundee aforesaid, or in any of the said counties of Forfar, Perth, or Fife, in the English language grammatically, writing, and arithmetic. And I will that there shall be paid to the master of the said academy, at and after the rate of 12 per annum for each and every boy to be brought up in the said academy, so that no one boy shall continue to be instructed therein longer than two years And also, for the purpose of educating thirty-five girls in the town of Dundee aforesaid, between the age of eight and the age of twelve years, who were born in Dundee, or in any of the said counties of Forfar, Perth, or Fife, in needlework, and the English language grammatically, writing, and arithmetic. And I will that there shall be paid to the master or mistress to be employed for that purpose, at or after the rate of £1 10s. per annum for each and every of the said girls so to be educated as aforesaid ; but so as none of such girls shall continue under such education longer than two years. And I do order and direct that the said academies or schools respectively shall be conducted and managed, at all times hereafter, upon such plan and such manner, and with such power and authorities, and under such regulations for naming other trustees and patrons of the said charities, and filling up vacancies from time to time, for carrying the trusts and charitable intentions of this my will into execution, as I have, by writing under my hand, already directed, or may, by writing under my hand, hereafter direct or recommend to be done, or such other plan as my said trustees, and the trustees hereafter to be appointed by them, shall judge more proper for carrying my intentions into execution, &c., &c.
The present patrons are the Provost of Dundee ; James "Webster, Esq., of Balmuir; David Graham, merchant in London; Alexander Anderson and Patrick Anderson, merchants in Dundee; Harry Warren Scott, younger of Balgay; and David Webster, son of the late James Webster of Balmuir.
The funds, which amount to about £7000, are lent on heritable security, and provide for the education of seventy-one bursars, of which twenty-one boys attend the High School, and twenty-seven boys and twenty-seven girls attend Mr Powrie's school. None of the bursars receive any allowance. Mr William Kerr, Factor,
XVI.—Captain Alexander White's, 1799.
Captain Alexander Whyte, a native of the town, mortified, in 1799, the sum of £500 sterling, in favour of the Kirk-session as patrons, to be a fund for the education of twenty-two poor boys and girls (seamen's children have a preference), of the town and parish of Dundee, each to receive £5 per annum for four years.
Mr Whyte was a shipowner and shipmaster himself, and hence his preference of the children of seamen may be inferred. In one of his voyages he brought home as much marble as would make a funeral monument for himself It is known that he was interred in the Howff, but the particular place is now unknown, as his executors never erected the monument. The sum devised by his will was directed to accumulate to a certain amount before being applied to fulfill his intentions. At present, the funds amount to £3670, the proceeds of which are distributed among twenty-eight boys or girls, who receive £4 annually, and education at a Sessional School for five years. Boys that learn a trade may receive in addition an apprentice fee of £8; and £10 per annum is devoted, in terms of the bequest, "for encouragement of Sunday schools in Dundee, and for defraying the expenses thereof." Mr John Miln, Factor
XVII.—James Pullar's, 1804.
Mr James Pullar, baker in Dundee, by deed of settlement, dated 15th November, 1804, appointed and disponed in favour of the follow, ing gentlemen as trustees,—James Gray, Walter Newall, and Andrew Peddie, junior, all merchants in Dundee, and James Ogilvie, writer there, and to the survivor of them : That upon the death or non-acceptance of any three of them, the survivor shall be obliged to denude himself of property in favour of the Minister of the Overgate district of the parish of Dundee, and his successors in office,—twenty members of the Kirk-session of Dundee, to be selected by that body,—of the Convener and Deacons of the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee, and their successors in office,—and in favour of the nine Deacons of the preceding year,—as trustees and patrons for the ends after-mentioned :—The remainder of his estate, heritable and moveable, after paying certain legacies, shall be allowed to accumulate, with interest, to a capital stock of £3000, after which period the interest shall be applied, after paying certain annual sums, in the proportion of one half of the surplus to maintaining and educating ten poor boys of the name of Pullar, and particularly those who can prove their pedigree from his father, John Pullar farmer in Mill of Haugh Muir, are directed to be preferred. The boys not to be admitted under six years of age, nor be continued longer than six years on the fund. Messrs Rollo & Hendry, Factors.
XVIII.—James Constable's, 1821.
The late James Constable, formerly of Jamaica, afterwards residing in Dundee, by Deed of Mortification, dated 4th May, and registered in the Books of Council and Session, 27th October, 1821, conveyed the residue of his fortune in mortification to the Parish Minister, Provost, and Dean of Guild, all of Dundee, and their successors, as patrons, directing the mortified funds to be invested in heritable property or security; the rents or annual profits to be applied by the patrons to the education of as many boys of the age from eight years to fourteen, as the amount thereof might, for the time, enable the patrons to pay at the rate of £8 per annum each boy, payable half-yearly. The boys are entitled to the benefit of the mortification for the period of four years each while attending school at Dundee, and applicants are preferred in the following order :—First, boys of the names of Constable or Watson (the latter being the name of Mr Constable's mother), natives of Dundee, or the parish thereof; secondly, failing boys of these names, then boys being sons of decayed burgesses of Dundee; and, thirdly, failing all these, then such boys, being natives of Dundee, as may appear to the patrons most deserving of the benefice.
The capital stock of the Mortification, amounting to £2900, is lent out on heritable security, producing annually about £120. At present, the number of bursars is fifteen, who receive each £8 sterling yearly. Mr E. C. Walker factor
XIX.— Mrs Margaret Hughes', 1825.
In the year 1825, the late Mrs Margaret Hughes, Nethergate, Dundee, besides devising £10 sterling to the Kirk-session for behoof of the poor, mortified in the hands of that body the sum of £100 sterling, to be under their management as patrons, the interest to be applied by them for the education and maintenance of one poor girl of the parish of Dundee, at the schools in the town. The names of Kirkcaldy or Patullo are to be preferred in the first place — but failing of which names, any other poor girl, not to be under the age of six years at the time of entry, who shall enjoy it aye and until she arrive at the age of twelve years complete. The capital is now £130, which affords £i per annum and education to the recipient Mr John Miln, Factor.
XX—George Webster's, 1839.
George Webster, Esq., Westminster, London, when in Dundee in 1839, placed at the disposal of George Duncan, Esq., M.P., 100 guineas, for the purposes of education in the town. Mr Duncan invested the money on security of the town; it is now lent on heritable security, and the interest paid annually into the funds of the Sessional School, for procuring education to poor children, under the patronage of the Provost and Bailies, who are authorised " to apply the whole or part of the said interest at any time, if they should see cause, towards the funds of any other school, for the education of poor children of a similar description, in the same proportion." The Town-Chamberlain, Factor.
XXI.—The Patrick A Lowson Scholarship, 1873.
In February 1873, William Lowson, Esq., of Balthayock, desiring to perpetuate the memory of a son of unusual promise, who was drowned while bathing in an ornamental pond near the mansion-house, conveyed a sum of seven thousand dollars (about £1450), invested in American Government Securities, to the following trustees:— The Provost of Dundee, the Parish Minister, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce—ex officiis; Patrick Anderson, A. J. Buist, H. B. Fergusson, Robert Mackenzie, and Mr Lowson himself. The free annual income of this sum, ranging from £60 to £70, is directed to be expended in bestowing " the advantages of a university education on deserving young men, to whom otherwise such advantages might be of difficult attainment. Applicants for the benefit of the scholarship must have attended school in Dundee or Broughty Ferry for three years; and Mr Lowson adds in his deed of trust, " In respect that my son was, at the time of his death, attending the educational establishment conducted by Messrs James Brebner and Alexander Monfries, and that I had reason to be highly satisfied with his progress there, it is my desire that the trustees shall give a preference to young men who have been taught at an educational institution conducted by these gentlemen, or either of them." The scholarship may be given for one, two, or three years, as the trustees see cause, and the holder may attend any University in Great Britain or Ireland. If the appointment is for three years, the holder may attend any foreign University during one of these years. The trustees have ample powers for framing needful rules and regulations, for appointing examiners, and for cancelling the appointment to the scholarship of any person who may prove to be unworthy of its benefits. With characteristic liberality, Mr Lowson adds, " It is my express desire that admission to the benefits of the scholarship shall. always be free from any sectarian or exclusive views or feelings on the part of the trustees; and I therefore authorise and earnestly recommend the trustees to act upon wide and liberal principles in all matters connected with the appointments to be made by them." The wide-spread sympathy which was felt in Dundee for Mr and Mrs Lowson, on the occasion of this bereavement, was revived on the announcement of this foundation; than which, it has been well said, " no effort of monumental art can form a memorial so noble or so enduring as the setting up of arrangements by which great benefits will, for centuries to come, be conferred upon successive generations."
XXII.— Edward Bursary and Bequest, 1852
In 1852, Mr Alexander Edward mortified £150, for the education of one or more bursars at the High School, under the patronage of the Directors. The same donor afterwards bequeathed £1000 for educating the children of poor but respectable parents, under certain restrictions named in the deed.
XXIII.— Anderson Scholarship, 1866.
Mr Alexander Anderson, by deed 30th Nov., 1866, gifted £1000, for the endowment of two Scholarships, at St Andrews University, for pupils of the High School.
XXIV— Baxter Scholarship, 1869.
The Misses Baxter of Balgavies, by deed, dated 24th Feb., 1869, set apart the sum of £2500 for the endowment of two Scholarships, in the University of Edinburgh, in connection with the High School of Dundee.