Local Connections

Captain Duncan McPherson 1845 – 1910

Duncan McPherson was born in Inveraray, Argyll on 28th April 1845.  His parents were Mary Smith and Alexander McPherson who had married on 4th July 1844. He had a brother Alexander who was also born in Inveraray on 15th June 1847.  By the 1851 census the family had moved to Gourock. Duncan was educated at the Gourock […]

General Sir Francis Reginald Wingate Bt. 1861-1953

Sir Reginald Wingate – the title he usually used, was a distinguished soldier, administrator and diplomat.  He is perhaps most famous for his work and time in Egypt and Sudan.  Much has been written about him – you only have to put his name in a search engine and you will find a great deal of […]

Dunlop brothers – John

Born in Greenock on 2 August 1789 John was the eldest son of Alexander Dunlop of Keppoch. The Dunlop family is believed to be one of the most ancient in Scotland. His father was a banker and merchant. Dunlop’s mother Janet died when he was about seven years of age, his father remarried the following […]

Dunlop brothers – Robert Graham

Robert Dunlop was born in Greenock in 1790, he was the 2nd son of Alexander Dunlop and Janet Graham.  He joined the Royal Navy in his early teens and by the age of twenty had reached the rank of Lieutenant and served in the Napoleonic Wars. He was later promoted to the rank of Captain.  Robert retired from the Royal […]

Dunlop brothers – William “Tiger”

William Dunlop was born in Greenock in November 1792, he served as an army surgeon in the Anglo American war of 1812 – 1815 where he was known for his tireless professionalism.  He served with the 89th Regiment of Foot and arrived in Upper Canada in 1813 and was involved in the Battle of Crysler’s Farm and Lundy’s […]

Captain John Orr 1790 – 1879

  John Orr was born in Greenock  on 3 April 1790 and baptised on 12th April.  His parents were John and Margaret Orr (Drummond).  His father is noted as a Jeweller in the baptismal records.  (Other records give his father’s name as James John Orr and occupation as a silversmith.) John Orr obtained an army […]

Rev Kerr Johnston 1812 – 1887

Kerr Johnston was born in Greenock on 26 August 1812, his father was a printer and publisher.  Kerr joined his father’s business and learned bookbinding.  He studied at Glasgow University between 1837 -1840 and later studied at Glasgow Theological Academy.   Dr Ralph Wardlaw, his tutor, was a prominent Scottish opponent of religious establishments.  Kerr supported […]

Captain Donald Brotchie

Donald Brotchie was the chaplain of the Seamen’s Friends Society, he was born in Great Yarmouth on 7th February 1807.  His family were from Dingwall, his father was a sergeant in the Rossshire Militia and was stationed in Yarmouth during the Napoloenic Wars. Donald was seven when his parents returned to Tain.  Donald wanted to go to […]

George Henry Tatham Paton VC MC

George Henry Tatham Paton was a recipient of the Victoria Cross.  He was only 22 years of age and an acting captain in the Grenadier Guards during the First World War.  The London Gazette of 12 February 1918 records the following:   “….. for most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice.  When a unit on his left […]

Dr Tom Cochrane – missionary to China

Dr Tom Cochrane Thomas, was born, 12 November 1866 in 16 Wellington Street, Greenock into a working class family.  His father died when he was 13 years old and Tom had to seek work in the docks in order to help support his mother and the rest of his family.  He managed to cope with working in the […]