Thomas Gladstones facts for kids
Thomas Gladstones (born June 3, 1732, died May 12, 1809) was a successful Scottish businessman. He sold flour and also helped many people through charity work. He was the father of Sir John Gladstone and the grandfather of William Ewart Gladstone, who later became a British Prime Minister.
Thomas's Early Life
Thomas Gladstones was born on a farm called Mid Toftcombs in Biggar, Scotland. He was the fourth son of John Gladstones, who was a miller (someone who grinds grain into flour) and a farmer. His father was also an elder in the local church, Biggar Kirk. Thomas had an older brother, James, who became a minister and a head teacher at Leith Academy.
When Thomas was 14 years old in 1746, his father arranged for him to start an apprenticeship. This meant he would learn a trade by working for a wine merchant named Alexander Somerville in Leith. After finishing his training, Thomas decided that selling corn (like grain and flour) would be a better business than selling wine.
He started his own business in Leith. He became a provision merchant (someone who supplies food and other goods) and a corn dealer. He sold his goods to both large businesses (wholesale) and individual customers (retail). Thomas Gladstones passed away in 1809 at his home in Leith.
Family and Marriage
On April 21, 1762, Thomas Gladstones married Nelly Neilson. She was born in 1738 and passed away in 1806. Nelly was the daughter of Walter Neilson, a merchant from near Edinburgh.
Thomas and Nelly had sixteen children together. Their second child, and first son, was Sir John Gladstones.
Thomas's Business Career
Thomas Gladstones' business of selling corn grew very well during the 1760s. He ran his business from a shop located at the front of his house in Leith.
He also became the person who rented and managed the Dalry paper mill. He put his brother-in-law, James Murray, in charge of running the mill. Thomas also bought and sold grain that came from ports around the Baltic Sea.
He invested in a group that hunted whales in Leith, called a whaling syndicate. He owned several ships that were used for trading goods. He also had a share in factories that made sulfuric acid near Leith. His business also focused on supplying ships with food and other items like butter, oranges, wine, and vinegar.
Thomas Gladstones was a member of the Whig political party. He was also an elder in the Church of Scotland. He died at his home in Leith in May 1809, when he was 86 years old. He was buried in the churchyard of North Leith Parish Church.
See also
Gladstone baronets
