Walter Crum facts for kids

Walter Crum in a photograph

Walter Crum (1796–1867) was a Scottish chemist and a successful businessman. He was born in Glasgow and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1844. This is a special honor given to top scientists.

Walter Crum's Life and Work

Walter Crum was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His father, Alexander Crum, was a merchant. Walter was the second of his parents' sons. His younger brother, Humphrey Ewing Crum-Ewing, became a politician.

Walter Crum studied chemistry at Anderson's University. His teacher was a famous chemist named Thomas Graham. After his studies, Walter worked for two years with James Thomson. Thomson was known for printing patterns on fabric.

Starting a Business

Walter Crum then started his own business. He focused on printing calico, which is a type of cotton fabric. His family already owned a large company in Thornliebank. Walter guided this company into the business of dyeing fabrics. They became especially good at using a color called Turkey red. This color was very popular for fabrics.

A sample of printed calico fabric from Walter Crum & Co.

Rouken Glen Park

Walter Crum also bought a large area of land called the Birkenshaw Estate. This land later became a beautiful public park known as Rouken Glen Park. He was also one of the first people to collect photographs. This was a new and exciting hobby at the time.

A map showing Thornliebank, the bleach works, and Rouken Glen Park.

Walter Crum's Family

Walter Crum married Jessie Graham. They had several children. Many of his children and grandchildren also became important people.

• Alexander Crum was one of his sons. He became a Member of Parliament (MP). This means he helped make laws for the country.
• William Graham Crum was another son. He sold the Rouken Glen Estate in 1904. He sold it to Cameron Corbett, who then gave the park to the people of Glasgow. This meant everyone could enjoy the park.
• Elisabeth Graham Crum married William Henry Houldsworth.
• Margaret Crum married William Thomson. He was a very famous scientist and engineer. He is better known as Lord Kelvin.
• Walter Ewing Crum was a merchant. He lived in Liverpool for some time.
• Walter and Jessie also had two daughters named Mary Gray and Jessie.