William Forsyth (merchant) facts for kids

William Forsyth (born 1722 – died 1800) was an important Scottish businessman. He helped his hometown of Cromarty grow and become a busy place.

Early Life and Family

William Forsyth was born in 1722 in a town called Cromarty in Scotland. His father, who was from Morayshire, had moved there and owned a shop. When William was young, he worked for a short time in a business office in London. However, his father sadly passed away when William was only seventeen years old. William then returned home to Cromarty.

William Forsyth was married twice. His first wife, Margaret Russell, passed away shortly after they were married. Eleven years later, he married Elizabeth Grant. Together, they had nine children, but only three of them lived longer than their parents. The Forsyth family gave a lot of support and money to the town of Cromarty.

How He Helped Cromarty

When William Forsyth returned to Cromarty, the local fishing industry was struggling. There wasn't much trade happening. William had a clever plan to help his town.

New Business Ideas

• Supplies for the Area: William set up a place where people from all around could get important supplies.
• Trading Goods: He brought things like flax (used to make linen) from Holland. He also traded with bigger cities like Leith and London.
• Introducing Coal: Around 1770, he was the first person to bring coal to the area. The local people called it 'black stones'!
• Making Kelp: A friend suggested he start making kelp. Kelp is a type of seaweed that was used to make things like soap and glass.
• Supporting Local Workers: William also helped many people find work. He encouraged them to spin yarn and weave cloth in their own homes. He worked with the British Linen Company and was their first agent in the north of Scotland. He also supported fishing and farming.

A Respected Leader

For more than 30 years, William Forsyth was the only local judge, or magistrate, in Cromarty. People in the area respected him so much that they called him 'the maister,' which means 'the master' or 'the boss.' He helped many people, including Charles Grant, who later became a very important leader of the East India Company and a Member of Parliament.

Death

William Forsyth passed away in Cromarty on January 30, 1800.