William James Chrystal facts for kids
William James Chrystal (born May 20, 1854 – died April 21, 1921) was a Scottish chemist. He was a partner in his family's chemical business, J & J White Chemicals, which was located in Rutherglen.
Learning and Work
William Chrystal went to school at The Glasgow Academy and then studied at the University of Glasgow. He was a member of important science groups, including the Royal Institute of Chemistry and the Chemical Society.
In the 1870s, after working in a science lab, he joined J & J White Chemicals. He was an expert chemist there. When his uncle John passed away in 1881, William became the partner in charge of the science and production side of the business.
His cousin, John Campbell White, was also a partner. Later, another cousin, Hill Hamilton Barrett, became the partner who handled the business side, like sales.
The Shawfield factory, where they worked, was the biggest in the world at that time. It made a special chemical called bichromate of potash. Over 500 people worked there. William Chrystal was known for making the way they produced chemicals much better.
Hobbies and Interests
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In 1898, William bought and rebuilt a large house called Auchendennan House near Loch Lomond. This house was later owned by the Scottish Youth Hostels Association for many years.
In 1899, he bought some buildings in central Rutherglen. He had them taken down so a new church could be built. This kind act is remembered on a special plaque outside the Rutherglen Old Parish Church today.
William Chrystal was also a member of the Glasgow Philosophical Society, a group for thinkers and scientists. He loved sailing his yacht and was a member of the Royal Clyde Yacht Club.
He passed away at Auchendennan House and was buried in the family tomb at Glasgow Necropolis.
