Curiosities of Glasgow citizenship

Short biographical notices of the principal merchants, manufacturers etc of Glasgow in 1783

HUMPHREY BARBOUR

HUMPHREY BARBOUR, of Bankhead, Kilbarchan, bleacher and linen thread maker, afterwards settled in Glasgow as a wine merchant. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Freeland. (See Sketch of John Freeland.) Two of his sons were the founders of the well-known Manchester firm of Robert Barbour and Brothers.

Bleaching is still carried on in Kilbarchan, but in a very small way. Hand-loom weaving has been the principal industry of the place from the earliest times. At present it is estimated to employ about 1000 people. Kilbarchan was a considerable place during the latter part of last century and the first quarter of the present, and still retains many striking characteristics of the quaint old Scotch weaving village, to whose inhabitants Burns attributed the prayer - "Lord, send us a gude conceit o' oursel'." The prayer has been answered. The village is now little known except as the birth place of the renowned Habbie Simpson, whose statue graces the steeple attached to the old school-house.