Robert Paul (banker)
Robert Paul | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date St. Cuthbert's Manse, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | July 16, 1866 (aged 78) Kirkland Lodge, Hermiston, near Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, Church elder |
| Known for | Director of the Commercial Bank of Scotland; Elder in the Free Church of Scotland |
Robert Paul was a Scottish banker and church elder who held the position of director at the Commercial Bank of Scotland.
He was born on 15 May 1788 at St. Cuthbert's Manse and received his education at both the High School and the University of Edinburgh. Paul's banking career commenced in 1807 with the Bank of Ramsay, Bonar and Company in Edinburgh. When the Commercial Bank of Scotland launched its operations in Picardy Place, Edinburgh, in 1810, he became its inaugural Accountant. He progressed to Secretary on 31 July 1823 and was appointed Manager on 17 December 1835, a role he fulfilled until his retirement in December 1853. Subsequently, he served as a Director until his passing at Kirkland Lodge, Hermiston, near Edinburgh, on 16 July 1866.
A memoir penned by his associate Benjamin Bell was published in 1872. Paul is recognized for his significant contributions to Scottish banking and his prominent position as an elder during the establishment of the Free Church. He was captured in portraits by photographers Hill & Adamson and artist John Watson Gordon.
Early life and ancestry
Robert Paul was born in Edinburgh to William Paul, who worked alongside Henry Moncreiff at the West Kirk. He was one among several siblings. His father passed away in 1802 when Robert was just fourteen years old. After completing his schooling, he began an apprenticeship in 1803 with Pitcairn & Scott, writers to the signet; family ties played a role in facilitating his entry into the banking sector.
Following the conclusion of his apprenticeship in 1807, Pitcairn helped secure him employment at the private bank Ramsay, Bonars & Co. Later, Paul joined the Commercial Bank of Scotland starting in a junior capacity and climbed the ranks to become Manager before retiring in 1853; afterward, he took on the role of Director. In 1814, he married Charlotte Erskine from Aberdona; she passed away in 1847.
Other interests
Although he did not engage extensively in State politics, Paul supported causes such as the abolition of slavery and the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, aligning with Liberal principles to promote liberty. Nevertheless, his chief dedication remained with Church matters. Deeply committed to evangelical beliefs and church discipline, he played an active role in events that culminated in the Church’s separation from State control during the Disruption of 1843.
At the Disruption
On 3 June 1843, reflecting on recent developments, he expressed assurance that "God will overrule all for His own glory in the advancement of His spiritual church and kingdom."
Ordained as an Elder at West Kirk by Sir Henry Moncreiff in 1816, he only assumed an Elder position at St George's following the Disruption. He maintained a close relationship with Robert Smith Candlish, whose leadership he greatly respected.
Paul played a vital part in reorganizing church administration after its new status was established, concentrating particularly on the Theological College, Library, and educational programs within the Free Church, working closely alongside David Welsh.
Each General Assembly held great importance for him; through his extensive connections with Ministers and Elders throughout Scotland, he frequently hosted attendees at his residence during these events. Although his voice was weak and did not lend itself to public speaking, his esteemed presence carried considerable influence over Assembly proceedings.
In later years, he committed himself to founding a Society aimed at supporting both education and vocational training for children of Free Church Ministers and Missionaries.
Additionally, he contributed actively to numerous charitable organizations, most notably serving for many years as a Manager of the Orphan Hospital and assisting with its establishment.
His written works include a Memoir of Rev. James Martin—who succeeded Dr Andrew Thomson at St George’s—various articles published in periodicals, and a memoir of Dr. Jones attached to a volume on Chalmers. In 1849, he authored The Finest of the Wheat.
His estate at Kirkland Lodge near Edinburgh—featuring a bowling-green and scenic views of the Pentland Hills—served as a setting for hosting guests.
Final days
By April 1866, his health deteriorated rapidly, although his mental clarity and determination remained intact. On 22 May, just weeks prior to his passing, he expressed regret over missing the General Assembly meeting. The evening before his death, he was transported to participate in the gathering at Kirkland, presided over by his close associate Rev. J. H. Wilson. He died in the early hours of 16 July 1866.
Family
He wed Charlotte Erskine on 15 April 1814. She was the daughter of John Erskine of Alva and Christian Carruthers of Holmains. Born on 15 May 1789, Charlotte passed away at Kirkland Lodge on 10 September 1847. Together, they had multiple children:
- William (1815), who died as an infant.
- Christian Erskine (1816–1889), who remained unmarried.
- William (1818–1865), served as a Commercial Bank agent in Dumbarton and Glasgow; he married Mary Anderson and their offspring included:
- Robert (1845–1910), a Free Church minister and writer; married Christina Croll and had children such as:
- William Moncreiff (born 1873), a medical practitioner.
- Christina Erskine (born 1875).
- Robert Carruthers (born 1877), employed by the Commercial Bank.
- Henry Erskine (1880–1882).
- Mary Anderson (1882–1893).
- Charlotte Elizabeth Abercrombie (born 1884).
- John Anderson (born 1846).
- William (1850–1853).
- Elizabeth Mackenzie (born 1857), married Herbert Sloman and had a son, Basil (born 1888).
- Charlotte Erskine (born 1861), married Sydney Hume Lynn and had a daughter named Mollie.
- Robert (1845–1910), a Free Church minister and writer; married Christina Croll and had children such as:
- John Erskine (1820–1850).
- Susan Moncreiff (1821–1833).
- Robert Henry (1824–1825).
- Charlotte (1826–1827).
- Charlotte Jane (1828–1831).
- Isabella Catherine (born 1834), who married twice: first to David Parker, C.E., with sons John Harold Erskine and Robert Paul; then to Alexander Bryce, C.E., with sons Leslie and George Ronald.
This genealogy highlights the family’s notable engagement in banking, religious ministry, and engineering fields, demonstrating their ongoing prominence in commercial and civic arenas.