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Index of first names

Clock and watch makers

 

 

 

 

This page is a stub - a compilation of notes and links

 

An article summarising the notes on the Scottish clockmakers, prepared by Sally Douglas, can be found here: 

 

watchwatch reverse
The above watch was made by James Douglas of Chertsey in 1774. Described as: An 18th Century English verge in silver pair cases.  Full plate fire gilt movement with square baluster pillars.  Pierced and engraved cock, pierced and engraved foot and plate for the silver regulator disc.  Fusee and chain with worm and wheel barrel setup between the plates. Plain three arm steel balance, blue steel spiral hairspring. White enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, later blue steel beetle and poker hands. Matching silver pair cases, silver pendant and bow, maker's mark "IR".  It sold for £1150 in November 2009.

 

 

 

 

and also:

The Douglass family of Chertsey and Egham, Surrey, courtesy of Helen and Jim Wilkinson

 

 

 

 

Entries in British clockmakers and watchmakers apprentice records 1710-1810 compiled by Dennis Moore (Ashbourne, Derbyshire: Mayfield Books, 2003):-

Douglas, John mas[ter], Joseph Ellcot app[rentice]Clockmaker, Jedburgh, Scot[land], 30 Jan. 1793, 4 years [period of Joseph’s apprenticeship], £2 [premium paid] (Ref. 66/170)

 

Douglas, John, mas[ter], Thomas Hill, app[rentice], Clockmaker, Jedburgh, Scot[land], 31 Oct. 1794, 3 yrs 6 months, £6 6s 0d. (Ref. 68/105).

From: "Old Scottish clockmakers from 1453 to 1850" by John Smith

DOUGLAS, GEORGE. Holytown, 1847.
DOUGLAS, GEORGE. Bonhill, 1837.
DOUGLAS, JAMES. Dundee, 1794.
DOUGLAS, JAMES. Edinburgh, 1759.

Son of Alexander Douglas, Edinburgh ; booked
apprentice to William Nicol, 24th February 1759.
DOUGLAS, JAMES. 65 Gallowgate, Glasgow, 1841.
DOUGLAS, JOHN. Dumbarton, 1824.
DOUGLAS, WALTER. Dollar, 1795.
DOUGLAS, WALTER. Douglas, 1820.
DOUGLAS, WALTER. Polwarth Street, Galston, 1837.
DOUGLAS & SON. Greenock, 1842.
DOUGLASS, ALEXANDER. Bowmore, Islay, 1837.

April 17, 1855 - Greenock Advertiser - Greenock

EDWARD DOUGLAS, Watchmaker Jeweller, 59. Rue End Street, has on hand Large STOCK of WATCHES, CLOCKS. JEWELLERY. Ac., by the First Makers in London, which he is Selling at and below Cost Price…

Wakefield's Merchant and Tradesman's General Directory for London in 1794 John Douglas, Clock and watchmaker, Chertsey, Surry (sic)

 

5 Tullow Street, Carlow, Ireland - was once occupied by Frances Nolan a book-seller and seeds man. He was replaced by James Herson, butcher and afterwards George Douglas - Watchmaker & Jeweller (also sold Gramophones & Gramophones Records). Now Ken Tuckers Jewellery shop is still busily trading under the name Douglas Jewellers.
Like most of the shops in Tullow Street, these premises have a colourful history going back many, many years. We learned for instance, that in the course of the demolition work in 1960 which led up to the reconstruction scheme three arches were revealed on the facade. These spanned the frontage , and were apparently separate arches leading to a coach yard of houses which presumably were built after the 1798 rebellion when the whole of Tullow Street was burned down.
The name Douglas has been synonymous with jewellery business for more than one hundred years. In 1850 a man named Douglas opened a jeweller's shop in the premises on the opposite side of the street but slightly lower down, now occupied by Tully Sports shop.
About thirty years later in 1880, the present site was acquired by an ancestor of the late Mr. George Douglas. This business was continued until the death of Mr. George Douglas in 1951 and in the following summer the shop was bought by the present owners.
Douglas was appointed agent in 1902 for - the "Talking Machine" which he advertised as "The Gramophone" - sings, talks and makes music for 26/- = 26 shillings (equivalent to about 30 pence sterling today).

 

Donald Macpherson Douglas, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 114 Manners Street, Wellington.

 

David Douglas: A Modern Calendar Automatic Swiss Wristwatch
Course will be held on Sept. 6, Saturday. The course will be 1 full day.
Among items covered will be taking the watch apart, and servicing the barrel
of these watches. Quite a bit of time will be spent on the mainspring barrel.
AWCI standards will be followed. The course will be $50 per person. The
course will be held at the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches,
Lockhart, Texas. There were 3 slots still open as of our June meeting.

 

 

Gavin Douglas Fine Antiques Ltd. in London, specialists in antique clocks...

 

Gravestone inscription: "Erected/ by/ John Douglas/clockmaker, Galston/To the memory of/Mary Nuton his spouse/who died 1st January 1803/Aged 50 years/also/James D Douglas/who died 11th February/18?? aged ??/"
Note: Mary (Newton) wife of John Douglas 1759.


Alexander Douglas, apprentice to John McDonald, Master Watchmaker, Inverness, Scotland, 10 March 1772

John Douglas 1759 of Jedburgh was apprenticed for 7 years to John McDonald, Master Watchmaker in Inverness from 10th March, 1772. Were they related?

 

James Douglas c1831 Muirkirk was a Watchmaker (brother of Gabriel Douglas 1822 Muirkirk a Watchmaker). He was a cousin of James Douglas, the Watchmaker in Colac, a small city in the Western District of Victoria, Australia

 

 

Douglas clock and watch makers

Details kindly supplied by Sally Douglas

Source

Name

Details

Comment

Old Scottish Clockmakers from 1453 to 1850 by Smith, John 926.81 A83

Alexander Douglas 

Canongate, Edinburgh 1817

George Douglas 

Holytown 1847 

George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, was in Holytown 1841 to 1848. On the 1851 Census at Port Glasgow, 14 Quay West, Renfrewshire. Son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

George Douglas 

Bonhill 1837 

Likely George Douglas 1814 Galston, Ayrshire who married Christina/Christian McLintock in 1837 at Bonhill, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire. George was a son of the John Douglas born c1786 and Agnes Allen c1788 (mentioned below).This George Douglas died in 1891, Wills & Testaments 30/11/1891 Dumbarton Sheriffs Court refer.

James Douglas

Dundee 1794

James Douglas

Edinburgh 1759 - Son of Alexander Douglas Edinburgh, apprentice to William Nicol 24 February, 1759

John Douglas

Dumbarton 1824

Walter Douglas

Dollar, Clackmannon, 1795

Likely Uncle of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

Walter Douglas

Douglas, Lanarkshire, 1820

Walter Douglas

Polwarth Street, Galston 1837 

Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

Douglas & Son

Greenock 1842

Alexander Douglass

Bowmore, Islay 1837

 

1851 Free Census

Walter Douglas

Largs, Ayrshire age 25 in 1851(Spouse Agnes Kerr 25 and children Bryce Kerr Douglas 5, Robert Kerr Douglas age 2 and also listed Janet A Kerr age 20) 

Son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire born 1811 Dollar, Clackmannan

 

Pigot's Directory

Walter Douglas

Muirkirk, Ayrshire 1826/27 - Pigot's Directory 

Walter Douglas 1786  Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

John Douglas

High Street, Dumbarton 1826/27 - Pigot's Directory 

Likely John Douglas 1794 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire a brother of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. See below

John and Mary had two other sons - both Watchmakers - 

John Douglas c1826 was a Watchmaker by 1845 - he died on 11 May 1845 at Captain Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire 

James Douglas 22/7/1827 was a Watchmaker & Engraver in 1851 in Greenock, Renfrewshire - he died on 29 June, 1878 in Colac, Victoria, Australia

Gabriel Douglas

Fore Street, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire 1826/27 - Pigot's Directory 

Gabriel Douglas 1784 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire a brother of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

Walter Douglas

Polwarth Street, Galston, Ayrshire 1837 - Pigot's Directory 

Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

 

From Scottish Clock & Watch Makers 1453-1900 by Donald Whyte 

 

Alexander Douglas

Bowmore Is Islay ARL 1837-1860 C & WM

Alexander Douglas

Edinburgh 1817 C & WM

Alexander Douglas

Strathaven LKS 1860 C & WM

C & J Douglas

Airdrie LKS c1835  C & WM

Daniel Douglas

Glasgow 1855-1895  C & WM

Gabriel Douglas 

Kilmarnock AYR 1807-1820 C & WM 

Gabriel Douglas 1784 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire a brother of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire 

George Douglas

Greenock RFW 1835-1849 WM & EG 

Likely George Douglas who married Euphemia Duncan and died 1849. Testament & Wills 13/11/1849 Greenock & Inventory 10/2/1853 Paisley Sheriffs Court refer. Not yet identified as “ours”

George Douglas

Cambuslang LKS 1860  C & WM 

George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire was on the 1860 Cambuslang (Glasgow) Census. Son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

George Douglas

Bonhill DNB 1837 C & WM

Likely George Douglas 1814 Galston, Ayrshire who married Christina/Christian McLintock in 1837 at Bonhill, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire. George was a son of the John Douglas born c1786 and Agnes Allen c1788 (mentioned below).This George Douglas died in 1891. Wills & Testaments 30/11/1891 Dumbarton Sheriffs Court refer. Not yet identified as “ours”

George Douglas

Dumbarton c1860  C & WM

Likely George Douglas 1814 Galston, Ayrshire who married Christina/Christian McLintock in 1837 at Bonhill, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire. George was a son of the John Douglas born c1786 and Agnes Allen c1788 (mentioned below).This George Douglas died in 1891 Wills & Testaments 30/11/1891 Dumbarton Sheriffs Court refer. Not yet identified as “ours”

George Douglas

Holytown LKS 1847 C & WM 

George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, was in Holytown 1841 to 1848. On the 1851 Census at Port Glasgow, 14 Quay West, Renfrewshire. Son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.

George Douglas & Son

Dumbarton 1876 C & WM

Likely George Douglas 1814 Galston, Ayrshire who married Christina/Christian McLintock in 1837 at Bonhill, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire. George was a son of the John Douglas born c1786 and Agnes Allen c1788 (mentioned below).This George Douglas died in 1891. Wills & Testaments 30/11/1891 Dumbarton Sheriffs Court refer. Not yet identified as “ours”

James Douglas

Edinburgh 1759 App CM

James Douglas

Glasgow 1841-1873 C & WM 

Likely James Douglas c1827 Muirkirk, Ayrshire a son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

James Douglas jnr

Glasgow 1861 App C & WM

James Douglas

Dundee 1845 C & WM

        Possibly the James Douglas whose drumhead longcase clock was sold at auction for £404 in February 2023 in Edinburgh.

John Douglas

Galston AYR 1800-1820 C & WM 

Likely John Douglas c1786 who married Agnes Allen c1788. Not yet identified as “ours” (second marriage). First was to Mary Newton/Nuton (See above).

John Douglas

Dumbarton AYR 1824-1826 WM & J

John Douglas

Greenock RFW 1830-1854 C & WM

Likely John Douglas 1794 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire a brother of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. John Douglas who died 1867 Wills & Testaments 25/4/1867 Greenock married Mary McLiver c1795 Glasgow, Lanark in 1822 in Glasgow, Lanark. One of his two sons was Thomas Napier Douglas born 1830 Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire. Thomas Napier Douglas was a Watch and Clock maker in 1861 in Greenock and by 1876 he was a Master Clock and Watch maker. In 1879 he was also a Jeweller, by 1881 also a Goldsmith and in 1901 he was still alive listed as a Jeweller – all in Greenock, Renfrewshire. He was a member of Greenock Philosophical Society from at least 1867 to 1902 (perhaps till the time of his death in 1903). Thomas Napier Douglas died in 1903 at 51 Union Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire 

John and Mary had two other sons - both Watchmakers - 

John Douglas c1826 was a Watchmaker by 1845  - he died on 11 May 1845 at Captain Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire

James Douglas 22/7/1827 was a Watchmaker & Engraver in 1851 in Greenock, Renfrewshire - he died on 29 June, 1878 in Colac, Victoria, Australia

JB Douglas

Glasgow 1875-1892 WM & J

Walter Douglas

Dollar CLK 1795 C & WM 

Likely Uncle of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

Walter Douglas 

Douglas LKS 1820 C & WM

Walter Douglas

Hamilton LKS 1860 C & WM 

Walter Douglas 

Galston AYR 1837 C & WM 

Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

William Douglas

Leith MLN 1847 & Anstruther FIF by 1860 C & WM

William Douglas & Son

Greenock RFW 1842-1863 C & WM

Clock and Watch Makers of Glasgow and The West of Scotland 1603-1900 by Donald Whyte

Alexander Douglas

Strathaven LKS c1860 1860 C & WM

C & J Douglas

Airdrie LKS 1835 C & WM

Daniel Douglas

30 Argyle Arcade, Glasgow LKS 1855 At No 28 in 1871. Succeeded by William Semple WM & J

George Douglas

Greenock RRW from 1835 WM & EG.  He died intestate 15/9/1849 

Likely George Douglas who married Euphemia Duncan and died 1849 Testament & Wills 13/11/1849 Greenock & Inventory 10/2/1853 Paisley Sheriffs Court refer. Not yet identified as “ours”

George Douglas

Holytown LKS 1846 C & WM 

George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, was in Holytown 1841 to 1848. On the 1851 Census at Port Glasgow, 14 Quay West, Renfrewshire. Son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire 

George Douglas

Cambuslang LKS 1860 C & WM 

George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, was in Holytown 1841 to 1848. On the 1851 Census at Port Glasgow, 14 Quay West, Renfrewshire. Son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

George Douglas & Son

Dumbarton DNB 1876 C & WM 

Likely George Douglas 1814 Galston, Ayrshire who married Christina/Christian McLintock in 1837 at Bonhill, Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire. George was a son of the John Douglas born c1786 and Agnes Allen c1788 (mentioned below).This George Douglas died in 1891. Wills & Testaments 30/11/1891 Dumbarton Sheriffs Court refer. Not yet identified as “ours”

James Douglas

65 Gallowgate, Glasgow 1841 At No 34 Garcsube Road 1845. Moved to 422 Argyle Street by 1850. Still there in 1872 and possibly later at 140 New City Road. C & WM 

Son James Douglas

by 1846 Glasgow Apprentice WM

John Douglas

Polwarth Street, Galston AYR 1800-20.

This John Douglas born c1786 married Agnes Allen c1788, with issue 

1. Isabella bap 15/1/1812

2. George bap 3/4/1814

3. James bap 20/9/1816

4. – 5. Margaret & Maria twins 

John Douglas

Dumbarton DNB 1824.

Billhead of 1826 advertised clocks, watches, keys, rings, cutlery and hardware.

John Douglas

Greenock RFW c1830-53 “John Douglas – Watch and Clock maker – 4 Breast Greenock RFW” C & WM

Likely John Douglas 1794 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire a brother of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. See above

John and Mary had two other sons - both Watchmakers - 

John Douglas c1826 was a Watchmaker by 1845  - he died on 11 May 1845 at Captain Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire 

James Douglas 22/7/1827 was a Watchmaker & Engraver in 1851 in Greenock, Renfrewshire - he died on 29 June, 1878 in Colac, Victoria, Australia

J B Douglas

420 Argyle Street, Glasgow 1875-92 C & WM

Possibly related to James Douglas, sometime in Gallowgate Glasgow LKS

Walter Douglas

Douglas LKS 1820 C & WM

Walter Douglas

Polwat Street, Galston, AYR 1837 C & WM 

Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

Walter Douglas

Hamilton LKS 1860 C & WM

Possibly related to a John D Douglas there 1800-20

Douglas & Son

Greenock RFS 1842-44 “Douglas & Son Watch and Clock makers – 5 Hamilton Street, Greenock

The Edinburgh Gazette, 14 August 1914

THE Firm of DOUGLAS & SON, Watchmakers JL and Jewellers, nine Hamilton Street, Greenock, was DISSOLVED as at 31st December nineteen hundred and thirteen, by the retiral therefrom of the Subscribers Mrs. Lily Campbell Douglas or Tough and Mrs. Agnes Lainont Douglas or Macara.
The Business will in future be carried on at the same address and under the same Firm name of DOUGLAS & SON, by the Subscribers Miss Mary M'Liver Douglas, Mien Grace Buchanan Douglas, and Miss Ellen Douglas, as Limited Partners, and the Subscriber Peter Boag Neill, as General Partner.
MARY M. DOUGLAS.
LILY C. TOUGH.
AGNES L. MACARA.
GRACE B. DOUGLAS.
ELLEN DOUGLAS.
PETER B. NEILL.
Witnesses to the Signatures of the said
Miss Mary Al'Liver Douglas and
Peter Boag Neill—
T. B. ROWAN, Solicitor, 31 Cathcart
Street, Greenock, Witness.
JAMES LET-SON, Law-Clerk, 31 Cathcart Street, Greenock, Witness.
Witnesses to the Signatures of the said
Lily C. Tough, Agnes L. Macara,
and Ellen Douglas—
HUGH MORRIS, Chartered Accountant's Apprentice, 33 Cathcart
Street, Greenock, Witness.
Ro. GIBSON DUNLOP, Chartered Accountant's Apprentice, 33 Cathcart
Street, Greenock, Witness.
Witnesses to the Signature of the said
Grace Buchanan Douglas—
HENRY Ross, Bank Agent, 10 Castle
Place, Montrose, Witness.
ANDREW PATON, Bank Clerk, 8
Brownlow Place, Ferryden, Montrose, Witness.

Clock and Watch Makers of Edinburgh and The Lothians 1539-1900 – by Donald Whyte

Alexander Douglas

Canongate, Edinburgh 1817 C & WM

James Douglas

Edinburgh for 6 years from 28/2/1759 – Apprentice to William Nicol C & WM.

He was the son of Alexander Douglas Wright in Lintrathen ANS

Robert Douglas

Watch Jobber aged 33 in 1881. Born Edinburgh – resident 1 Blemheim Place Edinburgh

A Robert Douglas died Intestate on 14/3/1890. Inventories 16/4/1890 Edinburghs Sheriffs Court. Not yet identified as “ours

William Douglas

Leith 1847. Probably Journeyman. At Astruther, Fife by 1860 probably on his own account. He married 18/6/1847 Elizabeth Burn daughter of Thomas Keay Stabler Astruther C & WM

Clock and Watch Makers of Central Scotland 1537-1900 – by Donald Whyte

Walter Douglas

Dollar CLK 1795 C & WM 

Likely Uncle of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire

 

National Archives of Scotland (online)

G & V Douglas (Gabriel Douglas) 

Airdrie, Lanarkshire Watchmakers & Jewellers 1857

Gabriel 1822 & J Douglas. The only active partner was Gabriel Douglas and is J not V– National Archives of Scotland advice by e-mail. 

George & Gabriel Douglas 

Glasgow, Lanarkshire  Watchmakers & Jewellers 1857

George Douglas 1820 & Gabriel Douglas 1822. Sons of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire 

George Douglas 

Holytown, Lanarkshire  Watchmaker 1848

George Douglas 1820, son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. 

clocksandwatches.com

John Douglas

of Jedburgh -

possible father of John Douglas, 1794, above

William Douglas

of Jedburgh - maker c1775? of a Longcase clock

An apparently undocumented maker or retailer

Daniel Douglas  (Also Andrew Douglas, of Hilton Terrace, Whitehaven, and Nathaniel, 66 King St, Whitehaven, 1829)

of Whitehaven

Daniel was also a jeweller.  A Daniel Douglas, Born Feb 1798 and his wife Elizabeth, Sept 12 1800 had their portraits painted in 1835. Not confirmed as the same.  See image of clock below

James Douglas

of Egham, Surrey

See above

Robert Douglas

of Liverpool

William Henry Douglas

of Stourbridge

Registered a patent in the US for 'certain new and useful Improvements in Stop-Watches', dated December 27, 1892. He sold a patent for his double chronograph to The English Watch Company of 27 September 1881 and his stock of finished and unfinished movements and materials.

Scottish Post Office Directories - Perth 1850/52

William Douglas – Watchmaker – St Paul’s Square

Scottish Post Office Directories - Greenock 1849/50

George Douglas – Jeweller, Watchmaker and Engraver – Ad.

    1. George Douglas 1814 Galston, Ayrshire, Watchmaker – son of John Douglas 1759 Jedburgh a Master Clock and Watch Maker – appears to have been in Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire by 1837 and died there in 1891.
    2. George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire, Watchmaker – son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh a Master Clock and Watch Maker from his marriage to Agnes Allan his second wife – was in Holytown (Glasgow) in 1841 and in 1851 he was in Port Glasgow. In 1857 he was active in Airdrie and Glasgow
    3. George Douglas 1807 Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Watchmaker married in East Parish, Greenock in 1842 and he died in Greenock in late 1849 – most likely this is him. George was the son of Gabriel Douglas 1784 Jedburgh, Watchmaker, Innkeeper and Vintner

George Douglas – Jeweller, Watchmaker and Engraver – 2 Hamilton Street, House 5 Trafalgar Street

See directly above

John Douglas and Son – Watchmakers and Jewellers – 5 Hamilton Street (established in Greenock by 1835)

John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh, son of John Douglas 1759 Jedburgh a Master Clock and Watch Maker, from his first marriage to Mary Newton/Nuton.

John of J Douglas & Son - House 7 Captain Street

John Douglas c1825 Watchmaker son of John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh lived here at 7 Captain Street, but he died in 1845 (unmarried)

   

Scottish Post Office Directories - Greenock 1855/56

Edward Douglas – Watchmaker and Jeweller – 59 Rue-end Street

Could he be a son of John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh? It appears that he was born in Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire

    John Douglas – Watchmaker and Jeweller – 9 East breast
        Possibly John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh but not his son John who died in 1845
    Douglas & Son – Watchmakers, Jewellers and Engravers – 9 Hamilton Street
        John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh
    John Douglas of Douglas & Son – House 7 Clarence Street, Glebe
        John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh
   
  Scottish Post Office Directories - Greenock 1866/67
    John Douglas of Douglas & Son – 7 Clarence Street
        John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh
    Douglas & Son – Watchmakers, Jewellers – 9 Hamilton Street
        John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh
    Thomas N Douglas (of Douglas & Son) – House 5 Clarence Street
        Thomas Napier Douglas 1830 Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire son of John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh
         
  Scottish Post Office Directories - Greenock 1875/76
    Douglas & Son - Watchmakers, Jewellers and Goldsmiths – 9 Hamilton Street
        John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh
    Thomas N (Napier) Douglas (of Douglas & Son) – 23 Brisbane Street
        Thomas Napier Douglas 1830 Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire son of John Douglas, 1794 Jedburgh 
         
  Scottish Post Office Directories - Dundee 1844/45
    James Douglas – Watch and Clock Maker – 63 Prince’s Street
         
  Scottish Post Office Directories - Dundee 1846/47
    James Douglas – Watch and Clock Maker – 63 Prince’s Street
         
  Scottish Post Office Directories - Glasgow 1878
   

James Douglas – Watchmaker and Jeweller – 96 Argyle Street, House Craigton Terrace, Percy Street

    James B Douglas – Watchmaker – 420 Argyle Street
        James Douglas c1826 Muirkirk, Ayrshire, Master Watchmaker was the youngest son of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh a Master Clock and Watch Maker. James married in 1865 at Dalserf, Larkhall, Glasgow in 1865 and he was a Watchmaker, living at various addresses in Glasgow where he died in 1873
         
         

 

Census records

1841 - Name: Edward Douglas Age: 16 Estimated birth year: abt 1825 Gender: Male Where born: Dunbartonshire, Scotland Civil parish: Old Kilpatrick County: Dunbartonshire Address: Hardgate Occupation: Watchmaker Parish Number: 501  Edward Douglas c1825

1851 - Name: John Douglas Age: 56 Estimated birth year: abt 1795 Relationship: Head Spouse's name: Mary Gender: Male Where born: Jedburgh, Roxburghshire Parish Number: 564 Civil parish: Greenock West Town: Greenock County: Renfrewshire Address: ... Clarence St Occupation: Watchmaker & Jeweller John Douglas 1794 - son of John Douglas c1754 from Jedburgh

1851 - Name: James Douglas Age: 22 Estimated birth year: abt 1829 Relationship: Son Father's Name: John Mother's Name: Mary Gender: Male Where born: Dumbarton, Dumbarton Parish Number: 564 Civil parish: Greenock West Town: Greenock County: Renfrewshire Address: ... Clarence St Occupation: Watchmaker & Engraver Son of John Douglas 1794 - above

1851 - Name: Thomas Douglas Age: 21 Estimated birth year: abt 1830 Relationship: Son Father's Name: John Mother's Name: Mary Gender: Male Where born: Dumbarton, Dumbarton Parish Number: 564 Civil parish: Greenock West Town: Greenock County: Renfrewshire Address: ... Clarence St Occupation: Watchmaker Son of John Douglas 1794 - above

1861 - Name: William Douglas Age: 18 Estimated birth year: abt 1843 Relationship: Son Father's Name: Daniel Mother's Name: Janet Gender: Male Where born: Glasgow, Lanarkshire Registration Number: 644/6 Registration district: Blythswood Civil parish: Glasgow Barony County: Lanarkshire Address: 38 Campbell St Occupation: Watchmaker  William Douglas c1843 - father Daniel & mother Janet

1861 - Name: James Douglas Age: 15 Estimated birth year: abt 1846 Relationship: Son Father's Name: James B Mother's Name: Ann Gender: Male Where born: Glasgow, Lanarksh Registration Number: 644/6 Registration district: Blythswood Civil parish: Glasgow Barony County: Lanarkshire Address: 424 Argyle St Occupation: Watchmaker  James Douglas c1846 - father James B & mother Ann

1871 - Name: Daniel Douglas Age: 59 Estimated birth year: abt 1812 Relationship: Head Spouse's name : Janet Gender: Male Where born: Cambuslang, Lanarkshire Registration Number: 644/9 Registration district: Tradeston Civil parish: Glasgow Govan County: Lanarkshire Address: 37 Eglinton Street Occupation: Watchmaker  Daniel Douglas c1812 - wife Janet

1871 - Name: James Douglas Age: 32 Estimated birth year: abt 1839 Relationship: Son Father's Name: Daniel Mother's Name: Janet Gender: Male Where born: Glasgow, Lanarkshire Registration Number: 644/9 Registration district: Tradeston Civil parish: Glasgow Govan County: Lanarkshire Address: 37 Eglinton Street Occupation: Watchmaker James Douglas c1839 - father Daniel & mother Janet

1881 - Name: Daniel Douglas Age: 28 Estimated birth year: abt 1853 Relationship: Son Mother's Name: Ann Gender: Male Where born: Glasgow, Lanarkshire Registration Number: 644/7 Registration district: Blythswood Civil parish: Glasgow Barony County: Lanarkshire Address: 424 Argyle St Occupation: Watchmaker (Jobber) Daniel c1853 - mother Ann

1891 - Name: Daniel Douglas Age: 30 Estimated birth year: abt 1861 Relationship: Head Spouse's name : Beatrice P Gender: Male Where born: Glasgow, Lanarkshire Registration Number: 644/9 Registration district: Kelvin Civil parish: Glasgow Sandyford County: Lanarkshire Address: 28 Gray St Occupation: Watchmaker Daniel c1861 - wife Beatrice P

1901 - Name: Daniel Douglas Age: 48 Estimated birth year: abt 1853 Relationship: Head Spouse's name : Beatrice Gender: Male Where born: Glasgow Registration Number: 644/9 Registration district: Kelvin Civil parish: Glasgow Sandyford County: Lanarkshire Address: 28 Gray St Occupation: Watchmaker Daniel c1853 - wife Beatrice

 

 

 

Gabriel Douglas

THE EDINBURGH GAZETTE, FEBRUARY 23, 1864

GEORGE DOUGLAS, Watchmaker, Wishaw, one of
the Partners of the Company or Firm of DOUGLAS
& SON, Watchmakers there, presently Prisoner in the
Prison of Hamilton, has presented a Petition to the Sheriff
of the County of Lanark for liberation, interim protection
and decreet of Cessio Bonorum ; and all his Creditors are
hereby required to appear within the Sheriff-Court-house
at Hamilton, upon Tuesday the 29th day of March next,
at 11 o'clock forenoon, when he will appear for examination.
THOMAS BARCLAY, Solicitor, Hamilton,
Agent
Hamilton, February 20, 1864.s

Clock by George Douglas of Bonhill 

Click to enlarge
Gabriel Douglas, son of Gabriel Douglas 1822 Muirkirk, Ayrshire
He was born in 1869 in Russell Street, South Melbourne which for a long time has been part of Melbourne's CBD
He was a Watchmaker and Jeweller
Said to be very handsome and an expert rider.

tall clock

Click to enlarge
Clockface by George Douglas of Bonhill -Restored by Bridges Horologists, Alness, Scotland.  George was either a son or grandson of John Douglas 1759 from his second marriage - to Agnes Allan. John and Agnes Douglas had a son George and a grandson George and both were Watchmakers.

Clock by Gilbert Douglas

Dumbarton clock

A Railway Clock made by Gabriel Douglas in the 1890's/early 1900's when his Watchmaking and Jewellery business was at 345 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. This clock is owned by a gentleman who lives in country Victoria.
Gabriel was also called Gilbert - apparently he did not like his name Gabriel. But he may have used Gilbert to differentiate himself from his father Gabriel who was also a Watchmaker and Jeweller. His birth and death Certificates both show him as Gabriel. 

George Douglas of Holytown, Lanarkshire
George Douglas 1820 Old Cumnock, Ayrshire
Scottish tall clock

George Douglas (1814-1891) was Dumbarton watchmaker about the 1860s. His father, John Douglas (born 1786) was also a watchmaker. The clock mechanism is the so-called. snekkalaitteella equipped with a chain driven machinery. Snekkalaite is a mechanism that balances the force of the spring on the amount of business equipment. By this mechanism, with clocks were more accurate than others. Running time is 8 days 

Ships clock by Emory Douglas 

Bottle clock -Black Douglas whisky 

presentation clock

1970's Ships clock
by Emory Douglas 

Presentaion Emory & Douglas Co. Ltd brass ship quartz clock
The plaque that reads: "1980 Original by Capt. Joe St. Amant"

Wrist watch 

John Douglas clock

John Douglas clock

Clock by John Douglas of Dumbarton 

ships clock   Douglas & Co clock   Wm Douglas Hawick clock
A vintage Emory & Douglas Fairwinds ship's clock, a substantial piece that is very heavy, with a brass case, and a glass door that opens to make it possible to adjust the clock. At the moment the glass is separate from the door and needs to be re-adhered. The face of the clock is very attractive and readable, each number marked in Roman Numerals, supplemented with Arabic numbers for PM hours in the military fashion, with a bright red hand ticking off the seconds. Inside of the clock is a contemporary battery powered quartz movement.

This clock measures approx. 7 ¾" in diameter and 3" thick.
  This Douglas & Co clock sold on ebay in September 2014. It was a bit battered and did not work. A working version had earlier been sold at Bonhams.  
Kelton watch   whitehaven clock  
Made in USA    A Mahogany Eight Day Longcase Clock, signed Danl Douglas, Whitehaven, circa 1820, swan neck pediment with gilt painted glass panels, arched trunk flanked by fluted columns, 14-inch painted arched dial, seconds and date dials, arch with a seascape, four pillar movement with attached falseplate stamped Finnemore, anchor escapement and rack striking on a bell, case possibly later, 242cm high. Case possibly later  
watch key   clock - john Douglas Galston  
Watch key
William Henry Douglas of Stourbridge
  An oak longcase clock by
John Douglas of
Galston, Ayrshire
 
watch   Galston clock  
Silver Pocket Watch Douglas & Cie, Bristol   
 
Walter, son of John Dougls b1813, in Dollar  
 
A 1960s Ukraine watch  

 

 

From a headstone : —

James Taylor, who died 12th Nov., 184?,
aged 90, was watch maker in Strichen nearly 47
years, born in London, but his ancestors belonged
to the city of Perth, where they were Hammer-
men and Burgesses time immemorial.
— Tradition says that Taylor's real name was
Douglas, and that he had to leave London
during the political disturbances -which took
place there towards the beginning of the pre-
sent century. The stone was erected by his
son, Joseph Douglas Taylor, watchmaker in
Strichen, who died in 1851, aged 57.


Strichen is in Aberdeenshire

Douglas Clock Co Ltd ... Working around the turn of the late 19th century they specialised in ornate boxes, napkin rings and decorative travelling, mantle and table clocks for top end retailers like Harrods and Liberty & Co. Their decorative clocks are now commanding very strong prices, basically because of the exquisite workmanship associated, with these delightfully stylish, Victorian time pieces.

 

notice of dissolution The Gazette - August 14th, 1914.
Descendants of Watchmakers John Douglas 1794 Jedburgh and his son Thomas Napier Douglas 1830 Dumbarton. Agnes (Nancy) Buchanan Lamont, the first wife and mother of Thomas's six daughters was a granddaughter of Jean Douglas, the sister of Thomas's father John. (One daughter Alicia only lived for a day).
   
cutting These two Douglas men - Watchmakers and Jewellers etc are - John Douglas 1794 of Jedburgh, Roxburghshire and likely his nephew George Douglas 1807 Kilmarnock, Ayrshire - son of Gabriel Douglas Watchmaker 1784 Jedburgh and his first wife Elizabeth Paterson.
Although this clip is from a 1849/50 Greenock Post Office Directory George Douglas died in September, 1849 at Greenock. Some time later his widow Euphemia (Duncan) migrated to New Zealand
   
cutting From the Age Nov 7, 1875. I wonder if this refers to George Douglas 1820 of Old Cumnock, Ayrshire? James Douglas 1827 of Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire (his cousin) was in Colac at this time.
Or could this be a son of James Douglas?
   
news - watch theft The Scots Magazine - Vol 94, page 630 of 1824

Likely John Douglas 1794 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire a brother of Walter Douglas 1786 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. See above
   
notice By 9th July, 1858 Gabriel Douglas 1822 had placed an ad in the Argus, looking for his first cousin James Douglas c1826 from Greenock who was also a Watchmaker (James was in Colac)
Their fathers - Walter for Gabriel and John for James, were both Master Clock and Watch Makers in Scotland.
Gabriel had three brothers who were Watchmakers - Walter, George and James and perhaps Robert too to make a fourth. James' two brothers John and Thomas Napier were also Watchmakers. Gabriel's other brother John was an Artist and Photographer.``
   
   

 

John Douglas(s) appears to have installed the following clocks:
• Durham Connecticut  Fourth Meeting House 1847
• Milford Connecticut First Church 1849

 

Robert Kerr Douglas was a Watchmaker. He was the son of Walter Douglas and Agnes Kerr. Walter was a brother of Gabriel 1822 Muirkirk, Ayrshire. In the 1905 New York census transcription, he is described as a watchman or watchmaker

 

An article summarising the notes on the Scottish clockmakers, prepared by Sally Douglas, can be found here: 

 

 

See also:

 

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Last modified: Monday, 25 March 2024