David Guthrie Shiell

Parents:

• Birth*: David Guthrie Shiell was born on 25 November 1868 at Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, .
• He was the son of John Shiell and Susan Lyall Guthrie.
• (Groom) Marriage*: David Guthrie Shiell married Catherine Mabel Gordon-Glassford, daughter of James Glassford Gordon-Glassford and Margaret Thompson Bain, in June 1894 at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, .¹
• (Deceased) Death*: David Guthrie Shiell died on 22 March 1914 at Balhousie Lodge, Edzell, Forfarshire, Scotland, , at age 45 Solicitor, 45, married to Catherine Mabel Glassford, septic pneumonia, inf Charles M R Shiell son Trinity College Glenalmond.

• (Witness) Photograph: He is in this photograph taken circa 1887 along with John Shiell, Susan Lyall Guthrie, William Shiell, Helen Scott Shiell, Susan Mary Shiell, John Shiell, Herbert Shiell, Catherine Jane Shiell, Arnold Shiell, Robert Shiell, Buchanan Shiell automobile engineer, Alexander Guthrie Shiell and Lyall Guthrie Shiell.²
  

  John Shiell and Susan Lyall Guthrie with many of their family c 1887
• Newspaper Article*: David Guthrie Shiell and Catherine Mabel Gordon-Glassford were mentioned in a newspaper article DOUBLE WEDDING IN EDINBURGH THE SCENE AT ST. GILES CATHEDRAL
  
  Yesterday a very pretty wedding took place in St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, when Mr James Duncan, only son of Dr John Duncan, surgeon of 8 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh, led to the altar Miss Margaret Edith Gordon Glassford: and Mr David Guthrie Shiell, second son of Mr John Shiell, factor to the Earl of Dalhousie, Brechin, espoused Miss Catherine Mabel Gordon Glassford, the brides being the daughters of the late James Glassford Gordon Glassford, late of Dougalston, Stirlingshire and Matakanui, New Zealand, and Mrs Gordon Glassford, of 35 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh. The officiating clergymen were the Rev. Dr Forrest, of West Coates, Edinburgh and the Rev. Arthur Gordon, St. Andrews Church, Edinburgh. The service was fully choral, the choir being under the leadership of Mr Sinclair of St. Giles Cathedral, while Mr John Hartley presided at the organ.
  If the old saying "Happy is the bride that the sun shines on" holds good, then the brides of yesterday bid fair to have a full share of the good things of this life, for the sun shone in through the rich stained glass windows, lighting up the recesses of the interior with a mellow light, and casting its rays on the path to the altar. Shortly before the arrival of the brides, the mater proceeded up the Church, followed by the clergymen, the bridegrooms with their attendant best men, Mr A. Neilson and Mr E. W. Neish. While the choir rendered the hymn "The Voice that Breathed O'er Eden" the bridal party entered the Church, Miss Gordon Glassford leaning on the arm of her brother, Mr C. Gordon Glassford, while Miss C. M. Gordon Glassford was given away by her uncle, Mr William Bain.
  The brides were gowned alike in ivory satin with Court trains. The skirts were plain, the fronts having a design of true lovers knots in neat embroidery, the bodices being similarly treated. Round the necks were large ruffles of lace, the sleeves were very full, and consisted of three puffs finished at the cuff with rich lace. The bouquets were of orange blossoms and stephanotis, and the veils were tastefully arranged over wreaths of myrtle and bridal flowers.
  Miss Gordon Glassford's ornaments were a pearl pendant necklet, and aquamarine brooch set in pearls, and a chain bracelet set with diamonds, the two latter being gifts of the bridegroom. Miss C. M. Gordon Glassford wore a pearl pin and brooch, and in her hair was a diamond and ruby crescent brooch, the gift of the bridegroom.
  Each bride was attended by three bridesmaids, those in one case being Miss Chrissie Gordon Glassford, sister of the bride, and the Misses Daisy and Mary Duncan, sisters of the bridegroom; in the other case, the Misses Nora and Elizabeth Gordon Glassford, sister of the bride, and Miss Helen Scott Shiell, sister of the bridegroom.
  Their dresses were alike and were of white figured silk, smartly made with a ruche round the foot of the skirt, the bodices being tastefully trimmed with fine lace. All wore veils, which were fastened over a cluster of natural flowers to match the bouquets which were of the shower pattern. Miss Gordon Glassford's attendants carried bouquets of Marechal Niel roses, and those of her sister, pink La France roses, the streamers being of yellow and pink ribbon respectively. They wore the gifts of the bridegrooms, which were similar, consisting two double heart pearl pins joined by a chain of gold.
  The ceremony was short but impressive, the choir followed up the sentence "The Lord Bless Thee and Keep Thee" with the hymn "Now Thank We All Our God," the Lord's Prayer was chanted, and before the blessing was pronounced the 67th Psalm was sung, the wedding party leaving the Church as the organ pealed forth the strains of Mendelssohn's "Wedding March."
  Many smart toilettes were to be seen among the guests, noticed that in several cases, a basque was simulated by a row of contrasting colour on the skirt at the point where a basque would have terminated. A successful combination was of biscuit colour and geranium pink velvet, the latter appearing on the bodice and in the long shaped sash which fell from the waist on the left side. The little bonnet had a gold fancy crown and was daintily trimmed with pink roses and guipure lace. Pink was a favourite colour and was worn by itself and in combination with black, a silk having stripes of pale pink, and palest apple green being patterned with tiny pink spots and trimmed with a vandyked arrangement of rich lace. The bonnet was entirely of pink, the Princess May bow at the back, being of a rich shade of velvet. A tasteful gown was of gobelin blue, with yoke and bretelles of cream "Point-de-Rose," the wearer carried a shower bouquet of yellow flowers. The going away dresses of the brides were of crepon, that of Mrs Duncan being pale green, while Mrs Shiell's was pale blue, both being trimmed with black satin. The hats were black, with gold cream and black plumes. on 13 June 1894 at Dundee, Forfarshire, Scotland, .³
• (Informant) Death: David Guthrie Shiell registered the death of John Shiell on 21 June 1912 at Latch Road, Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1912 deaths in the district of Brechin in the county of Forfar, ref 74; John Shiell, Solicitor before Supreme Court, married to Susan Lyall Guthrie, died 1912 June Twenty-first 11h 0m pm Latch Road Brechin, male aged 70, parents William Shiell Clerk of Session (dec) and Mary Russell (dec), cause senile decay, syncope, as certified by LB Adams MD; signed David G Shiell, son, Dalhousie Lodge, Edzell, regsitered 1912 June 22nd at Brechin Chas V Mills registrar.⁴
• (Witness) Newspaper Article: David Guthrie Shiell and Susan Lyall Guthrie, John Nicolson, James Davie Gilruth M.A., M.B., C.M. (Edin.) and Samuel Macauley was mentioned in a newspaper article about John Shiell on 28 June 1912. DEATH OF MR JOHN SHIELL, S.S.C.,
  BRECHIN.
  The death of Mr John Shiell, solicitor, took place at his residence, Latch Road, Brechin, on Friday night. Mr Shiell, who had just celebrated his 70th birthday, had been absent from home for some time and only returned on Saturday. Although somewhat frail, he was in his usual health, and was out during Friday. In the evening, feeling not very well, he retired to bed, and expired shortly after eleven o'clock.
  Mr Shiell was a native of Edinburgh, being a son of the late Mr William Shiell, for many years one of the chief Clerks of the Court of Session. After serving for some time in the office of Messrs Shiell & Small, solicitors, Dundee, the senior partner of that firm being his uncle, he came to Brechin about 40 years ago as partner to the late Mr D. D. Black, Town Clerk. The partnership did not last very long, and on leaving Mr Black Mr Shiell commenced business on his own account, and soon built up a sound connection in the district. Shortly after commencing business he was appointed agent of the National Bank, a position he held at the time of his death. In 1880, on the death of the grandfather of the present Earl of Dalhousie, he was appointed factor on the Brechin Castle and Edzell estates of the Dalhousie family, and later, on the death of his father-in-law, the late Colonel Guthrie, Carlogie House, Carnoustie, he was appointed sole factor on the estates. During the time of the late Earl many improvements were carried out on the estates, while a most liberal form of lease was drawn up for the tenants, a form that became a model for progressive landlords, and it was well-known at that time that Mr Shiell was in a large measure responsible for the form it ultimately took. In addition, the comfort of the cottars and farm servants on the estate were not overlooked, comfortable cottages being erected on the farms, and in this work Mr Shiell also gave valuable assistance.
  In 1903 Mr Shiell, finding the burden of the estate work getting too heavy for him, retired from the factorship, being succeeded by his son, Mr D. G. Shiell. He was, however, continued as confidential adviser, and performed the duties of that position to the last. On his retiral from the factorship he was entertained by the employees on the Brechin Castle and Edzell estates at a cake and wine banquet, and was made the recipient of a solid silver rose bowl, suitably inscribed.
  In addition to his factorship of the Dalhousie Estates, Mr Shiell also acted as factor for a number of other estates, and carried on a large general business as a solicitor. For many years the late Mr James Don was associated with him as partner, and on the death of that gentleman, he assumed his son. Mr D. G. Shiell, as partner. Of recent years. Mr Shiell, while regularly attending at the office, had not taken an active part in the business of the firm. He had been & Director of the Brechin and Edzell District Railway since the formation of the Company, and was also a Director of Guthrie, Martin, & Company, Ltd. He was for long a member of the County Council, and took an active part in the work of the Brechin District Committee. He was also an Hon. Sheriff Substitute for the County of Forfar. A Unionist in politics, he never took any very active part in political matters. He was a member of St Andrew's Episcopal Church, and took a warm interest in the welfare of the congregation. He was married to a daughter of the late Colonel Guthrie of Carlogie House, by whom he is survived, and by a family of sons and daughters.
  The funeral of deceased took place on Tuesday, the pall bearers being :-Mr D. G. Shiell and Mr Buchanan Shiell (sons), Dr Gilruth, Arbroath (son-in-law); Rev. Dr Samuel Macaulay. Mr D. Sharp (Fast Drums), Mr Sharp, W.S. (Edinburgh); Mr Guthrie (Broughty Ferry): and ex. Provost Scott (Brechin).⁵
• Newspaper Article*: David Guthrie Shiell was mentioned in a newspaper article DEATH OF BRECHIN SOLICITOR.
  Mr David G. Shiell.
  Mr David G. Shiell, factor to the Earl of Dalhousie, died at his residence at Edzell at an early hour on Sunday morning. Mr Shiell was at business on Thursday. He went home on that day feeling ill, and Dr Campbell, Brechin, was called, and found him to be suffering from an affection of the throat, and on Friday it was found necessary to perform an operation. At first this appeared to have the desired effect, and on Saturday he seemed much better. But the recovery was only temporary, and he gradually sank during the night, and passed away as stated.
  The second son of the late Mr John Shiell, Brechin, he was born there about 1867 or 1868, so that his death has occurred in his prime. He was educated at Brechin High School and Glenalmond College. On leaving the latter he was apprenticed to the firm of Messrs Mackenzie & Kermack, W.S., Edinburgh, and while there attended the law classes at Edinburgh University. Having passed the qualifying examinations he was admitted a solicitor.
  About 1894 he returned to Brechin as junior partner in the firm of Messrs Shiell & Don, solicitors, which in 1908, on the death of Mr Don, became known as Messrs J. & D. G. Shiell, and of which he was senior partner at his death. The firm has an extensive factorial practice, as well as a general law business, and while the former was mainly under the charge of his father, the latter was under Mr D. G. Shiell's charge. When about ten years ago his father resigned his position in connection with the Estates of the Earl of Dalhousie, Mr Shiell was appointed as his successor on the Brechin Castle, Edzell, and Glenesk estates. The few changes that have taken place on the farms on the estates under his charge, and the kindly relations which had always subsisted between him and the tenants are the best proof of the success of his regime.
  Mr Shiell took an active part in the development of Edzell as a holiday centre, and was one of those who were mainly responsible for laying out the present golf course, which has proved so great an addition to the attractions of the village. As the representative of Edzell and Lochlee on the County Council, both at the meetings of the principal body and at the District Committee, he kept a watchful eye over their interests. As a Justice of the Pence he was easily approachable by those requiring his services in that capacity.
  A Unionist in politics, he acted as agent for the Hon. C. M. Ramsay when that gentleman won the county. In the affairs of the city of Brechin Mr Shiell also took a considerable interest.
  A keen Freemason, Mr Shiell was widely known for his loyalty and devotion to the craft, who recognised his services by elevating him to high office. A member and Past Master of St James' Lodge, No. 123, Brechin, he never forgot his "mother" Lodge, and he did his full share of the work that brought about the success of the Lodge in recent years. A regular attender at the meetings of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Forfarshire, he was at the time of his death Grand Master Depute, while in Grand Lodge he was Junior Grand Deacon. He was also actively interested in Royal Arch Masonry, in which he held high office. A keen curler and golfer, he was a cheery companion on the ice and on the links.
  Mr Shiell is survived by his widow and two sons and one daughter, the eldest son having gone to South America quite recently.
  Interment at Brechin.
  The remains of Mr Shiell were laid to rest in the New Cemetery, Brechin, on Wednesday. The funeral was one of the largest seen in the district many coming long distances to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. Agriculturists from a wide area were largely represented, as well as the community of Brechin. There was a large gathering of Freemasons, including a deputation from Grand Lodge, while practically every Lodge in the Province was represented, as well as Royal Arch. There was also a large attendance of members of the legal profession, including a representation from the Society of Procurators.
  Prior to the cortege leaving deceased's house at Edzell, a service was conducted by Rev. W. J. F. Robberds, Bishop of Brechin and Primus, who was assisted by Rev. K. L. Reid, of St Andrew's Church, Brechin.
  Prior to the interment, the members of local Masonic Lodges, as well as the visitors, met in St James Lodge Room – Rev. H. C. Cargill, W.M., presiding – and the preliminary part of the service was performed. The brethren then proceeded to the Trinity Road, where a large concourse of the general public had already assembled, and on the arrival of the cortege preceded it to the New Cemetery. On arriving at the place of interment the Masonic ranks opened up, and the coffin was conveyed to the grave. Here the Bishop of Brechin recited the concluding portion of the order for the burial of the dead, after which Rev. W. W. Coats. D.D., Brechin Cathedral, Past Grand Chaplain of Scotland, conducted the Masonic service. At its conclusion the brethren filed past the grave, and dropped in a sprig of acacia.
  The pall-bearers and principal mourners were : -Mr Charles Maule Ramsay Shiell (son), Mr Buchanan Shiell (brother), Mr Lyall Shiell (brother), Mr James Duncan of Balfour (brother-in-law; Mr A. Black, Edinburgh (brother-in-law); Rev. S. Macaulay, LL.D., Tealing (brother-in-law); Earl of Dalhousie; Dr Andrew Thomson, Musselburgh; Mr J. S. Kinghorn, Brechin (partner); ex-Provost Stewart, Monifieth. on 27 March 1914 at Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, .⁵
• (Witness) Photograph: He is in this photograph taken say 1917 along with Edith Margaret Ford, Archibald Hall Ford of Messrs Mackinnon, Mackenzie Co., Colombo, Annie Gibson Ford and Wilhelmina Scott Ford assistant cashier Ford siblings.⁶
  

  Ford Siblings : L-R Edith, Jean, Mina (sitting), Nan, Archibald.

Census & Directory Entries

Member of Household	3 April 1881	They was listed as a member of the household of John Shiell and Susan Lyall Guthrie in the 1881 census at 12 Latch Road, Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, . David G Shiell, son, 12, scholar, Brechin; John Shiell, head, mar, 47, solicitor before Supreme Courts, Edinburgh; Susan L Shiell, wife, mar, 40, Brechin; Elizabeth Swankie, sev, unm, 30, cook, Dundee; Annie Greene, serv, unm, 23, housemaid, Carmylie; Jane Nelson, unm, 28, nurse, Brechin; Eliabeth P Thomson, unm, 20, under nurse, Brechin.7
Head of Household	31 March 1901	He was listed as head of household in the 1901 census at Banks of Brechin Oakea [?], Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, . David G Shiel, head, 32, solicitor, Brechin; also in the household was John Glassford Guthrie Shiell, Charles Maule Ramsey Shiell, Vida Margaret Guthrie Shiell, Georgina Mackay, Ada Hawah and Mary Ann Irvine cook.8
Member of Household	31 March 1911	He was listed in the 1911 census at 43 Valley Drive, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England, ; David Guthrie Shiell, boarder, 42, married, solicitor, Brechin Forfarshire; Mary Stainsby, head, 55, widow, company house keeper, own account at home, Knottingly Yorks.9