John Glassford Guthrie Shiell¹

Parents:

• Birth*: John Glassford Guthrie Shiell was born circa 1895 at Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, ; 1901 census.²
• He was the son of David Guthrie Shiell and Catherine Mabel Gordon-Glassford.

• (Witness) Newspaper Article: John Glassford Guthrie Shiell and Charles Maule Ramsey Shiell, Buchanan Shiell automobile engineer, Lyall Guthrie Shiell, James Davie Gilruth M.A., M.B., C.M. (Edin.) and Samuel Macauley was mentioned in a newspaper article about David Guthrie Shiell on 27 March 1914. 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.³

Census & Directory Entries

Member of Household

31 March 1901

They was listed as a member of the household of David Guthrie Shiell in the 1901 census at Banks of Brechin Oakea [?], Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland, . John G G Shiell, son, 5, scholar, Brechin; David G Shiel, head, 32, solicitor, Brechin.2