McManus 168

David Robertson, born in the parish of Newtyle, began his working life, around the age of 18 years, as an employee of William Moon (also a native of Newtyle). He was found to have been assiduous in his approach towards business and was assumed as a partner in the firm of ‘Moon, Langlands & Co.’ by the time he was 30 years old.

He and his wife, Penelope Moon, (William Moon’s niece) bore no family and David’s focus outwith work was ultimately centred upon religious and benevolent enterprises.

“Coming to Dundee at an early age, Mr Robertson was long engaged in business in the town, and for many years before his retirement in 1874, he was the active partner of the firm of Messrs Moon, Langlands, & Co., drapers, clothiers, and general warehousemen. A very successful merchant, he entered carefully into every detail of his business, and was most thorough and painstaking in everything he did. But even when head of so large a warehouse, and exercising an effective control over its every department, he devoted a great amount of time and attention to those religious and philanthropic undertakings which for the past ten years have been his sole occupation. Mr Robertson has been in one way or another connected with most of the religious, charitable, and educational institutions of Dundee…” ^[24]

“But it is the Young Men’s Christian Association with which Mr Robertson has been more especially identified…He has spared neither time, pains, nor money in the service of the Association, devoting indeed for many years his chief energy to its management.” ^[24] “This institution mainly owes its origin to the Christian philanthropy and intelligent energy of Mr David Robertson… ;and it is gratifying to find that the respectable young men of the town have so much appreciated the objects of its establishment, that it promises to become one of the most prosperous institutions of the kind in Scotland. The building, which is situated in the Constitution Road, immediately to the north of Ward Chapel, contains reading rooms, class rooms, and a lecture hall. Extra accommodation is soon to be provided, for the various classes, &c. , a sum of upwards of £5000 having recently been subscribed for that object.”^[25] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £4,000,000)

1874 witnessed the retiral of David Robertson from the business with which had been associated for more than 40 years. The local press intimated the dissolution of his copartnery with William Moon as of 15 May 1874, they having been the only partners.^[26] He thereafter left the business, ‘having amassed considerable means, and retired into private life.’^[27] This ‘private life’ enabled him to become evermore immersed in the religious causes he favoured.

The 1881 census listed as ‘visitors’ to Union Grove, Magdalen Green, ‘Major Whittle, (age 40) Evangelist, born America. Mr Jas McGranahan, (age 40) Evangelist, born America, and Mrs Jas (Addine) McGranahan, (age 38) born America.’^[28] Further, we have Elspeth Duncan, (age 80) Mother-in Law, born Newtyle, (William Moon’s sister) residing with the Robertsons.^[28]

Messrs Whittle & McGranahan, American Evangelists, conducted a tour of Scotland in 1881 with Dundee being on their tour schedule. They conducted a series of evangelistic services, prayer meetings and lectures, not only at the Y.M.C.A. but also at Bell Street U.P. Church, the East Church, Broughty Ferry and at the Kinnaird Hall.^[29]

For David Robertson, ‘his last platform appearances were mostly in connection with the evangelistic meetings conducted by Major Whittle a few months ago, when night after night, although in but feeble health, he showed by his presence, his interest in the work. Major Whittle^[28] and his coadjutors were guests of Mr Robertson during their visit to Dundee. Indeed, it may be said of him that he kept an open house and a hearty welcome for all Christian workers from a distance, Young Men’s Association lecturers, and other visitors to Dundee…” ^[24]

David Robertson left £17,684^[17] (current value £14,147,200) after debts, and in addition to the legacies left to family members, the following bequests are listed here from his will.

1. The Young Mens’ Christian Association – £1000.^[17] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £800,000)
2. The Dundee Royal Infirmary – £1000.^[17] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £800,000)
3. The Industrial Schools Society – £500.^[17] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £400,000)
4. The Dundee Colportage Mission for the maintenance of two Colporteurs the sum of £1000.^[17] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £800,000)
5. The Dundee Sabbath School Teachers Union ‘of which I am president,’ £500.^[17] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £400,000)
6. The National Bible Society of Scotland – £250.^[17] (Nominal value at 2018: Relative to income £200,000)