Matthew Morthland
early 1700s to 1765?
Lived in Rinmuir, Scotland

Born: Not known but possibly died 5th June 1765 and is possibly buried in Shettleston Old Parish Churchyard, Glasgow.  However it is more likely that he died after 1770.
Son of: Charles Morthland and Robina Brisbane.
Brother of: Not known.
Matthew married: Anna Simson (1720-1802), daughter of John Simson (1667-1740) and Janet Simson (nee Stirling, 1691-1782)
Matthew and Anna had issue:
1. Jean (or Jane) Dunbar (nee Morthland, 1747-1815) who married William Dunbar
2. Robina Hare (nee Morthland, 1747?-1832) who married Chr Hare.
3. John Morthland.

Matthew Morthland: An Overview

Matthew appears to have been one of the promoters of the Monkland Canal - designed by the famous James Watt, in 1770.  The canal was to pass through an area where John Stirling was a major land owner and it would appear that Matthew also owned land on the planned route.  Much correspondence exisits between John Stirling and Matthew and both were intial subscribers to the financing of the canal. Matthew was in fact the treasurer, which may indicate that he was an accountant or solicitor and this ties up with family records which note him being a lawyer.  Later in May, 1782 the canal had to be re-financed and there was a John Morthland - Advocate (Scottish senior solicitor) who took up 15 out of the 101 shares with John Stirling again investing, this time 26 shares.

Regarding the original subscription to build the canal see "The Monkland Canal - A Sketch of the Early History" by Dr.George Thomson of Coatbridge, pub.1945. He quotes his source as being "The Glasgow Journal" 4th.Jan.1770.

Rinmuir - later known as Rhindmuir is approx. 6 miles east of central Glasgow.  Did Matthew live at Rhindmuir House, Swinton, near Baillieston, Glasgow

If you have any information to add to what is listed please contact me on jj@jjhc.info
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