Archibald Henderson Crichton (c.1851-1918)

Death of Mr. A.H. Crichton, Philpstoun

Sudden Ending of a Useful Public Career

Sketch of His Life and Service.

Last Friday evening, after a short illness, Mr Archibald Henderson Crichton died at his residence in Philpstoun in his sixty-seventh year. Only few days earlier he sustained a shock which proved to be severe that did not rally, and in spite of the unremitting attentions of his medical attendant, Dr. Hunter, the strength of the patient failed, till passed quietly away. His loss will be severely felt not only in the large industrial establishment of which he was the head, but throughout the whole county Linlithgow, where he was one of the most active and most conspicuous among our public men. He gave unsparingly of his strength and of his remarkable business talents the service of the public in various spheres, and this continued to do, as well as bearing this increasing load of private responsibility, down the time he was stricken by fatal illness. Those who knew him in commercial life admired Mr Crichton’s great capacity and bis unique talent an industrial organiser. Those who came into contact with him in the administration of public affairs felt, on the one hand, the keenly penetrative power and the close grasp brought to bear on every subject, while the other hand they were constrained to recognise the breadth of mind he displayed. Those who knew him most intimately were well aware that behind his forceful, personality and strong determination there lay a very kindly heart and generosity which grudged no effort too great in the service of those he befriended. Success in life came to Mr Crichton as the reward of his own striving and his energy, aided by his unique gifts, for he owed nothing early advantages, and success did not spoil him. No man could fight more tenaciously for his opinions, but felt no bitterness when the tussle was over, and if he could be a determined opponent, he could also he the staunchest of friends.

His Earlier career

In later years Mr. Crichton was one of the most prominent figures in the Scottish mineral oil trade, and such was recognised not only those in the trade, but also the Government Department, with which he was closely identified, since the war began make heavy demands upon the oil industry. His career was so closely identified with the Philpstoun works of Messrs James Ross and Co. that is difficult to think of him apart from that concern but before the foundation of these works Mr Crichton had made his way in the oil industry. He began work a young lad in the service of the Shotts Oil Company, where he gained the first of those experiences which stood him so well in stead during subsequent years. Eventually he entered the service of Young’s Oil Company, with whom obtained managerial position, and in 1885, when the Philpstoun oil works were started, Mr Crichton was appointed by the firm of Jas. Ross and Co. to undertake the management. To say that carried out his duties with conspicuous success only to state what is common knowledge.

HISTORY OF PHILPSTOUN OIL WORKS.

There is not better managed concern of its kind the country, and Philpstoun was often referred to as a model of all that shale oil works and shale oil village ought to be in equipment, organisation, and management. While another concern of the same kind in the vicinity came to grief, and its “bings” of spent shale are a monument to failure, Philpstoun went from success to success, enterprise being conjoined to care and economy in management. For this continued prosperit, Mr. Crichton was in the greatest measure responsible. He often had difficulties to contend with but he had the resourcefulness and energy to overcome them. At one period of his career was faced with the great labour dispute which arose the shale districts, and assumed such complexion that soldiers were drafted into Broxburn. To stimulate a general strike was the purpose of those who were at the head of the agitation, but there was no strike at Philpstoun, Mr Crichton proved equal to the difficult situation, and the dispute was settled. Mr Crichton had a wonderful aptitude for handling men, and while he knew when stand firm, he also knew when to concede where justice demanded. After the works had been firmly established. Mr Crichton became a partner the firm, and continued in the general management till the end of his days. With the outbreak of war there was a heavy demand made upon the shale oil works of Scotland, and within the last three years it was found necessary to make changes in methods and to lay down new plant to meet the demands Government Departments, and Mr Crichton showed the same energy and enterprise adapting the concern to the emergency measures as had shown in every other phase of management. He was appointed to the Scottish Commission to the shale oil industry, and in this capacity he frequently had to journey to London within the last two years.

PUBLIC WORK IN LINLITHGOWSHIRE.

It is many years ago since Mr Crichton began to take a part in the public affairs of Linlithgowshire, and he soon became a prominent figure. For several years he was a member of Linlithgow School Board, of which he ultimately became chairman, and all his efforts were directed to the advancement of education. There were those who differed from the opinions held Mr Crichton, but there were none who questioned the genuineness of his interest in and enthusiasm for the welfare of the rising generation. With a view to meeting the needs of the district in regard to secondary education, advocated the necessity for erecting an academy in Linlithgow, and in face of opposition he carried out his idea, which materialised in the excellent institution now existing. A subject in which Mr Crichton closely interested himself was the welfare of poor people for whom public provision had to made. Not only member of the Parish Council did he take the part of the aged and infirm poor, but as chairman of the House Committee of the Linlithgow Combination he looked after their interests in a most painstaking manner. He took special pride in the Combination, which is one of the best-managed institutions of its kind in the country, and he exerted himself to secure every comfort that was obtainable for the inmates and to make their lives as pleasant as possible. Mr. Crichton also showed his public spirit in the close interest he took in county affairs as a member of the Linlithgow County Council and the Linlithgow District Committee and on countless occasions gave evidence of exceptional business capacity. He was quick to grasp a subject, and keen in debate, but he always took a strictly business view of affairs, and he was careful to insist upon due economy in the disbursement of public funds. Mr Crichton believed, however, in everything that was taken in hand being well done, and on the subject of road maintenance he always took up the attitude that nothing but the best was good enough for this district. He was also keenly interested in all questions relating to public health, and the welfare of the people as a whole. Since the outbreak of war, and before it, the powers of the County Councils have been circumscribed and limited, but it is clear that when hostilities are over and the period of reconstruction begins, there be many new duties imposed on these bodies in connection with housing and public health. In these matters Mr. Crichton’s experience and business talents would have been of value, and it is sad reflection that at a time when such men as he was are invaluable has been carried subject

The subject of our sketch also took part on the Licensing Bench and in the J.P. Court. He was a prominent member of the Parish Church of Linlithgow, and was warmly interested not only in the work of the church, but in the maintenance of the church fabric. Mr. Crichton, who was twice married, leaves a widow and a family of five sons and three daughters, his eldest son, Robert Crichton, who has acted as works manager for some time, being partner in the firm of James Ross and Company

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral, which took place on Tuesday afternoon to Linlithgow Cemetery, was one of the largest ever seen in Linlithgow. It was attended very large gathering of the staff and employees of Messrs James Ross and Co., as well as representatives of the Scottish mineral oil trade from the West of Scotland. Members the public bodies with which Mr Crichton was associated also turned out in considerable numbers, and the general public of Linlithgow and district, including large proportion of the farmers of the neighbourhood, also attended. The cortege left Philpstoun shortly after two o'clock, and made its way to Linlithow where it was joined by residents of the town, as well as by those who had travelled east and west to pay their last respects. The religious services were conducted by the Rev. Robert Coupar, parish minister of Linlithgow, and by the Rev. Wilson, Craigmailen U.F. Church, Linlithgow.

Linlithgowshire Gazette 19th April 1918