John Edgar Poynter
Partner, John Poynter & Son
Partner, John Miller & Co
Business interests included:
- Calder Oil Company
- John Poynter & Son
- John Miller & Co
John Edgar Poynter was son of John Poynter, and partner in the firm of John Poynter & Son, chemists and drysalters based in Rumford Street Glasgow and Greenock. He is listed as a partner of the firm and resident at the family home at Clyde View, Uddingston, between 1862 and 1872. During the 1860's he became a partner in the firm of John Miller & Co., proprietors of Sandilands Chemical Works, Aberdeen. His father had previously been a partner in that firm.
In c.1863 he formed the Calder Oil Company with James Greenshields and James Greenshields Junior to construct Palacecraig Oil works and became sole partner in 1866. The works closed shortly afterwards. Also in about 1866, he established the Buchan Oil Works in Broxburn. Valuation roles for 1866 make mention of the Calder Oil Company, subsequent entries, until closure in 1873, show the proprietor as John Edgar Poynter, although directory entries indicate that in later years the works were trading under the title of John Poynter and Son.
After the ill-fated adventures in shale oil, John Edgar Poynter seems to have invested his efforts in building the core business of John Poynter & Son.
No obituary to John Edgar Poynter has been located, but his conduct in the Blantyre Priory Case may say much about his character. He died a wealthy man, leaving his aunt as sole residuary.
- The complainer, Lord Blantyre, is heritable proprietor, of the whole infeft in the barony of Blantyre, including, inter alia, the lands and farms of Craigknowe, in the parish of Blantyre and county of Lanark, on part of which the ruins of Blantyre Abbey are situated, conform to instrument of sasine If in his favour, dated 27th October, and recorded 15th December 1831.
- The complainer, the Earl of Home, is lessee, under Lord Blantyre, of certain lands near Bothwell Castle, on the opposite side of the river Clyde, including inter alia, the lands and farm of Craigknowe.
- On Sunday, 9th June, 1872, the respondent, in company with Henry James Montague, theatrical manager in London, and another person, left the parish road leading northward from the road between Hamilton and Rutherglen, and entered upon a field forming part of the lauds of Craigknowe, belonging to Lord Blantyre, generally known as the "Six-rig Field," and, having passed to the extremity of the same farthest distant from the parish road, climbed over a wire fence separating the field from another field, also forming part of the lands of Craigknowe, belonging to Lord Blantyre, and generally known - as the "Crabacre," in which last-mentioned field a crop of wheat is at present growing, with the intention and purpose, as the complainers believe, of passing through said field to the ruins of Blantyre Priory.
- For some time past great damage has been done by persons breaking through the fences or fields near to the Priory, and traversing the fields; and the complainers announced that persons would not be permitted thus to approach the Priory, and gave directions for having persons prevented from doing so. The respondent, when requested by Alexander M'Tyre to turn back, emphatically refused to do so; asserted that he was not trespassing, and that he had a right to come there. It was only after repeated refusals on the part of the respondent to give his name, and that he and his companions did attempt to force their way through the fields, that M'Tyre ascertained the names of the respondent and Mr Montague, and succeeded in preventing them from crossing the field. When the respondent was so prevented from passing he asserted that he would return upon the lands whenever he chose, and the complainer believes he will do so unless interdicted
- The proceedings of the respondent above-mentioned were wrongful and illegal, and to the loss and damage of the complainers, and as the complainers believe the proceedings will he repeated, the present application has been rendered necessary.
PATENTS SEALED May 14 John Edgar Poynter, manufacturing chemist, Glasgow – an improved illuminating oil
The Glasgow Herald. 19th May 1858
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The BLANTYRE PRIORY CASE
OUTER HOUSE THURSDAY, July 18. (Before Lord MACKENZIE.)
A note of suspension and interdict for the Right Honourable Charles Lord Blantyre, heritable proprietor, and the Right Hon. the Earl of Home. lessee of the lands and farms of Craigknowe, in the parish of Blantyre, against John Edgar Poynter. drysalter, Clydeneuk, parish of Bothwell, was brought before Lord Mackenzie to-day, in the Bill Chamber. The note is as follows: That the complainers are under the necessity of applying to your Lordships for suspension and interdict against J. E. Poynter, the respondent, as will appear to your Lordships from the annexed statement of facts and note of plea in law, The complainers consider that in the whole circumstances of the case they'are entitled to have this note passed and interdict granted without caution but they are willing to find caution acted in your lordship's books for whatever damage or expenses the respondents may sustain, in case it shall be found by your Lordships that they are liable: for the same.
May it therefore please your Lordships to suspend the proceedings complained of, and to interdict, prohibit, and discharge the respondent from traversing the lands of Craigknowe, belonging to the complainer, Lord Blantyre, and held on lease by the complainer, the Earl of Home, or any part thereof, as also from crossing over or otherwise interfering with any fences upon or around the lands, or any part thereof, or to do otherwise in the premises as to your Lordships shall seem proper. Statement of facts for complainers.
When the case came on for hearing today no appearance was made for the respondent, and his Lordship therefore pronounced the following inter- locutor:- Edinburgh, 18th July, 1872.-To see and answer within ten days after intimation; In the meantime, grants interdict as craved, and to be intimated. Reserve as to caution.
The Glasgow Herald 19th June 1872
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Deaths - POYNTER. - At 167 Bath Street, Glasgow, on the 10th inst., John Edgar Poynter of Clydeneuk, manufacturing chemist, Glasgow and Greenock. Friends, will please accept this intimation.
The Glasgow Herald, 12th December 1889
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A WEALTHY GLASGOW AND GREENOCK CHEMIST. According to an inventory recorded yesterday in the books of the Sheriff-Clerk of Lanarkshire, the personal estate of the late Mr. John Edgar Poynter, manufacturing chemist, Glasgow and Greenock, who had residences at 167 Bath Street Glasgow and Clydeneuk, Uddingston, amount to £78,104 10s 10d.
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The Glasgow Herald, 28th August 1890