William Kennedy

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Obituary

The Late Mr W. Kennedy, Broxburn

The death took place on Saturday, at Bridge of Allan, of Mr Willliam Kennedy, managing director of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited), at the age of sixty-three. Mr Kennedy was a native of Biggar and came to Glasgow in 1853. For nearly forty years he was closely identified with the Scottish mineral oil trade, and took a leading part in developing the resources of the industry in the trying experiences through which it passed. In 1861 he first became connected with the manufacture of mineral oil at the works of the West Calder Oil Company.

Seven years later he was appointed manager of the Oakbank Oil Company (Limited), and acted in that capacity until 1877, when he took an active part in the formation of the Broxburn Oil Company (Limited). For the last two-and-twenty years he has been managing director of that Company, and to his very high business capabilities is to be attributed much of the great success which has attended its operations. Mr Kennedy was also a director of the Niddrie and Benhar Coal Company (Limited), the Glenboig Union Fireclay Company (Limited), and the National Insurance Company of Great Britain (Limited) since these companies were formed. He was besides a J.P. For Linlithgowshire, and until he retired in April last, he represented one of the division of Broxburn in the County Council.

The Scotsman, 23rd May 1899