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- James Cleland (227), L.L.D., of Southcroft, was born in Glasgow, 28th January, 1770, and died on 14th October, 1840, aged 70 years. In a biographical notice of him by his grandson, James Cleland Burns, in 1877, it is stated that his forefathers lived in New Monkland ; and a footnote infers that they were descended from the Clelands of Monkland.
In 1800 he became a member of the Town Council; in 1806 a Bailie of Glasgow; in 1812, Treasurer to the City; and from 1814 to 1834 Superintendent of Public Works. On his retirement, in 1834, " the leading merchants resolved that a subscription should be immediately instituted with the view of presenting him with some tangible mark of the esteem in which his ' unwearied and gratuitous statistical labours ' were held by the community." A sum of £4,600 was raised, " which the Committee resolved should be expended on the erection of a productive building in a suitable part of the town, and to be designated ' The Cleland Testimonial.' The site chosen was in Buchanan Street, and the pile, which is ornate and substantial, was, on its completion, given over to the distinguished statist, to be handed down as an honoured heirloom in his family." The building may still be seen, with its name inscribed above it, at the corner of Buchanan Street, Glasgow. It has recently been sold, and the proceeds distributed amongst the descendants of James Cleland. " Dr. Cleland was the first to construct statistical tables, by which reliable data is afforded of determining the probable average duration of life, both in towns and counties." As an analyst and statistician he published many works (a list of which appears at the end of this work under " Bibliotheca Clelandica "), indicating great trouble and care in their compilation and endless research.
"Cleland Gold Medal.— Dr. James Cleland, Superintendent of Public Works in Glasgow, who died 14th October, 1840, founded a Gold Medal of the value of Ten Guineas, to be bestowed in alternate years on a student of Divinity and a student of Natural Philosophy, as a prize for the best essay onany subject to be prescribed by the Principal and Professors of the University." (University Calendar.)
He married, firstly, Margaret Rodger, in 1792, secondly,Mary Stewart, in 1811, and had issue by both marriages.
A reproduction of his portrait by William Ross is available online from the website 'The Glasgow Story' (www.theglasgowstory.com)
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1770 - 14 October1840