Alexander Whitelaw

Alexander Whitelaw (1823 – 1879) was a Scottish ironmaster and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Glasgow from 1874 until his death in 1879.

**Early Life and Education**

Whitelaw was born in 1823 at Drumpark in Monklands, Scotland. His educational background includes attendance at Grange School in Sunderland. Additionally, he undertook some studies related to mining.

**Family and Marriage**

In 1846, Alexander Whitelaw married Barbara Forbes Lockhart of Cambusnethan. This marriage established a familial connection to the Baird family, who were prominent manufacturers.

**Business Career**

Whitelaw became a managing partner in William Baird & Co., an iron smelting firm founded by the Baird family. The Baird family had acquired the Gartsherrie coal fields in 1826 and built a mansion and estate there in 1834, which became associated with Whitelaw through his marriage.

**Philanthropy and Education**

Whitelaw was involved in various philanthropic activities. He provided endowments to churches and educational institutions. Notably, he contributed to the founding of Gartsherrie Academy. During the 1863–1864 academic session, he served as Vice President of the Academy. His interest in education extended to public institutions, leading him to become Chairman of the Glasgow School Board in 1873.

**Public Life and Personal Traits**

In a satirical cartoon, Whitelaw is depicted as having administered a thrashing to John Page Hopps, a fellow member of the Glasgow School Board, illustrating some of the conflicts within his public duties.

**Sports and Other Interests**

In 1863, Whitelaw is recorded as being the President of the Coatbridge Cricket Club, according to the "Curler's Annual."

**Political Career**

A member of the Conservative Party, Whitelaw was elected as MP for Glasgow in 1874. He held this parliamentary seat until his death in 1879.

**Family in Politics**

His second son, Graeme Whitelaw, served as MP for North West Lanarkshire. His third son, William Whitelaw, was MP for Perth.

**References and External Links**

Further information on Alexander Whitelaw’s contributions in Parliament can be found through the Hansard archives covering the period from 1803 to 2005.