Gibson & Clark

Gibson & Clark, Corn Factors and Shipowners, 81, Waterloo Street .—

    The well-known and influential house named above was founded in Glasgow about forty-three years ago, by Mr. Robert Gibson and Mr. George Wilson Clark, who commenced operations as corn factors in Union Street, removed subsequently to Hope Street, later on still to Oswald Street, and eventually entered into occupation of the present premises about eleven years ago. Mr. Robert Gibson retired in 1864, and the business was then carried on for some time by Mr. Clark alone, the original title being however retained. About fifteen years ago Mr. Wilson, who had been for many years cashier to the house, became a partner ; twelve years ago Mr. McDonald, who had been in the employment of the firm for upwards of thirty years, was also admitted to a partnership ; and two years later Mr. D. R. Clark, Mr. Clark’s son, joined the firm, the personnel of which now includes these four gentlemen, who trade under the old name and style of Gibson & Clark.

    The business is that of general corn factors, and embraces the extensive importation of all kinds of American grain, and also of barley, wheat, and maize from  the Black  Sea and elsewhere. A very large volume of trade is transacted in this way, and the house is one of the best known and most highly reputed in the Glasgow market. In addition to the offices in Waterloo Street a large grain warehouse of six flats is controlled in James Watt Street, and a numerous staff of hands is employed.

    Mr. George Wilson Clark, the senior partner, is a gentleman of eminent standing and repute in public circles in the city. He is a justice of the peace for the county of Lanark, and was for five years a member of the Town Council, but retired owing to the requirements of his private business. He has been for fifteen years a member of the Clyde Navigation Trust, in which trust he occupied for seven years the position of chairman of the Works Committee, and for four years was chairman of the Finance Committee, and is now deputy chairman of the Committee of Management. He is besides a director of the State Line of steamers, and chairman of the London and Glasgow Engineering and Shipbuilding Company.

    The firm have lately added to their extensive corn business that of shipowners, and the management of large sailing ships of the newest type is directly under the charge of Mr. David R. Clark.

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