David Melville
One of a number of monuments that indicate esteem from work-mates/employees for the deceased. See also Harris, Lyon, MacGregor, Whitwell.
Would this happen in the 21st century?
Where is the grave?
It is a large square plinth, immediately behind the Crematorium. The scroll from his work-mates is at the foot.
The stone records his wife, who died aged 39, and several of their children.
The Evening Mail of Saturday 30th January 1904We deeply regret to record the death of Mr David Scott Melville, manager of the Barrow Jute Works, which occurred at his residence, Duke-street, on Tuesday after a lingering illness. Mr Melville took to his bed in May of last year, when he went through a painful operation, and has never since been able to resume his duties. He came to Barrow on the 1st January 1878, as Manager of the Barrow Flax and Jute Works, having previously been connected with the Baltic Jute Works at Glasgow. He remained in this position with the Barrow Company until the works were taken over by the late Mr. T. Briggs of Manchester, and then served in the same capacity under Mr Briggs, and in later years under the Barrow and Calcutta Jute Co. Ltd., the present owner of the works.
Mr Melville was of a retiring disposition, but when the Corporation took over the Barrow School of Art he was appointed as one of the outside representatives of that institution, and held office for a few years. He was one of the Managers of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, but owing to ill-health, ultimately resigned from this post.
Mr Melville, who was 65 years of age, leaves a family of three sons and three daughters, with whom the greatest sympathy is felt. Mrs Melville died in Barrow in 1880. The interment took place at the Barrow Cemetery on Friday in the presence of a large gathering of friends and employees of the Jute Works (which was closed for the greater part of the day) who had followed the remains to their last resting place. The chief mourners were the deceased gentleman’s three sons, Mr David Melville of Tsolo, South Africa, Mr. W. Melville and Mr. Jas. Melville. Amongst others present were the elders, managers and members of the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Mr. R. F. Miller, representing the interests of the late Mr. T. Briggs. The coffin was borne to the grave by officials from the Jute Works and the funeral service was impressively conducted by Mr. George Paterson, formerly of Barrow. (There follows a list of floral tributes & the donors).
