William Gillies, Provost of Maxwelltown, 1853 - 1859

William Gillies is the first name engraved on the Provost's Chain of Office, Town Council of the Burgh of Maxwelltown.   William and his son John Lawson Gillies established a sawmill on the north end of Glasgow Street.  The 1852 Pigot and Slater Trade Directory records "Wm Gillies & Son, Timber Merchants".   John Lawson Gillies followed his father, and was Provost of Maxwelltown between 1866 and 84.