Matthew Fowlds

Matthew Fowlds of Fenwick was the last hand loom  weaver in this area. He left school at the age of 11 and became a herd boy. Soon after this he was apprenticed to a weaver, becoming a journeyman in 1826 which entitled him to full membership of the Weavers' Society (1761-1873). This society has an important place in Scottish history. It was the first co-operative movement in the world, buying tools, equipment and food in bulk in order to provide less expensive provisions for its members. 

Fowlds was an avid reader of classical literature, intelligent and well informed, with strong convictions and fixed principles. He was an elder of the Secession Church for over 50 years. In 1846 he married Agnes Craig and they lived, and brought up their family, in a little cottage (Greystone Knowe). Half of this was used for living and half for weaving. 

One of their sons, George, settled in New Zealand and opened a small drapers shop. This quickly developed, enabling him to concentrate on politics. He was on the left wing of the Liberal Party, presumably having acquired his strong feelings for what he believed to be right from his father. When speaking at his father's centenary celebrations, which had around 300 guests, he commented: 

"If there is one thing I prize more highly than another as a heritage from my father, it is his fearless advocacy of everything he believed to be right … no pecuniary disadvantages ever deterred him from saying what he thought. There is nothing I prize more than a little of that character and spirit". 

The 100th birthday celebrations also included a cablegram of "heartfelt congratulations and good wishes" from Richard John Seddon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.