
IN MEMORIAM—DAVID ROBERTSON, 25 
‘*‘ All had advised me, as before stated, not to enter the medical 
profession, and all now advised me to abide by it. But my 
determination was fixed, and nothing would now induce me to 
become a medical man. . 
“JT had set my mind on having a small shop in the same line 
as that in which my betrothed was already employed. She could 
manage it, and I would continue in my present employment, which 
would now have all my time, and I should have more wages, 
which would enable me to keep the house, leaving the profits of 
the shop to pay rent and improve stock. A shop and upper flat for 
dwelling-house were taken on the west side of Jail Square, at a 
rent of twenty-five pounds a year. I was free of debt, but my 
whole stock of cash was only seven pounds, to marry, to furnish 
my house, and stock my shop. Still I did not despair. I had 
had a good lesson in economy, and I had no pride to sustain, and 
I had confidence in our combined energies.” 
- The resolution at which he had thus arrived was speedily carried 
into effect. His slender capital was expended in stocking the shop 
with a cheap and useful class of earthenware goods, while during 
his spare time he painted and lettered the outside of the shop. 
The household furniture was supplied by Miss Douglas’s friends. 
Everything being now arranged, the marriage took place in the 
year 1837. 
Even in his less prosperous days, Mr. Robertson had always 
acted on the principle of keeping free from debt, and this principle 
was consistently followed throughout his business life. Early in the 
morning he attended at the potteries and selected the goods 
required for the shop. As novelties were occasionally asked for, 
these were judiciously added to the stock. ‘Trade handbills were 
produced by him with the aid of a small printing-press lent to him 
by his father-in-law ; these were distributed over the south side 
of the city, and led to a great increase in business. His wife’s 
sister, Miss Grace Douglas, had married Mr. Daniel M‘Dougall, 
and she and her husband had taken over Mr. Douglas’s china and 
earthenware shop in Jail Square, next door to the Robertsons’ 
establishment. A friendly rivalry was carried on for some time, 
but at length the houses were united under the firm of Robertson 
& M‘Dougall. Soon after this union was effected, Mr. Robertson 
paid his first visit to the Staffordshire potteries, with the view of 
