James Gillespie was a Scottish snuff manufacturer and tobacco merchant in Edinburgh in the 18th century. He ran a snuff-mill there, powered by the Water of Leith.
Background
James Gillespie was born in Roslin, Midlothian, south of Edinburgh, on 28 April 1726, into a family of modest means. James was one of three children. He had a sister and a brother John with whom he went into the tobacco and snuff business. The brothers were brought up in a strict branch of Presbyterianism and Cameronianism.
Career
James Gillespie became famous as a merchant. He went into the tobacco and snuff business working with his younger brother John, who ran the family shop. He had a snuff mill at Colinton employing many people, all of whom it is said were treated well.
Alongside running The Gillespie Tobacco Shop, the brothers also bought a snuff mill in the nearby town of Collinton and made some shrewd investments in the American tobacco industry before and during the War of Independence. The brothers led a life of thrift, avoiding ostentatiousness and pretentiousness.
James was frugal which together with the success of his snuff business gave him great wealth. By the end of his life, he became one of Edinburgh's richest men. When he died in 1797 he left a fortune of £12,000 with the request that a hospital and school for the poor should be built, now known as James Gillespie's High School.
Views
James Gillespie's favorite saying was "Waste not, want not."
Personality
Quotes from others about the person
"An Edinburgh character through and through, with an impressive nose fit for a snuff merchant."