Edwin M. Bailey
Newspaper References
GOSPEL TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION
The meeting of the Association was held on Wednesday, when an address was given by Mr Edwin Bailey, chemist, Pumpherston. Two solos, entitled "Peace, Be Still," and "Beyond," were rendered by Mr George Stirling, Uphall...
Midlothian Advertiser, 8 December 1906
The Late Edwin Bailey
By the death in Edinburgh of Thursday last of Edwin Bailey at the ripe age of 86, Scotland, and particularly the Lothians, has lost one of her true pioneers and "key men - who almost silently and without any fuss or blowing of trumpets helped. by high intelligence, perseverance and integrity, to lay the foundations and consolidate that remarkable phenomenon which developed into what is now known as the shale-oil industry. The youngest son of a banker in Ardrossan, of which he was proud to be a native. he studied in Glasgow, and at an early age qualified as an analytical chemist, and entered the service of the Pumpherston Oil Company and was for upwards of 40 years head chemist at Pumpherston and latterly of Scottish Oils Ltd. at Uphall up till the time of his retirement. about 16 years ago. Mr Bailey , who was an early widower, spent the last years of his life in a congenial abode in Edinburgh , where the sound of his gentle voice will be sorely missed but always remembered.
Small in stature and very alert, Mr Bailey in his day was a familiar figure in the Calders' District and Livingston, and many now adults are proud to remember the gentle tap on the head and the penny or sixpence slipped into their hands as children by the one and only Mr Bailey. A life-long teetotaller and non-smoker, he rendered valuable service to the Temperance cause. and as a young man he mastered the art of conjuring for the prime purpose of attracting and entertaining children at Bands of Hope, and similar gatherings of children and young people. One outstanding quality was his passionate love of animals. especially dogs and cats, and in the Stockbridge district of Edinburgh he might often be seen stroking and hand feeding any of the last remaining van-horses passing along the streets. Occasionally a stray duck or a vagrant swan on the Water of Leith were the fortunate recipients of his bounty.
A sound Radical in politics. his idols were Gladstone and Campbell-Bannerman. Withal he was a true Christian gentleman. benevolent and kind and an upholder of and generous contributor to, all good causes. All who every knew him will assuredly treasure every recollection as something quite unique in their lives, for they may not see his like again. W.M.M.
West Lothian Courier, 5th June 1953