Current profile
Replacement profile1[[Category:Glasgow Name Study]]
Current profile
Replacement profile2<!-- REVIEWED FULL REPLACEMENT: 4 October 2026, current biography preserved; sourced Castledawson call/ordination sentence corrected. -->
Current profile1== Biography ==
Replacement profile3== Biography ==
Current profile2
Replacement profile
Current profile3=== Early life and family ===
Replacement profile4=== Early life and family ===
Current profile4
Replacement profile5
Current profile5James was born in 1805 near Clough, County Antrim. He was the son of [[Glasgow-1657|John Glasgow]] and [[McClure-6341|Jane McClure]].
Replacement profile6James was born in 1805 near Clough, County Antrim. He was the son of [[Glasgow-1657|John Glasgow]] and [[McClure-6341|Jane McClure]].
Current profile6
Replacement profile7
Current profile7His attached siblings are:
Replacement profile8His attached siblings are:
Current profile8
Replacement profile9
Current profile9* [[Glasgow-1779|Jane Glasgow]], who married Armstrong;
Replacement profile10* [[Glasgow-1779|Jane Glasgow]], who married Armstrong;
Current profile10* [[Glasgow-1778|William Glasgow]];
Replacement profile11* [[Glasgow-1778|William Glasgow]];
Current profile11* [[Glasgow-1656|Robert Glasgow]];
Replacement profile12* [[Glasgow-1656|Robert Glasgow]];
Current profile12* [[Glasgow-1781|Adam Dickie Glasgow]].
Replacement profile13* [[Glasgow-1781|Adam Dickie Glasgow]].
Current profile13
Replacement profile14
Current profile14James’s missionary journal provides direct, first-person evidence that Adam Dickie Glasgow and Robert Glasgow were his brothers. He repeatedly wrote of “my brother Adam”, described Adam’s move from Belfast to New Zealand, and recorded receiving an encouraging letter from “my brother Robert in Victoria”.<ref name="MissionaryJournal">[https://revjamesmcclureglasgow.blogspot.com/ James McClure Glasgow missionary journal, 1857–1862], first-person journal in which James repeatedly identifies Adam Dickie Glasgow and Robert Glasgow of Victoria as his brothers (accessed 17 July 2026).</ref>
Replacement profile15James’s missionary journal provides direct, first-person evidence that Adam Dickie Glasgow and Robert Glasgow were his brothers. He repeatedly wrote of “my brother Adam”, described Adam’s move from Belfast to New Zealand, and recorded receiving an encouraging letter from “my brother Robert in Victoria”.<ref name="MissionaryJournal">[https://revjamesmcclureglasgow.blogspot.com/ James McClure Glasgow missionary journal, 1857–1862], first-person journal in which James repeatedly identifies Adam Dickie Glasgow and Robert Glasgow of Victoria as his brothers (accessed 17 July 2026).</ref>
Current profile15
Replacement profile16
Current profile16=== Education ===
Replacement profile17=== Education ===
Current profile17
Replacement profile18
Current profile18James was educated at Ballymena Grammar School, at the academy of the Rev. John Paul, D.D., in Carrickfergus, and at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, where he gained medals in mathematics and natural philosophy.
Replacement profile19James was educated at Ballymena Grammar School, at the academy of the Rev. John Paul, D.D., in Carrickfergus, and at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, where he gained medals in mathematics and natural philosophy.
Current profile19
Replacement profile20
Current profile20=== Presbyterian ministry ===
Replacement profile21=== Presbyterian ministry ===
Current profile21
Replacement profile22
Current profile22James was licensed as a probationer by the Presbytery of Belfast on 14 December 1834. He was called to the Presbyterian congregation of Castledawson on 6 October 1835.
Replacement profile23James was licensed as a probationer by the Presbytery of Belfast on 14 December 1834. His unanimous call to the Presbyterian congregation of Castledawson had been reported by 10 July 1835; the exact call date is unstated.<ref name="CastledawsonCall1835">[https://www.newspapers.com/image/390571333/ Belfast News-Letter, 10 July 1835, p.2], original report of the unanimous call, inspected 4 October 2026.</ref> He was ordained to its pastoral charge on 6 October 1835.<ref name="CastledawsonOrdination1835">[https://www.newspapers.com/image/390573717/ Belfast News-Letter, 16 October 1835, p.2], original ordination report stating Tuesday 6 October, inspected 4 October 2026.</ref>
Current profile23
Replacement profile24
Current profile24On 10 July 1840 the Synod of Ulster and the Associate Synod united to form the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The first act of the first General Assembly was the “setting apart of two missionaries, for the first time, to carry the light of God’s truth to heathen lands”.
Replacement profile25On 10 July 1840 the Synod of Ulster and the Associate Synod united to form the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. The first act of the first General Assembly was the “setting apart of two missionaries, for the first time, to carry the light of God’s truth to heathen lands”.
Current profile25
Replacement profile26
Current profile26James accepted the call to missionary service.
Replacement profile27James accepted the call to missionary service.
Current profile27
Replacement profile28
Current profile28=== Marriage and departure for India ===
Replacement profile29=== Marriage and departure for India ===
Current profile29
Replacement profile30
Current profile30On 27 June 1840 James married [[Wightman-3457|Mary Wightman]] at Fisherwick Place Presbyterian Church, Belfast.
Replacement profile31On 27 June 1840 James married [[Wightman-3457|Mary Wightman]] at Fisherwick Place Presbyterian Church, Belfast.
Current profile31
Replacement profile32
Current profile32The ceremony took place at one o’clock. Afterwards, James and Mary proceeded on a visit to the Rev. Alexander Crawford of Randalstown, little knowing that Crawford’s ninth child would subsequently marry the Glasgows’ fourth daughter.
Replacement profile33The ceremony took place at one o’clock. Afterwards, James and Mary proceeded on a visit to the Rev. Alexander Crawford of Randalstown, little knowing that Crawford’s ninth child would subsequently marry the Glasgows’ fourth daughter.
Current profile33
Replacement profile34
Current profile34On 29 August 1840 James boarded the ''Athlone'', bound for Liverpool.
Replacement profile35On 29 August 1840 James boarded the ''Athlone'', bound for Liverpool.
Current profile35
Replacement profile36
Current profile36On 4 September 1840 James and Mary sailed from Liverpool aboard the ''Wave'', accompanied by the Rev. Alexander Kerr and his new wife. They arrived in Bombay on 26 February 1841.
Replacement profile37On 4 September 1840 James and Mary sailed from Liverpool aboard the ''Wave'', accompanied by the Rev. Alexander Kerr and his new wife. They arrived in Bombay on 26 February 1841.
Current profile37
Replacement profile38
Current profile38During the voyage Mary suffered from severe seasickness, possibly because she was pregnant. When the ship was becalmed in the Indian Ocean, James taught his wife calculus to help pass the time.
Replacement profile39During the voyage Mary suffered from severe seasickness, possibly because she was pregnant. When the ship was becalmed in the Indian Ocean, James taught his wife calculus to help pass the time.
Current profile39
Replacement profile40
Current profile40=== Missionary work in Gujarat ===
Replacement profile41=== Missionary work in Gujarat ===
Current profile41
Replacement profile42
Current profile42The Glasgows and the Kerrs remained in Bombay for almost three months.
Replacement profile43The Glasgows and the Kerrs remained in Bombay for almost three months.
Current profile43
Replacement profile44
Current profile44James and Mary’s first daughter, [[Glasgow-2898|Margaret Jane Glasgow]], was born there on 16 March 1841.
Replacement profile45James and Mary’s first daughter, [[Glasgow-2898|Margaret Jane Glasgow]], was born there on 16 March 1841.
Current profile45
Replacement profile46
Current profile46The two missionary families then sailed to Gogha and travelled onward to Rajkot in Gujarat, arriving on 3 June 1841.
Replacement profile47The two missionary families then sailed to Gogha and travelled onward to Rajkot in Gujarat, arriving on 3 June 1841.
Current profile47
Replacement profile48
Current profile48Margaret Jane died on 11 June 1841 and was buried in the Anglican cemetery at Rajkot.
Replacement profile49Margaret Jane died on 11 June 1841 and was buried in the Anglican cemetery at Rajkot.
Current profile49
Replacement profile50
Current profile50James spent the following eleven years in Rajkot and the surrounding parts of Gujarat, establishing missionary outposts and translating religious tracts into Gujarati.
Replacement profile51James spent the following eleven years in Rajkot and the surrounding parts of Gujarat, establishing missionary outposts and translating religious tracts into Gujarati.
Current profile51
Replacement profile52
Current profile52A second daughter, [[Glasgow-2899|Jane Henrie Glasgow]], was born in India. She died on 14 April 1845, aged only three months, and was also buried in the Anglican cemetery at Rajkot.
Replacement profile53A second daughter, [[Glasgow-2899|Jane Henrie Glasgow]], was born in India. She died on 14 April 1845, aged only three months, and was also buried in the Anglican cemetery at Rajkot.
Current profile53
Replacement profile54
Current profile54A third daughter, [[Glasgow-2900|Mary Elizabeth Glasgow]], was born in 1845. A fourth daughter, [[Glasgow-2901|Annie Coulson Glasgow]], was born in 1848.
Replacement profile55A third daughter, [[Glasgow-2900|Mary Elizabeth Glasgow]], was born in 1845. A fourth daughter, [[Glasgow-2901|Annie Coulson Glasgow]], was born in 1848.
Current profile55
Replacement profile56
Current profile56In 1851 the Glasgow family returned to Ulster on furlough, where their fifth daughter, [[Glasgow-2894|Harriet Glasgow]], was born.
Replacement profile57In 1851 the Glasgow family returned to Ulster on furlough, where their fifth daughter, [[Glasgow-2894|Harriet Glasgow]], was born.
Current profile57
Replacement profile58
Current profile58James returned alone to India in 1854 and continued his missionary work there for a further ten years.
Replacement profile59James returned alone to India in 1854 and continued his missionary work there for a further ten years.
Current profile59
Replacement profile60
Current profile60Princeton University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1856.
Replacement profile61Princeton University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1856.
Current profile61
Replacement profile62
Current profile62Many references to James remain in Gujarat, where churches, schools and homes have been named after him.
Replacement profile63Many references to James remain in Gujarat, where churches, schools and homes have been named after him.
Current profile63
Replacement profile64
Current profile64=== Family correspondence ===
Replacement profile65=== Family correspondence ===
Current profile65
Replacement profile66
Current profile66James’s journal records that on 30 June 1858 he learned that his mother had died on 21 May 1858.<ref name="MissionaryJournal" />
Replacement profile67James’s journal records that on 30 June 1858 he learned that his mother had died on 21 May 1858.<ref name="MissionaryJournal" />
Current profile67
Replacement profile68
Current profile68The entry does not state her name. The date matches the known chronology of the attached Jane McClure, but an independent identity source should be found before adding 21 May 1858 to her profile as a proved death date.
Replacement profile69The entry does not state her name. The date matches the known chronology of the attached Jane McClure, but an independent identity source should be found before adding 21 May 1858 to her profile as a proved death date.
Current profile69
Replacement profile70
Current profile70=== Academic career ===
Replacement profile71=== Academic career ===
Current profile71
Replacement profile72
Current profile72After returning to Belfast in 1864, James was appointed Professor of Living Oriental Languages at both Magee College, Londonderry, and Assembly’s College, Belfast.
Replacement profile73After returning to Belfast in 1864, James was appointed Professor of Living Oriental Languages at both Magee College, Londonderry, and Assembly’s College, Belfast.
Current profile73
Replacement profile74
Current profile74His towering intellect and profound scholarship were combined with an almost child-like simplicity and straightforwardness of character.
Replacement profile75His towering intellect and profound scholarship were combined with an almost child-like simplicity and straightforwardness of character.
Current profile75
Replacement profile76
Current profile76He also served as a government examiner in Gujarati for the Indian Civil Service.
Replacement profile77He also served as a government examiner in Gujarati for the Indian Civil Service.
Current profile77
Replacement profile78
Current profile78In 1869 James was elected a member of the Belfast Literary Society. In 1872 he was elected its president.
Replacement profile79In 1869 James was elected a member of the Belfast Literary Society. In 1872 he was elected its president.
Current profile79
Replacement profile80
Current profile80=== Publications and translations ===
Replacement profile81=== Publications and translations ===
Current profile81
Replacement profile82
Current profile82James’s publications included:
Replacement profile83James’s publications included:
Current profile83
Replacement profile84
Current profile84* ''The Psalms of David, Translated into Gujarati Verse, for the Use of Native Churches and Families'' (Surat Mission Press, 1856);
Replacement profile85* ''The Psalms of David, Translated into Gujarati Verse, for the Use of Native Churches and Families'' (Surat Mission Press, 1856);
Current profile85* ''The Apocalypse—Translated & Expounded'' (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1873).
Replacement profile86* ''The Apocalypse—Translated & Expounded'' (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1873).
Current profile86
Replacement profile87
Current profile87He also translated Dr. Robert Stewart’s ''Family Worship'' and the Bible into Gujarati, together with many other writings in both English and Gujarati.
Replacement profile88He also translated Dr. Robert Stewart’s ''Family Worship'' and the Bible into Gujarati, together with many other writings in both English and Gujarati.
Current profile88
Replacement profile89
Current profile89=== Children ===
Replacement profile90=== Children ===
Current profile90
Replacement profile91
Current profile91James and Mary had five daughters, three of whom survived into adulthood:
Replacement profile92James and Mary had five daughters, three of whom survived into adulthood:
Current profile92
Replacement profile93
Current profile93* [[Glasgow-2898|Margaret Jane Glasgow]], born in Bombay on 16 March 1841; died at Rajkot on 11 June 1841 and was buried in the Anglican cemetery there;
Replacement profile94* [[Glasgow-2898|Margaret Jane Glasgow]], born in Bombay on 16 March 1841; died at Rajkot on 11 June 1841 and was buried in the Anglican cemetery there;
Current profile94* [[Glasgow-2899|Jane Henrie Glasgow]], who died on 14 April 1845 aged three months and was buried in the Anglican cemetery at Rajkot;
Replacement profile95* [[Glasgow-2899|Jane Henrie Glasgow]], who died on 14 April 1845 aged three months and was buried in the Anglican cemetery at Rajkot;
Current profile95* [[Glasgow-2900|Mary Elizabeth Glasgow]], known as “Minnie”, born in 1845; she never married and died in 1874;
Replacement profile96* [[Glasgow-2900|Mary Elizabeth Glasgow]], known as “Minnie”, born in 1845; she never married and died in 1874;
Current profile96* [[Glasgow-2901|Annie Coulson Glasgow]], born in 1848; she married William Crawford;
Replacement profile97* [[Glasgow-2901|Annie Coulson Glasgow]], born in 1848; she married William Crawford;
Current profile97* [[Glasgow-2894|Harriet Glasgow]], born in Ulster in 1851; she married John Acheson.
Replacement profile98* [[Glasgow-2894|Harriet Glasgow]], born in Ulster in 1851; she married John Acheson.
Current profile98
Replacement profile99
Current profile99Annie’s husband, William Crawford, was the ninth child of the Rev. Alexander Crawford of Randalstown. He later became managing director of the York Street Flax Spinning Company and chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. He was subsequently knighted.
Replacement profile100Annie’s husband, William Crawford, was the ninth child of the Rev. Alexander Crawford of Randalstown. He later became managing director of the York Street Flax Spinning Company and chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. He was subsequently knighted.
Current profile100
Replacement profile101
Current profile101Harriet’s husband, John Acheson, was also a linen manufacturer and was proprietor of the Bannview Weaving Factory at Portadown.
Replacement profile102Harriet’s husband, John Acheson, was also a linen manufacturer and was proprietor of the Bannview Weaving Factory at Portadown.
Current profile102
Replacement profile103
Current profile103=== Later life ===
Replacement profile104=== Later life ===
Current profile104
Replacement profile105
Current profile105In Belfast, James and Mary lived at number 82 University Street, now numbered 86.
Replacement profile106In Belfast, James and Mary lived at number 82 University Street, now numbered 86.
Current profile106
Replacement profile107
Current profile107In 1878 they moved to Portadown to be near their daughter Harriet and son-in-law John Acheson.
Replacement profile108In 1878 they moved to Portadown to be near their daughter Harriet and son-in-law John Acheson.
Current profile108
Replacement profile109
Current profile109Mary died on 19 February 1885.
Replacement profile110Mary died on 19 February 1885.
Current profile110
Replacement profile111
Current profile111James retired from his professorial posts in 1889.
Replacement profile112James retired from his professorial posts in 1889.
Current profile112
Replacement profile113
Current profile113=== Death and burial ===
Replacement profile114=== Death and burial ===
Current profile114
Replacement profile115
Current profile115James died on 30 June 1890 at Dunavon, Portadown.
Replacement profile116James died on 30 June 1890 at Dunavon, Portadown.
Current profile116
Replacement profile117
Current profile117His civil death registration described him as an 85-year-old widower, Presbyterian minister and Doctor of Divinity. His son-in-law John Acheson was present at the death.<ref name="JamesDeath">[https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1890/06100/4740942.pdf General Register Office, Ireland, civil death registration], Lurgan registration district, death of James Glasgow at Dunavon, Portadown, 30 June 1890; John Acheson, son-in-law, present at death.</ref>
Replacement profile118His civil death registration described him as an 85-year-old widower, Presbyterian minister and Doctor of Divinity. His son-in-law John Acheson was present at the death.<ref name="JamesDeath">[https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1890/06100/4740942.pdf General Register Office, Ireland, civil death registration], Lurgan registration district, death of James Glasgow at Dunavon, Portadown, 30 June 1890; John Acheson, son-in-law, present at death.</ref>
Current profile118
Replacement profile119
Current profile119James and Mary were buried with their daughter Minnie in Balmoral Cemetery.
Replacement profile120James and Mary were buried with their daughter Minnie in Balmoral Cemetery.
Current profile120
Replacement profile121
Current profile121== Research Notes ==
Replacement profile122== Research Notes ==
Current profile122
Replacement profile
Current profile123=== Brothers ===
Replacement profile123=== Brothers ===
Current profile124
Replacement profile124
Current profile125James’s missionary journal is direct, first-person evidence that [[Glasgow-1781|Adam Dickie Glasgow]] and [[Glasgow-1656|Robert Glasgow]] of Victoria were his brothers.
Replacement profile125James’s missionary journal is direct, first-person evidence that [[Glasgow-1781|Adam Dickie Glasgow]] and [[Glasgow-1656|Robert Glasgow]] of Victoria were his brothers.
Current profile126
Replacement profile126
Current profile127Those two sibling relationships may therefore be treated as certain.
Replacement profile127Those two sibling relationships may therefore be treated as certain.
Current profile128
Replacement profile128
Current profile129The journal evidence reviewed so far does not directly discuss [[Glasgow-1779|Jane Glasgow]] or [[Glasgow-1778|William Glasgow]]. Their attached relationships should continue to rely on the sources already held on their respective profiles.
Replacement profile129The journal evidence reviewed so far does not directly discuss [[Glasgow-1779|Jane Glasgow]] or [[Glasgow-1778|William Glasgow]]. Their attached relationships should continue to rely on the sources already held on their respective profiles.
Current profile130
Replacement profile130
Current profile131=== Mother’s death ===
Replacement profile131=== Mother’s death ===
Current profile132
Replacement profile132
Current profile133The journal entry dated 30 June 1858 states that James had learned that day of his mother’s death on 21 May 1858.
Replacement profile133The journal entry dated 30 June 1858 states that James had learned that day of his mother’s death on 21 May 1858.
Current profile134
Replacement profile134
Current profile135The entry does not identify his mother by name. Although the date matches the chronology of [[McClure-6341|Jane McClure]], an independent source connecting the date specifically to her should be found before treating it as proved on her profile.
Replacement profile135The entry does not identify his mother by name. Although the date matches the chronology of [[McClure-6341|Jane McClure]], an independent source connecting the date specifically to her should be found before treating it as proved on her profile.
Current profile136
Replacement profile136
Current profile137=== Further research ===
Replacement profile137=== Further research ===
Current profile138
Replacement profile138
Current profile139Useful further sources may include:
Replacement profile139Useful further sources may include:
Current profile140
Replacement profile140
Current profile141* the original baptismal or church record for James;
Replacement profile141* the original baptismal or church record for James;
Current profile142* records directly identifying all children of [[Glasgow-1657|John Glasgow]] and [[McClure-6341|Jane McClure]];
Replacement profile142* records directly identifying all children of [[Glasgow-1657|John Glasgow]] and [[McClure-6341|Jane McClure]];
Current profile143* immigration or death records for [[Glasgow-1781|Adam Dickie Glasgow]] in New Zealand;
Replacement profile143* immigration or death records for [[Glasgow-1781|Adam Dickie Glasgow]] in New Zealand;
Current profile144* Australian records concerning [[Glasgow-1656|Robert Glasgow]] in Victoria;
Replacement profile144* Australian records concerning [[Glasgow-1656|Robert Glasgow]] in Victoria;
Current profile145* an independent death notice, civil record or burial record for Jane McClure;
Replacement profile145* an independent death notice, civil record or burial record for Jane McClure;
Current profile146* original Presbyterian mission records concerning James’s appointments and service.
Replacement profile146* original Presbyterian mission records concerning James’s appointments and service.
Current profile147
Replacement profile147
Current profile148The death of James Glasgow was registered on 30 June 1890 in Lurgan, aged 85.<ref>[https://geni.nidirect.gov.uk/search/death GRONI civil death index], James Glasgow, 30 June 1890, aged 85, Lurgan registration district, D/1890/176/1021/16/104.</ref>
Replacement profile148The death of James Glasgow was registered on 30 June 1890 in Lurgan, aged 85.<ref>[https://geni.nidirect.gov.uk/search/death GRONI civil death index], James Glasgow, 30 June 1890, aged 85, Lurgan registration district, D/1890/176/1021/16/104.</ref>
Current profile149
Replacement profile149
Current profile150== Sources ==
Replacement profile150== Sources ==
Current profile151
Replacement profile
Current profile152<references />
Replacement profile151<references />
Current profile153
Replacement profile152
Current profile154* Northern Ireland Dictionary of Biography.
Replacement profile153* Northern Ireland Dictionary of Biography.
Current profile155* Family source — Rachael Jeffers.
Replacement profile154* Family source — Rachael Jeffers.
Current profile156* [https://www.newulsterbiography.co.uk/index.php/home/viewPerson/2198 “Rev. Dr. James McClure Glasgow (1805–1890)”], ''The Dictionary of Ulster Biography''.
Replacement profile155* [https://www.newulsterbiography.co.uk/index.php/home/viewPerson/2198 “Rev. Dr. James McClure Glasgow (1805–1890)”], ''The Dictionary of Ulster Biography''.