Colquhoun, Lawmont and Leitch

These three grave markers stand together in the Duncan Street Cemetery in Greenock.  Two of them relate people I have already written about in this blog (more below).   The middle mural marks the burial place of John Colquhoun (1774-1817), surgeon in Greenock and his wife Susan Campbell (1776-1836).

The wording on the stone reads -

Here are deposited the remains of John Colquhoun late Physician in Greenock who died the 11 of March 1817 in his 43^rd year.  Also the remains of Susan Campbell his Spouse who died 2^nd November 1836 aged 60.

Dr John Colquhoun (1774-1817) was the son of another Greenock physician, David Colquhoun (died 1807) and his wife Cathcart Anderson (1741-1795).  There is some interesting correspondence from Dr Colquhoun senior to Dr Cullen regarding a patient of his - a Mr Campbell.  From the symptoms he describes, I hope that he was not referring to his son's father in law!  

John Colquhoun and Susan Campbell were married in Greenock in 1803.  Susan was the daughter of Alexander Campbell of Ballochyle (near Dunoon) and his wife Mary.  The couple did not have any children.  John Colquhoun is elsewhere referred to as "of Torr" which could refer to an area around Rhu in Dumbartonshire an area associated with the name Colquhoun.

John's sister, Ann Colquhoun who died in 1816 is commemorated on the mural to the left of her brothers.  Susan's sister Mary Campbell who died in 1840 is also remembered here.  However it is the middle name on the mural which I find most interesting - that of John Lawmont, surgeon who died in 1821.  Lawmont practiced in Greenock for a few years after leaving the Royal Navy and being imprisoned in France.  His is a fascinating story and you can read about it in my previous blog post - Surgeon in the Dungeon.

The wording on the stone reads -

Interred here James Leitch Esq Merchant, Died 7^th December 1845 aged 66 years.  Also interred here Helen Colquhoun relict of the said James Leitch Esq who died 21^st March 1855 Aged 71 years.

The third mural refers to John Colquhoun's sister Helen and her husband James Leitch a wine merchant in Greenock.  James and Helen lived in a "substantial and commodious" house which lay between Fox Street and Margaret Street (see 1842 map NLS) and between Union Street and Brougham Street.  The house was put up for sale shortly after her death.  In her death notice in the local paper, Helen is described as Mrs James Leitch of Torr.

James Leitch was the brother and business partner of Quintin Leitch.  I have previously written about him -  Quintin Leitch Merchant of Greenock.  The Leitch family (there were two other brothers) were well known merchants and town officials in Greenock.