John Walker & Co, Sugar Refiners

For over a hundred years, the Walker family of Greenock ran the huge sugar refinery situated on the corner of Nicolson Street and West Shaw Street (now the site of shop - the Range).  The West Burn ran through the area.

Photo source - Watt Institution

Two brothers, John and Hugh Walker along with their brother in law James Speirs who was married to their sister Elizabeth, were the first of the family to run the business under the name of John Walker & Co.  They commenced business in 1850.  Over the years, their sons and a nephew, Duncan Shaw were involved in the company.

Photo source - Watt Institution

Despite being burned down three times, a common problem for sugar refineries, the business grew successfully.  However, after a downturn in trade in 1920, but were rescued by Tate and Lyle but kept the Walker name.  The refinery closed in the 1970s and was demolished shortly thereafter. 

News article 1928

The Moving Image section of the National Library of Scotland has three great films showing workers at Walker's Refinery.  Click on links to view - Film 5151 also Film 5152 there's also a great film of sugar being unloaded from a ship at Film 5153.  These are amazing films!

Gravestone of Hugh Walker in Duncan Street cemetery

 The Walker family had been involved in business in Greenock for many years.  Hugh Walker, a baker, was born in Leith in 1762 and moved to Greenock where in 1795 he married Margaret Gardiner.  The couple had a family of three sons and four daughters.  The family lived at George Square while Hugh's baker's shop was at 8 West Blackhall Street.  Hugh died in Greenock in 1838 and was buried in Duncan Street Cemetery.

Hugh and Elizabeth's daughters Agnes (1800-1867) and Charlotte (1806-1877) did not marry and lived in the family home where they looked after the three children of their sister Margaret (1811-1842), the wife of Captain John Shaw.  Margaret had died at sea in 1842.  Her son, Duncan Shaw (1840-1925) would later join the firm.  Another daughter, Elizabeth (1803-1846) married James Speirs, a wine and spirit merchant in 1831. James Speirs (died 1872) was one of the founding partners in the company.

John Walker - picture source - Greenock Burns Club

John Walker after whom the company was named was twice married.  His first wife was Mary Anne Carmalt (born 1815) who died in 1838.  Re remarried in 1841 -  Jane Barnhill (1811-1850).  He had several children.  John Walker died in 1866 and was buried in Greenock Cemetery.

His brother Hugh Walker (1809-1889) continued the business.  Hugh was married to Emma Agnes Wonham (1829-1896).  The couple had a large family.  His sons were involved in the sugar business.  Hugh was a keen yachtsman, competing in regattas around the country.  He stood down from the business in 1887.

Hugh Walker and family - picture source - Greenock Burns Club

Before becoming sugar refiners, John and Hugh were the owners of three ships - Merlin (lost in 1847), Kilblain and Hugh Walker.  These were sold in 1851.  Captain Duncan Shaw was the master of one of these ships.

Sugar refining was very much a family business in Greenock.  Other families involved in this trade were the Lyles, the Fairrie family, the Macfies and the Kerrs.