H. S. Bathgate
H. S. Bathgate | |
|---|---|
| Born | Henry Shiels Bathgate 7 December 1853 Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | 26 May 1936 (aged 82) Mount Vernon, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Occupation(s) | Plasterer, activist |
| Organizations | Scottish Vegetarian Society (President, 1892–1929) |
| Known for | Vegetarianism and peace activism |
| Spouse | Violet Strathern |
| Children | 6 |
Henry Shiels "Harry" Bathgate[1] (7 December 1853 – 26 May 1936) was a Scottish plasterer and vegetarianism and peace activist, as well as a Christian community worker.
Biography
[edit]Early life and career
[edit]Henry Shiels Bathgate was born on 7 December 1853 in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire,[2] and later lived in Mount Vernon, Glasgow. He became a master plasterer by trade.[3] From 1892 to 1894 Bathgate worked on modifications and enhancements to St. Thomas Wesleyan Methodist Church.[4] In 1916, he helped build the Southern District Fire Station in Glasgow.[5]
Vegetarianism and activism
[edit]In 1877, after an illness, Bathgate encountered a newspaper article that introduced him to vegetarianism. He was further influenced by the writings of Dr. T. L. Nichols, a well-known advocate for vegetarianism, particularly Nichols' Vegetarian publication in 1898. Bathgate decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, which he maintained for the rest of his life.[3]
Bathgate was actively involved in promoting vegetarianism within Scotland. In 1889, he joined the Vegetarian Society of Glasgow, eventually becoming a key figure in the Scottish vegetarian movement. From 1892 to 1929, he served as the president of the Scottish Vegetarian Society, offering both financial and organisational support to help grow the vegetarian community in Scotland. His efforts were recognised in various publications, such as the Vegetarian (1896).[3]
In 1912, writing in the The Vegetarian Messenger and Health Review, Bathgate expressed frustration at the considerable difficulty he faced avoiding dairy products because nearly every vegetarian recipe and cookbook recommended including dairy.[6]
Personal life
[edit]Bathgate was a lifelong teetotaler and non-smoker.[7] His commitment to personal health and abstention from substances was closely tied to his Christian faith, which played a significant role in shaping his worldview. He was actively involved in peace work and Christian Sabbath school activities.[3]
Bathgate married Violet Strathern, and together they had six children.[8]
Death
[edit]Bathgate died in Mount Vernon on 26 May 1936.[1] His obituary was featured in The Vegetarian Messenger in July 1936.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Scotland, National Probate Index (Calendar of Confirmations and Inventories), 1876-1936.
- ^ Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950.
- ^ a b c d e Gregory, James Richard Thomas Elliott (2002). "Biographical Index of British Vegetarians and Food reformers of the Victorian Era". The Vegetarian Movement in Britain c.1840–1901: A Study of Its Development, Personnel and Wider Connections (PDF). Vol. 2. University of Southampton. p. 10. Retrieved 2022-10-02.
- ^ "M078 Additions and alterations to St Thomas Wesleyan Methodist Church". Mackintosh Architecture. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
- ^ "B01 South". The History of Scottish Fire Brigades. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
- ^ Leneman, Leah (Winter 1997). "Britain's 1st Vegans?". The Vegan: 11 – via Issuu.
- ^ Gregory, James (2007-06-29). Of Victorians and Vegetarians: The Vegetarian Movement in Nineteenth-century Britain. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-0-85771-526-5.
- ^ 1901 Scotland Census. Parish: Shettleston; ED: 20; Page: 33; Line: 15; Roll: CSSCT1901_244.