William Fulton - An Inspiration for the Curious and Roaming Writer to Improve the World.

William Fulton, in his youth, worked as a weaver in the West End of Paisley. He grew up close to the birthplace of the poet Tannahill on Castle Street and had a personal connection with him. His mother instilled in him the importance of saving, and early in his career, he managed to save three silver half-crowns, which he kept in a small box. Adjacent to his workplace was a bakery, where he often saw a lovely girl who radiated joy in her work. He thought she possessed “all the charms of an angel.” Unfortunately, she fell ill and was dismissed by her employers, leaving her broke and forced to return to her home in Glasgow. Before she departed, Willie approached her and said, “Please wait here for a few moments; I’ll be right back.” He returned shortly after, giving her his entire savings of three half-crowns and even arranged for a carriage to take her home. Years later, while conducting business in Glasgow, Willie spotted a lady and four girls in an open carriage. To his astonishment, he recognized her as the girl from the bakery he had once helped. She had married well, moved to America, and returned to Glasgow to provide a private education for her daughters. Her remarkable journey filled Willie with joy, and he described the moment as “like a dream.” Willie once believed that owning a beautiful gray horse and a bleaching wagon would fulfill his greatest aspirations. After marrying Miss Alexander from Kilmarnock, they diligently saved every penny to make this dream a reality. Employed as a sorter in a textile warehouse in Paisley, Willie earned a steady income but also took on additional evening work managing accounts for a friend’s business. The extra 7/6d he earned each week was meticulously saved, and soon he had accumulated 60 pounds in the bank. One day, he learned that the Glenfield estate was available for rent or sale. Although he had always admired the area, he lamented, “I only have enough to buy a horse and cart.” Despite this, he decided to lease the property and moved in with his family. By 1850, through relentless effort and a series of fortunate deals, he managed to purchase the “Glen” from the administrators of Robert Barclay. From being a tenant, he had transformed into an owner. Willie had once expressed that “if Glenfield were mine, all the people of Paisley would be free to come and walk the braes and glens as if it were theirs.” Now, as the Laird of Glenfield, he honored that promise. He frequently sent his bleach wagons to Paisley, inviting groups of weavers, affectionately known as “Maister Corks,” to enjoy delightful summer days at the Glen. They were treated to curds and cream and given tours of the expansive landscaped gardens. They would also visit “Tannahill's Well,” a tribute to his dear friend, the poet Robert Tannahill. Willie's kindness became legendary during his lifetime. There was a scruffy beggar who would use one of the toilets at the Glen. Upon discovering this, Willie chose to improve the beggar's situation by building him a bed and a fireplace, with the only stipulation being that he would take a bath and wear new clothes. Willie suggested that the women sweepers at the factory help clean him up. Willie suggested that the women sweepers at the factory be assigned to help clean him up. The poor man gazed at Willie with a puzzled expression. “Well, well,” Willie replied, “I’ll send you to the men, but you must be cleaned up first!” Willie was the mastermind behind “Glenfield starch,” which emerged as a by-product of his thriving dyeing and bleaching enterprise in Glenfield, utilizing leftover sago from fabric processing. He transformed it into starch and secured a patent for his creation. Before long, it was being promoted throughout the streets of Paisley, with labels affixed to every window in Causeyside. Fulton's product quickly gained national acclaim, with even the Royal Laundry proclaiming it “the best starch ever used.” The starch business flourished and was eventually sold to Wotherspoon and Co. of Maxwellton. William Fulton of the Glen, who started from modest beginnings, rose to become one of the most prosperous businessmen in the area. Throughout his life, he was a well-respected benefactor, deeply involved with the poorhouse and the local hospital. He consistently provided financial support to old friends who had fallen on hard times, all without seeking recognition. Willie's life is often described as “free of dark moments and filled with light.” His journey, which concluded in 1868, could easily fill a book of inspiring tales.