GLASGOW HERALD FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER 1875
THE LATE MRS NAPIER OF SHANDON
Yesterday, shortly after noon, the remains of Mrs Napier, wife of Mr Robert Napier, of Shandon, were committed to their last resting place in the family vault in Dumbarton Churchyard. The deceased, who had attained the ripe age of 83 years, died at Shandon on the 24th inst. [meaning of this month].
Like her husband, she was a native of Dumbarton, being a daughter of the late John Napier, who at one time carried on the business of iron founder and blacksmith in what was known as ‘the King’s Arms Close’, in High Street, Dumbarton, but who nearly 70 years ago removed to the suburbs of the city of Glasgow, where he continued in business for a long period.
On account of the respect in which the deceased lady was held, there were many traces of a general sorrow in the town, flags were drawn up half-mast high, and the bell of the parish Church was tolled for some time both before and after the interment. The body was conveyed from Shandon in a hearse drawn by four horses, and the cortege, as it passed along High Street to the Old Churchyard, was witnessed by a large number of people, who lined the streets on both sides.
Amongst the relatives present at the funeral were:- Mrs Hastie, Carnock, Dunfermline, and Mrs Wilkie, London, daughters of the deceased; Mr Jas. R Napier and Mrs Napier, Blythswood Square, Glasgow; Messrs John Napier, Saughfield, Glasgow; William Napier, Hillhead, Glasgow; James S Napier, Woodside Place, Glasgow; J W Napier, Renfrew Street, Glasgow; John Napier, Inveraray; R B Napier, Govan; John D Napier, Glasgow etc.
It is now about twenty years since any interment took place in Dumbarton Churchyard, it having been closed against burials for that period by order of the Sheriff, after a full public enquiry, but the family vault in which the body of Mrs Napier was placed yesterday, and which is situated at the extreme back of the Churchyard, was not included in that order.
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Dear blog reader
Just a little extra information, this is the inscription on the Napier family vault:
Robert Napier second son of James Napier & Jean Ewing died at West Shandon on the Gareloch in the year 1876 in the 86th year of his age.
Isabella Napier his wife died at West Shandon in the year 1873 in the 83rd year of her age.
David their fourth son died at Row [Rhu] in the year 1833 in the second year of his age & was buried there.
Robert their third son died at West Shandon in the year 1848 in the 20th year of his age.
Shandon People and History 