Charles Laurie was born on 13 September 1828. Applications were made on his behalf in 1834 and 1835, the second being successful. His father Alexander had been a seaman and whaler in Leith. Both of Charles’s grandfathers had been seamen. Charles was living with his mother Ann and three sisters at 13 Couper Street, North Leith.

Circumstances inferring that the Child is a proper object of Charity, and falls under the description of a Destitute child, [Application of 1834]

Charles Laurie is a very fit subject for receiving the benefit of this benevolent Institution. His father Alexander Laurie was well respected in his situation in life. He was for thirteen years in the Service of the Whale Shipping Company of Leith; and was engaged to go out to Davis Straits as a Harpooner in the William and Ann, Captain Robert Liston, which sailed from Leith in the month of March last. But after some weeks illness he was unexpectedly cut off by death a few days before the Ships sailed leaving an Afflicted Widow and four young & destitute children. These consist of this boy & of three Girls who have nothing to depend upon; and the relations of their parents are not in a situation to give them assistance. Had their father been spared their Education would have been well provide for. If the Directors shall admit the boy into the hospital with mother will be enabled to exert her whole energies to bring up & educate her Daughters. A Duplicate of this Case is herewith produced attested by the Magistrates, Ministers, Elders & other respectable individuals in Leith to whom the circumstances are known & who write in recommending the boy to the favourable consideration of the Directors.

Charles Laurie was admitted to John Watson’s Institution in1835.

application (1)

Certificate of Age (Application 1)

certificate of health (application 1)

letter of recommendation (application 1)

Attestation of suitability (application 1)

application (2)