Towns > Glasgow > 1787 - Reprint of Jones's directory; or, Useful pocket companion for the year 1787

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NATHANIEL JONES
Was originally a shoemaker, and ultimately keeper of the Coffee-
room at the Cross, and of the "Servants' Register Office, second
stair, left hand, Presbyterian Closs, Saltmarket." Mr. Jones was
also the editor or compiler of the following Directory, and grand-
father of Mr. Jones, late librarian, of the College.
JOHN WILSONE,
An ironmonger in the Trongate, and known in the "Beefsteak
Club" — of which he was a long time president — as "Tinkler
Wilsone." At a meeting of the club, on a particular occasion, Mr.
Wilsone observed a member tossing off a glass of whisky, and follow-
ing it up immediately by a bumper of brandy. The witty president
at once exclaimed, "Good God, sir! what are you about? You
have disgraced yourself and the club, by putting a fiddling French-
man above a sturdy Highlander!" The copper-nosed delinquent
instantly started to his feet, swallowed another jorum of Ferintosh,
and laying his hand upon his heart, said, " Brand me not with being
a democrat, sir; for now I've got the Frenchman between two fires!"
JOHN MENNONS,
Editor and printer of the Glasgow Advertiser (published every Mon-
day evening), Saltmarket, No. 22. This journal was transformed into
the Glasgow Herald in 1803, under the direction of the celebrated
Samuel Hunter. Mr. Mennons, it will be observed, was also the
printer of Jones's Directory.
GEORGE GIBSON,
Loch-head's Closs, High Street; better known by the appellation of
" Bell Geordie," and one of the old Glasgow celebrities whose names
will not be soon forgotten. Geordie was a stout, burly man, full of
caustic humour, and fond of whisky — a habit which ultimately cost
him his gaudy red coat. After losing his situation, poor Geordie lost
his sight, and was led about the streets by a little girl, begging his
bread on the scene of his former glories. Such is life !