Grampian Club > Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland > Volume 1

PARISH OF GREENOCK. 413
This truth is certain,
When this life is o'er,
Man dies to live,
And lives to die no more."
In the cemetery a handsome monument of Aberdeen granite
commemorates Robert Wallace of Kelly, who died on the 1st
April, 1855. It is thus inscribed : —
" Robert Wallace was the descendant and representative of the
renowned champion of Scottish independence, and inherited no
small portion of the patriotic spirit and indomitable energy of his
ancestor. He sat in Parliament as member for Greenock from
1832 to 1845, being returned four times in succession free of
expense, and by his indefatigable and successful labours in the
cause of legal and post office reform, he not only justified the choice
of the electors, but established a title to the lasting gratitude of his
countrymen. His casting vote as chairman of the committee of
the House of Commons secured to the nation the benefit of the
penny postage."
Mr. Wallace was lineally descended from Sir Richard Wallace
of Riccarton, uncle of the patriot. His father, John Wallace of
Cessnock, Ayrshire, purchased in 1792 the estate of Kelly, having
previously sold Cessnock. Robert Wallace succeeded his father in
1805. For many years he engaged in business as a West India
merchant. In 1832 he was elected M.P. for Greenock, which he
represented for thirteen successive years. His important services
in connection with post office reform were widely appreciated. He
died in his eighty-second year.
An elegant monument celebrates the personal worth and public
spirit of W^alter Baine, chief magistrate of the burgh, and sub-
sequently its representative in Parliament.
In an elevated portion of the cemetery a cairn composed of stones
from different parts of the world has been piled in honour of James
Watt.
A handsome obelisk of Peterhead granite commemorates the
Rev. Patrick M'Farlan, D.D., minister of the Free West Church,
In the inscription Dr. M'Farlau is thus described : —