The Who’s Shoe of Paisley town
An adopted Buddie – one of the town’s greatest ever shoe makers – died 100 years ago.
Robert Tweedale was a native of Ireland but spent his early years in Johnstone, although home for him from the age of 20 onwards was Paisley.
When he died, he was 82 years old – but had only ever celebrated 19 birthdays, having been born in a leap year.
On leaving school, Robert was employed in a flax mill in Johnstone, until the calling of boot-making saw him up sticks and leave.
He travelled the country learning his profession but eventually settled down in Paisley, where he took up employment with the Paisley Provident Co-operative Society, where he was chief shoemaker.
Robert moved to the Equitable Society, where he would be a future president, and sat as a member of the Burgh School Board for several years, eventually retiring from that organisation in 1900.
Mr Tweedale was also a member of the parish council, and on the occasion of his
80th birthday, members of the council, of which Mr Tweedale acted as convener of the relief committee, presented him with a handsome easy chair.
Mr D.A. Morrison, chairman of the council, in handing over the gift, spoke of Mr Tweedale’s valuable and untiring services as a colleague and councillor, his absolute fairness, and, at the same time, his equal fairness as convener of the relief committee.
Beyond all, it was said, his worth and probity and uprightness as a man were unquestionable.
In his reply, Mr Tweedale said: “You may wish to know the secret of my great vigour at four-score.
“Apart from natural advantages, the best recipe is moderation in all things.
“I had a light heart, a light purse and, above all, a light diet.
“I carried a square chest and head erect that the sun might strike my dial, and the result is now before you.
“In conclusion, critics draw your swords, but be merciful to the old man who never got a school lesson in grammar or composition.”
The late Mr Tweedale was held in the highest esteem by the community, and all who came into contact with him felt benefited by the influence of his personality.
Mr Tweedale was survived by his wife and grown-up family.