Duntocher

   DUNTOCHER, lately a quoad sacra parish, in the parish of Old Kilpatrick, county of Dumbarton; containing 3809 inhabitants, of whom 2749 are in the village, 8 miles (N. W. by W.) from Glasgow. This very thriving place, which, less than forty years since, was a mere hamlet, owes its prosperity to the enterprising spirit of a resident, Mr. William Dunn, who about that period purchased the Duntocher mill, and extended the works then employed for spinning cotton-yarn. In the neighbourhood are now several vast establishments for this branch of manufacture, and for weaving, all of them aided by powerful steam machinery. Many of the inhabitants are also employed in coal, lime, and iron works, in brick-making, and various other pursuits, chiefly on the property of Mr. Dunn here; and all around presents a scene of remarkable and successful industry. The village is situated about two miles distant, northward, from the river Clyde, and on the road from Kirkintilloch to Dumbarton; and in the immediate vicinity are the villages of Faifley and Hardgate. A sub post-office has been established under Glasgow. At Duntocher is a bridge, supposed by some to be a Roman structure, and near it is an engraved stone, stating that it was erected in the reign of Adrian; but it is probable that the materials whereof it is built were obtained at a more recent date from a contiguous Roman fort, of which the lines can with difficulty be traced: the bridge was repaired by the late Lord Blantyre in 1772. The ecclesiastical affairs are under the controul of the presbytery of Dumbarton and synod of Glasgow and Ayr; the stipend of the minister is £114, produced by seat-rents and collections, and the patronage is vested in the male communicants. The church was erected in 1836, at the cost of about £1660, contributed by the General Assembly and by opulent individuals, and is a very chaste and handsome edifice, containing accommodation for 876 persons. The members of the Free Church have a place of worship; and there are two Secession meeting-houses and a Roman Catholic chapel, besides two or three schools. A sepulchral stone of Roman origin, and of elegant design and workmanship, was discovered some time since.