Stephen Williamson

(1827- 1903) Shipping MAGNATE AND M.P.

Stephen Williamson was born in 1827, the eldest son of Archibald Williamson. He went to school at Anstruther, then Madras in St Andrews. After completing his education he moved to Liverpool, and along with a school friend, Alexander Balfour of Leven, he formed the shipping firm of Messrs Balfour, Williamson, & Co. This successful company formed extensive connections in Valparaiso, Conception, San Francisco, Portland and Tacoma, which he frequently visited.

Stephen Williamson never forgot his native district, he gave large contributions for charitable and educational purposes. In 1879 he stood for election to Westminster as a Liberal candidate, and was chosen to contest the St Andrews Burghs. Elected by a large majority in 1880, he sat until 1885, when he was defeated by a majority of one. As an M.P. he proved to be one of the best that ever represented the constituency. Fully acquainted with all fishing and shipping questions he was successful in having legislation passed in favour of these interests. He was also appointed a member of the Fishery Board. After his defeat in St Andrews Burghs, he was elected for Kilmarnock in 1886, which he continued to represent until 1895.

He was a very generous benefactor to the East of Fife.  Along with the late David Fowler he built Cellardyke Town Hall. He built Chalmers Memorial Church, Anstruther, which cost him over £14.000. He also contributed to the Waid Academy, by building the Tower. He invested funds in order that the yearly income might be devoted to scholarships for pupils. He gave a gift of £2000 to Chalmers Church managers, and the income is still spent yearly on the poor of Anstruther, Cellardyke, and Kilrenny.

When steam powered fishing was seen as benefiting the failing local herring fleet he took large shares in the Steam Line companies to build new boats and bought trawlers to fish from Aberdeen.

He never tired of hearing of events than transpired in the East of Fife. Stephen Williamson died in 1903 and was survived by his wife and large family.

His worth was £460 800 the equivalent of over £59.6 million.  Balfour Williamson was latterly a subsidiary of Lonmin (formerly Lonrho).In October 2016 the company returned to family ownership when acquired by

Guthrie Williamson Stephen’s 3x great grandson.

                                                                                                                Research by Richard Wemyss