H. S. Bathgate | |
|---|---|
| Born | Henry Shiels Bathgate (1853-12-07)7 December 1853 Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | 26 May 1936(1936-05-26) (aged 82) Mount Vernon, Glasgow, Scotland |
| Other names | Harry Bathgate |
| Occupation(s) | Plasterer, activist |
| Known for | Vegetarianism andpeace activism |
| Title | President of theScottish Vegetarian Society |
| Term | 1892–1929 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 6 |
Henry Shiels "Harry"Bathgate[1] (7 December 1853 – 26 May 1936) was a Scottish plasterer and activist. He was known for his involvement in thevegetarianism andpeace movements. Bathgate served as president of theScottish Vegetarian Society from 1892 to 1929. He was also a Christian community worker.
Henry Shiels Bathgate was born on 7 December 1853 inRutherglen, Lanarkshire, and baptised on 25 December. His parents were Charles Bathgate and Catherine Shiels.[2]
Bathgate later lived inMount Vernon, Glasgow, where he became a master plasterer by trade.[3] From 1892 to 1894 Bathgate worked on modifications and enhancements to St. Thomas Wesleyan Methodist Church.[4] In 1916, he worked on the new Southern District Fire Station in Glasgow.[5]
In 1877, following an illness, Bathgate encountered a newspaper article that introduced him tovegetarianism. He was further influenced by the writings of Dr.T. L. Nichols, a well-known advocate for vegetarianism, particularly Nichols'Vegetarian publication in 1898. Bathgate decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, which he maintained for the rest of his life.[3]
Bathgate contributed significantly to the promotion of vegetarianism in Scotland. In 1889, he became a member of the Vegetarian Society of Glasgow and later emerged as an influential figure within the Scottish vegetarian movement. From 1892 to 1929, he served as the president of theScottish Vegetarian Society, offering both financial and organisational support to help grow the vegetarian community in Scotland. His efforts were recognised in various publications, such as theVegetarian, in 1896.[3]
In 1912, writing inThe Vegetarian Messenger and Health Review, Bathgate expressed frustration at the considerable difficulty he faced avoiding dairy products because nearly every vegetarian recipe and cookbook recommended including dairy.[6]
He was also actively involved inpeace work and ChristianSabbath school activities.[3]
Bathgate was a lifelongteetotaler and non-smoker.[7] His commitment to personal health and abstention from substances was closely tied to his Christian faith, which played a significant role in shaping his worldview.[3]
Bathgate married Violet Wilhelmina Gordon Murray on 29 September 1882 atDennistoun, Glasgow.[8] They had six children together;[9] Violet died in 1935.[1]
Bathgate died at Woodneuk, Mount Vernon, on 26 May 1936.[1] An obituary was published inThe Vegetarian Messenger in July 1936.[3]