Highland Society of Glasgow- Badge of Merit

[cmacra28]

Does anyone have any information about "Badge of Merit From the Highland Society of Glasgow"

I have a Silver medallion (about 2 inch diameter) Reads on the rear:
"Given to James McNicol (Calenderer) in testimony of his good behaviour & exemplary conduct during his education & apprenticeship (1839)"
and on the face "Badge of Merit From the Highland Society of Glasgow"

I have searched the internet about the society and received no reply from the current administration's (if I got it right it's a law firm) email. I suspect from general research that it was given to my GGGGrandfather for successfully completing his apprenticeship under a schollarchip from the society. I'd like to know how he qualified for such a medallion.

[nelmit]

If you can access Gale Newspapers there is an article in 1844 about the society. It looks as though there was about 60 bodies (church, businesses etc) who helped both boys and girls.

Hopefully you can access the newspaper yourself from Alan's link viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15443&hilit=

I searched for- badge of merit - with Glasgow in the publication title and found that one. I'm sure you'll find more from different searches.

Regards,
Annette

[Currie]

Hello cmacra28,

There doesn’t appear to be much in the 19C British Library newspapers apart from the item Annette found. Let us know if you can’t get to that. Unfortunately the Glasgow Herald is only available there for years 1820-1822, 1826-1827, and from 1844.

There are earlier editions in Google News Archive and a search there for Glasgow Highland Society brings up some results that may include something additional. Click on the appropriate part of the timeline. http://news.google.com/archivesearch?as ... _scoring=a

A pre 1870s search in Google Books for “Glasgow Highland Society” brings up some books that may be useful. http://www.google.com.au/search?tbo=p&t ... 80&bih=840

This one, the Annals of Glasgow, 1816, has a specific reference to the Badge of Merit Highland Society. http://books.google.com.au/books?id=paY ... 22&f=false

Hope that helps,
Alan