Call to remove 'squad of trees' from historic grave in Glasgow

The Reverend James Smith worked for Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary for more than 20 years, and conducted the funeral of their second son, Edward, who died when he was just four years old.

However, the obelisk erected in the Reverend Smith's memory is now partially obscured by trees and one Calton resident is concerned it may eventually be completely hidden from view.

Ellen at the gravestone dedicated to the famous pastor (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Ellen Stewart is a regular visitor to the Abercromby Street cemetery.

“I go in every now and then, I used to live close to it, and I have been trying for years to have something done about the trees growing in front of the Reverend James Smith's grave,” she explained.

Calton Burial Ground (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

“The grave is just behind the wall on the left when you enter the cemetery. 

“There was only one tree there when I asked for something to be done and now there is a squad of trees.”

The overgrown grave (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

She added: “Rev James Smith was pastor to Abraham Lincoln and because he held him in such high regard, Lincoln appointed him United States Consul in Dundee on Smith's return to Scotland. 

“It seems a shame his grave does not have a bit of attention paid to it.”

(Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Reverend Smith was born in Glasgow on May 11, 1798, the son of Peter and Margaret Smith.

He spent 40 years of his life in America and was appointed pastor to President Abraham Lincoln and his family.

In an article in the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society (1908-1984), Albert Post writes: “Dr Smith…settled in Tennessee where he became the owner and editor of a newspaper. When his journalistic venture failed, Smith became the second pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, Illinois in 1849.

“In appearance, Smith was large and stalwart; his voice had great carrying power and was admirably suited for speaking to large congregations…

“In February 1859, four-year-old Edward, Abraham Lincoln’s second son, died. Smith was called in to conduct the funeral service.

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“So impressed was Mrs Lincoln by Smith that she joined his congregation in April 1852 and Lincoln rented a pew although he never joined himself.

“In time, Smith became an intimate friend of the Lincoln family.”

The Reverend Smith returned to Glasgow just before the end of the Civil War. He died in 1871 and was brought to the Calton Burial Ground for interment.

(Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the importance of maintaining the appearance of the burial ground and understand the emotional investment of those who visit.

“Calton Burial Ground is maintained in accordance with our routine maintenance schedules.

"Some remedial pruning work has been identified, and is expected to be completed as part of our rolling winter maintenance program across all cemeteries and crematoria within the council estate.”