William Wilton (1864 - 1920)

Born 9 Jun 1864 in Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Died 2 May 1920 at age 55 in Gourock, Renfrewshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Biography

Wikidata: Item Q382601, en:Wikipedia - First manager of Glasgow Rangers Football Club

William was born in 1864. He was the son of James Wilton. William, son of James Wilton & Janet Smith, was born on 9 June 1865 in Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland.^[1]

He initially worked in Glasgow as a mercantile clerk with a sugar broker and then a sugar refining machinery manufacturer.

He joined Rangers as a player in 1883 but only ever appeared for the reserve team. He was soon appointed secretary to the club's youth team and reserve side. He was also on the special committee that oversaw the club's move from Kinning Park to the first Ibrox ground in 1887.

He married Catherine Mary Houston in 1893 in Largs.^[2] There are birth records for two daughters, born at Kinning Park:

• Janet Margaret Wilton 1898-
• Annie Robina Wilton 1900

Initially secretary to Rangers' reserve and then first teams, he became full manager of Rangers from 1899 to his death, and won 9 major trophies (8 league titles and a cup).

He was full Rangers manager for 881 matches, of which they won 553.

He passed away in a boating accident in 1920 and was buried at Cathcart Cemetery, East Renfrewshire, Scotland.

Find A Grave: Memorial #28168049

His widow passed away in 1835.

Sources

1. ↑ Birth: "Scotland Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950"
   citing Digital film/folder number: 008065196; FHL microfilm: 321289
   FamilySearch Record: XYY5-YD7 (accessed 26 March 2024)
   William Wilton born on 9 Jun 1865, son of James Wilton & Janet Smith, in Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom.
2. ↑ Searchable at Scotlandspeople.gov.uk

• Familysearch: William Wilton

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