Allan Arthur (rugby union)

The newspaper The Sportsman noted in its obituary of Arthur that he was a noted owner of race horses. Arthur became the chairman of the Royal Calcutta Turf Club. The newspaper noted that although Arthur owned a number of horses, his colours did not merit any great success.[6]

Allan's father, another Arthur Allan, was a merchant in the firm of Henry Montieith and Company.[4]

At the age of 20, the younger Allan went to India. He began in the employ of the merchants Finlay, Muir and Company. He later became a director of the merchant firm Ewing and Company.[3]

As a merchant, Allan became involved in the trade of jute. He became a director of an extensive jute shipping company: R. Steel and Company Limited.; and a director of the Manipiet Jute Company. He was also a director of the Union Baling Company.[7]

He was elected four times as the president of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce. He retired in 1920.[3]

His civil service career began in parallel. He was appointed a member of the Viceroy's Leglistaive Council; and in 1890 became the Sheriff of Calcutta. For his public services he received a knighthood in 1900.[3]

Arthur was unmarried.[3] He died at his home at Larch Hill in Moffat.[3] He was the brother of John Arthur who was also capped for Scotland during the first ever rugby international.[2]

Arthur's funeral was held on 11 October 1923. The funeral processed from Glasgow Central Station to the Necropolis,[8] where he is buried.[9]

Sources