Son of David Wyllie, Merchant Taylor and Deacon Aberdeen, born in 1777. Apprenticed to Alexander Brown in 1791 with whom he stayed 24 years. Married 16 July 1807, Bathia Rust. She died 4 June 1820 at the age of 37. Went into business on his own account in 1814, taking up the shop of Alexander Leslie, who had just died. Wyllie ran Exchange News Rooms in 1819 and Caledonian Literary Society's Library 1825; agent for Bish's Lottery Tickets 1819. In 1833, the firm publshed its first circulating library catalogue. 'Booksellers to Her Majesty' 1840. 'A great florist and admirer of nature'. Died 26 April 1844. Apprentice: Lewis Smith, before 1818. He was succeeded in the business by his second son, James Wyllie, born 27 May 1809, the firm taking the title of D. Wyllie & Son. James Wyllie died 31 October 1875. Charles David Wyllie, youngest son of David Wyllie's eldest son, David manager of The Aberdeen Bank, became a partner, together with Edward Young. Mr Wyllie died a bachelor 28 August 1894, and Mr Young 16 June 1894.
HeadingWyllie, David & Son used in: National Library of Scotland, Scottish Book Trade Index
Variant NameD. Wyllie & Son (1832 - 1833) *Crown Court 43 Union Street, **Aberdeen
Sources
Found inBeavan. — Pigot 1820; 1825; 1837. — Lawrance, Robert M. 'A century of bookselling 1814-1914 David Wyllie afterwards David Wyllie & Son' “The Aberdeen Book-Lover” November 1914