View source for Dick, William (of Braid)

{{Template2
|Dates=c.1653-55
|Location=London
|Vocation=Merchant
|Place of Birth=Scotland
|Marriage=Elizabeth
|Issue=7 children (at least)
|Source=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
}}
By right of his father became a burgess and guild brother. Entered Edinburgh mercantile circles and within 30 years had established a mercantile empire. Wealth mostly derived from investments (coal, salt works, herring works and soap). Had interests across Scotland and on the Continent. Also became involved in moneylending. 
As wealth grew so did his political stature. Supporter of the Covenanters. This support resulted in incalculable financial difficulties. Last appears in Edinburgh records in 1652 and is then found in London to please his cause. Finances were examined by a committee at Whitehall who granted him £1,000 paid out by Parliament. Continued to petition until his death at his Westminster lodgings in 1655.
Buried in Greyfriar's Church, Edinburgh