Latta, Sir JohnLatta Crescent in Cumnock was named after Sir John LATTA 1867-1946 (shipowner, merchant and benefactor) who was born on 9 May 1867 in Old Cumnock, the son of William Latta and Margaret ALLAN. He married Ada May SHORT in 1896. Sir John Latta, 1st Bart, of Portman Square, London, was knighted on 9 February 1920. Sir John was born outside Cumnock at Darmalloch Farm, and gained his wealth through his shipping company. At his death on 5 December 1946, Sir John was Chairman of Lawther, Latta & Co. shipowners and merchants. The Title became Extinct with his death, as his son Cecil did not survive him.
The following obituary appeared in the Cumnock Chronicle on 13th December 1946
The Late Sir John Latta, BT, Cumnock’s benefactor
“Sir John Latta, the Scottish shipowner, died in London yesterday at the age of 79. Sir John, who was the chairman of Lawther, Latta & Co. Ltd. first went into the shipping industry in 1883 and soon afterwards introduced steamships into the nitrate trade. As chairman of the Nitrate Producers’ Steamship Company, he managed his own fleet. He was an individualist, always deplored State concern with merchants shipping, and was a strong believer in free trade”
The above brief notice in Saturday’s “Glasgow Herald” was the first intimation local folks generally had of the passing of one of Cumnock’s most distinguished sons.
Sir John was born at Darmalloch Farm and had his early schooling in Cumnock before proceeding to Ayr Academy and then to the Greenock firm of Craig and Scott. We hope to refer more fully to his subsequent career in the commercial world of the metropolis in our next issue.
At this moment, we recall with grateful thanks his many benefactions to our town and district. His personal identity with the Academy Dux Medal and Sports Championship awards each year; his handsome contribution annually to the funds of the Old Folk’s Parties in Cumnock and other nearby areas; and his noble encouragement to the Cumnock War Work Party when they first set out in earnest to make a really outstanding effort, are all remembered with gratitude – and these are but a few of the media which Sir John selected as an avenue for his public-spirited generosity.
To his wife and family, Sir Andrew Latta, K.B.E., and Sir John’s other brothers and sisters, we extend the community’s sincere sympathy.
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