The author of “The Parish of Campsie” thus writes of its visitation :—

“Cholera broke out in Kirkintilloch on 22nd January, 1832. There was considerable difference of opinion as to whether it was introduced there by a sailor suffering from it, or through the medium of a cargo of horns, hoofs, woollen rags, etc., from the Baltic, which was discharged at Hillhead, for the Hurlet and Campsie Alum Company's works at Campsie for the manufacture of their prussiates. It raged in Kirkintilloch with terrible virulence, about forty deaths having taken place in the square formed by Moodie’s Land, Townhead, Freeland Place, and the Canal Bank, or Luggie Bank Road.

“It was attempted to draw a sanitary cordon round Campsie, the roads were watched, and tramps or vagrants were not permitted to enter, in case of bringing infection. So rigidly was this carried out, that some families residing in Kirkintilloch, but employed in Kincaid Printfield, were compelled either to flit into Milton, or be excluded from entering the parish, and they removed their dwelling-places accordingly. Notwithstanding all these precautions, cholera broke out in Lennoxtown, but was confined to the east end of the village.”

The total number of cases in Kirkintilloch was ninety-six, of these, sixty were cured; and there died ten children, fourteen females, and twelve full-grown males.

Considering the sanitary condition of the town at the time, this is not surprising, and besides, medical knowledge of cholera and other diseases has made wonderful progress since 1832.