James Tait Black, Dictionary of National Biography… (1887)
“ His father, James Coats, was one of the founders of the thread industry of Paisley. In the hands of Thomas and his surviving brother, Sir Peter Coats, the Ferguslie Thread Works became one of the largest in the world. Coats was distinguished for the interest he took in the public welfare, and for many private acts of unostentatious generosity. In 1868 he presented to the town of Paisley a public park, called the ‘Fountains Gardens,’ the first place of recreation for the poor of the town. ”
