He supported almost singlehanded a poorhouse the order had founded in Petersburg.
Among the principal buildings are the town hall, court house, public hall, Easter Ross combination poorhouse, and the academy (opened in 1812).
The public buildings include the Burgh Hall, the academy (with a graceful steeple), the county buildings, the Denny Memorial, a Literary and a Mechanics' institute, Masonic hall, two cottage hospitals, a fever hospital, a public library and the combination poorhouse.
In 1744 it was decided to remedy this by building a poorhouse.
For paupers entering the poorhouse, life was strictly regulated.