Ewing – List of Ministers: N
Here there is the text of Ewing’s Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843-1900 followed by some Supplementary material. Information about this Supplementary material is available here. Subjects dealt with include Abbreviations, the way place names are recorded: Recording Locations and Publications.
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NAIRN, CHARLES
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.281
Born at Leith, 1803. Studied at the University, Edinburgh. Ordained at Newport, in parish of Forgan, Fife, 1836. Mr. Nairn was twice married, his second wife being Janet Edmonston. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Resigned, 1846. Supplied for a winter at Madeira. Returning to Scotland, he was settled in St. David’s, Dundee, 1849. Became senior minister, 1870. Died, 1873.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1836, Forgan, FES, Vol.5, p.204; FES, Vol.8, p.458. He was admitted to the Edinburgh Dialectic Society, 5th January, 1822 (see History of the Dialectic Society, p.172). In the Free Church, he served in Newport, Forgan, Fife; and St. David’s, Dundee.
Publications – by him
New Statistical Account, January, 1838, Forgan, Vol.9, Fife, p.505
A time of chastening improved, six letters addressed to his congregation, Edinburgh, W.P. Kennedy, 1845
The fading leaf, a New Year’s gift to the young, with an earnest desire for their true happiness, Dundee, W. & J. Middleton, 1858
The Scottish Christian Herald, Vol.2, p.25, The Christian as a Little Child; Vol.3, p.681, The Impenitent Warned
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: Charles Nairn
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Nairn or Edmondston, Janet, 19/9/1894, 34 Thomson Street, Dundee, widow of Rev. Charles Nairn, Minister, Free St David’s Church there, d. 16/03/1894 at Dundee, testate, Dundee Sheriff Court, NRS SC45/31/46
Henry Smith, schoolmaster, Answers made by Schoolmasters in Scotland, p.139 [See here Parochial Schools – Queries to which these Answers are a response]
Third Report of the Commissioners of Religious Instruction: Teinds, Appendix 1, Table 2, p.26 and Appendix 1, Table 3, p.4
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NAISMITH, ROBERT
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.281
Born in the parish of Cambusnethan, 1822. Studied at the University, Glasgow, and Divinity Hall, Reformed Presbyterian Church. Ordained at Chirnside, 1861. Mr. Naismith was twice married, his second wife being Mary Bertram. Joined the Free Church at the union in 1876. Died, 1891.
Publication.—History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to 1876.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
FRPCS, p.24; Couper, The R.P. Church, p.141. In the Free Church, he served in Chirnside, Berwickshire.
Publications – by him
Two worthy workers of bygone days, being the life stories of Robert and James Haldane, servants of God, Glasgow, Scottish Bible and Book Society, 185-?
The story of the kirk, Edinburgh, Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1865
Historical sketch of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, to its union with the Free Church in 1876, Edinburgh, Johnstone, Hunter, & Co., 1877
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: Robert Naismith
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 23/3/1891, F.C. Minister, Chirnside, d. 31/01/1891 at Chirnside, testate, Inventory; Will, Duns Sheriff Court, NRS SC60/41/36; Will, Duns Sheriff Court Wills, NRS SC60/44/8
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NAUROJI, DHANJHIBAI
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born of Parsee parents in Gujarat, 1822. Studied at the Missionary Institution at Bombay and New College, Edinburgh. The first Parsee convert of the Mission, he was licensed, 1896 [1846]. Ordained, 1847, as missionary at Bombay. He laboured for a time at Surat, but was chiefly stationed at Bombay, where he engaged mainly in evangelistic work, and gathered a large native congregation. [Not recorded in List of missionaries.]
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born into a high standing Parsi family in the village of Arow, near Broach, in Gujarat in 1822.
Education
He studied in the school of Dr John Wilson in Bombay. He enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1844-46.
Marriage
He married a lady from his own background.
Ministry
He was licensed in Canonmills Hall, Edinburgh, at the end of 1846 and was ordained the following year. He went to Surat in 1848 and worked there for nine years in conjunction with the workers of the Irish Presbyterian Church. Thereafter he worked in Bombay for the rest of his ministry, with a short time in Poona.
Death
He died in 1908.
Family
They had at least two daughters.
Publications – by him
Extract letters from the Rev. Dhanjibhai Nauroji, for the Free High Church Congregation, Edinburgh, Johnstone and Hunter, 1851
Life and death in Christ, a discourse preached before the native congregation of the Free Church of Scotland’s Mission, Bombay, on the occasion of the death of Mrs. Isabella Wilson, Bombay, Education Society’s Press, Byculla, 1867
The work of faith, a sermon preached in the Bombay Free Church, esplanade, on the 19th December, 1875, on behalf of the Free Church Mission of this city, containing a brief sketch of the missionary career of the late Rev. John Wilson, D.D., father and founder of the mission, Bombay, Caxton Printing Works, 1876
From Zoroaster to Christ, an autobiographical sketch of the Rev. Dhanjibhai Nauroji, the first modern convert to Christianity from the Zoroastrian religion, Edinburgh, Oliphant, Anderson & Ferrier, 1909
Publication – about him
Image: Sir John Jaffray and Dhanjiobai Nauroji, 1843–47
Sources
He is a man frequently referred to. Here are some references:
Capitalcollections; Wiki; Forgottenbooks; Thefreelibrary
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NEILSON, DAVID
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born in the parish of Lauder, 1823. Studied at the University, Glasgow, and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained, 1853, at Renfrew. Married, 1862, Margaret Houston. Died, 1890.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 6th August, 1824, in Easter Whitehill, Cadder, Lanarkshire, the son of Alexander Neilson, and Margaret McLea.
Education
He matriculated at Glasgow University in 1844 and enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1847-50.
Marriage
He married Margaret Houston or Houstoun on 5th August, 1862, in Renfrew (Registration: 1862 575/ 17 Renfrew). She was born (or baptised) on 2nd June, 1833, the daughter of James Houston, grocer, and Jean Stewart.
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh in 1851. He acted as assistant, first at Greenock and then in St. Enoch’s, Glasgow. He was ordained in December, 1853, in Renfrew.
Death
He died on 7th November, 1890, in Renfrew and was buried in the churchyard there. His wife died there in 1871.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) Jane Stewart Neilson born on 23rd March, 1864, in Renfrew. She married John Robertson there in 1885. She died in 1939 in Paisley, Renfrewshire.
(2) a girl Neilson born on 27th May, 1866, in Renfrew. She died there that same year.
(3) Margaret (or Maggie) Mcclay (or Mclay) Neilson born on 17th April, 1867, in Renfrew. She died there the following year.
(4) a girl Neilson born on 13th October, 1868, in Renfrew. She died there that same year.
(5) Alexander Neilson born on 26th October, 1869, in Renfrew. He died there in 1874.
(6) James Houston Neilson born on 31st July, 1871, in Renfrew.
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: David Neilson
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 30/1/1891, F.C. Minister, Renfrew, d. 07/11/1890 at Renfrew, intestate, Paisley Sheriff Court, NRS SC58/42/56
Memorials of the Rev. David Neilson of Renfrew, edited by J. Moffat Scott, Paisley, J. and R. Parlane, 1893
Source
Glasgow Herald 4th May, 1893
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NEILSON, THOMAS
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Son of Rev. Thomas Neilson, Reformed Presbyterian Church, Rothesay. Studied at the University, Glasgow, and Divinity Hall, Reformed Presbyterian Church. Ordained, 1865, as missionary to the New Hebrides. Stationed on the island of Tanna. Joined the Free Church at the union in 1876. Resigned, 1883.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
FRPCS, p.25 – Thomas Neilson (secundus); Couper, The R.P. Church, p.149; Ward and Prentis, Presbyterian Ministers, p.126
Publication – about him
The mission hymn of the Hebrew church, a sermon by Rev. W.H. Goold, ogether with Charges to the missionaries and people by Rev. John Kay, Castle-Douglas, delivered at the ordination of the Rev. James Cosh, A.M., James M’Nair, and Thomas Neilson, as missionaries to the the New Hebrides, by the Paisley Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, at Glasgow, November 28, 1865, Edinburgh, Johnstone, Hunter & Co., 1865
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NELSON, JOHN, D.D. (Princeton)
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born, 1829. Son of Thomas Nelson, publisher, Edinburgh. Studied at the University, Edinburgh, and at Berlin and Bonn. Ordained at Newport, Fife, 1846. Translated to Greenock, West, 1851. [Vol. 2 under Newport says he was translated in 1850.] Died, 1878.
Publication.—Dr. Nelson contributed a paper on National Education in America to Essays by Ministers of the Free Church, a volume edited by Dr. Hanna in 1858.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 18th December, 1820, in Edinburgh, the son of Thomas Nelson, publisher, and Margaret Black.
Education
He attended Edinburgh High School and Edinburgh University. He also studied at Berlin and Bonn, Germany.
Ministry
After license, he was assistant for six months to Andrew Gray of Perth, before being ordained in Newport, Forgan, Fife, in 1846. He was translated to West, Greenock, Renfrewshire, on 12th June, 1851.
Death
He died on 26th January, 1878, at Abden House, Edinburgh, and was buried in Greenock on 3rd February.
Family
He never married.
Publications – by him
National education in the United States and Canada, with special reference to the settlement of the question in this country in Essays by Ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, edited by William Hanna, Edinburgh, Thomas Constable and Co., 1858
In memoriam, John Nelson, D.D., Edinburgh, 1878
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: John Nelson
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 22/5/1878, D.D., Minister, West Free Church, Greenock, d. 26/01/1878 at Abden House, Edinburgh, intestate, Paisley Sheriff Court, NRS SC58/42/46
Source
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 4th February, 1878, p.4
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NELSON, WILLIAM
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born at Kirkcaldy, 1862. Studied at the University and Free Church College, Glasgow. Ordained at Shettleston, 1892. Married, 1893, Margaret Reid.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
In the Free Church, he served in Shettleston, Glasgow. This ministry was continued in the United Free Church (Fasti of the United Free Church (FUFC), p.253). Thereafter he served in Dundee from 1902 (FUFC, p.390); and in the united congregation from 1928 (FUFC, p.390, where a short biography is given).
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NESBIT, ROBERT
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born in the county of Durham, 1803. Studied at the University, St. Andrews, where he was secretary of the University Missionary Society, one of the fruits of the advocacy of missions by Dr. Chalmers. Accepted as an agent of the Scottish Missionary Society, he was ordained by the Presbytery of St. Andrews, 1826. In 1831 Mr. Nesbit was transferred to Poona, and, 1835, he passed over to the Church of Scotland Mission. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. The rest of Mr. Nesbit’s life-work was done in Bombay. Married, 1829, Hay Bayne, who had gone to India as a teacher, and, 1835, Marion Marshall. “He was the best Marathi scholar and the best preacher in that language in all the Bombay Presidency” (S. H.). Died, 1855.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1835, Missionary, FES, Vol.7, p.703
Family
Bayne Tree.
Publications – by him
Copy of a letter from John Urquhart, student of divinity at St. Andrew’s, to the Rev. Robert Nesbit, on hearing of his determination to go as a missionary to the heathen, Greenock, A. Mackenzie & Co., between 1830 and 1840?
Correspondence between the directors of the Scottish Missionary Society and their missionaries in India, Edinburgh, A. Balfour and Co., 1831
Bhagavadgītecẽ sāra, Mumbaī, Tract and Book Society, 1832
Unto the Committee of the Venerable the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, the petition of the Scottish missionaries in the Presidency of Bombay in the East Indies, signed by Robert Nisbet with others, 1834
Discourses chiefly on doctrinal subjects, Bombay, American Mission Press, 1835
Essays, Addresses, and Reviews, Berwick, Thomas Melrose, 1840
The Brahman’s claims, translated by the Rev. D.G. Malhar from the Marathi edition, Madras, Christian Literature Society, S.P.C.K. Press, Vepery, 1894
Publications – about him
The late Rev. Robert Nesbit of Bombay, 1853?
Biographical sketch of the Rev. Robert Nesbit, of the Free Church of Scotland’s mission, Bombay, from the sermon preached on occasion of his death, John Wilson, Bombay, L. M. Desouza’s Press, 1856
Memoir of the Rev. Robert Nesbit, Missionary of the free church of Scotland, Bombay, J. Murray Mitchell, London, James Nisbet & Co., 1858
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NICHOL, ROBERT BURNS
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born, 1815. Ordained at Galashiels, 1844. Married, the same year, Eliza Dods. Became senior minister, 1861. Died, 1863.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born about 1816 in Edinburgh, the son of William Nichol, cabinet maker, and Elizabeth Burns. He was one of the Masters in the Burgh School of Haddington, East Lothian.
Marriage
He married Elizabeth Dods on 10th September, 1844, in Haddington, East Lothian. She was born (or baptised) on 10th October, 1810, in Haddington, East Lothian, the daughter of Peter Dods, nurseryman and at one time Provost of the burgh, and Christian Stewart.
But this is not straight-forward. A Peter Dods married Christian Hewat in Haddington in 1794. A Peter Dods produced a steady flow of children there from William in March, 1795, till Elizabeth in 1810. The last three of this series are of special note: James born 1808, Mary born 1809 and Elizabeth born in 1810. The problem is that his wife’s name is given as Christian Stewart in the cases of James and Elizabeth in 1810 but it is given as Christian Hewat in the case of Mary. This is not a case of two different Peter Dods – because Mary was a sister of Elizabeth. We know this because: (1) they appear together in the 1841 Haddington census with Christian, who is old enough to be their mother; (2) a Mary Haldane was living with Robert Burns Nichol in 1851 and was his sister in law; (3) Mary Dods or Haldane died in 1895, aged 85; she was the daughter of Peter Dods and Christian Hewat (Registration: 1895 685/5 993 Newington). Surely this means that Christian Hewat and Christian Stewart are one and the same person.
Ministry
He was ordained in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, on 4th April, 1844. On 23rd January, 1862, James Selkirk was ordained here as his colleague and successor.
Death
He died on 29th June, 1863, in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, after a four years’ illness (Registration: 1863 775/ 47 Galashiels ). His wife died on 17th October, 1850.
There is an inscription in the Gala Aisle Cemetery:
Eliza Dodds wife of the Rev. Robert B. Nichol died 17th Oct 1850
Peter William their son died 1st Jul 1850
Rev. Robert Burns Nichol 19 years Minister Free Church Congragation died 24th Jul 1863
Robert Gordon Nichol last child of the above died 18th Mar 1874 aged 27 years
Family
They had issue including:
(1) Robert Gordon Nichol born on 11th December, 1845, in Galashiels, Selkirkshire. He died on 18th March, 1874, in Lauder, Berwickshire.
(2) Peter William Nichol died on 1st July, 1850.
Publications – by him
Breadalbane Muniments, Ecclesiastical Documents, Letters with Petitions to Ormelie [that is, 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane] and Others, Maynooth, 16th April, 1845, NRS GD112/51/176
A pastor’s legacy, extracts from the MSS. of the late rev. R.B. Nichol, with introductory notice by J.A. Wallace, Edinburgh, Johnstone, Hunter and Co., 1864
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: Robert B. Nichol
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 18/2/1864, minister of the Free Church Congregation, Galashiels, father of Robert Gordon Nichol, residing at 31 Wrights Houses, Edinburgh, Bond of Caution; Act and Factory, Selkirk Sheriff Court NRS SC63/34/8; 4/4/1864, minister of the Free Church Congregation, Galashiels, Inventory; Bond of Caution; Confirmed Testament Dative, Selkirk Sheriff Court, NRS SC63/34/8
Sources
Scotlandgenweb; Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, 19th September, 1844
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NICOL, ANDREW, M.A.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born at Errol, 1835. Studied at the University and Free Church College, Aberdeen. Ordained at Rhynie, 1871. Retired, 1872.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born about 1836 in Errol, Perthshire, the son of James Nicol.
Education
He graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1862. He became an L.R.C.P. and S. (Edinburgh) in 1876.
Ministry
A Mr A. Nicol was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Aberdeen in 1866. He had been supplying the pulpit of Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, for over a year and was elected minister there on 21st June, 1871, and was ordained there shortly thereafter. By April of the following year, he had been deposed from the ministry, having confessed himself guilty of immorality.
Death
He died on 13th May, 1877, in Tradeston, Glasgow, when he was described as a physician and surgeon.
Family
There is no evidence that he ever married.
Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 20/8/1877, M.A., Physician and Surgeon, Pollokshields, Glasgow, d. 13/05/1877 at Pollokshields, intestate, Paisley Sheriff Court, NRS SC58/42/45
Sources
The Aberdeen Journal, 28th June, 1871; Glasgow Herald, 6th April, 1872
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NICOL, ARCHIBALD
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.282
Born in Arran, 1797. Ordained in the island of Coll, 1836. Translated to Shiskine, Arran, 1852. Died, 1876.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born at Benecarrigan, Kilmory, Isle of Arran, Bute, in 1797, the son of Archibald Nicol and Ann Cook.
Death
He died, unmarried, at the Free Church Manse, Shiskine, Isle of Arran, Bute, on 11th December, 1876 (Registration: 1876 554/ 34 Kilmory (Bute)).
There is a monument erected to his memory, in Shiskine, at the road junction adjacent to his church and manse. It reads:
Sacred to the memory of
the Rev. Archibald Nicol
Minister of the Free Church Shiskine.
Born at Benecarrigan in 1797
Died at the Manse Shiskine on the
11th December 1876 aged 79 years.
He laboured as a missionary
for some time in Saltcoats and Perth
was minister of the Free Church congregation
in the Island of Coll for 16 years
when he was unanimously chosen by
the congregation of the Free Church, Shiskine,
to which he was inducted on the
18th September, 1852.
He was a man of sterling worth
preached the gospel on a sound broad
basis, was ever willing and ready to
help those in trouble and distress of
body or mind by practical aid
or sound advice.
This monument is erected by friends as a
token of the high esteem in which he
was held while living
and of their deep regret at his death.
Hitherto has the Lord helped us.
1 Sam. 7:12
Publication – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: Archibald Nicol
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 2/4/1878, Free Church Minister, Shiskine, Island of Arran, d. 11/12/1876 at Shiskine aforesaid, intestate, Inventory; Confirmed Testament Dative, Rothesay Sheriff Court, NRS SC8/35/16
In the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, May 1848, Case from the Free Presbytery of Kintyre, in proposed Third Call to Mr. Archibald Nicol, Minister at Coll, Glasgow, Scottish Guardian Office, 1848?
Gaelic: Marbh-roinn do Mhr. Alasdair Maccuca a bha ‘na fhear-ceasnachaidh anns a Bhaile Shallainn; agus do Mhr. Pàrruig Davidson a bha ‘na mhinisteir aig Tràigh a’ Chaisteil, ann an Arainn, agus mar an ceudna do Mhr. Nicol a bha air tùs ‘na mhinisteir ann an Eilein Cholla, agus na dheigh Sin aig t’Seasgan ann an Arainn [Elegies … to Mr Nicol, formerly in Coll etc.], James Hamilton, Glasgow, Gillespie Smith, 1877
24th September, 1836, Fourth Report of the Commissioners of Religious Instruction, p.92 [For the questions which are being answered, see Queries]
Source
Presbytery Minutes in the National Records of Scotland: CH2/273/4/125-129; and CH2 273/5/65-75.
See Blog on this site: Archibald Nicol.
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NICOLL, HARRY, M.A.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born in the parish of Kildrummy, 1812. Studied at the University, Aberdeen. Became parish school-master of Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire. Signed the Probationers’ Resolutions, 1843. Ordained the same year minister of Auchindoir Free Church. Married, 1850, Jane Robertson. Became senior minister, 1887. Was for several years clerk of the Presbytery of Alford. Died, 1891.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was baptized on 23rd May, 1812, in Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire, the son of Peter Nicoll and Mary Morgan.
Education
He attended Aberdeen Grammar School. He matriculated at King’s College, Aberdeen, in 1831 and graduated M.A. in 1835. While studying divinity there – in July, 1834 – he was appointrf as parochial headmaster in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire, from which post he was dismissed at the Disruption. He also acted as Session Clerk.
Marriage
He married Jane Robertson, at the Free Church Manse, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, on 31st December, 1850. She was the niece and adopted daughter of William Robertson, Free Church minister in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, who performed the ceremony. She was born on 6th February, 1827, in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, the daughter of John Robertson and Margaret Grant.
Ministry
“Harry Nicol, Auchindoir, Rhynie” was a name on the Roll of Probationers adhering to the Free Church. He was ordained in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire, on 17th August, 1843. On the occasion of the church building on 24th December, 1843, he was presented with an elegant pulpit gown. In 1887, Thomas Laing was appointed as his colleague and successor. On his raising the matter of his retiral, it was agreed to seek a union with the neighbouring United Presbyterian and a plan of union was amicably adopted by which the united congregation used the United Presbyterian church building and the Free Church Manse. Surplus capital was made available for Synod Funds.
Death
He died on 14th October, 1891, in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire. His wife died there in 1859.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) William Robertson Nicoll born on 10th October, and baptized on 2nd November, 1851, in Auchindoir and Kearn, Aberdeenshire. He was a Free Church minister.
(2) Maria Rosa Thomasine Nicoll born on 8th April and baptized on 3rd May, 1853, in Auchindoir and Kearn, Aberdeenshire. She married Peter Logan there in 1879.
(3) Eliza Williamina Nicoll born on 27th November and baptized on 27th December, 1854, in Auchindoir and Kearn, Aberdeenshire. She died there in 1873.
(4) George Smeaton Nicoll born on 29th June, 1856, in Auchindoir and Kearn, Aberdeenshire. He died there in 1858.
(5) Henry James Nicoll born on 18th April, 1858, in Auchindoir and Kearn, Aberdeenshire. He was a promising journalist and author but he died as a young man.
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: Harry Nicoll
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 11/3/1892, resided at Old Free Church Manse, Lumsden, parish of Auchindoir, d. 14/10/1891 at Old Free Church Manse, intestate, kin of Revd William Robertson Nicoll, D.D., Baytree Lodge, Frognall, Hampstead London, Extract Inventory, Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC1/36/115
My Father (Harry Nicoll), an Aberdeenshire Minister, 1812-1891, William Robertson Nicoll, London, Hodder & Stoughton, 1908
Sources
The Aberdeen Journal, 3rd January, 1844; 8th January, 1851; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 11th October, 1886
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NICOLL, JAMES, M.A.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Dundee, 1830. Studied at the University, St. Andrews, Free Church College, Glasgow, and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at Alva, 1863. Married, the same year, Margaret M. Mitchell. Translated to St. Enoch’s, Glasgow, 1864; and, 1868, to St. Stephen’s, Glasgow. Died, 1887.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 5th December, 1830, in Dundee, the son of James Nicoll, building contractor, and Catherine McBeath.
Education
He attended Free St David’s School, Dundee. He studied at United College, St Andrews, Fife, 1852-56, and graduated M.A. on 3rd May, 1856. He was the Foundation Bursarin 1852 and he won the Gray Prize in 1856. There was a James M. Nicoll who enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1859-60.
Marriage
He married Margaret Moncrieffe Mitchell on 18th August, 1863, at East Mayfield Cottage, Edinburgh (Registration: 1863 685/5 224 Newington). She was born about 1836 in Cameron, Fife, the daughter of David Mitchell, brewer, and Janet (Jessie) Thomson. Her sister, Agnes Berwick Mitchell, married Robert Small, a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, whose son Robert Small was also a U.P. minister: see General Index on this web site.
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of St Andrews. He was ordained in Alva, Clackmannanshire, to where he had been called on 16th December, 1862. He declined a call to St Peter’s, Glasgow, but was translated to St. Enoch’s, Glasgow, on 4th August, 1864, as colleague and successor to James Henderson; and to St. Stephen’s, Glasgow, on 9th July, 1868.
Death
He died on 28th August, 1887, at his home in Hillhead, Glasgow. His wife died there in 1883.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) James Henderson Nicoll born on 30th September, 1864, in Partick, Glasgow. He died in 1921 in Hillhead, Glasgow.
(2) David John Todd Nicoll born on 4th December, 1865, in Partick, Glasgow. A David J.T. Nicoll married Bessie B. Whyte in the 2nd quarter of 1919 in Hendon, London, England; a David J.T. Nicoll also died in the 4th quarter of 1923 in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, England, aged 57.
(3) William Ferrier Nicoll born on 10th February, 1868, at 38 Berkeley Street, Anderston, Glasgow.
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: James Nicoll
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 27/10/1887, Minister, Free St Stephen’s Church, Glasgow, d. 28/08/1887 at Glasgow, testate, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC36/48/120; Will, Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills, NRS SC36/51/96
Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 19th December, 1862; 20th August, 1863; 30thAugust 30, 1887; Glasgow Herald, 3rd October, 1863; 12th February, 1868
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NICOLL, JAMES
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Laurencekirk, 1840. Studied at the University and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at Cluny, 1872. Married, the same year, Jessie A. Haldane. Translated, 1883, to Friockheim. Died, 1893.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 1st October, 1840, in Garvock. Kincardineshire, the son of James Nicoll, farmer, and Anne Cowie.
Education
He attended the Free Church school in Laurencekirk. Thereafter he spent four years in Montrose, Angus, in the office of a solicitor. He graduated M.A. from Edinburgh University and then enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1864-68. He then travelled on the continent, especially in Italy.
Marriage
He married Jessie Agnes Haldane on 29th October, 1872, in Cathcart, Glasgow. She was born on 6th November, 1843, in Melrose, Roxburghshire, the daughter of John Haldane, brewer, and Jessie H. Robertson.
Ministry
He was licensed and served as an assistant in Holburn Church, Aberdeen. He was ordained in 1872 in Cluny, Aberdeenshire, and translated to Friockheim, Angus, on 15th February, 1883. He was clerk to the Free Presbytery of Arbroath, and became convener of the Duncan Bursary Scheme.
Death
He died on 18th November, 1893, in St Giles, Edinburgh; he was buried on 21st November, from 5 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, in the Newington Cemetery there. His wife died in 1906 in Grange, Edinburgh.
Family
He had issue including:
(1) James Ferguson Nicoll born on 8th April, 1883, in Kirkden, Angus. He married Mary Margaret Mears on 6th June, 1912, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He died on 23rd November, 1968, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: James Nicoll
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 22/12/1893, F.C. Minister, Friockheim, d. 18/11/1893 at Edinburgh, testate, Forfar Sheriff Court, NRS SC47/40/62; 25/7/1894, Eik, Forfar Sheriff Court, NRS SC47/40/62
Sources
Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 21st November, 1893; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 22nd November, 1893;
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NICOLL, SIR WILLIAM ROBERTSON, LL.D. (Aberdeen)
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Lumsden, Aberdeenshire, 1851. Son of Rev. Harry Nicoll, Auchindoir. Studied at the University and Free Church College, Aberdeen. Ordained at Dufftown, parish of Mortlach, 1874. Translated to Kelso, 1877. Married, 1878, Isabella Dunlop; and, 1897, Catherine Pollard. Resigned, 1886, and settled in London. He has been a prolific writer on literary, theological, and political questions.
Publications.—Editor: British Weekly. Bookman. Expositor. The Expositor’s Greek Testament. The Expositor’s Bible. British Monthly. Complete Edition of the Works of C. Bronte. Songs of Rest. Biographer: Life of James Macdonell. Life of Professor Elmslie. Theologian: The Lamb of God. The Incarnate Saviour. The Return to the Cross. The Key of the Grave, etc.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 10th October, 1851 in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire, the son of Harry Nicoll, a Free Church minister, and Jane Robertson.
Education
He attended Aberdeen Grammar School, entered University and graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1870. He was awarded the LL.D. degree in 1890.
Marriage
He married:
(1) Isabella Dunlop in 1878 in St George, Edinburgh. She was born on 17th October, 1857, in Coldstream, Berwickshire, the daughter of Peter Dunlop and Isabella Melrose Dickson.
(2) Catherine Pollard in the 2nd quarter of 1897 in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, England. She was born on 25th July, 1863, in Pirton, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and baptized on 13th September, 1863, in Shillingford, Bedfordshire, England, the daughter of Joseph Pollard and Palacia Fenn. She was author of Bells of Memory and Under the Bay Tree .
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Alford on 21st April, 1874. He was ordained that year in Mortlach, Banffshire; and was translated to North, Kelso, Roxburghshire, in 1877. He was forced to retire from pastoral ministry after an attack of typhoid had badly damaged his lung and resigned his charge on 14th January, 1886.
He then gave himself to literary work. He was knighted in 1909 for his literary work and was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1921.
Death
He died on 4th May, 1923, at his home, Bay Tree Lodge, London, England. Isabella Dunlop or Nicoll died there in the second quarter of 1894. Catherine Pollard or Nicoll died in 1960 in Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire.
Family
He had issue including by his first wife:
(1) Isa Constance Nicoll born in 1881 in Kelso, Roxburghshire. She married Elystan Miles in the 2nd quarter of 1909 in Hampstead, London, England. He was at that time an army officer. She was a poetess and author. She died in the 1st quarter of 1963 in Hereford, England.
(2) Henry Maurice Dunlop Nicoll born in 19th July, 1884, in Kelso, Roxburghshire. He studied in Cambridge, England, became a renowned psychiatrist and served in the R.A.M.C. during WW1. He married Catherine Champion Jones on 22nd January, 1920, in Marylebone, London, England. He died on 30th August, 1953, in Great Amwell, Ware, Hertfordshire, England.
And by his second wife:
(3) Mildred Robertson Nicoll born in the 3rd quarter of 1898 in Hampstead, London, England. She married Grange Inglis Kirkcaldy in the 4th quarter of 1920 in Chelsea, London, England. She wrote and edited material under both her maiden and her married names. She died in 1995.
Publications
See separate document here.
Calms; Miles, Constance, Mrs Miles’s Diary: The Wartime Journal of a Housewife on the Home Front; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 27th April, 1896; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 5th May, 1923, p.8
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NICOLSON, DONALD JOHN
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Barvas, Lewis, 1845. Studied at the University and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at South Uist, 1880. Married, 1881, Williamina Mackenzie.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
In the Free Church, he served in South Uist, Inverness-shire. This ministry was continued in the United Free Church (Fasti of the United Free Church (FUFC), p.494, where a short biography is given). He retired in 1919 and died in 1921.
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NICOLSON, NICOL
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Shawbost, 1842. Studied at the University and Free Church College, Glasgow. Ordained at Strathgarve, Ross-shire, 1879. Married Christina M’Rae. Mr. Nicolson remained outside the Union of 1900.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 12th March and baptized on 10th October, 1842, in Lochs, Isle of Lewis, Ross and Cromarty, the son of Nicol Nicolson and Anne Nicolson.
Marriage
He married Christina McRae on 17th June, 1869, in Sleat, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire (Registration: 1869 115/ 9 Sleat). He was then a teacher in the Isle of Soay, off the Isle of Skye. She was born about 1843, the daughter of John McRae, a fisherman from Soay, and Catherine Cameron. Although her birth place is given in different ways in the censuses, it is all but certain she was born on the Isle of Soay, which was part of the parish of Bracadale, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire.
Ministry
In the Free Church, he served in Strathgarve, or Garve, Ross and Cromarty. In 1888, his Finance Committee complained about “his interference in the money matters of the congregation, and other matters of a disagreeable nature.” He remained in the Free Church at the Union of 1900. In the aftermath of the Union controversy, he was assaulted while on his way to preach in the Ness district, in the Isle of Lewis, Ross and Cromarty, by being struck on the nose with a stone. He was inducted to Shawbost, Isle of Lewis, Ross and Cromarty, in 1900. At first he had a relationship with the neighbouring Carloway congregation, but this was dissolved in 1906 as “there was no hope of harmony in the matter on the basis of the continued connection of Mr Nicolson with Carloway.” He was translated to Strathconan, Ross and Cromarty, on 26th July, 1911. He retired in 1930.
Death
He died on 18th June, 1934, at Tarnash House, Keith, Banffshire. He was buried in Garve on 21st June. His wife died in 1919 in Carnoch, Ross and Cromarty.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) Catherine Nicolson born on 3rd September, 1870, in Uig, Isle of Lewis, Ross and Cromarty.
(2) Alexander Nicolson born on 5th March, 1873, in Bracadale, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire.
(3) Johanna Nicolson born in 1875 in Bracadale, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire.
(4)Barbara Nicolson born in 1877 in Bracadale, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire.
(5) Mary Nicolson born about 1879 in Broadford, Strath, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire.
(6) Christina Nicolson born about 1883 in Contin, Ross and Cromarty.
(7) John Nicolson born about 1886 in Contin, Ross and Cromarty.
(8) Jessie Ann Nicolson born in 1887 in Kinlochluichart, Ross and Cromarty.
Publications – by him
An t-urramach Iain Mac-Rath (“Mac-Rath Mor”), a bha ann an leodhas beagan iomraidh m’ a bheatha agus criomagan de ‘theagasg, Inverness, G. Young, 1895
The Reverend John MacRae (“Mac-Rath Mor”-“Big MacRae”) of Knockbain, Greenock, and Lewis, a short account of his life and fragments of his preaching, Inverness, George Young, 1924
Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 9th February, 1888, p.6; 24th December, 1902, p.6; 22nd November, 1906, p.10; 20th June, 1934, p.20
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NICOLSON, WILLIAM, D.D. (Washington College, Iowa)
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Ceres, 1796. Studied at the University, St. Andrews. Ordained at Ferry-Port-on-Craig, Fife, 1828. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Translated to London Wall, 1844; and to Hobart (Tasmania), 1852, where he formed a congregation. Retired, 1879. Married Elizabeth Steele. Died, 1890.
Publications.—The Christian’s Refuge. Musings when Alone. Reasons for Humiliation, etc.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1828, Ferryport on Craig, FES, Vol.5, p.202. In the Free Church, he served in Ferry-Port-On-Craig (Tayport), Fife.
Publications
See separate document here.
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NICOLSON, WILLIAM MILLAR, D.Sc.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.283
Born at Edinburgh, 1840. Studied at the University and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at Linlithgow, 1867. Married, the same year, Margaret Hurst. Translated, 1882, to Jersey; and, 1885, to Bristol. Resigned, 1896, and afterwards became minister of Ravensburn Church, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Publications.—Classical Revision of the Greek New Testament. The Minister’s Duty in Relation to the Sabbath (prize essay).
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 3rd May, 1840, in Canongate, Edinburgh, the son of David Nicolson, grocer and spirit dealer, and Christian Miller.
Education
He graduated from Edinburgh University with the following degrees: B.A. (1861); M.A. (1st Class) (1864); D.Sc.(Philology) (1875). William Millar Nicholson enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1861-65.
Marriage
He married Margaret Hurst on 25th September, 1867, in Inveresk, Midlothian (Registration: 1867 689/ 51 Inveresk and Musselburgh). She was born about 1845 in London, England, the daughter of William Hurst, railway engineer, and Anne Calder.
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh in May, 1865, and was ordained to Linlithgow, West Lothian, on 15th August, 1867. He accepted the unanimous call of the Presbyterian congregation of Jersey, at a meeting of the Free Church Presbytery of Linlithgow on 8th August, 1882, and he was inducted there on 14th September that year.
He was received by the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland, New Zealand, on 2nd November, 1900 and inducted to Ravensbourne, Dunedin Presbytery, on 4th January, 1901. He resigned on 17th December, 1911.
Death
He died on 16th November, 1913, at St Margaret’s, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devonshire, England. He was then described as late Fellow and Tutor of Edinburgh University. He was buried in Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh, on 20th November. A memorial tablet was erected in St Ninian’s, Linlithgow, West Lothian, on 15th October, 1939. His wife died in Devonshire in March, 1932.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) Annie Christian Nicolson born on 11th August, 1868, in Linlithgow, West Lothian. She died there that same year.
(2) Euphemia Helen Nicolson born on 26th July, 1869, in Linlithgow, West Lothian. She married Thomas Claude Fisher on 24th January, 1901, in Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. He was of the Indian Finance Department. She died on 27th November, 1910, in Medical College Hospital, Calcutta, India.
(3) William Hurst Nicolson born on 19th September, 1870, in Linlithgow, West Lothian. He married Isabella “Ella” Anderson in 1905 in St Giles, Edinburgh. He died on 21st January 1916, in Mesopotamia – a major of the 37th Dogras. He was buried in the Amara War Cemetery Al `Amarah Maysan, Iraq .
(4) Margaret Emily Nicolson born on 7th October, 1872, in Linlithgow, West Lothian. She married Harold Joseph Sherwood on 10th May, 1906, in Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England. He was a major in the Royal Engineers and died in January, 1907.
(5) Henry David Nicolson born on 3rd June, 1874, in Linlithgow, West Lothian. He married Meta, a widow of Mr Turner, on 24th November, 1909, at Christ Church, Rangoon, Burma. He was a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve.
(6) Janet Hurst Nicolson born in 1875 in Linlithgow, West Lothian. She married Edward Swayne Thomas on 17th September, 1901, in Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. She died on 20th April, 1958, in Brighton, Sussex, England.
(7) Arthur McLeod Nicolson born in 1879 in Linlithgow, West Lothian. He died in July, 1896, in Barton Regis, Gloucestershire, England.
(8) Mary H. H. Nicolson born about 1884 in Jersey, Channel Isles. She died in December, 1967, in Cuckfield, Sussex, England.
Publications – by him
The faith of the Christian in its relations to the two advents, a sermon on the occasion of the death of Mrs. Hogg, the widow of “The Ettrick Shepard”, preached in Linlithgow Free Church, on the Lord’s day, 27th November 1870, Edinburgh, Andrew Elliot, 1870
“He shall live”, a sermon on the living prince and loyal prayer, in reference to the national thanksgiving for the recovery of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, preached in Linlithgow Free Church, on the Lord’s day evening, 26th February 1872 , Edinburgh, Andrew Elliot, 1872
Classical Revision of the Greek New Testament tested and applied on uniform principles, with suggested alterations of the English versions, London, 1878
On New Testament criticism, Edinburgh, Johnston and Hunter, 1884
Testimonials in favour of the Rev. W. Millar Nicolson, etc., A candidate for the office of examiner in the classical department of university degrees at Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 1889
The Lord’s Day & the servant’s duty, or, responsibility as measured by privilege in hallowing the Sabbath Day, Bristol, Rose and Harris, 1891
Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 15/12/1913, D.Sc., Free Church of Scotland, Linlithgow, latterly St Margaret’s, Babbacombe near Torquay, d. 16/11/1913 at Babbacombe, testate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC70/1/547; Edinburgh Sheriff Court Wills, NRS SC70/4/455
Sources
The Marquis of Ruvigny and Ranieval, The Plantagenet Roll of the Blood Royal: The Mortimer-Percy, Volume, p.396; Otago Daily Times, 12 February 1910; PCNZ, Ministers’ Register; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 19th November, 1913, p.14; 16th October, 1939, p.9
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NISBET, WILLIAM
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born in 1809. Studied at the University, Glasgow, and Divinity Hall, Edinburgh. Ordained, 1834, at New Street Church, Edinburgh, which, in the Free Church, became the Canongate Church, and afterwards Knox’s Church. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Was many years clerk of the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh. Married, 1839, Catherine Arthur. Became senior minister, 1862. Died, 1869.
Publication.—Popery Identified.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1834, Clarkston, FES, Vol.3, p.242; 1834, New Street, Edinburgh, FES, Vol.1, p.186. In the Free Church, he served in Knox’s, Edinburgh.
Publications – by him
This is attributed to this William Nisbet although there was a contemporaneous Secession minister of the same name: The voluntary support of the Christian Ministry the only method acceptable to God, and beneficial to the church, a sermon preached at the request of the Edinburgh Young Men’s Voluntary Church Association on the 30th August, 1835, Edinburgh, M. Paterson, 1835
Popery identified and sketched, an essay on the words, “that man of sin”, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Edinburgh, W.P. Kennedy, 1847
The Scottish Christian Herald, Vol.1, p.561, On Pure and Undefiled Religion; Vol.2, p.392, Man Created in the Image of God; 2nd series, Vol.2, p.692, On “the Wrath to Come”; 2nd series, Vol.3, p.164, On our Saviour’s Descent into Hell
Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 9/12/1869, residing at No.6 Hope Park in Edinburgh, Inventory, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC70/1/146
First Report of the Commissioners of Religious Instruction, Appendix 2, p.150 [For the questions which are being answered, see Queries]
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NIVEN, ROBERT
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born at Dumbarton, 1846. Studied at the University and Free Church College, Glasgow. Ordained at Burghead, 1877. Married, 1879, Jessie Ann Ingram.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
In the Free Church, he served in Burghead, Moray. This ministry was continued in the United Free Church (Fasti of the United Free Church (FUFC), p.462). He died in 1904.
Family
Thomson Tree.
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NIVEN, SAMUEL KENNEDY
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born at Auchinleck, Ayrshire, 1847. Studied at the University and Free Church College, Glasgow. Ordained at Bannockburn, 1875. Resigned, 1896.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 4th October, 1847, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire, the son of Neil Niven, stone miner, and Ann Gibson. In 1861 he was a box maker.
Education
In 1871 he was a theological student, living in Glasgow.
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Hamilton, on 2nd July, 1874. He was ordained in Bannockburn, Stirlingshire, in 1875. On 7th July, 1896, Stirling Free Presbytery considered a petition from 150 members of the Bannockburn congregation bringing charges against their minister and he was given eight weeks leave of absence. He resigned his charge on 10th November, 1896.
A Samuel Niven became minister of St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Hartney, Manitoba, Canada, in 1898. This Samuel Niven supported the Boer cause in the Anglo-Boer (South African) War and was forced to resign his charge. He went to live in Idaho, USA, where he died a year later.
Sources
Cook and Wyllie’s Stirling Directory, 1897, p. 100; Manitobia
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NIXON, JOHN
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born, 1835. Son of the following. Studied at the University, Edinburgh, Free Church College, Aberdeen, and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at Barrhill, Ayrshire, 1869. Married, following year, Mary Gibson. Retired, 1885. Died, 1886.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 10th September and baptized on 24th October, 1836, in Montrose, Angus, the son of William Nixon, minister, and Margaret Landels Sedgeley.
Education
He enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1861-62.
Marriage
He married Mary Gibson. She was born in Ireland about 1842.
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Brechin on 12th August, 1862. About March, 1863, he was appointed to be the town missionary for Brechin, Angus. He was ordained in Barrhill, Ayrshire, on 21st January, 1869. In 1885 he resigned through ill health.
Death
He lived at 3 Seton Place, Edinburgh, and latterly at 5 De Beauvoir Terrace, Guernsey, Channel Islands, where he died on 30th November, 1886. His widow lived latterly at Coombe Hurst, Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, where she died on 13th April, 1892.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) Una Margherita Mary Nixon born on 11th Deccember, 1872, in Colmonell, Ayrshire. The death in 1901 of a person of this name is commemorated in the Mission Ground Cemetery, in Whangerei, Northland, New Zealand. She was the wife of William Gilbert, a Belfast business man.
(2) Winifred Ethel M. Nixon born in 1875 in Barrhill, Ayrshire.
(3) William Gibson C. Nixon born in 1879 in Barrhill, Ayrshire.
Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 8/3/1887, sometime F.C. Minister, Barrhill, Ayrshire, thereafter residing at 3 Seton Place, Edinburgh, latterly at 5 De Beauvoir Terrace, Guernsey, Channel Islands, d. 30/11/1886 at 5 De Beauvoir Terrace aforesaid, testate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC70/1/256; Will, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Wills, NRS SC70/4/223
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Nixon or Gibson, Mary, 10/1/1893, widow of Rev. John Nixon, sometime F.C. Minister, Barrhill, Ayrshire, thereafter of 3 Seton Place, Edinburgh, latterly at Coombe Hurst, Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, d. 13/04/1892 at Bournemouth, testate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC70/1/314; Will, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Wills, NRS SC70/4/264
Sources
Findagrave; Rootschat; The Aberdeen Journal, 11th March, 1863; The Belfast News-Letter, Belfast, Ireland, 16th April, 1892
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NIXON, WILLIAM, D.D.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born at Camlachie, Glasgow, 1803. Studied at the University, Glasgow. Ordained, 1831, by the Presbytery of Chirnside as minister of Hexham, Northumberland. Translated, 1833, to St. John’s, Montrose. Married, 1835, Margaret Sidgley; and, 1875, Janet Craig. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Was Moderator of the General Assembly in 1868. Became senior minister, 1874. Died, 1900. In 1850 Dr. Nixon became joint-editor along with Drs. William Wilson and James Lumsden of the Free Church Missionary Record, an arrangement which continued till 1853. In 1863 he succeeded Dr. Candlish in the convenership of the Education Committee.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1828, Newcastle, FES, Vol.7, p.511; 1831, Hexham, FES, Vol.7, p.463; 1833, Montrose, FES, Vol.5, p.416; Small, History, Vol.1, p.74. In the Free Church, he served in St. John’s, Montrose, Angus.
Family
His son John Nixon was a Free Church minister.
Publications
See separate document here.
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NOBLE, ANDREW, M.A.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born, 1808. Ordained at Blairingone, 1841. Married, 1843, Williamina Mackay. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Translated, 1844, to Fossoway; and, 1847, to Loudoun. Became senior minister, 1849. Died, 1882.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1841, Blairingone, FES, Vol.5, p.60. In the Free Church, he served in Blairingone, Kinross-shire; Fossoway, Kinross-shire; and Loudoun, Ayrshire.
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: Andrew Noble
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 30/9/1882, Minister, Free Church of Scotland, Loudoun, d. 12/01/1882 at Newmilns, Loudoun, intestate, Ayr Sheriff Court, NRS SC6/44/44
Court of Session: Bill Chamber, Processes in Actions of Suspension and Interdict: Major Hamilton A. Montgomerie & another (Trustees of Blairingone Church) & Others: Suspension & Interdict: Respondent: Revd. Andrew Noble (Minister of Blairingone Church) & Others, 1844, NRS CS275/6/66
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NOBLE, JAMES
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born in the parish of Killearnan, 1803. Studied at King’s College, Aberdeen, and Divinity Hall, Edinburgh, taking also a course in medicine. He was parish schoolmaster at Lochbroom after completing his studies. Ordained, 1839, at Lybster. Translated, 1840, to the Gaelic Church, Edinburgh. Married, the same year, Abigail Ross. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Translated, 1849, to Poolewe. Mr. Noble visited Canada in 1859 as a deputy of the Free Church. Died, 1864.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1839, Lybster, FES, Vol.7, p.127; 1840, St Oran’s, Edinburgh, FES, Vol.1, p.31. In the Free Church, he served in St. Columba’s, Edinburgh; and Poolewe, Ross and Cromarty.
Publications – about him
Obituary notice on this web-site: James Noble
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 9/3/1865. minister of Free church of Poolewe, Inventory, Dingwall Sheriff Court, NRS SC25/44/8
Court of Session: Bill Chamber, Processes in Actions of Suspension and Interdict: Presbytery of Edinburgh & Others: Suspension & Interdict: Respondent: Rev. James Noble, 1844, NRS CS275/6/284
Campbell of Kiltearn with sketches of … Noble of Poolewe, etc., Duncan MacGregor, Edinburgh, Maclaren & Macniven, 1875
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NOBLE, JOHN, M.A.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born at Inverness, 1803. Studied at King’s College, Aberdeen. In 1830 he was appointed rector of Tain Academy. Ordained at Fodderty, Ross-shire, 1833. Married, 1835, Margaret Cron. Signed the Act of Separation and Deed of Demission. Translated to Glasgow, Duke Street, 1846. Died, 1849.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
1833, Fodderty, FES, Vol.7, p.38
Ewing differs from Fasti here regarding John Noble’s marriage. But in the 1841 census John’s wife is given as Elizabeth; and there is a record of John Noble marrying Eliza Kennedy on 12th February, 1835, in Logie Easter, Ross and Cromarty. For some family connections, see the Kennedy Tree.
In the Free Church, he served in Contin and Fodderty, Ross and Cromarty; and Duke Street Gaelic, Glasgow.
Publications – by him
New Statistical Account, August, 1840, Fodderty, Vol.14, Ross, p.244
Breadalbane Muniments: Additional Papers from the Taymouth Estate Office, Letters Accompanying Petitions to Parliament etc., 23 April, 1844, Act for the regulation of suits relating to meetinghouses and other property held for religious purposes by persons dissenting from the Church of England, NRS GD112/74/825
Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 13/12/1849, Revd, residing at 201 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, father of Anne Downie Noble, I, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, NRS SC36/48/36
Seaforth Papers: Papers relating to churches and schools: Letter by the Rev John Noble, Fodderty, to J A Stewart Mackenzie of Seaforth relating to accommodation in Fodderty church, 17 Oct 1834, NRS GD46/12/20
William Ross, schoolmaster, Blairninish, Answers made by Schoolmasters in Scotland, p.270 [See here Parochial Schools – Queries to which these Answers are a response]
Third Report of the Commissioners of Religious Instruction: Teinds, Appendix 1, Table 2, p.40
29th September, 1836, Fourth Report of the Commissioners of Religious Instruction, p.302 [For the questions which are being answered, see Queries]
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NOBLE, JOHN
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.284
Born at Ferintosh, 1851. Studied at the University, Edinburgh, and Free Church College, Aberdeen. Ordained at Lairg, 1885. Married, 1900, Emma E. M. Davidson.
Publication.—Religious Life in Ross. With Memoir and Introduction.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 20th May, and baptized on 11th June, 1850, in Ferintosh, Ross and Cromarty, the son of John Noble, farmer, and Isabella Nicol.
Education
He attended the local Free Church school and then, intending to go into business, worked in a drapery store in Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty, before studying for the ministry in Edinburgh University and the Free Church College, Aberdeen.
Marriage
He married Emma Elizabeth Marriott Davidson in 1900 in Elgin, Moray. She was born on 15th September, 1862, in Dallas, Moray, the daughter of William Davidson, Free Church minister, and Emma Mary Anne Wilkinson.
Ministry
He was licensed by the Free Presbytery of Dingwall on 6th September, 1883. He was ordained in Lairg, Sutherland, on 30th December, 1885. He remained in the Free Church at the Union of 1900. In June, 1905, he declined a call to Strathpeffer, Ross and Cromarty.
He was designated Moderator of the 1908 General Assembly.
Death
He died on 31st January, 1908, in Lairg, Sutherland. His wife died in 1934 in Morningside, Edinburgh.
Family
There is no evidence that they had issue.
Publications – by him
The days of the Fathers in Ross-shire, John Kennedy, with introduction by Gustavus Aird and memoirs of Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy, by John Noble and the Rev. John Kennedy, Caticol, Inverness, 1897
Religious life in Ross, with memoir and introduction, edited by J. Kennedy Cameron and Donald Maclean, Inverness, Northern Counties Newspaper, 1909
Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 17/6/1908, Lairg, Sutherlandshire, d. 31/01/1908 at Lairg, intestate, Dornoch Sheriff Court, NRS SC9/36/11; 2/12/1908, Additional Inventory, Dornoch Sheriff Court, NRS SC9/36/11
Source
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 21st June, 1905, p.12
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NOBLE, ROBERT
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.285
Born at Keiss, 1816. Studied at the University and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at Muirkirk, 1849. Mr. Noble was twice married, his second wife being Christina Bowe. Became senior minister, 1889. Died, 1896.
Supplementary Information
Background
According to the censuses, he was born about 1816 in Gordon, Berwickshire. He was the son of Arthur Noble, contractor, and Ruth Angelly.
Education
He enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1843-47.
Marriage
He married:
(1) Louisa Williamson on 1st June, 1851, in Edinburgh. She was born about 1812, the daughter of Donald Williamson, army lieutenant.
(2) Christina Bowe on 9th April, 1890, in Ayr (Registration: 1890 612/ 4 St Quivox and Newton On Ayr). She was born about 1851 in Skirling, Peebles-shire, the daughter of David Bowe, farmer, and Janet Young.
Ministry
In the Free Church, he served in Muirkirk, Ayrshire. He was elected to St Helen’s congregation of the English Presbyterian Church on 4th July, 1866, the annual stipend offered being £250, but he declined. James Greenshields was elected as his colleague and successor in 1889.
Death
He lived at 47 Hawkhill Avenue, Ayr, and died there on 26th October, 1896. Louisa Noble or Williamson died on 3rd March, 1884, at the Free Church Manse, Muirkirk, Ayrshire (Registration: 1884 607/ 18 Muirkirk). Christina Noble or Bowe died in 1916 in Alloway, Ayrshire.
Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 3/3/1897, Free Church, Muirkirk, residing at Orwell Cottage, 47 Hawkhill Ave., Ayr, d 25/10/1896 at Ayr, testate, Will, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, NRS SC6/46/26; 9/3/1897, Ayr Sheriff Court, NRS SC6/44/59
Family
There is no sign that he had issue.
Source
The Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, 10th July, 1866
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NORWELL, HENRY, M.A.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.285
Born at Perth, 1861. Studied at the University, St. Andrews, and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained at Dunblane, 1888. Married, the same year, Hannah P. Stewart. Translated to Islington, English Presbyterian Church, 1892; and to Helensburgh, Park, 1898.
Supplementary Information
Life and Ministry
In the Free Church, he served in Dunblane, Perthshire; and Park, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire. This ministry was continued in the United Free Church (Fasti of the United Free Church (FUFC), p.272). He died in 1904.
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NOTMAN, WILLIAM ROBSON, D.D.
Text of Ewing’s Annals, Vol.1, p.285
Born at Strathnaver, Sutherlandshire, 1859. Studied at the University and New College, Edinburgh. Ordained, 1889, for Warwick Presbyterian Church, Bermuda; the church, erected in 1719, being the oldest Presbyterian Church building in the British Colonies. Married, 1890, Mary A. Frith. Resigned, 1893, and went to America, where he was settled at Georgetown, Colorado, 1894. Translated to Boulder, Colorado, United States of America, 1896, where in addition to his ministerial work he performed the duties of a theological chair in the State University of Colorado.
Supplementary Information
Background
He was born on 1st January, 1857, in Clebrig, Farr, Sutherland, the son of James Notman and Margaret Ormeston.
Education
He enrolled in New College, Edinburgh, 1885-89.
Marriage
He married Mary Archibald Frith. She was born on 7th October, 1871, in Longford, Warwick, Bermuda, the daughter of Archibald John Frith and Lucy Hutchings.
Death
He died on 29th December, 1908, at Clebrig, Paget, Bermuda.
Family
They had issue including:
(1) Lucy Ormiston Notman born on 4th January, 1892, in Warwick, Bermuda. She married J. Francis Hutchings.
(2) Ronald Clyde Notman born 2nd July, 1893, in Bermuda. He was at one time a bank clerk. He died on 17th July, 1941, in the USA.
(3) William Robson Notman born on 26th November, 1895, in Warwick, Bermuda. He married Pamela Johns (or Jones). He died on 28th December, 1923.
Publication – by him
The early Bermuda church in Presbyterians in Bermuda, 1609-1984, a wholesome leaven, the story of Christ Church, Warwick, Bermuda, Warwick, Bermuda, The Kirk Session of Christ Church, 1984?
Source
Geni
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