Synod of United Original Seceders (1852-1956): Ministers

Ministers of the
Synod of United Original Seceders
1852-1956

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AITKEN, GEORGE RIDDELL

 

Background
He was born on 14th May, 1866, in the Midlem UOS Manse, Bowden, Roxburghshire, the son of William Ferguson Aitken, minister, and Hannah Riddell.

Education
He attended Lilliesleaf and Midlem Primary School; and in Glasgow, Hampton Court Academy and Glasgow High School. He graduated M.A. from Glasgow University in 1894.

Marriage
He married Annie Clark McArthur on 12th April, 1906, the marriage being recorded in Maryhill, Glasgow. Her birth was recorded in Kinning Park, Glasgow, in 1875. She was the daughter of Donald McArthur, coal merchant and ship owner, and his wife Mary. She was the authoress of several works of fiction.

Ministry
He was licensed in the autumn of 1895 by the Presbytery of Glasgow. He declined a call to Ayr and was ordained to Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, on 2nd July, 1896.

He demitted his charge on 11th February, 1902, and withdrew from the UOS church. The majority of his congregation left with him and he was inducted to the congregation, then the Kirkintilloch South United Free Church, in June, 1902. He resigned this charge and was inducted to Ochiltree United Free Church on 2nd June, 1927. He was translated to Kirkpatrick Durham United Free Church on 27th September, 1928. He with his congregation joined the Church of Scotland in 1929. He demitted his charge in 1937.

Death
He died on 19th September, 1938, at his home in Hillhead, Glasgow. His wife’s death was recorded in Leith, Edinburgh. She died on 8th November, 1959, her usual residence at the time was 2 March Grove, Blackhall, Edinburgh.

Family
He was survived by one daughter.

(1) Hannah Mary Aitken born on 3rd May, 1911, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. Her death was registered in Edinburgh in 1977, her usual residence being 5 Northumberland Street there (1977 734/ 395 St Andrew (Edinburgh)). She was a secretary. She was found dead at 8.10 a.m. on 25th June, 1977, in Craik Forest, Roberton, Hawick, Roxburghshire. The cause of death was undetermined: there was advanced putrefaction.

Sources
FUFC p.115; FES, Vol.9, p.155; Glasgow Herald, Friday, July 3, 1896; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 20th September, 1938, p.6

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AITKEN, JOHN

  

Background
He was born in Kirriemuir, Angus, on 13th and baptised on 23rd December, 1789, the son of James Aitken, secession minister, and Isabella Ferguson, daughter of James Ferguson laird of Kinmundy. For his father, see, in the General Index of Scottish Presbyterian Ministers, here; and scroll down to “Aitken, James: 1778, Kirriemuir”.

Education
He entered Marischal College, Aberdeen, in 1803, along with his cousin, James Ferguson of Kinmundy, and after four years of study, graduated M.A.. He entered the secession Divinity Hall in 1807.

Marriage
He married Janet Somerville on 29th September, 1816. She was the only daughter of John Somerville, tanner, Leith, and was born about 1790.

Ministry
He was licensed on 25th July, 1809. He received calls from Kelso, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen, and was ordained in Aberdeen, on 25th July, 1811, and remained there till his death in 1857, when he was the Father of the Synod. He was Moderator of Synod in 1852.

Death
He lived at 26 Skene Terrace in Aberdeen, but died on 21st July, 1857, at the Midlem Manse, Bowden, Roxburghshire. “In form, he was tall, and in old age his appearance and speech were peculiarly impressive when he spoke in Synod. In voice and manner, he was solemn, and his piety was sincere.”

Family
Besides the usual genealogical resources, information about the family is given in a memoir of his son James Aitken, who was born in 1822: “Two sweet little girls died when he was still a child; a younger brother, his companion, was afterwards taken from his side; and, about his tenth Year, he lost an elder sister, who had just entered her thirteenth year.”

Putting all this together, it seems that they had issue as follows:

(1) Janet (Jessie) Aitken born (or baptised) on 7th July, 1817, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She died of scarlet fever in Aberdeen on 23rd March, 1825.

(2) Isabella Ferguson Aitken born (or baptised) on 7th April, 1819, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She died in her grand-father’s home in Kirriemuir, on 9th August, 1831.

(3) Margaret Aitken born (or baptised) on 19th December 1820, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She died at Aberdeen on 29th October, 1854.

(4) James Aitken born on 8th July, 1822, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. He studied at the Grammar School of Aberdeen and Marischal College, Aberdeen. He graduated M.A. On 8th October, 1841, he was examined by the Presbytery of Aberdeen and admitted to the Divinity Hall. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Aberdeen at Carnoustie on 16th October, 1844. A call to him from the Kirriemuir congregation was signed on 19th December and sustained by the Presbytery on 25th December. But he died in Dundee about 9 in the morning, on Saturday, 28th December, 1844. A short memoir of him is found in the Original Secession Magazine in 1849 in two parts, p.1 and p.49.

(5) John Sommerville Aitken baptised on 2nd January, 1824, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. He died at Aberdeen on 31st March, 1834.

(6) Janet Aitken baptised on 19th April, 1826, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She died at Aberdeen on 23rd February, 1830.

(7) Elizabeth Aitken born about 1828 in Aberdeen. She married, as his first wife Thomas Hobart, a minister of the UOS Church.

(8) David Aitken baptised on 4th July, 1830, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. In 1851 he was a merchant’s clerk. He married Margaret Yule Buyers on 19th September, 1860, at Marine Terrace, Aberdeen, Aberdeen (Registration: 1860 168/2 145 Old Machar Aberdeen Burgh). She was the daughter of James Buyers, shop owner, and Jessie Edward.

(9) There was also a still born twin. The most likely person is William Aitken whose death is recorded on 4th July, 1830 – the day of David Aitken’s birth.

(10) William Ferguson Aitken born on 6th June, 1832, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. He became a UOS minister.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 17/8/1857, Minister of the Gospel residing at No.26 Skene Terrace in Aberdeen, T. 17/08/1857, SC1/37/41/p175, Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories; SC1/36/41; Aberdeen Sheriff Court Wills, SC1/37/41
Memoir of John Aitken, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 3 (1856-58), pp.415; 434 and 529; and New Series 4 (1858-60), p.11
Memoir of the Rev. John Aitken, late of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, 1857

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.537; Skene Terrace, Aberdeen (Constitutional), 1811, Scott, Annals, p.245; General, Scott, Annals, p.189; General, Scott, Annals, p.194; Call, Scott, Annals, p.312; Call, Scott, Annals, p.350; Call, Scott, Annals, p.362; General, Original Secession, Small, History, Vol.1, p.6; Family, Small, History, Vol.1, p.290; Family, Small, History, Vol.1, p.322; The Aberdeen Journal, 29th July, 1857

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AITKEN, WILLIAM FERGUSON

  

Background
He was born on 6th June, 1832, in Old Machar, Aberdeen, the son of John Aitken, UOS minister, and Janet Somerville.

Education
He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School. He studied at Marischal College, Aberdeen, 1847-51, and graduated M.A. He studied in the UOS Theological Hall.

Marriage
He married Hannah Riddell on 13th July, 1859, in Galashiels, Selkirkshire. According to the censuses, she was born in Melrose, Roxburghshire. But her birth (or baptism) was registered in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, on 7th November, 1836. She was the daughter of George Riddell, farmer, and Helen Anderson.

Ministry
His licence was permitted because of the special circumstances of the time – the lack of ministers – though he had not completed his studies. He had competing calls to Shottsburn, Lanarkshire, and Midlem, Roxburghshire, and a pro re nata meeting of Synod in January, 1854, adjudicated between them and he was ordained in Midlem on 28th June, 1854. In June, 1874, he was translated to Mains Street, Glasgow, as colleague and successor to Matthew Murray. He was Moderator of Synod in 1861 and 1874. He was chosen to be Professor of Biblical Criticism by the Synod in May, 1875. The voting was 20 for him and 11 for James Spence, Auchinleck. On 10th September, 1891, James Patrick was ordained as his colleague and successor and in 1894 he resigned his professorship. Two years later he retired from active service.

Death
He lived at Jane Street, Blythswood Square Glasgow and latterly at the British Linen Bank House, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, where he died on 12th March, 1901. He was survived by three sons and two daughters. His wife died in 1890, the death being registered in Kelvin, Glasgow. For a poem composed in her memory see the Original Secession Magazine, Vol.11, p.596.

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Helen Aitken born on 4th September, 1860, in Bowden, Roxburghshire. She married Charles Prentice Leiper, bank agent, Clydebank, at the Cockburn Hotel, Bath Street, Glasgow, on 10th June, 1886. She is said to have died on 23rd April,1909, at the British Linen Bank House, Glasgow Road, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire.

(2) Jessie Somerville Aitken born on 28th June, 1862, in Bowden, Roxburghshire. She married William McBeath, a UOS minister.

(3) John Aitken born on 13th May, 1864, in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He died in July, 1874, at ten years of age, when he fell down a stair and fractured his skull (The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 7th July, 1874, p.3).

(4) George Riddell Aitken born on 14th May, 1866, in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He became a minister of the United Original Secession Church.

(5) William Aitken born on 28th May, 1868, in Bowden, Roxburghshire.

(6) David Aitken born on 30th July, 1870, at the Midlem UOS Manse, Bowden, Roxburghshire.

(7) Arthur Andrew Aitken born on 8th June, 1873, in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He emigrated to New Zealand in the early years of the 20th century. His examinations for military service in WW1 show his health was not good. He was by trade a billiard marker or a hotel employee. He was then a bachelor living in Palmerston North. He died in 1944 in New Zealand.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 13/4/1901, M.D., formerly Minister, United Original Secession Church, Main Street, Glasgow, sometime residing at 4 (or 54) Jane Street, Blythswood Square there, thereafter at the British Linen Bank House, Clydebank, d. 12/03/1901 at Clydebank, testate, Dumbarton Sheriff Court, SC65/35/1; Will, Dumbarton Sheriff Court, SC65/36/1

Sources
Servlet; The Aberdeen Journal, August 3, 1870; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 13th March, 1901, p.8; Glasgow Herald, 6th May, 1874; 11th June, 1886; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 5th May, 1875

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ANDERSON, ANDREW

 

Ministry
On 21st October, 1857, he was ordained in Dromore, Ireland. He was translated to Kilwinning, Ayrshire, on 24th July, 1860. He demitted his charge on 18th May, 1863, and emigrated to New Zealand, and, on his return, joined the Free Church. See here.

Source
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 25th August, 1862

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ANDERSON, GEORGE

 

Background
He was born (or baptised) on 5th December, 1841, in Brechin, Angus, the son of James Anderson, teacher, and Helen Stewart.

Education
He came under the supervision of the Glasgow Presbytery on 2nd June, 1868, when he was examined and appointed as a missionary to Pollokshaws. He was regularly examined thereafter as a student in the Divinity Hall. The Synod in May, 1870, heard a report from a committee which had been charged with collecting information “regarding the most suitable field where a missionary might advantageously labour.” The committee also conveyed the information that “George Anderson, student in divinity, had formally offered himself as an agent for the foreign mission field.”

Marriage
He married:

(1) Agnes Gibson on 9th August, 1871, at the bride’s home, Glenhervie, Southend, Argyll (Registration: 1871 532/ 6). She was born about 1848 in Dalrymple, Ayrshire, the daughter of James Gibson, farmer, and Jane Brown.

(2) Mary Bro(a)tchie Spence in Newington, Edinburgh, in 1881. She was born in Evie, Orkney, on 8th July, 1853, the daughter of John Spence and Jane Flett. She was the sister of James Spence, a minister of the UOS Church.

Ministry
On 12th April, 1871, the Foreign Mission Committee recommended that the Presbytery should be ready to take him on trials for licence if the Synod should agree. At the May meeting, the Synod, instructed the Presbytery of Glasgow to take him on trials for ordination. He was licensed by that Presbytery on 9th June, 1871. On 26th July, 1871, the students of the UOS Divinity Hall presented him with a testimonial on his departure for India – a short address signed by the students and a few volumes of the works of standard theological authors.

On 22nd August, 1871, in Mains Street Church, Glasgow, he was ordained to the mission in India by the Presbytery of Glasgow. On the occasion, Thomas Robertson, Kilwinning, as Synod Moderator opened the proceedings; John Ritchie, Shottsburn, preached on Psalm 68:31: “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God”; William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws, and Matthew Murray, Mains Street, Glasgow, conducted different parts of the ordination; James Smellie, Edinburgh, addressed the new missionary and the congregation; and John Barr, Coupar Angus, as senior minister of the Perth and Aberdeen Presbytery, closed the service.

The following evening a farewell meeting was held in Pollokshaws when about 360 attended. Anderson was presented “with a purse containing thirty-five and a-half sovereigns (to which three half-crowns were subsequently added)”; a pocket Bible suitably inscribed for himself and another for his wife; and Henry’s Works.

The Andersons sailed to India free of charge on the City of Amoy – a vessel belonging to Messrs. George Smith & Sons, of Glasgow. They reached Bombay on 12th December, 1871. They spent two or three weeks at Nagpore where they were guests of the Free Church missionaries, until they could get to Seoni.

He left India on furlough about October, 1879 – shortly after his first wife had died there.

In 1880, being home from Seoni, India, he was Moderator of Synod. On 15th September, 1881, a valedictory service for him and Edward White, who was going to India for the first time, was held in Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, on their departure for India.

In 1888, he intimated his resignation from the work in Seoni and this was accepted on health grounds.

The Anderson family “arrived safely in Scotland on Thursday, 18th April, after a pleasant and rapid passage from Bombay to Marseilles. There they left the vessel and proceeded per rail through France, and thence homeward by the ordinary route”. He was granted a year’s allowance on his return, from 1st June, 1889. He was to be regarded as an ordained minister without a charge. From 1889, he took charge of the congregation in Kirkcaldy, Fife, where he remained till 10th November, 1898, when he was inducted in Bridgeton, Glasgow, as colleague and successor of John McKay.

In May 1911 he was appointed lecturer in Pastoral Theology in the Divinity Hall for three years.

Death
He lived latterly at 34 Garthland Drive, Dennistoun, Glasgow, and died there on 21st December, 1914. His first wife died in Bombay, India, on 26th September, 1879. His second wife died in Caulfield, Victoria, in 1927, aged 71.

Family
He had issue including, by his first wife:

(1) James Gibson Anderson born in Central Provinces, India, about 1873. He became a student under the supervision of the UOS Church but did not get licensed.

(2) George Cooper Anderson baptised on 10th February, 1875, in Nagpore, Madras, India. He died on 29th December, 1906, in Calcutta, Bengal, India.

(3) Jessie J. B. Anderson born in India about 1876.

(4) Henry Anderson born in India about 1878.

And by his second wife:

(5) Janet Ellen Anderson born in India about 1883. She died in Kew, Victoria, in 1962, aged 79. Her death was registered under the name Jane Ellen and she is said to have been born in Scotland.

(6) Mary S. Anderson born in India about 1885. If she was the Mary Spence Anderson who graduated M.A. from Glasgow University in 1907 then her date of birth was 25th June, 1885. She died in Melbourne South, Victoria, in 1951.

(7) John S. Anderson born in India about 1888. If this was the John Spence Anderson who graduated M.A. from Glasgow University in 1909, then he was born on 19th July, 1888. He also graduated B.Sc in 1909 and D.Sc. in 1921. He died in Kingston, London, England, in the 4th quarter of 1972.

Publication – by him
John Knox: appreciations by United Original Seceders, addresses delivered at the Meeting of Synod held in Edinburgh, with prefatory note by George Anderson, Edinburgh, Oliphant & Co., 1905

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 22/1/1915, minister, 34 Garthland Drive, Dennistoun, Glasgow, d. 21/12/1914 at Glasgow, testate, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, SC36/48/255; Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills, SC36/51/167

Sources
Glasgow Herald, 28th July, 1871; 5th May, 1880; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 15th September, 1881, p.3; 19th May, 1911, p.9; 23rd December, 1914, p.6

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ANDERSON, GEORGE

 

Background
He was born about 1851 in Tibbermore, Perthshire.

Education
It was reported to the Synod in May 1878 that he was a student in his second year of Arts, under the supervision of the Presbtery of Aberdeen and Perth.

Marriage
He married Elizabeth Gorthie Craig in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, in 1884. She was the daughter of Robert Craig, a minister of the UOS church, and Jane Gorthie.

Ministry
Coupar Angus signed a call to George Anderson, preacher, Perth, on 5th April, 1881. However, he also received a call from Kirkcaldy, Fife, and from Toberdoney, Ireland, as well. These competing calls were dealt with by the Synod in May that year and he was ordained in Coupar Angus on 17th August, 1881. He was translated to Thurso, Caithness, on 26th April, 1893; and on 8th September, 1897, to Ayr.

Death
He died suddenly on 20th May, 1907, at the UOS Manse, 28 Bellevue Crescent, Ayr. He was buried on 23rd May. His wife’s death was registered in 1927 in Ayr.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) James Anderson born in 1885 in Coupar Angus, Perthshire.

(2) Robina Jane Gorthie Anderson born in 1889 in Coupar Angus, Perthshire. Her death was registered in 1919 in Ayr.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 9/7/1907, minister of the Original Secession Church, Ayr, residing at 28 Bellevue Crescent, Ayr, formerly at Thurso and Coupar Angus, d. 20/05/1907 at Ayr, testate, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/70; Will or deed, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, SC6/46/34

Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 6th April, 1881; 4th May, 1881; 18th August, 1881; 3rd April, 1893; 27th April, 1893; The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 8th July, 1881; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 11th November, 1893;The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 22nd May, 1907, p.16

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ANDERSON, JAMES

 

Background
He was born in 1795 in Shettleston, Glasgow. His parents are “not known” in his death record. He was brought up under the ministers of the Associate Burgher Congregation of East Campbell Street, Glasgow.

Education
He studied at Glasgow University, entering the University in 1809 where he was recorded as the fifth son of John, artifex, (craftsman), Shettleston.

Marriage
He married Jane Gardner on 21st February, 1822, in Glasgow. She was the second daughter of Andrew Gardner, manufacturer, Glasgow. Her surname is variously spelled in the records.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Associate Presbytery of Glasgow in 1818. He was ordained minister of Carluke, Lanarkshire, on 27th October, 1819, and he was still there at the time of the 1852 Union of the majority with the Free Church, and was Moderator of the Synod in June, 1852. On 8th January, 1856, Thomas Hobart was ordained in Carluke as his colleague and successor. He then received help from the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund.

“In appearance he was portly, and in his temperament he was warm and energetic. … He was an acute metaphysician, and had considerable logical ability. … Though to strangers he was somewhat reserved, he was frank to friends; and so great was his judiciousness in the management of congregational affairs, that throughout his entire ministry there never was a vote taken in his Session.”

Death
He died on 21st March, 1861, at the UOS Manse, Carluke, Lanarkshire, of paralysis, dementia 4 years (Registration: 1861 629/ 40 Carluke). He was buried in the graveyard there where were already buried the members of his family who had predeceased him. His wife died on 9th August, 1829, in Carluke.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) John Aitken Anderson born on 20th December, 1822, and baptised on 5th January, 1823, in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

(2) Andrew Gardner Anderson born on 15th April and baptised on 2nd May, 1824, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He married Christina Elizabeth Roger on 23rd September, 1880, at St Vincent Crescent, Glasgow. She was the daughter of George Roger, a minister of the UOS Church. He lived at 27 Stanhope Street, Glasgow, in 1871-72 and was connected with the Callander and Oban Railway. Thereafter he lived at 3 Walworth Terrace, Glasgow, and was connected with H.M. Customs.

(3) Jane Anderson born (or baptised) on 20th February, 1826, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. She died there on 15th August that same year,

(4) James Anderson born on 20th and baptised on 29th July, 1828, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He died on 9th March, 1838, in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

Publications – by him
A lecture on church establishments, Glasgow, W. R. McPhun, 1835
A letter to James Brown of Orchard, one of the ruling elders of Carluke Relief Church, containing remarks on his answer to a lecture on church establishment, Lanark, Robert Wood, 1836

Publications – about him
Memoir of James Anderson, Carluke, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 5 (1860-62), pp.312; 363 and 425
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 7/6/1861, minister of the gospel in Carluke, co Lanark, I, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, SC36/48/47; minister of original Secession Church in Carluke, father of John Aitken Anderson, Trust Settlement, Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills, SC36/51/41
Crown Office precognitions: Precognition against James Brown for the crime of theft by housebreaking, and prison-breaking at Carluke, Lanark; Victim: Rev. James Anderson, Carluke, Lanark. 1843, AD14/43/311
High Court of Justiciary processes: Trial papers relating to James Brown for the crime of theft by housebreaking, and prison-breaking at Carluke, Lanark. Tried at High Court, Edinburgh. 13 Mar 1843, Guilty in terms of own confession; Sentence: Transportation – 14 years, JC26/1843/462

Sources
Burgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.491; 1819, Carluke (Burgher), Scott, Annals, p.285; General, Scott, Annals, p.75; Annals, p.185; Annals, p.194; Blackwood’s Magazine, 21st February, 1822

Carluke History; Ayr Advertiser, or, West Country Journal, 30th September, 1880

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BARR, JOHN

 

Background
He was born in Cumberclandy, County Derry, Ireland, in 1822, the sixth son of James Barr, farmer, and Isabella Ross.

Education
In 1847 he matriculated in Glasgow University. In 1851, he was living in Glasgow, a divinity student.

Marriage
He marriage Catherine Ducat Cross in 1861 in Anderston, Glasgow. She was born in 1833 in Coupar Angus, the daughter of George Cross and Agnes Ducat.

Ministry
He was ordained to Coupar Angus on 3rd February, 1857. He was appointed Clerk of Presbytery in 1868.

Death
In May, 1872, The Dundee Courier & Argus reported that he was suffering from bronchitis and was dangerously ill. He died on 4th August, 1872, in Coupar Angus. The family then removed to Glasgow where a brother of the late minister lived. He was a merchant and took interest in the family.

His widow lived latterly at 60 Newhall Street, Greenhead, Glasgow, and died there on 14th June, 1906, of cardiac degeneration and dropsy.

There is a memorial to him in Abbey Church Cemetery in Coupar Angus. “For fifteen and a half years Minister of the original Secession Congregation, Coupar Angus. Erected by a few friends. Faithful Pastor and Counsellor; kind husband and a loving father.”

Family
They had issue, all born in Coupar Angus, including:

(1) Robert Ross Barr born on 29th August, 1862. He married Margaret Thomson Kilpatrick in 1888 in Gorbals, Glasgow. He was an engineer. He died in the 3rd quarter of 1920 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

(2) Agnes Barr born on 13th April, 1864. She died in Coupar Angus on 28th April that year.

(3) Agnes Georgina Barr born on 13th March, 1865. She married John McCallum, surgeon, in 1902 in Blythswood, Glasgow. She died on 17th January, 1903, at 281 Allison Street, Glasgow, the cause of death being vomiting of pregnancy.

(4) John Barr born on 20th November, 1866.

(5) Margaret Liddel Barr born on 23rd July, 1868. She married Alexander Buchanan in 1903 in Hutchesontown, Glasgow. She died in 1948 in Provan, Glasgow.

(6) Archibald David Barr born on 13th May, 1870. He married Christina Bisset Simpson in 1896 in Gorbals, Glasgow.

(7) James Barr born on 4th August, 1872. He was found dead in King William Dock in Dundee on 15th September, 1898. He was employed in the St Rollox works. His remains were conveyed to Coupar Angus and interred beside those of his late father.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 26/8/1872, minister of Original Secession Congregation in Coupar Angus, Perth Sheriff Court, SC49/31/94
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Barr or Duckett Cross, Catherine, 31/1/1908, widow of Rev. John Barr, 60 Newhall Street, Greenhead, Glasgow, d. 14/06/1906 at Glasgow, intestate, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, SC36/48/208
Memoir of John Barr, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 10 (1871-72), p.791

Sources
Barfoot; Gravestone Photos; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 22nd May, 1872; 17th September, 1898, p.4

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BEGGS, JAMES HIGGINSON

 

Ministry
It was reported to the Synod in May, 1949, that he had been ordained and inducted in Toberdoney, Ireland. Latterly he became responsible for Coronary as well. He went in to the Presbyterian Church of Ireland.

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BENNIE, DAVID

 

Background
He was born about 1883, the son of David Bennie, iron miner, and Letitia McCutcheon.

Marriage
He married Annie Jeffrey McPhie on 23rd June, 1922, at 104 Summerfield Street, Glasgow (Registration: 1922 644/1 93 Bridgeton). She was born about 1883 the daughter of Robert McBrayne McPhie, engine fitter, and Christine Jeffrey or Hunter. She then resided at 5 Richard Street, Glasgow.

Ministry
At the time of his marriage, that is, in 1922, he was a Church of Scotland missionary. On 18th October, 1928, he was ordained and inducted to Coronary UOS Church, Ireland. He resigned his charge as from 31st August, 1931 and was settled in Ayr on 26th November, 1931. He was appointed clerk of the Ayr Presbytery in succession to John Scott, Toberdoney, on 11th January, 1932. He was Moderator of Synod in 1938. In May, 1943, it was reported that he had resigned from his charge and from the ministry of the church.

Death
He died on 7th April, 1951, at 9 Bedford Place, Alloa, Clackmannanshire, of arterio sclerosis, cerebral haemorrhage. His wife died on 31st January, 1964, in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, and was buried in Sauchie Cemetery.

Sources
​ Auckland Star, 22nd July, 1931; Billion Graves; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 17th May, 1938, p.8

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BLAKELY, JOHN, DR

 

Background
He was born in 1816 at Mossvale near Boardmills, County Down, Ireland, the son of John Blakely and Margaret Martin.

Education
He studied at Edinburgh University. He was awarded an honorary D.D. degree by Columbia College, USA, on the basis of his work, The Theology of Inventions.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Elspeth Smith. She was born on 13th October and baptised on 1st November, 1830, in Ayr, the daughter of Andrew Smith and Isabella Neil.

(2) Helen Thomson on 3rd July, 1860, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. She was born (or baptized) on 18th August, 1828, in St Ninians, Stirlingshire, the daughter of William Thomson and Helen Morrison.

Ministry
He served in Kirkintilloch from 1848 till his death in 1866.

Death
He died on 27th November 1866, at the UOS Manse, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, of enlargement of the liver. His first wife died on 31st October, 1853; and his second wife died in 1897 in Kirkintilloch, Dumbarton.

Family
He had issue including, by his first wife:

(1) Isabella Elspeth Smith Blakely baptised on 25th October, 1853, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. She married Andrew Miller, a minister of the UOS Church. She died on 1st April, 1938, in Glasgow.

And by his second wife:

(2) John Blakely born on 10th August, 1861, at the UOS Manse, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. He married Elizabeth C. MacArthur in 1900 in Kinning Park, Glasgow. He died in 1944 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire.

(3) William Thomson Blakely born on 23rd July, 1863, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. He married Jane Clark Orr on 20th September, 1887, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. He graduated M.B., C.M., from Glasgow University in 1884 and was a surgeon and general practitioner in various places including Sowerby and Grangetown, both in Yorkshire, England, and Kirkintilloch. He died there in 1933.

(4) Robert Blakely born in 1865 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. He married Jean Livingston Frew Wallace in 1888 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. It was reported to the Synod in May, 1888, that he had applied to be teacher and evangelist in Seoni at an annual salary of £100; that a sub-Committee had heard him deliver an address based on a portion of the Scriptures, and had reported most favourably concerning his gifts and aptitude for conducting meetings; and that the Committee had accepted his application. He was accordingly set apart for the task at a meeting held in Kirkintilloch on 24th September, 1888. On the occasion, John Robertson, Ayr, opened the service; Alexander Smellie, Stranraer, preached from 3 John 7: “for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles”; certain questions of the formula were then put to him by William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws, who set him apart in prayer for the work; he received the right hand of fellowship from all that were on the platform; Edward White, Kirriemuir, and former missionary in Seoni, addressed the new missionary; John Sturrock, Edinburgh, addressed the congregation; and Andrew Miller, Kirkintilloch, closed the service. On 6th May, 1890, he asked to be relieved of his engagement on the grounds of his wife’s ill health. This was received with surprise and sorrow, but his request was granted. Accordingly, he left Seoni on 20th August, sailed on the Armenia to Marseilles and then came overland. He met the Mission Committee on 21st October for debriefing.

In 1901 he was living at 7 Winton Circus, Saltcoats, Ayrshire, the proprietor of a steam laundry. He died in 1940 in Stirling. The Scotsman reported in 10th January, 1940: “The death has occurred at his residence, Beechcroft, Clarendon Place, Stirling, of Robert Blakely, a former provost of Saltcoats. He was 74. He was a native of Kirkintilloch. Shortly after his marriage, he went out to India as a missionary of the OS church for two and a half years. On returning he entered the laundry business in Saltcoats. He served on the Town Council for over 20 years being Provost twice. He was President of the Stirling Branch of the Temperance Association and a member of the executive committee of the SOCC. In World War 1 he took an interest in the work of the soldiers’ and sailors’ canteens at the Glasgow stations and was a volunteer driver. He also assisted in the provision of clothing for Belgian refugees and in recognition of this received a medal from King Albert.

(5) Ebenezer Morrison Blakely born in 1867 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. In 1901 he was living in Kirkintilloch and was a market gardener. By 1911 he was a motor car engineer, living at 160 Cambridge Drive, Kelvinside, Glasgow. He died in Hillhead, Glasgow, in 1950.

Publications – by him
The theology of inventions; or, Manifestations of deity in the works of art, Glasgow, William Collins, 1855
Union on the basis of policy, or, union upon the basis of principle, reprinted from the “Original Secession Magazine”, Scotland?, 1861?
The Christian ministry, its moral dignity, necessary qualifications, and prospective rewards, a valedictory address, delivered to the students attending the Original Secession Hall, Glasgow, August 10, 1864, Glasgow, 1864.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 12/5/1868, minister of Original Secession Congregation Kirkintilloch, Dumbarton Sheriff Court, SC65/34/15
Memoir of John Blakely, Kirkintilloch, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 8 (1867-68, pp.325; 405; 716 and 771

Sources
The Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, 13th August, 1861; 30th November, 1866; Glasgow Herald, 28th November, 1866; The Belfast News-Letter, Ireland, 5th December, 1866; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 10th January, 1940, p.7

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BOYD, JOHN GAGE

 

Background
He was born on 18th August, 1873, in Ireland, the son of John Boyd and Margaret Anderson.

Education
He was educated at Coleraine Academical Institution, Ireland. He attended the University of St Andrews, Fife, from 1893-98, where he gained distinction in several classes. He took the regular course at the UOS Divinity Hall and also attended a Hebrew Class at New College, Edinburgh. He was first brought to the attention of the Ayr Presbytery of the UOS Church on 6th March, 1895, by his minister, Edward White, Dromore, as a student who wished to be recognised by the Presbytery. He was to meet with the Presbytery at an early date.

Marriage
He married Mary (Minnie) Reid on 5th August, 1902. She was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, about 1880, the only daughter of Andrew Reid, latterly of Coleraine, Ireland, mill manager, and his wife Annie.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 2nd August, 1898. His ordination to Midlem, Roxburghshire, was reported to the Synod in 1899. Five years later it was reported that he had demitted his charge, withdrawn from the church and was received into the Church of Scotland.

When his application came before the Church of Scotland General Assembly in June, 1904, opposition was raised on the ground that his course neither in Arts nor in Divinity had come up to the standard required from their own students. After a good bit of discussion it was pointed out that his Arts course had exceeded what was required from Church of Scotland students. On a vote being taken, he was received into the Church of Scotland by a substantial majority. He was assistant in Galashiels, Selkirkshire, in 1905 and was inducted to Symington, Ayrshire, on 17th January, 1906.

Death
He died on 31st May, 1947, in Newington, Edinburgh. His wife died on 22nd October, 1947, the death being registered in Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Annie Elizabeth Boyd born in Symington, Ayrshire, on 14th March, 1909.

Sources
Small, History, Vol.2, p.434; 1906, Symington, FES, Vol.3, p.74; FES, Vol.8, p.225; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 2nd June, 1904, p.7; 2nd June, 1947, p.6

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BRASH, ROBERT

 

Background
He was born on 17th November, 1826, in Killarrow, the Isle of Islay, Argyll, the son of Robert Brash and Elizabeth Baird.

Education
He entered Glasgow University in 1848, where he was described as the oldest son of Robert Brash, doctor, lately in Selkirk. He first appears, after the 1852 Union, as a student under the Glasgow Presbytery in August, 1852.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery on 7th September, 1852. In January, 1854, his ordination to Birsay, Orkney, was reported. In May 1890 the resignation of his charge on the ground of physical weakness was reported.

He was apparently resident thereafter within the bounds of Edinburgh Presbytery for at their meeting on 28th April, 1893, they received a communication from the Glasgow Presbytery stating that a fama had arisen regarding Robert Brash when taking the Communion at Shottsburn – that he had been intoxicated. The Presbytery was asked to take appropriate steps. They declined taking action because (1) Brash wasn’t under the jurisdiction of this Presbytery though residing within its bounds; (2) it rested on the Glasgow Presbytery to take action as the event had happened within their bounds. But the Glasgow Presbytery then allowed the matter to lie on the table in the meantime.

Death
He lived latterly at 1 Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh, and died there on 18th October, 1895.

Family
He does not appear to have married.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 6/1/1896, Rev., 1 Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh, d. 18/10/1895 at Edinburgh, intestate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, SC70/1/345

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BROWN, ALEXANDER

 

Background
He was born (or baptised) in Logie Buchan, Aberdeenshire, on 22nd March, 1810. He was the son of Alexander Brown and his mother was a Brown – probably Catherine. He was a grandson through his mother of William Brown, the Secession minister of Craigdam, Aberdeenshire. For more of his relatives, see the Chalmers Burns Guthrie Tree.

Education
He gained an M.A. He attended the Secession Divinity Hall under Professor Paxton.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Secession Presbytery of Aberdeen on 13th April, 1835. He was called to Auchinleck, Ayrshire, and to Coupar Angus, but the Synod decided in favour of the latter place and he was ordained there in November, 1836. He remained outside the Union of 1852.

Death
He died on 24th April, 1854.

Sources
Student, Scott, Annals, p.575; 1836, Coupar Angus (Constitutional), Scott, Annals, p.295; General, Scott, Annals, p.194; Call, Scott, Annals, p.256

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BROWN, ARCHIBALD

 

Background
He was born about 1804 in Tyrie, Aberdeenshire, the son of Robert Brown, merchant, and Janet Souter (?).

Education
He attended King’s College, Aberdeen, 1815-19 and graduated M.A. He joined the Original Secession while a student of the Established Church.

Ministry
He was licensed on 23rd December, 1828. He was ordained to Leslie, Fife, on 10th November, 1829, after a call signed by 16 people. He was translated to Kirriemuir in August, 1840. He was called to Adam Square, Edinburgh, but the Synod on 15th September, 1842, refused to translate. He thereupon resigned his charge and his resignation was eventually accepted. He was then called again to Edinburgh. He was inducted there on 24th May, 1843. He remained in the UOS Church at the Union of 1852.

A dispute arose in 1855 and the congregation divided in 1857. One section built a church in Victoria Terrace. Brown’s branch sold their church to the Improvement Commissioners, who required it for the formation of Chambers Street, and removed to a new building erected for them in South Clerk Street where Mr Brown ministered till his death on 5th February, 1879.

Death
He died on 5th February, 1879, at 32 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh, of bronchitis and congestion of the lungs. He was described on his death record as “minister of Old Secession Church”. He was buried in Newington Burial Ground there.

Family
There is no evidence that he ever married.

Publications
See separate document here.

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.563; Leslie (Antiburgher), 1829, Scott, Annals, p.399; Kirriemuir (Constitutional), 1840, Scott, Annals, p.393; Edinburgh, Adam Square (Antiburgher), 1843, Scott, Annals, p.331; General, Scott, Annals, p.194; Call, Scott, Annals, p.330; Glasgow Herald, 2nd November, 1855

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BROWN, BENJAMIN

 

Background
He was born in Ireland about 1848.

Education
On 1st February, 1870, he put himself under the oversight of the Glasgow Presbytery. He was from the Secession Church in Ireland. He had attended the Hall under Murray for two years and wished to become a UOS minister. He was a member in Mains Street. His case went to Synod and the Synod instructed the Glasgow Presbytery to receive him as a second year student. He was thereafter regularly examined by the Glasgow Presbytery in the usual way.

Ministry
He was was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 1st August, 1871. He was ordained in Colmonell, Ayrshire, on 16th August, 1872. He left in 1877 and joined the Church of Scotland in 1877.

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CLARKSON, PETER

 

Background
He was born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, in 1871, the son of James Clarkson, coal miner, and Janet Malone.

Education
He studied locally and at Glasgow University. He presented himself to the Ayr Presbytery on 16th May, 1899, as a student for the ministry. Later that year he was certified as a regular student of the first year. He continued under the Presbytery’s supervision until he was licensed by them on 29th July, 1902.

Marriage
He married Elizabeth Mackay at the bride’s home, Spring Cottage, South Crown Street, Aberdeen, on 14th July, 1911 (Registration: 1911 168/2 294 St Machar). She was then a school teacher. She was born about 1884, the daughter of Hugh Mackay, farmer, and Elizabeth Gunn.

Ministry
He was ordained in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on 31st March, 1903. It was reported in January, 1905, that he had joined the Free Church. (It is interesting that The Scotsman of 6th April, 1906, has the name of this man as a member of Assembly representing the United Free Presbytery of Edinburgh – in fact, the whole “United Free” Presbytery of Edinburgh named there was actually the Free Church Presbytery of Edinburgh.) In the Free Church he served in Aberfeldy, Perthshire; Govanhill, Glasgow; Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, Bute; and Coulter. He was Clerk of the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh. He was Moderator of the General Assembly in 1932. He accepted a call to Duthil, Inverness-shire, in February, 1935.

Death
He died suddenly in March, 1936, at the Free Church Manse, Carr Bridge, Inverness-shire.

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 20th January, 1905, p.9; 18th November 1931, p.10; 27th February, 1935, p.15; 16th March, 1936, p.10

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CONN, WILLIAM COCHRAN

 

Background
He was born at The Grange, Castlerock, County Derry, Ireland, on 23rd December, 1871, the son of Hugh Conn, farmer, and Martha Cochran.

Education
He was educated at Coleraine Academy, Magee College, Derry. The FES says that he was educated at St Andrews University, Fife – but not so according to the University records. His situation was brought before Ayr Presbytery on 27th December, 1895. He was then a student in the Irish Presbyterian Church. He wished to be admitted with a view to his being licensed at an early date. He had done a full course in Arts and Divinity at Magee College, Londonderry. It was agreed to submit the matter to the Synod for advice. He was thereafter certified as a student of the fourth year. On 19th October, 1896, he was transferred to the oversight of the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen.

Marriage
He married Beatrice Isobel Carlyle on 12th June, 1906, in Greenock West. She was born in 1882 in Greenock, the daughter of John Carlyle, M.D., and Jane Anderson.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth. He was ordained at Kirriemuir, Angus, on 24th November, 1897.

He resigned his charge and preached his farewell sermon on 5th March, 1899. He then applied for admission to the English Presbyterian Church. On his departure, he was presented with a purse of sovereigns; and on the 31st of the month he left for London where he was to preach in connection with his application to the English Presbyterian Church. But the application failed.

He was admitted to the Church of Scotland in May, 1900, but not without some difficulty. When the matter was first presented in the Church of Scotland General Assembly, there were opposing motions. It was understood by some that his course of studies was not the equivalent of that required by their own students; that he had applied for admission to the English and Irish Presbyterian Churches and had been rejected. The matter was sent back for clarification and to be dealt with at a later diet of the Assembly. He was then accepted into the Church of Scotland.

At that stage he was an assistant in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire. The Courier and Argus, gives a brief description of him: “Conn is a tallish chap of ruddy hue, with a good Irish tongue in his head, altogether presentable.”

He was later inducted to St John’s, Haddington, East Lothian, on 17th September, 1901; translated to St John’s, Glasgow, 18th December, 1902; translated to Coylton, Ayrshire, on 22nd April, 1909; and to Penpont, Dumfries-shire, as assistant and successor on 17th July, 1917.

Death
He died on 13th August, 1945, in Ayr. His wife died there in 1964.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) John Carlyle Conn born on 7th July, 1908, the birth being registered in Dennistoun, Glasgow. He married Dorothy Allan Tarbett in 1934 in Kirkcolm, Wigtownshire. She was the daughter of Albert Tarbett; the grand-daughter of Thomas Barty; the great grand-daughter of James Strachan Barty; and the great great grand-daughter of another Thomas Barty. All these were Church of Scotland ministers (see FES, Vol.5, p.254 and FES, Vol.2, p.339). He was an insurance broker. He died in 1980 in Maybole, Ayrshire.

Sources
1901, Haddington, FES, Vol.1, p.375; 1902, St John’s, Glasgow, FES, Vol.3, p.448; 1909, Coylton, FES, Vol.3, p.21; 1917, Penpont, FES, Vol.8, p.184; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 2nd January, 1897, p.3; 25th November, 1897, p.6; 31st August, 1898, p.6; 15th September, 1898; 2nd March, 1899, p.4; 6th March, 1899, p.3; 21st March, 1899, p.4; 31st March, 1899, p.6; 1st April, 1899, p.6; 28th May, 1900; The Sheffield & Rotherham Independent. Supplement, Sheffield, England, 21st February, 1899, p.5; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, March 2, 1899; 28th May, 1900; Glasgow Herald, Friday, June 1, 1900

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COWIESON, GEORGE T.

 

Background
He was born about 1852 in Colmonell, Ayrshire, the son of David John Cowieson, grain miller or baker, and Sarah Ramsay.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Margaret Kennedy Todd on 10th August, 1875, at 330 Cathcart Road, Glasgow (Registration: 1875 644/12 444 Gorbals). He was then a master draper, of 61 Princes Street, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. She was of 27 Robertson Place, Kilmarnock. She was born about 1849, the daughter of James Todd, bleacher?, and Mary Bryson. The birth (or baptism) of Mary Kennedy Todd in Glasgow was recorded on 8th June, 1850, parents being James Todd and Margaret Bryson – but it appears as if the names of mother and daughter have been transposed.

(2) Jane Ann Heron on 24th July, 1895, at the UOS Manse, Deanfield, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, the marriage being performed by Thomas Matthew the UOS minister there (Registration: 1895 599/ 27 Kilwinning). Cowieson was then a missionary, of Willowbank, Hawkhill, Ayr. She was of Hillbank Cottage, Kirriemuir, Angus. She was born in 1861 in Kirriemuir, Angus, the daughter of David Heron, farm servant, and Agnes Matthew. She was a niece of the officiating minister, and had in fact been with him and his sister in Midlem, Selkirkshire, in the 1881 census. For some family connections see under Thomas Matthew

(3) Grace Craig Hamilton on 4th July, 1916, at 65 Woodstock Street, Kilmarnock (1916 597/ 143 Kilmarnock (Ayr)). She was of 6 Orchard Street, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. She was born in 1873, in Avondale, Lanarkshire, the daughter of James Hamilton, farmer, Stonyhill, and Janet Paterson.

Ministry
It was reported to the Synod in May, 1877, that the Home Mission Committee had appointed him to Ayr as a missionary. On 20th April, 1893, an overture came to the Ayr Presbytery and was forwarded to Synod simpliciter that he be taken on trials for licence as an evangelist so that he could regularly officiate when required throughout the church. But this overture was withdrawn at a later stage.

He resigned his charge in 1897 on the appointment of a minister there and offered his services to any congregation that wished to use them. In 1911 he applied to be recognised as a student to be ultimately settled in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire as a missionary-minister. He was told that he must study in the Divinity Hall for one or two sessions. He was finally licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 15th February, 1913.

Death
He lived latterly at 65 West Woodstock Street, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, and died there on 20th June, 1921. Margaret Kennedy Todd died in Ayr in 1887. Jane Ann Heron died in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, in 1913. Grace Craig Hamilton died in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, in 1960.

Family
He had issue including, by his first wife:

(1) David John Cowieson born in St Quivox, Ayrshire, in 1876. He died in Inverness in 1935.

(2) George Thomas Cowieson born in St Quivox, Ayrshire, in 1879.

(3) Mary Emily Cowieson born in St Quivox, Ayrshire, in 1880. She died of cerebral congestion and meningitis on 18th October, 1896, at Willowbank Cottage, Hawkhill, Ayr (Registration: 1896 578/1 436 Ayr).

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 18/8/1921, 65 West Woodstock Street, Kilmarnock, d. 20/06/1921 at Kilmarnock, testate, Kilmarnock Sheriff Court Inventories, SC7/28/19; Home Missionary, 65 West Woodstock Street, Kilmarnock, d. 20/06/1921 at Kilmarnock, testate, Kilmarnock Sheriff Court Wills, SC7/30/18

Source
Glasgow Herald, 10th May, 1882

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CRAIG, ROBERT

 

Birth
He was born (or baptised) on 7th September, 1827, in Eastwood, Renfrewshire, the son of William Craig, engineer, and Agnes Stewart.

Education
He was a student for the ministry under the Glasgow Presbytery. The subjects he was examined on show the matters which were of importance to them at the time. They include essays on the duty of social covenanting; the doctrine of the continued obligation of Scriptural covenants; an exercise on the continuing obligation of social vows; and a discourse on the sin and danger of covenant violation from Deuteronomy 29:24-25.

Marriage
He married Jane Gorthie on 9th June, 1857, in Kirriemuir, Angus (Registration: 1857 299/ 22 Kirriemuir). She was born (or baptised), on 1st February, 1833, in Kirriemuir, Angus, the daughter of Peter Gorthie, linen merchant, and Betty Shirrill.

Ministry
He was a student under the Glasgow Presbytery at the time of the 1852 Union. He was licensed by that Presbytery on 4th September, 1854. He was ordained in Kirriemuir, Angus, on 14th February, 1855. He was Moderator of Synod in 1860. He was Clerk of Presbytery but resigned the task in 1868 because of the state of his health.

Death
He died in Kirriemuir, Angus, on 14th March 1869, and was buried there on 19th March. His widow lived latterly at 37 Miller Road, Ayr, and died there on 1st December, 1912.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 30/4/1869, Minister of Gospel Residing in Kirriemuir, Forfar Sheriff Court, SC47/40/36
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Craig or Gorthie, Jane, 27/1/1913, 37 Miller Road, Ayr, formerly Coupar Angus, widow of Robert Craig, minister of the Original Secession Congregation, Kirriemuir, d. 01/12/1912 at Ayr, testate, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/74; Will or deed, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, SC6/46/40

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Elizabeth Craig born on 14th May, 1858, at the UOS Manse, Kirriemuir, Angus. She married George Anderson on 14th March, 1869, in the UOS Manse in Kirriemuir. He was a minister of the UOS Church. She died at Ayr in 1927.

Sources
Find a Grave; Dundee Courier, 19th May, 1858; Brechin Advertiser, Angus, 23rd March, 1869

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CRAWFORD, ROBERT

 

Education
He gained the MA degree.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth and Dundee. He was ordained to Arbroath, Angus, on 20th September, 1933. He resigned his charge on 5th December, 1939, when he reported that he was to be admitted to the ministry of the Church of Scotland. He demitted office as from the end of January, 1940. He was admitted to the Church of Scotland by the Presbytery of Arbroath on 6th February, 1940. He was inducted to Colston Wellpark, Glasgow, on 18th June, 1940. He was translated to Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran, Bute, on 8th May, 1963; and to Annan, Erskine, Dumfries-shire, on 7th June, 1967. He retired on 31st January, 1973.

Sources
FES, Vol.9, p.264; FES, Vol.10, pp.76, 121 and 156; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 12th August, 1933, pp.12, 13; 6th December, 1939, p.7

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CUBIE, DONALD GILLIES

 

Background
His birth was registered in Cathcart, Lanarkshire, in 1902. He was the son of Adam Cubie, joiner, and Jeanie Buchanan Gillies.

Marriage
He married Lilias Napier Allen on 29th June, 1931, at Alderwood, Rossendale Road, Eastwood, Renfrewshire (Registration: 1931 644/25 68 Eastwood). He was then a divinity student of Auldhouse Avenue, Glasgow. She was of 159 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow. She was born about 1903, the daughter of William Allen, railway goods worker, and Annie Thomson Currie.

Ministry
It was reported to the Synod in May, 1937, that he had been ordained in Bridgeton, Glasgow. Three years later it was reported that he had been translated to Perth. In May, 1943, it was reported that he had resigned his charge and from the ministry of the church. He joined the Church of Scotland and served in Carfin, Lanarkshire. He was translated to Mossgreen and Crossgates, Fife, on 27th July, 1955; and to Cameron with Largoward, Fife, on 27th September, 1962. He retired on 30th June, 1973.

Death
He died in 1978 in St Andrews, Fife. His wife died in 1983 in Strathaven, Lanarkshire.

Publications – by him
Church of Scotland Carfin 1897-1947, Jubilee brochure, Motherwell, D.J. Love, 1947
A short history of Cameron Parish, St Andrews (Fife), 1969

Family
They had issue including:

(1) John Pattison Cubie born in 1934 in Eastwood, Renfrewshire. He married Mary Mitchell Keir Macinnes in 1958 in Partick, Glasgow. He was a minister of the Church of Scotland: he was ordained in Martyrs’, Paisley, Renfrewshire, in 1961, and was translated to Trinity, Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, in 1968.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, pp.190, 277 and 293

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CULLEN, ROBERT MCILWRAITH

 

Background
He was born on 15th July, 1909, in Shotts, Lanarkshire, the son of William Torrance Cullen, coal miner, and Helen Spence Inglis.

Education
He was educated at Shotts from 1915 to 1921; and at Wishaw High from 1921 to 1926. He was a miner from 1926 to 1948.

Marriage
He married Jessie Thomson on 30th June, 1937, in the Masonic Hall, Shotts, Lanarkshire (Registration: 1937 626/B 47). He was then a colliery fireman, of 199 Shotts Kirk Road. She was of 9 Calder Drive, Shotts. She was born on 30th October, 1918, the daughter of John Thomson, colliery engine keeper, and Annie McMillan.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Northern Presbytery on 28th July, 1948. He was ordained in Birsay, Orkney, on 18th November, 1948; and was translated to Perth on 26th March, 1953. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in May, 1956. He was then translated to Newtyle, Angus, on 14th July, 1957, and to Carntyne Old, Glasgow, on 10th May, 1961.

Death
He died in 1978 in Glasgow. His wife died in 2000, the death being registered in Eastwood and Mearns.

Family
They had issue including William Cullen; Kenneth Robert Cullen and Audrey Anne M. Cullen.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, pp.154, 254 and 313.

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DAVIDSON, EBENEZER A.

 

Background
He was born on 15th January, 1869, in Dallas, Moray, the son of William Davidson, a Free Church minister, and Emma Mary Anne Wilkinson.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Jessie Dunnett on 3rd September, 1901, at 4 Inglis Street, Inverness (Registration: 1901 098/ 142 Inverness). She was then of 108 Buccleuch Street, Glasgow. She was born in Olrig, Caithness, in 1864, the daughter of John Dunnett, ship captain, and Christina Gunn.

(2) Minnie Florence Murchison in 1929 in Corstorphine, Edinburgh. She was born in St Andrew, Edinburgh, in 1898, the daughter of Donald Murchison and Wilhelmina Mary Lowe.

Ministry
His application to be recognised by the UOS Church came via the Mains Street, Glasgow, congregation and the Glasgow Presbytery, though he was at the time in Coupar Angus. It was referred to the Synod, which instructed the Presbytery to proceed to licence “on receiving from him the usual pledge as to his willingness to join in covenanting when a favourable opportunity arises”. He was preaching in Stranraer when he received a call from Olrig, Caithness. It was reported to the Presbytery of Aberdeen and Perth on 14th September, that he was willing to accept it and it was agreed that he should be ordained there “after the communion” (The Dundee Courier & Argus, 15th September, 1898 ).

By May, 1908, he had been translated to Kirkcaldy, Fife. He was translated to Edinburgh, Victoria Terrace, on 8th February, 1912.

His resignation from this charge was accepted on 16th March, 1928. He then became a minister of the Free Church of Scotland.

Death
He died in 1953 in Kilbride, Isle of Arran, Bute. His first wife died on 30th June, 1927, in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. The funeral was held on 5th July from 12 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, to the Grange Cemetery there. His second wife died in 1989, her death being registered in Canongate and Portobello, Edinburgh.

Family
There is no clear evidence that he had issue.

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 17th January, 1912, p.11; 2nd July, 1927, p.18; 16th March, 1928, p.13

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DAVIDSON, FRANCIS

 

Background
He was born on 13th January, 1882, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, the son of Francis Davidson, market gardener and fruiterer, and Margaret Wood.

Education
He received his early education at the John Neilson Institution in Paisley, Renfrewshire. He was first introduced to the Glasgow Presbytery on 2nd April, 1901, as a student in Arts, who wished to study for the ministry. He was welcomed and prescribed work. He graduated from Glasgow University, M.A. in 1907 and B.D. in 1909. He also studied at the UOS Church Divinity Hall. He received the D.D. degree from Aberdeen University in 1931.

Marriage
He married Jessie Reston Matthew in 1910 in Arbroath, Angus. She was born in 1883, in Arbroath, Angus, the daughter of John Matthew, clothier, and Wilhelmina Lamb. For some family connections see under Thomas Matthew.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery on 30th July, 1907. In May, 1910, it was reported that he had been ordained in Toberdoney, Ireland, on 18th June, 1909; and in May 1922 that he had been translated to Paisley, Renfrewshire.

In May, 1923, he was appointed Professor of Hebrew and Greek Exegesis in the Divinity Hall. Ayr signed a call to him in 1929, but this was quickly withdrawn. He was President of the Paisley Sabbath School Union and of the Christian Endeavour and an honorary president of the Lord’s Day Observance Association of Scotland. He was appointed Principal of the Bible Training Institute, Glasgow, in June, 1938. He took up his residence at the Institute on 1st September following. He then became senior minister of Paisley and retained his seat in the Presbytery.

Death
He died in 1953, his death being registered in Blythswood, Glasgow. His wife died in 1980 in Arbroath, Angus.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Wilhelmina Marguerite Davidson born on 6th June, 1911. She died on 6th February, 1976, her death being registered in Blythswood, Glasgow, and her residence being 13 Hillend Road, Arbroath (Registration: 1976 369/ 30 Arbroath).
.
Publications – by him
History and doctrine of the united original secession Church of Scotland, edited by Francis Davidson, Edinburgh, 1924
The faith that lives, London, J. Clarke, 1934
The Hidden Life of Prayer, David Martin MacIntyre, with a memoir of the author by Principal Francis Davidson, Stirling, Stirling Tract Enterprise, 1945
Pauline predestination, London, Tyndale Press, 1946
The New Bible Commentary, edited by Professor F. Davidson, assisted by A.M. Stibbs and E.F. Kevan, London, Inter-Varsity Fellowship, 1953

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 23rd May, 1923, p.11; 13th June, 1938, p.8

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DICKSON, JOHN MCARTHUR

 

Background
He was born on 28th August, 1900, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, the son of John Dickson and Agnes McArthur.

Education
He was educated in Paisley, 1905 to 1914. He was engaged in war service 1917 to 1919. He attended Glasgow University.

Marriage
He married Elizabeth Hamilton Rodger on 6th December, 1927. She was born on 22nd May, 1890, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, the daughter of Robert Rodger and Margaret Pow Gray.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 5th April, 1927. He was ordained in Arbroath, Angus, on 14th September, 1927. He was translated to Shottsburn, Lanarkshire, on 12th November, 1930. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956. He retired on 19th February, 1975.

Death
They both died in 1979 in Airdrie, Lanarkshire.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, p.202; Salsburgh Heritage; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 12th Septemner, 1929, p.10

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FERGUSON, JOHN

 

Background
He was born on 13th May, 1885, in Glasgow, the son of Hugh Ferguson and Mary Henderson.

Education
He was educated at Glasgow Westmuir Street and Parkhead Schools, and Skerry’s College. He graduated B.A. from the University of London in 1926. On 30th January, 1906, George Anderson, Bridgeton, Glasgow, introduced to the Glasgow Presbytery, John Ferguson, a member of his congregation and a student in arts at Glasgow University, who wished to put himself under the Presbytery’s inspection. Ferguson then followed the usual divinity course in the Hall. During his studies he was employed for a time as a missionary in connection with the Mains Street, Glasgow, and Bridgeton Sunday Schools.

Marriage
He married Margaret Ann Mercer on 6th April, 1920, in Edinburgh (Registration: 1920 685/3 83 Canongate). She was born about 1885, the daughter of Andrew Mercer, china warehouseman, and Margaret Ann Crawford.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 1st August, 1911. By the following May he had been ordained in Birsay, Orkney. By May, 1919, he had demitted his charge and withdrawn from the Church. That year he was admitted to the United Free Church. He was inducted to Keith, South, Banffshire, on 25th February, 1920. He was translated to Harray, Orkney, on 23rd October, 1922; and to Limekilns on 28th July, 1927. He entered the Union with the Church of Scotland in 1929. He was translated to Cambuslang Hallside and Newton, Lanarkshire, on 7th June, 1933. He demitted his charge on 30th November, 1942.

Death
He died on 14th November, 1974, his death being registered in Aberdeen. His wife died there in 1980.

Family
They had issue including Hugh Mercer Ferguson; Ian Ferguson; and Margaret Andrina Mercer Ferguson.

Sources
FUFC p.352; FES, Vol.9, pp.322 and 466; Vol.10, p.189

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FINDLATER, ROBERT LORIMER

 

Background
He was born on 25th March, 1890, in Carluke, Lanarkshire, the son of Robert Findlater and Jessie Harvie Hamilton.

Education
He attended school in Carluke, 1895-1910, and the Commercial College, Glasgow, 1910. He studied at Glasgow University from 1913 till 1920, except for the years 1915 to 1918 when he service in the Field Ambulance Scottish Horse. He graduated M.A.

Marriage
He married Jane or Jeanie Young Lohoar in Blythswood, Glasgow, in 1921. She was born on 28th February, 1892, the birth being registered in Anderston, Glasgow. She was the daughter of John Lohoar, shoemaker, and Bella Renwick Weir.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery in early August, 1920. He was ordained in Shottsburn, Lanarkshire, by 1922. He was translated to Perth on 16th April, 1930. On 1st February, 1939, he was translated to Paisley, Renfrewshire, as colleague and successor to Francis Davidson. He was translated to Pollokshaws, Glasgow, on 26th March, 1946. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956. He retired on 31st December, 1963.

Death
He died on 22nd January, 1972, in Glasgow. His wife died in 1974 in Glasgow.

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Isabella Weir Findlater born on 31st October, 1923, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She married Lesley Hartley in 1951 in Pollok, Glasgow. She died in 2015 in Ayr.

(2) Jeanetta Hamilton Findlater born in 1929 in Shotts, Lanarkshire.

(3) Jean Lorimer Findlater born on 11th June, 1932, in Perth.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, p.179; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 5th August, 1920, p.7; 21st June, 1928, 11; 17th April, 1930, p.10; 30th March, 1933, p.11; 22nd December, 1938, p.15

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FINDLAY, CHARLES STEWART

 

Background
He was born on 22nd July, 1837, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, the son of Thomas Findlay, flesher, and Mary Stewart.

Education
He matriculated in Glasgow University in 1857. He also studied at Marischal College, Aberdeen, 1859-60. He first appeared as a student under the Glasgow Presbytery on 6th October, 1857, when he reported that he had attended the 1st Latin and 2nd Greek classes at Glasgow University and that he intended to do Logic and Mathematics during the ensuing winter. His course was monitored in the usual way and he successfully passed through the Divinity Hall.

Even before licence, he was engaged in mission work as this extract from the Original Secession Magazine shows: “There is one other case of voluntary effort which your Committee cannot overlook—viz., the labours of Mr Charles S. Findlay in the mining village of Auchinairn. In addition to the establishment of a very large day school and evening class, in conducting which a sound religious education is imparted, he has organized a Sabbath school, numbering 130 children, most of whom would otherwise be entirely neglected as regards religious education. To him belongs the honour of organizing the first Sabbath school ever taught in the village. He has also been in the habit of visiting the sick, and holding a prayer meeting on Sabbath evenings, which has gradually risen to an average attendance of 120. These meetings have also been made the means of distributing a large quantity of tracts.”

He was also active as a missionary in Aberdeen during his studies.

Marriage
He married Elizabeth (Eliza) Couper on 26th January, 1863, in Thurso, Caithness.

Ministry
At the instruction of the Synod, Glasgow Presbytery took him on trials for licence on 6th November, 1860; and with remarkable speed, these were conducted and sustained, and he was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery on 20th November, 1860. He was ordained in Thurso, Caithness, on 29th August, 1861.

Death
He lived latterly at Princes Street, Thurso, Caithness, and died there on 11th August, 1891, after a lengthened illness. “He was highly esteemed as a minister, and rendered valuable service as a member of the School Board, of which he was latterly clerk and treasurer” (Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 12th August, 1891).

His widow lived latterly at 113 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, and died there on 28th June, 1916..

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Sophia Coupar Findlay born on 3rd January, 1864, in Thurso, Caithness. She died in 1915 in St Giles, Edinburgh.

(2) Mary Jane Findlay born on 9th April, 1868, in Thurso, Caithness. She died in 1945 in Newington, England.

(3) Charles Stewart Findlay born on 28th August, 1874, in Thurso, Caithness. He married Alice Brims in 1901 in Thurso, Caithness. He was a Judicial Commissioner in the Indian Civil Service. He died in 1951 in St Andrew, Edinburgh.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 21/9/1891, Rev., Princes Street, Thurso, Parish of Thurso, County of Caithness, Minister, Original Secession Church there, d. 11/08/1891 at Thurso, testate, Wick Sheriff Court, SC14/40/13
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Findlay or Couper, Eliza, 13/7/1916, 113 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, widow, d. 28/06/1916 at Edinburgh, testate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, SC70/1/582; Edinburgh Sheriff Court Wills, SC70/4/486

Sources
Cursiter; Miller Academy; The Aberdeen Journal, 11th September, 1861

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FINLAYSON, DAVID

 

Background
He was born in 1863 in Arbroath, Angus, the son of David Finlayson, draper, and Margaret Campbell.

Education
He studied at St Andrews University, Fife, 1882-87. He won the Patrick Yeaman Bursar in 1884. He came under the supervision of the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen during his Divinity course and was licensed by that Presbytery.

Ministry
In 1888, the Foreign Mission Committee considered his application as a missionary to Seoni. At the Synod that year he was accepted but, before setting out, he should be licensed and engage for a short time in mission work at home: “practical training of this kind will prove most advantageous to him in view of entering on the foreign field.” Accordingly, after being licensed, he was appointed to Kirriemuir for six months.

He was ordained by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen on 29th October, 1889, in Arbroath, Angus, for the work in Seoni. On the occasion, Peter McVicar, Dundee, opened the service; George Anderson, late of Seoni, preached from Genesis 22:18: “In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed”; Alexander Stirling, Arbroath, conducted the ordination; William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws, addressed the new minister; and Thomas Hobart, Carluke, addressed the congregation and concluded the service.

A farewell meeting was held in Arbroath on 6th November, 1889. One part of the proceedings was the presentation to him “of a valuable collection of theological works, including Fausset and Jamieson’s Critical and Explanatory Commentary on the Bible, Hodge’s Systematic Theology and Geikie’s Life and Words of Christ. Two evenings later, he received from the minister’s Bible Class “a handsome writing desk, bearing a suitable inscription, as a mark of the esteem in which he is held by the members, and a pledge of their interest in his great work.”

He left Liverpool, Lancashire, England, on 14th November, on the Persia and reached Bombay, India, on 12th December.

His resignation from the Seoni Mission was reported in December, 1898. Thereafter he was a minister in Australia – including in Goulburn, Clunes, from which he resigned in 1927; and Wallsend from 12th September, 1928 till 30th June, 1932.

Death
He died on 25th December, 1933, at his home, Speers Point, Boolaroo, Newcastle, New South Wales. He was buried in Wallsend Cemetery, New South Wales.

Sources
Billion Graves; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 31st May, 1889, p.7; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 30th October, 1889

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GARDINER, WILLIAM BISSET

 

Background
He was born (or baptised) in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, on 27th July, 1837, the son of Thomas Gardiner, grocer and spirit dealer, also Inspector of the Poor, and Jane Ramsay.

Education
He was originally a student under the supervision of the Glasgow Presbytery. But that Presbytery noted on 6th November, 1860, that he had been appointed missionary in Edinburgh and was therefore under the Presbytery of Edinburgh.

Marriage
He married Jeanie (or Jane) Niven in Tradeston, Glasgow, in 1865. Although the censuses say she was born in Largs, Ayrshire, her birth (or baptism) was recorded in Ardrossan, Ayrshire, on 8th March, 1837, the daughter of Henry Niven and Agnes Smith. She was the sister of Isabella Niven, the wife of James Patrick, a minister of the UOS Church.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen on 2nd November, 1863. On 10th May, 1864, the Synod dealt with competing calls to him from Kilwinning, Ayrshire, and from Pollokshaws. The Synod decided in favour of the latter place. He was ordained there on 28th July, 1864. In May, 1870, he was appointed Synod Clerk.

Death
He died on 26th May, 1908, at his home at 200 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow, after a short illness: he had been seized with apoplexy after attending the Synod a fortnight previously. In May, 1908, the Presbytery recorded this obituary in their Minutes: “The Presbytery record with great sorrow the death of one of its most honoured and most active members, the Rev. Wm. B. Gardiner of Pollokshaws. It is keenly sensible that it has sustained more than an ordinary loss by the removal from its counsels of one who, by his unfailing presence and calm judgement and great capacity for work, added much to the efficiency of the Court. It realises that his loss touches a wider circle than its own, and that many hearts throughout the church which he loved, and the community in which he lived, and the various associations in connection with which he laboured and moved are shadowed by the common sorrow.

“While regretting its loss, the Presbytery would express its high sense of the value of his personal life and of his long career of service. It remembers with unfeigned appreciation, his Christian character, his genial disposition, his love of little children, his delight in preaching, his devotion to his congregation’s welfare, his industry in the Church’s work, his readiness to help anyone and everyone, his joy in supporting the Redeemer’s kingdom at home and abroad, and in ministering to the educational interests and the moral and spiritual uplifting of the town and parish where his lot was cast. It cherishes feelings of deep gratitude to God in the bestowment of so great a gift for so long a period, and now that it has been withdrawn and “the labourer’s task is o’er” and he has passed away from the toil of the servant to the joy of the Lord, it can only say in the language of true submission: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord”.

“The Presbytery cannot forget that there is one home made peculiarly sad and desolate by this dispensation, and to Mrs Gardiner and her daughter, it would extend its warmest sympathy. It would commend them to Him who knows the terrible sense of bereavement and the dead weight at the heart which never passes away, and the sudden rush of feeling which ever proves the strongest, and who can give what the bereft soul most seeks in its unutterable grief – the comfort and strength of understanding. It would ever pray that by his grace the bitter waters of the wilderness of trouble may be healed and the waters of rest and peace begin to flow.”

His widow lived latterly at 1 Grantly Street, Shawlands, Glasgow, and died there on 18th January, 1911.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Henry Niven Gardiner born on 30th March, 1868, at Pollokshaws UOS Manse, Eastwood, Renfrewshire. He graduated from Glasgow University, M.B., C.M. in 1892. He worked in Glasgow; Workington, Cumberland, England; and Lanchester, County Durham, England. He died on 13th December, 1904, his death being registered in Newcastle on Tyne, England.

(2) Thomas Ramsay Gardiner born on 1st May, 1871, at Pollokshaws UOS Manse, Eastwood, Renfrewshire. He died there suddenly on 16th March, 1872.

(3) Jane Ramsay Gardiner born in 1874 in Eastwood, Renfrewshire. She died on 11th May, 1958, her death being registered in George Square, Edinburgh.

A memorial in Eastwood Cemetery commemorates the family.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 24/6/1908, minister of the Original Secession Church, Pollokshaws, resided at 200 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, d. 26/05/1908 at Shawlands, testate, Paisley Sheriff Court, SC58/42/69; Paisley Sheriff Court Wills, SC58/45/16
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Gardiner or Niven, Jeanie, 29/3/1911, resided at 1 Grantly Street, Shawlands, Glasgow, widow, d. 18/01/1911 at Glasgow, testate, Paisley Sheriff Court, SC58/42/74; Paisley Sheriff Court Wills, SC58/45/18

Sources
Glasgow Ancestry; Findagrave; Glasgow Herald, 1st April, 1868; 4th May, 1870; 2nd May, 1871; 18th March, 1872; 2nd January, 1874; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 27th May, 1908, p.8

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GILCHRIST, THOMAS

 

Background
He was born on 18th October, 1845, in Lanark, the son of Thomas Gilchrist, grocer, and Susan Kay.

Education
He studied at Edinburgh University and by 1865 at latest he was under the inspection of the Presbytery of Edinburgh and was certified as ready for the Divinity Hall. In 1867, he was transferred to the supervision of the Ayr Presbytery. He served for a time as missionary in the Ayr congregation.

Marriage
He married Martha Barclay on 8th October, 1869, in Ayr (Registration: 578/ 88 Ayr). She was born (or baptised) on 13th November, 1842, in Ardrossan, Ayrshire, the daughter of John Barclay, blacksmith, and Jane Muir.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh on 4th August, 1868. On 30th November, 1868, the Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, congregation signed a call to him. One was also signed to him by the Glasgow, Mains Street, congregation. But the Presbytery adjudicated in favour of Kirkintilloch. He was ordained there on 29th April, 1869.

Death
He died at Spring Bank, Lanark, on 17th June, 1870. The Glasgow Presbytery took note of his passing on 9th July, 1870. They spoke of “his eminent talents, promise of usefulness and success had he been spared … and also his piety and Christian excellence”. They agreed to write a letter to his widow. In 1881 his widow was living with her widowed father-in-law in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

Family
There is no sign of any issue.

Publication – about him
Memoir of Thomas Gilchrist, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 9 (1869-70), p.716

Source
Glasgow Herald, 1st December, 1868

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GRAHAM, JOHN

 

Background
He was baptised on 28th April, 1798, in Dunning, Perthshire, the son of Thomas Graham and Isabella Murray.

Education
He entered the Secession Divinity Hall under Professor Paxton in 1824.

Marriage
He married Margaret Johnman. She was baptised on 7th July, 1801, in Dunning, Perthshire, the daughter of James Johnman and Isabel Dougall.

Ministry
He was licensed by Perth Presbytery on 25th November, 1828. He was ordained in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, on 1st September, 1836. He remained in the UOS Church at the Union of 1852. He was Moderator of the Synod in 1855. He demitted his charge in May, 1863, because of ill health; and retired to Dunning. He received an annual grant from the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund.

Death
He died on 26th May, 1871, at Newtown of Pitcairns, Dunning, Perthshire. His wife died there in 1885.

Publications – by him
Refutation of a number of pernicious errors, being a review of a recently published pamphlet, entitled, The question, “What must I do to be saved?” answered by Philanthropos, Kilmarnock, H. Crawford and Son, 1841
Non-intrusion weighed in the balance and found wanting, an address to the convocation of ministers held at Edinburgh, Nov. 1842, Ayr, McCormick & Gemmell, 1843
Irenicum reviewed, a reply to Dr. Heugh’s “An inquiry into the real amount of the differences alleged to exist in the Synod of the Secession Church, on the atonement, and doctrines connected with it”, Edinburgh, Charles Ziegler, 1845
Oratorios shown to be Sinful

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 9/10/1871, minister of the gospel, residing in Newtown of Pitcairns, parish of Dunning, Perthshire, Holograph Last Will & Testament and Inventory, Perth Sheriff Court, SC49/31/92
John Graham, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 10 (1871-72), p.401

Family
They had issue including:

(1) William Graham born (or baptised) on 16th April, 1828, in Dunning, Perthshire. He was a hand loom weaver in Dunning. He died there in 1896.

(2) James Graham born (or baptised) on 16th December, 1829, in Dunning, Perthshire. He was at one stage a woolen draper in Kilmarnock and latterly a hand loom weaver in Dunning. He died there in 1887.

(3) Isabella Graham born about 1837 in Dunning Perthshire. She died in 1856 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.569; 1836, Kilmarnock, Fowlds Street (Antiburgher), Scott, Annals, p.370; Kilmarnock, General, Scott, Annals, p.194

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HAMILTON, WILLIAM

 

Background
He was born on 17th June, 1847, in Carluke, Lanarkshire, the son of Robert Hamilton, mason, and Janet Harvie.

Education
He came under the supervision of the Glasgow Presbytery as a “student of literature, studying for the ministry,” on 30th July, 1867. On 1st June, 1869, he was passed to the Divinity Hall as a first year student. He went through the normal rigorous Presbytery examinations. They appear not to have gone entirely smoothly: on 6th February, 1872, he delivered a lecture and asked to be allowed to do it again as a circumstance had arisen which prevented him readily recalling what he had written.

Marriage
He married Jessie Twaddle in 1878 in St Andrew, Edinburgh. She was born on 26th July, 1850, in Braidwood, near Carluke, Lanarkshire, the daughter of James Twaddle, blacksmith, and his wife Janet Scott. She was baptised in the Relief Church in Carluke.

Ministry
He was duly licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery on 30th July, 1872. On 13th January, 1874, he was ordained in Kirkcaldy.

For criticism of the Edinburgh Presbytery in regard to a matter not yet identified he was suspended. On 6th May, 1880, he requested the Glasgow Presbytery that he be restored to his ministerial functions. It was noted that he had stated privately that “he withdrew all his seeming complaints against the Edinburgh Presbytery and admitted that the Presbytery had acted justly in the case.” However, when the matter was taken up by the Synod, the request was not granted.

The following year he requested the Edinburgh Presbytery, that he be restored “with a view to his emigrating to a foreign land whither he had been advised to go for the benefit of his health.” On 24th May, 1881, the Synod removed his suspension but advised him that it was not for edification that he should preach in any UOS congregation in the meantime. Accordingly the Presbytery agreed to give him a certificate to the effect that on 24th May, 1881, he was a minister without a charge in full standing in connection with the UOS Church.

The following year he was living at 8 Keir Street, Edinburgh. He was a minister of the UOS Church and had applied through the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh to be admitted as a minister of the Free Church. The matter was remitted to a committee but it is not evident what happened to this application (The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 30th March, 1882, p.6 ).

He was settled at St Andrew’s, Rexton, New Brunswick, on 27th August, 1885, where he continued till he resigned his charge on 4th January, 1897. He eventually removed to Alberta, Canada, where he continued to serve the church until his retirement.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Janet Hamilton born about 1879 in Pathhead, Fife.

(2) Robert Hamilton born about 1880 in Edinburgh.

(3) Barbara Williamina Hamilton born on 10th January, 1882, in St George, Edinburgh.

(4) James D. Hamilton born on 8th March, 1885, in New Brunswick, Canada.

(5) Bessie S. Hamilton born on 26th February, 1888, in New Brunswick, Canada.

(6) William Harvie Hamilton born on 2nd November, 1890, in New Brunswick.

Sources
St Andrew’s Church; Glasgow Herald, 23rd March, 1876

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HEGGIE, JOHN

 

Background
He was born in Scotlandwell, Portmoak, Kinross-shire, on 22nd March, 1859, the son of George Heggie and Ann Buchanan.

Education
He was educated at Portmoak Free Church School and the University of Glasgow. In 1881 he was a clerk, boarding with his future wife’s aunt in Glasgow. He was admitted to the Evangelical Union Hall in 1894.

Marriage
He married Jessie Baird Hislop on 30th April, 1886. She was born in Blackfriars, Glasgow, on 5th November, 1866, the daughter of Charles Hislop, book binder, and Marion Hill Cook.

Ministry
He clearly was somewhat unsettled, as can be seen from the birth places of his children: 1887 Glasgow; 1889 Ireland; 1900 Slamannan, Stirlingshire; 1902 Shapinsay, Orkney.

What we know is that he was ordained to the Congregational Church, Avonbridge, Stirlingshire, on 16th September, 1896. He was minister of Shapinsay Congregational Church in Orkney, 1901-02. Thereafter he preached for a time at the Congregational Church in Harray and in Sandwick. Later he became a Free Church minister and was involved in barricading the United Free Church people from the former Free Church in Birsay. This led to a court case in which he accused Charles Meldrum, the UF minister, of slander – but he lost his case.

In 1905 the Aberdeen Journal reported that he was leaving the Congregational Church for the Free Church.

In 1907 he applied to be admitted as a minister of the UOS Church. He was then living in Broughty Ferry, and a minister of the Free Church. There was a delay while documentation was sought of his standing in the Free Church. The Clerk of the Free Presbytery of Edinburgh certified that he was an ordained minister of the Free Church without charge. He was then admitted as a minister of the UOS Church by a majority of one and with two men dissenting. He was inducted in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, on 16th December, 1908. On 18th July, 1918, his resignation from his charge and from the UOS ministry was accepted, as he had been that day inducted to a Church of Scotland charge.

He was admitted to the Church of Scotland on 15th May, 1918. He was inducted in Crieff West Church, Perthshire, on 18th July, 1918. He was translated to Kildrummy, Aberdeenshire, on 9th September, 1926. He demitted his charge on 1st December, 1931.

Death
He died on 13th February, 1932, in Kirkmichael, Dumfries-shire. His wife died there on 5th April, 1946.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) George Buchanan Heggie born on 18th February, 1887, in Calton, Glasgow. He married Williamina Collins in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, in 1923. He died in Stranraer in 1943.

(2) Jessie Baird Heggie born on 19th September, 1889, in Ireland. She died in 1894 in Kelvin, Glasgow.

(3) Anna Calderwood Heggie born on 9th December, 1900, in Slamannan, Stirlingshire. She married William Lockhart in Crieff, Perthshire, in 1921. She died in 1989 in Moffat, Dumfries-shire.

(4) John Wilson Heggie born on 15th September, 1902, in Shapinsay, Orkney. He married Jessie Fraser Edgar in 1923 in Hawick, Roxburghshire. He died in 1972 in Lockerbie, Dumfries-shire.

Publications – about him
Kirkwall Sheriff Court: Processes: John HEGGIE, Minister, Hindatown, Harray Nature of Action: Petition – Money owed Defender; Details: Charles MELDRUM, Minister, United Free Manse, Birsay, 1905, SC11/5/1905/3
Court of Session: Unextracted processes: Rev. John Heggie v Mary B. Mather: Damages, 1919, CS253/1306

Sources
The Early Days of Independentism and Congregationalism, p.79; Aberdeen Journal, 16th March, 1905; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 30th October, 1908, p.11; 17th December, 1908, p.1; 16th November, 1910, p.8

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HILL, GEORGE

 

Background
He was the son of George Hill, secession minister in Cumbernauld, Dunbartonshire, and Ann Hamilton. For him, see the General Index of Scottish Presbyterian Ministers here and scroll down to Hill, George: 1782 Cumbernauld.

Education
He attended Glasgow University from 1805 and thereafter the Secession Divinity Hall, presided over by his father.

Marriage
He married Margaret Marshall on 7th June, 1818, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She was born (or baptised) there on 5th August, 1796, the daughter of James Marshall and Elizabeth Hamilton.

Ministry
He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Associate Presbytery of Glasgow, in the early part of the year 1816. Calls were then presented to him from Kirkintilloch, Paisley and Shottsburn. He was settled in Shottsburn on 10th December, 1817, and was minister there at the time of the Union with the Free Church. He was personally quite willing to go in with the Union, but his congregation was against it. He resigned his charge in June, 1852. He is not recognised as a Free Church minister in Ewing’s Annals, nor did his name appear on the roll of the UOS Synod after 1852, but he was claimed by the UOS as belonging to them, and for these reasons his details are given here.

Death
On his retiral, he moved from the manse and settled in the neighbourhood. He died on 31st January, 1856, at his home, Sandyford, Shotts, Lanarkshire. His funeral was held on 7th February. His wife died in 1881 in Bothwell, Lanarkshire.

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Hamilton Elisa Hill born (or baptised) on 18th April, 1819, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She married James Forrester in 1855 in Holytown, Lanarkshire. She died in 1898 in Airdrie or New Monkland, Lanarkshire.

(2) Ann Hill born (or baptised) on 28th July, 1822, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She died there on 28th July, 1822.

(3) George Wingate Hill born (or baptised) on 13th February, 1825, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. He died in 1913 in Partick, Glasgow.

(4) James Marshall Hill born (or baptised) on 13th December, 1829, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. He married Mary Brown in 1858 in Blythswood, Glasgow. In 1881 he was an accountant in a shipbuilding firm in Greenock, Renfrewshire. He died in 1900 in Greenock, West.

(5) Ann Hill born (or baptised) on 12th February, 1832 in Shotts, Lanarkshire

(6) Margaret Hill born (or baptised) on 23rd February, 1834, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. In 1881, she was living with her widowed mother at Mt Pleasant Cottage, Bothwell, Lanarkshire. She died there on 15th May, 1930, and was buried on 19th May, in Shotts Kirk (The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 17th May, 1930, p.24).

(7) William Hill born (or baptised) on 27th December, 1835, in Shotts, Lanarkshire

(8) Agnes Hill born (or baptised) on 10th September, 1838, in Shotts, Lanarkshire

(9) John Marshall Hill born (or baptised) on 24th December, 1840, in Shotts, Lanarkshire

Publication – by him
Christian sympathy, a sermon preached immediately after the death of the Rev. George Hill, minister at Cumbernauld, Glasgow, William Lang, 1819

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 26/5/1856, minister at Shottsburn in the parish of Shotts , Inventory, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, SC36/48/42; Mutual Settlement with spouse, Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills, SC36/51/35

Sources
Burgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.490; 1817, Shottsburn (Burgher), Scott, Annals, p.427; General, Scott, Annals, p.75; General, Scott, Annals, p.194; Call, Scott, Annals, p.407; Small, History, Vol.2, p.231; Scott, Annals, p.385 ; Original Secession Magazine, Vol.2, p.570, Obituary; Familytrees

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HOBART, ROBERT REID

 

Background
He was born on 6th June, 1871, in Carluke, Lanarkshire, the son of Thomas Hobart, UOS minister there, and Margaret Johnston Reid.

Education
He appears as a student under the Edinburgh Presbytery from 1892. He graduated M.A. from Glasgow University in 1894. He was awarded the D.D. degree by Glasgow University on 20th June, 1934.

Marriage
He married Henrietta Gordon Matheson in 1916 in Perth. She was born in 1880 in Perth, the daughter of Robert Matheson, Accountant, and Elizabeth Campbell.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Edinburgh Presbytery at a meeting in the Manse in Carluke on 16th January, 1896, his father, as Moderator, conducting the licensing process. In May, 1896, the Synod resolved the question of competing calls to him from Midlem and from Shottsburn, Lanarkshire. He himself left the matter in the Synod’s hands and they opted for Shottsburn, and he was ordained there on 12th November, 1896. By May, 1903, he had been translated to Perth. In January, 1929, he responded positively to a call received from Edinburgh, Victoria Terrace, and by May, 1929, he had been translated there.

Death
He died on 22nd January, 1947, at 10 Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh. He was buried on 25th January in the Grange Cemetery there. His wife died there in 1965.

Family
There is no clear evidence that they had issue.

Sources
Glasgow Herald, 20th May, 1896; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 25th January, 1911, p.1; 9th January, 1929, p.10; 21st June, 1934, p.6; 24th January, 1947, p.3; 24th January, 1947, p.8

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HOBART, THOMAS

 

Background
He was born in 1829 at West Muirhead of Logie, near Kirriemuir, Angus, the son of James Hobart, mason, and Catherine McKenzie.

Education
He was educated at Webster’s Seminary, Kirriemuir, and at the age of 13 was selected by the Kirriemuir Kirk Session to keep a school in one of the outlying districts. He studied at the Marischal College, Aberdeen, 1848-1852 and gained the M.A. degree. At the same time he learned the trade of a mason. He was master in the South Free School, and in the Grammar School, where he continued till licensed.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Eliza Aitken on 5th February, 1860, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She was the daughter of John Aitken, a minister of the UOS Church.

(2) Margaret Johnston Reid on 27th December, 1865, in Ayr. She was baptized on 1st May, 1841, the daughter of John Reid and Jacobina Smith.

Ministry
He was licensed in 1855. He received competing calls from Coupar Angus and Carluke, Lanarkshire, which a special meeting of Synod had to resolve. He was consequently ordained in Carluke on 8th January, 1856. He was Moderator of Synod in 1865 and 1876.

Death
He died on 15th August, 1898, at his home in Carluke, Lanarkshire, after suffering an apoplectic fit. He was buried on 17th August, in Carluke churchyard. His first wife died on 19th April, 1863, at the UOS Manse, Carluke, Lanarkshire, and his second wife died on 4th October, 1911, at Victoria Avenue, Carluke.

Family
He had issue including by his first wife:

(1) Janet Somerville Hobart born on 5th January, 1861, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. She died there in 1915.

(2) Katharine Hobart born on 26th October, 1862, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. She died there the following year.

And by his second wife:

(3) James Hobart born on 5th December, 1866, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He died there the following year.

(4) John Reid Hobart born on 1st February, 1868, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He married Mina Findlay Milligan in 1894 in Ayr. He was an oil merchant and lived in Carluke. He died there in 1950.

(5) Thomas Hobart born on 2nd August, 1869, in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

(6) Robert Reid Hobart born on 6th June, 1871, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He became a minister of the UOS Church.

(7) James McKenzie Hobart born on 12th March, 1873, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He died there in 1896.

(8) Hugh Smith Hobart born on 19th September, 1874, in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He married Mary Reid Hemphill, from County Donegal, Ireland. Her brother, John Hemphill, was a clergyman. In 1916, they were living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and he was a book-keeper in a grain office. He died there in 1966.

(9) Jacobina Reid Hobart born in 1877 in Carluke, Lanarkshire. In 1930 she was living at 1236 Cave Street, San Diego, California, USA – in her own home, which was valued at $7,000.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 31/10/1898, Minister, Original Secession Church, Carluke, d. 15/08/1898 at Carluke, testate, Lanark Sheriff Court, SC38/42/7
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Hobart or Reid, Margaret Johnstone, 22/2/1912, Carluke, widow of Rev. Thomas Hobart, The Original Secession Church Lanark, d. 04/10/1911 at Carluke, testate, Lanark Sheriff Court, SC38/42/17; Lanark Sheriff Court Wills, SC38/44/1
Court of Session: Unextracted processes: Reverend Thomas Hobart and another (Wilson’s Executor) v Hobart and others: Multiplepoinding etc., 1896, CS243/3208. See also CS243/7735. This probably refers to the Helen Wilson or Forrest who died in Carluke, in 1895, aged 84.

Sources
Rootsweb; RP Archives p.10; Winnipeg Free Press; The Aberdeen Journal, 22nd April, 1863; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 16th August, 1898, p.3; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 16th August, 1898, p.4; 6th October, 1911, p.12; Glasgow Herald, Thursday, August 18, 1898

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HOWE, JOHN

 

Background
He was born on 31st October, 1892, in Paisley, Renfrewshire, the son of Andrew Howe and Elizabeth McGuire.

Education
He attended Camphill High School, Paisley, and Glasgow University from which he graduated M.A.. On 5th April, 1910, he appeared before the Glasgow Presbytery as a student intending to study for the ministry under the supervision of the Presbytery. During part of his time as a student he served as missionary in the Mains Street, Glasgow, congregation. His studies were interrupted by war service with the Seaforth Highlanders from 1915 till 1919.

Marriage
He married Joanna Lawrence Thomson on 24th September, 1925, in the Maitland Hotel, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. She was born on 28th April, 1891, at 33 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh, the daughter of John Thomson and Anne Youngson. At the time of her marriage, she was a bank teller and her usual residence was in Greenock.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery in early August, 1920. He was ordained in Coronary and Cartlehill, County Cavan, Ireland, on 24th February, 1921. He was translated to Dundee on 21st October, 1926. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956. He retired from his charge on 31st October, 1967.

Death
He died on 28th December, 1974, in Rosskeen, Ross and Cromarty. His wife died in 1971 in Dundee.

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Andrew Youngson Howe born on 4th March, 1928, at 3 Adelaide Terrace, Dundee. He was a student for the ministry of the UOS Church at the Union of 1956 and became a minister of the Church of Scotland.

(2) John Ramsay Thomson Howe born in 1930. He died in 1956 in Dundee.

Sources
rghfhome; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 5th August, 1920, p.7; 10th July, 1926, p.11; 6th March, 1928, p.14

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KENNEDY, WILLIAM RUSSELL

 

Background
He was born on 25th June, 1913, at Ballyclare, County Antrim, Ireland, the son of William Russell Kennedy, carpenter, and Elizabeth Davidson.

Education
He was educated at Banbridge Academy, Belfast; Renshaw’s Tutorial College, Londonderry; Magee University College, Londonderry; and Trinity College, Dublin, from where he graduated B.A. in 1936.

Marriage
He married Flora McDonald May on 6th August, 1940, the marriage being registered in Airdrie or New Monkland, Lanarkshire. She was born on 6th August, 1913, in Londonderry, Ireland, the daughter of Thomas May and Daisy MacDonald.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Southern Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in May, 1938. He was acting minister in Glasgow, Mains St, UOS Church from 1938-40, and he was ordained there in May, 1940. By May, 1943, he had resigned his charge and intimated his withdrawal from the UOS Church. He then became a Church of Scotland minister. He was acting minister of Glasgow, St Andrew, East, 1943-44. He was inducted to Glasgow, Finnieston, on 7th May, 1944. He was translated to Kilmarnock, St Andrew’s, with Kilmarnock, Glencairn , on 2nd February, 1955, and became minister of the united charge of Kilmarnock St Andrew’s-Glencairn on 27th April, 1967. He was translated to Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay North on 26th February, 1970. This charge united with Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay South under the name of Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay on 22nd October, 1972.

Death
He died in 1988 in Ayr. His wife died there in 1992.

Family
They had issue.

Sources
FES, Vol.9, p.268; Vol.10, pp.112, 139 and 159; Ancestry Boards

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KING, ALEXANDER DUNLOP

 

Education
He applied to be taken under the supervision of the Glasgow Presbytery on 30th July, 1872, when he was a student of literature in his second year at Glasgow University. On 27th May, 1873, he was certified as a first year student in the Divinity Hall. The Presbytery did not appear entirely happy with him and on 30th September, 1873, they noticed that he had conducted a mission meeting without the formal sanction of the Presbytery. William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws, was appointed to have friendly converse with him about this. On 16th October, 1873, he explained himself to the Presbytery: his meetings were only kitchen meetings, opened with praise and prayer; any address was the substance of the minister’s lecture on Sabbath. He couldn’t get off his business formerly to attend Presbytery. Later he again alleged pressure of business, as a reason for not being ready with some work for the Presbytery. On 30th November, he asked to be transferred to the supervision of the Ayr Presbytery, as he had been appointed missionary in Ayr.

Ministry
He was ordained in Carnoustie, Angus, on 25th April, 1877.

A pro re nata meeting of the Established Church Presbytery of Arbroath in May, 1880, considered an application from King to be admitted to the Church of Scotland. It was stated that he had demitted his UOS charge as from 5th May. It was agreed to transmit the petition simpliciter to the General Assembly. There, on a technicality, his application was “reserved for further consideration”.

He served as an assistant to John Thomson, St Marnock’s, Kilmarnock. It was reported that on 12th September, 1880, he had preached in the Corn Exchange Hall, Kilmarnock, at the usual hours of worship, to large audiences, and he had intimated an evening service there for those willing to form a congregation under his care. The reason for this was that a move had been made to appoint him as assistant and successor to Thomson but Thomson had refused and gave King a month’s notice. Thomson had said amongst other things that there was no resignation and no vacancy.

About 600 people apparently agreed to form a separate congregation under his ministry and in connection with the Church of Scotland.

In May, 1881, the Church of Scotland, not surprisingly, refused his application for admission: he had created a schism in St Marnock’s Church, Kilmarnock, and any man who had broken up one of their congregations and was now ministering to people mainly composed of the body who separated with him, should receive no support from the Assembly.

He petitioned the UOS courts asking for an extract minute of his ordination at Carnoustie, without paying the usual fee. His petition was dismissed in May, 1882.

Subsequently he became a Free Church minister. See here

There were King families both in Kilmarnock and Glasgow, Laurieston, UOS congregations – all connected, it would seem, with this man. At the same time as he was breaking with the UOS Church in Carnoustie, two King families left the Glasgow, Laurieston, congregation. The connection between these events, if any, is a subject that needs to be explored some time.

Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 27th April, 1877; 28th September , 1880; Glasgow Herald, 24th January, 1880; 13th September, 1880; 30th May, 1881; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 22nd May, 1880; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 29th May 1880, p.8; 14th September, 1880, p.6

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KIRKWOOD, BENJAMIN

 

Background
He was born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, about 1843, the son of James Kirkwood, grocer, and Jane Smith. In 1851 his mother Jane was a widow, a grocer.

Education
He appeared once before the Glasgow Presbytery – on 4th February, 1862 – when it was noted that he had already done two sessions under the supervision of the Presbytery of Ayr. He was examined by the Presbytery of Ayr on 11th August, 1863, and was certified to the Divinity Hall. But in May 1865 it was reported that he had been examined by the Edinburgh Presbytery. On 23rd August, 1865, the Presbytery met at Edinburgh and agreed to the recommendation of the Hall Committee, that he should be taken on trials for license, if he was willing. On the question being put to Kirkwood, he stated his willingness, on condition that he be allowed, if practical, to attend next session of Hall. The Presbytery agreed to transmit his request to the Synod’s Committee of Supplies, and prescribed him the usual trials for license.

Ministry
He was ordained in Arbroath, Angus, on 6th November, 1866.

Death
He died of phthisis in Carrington, Midlothian, on 28th February, 1868 (Registration: 1868 675/ 1 Carrington).

Family
He never married.

Publication – about him
Memoir of Benjamin Kirkwood, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 8 (1867-68, p.568

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MCBEATH, JOHN

 

Background etc
He was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland, see here.

Ministry
It was reported to the Synod in May, 1858, that the Aberdeen and Perth Presbytery had admitted him and his congregation in Castletown, Olrig, Caithness, to the UOS Church.

Source
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 16th March, 1878, p.6

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MCBEATH, WILLIAM

 

Background
He was born on 8th August, 1858, in Olrig, Caithness, the son of John MacBeath, minister, and Jane Sutherland.

Education
He graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1880. He was under the supervision of the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen.

Marriage
He married Jessie Somerville Aitken in 1883, in Kelvin, Glasgow. She was born on 28th June, 1862, in Bowden, Roxburghshire, the daughter of William F. Aitken, UOS minister, and Hannah Riddell.

Ministry
He was called to Olrig, Caithness, in February, 1883, and ordained there on 15th August, 1883.

He was admitted as a minister of the Church of Scotland in May, 1887. He was settled in Strathmiglo, Fife, as assistant and successor, in 1887. He was translated to Halkirk, Caithness, on 18th July, 1888. He demitted his charge on 7th August, 1903. However, he may have demitted his charge under pressure as there had been a “case” in which he had been involved.

He got into some trouble – see here. His family emigrated to Canada. In 1911 they lived at 166 Walnut, Winnipeg, Manitoba: Jessie MacBeath, with John, William Aitken, James Welch, George Riddell, Hannah Sutherland, Arthur Groat, and David Aitken.

Death
His death was registered in 1949 in Parkville, Victoria, Australia, aged 91. His wife died in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 17th September, 1922.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) John McBeath born on 26th May, 1884, in Olrig, Caithness. He is said to have married Mary Elizabeth Coutts and to have died in 1976 in Winnipeg City, Manitoba.

(2) William Aitken McBeath born on 26th May, 1884, in Olrig, Caithness. He is said to have married Ethel and to have died on 19th September, 1956, in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

(3) James Welsh McBeath born on 10th April, 1887. He married Jean. He died on 3rd January, 1967, and was buried in Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville, Ramsey County, Minnesota, USA.

(4) George Riddell McBeath born on 22nd September, 1888, in Halkirk, Caithness. He is said to have married Marion Teresa Ferguson.

(5) Hannah Sutherland McBeath born on 27th April, 1890, in Halkirk, Caithness. She married Herbert Tooley. She is said to have died on 25th May, 1981, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

(6) Arthur Groat McBeath born on 24th June, 1891, in Halkirk, Caithness. He was an insurance clerk. He served as lieutenant in the 78th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry and was awarded the Military Medal. He died on 4th February, 1918 aged 27. He was buried in Fosse No.10 Communal Cemetery Extension Sains-en-Gohelle, France.

(7) David Aitken McBeath born on 3rd July, 1892, in Halkirk, Caithness. He is said to have married Constance Billington and to have died in 1979 in British Columbia.

Publication – about him
Presbytery of Caithness: Papers relating to case of William McBeath, minister at Halkirk, 1902-1903, NRS CH2/47/12

Sources
Ancient faces; Findagrave; Glasgow Herald, 28th February, 1883; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 17th August, 1883

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MCCLENAGHAN, ANDREW THOMSON

 

Background
He was born about 1838 in Ireland, the son of James McClenaghan, grocer, and Janet Conway.

Education
His studies were first noted by the Glasgow Presbytery on 24th September, 1861; and he was accepted for the Divinity Hall on 2nd June, 1863. In October that year, he was transferred to the jurisdiction of Ayr Presbytery and in May, 1865, he was accepted back by Glasgow Presbytery. In December, 1865, it was reported that he had gone to Ayr to do mission work, and so in February, 1866, he was again transferred to the supervision of the Ayr Presbytery.

Marriage
He married Margaret Sloan on 1st June, 1865, at 60 Fisher Street, Glasgow (Registration: 1865 644/2 145 High Church). He was then a clerk living at 242 Duke Street, Glasgow. She was born in Irvine, Ayrshire, about 1836, the daughter of John Sloan, cooper, and Mary Rodger. At the time of her marriage she was Margaret Wilson, a widow, of Hope Street, Ayr.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 23rd October, 1866. He was ordained in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, on 10th June, 1868. He was translated to Kirriemuir, Angus, on 31st May, 1871. In May, 1875 he was suspended for drunkenness.

It is said that he afterwards joined the Established Church, went abroad, and died. But on 11th August, 1875, he was elected to the office of General Secretary to Glasgow Y.M.C.A. at a general meeting of the directors. And on 22nd June, 1877, The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder intimated that he had been admitted to the Established Church and would preach on Sabbath in the Parish churches in Kirriemuir.

Death
He is said to have died on 14th July, 1881. His wife died in 1911 in Hillhead, Glasgow.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) James McClenaghan born on 7th May, 1866, in Ayr.

(2) Andrew Thomson McClenaghan born at 72 Mill Street, Ayr, on 10th June, 1867 (Registration: 1867 578/ 353 Ayr). He died on 20th July, 1868, at 2 St Marnock Place, Kilmarnock (Registration: .1868 597/ 292 Kilmarnock (Ayr)).

(3) Henry Andrew Thomson McClenaghan born on 13th May, 1869, in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. In 1891 he was living in Glasgow, a clerk, wholesale provisions. He married Christina Russell Purdon on 13th September, 1895, in Calton, Glasgow. He died in 1935 in Aberdeen.

(3) Hugh McClenaghan born on 7th August, 1870, in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. In 1891 he was living in Glasgow, a clerk, oil merchant. He married Jane Thomson Booth or Murphy in 1897 in Aberdeen. He died in Aberdeen in 1911.

Sources
Scott, Annals, p.394; Glasgow Herald, 14th March, 1871; The Belfast News-Letter, Ireland, 14th October, 1875; The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 22nd June, 1877

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MACFARLANE, HUGH ALEXANDER REID

 

Background
He was born on 17th April, 1906, in Glasgow, the son of John MacFarlane, joiner, and Anne Reid. Anne Reid was a sister of William Sinclair Waters Reid, a minister of the UOS Church.

Education
He was educated in Strathbungo, Glasgow; and at Glasgow University, 1931-34. He was a student missionary in Darvel, Ayrshire, 1931-34.

Marriage
He married Mary Strange Rogerson on 5th June, 1935, in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire (Registration: 1935 597/ 94 Kilmarnock (Ayr)). She was born on 22nd June, 1907, in Ardrossan Old, Ayrshire, the daughter of James Alexander Rogerson, grocer’s traveller, and Martha McCulloch. At the time of her marriage she was a clerkess.

Ministry
He was licensed on 27th July, 1934, by the Presbytery of Ayr. He was ordained in Toberdoney, Antrim, Ireland, on 8th November, 1934. His resignation was reported in May, 1944, and his name was dropped from the roll.

He joined the Church of Scotland and was inducted in Carron, on 4th October, 1944. He was translated to Middlebie, Dumfries-shire, on 26th January, 1949. Middlebie was linked with Waterbeck on 23rd July, 1959. He retired on 18th April, 1972.

Death
He died in 1987 in Troon, Ayrshire. His wife died in 1967 in Middlebie.

Sources
FES, Vol.9, pp.59 and 136; FES, Vol.10, p.81

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MCKANE, WILLIAM

 

Background
He was born in February, 1921, in Dundee, the son of Thomas McKane and Jemima Smith.

Education
He was educated at Dens Road and Stobswell, Dundee, 1926-1936; St Andrews University, Fife, 1945-49, where he graduated M.A. with 2nd Class Honours in Philosophy and English; Glasgow University, 1949-1952, where he graduated M.A. with 1st Class Honours in Semitic Languages; also 1956, graduating Ph.D. He was a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and a Member of the Society for Old Testament Study.

Marriage
He married Agnes Mathie Howie on 3rd July, 1952, in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. She was born there in 1932, the daughter of James Howie and Christina Cochrane. Christina Cochrane’s sister, Mary Cochrane, was the wife of Donald Stewart Paterson, a minister of the UOS Church.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Northern Presbytery on 18th August, 1948. He was ordained in Kilwinning on 29th June, 1949. By May, 1954, he had been loosed from his charge on being appointed to an academic post, but he retained his seat in Presbytery as a minister without charge. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956. He was Assistant Professor of Hebrew in Glasgow University, 1953-56; Lecturer in Hebrew there from 1956; senior lecturer there from 1965; and Professor of Hebrew and Oriental Languages, St Andrews, Fife, from 1968 and Dean of Faculty of Divinity from 1973.

Death
He died on 4th September, 2004, in St Andrews, Fife.

Publications
See separate document here.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, p.431; Obituary: Scotsman

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MCKAY, JOHN

 

Background
He was born about 1828 in Glasgow, the son of John McKay, blacksmith, and Christina Mackay.

Education
He matriculated in Glasgow University in 1848. He appears as a student under the Glasgow Presbytery from December, 1855.

Marriage
He married Sarah Ross on 11th May, 1865, at the bride’s home, 14 Rose Street, Aberdeen (Registration: 1865 168/2 92 Old Machar Aberdeen). He was then living at 26 Skene Terrace there. Sarah Ross was born (or baptised) on 20th October, 1839, the daughter of William Ross, advocate, and Sarah Ross. Her brother, William Ross was a Free Church minister.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 22nd July, 1856. On 5th February, 1857, he was ordained in Aberdeen as assistant and successor to John Aitken. He was Moderator of Synod in 1867. He resigned his charge to take up the mission work in Bridgeton, Glasgow, and was eventually inducted there on 1st May, 1877.

Death
He died, “senectus”, on 29th June, 1911, at 65 Princes Street, Thurso, Caithness (Registration: 1911 041/ 37 Thurso ). On his death, the Presbytery of Glasgow on 1st August, 1911, paid him this tribute: “The Presbytery desire to put on record their high appreciation of the long-continued, faithful, prayerful and laborious ministry of the Rev. John McKay. Ordained in Aberdeen in 1857, he left that city for Glasgow in 1875, where he began mission work in the East End on 5th December of that year. The Bridgeton congregation, which recently became self supporting, was founded as the result of his labours. After working in this sphere, with a fair measure of success, spiritual and other, he was constrained in 1897 on account of failing health to retire from the sole charge of the congregation and to apply for a colleague. Having served the will of God he has now fallen asleep in the 84th year of his age and the 55th of his ministry, of which nearly 36 years were spent in connection with this Presbytery.”

Sarah Ross or McKay, “widow of John McKay, Free Church minister”, died on 5th December, 1925, at 24 Rose Street, Aberdeen (Registration: 1925 168/2 448 St Machar).

Family
In 1881 he has his mother, aunt and two sisters with him in Glasgow. In 1891, he has two sisters with him; and in 1901 one sister. On his death, the Presbytery send condolences to his sisters; and his sisters expressed a wish that his books be donated to the Seoni Mission, India. There is no sign of his wife being with him. In 1871, she was Sarah Ross /Mackay, clergyman’s wife, living with her parents in their home. In 1881, she was with her widowed mother in Aberdeen and under “occupation” there is not “minister’s wife” but “Income Derived From Interest Houses, Etc.”. She appears to have been an only daughter and may have had family responsibilities, but even after both her parents had died, she doesn’t appear to have lived with her husband.

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MCMORRIS, GEORGE

 

Background
He was born on 13th November, 1909, in Pollokshaws, Glasgow, the son of William McMorris and Matilda Carnwath.

Education
He attended Sir John Stirling Maxwell School there. He studied at Glasgow University, 1934-38. He was a Fellow of the Antiquarians of Scotland.

Marriage
He married Mary Toy Earl in 1939 in Blythswood, Glasgow. She was born on 16th September, 1918, in Anderston, Glasgow, the daughter of William Earl and Christina Brown.

Ministry
He was appointed a missionary in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in May, 1938. He was licensed in June, 1939. He was ordained in Kirkcaldy on 21st June, 1939. He was translated to Arbroath in June, 1940.

He resigned his charge and was admitted to the Church of Scotland and was settled in Lochcraig on 26th March, 1947. He was translated to Logie Pert on 8th February, 1950. He was translated to Newcraighall, Edinburgh, on 7th June, 1956, and to St George’s, East Wemyss, on 8th June, 1960.

Death
He died on 1st March, 1961, in Monifieth, Angus. His wife died in 1965 in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

Family
They had issue.

Sources
FES, Vol.9, pp.466 and 553; Vol.10, pp.17, 281 and 323; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 20th May, 1938, p.13

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MCNEEL, JOHN

 

Marriage
He married Margaret Henderson Littlejohn on 19th November, 1897, at 23 Queen Street, Craigie, Perth. She was born in Perth in 1872, the daughter of navy Captain John Littlejohn and Annie Henderson (Glasgow Herald, 22nd November, 1897).

Ministry
On 20th May, 1897, trials for ordination were arranged for him – a student from the Associate Presbyterian Church of America, who had joined the church with a view to going to the Seoni, India, Mission. He was ordained in Edinburgh on 18th November that year. On the occasion, Professor William F. Aitken commenced the service; William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws, as Convener of the Foreign Mission Committee, preached on Isaiah 55. After the ordination ceremony, George Anderson addressed him and Professor Robert Morton addressed the congregation.

On 25th November, 1897, there was a farewell meeting for him and his wife in Perth, presided over by Robert Morton.

Death
He died on 2nd September, 1954. His wife died at the Mission Station of the UOS Church, Seoni, India, on 24th September, 1938.

Publication
In memoriam, The Rev. John McNeel, B.A., Seoni, M.P., India, foreword by David Walker, India, United Original Secession Church Foreign Mission, 1954?

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Anne Geddes McNeel born in 1902 in Perth. She died in England.

(2) Mary Stuart Henderson McNeel born in 1913 in India. She died in 2002 in Edinburgh.

(3) Jean Elizabeth McNeel born on 9th November, 1917, in Seoni, India. She died – Jean Elizabeth Dallyn – on 15th February, 1999.

Sources
Boards; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 26th November, 1897, p.4; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 27th September, 1938, p.16

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MCVICAR, PETER

 

Background
He was born about 1844 in Greenock, Renfrewshire, the son of Peter McVicar and Agnes Carson. By 1851 his mother was a widow, a lodging house keeper.

Education
He first appeared in the records of Glasgow Presbytery on 10th March, 1868, as a student of literature appointed by the Home Mission Committee as a missionary in Glasgow. He underwent the normal supervision of a student and on 4th April, 1870, he was certified by the Presbytery as a first year student in the Divinity Hall.

Marriage
He married Charlotte Barr in Anderston, Glasgow, in 1873. She was born on 14th January, 1838, in Cadder, Lanarkshire, the daughter of Robert Barr, forester, and Isabella Smith.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery on 1st October, 1872. He was ordained in Coupar Angus on 5th June, 1873. He was translated to Dundee on 12th February, 1879.

Death
His death at Carnoch, Ross and Cromarty, on 7th July, 1920. The death of Charlotte McVicar or Barr is recorded in St Clement, Dundee, in 1919.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Agnes Carson McVicar born in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, in 1875. She married Alfred F. N. Hall in St Mary, Dundee, in 1902. This family may have emigrated to Quebec, Canada.

(2) Robert Barr McVicar born in Coupar Angus, Perthshire. He became a UOS minister.

(3) Isabella Smith McVicar born in Coupar Angus in 1878. Her death was registered there the following year.

(4) Peter McVicar born in Coupar Angus in 1877. He also may have emigrated to Quebec, Canada.

(5) Charles Barr McVicar born in St Andrew, Dundee, in 1881. He married Ella Mary Booth in St Mary, Dundee, in 1902. She was the sister of Williamina Booth who married Robert Barr McVicar, this man’s brother. He also may have emigrated to Canada.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 18/9/1920, minister of United Original Secession Congregation, Dundee, d. 07/07/1920 at Carnoch, Muir-of-Ord, testate, Dundee Sheriff Court, SC45/31/8; Dundee Sheriff Court Wills, SC45/34/40

Sources
Glasgow Herald, 11th January, 1873; 3rd November, 1876; The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 17th January, 1873; 6th June, 1873; 27th July, 1877; 15th November, 1878, p.2; 14th January, 1879; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 29th January, 1873; 13th February, 1879; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 3rd November, 1876, p.6; 9th January, 1879, p.6

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MCVICAR, ROBERT BARR

 

Background
He was born about 1875 in Coupar Angus, the son of Peter McVicar, a minister of the UOS Church, and Charlotte Barr.

Education
He attended Harris Academy, Dundee. He studied at the United College, St Andrews, Fife, 1896-1901, and at the UOS Divinity Hall.

Marriage
He married Williamina Lawson Booth in St Mary, Dundee, on 14th February, 1908. She was born in 1886 in Lochee, Angus, the daughter of Allan Booth and Mary Lawson, She was the sister of Ella Mary Booth who married Charles Barr McVicar, this man’s brother.

Ministry
He was licensed on 29th July, 1902. He was ordained to Aberdeen on 5th May, 1903. His resignation from his charge in Aberdeen was accepted on 4th February, 1907. He felt “the field of labour was too circumscribed”.

He applied for admission to the Free Church in May, 1907. He believed this church conserved practically all the doctrines of the Secession Church which he held and afforded an ample field of labour. He was admitted as a minister without charge. He was unanimously elected minister of Glenlyon Free Church in January, 1908, and was inducted there on 27th February, 1908. He was translated to Dumfries on 19th August, 1916. He then was admitted to the Church of Scotland and became minister in Carnoch, Ross and Cromarty, on 14th March, 1919. He was translated to Carmyllie, Angus, on 22nd September, 1926.

Death
He died on 13th March, 1943, the death being registered in St Clement, Dundee. His wife died in 1968 in Lairg, Sutherland.

Family
They had issue including Robert Barr McVicar, who became minister of Cairneyhill Church of Scotland.

Sources
FES, Vol.7, p.29; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 5th February, 1907, p.9; 24th May, 1907, p.9; 7th January, 1908, p.7

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MANSON, THOMAS

 

Background
He was born on 8th February, 1794, at Gothgill, Olrig, Caithness, the son of William Manson, farmer, and Margaret Manson.

Education
He worked for a time on his father’s farm and afterwards was apprenticed to D. Sinclair, merchant, Thurso, Caithness, whose daughter he afterwards married. He entered the Secession Divinity Hall in 1821 under Dr Paxton. On 24th January, 1867, he received the degree of D.D. from Glasgow University. In 1868 he was awarded the same degree by Westminster College, Pennsylvania.

Marriage
He married Janet Sinclair. She was the daughter of D. Sinclair, merchant, Thurso. The marriage was registered on 10th August, 1828, in Tibbermore, Perthshire, and on 3rd September, in Thurso, Caithness.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Perth Presbytery in 1825. He was ordained in Perth on 25th July, 1826, as colleague and successor to Richard Black. He edited the Original Secession Magazine for 17 years. Alexander J. Yuill was appointed colleague and successor for him on 15th June, 1869, but he continued to preach until four years of his death. He then received an annual grant from the Retired and Infirm Ministers’ Fund.

Death
He died on 31st March 1876, at his home in Perth, in the eighty-third year of his age. He was buried on 5th April, 1876.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) William Manson born on 13th June and baptized on 28th June, 1829, in Perth.

(2) Janet Manson born on 7th October and baptised on 17th October, 1830, in Perth.

(3) David Sinclair Manson born on 29th March and baptised on 1st April, 1832, in Perth. He died at 23 James Street, Perth, on 26th July, 1900 – the only surviving son of Thomas Manson (The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 27th July, 1900, p.10).

(4) Richard Manson born on 27th May and baptised on 15th June, 1834, in Perth.

(5) Thomas Richard Manson born on 7th May and baptised on 15th May, 1836, in Perth. He died in 1856 in Perth.

(6) Janet (Jessie) Sinclair Manson born on 27th January and baptised on 11th March, 1838, in Perth. She died in 1923 in Anderston, Glasgow.

(7) George Manson born on 8th and baptised on 14th April, 1840, in Perth.

(8) James Mitchell Manson born on 13th May and baptised on 24th May, 1842, in Perth.

(9) Eliza Manson born on 22nd October and baptised on 28th October, 1844, in Perth.

Publications – by him
Question of the return of the Original Seceders to the fellowship of the established Church of Scotland considered, Edinburgh, William Whyte and Co., 1835
Review of the act and declaration of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, Union with the Free Church on the ground of her recent act and declaration, shown, by documentary evidence to be inconsistent with the principles hitherto held by seceders, Part 1 and Part 2, Glasgow, John Keith & Son, 1852
The complaint, with representation, of Thomas Manson, Minister of the Congregatio of United Original Seceders, Perth, unto the Moderator and remanent members of the Synod of United Original Seeders, to meet in Main Street Church, Glasgow, on Tuesday, the 30th October 1855, Glasgow?, the Synod?, 1855
What is the position of the Free Church?, a review of Dr. Candlish’s manse-fund speech, Edinburgh, Moodie & Lothian, 1856
The public position of United Original Seceders, the practical importance & scriptural character of their distinctive principles, Perth, C.G. Sidey, 1863
The modern theory of a limited deluge, shown to be contrary to scripture and without support from science, Perth, Charles G. Sidey, 1864

Publication – about him
Review of discussions on union between the Original Secession Church and Free Church, with an appendix, containing some strictures on the recent pamphlet of Rev. Mr. Manson, by John Sandison, Edinburgh, Johnstone & Hunter, 1852

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.558; 1826, Perth (Antiburgher), Scott, Annals, p.414; General, Scott, Annals, p.178; General, Scott, Annals, p.194 ; The Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, 28th January, 1867; The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 4th April, 1876, p.6; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 3rd April, 1876, p.4

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MARTIN, ROBERT HOWIE

 

Background
He was born on 25th August, 1874, in Crieff, Perthshire, the son of John Martin, farmer, and Mary Howie. Through his mother he was a descendant of the Covenanter, John Howie.

Education
He graduated M.A. from Glasgow University in 1898. In May that year, he was introduced to Glasgow Presbytery as a member of Mains Street congregation, Glasgow, wishing to place himself under their inspection as a student for the ministry. He had already attended two sessions in the Hall as a private student so the Synod certified him as a student in his third year of study. He appeared before the Presbytery from time to time in the normal way until 24th April, 1900, when he informed the Presbytery that he had difficulties in taking licence. These were connected with the Questions of the Formula.

On 25th September, 1900, a Committee reported that his difficulties had “seemed to be largely removed” but before signing the Formula he wished to make a statement to Presbytery especially on the subject of Church Communion: “After the statements made by me at a former sitting of this court, it seems fitting that I should say something now. I referred then to some difficulties I had in regard to giving assent to the principles of our church. Some of these difficulties have after consideration and consultation with members of presbytery been removed. On other points I feel that while my own personal opinion is not fully developed and fixed, it is more in line with the opinions expressed in the Testimony than I formerly was. I confess that there are still some difficulties remaining. The chief of these is with respect to the statements of the Testimony on Church communion. I beg to state that I regard these, especially in so far as they refer to occasional hearing, in the light of the present general practice of our church.”

On questioning he said he did not approve of free communion as practised in the larger churches, but he believed that Christians might join in commemorating the Lord’s death, though separated by minor ecclesiastical differences. “It was agreed that Mr Martin’s statement placed no barrier in the way of the Presbytery’s proceeding to license him, as the matter he referred to was one on which toleration might be exercised.” He was duly licensed. Nevertheless two men dissented from the final wording of the Minute referring to his license.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Julia Mina Keith in Thurso, Caithness, on 3rd August, 1905 (Registration: 1905 041/ 22 Thurso). She was born on 12th September, 1883, in Thurso, Caithness, the daughter of Peter Keith, draper, and Barbara Calder.

(2) Margaret Wright on 4th October, 1916, in Stirling (Registration: 1916 490/ 118 Stirling). She was born in Alva, Clackmannanshire, , the daughter of John Wright, tweed warper, and Marion Dawson. At the time of her marriage she was matron of Lady Aberdeen’s Home, in Alva, Clackmannanshire

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 25th September, 1900. In May, 1902, it was reported that he had been ordained to Thurso, Caithness. In September, 1913, he intimated to his congregation his intention of resigning his charge. He had been led to the conviction that infant baptism was without the warrant of Holy Scripture. In May, 1914, it was reported that he had resigned his charge and withdrawn from the UOS Church.

Subsequently he was called to be minister of Carluke Baptist Church but whether or not he accepted the call is not known. He served in Alloa, Clackmannanshire; Inverness and, from 1928 till his death, in Broughty Ferry, Angus.

Death
His death was registered in Broughty Ferry, Angus, in 1935. He was buried in Barnhill Cemetery on 29th May. Julia Mina Keith or Martin died on 29th April, 1909, at the UOS Manse, Thurso, Caithness. His second wife died in Stirling in 1954.

Family
He had issue by his first wife including:

(1) John Keith Martin born on 13th July, 1906, at the UOS Manse, Thurso, Caithness.

(2) Julia Barbara Keith Martin born on 25th July, 1908, in Thurso, Caithness. Her marriage to Victor David Findlay was recorded in Broughty Ferry, Angus, in 1930. Her death was recorded in Crieff, Perthshire, in 1995.

Sources
Glasgow Herald, 27th September, 1900; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 16th July 1906, p.12; 1st May, 1909, p.16; 16th September, 1913, p.7; 8th May, 1914, p.9; 30th May, 1935, p.12

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MATTHEW, DAVID

 

Background
He was born on 24th September, 1860, in Kirriemuir, the son of Micah Matthew, shoemaker, and Jane Glendye (or Glenday). For some family connections see under Thomas Matthew

Education
He attended Arbroath High School. He studied at the United College, St Andrews, Fife, and was the University Endowment Bursar for 1881. He studied at St Mary’s College there, 1884-1887. He graduated M.A. on 20th April, 1887, and B.D. on 18th April, 1888.

Marriage
He married Jessie (or Janet) Campbell on 25th January, 1893, at the Cockburn Hotel, Bath Street, Glasgow (Registration: 1893 644/7 47 Blythswood). She was born about 1873 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, the daughter of Robert Campbell, joiner, and Mary Gow. In 1893 she was “of Waterside, Kirkintilloch”, Dunbartonshire.

Ministry
He was licensed at Carnoustie, Angus, by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen on 25th April, 1887. He was ordained in Toberdoney, Ireland, by May, 1888; and was translated to Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, on 5th June, 1890. On 14th October, 1895, he demitted his charge. He then became a minister in Australia.

Death
He died at Morwell, Victoria, in 1928 – not in 1934 as the Biographical Register of St Andrews University says. His wife died of phthisis on 5th September, 1893, at the UOS Manse. Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire (Registration: 1893 498/ 239 Kirkintilloch).

Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 27th April, 1887; Glasgow Herald, 21st May, 1890; 6th June, 1890; Dundee Advertiser, 8th September, 1893

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MATTHEW, THOMAS

 

Background
He was baptised on 22nd November, 1847, in Kirriemuir, Angus, the son of Micah Matthew, grocer and weaver, and Jean Mckenzie. There is a small group of inter-related families which we can describe here.

Micah Matthew and Jean McKenzie produced a large family in Kirriemuir, including:

(1) Micah Matthew who married Jean Glendie (which is a name variously spelt). They had among others:

(a) John Matthew who married Wilhelmina Lamb. They had a family including:

(i) Jessie Reston Matthew, who married Francis Davidson, a UOS minister.

(b) David Matthew who was a UOS minister.

(2) Agnes Matthew who married Heron. They had family including:

(a) Jane Ann Heron who married George T. Cowieson, a home missionary of the UOS Church.

(3) Thomas Matthew, as in this entry.

Education
He attended Aberdeen University. In his first year there he obtained prizes in two out of the three classes he attended, and a high place in the merit list of the third. He was supervised by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen as a student in the usual way. In 1872 he became a missionary in Kilmarnock and came under the superintendence of the Presbytery of Ayr for a time. He also served for a time as missionary in the Ayr congregation.

Marriage
He married Agnes Moffat on 14th February, 1882, at the home of the bride, Lookaboutye, Kirkliston, West Lothian. She was born (or baptised) on 8th August, 1853, in Hutton and Corrie, Dumfries-shire, the daughter of John Moffat, joiner, and Janet Duncan.

Ministry
He was ordained in Midlem on 12th May, 1875. He was translated to Kilwinning, Ayrshire. on 17th April, 1889. In 1896 he was appointed lecturer in pastoral theology for the ensuing session.

Death
He died on 6th November, 1928, at the UOS Manse, Kilwinning, Ayrshire. His wife died on 4th September, 1936, at Deanfield, Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Janet (Jessie) Ruthven Matthew born in 1882 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. She died in 1922 in Alloway, Ayrshire.

(2) John Micah Matthew born in 1884 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He married Jeanie Boa in 1915 in Ardrossan New, Ayrshire. He died in 1949 in Ardrossan and Saltcoats, Ayrshire.

(3) Thomas Matthew born in 1886 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He died in 1971 in Kilwinning. He was a lawyer, prominent in the business affairs of the church.

(4) William Moffat Matthew born in 1888 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He died in 1915 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

(5) Jane McKenzie Matthew born on 15th February, 1891, at the UOS Manse, Kilwinning, Ayrshire. She died in 1945 in Pollok, Glasgow.

(6) Helen Agnes Matthew born in 1893 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. She died there in 1981.

Publication – by him
Opening address in John Knox, appreciations by United Original Seceders, addresses delivered at the Meeting of Synod held in Edinburgh on the 18th of May, 1905

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 4th December, 1888, p.7; 18th April, 1889, p.7; 7th November, 1928, p.18; 5th September, 1936, p.22; Glasgow Herald, 18th February, 1891; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 22nd May, 1896

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MILLER, ANDREW

 

Background
He was born on 8th April, 1849, in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, the son of James Miller, mason, and Janet Cairns.

Education
He was educated at Dollar Academy and Glasgow University. On 5th May, 1869, it was reported to the Glasgow Presbytery that Andrew Miller of Dollar had done three years of University, and that he wished to enter the Divinity Hall. As he had not done Moral Philosophy, the Presbytery referred the matter to the Synod. The Synod recommended that he be accepted as a student after examination in the normal way. Accordingly, on 1st June, the Presbytery, after examining Miller, passed him to the Hall as a first year student. Thereafter he came under the supervision of the Presbytery in the usual way.

Marriage
He married Isabella Elspeth Smith Blakely in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, in 1876. She was the daughter of John Blakely, a UOS minister.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 30th July, 1872. He was ordained in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, on 30th April, 1873. On 8th October, 1889, the pastoral tie was dissolved.

In 1890 he emigrated to Canada, but afterwards returned to Scotland and was received into the ministry of the Established Church and appointed chaplain. Thereafter he served as Prison Chaplain in Barlinnie, Glasgow, and in the Parish District Hospitals in Glasgow. He was a member of the Kirk Session of Sandyford Church.

Death
He died on 25th December, 1931, at 29 Banavie Road, Partickhill, Glasgow (Registration: 1931 644/22 376 Partick). He was then described as late chaplain of the city hospitals, Glasgow. Isabella Elspeth Miller’s death is registered in Hillhead, Glasgow, in 1938. They are commemorated in Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) James Blakely Miller born on 9th April, 1877. He graduated from Glasgow University: M.B., Ch.B. — 1898; M.D. – 1905. He married Margaret Vaughan Watt in 1911 in Cadder, Lanarkshire. He died on 14th January, 1955, in Hillhead, Glasgow. An extensive obituary is found here

(2) Elspeth Blakely Miller born on 10th August, 1878, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. She died on 19th September, 1962, her death being registered in Orwell, Kinross-shire.

(3) Isabella Smith Miller born on 25th July, 1880, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. The death of an Isabella Smith Miller is registered in Morningside, Edinburgh, in 1972, aged 91.

(4) John Blakely Miller born on 19th February, 1882, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. He married Florence Mary Clark, in Anderston, Glasgow, in 1915. He died on 4th June, 1950; his death being registered in George Square, Edinburgh.

(5) Helen Thomson Miller born on 13th August, 1884, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. She died on 28th December, 1962, her death being registered in Dunbarney and Dron, Perthshire.

(6) Janet Cairns Miller born on 1st February, 1886, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. She died on 27th April, 1901, according to the inscription in Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. But in Scotland’s People her death is registered in 1903 in Kelvin, Glasgow.

(7) Thomas Drysdale Miller, M.A., M.C., born on 13th August, 1888, at the UOS Manse, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. He was a Captain in the 8th Border Regiment. He died, killed in action, on 21st October, 1916, at Regina Trench, Thiépval. He is commemorated in Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire.

(8) Jane Blakely Miller born on 30th July, 1890, in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire. She died on 14th October, 1936, her death being registered in Milton, Glasgow. She too is commemorated in Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire.

Sources
Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch; Scottish War Graves; Glasgow Herald, 2nd May, 1873; 15th August, 1888; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 26th December 1931, p.11; 28th December, 1931, p.6

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MOFFETT, JAMES ROBERT

 

Background
It is said he was born on 3rd November, 1916, at Ballyboy, Ireland, the son of Thomas Joseph Moffett and Maria Wilhelmina. Ballyboy is in County Offaly. But another source says he was born in Ballybay, County Monaghan. And that is correct. There was a Thomas Joseph Moffett – his father – there in 1911, a Reformed Presbyterian – he was a farmer.

He was a nephew of William James Moffett, a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

Education
He attended Magee University College, Londonderry, 1933-1937; and Trinity College Dublin, 1937, and gained his B.A.

Marriage
He married Mary Thomson Campbell on 15th June, 1943, in Lasswade, Midlothian (Registration: 1943 691/ 31 31). The officiating minister was his uncle. He was then of Marden, Woodburn Avenue, Kilwinning. His wife was then of Lyndoch, Polton Road, Loanhead. She was born there in 1920, the daughter of James Campbell, master butcher, and Annie Robertson Reid.

Ministry
On 15th May, 1940, he was licensed by the Reformed Presbyterian Presbytery. He served in Loanhead Reformed Presbyterian Church, Midlothian. On 3rd September, 1942, he was ordained in Kilwinning UOS Church, Ayrshire. He was translated to Paisley, Renfrewshire, on 6th May, 1947. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956 when the congregation was renamed Paisley, Wellmeadow. It united with Paisley St George’s East under the name of Paisley St Matthew’s on 30th April, 1969.

Death
He died on 2nd February, 2008, in Buckreddan Care Centre, Kilwinning, the death being registered in Paisley, Renfrewshire. His wife died on 5th April, 2009, in Buckreddan Care Centre, Kilwinning, the death being registered in Paisley, Renfrewshire. Both were cremated at Woodside Crematorium, Paisley.

Family
They had issue.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, p.129; Legacy

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MOONEY, JOSEPH ROBERTSON

 

Background
He was born about 1872 in Ireland. He belonged to the Dromore congregation there.

Education
He first appears in the minutes of the Ayr Presbytery on 20th April, 1893, when he was certified to the Hall Committee as a student of the first year. He was licensed by the Ayr Presbytery on 18th July, 1899.

Ministry
On 25th October, 1899, the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen sustained a call to him from Birsay, Orkney. The following month Mooney stated to the Presbytery that he was under call also to Kirkcaldy, Fife, but that he would go to Birsay if Kirkcaldy dropped their call. The matter was left for a month. What happened next is not yet plain.

He worked in New South Wales for two years and then he returned to Scotland. On 18th May, 1903, he applied to the Ayr Presbytery for re-admission to the UOS Church. He had not seen his way to accept ordination from the Presbyterian Church in Australia The matter was referred simpliciter to the Synod in May, 1903, when he was accepted as a probationer.

He was ordained in Shottsburn, Lanarkshire, on 12th November, 1903. He resigned his charge in November, 1918, on health grounds.

Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 26th October, 1899, p.7; The Courier and Argus, Dundee, 22nd November, 1899, p.5; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 20th May 1903, p.12; 21th May 1903, p.10; 24th August, 1903, p.11

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MOORE, JAMES

 

Background
He was born on 22nd October, 1902, at 239 Church Street, Maryhill, Glasgow, the son of James Moore, engine keeper, and Lillias Young Welsh.

Education
He was an evangelist 1933-39; and student pastor in Kirkcaldy UOS Church, 1840-45. He attended Glasgow University 1945-46, and the UOS Divinity Hall, 1946-47.

Marriage
He married Isabella Gibson Smith on 18th December, 1931, at 106 Ardgowan Street, Glasgow (Registration: 644/17 289 Gorbals). At that time he was a marine engineer. She was then a thread factory worker of 66 Copeland Road, Glasgow. She was born on 17th November, 1902, at 150 Paisley Road West, Glasgow, the daughter of Robert Smith, stevedore foreman, and Annie Cameron.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth in June, 1947. He was inducted in Arbroath, Angus, in September, 1948; and was translated to Birsay, Orkney, in March, 1953. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956. He was translated to Orphir, Orkney, on 26th February, 1957; and to Savoch, Aberdeenshire, on 20th February, 1964. He retired on 30th November, 1969.

Death
Latterly they lived at 140 John Street, Dunoon. He died of arteriosclerosis on 16th May, 1986, at Dunoon and General District Hospital, Dunoon, Argyll (Registration: 1986 532/ 107 Dunoon). His wife died on 4th June, 1983, at the Dunoon and General District Hospital (Registration: 1983 532/ 110 Dunoon).
.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, pp. 351, 400 and 402; Orkney Kirk

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MORTON, ROBERT

 

Background
He was born about 1849 in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, the son of William Morton, farm labourer, and Janet Thomson. When he was only eight years old, his hands were amputated while working in a sawmill at Braidwood, near Carluke, Lanarkshire.

Education
He commenced studies to be a teacher and acted as pupil teacher in a school in the Carluke area.

He first came under the supervision of the Glasgow Presbytery at their meeting on 14th April, 1868, as a first year student at the University. On 4th April, 1870, he was certified as a 1st year student in the Divinity Hall. On 1st August, 1871, he was transferred to the supervision of the Ayr Presbytery as he was then a missionary in Kilmarnock. He was awarded the D.D. degree by Glasgow University on 21st June, 1923.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Mary Forrest Morrison in 1875 in Rosneath, Dunbartonshire. She was born about 1849.

(2) Jessie (Janet) Sinclair Manson on 16th March, 1878, in Newburgh, Fife. She was the daughter of Thomas Manson, a minister of the UOS Church, and Janet Sinclair.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 18th September, 1872. He was ordained in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, on 30th October, 1872. He was inducted in Perth, as colleague and successor to Thomas Manson on 26th May, 1875. On 2nd October, 1902, he was translated to Mains Street, Glasgow. He was elected to the Professorship of Systematic Theology and Church History in the Divinity Hall in November, 1895, and served in that capacity for 37 years.

Death
Although he had been in failing health since August, he was thought to be on the road to recovery and it was a shock that he was discovered dead in his study at 247 Bath Street, Glasgow, on 19th November, 1932. He was buried privately in Greyfriars’ Churchyard, Perth, on 23rd November, 1932. In the Minutes of the Synod of December, 1932, his passing was noted and a tribute given. He was one who “by his unfailing presence and calm judgement and great capacity for work added much to the efficiency of the Court. ….[The Church] remember with unfeigned appreciation his Christian charity, his genial disposition, his delight in preaching, his devotion to his congregation’s welfare, his industry in the Church’s work, his great helpfulness to the students under his care, his readiness to help anyone and everyone, his joy in furthering the Redeemer’s Kingdom at home and abroad, and in ministering to the social, moral and spiritual uplifting of his unfortunate brethren in the city where his lot was cast.”

An Obituary in The Scotsman says: “he gave distinguished and unstinted service to his Church as pastor and professor. His lectures to his students were models of logic and examples of how their themes could be alike exhausted and elucidated.” He was convener of the Foreign Mission Committee for several years. “To his abundant pastoral, professorial and ecclesiastical labours he added social service of great distinction. In 1915 he was elected chairman of the Charity Organisation Society. His social work brought him into contact with rich and poor, and he was held in universal esteem throughout the city. The Scottish Reformation Society also benefited from his close association and keen interest in it for many years.” He also took a special interest in the Sunday School Union for Christian Education and the Lord’s Day Observance Association of Scotland. “During the war years he regularly visited limbless sailors and soldiers in Glasgow Hospitals and talked to them about the way in which when restored to civilian life, they could cope with their disabilities. By his example he brought heart and cheer to many victims of the war who felt that no future lay before them.” He died a few days short of his sixtieth anniversary in the ministry, for the preparation of which celebrations were well under way when he died.

A handsome marble memorial to Morton was unveiled in Greyfriars’ churchyard Perth on 12th May, 1933 (The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 15th May, 1933, p.11).

His first wife died at 22 Athole Street, Perth, on 15th April, 1876 (Glasgow Herald, 17th April, 1876). His widow lived latterly at 247 Bath Street, Glasgow,and died there on 7th December, 1923.

Family
He had issue including, by his second wife:

(1) Davina (or Devina) Sinclair Morton born in Perth in 1882. Her marriage to Alexander Whyte Auld was registered in Blythswood, Glasgow, in 1935. Her death was registered in Meigle, Perthshire, in 1962.

Publications – by him
The hymnal of the church universal, a sermon for the times, Edinburgh, J. Gemmell, 1883
Principal John Lee and his memorials for the Bible societies, Glasgow , 1918
Rev. Alexander Smellie, D.D in The Original Secession Magazine, July 1923
Records of the Scottish Church History Society, edited by W. J. Couper and Professor Morton, Edinburgh, printed for the Scottish Church History Society, 1925-1929

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Morton, Jessie Sinclair Manson. 6/2/1924, 247 Bath Street, Glasgow, d. 07/12/1923 at Glasgow, testate, Glasgow Sheriff Court Inventories, SC36/48/348; Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills, SC36/51/200

Sources
Billion Graves; The Aberdeen Journal, 5th May, 1875; The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 28th May, 1875, p.6; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, June 22, 1923; 6th May, 1931, p.13; 21st November, 1932, p.8; 24th November, 1932, p.14; 15th May, 1933, p.11

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MURRAY, MATTHEW

Background
He came from a long line of Church of Scotland ministers. He was born on 31st August, 1804, in North Berwick, East Lothian, the son of George Murray, parish minister there, and Elizabeth Renton. For his father, see FES, Vol.1, p.382 and for wider connections see under A.1.1.2.1.2.3. Anne Hill in the Carstairs Hill Tree on this web-site.

Education
On 28th April,1868, he had the degree of D.D. conferred on him by Glasgow University.

Ministry
He was minister in Mains St, Glasgow, at the time of the Union in 1852 and remained there till his death in 1876. He held the office of Theological Professor from 1852 till his death. He was Moderator of Synod in 1854.

Death
He died on 2nd May, 1876, his death being registered in Kelvin, Glasgow. His death was noted by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 22nd May, 1876: “For almost forty eight years our revered Father occupied a seat in the Presbytery and during that lengthened period was most exemplary in his attendance and deeply interested in the business transacted by the Court. His profound piety, rare intellectual endowments, unswerving fidelity to the truth and ability to form and express a calm unbiassed and judicious opinion on every matter adjudicated rendered his removal a trial of no ordinary kind.”

Family
He never married.

Publications
See separate document here.

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott,  Annals, p.560; 1828, Mains Street, Glasgow (Constitutional), Scott,Annals, p.352 ; General, Scott,Annals, p.117 ; General, Scott, Annals, p.132 ; General, Scott, Annals, p.178 ; General, Scott,Annals, p.194  ; Call, Scott, Annals, p.290; Call, Scott, Annals, p.294; Call, Scott,Annals, p.415; Small,  History, Vol.1, p.542; Glasgow Herald, 30th April, 1868; Fifefhs; Paton

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PARKER, ALEXANDER

 

Background
His birth was registered in St Peter, Dundee, in 1875. He was the son of Alexander Parker, waste merchant, and Margaret Smith.

Education
He was educated at St Andrews University, Fife, studying at the United College, 1896-1900, and at St Mary’s, 1899-1901. He also studied at the UOS Divinity Hall.

Marriage
He married Christina Kay McGregor in St Mary, Dundee, in 1903. She was born in 1866 in Dundee, the daughter of Alexander McGregor, master mariner, and Jane Fairweather.

Ministry
He was licensed in 1902. By May, 1903, he had been ordained to Birsay, Orkney; and on 31st March, 1909, he was translated to Pollokshaws, Renfrewshire. In May, 1928, he was appointed Synod Clerk in succession to the late James Young, Ayr. In May, 1944 it was announced that he had retired and he was given a grant of £75 per annum from the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund.

Death
He died at 64 Rossendale Road, Glasgow, on 30th August, 1944. His wife died of carcinoma of the colon on 22nd December, 1958, at 67 Carnwath Avenue, Cathcart, Glasgow (Registratio0n: 644/12 1450 Cathcart (Glasgow)).

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Margaret Smith Parker born in 1904 in Birsay, Orkney. She married John Scott, a minister of the UOS Church. She died in 1972, the death being registered in Park Circus, Glasgow.

(2) Jane Fairweather Parker born on 19th June, 1905, in Birsay, Orkney. She married Robert Robertson, a minister of the UOS Church, in 1927, in Blythswood, Glasgow. She died in 1964 in Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty.

(3) Alexander Macgregor Parker born in 1907 in Birsay, Orkney. He married Dorothy Mary Hunt in 1941 in Pollok, Glasgow.

(4) Christina Kinloch Parker born on 25th February, 1909, in Birsay, Orkney. She was a private secretary. She died on 13th August, at Linlathen Nursing Home, Broughty Ferry, Angus 1992 (Registration: 1992 350/ 1561 Dundee).

Source
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 22nd May, 1928, p.11

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PATRICK, JAMES

 
Background
He was born about 1842 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, the son of James Patrick, farmer, and Margaret Weir.

Education
Prior to commencing his studies, he was “employed in a respectable mercantile house in Glasgow, and had the prospect of rising to eminence in its business.” On leaving this employment a presentation was made to him: “the employees of Mr John M’Millan, manufacturer, Queen Street, assembled in the Bank Restaurant, on the occasion of Mr James Patrick leaving them, and entering upon a new sphere of labour as a home missionary and student for the Church. Mr M’Millan, after a few appropriate remarks, presented him, in name of his friends and fellow-workers, with thirty volumes of valuable theological works and other standard books, in token of their affectionate regards to him, and esteem for his many amiable qualities as a young man.”

He studied at Glasgow University and in 1864 won a prize in the Moral Philosophy class. He first appeared before Glasgow Presbytery as a student on 4th March, 1862, and he underwent the normal examination process. He was admitted by the Presbytery to the Divinity Hall on 5th April, 1864. He served as missionary in Mains Street, Glasgow, and on 3rd December, 1866, on his leaving the post, he received a complimentary address “along with a handsome travelling-bag and silk umbrella, as betokening the esteem and affection in which he is held in M’Alpine Street, where he has laboured with much acceptance during the past five years.” He also served as missionary to the Ayr congregation while a student.

The UOS was short of ministers and no one could normally take the pulpit except a man who had been duly licensed. But special arrangements were sometimes made. An example is that on 28th July, 1864, Patrick was given leave to preach in Carluke one day, on the condition that he use a sermon that had been approved by his Presbytery or his Professors.

Marriage
He married Isabella Niven on 14th April, 1868, at the bride’s home, 36 Commerce Street, Tradeston, Glasgow (Registration: 1868 644/9 146 Tradeston). She was born (or baptised) on 13th March, 1841, in Ardrossan, Ayrshire, the daughter of Henry Niven, builder, and Agnes Smith. She was the sister of Jeanie (or Jane) Niven, the wife of William Bisset Gardiner, a minister of the UOS Church.

Ministry
He was duly licensed on 2nd October, 1866, by the Glasgow Presbytery. He was ordained in Dromore, Ireland, on 4th March, 1868. He was translated to Carnoustie (Barry), Angus, on 1st August, 1881. He was Moderator of Synod in 1872 and 1882.

Death
He died on 24th February, 1919, his death being registered in St Clement, Dundee, and was buried two days later in Barry Churchyard. His wife died on 7th May, 1916, at the UOS Manse, Carnoustie, Angus.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) James Patrick born on 5th March, 1869, at the Dromore UOS Manse, Ballytaggart, Londonderry, Ireland. He became a minister of the UOS Church.

(2) Henry Niven Patrick born on 18th November, 1872, in Aughadowey, Londonderry, Ireland. He graduated M.A. with 1st Class Honours in Classics from St Andrews University, Fife. He gained a Ph.D. degree from the University of Jena, Germany. He was headmaster of Galashiels Academy, 1898-1906; and Inspector of Schools, Stirling, 1906-34; and Edinburgh, 1934-37. He married Catherine Montague Galloway in 1901 in Lochee, Angus. (Her sister, Mary Simpson Galloway, married his brother, James Patrick.) He died on 20th August, 1955, in Morningside, Edinburgh.

(3) Murray Patrick born about 1874.

(4) Daniel Weir Patrick born about 1877 in Ireland. He died on 18th February, 1930, at Balbrogie, Maule Street, Carnoustie, Angus (Registration: 1930 316/ 4 Panbride). He was a chartered accountant. He never married.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 16/4/1919, minister of the Original Secession Church, Carnoustie, d. 24/02/1919 at Dundee, testate, Dundee Sheriff Court, SC45/31/84; Dundee Sheriff Court Wills, SC45/34/37

Sources
Findagrave; Glasgow Herald, 3rd October, 1866; The Belfast News-Letter, Ireland, 11th March, 1869; The Dundee Courier & Argus and Northern Warder, 24th June, 1881, p.6; 8th July, 1881, p.7; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 1st August, 1895, p.3; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 9th May, 1916, p.8; 27th February, 1919, p.7

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PATRICK, JAMES

 

Background
He was born on 5th March, 1869, in Ballytaggart, Londonderry, Ireland, the son of James Patrick, minister of the UOS Church, and Isabella Niven.

Education
He was educated at Macosquin National School, Ireland; and Dundee High School. He studied at St Andrews University, Fife, and graduated M.A. (1st class Honours Classics, 1889); and B.Sc. (1899); B.D, (1891) and D.D. (1921). He also studied at the University of Jena, 1890, and the UOS Hall.

Marriage
He married Mary Simpson Galloway on 7th August, 1895, in St Clement’s, Dundee. Her sister, Catherine M. Galloway, married his brother, Henry Niven Patrick. She was born in Dundee, on 21st June, 1867, the daughter of James Galloway and Elizabeth Adie.

Ministry
He was licensed on 4th December, 1890, by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen. On 11th March, 1891, he received a call from Mains Street, Glasgow. But he had also received a call from Birsay, Orkney. The matter was brought to Synod which decided in favour of Mains Street and he was ordained there on 10th September, 1891, as colleague and successor to William F. Aitken.

He resigned his charge and was admitted to the United Free Church in 1902 and was inducted in Burntisland Couper on 29th April, 1903. He was translated to Edinburgh, Viewforth, on 18th March, 1908. He saw war service with the Y.M.C.A. in France in 1917 and the Scottish Churches Huts in France, 1919. He was translated to Ballater, Aberdeenshire, on 25th November, 1920. He joined in the Union of 1929 with the Church of Scotland. He demitted his charge on 31st March, 1934.

He celebrated his jubilee in 1941 when he was the guest of Deeside Presbytery at a luncheon in his honour. A year before that a presentation was made to him in recognition of his twenty years of work as Honorary Secretary of the Scottish Churches’ Committee of the World Alliance for International Friendship through the Churches.

Death
He died on 12th April, 1948, in Edinburgh. According to The Scotman he will “be remembered as a man of broad sympathies, in whom a tolerant attitude found its natural expression in working for Church union and for the spreading of international friendship”. His wife died in 1927 and her death is registered in Glenmuick, Tullich and Glengairn.

Family
There is no clear evidence that they had issue.

Publication – by him
Evangelists of Art, Picture-Sermons for Children, Cincinnati, Jennings & Graham, 1903

Sources
FUFC, p.428; FES, Vol.9, p.585; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 14th March, 1891, p.4; Glasgow Herald, 20th May, 1891; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 14th April, 1948, p.3

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PATERSON, DONALD STEWART

 
Background
He was born in 1903 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, the son of William Paterson, miner, and Jessie Stewart.

Education
His first appearance before Ayr Presbytery was on 18th April, 1939, in connection with an application to be a home missionary with a view to pursuing a course of study qualifying for the ministry. He was a member in the Kilwinning congregation and had a letter of commendation from his minister. It was agreed to receive this application and to transmit it to the Synod.

Marriage
He married Mary Cochrane at John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, on 19th August, 1930 (Registration: 1930 597/ 171 Kilmarnock (Ayr)). He was then a railway yards foreman of 61 Byres Road, Kilwinning. (When his son was born he was a masseur). At her wedding, his wife was a clerkess of Fergushill Farm, Kilwinning. She was born on 7th May, 1903, in Dunlop, Ayrshire, the daughter of William Gebbie Cochrane, farmer, and Christina Robertson. Her sister, Christina Cochrane, married James Howie and they had a daughter, Agnes Mathie Howie, who married William McKane, UOS minister in Kilwinning.

Ministry
It was reported to the Synod in May, 1952, that Donald S. Paterson had been ordained in Perth. The following year it was reported that he had resigned his charge.

He arrived in Canada in 1952. After heated discussion, the Presbyterian Church of Canada in 1957 decided to receive Donald S Paterson of Grand Falls, Newfoundland, into the ministry despite a recommendation from the board of education that he do further study.

He was minister of St Andrew’s, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, from 1964 to 1969.

Death
He died in February, 1975. His wife died in December, 1996.

Family
They had issue:

(1) Donald Stewart Paterson born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, in 1938. He married Linda Diane Thorley on 25th July, 1970.

Sources
Lethbridge Herald, 13th June, 1957, Alberta, Canada; Brandon Sun, Manitoba, Canada, 18th December, 1996

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REID, WILLIAM SINCLAIR WATERS

 

Background
He was born in 1876, in Olrig, Caithness, the son of Hugh Reid, shoemaker, and Johan Waters. His sister, Annie Reid, was the mother of Hugh Alexander Reid McFarlane, a minister of the UOS Church.

Marriage
He married May Isabella Black on 7th April, 1909, at the Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh (Registration: 1909 685/4 177 St Giles). She was born in Nenthorn, Berwickshire, in 1879, the daughter of John Black, farmer, and Jessie Thomson.

Ministry
He was ordained in Midlem, on 3rd November, 1905. On 5th July, 1911, he was translated to Arbroath, Angus. By May, 1921, he had been translated to Dundee. By May, 1926, he had been translated to Carluke.

Death
He died on 2nd July, 1938, at the UOS Manse, Carluke. He was buried on 6th July in the Wilton Cemetery there. At the following Synod his death was noted: “The Synod would express its high sense of the value of his personal life and his record of service as a minister and as editor of the Denominational Magazine.”

His wife died of mammary carcinoma on 26th September, 1941, at Fairhaven, Hyndford Road, Lanark, though her usual residence was 50 Wilton Road, Carluke, Lanarkshire (Registration: 1941 648/ 110 Lanark).

Family
There is no clear evidence whether or not he had issue.

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 4th November, 1905, p.12; 21st October, 1910, p.8; 18th May 1911, p.9; 6th July, 1911, p.11; 19th November, 1920, p.3; 27th January, 1926, p.12; 4th July, 1938, p.18

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RITCHIE, ALEXANDER

 

Background
He was born on 2nd August, 1837, in Kirkwall, Orkney, the son of Ebenezer Ritchie, a Secession minister, and Elizabeth Ritchie. There were six UOS ministers with the surname of Ritchie. They were all related – see under Ebenezer Ritchie, Family.

Education
He studied at Glasgow University and during part of that time he acted as a missionary in the Ayr congregation. But on 20th November, 1860, he was accepted as a missionary with the Mains Street, Glasgow, congregation. By 22nd May, the following year, he had resigned as missionary as he was going to enter the Divinity Hall. He was a student under the Presbytery of Ayr, but on 24th September, 1861, the Glasgow Presbytery noted that he was under trial for licence by the Ayr Presbytery; that he had not signed the bond re covenanting and should be told to take the first opportunity of doing so as a condition of licence.

Marriage
He married Magdalene Moonlight in 1863 in Arbroath, Angus. She was born in St Vigean’s, Angus, about 1839, the daughter of Thomas Moonlight and Agnes Stott.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 1st October 1861. In April, 1862 he received a call from Arbroath, but this came to nothing. He was ordained in Dromore, Ireland, on 7th October, 1863. The Synod in May, 1867, dissolved the pastoral tie because the minister was unwell and there was little prospect from a medical point of view of him being able to resume his ministry.

After he gave up his charge, he was admitted to the Crichton Royal Asylum, Dumfries, on 1st September, 1866; to the Royal Edinburgh Asylum on 17th July, 1878; and to Montrose Royal Asylum on 7th September, 1882 (Scottish Indexes).

In 1871 his wife was in Arbroath with two children and with her sister. By 1881, his wife was living in St Vigeans, Angus, a dress-maker, with two children.

The Synod provided for the family over the years: for example, £15 for Mrs Ritchie in 1867; £35 for the Ritchie family in 1877, and so on.

Death
He died of phthisis pulmonular on 7th September, 1891, in the asylum, Sunnyside, Montrose, Angus. He was “a pauper, formerly clergyman” and his death was registered by an attendant (Registration: 1891 312/ 221 Montrose). His wife died on 8th September, 1918, and was buried in Barry Churchyard, Angus.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Thomas Ritchie born on 5th March, 1864, in Mocosquin, Londonderry, Ireland. He is said to have died in Londonderry, Ireland, in December, 1897.

(2) Ebenezer Ritchie born on 10th March, 1866, in Mocosquin, Londonderry, Ireland. He is said to have married Mary Ann Patterson in Bristol, Massachusetts, USA, on 16th August, 1894. Certainly Magdalene Ritchie had a daughter-in-law, Mary A. Ritchie, living with her in 1901; and a grand-daughter, Magdalene E. Ritchie, 1, born USA.

Sources
Waugh Family

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RITCHIE, EBENEZER

 

Background
He was born on 18th September, 1802, in Pitcairngreen, Tibbermore, Perthshire, the son of Ebenezer Ritchie and Helen Greig.

Education
He studied in Edinburgh University. He entered the Secession Divinity Hall under Professor Paxton in 1819.

Marriage
He married Elisabeth Ritchie on 19th October, 1827, in Tibbermore, Perthshire. She was born about 1797 in Bolton, Lancashire, England, the daughter of John Ritchie, manager bleach works and Martha Walker. It is said that she was related to Rev. Jones, once a congregational minister in Bolton, Lancashire, England, and to the Rev. Mr Walker, one of the Presbyterian ministers of England at the close of the 17th century (The Weekly Standard and Express, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, 19th May, 1894, p.6). Who these men were, I don’t know. There was a Kilsby Jones, an independent minister in Bolton, but it is not clear how he was related to Elisabeth Ritchie (Kilsby Jones).

Ministry
He was licensed in December, 1823, He was called both to Toberdoney, Ireland, and Kirkwall, Orkney but he was ordained in Kirkwall on 21st November, 1827, He demitted his charge in 1843 owing to the insufficiency of the stipend. In 1851 he was living in Earlston, Berwickshire, and he was a teacher. Thereafter he was for a time working as a missionary in the Ayr congregation.

He was inducted in Colmonell, Ayrshire, on 25th November, 1856. He was Moderator of Synod in 1858, having declined the appointment the previous year.

Death
He died on 15th May, 1869, at the UOS Manse, Colmonell, Ayrshire. His wife died on 5th May, 1884, at 26 Skene Terrace, Aberdeen; cause of death senile debility, pneumonia 7 days (Registration: 1884 168/2 425 Old Machar).

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Martha Ritchie born (or baptised) on 18th July, 1829, in Kirkwall, Orkney. She died in 1865 in Ayr.

(2) Ebenezer Ritchie born (or baptised) on 6th September, 1830, in Kirkwall, Orkney. He was a minister of the UOS Church as was his son Ebenezer Ritchie.

(3) John Ritchie, born (or baptised) on 13th April, 1832, in Kirkwall, Orkney. He was a minister of the UOS Church as was his son Ebenezer Ritchie.

(4) Helen Ritchie born (or baptised) 25th September, 1833, in Kirkwall, Orkney.

(5) Alexander Ritchie born (or baptised) on 2nd August, 1837, in Kirkwall, Orkney. He was a minister of the UOS Church.

(6) Mary Ritchie born (or baptised) on 20th July, 1840, in Kirkwall, Orkney. In 1861 she was a teacher in a female industrial school.

Publications – by him
Reply to Mr Robertson’s letter on the sonship of Christ, Edinburgh, J. Pillans & Son, 1826
Defence of civil establishments of religion, in three lectures, Edinburgh, William Whyte, 1835
A letter to the Rev. Ebenezer Ritchie, Kirkwall, respecting his review of Mr Paterson’s sermon, Kirkwall, Marwick, 1836
Appendix to “Defence of civil establishments of religion”, in answer to the remarks of the Rev. P. Buchan, of Holme, Edinburgh, William Whyte, 1836

Publications – about him
Memoir of Ebenezer Ritchie, Colmonell, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 9 (1869-70), p.314
Remarks on the Rev. Ebenezer Ritchie’s Defence of the civil establishments of religion, Peter Buchan, Edinburgh, M. Paterson, 1835
Remarks on the Rev. Ebenezer Ritchie’s Appendix, Peter Buchan, Edinburgh, M. Paterson, 1836

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott,  Annals, p.559; Kirkwall (Antiburgher), Scott,  Annals, p.390; 1827, United Original Secession, Scott, Annals, p.293 ; Small, History, Vol.2, p.232 ; General, Small, History, Vol.2, p.485; General, Small, History, Vol.2, p.496; Family, Small,History, Vol.2, p.659; Glasgow Herald, 20th May, 1869

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RITCHIE, EBENEZER

 

Background
He was born (or baptised) on 6th September, 1830, in Kirkwall, Orkney, the son of Ebenezer Ritchie, a minister of the UOS Church, and Elisabeth Ritchie. There were six UOS ministers with the surname of Ritchie. They were all related – see under Ebenezer Ritchie, Family.

Marriage
He married Elizabeth Buyers in 1859 in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She was born on 31st August, 1833, and baptised on 29th September, in Aberdeen, the daughter of John Buyers, builder, and Ann Edward.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 3rd October, 1853, along with his brother John Ritchie. On 22nd May, 1855, he was ordained in 1855 in Thurso. He was translated to Toberdoney, Ireland, on 4th August, 1858. He was translated to Aberdeen on 15th May, 1878.

Death
He lived latterly at 6 Millburn Street, Aberdeen, and died there on 4th November, 1894. He was buried in Allenvale Cemetery there. “Well versed in the Scriptures, with a ready command of language, and a singular appropriateness in his Scriptural references and quotations, Mr. Ritchie’s pulpit style was terse and impressive. He was most conscientious and methodical in his pastoral work, and the true friend of all in trouble.” A memorial service was held in his church on 11th November.

On 4th April, 1900, the Aberdeen Weekly Journal reported that Baillie Taggart had just completed a neat headstone of polished Rubislaw granite to the memory of the late Rev. Ebenezer Ritchie, who died 4th November, 1894, aged 64. The crown of the stone was in the form of a semi-circle flanked by carved scrolls and the whole of the work had been skilfully carried out.

His wife died on 26th February, 1916, at 53 Carlton Place, Aberdeen.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Ebenezer Ritchie born on 2nd December, 1869, at Meadowbank near Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland. He was a minister of the UOS Church.

(2) Annie Edward Ritchie born on 18th August, 1871, in County Antrim, Ireland. She died in 1949 in Milton, Glasgow.

(3) Elizabeth Ritchie born on 10th April, 1873, in County Antrim, Ireland. She died as a result of typhoid fever on 27th June, 1892, at 6 Millburn Street, Aberdeen (Registration: 1892 168/2 658 Aberdeen Old Machar).

(4) Kathleen Mary Ritchie born about 1876 in County Antrim, Ireland. She married David Forgrave in 1902 in St Machar, Aberdeen. He was a teacher. In 1911 they were living in Ballykelly, Londonderry, Ireland. She is said to have died in 1933.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 7/12/1894, minister of the Original Secession Church, Aberdeen, residing at 6 Millburn Street there, d. 04/11/1894 at Aberdeen, testate, spouse of Mrs Elizabeth Buyers or Ritchie, Extract Inventory, Aberdeen Sheriff Court Inventories, SC1/36/123; 18/12/1894, Will, Aberdeen Sheriff Court Wills, SC1/37/114
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Ritchie or Buyers, Elizabeth, 25/4/1916, 44 Osborne Place, Aberdeen, latterly 53 Carlton Place, Aberdeen, widow of Rev. Ebenezer Ritchie, Original Secession Church, Aberdeen, d. 26/02/1916 at 53 Carlton Place, testate, Aberdeen Sheriff Court Wills, SC1/37/137

Sources
Thurso, United Original Secession, Scott,  Annals, p.436; 1858, Toberdoney, Ireland (Antiburgher), Scott,  Annals, p.437; 1878, Skene Terrace, Aberdeen (Constitutional), Scott,  Annals, p.245; Photos; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 13th December, 1869; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 26th December, 1877; 15th February, 1878; 27th March, 1878; 12th November, 1894; 4th April, 1900; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 15th February, 1878 p.7

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RITCHIE, EBENEZER

 

Background
He was born in 1860 in Shotts, Lanarkshire, the son of John Ritchie, UOS minister in Shottsburn, and Eliza Austin Miller. There were six UOS ministers with the surname of Ritchie. They were all related – see under Ebenezer Ritchie, Family.

Education
He started adult life as a pupil teacher, and at 18 entered Glasgow University. During his four year course there, he acted as assistant in a druggist’s establishment in the city. He was examined first as a student by the Glasgow Presbytery on 28th February, 1882, and recognised as a first year student in the Hall on 6th June that year. He was examined throughout his course in the usual way.

Marriage
He married Annie McArthur Richmond in 1888 in Rhu, Dunbartonshire. She was born in 1862 in Glasgow, the daughter of John Richmond and Janet Brown Richmond.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 4th August, 1885. The Scotsman, Edinburgh, reported on 24th December, 1885, that he had received calls from Paisley, Renfrewshire; Dromore, Ireland; and Kirkcaldy, Fife. After some complications, it was agreed that he should be settled in Paisley and he was ordained there on 9th September, 1886.

In 1890 he was appointed as the clerk of the Glasgow Presbytery.

The pastoral tie was declared dissolved on 26th March, 1894.

On 6th March, 1894, the Presbytery of Newcastle was presented with an application from him to be received into the Presbyterian Church of England. A committee was appointed to confer with him. If the report was favourable, his name would be sent to the Synod in London in April. Thus he became a minister of the Presbyterian Church of England.

He was elected minister of St George’s Presbyterian Church, Blackburn, Lancashire, England. The call was signed by 436 members and 210 adherents. He was inducted there on 28th June, 1894.

In 1911 he was living in Edmonton, Middlesex, England.

Death
He died in the 3rd quarter of 1921 in Edmonton, London, England.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) John Ritchie Richmond Ritchie born on 26th March, 1889, in Paisley, Renfrewshire. He graduated M.B. from Glasgow University in 1912. He died in the 3rd quarter of 1970 in Hastings, Sussex, England.

(2) Janet Hunter Ritchie born in 1893 in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

(3) Winifred Mary Ritchie born on 18th January, 1900 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. She died in the 1st quarter of 1980 in Enfield, London, England.

Sources
Family, United Original Secession, Paisley, Small, History, Vol.2, p.232; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 24th December, 1885, p.7; 5th May, 1886, p.9; 9th March, 1894, p.7; Glasgow Herald, 4th August, 1886; The Weekly Standard and Express, Blackburn, Lancashire, England, 19th May, 1894, p.6; 30th June, 1894; p.5

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RITCHIE, EBENEZER

 

Background
He was born on 2nd December, 1869, in Derrykeighan, Antrim, Ireland, the son of Ebenezer Ritchie, Aberdeen, and Elizabeth Buyers. There were six UOS ministers with the surname of Ritchie. They were all related – see under Ebenezer Ritchie, Family.

Education
He studied at Aberdeen University, and graduated M.A. in 1891 and B.D. in 1894.

Marriage
He married Louise Battershell about 1906. She was born about 1878 in County Antrim, Ireland.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen in 1894. On 6th March, 1895, he was ordained in Toberdoney, Ireland. In 1908 it was reported that he had resigned his charge. In 1911 he was in Magherafelt, Londonderry, Ireland, a minister of the Presbyterian Church.

Source
Glasgow Herald, Wednesday, May 23, 1894

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RITCHIE, JOHN

 

Background
He was born (or baptised) on 13th April, 1832, in Kirkwall, Orkney, the son of Ebenezer Ritchie, minister of the UOS Church, Kirkwall. There were six UOS ministers with the surname of Ritchie. They were all related – see under Ebenezer Ritchie, Family.

Marriage
He married Eliza Austin Miller. She was born about 1827 in Ayr, the daughter of John Miller, baker, and Marion Kennedy.

Ministry
On 23rd November, 1852, the Presbytery of Glasgow agreed to take him on trials for licence, even though he had not yet completed his prescribed course of study. This was because of the special circumstances of the church at that time – the lack of ministers. But at the next meeting on 2nd December, Matthew Murray, who, as both the Professor of Theology and the Clerk of Presbytery, had a special interest in the matter, stated that what the Presbytery had done was ultra vires (outwith their powers); and Ritchie himself, by letter, expressed his unwillingness to be taken on trials for licence before completing his theological course. It was not, therefore, till 3rd October that his trials for licence were completed and he was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery, along with his relative Ebenezer Ritchie.

He was ordained in Shottsburn, Lanarkshire, on 27th February, 1855, and served till 1891. He was Presbytery Clerk for 33 years.

Death
He died at Bellside Cottage, Shotts, Lanarkshire, on 27th January, 1892. His widow lived latterly at 28 Kelvinside Gardens, Glasgow, and died there on 5th September, 1908.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) James Ritchie born on 30th August, 1855, in Shotts, Lanarkshire.

(2) John Ritchie born 14th December, 1858, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. He was a medical practitioner. He married Jemima Coull Cowie 14th October, 1891, in Edinburgh (Registration: 1891 685/2 462 St Andrew (Edinburgh)).

(3) Ebenezer Ritchie born on 25th April, 1860, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. He was a minister of the UOS Church.

(4) Eliza Austin Miller Ritchie born on 31st March, 1862, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She married James Marshall Hay in 1884 in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She died in 1955 in Gourock, Renfrewshire.

(5) Marion Kennedy Ritchie born on 22nd February, 1864, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. She died there in 1867.

(6) William Ritchie born on 24th December, 1867, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. He died there that same year.

(7) Kennedy Miller Ritchie born on 23rd November, 1870, in Shotts, Lanarkshire. He died there in 1875.

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 1/3/1892, Revd, Bellside Cottage, Shotts, d. 27/01/1892 at Shotts, testate, spouse of Mrs Eliza Austin Miller or Ritchie, Inventory; General Trust Disposition and Deed of Settlement, Airdrie Sheriff Court, SC35/31/3
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Ritchie or Miller, Eliza Austin, 23/12/1908, 28 Kelvinside Gardens, Glasgow, widow, d. 25/09/1908 at Glasgow, testate, Glasgow Sheriff Court Wills, SC36/51/148

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ROBERTSON, JOHN

 

Background
He was originally from the Infirmary Street congregation, Edinburgh. But he was born in Norham, Northumberland, England, in January, 1813, the son of Thomas Robertson, sawyer, and Jane Dodds. This family had various ministerial branches so here is a summary:

Thomas Robertson and Jane Dodds had children including:

(1) John Robertson (bc 1812) , UOS minister in Ayr. He married Hardina Ross and they had a son:

(a) Thomas Robertson, UOS minister in Kilwinning. He married his first cousin, Jane Dodds Robertson (for her, see below)

 
(2) Robert Robertson (bc 1821). He lived in Dundee and married (1) Marion Smith and (2) Ann Clark Waddel

(a) By his first wife he had a daughter Jane Dodds Robertson who married her cousin, Thomas Robertson (see above).

(b) By his second wife he had a daughter Margaret Barbara Robertson. She married her cousin Thomas Robertson (see below). They had issue including:

(i) Thomas Eric Robertson who became a UOS minister. He married Joanna Marion MacFarlane. She was the niece of William Sinclair Waters Reid; and the sister of Hugh Alexander Reid MacFarlane, both these men being ministers of the UOS Church.

(ii) Robert Robertson who also became a UOS minister. He married Jane Fairweather Parker, the daughter of Alexander Parker, a UOS minister. Another daughter of Alexander Parker, Margaret Smith Parker, married John Scott, another UOS minister. Robert Robertson and Jane Fairweather Parker were the parents of Thomas Parker Robertson, who became a minister of the Church of Scotland.

 
(3) Thomas Robertson, printer. He married Isabella Richardson (Registration: 1855 685/3 299 Castle and Portsburgh), and had issue including:

(a) Thomas Robertson. He married his cousin Margaret Barbara Robertson (see above).

(4) William Robertson, UOS minister in Dundee.

(5) Jane Robertson who married John Graham Carruthers, a UOS minister.

Marriage
He married Hardina Ross on 18th August, 1843, in St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh. She was born about 1814, in Liberton, Edinburgh, the daughter of William Ross, gardener, and Christian MacPherson.

Ministry
He was minister in Ayr at the tine of the Second Disruption of 1852. He was Moderator of Synod in 1857, 1873 and 1891, when he was appointed out of turn in honour of his ministerial jubilee.

Death
He died on 7th June, 1894, at 3 Buckingham Terrace, Ayr (Registration: 1894 578/ 238 Ayr), and was buried on 11th June in Wallacetown Cemetery there. The funeral was a public one, with the Magistrates and Town Council, etc. in attendance. The Presbytery noted that he had been over 50 years a member of the Presbytery and they recorded: “The blank is very noticeable and very large. … They recall with deep gratitude the constant kindness of his demeanour, his wise and weighty words, his unflagging loyalty to truth and principle, the fervour and unction of his prayers, his walk with God year after year in their midst.”

His wife died on 5th March, 1867, at Deanfield House, Kilwinning, Ayrshire, that is, at the home of her son Thomas, who was UOS minister there.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Thomas Robertson born on 8th July, 1844, in Ayr. He was a minister of the UOS Church. He died in 1903 in Kew, Victoria, Australia.

(2) Christina Eliza Robertson born on 19th December, 1846, in Ayr. She died in February, 1934, at Springvale, the home of her sister in Ayr. She was widely known in temperance circles, and was a former president of the BWTA. She was an accomplished speaker and a gifted writer – for long editor of the official magazine published by the Association. She was buried in the UOS Cemetery, Ayr.

(3) William Robertson born on 26th September, 1848, in Ayr. On 27th December, 1909, he was adopted as Radical candidate by the Ayr Burghs Liberal Association. He was then a J.P., and a journalist. He had written a number of books including some fiction and two volumes dealing with the history of Ayrshire. He died on 27th September, 1924, at his home, Ballerine, Ayr.

(4) Jane Robertson born on 27th December, 1851, in Ayr. She married Robert Cuthbert, boot and shoe manufacturer, in Ayr in 1876. She died in Ayr in 1941.

Publication – by him
Review of the account of the late conference of the members of the Original Secession Synod, given in the March number of the “Original Secession magazine”, Edinburgh, William Blackwood and Sons, 1852

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 9/11/1894, Minister, Original Seceders Church, Ayr, residing in Buckingham Terrace, Ayr, d. 07/06/1894 at Ayr, testate, Inventory, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/57; Will, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, SC6/46/24

Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 19th May, 1891; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 26th June, 1891, p.4; 28th December, 1909, p.7; 29th September, 1924, p.5; 7th February, 1934, pp.9 and 18; 8th February, 1934, p.16; Manchester Times, Lancashire, England, 3rd July, 1891; Glasgow Herald, 8th June, 1894; 12th June, 1894

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ROBERTSON, ROBERT

 

Background
He was born on 30th October, 1900, in Edinburgh, the son of Thomas Robertson and Margaret Barbara Robertson. For a brief account of some ministerial relationships, see under John Robertson.

Education
He attended James Gillespie’s, Edinburgh, 1906-1916, and Boroughmuir, Edinburgh, 1916-1918. He studied at Edinburgh University, 1918-1923, and graduated M.A. in 1921.

Marriage
He married Jane Fairweather Parker on 16th November, 1927. She was born on 19th June, 1905, the daughter of Alexander Parker, a minister of the UOS Church, and Christina Kay MacGregor.

Ministry
He was licensed by Edinburgh Presbytery in 1922. He was ordained on 2nd August, 1922, in Birsay, Orkney. It was reported in September, 1946, that he was transferring to the Church of Scotland after 24 years in his charge. He was admitted to the Church of Scotland in 1947 and was settled in Collace, Perthshire. He retired on 1st May, 1965.

Death
He died in 1992 in Dundee. His wife died on 3rd August, 1964, in Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Christina MacGregor Robertson born in Birsay.

(2) Thomas Parker Robertson born on 18th November, 1932, at the UOS Manse, Birsay. He was a minister of the Church of Scotland.

Sources
FES, Vol.9 , p.420; Vol.10, p.250; Birsay; Press Reader; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 24th May, 1922, p.12; 15th June, 1922, p.6; 12th September, 1929, p.10; 19th November, 1932, p.22; 30th September, 1946, p.3

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ROBERTSON, THOMAS

 

Background
He was the son of John Robertson, a minister of the UOS Church, and Hardina Ross. For a brief account of some ministerial relationships, see under John Robertson.

Education
He was examined by the Presbytery of Ayr on 11th August, 1863, and was certified to the Divinity Hall.

Marriage
He married:

(1) his cousin, Jane Dodds Robertson, on 28th April, 1870, at the home of the bride, 38 Croft’s Lane, Dundee (Registration: 1870 282/1 65 St Peter). She was born about 1850, the daughter of Robert Robertson, pawnbroker, and Marion Smith.

(2) Lillias Jane Service in 1886 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. She was born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, on 9th January and baptised on 2nd March, 1945, the daughter of Dr David Dunlop Service and Elizabeth Dobbie. She had previously married William Muir in 1869 in Kilwinning.

Ministry
He was ordained in Kilwinning in 1866. He became Clerk of Presbytery on 18th April, 1870, in the place of George Roger, Auchinleck, who had recently died. He demitted his charge on 30th July, 1888, and emigrated to Victoria, Australia.

He was at some stage minister of Maldon there.

It was reported in December, 1889, that he had received a call from the congregation at Mildura, the new irrigation town on the Murray River, Australia.

When he retired, in failing health, he lived at Kew near Melbourne.

Death
He died on 20th November, 1903, at his residence, 360 Derby Street, Kew, Victoria. His first wife died in 1878 in Kilwinning, Ayrshire. His second wife died in 1922, at the home of her daughter, J. T. Blair.

Family
He had issue including, by his first wife:

(1) Annie Robertson born on 8th February, 1871.

(2) John Robertson born Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

(3) Christina Ross Robertson born on 21st April, 1874, in Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

(4) Robert Robertson born on 21st April, 1874, in Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

Sources
The Argus. Melbourne, Victoria, 21st November, 1903, p.9; Myheritage; Glasgow Herald, 26th December, 1889; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 12th December, 1903, p.12

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ROBERTSON, THOMAS ERIC

 

Background
He was born on 19th May, 1893, in Edinburgh, the son of Thomas Robertson and Margaret Barbara Robertson. For a brief account of some ministerial relationships, see under John Robertson.

Education
He attended school in Edinburgh: James Gillespie’s, 1899-1905, and George Heriot’s, 1905-1911. He studied at Edinburgh University, 1911-1917, and graduated M.A. and B.D.

Marriage
He married Joanna Marion MacFarlane at the United Free Church of Scotland, Waudby Road, Bombay, India, on 16th November, 1926. She was born on 7th June, 1897, the daughter of John MacFarlane, Crosshill, Glasgow, and Anne Reid.

Ministry
He was licensed by Edinburgh Presbytery in April, 1917, and was ordained in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on 10th October, 1917.

In May, 1923 he was nominated to the Professorship of Hebrew and Greek Exegesis in the Divinity Hall, but he withdrew his name. In May, 1924, he resigned as convener of the Welfare of Youth Committee as he intended to go abroad at the end of the year as a foreign missionary of the church.

He was set apart as colleague to John McNeel and as superintendent of the educational department of the Seoni mission in November, 1924. In the evening a farewell meeting was held, and a presentation was made of a sum of money and a handsome dressing-case.

He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956. He retired on 30th June, 1963.

Death
He died in 1979 in St Andrew, Edinburgh. His wife died on 7th March, 1969, in Leith.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, p.425; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 11th October, 1917, p.5; 23rd May, 1923, p.11; 22nd May, 1924, p.10 ; 15th November, 1924, p.7; 17th November, 1926, p.16

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ROBERTSON, WILLIAM

 

Background
He was born about 1826 in Edinburgh. He was the son of Thomas Robertson, sawyer, and Jane Dodds. For a brief account of some ministerial relationships, see under John Robertson.

Education
In 1851 he was a student of chemistry.

Marriage
He married Agnes Mack on 3rd February, 1863, at the home of the bride, 10 Academy Street, Ayr (Registration: 1863 578/ 14 Ayr). She was born (or baptised) on 2nd May, 1844, in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, the daughter of James Mack, writer, and Jane Monie.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh on 12th September, 1854. On 29th August, 1855, he was ordained in Dundee. He demitted his charge on 11th June, 1878.

He appears in the 1881 census as a Free Church minister without charge.

On 7th May, 1883, the Synod considered a letter from him applying for readmission to the ministry. It was agreed to ask him to withdraw application as there “is not time for enquiry as to his manner of life since he left us.” What happened thereafter, we do not yet know.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Thomas Robertson born on 8th December, 1863, in Dundee.

(2) James Robertson born on 5th July, 1865, in Dundee.

(3) Jane Dodds Robertson born 14th May, 1867, in Dundee.

(4) Agnes Robertson born on 11th February, 1869, in Dundee.

(5) John Robertson born on 10th December, 1870, in Dundee.

(6) William Robert Robertson on 27th October, 1874, in Dundee.

(7) Alexander Brand Robertson born in 1879 in Langside, Glasgow. He died in 1950 in Kinross.

Sources
Graham Clan; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 5th February, 1863

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ROGER, GEORGE

 

Background
He was born (or baptized) on 13th September, 1809, in Aberdeen, the son of William Roger, glazier, and Elizabeth Davidson.

Education
He studied at Marischal College, Aberdeen, from 1823-1827, and graduated M.A.

Marriage
He married Ann Hunter Wood on 20th August, 1845, in Ayr. She was born on 4th and baptised on 14th June, 1821, in Ayr, the daughter of William Wood, merchant, and Margaret Kennedy.

Ministry
He was minister of Auchinleck, Ayrshire, at the time of the Second Disruption of 1852. He remained with the UOS Church and continued there till his death.

He served as Synod Clerk from 1852 till 1870.

Death
He died of paralysis on 4th April, 1870, at the UOS Manse, Auchinleck, Ayrshire. His wife died there on 18th January, 1865.

Family
He had issue including:

(1) Margaret Kennedy Roger on 2nd October, 1846, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire. She died in 1922, in Rothesay, Bute.

(2) William Wood Roger born on 20th August, 1848, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire. He married Mary Jean Alexander on 15th November, 1888, at 46 Grange Loan, Edinburgh (Registration: 1888 685/5 466 Newington). He was then a commission agent.

(3) John Andrew Roger born on 30th May and baptised on 10th June, 1850, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire. A person of this name died in the first quarter of 1899 in Hampstead, London, England, aged 48.

(4) George Roger born on 13th September, 1852, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire. In 1911, he was living in Hampstead, London, England; he was a merchant and a widower. He died on 27th August, 1942, when he was of Greenbank, Offington Lane, Worthing, Sussex, England.

(5) Christina Elizabeth Roger born on 2nd January, and baptised on 4th March, 1855, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire. She married Andrew Gardner Anderson on 23rd September, 1880, at St Vincent Crescent, Glasgow. She died in the first quarter of 1944 in Midhurst, Sussex, England. Andrew Gardner Anderson was born in Carluke, Lanarkshire, the son of James Anderson, the minister of the UOS Church there.

(6) Jane Ann Roger born on 12th June at the UOS Manse and baptised on 6th July, 1857, in Auchinleck, Ayrshire. She died in the second quarter of 1942 in Worthing, Sussex, England. She married someone Mackay. She had a son George Roger Mackay born about 1893, which suggests that she perhaps married Hugh James Mackay (see here).

Publications – by him
Breadalbane Muniments: Ecclesiastical Documents: Letters with Petitions to Ormelie and Others, 13 June, Maynooth grant, GD112/51/202
The necessity of personal religion for the discharge of the work of the ministry, an address, delivered to the students attending the United Original Secesion Hall, August 6, 1863, Glasgow, Ogle & Son, 1863

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 6/6/1870, minister of United Original Seceders Church in Auchinleck, Inventory, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/35; Holograph Last Will and Testament, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, SC6/46/6
Memoir of George Roger, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 9 (1869-70), p.658

Sources
The Gazette; The Aberdeen Journal, 17th June, 1857; Glasgow Herald, 20th January, 1865; 6th April, 1870; Ayr Advertiser, or, West Country Journal, 30th September, 1880

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RUSSELL, DAVID

 

Background
He was born about 1884, the son of David Russell, blacksmith, and Jeanie Urie.

Marriage
He married Agnes Montgomery on 3rd April, 1903, at the Tontine Hall, Pollokshaws, in Eastwood, Renfrewshire (Registration: 1903 562/ 18 Eastwood). He was then a blacksmith. She was of 24 Haggs Road, Glasgow. She was born in 1883 in Govan, Glasgow, the daughter of Andrew Montgomery, domestic gardener, and Janet Anderson.

Ministry
On 5th December, 1911, the Glasgow Presbytery noted that David Russell, elder in Pollokshaws, had been appointed by the Home Mission Committee to be a missionary in the Presbytery for 12 months. It was agreed that he should “concentrate his efforts on the work recently begun and still carried on in connection with the Mains St Church.” For at least a couple of years he conducted missionary work in Glasgow and received a yearly stipend of £40.

In January, 1914, the Glasgow Presbytery noted that the Caithness and Orkney Presbytery wished to have Russell located for several months in Thurso, Caithness, with the view of conducting the church services there and in Olrig. The Presbytery agreed to acquiesce in this plan if the Home Mission Committee relocated him.

In May, 1922, the request of the Kilmarnock congregation that David Russell, missionary, should be licensed as a preacher came before the Synod. It was agreed that if the Hall Committee sustained his studies next session, then Ayr Presbytery should be instructed to take him on trial for license, with a view to his ordination in Kilmarnock, at the call of the congregation, but on stipulation that he should remain in the pastorate there for at least three years.

In due course, a call was presented to him by the Kilmarnock congregation, Ayrshire, and he accepted it. He was ordained there on 19th April, 1923. He resigned his charge as from 30th June, 1931.

On 27th January, 1932, he was settled in Coronary, Ireland. He was the last minister of Coronary as a Secession charge. He retired in May, 1953, due to failing health.

Death
He died in 1954 and was buried in the graveyard adjoining the Coronary church building.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Janet Russell born 1904.

(2) Jeanie Russell born 1907.

(3) Annie Baird Torrance Russell born 1910 in Cathcart, Glasgow. She married David Stevenson Walker, a minister of the UOS Church.

Sources
Byers Families; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 26th May, 1922, p.9; 2nd April, 1923, p.3

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SCOTT, JOHN

 

Background
He was born on 3rd February, 1905, in Stevenston, Ayrshire, the son of John Scott and Margaret Ainsworth.

Education
He attended Ardeer Primary School there; Stevenston Higher Grade and Ardrossan Academy. He studied at Glasgow University, 1922-26, and graduated M.A..
.
Marriage
He married Margaret Smith Parker on 16th March, 1932, in Blythswood, Glasgow. She was born in 1904 in Birsay, Orkney, the daughter of Alexander Parker, a minister of the UOS church, and Christine Kay MacGregor.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 26th October, 1926. He was ordained on 22nd December, 1926, in Toberdoney, Ireland. On 27th December, 1927, he was appointed clerk of the Ayr Presbytery and he resigned from that position on 11th January, 1932, when David Bennie, Ayr, was appointed in his place. He was translated to Mains Street, Glasgow, on 13th September, 1933. It was reported to the May Synod, 1938, that he had resigned his charge and withdrawn from the UOS Church.

He was admitted to the Church of Scotland on 21st April, 1938. He was inducted to George Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, on 23rd March, 1939. He served as a Chaplain in the Royal Navy, 1942-46. He was translated to Ayr on 11th May, 1949.

Death
His wife died in 1972, the death being registered in Park Circus, Glasgow.

Family
They had issue.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, pp.171 and 221

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SHANKS, ROBERT DICKIE

 

Background
He was born about 1856, in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, the son of Archibald Shanks, clothier and outfitter, and Marion Simpson.

Education
There is no evidence that he was in the ministry before 1901. Previously he was either a tailor or a clothier and outfitter.

Marriage
He married Beatrice Lawrie Bone on 27th June, 1895, at 2 Marchmont Street, Edinburgh (Registration: 1895 685/5 288 Newington). She was born on 4th June, 1851, in Edinburgh, the daughter of Thomas Bone, later of Canada, a Baptist minister, and Agnes Matthew. From at least 1871-91, the family lived in St Catherine, Ontario, Canada, and on her marriage record her address is given as Wellington Street, St Catherine’s, Ontario. She was at one stage a music teacher.

Ministry
He was a Baptist minister.

In September, 1929, it was reported that Edinburgh Presbytery had appointed Robert D. Shanks to the pastorate “at the unanimous request of the church and congregation.” He was formerly minister at Bo’ness and afterwards in Oatlands, Glasgow (The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 26th September, 1929, p.13). This doesn’t say so, but it was surely the Kirkcaldy congregation to which he was thus appointed. This was clarified the next year.

In regard to his connection with the UOS Church, it was noted in May, 1930, that he had been given full ministerial powers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, and his name was added to the roll of Synod.

Death
He died on 22nd December, 1935, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, when his address was 121 Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy. His wife died on 26th December, 1919, in Rutherglen, Glasgow. There is a memorial to them in Rutherglen Cemetery.

Family
There is no evidence that they had issue.

Sources
Billion Graves; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 26th September, 1929, p.13

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SMELLIE, ALEXANDER

 

Background
He was born on 30th August, 1856, in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, the son of James Smellie, minister of the UOS Church, and Frances McMinn.

Education
He attended the Royal High School and George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. He studied at Edinburgh University and graduated M.A. in 1878. He was admitted to the Edinburgh Dialectic Society, 13th December, 1877 (see History of the Dialectic Society, p.226). He came under the supervision of the Presbytery of Edinburgh in May, 1877, as a divinity student of the first year. He gained the second of three prizes offered by the Association for the Defence of Purity of Doctrine and Worship, for an Essay against “Recent Innovations in Public Worship, especially the Use of Instrumental Music.”

Marriage
He married Bessie (Elizabeth) Hamilton on 24th June, 1897, at Winsford, Rutherglen, Glasgow. She was the daughter of David Hamilton, Stranraer, Wigtownshire.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh on 2nd September, 1879. At a meeting of the Presbytery of Ayr on 2nd December, 1879, a cordial and unanimous call was presented to “Alexander Smellie, Edinburgh, probationer,” by the Stranraer, Wigtownshire, congregation. He accepted the call. Accordingly on 10th March, 1880, he was ordained there.

He intimated to his session on 7th February, 1896, that he had resolved to sever his connection with the congregation on account of his having been offered and accepted a situation in London. For about two years he edited the Sunday School Chronicle.

On 17th November, 1897, he was called to Bridgeton, Glasgow, but he declined the call in January, 1898. Early in April, 1898, he was inducted to Thurso, Caithness. He was translated to Carluke, Lanarkshire, on the second time of asking, on 28th March, 1900.

In May, 1905, he was appointed lecturer in Pastoral Theology in the Divinity Hall for three years.

Death
He died on 23rd May, 1923, at the UOS Manse, Carluke, Lanarkshire.

A memorial service was held in Carluke UOS Church on Saturday 21st June, 1924, when members of the International Bible Reading Association and the International Sunday School Union assembled for the unveiling of a mural tablet to the memory of the Rev. Alexander Smellie. The mural tablet, of bronze surrounded by an oak frame, was erected in the vestibule of the church.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Frances Elizabeth Smellie born in 1899 in Thurso, Caithness. She died in 1903 in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

(2) James Alexander Smellie born in 1901 in Carluke, Lanarkshire. His death was registered in 1988 in Gairloch, Southern, Ross and Cromarty.

(3) William Aitken Smellie born in 1904 in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He married Christina G. Marshall in 1930 in Dennistoun, Glasgow. He was a Church of Scotland minister. He died in 1973 in Perth.

Publications
See separate document here.

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 4th December, 1879, p.3; 23rd June, 1924, p.8; 8th December, 1894, p.11; 3rd January, 1898, p.9; 5th February, 1902, p.12; 17th May 1905, p.11; 26th September, 1908, p.12; 31th July, 1909, p.10; 24th May, 1923, pp.6, 12; 23rd June, 1924, p.8; 15th December, 1937, p.10; Glasgow Herald, 11th March, 1880; 28th May, 1890; 8th February, 1896; 26th June, 1897; 15th April, 1898; 29th July, 1899; 16th August, 1899; 29th March, 1900; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 9th December, 1897; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 15th December, 1898, p.3; 3rd August, 1899, p.7; 26th October, 1899, p.7; 22nd November, 1899, p.5

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SMELLIE, JAMES

 

Background
He was born on 2nd July, 1830, in Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, the son of Alexander Smellie, shoemaker, and his wife Jean (Jane) Shearer.

Education
He studied at Edinburgh University and entered the Secession Divinity Hall in 1849. In 1851 he was living in Carluke, Lanarkshire, a teacher.

Marriage
He married Frances McMinn in 1855 in Carluke, Lanarkshire. She was born there about 1832, the daughter of Hugh McMinn, painter and glazier, later ironmonger and colourman, and Marion Prentice. She was first cousin of Robert Inglis McMinn who married Mary Sturrock, daughter of David Allan Sturrock, a minister of the UOS Church.

Ministry
He had all but completed his training for the ministry before the Second Disruption of 1852. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 3rd August, 1852. He was called to Stranraer, Kirriemuir and Dundee but was ordained in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, on 6th October, 1853. He was called to Edinburgh on 10th April, 1860, but nothing came of that. He was eventually translated to Edinburgh on 23rd March, 1864. He was Moderator of Synod in 1860. In 1868 he was appointed joint editor, along with George Roger of the Original Secession Magazine and was sole editor from 1870 to 1874, when he resigned on health grounds.

A notice of his death gives the information that he had been recently appointed to go to Seoni.

Death
He died on 18th November, 1875, at 6 Keir Street, Edinburgh. About a month previously he had been attacked with pleurisy and died after a painful illness. His wife died in 1904 in Carluke, Lanarkshire.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Alexander Smellie born on 30th August, 1856, in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. He became a minister of the UOS Church.

(2) Hugh McMinn Smellie born on 23rd March, 1858, in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. He studied medicine. He was a medical practitioner in Stoneykirk, Wigtownshire. He died of chronic endocarditis on 11th November, 1917, on board the Tuscania, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. His home address was 12 James Street, Winchburgh, West Lothian.

(3) Marion Prentice Smellie born on 8th October, 1859, in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. She died in 1947 in Dalkeith, Midlothian.

(4) Jane Shearer Smellie born on 22nd July, 1861, in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. She died in 1942 in Dalkeith, Midlothian.

(5) James Smellie born on 27th April, 1863, in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. In 1881 he was a clerk to a wine merchant.

(6) Frances McMinn Smellie born on 30th August, 1865, in Edinburgh. She married Ralph Hardie in 1890 in Corstorphine, Edinburgh. She died in 1952 in Dalkeith, Midlothian.

(7) Margaret Scott Smellie born on 26th May, 1868, in Edinburgh. She died in 1910 in Abercorn, West Lothian.

Publications – by him
The subject and motives of the Christian preacher, a sermon preached by the Rev. James Smellie on Sabbath, the 27th March, 1864, Edinburgh, John Maclaren, 1866
Rejoicing at the oath, a sermon preached on occasion of the renewal of the national covenants by the Original Secession Synod, at its meeting in Glasgow, May, 1866, Perth, Perth Printing Co., 1866
The Modern Scottish Pulpit, Giving thanks at the remembrance of God’s Holiness, Psalm 97:12, p.62

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 3/1/1876, minister of United Original Secession Church, residing in 6 Keir Street, Edinburgh, General Disposition & Deed of S, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Wills, SC70/4/159; 5/1/1876, d. 18/11/1875 at Edinburgh, testate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, SC70/1/176

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.588; 1853, Stranraer United Original Secession, Scott, Annals, p.432; General, Scott, Annals, p.331 ; Directories; Glasgow Herald, 6th May, 1874; 10th May, 1876; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 19th November, 1875, p.4; The Caledonian Mercury, Edinburgh, 11th April, 1860

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SMITH, JAMES MILNE

 

Background
He was baptised on 8th November, 1810, in Kinnell, Angus, the son of John Smith and Janet Milne.

Education
He entered the Secession Divinity Hall in 1839.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Mary Graham. The banns for the marriage were recorded on 11th April, 1845, in Eastwood, Renfrewshire (Registration: OPR FR1231 11/04/1845 562/ 50 213 Eastwood); and in Edinburgh on 20th April, 1845 (Registration: FR6413 20/04/1845 685/1 670 497 Edinburgh). She was then of 3 Windsor Street, Greenside, the daughter of Samuel Graham, formerly farmer. She was born about 1820.

(2 He married Margaret Aitken Mackay in 1861, the marriage being registered in Govan, Glasgow. John Mackay, Free Church minister of Cullen, Banffshire, brother of the bride performed the ceremony. She was born about 1811 in Thurso, Caithness, the daughter of Robert Mackay, writer, and Barbara Campbell, and the widow of George Stevenson, UOS minister in Kilwinning.

Ministry
He was licensed in 1842 and ordained in Pollokshaws, then in Eastwood, Renfrewshire, on 3rd August, 1843. He was Moderator of Synod in 1857. Having resigned his charge, he left Scotland on the ship Ganges on 22nd June, 1863, bound for Auckland, New Zealand, with the “Pollok settlers”. They arrived on 12th October, 1863, and they took their allotments in the area naming it Pollok Settlement on Awhitu peninsula.

Death
He died in 1888 in New Zealand. His first wife died in childbirth on 13th October, 1847, in St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh (Registration: OPR 13/10/1847 685/2 600 9 St Cuthbert’s). His second wife died in 1892 in Newington, Edinburgh (Registration: 1892 685/5 318 Newington).

Family
He had issue by his first wife, including:

(1) Isabella Stewart Smith born (or baptised) on 20th February, 1846 in Eastwood, Renfrewshire.

(2) Mary Stewart Smith born (or baptised) on 7th October, 1847, in Eastwood, Renfrewshire.

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.583; 1843, Pollokshaws, Cogan Street (Burgher), Scott, Annals, p.420; General, Scott, Annals, p.194; Pollok

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SPENCE, JAMES

 

Background
He was born on 22nd May, 1845, in Evie and Rendall, Orkney, the son of John Spence, merchant, and Jane Flett. His sister, Mary Broatchie Spence, married as his second wife, George Anderson, a minister of the UOS Church.

Education
He was a student under the supervision of the Presbytery of Edinburgh. He was awarded the D.D. degree on 12th July, 1921, by St Andrews University, Fife.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Helen Scrymgeour Morton in 1871, in St Ninians, Stirlingshire. She was born on 23rd March, 1842, in St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh, the daughter of Robert Morton, silk dyer, later cashier and book-keeper, and Helen Aitken.

(2) Fanny Duncan in 1878 in Fordoun, Kincardineshire. She was born there on 1st and baptised on 15th October, 1839, the daughter of Charles Duncan, butcher, and Barbara Smith.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh on 15th September, 1868. He was ordained in Auchinleck, Ayrshire, on 14th December, 1870. He was appointed Professor of Systematic Theology in the Divinity Hall in October, 1876. He was transferred to the Professorship of Biblical Criticism in 1895, in succession to William F. Aitken. In 1899 he was appointed lecturer for the Protestant Institute of Scotland for the next two sessions. In May, 1922, his resignation from the duties of the Professorship was received with regret.

Spence was appointed Clerk of Presbytery on 2nd April, 1891, on the resignation from the post of Alexander Smellie, Stranraer. On 26th October, 1926, he resigned the clerkship “owing to increasing physical infirmity”. The Presbytery noted: “they cannot part with their venerable clerk without recording in their minutes their high sense of the value of his lengthened and gratuitous services.”

After retiring from the ministry, some question arose in regard to the nature of his connection with the UOS Church. A Committee of Presbytery was commissioned to discuss the matter with him. As a result he agreed that his name be inscribed in the Ayr congregation’s roll of members.

Death
His first wife died on 29th January, 1875, at the UOS manse, Auchinleck, Ayrshire. His second wife, though living in Auchinleck, died on 4th July, 1917, at Glasgow.

Family
He had issue by his first wife including:

(1) John Aitken Spence born in 1872 in Auchinleck, Ayr. He became a Church of Scotland minister. See the General Index of Scottish Presbyterian Ministers here and scroll down to “Spence, John Aitken: 1910, Newcastle, FES, Vol.7, p.464”.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Spence or Duncan, Fanny, 30/8/1917, wife of Revd James Spence, professor of systemic theology in the Original Secession Church, residing in the Original Secession Church Manse, Auchinleck, d. 04/07/1917 at Glasgow, testate, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/80; Will or deed, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, SC6/46/44

Sources
Glasgow Herald, 1st September, 1870; 1st February, 1875; 24th May, 1895; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 7th January, 1899, p.8; 14th July, 1921, p.9; 24th May, 1922, p.12

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SPIERS, WILLIAM WITHER

 

Background
He was born about 1854 in Inch, Wigtownshire, the son of James Spiers, farmer, and Jane Wither.

Education
He studied at Glasgow University. After his first year there, he appeared before the Presbytery of Ayr with a view to being taken under their care as a divinity student.

Marriage
He married Helen Ross in 1879 in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. She was born in 1857 in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, the daughter of Thomas Ross, draper, and Elizabeth McMath.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 31st July, 1877. He was ordained in Kirriemuir, Angus, on 1st May, 1878. On 13th December, 1883, he received a call to Darvel, Ayrshire, and he was translated there shortly thereafter. In May, 1913, the Synod gave him a grant of £45 per annum, when his resignation on health grounds was accepted. He retained his seat in the Presbytery of Ayr.

Death
He died on Thursday, 15th March, 1917, at 12 Ballantine Drive, Ayr, and he was buried in Ayr Cemetery the following Monday. His wife died on 3rd July, 1937, at 3 Craiglea Place, Edinburgh (Registration: 1937 685/7 601 Morningside).

Family
The Presbytery sent a letter of condolence on his death to Mrs Spiers and family but there is no evidence that they had issue.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 12/6/1917, Drumclog Memorial Original Secession Church Manse, West Donnington Street, Darvel, afterwards 12 Ballantine Drive, Ayr, d. 15/03/1917 at Ayr, testate, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/80; Will or deed, Ayr Sheriff Court Wills, SC6/46/44

Sources
Findagrave; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 21st June, 1883; 17th December, 1883; The Glasgow Herald, 17th March, 1917

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STEVENSON, GEORGE

 

Background
He was born on 28th January, 1812, in Ayr, the son of George Stevenson, Secession minister, and Jane Pringle. For his father, see the General Index of Scottish Presbyterian Ministers here and scroll up to “Stevenson, George: Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.576”.

Education
He entered the Secession Divinity Hall in 1831.

Marriage
He married Margaret Aitken Mackay. This is said to have taken place on 22nd October, 1854, in Old Machar, Aberdeen. She was born about 1811 in Thurso, Caithness, the daughter of Robert Mackay and the sister of John Mackay, Free Church minister in Cullen, Banffshire.

Ministry
He was licensed on 18th August, 1835, by Ayr Presbytery. He was ordained on 21st December, 1836, in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, and continued there till his death in 1859. He was founder of the Industrial School in Kilwinning.

Death
He died on 1st June, 1859, at Deanfield, Kilwinning (Registration: 1859 599/ 58 Kilwinning). He was buried in Ayr Original Secession Churchyard. After his death, his widow married James Milne Smith, UOS minister in Pollokshaws. She died in 1892 in Newington, Edinburgh.

Family
There is no obvious sign that they had issue.

Publications – by him
Breadalbane Muniments: Ecclesiastical Documents: Letters with Petitions to Ormelie and Others, 17 June, GD112/51/203
Sermons, Glasgow, M. Ogle, 1861

Publications – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 8/9/1859, minister of Original Secession Church at Kilwinning, co of Ayr, Inventory, Ayr Sheriff Court, SC6/44/26
Memoir of George Stevenson, Kilwinning, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 5 (1860-62), p.406
Reminiscences of George Stevenson, The Original Secession magazine. New Series 9 (1869-70), pages 24; 65 and 175

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott,  Annals, p.576; 1836, Kilwinning (Antiburgher), Scott,  Annals, p.376; General, Scott,  Annals, p.194; Call, Scott,  Annals, p.258; Small, History, Vol.2, p.282; Family, Small, History, Vol.2, p.328

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STEWART, ROBERT

 

Background
He was born on 22nd August, 1864, in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, the son of William Stewart, general labourer, and Margaret Lawrie Somerville.

Education
On 1st August, 1882, he intimated his intention to the Glasgow Presbytery of entering the Divinity Hall. He was from the Shottsburn, Lanarkshire, congregation. He had attended University for a Session. His purpose was reported to the Hall Committee. For the next five years he appeared regularly before the Presbytery in the normal way.

Marriage
He married Isabella Brown on 5th July, 1888, in Teeside, Temple, Midlothian (Registration: 1888 700/ 3 Temple). She was born about 1862 in Perth, the daughter of William Brown, ploughman, and Ann Somerville.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow in August, 1887. The Glasgow Herald, reported in November, 1887, that a unanimous call had been given by Dromore, Ireland, to Robert Stewart, preacher, West Whitegill, Holytown. However nothing came of that and he was ordained in Olrig, Caithness, on 18th April, 1888. By May, 1895, he had demitted his charge.

He was received into the Free Church of Scotland in 1895 and became minister of Windygates, Fife, in 1899, after being a missionary there for some years. See here. He entered the Union of 1900 and became a minister of the United Free Church. He was translated to Walkerburn, Peebles-shire, on 2nd July, 1919. He demitted his charge on 16th May, 1924, owing to a dispute with his congregation.

Death
He died on 3rd October, 1927, in Gretna, Dumfries-shire.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) William Robert B. Stewart born on 29th April, 1889, in Temple, Midlothian.

(2) Annie Isabella B. Stewart born on 12th August, 1890, in Temple, Midlothian. She died in 1943 in Annan, Dumfries-shire.

(3) Grace Lawrie Stewart born on 24th November, 1893, in Olrig, Caithness. She married John Percy Greenup of Upton House in 1930 in Gretna, Dumfries-shire. She died on 31st January, 1975, in Newark on the border of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, England.

(4) Jessie McDonald Stewart born on 15th May, 1895, in Dalmeny, West Lothian. She died in the 3rd quarter of 1967 in Newark, England.

(5) Helena Somerville Stewart born on 5th March, 1897, in Dalmeny, West Lothian.

(6) Robert Aitken Stewart born on 31st August, 1899, in Windygates, Fife.

Sources
Caldbeck; Glasgow Herald, 3rd November, 1887; 19th April, 1888; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 28th December, 1887

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STIRLING, ALEXANDER DICKSON

 

Background
He was born about 1842 in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, the son of James Stirling, manufacturer, and Jane Fergus.

Education
He studied at Glasgow University. He first appeared as a student under the Glasgow Presbytery on 4th March, 1862, and was regularly examined by them thereafter. He engaged in missionary work in Pollokshaws while still a student.

Marriage
He married Isabella Couper on 22nd March, 1882, in Thurso, Caithness (Registration: 1882 041/ 6 Thurso). She was born (or baptised) on 14th November, 1853, in Thurso, Caithness, the daughter of John Couper, merchant, and Sophia Forsyth McKidd.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 4th August, 1868. He was ordained in Arbroath, Angus, on 10th March, 1869. He was Moderator of Synod in 1883.

Death
He died on 12th November, 1910, at his home in Rossie Street, Arbroath, Angus. His wife died in 1926 in Newington, Edinburgh.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Sophia Stirling born in 1883 in Arbroath, Angus. She died in 1966 in Morningside, Edinburgh.

(2) James Stirling born on 10th July, 1884, at the UOS Manse, Arbroath, Angus.

(3) Alexander Dickson Stirling, D.S.O., M.B., Ch.B. D.P.H., born on 8th June, 1886, in Arbroath, Angus. He married Isobel Matthew in 1925 in Chelsea, London, England. He rose to be deputy assistant director-general of Army Medical Services at the War Office, London, England. He retired on 11th June, 1945. He died on 2nd May, 1961, in Morningside, Edinburgh.

(4) Jane Fergus Stirling born in 1888 in Arbroath, Angus. She died in 1959 in Morningside, Edinburgh.

(5) Charles Mckidd Stirling born in 1890 in Arbroath, Angus. He died on 6th December, 1951, in Paddington, New South Wales.

(6) John Stirling born in 1894 in Arbroath, Angus.

(7) Margaret Buchan Stirling born in 1897 in Arbroath, Angus. She died in 1978 in Morningside, Edinburgh.

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: 12/5/1911, Arbroath, d. 12/11/1910 at Arbroath, testate, Forfar Sheriff Court, SC47/40/84; Forfar Sheriff Court Wills, SC47/43/19

Sources
NCBI; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 20th October, 1868, p.3; 11th March, 1869, p.6; 14th November, 1910, p.6; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 15th March, 1869; Glasgow Herald, 11th July, 1884

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STUART, ROBERT F.

 

Background
He was a native of Clare, Ireland, born about 1868. His father was a minister. In 1895 he was described as “a gifted and talented student of the Irish Secession Synod, who has just been licensed as a preacher of the Gospel.”

Education
He applied while a student in Belfast, Ireland, to be recognised as a divinity student. His letter of application was considered by the Ayr Presbytery on 16th July, 1894. He asked that he be received under the Ayr Presbytery; that his two years study in Ireland be sustained; and that he be taken on trials as soon as possible. He was accepted as a student: the other matters were remitted to the Hall Committee and the Synod. In May of the following year the Presbytery, under the instruction of the Synod, set trials for licence.

Marriage
He married Mary.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Ayr Presbytery on 5th August, 1895. He was ordained to Aberdeen on 26th December, 1895. He resigned the pastorate in 1898 and moved to Ireland. But he was afterwards settled in Stranraer on 15th March, 1899. He resigned his charge on health grounds on 12th May, 1908.

Death
His death in Belfast, Ireland, was reported on 22nd October, 1908.

Family
There is no evidence that they had issue.

Sources
Flickr; The Aberdeen Journal, 17th August, 1895; Aberdeen Weekly Journal, 21st and 31st August, 1895; 25th September, 1895; 27th December, 1895; 24th May, 1898; Glasgow Herald, 20th September, 1895; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 16th March, 1899, p.1; 22nd October, 1908, p.9

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STURROCK, DAVID ALLAN

 

Background
He was born about 1808 in Arbroath, Angus.

Education
He entered the Secession Divinity Hall in 1828.

Marriage
He married Jessie Gouinlock. She was born about 1814 in Ashkirk, Roxburghshire, the daughter of Walter Gouinlock, farmer, and Mary Armstrong.

Ministry
He was licensed on 29th November, 1831. He was ordained in Midlem, on 3rd October, 1832, and continued there till his death.

Death
He died on 12th February, 1853, at the UOS Manse, Midlem, in the twenty-first year of his ministry. His wife died on 16th January, 1893, at 1 Argyle Place, Edinburgh (Registration: 1893 685/5 76 Newington).

Publications
See separate document here.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) David Sturrock born about 1837 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. In 1881 he was a clerk in the Department of Prisons. He married Elizabeth Campbell on 29th August, 1876, in Moulin, Perthshire (Registration: 1876 384/ 3 3 Moulin). She was a prison warder.

(2) Walter Sturrock born in 1840 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He married Isabella Gouinlock in 1873 in St Giles, Edinburgh. He died in 1922 in St Andrew, Edinburgh.

(3) John Sturrock born about 1842 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He became a minister of the UOS Church.

(4) Alexander Allan Sturrock born about 1844 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He married Katherine Riddell in 1874, in Traquair, Peebles-shire. In 1881 he was a bank clerk. He worked for the British Linen Bank. They lived at 26 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh. He died of heart failure on 7th September, 1917, in Ettrick, Selkirkshire (Registration: 1917 774/B 3 Ettrick ).

(5) William Sturrock born about 1847 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. He married Elizabeth Brown Howie in 1884 in Kinning Park, Glasgow. He was a jeweller and watchmaker in Edinburgh. He died in 1893 in Newington, Edinburgh.

(6) Mary Sturrock born about 1849 in Bowden, Roxburghshire. She married Robert Inglis McMinn on 19th August, 1872, in Edinburgh. She died in the 2nd quarter of 1913 in Croydon, London, England. He was first cousin of Frances McMinn who married James Smellie, a UOS Church minister.

Sources
Antiburgher, Student, Scott, Annals, p.570; 1832, Midholm (Antiburgher), Scott, Annals, p.402; General, Scott, Annals, p.194; Small, History, Vol.2, p.434; The Aberdeen Journal, 2nd March, 1853

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STURROCK, JOHN

 

Background
He was born about 1842 in Bowden, Roxburghshire, the son of David Allan Sturrock, UOS minister, and Jessie Gouinlock.

Marriage
He married Jessie Scott Jack on 4th November, 1869, at the bride’s home, 24 Strawberrybank, Dundee (Registration: 1869 282/1 185 St Peter). She was born about 1844 in Dundee, the daughter of George Jack, secretary local Marine Board, and Jane Moncrieff.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Edinburgh on 3rd January, 1865. He was called to Kilwinning, Ayrshire, in 1865 but there was a competing call from Stranraer and he was ordained there on 12th October, 1865.

In May, 1874, he was appointed Editor of the denominational magazine in succession to James Smellie.

He was translated to Edinburgh, Victoria Terrace, on 21st March, 1878.

He was Moderator of Synod in 1881. He was appointed editor of The Bulwark in May, 1887. In 1899 he was appointed as lecturer in pastoral theology in the Divinity Hall for three years.

He resigned in April, 1911. Later that year, there was a tragedy in the wider family: two of Sturrock’s nieces, Alice (22) and Kathleen Sturrock (20) drowned in a boating accident while on holiday in Brodick (The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 9th September, 1911, p.8).

Death
He died on 17th February, 1925, at 10 Glengyle Terrace, Edinburgh, and he was buried in Grange Cemetery there on 20th February. His wife died at 12 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, on 23rd November, 1888.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) a stillborn son born on 22nd October, 1870, at the UOS Manse, Stranraer, Wigtownshire.

(2) George Jack Sturrock born in 1873 in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. He died that same year in St Peter, Dundee.

(3) George Gouinlock Sturrock born in 1874 in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. He died in 1937 in Morningside, Edinburgh.

(4) Ida Janette Sturrock born in 1877 in Stranraer, Wigtownshire. She married (i) Harry Patterson Glenn in 1908 in St Andrew, Edinburgh. He was a minister of the Irish Presbyterian Church – of Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. (ii) Rev. John Hall, O.B.E., D.D., on 30th April, 1929, at the Pleasance Church, Edinburgh. She died in 1964 in Morningside, Edinburgh.

(5) John Frederick Sturrock born in 1879 in St George, Edinburgh. He died in 1959, his death being registered in Dull and Aberfeldy, Perthshire.

(6) Herbert Moncrieff Sturrock born in 1882 in Newington, Edinburgh. He married Margaret Scott Cran in 1914 in St Andrew, Edinburgh. He was a dental surgeon. He died in 1954 in Morningside, Edinburgh.

Publications – by him
Nehemiah’s answer to his reproachful adversaries, a sermon, Edinburgh, James Gemmell, 1880
The righteousness that exalteth a nation and how to promote it, a sermon, Edinburgh, John Maclaren and Son, 1880
The Dawn of the Reformation in John Knox, appreciations by United Original Seceders, addresses delivered at the Meeting of Synod held in Edinburgh on the 18th of May, 1905
Our position and why we should maintain it, an address delivered at the opening of the United Original Secession Synod in Edinburgh, May, 1881, Edinburgh, John Maclaren, 1881

Publication – about him
Inventories, Wills, etc.: Sturrock or Jack, Jessie Scott, 26/1/1889, wife of Rev. John Sturrock, 12 Argyle Place, Edinburgh, d. 23/11/1888 at Edinburgh, intestate, Edinburgh Sheriff Court Inventories, SC70/1/271

Sources
Glasgow Herald, 26th October, 1870; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 29th November, 1877; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 15th February, 1878, p.7; 23rd March 1878, p.8; 12th April 1911, p.11; 18th February, 1925, pp.8 and 14; 1st May, 1929, p.20; Glasgow Herald, Wednesday, 24th May, 1899

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WALKER, DAVID STEVENSON

 

Background
He is said to have been born on 14th January, 1904, in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, the son of John Jamie Walker and Mary Wilson.

Education
He was educated at Kilwinning, Ayrshire, and Glasgow University. He came under the supervision of the Ayr Presbytery in 1926. On 3rd July, 1928, Ayr congregation presented a call to him but the Presbytery refused to sustain it as he was not yet licensed.

Marriage
He married Annie Baird Torrance Russell on 1st September, 1931. She was the daughter of David Russell, a minister of the UOS Church. Her birth was registered in Cathcart, Glasgow, in 1910.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Ayr on 16th October, 1928. He agreed to take the first opportunity to sign the covenants in a form suitable to the age, when the occasion arose. He was ordained in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, on 29th May, 1929. He was translated to Carluke on 27th June, 1939. He acceded to the Church of Scotland in 1956.

Death
He died in Carluke on 27th January, 1968. His wife died in Edinburgh in 2004.

Family
They had issue.

Sources
FES, Vol.10, p.206

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WALKER, JAMES EDWARD

 

Background
He was born about 1851 in Manchester, Lancashire, England. He was brought up in the Church of England in which Church his father was a vicar.

Education
He graduated from Oxford University, England. There he came to accept Presbyterianism. A letter had been published in The Weekly Review, London, England, on 6th July, 1878, describing his church as an “ecclesiastical curiosity”. He replied at length telling of his views: “Brought up myself in the Established Church of England, and a graduate of the university of Oxford, where I had been, in the mercy of God, made acquainted with, and was finally led to adopt, as being in thorough accord with the word of God, the system of truth set forth in the authorised Standards of the Church of Scotland, I began to seek, naturally enough, for a church which might prove to be loyally attached to this form of sound words. Judge of my keen disappointment when, after the painful results of severance from all old associations for conscience’ sake, I discovered that the “Presbyterian Church of England” … had in worship (and must I not add, in some points of doctrine?) practically departed from that old Presbyterian faith, which I had from a mere theoretical acquaintance with its scriptural truth and beauty learned already to love.” Thus he was led to the UOS Church.

Marriage
He married Edith Anne Borlase in the 2nd quarter of 1880 in Fulham, London, England. She was born in January, 1838, in Perran Arworthal, Falmouth, Cornwall, England. Her mother’s name was Georgina.

Ministry
An application from J. E. Walker, BA, Cheltenham, formerly in connection with the Church of England, was considered by the Synod in May, 1875. The matter was referred to the Edinburgh Presbytery with the instruction that they should license him if found duly qualified. This they did.

On 30th January, 1877, Edinburgh Presbytery ordained him as a minister of the gospel in connection with the denomination. He had his own church in Cheltenham. In 1880 he withdrew from the denomination.

Death
He died in the 2nd quarter of 1911 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. His wife died in the 1st quarter of 1917 in Penzance, Cornwall, England.

Family
There is no evidence that they had issue.

Publications
See separate document here.

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 7th May, 1875, p.3; 31st January, 1877, p.5; 18th July, 1879, p.3

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WHITE, EDWARD

 

Background
He was born about 1855 in County Cavan, Ireland.

Education
He first came under the supervision of the Glasgow Presbytery on 8th June, 1880, when he was certified to the Hall Committee. In August that year, the Presbytery noted that the Foreign Missions Committee had accepted him as a missionary for India; and in May, 1881, they agreed to ask the Synod for permission to license him upon his giving a pledge to enter into the bond in Covenanting upon the first opportunity available.

Marriage
He married Marion about 1884. She was born in Scotland about 1860.

Ministry
He was licensed by Glasgow Presbytery on 7th June, 1881. He was ordained in Glasgow on 2nd August following. On the occasion, William B. Gardiner, Pollokshaws, preached on Ephesians 3:8: “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ”; William F. Aitken, Mains Street, Glasgow, conducted the ordination, ordaining him to “the work of a Missionary among the heathen in India”; George Anderson, of Seoni, India, addressed the new missionary, and Thomas Hobart, Carluke, addressed the people. On 15th September, 1881, a valedictory service for him and George Anderson was held in Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, on their departure for India.

In 1886 the health of his wife was causing concern and eventually he had to return to Scotland on the grounds of his wife’s health. He therefore resigned from the mission and “as there seemed to be no immediate prospect of the way being opened up for his return, it was agreed, with extreme regret, to regard Mr. White’s connection with our Indian Mission as severed.”

He was inducted in Kirriemuir, Angus, on 1st June, 1887.

In February, 1889, the Synod decided by 11 votes to 7 with two abstentions to translate him to Dromore, Ireland. He demitted his charge on retiral on 9th July, 1929, but his name remained on the roll of Presbytery as minister emeritus.

Death
His death was reported to Synod the following year.

Family
They had issue:

(1) Edward B. White born about 1891 in County Derry, Ireland. In 1911 he was an architect’s pupil.

Sources
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 15th September, 1881, p.3; The Dundee Courier & Argus, 17th May, 1887; 9th June, 1887

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YOUNG, JAMES

 

Background
He was born about 1864 in Perth, the son of Peter McLagan Young, dyer’s finisher, and Margaret Smith.

Marriage
He married Annie Glen Hector on 14th July, 1897, at the bride’s home, Castlehead, Paisley, Renfrewshire (Registration: 1897 573/1 506 506 Paisley). He was then living at 7 Greenlaw Avenue, Paisley. Her birth was registered in 1861 in Paisley Low Church, the daughter of Alexander Hector, dyer, and Elizabeth Alexander.

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Perth and Aberdeen in Mains Street, Glasgow, on 30th July, 1889.

On 13th March, 1890, he was ordained in Midlem. He was translated to Paisley on 4th July, 1895. He was translated to Ayr on 23rd July, 1908.

He served as Synod Clerk for a time.

Death
The Scotsman, Edinburgh, in December, 1927, reported that “Robert Young”, minister of the Robertson Original Secession Church, Ayr, was seriously injured in a street accident in Ayr on 21st December. “As he was crossing the street a motor van passed close to him, and he was seen to fall. He was picked up in an unconscious condition, and removed to Ayr County Hospital where his condition is regarded as serious”. He died later that day as a result of a fracture to the base of his skull (Registration: 1927 578/1 547 Ayr). His usual residence was 28 Bellevue Crescent, Ayr.

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Peter Hector Young born in 1898 in Paisley, Renfrewshire. He married Vinah (or Vina or Vinal) Hamilton in Colvend, Kirkcudbrightshire. He is said to have died in 1977 in King County, Washington, USA.

(2) Agnes Ramsay M. Young born in 1900 in Paisley, Renfrewshire. She died after a long illnes, a fortnight before her father, in December, 1927, in Ayr.

Sources
​ Southern Reporter, Selkirkshire, 23rd September, 1897 Genes Reunited; Glasgow Herald, 1st August, 1889; 23rd May, 1895; 16th April, 1897; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 23rd May, 1895, p.10; 22nd December, 1927, p.7; 23rd December, p.7

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YOUNG, JOSEPH

 

Background
He was born about 1863 in England, the son of John Young, harbour master, and Phyllis Swan.

Marriage
He married Margaret Alice Perry in the 2nd quarter of 1889 in Prestwich, Lancashire, England. She was born in the 1st quarter of 1858, in Barton, Lancashire, the daughter of William Perry, fruit broker, and Mary Miller.

Ministry
He was settled as first minister of Rutherglen Baptist Church, Glasgow, on 24th June, 1894. There had been some unhappiness in the congregation and he resigned his position in 1906. On 27th July, 1909, the Presbytery of Glasgow considered an application from him to be received as a minister of the UOS Church. After discussion, further interviews and the presentation of certificates etc., the Presbytery on 5th October, 1909, recommended to the Synod that he be received as an ordained minister without charge. The Synod agreed to this on 7th June, 1910. On 7th July, 1910, he was inducted to Paisley, Renfrewshire, and on 11th August, 1915. he was translated to Bridgeton, Glasgow. By May, 1936, he had resigned his charge on health grounds.

Death
He died of cerebral thrombosis on 21st April, 1947, at his home, 26 Albany Drive, Rutherglen, and was buried in Rutherglen Cemetery (Registration: 1947 654/ 131 Rutherglen). His wife died on 7th October, 1925, at Albany Drive, Rutherglen, and was also buried in Rutherglen Cemetery (Registration: 1926 654/ 199 Rutherglen).

Family
They had issue including:

(1) Elsie Margery (or Marjory) Young born in the 3rd quarter of 1892 in Ormskirk, Lancashire, England. She married Harold Cameron Maclean in 1917 in Blythswood, Glasgow. She died on 28th February, 1986, in Rutherglen, Glasgow.

Sources
Rutherglen Baptist; Billion Graves; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 23rd April, 1947, p.3

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YUILL, ALEXANDER JOHN

 

Background
He was born (or baptised) on 8th August, 1841, in Cadder, Lanarkshire, the son of John Yuill, school-master, and Isabella McDougall.

Education
He first came to the attention of the Presbytery of Glasgow on 28th July, 1864, when he was a student of literature. He was examined by the Presbytery in the usual way throughout his years as student. During his time as a student he was for a time missionary in Ayr and in Mains Street, Glasgow.

Marriage
He married:

(1) Elizabeth Hally or Halley on 28th September, 1869, in Inveraray, Argyll, the ceremony being conducted by Gilbert Meikle, the brother-in-law of the bride. She was born on 2nd and baptised on 30th August, 1841, in Inveraray and Glenaray, Argyll, the daughter of John Hally, slater, and Susan Carson. Her sister, Agnes Hally, married Gilbert Meikle, minister of the United Presbyterian Church, Inveraray, Argyll. For him, see the General Index of Scottish Presbyterian Ministers here and scroll down to “Meikle, Gilbert”. Note links given there to other ministerial relatives of this man.

(2) Annie Brown Esson on 2nd November, 1875, at the bride’s home, 27 Whitehouse Street, Aberdeen (Registration: 1875 168/2 281 281 Old Machar Aberdeen Burgh). He was then living at 5 Renton Terrace, Crosshill, Glasgow. She was born about the beginning of April, 1841, in Aberdeen, the daughter of Charles Esson, shipmaster, and Margaret Duncan. (Her age was given as 2 months in the census taken on 6th June, 1841.)

Ministry
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow on 28th October 1868. On 15th March, 1869, he was presented with a valuable writing-desk and a number of useful volumes, by friends belonging to the congregation of Kirkintilloch, in token of their esteem and affection. The desk bore a suitable inscription. He was ordained in Perth as colleague and successor to Thomas Manson on 15th June, 1869.

On 9th September, he was inducted to Laurieston, Glasgow.

The pastoral tie was dissolved on 23rd May, 1905 , but he was allowed to participate in the courts of the church as an ordained minister without a charge.

Death
He died in 1921 in Cathcart, Glasgow. His first wife died in 1872 in Perth. His second wife died in 1913 in Cathcart, Glasgow.

Family
They had issue including by his first wife:

(1) Elizabeth Hally Yuill born in 1872 in Perth. She died in 1930 in Cathcart, Glasgow.

And by his second wife:

(2) William John Yuill born in 1883 in Cathcart, Glasgow. He died in action in 1917, his death being recorded in the Service Returns, Royal Army Service Corps.

Sources
The Dundee Courier & Argus, 16th June, 1869; 30th September, 1869; Glasgow Herald, 16th July, 1874; 5th August, 1874; 4th November, 1875; 27th October, 1894; The Scotsman, Edinburgh, 7th May, 1879, p.9

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