'Ministers and Men in the Far North' by the Rev. Alexander Auld
Part One
The first edition of this book was published in Wick I believe. The 66 page book is mixture of 19th century Christianity and great snippets about a range of people. Included are the following and some of the places (Caithness and a bit of Sutherland in overall terms):
John Grant died Brubster May 1829, Mrs M'Kay Melness (Peggy M'Diarmid), Christina Mackenzie Kildonan, Mr Gordon Thurso 1820, James Macdonald catechist Reay, 1816 food shortage Donald Mackay Clashcreggan, James Macdonald Kildonan later catechist, Mr John Sutherland preaching at Halkirk, Mr Porteous parish of Kilmuir, William Calder catechist at Reay, Alexander Gair, Dr Macdonald, Mr Sinclair Thurso, John Tait, Neil Macpherson, Halkirk, Mr Tait the Minister, Mr David Steven, the farm house of Drakries, James Mackay Gerston, Francis Swanson, Mr Munro Halkirk, Mr James Sinclair corn merchant Wick, James Elder, Sandy Gair native of Tain, William Gunn, Latheron, Rev Davidson of Latheron, John Sutherland of Badbea born Ousdale 1789, Rev. Mackay Lybster, William Sutherland Braemore catechist at Latheron, Peter Stewart, William Calder, Dr Mackay Harris, Hon. Mrs Aylmer daughter of Lord Reay, Rev. Kennedy late of Redcastle, Norman Macleod of Cape Breton and Australia, John Mackintosh - Crash - of Eddarchillis 1798 army, Reay Fencibles, Sheriff Macculloch Dornoch, George Mackay Golticlay, Joseph Mackay Strathhalladale d 1847 Invernessshire, James Macdonald Reay, Waterloo, Mr Gordon, Hugh Campbell b 1744 Strathhalladale, Mr John Sutherland, Rev Pope Reay, Fort George, Mr William Campbell Halkirk, Rev. Finlay Cook, Alexander Sinclair, William Sinclair, Charles Gordon, John Gordon farmer Strathnaver, William Macrobb (or Mackay), Mr Alexander Sinclair, Neil Macpherson Halkirk, Mr Gordon's shop, George Brotchie Dunnet, John Berridge, William Macbeath Dunnet, Magnus Taylor, Forss, Olrig, Rev Gunn of Watten (see the following genealogy note), Hugh Campbell, William Ross teacher Sutherland and Clyth, Alexander Steven Olrig, John Doull, David Stephen b. 1790s Murza Bower, brothers Haldane, more on Rev. Gunn of Watten, William Macrae Strathy, John Macintosh Farr, Joseph mackay and Janet M'Leod Reay, Miss Reid India, Alexander Stewart David Budge Barrock, rec Munro Halkirk, Achreny Mission,Colin Campbell, Bower, 1831 Thurso, Rev M'Intosh, Rev Mr Taylor, 1835, Free Church 1863 type issues, david Steven, Donald Duff Stratherrick, Dr Kennedy Dingwall, Donald Miller Wick (shoemaker), Magnus Bain farm manager Noss, Andre Rugg Keiss, Mr A. Stephen, Donald Sutherland saddler Thurso, Pulteneytown Free Church, George Mackay Golticlay, more on Rev. Gunn Watten, George Mackay Rowens, Coilin Campbell Halkirk, Neil Macpherson, Donald Murray Olgrinmore, Robert Sutherland, Donald Gunn mason Calder, Donald Calder Brawl, Alexander Budge farmer Brabster Bower, Adam Bain, Thomas Andrew farmer Clayock, William Gurran Stemster. Alexander Waters, Peter Finlayson Smerral, John Bain Reaster, Magnus Bain Wick, James Coghill merchant Wick, Donald Mackay Wathegar, Willaim Mackay Roster, Alexander Mowat weaver Lynegar Watten, Alexander Alexanderson Bridge-end Watten, Alexander Andrew Sibster, Donald Stewart teacher Thurso, Edward Mackay came to Caithness in 1802 minister of the independent church, John Mackintosh Farr, Adam Bain Farr, David Budge, more on Rev Gunn, William Campbell son of Hugh Campbell Strathy, Rev. John Mackay, Mrs Mackay Shegra, Melness, James Macardie a native of Watten, William Sinclair Wick, Daniel Loutit, George Dunoon, Donald Dunbar, Donald George, William Gow, James Loutit ex-Provost of Wick, Catherine Ross Reisgill, Isobel Grant, Isobel Poison (true!), Catherine Tait wife of James Budge farmer Quarrycrook Halkirk, Anne Sutherland Banniskirk, Margaret Douglas Banniskirk, Margaret Sutherland Brawlbin, Marshall Douglas Forsie and her husband George Macdonald, Janet Macleod Sandside Reay, Mrs Mackay Thurso, Marion Mackay Strathtongue, Christina Mackay Achanaa, Jean Mackay Armadale, Finlay Cook, some of Auld's sermons and letters in, the sermons are 19th century (tedious) the letters are more interesting in particular one explaining about the letters and sermons of the Rev Alex Gunn 'unfortunately burnt', John Munro, Alexander Sinclair, Thurso, ( he letters are 1820s-1830s), Rev Finlay Cook, John Sutherland, David Budge, David Steven...
I make no claims to a complete list; I may well have left people out. Being mentioned can mean anything from just a name to a decent length description of the person...
There is enough in this book on a few Gunns to make the book of importance. There is even more about the religious life - and people - of the times in Caithness which applied to many of the Gunns there, as such this book provides a real feel into the 1800-1820ish period and deserves to be part of 'Gunn history'. This book was not used by Mark Rugg Gunn when writing his history.
*****
The Reverend Alexander Auld (who married Christina Barbara Ross Taylor) was brother to Jessie Auld who married John Gunn. John Gunn married Jessie (Janet) Auld in 1834; they emigrated to Nova Scotia. A child Johnina (Nina) was born there. They then went to Jamaica where John died in 1839 (see slave rebellion). The rest / some of the family then returned to Scotland before Nina emigrated to Victoria in July 1855 where she married Simon Grant. Other childen of John and Jessie included Alexander Gunn, George Gunn, James Gunn, Catherine Innes Gunn (died 1925 in Boston Mass.) and John.
Jessie Auld's parents were John Auld and Janet Horne Gunn 1792-1875) (with siblings the Rev. Alexander Gunn (often in the above book), James Gunn, Captain William Gunn, Helen Gunn and Catherine Gunn). Janet Horne Gunn's parents were John Gunn (23 October 1748 Watten died in Bower) and Jane Gunn (25 November 1751 Watten, died 1847 Watten).
Part Two
The following review is from pages 8-9 of 'The Presbyterian' March 1, 1869 (Conducted by Members of the Free Church of Scotland)-
A few years ago, the Rev. John Kennedy of Dingwall laid the Church under obligation by publishing his interesting account of the " Fathers of Ross-shire." The author of the volume before us has undertaken to render a similar service in regard to the " Fathers " of the still more northern districts of Caithness and the Reay country. The idea which is thus being wrought out is a happy one ; and we believe the example might with advantage be followed by others in various parts of Scotland. In several districts, fragrant memories exist of men of God who were the lights of the past generation ; and we cannot doubt that, if the lives and experiences of these men were sketched by competent hands, and their notable sayings recorded, our national religious literature would be in a very pleasing way enriched. The results would be not merely of local interest, but valuable contributions both towards the study of Christian character and towards the religious history of the country. And whatever can be done in this direction should be done without delay ; for years are fast thinning the ranks of these who could furnish the interesting details, and the characteristics themselves which these details express are fast disappearing — rubbed away by the currents of common opinion and common sentiment which the energy and invention of these days are steadily pouring into the remotest districts.
The field which personal and ministerial connections have led Mr. Auld to work, is one, as his book shows, of no ordinary fruitfulness. His sketches exhibit men of a marked and elevated type of Christian character, possessed in a remarkable degree of spiritual insight and power, because signally men of prayer. They were persons, too, as much and as deservedly loved as they were respected by all who knew and could appreciate them. It would have been a real loss if no effort had been made to preserve the features of their godly character ; and we therefore render the author our sincere thanks, and all the mere because of the interesting way in which he has done his work. Ho has produced what may be truly called an entertaining beok. In some parts there are evident marks of haste ; but it is fresh and vigorous throughout — full of graphic description, and sparkling with racy anecdotes. In the " far north," especially, where the memory of these worthies is embalmed in the hearts of the people, this record of them cannot fail to be very popular.
Under the head of " Ministers," five short memoirs aro given us. These we have read with much satisfac tion. They are written with care and with corresponding effectiveness. First in order, and also in fullness and excellence, is a memoir of the late Rev. Alexander Gunn of Watten, the father of the present Free Church minister there, and the spiritual father of some of the most valued Christians in that and other parishes. More than thirty years have elapsed since he entered into his rest ; but we rejoice that now at length a worthy tribute has been paid to the noble character of the man, and to the importance of the work he was honoured to effect in Caithness. It was through him more than any other single instrument, that the baneful reign of Moderatism in that county was brought to an end, and the gospel introduced in its life-giving, hallowing power. We are also glad to see two sketches of the Revs. Finlay and Archibald Cook ; men whose little peculiarities of manner — grossly exaggerated by thoughtless hearers, who could not look beneath the merest surface — have caused prejudices even in Christian quarters ; but of whom we can confidently say that no one of intelligence and right feeling could know them without holding them in reverence and love. The elder of the two brothers was the one more intimately connected with the north, and there he will be long remembered as a man of iron frame, of unwearying activity, of clear and original thought, of powerful speech, and withal of a singularly benignant and loving nature.
The second part of the volume is devoted to these known as the " Men," — a name not very suggestive. They were laymen of high Christian reputation, accustomed to take part in public religious meetings. As a class, they have been subjected in certain quarters to a good deal of ridicule and opprobrium, especially for having in some places held separate meetings on the Lord's-day, and sometimes ventured even to rebuke clerical sins and shortcomings. We have merely, however, to inquire as to the character of the clergy and pulpit ministrations half a century ago, in at least Highland and northern districts, to be convinced that it was of God's great mercy such persons were raised up and qualified to keep alive the light of vital godliness in these days of dark indifference. They were the real shepherds when the pulpits were occupied by hirelings. The position they filled was thrust upon them by the urgent wants of their time. Accordingly, in proportion as evangelical doctrine came to be proclaimed in the churches, the "Men" were gradually to be found gathering round these God-given pastors, esteeming them very highly in love, and aiding them as they could. Since the Disruption, they have taken their places as excellent and efficient elders in the various congregations of the Free Church.
The " Men " resembled in several respects the older Cameronians. They had the same grave deportment, the same strength of conviction, the same weight of character, and the same intimate acquaintance with their Bibles and the throne of grace. To these qualities their Celtic temperament added a fervidness of imagination and feeling which made their addresses abound with striking sayings. Their Celtic temperament explains also a marked leaning towards the supernatural. In respect to this, we regret to observe that our author is disposed to sympathize too unreservedly with them in their views. As we venture to think, he has allowed his admiration unduly to influence his judgment. He essays to vindicate the idea that these men of prayer obtained at times from God a foreknowledge of the details of coming events. Now we would by no means presume to say that the Spirit of God may not, or does not, impress on the hearts of his praying people such feelings and convictions as serve to guide them in seasons of perplexity or danger ; but we can see no reason to claim for them the prophetic gift for which our author plead. When he urges in proof that " the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him," we cannot allow that "the secret of the Lord" means future events. It is explained in the next clause, " and will show them his covenant." God's covenant is his " secret " — the secret *' hid from the wise and prudent, but revealed unto babes." Moreover, as to the few examples given of prophetic foresight, we think they might without difficulty be explained, while some of them might with advantage be expunged.
We do not wish, however, to enlarge either on this subject or in this strain. We may simply express the hope that, if another edition be called for, this second part of the work may receive careful revision. It is extremely interesting, but unnecessarily open to adverse criticism. Some further sifting and elaborating of his materials would enable the author not merely to " cut off occasion from them which desire occasion," but to produce a more discriminating and therefore permanently valuable estimate of the lives and labours of the men he so justly reveres. At the same time we again heartily thank him for what he has done, and commend the volume to our readers as one from which they will derive both pleasure and profit.
The first edition of this book was published in Wick I believe. The 66 page book is mixture of 19th century Christianity and great snippets about a range of people. Included are the following and some of the places (Caithness and a bit of Sutherland in overall terms):
John Grant died Brubster May 1829, Mrs M'Kay Melness (Peggy M'Diarmid), Christina Mackenzie Kildonan, Mr Gordon Thurso 1820, James Macdonald catechist Reay, 1816 food shortage Donald Mackay Clashcreggan, James Macdonald Kildonan later catechist, Mr John Sutherland preaching at Halkirk, Mr Porteous parish of Kilmuir, William Calder catechist at Reay, Alexander Gair, Dr Macdonald, Mr Sinclair Thurso, John Tait, Neil Macpherson, Halkirk, Mr Tait the Minister, Mr David Steven, the farm house of Drakries, James Mackay Gerston, Francis Swanson, Mr Munro Halkirk, Mr James Sinclair corn merchant Wick, James Elder, Sandy Gair native of Tain, William Gunn, Latheron, Rev Davidson of Latheron, John Sutherland of Badbea born Ousdale 1789, Rev. Mackay Lybster, William Sutherland Braemore catechist at Latheron, Peter Stewart, William Calder, Dr Mackay Harris, Hon. Mrs Aylmer daughter of Lord Reay, Rev. Kennedy late of Redcastle, Norman Macleod of Cape Breton and Australia, John Mackintosh - Crash - of Eddarchillis 1798 army, Reay Fencibles, Sheriff Macculloch Dornoch, George Mackay Golticlay, Joseph Mackay Strathhalladale d 1847 Invernessshire, James Macdonald Reay, Waterloo, Mr Gordon, Hugh Campbell b 1744 Strathhalladale, Mr John Sutherland, Rev Pope Reay, Fort George, Mr William Campbell Halkirk, Rev. Finlay Cook, Alexander Sinclair, William Sinclair, Charles Gordon, John Gordon farmer Strathnaver, William Macrobb (or Mackay), Mr Alexander Sinclair, Neil Macpherson Halkirk, Mr Gordon's shop, George Brotchie Dunnet, John Berridge, William Macbeath Dunnet, Magnus Taylor, Forss, Olrig, Rev Gunn of Watten (see the following genealogy note), Hugh Campbell, William Ross teacher Sutherland and Clyth, Alexander Steven Olrig, John Doull, David Stephen b. 1790s Murza Bower, brothers Haldane, more on Rev. Gunn of Watten, William Macrae Strathy, John Macintosh Farr, Joseph mackay and Janet M'Leod Reay, Miss Reid India, Alexander Stewart David Budge Barrock, rec Munro Halkirk, Achreny Mission,Colin Campbell, Bower, 1831 Thurso, Rev M'Intosh, Rev Mr Taylor, 1835, Free Church 1863 type issues, david Steven, Donald Duff Stratherrick, Dr Kennedy Dingwall, Donald Miller Wick (shoemaker), Magnus Bain farm manager Noss, Andre Rugg Keiss, Mr A. Stephen, Donald Sutherland saddler Thurso, Pulteneytown Free Church, George Mackay Golticlay, more on Rev. Gunn Watten, George Mackay Rowens, Coilin Campbell Halkirk, Neil Macpherson, Donald Murray Olgrinmore, Robert Sutherland, Donald Gunn mason Calder, Donald Calder Brawl, Alexander Budge farmer Brabster Bower, Adam Bain, Thomas Andrew farmer Clayock, William Gurran Stemster. Alexander Waters, Peter Finlayson Smerral, John Bain Reaster, Magnus Bain Wick, James Coghill merchant Wick, Donald Mackay Wathegar, Willaim Mackay Roster, Alexander Mowat weaver Lynegar Watten, Alexander Alexanderson Bridge-end Watten, Alexander Andrew Sibster, Donald Stewart teacher Thurso, Edward Mackay came to Caithness in 1802 minister of the independent church, John Mackintosh Farr, Adam Bain Farr, David Budge, more on Rev Gunn, William Campbell son of Hugh Campbell Strathy, Rev. John Mackay, Mrs Mackay Shegra, Melness, James Macardie a native of Watten, William Sinclair Wick, Daniel Loutit, George Dunoon, Donald Dunbar, Donald George, William Gow, James Loutit ex-Provost of Wick, Catherine Ross Reisgill, Isobel Grant, Isobel Poison (true!), Catherine Tait wife of James Budge farmer Quarrycrook Halkirk, Anne Sutherland Banniskirk, Margaret Douglas Banniskirk, Margaret Sutherland Brawlbin, Marshall Douglas Forsie and her husband George Macdonald, Janet Macleod Sandside Reay, Mrs Mackay Thurso, Marion Mackay Strathtongue, Christina Mackay Achanaa, Jean Mackay Armadale, Finlay Cook, some of Auld's sermons and letters in, the sermons are 19th century (tedious) the letters are more interesting in particular one explaining about the letters and sermons of the Rev Alex Gunn 'unfortunately burnt', John Munro, Alexander Sinclair, Thurso, ( he letters are 1820s-1830s), Rev Finlay Cook, John Sutherland, David Budge, David Steven...
I make no claims to a complete list; I may well have left people out. Being mentioned can mean anything from just a name to a decent length description of the person...
There is enough in this book on a few Gunns to make the book of importance. There is even more about the religious life - and people - of the times in Caithness which applied to many of the Gunns there, as such this book provides a real feel into the 1800-1820ish period and deserves to be part of 'Gunn history'. This book was not used by Mark Rugg Gunn when writing his history.
*****
The Reverend Alexander Auld (who married Christina Barbara Ross Taylor) was brother to Jessie Auld who married John Gunn. John Gunn married Jessie (Janet) Auld in 1834; they emigrated to Nova Scotia. A child Johnina (Nina) was born there. They then went to Jamaica where John died in 1839 (see slave rebellion). The rest / some of the family then returned to Scotland before Nina emigrated to Victoria in July 1855 where she married Simon Grant. Other childen of John and Jessie included Alexander Gunn, George Gunn, James Gunn, Catherine Innes Gunn (died 1925 in Boston Mass.) and John.
Jessie Auld's parents were John Auld and Janet Horne Gunn 1792-1875) (with siblings the Rev. Alexander Gunn (often in the above book), James Gunn, Captain William Gunn, Helen Gunn and Catherine Gunn). Janet Horne Gunn's parents were John Gunn (23 October 1748 Watten died in Bower) and Jane Gunn (25 November 1751 Watten, died 1847 Watten).
Part Two
The following review is from pages 8-9 of 'The Presbyterian' March 1, 1869 (Conducted by Members of the Free Church of Scotland)-
A few years ago, the Rev. John Kennedy of Dingwall laid the Church under obligation by publishing his interesting account of the " Fathers of Ross-shire." The author of the volume before us has undertaken to render a similar service in regard to the " Fathers " of the still more northern districts of Caithness and the Reay country. The idea which is thus being wrought out is a happy one ; and we believe the example might with advantage be followed by others in various parts of Scotland. In several districts, fragrant memories exist of men of God who were the lights of the past generation ; and we cannot doubt that, if the lives and experiences of these men were sketched by competent hands, and their notable sayings recorded, our national religious literature would be in a very pleasing way enriched. The results would be not merely of local interest, but valuable contributions both towards the study of Christian character and towards the religious history of the country. And whatever can be done in this direction should be done without delay ; for years are fast thinning the ranks of these who could furnish the interesting details, and the characteristics themselves which these details express are fast disappearing — rubbed away by the currents of common opinion and common sentiment which the energy and invention of these days are steadily pouring into the remotest districts.
The field which personal and ministerial connections have led Mr. Auld to work, is one, as his book shows, of no ordinary fruitfulness. His sketches exhibit men of a marked and elevated type of Christian character, possessed in a remarkable degree of spiritual insight and power, because signally men of prayer. They were persons, too, as much and as deservedly loved as they were respected by all who knew and could appreciate them. It would have been a real loss if no effort had been made to preserve the features of their godly character ; and we therefore render the author our sincere thanks, and all the mere because of the interesting way in which he has done his work. Ho has produced what may be truly called an entertaining beok. In some parts there are evident marks of haste ; but it is fresh and vigorous throughout — full of graphic description, and sparkling with racy anecdotes. In the " far north," especially, where the memory of these worthies is embalmed in the hearts of the people, this record of them cannot fail to be very popular.
Under the head of " Ministers," five short memoirs aro given us. These we have read with much satisfac tion. They are written with care and with corresponding effectiveness. First in order, and also in fullness and excellence, is a memoir of the late Rev. Alexander Gunn of Watten, the father of the present Free Church minister there, and the spiritual father of some of the most valued Christians in that and other parishes. More than thirty years have elapsed since he entered into his rest ; but we rejoice that now at length a worthy tribute has been paid to the noble character of the man, and to the importance of the work he was honoured to effect in Caithness. It was through him more than any other single instrument, that the baneful reign of Moderatism in that county was brought to an end, and the gospel introduced in its life-giving, hallowing power. We are also glad to see two sketches of the Revs. Finlay and Archibald Cook ; men whose little peculiarities of manner — grossly exaggerated by thoughtless hearers, who could not look beneath the merest surface — have caused prejudices even in Christian quarters ; but of whom we can confidently say that no one of intelligence and right feeling could know them without holding them in reverence and love. The elder of the two brothers was the one more intimately connected with the north, and there he will be long remembered as a man of iron frame, of unwearying activity, of clear and original thought, of powerful speech, and withal of a singularly benignant and loving nature.
The second part of the volume is devoted to these known as the " Men," — a name not very suggestive. They were laymen of high Christian reputation, accustomed to take part in public religious meetings. As a class, they have been subjected in certain quarters to a good deal of ridicule and opprobrium, especially for having in some places held separate meetings on the Lord's-day, and sometimes ventured even to rebuke clerical sins and shortcomings. We have merely, however, to inquire as to the character of the clergy and pulpit ministrations half a century ago, in at least Highland and northern districts, to be convinced that it was of God's great mercy such persons were raised up and qualified to keep alive the light of vital godliness in these days of dark indifference. They were the real shepherds when the pulpits were occupied by hirelings. The position they filled was thrust upon them by the urgent wants of their time. Accordingly, in proportion as evangelical doctrine came to be proclaimed in the churches, the "Men" were gradually to be found gathering round these God-given pastors, esteeming them very highly in love, and aiding them as they could. Since the Disruption, they have taken their places as excellent and efficient elders in the various congregations of the Free Church.
The " Men " resembled in several respects the older Cameronians. They had the same grave deportment, the same strength of conviction, the same weight of character, and the same intimate acquaintance with their Bibles and the throne of grace. To these qualities their Celtic temperament added a fervidness of imagination and feeling which made their addresses abound with striking sayings. Their Celtic temperament explains also a marked leaning towards the supernatural. In respect to this, we regret to observe that our author is disposed to sympathize too unreservedly with them in their views. As we venture to think, he has allowed his admiration unduly to influence his judgment. He essays to vindicate the idea that these men of prayer obtained at times from God a foreknowledge of the details of coming events. Now we would by no means presume to say that the Spirit of God may not, or does not, impress on the hearts of his praying people such feelings and convictions as serve to guide them in seasons of perplexity or danger ; but we can see no reason to claim for them the prophetic gift for which our author plead. When he urges in proof that " the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him," we cannot allow that "the secret of the Lord" means future events. It is explained in the next clause, " and will show them his covenant." God's covenant is his " secret " — the secret *' hid from the wise and prudent, but revealed unto babes." Moreover, as to the few examples given of prophetic foresight, we think they might without difficulty be explained, while some of them might with advantage be expunged.
We do not wish, however, to enlarge either on this subject or in this strain. We may simply express the hope that, if another edition be called for, this second part of the work may receive careful revision. It is extremely interesting, but unnecessarily open to adverse criticism. Some further sifting and elaborating of his materials would enable the author not merely to " cut off occasion from them which desire occasion," but to produce a more discriminating and therefore permanently valuable estimate of the lives and labours of the men he so justly reveres. At the same time we again heartily thank him for what he has done, and commend the volume to our readers as one from which they will derive both pleasure and profit.