{"id":632,"date":"2022-07-16T17:46:56","date_gmt":"2022-07-16T16:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/?page_id=632"},"modified":"2022-07-16T18:08:56","modified_gmt":"2022-07-16T17:08:56","slug":"st-michaels-church-graves-of-robert-burns-contempories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.burnshowffclub.org\/howffblog\/?page_id=632","title":{"rendered":"St Michaels Church – Graves of Robert Burns Contempories"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
copyright of the Dumfries Burns Howff Club First Edition 1996 Second Edition 2009 Compiled by Bill Sutherland updated by Thomas Johnston <\/p>\n\n\n\n
INDIVIDUAL MARKER PLAQUES<\/strong> Showing positions of the graves of the Contemporaries of Robert Burns installed in St Michael\u2019s Church Yard by the Dumfries Burns Howff Club in 1996 The numbering of the plaques are as shown on the information Marker Plaque which Mr M.H.McKerrow had erected in the 1930\u2019s and this marker plaque is situated up on the right hand side of the Church <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
(16) Mausoleum
Past President W.A. Sutherland compiled the first edition of this booklet in 1996 in preparation for the Bi-Centenary of the Death of Robert Burns.
The Committee of the Burns Howff Club thought it would be a fitting tribute to him and Matthew McKerrow to update the publication for this the 250th Anniversary of the Poet\u2019s birth. It was both Bill\u2019s and Matthew\u2019s intention that by examining the names on the marker Plaque and further installing numbered plates, the individual graves can be quickly located while ambling through the Church Yard. The reasons for Mr McKerrow\u2019s choice of characters can be seen by following the brief resume on each of the contemporaries named on the marker plaque, while attempting to give some detail of the place each held in the life of the Poet.
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REV. Wm. BURNSIDE The minister of St Michael\u2019s when Robert Burns and Jean Armour were members. Burns wrote of Mr Burnside:- \u201cMr Burnside is a man whom I shall ever gratefully remember, and his wife \u2013 Gude forgie me! \u2026 simplicity, elegance, good sense, sweetness of disposition : in short – but if I say one more word about her, I shall be directly in love with her. \u201cDr Burnside wrote an excellent history of Dumfries , a resume\u2019 of which appeared in Sinclair\u2019s \u201c Statistical Account of Scotland \u201c. The manuscript copy of his work is in the possession of the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society. <\/li>
THOMAS GOLDIE Goldie was President of the Loyal Natives Club, a club which had a short existence, Burns snuffing it out by his audacious impromptu :- \u201c Ye true Loyal Natives, attend to my song, In uproar and riot rejoice the night long: From envy and hatred your corps is exempt, But where is your shield from the darts of contempt?\u201d The Goldies lived in Irish Street – a street parallel to the High Street in Dumfries. <\/li>
ROBERT CUTLAR AND WAUCHOPE RIDDELL Buried in the ancestral grave of the Fergussons and Riddells. Alexander Fergusson and Robert Riddell were, of course, contenders for the Whistle – an award for drinking one\u2019s companions under the table. Burns himself was an observer, though not a contestant, while staying at Ellisland. The contest was held at Friars\u2019 Carse, a large house near the Hermitage and the home of Robert Riddell. <\/li>
WM. HYSLOP AND JEAN MAXWELL In Robert Burns\u2019 day joint owners of what is now the Globe Inn. When this was the Globe Hotel, Burns described it as his \u201cfavourite howff \u201c<\/li>
JOHN BUSHBY This obelisk built by John Bushby in memory of his father, peculiar only bearing his father\u2019s name and that of another son, Thomas. For some years John Bushby, jnr. was an intimate friend of Robert Burns and then they became estranged. John Bushby\u2019s, jun\u2019s. tomb is unknown. Burns, in an ill\u0002tempered mood, wrote the well known epitaph :- \u201cHere lies John Bushby – honest man Cheat him, Devil – if you can !\u201d<\/li>
JAMES GRACIE Gracie was well-known banker and a Captain in the Royal Dumfries Volunteers. For upwards of twenty years he occupied the magisterial bench in Dumfries. He was an intimate friend of the Poet, and while the latter was attempting to find a remedy for his illness at the Brow Well, a few miles outside Dumfries, Gracie wrote enquiring after his health, offering the use of his carriage to bring him home. It is also believed that he tendered some pecuniary aid as well. Burn\u2019s reply to the letter is dated from the \u201cBrow, Wednesday morn, July 13th,\u201c only eight days before his death. In McDowall\u2019s \u201cBurns in Dumfriesshire,\u201d there appears the following epigram :- \u201cGracie, thou art a man of worth, O be thou Dean for ever ! May he be damn\u2019d to Hell henceforth Who faults thy weight or measure.\u201d<\/li>
MRS AGNES PEROCHON Right in the corner of the North and East walls is the grave where Robert Burns was originally buried in 1796, prior to his removal of his body, in 1815, to the Mausoleum. Mrs Perochon had shown great kindness to Jean Armour and, out of gratitude, Jean gave her the spot where Robert was first buried. Mrs Perochon was the wife of one Joseph Perochon, a Fench Royalist, who fled his country during the Revolution.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
As this is the original resting place perhaps we can take a brief moment to look back in time to the Poets earlier years. Robert Burns was born on 25th January, 1759, in a clay cottage (biggin) which his father had built in Alloway, Ayrshire. Robert, at six, attended the local school at Alloway Mill and his father engaged a private tutor, 18 year old John Murdoch. At seven, however, the Burns family moved to a farm at Mount Oliphant and at nine years of age, Tobert was working alongside his father. Robert during his earlier years read widely and tried to master French and Latin. At fifteen he had his first love affair with Nelly Kilpatrick, who was helping at the harvest. Two years later, in 1777, the family moved to another farm at Lochlie. Tarbolton was near at hand and there Burns started his famous Batchelors\u2019 Club. In 1784, however, after the death of his father, Robert and family moved to Mossgiel, an Ayrshire farm near Mauchline. Although he had short love affairs with many girls, it was Jean Armour, a girl from Mauchline, who captured his heart. Jean\u2019s father, for some reason or other, did not realise Burns\u2019 worth and did not approve of any intended marriage, eventually sending Jean off to Paisley. All this time Robert Burns had been writing poetry, and in 1786 had the Kilmarnock edition of his works published. Later in the same year he was treated as a celebrity by Edinburgh\u2019s society, which resulted in the Edinburgh edition of his works being published the following year. In 1788, Robert Burns moved to Ellisland, a farm on the outskirts of Dumfries, and Jean Armour joined him there. He had taken a six-week course in gauging under an Excise Officer at Torbolton, and successfully applied, while in Dumfriesshire, for a job with the Customs and Excise, Dumfries division. He was still writing poetry profusely, and while at Ellisland, wrote his famous \u2018Tam o\u2019 Shanter\u2019 in, as it is said, one day. After three years at Ellisland, Burns moved to Dumfries to another Excise post, that in the port division. Initially he settled in Bank Street, \u2018the Stinkin Vennel\u2019, in a house which is now named \u2018the Songhouse of Scotland\u2019, as, while there, he wrote many of his most famous songs. Not long afterwards he moved to a house in the Mill Vennel, barely 100 yards from St Michael\u2019s Church. This street has now been re-named Burns Street. There, in 1796, Robert Burns died, and after his funeral, which was attended by many thousands, he was interred in the grave now occupied by Mrs Perochon, who had just been mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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ROBERT JACKSON Jackson was a publisher of the second broadsheet newspaper in 1777. He did not have a great contact with Robert Burns whose fame at the time was only budding, not having reached its full flower. Jackson also published a weekly serial prior to 1777., 10 JOHN LEWARS Lewars was a Supervisor of Excise, and along with his son John, was a colleague and friend of Robert Burns in the Excise. Robert Burns received much useful information regarding his Excise duties from the son and maintained a friendship with him until his death. John Lewars jun., lived in Ryedale Cottage, which was latterly the site of a knitting factory. He died in 1826. John jun., was the brother of Jessie, who tended Burns on his deathbed. 11 REV. WILLIAM INGLIS Mr Inglis was a minister of Loreburn Church. When asked why he, on occasions, attended the \u2018Meeting House\u2019 Burns replied, \u201cI go to hear Mr Inglis because he preaches what he believes, and practices what he preaches.\u201d Mr Inglis, who attended Burns on his last illness, died in 1826, in the 62nd year of his ministry. Greatly loved by his congregation, this stone was erected by them as a testimony of the esteem in which he was held. Mr Inglis\u2019 eldest son became a chemist in Dumfries, and, when a lad took medicine to the dying poet, which had been prescribed ny Burns\u2019 good friend and physician, Dr Maxwell. 12 FRANCIS SHORTT Francis Shortt was Town Clerk during the time Burns was in Dumfries. During that period there were many changes both nationally and provincially. In his latter days, it is recorded, Shortt was a \u2018walking encyclopedia\u2019 of local events. He lived in Castle Street, Dumfries, and was Secretary of the Loyal Natives Club. 13 DAVID AND JESSIE STAIG David Staig was a banker and Collector of Customs in addition to being Provost of Dumfries. First chosen as Provost in 1783, he was re-elected seven times. A man of great influence in the Town he was instrumental in organising the building of Dumfries Academy and establishing a Mail Coach communication between Edinburgh, Dumfries and Portpatrick in 1808. He promoted the building of the New Quay and Buccleuch Street Bridge, as well as many other significant improvements. His daughter, Jessie, whose beauty, virtue and accomplishments are placed in permanent record in poetry of Burns, became the wife of Major William Miller of Dalswinton, but she unfortunately died at the early age of 26. Robert Burns said of her :- \u201cFresh is the rose in the gay, dewy morning, And sweet is the lily at evening close; But in the presence of lovely young Jessie, Unseen is the lily, unheeded the rose. 14 GEORGE GRAY Gray was a colleague of Burns in the Excise. \u2018The whole tenor of his life was unblemished, his conduct discreet, sincere and manly; his heart grateful and affectionate; a sincere Christian and an excellent husband, an anxious father and faithful friend\u2019 15 JOHN MITCHELL John Mitchell was Burns\u2019 superior officer in the Excise, both while at Ellisland and in Dumfries. He was an ancestor of James Weir Mitchell, the American novelist. Burns often consulted Mitchell about his poems, and after Mitchell\u2019s death a collection of poems in Robert Burns\u2019 handwriting was found among his possessions. Unfortunately Mitchell\u2019s family lost the manuscripts. Robert Chambers, a Burns\u2019 biographer, says that \u201cit may be added that Burns had a critical friend in Collector Mitchell, who, having been well educated with a design to the Church, possessed a mind not ill-qualified to judge of literary compositions.\u201d Burns himself wrote to Mitchell :- \u201cFriend of the Poet, tried and leal, Wha wanting thee might beg or steal; Alake, alake, the meikle Deil Wi\u2019 a\u2019 his witches Are at it, skelpin jig and reel In my poor pouches ! \u201c 16 MAUSOLEUM Around midnight on 19th September, 1815, the mortal remains of Robert Burns were transferred from there original resting-place to the Mausoleum by James Grierson, John Milligan and James Thomson, together with James Bogle, the Maxwell\u2019s gardener, assisted by some of his cronies. Burns coffin was in an advanced state of decay compared with the coffins of his children. The macabre scene is described by William McDowall in his \u201cHistory of Dumfries\u201d as follows ;- \u2018at first glance, Burns\u2019 dead body appeared to be very well preserved, suggesting one who had just sunk into the slumber of death, the lordly forehead of the dreamless sleeper still rising arched and high, the dome of thought covered with hair still dark as a raven\u2019s wing, and the teeth still retaining their original whiteness and regularity. The scene was so imposing that most workmen stood bare and uncovered, and at the same time felt their frames thrilling with some indefinable emotion as they gazed on the ashes of him whose fame is as wide as the world itself. But the effect was momentary; for when they proceeded to insert a shell or case below the coffin, the head separated from the trunk, and the whole body, with the exception of the bones, crumbled into dust.\u2019 The inscription on the stone inside the Mausoleum is badly prosaic, yet eloquently simple :- In memory of Robert Burns who died the 21st July, 1796 in the 37th year of his age. Prominent among those thinking along the lines of a monument were John Syme and William Grierson. ( John Syme – Stamp Shop Johnnie \u2013 is buried in Troqueer Cemetry across the River Nith.). Sir Henry Duncan, minister of Ruthwell Church and founder of the Savings Bank, and Grierson were, in fact, joint secretaries of the Mausoleum Committee, with Sir Walter Scott assisting in the fund\u0002raising for the memorial. About fifty designs were submitted and the plans of Thomas Hunt of London eventually approved. The foundation stone was laid, with full Masonic honours on June 5th ,<\/li>
The mural sculpture of an Italian, Peter Turnerelli was chosen for the interior — this gentleman not long after receiving the freedom of Dumfries. In 1834 the vault of the Mausoleum was again opened to receive the mortal remains of Jean Armour. Mrs Burns was buried on the 1st April of that year and her coffin was carried shoulder-high from the Midsteeple in the centre of Dumfries, with the great crowds striving to touch the coffin, which was a mark of respect in those days. While the vault was open, a number of gentlemen, who had received prior authority, descended into the vault and obtained a cast of the Poet\u2019s skull with a view to examining it and attempting to deduce the power of the brain. Now with his wife and family, the Poet sleeps peacefully \u2018For him no more the blazing hearth shall burn, Or busy housewife ply her evening care: No children run to lisp their sire\u2019s return Or climb his knee the envied kiss to share.\u2019 (Gray)<\/li>
JAMES McLURE Buried within the precincts of the Mausoleum because he was a very good friend of the Poet\u2019s, and, after Burn\u2019s death, James McClure was active and successful in his own endeavours to promote the interests of the family. Robert Burns said of him, \u2018he is a man who, by his punctuality, his integrity, his benevolence and the uniform uprightness of his character, conferred respectability on the humble situation of a letter carrier.\u2019 After quitting the precincts of the Poet\u2019s Tomb, we may say with Campbell ;- \u201cFarewell, high chief of Scottish song! That could\u2019st alternately impart Wisdom and rapture in the page, And brand each vice with satire strong; Whose lines are mottos of the heart, Whose truths electrify the sage. Farewell, and ne\u2019er may envy dare To wring one baleful poison drop From the crush\u2019d laurels of thy bust; But while the lark sings sweet in air, Still may the grateful pilgrim stop To bless the spot that holds thy dust\u201d 18 JESSIE LEWARS Jessie was the daughter of the Supervisor of Excise and sister of John Lewars , a colleague of Robert Burns in the Excise Service. As is well known, Burns was rarely able to leave his room from April, 1796, until his death in July of that year, and during that period Jessie rendered invaluable assistance to Jean Armour. She is remembered through two lyrics from Buens\u2019 pen, \u2018 Here\u2019s Health to Ane I lo\u2019e dear\u2019 and \u2018O wert thou in the Cauld Blast.\u2019 Jessie, who married James Thomson, a well-known write in Dumfries, died on the 26th of May, 1855. 19 ADAM RANKINE Rankine was described as an active, bustling, enterprising and warm-hearted gentleman who was Governor of the local Savings Bank. He also formed a Volunteer Artillery Corps, of which he was made chief officer. 20 JAMES CRICHTON Elizabeth Crichton was the eldest daughter of Sir Robert Grierson of Lag. In life, she was the antithesis of her infamous ancestor — Grierson of Lag, persecutor of the Covenanters. As trustee and executor of her husbands estate, she gave to Dumfries the Crichton Royal Institution or Crichton Royal Hospital as it is today. Known worldwide for the treatment and care of the mentally ill, the Crichton, with its magnificent buildings and tranquil grounds, is situated within the Southern environs of the Burgh. 21 ROBERT MUNDELL Robert Mundell, a tobacconist, was well-known for his friendship with Burns, as was his sister\u2019s husband, Gabriel Richaedson, who was abrewer in the Town. Mundell also had a brother who was a doctor. 22 COLONEL ARCHIBALD McMURDO Mr McMurdo was a son of John McMurdo, Chamberlain to the Duke of Queensberry at Drumlanrig Castle. Robert Burns, while at Ellisland, became friendly with Mr McMurdo, sen., and wrote at least three songs about his daughter, Miss Philadelphia McMurdo. The best known, possibly, being one beginning :- \u201c Adown winding Nith I did wander, To mark the sweet flowers of the Spring; Adown winding Nith I did wander Of Phillis to muse and sing.\u201d 23 GABRIEL RICHARDSON Gabriel Richardson was a brewer in Dumfries and also a leading Councillor, who, at a later date, became Provost. Richardson had a house in Nith Place, which is quite near Burns Street, and the Poet was a welcome and familiar guest at Gabriel\u2019s house at any time. 24 JOHN McDIARMID Editor of the \u2018Dumfries and Galloway Courier\u2019 and recording the daily ongoings of the community, both social and political., McDiarmid was regarded as a \u2018guide, philosopher and friend, to a complete generation of citizens\u2019. He left a mark upon the minds of the population which was not effaced when his pen of power fell from his fingers which had used it for so long as a sceptre.<\/li>
COL. de PEYSTER Col. Arent de Peyster trained the Dumfries Volunteers, of which, of course, Robert Burns was a member. He survived Burns by some twenty-six years, dying at the ripe old age of 96. A verse of his own is inscribed on his tombstone;- \u201cRaise no vain structure o\u2019er my grave\u0002One simple stone is all I crave; To say below a sinner lies, Who died in hopes again to rise, Through Christ alone, to be forgiven, And fitted for the joys of heaven.\u201d<\/li>
GEORGE HAUGH Haugh was a \u2019douce, honest,blacksmith\u2019 who was treated by Burns on a \u2018familiar footing as a neighbour\u2019. He lived above Burns in Bank Street.<\/li>
MRS EVERY MILLER (FRANCES EVERY) Frances Every was the second wife of Major William Miller, whose father was the celebrated Patrick Miller of Dalswinton — who set Robert Burns up at Ellisland. Major Miller\u2019s first wife was the lovely Jessie Staig forementioned.<\/li>
WILLIAM SMITH A prosperous trade in Robert Burns\u2019 day was that of a barbour and such was William Smith. He dealt in hair-powders, pigtails, wigs and perfumery. As a youth he frequently saw Burns and gave his recollection of the Poet, describing his eyes as \u201cpiercing, lustrous, like orbs of fire\u201d.<\/li>
WILLIAM WALLACE A devoted friend and admirer of Burns, he was a writer in Dumfries. After the Poet\u2019s death he was zealous in his efforts for the welfare of the family.<\/li>
DAVID WILLIAMSON A draper in the Town, David Williamson supplied the Bard with his uniform as a Volunteer . His wife was a niece of the celebrated John Paul Jones, who is credited with founding the American Navy.<\/li>
CAPTAIN JOHN HAMILTON Capt. Hamilton was Robert\u2019s landlord while he lived in his first house in Dumfries, in the Wee or Stinkin\u2019 Vennel (Bank Street). As a friend and admirer of the Poet, He occasionally invited Burns to dinner.<\/li>
DR ARCHIBALD BLACKLOCK Dr Blacklock played a leading part in obtaining the cast of Robert Burns\u2019 cranium for phrenological purposes. One of the few casts now in existence may be seen at the Robert Burns Centre.<\/li>
JOHN BLACKLOCK – on gravestone THOMAS BLACKLOCK – contemporary Though from a poor background. Thomas Blacklock was well-educated and was eventually ordained as Parish Minister at Kirkcudbright. He was blinded at the age of three, being a smallpox victim, and before the age of nineteen lost both his parents through a tragic accident. He was a good friend and great admirer of Robert Burns as well as being an excellent poet in his own right, publishing a small volume of Miscellaneous Pieces, which was highly acclaimed. The stone appears to have been erected in memory of his father, John Blacklock, and the inscription reads ;- \u201cHere drop, Benevolence, thy cordial tear! A friend of human kind reposes here; A mind content himself and God to know; A heart with ev\u2019ry virtue form\u2019d to glow; A soul superior to each mean disguise; Truth\u2019s sacred voice and Pity\u2019s melting eyes. Beneath each pressure uniformly great; In life untainted, unsurprised by fate; His God beheld his suffering worth sincere, And bade it shine in Heaven, it\u2019s genuine sphere!\u201d 34 THOMAS WHITE This stone was erected by friends and pupils of Thomas White, who was a highly regarded mathematician and taught at Dumfries Academy for forty years. A man who was held in great esteem by all who knew him, he taught the sons of Robert Burns and also John Richardson, later Sir John Richardson the great explorer.<\/li>
JAMES McNEIL Although he was not a cronie of Robert Burns, Mr McNeil\u2019s sister, who acted as his housekeeper, used to remark that \u2018she aye kend ticht weel when her brother had been spending his nichts wi\u2019 the Poet.\u2019<\/li>
MARY McLAUCHLAN Mary, the wife of Andrew Nicholson, a shoemaker, when young, was in the service of James McClure, a letter carrier mentioned earlier. She was, in later years, the devoted attendant of Robert Burns on his death-bed, and also gave valuable assistance to Cromek when that indefatigable collector was preparing his \u2018Reliques of Burns.\u2019 In 1813, Jean Armour took Mary into her own household, and, finding her sensible and trustworthy, treated her more as a companion than as a dependant. On Mary\u2019s marriage to Andrew Nicholson, Jean gave them six chairs \u2013 one of which can be seen in Burns\u2019 House today. 37 SAMUEL CLARK(E) ??? Samuel Clark(e) was conjunct Commissary Clerk and Clerk of the Peace for the County of Dumfries. His remains lie behind the rear of the Church. He was a friend of Robert Burns to whom the Poet wrote on one occasion following the night when he, Burns, had expressed a political opinion to the annoyance of a certain Captain Dods.<\/li>
MAXWELL\u2019S VET\u2019RAN CHIEF Burn\u2019s famous lines to Maxwell were written on the latter\u2019s 71st birthday \u201cBut for thy friends \u2013 and they are mony, Baith honest men and lassies bonnie \u2013 May couthie fortune kind and cannie, In social glee, Wi\u2019 mornings blythe and e\u2019enings funny Bless them and thee. \u201c<\/li>
MRS JOHN McMURDO ( JANE BLAIR) Jane was the wife of John McMurdo AND DAUGHTER OF Provost Blair. While at Ellisland, Robert Burns wrote to Jane in appreciation of kindness shown on a previous visit. To Jane\u2019s daughter. Jean, Burns wrote:- \u201cThere was a lass and she was fair, At Kirk and market to be seen; When a\u2019 the fairest maids were there The fairest maid was bonnie Jean\u201d<\/li>
DAVID NEWALL David Newall was a friend of Robert Burns. There is not much on his headstone, unlike many other memorials in the Churchyard, in fact it is singularly unique in its simplicity.<\/li>
WILLIAM CLARK Very little is known about William Clark, but he was Provost of Dumfries from 1786 to 1788 — the period just prior to Robert Burns\u2019 arrival in the area.<\/li>
WILLIAM THOMSON Thomson was a gentleman of high moral worth and culture, who became Provost of the Burgh in<\/li>
It was to Thomson that Burns consigned his present of \u201cDe Holme on the British Constitution.\u201d Again he was a friend of Robert Burns.<\/li>
CROSBIE OF HOLM The headstone commemorating the Crosbies of Holm, near the entrance gate, is, unfortunately now rather broken. Robert Burns often used to direct his course to their house when it was occupied by Robert Riddell and his accomplished wife, Maria Woodley. Burns was, for a long time, on intimate terms with Maria.<\/li>
MRS DAVID McCULLOCH (JANET McCULLOCH) Janet was the wife of David McCulloch, whom Burns trysted to accompany him when he made the tour of Galloway. The \u2018Laird of Ardwall,\u2019 as David was known, administered a practical rebuke to those who, in Robert Burns\u2019 darkest days, were for ignoring him in the High Street of Dumfries, he did this by greeting the Bard with he utmost cordiality and accompanying him to his house.<\/li>
ALEXANDER DOUGLAS. Alexander Douglas was a merchant and also a friend and contemporary of Robert Burns. His father was a wig maker in Dumfries<\/li><\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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