CHAPTER NINE

AN AYRESHIRE FAMILY. NOTES AND TESTAMENTS

FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF SCOTLAND.

AN AYRSHIRE FAMILY

Alexander Niven, born 1759, 1icenced by the Presbytery of Ayr, 4 October 1786; presented to Presbytery of Dunkeld (parishes of Dunkeld and Dowally) by John, Duke of Athol; 22 February and ordained 18 Ju1y 1793; also presented by His Grace to Little Dunkeld, 20 June 1805 and resigned in August. D.D. St. Andrews 2 March 1816. He died 3 November 1833, in his 74th year and the 41st of the ministry.

It is told of him that on his second appearance in the pulpit and after he had advanced some length in the service, his acquaintance Burns, the poet, entered the church. Dr. Niven was instantly affected with a tremor and embarrassment, which was among the first tokens of that involuntary respect afterwards paid to the poet's great genius.

Dr. Niven was a person of good abilities, which were carefully improved by education and knowledge of the world. He married, 5 May 1794, Susanna Stewart, only daughter of Captain Dick of Auchnagee, she died 31 March 1834. Their issue:

1. Alexander Niven, minister of Balfour.

1. Alexander Niven, A.M. the eldest son of Rev Dr. Niven, took his degree at St. Andrews in 1817(St. Andrew’s catalog); licensed by Presbytery of

Dunskeld 28 August 1821; presented by Thomas Robert, Earl of Kinnoul, 19 July 1824, and ordained 17 March 1825; rebuilt the church in 1832; published "An Account of the Parish". He married 21 September 1829, Eliza, only daughter of the Rev Dr. Brown of Glasgow. They had issue:

2. Thomas Brown William Niven, of whom later

3. Frederick Niven, a probationer.

4. Eliza Susanna Niven

3. Charles Murray Niven, youngest son of Rev Dr. Niven, held an Alexander bursary at St. Andrews 12 March 1831; licensed by Presbytery of Dunkeld 29 August 1826; presented by John Duke of Athol, in August and ordained 4 December 1828. He died 19 December 1835 in his 35^th year and the eighth of his ministry.

He married, 11 February 1833, Susan Rush, which caused certain parishioners to institute a lebel against him, ultimately withdrawn.

A dispute having arisen in the charge of Dunkeld and Dowally that few of the parishioners could understand English, the Presbytery replied that - harmonious calls had been given by the parishioners since time immemorial for Lowland ministers and Ministers ignorant of Gaelic, viz. Dr. Alexander Niven in 1793, and the Rev Mr. C. M. Niven in 1833, and that no objection had been raised against them on that ground; that in l833 "The Whole Heads of Families" in the parish of Dowally had expressed their complete satisfaction with the manner in which the Rev C. M. Niven had performed his ministerial duties and it was their wish that he should resume his ministry among them; and that the people of Dowally were delighted with Mr. Niven’s assistant who was altogether ignorant of Gaelic. The appeal was withdrawn.

Charles Murray Niven and his wife Susan Rush had no issue.

2. Thomas Brown William Niven, the Very Rev T.B.W. Niven, D.D. Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 1906-07. Born, Manse of Balfour 1834; married 1867, Alice, daughter of Lieut.-Gen. George Stewart. Issue two sons, three daughters. Educated Edinburgh University. Assistant Minister at St.. George’s, Edinburgh, 1858. Minister of Cranstoun, Midlothian, 1859; Tron Parish, Glasgow 1868. Linlithgow 1872. Pollokshields, from 1876.

Publications: "The Church of Scotland, Past aid Present" "The Church and Religious Disunion." Articles on ecclesiastical subjects to the press; sermons on special occasions. Address: Pollokshields, N.B. 40 Northumberland St. Edinburgh, Club–Conservative. Edinburgh. Died 17 December 1914.

ABSTRACTS OF TESTAMENTS – PERTHSHIRE

Testament of the late John Newing maltman in Perth...who died in the pest in the month of November 1584. Given up by himself at Perth 17 October said year. º 165-2/- owing to him. Latter will 17 Oct 1585 (sic). He leaves to Cristiane Lawsoun and hir bairns his mother sister 100 merks. To Jonet Lawson and her bairns his mother sister 100 merks. To Alexander Leis 10 merks, Helen Gordon 10 merks, Adam Nensone 5 merks. Thomas Gibsoun executor. Confirmed 2 June 1586.

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William Neving maltman burgess of Perth who died 25 October 1608. Sum of Inventary º 58-13-4. Debts due to defunct º 432-1-8. Debts due by him º 227-6-8. Free geir º 263-8-10 To be divided in 2 parts; dead’s part is º 132-14-2. Latter Will 23 Oct 1608: he leaves his part of the goods and debts to John Neving his son and failing him by death in this present plague to Margaret Neving in Wester Fordell his sister the sum of º 100, and after his debts are paid, he leaves the residue to John Neving burgess of Perth his brother, and appoints him his executor and tutor to his said son. Confirmed 20 May 1609.

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9 June 1662 Bond Andro Burt in ---Andro Tosche in Dunchell tenants to John Moncreiffe in Corshills to Ninian Nivin in Ardargie for 300 merks. At Abernethie and Auchtermuchtie 19 and 20 November 1661.

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Mariote Neven of Schethorh myll, 14 Jan 1549. She appoints Gavin Cherye her spouse and Thomas Cherye her son her executives. Confirmed Jan 1550.

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Patrick Neving skinnar burgess of Perth died 3 March 1620, Patrick Nevan, younger skinner burgess of Perth is a witness. Inventary º 60. Debts due to defunct º 621-6-8. Debts owed by defunct º 411-6-8. Latter Will: he leaves the following legacies (1) Mariote Burnes his oy 40/- (2) the rest of his third part to the said Mariot Burnes brethren and sisters equally amongst them, and the equal half of his third part to the bairns of Alexander Neving his son equally between them, and he appoints the said Alexander Neving his sole executor. Confirmed 4 March 1620.

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John Niving merchant burgess of Perth, 24 April 1621. Inventary º 20

Debts owing defunct º 450-0-8. Debts by defunct º 772-6-8. Latter Will: Janet Donaldson his spouse executrix. Confirmed 27 July 1621.

George Neving in Pitquhamertie, parish or Fortaviot, shire of Perth, deceased intestate February 1624. George Neving his lawful son. Confirmed 6 July 1625. _____

James Niven Ouilldrain parish Tullibody, died April 1662. Andrew and Elspet Nivens his lawfull children. Confirmed 23 April 1663.

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Andrew Niven in Loanhead Baglie, parish of Drone, died October 1666. He appoints Issobel Gray his spouse his only executrix ordains her to be comptable and make payment to John, Thomas and Andrew Niven bairnes lawful of the just half of the goods. Confirmed 4 April 1667.

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William Nevin in Eastside of Carnbo, parish of Forroway, died April 1680. Inventary º 480. Owed to deceased º 59. Owing by deceased to Cristiane Nevin in Eastsyde, James Kid in Fossoway et al. º 367-6-8 Janet Kid his spouse, he leaves his third to Henrie Nevine his son and the rest of his free geir to be divided equally among Robert, Henry and Margaret Nevines his lawful bairnes. Robert Nevine in Eastsyde is cautioner. Confirmed 20 Sept 1683.

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David Nevin fewar in Alyth and Issobell Mitchell his spouse who died respectively in May and June 1740. His goods were exposed to public Roup and amongst the purchasers appear Elspeth Nevin, James Nevin, David Nevin. Confirmed 29 July 1742.

DUMBARTONSHIRE

12 April 1683. Indenture between Jon Nevine merchant traveller between Scotland and England on one part and David Nevin lawful son to umquhile John Nevine chirugeon burgess of Dumbarton with consent of Archibald
Nevin in Cardross and Helen Stewart his mother whereby the said David becomes bound apprentice to the said Jon Nevine to learn the business of selling and retailing cloth for 3 years. Glasgow 6 July 1680.

DUMFRIESSHIRE

Janet Kirkpatrick and William Nevine in Fandinmalloch her husband she deceased June 1681, mentions daughter Jean Nevine.

KINROSS

3 December 1608. Robert Neving in Planis, parish of Forgandenny, shire of Kinross who deceased in the month... 1608. Given up by him at Planis 15 March 1608, witnesses George Neving in Pitquhanartie, Thomas Martiall there, Andro Neving at the Wod of Condie, Thomas Neving in Rossie, Henry Neving there &c. Inventary º 1566. No debts owing to defunct. Defunct owes to...Katherine Condie, servitor to umquhile Thomas Neving,. . .Alexander brother to the defunct, Ard Mustart servitor to said Robert Neving. "Elspet Mertiall moder to said Robert Neving." Sum of these debts º 483-18-4. Free geir º 1082-1-8. Divided in 2 parts; Dead’s part is º 541-0-10. John Neving his son and Alexander Neving his brother are executors, he ordains them to pay his debts and distribute his free geir to Johne and Margaret, Marioun and Elspet Nevings his lawful children. Hew Craigie, Thomas and Henry Nevings are overseers.

FIFESHIRE

7 July 1556. Thomas Maknevin one of the arbiters in the [?]lands of Auchtermukty which Alexander Gylmour resigned &c.

14 Dec 1552. Gift to Henry Douglas of Innercrocht of the escheat of the goods &c of George Nevene in Strowyhill, Thomas Neven, Robert Nevene & Walter Nevene his sons and now in the Queen’s hands through their being fugitive from law; convict or at home for the crimes therein specified." At Edinburgh. (xxx.24)

James Nevene Couper burgess of Kirkaldy died 4 Oct 1578. John Neven his brother is executor. Debts due by John Nevene his eldest son…Thomas Nevene in Strowyhill. Debts due to. . . Aleson Nevene in Kirkaldy. Free gear º 111-0-8. Latter Will 3 Oct 1578 he leaves all his goods and gear to his bairnes. Confirmed 15 June 1579.

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Elspet Niven spouse to James Paton, baxter burgess of Kirkaldy. 11 February 1676.

Dunfermline births. James Niven and Katherine Kilgour a son called Thomas, baptised 30 Sept 1683.

Dunfermline parish register. The 8 day Walter Clune was married to Katherine Nevin, March 1561, 62.

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Bond (William Hair mariner burgess of Bruntisland to Helen Neiveing lawful daughter of John Neiveing for 100 merks. At Bruntisland 30 April 1678.

RENFREWSHIRE

Mathow Neving of Cult), parish of Renfrew, died January 1610. Debts due to bairns procreat betwixt Jonet Ros his spouse and James McIndo her former husband of their father’s estate º 133-6-8. James Johnston and Jonet Glen servants their wages º 4-53/4 respectively. Free gear º 384 Latter will 16 January 1610. He nominates Joney Ros his spouse and James Neving his son executors at the sight and direction of James McIndo in Monsend of Jordanhill whom he nominates overseer to them— he leaves the Whaill frie guidis abovewritten, dettis being payit to be equallie dividit betuix the said Jonet Ros my spouse and said James Neving my lawful son after my deceis and ordains the said Jonet to entertain the said James her son and to have the use of his part of said goods, till she marry again in which event the said overseer to receive the said James Neving and his goods from her and he to entertain and upbring him till he attain perfect age. Confirmed 6 December 1614.

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Register of Marriages and Baptisms, Parish of Kilbarchan.

Hugh Niven, parish of Lochwinnoch and Jean Speir, m 16 July 1691.

Jean baptised 24 June 1694. Witnesses, Robert Speir in Clochodrick and Alexander Speir in Kiblestoun.

John Nivine and Marion Nivine, m 25 March 1651.

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16 April 1682. John son to John Neevin and Margaret Cleeminy in Corbert, Witnesses, John and James Orrs.

John Nivine in Corslert, and Margaret Cleemy

Margaret, 25 April 1675

Jean, 24 June 1677

Katherine, 24 August 1679

John, 16 April 1682

Margaret, 4 Feb 1683

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John Nivine and Agnes Bar, in Lochwinnoch. James, 5 January 1679.

John Nivin and Janet Jackson in Greenside, 1700 in Albanay

Hugh, 21 March 1697

John, 18 August 1700

21 March 1697. Witnesses, Robert Speir and William Houston in Kirktoun.

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Patrick Nivine and Agnes Montgomery in Lawmarnock.

Robert, 18 October 1674

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William Niven in Clochrig, and Margaret Cordiner

Patrick, 12 April 1702

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William Niven and Euphemia Muirhead

Elspa, 1 March 1741

William, 20 May 1744

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William Niven and Euphan Muir, 1750 in Forehouse

William, 20 May 1744

Margaret, 2 April 1746

William 15 May 1748

Lillias, 17 May 1748

Lillias, 31 May 1752

William, 20 November 1754 (Euphan Monro)

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William Niven in Kilbarchan, and Margaret Chapman, parish of Houstoun 18 December 1767.

John, born 30 January 1769

POLL TAX ROLL, LOCHWINNOCH 1695

The Parish of Lochwinnoch is in the upper ward of Renfrewshire, presbytery of Paisley.

Gavan and Risk. Robert Nivine, heritor in Risk, 45 lib value, 1 lib 6s Margaret Biggert, spouse 6 s. . .1-12-0

James Kirkwood, weiver 12s trade and pole; Isso Nivine his spouse Robert Barclay, weiver; Jonnet Nivine spouse.

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Lands of Castletemple. James Nivine, trade and pole 12 s. Jonet Moodie his spouse.

Hugh Nivine, cotter, 11 lib 13s 4d value. 2s 4d; Mary Biggert his spose.

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Auchinbathie Wallace. John Nivine, heritor, 40 merks value. 1 lib 6s; Issobell King spouse 6s (she payed in Pasley) with Gavin Carswall; Jennet and James, childreine each 6s.

Hugh Nivine, merchant, worth 500 and not 5000 mks. 2 lib 16s; Jean Speir his spouse 6s; John Nivine his father 6s.

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Testaments, Commissariot of Glasgow.

John Nivin in Corber and Janet Wilson his spouse, Kilbarchan 27 March 1666.

John Nevin in Auchinbathie, Lochwinnoch, 17 February 1727

Marion Nevin spouse to John Nevin in Corber Kilbarchan.

Agnes Stevenson spouse to John Nivine portioner of Braidfield, Lochwinnoch, 19 January 1666.

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Greenock Births (West)

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Testament of umquhile Jean Niven, shopkeeper in Greenock relict of the also deceased James Scott, Couper there. John Murray son of the deceased John Murray, shipmaster in Greenock. . . nearest in kin to the defunct Jean Niven. . . Inventary consists of the Stock in Trade in the defunct’s shop (a Drapery Establishment) and the insight and plenishing of her house Inventary º 42 – 16/8 sterling. Confirmed at Glasgow 8 Feb 1750. William Alexander merchant at Greenock is cautioner.

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Register of Deeds

Mackenzie Office. 14 June 1665. Obligation by John Drew younger merchant burgess of Glasgow to James Neving, meilman in- dweller there of the sum of 160 merks scots. Dated Glasgow 21 April 1663.

Dalrymple Office– 15 June 1664. Bond John Pettingrew weaver burgess of Glasgow to Margaret Gemill spouse to James Neving mealman burgess thereof in the name of Thomas Neving her lawful son for º 40. At Glasgow 18 June 1658. Charles Gray merchant burgess of Glasgow is cautioner.

Same office– 4 December 1689. Contract dated at Glasgow 22 August 1688 between James Neiven maltman burgess of Glasgow on one part James and John Roninsons, John Dunlop and John Duncan all indwellers in Renfrew and John Storie in Inchinnen on the other part; whereby he sells to them 100 bolls of the Laird of Airth’s own ferme meall, with 2 bolls free to the haill bargain and shall carry the same from Airth Glasgow upon his own expense. They agreeing to pay º 6 Scots per boll.

The Testament &c of umquhile Margaret Gemle, relict of James Niving meilman burgess of Glasgow wha decesit in the month of August 1664. Faithfully maid and given up be herself in so far as concerns the nomination of the executors and by John Walter, bonet maker burgess of Glasgow as executor Testamentar decerned to her. Inventary º 114.

Debts awand in. Item there was awand to the defunct be John Niving, writer º 9. Be William Finlay, notar º 4. Debts awand out. Item the defunct was awand to John Buchanan of hous maill º 22 to Agnes Sinklair and Mary Wallace for the both of them for attendance on her the tym of her lang sickness º 6. Sum of debts out º 28. No Division. Latter Will and Legacie – At Glasgow 2 August 1664, the said Margaret being weak and sick in body but haill in spirit &c. . . constitutes John Walter, bonnetmaker in Glasgow her onlie executor, lykas she leaves to Thomas Niving, her onlie sone and failing of him be decease within the yearis of minority, to Mathew Rowand, write in Glasgow, the said John Walter, executor and John Duncan, tailor there, equally between them, all her goods sums of money &c (Written be John Wilson, Writer in Glasgow) [before?]these witnesses John Rae, bookbinder burgess of Glasgow, John Arie merchant burgess of Glasgow. Confirmed at Glasgow 17 March 1665. John Duncan tailor burgess of Glasgow is cautioner.

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Testament of umquhile Jonet Robb, spous to James Niving, maltman in Glasgow quha deceasit April 1675. Given up by James her husband Inventary º 132. No debts awand in. Debts out º 645-13-4. So debts exceed goods. Confirmed at Glasgow, 21 May 1675.

Glasgow Burgess Roll

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Testament of umquhile George Niving Cordiner in Glasgow. . . Jean Neving his only child. . . and now spouse to John Russell, maltman in Glasgow The Dead’s Latter will and Testament. Appoints his daughter Jean sole executrix and declares that in case the said Jean die before her marriage or age of 21 years he leaves to George and Marion Risks children lawfully procreat between the deceased ---Risk, maltman in Glasgow and Elspeth Robb, spouses and Elspeth and Margaret Nivings daughters of the deceased Thomas Niving, tailor in Glasgow equally among them the sum of 1000 merks Scots. . . he appoints John Woddrop, Cordiner late baillie of Glasgow and Mr. James Simpson, Minister of the Gospel at Drummellich and Mary Simpson the defunct’s spouse, Curators to the said Jean Niving during her minority. Confirmed at Glasgow 14 January 1718. John Russell, writer in Edinburgh is cautioner.

Glasgow Burgess Roll. George Neving, Cordiner Burgess and Guild Brother 5 February 1691.

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The Testament of umquhile James Nevin, junior merchant of Glasgow... mentions his son William Nevin. John Balantine a just and lawful creditor of the said deceased James Niven in the sum of º 1-1/- Sterling money as the price of a pair of Boots also in the sum of º 8-5/- as the price of shoes all furnished to the said defunct. . . Hugh Dick, merchant in Glasgow owed the defunctº 10 sterling. Confirmed at Glasgow 29 May 1760.

The Testament &c of umquhile James Niven, junior Merchant in Glasgow who died in 1757. Given up by James Niven senior merchant in Glasgow his father and lawful Creditor. . . for º 355-14/- sterling. º 9 17/6 sterling was owed to defunct by George Black and Co Merchants in Glasgow. Confirmed at Glasgow 9 Sept 1771 William Niven, merchant in Glasgow is cautioner.

GLASGOW BURGESS ROLL

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Register of the Privy Seal. Wife of the Nonentry of º 10 Land of Innerkip in shire of Renfrew to Thomas Nevin servitor to John Wylie, writer to H.M. chancery which pertained to umquhile Margaret Maxwell relict of Archibald Stewart of Catlemilk. 8 Nov 1586.

SHIRE OF LANARK

At Falkland 1 August 1586. The King confirms Charter of the late James Archbishop of Glasgow (who was with consent of the Dean, president and chapter of the Canons of Glasgow) at feuferm dimitted to John Neving (in Lumloch) his heirs and assignees 16/8 lands of old extent of Lumloch (occupied by him) with part of the Mill of Badlay in the barony and Regality of Glasgow and shire of Lanark - Rendering yearly to the said Archbishop 14/4 w firlots 2 5/6 pecks "brasil" 2 firlots 2 5/6 pecks horse corn 1 boll 2 1/6 pecks "farine avenatice" for dry multure 2 capons 1/2 gallim also 8d of augmentation and compearing at three head pleadings

at Glasgow - doubling the feuferm of money at the entry of the heir with precept of Sasine directed to John Anderson, chamberlain to the said Archbishop. Witnesses, Mr. Robert Fullertoun, Fergus Kennedy, John Mathie. At Glasgow 7 June 1581.

Testament of umquhile John Neving in Lumloche in shire of Lanark who died 31 March 1594. Inventary º 253-12-4. Debt due by William Scot in Newhouses º 12-10/- for mare. Debts due to --------Maister of the Grounds --------James Blair wobster in Glasgow, John Lacht in Garnkirk, Archibald Rankeine, Margaret Burnesyde, Jonet Neving his lawful dochter gotten betuixt him and umquhile Katherine Watsoun his spouse, º 53-6-8 of bairn’s part of gear fallen to her by decease of her said umquhile mother, John Murihead elder in -----, Robert Neving his brother, John Neving his son, 28 merks of geir fallen to him by deceis of his mother, James Blair and John Hodge and ----- . Sum of debts º 104-13-2. Free gear º 161-8-2. Latter Will dated at Lumloch 21 March 1593 Whereby he nominated Christiane Provand his spouse principal intromitter and John Watson

younger in Gartferrie, his executors and William Blair of Barrestoun and John Mureheid elder in Robrestoun oversman to said executors, also Robert Neving his brother and said John Watsoun in Gartferrie tutors testamentar to John Neving his eldest son and apparent heir – He ordains that Christiane Provand now his spouse possess the equal half of his 16/7 land extending to 8/8 land in Lidnocht during her lifetime conform to the Act of Marriage made betwixt him on one part and John Drew in Auchinloch, Agnes Aitkin his spouse, Thomas Provand her son Cristiane Provand her dochter on the other part of date at Glasgow 14 February 1588. He leaves to Jonet Neving his douchter the twa part of his goods and gear and the third part to Gawin Neving his son Item to Archibald Rankene his servant 13/4. Witnesses, William Aitkene in Garfortie, Thomas Provand in Auchinlocht, Alexander Donaldson in Lumlocht, James Blair, wobster in Glasgow and Mr. Ninian Drew notar, minister at Lenzy. Confirmed 26 January 1595.

Register of Deeds Durie Office 21 July 1663 Bond James Roberson of Culterlony to John Neving in Abey for 130 merks At Abey 8 July 1659.

The Testament &c of umquhile Mungo Neving in Suar of Crawford John in the parish thereof and Shire of Lanark, who deceased in January 1605. Given up by himself 24 Jan 1605 before witnesses, James Tailseir of Strangeleuch, William Fleck in Glenblyth and John Carmichael in Glentown Sum of Inventary º 729-13-4. Debts due to defunct by John Ker, Matthew Anderson, William Tailer in Glendawren, Ard Paton, James Paton, Thomas Weir in Fairholme, Andro Ramage, James Makwat, John Colthird, Thomas Weir grandfather to the defunct, Edward Hunter, Thomas Bird, William Rannald

in Leidhill, John Foulis in Leidhill, John Nailler, Thomas Foullis, John Kirhop in Watterheid, Robert Neving, wobster. Sum of debts º 499-19-4. Debts due by defunct to John Anderson, Thomas McGhie, Isobel Cook, William Pook, Florie Watson, Symon Williamson, John Claverhill, John Hamilton Sum of debts º 200-16-8 Free geir º 1028-16/- To be divided in 3 parts; dead’s part is º 342-18-8. Latter Will: 24 Jan 1605 he makes bequests to David Johnestoun, James Tailseir in Strangeleuch, John Hamilton, Jonet Henderson’s 2 sons, Maggie Templetoun, to "Mailie Neving my sister ane kow with James Andersone," "to Katie Neving twa Yowis," "to Gellis Weir my wyf and Kow with aine calf and four yow gogis." The rest he leaves to his daughter (not named) and he appoints Walter Neving his eldest lawful son his sole executor and he leaves º 3 to the poor. Confirmed 10 August 1605.

SHIRE OF EDINBURGH

The Testament of umquhile Jonet Archibald, sometime spouse to James Nevene in Fisherrow in the parish of Inveresk and shire of Edinburgh who died 8 Feb 1605 Given up by James Nevene her said husband and Thomas Nevene their lawful son.

Testament of John Neving indweller in Caringtoun who deceased Jan 1653 Walter Guthrie, merchant burgess of Musselburgh is executor as creditor against James Neving son of the defunct. &c º 52-10/- for medicines.

Edinburgh Register of Apprentices

Canongate Register of Marriages. Margaret Niven and Johne Adamsone married in the Kirk of Halyrood-house be Mr. Johne Hog Minister P 17 August. M. Tuysday 9 Sept 1651

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Testament of umquhile Margaret Neving and John Adamsone. Precentor at the Kirk of Halirudhouse her spouse the time of her decease March 1660 Given up by the said John as father to Elizabeth Adamson minor lawful daughter to the defunct. Free gear º 540-8-6.

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Deeds Durie Office. 28 April 1720. Bill John Niven to pay to Thomas Henderson, shipmaster Leith 100 merks.

Dalrymple Office 9 Jan 1683. Bond John Niving merchant in Peterborugh as principal and Andrew Willson litster in Edinburgh as cautioner to Oliver Sinclair merchant in Edinburgh for º 23-16/- At Edinburgh 26 Sept 1682.

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Reg. Mag. Sig. 2563. Apud Edinburgh 7 January 1500-01. The lands of Jacob Jaklyn adjoin those of William Nevin (Nevyn). The lands were on the south side of the High Street of Edinburgh.

EMBRO HIE KIRK

The Lord Himsel’ in former days

Waled out the proper tunes for praise

An’ named the proper kind o’ claes

For folk to preach in:

Preceese and in the chief o’ ways

Important teachin’.

He ordered a’ things late and air’;

He ordered folk to stand at prayer.

(Although I cannae just mind where

He gave the warnin’.)

An’ pit pomatum on their hair

On Sabbath mornin’.

The hale o’ life by His commands

Was ordered to a body’s hands;

But see! This corpus juris stands

By a’ forgotten;

An’ God’s religion in a’ lands

Is deid an’ rotten.

While thus the lave o’ mankind’s lost,

O’ Scotland still God makes His boast-

Puir Scotland, on whase barren coast

A score or twa

Auld wives wi’ mutches an’ a hoast

Still keep His law.

In Scotland, a wheen canty, plain

Douce, kintry-leevin’ folk retain

The truth – or did so since –alane

Of a’ men leevin’;

An’ noo just twa o’ them remain-

Just Begg an’ Niven.

For noo, unfaithfu’ to the Lord

Auld Scotland joins the rebel horde;

Her human hym-books on the board

She noo displays;

An’ Embro Hie Kirk’s been restored

In popish ways.

O punctum temporis for action

To a’ o’ the reformin’ faction,

If yet, by ony act or paction,

Thocht, word, or sermon,

This dark an’ damnable transaction

Micht yet determine!

For see –as Doctor Begg explains-

Hoo easy ‘t’s dune! A pickle weans,

Wha in the Hie Street gaither stanes

By his instruction

The uncoventit pentit, panes

Ding to destruction

Up, Nivin, or ower late-an’ dash

Laigh in the glaur that carnal hash;

Let spires and pews wi’ gran’ stramash

Thegether fa’;

The rumlin’ kist o whustles smash

In pieces sma’.

Noo choose ye out a waie hammer;

About the knottit buttress clam’er;

Alang the steep roof stoyt an’ stammer,

A gate mis-chancy;

On the aul’ spire, the bells’ hie cha’mer,

Dance your bit dancie.

Ding, devel, dunt, destroy, and ruin,

Wi’ carnal stanes the square bestrewin’,

Till your loud chaps frae Kyle to Fruin,

Frae Hell to Heeven,

Tell the guid wark that baith are doin’-

Baith Begg an’ Nivin.

Robert Louis Stevenson