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Author: Barrie, James

Biography:

BARRIE, James (1753-1829: MM)

He was born in the parish of Spott, East Lothian, and his father was a meal-dealer who died when Barrie was just three. In about 1760 his mother moved with Barrie and his four siblings to Dronshiel, Longformacus, where he attended the local school until he was old enough to begin herding. He then apprenticed as a wright and, on completing his apprenticeship, travelled as a journeyman, eventually settling in Hume Castle, Berwickshire. He married Janet Johnson in 1786; they had thirteen children who all pre-deceased their parents. In later life, Barrie suffered from ill-health and chronic pain from a rheumatic affliction; he was helped financially when the Earl of Buchan made him custodian of a souvenir shop near the Bemersyde statue of William Wallace. His 1824 collection includes an autobiography. (MM)

 

Books written (5):

Edinburgh: [for the author?], 1808
Kelso: printed for the author by Alexander Leadbetter, 1815
Kelso: printed for the author by Alexander Leadbetter, 1817
Kelso: 1821
Kleso [Kelso]: printed for the author by Alex. Leadbetter, 1824