Author: Bruce, Michael
Biography:
BRUCE, Michael (1746-67: ODNB)
Teacher, hymn-writer, and poet. Born at Kinnesswood, Portmoak, Kinrossshire, he was the fifth of eight children of Alexander Bruce, a weaver, and Ann (Bruce) Bruce. A precocious child, he was educated at the village school and, after his father inherited some money, at the University of Edinburgh. He began teaching at Gairney Bridge, Cleish, but wanted to become a minister and attended the Associated Synod College at Kinross. In 1766 he was teaching at Forrest Hill, Clackmannanshire, when his pulmonary tuberculosis worsened and he returned home to Kinnesswood where he died. None of his poems were published in his lifetime but, after his death, they were collected, edited, and controversially appropriated by John Logan (q.v.), a former school friend. Many of Bruce’s hymns were adopted by the Scottish Kirk, and his poetry proved influential for later writers, including Robert Burns. Versions of his song, The Buchanshire Tragedy, or Sir James Ross were published 1776-1800. (ODNB 25 Apr 2018; ESTC) SR