Author: Davidson, Robert
Biography:
DAVIDSON, Robert (1778-1855: ancestry.co.uk)
Known as the Morebattle poet, he was born at Lempitlaw, Roxburgh, to Robert Davidson; his mother’s name may have been Janet (Fox) Davidson. As a child, he herded cattle before moving to Morebattle where he was a labourer. His autobiography, published with his Leaves from a Peasant’s Cottage Drawer (1848), states that his first book of poetry was issued in 1811; a copy of this has not been located. He married Christian Laidlaw on 6 May 1800; she predeceased him on 2 Oct. 1843. The couple had a number of children, and three of their sons emigrated to America. He died on 6 Apr. 1855 and is buried in Morebattle churchyard where there is a memorial plaque. Leaves from a Peasant’s Cottage Drawer was reissued in 2008. (Robert Davidson, “Autobiography”; ancestry.co.uk 22 Oct 2018, 1 Aug 2025; SM) SR