David Maitland Makgill Crichton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Maitland Makgill Crichton
David Maitland Makgill Crichton from Disruption Worthies
Personal details
Born	4 March 1801
Died	11 July 1851

David Maitland Makgill Crichton (born March 4, 1801 – died July 11, 1851) was an important Scottish lawyer. He inherited his family's large estate in Nether Rankeilour, Fife, and became a country gentleman. He is well-known for his big role in creating the Free Church of Scotland. Because of his importance, he was even photographed by famous photographers Hill & Adamson. He also helped start a local newspaper called the Fife Sentinel. After he passed away, a book about his life was written by a minister named J. W. Taylor. Today, you can see his statue in Cupar, looking over the South Bridge.

Who Was David Maitland Makgill Crichton?

David Maitland Makgill Crichton was born at Nether Rankeilour on March 4, 1801. He was one of fifteen children, the fifth child and second son. His family had a long history, connected to important Scottish families. His uncle, Frederick Maitland, was a very famous naval officer. This uncle was the one who received the surrender of Napoleon Bonaparte on his ship, the Bellerophon.

Around 1837, David added the name Crichton to his own. This was because he became the heir to an old Scottish noble title, Lord Frendraught. This title was given by King Charles I.

His Education and Early Career

David went to St Andrews Grammar school. With the help of his tutor, Mr. Ogilvie, he then studied at the University of St Andrews. Later, he continued his education at the University of Edinburgh.

Since he was a younger son, he chose to study law. He became a lawyer, called an advocate, in 1822. However, he didn't practice law for very long. His life's work would be in a different area. When his older brother died, David inherited the Rankeilour estate. This meant he had the freedom to live as a country gentleman.

His Work for the Church

David Maitland Makgill Crichton married Miss Hog of Newliston. During their time together, he became very interested in religious matters. This interest shaped his life from then on. Sadly, his first wife died of tuberculosis in Madeira after being ill.

Scotland was going through a major religious change at this time. A leader named Thomas Chalmers was guiding this movement. David Maitland Makgill Crichton joined this movement with great passion. He spent the rest of his life working for this cause. He was known across Scotland for his strong beliefs.

He strongly supported expanding the church and keeping its independence. He traveled all over Scotland, visiting towns, villages, and even small rural areas. He spoke to thousands of people, inspiring them with his powerful speeches.

The Disruption of 1843

In 1837, David ran for Parliament in the St Andrews area. He wanted to represent the church's principles. He lost the election by a very small number of votes.

At first, David didn't think the Church of Scotland would split apart. But as the church faced more challenges, it led to a big event called the Disruption of 1843. This was when many ministers and members left the established Church of Scotland. David Maitland Makgill Crichton was a leader among those who saw this split as necessary. He then worked hard to help create and organize the Free Church of Scotland. He dedicated all his efforts to this new church until he died.

One of his last public acts was helping Dr. Adam Thomson. Dr. Thomson had worked hard to create affordable Bibles for people. He succeeded, but it cost him all his money.

Other Contributions to Society

David Maitland Makgill Crichton was also active in many other areas.

• When the corn-laws were removed (which affected grain prices), he willingly lowered rents for his tenants by 12 percent.
• He was good at raising farm animals.
• He turned a large area of rough, wild land into useful farmland.
• He was the president of an agricultural society.
• He served as a deputy-lieutenant and a captain in the local volunteer cavalry (yeomanry).
• He made big changes to how roads were managed in Fife.
• He gave talks about British poetry to a group in Cupar.
• He successfully pushed for a bridge to be built over the railway in Cupar. This replaced a dangerous level crossing.
• He also helped lower a certain tax rate for farmers in the county. For this, the farmers gave him a beautiful dinner set with his family crest.

His Death and Lasting Impact

All of David Maitland Makgill Crichton's hard work eventually took a toll on his health. The constant effort led to serious health problems. He died somewhat suddenly at his home on July 11, 1851, at the age of fifty. He had wished for a quick passing.

Soon after his death, a book about his life was published. It was written by Reverend J. W. Taylor of the Free Church. Years later, a statue was put up in Cupar to remember him. It stands overlooking the Railway Bridge, which he fought hard to have built instead of the old level crossing.

Family Life

David Maitland Makgill Crichton was married twice:

• He first married Elanor Julian Hog in 1827. She sadly died five years later in Madeira from tuberculosis, at age 31. She left David as a widowed father of four young children.
  • One of their children was Charles Julian Maitland Makgill Crichton of Rankeilour, born on May 15, 1828. Charles later married Anna Campbell Jarvis. Their son, David Maitland Makgill Crichton, born in 1854, grew up to become a major-general.
• He married his second wife, Esther, on December 2, 1834. She was the daughter of Andrew Coventry, a professor of agriculture.

Images for kids

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  David Maitland Makgill Crichton by Hill & Adamson

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  David Maitland Makgill Crichton by Hill & Adamson

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  David Maitland Makgill Crichton by Hill & Adamson

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  D. M. M. Crichton 1801-51 statue overlooking the South Bridge in Cupar he campaigned to build instead of a level crossing

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  David Maitland Makgill Crichton with paper