Gustavus Aird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gustavus Aird |
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Gustavus Aird from Caithness and Sutherland
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| Church | Church of Scotland Free Church of Scotland |
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| Born | 28 June 1813 |
| Died | 20 December 1898 |
Gustavus Aird (1813–1898) was an important Scottish minister. He was a leader in the Free Church of Scotland. In 1888, he became the Gaelic Moderator of the General Assembly in Inverness. He was also a strong voice against the Highland Clearances, which forced many people from their homes.
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Early Life and Ministry
Gustavus Aird was born on June 28, 1813. His birthplace was Heathfield in Kilmuir, Easter Ross, Scotland. He was the youngest son of Gustavus Aird and Ann Grant. He studied to become a minister at King's College, Aberdeen.
In 1839, he was allowed to preach by the Church of Scotland. Two years later, in 1841, he became a minister in Croick, a part of Kincardine parish in Sutherland. His home was near the Black Water river.
Fighting the Highland Clearances
During his time in Croick, Gustavus Aird worked hard to protect his church members. They were facing eviction during the Highland Clearances. This was a sad time when landlords forced many people off their land. The landlords wanted to use the land for sheep farming instead.
The local landlord, William Robertson, had promised that tenants could stay if they paid rent. However, he did not keep his word. As a result, many people had to leave the area.
Joining the Free Church
In 1843, a major event called the Disruption of 1843 happened. Many ministers left the main Church of Scotland. They started a new church called the Free Church of Scotland. Gustavus Aird joined this new church.
He moved from Croick to the Free Church in Creich, which was nearby. Almost all of his old church members, except for two families, followed him to Creich.
Standing Up for Evicted Families
Even with a new landlord, Major Charles Robertson, things did not get better. In May 1845, 250 people from Glencalvie were forced to leave their homes. Gustavus Aird protested this unfair act.
These families had no homes and no church to go to. The Free Church building had not been built yet. They had to worship in a field and sleep under tarpaulins in the churchyard for two nights. After that, they had to leave to find new lives. There is writing on the church window today that tells their sad story.
More evictions happened in 1854 at Greenyards. These were carried out by James Gillanders.
Later Life and Recognition
In 1885, Aberdeen University honored Gustavus Aird. They gave him a special doctorate degree (DD).
In 1888, he became the Gaelic Moderator in Inverness. This meant he was a top leader for the Gaelic-speaking parts of the Free Church. He was the only Moderator that year.
Gustavus Aird passed away on December 20, 1898, in Sale, Manchester. He was buried in Migdale Free Churchyard near Bonar Bridge in Scotland. There is also a special memorial for him in Creich.
Family Life
In 1861, Gustavus Aird married Mary Sim (1818–1900). She was the fourth daughter of William Sim. He was also the uncle of Gustavus Aird Murray, who was born in 1833.
