Hector Macneill facts for kids

Hector Macneill (born October 22, 1746 – died March 15, 1818) was a Scottish poet. He was born near Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland. Hector was the son of an army captain who didn't have much money.

When he was 14, in 1760, he started working as a clerk. Later, he traveled to the West Indies. There, he worked as an assistant secretary from 1780 to 1786. After returning to Scotland, Hector wrote many poems and songs. Some of his famous songs include My Love's in Germany, My Boy Tammy, and Come under my Plaidie. He also wrote a poem called Scotland's Skaith which was about avoiding drunkenness. Hector Macneill passed away in Edinburgh in 1818.

The Life of Hector Macneill

Hector Macneill's story is interesting. He faced many challenges but kept writing.

Early Years and Education

Hector Macneill was born on October 22, 1746. His family lived in a house called Rosebank, near Roslin. His father was a captain in the 42nd Regiment. He had served in a place called Flanders. After his father left the army, the family moved to a farm. This farm was located near the beautiful Loch Lomond.

When Hector was 11, he wrote a play. A teacher from Stirling suggested he should study for a professional career. However, his family did not have enough money for this kind of education.

Adventures in the West Indies

A rich relative who traded with the West Indies visited Hector's family. This relative offered Hector a job. After two years of extra schooling, Hector went to Bristol at age 13. From there, he sailed to the island of Saint Kitts. He worked for a merchant for a year. Then, he moved to Guadeloupe and worked for another merchant for three years. This was until 1763, when the island was given to the French.

After losing his job, Hector went to Antigua. He became an assistant to his relative in St John's. Because he knew some French, he later became an assistant in Grenada. He held this job for three years. When he heard his mother and sister had passed away, he returned to Britain.

After his father died, Hector inherited a small amount of money. He used it to buy a yearly income of £80. He hoped to settle down in Scotland. But financial problems and personal difficulties forced him to travel again. He became an assistant secretary on a navy ship. He sailed on two trips with the main fleet.

Later, he took a similar job on another ship heading to India. He faced many difficulties at sea. He was also in a battle. After three years, Hector became very sick of sea life. He longed to return home to Scotland.

Becoming a Poet

Hector's money was still limited. He hoped to earn a living by writing. He moved to a small farm near Stirling. For a while, he enjoyed writing poems and spending time with friends. However, he soon realized it was hard for an unknown writer to make money.

Feeling discouraged, Hector left Britain for the fourth time. He sailed to Jamaica, hoping for new opportunities. He was 38 years old and still struggling financially. In Kingston, he found a job with a customs officer. But this job did not last long. The people he had letters of introduction for could not help him. A doctor friend kindly offered him a place to stay.

Hector then found two childhood friends living in Jamaica. They were very successful. They helped him financially and promised future support. Through their help, Hector's two sons, who had been sent to Jamaica, found good jobs. But Hector himself wanted to return to Britain. He sailed from Jamaica with many ideas for his future.

Before leaving Scotland for Jamaica, Hector had started a poem. It was based on an old Highland story. He finished this poem on his way home. It was published in Edinburgh in 1789. It was called "The Harp, a Legendary Tale."

For several years, Hector continued his unsettled life. After returning from Jamaica, he stayed with a friend, Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham was also a writer and supported other writers. But Hector had a disagreement with the family and left. He then thought about starting a business in Glasgow, but it didn't work out. His second attempt to succeed as a writer also failed.

In Edinburgh, he became very ill with a nervous condition. For six years, he could not do much physical activity. With some money from his yearly income, he moved to a small cottage. When his money ran low again, friends invited him to stay at their home.

During this time, Hector wrote many of his best songs. He also wrote his famous poem "Scotland's Skaith, or the History of Will and Jean." This poem was published in 1795. It quickly became very popular. In less than a year, it was printed 14 times! A follow-up poem, "The Waes o' War," came out in 1796. It was also very popular. Hector wrote the first poem while walking in King's Park, Stirling. He was feeling sad at the time. He finished the whole poem in his mind before writing it down.

Hoping a warm climate would help his health, he visited Jamaica again. Before he left in 1799, he published a poem called "The Links of Forth." This poem was a farewell to his friends in Stirling.

Later Life and Works

Finally, Hector Macneill's luck changed. When he arrived in Jamaica, an old friend gave him a yearly income of £100. A few months later, they sailed back to Britain together. Hector's health had improved a lot.

Hector then settled permanently in Edinburgh. He received some money from inheritances. With his annuity and this money, he was able to live comfortably. His early adventures and difficulties are thought to be the basis for his novel, "The Memoirs of Charles Macpherson, Esq.," which he wrote in 1800.

In 1801, he published a full collection of his poems. In 1809, he published "The Pastoral, or Lyric Muse of Scotland." He also wrote two other poems anonymously. His last novel, "The Scottish Adventurers," came out in 1812.

Hector Macneill wrote many popular songs. These include "Mary of Castlecary," "My boy, Tammie," and "Come under my plaidie." His poem "Scotland's Skaith" aimed to show real rural life. It also carried a message about avoiding too much alcohol.

In his later years, Hector was known in Edinburgh for his good conversations. He passed away on March 15, 1818, at the age of 71.