John Spreul (town clerk) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mr. John Spreul
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| Born |
Surname is sometimes spelled "Spreull" or "Sprewll"
1616 Glasgow
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| Died | 1690 |
| Title | Mr. (being a graduate) |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Merchel (17 November 1640) |
| Children | 12+ |
John Spreul (born 1616) was a town clerk in Glasgow who was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he completed his Master of Arts degree in 1635. His father was the Provost of Renfrew and an MP for Renfrew. After university, he thought about becoming a church minister but could not, in good conscience, sign the Five Articles of Perth. He was converted after hearing a sermon from David Dickson in 1644. He was a writer which is a Scottish term for a lawyer. For example William Lin is described as a Writer to the Signet which would make him a senior lawyer. He became unpopular with some Glaswegian magistrates because of his opposition to Hugh Binning. According to rumours, he potentially fought for the Covenanters at the Battle of Kilsyth. Spreul and John Graham fought together at the Battle of Philiphaugh in September 1645. Spreul became town clerk of Glasgow on 21 October 1645. He fought for the Scottish Covenanters in the Battle of Dunbar. He is reported to have had a very long beard and to have been mocked for it before the Privy Council of Scotland.
Contents
Imprisonment
On 14 September 1660, Spreul was imprisoned in Edinburgh, along with Provost John Graham, for refusing to subscribe to the bond condemning the Western Remonstrance. However, he was then induced to subscribe to it, at which point he was released. Spreul and Graham had worked together and fought together. They both represented Glasgow during the time of Oliver Cromwell's rule.
Banishment
After being banished from Scotland for nonconformity, he lived for some years at Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle before residing Holland, where he remained for several years.
Return to Scotland
An elderly and frail Spreul returned to Scotland, hoping to remain at home in peace. However, the government, instigated by the bishops, had him imprisoned at the Tollbooth of Edinburgh. He refused to hear the curates. He was therefore sent to the Bass Rock by the Privy Council on 28 July 1683, where he lay for some years. After petitioning to the council to be more compassionate towards his old age and frailty, an order was issued for his liberation, and he died within a year or two.
Works
- Some Remarkable Passages of the Lord's Providence towards Mr John Spreul. 1635–1664. Edinburgh. 1832.
