John Spreul (town clerk) facts for kids

John Spreul (born 1616) was an important person in Glasgow, Scotland. He worked as a town clerk, which meant he kept official records and helped manage the city. He also worked as a "writer," which is a Scottish term for a lawyer.

John Spreul studied at the University of Glasgow and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1635. His father was a leader in the nearby town of Renfrew and a member of Parliament. After university, John thought about becoming a church minister. However, he could not agree with some church rules, like the Five Articles of Perth. He became a strong believer after hearing a sermon in 1644.

John Spreul was known for his strong beliefs and sometimes disagreed with city leaders. He was a supporter of the Covenanters, a group of Scots who wanted to protect their Presbyterian church. He may have fought with the Covenanters in battles like the Battle of Kilsyth and the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645. He also fought in the Battle of Dunbar. On October 21, 1645, he officially became the town clerk of Glasgow. It's said that he had a very long beard!

Early Troubles

On September 14, 1660, John Spreul was put in prison in Edinburgh. He was arrested along with Provost John Graham, another important leader from Glasgow. They were imprisoned because they refused to sign a document that went against their beliefs as Covenanters. Eventually, John Spreul was convinced to sign the document and was then set free. He and John Graham had worked together and even fought together. They both represented Glasgow during the time when Oliver Cromwell ruled.

Living Abroad

Because of his strong religious beliefs, John Spreul was later forced to leave Scotland. This was called "banishment" for "nonconformity," meaning he didn't follow the official church rules. He lived for several years in towns like Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle in England. After that, he moved to Holland and lived there for quite some time.

Return to Scotland

When John Spreul was old and not very strong, he returned to Scotland. He hoped to live peacefully at home. However, the government, influenced by church leaders, had him arrested again. He was put in the Tollbooth of Edinburgh, which was a prison. He refused to listen to the official church ministers, known as "curates."

Because of this, on July 28, 1683, the Privy Council of Scotland sent him to Bass Rock. This was a famous island prison in the sea. He stayed there for several years. Eventually, he asked the council to be kind because of his old age and weakness. They ordered his release, and he died within a year or two after leaving prison.

Writings

• Some Remarkable Passages of the Lord's Providence towards Mr John Spreul. 1635–1664. Edinburgh. 1832.