Robert Burns Junior facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Burns Junior
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Robert Burns Junior
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| Born | 3 September 1786 |
| Died | 1857 Mauchline
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| Occupation | Clerk at Somerset House |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Sherwood; Emma Bland |
| Children | Elizabeth |
| Parent(s) | Robert Burns Jean Armour |
Robert Burns Junior (1786–1857) was the first son of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns and his wife Jean Armour. He was born on September 3, 1786, in Dumfries. He had a twin sister, Jean, who sadly passed away when she was very young. Robert Junior was often called 'Bobbie' by his father. His father died when Robert Junior was only nine years old. At that time, he was the oldest of five brothers.
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Life and Family of Robert Burns Junior
Robert was born on September 3, 1786, and passed away on May 14, 1857. When he was a baby, a friend of his father, Agnes Maclehose, sent him a gift of two little shirts. His father was very happy and thanked her, saying 'Bobbie' was a "very fine fellow."
At first, Robert Junior lived with his father's family at Mossgiel Farm. His mother, Jean, stayed with her own family. Later, his parents got married. Robert Junior continued to live at Mossgiel for a while, even after his parents moved to Ellisland Farm. He joined them later when he was four years old.
Robert had many brothers and sisters. These included Jean (born 1788), William Nicol Burns (born 1791), James Glencairn Burns (born 1794), Elizabeth Riddell Burns (born 1792), Francis Wallace Burns (born 1789), and Maxwell (born 1796). He also had two twin sisters who were born in 1788 but did not live long.
His father, Robert Burns, had high hopes for young Robert Junior. He once wrote that he intended to educate 'Bobbie' well. He believed Robert had a clever mind and a serious nature.
Robert Junior was known for having an excellent memory. He was also a good musician and had a nice singing voice. He even tried writing poems in English, but his father's poems were much more famous.
His father was very proud of him. In a letter from 1792, he wrote that Robert Junior was "the mildest, gentlest creature I ever saw." He also mentioned that Robert had a "most surprising memory" and was the "pride of his schoolmaster."
Robert Junior later described what life was like in his family home in Mill Street. He said they always had a maid and often had visitors. The house was comfortable and well-furnished. He remembered that his father received many gifts of food from country friends.
Marriage and Later Life
When he was 22, Robert Burns Junior married Anne Sherwood on March 24, 1809. They had a daughter named Eliza. Eliza later traveled to India with her uncle, James Glencairn Burns. There, she married Dr. Bartholomew Everitt and had a daughter named Martha. Eliza and her husband returned from India in 1839.
Around 1820, Robert and Anne separated. Robert then lived with Emma Bland, and they had four children together: Jessie (born 1827), Frances (born 1829), Jane Emma (born 1831), and Robert Burns III (born 1833). They lived in London and later in Dumfries. Emma ran a lodging house in Dumfries.
Robert was very interested in the Scots Gaelic language and spent a lot of time studying it.
Education and Career
Robert, like his brothers James Glencairn Burns and William Nicol Burns, went to Dumfries Grammar School. He received financial help for his education. In 1802, at age 16, he studied at Glasgow University for two years. He won a Classics Medal there. In 1804, he studied at Edinburgh, but he did not finish his degree.
Because of his father's fame, Robert was offered a job at the Stamp Office in London. This office was part of the Treasury. He worked there for 27 years. He retired in 1833 when he was 46 years old and moved back to Dumfries. He received a small pension. A letter from 1832 mentioned that he received a pension of £120 per year because of his father's "great literary talents."
Robert also earned extra money by teaching mathematics and classics while he lived in London and Dumfries.
Robert faced financial difficulties and retired early from his job. His mother helped him pay off some of his debts so he would not lose his job or pension. However, he continued to struggle with money, and his superiors became aware of the situation. He was retired early in 1832.
It was said that Robert Junior was not really suited for working in a public office. A life of studying and learning might have been a better fit for him.
In 1845, Robert became the Master of the Dumfries Kilwinning Lodge, a group called the Freemasons. Robert was the last member of his immediate family to be buried in the Burns Mausoleum in St Michael's churchyard, Dumfries.
Memorial Events
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On August 6, 1844, a large 'Burns Festival' was held in Ayr and at the Burns Monument in Alloway. About 80,000 people attended. Robert Burns Junior was there, along with his brothers William Nicol Burns and James Glencairn Burns. They were the three surviving sons of the poet. Their aunt Isabella Burns was also present.
Robert Burns Junior and his brothers William Nicol and James Glencairn were made Honorary Members of the Lodge St James. This happened on August 9, 1844, at a meeting in Tarbolton.
See also
- Agnes Burns (aunt)
- Annabella Burns (aunt)
- Isabella Burns (aunt)
- John Burns (uncle)
- Gilbert Burns (uncle)
- William Burns (uncle)
- Francis Wallace Burns (brother)
- Elizabeth Riddell Burns (sister)
- James Glencairn Burns (brother)
- William Nicol Burns (brother)
