William Veitch (minister) facts for kids

William Veitch (born April 27, 1640 – died May 8, 1722) was an important Scottish minister during a time of big changes in religion and government. He was known as a Covenanter, which meant he supported a special agreement to protect the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. Because of his beliefs, he often had to hide or move around to avoid trouble. He used different names like William Johnston or George Johnston to stay safe.

William Veitch: Early Life and Education

William Veitch was the youngest son of John Veitch, who was also a minister in Roberton, Scotland. William was born on April 27, 1640. He went to the University of Glasgow and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1659. After college, he worked as a tutor for the family of Sir Andrew Ker of Greenhead.

Becoming a Preacher and Facing Challenges

Around 1664, William Veitch became a licensed preacher. He joined the Presbyterians, who were a group that believed in a specific way of organizing the church. At this time, the government was trying to control the church, which led to conflicts.

Because William Veitch supported the Covenanters and took part in events like the Battle of Rullion Green, he became an "outlaw." This meant the government considered him a criminal. He had to escape to England, where he lived under the name "Johnson." For a while, he worked as a chaplain for the mayor of Newcastle's wife.

Moving Around for Safety

In 1671, William Veitch became a minister at a meeting-house in Fallowlees, a very remote place. He later moved to Hanamhall and then to Seaton Hall in Northumberland. He continued to use the name Johnson to avoid being caught.

On January 16, 1679, while living at Seaton Hall, he was arrested. He was brought before a committee in Edinburgh and was ordered to be sent to a prison called the Bass Rock.

The Bass Rock: A Question of Imprisonment

The Bass Rock was a famous prison for Covenanters. However, there is some debate about whether William Veitch actually spent time there. A historian named James Anderson, in his book "Martyrs of the Bass," suggests that the order to send Veitch to the Bass Rock might not have been carried out.

Anderson points out that official records show Veitch was still a "prisoner in the tolbooth of Edinburgh" even after he was supposedly ordered to the Bass Rock. Also, Veitch wrote his own memoirs, but he never mentioned being imprisoned at the Bass Rock. This makes historians wonder if he was held elsewhere instead.

Later Years and Ministry

William Veitch was set free on July 17, 1680, and went back to Northumberland. In 1681, he helped Archibald, Earl of Argyll, escape from prison. Veitch was good at helping people hide and travel safely when they were being hunted by the authorities.

Soon after, in 1683, William Veitch himself had to escape to Holland. He returned to England in 1685 to help with a rebellion led by the Duke of Monmouth. However, that plan did not work out.

After hiding for some time, William Veitch became a minister in Beverley, Yorkshire. He stayed there for about six or seven months. He then returned to Scotland in April 1688 and became a minister at Whitton Chapel. In 1690, he moved to Peebles, and in 1694, he became the minister in Dumfries. He retired from his position on December 8, 1714. William Veitch passed away on May 8, 1722.

William Veitch's Family Life

William Veitch came from a family of ministers. His father, John, and his brothers, James and John, were also ministers.

William married Marion Fairley on November 23, 1664. Marion was from the Fairley family of Braid, Edinburgh. She kept a diary that was later published. Marion died just one day after her husband, and they were buried together in the church at Dumfries.

William and Marion had ten children together: five sons and five daughters. Some of their children included:

• William, who joined the army and died at sea in 1699.
• Samuel, who became the first Governor of Nova Scotia. He changed the spelling of his last name to Vetch.
• Ebenezer, who became a minister in Ayr.
• Elizabeth, who married David M'Culloch.
• Sarah, who married James Young.
• Agnes, who married John Somerville, a minister.
• Janet, who died young.
• Three other children who also died when they were young.

William Veitch's Writings

William Veitch was also a writer. He wrote several books and sermons during his lifetime. These writings often focused on religious topics and the challenges faced by Protestants in Britain.

Some of his works include:

• Two Sermons preached before Her Majesty's Commons at the Opening of Parliament (1693)
• Two Sermons preached before the commission (1695)
• A Short History of Rome's Designs against the Protestant Interest in Britain (1718)
• A Short Answer to a Letter pretendedly written by Mr John Hepburn, Division Maker, but really by Riddough and Hunter and other Romish Emissaries, who are Defenders of his Faith, both Summer and Winter (1720)