James Nicol (minister)
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James Nicol (28 September 1769 – 5 November 1819) was a minister of the Church of Scotland, known as a poet and writer.
The son of Michael Nicol, he was born on 28 September 1769 at Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, went to the parish school, and was originally destined to be a shoemaker. He qualified at the University of Edinburgh for the ministry, and after acting as tutor in private families was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Peebles (25 March 1801).[1]
Nicol became assistant to John Walker, parish minister of Traquair, near Innerleithen (15 May 1802), and succeeded to the charge, on the death of the incumbent, on 4 November. A knowledge of medicine acquired at university enabled him to vaccinate parishioners. In 1808 he founded the first friendly society at Innerleithen.[1]
After a change in his religious views Nicol contemplated resigning his charge. He died, after a short illness, on 5 November 1819.[1]
