BANISHED & RETURNED (1) BARR
During the “Killing Times” some Covenanters who were captured by troops were sent to prison, tried and then banished to the Americas. A small number of those banished returned to Scotland after the persecution ended and the acceptance of Scottish Presbyterianism with the accession of King William II of Scotland in 1688. The remarkable stories of those who were banished only to return to south west Scotland include Gilbert Milroy (Kirkcowan), Robert McLellan (Borgue) and John Campbell (Barr).
COVENANTERS – A SHORT SUMMARY
The Covenanters were those who confirmed their opposition to the interference by the Stuart Kings in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland by signing a National Covenant in 1638. In the early years it was a popular cause but after 40 years support had waned. Reduced to a strong hold of radicals based in south west Scotland they issued a declaration in 1680 effectively waging war on the Stuart King. The King responded by sending troops to the area with the intention of removing the small number of trouble makers. The troops were authorised to carry out field executions of those caught in arms or those who refused to swear loyalty to the King and renounce the Covenant. This led to many injustices as rural inhabitants from the Presbyterian community were executed and although it took place over a relatively short period in the mid-1680s the severe treatment was bitterly resented. This period has since come to dominate the history of the Covenanters and is known as the “Killing Times” and those who were executed where later celebrated as martyrs to the cause.
JOHN CAMPBELL
John Campbell was banished to America and returned to Barr. Much that is known about him is recorded on his headstone in Barr graveyard although the dates of the banishment and return may be inaccurate.
The headstone is difficult to decipher but appears to read:
HERE LYS
THE CORPS OF JOHN
CAMPBELL WHO UAS BAN
ISHED FROM WALUOOD TO
AMERICA FOR CHRISTS CAUSE
IN83 BUT BY PROVIDENCE HE RETU
RND IN 85 & DYED AUGUST 1721
AGED 72 BE FAITHFULL UNTO
DEATH & THOU SHALT HAVE A
CROWN OF LIFE / ALSO MARY &
JAMES CAMPBELL'S CHILDREN
Further research suggests John Campbell was one of several related men who stayed at the fermtouns of Wellwood, Muirkirk and were apprehended in 1685. Sentenced to be banished from Scotland the prisoners were sent on the Americas as indentured servants, (tied as workers for owners for a set period of between 3 and 7 years). The fate of indentured servants seems to have depended on where they landed. John Campbell probably sailed on the Henry and Francis from Leith in September 1685 and arrived at Perth Amboy, New Jersey in December. The voyage was difficult and many died including the person responsible for the indentured prisoners. On arrival the prisoners protested against their banishment and were pardoned. While many then settled in the area John Campbell decided to return to Scotland when it was safe to do so, probably after 1688, and settled in Barr.