Research Notes on Michael Linning

"LINNING, MICHAEL, of Cumberhead. 18th June 1801.

Apprentice to James Drummond. — Son of Thomas Linning, and grandson of the Rev. Thomas Linning, Minister of Lesmahagow. Born 1775. Died 17th Febru- ary 1838. Mar. 29th April 1800, daughter of Henry Patrick Wilson, H.E.I.C.S."

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/society-of-writers-to-hm-signet-great-britain/a-history-of-the-society-of-writers-to-her-majestys-signet-electronic-resource-hci/page-22-a-history-of-the-society-of-writers-to-her-majestys-signet-electronic-resource-hci.shtml

A history of the Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet

"Michael Linning, of Hill-street, Edinburgh, one of the clerks of his Majesty's Signet in Scotland, for a certain improved method of operating for the purpose of converting peat-moss and peat-turf or bog into fuel, and obtaining from it tar-gas and certain other substances or matter. Dated Feb. 25" (Mechanics Magazine and Journal of Science, Arts and Manufactures, Vol. 26, "List of Irish Patents Granted in the Month of February, 1837")

http://books.google.com/books?id=mNlQAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA415&lpg=PA415&dq=Michael+Linning,+Clerk+to+the+Signet,+Edinburgh&source=bl&ots=HCk3FJ7ls_&sig=o1iMsxsKBrfpZ45ZmdVGp-5Iy_c&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WkoDVNLMM4eMNvm1gfgM&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Michael%20Linning&f=false

"Around 1800, Colzium and the nearby Cairns estate were owned for some period by Michael Linning, Esq., Clerk to the Signet, who lived later in Edinburgh and Chryston, Lanarkshire. Linning was described in 1838 by John Sommers, D.D., minister of Mid-Calder Parish, as "formerly proprietor of the lands of Colzium and Cairns." Sommers continued in detail concerning Linning's work in the development and use of the Water of Leith, on which the Colzium estate sits, for the benefit of the region. Linning is recorded elsewhere as Writer to the Signit. As such, he was an attorney in service to the Crown and the government. The estate is overseen by the head gardener James Martlow who was featured on BBC One Scotland's Beechgrove Garden."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colzium

Muiravonside Newspaper Stories

"Caledonian Mercury - Monday 20th September 1802 STIRLINGSHIRE. FARMS FOR GRAZING.

To be LET by public roup, for one, two, or more years, within the house of Mr. Turner, vintner, Falkirk upon Monday the 4th of October, at two o'clock in the afternoon, if not previously let by private bargain, THE FOLLOWING FARMS FOR GRAZING, viz.

I.-The FARM of GREENWELLS, comprehending 112 acres or thereby.

II.-The FARM of BURNSIDE, extending to 46 acres or thereby.

III -The FARMS of GLENEND and WEST MANUEL, extending to 102 acres or thereby.

IV. -The FARMS of WEST KNOWHEAD. CRAIGEND, and North Half of WHITERIG extending to 43 acres or thereby.

V.- The FARM of EAST KNOWHEAD, consisting of 43 acres or thereby. The above farms are very conveniently situated for grazing, being near the great road from Stirling to Edinburgh, and about half way betwixt Linlithgow and Falkirk.

As they are almost entirely in pasture, and in the natural possession of the proprietor, immediate entry may be obtained thereto. They are all inclosed, well watered, and sheltered.

As also, the Following FARMS for TILLAGE, on a Lease of Nineteen Years: The FARM of NICOLTON, extending to 109acres or thereby. Immediate entry may be obtained to one half of said farm, and to the other at Martinmas1803.

PARKHALL PARKS with the ENTRY-HEAD, comprehending 122 acres or thereby- Entry Martimas 1803. These two farms are also very advantageously situated as to the means of improvement, being in the immediate vicinity of coal and lime, near the great road from Stirling to Edinburgh, and within four miles of Falkirk, Linlithgow, Bathgate, and Grangemouth. They -are also inclosed, subdivided, well watered and sheltered.Proposals, with the view to a private agreement, will be received by Thomas Livingstone, Esq. of Parkhall, at Clarkston, or Michael Linning. W. S. Edinburgh, to eitiher of whom application may be made as to further particulars.

John Graham, the gardener at Clarkston, near Falkirk, will shew the grounds.

LANDS IN STIRLINGSHIRE.

To be Sold, within the Royal Exchange Coffeehouse, Edinburgh, upon Wednesday the 24th November next, at two o'clock in the afternoon,

I. THE LANDS of GLENHEAD, extending to 56 acres, or thereby.

II. The LANDS of SNABHEAD, comprehending 82 acres, or thereby.

III. The South division of the LANDS of WIHITERIDGE, consisting of 86 acres, or thereby.

IV. The LANDS of GILMEADOWLAND, extending to 20 Scotch acres, or thereby.

The above lands lie in the parish of Muiravonside, and county of Stirling, and are very advantageously situated as to the means of improvement, being in the immediate neighbourhood of coal and lime, and only four miles distant from the market towns of Falkirk, Linlithgow, and Bathgate, and the sea port town of Grangemouth, to all of which they have easy access. The lands abound in freestone, and buildings of every description, for which there are many eligible situations, may, owing to the cheapness of materials, be erected at a very moderate expence. They are all inclosed and subdivided, well watered and sheltered, and consisting of a good and very improvable soil. The farm houses and offices are in the best repair, and on Whiteridge there is an excellent farm steadilng, with thriving plantations. The lands are out of lease, and the public burdens affecting them are moderate. They will be disponed to hold blench of a subject superior for payment of an elusory duty. For further particulars, apply to Michael Linning; writer to the signet, St James Square, Edinburgh, who is in possession of the title deeds, and plans of the several lands. John Graham, the Gardener at Clarlkston, by Falkirk, will show the grounds."

http://www.freewebs.com/westquarterdave/muiravonside-in-the-papers

"Morning Post - Friday 7th July 1809. C0LLIERY to LETT.— The valuable and extensive COLLIERY of RUMFORD, upon the Estate of Parkhall, in the Parish of Muiravonside, and County of Stirling. This Colliery comprehends a very large and proven field of excellent Coal, possesses an extensive sale, is level free, works a good Seam of 3 feet, at a depth of from seven to eight fathoms only, is well roofed, will turn out any quantity of coal of the very best quality, enjoys the advantage of good roads, and is situated at a very populous and thriving country, being little more than four miles from the towns of Falkirk, Linlithgow, and Bathgate, and about the same distance from the sea-port of Grangemouth, and the Great Canal betwixt the Clyde and the Forth. The premises in particular are well worth the attention of an Iron Company as there is abundance of Ironstone upon toe Proprietor's Estate of the very best quality, and as the Coal has upon trial been found to be peculiarly adapted for furnaces. A Tenant may be accommodated on lease with whatever quantity of ground he may wish around the works. — Offers in writing, specifying fixed rent, or optional royalty, may be made to Alexander Livingston, Esq. of Parkhall, the Proprietor, at Clarkstone, by Falkirk; or to Michael Linning, Clerk to the Signet, Edinburgh. — Mr. Foster, at the Colliery, will shew the works."

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=444519648919094&story_fbid=444523845585341

"Caledonian Mercury - Saturday 16th August 1817. Advertisements & Notices

"ESTATE IN STIRLINGSHIREWITH A FREEHSOLD QUALIFICATION.

To be Sold by private bargain, THE ESTATE of MUIRAVONSIDE, in The county of Stirling, consisting of above 500 acres beautifully situated on the banks of the Avon, about three miles from Linlithgow, five from Falkirk, and 16 from Stirling. This property has been highly improved and embellished, the plantations are thriving and tastefully disposed, and the mansion-house is delightfully situated in the sheltred vale of the wooded banks of the Avon. A more desirable country residence seldom presents itself. A large proportion of the price will be allowed to remain in the purchaser's hands on security of the property.

For further particulars application may be made to Michael Linning and M. N. Macdonald, clerk to the signet, at their chambers 20, Hill Street, Edinburgh, 8th August 1817.

Caledonian Mercury - Thursday 2nd 16th 23rd October 1817 Advertisements & Notices

"BEAUTIFUL ESTATE IN STIRLINGSHIRE. To, be SOLD by private bargain,

THE ESTATE of MUIRAVONSIDE, described in former advertisements.

For particulars apply to Michael Linning and M. N. Macdonald, Clerks to the signet, at their chambers, 20, Hill Street, Edinburgh."

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=444519648919094&story_fbid=444978638873195

A history of the Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet [electronic resource] : with a list of the members of the society from 1594 to 1890 and an abstract of the minutes online

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Writers_to_Her_Majesty%27s_Signet

"LINNING, MICHAEL, of Cumberhead. 18th June 1801.

Apprentice to James Drummond. — Son of Thomas Linning, and grandson of the Rev. Thomas Linning, Minister of Lesmahagow. Born 1775. Died 17th Febru- ary 1838. Mar. 29th April 1800, daughter of Henry Patrick Wilson, H.E.I.C.S."

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/society-of-writers-to-hm-signet-great-britain/a-history-of-the-society-of-writers-to-her-majestys-signet-electronic-resource-hci/page-22-a-history-of-the-society-of-writers-to-her-majestys-signet-electronic-resource-hci.shtml

"HEWAT, PETER. 21st December 1809.

"Apprentice to Michael Linning. — Son of Peter Hewat, Baxter in Edinburgh. Born 1782. Died 4th December 1832. Mar. 12th March 1819, Isabella, eldest daughter of Andrew Taylor of Westbams."

"HUME, MATHEW NORMAN MACDONALD, of Bernisdale.

17th November 1816. Apprentice to Michael Linning. — Son of Norman Macdonald of Scalpay, Inverness-shire. Born 1793. Died 7th July 1878. Mar. (1) 5th March 1818, Catherine Finnan; (2) 26th July 1831, Grace, daughter of Sir John Hay of Smithfield and Haystoun, Bart. ; and (3) 25th April 1843, Agnes Hume of Nine-wells, second daughter of the Hon. David Hume, Baron of Exchequer."

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/society-of-writers-to-hm-signet-great-britain/a-history-of-the-society-of-writers-to-her-majestys-signet-electronic-resource-hci/page-20-a-history-of-the-society-of-writers-to-her-majestys-signet-electronic-resource-hci.shtml

"There are several quarries in the parish yielding freestone for building, and whinstone for road metal, and it is understood that the lands of Murieston have produced a large revenue to the proprietors from the limestone quarries. Bell's quarry, which has been long disused, but has given its name to the neighbouring village, may be seen by the roadside on the lands of Brucefield. The discovery of an almost inexhaustible bed of freestone at the foot of the Cairn hills was made about the year 1830 by Mr Michael Linning, who offered therefrom to the Royal Association of Edinburgh as much stone as would complete the National Monument on Calton Hill. The quarry has never been at any time extensively worked. Mr Linning was a man of inventive mind. Among his many projects, which were to have united the welfare of mankind at large with the development of his own estate, was a scheme for the conversion of peat into portable fuel, adapted for manufacturing purposes by means of compression. The scene of these experiments is marked by a stone chimney, which still remains on the lands of Colzium, though partially shattered by the memorable thunderstorm of 12th August 1884, But however correct the system may have been in theory, it proved to be unsuccessful in practice, the situation of Mr Linning's experiments being too remote from coal to afford any prospect of remunerative working."

The history and antiquities of the parish of Mid-Calder, with some account of the religious house of Torphichen, founded upon record;

http://archive.org/stream/historyandantiq01mcagoog/historyandantiq01mcagoog_djvu.txt

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Essay on the Authenticity of the Poems of Ossian ...

- Michael Lining, Subscriber
- turns out Ossian is about Scottish and Gaelic myths, an epic poem... turned out to be probably a fraud

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=116165776 In 1722 John Paterson the Elder and John Paterson the Younger aquired an instrument of sasine for Ogscastle. - From Ogscastle Deeds, National Library of Scotland. The Paterson's held the deed to Ogscastle until 1810 when the deed passed to Michael Lining.

http://beta.worldcat.org/archivegrid/collection/data/606115003 Letter: 1821 July 25, Heriot Row [Edinburgh] to Michael Linning, Hill St., [Edinburgh] / Archibald Alison.

http://archive.org/stream/prizelistsofuniv00addiuoft/prizelistsofuniv00addiuoft_djvu.txt Prize lists of the University of Glasgow from session 1777-78 to session 1832-33 GLASGOW COLLEGE, MAY 1, 1789 1788-1789 For Exemplary Conduct, and distinguished Diligence 1789-1790 Prizes of the MATHEMATICK CLASSES 1790-1791 For the best Specimens of Composition, on various Subjects prescribed during this Session. 1792-1793 For the best Latin Orations in the Common Hall - Annual Distribution of Prizes was made in the Common Hall, by the Principal, Dean of Faculty, and Professors, in presence of a numerous meeting of the University, and of many respectable Gentlemen of this City and neighbourhood. Linning, Michael, 41, 42, 47, 53

Portrait! http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en/collection/artifacts/M2009.31.7?Lang=1&accessnumber=M2009.31.7

https://sites.google.com/site/hughwilliamwilliams/the-national-monument [1] Highland Society of Scotland, Ingleston: Minutes of the Meetings of the Society Anniversary General Meeting, 19th January 1816 where Michael Linning WS proposed ‘a Pillar, Triumphal Arch or some such architectural monument in honour of the splendid victory of Waterloo’

http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/hardy-bertram-mcall/the-history-and-antiquities-of-the-parish-of-mid-calder-with-some-account-of-th-goo/page-14-the-history-and-antiquities-of-the-parish-of-mid-calder-with-some-account-of-th-goo.shtml The latter [Baadpark] he sold in 1827 to Mr Michael Linning, W.S., of Easter Colzium, but he continued proprietor of West Colzium and West Cairns until his death, which occurred on 28th August 1849, in his eighty-sixth year.

Michael Linning, W.S., of Colzium, we have already had occasion to speak (page 1 14) ; he subsequently became possessed of the lands of East Cairns and Baadpark, and died on 17th February 1838, after which his landed property in this parish was conveyed by his trustees to Robert Downie of Appin.

The_History_of_Free_Masonry_and_the_Grand_Lodge_of_Scotland_1000035472.pdf National Monument of Scotland, His Grace John, Duke of Athole, President of the General Meeting of Noblemen and Gentlemen held at Edinburgh on the 24th February, and at London on the 19th April 1819, and Chairman of the Committee of Management. Sir William Rae of St Catherine's, Bart., Lord Advocate of Scotland, Convener, Michael Linning, Esq.of Colzium, one of His Majesty's Clerks to the Signet, Secretary.

http://www.electricscotland.com/history/curling/chapter4.htm A committee of their number was appointed for the purpose of drawing up the rules--viz., Messrs Thomas M'Kill, Michael Linning, David Scott, and John Edgar—which they accordingly did, and were approvers off by all the members present, and is here inserted as follows, viz.:--

"RESOLUTIONS AND REGULATIONS OF THE CURLING CLUB OF DUDDINGSTON.

http://search.ancestry.myfamily.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=36&MS_AdvCB=1&rank=1&new=1&MSAV=2&msT=1&gss=angs-g&gsfn_x=1&gsln=Linning&gsln_x=1&msydy_x=1&msypn_x=XO&msypn__ftp_x=1&gskw_x=1&_83004002_x=1&cpxt=0&catBucket=rstp&uidh=000&cp=0&so=2 New South Wales, Australia Convict Ship Muster Rolls and Related Records, 1790 to 1849

http://www.ayrshirehistory.com/pdf/cairntable_recollections.pdf List of Creditors of the Glebuck Iron Company Michael Linning, Edinburgh

http://books.google.com/books?id=MLwCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA324&lpg=PA324&dq=%22michael+linning%22+-Melville&source=bl&ots=1A6QpqtmM5&sig=nRJAsVTShIRYoeBx5Yty8NJB8Dk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=kwwMVLDIOde0yATZ2YGQCA&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=%22michael%20linning%22%20-Melville&f=false Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 11. Jan-Jun 1822 p. 324 She holds that title by the same charter which confers on Michael Linning, Esq. W.S. that of "The Northern Pericles." Who has not heard ******* sing " Pericles to call the man,

Is no sinning, is no sinning,
Who that noble scheme began,
Michael Linning, Michael Linning

" He who jeers him would not fill

Cord of hemp ill, cord of hemp ill ;
Soon shall grace the Calton-hill,
Michael's temple--Michael's temple.

" Many a fling, ye Whiggish tribe,

I'll have at you, I'll have at you,
Who will not your pounds subscribe
for Michael's statue--Michael's statue.

" Sons unborn shall see him set up

Many a dim age--many a dim age
Shall admire upon our Metope
Michael's image, Michael's image

p. 485 TICKLER. Michael Linning goes incessantly about poking the public on the posteriors, and pointing to a subscription paper, but the public won't stir. Such conduct is very teazing to Michael Linning, and should not be permitted.

BULLER. Well, let Michael Linning go to the devil.--But I wish to know what all the young Whigs are about. I see none of them !

http://books.google.com/books?id=tBcAAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA170&lpg=PA170&dq=%22michael+linning%22+-Melville&source=bl&ots=8KZVcQMha0&sig=unkbOi5JKEoeeih_D7Jg6iMLmEQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vA8MVOv3F9SnyATJi4GYDQ&ved=0CCQQ6AEwATgU#v=onepage&q=%22michael%20linning%22%20-Melville&f=false Prof. Leslie & Jameson At the request of Michael Linning, Esq., we accompanied him on Monday, the 28th of April, along the course of the Water of Leith to Harper's Rig, on the slope of the Pentland Hills, the proposed site of a reservoir. There we found a defile opening into a natural basin of considerable extent, on examination, appeared to us capable of being easily and safely embanked

http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/75954/details/edinburgh+calton+hill+national+monument/ 1835, July 8. Letter by Michael Linning, honorary secretary to the Royal Association of contributors to the National Monument of Scotland, to the Duke of Buccleuch, as to petitions to the king and lords for completion of the monument; and enclosing an address to the presidents and directors of the monument on hil (Linning's ) behalf, drawing attention to his personal financial contributions to the project, and asking that the Duke should submit the above petitions in the appropriated quarters. With copies of the two petitions. (4 items) GD284/667/6/15

http://laplandica.com/2009/06/18/shetland%E2%80%99s-mining-history/ Interest in the Sandlodge mines was bleak thereafter. In 1828, Michael Linning of the Scottish National Mining Co. rekindled some interest in the mines, but nothing ever became of this. The abandoned mineshafts lay water filled until early 1870’s, when John Walker made his entry.

https://histfam.familysearch.org//getperson.php?personID=I39917&tree=Fasti Michael Linning, of Colzium

http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/manuscripts/search/results_n.cfm?NID=32557&RID=&Y1=&Y2= Material relating to Michael Linning MS Gen 1717 - Papers of Duncan Macfarlan Papers of Duncan Macfarlan (1708-1791) and Duncan Macfarlan (1771-1857). MS Gen 1717/4 - Personal papers of Duncan MacFarlan (1771-1857) Personal papers of Duncan MacFarlan (1771-1857), 1790-1857. MS Gen 1717/4/A - Family correspondence of Duncan MacFarlan (1771-1857) Family correspondence of Duncan MacFarlan (1771-1857), with associated documents, c.1790-1857. MS Gen 1717/4/A/15 - Correspondence of Susan Stirling, née Allan (1781-1804), William MacGregor Stirling (1771-1833) and their families Correspondence of Susan Stirling, née Allan (1781-1804), William MacGregor Stirling (1771-1833) and their families, 1797-1847. MS Gen 1717/4/A/15/61 Autograph letter, signed, from Robt M. Stirling to his uncle, Principal Duncan MacFarlan. Edinburgh, 16 January 1826. MS Gen 1717/4/A/15/62 Autograph letter, signed, from Robt M. Stirling to his uncle, Principal Duncan MacFarlan. Edinburgh, 23 February 1826. MS Gen 1717/4/D - General correspondence of Duncan MacFarlan (1771-1857) General correspondence of Duncan MacFarlan (1771-1857) MS Gen 1717/4/D/155 Autograph copy of letter from Duncan Macfarlan to M[ichael] Linning. Glasgow College, 21st August 1824.

http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemDetailPaged.aspx?itemID=949985 Michael Linning : Napoleon, the tyrant of the earth, Book 1 by Eliahim [i.e. Eliakim] the scribe, 1809 This fair copy was made by Sir T.L. Mitchell, while staying with the Linnings at Peggy's Mill, 1809. Book 2 was never written.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/home-from-the-office-1.183230 One piece of unfinished business connected with the property is that Ogscastle was bought in 1815 by Michael Linning who sponsored the Edinburgh Folly, the unfinished national monument to the heroes of the Napoleonic Wars on Calton Hill.

McCord Musem M2009.31.7 September-09-14

Department: Paintings, Prints and Drawings Object Name: Painting WEB-EN: Portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Linning Classification: Communication Artifacts-Art Artist: Unknown Date Label: 1828-1834 Period: Early 19th century Medium: Oil on wood panel

Description: The double portrait portrays Michael Lining (1774-1838) and his spouse Janet Wilson (1777-1862) with the National Monument of Scotland painted in the middle right side.

Attributes: Material: Oil, Support: Wood panel Dimensions: Frame: 77 x 69 cm, Image: 59.5 x 51.5 cm Signed: Unsigned

Notes: Michael Linning had been clerk to the committee which saw to the construction of the monument. Designed by Charles Robert Cockerell and William Henry Playfair it was modelled on the Parthenon in Athens. Construction was started in 1826 and terminated in 1829 due to lack of funds. It was never completed. The monument was Scotland's memorial to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Michael Linning was the great uncle of Mathilda Linning who married Canon Skelton in 1859. Michael and Janet had no children which explains why the silver descended to the Skelton children.

Provenance: Family descent (see attached genealogical tree) - the donor is a descendant of the Cuthbert and Linning families

Curatorial Remarks: Arthur Skelton (1869-1929) was the youngest son of Canon Thomas Skelton (1842-1884) and Mathilda Linning Birrell (d. 1922). Her mother Mathilda Mary Linning Woodman (d. 1871) was the wife of Major General David Birrell (1801-1878). Her mother was Mathilda Linning (d. 1812) who was the sister of Michael Linning (1774-1838) who's portrait descended to Wendy Weaver.

Image: M2009.31.7; full; Color; 2010-06 Image: M2009.31.7; full; Color; 2009-01 Document: M2009.31.XX; Color; 2012-10-17 Credit Line: Gift of Dr. Wendy C. Weaver

Donor: Mrs. Wendy C. Weaver

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