John FORREST (1761-1822)
Dr John FORREST, was born on 3rd November 1761 in Inverkeithing, Fifeshire and baptised on the 12th November 1761[1]. He was the third child of Rev David FORREST and Christian CRAICH.
Career
Dr Forrest was a well respected physician in Stirling.
Politics
Dr Forrest was the leader of the Stirling branch of "Friends of the People," a political movement dedicated to radical reform in Great Britain during the late 18th century. The "Friends of the People" was established in April 1792 by a group of progressive Whigs, members of the House of Commons who sought to address the glaring deficiencies in the British electoral system, particularly its lack of representation for ordinary citizens. The movement aimed to rectify these issues by advocating for parliamentary reform, universal suffrage, and the extension of civil liberties, inspired by the revolutionary ideals that were taking hold across Europe, especially following the French Revolution.
The movement quickly gained traction, and by November 1792, it had established 87 branches across the country. Charles Grey, who would later become Prime Minister, was a leading figure in the organization. Grey and other moderate leaders emphasized that the group would pursue reform through legal and peaceful means, avoiding any actions that could incite public disturbances. Despite this, the movement included many members who held more radical views, causing concern among mainstream parliamentary reformers.
As the leader of the Stirling branch of this movement, Dr. Forrest was at the forefront of efforts to organize and mobilize local support for these radical ideas. The Stirling "Friends of the People" were part of a broader network of reformist groups across Scotland, each working towards the common goal of securing political rights for the disenfranchised. Although the movement was rooted in peaceful advocacy for reform, the increasingly repressive response from the government pushed some factions toward more extreme measures.
In 1794, at the height of revolutionary anxiety in Britain, Dr. Forrest was visited by an emissary named Fairley, who was on a mission from the radical Committee of Union in Edinburgh. This committee was an offshoot of the broader revolutionary movement that sought to replicate the radical reforms seen in France, including a potential uprising against the British government. Fairley’s visit to Stirling was part of a larger effort to gauge and rally support for their cause across Scotland. Dr. Forrest, alongside several other local figures, engaged in discussions with Fairley, where they were introduced to the radical plans, including the production of weapons like pikes, intended for use in a potential insurrection.
Despite his involvement, Dr. Forrest’s approach to the radical cause was one of measured caution. While he did not outright dismiss Fairley’s overtures, he expressed reservations about the level of support that could be mustered in Stirling. His advice to Fairley to be cautious in his rhetoric underscores Dr. Forrest’s awareness of the precariousness of their situation. This hesitancy and the lack of enthusiasm for direct action within Stirling’s reformist circles perhaps reflected a broader sentiment of reluctance among moderate reformers who were wary of crossing the line into outright treason.
Dr. Forrest’s role in the radical movement culminated in his testimony during the subsequent trial of Robert Watt and David Downie[2], the leaders of the failed Edinburgh plot. His testimony provided crucial insights into the mindset and preparations of the radicals, particularly their plans for arming themselves and the extent of their revolutionary aspirations. While Dr. Forrest may have been a peripheral figure in the grander scheme of Scottish radical history, his experiences and decisions during this period offer a compelling glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals caught between the desire for reform and the fear of governmental reprisal.
John's first cousin (once removed) William Hutton FORREST served as an apprentice to him.[3]
Family
In Stirling, he married on 20th January 1788 Elizabeth GLAS[4][5], daughter of John GLAS and Marion BURN . He died on 25th October 1822[6][7] and his wife died on 11th December 1847[6], leaving issue:
- i. David FORREST, born on 3rd March 1789 in Stirling[8].
- ii. Marion FORREST, born on 21st August 1790 but died young[6].
- iii. John FORREST, born on 28th October 1791 but died young[6].
- iv. Christian FORREST, born on 18th May 1793 in Stirling[8].
- v. Elizabeth FORREST, born on 17th July 1795 in Stirling[8].
- vi. Alexander FORREST, baptised on 9th March 1797 in Stirling[9] but died young [6]
- vii. Marion FORREST, born on 28th October 1798 in Stirling[8].
- viii. Alexander FORREST, born on 14th May 1799 but died young [6][10]
- ix. Margaret FORREST, born on 10th July 1801 in Stirling[8].
- x. Isabella Craich FORREST, born on 6th August 1802 in Stirling[8].
- xi. John FORREST, born on 20th June 1804 in Stirling[11].
- xii. Charles Grieve FORREST, born on 25th February 1807 in Stirling[12] but died young [6][10]
Notes
References
- ↑ Old Parochial Register, Births, Inverkeithing, OPR Ref. 432/0010 0381
- ↑ A Complete Collection of State Trials Vol. XXIII – Thomas Jones Howell (1817) pp1289-1302
- ↑ Reference Letter from Dr J Forrest to Dr W H Forrest (1818)
- ↑ Old Parochial Register, Marriages, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0040 0190
- ↑ Old Parochial Register, Marriages, Edinburgh, OPR Ref. 685/001 0520 0009
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Dates of the marriage and death of Dr John Forrest and Elizabeth Glas and of the birth and deaths of several of their children - Family note, unknown author (circa 1880)
- ↑ Last Will and Testament of Dr John Forrest (1824) Ref SC67/36/7 Stirling Sheriff Court
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0307
- ↑ Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0250
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Only David and John Forrest are mentioned as living sons in Last Will and Testament of Dr John Forrest (1824) Ref SC67/36/7 Stirling Sheriff Court
- ↑ Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0336
- ↑ Old Parochial Register, Births, Stirling, OPR Ref. 490/0030 0361
