John Welsh of Ayr

John Charles Welsh (1568–1622) was a Scottish Presbyterian leader.

He was born in Dumfriesshire and, after a wayward youth, attended the University of Edinburgh and obtained his MA in 1588. He became a minister in Selkirk, and prior to 1596 and leaving Selkirk, Rev. Welsh married Elizabeth, a daughter of John Knox. He rivalled his deceased father-in-law in genius, piety and zeal.^{[citation needed]}

Welsh later ministered in Kirkcudbright and in Ayr, where he spent five years and with which he was ever afterwards associated. His preaching resulted in his imprisonment on the orders of King James VI of Scotland. In 1606 he was exiled to France, where he continued his activities for many years. His grandson was the Covenanters' leader, John Welsh of Irongray.

• Church of Scotland
• Rev John Munro of Tain

External links

• Biographical sketch
• The Original Secession Magazine, J. Maclaren 1866