b. 1767. d. 12 September 1829. Nationality: Scottish. VIAF.
Working-class novelist and poet. Pseudonym: “Penseroso.” Born in Monikie, Forfarshire.
Apprenticed to a weaver, he began writing poetry when he was twelve. Later taught
in a local school, then became a clerk but continued writing and publishing in newspapers
and magazines. Worked briefly in 1818 to 1819 for Blackwood’s publishers as a clerk,
but soon afterwards became paralyzed. Biographical information *ODNB*. (JH)