John Pringle (British Army officer)

For other people named John Pringle, see John Pringle.

Major-General John Pringle of Symington (1774–1861) was a 19th-century Scottish soldier.

Life

The grave of Major General John Pringle, Dean Cemetery

He was born on New Year's Eve, 31 December 1774 at Carrington, Midlothian. His family were originally from Shetland.^[1] His father was Captain Robert Pringle, descended from Thomas Hoppringle of Symington (died 1684).^[2]

In 1812 he built Symington House, near Gala Water.^[2]

He lived his final years at 5 Mansionhouse Road (aka "Springfield Cottage") in the Grange district of south Edinburgh. He was a near neighbour to Major Alexander Skene.^[3]

He died on 29 December 1861, shortly before his 87th birthday.^[4] He is buried in Dean Cemetery on the west side of the city. The grave lies on the wall backing onto the first northern extension.

His house at Symington is now a listed building.^[5]

Family

In 1802, whilst a Captain, he was married to Christian Watson (1779–1854), daughter of Samuel Watson. They had at seven children.^[6] Initially after marriage they lived in Galway in Ireland.

His great uncle was Judge Robert Pringle of Charleston, South Carolina (1702–1776), father to John Julius Pringle.

References

1. "Major-General John Pringle b. 31 Dec 1774 Carrington, Midlothian, Scotland d. 29 Dec 1861 Edinburgh, Scotland: Famous Jamesons". famousjamesons.com. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
2. "Symington". jamespringle.co.uk. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
3. Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1860
4. dean Cemetery grave inscription
5. Good Stuff. "Symington House Including Gate Lodge and Boundary Walls, Stow, Scottish Borders". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
6. "Christian Pringle - Historical records and family trees". MyHeritage. Retrieved 24 September 2018.