Grampian Club > Genealogical memoirs of John Knox and of the family of Knox

APPENDIX,
WILLIAM KNOX,
AUTHOR OF " THE HARP OF ZION."
From that branch of the family of Knox which, in the six-
teenth century, settled in Berwickshire (p. 58), descended
the ingenious poet, William Knox. He was born at Firth,
in the parish of Lilliesleaf, Roxburghshire, on the 17th
August' 1789. His father, Thomas Knox, espoused Barbara
Turnbull, widow of Mr Pott of Toclrig, in Selkirkshire. Of
this marriage William was the eldest son. Having been
educated at the grammar school of Musselburgh, he, in 1812,
rented the farm of Wrae, near Langholm ; but, after five
years, he abandoned his lease, and returned to his parents'
house. In 1820 his family removed to Edinburgh, when
he became a contributor to the public journals. In
1818 he published "The Lonely Hearth and other Poems,"
12mo; in 1824, "The Songs of Israel," 12mo; and in April
1825, a volume of lyrics entitled "The Harp of Zion."
This last work brought him no inconsiderable reputation.
His poetical merits were acknowledged by Sir Walter Scott,
Robert Southey, and Professor Wilson. After a period of
weak health he died on the 12th November 1825, at the age
of thirty-six.
His poetry, always smooth and harmonious, is pervaded
with deep pathos and pious sentiment. His Scriptural para-