John Welsh of Ayr

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John 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 at 59 years of age married 16 year old Elizabeth, a daughter of John Knox. He was a rival of his father-in-law in genius, piety and zeal.

Welsh later ministered in Kirkcudbright and in Ayr, where he spent five years and with which he was ever afterward associated. His preaching resulted in his imprisonment on the orders of King James VI of Scotland, and 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.