Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Mactaggart, John

1450885Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 35 — Mactaggart, John1893Thomas Wilson Bayne

MACTAGGART, JOHN (1791–1830), encyclopaedist and versifier, was born in the parish of Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire, 26 June 1791. At Kirkcudbright academy he displayed mathematical faculty, and entering Edinburgh University in 1817 he specially studied mathematics and physics, but withdrew at the end of two sessions, as he 'never received any good from attending the university.' After a few years at home as an agriculturist he was appointed in 1826, by Rennie the engineer, clerk of works to the Rideau Canal, Canada, where his special knowledge and strong character were very serviceable. In 1828 he returned in weak health, bringing with him a work in two volumes on his experiences in Canada. He died 8 Jan. 1830.

Mactaggart's 'Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia,' published in 1824, and reprinted in 1876, is a clever and eccentric medley of local history, quaint etymologies, stray verses, biographical notices, &c. Alphabetically arranged, the work gives, in its proper place, an autobiography of Mactaggart himself. 'Three Years in Canada,' a vigorous, characteristic narrative, appeared in 1829. Mactaggart also wrote a pamphlet entitled 'Osborne and Symington on the Weigh-Beam.'

[Autobiog. in the Encycl.; Murray's Lit. Hist. of Galloway; Harper's Bards of Galloway.]

T. B.