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Gilbert Burns (1760 – 1827), the younger brother of Robert Burns the poet, was born at Alloway.〔McKay, Page 30〕 He married Jean Breckenridge in 1791, had 6 sons and 5 daughters, died in 1827 aged 66 and was buried at Bolton, East Lothian, Scotland. Gilbert's writings have contributed greatly to the bank of knowledge that exists regarding the life of his famous brother. ==Life and character== Gilbert's elder brother was Robert Burns the poet, born on 25 January 1759, Gilbert following in 1760, Agnes in 1762, Annabella in 1764, William in 1767, John in 1769 and finally Isabella in 1771. Gilbert's parents were William Burnes and Agnes Broun. Gilbert was also the name of his grandfather on his mother's side. In 1766 the family moved from Alloway near Ayr to their first rented farm, Mount Oliphant.〔Mackay, Page 40〕 Life at Mount Oliphant was very hard for Gilbert and he describes in his letters how extreme hard work was the only way that his family could survive and that their diet and life was one of austerity with butcher's meat non existent.〔Mackay, Page 53〕 In 1777 Gilbert and the family moved to the 130 acre farm at Lochlea where they remained for seven years,〔Mackay, Page 68〕 during which time the brother's sub-leased a parcel of land from their father where they grew flax.〔Mackay, Page 94〕 Gilbert and Robert sub-leased the 118 acre Mossgiel Farm on 11 November 1783 from Gavin Hamilton, who as well as being a writer in Mauchline was the Earl of Loudoun's factor for his estates in the Mauchline area and he himself held the lease on Mossgiel.〔Love (2012), page 75〕 Gilbert described how Mossgiel was unprofitable and the brothers were forced give up the lease in 1788 and rescue what they could from their joint venture.〔Mackay, Page 135〕 In 1780 Gilbert was a founder member of the Tarbolton Bachelors' Club.〔Mackay, Page 82〕 The Irvine Burns Club was presented in 1984 with a letter written by Gilbert that gives an insight into his job and personality. The letter was to Dr Coventry from Gilbert Burns of Grants Braes by Haddington, 15 March 1816 ''Dear Sir, I am directed by Lady Blantyre to trouble you again to look for the measurement of Eaglescairnie Mains and send it to me for her Ladyship says you are apt to forget. Obviously the expense of a new measurement will be inserted subservient to the process at present depending before the other if respecting the fallow of that farm if we cannot soon produce the one made by Dickenson. Apropos will you be so good as misses no opportunity of getting legal information how for a landlord obliged to remove from the tenants inability to fulfill his engagements is liable to pay for labour done or seed sown on the farm at the time the removal takes place.'' Gilbert has been described as being ''methodical, somewhat timid, and determined not to offend the gentry'', and in addition he is regarded by others as lacking his brother’s flair, wit and genius.〔(Gilbert Burns and Grant's Braes ) Retrieved : 2013-03-23〕 Dr John McKenzie wrote that Gilbert was very capable and knowledgeable, taking after his father in ''manner and appearance''.〔Mackay, Page 124〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Gilbert Burns (farmer)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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