Thomas Crawford (Craufurd) (d.1662), was educated at St Leonard's College, St Andrews, graduating in 1621. He spent most of his career teaching at the University of Edinburgh, first as professor of humanity in 1626, then after a break as rector of the high school, he worked there again as professor of mathematics and regent of philosophy. He wrote several historical works which were published after his death, including History of the University of Edinburgh from 1580 to 1646. His Notes and Observations on Mr. George Buchanan's History of Scotland was published in 1708.
George Buchanan (1506-1582) was a playwright, poet, historian and administrator, keeper of the Privy Seal. After an early career teaching classical studies in France and Portugal while composing and translating plays and satirical poems, he returned to Scotland around 1560 and immediately became involved in politics. He gained the favour of Mary queen of Scots, and James earl of Moray. He was appointed principal of St Leonard's College, St Andrews in 1566, and was keeper of the Privy Seal until 1578. Even though he later joined the party opposed to Mary, he still tutored her son James. He published his major works at the end of his life, on political theory, De jure regni, and history, Rerum Scoticarum historia.
John Row (1568/9-1646), Church of Scotland minister and historian, was the son of John Row, a leading Protestant reformer. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1590, and spent his whole life ministering to the small parish of Carnock in Fife. However he quietly but resolutely opposed royal policy in Scotland, denouncing episcopacy and refusing to implement the innovations in worship of the five articles of Perth, encouraging ministers who went on to lead the covenanting movement. He started to write his history of the Reformation in Scotland during the 1630's, and was the first to preach after the signing of the national covenant in 1638.
