John Napier was born in 1550 in the Tower of Merchiston, near Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Archibald Napier, was knighted in 1565 and was appointed Master of the Mint in 1582. His mother, Janet Bothwell, was the sister of the Bishop of Orkney. Napier’s was an important family in Scotland, and had owned the Merchiston estate (photo, right) since 1430.
Napier was educated at St Salvator’s College, graduating in 1563. He was just 13 years old when his mother died and he was sent to St Andrew’s University where he studied for two years where he gained his interest in theology. He did not graduate, however, instead he left to travel around Europe for the next five years. During this time he gained knowledge of mathematics and literature, however it is not known where he studied.
Upon returning to Scotland, Napier devoted himself to his estate and his religion. Napier married his first wife, Elizabeth, in 1572 and they moved to their castle in Gartness in 1574. Together they had a son, Archibald, and a daughter, Jane, however Elizabeth died shortly after Jane was born. Napier later married Agnes Chisholm who bore five sons and five daughters. John Napier died on April 4th, 1617 at the age of 67.