The Stewarts of the South: Section IV - Miscellany
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This web page is a continuation of the documentary analysis of Captain James Stewart's letters ca. 1815-1820, giving a thorough accounting of many of the Stewart families from southern Perthshire of that era. If you have come here from outside this website then you are advised to begin with The Stewarts of the South: INTRODUCTION, which includes an explanation of the document itself, and this analysis project, as well as an introduction to the Stewarts of Balquhidder Research Web Site.
The final section of The Stewarts of the South is made up of several shorter letters which contain a variety of information. There accountings of individual households that were missed in the previous sections. (For the sake of readability these omitted sections have been added back in to their respective previous sections.) There is additional information on lands, and further opinions shared on the qualities of some people -- Capt. Stewart was certainly not sparing in his opinions, and at times with an almost Shakespearean venom! There is a complete parish-by-parish "census" of all the present households of the surname Stewart (ca. 1820) including information on family association and rents. There are accountings of other Stewart clan branches not belonging to the Baldorran/Balquhidder families but residing in the area of our families, including individual cadets of the Stewarts of Appin, Bute, Blackhall, and others.
Concerning the family of Ardvorlich, I have been told that they had some claim to the present property of Blair Drummond, which I cannot believe, as it was a part of the lands [Blair Drummond] got by marriage to the heiress of Stobhall, together with the barony of Ochterardoch. But [Ardvorlich] had Duchlage in Roseneath, which is mentioned in Duncan Stewart's history with other lands in Strathearn known best to Mr Stewart [in Ardvorlich] himself, and which I cannot pretend to certify.
 | The following households are preserved here in their original place in the document, but have also been copied back into the previous sections for the sake of researchers who are trying to follow a full accounting of each family. |
I forgot to mention another family, which lays claim to the [Ardvorlich] family in the Barony of Drymen in Drymen Parish [in] Stirling County and [on] the Duke of Montrose's property. There was one John Stewart, Tenant of ?Tuar, [who] pays �57 of rent, a rich, bein, batchelor. There was a William Stewart, [who was] an uncle of his, who was a tenant near Gartmore, who had six or seven sons all scattered over the country.
I forgot to mention to you that Charles Stewart, [the] saddler in Buchlive, had a brother called Duncan Stewart, [who was a] tenant of Paddock-ha' in Erskine of Cardross' estate, [in] Port [of Menteith] Parish, whose wife is a widow in the Parish of Gargonock, and has six or seven sons, some of them come to manhood, and some under age, all doing well, and scattered in service over the country.
This Barony of Drymen formerly belonged to the family of the Earl of Lennox and after the fatal death of James III near Stirling by his rebellious subjects, the Earl of Lennox, to revenge the death of his sovereign raised a great army and was carelessly encamped near Thornhill. [He was] attacked in the nighttime by Lord Drummond, was defeated and his followers dispersed. [Drummond] in recompense was rewarded with the Barony, which he called Drymen after his main title, which he possessed nearly about 160 years when he sold the same to the Earl of Mentieth. [The lands then] fell into the family of Montrose by the death of the last nobleman of that house [of Menteith].
| I believe Capt. Stewart to be incorrect in his comment regarding the naming of Drymen. Contemporary Drummond research indicates that the Drummond family took their name from the lands of Drymen, not the other way around. |
There is now nearly two years since I commenced this account of the different families of Stewart, which I began with much reluctance, and which I would not have done for any person in the country excepting yourself. Although I would like very well, if I were capable, to write the History of the Stewarts, as well as many other names. But you know there is a kind Highland fret by which people do not wish to see their friends numbered or classed together -- whether it has arisen from David's numbering the Israelites or from some foolish Romish superstition, I do not know; however it is actually the case.
The family of Ardvorlich in that country and other places I imagine should amount to between 250 and 260 persons, old and young. Of the other families (Glenbuckie and Gartnafuaran) I will make no estimate of their numbers. But I will mention to you alone, and to no other, what fatality has taken place among them since I commenced this account, stating their names in a separate notice, which I assure you gives me much thought and serious reflection. If you find any thing wrongly stated here, or what you cannot understand, it will be corrected by myself, for if I would examine it a dozen times I would still find some corrections, and if I live to see you against winter I will assist in correcting and revising it.
| After such an engaging tease, the author never does tell us of the fatality that befell Ardvorlich. Frustrating! |
This last family (Ardvorlich) which I have mentioned, there were some characters among them equal to any of the Stewart, both in point of valor, and quickness of penetration; although I must own I never saw or heard of any of them who was capable for the execution of great undertakings.
After this I intend to mention in another paper something of the Bute family and other Stewarts in general, if you intend to write anything on that head; and will defer saying any more at present of the Stewarts of the South.
I mentioned in one of the preceding pages, concerning one Duncan Stewart, [a] tacksman of Brainchoil & Letter of the family of Gartnafuaran, which you will notice in the proper place, that he was a dangerous character which truly happened shortly after. I mentioned likewise in its proper place that Glenfinglas was 800 guineas - 100 guineas to each of the eight tenants there. This low fellow that raised himself from the dung hill by forwardness and villainy, offered 1200 Guineas for the Glen altogether with 100 guineas in the Earl of Moray's will. Now bad as he is, the coiff, the Earl would not accept of this, and only advanced the rent of �60. By this [the Earl] refused fully 400 guineas. But this present Earl, is acting by the injunctions of his father who directed him not to harass these tenants. For he is not in himself really bad, if Lady Moray and other bad councillors would not influence him. This Duncan Stewart, it cannot be denied, is a clever fellow, were he to make good use of his abilities. It was not out of mere spite and malice [that] he did this to his neighbours, who were tenants [at] the time [that] he was a cottar. His offers, however, rejected here with disdain and so might every one of his kind.
**A NEW DOCUMENT BEGINS HERE**
The following section presents Stewart families that are not related to the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Glenbuckie, Gartnafuaran, or Annat, but were residing in the same places as members of the Stewarts of the South families.
Colonel Stewart Sir, I finished the Stewarts of the South the best I could with all the different branches of the three [principal] branches. I now proceed to other branches that belongs not to them. Sir, you may depend upon it that it is not to every one that I wanted to take the trouble, or trouble other men for it.
Donald nan Ord, or "Donald of the Hammer" is recorded in other sources as Donald Stewart, 2nd of Invernahyle, who led Clan Appin at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. His ancestry is presented in full here.
There was one Duncan McCallain (son of Allan) of the family of Invernahavil commonly called Sliochd Dhavil na Noard (This is an error by Capt. Stewart in that "mh" is sometimes pronounced as an English "v", but in this case should be a semi-silent nasal. The error has been compounded by a transcription error which is corrected in a later entry, in that "na noard" should read "nan oard". Thus the full name should read "Dhomhnaill nan Oard" or "Donald of the Hammer") in Appin of Stewart that came to Glenfinglas in the way of a shepherd or driver [drover] with one of the family of Glenbuckie and married there and had three sons and some daughters:
Alexander
Son (probably "Duncan")
Alexander's grand child, Duncan, [is] now a gentleman tacksman of Glengaoil [in] Callander parish, rent �550. [He] has four sons [who are] all minors.
Son
Alexander Stewart, a brother's son of Duncan in the tack, [is] with himself [and] unmarried
Son
Grandson
Duncan Stewart, [a] tenant [in] Duart [in] Glenfinglas [in] Callander Parish [on the] Earl of Moray['s property] [is a] great grandson to Duncan [McCallain]. [He has] the eight part of the tack [and pays] rent �111.2.6, as there is �60 of advance is put on the whole �140 for another farm in Port [of Menteith] parish [in] Perth county, called Duilatur.
One son, [who is a] Buchanan barrack master [in] Fort William
Donald
Son
Alexander Stewart, [a] shoemaker in Edinburgh, [is a] grandson of Donald. [Alexander is] a bachelor.
This finishes Sliochd Donach Mhic Callain.
There was another branch of Sliochd Invernahavil (another name for the clan of "Donald of the Hammer") commonly called Sliochd Dhuail Mhic Callin ("Children of Donald son of Allan") of the very branch that Bohalie in Athol was [from, namely] Sliochd Dhuail Mhic Callin mhic Donal na nord ("Children of Dugal, son of Allan, son of Donald of the Hammer" which also reveals that the common ancestor, Allan, was a son of Donald).
They came first from Appin to the Braes of Rannoch [and] from that to Glenlochay [and] from thence to Glendochard of whom Allan Stewart, cousin to Bohalie, came to be Grand Officer to the Earl of Murray at the Bridge end of Devon to whom he was a great favourite.
Allan's father was called Donach Mhac Allan Mhic Duail. (lit. "Duncan, son of Allan, son of Dugald"). He [Duncan] was innkeeper in Tighnaluib ("house on the bay") in Glendochard and married to a daughter of Invernahavil. They were thought to be the most hardy race of all the Stewarts and [the] stoutest of [the] Appin [Stewarts] except [for the] Ardshiel family.
Allan Stewart had two sons. Allan [whose father was Duncan,] was married to a daughter of one Doctor [Robert] Stewart of the house of Annat. He had only one son by the wife and [also] a natural son.
The son by the wife was a soldier in the foot guards and had a family in London.
Robert, the natural son, the tacksman of Lendrich ?castle [on] Sir John McGregor-Murray's [property] was one of the most active men in the country. [He] left four sons:
Haldane, [who] died in the East Indies and made a fortune there and left it [to his family]. He left two brothers in a great way there. They were I think...
Duncan &
Allan
There is another, the youngest, called Colbert, [who is] with his mother in Callander of Monteith
Alexander Stewart, brother to Allan that was in Doune, [was a] tenant [in] Easter Invernenty [in] Balquhidder parish, [which is] now the property of Captain Stewart of Glenbuckie. [Alexander] left two sons:
one of them, James, [who is] in the state of New York in America, has a large family
Duncan, the youngest, [was] once [a] tacksman of Invernenty and a great cattle dealer. [He] was married to a sister of Duncan Stewart, tacksman of Glengoil. [She is] now living with her brother at Glengoil (presumably as a widow). [Duncan] left her three sons [who are] minors. [They are all] very promising and active like
This is all the Sliochd Dhuil Mhic Callin ("Children of Donald, son of Allan") except brothers to Charles a Bhaile ("Charles of Bohally"), I mean grandchildren to Thearlach Bhallie (Charles of Bohally), brothers to Niel Stewart, [the] musician, [whose] wife [is] in Perth. (This reference is unclear. Niel Stewart the musician was a brother of Charles Stewart of Bohally, but they were not grandchildren of another Charles of Bohally.)
| The following Stewarts are listed as residing in Southern Perthshire and most are of Clan Appin, but the reader should not infer any specific familial relationship between any of the following families, unless specified. |
Mr Duncan Stewart, late minister of Balquidder, [who was] of Strathgarry in Athol, left three sons: (Duncan was a descendant of the Appin family. His ancestry is presented here.)
John Stewart, [a] tenant Easter Lots of Greenock [in] Callander parish, [which is] a part of the Barony of Callander, once belonging to the Perth family, [but] now the property of one Mr Hunter from Edinburgh. �30 of rent. [John Stewart] has four sons
[John] says, himself, that he is of the family of Invernahavil in Appin, of which I am doubtful. [I believe] he is a Combach from Glenlyon.
John Stewart, [a] wright Callander, says, himself, that he is of the family of Ballechan, but I think he is from Breadalbane of the name of Mann. [He] has two sons.
Donald Stewart, [a] wright [at] Lochearnhead left five sons. [He said] he was of Druimcharry family. He came from Methven with Auchlyne when he had the estate of Edinample. But I think he was a MacanDahulic [mac Iain Dubhlaich or mac an dubh chulloch "Clan of the Black Boar" a cadet of Appin], but it is no matter [as] he was both honest and industrious. He resided at Lochearnhead [in] Balquhidder parish [on the] Earl of Breadalbane's estate. [He had] five sons:
The preceding family has now been identified and is presented in more detail on our Other Stewarts of the South page.
Robert Stewart, a tailor, sometimes in Callander and Balquhidder, [is] a bachelor. He is of the family of Drumchary, [and is] a cousin to John Stewart, your own tenant [in] Blachroich. He is [illegible].
Alexander Stewart, [a] driver [in] Callander, [has] three sons [who are] minors. [They are] of the family of Fincastle in Athol. [He is] a driver to Mr D McGregor [illegible] innkeeper.
There was a branch of Stewarts that says they are of the family of Grantulloch. [They] came to Strathearn with a daughter of Grantully that was married to the Laird of Lawers. But they know scarcely anything of their own extraction. This was the last Laird of Lawers of the name of Campbell, who was murdered by Barron Edramucky in Greenock when he was to be married to a grandaunt of General Campbell of Monzie.
There is another branch of that family in Monteith that says that they are of the family of Garntully. They have been for a long time under the Lairds of Lendrick of the name of Haldane. [They are] a respectable family.
John Stewart, a cousin of [the preceding family, is] a bachelor in Stirling in good circumstances.
[Another family consists of]
James Stewart, [a] maltman and farmer in Bochlive, in the estate of Graham of Gartmore, [in] Kippen parish. Rent �100. [He has] three sons.
It is not fair to be saying [uncertain, original is illegible], but the whole of them is a piece, save the saddler in the West Indies. This is the circle of my knowledge of them, but there may be more of them, but I think they are but few.
There was one James Stewart in the parish of Dunblane in the Estate of Sir Alexander Campbell of Kilbride, who says he is of the family of Ballechan.
An aside recounting more information than you ever, in your entire life, wanted to know about the history of the ownership of the property of Kilbride, accompanied by a stream-of-consciousness tangent regarding the ownership of the property of Lawlins that has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the preceding James Stewart
This Kilbride was a part of the ancient Lordship of Monteith, where the second son resided, [that is] Lord Kilpont, who was assassinated by Major [James] Stewart, [2nd] of Ardvorlich. After the rebellion of [King] Charles I, [Kilbride] was sold by his (Kilpont's) father to one Stirling of the family of Keir, and then by [Keir] to one Sir John Ruthven of Dunglass in Berwickshire, where Sir James Hall is at present. And [Ruthven] sold it to the Campbells of Auberuchill, the present proprietors. [The patriarch of Campbell of Auberuchill] was one of the seven sons of Sir James Campbell of Lawins (Lawers) and a brother to Sir Mungo Campbell, who was killed at Auldearn. Their mother was a daughter of ?Cobut of Clish [illegible]. This place, Lawins, was once called Ardle in Strathearn, [and was] once possessed by one of the name of Reddoch, before the Campbells got [it] by the heiress Clachaig [who] was a Riddoch, and likewise Aberuchill, which these sons got likewise.
And now, continuing with the preceding James Stewart
This James Stewart, the tenant whom I mentioned in the Estate of Kilbride, has several sons of whom I can give not account except one of them who is with his father [and] who is married and has several sons and daughters.
This James has a brother in Argyleshire near Bonaw, not far from Glenurchay, [who is a] clever active man and is proud of being of the family of Balechan. He is in the estate of Lochnell, [which is] a large farm. And [he] rents a salmon fishing. [He] has a strong family of sons and daughters [and] is married to a gentlewoman.
Archibald Stewart, a merchant of Stirling, has likewise a strong family. They were for a long time residents on a farm near Doune, called the Deanston. John Campbell, who built the George Inn [in] Perth was married to one of these women and likewise his uncle who was vintner at the foot of the Highstreet [in] Perth to an aunt of his.
There are some more through the country of whom I have no proper account at present, nor can I remember them.
Widow Stewart, relic of the late Peter Stewart, [who was a] tenant of ?Camchiora [in] Strathalan [on the] estate of Kier [in] Dunblane parish...
Here we go again...
This estate formerly belonged to a family of the name of Chisholm, [who were] one of the oldest families in Perthshire. The house which they had is still standing in Dunblane [and is] one of the oldest houses in Perthshire, which is little known to the people there. It was once the property.... The last of them was Sir John Chisholm of Cramlic and Dundurn, who was married to a daughter of the Earl of Monteith, who began to build a castle at Cramlic, but did not finish it. His only daughter married Drummond of Maderty and by marriage [the property] came to Kinoul. Chisholm had once [the property of] Ardvorlich, I think, before the Stewarts got with much more in the country, which is too tedious to mention at present.... (Tedious??? That's never stopped him before!)
This widow says her husband was of the family of Appin, of which I am doubtful. She has six sons:
Rent �350, and cheap, and they are making money.
I think this finishes the whole in the south district of Perth, excepting a respectable family that [are] here called the Stewarts of Gachoille, where there were numbers of families, all tenants, with many cottars besides, most of whom are all extinct (a few excepted) of whom I cannot give at present so particular [an] account as I otherwise would wish [to]. They resided in the parish of Balfron in Stirlingshire, marching on the east side and that on the west by Kippen and Drymen parishes. If I live to see you again, I shall endeavour to be better informed about them than I at present can. Duncan Stewart makes some mention of them in his Errata of his [1739] History of [the] Stewarts.
| In the original document this Census section is placed after the Stewarts of Gachoille and before the Stewarts of Bute. It has been moved to this location for more logical reading. |
The author, having completed his accounting by family groupings, proceeds to an accounting of each household according to their residence, with reference to their principal family of origin.
This section amounts to a thorough census of everyone of the surname Stewart who lived in southern Perthshire at the time of authorship (somewhere towards that later end of 1815-1820). It also includes some Stewarts living in neighbouring Stirlingshire if they are of the Balquhidder families. Each entry includes the following information (usually in this order):
Since I gave you details of the Stewart of the south, the different branches with their male children in the following parishes, [namely...]
To use Capt. Stewart's own descriptor from earlier, the following section is rather "tedious" in it's style. I regret that no amount of editing on my part can possibly make this less so.
I begin first with the United Parish of Callander & Kilmahog [which] begins at the river of Keltie, below Callander village, and separates it from Doune, and extends in a westerly direction to the distance of 25 miles, and terminates at the head march of Glengyle, which separates it from Buchanan parish [in] Stirlingshire, Arrochar parish in Dumbartonshire, and Killin parish [in] Glenfalloch [in] Perthshire.
Glengyle is a part of the ancient estate of the family Buchanan before Montrose got it. [It] was anciently possessed as wadsetters or gentlemen tacksmen by a tribe called Clann Chruitean, or Cruikshanks, before the McGregors became possessors of it. Grigor Dow of Sliochd Dhughail Cheir, who was the first of them who came to Balquhidder, was the son of the Laird of McGregor [of] Glenurchay, and after becoming a subtenant of Glengyle, [he] dispossessed the former tribe. I mean Grigair Du of Slioch Dhugail Ceir [who] was killed at Latha beinn?Toarg, at the head of Glenurchay in the circumstances below. Robert Campbell, son of Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchay, and Grigair Odhar, who was the greatest champion (so far as I can understand) that ever was of the McGregors.... This present laird is the eighth in descent from Grigair Dhubh. They would connect with different families that I have no time to communicate at present, such as a daughter of Campbell, the Laird of Glenlyon, who was the mother of Rob Roy, the famous arch-robber, and his brother, who was married to the daughter of Campbell of Duneaves, who was mother to Grigair Glendubh, and were getting match so better when [they were] taxmen than when they became proprietors. The income of the estate of Glengyle, after paying minister's stipend (which is very considerable) and other public burdens, does not amount to more than �200 a year, barely, but had a tack of the south side (commonly called Dubh Ghlinne Gaoil) from the Duke of Montrose, which is equal in value to the rest of the estate (it being in Buchanan parish), and was a very lucrative tack until the rack rents came on. It is at present, in conjunction with the estate, let to a tenant at �550, but too dear. The present Glengyle resides at a place called Easter Bridge of Turk, at the foot of Glenfinglas having got it [in] the year 1625 from the Earl of Murray for joining him in an expedition to the north against the McIntoshes and have retained it ever since at the yearly rent of �5. But five pounds were imposed on them about 40 years ago making it, in all, �10. But the place is supposed to be worth �70. I think the present Glengyle has more right to claim the Chieftainship of the McGregors than Sir John McGregor by his descent from the laird of McGregor, only he cannot be so useful to the Clan. Glengyle lies in the same way from Loch Kathrine (only not so far distant from the Loch) as Dunan is to Loch Rannoch, between the point of Bochastle (where the junction of the River that comes from Balquhidder with the river that comes from Loch Kathrine and Loch Venachar, and hence goes under the name of Teath at Callander, is a district of at least 20 miles, which goes under the name of Trughartan of Strathgartney and ends as aforesaid at the march of Glengyle. It is supposed to take its name from a daughter of Gartney, Earl of Mar, who was married to Sir John Monteith, commonly called the false Monteith, [who] had only one daughter who married one of the famous Keith Marshals, who had only two daughters, one of them was called Kathrine, from whom Loch Kathrine takes its name, who was married to one of the predecessors of Lord Lyle, who had her share of Strathgartney, and [is] now in the possession of the family of Perth. And the second daughter, who was married to Erskine, one of the predecessors of the family of Mar, her share was what the Earl of Murray possesses at present.
Perth's lot underwent different changes. After the Lyles, it became the possession of Balfour of Balfour, or Burleigh Balfour, and then to Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurchay, then [to] the Lord Erskine's family, and then to the family of Perth who still retains it. We begin now with the north side of Loch Kathrine, the same as Loch Rannoch or Tay, the south side being the parish of Aberfoil and the property of the Duke of Montrose, formerly of Monteith, at the east of which Loch is seen, on both sides, the romantic scenery of the Trossachs.
Following is a list of all the
names of the farmers of the name of Stewart in the Parish of Callander, beginning at Glengyle
and taking them by rotation down to Callander village, or the east end
of the parish.
This finishes this part of the Perth estate.
This finishes the Glenfinglas tenants, but they have farms elsewhere.
There is a disruption in the original numbering system used by Capt. Stewart in that the following entry for Peter Stewart was appended to the preceding for John Stewart and was not indexed. The original numbering continued with No. 20 James Stewart.
This finishes the Callander District of the family of Stewart, where [at one time] I have seen 36 tenants and there is not the 1/4 of the population in these places, but do believe the Lots near Callander and the village now makes up the deficiency, though not in such circumstances as when possessed of farms.
The following entry is originally listed under Balquhidder parish, but has been moved back to its rightful place here.
Missed, in the parish of Callander, the two farms of Portnellan [on] Loch Venacher side, between Cuilanteagle and Miltown
The following three entries were originally listed at the end of Comrie Parish, but have been moved back here to their rightful places. However, Capt. Stewart forgot that he had already used the numbers 23 and 24 for the preceding omissions, and thus he erroneously continues his accounting again from 23. The original numbering has been preserved.
Beginning at the east end
I have seen double the number of tenants (in Balquhidder, prior to the Clearances).
This ends Balquhidder parish.
Missed, in the parish of Callander, the two farms of Portnellan.... (The stray entry has been moved to its rightful place in Callander parish.)
Which finishes this parish. (However, see the following section.)
The following entries are appended to the end of Port of Monteith Parish, but appear to all be in Drymen Parish. Thus the numbering used in the original document continues from the end of Port of Monteith.
[The] parish of Kincardine in Perthshire lies on the south side of the River Teath, between Doune and Stirling, and terminates in the west by the parish of Port [of Monteith], [and in] the southwest by Kippen and Doune Parish. The most of this parish was anciently [owned] by the family of Perth [as] a part of the ancient estate which they got by the Heiress of Stobhaugh (Stobhall) and Cargill. The first of the Drummonds of Blair-Drummond was laird of Blair-gowrie in the north district of Perthshire. His mother was a daughter of the Earl of Murray, but I do not see [her] in Duncan Stewart's History or any of the Peerage. His grandmother was sister of the admirable Crighton laird of Clunie and Nevelig, besides other excellent marriages before they came to the south, that my present time cannot allow me to enumerate. He came to the South to be a factor to the Earl of Perth, his chief and sold the Blair Gowrie estate, I think, to the family of the Grahams of Balgowan and purchased the estate of Strathgartney from the Erskine of Marr, or Lord Cardross, family, which I formerly forgot and made an excambo with his chief and master about the Kincardine estate, or Eight Pound Land, and named it from his former estate from being Blair Gowrie to that of Blair Drummond. [It is] one of the finest inland places in Scotland. The house was built and the plantings planted in the year 1715. He lived before that in another part of his estate [which was] purchased from the family of Napier of ?Bochaple. The last of the Drummonds before the present home, who was this man's uncle was called the "King of Monteith" from his high carriage and lofty deportment.
I have recollected some of more the marriages of that family, such as a daughter of Sir John Heron of Glassclune and Lethendy; a daughter of Graham, Bishop of Orkney, of the family of Balgowan; also a daughter of Abercrombie of Abercrombie in Fife; and a daughter of Arbuthnot of Arbuthnot -- who are all extinct now, except the Earl of Murray and Arbuthnot family, which shows the vanity of human affairs.
Following is a list of all the tenants of the name of Stewart in the Parish of Kincardine:
We now proceed to what they call Moss lairds, who may be reckoned slaves, only voluntary ones, but live in a sober and industrious manner. Their possessions, in general run, from six to seven acres of clear ground (some more and some less), worth between �2.10 and �3 per acre (there were 3 19-year tacks at [illegible]).
which finishes the moss lairds
The following section accounts for the Stewart families across the border in Stirlingshire, but they are accounted among the Kincardine families. Thus the numbering continues from Kincardine, above.
Following is a list of [Stewarts in] Doune parish, Perthshire
Which finishes Doune. There being different others of the name of Stewart, but I have omitted them, as they have not gone under the name of Tenants or Crofters.
The tenants and crofters in Dunblane Parish are accounted for in the original document with the residents of Doune Parish. Thus the numbering continues from Doune.
This finishes this district.
Following is a list of Stewarts in Comrie Parish, Perthshire.
The following entry is listed under Comrie Parish in the original document and thus the numbering continues from Comrie.
The following entry is listed under Comrie Parish in the original document and thus the numbering continues from Comrie.
This finishes the whole of the Stewarts of the South that can be called Tenants or Crofters
excepting [three entries omitted from Callander parish, which have now been moved back to their rightful location.]
A new original document begins here.
| The following section includes brief comments on many Stewart families who did not reside in Southern Perthshire and who have no relationship with the Stewarts of the South. |
Colonel Stewart Sir,
I am going to mention a little that I know myself concerning the family of Bute, which was omitted by Duncan Stewart and other writers such as Crauford in his History of Renfrewshire. There was a family in the south end of the Island of Bute in the parish of Kengarth, the name of the farm from which they took their title was called ?Learigie-eun [uncertain, illegible]. [They were] a branch of the Stewarts of Coille-chattan.
There was another family called Baron of Skoolaig, presently enclosed in the policies of Mount Stuart. Before the year 1647, the family of Bute lived in Rothesay Castle, the residence of the former Kings of Scotland, and where King Robert III died. It being burnt by the family of Argyll about the above period, together with the castle of Lamont, belonging to the Laird of Lamont, lying in the district of Cowal in the south of Argyleshire. After that they resided in a house still existing in Rothesay, something like a manse, until the first Earl of Bute built Mount Stuart. [He was] Lady Moray's father.
There was another family called, Baron nan Amrichean beaga, [also] not mentioned in Duncan Stewart. Besides another Baron called "Baron Scalasaig", who resided in the parish of Rothesay in the West end of the island. How long these existed I cannot pretend to tell.
There was also another family ?[isle of Arran] called 'Fear Cill-Dounan" whose lands came to Stewart of Stewart-hall in Bute, [otherwise known as] Cille-Chuilaig. The last Cille-Chulaig, about forty five years ago, sold his lands to the Earl of Bute, the present Marquiss' grand-grandfather, which lands the late Marquiss sold to the Duke of Hamilton, which [the Duke] left to his mistress, Miss Easton and her two daughters as part of their portion. It was of this Cille-Donaig family that the celebrated Professor Dugald Stewart was descended and "Highland Mary" rendered famous by Robert Burns.
Bailie Rodger Stewart in Greenock, a man of great affluence, and his brother Stewart of Stewart-hall in Kintyre (who had each a son in the 42 Regt) are also descended from the above family, with a great deal of the commonality in Arran. (This latter reference is to the "commoners" of Arran. Thus, there were a great many commoners descended from this family.)
There was another Baron of the name of Stewart in Bute, not mentioned in Duncan Stewart, the place of whose residence I do not at present recollect. Before the marriage of Sir George McKenzie with the family of Bute, that country was divided almost altogether among little lairds or Barons of different names, of which the family of Kames and another of the name of Spence was the most powerful, excepting Bute himself. Although there was no open violence offered, every quirk that the law could admit was taken occasion of to dispossess them of their property by Sir George. At that period the Laird of Kames lost much of his property with the others.
I think I mentioned to you before that the McKinlays and the Farquharsons of Brea-mar went from that country in the time of Robert III. It is said the first Farquharson that went to that country from Bute murdered 16 families of the name of Stewart in the country of Brae-mar on their arrival from Bute. The last was the tenth generation who was foretold to be the last of that family.
A family of the name of Spence succeeded then, whose property afterwards fell into the Kames family, and the ruins of their castle are still to be seen in Kames's policy.
With regard the commonality, there were many of the Stewarts in my own time in that country, but they are now much reduced. The country is almost ruined by a tyrannical senseless factor, who knows nothing of country affairs, but tyranny. There were also many of the commonality in Kintyre of the family of Bute, but very few now.
Some few Stewarts in that country, very decent men, say they are descended of the family of Blackhall -- in particular a minister there who left a decent family. I think Dugald Stewart, the present Bailechaolish, belongs to these Stewarts.
I find that all the Highland Stewarts who do not know their genealogy lay claim to the family of Appin.
-- Capt. James Stewart, author of Stewarts of the SouthStewarts in Skye
There was a family in Skye, in the laird of McLeod's country, who say themselves that they are descended of the Appin family, but I am doubtful if they are certain. There are two gentlemen of that family in the 71 Regt, [namely] a Capt Charles and Lieut Lachlan Stewart. Perhaps they may know something of their own origin.
I find that all the Highland Stewarts who do not know their genealogy lay claim to the family of Appin.
Craiheness Family
This family is called that of Craiheness. There was a Kenneth Stewart, Captain of a vessel, of this family who went to America with some other relatives. He was the stoutest man of his name in his day.
Stewarts in Ross-shire
There was at one time many decent and respectable people at Loch Carron in Ross-shire, who I imagine are much dispersed now, who likewise claimed [to be] of the family of Appin -- also [many others] about Bran and Gare-loch and different other parts of Ross-shire. I fancy it is because they are ignorant that there are any other Stewarts of distinction, which makes them lay claim upon Appin so generally.
Stewarts in Orkney
There is a Mr Charles Stewart, W.S., who writes in the Register Office, who is from Orkney and who says he is descended from the family of Appin, but I think he should rather be of those families of the Stewarts which are in Orkney itself.
There was a vast deal of Stewarts in Strath Doun, Glen-livet, Brae-mar, and upon the Water of Dee, such was the family of Auchwilly, and many in Gairoch & Buchan. You know yourself the others such as Ledmurdie and other public characters.
There is a family of Stewarts in Glen-more, Oberneich, Duke of Gordon's property, who say [that they] are descended from the family of Fincastle with different other families in Strath-Spey.
There is another family in Mull called Auchtesheanaig.
They were only tacksmen [until] of late
when the present proprietor purchased the place
from the Duke of Argyll. But they had besides
a Barony which they purchased from the ancient
Laird of McIonnan who was in Skye. They
are very respectable, well-meaning men and of a
very good character. The first of them, as I am
told, came up from the Low Country either from
the County of Aberdeen or Banff, as a teacher to
the family of Locheil and engaged with Campbell of
Airds who was head factor of Mull at that
time under the family of Argyll, who, when
he had educated his children, he appointed to
the office of under-factor and sheriff-substitute
of Mull and married a lady of the name of
Campbell.
There are different families of the Commonality in Suanart and Ardnamurchan who say they are descended from the Kincardine family or some other branch wither in Aberdeen-shire or Banff-shire.
There is a family in East Lothian which I am sure you know, Stewart of Madderston, near Haddington, who is married to a daughter of Logiealmond and a sister of Lady Stewart, Grantully. He was bred a coach-maker in Edinburgh before he went to India. His father was a petty laird upon the Clyde between Hamilton & Lanark. I suppose he does not know what branch of Stewarts he is descended of.
I send you an account of the family of Siorglas and Orchil-beg, which I scraped up myself, which you will be so good as [to] keep for me or write a double of it.
There was another family in Tholl, called the Tullich family, also descended from that of Fincastle, who lived opposite to Blair Castle. The last of them was married to a daughter of Robertson of Ochtertyre in Strath Tay. He had a good number of sons who never raised themselves above the commonality, excepting one, I think, James, who was bred a flax-dresser and went to Kirkwall in Orkney who made a good marriage there and at last purchased some property. Different descendants of that family are through the country of Athol and particularly Glen Fincastle.
There was another family descended of the Cairney family, called the family of Pitinnessie, in Glen Tilt, who were as decent men as ever I saw of the commonality in that country of any name. Of which, Mr Neil Stewart in Perth is as capable to inform you as any person in being and it would be a pity he would slip the cable without communicating a part of his information. There were nine or ten farmers all in the same neighbourhood at one time there of Stewarts of that family.
There is another branch of the family of Cairney and that of Dalguise in Tom ban in Strathban and Trocherie and Dunkeld, very decent, industrious commonality (I forgot to mention that Stewart the Artiteck in London was of the Tom bein family).
There was another sept of Stewarts about Easter and Wester Dalguise who were said to be of the family of Siorglas very decent commonality. But in Glen Tilt (excepting Callendar parish) before the Duke of Athol laid it waste, between the family of Pitinnisie, Drimcharrie and Siorglas, there was about 20 families in the same neighbourhood, with some of the family of Fonab and Fincastle.
The family that I am of, about five generations back came up from Dunkeld to be factors to the family of Athol. The first was a son of the family or Ardnangaug, who was a son of the family of Balechan, by a son of Butter of Cormick in Carse of Gowrie.
The family of Drimbuy that was near Dunkeld was likewise of that Branch.
The last of the Ard-nan-gaug family was a daughter who was married to one Croftke, a writer in Dunkeld, who left two daughters: one of them was married to Bailie Peter Bizzet in Perth, a coppersmith, and the other to a writer of the name of Fisher in Dunkeld, a very indifferent character.
There was one of the family of Drimbuy who was a tenant on Culdares estate about 30 years ago, in Kinkidston, under Stormont, near James Bizzit, your friend, who had a son who was bred to be a minister. There was another of them about the same period who was [a] gardener with Sir John Clark of Pennycuck, south from Edinburgh.
I am sure there will be papers about Dunkeld that will throw light upon both families those of Ard-nan-gang and Drimbuy. Croftke's wife had a part of the old property which they had.
There were two brothers that came to age of my ancestors who were killed by the Camerons upon Cairn-skepaig between Foss and Appin of Dow. They were upon the Feil-Lennan, a market in Dull in the latter end of harvest. One of them was courting a lady of the name of Menzies in that country and coming home to Athol. There was a merchant from Foss, of "Sliochd Phudhruik mhoir" ("Children of Great Patrick"), who say themselves [that] they are of the family of Foss, and who was grandfather to the "Marsant MacDhonnachi Ruaigh" ("merchant son of Red Duncan") whom some Camerons met and were robbing, and they, coming to his assistance were shot by the robbers before they could get near them. Their Cairns were there some time ago. I am sure there are papers in Dunkeld and will discover more about that family which I wish you would find out.
Donald Stewart, Auch - I really think the Stewart he is descended of [the family] commonly called "Slioch tigh nan Gleann" ("Children of the house of the glen") [who] were sprung from the family of Lorn, before [they became] the family of Appin. [This branch was] commonly called "Dughail [illegible]".
With regard to the family of Stenton and Gourdie Stewart, I think they are descended of Stewart of Dualic or some of the natural sons of King Robert II.
The Stewarts about Ochterardoch I think belong to the family of Inver-dunning. It was a daughter of the last Inverdunning that was married to William Stewart of Tigh-na-dalloch, your own family. There is a respectable man and a great farmer near Ochterardoch who purchased Inverdunning, who I think is of the old family and which lives much in the way of Mr Stewart, Auch.
I cannot pretend to giving you much further information, and what I have said perhaps you know better about part of it than I do myself, but "a good tale is not the worse for being twice told". I was willing, however, to do what I could and am only sorry that I could not send it sooner.
It is a pity to neglect Mr Neil Stewart in Perth from getting every information that can be had of him.
I am sorry that the papers which I sent you before will not easily be made out, but if you will preserve them I will assist you in perusing them.
When I scrutinized Loch Carron in Ross-shire, the property of McKenzie of Applecross, it was formerly the estate of McKenzie of Delvey before they came to Perthshire. The place called Delvey was in the lower part of Ross-shire. The present place where McKenzie of Delvey resides was called Inch Cuthel. It belonged either to the family of Carnegie of North Esk or South Esk before the year 1715 and prior to that to the family of Errol. The family of Delvey showed much kindness to the Stewarts in that country before they came to Perthshire - the reason for which I cannot tell.
You will find the old writings I sent you separated from the new by a blue paper. And the information which I have collected concerning the other Stewarts in your own country and other places is separated by a letter addressed to yourself.
Although I forgot to make mention of the family of Montrose in any other remarks, I mean the present Duke of Montrose whatever character he has with his misguided multitude and other people that should know better and does not know anything about him but from hearsay, and as he is not a public speaker that we might know something of, farther than what he is in his own country. But with regard to his being a good Landlord to his tenants, he is the best I at present know even though he did in-grass part of his lands by the advice of his factor and the infatuated custom that has prevailed these forty years back. There never were any of them sent off without being provided for, the incoming tenant is obliged to grant them a cottarage in the farm at valuation in proportion to the rent of the whole farm and has it not in his power to remove them. Likewise, should any of them fail, they have the same privilege, not turned off like dogs, as is too prevalent with many these days. Widows are also protected in the same manner.
I do not see so many cottars anywhere as there, for the above reasons that they are never sent off while they remain honest and keep the peace. Whether it is from pure principal or on account of the cottars themselves -- certain it is that I know no proprietor in Scotland that has the same method. I mean his clemency in the above respects and his employing them always to work such as at his oak woods, which are I believe the most extensive in Scotland, yielding him no less than at the rate of about three thousand pounds stirling a year and upwards. And since his late factor's death he takes a more active hand in matters himself, by which means he knows more of the nature of things and is much better to his tenants.
A new original document begins here.
Colonel Stewart Sir,
Since I understand that Dr Graham [in] Aberfoyle is writing to you concerning the 42d [Highland Regiment] of which I had some information before, and since you wished also information concerning engrossing land and farms -- after all I have said about Argyllshire, there is one farm there in the parish of Balquhidder which I know of none in Argyleshire equal to it, nor any where else, without going to the far north. This farm is possessed by a Mr McDonald from Glen Lyon, a friend of Mr Stewart's Auch in which possession once resided forty-one tenants, equally as respectable as the present one. It at present contains only himself and his brother with one cottar who was a shepherd last year, and who, for shame they did not like to remove. It was divided formerly among the following lands, [namely] Mcgregor of Inverchearnaig, and Mcgregor of Easter Inverlochlarig. Afterwards [it was] purchased by the family of Invercharnaig - the head of [which] is called 'Sliochd Dughail cheir".
Wester Inverlochlairaig was possessed by the famous Rob Roy, second son of Glengyle by a daughter of Glenlyon which also fell to the Glen-carnaig family after his death together with Drumlich-dheasurich. Drumlich uaraich was possessed by a gentleman of the name of Mclaren and afterwards by the family of Glencarnaig, which afterwards was purchased by the family of Moray, and now held in tack by this McDonald. He has all the Baron McNab's property which lies contiguous to the above and which formerly belonged to several families of the name of Stewart. Craig-ruie, of which McDonald is laird, and lies contiguous to the rest was alternately the property of the Stewarts, the McLarens and McGregors.
To conclude, in the Parish of Balquhidder where at one time lived between four and five hundred tenants it now scarcely contains fifty. It is said Comrie parish contained five hundred and upwards, while it now has only about forty tenants. I am told Ardvorlich your friend had once twenty tenants and twenty cottars on his property and now has only one. The reason I cannot pretend to know. He has now only six cottars.
I mentioned to you before, the havoc that was done by Burrel Drummond on the north side of Lochearn. Some McLarens there were dispossessed, whose ancestors had been in that place for upwards of 400 years! It was a woman of the name of McLaren from that place that was mother to Dugal, first laird of Appin.
The parish of Monivard contiguous that, where the Campbell of Lawers dwelt, now the property of Lord Balgray, where there was between 120 and 130 tenants there is only about 4 or 5. I am told he removed 16 widows in one year out of their possession. What do you think of this monster of iniquity sitting at the high Court of Justice of the nation? An old man who has no heirs of his own body or relations, and which will all fall into his Lady's friends, and who delights in harassing and ill-using poor defenseless people. He hates the country people there and they hate him likewise. He thinks more of his planting trees than of the best or most innocent person in the country. He looks upon them as Hottontots. He thinks those he gets from the South country, who are far their inferiors and who are picked out for being lead-hearted characters. I do look upon the like of this man and ill-users in Ross shire to be far worse than the traitor ?Thistlewood and his infatuated associates. I even think there is nothing like this disagreeable account in Argyllshire after all I have said about it.
Dr Stewart in Strachur, after all you think of him, was the occasion of removing seven or eight farmers of the best characters in the country by his slyness and slow intrigues and giving their possessions (excellent farming ground) to a favourite and a man that had too much before. However I will decline writing any more of this nature in the event I may be blamed or give offence although it is nothing but plain truths.
As I said at the beginning, I understand that you have employed Dr Graham to write some particulars concerning the 42nd Regiment with observations and remarks which you intend publishing. I beg leave to offer you my opinion respecting him as a writer (for his other qualities, I would speak of him in the highest terms of approbation), however in this case, I am much afraid [that] he is hardly qualified for the task he has undertaken. For to be plain with you, although he was born in the parish of Callendar, and brought up chiefly in the parish of Aberfoyle I can without vanity assure you that I have more information myself concerning both these parishes and anything connected with them that what he published concerning the parish of Aberfoyle. And even he did not publish what he knew concerning Lochard and the back of the [illegible] incase it would be discovered by the public that any other proprietors possessed these properties before the Duke of Montrose. It is this partiality that baffles all history. He did not mention anything concerning the Duke of Albany and his predecessors, the Earls of Menteith. It is said Duke Murdoch was apprehended in a castle on the south side of Loch Ard. And he is said likewise to have been buried upon the island in the Loch of Menteith. With regard to the Loch of Menteith I am not certain because it is said he was buried in Stirling, however I think the tradition ought to be noticed. If I have taken any undue freedom in this manner, I hope you will excuse me. And even Mr Stirling, although he has neglected things of this nature, I reckon him in general a better writer than Dr Graham.
If you want any other information whatever to the Stewarts of Appin I know no man so qualified for that and other general information of the same kind than Capt Dugald Stewart of Invernahyle. He is, in every respect far more affable and agreeable than his cousin Dr Charles Stewart [in] Strachur. He really is a good hearted man, and it is a great pity that he has not more in his power.
I think I wrote you something concerning the Stewarts of Tar, before, and will do again if you think proper, though not in this paper. My reason for neglecting in description is [for] their being extinct, [all] but two daughters that are married and in very low circumstances. The late James Stewart of Tar father was in partnership with the late General Stewart of Raith's father in purchasing Oakwoods, which trade was not at that time taken by any but clever active men. He was called James Stewart of Boblach in the four and twenty farms of the Carse of Frews, in the Lordship of Doune, and was ground officer to the Earl of Murray. And should I have the pleasure of seeing you soon, I shall relate some fine anecdotes that passed between them, both of them being very active grasping men.
A new original document begins here.
Colonel Steuart, respectable Sir,
It is with the greatest
deference that I write to you. Along with this letter you will receive a
parcel containing the long looked for writings
that you wished from me. Believe me,
Sir, it was not my fault that you
had it not before now, as I could
not execute it myself so as to please
me and would not entrust it to but few others.
I wrote you before that I could
not have got it finished until I
went to Lochgoilhead, where I now am,
and at which place I had a good
deal of business independently of this.
If I knew no other person belonging
to you but Mrs Stewart, Foss your aunt,
I would wish to do any ordinary thing in
my point to oblige you. And as this is
within my reach and can be easily done, you can command me at pleasure.
I think if God spares me health I
will be in the country either through
the winter or at the beginning of next spring, when, if anything be found
deficient in what I have written you,
we can then correct at leisure.
I lost a book belonging to Mr Charles Stewart in Perth, [namely], The History of the Family of Strowan, and some other branches of that family, all excepting the Leud family which I never conceived to be Robertsons at all. I employed different persons to try and get another copy of this book and to no effect. Could I take the liberty of requesting you to look out for this work for me in order that I may return it to the person from whom I had it, as I am ashamed as he never asked it of me? And had it been my own I never had suggested the like to you.
Enclosed is an account against the family of Auchlecks, which I again beg leave to request that you endeavour to recover it. I proposed it about six or seven years ago to Mr Stewart, Auch who declined taking it in hand. I then applied to Mr Robertson the Minister in Strath-Tay who said he was not acquainted with any of the family who had it in their power, and he mentioned it to Mr Wm Stewart Dallchhealloch who paid little regard to it, which his father would not have done, but William was ever a clownish fellow. This parcel was enclosed in Garth's parcel. And Miss Stewart will know how it was conveyed to Mr Robertson. It will be seen in the lines and double of the accounts into which parcels it was sent. Mr Wm Stewart, younger of Garth, used to keep these lines. I had that account with one in Perth and was intending to present it to Dr Robertson, but referred it knowing that he was of an uncouth haughty disposition from his youth, although he knew the method of making money. I did not know till of late of Mrs Robertson's death and am sure that who ever was looking over her affairs would get the Lines for the Tea among the rest of her papers. And surely Miss Stewart will remember by whom it was conveyed, and what servant they had when she died will be found out.
Notwithstanding the long time, I think there will be very little trouble in ?way of the rest of the accounts excepting Crossman's, who I understand denies even the parcel's that went through Garth's family and the signed account granted in Mrs Stewart's presence and her two daughters, which I have by me.
I beg leave to tell you that I would rather be a mule-driver or any other degrading condition before I would bear the name of a gentleman on such terms as this. I will affront them, if they can be affronted, if I live. Pardon this [illegible], if I would not be provoked to the highest degree, I would not mention such things to you. They were under more obligations to me than any person in that country and if it had not been ever for me they were not what they are at present. It was I that put Crossman upon the plan of getting his brother's legacy, which he never thanked me much for, and I decline mentioning any more at present.
I took the liberty some time ago to write you concerning Mrs Calder, Miss Menzies' daughter. And since I left that country and will not be there this some time again depend upon it, if she will not get that money which belongs to her son she will be very badly off, for any assistance I ever saw any of her friends doing her. I left her a little money when I left that place, and orders to get in her peat by an acquaintance of mine. Dr Graham wrote her brother a week before I left that place without any answer whatever. If I had the satisfaction to know when or how I may be paid it would be some satisfaction, but that I will not get. And if anything was coming off her, I would neither get payment or thanks unless I get it from a higher power and the pleasant reflections of doing a good turn. She is the best of that family and would live independently of any one if she would get her [illegible]. I beg of you, sir, to press this brother of hers or else employ some other person to recover it for her, or else she will be very badly off. Pardon encroaching so much upon your time and patience. I Intended to leave this parcel with this letter at Mr Stewart's Auch. The original contains 100 pages. I will mention to you after this where to write me
This concludes the documentary analysis of Captain James Stewart's letters to Colonel David Stewart of Garth, known as The Stewarts of the South.
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