Of Newton-Douglas. (Source M'Kerlie)
May have been born in 'Blair'
Stated to be the eldest son. Continued the family tenancy in 'Balsalloch'and 'Blairs'
In "The Book of Galloway", Sir William DOUGLAS' father is stated to havefarmed Barsalloch.

daughter of James 'HERON of Carsenestock'.

Earliest reported ancestor of William Douglas was his great-grandfather,Gilbert Douglas, farmer in Glenrassie, Penninghame.
William Douglas' grandfather was a farmer.
William Douglas father was a farmer who rented two farms - Blairs (NearCree town and Balsalloch, in Penningame.
1745: William Douglas born at Blairs or Balsalloch. His mother was aHeron of Carsenestock.
To Mr and Mrs Douglas a large family of sons and daughters was born, buttheir start in life was but a poor one, the father's ventures failing andhe himself dying soon afterwards. Thereupon the children were dividedamong their parent's kinsfolk
1755 abt: William Douglas' father died.
1755 abt: William allotted to his mother's brother-in-law atCarsenestock. Here he grew up and when old enough was furnished by thisuncle with sufficient means to set up as a pedlar, then a lucrativeenough calling, which he followed for some time. It was then his habit tostay with his relative, Patrick Heron of Kirroughtrie, also laird ofIngleston of Kelton.
Meantime, growing tired of the packman's life, the ambitious youthdecided to go out to Virginia, where a brother of his father had settledand was in prosperous circumstances. His own brothers followed him there,where, in partnership with their relation, they built up a lucrativemercantile business. In a comparatively short time a fortune was amassedto the extent of £500,000.
1779 abt: At the age of thirty-four, William Douglas was able to returnto Scotland. He now bought the estate of Penninghame and had the villageof Newton-Stewart raised to a Burgh of Barony, the new town being renamedNewton-Douglas in his honour. Honoured by his brother, James Douglas ofOrchardton.
1792: obtained the Charter establishing the Burgh of Castle-DouglasBarony (previously Newton-Stewart)
1801, July 17: William Douglas received a baronetcy and claimed to be therepresentative of both the Black Douglases of Threave and the Douglasesof Drumlanrig. As supporters on his shield he placed at one side asemi-naval officer and on the other an Indian chief pointing to themanner in which the family fortune had been made -through a combinationof ordinary trading with the Indians and some privateering.
1809: death of Sir William Douglas. He was unmarried. His heir was hisnephew William, afterward M.P. for the Stewartry.
1821: a mausoleum built in Kelton honouring Sir William Douglas. Died atthe home of his brother, Samuel DOUGLAS, Esq. of America Square, London.A neice (daughter of Samuel Douglas) became Lady Abercromby of Birkenbog.Gelston Castle was also kept up by another neice, Matilda (daughter ofJames Douglas) who married William Maitland. (Source: 'The Book ofGalloway' by James Anderson Russell)
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Died unmarried (Source: M'Kerlie)

Died young