The Wright Stewarts in Ardveich & Coilmore

The History & Genealogy of the Stewarts in Ardveich & Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland;
Line 6 of the Stewarts of Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland
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The Wright Stewarts in Ardveich & Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

6 Line of the Stewarts of Dalveich

The Wright Stewarts in Ardveich and Coilmore are a sibling line to the Ross Stewarts in Ardveich and Stronvar. They have been given the nickname “Wright Stewarts” to differentiate them from several other Stewart families who also resided in Ardveich. This family originates in Ardveich which is located in Glen Beich on the north shore of Loch Earn in Comrie parish in historical Highland Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area.) They are the sixth line descending from John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich. The earliest known progenitor of this line is Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, a wright at Ardveich, brother to James Ross Stewart in Ardveich, who lived in the early part of the 18th century.

Two of Sandy Stewart’s orphaned grandchildren, Sarah Jane Stewart and John Joseph Smale Stewart became renowned poets. This family’s story is told below.

Ancestors of the Stewarts in Ardveich & Coilmore

The Stewarts in Ardveich & Coilmore descend from the Stewarts of Dalveich, who descend from the Stewarts of Ardvorlich who are the senior branch of the Stewarts of Balquhidder.

Sources

In our research, we cite many documentary sources. Some of the most common ones that you will find referenced and abbreviated in our notes include:

  • Duncan Stewart (1739). A Short Historical and Genealogical Account of the Surname Stewart…. (It’s actual title is much longer), by Rev. Duncan Stewart, M.A., 1st of Strathgarry and Innerhadden, son of Donald Stewart, 5th of Invernahyle, published in 1739. Public domain.
  • Stewarts of the South. A large collection of letters written circa 1818-1820 by an agent of Maj. Gen. David Stewart of Garth, comprising a near complete inventory of all Stewart families living in southern Perthshire, including all branches of the Stewarts of Balquhidder.
  • MacGregor, Gordon, The Red Book of Scotland. 2020 (http://redbookofscotland.co.uk/, used with permission). Gordon MacGregor is one of Scotland’s premier professional family history researchers who has conducted commissioned research on behalf of the Lord Lyon Court. He has produced a nine volume encyclopedic collection of the genealogies of all of Scotland’s landed families with meticulous primary source references. Gordon has worked privately with our research team for over 20 years.
  • [Parish Name] OPR. This refers to various Old Parish Registers.
  • For a full list of sources, click here.

Ardveich and Coilmore

6 Line of the Stewarts of Dalveich resided at two primary properties: Ardveich on the north shore of Loch Earn and Coilmore on the south shore of Loch Earn in Comrie parish in historic Highland Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area).

aerial view of a Highland Scottish farmhouse

(Wester) Ardveich House with Glen Beich in the background. Photo by Ryk Brown, 2023.

Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

Ardveich derives its name from the Gaelic, Ard-Bheathaich, which means “height of the birch woods”. It was a crofting settlement in Glen Beich (“glen of the birch woods”) on the north shore of Loch Earn in historic Highland Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area). The Beich Burn (“birch woods creek”) bisects the glen and forms the parish boundary between Balquhidder parish on the west and Comrie parish on the east. At it’s height, Ardveich was split into two crofts: Wester and Easter Ardveich. Only Wester Ardveich remains today and is known simply as Ardveich. Easter Ardveich is now a ruin. By the early 1800s, the Marquess of Breadalbane, landlord of Glen Beich, began removing tenants to make way for sheep pasture. In some cases, the tentants were forcibly removed and the roofs torn off their houses and burned to prevent them from returning. Easter Ardveich shows signs of such possible forced evictions.

Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

Coilmore is located on the south shore of Loch Earn, east of Ardvorlich in Comrie parish in historic Highland Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area). It derives its name from the Gaelic, Coille mhor,  which means “great/big woods.” Some of the children of Sandy Stewart, Wright in Ardveich, moved to Coilmore.

Stobies Map 1783 showing Coilmore in relation to Ardveich and Ardvorlich.

18th century map

6 Line – The Stewarts in Ardveich and Coilmore

Stewarts of the South

The 6th Line of the Dalveich Stewarts were a family living in Ardveich and Coilmore. This family is described in Stewarts of the South as follows:

Alexander Stewart – a tacksman at Ardveich in Comrie Balquhidder parish. He left four sons. (It is presumed that Alexander was dead in ca. 1815.) His sons are:

  1. Robert Stewart, a soldier in the 79th Regiment. He has a family of sons (presumably adult sons).
  2. A son of unknown name who is now in training with the Artillery
  3. A second son of unknown name who is also training with the Artillery.
  4. James Stewart, who is a lotter (a buyer and seller of wool) at Coilmore on Ardvorlich’s estate.

Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3

This family is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, as follows:

There were two brothers of this family living at Ardveich at the end of the 18th century. They were Alexander (Sandy) Stewart and his brother James Stewart. The eldest, Alexander (Sandy), was a wright and had the following issue:

  1. Robert, who died without children.
  2. James, who was brought up as a weaver, then in Callander. Afterwards he became a shepherd at Balmenoch and Ardvorlich. Latterly he became a crofter at Coilmore. He married a MacGregor and had one daughter, Annie. He died in 1861. Annie was the faithful servant at Ardvorlich, who was well known to the last generation. She served four lairds and eventually died at Ardvorlich about 1897. She was buried at Dundurn inside the chapel.
  3. John, who was a constable. He died in 1855. He had two sons in Australia, John and Abel (sic).
  4. Bell, a cook, died in William Street, Edinburgh.
  5. Mary, married Duncan Ferguson, firstly a shepherd at Gleninishach, Balquhidder, latterly a crofter at Coilcreich.

These two accounts differ about Alexander’s eldest son, Robert, who is described in Stewarts of the South as having had a family of sons, whereas he is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, as having died without children. We have not identified Robert in any records and do not know which account is correct.

The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, gives no dates for any of these people. However the reference to son James who was father of Annie, servant at Ardvorlich, can be cross-referenced with Mitchell’s Monumental Inscriptions and OPR data to giving us a basis for dating the rest of the family.

The Origins of Alexander Stewart, Wright in Ardveich

Alexander Stewart was descended from John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich by unknown means. Chronology suggests that he was a great-grandson. The intervening generations are not known for certain. The father of Alexander Stewart is believed, but not confirmed, to have been named Robert. He is shown here with a question mark (?) after his name to indicate the uncertainty. Verifiable accounting of this family begins with Alexander Stewart and his brother, James Ross Stewart, and their descendants.

John Dubh Mhor Stewart, of Dalveich,   b. Abt 1630, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Abt 1732, Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 102 years) 

    1. Robert? mac Iain Dubh Mhor Stewart, in Glenbeich,   b. Abt 1678, Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN. John Dubh Mhor Stewart had eight sons who all grew to adulthood and had descendants. This son’s name is not known for sure but is suggested to be Robert. The following letter mentions Robert Stewart in Glenbeich: “1713 – Alex Stewart, London, wants brother Robert Stewart, in Glenbeach (Glenbeich) to send him money.” Also a Robert Steuart entered into a contract of wadset for the lands of Ardveich with James Drummond, Earl of Perth, on 4 January, 1733 (source: Gordon MacGregor, author of The Red Book of Scotland, personal correspondence). These two Robert Stewarts may or may not be the same person. They may be either a son or grandson of John Dubh Mhor Stewart. There is insufficient evidence to know for certain. It is suggested, but not confirmed, that Lines 5 and 6 descend from this son.
      1. Robert? Stewart, in Ardveich,   b. Abt 1705, Glen Beich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN.The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol 3, says, “There were two brothers of this family living at Ardveich at the end of the 18th century. They were Alexander (Sandy) Stewart and his brother James Stewart. The eldest, Alexander (Sandy), was a wright….”

        The son, Alexander Stewart, is described as a wright on his son John Stewart’s death registration.

        Stewarts of the South presents Alexander Stewart as the patriarch of Line 6 and James Ross Stewart as the patriarch of Line 5. This would seem to suggest that Line 5 is senior to Line 6, but Stewarts of the South cannot be relied upon for accurate accounting of seniority of secondary lines. Whereas, The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol 3, is quite specific that Sandy Stewart is the older brother and James Ross Stewart is the younger brother.

        Sandy and James’ father’s name is not known for certain. He may have been a middle or younger son of John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich, however current chronology suggests he was more likely a grandson. Onomastics suggests his name was Robert, but this is not confirmed. Alexander’s oldest son was named Robert. It was custom in that era for families to name their first son after the father’s father. However, James Ross’ oldest son was named James. While this would suggest that James’ father’s name should also be James, one of the known meanings for the name ‘Ross’ was a contraction of ‘Robertson’ or “son of Robert.” And we cannot eliminate that possibility that James may have had an earlier son named Robert not known to us.

        Nothing more is known about this Stewart other than the fact that he presumably lived at Ardveich in Comrie parish, Perthshire, Scotland, and that he was a descendant (likely a grandson) of John Dubh Mhor Stewart in Dalveich, who was an illegitimate son of the notorious Major James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich. Present accounting would favour that was the son of Robert Stewart in Glenbeich, but this is not confirmed.

        Given what we know of the culture of the area, and his clan, it is also likely that this Stewart was a Jacobite. Given the likely ages of his children, it’s possible that he even fought at Culloden.

        Robert? Stewart was the father of a family, including:

        1. Alexander Stewart, wright in Wester Ardveich,   b. Abt 1730, Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN. Alexander is described as a wright (carpenter) in Ardveich. Alexander’s information is presented below.
        2. James Ross Stewart, in Wester Ardveich and Stronvar,   b. Abt 1732, Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Bef 1815  (Age ~ 82 years). James’ information is presented on our Ross Stewarts in Ardveich and Stronvar page.

Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, Wright in Ardveich

Alexander Stewart, Wright in Wester Ardveich,   b. Abt 1730, Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN. 

Firm accounting of this family begins with Sandy Stewart, a wright in Ardveich, older brother of James Ross Stewart, also in Ardveich. Their birth records have not been found and their father’s name is not recorded. Their father’s name is suggested to have possibly been Robert.

Sandy’s exact year of birth is unknown but is estimated to be around 1730 and he is believed to be older than his brother, James.

The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, says, “There were two brothers of this family living at Ardveich at the end of the 18th century. They were Alexander (Sandy) Stewart and his brother James Stewart. The eldest, Alexander (Sandy), was a wright….”

Alexander Stewart is described as a wright on his son John Stewart’s death registration, corroborating the reference in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3.

Stewarts of the South presents Alexander Stewart as the patriarch of Line 6 and James Ross Stewart as the patriarch of Line 5. This would seem to suggest that Line 5 is senior to Line 6, but Stewarts of the South cannot be relied upon for accurate accounting of seniority of secondary lines. Whereas, The Stewarts of Ardvorlich Vol 3, is quite specific that Sandy Stewart is the older brother and James Ross Stewart is the younger brother.

It is believed that the Cooper’s Anvil presently at Ardvorlich belonged to this Sandy Stewart.

Sandy Stewart is presumed to have married Catherine McArthur,   b. Abt 1750, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN, although no record of their marriage has been found. They had the following children:

1. Mary Stewart, b. Abt 6 Feb 1774, Easter Ardeonaig, Killin, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN

Mary Stewart,   b. Abt 6 Feb 1774, Easter Ardeonaig, Killin, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN.

Mary Stewart was born in 1774 in Easter Ardeonaig, Killin, Perthshire, Scotland. Her mother’s name at her baptism was recorded as Kat. McKercher. (“S.D. Alex’r Stuart and and Kat. McKercher Easter Ardeonaig had their lawful dau’r bap. called Mary.” Killin OPR)

According to The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, Mary Stewart “married Duncan Ferguson, firstly a shepherd at Gleninishach, Balquhidder, latterly a crofter at Coilcreich.” Gleninishach (Glen Ishag) is located in the uppermost Braes of Balquhidder west of Drumlich. Coilcreich is adjacent to Ardveich.

On 1 DEC 1799, in Port Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, Mary Stewart married Duncan Ferguson. The record indicates they were both in Port of Menteith parish at the time. It’s not known why they were married so far away in Port of Menteith. It’s possible the Port of Menteith marriage could be a different couple with the same names, but the date is a perfect match and the Port of Menteith OPR shows no couple by that name having children in the years after 1799.

In 1851, at age 75, Mary Stewart was residing in Coilcreich in Glenbeich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, with her husband Duncan Ferguson (75).

Mary Stewart married on 1 Dec 1799 in Port of Monteith, Perth, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  to Duncan Ferguson, in Ishagearb,   b. Abt 30 Aug 1776, Wester Achtow, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Apr 1859, Craigingart, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 82 years). They had the following children:

    1. Murdoch Ferguson,   b. 11 May 1800, Callander Village, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 Nov 1882, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 82 years). At the time of his daughter Mary’s birth, Murdoch was a Private in the 79th Regiment of Foot. Murdoch Ferguson married on 13 Apr 1825 in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location to Isabella Laurie,   b. 1804, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:
      1. Janet Ferguson,   b. 1828, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      2. Gilbert Ferguson,   b. 1836, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      3. Murdoch Ferguson,   b. 1839, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      4. Margaret Ferguson,   b. 1841, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
    2. Alexander Ferguson,   b. Abt 2 Sep 1802, Auchleskine, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
    3. Catherine Ferguson,   b. Abt 7 Oct 1810, Drumlich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
    4. Janet Ferguson,   b. Abt 20 Jun 1813, Ishagearb, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
    5. Mary Ferguson,   b. Abt 20 Jun 1813, Ishagearb, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1896, Gartmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 82 years). Mary Ferguson married on 27 Jun 1841 in Killearn, Stirling, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location to Duncan Keir, in Gartmore,   b. 1803, Balfron, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1884, Gartmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 81 years). They had the following children:
      1. Duncan Keir,   b. 1842, Gartmore, Port Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      2. Peter Keir,   b. 1844, Port Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      3. Mary Keir,   b. 1846, Port Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      4. Cathrine Keir,   b. 1849, Gartmore, Port Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      5. James Kier,   b. 1853, Gartmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      6. John Kier,   b. 1853, Gartmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      7. Alexander Kier,   b. 1856, Gartmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
    6. John Ferguson,   b. Abt 24 Sep 1815, Ishagearb, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 Aug 1872, Menstrie, Logie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 56 years). John Ferguson married on 24 Jan 1851 in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location to Mary Drummond,   b. 1816, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location . They had the following children:
      1. Duncan Ferguson,   b. 1851, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      2. Peter Ferguson,   b. 1853, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location 
      3. John Fergason,   b. 1855, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location 
      4. James Fergason,   b. 1857, Craigingart, Port of Monterth, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location
2. Cpl. Robert Stewart, b. Abt 7 Jul 1776, Killin, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN

Cpl. Robert Stewart,   b. Abt 7 Jul 1776, Killin, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN

Robert’s mother is identified as “Kat. McKercher” at his baptism.

The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, says Robert Stewart “died without children.” However Stewarts of the South contradicts this, describing him as “a soldier in the 79th Regiment (with) a family of sons.” His nephew Murdoch Fergson also served with the 79th Regiment of Foot.

Military records show that Robert Stewart served as a Corporal in the 79th Regiment of Foot (Cameron Highlanders) from 1798 to 1816.

No marriage or children have been found for Robert.

3. James Stewart, in Coilmore, b. Abt 27 Nov 1781, Wester Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 2 Jan 1861, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

James Stewart, in Coilmore,   b. Abt 27 Nov 1781, Wester Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 2 Jan 1861, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 79 years)

James Stewart’s mother’s name at his baptism is recorded as “Cath. McArchir.”

Stewarts of the South says that James “was brought up as a weaver, then in Callander. Afterwards he became a shepherd at Balmenoch and Ardvorlich. Latterly he became a crofter at Coilmore.” The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, says he was “a lotter (a buyer and seller of wool) at Coilmore on Ardvorlich’s estate” and that he “died in 1861.”

In 1841, at age 60, James Stewart was residing at Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, with his wife. He was employed as an agriculatural labourer.

In 1851, at age 69, James Stewart was residing at Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, with his wife and daughter. He was employed as a labourer. (Coilmore is located on the south shore of Loch Earn, just east of Ardvorlich.)

In 1861, at the time of his death, James was employed as a labourer at Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland.

James Stewart married on 16 Jan 1811 at Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  to Catherine McGregor,   b. 1772, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 20 Dec 1856, Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 84 years). They had the following child:

    1. Annie Stewart,   b. Abt 2 Oct 1814, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1897, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 82 years)Annie Stewart is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, as “Annie was the faithful servant at Ardvorlich, who was well known to the last generation. She served four lairds and eventually died at Ardvorlich about 1897. She was buried at Dundurn inside the chapel.” Mitchell’s Monumental Inscriptions records her gravestone: “Ann Stewart, for 60 yr faithful servant at Ardvorlich, 1813-1897.”

      In 1841, at age 25, Annie Stewart was residing at Ardvorlich House, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, in the home of Robert Stewart, 9th of Ardvorlich. She was employed as a servant.

      In 1851, at age 36, Annie Stewart was residing at Coilmore, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, with her elderly parents. He was employed as a servant.

      In 1861, at age 42, Annie Stewart was residing at Ardvorlich Cottage, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland. She was employed as a servant.

      In 1881, at age 65, Annie Stewart was residing at Ardvorlich Cottage March Cottage, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland. She was employed as a housekeeper domestic servant.

      In 1891, at age 76, Annie Stewart was residing at Ardvorlich House, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, in the home of John Stewart, 12th of Ardvorlich. She was listed as an annuitant.

4. Isabel Stewart, b. Abt 18 Apr 1784, Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN

Isabel Stewart,   b. Abt 18 Apr 1784, Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN. 

Isabel Stewart’s mother was identified as “Cathr. McKaricher” at her baptism.

She is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, as “Bell, a cook, died in William Street, Edinburgh.”

5. Margaret Stewart, b. Abt 8 Mar 1789, Wester Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN

Margaret Stewart,   b. Abt 8 Mar 1789, Wester Ardveich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN.

Margaret Stewart’s mother was identified as “Cathr. McArthur” at Margaret’s baptism. Margaret is not mentioned in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich Vol. 3 and is presumed to have died young.

6. Sgt. John Stewart, Sr. in Lochearnhead, b. Abt 16 Oct 1791, Bridge of Teith, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 17 Nov 1855, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland

Sgt. John Stewart, Sr. in Lochearnhead,   b. Abt 16 Oct 1791, Bridge of Teith, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 17 Nov 1855, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 64 years).

Information on Sgt. John Stewart and his descendants is presented below.

Sgt. John Stewart, Sr., in Lochearnhead

Father of Poets

Sgt. John Stewart, Sr. in Lochearnhead,   b. Abt 16 Oct 1791, Bridge of Teith, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 17 Nov 1855, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 64 years).

Sgt. John Stewart, Sr. (1791-1855), was a Highland soldier born at Bridge of Teith near Doune in Kilmadock parish, Perthshire, Scotland. His family originated 20 miles to the north at Ardveich at the foot of Glen Beich on the north shore of Loch Earn on the boundary between Balquhidder and Comrie parishes. They belonged to clan Sliochd Iain Dubh Mhor, a cadet branch of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, the senior branch of the Stewarts of Balquhidder. John carried the name of his great-grandfather, John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich, an illegitimate son of Maj. James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich.

Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)

John served in the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) and was later stationed in Ireland where he met and married his wife, Sarah Margaret Smale (or Small) (1805-1854). They began their family in Ireland and, upon John’s discharge from the army, they returned to his home in Balquhidder parish and resided at Lochearnhead, just a short walk from his ancestral home at Ardveich.

Police Sergeant

John was something of a favourite of his clan chief, William Stewart, 8th of Ardvorlich, who secured for him a position as a police sergeant and inspector. With his police salary and military pension, he was able to live out his life comfortably.

In 1845, John named his daughter, Helen Maxton Stewart, after Helen Maxton, wife of William Stewart, 8th of Ardvorlich.

John Stewart and Sarah Smale had eight children. Sarah Smale died in 1854 and her husband, Sgt. John Stewart Sr., died a year later in 1855, leaving their children orphaned, ranging in ages from 26 to 10 years old. The older siblings appear to have stepped in to look after the younger siblings. Daughter, Sarah, describes them as being unable to continue living in their parents’ former home.

Orphaned Children

Of their children:

  • Eldest daughter, Mary Ann Stewart, had an illegitimate son, Michael, by an unknown man and then married William Rattray, a railway porter from St. Ninians, Stirlingshire. They had several children of their own and took in Mary Ann’s younger sisters, Isabella and Helen.
  • John Joseph Smale Stewart became a poet and a sailor and travelled the world before finally settling in New Zealand with his younger brother, Alexander (a.k,a. “Abel”), where he was a farmer, a gold prospector, and finally a respected school teacher. John’s poetry invokes images of New Zealand and implies a sympathy for the plight of exploited indigenous Maori peoples.
  • Middle daughter, Sarah Jane Stewart, also became a poet and worked as a household servant before marrying another poet, John Hyslop, known as “The Postman Poet.”

John Stewart’s mother was identifed as “Kathrine McKerracher” at his baptism.

John Stewart is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich Vol. 3 as “a constable (who) died in 1855 (and) had two sons [now in] in Australia, John and Abel (sic – Alexander).” John never moved to Australia so it is likely thatThe Stewarts of Ardvorlich Vol. 3 meant that his two sons were “now in Australia.”

About 1827, John married Sarah SMALL, probably in Ireland, although no record of their marriage has been found.

The 1841 census shows the family residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland and shows John’s occupation as an army soldier.

The 1851 census shows the family residing in Coilmore, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland and shows John’s occupation as “police constable, Sergeant.”

On 17 Nov 1855, at age 64, in St. Fillans, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, John Stewart died. He is buried in the Stewart family ground at the Old Kirkyard, Dundurn, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland. His parents are listed as Alexander Stewart, wright, and Catherine McKercher. His children are listed as Mary Stewart (23), Catherine Stewart (22), John 21, Isabella 18, Sarah 16, Alexander 14, Helen 10. The informant is James Stewart, his brother.

Sgt. John Stewart is presumed to have married Abt 1830 Ireland Find all individuals with events at this location to Sarah Margaret Smale,   b. 1805, Ireland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1854, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 49 years), although no record of their marriage survives. They had the following children:

For more information on Sgt. John Stewart’s service with the 79th Cameron Highlanders:

The 79th Cameron Highlanders

The 79th Cameron Highlanders

John Stewart’s regiment is not recorded, but his cousin, Robert Stewart in Ardveich, served in the 79th Cameron Highlanders who fought in the Napoleonic Wars (1793 – 1815). The movements of the 79th match with what is known of John’s service. He served in St. Helena during Napoleon’s captivity and later in Ireland.

In 1793-94, the 79th were stationed in Ireland and England, then they were deployed to Belgium to fight against Napoleon at the Battle of Flanders. In 1795 they were deployed to the West Indies for two years, then back to England, and to France. In 1801, they were sent to Egypt to stave off French control of the route to India. Then to Menorca in Spain, Portugal, Denmark, back to France. After Napoleon’s abdication in 1814, they were stationed in Cork, Ireland. From there it was back to Belgium in 1815 to battle a returned Napoleon and finally to France for the defeat and capture of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. They remained in France until 1818 after which they were deployed for home service. For John, home service was presumably in Ireland, perhaps back in Cork.

 

Two of Sgt. John Stewart’s orphaned children became published poets:

The Stewart Poets of Lochearnhead

Poetry, like music, has always been an important part of Highland culture in Scotland.

Sarah Jane Stewart (1839-1920) and her brother John Joseph Smale Stewart (1834-unknown) from Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland were orphaned in their teens and channelled their life experiences and feelings into poetry. They were both published in several local collections of works by accomplished Perthshire poets…. (click for more…)

1. Mary Ann Stewart, b. 1831, Ireland, d. UNKNOWN

Mary Ann Stewart,   b. 1831, Ireland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN.

Eldest daughter, Mary Ann Stewart, had an illegitimate son, Michael, by an unknown man and then married William Rattray, a railway porter from St. Ninians, Stirlingshire. They had several children of their own and took in Mary Ann’s younger sisters, Isabella and Helen.

Mary Ann Stewart is not found with her parents in 1841 in Lochearnhead.

In 1851, at age 22, Mary Stewart was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with her parents and siblings. She was born in Ireland and working as a household servant.

In 1855, at the time of her father’s death, Mary Stewart is listed as 23 years old on her father’s death registration.

In 1856, at age 25, Mary Stewart gave birth to a son, Michael Stewart, whose father is unknown. The parish register has not been viewed for his birth but, given that his surname is Stewart, it may be that he was illegitimate.

Mary Stewart had relations with an unknown man and had one child in Comrie:

    1. Michael Stewart,   b. 6 Oct 1856, St. Fillans, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN.

      In 1861, at age 4, Michael Stewart was residing at 25 King Street in the town of Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland, with his mother, Mary Ann Stewart, and his step-father, William Ratray.

      In 1871, at age 14, Michael Stewart was residing at 32 Port Street in the town of Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland, with his mother, Mary Ann Stewart, and his step-father, William Ratray, and their children. Also residing with them was Michael’s aunt Isabella Stewart (35). Michael was employed as a railway porter.

      In 1881, at age 24, Michael Stewart was residing at 64 Port Street in the town of Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland, with his mother, Mary Ann Stewart, and his step-father, William Ratray. Michael was employed as a railway engine fireman.

      In 1891, at age 34, Michael Stewart was residing 8 George Street in the town of Stilring, Stirlinghsire, Scotland, with his wife and young children. He was employed as a railway engine driver.

      In 1901, at age 34, Michael Stewart was residing 8 George Street in the town of Stilring, Stirlinghsire, Scotland, with his wife and growing family. He was employed as a railway engine driver.

      Michael Stewart is presumed to have married to Margaret Macdonald,   b. 30 Oct 1862, Duthill with Rothiemurchus, Inverness-shire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN, although no record of their marriage has been found:

      1. William Stewart,   b. 1888, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      2. Jessie McDonald Stewart,   b. 1890, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      3. Alexander Blair Stewart,   b. 21 Oct 1890, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 Aug 1963, Massachusetts, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 72 years)
      4. Mary A R Stewart,   b. 1891, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      5. Jane Stewart,   b. 1892, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
      6. Grace McGlashan Stewart,   b. 1896, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
      7. Michael Stewart,   b. 1898, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN

Mary Ann Stewart married secondly on 10 DEC 1858 in Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland to William Michael Rattray,   b. Abt 1826, St Ninians, Stirlingshire Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN. They had six children:

    1. Sarah M Rattay,   b. Abt 1862, St Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN  
    2. Jane Rattary,   b. 12 Dec 1863, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
    3. Mary A Rattay,   b. Abt 1866, St Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 
    4. Gerutha Rattay,   b. Abt 1870, St Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN
2. Catherine Stewart, b. 1833, Ireland, d. UNKNOWN

Catherine Stewart,   b. 1833, Ireland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN  

In 1841, at age 9, Catherine Stewart was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with her parents and siblings.

In 1851, at age 18, Catherine Stewart was residing in Achraw, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, working as a household servant for the family of Alexander Irvine, who may be related to the Helen Irvine who married Catherine’s grand-nephew, Alexander Blair Stewart (son of Michael Stewart).

Catherine Stewart is listed as 22 years old in 1855 on her father’s death registration.

Catherine has not been found in 1861. She may have married, emigrated, or died.

A matching Catherine Stewart, the same age, and born in Ireland, married Joseph Wright and living in Massachussets (where her nephew Michael Stewart’s family ended up); listed as born in Tyrone, Ireland. It is not confirmed that it is this Catherine Stewart. However, there is not enough information to know if it was this Catherine Stewart.

3. John Joseph Smale Stewart, poet, b. 1834, Ireland, d. Aft 1893, Tamarara, South Island, New Zealand

John Joseph Smale Stewart, poet,   b. 1834, Ireland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1893, Tamarara, South Island, New Zealand Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age > 60 years).

John Joseph Smale Stewart. The son of a Perthshire soldier, was born about 1838 while his father was with his regiment in Ireland, but was brought up at Lochearnhead where his father, on retiring from the army, wrought for a time as a gardener, and latterly occupied the position of police inspector for the district. At the age of sixteen he went to serve on her Majesty’s Ship, Cumberland, then under command of Captain Seymour, and, after cruising for some time, sailed for Bermuda, and thence to Halifax and Nova Scotia. He took part in the Russian War, and, after being discharged, returned home for a brief season. Subsequently, after voyaging to various parts of the world, he took a farm in Australia (sic, New Zealand), and for some years, along with a brother [Alexander], was a successful farmer. Ultimately he settled as a schoolmaster at Tamarara, near Hooker’s Bay, where he still resides, enjoying much popularity as a teacher and a citizen of the world.

(Ford, Robert. The Harp of Perthshire. A Collection of Songs, Ballads, and other Poetical Pieces chiefly by local authors with notes explanatory, critical, and biographical. Paisley and Paternoster Square, London: Alexander Gardner, Publisher to her Majesty the Queen, 1893, p. 512.)

——-

JOHN JOSEPH SMALE STEWART. The son of a soldier and brother of the poetess, Mrs. Hyslop, sketched in our series, was born about 1838 while his father was with his regiment in Ireland, but was brought up in Lochearnhead where his father removed after leaving the army. He was a great favourite with his teacher and they used to spend hours together reciting poetry after the school was dismissed in the evening. His poetical sister was years his junior and the kindred spirits were deeply attached to each other. She was the companion of his rambles and she speaks with pardonable pride of the time when he first confided to her the secret that he had made a song. She looked upon him with other eyes and dreamed of something great in store for her poet brother. At the age of sixteen he went to serve on Her Majesty’s ship, Cumberland, then under command of Captain Seymour and, after cruising for some time, sailed for Bermuda and thence to Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). He took part in the Russian War and after being discharged returned home to find that his dearly loved mother’s chair was vacant. After several voyages to various parts of the world, he took a farm in Australia (sic, New Zealand) and for some years, along with a brother (Alexander), was a successful farmer. He was seized with the gold fever, sold his farm, and ultimately we find him a schoolmaster at Tamarara near Hooker’s Bay where he has proved himself a successful and popular teacher. We have seen several specimens of Mr Stewart’s poetical epistles – a form of correspondence he generally adopts in writing home to his friends, and these are neatly expressed very entertaining and instructive and show the observant eye and warm heart. A vein of reflective melancholy runs through many of his poems. These show him to be a keen and intelligent student of Nature while his songs are musical and felicitous in sentiment.

(Edwards, David Herschell. One Hundred Modern Scottish Poets: With Biographical and Critical Notices. Brechin: D. H. Edwards Publishing, 1884. Vol. 7, p. 61)

The above biographies indicate that John settled in Australia with his brother Alexander (also known as Abel). However, in the 1800s, the term “Australia” was often used generically to include New Zealand, in much the same way as “America” was used to refer to both the USA and Canada in that time period. The locations mentioned in John’s poetry are all found on the South Island of New Zealand. Furthermore, Wakamarina was the location of a gold rush in the 1860s-1870s on the South Island of New Zealand, which fits with John’s biography. It is our assertion that John and Alexander settled on the South Island of New Zealand and not in Australia-proper.

John and Alexander are believed to have been still living in Lochearnhead at the time of their parents’ deaths in 1854/55. They are not found in the 1861 census and are believed to have begun their global trek by that point. The earliest biography of John was published in 1884 and speaks of him as already having been a farmer, a gold prospector and a teacher of good repute by 1884, suggesting he had been in New Zealand for several years by that point.

We have no further records of John or Alexander in New Zealand. We do not know if either of them married or had children or where exactly they lived or when they died.

So far as we can tell, neither of the Stewart Poets of Lochearnhead, John or Sarah, had any descendants.

John’s poetry can be found here:

https://stewartsofbalquhidder.com/2022/09/15/the-stewart-poets-of-lochearnhead/

John Stewart is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, as the son of John Stewart [residing] in Australia.

In 1841, at age 7, John Stewart was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his parents and siblings.

In 1850, at age 16, John Stewart went to serve on Her Majesty’s Ship, Cumberland, then under command of Captain Seymour.

John is listed as being 21 years old in 1855 on his father’s death registration.

John is not found in later census records. His biography indicates that he died in New Zealand.

 

4. Isabella Stewart, b. 10 Sep 1835, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN

Isabella Stewart,   b. 10 Sep 1835, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN 

In 1841, at age 5, Isabella Stewart was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with her parents and siblings.

Isabella Stewart is listed as 18 years old in 1855 on her father’s death registration.

5. Jane Stewart, b. 11 Feb 1837, Muthill, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 1838, St Fillans, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

Jane Stewart,   b. 11 Feb 1837, Muthill, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1838, St Fillans, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 0 years).

Jane Stewart is not not shown with her family in 1841. She is also not listed in 1855 on her father’s death registration. As her younger sister, Sarah Jane Stewart, carries her name as a middle name, it is presumed that Jane Stewart died prior to the birth of Sarah Jane Stewart in 1839.

6. Sarah Jane Stewart, poet, b. 4 Aug 1839, St. Fillans, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 15 Jan 1920, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Sarah Jane Stewart, poet,   b. 4 Aug 1839, St. Fillans, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 Jan 1920, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 80 years)

Sarah Jane Stewart. A sister of the subject of the foregoing notice (John Joseph Smale Stewart), was born at St. Fillans in the autumn of 1845 (sic, baptism records confirm she was born in 1839. Census records show that she started fudging her age in her early 30s). With a view to fitting her for a professional career, Sarah received the full educational course of the local school. Her mother dying suddenly, however, and her father following her into the silent land in little more than a year thereafter, her prospects in life were changed, and she had to go out to service. In the winter of 1877, she became the wife of the late Mr. John Hyslop, the well-known Kilmarnock postman-poet; author of “The Dream of a Masque and Other Poems,” and her wedded career was one of unbroken happiness. Since she was fourteen years old Mrs. Hyslop has cultivated, as opportunity afforded, a natural and true poetic gift, and has written many tender heart-warming poems and songs, which have been widely circulated and esteemed.

(Ford, Robert. The Harp of Perthshire. A Collection of Songs, Ballads, and other Poetical Pieces chiefly by local authors with notes explanatory, critical, and biographical. Paisley and Paternoster Square, London: Alexander Gardner, Publisher to her Majesty the Queen, 1893, p. 512.)

John [Hyslop] was twice married. The first marriage took place in the summer of 1863, when he was in receipt of 11s 6d per week, but odds and ends brought in a shilling or two more. Six children were born to them, three girls and three boys; of whom two girls and one boy died before their mother left his side to join them in the Better Land. After fourteen years of wedded life filled with sunshine and shadow; with smiles and tears; with many struggles and many triumphs, who who had been a loving mother and a good and loyal wife, died in the summer of 1877. Feeling his household getting into disorder, he married again in December of the same year, Sarah Jane Stewart, who had been spoken of to him by his first wife weeks before she died as the one she would like as her successor. Alluding to her, John wrote: “Clever, warm-hearted, and impulsive, widely read, with a magnificent memory, in many things our tastes and feelings are identical, and she, like myself, has been for years a maker of verses, some of which have appeared in various journals. Some of her lines are inscribed along with Surfaceman’s, and others in the Poet’s Album in Kilmarnock Burns’ Monument.”…

Mrs. Hyslop was born in Saint Fillans, in Perthshire, beautifully situated at the foot of Loch Earn. Her father, John Stewart, was a soldier in his youth, and served in that capacity for twenty-four years, the greater part of that time being spent abroad. He was in St. Helena during the whole time of Napoleon’s captivity. He married before leaving the army, but Sarah Jane was not born until after his discharge, and after he had returned to Loch Earn. She was born about the Autumn of 1845 (sic). Related to the Stewarts of Ardvorlick (sic), its then proprietor, unsolicited, procured for her father a police inspectorship at Loch Earn Head, which situation he held until within a few months of his death. With his salary as inspector and a sergeant’s pension the father was able to bring up his family of eleven (sic, eight) children without the struggle experienced by many parents with large families. Sarah Jane received her early education at Loch Earn Head, and resided there until she had reached the age of twelve years, when she was sent to the Normal School, Glasgow, having early displayed special aptitude for learning. Before she had reached her seventh year she could repeat several old Scotch ballads, and at the age of nine could repeat the Psalms from the 1st on to the 24th without a mistake, and also every line of the 119th. Not long after entering the Normal her mother died, and in a little more than a year afterwards her father was laid in the grave. Writing of this period, she says, “All joy seemed blotted out of my life. I had then to be taken from the Normal School, to which I had been sent after my mother’s death, and nothing remained for all of us who were able but to turn out to service. My eldest brother had gone to sea as admiral’s clerk, and within a year or two after these sad events, the home we loved so well was for ever closed against the boys and girls who enjoyed and played around its blythesome hearth. After serving in different capacities in several well-to-do families, I was married to John Hyslop in the winter of 1877.” As early as her fourteenth year she commenced writing verses, and throughout her life poetry has been the solace and refuge of spare hours. She has said: “My verses are not like these written by long-handed men, for I just make a dash at them, and scarcely ever given them a second thought or look.” Mrs. Hyslop sometimes after the decease of her husband got a situation with a family in Stirling, and there she is now, feeling comfortable and at home. Like John, Mrs. Hyslop was a frequent contributor for years to various journals and was successful in different competitions. The People’s Friend, the People’s Journal, Dundee Weekly News, and the Kilmarnock papers from time to time published poems and stories from her gifted pen.

(Johnston, William, editor. Memorial volume of John Hyslop, the postman poet. Kilmarnock: J.C. Motson, “Herald” Office, 1895. pp. xi, xv, xvi.)

The above biographies of Sarah indicate that she and John’s first wife were acquainted with each other prior to his first wife’s death. It’s possible that Sarah was working as a household servant to John Hyslop before his first wife died.

In 1841, at age 1, Sarah was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland with her parents and siblings, Catherine, John, and Isabella.

In 1851, at age 10, Sarah was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with her parents and siblings, Mary, Isabella, Alexander and Helen. She was a student.

In 1855, Sarah Stewart is listed as being 16 years old on her father’s death registration.

In 1861, at age 20, Sarah is believed (but not confirmed) to be residing in West Lundie (Braes of Doune), Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, employed as a dairymaid in the household of Alexander Dewar.

Sarah has not been confidently identified in 1871.

In 1881, at age 36, Sarah was residing at 2 St. Marnock Place, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, with her husband John Hyslop, and his children from his first marriage, John, Agnes and Jane. Sarah was a letter carrier’s wife.

In 1891, at age 45, Sarah was residing at 5 Mill Lane, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, with her husband, John Hyslop, and 2-year-old grandson, Alexander.

In 1901, at age 55, Sarah was residing at 28 India Street in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, widowed and employed as a domestic servant to Margaret Galbraith.

Sarah Jane Hyslop, widow of john Hyslop, former Postman, died 15 January 1920, 7 Bayne Street, Stirling, age 80 years. Daughter of John Stewart, sergeant of police (deceased) and Sarah Margaret Stewart nee Lowell (sic) (deceased). Informant: Grace Stewart, grand-niece, 6 Bruce Street, Stirling.

7. Alexander Abel Stewart, b. 18 Jul 1841, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Aft 1893, Tamarara, South Island, New Zealand

Alexander Abel Stewart,   b. 18 Jul 1841, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1893, Tamarara, South Island, New Zealand Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age > 53 years).

In 1854, when Alexander Stewart was 13 years old, his mother died.

A year later, when Alexander was 14 years old, his father died, leaving him an orphan. Alexander Stewart is listed as 14 years old in 1855 on his father’s death registration.

After his parents’ deaths, Alexander’s older brother, John Stewart returned to Scotland and took Alexander to New Zealand with him where Alexander lived out his life as a farmer and gold prospector.

It is not known if Alexander married or had any children.

8. Helen Maxton Stewart, b. 1845, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN

Helen Maxton Stewart,   b. 1845, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. UNKNOWN.

Helen Maxton Stewart was born in 1845 in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland. She was named after Helen Maxton, wife of William Stewart, 8th of Ardvorlich.

In 1851, at age 5, Helen Stewart was residing in Lochearnhead, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland.

In 1854, when Helen was 9 years old, her mother died.

In 1855, a year later, when Helen was 10 years old, her father died. Helen Stewart is listed as 10 years old in 1855 on her father’s death registration.

After being orphaned at the age of 10, Helen went to live with her eldest sister, Mary Ann Stewart and her husband, William Rattray.

In 1861, at age 15, Helen Stewart was residing at 25 King Street in the town of Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland, in the home of her sister, Mary Ann Rattray. Helen was employed as a domestic servant.

Helen has not been found in later census records. She may have married, emigrated or died.