Stewarts of the South – Section IV: Miscellany

This widow says her husband was of the family of Appin, of which I am doubtful. She has six sons:

1. 1. one of them a schoolmaster in Inveraray [who is] in a good way
   2. one of them [is] learning to be a doctor
   3. one, a writer,
   4. and the rest [living] with [themselves] [and] all thrifty like a beehive.
      Rent £350, and cheap, and they are making money.

Callander and Kilmahog Parishes

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.

Callander Parish

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.

1. Mr Duncan Stewart, Tacksman of Glengyle, of the family of Invernahyle in Appin or “Domhul nan ord” (“Donald of the Hammer”), a good character, £550.
2. Mr John Stewart, Tacksman of Strone and Ardmaimarin in the Perth property, Glenbuckie family, a good character, £200
3. Mr Walter Stewart, Tacksman of Edralecich and Lorachan, of the Glenbuckie family, a good character, £140
4. Mr Duncan Stewart, Tacksman of Letter and Brenchoille, where the hospitable and good family of Glenbuckie once resided. [He] is of the Gartnafuaran family. Perth property. A dangerous character if much in his power. £200, and in Glenelg £300, since I wrote this first. And offering on the whole of Glenfinglas £300 more.
5. Mr James Stewart, his brother, in Ardkenknocan in Trossachs. A better character and sober. £?700. Perth property having seen four tenants Stewarts in that place.

This finishes this part of the Perth estate.

6. Mr John Stewart, Wester Bridge of Turk of the family of Glenbuckie, a real Highlander of the good old character and in the Earl of Murrays property. £10. One of the eight sharers of Glenfinglas
7. John Stewart, Grodich in Glenfinglass, of the Annat and Ardvorlich family, £105, same property where I have seen four tenants of the name of Stewart. A respectable character.
8. Mr Walter Stewart, Auchnahard [in] Glenfinglas, of the first branch of Gartnafuaran family, but very [illegible] them, an indifferent character to be so near the head of a family. £105. Earl of Murray’s property. Unjustly turned out since this was wrote
9. Mr Duncan Stewart, Auchnahard [in Glenfinglas], of the Annat and Ardvorlich family. A worldly character, turned out to be so in reality since having turned out Walter Stewart. £105. Murray property.
10. Mr Robert Stewart, Achnard [in Glenfinglas], of the [Annat and Ardvorlich] family, and the same character. £105.
11. Mr Alex Stewart, [Auchnahard in Glenfinglas], married to D. Stewart [in] Auch’s sister of the [Annat and Ardvorlich] family and, but for a spark in his throat which cannot be quenched, [is otherwise] the most sensible of the whole. £105
12. Mr John Stewart, Duart [in] Glenfinglas, of the Gartnafuaran family, an unexceptionable character and a well-informed scholar of a tenant. £105.
13. Mr Duncan Stewart [Duart in Glenfinglas], of the Invernahyle family or Domhnul nan ord (“Donald of the Hammer”). A second cousin to the Glengyle tenant. £105. Keen, shrewd, sly and sensible.

This finishes the Glenfinglas tenants, but they have farms elsewhere.

14. Mr John Stewart, tenant [in] Offrance, of the Glenbuckie family, (with the mark of Robert Reid). A keen, industrious, honest man. £120. Sir Patrick Murray’s estate
15. Mr Donald Stewart, Tenant of Lanrick and Duncraggan of the family of Annat and Ardvorlich, with the mark of Robert Reid, a respectable character, £330, [on] Sir Patrick Murrays Estate
16. Mr John Stewart, Milton & Blairgarvie, son of Robert Stewart in Auchnahard, of the family of Annat and Ardvorlich, a decent character, £255, where [at one time] I have seen eight tenants, [this is the] Earl of Murray’s property
17. Mr John Stewart, Tenant of Cuilanteogle and Taranduin, son of Duncan Stewart [in] Auchnahard, of the Ardvorlich and Annat family, a keen worldly character, [who did] sell of late, £220. I [once] saw four tenants, all Stewarts, in [Auchnahard], [on] the Earl of Murray’s property
18. Mr John Stewart, Tenant [in] Coirechrombie, of the Glenbuckie family, a clannish, friendly and respectable character, [on the] Earl of Murray’s property, £75
19. Mr John Stewart, Tenant [in] ?Crainpark near Callander, a hogger mogger character (Hogger mogger = hugger-mugger = muddled or disorganized. Thanks to Belinda Dettman for the explanation.), but an industrious, well-meaning man, of the Gartnafuaran family, [on] Perth’s property, £40

(There is a disruption in the original numbering system used by the author 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.)

19. Mr Peter Stewart, Blurranich near Callander, [on] Burrel’s estate, £10. (A family of origin is not noted for Peter, but his entry was appended to the preceding entry, so Gartnafuaran may be inferred.)
20. Mr James Stewart, Tenant [in] Easter Bracklend, of the Gartnafuaran family, a very indifferent character, cheap rent £75, Earl of Murray’s property, Callander parish
21. Mr Alexander Stewart, his brother, same farm (tenant in Easter Brackland), a rather better character, £75
22. Mr John Stewart, Bogton south from Callander, a brother to the above (Alexander and James), a rather better character, £50, formerly Perth’s estate, now [belongs to] Hunter from Edinburgh, an army contractor (not sure if this is a reference to John Stewart or Mr. Hunter), it will soon be in the market again. (Mr Robertson, that is to be married upon Col Stewart [of] Fincastle’s daughter, is reported to intend being purchaser of it.)

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

23. Where two John Stewarts, cousins, tenants of Portnellan, of the Gartnafuaran family, at least they say so, industrious men, and pay each £42, [on] the Earl of Murray’s property, formerly [the property of] Perth.
24. (the second of the two John Stewart cousins, listed in the preceding)

(The following three entries were originally listed at the end of Comrie Parish, but have been moved back here to their rightful places. However, the author 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.)

23. Donald Stewart, in Callander, a purse-proud and unfeeling man, possessed of houses and lands, with a good deal of money, commonly called Lord Glasgow
24. Donald Stewart, son of James Stewart in Callander, a proprietor of a 20 pound a year [property] once, of the Ardvorlich family, very inferior to his father.
25. Walter Stewart, merchant [in] Callander, proprietor of 30 pound a year [property] and house, Glenbuckie family, indifferent character.

Balquhidder Parish

Beginning at the east end

1. Mr James Stewart, [in] Laggan of Strathyre, of the Ardvorlich family, a respectable and friendly character and a good manager, £240, [who did] lately sell [his property], [lived on] Buchanan of Auchleskie’s property
2. Mr John Stewart, Kip [in] Strathyre, of the Ardvorlich family, and having got an addition to his farm since I wrote you before. [He is] an industrious, sober, well-doing man, £75, Buchanan of Auchleskie’s property.
3. Mr Duncan Stewart, [in] Ruinacraig [in] Strathyre, of the Ardvorlich family, an easy sluggish character, £155, Buchanan [of Auchleskie’s] property
4. Mr James Stewart, [in] Immerioch [in] Strathyre, of the family of Glenbuckie, an indifferent character, [on] Buchanan of Achleskie’s [property], £70
5. Caleb Stewart, Innervulin [in] Strathyre, of the Gartnafuaran family, an industrious good man, £70, Buchanan of Achleskie’s [property], under the same ?
6. Mr John Stewart, Wester Dalveich, of the Ardvorlich family, an industrious man, £40, Breadalbane’s estate
7. Mr David Stewart, Crofter [in] Auchray, of the Glenbuckie family, and Mr Reid’s mark, an innocent friendly character, £8,
8. Mr Peter Stewart, wright, crofter [in] Glenogle, who says himself that he is of the Drumawharry family, but I rather think he is of the Mac an du ?shulich (recorded elsewhere as MacanDahulic, probably Mac Iain Dubhlaich, “Clan John Black”) family, only you (Col. Stewart) will know yourself (because the Drumawharry family were tenants of Col. Stewart) soon, a little touch of Mr Reid’s finger, £20, an industrious character, [on] Breadalbane’s estate
9. Mr John Stewart, [a] weaver, [and a] crofter near Lochearnhead, of the Gartnafuaran family, an industrious character, £10, Campbell of Edinchip’s property
10. Mr John Stewart, Tenant [in] Gartnafuaran, of the Ardvorlich family, an industrious character, £70, [on] Sir John McGregor-Murray’s property
11. Mr James Stewart, Tenant [in] Stronvar, of the Ardvorlich family, an industrious [and] clannish character, £60, [on] Capt Stewart [of] Glenbuckie’s property
12. Mr Donald Stewart, Tenant [in] Lianach, of the Glenbuckie family, he took the place that the late Glenbuckie had from him who was his old and good master, and I believe the best landlord in Perthshire. You may therefore judge what his character was, £166, [on] Captain Stewart [of Glenbuckie’s] estate
13. Mr John Stewart, his brother, [a] tenant in [the] same place (Lianach), [of the] same family (Glenbuckie) and [the same] character, [on the] same estate (Capt. Stewart of Glenbuckie)
14. Mr Duncan Stewart, tenant [in] Kirktown of Balquhidder, cousin (of the preceding John) of the same family (Glenbuckie), a careful coof, [on] Sir McGregor-Murray’s property, £240
15. Mr John (& James) Stewart, Tenant[s] in Tullich, and two brothers of the Ardvorlich [family], [specifically] of the Flint [family] and character and nature, [their rent is] too dear [at] £160, [on] Sir John McGregor-Murray’s property
16. (Mr James Stewart, brother of the preceding John is listed in the original as above, but is repeated here for the sake of indexing, [a] tenant in Tullich, of the Ardvorlich [family], [specifically] of the Flint [family] and character and nature, [his and his brother’s rent is] too dear [at] £160, [on] Sir John McGregor-Murray’s property)

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.)

Port of Menteith Parish

1. Mr James Stewart, Tacksman of Monvrechy, of the Ardvorlich family, a decent, respectable and honourable character, but has kept all his activity to himself, except one natural son. £250. Duke of Montrose’s property
2. Mr Alexander Stewart, his son (son of the preceding James Stewart), tenant in Auchyle, of the same family (Ardvolrich), very inferior to his father in point [of] activity and prudence, and a sottish coof. £60. Duke of Montrose’s property
3. Mr Alexander Stewart, Tenant [in] Lenachoillemore, of the Glenbuckie family, a clever active man, but a little tinged with family pride and pretended old loyalty, Duke of Montrose’s property, £120
4. Mr Duncan Stewart, tenant [in] Lochend of Monteith, of [the] Gartnafuaran family, an honest industrious character, £120, [on] Erskine of Cardross’ property
5. Mr Charles Stewart, Tenant [in] ?Gartkahney, same family (Gartnafuaran), inferior to his brother (presumably the preceding Duncan Stewart) in point of character, £40, same property (belonging to Erskine of Cardross)
6. Mr John Stewart, [in] Wester Torry, he says himself [that he is] of the Appin [family], but [I believe he is] of the Combacks of Glenlyon, an industrious man with a good deal of pride, if he could afford it. £20. Buchanan of Torry’s Estate, of the family of [Buchanan of] Auchleskine.
7. Mr John Stewart, Tenant in Torry, of the Gartnafuaran family, a young well-doing man, £60, same property (Buchanan of Auchleskine)
8. Mr James Stewart, his cousin, tenant in same place (Torry), and of the same family (Gartnafuaran), an industrious young man, £60, same property (Buchanan of Auchleskine). There was an active, distinguished character of that [Buchanan] family who signalised himself with the Marquis of Montrose in behalf of the unparalleled Charles I. His name was Archibald Ruadh Torry (Archibald Roy of Torrie, that is, Red Archibald of Torrie) of the Auchleshie or Bochastel family.
9. John Stewart, esquire, Tacksman of Portend of Monteith, near the island, when (sic, where?) the ancient family of the Graham, Earl of Monteith resided, [now] the Duke of Montrose’s property, £330. He says himself [that] he is of the family of Grantully, but very unlike them in point of valour, for they were famous soldiers. He has a good deal of hospitality, if you do not want money, [and he] pretends to clannishness, but believes the bottom of that passion to be founded in a desire of having a good fat cow in the latter end of harvest and a lean cow in spring for the market and wintering. [He] has about £150 a year and values himself much upon his wisdom and money.
10. Mr Robert Stewart, his brother, tenant in Ruskick (Ruskie), pretends a good deal to bigot religion without much knowledge, £290, [on] Sir John Macgregor-Murray’s property, and of the ancient estate of Haldane of Lanrick, respectable and good-hearted people
11. Mr John Stewart, his son, [in] Nether Rusky, [which is] something of the carse clay kind, same property (Sir John MacGregor-Murray’s), £100
12. Mr John Stewart, tenant and ward of ?goode, of the Ardvorlich family, a careful industrious character, £150, Erskine of Cardross’ property.

Which finishes this parish. (However, see the following section.)

Drymen Parish

(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.)

13. Mr James Stewart, vintner [in] Gartmore, of the Gartnafuaran family, £20. But [he] is going at Whitsunday to Buchanan, to an excellent situation, where he will be both vintner and miller at the same time. [He is] a stout [and] valiant young man, but of the low country cast (he acts more like a Lowlander, than a Highlander).
14. Mr Andrew Stewart, miller of Cabeal Carach Mill, [which was] one of the chief rendezvous of Rob Roy McGregor. [He is] an industrious character. £50. [In] Drymen Parish.
15. Mr John Stewart, shoemaker and tenant [in] Drymen, of the Gartnafuaran family, a stout, able, valiant and friendly [character], £20
16. Mr John Stewart, Tenant [in] Tuair (Tar) [in] Drymen parish, careful low country character (i.e. Lowland character), £50.

Kincardine (-by-Doune)

[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:

1. John Stewart, of Easter & Wester Westwood, of the Ardvorlich family, a real low country man, but pretends to some clanship, [on] Blair Drummond’s Estate, £350
2. John Stewart, tenant of Easter Ochtertyre, of the family of Grantully, as he says himself. A real carse clay, this property once belonged to Mr Ramsay of Ochtertyre, but is now the possession of Mr [Henry] Dundas, W.S., who has an extensive business. The above Ramsay is said to be a branch of the Ramsays of Banff and has been in that country for several generations. The last [of the Ramsays of Banff] was an old bachelor who pretended to be an antiquarian and genealogist, but [I] believe him to be but a superficial one — his pride keeping him from making proper enquires. He has left several manuscripts which are scarcely worth reading.

The Moss Lands and Moss Lairds

Including Summerline, Roseline, and Kirkline in Flander’s Moss

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]).

3. Alexander Stewart, mason, [in] Summerline Flander’s Moss, of the Ardvorlich family, sober
4. David Stewart, taylor, Summerline Flander’s Moss, of the [Ardvorlich] family, sober and industrious
5. Robert Stewart, same place (Summerline Flander’s Moss), of the Glenbuckie family, an industrious man
6. John Stewart, Summerline Flander’s Moss, of the same family (Glenbuckie). What you call a real hidden treasure, condemned, I may say, to real slavery, though voluntary, and has not left his match in Balquhidder for honesty and integrity. And I cannot but think it a pity that human affairs should be at times so ordered not much more thought of here than an old horse
7. Duncan Stewart, in the above place (Summerline Flander’s Moss), and of the same family (Glenbuckie), an industrious character
8. Duncan Stewart, Summerline Flander’s Moss, Glenbuckie family, a middling, industrious character
9. William Stewart, schoolmaster, same place (Summerline Flander’s Moss), Ardvorlich and Annat family, sober
10. Duncan Stewart, same place (Summerline Flander’s Moss), Ardvorlich family, an industrious character
11. Widow of Donald Stewart with her son, of the Ardvorlich family, who was a good-hearted friendly man
12. John Stewart, Roseline Flander’s Moss, of the above family (Ardvorlich), a keen, honest man, and of most substance than any of the rest
13. John Stewart, Kirkline [Flander’s Moss], Blair Drummond’s estate, of the Ardvorlich family, industrious and mean
14. John Stewart, Kirkline Flander’s Moss, he says of the family of Drumawharry, an industrious character
15. Duncan Stewart, Kirkline Flander’s Moss, the same family (Drumawharry), industrious
16. Donald Stewart, Kirkline Flander’s Moss, the same family (Drumawharry) and character

which finishes the moss lairds.

Stirlingshire

(The following section accounts for the Stewart families residing in Stirlingshire. In the original document these families were included at the end of  the Kincardine families.)

1. John Stewart, tacksman [in] Cowie [in] St Ninians parish, Ardvorlich family, a respectable decent gentleman farmer, as much to be respected as any of the Ardvorlich family (and capable to be so a decent family), Polmaise Estate, £250
2. Peter Stewart, tacksman of Blartamoch [in] Campsie Parish, Stirlingshire, been shrewd, sly and sensible; of Ardvorlich family, in Stirling of Craigbarnet’s Estate, £270
3. John Stewart, tenant [in] Spittal [in] Killearn parish, same county (Stirling), of Glenbuckie family, an industrious, well-doing man with a numerous family, in Black-wood of Killearn’s estate, Rent £150
4. John Stewart, town of Kippen, a publican, merchant, and a sinner, of the Ardvorlich and Annat family, [on] Graham of Gartmore Estate, £32
5. John Stewart, maltman [in Spittal in Killearn parish], of Ardvorlich, [a] hogger mogger, harm skarm, (Hogger mogger = hugger-mugger = muddled or disorganized. Harm skarm = harum-scarum = wild, reckless, careless of the consequences. Thanks to Belinda Dettman for the explanation.), £40
6. Mr Charles Stewart, [in] Buchlyvie [in] Kippen Parish, of [the] Gartnafuaran family, a respectable character. They were vintners and saddlers [on] Grahame of Gartmore Estate, £40
7. Mr Charles Stewart, tacksman of Crochaoy [in the] Parish of Aberfoyle, of [the] Gartnafuaran family. I cannot express his character, a sincere, friendly, and respectable character without dissimulation or ostentation (a perfect Nathaniel). He and his brother were the only intimate acquaintance[s] I had, and that I placed the most confidence in, and made it often in the country my house, and there would be very little occasion for great abilities if all men were like him. [He is living] in the Duke of Montrose’s property, and [in the] Lordship of Monteith. £130

Doune Parish (sic, Kilmadock Parish)

Following is a list of [Stewarts in] Doune parish, Perthshire

1. Archibald Stewart, tenant [in] Druim Loist, of the Gartnafuaran family, apparently [an] industrious, well-meaning young man, [on the] Earl of Murray’s Estate, £150
2. James Stewart, tenant [in] Carse of Cambus, Ardvorlich and Annat families, a low country coof, Earl Murray’s property, £60, but cheap rented
3. John Stewart, smith, [in] Burn of Cambus, a proprietor of houses and lands and has a land from the Earl of Murray, a careful and industrious [character], but much given to himself, £20, Glenbuckie family
4. John Stewart, proprietor of houses and lands, of [the] Ardvorlich and Annat family, an industrious character
5. Alexander Stewart, tenant [in] Strathanaser [in the] Braes of Doune, of [the] Gartnafuaran family, [a] keen and grasping character, [on the] Earl [of] Murray’s estate, £70
6. James Stewart, merchant, [in] Doune, [of the] Ardvorlich and Annat family, a keen [and] sober man, in the Earl of Murray’s Estate, rent £20
7. John Stewart, tenant [in] Broich, Ardvorlich family, an industrious [and] keen man, in Sir John McGregor-Murray’s Estate
8. Duncan Stewart, tenant [in] Culvui (Cuilbhuidh), of the Glenbuckie family, industrious, [on] Buchanan of Auchleshie’s property, £20
9. John Stewart, his brother, [illegible], in Doune property and lands, a real Christian of Bowles, the above family (Glenbuckie), [on the] Earl [of] Murray’s estate, £20
10. Widow Stewart, Mill of Muck, of Glenbuckie family, industrious well-doing woman with a decent family, on Blair Drummond’s [property], £20.

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.

Dunblane Parish

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.

11. John Stewart, [in] Wester Kilbride, [in] Dunblane parish, [he says he is of] the family of Balechin, an industrious [and] sober character, but a real low country man, on Sir A Campbell of Kilbride’s Estate, £70
12. Mrs Widow Stewart, at Cambuskena [in] Strathallan, they say themselves [that they are] of the Appin family, a clever [and] active well-doing woman for this world, on [the] Earl of Kinoul’s property.

This finishes this district.

Comrie Parish

Following is a list of Stewarts in Comrie Parish, Perthshire.

1. Alexander Stewart, crofter [in] Wood of Ardvorlich, and of the Ardvorlich family. An industrious peaceable, quiet man. Ardvorlich property, £10
2. John Stewart, Balemeanoch, of the [Ardvorlich] family and property. A decent friendly good man, but more innocent than active. £150. Ardvorlich has given him a charge of removal this year to [Ardvorlich’s] great shame. [John’s] father [was the keeper of] the estate [for] them. [He was] a more active man than Ardvorlich’s father [was] and this is the reward [for] his great service. Ardvorlich, like many great men of the world, has got his good character very cheap, and as others that get a bad character undeserved, for if he is once injured, he knows not how to forgive and forget. Certainly, Ardvorlich is an honest man, but that cannot secure him from censure on that account, for justice, mercy and charity ought to go hand in hand without which no other accomplishment can constitute a good man. For we have from Scripture do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before thy God (Malachi). I have no business to interfere in this or to depreciate his character further than to tell my opinion of him (every man being allowed to judge for himself if they don’t interfere with state affairs).
3. James Stewart, Coille mhore [in] Ardvorlich, of the [Ardvorlich] family, an industrious sober character, [Ardvorlich’s] property £10
4. John Stewart, tenant [in] Easter Finglen, of the Ardvorlich family, an industrious, keen, well-doing farmer, [Ardvorlich’s] estate £160
5. Lieut Alexander Stewart, of the Perthshire Militia, proprietor of houses and tenant to Burrel Drummond, [in] St Fillans, [at the] east end of Loch Earn, one of your home spun gentlemen, but shrewd, sly and sensible for himself, always homeward bound
6. Robert Stewart, same place [St. Fillans], Ardvorlich family, an industrious, well-doing man
7. James Stewart, vintner and smith [in] Comrie, of [the] Grandtully family, a good character, [on] Lord Viscount Melville’s Estate, £40

Monzievaird Parish

(The following entry is listed under Comrie Parish in the original document and thus the numbering continues from Comrie.)

8. Alexander Stewart, [a] smith [in] Toman buie (Tom an buidhe), of [the] Grandtully family, an industrious well-doing man, on Lawer’s estate [of] Lord Balgray. [Balgray is] a real scourge of mankind and a depopulator of all his lands, and the country if he could. Monivard parish. £15

Crieff and Strowan Parishes

(The following entry is listed under Comrie Parish in the original document and thus the numbering continues from Comrie.)

1. Donald Stewart, [in] Strowan, [in the] united parish of Crieff and Strowan, of [the] Grandtully family, an industrious, well-doing man, on [the estate of] Capt Graham Stirling of Airth, a respectable good gentleman, Strowan estate, £40

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.]

Comments on Stewart Families Not in Southern Perthshire

(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 Balquhidder. We include this section as it was part of the original document, but we are not researching these families and are not able to answer questions about these families.)

Stewarts of Bute

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.

Other Stewart Families

Stewarts of Blackhall

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.

Questionable Appin Claimants

I find that all the Highland Stewarts who do not know their genealogy lay claim to the family of Appin.

— author of Stewarts of the South

Stewarts 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.

Stewarts in Buchan and Speyside

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.

Stewarts in Mull

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.

Stewarts in Aberdeen and Banff

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.

Stewarts in East Lothian

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.

Stewarts of Siorglas and Orchilbeg

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.

Stewarts in Dunkeld

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.

Stewart of Auch

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]”.

Stewart of Stenton and Gourdie

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.

Stewarts of Ochterardoch

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.