The Stewarts in Thornhill

The History and Genealogy of the Stewarts in Thornhill, Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland;
Line 1 of the Stewarts of Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland
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The Stewarts in Thornhill, Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland

Line 1 of the Stewarts of Dalveich

The first line of descendants of the Stewarts of Dalveich is a family of Stewarts who lived in Thornhill, just west of the village of Doune in Kincardine parish in historic Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area). Little is known of this family at the present time as we have been unsuccessful in reconciling the account given in Stewarts of the South with parish and civil records.

Ancestors of the Stewarts in Thornhill, Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland

The Stewarts in Thornhill descend from the Stewarts of Dalveich who descend from the Stewarts of Ardvorlich who are the senior branch of the Stewarts of Balquhidder.

Stewarts in Dalveich
Stewarts of Ardvorlich
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.

Thornhill, Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland

Thornhill was founded as an early planned village in 1696. Most of the buildings date from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Thornhill is situated on a slight elevation at the western edge of the Carse of Stirling, an area of flat agricultural land which forms the upper part of the floodplain of the River Forth. Much of the land within the Carse was bogland until the late 18th century when drained and cleared to expose the fertile clay soil below. Flanders Moss (part of the historic Blair-Drummond Moss) is the largest remaining area of lowland bog in Scotland. The name Thornhill is supposedly derived from the thorn covered ridge on which the village is situated. (Wikipedia)

1 Line – The Stewarts in Thornhill

The Stewarts in Thornhill are accounted in Stewarts of the South as being the first line to descend from the Stewarts of Dalveich. It is believed that the author of Stewarts of the South did his best to present descendant lines in order of seniority, which would suggest that this family is the senior line of the Stewarts of Dalveich. However, Stewarts of the South was based on interviews with the family and their own best recollections. So it is not certain that this is the senior line.

If this family is the senior line, we would normally expect to find them in Dalveich or Ardveich on Loch Earn, further north in Perthshire, having been first in line to inherit those properties. However, we know from the Records of the Annexed Estates that a James Stewart in Ardveich was forfeited in 1755. It’s possible that he could be the ancestor of this family and that forfeiture is the reason they are found in the late 18th century in Thornhill. As the intervening generations of this family between their 17th-century progenitor, John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich, and the later 18th-century family in Thornhill are unknown, we can only speculate on the reasons for their migration from Dalveich to Thornhill.

The Stewarts in Thornhill are described in Stewarts of the South as follows:

Alexander Stewart – a feuer in Thornhill village, Doune parish (just west of the village of Doune). Alexander has four (adult) sons.  They are:

  1. Alexander Stewart, a wright in Callander who has
    1. one minor son.
  2. Duncan Stewart, a journeyman wright.
  3. James Stewart, a journeyman wright.
  4. Daniel Stewart, who is living with his father.  Daniel has
    1. one son, a minor.

Our present theoretical reconstruction of this line is as follows:

James mac Iain Dubh Mhor Stewart, in Dalveich, b. abt. 1660 in Dalveich, Perthshire, Scotland. John Dubh Mhor Stewart had eight sons who all grew to adulthood and had descendants. Following traditional custom, his eldest son would have been named, James, after John’s father, James Beag Stewart of Ardvorlich. However no documentary evidence has been found to confirm the existence of this James Stewart in Dalveich. He is presumed to be the patriarch of 1 Line – Stewarts in Thornhill. He may have been the father of:

    1. James Stewart in Dalveich, b. abt. 1690 in Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland. In 1721, James Stewart had a son born in Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, named Alexander. James’ father is unknown. Based on geography, chronology, and onomastics alone he is suggested to be a son of the eldest son of John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich, however this is not confirmed and may be subject to revision if further information comes to light. He was the father of:
      1. Alexander Stewart, b 19 Nov 1721 in Dalveich, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland. “1721, Novr 19, Which day James Steuart and ___ ~ in Dalveich had a child baptised called Alexr.” (Balquhidder OPR) Nothing more is known of this Alexander Stewart.
    2. Alexander? Stewart, b. abt, 1700 in Perthshire, Scotland. The name of the father of Alexander Stewart in Thornhill is presumed, but not confirmed to be, Alexander Stewart based on the fact that Alexander Stewart in Thornhill appears to have named his eldest son, Alexander. However, as we have not succeeded in reconciling this account with parish records then we cannot be confident that Alexander was the first-born son of Alexander Stewart in Thornhill. Alexander Stewart’s line of descent from John Dubh Mhor Stewart of Dalveich is unknown, but the fact that he is listed first in Stewarts of the South might suggested that he represented the most senior line and likely descended from James, the eldest son. However the fact that Alexander no longer resided in Dalveich might suggest that he descended from a younger son and that Stewarts of the South has these lines out of order.
      1. Alexander STEWART in Thornhill, b. ABT 1730 in Perthshire, Scotland.  He is described in Stewarts of the South as “a feuer in Thornhill village, Doune (sic, Kincardine) parish. Alexander had four (adult) sons (ca.1815-20).” Alexander had the following children:
        1. Alexander STEWART, b. ABT 1760 in Perthshire, Scotland.  He is described in Stewarts of the South as “a wright in Callander”.
          1. Son STEWART, b. AFT 1800 in Callander, Perthshire, Scotland.
        2. Duncan STEWART, b. ABT 1763 in Perthshire, Scotland.  He is described in Stewarts of the South as “a journeyman wright.”
        3. James STEWART, b. ABT 1766 in Perthshire, Scotland.  He is described in Stewarts of the South as “a journeyman wright.”
        4. Daniel (Donald) STEWART, b. ABT 1770 in Perthshire, Scotland. He is described in Stewarts of the South as “living with his father” in 1815.
          1. Son STEWART, b. AFT 1800 in Perthshire, Scotland.

    At present, we have been unsuccessful in reconciling the information above with parish records or civil records. Both Kincardine and Kilmadock parish records have been thoroughly searched and not one family comes even close to matching the description from Stewarts of the South above.

    Research Leads

    Our present research leads for this family are:

    Kincardine OPR

    Not one family in Thornhill in the Kincardine OPR even comes close to matching the description in Stewarts of the South.

    James Stewart and Janet/Jean Mcfarlane – Thornhill. MARRIAGE 1762 July 30 James Stewart in this parish and Jean Mcfarlane in Port parish listed for proclamation in order to marriage.

    1. 1763 May 22 John, son to Jas Stewart and Janet Mcfarlane baptd. 
    2. 1769 March 5 Mary, daugr to James Stewart and Jean Mcfarlane, Thornhill.
    3. 1770 Aug 27 Margt, daugr to James Stewart and Jean McFarlane, Thornhill.

    Andrew Stewart and ??

    1. 1767 May 10 Jas, son to Andrew Stewart and ___ at Thornhill.

    James Stewart and Janet/Mary McEwen (possibly the same?)

    1. 1765 Septr 1st Catharine, daugr to James Stewart and Janet McEwen.
    2. 1767 Augst 9th Jas, son to Jas Stewart and Mary McEwan at Thornhill.

    Andrew Stewart and Elisabeth Mitchell – Daldoran/Thornhill. MARRIAGE 1767 May 2d Andrew Stewart and Elisabeth Mitchall both in this parish listed for proclamation and were married.

    1. 1766 Decr 29th, Isobel, daugr to Andrew Stewart and Elisa Mitchal at Daldorran.
    2. 1767 June 7, Isobel?, daugr to Andrew Stewart and Elisabeth Mitchell at Thornhill.
    3. 1769 Feby 5, David, son to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchell, Daldoran.
    4. 1769 Octr 29, Isabel, daur to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchal, Daldorran.
    5. 1771 Decr 20, Janet, daugr to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchal, Daldoran
    6. 1774 Apr 24, John, son to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchal, Daldoran.
    7. 1776 Sept 29, Elis, daugr to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchal, Daldoran.
    8. 1778 Augt 9, Robert, son to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchal, Daldoran.
    9. 1781 April 22, Archibald, son to Andrew Stewart and Elisabeth Mitchal, Daldoran.
    10. 1783 Septr 22, Archibald, son to Andrew Stewart and Elis Mitchal, Daldoran.

    John Stewart and Mary Drummond – Thornhill

    1. 1769 Decr 31, Agnes, daugr to John Stewart and Mary Drummond, Thornhill.
    2. 1772 June 7, Alexr, son to John Stewart and Mary Drummond, Thornhill.
    3. 1775 May 26, ___, s/o John Stewart and Mary Drummond, Thornhill.

    John Stewart and Elisabeth Stewart – Thornhill 

    1. 1771 May 26, Agnes, daugr to John and Elis Stewarts, Thornhill.

    John Stewart and Mary Mitchell – Thornhill . MARRIAGE, 1764 July 21st John Stewart and Marry Mitchell both in this parish listed for proclamation in order to marriage. 

    BIRTHS – The first is a possible or to John Stewart/Isobel Doig 

    1. 1769 Janry 1st, James, son to John Stewart Shoemaker, Thornhill.
    2. 1772 Aug 9, Margt, daugr to John Stewart Mary Mitchel, Thornhill.
    3. 1776 Septr 29, ___, to John Stewar(t) and Mary Mitchell, Thornhill.

    John Stewart and Isobel Doig – Thornhill, MARRIAGE 1768 Jany 23, John Stewart and Isobel Doig both in this parish listed for proclamation, were proclaimed and married.

    BIRTHS – The first is a possible or to John Stewart/Mary Mitchell

    1. 1769 Janry 1st James, son to John Stewart Shoemaker, Thornhill.
    2. 1772 Aug 16, Walter, son to John Stewart and Isobel Doig, Thornhill.
    3. 1774 July 9 John, son to John Stewart and ___ Doig, Thornhill.
    4. 1783 Jany 22 David, son to John Stewart and Isobel Doig, Thornhill

    James Stewart and Isobell Dunn – Thornhill, MARRIAGE 1778 May 16, James Stewart in this parish and Isobel Dun in Dunblane.

    1. 1779 May 17, ___, daugr to James Stewart and ___.
    2. 1781July 15 Helen, daugr to James Stewart and Isobell Dunn, Thornhill.
    3. 1783 Novr 16 James, son to James Stewart and Isobel Dunn.

    Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan – Thornhill, MARRIAGE, 1806 June 21, Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan Parishioners.

    1. 1807 July 10, John, son to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan, Thornhill.
    2. 1809 April 16, Peter, son to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan, Thornhill.
    3. 1811 April 25, Janet, dr to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan.
    4. 1813 Octr 10, Walter, son to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan.
    5. 1815 Augt 20, Isobel, dr to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan.
    6. 1817 Novr 9, Agnes, dr to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan.
    7. 1820 March 5, James, son to Walter Stewart and Agnes Buchanan.

    John Stewart and Christian King – Thornhill

    1. 1807 Novr 11 Duncan, son to John Stewart and Cirstian King, Thornhill.
    2. 1812 June 26 Jean, dr to John Stewart and Christian King, Thornhill.

    George/William Stewart and Margaret McArthur – Thornhill (Possibly the same person)

    1. 1812 Jany 16, Jean, dr to George Stewart and Margt McArthur, Thornhill.
    2. 1813 Decr 26 Margt, dr to William Stewart and Margt McArthur. 
    3. 1816 July 17 Robt, son to Wilm Stewart and Margt McArthur.
    4. 1818 June 10 Helen, dr to Wilm Stewart and Margt McArthur.
    5. 1820 Novr 15 James, son to William Stewart and Margt Mcarthur.

    James Stewart and Robina Horn – Thornhill MARRIAGE 1812 Decr 6th James Stewart and Robina Horn, both in the Parish.

    1. 1813 July 18 Margt, dr to James Stewart and Robina Horn, Thornhill.
    2. 1815 Jany 1 Janet, dr to James Stewart and Robina Horn

    Thomas Stewart and Margaret McCulloch – Thornhill MARRIAGE 1834 Jany 12 Stewart, Thomas in the parish of Kilmadock and Margaret McCulloch in this parish. 

    1. 1835 Septr 18 Thomas, son to Thomas Stewart and Margaret McCulloch.
    2. 1837 Novr 8 Elisabeth, dr to Thomas Stewart and Margt McCulloch.
    3. 1840 April 28 Jane, dr to Thomas Stewart and Margaret McCulloch.
    4. 1845 Jany 5 Thomas, so to Thomas Stewart and Margaret McCulloch, Thornhill.

    Robert Stewart and Christian Sands – Thornhill

    1. 1846 April 5 Peter, son to Robert Stewart and Christian Sands, Thornhill.

    Robert Stewart and Barbara Dixon – Thornhill

    1. 1848 Jany 17 Jas, nat son to Robert Stewart and Barbara Dixon, Thornhill.

    John Stewart and Mary Stewart Woodroof – Thornhill MARRIAGE 1848 Septr 10 John Stewart and Mary Woodroff, Parishioners.

    1. 1848 March 16 Mary, dr to John Stewart and Mary Stewart Woodroof, Thornhill.
    2. 1850 July 10 James, son to John Stewart and Mary Stewart Woodroof, Thornhill.
    3. 1852 May 23 John, son to John Stewart and Mary Stewart Woodroof, Thornhill.
    4. 1854 Octr 2d Stewart – David, son of John Stewart and Mary Stewart Woodroof, Thornhill.

    Peter Stewart and Catherine Graham – Thornhill MARRIAGE 1850 Augt 25 Peter Stewart and Catherine Graham, Parishioners 

    1. 1851 Jany 21 Jean, dr to Peter Stewart and Cath Graham, Thornhill.
    2. 1853 Jany 4 Stewart – Walter and Alexander, twin sons of Peter Stewart and Catharine Graham.

    1851 Census:

    David STEWART (substitute name for Duncan), age 67, b 1784 in Thornhill, Perthshire, res High St., Thornhill, occ shoemaker, no other residents. Residing next door to…

    James STEWART, age 82, b 1769 in Thornhill, Kincardine, Perthshire, res High St., Thornhill, occ tanner. Helen STEWART, wife, age 66, b 1785 in Thornhill

      1. James STEWART, son, age 31, b 1820 in Thornhill, occ currier
      2. Isabella STEWART, dtr, age 28, b 1823 in Thornhill, occ servant

    1841 Census

    James STEWART, 1771, tanner, and Helen STEWART, 1786, res Old Town Thornhill

      1. James STEWART, 1821

    Residing next to:

      1. Thomas STEWART, 1811, ag lab
      2. Margaret STEWART, 1811
      3. Samuel STEWART, 1815
      4. Thomas STEWART, 1836
      5. Elisabeth STEWART, 1838
      6. Jane STEWART, 1840
      7. Margaret MALLAN, 1831, FS

    Old IGI

    no birth can be found for Thomas 1811 or Samuel 1815

    James STEWART and Helen MITCHELL, m 30 JUN 1816 in Kincardine *** (See family of David Mitchell in database)

      1. John STEWART, 30 AUG 1817 in Kincardine
      2. James STEWART, 22 MAY 1819 in Kincardine
      3. Mary STEWART, 10 JUL 1820 in Kincardine
      4. Isobel STEWART, 21 APR 1822 in Kincardine
      5. David STEWART, 1 MAR 1824 in Kincardine

    Thomas STEWART and Margaret MCCULLOCH, m 12 JAN 1834 in Kincardine and 24 JAN 1834 in Kilmadock

      1. Thomas STEWART, 18 SEP 1835 in Kincardine
      2. Elisbath STEWART, 8 NOV 1837 in Kincardine
      3. Jane STEWART, 28 APR 1840 in Kincardine
      4. Thomas STEWART, 5 JAN 1845 in Kincardine

    James STEWART, b 10 MAY 1767 in Kincardine, s/o Andrew (no mother)

    James STEWART, 9 AUG 1767 in Kincardine, s/o James Stewart and Mary McEwen

    James STEWART, 1 JAN 1769 in Kincardine, s/o John Stewart (no mother)

    Alexander STEWART and Janet MCKINLAY

      1. James STEWART, 18/20 AUG 1767 in Callander (only child)