The Stewarts in Letter | Stewarts of Balquhidder

The Letter Stewarts

The “Letter Stewarts” are so-named after their primary residence, Letter, in Port of Menteith parish in Historic Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area.) From there they spread to other residences in Port of Menteith parish and nearby. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, several branches of this family moved to the city of Glasgow, Scotland, in search of better employment opportunities. In the mid-1800s, one branch of this family migrated to Terang, Victoria, Australia.

This branch is accounted as IV Branch of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich in Stewarts of the South. The branch descends from Duncan Oag Stewart, youngest son of Alexander Stewart, 1st of Ardvorlich. Duncan Oag was also the patriarch of the Stewarts in Auchraig (Branch III of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich). The two branches are sibling branches.

Ancestors and Descendants of the Stewarts in Letter

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

Stewarts of Ardvorlich

Stewarts of Balquhidder

The Stewarts in Letter have three descendant lines:

1. The Stewarts in Rednock
2. The Stewarts in Auchmore and Rednock
3. The Stewarts in Wards of Goodie and Broich

These families are all presented in detail below.

Auchraig, Letter, Rednock and Wards of Goodie

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.

Letter of Auchrig in Port of Menteith

There are multiple farmsteads in Historic Perthshire, Stirlingshire and elsewhere named Letter. The name, “Letter,” is a toponym which derives from the Gaelic, Leitir, which means “a pass, or a side of a hill sloping towards water”, from Leth-tir = “side slope”. As most Gaelic placenames are drawn from the landscape, there are many places in Scotland named Letter after the sloping sides of many hills. There is a Letter of Strathgartney in neighbouring Callander parish and a Letter in nearby Balquhidder parish, to name just two.

To distinguish this Letter in Port of Menteith parish from the other properties named Letter, it is identified as Letter of Auchrig. It is located in Historic Perthshire Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area.)

Letter of Auchrig in Port of Menteith
Photo by Siuna Mayes, 2021

IV Branch – The “Letter Stewarts”

The Letter Stewarts are cadet branch IV of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich. They descend from Duncan Oag Stewart, younger son of Alexander Stewart, 1st of Ardvorlich, by unknown means.

Stewarts of the South presents this branch as follows:

Duncan Oag of Ardvorlich, commonly called “Letter Stewart”, tacksman of Letter and Auchraig, then belonging to Ardvorlich, in Port [of Menteith] Parish.

1 line

The first line of his descendants I think is: (It is important to note that the author is uncertain of this branch.)

1. Duncan Stewart. (The reference below indicates that this line is descended from Duncan Stewart, once tacksman of Radnaik — who is not the same person as Duncan Oag, patriarch of Branch IV. Duncan is the brother of Donald Stewart, late tacksman of Auchmore, patriarch of line 2, below.)

a) James Stewart, tacksman of Easter & Wester Ward, Kincardine parish, on the Blair Drummond estate, is a gentleman farmer and bachelor. He is son of Duncan Stewart, once tacksman of Radnaik, Port parish General Graham of Bogtown – £350 rent.

b) John Stewart, his brother, a farmer in Redhaugh [which is] Touch’s estate, which now belongs to Murray of Polmaize, Stirlingshire. His sons:

An officer in the 42nd Regiment of Foot.

An officer in another regiment.

A surgeon and physician.

A writer

Another 2 or 3 at home who are minors.

2 line

1. Donald Stewart. (The reference below indicates that this line is descended from Donald Stewart, late tacksman of Auchmore. Donald is the brother of Duncan, patriarch of line 1, above — who is NOT the same person as Duncan Oag, patriarch of Branch IV.)

a) John Stewart, a spirit dealer in Glasgow, is son to Donald Stewart, late tacksman of Auchmore, Port parish. He has two sons:

A spirit dealer

A cloth merchant

b) Alexander Stewart, his (John’s) brother, is a cotton manufacturer. He has two sons, same line, in Glasgow, well doing.

2. James Stewart, brother to the above Duncan & Donald, tacksman in ?Tinich, on the estate of Radnaick, Port parish. His sons:

John Stewart, tacksman and maltman in the parish of Kippen, on the estate of Gartmore, Stirlingshire. He has 4 sons who are minors.

James Stewart of Thornhill, on Blair Drummond’s estate, Down parish. He has four sons who are minors.

3 line

1. John Stewart, tacksman Ward of Goodie, Erskine of Cardny, Port parish, at home. £140.

2. John Stewart, tacksman of Broich, on Sir John McGregor’s estate of Lendrick, Down parish. He has three sons employed on the farm.

This finishes the Letter Stewarts.

Predecessors of the Letter Stewarts

Duncan Oag Stewart, of Auchraig and Inchcallbeg, b.Abt 1597, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, d.Apr 1632 (Age ~ 35 years). Duncan was a younger son of Alexander Stewart, 1st of Ardvorlich. (See Stewarts of Ardvorlich)

Duncan Oag Stewart had a son named Alasdair Oig Stewart who was the patriarch of the Stewarts of Auchrig (Branch III of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich). It is not known if the Letter Stewarts (Branch IV of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich) also descends from Alasdair Oig or if Duncan had another son from whom Branch IV descends. As the author of Stewarts of the South was aware of the existence of Alasdair Oig Stewart then it seems likely that if Branch IV was also descended from Alasdair Oig then the author of Stewarts of the South would have said so. Based on this premise alone, we are presently suggesting that Branch IV more likely descends from an unknown younger brother of Alasdair Oig Stewart. However, Duncan Oag Stewart died in 1632 and was probably no older than his early thirties when he died. So it’s possible that Alasdair Oig Stewart could have been his only son. Duncan Oag Stewart had the following children:

1. Alasdair Oig Stewart, in Auchrig (Ardv. III), b. Abt 1625, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Alasdair Oig was the predecessor of the Stewarts of Auchrig (Stewarts of Ardvorlich Branch III)
2. _____ Stewart, in Letter (Ardv. IV), b. Abt 1630, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
  1. _____ Stewart, in Letter (Lines 1 & 2), b. Abt 1660, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
    1. _____ Stewart, in Letter (Lines 1 & 2), b. Abt 1690, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
      1. Duncan Stewart, in Rednock (Line 1), b. Abt 1720, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. The family of Duncan Stewart in Rednock is presented below under Line 1.
      2. Donald Stewart, in Auchmore (Line 2a), b. Abt 1725, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. The family of Donald Stewart in Auchmore is presented below under Line 2a.
      3. James Stewart, in ?tinich of Rednock (Line 2b), b. Abt 1740, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. The family of James Stewart in ?tinich of Rednoch is presented below under Line 2b.
  2. John Stewart, in Auchrig (Line 3), b. Abt 1670, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. The family of John Stewart in Letter is presented below under Line 3.
  4. James? Stewart, b. UNKNOWN, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. The baptisms of the children of John Stewart in Auchrig were witnessed by James, Donald and Alexander Stewart. As it was common for witnesses to be siblings of the parents, it is suggested that John Stewart may have had brothers named James, Donald and Alexander. However they are not confirmed.
  5. Donald? Stewart, b. UNKNOWN, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
  6. Alexander? Stewart, b. UNKNOWN, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

Line 1 – Duncan Stewart in Rednock

Duncan Stewart, in Rednock (Line 1), b. Abt 1720, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Duncan Stewart’s parents are unknown. He is shown above under Predecessors of the Letter Stewarts.

Duncan Stewart is mentioned in Stewarts of the South only by name in relation to his son, James, as follows:

The first line of his descendants I think is:
a) James Stewart, tacksman of Easter & Wester Ward, Kincardine parish, on the Blair Drummond estate, is a gentleman farmer and bachelor. He is son of Duncan Stewart, once tacksman of Radnaik, Port parish General Graham of Bogtown – £350 rent.
b) John Stewart, his brother, a farmer in Redhaugh [which is] Touch’s estate, which now belongs to Murray of Polmaize, Stirlingshire.

Duncan Stewart was the father of:

1. James Stewart, in in Easter and Wester Ward, b. Abt 1750, d. UNKNOWN. James Stewart is described in Stewarts of the South as follows: James Stewart, tacksman of Easter & Wester Ward, Kincardine parish, on the Blair Drummond estate, is a gentleman farmer and bachelor. He is son of Duncan Stewart, once tacksman of Radnaik, Port parish General Graham of Bogtown – £350 rent.
  No matches have been found in local parish registers.
2. John Stewart, in Redhaugh, b. Abt 1755, d. UNKNOWN. According to Stewarts of the South, John resided in Redhaugh, Touch, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
  
  John Stewart, [James’] brother, a farmer in Redhaugh [which is] Touch’s estate, which now belongs to Murray of Polmaize, Stirlingshire. His sons:
  1. An officer in the 42nd Regiment of Foot.
  2. An officer in another regiment.
  3. A surgeon and physician.
  4. A writer
  5. Another 2 or 3 at home who are minors.
  
  No members of this family have been identified in local parish records.

Line 2a – Donald Stewart in Auchmore

Donald Stewart, in Auchmore (Line 2a), b. Abt 1725, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Donald Stewart’s parents are unknown. He is shown above under Predecessors of the Letter Stewarts.

According to Stewarts of the South, Donald Stewart was the brother of Duncan in Radnaik (Rednock).

Auchmore was located southwest of Loch of Menteith. One source indicates that Auchmore was also known as Gartrenich, however Stobies Map shows these as two different places.

Donald Stewart had the following children:

1. John Stewart, in Glasgow, b. Abt 1750, Auchmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Stewarts of the South says, “John Stewart, a spirit dealer in Glasgow, is son to Donald Stewart, late tacksman of Auchmore, Port parish. He has two sons:
  1. a spirit dealer (and)
  2. a cloth merchant.”
2. Alexander Stewart, in Glasgow, b. Abt 1755, Auchmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Stewarts of the South says, “Alexander Stewart, his (John’s) brother, is a cotton manufacturer. He has two sons, same line, in Glasgow, well doing.”

None of this family has been identified in local parish records.

Line 2b – James Stewart in ?tinich of Rednock

James Stewart, in ?tinich of Rednock (Line 2b), b. Abt 1740, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. James Stewart’s parents are unknown. He is shown above under Predecessors of the Letter Stewarts.

James Stewart is recorded in Stewarts of the South as having lived in ?tinich of Rednock. The handwriting in the original document is difficult to decipher. The exact location is uncertain. The only residences near to Rednock that resemble this name are Curroch, Currochmore, and Easter and Wester Unchenoch. (shown below)

Stewarts of the South says, “James Stewart, brother to the above Duncan & Donald, tacksman in ?Tinich, on the estate of Radnaick, Port parish. His sons: John Stewart, tacksman and maltman in the parish of Kippen, on the estate of Gartmore, Stirlingshire. He has 4 sons [who are] minors. James Stewart of Thornhill, on Blair Drummond’s estate, Down parish. He has four sons [who are] minors.”

James Stewart had the following children:

1. John Stewart, in Kippen, b. Abt 1770, Rednock, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Stewarts of the South says, “John Stewart, tacksman and maltman in the parish of Kippen, on the estate of Gartmore, Stirlingshire. He has 4 sons [who are] minors.”
2. James Stewart, in Thornhill, b. Abt 1775, Rednock, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Stewarts of the South says, “James Stewart of Thornhill, on Blair Drummond’s estate, Down parish. He has four sons [who are] minors.”

None of the members of this family have been identified in local parish records.

Possible locations for ?tinich
Stobies Map 1775 (National Library of Scotland)

Line 3 – The Stewarts in Wards of Goodie and Broich

John Stewart, in Auchrig (Line 3), b. Abt 1670, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. John Stewart’s parents are unknown. He is shown above under Predecessors of the Letter Stewarts,

John Stewart in Auchrig is not named in Stewarts of the South. He is inferred from the identification of his two grandsons:

1. John Stewart, tacksman Ward of Goodie, Erskine of Cardny, Port parish, at home. £140.
2. John Stewart, tacksman of Broich, on Sir John McGregor’s estate of Lendrick, Down parish. He has three sons employed on the farm.

The marriage and children shown here for John Stewart are not confirmed. They are an excellent match for the birth family of John Stewart in Calziemuck and show births in Auchrig, where, according to Stewarts of the South, this family originated.

John Stewart is presumed to have married Janet Dow although no record of their marriage has been found. (It predates Port of Menteith parish records.) As the Port of Menteith parish register begins recording baptisms in 1698, it possible that John and Janet had other children prior to 1698.

John Stewart and Janet Dow had the following known children:

1. John Stewart, in Calziemuck (Line 3a), b. 29 Dec 1700, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN.

John Stewart, in Calziemuck (Line 3a), b. 29 Dec 1700, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

John Stewart’s family is presented below.

2. Andrew Stewart, b. 20 Dec 1702, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Bef 1706, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland

Andrew Stewart, b. 20 Dec 1702, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Bef 1706, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland (Age < 3 years)

Andrew Stewart is presumed to have died young prior to the birth of his same-named brother in 1706.

3. Andrew Stewart, b. 1 May 1706, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

Andrew Stewart, b. 1 May 1706, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

Nothing more is known of Andrew.

4. Margaret Stewart, b. 22 May 1709, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN.

Margaret Stewart, b. 22 May 1709, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

Nothing more is known of Margaret.

5. _____ Stewart, in Broich (Line 3b), b. Abt 1710, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

_____ Stewart, in Broich (Line 3b), b. Abt 1710, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.

1. _____ Stewart, in Broich, b. Abt 1740, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
  1. John Stewart, in Broich, b. Abt 1770, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Stewarts of the South says, (Ardvorlich Branch IV: Stewarts in Letter) “John Stewart, tacksman of Broich, on Sir John McGregor’s estate of Lendrick, Down parish. He has three sons employed on the farm.” The Stewarts of the South Appendix for Doune parish says, “John Stewart, tenant [in] Broich, Ardvorlich family, an industrious [and] keen man, in Sir John McGregor-Murray’s Estate.” No family matching this description has been found in parish records.

Line 3a – John Stewart in Calziemuck

John Stewart, in Calziemuck (Line 3a), b. 29 Dec 1700, Auchrig, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. John Stewart is shown above as the oldest son of John Stewart in Auchrig.

Little is known of John Stewart other than he is presumed to have married Janet McFarlane, b. Abt 1705, d. UNKNOWN, although no record has been found of their marriage, and that they had the following children in Calziemuck and Bogtown:

1. John Stewart, b. 26 Mar 1727, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. He could be the father of John Stewart in Broich (Line 3b).
2. Margaret Stewart, b. 9 Mar 1729, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
3. Isobell Stewart, b. 28 Mar 1731, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
4. Agnes Stewart, b. 21 Feb 1735, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
5. James Stewart, in Wards of Goodie, b. 7 Jun 1736, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 20 Apr 1817, Ward of Goodie, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland (Age 80 years). James Stewart’s information is presented below.
6. Andrew Stewart, b. 29 Aug 1742, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Andrew is likely named after his paternal uncle.
7. Thomas Stewart, b. 17 Apr 1748, Bogtown, Rednock, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
8. William Stewart, b. 4 Feb 1750, Bogtown, Rednock, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN

James Stewart in Wards of Goodie

James Stewart, in Wards of Goodie, b. 7 Jun 1736, Calziemuck, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 20 Apr 1817, Ward of Goodie, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland (Age 80 years). James Stewart is shown above as a son of John Stewart in Calziemuck.

The family of James Stewart and Janet McFarlane are identified through parish records as the only viable birth family for John Stewart in Wards of Goodie. (See notes on son, John, for further explanation.)

It seems likely that he is the James Stewart, in Ward of Goodie, mentioned in the Port of Menteith OPR as having died 20 Apr 1817 with funeral costs of £6.

James Stewart married on 30 Jul 1762 in Kincardine and Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland to Jean McFarlane, b. Abt 1740, d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:

1. John Stewart, in Wards of Goodie, b. 22 May 1763, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. John Stewart’s information is presented below.
2. Mary Stewart, b. 5 Mar 1769, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
3. Margaret Stewart, b. 27 Aug 1770, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN

Given the small size of this family, it seems likely that Jean McFarlane died prematurely and that James likely remarried and had a further family. Two potential subsequent families have been identified in Thornhill.

John Stewart in Wards of Goodie

John Stewart, in Wards of Goodie, b. 22 May 1763, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. John Stewart is shown above as the only son of James Stewart in Wards of Goodie.

Family records (provided by descendant Ellena Biggs) indicate John Steuart married Christian/Christina King on 14 July 1796 in Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland and that the family later resided in Thornhill (or at least son James did.)

Family records indicate that children James, Alexander, Margaret, Duncan and Jean all immigrated to Australia. There is no record of John having emigrated. He likely died prior to his children emigrating in 1852. (Family records erroneously show an additional son, Angus Stewart, b. 1819 in Fortingall, who is not from this family.)

In 1841 John was residing in Laigh Town (probably Leitchtown/Leithstown, west of Ruskie), Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune. John is recorded as age 77, born in 1764, employed as an agricultural labourer and shown with three of his children: Alexander, age 38 (b1803), Margaret, age 34 (b1807) and Duncan. age 30 (b1811).

Stewarts of the South Appendix shows several John Stewarts residing nearby. We can reasonably eliminate all but the family shown here as contendors for this John Stewart. (For a complete explanation, see database notes on John Stewart by clicking on his name above.)

John Stewart married on 14 Jul 1796 in Bailleville, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland to Christian King, b. 1771, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 1817, Doune, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland (Age 46 years). They had the following children:

1. James Stewart, b. 18 Dec 1797, Balviel, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 15 Dec 1859, Terang, Victoria, Australia

James Stewart, b. 18 Dec 1797, Balviel, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 15 Dec 1859, Terang, Victoria, Australia (Age 61 years).

Family records (provided by descendant Ellena Biggs) indicate John Steuart married Christian/Christina King on 14 July 1796 in Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland and that the family later resided in Thornhill (or at least son James did.) Their children included:
1. James, b 1797, bap 18 Dec in Kincardine, d 1859 in Terang, m 4 Oct 1829 in St. Ninians, Stirlingshire, to Margaret Rue/Rowe, had son John b 11 Dec 1836 in Bannockburn, Stirlingshire, d 1912 in Terang, m Elizabeth Crawford 11 Sep 1865.

In 1841, James was not residing with his parents. He may be the James Stewart found residing at Baker Street, St. Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland, employed as an “inner” (obvious transcription error) and showing no family.

In 1851, James was residing in chapel Croft, St. Anne, Stirlingshire, Scotland, employed as a weaver. He was residing with his wife, Margaret and children christina, John, Isabella and Jane. Daughter Jane is not mentioned in later family records but is found in later census records with her widowed mother.

In 1851, James is also found residing at 150 Main Street in Gorbals (Glasgow), Lanarkshire, employed as a weaver and shown as born in Monteith, Perthshire. He was residing with his wife, Margaret, born in Bannockburn, Stirlingshire, and their son John, age 17, born in Bannockburn, Stirlingshire, and also employed as a weaver. A member-submitted note attached to the Ancestry transcription indicates that the mother’s name is Margaret Rue. This could seem to indicate that the family maintained two residences. However there is a matching birth for a John Stewart b 1836 in Gorbals to James Stewart and Margaret Calder. It seems that another researcher has conflated two families.

James and his wife, Margaret, and son, John, immigrated in 1852. James’s brothers Alexander Stewart, Duncan Stewart and sister Jean were already in the Western District of Victoria at that time.

James’ death registration indicates that he came from Thornhill, Perthshire, Scotland and that he had been in Australia for 7 years at the time of his death in 1859. It also mistakenly records that he had been married 20 years, when it should be 30 years. His father’s name is given as John.

James’ wife, Margaret, appears to have returned to Scotland after James’ death, as she is found residing there with her daughters as late as 1871. (Refer to Margaret’s notes for more details.)

James Stewart married on 4 Oct 1829 in St Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland to Margaret Rue, b. 1806, St Anne, Stirlingshire, Scotland , d. Aft 1871, Stirlingshire, Scotland (Age > 66 years). They had the following children:

1. Margaret Stewart, b. 1826, d. UNKNOWN
2. Christina Stewart, b. 1834, St Anne, Stirlingshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN, Scotland . In 1861, Christina was residing back in Stirlingshire, Scotland with her mother, indicating that she either never emigrated, or returned to Scotland after the death of her father.
3. Anne Stewart, b. 1835, d. UNKNOWN. Anne is found in differing records from her sister Christina. They may be the same person.
4. John Stewart, b. 11 Dec 1836, Bannockburn, St Ninians, Stirling, Scotland , d. 1912, Terang, Victoria, Australia (Age 75 years). John’s information is presented below.
5. Isabella Stewart, b. 1839, St Anne, Stirlingshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN, Scotland . In 1861, Isabella was residing back in Stirlingshire, Scotland with her mother, indicating that she either never emigrated, or returned to Scotland after the death of her father.
6. James Stewart, b. 1841, Stirlingshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. James has not been found in 1841. In 1851, he was residing with his parents in Stirlingshire. He has not been found in later records.
7. Jane Stewart, b. 1843, St Ninians, Stirlingshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN, Scotland . In 1871, Jane was residing back in Stirlingshire, Scotland with her widowed mother. It appears that her mother and sisters returned to Scotland after the death of her father.

John Stewart in Terang, Victoria, Australia

John Stewart, b. 11 Dec 1836, Bannockburn, St Ninians, Stirling, Scotland , d. 1912, Terang, Victoria, Australia (Age 75 years). John is shown above as a son of James Stewart and Margaret Rue.

John has not been found in 1841.

In 1851, John was residing with his parents. His family immigrated to Australia in 1852. See his father’s file for further information.

According to family records, John married in Australia to Elizabeth Crawford and had a large family of 14 children there.

1. 1. Jessie Crawford Stewart, b. 1866, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1943 (Age 77 years)
  2. James Steele Stewart, b. 1868, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1950 (Age 82 years)
  3. Peter Stewart, b. 1870, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1876, Terang, Victoria, Australia (Age 6 years)
  4. Elizabeth Jane Stewart, b. 1872, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1950 (Age 78 years)
  5. Esther Anne Stewart, b. 1874, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1942 (Age 68 years)
  6. Sarah Anne Martha Stewart, b. 1876, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1876 (Age 0 years)
  7. Mary Stewart, b. 1877, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1938 (Age 61 years)
  8. Christine Margaret Stewart, b. 1878, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1959 (Age 81 years)
  9. John Alexander Stewart, b. 1880, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1948 (Age 68 years)
  10. Henrietta Houston Stewart, b. 1883, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. UNKNOWN
  11. Eliza Houston Stewart, b. 1886, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. UNKNOWN
  12. Eliza Lyla Ferguson Stewart, b. 1886, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1972 (Age 86 years)
  13. Campbell Nelson Stewart, b. 1890, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1957 (Age 67 years)
  14. Flora Pearl Stewart, b. 1892, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1965 (Age 73 years)

Further information (where known) can be found by clicking on the links for any of the above children.

2. Alexander Stewart, b. 12 Oct 1801, Balviel, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 5 Apr 1865, Terang Victoria, Australia

Alexander Stewart, b. 12 Oct 1801, Balviel, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 5 Apr 1865, Terang Victoria, Australia (Age 63 years).

Family records indicate Alexander immigrated to Australia and married Janet/Jessie Crawford in 1857.

Alexander was residing with his parents in 1841.

Alexander Stewart married on 17 Sep 1857 in Pejark, Terang, Victoria, Australia to Janet Jessie Crawford, b. 1824, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:

1. Jessie Stewart, b. 5 Jan 1860, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. 1931, Brunswick, Victoria, Australia (Age 70 years)
2. Christina Stewart, b. 13 Jul 1861, Terang, Victoria, Australia , d. UNKNOWN

3. Margaret Stewart, b. 22 Mar 1804, New Grahamston, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 20 Oct 1882, Walbundrie, Greater Hume Shire, New South Wales, Australia

Margaret Stewart, b. 22 Mar 1804, New Grahamston, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 20 Oct 1882, Walbundrie, Greater Hume Shire, New South Wales, Australia (Age 78 years).

Margaret was residing with her parents in 1841. Family records indicate she immigrated to Australia with her siblings. Several online trees indicate that she died a spinster on 20 Oct 1882 in Walbundrie, Greater Hume Shire, New South Wales, Australia, which is where her sister Jean is also buried. However this has not been confirmed.

4. Duncan Stewart, b. 11 Nov 1807, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 4 May 1854, Eilyer Station, Lake Bolac, Victoria, Australia

Duncan Stewart, b. 11 Nov 1807, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 4 May 1854, Eilyer Station, Lake Bolac, Victoria, Australia (Age 46 years)

In 1841, Duncan was residing with his parents in Laigh Town, Thornhill, Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland, employed as a shoemaker. Family records indicate that he immigrated to Australia. An online tree indicates that he died in Australia having not married and with no children.

5. Jean Stewart, b. 26 Jun 1812, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 23 Jan 1884, Walbundrie, New South Wales, Australia

Jean Stewart, b. 26 Jun 1812, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 23 Jan 1884, Walbundrie, New South Wales, Australia (Age 71 years).

Family records indicate that Jean immigrated to Australia.

Jean Stewart married on 7 Oct 1838 in Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland to Robert Gibb, b. 1818, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 4 Aug 1886, Churchill, Drury, New Zealand (Age 68 years). They had the following family:

1. Helen Gibb, b. 1840, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 1849, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland (Age 9 years)
2. John Gibb, b. 1841, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 2 Jan 1917, New Market, Aukland, New Zealand (Age 76 years)
3. Robert Gibb, b. 1843, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 2 Jul 1899, Rangiriri, Waikato, New Zealand (Age 56 years)
4. Alexander Gibb, b. 1845, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 4 Nov 1921, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand (Age 76 years)
5. Matthew Gibb, b. 1848, Thornhill, Kincardine by Doune, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 30 Sep 1868, Terang, Victoria, Australia (Age 20 years)
6. Robina Hoyle Gibb, b. 3 Aug 1850, Eilyer Station, Bolac Plain, Victoria, Australia , d. 7 Aug 1920, Onehunga, New Zealand (Age 70 years)
7. Henry William Gibb, b. 1853, Salt Creek, Victoria, Australia , d. 5 Aug 1944, Rangiriri, Waikato, New Zealand (Age 91 years)

Research Leads

There is no family matching the description of “John Stewart, tenant [in] Broich, Ardvorlich family, an industrious [and] keen man, in Sir John McGregor-Murray’s Estate.” The only family in the Kilmadock OPR shown residing in Broich is the following:

Robert STUART/STEWART and Isabella STUART/STEWART in Broich m 27 DEC 1736 in Port of Menteith

1. 1. Elisabeth STEWART, bap 2 APR 1738 in Broich, Witt. James STUART in Daldorn and John STUART in Deanstoun
  2. Isobell STEWART, bap 23 MAR 1740 in Broich, Witt. John STUART in Deanstoun and John Lennox in Doolet
  3. Katherine STEWART, bap 06 FEB 1743 in Nether Broich, Witt. John Henderson and Robert McUlloch in Broich
  4. Isobell STEWART, bap 14 JAN 1744 in Broich, Witt. Rot McCulloch and Arch McGibbon there (OPR gives father as Robert Muschet sic, however there is no other such couple in the OPR)
  5. John STEWART, bap 17 MAR 1745 in Nether Broich, Witt. John STUART at Bridge End of Doun and James STUART in Daldorn
  6. Alexander STEWART, bap 17 NOV 1751 in Broich, Witt. Will. Greig and Alexr. McGruther in DounAlexander STEWART and May BAXTER in Broich
    1. Agnes STEWART, bap 14 APR 1776 in Broich, Witt. —– Murdoch Lanrick and Alexr Murdoch
    2. Robert STEWART, bap 10 MAY 1778 in Broich, Witt. Robert Stewart and William Murdoch both in Broich
    3. Child STEWART, bap 26 Jun 1791 in Lendrick, Witt. Peter McGregor and James Gow Jr. both at Lendrick (Parents: Alexander Stewart and Mary illegible — McLachlane at Milton of Cambus?)
  7. Jannet STEWART, bap 24 NOV 1754 in Broich, Witt. John Henderson and Gilbert Bo—- there

The John Stewart b 1745 above would fit chronologically with the John Stewart in Broich described in Stewarts of the South above, however no matching children can be found for him. The family of Alexander Stewart and Mary Baxter is found having children in Broich at that time. It is possible that Stewarts of the South made a mistake on the name of John Stewart.

The following families are also found in Broich:

Alexander BLAIR and Janet STEWART in “The Birks”

1. 1. Thomas BLAIR, bap 3 APR 1763 in “the Birks”, Witt. Peter McArthur and John Smith in Orchard head

James HENDERSON and Agnes STUART in “The Broich”

1. 1. Beatrix HENDERSON, bap 17 JAN 1768 in The Broich, Witt. Robert and Alexander STUARTS both in the Broich

Robert MITCHELL and Elisabeth STEWART in Broich

1. 1. John MITCHELL, b/b 27 DEC/20 JAN 1815 in Broich (no witnesses)