The Stewarts of Laggan

The Stewarts of Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland

Branch I, Line 1 of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich

The Stewarts of Laggan were a cadet branch of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, descended from an illegitimate son of Robert Stewart, 3rd of Ardvorlich. They resided at the farmstead of Laggan on Loch Lubnaig in Strathyre in Balquhidder parish, Perthshire, Scotland. 

Ancestors of the Stewarts of Laggan

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

Laggan

Laggan is a historic farmstead located on the west side of Strathyre at the north end of Loch Lubnaig in Balquhidder parish in historic Perthshire, Scotland (present-day Stirling Council Area.) Laggan means “little hollow”.

The Stewarts of Laggan in Strathyre

Stewarts of the South wrongly shows the Stewarts of Laggan as 3 Line under the Balimeanach branch of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, with the following entry:

a) Robert Stewart, late tenant of Ardvorlich, his son James Stewart is a gentleman farmer of Laggan, Strathyre, Balquidder parish, on Buchanan of Cambusmore’s estate.  He (James) has one son who is a minor and pays £60 of rent.  This James Stewart is one of the best managers of a farm of any in this country and keeps excellent cattle – as to character, he as a man it surpasses that of the farmer for generosity and humanity.  Here the stranger finds hospitality and the poor and needy shelter & relief.  He is an ornament to his Clan in many respects.

b) William, his (James’) brother, lives with him as a foreman. He (William) is a bachelor.

However, we now know that this line descends illegitimately from Robert Stewart, 3rd of Ardvorlich.  The fact that this family lived in Balimeanach of Ardvorlich for several generations may have led to the mistaken association with the Balimeanach family in Stewarts of the South.  The Stewarts of the South Appendix says the following about James Stewart in Laggan, son of Robert, above:

(Balquhidder Parish) 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

Charmian Bondi of Laggan sent us the following obituary:

STRATHYRE – 1917 – THE LATE MRS. STEWART LAGGAN – There passed away peacefully at Laggan, Strathyre, on 25th Jan., Mrs. Helen Stewart, widow of Mr. John Stewart, farmer, Laggan. She had been ailing for some time, but was thought to be improving, when she had a relapse, and passed away at the age of 59. Mrs Stewart was a lady of most estimable character – kind to the poor, and respected by all classess. She was a native of Inverness-shire and is survived by a family of three sons and two daughters. The eldest son is Mr. John Stewart, (my father) solicitor, Dunblane, who is Clerk to the District Committee of the Western Division of the County Council, and who holds a number of other public offices. The funeral, which was largely attended took place on Monday to the family burying-ground at Dundurn Chapel, St Fillans, where as a scion of the Stewart of Ardvorlich, they have the right to bury inside the chapel. As the place, however, is rather overcrowded, Mrs. Stewart’s remains were interred immediately outside the chapel. The funeral service at the house was conducted by the Rev. David Cameron, B.D., and at the grave by the Rev. Mr. Scott, Dundurn, and the Rev. Mr. Cameron, Balquidder.

It is interesting to note that her husband, Mr. John Stewart, was for a long time manager of the home farms at Immerion, belonging to Mr Carnegie of Stronvar, under the last and the present laird. Mr. Stewart, after he retired, succeeded his brother, Mr. Robert Stewart in the tenancy of Laggan Farm, where he died some six years ago.

Before going to Laggan, the Stewarts occupied lands on the shores of Loch Earn, not far from their kinsmen, the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, the contemporary chief being Major Stewart, Governor of the Calton Jail, Edinburgh.

Predecessors of the Stewarts of Laggan

Robert Stewart, 3rd of Ardvorlich

Robert Stewart, 3rd of Ardvorlich,   b. Abt 7 Nov 1625, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland ,   d. 1680, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age ~ 54 years). Robert Stewart was the eldest son of Maj. James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich.

Robert “went over the hill” and had a natural son by an unknown woman. Whether “he went over the hill” is a euphemistic reference to his non-marital liaison or whether it was a literal geographic reference to the location of Laggan in Strathyre, the later residence of this family, is not known. But Laggan is located just over Ben Vorlich from Ardvorlich.  Robert’s lawful children are presented above.  Robert was also the father of:

1. 1. Robert Stewart, in Balimeanoch,   b. Abt 1653, Balquhidder or Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland ,   d. UNKNOWN. Robert was a natural son of Robert Stewart, 3rd of Ardvorlich, by an unknown mistress. Robert was the predecessor to the Stewarts of Laggan. Robert married Margaret MCINVINE (McNiven) although no record of their marriage has been found. They had the following (known) children, however chronology and onomastics would suggest they had further unrecorded children who did not survive:
      1. Jean STEWART b: ABT 7 MAY 1693 in Balimeanach, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland
      2. Alexander Stewart, in Balimeanoch,   b. 1700, Balimeanach, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.  Alexander’s birth is not recorded in the Comrie OPR, but is recorded in the Laggan family tree.  Alexander married to Helen MCNIVEN although no record of their marriage has been found..  They had the following children:
         1. Robert Stewart, in Balimeanach,   b. 30 Apr 1726, Balimeanach, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Robert is described in Stewarts of the South as: “late tenant of Ardvorlich, his son James Stewart is a gentleman farmer of Laggan, Strathyre, Balquidder parish, on Buchanan of Cambusmore’s estate.” He married Christian (a.k.a. Mary) MCLAREN although no record of their marriage has been confirmed. A marriage for Robert Stewart and Christian McLaren took place on 18 APR 1767 in Balquhidder and 30 APR 1767 in Callander parishes. It is not known if this was a late marriage for this couple or a different couple with the same names. The births of their children all give their mother’s name as “Mary McLeran”.  They had the following children:
            1. Jean STEWART b: ABT 2 MAY 1761 in Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland
            2. Janet STEWART b: ABT 21 MAR 1763 in Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland
            3. James STEWART, 1st of Laggan b: ABT 10 JUL 1765 in Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland. James’ information and descendants are shown below.
            4. John STEWART b: ABT 12 NOV 1767 in Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland
            5. Robert STEWART b: ABT 11 DEC 1770 in Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland
            6. William STEWART , in Ardoch b: 1776 in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland.  William was a miller and forester in Ardoch. William is described in Stewarts of the South as: “William, his (James’) brother, lives with him as a foreman. He (William) is a bachelor.” He is recorded in Mitchell’s Monumental Inscriptions as: “William STEWART (at) Ardoch Mill (in) Strathyre, died 23 APR 1860.”
            7. Duncan STEWART, b: ABT 1 MAY 1781 in Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland.
         2. Margaret STEWART b: ABT 15 OCT 1727 in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland
         3. James STEWART b: ABT 10 MAY 1730 in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland

James Stewart, 1st of Laggan

James Stewart, of Laggan, b. Abt 10 Jul 1765, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland ,   d. Sep 1852, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age ~ 87 years). He was the eldest known son of Robert Stewart in Baleimeanach, shown above.

James is recorded in Stewarts of the South in very flattering terms as follows: “(James) has one son who is a minor and pays £260 of rent. This James Stewart is one of the best managers of a farm of any in this country and keeps excellent cattle – as to character, he as a man it surpasses that of the farmer for generosity and humanity. Here the stranger finds hospitality and the poor and needy shelter & relief. He is an ornament to his Clan in many respects.” He is recorded in Mitchell’s Monumental Inscriptions as follows: “James STEWART, farmer (at) Laggan (in) Strathyre, died SEP 1852, wife Mary STEWART predeceased him.”

In 1841, at age 75, James Stewart, was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland with his children. Also residing with him was 40 year old Donald Stewart and 10 year old Duncan Stewart working as farm hands.

In 1851, at age 86, James Stewart was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his children. He was employed as a farmer of 1500 acres of pasture and 20 acres of hill. Also residing with him was 57 year old Catherine Stewart, servant, and several other servants.

Marriage and Family

James Stewart married on 29 Jul 1820 in Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland  to Mary Stewart, b. Abt 1795, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Bef 1841, Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age ~ 45 years). Her birth family has not been identified. They had the following children:

Robert Stewart, 2nd of Laggan

Robert Stewart, 2nd of Laggan,   b. Abt 6 Jun 1821, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland ,   d. 24 Nov 1900, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age ~ 79 years). Robert was the eldest son of James Stewart, 1st of Laggan, shown above.

Robert Stewart was born in 1821 in Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire. Scotland, as the eldest son of James Stewart, 1st of Laggan, who was 56 years old at the time.

Robert Stewart is described in The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, p. 56, as “Robert Coirechrombie, farmer at Laggan, d. Ardoch Mill, 1886, m. Janet Stewart, d. 1886, bur. Dundurn.” The discrepencey in his date of death (shown here as 1900) has not been resolved.

Robert is described in Mitchell’s Monumental Inscriptions as “Robert farmer (at) Laggan, died 24 NOV 1900 (his wife Janet STEWART 26 NOV 1880.”

In 1841, at age 20, Robert Stewart, was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland with his father and siblings. Also residing with him was 40 year old Donald Stewart and 10 year old Duncan Stewart working as farm hands. The 1861 census reveals that Donald was Robert’s maternal uncle.

In 1851, at age 29, Robert Stewart was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his father and siblings.

In 1852, at age 31, upon the death of his father, Robert inherited the Laggan farmstead.

On 15 JAN 1853, at age 32, Robert Stewart married in Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland to Janet STEWART, b ABT 1 SEP 1822 as the daughter of Peter Stewart in Immervouin in Strathyre and Jean McGregor of the “Caleb Stewart” family, a cadet of the Stewarts of Glenogle. Janet was also sister to Margaret Stewart, wife of John Stewart of the Grodich of the Stewarts of Auchnahard in Glenfinglas. Their marriage was also registered on 18 JAN 1853 in Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland.

In 1861, at age 39, Robert Stewart was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his wife, Janet Stewart, and their three young children. He was employed as a farmer. Also residing with them was Janet’s maternal uncle, Daniel Stewart, who was born in 1793 in Callander, Perthshire, Scotland.

Robert has not been found in 1871.

In 1881, at age 59, Robert Stewart was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, as a widower with his sons James and Peter. He was employed as a farmer. Also residing with them was 40 year old James Carmichael (born 1841 in Balquhidder) and 31 year old John Carmichael (born 1859 in Comrie), farm servants, who may be related on the McLaren side.

In 1891, at age 70, Robert Stewart was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, as a widower with his son James. Also residing with them was James’ wife, Margaret Stewart, and their 3 year old son, Robert. Also residing with them was 70 year old James Stewart (born 1821 in Callander) and 39 year old John McEwan (born 1852 in Balquhidder) farm servants. John McEwan was a cousin from the McLaren side.

For reasons unknown, upon Robert’s death, the family farmstead of Laggan passed to Robert’s brother, John Stewart, rather than Robert’s son, James.

Marriage and Family

Robert Stewart married between 15 and 18 Jan 1853 in Balquhidder and Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland  to Janet Stewart, in Immervoulin,   b. Abt 1 Sep 1822, Immervoulin, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland ,   d. 26 Nov 1880, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age ~ 58 years). Janet was the daughter of Peter Stewart in Immervouin in Strathyre and Jean McGregor of the “Caleb Stewart” family, a cadet of the Stewarts of Glenogle. Janet was also sister to Margaret Stewart, wife of John Stewart of the Grodich of the Stewarts of Auchnahard in Glenfinglas.

They had the following children

John Stewart, 3rd of Laggan

John Stewart, in Immereon and of Laggan,   b. Abt 8 Jul 1823, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland ,   d. 29 Mar 1911, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age ~ 87 years). John Stewart was the second son of James Stewart, 1st of Laggan, and younger brother of Robert Stewart, 2nd of Laggan, shown above.

For reasons unknown, upon the death of John’s brother, Robert Stewart, 2nd of Laggan, John inherited the family farmstead of Laggan over Robert’s son, James. As John appears to have been financially prosperous, it is possible that he purchased the rights to the farm from his nephew.

John Stewart was born in 1823 at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, as a younger son of James Stewart in Laggan.

The Stewarts of Ardvorlich, Vol. 3, p. 56, incorrectly identifies James as “John Stewart” but correctly says that he was “b. 1823, Manager to Mr. Carnegie of Stronvar at Leanach, later at Laggan. d. 1911, age 87.”

In 1851, at age 24, John Stewart was residing at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his father and siblings.

In 1861, at age 37, John Stewart was residing at Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with several farm servants. He was employed as the owner of a sheep farm.

John Stewart may have married at age 44 on 28 May 1867 to Margaret McLaren and had no surviving children, but this marriage is not confirmed.

In 1871, at age 47, John Stewart was residing at Immereon in Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his sister Christian Stewart and her illegitimate daughter, Mary. He was employed as a shepherd.

John Stewart married ABT 1877 to Helen McKay who was born in 1858 in Inverness, Scotland. They are recorded in Mitchell’s Monumental Inscriptions as “John STEWART, died (at) Laggan (in) Strathyre 29 MAR 1911, wife Helen MCKAY, died there 25 JAN 1917.” John and Helen were residing in Immereon in Glenbuckie in 1891. It’s worth noting that John was 54 and Helen was 19 when they married!

In 1881, at age 57, John Stewart was residing at Immereon in Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his wife and chidlren. He was employed as a shepherd manager.

In 1891, at age 47, John Stewart was residing at Immereon in Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his his wife and children. He was employed as a shepherd.

In 1900, at age 76, John Stewart succeeded his brother Robert in the farmstead of Laggan, over Robert’s sons.

In 1901, at age 77, John Stewart was residing at Immereon in Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, with his wife and chidlren. He was employed as a farm manager. His wife’s name is incorrectly transcribed as Elizabeth and she is shown as being born in Kingussie.

On 29 Mar 1911, at age 88, John Stewart died at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland. His wife Helen and son John were executors.

John Stewart’s granddaughter, Charmian Bondi says, “It is interesting to note that [Helen’s] husband, Mr. John Stewart, was for a long time manager of the home farms at Immerion, belonging to Mr Carnegie of Stronvar, under the last and the present laird. Mr. Stewart, after he retired, succeeded his brother, Mr. Robert Stewart in the tenancy of Laggan Farm, where he died some six years ago.”

The Scotsman – Monday 29 January 1917
Stewart – At Laggan, Strathyre, on the 25th January. Helen McKay, widow of John Stewart, farmer. Funeral to Dundurn Chapel, St. Fillans, on Monday, leaving at 9:30 arriving Strathyre 10:30 and St. Fillans after 1. Friends please accept this intimation and invitation. Helen died at Laggan in Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, in the residence of James Stewart, who was described as her “next of kin.” He may be her son or her nephew.

Obituary:
STRATHYRE – 1917 – THE LATE MRS. STEWART LAGGAN – There passed away peacefully at Laggan, Strathyre, on 25th Jan., Mrs. Helen Stewart, widow of Mr. John Stewart, farmer, Laggan. She had been ailing for some time, but was thought to be improving, when she had a relapse, and passed away at the age of 59. Mrs Stewart was a lady of most estimable character – kind to the poor, and respected by all classess. She was a native of Inverness-shire and is survived by a family of three sons and two daughters. The eldest son is Mr. John Stewart, (my father) solicitor, Dunblane, who is Clerk to the District Committee of the Western Division of the County Council, and who holds a number of other public offices. The funeral, which was largely attended took place on Monday to the family burying-ground at Dundurn Chapel, St Fillans, where as a scion of the Stewart of Ardvorlich, they have the right to bury inside the chapel. As the place, however, is rather overcrowded, Mrs. Stewart’s remains were interred immediately outside the chapel. The funeral service at the house was conducted by the Rev. David Cameron, B.D., and at the grave by the Rev. Mr. Scott, Dundurn, and the Rev. Mr. Cameron, Balquidder.

Marriage and Family

John Stewart, 3rd of Laggan, married Helen McKay,   b. 1858, Kingussie, Inverness-shire, Scotland ,   d. 25 Jan 1917, Laggan, Strathyre, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland   (Age 59 years).

They had the following children: