The Stewarts of Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland
The Third Principle Family of the Stewarts of Balquhidder
The Stewarts in Gartnafuaran are the third major Branch of the Stewarts of Baldorran and Balquhidder.
Andrew Stewart, 1st of Gartnafuaran, acquired the lands of Gartnafuaran by 1503, around the same time as the Stewarts of Garchell were establish, a full generation before the Stewarts of Glenbuckie were established, three generations before the Stewarts of Ardvorlich were established, and four generations before the Stewarts of Annat were established.
A family with a lowland character
Stewarts of the South describes the Gartnafuaran family as being the most “lowland” in character of the three principal families. This may be evidenced in the less frequent use of Gaelic nicknames or clan names within this family. Capt. James Stewart, the author of Stewarts of the South, also comments that although the Gartnafuaran Stewarts were third in seniority of the Baldorran or Balquhidder Stewarts they ought to be considered at least second in character (after Glenbuckie). Capt. Stewart had a low opinion of the Ardvorlich Stewarts.
Clann Sliochd an Tigh Mhoil
The Gaelic name for the Stewarts of Gartnafuaran was Clann Sliochd an tigh mhoil.
Sliochd an tigh mhoil means “Children of Voil House”, presumably so named as they lived near Loch Voil. Voil (mhoil) is of uncertain origin and may be a form of mol, meaning “a pebbly beach” Thus, it may mean “Children of the house of the pebbly beach”. An alternative suggestion is, phuill, which is pronounced “foyle” and sounds very similar to “voil.” It means “sluggish, muddy water”, thus, Loch Voil may also be Loch Phuill, “lake of sluggish, muddy water.” Given that Stewarts of the South spells it mhoil, suggests that the mol translation is to be preferred.
Ancestors of the Stewarts of Gartnafuaran
The Stewarts of Gartnafuaran are the third branch of Clan Stewart of Balquhidder. Their ancestors can be found on our Stewarts of Baldorran and Balquhidder page.
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 Capt. James Stewart, factor (estate manager) to 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.
Gartnafuaran
Gartnafuaran means “field by the spring (or well)” in Gaelic. Gart = “corn field or vineyard”, na = “of”, fuaran = “well or spring”. The name has several alternative spellings including: Gartnaferan, Gartnaferran, Gartnafuarran, Gartnafuaroe, Gartnafuarae, and many others. The old pronunciation would be something like “garst-na-fwar-an”. The modern pronunciation is closer to “gart-fern”.
Residences
The family’s properties in Balquhidder included the farms of Gartnafuaran, Cean na coille, Stron slan (Stronslany) and Dail riach (Dalriach) in Glenbuckie. Glen Du in Glenbuckie was their sheiling or grazing place.
Gartnafuaran and Stron-slan with Cean a choille and Dail riach were later sold to a McLeod from Skye.
It is said that the Stewarts of Gartnafuaran had Wester Invernenty before it became the property of the family of Glenbuckie, and they were once laying claim to the barony of Strathgartan (Strathgartney) on Loch Catherine-side.
Gartnafuaran is situated just to the southeast of the village of Balquhidder and is bordered on its north by the River Balvag. It was the possession and home of this family for nine generations, from about 1500 until the mid-1700s.
View from the former Gartnafuaran dairy
View from the former Gartnafuaran dairy
Gartnafuaran Spring
A cascading creek near Gartnafuaran
View north from Gartnafuaran
View north from Gartnafuaran
Gartnafuaran fields
Looking down on the fields east of Gartnafuaran
Gartnafuaran Cottage
A cottage on the Gartnafuaran property.
Fields near Gartnafuaran
Bridge near Gartnafuaran
Bridge near Gartnafuaran
View towards Loch Voil
View towards Loch Voil
Cadet Branches
The following cadet branch families descend from the Stewarts of Gartnafuaran.
Andrew Stewart, 1st of Gartnafuaran
Andrew Stewart, 1st of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1450, Lennox, Dunbartonshire, Scotland 
, d. UNKNOWN. He was a younger son of James Beag Stewart, of Albany and 1st of Baldorran and Royal Baillie of Balquhidder.
Andrew Stewart’s birthdate is estimated based on his father’s estimated date of birth. His birth location is not known for sure. He was likely born before his father acquired the lands of Baldorran in 1457, so he was likely born somewhere in his great-grandmother’s lands of the Lennox.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says “His predecessor was Andrew, son [sic] to William Stewart of Baldorran. His sons were Alexander, and John, predecessor to the Stewarts of Blairgary.” In his Addenda, he notes that Andrew Stewart, possibly ancestor of Gartnafuaroe, was witness to a charter by Walter Stewart, 3rd of Baldorran, for the lands of Emyr-Crethane. Duncan Stewart (1739) is incorrect in his accounting of Andrew as a son to William Stewart, 2nd of Baldorran; he was a brother of William Stewart, as confirmed by MacGregor.
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) indentifies a charter confirming that Andrew Stewart is styled brother to William Stewart of Balindoran when both were appointed by Royal Letters under the Seal of King James IV. dated 16 May 1495 to give Sasine for the lands of Ardbechlorne to Archibald Edmonstone of Duntreath on 26 May 1495. He had Sasine for the crown lands of Gartnaferan, in the lordship of Balquhidder, by 1503.
Marriage and children
Andrew Stewart, 1st of Gartnafuaran, married an unknown woman and had the following children:
1. Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1490, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1490, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Alexander’s information is presented below.
2. John Stewart, Ancestor of Blairgarry, b. Abt 1500, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
John Stewart, Ancestor of Blairgarry, b. Abt 1500, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. John’s information is presented on our Stewarts of Blairgarry page.
Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran
Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1490, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. He was the eldest son of Andrew Stewart, 1st of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Alexander married ___ Gray, (he afterward married MacNab of that Ilk), he had Andrew his eldest son, and Robert, from whom John Stewart of Hyndfield, or Stronvar, is the fifth in lineal descent.”
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says, “Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnaferan, succeeded his father and was included with his sons Andrew and Duncan in a gift of their escheat to Alexander Stewart in Pitterag for the murder of John and Hugh Stewart, his brother, in December 1568. His wife is said to have had the surname Gray and surviving him, she married secondly to Alexander MacNab of Bovaine.”
MacGregor is prefrerred as more the reliable source in the accounting of Alexander’s wife marrying a MacNab after Alexander’s death, rather than Alexander marrying a MacNab after his wife’s death.
Marriage and Children
Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran, married Uknown Gray and had the following children:
1. Andrew Stewart, 3rd of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1520, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Andrew Stewart, 3rd of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1520, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His information is presented below.
2. Duncan MacAlasdair Stewart, in Carnlea, b. Abt 1523, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Duncan MacAlasdair Stewart, in Carnlea, b. Abt 1523, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Duncan is mentioned in the following document as having participated in the murders of Hugh and John Stewart in Balquhidder in December 1568:
“Reg. Privy Seal. Vol.VI. No. 737. 8 Sept. 1569. Gift to Alexander Stewart in Pittareg of the escheat of numerous persons all from Balquhidder including Alexander Stewart in Gartnascrow and Andrew his son also Duncan Stewart his son, and Blak Alexander Stewart in Glenbuckie and Patrick his son, for the murder of Hugh and John Stewart, his brother, in the lands of Balquhider in December last [1568]”.
In a tack of Janet Stewart, Lady Ruthven, dated 12 Apr 1569, Duncan is listed as a tenant in Carnlea near Ardveich. It is possible that he may have had descendants who remained in the area, but there is no record of any surviving male line.
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says, “Duncan Stewart, is named with his father and brother, Andrew, in a gift of their escheat to Alexander Stewart in Pittarreg for the murder of Hugh Stewart and John Stewart his brother in December 1568, and is named as joint tenant of the half merklands of Glenbeich on 12 April 1569.”
MacGregor suggests that Duncan may have been the father of Alexander Stewart, 1st in Glenogle (shown below as son of Robert), which is entirely possible. However, as Robert Stewart, Predecessor of Glenogle, would likely have had an eldest son named Alexander, and as the Glenogle line descends from Robert, then it makes more sense to attach Alexander Stewart, 1st in Glenogle to Robert rather than to Duncan McAlister.
3. Alexander Stewart, 1st in Monachyle, b. Abt 1525, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Alexander Stewart, 1st in Monachyle, b. Abt 1525, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Alexander’s existence is uncertain. He is placed here as a present best guess.
The first cadet branch of the Glenogle Stewarts is a family of Stewarts living in Monachyle at the west end of the Braes of Balquhidder. For the longest time this branch eluded reconstruction. Our presentation of this line is not proven, and may never be so unless some miraculous new documents materialize out of the ether. But barring any such startling revelations we believe we have successfully reconstructed the most likely arrangement of the Monachyle Stewarts. The earliest mention of any Stewart in Monachyle comes from the following bond:
1557 – Bond by Andro Stewart in Gartnafoir, Johne Stewart in Kirkton of Buchquhiddir his brother, Robert Stewart in Tullich, Alexander Stewart in Monochaill, Alexander Stewart son to John Roy Stewart, to Duncan Campbell of Glenurquhay giving him their calp and also to get as many of their friends, surname, and others as they can. Witnesses. Walter Stewart in Balliefulzie, Patrick Stewart in Glenbuckie, Duncan Stewart in Branchaill. At the Caudmoir 15th Novr. 1557 (Cosmo Innes, Black Book of Taymouth).
Stewarts of the South indicates that the Monachyle family were the most senior surviving branch of the Glenogle Stewarts. However, it is chronologically impossible for the Alexander Stewart in Monachyle mentioned in the above testament to be a descendant of the Glenogle branch which did not yet exist in 1557. This Alexander would be contemporary with Robert Stewart, predecessor of Glenogle (or perhaps one generation earlier). Thus, Alexander’s male line must have failed in some manner and Monachyle passed to the Glenogle family at a later date — either through inheritance, marriage or purchase. If Monachyle passed to the Glenogle family by inheritance (as we are supposing) then Alexander must be of the closest possible relationship to Robert Stewart, predecessor in Glenogle. We note that Robert has no known brother named Alexander and onomastics would demand that his father, Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran, should have a son named Alexander. Thus, for now, we are suggesting that the most likely placement for this Alexander is as a son of Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartnafuaran. We are suggesting that the line of Alexander Stewart, 1st in Monachyle, failed in some manner, and that the property passed laterally to the next in line, namely, Robert, predecessor of Glenogle. Upon Duncan McRobert Stewart receiving these properties we are suggesting that Duncan assigned his largest estate, Glenogle, to his eldest son, and his next most promising estate, Monachyle, to his second son (and similarly for Auchtow to his third son.)
However, the above bond also presents the greatest challenge to our accounting of Alexander Stewart, 1st in Monachyle. We are suggesting that he was a younger brother of Andrew Stewart, 3rd in Gartnafuaran and an older brother of John Stewart in Kirkton. Andrew and John are mentioned in the 1557 bond as being brothers. However, Alexander in Monachyle is not styled as brother to either of these. If he was their brother, why would the bond not say so. An argument from absence is never sufficient — just because it doesn’t say he was their brother is not proof that he wasn’t. However it does seem unusual. This association is made even weaker by the fact that Alexander is separated in the list from his suggested brothers by Robert Stewart in Tullich.
If we have correctly accounted for Alexander Stewart, 1st in Monachyle, then it is suggested that he had no surviving heirs as Monachyle appears next as a possession of Duncan Stewart, grandson of Robert Stewart, predecessor of Glenogle. We are suggesting that Monachyle passed from Alexander Stewart, 1st in Monachyle, at the time of his death, to his younger brother Robert’s son, Duncan McRobert Stewart, 3rd in Glenogle. We are suggesting that Duncan McRobert assigned his senior property, Glenogle, to his eldest son and his next property, Monachyle, to his second son (and similarly for Auchtow to his third son.)
4. Robert Stewart, 1st in Stronvar and Predecessor of Glenogle, b. Abt 1528, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Robert Stewart, 1st in Stronvar and Predecessor of Glenogle, b. Abt 1528, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says “Robert, from whom John Stewart of Hyndfield, or Stronvar is the 5th in a lineal descent”. As Duncan Stewart wrote his history in 1730, nine years before it was eventually published, and at the same time as said John Stewart was actually in possession of Hyndfield, we should reasonably presume that Duncan’s source was John Stewart in Hyndfield himself. We should have confidence that John Stewart would know his own ancestry, and thus we are confident that Robert Stewart was indeed the lineal male ancestor of John Stewart of Hyndfield. We note that
The Ardvorlich MSS does not show Robert at all and incorrectly shows Robert’s brother, John Stewart in Kirkton, as the ancestor of the Glenogle Stewarts.
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) shows the Stewarts of Glenogle and Hyndfield descending from Robert’s brother, Duncan MacAlasdair Stewart in Carnlea.
Robert had the following children:
-
- Unknown Ancestor Stewart
- Alexander Stewart, 1st in Glenogle, b. Abt 1560, Glenogle, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Aft 1622. Ancestor of the Stewarts in Glenogle.
- Duncan MacRobert Stewart, 2nd in Stronvar and 3rd in Glenogle, b. Abt 1565, Glenogle, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
5. John Stewart, in Kirkton, b. Abt 1530, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
John Stewart, in Kirkton, b. Abt 1530, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says, “John Stewart, who, with his brother, Andrew Stewart in Gartnaferan, granted a Bond of Manrent to Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, in 1557, and is then styled as resident at the Kirkton of Balquhidder.”
Duncan Stewart (1739) does not mention John Stewart in Kirkton.
The Ardvorlich MSS incorrectly says that John was ancestor of the Stewarts of Hyndfield, but Duncan Stewart (1739) says that John’s brother, Robert, was ancestor of Hyndfield.
The Edward S. Gray Papers on file at The Stewart Society mention both John and Robert, but say that Robert was ancestor of Hyndfield.
The Black Book of Taymouth shows that Andro Stewart in Gartnafoir, his brother Johne Stewart in Kirkton, and several other Stewarts signed a bond of 1557 for their kinsman Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy (Olar). We have no record of any descendants for John.
Andrew Stewart, 3rd of Gartnafuaran
Andrew Stewart, 3rd of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1520, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. He was the eldest son of Alexander Stewart, 2nd of Gartanfuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Andrew Stewart in Gartnafuaroe, married ___ Stewart, daughter to Patrick Stewart in Glenbucky, by whom he had Walter, who secceeded him. (This Andrew, or his father, Alexnder, entered into a bond of Mandrate with Campbell of locheild, anno 156-.)”
Andrew Stewart is mentioned in the following document as having participated in the murders of Hugh and John Stewart in Balquhidder in December 1568: “Reg. Privy Seal. Vol.VI. No. 737. 8 Sept. 1569. Gift to Alexander Stewart in Pittareg of the escheat of numerous persons all from Balquhidder including Alexander Stewart in Gartnascrow and Andrew his son also Duncan Stewart his son, and Blak Alexander Stewart in Glenbuckie and Patrick his son, for the murder of Hugh and John Stewart, his brother, in the lands of Balquhider in December last [1568]”.
Marriage and Children
Andrew Stewart married to Daughter Stewart, of Glenbuckie, b. Abt 1526, Dallanlaggan, Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. She was the daughter of Patrick Stewart, in Dallanlaggan 2nd of Glenbuckie. They had the following child:
1. Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1555, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland
Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1555, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His information is presented below.
Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran
Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1555, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. He was the only documented son of Andrew Stewart, 3rd of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Waltar in Gartnafuaroe, married ____ Buchan, and had, Alexander.” Nothing more is known about Walter.
The Merrill Bible once belonged to Margaret Stewart (1731-1830), great-granddaughter of Robert Stewart the Covenanter (1655-1714), son of Walter Stewart 7th of Gartnafuaran. After Margaret’s death, the Merrill Bible was inherited by the descendants of her son James Anderson. The bible contains family history information in which the wife of Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran, is identified specifically as Elizabeth Buchan.
Marriage and Children
Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran, married Elizabeth Buchan, b. Abt 1560, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:
1. Andrew? Stewart, b. Abt 1575, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Andrew? Stewart, b. Abt 1575, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
The existence of this Andrew is uncertain. Onomastics would suggest that Walter would name his eldest son, Andrew. He may be the Andrew who is cited in a 1622 petition by Lord Madertie for relief against those chargeable with him for the taxation of the Abbey of Inchaffray, “Andrew Stewart of Gartinfarrow” was charged a sum of money “for a part in the pendicles of the Kirk of Monzievaird” (Spalding’s Memoirs of Troubles in Scotland, vol. I, p.437, and Privy Seal 1622 13th Oct., vol. xiii, p.758, first series). If this is the same Andrew then he must have died young or emigrated as he did not inherit Gartnafuaran. Or he could be Andrew, son of Alexander, 5th of Gartnafuaran.
2. Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1580, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. May 1653
Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1580, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. May 1653 (Age ~ 73 years). His information is presented below.
Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran
Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1580, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. May 1653 (Age ~ 73 years). Alexander was the eldest (surviving) son of Walter Stewart, 4th of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Alexander, who married Janet MacGrigor, by whom he had Andrew, Walter, Robert and Alexander.”
In 1622, Glen Finglas was “cleared” of members of Clan Gregor who attempted to settle there. The Clearing of the Glen was conducted by James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich, and Duncan Stewart, 5th of Glenbuckie, Earl’s Forester in Glen Finglas. In gratitude for the clearing. Ardvorlich was granted lands in Glen Finglas which he apportioned to the various cadet branches of the Stewarts of Balquhidder. Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran seems to be the most likely person to have received the Gartnafuaran portion of Glen Finglas after the Clearing of the Glen. However, it’s possible that his father Walter was still alive to receive the lands.
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says that Alexander’s grandson Walter was “served heir to his grandfather, Alexander Stewart, on 26 May 1653.”
Marriage and Children
Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, married Janet McGrigor, b. Abt 1580, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:
1. Walter Dubh Mor Stewart, in Glenfinglas, b. Abt 1600, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 15 Aug 1645, Battle of Kilsyth
Walter Dubh Mor Stewart, in Glenfinglas, b. Abt 1600, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 15 Aug 1645, Kilsyth, Lanarkshire, Scotland; Battle of Kilsyth (Age ~ 45 years).
This Walter is believed to be the Walter Dubh Mor Stewart who died with his two sons in the service of Montrose at the Battle of Kilsyth, 15 AUG 1645. Onomastics would suggest that he should be the oldest son, but by his premature death without surviving heirs the estate of Gartnafuaran would have passed to his brother, Andrew.
Walter is mentioned in Stewarts of the South: “Although they are the last, I think they ought to be the second, at least. In general, they are something like to the family of Ardvorlich, not altogether valiant as the Glenbuckie family, but more of a Low country nature. The only distinguished character known to me of this family was one “Walter-du-mor” (“Big Black Walter”) who [along] with his two sons was killed at the battle of Kilsyth, [although] some say, however, that they were killed at the battle of “Bodle brig” (Battle of Bothwell Bridge, 22 June 1679), which was certainly not the case.”
This Walter is likely the “Walter Stewart in Glenfinglas” cited on 1 MAR 1645 in the Parliamentary Pardon of Maj. James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich, for Ardvorlich’s murder of Lord Kilpont at the Battle of Tibbermuir.
Walter Stewart had the following two children:
-
- Son Stewart, b. Abt 1620, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 15 Aug 1645, Battle of Kilsyth (Age ~ 25 years)
- Son Stewart, b. Abt 1625, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotlnad , d. 15 Aug 1645, Battle of Kilsyth (Age ~ 20 years)
- Son Stewart, b. Abt 1620, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland
This line became extinct in 1645.
2. Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1603, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1603, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His information is presented below.
3. Robert Dubh Mor Stewart, in Ardchullarie or Culgartmore, b. Abt 1605, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Robert Dubh Mor Stewart, in Ardchullarie or Culgartmore, b. Abt 1605, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) suggests that this is the Robert Stewart who resided in Culgartmore and was father of John Stewart of Calziemore who had a disposition from Sir Colin Campbell of Aberuchill for the lands of Calziemore, with the ferry at Rowardennan on Loch Lomond, on 14 May 1655. If so then this Robert would most certainly be the predecessor of the Gartnafuaran VI Branch from Stewarts of the South, namely the Stewarts of Coille Mhor (Calziemore) on Loch Lomond. Culgartmore would mean “the woods of Gartmore” and would presumably be located on the Gartmore estate in Port of Menteith parish, Perthshire, Scotland. This location is far enough west to be consistent with his son moving further west to Calziemore.
This Robert also fits as the patriarch of Gartnafuaran III Branch in Stewarts of the South, known as Sliochd Rob Duibh Mhoir, or the Stewarts in Wester Ardchullarie. It is possible that he is the patriarch of both branches through different descendants.
Rob Duibh Mhor Stewart, patriarch of Gartnafuaran III Branch, is described in Stewarts of the South as being “a son of Gartnafuaran.” That is, he was the son of one of the lairds of Gartnafuaran.
Rob Duibh Mhor Stewart is recorded as having a “descendant” named Robert McDonachie Stewart (Robert, son of Duncan Stewart). Robert McDonachie Stewart has been identified in Callander parish records as having married in 1766 in Callander to Janet Black. As the average age of males to marry in this era was about 30 years of age, then Robert McDonachie was probably born about 1735. Since Robert McDonachie is described as the “descendant” of Rob Duibh Mhor then we must presume a gap of at least two generations between them. Otherwise the author would more likely have described Robert McDonachie as Rob Duibh Mhor’s “son” or “grandson”, rather than “descendant”. If Robert McDonachie was probably born about 1735, then his father was probably born about 1705, his grandfather about 1675, and his great-grandfather about 1645 with an increasing margin of error with each increasing generation. Thus, we are looking for a laird of Gartnafuaran who was probably born no later than about 1675 +/-20 years. Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, was having children too late to be the father of Rob Duibh Mhoir. Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran, had a son named Robert who has already been accounted for elsewhere and could not be identical with Rob Duibh Mhor Stewart. Thus, we are looking at Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran as the earliest possible candidate to be the father of Rob Duibh Mhor. However, we have no record of Andrew having a son named Robert. That doesn’t mean he didn’t have a son, Robert; just that we have no record of any such son. However, if we go back one more generation we do find that Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran did have a son named Robert. Thus, we suggest that Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, is the most likely candidate to be the father of Rob Duibh Mhoir Stewart.
There is a small problem with the reference in Stewarts of the South where it says that Rob Duibh Mhor was a “tenant of Wester Ardchubry [in] Balquhidder parish in Strathyre[,] district of Auchlessy.” There is no known property in Strathyre, nor anywhere in Balquhidder parish, named Ardchubry. However, there is a property in Strathyre called Ardchullarie which could easily have been written in 1815 as Archulary and incorrectly transcribed as Ardchubry. The reference to “of Auchlessy” is likely a reference to the family of Buchanan of Auchlessie who were probably the landlords of Ardchullarie.
The sons of Rob Duibh Mhoir are not recorded in Stewarts of the South. As his father’s name was Alexander then we can suggest his eldest son was probably named Alexander. Working backwards onomastically from his descendant Rob McDonachie we can suggest that Rob Duibh Mhoir probably had a younger son, named Duncan, whose line became the senior line.
Rob Duibh Mhoir Stewart is believed to be the father of:
-
- Duncan? Stewart, b. Abt 1625, Wester Ardchullarie, Strathyre, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. There is no documentary evidence to verify the existence of this Duncan Stewart. His name is suggested by onomastics working backwards from his later descendant Rob McDonachie. Duncan is believed to be the father of:
- Robert? Stewart, b. Abt 1670, Strathyre, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His descendants are presented on our Stewarts in Wester Ardchullarie page.
- Robert? Stewart, b. Abt 1670, Strathyre, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland
- John Stewart, 1st of Calziemore, b. Abt 1630, Culgartmore, Port of Menteith, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Oct 1710, Calziemore, Buchanan, Stirlingshire, Scotland (Age ~ 80 years). His descendants are presented on our Stewarts of Coille Mhor (Calziemore) page.
- Duncan? Stewart, b. Abt 1625, Wester Ardchullarie, Strathyre, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland
4. Alexander Dubh Oig Stewart, in Duart and Grodich, b. Abt 1610, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Alexander Dubh Oig Stewart, in Duart and Grodich, b. Abt 1610, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Alexander Stewart, is probably the Allester Dow Stewart mentioned in the 1636 Trial of Gilderoy (although the The Edward S. Gray Papers say Allester Dow was Alexander’s father, Alexander). The trial records state that Gilderoy’s party broke into and stole articles from the dwelling house of Allester Dow Stewart at Gartnafarrow. James Stewart of Ardvorlich served on the jury in this trial. (Memorials of Troubles in Scotland, Spalding Club, vol. I, p.437).
It is suggested that Alexander Dubh MAY be the Alexander Stewart, patriarch of Gartnafuaran Branch IV – The Stewarts in Lower Duart and Grodich, a.k.a. Sean Rob mhic Alasdair Oig. It seems most likely that the Gartnafuaran portion of Glenfinglas would have been given to the head of the family at that time, namely Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran. He would have doled out his properties amongst his sons rather than giving the Glenfinglas property to a nephew or cousin. Thus the later Duart family in Glenfinglas most likely descends from a son of Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran. The present arrangement seems most likely given onomastics and chronology. Alexander’s identity is inferred from our interpretation of the patronymic of this clan. It is believed that he was called Alasdair Oig (“Young Alexander”) to differentiate him from his father.
Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran
Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1603, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Andrew was the second son, and eldest surviving son, of Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Andrew married Margaret Stewart, daughter to Alexander Stewart of Ardvorlich, by whom he had Walter, who succeeded him.”
Andrew and Margaret are named in the Merrill Bible. (Olar)
In a 1622 petition by Lord Madertie for relief against those chargeable with him for the taxation of the Abbey of Inchaffray, “Andrew Stewart of Gartinfarrow” was charged a sum of money “for a part in the pendicles of the Kirk of Monzievaird” (Spalding’s Memoirs of Troubles in Scotland, vol. I, p.437, and Privy Seal 1622 13th Oct., vol. xiii, p.758, first series, c/o Olar). It is not certain that the Andrew referred to in the 1622 petition is this Andrew. It is possible that he could be from an earlier generation. Our present preferred interpretation is as shown.
The Murder of Lord Kilpont
Andrew Stewart and his son, Walter, were present on 1 September 1644 after the Battle of Tippermuir/Tibbermore in the camp of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, when his brother-in-law and chief, James Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich, murdered John Graham, Lord Kilpont. On 1 March 1645, Andrew and Walter were among those who were pardoned for the act of fleeing the scene of the murder. Those pardoned included James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich; his son, Robert Stewart, younger of Ardvorlich; Duncan MacRobert Stewart, 2nd of Glen Ogle; Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, and his son, Walter Stewart in Glenfinglas.
Marriage and Children
Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, married to Margaret Stewart, of Ardvorlich, b. Abt 1598, Ardvorlich, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN, daughter of Alexander Stewart, 1st of Ardvorlich. They had the following children:
1. Alexander? Stewart, b. Abt 1623, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Bef 1708
Alexander? Stewart, b. Abt 1623, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Bef 1708 (Age ~ 84 years).
This Alexander may be the Alexander Stewart in Gartnafuaran referred to 1708 testament of Alexander Stewart in Duart which refers to the deceased’s wife as Janet Stewart, daughter of the late Alexander Stewart in Gartnafuaran. As the Gartnafuaran estate passed to Walter then we must assume that this Alexander either didn’t survive or had no surviving male heirs. (This is a problematic suggestion as Alexander would have been about 85 years old in 1708.)
This accounting is not confirmed but is supported secondly also by onomastics. With Andrew’s father and father-in-law both being named Alexander, it is almost certain the Andrew would have named his eldest son, Alexander.
Alexander had the following daughter:
1. Janet Stewart, b. Abt 1670, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Janet is recorded in her husband’s 1708 testament as being the wife of the late Alexander Stewart in Duart, the daughter of the late Alexander Stewart in Gartnafuaran, and the mother of a minor son, also named Alexander Stewart. Her father, “Alexander Stewart in Gartnafuaran” is contemporary with Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, but they are not the same persons, as Alexander, 8th of Gartnafuaran, was still alive in 1708, whereas Janet’s father was described as already deceased by that point.
2. Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran, b. 1625, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Abt 1679
Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran, b. 1625, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Abt 1679 (Age 54 years). His information is presented below.
Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran and Stronslaney
And in Glen Finglas
Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran, b. 1625, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Jan. 1678 (Age 53 years). Walter was the son of Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Walter initially resided in Glen Finglas prior to inheriting Gartnafuaran.
The Murder of Lord Kilpont
Walter Stewart and his father, Andrew, were present on 1 September 1644 after the Battle of Tippermuir/Tibbermore in the camp of James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, when his uncle and chief, James Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich, murdered John Graham, Lord Kilpont. On 1 March 1645, Walter and Andrew were among those who were pardoned for the act of fleeing the scene of the murder. Those pardoned included James Beag Stewart, 2nd of Ardvorlich; his son, Robert Stewart, younger of Ardvorlich; Duncan MacRobert Stewart, 2nd of Glen Ogle; Andrew Stewart, 6th of Gartnafuaran, and his son, Walter Stewart in Glenfinglas.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Walter married Isabel, daughter of John Stewart, predecessor to Glenbucky and had three sons: Alexander, Robert, and John.”
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says Walter was “served heir to his grandfather, Alexander Stewart, on 26 May 1653.”
The Edward S. Gray Papers say Walter’s will was probably confirmed 27 March 1679. This would suggest his death was shortly before that date. (Olar)
Walter was one of the signatories of the 1654 Bond of Keltney Burn along with the heads of the other Stewart households of Balquhidder, Annat and Atholl, in support of King Charles II and in opposition to Oliver Cromwell. This document would have been considered treasonous at the time. (Stewart Clan Magazine, Jan. 1940, vol. XVII, no. 7, pp. 126-127, and Dec. 1962, vol. 40, p.265, c/o Olar)
Stewarts of the South says the following about a Walter Stewart of Gartnafuaran: “Although they are the last, I think they ought to be the second, at least. In general, they are something like to the family of Ardvorlich, not altogether valiant as the Glenbuckie family, but more of a Low country nature. The only distinguished character known to me of this family was one “Walter-du-mor” (“Big Black Walter”) who [along] with his two sons was killed at the battle of Kilsyth, [although] some say, however, that they were killed at the battle of “Bodle (Bothwell) brig”, which was certainly not the case.
The Battle of Kilsyth took place on 15 Aug 1645 and the Battle of Bothwell Brig took place on 22 Jun 1679. One interpretation is that this applies to Walter Stewart in Glen Finglas, eldest son of Alexander Stewart, 5th of Gartnafuaran, and that he and his sons died in 1645. However, another interpretation could be that the author of Stewarts of the South, writing about 150 years later, may have been mistaken about the battles. It could refer to this Walter Stewart who died the same year as the Battle of Bothwell Brig, and one of his sons, Robert, is know to have fought at Bothwell Brig, then fled to Ireland, and could have been mistaken for dead along with one of his brothers.
Walter’s testament is extremely difficult to read, but what can be discerned from it is that he died in January of 1678. His residence was Stronslaney, not Gartnafuaran at the time, which was in the hands of Donald Fergussone. His sons Alexander and John are mentioned. His wife is not mentioned, so it may be that she was already deceased.
Marriage and Children
Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran, married Isabel Stewart, of Glenbuckie, b. Abt 1620, Glenbuckie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN, daughter of John Dubh Mor Stewart, 6th of Glenbuckie. They had the following children:
1. Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1652, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Abt 1733
Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1652, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Abt 1733. His information is presented below.
2. Robert Stewart, Covenanter, b. 1655, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. 1714, Edinburgh, Scotland, or County Antrim, Ulster, Ireland
Robert Stewart, Covenanter, b. 1655, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. 1714, Edinburgh, Scotland, or County Antrim, Ulster, Ireland (Age 59 years).
Robert Stewart, 2nd. son of Walter Stewart of Gartnafuaran, was born in 1655 and died 1714. Circa 1679, he married Janette Forsyth, perhaps the daughter of John Forsyth and Catherine Morisone. Robert was a Covenanter and fought at the Battle of Bothwell Brigg in 1679, where the government defeated the rebel Covenanters. Robert then fled to Ulster — perhaps in or near Carrickfergus, County Antrim, where his eldest son John may have been born circa 1682 (at any rate, John’s wife Elizabeth Clark is said to have been from Carrickfergus). Robert was said by his grandson Joseph to have later returned to Edinburgh and died there, but his widow Janette, son John, and other members of his family either stayed in or returned to Ulster. It could be that the tradition Joseph related is faulty, and that Robert did not return to Scotland, but remained in Ulster and died there. However, since Joseph heard these family traditions from his grandmother, they are likely to be accurate. Robert’s widow Janette, son John, and other family members left Aghadowey, Ulster, in 1718 and came to America, where Janette died circa 1750. Tradition states that Janette was buried at Chandler Hill Cemetery near Colrain, Mass. (Olar)
“Captain [John] Stewart [born 12 Sept. 1745] had a distinct remembrance of his aged great-grandmother [Janette Forsyth Stewart]. He used to relate to [his grandson] Homer her stories of the family’s persecutions by ‘Bonnie Dundee,’ in Scotland. . . . Homer H. Stuart once remarked that the character ‘Henry Morton of Milnwood,’ in Sir Walter Scott’s Romance ‘Old Mortality,’ reminded him of Robert Stuart as portrayed in these tales of Captain Stewart’s great-grandmother. For Robert, according to these stories, fought against Monmouth and in consequence was exiled and deprived of his estate.” (Genealogy and Biography of the Descendants of Walter Stewart of Scotland, B. Frank Severance, 1905, pp.167-168) (Olar)
Contrary to many genealogies published on-line it is the opinion of the Stewarts of Balquhidder Research Group that Robert Stewart did NOT have a son named Alexander who came to the USA. Please refer to Jared Olar’s article, “Did Robert Stewart, Covenanter, (1655-1714) have a son named Alexander?” for more information.
Robert Stewart’s descendants are presented on our Stewarts of Londonderry page.
3. John Stewart, b. Abt 1660, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
John Stewart, b. Abt 1660, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. John is listed as a son of Walter Stewart in Duncan Stewart’s 1739 Genealogy.
Did Robert Stewart, Covenanter, (1655-1714) have a son named Alexander?
Alexander Stewart (ca. 1680) Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA, husband to Mary Baily, was NOT a son of Robert Stewart, Covenanter, and his wife Janette Forsyth.
Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran
Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1652, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Abt 1733 (Age ~ 81 years). Alexander was the eldest son of Walter Stewart, 7th of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “Alexander Stewart of Gartnafuaroe married Margaret, daughter to Colin Campbell in Dundurn and had James and Walter.”
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says, “Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnaferan, succeeded his father and purchased the feu of his lands from John, Duke of Atholl, on 31 October 1718, for which he had a confirmation under the Great Seal on 26 July 1722. He married Margaret, daughter of Colin Campbell, Tacksman of Dundurn.”
The Balquhidder parish register refers to Alexander as “in Stronslanie, tacksman of Gartnafuaran”.
“On 13 Dec. 1729, he granted sasine to James Campbell, son of Duncan Campbell, brother of the laird of Edinample, for the eighth part of the lands of Gartnafuaran called Stronslany. A few years later, on 9 Aug. 1732, Alexander and his son James granted sasine in favor of Walter Stewart in Glenfinglas in security for a bond of 600 merks Scots.” (Olar)
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says that he is the Alexander Stewart in Gartnafuaran referred to the 1708 testament of Alexander Stewart in Duart, which refers to the deceased’s wife as Janet Stewart, daughter of the late Alexander Stewart in Gartnafuaran. However, this is not possible as MacGregor notes that Alexander purchased the feu of Gartnafuaran in 1718, thus he could not be “the late” Alexander in Gartnafuaran in 1708.
Marriage and Children
Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, married Margaret Campbell, in Dundurn, b. Abt 1660, Dundurn, Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. She was daughter of Colin Campbell in Dundurn.
1. James Stewart, 9th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1690, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
James Stewart, 9th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1690, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His information is presented below.
2. Walter Stewart, in Glenfinglas, b. Nov 1696, Stronslanie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Walter Stewart, in Glenfinglas, b. Nov 1696, Stronslanie, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Duncan Stewart (1739) notes that Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, had a younger son named Walter.
Walter is shown in the Balquhidder parish register as “Nobr (November) 1697 – Alexander Steuart and Margaret Campbell in Sronslanie and tacksman of Gartnaf___ 1696 had a child baptized and called Walter.”
He is likely the Walter Stewart referred to on 9 Aug. 1732, in a sasine by Alexander and his son James granting sasine in favor of Walter Stewart in Glenfinglas in security for a bond of 600 merks Scots. (source: Olar)
James Stewart, 9th of Gartnafuaran
James Stewart, 9th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 1690, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. James was the son of Alexander Stewart, 8th of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Duncan Stewart (1739) says, “James, now of Gartnafuaroe, married Janet, daughter to Alexander Campbell of Ardecnaick, relict of James Campbell of Leckrip (Lecropt), and has issue.”
Gordon MacGregor (The Red Book of Scotland) says, “James Stewart, 9th of Gartnaferan, succeeded his father and obtained the lands of Calziemor on 26 May 1742, which he afterwards disponed to Gilbert MacAlpine, Drover in Achallader, on 28 January 1747.”
Marriage and Children
James Stewart, 9th of Gartnafuaran, married Janet Campbell, of Ardeonaig, b. Abt 1700, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. She was the daughter of Alexander Campbell, of Ardeonaig. They had the following chidren:
1. Walter Stewart, 10th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 23 Aug 1723, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Walter Stewart, 10th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 23 Aug 1723, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His information is presented below.
2. Alexander Stewart, b. 28 Sep 1726, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Alexander Stewart, b. 28 Sep 1726, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Alexander’s birth is recorded twice in the Balquhidder OPR on 28 SEP 1726 and 18 OCT 1726. Most likely the first entry is his date of birth and the second is his baptism.
3. Colin Stewart, b. Abt 3 Jul 1731, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Colin Stewart, b. Abt 3 Jul 1731, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
4. Donald Stewart, in Auchnahard, b. Abt 1735, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Abt 1780, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland
Donald Stewart, in Auchnahard, b. Abt 1735, Gartnafuaran, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Abt 1780, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland (Age ~ 45 years).
Donald Stewart’s birth has not been identified. His birth as shown here is a suggestion only. He could be from an earlier generation of the Gartnafuaran family.
He is believed to be the Donald Stewart mentioned as a tenant in Glen Finglas and as one of the Appellants in the Glen Affair who was alive in 1755 and still alive in 1772.
Stewarts of the South indicates that he was closely related to the main trunk of the Stewarts of Gartnafuaran:
“The real representative of that family at present is a young man (Walter) a clerk in London, grandson to the late Walter Stewart who disposed of the lands of Gartnafuara. The present representative’s father was Alexander, who lived in a decent respectable manner from a fortune, or small income, which he had by his wife. He resided at a place called Torrie, near Callendar.
Walter has also another brother in [the] West Indies, named Alexander, who is said to be doing well.
There is also another brother of the real family and is nearest to the above mentioned; [he is] Walter, a tenant in Glenfinglas — one of the eight tenants of the name of Stewart — and pays a rent of one hundred guineas. This person is rather a silly indolent man, and, however, has some abilities, but cannot make any use of them, either for himself or family. [He] is married to a very genteel woman from Aberdeenshire. [He] has three sons [who are] under age.”
Donald’s son, Walter, has been identified as the one referred to in the last paragraph as being “Walter, a tenant in Glenfinglas.” However the preceding reference is ambiguous as to whether it is Walter who is “another brother of the real family and is nearest to the above mentioned” or whether Walter is descended from said brother. As we have identified Walter’s father as Donald, then the latter interpretation is preferred. It is thus suggested that Donald is most likely a younger brother of the contemporary laird of Gartnafuaran, as currently shown here.
Another possibility is that Donald could be born later than suggested here and be an early illegitimate son of Walter Stewart, 10th of Gartnafuaran, which would also satisfy onomastics.
According to Clan MacNab records, Catharine MacNab, daughter of Donald MacNab of Braeleny, married a Stewart by whom she had one or two sons before her Stewart husband died. (See notes on son, Walter for further reconcilliation of this account with Stewart records.) Only one birth has been found for this couple, thus it is suggested that Donald died shorly after 1777.
Donald Stewart married Catharine MacNab, in Braeleny, b. Abt 1755, Braeleny, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. She was the daughter of Donald MacNab, 1st of Braeleny. They had the following child:
1. Walter Stewart, in Auchnahard, b. 8 May 1777, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Walter is described in Stewarts of the South as: “There is also another brother of the real family and is nearest to the above mentioned Walter; [he is] a tenant in Glenfinglas — one of the eight tenants of the name of Stewart — and pays a rent of one hundred guineas. This person is rather a silly indolent man, and, however, has some abilities, but cannot make any use of them, either for himself or family. [He] is married to a very genteel woman from Aberdeenshire. [He] has three sons [who are] under age.”
And also as: “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.”
Clan MacNab records indicate that Catharine MacNab, daughter of Donald MacNab of Braeleny, married firstly to a Stewart, by whom she had one son before her husband died. The son lived in Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, in 1820 with his family and an uncle, Alexander Stewart, when MacNab relatives from France came for a documented visit.
Both the Stewarts of the South and Clan MacNab accounts can be easily reconciled with OPR and census records showing this Walter Stewart marrying Elizabeth Robertson from Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, and beginning their family in Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Scotland and later moving to Kinellar, Aberdeenshire.
Walter’s birth shown here matches geographically, chronologically, and onomastically.
Walter married Elizabeth Robertson, b. Abt 1780, Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. They had the following children:
-
- Daniel Stewart, b. 17 Mar 1807, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
- Charles Stewart, b. 3 Nov 1809, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
- Child Stewart, b. Abt 1815, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
- Margaret Ainslie Stewart, b. 1820, Kinnellar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
- Daniel Stewart, b. 17 Mar 1807, Auchnahard, Glenfinglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland
5. Robert Stewart, b. 15 Jun 1743, Blairgarry, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Robert Stewart, b. 15 Jun 1743, Blairgarry, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
6. Malcolm Stewart, b. 23 Mar 1747, Blairgarry, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
6. Malcolm Stewart, b. 23 Mar 1747, Blairgarry, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Walter Stewart, 10th of Gartnafuaran
And of Stronslany, Ceanachoille, and Dalriach, latterly in Duart
Walter Stewart, 10th of Gartnafuaran, b. Abt 23 Aug 1723, Gartnafuaran, Balquhidder, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Walter was the eldest son of James Stewart, 9th of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
“Walter sold off the lands of Gartnafuaran. According to Stewarts of the South (circa 1815), ‘Gartnafuaran and Stron-slan with Cean a choille and Dail riach were sold to a McLeod from Skye, and now the property of John McG[regor] Murray. Sir J[ohn] McG[regor] Murray sold Glen Mor to Capt. Stewart of Glenbucky at the rate of 4,000 pounds double the value.’
“In the Ardvorlich Papers, we read, ‘Sir John MacGregor Murray bought Gartnafueran from Lord Bannatyne, a paper lord, the brother of his wife…. Bannatyne must have bought Gartnafuero from its last Stewart laird, about whom Donald has heard from a man Macintyre who knew him, that he was a grand rider, and when chased by his enemies, could jump on any stray horse’s back, and as he ran away could with his long arms pick up stones from the road, and pelt his pursuers.’
“Walter may be the Walter Stewart who, according to the old parish register of Callander, clandestinely married Janet Stewart in Glasgow, Lanark, on 18 April 1748. Janet is believed to be the same as Janet, born circa 1733, eldest daughter of John Ban Mor Stewart of Auchnahard in Glenfinglas. The clandestine marriage in Glasgow suggests that Walter and Janet eloped, presumably because Janet likely was no older than 15. The Walter and Janet mentioned in the old Callander parish register resided in Glenfinglas and had four children, who thus could all be the children of the last laird of Gartnafuaran. In addition, the last laird of Gartnafuaran may have been the father of Walter Stewart, tenant in Auchnahard of Glenfinglas.” (Olar)
Marriage and Children
Walter Stewart married “clandestinely” on 18 Apr 1748 in Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland to Janet Stewart, b. Abt 1734, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. She is believed to be the daughter of John Ban Mor Stewart in Auchnahard. They had the following children:
1. Alexander Stewart, in Torrie, b. 1 Aug 1751, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Alexander Stewart, in Torrie, b. 1 Aug 1751, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. His information is presented below.
2. John Stewart, b. 8 Aug 1753, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
John Stewart, b. 8 Aug 1753, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
3. Margaret Stewart, b. 2 Dec 1755, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Margaret Stewart, b. 2 Dec 1755, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN
4. Catherine Stewart, b. 19 Apr 1758, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, d. UNKNOWN
Catherine Stewart, b. 19 Apr 1758, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN.
Alexander Stewart in Torrie
Alexander Stewart, in Torrie, b. 1 Aug 1751, Duart in Glen Finglas, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland , d. UNKNOWN. Alexander was the eldest son of Walter Stewart, 10th and last of Gartnafuaran, shown above.
Stewarts of the South says that Alexander lived at Torrie near Callander and that his son, Walter, was a clerk in London.
Marriage and Children
Alexander’s marriage has not been identified. He had the following children:
1. Walter Stewart, b. Abt 1775, Torrie, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Aft 1815
Walter Stewart, b. Abt 1775, Torrie, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Aft 1815.
Stewarts of the South (circa 1815) says, “The real representative of that family at present is a young man (Walter), a clerk in London, grandson to the late Walter Stewart who disposed of the lands of Gartnafuara…. Walter has also another brother in W[est] Indies, named Alexander, who is said to be doing well.”
2. Alexander Stewart, b. Abt 1780, Torrie, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland, d. Aft 1815, The West Indies
Alexander Stewart, b. Abt 1780, Torrie, Kilmadock, Perthshire, Scotland , d. Aft 1815, The West Indies.
Stewarts of the South (circa 1815) says, “The real representative of that family at present is a young man (Walter), a clerk in London, grandson to the late Walter Stewart who disposed of the lands of Gartnafuara…. Walter has also another brother in W[est] Indies, named Alexander, who is said to be doing well.”