The eldest son of James and Jean (Fleming) Muirhead, James Muirhead (6th) of Lauchope was born circa 1510; he married Janet Baillie, the daughter of Alexander Baillie of Carfine. They gave birth to a son named William and one named James the Younger; and to at least one daughter named Christian (variously Cristine). It is also possible that they were the parents of two additional children: Margaret and Claud.
{Note: During his lifetime, this James Muirhead, son of James and Jean (Fleming) Muirhead, and husband of Janet (Baillie), found himself ensnared in various legel disputes. His eldest son, James, likewise became caught up in legal matter, as will be noted later. It sometimes is difficult, given the limited information provided in the few public documents extant, and the fact that more than one man possessing the name of James Muirhead of Lauchope were living at the same time. The reader is therefore cautioned that some of the information presented in the following as pertaining to James, husband of Janet (Baillie) might actually pertain to his son, James, husband of 1st Janet (Hamilton) / 2nd Margaret (Cunninghame).}
James Muirhead of Lauchope was named as a defendant in a lawsuit on 07 June, 1537 that was recorded in the Glencairn Muniments:(1.26)
| “Summons of Error at instance of James V and William, Master of Glencairn versus several including James Muirhead of Lachop to appear before the Lord of Council and Session to ‘anƒwer for their manifeƒt & wilful error in retouring that Dame Iƒobel Wallace of Eaƒter Loudon died veƒt and ƒeiƒed in the half lands and barony of Loudon’. |
On 03 October, 1550 James Muirhead was confirmed as(1.27)
| “the grandson and heir apparent of James Muirhead of Lachop in the 10 pound lands of old extent of Balgarden in the Sheriffdom of Wigton, reserving the liferent of James Muirhead senior.” |
On 29 December, 1562, according to an entry in the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer, John Patersoun Snawdon Herald was ordered to summon several people for forfeiture, including ‘Muirheads of Mauchope’.(1.28) The reason for this ‘forfeiture’ is not made clear in the available records.
One of the Protestant plots against Mary, Queen of Scots, was led by the Earl of Arran. Apparently, James Muirhead of Lauchope supported the Earl of Arran in his plot against Mary, because when, on 02 January, 1565 an act of remission (i.e. a pardon or forgiveness) was granted to the Earl of Arran and his followers, James Muirhead of Lauchope and his brothers, William and Thomas were included in the list of those followers.(1.29)
James Muirhead of Lauchope was also recorded in the Register of the Privy Council at Edinburgh on 20 April, 1566 (1.30) as one of the many cautioners (i.e. a warner or advisor) to the Earl of Arran, who were charged with ensuring that he would remain at Hamilton Castle or within four miles thereabout, ‘at Her Majesty’s pleasure under pain of 2000 merks.’
Nothing, save his name is known about William Muirhead, son of James and Janet (Baillie) Muirhead.
Of the daughter of James and Janet (Baillie) Muirhead, Christian, we know that she was born circa 1527. In the year 1544, she married John Porteous, Younger of Glenkirk. He was the son of William Porteous of Glenkirk, and the grandson of John Porteous. Apparently, the name ‘Younger’ appended to his name implied that he needed to be distinguished from his grandfather. Christian / Cristine was mentioned on 28 September, 1544 in:(1.31)
| “a confirmation of a charter to William Portuus of Glenkirk with consent of Cristine Muirhead lawful daughter to James Muirhead of Lachop and John Portuus her spouse, son and heir of William to infest them in conjunct fee and liferent in the 6 pound lands of old extent of Quhitsland in the Sheriffdom of Peebles,31 August 1544 at Glenkirk” |
A witness to the transaction was James Muirhead of Schawfute, the younger brother of James Muirhead of Lauchope.
To John and Christian Porteous’ union were born five sons: Alexander, David, Andrew, William and Thomas.
John Porteous died in the year 1586. According to a record in the History Of Peebleshire, in the Tweedie Archive, Captain John Porteous was murdered by a mob in Edinburgh. Christian’s deathdate is not known.
Alexander Porteous, son of John and Christian Porteous, married Isabel Ker.
James Muirhead the Younger, (7th) of Lauchope, son of James and Janet (Baillie) Muirhead, married Janet Hamilton at some time prior to the year 1555, and most likely before 1549.
(Note: The Muirhead Clan Society database states that Janet was born circa 1552 and died in 1622. In the first place, it would have been impossible for Janet to have been born that late in view of the fact that James’ second wife (Margaret, as will be noted later) gave birth to a son in the year 1556, and Janet is believed to have given birth to seven children prior to that date. If James married Janet in the year 1547, when they were both about the age of sixteen, it might have been possible for her to give birth to seven children prior to the year 1555, possibly dying in childbirth with the last child. It also would have been impossible for Janet to have died in 1622, in view of the fact that James’ second wife died in the year 1596. James himself, is believed to have died in October of 1622, and it probably was a situation in which the contributor of the information to the Muirhead Clan database mistakenly repeated that year of death for James’ wife, Janet.)
Janet was the sister of James Hamilton of Bothwelhaugh, who became embroiled in a political affair which led to the physical destruction of Lauchope House in 1570. (See the chapter titled ‘The Flight Of Mary, Queen Of Scots’)
1654 Map Of Lanarkshire Showing The Estate Of Bothwelhaugh.
~ Reproduced by permission of the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland.
On 26 May, 1579 James Muirhead of Lauchope again found himself on the wrong side of the law when a proclamation was issued against him because he would not regard a summons.(1.32) Issued from Stirling Castle, the proclamation stated that James Muirhead of Lachop was ‘to be put to the horn’ (i.e. to be denounced as a rebel or outlaw) for failing to appear before the Privy Council. Soon thereafter, a warrant was issued for the arrest of James’ brother, William Muirhead, as was recorded in the Register of the Privy Council:(1.33)
| “Caution for Hew Kennedy of Barquhany to deliver William Muirhead, brother of James Muirhead of Lachop to the Captain of Edinburgh Caƒtle on the 21st inƒtant, under pain of £500." |
On 11 November, 1579, the Parliament passed an act of ‘forfaulture’ (i.e. forfeiture) against Lord John Hamilton, Lord Claud Hamilton, James Muirhead of Lauchope, William Muirhead (James’ brother) and others who had associated with them.(1.34) The act was issued:
| “tuieching the diƒherreƒsing of the poƒtertie of thame that are convict of the murtheris of the King our Soverane Lordis deareƒt father and the tua Regentis.” |
The term disheressing was an old Latin legal term meaning to ‘disinherit’, so this act was aimed at ‘tuieching’ (i.e. causing) the posterity (i.e. the future generations of them that had been convicted of the murders of the King and the two Regents) to be disinherited (i.e. unable to inherit certain property real and personal).
Four months later, on 10 March of 1580, a record was entered in the Register of the Privy Seal (1.35) which recorded a gift to William Aikenheid of the escheat of the goods of James Muirhead, ‘sometime of Lauchope’, and of the profits of his heritage for Crop 1579. The reason given was that James had been convicted by Parliament and forfeited for treason, or ‘put to the horn for non-compearance before the Privy Council’ “to have anƒerit to ƒic thingis as wer to be inquyrit of him at his cuming.”
In July, 1580 a Summons for treason (1.36) was issued against John, Commendator of Abirbrothock, Claud, Commendator of Paisley, John Hamilton, provost of Bothwell and others, including James Muirhead of Lachop.
In December of 1580 the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer recorded an entry (1.37) stating that a messenger was sent “with letters to charge the tenants of James Muirhead sometime of Lachop, Gavin Hamilton sometime of Raploch and Robert Hamilton sometime of Dalserf, forfeited persons, to pay their rents to HM Treasurer within ten days.”
The acts of forfeiture were against the individual, and not necessarily against his family. This is made evident by an entry recorded in the Register of the Privy Seal, dated 30 November, 1580.(1.38) That entry served as a
| ‘Confirmation of Assignation dated 23 May, 1575 by James Muirhead sometime of Lachop to Margaret Muirhead his daughter of an annualrent of 65 merks alienated by him and Elizabeth Hamilton his spouse by John Hamilton of Pedderisburne from the lands of Drumgalloch and Blakrig in the parish of Monkland, to be “intromitted with by her until the redemption thereof by a payment of 650 merks and 20 pounds of lent silver”.The Sovereign gives this to her despite her father being forfeited.’ |
According to John M. Morehead in his book, a proclamation was issued from Holyrood House on 06 April, 1585 which stated that if James Muirhead of Lauchope, Lord Claud Hamilton and others did not secure passage on ships at Aberdeen prior to the first of May, and head for parts beyond the British Isles, their properties would be forfeited. The proclamation stated:(1.39)
| “Order by his Majeƒty, with advice of his Council, to Claude Hammiltoun, ƒometime Commendator of Paiƒley, James Mureheid of Lauchop (and other Hamiltons) ‘and all utheris the ƒaid Caludis domeƒtiqcue ƒervandis or dependaris quhilkis returnit within this realme with him or eftir and ƒtand under the ƒentence of foirfalture’ to retire with all filigence to Abirdeen ‘and thair to tak ƒchip and depart furth of this realme to the partis of France and utheris beyond ƒey, England and Irland exceptit, betwix this and the firƒt day of Maii nixt to cum, wind and wedder ƒerving’ with certification that, they return to Scotland, England, or Irland, the doom of forfeiture under which they lie ƒhall be rigorouƒly executed upon them.” |
The last incident in this line occurred on 10 August, 1591 when James’ eldest son, James, and his own sons, Thomas and Claud and others posted sureties to assure the parliament that he would quiet down, politically.(1.40) The entry in the Register of the Privy Council, dated 10 August, 1591, noted the
| “Caution by James Mureheid younger of Lawchop and Mr. Johnne Mureheid of Bradanhill, as two principals and Johnne Hammiltoun younger of Wodhall as ƒurety for them, and by the ƒaid principals and ƒurety for James Mureheid elder of Lawchop, Thomas Mureheid and Claud Mureheid his ƒons; James Mureheid of Braidschaw, James Mureheid of Schawfute and Johnne Mureheid in Glaƒgow that James Crauford of Kipbyre, James Craufurd his ƒon and Thomas Craufurd his brother ƒhall be harmleƒs under penalties following viz: Mureheid elder of Lawchop £1000, Johnne Mureheid 1000 merks; James Mureheid 1000 merks, Mureheid younger of Lawchop £500; Mureheid of Braidƒchaw 500 merks and each the others £500.” |
James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead gave birth to four sons and two daughters: Katherine (variously, Catherine); Claud; Thomas; Margaret; James, born circa 1573; and David, born 1575. (Note: These birthdates are those accepted by the Muirhead Clan Society database. The sources cited are Walter Grosset’s Account Of The Family Of Muirhead Of Lachop and Nisbet’s re-publication of that narrative, but these birthdates do not appear in that narrative, so where the Clan Genealogist came up with them is questionable. Alexander Nisbet gave the names and birth dates as: James (born circa 1531), Thomas (born circa 1533) and Margaret (Thomas’ twin, born circa 1533). These dates allow the individuals to fit better in the family record.)
The Muirhead Clan Society database included the additional name of Alexander, born in 1595, as a child of James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead. The name of Alexander, as a child of this James Muirhead, is claimed by the Muirhead Clan Society database to have come from the Account Of The Family Of Muirhead Of Lachop, but it does not actually appear in that document.
Of the son of James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead, Claud, we know nothing other than his name. He was mentioned in a document dated 04 February, 1601 in which James Muirhead of Lauchope was named as a ‘cautioner’ for his sons, Claud and John Muirhead of Glasgow.
Katherine (variously, Catherine) Muirhead, daughter of James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead was married to David Mathie, a schoolmaster in Hamilton. A ‘Letter of Redemption’ was recorded on 01 October, 1623 in the Lanarkshire Register of Sasines.(1.41) It was “made by Mr. David Mathie, schoolmaster in Hamilton and Catherine Muirhead, his spouse of 250 merks.” They had been receiving an annualrent of 25 merks out of the lands of Park of Blantyre from James Baillie of Park, following on a contract made between Robert Baillie of Park and her deceased father, James Muirhead of Lachope, recorded in a sasine dated 08 March, 1577. Their discharge was dated 07 September, 1623.
It is believed that this James Muirhead was the James Muirhead of Lachop who was knighted by King James VI in either 1617 or 1621. He died in October of 1622. James had made his will on 22 September, 1622 in which he named his eldest son, James as his executor. James left 100 merks to ‘John Muirhead of Brydinhill,’ his son, James’ eldest son. The witnesses to the will included: Thomas Muirhead, minister at Cambusnethan, James of Braidshaw (variously, Bellshaw) and James Muirhead of Shawfoot and his wife, Margaret Muirhead, Elizabeth Muirhead, and John Muirhead, his assignee.
1654 Map Of Lanarkshire Showing The Estate Of Brydinhil.
~ Reproduced by permission of the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland.
The estate which James Muirhead ‘elder of Lachope’ left when he died in October, 1622 included the following inventory recorded on 15 March, 1623 in the Glasgow Commissary Court Testaments.(1.42) There were 50 bolls of oats, 4 bolls of bear (i.e. barley), 12 bolls of steelbow seed oats (in William Laurie’s hands of Nether Lauchope), 4 bolls of steelbow oats (in James Marten’s hands in Garvell) and 6 bolls of steelbow oats (in James Smyth’s hands). The term, steelbow referred to property, real or personal, which belonged to the deceased individual rather than to his tenants. There was one horse, a mare, and ten cows, two quoys (i.e. variant of quey, or heifers) and eight sheep. The household goods included eight featherbeds with coverings along with four sewed coverings, six linen board cloths (known today as tablecloths), four dozen linen serviettes, a basin and a laver, four pots (three made of iron and one of brass), five pans, racks and two speitts. There were also twenty-seven plates, one dozen trenchers, two stoups and ten silver spoons. James’ clothes were listed as ‘abuilziements of his bodie.’ They, along with the goods previously listed, were given the value of £1,523 ƒ6 8d in pounds Scots. (A single pound Scots being worth roughly one-twelfth of one pound Sterling, the estate would have been valued in pound Sterling as roughly £127.) An individual residing in Langrig owed James £40 at his death. James, in turn, owed £1,529 ƒ13 4d (£333 ƒ6 8d to his son, Thomas Muirhead; £93 ƒ6 8d to Alexander Waddell; £65 ƒ13 4d to Elizabeth Muirhead; £93 ƒ6 8d to Margaret Muirhead - he had been made assignee by his sister, the ‘guidwyfe of Schawfute’ of 400 merks; £200 to James Baillie; £333 ƒ6 7d to John Muirhead - who had been made assignee by his mother, Betie Cochrane; an unreadable amount to Barbara Setoun’s compt; £100 to the deceased Arthur Muirhead’s assignees; £5 to Gilbert Hamilton, merchant; £200 to Thomas Fairie; and wages to his servants: Marion Mortoun, Thomas Muirhead, Agnes Muirhead, Thomas Muirhead and John Paull, his herd). The residue of the estate amounted to £33 ƒ13 4d, which was to be divided into two parts - one part, the ‘bairns’ part’ was to go to his children; the other part, the ‘deid’s part’ could be bequeathed however desired. James named his eldest son, James as his executor, and he left 100 merks to John Muirhead of Brydinhill, his son’s eldest son. James’ Testament was witnessed by John Hamilton of Weston, Mr. Thomas Muirhead, minister of Cambusnethan, James Muirhead of Bellshaw and James Muirhead of Schawfute.
Although not included in the genealogical record published by Alexander Nisbet, it is believed by some (e.g. it was included in the book, The Morehead Family Of North Carolina And Virginia, by John M. Morehead) that James Muirhead of Lauchope married Margaret Cunninghame. That idea is confirmed by a record entered in the Register of Deeds for the year 1587.(1.43) The marriage between James Muirhead and Margaret Cunninghame would have had to have been following the death of his first wife, Janet; since the entry in the Register of Deeds is dated 25 January, 1587, it might be assumed that Janet (Hamilton) died circa 1586. The entry noted that Robert Hamilton of Bathgate had obliged himself to infest Margaret Cunningham and James Muirhead of Lachop, her spouse in an annualrent of 20 pounds yearly out of the lands of Bathgate in the Sheriffdom of Linlithgow. Robert Bathgate was heir to the deceased James Cochrane of Barbacklaw, Margaret Cunningham’s first husband. Margaret had never received the payment due to her.
It is surprising, given that Nisbet was so thorough in recounting all the other individuals in this family (i.e. from the information he derived from Walter Grosset’s Account Of The Family Of Muirhead Of Lachop), that he missed the second marriage of James of Lauchope to Margaret Cunninghame and their children.
Margaret died on 21 March, 1596, leaving a testament made out the day prior which named her husband, James, as executor of her estate. According to Margaret’s will, noted in the 32nd volume of the Edinburgh Testament,(1.44) besides her husband James, and the children James, Margaret, and James of Braidshaw, there was also named a son, David, and a younger son named James, no doubt children between herself and James. David, by the time of his mother’s death in 1596, had left Lauchope, and was making a living in the city of Edinburgh as a writer. This David also had a son named David, who had made his home in the ‘Sheriffdome of Galloway.’ The settlement of Margaret’s estate inventory noted James’ brother William and his wife, James and Margaret’s son, Claud and another individual by the name of James Muirhead. There was also a bequest of £200 to Arthur Muirhead ‘natural’ son of James Muirhead younger of Lachope’ According to Diane Baptie’s research, this Arthur Muirhead’s birth mother was Jonet Aikenheid, and it was she who was to have the liferent of the amount. Bequests were also made to Bessie Aikenheid, who was listed as Margaret’s ‘sister dochter’ or niece; Bessie’s children; Bessie Mowbray, another niece; Margaret Muirhead, a daughter of James Muirhead younger; and to a child or woman named Elspeth Muirhead.
On 17 November, 1624 a property record was recorded in the Register of Sasines for Lanarkshire.(1.45) That record noted the right and title to lands “given by Mr. John Crawford younger of Ruchsolloche, baillie for Lady Anna Cunningham, Marquess of Hamilton, as commissioner for her deceased husband, James Marquis of Hamilton to James Muirhead now of Lachope of all and haill the lands of Over and Nether Lachope and the lands of Auchinloy, Freeland and Potterland. She had provided a precept of clare constat recognizing him as eldest son and heir to his deceased father, James Muirhead of Lachope dated at Hamilton, 10 October 1624.” The sasine was witnessed by Robert Fleming of Clydsyd, Gavin Muirhead in the town of Thankerton, John Massie, Gabriel Weir, servant to James Muirhead, John Ingllis of Langbyres, William Brounlie in Auchinloy and John Barie, servant to Thomas Wilson, writer.
The eldest son of James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead, James Muirhead, (8th) of Lauchope, who was born circa 1573, was married twice. His first wife, according to Nisbet, was Jean Houstoun, the daughter and sole heir of James Houstoun of Craigtoun and his wife, Margaret (Fleming) of Barrochan, in the county of Dunbartoun. In the Register of the Privy Council, this James Muirhead’s wife’s name is given as Elizabeth, and her father’s name is given as Patrick.(1.46) In that register, the entry of 31 May, 1597 states:
| “The King granted to James Muirheid ƒon and heir apparent of James Muirheid of Lauchope and Elizabeth Houƒtoun his ƒpouƒe lawful daughter and heir apparent of Patrick Houƒtoun of Craigtoun the lands of Craigtoun thomebowie and Carnieddon with the mill of Craigtoun etc extending to £10 old extent in the ƒheriffdom of dumbarton which the ƒaid Patrick reƒigned in their favour in performance of a certain contract and which the King for ƒervices rendered to him and his anceƒtors by the ƒaid James the younger and his anceƒtors and for the payment of a certain fine regranted to the aforeƒaid perƒons reƒerving a liferent to ƒaid Patrick and Mariota Flemyng his wife. To hold to the ƒaid James the younger and Elizabeth in joint feu and their iƒsue lawfully procreated between them for default to the lawful and next heirs of the ƒaid James the younger.” |
Elizabeth Houstoun was born circa 1575 in Craigtoun, Lanarkshire. James married Elizabeth about the year 1597 at Dunbarton, Scotland.
James Muirhead (son of James and Janet), (8th) of Lauchope’s second wife was Margaret (Somervile), daughter of Sir James Somervile of Cambusnethan. She was born circa 1535. This Margaret (Somervile or, variously, Sommervell) was the widow of Gilbert Lord Somervile. According to a sasine (i.e. property record) recorded in Lanarkshire, and dated 28 November, 1620 (1.47) property was “given by James Muirhead elder of Lachope to Dame Margaret Somervill his future spouse and to James Muirhead younger of Lachope of an annualrent of 40 bolls victual (2 parts meal and 1 part bear to be paid yearly at Yule and Candlemas) and 200 merks to be uplifted at two terms from the lands of Chappellands, Bent, Mill and mill lands of Lachope, lands of Cardowochhill, Bellisyd and Syrdrig, all being parts of the 10 merks of lands of old extent of Lachope. This was in implementation of the contract of marriage between James Muirhead apparent of Lachope his grandson and Dame Margaret Somervill future spouse of James Muirhead younger dated 20 October, 1620. Witnesses included John Muirhead son of James Muirhead younger of Lachope, Mathew Stewart of Blaverhill, Mr. James Muirhead, son of Mr. Thomas Muirhead of Cambusnethan and James Somervill in Glem and divers others.”
The foregoing sasine was dated 20 October, 1620, and because of that, it is often cited as the marriage date for James and Margaret. But as it notes, it was date on which the contract of marriage was recorded. Whether that was also the actual marriage date is questionable.
A record was entered into the Register of Sasines for Lanarkshire on 13 May, 1631.(1.48) In that record it was stated that “Anna Cunningham, Marquess of Hamilton as commissioner for her deceased son, James Hamilton gave precept of sasine to James Muirhead younger of Lachope, son and apparent heir of James Muirhead elder of Lachope of Ovre and Nether Lachope and to Margaret Somerville, spouse of James Muirhead elder of Lachope of a liferent of 40 bolls of victual as per her contract of marriage. Made at Hamilton, 3 May 1631.” Witnesses to this sasine included John Muirhead in Jerrestoune, brother german to James Muirhead younger of Lachope, James Muirhead son and apparent heir of James Muirhead of Aikenhead, James Muirheads son and apparent heir of Gavin Muirhead portioner of Thankertoune and John Neilsone son of John Neilsone in Holingbuss. James Muirhead died two years later, in 1633.
The first marriage of James Muirhead (8th) of Lauchope (to Elizabeth Houstoun) produced three sons: John (known as John Muirhead of Brydinhill), James, the heir, and Thomas along with three daughters: one married to Alexander Gartsbore of that-ilk in the County of Dumbartoun; the second, Joanna, to John Crawfurd , ‘Younger of Ruchsolloch’ in the county of Lanark; and the third, as noted by Nisbet “to ----- Baillie of Pockemmet.” The second marriage of James (to Margaret Somerville) is not known to have resulted in any children.
The daughter mentioned above as married to “Baillie of Pockemmet” would have been Alison, who married Thomas Baillie of Polkemmet, son of Thomas Baillie and his wife Elizabeth Polwarth in 1625. Thomas and Alison gave birth to: Thomas and another child whose name has been forgotten over time. Thomas died in 1645 while serving under the Marquis of Montrose at the Battle of Kilsyth.
Thomas Baillie, son of Thomas and Alison, married Margaret Baillie, a daughter of William Baillie of Carphin. They gave birth to a son also named Thomas. Thomas, the father in this family, died in 1660.
Thomas Baillie, son of Thomas and Margaret (Baillie), married Ann Inglis. She was a daughter of Thomas Inglis. Thomas and Ann gave birth to a son, named Thomas in 1678. Thomas, the father in this family died in 1704.
Thomas Baillie, son of Thomas and Ann (Inglis), married Ann Cockburn, daughter of Patrick Cockburn. Thomas and Ann gave birth to a son, named Thomas, who was born on 22 April, 1708. Thomas, the father in this family died in the year 1758.
Thomas Baillie, son of Thomas and Ann (Cockburn), married Isabel Walker. They gave birth to a son: William. Thomas died on 22 April, 1784.
William Baillie, son of Thomas and Isabel (Walker), married Margaret Colquhoun. Margaret was a daughter of James Colquhoun and Helen Gordon. William acquired the title of Lord, of Polkemmet, which he passed on to his own son, William. William, the father, died on 14 March, 1814.
Thomas Muirhead, son of James and Elizabeth (Houstoun) Muirhead, made his career as a minister at Cambusnethan. Cambusnethan is a parish bordered on the north by Shotts, on the east by Whitburn and West Calder, on the west by Dalserf, Hamilton, Dalzell and Bothwell, and on the south by Carnwath, Carstairs and Carluke. The lands of Cambusnethan were, prior to the 1400s, held by the family of Baird. Prior to the 1370s it came to be owned by Sir Alexander de Stewart; thereafter it passed into the hands of the Sommervilles. Sir Thomas Somerville came into possession of the barony in 1391. The lands were held by the Sommervilles as a barony for six generations. During that time certain portions of it were disposed to other families. They included the lands of Crindledyke and Branchellburn, which were sold to the Laird of Lauchope. One of the principal seats of the parish of Cambusnethan is Muirhouse, the property of the ancient family of Dalzell. A history of the parish(1.49) noted that “About the centre of the parish, still called Chapel, there is said to have been an ancient place of worship. But no vestige of it now remains. And in the eastern part of it, at Darmead Linn, there are said to be the ruins of an old church...” It is possible that either of these two churches might have been served by the Reverend Thomas Muirhead.
1654 Map Of Lanarkshire Showing The "Chappel".
~ Reproduced by permission of the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland.
The Reverend Thomas Muirhead, son of James and Elizabeth (Houstoun) Muirhead, married Margaret Baillie, daughter of Robert Baillie, of Park. Thomas and Margaret gave birth to sons: William, James, and John; and daughters: Margaret, Christian, and Elizabeth. The Reverend Thomas Muirhead died in 1635. His will was confirmed 12 November, 1635.
William Muirhead, son of the Reverend Thomas Muirhead and Margaret (Baillie), was noted as having been apprenticed to Hew Rose, Writer to the Signet, on 31 December, 1635.
James Muirhead, son of the Reverend Thomas Muirhead and Margaret (Baillie), married, but his wife’s name is not known at this time. It is known, though, that they had two sons: William and Thomas.
Margaret Muirhead, daughter of the Reverend Thomas Muirhead and Margaret (Baillie), married the Reverend Alexander Thomson, minister at St. Gile’s in Edinburgh.
Elizabeth Muirhead, daughter of the Reverend Thomas Muirhead and Margaret (Baillie), married the Reverend John Lindsay, minister at Carluke.
Elizabeth Muirhead, daughter of the Reverend Thomas Muirhead and Margaret (Baillie), married George Balfour (variously, Barbour).
John Muirhead of Brydinhill, named as James Muirhead, (8th) of Lauchope and Elizabeth (Houstoun)’s eldest son, apparently did not inherit the estate of Lauchope; the reason is not known. The inheritance of the estate of Lauchope possibly went to John’s younger brother, James, because he already possessed the estate of Brydinhill. As noted earlier, a caution was made “by James Muirhead younger and Mr. John Muirhead of Bradanhill as two principals and John Hamilton younger of Wodhall as surety for James Muirhead elder of Lachop...” in 1591. John served as ‘attorney’ for his sister, Allison in 1625 as noted in a sasine recorded in Lanarkshire (1.50) “by Thomas Baillie eldest son and apparent heir of Thomas Baillie of Polkennet to John Muirhead, son of James Muirhead of Lachope, as attorney for and in the name of Elesone Muirhad, daughter of James Muirhead, future spouse of Thomas Baillie in liferent of an annualrent of 100 merks to be uplifted out of the 50 shilling lands of Polkennet” The sasine was made at Woodhall on the last day of August, 1625 and was witnessed by William Baillie of Carnebrea, John Hamilton of Cousland in Bothwell, Andrew Clark of Woodhall, James Muirhead, son of James Muirhead elder of Lachope and Thomas Baillie younger.
The new laird of Lauchope, presumably James Muirhead (son of James Muirhead and Elizabeth Houstoun) served as a Justice for the shire of Lanark, starting on 12 November, 1612. He continued to serve as a Justice; he was in that position in 1622 when he came into possession of the estate of Lauchope.(1.51)
James Muirhead, Laird of Lauchope and Justice, on 28 March, 1626 ‘cautioned’ a man by the name of William Lokhart. In other words, Lokhart was placed under bond to keep the peace.
On 15 November, 1627 the Laird of Lauchope, James was involved in an attempt to ‘bar out’ the King’s proposed incumbent of the Kirk of Monkland. The matter was brought before the court at Holyrood House and named those involved in the case as Sir James Kneilland, James Murheid, elder and younger, of Lauchope, James Mureheid, father of Hamiltoun, James Mureheid of Braidisholm, James Mureheid of Shawfute and others.
An interesting episode occurred during this time period. After his first wife died, James Muirhead of Lauchope had married Margaret, the widow of Lord Somervile. Although their union did not result in any children, to their marriage Margaret brought a daughter, also named Margaret, from her previous marriage. That daughter married Umphra Cahowne of Bavie. It transpired that this Umphra stole a book and other papers from the private possessions of James Muirhead. James duly filed a complaint to the magistrates at Holyroodhouse, which was recorded in the Register of the Privy Council on 15 April, 1629:(1.52)
| Umphra Cahowne of Bavie his ƒon-in-law, having married Magaret Somervell, his wife’s daur: and ‘being anr ordinarie in the compleaners hous and at his table, and als farre reƒpected by him in all his kynde of dewteis of love and friendƒhip as poƒsible anie man could reƒpect his ƒone-in-law, and the compleaner repoƒing als great truƒt and confidence in him as in anie perƒoun whatƒomever upoun the aƒsurance of a reciprocke correƒpondence of mutuall dewters on his part, he had a full auctoritie over the compleaners hous, and nothing that was thairin was concealed or hid frome him, ye not ƒo muche as his chartour kiƒt.’ But abuƒing this confidence the ƒaid Umphra lately ‘finding the compleaners hous within the burgh of Edinburgh, where he now loodges, quyet and his chartour kiƒt unlocked, he opened the ƒame, taking inƒpectionn of allhis evidents, letters and papes being thairin,’ picked out ƒuch as he thought would benefit himƒelf and hurt the complainer and carried them away. Amongƒt others there was ‘ane booke whairin wes punctuallie writtin and ƒett doun the haill burdeins and diƒtreƒses lying upon the living of Somervell, and whairof the compleanor and ƒome other friends of that hous were bound to releeve the Erle of Mar, of the quhilk booke everie page and leaffe was marked and ƒubƒrcyved be the lait Lord Somervell and the ƒaid Erle, the abƒtracting of quilk booke will draw upon the compleaner and others warrandice of theƒe diƒtreƒses.’ When the complainer miƒsed the book, he ƒuƒpected and challenged his ƒon-in-law about it, who acknowledged he had it, but ‘upon ƒome frivolous excuƒes refuƒed redelyverie.’ Unwilling to enter into proceƒs with one ‘ƒo neerlie linked in ƒtricteƒt bonds of friendƒhip.’ he tried intreaties and all fair and lawful means that he could, but without ƒucceƒs, and the ƒaid Umphra ƒtill detains it and others of his write, intending apparently to bring the ƒaid warrandice of the Somervell burdens upon him,which is a burden he is not able for, and will ruin his eƒtate and family. Charge having been given to the ƒaid Umphra, who compeared, along with the purƒuer, and confeƒsed that he had the ƒaid book, but denied upon oath having any other of the purƒuers evidents, the Lords ordain him to deliver the ƒaid book to James Prymrois Clerk of Council, before Saturday next at night that it may remain in his hands and be forthcoming to all parties intereƒted. |
John M. Morehead stated that this James Muirhead of Lauchope, on 03 June, 1623, “re-enacted” a “contract of assignment to John Muirhead of Wester-Inch” that his father had initiated. On 12 February, 1624 a case was entered into the Services Of Heirs (1.53) which was, as John M. Morehead stated “no doubt designed to take care of the assignment to John Muirhead of that year”. Mentioned in the document filed on the 12th of February, 1624 were lands, apparently, held by the Muirhead family at the time. They included: Over and Nether Lachiope in the parish of Bothwell; Nether Alderston in the Sheriffdom of Edinburgh, lands of Bolterlandes, Freelands and Auchinloy in the Barony of Bothwell; along with Balgreddane and Bulleis in Kirkcudbrightshire, Easter Quhitburne and Croftmolloche in Linlith-gowshire; the lands of Capellie in Renfrewshire; and Trinneldyke and Benchmilburne, and the Barony of Cambusmethane (“vide Kirkenbright, Edinburgh, Renfrew, and Linlithgow”). On 07 June, 1595 James Muirhead of Lachop, with the consent of his son and apparent heir, James, sold 10 merk lands of Balgreddane to Thomas McClellane in Bombie.(1.54) On 06 March, 1632 John Muirhead of Wester-Inch transferred his assignment to Sir James Muirhead (see below) “who thereby became ‘knight lawful creditor’ to the extent of the debt on the death of James Muirhead of Lauchope in December, 1644 and thereby became ‘Sir James Muirhead of Lauchop’.”
James Muirhead (9th) of Lauchope, son of James and Elizabeth (Houstoun) Muirhead, married Mary Dalziel, the daughter of Robert Lord Dalziel, the Earl of Carnwath and his wife, Margaret Chrichton. (Note: Alexander Nisbet gave James’ wife’s name as Jean Dalziel. It is possible that her correct name was Marie Jean or Jean Marie) The couple gave birth to a number of children including: James, Claud, Gavin, Allan and certain others, of whom we do not have names. The Muirhead Clan Society database included John Muirhead of Brydinhill as a son of James and Mary (Dalziel) Muirhead. The eldest son, James, was disinherited by James senior. According to Nisbet:(1.55)
| “James the eldeƒt he conceived a prejudice againƒt, upon no other conƒideration than a piece of humour, and an extravagant fondneƒs for a younger ƒon; he diƒinherited his eldeƒt, and diverted the right of ƒucceƒsion, according to the rules of primogeniture, from him to a younger brother: But to make that nevertheleƒs as eaƒy to him as poƒsible, he gave him the eƒtate of Craigtoun.” |
The ‘disinherited’ son, James, married Helen Lindsay, a daughter of Patrick Lindsay, the Archbishop of Glasgow, circa 1623. Helen was born circa 1600. They gave birth to a son and a daughter: James (born circa 1624) and Helen. Helen, the daughter would marry, and have a child: James, but her husband’s name is not known now. James died circa January, 1661 in the parish of Easter Kilpatrik.
James Muirhead, son of James and Mary (Dalziel) Muirhead, and husband of Helen Lindsay, served as a Commissioner to Parliament for Dunbartonshire during the years 1628 to 1633.(1.56) He also served as a Justice of the Peace for Lanark during 1634, and was noted in 1636 as having obtained a summons against the provist and baillies of Glasgow for illegal warding. On 24 August, 1637 James Muirhead ‘younger of Lauchop’ was listed as a ‘Burgess, gratis’ for the burgh of Glasgow.
Although disinherited by his father, according to Nisbet, James Muirhead, son of James and Marie (Dalziel), was certainly not prevented from acquiring certain of the Muirhead ancestral properties. A series of charters in the 1630s reveal the acquisitions he made.
On 10 March, 1632 the following charter was recorded in the Register of the Privy Council:(1.57)
| At Halyruidhous 10 March 1632. The King granted and gave do novo to James Mureheid the younger of Lauchope and his heirs male and aƒsigns the lands of Craigtoun, Thombowie and Carnieddane with the mill of Craigtoun and lands &c. extending to £10. lands of old extent in the ƒheriffdom of Dumbartane, £10. lands of old extent of Balgreddane, Arraines and Bullies with the tenants &c. in the ƒtewartry of Kircudbright and ƒheriffdom of Wigtoun, which James Mureheid the elder of Laichope reƒigned alƒo a moiety of the vill. and lands of Eiƒter Quhitburne and Croftmalloche &c. in the pariƒh of Livingƒtoun ƒheriffdom Linlithgow which ƒaid James the elder and Sir George Forreƒter of Coƒtorphing reƒigned &c. all of which the King incorporated in the free barony of Craigtoun &c. reƒerving to ƒaid James the elder the life rent of Balgreddane, Arranes and Bullies. |
The younger James also obtained the lands of Craigtoun, Thomebowie and Carnieddan granted to his grandfather on 31 May, 1597, by a deed dated 13 February, 1637. He would be known thereafter as James Muirhead of Craigtowne.(1.58)
| “The King granted to James Mureheid lawful and eldeƒt ƒon of James Mureheid feuar of Lawchope and Helen Lindƒay his future ƒpouƒe daughter of Patrick Archbiƒhop of Glaƒgow the lands of Craigtoun Thombowie and Carnieddan with the mill of Craigtoun, tenants &c. extending to £10 lands of old extent in the ƒheriffdom of Dumbartone which the ƒaid James Mureheid, feuar of Lawchope reƒigned To hold to ƒaid James the younger and Helen in joint feu and the heirs male to be procreated between them, default to the heirs male of ƒaid James.” |
Sir James Muirhead of Lauchope sold a large portion of his remaining lands in 1654 and 1656. In a charter dated 2 February and 20 March, 1654, Sir James transferred lands to Patrick Bell:(1.59)
| The Protector confirms a charter granted by Sir James Muirheid of Laughop, Knight, with the conƒent of Dame Mare Dalyell his ƒpouƒe, James Muirheid of Craigtowne his eldeƒt lawful ƒon and apparent heir and Allan Muirheid his third lawful ƒon whereby in ƒecurity of a loan of 6000 merks he diƒponed to Maƒter Patrick Bell ƒecond lawful ƒon to the deceaƒed Patrick Bell late provoƒt of Glaƒgow and Marie Campbell his ƒpouƒe and the longeƒt liver of them two in liferent and conjunct fee &c. &c. the lands of Over and Neather Lachopis, comprehending the rowmes and maillings called Braidlies, the lands rowmes and maillings called Netherlauchop, the lands of Bent, Chaippelhall, Cardorroch, Bellƒyd and Cuddidcroft, Bydƒchaw, Garbellie, Sydrig, and Meirhouƒe with the corn and waulk mill of Lawchope with the Multures, knaveƒhips, and manor places thereof lying within the pariƒhes of Bothwell and Schottis and ƒheriffdom of Lanark &c. Dated 2 February and 20 Maruh 1654. And the Protector of new grants ƒaid lands to ƒaid Patrick Bell and Marie Campbell. |
On 14 August, 1656 Sir James Muirhead sold to William Cullen tracts in Bothwell parish:(1.60)
| The Protector confirms the contract of wadƒet dated 25 February 1653 made betwixt Sir James Mureheid of Lawchope, Knight, with the conƒent of Claud Mureheid his eldeƒt ƒon on the one part and William Cullen fiar of Saughes on the other part whereby in ƒecurity of 9500 merks the ƒaid Sir James diƒponed to ƒaid William and his heirs the lands of Greinƒyde, Trie, Foulzet, Holmebuƒs and Weƒtfield in the pariƒh of Bothwell redeemable on payment of ƒaid principal ƒum, &c. |
On 7 August, 1666, the following entry was inscribed in the record of retours for the county of Lanark:(1.61)
| Dominus James Muirhead de Lauchope miles Heir to James Muirhead de Lauchope patris to the Temple lands of Greinƒyde in the Barony of Bothwell.
Cum officio Baillie of the Temple lands thereof under the Regality of Torphichen. |
Translated into modern-day English, the entry would read: “Received by Sir James Muirhead of Lauchope, Knight heir to James Muirhead of Lauchope, his father, the church lands of Greenside in the parish of Bothwell. -In opposition to the holder of the royal lands of Torphichen .” The record book, in which the retour quoted above was entered, also contained an entry confirming the rights which James Muirhead of Lauchope held to the ‘hospital lands of Thomuy of Craigton.’ The early use of the word ‘hospital’ referred not only to a place where sick people are accomodated, but rather to the care of weak, poor or aged people.
Sir James Muirhead of Lauchope made out his will on 10 February, 1671. Sir James died in May, 1671, at which time his second son, Claud became ‘executor dative’ of the estate of Lauchope.
Claud Muirhead, the second son of James and Marie (Dalziel) Muirhead was claimed to have been an intelligent, handsome and well-bred young man. His parents sent him to France and Italy for his improvement. There he made acquaintance of a number of “eminent men of the popish clergy”, who were instrumental in his conversion to the Catholic Faith. In turn, when he returned home, his enthusiasm and passion for his newfound faith influenced his parents who doted on him to the detriment of his older brother. James and Marie both converted to Catholicism, as did their other children.
In Nisbet’s words: “This fine gentleman, that was the inƒtrument of perverting all his father’s houƒe, married with another Roman catholic family...” The wife of Claud Muirhead of Lauchope was given by Nisbet as a daughter of ---- Wauchop of Niddery. According to certain Dalziel genealogists, Claud Muirhead married Jean Dalziel, his first cousin. She was born circa 1586. According to the Dalziel genealogies, Robert and Margaret (Chrichton) Dalziel gave birth to Mary and Gavin. Mary Dalziel married James Muirhead and bore Claud. Gavin Dalziel married Margaret Carnegy and gave birth to Jean, Claud’s first cousin. Regardless of the wife’s name and lineage, she bore to Claud two sons: John and Gavin.
Claud Muirhead (10th) of Lauchope was laird of Lauchope for little more than ten years. On 14 November, 1681 he was ailing and made out a will in which he constituted his younger brother, Gavin Muirhead, as his heir.
Gavin Muirhead, (11th) of Lauchope, third son of James and Mary (Dalziel) Muirhead married Janet Douglas, daughter of William Douglas, Earl of Selkirk (later Duke of Hamilton) about 1682 at Bothwell in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Gavin and Janet raised a family of two sons and three daughters: William (born circa 1684) and James (born circa 1685), and Anna (born circa 1683), Bethea (born circa 1687) and Jean (born circa 1691).
William, the eldest son of Gavin and Janet (Douglas) Muirhead, went into the army at a young age and rose to a command early in that career. He died of wounds received in the Battle at Wynendale in Belgium in 1710.
The youngest son of Gavin and Janet (Douglas) Muirhead, James, also went into the army and rose to the rank of Captain in the Earl of Orkney’s Regiment. Following the death of the Earl, the regiment was given to Colonel Sinclair, and Captain James continued his service under that commander. He died in 1738 while stationed in Ireland. Captain James Muirhead married Elspeth Fairly, and left two daughters as his heirs. Elspeth was born on 02 May, 1708 at Shotts, in Lanarkshire. Neither of the daughters, though, received the titles of the house of Muirhead because the right to represent the ancient family devolved to the last male heir, John Muirhead of Shawfutte, whose son, it will be seen below, purchased the Bredisholm estate.
Of the daughters of Gavin and Janet (Douglas) Muirhead, only Bethea is known to have married and bore children. She married John Hamilton and they gave birth to Margaret in 1711.
Thomas, the son of James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead, was known by the title Thomas Muirhead of Johnston. He married Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of Bathgate Hamilton of Bathgate. They gave birth to a daughter, Margaret, who married John Crawfurd of Milnton. John and Margaret Crawfurd, in turn, gave birth to a daughter, Margaret, who married Sir William Stewart of Castlemilk. It should be noted that the Muirhead Clan Society database added a generation between Margaret, the daughter of John and Margaret Crawfurd and the Margaret who married Sir William Stewart. That person was listed simply as “Lady unknown.” It should also be noted that the Muirhead Clan Society database states that it was this Thomas Muirhead of Johnston who was the clergyman, the minister of Carnathan. There are no reference to any source of that claim, though, and so it may or may not be correct. It is my belief that the minister was Thomas, the son of James and Elizabeth (Houstoun) Muirhead.
A record in the files of the Register of Deeds, dated 05 March, 1555 (1.62) stated that Thomas Muirhead, lawful son of James Muirhead of Lachop gave in a Renunciation and Discharge fulfilling a Decreet Arbitral given up by Gavin Hamilton of Ormiston and John Hamilton of Haggs, judges arbitral dated last February 1555 whereby he was to give up his rights to the lands of Windidyks, Brandieshelburn and Alderstoun ‘which had belonged to his father, James Muirhead of Lachop’ so that his father could infest James Muirhead ‘his oy’ (i.e. grandson) in the lands.
On 02 May, 1556 a deed was recorded (1.63) which noted that a month prior, on 05 April, 1556, at Bothwell, a deed had been transacted between James Muirhead of Lachop and Thomas Muirhead, his son; Euphame Hamilton, spouse of Thomas; and James Muirhead, grandson and apparent heir of James Muirhead of Lachop, and his curators (because he was underage) Alexr Baillie of Carfyn and James Baillie, his son and apparent heir and David Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh. According to the deed, Thomas Muirhead and his wife were to resign all claim that they had on the estates of “Lachop, Potterlands, Freelands, Auchinloy and Greensides, meikle and little in the barony of Bothwell and Sheriffdom of Lanark, Auderstoun in the barony of Calderclair and Sheriffdom of Edinburgh and Windiedyks and Brandshelsburn in the barony of Cambusnethan”. By the deed, Thomas and his wife were to resign all the papers to such holdings, except for a seven-year lease which Thomas had granted to James Muirhead of Lachop of the lands of Badshaw and others in the year 1550. James Muirhead of Lachop had been indicted before the Lords of Council and Session and had been ordered not to alienate his lands. The properties were to be transferred to the elder James’ grandson, James Muirhead of Lachop, although his liferent was reserved, conforming to a contract of marriage between himself and David Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh.
The youngest daughter of James and Janet (Hamilton) Muirhead, Margaret, married John Hamilton, 6th of Udstoun circa 1592.(1.64) It is said that they had many descendants which included the Hamiltons of Udston (variously, Udston, Vdstone or Vdistone), the Hamiltons of Barncluth, the Hamiltons of Rosehall and Wishaw, and the Lord Belhaven. The children we have record of are Elizabeth, John, James, William, Margaret, Barbara, Jean, and Catherine. Margaret died in the year 1637. John died circa 1627-1629.
According to the testament of “Johnne Hamiltoun of Vdistone”:
| To James Hamilton, his sone, jaj iijc xxxiij li. Conforme to ane contract of mariage maid betuixt thame, on the ane pairt, and vmqle Robert Hamilton of Bornecluche & Margaret Hamilton, his dochter, now spous to ye said James, &c. And pt he may be mair suirlie satisfeit prof I have maid assignaoun to him of certane victuall, abouew’tin of ye fruitis and dewties, &c. of ye croppis and yearis of God Jaj vjc & twentie sax, and Jaj vjc and twentie seven yearis.
Item, To James and William Hamiltounes, his oyes, sones to vmqle Johne Hamiltone, his eldest lautful sone, gottin betuix him and Helein Quhytfuird, his spous, ijaj vjc lxvj li… Legacie. –At Cultnes, the ffourt day of Maij, the yeir of God Jaj vjc --- Item, I leive and nominat Margaret Mrheid, my spous, and Johne Hamiltone, my oye, sone to ye said vmqle Johne Hamiltone, my eldest sone, my onlie exris. |
The book from which the above document was transcribed, Descriptions Of The Sheriffdoms Of Lanark And Renfrew, by William Hamilton of Wishaw, also noted that: “Margaret Muirheid Relict of wmqll Johne Hamiltone of Vdestone…” was “deceist in 1637.”
Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married William Cleland of Fascine.
John Hamilton, son of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married Helen Whiteford. Helen was a daughter of Adam Whiteford and Mary Somerville. They gave birth to three children: John, William, and Margaret. John, who held the title ‘of Coltness’, died on 31 July, 1616.
John Hamilton, 7th of Udstoun, son of John and Helen Hamilton, married ----- Stewart. She was a daughter of Sir Archibald Stewart of Castlemilk. They gave birth to: John, Robert, Margaret, Anne, ----- (daughter), ----- (daughter), ----- (daughter), and Helen.
John Hamilton, 8th of Udstoun, son of John and ----- Hamilton, married Margaret Cleland, a daughter of Cleland of that ilk. John served as Sheriff of Clydesdale. The couple gave birth to a daughter, and a son: John.
Robert Hamilton, son of John and ----- Hamilton, apparently never married. He resided in Edinburgh.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of John and ----- Hamilton, married Robert Cunningham in 1651. Robert was the 3rd Lord of Gilbertfield.
Anne Hamilton, daughter of John and ----- Hamilton, married William Hamilton in 1660. William was the 3rd Lord of Wishaw. He died circa 1726.
The first of the daughters of John and ----- Hamilton for whom we have no name, married Gladstanes of Gladstanes.
The second of the daughters of John and ----- Hamilton for whom we have no name, married Hamilton of Grange.
The third daughter of John and ----- Hamilton for whom we have no name, married Learmont of Newholm.
Helen Hamilton, daughter of John and ----- Hamilton, married James Hamilton on 30 March, 1652. James was born circa 1618 and died in the year 1684. He made a living as a minister at Eaglesham. The couple gave birth to four sons and two daughters.
William Hamilton, son of John and Helen Hamilton, married Margaret Hamilton in 1646. She was a daughter of James Hamilton and Margaret Hamilton. They gave birth to: Margaret. William died in February, 1681.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of William and Margaret Hamilton, married James Young on 21 April, 1765 at East Kilbride, Scotland. James and Margaret gave birth to a daughter: Susan.
Susan Young, daughter of James and Margaret Young, married James Marshall, a son of Brounlee and Jeanie Marshall. They gave birth to: Lilias, who died in 1811.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of John and Helen Muirhead, married John Hamilton, younger of Airdrie.
James Hamilton, son of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married Margaret Hamilton, a daughter of Robert Hamilton and Margaret Hamilton ‘of Barncleuch’. They gave birth to: Quintin, James, Robert, Archibald, John, William, and Margaret. James died in January, 1631 and Margaret died after 1655.
Quintin Hamilton, 2nd Lord of Barncleuch, son of James and Margaret Hamilton, married ----- -----. They had one son: John.
James Hamilton, son of James and Margaret Hamilton, married Helen Hamilton, as noted above. James was minister of Eaglesham.
Robert Hamilton, son of James and Margaret Hamilton, married Marion Denholm. Marion was a daughter of John Denholm of Muirhouse. Robert gained a knighthood, and was known as Sir Robert Hamilton of Presmennan, Senator of College of Justice. Robert and Marion gave birth to: Catherine, baptised 27 August, 1654; John, born 05 July, 1656; Anne, baptised 01 August, 1658; James, baptised 28 August, 1659; Marion, baptised 03 March, 1661; Archibald, baptised 04 May, 1662; Margaret, baptised 25, September, 1663; Robert, baptised 23 October, 1664; William, baptised 24 December, 1665; Rachel, baptised 19 May, 1667; Daniel, born 1669; Robert, baptised 17 December, 1670; Quentin, baptised 28 April, 1672; Harry, baptised 07 September, 1673; Thomas, baptised 09 May, 1675; and Cecile, born 06 July, 1676. Robert died on 10 November, 1695.
John Hamilton, son of Robert and Marion Hamilton, married Margaret Hamilton, a daughter of Sir Robert Hamilton of Silvertonhill. The title of ‘2nd Lord Belhaven’ was conferred on John; it having passed down to Margaret from her mother, who was a daughter of the 1st Lord Belhaven. John and Margaret gave birth to: John, and James. John died on 21 June, 1708. Margaret died on 04 January, 1716.
James Hamilton, son of John and Margaret Hamilton, married Anne Walkinshaw. Anne was a daughter of John Walkinshaw of Walkinshaw.
Anne Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Marion Hamilton, married Alexander Stewart, 5th Lord Blantyre. Anne died circa 31 December, 1722.
Marion Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Marion Hamilton, married Sir Hew Dalrymple on 12 March, 1682. Sir Hew held the title of 1st Bart of North Berwick. He was born in 1652 and died on 01 February, 1737.
Daniel Hamilton, son of Robert and Marion Hamilton, married Mary Hamilton on 30 December, 1700. Mary was a daughter of Robert Hamilton of Monkland.
Harry Hamilton, son of Robert and Marion Hamilton, married Catherine Ross.
Cecile Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Marion Hamilton, married Sir Robert Stewart on 25 August, 1693. Robert held the title of 1st Bart of Tillcoultry (Lord of Session). Cecile died on 21 November, 1762.
Archibald Hamilton, son of James and Margaret Hamilton, was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Jardine, a daughter of ----- Jardine of Applegarth. Archibald and Elizabeth gave birth to: Margaret, born circa 1671; John, baptised 04 February, 1672; and Elizabeth. Archibald’s second marriage was to Bethia Murray, a daughter of Murray of Deuchar. Archibald and Bethia gave birth to: Eupham, baptised 10 August, 1680; Archibald Jr, baptised 28 October, 1681; James, baptised 24 November, 1682; William, baptised 18 January, 1684; Alexander, baptised 08 May, 1685; Anna, baptised 03 October, 1686; Robert, baptised 13 January, 1688; and Hugh.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth Hamilton, married James Hamilton, 3rd of Dalzell, 8th of Orbiston. Margaret died on 22 March, 1704. James died in 1727.
Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth Hamilton, was married twice. Her first husband was William Cunningham of Brownhill. Elizabeth’s second marriage was to Robert Hamilton of Bourtreehill. Robert and Elizabeth gave birth to: Jean, Margaret, -----, and Eleanor. Elizabeth died on 01 March, 1760. Robert died on 04 June, 1773.
Jean Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Hamilton, married George Lindsay-Crawford, 4th Viscount Garnock, 21st Earl of Crawford, 5th Earl of Lindsay on 26 December, 1755. George was born on 14 March, 1729. He died on 11 August, 1781.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Hamilton, married Sir John Cathcart of Carleton on 24 December, 1764.
Eleanor Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Hamilton, married Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton, in June, 1772.
Eupham Hamilton, daughter of Archibald and Bethia Hamilton, married Charles Hamilton of Weatherley in the year 1699. Charles was born on 17 December, 1678.
James Hamilton, son of Archibald and Bethia Hamilton, married Frances Stuart on 02 March, 1707. James held the title of ‘2nd Bart of Rosehall’. Frances was a daughter of Alexander Stuart, 5th Lord Blantyre.
Hugh Hamilton, son of Archibald and Bethia Hamilton, married Margaret Stirling on 23 June, 1750. Margaret was a daughter of James Stirling of Kier. Hugh held the title of ‘3rd Bart of Rosehall.’ The couple gave birth to: Marion, who died on 28 July, 1757. Hugh died on 01 September, 1755.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of James and Margaret Hamilton, married William Hamilton, son of John and Helen (Whiteford) Hamilton (See above).
William Hamilton, son of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married Beatrix Douglas in August, 1621. She was a daughter of James Douglas of Morton. The couple gave birth to: James (2nd of Wishaw), John, William, Quintin, and Margaret.
William Hamilton, son of William and Beatrix Hamilton, was married twice. His first marriage was to Anne Hamilton in 1660. Anne was a daughter of John Hamilton, 7th of Udstoun. William was known by the title ‘3rd of Wishaw.’ William and Anne gave birth to: William, born 04 May, 1661; Robert, born 06 July, 1664; James, born 10 January, 1666; Archibald, born 22 January, 1667; John, born 30 November, 1667; Thomas, born 09 October, 1669; and Margaret. William’s second marriage was to Mary Erskine, a daughter of Sir Charles Erskine of Alva, on 31 August, 1676. William and Mary gave birth to: Charles, born 17 December, 1678; John, born 30 November, 1680; Catherine, born 13 May, 1682; William, born 06 August, 1685; Thomas, born 13 August, 1687; Anne, born 11 February, 1692; Alexander, born 21 May, 1693; Helen; Mary; Janet; and Christian. William died circa 1726.
Robert Hamilton, son of William and Anne Hamilton, married Jean Hamilton, a daughter of Robert Hamilton of Brownmuir. Because of his father-in-law having the same name, Robert went by the title of ‘younger of Wishaw.’
Archibald Hamilton, son of William and Anne Hamilton, married ----- Hamilton, the heiress of Dalserf.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of William and Anne, married Cleland of Cleland.
Charles Hamilton, son of William and Mary Hamilton, married Euphemia Hamilton in the year 1699. Euphemia was a daughter of Sir Archibald Hamilton, Bart of Rosehall. They gave birth to: William, born 28 December, 1700; Bethia, born 31 January, 1702; Archibald, born 17 January, 1703; and Charlotte. Charles was known as ‘of Weatherley.’
Bethia Hamilton, daughter of Charles and Euphemia Hamilton, married William Hamilton of Wishaw.
John Hamilton, son of William and Mary Hamilton, married Jean Gartshore, a daughter of Gartshore of Gartshore. They gave birth to: Helen, and Jacobina. John was known as ‘of Newton.’ John died on 25 January, 1757.
Helen Hamilton, daughter of John and Jean Hamilton, married Sir Patrick Murray, 4th Bart of Ochtertyre on 18 February, 1741. Patrick was born on 21 August, 1707. He died on 09 September, 1764. Helen died on 18 July, 1773.
Jacobina Hamilton, daughter of John and Jean Hamilton, married Sir George Dunbar, Bart of Mochrum.
Catherine Hamilton, daughter of William and Mary Hamilton, married David Pitcairn. David made a living as minister of Dysart. He died on 18 July, 1757. Catherine died on 03 March, 1758.
William Hamilton, son of William and Mary Hamilton, married Helen Hay. She was a daughter of David Hay of Woodcockdale. They gave birth to: Robert, born 1724 and died 1737; William, born 27 January, 1729 and died 16 July, 1796.
Thomas Hamilton, son of William and Mary Hamilton, died unmarried prior to 1758.
Anne Hamilton, daughter of William and Mary Hamilton, married James Bogle.
Alexander Hamilton, son of William and Mary Hamilton, was married twice. His first wife was Frances Dalzell. Alexander’s second marriage was to Barbara Lilley. The second couple gave birth to: William; Anthony, born 05 May, 1739; John Robert; Alexander; and Alexander Lilley. The youngest three sons died young.
William Hamilton, son of Alexander and Barbara Hamilton, married Sarah Allen. William was known as ‘of Lincoln’s Inn.’
Anthony Hamilton, son of Alexander and Barbara Hamilton, married Anne Terrick on 12 February, 1767. Anne was a daughter of Richard Terrick, Bishop of London. Anthony died on 04 October, 1812.
Helen Hamilton, daughter of William and Mary Hamilton, married Andrew Baillie of Parbroath on 31 March, 1694.
Mary Hamilton, daughter of William and Mary Hamilton, married David Balfour, a doctor.
Janet Hamilton, daughter of William and Mary Hamilton, married Alexander Gartshore of Gartshore.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of William and Beatrix Hamilton, married George Cleland of Gartness.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of James and Margaret Hamilton, married her cousin, William Hamilton in 1646 as noted above.
Margaret Hamilton, daughter of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married James Hamilton, son of John Hamilton and Anne Hamilton. James held the title of 4th Lord of Broomhill. Their marriage took place on 19 February, 1605. The couple gave birth to a son: John (1st Lord of Belhaven). James died in 1658.
John Hamilton, son of James and Margaret, married Margaret Hamilton. They gave birth to a daughter, Anne. John died in 1679.
Anne Hamilton, daughter of John and Margaret Hamilton, married Robert Hamilton. They gave birth to a daughter: Margaret, who was noted above as marrying John Hamilton, who died on 21 June, 1708. Margaret died on 04 January, 1716.
Barbara Hamilton, daughter of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married William Ralston of that ilk.
Jean Hamilton, daughter of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married John Hamilton of Gilkerscleugh.
Catherine Hamilton, daughter of John and Margaret (Muirhead) Hamilton, married ----- Baillie of Park.
Alexander, a son of James Muirhead of Lauchope and his first wife, Janet Hamilton. Married Eupham Jervey on 20 October, 1620. The Muirhead Clan database gives Alexander’s birthdate as in the year 1595 and Euphams’ as circa 1599. The couple gave birth to: William, born 1621; John, born 1622; James, born 1624; Eupham, born 1625; Alexander, born 1628; Catherine, born 1629; Elizabeth, born 1632; and Janet, born 1637.
William Muirhead, son of Alexander and Eupham (Jervey) Muirhead, married Janet McKie circa 1644 at Falkirk, Scotland. They gave birth to a son: John, born 09 February, 1644.
John Muirhead, son of Alexander and Eupham (Jervey) Muirhead, married Elizabeth Hamilton. She was born on 06 September, 1638, the daughter of James Hamilton and Marione Mosman. Baillie and Elizabeth gave birth to: James, born 14 September, 1665; Marion, born 13 January, 1666; John, born April, 1668; Alexander, born 24 September, 1669 and died as an infant; Alexander (2), born 10 September, 1670; and Robert, born 10 July, 1672.
James Muirhead, son of John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Muirhead, married Margaret Brakinrige. Margaret was born circa 1671 at Bothwell, in Lanarkshire. They gave birth to: Agnes, born 01 February, 1693; Thomas, born 10 November, 1695; and William, born 26 July, 1699.
John Muirhead, son of John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Muirhead, married Agnes Paterson. They had one son: John, born circa 1700 at Glassford, in Lanarkshire.
John Muirhead, son of John and Agnes (Paterson) Muirhead, married Janet Bogle circa 1727. Janet was born circa 1704 and died on 17 February, 1807. John died on 31 December, 1733. The couple had one daughter: Elizabeth, born circa 1728 at Haseley Court, Glasgow, who married Patrick Muirhead. He was the son of John Muirhead and Margaret Syme.
Elizabeth Muirhead, daughter of John and Janet Muirhead, married Patrick Muirhead. He was the son of John Muirhead and Margaret Syme. (See chapter titled: Patrick Muirhead.)
Alexander Muirhead, the second son of John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Muirhead given that name, married Marion Prentice on 23 November, 1695 at Carluke. The couple gave birth to: Joan, born 1695; Alexander, born 26 January, 1699; Robert, born 1705; and Janet, born 1707.
Alexander Muirhead, son of Alexander and Marion (Prentice) Muirhead, married Agnes Young on 22 March, 1722 at Carluke. They gave birth to: Alexander, born 28 May, 1726; James, born April, 1728 and died as an infant prior to 23 December, 1730; James (2), born 23 December, 1730; Robert, born 09 August, 1732; Marion, born 20 March, 1732; John, born 21 July, 1735; Joan, born 16 March, 1736; and Daniel, born 19 August, 1739.
John Muirhead, son of Alexander and Agnes Muirhead, married Marion Forrest. (See chapter titled: Robert Muirhead Of Cambusnethan.)
Robert Muirhead, son of John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Muirhead, married Agnes Wilson in 1699 at Hamilton, in Lanarkshire. . They gave birth to between seven and nine children. Robert Muirhead died in the year 1727. (Note: Additional information on this family will be found in a subsequent chapter titled: Robert Muirhead Of Hamilton.)
James Muirhead, son of Alexander and Eupham (Jervey) Muirhead, married Elspeth Dinne on 21 December, 1648 at Glasgow. Elspeth was born circa 1627, possibly the daughter of George Dyne and Christane Adamsone. They gave birth to: James, born 1653; John, born 23 December, 1655; Claud, born 26 February, 1656; and John (2), born 04 March, 1659.
James Muirhead, son of James and Elspeth (Dinne) Muirhead, was banished to the American colonies in 1685 for high treason, rebellion and refusing to take an oath of allegiance to King Charles II. He was an avowed Papist.
Claud Muirhead, son of James and Elspeth (Dinne) Muirhead, died on 08 January, 1684.
John Muirhead, son of James and Elspeth (Dinne) Muirhead, married Rebecca Bayless on 22 November, 1706 at Jamaica, in Queens County, New York. He had been banished to the American colonies along with his brother, James in 1685. (Note: Additional information on this family will be found in a subsequent chapter titled: Of The Generations Which Emigrated To The Colonies In The Americas.)
Eupham Muirhead, daughter of Alexander and Eupham (Jervey) Muirhead, married John Park. John was born circa 1621. They gave birth to: John Jr., born 23 February, 1642; Janet, born 12 November, 1644; William, born 02 July, 1646; Margaret, born 05 December, 1648; Patrick, born 30 January, 1651; and David, born 23 March, 1656.
Alexander Muirhead, son of Alexander and Eupham (Jervey) Muirhead, married Helen Bane on 02 June, 1650 at Falkirk. Helen was born circa 1632. They gave birth to: Alexander, Jr, born 01 October, 1652; John, born 1654; Walter, born 1654; George, 1657, Janet, born 1664; and Helen, born 1672.
Alexander Muirhead, son of Alexander and Helen (Bane) Muirhead, married Margaret Muirhead on 21 November, 1683. She was a daughter of William Muirhead and Margaret Whyte, and was born on 07 January, 1654. They gave birth to: Alexander, born 1685; and Helen, born 1687.
Helen Muirhead, daughter of Alexander and Margaret Muirhead, married Richard Russell.
John Muirhead, son of Alexander and Helen (Bane) Muirhead, married Anna Jervey on 23 November, 1677. They gave birth to: Helen, born 01 March, 1678; Agnes, born 08 January, 1680; Alexander, born 10 February, 1682; John, born 06 September, 1685; Michael, born 11 February, 1687; Thomas, born 18 June, 1694; and William, born 11 April, 1697.
John Muirhead, son of John and Anna (Jervey) Muirhead, married Margaret Syme on 30 December, 1712 an Dunipace, Scotland. Margaret was born circa 1685. They gave birth to: John, born 1713; George, born 24 June, 1715; and Patrick, born 20 October, 1716. (See chapters titled: John Muirhead Of Teggetsheaugh and Patrick Muirhead.)
Michael Muirhead, son of John and Anna (Jervey) Muirhead, married Margaret Ewing on 22 June, 1712. They gave birth to: Thomas, born 1713; John, born 1715; Michael, born 1722; Robert, born 1724; Janet, born 1726; and Alexander, born 08 November, 1730.
Thomas Muirhead, son of Michael and Margaret (Ewing) Muirhead, married Rachel Muir circa 1737 at Hamilton in Lanarkshire. Rachel was a daughter of James Muir and Agnes Eddie, and was born on 18 January, 1717. They gave birth to: John, born 1738 and James, born on 24 December, 1739.
James Muirhead, son of Thomas and Rachel Muirhead, married Margret Elphinstone MacKinnon. (See chapter titled: James Muirhead Of Glasgow.)
Alexander Muirhead, son of Michael and Margaret (Ewing) Muirhead, married Helen Muirhead on 14 October, 1749 at Falkirk. She was a daughter of James Muirhead and Elizabeth Muirhead. Helen was born on 02 June, 1728. Alexander and Helen gave birth to: Margaret, born 1750; James, born 1751; Michael, born 1753; Elizabeth, born 1755; John, born 1757; Thomas, born 1759; Alexander, born 1761; and Robert, born 18 February, 1763. Alexander Muirhead died circa 1769.
Robert Muirhead, son of Alexander and Helen Muirhead, married Anne Dent. (See chapter titled: Robert Muirhead Of Falkirk.)
David Muirhead, the son of James Muirhead of Lauchope and his first wife, Janet (Hamilton), left Lauchope and made a living for himself in Edinburgh as a printer.
David Muirhead, son of James Muirhead and his first wife, Janet (Hamilton), married Marion Lawson / Lowsoune, the daughter of John Lowsoune, a surgeon. In 1606 David Muirhead was made a burgess in right of his wife, Marion. His name is included in the Edinburgh Burgess Roll of 1606.
Entries for two documents (bonds of caution, i.e. surety) are to be found in the Register of the Great Seal in the first part of the year 1601 which appear to have been drawn up by David Muirhead, son of James (and Janet) Muirhead of Lauchope. The first was recorded on 28 January, 1601 (1.65) and noted that James Muirhead of Lachop stood as cautioner to Elizabeth Logye, relict of James Finla in Lochwod for 500 merks not to harm Robert Boyd of Badinheath. The document was witnessed by Claud and David Muirhead ‘sons of James Muirhead of Lachop’. The second entry was dated 04 February, 1601 (1.66) and noted that James Muirhead of Lachop stood as cautioner for his son, Claud Muirhead and John Muirhead, burgess of Glasgow for 500 merks not to harm Robert Boyd in Baddinhaith. This document was written by David Muirhead. It would seem apparent that, in view of the fact that David Muirhead wrote the documents, he must have practiced as a lawyer, in addition to his printing career. He is claimed to have been a founding member of the Writer to the Signet Society, which would tend to confirm the idea of his having been a lawyer. The Signet Society was so-named because the members used a special signet ring to seal the legal documents they prepared.
To the union of David and Marion were born five children: Arthur (born on 07 November, 1596), John (born on 27 April, 1600), James (born after 1600), Euphane (born on 28 November, 1612) and Margaret (born after 1612), as named in David’s will. He had made out his will on 09 December, 1613, in which he named his relict spouse, Marion, his executrix. It is assumed that he died in January, 1614. The will was recorded in the Edinburgh Commissary Court on 26 March, 1614.(1.67) In addition to naming his widow and their children as beneficiaries of his estate, David named James Muirhead, younger of Lachop, Thomas McMichael, William Lawson, William Heroun and Robert Muirhead, elder merchant burgess of Edinburgh to act as tutors to his children who were under age. Because his sons, Arthur and John were ‘of age’, David named James Muirhead of Lachop, James Muirhead of Schawfute and Braidholme, and William Lawson (his wife’s brother) to act as curators to Arthur and John.
The “Visitation Of London” 1633 / 1634
~ Reproduced from page 119 of The Publications Of The Harleian Society, Volume XVII
David Muirhead’s estate provided for the following disbursements upon his death. To the poor of the South East Quarter (of Edinburgh parish), he left £20. £10 went to John Muirhead, the elder and John Muirhead, the younger “my brether ather of thame” (i.e. my brethren either of them). To ----- Muirhead’s “youngest lawful bairnes of John Muirhead elder ~ each of them three” David bequeathed £20. Another £20 went to “---- Muirhead ---- lawful to the said John Muirhead younger.” £10 was directed to Elspet Strachern, and £20 to Helen Monteith. To his children, David bequeathed £500 to his eldest son, Arthur, and the residue was to be divided up between James, Euphane and Margaret.
According to certain researchers, David Muirhead died on 23 January, 1614. Marion had been born circa 1573; she is believed to have died soon after David.
Arthur Muirhead, son of David and Marion (Lawson) Muirhead, received an education at Edinburgh University. He graduated in the year 1616.
John Muirhead, son of David and Marion (Lawson) Muirhead, married Katherine Hamilton in the year 1637 at Linhouse, in Midlothian, Scotland. Katherine was born in the year 1616 at Edinburgh. John, who was sometimes known as John Muirhead of Linhouse, received an education at Edinburgh University, graduating in the year 1619. (According to research performed by Eileen Macillan, the only John Muirhead to be listed in the Catalogue of the Edinburgh Graduates 1587-1858 was noted as graduating on 22 July 1620.) John and Katherine gave birth to four children: Isobel, John, William and Alexander. Isobel was born in the year 1638 and married James Lawson. John was born circa 1642. He married Agnes Murray on 24 September, 1664 at Damhall, Scotland. John would die on 18 June, 1697. William was born circa 1644 and died after 1665. Alexander was born in the year 1649 and died before 08 April, 1665.
