History of the Lands and Their Owners in
Galloway. by P.H. M'Kerlie. Edinburgh 1877.
This extract from Vol. 3, p233 on.
PARISH OF BUITTLE.
THE earliest notice which we can find in regard to this parish is on the 13th January
1297, when Master Richard de Haveryng, clericus, had letters of presentation to the church
of Botel, vacant, and in the gift of the king, addressed to the bishop (prior ?) of
Candida Casa. This was the rock on which King Edwards Scottish policy, fortunately,
was fatal to his project of national absorption. It turned the Scottish Church against
him, which was enough, for it was powerful.
There are various derivations of the name Botel, now Buittle, given by Chalmers and
others. It is not quite clear, although closer than many. In Cleasby and Vigfussons
Norse Dictionary we find Bot and til, but we can make nothing of them in this case. Bot
was the Norse for the Isle of Bute. In 730, the word botl is used by Bede in connection
with a royal dwelling. Bosworth in his Anglo Saxon Dictionary gives botl for an abode,
&c. Chalmers states that it is from botle, the Anglo-Saxon for domicilium villa,
which, however, is from the Norse bol, a farm, an abode. With this he was unacquainted.
There appears to have been so much borrowing of words among the different races who
settled in Britain, that it is difficult to trace the real owners in every case. Among the
saints we find one named Buite or Boethius, Dec. 7, AD. 521. Forbes makes mention of him
as Buite of the Monastery, the son of Bronach, and of the race of Connla. The account of
him is that he founded a church on the grant of a castle given to him for having cured the
daughter of the King of Dalriada, and Nectan, King of the Picts. The place is stated to
have been near Dunnichen. From this saint the name may have been given. There was a
confirmation by Pope Benedict of the church of St Colmanel of Butyll, which will be
afterwards alluded to. In Cumberland the name is also found, a parish being called
Bootle,
also Butle, Bothill, or Botyll. We find no derivation given by Jefferson, &c.
There was a church dedicated to the saint Ennan, now known as Kirkennan. Chalmers
states that St. Inan was a confessor and hermit who resided at Irvine, Ayrshire. As shown
in Keiths "Scottish Saints," there is no doubt that St Inan is stated as
such in 839, with his festival day on the 18th August; but it is much more probable that
from St Enna, mentioned by Butler as an Irish abbot, the name was taken. It is stated that
his father was Conall Deyre, Lord of Ergall in Ulster, in which Enna succeeded him, but he
left the world and became a monk. He obtained a grant of the Isle of Arran (Munster),
where he founded a great monastery, illustrious for sanctity .so much so, that Arran
was called the Isle of the Saints. He died the beginning of the sixth century. A church
was dedicated to him in the island called Kill-Enda. There was also St Cianan or
Kenan,
bishop of Duleek, Ireland, descended from the King of Munster, who died 24th November 489
; also a St Ennan, the first bishop of Raphoe in Ireland, titular saint of the church.
The ruins of the church on the western bank of the Urr have long since disappeared. It
was granted by Dervorgill to Sweetheart Abbey in 1275.
As will be found under New Abbey, there was a confirmation by Pope Benedict XIII. of a
charter by Thomas, bishop of Galloway, dated 16th July 1381, granting the church of St
Colmanel of Butyll to the Abbey of Sweetheart, and of a charter by Archibald, Earl of
Douglas, dated 23d August 1397, transferring his right of patronage of that church to the
abbey. This church must have been distinct from Kirkennan.
A new church was built before the Reformation in the barony of Butle. Prior to the
Reformation, the tithes of Buittle were let for four hundred marks (�266, 13s. 4d. Scots)
yearly. Ten years after the Reformation they were only valued at �213, 6s. 8d. The
churches and lands were annexed to the Crown in 1587. In 1684, the bishop of Edinburgh was
patron. The new parish church is beside the old one. A manse was built in 1793. At
Palnackie a harbour church was built in 1819.
The extent of the parish is about ten miles long by three in breadth.
The parish in ancient times was famous for its orchards.
Craignair Hill quarry is celebrated for its granite, which was worked for long by the
Liverpool Dock Trustees. It is now made use of to supply various places. That great work,
the embankment of the river Thames, London, was to a considerable extent built with it.
Dalbeattie may be said to have had its rise to its present position from this quarry. It
is six miles from Castle-Douglas. Two streams effect a junction at the town, being the
river Urr from the west, and Dalbeattie burn from the east. On the banks of the Urr, six
miles south-east from Castle-Douglas, is the village of Palnackie, which may be called the
port of Dalbeattie. It has a quay which admits vessels drawing seventeen feet of water at
spring, and twelve feet at neap tides. (Admiralty Survey of Coast.)
The country is undulating, with New Buittle, or Barskeoch hill, 587 feet high Castle
Hill, at Almorness, 326 feet, with a fort; and another fort not far off.
In Mackenzies History we are told of the exploration of one of the subterraneous
abodes of the aborigines in this parish, by the late Mr Maxwell of Terraughtie, but
without success. He found some spear heads and human bones, but could not get to the
utmost limit of the cave.
By the census of 1871, the population of this parish was 480 males, and 540 females;
together, 1020.
BOTIL OR BUITTLE
This well-known property in ancient times is now merged under Munches, of which it
forms a part. It is extraordinary the desire felt to root out the ancient names of places
in Galloway. The historic associations connected with Botil would, we should have thought,
have preserved it as the chief name. The owners who first attached an interest to the
lands were the lords of Galloway. Dervoigill, daughter of Alan, last lord, succeeded. As
will be found in our "Historical Sketch," Vol. II., she married John Baliol of
Bernard Castle, Yorkshire. We may here digress to state that the Baliols were also of
Norman origin, and as followers of William the Norman, called the Conqueror, flourished
accordingly. The first was Guy Baliol, who, according to Betham, was made lord of the
forest of Teesdale and Marwood, &c. He was succeeded by Guy, no doubt his son, who
lived in the reign of King Henry I. The next was Hugh, in the reign of King John. He was
followed by Bernard, who lived in the reign of Henry III. They appear to have been in
regular succession, so far as can be gathered, and all are designated lords of Teesdale
Forest, &c., until we come to John, son of Bernard, who is styled of Bernard Castle,
Yorkshire. He married Devorgille*,
*This name is spelled Dervorgill, Devorgille, &c. We find it in Ireland. In
OConnors translation of the Annals of Ireland, under date 1137, there is,
"Obtulit praeterea Dounchad O'Carroll alias 60 uncias auri, et totidem elargita est
Dervorgilla, jam poeniteus uxor Tigernani O'Ruarc cum calice aureo pro summo
altari, et
paramentis pro singulis e novem altaribus quae in eadem Ecciesia conspiciebantur.
It is further stated, "Doudchad OCarrol Rex erat Orgialliae," AD. 1133 to
1168, when he died. In the Annals of Ulster, under A.D. 1133, we also find him; the record
as "Creach la Dounch na Cearbhaill." OCarroll and na Cearbhaill are
corruptions of MacCairill.
and as known, their son John was the weak king placed on the throne of Scotland by the
usurper, King Edward I. of England. John Baliol, senior, died in 1269. His widow,
Dervorgille, survived him twenty-three years, and died aged seventy-six. She founded
Baliol College, Oxford, thereby carrying out her husbands intention. She also
erected New Abbey, or Sweetheart, in 1275, so called from having deposited her
husbands heart there; also a convent for Dominican friars at Wigtoun and other
religious houses out of the district. She died at Bernard Castle, Yorkshire, in 1289, and
was buried at New Abbey. When in Galloway she resided at Buittle Castle, and signed there
the regulations for the students of Baliol College, Oxford. Her son, John Baliol, is
stated to have succeeded to her property in Galloway as the heritage of her family. In
1281 he married Isobell, daughter of John, Earl of Surrey. On the 18th November 1292, King
Edward I. of England issued a precept to Richard Sieward, keeper of the castles of
Kirkcudbright, Wigtoun, and Dumfries, ordering him to deliver them over to
Baliol, who
swore fealty for the crown to Edward. However, in 1296, we find Patrick of Botle, who also
swore fealty to Edward I. Who he was we do not discover. It is supposed that the castle
was razed to the ground by King Robert the Bruce and his brother Edward, between 1306 and
1313. This could only have been partial.
The Comyns were also at one time in possession, but this could only have been a
temporary occupation, in the same way, as they held for short periods other places, and
through ignorance are sometimes called the owners. John of Badenoch, known as the
"Black Comyn," married Devorgoils only daughter. When King Robert the
Bruce succeeded to the throne, he granted the lands of Botill, &c., in 1309, to Sir
James Douglas of Douglas ; and his son, King David, confirmed them to William, first Earl
of Douglas. He also granted Barchar (Barchain) a farm, to Robert Corbet, quhilk John
Barker forfeited. In 1346, Edward Baliol recovered the estate, and took up his residence
at Buittle Castle. It therefore could scarcely have been razed to the ground by Robert I.
Permission was granted to Edward Baliol to exercise the privileges of regality over
Buittle, &e., in the 22nd of Edward III. of 1349. (Ayloffe ancient Charters.)
Baliol failing in his object to obtain the Crown of Scotland, on the 30th
January 1355-6, he surrendered his right to it, along with his private estates to Edward
III. for 5000 meks, with �2000 a-year. Edward Baliol died at Whitley near
Doncaster,
Yorkshire, on the 17th May 1363. The Douglas family retained the lands. Their estates as
known, were forfeited in 1455, and in 1456 the lordship of Galloway was annexed to the
Crown. After this we do not find any owners for about one hundred years, and it would
therefore appear that the crown retained possession. It will be seen under Threave that
King James III. settled on Margaret of Denmark, his Queen, as part of her dowry, the
customs, &c., of Threave, and it is more than probable that the barony of Buittle,
&c., were included and retained as royal property until bestowed on the
Maxwells, who
as shown under Munches, obtained a grant of Buittle, &c., from Queen Margaret, Robert
Maxwell being tutor to her son, King James V. Then on the 5th August 1550, Robert, son of
Robert Maxwell, had retour.
We next find that early in the seventeenth century the lands of Buittle were in
possession of John, brother to Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar, who had succeeded his
father in 1604. John died without issue, and was succeeded by his brother, James Gordon of
Barncrosh, parish of Tongland. He married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Vaus of
Longcastle, parish of Kirkinner, and had issue John and Robert afterwards in
succession, Viscount Kenmure.
In 1621 she pursued him for a divorce for sundry adulteries said to have been
committed. We next learn that in July 1647, there was a precept of arrestment from Robert,
Earl of Nithsdale, Steward of Kirkcudbright, in favour of James Gordon of Butle, for
arresting his wood growing on his lands and lordship of Butle, in order to stop the people
of the country from cutting and peeling thereof. The lands of Buittle thus remained in the
possession of the Gordons, but as will afterwards be seen, there is much confusion, which
may have arisen from wadsets.
Our next information is that on the 6th April 1670, John, Viscount Nithsdale, heir to
his brother Robert, lord of Nithsdale, had retour of the barony of Buittle, &c. This
service no doubt related to the superiority. Then in September 1671, Sir David Dunbar of
Baldoon, parish of Kirkinner, had sasine of the lands of Butle, with the teinds. This
could only have been a wadset.
We will not enter further into the history here, as it will be found under Munches.
Grose in his Antiquities, published in 1791, gives an engraving of the Castle of
Buittle as it then stood. Although unroofed it appears to have been otherwise in good
preservation, the walls showing this, but it conveys no appearance of being ancient. It
has more of the outline of a strong house than a castle. It may have been a building
erected in more recent times. The remains are on the west bank of the Urr about a mile
from Dalbeattie, and can be seen from the railroad. It is supposed to have been a place of
large dimensions, and great magnificence, but, from the size of the site, we confess
having been disappointed in this. The original building may have been so. It is close to
the river side on rising ground which has the appearance of being artificial, but probably
is a mass of debris covered with earth and turf, the accumulation of years. The following
is from a
rough sketch taken by us on the spot All that remains in some degree entire, is
an archway which may have led to some vaults, or an outlet. The ditch is also to be seen.
The site is circular in shape, and so far as we could make it out, about 160 to 170 yards
round the outside base. It lies in a valley with high land around, particularly on the
western side. The length of time that it has been in ruins, is to some extent shown by the
timber growing amongst the debris. As usual the ash is in the ascendant, a tree that seems
to thrive on fallen greatness.
The derivation of the word Buittle, as now rendered, we have entered on under the
account of the parish. Pont in his map spells it Butill.
MUNCHES.
In early times, Munches formed a portion of the Buittle estate owned by the Lords of
Galloway, and their descendant in the female line, John Baliol. The ancient history so far
as known will therefore be found under Buittle, which latter is now merged in the estate
of Munches. The last owners to be found were the Douglasses, and after their forfeiture in
1455, it is supposed that, with the lordship, these lands were also annexed to the crown.
Queen Margaret (daughter of King Henry VII. of England), gave a grant of the office of
steward of the shire, etc., with lands to (Robert) Maxwell, as the tutor of her son, King
James V., and on the 5th August 1550, we find that Robert, heir of Robert Maxwell, had
retour of the same, viz., the barony of Buittle, Munches, Barchain, Marenach,
Castelgowre, Balgreddan, Guffockland, Corwarie, Cullinaw, Cuil, Knock (Knox) Meikle and Little,
Corbieton, Clone, &c.
There is a statement that previously the Regent Morton had possession, and after he
was beheaded, his lands in Galloway, &c., were forfeited in 1581, and passed to John,
styled Lord Maxwell. We find that a John Maxwell did succeed Robert ; also, that on the
19th September 1604, John, son of John Maxwell, succeeded, and had retour of Buittle,
Munches, Barchain, Maremach, Castelgoure, Guffockland, Corwarie, Meikle and Little Knox.
We also find that he was succeeded by his son Robert, who had retour on the 13th July
1619. We confess being rather puzzled at so many successions in so short a period. From
"The Book of Caerlaverock," the history of the Maxwells of Munches is, that
Alexander Maxwell of Logan, grandson of John Maxwell of Logan, a natural son of Robert,
fifth Lord Maxwell, had seven sons, and that George, the fifth son, obtained Munches. He
is styled of Slognaw, parish of Kelton, but acquired a wadset right to the lands of
Munches on the 3d May 1637, and was afterwards so designated. He was twice married, first
to a daughter of _____ Macqueen, and had issue John.
Secondly, in 1655, he married Barbara, daughter of James Maxwell of Tinwald,
Dumfriesshire, in whose right, at a later period, the estate of Dinwiddie in Dumfriesshire
was acquired. Barbara Maxwells mother was Agnes, eldest daughter of Sir Robert
Maxwell of Cowhill and Dinwiddie, Dumfriesshire. George and Barbara Maxwell had issue, so
far as known
George, his heir.
Barbara, who married Robert Maxwell of Gelston, parish of Kelton, afterwards Sir Robert of
Orchardtoun, parish of Rerwick.
We may state here that John Maxwell, another son of Alexander of Logan, succeeded to
the land of Collignaw, and that he left an only daughter, Susanna, who, on the 30th
January 1664, was served as his heir. We learn nothing more of her. On the 16th May 1643,
James of Innerwick, brother and heir of William Maxwell of Kirkhouse, had retour of the
land of Munches.
John, son of George Maxwell by his first marriage, succeeded to Slognaw, parish of
Kelton, which see. George, his son by his second marriage, succeeded to Munches.
We have shown under Buittle that Barchain, one of the farms, belonged to another
family in the reign of King David II., and from them it would appear to have passed to one
named Reddik (no doubt of the Dalbeattie family of that name), as we find on the 7th April
1646, that Barbara and Nicola, heirs to their brother Paul Reddik, had retour of the lands
of Barchaine and Marinoche. Immediately following this, Mary Scott, Countess of
Buccleuch,
who appears too often in such cases, having a wadset over the the lands of Munches and
Baskean (Barchain), had retour on the 6th October 1653, and was followed on the 17th
October 1661 by Anne, her sister, who succeeded as countess.
We have now to return to George Maxwell of Slognaw and Munches, of whom we have
already made mention. On the 11th January 1672, George Maxwell, elder and younger of
Munshes, had principal sasine of the lands of Munches, &c. ; and in May 1673, William
Maxwell, second son to John, Earl of Nithsdaill, had sasine of the lands and barony of
Buittle (also Kelton).
We find in May 1674, that John Irving, eldest son to Halbert (Herbert), Irving of
Logane, had sasine of the fifty-shilling lands of Butle Maynes. Also that on the 25th
January 1695, William, son to the deceased Francis Herries in Cruiks of Mabie, had sasine
of the lands of Maines of Munshies. We suppose they were both wadsets. Again, on the 26th
May 1696, William, Viscount, son of Robert, Viscount Nithsdaile, had retour. As we have
already mentioned, this must have related to the superiority
George Maxwell of Munches succeeded his father about 1683. In 1686 he was appointed
one of the royal factors for uplifting the rents of the forfeited estates of the
Covenanters, He obtained the estate of Dinwiddie in Dumfriesshire, in virtue of a
disposition by his grandmother, Agnes Maxwell. He married in 1686 Agnes, second daughter
(co-heiress with her elder sister Janet) of James Maxwell of Kirkblain, parish of
Carlaverock, younger brother of Alexander Maxwell of Conheath, parish of Troqueer. The two
sisters were also heir-portioners of Elizabeth Maxwell of Castlegower, to which George,
through his wife Agnes, succeeded. In sasine 14th July 1703, we find George Maxwell of
Munches, Agnes Maxwell, his spouse, and their son William, having sasine of the land of
Cullignaw. They had issue, so far as known
William, who succeeded.
George, died young.
James, of Kirklebride and Kirkennan, who died in 1755.
Mary, married in 1727, James Brown, Edinburgh. (As stated, they had a daughter, who
married Gavin Brown of Bishopton, parish of Twynholm, and had an only son killed by a fall
from his horse.
Barbara, married William Maxwell of Corruchan, parish of Troqneer.
William and George Maxwell were taken prisoners at Preston in 1715, when serving under
Prince Charles Edward.
George Maxwell of Munches is supposed to have died about 1728. He was succeeded by his
son William, who married in 1721 Agnes, daughter of Brown of Milnhead (Bishoptoun, parish
of Twynholm), and had issue,
Robert, who died young in 1747.
George, who succeeded.
Agnes, who married, in 1770, John Maxwell of Terraughty, parish of Troqueer, and succeeded
her brother.
Ann, abbess of York convent. Died about 1809.
Elizabeth, died before 1809, unmarried.
He married secondly, before 1730, Elizabeth, eldest daughter of William Maxwell of
Kirkconnell, parish of Troqueer, but had no issue.
The Gordons appear to have retained either possession of or the superiority of the
lands of Buittle. We do not, however, follow it in a satisfactory manner. On the 29th
April 1723, Robert Gordon of Kenmure had sasine, but on the 18th December following John
Maxwell of Terraughty had also sasine. There were also the Kirklands of Buittle, which on
the 8th October 1746, Francis Carruthers of Dormont(?), heir of the deceased John
Carruthers of Dormont, his grand father, had sasine of the Meikle and Little Kirklands. On
the 4th November 1747, John Reid of Kirkennan had sasine of the same. Again, on the 6th
June 1777, John Gordon of Kenmure had sasine of the lands of Buittle. This, however, could
only have been a claim in regard to the superiority, as the Maxwells were the owners.
William Maxwell of Munches died on the 9th January 1765, and was succeeded by his son
George. He married, on the 28th August 1776, Lucy, daughter of Sir Thomas Gage of Coldham,
Baronet, County of Suffolk, and died on the 8th September 1793 at Fairgirth, from injuries
received through being thrown from his horse. He was succeeded by his sister Agnes, who
had married John Maxwell of Terraughty, parish of Troqueer, to whom she disponed her
estates of Dinwiddie, Dumfriesshire, and Munches. She died without issue in May 1809. Her
husband, John Maxwell, born in 1720, had been previously married to Agnes, daughter of
Alexander Hannay, Dumfries, and by her had several children (see Terraughty).
The eldest son was Alexander Herries.
On the 4th June 1778 John Maxwell of Terraughty was served heir male of his cousin
Robert, Earl of Nithsdale. He died in 1814 aged ninety-four. On his death his son
Alexander, already mentioned, succeeded to Munches and Terraughty, parish of Troqueer,
where particulars of whom he married, &c., will be found. He died in 1815. He was
succeeded by Clementina, the eldest daughter of his brother William. She married, in 1813,
John Herries Johnstone-Maxwell of Barncleuch, parish of Irongray, son of Doctor Wellwood
Johnstone, who, having married Catherine, fourth daughter of John Maxwell of Terraughty
and Munches, and she having succeeded on the 28th June 1815 to these properties, her
husband, in addition to his own surname of Johnstone, also assumed that of Maxwell.
She died in 1858, having had issue by her husband, John H. Johnstone-Maxwell
Wellwood Herries.
John, born in 1814, died in infancy.
Janet, married, in 1839, to William Maxwell of Carruchan, parish of Troqueer, and died in
1842.
Wellwood-Herries Johnstone-Maxwell succeeded to Munches, &c., in 1843 as the heir
of his mother. He married, in 1844, Jane Home, eldest daughter of Sir William Jardine,
Baronet, of Applegarth, Dnmfriesshire, and has had issue
John, born in 1844, died in 1856.
William Jardine, horn in 1852.
Wellwood, born in 1857.
Alexander, born in 1860.
Hugh, born in 1862.
Jessie Jane, married Charles G. H. Kinnear, and had issue.
Clementina.
Agnes.
Margaret.
Catherine Helen.
W. H. Johnstone-Maxwell was M.P. for the Stewartry for a few years, and retired.
The farms now owned are Munches, Mains and Toul, Breconiehill, Butterhole, Old
Buittle, Buittle Mains, Little Knox, and the now small holdings as Barsyard, Boghall,
Cullinaw, Barchain, &c. On this property is the well-known granite quarry called
Craignair, which is close to Dalbeattie.
The present residence at Munches is of modern construction, having been erected a few
years ago. Soon after completion it was partially destroyed by a fire which broke out. It
is restored.
Pont, in his map, gives the spelling as Muinshesh. It is not improbable that it is
derived from the Gaelic word moine, or in the Cymric mawn, a peat moss, &c., and shios
for east, giving the east peat moss or bog. Possibly Breconiehill may be from the Gaelic
breac or bric, for speckled, &c., with onn for furze or gorse, and the suffix hill.
Cullinaw seems to be a corruption from the Gaelic cuileannach, a place where holly grows.
In Barchain we may have a corruption of the Gaelic bar-ceann, the promontory or the hill
head. Lastly, Craignair may be in the suffix from the Gaelic naird, high, or height,
giving the high crag or cliff.
The horn of a uras of extraordinary dimensions was found in a moss on the property;
and in 1839, when clearing away some earth, a large block of red sandstone was discovered,
on which a regularly formed countenance, with ornamented wreaths in bas-relief, were
beautifully executed (Mackenzie). We have to add that the uras was nothing more nor less
than the white or buff Caledonian ox. It has been made almost a fabulous animal, but as
stated in the latest edition of Jamiesons " Scottish Dictionary," it was the
wild ox of the country.
MEIKLE KNOX ETC.
The lands of Meikleknox, &c., we learn very little of. As the name stands it
creates the supposition that it is the proper name Knox, but it is more probable to be
from the Gaelic and Irish cnoc, a hill, a hillock, &c., which in Lowland Scotch is
spelled knock. Probably it belonged to the old Buittle estate. The first authentic notice
found by us is dated 5th August 1550, when Robert, son of Robert Maxwell of Munches, had
retour. On the 19th September 1604 John, son of John Maxwell of Munches, had retour,
followed on the 13th July 1619 by Robert, son of John Maxwell of Munches. But again, on
the 10th October 1615, Robert, son of Alexander Gordon in Lochans, was infeft in
Meikleknox, and on the 17th March 1635 John, Viscount Kenmure, son of John, had retour of
Guffockland. There can be no doubt that this name was given from one of the forbears of
the MGuffocks of Rusco parish of Anwoth. Then on the 22d December 1676, Isobel
Grier, spouse of John Cannan (In September 1640 David Cannan is mentioned in the War
Committee Book as the Commissioner for Buittle for the Covenanters War Committee.)
of Guffockland had principal sasine to the same. We next come to wadsets. On the 6th
October 1653, Mary Scott, Countess of Buccleuch, had retour of Guffockland and Meikleknox,
called Lenow. She was succeeded by her sister Anne, who became Countess of Buccleuch at
her death, and had retour of these lands on the 17th October 1661. We next find, on the
6th April 1670, that John, Viscount Nithsdale, heir to his brother Robert, Lord Nithsdale,
had retour and on the 26th May 1696, William, Viscount, son of Robert, Viscount, followed.
What holding the Nithsdale family had does not appear, but we presume it related to the
superiority.
The owners we have most information concerning were the Accarsons or Carsons, a branch
of the Glenskyre or Rusco family, parish of Anwoth. It is not certain when they obtained
Meikleknox. According to Nesbit, John Corsane, descended from an early cadet and next male
heir, settled at and was Provost of Dumfries in the reign of King James VI. He was also M.P. for Dumfriesshire in 1629. He is said to have married Janet
Maxwell, one of the Nithsdale family, and had issue several children. It is not quite
clear about his having owned these lands. We think not. He died in 1629. His eldest son,
John, was his heir, and we are inclined to think he was the purchaser of Meikleknox,
&c. He also had a daughter, Marion, who married Stephen Laurie, who purchased
Redcastle, parish of Urr. John Corsane was an advocate, and married Margaret, one of the
daughters and co-heiresses of Robert Maxwell of Cowhill and Dinnwoodie, Dumfriesshire.
With her he obtained the land of Bardennoch. He also became Provost of Dumfries about 1640
to 1645, and having received an authority from the commissioners or collectors of the
tenth and twentieth pennies and rents of unfriends and bishops within Galloway, soon
became possessed of a considerable property. He had sasine of Meikleknox in July 1668. He
died in 1671, and was succeeded by his eldest son John. He had also a daughter, Helen,
married to Herries of Mabie, parish of Troqueer. John married Jean, daughter
to Sir Thomas Kilpatrick of Closeburn, and had several children. Only John, eldest son,
and Margaret, eldest daughter, are mentioned. She married James Grierson of Larglanlie, a
son of Sir Robert Grierson of Lag. John succeeded. He married Marion, daughter to James
Maxwell of Tinival, and had several children
John.
Agnes, married the Rev. Peter Rae, minister at Kirkbryde. (An account of him will be found
in Dr. Ramages "Drumlanrig and the Douglases.")
Others died unmarried. He died in 1680, and was succeeded by his son John, then eight
years of age. There would appear to have been a wadset at this time, as on the 20th
November 1712, Elizabeth MKittrick, spouse to Alexander MGown of Meikleknox,
had sasine in liferent of the land of Meikleknox, alias Knockmickle.
John Corsane married ----, daughter of ---- M'Gowan. No doubt she was the daughter of
Alexander MGowan styled of Meikleknox, already mentioned. He is stated to have had
issue----
son, born in 1717, and who died in 1721.
Janet, married David MCulloch of Ardwall.
Elizabeth, married the Rev. Andrew Ross, minister of Inch.
Jane, married John Hynde; and, 2dly, David Scott.
Margaret, married to George Cunningham, Customs, Edinburgh.
They all had families. We obtain these particulars from the Ardwall Tree. John Corsane
died in 1717, and his son John, born in that year, died in 1721. The land then passed to
Agnes, wife of the Reverend Peter Rae. In 1731, their eldest son Robert succeeded, and
assumed the name of Corsane. This we do not understand. Although given differently, we
think that Agnes was the eldest daughter of John Corsane, and ---- MGowan, which
will fully account for her succession. We learn nothing more until 1799, when Doctor John
Allan MCartney was the owner of Meikleknox, and Mrs. Agnes Maxwell of Munches of
Guffockland. We also learn that, in February 1752, William Gordon of Campbelton had sasine
of the land of Guffockland. In 1819, Doctor John Allen MCartney was still in
possession of Meikleknox, &c. About 1834 the land was sold to William Parke of Anfield
House, Lancashire, who was succeeded by his daughter Emily, who married Henry Cookson
Airey, Bath, for an account of whom see Mollance, parish of Crossmichael.
The farms are Meikleknox, part of Guffockland, Allanbank, &c.
The armorial bearings of the Corsanes were----
| Arms----Argent, on a fesse azure, a savages head erased, distilling
drops of blood, and pierced through with two darts, in saltire, points downwards, all
proper betwixt three maskill in chief, and as many mullet in base.
|
| Crest----An eagle, with antique crown, looking up to the sun in his glory,
all proper.
|
| Motto----Praemium virtutis gloria.
|
| Supporters----Two soldiers armed cap-a-pee, with a target on their sinister
arm, and girded with swords -- he on the dexter side holding a spear erected in pale
ensigned. On the top with a lions head erased, looking to the left and he on the
sinister with spear also in pale, with an eagle proper.
|
Meikleknox in Gaelic is mor-cnoc, the big hill. Guffockland in the prefix is from the
surname. (See MGuffuck, Rusco, parish of Anwoth.)
ALMORNESS.
The ancient history of the lands called Almorness we do not possess, but Chalmers in
his "Caledonia" mentions Maclellan of Almorness, at the time of the Reformation.
After the Annexation Act of 1587, as is well known, the hangers on at Court obtained large
grants of the church and other lands. Amongst these grants there was one, " Daitet 8
October 1587, viz., ane charter granted be his Majestie under the Great Seal to James
Douglas of Drumlanrig, his airs and assignees, of all and haill the ten merk land of
Almorness, with the mains, place, houses, biggins, &c., to be halden in feu."
We have obtained no earlier information, no doubt from the fact that the land was
formerly a portion of the Buittle or other estate. The next notice is dated 25th January
1614, when Alexander Kirkpatrick of Kirkmichael was served heir to his mother, Margaret
Cairns, in the third part of Orchardtoun, alias Irisbuittle. We may mention here that
Orchardtoun was one of the farms, and we often find the owner so styled. Of Almorness we
find, on the 10th August 1642, that James of Innerwick, heir and brother of William
Maxwell of Kirkhouse, had retour. He was followed, on the 17th May 1653, by William
Maxwell, heir of James ErIe of Dirletoun, his gudesirs brothers sone. On the
15th September 1663, he was succeeded by his son Robert. After this, on the 22d October
1695, James, Duke of Queensberry, had retour of the lands of Almorness. On the 21st
November 1699, we find George, son of Robert Maxwell of Orchardtoun. Again, on the 4th
September 1729, John Burne of Broomhill had sasine of the lands and tennandrie of
Almorness and following, on the 24th August 1730, we find him called John Birnie of
Brownhill in liferent, and John Birnie, his eldest son, in fie, of the land of Almorness,
for the principal and land of Her Elstoun (Earlstoun?) in warrandice. The first of this
family is stated to have been the Episcopal minister of the parish of Caerlaverock when
Prelacy was in the ascendant, and that he married a daughter of the bishop of Galloway. He
purchased the property, and the retours, &c., previously given by us must have
referred to the superiority. The family ended in a daughter and heiress, who became the
owner, in confirmation of which, Mrs Katherine Birnie Mitchelson of Broomhill had sasine
on the 24th October 1796, of the lands of Almerness and others, on precept from Chancery.
The next owner was James Douglas, who was in possession in 1799. He is styled of
Orchardtoun. As mentioned under Orchardton, parish of Rerwick, he was the grandson of
William Douglas, the founder of the town of Castle-Douglas, parish of Kelton, to which we
refer, as also to Orchardton, for an account of himself and his descendants. The farms
owned were Almorness, Orchardtoun, Little Castlegowar, Caigtoun, Clonyards, and
Blackbelly. We find him still owner in 1819. To his daughter Mary he left the farms of
Nethertoun, South Glen, North Glen and HoIm, Ordchardton Mains, &c. She married
William Rose-Robinson, Clermiston, Mid-Lothian. He was an advocate, and Sheriff of
Lanarkshire. They had issue---
George, born 1814.
James.
Douglas.
Elizabeth, married ---- Frere, and since his death again married.
Mary, died young.
Matilda, married William Leslie of Warthill, Aberdeenshire, and has issue.
Caroline, married ---- Davidson, son of ---- Davidson of.
Sarah, married Alexander Davidson of Desswood, Aberdeenshire, the brother to her
sisters husband.
The eldest son George succeeded to Almorness on the death of his mother in 1864. He
entered the Church of England, and for some time was rector of Bisley, Surrey. He married,
in 1849, Jane Eleanor, only daughter of the late Boyd Miller of Colliers Wood, Surrey, and
has issue- William, born in 1851, with others whose names we have not got. Mrs Robinson
died at Rome in 1874.
To the farms mentioned as left to Mrs Robinson are to be added the small holdings
named Isle, Clonyard and pendicle, Lochhill, and Woodhead.
The woods are extensive, and over fifty years growth. Adjoining the farm of
Nethertoun, the fossil head of what is called a bison was found many years ago.
It is probable that in early times the woods were equally, if not more extensive than
at present, and that the name is derived from the Norse words almr and nes (ness), the
first meaning the elm-tree, and the latter a headland, &c., which in English is the
" elm-tree promontory."
The other names requiring notice will be found elsewhere.
DOUGAN, &c.
The farms of Dougan, Blackbelly, Chapeltoun or Chapelcroft, &c., are believed to
have formed a portion of the Buittle estate. The earliest notice found by us is dated 12th
March 1611, when Nicola and Rosina, daughters and heirs of Robert MMorane, had
retour of Blackbelly, &c. We next find on the 31st October 1615, that Robert, son of
Robert Maxwell of Spottes, was served heir to Chapelcroft or Chapeltoun, and Blackbellie,
but in what way he became heir does not appear. After this the land changed ownership very
often. On the 26th January 1647, John, son of John Lennox of Cally, was infeft in
Blackbelly ; on the 21st December 1658, John Lennox of Pluntoun, heir of his cousin,
Alexander Lennox of Calie, was infeft and in May 1669, Hugh Maxwell had sasine of
Blackbellie. We next learn that in August 1671, James Glendoning of Mochrum, parish of
Parton, had sasine, followed on the 1st December by George Glendoning, merchant in
Edinburgh, who had also sasine in the same year.
Douganhill seems to have become the property of a family named Baird, In June 1680 we
find Baird, younger of Dungeonhill (Douganhill ?) among those whose lives and properties
were declared to be forfeited, because they would not conform to Prelacy. On the 20th
October 1681, Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardton, parish of Rerwick was served heir to his
father in the land of Blackbellie and others. This farm remained with the Maxwells of
Orchardtoun, until Sir Robert Maxwell, fifth of Orchardtoun, gave it to Robert, his
youngest son by his second marriage, who had sasine of Blackbelly, &c., on the 8th
April 1735, as the lawful son of the deceased Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtoun. (See
Orchardtoun, parish of Rerwick). Robert Maxwell married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert
Maxwell of Hazlefield, parish of Rerwick, and had issue----
Robert.
William.
Mungo.
Ann.
Robert Maxwell succeeded his father in possession of the farm of Blackbelly. He
married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry, and had issue----
William, born 1755.
Robert.
The eldest son, William, in 1795 enlisted into the Royal Artillery. In 1806, John
Maxwell of Munches and Terraughty took some preparatory steps to obtain for him the
baronetcy to which he was the heir as next in line to Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtoun,
but owing to his conduct not being quite satisfactory, the intention was given up. In 1806
he was in Quebec with his company. His brother, Robert, at one time lived at Brigend of
Dumfries, now known as the burgh of Maxwelltown, but nothing more can now be learned. The
baronetcy is therefore dormant. Thus ended one of the once leading branches of the Maxwell
family. In 1819, James Douglas of Orchardtoun, parish of Rerwick, was the owner, having
purchased the farms. He was succeeded by his eldest daughter, Sarah, who married
Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell. See Orchardton for further particulars.
The farms now owned are Dougan, Blackbelly, Chapelcroft or Chapeltoun, with the small
pendicles of Doach and Gaigrie.
The present owner is the late Mrs Maxwells nephew, the Rev. George Robinson of
Almorness, &c.
Dougan seems to have a Gaelic derivation from dubh, black or gloomy, and gann (Irish
idiom) for a fort &c., Blackbelly appears to be from the Norse balkr-boeli, the first
word meaning a crosswall, &c., and the latter, a farm, a dwelling.
LEATHS.
This farm doubtless belonged to the Buittle estate. We learn, however, very little in
regard to it. The first notice is about 1585 when John MCartney was in possession.
He married Isobell, daughter of Peter Cairns of Kip, parish of Colvend. The MacCartneys
are said to have held the farm for a considerable period, and to have been descended from
Donough Macarthy, younger son of the ancient Irish family of Macarthy More. The name may
have been given by them, as leath in Irish means " half of the way." In Gaelic
it is leth. Pont in his Map spells it Laith, which in Gaelic means " milk." The
first is the more probable derivation.
It is stated that Donough Macarthy, already mentioned, served with Edward Bruce in
Ireland, and after the battle of Dundalk went to King Robert the Bruce in Scotland,
obtaining for his services a grant of land in Argyleshire. His descendants losing these
(what they were is not stated), removed to Galloway, and acquired the lands of Loch Urr,
&c. It is further stated that the family was supplanted at the Reformation by the
Gordons of Kenmure. This, however, in connection with Leaths is not correct, as there is a
marriage contract between John MCartney of Laithis, and John MCartney, younger
of Laithis, on the one part, and Janet Redik relict of Robert Maxwell of Bracho, and
Marion Maxwell, his daughter, on the other part, dated 13th November 1617. Then on the
29th December 1659, Grizzell M'Cairtney had sasine of the seven and a half merk land
of Laithes; and again in August 1667, John MCartney, now of Leaves, had sasine of
the same. We next find that in November 1669 James Coultart in Laithys, and Bessie Mortein
his spouse, with Robert and William Coulterts their sons, had sasine of the land of
Laithis, &c. This occupation, however, could only have been by wadset, as in the
valuation roll of 1642-82, we find the Macartneys still as owners. On the 13th February
1702, John Sharp of Hoddam had sasine of the land of Leaths, &c. and again on the 7th
June 1703. The next owner was Nathaniel Duke whose name we often find in connection with
other properties, which leads us to suppose that he was a lawyer. On the 24th June 1714,
he had sasine in liferent, and his son in fie, of the five lib. land of Leaths.
According to the valuation roll of 1799, David MCulloch of Torhouskie, parish of
Wigtown, was then the owner. We have not followed the succession closely out. About 1834
it was purchased by William Parke of Anfield Lodge, Lancashire, whose daughter, Charlotte,
succeeded, and is now in possession. She married John Hall of Mollance, parish of
Crossmichael, which see.
HALKETLEATHS.
The history of Halketleaths is identical with that of Leaths and West Logan, as given
under Logan, for which see the separate account. We have therefore only to state that on
the 4th June 1703, Charles MKartney, styled of Hacketleaths, had sasine of the lands
of Hacketleaths, &c. He was succeeded by John MCartney, who, about the end of
1751, purchased the eleven-merk land of Spottes, parish of Urr, from the trustees of Sir
Thomas Maxwell of Orchardtoun. On the 5th February 1774, John MCartney had sasine of
Halketleaths. There are two notices, one dated 17th September 1712, in which George
Kennedy, styled of Halleaths, had sasine of the five-merk land of Halleaths, &c., and
again on the 27th April 1737, William Maxwell of Milntoun, had Sasine of Cockleaths,
&c., as the heir to John Maxwell, his great-grandfather, proceeding upon a precept of
Chancery. These notices, however, are not sufficiently clear. In 1799 Dr John Allan
MCartney owned Halketleaths, Broadleaths, West Logan, and Meikie Knox.
About 1834, William Parker of Anfleld Lodge, Lancashire, purchased the land, which, at
his decease, his daughter Jane inherited, and continues to own. She married Joseph
Bowstead, Hyde House, Stroud, Gloucestershire, and has issue----
Charles-James.
Emily-Grace, married the Rev. H. E. Reynolds, priest-vicar, Exeter cathedral, and has
issue.
Constance-Mabel.
Gertrude-Honora, married James Craik, W.S., Edinburgh, and has issue.
The farms are Halketleaths, West Logan, Cockleaths, and part of Guffogland, &c.
The meaning of Leaths we have given under that farm, and have only to deal with the
prefix Halket, which Pont renders Haket. It is also found spelled Hacket. The word is
probably from hack, a mossy, wild moor place. Logan will be found under Kirkmaiden parish.
BREOCH OR BRACOCH
The land of Breoch we do not trace by name earlier than the sixteenth century, but it
doubtless formed a portion of the ancient property of Buittle or Botel. The name is
probably derived from the Gaelic word bruach, or bruaiche, meaning a brae, or a short
ascent, and this certainly applies to the property on the Castle Douglas side. The
Maxwells are the first owners found by us, and the first of them was Robert Maxwell of
Nether Redik, second son of Edward Maxwell of Drumcoltran, parish of Kirkgunzeon. This
possession by him is rather curious, for his younger brother, Alexander Maxwell of
Crocketford, parish of Urr, purchased the ten-merk land of Bracocis from Sir John Seyton
of Burnis, from whom he got two charters signed on 18th February 1592, the one a me, and
the other de me; but the Maxwells of Tinwald, disputing the right of possession, a royal
charter of confirmation was not obtained before the 19th April 1615. Again, on the 21st
April 1617, Alexander Maxwell sold the land to his nephew, Edward Maxwell, and on the 3d
June 1618, he granted a charter thereof in implement of letter of disposition and
obligation. The curious part, however, to which we have already referred, is that Robert
Maxwell, the father of Edward, and brother of Alexander Maxwell of Crocketford, had long
before this transaction lived at, and been in possession of Bracoch, as it was then
called. It is evident, however, that he must either have held without a title, or under
his younger brother as subject-superior, or on a wad-set. The charter which Alexander
Maxwell gave to his nephew Edward Maxwell is, "Ad predilictum meum Edwardum Maxwell
filium legitimum natum maximum quondam Roberti Maxwell de Bracoch mei fratris."
Alexander Maxwell also sold to his nephew Edward his lands of Crocketford, &c.
Robert Maxwell, father of Edward, is believed to be the person who is mentioned in
Pitcairns Criminal Trials, (Vol. I., part 2.) as pursuer, on 1st February
1583, against Edward Maxwell of Tinwald, and William Maxwell, his son, " Dilaitit of
airt and pairt of the tressonable birning of certaine cornis pertening to Robert Maxwell
of Bretoch (Bracoch), committed upon the fyft day of Marche last was "Committed in
waird to the Captaine of Blakness.
The quarrel, no doubt, arose from the dispute about the possession of the lands to
which the Maxwells of Tinwald laid claim, and which appears to have been rightly made. In
1587 a precept was given under the sign-manual of King James VI., directing a charter to
be made out granting to " Edward Maxwell of Tynwald his hieres Kyndlie tennant of the
landis of Brekhaugh, Chapeltoun, Craigtoun, and Logan," to be held for a feu-duty of
forty-two pounds usual money of the realm and on the 13th August 1589, William Maxwell,
apparent of Tinwald, had a charter from King James VI. of the ten-merk land of Bracoch,
and was infeft therein on the 25th September 1589, and immediately thereafter Nicholas
Charteris was infeft therein in liferent. Again, on the 19th June 1623 Robert Maxwell, the
lawful son of William Maxwell of Tinwald, had a charter from King James VI. of the lands
of Bracoch, and he was infeft on the 24th July 1623. Robert next granted a charter of
Bracoch to his brother, James Maxwell of Tinwald, who was infeft the same day. Yet, in
defiance of these titles, Sir John Seyton of Barnis, possessed the lands of Bracoch and
others, and sold them to parties who knew how to make their possession good. This is a
very good illustration of the manner in which properties were obtained throughout Galloway
from the earliest times down to the seventeenth century. In this Breoch conflict of
titles, after the 19th April 1615, both those deriving their title from Sir John Seyton of
Burnis, and the owners of Tinwald, could claim to hold the lands by royal charters granted
by King James VI. The dispute must have been compromised, as the Tinwald system of titles
was in the possession of the late family in possession. (The late Robert Maxwell.) Each
title seems perfect in its way.
Robert Maxwell in Braikoch is one of those mentioned in the Act of Oblivion passed in
favour of John, Earl of Morton, his friends and followers, after the raid to Stirling in
1585 (Thomsons Acts of Parliament.)
Robert Maxwell married Janet Redik, the daughter of William Redik of Dalbatye, and had
issue---
Edward.
George.
Marjorie.
Jonnett.
Marione.
Margaret.
Elizabeth.
On the 29th May 1606, with consent of Janet Redik his wife, he made a disposition of
his land of Crafts of Kirkpatrick in favour of his daughters Marjorie, Jonnett, Marione,
Margaret, and Elizabeth, under reversion. In the deed he is merely called Bracoch. He also
subscribes himself in another document as Robert Maxwell of Bracoche.
He was succeeded by his eldest son Edward. He had retour as heir of his father on the
13th October 1607. He purchased, as already mentioned, the land of Bracoch from his uncle,
Alexander Maxwell of Crockefurde, who gave him a charter on the 3d June 1618, confirmed by
King Charles I. on the 31st July 1633. He had sasine on tlse 16th July preceding. In both
charters and sasines he is described as the eldest lawful son of Robert Maxwell of
Bracoch. Edward Maxwell of Bracoch is stated to have married a daughter of John Asloane of
Garroch, parish of Troqueer, and had issue, so far as known---- Robert.
He was retoured heir of his father on the 29th July 1634, and infeft under precept of
Chancery 21st December following upon the 2d April 1635. On the 19th October 1637, on his
majority, he executed a charter in favour of James Gordon, brother of John Gordon of
Troquhane, and Mariotta Maxwell, his spouse, of the land of Crofts, parish of Kirkpatrick.
This was granted in consequence of a contract entered into during his minority. James
Gordon and his spouse Mariota Maxwell were infeft therein on the 17th November 1637.
Although not so stated in any of the deeds, it is probable that Mariota Maxwell or Gordon
was a sister of Robert Maxwell of Breoch. It was at this time that the spelling was
changed from Bracoch to Breoch. In the Register of the Synod of Galloway, (Published by
John Nicholson, Kirkcudbright.) Robert Maxwell of Breoch and his wife are found
under date 31st October 1666 in the list of excommunicated Papists of the parish of
Buittle ; and at the same time, on the list of professed Papists not yet excommunicated,
are Edward Maxwell in Breach and his wife. They all again appear in the list dated 30th
October 1667.
Robert Maxwell of Breoch married Nina, daughter of Brown of the Landis family
parish of New Abbey. He had issue----
Francis.
Edward.
It is difficult to find out about the Landis family at this period, as they then
merged with those of Bishoptoun. It is, however, stated in a small register of the College
of Douay, at Kirkconnell, that the wife of Robert Maxwell of Breach is called "
NaBroune de Landes." This makes it clear enough that she was a daughter of Brown of
Landis, parish of New Abbey.
Their second son Edward died at Douay College, aged eighteen or nineteen, on 26th
November 1668, and was interred there. In the Douay Register the following is given:-
"Edwardus Maxwellus filius D. Roberti Maxwelli de Breach in Gallovidia et Dna
(Na) Broune ex familia de Landis venit 6th May 1664 etatis 14. ad figuras-obeit in sem an
1668 Novembris 26 sepultus in templo magno Collegii inter sacellum angeli custodis et vas
magnum aquae lustralio." We give this to show how full the registration was in the
Roman Catholic Church, and the loss sustained by the destruction of the registers kept in
each religious house, with the names as well as histories of families, and their lands.
Francis, the eldest son, was married during the lifetime of his father to Mary,
daughter of John Maxwell of Slognaw, parish of Kelton.
On this occasion his father gave him a disposition of the land of Breoch, and he had
sasine in virtue thereof on 28th November 1682. On the same day he infeft his wife in an
annuity of one hundred pounds, payable out of the lands of Breoch, in implement of the
marriage contract. Both sasines were recorded 30th November 1682. Francis Maxwell gave his
father-in-law, John Maxwell of Slognaw, a discharge for one thousand pounds Scots, which
he received from him "as tocher good and portion naitrell with Marie Maxwell, his
eldest lawful daughter," conform to marriage contract. In a list of Papists sent by
the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright on the 16th May 1704 to the Privy Council, amongst many
others are----
Francis Maxwell of Breoch.
Mary Maxwell, his spouse.
Margaret Maxwell, his daughter, aged. about six years.
Barbara Maxwell, his daughter, spouse to Alexander Maxwell of Balmangan.
Francis Maxwell had issue several children, hut only two daughters survived, viz.,----
Barbara, who married, in 1703, Alexander Maxwell of Balmangan, parish of Rerwick.
Margaret, who married Sir George Maxwell of Orchardtoun, parish of Rerwick.
On the 8th March 1716 Barbara and Margaret had sasine of the ten merk land of Breoch
equally betwixt them, and Alexander Maxwell of Balmangan, the husband of Barbara, for his
liferent use, upon a disposition by Francis Maxwell of Breoch. He is supposed to have died
in 1737.
Alexander Maxwell, by his wife Barbara Maxwell, had issue----
Robert, born in 1704.
Francis, became a hatter in London.
Charles.
Mary, married William Hamilton, some time in Auchencairn and Stoken. He died before her.
She afterwards resided at Breoch, and died there in 1784, leaving no issue.
Alexander Maxwell of Balmangan was the second son, by his second marriage, of Samuel
Maxwell of Newlaw, parish of Rerwick. He became involved in the difficulties of his senior
and half brother, Samuel Maxwell of Newlaw, and both Newlaw and Balmangan had to be sold,
together with Nether Ridick, which belonged to Edward, his elder and full brother.
On the death of his nephew, Alexander Maxwell of Newlaw Alexander of Balmangan became
the heir-male of the Newlaw family. Alexander Maxwells wife, Barbara of Breoch, died
before him. He married a second time, but neither her name nor that of any of her family
are to be found, except two daughters, ____ married to Robert, son of John Hannay, Knock,
parish of Mochrum and ____ married James Dalrymple in Glenagreoch and afterwards in
Blairinnie, parish of Crossmichael
Alexander Maxwell was alive on the 3lst January 1766, as shown by a receipt for a
small annuity he had off Breoch. He is supposed to have died in that year. He was
succeeded by his son, Robert Maxwell of Breoch, whose mother was heiress portioner of that
property. When his father, Alexander Maxwell, married again, he went off to sea as a
sailor. He was then about fifteen years of age, and followed this profession for about
forty years. For some time he was in command of a vessel in the African trade, and
afterwards carried on a coasting trade on the south-west coast of Scotland.
The half of the land of Breoch was for a time possessed by his father, but Robert,
with his brothers and sister of the first marriage, took legal steps to compel implement
of their mothers marriage contract. They also disputed his right of possession of the
liferent by courtesy. It was at last settled by the arbitration of friends, and on the
28th March 1745, Alexander Maxwell of Balmangan gave his son, Robert Maxwell of Breoch, a
full discharge of all claims he had on him, as representing the deceased Francis Maxwell
of Breech, his grandfatlher by his mothers side, in implement of a decreet-arbitral
pronounced by Alexander Copland of Collieston, Dumfriesshire John MCairtney of
Halketleaths ; Joseph Corrie, town-clerk of Dumfries; and James Dickson, writer there. By
this decreet, Alexander Maxwells claims were limited to an annuity out of Breoch. By
the death of his aunt Margaret, his mothers sister, who married Sir George Maxwell
of Orchardtoun, parish of Rerwick, and had no issue, Robert Maxwell succeeded to her half
of Breoch, and thus, obtained possession of the whole. He was specially retoured heir to
his greatgrandfather, Robert Maxwell of Breoch, on the 1 6th Decemher 1743, and in virtue
of a precept issued by the Court of Chancery, he was infeft on the 31st March, and sasine
on the 9th April 1744. The reason of his infeftment as heir to his great-grandfather
Robert, instead of his grandfather Francis Maxwell, was that there was a doubt of the
correct infeftment of the latter. Robert Maxwell of Breoch married, in 1770, Elizabeth
Burnie, niece of Francis Cavan tenant of Castlegowar farm beside Brooch. He died 12th May
1780, leaving issue----
Barbara, born 1771, died young.
Mary, born 1773, died young.
Robert, born 9th April 1775.
Francis, born 18th April 1777. He was bred as a mechanical engineer, but did not follow it
long. He married Grace Copland, and died at his residence in Dalbeattie in 1852, having no
issue.
Robert Maxwell was infeft in the land of Breoch, under his fathers disposition,
on the 27th April 1795. The date of his fathers death is not stated.
Robert Maxwell married, on the 8th January 1803, Mary, the daughter of John Rigg in
Halketleaths, by whom he had issue----
Francis, born 3d February 1804.
Elizabeth.
Mary Ann.
Margaret.
Robert, horn 21st May 1811.
Agnes.
John, born 16th July 1815.
James, born 2d July 1817.
Lucy.
Robert Maxwell died on the 17th April 1835, and was succeeded by his eldest son
Francis, who was infaft on the 29th July 1835. From 1843 he acted as factor and
commissioner to Lord Herries and his two brothers, the Hon. M. C. Maxwell of Terregles,
and the Hon. Henry C. Maxwell of Milnhead. He married, on the 24th November 1834, Janet,
daughter of John MNaught, late writer in Kirkcudbright, and afterwards in
Girstingwood, and then Urioch, afterwards emigrating to Canada in 1834.
Francis Maxwell had issue
Robert.
Francis.
Edward.
John.
William.
James.
Euphemia.
Mary Elizabeth.
Margaret.
He died on the 15th March 1867. He was well known for his knowledge of the history of
the Maxwells, no doubt in a great degree from having access to the family papers at
Terregles, &c., coupled with a taste for genealogical study. He was succeeded by his
eldest son Robert, the late proprietor, and also the male representative of the Newlaw and
Balmangan families.
He married in 1869, Mary-Elizabeth, only daughter of John Hart of Dublin, and had
issue
Francis-Xavier, born in 1870.
Robert, born in 1872.
John-Patrick, born in 1873.
Robert Maxwell died at Bournemouth in February 1874, where he had gone for the benefit
of his health. He was thus cut off in the prime of life, to the sorrow of his family, and
the regret of many who knew him. The many particulars about the Maxwells, which we give,
were obtained from him prior to the issue of "The Book of Caerlaverock," for
which he also gave information. He succeeded his father as factor, &c., over the
Terregles estates.
The armorial bearings of the family are
| ArmsQuarterly 1 and 4, argent, a saltire sable between nine mullets,
gules three, three and three, and a hurcheon of the second in base, for Maxwell of Newlaw;
2nd and 3rd, the same between a crescent in chief, and a mullet in base , gules, for
Maxwell of Breoch.
|
| CrestA stag couchant before a holly bush.
|
| MottoReviresco.
|
In 1840, an urn or kistrean of baked clay was turned up by the plough. The ashes of
the dead were inside.
The property was sold in September 1875 to Robert Sloan, late merchant in London, for
�16,000, and re-sold in October following for �17,500 to Mrs Maitland-Kirwan of Gelston,
parish of Kelton, which latter property it adjoins.
LOGAN.
The word Lagan or Lagain is the Gaelic for a dell, &c. In Irish and in Scotch it
is Logan. This is according to Armstrong, but we think we have also seen it used somewhere
or other for low marshy land. In the Norse there is loena for a hollow place or vale, thus
conveying the same meaning.
We have no positive information in regard to the ancient ownership beyond the fact
that in the Ragman Roll we find Thurbrandus de Logan, among others from the Stewartry, who
swore fealty to King Edward I. of England. That he was then the owner of the land there
cannot be a doubt. After this there is a great gap, for we have to go to the sixteenth
century for positive information. At this time we find it owned by John Maxwell, a natural
son of Robert, fifth Lord Maxwell, who died at Logan on the 9th July 1546. He had acquired
the land before the 3rd November 1551, and therefore prior to his fathers death in
1546. Whom John Maxwell of Logan married is not known, but he left two sons
William, who died unmarried.
John
The second son who was designated as younger of Logan, would seem to have lived at
Balgredan, near Kirkcudhright, as in the Act of Oblivion (1585) in favour of John, Earl of
Morton, we find the names of John Maxwell of Balgraden, and Alexander Maxwell in Logan,
his son.
As will be seen under Breoch, the lands of Logan were included in the precept, granted
in 1587 by King James VI., to Edward Maxwell of Tinwald, and his heirs.
When John Maxwell succeeded his father, and whom he married we do not learn. He had
several sons
Thomas, of Areemiog, parish of Kirkpatrick-Durham.
John, of Collyn, had issueSusannab.
William.
Peter.
Alexander, who succeeded to Logan.
He had also a natural son named John, and it was thought perhaps that Hew Maxwell in
Balgraden, in 1585, was another.
Alexander succeeded his father. He was cornet in one of the Earl of Mortons
troops of horse in 1585. He obtained a charter from the Crown on the 30th November 1613,
of the land of Balgredan, Chaple, Castlegower, &c., united in the tenandry of Logan.
He appears to have died in October 1615. He left issue
Robert.
John, designated of Flaskholm, then of Three Merkiand, and lastly of Milton.
Thomas, of Carswada.
William, of Midkelton. He was a Protestant, and beheaded in Edinburgh during the
Covenanting times.
George, of Slagnaw and Munches.
Edward.
Alexander.
Robert succeeded to Logan. He married Mary, sister of Robert Maxwell of Cavens, parish
of Kirkbean, and had issue John.
John succeeded his father, and sold to his uncle, John Maxwell of Flaskholm, the land
of Logan for 9000 merks, redeemable, except Balgredan. After this we do not again find the
Maxwells in possession. In June 1623, there was sasine of a reversion by Sir Patrick
MGhie to Sir John MDowall of the land of Logan, &c. We find nothing more
until about 1662, when William Glendinning of Logan was fined by the committee in the
reign of King Charles II. for non-conformity to Prelacy, and about the same period John
Herries of Logan was fined �360. This we do not understand unless the land was then
divided into East and West Logan.
We next learn that on the 8th December 1663, John Vaus of Barnbarroch, parish of
Kirkinner, had sasine of the lands of Laggane and Buttlemains. This was a wadset. On the
same date, Marion Crock, spouse to William Glen-dinning of Lagaun had sasine in liferent
of the land of Nether Laggan, as well as her husband. The latter, however, was evidently
in difficulties, as on the 1 4th April 1664, Robert, son to Gavin Burnet, writer to the
signet, had sasine of the land of Lagane. The last notice of William Glendoning is in
April 1665. He is then styled of Kirkconnell, &c., and had sasine of the farm of
Logan.
The next owner appears to have been Herbert Irving. In October 1667, Anna Brown,
spouse to Herbert Irving of Logan, had sasine. He was succeeded by his eldest son John,
who in November 1668 had sasine, and again in May 1674. Previous, however, to this last
infeftment, on the
14th October 1669, William Laurie of Reid Castle, parish of Urr, heir of Laurie, third
son of John Lautie of Maxwelltown, had retour of the lands of Logan with Braidlees, and
fortalice of Logan. Again on the 24th May 1671, lie had principal sasine of the land and
mylne of Logan. We next find on the 6th February that Alexander, brother of William Laurie
of Redcastle, had sasine of the land of Logan with Braidlayes. Then in July 1673,
Alexander Laurie, brother and heir to Umqll William Laurie of Redcastle, had sasine of the
land of Logan, Braidleys, Mylne, &c.
From the notices we have given about the Lawries, the conclusion may be arrived at
that they were the proprietors, but this is proved to be a mistake, as on the 15th August
1740, William Moorhead of Crochmore, nephew, and one of the two heirs-portioners of the
deceased Janies Irving of Logan, his grandfather, and one of the heirs-portioners of the
deceased Herbert Irving of Logan, his great-grandfather, had sasine of the ten-merk land
of Logan. John Irving was the next in line. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Ferguson,
and had issue John. Also three daughters.
On the 17th April 1741, John Irving, merchant in Dumfries, and late provost, as heir
to the deceased John Irving, merchant, who had also been provost, had sasine of the land
of Logan, &c., together with his wife, Elizabeth Irving. It would appear from these
entries that the land of Logan was then divided, and that the Lauries held through that
wadset system which was so ruinous to many proprietors.
According to the valuation-roll of 1799, Dr John Allan MCartney then possessed
West Logan, and the descendants of William Moorhead, already mentioned, succeeded to East
Logan. The latter was the Rev. Dr James Muirhead, minister of the parish of Urr, who is
styled of Logan, and had sasine on the 20th June 1800. He was succeeded by Charles and
John Muirhead, who were in possession in 1819. We presume that they were his sons. John
Muirhead was the owner in 1828.
The present, owner was the wife of the late Dr James Finlay,Castle Douglas, but we
have no information about her. He left issue.
As already stated Logan is from the Gaelic and Irish.
It is also spelled Lagan. There are different meanings. and under Logan, parish of
Kirkmaiden.
From mention being made of a fortalice on the Logan lands in 1669, it is evident that
if the particulars could be gathered, some interesting information might be the result. As
will be found under Clonyard, parish of Colvend, a large piece of granite on which arms
were cut was removed there. From souse cause or other, no direct informnation has been
furnished.
KIRKENNAN.
As with nearly all the other lands in this parish, we know nothing of the ancient
owners of Kirkennan, but presume that it was part of the old Botel or Buittle estate. It
will be seen, on reference to the account of the parish, the name is derived from an
ancient church dedicated to Saint Ennan.
The first information we have is that MMorrane of Kirkennan, being in debt 400
merks to George Gordon in Culwha, assigned to him the lands of Mylneton of Buittle on the
20th May 1585. He married Margaret, daughter of John Gordon of Lag, parish of Girthon. The
Maxwells, who obtained so much land in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, are found
in possession of the farm of Clone, and Robert, son of Robert Maxwell, had retour of Clone
on the 5th August 1550. We next find that, on the 25th June 1586, Edward (Maxwell),
commendator of Dundrennan, conveyed to Robert MMorrane of Kirkennan, the teind
schaws of the eight-merk land of Torr and Len Schannel, with pertinents in Rerwick. The
witness to this was James Hutton, Prior, &c. Robert MMorrane appears to have
left two daughters as heirs-portioners. Their names were Nicolas and Margaret. On the 26th
February 1592, they were served as heirs to their father. We have next to state that John,
son of John Maxwell of Munches, had retour of the farm of Clone on the 19th September 1604
and John Maxwell was followed by Robert, son of Robert Maxwell of Spottes, on the 31st
October 1615. He again was followed on the 13th July 1619, by Robert, son of John Maxwell
of Munches. We give these notices as we find them. We next trace, on the 25th February
1635, that John Lenox, heir-avi of William Lenox of Calie, had retour of Buittlemains,
part of Kirkennan. He was followed, on the 26th January 1647, by John, son of John Lenox
of Cally, and on the 21st December 1658, by John Lenox of Pluntoun, heir of his cousin,
Andrew Lenox.
As we have already shown under other lands in this parish, Mary, Countess of
Buccleuch, followed by her sister Ann, who succeeded, had numerous wadsets, and we again
find Mary, on the 6th October 1653, and Anne, on the 17th October 1661, with wadsets over
Clone, it is presumed that all the lands over which they had wadsets formed one property
in their time. The same is strengthened by the fact that John and William, Viscounts of
Nithsdale, always followed in their wake, the dates also agreeing, viz., 6th April 1670,
and 26th May 1696 respectively. The first mention we find of Kirkennan proper is in the
War Committee Book dated 1st October 1640, when John Cannon was of Kirkennan; and again in
July 1665, when Richard Murray, younger of Broughton had sasine of the land of Kirkennan.
In 1682 we again find John Cannan in possession. That the Cannans were the proprietors at
this period seems clear. The last mention found of them is dated 4th February 1713, when
James Cannan of Kirkennan had sasine of the five-merk-land of Kirkennan, &c. The
Maxwells again come in, very likely holding wadsets. On the 6th September 1733 James
Maxwell of Carnsalloch had sasine of the same land and on the 20th November 1740, when he
is mentioned as brother-german to William Maxwell of Munshes, Another family after this
appears bearing an Ayrshire name. We refer to John Reid in the Glen of Almorness, who had
sasine on the 14th April 1742, of the five-merk land of Kirkennan, &c. He was
succeeded by his son William, who was in possession of Kirkennan and Meikle Kirkland in
1799. He again was succeeded by Alexander, followed by Robert Reid. The latter we find in
possession in 1828. They appear to have held it from father to son to the last named. A
short-lived family evidently.
The next owner was Mrs Mary Wright Weems, who was succeeded by William Wright-Platt.
When he died we know not; his trustees are in charge on behalf of the second son of
Wellwood Herries Johnstone-Maxwell of Munches, to whom the land was left on his attatning
his majority. The second surviving son is Wellwood, born in 1857. The wood on this estate
ranges from thirty to sixty years growth.
BARLOCHAN.
The early history we know nothing of. The name seems to be a compound of Gaelic and
Irish, bar being in the first language for a hill, and lochan, from Lochlin, the Gaelic
for Scandinavia, and the Irish appellation for Norsemen. We have thus the hill of the
Norsemen. Pont spells the name Barlocchenn. In 1572 it was owned by William Lennox of
Cally, who was succeeded by his son William. We next find, on the 26th January 1647, John,
son of John Lenox of Cally; and, on the 21st December 1658, John Lenox of Plumtoun, who
was heir of his cousin Alexander Lenox of Cahie. Then, in July 1665, Richard Murray,
younger of Broughton, had sasine of the land of Barlochtrin. The Murrays of Brotighton, it
is to be remembered, obtained Cally by marriage. It is thus evident that the owners of
Cally also owned Barlochan for some time. So far as we can gather the next owners were the
MNaughts ; and in 1799 Robert MNaught was in possession. We next learn that on
the 21st July 1800 James Ferguson of Crosshill, advocate, had sasine of Barlochan and
others on crown charter.
Subsequently James Nish was the owner in 1813-15, and Robert MNaught in 1819.
The property is now owned by John Strong, merchant, Liverpool, son of Samuel Strong,
shipowner, Garlieston, parish of Sorby, who came from Wiltshire. He married Margaret,
daughter of William Davidson, shipowner, Dumfries, and had issue, two sons, William and
John, both deceased, as also their mother.
In 1841, a Roman coin of Constantine the Great was found on the land.
CUlL, ETC.
We can only suppose that the present farms of Cuil and Little Knox have a similar
early history, as Meikleknox, &c. The supposed meaning of Knox we have dealt with
under Meikleknox. Cuil is pure Gaelic, and means a corner, an angle; but how that can
apply to the farm is unknown to us. Cuile in Gaelic means reeds and bulrushes, and from
what we remember, a low range or hollow seemed to answer to this description; but from the
improvement of land in the district, it is not now easy to arrive at a correct conclusion.
The first name found in connection with the land is Robert, son of Robert Maxwell of
Munches, &c., who had retour of Cuil and Littleknox on the 5th August 1550, followed
by John, son of John, on the 19th September 1604, and again by Robert, the son of the
latter, on the 13th July 1619. We next find, on the 17th March 1635, that John, Viscount
Kenmure, son of John, had retour. This and the following we believe to have been
wadsets,viz., Mary Scott, Countess of Buccleuch, on the 6th October 1653, and her
sister Anne (who succeeded as countess), on the 17th October 1661. Then on the 28th August
1655 Elizabeth, heir of her father William Glendyning of Gelston, was infeft in Cuill.
Also in July 1667 Alexander MClellan of Geordiland had sasine of Little Knox, with
John Inglis, town clerk of Kirkcudbright.
We also find that Hugh, youngest son of Robert Maxwell of Orchardton, parish of
Rerwick, was styled of Cuil. The next notices, we presume, related to the
superiority,viz., on the 6th April 1670 John, Viscount Nithsdale, heir to his
brother Lord Nithsdale, and on the 26th May 1696 William, Viscount, son of Robert,
Viscount Nithsdale. Littleknox, like Meikleknox, we also find called Lerrow. The Maxwells
evidently retained possession of Cuil. On the 5th August 1715 Thomas Maxwell had sasine.
He was a lawyer, and his actions tarnished his reputation. He married Isabel, daughter of
Neilson, merchant, Dumfries, brother to the laird of Barncalzie. He had no family, and at
his death his widow married Patrick Heron of Kirouchtrie, parish of Minnigaff. Among other
things he had the estate of Ballycastle, Londonderry, Ireland, conveyed to him in trust by
his cousin Sir George Maxwell of Orchardtoun, parish of Rerwick, giving a bond that he
would convey it hack to Sir George in liferent; to his wife, Lady Mary, Dowager
Viscountess Montague, if she survived him ; then to the Earl of Nithsdale and his heirs
male; and failing them, to the third son of the Earl of Traquair. However, instead of
adhering to this, along with Cuil he conveyed the lands not his own to his wife Isobel
Neilson on the 14th October 1720. "The Laird of Cools Ghost" was the
subject of a small chap-book.
Littleknox seems to have been owned by others at different tinies. Alexander Gordon
was the proprietor, and on the 12th August 1793 his relict, Mrs Margaret MNaucht,
had sasine of the manor place in security of her annuity of �40. In 1799 it had been
purchased by Sir William Douglas of Castle-Douglas. In 1819 his heirs were in possession.
Cuil and Littleknox ultimately passed to his niece Elizabeth, the only daughter of his
brother, Samuel Douglas of Netherlaw, parish of Rerwick. She married Sir Robert Abercromby
of Birkenbog, and had issue.
See Netherlaw for further particulars.
The farm of Cuil was sold in 1873 to Mrs MaitlandKirwan of Gelston, and Littleknox is
now owned by W. H. Johnstone-Maxwell of Munches.
CAIGTON, ETC.
The earliest notice found is the sale of Craigtoun, &c., by Sir John Seyton of
Barnis, under charter dated 11th August 1593, to Sir Robert Maxwell of Spottes, parish of
Urr. An account of the manner in which Sir John Seyton obtained, the land will be found
under Breoch. Then, on the 31st October 1615, Robert, son of Robert Maxwell of Spottes,
was infeft in Caigton. Following this is principal sasine, dated 4th May 1675, in favour
of Margaret Herries, spouse to William Herries of Flock, and George, his son.
We learn nothing more until 1799, when James Douglas of Orchardtoun owned the land
then forming part of Orchardtoun. In 1819 James Douglas of Orchardtoun was the owner.
The farms of Caigton and Flock are now owned by Mrs Matilda Maithand-Kirwan of
Geiston, parish of Kelton.
The name Caigton, so far as can be gathered, is a corruption of Craigton, as spelled
in 1587, &c. Flock is a corruption of the Gaelic word sloc, a hollow, a dell, also a
marsh, &c.
CORRA.
We think that this farm belonged to the Buittle estate.
In the Gaelic we find corra, which means a corner, &c., but whether or not
applying, we cannot state. There is also corrach, a marsh. There are other meanings which
will be found under Kirrouchtrie, parish of Minnigaff.
The first mention of it found by us is dated 5th August 1550, when Bobert, son of
Robert Maxwell of Munches, &c., had retour. He again was followed on the 19th
September 1604 by John, son of John ; and the next was Robert, son of John Maxwell of
Munches, &c., who had retour on the 13th July 1619. The next notice we find is dated
17th March 1635, when John, Viscount Kenmure, son of John, had retour. This may have had
reference to the superiority, as the Gordons owned the Buittle estate about this time.
Again we find on the 6th October 1653 that Mary Scott, Countess of Buccleuch, had retour
of Corvarie. She was followed by her sister Anne, who had retour on the 17th October 1661.
These were wadsets. Previous to this last notice, the farm appears to have been owned by
William Glendyning of Gelston, parish of Kelton, and on the 28th August 1655, Elizabeth,
his daughter and heir, had retour. The next we find in possession was James Glendoning of
Mochrum, parish of Parton. We find, however, on the 6th April 1670, that John, Viscount
Nithsdale, heir to his brother Robert, Loid Nithsdale , and again on the 26th May 1696,
that William, Viscount Nithsdale, son of Robert, Viscount, had sasine. They were followed
by John, son of Alexander, Viscount Kenmure, who also had sasine of Kaillcora on the 20th
September 1698. These, however, could only have related to the superiority. In June 1694,
John Glendoning, styled of Corra, had sassne. He was a merchant in Edinburgh, but we learn
nothing more. It is understood that in 1696, he sold the farm to John Irving of
Drumcoltran, parish of Kirkgunzeon, and John MGeorge of Cocklick, parish of Urr. In
1716 it belonged to Christopher and Thomas Irving, grandsons of John Irving. They died
without issue, when it passed to their sister, Agnes Irving, who was in possession in
1747. She married Captain John Maxwell of Cardoness. The next owner was Nathaniel Duke of
Leaths, who was in possession in 1751. He was succeeded by John Bushby, writer in
Dumfries, who was in possession in 1765 ; and following him as owner, was David Thomson of
Ingleston, whom we find in 1773. In 1786, Johnston Hannay of Bedford Square, London,
became the owner. In 1799, Johnston Hannay of Torrs, parish of Rerwick, owned Corra, with
other lands. His eldest daughter Janet, married James Gordon, younger of Culvennan, and
his only other child became the wife of the Reverend James Hamilton of Barham Court,
Canterbury. On the death of Johnston Hannay it passed to James Gordon and his wife, who
were the owners in 1818. In the valuation roll of 1819, Mrs Margaret Hannay Hamilton of
Torrs is mentioned as the owner. We have been informed that Johnston Hannay got into
difficulties, and in 1837 there was a process of ranking and sale of the property in the
Court of Session, at the instance of James Gordons creditors, when it was purchased
by the late Robert Kirk of Drumstinchell, parish of Colvend. Robert Kirk died in 1841. His
only surviving child, John Ann Parish married in 1850, William Skinner (born in 1823)
writer to the signet, eldest son of the late John Skinner, clerk to the signet, by Ann,
daughter of the late William Black of Brechin. Of his family was Bishop Skinner, known as
a contributor to Scottish song. Mr Skinner is a F.S.A.Scot., F.R.S.E., &c. He obtained
the lucrative appointment of City Clerk of Edinburgh in 1874. His wife died in ,
leaving issue-
Jane-Ann-Kirk, who married, in 1871, Thomas Wilsone of Hill of Beath,
Fifeshire.
Robert-Riddle-Kirk.
Harriet-Emily.
William-Henry-Kirk.
Blanch-Leonora-Kirk.
Charles-Ernest-Kirk.
The Crown is superior, and few duty nominal.
CORBIETON.
When this farm was detached from the Buittle or other estate, we do not find.
Pont in his map spells it Corbettoun, and probably given from the Corbetts, a family,
who first appear in Galloway in the fourteenth century. Under Buittle will be found Robert
Corbet in the reign of King Robert the Bruce.
The ownership so far as we gather, is identical with what we have given under Corra,
commencing with Robert, son of Robert Maxwell of Munches, &c., who had retour on the
5th August 1550, to the 17th October 1661, when Anne, Countess of Buccleuch, had also
retour. We do not consider it necessary to give those particulars already mentioned under
Corra, but the following have not been given, viz., that in November 1665, James, son to
Robert Gordon of Grange, had sasine of the land of Corbieton, and again a reversion in
June 1666, of the land of Brakensydes, Whytefield, &c. Following this in July 1669,
Roger Gordon of Trochen (Troquhain), parish of Balmaclellan, gave transfer to John Maxwell
of Brackensyde. Also on the 6th April 1670, John, Viscount Nithsdale, heir to his brother
Robert, had retour ; and on the 26th May 1696, William, son of Viscount Nithsdale,
followed. In continuation, on the 20th September 1698, John, son of Alexander, Viscount
Kenmure, had also retour. We believe these to have related only to the superiority.
We next find on the 1st March 1706 that William Riddick at Butlekirk had sasine of the
ten merk land of Corbintoun. He was succeeded by Robert Riddick, styled of Corbieton, who
had sasine of the same on the 6th April 1739. The next was Alexander Riddick, we suppose
son of Robert, and grandson of William. He was in possession in 1799. The next owner was
James MMichan, who had the land in 1819. Of none of these owners have we any
information of family or marriages.
The land is now in charge of the trustees of the late James MMichan for behoof
of Mrs Helen MMorrine MMichan of Corbieton, spouse of Alexander MMorrine
MMichan.
CASTLEGOWAR
This farm no doubt formed a portion of the old Buittle estate. The information we
first find is identical with what is already given under Corra, &c., viz., in 1550,
1604, 1619, 1653, 1661, 1670, and 1696, except that Sir Robert Maxwell of Spottes, parish
of Urr, had the liferent of Castlegower, in virtue of an agreement between John, Lord
Maxwell, and John, Lord Herries, dated 21st February 1573. The additional information is
that, on the 31st October 1 615, Robert, son of Robert Maxwell of Spottes, had retour.
Also, on the 15th September 1656, that Amaucht Michell and his spouse had sasine of the
hand of Castlegour. Again, on the 15th May 1672, that Elizabeth Maxwell, daughter of
Umquhile William Maxwell of Castellgour had sasine in fie, and Elizabeth Lytle, her
mother, in liferent. On the 4th December 1712, Agnes Maxwell, daughter to James Maxwell of
Kilfean, and Edmund Maxwell, son to Janet Maxwell, who was ane ither daughter of James
Maxwell, had sasine of Castlegower. They were succeeded on the 22d July 1725 by James
Maxwell, younger of Carnsalloch, brother to the deceased Edmund Maxwell, younger of the
same. He had sasine of half of the land of Castlegower. The next owner was Sir Thomas
Maxwell of Orchardtoun, baronet, parish of Rerwick, who had sasine on the 21st October
1751 of the six merk land of Little Castlegowar, &c. In 1799 Little Castlegowar, with
other lands, were owned by James Douglas of Orchardtoun, and Meikle Castlegowar by Mrs
Agnes Maxwell of Munches. In 1819 the farm was possessed by the heirs of Sir William
Douglas, baronet. The farm is now owned by Mrs M. E. Maitland-Kirwan of Gelston, parish of
Kelton.
The remains of a circular fort are on the farm. From this the name of Castle has been
given. The walls had been vitrified, which to those not acquainted with the term, we may
state was done by the action of fire. The other word Gower or Gowrie is given by Robertson
to be from the Gaelic gobbar or gabhar, a goat. Whether or not the farm was celebrated for
goats, we know not, but they are still to be found not very far off
The fort is situated beside the farm-house.
MILTON OR MYLNTOUN
This farm, it appears, was always owned separately, so far as known, having been a
special grant under a royal charter, no doubt in connection with a mill, which were of
importance in early times. We would have wished to give the particulars but not being
furnished with them, we must content ourselves with the little gathered. Indeed, the whole
is but little. The first notice is in December 1640, when John Maxwell was of Mylntone. He
was second son of Alexander Maxwell of Logan. He was succeeded by his son John. After
this, on the 26th January 1647, John, son of John Lenox of Cally, had retour; and again,
on the 21st December 1658, John Lenox of Plumtoun, heir of his cousin, Alexander Lenox of
Callie. These, however, could only have been wadsets, as about 1662 John Maxwell of Milton
was fined �800 by the Prelacy Committee for adherence to the Presbyterian Church. He was
succeeded by his son, Robert Maxwell, who was served heir to his grandfather on the 19th
November 1698, and had also sasine on the 28th November 1713, of the land of
Milntoun,
&c., and again, on the 5th April 1725. Whom he married we do not learn, but he was
succeeded by William Maxwell, who we presume was his son. He had sasine of the land of
Milntoun on the 27th April 1737. In 1799, we find, according to the valuation roll, that
John Staigg was in possession. Who he was we have no means of learning, and still less of
his successor, Mrs Sweetman, who was the owner in 1819. She again was succeeded by Admiral
and Mrs Pennell, from whom the farm was purchased by the present owner, John Paterson, in
1861. He is of the same family as William Paterson, the founder of the Bank of England.
SCROGGIEHILL, &C.
The farms of Scroggiehill, Milton Park, and Hopehead, were owned by the late Alexander
Kerr, and left in charge of his trustees.
They were recently sold to Henry Grierson, merchant, Glasgow.
KIRKLAND, &C.
The small farms of Kirkland and Clone, Broomiebrae, Courthill, &c., belong
to Wellwood, second son of W. H. Johnstone-Maxwell of Munches. We have no particulars to
give.
|