Wedderburn of BLACKNESS (pp. 278 seqq.).

The surname of Wedderburn is local, and according to Mr. Nisbet2 was assumed by the proprietors of the lands and barony of Wedderburn in Berwickshire, as soon as surnames came to be used in Scotland, and (they) were afterwards designed Wedderburn of that ilk, but, in the reign of King Robert III, a younger brother of the most noble family of Home having married the heir of line of the Wedderburns of that ilk, their lands have been in the possession of the Homes ever since.

Yet we find Wedderburns proprietors of lands in that county some time thereafter, viz.,

William de Wedderburn, who got a charter under the great seal from King James I. of some tenements of land near Blackadder in Berwickshire, dated 20th January 1425 (Chart in pub. archiv.). He is also mentioned in another charter from the same King James, together with Sir Thomas Hay of Yester, Sir Archibald Douglas of Cavers, sheriff of Tweedale, etc., 12th May 1425 (ib.).

Also another William in the reign of King James II. became tutor and guardian to Sir John Swinton of that ilk in the same county, managed his affairs during his minority with fidelity and honour, and was then designed Williel. de Wedderburn, scutifer, etc. (Writs of the fam. of Swinton).

How or when they came to Angus, we have no direct evidence; but it appears a branch of them from Eymouth have settled there, much about this time, as being a fit place for all kind of mercantile business.

The earlier part of the supplemental account in Douglas, entitled "Wedderburn of Balindean, and Blackness," is as follows:

"The lords or proprietors of the barony of Wedderburn in the county of Berwick, first assumed the name of Wedderburn; the surname is therefore local. This happened in the reign of Malcolm III. who was contemporary with William the Conqueror, at which period surnames became hereditary in Scotland. They were designed Wedderburn of that Ilk.

Walter de Wedderburn was one of the great Barons of Scotland, who swore fealty to King Edward I. of England for the lands which he possessed in Berwickshire Anno 1296. This appears from the curious instrument quoted below; the original is amongst the records kept in the Tower of London.

In the reign of King Robert III. the direct male line of the Barons of Wedderburn terminated in an heiress, who married a younger son of the noble family in Home; from that period the barony of Wedderburn has been in the possession of the descendants of the above marriage down to the present time."

"Several collateral descendants of the family of Wedderburn were proprietors of land in the county of Berwick. Willielmus de Wedderburn obtained a charter under the great seal from King James I. of lands adjoining to the barony of Blackadder, 20th January 1425 (Chart in pub, arche.). The name of this William also occurs with those of Sir Thomas Hay of Yester, Sir Archibald Douglas of Cavers, sheriff of Tweedale, and others, in a charter from the King, dated 12th May 1425 (ib.). It also appears that in the reign of James II. this Gullielmus de Wedderburn, a gentleman of consider. able property, was appointed tutor and guardian to his kinsman Sir John Swinton of Swinton, in the same county, for managing his affairs during his minority."

The reign of James II. covers the years 1437-60.

Douglas 8. Swinton of that ilk again refers to the fact that "Sir John Swinton being an infant at his father's death was left under the care of William de Wedderburn, scutifer." I do not know on what authority it is stated that William de Wedderburn was kinsman to Sir John Swinton.

For further references to a William de Wedderburn, 1375-1452, see the Introduction.

The immediate ancestor of this family was I. James Wedderburn, who, in the reign of King James III. was designed merchant-burgess of Dundee, as will be shown hereafter. To whom he was married

is not come to our knowledge, but he left issue two sons,

1. David, who is mentioned in a confirmation of a charter under the great seal of a donation, "ad sustentationem capellani in ecclesia de Dundee, etc.," dated 19th of February 1589 (chart in pub. archiv.); but he died with

out issue.

"The immediate ancestor of the present family was Part V. James Wedderburn, Esq., descended in the col. Chap. IV. lateral male-line from the ancient Barons of Wedderburn. He acquired considerable property in the county of Forfar, where he resided, and had issue two sons, 1, David; 2, James" (Douglas s. Wedderburn of Balindean).

No authority is given for this acconnt of "James Wedderburn in the reign of King James III." (146088). James Wedderburn who married Janet Barry (ante, pp. 5-6) was of this date, but although he is named as burgess and bailie and was a merchant, I find no mention of him as "merchant-burgess of Dundee" in any document of the time, and while Douglas says as will be shown hereafter," he does

not show it.

66

The parentage of the David Wedderburn named in the charter of 1489 (not 1589, see G.S.R. 8) is not known. He was the father of David Wedderburn who married Helen Lawson (ante, pp. 56-59, and he was certainly not the brother of James Wedderburn who married Janet Forrester. This James was the son of James Wedderburn and Janet

III. John, who was town clerk of Dundee, and got a charter under the great seal from King James V. 'Johanni Wedderburn filio Jacobi Wedderburn jun. burgen. de Dundee, inter ipsum Jacobum et Janetam Forrester ejus conjugem procreat." of the lands of Tofts, etc., in the barony of Tulloch-hills in the shire of Forfar, dated 20th June 1527 (ib.). He got another charter confirming to him some acres of land lying in the lordship of Dudhope, etc., dated 31st August 1533 (ib.).

He died soon thereafter, and left issue a son,

IV. David Wedderburn, also townclerk of Dundee, who got a charter under the great seal, to him and Helen Lawson his spouse, of the lands of Hiltoun of Craigie in the shire of Forfar, dated 9th October 1535 (ib). Also a charter from Queen Mary to him and his said spouse, of the mains of Huntly in Perthshire, dated 8th October 1552 (ib.).

He lived to a great age, died about the year 1590, and left issue two sons, 1. Alexander, his heir.

2. James, who was bred to the church, studied at Oxford, and, in the year 1631, became a prebend of White church in the diocese of Wilts in England. He was afterwards professor of Divinity at St. Andrew's, and, in February 1635, was consecrated Bishop of Dumblain; but in 1638 he was deprived and excom

"John Wedderburn of Tofts, Esq., who was a gentleman of fine accomplishments and much in favour with King James V."..." He left issue two sons, David.... and a Colonel in the German wars. He brought over 100 men to the siege of Leith during the regency of Murray (1571). When peace was restored he returned again with his men to Holland" (Donglas s. Wedderburn of Balindean, referring to the archery contest [ante, p. 15] as authority for the "fine accomplishments" and royal favour mentioned above). The charters referred to in the main account will be found G.S.R. 15. 20, but otherwise I do not know on what most of these statements are based, and there is nothing to show either that any John Wedderburn was ever clerk of Dundee, or that there was ever any place called "Tofts." See D.L.B. 26 note. John Wedderburn's career is clearly traced, ante, pp. 24-25. He died in 1559, having twice married and had issue by his first wife two sons and two daughters. But neither of his sons was called David, and the "Colonel in the German wars," who is imported on the authority of "Sir Thomas Urquhart and Bishop Guthrie,' was not his son (see ante, p. 8).

This David was never town clerk of Dundee, nor was he either the son of John Wedderburn, or the father of any of the sons assigned to him by Douglas. See ante, pp. 56-59, where his male line is shown to have soon become extinct.

These charters are given in vol. ii., G.S.R. 26, 31. David Wedderburn would certainly have lived to a great age had he died in 1590, as he was born about 1485. He died, however, in 1560 (ante, pp. 56-57), leaving two sons, James of Craigie and William, as well as some daughters. The sons with whom Douglas here credits him were of other parentage and were not even brothers. Alexander of Kingennie was the son of Alexander Wedderburn and Janet Myln (ante, p. 123), and James, the Bishop of Dunblane, was son of John Wedderburn and Margaret Lindsay (ante, p. 28). The bishop's brother is thus added in Douglas' Balindean account as a third son of David Wedderburn and Helen Lawson :-" John, who was a physician of great eminence. Being also an able mathematician, he was called to fill the chair of the Professor of Mathematics in Padua. After having continued there for some time, he settled as a physician at Brinth, in Moravia, where he died" (Lithgow's Travels. His own letters still preserved). See ante, pp. 27-28,32-34.

municated by the assembly of Glasgow, after which he went back to England, where he died anno 1639 and was buried in the cathedral church of Canterbury within the chapel of the Virgin Mary. David

was succeeded by his eldest son, V. Alexander, a man of excellent parts, who employed much of his time in making up differences among his neighbours, in which good office he was so dexterous and impartial, that he generally gave satisfaction to both parties. As he was trusted by the town of Dundee in all their affairs (Register of the town of Dundee), he had frequent opportunities of seeing King James VI., with whom he was in great favour. He accompanied him up to England anno 1603; and, when he was about to return to Scotland, his Majesty took a diamond ring off his finger, and gave (it) him as a token of friendship; which is still preserved in the family.

He acquired the lands and barony of Kingennie in Angus (Contract in arch.fam) which for many years was the title of the family.

He married Helen, daughter of — Ramsay of Brackmont in Fife, by whom he had three sons and three daughters.

1. Alexander, his heir.

2. James, progenitor of the Wedderburns of Blackness, of whom more afterwards.

3. John, physician to, and in great favour

with King Charles I., who conferred the honour of knighthood upon him (Preface to Dr. Bate's book). He acquired great wealth, but died without issue.

1st daughter, Elisabeth, married 1st, to Campbell of Balgershoe, son of Campbell of Crenan. She was married 2dly, to Mr. Peter Bruce, D.D., principal of St. Leonard's college in St. Andrew's, and son of the laird of Fingask; to him she had a daughter, Elisabeth, married to Simon Mackenzie of Lochslyn, brother of George, Earl of Seaforth, by whom she was mother of the celebrated Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, advocate to King Charles II., who had the first rudiments of his education at Dundee in Kingennie's family (Preface to Sir George Mackenzie's works).

Douglas' account s. Balindean is somewhat briefer, as follows: "This gentleman was appointed by the Parliament of Scotland one of the Commissioners for bringing about an union with England, but which at that time failed, He was the first baron of Kingennie, co. Forfar." This is accurate enough, but the main account is both meagre and incorrect. I do not know what the ground is for the statement as to his success in settling disputes; nor what is the Dundee Register referred to in the text. Kingennie's career as clerk of Dundee, and as a member for the burgh is well known. As to the ring and bracelets presented to him by King James VI., see ante, p. 124. His parentage and that of his father are also quite clear, and are not those supposed by Douglas (see ante, p. 93, seqq.).

His wife was the daughter of Alexander Ramsay of Dundee, whose connection with the Brackmont family is not known, and they had five sons and six daughters (p. 129). Of the former, Douglas omits all mention of Peter and William, while in regard to the latter he omits four (Margaret, Marjorie, Jean, Elspeth, ante, pp. 139-41), and adds one Agnes, who never existed. See below.

"Progenitor of Sir John Wedderburn of Balindean, Bart." (Douglas s. Balindean).

"John, physician to King Charles I., and who was knighted by him. He left a library and some bequests to his alma mater, the university of St. Andrew's. Sir Johu, some time before death, doted to the church of Aberlady, in East Lothian, four massy cups of pure silver, for the administration of the holy communion, and 200 merks of money to be distributed among the poor of that parish. Besides the honour of knighthood, the King conferred on him a pension of 2,000 Scots (£166 13. 4. sterling) during life, which grant was afterwards confirmed by King Charles II. He was also incorporated in the university of Oxford, on the 9th April 1646, by virtue of the Chancellor's letter. He died without issue." (Family records and original receipt and discharge, by the Minister and Elders of the parish).

As stated above (p. 450, n. 1), I here omit two letters cited by Douglas, which are given ante, pp. 133, 137. See as to the cups, ante, p. 136.

I do not find any statement to this effect in the preface referred to, and, further, Sir George Mackenzie was not born till ten years after Kingennie's death. See ante, p. 138 n.

3. Magdalene, married to Mr. William Wedderburn minister at Pittenweem, son to Alexander Wedderburn of Pittormie.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

VI. Alexander, second baron of Kingennie, who was also town-clerk of Dundee, and was appointed one of the commissioners for regulating the weights and measures of Scotland, by act of Parliament 1618.

He married Magdalene, daughter of John Scrimgeour of Kirkton, by whom he had a son, Alexander, his heir, and a daughter, Marjory, married to Robert Carnegie of Leughlands, instructed by a charter under the great seal, dated 8th July 1625 (Chart. in pub. arch.).

He died in the beginning of the reign of King Charles I., and was succeeded by his son,

VII. Alexander Wedderburn, third Baron of Kingennie, who being young at his father's death, the clerkship of Dundee was given to his cousin Alexander, afterwards Sir Alexander of Blackness, tho' himself but a young man.

He married, first, Fotheringham, a daughter of the laird of Powrie, by whom he had two sons, who died in infancy.

He married 2ndly, Elisabeth, daughter of Ramsay of Muiry, by whom he had a son, Alexander, his heir.

He married, 3rdly, Miln, a daughter of Milnfield, relict of major Lindsay, by whom he had a daughter,

Magdalene, married to John Scrimgeour

of Kirktoun, and was grandmother of David Scrimgeour of Birkhill, Esq. (Peerage, p. 313).

He acquired the lands and barony of Easter Powrie from Ogilvy, proprietor thereof, and got a charter under the great seal from King Charles II., "Alexandro Wedderburn seniori de Kingennie, terrarum baroniae de Easter Powrie, etc.," dated 19th January 1663 (Chart in pub. arch.).

He died some years thereafter, and was succeeded by his son,

VIII. Alexander, fourth Baron of Kingennie, who, in his father's life-time, married his cousin Grisel, daughter of Sir Alexander Wedderburn of Blackness, by whom he had

a son,

Alexander, his heir, and a daughter

Rachel, married to Gilbert Stewart, merchant in Edinburgh, brother of John Stewart of Stenton, but to him she had no issue.

I find no authority for the existence of this Part V. daughter (ante. p. 137, n. 5). Kingennie's third Chap. IV daughter, Margaret, married Thomas Haliburton of Dundee (p. 138), and his great granddaughter, Agnes Wedderburn, married Haliburton of Pitcur (p. 370). This is correct, though Douglas gives no account of the Pittormie branch, as to whom, see ante, pp. 45 seqq.

Alexander, who succeeded as (second) baron of Kingennie, and who carried on the male line of the family till it failed about forty years ago, since which time this branch of the family has been represented in the female line by Mr. Scrymgeour, now Wedderburn" (Douglas s. Balindean).

The main account is incorrect. The commissioner of 1618 was the first Kingennie (d. 1625), not his son. The second Kingennie had two sons, viz., Alexander and John, and (as far as is known) no daughters, Marjory, who married Carnegie of Leuchlands, being his father's daughter, not his. His death is wrongly given, being confused with that of his father, who died in 1626, a year after the accession of Charles I. (1625), while his son survived till Sept. 1637.

This is all wrong. The third baron of Kingennie became provost of Dundee, but there was never any idea of his being clerk. It was his father who held the clerkship 1627-33, during the youth of his nephew Alexander, afterwards Sir Alexander of Blackness, in place of which Douglas imagines that Sir Alexander took up the office owing to his cousin's age, though, as a matter of fact, there was only five years difference between them.

These marriages (pp. 152-53) are wrongly given. They should be

1. Elizabeth Ramsay, daughter of John Ramsay. Issue, Alexauder, John, Magdalene. 2. Margaret Fotheringham. Issue, David and a daughter.

3. Margaret Miln. Issue, John, Peter, Elizabeth, Janet.

The reference is to Douglas' Peerage of Scotland, s. Scrimgeour of Dudop. See ante, part ii., chap. v. He acquired it, as a matter of fact, from Dougall McPhersone. See S. W. 355; G.S.R. 116.

He died in 1683.

His issue is incompletely stated. He had, in addition to the two children named, three elder sons, John, Alexander, and Peter, all of whom died in their father's life, and three other daughters, Elizabeth, Matilda, and Margaret of whom the two first died before, and the last very soon after, their father (ante, pp. 159-60).