The Douglas Family from Domnaheich of Foss, to New Scone by Perth

Domnaheich of Foss in 1867

The genealogy of John Douglas and Ann Stewart of Domnaheich of Foss, links to the Douglas family in Balnabodach, Findo Gask and Scone, but the earliest record for this branch relates to the marriage of John Douglas and Ann Stewart in 1744, recorded in the Old Parish Records for Dull.

Dull, 12th July 1744
John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Foss in this parish were married. Alexander Stewart, John Stewart - witnesses.

John and Ann had seven children while the family moved from Domnaheich to Frenich, then to Croftenwalter, and finally back to Frenich again.

Dull, 23rd June 1745
Christian, daughter to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Domnahigh of Foss was baptised. James Douglass and Donald Douglass, witnesses.

Dull, 3rd November 1746
Alexander, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Domnahigh of Foss was baptised. Donald Douglass and Donald Kennedy, witnesses.

Dull, 30th October 1748
James, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Domnahich of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 21st July 1751
Donald, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Frenich of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 1st August 1754
John, son to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Croftoicwalter(?) of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 7th March 1757
Isabel, daughter to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Croftickvatter(?) of Foss was baptised.

Dull, 23rd July 1761
Helen, daughter to John Douglass and Ann Stewart in Frenich was baptised.

Nothing more is known for certain about John Douglas but the baptism witnesses, Donald Douglass and James Douglass were probably his brothers. Donald Douglass married Helen Bennet on 10th November 1743 and the couple were also farming at Domnaheich. Both John and Donald had eldest sons by the name of Alexander, suggesting that this was their father's name. The surname Bennet is unusual for this area of Scotland, so the Finlay Bennet of Domnahigh, husband of Elspeth Stewart, whose son John was baptised on 12th June 1748, was probably Helen Bennet's brother.

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(Generation 2) The Family of John Douglas and Janet McDonald

It is believed that John Douglas's son John is the same one who married Janet McDonald on the 22nd January 1791. Janet McDonald is mentioned as the the first wife in the Trust Deposition and Settlement of John Douglas of New Scone dated 1845, and he appears to be the only John Douglas born in Dull parish between 1745 and 1774.

Dull, 22nd January 1791
John Douglass and Janet McDonald both in this parish gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

There seem to be no baptismal records for any of their children, but John's 1845 Trust Deposition and Settlement names two of the sons from this marriage: James Douglas, carter, of New Row (Perth), deceased; and Donald Douglas, publican, Pomerian (Perth). Other children from the first marriage were excluded from the Trust, as the document describes them as:

... my other children now existing having previously received their full portion of my estate and effects.

This refers to an earlier settlement which was written at Woodhead of Findo-Gask after his second marriage, and following the birth of his daughter Helen in 1825. This earlier Trust Deposition says:

... for payment to Elizabeth Douglas, my daughter, wife of Robert Stewart in Milntown of Foss, of the sum of twenty pounds stirling which with thirty pounds formerly paid to her is declared to be in full, of all legitive and bairns part of gear she can demand in and through my death my daughter Isabella Douglas who is married to John Dewar now in America having received the like sum of fifty pounds stirling in full, of all portions natural, legitive and bairns part of gear.

For details of the children from John Douglas's second marriage to Helen Douglas of Balnabodach in Blair Atholl parish, see - The Douglas Family of Balnabodach, Findo-Gask and Scone.

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(Generation 3) The Family of Robert Stewart and Elizabeth Douglas of Daloist and Croftgarbh

Elizabeth was born around 1796, but the exact date is unknown as there is no record of her baptism. She married Robert Stewart of Milntown of Foss in 1815, and this event is recorded in the OPRs of both Dull and Moulin. Robert was the eldest child of John Stewart and Catharine Douglass of Domnaheich, and was baptised on 21st March 1788. The family were at Donagowan by 1804 when his sister Barbara was born, before moving to Milntown of Foss.

It seemed to be quite a coincidence that Robert's mother was also a Douglass, so a search was made for their marriage banns and two were found: one in Dull parish and one in Perth. The Dull entry merely stated that both parties were living in Foss and had paid the marriage tax, but the Perth entry was much more informative.

Perth, the second day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven years. Contracted, John Stewart flaxdresser in Perth and Catharine Douglass daughter of Daniel Douglass, farmer in Foss in the parish of Dull. Parties both in this parish. Deacon, Peter Ferguson.

The persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married the fourth day of June said year, by the Reverend Mr James Scott, Minister of the Gospel in Perth.

Firstly, this suggests that Milntown of Foss was processing flax, and that John Stewart was working there. Secondly, it identifies Catherine as the daughter of Donald Douglass and Helen Bennet of Domnaheich, who was baptised in Dull parish on 3rd April 1763. Thus in 1815 Robert Stewart was marrying his cousin Elizabeth Douglass.

Dull, 30th April 1815
Robert Stewart in this parish and Elspet Douglass in that of Mouline gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

Moulin, 30th April 1815
Robert Stewart in the parish of Dull and Elspeth Douglas in this parish (contracted). Married May 2nd.

Robert and Elizabeth had the following children who were all born at Daloist.

It is worth noting that Alexander Stewart and Isabel Stewart also were farming Daloist at this time, and it is quite likely that Alexander was Robert's younger brother who had been born at Domnaheich 6th June 1795.

At some time after the birth of Donald, the family moved along the road from Daloist to Balnarn where they appear in the 1841 census.

The whereabouts of Elizabeth's husband Robert is uncertain, but it is probable that he is the Robert Stewart, agricultural labourer, aged 45 years who was working at the Tummel Bridge Inn. This would seem to fit with later census entries describing him as a farmer and inn-keeper.

Another Douglas family are living in one of the other dwellings at Balnarn at this time, and they may be related in some way.

Catherine (Stewart) was the wife of Alexander Douglas, and Isobel (Ispel) was their daughter (bap 6 Jun 1790, Domnaheich). Other children were Janet (bap 20 Mar 1787, Ceannacoille) and Helen (bap 10 Nov 1791, Domnaheich). Alexander probably was the son of Donald Douglass and Helen Stewart of Domnaheich who was born 3rd November 1754. Alternatively, he could have been the son of John Douglas and Ann Stewart of Domnaheich, but this seems unlikely as none of his three daughters were named Ann.

Dull, 16th August 1783
Alexander Douglas and Catherine Stewart both in Foss gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

By 1851 Robert and Elizabeth had moved to Croftgarbh (now called Croftgarrow) in the parish of Fortingall, where Robert was both farmer and inn-keeper.

The 1861 census returns provide the following information.

* Ann Stewart is probably the daughter of Alexander Stewart and Isobel Stewart, born 14th March 1826 in Dull parish. This would make her Robert's neice.

The 1871 census returns are as follows.

Robert died at Croftgarbh 9th April 1875. The informant, his son Joseph, was living at Crianlarich at the time. Robert's wife Elizabeth died at Croftgarbh on 28th October 1882, and both are buried in Foss churchyard, where there is a memorial stone to the family.

Memorial stone to the family of Robert Stewart and Elizabeth Douglass in Foss churchyard

In memory of Robert Stewart, farmer Croftgarbh who died 9th April 1875 aged 87 and Elizabeth Douglas his wife who died 29th October 1882 aged 86. Their daughter Janet died 15th May 1873 aged 56. Their son John died 24th April 1899 aged 80. Their grand-son Robert Stewart died 19th December 1899 aged 32. Their grand daughter Jane Stewart died 4th January 1939 aged 71.

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(Generation 4) The Families of Joseph Stewart of Foss, Crianlarich and Tyndrum

Joseph's first wife was Ann McKerchar whom he married on 24th December 1863, at Benmore Farm, Strathfillan. Joseph was working as the innkeeper at Crianlarich, and this is also given as the profession of his father Robert Stewart. Ann was the daughter of Farquhar McKerchar, farmer, deceased and Ann Cameron. It is likely that Donald McKerchar who witnessed the marriage was Ann's brother.

Ann died at Crianlarich on 21st October 1873 aged 37, and was buried next to other McKerchars in the Kerrowmore Graveyard, just south of Bridge of Balgie, Glenlyon. Her grave is marked by a memorial cross erected by 'Joseph Stewart in Crianlarich'. The death certificate gives her father as Farchar McKirach (with McKerracher or McKinachon as alternatives).

Joseph's second marriage was to Elizabeth (Eliza) Campbell on 15th April 1879 at 21 Dundas Street, Blythwood, Glasgow. Joseph was still managing the Crianlarich Hotel, and his new wife had been working as a barmaid in the Dalmally Hotel in Glenorchy. She was the daughter of Alexander Campbell, gamekeeper, deceased and Elizabeth Gow. It is quite likely that he knew the family from earlier times as Alexander Campbell came from Dalriach in Dull parish and his wife was from Baluaine in Blair Atholl parish.

The 1881 census for the Crianlarich Hotel, Killin parish, shows that Joseph divided his time between the hotel and farming.

Joseph's nephew Robert in the census was the son of his brother Donald Stewart and Jane Menzies - one of their twins born in 1867.

Elizabeth and Joseph had two sons, Robert and Allister, before she died in 1901. She was buried near her birthplace in the graveyard of the new parish church at Blair Atholl. After the death of hs wife, Joseph and his sons moved to Tign an Eas, Tyndrum where he died 14th April 1916. He also was buried back at Blair Atholl, where there is a memorial stone to the couple.

Memorial Cross to Joseph Stewart and Elizabeth Campbell

In affectionate remembrance of Elizabeth Campbell beloved wife of Joseph Stewart who died at Crianlarich 10th February 1901 aged 51 years. The above Joseph Stewart who died at Tyndrum 14th April 1916 aged 93 years. Her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also and he praiseth her, Proverbs. XXXI.28. Erected by her husband Joseph Stewart and her two sons Robert and Allister.

The side inscription reads:

In everloving memory of Robert, eldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth Campbell Stewart born 8th April 1880, died 26th February 1954. Beloved brother of Allister C. Stewart

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(Generation 4) The Family of Donald Stewart and Jane Menzies of Croftgarbh, Fortingall

Donald Stewart was working as a ploughman for his father when he married Jane Menzies at the Weem Hotel, Weem, on 14th April 1866. The witnesses were Robert Fisher and Alexander Stewart.

The marriage certificate gave his bride as Jane Stewart Menzies of Aberfeldy, aged 23 years, and her parents as J.S. Menzies, landed proprietor, and Jane McDonald. It seemed strange that the daughter of a landed proprietor was marrying a plough-man in 1866. It was even stranger that Jane Stewart Menzies's baptism did not seem to appear in any of the Perthshire OPRs, and that the marriage of her parents could not be found either. As Jane had the middle name of Stewart, it seemed probable that her father was J. Stewart Menzies, and one of the note-worthy landed proprietors in the area was John Stewart Menzies of Chesthill. However, he was not married to a Jane McDonald.

John Stewart became John Stewart Menzies, 12th of Foss and Chesthill when he inherited the title of Foss from his father, Joseph Stewart, 11th of Foss, and inherited the lands of Chesthill from his mother (1st August 1823). Alexander Stewart in his book 'A Highland Parish' gives an interesting description of John Stewart Menzies.

In his younger days he lived a somewhat loose and dissolute life, but in his later years he settled down to more orderly habits and wielded considerable influence in the affairs of the county.

Alexander's daughter, Alexandra Stewart, was much more outspoken in her book 'Daughters of the Glen'.

Stewart Menzies, when he was laird of Chesthill, was a notorious lecher. There is one story about him on the way to Rannoch on horseback when he met a handsome lassie on the hill road. The old rake dismounted and began to flirt.

"And what's your name, my lass?" he inquired.

She told him.

"Your mother is not Mrs So-and-so?"

"Yes sir, she is."

Chesthill was onto his horse and away. The girl was his own illegitimate daughter, one of many.

My father's radicalism was partly the result of a really nasty piece of selfishness by Stewart Menzies, when he threw the whole family out of Woodend and installed his mistress there with child. My grandfather had to take the family to Ardtrasgart, and return every day to his workshop in sight of the stranger installed in what had been the family's home for over a century. The lady called herself 'Mrs Menzies' and did nothing to make herself popular. Some locals said she was as a witch. After about two years the laird got married and threw her out, and the family returned to their home.

These comments are extremely relevant as the IGI database contains the birth of a Jean Stewart, daughter to John Stewart and Jean McDonald in the parish of Fortingall, and the OPR entry is as follows:

Fortingall (baptisms)
John Stewart Menzies, Esquire, of Chesthill had an illegitimate daughter to Jean McDonald in Wood End, Glenlyon, born in Dundee 17th May 1843, baptised named Jean Stewart.

So it would appear that Donald had married the daughter of the 'witch'. The couple were quite remarkable as they produced three sets of twins amongst their children. The first set of twins, Robert and Jane were born 26th April 1867, while they were still living at Croftgarbh.

The couple were living in Killin (Stirling County - not Perthshire) during the 1871 census, but by 1881 they were living in Kenmore.

Their son Robert was living with his uncle, Joseph Stewart, at the Crianlarich Hotel at the time of the 1881 census.

The monument to their grandparents in Foss churchyard shows that Robert Stewart died 19th December 1899 aged 32, and his twin sister Jane Stewart died 4th January 1939 aged 71. Nothing is known about the other children.

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(Generation 3) The Family of John Dewar and Isabella Douglas of Crossroads, PEI

Isabella is said to have been born in Dull parish in 1797, although there is no record of her baptism in the Dull OPR. However it does contain her marriage to John Dewar on 18th June 1817, which also appears in the Moulin OPR. John Dewar was the son of Donald Dewar and Elizabeth (Betty) Irvine, and was born at Ceannacoille, Foss, 24th March 1789.

Dull, 8th June 1817
John Dewar in this parish and Isabel Douglass in the parish of Mouline gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage.

Moulin, July 1817
John Dewar in the parish of Dull and Isabel Douglas in this parish, married.

Their first child, Donald, was probably born at Torvuick. This was where Isabel's brother James was living when he married Margaret Ritchie in November of the same year, and it is quite likely that the rest of her family were living there as well.

Dull, 26th October 1818
Donald, son to John Dewar and Isabel Douglass in Tombuac (Torvuick?) was baptised.

Their second son, John, was born 1st February 1820, but his baptism seems to be unrecorded which is probably not surprising as the family were about to emigrate to Prince Edward Island, Canada. They settled at Crossroads where they brought up a large family.

John Dewar and Isabella Douglas are buried at the Crossroads Christian Church Cemetery. Their monument inscription reads:

Deacon John Dewar died July 5th 1851 aged 62. Wife Isabella Douglas died 1st June 1860. (Daughter) Catherine Knox Dewar 1842 - 1933.

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(Generation 3) The Family of James Douglas, carter, and Margaret Ritchie

James Douglas is thought to have been born around 1798. He married Margaret Ritchie on 27th November 1818 in the parish of Moulin. It is unclear if he had moved there on his own, or whether his whole family had moved there from Foss. The latter seems more likely as later on he moved to Findo Gask where he and his father shared the farm at Woodhead.

Moulin, 31st September 1818
James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie, both in this parish. married 27th November.

James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie had two sons, John and James, born in the parish of Moulin.

Moulin, 1820
born August 3rd, baptised August 6th. A son to James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie his wife in Torvuick, named John.

Moulin, 1822
born October 29th, baptised November 3rd. A son to James Douglas and Margaret Ritchie his wife in Torvuick, named James.

Although these entries are in the Moulin OPR, Torvuick was some distance from Moulin village itself. Torvuick was between Netherton of Duntaulich and Cammoch, with Glen Fincastle facing it from the other side of the river Tummel. So the family had really just moved along the south side of Loch Tummel from the western end to the eastern end.

Torvuick on the south side of the river Tummel

By 1824 James and his father John had taken up the tenancy of Woodhead farm in Findo Gask, and this is where James's daughter Janet was born.

Findo-Gask, 1824
James Douglas, Woodhead and Margaret Ritchie his spouse had a child born on the 19th June and baptised on the 4th day of July named Janet.

George was born in Perth on 18th March 1830 (the IGI database has George's mother as Margaret Kitchie).

Perth, 1830
George Douglas, lawful son to James Douglas labourer in the said parish and Margaret Ritchie his spouse, and baptised on the eighteenth day of March said year by the Reverend Duncan MacFarlain, Minister of the Gaelic Chapel in Perth.

At the time of the 1841 census James Douglas and his family were living at New Row, Perth.

By 1845 James had set himself up as a carter, as shown in the 1851 census for New Row, Perth.

The two grandchildren are the children of James Douglas's daughter and Alexander McLaren, who married in Perth on the 4th December 1846. Christian was baptised 1st November 1847 in Perth. Her mother was given as Jessie Douglas. The baptism of her brother James does not seem to have been recorded.

The Perth Directory shows that in 1856 the family were living at 55 Mill Street, and by 1858 they had moved to 19 Hospital street. Here they were living in the same premises as the family of James's brother Donald. The 1861 census for 19 Hospital Street shows that both brothers were working as carters.

James died 21st February 1866 at the Perth Infirmary, aged 68 years. The certificate says that the informant was Donald his brother, who signed it with his mark as he was unable to write his name clearly enough for the registrar. His wife, Margaret Ritchie died in Perth in 1871. His son James emigrated to Canada and was in New London, PEI, by 1868.

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(Generation 3) The Family of Donald Douglas, coal merchant, and Ann MacGregor

John Douglas's second son Donald was born around 1800 and married Ann McGregor in Perth on 12th December 1837 and their daughter Janet was born 25th September 1839.

Perth, November 1837
Donald Douglas, coal merchant in the West Church parish of Perth and Ann MacGregor in the East Church parish of Perth, daughter of Alexander MacGregor, shopkeeper there - Elder James Douglas - The persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married the twelfth day of December said year by the Reverend William Lindsay, Minister of the First Relief Congregation in Perth.

Perth, October 1839
Janet Douglas, lawful daughter to Donald Douglas coal merchant in the said parish and Ann MacGregor his spouse, and baptised eleventh day of October said year by the Reverend Andrew Gray, Minister of the West Church parish of Perth.

The Perth Directory lists him as Daniel Douglas, vintner, living at Pomarium, while the 1841 census for Pomarium, west side, describes him as a labourer and spirit dealer.

The identity of William Douglas is unknown, but he is probably a relative. the exact address of the family is unclear, but by the 1851 census they were living at 8 Pomarium. Trade must have been surprisingly poor as Donald stopped being a vintner and became a coal merchant instead.

The Perth Directory lists Donald as a carter in 1854, but he was still working as a coal merchant and living at 15 Pomarium. It is probable that he was working with his brother James as both families were dwelling at 19 Hospital Street by 1858, and by the time of the 1861 census, Janet was working as a cotton weaver.

By 1871 the family had moved along the road to 25 Hospital Street.

Donald died at 25 Hospital Street on the 22nd March 1873, aged 73 years. After his death, Ann McGregor and daughter Janet moved to 20 Hospital Street. After Ann died in 1876, Janet lived on in the house until 1882, working as a French cleaner.

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