The families in Margrochach, (Maragrochach) of Wester Invervack

(Presented in association with Meddy Clarke Stanton and family in Merigomish, Nova Scotia)

Margrochach, Wester Invervack

The settlements of Margrochach and Margagheat, Wester Invervack (John Leslie's map of 1758)

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The Allt Bhaic runs through the middle of the Haugh of Invervack, dividing it into Easter Invervack and Wester Invervack. There were six settlements making up Wester Invervack: Margrochach; Margagheat; Margdou; Dondamharg; Miltown of Invervack; and Balindalloch.

Margrochach was the most westerly and John Leslie's map of 1758, produced for the Commission of Forfeited Estates, shows five buildings. Two are orientated east-west, suggesting that they were the houses of the two tenant farmers - James McGlashan and Alexander Stewart. The other three are orientated north-south, suggesting that they were agricultural buildings, although one must have been the house of the cottar, David Stewart.

The 1755 census conducted by Ensign James Small, the Factor for the Forfeited Estates, provides some details of the three families.

Family 1: James McGlashan farmed two-thirds of Margrochach, was married, and had two daughters less than 10 years old (Dorothy and Isobel), and one son (Alexander?) aged between 10 and 17 years.

Family 2: Alexander Stewart farmed one-third of Margrochach, was married, and had two sons younger than 10 years old.

Family 3: David Stewart, was listed as a married cottar and had no ground to farm. However, he probably had retired from farming as he would have been in his seventies. Some of his grown-up children were living in adjacent farm houses.

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Family 1: James McGlashan and Jean Robertson in Margrochach

Although the Blair Atholl Old Parish Record of marriages contains a few proclamations between October 1733 and December 1734, it was not until November 1743 that marriages were properly recorded, and even then the record was not kept very well. So the exact date that James McGlashan married in unknown, but it was well before 1744.

The Blair Atholl Kirk Session minutes for 22nd April 1759 record that James McGlashan in Margrochach paid his bill of 18s Sterling, but there is no indication as to why he needed to borrow this sum.

The 1755 census shows that James McGlashan could speak English and that his wife could spin, as was expected of all grown-up women. Their farm was well stocked with 4 horses, 7 black cattle and 9 sheep. Although no hay was grown, 3½ acres was being cultivated with barley, oats, flax and some potatoes, the growing of the last two being recently encouraged by the Commissioners for the Forfeited Estates.

James McGlashan and his wife had 6 children but their son John probably died in infancy as he is not shown on the 1755 census. Their eldest daughter was baptised with the name of Dorothy, which is an unusual name for this area. It probably is no coincidence that another Dorothy McGlashan was living in Wester Invervack at this time. She paid her bill to the Kirk Session, 14th March 1756. Was she James McGlashan's sister? This bill may relate to a breach of the Sabbath, many years previous.

Kirk Session minutes, 16th December 1744
Dorothy Mackglashan and Jannet Mackglashan, in Wester Invervack, were summoned for their riot upon the Lord's Day, last. Only Dorothy Mackglashan appeared, so held over.

(23rd December) Dorothy Mackglashan and Jannet Mackglashan, both in Wester Invervack appeared for their breach of the Sabbath. Jannet confessed to throwing the first stone. Dorothy confessed to throwing it back. Then they fought it out, tearing one another's linen. Jannet Mackglashan was fined £10 Scots as provoker, Dorothy Mackglashan was fined £8 Scots. (large amounts of money for young girls!)

Kirk Session minutes, 22nd April 1759
James McGlashan in Margrochach paid up his bill of 18s Sterling, payable to the Session, of which £9 Scots was lent to Grissel Stewart, widow (of Patrick McGlashan) in Margagheat, her father Patrick Stewart in Bohally and John McGlashan in Athlean (Allean) of Cluniecragganach, being conjunct for her in their bill to the Session, payable Martinmass first, and 3s Sterling of it was given to Malcolm Kennedy, a poor man in Wester Invervack (father of Janet Kennedy in Margagheat). Was John McGlashan in Athlean (Allean) of Cluniecragganach, the brother-in-law of Grissel Stewart?

James McGlashan held the joint tenancy of Margrochach with Alexander Stewart up until about 1760. When Alexander Stewart gave up his share, it was taken over by James McDonald, alias Caldel, in Carrick of Glen Fincastle who married Grissel Stewart (Patrick McGlashan's widow) in Margagheat of Invervack on 28th August 1761.

James McGlashan and his new neighbour soon fell out over the division of the land, and James Caldel petitioned the Commissioners for the Forfeited Estates in 1763.

Petition of James Calldell, tenant in Invervack (read 30th January 1764).
Unto the Right Honourable the Commissioners for managing the Annexed Estates

James Calldell, tenant in Invervack humbly sheweth that the 6 merkland of Invervack is all divided into half merk lands, each tenant possessing half a merkland, except your petitioner and his neighbour Alexander McGlashan (sic).

That your petitioner has only a 5 shilling land, and his neighbour an 8 shilling land, and that your petitioner has a small and numerous family (his wife had three children from her first marriage and one child from her marriage to James Caldel) and his neighbour, only himself and wife.

That your petitioner is obliged to keep as many horses and do as much work as his neighbour.

May it therefore please your Lordships to consider the premise and order that this merkland to be squarely divided betwixt us and your petitioner shall ever pray etc .......

The petition was referred to James Small, the Factor, to report upon the said petition and particularly if the farm could be divided as that each tenant might have his share apart. James Small reported that the farm could be divided so that each tenant might have his share apart, but that this would not remove the petitioner's complaint. He and his neighbour had a plough betwixt them, and as each had a mare and two horses, it would lead one to think that the farm ought to be in equal halves, either in run-ridge or in glebe.

It was alleged that Caldel was not a good neighbour, but the Factor had desired a proof of this to be brought before the Baron Baillie. In case it was found to be so, the Factor would report so that he might be removed at Whitsunday 1765. However this did not hinder his being addressed in the meantime, as to the proper division of the farm.

James McGlashan was alarmed by the rumours and quickly wrote to his son in Edinburgh.

James MacGlashan Snr., Invervack to James MacGlashan Jnr., chairman in Edinburgh (15th February 1764)

Dear James,

We are informed that James Cadell, tenant in this place and our neighbour, has complanied on us to Capt. James Small, Factor on the Estate of Strowan, with a view to get to get a part of our land for himself. What truth there is in that, we know not but, as we are conscious to ourselves that we never gave him any cause to complain of us, so we presume from Capt. Small's wonted goodness, that he will not give any credit to what he may advance without hearing us, and as Capt. Small, we are told, is presently in Edinburgh, we desire you on receipt of this to wait of him and learn of him the certainty of the above, and write us what the Gentleman says, for we are ready to vindicate ourselves from any aspersions James Calder (sic) or any other person may throw out against us, and therefore if there be any truth in the above report, we presume that Capt. Small will befriend us, as we are not in arrears of rent.

Notwithstanding that James Calder (as we are told) confidently says that he will have his desire in spite of all that will take our part, and beg that you'll be advised by Capt. Small if it be necessary to lay our case before the Commissioners for managing the forfeited Estates, in case that James Calder persists in his design of seeking our land. Possibly that may be his intention for he had broken last year the comjunct plough that has been united during the last 20 years past and indeed we think we hbave a better title as old residenters and tenants, to have his land than he ours, for it is not above 4 years that he has been tenant in this place. We are not very ready, though we have just grounds to complain of James Calder but shall delay that until we hear what Capt. Small will advise us to do. All friends here join with us in wishing Capt. Small, you and family all happiness and we are, dear James, your affectionate father and most humble servants - John McGlashan, Donald McGlashan, Alexander MacGlashan and James MacGlashan.

This letter to James MacGlashan, chairman in Edinburgh from his affectionate father identifies him as a son despite there being no baptismal entry in the Blair Atholl OPR. The term 'chairman' in yje letter means that he was a sedan chair carrier - the city taxi of its day.

As his father was wishing all happiness to him and his family, James would appear to have been married with children. His father, James MacGlashan snr. was obviously literate and it is worth noting that he used both the McGlashan and MacGlashan surnames in his letter, to distinguish different families. The 'humble servants' are heads of families in Invervack, and not the siblings of James MacGlashan, chairman in Edinburgh. The last in the list is obviously James MacGlashan snr. his father and the previous one is Alexander MacGlashan snr. in Margagheat. The two of them were brothers - see Alexander McGlashan jnr.

James McDonald, alias Caldal, and Grissel Stewart his wife had three children: Elspeth, 2nd January 1763; Alexander, 6th November 1764; and George, 23rd May 1767. The Blair Atholl OPR merely states that they all were born in Wester Invervack, but when Grissel Stewart died and James McDonald married his second wife, Marjory McBeath, he was living at Margagheat. This suggests that the Factor had separated the two disputing neighbours to resolve the situation.

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(Generation 2) The children of James McGlashan and Jean Robertson in Margrochach

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
James ~1717 1w. Agnes Williamson
2w. Elizabeth Watt
Aug 30 1741

Jun 29 1755
Edinburgh h. 1 Sep 1787
1w. by 1755
2w.
Patrick ~1737 Margaret McGlashan Dec 2 1767 Bohespic and
Edinburgh
h.
w. after 1772
Alexander jnr. Apr 10 1744
(baptised)
Janet McGlashan Jul 25 1757 Dondamharg h.
w.
John Jan 8 1747 died in
childhood
. Margrochach d. by 1755
Dorothy Apr 30 1749 John McDonald 12 Jun 1767 Tombane of
Pitaldonich
h.
w. by 1770
Isobel Apr 12 1753 . . Margrochach d. after 1755
Malcolm Aug 23 1756 . . Margrochach d.
Donald Jan 15 1760 Ann Robertson 5 Jul 1787 Margrochach h. after 1841
w. after 1851

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James McGlashan, chairmaster in Edinburgh

The previously mentioned letter of 15th February 1764 by James MacGlashan snr. in Invervack to his son James in Edinburgh mentions that James MacGlashan jnr. was a (sedan) chairman. As McGlashan was not a common name in Edinburgh, when linked to a forename of James and an occupation of chairman, it is unlikely that the following details relate to different men.

The first mention is from the Records of the Edinburgh Dean of Guild Court which contains a petition by James McGlashan, chairmaster, basically an application for a Burgess Certificate. It was noted that the petitioner had purchased two sedan chairs and wished to set up in business - The petition was lodged and granted 19th October 1742.

In the same records dated 3rd November 1742 Robert Mein (Moon), Dean of Guild Officer, laid a complaint against unfree traders: James Stewart; James McGlashan and Thomas Marshall, all chairmen. The outcome is unrecorded.

This information seems to indicate that James McGlashan was newly arrived in Edinburgh and that his father had entrusted him with a substantial amount of money to set up in business. With two sedan chairs he would be employing other men as bearers and it is unlikely that he was younger than 25, so born around 1717. This would imply that his father, James McGlashan, in Margrochach was born around 1690, was well educated and came from a well-off family. The John McGlashan, merchant in Ediinburgh, to be mentioned later is almost certain to have been a close relative, and may have helped to get the young man settled in Edinburgh.

James McGlashan jnr. married twice. His first wife was Agnes Williamson.

Sabbath, 30th August 1741
James McGlashan, chairman, and Agnes Williamson, daughter to the deceased William Williamson, upholsterer in South Leith, both in St Giles parish (married)

Edinburgh OPR, 18th January 1744
James McGlashan, chairman in Edinburgh and Agnes Williamson his spouse (had) a son named James (baptised). Witnesses: William Dalton, chairmaster in Edinburgh, and Adam Walker, flesher there. The child was born 13th inst.

Edinburgh OPR, 11th August 1745
James MackGlashan, chairmaster in Edinburgh and Agnes Williamson his spouse (had) a son named Dick (baptised). Witnesses: William Dick, writer (to the Signet) in Edinburgh, and Adam Walker, flesher there. The child was born the 5th inst.

Edinburgh OPR, 9th March 1747
James McGlashan, chairmaster and Agnes Williamson his spouse (had) a son named Charles (baptised). Witnesses: James Hunter, wright, and Adam Walker, flesher. The child was born 5th inst.

Edinburgh OPR, 23rd March 1748
James McGlashan, chairman in Edinburgh and Agnes Williamson his spouse (had) a son named Malcolm (baptised). Witnesses: Peter Matheson, New Kirk parish, chairmaster, and Adam Walker, flesher. The child was born 19th inst.

Edinburgh OPR, 20th December 1750
James MackGlashan, chairmaster in Edinburgh and Agnes Williamson his spouse (had) a son named Moore (baptised). Witnesses: (data needed) The child was born the (data needed).

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The children of James McGlashan and Agnes Williamson in Edinburgh

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
James Jan 13 1744 . . Edinburgh d. by 1759
Dick Aug 5 1745 . . Edinburgh d.
Charles Mar 5 1747 . . Edinburgh d.
Malcolm Mar 19 1748 . . Edinburgh d.
Moore
(a son)
Dec 29 1750 . . Edinburgh d.

A note attached to the baptism of James McGlashan in 1759 mentions that "He had a James of a former marriage about 15 years ago, dead". If the Session Clerk had remembered this after 15 years, he either knew the family very well, or had been told about the previous son James at the baptism. Either way it confirms that Agnes Williamson had died between December 1750 and June 1755 when he married his second wife, Elizabeth Watt.

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James McGlashan and Elizabeth Watt in Edinburgh

Edinburgh OPR marriages, 29th June 1755
James McGlashan, chairmaster in St. Giles parish and Elizabeth Wat, daughter to William Wat, turner in Dalkeith, now in the Canongate parish.

Elizabeth Watt probably was the daughter of William Watt and Isobell Brown, born in Dalkeith 9th May 1731. James McGlashan jnr. would have been in his late thirties or early forties. The Records of the Edinburgh Dean of Guild Court shows that the family were then living just off the High Street in Burnet's Close.

On 11th July 1756 Gilbert Mason, merchant in Leith and John Johnston, minister at Biggar, complained about an obstruction in the High Street, immediately below the head of Burnet's Close. The petitioners were tutors (guardians) for Nicoll Donaldson, son of James Donaldson, late merchant. The complaint was against Thomas Alison, glazier and James McGlashen, chairmaster (his tenant?) who had placed a great stone within the head of the Close in order to prevent carriages from going down. This had broken the gutter stones and allowed water to gather against the walls. Both parties agreed to refer the matter to Deacon Miln and asked him to determine how the stone should be placed.

When James McGlashan married Elizabeth Watt a post-nuptial marriage contract was drawn up to protect the rights of the children from each marriage. Their first child, William, was baptised 13th May 1757. The couple had several other children baptised but the Edinburgh OPR contains a number of clerical errors, so a thorough search is essential.

28th August 1759, Edinburgh OPR
Samuel (sic) McGlashan, chairmaster in Old Kirk parish and Elizabeth Watt his spouse, (had) a son named James (baptised). Witnesses: John McGlashan, merchant in College Kirk parish and David Borry, shoemaker in Tron Kirk parish. The child was born 21st current. N.B. He had a James of a former marriage about 15 years ago, dead (as previously mentioned).

The first witnesses, John McGlashan, merchant in College Kirk parish, surely is a relative.

Things do not get better for the Edinburgh Session Clerk on 29th June 1762, where James McGlashan has become John.

29th June 1762, Edinburgh OPR
John (sic) McGlashan, chairmaster in Old Kirk parish and Elizabeth Watt his spouse, (had) a daughter named Marrion (baptised). Witnesses: John McGlashan, merchant in College Kirk parish and Thomas Reid, indweller in New Kirk parish. The child was born 13th current.

A daughter, Elizabeth, was baptised 14th January 1764, but she died 17th April 1776. Their son James had died by 1766, as the couple had another son baptised and named James on 10th April 1766. Their last child, John was baptised 12th December 1767.

In 1765, Edinburgh Town Council approved plans to build an Assembly Room with a card room and tea room, on an area of waste ground in Bell's Wynd. James McGlashan, chair-master, had two small houses in the Wynd and objected to the plan as the new building would deprive them of light. Eventually, the Directors bought McGlashan's property for £120 and converted it into kitchens in connection with the tea-room.

The Scottish Registers of Sasines (i.e. properties) records 20th December 1781, for part of a tenement in Bell's Wynd, Edinburgh, in a post-nuptial marriage contract between James McGlashan, chairmaster, Edinburgh, and Elizabeth Watt, his spouse, (the property) to said Elizabeth Watt in life-rent, and William McGlashan, their son, in fee, December 27th 1769, and disp. and assig. by said William McGlashan. October 16th 1780 (ref: P.R. 255, 268)

James McGlashan may have died 1st September 1787, as the Edinburgh OPR notes that: James McGlashan from the Bull Turnpike, High Street, Edinburgh, died of a decay of nature. Buried close to the north side of John Scott's Ground. Aged 73 years.

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The children of James McGlashan and Elizabeth Watt in Edinburgh

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
William May 13 1757 . . Edinburgh d. after 1780
James Aug 21 1759 . . Edinburgh d. by 1766
Marrion Jun 13 1762 . . Edinburgh d.
Elizabeth Jan 14 1764 unmarried . Edinburgh d. 17 Apr 1776
James Apr 10 1766 . . Edinburgh d.
John Dec 12 1767 . . Edinburgh d.

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Patrick McGlashan, schoolmaster in Bohespic

There is scant information concerning Patrick McGlashan but, as he was in Margrochach when he married, it would seem most likely that he was a son of James McGlashan, there. As men tended to marry in their thirties, Patrick would have been born around 1737.

The first mention of Patrick McGlashan is in the minutes of the Blair Atholl Kirk Session. The Accounts Ledger states that on 24th May 1767, £3 Scots was given to Patrick McGlashan for teaching in Bohespic. The next reference to him in the Blair Atholl OPR says that Patrick McGlashan in Margrochach of Invervack and Margaret McGlashan in Gaskan of Bohespic, had their marriage banns called on 2nd September 1767.

Margaret McGlashan was the daughter of Alexander McGlashan in Gaskan. It was not until 1754 that Gaskan became a separate rental and the estate book for that year records that the 2 merk land had five tenants: Donald Robertson; Alexander McGlashan; Donald and Alexander Stewarts; Duncan Lamond (Duncan McGilliwie); and William McGilliwie. paying £72 Scots between them. In 1757 Duncan Robertson, Alexander McGlashan, Donald Stewart, Duncan Lammond and William McGillivry were given the Gaskan tack for 11 years on payment of £83 Scots.

Prior to 1754, Gaskan seems to have been considered as part of Nether (Easter) Bohespic. In 1737 there is mention of Alexander McGlashan alias McIghoan (McEan). Donald McEan Dhu, Alexander McEan Dhu, Donald Gow and John Robertson were the four tenants of Nether Bohespic in 1705.

Margaret's mother was Jannet Caanich (Janet McDonald). Alexander McGlashan and Jannet Caanich did not pay the fee for Margaret's baptism to be written in the Blair Atholl OPR, only that of their son Patrick exists (baptised 28th August 1744). Patrick McGlashan in Gaskan and Janet Gow in Cailbruar, married 3 Jan 1769. She died by 1785 when Patrick McGlashan married Christian Robertson.

After their marriage, Patrick McGlashan and Margaret McGlashan moved to Edinburgh where they started a family the following year.

Saturday 18th June 1768, Edinburgh OPR
Peter McGlashan, flaxdresser in New Kirk parish and Margaret McGlashan his spouse, a son named Alexander (baptised). Witnesses: Donald Stuart, tailor and John Ferguson, chairmaster in Edinburgh. The child was born 16th current.

The baptisms of two more children: John and Christian, have not been consulted as yet.

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The children of Patrick McGlashan and Margaret McGlashan in Edinburgh

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Alexander Jun 18 1768 . . Edinburgh d.
John Apr 27 1770 . . Edinburgh d.
Christian Oct 2 1772 . . Edinburgh d.

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Alexander McGlashan jnr. in Margrochach

In the late 1760s and 1770s there were two Alexander McGlashans living in Wester Invervack. To distinguish between them, they were identified as Alexander McGlashan snr. and Alexander McGlashan jnr. However, this did not imply that they were father and son, just that one was older than the other.

The Kirk Session minutes for 24th July 1757 record that Alexander McGlashan, now chairman in Edinburgh, late in the parish, being twice proclaimed with a lass in the parish, was ordered to give a crown to the poor since he was not booked nor proclaimed in Edinburgh, only a testificate from there. He gave 2s Sterling and his (blank). Alexander McGlashan in Invervack promised to pay half a crown at the next meeting of the Session.

The Blair Atholl OPR shows that the marriage banns for Alexander McGlashan in Peeble's Wynd, Edinburgh, and Janet Mackglashan in Dondamharg of Invervack, were announced on 25th July 1757 and on 11th September 1757 the Kirk Session minutes reports that Alexander McGlashan in Invervack paid half a crown, promised to the Session on his nephew's account.

Thirdly, the Kirk Session minutes for 10th April 1768 record that Alexander McGlashan in Margrochach of Invervack was given a certificate, having left the parish at Whitsunday 1759 and returned Martinmass 1767, clothed with sufficient testimonials during his absence.

It is thought that these three snippets all relate to Alexander McGlashan jnr. in Margrochach, but there are inconsitencies which need to be weighed.

On the positive side, Alexander McGlashan jnr. in Margrochach being the nephew of Alexander McGlashan snr. seems to make sense, age-wise.

Secondly, the previously mentioned letter of James MacGlashan snr. in Margrochach to his son James MacGlashan jnr. in Edinburgh seems to imply that James MacGlashan snr. in Margrochach and Alexander MacGlashan snr. in Margrochach were brothers, so this ties together.

Thirdly, Alexander McGlashan jnr. left Invervack and went to Edinburgh to become a sedan chair carrier, like his elder brother, which again makes sense. However, some things do not fit so easily.

Firstly, the Kirk Session minutes for 10th April 1768 record that Alexander McGlashan in Margrochach of Invervack was given a certificate, having left the parish at Whitsunday 1759 and returned Martinmass 1767. This does not fit with the time-frame. However, this entry is itself rather perculiar. Normally certificates (character references) were issued when a person was about to leave the parish, not after they had returned. The Session Clerk may have remembered that Alexander McGlashan had left the parish at some time ten years previously and had since returned, but is it likely that he would have remembered the exact dates with so large a parish containing hundreds of families?

The second inconsitency concerns his age. The marriage banns were called in late July 1757, but the Blair Atholl OPR records his baptism as 10th April 1744, a gap of only 13 years!

The 1744 entry says "April 10th, James McGlashan in Invervack and Jean Robertson his wife had a child baptised, named Alexander". So the entry does not state when Alexander McGlashan was born, and he may have been a child of six or seven when he was baptised. This may sound unlikely, but his older brother James probably was born around 1735, a decade before. There is also a precedent recorded on the Blair Atholl Kirk Session minutes dated 18th August 1751.

Barbara Stewart, widow of Duncan Robertson in Cuiltalosgin-beg appeared and owned guilt and pregnancy, and gave up Alexander MackGlashan, servant lad to Robert Robertson in Miltown of Invervack. The said Alexander MackGlashan appeared, acknowledged her accusation and he, with John MackGlashan in Dondamharg as cautioner, gave in a bill of £20 Scots, payable 10 days after date.

Alexander McGlashan was the son of John McGlashan and Elspth Stewart and was baptised 8th November 1739 when John McGlashan was described as the miller at Blair. At some time between 1739 and 1743 John McGlashan became the miller at Miltown of Invervack for Robert 'Ban' Robertson and lived at Dondamharg. So John's son Alexander must have been 6 or 7 years old when he was baptised.

Janet Mackglashan in Dondamharg was the daughter of John McGlashan, the miller at Invervack. After their marriage, the couple returned to Dondamharg where they had seven children.

On 11th April 1772 Alexander McGlashan jnr. in Wester Invervack became cautioner for Alexander McGlashan snr. in Wester Invervack (Margagheat) who was the executor dative qua creditor for the Testament Dative and Inventory of John McGlashan in Easter Baluaine, which was confirmed at Dunkeld, the eleventh day of April 1772.

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The children of Alexander McGlashan jnr. and Janet McGlashan in Dondamharg

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
John Mar 9 1759 . . Dondamharg d.
Donald Jun 17 1761 died in infancy . Dondamharg d. by 1766
Elizabeth Feb 13 1764 . . Dondamharg d.
Donald Sep 5 1766 . . Dondamharg d.
Isobel Apr 21 1768 . . Dondamharg d.
Alexander Jan 10 1773 . . Dondamharg d.
Margaret Mar 25 1776 . . Dondamharg d.

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John McDonald and Dorothy McGlashan in Tombane of Pitaldonich

John McDonald in Mains of Blair and Dorothy McGlashan in Margrochach of Invervack, married 12th June 1767.

The couple had only one child, Isobel, baptised 28th February 1769 when at Tombane of Pitaldonich. Dorothy McGlashan probably died in childbirth, or soon afterwards, as John McDonald in Tombane and Elspeth McLean in Bridgend of Struan, married 13th March 1770.

The baptism of Alexander, son to John McDonald and Elizabeth McLean seems to have been entered twice. The original OPR entry dated 1st February 1771 shows that the family were living at Tombane (of Pitaldonich), but a very similar entry was added at a later date (9th February 1771). which states that family were dwelling at Balinluig (of Strathgroy).

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The children of John McDonald and Dorothy McGlashan in Tombane of Pitaldonich

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Isobel Feb 28 1769 . . Tombane of
Pitaldonich
d.

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Donald McGlashan and Ann Robertson in Margrochach

Donald McGlashan in Invervack and Ann Robertson in Bochonie, married 5th July 1787.

Ann Robertson was the daughter of Donald Robertson and Helen Stewart, born at Bochonie in Glenerrochty, 14th March 1766. She was the sixth of nine children, having four brothers and four sisters. Her father originally came from Kinaldy and her mother, Helen Stewart, was living at Bruar when she married.

Although Donald McGlashan is described vaguely as 'in Invervack' when he married, the baptisms of his first three children are a bit more informative with 'in Wester Invervack', and finally his residence given as Dondamharg for his fourth child in 1796. Two years later the family had returned to farm Margrochach, possibly after the death of his father.

In 1799 there was a proposed new rental for Colonel Robertson of Struan's lands, commencing Whitsunday 1799. The only tenant at Margrochach was Donald McGlashan and he was to pay £6 10s rental for the low ground and £1 16s for the grazing at Loch Garryside, plus 3 kain hens (3 hens or the quivalent in cash) and 6 days in service (labouring or portering). The number of livestock which could be kept on the grazing was set at 9 soums. This was equivalent to keeping 4 horses and a colt, or 9 cows, or 90 head of sheep, old or young. He also had to pay his proportion for a bull.

By 1803, Robertson of Struan's tenants at Margrochach were listed as John McGlashan and Alexander Stewart. At this point the rentals of Margrochach and Margagheat (Markgate or Balmore) start to merge. Donald McGlashan and Alexander McGlashan, his eldest son, are listed as the tenants of Marggate (sic), along with James McDonald, alias Caldall.

Markgate (Margagheat) and Margrochach were merged by 1826 as the rental for the combined properties was set at £40. The following year the 6 merks of Invervack (Lot 2) was sold by roup for £5,130 and the Manor Place of Invervack (Markgate) was declared to be the principal messuage (hardly a manor then, although it might have been considered such in bygone times).

Donald McGlashan and his wife still were living at Margrochach when the 1841 census was conducted. It would appear that Donald's son Alexander had taken over the management of the farm and that John (the second of that name) was working as an agricultural labourer on the farm.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birthplace
Margrochach (1) Donald McGlashan 80y farmer Perthshire
Ann McGlashan 75y Perthshire
John McGlashan 35y ag. labourer Perthshire
Emilia McGlashan 35y Perthshire
Donald McGlashan 7y Perthshire
Margaret McGlashan 6y Perthshire
James McGlashan 4y Perthshire
May McGlashan 2y Perthshire
Jean McGlashan 2m Perthshire
Margrochach (2) Alexander McGlashan 50y farmer Perthshire
Isabell McGlashan 40y Perthshire
James McGlashan 1y Perthshire
Duncan McGregor 12y servant Perthshire
Ann Harrison* 5y not Perthshire

* see Ann McGlashan.

Donald NcGlashan died before the 1851 census but his widow Ann Robertson (given as 85-year-old Ann Stewart for some unknown reason), was still living at Margrochach along with her daughter, 46-year-old Amelia Stewart (sic) and a 21-year-old grandson listed as Charles Stewart.

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(Generation 3) The children of Donald McGlashan and Ann Robertson in Margrochach

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Helen 3 May 1788 Charles Stewart 6 Nov 1814 Edinburgh h. after 1822
w. after 1822
James 10 Dec 1789 Margrochach h.
w.
Alexander
(1st cousin)
27 Sep 1791 Isobel MacGregor
(1st cousin)
15 Dec 1833 Merigomish,
Nova Scotia
h. 1854
w. 1888
Ann 28 Feb 1796 Alexander Robertson 1 Jun 1823 Margrochach h. by 1836?
w. by 1841?
Donald 21 Sep 1798 Margrochach h.
w.
John 11 Dec 1800 died in infancy Margrochach d. by 1802
John 29 Nov 1802 Emelia (Amelia)
Robertson
30 Sep 1832 Nova Scotia h. after 1841
w. 1887

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Charles Stewart and Helen McGlashan in Edinburgh

6th November 1814, Blair Atholl OPR
Charles Stewart in Baluaine and Helen MacGlashan in Margrochach (married)

The couple had at least four children born and baptised in St. George's parish, Edinburgh.

Edinburgh OPR, April 1816
Charles Stewart, (sedan) chairman, and Helen McGlashan HS (his spouse) in St George's parish, a son born 22nd March last named John.

Edinburgh OPR, 15th August 1822
Charles Stewart, (sedan) chairman, and Helen McGlashan HS (his spouse) in St George's parish ADB (a daughter born) 15th inst (August), named Margaret.

(Generation 4) The children of Charles Stewart and Helen McGlashan in Edinburgh

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
John 22 Mar 1816 Edinburgh d.
Ann 2 Mar 1818 Edinburgh d.
Donald 18 Jun 1820 Edinburgh d.
Margaret 15 Aug 1822 Edinburgh d.

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Alexander McGlashan and Isobel MacGregor in Margrochach

15th December 1833, Blair Atholl OPR
Alexander MacGlashan in (Margrochach of) Invervack and Isobel MacGregor in Aulich, Fortingall parish, were married.

Although the couple married in 1833 their first child, James, was not baptised until 1st April 1840. James appears in the 1841 census as a 1-year-old son and there are no older children. A second son, Donald, was born in 1842 but does not seem to have been baptised in Blair Atholl.

Alexander McGlashan and his brother John McGlashan emigrated to Big Island, Nova Scotia, with their two families in 1843. They probably followed the normal route of taking their belongings to Oban and joining an emigration ship leaving from the Western Isles. Another child who emigrated with Alexander McGlashan's family was the 6-year-old Ann Harrison, mentioned in the 1841 census for Margrochach. Family tradition relates that Anne was a bit of a mystery as she had no birth date recorded in the Blair Atholl OPR, and was quite a bit older than James. She was always referred to as an ‘adopted’ child but, ultimately, had many descendants. All the evidence suggests that she was the daughter of Alexander McGlashan's sister, Ann McGlashan.

Background to the settlement of Big Island (Merigomish)

An article entitled 'The Invisible Island: Immigration, Environment, and a New Europe on Big Island, Nova Scotia' by Aleen Leigh Stanton and David Freeland Duke, mentions Lt. Col Alexander Robertson of the 82nd Regiment of Foot (Hamilton's). After the failure of the American invasion of Canada the regiment was disbanded in 1784. However, the British Government decided to establish a buffer zone by offering land grants to former soldiers, who would settle the border areas with their families. Lieut. Col. Alexander Robertson, who was the brother of Duncan Robertson 4th of Drumchuine, was granted 1,500 acres in 1785 which he decided to settle with his Clan Donnachaidh (Robertson) relatives.

"Lt. Col. Robertson remained in Scotland, but had his agent build a house near Smashem’s Head and encouraged his extended family to take up land on the island. The first of these was his third cousin, also named Alexander Robertson. The younger Alexander Robertson’s gravestone tells us that he settled on Big Island in 1787, but not much more is known about him. He may have been a military man like his uncle: an unpublished manuscript written by one of his descendants confirms that the only possession of his to survive is his sword. Whatever his personal status, Robertson is recognized within the community as the father of the Big Island settlement and the first link in the subsequent chain of Scottish migration there".

His monument inscription in the Murray's Point Cemetery reads "Here lies intered the body of Alexander Robertson, who departed this life April 23rd 1821 aged 67 years. A native of Perthshire, North Bretain (sic). Emigrated to America in the year 1787. He lived and died in the faith of obtaining that crown of life which the Lord hath promised to give all them that love him".

This early settler was the eldest son of Donald Robertson and Helen Stewart, born at Kinaldy in Glenerrochty, Blair Atholl, 11th August 1753.

"56 years after Alexander Robertson came to Big Island in 1787, his niece Isabel MacGlashan from Blair Atholl followed him to Big Island in 1843 with her husband and young son".

This is a reference to Alexander MacGlashan and Isobel MacGregor, his wife, from Margrochach. Alexander McGlashan's mother Ann was the sister of Alexander Robertson, the original 1787 settler.

Big Island, Nova Scotia

The settlements of Big Island, Merigomish, Nova Scotia from 'Illustrated Historical Atlas of Pictou County Nova Scotia', J.H. Meacham & Co., 1879

A plan of the land holdings on Big Island of Merigonish shows that Alexander McGlashan's son James farmed a strip of 50 acres which ran north-south across the island.

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(Generation 4) The children of Alexander McGlashan and Isabel McGregor in Margrochach and Nova Scotia

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
James 1 Apr 1840 Margaret Helen
McLean
~1871 Big Island,
Nova Scotia
h. 27 Feb 1919
w. 1918
Donald 1842 unmarried . Big Island,
Nova Scotia
d. 1863

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James McGlashan and Margaret Ellen McLean in Merigomish, N.S.

James McGlashan, 1840-1919 Margaret McLean, ?-1918

James (Jim) MacGlashan and his wife Margaret (Maggie) MacLean.

"In the oral history of Big Island’s MacGlashan family is the story of James MacGlashan, who emigrated with his family from Blair Athol. A three-year-old in October of 1843, he disembarked the ship wearing nothing but a thin homespun shirt and a kilt. The MacGlashans soon discovered that October in Nova Scotia was not October in Blair Atholl, and they and the women of their new community soon traded their kilts for stout pairs of britches more suitable for the harsher winters. The tartan kilt was therefore abandoned as day-to-day apparel by the Scottish settlers, although both kilt and tartan retained overwhelming cultural currency in the new communities in Nova Scotia".

"A wooden trunk with painted detail “A.M. No. 5.” still exists. Alexander MacGlashan and his family brought this trunk and at least four others when they emigrated from Blair Athol, Perthshire, in 1843. The trunk demonstrates that they were neither poverty-stricken nor wealthy".

James (Jim) MacGlashen was both a farmer and blacksmith. The gates which he made .......... still at the entrance. He also was the First Mate on a ship trading between the Caribbean and Nova Scotia in the late 19th century. married Margaret McLean .........a native of ............

James McGlashan, 1840-1919

James (Jim) MacGlashan and his wife Margaret (Maggie) MacLean in their side yard sometime around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The side of the house is just visible to the left, before the back kitchen had been added.

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(Generation 5) The children of James McGlashan and Margaret Ellen McLean in Merigomish, N.S.

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Donald Mar 25 1872 Grace Ross Grant 1919 Merigomish,
Nova Scotia
h. Apr 1925
w. 1941
Jessie Sep 21 1873 John Roderick
McLean
28 Dec 1899 Big Island,
Nova Scotia
h. 1957
w. 1955
Isabella Jan 8 1876 died in childhood (diptheria) . Big Island,
Nova Scotia
d. 21 Sep 1884
John Jan 21 1878 died in childhood (diptheria) . Big Island,
Nova Scotia
d. 15 Sep 1884
Alexander Nov 11 1880 unmarried . Big Island,
Nova Scotia
d. 29 Sep 1913
Isabel Jan 21 1885 John R. Macdonald . James River,
Nova Scotia
h.
w. 1977

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Alexander Robertson and Ann McGlashan in Margrochach

1st June 1823, Blair Atholl OPR
Alexander Robertson in Pitaldonich and Ann MacGlashan in Margrochach, were married.

Ann McGlashan would have been 27 when she married. The couple do not seem to have had any children, leastways there are no baptisms recorded in any of the Perthshire OPRs. Likewise, they were not living at Pitaldonich when the 1841 census took place, but a 5-year-old Ann Harrison was living with the family of her brother Alexander McGlashan. Unfortunately, the 1841 census does not record the relationships to the head of the family. The census merely states that she was not born in Perthshire and only one child fits these parameters.

10th December 1836, Edinburgh OPR
George Harrison, servant, residing at 5 India Street, St. Stephen's parish and Ann MacGlashan had a daughter born on the twenty eighth day of June, eighteen hundred and thirty six, named Ann.

From the entry, the child appears to have been illegitimate. None of the OPRs contain the marriage banns for a couple with these names, and Ann MacGlashan was not recorded as 'his spouse'. In addition it took nearly 6 months to get the child baptised.

The fact that Ann MacGlashan, now aged 40, was living in Edinburgh in 1836 suggests that her husband had died, and that she had moved to Edinburgh in search of work as a domestic servant. If her husband had died, Ann would have called herself McGlashan again, as was the custom in Scotland, but there is no trace of her in the 1841 census returns. For her brother to have adopted the child, and even taken her to Nova Scotia, suggests that either Ann McGlashan also had died, or that the child was preveting her from re-marrying. The former is the more likely reason.

Although the 1841 census gives the 5-year-old Ann's surname as Harrison, when she was taken to Nova Scotia as part of Alexander McGlashan's family, she became a McGlashan. It is quite possibly that she was never adopted in a legal sense, but the change of surname would have removed the need for any explanation.

Ann McGlashan married James MacGregor and raised a family on Big Island, where some of their descendants still live.

-

(Generation 6) The child of George Harrison and Ann McGlashan in Edinburgh

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Ann Jun 28 1836 James McGregor . Big Island,
Nova Scotia
h.
w.

-

John McGlashan and Emelia (Amelia) Robertson in Margrochach

30th September 1832, Blair Atholl OPR
John McGlashan in Invervack and Amelia Robertson in Bochonie (married)

Amelia was the eldest daughter of James Robertson and Margaret McDiarmid in Bochonie, born 15th November 1803.

As previously mentioned, at the time of the 1841 census John McGlashan and his family were living at Margrochach along with his parents. The couple had five children by that time but none of them have their baptisms recorded in the Blair Atholl OPR.

In 1843 John McGlashan and his family emigrated to Big Island (Merigomish), Nova Scotia, on the same boat as his elder brother, Alexander. The family settled at Linacy in what was to become Pictou County.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of John McGlashan and Emelia (Amelia) Robertson in Margrochach

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Donald 1833 Catherine (Kate) Fraser Linacy, Pictou Co. Nova Scotia h. 19 Feb 1895
w. 1909
Margaret ~1835 Margrochach d. after 1841
James ~1837 unmarried Linacy, Pictou Co. Nova Scotia d. after 1841
May
(Marjory)
~1839 Linacy, Pictou Co. Nova Scotia d. after 1841
Jean ~1841 Margrochach d. after 1841
Ellen .... Chambers USA h.
w.

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Family 3: David Stewart and Janet McGlashan in Margrochach,, Wester Invervack

David Stewart probably was born around 1684, long before the earliest Blair Atholl baptisms are recorded in the OPRs. He was married to Janet McGlashan and had at least three children. Although the OPR merely states that the family were living at Invervack when the first two children were born, it is much more precise for the third child, mentioning Margrochach.

As previously said, the 1755 census for Margrochach lists David Stewart as a married cottar with no ground to farm. Being in his seventies he may have been in 'retirement', having passed the tenancy of the farm over to his sons.

-

Generation 2: The children of David Stewart and Janet McGlashan in Margrochach, Wester Invervack

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Alexander 16 Jul 1721 Margaret Fleming 16 Jan 1753 Invervack
(Margrochach)
h.
w.
James 3 Mar 1723 . . Invervack
(Margrochach)
h.
w.
Donald 16 Jun 1725 Isobel Robertson 26 Mar 1754 Balnadalloch h.
w.

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Family 2: Alexander Stewart and Margaret Fleming in Margrochach, Wester Invervack

As previously mentioned, Alexander Stewart was born 16th July 1721, the son of David Stewart and Janet McGlashan.

The Blair Atholl OPR for 18th December 1752 records that the banns of marriage were called for Alexander Stewart in Wester Invervack and Jannet Mannich (McDonald) in Riechaile. However by 11th February 1753, the marriage had been retracted, and the 2s Sterling was used to pay the wages of the Session Clerk. Even before he had retracted his first marriage, Alexander Stewart in Wester Invervack was paying for the banns so that he could marry Margaret Fleming in Balchapel of Fincastle, Dull parish, (16th January 1753). The couple had at least four children, all born at Margrochach.

-

Generation 3: The children of Alexander Stewart and Margaret Fleming in Margrochach, Wester Invervack

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
John 7 Nov 1753 . . Margrochach d. after 1755
Donald 17 Jul 1755 . . Margrochach d. after 1755
Alexander 19 Jan 1757 . . Margrochach d.
Margaret 29 Feb 1760 . . Margrochach d.

Soon after the birth of their daughter Margaret, Alexander Stewart gave up the tenancy of Margrochach and it was taken over by James Caldel.

James McDonald, alias Caldel, in Carrig (Carrick, Fincastle) married Grissel Stewart in Margharet of Invervack on 28th August 1761. She was the widow of Patrick McGlashan who had been farming Margagheat of Invervack, and left her with three children to bring up, as best she could.

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Donald Stewart, tailor, and Isobel Robertson in Balnadalloch, Wester Invervack

Blair Atholl Kirk Session minutes, 17th February 1754

Isobel Robertson in Margagheat voluntarily appeared, owned guilt and pregnancy, and gave up Donald Stewart, tailor in Margrochach of Invervack as father to it. He, the said Donald Stewart, voluntarily appeared and confessed himself father to her pregnancy. Both were rebuked Sessionally and ordered to appear before the Congregation, Sabbath next, at Struan.

(24th February 1754) Donald Stewart in Margrochach and Isobel Robertson in Margagheat appeared for their fornication, the one with the other, were seriously exhorted and rebuked for their sin.

(17th March 1754) Donald Stewart in Margrochach paid his fine for his antenuptial fornication with Isobel Robertson, his wife, modified to £3 Scots. (as they were to be married, 26th March 1754).

The 1755 Forfeited Estates Census shows that Donald Stewart was a married cottar (a tailor), with one son aged under 10. He was not cultivating any ground but kept some livestock on the moorland above the fields - 1 horse, 4 black cattle and 2 sheep.

Donald Stewart seems to have been red-haired as the baptismal record for his son Charles gives his name as Donald 'Roy' (Ruidh).

-

Generation 3: The Children of Donald Stewart, tailor, and Isobel Robertson in Balnadalloch, Wester Invervack

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Alexander 22 Jul 1754 . . Balnadalloch d.
Donald 28 Aug 1756 . . Balnadalloch d.
Jean 5 Feb 1759 . . Balnadalloch d.
Janet 13 Apr 1761 . . Balnadalloch d.
David 15 Apr 1763 died in childhood . Balnadalloch d. by Oct 1776
Charles 9 Apr 1765 . . Balnadalloch d.
Isobel 4 Jul 1767 . . Balnadalloch d.
James 19 Jun 1769 . . Balnadalloch d.
Aemilia 5 Jun 1771 . . Balnadalloch d.
Christan 3 Jun 1774 . . Balnadalloch d.
David 19 Oct 1776 1. Margaret McDonald
2. Jane Robertson
1 Jun 1802

11 Nov 1827
Balmore h. 9 Jan 1859
1w. by 1827
2w. 10 May 1860

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David Stewart and Margaret McDonald in Invervack

1st June 1802, Blair Atholl OPR
David Stewart and Margaret McDonald (both) in Invervack (married).

The couple had three children.

-

Generation 4: The Children of David Stewart and Margaret McDonald in Invervack

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Christian 1 Dec 1802 . . Invervack d.
Donald 20 Jul 1805* . . Invervack d.
John 5 Apr 1817 . . Invervack d.

* This record is repeated later in the OPR, giving the date as 14th October 1805.

Margaret McDonald died at some time between 1815 and 1827 and his second wife was Jean (Jane) Robertson from Woodsheal whom he married on 11th November 1827.

The 1841 census return shows that David Stewart was a weaver and living at Balmore of Invervack.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birth-place
Balmore David Stewart 60y handloom weaver Perthshire
Jane Stewart 50y Perthshire
Jane Stewart 10y Perthshire
James Stewart 6y Perthshire

The 1851 census return lists David Stewart and his wife still at Balmore, but it was listed as part of Margrochach.

Name Relation Age Occupation Birth-place
David Stewart head 74y former weaver Blair Atholl
Jane Stewart wife 57y Blair Atholl

David Stewart, married weaver, died at Balmore of Invervack on 9th January 1859 aged 85 years. His parents were given as Donald Stewart, farmer, and Isabella McGlashan (actually Isabel Robertson), both deceased. He was buried in the churchyard at Struan as certified by James Stewart, joiner, (presumably the undertaker who made coffins). The death certificate was witnessed by David Stewart's son James.

Jane Stewart, pauper and widow of a handloom weaver, died of influenza at Balmore of Invervack on 10th May 1860 aged 65 years. Her parents were given as Duncan Robertson, roadman, and Margaret McLagan, both deceased. She was buried in the churchyard at Struan as certified by Donald Stewart, carpenter. The death certificate was witnessed by her son James.

Jean (Jane) Robertson from Woodsheal seems to have been the daughter of Duncan Robertson and Margaret Robertson, born at Woodsheal 19th April 1798.

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Generation 4: The Children of David Stewart and Jane Robertson in Invervack

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Jane 14 Dec 1830 . . Margrochach,
Invervack
d.
James 25 Dec 1834 . . Margrochach,
Invervack
d.

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