Records of the Pringles of the Scottish Border, by Alex Pringle

Chapter 16

STITCHILL

ROBERT

ROBERT PRINGLE first of Stitchill, was a son of George 1 of Newhall. He was born apparently in 1581. He appears in the Records in 1605, 1606, and 1613 as being granted the escheats of persons put to the horn for failing to find caution ; and in 1608 as a servitor (clerk) of Gideon Murray of Elibank, then chamberlain to Walter Lord Scott of Buccleuch, and in 1613 appointed Treasurer-depute of Scotland. On 9th June 1613 Sir Gideon wrote to the Steward of Annandale that he was enquiring into the alleged interference with casualties falling .to the Stewartry by Robert Pringill, " who is the man who hath charge of collecting the Border fines and other casualties of that kind within the bounds of the Border Commission," and would determine what be- longed to the Stewartry and what to the Treasury (Laing, MSS.).

In March 1622 the Earls of Nithsdale and Buccleuch and John Murray of Lochmaben, entrusted with the charge and oversight of the late Borders, viz., the shires of Berwick, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles, and Dumfries, and the Stewartries of Annandale and Kirkcudbright, appointed ten persons each, including Robert Pringill by the Earl of Buccleuch, to act under them ; who having been presented and allowed, the Lords ordained an Act to be passed to warrant them in their proceedings, and notice thereof' to be proclaimed at all the market crosses of the said shires, so that none could pretend ignorance thereof (P. C.). In May 1622 at Dumfries Syme Armstrong appeared before the Commission of the middle shires, and acted himself that, if within eight days he did not find caution to Robert Pringill, bailie to the Earl of Buccleuch to underlie the law at the next justice court, he would with his own consent be denounced fugitive and outlaw (P. C.).

In August 1622 at the justice court, Jedburgh, Geordie Armstrong, called Archie's Geordie, was cleansed of the theft of seven sheep from Baitingbus, pertaining to Robert Pringill there (P. C.). At the same court on 28th August, 19 persons convicted of theft, reset of theft, or others, were condemned to be hanged, 9 to be burnt on the cheek with the common burning-iron of Jedburgh, and 6 to be banished to the Low Countries not to return on pain of death; and on 30th August, 22 more to be hanged, and 10 to remain in jail during the Council's pleasure.

In April 1623 at the justice court at Jedburgh 27 persons are declared fugitives or outlaws, and 11 lairds were fined £100 each for non-compearance as jurymen, and ordered to pay the same to H.M.'s Treasurer for Scotland, or to Robert Pringill of Baitingbus his depute for uplifting the fines and casualties of the said courts; and the Lords of Council are requested to direct letters of horning against them, whereupon the said Robert asked instruments and acts of court (P. C.).

In December 1625 William Ker of Linton and his son Andrew acknowledge the receipt from Robert of 2500 merks in gold and silver, which they promise to repay before Whitsuntide next, and to infeft him in certain lands in Clifton; done in the office of Robert Pringill, W.S., Edinburgh (S. Rox).

On 26th April 1628 a contract is made betwixt John Gordon of Lochinvar, with consent of John Belsches on the one part, and Robert Pringill in Baitingbus on the other, whereby the former disposes to the latter the lands and barony of Stitchill, for which Robert binds him to pay to the said John Gordon 90,000 merks Scots by Whitsuntide next - 44, 000 of it to be applied to the redemption of Sir Lewis Craig's wadset, and 14,000 of David Murray's: sasine given on 3rd December following: witnesses to contract, William Pringill in Newhall, etc. (S. W.). Thus this John Gordon, who was served heir to his father only a month before, could not, as has been alleged, have given the price got for Stitchill to the Duke of Buckingham, for after paying those wadsets the price was pretty well gone. In June following Robert got a decree of removal against the tenants of Stitchill - 66 in number - apparently a legal formality of the time preliminary to granting fresh leases. According to Robert's charter the lands were held of the King for the payment yearly of a pair of gilt spurs (G. S.). In 1632 he bought certain other lands in Stitchill for 5000 merks Scots (S. W.).

In 1632 of the lands forfeited by Francis, Earl of Bothwell, Dinlaybyre, Larriston and Howden, in Liddesdale, were possessed by Robert (P. C.).

On 31st August 1632 at Newark Castle a contract of marriage was made between John Pringill, eldest son of Robert and Margaret Scott, natural daughter of Walter, first Earl of Buccleuch. The Earl brought up together, at the Castle, six legitimate and five illegitimate children. Of the latter William Scott became laird of Mangerton, and. John of Gorrenberry, while Janet brought a tocher of 4000 merks to her husband, Scott of Foulshiels. The Earl, by way of finding employment for his fellow Borderers at this time, had taken over a detachment of them to Holland as auxiliaries of the Dutch in their war with the Spaniards, while he himself returned home at intervals. In January 1633 at Morpeth he wrote: " Intending shortly to pass furth of Scotland to England and Holland, I have subscribed these presents (his latter Will) before these witnesses, John Pringill of Stitchill, Patrick and Walter Scott, and Wm. Tunno, our servitors '' (S. B.). In July 1633 Robert wrote to the Earl as to his dealings with certain freebooters. The Armstrongs and others of Liddesdale had not entirely given up their predatory habits. He had apprehended Archie Armstrong of Hollows for the theft of a cow; but could find no jail in which to put him. Rearrested by his son-in-law (John Ogle ?), Archie was now a prisoner in Carlisle jail; but he had bound himself that no tenant on his Lordship's lands should appear as a complainer in England. He was sorry he did not know of his Lordships departure from Scotland till three days after. He had received his letter. He had written to him twice, but one letter had been returned, and the other had evidently miscarried. " 1 am now forced to leave Esk, and come to Stitchill to dwell," and he hopes his Lordship will consider what ease he may dispose for him in his service, and he entreats him to stay at home and leave off all other service (S. B.). Earl Walter died in London in November following, 1633, and was succeeded by his son Francis.

In 1636 Robert and two others, equally between them, get sasine of the Earl of Home's lands under reversion for 50,000 merks (S. W.). In 1639, along with his son John, he gets sasine of the Earl of Home's lands of Hardie's Mill and Homebyres also along with his son Walter of the lands of West Gordon (S. E.). In 1639 he is one of the two M.P.'s for Roxburghshire, and often appointed to the Committees. In a deposition with regard to Archie Armstrong, an outlaw, whom he met openly in Langholm, Robert stated that he was 60 years of age, and had been Bailie of the Debateable lands to Lord Buccleuch for 25 years (S. B.).

In November 1642 the Lords of Council appoint a justice court to be held on 1st February at Jedburgh, and another on 15th February at Dumfries, whither it is very necessary to bring the depredators and thieves (88 names follow) to underlie punishment ; for which purpose full power is given to the Earls of Buccleuch, Dumfries and Queensberry, and 27 other persons, including Robert Pringill of Stitchill, to convocate the lieges, take and enter them at the courts, using fire, siege, and all kinds of force, and exonerating them from all liability they may incur there-through ; the commission to endure till the last day of February (P. C.).

In 1643 Robert was appointed a collector for Roxburghshire of the money to be raised for the support of the Scottish army in Ireland; also a Commissioner of War for Roxburgh and Berwick shires (A. P.). In 1648 Robert, having been repaid by the Earl of Lothian the 20,000 merks lent on Hadden, renounces the lands (S. E.).

Robert died in May 1649. By his spouse Catherine Hamilton he had issue:-

1. John, fear, who predeceased him.

2. Walter; of Greenknowe (which see).

3. Eleanor, marr. John, son of Luke Ogle of Eglingham, Northumberland.

4. ----, marr. Ker of Graden.

5. Anna, marr. James Home of Eccles. Died March 1664

6. Christina, marr. Hugh Wallace, younger, of Craigie, Ayrshire. Died November 1663.

JOHN (FEAR)

who died in 1646, by his spouse, Margaret Scott of Buccleuch, had issue :-

1. Robert, who succeeded his grandfather, Robert.

2. Walter, of Craigcrook, Advocate (see The Law).

3. Francis, of Rowiston, Greenlaw (see below).

4. James.

5. William.

6. Catherine, marr. George Pringle of that Ilk.

7. Elizabeth,

SIR ROBERT (1ST BARONET)

In June 1649 Robert Pringle, now of Stitchill, summons two Pringles and three Scotts, his nearest kin on the father's and mother's side, to meet and appoint him Curators, as he was past 14, the age of tutory, and under 21 ; and they chose the Scotts of Mangerton, Gorrenberry, and Thirlestane, and the Pringles of Greenknowe, Torwoodlee, and Woodhead (Fountain- ha11), with Sir James Home of Eccles (A. D,). In 1655 Protector Cromwell grants to Robert under reversion the lands of James, Earl of Home and the Homes of Prendergest and Dirrington, apprised by him for 30,225 merks with 1505 merks Sheriff's fees (G. S.). In 1655 also he is appointed a Commissioner of Supply for Roxburghshire.

In June 1660 a marriage contract was made between Robert and Margaret, daughter of the late Sir John Hope, a Senator of the College of Justice (S. W.).

In 1662 Robert got sasine of Hardie's Mill and Homebyres (adjoining Stitchill) conceded by the Earl of Home (S. E.). In 1665 he is added to the 15 Commissioners for Roxburghshire appointed in 1662 to apprehend and try moss troopers, robbers, and thieves on the Borders (P. C.).

In 1667 Robert succeeds to the ancestral lands of Newhall (see Newhall).

In 1681 Robert is appointed one of the two M.P.S for Roxburghshire.

In 1683 he gets sasine of a certain annual rent furth of the lands and teinds of Nenthorn (S. Rox.) ; also of the lands of Greenknowe (which see).

In 1683 Robert was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia.

In 1685 George, son of James Home of Eccles, having renounced heirship to his father, the Lords adjudge to Robert, and to George Pringle, Kelso, the lands of Eccles in security for sums of money owing to them (A. D., Durie).

In 1688 a contract of marriage was made between John, Sir Robert's eldest son, and Magdalen, only daughter of the late Sir Gilbert Elliot of Stobs ; and she gets sasine of Homebyres and Newhall (S. E.).

Sir Robert died in 1692, and on 3rd March was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh. By his spouse, Margaret Hope, he had issue 19 children, of whom only 13 grew up:-

1. Sir John, his heir.

2. Sir Walter, Lord Newhall (see The Law).

3. Robert, Under Secretary f or Scotland (see The Law).

4. Thomas, W.S. son, Lord Edgefield (see The Law).

Grandson, Vice-Admiral Thomas (see The Navy).

.5. Francis, a Doctor in Edinburgh, of Newhall. Issue:-

George, served heir in 1756, died, unmarried, 1759.

Margaret died unmarried, 1757.

Anna-Mary, marr. George Fullerton, Collector of Customs at Leith, whose daughter, Christian Fullerton, heiress of the said George and Margaret, marr. Henry Erskine, Lord Advocate.

6. Archibald, in 1690 apprenticed to John Duncan, merchant, Edinburgh, in 1694 Ensign in Colonel Hamilton's Regiment of Foot, in 1695 Captain, in 1704 died, unmarried, in Edinburgh.

7. Katherine, marr. Sir John Home of Blackadder in 1694, and had issue, died in 1755.

8. Mary, marr. Captain Henry Borthwick of Pilmuir, of the Cameronian Regiment who, mortally wounded at the battle of Ramillies, died in May 1706, and who de jure 13th Lord Borthwick was Peer for four days only.

9. Bethia, marr. Deans of Woodhouselee, and had issue.

10. Margaret, marr. a Mr Blair.

11. ----- marr. William Drummond of Blair-Drummond, and had issue, a daughter.

Anne and Elisabeth died unmarried, the former buried in Greyfriars, February 1696.

FRANCIS OF ROWISTON,

brother of Sir Robert of Stitchill, marr. Elisabeth Home who in 1668 was retoured heir of her lather Alexander Home of Rowiston, Greenlaw, in the lands thereof, and who on a bond of relief granted sasine of them to the said Sir Robert. For Francis's action in 1679 as Bailie of Kelso (see Kelso). In 1681, Francis's wife being dead and her son Alexander Pringle not entering heir, the Lords adjudge Rowiston to Sir Robert. In 1684 Francis was appointed a Sheriff-depute of Roxburghshire; also his sister-in-law Isabella Home got sasine of 300 merks yearly furth of his property in Kelso. About 1698 Francis is one of a party of 10 who set up a Society for Prayer, which about ten years afterwards gave rise to the S.P.C.K. (Wodrow's Analecta).

Francis had issue: -

1. Alexander, in 1693 Ensign in Colonel Monro's Regiment of Foot in the Netherlands, in 1694 in Colonel Ferguson's (Cameronians) ; and as of Viscount Teviot's Dragoons, died in 1702 at Edinburgh, his Will being given up in 1709 by his brother Francis, one of the Regents, of the College of St Andrews, his Executor (T. E.).

2. The said Francis, who graduated at Edinburgh in 1694.

SIR JOHN (2ND BARONET),

who in 1688 marr. Magdalen, daughter of Sir Gilbert Elliot of Stobs, was retoured heir of his father Sir Robert in the lands in April 1692, ant later got sasine of Newhall, Hardie's Mill, and Rowiston (S. W.).

In 1700 forty heritors of Roxburghshire, including Sir John and four other Pringles, petitioned Parliament anent the redress of certain grievances, and soliciting support for the Colony of New Caledonia, Panama.

In 1702 Sir John sold Rowiston to Sir Patrick Hume of Marchmont. In 1704 Charles, Earl of Home, disponed to him, irredeemably, the lands and teinds of Homebyres and Hardie's Mill (S.W.). Also he was appointed a Commissioner of Supply for both Roxburgh and Berwick shires (A. P.).

In 1706 Margaret, Sir John's eldest daughter, marr. Sir James Hall of Dunglass, and gets sasine of a liferent annuity furth of his lands of Oldcambus and Wauchton (S, W.).

On 15th April 1715 the Stuart standard was erected on the braes of Mar. In October eight Deputy Lieutenants of Roxburgh and Selkirk shires met at Jedburgh, and for defence resolved to call up two-thirds of the Militia or 888 men. Sir William Bennet of Grubet, hearing that McIntosh with 1500 Highlanders from the north and Forster and Kenmure with 500 horse from the south were marching on Kelso, vacated it and withdrew his men to Edinburgh. The rebels occupied the town from 22nd to 27th November, carried off Sir John's horses, took what pewter they could get to make bullets, and burned his corn (C. B,).

Sir John died in 1723. By his spouse Magdalene Elliot, who died in 1739 he had issue:-

1. Sir Robert, his heir.

2. Gilbert, who marr. the heiress of the last Hoppringle - of that Ilk and inherited the lands (see that Ilk).

3. Walter, an Advocate, appointed Sheriff-depute of Roxburghshire in 1754, in room of Mr Gilbert Elliot (S. M.).

4. Sir John, Bart., born 1707, died 1782, attained European fame as a medical scientist ; President of the Royal society 1772 to 1778 (see the Encyclopaedias, especially the Dictionary of National Biography).

5. Margaret, marr. in 1759 Sir James Hall of Dunglass ; their son Sir James has been called the founder of experimental geology.

6. Katherine, marr. William 2nd son of James Hamilton of Bangour, Westlothian (" the elegant and amiable poet"), who succeeded to the estate on the death of his brother, died abroad at Lyons in 1754, and was buried in Holyrood Abbey.

SIR ROBERT (3RD BARONET),

born in 1690, contracted in 1723 to marry Katherine, eldest daughter of James Pringle of Torwoodlee. In 1726 Sir Gilbert Elliot of Stobs, having killed Colonel Stewart of Stewartfield in a quarrel over an election and fled to Holland, Sir Robert was one of eight J.P.'s who declared him an outlaw and issued a warrant for his apprehension (Tancred).

In April 1743 Sir Robert disponed and assigned to his eldest son James his whole means and estate (S. W.). In 1757 he granted to his second son Francis, W.S., and his daughters Magdalen and Margaret a bond for £2100 sterling to be divided equally between them. In 1766 he was served heir to his brother Gilbert of Torsonce, he to pay to Gilbert's daughter Frances £300 sterling (T. E.).

In March 1768 a commission was granted to Sir Robert as sole Master of Works and Inspector and Director of all the Royal Buildings in Scotland (S. W.). In July 1768 he got from the Crown a lease for 19 years of the teind sheaves of Newhall, paying pro rata the minister's stipend and the upkeep of the church of Stow (P. S.).

In September 1772 died Sir Robert's daughter Margaret, bequeathing all her estate to her brother James (T. Lauder).

Sir Robert died on 4th December 1779, aged 88 years.

By his wife Katherine Pringle, who died in 1745, he had issue:-

1. John, who died in 1840, in the (18th year of his age, while at Edinburgh University.

2. James, 4th Baronet.

3. Francis, born May 1729, apprenticed to James Pringle of Bowland, W.S., admitted a W.S. in 1753, died in April 1760, unmarried (S. M.).

4. Isabella, who died in 1757, unmarried.

5. Magdalen, marr. in October 1759 Sir John Hall, 3rd Bart. of Dunglass (S. M.).

6. Margaret, who died in 1772, unmarried.

COLONEL SIR JAMES (4TH BARONET),

born 1726, in June 1744 entered the army as 2nd Lieut. in the 21st Regt. (North British Fusiliers), in 1747 appointed 1st Lieut. in the 25th Regt., and in 1755 Captain. In 1760 he was Major of the 59th Foot, and in 1765 Colonel. In April 1778 he was appointed Lieut.-colonel of the Duke of Buccleuch's Fencible Regt. (to serve only at home), and in July one of the Royal Company of Archers of Scotland (S.W.).

In 1779 Sir James inherited the estate and the British baronetcy of his uncle Sir John Pringle, P.R.S., also the lands of Torsonce from his uncle Gilbert who died 1765.

Sir James, who was elected M.P. for Berwickshire in 1761, represented the county in four Parliaments till 1779.

In 1783 Sir James wrote to Sir R. M Keith, British Ambassador at Vienna, introducing his nephew Sir James Hall (grand nephew of their mutual friend Sir John Pringle, P.R.S.), now 22 years of age, now seeking further improvement by travel; adding, " The Peace (of Versailles) by disbanding the Fencible Regts. has again made me a county gentleman, and I am now settled at home, resolved to soldier it no more, but pass my summers in the country, and winders for the education of my children in Edinburgh, where I have bought a house '' (M.S. B.Mus., 35611).

In September 1785 Viscount Lunardi of balloon fame visited Scotland, where his second ascent was made from Kelso on 22nd October, when after an hour and. a half he landed at Doddington Moor, Northumberland. He was present at Kelso races: " On Sat. dined with Sir James Douglas at Springwood Park, on Sunday was entertained by Sir James Pringle at Stitchill, and on Monday by Lord Home at Hirsel '' (Kay's Portraits, vol. 1).

In 1794 Sir James was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Roxburghshire, and when the Yeomanry Cavalry were first raised in 1797 he commanded the corps for that year only.

Sir James died at Stitchill House on 7th April 1809 (G. M.). By his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Norman Macleod of Macleod, he had issue: -

1. Robert, Lieut. in the 2nd Dragoon Guards. His wife Sarah Macleod died within three months after their marriage in 1806, and he himself in 1809 (S. M.).

2. John, 5th Baronet.

3. Norman, 6th Baronet.

4. Anne, died in 1787, unmarried (S. M.).

5. Elizabeth, marr. Archibald Tod of Drygrange, W.S. (G. M.),

6. Margaret, died in 1808 at Stitchill House, unmarried (S. M,).

7. Mary, marr. in 1801 George, son of George Baillie of Jerviswoode and Mellerstain, brother of Thomas Hamilton 7th Earl of Haddington, but who, on succeeding to these estates of his maternal grandfather in 1759, assumed his surname of Baillie-George Baillie, who was born in 1763, succeeded his father in 1797. He was M.P. for Berwickshire from 1796 till 1818. He died in 1841, and his widow Mary Pringle in 1865 at, Eildon Hall where she had resided for many years. They had issue : 1. George, 10th Earl of Haddington ; 2. Charles, advocate, who sat on the Bench as Lord Jerviswoode for 15 years, and died at Dryburgh House in 1879 ; 3. James Pringle, served in the 56th and 81st Regts. ; 4. Major Robert ; 5. John, canon, York Cathedral ; 6. Admiral Thomas ; 7. Elizabeth, marr. John, Marquess of Breadalbane 1821, and died 1861 ; 8. Mary, marr. 1840 George Earl of Aberdeen ; 9. Georgina, marr. 1835 Lord Polwarth ; 10. Catherine-Charlotte, marr. 1840 Bertram Earl of Ashburnham ; and died in 1894 (S. P.).

SIR JOHN (5TH BARONET)

In June 1809 Sir John married at Edinburgh Emilia Ann, 3rd daughter of the late Lieut.-General Macleod of Macleod (S. M.). In July he was served heir to his brother Robert in Stitchill and some parts of Torsonce. In 1815 he appears as an active member of the Midlothian Sporting Club. Lady Pringle having died in 1830, he married as his second wife, in October 1831 at Langton, Lady Elizabeth Campbell, eldest daughter of the Marquis of Breadalbane and Mary T. Gavin (only daughter of David Gavin, who had made a large fortune in Holland and bought the estate of Langton from the Cockburns in 1757). In 1863 Lady Pringle was served heir to her brother the 6th Earl (who died in 1862), heir special in the lands and barony of Langton, Duns.

Sir John, who survived his three sons, died in June 1869. He had issue by his first wife :

1. James, died at York in 1865, unmarried, aged 55 (G. M.).

2. Norman, drowned from a boat in the Thames when a Cadet in the Royal Engineers at Woolwich (G. M.).

3. John-Robert, entered Madras Civil Service in 1835; died on board the Mary Ann on the voyage from India in September 1847. By his wife, Hester-Helen daughter of General Malcolm McNeill, he left a daughter Emily-Elizabeth-Steel Pringle, who married, first, John the natural son and heir of Charles Gordon the wealthy laird of Braid and Cluny; and, second, in 1880 Sir Reginald A. E. Cathcart. She left no issue (G. M,).

4, 5, 6. Mary, died in 1893, Eliza, and Emilia-Ann, died in 1902 all unmarried.

7. Katherine, marr. in 1845 Archibald Swinton of Kimmerghame, died in 1846.

8. Anne-Crawford, marr. in 1854 Charles Sinclair, Commander, R.N., son of Lord Sinclair.

By his second wife Lady Elizabeth Campbell-

9. Mary-Gavin, who in 1861 marr. the Hon. Major Robert Baillie-Hamilton, and in 1878, on the death of her mother, succeeded to the estate of Langton, where she and her husband (who was M.P. for Berwickshire 1874-1880) resided. He died in 1891, she in 1912 (Cockburn Family Records).

10. Magdalen-Breadalbane, marr. first in London in 1863 Alexander Anderson, of Newstead, N.S.W., and second Sir R. B. Harvey of Langley Park, who died in 1887 and she in 1913,.

SIR NORMAN OF NEWHALL (6TH BARONET ; BROTHER)

Entering the Army at the age of 17, he was appointed 2nd Lieut. in the 21st Regiment (North British Fusiliers) in 1804, Captain in 1807, and. Major in 1814. He retired in 1828 (War Office Lists). In 1846 he was appointed British Consul at Stockholm, and in 1857 was transferred in the same capacity to Dunkirk. There lie died in April 1870, aged 82, having been Baronet in succession to his brother Sir John for only a few months (The Times, 23rd April, 1870). By his wife Anne daughter of Robert Stewart of Alderston, East Lothian, whom he married in 1826, he had issue:-

1. Norman-William-Drummond, his heir.

2. Francis-John, lieut. in the army ; died unmarried.

3. Walter-Louis, Senior Clerk in the Privy Council office ; died 1884.

4. Harriet-Elizabeth-Anne, died unmarried 1916.

5. Emilia-Margaret,.

SIR NORMAN-WILLIAM-DRUMMOND OF NEWHALL

(7th BARONET),

was born 16th April 1836, and entered the Army as Ensign in the 38th Foot (now the 1st Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment) on 10th September 1858. He became Lieut.-colonel in 1882, Colonel in 1885, and retired from the Army on the pension of his rank in 1888. He served through the Egyptian war of 1882, commanding the outposts during the reconnaissance from Alexandria, and receiving the medal and Khedive's Star. In 1885 he was with the Soudan Frontier Field Force commanding the base at Wady Halfa, and in 1886 took part in the operations on the Upper Nile. Sir Norman died on 21st July 1897. By his wife Louisa-Clementina, daughter of Robert Steuart of Alderston, he had issue: -

1. Norman-Robert, his heir.

2. Magdalen-Valerie.

3. Violet-Louisa-Maria.

SIR NORMAN-ROBERT OF NEWHALL

(8TH BARONET,)

Lieut., Army Pay Department, and temporary Captain, Inland Water Transport ; born October 1871, marr. Florence-Madge only child of the late J. Vaughan of Rochester, died April 1919, leaving issue: -

1. Norman-Hamilton, 9th Baronet, born 1903, marr. 1927 Winifred Olive Curran of Folkestone.

2. Ronald-Stuart) born April 1905.

3. James-Drummond, born April 1906.

4. Mary-Elizabeth, born November 1916.

NOTE

In January 1850 Sir John, 5th Baronet, granted a trust disposition and assignation in favour of Lord Polwarth and Alexander Pringle of Whytbank of, inter alia,, the lands and estate of Stitchill, and in November 1853 they sold Stitchill to David Baird, the youngest of the famous millionaire brothers of Gartsherrie Iron Works. David died in 1860, and was succeeded by his brother George Baird, proprietor of the estate of Strichen, who built and finished in 1866 the present magnificent mansion of Stitchill House. George died in 1870, leaving a, son George-Alexander Baird, who when he grew up became known in sporting circles as Mr Abington, and died in March 1893 at New Orleans, U.S.A., whither he had gone to witness a sporting event.

After the Bairds the next proprietor was Mr James Deuchar of Newcastle, who after holding the estate for 28 years sold it in 1929 to a Mr Towler, Cambridge, who, in accordance with his practice in similar purchases, has sold off the various farms of the estate to the tenants or others, retaining only the uninhabited mansion house, also for sale.