Descendants of Rev. Robert Stewart of Killiechassie and Pitcastle

The Reverend Robert Stewart was the youngest (second surviving) son of James Stewart of Wester Clunie. It is through Robert and his descendants that the connection with landed property in the district of Athole (today the northern part of Perth and Kinross) was maintained unbroken in the male line until 1940.

Robert was born on the 1^st May 1650 and educated for holy orders at St Leonard’s College, St Andrews where he graduated M.A. on the 23^rd July 1672. In 1679 he was installed in the parish of Killin where he remained until his death.

Reverend Stewart was not a shining example of good ministry. According to Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae: “He was installed by the Rev Alexander Comrie, minister of Kenmore as his vicar at Lawers on the 8th Aug 1714, with power to hold sessions, baptise and marry”. A condition was that he kept a register of all he did, but “he neither kept register or scrolls, and monopolised all the dues payable to the Clerk, Bedal and Poor Box, all the time he stayed there.” It is not surprising that he amassed sufficient funds to bestow a large Strathtay estate on each of his four sons: Killiechassie, Blackhill and Cluny, Cloichfoldich and Derculich.

On the 23^rd January 1683, at Finlarig Chapel, Robert married Anna Campbell of Edramuckie, daughter of Duncan Campbell, a cadet of the Glenorchy Campbells whose estate was in the neighbourhood of Killin. (Details in the Family Bible in Robert’s own handwriting “Mr. Robert Stewart and Anna Campbell were married by Mr. Alex’ Comrie, at ye Chapyle of Ffinlairge, ye 23rd of Januarii 1683”).

[Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae states that Robert married twice, but a second wife is not named; it may be that several dates have been recorded for the same marriage. Burke’s Peerage, deriving information from the pedigree of the Stewart-Robertsons in Lyon Office, records only one marriage]

In 1686 Robert purchased Pitcastle from his cousin Gilbert Stewart and on the 1^st June 1706 he purchased Killiechassie from John Stewart of Ballechin, who had purchased the land from his brother Robert Stewart of Ballechin.

In his will of 7^th October 1727, made in favour of his wife, Robert states “It is a duty incumbent on me to provide Anna Campbell, my spouse, in such a share of my means and effects as will contribute to make her live comfortably after my death, she having been instrumental in making up the means and estate wherewith God has blessed us.” He further directs her “to bestow the sum of 500 merks Scots money towards the building of the Chapell of Killiechassie within the space of, after my interment therein”. In this Settlement he names the Rev. James Stewart, minister of Moulin, and Captain Alex Stewart, his nephews, and entreats the latter especially “to be kind to my widow, Ann Campbell, to advise her in all her concerns” styling him his intimate and trusted friend.

When he died on the 4^th March 1729, “his body was gently borne, shoulder high, by his parishioners to Killiechassie, a distance of twenty-four miles, and interred in the chapel there”. (Historic Memorials of the Stewarts of Forthergill)

According to Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Anne Campbell subsequently married Angus McPherson residing in Methven though she died less than a year after Rev. Robert.

In 1879, Charles Poyntz Stewart writes: “He was a man of great prudence, force, and decision of character, commanding in consequence the greatest respect throughout the district, and being also of more than average height and strength, was in every way a most worthy representative of his race. Indeed, amongst many family traditions still handed down respecting him, it is said that in the more troublous periods of his ministry he frequently conducted service with his broadsword (still preserved at Edradynate) by his side, ready for any emergency. This precaution would seem to have been highly needful, for on one occasion, when proceeding to perform the service in Strathfillan, the western part of his parish, he was suddenly attacked by M’Gregor, a noted freebooter of that powerful clan. After a short but exceedingly fierce struggle, the worthy ecclesiastic as usual prevailed, and caused M’Gregor to “lick the dust,” warning him in future to measure his man before he made his attack.

In short, Robert Stewart, though his lot was cast in a stormy and difficult age, passed through life respected and honoured, and left a name which still lives in his district, while he at the same time bequeathed a good landed estate to each of his sons.”

In her will of 7^th January 1730, Robert’s widow Anne Campbell makes the following declarations: “…my body to be decently buried in the Chapell of Killiechassie” and “…to finish the Chappell at Killiechassie at the sight and to the satisfaction of Mr James Stewart minister of Moulin and James Menzies of Culdariss…”

According to Fasti Eccesiae Scoticanae, Anne Campbell subsequently narried Angus McPherson residing in Methven though she died only a year after Robert.

Daughters of Robert Stewart and Anna Campbell

Four daughters – Anne, Margaret, Katherine and Grizel (“Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae”) or Ann, Margaret, Grizell and Beatrix (“Garth Stewarts”); all married into local families but are not referred to on the gravestones.

Margaret married James Menzies, 26^th July 1721;
Ann, baptised in Killin, on 21^st April 1697. Married James Robertson of Killiechangie, December 1724 and had issue;
Grizel married Duncan MacArthur of Innistrynich, on 21^st August 1723.

All above named in their mother’s testament

Katherine possibly married Alexander McLaren;
Beatrix married on 19^th February 1708 at Dull to Alexander Robertson of Balnacraig and had issue.

Other descendants also had daughters, similarly excluded.

Sons of Robert Stewart and Anna Campbell

1. James Stewart, 2^nd of Killiechassie

Born on the 29^th November 1683 at Edramuckie, James obtained a disposition for the lands of Killiechassie from his father. On the 24^th November 1709 at Logierait, he married Vere, eldest daughter of Captain James Menzies of Comrie (second son of Sir Alexander Menzies of Weem, first Baronet). James did not join the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715; he died on the 3^rd May 1718 (before his father). In addition to daughters Janet (married Duncan Robertson of Auchleeks in 1733), and Susan, they had two sons:

Robert Stewart, 3^rd of Killiechassie, born c.1710, who served as an officer with Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745/46. He held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding his own tenants. In Lord Rosebery’s “List of Rebels” he is described as “Lurking in the Hills,” after Culloden; he was in hiding for a long time, but his estate was not confiscated and he obtained a pardon, owing perhaps to his relationship to the Menzies family.

In 1732 Robert married Emilia, daughter and heiress of Thomas Fleming of Moness and he died c.1762. They had daughters Vere Stewart in 1736 and Ann Stewart in 1742 and sons:

Robert Stewart-Fleming, 4^th of Killiechassie and Moness, baptised 15^th April 1734, succeeded his father and mother, but died without issue;
James Stewart-Fleming was born in 1738, assuming the surname Fleming when he inherited the maternal estate. He has Killiechassie and Moness in his possession in 1783, but sold Moness to the Earl of Breadalbane on 19^th May 1788. He married Janet Duncan in 1773 and had, in addition to daughters (Margaret 1774-1842, Emilia 1776- and Ann 1777-), two sons, Robert and James Stewart-Fleming. James died before his brother and left a daughter Elizabeth (1808-1879, married 30^th June 1840 to John Steuart Newbigging W.S) but no male issue. Robert Stewart-Fleming (27^thJan 1783 – July 1857) inherited Killiechassie, but sold the property a few years before his death, reserving the burial ground. He married, but also died without issue;
James, a posthumous child, baptised 31^st August 1718 at Dull. Little is written about him and he probably died young.

Thus the male line of James Stewart of Killiechassie became extinct.

2. Duncan Stewart of Blackhill and Cluny

Born on the 21st March 1688 at Edramuckie and died in 1747. He was given the lands of Blackhill and Cluny. In 1726, he married Mary Fergusson, daughter of the Rev. Adam Fergusson, minister of Logierait. They had 3 sons and 2 daughters:

Robert Stewart – given the lands of Kilmorich in 1730; died without issue before October 1754;
Anne Stewart married Charles Stewart of Laigh of Cluny on 29^th November 1749 at Derculich;
Mary Stewart, baptised at Logierait 15^th June 1734; married 15^th July 1754 Duncan Robertson;
Adam Stewart of Blackhill and Cluny, born at Blackhill on 29^th February 1732. He inherited Kilmorich from his brother in 1754 and obtained a commission in the 42^nd Royal Highlanders on 24 July 1758, serving with his regiment in America and the West Indies until 1765, when he retired from the regiment on returning home. On 24^th October 1766 he married Helen, only daughter and heir of John Hepburn of Colquhalzie, Perthshire. For many years in the 1770s, he acted as the factor and tutor for the Robertsons of Edradynate. He died 20^th December 1811 and has his own headstone in the burial ground.

Adam and Helen had several sons who all died young and unmarried and they had 5 daughters:

Duncan baptised 12^th November 1767. Died without issue (Before 1811);
Margaret baptised 4 September 1769. Died young
Mary born 24^th November 1770, succeeded to the estates of Blackhill and Cluny in 1811 and died in 1825 unmarried;
John baptised 24^th May 1773. Died without issue;
Robert baptised 9^th December 1776. Died without issue;
Dorothy baptised 9^th December 1776. Died young;
Thomas baptised 4^th August 1778. Died without issue;
Helen, born 13^th March 1779, married her cousin John Hepburn and succeeded her sister in 1825. She died without issue 21^st April 1874;
Ann born 27^th June 1781, died September 1857 unmarried;
Dorathea, born 11^th November 1782; on 18^th March 1817 she married her second cousin James Stewart-Robertson of Edradynate, grandson of Robert Stewart of Derculich (Rev. Robert Stewart’s youngest son). She died 29^th August 1864, pre-deceased by several daughters, and leaving an only son (See Robert Stewart of Derculich).
Rev. James Stewart, baptised 26^th November 1736. Licensed 1747 and 6^th December 1757 installed as Chaplain 42^nd Royal Highlanders; became minister of the parish of Dull on 1^st September 1759. Died 14^th September 1768 unmarried.

Thus the male line of Duncan Stewart of Blackhill and Cluny became extinct.

3. Alexander Stewart, 1^st of Cloichfoldich

Born 29^th November 1689 and died in 1740 (Killiechassie gravestone). He was given the estate of Cloichfoldich. On 23^rd July 1724 he married Margaret Stewart of Urrard and had the following children:

Robert Stewart, 2^nd of Cloichfoldich, who married 28^th February 1756 Susan Fleming, sister of Emilia Fleming who was married to Robert’s first cousin, also Robert Stewart, son of Rev. Robert Stewart’s oldest son James. Robert and Susan had 4 children that we know of;
Alexander Stewart, 2^nd of Cloichfoldich, baptised 26^th December 1756 at Logierait, Colonel in the 42^nd Highlanders who fought in Egypt, returning in ill-health. He was a distinguished officer and was presented with a broadsword by his fellow soldiers inscribed “From The Athole Club to Lieut-Col Alexander Stewart of the 42^nd or Royal regiment of Highlanders, in testimony of their esteem for his gallant conduct in Egypt on 21 March 1801”. He died on 23^rd May 1808, unmarried;
Susanna Stewart, baptised 1^st June 1759 at Logierait;
Robert Stewart, 3^rd of Cloichfoldich, baptised 30^th June 1761 at Logierait, married 25^th July 1803 Willielmina Maxwell-Campbell, daughter of Willielma Maxwell and John, Viscount Glenorchy, heir to the Earl of Breadalbane. Robert died 24^th April 1833 leaving a daughter Janet Wilhemina Maxwell-Stewart, born in Edinburgh 25^th September 1806. She married on 5^th April 1838 William Bowie Campbell but had no issue;
James Stewart, baptised 1^st December 1762 at Logierait, Captain R.N, died 1806 unmarried;
Catherine Stewart who married 12^th August 1749 Robert Stewart of Bridgend, Glen Tilt.

Thus the male line of Alexander Stewart of Cloichfoldich became extinct.

Robert Stewart, 1^st of Derculich

Robert was born on 6 December 1704, and died on 22 May 1767. He married, 25 April 1729, Jean, daughter of Robert Campbell of Auchlyne.

Margaret Stewart, baptised at Dull 28 March 1734
James Stewart, 2^nd of Derculich, baptised at Dull 30 October 1730. He sold the estate of Derculich in 1805 and died on 2 July 1806.

He married twice, firstly at Dull 12 December 1755 to his cousin Agnes, daughter of Duncan Campbell of Auchlyne (she died in 1778) They had a son and 2 daughters:

Robert Stewart, baptised at Dull 7 January 1757. Died before his father without issue
Louisa Stewart, baptised at Dull 29 September 1761, married 11 November 1786 to Robert Cargill, Merchant in Dunkeld
Jean Stewart, baptised at Dull 12 November 1770.

Secondly, James married at Dull on 29 November 1778 to Margaret, daughter and heiress of Duncan Robertson of Edradynate. They had a number of children including Robert (1784-) George and Mary (1787), Adam (1790), William (1792), John (1795); details about these children are not confirmed, but all died young or without issue. In addition the marriage produced:

Alexander Stewart, baptised at Dull 22 October 1779. He married at Dull on 8 June 1805 to Jean Stewart of Sheirglass, but died without issue
James Stewart-Robertson, baptised at Dull on 20 March 1783 and died 10 June 1862. He succeeded to his mother’s lands of Edradynate and assumed the surname Robertson when he came of age in 1804. On 18 March 1817 he married his second cousin Dorathea, daughter of his father’s first cousin Adam Stewart of Blackhill and Clunie. They had 3 daughters who all died without issue – Helen Stewart-Robertson (3 February 1818-1821), Margaret Stewart-Robertson (1 November 1819) and Mary Ann Stewart-Robertson (5 September 1821-1845); also a son:
James Stewart-Robertson of Edradynate born on 15 May 1823. On 27 April 1852 he married Mary Jane Cun(n)inghame, younger daughter of Robert Cunninghame of Ballanorris, Isle of Man, and they had four daughters and one son. In 1874, on the death of his mother’s sister, Mrs Stewart-Hepburn, James inherited the estates of Cluny and Blackhill (by his grandfather Adam Stewart’s deed of entail) and also inherited the properties of Colquhalzie and Glenquey (by Mr Stewart-Hepburn’s deed of entail)

James was a lawyer, magistrate, philanthropist and Deputy Lieutenant for Perthshire. He was also an accomplished musician, studied the fiddle under Duncan McKercher and became first President of the Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society. He composed many tunes and edited and published “The Athole Collection” as he was concerned that interest in Scottish fiddle music was waning.

It is he who, in 1884, erected the large memorial stone in the graveyard “as a memorial of his ancestors and kinsfolk”.

James and Mary had 5 daughters (one died young and the others did not marry) and an only son, also James Stewart-Robertson, who was born on 14 November 1856, becoming JP for Perthshire and an officer in the Royal Perthshire Militia and Athole Highlanders. He was the last remaining male heir of Rev Robert Stewart and on 11 October 1880 he married Janet Beatrice Murray-Allan of Glenfeochan, Argyll. He died at Edradynate on 14 February 1940 aged 83 leaving a daughter Dorothy Campbell Stewart Robertson (1891-1977) but no male issue. In 1921 Dorothy married Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Loyd Sinclair Meiklejohn. Their son James Neil Stewart-Meiklejohn (1922-1977) has 2 sons and a daughter.

Thus the male line of Robert Stewart of Derculich became extinct.

Note:

Dates of birth and death are given as stated in source documents, but in some cases are likely to be the date of baptism or date of burial.
There are discrepancies in the names and dates of some individuals in various documents.

References:

Historic Memorials of the Stewarts of Forthergill, Charles Poyntz Stewart, published 1879

Garth Stewarts, James Irvine Robertson

Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae

Will of Anne Campbell – held in Perth and Kinross Archives, Edradynate Estate Collection (MS56)

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