Alexander Ruthven

ALEXANDER RUTHVEN Master of Gowrie

Unsupported Claim or Fake Genealogy

A family of Trotters claim descent from Alexander Ruthven, MyHeritage but there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that it was Alexander Ruthven, here treated, (who was actually killed before he reached the age of majority) who married Ann Trotter and went on to have children. The younger brother of Alexander Ruthven, here treated, appears to have styled himself as Lord Ruthven, and it might be supposed that he would not have done so if his elder brother, or one of his descendants, perhaps, had a better claim. Papers: pp. 109-10

In view of the foregoing it seems extremely unlikely that Alexander Ruthven, here treated, is the same person as Alexander Ruthven

The Question of Identity

Alexander Ruthven, Master of Gowrie, is the son of William Ruthven, Earl of Gowrie, and his wife Dorothea Stewart. He is said to have been born at Perth in Scotland on 22 January 1581, The Scots Peerage IV: p. 264 although this is actually the date upon which his baptism was registered there. His baptismal record reads as follows: "P[ater] William Lord Ruthven God[fathers] My Lord Athol; Allexr My Lord Hume N[omen] Allexr Ruthven". [National Records of Scotland, Perth Baptisms, 1650-81, reference OPR.387/1] Image of Baptismal Record

Death

Alexander Ruthven, Master of Gowrie, and his elder brother John, Earl of Gowrie, were killed on 5 August 1600, at Gowrie House in Perth, during an alleged attempt on the life of James VI, King of Scotts. The Scots Peerage IV: p. 264

Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

                  1

22 March 1587-88: Feu Charter under Great Seal in favour of Alexander Ruthven, brother of deceased William, Earl of Gowrie, of lands of Over Pitcairns in barony of Dunkeld. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Maxtone Graham Family of Cultoquhey, Perthshire, reference GD155/121

                   2

15 November 1600: a) Crown charter to Thomas Erskin of Gogar, one of HM Bedchamber, in consideration of his having preserved the King's life from John, earl of Gowrie, and Alexander Ruthven, his brother, of one third of the lands and barony of Dirletoun and lands of Boltoun, lands of Hassinden and Haleburtoun (sheriffdom of Berwick), half of lands of barony of Ballegarno, one third of lands and baronies of Abernyite and Forgundenny (sheriffdom of Perth) and one third of lands and barony of Segye (sheriffdom of Kinross), formerly pertaining to the said earl and now incorporated in a free barony to be called the barony of Dirletoun. [RMS vi, 1095]. (b) Extract act of Parliament ratifying the above grant. [APS iv, 216-9] (c) Crown precept of sasine in terms of above charter. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Brooke Family of Biel, reference GD6/222

                   3

26 February 1607: Assignation by Sir John Ogilvy of Innerquharitie, kt., to Alexander Ruthven, brother of William Ruthven of Ardonachie, of part of a contract, dated 8 November 1598, made between said Sir John on the one part and sir Thomas Lyoun of Aldbar, kt., on the other part, whereby said Sir Thomas set in tack to said Sir John the teinds of the lands pertaining to the Master of Ogilvy in the parish of Nedder Arlie; and of the other part of said contract whereby said Sir Thomas bound himself to procure a tack in favour of said Sir John of the teinds of Cravmondinch. Keremuir, 26 February 1607. [Draft] Assignation by the said Sir John Ogiluy to David Ogiluy in Mekill Kany of the foresaid parts of said contract. 16[-]. [1177.37] National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Earls of Airlie, GD16/48/52

Genealogy

1. The Scots Peerage IV: pp. 254-68 for Ruthven, Earl of Gowrie
2. Ruthven Family Papers etc: 210 pp. including index
3. Papers relating to William, first Earl of Gowrie, and Patrick Ruthven, his fifth and last surviving son: 115 pp.