John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow

DISPUTED ANCESTRY

The ancestry of Mr. John Ruthven, here treated, who was a Music Master in Glasgow, has not as yet been satisfactorily identified. Two quite different claims have been made, although neither is supported by authentic evidence [Note]

First

It has been claimed that Mr, John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow, was the great-grandson of John Ruthven, 3rd Earl of Gowrie who killed at Gowrie House in Perth on 5 August 1600, during an alleged attempt to kidnap King James VI. In a pedigree published in the Ruthven Family Papers he is said to have been the son of another John Ruthven, a resident of Kilmarnock, perhaps, who was, in turn, the unnamed son of the last Earl of Gowrie. Ruthven Papers: 62

The pedigree published in the Ruthven Family Papers is said to have been preserved in the family of "an old lady of the name of Dick in Kilmarnock (1843)" who was "well versed in the circumstances and genealogy" of the Earl's heir. Ruthven Papers: 62 The main problem with this pedigree is the fact that there is no record of a marriage for Earl John, or of him ever having had any children. Moreover, the son and heir claimed for him is not identified by name. [Note] On all of these points history is silent. The Scots Peerage IV: 267-8

Second

It has also been claimed that Mr. John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow, was that son of George Ruthven and Elspet Hutchesone whose baptism was registered on 4 May 1688, at St. Ninians parish in Stirlingshire. MyHeritage

No proof has been offered for the pedigrees published by MyHeritage but the claim made warrants an examination of the evidence. The baptism of John Ruthven, son of George Ruthven and Elspet Hutchesone, was register at St. Ninians parish in Stirlingshire on 4 May 1688. The baptismal record reads as follows: "[1688] May 4. George Ruthven [and] Elspet Hutchesone [a son named] John [witnesses] James & David Hutchison". [National Records of Scotland, St. Ninians Baptisms, 1688-1731, reference OPR.488/2] Image of Baptismal Record

There is nothing in the baptismal record of John Ruthven which confirms, or would tend suggest, that it was him who moved to Glasgow and married Marion Peadie. In this regard it should also be noticed that the same or another John Ruthven was booked to marry Jean Lawrie at St. Ninians on 9 July 1714, and then went on to have a son named George Ruthven, whose baptism was registered in the same parish on 6 July 1715. His baptismal record reads as follows: "[1715] July 6. John Ruthven [and] Jean Lawrie [a son named] George [witnesses] James Hutchison [and] James Lawrie" [National Records of Scotland, St. Ninians Baptisms, 1688-1731, reference OPR.488/2] Image of Baptismal Record These records do not provide proof positive of an extended relationship but George Ruthven's baptismal record suggests that he may have been the grandson of the earlier mentioned George Ruthven

THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY

Mr. John Ruthven, here treated, may have been an incomer to Glasgow. The possibility of this actually having been the case is suggested by the fact that he was enrolled as a burgess and guild brother of Glasgow in right of his marriage to a burgess's daughter, rather than as the son of a previously enrolled burgess of the burgh.

Incomer or not, a baptismal record has not been found for him at Glasgow, and all that can reasonably be deduced from the evidence presently available for him is this. Mr. John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow, must have reached the age of majority before 20 October 1726, the date upon which the magistrates and town council of Glasgow agreed to admit him as burgess and guild brother. It follows, therefore, if as seems likely this was actually the case, that his birth date must be earlier than 20 October 1705. Glasgow Burgesses, 1573-1750: 384

It should perhaps also be mentioned, just in case some evidence of relationship should eventually be found, that Mr. John Ruthven, here treated, is noticed as Mr. John Riven in the baptismal record of his daughter Barbara, which was registered at Glasgow on 17 January 1723. Image of Baptismal Record He is also noticed as Mr. John Riven in his burial record dated 15 February 1732, Image of Burial Record and in the burial record of his wife dated 3 March 1732. Image of Burial Record The fact of this suggests that the Music Master may have had a family connection with John Riven or Ruthven, Resident of Glasgow and his wife Helen Stark who had the baptisms of three children registered at Glasgow, viz. William Riven on 8 October 1665, Jean Riven on 22 December 1667, and Francis Riven on 16 July 1671.

In view of the possible connection with the Burgh of Kilmarnock in North Ayrshire, which is suggested in the Ruthven Family Papers, it should perhaps also be noticed that John Riven and Isobel Park had a son named John whose baptism was registered at Kilmarnock on 21 July 1689. The baptismal record of this child reads as follows: "[1689] July 21. John a son lawfull procreat betwixt John Rivin & Isabel Park". [National Records of Scotland, Kilmarnock Baptisms, 1640-1740, reference OPR.597/1] Image of Baptismal Record

Isobel Park's husband is noticed as John Ruthven on 11 February 1690, when the baptism of his daughter Giles was registered at Glasgow. The baptismal record reads as follows: "Decembr 11th 1690 John Ruthven & Isobel Park a lawll daughter Giles; witnesses Thomas Kay & Humphrey Blair". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1687-98, reference OPR.644/1/7] Image of Baptismal Record

Isobel Park's husband is also noticed as John Ruven on 25 September 1698, when his daughter Isabel was registered at Kilmarnock. The baptismal record reads as follows: "I[mprimi]s John Ruven Tinker At Crawfurdland Bridge End & Isabel Park his wife had a daughter brought forth on Sabbath the 11th; and baptised Isabell on Sabbath the 25th Septer 98 In the Kirk of Kilmarnock by Mr John Gib Minr ….. who produced these witnesses John Thomson and James Smith". [National Records of Scotland, Kilmarnock Baptisms, 1640-1740, reference OPR.597/1 Image of Baptismal Record

Finally, Isobel Park's husband is noticed as John Ruthven on 11 November 1701, when the baptism of his daughter Jean was registered at Kilbirnie in Ayrshire. The baptismal record reads as follows: "Jeane lawll daughter to John Ruthven in Milntoun Hornar & Issabell Park: Novr 11 . 1701". [National Records of Scotland, Kilbirnie Baptisms, 1688-1819, reference OPR.596/1] It would appear that John Ruthven senior moved about a fair bit, and this may be explained by the fact that he was a Tinker

MASTER OF ARTS: MUSIC MASTER IN GLASGOW

It cannot be regarded as being certain, but it seems quite likely, probable even, that Mr. John Ruthven, here treated, graduated MASTER OF ARTS from the University of Glasgow. As much is suggested by the fact that he is identified as MR. JOHN RUTHVEN, or as MR. JOHN RIVEN, in twelve out of the fourteen records in which his name is mentioned during the period 1717-32. At this period in Scottish history the style "MR." was more than just a courtesy title. It was usually only applied to those who had graduated MASTER OF ARTS.

It should be noticed, therefore, that Mr. John Ruthven, here treated, may be the man of the same name who graduated from Glasgow University on 4 May 1711. Glasgow Munimenta: p. 46 He is probably the student of the same name who matriculated on 4 May 1708. Ibidem: p. 192

BURGESS AND GUILD BROTHER OF GLASGOW

Mr, John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow, here treated, was enrolled as a burgess and Guild Brother of Glasgow on 20 October 1726. He was admitted in right of his marriage to Marion Peadie, daughter of the deceased James Peadie, merchant, burgess and guild brother. Glasgow Burgesses, 1573-1750: 384

DEATH

Mr. John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow, here treated, died before 15 February 1732, the date upon which the mortcloth was hired for his burial. The burial record reads as follows: "The Cittie of Glasgow Record of Mortalitie in Anno 1732 ….. ffebr 15 Mr John Riven Musician". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Deaths, 1723-39, reference OPR.644/146] Image of Burial Record

MARRIAGE

Mr. John Ruthven, Music Master in Glasgow, here treated, married Marion Peadie. Glasgow Burgesses, 1573-1750: 384 According to the Ruthven Family Papers they were married in Eastwood Parish Church, although a record of this event cannot be found there. Ruthven Family Papers: 62 However, the marriage was booked on 23 May 1717, at Glasgow in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The marriage record reads as follows: "1717. May 23 Mr John Ruthven Marrion Peadie". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Marriages, 1687-1729, reference OPR.644/1/24] Image of Marriage Record

Marion Peadie died before 3 March 1732, the date upon which the mortcloth was hired for her burial. [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Deaths, 1723-39, reference OPR.644/1/46] Image of Burial Record

CHILDREN

1. John Ruthven, primus
2. Anne Ruthven
3. John Ruthven, secundus, grocer in Glasgow
4. Barbara Ruthven
5. James Ruthven, Manufacturer in Glasgow
6. Alexander Ruthven

EVIDENCE FROM THE RECORDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW

                   1

May 1708: John Ruthven, Ross's bursar of Philosophy. Glasgow Munimenta: p. 292

                   2

No date, possibly 4 May 1709, but probably 4 May 1708: Nomina disipulorum tertiae classis qui hoc Anno Academiam intrarunt sub praesidio Magistri Joannis Loudown . . . . . Joannes Ruthven . . . . . Glasgow Munimenta: p. 192

                   3

4 May 1711: Laureati 4 Maii 1711 . . . . . J. Ruthven . . . . . Glasgow Munimenta: p. 46

EVIDENCE FROM THE RECORDS OF THE BURGH OF GLASGOW

                   1

25 April 1721: [The magistrats and toun council] Ordains the treasurer and his successors in office to pay to Mr. John Ruthven, musick master in this citie, five pund sterling, yearly, by four quarterly payments, commencing the first quarters payment at Lambass next, for his encouragement to continue and proceed in the teaching and improvement of musick for the benefit of the inhabitants; and thir presentis to continue during the magistrats and councils will and pleasure allenerly. Records of the Burgh of Glasgow: 107

                   2

25 September 1725: [The magistrats and toun council] Ordain the dean of gild and bretheren to admit Mr. John Ruthven, musick master, burges and gild brother of the burgh as marrying (blank) Peadie, daughter lawful to umquhill James Peadie, merchant, burges, and gild brother thereof, and to remit his fynes and hold them as payed. Ibidem, p. 237

                   3

20 October 1726: John Ruthven, musician, B. and G. B., as mar. Marion l. dau. to dec. James Peadie, merchant, B. and G. B., gratis, conform to act of council dated 25 Sept. 1725 Glasgow Burgesses

EVIDENCE FROM THE OLD PAROCHIAL REGISTERS OF GLASGOW

                   1

23 May 1717: "Mr John Ruthven Marrion Peadie". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Marriages, 1687-1729, reference OPR.644/1/24] Image of Marriage Record

                   2

27 February 1718: "Mr John Ruthven & Marrion Peadie a lawfull son John wit Alexr Porterfield James Christie & John Pollock". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1707-19, reference OPR.644/1/9] image of Baptismal Record

                   3

13 September 1719: "Mr. John Ruthven & Marrion Peady a lawfull daugh[ter] Anne wit Alexander Porterfield & James Christy". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1719-28, reference OPR.644/1/10] Image of Baptismal Record

                   4

23 April 1721: "Mr John Ruthven & Margaret Peadie a lawfull son John wit Matthew Cuming & John Pollock". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1719-28, reference OPR.644/1/10] Image of Baptismal Record

                   5

17 January 1723: "January 17 1723 Mr John Riven & Marrion Peadie a lawfull daug Barbara wit Alexander Porterfield & James Christie". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1622-31, reference OPR.644/1/2] Image of Baptismal Record

                   6

4 March 1725: "Mr John Ruthven & Marion Peadie a lawfull son James wit James Christie & Alexander Porterfield born on thursday the 18th february last at 3 a clock in the Afternoon". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1719-28, reference OPR.644/1/10] Image of Baptismal Record

                    7

8 October 1727: "Mr John Ruthven & Marion Peadie a lawfull son Alexander, wit, James Chrystie & Alexr Porterfield". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1x719-1728, reference OPR.644/1/10] Image of Baptismal Record

                   8

15 February 1732: "The Cittie of Glasgow Record of Mortalitie in Anno 1732 ….. ffebr 15 Mr John Riven Musician". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Deaths, 1723-39, reference OPR.644/146] Image of Burial Record

                   9

3 March 1732: "The City of Glasgow Record of Mortalitie in Anno 1732 . . . . . March 3. Merion Peadie relict to the desiced Mr John Riven Musikener". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Deaths, 1723-39, reference OPR.644/1/46] Image of Burial Record

SECONDARY SOURCE EVIDENCE

1. The Burgesses and Guild Brethren of Glasgow, 1573-1750. Edited by James R, Anderson (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1925), 571 pp. including indexes
2. Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Glasgow, A.D. 1718-38 With Charters and Other Documents A.D. 1708-38. Edited by Robert Renwick, Depute Town-Clerk (Glasgow MDCCCCIX), 621 pp. including index
3. Munimenta Alme Universitatis Glasguensis. Records of the University of Glasgow, from its foundation till 1727. Vol. III. - List of Members - Internal Economy. (Glasgow, MDCCCLIV), 602 pp.

GENEALOGY

1. The Scots peerage. Founded on Wood's edition of Sir Robert Douglas's Peerage of Scotland. Containing an Historical and Genealogical Account of the Nobility of that Kingdom. Edited by Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms. Volume IV (David Douglas, Edinburgh, 1904), 597 pp. For Ruthven, Earl of Gowrie see pp. 254-68
2. The Ruthven Family Papers. The Ruthven Version of the Conspiracy and Assassination at Gowrie House Perth, 5th August 1600. Critically Revised and Edited by Samuel Cowan, J.P. (Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co. Ltd., London, 1912), 210 pp. including index. For the family of John Ruthven and Marion Peadie see pp. 61-6

Note: The Ruthven Family Papers includes a pedigree for John Ruthven, music master in Glasgow. It claims that he was the great-grandson of John, Earl of Gowrie, that is the son of a man John Ruthven, and the grandson of a nameless man, who in turn is said to have been the son of John, Earl of Gowrie. Dates of birth and death, and places of residence are not given in this account, the absence of which makes it impossible to verify. Papers: 62 A Kalendar of Succession for the Earl was also printed in the same publication. It goes on to identify the music master's previously unnamed grandfather as another John Ruthven. According to the Kalendar the grandfather was born in 1600 and the music master himself in 1687. It is impossible to ratify both dates. The Ruthven Family Papers: 170