Alexander Gordon, 5th Viscount Kenmure

Biographical Summary

"V. ALEXANDER, fifth Viscount of Kenmure. . Along with the title he inherited Lochinvar, Kenmure and Greenlaw, but not Rusco, which at this point or earlier appears to havediverged or been alienated.

He had not long been in possession, when, on 22 March 1664, a charge was brought against him in the Justiciary Court, at the instance of Robert, Master of Herries, as heir of line of the preceding Viscount, of stealing five trunks full of writs of the estate of Kenmure, which had been deposited by mutual consent until the rights of parties should be discussed. The case dragged on by repeated adjournments and interferences by the Privy Council till 1 June 1666, when it was dropped by the judges, apparently with gladness. Towards the end of that year Kenmure took the field to help in the suppression of the Pentland rising, but was ordered to return to his own district, and hinder others from joining the rebels.

In January 1682 Lord Kenmure was superseded in his office of heritable Bailie of the Regality of Tongland by the appointment of John Graham of Claverhouse. Writing to Queensberry from Newton of Galloway on 16 February, Olaverhouse reports that he had waited on Lady Kenmure the preceding night, his lordship being from home, and informed her of the pains Queensberry had been at to keep her house from being a garrison, of which she seemed very sensible. He is sorry to have to add that he had been certainly informed that Lord Kenmure had conversed frequently with rebels, and recommends that there should be a fixed garrison in Kenmure, a mighty strong place, and proper above all ever I saw for this use, adding that her ladyship told him if the King would bestow two or three hundred pounds to repair the house she would be very well pleased his soldiers came to live in it.

On 1 March he was back at Newton, and reported Kenmure as not yet unworthy of your protection.' Finally, on 21 October, Olaverhouse, writing from the same place, gave Kenmure notice that he must remove what he thought fit, to allow of the garrison being in by 1 November. At the battle of Killiecrankie, 27 July 1689, Kenmure held a command under General Mackay, who in his despatches admitted that his lordship's men and certain others ' made prety good fire. In the first reports of the defeat which reached Edinburgh he was named among the killed, but it soon transpired that he was at Stirling with the general.

Lord Kenmure died before 7 September 1698, intestate, and to all appearance not in very prosperous circumstances ; and on 20 September his son and successor, William, was decerned executor-dative qua creditor. After the latter's death in 1716 his sister Grizel acted in the same capacity. Lord Kenmure's portrait by Lely, at Kenmure, shows him a handsome man.

He married, first, Agnes, second daughter of John Gordon of Auchlane, by whom he had issue :

• 1. Agnes, married, first (contract at the Place of Greenlaw, 30 June 1674 ), to William Maxwell of Kelton and Buittle, son of John, third Earl of Nithsdale, who died in 1684 without issue ; and, secondly, to John Lindsay of Wauchope.

Secondly, he married Marion M'Culloch, described by Wodrow as heiress of Whiteside, and by Douglas as daughter of M'Culloch of Ardwall, whose son by a previous marriage, John Bell of Whiteside, was shot by Lag on Kirkconnel Hill in 1685, for which act it is recorded his lordship drew upon Lag on meeting him shortly afterwards at Kirkcudbright, and but for the interposition of Claverhouse would have run By this lady Lord Kenmure had issue :

• 2. WILLIAM, sixth Viscount of Kenmure.
• 3. Jean, married to William Gordon of Shirmers, and said to have died 4 February 1695.2 He is said to
• have died 24 January 1717.
• 4. Marion, married, as his second wife, to Sir Alexander Gordon of Earlston, and left issue.
• 5. Elizabeth, married, first, to William Maxwell, younger of Newlaw, and, secondly, to Samuel Brown of Mollance.

He married, thirdly (contract 19 April 1672 ), Grizel Stewart, only daughter of James, Earl of Galloway, who had a liferent of the manor-place of Greenlaw and lands adjoining, and by whom he had issue :

• 6. Mr. John, of Greenlaw, who married Nicolas, daughter of Robert Stewart of Ravenstone or Castle Stewart,
• second son of James, Earl of Galloway. He died intestate in January 1729, and Nicolas Stewart, as his relict executrix-dative, and Grissell Gordon, his only daughter, executrix-dative qua nearest of kin, both decerned to him after edict dated 9 May 1729, were confirmed as such executors on 1 December in the same year.
• 7. James, of the Welsh Fusiliers, in 1711 serving in Flanders,1 and said to have died at Boreland of Balmaghie in 1752.2 He married Grizel, eldest or only daughter of William Gordon of Grange, and had issue female. 8. Mary, married, as his second wife, to Sir Patrick Maxwell of Springkell, and had issue. 9. Grizel, married to Rev. Robert Gordon, minister of Orossmichael, and had issue. 10. Isabel, married to John M'Ghie of Balmaghie, and had issue.

SOURCE: The Scots peerage, Vol. V, page 123-126

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GORDON Viscount KENMURE.

The peerage of Scotland: containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom, ... collected from the public records, and ancient chartularies of this nation, ... Illustrated with copper-plates. By Robert Douglas, Esq;. Douglas, Robert, Sir, 1694-1770 Page 367-373/4

AS the origin, grandeur, and antiquity of the great and illustrious sirname of Gordon is fully set forth under the title of duke of Gordon, we shall proceed to deduce the descent of this noble family from their immediate ancestor, viz.

VI. Sir ADAM de GORDON, head or chief of the family of Gordon, was the sixth generation of that illustrious house from Richard, who lived in the reigns of king Malcolm IV. and king William the Lion, and the first who settled in the north of Scotland. He was one of the greatest men of his time, was killed at the battle of Halidonhill, anno 1333, and lest issue four sons.

• 1. Sir Alexander, who succeeded his father in all his lands in the north. Vide title duke of Gordon.
• 2. William de Gordon, the first of this family.
• 3. John de Gordon.
• 4. Thomas de Gordon.

VII. WILLIAM de GORDON , second son of sir Adam, got from his father most of his lands in the south of Scotland, viz. the lands and barony of Stitchel, &c. which appears from a charter of Thomas Randolf earl of Murray, to sir Adam de Gordon knight, and William Gordon his son, and his heirs, of the lands and tenement of Stitchel, with the pertinents, &c. which charter is confirmed by king Robert Bruce, anno 1315.

Also the lands of Glenkenns in Galloway, which were acquired by sir Adam Gordon from John de Maxwell, anno 1297, and which comprehended the lands of Lochinvar, Kenmure, &c. whereby he became one of the most considerable barons of that country.

After the battle of Durham, in 1346, it seems he had been guilty of some unwarrantable practices with his neighbours the borderers, which appears from an ample remission from William lord Douglas, then guardian of Scotland, to William de Gordon, and all his followers from Galloway, whereby they are received into the faith and peace of their sovereign lord the king, and are restored to all their heritages and conquests every where within the kingdom, and discharges them of all transgressions they had committed after the battle of Durham,&c. The remission is dated the 9th May 1354.

He obtained also from Robert earl of Strathearn, (afterwards king Robert II.) a charter, Willielmo Gordon domino de Stitchel, of the heretable keeping of the new forest of Glenkenns in Galloway, in as ample a manner as the said earl had got it himself from David king of Scotland, his uncle, &c. The grant is dated 8th April 1358.

He died about the year 1370, and was succeeded by his son,

VIII. ROGER de GORDON of Stitchel, who, with sir William Borthwick, were appointed commissioners to a treaty with the English about settling the marches, which they happily concluded. The agreement bearing date at Clochmabanestane the 6th November 1398.

He was killed in the service of his country at the battle of Homildon, together with his chief sir Adam, and many of his brave countrymen, anno 1402, and was succeeded by his son,

IX. Sir ALEXANDER GORDON of Stitchel, who was retoured heir to his father, and infest in the lands of Kenmure on a precept of sasine, obtained from Archibald earl of Douglas, then superior of Galloway, dated 24th January 1403.

The earl of Douglas, having been long a prisoner in England, obtained liberty to come to Scotland, and sir Alexander Gordon became one of the hostages for his ransom, or return into England, or for his surrendering himself a true prisoner to John of Lancaster, the king's son, or to the king himself; and gets letters of safe conduct for going into England, entering himself hostage, &c. anno 1408.

The earl afterwards, in consideration of these good services, and on payment of fiftyfive nobles in gold, gives him a ratification of the rights of all his lands in the lordship of Galloway; also a new grant, dated 28th May 1408, of the twenty-merk land of old extent, of Balmaclellan, lying in the lordship of Galloway, which is still in the family.

And, by another deed dated in June 1412, he is made bailie of the barony of Earlstoun,&c.

He left issue two sons.

• 1. Roger de Gordon.
• 2. Adam of Holm, whose son Quintin de Gordon was infeft in the lands of Holm in 1465, of whom William Gordon late of Holm, now of Craig, is the lineal heir.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

X. ROGER de GORDON, who by a charter, as proprietor of the lands and barony of Stitchel, confirms to St. Mary, and the monks of Jedburgh, a grant formerly made to them, of two ox-gangs of land by William de Gordon, sometime lord of Stitchel, dated 1st June 1431.

In 1439, he made a resignation of his lands of Stitchel in favours of his son William, reserving to himself the liferent.

And dying about the year 1442, was succeeded by his son the said,

XI. WILLIAM de GORDON, promiscuously designed of Stitchel and Lochinvar; which last was part of the lands in Galloway, acquired by sir Adam Gordon from John de Maxwell in 1297, before noticed, and which continued to be the chief title of the family till they were nobilitate, and this William was the first of them that settled and resided in Galloway.

He got from king James II. a charter of the lands and barony of Stitchel, Willielmo de Gordon, filio et haeredi apparenti Rogeri de Gordon, domini de Stitchel,&c. dated 7th February 1440.

He married—, by whom he had four sons and one daughter.

• 1. John, his heir.
• 2. Alexander, who, in 1490, purchased the lands of Auchinreoch, &c. and was ancestor of the Gordons of Aird, now Earlstoun, and others.
• 3. George, who acquired the lands of Troquhain in 1494, and of him the present George Gordon of Troquhain is lineally descended.
• 4. Roger, who married—MacNaught, heiress of Crago, and was ancestor of the present Alexander Gordon of Crago.
• His daughter, Margaret, married to sir Thomas MacLellan of Bombie, ancestor of lord Kirkcudbright.

He survived the year 1450, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XII. Sir JOHN GORDON of Lochinvar, who got a charter from king James IV. dilecto armigero nostro Johanni Gordon de Lochinvar,totas et integras quadraginta solidatas terrarum de Corscranthane antiqui extentus, &c. dated in 1492.

And another charter of the lands of Middlethird of Kirkcormack,&c. dated in 1501.

He got a grant of the bailiary of Kirkanders from Patrick earl of Bothwell, anno 1504.

Also three charters from king James IV. of a great many other lands in 1506, 1507, and 1509; by all which it appears he was possessed of a vast estate.

He married, 1st, Annabella, daughter of Robert lord Boyd, by Marian, daughter of sir Robert Maxwell of Calderwood, by whom he had a son,

• Alexander de Gordon.

He married, 2dly, Elizabeth Lindsay, by whom he had three sons and two daughters.

• 1. Sir Robert, of Accarsan of Glenn, who carried on the line of this family, of whom afterwards.
• 2. William, ancestor of the Gordons of Crauchlaw, of whom are descended the Gordons of Pulvenan, Grange, and Balmeg, &c. in vicecomitatu de Wigton.
• 3. John, who obtained from his father the lands of Balmaclellan, now Hardlands, purchased from the daughters of Quintin Gordon, a son of the family of Holm, infeft in these lands in 1465, as before observed.
• 1st daughter, Elizabeth, married to sir William Douglas of Drumlanrig, ancestor of the duke of Queensberry.
• 2. Janet, married, 1st, to Alexander Stewart of Gairlies, ancestor of the earl of Galloway; and, 2dly, to sir William Keith of Inverugie.

Sir John had also a natural son, to whom he gave the lands of Crathlet, upon which he got a charter, wherein he is designed Willielmus filius domini Johannis Gordon de Lochinvar, dated in 1506. He was afterwards legitimate on 23d March 1538.

Sir John died in the end of 1512, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIII. Sir ALEXANDER de GORDON, who, in his father's lifetime, was designed of Kenmure.

He was a man of fine parts, and in great favour with king James III. who made him one of the gentlemen of his bed-chamber when a young man, and gave him a new grant of the superiority of the lands of Kenmure, Lagan, Balmaclellan, &c. the superiority being then in the crown, by the forfeiture of the earl of Douglas, and erected them all into one free barony, holding blench of the crown; upon which he got a charter, Alexandro Gordon de Kenmure, filio et haeredi apparenti Johannis Gordon de Lochinvar, &c. dated anno 1487, which was afterwards confirmed by king James IV. anno 1489.

Some time thereafter he had the misfortune to kill John Dunbar of Mochrum, then steward of Kirkcudbright, for which he was obliged to abscond, and his father and friends were exeemed from the jurisdiction of the said steward, on account of the deadly feud subsisting for the said slaughter, by a privy seal, dated 4th September 1508.

He afterwards got a charter from king James IV. of the lands and barony of Stitchel, &c. Alexandro de Gordon, militi, filio et haeredi apparenti Johannis Gordon de Lochinvar,et Elizahethae Stewart sponsae suae, &c. dated in 1512.

He married, 1st, Janet, daughter of sir William Douglas of Drumlanrig and Elizabeth Crichton his spouse, by a dispensation from the Pope, on account of consanguinity, but she died without issue.

He married, 2dly, Elizabeth Stewart, sister to James earl of Murray, by whom he had one daughter.

• Jean Gordon, who claimed his estate, but after a long process before the lords of council, she was obliged to renounce all right she had to the estate of Kenmure, &c. in favours of her uncle sir Robert,anno 1517. To which deed the lords of council are witnesses. She married Lauchlan Maclntosh of that ilk, who, in consideration of her being an heiress, quartered her arms with his own, and she, with consent of her said husband, ratified her former renunciation, anno 1520.

Sir Alexander had also a natural son, named Roger, who was legitimate, anno 1546.

He was killed with his royal leader king James IV. at the battle of Floudon, in 1513, and was succeeded by his brother,

XIII. Sir ROBERT GORDON, formerly designed of Accarsan of Glen, now of Lochinvar, who got a charter from king James V. Roberto de Gordon, militi, of the lands of Kenmure, Lagan, &c. dated in 1517.

He obtained from queen Mary a grant of the clerkships of the sheriffdom of Wigton, and stewarty of Kirkcudbright during life, with power to officiate by deputes.

He married Marian, daughter and sole heiress of John Accarsan of Glenshyreburn, now called Rusco, by whom he got all these lands, and built the house of Rusco, &c.

By her he had issue six sons, and three daughters.

• 1. Sir James.
• 2. John, who, in 1518, got a charter of the lands of Barnbarrock, and Barnhausie, and was ancestor of the Gordons of Haslefield.
• 3. Alexander, who acquired the lands of Gaitgill, anno 1517; also the lands of Darmolane, and Markbane, in vicecom. de Wigton.
• 4. George.
• 5. Roger.
• 6. David, who married Isabel, daughter of John Muirhead of Culr•och, by whom he got the lands of Carstramine, &c.
• 1st daughter, Catharine, married to Patrick Agnew of Salquhary, ancestor of sir Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw.
• 2. Elizabeth, married, 1st, to Uthred MacDowal of Machermore; 2dly, to Alexander Livingston of Little-Airds.
• 3. Janet, married to James, son and heir of Alexander Ogilvie of that ilk, ancestor of the earl of Finlater.

And dying about 1520, was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIV. Sir JAMES GORDON of Lochinvar, a man of great accomplishments, and highly esteemed by king James V. from whom he got a charter, Jacobo Gordon de Lochinvar, militi, of the lands of Hardlands, Minebog, and others, dated in 1539.

Also a charter,duarum mercat. cum dimidia mercat. &c. jacen. in baronia de Balmage, &c. dated in 1541.

He was made the king's chamberlain for five years of the lordship of Galloway, by a writ dated 10th March 1528: and by another, dated the 1st April 1537, he is made governor of the town, castle, and sortalice of Douglas, and chamberlain of that lordship, then in the crown by forseiture.

This sir James Gordon, with sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, and thirty-seven others, got a remission for the slaughter of Thomas MacLellan of Bombie, committed in the city of Edinburgh, dated in 1529.

And being in great favour with the king, he was one of those chosen to accompany him when he went to bring home his queen.

Sir James, upon that occasion, obtained a writ from the king, taking all his friends and followers under the immediate care of the government, and freeing them from answering to courts for any misdemeanor whatsomever, till sir James's return to Scotland; and as his friends and followers are all named in the writ of privy seal, it sufficiently shows what a numerous, flourishing, and considerable family that of Lochinvar then was.

He married Margaret, daughter and sole heiress of Robert Crichton of Kirkpatrick, nephew of sir Robert Crichton of Sanquhar, ancestor of the earl of Dumsries, by whom he got many lands in the parish of Glencairn, and by her had five sons, and five daughters.

• 1. John, his heir.
• 2. William Gordon of Pennygame, ancestor of the present lord Kenmure, of whom afterwards.
• 3. Robert, who got a grant of the lands of Muirfad, 21st July 1544; but dying unmarried, his estate went to his nephew John, son of his brother William of Pennygame.
• 4. James, who got possession of the lands of Hardlands, by a charter, dated 2d June 1540.
• 5. Alexander, who got a tack, from the crown, of the lands of Slagnaw in Kelton, and married Janet Kennedy, relict of John Kennedy of Largs.
• 1st daughter, Janet, married, 1st, to William earl of Glencairn; and, 2dly, to Patrick Agnew, sheri•• of Wigton.
• 2. Margaret, married to William, son and heir of sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, ancestor of the duke of Queensberry.
• 3. Catharine, married to sir James MacCulloch of Cardness.
• 4. Helen, married to sir Thomas MacLellan of Bombie, ancestor of lord Kirkcudbright.
• 5. Elizabeth, married, 1st, to William Grierson of Lag; 2dly, to William Adair of Kenhit

Sir James was killed at the battle of Pinkie, in 1547, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XV. Sir JOHN GORDON of Lochinvar, a man of great honour, loyalty, and integrity, who suffered greatly for his firm adherence to the interest of queen Mary. In 1555, the queen appointed him justiciar of the stewarty of Galloway; and her son, king James, renewed his commission anno 1587.

In the year 1561, he entered into a contract with the predecessors of the duke of Queensberry, earl of Dumfries, sir Robert Kilpatrick, sir William Grierson, &c. whereby they were bound to stand by one another against all mortals, to keep together in all assemblies, armies, and wars, and to submit all differences amongst themselves to the majority, &c.

In 1567, he is one of the subscribers of the bond for confirming the king's authority, and securing the government, as established by law.

He obtained a charter from queen Mary, of a great many lands,Johanni Gordon de Lochinvar, militi, &c. dated anno 1565.

Also six charters from king James VI. domino Johanni Gordon de Lochinvar, militi, of several other lands; and particularly one, Johanni Gordon,militi, filio et haeredi Margaretae Crichton, filiae et haeredis quondam Roberti Crichton de Kirkpatrick, &c. totas et integras terras de, &c. dated in 1580.

In 1562, he made a resignation of his whole estate in favours of his brother, William Gordon of Pennygame, failing heirs male of his own body, he having then no maleissue; and this William's grand-son's grandson actually succeeded to the honours of Kenmure, as will be shown hereafter.

He married, 1st, Juliana, daughter of— Home of Wedderburn, by whom he had one daughter,

• Margaret, married to Hugh earl of Loudoun, in 1572.

In 1563, he married, 2dly, dame Elizabeth Maxwell, daughter of sir John Maxwell of Terreagles, afterwards lord Herries in right of his mother, by whom he had five sons, and four daughters.

• 1. Sir Robert, designed in his father's lifetime sir Robert of Glen.
• 2. William, appointed commendator of Glenluce in 1581, and infeft in the lands of Glenquicken and Garrocher in 1588; but died without issue.
• 3. John Gordon of Buitle, who died also without issue.
• 4. James of Barncrosh, afterwards of Buitle, whose son John succeeded to the estate and honours of Kenmure, as hereafter.
• 5. Alexander Gordon of Enrig.
• 1st daughter, Mary, married to Alexander Kennedy of Bargeny.
• 2. Janet, married to John MacDowal of Garthland.
• 3. Elizabeth, married to Alexander Stewart of Gairlies, ancestor of the earl of Galloway.
• 4. Grizel, married to James lord Carlisse of Torthorald.

He had also a natural son William, infeft in the Kirkland of Balmaclellan in 1570, and legitimate in 1574.

Sir John dying in 1604, was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVI. Sir ROBERT GORDON, formerly of Glen, now of Lochinvar, who, in his younger days, was one of the strongest and most active men of his time.

He was one of the three defendants at the famous tournament, proclaimed by king James VI. to whom his daughter, princess Elizabeth, delivered the prizes, though her own brother prince Henry, and several others of the first rank, were challengers.

He also gave many remarkable instances of his strength and courage, in defence of Galloway against the inhabitants of Annandale, whose cattle, having been carried off by the English, they were in use of making reprisals on their next neighbours.

In one of those encounters, they having killed James Gordon of Lochinkitt, his friend and follower, he went down the country, and burnt the houses of Gratney, Wamphrey, Lockerby, Reidhall, Langrigs, &c. and killed Richard Irvine of Gratney, and took several others of them prisoners, for which, and some other daring actions of that kind, king James sent out a strong party to apprehend him; but he audaciously deforced the king's party, laid violent hands on the officer who commanded them, and made him eat and swallow his majesty's warrant for apprehending him.

However, being at last weary of these lawless practices, his father and friends made intercession with the king, and obtained from him an ample remission for all his former misbehaviour, upon which he came to court, and soon became so great a favourite of the king, that he made him one of the gentlemen of his bed-chamber.

After his accession to the crown of England, he bestowed upon him several lands, then in the crown by the annexation in 1587, by which he became possessed of a vast estate, as appears from many charters, domino Roberto Gordon de Lochinvar, militi, &c.

In 1621, he was created a baronet, by a charter,Roberto Gordon de Lochinvar, militi, baroniae de Galloway in America, &c.

He married lady Elizabeth Ruthven, eldest daughter of John earl of Gowrie, by whom he had two sons, and two daughters.

• 1. Sir John of Lochinvar, afterwards viscount Kenmure.
• 2. Robert of Gilston, who got a grant from the crown of the barony of Galloway, in Nova Scotia, with many ample privileges; but he died without issue.
• 1st daughter; Elizabeth, married to John lord Herries, afterwards earl of Nithsdale.
• 2. Isabel, married to Alexander Fraser, younger of Philorth, ancestor of lord Salton.

He had also a natural son, John, who was infeft in the lands of Haslefield,anno 1624, and married Elizabeth, only daughter and heiress of Alexander Gordon of Carstramon.

Sir Robert dying in 1628, was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVII. Sir JOHN GORDON of Lochinvar, who, in his father's lifetime, got a charter of the •ive pound land of Nether-Barcapel, the five merk land of Kirkonnel, Blackmark,&c. Johanni de Gordon filio legitimo natu maximo, domini Roberti Gordon de Lochinvar, &c. dated anno 1619.

He was a great loyalist, and steady friend of king Charles I. who highly esteemed him, and raised him to the dignity of the peerage, by the titles of viscount Kenmure, lord Lochinvar, &c. by letters patent, dated 8th May 1633, to him et haeredibus masculis quibuscunque, &c.

And as a further testimony of his majesty's favour, he got part of his lands erected into a royal burrow, with ample jurisdiction, to be called the burgh of Galloway, now New-Galloway.

This sir John sold his barony of Stitchel, which had been so long in the possession of his family; and, it is said, gave the price of it in a purse to the duke of Buckingham, in hopes that he would favour his title to the earldom of Gowrie, which he claimed in right of his mother, eldest daughter of John the last earl: but, this is said to have happened the very night before the duke was stabbed by Felton, and so had no effect.

He married lady Jean Campbell, daughter of Archibald seventh earl of Argyle, by whom he had a son and successor,

XVIII. JOHN, second viscount Kenmure, to whom Archibald lord Lo•n, afterwards marquis of Argyle, and William earl of Morton, were tutors testamentar; but he dying without issue, was succeeded in his estate and honours by his cousin and heir-male John, son of James of Barn•ro••, to whom we now return.

XVI. JAMES GORDON of Barnerosh and Buitle, a younger son of sir John Gordon of Lochinvar, by Elizabeth, daughter of sir John Maxwell of Terreagles, who married Margaret, daughter of sir John Vaus, and relict of John Glendoning of Drumrash, by whom he had two sons.

• 1. John.
• 2. Robert.

XVII. JOHN the eldest son succeeded to the estate and honours of Kenmure, as above, and was the third viscount Kenmure; but he dying without issue, was succeeded by his brother,

XVII. ROBERT, fourth viscount Kenmure, a man of great loyalty and integrity, who suffered many hardships on account of his firm attachment to the royal family. His estate was forfeited by the parliament, and a reward put upon his head by Oliver Cromwell, to any who should bring him in dead or alive.

However, he survived the restoration, went to court, and married one of the ladies of the bedchamber,anno 1661. He returned to Scotland immediately thereafter, and died at Greenlaw that same year without issue, whereby his estate and honours devolved upon his next heir-male, John of Pennygame, lineally descended of the forementioned William Gordon of Pennygame, to whom we now return.

XV. WILLIAM GORDON of Pennygame, second son of sir James Gordon of Lochinvar, [No. XIV. of these memoirs, by Margaret his wife, daughter and heiress of Robert Crichton of Kirkpatrick], was infeft in the lands of Kilreoch and Grobdale, by a charter dated anno 1542.

He married Helen, daughter of Alexander Stewart of Gairlies, ancestor of the earl of Galloway, by whom he had a son and successor,

XVI. JOHN GORDON of Pennygame, who succeeded also to the lands of Muirfad, upon the death of his uncle Robert, as before observed.

He was succeeded by his son,

XVII. ALEXANDER GORDON of Pennygame, who was a great loyalist, but died about 1645, having contracted a great deal of debt in the beginning of the civil commotions. This appears by several apprisings and adjudications led against his estate after his death, of which we shall only mention one,viz. appris•• at the instance of—Ferguson of Craigdarroch against the lands of Pennygame and others, which belonged to the deceast Alexander Gordon of Pennygame, &c.

He left issue a son and successor,

XVIII. WILLIAM GORDON of Pennygame, who married—daughter of—, by whom he had issue two sons.

• 1. John, afterwards viscount Kenmure.
• 2. Alexander, who carried on the line of this family.

He died about 1660, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIX. JOHN GORDON of Pennygame, who, upon the death of Robert fourth viscount Kenmure, succeeded to his estate and honours as before observed, anno 1661, and was the fifth viscount, but dying without issue in 1662, was succeeded by his brother,

XIX. ALEXANDER, sixth viscount Kenmure, who, upon his brother's succession to the honours of Kenmure, was designed by the title of Pennygame, which appears by an inhibition,

"at the instance of John Scott merchant burgess of Edinburgh, against Alexander Gordon of Pennygame, now viscount Kenmure, heir-male to umquhil Robert viscount Kenmure his predecessor, who was heir-male to umquhill John viscount Kenmure his predecessor, who was heir-male to umquhil John viscount Kenmure his predecessor, who was son and heir to umquhil John, first viscount Kenmure, his father, then designed John Gordon of Lochinvar, &c. and sua heir-male by progress, to him upon the passive titles, &c."

dated 6th July 1663. He afterwards got a charter under the great seal, of the lands of Kenmure, &c. dated anno 1676.

In his younger years he was bred to the army, came early into the revolution, and had the command of a regiment at the battle of Killycrankie, where many of his officers, and most of his men were slain.

He married, 1st, the daughter and heiress of—Gordon of Auchlauin, by whom he had one daughter,

Agnes, married, 1st, to William Maxwell of Kelton, second son of the earl of Nithsdale; 2dly, to John Lindsay of Wauchop.

He married, 2dly, Marian, daughter of —MacCulloch of Ardwell, by whom he had a son,

• William, his heir,—and three daughters,
• 1. Jean, married to William Gordon of Skirmers.
• 2. Marian, married to sir Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun.
• 3. Elizabeth, married, 1st, to Samuel Maxwell of Newlaw; 2dly, to Samuel Brown of Mollance.

He married, 3dly, lady Grizel Stewart, daughter of James earl of Galloway, by whom he had two sons and three daughters.

• 1. John Gordon of Greenlaw, who married Nicholas, daughter of—Stewart of Castlestewart, and had issue.
• 2. James Gordon, Esq; who married Grizel, eldest daughter and heiress of William Gordon of Grange.
• 1st daughter, Mary, married to sir Patrick Maxwell of Springkell, Bart.
• 2. Grizel, married to Mr. Robert Gordon of Dundeugh.
• 3. Isabel, married to John MacGhie of Balmaghie.

He dying in 1698, was succeeded by his eldest son,

XX. WILLIAM, seventh viscount Kenmure, who married Mary, daughter of sir John Dalziel of Glenae, and sister of Robert earl of Carnwath, by whom he had three sons, and one daughter.

• 1. Robert, his heir.
• 2. John, who succeeded his brother.
• 3. James, died unmarried.
• His daughter Henriet, married her mother's cousin-german, John Dalziel, Esq; son of captain James Dalziel, brother to sir John Dalziel of Glenae foresaid.

This viscount had the misfortune to be engaged in the rebellion 1715, was taken prisoner at Preston, tried by his peers, condemned and executed, and his estate and honours were forfeited to the crown.

XXI. ROBERT, his eldest son, had it not been for the forfeiture, would have been eighth viscount Kenmure; but he dying unmarried, was succeeded by his brother,

XXI. JOHN, who now represents that noble family, &c.

He was bred to the army, but is now retired to his seat in the country.

He married lady Frances MacKenzie, daughter of William earl of Seasorth, by whom he hath issue four sons and one daughter.

• 1. William.
• 2. John.
• 3. Adam.
• 4. Robert.
• The daughter, Frances.

ARMS.

Azure, three boars heads erazed or.

CREST; on a wreath, a demi-savage, proper, wreathed about his temples and middle with laurel.

SUPPORTERS; two savages wreathed as the crest, each holding in his outer hand a battoon erect, proper.

MOTTO; Dread God.

CHIEF SEATS. At Kenmure-castle, &c. in the stewarty of Kirckudbright

=====================================

John, third viscount, also died unmarried, in October 1643, aged 23, and was succeeded by his brother, Robert, fourth viscount, born in November 1622. He suffered many hardships on account of his attachment to the king’s cause, and was excepted out of Cromwell’s act of grace and pardon in 1654. At the Restoration he went to court, and married a lady there in 1661. The same year he returned to Scotland, and died at Greenlaw, without issue, in 1663, when the title devolved on the heir male, Alexander Gordon of Pennygame, fourth in descent from William Gordon of Pennygame, second son of Sir James Gordon of Lochinvar, the ninth of that family.

Alexander, fifth viscount of Kenmure, visited the abdicated monarch, James VII., at St. Germains, but was not well treated there. He died in August 1698. His only son, William, sixth viscount, took an active part in the rebellion of 1715, and was the hero of the stirring ballad beginning,

                       “O Kenmure’s on and awa, Willie,

                             O Kenmure’s on and awa,

                       And Kenmure’s lord’s the bravest lord,

                             That ever Galloway saw.”

He had received a commission from the earl of Mar to raise the Jacobites in the south of Scotland, and first appeared in arms, at the head of 150 horse, on the 11th October, at Moffat, where he proclaimed the chevalier as James VIII. Next day he proceeded to Lochmaben, where he also proclaimed the Pretender. He advanced within two miles of Dumfries, but being informed that great preparations were made to receive him, he did not venture to enter the town, but for some days kept a body of rebel troops on Amisfield moor, ready for action, to the dismay of the loyal burgesses. He next marched to Ecclefechan, where he was joined by Sir Patrick Maxwell of Springkell, with fourteen horsemen, and thence to Langholm, and afterwards to Hawick, where he proclaimed the Chevalier. On the 17th October he marched to Jedburgh, and there also proclaimed him. He next intended to proceed to Kelso, for the same purpose, but learning that that town was well protected, he crossed the border, and joined the rebel army under Forster, in Northumberland. Returning with Forster’s forces and his own united, he took possession of Kelso, on the 22d October, and was joined there, the same afternoon, by a large party of Highlanders, under Brigadier Macintosh of Borlum. Of these troops Lord Kenmure had the command while in Scotland, although from his mild and gentle disposition and non-military experience, altogether unqualified for such a post. With the rebel forces he marched into England, and was present at the battle of Preston in Lancashire, on 13th November of the same year. On the defeat of the rebels and their surrender at discretion, he was conveyed a prisoner to the Tower of London. His trial for high treason took place before the House of Lords on 19th January 1716, when he pleaded guilty, and on 9th February, with the other rebel lords he received sentence of death, and his estates and titles were forfeited to the crown. On the morning of the 24th February, he was beheaded on Towerhill, after the earl of Derwentwater had undergone the same fate. He was attended on the scaffold by several friends and two clergymen of the Church of England, of which church he was a member. He displayed great firmness and resolution, and observed that he had so little thought of dying so soon that he had not provided a black suit; that he was sorry for this, as he might have died with more decency. He expressed his regret for pleading guilty to the charge of high treason, and prayed for “King James.” He presented the executioner with eight guineas, and on laying his head on the block, that functionary struck it off at two blows. Shortly after, a letter which he had written to the Chevalier was published, wherein he expressed his hope that the cause for which he died would flourish after his death, and maintained the title of “the person called the Pretender, whom he believed to be the true son of James the Second.”... The Scottish Nation Kenmure

=================================

Alexander sixth viscount who married first a daughter of the family of Gordon of Auchlauin by whom he had a daughter

1. Agnes wife first of William Maxwell os Kelton and secondly of John Lindsay of Wauchop He married secondly Marian daughter of Macculloch of Ardwell by whom he had
2. William his heir seventh viscount and three daughters
3. Jane wise of William Gordon of Skimmers
4. Marian of Sir Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun and
5. Elizabeth first of Samuel Maxwell of Newlaw and secondly of Samuel Brown of Mollance His third wife was 'lady Grisel daughter of James earl of Galloway' and by her he had two sons and three daughters
6. Mary married to Sir Patrick Maxwell of Springel Bart
7. Isabel to John Macgie of Balmagie and
8. Grisel to Robert Gordon of Dundugh

The sons were 

# John of Greenlaw and

1. James Dying in 1698 he was succeeded by his eldest son - - The Peerage of Scotland. - London, J. Almon 1767 By Robert Douglas of Glenbervie. - London, J. Almon 1767 By Robert Douglas of Glenbervie pg. 306-8

=============================================

GORDON

Viscount KENMURE In the he 10th of king Robert I Sir Adam Gordon in reward of his good services obtained from that prince the barony of Stickel in the county of Roxburgh and was succeeded by his second son

William in all his lands in the south from whom descended

Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar {Geni Profile} who in the reign of James IV marrying Annabella daughter of Robert lord Boyd had a son

1. Alexander and by a second wife Elizabeth Lindsay had three sons
2. Sir Robert his successor
3. William of Crauchlaw ancestor of the Gordons of Pulvenan Grange Balmig &c and
4. John also two daughters.

His eldest son Sir Alexander who succeeded was in great favour with James III but being slain in the battle of Floddon was succeeded by his brother

Sir Robert who marrying Marian daughter and sole heir of John Accasarlan of Glenshyre-burn had

• six sons and
• three daughters
• whereof Sir James his heir

Sir James his heir by Margaret his wife {GENI Profile} and heir of Robert Crichton of Kilpatrick had five and five daughters

1. Janet married to William Coningham earl of Glencairn
2. Margaret to William son of Sir Douglas of Drumlanrig
3. Catharine to Sir James Macculloch of Cardness
4. Helen to Sir Thomas Maclellan of Bombie and
5. Elizabeth to William Grierson of Lag The sons were
6. John heir
7. William ancestor of the late lord
8. Robert
9. James and
10. Alexander He was slain at the battle of Pinkie and was succeeded by his eldest son

John who marrying to his first wise [https://www.geni.com/people/Juliana-Home/6000000002116161208 Juliana daughter of Sir David Hume of Wedderburn had one daughter

1. Margaret married to Hugh lord Loudoun and by his second wife Elizabeth daughter of John lord Herries ancestor of the earl of Nithisdale he had five sons
2. Sir Robert his heir
3. William
4. John
5. James of whom hereafter and
6. Alexander and four daughters
7. Mary married to Alexander Kennedy of Barganyi
8. Janet to John McDowal of Garthland
9. Elizabeth {SIC GENI HAS Grisel } to Alexander Stewart of Gairlies ancetsor of the earl of Gallowayi and
10. Grisel to James lord Carlile of Torthorald

He was suceeded in 1604   by his eldest son 

Sir Robert who was knighted and then created a baronet was a gentleman of the privy chamber to Henry prince of Wales eldest son of king James VI He married lady Elizabeth {SIC GENI HAS Isabel Ruthven d/o Wm }daughter of John earl of Gowrie and had two sons

1. Sir John heir and
2. Robert and two daughters
3. Elizabeth married to earl of Nithisdale and
4. Isabel to Alexander Fraser jun. of Philorth ancestor of lord Salton He was succeeded by eldest son

Sir John who was by king Charles I created a baron and viscount He married lady Jane Campbell third daughter of Archibald seventh earl of Argyll and dying in 1634 was succeeded by his only son

John second viscount who dying young the title descended to

John third viscount his cousin-german son of James son of John before mentioned but he dying unmarried his brother

Robert became fourth viscount and dying in 1663 without issue the title descended to

John of Penygame son of William son of Alexander son of John son of William second son of Sir James before mentioned but the said John fifth viscount dying without issue in 1662 was succeeded by his brother

Alexander sixth viscount who married first a daughter of the family of Gordon of Auchlauin by whom he had a daughter

1. Agnes wife first of William Maxwell os Kelton and secondly of John Lindsay of Wauchop He married secondly Marian daughter of Macculloch of Ardwell by whom he had
2. William his heir seventh viscount and three daughters
3. Jane wise of William Gordon of Skimmers
4. Marian of Sir Alexander Gordon of Earlstoun and
5. Elizabeth first of Samuel Maxwell of Nctewlaw and secondly of Samuel Brown of Mollance His third wife was 'lady Grisel {my GENI profile}daughter of James earl of Galloway' and by her he had two sons and three daughters
6. Mary married to Sir Patrick Maxwell of Springel Bart
7. Isabel {my GENI profile} to John Macgie of Balmagie and
8. Grisel to Robert Gordon of Dundugh

The sons were 

# John of Greenlaw and

1. James Dying in 1698 he was succeeded by his eldest son

William seventh viscount who being engaged in the 1715 against king George I was taken prisoner at in Lancashire and from thence in January brought to where on Friday the 24th of February following he beheaded on Towerhill with James Radcliffe earl of 3 but his corpse was carried by sea to Leith it was received by his relations in mourning and conveyed his burial place at Kenmure He married Mary daughter Sir John Dalziel of Glenae and sister of Robert earl of who was condemned for the same rebellion and issue by her three sons

1. Robert 1st heir died unmarried
2. John 2nd heir and
3. James and one daughter wife of John Dalziel Esq

Robert the eldest son through his majesty's great indulgence got possession of the estate by the care and management of lady Kenmure but the title was forfeited and he dying unmarried was succeeded therein by his brother

John who now represents the family He married lady Frances daughter of William earl of Seaforth by whom he has issue four sons and one daughter

1. William
2. John
3. Adam
4. Robert and
5. Frances

TITLES The right honourable William Gordon viscount Kenmure baron of Lochinvar and baronet

CREATIONS J Baron and viscount of Kenmure castle in the county of Kirkcudbright 18 May 1633 by king Charles I and baronet 1 May 1626

ARMS Sapphire three boars head erazed topaz

CREST On a wreath a demi savage proper wreathed about his temples and middle with laurel

SUPPORTERS Two savages wreathed as the craft each holding in his outer hand a batoon erect proper

MOTTO Dread God

CHIEF SEAT Kenmure castle in the county of Kirkcudbright - - The Peerage of Scotland. - London, J. Almon 1767 By Robert Douglas of Glenbervie. - London, J. Almon 1767 By Robert Douglas of Glenbervie pg. 306-8

===========================

From Wikipedia:

Gordon Baronets, of Lochinvar (1626)

• Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet (c. 1565-1628)
• Sir John Gordon, 2nd Baronet (1599–1634) (created Viscount of Kenmure in 1633)

Viscounts of Kenmure (1633)

• John Gordon, 1st Viscount of Kenmure (1599–1634)
• John Gordon, 2nd Viscount of Kenmure (d. 1639)
• John Gordon, 3rd Viscount of Kenmure (d. 1643)
• Robert Gordon, 4th Viscount of Kenmure (d. 1663)
• Alexander Gordon, 5th Viscount of Kenmure (d. 1698)
• William Gordon, 6th Viscount of Kenmure (d. 1715) (attainted 1715)

Descent of titles during attainder:

• Robert Gordon, 7th Viscount of Kenmure (1714-1741)
• John Gordon, 8th Viscount of Kenmure (1713-1769)
• William Gordon, 9th Viscount of Kenmure (c. 1748-1772)
• John Gordon, 10th Viscount of Kenmure (1750–1840) (restored 1824)
• Adam Gordon, 11th Viscount of Kenmure (d. 1847)

RESEARCH TIP

There are 2 profiles of men - labeled as Viscount Kenmure it is not known if they are one in the same

Alexander Gordon, Viscouut Kenmure, #1

• Gender: Male
• Birth: estimated between 1625 and 1685
• Immediate Family: Husband of Grissel, Lady Father of Isabel McGhie (Gordon) Wife of John M'Ghie or McGhie (X.) Mother of Alexander M'Ghie or McGhie (XI.)

X. John McGhie, had sasine of Balinaghie, 10 May, 1704. He m. Isobel Gordon (Dumfries Sets., 17 May, 1712), youngest dau. of Alexander, Viscouut Kenmure, by his third wife, Lady Grissel, dau. of James, Earl of Galloway. He had by her Alexander, of whom follows ; and William.

THE BOOK OF MACKAY BY ANGUS MACKAY, M.A. (St. Andrews University) Minister at Westerdale, Caithness EDINBURGH : NORMAN MACLEOD, -25 GEORGE IV. BRIDGE CANADA : EDWARD MACKAY, ST. PETER'S MANSE, MADOC, ONT. M DCCCC VI [1906] The Book of Mackay By Angus Mackay pg. 350

Also by Information found this is to be his grand daughter in bold:

Alexander Kenmure, Viscount Kenmure #2

• Gender: Male
• Birth: estimated between 1704 and 1764
• Immediate Family:
• Father of Grissel McGhie (Kenmure)
• Gender:Female
• Birth: circa 1769 Kenmore, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, UK
• Wife of Alexander McGhie
• Mother of Grissel McGhie

by this sourcing:

The McGhees (wikipedia) were never a Scottish Clan, and therefore the title of "clan Chief" was never used. The undisputed [who?] head of those bearing the surname, however, was the head of the family at Balmaghie (given below), who bore the undifferenced arms of McGhie

• ....
• John M'Ghie (1704–1732), m. Hon Isabel Gordon (daughter of Viscount Kenmure)
• Alexander M'Ghie (1732–1739), m. Grizzell Gordon (his cousin, granddaughter of the same Viscount Kenmure)
• John M'Ghie (1739–1761)
• William M'Ghie (1761-17??), m. Hon Eleonora McDouall (sister of the Earl of Dumfries)

  ---

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Sep 29 2020, 20:20:26 UTC