John Ker of Cavers

JOHN KER OF CAVERS

John Ker of Cavers is the son of John Ker of West Nisbet and his wife Jean Ker. His mother was the sister of Robert, Lord Jedburgh. Stirnet: Ker 05 He was the nephew and heir of Robert, Lord Jedburgh, who nominated him as his only executor and universal legator in his last will and testament dated 24 November 1688. National Records of Scotland, Peebles Commissary Court, Testament Testamentar and Inventory of Robert Ker Lord Jedburgh, reference CC18/3/1] Image of Testament

Marriage

John Ker of Cavers married Agnes Ker. Stirnet: Ker 05

Children

1. Robert Ker of Cavers
2. John Ker of Hundalee

The Last Will and Testament of Robert, Lord Jedburgh

Robert, Lord Jedburgh, made his last will and testament at Ferniehist on 24 November 1688. He left his soul to God and his body: "to be buried beside my ancestors in the Ile of ffairnihirst nixt to the Greave of my Dear wife". He nominated his beloved nephew John Ker of Cavers, and failing him his nephew's eldest son, to be his only executor and universal legator. He left a number of legacies, viz. (1) One thousand pounds Scots to the poor of Jedburgh and the grammar school thereof, the annualrent thereof to be shared equally between them (2) One thousand merks for upholding the Isle of Ferniehist, both sums to be placed in the lands of the magistrates and town council of Jedburgh. (3) Eight hundred merks to the burgh of Jedburgh in order to buy a bell for the church. In addition to this, by a codicil dated 1 March 1692, he left a number of legacies to his servants and others, viz. (1) One thousand merks Scots money to Elizabeth Home: "who was my dear wyfes gentlewoman". (2) Five hundred merks to John Dicksone. (3) One hundred merks to William Rutherford. (4) Two hundred merks to Christian Home, souse to William Dicksone, younger of Newbigging; "in regard she was long a servant of my dear wife". (5) Sixty merks to Jennet Hog: "because she was very serviceable both to my wife & me". (6) He left his gold enamel watch and other personal items to his niece Christian Ker. Confirmation was granted to John Ker of Cavers on 13 January 1693. [National Records of Scotland, Peebles Commissary Court, Testament Testamentar and Inventory of Robert Ker Lord Jedburgh, reference CC18/3/1]

1. Image of Testament
2. Image of Testament
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Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

                   1

19 August 1692: Agreement between Lord Jedburgh and John Ker of Cavers (for his interest of Hundalie) anent the seats in the parish church of Jedburgh. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Kerr Family, Marquises of Lothian (Lothian Muniments), reference GD40/2/18/1/52

                   2

13 November 1697: Assignation by John Kerr of Cavers, heir served and retoured and executor nominate and confirmed to deceased Robert, Lord Jedburgh, to Robert Rutherfurd, writer in Edinburgh, of the following. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Elliot Family of Harwood, Roxburghshire. reference GD53/154

                   3

26 November 1697: Bond of Corroboration by William Elliott, younger of Harret, to Robert Rutherford, writer in Edinburgh, for 6,000 merks Scots, which sum was paid by said Robert Rutherford to John Kerr of Cavers, conform to his assignation of bond of Corroboration by Henry Elliot, elder of Harret, as principal and William Elliot, younger thereof, and Robert Elliot of Midliemylne, as cautioners. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Elliot Family of Harwood, Roxburghshire. reference GD53/156

Genealogy

Stirnet: Ker 05