John Napier, Laird of Kilmahew

John Napier, Laird of Kilmahew, who married in 1516 Margaret Sempill, daughter of Sempill of Fulwood.  His grandfather was probably Patrick Maxwell, Baron of Newark, across the River Clyde.  This John Napier in 1531 received a grant of the island of Inchmoind in Loch Lomond from his kinsman Alexander Napier of Merchiston, grandfather of John Napier of logarithms fame.  The two branches continued their connection, although oddly, their coats of arms differed completely.  The earliest remaining seals, both 15th century, display Kilmahew arms as three crescents on a bend and those of Merchiston as an engrailed saltire (St. Andrew’s cross) with four roses.  Their mottoes also differ:  “Virtute Gloria Parta” (Courage Brings Forth Glory) for Kilmahew and “Sans Tache” (Without Stain) for Merchiston and now the Clan Napier motto.  This John Napier died in 1548 and his will is the first we have.  He was succeeded by his son Robert as 13th Napier Laird of Kilmahew who married Margaret Houston.

Links

• http://www.clannapieramerica.org/794/899.html
• http://www.clannapier.org/klmhwnap.htm