Margaret Ruthven

MARGARET RUTHVEN (aka MARGTT RUTHVEN)

Margaret Ruthven is the third daughter of John Ruthven, weaver in Glasgow, and his wife Mary Henderson. She was born before 6 December 1753, the date upon which her baptism was registered at Glasgow in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Her baptismal record reads as follows: "John Ruthven Mary Henderson a L D Margtt. Witt James Ruthven Charles H[ - ]". [National Records of Scotland, Glasgow Baptisms, 1751-57, reference OPR.644/1/12] Image of Baptismal Record

Her Last Will and Testament

Miss Margaret Ruthven "only surviving child of John Ruthven merchant in Glasgow and Mary Henderson his Wife" made her last will and testament at Murrayshall in the County of Stirling on 3 July 1817 and died on 9 November 1817. She left a number of legacies. First, ninety pounds Sterling, that is thirty pounds Sterling each, to Marion Wilson, Lilias Wilson, and Janet Wilson, sisters "presently residing at Murrayshall in the County of Stirling". Second. Twenty-one pounds Sterling to the three daughters of the late John Wilson, iron monger in Glasgow, viz. Margaret, Janet and Lilias Wilsons. Third.Two hundred pounds Sterling to Christian Henderson, wife to Sir Hector Mackenzie of Gairloch, for the benefit of her four youngest sons, viz. William, John, Hector and Roderick Mackenzies. Fourth. One hundred pounds Sterling each to Alexander Ruthven and Mary Ann Ruthven, son and daughter of James Ruthven, late of Glasgow, and forty pounds Sterling to their brother George Ruthven. Fifth. One hundred pounds Sterling to Mary Ann Wodrow, wife of James Archbald, now in the province of New York, and twenty pounds Sterling to her daughter Margaret Archbald. Sixth. Sixty pounds Sterling each to William Bryce and Mary Bryce,, both residing in Renfrew, son and daughter of James Bryce and Margaret Henderson, both dead. Seventh. Two pounds Sterling to each of her servants at Murrayshall, viz. Helen Taylor, Ann Galbraith, and Agnes Drummond, and three pounds Sterling to John Henry "who lost his sight in the lime mine".

By a codicil dated 20 October 1817 she ordained that her furniture at Murrayshall was to remain there for as long as the three Wilson sisters had a use for it. Thereafter it was to go to her cousin Alexander Ruthven in Glasgow. She also had a large trunk which was being stored in Miss Chrysty's house in Glasgow, the contents of which, bed and table linen, was to be divided between Alexander Ruthven and his sister, and Mrs. Archibald. A number of other items, including tea and table spoons, a milk boat, tea tongs and a punch spoon, were also to go to Alexander Ruthven and his sister.

Alexander Ruthven, son of the late James Ruthven in Glasgow, and his sister Mary Ann Ruthven, together with William Bryce and Mary Bryce, residing in Renfrew, executors dative, gave up the inventory of the personal estate and effects of the deceased Margaret Ruthven on 21 March 1818, and confirmation was granted to them on 30 March 1818. [National Records of Scotland, Stirling Sheriff Court, Inventory; Holograph Deed of Settlement, Miss Margaret Ruthven, only surviving child of John Ruthven and Mary Henderson, residing at Murray's Hall, reference SC67/36/4]

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The Testament Dative of Margaret Ruthven

When Alexander Ruthven and his sister Mary Ann Ruthven, together with William Bryce and his sister Mary Bryce, gave up the original inventory of the moveable estate of their cousin, Miss Margaret Ruthven, the sum of five pounds was omitted. Consequently, a new confirmation had to be obtained. It was granted to them on 8 June 1818. [National Records of Scotland Stirling Commissary Court, Eik to the Testament of Margaret Ruthven residing at Murrayshall, parish of Saint Ninians, reference CC21/6/100]

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Death

Miss Margaret Ruthven died on 9 November 1817. She died at Murrayshall near Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland. [National Records of Scotland, Stirling Sheriff Court, Inventory; Holograph Deed of Settlement, Miss Margaret Ruthven, only surviving child of John Ruthven and Mary Henderson, residing at Murray's Hall, reference SC67/36/4]