Sir Robert Laurie of Maxwelton, 1st Baronet

Biographical Summary

"Robert Laurie, of Maxwelton, co. Dumfries, s. and h. of John Laurie, of the same, M.P. [S.] for Dumfries Sheriffdom, 1643 (d. 1672), and grandson of Stephen Laurie (d. 14 Dec. 1637), the purchaser of that estate from the Earls of Glencairn [S.], "having distinguished himself by his loyalty in those troubled times " was cr. a Baronet [S.], 27 March 1685, as above, with rem. to heirs male of the body. He m. firstly, Maria, da. of the Hon. Sir John Dalzell, 1st Baronet [S. 1666], of Glenae, by his 1st wife ( — ), da. of ( — ) Sandilands. She d. s.p.m. He m. secondly, 27 July 1674, at the Tron Kirk, Edinburgh, Jean, da. of Walter Riddell, of Minto, by Catherine, da. of Sir Patrick Nisbet, of Eastbank. He d. April 1698.( ) Funeral escutcheon, 26 April 1698."

SOURCE: Complete baronetage; Cokayne, George E. (George Edward); 1904; Vol. IV; page 331

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The Laurie Baronetcy, of Maxwelton in the County of Dumfries, was created in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia on 27 March 1685 for Robert Laurie. The fourth Baronet represented Dumfries in the House of Commons while the fifth Baronet sat for Dumfriesshire . The title became extinct on the death of the sixth Baronet in 1848. The Scottish song Annie Laurie is about Annie, the daughter of the first Baronet, and her romance with William Douglas.

Robert Laurie, born c1641; died 1698; eldest son of John Laurie, (born 1609) inherited the family's ambitious streak. At 16 years of age he wrote a moralistic story about a thief and also some Latin verses. He was obviously making plans for the future when signing Dux Robertus Laurie and Roi Robertus Laurie Est. several times in different styles. Sadly the book was lost during the 1950's. He was knighted on the 21st March 1685 by King James 7th of Scotland, James 2nd of England

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=stanwardine

Agnes Grierson & John Laurie had issue known, one, viz.:

• Note: "Robert Laurie, born c1641; died 1698; eldest son of John Laurie, inherited the family's ambitious streak. At 16 years of age he wrote a moralistic story about a thief and also some Latin verses. He was obviously making plans for the future when signing Dux Robertus Laurie and Roi Robertus Laurie Est. several times in different styles. Sadly the book was lost during the 1950's. He was knighted on the 21st March 1685 by King James 7th of Scotland, James 2nd of England." (Moniaive & The Parish of Glencairn (visitors' booklet) by Jacquie Field, 1989, p. 14.)He married Mary Dalzell & had issue known, two, viz.: (1) Mary Laurie, (2) Agnes Laurie.

Maxwelton House was bought by the Lauries from the Cunninghams (where it was known as Glencairn Castle) in 1611. There is a date carved in a wall of 1641 together with a Latin inscription and the arms and initials of Sir Robert Lawrie and Dame Jean Riddell.

A black ebony whistle was brought to Scotland by a huge Danish gentleman. The whistle was placed on the table at the start of festivities, (which often lasted for days) and the last person capable of blowing the whistle, won it.

The Dane had an unbeaten record through the courts of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Moscow, Warsaw, and several of the smaller courts in Germany. On arriving in Scotland he beat many Scots in contests, until he encountered Sir Robert Laurie of Maxwelton, who after three days and nights of hard drinking, left the Scandanavian under the table. As the winner, he claimed the whistle.