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;.

GRAHAM Duke of MONTROSE.

NO sirname in Scotland claims a higher origin than the Graham.

The traditional account thereof, handed down to us by our historians,* 1.1 is, that they are descended of the renowned Graeme, who, in the year 404, was general of king Fergus II's. army, and was governor of Scotland in the minority of his grandchild king Eugene II. fought with the Romans, defeated the Bri∣tons, and in the 420, made a breach in, and forced that mighty wall which the em∣peror Severus had reared up between the rivers Forth and Clyde, as the utmost limits of the Roman empire, to keep out the Scots from molesting them in their possessions; which wall has ever since retained, and to this day goes under the name of Graeme's Dyke.

The foundation of this great rampart has been of late traced from the one river to the other, and is fully instructed by several stones found therein, which have Roman inscripti∣ons cut out upon them, denoting the limits where, and by whom they were set, &c. A good many of these stones are at present to be seen in the college of Glasgow, and are well described in Mr. Gordon's Itinerarium septentrionale.

This great man is said to have married a lady of the royal house of Denmark, and was progenitor of all the Grahams in the kingdom of Scotland.

We shall, however, insist no further on these traditional accounts, but directly pro∣ceed to deduce the descent of this illustrious and antient family by authentick documents from,

I. WILLIAM de GRAEME. He flourished in the reign of king David I.* 1.2 who succeeded to the crown of Scotland in 1124, and founded the abbacy of Holyroodhouse, in the year 1128, to which••his William de Graeme is a witness.

He appears to have been much about king David's court, being witness to many of that good prince's donations to the religious; and, according to sir James Dalrymple, was propri∣etor of several lands in Mid-Lothian, which also appears from the chartulary of St. An∣drews.

In a charter of king David to the priory of Durham,* 1.3 Willielmus de Graeme is a witness, anno 1139.

The same prince made a donation, ecclesiae de Haddington,* 1.4 ex utraque parte aquae, sicut Willielmus de Graeme fecit, &c.

In a confirmation charter of prince Henry to the priory of St. Andrews, the same Willi∣am de Graeme is a witness,* 1.5 in or before 1152, in which year prince Henry died.

He was father of,

II. JOHN de GRAEME, who flourished in the reigns of king Malcolm IV. and king Wil∣liam the Lyon; which last succeeded king Malcolm anno 1165, and died in 1214.

In a confirmation charter of a donation to the monastery of Newbottle, by Robert, son of David de Lindsay, of the peat moss of Locherwood, this John de Graeme, Henry de Bradie sheriff of Edinburgh,* 1.6 are witnesses. The confirmation has no date, but appears to have been about the year 1170.

He left issue a son,

III. WILLIAM de GRAEME, who succeed∣ed him. In a charter of Alexander de Setun to Adam de Polisworth, of the lands of Beeth, in marriage with his sister Emma, confirmed by king William about the year 1200,* 1.7 this William de Graeme, David, son of earl Hen∣ry, John de Methkill, &c. are witnesses.

He was succeeded by his son,

IV. Sir DAVID de GRAEME, the undoubt∣ed progenitor of the most noble family of Montrose.

He obtained from king William, a grant of the lands of Charleton and Barrowfield, near Montrose; also the lordship of Kinnebber, cum dominiis,* 1.8 tenendriis, et thanagiis ejusdem, in vicecomitatu de Forfar, &c. The charter has no date, but must have been granted in, or before 1214, being the year in which king William died.

In the beginning of the reign of king A∣lexander II. who succeeded king William, he got a charter from Henry de Graeme, (where∣in he is designed his cousin or kinsman) of the lands of Clifton and Clifton-hall,* 1.9 in Mid∣Lothian; the superiority whereof remains

with the family of Montrose to this very day.

This Henry de Graeme being a near relation of sir David, they are undoubtedly descend∣ed of the same stock; and as Henry was pro∣genitor of the Graemes of Abercorn, who made a considerable figure in this country for several generations, we shall here give a brief account of that family.

1. Petrus de Graeme, who lived in the reign of king Malcolm IV. was probably a younger son or nephew of the first William, and left issue two sons. 1. Henry, his heir. 2. William, who, in a donation to the mo∣nastery of Newbottle, by Ada comitissa mater regis,* 1.10 is designed Willielmus de Graeme, filius Petri, &c. in or before 1178, in which year Ada comitissa died.

Petrus was succeeded by his eldest son,

2. Henry de Graeme, of whom there are many documents, in the reign of king Willi∣am.

In the said donation of Ada comitissa to the monastery of Newbottle, Henricus de Graeme filius Petri,* 1.11 &c. is a witness, together with his brother William, before mentioned, ante 1178.

He is mentioned also in other two charters of king William,* 1.12 super libertate ecclesiae de Coldinghame, together with Duncan earl of Fife, and Hugo the chancellor, who died anno 1199.

He married the daughter and heiress of —Avenel, by whom he got the lord∣ship of Eskdale, &c.

He died in the beginning of the reign of king Alexander II. and lest issue a son and heir,

3. Sir Henry de Graham, who made a great figure in the reign of king Alexander II.* 1.13 and granted to his cousin, sir David, the charter of Cli••ton and Clifton-hall, in which he is de∣signed his consanguineus, as before mention∣ed.

He was proprietor of the lands of Aber∣corn, Dalkeith, Halsington, E••kdale, &c. as will appear by the documents hereafter nar∣rated; and died in the beginning of the reign of king Alexander III. leaving issue a son and successor,

4. Sir Nichol de Graham, who made a do∣nation to the mon••stery of Me••••oss, de tota terra sua quam habuit in villa et territorio de Halsington, and in that charter he is designed Nicholaus de Graham, miles, ••rimogenitus do∣mini Henrici de Graham, &c. to which sir William de Solys, justiciar of Lothian, Tho∣mas Ranulph, Simon Fraser, and Andrew his brother, were witnesses.* 1.14 To this charter, in which sir Nichol's lands of Dalkeith are mentioned, his seal is appended, and is still entire, being the plain coat of Graham, viz. three escallops, without any mark of caden∣cy.

This sir Nichol was one of the arbiters chosen on the part of Robert Bruce,* 1.15 in his competition for the crown with John Baliol, anno 1292.

He left issue a son,

5. Sir John Graham, who succeeded him, and confirmed the donations made by his pre∣decessors to the monks of Melross, in these words: Johannes de Graham de Eskdale, mi∣les, filius et haeres domini Nicholai de Graham, &c. confirmasse, &c. totam terram de Esk∣dale, ab antecessoribus meis collatam, &c. &c. to which William de Lamberton, bishop of St. Andrews,* 1.16 who was in that see from 1298 to 1328, was a witness.

Sir John's seal, which is thereto appended, is the same with his father's, only round the circumference is, S. JOHANNIS DE GRA∣HAM.

He made a donation to the same monaste∣ry, of the patronage of the church of West∣er-Ker, and is then designed dominus de A∣bercorn, filius et haeres domini Nicholai, &c. to which the said bishop Lamberton is a wit∣ness.* 1.17

He made several other donations to the re∣ligious at Melross, all which are confirmed by king Robert Bruce, in these words: Ro∣bertus, &c. confirmasse, &c. monachis de Mel∣ross, &c. terram de Eskdale, &c. &c. &c. quas dicti monachi tenuerunt de quondam domi∣no Nicholao de Graham, et ejus antecessoribus, &c. et ratificasse cartam domini Johannis de Graham,* 1.18 militis, filii ei haeredis dicti domini Nicholai, &c. 25 to Decembris, anno regni 11 mo, 1317.

This sir John had no surviving male-issue, but he had a daughter,

6. Margaret, married to William Douglas, lord of Liddisdale, of the family of Morton, called the flower of chivalry, one of the greatest heroes of his time. He got with her the lands and lordship of Dalkeith, which was enjoyed by, and continued to be one of the chief titles of, the family of Morton above three hundred years. Vide title earl of Mor∣ton, page 488th.

Though we can trace the male line of this

family no further, yet there certainly were several cadets of it, viz. the Grahams of Tor∣bolton, Weilston, and several others, who are designed consanguinei et cognati of the Gra∣hams of Abercorn,* 1.19 which is fully instructed from our public records.

We now return to the family of Montrose.

Sir David, No. IV. in this account, ap∣pears to have had issue four sons.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. Sir Patrick Graham,* 1.20 who is witness in a charter of king Alexander II. to the mona∣stery of Newbottle, anno 1248.

3. Sir Thomas Graham, designed baro et miles, in a confirmation charter of the same king Alexander,* 1.21 to the monastery of Paisley, to which David bishop of St. Andrews is a witness, who was in that see anno 1247.

4. William Graham, who is mentioned in two conventions betwixt the prior of St. An∣drews,* 1.22 and Bernard de Fraser, in the reign of king Alexander II.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

V. Sir DAVID GRAHAM, who got several charters, domino Davidi Graham, filio Davidis, in the reign of king Alexander II.* 1.23 who suc∣ceeded king William, anno 1214; particular∣ly one from Patrick earl of Dunbar, of two to••ts of Melekston, &c.

He had also from the same earl,* 1.24 the lands of Dundaff and Strathcarron, which had been a king's forest, in exchange of some lands of sir David's in Galloway.

He obtained likeways from Maldwin earl of Lennox,* 1.25 the lands of Strathblane, Mug∣dock, &c.

He is witness in a charter granted by the said earl Maldwin,* 1.26 to William, son of Arthur, son of Galbraith, &c. in which he is designed dominus David de Graham, miles, in the year 1238.

He is witness in many charters and confir∣mations of donations to the religious by king Alexander II.* 1.27 inter 1230 et 1240.

He was one of the guarantees of a treaty with king Henry III.* 1.28 of England, anno 1244.

He died soon thereafter, and by Agnes his wife, left issue a son and successor,

VI. Sir DAVID GRAHAM, who made a great figure in Scotland in the reign of king Alexander III. who succeeded his father, anno 1249.

He was sheriff of Berwick, and was some∣times designed by the title of Dundaff.

This sir David,* 1.29 together with Clement bi∣shop of Dunblain, are mentioned in testimo∣nio magna••um Scotiae, anno 1253.

In a donation of Patrick earl of March,* 1.30 to the monastery of Coldinghame, dominus David de Graham, vicecomes de Berwick, is a witness, anno 1260.

He obtained from king Alexander III.* 1.31 di∣stinct charters of his whole lands, all com∣firmed to him by charters under the great seal.

He got also from Malise earl of Strathearn,* 1.32 a grant of the lands of Kincardin in Perth∣shire, which afterwards became one of the chief titles of his family.

He married Annabella, daughter of Robert, and sister of Malise earl of Strathearn, by whom he had three sons.

1. Sir Patrick, his heir.

2. Sir John Graham, who got from his father the lands of Dundaff,* 1.33 by which title he was designed. When sir William Wallace met him on Dundaff-muir, he was called do∣minus ejusd. He was a great hero and patri∣ot, the constant companion and bosom friend of the brave sir William Wallace, governor of Scotland, who, with him, shared the glory of all the illustrious victories that were then obtained by the Scots over the common ene∣mies of their country. They are both par∣ticularly mentioned at the engagement of Blackiron-side, the burning of the barns of Air, the taking of the castle of Crawford, the defeat of the English at Lanark, the battle of Biggar,* 1.34 &c. &c. and he is agreed upon by our Scotch historians, to have been the brav∣est and best of all Scotchmen, next to sir Wil∣liam Wallace. He at last lost his life fight∣ing gallantly in defence of the liberties of his country at the fatal battle of Falkirk, in the year 1298. He was afterwards interred in a chapel ••at that place, with the following inscription on his tomb, which is still to be seen:

Mente manuque potens, et Vallae fidus Achates, Conditur hic Gramus, bello interfectus ab Anglis.

He having no male issue,* 1.35 his estate of Dun∣daff returned to the family.

3. Sir David, was one of the arbiters chosen on the part of John Baliol, in his competition for the crown with Robert Bruce, anno 1292.

The Grahams, by this time, were become very numerous, among whom there were many worthy patriots, who made a glorious struggle, in defence of the liberties of their country, against the oppressions of king Ed∣ward I. of England, and are particularly men∣tioned in Rymer's Foedera Angliae, Prynne's collections, and several other authentic do∣cuments; and though we cannot pretend

to connect them with this noble family, yet they are undoubtedly descended from the same stock.

•• Sir David appears to have died about the year 1270, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

VII. Sir PATRICK GRAHAM, a man of great worth, honour, and integrity.

He was witness in a charter of king Alex∣ander III.* 1.36 of the lands of Beath, anno 1271.

He got a confirmation of several lands,* 1.37 from Duncan third earl of Lennox, anno 1280, and is then designed dominus Patricius de Graham, miles, &c.

He was employed in several foreign em∣bassies by king Alexander III. in 1281 and 1282, and was sent to negociate the marriage betwixt that prince,* 1.38 and a daughter of Guido earl of Flanders, which was afterwards accom∣plished.

He was one of those Scotch worthies who solemnly obliged themselves to receive and de∣fend princess Margaret for their lawful queen and sovereign,* 1.39 in case of the death of king A∣lexander III. without male issue, anno 1284.

He was also one of the Scotch nobles who agreed to the marriage of queen Margaret with prince Edward of England,* 1.40 anno 1290.

He was one of the arbiters chosen on the part of John Baliol,* 1.41 in his competition for the crown with Robert Bruce, together with Da∣vid de Graham, anno 1292.

He is witness in a donation of Thomas de Gourlay,* 1.42 of some lands lying near Arthur's Oven to the monastery of Newbottle, together with Willielmus de Graham, anno 1293.

He at last lost his life, fighting in defence of the liberties of his country,* 1.43 at the battle of Dunbar, anno 1296, leaving issue two sons.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. Sir John, who made a donation of the patronage of the church of Newlands,* 1.44 to the monastery of Dunfermline, anno 1317, and is then designed nobilis vir Johannes de Gra∣ham, miles, &c.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

VIII. Sir DAVID GRAHAM, who, with several other of the Scotch nobility,* 1.45 was car∣ried prisoner to England with king Edward I. anno 1297, but was released soon thereaf∣ter.

He had a controversy with Archibald bishop of Murray,* 1.46 concerning the ••ishings on the wa∣ter of ••sk, which at last he yielded to the bi∣shop, about the year 1298.

After king Robert Bruce began in earnest to assert his title to the crown, he joined him, and continued his faithful and steady friend; for which he was particularly excepted out of the act of indemnity offered to the Scots by king Edward I.* 1.47

He afterwards, in reward of his constant loyalty,* 1.48 obtained a grant of several lands from king Robert Bruce; particularly, the lands of Old-Montrose in Forfar-shire, which were af∣terwards confirmed to his posterity, by ma∣ny charters under the great seal.

He was one of the magnates Scotiae, who signed that famous letter to the Pope,* 1.49 assert∣ing the independency of Scotland, anno 1320. Besides sir David, Johannes de Graham et Pa∣tricius de Graham signed the same letter, but sir David is first named, and his seal is there∣to affixed.

He was one of the guarantees of a treaty with the English,* 1.50 anno 1323.

He died soon after his royal master king Robert, and was succeeded by his son,

IX. Sir DAVID GRAHAM, designed of Montrose, who inheriting the virtues of his worthy ancestors,* 1.51 was a steady friend of king David Bruce, whom he accompanied in his unfortunate expedition into England, and was taken prisoner with him at the battle of Dur∣ham, anno 1346.

But it seems he was released before the year 1354;* 1.52 for then we find him one of the commissioners from the estates of Scotland, negociating the king's liberty at the court of England.

In a charter under the great seal, from king David Bruce,* 1.53 priori et canonicis de Rostenit, &c. nobilis vir David de Graham de Old-Montrose is a witness, anno 1360.

He had issue a son,

Sir Patrick, his heir,—and a daughter, —, married to William earl of Ross.

He was succeeded by his son,

X. Sir PATRICK GRAHAM, designed lord of Dundaff and Kincardin, who was one of the noble Scotch heirs that were appointed hosta∣ges for king David •• ransom,* 1.54 anno 1357, and is then designed Patrick, son and heir appa∣rent of sir David de Graham, &c.

He was one of the ambassadors appointed to treat with the English,* 1.55 for which he got a safe conduct from king Edward III. anno 1361.

Upon the accession of king Robert II.* 1.56 to the crown, he was one of the Scotch nobles who ratified the act in favours of his eldest son the earl of Carrick, anno 1371.

He got charters under the great seal,* 1.57 from king Robert II. of the lands of Auchincross and others, in the shire of Lennox, anno 1377 et 1378.

In the reign of king Robert III. he was ap∣pointed one of the ambassadors extraordinary to the court of England,* 1.58 anno 1394.

He married,* 1.59 1st, Matilda, (but of what fa∣mily we know not) by whom he had a son,

William, lord Graham, his heir,—and a daughter,

Matilda, married to sir John Drummond of Concraig.

He married, 2dly, Eupheme, daughter of sir John Stewart of Railston,* 1.60 second son of Wal∣ter, eighth lord high steward of Scotland, and brother of king Robert II. by whom he had issue four sons.

1. Sir Patrick of Elieston, ancestor of the earls of Menteith. (Vide page 47 4th of this work.

2. Robert.

3. David.

4. Alexander.

He died before the year 1404, and was succeeded by his only son of the first mar∣riage,

XI. Sir WILLIAM GRAHAM, lord of Kincardin, a man of great parts, who was con∣cerned in all the publick transactions of his time.

In the year 1405, Willielmus de Graham, dominus de Kincardin, obtained a safe conduct from king Henry IV.* 1.61 to come to England, and treat for the liberty of the earl of Douglas and others, then prisoners in that kingdom.

He obtained another safe conduct from the same prince,* 1.62 as ambassador extraordinary from the estates of Scotland to the court of Eng∣land, anno 1406.

He was again named ambassador extraordi∣nary to treat with the English,* 1.63 anno 1412

He was three times afterwards appointed one of the commissioners by the estates of the kingdom,* 1.64 to negociate the liberty of king James I. and Murdoch earl of Fife, then pri∣soners in England, anno 1413, 1415, and 1416.

This William lord Graham, got a charter from Robert duke of Albany,* 1.65 containing an entail of the lands of Old-Montrose, and ma∣ny others.

He married, 1st, Mariotta, daughter of sir John Oliphant of Aberdalgy,* 1.66 by whom he had two sons.

1. Alexander, his apparent heir.

2. John, who, in a charter under the great seal,* 1.67 is designed second son of sir William Graham by Mariot Oliphant, anno 1421.

He married, 2dly, lady Mariot Stewart, daughter of king Robert, third widow of George earl of Angus, and sir James Kenne∣dy of Dunure, ancestor of the earl of Cassilis.

He got five charters under the great seal, Willielmo domino Graham militi,* 1.68 et Mariotae Stewart sorori regis, inter 1420 et 1424, in which last year he did, leaving issue by the said lady Mariot Stewart, five sons, all mentioned in a charter under the great seal, anno 1421.

1. Sir Robert of Strathcarron, ancestor of the Grahams of Fintray, Claver-house, &c.

2. Patrick, who betook himself to the ser∣vice of the church,* 1.69 was a man of great piety and learning, was first bishop of Brechin, and then of St. Andrews. He died in the castle of Lochleven, anno 1478.

3. William, ancestor of the Grahams of Garvock and Balgowan.

4. Harry.

5. Walter of Wallacetown, ancestor of the Grahams of Knockdolian, &c.

XII. ALEXANDER GRAHAM, eldest son and apparent heir of William lord Graham of Kincardin,* 1.70 was one of the hostages for Mur∣doch Stewart, then designed master of Fife, anno 1412; and this Alexander is then de∣signed filius et haeres domini de Graham, &c.

He died before his father, leaving issue two sons.

1. Patrick, his heir.

2. Alexander Graham,* 1.71 mentioned in a char∣ter under the great seal, and designed brother of Patrick, &c. anno 1423.

XIII. PATRICK lord Graham of Kincar∣din, eldest son of Alexander,* 1.72 succeeded his grandfather, anno 1424. That same year he was appointed one of the hostages for king James's ransom, and continued long confined in England.

At last we find Patrick lord Graham (unus ex obsidibus) obtains a safe conduct from king Henry VI.* 1.73 to return to Scotland, anno 1431.

After the murder of king James I. he was appointed one of the lords of the regency,* 1.74 in the minority of king James II. and was by that prince made a lord of parliament, about the year 1445, and sat as a peer in every par∣liament thereafter as long as he lived.

He was one of the ambassadors extraordi∣nary appointed to treat with the English,* 1.75 an∣no 1451; also in 1457, ad traclandum super indentura treugarum, &c. and again in 1459.

He acquitted himself in all the negociations he was employed in, with great fidelity and honour, and died anno 1465, leaving issue by Elizabeth his wife, a son,

XIV. WILLIAM lord Graham,* 1.76 who was appointed ambassador extraordinary to the court of England, anno 1466.

He married lady Anne Douglas,* 1.77 daughter of George fourth earl of Angus, by whom he had two sons, and two daughters.

1. William, his heir.

2. George, ancestor of the Grahams of Calendar.

1st daughter, Jean, married to John second lord Ogilvic of Airly.

2. Christian, married, 1st, to James Hal∣dane of Gleneagles; 2dly, to sir Thomas Maul of Panmure.

He died anno 1472, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XV. WILLIAM lord Graham, afterwards earl of Montrose, a man of great honour and loyalty.

He was a firm and steady friend of king James III.* 1.78 had the command of the army he raised in his own defence against his rebelli∣ous subjects, and never deserted his interest.

He was in great favour with king James IV.* 1.79 who created him earl of Montrose, on 3d March 1504.

He got a charter under the great seal from that prince, Willielmo comiti de Montrose, confirming to him the lands of Old-Mon∣trose in Forfar-shire,* 1.80 which belonged to his predecessors, by donation from king Robert Bruce, confirmed by king David, &c. This confirmation is dated the said 3d day of March 1504.

He afterwards got many charters under the great seal,* 1.81 Willielmo comiti de Montrose, of several lands and baronies, inter 1506 et 1511.

He married, 1st, Annabella, daughter of daughter of John lord Drummond,* 1.82 by whom he had a son,

William, lord Graham.

He married, 2dly, Janet, daughter of sir Archibald Edmondston of Duntreath,* 1.83 by whom he had three daughters.

1. Lady Margaret, married, 1st, to Willi∣am master of Lennox; 2dly, to sir John So∣merville of Cambusnethan.

2. Lady Elizabeth, married to Walter, grand-son and apparent heir of John, first lord Drummond.

3. Lady Nicholas, married to sir William Murray of Abercairny.

He married,* 1.84 3dly, Christian Wavane, by whom he had two sons.

1. Patrick, ancestor of the Grahams of Inchbraco, of whom the Grahams of Gorthie, Bucklivie, &c. are descended.

2. Andrew, who betaking himself to a re∣ligious life, was appointed bishop of Dunblain, anno 1575, and was the first protestant bishop of that see.

This earl accompanied king James IV. to the fatal field of Flowdon, where he lost his life with his royal master, anno 1513.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVI. WILLIAM, second earl of Montrose, a man of good parts, and great integrity.

He was one of the Scotch peers to whom John duke of Albany,* 1.85 regent of Scotland, committed the tuition of the young king James V. when he went to France to secure the interest of that crown in favours of his infant sovereign, &c.

He got no less than seven charters under the great seal,* 1.86 Willielmo comiti de Montrose, of many lordships and baronies, inter 1530 et 1550.

He married lady Janet Keith, daughter of William third earl marishal, by whom he had four sons, and five daughters.

1. Robert, lord Graham.

2. Alexander, who was pensioner of Cam∣buskenneth.

3. Mungo, ancestor of the Grahams of Killearn.

4. William, ancestor of the Grahams of Orchil.

1st daughter, lady Margaret, married to Robert master of Erskine.

2. Lady Elizabeth, married to George fourth earl of Caithness.

3. Lady Agnes, married to sir William Murray of Tullibardin, ancestor of the duke of Athole.

4. Lady Janet, married to sir Andrew Murray of Balvaird.

5. Lady Catharine, married to John Graham of Knockdolain.

He died 25th May 1571.

XVII. ROBERT lord Graham, first son and apparent heir of William second earl of Mon∣trose,* 1.87 married a daughter of Malcolm lord Fleming, and was killed at the battle of Pin∣kie, anno 1547, leaving issue by his said lady a posthumous son,

XVIII. JOHN, who succeeded his grandfa∣ther, in 1701, and was third earl of Montrose.

He got charters under the great seal,* 1.88 Jo∣hanni comiti de Montrose, of the whole lands, baronies, and earldom of Montrose, &c. &c. &c. inter 1578 et 1584.

He was a man of great abilities, and after queen Mary was prisoner in England, he went entirely into the measures of the court.

He was chancellor of the jury upon the trial of the regent Morton,* 1.89 for the murder of king Henry, and pronounced the sentence a∣gainst him, guilty, &c.

He was highly esteemed and in great fa∣vour with his majesty king James VI. who constituted him lord high treasurer of Scot∣land,* 1.90 by a full and ample commission, dated anno 1584.

He was afterwards appointed lord high chancellor of the kingdom by another com∣mission,* 1.91 dated in 1598.

After king James's accession to the crown of England, when a design was set on foot for procuring a nearer union betwixt the two crowns,* 1.92 the earl of Montrose was nominated his majesty's high commissioner to the parli∣ament, appointed to meet at Perth for that purpose, in July 1604; but at that time it took no effect.

He was also appointed vice-roy of all Scot∣land, supremum regni Scotiae procuratorem pro omnibus vitae diebus, &c. the highest dignity a subject could enjoy; for this he had ano∣ther commission dated on the ides of Decem∣ber the said year 1604; and as there are several clauses, in that and his former commis∣sions, very honourable for the family,* 1.93 and narrated at large in the lives of the officers of state, to that we refer our readers.

In virtue of this last commission, he pre∣sided as representing his majesty's person at the parliament, which met at Perth 9th July 1606, wherein

"Episcopal government was restored to the church,* 1.94 the estate of bishops reintegrate to the antient and accustomed honours, dignities, prerogatives, privileges, &c. &c. &c. as the same was in the reformed kirk, most ample and free at any time before the act of annexation in 1587."

This great man discharged his duty in all the high offices he enjoyed with fidelity and honour.

He married Lilias, daughter of David lord Drummond, by whom he had three sons, and one daughter.

1. John, lord Graham.

2. Sir Robert Graham of Innermeath.

3. Sir William Graham of Braco.

His daughter, lady Lilias, married to John earl of Wigton.

He died in November 1608, in the 61st year of his age, and was succeeded by his el∣dest son,

XIX. JOHN, fourth earl of Montrose, who got charters under the great seal,* 1.95 Johanni co∣miti de Montrose, of many lands, inter 1609 et 1620.

He was also a man of parts, and much e∣steemed by king Charles I.* 1.96 who, immediately upon his accession to the crown, constituted him president of the council.

He married lady Margaret Ruthven, daugh∣ter of William earl of Gowrie, by whom he had a son,

James, afterwards marquis of Montrose, —and four daughters.

1. Lady Lilias, married to sir John Col∣quhoun of Luss, Bart. and had issue.

2. Lady Margaret, married to Archibald lord Napier.

3. Lady Dorothea, married to James first lord Rollo.

4. Lady Beatrix, married to David lord Maderty.

He died in November 1626, and was suc∣ceeded by his eldest son,

XX. JAMES, fifth earl of Montrose, born in 1612, whose education was suitable to his high birth. He was possessed of many emi∣nent qualities, with an uncommon military genius, which he nobly exerted in the service of his king and country.

Upon the breaking out of the civil war, he was at first engaged on the covenanters side; but no sooner did he perceive their in∣tentions, and the measures they were pursuing, than he deserted their party, went over to the king's service, was created marquis of Mon∣trose on 16th May 1644, and continued stea∣dy and unalterable in the interest of the royal family to the end of his life.

The many great actions he performed, and the glorious victories he obtained with hand∣fuls of loyalists against the numerous forces of their enemies, viz. at Tippermuir, Alfurd, A∣berdeen, Inverlochy, Kilsyth, &c. will scarce be believed by after-ages; and as they are all narrated in the life of that great man, written by doctor Wishart, who was an eye-witness, to that we must refer our readers, as it is in∣consistent with the brevity of this work to be more particular.

However, we must here, for the sake of truth, vindicate him of one aspersion which hath been most unjustly cast upon him by some authors, who have alledged, that he ac∣tually took the solemn league and covenant,* 1.97 consequently was guilty of the breach of that oath: but this is absolutely false; for in Oc∣tober 1643, he was summoned to appear be∣fore the parliament to take that solemn league, betwixt and the beginning of January then next: but at that time he was with the king, so did not appear.

Upon the 12th of January 1644, there was a decreet of parliament pronounced against him for not complying,* 1.98 upon which he was outlawed, forfeited, and his estate ordered to be sequestrate.

He was afterwards intercommuned under the designation of James Graham, sometime

earl of montrose, for being in rebellion a∣gainst God and his covenant; and all his ma∣jesty's good subjects were discharged to reset or give him the least supply, under the pain of treason:* 1.99 this was enacted on 20th March 1646, in which year he was surprised by ge∣neral Lesly, and the parliament's forces, at Philiphaugh, and his army routed and dispers∣ed.

He was at last taken prisoner, himself brought up to Edinburgh, where he suffered all the indignities of a common malefactor with the utmost constancy:* 1.100 a very few days thereafter he was tried, condemned, and exe∣cuted, in the most cruel manuer, on 21st May 1650: the firmness, resolution, and mag∣nanimity, with which he behaved at his trial and execution, were inimitable. We shall sum up his character in the words of a noble author,* 1.101 who was far from being partial in his favour, viz.

"He gave as great testimonies of loyalty and courage as a subject could do, and performed as wonderful actions in se∣veral battles, upon as great inequality of numbers, and as great disadvantages in re∣spect of arms and other preparations for war, as have been performed in this age, &c. &c."

His body was interred at the place of execution, where it rested till the re∣storation of king Charles II. who gave orders to have the scattered remains raised, and col∣lected together, and by his majesty's appoint∣ment were interred with great funeral pomp, in the isle of the cathederal church of St. Giles, which belonged to his family, on 14th May 1661.

He married lady Magdalen Carnegie, daugh∣ter of David earl of Southesk, by whom he had one son,

XXI. JAMES, second marquis of Montrose. Though he was too young to be engaged in the wars with his worthy father, and lived a retired life during the usurpation, yet he gave many instances of his being a man of staunch loyalty, great probity and honour.

Immediately after the restoration of king Charles II.* 1.102 his father's forfeiture was repeal∣ed, he was restored to the whole estates of the family, and appointed one of his majesty's most honourable privy council.

He married lady Isabel Douglas, daughter of William earl of Morton, widow of Robert first earl of Roxburgh, by whom he had two sons, and three daughters.

1. James, his heir.

2. Lord Charles, a youth of great hopes and spirit, who died young.

1st daughter, lady Anne, married to Alex∣ander earl of Calendar.

2. Lady Jean, married to sir Jonathan Urquhart of Cromarty.

3. Lady Grizel, married to William Co∣chran of Kilmaronock, Esq; son of William lord Cochran.* 1.103

He died anno 1669, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XXII. JAMES, third marquis of Mon∣trose, who, being young at his father's death, was carefully educated under the particular inspection of his majesty, and was a man of fine accomplishments, both natural and ac∣quired.

The king made him a captain of the guards,* 1.104 president of the privy council, sheriff of Dun∣barton, bailie of the regality of Lennox, Glas∣gow, &c.

He died in the flower of his age, great∣ly regreted, anno 1684; and by lady Chri∣stian Lesly, his wife, daughter of John duke of Rothes, left issue an only son,

XXIII. JAMES, fourth marquis, afterwards duke of Montrose, who succeeded him. He was a man of distinguished parts and good judgment, much esteemed and in great fa∣vour with her majesty queen Anne, who, as soon as he came of age, constituted him lord high admiral of Scotland, anno 1705, and pre∣sident of the council in 1706.

And in regard of his inviolable attachment and zeal for the protestant succession, and his hearty concurrence in the union of the two kingdoms, her majesty was pleased further to dignify him by the titles of duke of Mon∣trose, marquis of Graham and Buchanan, earl of Kincardin, viscount Dundaff, lord Aber∣nithvin, Mugdock, and Fintray, by patent, haeredibus masculis ex corpore suo,* 1.105 quibus defi∣cientibus, haeredibus marchionis de Montrose, per priora diplomata praedecessoribus dicti Ja∣cobi marchionis fact. et concess. &c. dated 24. April 1707.

He was elected one of the sixteen peers for Scotland, to the first, second, fifth, sixth, and seventh British parliaments.

He was appointed lord privy seal, in the room of the duke of Queensberry, in 1709; but was removed from all his offices in 1713, for declining to comply with the measures of the court.

Upon the death of her majesty queen Anne, being at his seat in the country, he made a speedy journey to Edinburgh, and assisted at the proclamation of his majesty king George I. and being appointed one of the regency, posted to London, and heartily concurred with the rest for securing the public tranquil∣lity till his majesty's arrival, who immediate∣ly

constituted him one of the principal secre∣taries of state, in the room of the earl of Mar. He was soon thereafter appointed lord keeper of the great seal for Scotland, and was also chancellor of the university of Glasgow.

He married lady Christian Carnegie, daugh∣ter of David earl of Northesk, by whom he had four sons, and one daughter.

1. James, marquis of Graham, who died in infancy.

2. David, marquis of Graham, whom his majesty king George I. was pleased to advance to the dignity of a peer in England, by the stile and title of earl and baron Graham of Belford, in the county of Northumberland, 23d May 1722, with remainder to his two brothers, William and George; and he dy∣ing unmarried, anno 1731, these titles devolv∣ed upon his brother,

3. William, now duke of Montrose.

4. Lord George, who was member of par∣liament for the county of Stirling, and a cap∣tain in the royal navy, but died without issue, anno 1746.

His daughter, lady Margaret, died unmar∣ried.

The duke dying anno 1741, was succeeded by his son,

XXIV. WILLIAM, second duke of Mon∣trose, who married lady Lucy Manners, daughter of John second duke of Rutland, by whom he hath a son,

James, marquis of Graham,—and a daughter,

Lady Lucy Graham.

ARMS.

Quarterly 1st and 4th, or, on a chief sable three escallop shells of the first, for the name of Graham: 2d and 3d, argent, three roses gules, barbed and sceded proper, for the title of Montrose.

CREST; on a wreath, an eagle or, talon∣ing a stork proper.

SUPPORTERS; two storks of the latter.

MOTTO; Ne oublie.

CHIEF SEATS.

At Glasgow, in the county of Lanark; at Kincardin in the county of Perth; at Bu∣chanan and Mugdock-castle, in the county of Dunbarton; and at Hanover-Square, Lon∣don.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dr. Aber∣crombie, p. 549, v. I. &c.
• * 1.2

  Foundation charter▪ print∣ed in the ap∣pendix to Ri∣chard Hay's vindication of Elizab. More, p. 127.
• * 1.3

  Sir James Dalrymple's collections, p. 397.
• * 1.4

  Chartulary of St. Andrews.
• * 1.5

  Ibidem.
• * 1.6

  Chartulary of Newbottle, penes Mac∣Farlane, f. 8.
• * 1.7

  Chartulary of Dunfermline, f. 16.
• * 1.8

  Charta penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.9

  Ibidem.
• * 1.10

  Chartulary of Newbottle, p. 5.
• * 1.11

  Ibidem.
• * 1.12

  Origin. writs of Colding∣ham, penes MacFarlane.
• * 1.13

  Charta penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.14

  Book of ori∣ginal writs, penes Mac∣Farlane, p. 29. et charta penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.15

  Rymer, tom. I. p. 553.
• * 1.16

  Book of char∣ters, p. 431.
• * 1.17

  Ibid. p. 433.
• * 1.18

  Books of ori∣ginal charters p. 436. 440. &c.
• * 1.19

  Books of ori∣ginal charters p. 441. 442. &c.
• * 1.20

  Chartulary of Newbottle, penes Mac∣Farlane, p. 180.
• * 1.21

  Chartulary of Paisley, penes eund. p. 17.
• * 1.22

  Chartulary of St. Andrews, penes eund. p. 40. & 490.
• * 1.23

  Chartulary of Keiso, penes eund. p▪ 101. 103. 105. &c.
• * 1.24

  Crawfurd's peerage, et charta penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.25

  Ibidem.
• * 1.26

  Chartulary of Levenax, pe∣nes MacFar∣lane, p. 38.
• * 1.27

  Chartulary of Coldstream, and Colding∣hame.
• * 1.28

  Rymer, tom. I. p. 428.
• * 1.29

  Chartulary of Dunfermline, penes Mac∣Farlane, p. 220.
• * 1.30

  Chartulary of Coldingham, penes eund. p. 59.
• * 1.31

  Crawford's peerage, et charta penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.32

  Ibidem.
• * 1.33

  History of sir W. Wallace, Abercromby, &c.
• * 1.34

  Buchanan, Lesly, Boeth▪ Pere de Orle∣ans, Aber∣cromby, &c.
• * 1.35

  Rymer, tom. II. p. 553.
• * 1.36

  Chartulary of Dunfermline.
• * 1.37

  Chartulary of Levenax.
• * 1.38

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 127.
• * 1.39

  Rymer, tom. I. p. 266.
• * 1.40

  Ibid. p. 471
• * 1.41

  Ibid. p. 553
• * 1.42

  Chartulary of Newbottle.
• * 1.43

  Abercrombie.
• * 1.44

  Chartulary of Dunfermline.
• * 1.45

  Abercrombie.
• * 1.46

  Chartulary of Murray, p. 179.
• * 1.47

  Rymer, tom. III.
• * 1.48

  Crawfurd's peerage, and Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.49

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 275.
• * 1.50

  Rymer, tom. III. p. 1025.
• * 1.51

  Ibid. tom. V. p. 534.
• * 1.52

  Ibid. p. 791.
• * 1.53

  Charta in ar∣chivis regis David.
• * 1.54

  Rymer, tom. VI. p. 35.
• * 1.55

  Ibid. p. 315.
• * 1.56

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.57

  Charta in ar∣chivis Rob. II.
• * 1.58

  Rymer, tom. VII. p. 788.
• * 1.59

  Crawfurd's peerage.
• * 1.60

  Stewart's hist. of the royal family, and Crawfurd's peerage.
• * 1.61

  Rymer, tom. VIII. p. 389.
• * 1.62

  Ibid. p. 429, 445, &c.
• * 1.63

  Ibid. p. 734.
• * 1.64

  Ibid. tom. IX. p. 5, 244, and 418.
• * 1.65

  Haddington's collections.
• * 1.66

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.67

  Ibidem.
• * 1.68

  Chart. in ar∣chiv. Jacobi I.
• * 1.69

  Keith's bi∣shops, p. 19.
• * 1.70

  Rymer, tom. VIII. p. 735.
• * 1.71

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.72

  Rymer, tom. X. p. 372.
• * 1.73

  Ibid. p. 509.
• * 1.74

  Records of parliament.
• * 1.75

  Rymer, tom. XI. p. 286, 389, & 400.
• * 1.76

  Ibid. tom. XI. p. 575.
• * 1.77

  Chart. in ar∣chiv. fam. de Douglas.
• * 1.78

  Crawfurd's peerage.
• * 1.79

  Ibid. and let∣ters of creati∣on, penes du∣cem de Mon∣trose.
• * 1.80

  Haddington's collections, p. 383.
• * 1.81

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.82

  Chart. penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.83

  Crawfurd's peerage.
• * 1.84

  Ibidem.
• * 1.85

  Ibidem.
• * 1.86

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.87

  Lives of the offic. of state, p. 152.
• * 1.88

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.89

  Lives of the offic. of state, p. 153.
• * 1.90

  Lives of the offic. of state.
• * 1.91

  Ibidem.
• * 1.92

  Ibidem.
• * 1.93

  Ibid. and ap∣pend.
• * 1.94

  Acts of parlt.
• * 1.95

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.96

  Crawfurd's peerage.
• * 1.97

  Records of parliament.
• * 1.98

  Ibidem.
• * 1.99

  Ibidem.
• * 1.100

  Doctor Wish∣art, &c.
• * 1.101

  Lord Claren∣don.
• * 1.102

  Crawsurd's peerage.
• * 1.103

  Chart. in can∣cellaria.
• * 1.104

  Chart. in pub. archiv. & charta penes ducem de Montrose.
• * 1.105

  Chart. in can∣cellaria.