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Grant Histories : Monymusk Text

 ANE ACCOUNT OF THE RISE AND OFFSPRING OF THE NAME OF GRANT

Printed for Sir Archibald Grant Bart., of Monymusk 1876

Editorial Note: This is a Copy of the Celebrated MS History of the Grants, copied by me from a copy belonging to Altyre (the Seat of Sir Wm. Gordon Cuming, Bart) lent me by Captain Dunbar of Lea Park, Forres (Editor of the Thunderton Papers). CHARLES HARCOURT CHAMBERS Nairn, Oct 21 1872

 

[p1] 1. Wodine THERE was a certain Prince came out of Asia, about the year 600, named Wodine (which name to this day in the Norway Chronologies signifies Prince or Great) a man for heathenish piety and bodily strength renowned as much as any in his time.

His piety occasioned his being worshipped under the name of Mercurius, and because the Romans called the fourth day of the week Dies Mercurii, therefore, was the day called, in Norway language, Oudinsdagh, and in the English and Scotts Wednesday.

His bodily strength occasioned his being called a Gyant, and the tradition among some of the name of Grant sayes that there were three Gyants remarkable in the world; one called Coil or Fin o` Cuil of whom the Macdonalds in Scotland are descended; the second called Formid o` duine, of whom the name of Campbell (or clan chain) are descended, and th descended of Wodine are among others the name of Grant, who to this day are called Slichk o` dine, ie the offspring of Wodine, [p2] hence Sile o` dine, finn o` cuil ager Formid o` duiner.

Wodine coming to Norway was in wonderful account, and building a great City there in the province of Fuhnen, called it after his own name Oudinsay, which it retains to this day; the old Saxon had Wodine in no less account, not only boasting of him as their Progenitor, but also esteeming as God to whom they offered in Sacrifice all their Prisoners of War as a testimony of their esteem and thankfulness to him for their success, and it was their constant practice before their engagement in Battle to make their address by prayer to Wodine for favor and success.

The Dane-Records bear that Harold the first King of Norway did offer in sacrifice to Wodine two of his sons in hope to obtain Victory in Battle over Harald King of Denmark.

Wodine was married to Freia, and for husbands` esteem she is worshipped under the name of Venus and amongst the Danes, Scotts, and English, the sixth day, after Freia, is called Friday.

Wodine had seven sons with his Wife Freia, who became so many Princes of great note in the World. England being then divided in several Principalities, several of Wodine`s Sons reigned therein till about the year 800 after Christ; and History informs us that the true old Saxons do acknowledge and own Wodine to be their Progenitor of whom they are descended.

[p3] Wodine`s Sons, were known in the world with the mark of a cornered crown, so that the eldest Prince had one Crown in his coat of Arms, and the second Prince had two Crowns, the third Son and Prince had three Crowns, and so to the seventh.

2. Cagles. Cagles, or Capar, was sixth Son to Wodine, and as being so, had for distinction sake in his Coat of arms six Crowns pointing forth his being the sixth Son and Prince of Woodine and all descended of Cagles did bear six crowns after him. Cagles after long and honorable life died about the year 650.

3. Wffa. Wffa lineally descended of Cagles (it is true there are some who assert that there are some Progenitors betwixt Cagles and Wffa but declare also that Wffa is the heir of line) behaved so nobly that about the year 675 he was created King of East Angles, England being then divided into several Principalities, and had several Princes, he was of a great account in the World and in good old age died about the year 740.

4. Hacken first. Hacken, Son of Wffa, King of East Angles, married Sunsilla Daughter to Swenwoman alias Hamar, Son to Esmen King of Norway, the confusions in England, and Hacken`s alliance with Esmen occasioned his coming to Norway, where he is in great account and reckoned a. valliant Champion, he purchased and is created Lord of Ury in Norway, and begets a Son with his Lady, Suansilla, whom he named Grolgart.

5. Grolgart. Grolgart, Lord of Ury in Norway, lived in great [p4] grandeur and begat Hacken about the year 820, there were several confusions at that time in Norway, for in the year 800 began the first King to reign in Norway, these confusions hastened Grolgart`s days, and is succeeded by his son Hacken the Second.

6. Hacken 2nd. Hacken, the second of that name, Lord of Ury, a man wise and valliant and in great esteem with Harald King of Norway, Hacken being married to Ashed, the Earl Hardeck`s daughter, begat several hopeful children with her, the representative of which he named Sigort; at length by the esteem and deserved account in which he was with Harald, he is created Earl of Trondelagen in Norway - he kept a great Court all his days and died about the year 890, and was succeeded by his son.

7. Sigort. Sigort, Earl of Trondelagen and Lord of Ury in Norway, he was honorably married and begat a Son whom he named Hacken, the third of that name; as this great Earl`s esteem was much envied, so at length he was under the silence of night with his family, burnt and consumed by his unnatural bastard Brother, which cruel fratricide was hotly pursued and duly revenged by his Son.

8. Hacken Grant 3rd. Hacken, the third of that name, Earl of Trondelagen, was born about the beginning of the Ninth Century, he was one of the most renowned men in the whole Kingdom for strength, courage, and conduct; once unarmed meeting with some of his greatness-envying enemies, and. particularly moved [p5] with the thought of his father`s death, he was so strong as to have pulled a big Tree out of the root, that being the first fit weapon came in his way, and lifting the same on his shoulders, did fiercely pursue and utterly destroy some of his enemies there, the account of his strength was so universally spread, and now with this gigantic action so signalised, that he was called Hackin Grant, which in the Latin language is Grandis, and in the Scotts and English Great, and all descended of this Hacken were still called Grants, his successors after him did bear two strong men with standing trees as supporters, with this motto, Stand fast - importing his faithfulness and past standing in the great trust committed to him, which we shall hear anon - Hacken bore in his Coat of Arms ane Axe with the edge of it pointing at the face of a rampant Lion, declaring his strong courage and power against his fiercest enemies. Hacken`s conduct and courage was not a whit inferior to his strength and greatness, and therefore was chosen and appointed Protector of the Kingdom of Norway during the young King`s minority, in which great trust and honorable station he behaved so wonderfully as to have pleased both King and Kingdom, and his posterity for some generations lived in deservedly great esteem there, and till called Grants, Grandis in the Latin tongue, Great in the English, and Mon in the Irish tongue, which occasioned the conjecture of those called by the name of More to [p6] be Grants; Hacken was no less zealously forward for religion than esteemed for conduct, he was a heathen, and worshipped the image of his predecessor Wodine - to Wodine did Hacken the Protector build a Temple, but also his zeal went such a length as to have offered in sacrifice to Wodine his eldest Son named Erling, a hopeful youth eleven years old, and banishing his second when disowning this worship.

Hacken Grant, Lord Protector of Norway, was honorably married, and begat five Sons - their narnes are Erling, the eldest, when but eleven years of age sacrificed in favor of his progenitor Oudine; Hemming, the second and representative married to Tora, daughter to the King of Denmark, of whom the name of Grant is descended; Svend is the third son, married to Imgcharg, daughter to Olaus King of Sweden - of them are the two great families of Breide in Holstein and the Prince of Cimberne in Germany descended. Hacken was the name of the fourth Son, he was married to Helena, Daughter to the Earl of Darley in England; and Peter, begotten in fornication, was his fifth son, he was Stuart to the King of Denmark. Att this time the late confusions arising through Charles the Great and Fifth`s attempts against the King and Kingdoms of Dane and Norway, were not fully comperced, and as there were several bickerings so there was some grounds of a treaty and union between the three Kingdoms of Norway, [p7] Denmark and Sweden. Hacken the Protector was in great and deserved esteem and repute with them all, and by their compliments they signalized the same, for Hacken Grant, the Protector, did still bear six Crowns in his Coat of Arms, evidencing his descent from Cagler the sixth Son and Prince descended from Wodine, yet now as a testimony of their respect for Hacken he was favored by a Crown from each of these Kings, and therefore Hacken Grant, the Protector, and all his successors have their Coat of Arms as follows:- three cornered Crowns, and the other three cornered Crowns are in the Arms of Denmark and Norway to this day, also two great men with their tries supporting the Crowns, with the motto, Stand fast, is given as a testimony from the King to Hacken of his faithfulness and conduct, as well as success in the discharge of his trust, to which he stood close arid fast notwithstanding of the great opposition against him.

But as the deservedly great Prince had his Admirers so he wanted not his Envyers. Once being at his divertisement, the treacherous villain Formod Carcart, his own Servant, unexpectedly fell on him murdered him about the year 980. Hacken thus lived in honor and greatness, was the Progenitor of the Grants. The Norway Chronology, written in the Latin tongue and Norway, do insist at full length upon this point - both as to Prince Wodine and Protector Hacken, [p8] of this Hacken are the two lines recorded, pointing out the origin of the name of Grant.

    Hacken erat Grandis, Dani fuit ille Protector
    Hinc Grantes Rowin Fingone Gregorius Orti.
    Englished as follows:
    Hacken the Great Protector of the Danes,
    Begat Grant, Kinnon, Rowin, Gregor, Thanes.

9. Heming. Heming, the Son of Hacken Grant the Protector, so named after Heming, the 54th King of Denmark. This Heming was a man of no less goodness than greatness, being married to Tora, Daughter natural to Hathen Adelstein, the first Christian King of Denmark, who by his care endeavored to have his family instructed in the Christian Religion, by which means Tora is converted, and by her becoming and engaging conversation and temper she is made the instrument of her Husband, Heming Grant`s becoming Christian.

This profession however satisfying to Heming and his Lady Tora, yet was so irritating to Hacken Grant his father, that either a renunciation of Christianity or a disowning as Son is proposed to Heming to chuse. For Hacken the Protector was so addicted to his heathenish religion and idolatrous esteem and worship of his old progenitor Wodine, that to revolt from his opinion was a deadly sin and unpardonable crime in his posterity. [p9] Now the alternative being proposed and a necessity of a choice declared, Heming, after serious thoughts, declares that he would rather be disowned by his father than of his Saviour, and therefore he is determined to undergo the greatest sufferings rather than renounce the Christian religion, upon which his heathenish and implacable Father, being great in power as well as zealous in Idolatry, procures ane Order to banish his Son Heming, which Order had such effect, that good Heming together with his Lady and children are obliged to depart and remove from the Kingdom of Norway and suffer harsh dealings in their Exile, so that his Lady Tora died, leaving four sons and two daughters behind her; the daughters were named Astred the elder and Gurrie the younger, both were honorably married, and from them descended a numerous and noble posterity in Norway, as by the means and education of their Parents these Daughters were Christianly instructed, so that they had such a respectful regard for the Religion that they did profess, that they caused build two churches with their staples and all armaments suitable, within a fathom of each other within nine miles to Christiania in Norway, as yet remarkable and called Off Grants, and the Parishioners or people about these Churches are called in their language Grant sogn, that is Grant`s Parishioners.

There were four Sons descended of the worthy and deceased Tora, who continued in exile with [p10] their father Heming. The Eldest was Andlaw or Allon Grant, of whom the name of Grant descended; Gregorie, of whom the name of Macgregorie, of Glenstrue, in Scotland, descended (save such as alledge themselves to be descended of Gregorius, King of Scotland); Rowin, because red haired was third son to Heming, the Representative and Progenitor of the name of Rowin or Ruthvin, in Scotland, and was after Earl of Gowrie. Fingone was fourth Son to Heming Grant, and of him descended the name of Mac Fingone or Mac Kinnon in Scotland, and to this day there is a warmness of heart betwixt these four names, as being descended of our Father Heming.

Heming, now much tryed by his Exile from his native land, and loss of his dear and good lady, resolved to forsake all rather than forsake Christianity; and thus, with his Sons going on as Providence would order their lot, att length Heming, coming to Ireland, was respected suitable to his character, and is married to Isabella, daughter of the Prince of Dublin of whom he begat several hopeful children.

The Sons of Heming became men of deserved esteem in the world, and coming to Scotland do begin to inherit, and to this day their posterity enjoy their inheritance in Scotland. After a good age Heming dies about the 10th Century.

10. Audlaw 1st. Aud Law or Allan Grant, Representative of Heming Grant`s family, a man of desirable accomplishments, [p11] is married to a Daughter of Neil MacGregor, a man lineally descended of Gregorius Magnus, King of Scotland. This Aud Law, or as some call him, Aralop, was reputed wise and valliant, and at this time Wales, a Principality, possessed by the Danes, having rejected the English, calls him to be their King as being of the Royal blood of Dane, and in Banishment in Ireland, till by the Actings of Malcolm, King of Scotland, and Edmund their King, projects are diverted, as Buchanan in his History more fully narrates, Aud Law or Avala tho` thus greatly aspiring, yet fate orders his being married as said to Mora McGregor, with whom as portion or Tochar he enjoys and obtains the Barrony of Balachastle and Freuchy in Stratton Spey, and begat hopeful children with her the Representative of which is -

Patrick Grant of Freuchy and Balachastle born about the year 1020, was honorably married, and begat hopeful children, their representative Allan or Analar was his first born, and three Daughters - their names are Wishilla, married to Duncan the second of that name, 88th King of Scotland, in the 11th Century, there was still as yet much of the old correspondence and amity maintained betwixt the Norwegians and Grants, and upon the account of this marriage of King Duncan and Wishilla, Daughter of Captain Grant of Freuchy, there was a good understanding between the Kingdoms of Scotland and Denmark, till by the barbarous [p12] acting of MacPead, Thane of Fife, Duncan is murdered.

Fergusia Grant, 2nd Daughter to Patrick Grant of Freuchy and Balachastle, was married to Hacken, Prince of Norway; Mora, the third daughter was married to Dunbar, Earl of March; and Colobella the youngest, was married to the Progenitor of the Moffatts in Scotland.

12. Alan 2nd. Allan, only Son to Patrick Grant of Freuchy, succeeded in his Father`s inheritance of Freuchy and Balachastle, a man of aspiring inclinations, particularly zealous for revenging MacPead, the murder of his brother in law, Duncan, King of Scotland.

The projects fallen upon to allay Allan`s design against MacPead was to give him in marriage McPead Thane of Fife`s daughter, called Darvagilla, a woman of singular inducements, of whom he begat Sons and ane Daughter, named Isobell Grant, married to Bancho Stuart of Lochaber. The eldest son and Representative is called Gregory Grant, the next was Patrick Grant, married to Agnes, daughter to Ingeham, whose sister Mary was married to Alexander, King of Scotland, and was Mother to Alexander the third, 95th King of Scotland in the year 1239. Lawrence, third Son to Allan Grant, was Bishop of Moray. Robert, fourth Son, was married to Anna Forbes, daughter to Lord Pitsligo; and Malcolm or Mitchell Grant, the youngest son, was Lieut. of North Scotland, he was a man of deserved esteem in the World, and [p13] became and now is Chief and Progenitor of the surname Mitchell or Malcolm in Scotland.

13. Gregory. Gregory Grant, of Freuchy and Balachastle, Born about the Eleven hundred years - succeeded his Father in esteem and inheritance about the year 1130, a man of aspiring inclinations and not satisfied with the narrow bounds of Freuchy and Balachastle, goes to Court, and where his engaging accomplishments being understood, he is by Alexander the 3rd, 95th King of Scotland, Commissionated and appointed Sheriff Principal of Inverness Shire, a Post then both great and difficult, yet his conduct and other perfections gained him a good match and suitable portion, fitting him the more for the Trust committed to him, for Mary, daughter to Frazer (?) (1) Lord Lovat, is wedded to him, with whom he inherited the Country of Strath Errich as his tochar - the alliance thus entertained (engaged by Grant`s parts and post) confirmed such amity betwixt Lord Lovat and Gregory Grant, they both being the most potent men in that shire, that the trust is discharged with great easiness and satisfying to King and Country.

Gregory Grant begat three Sons with his Lady Mary Fraser, daughter to the Lord Lovat - the Representative is Patrick, and Audlaw or Allan is the 2nd Son to Gregory Grant of Freuchy and Sheriff Principal of Inverness, and Mary, Daughter to Lovat; this Allan is the Representative and Progenitor to the Family of Achackernisk, and all [p14] descended of him are called to this day Clan Allan - they are computed to come off Grant about the year 1200, there are several families of note descended of Clan Allan - the principal ones are Grant of Dalnabs in Strathdon, Grant of Lettoch in Abernethy, Grant of Garten More there, Grant, sometime of Coniger, there - Grant of Achterblair in Dutchel - Grant of Mullochard in Duthel - Grant of Blairfindy in Glenlivet - Grant of Nevy there - Grants of Hich Lan Dug - Lucas, third Son of Grant, was ordinarily called Keran or Kiar, because of his Grim and Grey hue or colour, is the Representative of the family of Achimaron, now Dalchaple, in Strathspey, and all descended of him are called Clan Cheran, the principal familys of which are Grant, sometime of Glenbeg - Grant Hich Lan ich Komas in Kirktown of Inverallan - Grant of Brancholl in Dollas.

14. Patrick 2nd. At length, after many days in great esteem, Gregor is succeeded by Patrick Grant of Freuchy and Ballachastle, Sheriff Principall of Inverness, about the year 1200 - a man of no less valuable accomplishments than his progenitors, and wanted only opportunity to extend his grandeur and aspiring mind, which att length by a good fate he obtained, for at this time the name of Cumming was strong and numerous in Scotland, particularly Lord of Glen-Chernick, leaving one Daughter, Bigla, whom he entirely loved, left her as heretrix of Glen-Chernick and representative of his family, [p15] and intrusted her under the Tuition of some of the most special Trustees of his name, both for preservation and education, the which Trustees with all care imaginable endeavoured to discharge the trust committed to them, and, to facilitate the same, did build underground some little mansion for her and her governess, where she remained for some time, because of the alarming account to have her stolen and married to another than a Cumming; Patrick Grant, being weel accomplished and duly respected, is advised by his friends to use methods for obtaining Bigla in marriage, and that the rather of the continguity of the Lordship of Glenchernick to the Barony of Freuchy and Balachastle, which, if both united, would make him great and considerable in means and fortune, as well as in parts and esteem. At length Patrick`s perfections does so engage little Lady Bigla that, without consent of friends, she is married to him, and by her he purchased the great county of Glenchernick, and the strong envy of the Cummines; yet the enjoyed satisfaction did encourage him under any attempts of the latter, and therefore he lived comfortably with his little Lady (for she was very low of stature) for many days, and begat one daughter, whom he named Marjory, or Mald, whom he left heretrix of his fortune, and then dyed in a good old age.

15. Andrew Stuart and Marjory Grant. Marjory, or Mald, daughter and representative of Grants, was left by Patrick heretrix of Freuchy, Strathernick, and Glenchernich, to the tuition of his nearest friends, with this Mandate, [p16] that whoever should be joined in marriage to her should of necessity be of the name of Grant.

About this time Andrew Stuart, Sheriff of Boot, a young man of deserved renown, pursuing his fortune, coming to Balachastle and visiting the heretrix, their affections are so mutually engaged, that they both consent to promise marriage. The frequency and familiarity of the young courtier Andrew Stuart in Balachastle, occasioned among the friends a supposition of marriage intrigues, and a little time after did confirm them so as to become incensed and irritated against him. Andrew Stuart is at length in great friendship with the Baron of Downan (a place scarce half a mile`s distance from Treachy), who, by this Baron`s persuasions and advice, there is a cave made underground and as yet remaining, and where the young courtier is obliged, for fear of his life, to live for some time, for all the name of Grant were dissatisfied with the match; but yet the affection and inclination of the heiress was so set, that by projects and stratagems both Andrew Stuart and Marjory do meet, and he gets her with child. Yea, after some time she goes away and remains in the cave of Clack Dunan, with her Gallant, till by proxys matters came to the pitch of a treaty, which is that upon condition that this Andrew Stuart should change his name, and be called Andrew Grant; then, and in that case, friends would consent to the marriage. The proposal heard did soon find a satisfying answer to both.

[p17] Att length Andrew Stuart and the heiress of Grant are orderly and solemnly married about 1210, and lived quietly and comfortably together for many years, in the same account with their predecessors; only the Cummines of Glenchernick want envy of their happiness nor a resentment of their heiress Bigla`s marriage.

Andrew Stuart, alias Grant, begat a son and one daughter with his Lady Marjory Grant; the son and representative is called Patrick, and the daughter is called Mary, who at length is married to Simon Lord Lovat, her cousin.

With her he got restored the Lands of Strathenich and the amity still continued betwixt the family of Lovat and Grant.

16. Patrick 3rd. Att length Andrew Stuart alias Grant dying is succeeded by Patrick Grant commonly called Patrick Bag McMald because he was Marjory`s Son and of low stature. Was a Man of good esteem in the World, enjoying the Honors of Inheritance of his father, as being Sheriff Principal of Inverness, Heir of Balachastle Strathenick and Glenchenick, is married to Bathea McDonald, Daughter to the Earl of Ross with whom he begat one Son named John. The envied greatness fomented with the malitious designs of the Cumings occasioned Patrick Grant to call for his friends and proposed his mind as follows: "I find affairs are not so flourishing as of old. I find I am scrimped about Ballycastle with a "number of petty Barrons. I find the Cummings [p18] at a misunderstanding with me and irritated against me. I find some grounds of necessity to dispense with the lands of Strathernick to satisfy my brother in law Lord Lovat in his tochar, and 1 find a remedy for all these my straights, which is, that you, my friends, do unanimously resolve to sell off your possessions in Strathernick and with me come and purchase ane inheritance in Strath Spey, by which means wee are not only united among ourselves, but will also be capable to defend against, yea and be formidable to the envying Cummings" - the which proposal had such impression upon the Laird of Grant`s friends that they all unanimously homologate the same, and therefore do dispose and sell their possessions in Strathanich to Lovat and come with the Laird of Grant to Balachastle and Strathspey where they purchase land, which they called after their old possessions in Strathanich which are remarked to continue to this day, such as Gorten, Archimaron, and the like. And then leaving the County of Strathanick, Patrick Laird of Grant with his followers to the number of sixteen came to Strathspey about the year 1250 where they inherit to this day.

The most remarkable as yet remains - Gentlemen come with the Laird of Grant and inheriting in Strath Spey are Clan Allan who purchased and inherited the Barony which became of the contiguity of the same to the Barony of Freuchy and Ballychastle was complimented by Achachernich [p19] to the Laird of Grant, and my information bears that the Barony of Dunan now properly belonging to the Laird of Grant does hold as yet of Achachernick. The next was Clan Cheran who purchased and inherited the lands of Archinaiors near Dunan in the Parish of Cromdell which they inherited for many years.

Duncan Carrach was next and his two Sons Lucas Lea and Amhra buy, that is gray haired Luky, and yellow haired Humphrey were with all their posterity called Slich Ile Chanick, the most remarkable and principall remaining of these called Slich Ile Chanick are Mc Finlay More in the Muckerach of Abernethy and Donald More, Boat man of Balephort, their principal seat of old was Lettoch of Abernethy, there are not wanting who inform that Duncan Chanick had two Sons Lucas Lea the eldest, of whom say they, Clan Cheran descended and Humphrey the younger of whom Slich Ile Chanich is come.

The next followers of the Laird of Grant to Strathspey was Evan Dornock so called because strong heaved or handed and there descended of him ane called Slich van Dornock, their principal representatives are there called Mc Roberts in Strathspey and one John Cattanach a servant who lived long among the Clan Chatten, their seat of old, was the Barony of Lettoch and Calcoich More in the Parish of Cromdel. He was called Barron Proiss, and his posterity was also called Barron [p20] Proiss. The next was John Riach, so called because of his grim and marled hue or colour - those descended of him are there called Riachs and are termed as yet Slich Ian Riach; they have a desk in the Church of Neverallan of ane old standing, but they are for the most part extinct. There were several other followers whose names time hath so worn out that I cannot mention them here. Thus Patrick with his friends being fully settled in the County of Strathspey, was capable to offend or deffend as occasion offered: yet however weel circumstanced as to the number of his friends, the rancour of his enemies the Cummings did continue, and therefore as Patrick Laird of Grant was for his divertisments visiting the Baron of Kincairne, a barbarous crew of the most remarkable for note of these Cummings, did surround and besett him, and att length did cruelly murder the Laird of Grant; att which horrid action the Country of Strathspey being alarmed they surrounded the murdering Cummings who, finding themselves overpowered, did hasten to possess the kirk of Kincairne, for every Church in those days was reputed a Sanctuary and City of Refuge from the avenging foe. The Grants finding that the Cummings made for the Church are put to a stand how to carry, being straitned for shedding blood within a Sanctuary on the one hand, and suffering their Chieftain`s blood to be shed unrevenged on the other hand; yet the latter so prevailed that no [p21] place should secure the murderers. Att length one, of the name of Grant effectuates the affair and eases his mind as to the shedding of blood in a Sanctuary by falling on the following stratagem - he takes and fires a spunk and fixing the same on his arrow, bent and shot at the roof of the Church, which being all thatched with heather did soon run in flames and utterly consume the Church and all the Cummings there (save one bigg man commonly called for his stature Cumminach More) who with swiftness of feet made his escape, till at length being overtaken by one of the family of Slich Ile Chanich, his head with a two handed sword was severed from his body, which sword lyes yet in the Representative of Clan Cheran`s house. Thus Patrick being hastened to Eternity is succeeded by his only son.

17. John 1st. John Grant of Freuchy and Balachastle, Sheriff Principal of Inverness, a man of good accomplishments, yet wanted not his other infirmities, he being a Man after his father`s death living in Balachastle, about the year 1300, begetteth a young woman living about the family, or as others say his Lady`s maid, with Child of a Son whom he named Duncan; this is the Progenitor and first Man of the House of Gastenbeg, and all descended of him are called Daunachy, of these there are several families in Strathspey, but the most remarkable are Grant of Inverlaidnen, now of Dalvey; Grant of Dalrachny in Duthell.

[p22] John, Laird of Grant is married to Florence, Daughter to the Laird of McLean, and of her begat one Son.

The Laird, as he wanted not a resentment of his Father`s death against the Cummings, so was he much in divertising visits; once lodging in Barron Lamb`s who lived in Tullochlarran, in the Parish of Inverallan, he begets the Barron`s daughter (or others say his wife) with child of a Son whom he called Patrick, after his father, this is the Progenitor or first man of the family of Tulloch gorim and all descended of him are called Clan Phadrich, of these there are several families; and particularly it is observed of this family that such of the name of Grant as cannot instruct clearly what family they are descended from, are of Tulloch-goirms family. Whatever Country they live in, its observable of this Tribe of Clan Phadrich that of all the Tribes and Families of the name of Grant, their Progenitor sticks closest to his Duchus or Inheritance of his Father which no tribe or family of the name can say, for although Tullochgoirm be but a Dauch of land, yet for several hundreds of years their head does inherit the same though there were different Superiors. The families descended of Clan Phadrich are Miltown of Duthel, Grant of Inver Lochy and Glenlochy in Strathdon, John of Grott in Caithness and as some say, Grant of Crichy in Banff there.

[p23] There being an implacable Enmity running in the Cummings` of Glenchenick`s veins against the lands of Grant since the marriage of Heretrix Bigla, John Laird of Grant falls on a project to procure their favour and subjection to himself, which is as follows.

That his father-in-law McLean should send his men and lift and take away all the cattle, by way of Hership, from the Cummings of Glen-chernick, and drive them away, until the Laird of Grant would be seen in person to go and see them.

Att length the Cattle is all driven away, and the plundered Cummings not understanding the design, do come and make their address to the Laird of Grant in a humble manner, beseeching him to return the spoil, and seize on the robbers who plundered them, and upon that condition they should all their days subject themselves under his power, with which humble entreaty the Laird of Grant is prevailed with to follow and turn the spoil, which when the plundering McLeans did behold, by chance one of them (not privy to what passed betwixt the Laird of Grant and McLean as to the design) does at a venture bend a bow and shoot unfortunately John Laird of Grant through the ancle, by which he is so wounded as to have bled to death - and is buried in Forritun, in the Parish of Duthel, remarked with a big Cairn of Stones, called after the Laird of Grant`s name, Carn Jan May.

[p24] The Laird of Grant being thus killed also, the Cummings cattle were returned, yet McLean was so grieved as to have immediately seised upon the actor, and setting up two Dane`s Axes and a cross tree by way of Gallows, hangs him to death in the presence of all the people, and in testimony of friendship and esteem received Grant`s sword, vowing both strictly, that while these two families did remain in the world, they should exchange swords, by giving the defunct`s sword to the surviving, which custom ever since, and as yet is, religiously observed between the families of Grant and McLean.

Thus John Laird of Grant being removed, is survived by one Son, Duncan, and the representatives of the Clan Daunachy and Clan Phadrich - between these two families or tribes there was such a strict union declared, that whoever should violate the name of them, should be stigmatized with a curse and ulula inter avis fucus inter apes. As an owl among birds and a drone among bees; it was observed till of late that these men were two familiars following their two tribes - the one following Clan Daunachy, called Protach Charter, and the little spirit following Tullochgorim, called Meg Mullach or Phronach, a little hairy creature in the shape of a female child - this little familiar spirit followed the family and served for great drudgery to them, till by the blessing of God since the more pure preaching of the Gospel and reformation from [p25] Popery, the same is altogether invisible and extinct.

18. Duncan 1st. Duncan Grant, of Freuchy and Balachastle, was as yet Sheriff Principall of Inverness, is married to the Laird of Mclntock`s daughter, who continued many years childless. It att length pleased God that she conceives and is found in due time to be in pain, to be delivered of Twins, which, when the surprised Midwife was assured of; she informs the attending women. Att length after some labour, one of the children`s hands appears to the world, which when the Midwife did perceive, she anon takes a red ribbond and fixes the same as a sign about the arm of the Child, yet after sore and long labour, the hand of that Child disappears and the other is fully born.

The beholding women, being now pretty weel eased and refreshed, are disposed to start questions, and among others, which of the Twins should be reputed the Representative, there were not pleading women advocates wanting on either side att the time, till att length, by the Father`s determination, the first born is to have the birthright, and therefore determined as portion to give Balachastle to the first born, and Ballindalloch to the other, so that he became the representative of that family about the year 1320, a family of esteem behind none other of that shire according to his quality; of this family of Ballindalloch are several other familys and branches of note descended.

[p26] These principally remarkable are Grant of Kridils, Grant of Dalvey (now of Dunlugar), Grant of Dealy, Grant of Dalemore, Grant of Tamvalin, Grant of Dollas, Brachley and (as is alledged, Grant of Crichy) also Grant of Gulloch in Abernethy. After this question was proposed, something of ambition fomented, by alluring compliments of Ballindalloch favorites, had such a root that a pretence to be head of the family of Grant is entertained, by Ballindalloch, and continued to be so for several generations, till the time of Ludovich, present Laird of Grant. The names of the Twins were - John, the eldest, and representative of the family; and Patrick was the name of the other Progenitor of Ballindalloch.

19. John Roy 2nd. After many years, Duncan dying, John Grant of Freuchy and Balachastle succeeds; a man of good accomplishments. He was red-haired, and had skill in poetry, for which he was surnamed Bard Roy, that is red poet or Bard; he was married to Lilias, Daughter to the Earl of Huntley, and begat One Son with her about the year 1350, whom he called John, and short time after dyed.

20. John 3rd. John Grant of Freuchy and Ballychastle being, when minor, left fatherless, is tutored by his uncle Patrick of Ballindallock, and educated by his grandfather, the Laird of McIntosh. Ballindallock, being now Tutor of Grant, is prompted to entertain and with his might maintain the fancy that he had as good a right is his brother had to [p27] to be the Representative and heir of Grant, and having his encourages as weel as a great opportunity, he comes and lives in Ballychastle, by which means and suitable disobligements the minor and righteous heir is altogether discouraged (for Ballindallock`s having all the power now as Tutor, he was for a long time here much favored by the Country), which, when his grandfather the Laird of McIntosh did perceive, calls for him, and bringing him up to Dunachten, sees carefully to his maintenance and education. After his being come to the years of discretion, and past his minority, the Laird of McIntosh comes with him and visits the country, inviting them all to a hunting day. Their fifth visit was to Kincairne, and lodged that night in the Baron of Kincairn`s house. Among their frolicks, its proposed to the Barron that he should permit his daughter to bed with the young squire that night, which, in as rash an answer, the Baron allowed, and not thinking on either sin or shame.

The Laird of Grant bedding with Steuart, Daughter to the Baron of Kincairn, that night begetts her with child. The young woman and father being pretty grave for their inconsiderate consent to the Laird of Mcintosh and his grandchild, the Laird of Grant, are taken notice of; and the most engaging method to bring them in humour, was the Laird of Grant promising, with consent of his grandfather, that if the Baron`s [p28] daughter should with child of a boy, then he should be called John, and have Glenmoriston as a Patrimony.

The following day McIntosh, with his grandchild, being visited and conveyed by all the Country, was at last noticed and attended by his uncle, Ballindalloch the Tutor, and is invited to Ballychastle, where, after passing some time in complimentary expression, the youth of the Country are so taken with him that he is owned not only as the righteous heir, but also its proposed to desire civilly of the Tutor to remove, and if needs be to eject him.

Ballindallock, suspecting the friendship of the Country (by reason of some misunderstanding between him and the same, since his being Tutor), thinks fit to remove for a little time; which, when the youth of the Country perceived, they did not only prevail with the young man to stay in, but keeped and manned the house, and with wrath discharged Ballindalloch from ever entering therein, which, when Ballindalloch perceived, he is advised to return home, discontented, to Ballindalloch, and McIntosh to Dunachten; the young spark enjoying his land and freedom without controul. In due time the Baron of Kincairn`s daughter is delivered of a male child to the Laird of Grant, whom he calls John; and because of his stature he is called John More, and all descended of him are yet called Slick Jan Mhor. He was a fierce and rude sort of [p29] man, and is the Progenitor of the family of Glenmoriston; he was born about the year 1400.

There were several families descended of this John More, and it is observable that in all of these there is something of their fatherly strain, the principal families come of Glenmoriston are

Once John More in his visits begets Nichallen, Daughter to a Gentleman in Strathdon, with Child, of a boy who became the Progenitor of Canon`s family: among these of Canon`s family, James, commonly called James Duim, was remarkable for his constant vexation of Ballendallocli and his skill in Majick, as being not a whit behind with Doctor Faustus in the practice of that art. Grant of Culchwich is descended of Glenmoriston, Grant of Achinmonie in Urquhart, Grant of Inveranste on Awin side, Grant of Avemore and Lyndchainc in Glenchennick. John Grant being now secure is married to Janet Leslie, Daughter to the Earl of Rothes, of whom he begat three Sons and one Daughter, the representative is called James, commonly Na Greach, the second is called John, he is the Progenitor of the family of Corimony, of whom several other families are descended, such as Grant of Slengie, (2) in Urquhart Parish. The Laird of Grants third Son, is Grant Progenitor of the family of Bonhard near Perth;

21. James na Creach. after many days in good esteem John dyes, and is succeeded by James, Laird of Grant, commonly called James Na Creagh, for his attempts and success in plunderings, [p30] Jacobus Rapinor, a man most remarkable in the World for great and desparate attempts, he was married to Barbara Erskine, Daughter to the Earl of Man, of whom he begat one Son and a Daughter. The daughter, called Anna Grant, married to Cameron of Lochel, is mother to the Representative of that family, his son was called John, James Na Creagh`s only sister being married to Gordon of Brachally, on Dee water side, is remarkable in avenging his brother in Law`s death, occasioned as follows. Gordon, Barron of Brachally, by some fatality being murdered by the Country people about him, his friends did make their address and complaint to his Chieftain, the Earl of Huntly. The Earl of Huntly`s slackness in revenging his kinsman`s death occasioned the proverbe, "If you kill a man he shall be a Gordon," for its observed that they are not busy in revenging their kinsmen`s quarrel. Att length the Barron`s friends make their address and complaint to James Na Creagh, Laird of Grant, who exasperated at the Account undertakes to avenge, and forthwith with a party of men, beginning at the upper end, destroys and slays all the men of the Country in revenge of Barron Grant`s murder, the Earl of Huntly, prompted by James Na Creagh`s forwardness, joins in the slaughter. The next day as Huntley was viewing the slain he occasionally finds a great number of Orphans whose parents had been slain the other day, and the Earl, moved with compassion, [p31] ordered such as were judged most lively to be carried away to his Castle in Strathboggie, to the number of three or four score of them, and commanded to make a long Troch of Wood, in which such provision as was thought convenient was, and the poor Orphans sitting in a row on both sides of the Troch did eat what was bestowed upon them. Once James Na Creagh visiting the Earl is after dinner by way of pastime, invited by the Earl to go see the little ones dining and lobbing at their Troch, with which comical fancy the Laird of Grant is so taken, that anon saying, My Lord, I have been as forward as you in the destruction of their fathers, its as reasonable we share in the preservation of their Children, and therefore sweeps away the one side of the sitters about the Troch, ordering them to be carried to Strathspey and maintained there. Such as these as lived in Strathspey are called Grants and such as lived in Huntley`s land were called Gordons and some times Sangsters, and to this day they are called Slich Namor, that is Troch men. There are several families of the Slich Namor in Strathspey, such as McFinlay Roys in Cuilcoich Beg, and McJameses in Inver-Allan Parish.

It is observed of James na Creagh being once maliciously set against a certain Gentleman who dreaded bodily harm from him. This Gentleman so prevailed as to have James na Creagh cited to Edinborough to sett Law-barrony, which citation [p32] when James had doggedly obeyed and obliged himself under authorized merks to do that Gentleman no harm. Att length after having done his affairs att Edinburgh be occasionally meets with the Gentleman in the street, and hectoringly crying says, "Sir, I shall now be alike with you, for I know the price of your head now;" with which words he so severely laid on the Gentleman as to have left him for death. Thus James na Creagh, living a hectoring sort of life, died about 1480.

22. John 4th. [p33] the youngest was married to Leslie of Abergeldie. John Roy, after many days of contentment and satisfaction, is left disconsolate through the death of his Lady, but after some time he is married again, to Isobel Barclay Da: to the Baron of Towy of whom he begat ane Son called Archibald, who is the Progeititor of the family of Ballintomb in Knockands. Of this family of Ballintomb are several other families and branches descended; the most remarkable are Sir Francis Grant of Cullen, Heir and Representative of the family; Grant of Arndilly; Grant of Ruddery; Grant sometime of Allachey, who had but one daughter, on whom he bestowed his substance, and married her to Duff of Keithmore, of whom he begat Duff, Laird of Braces; Duff, Laird of Dipple, and Duff of Craighbuse; there is also Baginduy, descended of Allachy, he being a Bastard son of his.

About this time there were two brethren came out of Athol, as is thought, to shelter themselves under the protection of the Laird of Grant. By virtue of his being married to Stewart Atbol`s daughter, these two brethren lived long in the body of Abernethy. Both were skillful tradesmen. The one was a Turner, and all descended of him are called Slick Downer, or Turners; the other brother was a forger or blocker of the mettal or matter for the turning, and all descended of him are called Forgers, in the Irish Slichk Nuier, that is the Posterity of Forgers. Several honest [p34] families descended of these bretheren in the Country of Strathspey in Abernethy Parish who are as respectful of the Laird of Grant as any native. The principal families are Correchil Aldcham McFanoige in the braes of Abernethy, and of the other Brother is McPhadrick Day in Kevach, and some years ago there being one Stewart of Little Wells in Athole visiting the Laird of Grant, and staying for some time in the Country, there being also one of the name of Stewart, Bailiff to the Laird of Grant then in Cromdell, both being a pretty sociable and loving comrade - indeed all the Slick Downers and Forgers, considering that they came out of Athole, as is alleged, to call themselves Stuart, which surname they can now correctly maintain, they are an honest sort of people. John Roy, being now ane old Man, waxed dim in his sight, and after some time lost his sight, and became blind. His Son,

23. Duncan 2nd. Duncan Grant the Representative commonly called Duncan Chiusth, because he delighted in Fir Trees and hunting, and was not so polite as his progenitors; he was married to the Laird of McIntosh`s daughter, of whom he begat sons, John and Patrick; John Kay being as yet in life. Duncan Chuish with his Lady lived and died in Culnakyle, his son Patrick is the representative of Rothemore, has his Patrimony over the lands of Mucherath in Inverallen and Balinespich in Badenoch, both being Kirklands and purchased as [p35] follows. The Castle of Mucherach was built Anno 1598.

There was a notable Villain living in the Parish of Knockando, called John du Carve, who maintained a mortal hatred and prejudice against Achachernich, and not finding an opportunity or power to exercise the same, it came to pass some time thereafter, that there was a Priest living in Duthel, betwixt whom and Achachernich there passed such dry words, that in the Miln of Duthel Achachernick was heard and found to say, in his wrath, that he should be alike with the Priest, it came to pass that within a few days, the Priest of Duthel is found dead and murdered in his own house. The Bishop Allerzy being informed, there is a great deal of noise and search made for the actor, yet after all there was nothing found out, but that some few days before the Priest`s murder, Achachernich is found to have threatened him, and therefore by a maxim in law, Dammum Militatum et malum secutem, they ollidge to apprehend honest Achachernich and carry him to the dark Prison of Spoiny where he lay in chains for several months, till by the squalor of the dungeon, weight of the chains, and discouragement otherwise, he became deadly sick and dyes in Prison.

The Laird of Grant, taking to heart the bad usage of his kinsman, does pursue. Now it came to pass about the same time, that John du Carve, [p36] the Villain in Knockando is apprehended for theft, and condemned to be hanged, who, among other things in a penitent manner, confessed after some time, that he was the man who murdered the Priest of Duthel, not out of any ill will to the Priest but hatred to Achachernich, whom he knew to have threatened the Priest of Duthel. This Declaration and Confession being duly heard, and circumstances fully explained to the conviction of all, its found that John Carve was the Priest`s murderer, and that Achachernich did only but threaten; however, the Laird of Grant pursues the Clergy for his Kinsman`s usage, and to satisfy the Laird of Grant the Clergy think fit to give him the Lands of Macherach and Balin Espich, which to this day hold of the Kirk, and was given in Patrimony to Duncan Chuish his second Son, who is the Representative of Rothermerchus. Patrick Grant of Rothermercherus built the Castle of Mucherach and married Gordon, Daughter to the Laird of Echt; with her came one John Cruikshank to Strathspey, who is the Progenitor of the Cruikshanks there to this day, of which there are some families.

24. John 5th. John, Son to Duncan Chuish, commonly called John of Freuchy, was a man of good account and deserved renown in the world for prudence and success in all his undertakings, and therefore was called by way of eminency the Wise Laird of Grant. He was married to Lilias Murray, Daughter [p37] to Tullibardine at whose marriage he, the King and Queen were present. Of her, he begat one Son and four Daughters, whose names are as follows. John the heir, the eldest called Jannet was married to Sutherland of Duffur. Mary, second Daughter to John of Freuchy, was married to the Laird of McIntosh; she was mother to his children. Lilias, third Daughter, was married to James of Balveny. Katherine, the fourth Daughter was married to Ogilvy, Baron of Kincairne in Banffshire.

As the Laird of Grant`s ladies coming as strangers to the Country brought some followers or servants with them, so Lilias Murray brought one Servant with her, called Collin Lawson, who, because of his low stature, and called Collin beg Lawson, he is the Progenitor of the name of Lawson, in Strathspey; they are ordinarily red haired, the principal Family of them is Lawson of Closh in duan. John of Freuchy had good success in conquest and purchase by land; he bought Lethend in Nairnshire, Arndilly, and several other inheritances, and dyed in great repute, much regretted of all who heard of him about the year 1570.

25. John 6th. John, Laird of Grant, Son to John of Freuchy, a man of aspiring inclinations; not contenting himself with living at home, goes to Court, and is Knighted Sir John. John of Freuchy had success in buying, but his Son, Sir John, took as [p38] much delight in selling of land, and therefore was ordinarily called Sir John Sell the land. He had a natural Son called Duncan, who is the representative and Progenitor of Clurie. About the year 1600 Sir John was married to Mary Ogilvie, Daughter to the Earl of Findlater, of whom he begat eight sons and three daughters, whose names and account are as follows:- James is the firstborn and heir; John, 2nd Son to the Laird of Grant, went abroad and dyed a Colonel in Holland; Patrick, third Son to the Laird of Grant, was Tutor to his Brother`s Children - he was married to Xxx Sutherland, Daughter to the Laird of Duffus, of whom he begat three daughters. The eldest was married to Fraser of Belladrum; Mary, the 2nd, was married to Patrick Grant of Rothemurches; and Anna, the 3rd, was married to William Grant of Dealy Duffus; his Daughter having dyed. The Tutor is married to Sybilla, Daughter to the Earl of Seaforth, of whom he had no Children. The only male representative of the Tutor of Grant is Robert Grant of Cure. Alexander, fourth Son to the Laird of Grant, was married to Elizabeth Nairn, Daughter to Nairn of Morange, of whom he begat daughters.

George, fifth Son to the Laird of Grant, was Governour of Dumbarton, and was ordinarily known by the name of Major George Grant; he was hereditor to Buchanan, and died unmarried. Robert, sixth to the Laird of Grant, was married [p39] to Dumban, Daughter of Rennagefield, of whom he begat one Son called Robert, as now of Miltown of Mucherach, and two daughters. Mungo, seventh Son to the Laird of Grant, married to Barbara Gordon, Daughter of the Laird of Strathdown, of whom he begat two Sons - John, the eldest, commonly called Jan due; and James, the younger, commonly called Galloway. His eldest Son and Heir is Mungo Grant of Knockando.

After Barbara Gordon`s decease, Mungo is married to Elizabeth Grant, Daughter to John of Garten-more, of whom he begat two Sons and several Daughters. The eldest Son is Robert Grant of Kinchindy, in the parish of Duthel.

Thomas, the eighth Son, commonly called Balmackaan, married to Mary Campbell, begat with her one Son called Ludovich, and one daughter called Mary.

The Daughters of Sir John are Mary, the eldest, married to Ludovick, Marquess of Huntley. She is Mother to the Duke of Gordon, and then was married to the Earl of Airley.

Margaret, second Daughter, was married to John Mackenzie of Gerloch, and she is Mother of the Representative of that family. And Lilias, the youngest, was married to Byres, Laird of Cotts, of whom he begat one Son and Daughter. Sir John, after a granderons living, being at Edinburgh in defence of his Kinsman Allan of Tulloch, contracts sickness and dyes.

[p40] 26. James 2nd. James, Laird of Grant, succeeds a man of good inducements. He is married to Mary Stuart, Daughter of the Earl of Murray, of whom he begat several Children; but the only surviving were two Sons and three Daughters, the elder and representative is Ludovick, and Patrick Grant, the younger is Progenitor of Western Elchies: he was married to Jannet Forbes, Daughter to Forbes of Newtown, of whom he begat one Son and a Daughter. James Grant, of Western Elchies, is married to Ogilvie, Daughter to Kincairne; and the daughter, Betty Grant, is yet unmarried.

The three daughters` names and account is as follows: Mary Grant is married to Ogilvie, Laird of Bayne, and is mother to that family.

Second Daughter is married to Alexander Hamilton of Hays; and Margaret, the youngest daughter to James, Laird of Grant, is married to Roderick Mackenzie of Redcastle. She is Mother of that family. Att length James, Laird of Grant, being att Edinburgh, contracts his last disease, and is buried in the Abbey Church there.

(*1) qu.C.H.C. Bizzet.
(*2) re Sheuglie or Sheiglis Commons went to the younger Son v. Inquisitio post mortem C.H.C.

Transcription Notes:

(i) Marginalia have been incorporated into the text in italics.

(ii) Page numbers are inserted in [bold] at the top of their page.

(iii) Where names are omitted in the original Yyy has been inserted to signify a male and Xxx a female.

(iv) Don`t blame us for extremely idiosyncratic (and internally variable!) spelling, punctuation etc.!! See also discussion of the dating of this text.