An occasional series of articles gleaned from research into my NE
Scotland ancestors. Lots of stories and odd snippets. I hope you find
them as interesting as I do...
Scottish Notes & Queries, August, 1908
How the Risings of 1715 and 1745 affected
Kincardineshire
Garvock In January, 1746, the
Jacobite party in arms carried off, as prisoner, Rev. James Smith,
parish minister. He managed to escape, however, and within a month was
in attendance upon the Duke of Cumberland.
Benholm In 1745, the fishermen and
inhabitants of Johnshaven, being suspected of sending provisions in
boats to the troops of the Pretender as they were passing by sea, the
troops under the command of Cumberland revenged themselves by burning
many of the boats and pilfering valuables, as well as destroying the
village.
Bervie Rev. Thomas Dow, minister of
Bervie, hearing of the vengeance being wreaked at Johnshaven determined
to take time by the forelock, and set out on foot to meet the Duke.
Coming upon the army about three miles off, and making his errand known,
he was honoured with a seat in the Duke's own coach, which drove to the
manse. Here his Grace remained for the night, and the opportunity was
embraced by the minister of giving every assurance of the loyalty of the
parishioners. Thus the dreaded mischief was wholly averted.
St Cyrus Rev. James Leslie was
deforced while proceeding to church on 9th October, 1715. The band of
armed ruffians compelled him to return to the manse, and it was not till
5th February following that he got re-possession of the pulpit and
church.
Durris Rev. John Reid was deposed in
July, 1716, for fomenting and concurring in the late rebellion, and for
contumacy. His successor, Rev. Robert Melville, had his manse invaded,
his cabinets broken open, and his most valuable effects carried off on
28th February, 1747, by five aremed men, of whom "the famous Mr
Davidson" was executed and hung in chains the following year.
Laurencekirk Rev. William Dunbar, who
was deprived in 1693 for not praying for Their Majesties William and
Mary, is alleged to have "obliged his parishioners publickly to
swear in church that they should never bear arms against any of the race
and name of Stewart."
