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Chart 10001c
Descendants of Brownlie of Torfoot

(Unknown) Brownlie married (Unknown).

They had issue:

1. William Brownlie (1) was an occupant of the mill at Glengavill with his brother, John. Together they were granted a feu charter on the lands of Glengavill on 2 February 1547.

2. John Brownlie (1). William and John Brownlie occupants of the mill at Glengavill were granted a feu charter on the lands of Torfoot on 2 February 1547 by Jacob Hamilton de Fynnart (the then Earl of Selkirk) and his spouse Helene Cunningham[1].

They had issue:

Thomas Brownlie (2).

They had issue:

John Brownlie (3) to whom Feu Charter on lands of Torfoot was granted. On 29 December in 1658, the charter of Torfoot Estate was reconfirmed to Thomas and Andrew Hamilton, and to John and Thomas Brownlie, as joint tenants[2].

"21 January 1659 P.R. Vol II F.345. 1659-1654 - Sasene proceeding upon a charter of Feu Form was granted by Anne Duchess of Hamilton (1632-1716) with consent of Lord William Douglas, Earl of Selkirk (1634-1694[3]), her spouse[4], in favour of Thomas Hamilton in Torfitt (sic), his heirs and assignees, of 8/4th land of that 16/8th land of the lands of Torfitt which is one part of the lands of Glengavill with houses, biggins etc., all presently possessed and occupied by the said Thomas Hamilton and John Brownlie in the barony of Avondale and Shire of Lanark. Dated at Hamilton Palace 29 December 1658. Sasine given on 14 January 1659 in presence of John and Thomas Brownlie in Torfitt, and others[5]."

John Brownlie fought with covenanters at Drumclog in June 1679 and Bothwell Bridge in 1680 where he was taken prisoner. Imprisoned at Greyfriar’s Churchyard, Edinburgh. Banished from the country, but was shipwrecked before leaving British waters. He escaped and returned home. Married Helen Hamilton, daughter of the Duchess of Hamilton and William Earl of Selkirk.

They had issue:

Thomas Brownlie (4), a Scottish lawyer. Hookhead Farm. Thomas was married to (?) Cochrane of Brownside.

They had issue:

1. Andrew Brownlie (5) was in business as a maltster at Todshill, Strathaven, somewhere in the vicinity of Glasclose. Married (?) McLasty of Lesmahagow[6].

They had issue:

1. Mungo Brownlie (6) was a building contractor and mason[7] in Strathaven. He had a family of thirteen including a son William Brownlie who was also a builder or mason at Crofthead[8]. William served his apprenticeship with a cousin, John Brownlie born 11 January 1822[9]. Mungo died intestate 7 May 1832.

2. John Brownlie (6) was a flesher[10] and a builder with his brother Mungo. He built the bridge at Strathaven Castle and also the first old Relief Church at Strathaven[11]. He married Isabella Thomson of St Anne’s Well. His burial was delayed for 3 days due to a great snowstorm[12].

They had issue:

1. Andrew Brownlie (7), handloom weaver[13] in Strathaven born 22 December 1782 in Avondale, Lanarkshire. Started as a packman during some labour troubles[14]. He was married firstly on 30 June 1804 in Strathaven to Agnes McGowan, born 7 June 1782 in Craig Mill, Avondale Lanarkshire. He was married secondly on 13 April 1816 in Avondale to Mary Scouller, (of Tweedie Mill[15]) born in Avondale.

Andrew Brownlie and Agnes McGowan had issue:

1. Marion Brownlie, born 1806[16] Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire and died circa 1832[17]. Married Alex Muir, weaver in Strathaven.

2. Isabella Brownlie, born Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire. Married Mr Young, a weaver. Went to Australia when a widow along with one son. She died in Australia.

They had issue:

1. Alexander Young.

2. Andrew Young.

Andrew Brownlie and Agnes McGowan also had:

3. James Brownlie, weaver in Saltcoates Ayreshire, born Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire and died in Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire. Married (?).

They had issue:

1. (son) Brownlie, drowned at sea.

2. (son) Brownlie, carpenter who married Mary Bell, daughter of Mary Brownlie, born 10 May 1819[18]

3.

4.

Andrew Brownlie and Agnes McGowan also had:

4. John Brownlie, weaver and agent in Todshill[19] in Strathaven, born 26 March 1808 in Strathaven, Avondale Lanarkshire and died 31 Mar 1892 in Cross, Strathaven[20], Avondale Lanarkshire. He married Jane (or Jean) Dalziel 17 March (or 6 June) 1832 in Avondale, Lanarkshire, Scotland, daughter of Robert Dalziel and Elizabeth Campbell. She was born 1809 in Newmilns, Ayrshire, and died 12 May 1876 in 14 Alison Street, Govan Lanarkshire.

They had issue:

1. Andrew Brownlie, born 23 September 1833, Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire; died on 12 January 1866 in Australia; married Matilda Ling; born Summerset, England; died Australia.

2. Robert Brownlie, born 25 September 1835, in Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire; died 1862 (or 14 January 1858), at sea, off Liverpool.

3. John Brownlie, born (4 June 1838) or 1839, Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire and died 6 May 1858, Todshill, Strathaven.

4. Elizabeth Brownlie, born 1841 (or 21 July 1840), Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire and died July 1919, Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire.

5. Agnes McGowan Brownlie, born 10 September (or 9 November) 1842, Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire; died 11 February 1890, Mount Florida, Parish of Cathcart; married William Higgins, 06 March 1873, Todshill, Strathaven, Lanarkshire, Scotland; born 06 March 1842, Bowling, Dunbarton, Scotland; died 8 October 1897, at 9 May Terrace, Mount Florida, Glasgow.

6. Jane (or Jean) Brownlie, born 1846 (or 15 October 1845), Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire.

7. James Brownlie, born 1849 (or 4 February 1848), Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire and died 8 November 1914 in Maitland, Australia. He was married in 1878, in Australia to Alice Gould Ling, born 1858, Moorlinch Summerset England and died Maitland, Australia.

8. William Brownlie, born 17 August 1850, in Strathaven, Avondale Lanarkshire and died 23 May 1868, in Ryde, Australia.

9. George Brownlie, born 1851 (or 20 October 1852), Strathaven, Avondale, Lanarkshire and died 1870, Glasgow.

10. Thomas Brownlie, born 1853, Strathaven, Lanarkshire and married Violet, born 1853, Strathaven, Lanarkshire.

Andrew Brownlie and Mary Scouller had issue:

5. Jean Brownlie married Mr Niven[21].

6. Andrew Brownlie, born 29 Nov 1817, Avondale. Died of consumption (tuberculosis) as a young man[22].

7. Mary Brownlie, born 10 May 1819, Avondale. Married Mr Bell, a mole catcher[23].

They had issue:

1. Mary Bell married James Brownlie, weaver in Saltcoates Ayreshire son of Andrew Brownlie and Agnes McGowan (see this chart)[24].

John Brownlie and Isabella Thomson also had:

2. David Brownlie (7) was born 01 April 1799 in Avondale, and died 29 August 1874 in Ballgreen, Strathaven. David was married on 02 July 1819 in Avondale to Christian Brown, born 17 June 1799.

They had issue:

1. John Brownlie, born 11 January 1822, Strathaven. John was a master mason employing 20 men and 3 boys and lived at Dalgleish's property in Glasgow Road Avondale in 1881[25]. He married Jane (?) born c1824 at Glasgow.

They had issue:

1. Alexander Brownlie born c1865 at Strathaven learning the trade of watchmaker apprentice finisher.

David Brownlie and Christian Brown also had:

2. Matthew Brownlie, born 10 March 1824 at Strathaven and died 28 November 1906. Matthew was married firstly to Janet Clark born 1827, and died 1862.

They had issue:

1. Christian Brownlie was born 01 October 1849 at Strathaven.

3. James Clark Brownlie was born 25 April 1851 in Strathaven, and died 1927.  He was married on 26 December 1878 to Annie Buchanan born 1850, and died 03 March 1929 in Govan Lanarkshire. James was a family grocer shopman and the family lived on the Brownlie’s property in Commercial Road, Avondale in 1881[26].

They had issue:

1. Mary Brownlie was born 20 November 1879, Strathaven; died 28 August 1943; married Robert Paterson; born 1873; died 1951.

2. Alexander Buchanan Brownlie was born 1880, Strathaven and married Euphemia Martin.

3. Matthew Brownlie was born 24 May 1881, Strathaven and married on 25 December 1905 to Jeannie Leggate.

4. Jennie Clark Brownlie, born 29 September 1885, Strathaven and died 28 April 1958, Turnberry, Ayrshire. Jennie was married on 13 April 1912 to William Urie born 06 July 1886, and died 16 July 1978 in Turnberry, Ayrshire.

They had issue:        

1. Annie Valentine Urie was born 14 February 1913 and died 16 December 2000. Annie married James Edward Hannah born 1907 and died 1963.

James Clark Brownlie and Annie Buchanan also had:

5. Christina Brown Cochrane Brownlie (twin with Annie), born 27 February 1887, Strathaven and was married on 14 March 1914 to James Struthers Park born 21 October 1872.

6. Annie Brownlie (twin with Christina), born 27 February 1887, Strathaven.

7. James Brownlie (twin with Flora) was born 07 January 1890, Strathaven.

8. Flora Brownlie (twin with James) was born 07 January 1890, Strathaven.

9. Peter Brownlie, born 26 January 1892, Strathaven.

Matthew was married secondly on 15 December 1868 in Avondale to Helen Fleming born 1834. Matthew was a portioner and lived at the Brownlie’s property in Avondale in 1881[27]. Helen was a dressmaker.

They had issue:

1. Janet W Brownlie born 10 October 1870, Avondale. Noted as a scholar in the 1881 census.

David Brownlie and Christian Brown also had:

3. Andrew Brownlie, born 22 February 1831 at Strathaven.

4. Isabella Brownlie, born 27 June 1834 at Strathaven.

NOTE

The following is an extract from THE BROWNLEE FAMILY by Allan Lindsay Arnold Brownlee and edited by Ian Edward Brownlee 1986. ISBN 0 9588301 0 X.

John & William Brownlee of Torfoot

The first charter relating to Brownlee origins appears in the register of the Great Seal of Scotland. A copy of this is repeated below for information.

Extract from the register of the Great Seal of Scotland:

Charter Number 11 ‘Apud Linlithgow’ 2 July 1547

“Regina et C. confirmavit Jacobo Hamiltoun filio et heridi quandam Jacobo Hamiltoun de Fynnart Militis, et Helene Cunynghame ujus conjugi 32 Marcatasterratum antiqui extensis de Glengarvill per Joh Mur, Will Mur, Joh Torrens Juniorum, Joh Graig Seniorum, Will Hughum, and Millar, Joh Hammiltoun, Andream Hammiltoun, Joh Willok, Joh Sammell, Eliz Collane, Mattheum Young, Wil Young, Joh Millar, Jonetam Carndothe, Joh Brounlie, Will Brounlie occupatas molendinum de Glengevin cum multuris et sequelis 5 Mercat de Drumclog et brintsnab per Joh Mur, Hughonem Mur, Joh Finlaw, Lucam Finlaw, Joh Smab et Wil Roger occupat 5 Mercat de Heucheid per Joh Aytoun, Jac Aytoun, Mat Morisoun et Jonetam Cochrane occupat in dominio de Avendale, Vic Lanark, quas idem Jac cum consensu Johannis Episc Dunkelden, Willelmi Hamiltoun de Sanquhare Militis et Archibaldi Betoun de Capildra, Curatorum suorum resignavit:

Tendenden dictis jac et hel eorum alteri diutius viventi, in conjuncta infeodatione et heredibus masc inter ipsos legit procreates, quibus deficientibus, legit et propinquioribus heredibus talli dicti, jac in carta dicti ejus patris de super habita specificatus et ipsius assignatis quibuscunquo test ut in allis cartis et C.XXXIII 184.”

A rough translation of the above indicates that Jacob Hamilton (then Earl of Selkirk) and his wife Helen Cunningham made feudal grants of land to a number of people amongst whom, were John Brownlie and William Brownlie, who were at that time occupants of the mill at Glengavill. John Hamilton and his son Andrew, mentioned later, are recorded as portioners of the estate of Torfoot (which was part of the above grant) and the Hamiltons as tenants in common with the Brownlies. Subsequently these Brownlies and Hamiltons intermarried and the estate was reconfirmed on 29th December 1658, by charter to Thomas and Andrew Hamilton, and to John and Thomas Brownlie, as joint tenants. This is recorded in Public Record Volume 11 Folio 345, in the following terms “in favour of Thomas Hamilton in Torfitt (sic), his heirs and assignees, of 8/4th land of the land of Glengivell (sic), with houses, Biggins (biggings), etc., all presently possessed and occupied by the said Thomas Hamilton and John Brownlie, in the said Barony of Avondale and Shire of Lanark”, dated at Hamilton Palace 29th December 1659.

The sasine records a “charter of feu ferme by Anna Duchess of Hamilton with consent of William Earl of Selkirk her spouse, in favour of John Brownlie in Tortitt in liferent, and Thomas Brownlie his lawful son heritably, in fee of all and whole an eight shilling fourpenny land of Torfitt which is one part of the lands of Glengevill (sic) with houses, biggins, yards, crofts, etc., currently possessed by the said John Brownlie, and Thomas Hamilton lying in the Barony of Avondale and the Shire of Lanark, together with tiend sheet and other tiends great and small, both Parsonage and Vicarage of the said 8/4th land”. James and John Carbarnes, writers in Hamilton, are witnesses. On 14th June 1659, Thomas Hamilton mentioned above, lodged a further sasine on “Lettere oblegatour”, in favour of Helene Brownlie his spouse, of all and whole the third part of his eight shilling and fourpenny land of the lands of Tortitt (sic) with the tiends, parsonage, etc., as earlier. Robert Hamilton, brother of the said Thomas Hamilton, was witness.

Note: This establishes that in 1659 Helen Brownlie was married to Thomas Hamilton who shared the Torfoot estate with John Brownlie.

A further note is inserted at this point to the effect that I have recorded that some of the American descendants of the Torfoot family have reported that John Brownlie 1625-1695 had married Helen Hamilton daughter of the Duchess of Hamilton. This claim is still being researched at the time of going to print.

On 20th January 1659 there is a report that John Brownlie in Torfitt (sic) and Thomas Brownlie his son were witnesses to a sasine of John Young of Syde of Glengivell (sic).

In 1693 a further reference is made to Thomas, son of John Brownlie of whom we treat which indicates his date of birth c. 1655. He is reported to have married Janet Young, and this may account for the above record of witnesses of marriage or marriage settlement. This Thomas died at Torfoot in 1713. He had a son, John Brownlie, who was the father of Thomas, Archibald and James.

On 4th January 1693 a sasine was recorded by John Brownlie in Torfoot and Janet Hamilton (his spouse), daughter of Robert Hamilton in Burn, in the eight shilling fourpenny land in Torfoot: “the two just parts yr (sic, each?) of houses, yards and all pertinents and the other third part of yr (sic) thereof to the said Janet Hamilton liferent and conjunct fee reserving the liferent of Thomas Brownlie of Torfoot, father of the said John Brownlie, and Janet Young, his spouse (this would be Thomas’ wife) to John above and Janet Hamilton were spouses on contract matrimonial (marriage settlement) of date 12th day of December 1692, between the said Thomas Brownlie, his son on the one part, and the said Robert Hamilton and Janet, his daughter”. The above appears to confirm that whilst John Brownlie and Janet Hamilton were married on 12th December 1692, the marriage settlement on the land was formalised on 4th January 1693.

In a precept clare constat in favour of John Hamilton in Torfoot, dated 26th of October 1691, the lands of Torfoot were described by the Hamilton principal as “Our Ducal lands of Glengivel (sic)”, sometimes possessed by the desceased John Brownlee (sic), and Thomas Hamilton, and now by the said John Hamilton and Ellen Brownlee, his mother (was this Helen?). From this is appears clear that both John Brownlie and Thomas Hamilton were both dead in 1691, and that John Brownlie and his mother Helen Hamilton were in possession of Torfoot at that time.

In 1748, a disposition was made by Agnes, Marion and Barbara Hamilton, daughters and heirs portioners of the deceased Thomas Hamilton, surgeon in Strathaven, with consent of Alexander Mitchell, merchant of Kilmarnock, husband of the said Barbara Hamilton, and also with consent of Lillias Baird, mother of the said Agnes, Marion and Barbara Hamilton, widow of the said Thomas Hamilton in favour of Andrew Hamilton of Girthill in the parish of Avondale dated 11th October 1748.

The said Andrew Hamilton made a disposition with consent of Thomas and Andrew, his two sons, and Isabel Steel, spouse of Andrew Hamilton (Younger – heir) in favour of Thomas Brownlie portioner of Torfoot dated 27th July 1713. A precept of clare constat was recorded in favour of John Brownlie as elder son and heir of Thomas Brownlie in Torfoot.

On 21st of May 1747 a precept of clare constat was recorded to Thomas Brownlie, as eldest son and heir of the said John Brownlie of Torfoot, the whole lands charter of confirmation and precept of clare constat in favour of James Brownlie of Torfoot, as eldest son and heir of the said Thomas Brownlie, dated 19th April/20th May 1773.

A disposition was recorded on 14th July 1803, by the said, James Brownlie of Torfoot (Thomas’ eldest son). In this document he specifically details not only all and haill (sic) my sixteen shilling eightpenny land of Torfoot, but also the right of pasture of herding 40 old sheep on the lands of Waterhead, called Greyston-hill, or Muir of Peelhill, were disposed by Thomas Brownlie, “my father”, to James Young, but reserving therefrom the free right and property of “dominion Utile” (ie.) right of property as distinguished from “disectum” or right of superiority, of all and haill (sic) pertinents thereon, that piece of meadow near Overhouse, called Bogston meadow, and the right of grazing 40 sheep in Waterhead Muir, “all disponed by me in feu form and heritage to Alexander Brownlie, my third son, dated 14th May 1800”.

Note: The said John Brownlie made a disposition of settlement in favour of his brother Alexander Brownlie, Archibald Millar, farmer in Howdykes, and Margaret Wilson, his wife, as trustees with directions to convert his whole estate in money. Dated 22.5.1823.

On 20th April 1831 a precept of clare constat was recorded in favour of John Brownlie of Torfoot, then residing in Franklin County, Pensylvania in U.S.A. as eldest son of the said John Brownlie, dated 2nd March and 20th April 1831.

The next recorded references appear in the old Public Register (Edinburgh):

Sasin Proceeding from Original Feu [“Torfitt”]

21 January 1659 - Public Register: Volume 11, Folio 345. 1659-1664.

Sasene proceeding upon a charter of Feu Form granted by Anne, Duchess of Hamilton with consent of William, Earl of Selkirk, her spouse, in favour of Thomas Hamilton in Torfitt, his heirs and assignees, of 8/4th land of that 16/8th land of the lands of Torfitt which is one part of the lands of Gelengivell with houses, biggins, etc., all presently possessed and occupied by the said Thomas Hamilton and John Brownlie, in the Barony of Avondale and Shire of Lanark, dated at Hamilton Palace 29th December 1658.

Sasine given on 14th January 1659 in presence of, John and Thomas Brownlie in Torfitt, and others.

22nd January 1659 - Public Register: Volume II.

Sasin on Charter of Feu Ferme by Anna, Duchess of Hamilton with consent of William, Earl of Selkirk her spouse, in favour of John Brownlie in Torfitt in liferent and Thomas Brownlie his lawful son heiritable and in fee of all and whole an eight shilling fourpenny land Torfitt which is one part of the lands of Glengivell, with houses, biggings, yards, crofts etc., presently possessed by the said John Brownlie and Thomas Hamilton lying in the Barony of Avondale and the Shire of Lanark, together with tiend sheet and other tiends great and small both parsonage and vicarage of the said 8/4th land included in Charter dated at Hamilton Palace 29th December 1658. James and John Carbarnes, writers in Hamilton, are witnesses.

Sasine on letters oblegatour, by Thomas Hamilton portioner of Torfitt in favour of Helene Brownlie his spouse of all and whole the third part of his eight shilling fourpenny land of the lands of Torfitt with houses etc., in the Barony of Avondale and Shire of Lanark with the tiends, parsonage and vicarage of the same dated at Strathaven 8th January 1659 and Sasine on 14th June 1659. Robert Hamilton, brother of the said Thomas Hamilton is a witness.

28th Jan 1659 John Brownlie in Torfitt and Thomas Brownlie his son are witnesses to Sasine of Johne Young of Syde of Glengivell14th January 1659.

4 January 1693-9 Public Register Volume II Folio 489.

Sasine John Brownlie in Torfoot, and Janet Hamilton daughter of Robert Hamilton in Burn in the eight shilling fourpenny land in Torfoot, the two just pairts yr. of houses, yards and all pertinents and the other third part yr. of to said Janet Hamilton liferent and conjunct fee reserving the liferent of Thomas Brownlie of Torfoot (father of the said John Brownlie) and Janet Young his spouse on contract matrimonial of date the twelfth day of December 1692 betwixt the said Thomas Brownlie his son on the one part and said Robert Hamilton and Janet Hamilton his daughter.

Precept of clare constat by Anna Duchess of Hamilton, Marquis of Clydesdale, Countess of Arran and Lanark, Lady Ann Polmont, Machanshire immediate lawful superior of the lands therein contained with consent of William Duke of Hamilton, Marquis of Clydesdale, Earl of Arran and Lanark, Lord Arran Polmont and Machanshire and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter her husband, in favour of John Hamilton in Torfoot, dated 26th October 1691.

Note: The lands are described as “and eight shilling fourpennie land of Torfoot which is part of our (i.e., the ducal) lands of Glengivel sometimes possessed by the said (i.e. deceased) Thomas Hamilton and John Brownlie and now by the said John Hamilton and Ellen Brownlie his mother”.

Disposition by the said Archibald Millar and Margaret Wilson as a Quorum of the trustees of the said John Brownlie and by William Gebbie Writer in Strathaven as attorney for the said John Brownlie in America in Favour of Jean Struthers of Dykes wife of William Dykes surgeon in the Royal Navy, then residing at Burnbank near Hamilton dated 10 May 1831.

Note: The purchase price amounted to one thousand three hundred and forty five pounds, a power of attorney by John Brownlie accompanies this inventory.

Disposition by trustees of the said Mrs. Jean Struthers of Dykes in favour of Alexander Park residing at west Auchenlongford in the parish of Soru and county of Ayr dated 11th Nov.1872.

Note: The purchase price amounted to two thousand, six hundred and sixty five pounds. Mr. Park was the Proprietor in 1890.

The preceding extracts from the Register are the result of a search instituted by Mrs. Kate Sherwood N. 81 about 1890, copied from Miss Elizabeth Brownlie’s Album (45) by Matthew Brownlie in 1912 (73).

Further information re subsequent activities of Torfoot descendants can be found in charts supplied by Canadian, American and Australian Brownlies where traces of the line of descent can be followed.

Information supplied by:

1. William Higgins in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Email address: higginsw@ica.net

2. Allan Buchanan Brownlie, 69 St John’s Way, Bo’ness, EH51 9JD West Lothian

3. Ian Edward Brownlee, 78 Stuarts Road, Katoomba NSW 2780 or House of Brownlee, PO Box 378 Katoomba NSW 2780 Australia. Email address ian@brownlee.com.au. Telephone: +61-2-4782-2794 or mobile phone: +61-414-822-794.

4. ‘The Brownlee Family’ by Allan Lindsay Arnold Brownlee and edited by Ian Edward Brownlee.