The information on this page is derived from multiple sources including:
The two Robertson tartans are shown above. The red is the traditional colour, the green is the 'hunting' colour.
The Robertson or clan Donnachaidh family has a long history. The line of the Robertson family on this webpage can be traced back to the eastern and southern sides of Loch Tay (with many births, deaths and marriages recorded at Killin), and possibly with others in the Perth/Blair Athol area. The connection between the two is still being researched.
For reasons as stated below, it is possible that the Robertson family described on this page, as well as the Guild family, are from the Kilspindie area east of Perth, and that one named Robert Robertson and his wife Janet nee Guild moved from that area to the Ardeonaig/Auchmore/Killin area as described below. Research into this subject has been ongoing since around 2013.
There are no birth entries for May 1698 – May 1709 and November 1717 – October 1727. There are no marriage entries for April 1698 – October 1709 or from November 1717 – November 1782. And there are no death records in the Old Parish Registers. This makes piecing together the history difficult. For further information see this site.
However, it seems possible that the Robertson family described below did not arrive in the Killin area until around 1741.
As we will see below, Robert Robertson and Janet Guild married some time around 1739/1740 and their first child was born in Kilspindie in Perthshire - see below for more details.
Robert Robertson may be one (or none) of the following born in Perthshire from 1715 to 1723:
He may also be one (or none) of the following with the 'e' on the end of his last name, born in Perthshire from 1715 to 1723:
Janet Guild may be either (or neither):
A key question in terms of Janet's identity is - why would she have been in Kilspindie in 1740 to give birth to a son, James Robertson? Was she working there, perhaps as a servant? Was Robert working there too?
In terms of identity, the Janet Guild born in 1719 seems more likely - we see the names James and Isabell in the children born to Janet and Robert Robertson (below), so it seems quite possible that Janet named her second daughter after her mother and grandmother, as per Scottish custom. It may be that Janet and Robert's first son was named after Janet's father and their second son (John) after Robert's father, while their first daughter Mary would be named after Robert's mother - or perhaps they chose Mary as Isobel/Isabell was also Janet's mother?
Colin Campbell and Kathrine/Katharen McIntyre from Easter Ardeonaig were married in Killin before 1734. Kathrine may be the Cathrine McIntyre born to Finlay McIntyre and Jenet McCaile/NcCaile on 27 October 1715 in Killin (Ref 361 10/65). Two Finlay McIntyre's are recorded in 'Scottish Highlanders' in 1769 (and they may be the same person): One was a joint tenant fatmer at Ballimenoch, north side of Loch Tay, while the other was a tenant farmer at Blairliargan, also on the north side of Loch Tay ['Scottish Highlanders', page 138 (SL)].
There are several Colin Campbells in 'Scottish Highlanders'; Colin may be the 'wright in Killin, witness 1738, bond registered 7 February 1740 [Source: Scottish Highlanders', p.11 (PSC)]. A 'widow of Colin' is recorded as a tenant farmer in Milton of Lawers, on the north side of Loch Tay in 1768 ['Scottish Highlanders', page 14 (SL)]. Colin's parents are unknown but they may have been Thomas and Jean, based on the names of the children born below.
Colin and Kathrine Campbell had the following children, all registered in Killin:
The location of Rait and nearby Kilspindie, to the east of Perth and Scone. The village of Rait has a street named 'Westend' that runs parallel to the Rait Burn.
A Google maps street view of Westend in Rait, with the Rait Burn, in 2023
Robert Robertson (possibly born 1718) presumably married Janet Guild (possibly born 1720) in around 1739/1740. The record of thir marriage has not yet been located in the records of Scotland's People but it seems, from the details of their children's births, that they first lived in the Kilspindie area east of Perth and then moved to the Killin area on the south west side of Loch Tay. Was there a reason why they had to leave Kilspindie and why Killin (assuming it was the same couple)?
Robert and Janet Robertson had the following children. Note that the second child, Mary, was born in Killin, 55 to 65 miles away on the western side of Loch Tay.
Baptism record of James Robertson in 1740, with the parents from 'the west and of Rait'
Baptism record of Mary Robertson in Killin in 1743, the 'there' likely refers to Easter Ardeonaig, noted in the births above
Baptism record of John Robertson in Killin in 1744, parents noted to be still in Easter Ardeonaig
Baptism record of Patrick (later Peter) Robertson in Killin in 1747, parents noted to be in Acharn. Note that the original name was crossed out and 'Patrick' written instead.
Baptism record of Isabell Robertson in Killin in 1752, parents noted to be in Ballachraish? (location not known).
Baptism record of Duncan Robertson in Killin in 1756, parents noted to be in Achmore.
As can be seen in the extracts above, by the time of Mary's birth in 1743, the family was recorded at Easter Ardeonaig, on the southern side of Loch Tay, about 10 kms from Killin. Their son Patrick was born a year or so after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 (see below). At the time of Duncan's birth, the family was recorded at Auchmore, an area closer to Killin. It is believed that Robert Robertson was an innkeeper at Auchmore (Source: Peter Durbin).
After the Battle of Culloden in the north of Scotland near Inverness in 1746 (to quell the Jacobite uprisings), and in particular after 1762, life began to get even worse for highlanders. Large scale emigration from Scotland to America began in the 1700s after the Battle of Culloden. The Clan structures were broken up and the highlands were 'cleared'. Many were forced off the land (from their crofts) and moved to the coast, often thence to overseas countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and America. It is not known why Robert and Janet decided to move from the Rait/Kilspindie area but perhaps it had something to do with his occupation in the Killin area as an innkeeper.
Donald McEwen, possibly the son of Patrick and Janet McEwen, baptised 12 March 1749 in Killin (Ref 361 10/203) married a Christian Campbell from Ardeonaig before 1755. Given the dates, this person is not believed to be the Christian Campbell who was baptised on 14 August 1747, the daughter of Colin and Kathrine Campbell (see above), but it could be possible if she was actually born several years before she was baptised.
Donald and Christian McEwen had the following children who were all registered in Killin:
Donald McEwen may be the 'merchant in Killin' recorded in 'Scottish Highlanders' in 1775 [Source: Scottish Highlanders, page 30'(NAS.GD112/11/1/2/8)]
Among the private papers of the Campbell Family of Achallader Perthshire, recently catalogued by the National Register of Archives for Scotland (reference NRAS4355) is a voucher for a payment made on 27 March 1756 to 'Robert Robertson, Achmore [sic] for feeding various workmen and others in 1755'. (Source: Peter Durbin)
Details of the charter on the NRS website
Robert Robertson, innkeeper at Auchmore, along with 'James Robertsone his (then-16 year old) son' were both witnesses to a charter on 30 March 1756, titled 'Sasine (William Duncan, Dunblane diocese, notary) in favour of John, earl of Breadalbane, on extract registered disposition 24 November 1755-6 March 1756 by John Stewart of Benmore etc. of Corriecherich etc. and warrandice lands'. (Ref GD 112/2/49/31, National Records of Scotland (NAS)). Robert's youngest child Duncan was born the same year.
(According to the NAS site, reference GD 112/2 consists of 'Titles to particular lands, 1329-1869: These are arranged according to the old handlist, which placed the various lands in roughly alphabetical order. They related mainly to the Breadalbane lands in Argyll and Perthshire, extending not just 'from Ben More to Kenmore', but from Easdale to Perth, and include material concerning the families of McDougall of Phantilands and Menzies of Shian, and the suppression of the McGregors. )
Robert and Janet Robertson's eldest son James Robertson (born 1740) studied divinity and oriental languages at University and was recomended by William Robertson, the principal of the University, to become a Minister at Callander. William Robertson's letter states that he had sought opinions (e.g., character references) from 'Mr Campbell of Achallader who has known him [James] from his early years' and 'Mr John Campbell of the Bank in whose family he [James] has resided five years as tutor to his children'.
According to the book the 'Lairds and Lands of Loch Tayside by John Christie (1892), 'Auchmore, including Auch and the mill of the property was wadsetted early in the last century to John Campbell of Achallader, Chamberlain of Breadalbane'. (Source: Peter Durbin)
James Robertson married in 1777 - see below.
Peter (baptised Patrick) Robertson (born Acharn, registered in Kenmore on 19 November 1747 (Ref 360 20/178) - 21 April 1816, Edinburgh), married Janet Adamson by 1771. They had three children:
Peter Robertson was an innkeeper (like his father) at Dalwhinnie on the road from Blair Athol to Inverness, on the western edge of present day Cairngorms National Park. (Source: Peter Durbin)
James Robertson (1740 - 1812), a Minister, was based at Callander about 12 kms north west of Doune on the road to Killin, from the mid 1770s to 1812. James married Isabell Graham/Grahame on 14 August 1777 in Callander (Ref 336/20/107, Isabell's surname recorded as 'Grahame').
James and Isabell Robertson (nee Graham) had the following children:
Siblings James and Janet appear to have remained in Callander until their deaths. Other Robertsons in Callander from 1829 to 1854 recorded in the parish baptisms include (a) George and Janet Robertson (nee Ferguson) and their four children born from 1829 to 1852, (b) Peter and Janet Robertson (nee Stewart) and their six children born from 1839 to 1854.
The third child of Robert and Janet Robertson, John Robertson (1744 - ?), was a farmer according to the death certificate of his son Colin Robertson. He may (but also may not be) be the John Robertson, 'tenant farmer, Finlarig, north side of Loch Tay' in 1769 as recorded in 'Scottish Highlanders'. [Source: Scottish Highlanders, page 58'(SL#4)]
John Robertson married Ellen/Ellin/Helen Clark/Clerk or Clerick (baptised 16 July 1755, Edramucky - ?), date and location not known, but probably before 1779 based on the date of their first child's birth. Family history remembers that Helen/Ellen Clark was the daughter of Finlay Clark/Clerk and Janet McIlduine. Edramucky is on the mid-western side of Loch Tay. Finlay Clerk was recorded as a joint tenant farmer in 'Etramuckie', north side of Loch Tay, in 1769 [Source: Scottish Highlanders, page 15'(SL#21)]
John and Ellen Robertson had the following children, all baptised in Killin:
Birth records for Robert, Anne and James shows the family at Wester Ardchyle, which was presumably between Ardchyle and Liangarstan. The family was recorded at Liangarstan when Ellen and Colin were born.
From around 1780, the youngest son of Robert and Janet Robertson, Duncan Robertson (born 1756), decided to leave Scotland to carry on business in Jamaica.
Although various Irish and Scottish had been initially forcibly been taken as convicts or indendured servants to Jamaica from the 1600s, by the mid-1700s, the Jamaican economy entered a period of sustained growth and fortunes were being made. By 1774, '.. the Scottish represented a large percentage of Jamaica's population. Jamaica had gained a reputation for being a place to earn a quick fortune, and the Scottish belief at the time was that the surest way to wealth in Jamaica, was to enter the island with a profession. ... Scotland had a high standard of education. The law required every parish to have a school, and families who could not afford the fees received financial help from the local authorities. As a result of this focus on education, many Scots became qualified for professions at a time when the Scottish economy could not support all these professionals. So, many embarked to the colonies to apply their skills with the hope of making a quick fortune. (Source: The Arrival of Scottish Settlers in Jamaica, on the Jamaica Timeline website, accessed 4 June 2025).
Duncan acquired an estate in St Elizabeth, West Jamaica, named 'Friendship'. See this page about Duncan Robertson in Jamaica for more details, and below from the mid 1810s for details of his life after he returned to Scotland and bought Carronvale House near Larbert. (Source: Peter Durbin, quoting the 'Red Book of Scotland' by Gordon MacGregor)
Within the next twenty years, Duncan brought (or enticed) three of his nephews to Jamaica: (a) John Robertson, the son of Peter/Patrick Robertson, and (b) brothers Duncan and Alexander Robertson, the sons of James Robertson. Other family members may have also made the trip - Duncan's own son James Peter Robertson travelled there in the early 1840s where he visited his late father's property and met relatives.
Archibald McMartin and Katherine/Catharine McEwen married in Killin on 25 April 1789 (ref 361 10/283). They had the following children, all registered in Killin:
By the late 1700's, more forced evictions were occurring. Lieutenant-General John Campbell (30 March 1762 - 29 March 1834), the 1st Marquess / Marquis of Breadalbane, and a Scottish soldier and landowner, had become the Earl of Breadalbane in January 1782. In 1792 many families were forced to leave to the coast and many others emigrated.
According to a page about the Robertson family memorial at Callander on the website geograph.org.au, the Rev James Robertson then residing at Callander wrote a report in the Old Statistical Account about the small hill in Callander. He wrote that '... there is a curious conical hill or mount at Callander, where the old church stood. This mount, which seems to be artificial, is called TOM-MA-CHESSAIG, the HILL OF ST KESSAIG; and, according to tradition, was used for butts, where the people, upon Sabbath evenings, exercised themselves with their bows and arrows, according to an ancient [Scottish] law for that purpose. There is another hill, larger than Tom-ma-Chessaig, at Little Leny, where Norie's Chapel stood, and which is still used as a cemetery by those of the name of Buchanan'. He also noted that '... the greatest fair is held on the 21st of March, or the 10th old style, which is called Fil-ma-chessaig, or the Festival of St Kessaig.'
James' son and successor as Minister in Callander, Peter Robertson, wrote a report in the 'New Statistical Account' about the same hill. See below.
The 'Papers of the Campbell family, Earls of Breadalbane', dating from 1306 to 1908 (Archives of Scotland reference GD112) include references to Robertsons along the southern side of Loch Tay, east of Ardeonaig, as follows. Further research needs to be undertaken to identify if or how any of these people are related to the other Robertsons described on this page.
John Robertson (25 December 1771, Cramond, near Edinburgh - 21 September 1818, Newington, Edinburgh) trained to be a medical doctor. At some point he moved to Jamaica where his uncle Duncan already resided.
Duncan Robertson (1781 - 1850) was the third son of James and Isabella Robertson (nee Graham/Grahame). His father James Robertson, a Minister, had settled in Callander, Scotland. Perhaps encouraged by his namesake uncle or his cousin John Robertson (born 1771) who was also already in Jamaica (see below), Duncan is believed to have arrived in Jamaica by around 1801 ('in his early 20s' - it was said he had lived in Jamaica for 'nearly fifty years' when he died in 1850).
Duncan's younger brother, Alexander Robertson (1 September 1783, Callander - 1854, Callander), appears to have joined him, at least temporarily. The property known as 'Struan Estate' was recorded in 1829 as being owned jointly by the brothers; Alexander was recorded as an 'absentee owner'. Alexander may have returned to Scotland when his father James died in 1812. He was reported to be in Callander in 1837.
As noted above, John Robertson (1771 - 1818), the first son and second child of Peter Robertson (1747 - 1816) and Janet Robertsson (nee Adamson), moved to Jamaica before 1800.
Extract from the 'Baptisms of White Children in 1806', showing two children born at New River to John Robertson and 'Anne his wife'
Intriguingly, a John Robertson and 'Anne his wife' had two children born at New River in 1804 and 1806, both of whom were not baptised until 1806. There is an obvious connection here with Duncan Robertson of Friendship, John's uncle.
Various family history records suggest that John Robertson married Caroline Swaby in 1804, which raises the obvious question of who was 'Anne his wife' in the above record? Was 'Anne' (a) a mistake in the register, (b) another woman, or (c) a previous wife, before Caroline? Is it possible that Anne died after the birth of Joseph James Robertson in 1806 and as a result he ended up marrying Caroline Swaby in 1806, so the children all thought of Caroline as their mother and Anne was forgotten?
John and Caroline Robertson (nee Swaby) had the following children. Based on the baptism of their children Janet and Mary in Scotland, it would appear that they travelled to Scotland around 1809 and again by 1817 (a year before John died).
James Robertson(1789 - ?), the son of John Robertson (1744 - ?), married Margaret (Mary) McGregor on 10 February 1811 at Killin (Ref 361 10/332). James and Margaret Robertson had the following children:
The Reverend James Robertson, the son of Robert and Janet Robertson (nee Guild) who had been a minister at Callander from 1768, died in (or before) July 1812. His death was recorded in The Scot's Magazine of July 1812 (page 567).
James was buried in the Tom na Chessaig churchyard in Callander. His gravestone included the following inscription in Latin: 'parentibus carissimis liberisque quattor' ('dear parents and four children'). See below after 1854 for an image of the commemoration to James and three of his sons in that churchyard.
Duncan Robertson (born 1756) was the youngest child of Robert and Janet Robertson (nee Guild). He returned from Jamaica before 1818.
The following (slightly edited) details about Duncan Robertson, dated October 2011, was found on the website: http://memento-mori-scotland.blogspot.fr/2011/10/robertson-family.html. Permission to use this material has not yet been received.
Dr. Duncan Robertson is documented to have purchased, for just under two thousand pounds, the seventy acre Broomage Estate at Larbert. The estate had an existing six bedroomed mansion house which he extended by adding a lodge and two wings and re-named ‘Carronvale’ (as it was likely on or near the Carron River). Much of the interior was furnished with mahogany which is said to have been sourced from his plantation in Jamaica.
Om 15 November 1818, Duncan married Susan Anne (or Anna) Jane Stewart, daughter of Colonel Robert Stewart of Fincastle in Callander. (Ref 336/20/156). They had three children, all believed to have been born in Edinburgh:
Duncan Robertson 'of Roehill, Perthshire', acquired the property that became known as Carronvale in 1819. According to the Carronvale House website, 'Dr Robertson planted trees, laid out a new drive and built a Lodge. He also added two wings to the old house and lined the rooms with mahogany grown on his Jamaican Estate.
John Robertson (born 1771), the son of Peter and Janet Robertson (nee Adamson), died on 21 September 1818 at Newington, Edinburgh. At the time of his death he was noted as residing at Gartincaber in the country of Perth. For reference, there is a 'John Robertson Burial Ground' in Greyfriars graveyard in Edinburgh where his father Peter Robertson is interred.
The Morning Post of 29 September 1818, noting his death, described John Robertson as 'of Bellemont, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, many years a medical practitioner on that island'.
The following is the text of John Robertson's will, made on 16 May 1818:CC8/8/149 John Robertson of Bellemont in the parish of St Elizabeth, Jamaica. Residing at Garlincaber in the county of Perth. Executors: John Chambers of Northampton Estate, St Elizabeth; William Aldam of Warminster Estate, St Elizabeth; Duncan Robertson of Friendship Estate, Jamaica (at present in Great Britain); Joseph Lawes Swaby of Montpelier (at present in Great Britain); James Robertson, writer, 2 Heriot Row, Edinburgh (cousin); and Caroline Robertson (wife).
Inventory
£1000 sterling in deposit by the British Linen Company, £75000 sterling in deposit receipt by Sir William Forbes and Company, £167 12s 3d balance of account current with the branch of the Bank of Scotland at Stirling. A debt due from Major E. M.Pherson of the 79th regiment.
Will
Executors to be trustees for whole property.
Payment of just debts, sickbed and funeral expenses. £200 per year to wife Caroline Robertson. Should she wish to live again in Jamaica she shall be able to occupy my house in Bellemont and use all household furniture within it. £500 to her in order to purchase furniture which shall remain her absolute property.
My mother Janet Robertson to be allowed possession rent-free throughout her lifetime the second flat at number 10 Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh, which belonged to my father and which has been occupied by her since his death.
My father sold to Sir John McLean, Lieut. Col. of the 27th regiment of foot, the lease of the farms of Gaskenloan and Dalwhinnie in Inverness-shire which he had obtained from the Commissioners of the Forfeited Estates. £90 per annum still due from Sir John McLean for the remainder of this lease, which I allow my mother to draw for the rest of her life. If she survives after the end of the lease then my trustees to pay her £50 per annum for the rest of her life.
The residue of the whole proceeds, rents and profits of my estate real and personal estate to be spent by my trustees to pay towards the clothing, maintenance and education of my beloved children Ann, Joseph James, John, Janet, Peter, Eliza, Caroline and Mary Margaret Adlam and any other children which I may leave at the time of my death until they reach the age of 21 or at marriage. The surplus each year to be invested in stock in the three percent consols as an accumulating fund to be added to the capital. My estate to be shared between my children equally as tenants in common and not as joint tenants.
Should my children all die before age 21 then my property to be divided one third to my wife, one third to my sister Jessy Mitchell [possibly his older sister Janet], wife of William Mitchell of Gorden Hall, North Britain, the final third to my brother Archibald Robertson of Dunsinane at present in the parish of St Elizabeth, Jamaica.
Executors and trustees to also be guardians of my children.
Codicil adds £100 annuity to wife Caroline Robertson in addition to that already allocated and £1000 to buy a suitable house for her.
Source of the above information: John Robertson of Bellemont', Legacies of British Slavery database (accessed 2 April 2023)
Duncan Robertson (born 1756) died in Edinburgh on 12 February 1824 and was buried at Larbert churchyard. (Source: Peter Durbin, a descendent of James, and also the Memento-Mori website).
Duncan Robertson left Carronvale to his eldest son, also Duncan, who had a commission in the Indian Army, where he met his future wife Miss Ogilvie, niece of the then Earl of Airlie. The two-year-old James Peter Robertson inherited another estate, 'Roehill', located in Perthshire. On the death of Duncan Robertson (junior) in 1856, that estate was sold to John Bell Sherriff, son of George Sherriff, a notable engineer who was trained by Boulton and Watt (the famous James Watt; inventor and developer of the steam engine).
It may not have been possible for Duncan and James' mother to maintain the estate. Carronvale was advertised ‘for rent’ in 1826 and again in 1827. The Stirling Journal of 2 March 1826 advertised the house as follows:
Modern, containing a dining room, drawing room, parlour, library, and a number of bedrooms, and other conveniences, all in the best order, having been lately painted and thoroughly repaired. The offices were large and complete and the Garden contained up-wards of a Scots Acre, well enclosed with Birch Walls, and completely stocked with Fruit Trees in full bearing.
See the Carronvale House website for information about the property.
The area around Doune
For reasons unknown, Colin Robertson moved further south by 1826 to the Doune area, north west of Stirling, possibly with his wife to be (or her family). Colin declared his intention to marry Christian McMartin (1792 - 1873) on 31 December 1825 in Kilmadock Parish (containing the settlements of Doune, Deanston, Buchany, Drumvaich, and Delvorich), and they married on 13 January 1826 in that Parish (Ref 362 50/262). This would appear to confirm that Colin had already left the Killin area by 1826. Family history recalls they lived at Drumvaich, a farming area or property just north of Doune.
Colin and Christian Robertson had the following children, all born in the Doune area:
According to a history of the Village of Killin by Ella Walker, the death of John Campbell in 1834 'heralded a time of great hardship and sorrow for many of his humble tenants'. His son, the 2nd Marquis, did little to manage the estates and instead left the Estate to the care of his Factor, a Mr James Wyllie, 'a name long remembered with dread in Breadalbane'. According to the history, Wyllie cleared the tenants from several parts of the Estate to make room for the formation of large sheep farms, often using means 'of great cruelty and injustice'. This may have started from the early 1800's and continued after the death of Campbell. Many of the original farm houses were destroyed; the remains of many the old stone farmhouses remain scattered around Loch Tay to this day.
After the death of Duncan Robertson in 1824, Susan Robertson (nee Stewart) was a widow for some time. On 16 November 1835, she married again, to Rev Thomas Liddell.
According to UK Parliamentary Papers, Alexander Robertson, stated to be an absentee owner-in-fee, claimed £657 5s 10d in relation to 40 enslaved people located at 'Jamaica Manchester 307 (Strewen Castle) on 14 December 1835 (T71/860). His brother Duncan was listed as the attorney. (T71/72, p.349. The compensation for a further 54 enslaved people on the same estate was awarded to his brother Duncan.
Source: Website of the Centre of the Study of Legacies of British Slavery accessed 7 June 2025
In either 1836 or 1837, Duncan Robertson married Elizabeth Frances Smith, the daughter of Edward Smith. According to the Jamaica Almanac 1838, Duncan was reported having 70 apprentices.
Duncan and Elizabeth Robertson had the following children, including one born in Scotland, suggesting a trip back during this time.
Alexander Robertson (1783 - 1854), the son of James Robertson (1740 - 1812), a minister at Callander, was recorded in Pigot's 1837 National Commercial Directory at East Mains Callander. (Source: Pigots National Commercial Directory of the whole of Scotland p. 668), quoted in this web site. He appears in the 1841 census in Callander and also appears living with his brother James Robertson in the 1851 census in the same location, see below.
Callander
The 1841 census for Callander records the following individuals:
Kilmadock area
The 1841 census for Kilmadock records the following individuals:
The following (slightly edited) details about Duncan Robertson, dated October 2011, was found on the Memento-Mori website. Permission to use this material has not yet been received.
Two sons of Duncan Robertson (1756 - 1824), Duncan Stewart Robertson (1819 - 1856) and his brother James Peter Robertson (1822 - 1916) both served in the army.
While serving in India, Duncan Robertson met his future wife Hariette Anne Mary Ogilvy (born around 1818 - 23 April 1849), youngest daughter of Hon. Col. Donald Ogilvie of Clova and Maria Morley - see below in 1844.
James Peter Robertson spent most of his life in military service. He attended Edinburgh Military Academy where he studied military drawing and surveying and it was whilst at Edinburgh, he received a commission and was gazetted to the 31st Regiment in 1842. His service took him to Asia, South Asia and India as well as serving throughout the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean War. His book ‘Personal Adventures and Anecdotes of an Old Officer’ was published in 1906 and was dedicated to the Rt. Hon. R. B. Haldane, M.P., Secretary of State for War 'In grateful remembrance of the life-long friendship that existed between the author and his noble-hearted and worth father, the late Robert Haldane of Cloaden.'
Duncan Robertson (1756 - 1824) married Hariette Ogilvy in September 1844. They had two children:
Details of Julia and Donald are from the Memento-Mori website
According to a page about the Robertson family memorial at Callander on the website geograph.org.uk, the Rev Peter Robertson (born 1849) acquired the property known as Braendam House in Stirling by 1844.
According to a page about the Robertson family memorial at Callander on the website geograph.org.uk, the Rev Peter Robertson (born 1849), the successor to his father as the parish minister, was the author of the report on the Parish of Callander that appears in the New Statistical Account (1845); the corresponding report in the Old Statistical Account (1794) had been written by his father the Rev James Robertson (d.1812), who is commemorated on another side of this memorial. See below for an image of the memorial.
Duncan Robertson's wife Hariette Robertson (nee Ogilvy) died on 23 April 1849, leaving him with two very young children aged 4 (Julia) and 2 (Donald).
Colin and Christian Robertson's eldest son John Robertson made his way down to London some time before November 1848. He departed for Australia, aged 22, on the (relatively new, 635 ton ship) Francis Ridley on 9 November 1848, arriving at Port Philip (Melbourne) on 12 February 1849. The shipping record lists John in the 'Single Males, not being members of families', as a 'wheelwright' from Drummvaitch, Perthshire.
It is not known when he returned to Scotland, but Duncan Robertson (born 1781) died in Callander in 1850. No record of this death has yet been found in Scotland's People - but no records have been found of the deaths of his siblings in Callander in the following five years either. His death is however noted in the Scottish Monumental Inscriptions website.
Callander
32 people with the surname Robertson were recorded in the 1851 census in Callander. Five of the Robertson siblings are recorded living together in two separate properties:
The missing siblings are Robert (1778 - , Henry's twin), Duncan (1781 - 1850 in Callander) who had died already, Jean Dundas Robertson (1791 - ) and the Rev Peter Robertson who may have been living at Braendum House in Stirling from 1844 but is not yet identifiable in the 1851 census for that area. Henry, 'of Mansfield Callander', died in September 1853; his brother Alexander inherited £1000 under Henry's will, proved on 21 October 1854 - see details below. (PROB 11/2199/261). Alexander and Janet, also noted in the will, also died in 1854.
Children of Duncan Stewart Robertson - Glenprosen
The 1851 census shows the following Robertson children living with the Ogilvy family at 'Balnaboch' in Glenprosen, Kirriemuir, Angus:
It is not known where Duncan Robertson was at this time as he does not appear in any census record. He died in 1856 aged around 37.
Colin Robertson - Drumvaich
The 1851 census shows Colin Robertson (now aged 67) and Christian (aged 59) at number 12, Drumvaich, a small village. The census notes that Colin was born in Killin, Perthshire, and that Colin was now a 'Labourer and occupier of 2 acres arable and 1/8 part of 150 acres of common' (Ref 362 1/3). They appear to be living alone. The location of their children in 1851 is summarised below:
As noted above, Henry Robertson was a medical doctor who lived in Callander with his younger sister Isabella. Henry died on 1 September 1853. He was buried at the Callander Burial ground.
Henry Robertson left a relatively complex will that made his brother James (1780 - 1856) the executor, some of which is repeated here because of the reference to individuals already noted on this page. In total, his assets amounted to around £12,345-19-11 - equivalent to just under one million pounds in 2017 (Source: National Archives UK calculator)
Henry divided his assets as follows (in summary). Note that there is no mention of his siblings Robert Robertson (whose history is not yet known), Duncan Robertson (then in Jamaica), or Jean Dundas Robertson (history also not known).
Alexander Robertson (born 1783) and his sister Janet Graham Robertson (born 1789), the children of the Rev James and Isabell Robertson (nee Graham), were recorded living with their brother James (born 1780) in the 1851 census. Both died in 1854. James died in 1856. It is presumed that both were interred in the Callander Burial Ground.
Siblings Henry Robertson (died 1853), Duncan Robertson 'of Gillnock Hall, Jamaica' (died 1850 in Callander), and (the Rev) Peter Robertson 'of Braendum (House, Stirling)' are commemorated in a family grave at in the Callander Burial Ground. Their father who died in 1812 is remembered on the other side of the commemoration. (Source: This page on the geograph.org.uk website
In 1854, Colin Robertson wrote a letter in reply his son John in Australia (full text below below). This letter appears to confirm that only John and Robert were alive at that point. He mentions that John's aunt is very happy to hear some news about Duncan McLean in Australia. He makes mention of 'uncle Archibald' who would seem to be overseas somewhere and doing very well. It is not clear who Archibald is; Christian's father was Archibald McMartin but none of their known children were so-named; none of John's brothers were named Archibald. One possibility is the Archibald McMartin who was born to Malcolm McMartin and Margery McDiarmid and baptised in Killin on 9 August 1791 (Ref 361/20/247). This couple had at least two other children but their marriage record has not yet been identified.
John noted in his letter that he had written to John's brother Robert (possibly in Newcastle) but had not received a reply. He added that Robert '... likes the English masters better than the Edinburgh Masters' and that he will 'stop in Newcastle all summer'. He also added that Robert was keen to go to Australia also but didn't have the money to do so.
Drumvaich
June 14 1854
Dear Son and Daughter and all your friends there,
It is with the greatest of pleasure at this time that I sit down to write to you these few lines to let you know that we are all in ordinary steat of health (Thanks be to God for his grate Murcy towards you and us) I hope that this will find you and all friends there injoying the same blessing, we thank you for being so mindful of writing to us, we received your kind letter deated th28 January it landed us th24 May it took as long a time is any I have yet it came with the ship Australian, you anty is very happy to hear that Duncan Maclean and his wife are both in good health shee thanks you kindly for being so mindfull of sending us word about them, she thinks a wounder that they not got any of the letters shee send I think shee send two or three letters shee is in hopes by there last letter that they soon be home with great fortune as they mention in there last letter that they expect to to be home this summer. --- we received three letters from you since the beginning of January last this is the forth one I send three letters before this one I wrote you answer for each of them, in case you have not got them and we return our kind thanks and love to you for your kindness to us in the time of need in sending us ten pounds we hope that you will want and trust that you will be more richera after this nor ever you been before; with God blissing; we pray that the lord will bliss you a Spiritual blissing from on high with a long life and prosperity and we all praice him for his goodness towards us at all times. --- you (?) in your letter about your Uncle Archd, how he is coming on nor nothing about his Famley. we here from other people that he is doing will and that he is worth a great deale of money, whether this is true or not we Cannot tell you. We are very glad to here that you have got your houses ready and that you have let one of them to a tenant from our own parish if it is true, David Dewar John Dewar's father had been telling to sume of his friends that John his sonand Henderson hi(?) taken a house in Geelong from John Robertson Colin Robertson's son, it was Hohn [sic, perhaps John] Macnee in Coil bo halzie in the braes of Doune, had told me (?.) John will tell you aout him, old David Dewar is married on John Macnee's sister -- I am very happy to here that our own countrey people is so friendly to one another in a strange countrey and they ought to be so among strangers. -- I am very happy that John is goten his houses re(ady?) which I hope that they will pay him good interest for his money as I am told there is nothing that will pay better than building houses in Australia, but am quite sure that they coast you a great deale of money however we will let that alon, if a farmer was to look on all expences on his farm he would never put a plour on his land, so I would advise my man to build houses or by land there, as I am informed them people is bying and selling houses or land that they are doing well and sell with great profit; - I hope that John has built his houses secure that the wind will not blow them down lick sume of your churches (.) John Dewar's Father was telling me one day that your Church was blow down with the wind and that Henderson and John was two of the Committee of the Church lickwise that he thought that John was the (?) and the church was to be built anew, so if it be true I hope that John would see it properly built for the Congregation a false built Kirk is very dangerous I have to build a new byre this summer on my own expences I get nothing from the propraitors but the wood the old byre in nearly to the pot, I am afraid that it will fall su(?) night or day on the cows I rather build it anew myself ner to be danger only cost me about 25/- - perhaps I will get something for building sume time yet.
I have a lamentable tale to tell you that conserning Duncan Campbell o(ur) next neighbour he had been working at a road between Lock Katrine (and?) Lock Lomond left Coulbarn Inn on saturday night th6 of May it would seem that he had been drinking two freeley he was missing for sume time, after a diligent search has been made for him without suckcess at last on the 6 of June his body was found by men that was fishing in the loch. Loch Katrine. he has left his wife and 6 children to morn his loss the poor widdow is left without anything but the nei(ghbour) gives her I have gathered by superscription near 30/- it will keep the famley at the mean time Dear Children I have better let you know we have a sabbath teaching in our house since the month April ether aout 15 or 16 children on every sabbath evening James Buchnanan chos teaching the first ch(ild?) Betsy Buchanan for the second class, Jean has one from Easter Choclchat teaching the 3 class. I realy think it is doing a great deal of good to the young children, it is a great blissing to teach in the fear of God when they are young they will mind it when they (are) old --- I have wrote to Robert when ever I received your letters I have not got an answer back from him yet, the last letter we got it was the month of May th4 of that month he steated in his letter that he likes the English masters better than the Edinburgh Masters he say that the Englosh [sic] masters is not so proud and they are more kinder that he will stop in Newcastle all summer Robert was very willing (to) go after his brother but passage money was so high that he could not go except he would get some assistance I give his a copy of all letters that you send, he thinks a wounder that John is not writing to him at all he had wrote to John two or three letters and he had not got no answers back, tell John to write himself to him, although they are fare distant from one another let them keep brotherly love, I trust in God that they will love one another, in doing so they will be lick brothers: My dera [sic] daughter see yourself what manner of love you send to us in your own letters, it is true what my wife said when I read your letter and tears falling to the ground, what manner of lo(?) she said, I think my daughter it is at our own fireside speaking to face to face, although you is in Australia and we in old Drumvaich. Dear children the Gospel is very true, love goes over all - our time is but a spang length in this world so let us consider our ways how shall we come to God for we are sinful creaturs, Jesus said I am the way, no man cometh unto me but by the Father, him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out, come to him and he will save you from all distresses. I am now getting old I think my age is 73 the 4th of this month your John was born the 19th Nov 1826 so you can count his age yourself I think it is 28 years coming. Robert was boren the year of our Lord 1831 the 5th Aprile his eage 23 years past, Now my I am noe near at close with my letter, I hope we are journeying unto (a) place of which our Lord said, I will give it you, Come thou with us and we will do thee good. The Lord bless thee and keep thee The Lord make (his) face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee May the Lord lift up (his) Countenance upon thee and give thee peace and in the kingdom of God ( .. ) Eternity- remember and write to us all the news how you are comming especially about your houses, my wife and friends joins me in our kind love to your all and may the Lord bless you all Your loveing Father till death.
Colin added the following page to the letter:
Talking nonsense
By the bye after ending my letter my sister came and said that shee would wish vry much that you would write to Duncan Maclean that shee send 4 letters to them since they left home, and that shee is wearing for another letter from them shee address her letters to the care of the man that Duncan wrought to a place called Edinburgh House in Geelong, no if you know the place where he is you can write him. I have a little more to say Andrew Maclean and John Maclean went off Australia in the month of Apeile last John was very ill off when he saw the shipe some lady told me that he fainted very ill. for aw that he took a wife with him they were saying that they would no face Duncan nor speak to him for what reason I cannot tell you, when they will land there they will be among the Cold to the shoulders. I have something more to tell you. My wife and I is very throung howing wtthe potatoes just now, they are looking very well. it apears they will be a crop in Scotland this season for everthing looks well. everything is rising in price since this ware commenced between Turkey and Russia, meal is selling at £2-13- per load, and every other accordingly; I must draw this letter to a close for want of room if I be supared in health I will write soon again, may the Lord bless you all mind us in your prayers your Father and Mother
C.R.
Remember and write soon again.
James Robertson (born 1780), the son of the Rev James and Isabell Robertson (nee Graham), who was recorded living with his siblings Alexander and Janet Robertson in the 1851 census, died in 1856 in Callander. As noted above, James appears to have been the primary beneficiary of his brother Henry's will. It is not yet known how this inheritance was divided after James died.
The following (slightly edited) details about Duncan Robertson, dated October 2011, was found on the website: http://memento-mori-scotland.blogspot.fr/2011/10/robertson-family.html. Permission to use this material has not yet been received.
Duncan Stewart Robertson age 36 died of Broncho-Pneumonia at The Manse, Lochmaben, Dumfriess-shire on 20 October 1856 where he was temporarily resident. There is no occupation listed on the registration, only that he was a widower. His death was registered by Rev. Thomas Liddell, his step-father (his step-mother was Susan Ann Jane Liddell). At the time, his daughter Julia Robertson was 11 and his son Donald Robertson was 9. The Death Registration shows his place of burial was Larbert Churchyard.
Duncan's 35-page (handwritten) will states that the trustees of his will were to be Mrs Harriette Ogilvy or Robertson 'my beloved wife' (who pre-deceased him), Lieutenant James Peter Robertson of Her Majesty's Thirty First Regiment of Foot 'my only brother', Lieutenant Walter Ogilvy of Her Majesty's Eighty Fifth Light Infantry 'eldest son of the Honourable Donald Ogilvy of (Clova?)' and Robert Haldau (?) Esquire, 'writer to the Signet'.
Duncan Robertson's property Carronvale was sold by his trustees to John Bell Sherriff in April 1857. It is presumed that the proceeds were split between his two children, Donald Robertson and Julia Robertson.
Robert Robertson (born 1831), the son of Colin Robertson (died 1859), married Mary Sked at Tradeston in Glasgow in 1856 (Ref 644/98). Mary Sked may be the person of that name, born to Richard Sked and Margaret Campbell, baptised on 9 January 1823 in Glasgow (Ref 644/1 310/172). If this is correct, Mary had a younger brother, Richard Sked, baptised 18 April 1830 in Greenock Old (25 miles west of Glasgow) (Ref 564/3 50/297). Robert and Mary Robertson had two children, neither of whom survived a year:
The death location for Colin suggests that Robert and Mary Robertson (nee Sked) returned to Doune, perhaps because his father was dying, or to help his mother.
Colin Robertson, an agricultural labourer and dyke builder, died on 13 June 1859 aged 74. His father was recorded as John Robertson (decd.), farmer and his mother was Helen Clark (decd). This information was notified by Robert Robertson, his son. Colin was buried at Doune Churchyard (probably Scots Church, which was sold to private developers in 2012 - his grave is no longer identifiable).
Following the death of her husband, Christian Robertson, along with her son Robert Robertson and his wife Mary Robertson (nee Sked) decided to migrate to Australia. They departed Liverpool as unassisted passengers on board the British Trident on 9 January 1860, arriving in Melbourne, Australia, on 5 April 1860. The emigration to Australia and Colin's letter above seems to indicate that none of their children remained in Scotland. Christian died in Geelong on 12 May 1873. It is likely that they were met by Christian's son (and Robert's brother) John Robertson, on arrival.
Click this link for more information about Robert Robertson in Australia and New Zealand.
Julia Robertson (born Edinburgh) is listed in the 1861 census as a Boarder in Clifton, Bristol, England. Her brother Donald Robertson does not appear in the census.
Donald Ogilvey [sic] Morley Robertson married Alice Mary Strickland in Pancras District, London, in 1871. (Ref: England & Wales Marriages 1837 - 2005, volume 1B, page 169)
Duncan Graham Robertson appears in Thornton Fylde, Lancashire, in the 1871 census.
In the 1871 census, the 25-year-old Julia Robertson, an annuitant, is listed as a visitor at 1 ‘Freemantle’? Villas in Clifton, Bristol, England.
Julia's brother, Donald Ogilvy Morley Robertson (aged 23) and his new wife Alice Mary L. (age 22, born Frome, Somerset) were living at 29 Longford Street, Pancras/Marylebone, London. His occupation is listed as ‘Writer of Guide Books'.
The 22-year-old Duncan Graham Robertson (born 1859) was recorded in Logie, Perthshire, in the 1881 census.
By 1881, 35-year-old Julia CO Robertson is listed as a Church Worker living at 8 Ellenbro Crescent, Weston Super Mare in Somerset, England. She appears to be living with the Penruddock family:
Donald Robertson and his wife, shown as 'Alice' (perhaps a second name) were living in Witham, Frome, Somerset. He was shown as a 'Gentleman of Independent Means'. It is not believed that they had any children. Donald Robertson died on 8 October 1885; his wife Alice died on 4 March 1887. Both are buried at Witham, Somerset.
Duncan Graham Robertson is not obvious in the 1891 census.
By 1891, now 45 year old Julia CO Robertson is back in Scotland living at ‘Winfield’, Whitsome, Berwickshire with two servants, and ‘Living on Private Means’.
Duncan Graham Robertson appears in Crieff, Perthshire, in the 1901 census.
In 1901 the 55 year old Julia CO Robertson has returned to England, and is living with two servants at 8 Arundell Terrace, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, again listed as ‘Living on Own Means’.
Julia Cecelia Ogilvy Robertson died aged 66 on 12 November 1911. Her death was registered at Axbridge district, Somerset (October - December Quarter).
Lieutenant Colonel, James Peter Robertson, C.B., J.P. died at his home at Callander Lodge, Callander on 25 February 1916 age 94 years. His Death Registration shows that he was the widower of Louisa Churchill. (Louisa is believed to have died c1910). Obituaries appeared in both The Glasgow Herald of 28 February 1916 (Page 6) and The Falkirk Herald of 4 March 1916. As well as being an Indian Mutiny and Crimean War Veteran, he was a Justice of the Peace for Perthshire and at the time, the oldest Freemason in Scotland. The Falkirk Herald also added that he was a 'keen sportsman both with rod and gun' and 'at the age of 85 he could take a twenty-mile run on his bicycle without undue fatigue'.
He was buried in Callander Cemetery, Grave 456 on 29 February 1916.
Duncan Graham Robertson was recorded in Newbury, Berkshire, in the 1921 census.
Page created 11 December 2011, updated 10 June 2025. Copyright © Andrew Warland. (andrewwarland(at)gmail.com)