John Dunbar
of Kinkorth, Scotland

Born: early 1650ish? and died early 1710ish?
Son of: David Dunbar of Kirkhill and Margery Dunbar (nee Seaton).
John may have been an only child.
John married: Mary Urquhart.
They had issue:
1. Thomas Dunbar who died an infant.
2. Robert Dunbar (1697?-1782?)who married Jean Miller (1705ish-1788).
3. David Dunbar, Minister of Olrig.
4. Ninian Dunbar.

John Dunbar of Kinkorth: An Overview

We know about John from:
1. The book "Records of the Heath Family", by George Heath 1907.
2. His will listed on  www.scottishdocuments.com

From the book "Records of the Heath Family", by George Heath 1907.  The entry is as follows:

John Dunbar of Kinkorth, designed also Tutor of Grangehill, from his acting in the capcity of tutor and factor to that family.  His only wife was Mary Urquhart, daughter of Thomas Urquhart of Birdsyards by whom he had four sons: 1. Thomas who died an infant; 2. Robert, his father's heir; 3. David, minister of Olrig, in Caithness; and 4. Ninian, a wine cooper and sea-faring man, who died unmarried.  David, minister of Olrig, married Mary, daughter of Sir Robert Dunbar of Northfield, in Caithness, by whom he had only one son, John, who died a minor.

His will notes the following:

Testament Dative of John Dunbar of Kirkhill, 7 July 1710

John Dunbar of Kirkhill died in June 1710. He made his will on 8 October 1707, subscribed at Grangehill before William Dunbar of Westermoy and others, and a hemologate on 1 March 1710 nominating 'Executors, Tutors, Curators and Overseers of his Children.' His nominated executor was his eldest lawful son, Robert.
Lists his living children as: Robert; David; Margaret; Mary; Anne; Finella; Katherine; and Marjory ['Records of the Heath Family also name Ninian but he is not listed in the will].
Inventory:
Four oxen and two cows at £12 Scots each. 
Three old work horses varying in value from £9 to £6 Scots.  
Forty-nine bolls of Corn valued at £263.13.8 Scots.  
The total inventory amounted to £368.4.0 Scots.  
Debts owing to him £1313.6.8 Scots.  
George Hacket in Arnboth [?] 24 bolls of crop at 7 merks each for ground duty of croft.  
Robert Gray in Badinspink £480.3.6 Scots.  
Alexander Cruickshank in Badinspink 13 bolls victuals of ground duty and £137.15.2 Scots of ground duty of croft.  Alexander Thomson in Badinspink £506.13.4 Scots for ground duty. 
James Gray in Badinspink £14.18.0 for ground duty and croft.  
'I ordain my corps to be interred where my friends judge most convenient.'
Appoints his eldest son as executor. 'In case of his minority [ie he must have been a minor in 1707] the Office of Executry is to be managed for his behoof by Robert Dunbar of Grangehill [John Dunbar's 1st Cousin], Thomas Urquhart of Burdsyeards [John Dunbar's father-in-law], Mr James Ogilvie of Badintoul [husband of John Dunbar's 1st cousin Katherine Dunbar, daughter of Sir Robert Dunbar of Grangehill], James Wiseman writer in Elgin, Robert Urquhart younger of Burdsyeards [John Dunbar's brother-in-law], Sir James Dunbar of Durn [John Dunbar's 1st cousin], Alexander Abercrombie of Glassen[probably Alexander Abercrombie of Glasshaugh, married to a daughter of Sir Robert Dunbar of Grangehill], James Dunbar uncle to Grangehill [John Dunbar's first cousin, James Dunbar of Clovis, son of Sir Robert Dunbar of Grangehill], Jonathan Dunbar of Tullieglens, Mr George Lethen advocate, George Dunbar brother to Durn [John Dunbar's 1st cousin], Mr John Chalmers writer in Elgin, and Nicolas Dunbar of Castlefield or any 3 of them to manage the foresaid office.'
His six daughters were each to receive an equal share of 3,000 merks. If they married with the consent of the named Curators (or failing that with the consent of a close relative from their father's and mother's families) they were to receive the following: Margaret, the eldest, £800 Scots; to the other five 1,000 merks each. If they died within a year and a day of their marriage without a living child half the money was to be retained instead by Robert, the eldest son.
His second son, David was to receive £1,000 Scots when he was 21 unless he needed it 'if he betake himself to any honest Calling and Employment...'
The will indicates that the children's mother was still alive at the time the will was written in 1707.
The Curators were charged 'to Maintain, Educat and bring up my said Son and Daughters honestly and Decently Conforme to their Rank according as the foresaid friends shall judge my fortune and interest can bear...'
Robert Dunbar was confirmed as Executor; and Sir James Dunbar of Durn, Jonathan Dunbar of Tilloglens [sic], John Chalmer [sic], James Wiseman, and James Dunbar of Claves became cautioners.

If you have any information to add to what is listed please contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Home)