Mowats of Busbie and Knockintebir

Last update 09.11.2022

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 The baronies of this branch, Busbie, Knockintebir and Robertoun are all in Ayrshire. They were in 1661 inherited by the Earl of Eglinton from his predecessor. It is unclear how the Earl of Eglinton acquired the baronies.

I

John Mowat, of Knokintebir and Busbie. James III confirmed a grant from David Mowat of Stenhouse to his illegitimate son John 5 December 1465 of the lands of Moite, Knokintebir, Bogside, Corshous, Busby, Murehouse and Robertoun.6 He is last time mentioned 9 February 1510-11 with his son and apparent heir, John.7

Children:

1.

John, see II.14

2.

(probably) Daughter, married William Craufurd of Walstoun in the end of the 15th century.

II

John Mowat, of Busbie. First mentioned 9 February 1510-11 as the son and apparent heir of John Mowat of Busbie.7 Mentioned 12 October 1514.5 He had a sasine of Busbie 29 August 1524.14 Mentioned 21 October 1527.15 Witness in April 1529.2 He was still alive 18 April 1530 when his son was mentioned as 'apparent of Busbie',16 but he was dead before 26 May 1532.17

Children:

1.

Charles, see III.17

III

Charles Mowat, of Knokintebir, of Busbie. He was a witness for the Earl of Eglinton 18 April 1530 as 'Charles Mowat, apparent of Busbie'.16 He had a sasine of Busby 8 August 1532.20 He had a charter of the same lands from James V in 1541 as John Mowat had confirmed by James III (see above) for him and his legitimate heirs male, whom failing to his heirs whatsoever.12 He was a witness 28 October 1544.18 In 1560 he was ordered to leave the country for taking part in the murder of Sir Neil Montgomery.19 Sold Knockintebir 24 July 1571 to Robert Hunter of Hunterston.3 His grandson James was 12 November 1571 confirmed as apparent heir in Moit, Knokintebir, Bogsyd, Corshous with other properties and rights.8 He was slain by two sons of Lord Ochiltree about 1577.8 Will registered 4 April 1579.1 He married Elizabeth Craufurd who survived him.8

Children, presumably by Elizabeth Craufurd:

1.

James Mowat. Eldest son. Probably died before 12 November 1571.8 He was already an adult 7 January 1555 when he was member of an assize in a criminal trial. 25

Children:

a.

James, see IV.8

2.

William Mowat. Second son.8

3.

Alexander Mowat. Third son.8 He was a burgess of Irvine.21 He got properties in Dreghorn 26 January 1556.22 He probably died without issue, as his nephew James of Busbie later got the Kirklands of Dreghorn.23 He married Marjory Lockhart before 24 July 1583.24

IV

James Mowat of Busbie. Mentioned in 1581.4 Mentioned in 1571 as “nepoti” (grandson or nephew) and heir of Charles Mowat of Knockintebir and had a charter from James VI of the lands of Moit, Knokintebir, Bogsyd, Corshous and Murehous.8 He was still alive in 1621.10 Served heir to his grandfather Charles Mowat of Busbie 4 April 1626 in the lands of Bustie, Knockintebir, Corshousmoitt, Murehous and Robertoun.11 Married before 5 February 1582 Joan Wallace, daughter of John Wallace of Dundonald.13

Children:

1.

James Mowat, younger of Busbie. Mentioned until 1619, but seems to have predeceased his father.10

2.

Jean Mowat. Married Robert Pollock of that Ilk.10

3.

(probably) Matthew Mowat, minister of Kilmarnock in 1643 and until 1660.11 Said to be the son of Mowat of Busbie, and James was the last one.26

 

 

References:

1

SRS vol. 1,p. 200.

2

SRS vol. 29, p. 174.

3

SRS vol. 45, p. 30.

4

SRS vol. 45, p. 32.

5

SRS vol. 45, p. 67.

6

RMS vol. II, no. 940.

7

NRS GD3/2/2/25.

8

RMS vol. IV, no. 1979.

9

CAW vol. III, p. 459.

10

CAW vol. III, p. 459-460.

11

RSH vol. I, Ayr no. 241.

12

RMS vol. III, no. 2436.

13

RMS vol. V, no. 550.

14

ERS vol. XV, p. 621.

15

RMS vol. III, no. 512.

16

NRS GD39/1/44.

17

RSS1 vol. II, no. 1283.

18

RMS vol. III, no. 3030.

19

NRS GD8/170.

20

ERS vol. XVI, p. 554.

21

NRS GD3/1/1/18/3.

22

NRS GD3/1/1/18/1.

23

NRS GD3/1/1/18/11.

24

NRS GD3/1/1/18/4.

25

CTS vol. 1, p. 385.

26

CAW vol. III, p. 461.