Chapter Six

ROBERT BURNS AND WILLIE NIVEN

Robert Niven was tenant of Ballochneil, a farm on the banks of the Milton burn, close by the road to Girvan, with him lived Samuel Brown, his son-in-law, and brother of Agnes Brown the mother of Robert Burns.

While Burns was attending Rogers school at Kirkoswald, he lived at Ballochniel, sharing an attic bed with the son of Robert Niven.

One of Burns’ schoolmates was Willie Niven whom he often visited at Maybole, while they were at school at Kirkoswald. "Niven lived to a ripe old age, and became the great man of his day in Maybole. Eventually his thrift increased to miserliness. He bought an estate in the adjoining parish of Kirkmichael; but the satisfactio it yielded him seems to have been limited to what he derived from gazing at it through a telescope from a window which he had specially built in his garden wall. His parsimonious ways made him intensely unpopular; and when he died in 1844, it was as an Irish wit expressed it "wid the consint of the whole town." Willie Niven is buried on the site of the old church in the churchyard at Maybole.

This letter from Robert Burns to "William Niven, Mercht., Maybole." still exists in a very dilapitated condition (Douglas 1877).

"Care of Thomas Piper, Surgeon – to be left at Dr. Charles’s Shop, Ayr.

My Dear Friend, I I have been very throng (busy) ever since I saw you, and have not got the whole of my promise performed to you; but you know the old proverb, "The break o’ a day’s no the break o’ a bargain." Have patience and I will pay you all.

I thank you with the most heartfelt sincerity for the worthy knot of lads you introduced me to. Never did I meet with so many congenial souls together, without one dissonant jar in the concert. To all and each of them make my friendly compliments, particularly "Spunkie youth, Tammie." Remember me in the most respectful manner to the Bailie, and Mrs. Niven, to Mr. Dun, and the two truly worthy old gentlemen I had the honor of being introduced to on Friday; tho’ I am afraid the conduct you forced me on may make them see me in a light I would fondly think I do not deserve.

I will perform the rest of my promise soon; in the meantime, remember this – never blaze my Songs among the million, as I would abhor to hear every prentice mouthing my poor performances in the streets. Every one of my Maybole friends is welcome to a copy if they chuse; but I don’t wish them to go farther. I mean it as a small token of my respect for them – a respect as sincere as the love of dying saints. – I am ever, my dr Wm, your obliged.

Mossgiel, 30 August 1786. Robert Burns.

Chambers gives these particulars regarding the poet’s halt at Maybole on this occasion . . .

"In the course of his rounds Burns came to Maybole, where his Kirkoswald friend, Willie Niven, had been doing what he could for the sale of his book. The bard was in the highest spirits, for, as he acknowledged, he had never before been in possession of so much ready cash. Willie assembled a few choice spirits at the King’s Arms to do honor to the bard; and they spent a night together, Burns being, as usual, the life and sould of the party.

The "Willie Niven" of Chambers’ anecdote was the idividual to whom the letter, above given, was addressed. Ever since the memorable summer spent at Kirkoswald in 1775, Burns and he had been friends and occasional correspondents, and when Niven commenced business in Maybole, it is said that the poet addressed to him a poetical memento giving appropriate advice. Unfortunately, none of these early letters of Burns, nor the allegeed poem have been produced; but Niven, who by steady application to trade, eventually realized a handsome fortune, and became a landed proprietor, manitained to his dying day that when he first inspected Burns’ Kilmarnock volume, he was so mortified to find, in the "Epistle to a young friend", inscribed to Andrew Aiken, merely slightly altered version of the one which had been addressed to himself a year or two prviously, the he resolved thenceforth to have nothing more to say to such a weathercock friend. How much of truth may be in this allegation it isi impossible to determine; but if true, Nevin was absurdly intolerant and exacting. Dr. Waddell, who seems to have personally known the successful trader in his old age, says on this point: – "The gentleman doubtless had cinfidence enough to claim any sort of moral or social relationship to Burns that would exalt himself; but how he could ever be the bosom friend of such a man, or entitled to the honor of an endearing epistle from him, is to us incomprehensible, except on the principle of some involuntary assimilation of antipathies." He also adds that in his native district, Niven "officiated as magistrate for many years, with an assumption of importance that esposed him occasionally to not a little popular ridicule." He moreover remarks that "from a very early age, Niven seems to have manifested the prudential, money making faculty, and therefore it is extermely unlikely that Burns would throw away so much excellent advice on an acquaintance whose own worldly sagacity so little required it."

The Rev Hamilton Paul, in 1819, adverts to Niven’s assertion as being a well known fact, and calls it "the sole instance of disingenuousness which we have heard charge against Burns."

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From a letter of Robert Burns to mr. Peter Hill, Bookseller, Edinburgh.

"Ellisland, 2 April 1789. . . . But, to descend from heroics – what, in the name of all the devils at once, have you done with my trunk? Please let me have it by the first carrier, except his name be Niven; he is a rascal who imposed, or whould have imposed on me the other day most infamously . . ."

Robert Burns"

Robert Niven of Kilwhannel, Ballantrae, Ayrshire. To the editor, 6 February 1926.

"I do not know that I can do much to help you. My Grand Father Robert Niven was Farmer in Edwardston and Torr in the Parish of Kirkmichael in the year 1816. My Father William Niven was born at Edwardston and farmed at Lauriston Dalrymple and Nether Cullean Maybole. I have heard my Father say his Grandfather was brother to John Niven father of Bailie Niven Maybole and also that Adam and Hohn Nevin were two of seven sons most of whom had farms in Carrick. One Alexander was in Crawfordston in 1816. One in Balchiston and one in Craigmillock and Pynannot Barr. I have one son and two daughters. My son Robert is the only direct male descendant from my Grandfather. I had two relatives David and William Niven who left Ayr over 50 years ago for America. William settled in Providence, R.I. and I think David settled after a time in Pennsylvania. I will be glad to know if you are related to them. I am &c Robert Niven."

Richard Niven, Airlie House, Victoria Park, Ayr, writes, 18 January 1926, . . . "You give me no identification of your connection with the name NIVEN – Are you a relation, Son or Grandson of R.E. Niven of Thorntown, Indiana? Pending this information I cannot move in the matter. I happen to be the head of the house of NIVEN –"

And 23 February 1926, "I send you my book plate which was my Grandfather’s and is now mine. The description is

"2 half moons, argent, crescent and increscent

"on a field azure, a band argent and underneath a palmbranch vert on a field azure the crest being a plam branch and the motto "Vivis Sperandum"

The Shield has every indicaiton of being a Crusader’s but I cannot say as to this. My own records since 1650 or thereby are authentic from 1697 when my G.G.Grandfather was born in Glasgow, where he was buried in 1783.

I am not related to the Ayrshire Nivens of whom there are several in the neighborhood of Maybole. Richard Niven."

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The Parish Registers of Carrick contain many entries of Niven marriages and births in Kirkoswald and vicinity from 1696 to 1730, among the male names John, James, Adam, William, David, Robert, Henry, and Quintain appear, John, James, and William predominating.

The females are Margaret, Jean, Agnes, Isobel and Janet, the name of Margaret occurring most frequently.

The Commissariot records contain Niven Testaments of the 17^th and 18^th centuries from Carrick. The following are representative of some of the earliest from Maybole Parish:

The Testament &C of the guidis geir, debtis, and sowmes of money quhilkis pertenet to umquhile Adame Nevin in Balchryisteine. Faithfullie maid and given up with his awin mouth in his duelling hous ther upon the 18 day of Januar 1608 yeiris being seik and diseisit in bodie but haill in saull. Quhairin he nominates and constitute Katrene Eslair his spous and Johne Nevin his eldest sone conjunctlie and severallie his executors and intromittors with his guigis and geir and ordaneit thame to dispone thairupone as they will answer to God. Quha decist ten dayis thairefter.

INVENTAR

Item the said umquhile Adame had the tyme foirsaid the guidis and geir underwritten of the prices eftir specifeit viz.

Thrie tydie Ky price of the piece ourheid xij lib Summa xxxvj lib

Item and blak stott price ten lib

Item twa uther stottis price of the piece vj lib Summa &c

Item ane quoy of thrie yeir auld price viij lib

Item aucht zowis price of the piece ourheid xxxiij s iij d

Item four hoggis price of the peece xx s Summa iiij lib

Item sax queld scheip price of the piece xxxiij s iiij d Summa

Item twa auld naigis price of bayth svj lib

Item the insycht of the hous in Utencillis and domicillis with the abuilzment of his bodie estimat to xiij lib vj s viij d

Suma of the Inventar foirsaid £122 – 13 – 4 No debts awand in Debt awand out

Item thair was awand be the defunct to Margaret McIlmwne iiij lib restan to hir of the soume of xxvj lib xiij s iiij d restan of his tocher quid Item to David Spens his uther guidsone of the rest of his tocher guid lxxij merkis

Item to Andro Asloar ane zow of the rest of his bairnes of geir quhilk fall to him be deceis of umquhile Johne Asloar his father quhair with he intromittit price xxxiij s iij d

Sum of said debts £80 – 6 – 8

Free Gear 42 – 6 – 8

Deid’s pairt 14 – 2 – 3

By his Latter Will he leaves his right and possession of the just and equal half of his kynklie roume in Balchryisteine to his said spous Katrene Asloar during his lyftyme and the other equal half thereof to the said Johne his eldest son and after the decease of said Katrene he ordains said John to enter to the other half and enjoy the whole mailling – Debts aforesaid being paid he leaves his free gear to his said wife and ordains her to devide the same among the rest of his bairnes that ar unhartiounit as scho thinkis nerrest. In witness quhairof (the presentis written be Gilbert Garvane notar) and subscribed with my hand as follows day zeir and place foirsaidis Befoir thir witness, Johne Kennedy of Cubar, Johne Nevin in Balchryisteine and Niniane McCullie in Leffynyne – He signs by the notary because he cannot write.

Confirmed 20 September 1608 Gilbert Garven younger of Cauldwolistoun is cautioner.

The Testament &c umquhile Jonet Neving spous to Martein Wilsoun in Maynes of Newwork in the parochin of Maybole quha deceis in the moneth of May 1610 yeiris. Given up in behalf of Johne, James and Robert Wilsounes bairnes. Summ of Inventar £789 Na dettis awand in

Dettis awand out – to Duncane Crawurd of Drumsay, to the Laird of Bargany, to Josias Stewart of Bonytoun. To Johne Neill in Alloway their sone-in-law. To Thomas Legat their servand. To Jonet Neving their servant. To Jonet Legat

Summa of dettis £670

Free geir 119

To be divided in 3 parts, dead’s part is £39 – 13 – 4

Confirmed 1 November 1610.

The Testament &c of umquhile Johnne Neving in Mossyd, in the parochin of Kirkosuall quha decesit in the moneth of July 1634 Faithfullie maid and gevin up be his awin mouth

Invetat

Item the defunct had the goods and gear following viz;

ane gray staig pryce £13 – 6 – 8

ane gray meir and hir foill pryce £20

four oxin pryce of the piece £10 Inde £20

ane farrow Kow with her stirk and ane Kow with her calf pryce of ilk

ane of thame with their followers £10 inde £20

ane quey of thrie yeir auld pryce £6

ane Stott of thrie yeir auld pryce thereof £5

four yowis and four lambis pryce of the Yow with lambs 40/ - inde £8

the sawing of ten bolls aitts 53/4

the sawing of twa firlots beir £6 Inde £12

the insycht and plenishing of his house and abulziaments of his bodie £10

Summa of Inventar £248

Debts awabd in Item there was awand to the defunct the sums following viz. Be Jonet McKneving in Corsraguell £?? - ?5 – 4 Be Hew McCawell in Jamestoun £20 Be David McCavell in Corsraguell, Ninian Steinstoun in Maltmanstoun and David Dick in Quhytfaulds cautioners to the said Hew £6 – 13 – 4 and Be Thomas Dick, sclaitter in Mayboill £3 – 6 – 8

Summa of debts - £54 – 13 – 4 Debts awand out Item the defunct was awand to Thomas Davidsone of Pnnyglen Master of the Ground the crop 1633, e Bolls meill, pryce of the boll £5 – 6 – 8 inde £16 Item to the Master of Kirkusall £4 – 10/- and to John Martein his guidsone in Mayboill £ resting of his tocher

Summa of debts out £58 – 1 – 8 Free geir - £244 – 11 – 8

To be divided in 3 parts dead’s part is £81-9-6

LEGACIE

At Mosyde 25 June 1634 Johne Neving being sick in bodie but haill in spirit &c nominates and ordains Jonet McKaithrie his spouse to be his executrix and ordains his estate to be divided among his family, after settlement has been made with the said Johne Neving and David Neving his sone Witnesses, John Martein in Mayboill, David Nevin in Lessinwynd, Gilbert and James Nevines in Morsyde "my bairns"

Confirmed at Glasgow 4 August 1634 James McMartein, cowper in Maybuill is cautioner.

The 10/- land of Lokistoun occupied by Gilbert Nevene, is mentioned in a Charter of John Kennedy of Baltersane and Margaret Cathcart his spouse of the one part, and John Davidson of Pennyglen and Margaret Kennedy his spouse of the other part. Baltersane 6 Mards 1587; at Maybol, 20 September 1588.

CHAPTER SEVEN

HIGHLAND FAMILIES

MACNEVIN OF ARGYLE AND THE ISLES

The Prophecy of the Seer, Gillenaomh MacVicar (Niven, son of the vicar)

Niven the Seer, was born near where the house in the old deer park is now, and lived during the time of Archibald, eighth Earl of Argyle (1607-1661). He was educated for the Church and became the first Reformed Minister of Inverary. He preached under a rock known as the "Parson’s Pulpit", until a church was built for him in the old burying place, and called Cill Ghillenaoimh (Niven’s preaching and burying place) pronounced now, Cillmarl, and in English, Lilmalue.

The people had full faith in Niven and considered him an inspired prophet. Niven prophecied that the day of the crooked dike (La garadh Crom, not built until later by a Duke of Argyle), would secretly come when the inhabitants within the dike would be taken unaware and a battle be fought at Ath-nan-lann (the Sword Ford); Such a battle that a man with only one hand would hold three kings’ horses; that the slaughter would be so great the people could walk dryshod across the ford on the bodied of the slain; that the ravens would drink of men’s blood, and the river run red with blood; that the natives would be defeated and an old, lame white horse would carry all that remained of Siol Diarmid (Clan Campbell) over Kern Dron, where Argyle and Perthshire meet. And that after that day one would be able to travel in Argyleshire forty miles without seeing chimney smoke or hearing a cock crow.

The battle would take place when trees not yet planted on the "Strone" had grown to the height of a man. The day was hand when the tide would uproot a thorn bush growing above the road. When, near the quarry on the east shoulder of Duniqueach, a tree would grow through a millstone, filling the hole, then was the day at hand.

He prophecied – that Inverary would not be a proper town until the bell would ring on Creagan – nan – Caorach (sheep’s rock) a mile south of the town. This has come to pass, the steeple having been built of stone quarried there. That Kintyre would become an island;l which has come to pass by the cutting of the Crinan Canal.

One day, while preaching, Niven stopped suddenly, "I must go elsewhere" he said, and walked away to where a man was sleeping on the papapet of a bridge, he awoke the man, who otherwise would have fallen into the pool and been drowned.

On another occasion Niven demanded "John, give me a snuff" "I have none" John replied. Looking sternly at the man, Niven said: "This night the snuff in your pocket will be handed round at your wake."

When the Marquess of Argyll asked Niven, "What death shall I die?" the Parson answered, "You will be beheaded, my lord."

"What death will you yourself die?"

"I shall be drowned, my lord."

"I will prevent that" replied the Marquess, and sent the Parson to live in Stirling, with a servant to attend him. One night the drum beat an alarm of fire, the servant ran out and not returning at once, the parson attempted to go out to. Now at the side of the ouside stair stood a dyer’s hogshead to catch rainwater from the roof, and into this fell the Parson head first, and when his gillie returned, he found Niven drowned in the hogshead, feet upermost. His remains were brought to Inverary and all the inhabitants turned out at his funeral and buried him in Kilmalue.

Extracts from a letter of James Niven, M.B. C.M. Dunaverty House, Southend Campbletown, Argyllshire, to the editor, 31 January 1926. ""he family to which I belong hails from Argyllshire. My grandfather was a native of Lochgilphead and was for 16 years Overseer on the Estate of Auchindarroch. He died there in 1846, aged 58 years. He had 13 of a family, 10 sons and 3 daughters. One of the daughters died in 1840, aged 18. The other two daughters married and went abroad, both of course now deceased. Of the 10 sons, I can trace only five. One became Presbyterian Minister and Editor of a newspaper in Shanghai. Another was an East India Merchant in Singapore. A third went to South Africa. A fourth never left the country and was in the fruit trade in Edinburgh where he died some years ago, aged 84. My own Father served his apprenticeship as a gardener at Rossdhue, Luss, Lochlomond, the seat of the Colquhons. On the conclusion of his apprenticeship, he went to Singapore where he became Curator of the Botanical and Zoological Gardens. After being 30 years there, ill-health compelled him to come home to Scotland and he was only four days arrived when he died at Coylton, Ayrshire, 21 August 1876, aged 50. My Uncle, the East India Merchant, died a fortnight later. The two brothers, who seemed to have been inseperable during life, lie side by side in Coylton churchyard. My uncle had previously retired from business, and had come to Ayrshire, where he bought a small property. Some years ago, I read an article in a magazine on Singapore and it mentioned the fact that there was road known as the Nievn Road, and named after a "noted pioneer horticulturist" of that name. That, of course, was my Father. I may add that my Father married the only child fo a Colonel Newbold, - a retired Indian Army Officer, who spent his retirement in exploration work in the Malay States and wrote a history of those Sates, a work which I believe is still referred to, especially by Government officials.

I am the second youngest of a family of 7, al born in Singapore. I may presume that in those now far-off days, there were no great facilities for education, for each of us, when we reached a suitable age, was packed off to Scotland for our education. I accompanied my Father to this country on what proved to be his last voyage on this earth. I had then just completed my 8^th year, - that was in 1876.

I have been informed, - it is only hearsay and therefore I will not vouch for the authenticity of the information, - that a Grand-uncle of mine, a brother of my grandfathers, was a landscape gardener. In his time, what is known to all the world as the Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, was a perfect quagmire of a place. The Corporation of that day looked upon this as a eyesore and in an attempt to improve the appearance of the city, put the matter into the hands of my granduncle. He was given carte blanche and in a short time he had created a "thing of beauty". But the railway and the building of the Waverly Station have deprived those gardens of a good deal of their former beauty. After he ahd done this good work, the Dublin Corporation sent over a deputation to Edinburgh to inspect and report. The result was that my granduncle was asked to do something of the same for Dublin, - hence the Phoenix Park. So well plesed were the Dublin people that they appointed him Curator to look after the Park. Hence also the reason, as I have been informed, that there is quite a number of Nivens in Dublin and round about, - descendants of my grand-uncle.

Now as to the name itself, I used to be under the impression that the family was a branch of, or attached to, the MacIntosh clan. However I managed to get that impression I cannot now say, but it seems to be an erroneous one. It seems we belong to the MacDonalds. As it is quite a common name in the county we may assume we are an Argyllshire family. There is no doubt that the name in whatever form, Niven, Nevin or MacNiven, is of ancient Celtic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word, naomh or naomhan, pronounced in Gaelic as if it were spelt nauv or nauvan and means saint or holy person. It was an honored name in the early days of Christianity in Scotland, about the end of the 6^th or beginning of the 7^th centruy, that is, round about the year 600 A.D.

The Rev John MacNiven, St Coumba Manse, Paisley, writes,

28 January 1926:

"The MacNivens used to be located about Loch-awe side and there is an island on Loch-awe, Craignish, named MacNiven Island. They are also to be found in the Island of Islay, and it is one of the oldest names there, and no one can tell when they went there first. Craignish and Loch Awe are on the mainland, and the Island of Islay is not far from them and all there places are in Argyllshire. Your people left Islay fpr America from Islay, or somewhere about Loch Awe near Oban, and if they left Islay you will be a relation of myself. It is interesting to see in history that the MacNivens’ occupied at one time the old MacNaughton Castle of Dunnachton in Strathspey, and William Chief of MacIntosh, in the early part of the 16^th century married Isabel MacNiven, the heiress of Dunnachton and the MacNivens’ Estate was then made over to the MacIntosh. MacNiven is fromt eh Gaelic MacNaomhain which means – the son of the saint. The Macnivens have no tartan of their own, they are dependants or connected with the clan Cumming and so ar the Nevins. The badge of the MacNivens is a bent plam tree, and of the Nivens, a straight palm tree. In the graveyard of Kildalton Parish, Islay, the cave walls of the old church are still to be seen and inside the church there are five laiss belonging to the MacNivens, and the following inscription is on one of the tombstones, "This is the burying place of Malcom Mac Niven, Tenant Crage-fin who died June 20,1758." Malcolm was a young man when your people left for America.

I was born in the island of Tiree, and my father and maother were natives of the island of Islay, and my grandfather and all my ancestors were buried in the laiss referred to.

The MacNivens are not numerous but they are still about Loch-Awe and in Islay. The name was pronounced in the olden days as MacNeevan, and that is whu the younger generations got confused as to the proper way of spelling it.

I recommend you to write to Mr. Archibald MacNiven, President of the Oban and Lorn Association, Mrs. T.B. Watson, London, Mr. Duncan MacNiven, Solicitor and Bank Agent, Fort William, Rev. James MacNiven, M.A. Clerk of Presbytery, The Manse, Lochcarron.

Mr. Archibald MacNiven, a retired business gentleman, is a relation of my own. Mrs. Watson’s maiden name is Niven, they dropped the Mac, and she is a cousin of my own. Her husband is an Editor of some newspaper in London and also a publisher and her son who is quite young is a Captain in the Army. Duncan MacNiven is probably of the Loch Awe branch."

He writes again, 12 April 1926:

"My name is John, son of John, son of John, son of Angus born 1746, son of Malcolm of Craigfinn. I cannot say whether Malcolm had a brother called Donald, but am writing to my brother and to other friends in hiope that they will be able to give the information required. There were and are Donald MacNivens but whether they were called after MacNivens I cannot say just now. I was told that there were two branches of MacNivens in Islay. My father and his brother Angus left Islay about 75 years ago. My grandfather was called John and the names of his family were as follows: – Angus, Isabella, Mary, Kate and John. The oldest son, Angus, had two sons John and Donald and they are both dead and their father Angus died at Ardachy, Isle of Mull on 15 January 1893, aged 90 years. Isabella married a Carmichael and brought up a large family, if I remember well in Ontarion, Canada. I do not know all their names but there was Donald, Angus, and Duncan, and there were also girls. One of them, Duncan, was a medical doctor. The names of Aunt Mary’s family were John, Duncan, Isabella, Kate, Flora and Marion. Aunt Kate was married to a Donald Bell and the names of their family were Niel, Isabella and Kate. My father was theyoungest of the family and he married Ann Campbell, Truddernish, Kildalton Parish and settled down in Tiree and brought up his family there. The names of our family are as follows: Angus, Alexander, John, William, Malcolm, Mary and Janet. Lachlan and Dugald died in infancy. My father John died in Tiree 14 January 1906, aged 76. Aunt Kate’s second husband was James MacNiven, an Islay man.

Mrs. T.B. Watson, mentioned above, of 57 The Mall, Southgate, London, N 14, writes, 3 May 1926:

Just about the time your letter reached me I was very rushed preparing for our only daughter’s return from Peking with her baby after four years absence. But I wrote to a cousin in Islay and a sister in Paisley asking if they could give me any information to pass on to you.

Unfortunately neither of them knew anything beyond our Grandfather MacNiven of Ballytaroan (sic) farm, Brigend, Islay. My uncle Duncan had the farm afterward and he died a few years ago and a neqhew of his (and cousin of mine) has carried on the farm with the widow since. My father was Malcolm MacNiven but we were always known as Nivens, and my parents were very stay at home people who did not trouble much about their realtion. Apart from the Islay Aunts and Uncles coming out to Paisley occasionally on a visit we never kept much in touch. In fact I am afraid that several of my cousins have not deen.

Copy of a letter form Malcolm Macniven, Conesby, Bruichladdich, Bridgen, Islay, March 1926.

I regret I cannot trace the Daniel or Donald MacNiven to whom you refer nor the John Macniven married to Mary McArthur. There are several branches of the McNiven family in Islay. My own branch resided in the village of Conesby for tradition says 600 years. My father had two Brothers Archibald and Donald both of which left Conesby and went to Glasgow. Archibald had three son, Malcolm, Archibald, Donald. The former died last January in Glasgow. My father Hugh was born in 1807, his father’s name was Malcolm, son of Archibald, son of Malcolm, son of Charles. These all lived and died at Conesby except those who immigrated and went to live in other places. The burial place of our family is the ancien Churchyard of kilchoman said to be over 1000 years old. Thanking you for writing and the interest you have taken in the McNiven family in Islay."

Duncan Macniven, of Macniven & Macniven Estate Agents, Fort William, Scotland, sends, 10 May 1926, this letter:

As to my father’s family, as far as I know we have no connection with the Argyllshire Macnivens. I know there are quite a number of Macnivens in the Bonawe and Loch Etive districts of Argyllshire, and also in the island of Mull. My father’s family, however, came from Perthshire and were in the Doune district of Perthshire for generations. I have been told, however, that the brying place of the older families was at Luss in Dumbartonshire, and I know of one family, I do not think they were any blood relation, but they had been for many years at Luss and woned the slate quarries there, and lived on a large farm call Shemore.

I remember seeing a good many years ago an account of a number of Macnivens who were in some way attached to the Clan Mackintosh and were said to have been massacred in the Badenoch (Kingussie) District.

I had a call today from an old man from Ballygrant in Islay. He tells me that he knows a number of Macnivens there and as far as he can remember the oldest family were known by the name Nevin. They resided at Pennycraig, Bowmore, and he thinks a survivor of this family is now living in Bowmore. There was a family of Macniven who lived at Rockside. One of them was a Schoolmaster and he had a very clever family and his sons reached positions of eminence. There is a Macniven still at Rockside and he is known as the Bard of Islay. . . .

Curiously enough, two years ago I met by accident at Brighton a Major McLullich whose family belonged to Argyllshire. As you perhaps know, McLullich is a purely Argyllshire name and this was my mother’s name. His brother, who was a Bishop, was going into the family history of the McLulich’s and I was able to give him considerable information.

Acting upon information in the above letter I wrote to Bowmore and received this reply from William Aitkin, Royal Bank House, Whiting Bay, Arran, 27 January 1927:

"My wife is Catherine M’Niven eldest daughter of Alexander Mniven who died at Bowmroe in 1922 in his 85^th year. He in turn was the eldest son of Duncan Mniven who resided first at Pennycraig, Bowmare, and latterly at Springfield, Bowmore. My wife’s father had three brothers who predeceased him, without issue, so there is no kith and Kin to get further information from. Certain iti is that the M Nivens I am referring to are a very old Islay family. When being spoken to in Gaelic their name was always prounced "Nevin" or "Mac nevin". My wife has a sister, Martha, who are the sole issue of Alexander M Niven and the sole remaining isuue of their grandfather Duncan M Niven. To try and keep up the name we have named our only child Alexander M Niven Aitkin."

In Popular Tales of the West Highlands is "The Ridire of Grianaig, and Iain the soldier’s son: a story told in the Gaelic by Donald MacNiven, a lame carrier of Bowmore, Islay, and written down in Gaelic and English by Hector MacLean 5 July 1859, who says: "Donald MacNiven learned this tale from an old man named Neil MacArthur who died twenty years ago. MacNiven is over forty, a cripple, but sometimes acts as a carrier, driving a cart from Bowmore to Port Ellon and Port askaig. He is of fair complexion, a demure expression, and evidently loves the wonderful. I do not think he can either read or write. I was told he could recite a considerable number of tales, but he tells me he has forgot them from having given up reciting them."

The earliest instance I have found of Nevin in Islay occurs about 1520 when one, Macniven, is mentioned as constable of the Castle of Dunivaig.

Because of its beauty and fertility, the people of the Hebrides called Islay, "Queen of the Isles". Dean Monro, writing in 1542, says of it: "Ane ile of twentie myle lengthe from North to South, and sixteene myle in breathe from eist to sest, fertil, fruitfull, and full of naturall grassing, with many greate deire, many woodes, faire games of huntinge beside every toune, with ane watter callit Laxay, whereupone maney salmon are slaine, with ane saltwatter loch callit Loch-gunord quherien runs the Watter of geynord with high sandey bankes upon the whilk bankes upon the sea lyes infinite selccheis (seal) whilk is slaine with dogges learnt to the same effect."

The following is from the Manuscript of Rev. Duncan C. Niven, of Monticello, New York:

‘The home of the Niven family, Islay or Isla, the ancestral home of our branch of the family is the most southwestern in the inner group of islands lying off the western coast of Scotland, known as the Hebrides. . . . The earliest ancestor of the MacNiven family that I have been able to unearth was Malcolm macNiven of Cargostan, Islay. Just when he was born is a matter of uncertainty but probably about 1715. He was a man well to do for those days being a raiser of horses and cattle. The name of his wife is unkown to me. They had four sons, Daniel, Duncan, Archibald and Neil. Possibly there was a fifth one. I have no means of ascertaining which of their sons was the oldest but as Daniel was the only one of Malcolm’s sons who came to America and whose time of birth is known, I have taken him as a starting point. He was born at Cargostan, Islay, in 1742. When he was 23 years of age he determined to leave Scotland for the New World. Whether to improve his fortune or to escape impressment into the English naval Service is not known but probably for both reasons. He landed in New York in 1765, and there engaged in business. When the war between the Colonies and Great Britain broke out, with the love of the Highlander for freedom he at once joined the Rebel cause and was commissioned a Captain of Engineers in the Revolutionary Army. He continued with the army until it was disbanded at Newburgh, N.Y. He then returned to New York and carried on business as a merchant as we find in the New York Directory for 1786. Shortly after he removed a mile and a half northwest of New Windsor where he purchased a farm and milling property now known as West Newburgh. Here he lived until his death 20 November 1807. He was one of the original members of the Society of the Cincinnati and was an ardent friend and supporter of George Washington. He was buried in "The Old Town Burying Ground" at Newburgh.

He was twice married. First to Eleanor . . . . .? who had sons Malcolm, John, Daniel, and a daughter Rachel. They with their mother were buried in the cemetery of the Scotch Chuch in Cedar Street New York. His second wife was Jane Wallace of New York by whom he had twelve children.

Malcolm MacNiven’s son Duncan married Florn, daughter of Captain Colin Campbell and his wife Mary McCarty, and moved fromCargostan to Bowmore, where their son Daniel MacNiven was born 12 June 1766. Daniel landed in New York 16 April 1791, and visited his uncle Daniel Niven Sr. in New burgh and then returned to New York where he was in the merchant tailoring business until 1799 when he returned to Newburgh and continued in the same line until 1810. He again returned to New York and then to Wurtsboro where he bought a property and kept an inn. He was married by Rev. John McMann, D.D. in the City of New York, 24 April 1798, to Ann VanRiper, daughter of John VanRIper and Catherine Post. Daniel Niven 5 January 1867, aged 100 years 6 months and 23 days.

After his death this was found among his papers:

"That the bearer hereof Donald macNiven lawful son of Duncan MacNiven and Florence Campbell in Bowmore, Island of Islay was born and hitherto mostly lived in this our Parish, always behaving himself civilly, honestly and inoffensively, free of public scandal or ground of church censure. Note, whereas he now intends leaving the country there is no reason why he may not be received into any Christian Society where Providence may order his lot.

Attested at Bomore, 14 February 1791

By John Murdock, Min.

Aleser MacEonne, Elder.

Donald Adair, Elder.

Also: The above Donald MacNiven was naturalized in the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Orange on the first Tuesday of September, One thousand eight hundred and two.

Per Curiam

Hopkins, Clerk.

Catherine and Isabella, sisters of Daniel Nevin Jr., came to America later as did John, son of Neil the brother of Daniel Nevin Sr. Duncan and Archibald MacNiven, cousins of Daniel Jr. came from Bowm ore to America, Duncan settling in North Carolina about 1820.

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In 1738 Captain Lauchlin Campbell arrived in New York from Bowmore, Islay, with 30 families of Highlanders; in August 1739, he brought over 40, and in 1740, 13 families, making a total of 423 persons. In the immigration of 1738 came John McNiven and Mary McArthur his wife, Elizabeth and Mary their daughters. George McKenzie and Caterin McNiven his wife, Donald and Collin their sons.

The Governor of New York had promised to grant land at Wood Creek to the settlers but a difference arose over the taxation;

It was not until some twenty years later, or in 1763, that the grants were finally made. On the list of those entitled to land at that time, appears "John Nevin and wife, one son and four daughters, himself, and wife dead." Another list mentions Archibald McNiven, 350 acres. Rachel McNiven 300 acres. Marian McNevan 300 acres.

The Argyle settlement was finally laid out and Archibald Nevin was granted lot No. 71 of 350 acres. Rachel Nevin No. 72 of 300 acres.

The History of Washington County does not, however, include Archibald and Rachel Nevin among those who settled on their tracts. O’Callaghan says: "The emigarnts did not all come to Washington county to occupy the land allotted, some remained where they had settled after the collapse of Captain Campbell’s scheme but those who did settle in Argyle were related either by blood or marriage. Some enlisted for the war in the West Indies, others wandered forth and became scattered among the Dutch of the river colonies above New York." Captain Campbell, who had spent his fortune on this immigration, died of a broken heart.

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The Testament &c of the deceased Effie McNiven spouse to Donald McIntyre, ditcher in Kilchrenan . . . . the time of her decease which was in the month of November 1734 Faithfully given up by Donald McNiven in Scoull brother german, and Katherine McNiven sister german to the said defunct and Archibald McNokaird in Kellenaish husband to the said Katherine . . . &c. Debts &c. Funeral expenses £50 scots. Confirmed 2 January 1735. (Vol. 11. Argyle Commissariot Testaments)

The Testament &C of umquhile John McNiven at Smerby Milne in the parish of Campbletoun who deceased in the month of November 1724. . . . given up by Robert Mitchell in Upper Ballemenoch, north Kintyre executor &c . . . margaret McALister relict of the said defunct. Confirmed at Inverary 15 February 1725. (Vol. 8. Argyl Com. Test.)

Inventar of the goods & c of the decased Mary McDonald spouse to John McNiven in Geradill in Ardnamuchin who died in September 1699. Given up by the said John for himself and in name of John, Archibald, Alexander, Ronald and Katherine McDonalds her brothers and sisters executors Free Gear £682 – 13 – 4 Confirmed 17 December 1700. (Inventories of Argyle No. 8)

Islay

The Testament &c of Duncan McNill and the deceased Mary McNiven in Ardbegi his spouse in common the time of his decase which was in the month of July 1727. Given up by Katherine McNab only lawful daughter and Executrix dative qua nearest of kin in him decerned to the said defunct and Duncan McNab her father and Tutor of Law Sum of Inventary &c Item Angus McNiven in Cregfin of tocher (dowry) 5 cows £10 each £50 Debts, Free Gear &c Confirmed 3 September 1728 (Vol. 3 Isles Testaments)

When the lands of Craignish reverted to the Argylls by failure of direct heirs male, Archibald, fourth Earl of Argyll, with consent of Dame Katherine Maclean, his spouse, feued the lands of Soroba, Ellan MacNiven (Eileen or Island MacNiven) and Ellan Nahuisaig, by Charter dated 11 January 1549, to Dugald of the family of Campbell of Melfort." (p. 15. Memorial Hist. of Campbells of Melfort, Argyllshire. M.O. Campbell. London. 1882. p.p.)

"Schir Newyn M’Vicar, Commissar of Ergile" is mentioned in a contract between the Bishop of the Isles and Lauchlin MacLean of Dowar, 26 December 1580. (General Register of Deeds. Vol. 19. p 15. Transactions of Iona Club)

Rental of the Parishes of Islay

Rent Roll of Kildalton. Commencing Whitsunday 1733.

Arras, Keantour (Kintour), and Stein – a spacious quarter-land , very good for stock, being in three separate divisions. Third division, Keantour – Angus Mc Nevin. old rent sterling 10-10-0, new rent 13-7-2 1/3 Kilarrow and Kilmenie, Whitsunday 1741.

Mullindrei (Mullintrea) – a good possession, very good for sowing and a competent holding – Donald McNiven, rent 14-19-0.

Kilchomane. Kilstavens (sic) over and nather, set to John McNiven and payes of siluer maillis and tynd siluer lxxxiiij lib.

wodderis j

sheip j

lambes j

buttir ij quartis

hens ij egis ij duson

stirkis half

multour beir and meill ij bollis

(The Book of Islay. G.G. Smith. Edinburgh. 1894. p.p.)

Births and Marriages – Kildalton Parish Register, Islay.

Kildalton begins biths and marriages 1723. Births blank 1744-45; 1755-58; 1762-89. Marriages blank 1766-89.

8 November 1741. Duncan macNiven in Craigfinn had a child baptised called Archibald.

22 August 1725. Angus McKniven in Knock . . . child to be called Jonnatt.

29 May 1726. John McNivan and Ann McCulachan in Kilneachitin, child called K . . . torn.

25 March 1733. John McNiven in Kilnaughton, child called Isabel.

22 May 1733. Duncan mcNiven in Kenture, child called john.

26 August 1739. " " torn

18 April 1736. Duncan Nivin. in Ardneinach, child called Marrion

1 July 1740. Duncan McNiven in Ardtalla, child Jan . . .

20 February 1726. Duncan mcNab and Mary McNivan both in this parish proclaimed.

No Paris Registers for Kilchoman prior to 1821. Bowmore (and Kilarrow) begin births 1763. Marriages 1771. Deaths 1817. Births blank from march 1778 to March 1780. Marriages blank from June 1781 to February 1783. Kilmeny is a quoad sacra parish belonging quoad civilia to the parish of Bowmore or Kilarrow. Begins births 1802. No marriages.

Bowmore births.

13 July 1783. John McNiven and Janet Morrison in Bowmore a son Donald.

24 July 1796. Do Do a daughter Ann.

5 March 1799. Do Do a son James.

12 September 1784. Malcolm McNiven and kathrine Currie, a daughter Isabel.

29 October 1786. Neil McNiven and Flory McDonald in Town, son Alexander.

17 November 1789. Neil macniven and Mary Macdonald, a son Donald.

15 December 1789. Donald Macniven Tenant in Roskern and Catherine Mackay a daughter Florence.

5 April 1790. Duncan son to Donald macniven, Tenant in Taivullich and mary Shaw his spouse.

9 October 1792. James Macniven and Janet Maclean in Carabus, son John.

25 November 1794. Do Do a daughter Mary.

27 November 1794. Marrion daughter to John Macniven and Ann Macgiil his spouse in Roskern was baptized.

11 Mach 1797. Janet daughter to John Macniven and Mary Cargill his spouse in Roskeirn.

13 May 1798. Mary duaghter to John Macniven and Ann Cargill in Rosjeirn.

6 June 1798. Donald son to Archibald macniven and Florence Mackay his spouse in Bowmre was baptized.

9 June 1799. John son to Alexander McNiven and Isabell McNiven his spouse in Bowmore was baptized.

Marriages.

4 December 1773. Duncan MacMillan in Bowmore and Cathrine MacNiven both in this parish proclaimed.

31 May 1789. Donald MacNiven and Mary Shaw both in this parish proclaimed.

12 Dec. 1789. Archibald macgilora in Gartanta and Mary Macniven daughter to JohnMacniven tenant in Roakern proclaimed and married 15^th inst.

30 Nov 1792. Neil Williamson a young man in Carbus in this parish and Catherine Macniven daughter to John Macniven tenant in Corsaboll parish of Kilchoman proclaimed and married 5 December 1792.

21 Nov 1799. Alexander McNiven in Scarabus this parish and Florence Curiie this parsih both young persons proclaimed and married 26 November.

28 Dec 1799. John McNiven a young man in Teck, parish of Kilchoman and Florence Cavpbell in Killmaillin this parish married 2 January 1800.

ARGYLE PARTICULAR REGISTER SASINES

Vol 5 fol 338. 88 June 1726. Discharge and Renunciation by Donald McNiven in Killchoan now of Lochnell in Ardnamurchan to Sir Duncan Campbell eldest son and heir of the deceased Alexander Campbell of Lochnell all the whole the 5 penny lands of Girgadill on payment of 2000 merks scots as the redemption price thereof conform to Contract of wadset 2 Novmeber 1697 between the deceased Alexander Cmpbell of Lochnell and the said Donald McNiven. At Ardmucknish in Lorn 23 April 1726. Witnesses, Archibald Campbell of Auchatenie, Mr. Collin Cmpbell fo Auchacharn, Duncan McNiven son to John McNiven in Girgadill, Archibald mcNiven my son and Donald Cmpbell servitor to the said Sir Duncan Campbell.

Vol. 41 fol 73. 31 August 1709. Sasine on Disposition by Donald McNivine in Killmorie Ardnamurchan to James Campbell fifth lawful son to Alexander Campbell of Lochnell his heirs male &c of the just and equall fourth part of the 5 penny land Girgadill with houses &c lying in the parish of Killchoan, Barony of Ardnamurchan and shire of Argyle redeemable under reversion by Alexander Campbell of Lochnell upon payment of 500 merks scotts being a poportionable part of the sum of 2000 merks whereupon the said lands are redeemable by the said Alexander Campbell from the said Donald McNiven his liferent conforme to the Reversion contained in a Contract of Wadset by the said Alexander to the said Donald of the said lands of Girgadill reserving to the said Donald his life rent use of the same and in case Mary Campbell his spouse survive him reserving to her the sum of £10 yearly during her lifetime &c . . . John McNiven in Girgadill is attorney for said James Campbell. Dispostion at Mengarie 8 August 1707. Sasine 22 August 1709 Witnesses Archibald, Alexander and Coline Campbell sons to said Alexander Campbell 9 May 1639. Burgh Records. Roll of soldiers sent out be the Toun for the comoun service, on the 8 May 1639. Johne M’Nevin furneist wt musket and sword. And all deluerit to James lenx, Lowetenant to the Laird of kilbyrnie, Captaine fo rht esheriffdome of Dumbarton; being twentiethrie men, armit as said viz. fourten musketers, and nyne pikmen and all haueing swords, victuallit and furneist wt ten dayes provisioun in victuall and money.

These men were sent out "for the suppressing of the rebellion of borken men." The 27 June it was found that "thair was nae conflict at the border wt the enemies qrin wapounis myt have been loisst. Thairfor ordaine all the soufouris that past fra this burgh mak restitution of the wapounis and armor thay got wt thaim out of this burgh." (History of Dubartonshire. J. Irving. Dumbarton. 1860. p 520)

Dumbarton 8 July 1563. Gift to Andro maknevin his heirs &c, of the escheat goods of Isobell Bannatyne sous to Andro Lundy in the Queen’s hands through the said Isobell being denounced rebel at the instance of the kind friends of umquhile Laurence Hoggoner for participation in the slaughter of the said laurence. (Register of the Privy Seal. Vol 32 fol 6)