We think our Donegal McKee family likely had its roots in the M’Kie family – started about 700 years ago in Larg, Minnigaff parish, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. In the 1684 Parish Lists which included Wigtonshire plus Minnigaff, there were 265 McKie residents – centered on Minnigaff and Peninghame parishes. The small river Cree divided these two counties, with Minnigaff (including the original M’Kie settlement of Larg) on the east bank, and the town of Wigton, and township of Penninghame (including Andrew M’Kie at Mertoun (Myrtoun) Hall in the 1695 Wigtonshire Tax List). I have included an old map of these townships with pointers added to Larg and Mertoun Hall. The church at Minnigaff was also close to the river and handy to Penninghame parish.

This book (or these books – counting the volumes separately) gives interesting history on the M’Kie family, as well as all the property owners in these two counties.

Click and Read this Galloway History Here

Click on the links below to access these volumes as PDF files. If you wish you can print sections, or save them to your computer.

Volume 1 – Galloway History (Wigtonshire),
Volume 2 – Galloway History (Wigtonshire),
Volume 3 – Galloway History (Kirkcudbrightshire),
Volume 4 – Galloway History (Kirkcudbrightshire),
Volume 5 – Galloway History (Kirkcudbrightshire).

Recall there are indices at the end of Volume 2 and 5. When you access these files with a browser or PDF reader you can use the search feature to find and access all mentions of M’Kie (or Boyd, etc). This is faster than using the book index, and then scrolling to pages individually.

Some History Excerpts on (A) Larg, and (B) Mertoun Hall

The M’Kie Family history starts in Larg, Minnigaff Parish, Kirkcudbrightshire. This is described in Volume 4 of M’Kerlie’s book, pages 404 to 411. For easy access, we have copied these pages about the history of Larg to this webpage. In this 1878 description of the early history of the M’Kie family of Larg, Peter M’Kerlie quotes a much earlier book, A Large Description of Galloway, by Andrew Symson, Minister of Kirkinner Parish, 1684. But in quoting Symson, M’Kerlie asks if this early history is believable and says he thinks “mostly” Yes. On page 406 M’Kerlie writes:

“Such is the account given of them, but there are no doubt some rather curious points in it, the principal, we think, being that the widow had three sons by three different husbands. However, as with most Galloway traditions, there is very little doubt of the truth of the history; only it is evident we have not obtained the whole of it in proper shape, and what is given comes down in a way which those ignorant of the early history of the district might quibble over.”

Symson’s book, A Large Description of Galloway, is also available as a pdf file. Appendix 4 in Symson’s book describes Minnigaff Parish and was written by Mr. Macfarlane. It describes Bruce’s early success here, including the recruitment of the M’Kie, Murdoch and McLurg stepbrothers, and a subsequent battle at Moss Raploch, where Bruce and about 300 Douglas troops defeated a larger English force. This victory is commemorated by the King’s Stone, pictured.

This history of the M’Kie family at Larg is interesting, but rather sad. During the period from about 1660 to 1690, they were strong in their Presbyterian convictions at a time this was forbidden by their English government. This was changed with the victory of William of Orange, and the subsequent Bill of Rights in 1689. See our previous webpage Exploring McKee Roots in Galloway for a brief outline of this Scottish history. Why were these M’Kie families (and others) willing to make larges sacrifices for their religious convictions? I think it was because the presbyteries offered more local power, compared with the centralized Catholic or Anglican religions. These families were independent and determined!

There is also interesting M’Kie (and Boyd) family history described in Volume 2 of M’Kerlie’s book which describes, on pages 318 – 321, the settlement at Mertoun which was in Penninghame Parish, Wigtonshire, but only 3 miles from the church at Minnigaff. This Mertoun history has been copied to the last part of this webpage, beyond the section on Larg, immediately below. We see a John M’Kie in possession from 1490, but also an Andrew M’Kie taking over in 1692. This property was taken over by Agnews in 1704, and then William Boyd, by 1772.

Where is our McKee Family from Donegal in this? We have Andrew McKee, died Loughros Point, born 1695. We have Andrew McKie, baptised Minnigaff Church, 1695, with father Andrew. Was this baptism our Andrew? Was he living with his father at Mertoun Hall? No firm answers yet, but good questions to ask, I think!

For easy access, I have copied below the 7 text pages from M’Kerlie’s Volume 4 describing the settlement at Larg, followed by the 4 pages in Volume 2 describing the settlement at Mertoun Hall. Click Here if you want to jump directly to Mertoun Hall.  But also, access the full texts through the PDF files as you wish.

(A) LARG, p 404 – 411 (Volume 4)

The early history of this property is not traceable, but we think that it formed part of the land known as Buchan Forest, from the Comyns, Earls of Buchan, having temporarily obtained the range of country in this district, afterwards known as such. This occupation arose from Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan, in 1254, having in right of his wife (grand-daughter of Alan, last Lord of Galloway) succeeded De Quincy, and thus laid the foundation for his family’s connection with Galloway, until overthrown by King Robert the Bruce. It is necessary to state that Larg flew forms a part of the present estate of Kirrouchtree. It is however, difficult to write an account of each unless given separately, which we will follow out. The estate of Larg formed a separate barony. At what period it was made into one we do not know. The name is derived from the Gaelic leirg or learg, a green slope, a little eminence, or a field of battle. All three can be applied in this case.

In the time of King Robert the Bruce, it became the property of the M‘Kies. Their history commences in his reign, and so far as we can trace, they were not previously known in the district, that is as owners of land. This is to some extent certain, from the fact that their name does not appear in the list of the companions-in-arms of Sir William Wallace, nor in the Ragman Roll; at the same time we find the names which were borne by the younger brothers in the Roll, as of those who swore fealty to the usurper. We may as well give an outline of Symson’s account of them- When Robert the Bruce was in hiding in Galloway, after his defeat by the English in Carrick, he is stated to have lodged in a Widow’s cottage on the farm of Craigencallie (see account of). Suspecting his rank, she put the question if he were her liege lord. Replying in the affirmative, he then asked her if she had any sons to serve under him. Her reply was that she had three sons by three different husbands, who were at his service. They were powerful men, and he tested them in the use of the bow, their only weapon. The eldest was called M‘Kie, and he proved his efficiency, by shooting through their heads two ravens, perched on a rock. Murdoch, the second son, was equally fortunate, having shot another raven through the body when flying. The youngest, however, named M‘Lurg, was not so fortunate. The English about this time were encamped in Raploch moss, a great flow, on the other side of the Dee. Being much inferior in strength, a stratagem was hit upon in collecting together all the horses that could e found, as well as goats, which were kept together. The neighing of the horses, and at the distance the horns of the goats, made the English think them a large army, and at break of day King Robert, having attacked with great fury, a great number were killed; panic-stricken the army was routed, and fled in disorder. In commemoration of this success, a very big stone in the centre obtained the name of the King’s stone, from, as stated, his having leaned his back on it while his men gathered up the spoil. In support of this battle having been fought there, broken swords and heads of pikes have been found in the flow when digging for peats.

The three young men are said to have continued in the service of the king until he was fully established on the throne, when King Robert bestowed lands and other favours upon his followers. On being asked what reward they expected, the reply was that perhaps they might be granted the bit hassock of land between the Penkill and Palnure burns, which they accordingly obtained. Such is the account given of them, but there are no doubt some rather curious points in it, the principal, we think, being that the widow had three sons by three different husbands. However, as with most Galloway traditions, there is very little doubt of the truth of the history; only it is evident we have not obtained the whole of it in proper shape, and what is given comes down in a way which those ignorant of the early history of the district might quibble over. The grant of land lay between Palnure and Penkill burns, extending five miles long and about three miles broad. This was divided into three portions, the eldest son, M‘Kie, obtained the land afterwards formed into the barony called Larg-Murdoch, the second son, the portion called Comloddan; and M‘Lurg, Kirouchtrie, part of which is now separate: and called Machermore.

The earliest record of the name in Galloway is about 1330, in a payment for the relief of their land in Wigtown. We have read a statement that the Mackays of Sutherlandshire, and the M‘Kies of Galloway, are one and the same family. This we think not improbable. The Northmen over-ran and seized on Sutherlandshire, and, as will be found under Cruggleton, parish of Sorby, some had to flee, and found refuge in the South—west. The other names, Murdoch and M‘Lurg, are to be found in the Ragman Roll. The first as Johan Murthoc, del counte de Dumfres, and the next as Gilbert Maklurk. They were in the district, and swore to serve King Edward I. against their own country. The words “del Counte de Dumfres” mean the Stewartry as it now is. It was always so called at the Period mentioned in the English Rolls.

With reference to the M‘Kies of Larg, although the land was obtained by them early in the fourteenth century, yet we cannot find any record of their possession until about the end of the sixteenth. The first notice is in 1554, when Patrick M‘Kie was the owner of Larg. He married Margaret, eldest daughter of Sir Alexander Stewart, of Garlies, by Katherine, his third wife, daughter of William Stewart, 0f Barclye (now of Tonderghie, parish of Whithorn), and had issue, so far as known, Alexander, and Patrick.

In his father’s life-time Alexander, styled younger of Larg, married, in 1575, Katherine, eldest daughter of Patrick Agnew, of Lochnaw. He succeeded his father, but when, is not recorded. He died without issue in 1590, and was succeeded in Larg by his brother Patrick, who had also retour as his brother, and heir, of the farms of Stranard and Tonnergre, on the 29th May 1628. There appears to be a slight mistake in the date, as we also find under date 4 June 1586, that Patrick M‘Kie of Largs borrowed 300 merks from Alexander M‘Ghie of Balmaghie, and bound himself to infeft him in the ten—shilling lands of Clongerran in Monnygaff. Patrick was twice married, first, to a daughter of Sir Thomas Kennedy of Culzean; and after her death to a daughter of Uchtred M‘Dowall of Garthland, Parish of Stoneykirk. The issue he had we do not find mentioned, excepting an only son, whose name is not given, and Agnes, who married George Gordon of Kirkdale, (?) son of John Gordon of Airds, parish of Kells. We find him styled Sir Patrick, but when knighted does not appear. It is not improbable that he obtained the spurs abroad, as it is mentioned that he served under Gustavus, King of Sweden, and we think at the same time with Lesly. Sir Patrick joined the Earl of Cassillis’ regiment in the Presbyterian army, which assembled under Lesly (afterwards Earl of Leven) at Dunse Law, Berwickshire, in 1639. The same year, at Newburn, near New Castle, Northumberland, his only son is stated to have taken a colour from the English, which in triumph he waved over his head, and through this was slain by mistake. His Christian name is not given, nor by which marriage. When Sir Patrick died we do not find mentioned. He borrowed large sums on the land in connection with his military services; no doubt in aid of the Presbyterian cause. The agreement was that if the money were not repaid when required, the creditor was to sit down in the house of Larg, and uplift the readiest rents until paid. The Herons of Kirouchtrie, who had ready money, seem to have been the principal creditors; but we also find that money had been obtained from the Lochinvar family. On the 2nd February 1630, John, son of Robert Gordon of Lochinvar, had sasine of the barony of Larg, Culgow, Little Park, Barncaughlary, Craignine, and Laggan. Again, on the 17th March 1635, John, Viscount Kenmure, son of John, had the same. The last found is in March 1693, when Patrick Heron of Kirouchtrie had sasine of the land and barony of Larg, and land of Monnygaffe, etc., thus evidently absorbing all the previous wadsets.

The property from this time became deeply involved. Sir Patrick was succeeded by Patrick M‘Kie. The degree of relationship is not mentioned. On the 22nd January 1664, he had sasine of the lands and barony of Larg. He is described as the son of Patrick M‘Kie of Barjarrock. Previously, about 1662, he was fined £260 by the Privy Council for his adherence to the Presbyterian Church. On this occasion he is called Patrick M‘Ghie of Largie. On the 25th May 1664, there was a reversion by Archibald M‘Kie in Stronard to Patrick M‘Kie of Larg of the land of Stronard. Archibald probably was a brother or near kinsman. Again, in June, 1666, there was a reversion by James M’Crae in Palmerstoun to Patrick M‘Kie of Larg of the lands of Clongairt, Largspark, etc. He was succeeded by John M‘Kie, who probably was his son, but we have no means of clearing it up. He married Margaret, youngest daughter of Andrew Heron of Kirouchtrie. We are inclined to think that he was the M‘Ghie or M‘Kie of Larg, who, on the 2nd April 1679, was outlawed by the Prelatlc Committee for not appearing before them when summoned, He was again called on the 18th February 1680, before the Justiciary Court, and not appearing, was sentenced to be executed when taken, and his property confiscated to his Majesty’s (Charles II.) use. He happened to be dead when this was issued. His land was then forfeited, to be seized by that bloodthirsty man, the Duke of Queensberry. The lands were placed by him in charge of the cash keeper of the cruel confederation, Hugh Wallace of Ingliston, who kept them in his own possession till the Revolution. John M‘Kie of Larg left no issue. His widow afterwards married James Lidderdale of St Mary’s Isle, parish of Kirkcudbright, and had issue. When the Revolution came, the creditors then had access to the Larg estate, and with the pretended heirs of line, obtained possession of a large portion, except what Patrick Heron of Kirouchtrie had right to by wadset. On the 24th January, 1691 John Makie in Penninghame, heir male of Patrick Makie of Larg, had retour of the barony of Larg, comprehended in ten librates terrarum of Cumlodden, Littlepark, and Largspark, Strinord, and Tonderghie. We are further informed that Patrick M‘Kie of Larg to whom he (John) was heir, was the son of Patrick M‘Kie of Barjarock, who was brother of Robert Makie of Corsbie, who was father of said John M‘Kie in Penninghame, who succeeded. This John M‘Kie had become the owner of Palgoun. From the hold Patrick Heron of Kirouchtrie had over the land, he and John M‘Kie of Palgoun were in constant strife, which ended in a law plea. It is stated that John M‘Kie made his claim not as the heir-at-law, but the desire to have all the Larg estate, as transacted (arranged) with the heirs of line. From this it is evident that the latter were not in a position to clear off the incumbrances, or come forward to make good their right, and that John M‘Kie of Palgoun having the means, as an offshoot, had purchased their claim. The strife, although warm for some time, ended amicably by the division of the land, by which Palgoun got the title and residence. He was succeeded by his son Alexander M‘Kie. Afterwards, as mentioned under Kirouchtrie, Patrick Heron’s only son Patrick, married Margaret M‘Kie, Palgoun’s second daughter, which ultimately brought the whole of the barony of Larg to the Herons. Under Kirouchtrie and Palgoun the continuation will be found.

The old tower of Larg is about half a mile east of Kirouchtrie.

All that now remains of it is shown in this sketch. When we took it we felt that in a few years hence only the site will be visible unless means are taken to strengthen the ruin.
The armorial bearings of the M‘Kies were— Two ravens, proper, upon a field argent, with an arrow through their heads.

This was symbolical of the display of skill with the bow before Robert the Bruce.
Symson (1684) mentions a spot called the gout well of Larg in regard to which the story is told that a piper stole away the money offering left by some pious worshipper. The sacrilege, however, had its penalty, for, drinking ale at some inn, and intending to pay his score with the money purloined, the gout seized on him with such power that there was no cure but the well, first restoring the stolen money. The human mind is easily acted on at seasons, and in these days of superstition a priest or friar could make any man quake, and how much more one guilty of dishonesty, which is probably the substance of the story.

We have given the meaning of Larg, at the commencement.

End of History of LARG – Page 411 (Vol 4 )

(B) MERTOUN M’KIE now MERTOUN HALL Page 318 – 321, Volume 2

The earliest notice to be found of this property, is a charter granted by James III, dated 10th December 1477, granting the lands to John Kennedy of Blairquhan, and making it a burgh of barony.

It afterwards passed to the M’Kies, an account of which family will be given under Larg, Parish of Minnigaff. John M’Kie was in possession in the year 1490. In 1504 we again find John M’Kie. In the year 1555, Richard M’Kie had succeeded, who was followed by Archibald M’Kie in possession in 1587. The lands then seem to have passed from the M’Kies.

In sasine, September 1621, there is mention of a contract betwixt James Kennedy of Culzeane and Josias Stewart of Blairquhan, anent the lands of Myretoun, etc. By sasine, March 1628, we find James King in the lands of Myretoun. (We suppose M’Kie should be the name.) Sir William Cunynghame had sasine of Mertoun Herries in December 1637. The name had therefore been changed. The next notice found is that on the 24th October 1665, William Cunningham (burgess of Ayr) was served heir of William Cunningham of Caprington in the lands of Myrtoun Herries, etc He again had sasine, in July 1666, of the barony of Myrtoun Herries, etc. In December 1668, Wm. M’Kie of Maidland, Sheriff Clerk of Wigtown, and Isobell Adair, his spous, had sasine of the land of Meikle and Little Rigs (Eldrick ?)

In July 1670, Alexander Viscount Kenmure, had sasine of the lands and barony of Myrtoun, etc. In October 1685, Issobell Fergussone, spouse to Alexander M’Kie of Myretoun, had sasine of the three merk land of Barbuchannan (Barlauchan ?), three merk land of Knockbrex, and three merk land of Colberratan. All these lands now pertain to the Penninghame estate. It would thus appear that the M’Kies had either re-purchased Mertoun, or the sasines mentioned were only wadsets. From the name having been changed from Mertoun M’Kie to Mertoun Herries, we are inclined to think that it was a repurchase.

On the 27th December 1692, Andrew, son and heir of John M’Kie of Maitland (Wigtown), was served heir to the lands of Meikle and Little Eldrick, Garnachie (Garchu), parts of the barony of Mertoun M’Kie, then called Myrtoun Herries.

Alexander Agnew of Dalreagle now appears to have succeeded. On the 6th September 1704, Alexander Agnew (of Dalreagle) had sasine of the lands and barony of Myretoun; and on the 23rd October 1725, he and his eldest son Patrick of the same lands.

Then on the 8th December 1731, Patrick Agnew of Dalreagle, heir to the deceased Alexander Agnew of Dalreagle, his father, had sasine of the lands and baronie of Myretoun Agnew.

The Agnews do not appear to have held the lands any length of time. On the 23rd September 1772, Wm. Boyd had sasine of the lands and barony of Myretoun, etc., and again, on the 5th September 1778, he had sasine of the lands of Halsegreen, etc. In the last, he is described as minister of Penninghame.

He married Joanna, daughter of the Rev. James Maitland (a younger son of Pidrichie and Banchory), and had issue; Edward, who succeeded, William, and James.

It would seem, however, that there was another son, as on the 21st Sept. 1765, Mr. Wm. Boyd, minister in Peninghame had principal sasine in life-rent, and Andrew Boyd his son, in fie of the lands of Culgarie (Parish of Kirkinner).

On the 18th July 1791 Joanna Maitland, spouse to the Rev. Dr Wm. Boyd of Mortounhall, had sasine; and again on the 16th August 1794, she and her sons Edward, William, and James Boyd, had sasine of the lands of Mertoun Hall. On the 9th November 1799, Edward Boyd, merchant in London, had sasine of a portion of the barony of Myreton M’Kie, alias Myreton Agnew, now Myreton. On the 30th April 1802, he had sasine of the 40s. land of Ochiltree.

Edward succeeded his father. He married Jane, daughter of Benjamin Yule, and had issue: William-Sprott, E. I. Coy’s. Civil Service, deceased, Benjamin, merchant, who was killed in the South Sea Islands by the natives, having landed from his yacht to shoot, Mark, married Emma A., widow of Robert Coates, of Montagu Square, London, a West India proprietor, and John-Christian-Curwen, married Meeta, only daughter of Robert Campbell, and had children: Campbell, Edward-Lennox, James, Marion, Mary, Stewart, and Jessy, deceased.

The Boyds of Mertonhall claim descent from the Boyds of Kilmarnock. A good portion of the barony of Mertoun M’Kie or Herries, now belongs to the Penninghame estate. It consists of the lands of Carwarhill, Barfield, Mulloch, and Barnean.

Mertoun Hall house is of good size outwardly, and is surrounded with old timber, some of which, however, is being cut down. It might be made a very desirable residence, having good gardens, etc. It is to the west of Newton-Stewart, on the Portpatrick road.

End of Mertoun Hall History