History of the Johnstones, 1191-1909, with ... - Electric Scotland

THE
CHAPTER III.
The Johnstouns of Elphinstone.
descendants of Sir Gilbert de Johnestoun and Agnes of Elphinstone
took little part in the affairs of Dumfriesshire after 1 5 87. In the
comparative calm of East Lothian they prospered, and filled posts in
the Government, and seem to have been able to give assistance to their Chief
when the clan was hard pressed by foreign invasion and civil war.
Sir Gilbert died about 1501, and his son, Adam, in 1507. This Adam,
described as son and heir of Sir Gilbert Johnestoun, brought an action before
the Lords Auditors in 1484 against John, Laird of Johnestoun, apparently a
result of the Laird's purchase of Broomehills in 1480. Gilbert, Adam's son,
appears in 1507-8. John of Johnestoun was one of the conservators of the
peace with England in 1457, a Warden of the Marches, and always acted,
writes Douglas, " with vigour and intrepidity against the enemies of his
country."
Sir Adam of Elphinstone (he was knighted) had a brother, George, who
was possibly identical with George of Johnstoun, mentioned in 1463 with
regard to South Dumfriesshire. Andrew Johnstoun in Stapleton (Tower)
appears a little later, and his son, George, in 1504. Stapleton, where David I.
signed the grant of Annandale to Bruce, is described as one of the strongest
and most roomy towers on the Border, and, like Graitney Tower, required
armed men to defend it. These posts were filled by the relatives of the landowners,
and in times of peace, as well as in war, the garrisons so close to the
English border more than once joined their lawless neighbours in the Debateable
Land in a foray over the Solway to revenge old injuries, but it was
returned with double interest. Stapleton was afterwards incorporated in the
Barony of Newbie ; but in earlier times, like Graitney, it was under the control
of the Earls of March when Keepers of the Borders.
Sir Adam Johnstoun of Elphinstone was succeeded by his son, Gilbert,
who was killed at Flodden in 1513. The next year Andrew Johnstoun was
returned heir to Leuchie, part of the Elphinstone property; and in 1533 there
is an action by "Dame Amabel (also called Agnes) Hog, relict of the late
Sir Adam, against Andrew of Elphinstone, Superior of the lands of Nethermagask,
concerning her liferent of the same." The case went on for some
years. A daughter of Andrew of Elphinstone married Sir William Cranstoun,
according to a writ in favour of this couple and their son, 30th May 1533.