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

THE JOHNSTOUNS OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY 47
This John, the younger, was probably Adam's grandson. The other who is
mentioned in 1496 as John Johnstoun of that Ilk (the security that John, Lord
Carlile, should not molest William Carlile, his heir) may have been brother
or son to Laird Adam. Patrick Johnstoun of that Ilk, mentioned in 1542,
appears to have been another of Adam's sons. Robert Johnstoun of Over
Howcleuch, who had a dispute with a neighbour about some cows, a horse and
some swine, July 13, 1492, is called in two documents the son of Adam of
Johnstoun of that Ilk ; in another "of the late Adam of Johnstoun of Pensak,"
Pensak or Pennersax having been owned by Kirkpatrick, who sold it to
George of Corrie. A MS. pedigree, 149 years old, makes Adam of Pensak
son to the Laird Adam (1413-54). These chiefs and their relatives, like
the patriarchs of old, returned to their flocks and herds when the country was
at peace.
Adam of Johnstoun was ordered by the Lords Auditors to deliver to
Marion Liddell, widow of Sir Patrick Brown, a sack of wool, of 23 stone weight,
owed to the late Sir Patrick by the late John of Johnstoun, his brother. The
Laird's goods were to be distrained by force, as he was often called, but did not
appear. No patriotic sacrifices in those days excused a man from paying
family debts.
George de Johnstoun appears in 1463, in conjunction with William Douglas
of Drumlanrig, Oswald Lokert, Robert de Crichton, John Sinclair, David
Herries, apparent of Terregles, and Carmichael.
same as George Johnstoun of Elphinstone.
Possibly this George is the
Adam Johnstoun of that Ilk was pledge with Steuart of Castlemilk for
James Johnstoun of Castlemilk, Thomas Johnstoun of Graitney, George Corrie
of Corrie, and John Jardine of Apilgirth, 1493. In 1502 Thomas Johnstoun of
Graitney is pledge for Humphrey Johnstoun, Murray of Cockpool, John
Carruthers of Holmends, Robert Graham of Thornik, and John, the son of
Laurence Johnstoun, while Laurence Johnstoun ofWoodhous is pledge for his
brother, John. The Woodhous estate returned to the Laird in 1544 owing to
the failure of heirs.
In 1506-7 Carruthers of Holmends, who feued Wormanbie, near Annan,
disputed the fines he was called upon to pay by the Warden for depredations by
feuars for whom he was responsible on the Borders ; and to save his property
from being seized, Thomas Johnstoun of Graitney (Tower?) was ordered to pay
£41 for William Irving, "flee by the sky "; and Gavin Irving was amerced for
"certain other sums." His Majesty's Treasurer also proceeded against Lord
Maxwell, Adam of Johnstoun, and Murray to pay various sums on behalf
of certain depredators whom they were pledged to bring up for justice.
Among witnesses to Charters between 1493 and 1504 we find John
Johnstoun in Hoddam, Fergus Johnstoun in Woodcoker, John Johnstoun
of Hayhill, and Michael Johnstoun in Graitney. These names all refer to
the lords of the soil or their relatives. The peasantry would not have
witnessed Charters, and in other causes they were dealt with by the barons
without the trouble of appearing before a court of justice.