Person:Alexander Blair (1)

Alexander Blair - Alexander Cochrane

• He was given the name of Alexander Blair at birth. On 7 February 1601 the lands of Cochrane were settled on him.2 Before 30 July 1618 he acquired the lands of Auchencreugh, Ayrshire.2 Before 23 April 1623 he acquired the Barony of Cowdown, Neilstone, Renfrewshire.

Source - Cokayne, and others, The Complete Peerage, volume IV, page 526.

Source - Charles Mosley, editor, Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes (Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003), volume 1, page 1224. Hereinafter cited as Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, 107th edition.

1.   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ancestral File (TM) July 1996 (c), data as of 2 January 1996 (2).
2.   Alexander Cochrane, in Lundy, Darryl. The Peerage: A genealogical survey of the peerage of Britain as well as the royal families of Europe.

   Alexander Cochrane was the son of John Blair of that Ilk and Grizel Sempill.2 A contract for the marriage of Alexander Cochrane and Elizabeth Cochrane was signed on 24 July 1593.2 He died circa July 1641.2
   He was given the name of Alexander Blair at birth.3 On 7 February 1601 the lands of Cochrane were settled on him.2 Before 30 July 1618 he acquired the lands of Auchencreugh, Ayrshire.2 Before 23 April 1623 he acquired the Barony of Cowdown, Neilstone, Renfrewshire.2
   Children of Alexander Cochrane and Elizabeth Cochrane
   William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald+3 d. 1685
   Sir John Cochrane2
   Alexander Cochrane2 d. 1673
   Hugh Cochrane2
   Gavin Cochrane2 d. 1701

3.   Paul, James Balfour. The Scots peerage: founded on Wood's edition of Sir Robert Douglas's ‘Peerage of Scotland’ containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom, with armorial illustrations. (Edinburgh: D. Douglas, 1904-1914)
   Vol. 3, Pages 334 to 368.

   Cochran of Dundonald

4.   C O C H R A N E Earl of DUNDONALD
   
   The firname of Cochrane, is certainly local, and was affirmed by the proprietors of the lands and barony of Cochrane in Renfrew-fire, foon after firnames began to be ufed in Scotland.
   
   The immediate anceftor of this noble family, was
   
   Waldevus de Cochrane, who flourifhed in the reign of King Alexander III, and is witnefs to the charter which Dungaflut, filius Swayn, gave to Walter Stewart earl of Menteith; of the lands of Skilpnifh in Argylefhire, anno 1262. He died before 1296, and was fucceeded by his fon,
   William de Cochrane, who was one of the Scotch barons, that fwore feultry to king Edward I, of England, annno1296. Soon after this era, there was a man of rank named John Cochrane, who made a great figure in the reign of king Robert Bruce, and got a charter from that great prince, of the lands of Barbachly, for his good and faithful fervices, but is we cannont connect him with that noble family, we fhall only add here, that of this John, Harry Cochrane, now of Barbachly, Efq; is lineally defcended: The above William, was father of
   John de Cochrane, who is witnefs to the election of James abbot of Paifley, the 17th year of the reign of king David Bruce, anno 1346. He left iffue a fon and fucceffor;
   Goseline de Cochrane, who made a confiderable figure in the reign of king David Bruce. He appears to have been in great favour with king Robert II, when earl of Strathern, and was witnefs to many of his charters before he fucceeded to the crown of Scotland, particualary to a donation he made to the monaftery of Paifley, of the lands of Sanquhar, Cambuflang, Dularigs, anno 1367. He died in the beginning of 1368.
   William de Cochrane, fon and apparent heir of Gofeline, got a charter in his father’s lifetime, from John de Lindfay, of Dunrod, of the lands of Long-newton, William de Cochrane, flio Gofelini, anno 1360. He died before his father, leaving iffue a fon,
   Robert de Cochrane, who fucceeded to his grandfather, and made a refignation of all right and title he had to part of the lands of Kilanahew, in favours of Donald Nap, fon and heir of William Nap, and his attornies, Malcolm Fleming lord of Biggar, to which Richard Kinnaird of that ilk, and Alexander Abercrombie are witneffes. And refignation, in which this Robert is defigned doniumous ejafd, or lord of that ilk, is dated anno 1368. He died before the year 1389, and was fucceeded by his fon,
   William de Cochrane, a domious rjafd, who got a charter from king Robert II, upon his own refignation, of the lands and barony of Cochrane, in vic???, de Renfrew, to be held as freely, and in as ample a manner, as any of his predeceffurs held the fame, ?? at Kilwinning, the 22d September, 1389. And being in great favour with King Robert III, obtained from that prince, for his good and faithful fervices, and annuity of forty fillings sterling, out of the profits of the borgh of Raglene, dated the 24th day of February, 1391. About this time, there was one Gilbertus de Cochrane, witnefs to a charter of Duncan earl of Lennax, to Fir Robert Kennedy of Dunnure, datedanno 1391, suppofed to be the brother of William, but we can give no account of his pofterity. William died in the beginning of 1392 and left a fon,
   Robert de Cochrane dominus efnfd, who fucceeded him, and immedi- ately upon his father’s death, fold his barony of Long-newton, which appears by charter of vendition of thefe lands, to fir Henry Douglas of Lochleven, from Robert, fon and heir of William de Cochrane, dated anno 1392. He lived to a great age, died about 1450, and was fucceeded by his fon,
   Alanus de Cochrane, who is witnefs in a charter of a donation, by Robert lord Lyle, to the monks of Paifley, of a fifhing on the river Clyde at Crokatfhot, pro falute anims fue, anno 1452, in which he is defigned Alunus de Cochrane, anniger. He got a charter under the great seal of the lands of Grugfate, anno 1468. He married ____ daughter of ____ by whom he had a fon,
   Robert de Cochrane, his apparent heir, who died before his father, leaving iffue a fon,
   John de Cochrane, dominus ejufed. Who fucceeded his grandfather, and was infelt and feized in his lands of Cochrane, Coricford anno 1498. He obtained a licence under the great feal, from King James IV, empowering him to difpofe of his lands Easter-Cochrane in Renfrewfhire, or the lands of Pitfour in Perth-fhire, dated at Edinburgh, 31ft October 1509. He accordingly fold part of his lands of Cochrane, to James archbifhop of Glafgow, anno 1519, by a deed, to which his feal is appended, bearing three boars heads erased, and circumfelbed, figillam Johannis de Cochrane. He died anno 1538, leaving iffue by Elizabeth, daughter of John Semple of Falwood, his wife, a fon and fucceffor.
   John Cochrane of that ilk, who was fervid and returned heir to his father, 12th May 1539. He married Mary, daughter of _____ Lindfay of Dunrod, an ancient family in Refrewfhire, and died anno 1557, leaving iffue a fon,
   William Cochrane of that ilk, who fucceded him, and got charters under the great feal from Mary, of the lands and barony of Cochrane, and feveral others, inter 1558 et 1560. He was a man of great fagaciry, economy, and prudence, and greatly adorned and beautified the ancient feat of the family of Cochrane with large plantations and buildings. He married Margaret, daughter of the fir Robert Montgomery of Skelmorly, in the fhire of Ayr, by Mary his wife, daughter of the lord Robert Semple, by whom he had three daughters. Whether the two eldeft (whofe names are not come to our knowledge) had any fucceffon we cannot pretend to determine, but he was fucceeded by Elizabeth, his third daughter, as will be fhown hereafter. William having no appearance of any male iffue, made a refignation and entail of his whole efstate, in favors of his daughter, Elizabeth, and the heirs-male of her body, whom failing, to feveral others particularly fpecified in the deed of entail, which is dated, anno 1593, any perfon fo fucceeding being obligated to carry the name and arms of Cochrane, etc.
   Elizabeth, daughter and heirefs of William Cochrane of that ilk, married to her coufin Alexander Blair, a younger fon of John Blair of that ilk (an ancient and honorable family in the fhire of Renfrew) by Grizel his wife, daughter of Robert lord Semple, who immediately after his marriage affumed the name and arms of Cochrane, according to the above entail; all which appears from a charter under the great feal of king James VI, of the lands and barony of Cochrane, to and in favours of Alexander Cochrane, alias Blair, third lawful fon of John Blair of that ilk, and Elizabeth Cochrane his fpoufe, third lawful daughter of William Cochrane of that ilk, dated 7th February 1601. He got alfo a charter under the great feal of feveral other lands, Alexandre Cochrane de evderft (sp)dated anno 1618. He was a man of fingular virtue and probity, and greatly improved the eftate of the family. By the faid Elizabeth Cochrane, he left iffue of feven fons and two daughters 1. Sir John his heir. 2. Sir William of Cowdon, who fucceeded his brother. 3. Alexander, a great loyalft, and a colonel in the army of King Charles I, whofe grandfon was larid of Manfhiel. 4. Hugh, anceftor of the Cochranes of Fernguflee, alfo a great loyalist, who firft fervid in the wars abroad under the great general Guftavus Adolphus, was afterwards a colonel in king Charles I, his army, and was particularly excepted from pardon by the parlament, anno 1648. 5. Sir Bryce Cochrane, who was likewife a colonel in the royal army, from the beginning of the civil war, till he loft his life in the king’s fervice, anno 1650. 6. Arthur, alfo a captain in the royal army. 7. Captain Gavin, anceftor to the Cochranes of Craigmuir. 1ft daugher, Elizabeth married to John Lennox of Woodhead, Efq. 2. Grizel, married to Thomas Dunlop of Houfe-hill. He was fucceeded by his eldeft fon,
   Sir John Cochrane of that ilk, a man of fingular worth and hornour, a firm and steady friend of king Charles I, was a colonel in his army, and in great favour with his majafty. In 1644, he was sent ambaffador to follcit affitance from feveral princes in behalf of the king, and aquitted himfelf with great prudence, conduct, and fidelity. After the murder of the king, he attended king Charles II, to foreign ports, who having great confidence in his abilities and loyalty, fent him on a particular embaffy into Poland, anno 1650, but before his return, the king and his army were overthrown at Worcefter. Sir John remained with his majefty during his exile, and married _____ Butler, a daughter of the family of Ormond; but dying a little before the reftoration, without iffue, his eftate devolved upon his brother,
   Sir William Cochrane of Cowdon, before-mentioned, a man of great parts and learning, and though, in the beginning of the civil war, he appeared to be on the parliament’s fide, and was for some time employed to their fervice, yet he was inviolably attached to the intereft of the royal family. He eminently diftinguifed himself in their fervice upon every occation; particularly in the parliament of 1647, of which he was a member, and none was more forward than fir William in calling forces for the relief of the king, who, on account of his great merit and faithful fervice, was pleafed to raife him to the dignity of the peerage by the title of Lord Cochrane, by patent to the heirs-male of his body, dated Scarborough, 27th December 1647. Some little time thereafter he aquired the lordfhip of Paifley, which became one of the chief feats of the family, and where he afterwards lived in great splendor and magnificence; 2nd though it is alledged by the bifhop of Guthrie, that he was on of the Scotch lords who voted for the delivering up of the king to the English, yet it appears he continued fteady with his loyalty, for which the commonwealth of England impofed no lefs a fine upon him than five thoufand pounds Sterling, anno 1654. And as none had contributed more heartily and fiercely to bring about a reftoration than lord Cochrane, fo it was no fooner accomplifhed than he was made one of the lords of the privy council to his majefty, anno 1660, and got charters, under the great feal, William demino Cochrane de Paifley et Dundonald, of feveral lands and baronies, inter 1660 et 1668. He was alfo conftitued one fo the commiffioners of his majefty’s treafory and exchequer, and having difcharged his tlory in every flation of life ot he fatisfaction of the king and the nation, he was further dignified with the title of earl of Dundonald, by patent to the heirs-male of his body, dated 12th of May 1669. He married Eupheme, daughter of fir Willaim Scot of Ardofs, in Fife-fhire, by whom he had two fons, and one daugher: 1. William lord Cochrane 2. Sir John Cochrane of Ochiltree, anceftor of the prefent earl of Dundonald, of whom more hereafter. His daughter, Grizel, married to George lord Rofs, and had iffue. The earl died anno 1686.
   William lord Cochrane, eldeft fon and apparent heir of William firft earl of Dundonald, married lady Catherine Kennedy, daughter of John earl of Caffilis, by lady Jean Hamilton, daughter of Thomas earl of Haddington, by whom he had four fons and three daughters: 1. John, afterwards earl of Dundonald 2. William of Kilmarnock, whofe fon, Thomas, fucceeded to the earldom, as will be fhown hereafter. 3. Thomas of Pollskelly, who married Diana, daughter and heirus of fir David Cunningham of Robertland, without iffue. 4. Alexander of bonfhaw, whofe male linc is extinct. 1ft daughter, Margaret married to Alexander earl of Elington, and had iffue. 2. Helen, married to Hugh earl of Suther-land, and had iffue. 3. Jean, married 1st to John Vifcount of Kilfyth. And dying anno 1679, was fucceeded by hi eldeft fon
   John, Who fucceeding alfo to his grand-father, anno 1686, was fecund earl of Dundonald. He was a man of great probity and honour, and married lady Sufanna, daughter of William and Anne duke and dutchefs of Hamilton, by whom he had two fons. 1. William, his heir 2. John who fucceeded his brother. He died in the flower of his age, anno 1691, and was fucceeded by his eldeft fon
   William, third earl of Dundonald, who dying unmarried, anno 1705, his eftate and honours devolved upon his brother
   John, fourth earl of Dundonald, who was elected one of the fixteen peers for the British parliament, called to meet in November 1713, and was made colonel of the fourth troop of horfe guards, by her majefty qeeen Anne. He married, 1ft, lady Anne Murray, daughter of Charles earl of Dunmore, fon of John, marquis of Athole, by lady Amelia Stanly, daughter of James earl of Derby, by whom he had a fon, William, his heir and three daughters. 1. Lady Anne, married to James duke of Hamilton, and was mother of James the late duke. 2. Lady Sufan, married to Charles earl of Strathmore, without iffue. 3. Lady Catharine, married to Alexander earl of Galloway, to whom fhe hath a numerous iffue. He died 1720, and was fucceeded by his only fon.
   William, fifth earl of Dundonald, who dying unmarried, anon 1724, in him ended the male-line of John fecund earl of Dundonald, eldeft son of William lord Cochrane, whereby the honours devolved upon the next heir-male, Thomas fon of William of Kilmaronock, fon of William of Kilmaronock, to whom we now return.
   William Cochrane of Kilmaronock, fecund fon of William lord Cochrane, eldeft fon of William firft earl of Dundonald, was member of parliament for the burghs of Wigton, etc. and one of the commiffioners for keeping his majefty’s fignet. He married Lady Grizel Graham, daughter of James marquis of Montrofe, by whom he had a fon, Thomas, his heir—and five daughters. 1. Catharine, married David Smith of Melhven, Efq; in the fhire of Perth, and hath iffue a fon, David, now of Methven, and a daughter, Christian, married to John Craigie of Dumbarnie, Efq; 2. Ifabelle, married to Mr. John Ogilvie of Dumbarnie, Efq; 3. Anne, died unmarried 4. Chirftian 5. Grizel, married to John Cochrane of Ferguflee. He was fucceeded by his fon
   Thomas Cochrane of Kilmaronock, who upon the death of William the fifth earl, fucceeded to the eftate and honours as heir-male, anno 1724, before noticed, and was the fixth earl of Dundonald. He married Catharine, daughter of lord Bafil Hamilton of Baldoon, by whom he had a fon William, his heir, -- and two daughters, 1. Lady Mary 2. Lady Catharine, married to captain Wood. He died anno 1737, and was fucceeded by his fon,
   William, feventh earl of Dundonald, who betook himfelf to a military life, and was a captain in general Forbe’s regiment, with which he went to America, anno 1757. He was in the expedition againft Cape Breton, commanded by admiral Bofcawen and major-general Amherft, where he loft his life in the fervice of his country at the fiege of Louisburgh, which furrendered on 26th July 1758. He having no iffue, in him ended the male-line of William lord Cochrane, eldeft fon of the firft earl of Dundonald, whereby the eftate and honours devolved of fir John Cochrane of Ochiltree, before-mentioned, to whom we now return.
   Sir John Cochrane of Ochiltree, fecund fon of William firft earl of Dundonald, who, in a charter, under the great feal, is defigned filius legitious fecund genitus William comitis de Dondonald, etc, anno 1669. He married Margaret, daughter of fir Thomas Strickland of Boynton, in York-fhire, by whom he had two fons, and one daughter. 1. William, his heir: 2. John Cochrane of Waterfide, who married Hannah, daughter of _____ de Worth of London, Efq; by whom he had eight fons, and feven daughters, and who is now represented by his grand-fon, William Cochrane, Efq; judge-advocate for Scotland. Sir John’s daughter, Grizel, married to John Ker of Morrifton, Efq; in the fhire of Berwick. He was fucceeded by his eldeft fon,
   William Cochrane of Ochiltree, who married lady Mary Bruce, eldeft daughter of Alexander earl of Kincardin, by whom he had nine fons and four daughters. 1. William, who died before his father, without iffue, anno 1707. 2. Charles, his heir 3. John, a lieutenant in the fleet, perified at fea with fir Cloadley Shovel. 4. Alexander, a captain in the army, who was caft away coming from Holland, without iffue. 5. George, a captain in the army, killed in Spain, anno 1709, without iffue. 6. James, a lieutenant-general in the British fervice. 7. Thomas, now earl of Dundonald 8. Robert, died unmarried, anno 1721. 9. Bafil, formerly a captain in the army, and deputy-governor of the Ifle of Man under the duke of Athol, now one of the commiffioners of excife for Scotland. 1st daughter, Eupheme, married to colonel John Ersking, brother to fir Charles Erskine of Alva. 2, Mary died unmarried 3. Anne, married to fir George Prefton of Valleyfield. William of Ochiltree, dying anno 1728 was fucceeded by his fon
   Charles Cochrane of Ochiltree, Efg; a man of great honour and hospitality, who dying unmarried anno 1752 was fucceeded by his next furviving brother,
   Lieutenant-general James Cochrane, who married _______ daughter of _____ by whom he had two daughters 1. Mary-Anne, married to Robert Sibthorp, Efq; councilor at law in the kingdom of Ireland. 2. Elizabeth married to _____ Cary-Hamilton, Efq; in the fame kingdom, but dying without iffue-male in the beginning of 1758, was fucceeded by his brother
   Thomas, who upon the death of William feventh earl of Dundonald, in July 1758, fucceeded to the eftate and honours as heir-male, as before, obferved, and is eighth earl of Dundonald. In his younger years he fervid in the army, and foon rofe to the degree of major. In 1722, he was chofen member of parliament for the fhire of Renfrew; and in anno 1730, was appointed one of the commiffioners of excife, which office he enjoyed for feveral years. He married, 1ft Elizabeth, daughter of James Ker of Morrifton, Efq, by whom he had a fon, William, who died young, ____ and a daughter Lady Grizel. He married fecund, Jean, daughter of Archibald Stewart of Torrence, Efq; fon of Alexander Stewart of Torrence, Efq; grandfon offir Archibald Stewart of Caftle-milk, by whom he had fix fons, and one daughter. 1. Archibald, lord Cochrane 2. Charles, 3. John, 4. James 5. Bafil 6. Alexander His daughter, lady Betty.
   
   ARMS:
   
   A Cheveron, gules, between three boars heads erased, azure
   
   CREST; on a wreath a horfe paffant, argent
   
   SUPPORTERS; two grey hounds of the laft, collared and lcified, ar.
   
   MOTTO; Virtute et labore
   
   CHIEF SEATS
   
   Of the family of Dundonald were, at the caftle of Dundonald, in the fhire of Air, and the abboy of Paifley, in the fhire of Renfrew.
   
   C O C H R A N E Earl of DUNDONALD