Thomas Murdoch of Cumloden, who resided at the Risk, Minnigaff, married Elizabeth Cochrane, of the noble family of Dundonald, and niece of Grizel Cochrane, celebrated in family tradition. According to the family narrative, her father, Sir John Cochrane of Ochiltree, an associate in Argyle’s Expedition, was denounced as a traitor, and, being apprehended in the county of Renfrew, was brought from thence to Edinburgh, and there thrown into prison. By the Privy Council, intimation of his arrest was conveyed to James VII., in London, and the returning messenger, it was expected, would bring the solicited death-warrant. The procedure of the Privy Council becoming known to Sir John’s daughter, Miss Grizel, she, in the disguise of a highwayman, attacked the royal courier, and compelled him to surrender his missives, which included the death-warrant. Miss Cochrane’s feat was alleged to have been performed in the neighbourhood of Alnwick, on the 7th July 1685; and her act proved permanently serviceable, for her father afterwards obtained a pardon; he became the first Earl of Dundonald. The heroine married John Kerr, of Morriston, in Berwickshire.
Of the marriage of Thomas Murdoch of Cumloden and Elizabeth Cochrane was born a son, who died early; also six daughters, Catherine, Euphemia, Grizel, Charlotte, Barbara and Mary.
