V. Robert Sempill of Beltrees, only lawful son and heir of Francis Sempill of Beltrees, married Mary, eldest daughter of Robert Pollock of that Ilk, 14th November 1678. By the contract of marriage she was infeft in the ten merk land of Thirdpairt, reserving L200 Scots to Jean Campbell, his mother, as an annuity. Robert Sempill took upon him the debts of his father, Francis. On the 13th April 1686, he owed 890 merks and L505. Also annual rents amounting to L94. Four other bands for money appear by Robert Sempill of Beltrees. He renewed a band to Robert Chapman, son and heir of the deceased Robert Chapman, Glasgow, for 4000 merks, over the lands of Thirdpairt, 9th June 1701. He paid a visit to Ireland, with the view of prosecuting the family claim to the lands of Carberry, of which they had been deprieved during the usurpation; but he returned in May 1703, not having met with suffiecient encouragement to institute legal proceedings.
Robert Sempill of Beltrees was alive at the Union, as his son, Robert Sempill, younger, is mentioned in the Act. But he died before 1717, in which year “John Cochrane, [second] husband to the Ladie Beltrees,” was brought before the Presbytery of Renfrewshire, accused of adultery. Lady Beltrees would be about fifty-six years of age at this time. She had to Robert Sempill of Beltrees:-
1. Robert, his heir, born 8th Jan 1687.
2. Jean, born 21st Sept. 1679
3. Elizabeth, born 12th Nov. 1680.
4. Grizel, born 14th May, 1682
Robert Sempill of Beltrees seems to have died in the course of 1713. He was according to tradition, a remarkably handsome man. Two lines of a local song, popular before the middle of last century, allude to Beltrees: -…
