James Douglas of Orchardton
James Douglas was the son of John Douglas, a Galloway farmer, and his
wife, Mary Heron. He was a younger brother to
Sir William Douglas of Castle Douglas.
James
purchased land at Orchardton and Almorness.
His daughter, Mary, is the ancestor of the Robinson Douglases, with
connections to USA President James Monroe.
His youngest daughter, Matilda, married William Maitland, son of David
Maitland (of Barcaple).
Another daughter (probably Sarah) is thought to be the ancestor of the Abercrombys of
Forglen, Banffshire.
In the 1760s, James moved from Wigtonshire to Glasgow where he
established himself as a merchant and was joined by his brother,
William. They extended their business to London and then moved to
New York where they were joined by their younger brothers, George
and Samuel. all four were to become wealthy men as their tradinging
interests grew.
In August 1785, James returned to Britain,
along with his brothers William and Samuel. James made London his
centre, and then later he and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of
William Douglas of Worcester, divided his time between there and
Galloway. He invested some of his fortune in the purchase of the
Orchardton and Almorness estates. He also purchased an estate at
Gretna. He later acquired Gelston and other properties from his
brother, William.
James Douglas married Elizabeth Douglas,
daughter of William Douglas of Worcester. She had previously been
married to Captain William Stevenson, a distant cousin of James
Douglas. Captain Stevenson had run the Douglas brothers'
privateering vessels off the coast of America during the American
War of Independence.
James died on 15 March 1821 at
Orchardton House aged 74 years. He was interred in the
Douglas Mausoleum,
near Kelton Church. His wife Elizabeth and their four children,
William, who died shortly after his father, Sarah, Mary and Matilda
were also interred in the Mausoleum.
Following his death, Sarah inherited Orchardton, Alrnorness went to
Mary, and Gelston to Matilda.
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
Errors and Omissions
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