Biography of Robert Grierson 1st Baronet 1655-1733

In 1655 Robert Grierson 1st Baronet was born at Barquhar Farm.

On 21 Sep 1676 Robert Grierson 1st Baronet (age 21) and Henrietta Douglas Lady Grierson (age 19) were married at Drumlanrig Castle or Sanquhar Castle. She the sister of William Douglas 1st Duke Queensberry (age 39). She the daughter of James Douglas 2nd Earl Queensberry and Margaret Stewart Countess Queensberry.

In 1685 Robert Grierson 1st Baronet (age 30) was created 1st Baronet Grierson of Lag in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia. [his wife] Henrietta Douglas Lady Grierson (age 28) by marriage Lady Grierson of Lag.

1685 Execution of the Wigtown Martyrs

On 11 May 1685, despite the reprieves Margaret Wilson (age 18) and Margaret McLachlan were drowned at Wigtown, Wigtownshire on the orders of Robert Grierson 1st Baronet (age 30), for refusing to swear an oath declaring James II and VII (age 51) as head of the church.

Some Remarkable Passages of the Life and Death of Mr Alexander Peden Chapter 24. The broth was hell-hot in these days; they 'wanted long-shanked spoons that supped with the devil:' I could give many instances, but at this time shall only mention the drowning of these two women at Wigtoun in Galloway, the 11th of May 1685, (which some deny to be matter of fact) viz. Margaret Lauchlan, who was past sixty-three years, and some of her intimates said to me. She was a christian of deep exercise through much of her life, and of high attainments and great experiences in the ways of godliness; and Margaret Wilson (age 18) who was put to death with her, aged twenty-three. The old woman was first tied to the stake, enemies saying, 'Tis needless to speak to that old damn'd bitch, let her go to hell: but,' say they, 'Margaret, ye are young; if ye'll pray for the king, we will give you your life.' She said, 'I'll pray for salvation to all the elect, but the damnation of none.' They dashed her under the water, and pulled her up again. People looking on said, 'O Margaret, will ye say it I' She said, 'Lord, give him repentance, forgiveness and salvation, if it be thy holy will.' Lagg (age 30) cry'd, 'Damn'd bitch, we do not want such prayers: tender the oaths to her.' She said, ' No, no sinful oaths for me ' They said, 'To hell with them, to hell with them, it is o'er good for them.' Thus suffered they that extraordinary and unheard-of death.

In 1691 [his brother-in-law] Lieutenant General James Douglas (age 46) died in Namur.

Before Mar 1727 [his sister-in-law] Margaret Douglas Lady Jardine died.

On 31 Dec 1733 Robert Grierson 1st Baronet (age 78) died at his house in Dumfries [Map].

On 02 Dec 1734 Robert Grierson 1st Baronet was buried in the Grierson family burial plot in the churcyard of Dunscore Old Kirk.

On 15 Apr 1736 [his former wife] Henrietta Douglas Lady Grierson (age 79) died at Turnpike House in Dumfries.

Some Remarkable Passages of the Life and Death of Mr Alexander Peden Chapter 24. All this cruelty was acted by Sir Robert Grierson of Lagg, (who stirred up others to assist him,) a great persecutor, a great swearer, a great whorer, blasphemer, drunkard, liar and cheat, and yet out of hell.