Walter Macfarlane 19th Baron of Arrochar 16th Chief

Walter Macfarlane 19th Baron of Arrochar 16th Chief

Male Abt 1698 - 1767  (69 years)


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  • Name Walter Macfarlane 19th Baron of Arrochar 16th Chief 
    Birth Abt 1698 
    Gender Male 
    Death 1767 
    Person ID I28375  CMW Most Recent 2026_0429
    Last Modified 30 Apr 2026 

    Father John Macfarlane fiar of Arrochar,   b. Abt 1664   d. 1705 (Age 41 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Mother Helen Daughter of Robert 2nd Viscount of Arbuthnot,   b. Abt 1675   d. 1741 (Age 66 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Family ID F7186  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Lady Elizabeth Erskine 
    Children 
     1. no children  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    Family ID F7179  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 30 Apr 2026 

  • Notes 
    • 16th Chief (1705-1767): Walter, son of John, was chief from 1705 until his death in June 1767. He is celebrated as a most ingenious antiquary and by far the best genealogist of his time; his valuable collections serve as an enduring monument to his memory. Not only was he one of the most accurate antiquaries of his time, but he was very liberal in allowing access to his transcripts, which have been consulted and quoted by authors until this day. On meeting Dr. Boswell and Dr. Johnson during their trip through the Highlands, Walter stated his famous reproof. When introduced, the Doctor said, "How do you do, Mr. Macfarlane?" The chief drew himself up and replied with dignity that there were many MacFarlanes. "I, and I only," he said, "am Macfarlane." Walter declared his arms at the Court of the Lord Lyon on 2 March 1750, changing the destination from "heirs male" to "his heirs" (which includes heirs female). He married Lady Elizabeth Erskine, daughter of Alexander, 6th Earl of Kelly, but had no issue. He died in his townhouse in the Canongate, Edinburgh, on 5 June 1767, and was buried in the Greyfriar’s cemetery, Edinburgh. After his death, his valuable collections were purchased by the Faculty of Advocates, Edinburgh. His portrait hangs in the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, to whom it was gifted in 1786, by his nephew, Walter Macfarlane.

      Source:
      The Earls of Lennox and The MacFarlane Chiefs
      By Chuck Poland, Terrance Gach MacFarlane, and Andrew Macfarlane

      © November 2012
      www.clanmacfarlane.org

      1750: Muniment #15. Walter declared his arms at the Court of the Lord Lyon on March 2, 1750 while changing the destination of "heirs male" to "his heirs" thereby allowing female heirs.
      https://www.clanmacfarlane.org/public_html/index.php/clan-macfarlane/muniments/636-hill-muniment-15.html

      1760: Muniment #16. This document is an admission as a Burgess of St. Andrews to Walter Macfarlane de Eodem Armigeri. This was a Ticket of Honourary Burgesship. https://clanmacfarlane.org/public_html/index.php/clan-macfarlane/muniments/622-muniment-hill-16-1760.html

      Muniment #3. Genealogy of MacFarlane written by Walter MacFarlane. https://www.clanmacfarlane.org/public_html/index.php/clan-macfarlane/muniments/577-muniment-hill-3-from-1705-10.html