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
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