Mowats of Busbie and Knockintebir

 The baronies of this branch, Busbie, Knockintebir and Robertoun are all in Ayrshire. They were in 1661 inherited by the Earl of Eglinton from his predecessor. It is unclear how the Earl of Eglinton acquired the baronies.

I

David Mowat. Received the barony of Robertoun from Robert III and is said to be the first Mowat of Busbie.6 No contemporary sources have been found.

II

John Mowat, of Knokintebir. Had a charter of “de terris de le Moite, Knockintibir, Bogside” etc. from James III (between 1460 and 1469).7

Probable children:

1.

Daughter, married William Craufurd of Walstoun in the end of the 15th century.

III

John Mowat, of Busbie. Mentioned with his son, John, 9 February 1510-11.14 Mentioned 12 October 1514.5 Witness in April 1529.2

Children:

1.

John Mowat. Apparent heir 9 February 1510-11.14

IV

Charles Mowat the elder, of Knokintebir, of Busbie. Will dated 4 April 1579.1 Sold Knockintebir 24 July 1571 to Robert Hunter of Hunterston.3 He had a charter of the same lands from James V in 1541 as John Mowat had from James III (see above).12  He was slain by two sons of Lord Ochiltree about 1577.8

Children:

1.

James Mowat. Oldest son. Probably died before 12 November 1571.8

Children:

a.

James, see VI.8

2.

William Mowat. Second son.8

3.

Alexander Mowat. Third son.8

V

Charles Mowat. Mentioned in 1590.9

VI

James Mowat of Busbie. Mentioned in 1581.4 Mentioned in 1571 as “nepoti” (grandson or nephew) and heir of Charles Mowat of Knockintebir and had a charter from James VI of the lands of Moit, Knokintebir, Bogsyd, Corshous and Murehous.8 He was still alive in 1621.10 Married before 5 February 1582 Joan Wallace, daughter of John Wallace of Dundonald.13

Children:

1.

James Mowat, younger of Busbie. Mentioned until 1619, but seems to have predeceased his father.10

2.

Jean Mowat. Married Robert Pollock of that Ilk.10

VII

John Mowat, of Busbie. Served heir to his father Charles Mowat of Busbie 4 April 1626 in the lands of Bustie, Knockintebir, Corshousmoitt, Murehous and Robertoun.11

Children:

1.

Matthew Mowat, minister of Kilmarnock in 1643 and until 1660.11

 

 

References

1

SRS vol 1,p. 200.

2

SRS vol. 29, p. 174.

 3

SRS vol 45, p. 30.

4

SRS vol. 45, p. 32.

5

SRS vol. 45, p. 67.

6

CAW vol III, p. 459.

7

CAW vol III, p. 459.

8

RMS vol III, no. 1979.

9

CAW vol III, p. 459.

10

CAW vol III, p. 459-460.

11

RSH vol I, Ayr no. 241, and CAW vol III, p. 460-461.

12

RMS vol III, no. 2436.

13

RMS vol V, no. 550.