Gartincaber

That death notice for "Alexander" Murdoch has proven a puzzle, but here's a bit that's fallen into place: "Garton/Gorton/Yarton, Cabra/Cuba, County Dune" = Gartincaber, County Doune. The memorial to Capt James C. Murdoch in Kilmadock churchyard was erected by James' "sister Sarah of Gartincaber". In fact, she was of Gartincaber House, apparently the Murdoch family seat! This page is a mine of anecdotes:

Comments on Gartincaber House, Kilmadock

Gartincaber was purchased in 1735 from a family called Doig, by an Archibald Murdoch? who became known as "the Laird". The family is listed in Burke's peerage under "Landed Gentry". (I wonder where the money to buy the property came from?) It was handed down through two generations; then there was an interesting development, as noted by Noel Burn-Murdoch, a direct descendant:

 The house passed to the Burn-Murdoch family when Sarah Murdoch married John Burn who owned the next door estate of Coldoch. Joining the names was a requirement of the inheritance.

 So the father of Sarah and Captain James C., one William Murdoch, entailed the property in such a way that a child of his could only inherit it if they married someone from the local Burn family. How extraordinary. And why? Was Sarah his only living offspring at the time? While it was not uncommon for women to be required to marry as a condition of inheritance, it's pretty unusual for them to be told who they must marry. Perhaps William felt the Burn family would take good care of the property: perhaps he owed them a debt of gratitude or they may have even been family. I doubt this will was made while James was still alive. Surely William would have been glad to pass the estate to James the military hero? James died fairly young, though. Still, couldn't the property have passed to James' son? William, for whatever reason, thought not. One can imagine Colin departing to the colonies, hoping to get the last laugh by doing well in Australia.
 So Sarah married Mr Burn, who agreed to take the name Murdoch and the Burn-Murdochs occupied Gartincaber until the mid 20th Century. It's still standing, beautifully restored as a guest house.  (Update: Noel Burn-Murdoch was confused. It was Anne Murdoch, daughter of Sarah, who married John Burns. See next post)

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Gartincaber House Today. It is a B Listed building.