NEVIN GENEALOGICA

John Denison Nevin

Vol. I

NEVIN

GENEALOGICA

by

JOHN DENISON NEVIN PhB

MAJOR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Volume One

EASTON PENNA

1919-1929

PREFACE

This volume contains a collection of anecdotes, official documents, and interesting letters from members of the Nevin family in Great Britain, together with early records of several families of the name now living in America.

The connection with the family whose record is given in volume two remains a mystery. A long and thorough search has failed to reveal any printed matter or family tradition bearing on the subject, with the possible exception of the belief that Daniel Nevin came directly from Scotland to America with his brother who settled in the Hudson Valley. Indeed a Daniel Niven did settle in Newburg, New York, and was the progenitor of a numerous and important family. This Daniel emigrated from Islay in 1765, some twenty-two years after our Daniel Nevin married Margaret Eagles in the Dutch Reformed Church, New York City. My opinion is that the tradition has confused the relationship and that our ancestor was uncle and not brother to that Daniel who settled in Newburg. In that case Daniel Nevin, our ancestor, was a brother of Malcolm Macniven of Cargostan, Islay.

The name Daniel, in Scotland, is synonymous with Donald, and it will be observed from the record which follows that there is not one single instance of the use of either of these names in the Lowlands but that Donald occurs frequently in the families from Perthshire and from Argylleshire - Highlanders all, and bearing the surname Macniven. This would appear to me to be rather conclusive proof that our family were of the Highlands - Macnivens of either Argylleshire or Perthshire. This I hope to prove at some future date.

The framework of Volume Two had been constructed by Franklin T. Nevin in his "Descendants of Margaret Williamson". It only remained to collect and arrange stray bits of biographical material from printed sources and from members of the family.

In spite of the tombstone inscription "born in the City of New York" Daniel Nevin was believed to be the immigrant ancestor until Doris Nevin discovered the marriage record of Daniel Nevin and Margaret Eagles of New York, the parents of Daniel of the Cumberland Valley, thus adding another generation of American ancestry.

I take this opportunity to thank those of the family, in America, in Scotland, and in Ulster, who have aided me in gathering this record; to the officials and assistants of the New York Public Library, the New Jersey Historical Society, the Van Wickle Memorial Library of Lafayette College, the Easton Public Library, and the Library of Congress, who have been most gracious in affording me all the sources at their command. The Charters and Testaments have been copied for me by Mr. John MacLeod, an accurate and conscientious searcher in H. M. General Register House, Edinburgh.

My Object in this work has been to preserve in permanent form the history of an interesting family whose record is one of honorable achievement. If the book fails in this, the fault is mine alone.

So the name appears from the eleventh century onwards throughout the length and breadth of Ireland and Scotland - to the Shetland Islands and the islands of the west coast. In Wales it is restricted to the town of Nevin in Caernarvonshire. In England families of Nevins and Nevinson have been long established, a prominent family of the name in Leeds came originally from County Kildare, Ireland.

The name would appear to be of Irish origin, first appearing as Cnaimhin (mh = v) in the so called Roll of Milessian Kings of Ireland, descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. Indeed the founding of the Nevin family has been attributed to Brian, son of Eocha Moy Veagon, King of Ireland, AD 350, and also to O’Cnaimhin, a direct descendant Eoghan Mor (Owen the Great). Eoghan Mor married Beara, daughter of the King of Castile, in Spain; and their son Olioll Olum, married Sabina, daughter of Conn the Hundred Fighter, and was the first of this line to become King of both Munsters. He was succeeded by his third son, Cian, King of Munster, the paternal ancestor of Cnaimhin or Nevin.

Mythical history aside, the name is undoubtedly ancient for it is found in Ireland in the sixth century as Glasnevin, a celebrated school and monastery near Dublin, and the death of an abbot of Glasnevin is recorded by the Annalists in 882. Glasnevin is today a park and cemetery in the suburbs of Dublin.

In the eleventh century the MacCnaimhins were chiefs of a district called Crannoge MacCnaimhin (fort or house of MacNevin), in the parish of Tynagh, barony of Leitrim, county Galway, and ranked to the end of the 16^th century among the principal families in Ireland of Irish origin.

How or when the name was brought to Scotland is not known. The most important early migration to Scotland took place in 500 AD, the Irish settling in the western islands and Lowland shires where the name Cnaimhin or Nevin is among the earliest known. It is very probable that some of the family went north through Wales for it is known that Irish colonists settled there and on the Caernarvon shore is the town of Nevin, where in 1284, Edward I held his triumph on the conquest of Wales. Here, becoming affiliated with the Montgomeries, they may have gone north with them as followers of the Earl of Huntingdon, afterward David I, of Scotland (1124-1153). As early as 1392, one Nevin, "clericus" is mentioned in an instrument of John Montgomerie of Eaglesham.

A Montgomerie of Eaglesham in 1361 married Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Sir Hugh Eglinton, obtaining by this alliance the lands of Eglinton in the parish of Kilwinning, Ayrshire, with Eglinton Castle as their principal seat. The Lairds of Auldhall, Kirkwood, and Monkredding, Nevin estates, lying adjacent to the Eglinton lands, became servants or deputies of the Dukes of Eglinton and Kinsmen by marriage.

In the twelfth century when the history of Scotland was emerging from chaos the name of Nevin appears in Dumbartonshire, born by no less a person than the Parson of Rosneath.

A century later, AD 1296, Patrick, son of John Nevin of Lanark, swears fealty to Edward I at Berwick; and in 1297, Niven MacThomas, son of MacRory, was one of the eleven hostages contained in Bruce’s castle of Lochmaben, Dumfries. They were given as pledges for the loyalty of Galloway and all but one, Robert MacMaster, perished from ill treatment and suffering before the 8 September 1300.

"Walterum filium Thame filie Neuine: (Walter son of Thomas son of Nevin) was one of the "good and faithful men of the country" who, at Nairne, on Wednesday the Feast of St Lawrence, 1295, gave their oaths to the valuation of "Kilravock and Estir Gedey’s" the property of Hugh Rose, neighbor of Donald, Thane of Cawdor.

The 18 June 1412, Ronald Campbell obtained a precept of sasins from Sir Colin Iongatach for infeftment in the lands of . . . Island Macniven.

At Inishail, 29 February 1446/7 Charter by Duncan le Cambell, knight, Lord of Lochow and Lieutenant of our Lord the King in the districts of Argyll, to his beloved cousin, Reginald, son of Malcolm of Craiginche, Lord of Corbarran &O . . . . "and Sir Nevin our Chaplain." Another instance of the clerical nature of the name.

21 March 1473, William Nevin, King’s Messenger, was allowed 40 shillings, by the Lord High Treasurer, for his expenses in carrying letters from the King to the Earl of Ross and the Earl of Huntley (George ) forays had attracted the monarch’s attention.

The 3 March 1480, a Charter which begins: "Be it kind &c . . . . me Gelis the Ross the douchter of Schir Johnne the Ross of Halkeel, Knicht, . . ." mentions the "2 merkis worth of land of the samyn that Willie Nevin and Nichol Mertyne duellis in." This land was in the sheriffdom of Ayr and barony of Auchinleck.

In 1497 Isobel Macnevin, daughter and heiress of Baron Macnevin of Dunachton Castle, Loch Insh, Strathspey, married William, Chief of Mackintosh. And in the Shire of Haddington.

"10 September 1498, The King for good services granted to Alexander Nevyn and his heirs and assignees, three lands and tenements with houses, biggings and yard thereof in the burgh of North Berwick on the north side of the High Street thereof - which formerly belonged to William Fresall burgess of the said burgh, and now fallen in the King’s hands by reason of the bastardy of the said William. Witnesses, William Bishop of Aberdeen, Keeper of the Privy Seal, George Earl of Huntlie Lord Badyenach, chancellor Archibald Earl of Ergile Lord Campbell and Lorne, Master of the King’s Household, Patrick Earl of Bothuile Lord Halis, Alexander Lord Hume, Great Chamberlain, John Lord Drummond Justiciar Robert Lundy of Balgony Knight Treasurer, Mr. Richard Murehede Dean of Glasgow, Secretary to the King and Mr. Walter Drummond Dean of Dunblane Clerk of the Rolls, Register and Council."

Armorial Bearings

The Arms granted to families of Nevin, Nevins, and Niven are basically the same and show an Irish origin. Those of the Nevinson family are however quite distinct.

Plate 8, crest number 41, in O’Hart’s Irish Pedigrees, shows a drawing in color of the Arms of Nevins: "Azure a fess argent between in chief a crescent and a crescent inverted, and in base a palm branc vert. Motto Nil Desperandum."

Burke’s General Armory has: McNevins (Registered Ulster’s Office) "Azure a fess argent between in chief a crescent and a crescent inverted and in base a palm branch all of the last. Crest, a palm branch vert. Motto, Vivis sperandum.

Niven (Peebles and Thornton, county Aberdeen, 1796) Argent a tower embattled gules between an increscent and a decrescent in chief azure, and a branch of palm in base ppr. Crest, a Pegasus courant argent, crowned and wigned or. Motto, over the crest, I hope in God. Below the shield, Marte et Arte.

It is stated in Fairbairns Crest, "Niven of Aberdeen, these arms show the orignial Irish grant combined with the arms of MacNaughton.

Niven (Kirkbride, count Ayr, 1842) Azure on a fess between an increscent and decrescent in chief argent, and in base a branch of palm slipped of the last, three spear heads in pale gules. Crest, a branch of palm vert. Motto, Vivis Sperandum.

Niven (England) Azure a fesse between an increscent and decrescent in chief and a crescent in base argent. Crest, a holly branch vert.

Nevins (Confirmed to Willis Nevins Esq, Clevedale, county Gloucester, a son of Rev William Nevins, Rector of Miningsbye, county Lincoln, and grandson of John Jewitt Nevins Esq, of Clevedale, a native of Ireland, and their descendants) Azure a fess between an increascent and decrescent in chief and a branch of palm branch argent a crescent of the first. Crest, on a mount a palm branch vert. Mottow, Nil Desperandum.

Nevinson or Nevison (Estry, county Kent, 1570) Argent a chevron between three eagles displayed aqure, beaked and legged gules. Crest, a wolf passant argent pelletee, collared, lined and ringed. (Burke’s Armory of Great Britain and Ireland &c)

Mr. John MacLeod of H.M. Gerneral Register House, Edinburgh, to whom the above list was sent, replied: "I find these arms are not recorded, at least in the Scottish Register of Arms. Those of Gilbert Neven of Shousburgh are recorded with asketch, but no pedigree has been recorded. They appear to have been granted in 1677.

Lyon Register. Vol I. Folio 380.

C. 1677. Gilbert Neven of Shousburgh, Bears ayur a fess betwixt ane increscent and decresent in chief argent and ane branch of palme silpped in base or on ane helmet befitting his degree with a mantle gules doubled argent and wreath of his colloures is set for his crest a branch of palme vert. The Motto in ane Escroll Vivis Sperandum.

"The fess represent the military belt and girdle of hour used in ceremonies of old at the investiture of the nobility and knights, and was anciently bestowed by emperors, kings, and generals upon soldiers for special services.

The half moon is frequently in armories an ancient sign of honour with many nations. It was used by the priests of the Jews as a sign of eminency. The Romans used it as a sign of honour. The false prophet Mahomet had the half moon on his ensign, and St. Lewis of France in 1269 upon his expedition to Africa, to honour and encourage his subjects, instituted an order of knighthood called the Double Crescents.

The half moon is termed crescent, increscent, decrescent and crescent reversed, according to its position on the shield.

In the half moon with its horns towards the right side of the shield, called an increscent, it is said to represent the moon in it frist quarter and so the rising in time of some hopeful spark, illuminated and honoured by the glorious aspect and beams of his sovereign.

The decrescent, when the halfmoon looks to the left of the shield itis a decrescent and is fit for a man that is advanced and to honour his old age, when all other things decrease with him, being the moon in her third quarter.

Trees, leaves, flowers &c, are borne in arms not only as symbolical, but as badges and marks of the countries and lands where they most abound and frequently are carried upon the account that their names have relation to those of the bearers.

The land of Judea was marked out of old by the palm tree, because many sich trees grew there, and many other countries have the like mark." (A System of Heraldry. Alexander Nisbet. Edinburgh. 1816. Vol I & II)

The palm branch on the Nevin Arms would seem to indicate service in the Crusades, and I hope to be able to prove this at some future time. J.D.N.

Chapter 2

The Banished

On the 15 July 1680, John Niven, master of the ship "Fortune of London", was indicted for using "some rash expressions against the Duke of York (James, Duke of Albany and York) viz: "That he was on the Popish plot for taking away the King’s life, and overturning our religion and government; and that he was to consent to the bringing over the French King with ane Army into Brittain; and that he had come himselfe to Scotland to make a Popish faction ther. This was spoke in cups and with some qualifications, but in August the assize find him guilty, ‘and the Lords prounounce for doom", and order that John Niven be taken to the market-cross of Edinburgh and hanged. Two days later the sentence is suspended and he is to be kept in prison till his Majesty’s further pleasure is known. The King’s reason for suspending sentence for a crime of so high a nature was, ‘interposing of his dearest brother’. It resulted in Niven being banished and his ship and goods confiscated.

On the banishment rolls of 5 May 1684 appear

From Renfrew, James Niven, in the Risk.

From Dumfries, Alexander Nivinson, in Kirkbog.

From Ayrshire, Mauchlin parish, Andrew Niven in Dalgain.

From Edinburghshire, Robert Niven in Esperton.

Woodrow writes: "a list of very good people persecuted for conscience’s sake" and gives this long account of William Niven of Pollockahaws, Renfrew: 14 May 1678 "the Council being informed of a conventicle, kept in the parish of Cathcart, shire of Renfrew, at the house of the William wood, order the prisoners to Edinburgh. The ministers escaped, the meeting dispersed, and the dragoon pursued the common people, took a great number of plaids, bibles, and other things from the women and upwards of sixty men prisoners, who were carried to Edinburgh under a strong guard. Upon the 28 May I find a decreet passed in council against them. William Niven in Shaws, and others, being called to give their oath who preached and whom they saw at the foresaid conventicle, and they refusing, the council banish them to his Majesty’s plantations in the Indies.

December 12^th the council grant warrant to the earl of Linlithgow to send a party to receive William Niven in Eastwood, and others and deliver them to Edward Johnston, master of the St Michael of Scarborough, now lying at Leith, for the behoof of Ralph Williamson who was to carry them to Virginia, where they were to continue in servitude for life, the most part of them for being present at one field conventicle.

When they came to Gravesend after a tedious passage from Leith Mr Williamson was not there and Mr Johnston set them ashore to shift for themselves. The country was very kind to them and they generally got home safe after they had been absent about nine months.

William Niven was again banished to the plantations 9 October 1684, with John Hodge because they would not take the oath of allegiance, or engage in regularity, or own Bothwell-bridge to be rebellion.

In November of the same year Woodrow writes: "Another instance I have from a witness to the terrible usage of William Niven, July 29^th this year abouth midnight, a party came and took him out of his bed and carried him to Glasgow tolbooth. They alleged he had been at a sermon of Mr Renwick’s, which was false. He lay three weeks there in irons, and then he was carried up to the bishop and examined. Nothing was found against William save his not hearing Mr Fisher the episcopal incumbent. But nothing could prevail unless he would take the test, which refusing, he was sent with five others, two and two of them fettered together, to Edinburgh. There he lay in irons night and day till May 1685. This same day William and some others were brought suddenly about six of the clock at night from the iron house to the council. The chancellor posed William and the rest, whether they knew anything of treasonable papers that had been affixed to church doors. They declared they did not. Whereupon they were senteced to die that night at ten of the clock. Happily for them something or other fell in that night which put the managers in confusion, and so about two hours after they were carried back to the iron’house, and for a good many weeks afterward they were to be executed at two of the clock, till the king’s death fell in, and then they were no more directly threatened.

One day it was suddenly resolved that all prisoners for religion should be sent to Dunotter castle. Accordingly May 18^th, William Niven and many others were taken out of prison, carried out of town and delivered to Douglas’ regiment at the Netherbow to be guarded to Leith. From Leith they were carried to Burntisland where about 12 score of them were crowded into two rooms in the tolbooth. "It was a wonder to themselves, Mr Dick remarks, how such a multitude could subsist for two days and two nights, when they were denied libery separtely to ease nature, and were without food." They were then delivered to the militia of Fife with their hands tied behind their backs, and taken affot to a village called Freuchie, near Falkland, and next day came to the waterside of Tay. From here they were ferried to Dundee and put into the tolbooth there. They were then delivered to the earl of Strathmores’ regiment and the militia of Angus and marched to Forfar and thence to Brechin, thence to the North-water of North-esk bridge. They were kept exposed to wind and weather all night on the bridge, soldiers guarding either end of it, without meat or drink. The next day, 24 May, they were carried to Dunotter and turned over to George Keith of White-ridge, sheriff depute of the Mearns. Eight score of them were thrust into a dark vault underground, full of mire ankle deep, and but one window toward the sea. They could not sit without leaning on one another, stifled for want of air and no access to ease nature, their lives were in great danger. One hundred of them were kept here all summer. Considerable of them died. Some tried to escape by the window over the sea and crept to a dangerous rock. Twenty-five had escaped when the alarm was given and 15 were retaken as they were too weak to flee. The seized were barbarously used. I have the accounts of this from William Niven who was one of the retaken. Not only were they inhumanely beat and bruised when taken but William and others were laid upon their backs upon a form, their hands bound to its foot and a fiery match put betwixt every finger of both hands, and six soldiers waiting by turns to blow the match and keep it equal with all fingers. This was continued for three hours without intermission, by the governor'’ order, for trying to escape. By this treatment William Niven lost one of the fingers on his left hand 17 August 1685. The lords of his majesty’s privy council have banished among others, William Niven, formerly sentenced to the plantations, to be delivered to Mr George Scott of Pitlochie, and by him transported to his majesty’s plantations in East New Jersey, in the ship lying in the road of Leith, now bounding thither. The prisoners lay some time in the road of Leith and sailed 5 September. Not a few of them were sick when they came aboard, and no wonder, considering the barbarous treatment they had met with; besides much of the flesh which the captain had provided began to stink before they saile out of Leith road and in a few days was not eatable. In a month’s time the fever turned malignant, and few or none escaped it; in so much that it was usual to cast overboard three or four dead bodies in one day. Most of the crew except the captain and boatswain died. Pitlochie who had freighted the ship, with his excellent lady, died likewise, and so enjoyed nothing of the produce of near 100 prisoners gifted him by the council. Nearly 70 persons died at sea.

Many were the disasters of this voyage. The ship was at the utmost hazard by the breaking up of a leak at two several times. The captain, after Pitlochy’s death, began to tamper with Mr Johnston his son-in-law, who had now the disposal of the prisoners; and it was projected to carry them into Jamaica or Virginia where the markets for servants were much better. When they are thus treating the wind turns straight for New Jersey and there they arrived the middle of December after about fifteen weeks at sea. When the prisoners came ashore, the people who lived on the coast-side and had not the gospel settled among them, were harsh enough to them and showed them no kindness. A good many of the passengers and prisoners died in the plantations, the rest returned to their native country at the happy revolution - Mr Riddel, William Niven and others."

William Niven, supposed to be the above, died in June 1745, his testament reads:

The Testament Testamentar and Inventary of the goods &c of umquhile William Niven hammerman in Pollockshaws in the parish of Eastwood who deceased in the beginning of the month of June 1745. Given up partly by himself and partly by Thomas Glen in Cowglen in the parish of Eastwood son-in-law and executor to the defunct

Debts due to the defunct by Robert Barr carter in Gorbals, John Brackenridge cordiner in Pollockshaws, Jean Scoular in Westfield Alexander Scowlar milner in Shawmiln, William Hamilton sometime cordiner in Pollockshaws

Latter Will-He appoints the said Thmas Glen his executor and ordains hime to give up Inventary and to fulfil all the conditions of a Disposition made by the defunct in his favor of the date of those presents.At Glasgow 4 October 1742 Witnesses, Duncan Niven barbae in Glasgow Confirmed 7 March 1748 Robert King, milner at the Miln of Pollockshawas is cautioner

Eik to the above Testament given up by the said Thomas Glen, as executor to the said defunct, containing further sums of money due to the defunct by Mathew Paton, wright in Glasgow, Patrick and John Reids there. Confirmed 17 January 1750.

16 February 1685. "Alexander Niven, and others, refuse the oath and are to be sent to the plantations" Whether this sentence was carried out Woodrow fails to mention.\ Queen Anne’s health failing in 1713 the supporters of the young James, the "pretender", desired to secure the succession for him instead of Anne’s legal heirs. With this in view the Duke of Perth began raising troops and issued this order:

"Order Ja. Ld. Drummond to William M’Gruther, William M’Nivan, and Alexander M’Gruther, farmers in Glanartney 1713.

William M’Gruther in Dalclathick, you are herby ordered to acquaint William Nivan in the same town, and Alexander M’Gruther in Dalchrown, to goe along with you as officers to Command the Company of our men that is to come out of your glen, and all the men are herby ordered to obey your commands on their highest perill, which you are to Intimate to them as you will be answerable to us, and this shall be your warrant. Given att Drmmond Castle the 15 August 1713 years.

See that none of the men of Achinner of whatever rank be absent, as they will be answerable and all the men in good order."

"Drummond"

In compliance William M’Gruther or M’Grouther and his two companions duly raised and assumed command of the men from Glenartney.

After the rising was quelled they were captured and banished to America, where they were sold as slaves. The two M’Grouthers, were, however, at last ransomed by their friend and returned home disguised as travelling packmen. What became of William M’Niven is not recorded but a William M’Niven of Dalclathick, possibly the same, died in 1729 as shown by this will:

"The Testament Dative and Inventary &c of unquhihile William McNiven in Dalclathick in the parish of Comry who died in the month of January 1729 Given up by Donald McNiven at Miln of Drummond and Alexander McNiven at Dalclathick Uncles to and as being authorised to give up Inventary for Charles, Alison, Margaret, Anna, and Elizabeth McNivens lawful children and executors dative to the said defunct

Sum of Inventary - 400 merks due to defunct by James Lord Drummond and Stobhall John McCleish, writer in Muthill cartioner Confirmed 11 December 1729

In 1745 Eharles Edward, son of the old "pretender", resolved to make an effort to gain the British Crown. After Charles’ defeat by the English and his escape his adherents were executed at London, Carlisle and York. James Niven, a merchant in Aberdeen, appears in Lord Roseberry’s List as having "assisted the Rebels in keeping guard during Inverurie skirmish - a prisoner in Aberdeen."

There seems to be some confusion about his name, which is at times given as "Nivie" and at others as "Niven". In the list of prisoners in the Tolbooth of Aberdeen reported to the Lord Justice Clerk 23 May 1746, there appears: "James Nevin, merchant in Aberdeen, imprisoned by order of Mr Bruce, the judge advocate, who can inform of his Cryme."

In the "Memorials of the Family of Lumsden" it is mentioned that a John Niven, 19 July 1782, writes from Aberdeen to Mrs Lumsden at Clova about some commission he had done for her and adds: "Last night we had a privateer in our bay who captured three vessels and sunk two of them in sight of the town. So miserably are we protected that we are stripped of our property by every petty villain who can carry a few guns, while very rarely a vessel belonging to the British fleet is seen in these seas."

"John Niven, whose father had been executed at Carlisle, and who remained an ardent Jacobite and Nonjuror to his dying day, naturally thought no language strong enough for the shortcomings of a Hanoverian government.

Mr. Niven had also written from Aberdeen, 1 October 1779, ‘Yesterday’s post brought the agreeable accounts of Sir George Collier destroying about forty sail of American armed vessels in the Bay of Jundy, where they wer attempting to (paper torn). . . in our possession. The noted rebel Paul Jones has been warmly engaged off Scarborough with a forty and twenty gun armed vessels belonging to us, that were convoying home the Baltic Fleet, but unluckily when he was at the striking one of his consorts came up and carried both our vessels toward France."

In "Memeories of Aberdeen"occurs, "My grandfather’s family were whigs and Presbyterians, but his wife Jane Niven was an Episcopalian. Her father John Niven, had been a boy in prison with his father at Carlisle after the Rebellion in the "45" and to the end of his life was a strong Jacobite and Non Juror, as well as a devoted member of the Scottish Episcopal Church. He was a rich man, having made a fortune in the tobacco trade. …….

"He had a horse in the Guestrow, (really Ghaistrow, it overlooked the town churchyard and was supposed to be the scene of the nightly walks fo the ghosts of the dead. G. M. Fraser) which he called Thornton Court, after a small property near Keith Hall. It is a beautiful old house, built by Sir George Skene in 1669, and in it the Duke of Cumberland lodged for six weeks on his way to Culloden (then inhabited by a Mr Thomas). It is now, I believe (1928), the Victorian Lodging House"

This would seem to dispel any doubt as to its being James Niven and Nivie who was taken from the Aberdeen Tolbooth to Carlisle.

The name of John Nevin appears in the Fugitive Bill and Banishment Act in Madden’s "The United Irishmen". This John Nevin lived near Dervock, county Antrim, Ulster, and he and his friend Peter Lyle, Captains both, in the United Irishmen, used secretly to meet for drill and were present at the uprising at Ballymena. After that affair they escaped to Buckna and took refuge in the house of a friend named Moore.

Nevin was awakened that night by a dream that the Yeomanry were about to take them prisoners. He fell asleep and again awoke terrified, having dreamed a second time that the Yeomen were at hand. He awoke Lyle and told his dreamc declaring they were sold. They went to awake Moore and discovered he was not at home. Trying the doors of the house they found them securely locked.

Their suspicions were now aroused for they knew a good price would be paid for information as to their whereabouts. Without stopping to dress they climbed through the window of their bedroom. They heard the approach of the Yeomen from Ballymena and hid in a cornfield where they lay till the next night. Nevin then fled to Cloughmills, and from there to Lough-Conally, near Skerry, then to Loughguile, Dervock, and Kilmoyle his home. From his home he was carried through Coleraine in a barrel. Afterwards he sought refuge in the mountains beyond the Bannand finally sailed for America from Magilligan, county Derry.

Though the government failed to take him it was learned from the records in Dublin that the authorities knew his whereabouts.

Dr James L. Nevin of Ballymoney, writes: "The family account of my grand-uncle, John Nevin, was, that he was more given to thought and study than the others and was thus more likely to come under the infuence of the Insurrectionary movement for a redress of grievances.

The letter of my grand-uncle you allude to is almost falling to pieces. It was written to his brother (my grandfather) and dated 10 April 1804, at Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a large sheet folded and sealed and addressed "Mr James Nevin, Kilmoyle near Coleraine &c and sent in charge of the ship and marked 3s /2d. The letter reads:

Happy in an opportunity of writing I now embrace this. Your last favour I received some weeks ago. I met a Mr Stewart from Gardenvale on his way to Natchez who left Ireland in November last and informs me that troublesome times are not likely to be over soon in that country. Oh! That I could have you all in this country with the value of your property. Here I enjoy equal rights and privileges with the best rank. You desire to know my business, well, I have been to Charlestown, S.C. with a cargo of flour, I went down the Tennessee river and traded with the Indians buying steers from them. I have my license from the agent of war and can come and go as I please. I thought to have gone home and see you all in the Spring but hope to do so soon. I am sorry to hear that so many of my countrymen are confined in prison and some of them executed but the permissive will of God must be done. You are under the rod of affliction in a high degree. You must wait with patience your deliverence for it is fast hastening. You complain of a declension of religion in me which I may with shame acknowledge in part but such religion as we have here you can form no idea of. I went yesterday to a exercise as they call it and it is beyond my pen to describe it - falling down in fits, then shouting glory, glory, and twitching, jerking, jumping and at length breaking into raptures of prayer. I cannot think that it is by the direction of Heaven for He is a God of order and not of confusion. We are here under the best Republican Government in the world. My situation in life is not changed nor is it likely to be. As for my health I feel thankful that it remains good. Please send me some linen that it may be an addition to my stock. Remember me to brothers, sisters, cousins and their families, also Mr Seph. Hunter, Mr Rodgers, and Loughconnelly people and all other friends.

Your ever affectionate brother

John Nevin

He died at Knoxville, Tennessee in 1806. So touched were the friends in Ireland by his death that they had a number of jugs made, Dr Nevin still treasuring a set, bearing ingenious devices and an inscription - "To the memory of John Nevin of Kilmoyle who was by the Foes of Reform Banished from his Native Home in June 1798. He lived in the State of Exile, seven years, eleven months, eight days, and departed this Life in Knoxville, Tennessee, the 19 of May 1806. Much Lamented by all his Friends, Acquaintances, and Friends to the Country."

The jugs are of three sizes - one gallon, one-half gallon, one quart. In addition to the inscription the large jug has the words "Peace and Independence" - the small one "In God is our Trust".

This ballad to John Nevin was repeated to the author (Thomas Camack) by John Fergusson of Carnaff:

It’s here’s to Captain Nevin, God bless his lovely eyes,

It was in Derrykeighan he his men did exercise.

They being under arms, two "yeos" he did espy,

When he made them to surrender, and their swords did occupy.

O the Yeomen of Ireland, how merrily they’ll go

Along with Captain Nevin - he’s a gallant hero!

The two "yeos" were of the name of Coyle (then called McIlhoyle) who attempted to take Nevin prisoner; but he turned the tables on them by lodging both in Dervock market-house, from which they were soon released. The field in which Nevin drilled the insurgents is close to Derrykeighan village, and is still styled by the old people the "Drilly Know". Captain Nevin had gained his military knowledge as a member of the Bally money Volunteer Company.

In connection with John Nevin above, Thomas Camac says, writing of Derrykeighan: "The most memorable event in the history of the parish, after the Insurrection, happened some time early in the twenties. The owner of Dervock, George Hume MacArtney, claimed a toll on every horse and cow exhibited in Dervock Fair. This claim was paid without MacArtney’s right ever being questioned, until John Nevin (nephew of John of ’98 memory), a farmer residing at Carnaff, sent his servant, Dan McClelland, with a horse to the Fair. McClelland had no sooner appeared than the bailiff in charge demanded the customary dues, and was referred to Nevin, who refuesed to pay anything: wereupon the horse was seized and kept in Dervock for a considerable time. An expesive lawsuit ensued in which Nevin enjoyed the powerful advocacy of no less distinguished an advocate than Daniel O’Connell. The suit ended in complete victory fo r Nevin and in consequence the abolition of toll. The horse was afterwards known as "Customs Free"; and old men have mentioned to me with seeming pride their once having been on the back of the Derrykeighan equine celebrity.

An amusing incident occurred in March 1688 , " One Niven, a musitian in Inverness is pershued for deceiving one of his scholars called Cumming, a Minster’s daughter; and a lass of twelve years old, and marrieing her, and getting ane country Minister to doe it, by suborning one to call himself her brother, and to assert to the Minister, that he consented. This being ane abominable cheat and imposture, ane theft, and a perfidious treachery, haveing acomplication of many villanies in it, he was sentenced for (an ) example, to stand at the pillorie with his ear nailed to the Tron, and then to be banished; which was done.

The Privy Counsall also declared the marriage void and null ab initio, as procured by fraud, and farder, declared the maid’s reputation to be untainted or stained by this fact.

This present Pope Innocent the eleventh hath made a very just rule, dischargeing any man to teach musick, or other arts to Weeman in Rome; and allowes them only to be taught by some of their own sex." (Historic Notices of Scottish Affairs. MS of Sir John Lauder of Fountainhall, Bart. Edinburgh. Bannatyne Club. Vol II. p 858)

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GENEALOGICAL

Eastwood Births

1698 Margaret, daughter lawful to William Niving and Margaret Shieles in Pollockshaws was born the last of October 1698, baptised 6 November 1698 by Mr Matthew Crauford.

Isobell daughter lawful to William Niving and Margaret Shieles in Shawes was borne 7 May 1701, baptised 24 of the same instant by Mr Robert Johnstone.

Elizabeth &c born 25 May 1703, baptised the 31 of the same in Cathcart by Mr John Stivensone.

Marion &c born 31 August 1705, baptised 16 September 1705 by Mr Robert Woddrow.

Eastwood Marriages

1727 Andrew Reid in the City of Glasgow and Isobell Nievine in this parish gave up their names for proclamation in order to marriage the 20 January 1727 and being thrice proclaimed were married 17 February 1727 by Mr Robert Wodrow.

Andrew Shiells in the parish of Govane and Elizabeth Nievine in this parish gave up their names for proclamation in order to marriage the 14 July 1727 and being thrice procalimed were married 1 August 1727 by Mr Robert Woddrow. (Above from Eastwood Parish Register, H.M.General Register House. Edinburgh. Copied by Mr John MacLeod)

Glasgow Burgess Roll

William Neving, land labourer in Pollockshaws. Burgess gratis at the desire of Robert Robertson late bailie conform to Act of Council 29 April also Guild brother by purchase 6 September 1718.

John Neving, Merchant Burgess and Guild Brother as married Marion lawful daughter to William Niven in Pollockshaws Burgess and Guild Brother 20 March 1730.

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NIVEN OF PEEBLES AND THORNTON. ABERDEENSHIRE.

John Niven of Thornton married his cousin Rachel, of Harlaw, daughter of William Lumsden of Auchindoir, and had issue:

1. Sir Harry Niven-Lumsden Bart. married Harriet Christian Leith Hay, and died s,p, 1821.
2. Rachel Niven, married R. Carmichael, Captain, R.N.
3. Christina Niven, m Roderick Mackenzie of Glack.
4. Jane Niven, m J. Forbes of Echt.

At his death, Harry Lumsden of Jamaica, left a considerable sum to be invested by his trustee, John Niven. Under Mr Niven’s judicious management, Wheedlemont, Towie, Premnay, Rosieburn, Tillymorgan and Cairngrassie became parts of the Auchindoir estates, which had all been entailed by Harry Lumsden, (1) on the male heirs of his youngest and favorite sister Rachel, John Niven’s wife 2. On the male heirs of his second sister Catherine, wife of John Leith and 3. (passing over his eldest sister whose marriage displeased him, as well as the daughters of Mrs Niven) on Henry third son of Harry Lumsden of Belhelvie and his heirs. In every case the name Lumsden was to be preserved. At his death therefore, Harry Niven-Lumsden, then a child, succeeded to the estates.

1. SIR HARRY NIVEN-LUMSDEN, BART. born April 1785, married Harriet Christian, daughter of General Leith Hay of Rannes and had three children who with their mother all died begore him. He was created a "Knight Bachelor, 5 July 1816, on presenting an address of congratulation from Aberdeen on the marriage of the Princess Charlotte with the Duke of Saxe." (Knightage of Great Britain)

He was buried near Lumsden village at a place called Chapel House, named from an Episcopal Church having stood near it. A slab of white marble inserted into a massive granite tomb is marked:

Through the influence of the Duke of Gordon Sir Harry was created a Baronet 9 August 1821, but he survived the creation but four months and as he left no living issue the title expired. (Burke’s Extinct Peerages)

3. CHRISTINA NIVEN, married Roderick, son and heir of Rev Colin Mackenzie, minister of Fodderty, who purchased the estate of Glack in Aberdeenshire and became first of the Mackenzies of Glack.

Roderick Mackenzie married 1. Margaret, daughter of Sir Alexander Mackenzie fifth of Gairloch Bart. without issue, and 2. Christina, daughter of John Niven of Peebles. They had issue:

1. Harry Mackenzie, died unmarried in 1828.
2. John Mackenzie, became III of Glack, born 1810.
3. Roderick Mackenzie of Thornton, died 1858, unmarried.
4. James Mackenzie, Major, 72 Highlanders, died in India 1857, unmarried.
5. Mary mackenzie, married Gerneral Sir Alexander Leith K.C.B. of Freefield and Glenkindie. No issue.
6. Rachel, died unmarried.
7. Christina of Foveran, died unmarried.
8. Jane Formbes Unice, died unmarried.

NEVIN IN ABERDEENSHIRE

William Davidson Niven LL.D. F.R.S. Another of the four Peterhead brothers who have distinguished themselves at Cambridge by their success in competing fo the highest honors of that University. M.A. Aberdeen 1861. B.A. Cantab. 1866. LL.D. Aberdeen 1884. Dr Niven is now director of studies at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich.

Charles Niven D.Sc. F.R.S. (Professor) Mathematician and natural philosopher. A native of Peterhead, born 1845. M.A. Aberdeen 1863. First Wrangler in Mathematics, Cambridge 1867. Professor of Mathematics, Queen’s College, Cork, 1880. Professor natural philosophy Aberdeen.

George Niven M.B. Math. Youngest brother of Charles Niven. M.A. Aberdeen 1877; B.A. Cantab. 15^th Wrangler 1881. M.B. Cantab 1881. Medical practice in Manchester.

James Niven M.B. Medical author, youger brother of Charles Niven. After a successful career at Aberdeen, this brilliant member of a talented family proceeded to Cambridge like his two elder brothers, where he graduated 8^th Wrangler 1874. Medicine, M.B. 1880. Medical Officer in Manchester.

John Niven, minor poet. Born 1859 in Kincardine O’Neil. A soldier who has tried his hand at verse. Published 1883, "Buds and Blossoms Culled by the Crynock Burn." (Notable Men and Women of Aberdeenshire. Scottish Notes & Queries. Vol XI. P 165.)

NEVIN IN ABERDEENSHIRE

Burgess of Guild and Trade of the Burgh of Aberdeen. 3 October 1570, Andrew Nevin.

Parish of Fyvie. Monuments against the south wall of the church in Fyvie Graveyard. On the third. Sacred to the memory of Robert Leslie of Rothie, died 18 February 1861, in the 87^th year of his age. Much esteemed and respected. Erected by his sorrowing widow Mrs Barbara Niven or Leslie.

His widow died 22 May 1873, in her 78^th year, and is her interred.

Barbara Niven was a daughter of Robert Niven, of Bruchills. She succeeded to the small estate of Meadaple, which she bequeathed to her nephew, Robart Nevin in Bruckhills.

Robert Leslie was heritor of the mansion house and estate of Rothienorman (built by his elder brother James an superceded by the present house) and also the estate of Kinbroon. At Robert Leslie’s death, according to a very stringent entail, these estates went to Lieut Col Jonathan Forbes, of the 78^th Highlanders. (Aberdeenshire Epitaphs and Inscriptions. John A. Henderson. Aberdeen. 1907. p 501, also The Thanage of Fermartyn. WM Temple. Aberdeen. 1894. p 47.)

15 September 1715, Act empowering the Dean of Guild to give bills for the powder taken up by the merchants by order of government.

Received from the following merchants: Item from Thomas Niven, merchant, two kinkens conteining eighty ane pund and three quarter of a pund wieght.

17 October 1715. Act nominating the taxers (chosen to proportion and tax the inhabitants) Thomas Niven merchant in Aberdeen et al. (extracts from Aberdeen Burgh Records 1715-16. New Spalding Club. Vol I.)

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Of the family of Captain John Nevin of the United Irishmen, his grandnephew, Dr James L. Nevin of Ballynoney, writes: "My great great grandfather Robert Nevin got a grant of the lands of Kilmoyle near the close of the 17^th century and died about 1740. He came from Scotland and had three sons, James, Hugh and William. James, my great grandfather, according to a tombstone in Derrykeighan Old Churchyard, died in 1796. He married (1) a Miss Wilson (2) Eliza Clerke Casey and had 1. Robert 2. Captain John 3. Agnes who married a Carmack. 4. a daughter, name unknown 5. James 6. Thomas 7. a daughter. Dr Nevin has compiled a record of the descendants of Robert of Kilmoyle, but it might be well to notice here the children of 1. Robert above. This Robert married a Miss Dunlop of Ballyversal and had issue, among others, John Nevin 1803-1866, a R.P. minister who came to America. Elizabeth 1798-1863, who married Robert Woodside of Stroan 1789-1876, and had issue John Woodside a missionary to India, 2. Thomas Woodside who lived in America and had a daughter Margaret, and 3. Nevin Woodside, a Presbyterian minister of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

James, the grandfather of Dr Nevin, died in 1851, having married Anne Nevin daughter of his first cousing Robert Nevin.

Of the descendants of Hugh Nevin, second son of Robert of Kilmoyle, his granddaughter Jane Nevin married James Moore of Ballyboyland and their fourth child married the Rev J.W. Woodside and had Dr John Woodside of Randolph county, Illinois.

Of John Nevin, father of Dr Nevin, the story of his horse "Customs Free" has been given above. He married Lydia Laughlin, daughter of John Laughlin of Cluntice and died in 1875 having had three children, the youngest, James Laughlin Nevin M.D. wa born in 1854 and married (1) Isabella Carmack (2) his cousin Mary Nevin, he has one son James C. Nevin, born 1886, married 1919 Clark Stebane.

Dr Nevin says "I was born on a farm near Dervock, four miles from Ballymoney. I qualified in Medicine at Edinburgh in 1880, and after being Medicam Assistant in England I began practice here in 1883 and retired from practice in 1921.

He wrote, August 1910, to Miss Woodside, daughter of the late Rev Nevin Woodside of Pittsburgh, Penna.

"In the British Medical Register for 1880, the year in which I qualified, mine was the only one of the name ther, now there are five; one my first cousin, two either third of fourth cousins, and one other of whom I have no knowledge. Of Niven abouth the same number thane as now, seven or eight, and of Nivens only one then and his successor now.

As to the different families having the same name in county Antrim, it is true many of them liven ‘in sight of the Giant’s Causeway’. Families named Nevin have lived for many years at Cloyfin, near Colerain, also near Portstewar, and at Kilmoyle (the first settlement of our branch) and there is a general belief that they are distantly related to us but it cannot be traced and yet their burying ground in Derrykeighan Old Churchyard is coterminus with ours. A Nevin family have resided for many years at Claughey townland about three miles to the south of Ballymoney and both in the last and present generations they have intermarried with our branch. There is no history of any degree of consanguinity between them and yet members of the family tell me that there are striking points of resemblance.

During my student days at Glasgow I met a business man there named Niven who told me that his family came from the Highlands of Scotland and that they held a tradition that many of their family had left for the north of Ireland in bygone years. The town of Coleraine has aloways had people of this name as residents – no doubt supplied by families from the places mentioned above."

Captain John Nevin of the United Irishmen, mentioned above, was, according to the record compile by James M. Nevin, of Pittsburgh, Pa., a first cousin of John Nevin born 1740 in county Antrim, Ulster, died 31 January 1814 in Mifflin Township, Allegheny county, Pa. This John was sonf of Hugh Nevin, born 7 May 1688. He married 1765, Jinnat Brown (b 1739 d 1 September 1811) the niece of John Brown of Haddington (1722-1787). John Nevin came to America first in 17?? and helped lay the first street paving in Philadelphia, later he was employed as a farm hand near the city, and then worked on the farm owned by the father of Generaly Anthony Wayne, near Waynesboro, Pa. He returned to Ireland and made a second voyage to America in 1767. His third and last voyage was made in 1788 from Coleraine, a voyage of six weeks and six days, June to Aughust, with his wife and seven children. He farmed in sight of the Giants Causeway, Ireland, 1765-1788, Chester county, Pa. 1788-1790; Mingo Meeting House Washington county, Pa. 1790-1792; Mifflin Township 1792-1814. The family were members of the Mifflin Presbyterian Church, the father being ordained an elder 2 October 1806. John and Jinit Nevin had issue eight children from whom are descended Nevin families of Ohio, Dakota, Philadelphia, Jersey City, and other places. The record of these descendants has been compiled and is in the possession of James M. Nevin, Pittsburgh Pa. A family Bible in his possession shows descent from John Nevin of Ayrshire, 1492, Hugh Nevin, 1529. John Nevin 1570, born in the Island of Bute, married Ginit Nevin and had John Knox Nevin 1611, who had William Nevin of Ayrshire 1647, grandfather of Hugh Nevin born 1 May 1688 the father of John 1740-1814. before mentioned.

All the above from the Records of Joseph B. Nevin, Pittsuburgh, Pa. now deceased