INNES, John of Leuchars ^{1 2}

   Other names for John were INNES, John Bailie of the Regality of Spynie ² and INNES, John of Coldreasons.²

   User ID: L731.

  General Notes:

"John Innes of Blackhills had also an illegitimate son John,born 1539, died 1618, named in the family notes John of Coldreasons. He was attached to the Chancellor Seaton, who, among other Church property had the Priory of Pluscardin, and evidently stood well also with Alexander Lord Spynie, whose lay lordship was made up out of the ancient Bishoprick of Moray.

John was legitimated by a crown charter in 1576. He was already styled, of Leuchars, when he took a charter of Carserig, 5 Dec, 1581. On 27 May, 1584, James VI. granted a charter to John Innes of Leuchars, of 'the preceptory of the Hospital callit Maisondieu situat beside the burch of Elgin, to the effect that he may sustene the puir men foundit at the said Hospital, as effeiris.'

As early as 1591 he was Bailie of the Regality of Spynie, and held courts of high jurisdiction, civil and criminal, at Elgin, sitting in the 'Jewel house of the Cathedral,' as appears from the Court Register preserved in the Leuchars charter-chest, some extracts from which have been printed in the second volume of the Miscellany of the Spalding Club. By what title he acted previously does not appear; but on 18 Dec. 1599, Alexander Lord Spynie the Lord of erection coming in room of the Bishop of Moray, granted a charter to John Innes of Leuchars in life-rent, and Alexander Innes of Cotts and his heirs in fee, of the heritable office of bailiary of the Regality of Spynie and constabulary of the castle thereof, which was confirmed by Crown charter, 25 Dec. 1599."

from Ane Account


John's money and lands were left to his brother. ²

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Legitimated: by a Crown Charter, 1576.

John married Marjorie STRACHAN, daughter of Thomas STRAYQUHEN and Janett STWARTT.¹ (Marjorie STRACHAN was baptised on 10 June 1577 in Saint Nicholas parish, Aberdeen, Scotland ⁴ and died after 7 August 1621 ¹.)

  Marriage Notes:

"Robert Strachan On Aug. 7, 1621 (Privy Council Register), his uncle, the laird of Gight, had to appear on his behalf as cautioner in 500 merks that the boy should not disturb Marion Strachan, relict of John Innes of Leuchars (probably his aunt), and John Dunbar, notary public, burgess of Elgin, and their families. The bond is dated at Coittis, July 20, 1621, and is witnessed by, among others, James Rutherfuird, Provost of Elgin. He entered the French army, and afterwards served with the English Royalists (Familie of Innes, p. 208)."

from Gight




"John Innes of Leuchars makes his will at Elgin the xiiii of December 1618, leaving his weilbelovit spous Mariorie Strachan his executrix testamentar and universal intrometter. He owes to William Layng his seruitor 300 merks, which he received in borrowing from him. Item to Robert Buchane 62 punds. To the Bishop of Murray 1000 merks and £15 of teind silver. To Robert Innes, lawful son to Alexander Innes of Coittis 2000 merks. He leaves to Agnes Innes his sister, relict of Patrick Dunbar, for supplement of her neeessitie 100 punds. To Alex. Layng in Fauldis 100 merks. To William Layng his seruitor 200 punds, with this provision that he shall faithfullie and trewlie obey and serve the said Marjorie Strahain his spous as he shall be requirit be hir upon hir avne expenses and charges. To Mariorie Layng William's sister 10 lib. To Elizabeth Innes his brothers dochter sex ferlots victual yearlie for her sustentation. To Adam Innes his brother 500 merks. To his auld servand Issobel Lindsay 40 merks. To John Brabner his servand x li. Witnesses Alexander Innes of Coitis. Mr. James Gutherie, minister at Urquhart."

from Family of Innes ^{1 2}