"Representative of the Clan from the Principal Branch"

 You can’t make this shit up.

 

Daniel MacLaurin of Auchleskine

Daniel and I are a lot alike, we both looked unsuccesfully, for the ancient history of Clan MacLaren. Daniel relates how he found the ancient Clan MacLaurin history, he had been looking for in vain for over forty years, in an 1845 coffee table book, McIan’s Costumes of the Clans, 1845.

 

Did I tell you, in 1831, D. McLaurin Esq. was a Subscriber to The Scottish Gael written by James Logan, that has no mention of a Clan McLaren. In 1836, McLaurin, Daniel, Esq,. is a Subscriber to History of the Highlands and Isles Scotland, by Donald Gregory, that has no mention of a Clan McLaren. In 1845, Mac Laurin, Daniel, Esq,. was a Subscriber to McIan’s Costumes of the Clans of Scotland . That miraculously contains the Clan Laurin history that Daniel had been unable to find for forty years.

Daniel Mclaren, Solicitor in London, who changed his surname to MacLaurin and become ‘of Auchleskine’, one of the hand full of tacks or fermtouns associated with Mclarens in Balquhidder. In 1866 Daniel matriculates fron the Lyon Court, Armorial Ensigns and self publishes A History in Memorium of Clan Laurin with primary events coming straight from Scotland’s favorite novelist Sir Walter Scott. addenda by James Logan, an abridged version of Logans article itn McIan’s Costumes.

 

Daniel Maclaurin Matriculation 1866

Extract of the Lord Lyon's Letters Patent in favour of Daniel Maclauren Esquire dated the 23^rd day of April 1866

Wheras Daniel Maclaurin of Acacia Road, of St. John's Wood in the County of Middler sec? Esquire hath by Petition of date the fourteenth day of April current Represented unto Me that he is the only surviving son of the late John Maclaurin portioner of Leachinscridan Bulguhidder in the County of Perth and Janet his wife daughter of Hugh MacGrigor of Auchtowmore and that the said John Maclaurin was son of Duncan and grandson of Donald Maclaurin of Auchleskine, and hath Prayed that I would Grant My License and Authority to him and his descendants, and to the other descendants as his said grandfather Duncan Maclaurin to bear and use such Amorial Ensigns as might be found suitable and according to the Laws of Arms. Know ye therefore that I have devised, and do by these present's Asign Ratify and Confirm to the said Daniel Maclaurin Esquire and to his descendants and to the other descendants of his said grandfather Duncan Maclaurin with such congruent differences as may hereafter be matriculated for them, the following Ensigns Armorial, as depicted upon the margin hereof and Matriculated of even date with these presents in My Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland; veg? Or, two Chevronels Gules in base a Lymphad Sable Sails furled Flags flying and oars in action all within a Bordure nebuly of the second Above the Shield is placed a Helmet befiting his degree, with a Mantling Gules doubled Argent, and on a Wreath oof his his Liveries is set for Crest a Lions head erased proper surmounted by an Antique Crown Or between two Branches of Laurel issuing from the Wreath also proper and in an Escrol over the same thise Motto “Dalriada” and in an Escrol below the Shield this Motto "Aborigene fidus.” Matriculated the twenty third day of April 1866. James Lorimer ? Lyon Clerk

In his book, Daniel basically anoints himself “Representative of the Clan” that James Logan created in 1845, after the matriculation of Armorial Ensigns that practically any Scot could achieve. In his book A History in Memorium of Clan Laurin Daniel McLaurin states in the Introduction that

“Auchleskine, or principal branch of the “Clan Laurin,” claiming the Title of Representative of the Clan”

 That is not what the Matriculation said at all, Daniel made it all up!

Flash forward to 1957, when Donald MacLaren achieves chiefly Arms, MacLaren of MacLaren (chief of the surname) and “of Auchleskine”, because it is the “Principal Branch” based on Daniel’s claim. The 1957 MacLaren Petition to the Lyon Court, refers to the “House of Auchleskine.”

Logan manufactured the Clan MacLaren heraldry to support his Strathearn origin narrative. And the anonymous MacGregor Peter corroborated Logan, in The London Journal. Notice that Margaret MacLaren in her book The MacLarens, describes the Arms as UNRECORDED.

All you gotta do is write a book with a glossy cover to become a clan chief.

MacGregor Peter 1854

“ The London Journal,” 14th October, 1854, writing under the pseudonym of

" M'Gregor Peter,” gives an unrecorded version of MacLaren Arms as : “ Or, two chevrons ; in base, a lymphad, sails furled, oars in action. Sable : On a chief gules, a lion passant, argent. Crest : A lion’s head erased, crowned with an antique coronet {with four points), between two laurel branches;orlewise, proper.

Mottoes: Above “ Dalriada.” Under the Arms: “ Aborigine fidus ” (true from the beginning). Supporters : Two mermaids, the dexter holding a comb, the sinister a mirror, in the exterior hand proper.” The MacLarens by Margaret MacLaren, 1960

Here is the COA's of Donald MacLaren of MacLaren and Auchleskine, newly created from James Logan's 1845 Clan Laurin history description, in 1957.

 

 

Donald MacLaren Matriculation 1957 

 Copyright Hilton McLaurin, Oct 30, 2025

 

McLaurins’ on Jupiter of Larne 1775

The voyage could be very treacherous with gale force winds sinking ships. 

Duncan McLaurin “Duncan McJohn” (D-d), left money with his brother John McLaurin (D-e) in Glendroum to care for a child that Duncan left behind when he emigrated in 1775 on Jupiter of Larne with three of his nephews Donald (D-bb), Lauchlin (D-bd), and Lawrin (D-be). A bill among the Neil McLaurin of Inveresregan Papers (NRS GD170/481) dated September 1779 stated John McLaurininGlendroum had died. CAT pg. 429.

On Goggle maps it appears that you can drive to Druimavuic and perhaps to the southern head of Coire Bliochdaig.

Glendroum in my best guess is the small glen leading northeast from Glasdrum, with long time McColl portioners who also emigrated on the “Jupiter of Larne” in 1775, the John McColl family, who settled in Mountain Creek, North Carolina. By the mid 1770s the McColls had lost their portion altogether. This hints that the four McLaurin men are also from Glasdrum.

Coire Bliochdaig is a long narrow ravine at the north west base of Beinn Squilaird, another McLaurin tack associated with Druimavuic, these two Ardchattan Parish properties are combined on the 1802 tax rolls, with Colin Campbell of Balliveolan the owner. One Campbell or another had owned the two properties in Ardchattan Parish since 1470, when they were among the properties resigned by Walter Stewart of Lorn.

From evidence in the Testament of John McLaurine at Coire Bliochdaig dated 1725, there appears to be a debt due John from a long deceased Sir Robert Campbell of Orchy (1575-1657).  This is a “Wadset”, a loan from one of John’s ancestors to Sir Robert Campbell or one of his ancestors, in exchange for the long term tenancy of  Druimavuic and Coire Bliochdaig, until the loan is repaid sometimes generations later. Perhaps a Campbell repaid the Wadset to the McLaurins, replaced them with sheep then left for America with money in their pocket.

Of interest would be researching the rentals of Druimavuic and Coire Bliochdaig in the Argyll Papers at Inveraray Castle.

#128* Duncan “McJohn” McLaurin (D-d), served as a Richmond Co. North Carolina Tory in the Revolutionary War, just like his cousin Euan McLaurin in Orangeburg Co. South Carolina. He died at the age of 92 in Conecuh Co. Alabama.

Edinburgh Evening Courant

#127* Daniel McLaurin (D-bb), later shipped out of Portland, Maine and was drowned at sea.

#126* Lawrin McLaurin (D-be), appears in the 1810 and 1820 South Carolina census.

#125* Lachlan “Lock” McLaurin (D-bd), appears in the 1790 and 1800 North Carolina census.

*Passenger List Jupiter of Larne from Dunstaffnage Castle to Wilmington, North Carolina, 177

Glasdrum - grey ridge

Druimavuic - ridge of the bucks, pigs

Coire Bliochdaig - A hollow where cows were wont to be milked

Genealogy

A1 ____________ McLaurin B about 1590, Corrieblicaik, Invercreran, Appin

A1a Donald McLaurin B ____ D Nov 1686, TST 1686, Corrieblicaik, Glen Creran, Donald’s testament lists his armour, Balliboydan/Kilbodan Parish, Hew McLaurin (Ec) in Drumurch, Loch Awe Cautioner (Executor), Ardchattan Parish Nov. 12 1686

A1aa Mary McLaurin B ____ D _____ Daughter in A1a TST 1686, Coire Bliochdaig, Invercreran, Balliboydan/Kilbodan Parish

A1b Neil McLaurin B ____ D TST 1686, Corrieblicaik, Glen Creran,

A2 Donald/Daniel McLaurin B about 1600

Aa John McClaurin B about 1630 D Nov 1687, TST 1694, G.G. McL, Corrieblicaik Coire Bliochdaig, Invercreran, Balleodan Parish, m. _____, John Cameron in Auchnaba, Benderloch, Loch Etive owed him money, Dugald Campbell in Bairres, obleidges me as Cautioner,.

Aaa Neil McClaurin B about 1653 D _____ Son in A2a TST 1694

Aab John McLaurine TST 1725, Son in Aa TST1694, “Scottish Highlanders on the Eve of the Great Migration” by David Dobson B_____ D 21, July 1725, M. _____ Cameron, Corrieblicaik, Glencrenan, The deceased Sir Robert Campbell of Orchy (1575-1657) owed John money (a Wadset), Alexander Stewart younger of Invernayhle Cautioneer (a relative?).

Aaba/B Lauchlan McLaurin in Aab T1725, Journal of the MacColl Society July & August 1969) B ______ D ____Tenant Blar-nan-laogh, 1715 Rentals, Tenant Blar-nan-laogh, Glean na h-lola 1746 he is old, SAL & STN show he stayed at home 1745/6.

Lauchlan is living at Blar-nan-laogh, Glean na h-lola, owned by Stewart of Appin, in 1715 and 1745/46 where he is an old man. Both his father and grandfather lived at Druimavuic/Coire Bliochdaig.

Ba Duncan McLaurin B Feb 12, 1724 D Jan. 27, 1809 Duncan @ Invernahyle Estate 1746, wounded at Culloden Q 21, page 13, Appin to Richmond Co., int. Stewartsville Cy, NC

Bb (dates are a mess) Donald/Daniel McLaurin B 1750 Appin, not Skye thats an error, D 18__ M ____ MacColl, M Mary Stewart

Bc Hugh McLaurin of Glenahyle, B 1726 D 18__, M Anne McLeran

Bd NEW John Bane McLaurin B abt. 1725 D 18__ Lauchlan’s servant STN, Lauchlan’s son SAL

Be Mary McLaurin B abt. 1757 D<1785 M Daniel Stewart 1812 Eleventh Co, Robeson Regt.

Sa Dugald Stewart b. 1781

Sb Nancy Ann Stewart M Hugh Laa

Sc Jennett Stewart M Daniel Ban

Aabb Donald McLaurin B ____ D ____ Tenant Blar-nan-laogh, 1715 Rental (Journal of the MacColl Society July & August 1969)

Aabc Duncan McLaurin Glenure Culloden STN B ____  D _____

Aabd / D John McLaurin D. 1746 “John of Culloden”

Da Neil McLaurin b. 1723 Wounded at Culloden (not in STN or SAL)

Db  Donald/Daniel McLaurin of Islay probably Invernayhle, B 1731/5 D 1809, i Stewartsville Cy. M Margaret McLaurin Eaad

Dba Piper Hugh McLaurin B 1760

Dbb Donald/Daniel McLaurin B 1763, 1775 “Jupiter of Larne” drowned at sea later.

Dbc Big John emigrated in 1783

Dbd Lauchlan McLaurin B 1750 1775 “Jupiter of Larne”

Dbe Laurine McLaurin B 1755 1775 “Jupiter of Larne”

Dc Hugh McLaurin B ____ D young

Dd  Duncan “McJohn” McLaurin B 1745 D June 1833, Sept. 1775 “Jupiter of Larne”, Wounded Revolutionary War, L Richmond Co NC - Alabama, M 1 _____ McPhater N.C., M 2 Catherine McLaurin F-bd B 1754 Glasgow D1841 MS. 

NEW! De John McLaurin of Glendroum (Glasdrum) 1779 CAT pg.429, B ____  D. 1775-1779 Cared for brother Duncan’s son in Scotland after Duncan’s 1775 emigration.

Aabe Christian McLaurin B ____  D _____

Aabf Dugald McLaurin B ____  D _____

Aabg Hugh McLaurin B ____  D _____ , X-046 Hugh M’Laurin Sr. 1790 Richmond Census, Glenure Culloden STN

Hugh M’Laurin Jr. Aabga/G per Q 35 pg. 16, B app.1745 D 1817 Appin to Richmond Co, NC, M _____ _____ July 1792 Richmond Co., Road Order/1790 Census

Aac Eun/Hugh McClaurine in Aa TST 1694, B_____ D_____ 

Aad Duncan McClaurine IN Aa TST 1694, B_____ D_____, Tenant Blar-nan-laogh, 1715 Rentals 

Aae/F Dr. Lachlain McLaurine, B. 1685 D. 1759 TST 1759; mentioned in TST 1694, m.Isabella Cameron Doctor from Glenouroch 1746 Stonefield and Saltoun Appin then Maryburgh. John Cameron of Fassfern Cautioneer. Isabella Cameron daughter of Archibald Cameron of Dungallon son of Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel.

Lachlain’s 1st cousin is Colin Campbell of Glenure, a younger son of Barcaldine, and of Lucia, daughter of Sir Ewan Cameron of Lochiel,was the victim in the celebrated Appin murder by gunshot in the wood of Lettermore, in May 1752, Physician to Cameron of Erracht and other Camerons.

Fa John McLaurin, b about 1710, d.     , names in a Gaelic book in SHC, Laurinburg, NC.

Fb Duncan McLaurin, m. Catherine Rankin, Glencoe

Fba Hugh M’Laurin of Slate Quarry, Ballachulish,  b. 1751 Appin d. Jan. 12, 1846 age 95, 1790 Richmond Co, NC m. Catherine Calhoun

Fbd Catherine “of Glasgow” McLaurin,  b. 1754 d. 1841 Mississippi

m. Duncan McLaurin Dd

three others

Fc/HL Euan McLaurin, b about 1710 D. 1782 Charleston, SC, Quarterly Vol. 3, Number 10 June 1971, CAT pg. 447 

Fd Allan McLaurin, b about 1710 eldest son and closest next of kin in Lauchlan’s 1759 Testament.

Copyright HIlton McLaurin 2022

Rev. Robert McLaurine, Church of England

Rev. Robert McLaurine, Church of England b. circa 1717 - 1727, Lived in Cumberland Co., Virginia

Since the surname McLaurin appears at different places and times in Scotland, with no “one” patronymic and considering the fluidity of surnames in Scotland in the early 1700s, Robert McLaurine could literally be, the first of his surname.

Three traditional accounts indicate Argyll as his families place of origin, Northern Argyll like most McLaurins to be more specific. The first tradition coming from the South Carolina McLaurins who came from Appin, Argyll is that Colin McLaurin’s mother Mary Cameron was a sister to ______ Cameron who married John McLaurin at Coire Bliochdaig, Appin. Which has nothing to do with Rev. Robert McLaurine.

A tradition resulting from the research of Confederate Col. Mosby of Virginia and Daniel McLaurin of South Carolina in the 1800s, is of a marriage between Margaret a sister of Rev. Robert McLaurine and Donald McLaurin in South Carolina.

"Col. Mosby remarked that his mother was a McLaurine, spelled with an "e". Uncle Daniel stated that his great grandmother, Margaret McLaurine, spelled her name with an "e". Col. Mosby continued, stating that the first of his McLaurine ancestors to come to Virginia was his great grandfather, Robert McLaurine, an Episcopal minister. That he had a son, James, who fought in the Revolution and he was the father of his (Mosby's) mother. Uncle Daniel outlined his family history back to the marriage of his great grandfather, Daniel McLaurin, to Margaret McLaurine.

 

Some time after this Uncle Daniel received a letter from Col. Mosby stating that he had learned that his great grandfather Robert McLaurine had a sister Margaret who had married a Daniel Mc-Laurin. That they had several children who came to America. That sometime after the Revolution Daniel and Margaret planned to come over, but she died, and he had never heard any thing more about the family. Uncle Daniel said that he immediately wrote Col. Mosby telling him that was exactly what happened to his great grandparents, Daniel and Margaret. They were making their plans to join their sons in America when Margaret died. Daniel came on a short time thereafter.” G.G. McLaurin And Some of His Kin Sketches and Genealogy

A third tradition originating in the 1800s is that Rev. Robert descended from Colin MacLaurin the Mathematician or his brother Rev. John. This tradition was later adopted by the South Carolina McLaurins also. This has been examined thoroughly and no link has been found, there are no known living descendants of Colin McLaurin or his brother John.

Coire Bliochdaig McLaurins and the Stronmagachan/Drumurch/Colin MacLaurine connection

However, it is possible that descendants of Colin’s McLaurin uncles and cousins Duncan, Alexander and Hew living at Stronmagachan and nearby Drumurch in Glenaray, could include Rev. Robert McLaurine.

First paragraph of Robert's Will

Robert or J. Robert as his will describes him appears to have been in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1743. From that year until 1750 when he became an ordained Deacon in the Church of England, Robert was a tutor in Williamsburg. Rev. William Douglas an emigrant Scot, Rev. William Dawson an emigrant Englishman and Gov. Thomas Lee a native Virginian referred to him as Robert McLaurine. In other records he is “Mr. McLaurine” or “Rev. McLaurine”.

Thomas Lee’s Letter of Recommendation for Robert McLaurine to the Church of England’s Lord Bishop of London, was written when Lee was the defacto Gov. of Virginia. Lee was extremely wealthy and well connected to London, “commonly” educated at William and Mary in Virginia and had his own Coat of Arms. Lee wrote ”The neighboring clergy recommended him for his learning and good life” Williamsburg April 23, 1750. It is my hunch that these recommendations came in the form of letters that might be in Thomas Lee’s Stratford Hall archives in Virginia.

The next day Rev. William Dawson President of William and Mary College, wrote a Letter of Recommendation stating he had known Robert for seven years as a tutor. There is no record of Robert’s education, perhaps privately tutored which was common in Virginia. Thomas Jefferson and the Monroe brothers were privately tutored in latin by the Scot Rev. William Douglas, a close older friend and neighbor of Robert McLaurine.

Robert was ordained and became the Reverend Robert McLaurine an Anglican minister in Southam Parish, which was in Cumberland County but is now in Cumberland & Powhatan County of Virginia. He served from 12/16/1751 until his death on 7/5/1773.

He was ordained as a Deacon, By Bishop Thomas Sherlock on August 12th 1750 (Ordination record 74465, Record #’s from CCED & actual scan’s of the Fulham papers obtained from Lambeth Palace library) Church of England Record Centre, London, England, including records of Anglican clergy.

He was ordained as a Priest, By Bishop Thomas Sherlock on August 24th 1750 (Ordination record 74468, Record #’s from CCED & actual scan’s of the Fulham papers obtained from Lambeth Palace library) Anglican

He was given holy orders and licensed for Virginia soon after and was paid K.B 20 pounds on September 5th 1750 to travel back to the Colonies. (Kings bounty, money book 43-419 from “The Colonial Clergy of Virginia”, page 34 as well as “A List of emigrant Ministers to America”, it references money book 43-419 on pg. 43)

Robert is also recorded as “Ord’r the Rev’d M’r Rob’t Mcklearing be rec’d as a probationer for this parish for a twelve month.” Vestry held at Court house 16 Dec 1751.

“A vestry-book of this parish, whose record began in 1745 and continued until 1791, famishes the following particulars. On June 30, 1746, the Rev. John Robertson enters upon his duties in this parish, being recommended by Governor Gooch and Commissary Dawson, having been ordained the previous year by the Bishop of London. He ceased to be minister in 1751. Mr. McClaurine is then received on probation for twelve months, and continues until his death in 1772. Mr. Jarratt, in his autobiography, speaks of him as a pious man.* The Rev. Jesse Carter, James Oglesby, and Hyde Saunders, at the death of Mr. McClaurine, became applicants for the parish, each preaching some time. “

“* Of Mr. McClaurine, other favourable accounts of his piety and great benevo- lence have come to me. He preached at Tar Wallett, Manakin, and Peterville Churches : beneath the chancel-floor of the latter he was buried. He was the first of his name in Virginia. He left three sons and three daughters, two of whom lived and died in Cumberland, and the third at Norfolk, during the last war. Of the daughters, one married a Hobson, another a Swann, and the third a Steger. Their mother was a Miss Blakely, from the Eastern Shore of Virginia.” FAMILIES OF VIRGINIA. 33 ARTICLE XLIX. Parishes in Cumberland, Buckingham, and Fluvanna. St. James Southam, Cumberland.

Married: Elizabeth Blaikley

Died: 5 July 1773 

His funeral was held on 7/23/1773, The Revered William Douglas held the service. (The Vestry Book of Southam Parish - Cumberland County, Virginia - 1745-1792)

There is no record of Robert’s immigration from Scotland.

Rev. Robert McLaurine was Church of England not Episcopalian, not Scottish Episcopalian and not English Episcopalian during his lifetime, the change in parish churches came about after his death in 1789.

Was Robert born in Virginia? 

Robert’s eldest son was named James. Is James what the initial “J” stands for in Robert’s will?

Is James MacClarren who came from Kilmodock, Perthshire and died in 1754 in Isle of Wight Co. Virginia, Robert’s father?

Was Robert related to the Virginian Daniel McClaren who died at the Battle of the Meadows in 1754, in Hogg’s Company?

YDNA = I-M223