Falkirk Archives (Archon Code: GB558)
FALKIRK ARCHIVES
Russel & Aitken Papers finding aid (57)
Papers of Hay family of Thomaston, 1738-1856
The finding aid for the Russel & Aitken Papers has been divided into 63 parts. This part
contains a list of records relating to the Hay family of Thomaston, (or Thomastown) Denny.
Family history
The earliest records of this family start with John Hay, seaman, HMS Frame, who was
married to Elizabeth Hannah of Thomastown, Denny and died at the Battle of Grenada in
1782. William Hay (1) of Glenhead acquired Thomaston in 1786. His second son, John,
succeeded to the property in 1794. John’s son, William Hay (2) (d. 1824) married Mary Bow
and succeeded to the property. They had at least five children, William, Margaret, Agnes,
Hannah and Elizabeth. Two others, John and Peter, are mentioned but they did not live with
the family. Elizabeth, who was married to William Lawrie, predeceased her father; Margaret
married John Henderson, vintner, Falkirk; Agnes married John Miller, Banknock; and
Hannah was unmarried. William Hay (3) (d. 1842) succeeded to the farm. He and his wife,
a daughter of Samuel Berrie, had one child, Margaret.
Scope & Contents Note
Title deeds and securities for lands in Thomaston owned by William Hay and Title deeds for
land in Auchinrevock, Kilsyth owned by John Bow. Papers relating to William Hay’s Executry
administration, including old Bills of Exchange and other miscellaneous 18th and early 19th
century documents. 18th century documents relating to the Bow family. Papers relating to
the removal of William Hay (3) from the eldership by the Kirk Session of Denny on the
grounds of his perjury and his appeal against this to the Presbytery of Perth & Stirling and to
General Assembly. Papers relating to the administration of William Hay (3)’s Executry.
Date range: 1738-1837
Reference Code: A1857
Item list
A1857.001
1770-1782
A1807.002
1738-1792
Papers relating to arrangements for John Hay’s widow and
son after his death at the Battle of Grenada, 1782. Includes
power of attorney in favour of Elizabeth Hannah, 1770, and
letter with legal opinion on appointment of a Tutor Dative for
their son.
Security writs and discharge relating to the Bow family. lands
in Wester Auchinrevock with houses etc in Barony of Kilsyth
owned by John Bow , tenant, Auchinvelly. Also includes
Contract of marriage between Patrick Bow and Mary Bow,
1765 and solicitors account, 1743.
Falkirk Archives (Archon Code: GB558)
A1857.003
A1857.004
1832, 1837
A1857.005
1834-1835
A1857.006
1836
A1857.007
1842-1856
Executry papers of William Hay of Thomaston, Farmer.
Includes extract decreet dative of William Hay and Mary Bow
his spouse, 1826; confirmed Testament of William Hay and
roup roll of effects belonging to him; bills of exchange; notes
of family relationships; accounts to date of death and
accounts for mournings; mandates by daughters and their
husbands, including the widower of the deceased daughter,
Elizabeth, to Russel & Aitkend to apply for warrant to sell on
confirmation being granted; minutes of opening of
repositories with reference to a balance due under a bill by W
Cadell & Co. Also includes responses to William Hay's offer
to lease part of his lands of Bankier.
Bond of annuity by William Hay (3) in favour of William Fulton
of Sunnyside over part of the lands of Easter Thomaston and
lands in Middle Thomaston commonly called Cannerton and
Meikle Kiln Holl and bond of annuity in favour of Misses Jane
and Elizabeth Moir of these lands and relative writs.
Legal papers relating to William Hay (3)'s appeal against
original decision by the Kirk Session of Denny to remove him
from the eldership on the ground of his perjury as to the
existence of a debt. Includes minutes of the Denny Kirk
Session, Sheriff Court papers, minutes of the Presbytery of
Stirling containing the whole record laid before the Synod of
Perth and Stirling and reasons for Appeal against the
decision of the Synod to uphold the Kirk Session’s decision.
Legal papers relating to William Hay (3)'s appeal against
original decision by the Synod of Perth and Stirling to uphold
his removal from the eldership by the Kirk Session on the
grounds of perjury. Consists of summary of the Appellant's
case for the appeal trial before the General Assembly.
Executry papers of William Hay (3) of Middle Thomaston.
Includes accounts due on death, bills of exchange due for
payment with inventory of claims (including engraved
invoices of Thomas Henderson and Thomas Stark, linen and
woollen drapers, High St, Falkirk); printed advertisement bill
for roup; articles of roup and roup roll; copy registered Trust
Disposition and Settlement; inventory of the titles of
Thomaston; claim by William’s daughter, Margaret Hay;
memorial for opinion of Counsel and Opinion as William Hay
had not recorded title to his land in succession to his father;
Memorial and Queries by the Trustees of the William Hay of
Thomaston Trust as to debts incurred with opinion annexed
and advertisement of sale of cows, horses, stacks and farm
stocking at Middle Thomaston; correspondence and
accounts of Trust, 1842-1856.