Lesmahagow

For upwards of two centuries subsequent to this deed, history appears to be silent regarding Auchtyfardle. In 1546, we find it in possession of a family bearing the prevailing name of Weir, believed by the late Daniel Vere, Esq., to be cadets of the house of Stonebyres, and kinsmen to the Kennedys, who succeeded them in Auchtyfardle. On the 28th May 1546, inhibition appears at the instance of David Hamilton of Broomhill against John Weir of Auchterfardel. (Birnie's Broomhill.") The Weirs of Auchtyfardle. Like many others, adhered to the cause of the unfortunate Queen Mary - for, as Schiller says truly, she was "much beloved as well as much hated" They appear in Pitcairn's list of parties indicted for the murder of Darnley (i.,35.) In 1624, the Marquis of Hamilton was retoured as superior of Auchtyfardle, alias Glenpeddeth, Hudishill, Lectries, Craighead, etc. In 1642, David Weir of Auchtifardill, "did regrate that Margaret Weire, his daughter, in time of the troubles, had stolen out a decreet against him;" and the Presbytery of Lanark gave him a certificate of character. (Pres. of Lanark Records") Whether this daughter married a Mr. Kennedy does not appear, but the writer has been informed that three brothers of the name of Kennedy possessed repectively Cailzie and Romanno, in Peebleshire, and Auchtyfardle in Lanarkshire, all about the same period. William Kennedy of Auchtyfardle was one of the Committee of War for the Country in 1648-9. 9 (Act Parl., 298, 374.) In 1662, when the Scottish Government was attempting to establish Prelacy, and to set up a gravestone in memory of Presbyterianism, the Laird of Auchtyfardle was allowed to have the benefit of the Act of Indemnity if he paid £1800 as a fine. (Ibid., vii. 422.) Robert Kennedy of Auchtyfardle was a Commissioner of Supply in 1689, 1690, and 1704. (Ibid., ix. 70; xi. 141.) His name appears on several occasions in the parochial arrangements for securing a colleague to Rev. John Hume. ("Sess. Records.") He was succeeded by his son Gilbert, who studied at Glasgow College in 1725 (Mun.Glas. Univ.,iii 229.), and who was in possession in 1736. In 1784, the estate was sold by James Kennedy to Hugh Mosman, Esq. His father, Hugh Mosman, Writer to the Signet, Edinburgh, with his wife, perished by the falling of a house in Gosford's Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, on the morning of Wednesday, January 20th 1773. Their family providentially escaped. ("Scot's Magazine" for 1773.) Hugh Mosman of Auchtyfardle was honoured by being appointed joint Covener of the County of Lanark with the Hon. Charles E. Fleming, and was an able magistrate and country gentleman, and possessed of literary as well as of business talents. It may not be regarded as out of place to insert the following acrostic on Napoleon, and lines on the death of Lord Nelson, as specimens of his poetic talents:-

NAPOLEON.

Nature had formed him with a giant soul,
And fortune seemed to place him 'bove control;
Pushed on to madness by Ambition's power,
On Russia's conquest bent in evil hour -
Led on his legions, thundering as he went,
Each battle gained was only blood misspent;
Onward to Moscow; but here ends his boast -
Nations were all avenged - God sent the frost.


ON THE DEATH OF NELSON

I mourn thee not, though short thy day;
Circled by Glory's brightest ray
Thy giant course was run;
And Victory her sweetest smile
Reserved to bless thy evening's toil,
And cheer thy setting sun.
If mighty nation's hosts subdued,
Amist the wasteful scenes of blood
Fair deeds of mercy wrought;
And if thy country's just acclaim -
If Europe's blessing on thy name
Be "Bliss" - I mourn thee not.

He married Miss Kennedy of Romanno, died in 1828, leaving a numerous family. His eldest son, Hugh, a gallant officer of H.M.'s 57th Regiment during the Peninsular war, but who has long since converted his sword into a ploughshare, is now in possession of the paternal estate.

The mansion-house of Auchtyfardle, which appears to have been built at various periods, is commodious and comfortable, though not possessing much architectural beauty. The lawn is extensive, and is adorned with fine old timber.