| Chapter 5 - LANDED
ESTATES, FAMILIES, AND HISTORY CONNECTED WITH THEM BIRKWOOD
As there are two properties of this name in the parish, it
is necessary to allude to both.
According to an account published in the " Scots Magazine" for 1773, by the Rev.
Mr. Whyte of Liberton (Vide Appendix, Note C), " the lineal male representative of
the Blackwood family was George Weir of Birkwood, though divested of the estate, which
happened, it is said, in this manner: Many generations ago, the eldest son of the family
was a weak, unpromising gentleman, whilst he had a brother who was brisk, lively, and
courageous. On this account, the father conceived a vast affection-and regard for the
latter, and left him almost his whole estate. The other was allowed to posses only the
lands of Birkwood, the mansion-house of the family, the ruins of which still appear, and
some other inconsiderable possessions."
The Birkwood here referred to, was that now possessed by James Tod, Esq. There exist some
traces of a small building upon an eminence called the Castlehill, on the property, which
is probably the mansion-house alluded to by Mr. Whyte.
George Weir, the last of the Weirs of Birkwood, was owner of the two Birkwoods, Logan,
Auchmeddan, Lateshead, and other farms, several of which he had acquired by purchase. He
had the misfortune to lose his life by an accident, and his heirs soon after sold his
possessions. Upper Birkwood was sold to the late John McKirdy Esq.; the other Birkwood was
bought by Dr. Tod of Lanark, who died in 1824, and was succeeded by his son James, who now
resides on the property. His brother, William Tod, Esq., is proprietor of Logan, so
notable in the times of the Covenanters.
|
