James Ferguson, 1st Laird of Pitfour facts for kids

James Ferguson (born September 29, 1672 – died January 1, 1734) was a Scottish lawyer. He was also the first owner, or Laird, of the Pitfour estate in north-east Scotland. This large estate became known as 'The Blenheim of the North' because it was so grand. Before owning Pitfour, he was known as 'James Ferguson of Badifurrow', which was an estate he inherited.

Ferguson was later called 'the Sheriff'. This was because he held an important job in Aberdeenshire starting in 1710. This nickname helps people tell him apart from other family members named James Ferguson in later years. Even though he supported the Jacobite cause, he bought lands that were taken from other Jacobites, like the Earl Marischal, when they became available. Deer Abbey was also part of the land he bought.

He passed away at Slains Castle, the home of the Countess of Erroll, on January 1, 1734.

Family and Early Life

Ferguson's last name is sometimes spelled Fergusson. He was born at Crichie, Garioch. His father was William Ferguson, the Laird of Badifurrow. William was the younger brother of Robert Ferguson, who was known as 'the Plotter', and the older brother of Major General James Ferguson. This Major General fought in the Battle of Blenheim alongside the Duke of Marlborough.

Ferguson's mother was William's first wife, Jean Elphinstone. Ferguson's grandfather decided that his oldest son, Robert, would not inherit his lands. Instead, he chose Ferguson's father, William. However, William died in 1694 while the grandfather was still alive. So, James Ferguson became the next in line to inherit the Badifurrow lands.

When his grandfather died in 1699, Ferguson was already working as a lawyer. He went to court to make sure his uncle, Robert, could not challenge his inheritance. Since Robert was in hiding, he did not show up, and the court confirmed James Ferguson's right to the inheritance in June 1700.

In 1697, Ferguson married Ann Stuart. Their first child, a daughter named Elizabeth, was born at Badifurrow in 1698. Ferguson's grandfather lived with them. After his grandfather's death and getting the court's approval for his inheritance, Ferguson quickly sold the Badifurrow lands.

Buying the Pitfour Estate

Ferguson bought the Pitfour estate in 1700, becoming its first Laird. This was a good time to buy, as his wife Ann was expecting their second child. Their son, also named James, was born at Pitfour very soon after they moved in.

Even though the family did not take part in any uprisings, they were strong supporters of the Jacobite cause. However, Ferguson's beliefs did not stop him from buying lands that were taken from other Jacobites, like the Earl Marischal, at a very low price. When lands became available through a company called the York Buildings Company, he took advantage. Other landowners were afraid to buy these lands because it might look like they were taking advantage of fellow Jacobites. Ferguson bought a lot of land during this time, including Deer Abbey.

The Pitfour Estate

Ferguson became the first Laird of Pitfour when he bought the estate in 1700. He held this title until he died in 1734. The lands he bought in 1700 were described in an old document from 1667. This document, given by King Charles II, said the lands included "the lands and Barony of Toux and Pitfour in the Parish of Old Deer and Sheriffdom of Aberdeen." It also listed other areas like Mintlaw, Longmuir, and Dumpston. The estate cost him about 10,000 pound Scots, which was roughly £835 in British money at the time. This was a very large sum.

Over the years, Ferguson kept adding to the estate. He bought land in Longside, Bruxie, New Deer, and Old Deer. By this time, the estate covered more than 20,000 acres. He also bought other land at Old Deer and Aden for his nephew, to add to the Kinmundy estate.

A writer named Charles McKean described the Pitfour estate as the "Blenheim of Buchan" and "the Blenheim of Northern Scotland." This comparison was made because of its grand size, similar to Blenheim Palace. Ferguson's son, Lord Pitfour, and grandson, the third Laird, made the estate even bigger and more impressive.

Career as a Lawyer

Ferguson became a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 1697 after studying law at Edinburgh University. He was also part of the Society of Writers to the Signet, which was another group of legal professionals. He built a very successful law practice. One of his clients was his uncle, Major General James Ferguson of Balmakelly. Ferguson visited the Major General, who was fighting in Maastricht, in 1704 and helped him write his will. In October 1705, the Major General died suddenly, and Ferguson was in charge of handling his will. He helped buy the Kinmundy estate for the Major General's ten-year-old son. The Kinmundy estate was right next to Ferguson's own Pitfour land.

The Sheriff of Aberdeenshire

The first Laird of Pitfour is often called 'the Sheriff'. This helps people tell him apart from the next three generations of men who were also named James Ferguson. Even though the official records of the Aberdeenshire Sheriff Court do not clearly show him in this role, the Society of Advocates did recognize him as the Sheriff. His family records also state that he was appointed Sheriff Depute of Aberdeenshire in 1710.

A writer named John Ramsay of Ochtertyre once said that "James Ferguson, Laird of Pitfour, having been an adventurer in the South Sea, would have been a ruined man, but for his son's exertions." This means that Ferguson lost a lot of money by investing in a company called the South Sea Company. However, the many lands Ferguson had bought were enough to cover his debts until his son, who was very good with money, fixed the situation in later years.

The first Laird died while visiting the Countess of Erroll at her home, Slains Castle, on New Year's Day in 1734. He is buried in the churchyard at Old Deer. The words on his gravestone say:

Beneath this stone lies buried James Ferguson of Pitfour, a lawyer in the highest courts. He had a rare kindness of heart. He left two children, a son and a daughter. Born on September 29, 1672. Died on January 1, 1734. James Ferguson, his son, placed this stone here to show his love for a parent who truly deserved it.

His son, also named James, took over the estate and later became known as Lord Pitfour.