William Mackintosh, 13th of Mackintosh facts for kids
William Mackintosh (died 1515) was an important leader in Scotland. He was the chief of the Clan Mackintosh, a Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. He also led a group of clans called the Clan Chattan.
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Growing Up and Taking Charge
William Mackintosh was the son of Lachlan "Badenoch" Mackintosh. His grandfather was Malcolm Beg Mackintosh, 10th of Mackintosh.
William's cousin, Ferquhard Mackintosh, 12th of Mackintosh, was the clan chief before him. In 1491, Ferquhard took part in a rebellion led by Alexander MacDonald of Lochalsh. This event was known as the Raid on Ross. Ferquhard even captured Inverness Castle using a special siege machine called a "sow".
The king later put Ferquhard in prison at Edinburgh Castle. Another chief, Kenneth Mackenzie, 8th of Kintail, was also imprisoned with him. Two years later, they both escaped! Sadly, Mackenzie was killed, and Ferquhard was caught again. He was then held in Dunbar Castle for sixteen years.
William Steps Up as Acting Chief
During Ferquhard's long time in prison, William Mackintosh managed the clan's affairs. He was the oldest son of Lachlan "Badenoch" Mackintosh. Ferquhard was finally released in 1513, after the Battle of Flodden. However, he died just a few months later. Because William had been taking care of the clan so well, he became the new chief.
Clan Conflicts and Revenge
In 1492, Alan Cameron, the chief of Clan Cameron, made an agreement with Ferquhard Mackintosh. But even with this agreement, the Camerons, along with the Clan Gregor and MacDonalds of Glencoe, attacked Clan Chattan lands. They raided areas like Badenoch and Strathnairn.
William, as the acting chief, decided to get revenge. First, he raided the lands of Rannoch and Appin. These areas belonged to the MacGregors and MacDonalds of Glencoe. Second, he sailed up Loch Ness at night. He surprised the Camerons by attacking their lands. William and his men returned home before the Camerons could fight back.
During a rebellion in 1503–04, known as Dubh's Rebellion, the Mackintoshes and Clan Chattan supported the king. They fought against the rebels.
Becoming the 13th Clan Chief
William Mackintosh officially became the 13th chief in 1514. He had been married for some years but did not have any children. His brother, Lachlan, was also unmarried. This gave hope to a relative named John "Ruaidh." John was a grandson of Alan mac Malcolm Beg. He hoped to become chief if William and Lachlan had no children.
John gathered a group of supporters, including some of his cousins and the Frasers. He started arguing with William about the clan's lands. John demanded the lands of Meikle Geddes for himself. William refused to give them up. John then planned to take the lands by force.
A Sad End and New Beginnings
John learned that Chief William was sick in a house in Inverness. John managed to get into the house and attacked William on May 22, 1515. William died from the attack. John was discovered and had to run away to safety.
A group led by Dougal Mor Mac Gillichallum and his son Ferquhard chased John and his group. They followed them through many areas of Scotland. Finally, in Glenesk, they caught up to John's group and defeated them.
During William's time as chief, the family gained two important properties. In 1502, he inherited the right to Gellovie in Badenoch. His father had received this land in 1481. In December 1502, William also bought the barony of Dunachton. This land had been divided between two sisters. One of these sisters was Isabel Macnevan or Macniven, whom William had married in 1497. Because of this, the chiefs of Clan Mackintosh are often called "of Dunachton."
William did not have any children who could legally inherit his title. However, he did have two sons born outside of marriage. One of them, Donald Glas, was the ancestor of the Mackintosh of Strone family branch. Since William had no legal heirs, the chiefship passed to his brother, Lachlan Beg Mackintosh, 14th of Mackintosh.
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