McCoss

There are numerous references to MacThomas kindreds, ‘Sons of Thomas’, in the records associated with Clan Fraser of Lovat and their immediate neighbours in the Great Glen area. The following samples illustrate their range. Since these notes were compiled some twenty years ago, online genealogical data resources such as ScotlandsPeople have become more widely accessible. Nonetheless, some of the following was found in printed materials, and may still be of interest to readers.

1417, an early reference from the Wardlaw Manuscript is made to Sliochd Homais, the tribe of Thomais, as follows, "Hugh Lord Lovat entered anno 1417, who in his brothers time, and at his own earnest desire, married Margret, daughter to William Fenton, Lord Beufort, and was retoured as heir to his brother, Lord Alexander, in Brayes of Aird, Strathglaish, Erchles, the halfe of Glenelg, which the Lord Fenton had got before with Sicilia Bizet as patrimony in the division of the Lord John Bizets estat; and with this Margret Fenton he had 3 sones, viz. Hugh, Alexander, and James; Alexander married Janet Hey, with whom he got the lands of Gowart, Kinstary and Kinudy in Murray, and of him came the house of Farralin in Stratharick, and the numerous trib of Shlick Homais vickean vickallister, a brave people."

1501, Lord Thomas Fraser of Lovat was served heir to his father, and had issue mhicThomas as described in the Wardlaw Manuscript as follows,

"We are now returned back to the kingdom and our native country, to treat in course of the Fraseres, and to begin where we closd and left of last, viz., at the death of Lord Hugh Fraser of Lovat, the 4 of that name and 8 Lord, who died at Lovat in the 74 year of his age, his eldest sone, Hugh, the Master, and 5 of that name, successively fell in the fatal field of Flodden, and Lord Thomas, the first of that name and 9 Lord Lovat [The 9 Lord Lovat, anno 1500], he was 40 yeares of age at his fathers death, and a good whil before was married to Janet Gordon, daughter to Sir Allexander Gordon of Achindoun, Master of Huntly, with whom he had 3 sones, Hugh the Master, William Teachars, and James of Foyness, and 3 daughters, Margret, Lady Macky, Isabell, who married Allan Mackdonell, Lord or Mudeart, and Janet, a saint devoted to S. Bridget: she dyed young. Of all those sones and daughters of Lord Thomas we shall treat afterwards at length, God willing. This Lord Thomas served heir and retoured to his father, at Invemess, April 1501, Earl of Huntly being judg competent at the time. This Lord Thomas repared the palace of Lovat round, inlarged the orchard, planted all the great elms, plaines, and ashes, which we have seen, and digged the famous draw-well in the midle of the court. But for the most part he lived at Beufort, for his divertisement and goodness of the aire. This Lord was very frugall, he added to his estate the barony of the Leyes, and Dalcross from Alexander Paterson, and the barrony of Kinmilies in feude from William Tulloch, Bishop of Orkney, translated to Murray 1488, but confirmed to him by Bishop Andrew Steward, anno 1507. This Lord Thomas lived sometimes at Kinmilys, and kept his courts at Tom ni Fyrich. [Tomnahurich, near Inverness]. I saw a decreet of his court there, anno 1514; anent the regulation of victuall in its price, servants wages, cloath, shoes, cattle, timber, etc., and the town of Invernes moddeld their prices conforme, whither to gratefy the nobleman, or were, glad to have such a powerfull patern to patronise them, me sane latet. This paper, and the acts of Lord Thomas his court at Kinmilies, I saw with Provost Finlay Fraser at Invernes, and one Andrew Patersone being his baliefe, and Pat Guthery being his clerk.

Jean Gordon, his lady, was short-lived; she dyed at Beufort, being but 9 yeares Lady Lovat, anno 1510, and was interred at Beuly. Lord Thomas was 3 yeares widower, and lived most at Kinmily, and in the intervall begot a sone nothus (sed tamen notus) named Hugh, vulgariter Huchen Bane, from his flaxen complexion. Of him came the Barrones of Moniak, or the famely of Rilick, which we shall meet with afterwards, have occasion to describe this man’s numerous ofspring here. Anno 1514, the Lord Gordon, Grant, Murray, Sutherland, Rosse, and Lord Lovat, with many mo of the nobility, were called south as privy counellors, and in a full assembly of the piers at Holyroodhouse, created a new regent John, Duke of Albany, who had arrived from beyond seas, and had a large revenue setled upon him. He was made Duke of Albany, Earl of March, and Regent till the King came to be of age. {[On the margin in another hand.] Relicke Family. There is a Bond of Provision to Robert and James and Andrew, Anna and Janet by Th[omas] Lord Lovat and Janet Grey his lady, dated Nov. 1511, so that he married her long befor 1514. The paper is in Lord Lovat’s charter chest.} At this time Lord Thomas of Lovat married [second marriage] Janet Gray, Lord Gray of Naimes daughter; and Andrew Foreman, Bishop of Murray, afterwards translated to Saint Andrewes, made this match. He had a great love for the Lord Lovat, his halfe cheefe, a Fraser being Bishop Andrewes mother, and after setling state affaires, the Bishop of Murray came north with my Lord Lovat and his lady; and delivered her as it were with a sanction in her own dwelling house.

Lord Thomas had issue with Janet Gray, viz. Robert, Andrew, and Thomas. Robert, the eldest, went south and by advice of his friends the Grayes he purchased the estate of Brakye, and also the interest of Kinell with Janet Gelly whom he married, and lived still there, and his ofspring. Andrew married Morella Grant, the Laird of Grants daughter; he was vulgarly called Mr. John, of him descended a numerous tribe, of whom in another place. And Thomas married Anna, daughter to Mackleud, of Harris. Of him came Shlichk ean vick Thomas. Lord Thomas had also two daughters, Janet, who went; south with her brother Robert and married John Stuart, a relation of the Regent, a very gallant man, Isabel, the 2 daughter, still with her mother, nor would she ever be inclined to marry.

Lord Thomas his natural brother Hugh, after the slaughter of one Murray, escaped to France, where he remained in good credit and repute, is now setled at home in Foyer; under the name of Hutchen Franckach being 7 yeares abroad and well pollisht; possesses his portion naturall left him by his father in Stratharick. But there arose some debeatable difference betuixt my Lord Lovat and him anent the lands off Dunturkett. Att length there was a submission drawn up with both their concents, and the persones named therein were John Mackenzie of Kintail, Alexander Chisholm of Commer, Master John Fraser, Rector of Dingwall. In this arbitration the oversmen were John Fraser, Bishop off Rosse, and Will. Sinclar, Constable of the Castle of Dingwall, the place of meeting Beuly, the date June 1505. Of this submission, and of Hugh Foyer and his ofspring, we shall treat in a more convenient place hereafter. But at this time George Dawson was prior of Beuly. A man of authority, ripe wit, and gravity, he was very active in the agreement betuixt Lord Thomas and his brother Hugh Franckach; and I find that Mr. John Fraser forsaid was prior of Beuly a short time in a vacancy, it seemes, ad commendam, and Prior Dawson succeeded him, a man whose hospitality was generally known, and most oblidging in educating gentlemens children in the pryorie, which then was the onely school in our north. There is a certain story runns upon this Prior Dawsin, who at a time falling sick of a flux, he sent for the Laird of Fowles, his mothers cheefe, shee being a Monro, and his design was to make a disposition to Fowles off the monastery lands of Bewly, for churchmen then could delapidat att their pleasur. The right of disposition was written, and subscribed, and delivered to Fowles, being present with the prior and many of his kindred, sharp gentlemen. One of their number, seing the paper delivered, made a desperat bitter satyr upon the Prior in Irish, wherein something of his good fellowship and drinking were touched, especially that ordinary farewell drink, a parting called Deoch i Dorrish, which, as it is said, Prior Dawson had invented. [The well-known Deoch-an-Doruis, the door drink]. The Prior desired to writ the satyr, and commended the sharpness of his mother kin the Monroes, for which, saith he, I will help some clause in my disposition to Fowles which will anger twenty. The paper being given him he teares it in pieces and casts all in the fire, saying, this is to learn yow to reflect upon and calumniat a churchman in your Irish Bithins, and take yow this for your paines. By this trick the Pryory off Beuly escaped the fingers of the Monroes.

It happened about this same time that by a shrud neglect a fire kendled in or about a nursery in Lovat, which was like to consume the whole court; indeed, there was great loss, but the worst was prevented at the first flash of the flamm. Rory M’kenzie, afterwards Farburn, Lord Thomas sister sone, with Kenneth Mackenzie, being in the house, a tall bare-headed boy, most curragiously though somequhat desperat tooke out a curious table; the charter chest, and other fine things, which he preserved, from the flamms; a fatall furious fire. The first thing promised him by his uncle, Lord Thomas, was a new bonnet and shooes, but I think this his manly service was rewarded with better gifts and wages afterwards, and merito. Lord Thomas Frasar of Lovat lived long and happy, fortunatus et pacificus; he never had occasion to try his sword, but he was wont to say that his heart and hand were as good mettall if put to the touch; an excellent country man, a good instrument in Church and State. He kept his nighboures right, and they him, being the file of his fortunes; he kept intere and augmented what his ancestors left him: a wholsom, strong bodied, statly person. It is judged he died of a peripnewmonia, or inflamation of the lungs, in Beufort Castle, the 66 yeare of his age, 1526, and was interred at Beuly; and his eyes did not see the evils which God brought upon this place. 2 King 22. 20."

1561, Huchon McComas, Allister McWilliam McThomas Roy, Brewster, and Donald McComas, Brewster, appear in the Records of the Burgh of Inverness (1561 to 1647) it being noted that Brewsters are also an acknowledged Sept of Clan Fraser.

1572, Wardlaw Manuscripts: Alexander Fraser Mackean mhicThomas, gentleman, was ambushed and shot dead in 1572, whilst fishing with rod and line at Mealach ford, below Dumballach on the River Beauly, by a servant of the Prior, which loss of life was put by Hugh, Lord Lovat into the purchase bargain for Beauly Priory.

1574-89, Sliochd Thomais Fraser of antiquity include Alexander Fraser M’ktaus (foster brother of Hugh, Lord Lovat) who in 1574 was Captain of his Lord’s 200 man Garrison in the King’s house, the Castle of Inverness, and who in 1589, two years after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, was given custody of Ellanwirrich [Eilean Mhuireach otherwise Murdoch’ s or Cherry Island, Loch Ness] as Constable by Thomas Fraser, Tutor of Lovat, Strachin and Knocky. The Tutor, venerated guardian of the young Simon Lord Lovat, in the Reign of King James VI, commissioned John M’ktaus and one other of his most trusted Gentlemen to protect Simon during his youthful flight to the household of the Earl of Antrim in Londonderry, from where he did return.

The Wardlaw Manuscript records; "In the year of God 1573, after the former conflict at Crabstone, Adam Gordon of Achindown, weareing the palms of his former victories, and being well cured of his wound receaved at Tully-Anguis and Crabstone, resting and recruiting himselfe and his men, takes his next expedition south in June, entered the Mernes, and set siege to the house of Glenbervy, [Douglas House] and appeared so formidable to his opposits that he put all the Regents party in that province into a pannick feare. The report and fame off his victory had spread all the kingdom over. The Earle of Crawford, the Lords Gray, Ogilvy, and Glames, takeing part with the King against the Queen, convocated all the forces of Anguis and Merns to resist Achindown, and to stop his passage to Brechin, where they encamped. Adam Gordon, advertised of their projects, left the most part of his men at the siege of Glenbervy, and went from thence himselfe in the dead of the night, with the most resolut men of his company, to attacke those Lords; and, comming to Brechin, he killed the watch, with severall others, surprised the town, set upon the Lords, chassed them, and made himselfe master of the town and castle of Brechin. The next morning these Lords, haveing intelligence of Achindownes small forces, convocats their forces, and approacht near Brechin to fight him. Adam, alarmd, rusht out to meet them with resolut currage and conduct, and, at the first assault, the Lords, not being able to resist his violent charge, takes sudden flight, with all their forces; so that there were slain in that skirmish fourscore men and upwards, and very many taken prisoners, amongst whom was the Lord Glames and several gentlemen of the name of Lyon. This conflict was in derision called the burd of Brechin. [The Burd of Brechin 1573]. Adam Gordon returns back again, with his prisoners, to the siege of Glenbervy, and, takeing it, gave them noble quarters. From thence he went to Monross, and tooke in that town also. Afterwards he tooke the Castle of Dunn, belonging to the Regents cousin, and thence marcht through Anguis without resistance. The town of Dundee, heareing of his approache, and judging themselves unable to resist him, sent to Fife for supply. But Achindown, haveing done his pleasure, rambling through Anguis all the summer, thinking it time enugh to retire er winter came on; but, feareing the convocation of the south forces, returnes home in September to the north, loadened with spoil, satisfying himselfe for the time with quhat he had alrady done against his enemies, came to Strathboggy, where haveing detained and entertained the Lord Glames a competent time, set him at liberty with the rest of his kinsmen and convoyed him on his journay to Garioch with 60 horse, and there civilly parts with him. By this good success of the Gordones in the north the Queens favourits in all the kingdom were highly encourraged.

The Regent, much perplext and amused in this confusion of affaires, getting together a valorous band of horse and foot, heastens towards Sterling, the King being there in the custody of John Erskin, governour of that castle; whilst the Regent stayed there severalls of the Royalists flock to him from all partes, and, by advice, he reinforced that garrison for the greater securety against the force of the rebels. Recommending the young King, now about 9 year old, to the speciall care of the governour, and then returnd to Edinburgh, where heareing that Athol and Huntly, two leading men of the rebells, were gone north, he apprehended that there main design was to corrupt the Highland chiftens and clans, and therefore sent expresse to Lord Hugh Fraser of Lovat to secure the castle of Invernesse [The Castle of Inverness committed to the Lord Lovat’s custody 1574] against the Gordons, and use his influence and authority with all his nighbour chiftens to keep closse to their alleadgeance against the rebells now in arms against their sovereign. But the Regent needed not be so anxius or doubtfull, for Huntly and his clan were universally hated in the north, Mackintosh and Grant his mortall foes, the Mackenzies, Monroes, and Rosses, most loyall clans, never corresponded with the Gordons, nay, at distance with and undefended upon Huntly, and, as for the Mackdonels, they were now tamed and burnt sore with insurections and rebellion. Lord Lovat went in to Inverness with a guard of 200 pretty young men, all of his own training; he sets a garrison in the Kings house, and one Alexander Fraser M’ktaus captain off it; the town welcomed him with all their heart, being loyall and honest. The provost, Thomas Paterson, a gentleman of parts and currage, and owned my Lord Lovat as his cheefe, for most of the Patersones acknowledge themselves Frasers. Now is this part of the north secured and in peace. Mackintoshes and Grants keep good nighbourhood with Lovat; the Monroes and Rosses are his own; Collin of Kintail his near relation; but this trust put upon him by the Regent renues the old feud and pick which Huntly had ever against Lovat and his kindred; that the greatest trust which ever the Gordons had to be constables of the Kings house, the Castle of Inverness, should by publick order be committed to the care and custody of a nighbour nobleman ecclipses Huntly very much; but that he now ownes an unjust, disloyal cause will appeare by the bad consequence.

My Lord Lovat hath now a very happy occasion to train young kinsmen and clan with martiall disciplin, as well as to divert himselfe with recreations among them; for he caused the countrymen to come in to Inverness per vices 50 or 60 at time, and were dayly exercised upon the levell of the Castlehill or down in the Links, by one Lieutennant Thomas Cerr, a townsman and my Lordships own domestick servant, an expert soldiour, bred abroad in the warrs of France and Flanders. So that not onely the young men of the name of Fraser got good occassion of disciplin and education by this meanes, but many mo of the adjacent clans out of emulation flockt in, the Monroes, the Rosses, Mackenzies, M’kintoshes, Cerr keeping set dayes of exercise weekely, and the whole muster tearmd my Lord Lovats train-band. At intervalls they used swimming, arching, football, throwing of the barr, fencing, dancing, wrestling, and such manly sprightly exercises and recreations, very fit for polishing and refining yowth and to keep them from effeminacy, baseness, loitering, and idleness, which fosters vice and inclines men to all evil. Its observable that when Hannibal, that famous Roman [sic] general, had intermitted his warlick martial disciplin and loitered in Campania blunted the souldiours and turnd them soft and effeminate. The pleasures of Capua quit altered the genius and grain of the gallant Romanes, and made them sullen and sillyly simple by supin sloath and negligence. The historian tells us that Capua, that famous city of Campania, in the Punike warre fell off from Rome to the Carthaginians, and there Hannibal, wintering his souldiers, did so effeminat them that they their former valour, et quid Romanis Cannae hoc caput Hannibali; an example for all chiftens of clans to keep their infantry bussied and imployed in virtuous frugall exercises fit for them, that they be not rusted with sullen idlenes and sloth. It was very observable that the Lord Lovat, mustering his men Tomnifirish [Tomnahurich], near Invernes, this July, he had fourscor pretty yowthes who were in their mothers womb when the battle off Lochy was fought, July 1544, thirty yeares before, which confirmes the assertion of the historian anent the women left child when the field was fought. Gens Fraseriorum numerosissima et de re Scotica bene merita tota interierat, nisi Divino (ut credi par est) consilio ex familiae principibus octoginta Domi relinquissent, gravidas uxores, quae suo quaeque tempore mares pepereant singulos. A singular providence it was that, by God’s blessing, these 80 widowes, whose husbands were killed in that bloudy battle of Lochy, should in their season be safely brought to bed, and each bear a boy, and those same male come to perfect age and survive many mo of their kindred, and happily meet together at a muster 30 yeares after, with their cheefe. Digitus Dei, the hand of God is here."

1590, Chisholm Writs, "Instrument of sasine in favour of Roderic McKenzie of Ardafalie…Witnesses: William McHucheon McThomas".

1591, John M’ktaus, is in Fraser records as an expert soldier and "Master of his Horse".

1594, Chisholm Writs, "Instrument of sasine in favour of John Chyshome of Commer following a tack by Simon Fraser, lord Lovat for 19 years of the lands of the two Erchillesse and Comir Nakeill etc in the barony of Strathglass to be held of lord Lovat. Precept dated at Kynmylies 17 December 1594. Witnesses to precept: Thomas Fraser of Knoky; Alexander MacThomas McAne McAllister of Farralin; Alexander Fraser his brother naturall; Mr Donald Bayne".

1614, Allister McComas McSime (McShimi, otherwise Fraser of Lovat) appears in the Records of Inverness Burgh Court Books.

1621, Chisholm Writs, "Sasine following no.99. Witnesses: John Chesolme of Comer;….William dow McIan vicConeill vicWilliam in Knockfine;…John McHucheon vicIan in Wester Erchless;…Thomas McIan vicThomas there.."

1646, from the Wardlaw Manuscript, on the march of Montrose, "The river foordable and litle, severalls of his horse and foot rallied out in scouts westward to the Aird, and surprised the people of Farnway, sowing their seed. Manny of the Mackenzies joind with Montross at this siege, and Mackdonalds too. I remember that Rory M’kenzie of Dochmiluag, with 6 horsemen, sallied out through the parish of Wardlaw, pillaging all along. He basely killed one John M’kgeorge, tenant in Phoppachy, and Thomas M’kthomas, an old man, miller to his own father in law, Hugh Fraser of Belladrum, at Rindowy."

1657, Chisholm Writs, "Instrument of sasine in favour of Donald Ross, master mason, and Katharine, daughter of John Fraser of Glenvackie and Issobell Chissolme his spouse, future spouse of Donald Ross following a marriage contract no. 227 of the lands of Auchtullie and Cullnaskiache. Witnesses: Mr Donald Fraser, minister at Kilmorack; Thomas McDonald vicThomas in Cullnaskiache; Donald Urqhart in Inverness; and John Glendinning, writer there."

1674, IGI: Beatrix MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 29 Nov 1674 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 24 Nov 1674 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1675, IGI: Dod. MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 18 Apr 1675 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Janet MCTHOAS - Gender: F Christening: 13 Oct 1675 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 21 Mar 1675 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1676, IGI: Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 31 Dec 1676 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Donald MCTAUS – Gender: M Marriage: 15 Oct 1676 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

Chisholm Writs, "Precept of arrestment at the instance of Robert Paull against Donald McIver in Erchless, Donald McWarrene there, Alexander McComas voir there, John McAndrew vicEan there…."

1677, IGI: Hugh MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 29 May 1677 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Isabell MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 25 Nov 1677 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOAS. - Gender: M Christening: 6 May 1677 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 18 Feb 1677 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Katharine MCTAUS – Gender: F Christening 25 Nov 1677 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1678, IGI: John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 17 Mar 1678 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 28 Jul 1678 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

Chisholm Writs, "Instrument of sasine in favour of Alexander Chissolme of Comer in the lands of Knockfine, Comermore, two Innerchannichs, two Breakachies; and the forests of Afric, Cullovie and Braemalloch in Strathglass, following a retour no. 481 and Crown precept dated 16 February 1678. Witnesses: William Fraser in Eister Crochell; John McCrea in Comermoir; George Ross, writer in Inverness; Alexander McComas in Wester Comer; Alexander Roy alias Fraser in Meikle Comer; James McNab there."

1679, IGI: Hugh MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 6 Jul 1679 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, James MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 24 Apr 1679 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1681, IGI: Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 13 Apr 1681 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1682, IGI: Jeane MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 3 Dec 1682 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 2 Jul 1682 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Katharine MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 2 May 1682 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Katharine MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 23 Jul 1682 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Margaret MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 9 Apr 1682 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1683, IGI: Hugh MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 24 Apr 1683 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1684, IGI: Hugh MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 10 Feb 1684 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 8 Jun 1684 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1686, IGI: John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: Sep 1686 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1687, IGI: Marie MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 16 Jan 1687 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1688, IGI: Janet MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 25 Dec 1688 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Jonet MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 2 Dec 1688 Logie-Easter, Ross And Cromarty, Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 20 May 1688 Inverness-shire, Inverness-shire.

Chisholm Writs, April 12, "Decree of removing by Sir Rory McKenzie of Findon and Sir Alexander McKenzie of Coull against Alexander McDonald, Donald McEvin, Alexander McHutchon VcConil, John McHuchon vcConil, possessors of the lands of Carrie and Muckerach; Donald McLey, John Chissolme, John McLey, Thomas Dowe McGileese, Kenneth McLey, Mary Roy neinThomas, John mcThomas duy, Donald McWilliam McElduy, tenants and possessors of Wester Inverchannich; Hector McAlister rioch, Alexander McEan Vaine, tenants in Cromclagge; Duncan McConchie VcEan, George Steel, John McWilliam VcKenneth, Alexander McLey, tenants and inhabitants of the lands of Erchles; John Dowe McEan duy was commissioned to read the decree before and after divine service and to post it up."

1689, IGI: Donald MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 25 Aug 1689 Inverness-shire, Inverness-shire

1692, IGI: David MCOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 29 Feb 1692 Alves, Moray, Katharine MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 27 Aug 1692 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1695, IGI: Anne MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 5 May 1695 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Barbara MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 3 Feb 1695 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1696, IGI: Margaret MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 29 Nov 1696 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Murdoch MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 24 May 1696 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1698, IGI: Donald MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 1 Oct 1698 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 4 Dec 1698 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1699, IGI: Alexr. MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 22 Oct 1699 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1702, IGI: Alexr. MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 2 May 1702 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Anne MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 12 Jul 1702 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1703, IGI: John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 23 Aug 1703 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, William MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 13 May 1703 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1704, IGI: Alexr. MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 20 Apr 1704 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1705, IGI: Anne MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 14 Jan 1705 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 3 Jun 1705 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1707, IGI: Alexr. MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 30 Mar 1707 Drainie, Moray, Christian MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 23 Mar 1707 Inveravon, Banff, Isabell MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 23 Dec 1707 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Marie MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 21 Dec 1707 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1708, IGI: Donald MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 6 Apr 1708 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, John MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 19 Apr 1708 Inveravon, Banff, Kenneth MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 6 Feb 1708 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Marie MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 17 Aug 1708 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 29 Feb 1708 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 6 Jun 1708 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1709, IGI: Janet MC HOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 11 Sep 1709 Drainie, Moray, Robert MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 27 May 1709 Inveravon, Banff, Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 7 May 1709 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1710, IGI: Katharine MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 28 Jan 1710 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 22 Feb 1710 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1715, IGI: James MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 22 May 1715 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Jean MCHOMAS - Gender: F Marriage: 31 Mar 1715 Drainie, Moray

1716, IGI: Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 30 Sep 1716 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1717, IGI: Donald MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 9 Jun 1717 Kiltarlty, Inverness-shire, Elisabeth MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 31 Mar 1717 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Janet MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 3 Jan 1717 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1719, IGI: Donald MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 8 Apr 1719 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Jan MC HOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 29 Mar 1719 Inveravon, Banff

1720, IGI: Donald MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 22 Jan 1720 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 24 Apr 1720 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1721, a Bond of Confederation was signed for mutual defence and protection of their properties between the Frasers and the McTavishes of Stratherrick. The following is an extract from the History of the Frasers of Lovat (1896, p.697), by Alexander Mackenzie (1838-98).

"At Bellaloin, the 5th day of April, 1721, it is contracted, agreed, and finally determined: betwixt the parties following, viz.: - William Fraser of Foyers, James Fraser, Younger thereof, Hugh Fraser of Boleskine, William Fraser of Kinmonavie, John Fraser of Drummond, William Fraser of Dalcraig, John and Thomas Fraser, his sons; Thomas Fraser of Kinbrylie, John Fraser, son to Dunchea; John, Thomas, James and Donald Fraser, sons to the deceased Garthmore; John and Alexander Fraser, Simon’s sons in Dalchapel; John Donn Fraser in Forbeg, Alexander Fraser, in Knockie, and John Fraser, his son; Thomas Fraser, son to Bunchegavie; John Fraser, now of Bunchegavie; Alexander and Hugh Fraser, his sons; and Alexander Fraser, son to John Fraser in Bellaloin; Alexander Fraser in Mussadie, and William Fraser in Gortuleg, for themselves and in name and behalf and as burdens taken on them for their several friends and relations of the said family of Foyers, commonly called CLAN WILLIAM, and their respective servants and followers, on the one part; and for John McTavish of Little Garth, Tavish, his brother, John Mactavish, portioner of South Migavie, Tavish Mactavish of North Migavie, Duncan Mactavish in Kenmure, his brother, and Duncan Mactavish of Croachie, for themselves, and in name and behalf and as taking burden on themselves for the several friends and relations, commonly called CLAN TAVISH; and Ronald Macdonald of Achindich, John and Alexander Macdonalds, his brethren, for themselves and their friends and relations, and all of them as undertakers for their several tenants, servants, dependers and followers, on the other part in the manner following: THAT IS TO SAY, forasmuch as for several years past frequent jealousies and animosities were created and entertained on small causes, and sometimes without any grounds at all which oftentimes ended in great mischief, and sometimes in bloodshed on either side, to the scandal of relation, and that harmony and good correspondence that should have been maintained betwixt so near neighbours and friends, who are so frequently bound to one another by the ties of consanguinity and affinity, therefore, and for the preventing the consequences of such jealousies for the future, the said William and James Fraser, elder and younger, of Foyers, and the said other persons of his family for themselves and in name and behalf, and as taking burden on them as aforesaid, on the one part, and the said party as contractors for themselves, etc on the other part, faithfully engage, bind, and oblige themselves, and promise their heirs and successors forever, to live in the strictest amenity, friendship, and good neighbourhood, and to maintain, defend, and assist one another in all actions, causes, pleas, and controversies, of what nature and degree whatsoever, whether civil or military, against all other clans, people or nature, or quality, soever, the King’s Majesty alone excepted."

Signatories to Bond of Confederation between the Frasers of Foyers & Mactavishes:

"William Fraser of Foyers,
James Fraser, Younger thereof,
Hugh Fraser of Boleskine,
William Fraser of Kinmonavie,
John Fraser of Drummond,
William Fraser of Dalcraig,
John and Thomas Fraser, his sons;
Thomas Fraser of Kinbrylie,
John Fraser, son to Dunchea;
John, Thomas, James and Donald Fraser, sons to the deceased Garthmore;
John and Alexander Fraser, Simon’s sons in Dalchapel;
John Donn Fraser in Forbeg,
Alexander Fraser, in Knockie,
and John Fraser, his son;
Thomas Fraser, son to Bunchegavie;
John Fraser, now of Bunchegavie;
Alexander and Hugh Fraser, his sons;
and Alexander Fraser, son to John Fraser in Bellaloin;
Alexander Fraser in Mussadie,
and William Fraser in Gortuleg,

for themselves and in name and behalf and as burdens taken on them for their several friends and relations of the said family of Foyers, commonly called CLAN WILLIAM, and their respective servants and followers, on the one part; and for

John McTavish of Little Garth,
Tavish, his brother,
John Mactavish, portioner of South Migavie,
Tavish Mactavish of North Migavie,
Duncan Mactavish in Kenmure, his brother, and
Duncan Mactavish of Croachie,

for themselves, and in name and behalf and as taking burden on themselves for the several friends and relations, commonly called CLAN TAVISH; and

Ronald Macdonald of Achindick,
John and Alexander Macdonalds, his brethren,

for themselves and their friends and relations, and all of them as undertakers for their several tenants, servants, dependers and followers, on the other part in the manner following…"

1722, IGI: Kathren MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 27 May 1722 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1726, IGI: Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 13 Mar 1726 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1727, IGI: Donald MCHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 27 Nov 1727 Kiltearn, Ross And Cromarty

1729, IGI: Janet MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 30 Mar 1729 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire,

Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 30 Mar 1729 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1733, IGI: Mary MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 12 Aug 1733 Cromdale Inverallan Advie, Inverness-shire

1734, IGI: Alexr. MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 5 May 1734 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1735, IGI: Isabel MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 28 Jun 1735 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1736, IGI: Willm. MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 4 Sep 1736 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1737, IGI: Hugh MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 11 Sep 1737 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Hugh MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 17 Jul 1737 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Mary MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 10 Jul 1737 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Simon MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 5 Jun 1737 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1738, IGI: Hugh MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 3 Sep 1738 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Margt. MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 17 Feb 1738 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1740, IGI: Marjory MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 4 Apr 1740 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1742, IGI: Alexr. MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 28 Dec 1742 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1744, IGI: Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 8 Jul 1744 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1745, IGI: MCTAUS – Gender: M Christening: 7 Nov 1745 Inverness-shire, Inverness-shire

1746, at the Battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746, the Fraser of Lovat contingent included two officers named McTavish (John McTavish, of Gartenbegg; Alexander McTavish, Brother to Gartenbegg) and the following fourteen rank and file, who surrendered after the battle, all surrendered 17-5-46. (Muster Roll of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Army 1745-46 (Aberdeen University Press, 1984):

McTavish, Alexander, Aberchalder McTavish, Hugue, Gartbegg [sic}
McTavish, Alexander, Gartenbegg McTavish, John, Gartbegg
McTavish, Alexander, Megavie McTavish, John, Megavie
McTavish, Donald, Aberchalder McTavish, John, Megavie
McTavish, Donald, Megavie McTavish, Tavis, Aberchalder
McTavish, Dugald, Soullenegary McTavish, Tavish, Gartenbegg
McTavish, Farquhar, Easter Aberchalder McTavish, Tavis, Megavie

From "Prisoners of the ’45", entry 2033, Peter McHomash from Graskie, serving in Glengarry’s regiment was captured by Ludovic Grant and imprisoned at Inverness, however he "made his escape from the south, again forced out and escaped and a third time escaped from the North".

1747, IGI: Wm. MCHOMAS - Gender: M Marriage: 22 Dec 1747 Kilmorack, Inverness-shire

1748, IGI: Isobell MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 1748 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, John MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 17 Jan 1748 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1749, IGI: Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 13 Apr 1749 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

“In the Lovat Estate Judicial Rental of 24 October 1749 carried out at Beaufort by ‘Hugh Monro of Teaninich Esquire Surveyor of the forfeited Estate which formerly belonged to Simon late Lord Lovat’ we read ‘Hugh Fraser possessed part of said landes of Crochell for seven yeare. William Fraser MacThomas part of Crochel twenty yeares” (NAS E 769/5).

1750-1804, Simon McTavish (born 1750 and died 1804) of Gartbeg in Stratherrick, Clan Fraser country, arrived 1775 in Montreal, Canada and co-founded the successful fur-trading "North West Company". He was perhaps the richest man in Montreal and in 1800 acquired the Dunardry estate, by Crinan, in Argyll from the widow of Lachlan McTavish coir macGillespic, Chief of that distinct family McTavish, allied to Clan Campbell.

1751, IGI: MCHOMASH - Gender: M Marriage: 23 Jul 1751 Inveravon, Banff

1753, IGI: Ann MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 20 Dec 1753 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Grizel MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 16 Mar 1753 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Janet MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 17 Dec 1753 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Katharine MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 9 Dec 1753 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1754, IGI: Thomas MCHOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 17 Feb 1754 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1755, IGI: Alexr. MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 2 Mar 1755 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1756, IGI: Alexr. MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 25 Feb 1756 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, Alexr. MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 6 Jun 1756 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, Janet MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 21 Mar 1756 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1757, IGI: Margaret MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 17 Feb 1757 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1758, IGI: Mary MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 19 Mar 1758 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1759, IGI: Janet MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 9 Jul 1759 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 8 Jul 1759 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1760, IGI: Alexander MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 11 May 1760 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, Isabel MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 11 May 1760 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1762, IGI: Finlay MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 11 Sep 1762 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, John MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 23 Feb 1762 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 23 Feb 1762 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1763, IGI: Donald MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 24 May 1763 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire,

Margret MCOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 1 May 1763 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1764, IGI: Elspet MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: Aug 1764 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1765, IGI: Alexr. MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 22 Sep 1765 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, Anna MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 2 Jun 1765 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Thomas MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 30 Jan 1765 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, William MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 14 Apr 1765 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1766, IGI: Anna MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 26 May 1766 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1767, IGI: Thomas MCTHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 6 Aug 1767 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1768, IGI: Donald MCHOMAS - Gender: M Christening: 8 May 1768 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1769, IGI: Catharine MCTOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 12 Oct 1769 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1772, IGI: Jonet MCTHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 17 Jan 1772 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1773, IGI: Anne MCHOMAS - Gender: F Christening: 23 Oct 1773 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1775, IGI: Isbel MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 6 May 1775 Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire

1780, IGI: Margret MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 28 May 1780 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1783, IGI: Katharine MCHOMASH - Gender: F Christening: 21 Dec 1783 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, MCHOMASH - Gender: F Birth: 18 Dec 1783 Kirkhill, Inverness-shire

1792, IGI: Hellen MC HOMAS - Gender: F Christening: Sep 1792 Drainie, Moray, William (III) MCOES - Gender: M Christening: 5 Oct 1792 Huntly, Aberdeenshire

1803, IGI: Peter MC HOMASH - Gender: M Christening: 23 Nov 1803 Fearn, Ross And Cromarty