Sinclair info on the disputed Earldom Ratter verses Broynach branch of the family?

Answer 1

The dispute turned on whether or not David SINCLAIR of Broynach's marriage to his housekeeper Janet EWING took place (the Earldom of Caithness, by Royal Charter, is passed on to heir-males of legitimate descent). In Scotland a marriage legitimised children prior to a marriage, so it was the legitimacy of the marriage that was important. In the first contest his grandson James SINCLAIR in Reiss was unable to prove the marriage and Rattar got the title. James returned years later from India, a Captain and a wealthy man, Captain James SINCLAIR in Reiss H.E.I.C.S. He was advised that there was in fact evidence of the marriage in the form of the record of Olrig kirk session minutes concerning the fate of a dodgy minister, Arthur ANDERSON, who had married Broynach & Janet against the wishes of the clergy. With the assistance of buried treasure in a field found by his father-in-law, James went back to the Committee of Privileges to try to reclaim the title in 1788. But James died suddenly and no further Broynach candidates came forward to contest the title. In their absence the Committee of Privileges maintained the status quo, declaring the marriage irregular having been performed by an outed minister.

Thomas SINCLAIR M.A. Edin., a Broynach descendant, championed the Broynach cause in the period 1889-1891 with a series of letters and articles to newspapers (especially the Northern Ensign) and magazines, and petitioned the committee of Privileges to consider the Broynach claim (unsuccessful).

There are many Broynach descendants and I have contacted a number of branches. email me at peterd501-AT-Yahoo.co.nz if interested.