Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purposes of review and I have received other books from Genealogical Publishing Company, also for review. However, my opinions are my own and not influenced by outside sources.

What can I say about David Dobson except that I truly wish I knew enough about my colonial Scots ancestors that I could make good use of his extensive research into early Scots records.

Previously, I’ve reviewed Scottish Genealogy: The Basics and Beyond and Irish Emigrants in North America and The People of Argyll, Bute, and Dunbarton 1600-1699.

Today, this review covers Dobson’s newest publication, Scottish Baronial Families, 1250-1750.

Contents

Introduction
Bibliography
Scottish Baronial Families, 1250-1750 – Entries are alphabetized by surnames

The Introduction provides the reader with an overview of the long history of baronies and the accessibility of original records.

While it isn’t likely that any Americans are direct descendants in the male line with the expectation of inheriting a title or castle, that doesn’t mean that those Scottish ancestors in baronial families don’t have genetic ties to today’s researchers through collateral lines.

How I wish I could claim some of these ancestral families!

Graham of Gartmore in Stirlingshire – King Charles II created William Graham 1st Baronet of Gartmore. . . died in 1684 when he was succeeded by his only son Sir John Graham. . . however, he became insane in 1696 and died unmarried on 12 July 1708 causing the barony to become extinct.

Logie of Tannadice and Glamis in Angus – In April 1364, King David II granted John Logie the Thanage of Tannadice also that of Glamis in Angus (surname of territorial origin)

Most entries are 5-10 lines in length, but some are a single sentence. There are several entries, though, that are a half page long.

Many surnames have one or two different entries, but the extremely common surname of Stewart has TEN pages of entries.

There are multiple entries mentioning family members who emigrated to East New Jersey, Antigua, Philadelphia, New York, Virginia and many other colonial destinations.

David Dobson’s book is definitely a handy reference for anyone with a lot of Scottish ancestry and it is very interesting reading, given the additional commentaries regarding those who turned up far from home.

This 200-page volume, published in 2024, can be purchased online at Genealogical.com for $35.00.