Copy of the Will of Christian Cameron (or MacDiarmid) of Ledour

.....I, Christian Cameron, spouse of the late James McDiarmid, farmer in Tomflour, being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory, considering that I must soon yield my body to the dust, and my spirit to God who gave it, think proper before my death to dispose and appoint what Providence has been pleased to give me to the following effect, viz –

I have at present ninety eight pounds sterling in the British Linen Company’s office in Perth for which my sons have a bill to that amount, and the interest of which they draw yearly for my present support. I have also by deed of contract between me and my late husband two cows and twelve sheep, and of furniture a press and a wheel lying in my son Archibald’s house; all of which I think proper to give and dispose in the following way, viz –

First I order and appoint that my board wages due to my son Archibald for four years previous to my death be paid to him at the rate of six pounds sterling per annum, in all twenty four pounds sterling.

Also I give and bequeath to my grand-daughter Christian McDiarmid, lawful daughter to my son John, fifteen pounds sterling to be laid out on lawful interest by her said father till she marry, or reach the age of twenty one years, and if the said Christian McDiarmid die before she reach the age of twenty one years, I appoint the said sum of fifteen pounds sterling to be given to her brother Duncan with interest when he reaches the age of twenty years.

Of the said ninety eight pounds sterling there will then remain a balance of fifty nine pounds sterling which, after deducting the expenses of a decent Christian burial, I order and appoint to be equally divided among my children John, Archibald, Christian, wife of John Thomson Ardeonaig; the children of Malcolm Campbell Killin; Catherine, wife of Donald Stewart Wester Callellachan; Margaret, wife of John McNee Tirai; and Jane, wife of Alexr. Walker, Duallan.

Also I give and bequeath one cow and twelve sheep left me by my late husband and by contract of marriage to be divided in equal shares between my sons John and Archibald. The other cow I have given already to my daughter Jean at her marriage.

Also I give and bequeath the foresaid press and wheel to my son Archibald’s wife, also the gold ring I wear on my finger.

Also I give and bequeath to my son John’s wife the gold ring belonging to me presently in the possession of my daughter Christian.

Lastly I appoint and constitute my sons John and Archibald sole executors of this my Will, and that all my bequests be paid as aforesaid within six months after my decease, in witness thereof I have signed this my will written on this and the preceding page by the Revd. Robert Findlater Minister of Loch Tayside this fourth day of March Eighteen hundred and fourteen years in presence of Alexander Sinclair in Tullich Glais and John Sinclair in Margbeg.

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