Strathendrick, and its inhabitants from early times

CHAPTER IX.
THE NAPIERS OF MERCHISTON AND EDINBELLIE NAPER,
AND OF CULCREUCH.
Before giving in detail an account of Robert Napier, who thus became pos-
sessed of Culcreuch, it seems necessary to show how the Napiers of Merchiston
came to Strathendrick and became the barons of Edinbellie Naper.
I. Alexander Napier, ancestor of Merchiston, was no doubt related to the
family of Kilmahew, for, in a Ballikinrain writ to be afterwards quoted, he styles
John Napier of Kilmahew " My dearest Kinsman." We do not propose, however,
to attempt to show what the relationship was. 1 Alexander Napier was a Bailie
of Edinburgh in 1427, and Provost in 1437. 2 We know also that he lent money
to the king on the security of Merchiston, 3 and that that estate afterwards
became his property.
II. Sir Alexander Napier, second of Merchiston, was, like his father,
engaged in trade, and, like him too, was Provost of Edinburgh. 4 He was much
and honourably occupied with public affairs. By his wife, Elizabeth Lawder, he
had, with others, John, his successor. He died before 1473.
III. John Napier of Merchiston, like his father and grandfather, was
Provost of Edinburgh. 5 He was a member of the royal household, and was
otherwise engaged in the affairs of the day. He is believed to have been killed,
1 Mr. R. Assheton Napier's valuable monograph on the Napiers of Kilmahew and Merchiston
throws a great deal of light on this difficult subject.
2 Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Edinburgh, Vol. I., pp. 252, 254. On page I
of this volume of Records Alexander Napier appears as Provost in 1403. The date, however,
in the MS. from which this entry is taken, Mr. Renwick informs us, is wrong.
3 Exchequer Rolls, Vol. IV., p. 667.
4 Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Edinburgh, Vol. I., p. 258, etc,
6 Ibid., p. 265.