Edward Stirling

Edward Stirling (1804-1873), the father of Sir John Lancelot Stirling and Sir Edward Charles Stirling, and himself a significant figure in the development of South Australia after his arrival there in 1839, has been identified as the son of Archibald Stirling of Keir (q.v.) with a creole woman of colour, possibly called Jeanne. According to this source, Archibald Stirling had nine children, 6 illegitimately (William, Edward, Henry, Mary, Ann, Helen) and 3 with Elizabeth Maxwell. Correspondence from Edward Stirling in Australia to his father Archibald Stirling of Keir, including acknowledgement in 1838 of the receipt by Edward Stirling of £1000 from Archibald on the eve of the former's departure to Australia as an acceleration of a planned legacy, is held at Glasgow City Archives.

Hans Mincham, 'Stirling, Sir John Lancelot (1849-1932), politician and Stirling, Sir Edward Charles (Ted) (1848-1919) surgeon, scientist and politician', Australian Dictionary of National Biography online, at http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/stirling-sir-john-lancelot-4933; J. Skurray, 'Edward Stirling 1805-1873, son of Archibald Stirling of Keir and Cadder 1769-1847' (2007); Keir of Stirling Muniments 1338-c1940, Glasgow City Archives, Mitchell Library, GB243/T-SK; T-SK/13/13 Letters from Edward Stirling to his father Archibald Stirling of Keir.