James Chisholme

Originally from Selkirk, the son of a surgeon, followed his brother William Chisholme (q.v.) to Jamaica. Owner of Trout Hall. Of 5 Portland Place when he wrote his will in 1803 and still of Portland Place when he was named as a trustee and executor in the will of Samuel Virgin in 1809. Left his property in trust to his daughter Mary Agnes Chisholme who had married Charles Lord Sinclair in 1802 (Mary Agnes was born 15/04/1784 and baptised three days later in Clarendon, Jamaica).

The letter books, ledgers, personal accounts, correspondence and papers relating to his sugar plantations in Jamaica c1778-1812 are held at the National Library of Scotland.

William Chisholm, son of Thomas Chisholm, surgeon, present Dean of Gild, and Agnes Bannatyne his wife, was born 18/02/1737 and baptised 20/02/1737 in Selkirk. James Chisholm, son of Thomas Chisholm, surgeon and late baillie, and Agnes Bannatyne his wife, was born 06/09/1744 and baptised 08/09/1744 in Selkirk.

Alexander Mackenzie, History of the Chisholms (Inverness, 1891) p. 189. Note this source contains some inaccuracies, stating for example that William Chisholme was married and failing to note that his only son was illegitimate, as well as giving the year of William Chisholme's return as 1874. The Selkirk connection is clear - William bought Chisholme House near Hawick when he returned to Scotland and left money to the poor of Selkirk in his will. Familysearch.org, Jamaica Church of England Parish Register Transcripts, 1664-1880 [database online]. Will of Samuel Virgin, PROB 11/1566/347.

National Library of Scotland MSS.5462-5495.

GROS OPR Births 778 20 132 and OPR Births 778 20 198 Selkirk.

We are grateful to John Rees for his assistance with compiling this entry.