Family of Cockburn of that Ilk

The published accounts of this family contain a variety of errors. Among the points of confusion:

Robert and Harry A. Cockburn (ref. 22) list an additional son of John Cockburn of that ilk, Patrick Cockburn, supposedly named in John's will (1652, ref. 26). This appears to be a misunderstanding of a clause in the will in which John directs his son William (his executor) "to give entertaiment to Patricke Cockburne and Jeane Cockburne his broth[e]r and sister sua long as they live." Here Patrick and Jean are surely John's siblings, not William's.
Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11, pp. 323-324) refers to Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, 2nd Bart., as a goldsmith. James was made burgess and guild brother of Edinburgh in 1658 by virtue of his apprenticeship as a merchant. Another James Cockburn, a goldsmith and the son of John Cockburn, a tailor, was made burgess in 1669 and guild brother in 1680 by right of his father (ref. 32).
Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11, pp. 323-324) gives the names and baptism dates of the children of James Cockburn and Grissell Hay. Although he cites the Edinburgh parish registers (ref. 10), several of the names and dates he gives do not match the register entries.
Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11) argues at length against the existence of the baronetcy of Cockburn of that ilk. The royal warrant for this baronetcy (1671) is listed in the Calendar of State Papers, Domestic (ref. 25), and the original diploma under the great seal is held in the National Archives of Scotland (ref. 21a).
Robert and Harry A. Cockburn give the baptism dates of James, William, and Anna, children of Alexander Cockburn, apothecary in Duns, as Dec 1687, 4 Jul 1682, and Dec 1684. The dates in the Duns parish register (ref. 20) are 4 Jul 1679, 16 Sep 1682, and 4 Dec 1684.
Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, 2nd Bart., married twice. Burke (refs. 1 and 17) lists only the second wife, Helen Learmonth. According to Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11, p. 328), the first wife, Elizabeth Hepburn, was the mother of William's children. Helen was the mother of William's daughter Jean. I am not yet sure which wife was the mother of his other children.

I am not the first to note such problems. Joseph Foster's The Baronetage and Knightage of the British Empire for 1882 presents this family under the heading Chaos, "to express the state of doubt and confusion" regarding claims for which "there does not appear to be accessible the prima facie evidence".

Descendants of William Cockburn of that Ilk

William COCKBURN of that ilk. [ref. 29]

William COCKBURN of that ilk, m. Elizabeth KINCAID. Retoured heir to his father in the lands of Mayscheill (Mayshiel, East Lothian), value 10 merks, 3 Nov 1608. Again retoured heir to his father in the lands of Mayscheill in the constabulary of Hadingtoun, value 10 merks, 20 Jan 1631. [ref. 23,29]
1. John COCKBURN of that ilk, m. by contract 9 and 12 Oct 1626 Elizabeth or Elspeth OLIPHANT (daughter of Sir William OLIPHANT of Newtoun, King's Advocate, and sister of his eldest son, James OLIPHANT of Murehous), d. by 1652. Received the lands of the lordship of Cockburn, according to the terms of his marriage contract, by charter dated 12 May 1627 at Edinburgh and confirmed by the king 8 Jul 1628 at Holyroodhouse. Laurence OLIPHANT, another son of Sir William, was a witness to the charter. His will named his eldest son William as his executor; the inventory included debts of 4000 merks each to his second son James and his eldest daughter Margaret, and 2000 merks each to his children Thomas, Alexander, Archibald, and Anna. [ref. 20,23,26]
  1. William COCKBURN of that ilk, bur. 15 Mar 1663 at Greyfriars, Edinburgh. His father's executor, 1652. Retoured heir to his father in the lands and barony of Cockburn (value £20), 13 Nov 1656. [ref. 24,26,29]
  2. Sir James COCKBURN of that ilk, 1st Bart., chr. 7 Nov 1628 at Duns, Berwickshire, Grissell HAY, d. by 1706. Apprenticed to Patrick NICOLL, merchant, Edinburgh, 22 Sep 1647. Mentioned in his father's will, 1652. Admitted as burgess and guild brother of Edinburgh, 3 Mar 1658. At his children's baptisms in 1658 and 1660, a merchant. Created a baronet, 24 May 1671, for his services at the Battle of Worcester (1651). Master to apprentice William COCKBURN, son of John COCKBURN of Lantoun (Langton), Edinburgh, 27 Jun 1677. A merchant, master to apprentice William GULLAND, Edinburgh, 13 Nov 1678. A merchant, master to apprentice John GEILS, Edinburgh, 6 Sep 1682. Described as deceased at his daughter Kathrine's marriage in 1702, but with his son William, gave bonds of provision to his daughters Agnes, Elizabeth, Grizel, Isobel and Bethia, 19 Nov 1703. Deceased by 12 Nov 1706, when a bond by him was discharged. [ref. 10a,20,21a,21b,21c,25,26,27]
    1. Kathrine COCKBURN, m. (proclaimed) 11 Oct 1702 at Edinburgh, David WILSONE (son of George WILSON of Finzeoch). At her marriage in 1702, described as her father's eldest lawful daughter. [ref. 10a]
    2. Alexander COCKBURN, chr. 31 Dec 1658 at Edinburgh, prob. d. young. The witnesses at his baptism were Mr. Alexander HAY of Barra; Mr. Alexander SWINTOUN, commissar-clerk; Mr. William SCHARP, justice-clerk; and John ROWAN, writer to the signet. [ref. 10a]
    3. Barbara COCKBURN, chr. 22 Jul 1660 at Edinburgh. The witnesses at her baptism were Patrick HEPBURN, apothecary; Mr. William SCHARP, writer; and Mr. Laurence OLIPHANT. [ref. 10a]
    4. Sir William COCKBURN of that ilk, 2nd Bart., chr. 11 Sep 1662 at Edinburgh, m1. 19 Apr 1702 (proclaimed at Edinburgh and at Humbie, East Lothian) and 29 Apr 1702 (married at Humbie), Elizabeth HEPBURN (daughter of David HEPBURN of Humbie), m2. (contracted) 12 Jul 1718 Helen LEARMONTH (daughter of Mark LEARMONTH, advocate; d. 28 Nov 1764 at Dalkeith, near Edinburgh), d. at Dalkeith, bur. 11 Jan 1751 at Greyfriars, Edinburgh, "three double paces east of the plane tree near M'Kinzie's tomb" (presumably the mausoleum of Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh). The witnesses at his baptism were Walter SEATOUN of Abercorn; Mr. William SCHARP, Keeper of the Signet; Laurence MERCER, merchant; and Mr. Laurence OLYPHANT, advocate. At his marriage in 1702, in the parish of the College Kirk, Edinburgh. With his father, gave bonds of provision to his sisters Agnes, Elizabeth, Grizel, Isobel and Bethia, 19 Nov 1703. Gave bonds to his sisters Elizabeth, Grizel, Isobel and Bethia, 15 Jul 1718. Gave a bond to his sisters Grizel, Isobel and Bethia, 7 Apr 1736. Assigned a bond by his sisters Grizel and Bethia, 4 Jul 1743. Namesake at the baptism of William Saunders, grandson of his first cousin Anna Cockburn, on 10 Jul 1743 at Banff. [ref. 3,10a,21b,21d,21e,21f,21g,21h,28,30,31]
      1. Sir James COCKBURN of that ilk, 3rd Bart. Served heir to his father, 20 Dec 1752. Exchanged bonds with his father's sister Bethia, 27 Jan 1753. Gave a bond to his sister Elizabeth, 23 Feb 1753. Referred to as Captain Sir James Cockburn in a bond dated 1759. [ref. 21k,21l,21m,21n,21s]
        
        Sir William James COCKBURN of that ilk, 4th Bart. With Jane COCKBURN and Isabella COCKBURN (probably his father's sisters), Margaret GREENFIELD (probably daughter of his father's sister Grissel), and John TAIT (who?), wrote various legal and business letters, 1780 to 1785, now in the National Archives of Scotland. [ref. 21j]
      2. Elizabeth COCKBURN, d. by 16 Nov 1754. Received a bond from her brother James, 23 Feb 1753. [ref. 21n,21o]
      3. Grissel COCKBURN, m. 18 Jun 1747 (contracted) John GREENFIELD. At his marriage in 1747, John was a captain. [ref. 21i]
        
        Helen GREENFIELD, b. 23 Mar 1748, chr. 29 Mar 1748 at Dalkeith. [ref. 33]
        Andrew GREENFIELD, b. 25 Apr 1749, chr. 5 May 1749 at Dalkeith. [ref. 33]
        Marion GREENFIELD, chr. 14 Aug 1750 at Dalkeith. [ref. 33]
        Margaret GREENFIELD, b. 21 Apr 1753, chr. 2 May 1753 at Dalkeith. [ref. 33]
        William Cockburn GREENFIELD, b. 2 Feb 1755, chr. 9 Feb 1755 at Dalkeith. [ref. 33]
      4. Isabella COCKBURN. Conveyed half of a house and cellar in Blackfriars Wynd, Edinburgh, to her sister Jane, 24 Dec 1764; received it back, Sep 1770. [ref. 21p,21q]
      5. Jean or Jane COCKBURN (dau. of Helen). Assigned a liferent to her mother, 16 Nov 1754. Received half of a house and cellar in Edinburgh from her sister Isabella, 24 Dec 1764; conveyed it back, Sep 1770. [ref. 21o,21p,21q]
    5. Agnes COCKBURN, chr. 11 Jun 1664 at Edinburgh, prob. d. 1667. The witnesses at her baptism were Mr. Laurence OLIPHANT, advocate; Mr. William SHARP, Keeper of His Majesty's Signet; Sir Walter SEATOUN of Abercorn; Robert HAY, writer; Mr. Robert SINCLAIR of Longformacus; and James COCKBURN, merchant. [ref. 10a]
    6. Chrystine COCKBURN, chr. 11 May 1665 at Edinburgh. The witnesses at her baptism were Mr. William SHARP, Keeper of His Majesty's Signet; William SUTIE; Mr. Thomas HAY, one of the clerks of session; and Thomas MONCRIEF, one of the clerks of exchequer. [ref. 10a]
    7. Grissell COCKBURN, chr. 3 Apr 1666 at Edinburgh, prob. d. by 1669. The witnesses at her baptism were Mr. William SHARP, Keeper of His Majesty's Signet; Thomas MONCRIEF; and James NICOLLSON. [ref. 10a]
    8. Agnes COCKBURN, chr. 21 Jun 1667 at Edinburgh. Received a bond of provision from her father and her brother William, 19 Nov 1703. [ref. 10,21b]
    9. James COCKBURN, chr. 2 Sep 1668 at Edinburgh. [ref. 10]
    10. Grissell COCKBURN, chr. 24 Sep 1669 at Edinburgh, prob. d. by 1674. [ref. 10]
    11. Elizabeth COCKBURN, chr. 25 Feb 1672 at Edinburgh. Received a bond of provision from her father and her brother William, 19 Nov 1703. Received a bond from her brother William, 15 Jul 1718. [ref. 10,21b,21e]
    12. Grissell COCKBURN, chr. 29 Jan 1674 at Edinburgh, m. Sep 1734 (contracted) George WADDELL (son of the Dr. Richard WADDELL, archdean of St. Andrews). Received a bond of provision from her father and her brother William, 19 Nov 1703. Received bonds from her brother William, 15 Jul 1718 and 7 Apr 1736. Assigned a bond to her brother William, 4 Jul 1743. [ref. 10,21b,21e,21f,21g,21h]
    13. John COCKBURN, chr. 22 Apr 1675 at Edinburgh. [ref. 10]
    14. Isobel COCKBURN, chr. 21 Jul 1678 at Edinburgh. Received a bond of provision from her father and her brother William, 19 Nov 1703. Received bonds from her brother William, 15 Jul 1718 and 7 Apr 1736. [ref. 10,21b,21e,21g]
    15. Bethia COCKBURN, chr. 12 Aug 1681 at Edinburgh. Received a bond of provision from her father and her brother William, 19 Nov 1703. Received bonds from her brother William, 15 Jul 1718 and 7 Apr 1736. Assigned a bond to her brother William, 4 Jul 1743. Exchanged bonds with her nephew James, son of her brother William, 27 Jan 1753. [ref. 10,21b,21e,21g,21h,21l,21m]
    16. Robert COCKBURN. Apprenticed to Thomas VEATCH, surgeon-apothecary, Edinburgh, 15 Jul 1702. [ref. 27]
  3. Elizabeth COCKBURN, chr. 17 Jan 1630 at Duns, d. by by 1652. [ref. 20,26]
  4. Margaret COCKBURN, chr. 18 Feb 1631 at Duns. Mentioned in her father's will, 1652, as his eldest daughter. [ref. 20,26]
  5. John COCKBURN, chr. 13 Apr 1632 at Duns. [ref. 20]
  6. Nicklas COCKBURN (female), chr. 29 Apr 1633 at Duns. [ref. 20]
  7. Catherine COCKBURN, chr. 15 Jul 1634 at Duns. [ref. 20]
  8. Thomas COCKBURN, chr. 24 Sep 1635 at Duns. Mentioned in his father's will, 1652. Apprenticed to Patrick NICOLL, merchant, Edinburgh, 23 Feb 1653. [ref. 20,26,27]
  9. Jean COCKBURN, chr. 27 Jul 1637 at Duns. [ref. 20]
  10. Anna COCKBURN, chr. 4 Oct 1638 at Duns. Mentioned in her father's will, 1652. [ref. 20,26]
  11. Lilias COCKBURN, chr. 25 May 1640 at Duns. [ref. 20]
  12. Alexander COCKBURN, chr. 12 Aug 1641 at Duns, m1. 21 Jul 1667 at Edinburgh (three proclamations in one), Anna LAURISTOUN (bur. 14 Feb 1669 at Greyfriars, Edinburgh), m2. Jean WHYTE (d. 20 Apr 1729 at Banff), d. by 1690. Mentioned in his father's will, 1652. Apprenticed to Hew WILSON, apothecary, Edinburgh, 29 Aug 1660. At his daughter's baptism in 1668 and at his first wife's death in 1669, an apothecary. Thomas Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11, p. 326) quotes a charter dated 1681, signed by James Cockburn of that ilk, that refers to his "brother-german Alexander Cockburn, apothecary in Dunse, and Jean Whyte, his spouse." The published index of Berwickshire wills (ref. 12) includes that of Alexander Cockburn, apothecary in Duns, with the date 6 May 1690. At his relict's death in 1729, described as an apothecary in Duns. In 1756, a namesake of his daughter Anne's grandson Alexander Saunders. [ref. 3,10a,11,12,20,24,26,27]
    1. Grissell COCKBURN, chr. 5 Oct 1668 at Edinburgh. The witnesses at her baptism were Mr. James KIRK, minister at Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire (who m. 20 Jan 1665 at Edinburgh, Elizabeth LAURISTOUN); Patrick HEPBURN, apothecary; Mr. James SCOT, sheriff clerk; and Mr. John WARDLAW, one of the doc[tors] of the grammar school. Note that Balmaghie parish includes the village of Laurieston. [ref. 10a,13]
    2. James COCKBURN, chr. 4 Jul 1679 at Duns. William [Cockburn?] and William Whyt witnessed his baptism. In 1749, a namesake of his sister Anne's grandson James Saunders. [ref. 3,20]
    3. William COCKBURN, chr. 16 Sep 1682 at Duns. Sir James Cockburn (his uncle) and William Lord Sinclair witnessed his baptism. In 1743, a namesake of his sister Anne's grandson William Saunders. [ref. 3,20]
    4. Anne or Anna COCKBURN, chr. 4 Dec 1684 at Duns, m. by 1717 David SAUNDERS, d. 15 Oct 1756 at Banff, bur. 17 Oct 1756 at Banff. John Cockburn and John Bane witnessed her baptism. A witness at several baptisms at Banff of babies named Anne: a daughter of Peter MURRAY, shoemaker in Banff, 26 Sep 1721; a daughter of James SMITH, cooper in Banff, 30 Jul 1724; a daughter of Walter CLARK, tailor in Banff, 3 Nov 1724; and a daughter of John CRUIKSHANK, merchant in Banff, 28 Jan 1731. Namesake at the baptism of Anne, daughter of John WARRAX, blacksmith, at Banff on 30 Dec 1743. On 31 Jul 1746, appeared in court in Aberdeen regarding the will of her late husband David. Namesake at the baptism of her granddaughter Anne Saunders at Banff on 20 Mar 1753. [ref. 3,9,20]
  13. Archibald COCKBURN, chr. 14 Sep 1644 at Duns. Mentioned in his father's will, 1652. [ref. 20,26]
2. Patrick COCKBURN. Mentioned in his brother John's will, 1652. [ref. 26]
3. Jean COCKBURN. Mentioned in her brother John's will, 1652. [ref. 26]

Possibly Related

Patrick or Peter COCKBURN, m. Margaret or Christian SMITH, bur. 19 Jul 1705 at Boharm, Moray. At his death, in Mosside, Boharm. [ref. 8]
1. James COCKBURN, chr. 10 May 1687 at Boharm. [ref. 8]
2. Peter COCKBURN, chr. 24 Jan 1689 at Boharm. [ref. 8]
3. Alexander COCKBURN, chr. 3 Apr 1694 at Boharm, m. 18 Jun 1726 (contracted) and 30 Jun 1726 (proclaimed at Ordiquhill, Banffshire) and 30 Jul 1726 (proclaimed at Boharm), Elizabeth DAVIDSON (d. 31 May 1743, bur. 2 Jun 1743 at Banff), d. 16 Mar 1753 at Banff, bur. 19 Mar 1753 at Banff. At his marriage in 1726, in Moss-side, Boharm; Elizabeth was in the parish of Ordiquhill. Alexander Cockburn and Mrs. Cockburn were godfather and joint godmother at the baptism of Helen, daughter of John COOK, wigmaker and merchant, at Banff on 18 Jul 1729. Alexander Cockburn, merchant, was a witness at the baptism of Alexander, son of John MICHIE, late Dean of Gild, at Banff on 17 May 1731. Alexander Cockburn and Elizabeth Davidson were among the witnesses at the baptism of Elizabeth, daughter of John FORREST, taylor in Banff, at Banff on 28 Mar 1732. Alexander Cockburn was godfather at the baptism of Margaret, daughter of John COOK, wigmaker and merchant, at Banff on 14 Oct 1732. Alexander Cockburn was a witness at the baptism of Margrat, daughter of Patrick SMITH, merchant in Banff, at Banff on 1 Jul 1733. Cramond's Annals of Banff (vol. 2, p. 347) gives this inscription from the graveyard at Banff: "Under this stone are interred the bodies of Elizabeth Davidson, spouse of Alexander Cockburn, merchant in Banff, who departed this life May 31, 1743, and of their son James, who died October 15, 1728. Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is that I may know how frail I am." Alexander Cockburne, merchant, was a witness at the baptism of Magdalene, daughter of Robert CUMMNG in Raws, at Banff on 30 Dec 1744. Alexander Cokburn, merchant, was namesake and witness at the baptism of Alexander, son of Robert INNES, town clerk of Banff, at Banff on 21 Mar 1749. At his death in 1753, a merchant. Alexander's sister Helen was his executrix in 1753-54; James Saunders (son of Anne Cockburn above) was cautioner for her. [ref. 3,5,7,8,14]
  1. James COCKBURN, d. 15 Oct 1728 at Banff, bur. at Banff with his mother. There is no entry for this child in the baptism register of Banff, but there is a blank entry marked "Cockburn" between the entries of 28 Dec 1727 and 6 Jan 1728. [ref. 3,5]
4. Janet COCKBURN, chr. 21 Jul 1696 at Boharm. [ref. 8]
5. Helen COCKBURN, d. 23 Jul 1756 at Banff. In 1753-54, executrix of her brother Alexander. [ref. 3,14]
John COCKBURN, m. Janet LUMISDALE.
1. Christian COCKBURN, chr. 13 Apr 1695 at Boharm. [ref. 8]
2. John COCKBURN, chr. 11 Sep 1698 at Boharm. [ref. 8]
Elizabath COCKBURN was a witness at the baptism of Elizabeth, daughter of James ELDER, post[master] in Banff, at Banff on 19 Nov 1734. [ref. 3]

Less Likely to Be Related

Alexander COCKBURN, m. 12 Oct 1682 (1672 in ref. 13) at Edinburgh, Jonet WHYTE. At his marriage, a slater. [ref. 10,13]
1. Jonet COCKBURN, chr. 14 Sep 1683 at Edinburgh. [ref. 10]
2. Margarit COCKBURN, chr. 28 Nov 1684 at Edinburgh. [ref. 10]
Alexander COBAN. At his sons' baptisms in 1740 and 1744, a workman in Banff. [ref. 3]
1. Alexander COBAN, chr. 8 Feb 1740 at Banff. [ref. 3]
2. James COBBAN, chr. 6 Jul 1744 at Banff. [ref. 3]
Elspet or Elisabeth COCKBURN, m. 22 May 1769 at Banff, James ORD. At her marriage in 1769, in Banff; James was a merchant in Banff. At her son's baptism in 1773, James was a merchant. [ref. 3]
1. James ORD, chr. 9 Apr 1773 at Banff. [ref. 3]
David COCKBURN, m. 23 Oct 1769 at St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, Mary ELPHINSTON, d. by 1802. Posthumously at his daughter Christian's marriage in 1802, of Berwick upon Tweed. [ref. 16,18,19]
1. Margaret COCKBURN, b. ca. 1770 at Berwick, chr. 4 Apr 1771 at Berwick, m. 14 Feb 1813 at St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, John GRANT (d. by 1851). In 1805, a witness at the baptism of her sister Christian's son David. In 1841, independent, living with her sister Christian. In 1851, an annuitant, living with her niece Mary WILLIAMSON. [ref. 3,15a,15b,16,19]
2. Christian COCKBURN, b. ca. 1773 at Berwick, m. 26 Sep 1802 at Banff and 27 Sep 1802 at St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, James WILLIAMSON (d. by 1851). At her marriage in 1802, in Aberdeen. At his marriage in 1802 and at his son's baptism in 1803, James was a physician in Banff. In 1841, independent, living at Old Castle Lane, Banff, with her sisters Margaret and Mary. In 1851, an annuitant, living with her daughter Mary. [ref. 3,15a,15b,18,19]
  1. James WILLIAMSON, b. 6 Aug 1803, chr. 27 Sep 1803 at Banff. [ref. 3]
  2. David WILLIAMSON, b. 18 Feb 1805, chr. 31 Mar 1805 at Banff. [ref. 3]
  3. Mary WILLIAMSON, b. 19 Apr 1806 at Banff, chr. 3 Jun 1806 at Banff. In 1841, teacher of a boarding school for girls at Old Castle Lane, Banff, with two teachers, 13 scholars, and four servants. In 1851, keeper of a boarding school for girls at 5 Boyndie Street, Banff, with her mother, her aunts Margaret Grant and Mary Cockburn, five teachers, 24 scholars, and five servants. In 1861, mistress of a school for girls at 4-6 Boyndie Street, Banff, with an assistant, seven teachers, 23 scholars, and seven servants. [ref. 3,15a,15b,15c]
3. Mary COCKBURN, b. ca. 1775 at Berwick, chr. 16 Feb 1775 at Berwick, bur. 31 Jan 1853 at Banff. In 1841, independent, living with her sister Christian. In 1851, an annuitant, living with her niece Mary WILLIAMSON. At her death in 1853, abode Boyndie Street. [ref. 3,15a,15b,16]
4. Eleanor COCKBURN, bur. 18 Oct 1794 at Berwick. [ref. 16]
Alexander COCKBURN, m. 29 May 1828 at Banff, Elisabeth GRANT. At his marriage in 1828, in Keith; Elisabeth was in Banff. [ref. 3]

Notes for Further Research

Possible additional children of William Cockburn and Elizabeth Kincaid:
- Robert and Harry A. Cockburn (ref. 22) name Alexander and Marie (m. William TROTTER). Do they cite a source?
- Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11, p. 320) names Elizabeth (m. 1620 Alexander HOME, son of Adam HOME, first protestant rector of Polwarth). He cites "Deeds, vol. xiv, fol. 165". Elsewhere he cites various volumes and folios of "Reg. of Deeds, Scott. Office". Are these the same? Do they mean the Register of Deeds of the Court of Session? If so, this is held by the National Archives of Scotland (reference RD). According to the Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae (2nd edn., vol. 2, p. 27) this Alexander HOME died on 30 Nov 1637.
Regarding the wife of the William Cockburn whose son William Cockburn married Elizabeth Kincaid:
- Burke (refs. 1 and 17) names her as Helena RENTON, daughter of John RENTON of Billie. Robert and Harry A. Cockburn (ref. 22) agree and state that the marriage was in 1574 at Coldingham (for which Vivienne Dunstan is doing a one-place study); they also name sons John, James, and David. Do they cite a source?
- Cockburn-Hood (ref. 11, p. 318) names her as Margaret HOME, daughter of Alexander HOME of Manderston. He does not cite a source for this.
Get a copy of Russell Wilson Cockburn, "Cockburn of that Ilk", The Scottish Genealogist, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 66-69 (Jun 1997). The Library of Congress has this journal but appears to be missing this issue. Perhaps in the National Library of Scotland?
All these wills are available for download at ScotlandsPeople:
- Alexander Cokburne of that ilk, in the Merse, 8 Aug 1583
- Helene Hepburne, relict of Alexander Cockburne of that ilk, in the Merse, 9 Aug 1589
- Catherine Cockburne, second lawful daughter to umquhile John Cockburne of that ilk, 28 Oct 1653
- Elizabeth Cockburn, daughter to Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, 10 Mar 1732
- Mr. James Cockburn at Wester Chalder, 26 Nov 1766 [Wester Chalder is in the parish of Keith, Banffshire. Is this Anna's brother?]
It would be interesting to look at these in the National Archives of Scotland:
- the will of Alexander Cockburn, apothecary in Duns, 6 May 1690. This is not listed at ScotlandsPeople -- the published index (ref. 12) states that it was not recorded (with the annotation "T. 73") -- but it should be in the NAS (perhaps in catalog reference CC15/6/75)
- letters from Alexander Cockburn, Banff, to George Rose at Carnousie, and to lady Carnousie, re supplies for a funeral, dated 1733 (catalog reference RH15/1/126)
- two probate inventories of Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, 2nd Bart. (catalog reference GD216/50 and Register of Deeds, see ref. 21j)
- bond by Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, 1st Bart., and his son William, dated 1703 even though James apparently died by 1702 (catalog reference GD216/142, see ref. 21b)
Did Sir James, Cockburn, 1st Bart., leave a will? I can't see it at ScotlandsPeople, in the published indexes to Edinburgh or Berwickshire wills, or at DocumentsOnline. Perhaps in the Register of Deeds?
Compare the 1914 edition of Burke's to the latest version. Google Books also has a number of earlier editions.
There are no Cockburn monumental inscriptions at Duns before the late 1700s, according to David C. Cargill and Stuart E. Fleming, Berwickshire Monumental Inscriptions (pre 1855), vol. 2 Eastern Parishes (Scottish Genealogy Society, Edinburgh, ca. 2000), checked by Emily Gretton 16 Nov 2011 in the National Library of Scotland. Another source is a CD published by the Borders Family History Society, but it is unlikely to have anything different.
Although the register of interments at Greyfriars (ref. 24) includes William Cockburn of that ilk (1663) and Anna Lauristoun (1669), both these gravestones were apparently already lost by 1867 when a transcript of the surviving inscriptions was published (ref. 28).

Previous Version of this Pedigree

I am uncertain about the accuracy of some parts of the following pedigree, but I am keeping it here for reference until I can confirm or refute the points that are in doubt. Please do not rely on this information.

Sir William COCKBURN, baron of Langton, Berwickshire, m. Anna HOME, k. 9 Sep 1513 at Flodden. Sir William was third in descent from Alexander DE COCKBURN, who was created Heritable Usher of the White Rod 10 Feb 1373 and was afterwards Keeper of the Great Seal in the time of Robert II and Robert III. Alexander was son of Alexander DE COCKBURN and Mary DE VIPONT or WEAPONT. [ref. 1]

Alexander COCKBURN, k. 9 Sep 1513 at the Battle of Flodden. Ancestor of Sir William COCKBURN of Langton, who was created a baronet 22 Nov 1627. That line failed and the baronetcy became dormant when Sir Alexander James Edmund COCKBURN of Langton, 12th Bt., Lord Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench, d. unm. 20 Nov 1880. [ref. 1]
William COCKBURN of that ilk, m. Isobel HOME. Succeeded his father 1513 in the estate of Cockburn, in the parish of Duns, Berwickshire. Had a charter from David, Earl of Crawford, of the lands and barony of Inverarity, Forfarshire, in special warrandice of the lands of Cockburn, which was confirmed 15 Apr 1527. [ref. 1]
1. Alexander COCKBURN of that ilk (eldest son), m. Helena HEPBURN (daughter of Sir Patrick HEPBURN of Bolton), d. bef. 9 Jul 1583. [ref. 1]
  1. William COCKBURN of that ilk (eldest son), m. Helen RENTON (daughter of John RENTON of Billie). Had sasine following a precept of clare constat 9 Jul 1583. [ref. 1]
    1. William COCKBURN of that ilk, m. 3 May 1596 Elizabeth KINCADE (daughter of John KINCADE of Warriston). [ref. 1]
      1. John COCKBURN of that ilk, b. 1598, m. Oct 1626 Elspeth OLIPHANT (daughter of Sir William OLIPHANT, King's Advocate), d. 1652. [ref. 1]
        
        William COCKBURN, b. bef. 1628, d.s.p. Mar 1663. Sold the estates of Cockburn to his brother James in 1657. [ref. 1]
        Sir James COCKBURN of that ilk, 1st Bt., b. 7 Nov 1628, m. 8 Jan 1658 Grissel HAY (daughter of HAY of Barra), bur. 3 Jan 1704. A burgess of Edinburgh, 1658. Created a baronet of Scotland by warrant 24 May 1671. Purchased the estate of Langton and the office of Usher from his cousin Sir Archibald COCKBURN of Langton, 4th Bt., 6 May 1690. [ref. 1]
        
        Barbara COCKBURN, b. 22 Jul 1660, m. 30 Dec 1680 SINCLAIR, 10th baron. They had children. [ref. 1]
        Sir William COCKBURN of that ilk, 2nd Bt., b. 11 Sep 1662, m. Helen LERMONTH (d. 28 Nov 1764, daughter of Mark LERMONTH, Advocate), bur. 10 Jan 1751. Advocate in 1686. [ref. 1]
        
        Sir James COCKBURN of that ilk, 3rd Bt., m. 8 Apr 1764 Mary ROCHEAD (daughter of Robert ROCHEAD of Masterton, d. 5 Sep 1766), d. 13 Mar 1780. Lieutenant Colonel, 48th Foot. Served in 48th Foot at Quebec, 1760. Returned heir special to his father in the lands of Langton and the hereditary office of Usher, 25 Nov 1754, but sold both, 15 Dec 1757. Said to have m2. Phoebe SHARMAN and had three sons by her, but all three d.s.p. [ref. 1]
        
        Sir William James COCKBURN of that ilk, 4th Bt., d. unm. 9 Jan 1800. Lieutenant Colonel, 1st Foot. [ref. 1]
        
        Five daughters. [ref. 1]
        
        John COCKBURN of Kilkenny, surgeon, b. 22 Apr 1675, m. 1720 Martha RICH (of Kilkenny, d. 14 Jan 1756), d. 12 Dec 1758. [ref. 1]
        
        William COCKBURN, LL.D., b. 1721, m. 10 Dec 1763 Susanna SAVAGE, d. 7 Jun 1776 at Bath. Archdeacon of Ossory, 1762. [ref. 1]
        
        One son and four daughters. [ref. 1]
        
        Sir James COCKBURN of that ilk, 5th Bt. b. 1723, m. Laetitia LITTLE (daughter and co-heir of Luke LITTLE of Carlow, d. 11 Nov 1804), d. 9 Jun 1809. Lieutenant Colonel, 35th Regiment. Brigadier General and Quartermaster General in North America. [ref. 1]
        
        Descendants to the present day. [ref. 1]
        
        A daughter. [ref. 1]
        
        Elizabeth COCKBURN, b. 1630. [ref. 4]
        Margaret COCKBURN, b. 1631. [ref. 4]
        John COCKBURN, b. 1632. [ref. 4]
        Nicklas COCKBURN (a daughter), b. 1633. [ref. 4]
        Catherine COCKBURN, b. 1634. [ref. 4]
        Thomas COCKBURN, b. 1635. [ref. 4]
        Jean COCKBURN, b. 1637. [ref. 4]
        Anna COCKBURN, b. 1638. [ref. 4]
        Lilias COCKBURN, b. 1640. [ref. 4]
        Alexander COCKBURN, b. 1641, m. Jean WHYTE, d. 1690. An apothecary in Duns. [ref. 4]
        
        William COCKBURN, b. 1682 at Duns, d. by 1758. [ref. 3,4]
        Anne or Anna COCKBURN, b. 1684 at Duns, m. David SAUNDERS, d. 15 Oct 1756 at Banff, Banffshire. [ref. 2,3,4]
        James COCKBURN, b. 1687 at Duns, d. by 1758. [ref. 3,4]
        
        Archibald COCKBURN, b. 1644. [ref. 4]
        Patrick COCKBURN. [ref. 4]
      2. Alexander COCKBURN. [ref. 4]
      3. Marie COCKBURN, m. William TROTTER. [ref. 4]
    2. John COCKBURN. [ref. 4]
    3. James COCKBURN. [ref. 4]
    4. David COCKBURN. [ref. 4]
Christopher COCKBURN of Chouslie (perhaps a brother of Sir William COCKBURN, rather than his son). Ancestor of James COCKBURN of Ryselaw, in the parish of Fogo, Berwickshire, said to have been created a baronet of Scotland in 1628, whose line failed ca. 1782. [ref. 1]

Sources

Burke's Peerage and Baronetage (101st edition, 1956)
Saunders Pedigree (London, ca. 1884)
Parish registers of Banff (see excerpts)
Russell Wilson Cockburn, Whitburn, West Lothian, personal communication, ca. 1997
William Cramond, The Annals of Banff (New Spalding Club, Aberdeen), vol. 1 (1891) and vol. 2 (1893)
James Imlach, History of Banff and Familiar Account of its Inhabitants and Belongings (Banff, 1868)
Parish registers of Ordiquhill, Banffshire (from ScotlandsPeople image; indexed by FamilySearch batch M11163-2)
Parish registers of Boharm, Moray (1694 baptism, 1705 burial, and 1726 marriage from ScotlandsPeople images; remainder from FamilySearch index, batch C11128-2)
Will of David Saunders (1689-1719)
Parish registers of Edinburgh (from ScotlandsPeople index and FamilySearch index, batches C11978-1, C11978-4, C11978-5, and M11982-4)
1. from ScotlandsPeople images
Thomas H. Cockburn-Hood, The House of Cockburn of that Ilk and the Cadets Thereof (Edinburgh, 1888)
Francis J. Grant, The Commissariot Record of Lauder: Register of Testaments 1561-1800 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1903)
Henry Paton, ed., The Register of Marriages for the Parish of Edinburgh, 1595-1700 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1905) and 1701-1750 (ditto, 1908)
Probate Inventory of Alexander Cockburn, merchant in Banff, 1754
Censuses of Scotland (from transcripts at FreeCEN)
1. 1841
2. 1851
3. 1861
Parish registers of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland (from FamilySearch index, batches I02272-5, I02272-7, and P00022-1)
Burke's Peerage and Gentry, "Cockburn of that Ilk", accessed 4 Nov 2011
The Edinburgh Magazine, or Literary Miscellany, Oct 1802, p. 318
Parish registers of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen (from FamilySearch index, batches M11168-2 and M11168-4)
Parish registers of Duns, Berwickshire (see excerpts)
Entries in the catalog of the National Archives of Scotland
1. Diploma under the great seal creating James Cockburn of that ilk a knight baronet for services at the battle of Worcester, 24 May 1671 (GD216/260)
2. Bonds of provision by Sir James Cockburn of that ilk and his son William in favour of Agnes, Elizabeth, Grizel, Isobel and Bethia Cockburn, their daughters and sisters respectively, 19 Nov 1703 (GD216/142)
3. Discharge ... of bond by deceased Sir James Cockburn of that ilk and others ..., 12 Nov 1706 (GD164/326)
4. Antenuptial contract of marriage between Sir William Cockburn of that ilk and Helen Leirmont, daughter of the deceased Mr. Mark Leirmont, advocate, 12 Jul 1718 (GD216/147)
5. Bond by Sir William Cockburn of that ilk to his sisters, Elizabeth, Grizel, Isobel and Bethia, 15 Jul 1718 (GD216/149)
6. Antenuptial contract of marriage between George Waddell, son of the late Dr. Richard Waddell, archdean of St. Andrews, and Grizel Cockburn, sister of Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, Sep 1734 (GD216/152)
7. Bond by Sir William Cockburn of that ilk to Grizel, Isobel and Bethia Cockburn, his sisters, 7 Apr 1736 (GD216/83)
8. Assignation by Grizel and Bethia Cockburn to Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, their brother, of a bond, undated, granted by the late Sir Alexander and Archibald Cockburn, elder and younger of Langton, 4 Jul 1743 (GD216/156)
9. Antenuptial contract of marriage between Captain John Greenfield and Grizel Cockburn, daughter of Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, 18 Jun 1747 (GD216/159)
10. Two extract registered inventories of the heritable subjects pertaining to the deceased Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, 9 Dec 1751. One is extracted from the Register of Deeds of the sheriffdom of Berwick, the other from that of the sheriffdom of Edinburgh. Both registered B[ooks] of C[ouncil] and S[ession], 24 Dec 1751. (GD216/50)
11. Brieve of inquest directed to the sheriff of Berwick to serve Sir James Cockburn of that ilk as heir to his father, Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, 20 Dec 1752 (GD216/51)
12. Bond and Assignation by Sir James Cockburn of that ilk to Mrs Bethia Cockburn, his aunt, of a free annuity of £41 yearly and of the fee annexed to the heritable office of Principal Usher, 27 Jan 1753 (GD216/115)
13. Assignation by Bethia Cockburn, daughter of the deceased Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, to Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, her nephew, of [GD216/157], granted to her by her father, 27 Jan 1753 (GD216/169)
14. Two copies of an extract bond by Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, to Elizabeth Cockburn, his sister, 23 Feb 1753. Registered B[ooks] of C[ouncil] and S[ession], 24 Aug 1754. (GD216/171)
15. Assignation by Jean Cockburn, daughter of the deceased Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, to Helen Learmonth, her mother of a liferent granted by the late Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, husband of the grantee, to the deceased Elizabeth Cockburn, his daughter, 16 Nov 1754 (GD216/176)
16. Latter disposition and settlement of Isabella Cockburn, sister of Sir James Cockburn of that ilk, in favour of Jane Cockburn, her sister, of half a house and cellar in Blackfriars Wynd, Edinburgh, 24 Dec 1764 (GD216/71)
17. Draft disposition by Jean Cockburn, daughter of the deceased Sir William Cockburn of that ilk, in favour of Isabella Cockburn of her half of the house and cellar noted in GD216/71, Sep 1770 (GD216/72)
18. Twenty letters to Samuel Mitchelson, Clerk to the Signet, from Jane Cockburn, Margaret Greenfield, John Tait, Sir William James Cockburn of that ilk, and Isabella Cockburn, 1780 to 20 Dec 1785. Legal and business matters. (GD216/214)
19. Bond of relief by Lieutenant Alexander McMullin to Captain Sir James Cockburn of that ilk of his part in a bond to Elisha Mills, merchant at Ripton, New York, 2 Apr 1759 (GD216/180)
Robert Cockburn and Harry A. Cockburn, Records of the Cockburn Family (1913)
John Maitland Thomson, ed., Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum: The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland A.D. 1620-1633 (vol. viii, Edinburgh, 1894), pp. 441-442 (no. 1283)
Henry Paton, ed., Register of Interments in the Greyfriars Burying-Ground, Edinburgh, 1658-1700 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1902)
F.H. Blackburne Daniell, ed., Calendar of State Papers, Domestic Series, January to November, 1671 (London, 1895), p. 270
Will of John Cockburn of that ilk (1652)
Francis J. Grant, ed., The Register of Apprentices of the City of Edinburgh, 1583-1666 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1906) and Charles B. Boog Watson, ed., Register of Edinburgh Apprentices, 1666-1700 and 1701-1755 (ditto, 1929)
James Brown, The Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions in Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh (Edinburgh, 1867)
Inquisitionum ad Capellam Domini Regis Retornatarum, quae in Publicis Archivis Scotiae adhuc Servantur, Abbreviatio, vol. 1 (printed by royal command, 1811)
Parish registers of Humbie, East Lothian (from ScotlandsPeople images)
The Scots Magazine, Nov 1764, p. 632
Charles B. Boog Watson, ed., Roll of Edinburgh Burgesses and Guild-Brethren, 1406-1700 (Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 1929); 1701-1760 (ditto, 1930); and 1761-1841 Abercrombie-Huie (ditto, 1933)
Parish registers of Dalkeith, Midlothian (from FamilySearch index, batch C11683-5)

content last revised 10 Dec 2011