Chisholm Scottish Ancestry

Taken from the book “THE CHISZ” A HISTORY OF THE CHISHOLME/CHISM FAMILY by John D. Chism, Jr. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 89-833324. Copyright 1989.

The years between 1600 and 1750 were years of much contestation between England and Scotland even though it was a period of reasonable peace. The question as to who would control the crown died a hard death. As a result of Scotland’s desire to control the crown through the Stuart Monarchy there resulted at least two battles, one in 1715 and one in 1745. After the skirmish in 1715 England quickly recognized that the issue was not settled and very likely would not be resolved soon.

In order to try and gain an advantage should the question arise in another confrontation, England quickly moved to seize an opportunity. Immediately after the skirmish of 1715 England gathered together a large number of the supporters of “The Old Pretender”, a descendant of King James II and the Stuart family. Referring to them as “Jacobites” she labeled them “trouble makers” and deported them as prisoners to the “dumping grounds”, the colonies in America and the Caribbean Islands.

During the skirmish of “The Fifteen”, 1715, a large rebel force under the command of Thomas Forster gathered at Preston, Lancashire on November 9, 1715. The government forces advanced upon the town, at it was assaulted. On November 14, 1715, the rebel commander surrendered his army to the King’s forces. Captured in that rebellion was 637 Scottish rebels.

Adam Chisholme was born circa 1695 in Scotland. The year of his birth is derived from the fact that he was at least eighteen to twenty years of age at the time he fought in the battle, the “Fifteen”, of 1715, between England and Scotland.

Adam Chisholme, Jacobite prisoner. Transported to Virginia on Elizabeth and Anne, exited Liverpool, 28 June 1716. (S.P./C; S. N. Q8, iv, 187).

Note the above date of June 28, 1716 disagrees with Mr. Smith’s date of July 28, 1716. One will not argue over a month if Adam Chisholme doesn’t.

Since the Elizabeth and Anne’s destination was listed as Jamaica and Virginia its route is known. The normal route to the colonies via Jamaica was south from Liverpool, by the Mediterranean, and down along the coast of North Africa. From Africa, an arching course was set for the Caribbean Islands and Jamaica then north to the colonial port at Charleston, South Carolina. The ship would then continue up the coast to Virginia. This route kept the ships close to a land mass and many good ports of call in case of an emergency or should supplies be needed. This route was established after the Carolina Colony was settled and became the predominate trade route for southern colonies. This route took approximately three months and would have had Adam Chisholme arriving in Virginia sometime in October of 1716, weather permitting.

After arriving in Virginia, it is uncertain as to who acquired Adam’s indenture. It, however, is assumed to be Mr. William Morris, the man for whom he witnessed a will and was beneficiary of that will in 1745. He and Mr. Morris had to have had a special relationship for him to benefit from Mr. Morris’ estate. Mr. Morris lived in Hanover County and it was there that Adam lived. It was here that he married, his children were born, and where he remained, from all evidences, for the remainder of his life. If Mr. Morris did not acquire Adam’s indenture then it was most definitely someone of “means” and influence. Many of the Jacobite prisoners’ indentures were bought by such men. Adam was believed to be among those fortunate prisoners. For him to succeed as he did, surely he had this sort of help. He and his sons were men of “means”. They were well educated and married into families of means. All of Adam’s sons married women who were educated. They were even able to educate all their children male and female.

After Adam and his sons were first established, the question arose: Why did he wait so long after arriving before he married? From all indications he never married until about 1725 for his children were not born until 1725-1732. William was born about 1725-28 and Walter, the youngest, was born March 19, 1732. After it was proven that he was in fact indentured, then the question was answered. He arrived in Virginia in late 1716. He had to work off a seven year indenture, sentence. His indenture would have been served in the latter part of 1723. Thus his marriage about 1725.

Adam Chisholm b. ABT 1695 Scotland, d. 1756 Hanover Co.

son Walter Chisholm b. 1733 Hanover Co., d. ABT 1835

son Nimrod ‘Mulkins’ Chisholm b. ABT 1755, d AFT 1800

son Cleavers ‘Suprey’ Chisholm b. ABT 1778

son Oscar Fitzalan Chisholm b. 1804 Louisa Co.

son Edward Virginius Chisholm b. 1838, d. 1893

son Louis Pendleton Chisholm b. ABT 1857, d. 1947

son Edward Morris Chisholm b. 1922, d. 1993

daughter Nancy Woolery Chisholm

daughter Andrea Scott Matheson, 7th great-granddaughter of Adam Chisholm