Sir Patrick Houstoun IV was the first of a line of baronets of Houstoun. Crawfurd relates that Sir Patrick, "being a baron of ample fortune and representing an ancient family, was, by the favor of Charles II advanced to the degree and dignity of baronet, his patent bearing date of Whitehall, the first day of February, 1668."

The title of baronet, initiated by James I and issued rather freely by both Charles I and Charles II, is somewhat confusing. In the usual English terminology, baronet is of a rank next lower than baron. However, the historian mentions a number of barons whom the Charleses "elevated to the degree and dignity of baronet." As explained before, the barons in Scotland were so called because of their lands, castles and retainers. The "dignity" of baronet, on the other hand, was an hereditary honor with which the kings rewarded loyalty, bought favor or sometimes sold to raise money. There were four of the baronets in the Houstoun line in Scotland, running from Sir Patrick IV until the last male heir, Sir John VI. The line was continued in America through several generations.

The wealthy Sir Patrick IV died in 1696 and was succeeded by Sir John Houstoun IV, who married Anne Drummond, a descendant of the ancient house of King William of Scotland. Sir John served in the Parliament of Scotland upwards of 20 years, representing the shire of Renfrew, "which trust he discharged to his own honor and the great satisfaction of the free-holders there." 1

It is tragic that Sir John was called upon to serve as one of the commissioners to conduct the trial of 24 persons charged with witchcraft in Renfrewshire in 1697. This was a shocking affair which came about through the ignorant superstitions of the times. Seven of the accused were condemned to the flames. This was a time near the end of the witchcraft frenzy which prevailed in many lands. Witches were believed to have an evil, supernatural power acquired through league with the devil.

Thousands of persons throughout Scotland were burned to death accused of witchcraft, and the same thing was going on in other Christian countries. Only five years earlier than the trials in which Sir John Houstoun participated, 20 persons were put to death in witchcraft trials at Salem, Massachusetts. The last witch executed in Scotland was in 1727.




1 Crawfurd, p. 105. 37