John Edgar 1778-1868

The first son to James and Jean Edgar was John Edgar, born 20 October, (c)1778, and was, like his father and grandfather before him, a shepherd and small farmer. At the time of the death of his son, Archibald in 1841, he was following those pursuits at Greskine, then an out-bue of Harthope. He married on 18 June 1810, Isabella Aitcheson, daughter of James Aitcheson (farmer) and Isabella Scott. He died at Harthope Place, Moffat on 18 March 1868 and was buried there. He was described, in his death entry as a shepherd, aged 88, married to Isabella Aitcheson, and the son of James Edgar, Farmer and Jane Johnstone, both deceased. The information for this death entry was given (to the Registrar) by his son, Robert Edgar. Mrs Edgar, who was born 5 December 1787, died at Moffat 1 September 1882 at 8.30am, at Harthope Place, Moffat at 94 years of age. Her death certificate was signed by her son, Robert Edgar of 310 Cuthbert Road, Glasgow.

The descendants of John and Isabella Edgar, of Moffat, played a notable part as pioneers in Australia and New Zealand and the society of Edgar families has compiled this record of their lives as a memorial to their courage and great industry in strange lands and so that those of their blood who follow on may never forget what part the Edgar's of Moffat played in the settlement and development of two great Dominions.