The family of Burnett of Leys, with collateral - Electric Scotland

94
THE FAMILY OF BURNETT OF LEYS.
family. He seems to have been a kind-hearted, benevolent man, with
much simplicity of character, and some ludicrous peculiarities, including
a nervous dislike to anything to which he was unused, and what was
locally called " boodie fear," a dread of ghosts.
Sir Alexander died at Crathes on the 4th February, 1758, in his 8oth
year. His wife, the Tutor of Leys' daughter, had predeceased him, also
at Crathes, on 2nd March, 1740; and his mother, Margaret Arbuthnot,
had survived till July, 1744, when she died at Aberdeen at the age of 82.
Both his daughters were also dead, each having left a son.
Sir Alexander and Helen Burnett had the following children :
I. Thomas, killed as explained above.
II. Robert, baptized I7th May, 1720 (Banchory Register), successor
to his father as 5th Baronet.
I. Helen, married, 2ist June, 1733, George Burnett of Kemnay
(great-grandson of the often already mentioned James Burnett
of Craigmyle, brother of the 1st Baronet of Leys), died at
Kemnay 2ist September, 1750, having had issue as below
(Banchory Register).
II. Jean, baptized i8th October, 17 14 (Banchory Register); died young.
III. Katherine, baptized 27th February, 1716 (Banchory Register);
died young.
IV. Mary, baptized 2nd April, 1719 (Ibid.}\ married (contract dated
24th June, 1742), Alexander Aberdein of Cairnbulg, provost
of Aberdeen. Their only son, Robert Aberdein, long the
oldest member of the Faculty of Advocates, died in London
at a great age.
XVII.
SIR ROHKRT BURNETT OF LEYS, 5th BARONET (1758-59). The
only surviving son of Sir Robert, born 1720, succeeded his father 4th
February, 1758. In consequence of the confusion that existed about
the state of the succession, he made up his titles to his father's estates by