Doonholm

A luxurious mansion, in Rabbie Burns country, just a couple of hundred yards from the Brig O' Doon (see inset). Holm is old Scots for a secluded island and Doonholm is located in a peninsula with the River Doon wrapping around it.

John Hunter W.S. second surviving son of Alexander Hunter of Abbotshill bought Doonholm in 1796. He died in 1823 at the grand old age of 78. He had a large family only five of whom survived, including one in particular who was to spread his seeds over two continents.

1. Andrew, who suceeded him
2. William, who died on the march to Seringapatam, an officer in the 19th Dragoons
3. John, who went with Col. Fullarton of Fullarton, Governor of Trinidad, as one of his secretaries, and died there
4. Alexander W.S. who married Maria fourth daughter of Alexander MacLean Esq., of Coll, by whom he had issue six sons and two daughters
5. Francis, a Major of Cavalry in E.I.C.'s service, Madras; married Elizabeth third daughter of Thomas Tulloh, Esq., of Ellieston and had three daughters
6. Elizabeth married to John Carr Esq., of St Anne's, Yorkshire
7. Eleanora-Garvine

Alexander Hunter

Obituary from Sydney Herald

On the 28th of September 1858, at Edinburgh, Alexander Hunter, Esq., W.S.
The late Mr. Hunter was the fourth son, who reached maturity, of the late John Hunter, Esq., of Doonholm and Bonnytown, W. S.,.
He was born in Edinburgh on the 9th of January, 1790. His mother was daughter and co-heiress of William Ferguson, Esq., of Doonholm and Bonnytown. Mr. Hunter passed as a Writer to the Signet in November, 1813, when he became a partner in business with his father, and on his retirement he became, and continued during the rest of his life, head of one of the most extensive houses of business in Scotland. He was thus connected with the management of many of the largest estates in the south-west of Scotland and the Highlands, for the long period of forty-five years, during which time he had the entire confidence and esteem of his numerous clients. He also held the office of Sheriff Clerk of Ayrshire for many years. He was conservative in his politics, and belonged to the Established Church.
He was a man of great acuteness, tact, and judgment, qualities which showed themselves not only in matters falling within the sphere of his profesional avocations, but in others of public or general interest, to which he from time to time devoted the energies of his ever active mind. He was an enthusiast in agriculture, to which much of his spare time was devoted. Every new improvement received his active support. He also devoted much attention to the subject of colonisation, to which he was led from his connection with some large estate, in the Highlands, by promoting emigration among the cottars on the over-peopled islands under his charge. His openness of character, frankness of manner, and genial kindness of disposition, attracted to him the confidence and attachment of every one in any way connected with him.
Ayr, 28th September. 1858.

Sons of Alexander

Alexander Hunter (father) married Maria MacLean on the 26th April 1819 in Edinburgh.

They had issue:

1. John Hunter was born 21st April 1820; he married in December, 1854, to Martina Arriola (born September 4, 1831), and he died in a cholera epidemic in Buenos Ayres, February 17, 1868
2. Alexander MacLean Hunter was born 25th Nov. 1821; married, on September 5, 1850, to Eliza Anna (born April 28, 1830, died January 6, 1902), daughter of Robert Bostock, Esq., and died at sea, on his way to the Cape of Good Hope, November 16, 1892
3. James Arthur Carr Hunter was born 30th Jan. 1823; married, on October 3, 1850, his cousin, Louisa Harriet, (born June 7, 1829, died July, 1890), daughter of the Rev. Alfred Utterson. He died December 19, 1889 in Victoria, Australia
4. Evan Allan Hunter was born 19th Jun. 1825; Writer to the Signet in Edinburgh. Married, June 15, 1871, Ernestine Eglantine, daughter of John Stuart Hay Newton, Esq., of Newton Hall. She was born June 8, 1840, and died December 16, 1874. Mr. Hunter died in Edinburgh, April 16, 1890
5. Andrew Francis Hunter was born 17th April 1827; died at Mount Gambier, Australia, September 24, 1854
6. William Fergusson Hunter was born 27th Sep. 1828; died 9th Mar 1906, Victoria, Australia
7. Catherine Cameron Hunter was born 7th May 1830;
8. Jane Elizabeth Hunter was born 6th Oct. 1831; married John Robb and had 5 little robbers, she died Nov. 1833, at Hollybush, Ayrshire
9. Maria Eleanora Hunter was born 10th Jun. 1833; died 1914 in Swan Reach, Victoria, Australia