Notes
on Seton Cadets
The Earls of
The most
prominent branch of the Seton Family was the Earls of Dunfermline. They were descended from Alexander, third son
of George, seventh Lord Seton. He was
born in 1555, and his Christian name was chosen by Queen Mary (of Scots)
herself, who was his god-mother. He was
raised a Catholic and remained so despite the reformation, a position which proved difficult as Queen
Mary’s son, James VI & I, was a close personal friend. He found it consistently difficult when the
King moved his court to
The
Earls of Eglinton (later becoming also, the Earls of
Winton)
Descended from
Alexander Seton of Foulstruther, third son of the
first Earl of Winton by his Countess, Lady Margaret Montgomerie. Despite a slight difficulty in his original
succession, which was challenged by King James VI and I for the period of two
years, he was finally given Royal Ascent.
His son took his mothers name, and later, in 1859, the Montgomerie/Seton’s became Earls of Winton and Lords Seton,
which continue today.
Viscounts Kingston
Descended from Alexander, second son of
the third Earl of Winton. He was born in
1611 and was also a great scholar. At
the age of twelve, he greeted his Majesty, King Charles I so well that he was
knighted upon completion. He was well travelled throughout all
Seton of Barnes
Descended from John, son of the seventh
Lord Seton. He was born in 1553, and has
been described as a brave man, well travelled and
educated. He was brought up at the court
of King Philip II of
Seton of Abercorn
This branch of the Seton family is
descended from the second son of James Seton (5) of Touch. This son, Alexander Seton, was resided at Kilcreuch and his son, also Alexander, resided at Graden. Alexander
Seton of Graden’s son and successor, Walter Seton,
obtained the Lairdship of Abercorn and thus was this branch established.
Like many of the Setons
were, the Abercorn Setons are still Baronets of Nova
Scotia.
They became, in 1742, heirs male of the 1st
Earl of Huntly, de jure
Lord Gordon.
Sir Henry-John Seton of Abercorn, 6th
Baronet, was Groom-in-Waiting to Queen
Seton of Pittmedden
Descended from the Setons
of Meldrum, they acquired the lands of Pittmedden in
Seton of Mounie
The 2nd
Mounie Setons descend from Lord Pittmedden’s second son, George. Although the Mounie estate passed from this
branch for a short season, it was re-acquired.
Seton of Parbroath
The founder of this branch was Sir John
Seton, 4th son of Sir Alexander Seton of Seton (3). John was born in them early14th century and
was created a lesser Baron (Laird), with the title of Baron Parbroath. This branch still continues and are not only
the oldest cadets, being the earliest offshoot, but also continue the Setons in unbroken male line, the main line was continued
from Margaret Seton, heiress of Sir Alexander Seton of Seton (4), who married
Alan de Winton. Alan assumed his wife’s
name and it was their son, William Seton, who was created Lord Seton.
Of the Parbroaths came Saint
Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was born Elizabeth Ann Bayley,
and was married in 1794
to William Seton of
Little Known Branches
The Seatons of Udny
The Setons of Tranent
The Setons of Falside
The Setons of Schethim
The Setons of Culbeg, descended from the Abercorns.
The Setons of Auquhorthies, descended from the Mounie branch.
The Setons of Balfour.
The Setons
of
The Seton’s of Meanie.
Other little recorded branches
The Setons of
There are various American and Canadian Seton/Seeton/Seaton families who are of Scottish descent, which
settled in
The Setons in
The Setons
of
The Setons
of
The Setons
of
The Setons
of
The Setons
of
The Setons
of the
The variations in spelling
Seeton –
typically an Irish spelling, however it has been found in Scotland as well.
Seaton – typically an English spelling, it has been used
in Scotland since the time of James VI & I, approx.
Seyton (e)
– used by Shakespear in Macbeth, it gained popularity
with the English as a derogatory pun towards the Scots family.
Setoun (e)
– occurs in the early 13th century up until the 18th
century.
Seytoun (e)
- occurs in the early 13th century up until the 17th
century.
Sitoun - latinized
version.
Sitonis - latinized version.
Sitonii - latinized version.
Note: spellings such as; Saiton, Sayton, Saytoun, Sieton, Setton, etc…