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Picture

Early Tolme/ Tolmies.

Six Centuries of Tolmie:

It was often thought that the earliest of the name Tolmie was in the early 1600's, but we are discovering that the Tolmie/ Tolme name goes back five centuries to the late 1400's.

Previous understandings around the early Tolmies was limited to what was known at that time. Today with greater ease and access to historical record, we are better able to triangulate sources and piece together a clearer picture of who these early Tolmie progeny were, including Tolmie names not then known. All of which contributes to the ongoing narrative of this ancient sept of Clan MacLeod.

**New TOLME Discovery**

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A new discovery by James McKay (MSW) in the literature could suggest that an earlier line of the Tolmies/Tolmes existed. In our research we hope to discover more and will keep you updated!  

Previously John Tolmach, the progenitor of the Tolmie sept is mentioned in multiple texts in connection to the date c.1610-11 and conflicts with the MacKenzie clan.

Given the recent discovery of the earliest known Tolme/ Tolmie record, a Robert Tolme from 1501-03 (approximately 100 years
earlier), in Edinburgh records. This has produced more questions as often family history does.

Alongside this, is the 
discovery
 of a James Tolme (Inverness) and John Tolme (Edinburgh) in the mid 1500's of a similar generation as the progenitor of the Tolmie sept John Tolmach MacRory MacLeod. 


1501-03 (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Robert Tolme*

Source:  Protocol Book of John Foular: [Fowler] March 1501 to September 1503,  transcribed by Rev. Walter MacLeod & Dr. Marguerite Wood (PhD) 1930. p.80.

Robert Tolme and others are recorded as witnesses to a land transaction;
Robert Tolme (p.80.)pdf
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Original:
"...Testibus Waltero Blaklok, Willelmo Mobra, Willelmo Fausid, David Quhitheid, Andrea Cokke, Roberto Tolme, et Willelmo Thomson"

Translation:
"...Witnesses: Walter Blacklock(?) William Moubray, William Forsyth(?), David Whytehead
(?), Andrew Cook, Robert Tolme, and William Thomson"
Picture
​*The earliest record of Tolme/Tolmie sept to date. The date would suggest that the Tolme name was also in the late 1400's and predates previously known dates around the early Tolme/ Tolmies. This suggest that their maybe an earlier Tolme/Tolmie line.
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Protocol books are notebooks which Notary Publics (lawyers and clerks) in Scotland were required to keep as a record. These are very few in number. Often referred to as Burgh Records, the surviving books date from the late 1400s up to the 17th century.

1549 (Inverness, Scotland)

James Ptolme [Tolmie]*
​
​Source: National Records of Scotland, ref GD176/66
*This (and subsequent) dates for James Ptolme would also suggest that he is of the same generation as the known progenitor of the Tolme/Tolmie sept. 
​ORIGINAL:
  • "Letter of Reversion by Farchar McConquhy [McConnachie] McAnkeir [?McAnecol] of Dowmachglass [Dunmaglass], narrating that Robert Dunbar of Durris [Dores] has sold to him his lands of Dalmegwe [Dalmigavie] and pertinents within the sheriffdom of Inverness and barony of Durris, and promising that on the payment of 100 merks within their principal parish kirk he will renounce the same again in his favour. Dated at the Grangehill, 19th September 1549. Witnesses: Lachlan McIntose [McIntosh] of Conneche [Connage], Andrew Sutherland, David Dunbar, James Ptolme [Tolmie] and Sir Gilbert Cant. Signed by the granter by the aid of Sir David Cunningham, notary. The granter's seal is affixed, displaying a stag's head and neck: legend, 'S. Farlandi Mackinkeir'." ​​

1555 (Inverness, Scotland)

​James Tolmye [Tolmie]

​Source: National Records of Scotland, ref GD176/70
Source: The History of the Family Dallas, and their Connections and Descendants from the Twelfth Century, James Dallas F.L.S.  Edinburgh, p.88, 1921.
History of the Dallas Family (p.88).pdf
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ORIGINAL:
  • "Letters of Reversion by Alexander Dollace [Dallas] of Cantray, narrating that Robert Dunbar of Durris [Dores] has sold to him and Isobel Leslie, his spouse, the lands of Ballyblair and their pertinents within the barony of Durris and sheriffdom of Inverness, and promising that whenever Robert Dunbar or his heirs shall pay to them 200 merks upon the high altar in the parish church of Aulderne [Auldearn] he and his heirs will renounce the same. The place and date of subscription are not filled in save 155-, but the deed is signed by the granter with the aid of Mr. Martyne Logye [Logie], notary, before these witnesses, David Dunbar, son and heir of the said Robert Dunbar, Sir Gilbert Cant, chaplain, James Tolmye [Tolmie], Sir John Gibson, and the foresaid notary. The granter's seal is appended, showing on a shield two bars fesswise, with two stars in chief and two in base: legend, 'S. Alexandri Dolles'."

1563 (Inverness, Scotland)

(Female) Tolmie​*
​*More than likely the same Tolmie mentioned later in the same record as Christian Tolmie
​​
​Source: Burgh Court Books, Volume 1, Records of Inverness, Inverness, Scotland, p.107.
Burgh Court - Tolmie (p.107).pdf
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ORIGINAL:
  • "Johne Gibosn younger, Johne Wedall, Margret dochtyr to Donald Taillyeor, Janat Tomson, Christane Dingwell, Johne Gibson, tailyeour, Anne Neyn, Fynla Moyr, Ewin Taillyeour, William Boy McFaill, Magie Neilson, ar jugit in americament for brewing without a licience in the yeir of God sexte tuay yeiris in manifest contemptioun and dome giffin thairvpon. *Nykintolmycht inlawit for hyr abscence.. John AcAndra smyth is adjugit in americament for brewing efter he dischargit him self and dom giffin thairvpon"

TRANSLATION:
  • (Yet to be translated)

*NOTE: Intolmycht (The Tolmie)

"The great majority of the individuals whose names appear in these records bear patronymics and not surnames and it is the patronymic and not the surname that is, in Gaelic fashion, given to such well known chiefs and chieftains... Sometimes when the surname is given in its Gaelic form which is in use to this day, as McIntoishie and McIntoishicht (Mackintosh), Intinclarycht (the Sinclair), McKennycht (McKenzie), Cummenycht (Cumming) and Intolmycht (The Tolmie)."
  • (Source;  Records of Inverness, Eds. William Mackay & Herbert Cameron Boyd, 1911, Volume 1, Burgh Court Books, 1556-1586, p.56-57)
  • (Source: Life in Inverness in the 16th Century, William Mackay, 1911)

1567​ (Inverness, Scotland)

James Tolmie*
Referred to in appendix of the Rose family history Dated 24th April 1567.

Source:  A Genealogical Deduction of the Family of Rose of Kilravock, p.248, 1868’. (The fronts piece states it was written in 1683-4 by Mr. Hew Rose, minister of Nairne, and continued by Revered Lachlan Shaw minister of Eglin 1753.)
Family of Rose of Kilvarock (p.248)
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Original:
  • "May the grace of god quene of scottis to our louittis James Tolmie messingier oure shireffis in that part..."
Translation:
  • "May the grace of god, queen of scots, to our dear/beloved James Tolmie messenger and sherrif in that part"

Foot Note:
*Likely the same James Tolmie mentioned below in 1549, 1555, and again in 1568

1568 (Scotland)

James Tolme
​James Tolme is mentioned letters from Earl of Moray, dated 19th February 1568. 
​

Source:  Sixth Report of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. Part 1. Report and Appendix. 'Reports on the Miniments of the Right Honorable, The Earl of Moray'. London 1887. House of Parliament, p. 671.
Royal Commission - James Tolme (p.671).pdf
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1566-1574 (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Johnne Tolme​*

​Source: Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, Scottish Record Office, Scotland., Volume 12, 1566-1574
​ORIGINAL:
  • "Item the xxv day of October to Johnne Tolmie, messinger, pass and of Edinburgh with letters to uplift the escheit gudis of Maister Donald Fraser, archidene of Ros; and with letters to charge Alexander Fraser of Monlochquhy to mak payment of the soume of... quharin he wes convict for noneentre of the said Maister Donald"

TRANSLATION: (Yet to be translated)  

1578 (Inverness, Scotland)

Christian Tolmie​*
​
​Source
: Burgh Court Books, Volume 1, Records of Inverness, Inverness, Scotland, p.264.
Burg Courts - Christian Tolmie (p.246).pdf
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ORIGINAL:
Top part of Page:
  • "Ane brocht strukin be James Paterons and John Cuthbert, procurator fiscallis of this burcht of Innernis, on all and haill the commoun huyr mungairs, harattis and fornicatouris following, viz., Elspath Gutthre, Catheryne Neyn Dauiv, Christane NkyIntolmyche, Jonat Clerk, and Effie Stewinson..."

Botton part of Page:
  • "The assisse forsaid hes funded the foirsaidis katherine neyn dauid ane commoun huyr  mongar and convict thairin ;  christane nkintolmycht   [ christane , daughter of the tolmie ] convict as ane commoun filthie harlot and huyr mongar ; trocht the quhilkis scho had the glangoir ; jonat clerk convict in like maner ; as scho quha had the glangoir trocht hirfylthie huyrdome ; effie stewinson  convict as a common huyr ; quha an ordinar to be bannist of this town foe ewir, and in case thai or ony ane of thame beis fundid or notit within this burcht in ony time heirefter cuming that thai salbe brynt on the cheik wyth ane byrne irne , and dome giffin thairypon."
 
TRANSLATION:
Top part of Page:​ (Yet to be translated)
  

Bottom part of Page:
  • "The judicial inquiry above-mentioned has found the above mention a Katherine neyn dauid [Katherine, daughter of david] a common whore-monger and convict therein; Christane nkintolmcht [Christane, daughter of the Tolmie] convict as a common filthy harlot and whore-monger; trocht [unknown precisely-confessed?] they while she had the venereal disease ; Jonathan Clark convict in like manner ;  as she  had the venereal disease her filthy whoredome ; effie stewinson convict as a common whore ;   Who an order to be banished of this town for ever, and in case that they or any one of them be found or noted within this burgh? in any time hereafter coming that, they shall be burnt on the cheek with a burning iron, and a judgment formally pronounced  there upon."

1619 (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Jennet Tollmie (?Janet Tolmie)
​
A death record for a female died 13th December 1619, in the Parish of Tranent (near Edinburgh)
Source: www.soctlandspeople.gov.uk
Scotlands People

1589-1606 (England)

It was reported that a branch of the early Tolmies from a William Tolmie born c.1697 migrated to Sussex, England, with familial descendants having also made their way to Australia. There are indeed early records of this branch of the family who lived in Sussex and surrounds by the anglicized surname of Talmye and Talmie.  The Talmie surname is also recorded throughout the 18th and 19th Century Scotland in areas like Inverness, Renfrew, Ross & Cromarty, Kilminivaig, and later in Lanark, Perth, and Fife. (Source: www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk)
The origins and links of this surname to Tolme/ Tolmie are yet to be confirmed, but give recent discovery of earlier Tolme - it is feasible that this Talmye, Tawlmie, Talmie links are soon to be discovered.
Source: Original data: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975. Salt Lake City, Utah: Family Search, 2013.
​
  • William Tolme​, baptism 29th November 1589, Mareham, Lefene, Lincoln, England.
  • ​Anne Tawlmie, baptism, 28th May 1590, Stopham, Sussex, England. Father: John Tawlmie.
  • Clemence Talmie, 30th January 1593, Stopham, Sussex, England.
  • John Talmye, baptism, January 1594, Pulborough, Sussex, England.
  • Jone Talmye, baptism, 18th August 1594, Pulborough, Sussex, England.
  • Thomeson Talmye, baptism, 16th October 1594, Pulborough, Sussex, England.
  • Elizabeth Talmye, baptism 19th December 1596, Pulborough, Sussex, England.
  • Richard Talmye, baptism 7th September 1606, Pulborough, Sussex, England.
  • Joane Talmye married Ric (Richard) Pyper, 19th May 1622. Married Fittleworth, Sussex, England.
For more information on these England Tolme/Tolmies clcik on button below.
ENGLAND TOLME/TOLMIE

1611 (Scotland)

John Tolmach: Conflict with MacKenzie c.1610-11*
  • Source: McKenzie, The Western Isle, p.119 (in George Fraser Blacks, The Surnames of Scotland).
  • Source: Rev. Alexander McGregor (M.A.) 1907. Feuds of the Clans. pp.155-156.
  • Source: Alexander MacKenzie (FSA). 1881. The MacDonalds of Glengarry. pp.33-34
  • Source: Alexander MacKenzie. 1881. History of the Clan MacKenzie. pp. 145-146 & 318-319
  • Source: Alexander MacKenzie (FSA). 1881. History of the MacLeods. p.360 & p.363
  • Source: Alexander MacBain  (MA) (FSA). 1887. The Celtic Magazine p.195 & p.199
  • Source: John H. Dixon (FSA). 1886. Gairloch in North West Ross Shire. 1886. p.97
  • Source: Ethel Bassin. 1977. The Old Songs of Skye. p.1
  • Source: Alexander MacKenzie (FSA). 1881. History of the MacDonalds Lord of the Isles. pp.317-318
  • Source: Adam Frank. 1908. The Clans, Septs, & Regiments of the Scottish Highlands. p.166

1612-1616 (Inverness, Scotland)

​Andrew Tolmi [Tolmie] (Links yet to be confirmed)

Source: Records of Inverness, William MacKay & Herbert Cameron Boyd. Volume 1, Burgh Court Books 1556-86.  (1911)
Source: Records of Inverness, William MacKay (L.L.D) & George Smith Laing. Volume II, Burgh Court Books 1602-37. Minutes of Town Council 1637-88. (1924)
Records of Inverness - Andrew Tolmi.pdf
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ORIGINAL: Page 96;
  • "18th May 1612... To our Louttits William Gray, William Reid, and Androv Tolmi, our officeris and executoris heiroff in that part , coniunctlie  and seueraile, specialie constitut greitting..."
TRANSLATION:
  • (Yet to be translated)

ORIGINAL: Page 97;
  • "18th May 1612... in the presnes of Johne Abraham, Gilbert Duff, Robert Baillie, burgess thair, and Androv Tolmi, officar..."
TRANSLATION:
  • "18th May 1612... in the presence of  John Abraham, Gilbert Duff, Robert Baille, burgess their, and Andrew Tolmie officer..."

ORIGINAL: Page 111; 
  • "23rd July 1613...  That day John Jamiesson, armorar, beinge accusit for deforcinge of Androw Tolmi, officiar, and, accordinge to his conffessioun..."​
TRANSLATION:
  • 23rd July 1613... That day John Jamieson, armourer, being accused of  withholding property from Andrew Tolmie, officer according to his confession"

ORIGINAL: Page 112
  • "That day Johne Jamiesson, armorar, beinge accusit for deforcinge of •S'J July Androw Tolmi, officiar, and, accordinge to his confessioun, in stayinge of the officiar to poind in his buith, and provin be Androw Mc Conil, for satisfeinge of — Mc Claud, flescher, of sic debt as he obteinit in his contrar be decreit, and, nocht withstanding thairefter the said Johne beinge chargit, be the said officiar to ward his person in the tolbuith quhill be satisfeit the debt, beinge choppit with his officiar wand, wilipendit and wald noch obey to cum to ward, bot pat hands in the officiar..."​
TRANSLATION: 
  • (Yet to be translated)

ORIGINAL: Page 131;
  • ​"9th Jan 1615... Secundlie, thow Allister McComas beand chairgit be William Reid and Androw Tolmi, officairis..."
TRANSLATION:
  • "9th Jan 1615... Secondly, the Allister McComas is being charge by William Reid and Andrew Tolmie, officers..."

ORIGINAL: Page 141;
  • "14th Oct 1614... To our lovitis Thomas Clerk, Androw Tolmi, William Reid and our burru officiaris of said burt..."
TRANSLATION:
  • "14th Oct 1614... To our dear Thomas Clerk, Andrew Tolmie, William Reid, our borough officers..."

ORIGINAL: Page 143-144;
  • "14th Oct 1615... and this I did befoir thir witness Gilbert Waus, burges of Innernis, Alexander Patersoun, son of William Patersoun, elder, burges thair, William Reid, Androw Tolmi, burra officiaris thair... the said Alexander Patersoun, Androw Tolmi, William Reid, burra officiaris of Innernis"
​TRANSLATION:
  • "14th Oct 1615... and this I did before their witness Gilbert Waus burgess of Inverness, Alexander Paterson, son of William Paterson, elder and burgess their; William Reid, Andrew Tolmie, burrough officers their... the said Alexander Pateron, Andrew Tolmie, William Reid, burough officiers of Inverness"

ORIGINAL: Page 149;
  • "That day William Dick, cordenar burges of Innernis, being judicialie persewit be the Procurator Fiscail for transgressing... and being inhibit also to tak away the same be Androw Tolmi, burru officiar, at command of the Magistrats, being accusit thairvpoun, confessit the wrang..."
​TRANSLATION:
  • (Yet to be translated)

1638-1700: Scotland, Inverness & Surrounds

List of recorded births, death, marriages 1600-1700
Source: www.soctlandspeople.gov.uk

Birth/ Baptism:

Scotlands People
Surname:
Tolme                Tolmie              
Tolmi 
Tolmie

Tolmie
Tolmie 
Tolmie 
Tolmie 

Tolmie
Tolmie 
Tolmie
Tolmie 
Tolmach

Tolmach 
Tolmie
Tolmey 
Tolmie 
Tolmie 
​Tolmy 
Tolmy
Tolmie
Tolmie 

Tolmie
Tolmie 

Tolmie 
Tolmie
Tolmach
Name:
Hew
William
Jean
Willeame

Alexander
James
Agnes
Patrick
James
David
Alexander
Christian
William
Thomas
Agnes
John
Alexander
Lillias
James
William
William
William
William
James
William
John
John
Parent:
James Tolme/ Beatrix Alshur
James Tolmie/ Beatrix Alshur
Jon Tolmi
Johnne Tolmie

William Tolmie
Wm. Tolmie
Wm. Tolmie

Robert Tolmie

Robt. Tolmie
Wm. Tolmie
Robert Tolmie
Wm. Tolmie

Thomas
William Tolmie/ Marie McBean
William Tolmey
William Tolmie/ Marie McBean
John Tolmie
William Tolmy
William Tolmy
William Tolmie/ Marie McBean
John Tolmie
Peter Tolmie
John Tolmie
James Tolmie/ Janet Thomsone
John Tolmie
William Tolmach
Date:
24/10/1638  ​
23/02/1640
12/09/1642 

20/02/1644
24/08/1668
​11/06/1671

02/03/1673
16/11/1673
11/04/1675
30/07/1676
09/09/1677
02/02/1679​
13/08/1682
19/10/1689
06/04/1690
25/03/1692

06/09/1692
28/07/1694
11/10/1694
26/01/1696
​18/02/1696

26/07/1696
20/12/1696
14/02/1697
21/11/1697
02/10/1698
12/05/1699 
Parish:
Dyke
Dyke
Inverness
Inverness
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Kilmorack
Kilmorack
Invernes
Fordyce
Inverness
Dyke
Fordyce
Fordyce
Inverness
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Forres
Dyke
Kilmorack

Deaths:

Surname: 
Tolmie 
Tolmie

Tolmie
Tolmie

Tolm
Name:
Robert
Jannet
Alexr
Jean
​James
Parent:




​Donald Tolm
Date:
22/11/1677
14/05/1678
18/04/1680
22/11/1688
​01/04/1691
Parish:
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
​Kirkhill

Marriages:

Surname:
Tolme
Tolme 

Tolmie
Tolmie
Tolmie

Tolmie
Tolmach
Tolmie 
Name:
Issobell
Jean
Elsp
John
John
James
Thomas
Peter
Spouse:
Johne ?
Daud Hay
Patrick Gaudie
Issobell Anderson
Cristan Falconer
Janet Thomsone
Isabel Donald
​Isobell Williamson
Date:
?/11/1649
22/02/1652
03/11/1687
20/05/1691
​26/06/1692
11/11/1697
04/01/1698
15/04/1698
Parish:
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Dyke
Forres
Kilmoarck
​Dyke

1699 (Invernesshire, Scotland)

William Tolmie

Source: 
Formerly National Archives of Scotland, ref.GD93/294.

Original:
"Instrument of Sasine given by Hector Sutherland, miller in Caitwall, as bailie, to Mr George McKenzie of 2 and a half oxgate lands of Caitwall, in barony of Fowles and parish of Kiltearne. Instrument of Sasine given by Hector Sutherland, miller in Caitwall, as bailie, to Mr George McKenzie, eldest lawful son of Alexander McKenzie of Loggie, and 'nephoy to the lait Rosehaugh', of 2 and a half oxgate lands of Caitwall, in the barony of Fowles and parish of Kiltearne, proceeding on precept in disposition, dated 2 Sep 1699, granted by George McCulloch, therein designed portioner of Caitwall, and now indweller in Meikle Farnes, with consent of Margaret McKenzie, his spouse. Witnesses to disposition, Mr Colin McKenzie of Muiretoune, William Tolmie, bailie of Fortross, David McCulloch, late bailie there, and Donald Davidsone, younger, burgess thereof. Witnesses to sasine, Farquhar Munro, litster in Drumond, Donald McKenzie, brother to Farburne, Hector McKenzie, in Dingwall, Finlay Clerk, in Fortross, and Angus Beatone, in Caitwall. Registered in the Particular Register of Sasines for Inverness, etc, 4 Oct 1699".

​
​TRANSLATION:
  • (Yet to be translated)


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