Biography

John Vans Agnew. (1724-1780) (aka. Mr. Agnew of Sheuchan - John Vans)

Of Agnew in the parish of Kirkcowan, Galloway. Son of Patrick Vans of Barquhanny and Barnbarroch (ca. 1694-1733) and Barbara McDowall, dau of Patrick McDowall of Freugh. Married (1747) to Margaret Agnew, dau of Robert Agnew of Sheuchan, and Margaret McDowall. John Vans and his wife were thus first cousins, their mothers being sisters. In 1771 he had built the family's present seat of Barnbarroch. He had at least six children. His oldest son, Robert Vans Agnew (1755-1809), succeeded him as Laird of Barnbarroch and Sheuchan.

Life with James Boswell:

Boswell met John Agnew at Kirroughtrie (the Heron estate) on September 29, 1762. He described him as "a genteel, ingenious gentleman".

External links:

• Vans family tree - from Stirnet
• Vans Family Archive - extensive history of the family to this day

This article was last updated at January 31 2008 22:20:27 CET

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