Dalrymple

"The Dalrymple family, numerous in Kingwood, are of Scotch descent, and have retained many of their family characteristics. James Dalrymple, Earl of Stair, was one of the first of the family who rose to importance. He was eminent as a lawyer, and became Lord President of the highest court in Scotland. He wrote 'Institutions of the Law of Scotland,' since used as the grand text book of that country.

"James Dalrymple fled from persecution to Holland, and returned with William of Orange, when 70 years of age, saying that he was 'willing to risk his head for the Protestant religion.' The second Earl of Stair stained his eseutcheon by the cruel extirpation of the Scottish clans who refused to take the oath of submission.

"John, third Earl of Stair, and grandson of the first Earl, from whom our Dalrymples are descended, was born in Endinburgh in 1673. He entered the army at the age of 19, and served with great distinction under the Duke of Marlborough. He was commander-in-chief of the forces of Scotland under George I, and for many years ambassador to France, where he was distinguished for his diplomatic skill. He afterwards retired to his estates, and was the first to raise turnips and cabbage in the open field in Scotland. The western Dalrymple, the prince of American farmers, of whom we published an account not long since, is of this family. <Not included in the book>

"Sir David Dalrymple, the fourth Earl, was renowned for his literary productions, many of which were of a religious character. He occupied the bench under the title of Lord Hailes, and was distinguished as a criminal judge for his leaning on the side of mercy. The family always took the liberal side of political questions. As Scotchmen, they were Protestants, and opposed to the encroachments of the crown. As Americans, they were patriots, and took part in the Revolutionary struggle. The daughters of the House of Stair have been celebrated for their beauty, in Scottish song; and we are forced to confess that transplanting to American soil has not diminished their hereditary grace or beauty.

"Jesse Dalrymple, a descendant of a younger son of the third Earl of Stair, came to this country at the solicitation of James Alexander, father of William Lord Sterling, in 1765. He was a fifer in the militia of New Jersey, and did his duty just as faithfully under Washington, as his illustrious ancestor did under the great Marlborough."

Lequear's articles were originally published 1869-70.

Note that Dalrymple researchers have been unable to prove the link to the Earls of Stair. Check out this link for their research:

http://home.mem.net/~dalrympl/HunterdonIntro.html