This source of genealogical data is the family tree prepared about 1866 by Charles McHardy, a relation to the Ordachoyers from the Auchallater connection. His research comes to us through Anna McHardy in New Zealand, who worked through his notes to transcribe them. Though many of his dates and names are correct, it is wise to use his research as a starting point and to verify his data through secondary research; he is not accurate in all instances.

Below are a few of the notes written by Charles on McHardy history and some individuals. For a complete copy of the 1866 file, please contact Anna at .

Alister McHardy of Ballochbuie (b. around 1690)

Alister McHardy, alias "Ballochbuie", born about 1690 (descended from John McHardy who was proprietor of Daldownie, Crathie. In poll book 1696) occupied Dalchork, Ballochbuie Braemar in 1730 which place still bears his name "? Ballochbuie." His wife was Isabella Stewart, their family consisted of Donald (Yr Ballochbuie) born 1733 (who afterwards came into possession of Daldownie and occupied it until his death, and his sons Charles and Donald after him). John born 1738- James (of Inverey) date of birth not certain. Alister (of Auchallater) 1742, Jane 1745 and Ann date not certain. This Alister (Ballochbuie) and Isabella Stewart- removed from Dalchork to Stron Glenclunie 1740- afterwards to Croftmuickan Farm which latter place they occupied until their death.

This Alister McHardy (Ballochbuie) was a brave and powerful man. On one occasion the Laird of Invercauld raised a large party of his best men and made a raid into Badenoch or Rannoch in return for a "Creach" that had been carried away from Braemar district- In such cases the best man being chosen as "Captain or "Leader." Ballochbuie was chosen "Captain" and the Laird of Invercauld accompanied them, and they succeeded in recovering a large quantity of the stock, which had been taken from Braemar district and amongst the stock was a Piebald Mare and the woman to whom this Piebald belonged followed them to Braemar (lamenting her loss) at last McHardy ordered the Mare to be given up to her saying take your Mare you "Carle" and be gone with you- Invercauld said its long since I wished that done McHardy. Oh! Yes said Ballochbuie, but you dare not do a while I am here- This Ballochbuie was a great favourite with Invercauld. *It is also related of him that he was outlawed for the part he took in the cause of Prince Charles and had in consequence to keep under hiding for a considerable period.
[*This section has a line through it on the rough document and 'son' written on top, but in the second document it is not.]

On another occasion this Ballochbuie was on a visit to an acquaintance of his, a farmer in Glenisla named "McCombie" (from whom is descended the late Mr McCombie M.P.) and bargained with him for a Boll of Seed Bere and McCombie offered him a horse to take it home, but McHardy declined saying I don't require a horse for that- and started off for Braemar with the sack (containing the Boll of Bere) on his back, and crossed the Mountains between Cairnlochan and Glencallater into Croftmuickan Farm Braemar whre he resided (a distance of about 20 miles) and McCombie (being noted for his strength) did not believe that McHardy could carry the Boll to Braemar and he sent his man after him to see if he had a horse by the way and the man returned saying there was no horse and that McHardy did not even take a rest, until at a certain big Stone on the Summit of the hill 2 miles distant- McCombie on hearing this could not bear the idea of being beat by a Braemar man and ordered his man to fill another bag with the same quantity of Bere and started off with it on his back and taking his man with him to point out the place where McHardy took his rest, but before he had got half way up the mountain he was forced to give up and threw the bag from him, ordering his man to go and get the horse and take it home. The above tales used to be told by the Grand sons of this Alister Ballochbuie with great glee Viz- the late Daldownie, by William and John McHardy- sons of Alister of Auchallater.

Ballochbuie's sons were remarkably strong men. (See note of Donald Younger Ballochbuie at foot of Sheet No 2) and his son James of Inverey [b. 1740 or 1743] acted as Captain for the Braemar men who rose in rebellion against the Ballot Act when first introduced into that district and they went to the Minister McHardy who was the Factor for Invercauld and made him and the Laird of Abergeldie give up the Ballot papers which they burned. They then marched on to Aboyne Castle for the purpose of getting the Earl of Aboyne to undertake that the Ballot System would not be forced upon them, but Lord Aboyne, having been appraised of their coming (by a messenger on horseback from the minister) was led to believe that they would do him bodily harm and he dispatched a messenger to Aberdeen for the military and a detachment of soldiers on horseback were sent to Aboyne where James McHardy and John Bowman (the late John Bowman's father) were apprehended and taken to Aberdeen goal as rebels. The rest returning to Braemar- James's brother Alister of Auchallater- who was then a popular man in the County- used his best endeavours with the Laird of Abergeldie, Lord Aboyne and McLeod of McLeod, on behalf of his brother (James) and was successful in getting his brother and Bowman released from Prison. Many are still living of whom Alister of Auchallater and his wife used to relate the long journey that Alister had on foot, on this occasion, when going to Dunvegan (Skye) to see McLeod of McLeod; how well he was received and the McHardys of Braemar and Crathie always claimed kin with the McLeods and recognise McLeod as being their Chief Leader (*claimed their clan descent from McLeods of Rassay) 2nd copy only."

Donald McHardy (b. 1733)

The above Donald "Younger Ballochbuie" was a very powerful man. About 1760 an officer named "Davidson" had left a summons at his house, during his absence, to appear at Aberdeen in a case of smuggling Whiskey and on Donald's return and observing the summons and knowing that Davidson had betrayed him- he pursued him and overtook him and made him eat the summons and stood before him- with his Dirk pointing to Davidson- until this was done. He was remarkabe swift and when hunting in the mountains it is said he always kept pace with his hounds. It is also related that he was siezed upon by the Press Gang on the Bridge of Perth and defeated the 12 men who seized him and beat them severely- He afterwards returned to Braemar (same night, about 60 miles) and reported matters to the Laird of Abergeldie so as to be able to prove he was in Braemar that night.

James McHardy of Inverey (b. 1740 or 1743)

James acted as Captain for the Braemar men who rose in rebellion against the Balloct Act when first introduced into that district and they went to the Minister McHardy who was the Factor for Invercauld and made him and the Laird of Abergeldie give up the Ballot papers which they burned. They then marched on to Aboyne Castle for the purpose of getting the Earl of Aboyne to undertake that the Ballot System would not be forced upon them, but Lord Aboyne, having been appraised of their coming (by a messenger on horseback from the minister) was led to believe that they would do him bodily harm and he dispatched a messenger to Aberdeen for the military and a detachment of soldiers on horseback were sent to Aboyne where James McHardy and John Bowman (the late John Bowman's father) were apprehended and taken to Aberdeen goal as rebels. The rest returning to Braemar- James's brother Alister of Auchallater- who ws then a popular man in the County- used his best endeavours with the Laird of Abergeldie, Lord Aboyne and McLeod of McLeod, on behalf of his brother (James) and was successful in getting his brother and Bowman released from Prison.

Alister McHardy, alias Buie, of Auchallater (1742-1829)

Alister McHardy, Alias Buie, of Auchallater, Glencluny, Braemar born 1742, died 1829 aged 87 years. Wife Jane McGregor, born 1760, died 1852 aged 92 years. This Alister was a farmer in Auchallater and Glencallater from 1779 until 1876.

This Alister McHardy and Jane McGregor's family were 17 in number but only 9 came to maturity. Their sons Charles, James and Alexander (I think he means Alister) occupied Dalvorar (after 1st Charles McHardy) then afterwards went to Jamaica about 1820. Alexander (?Alister) returned about 1840 and married Mary Duncan, Crathie. These three brothers died in Jamaica. William and John and their sons were great athletic men to which the Books of Braemar Highland Society can testify. Charles McHardy of Inverey and Tomintoul (see Sheet 4B) occupied Dalvorar after these brothers left for Jamaica and he was 1st cousin to them.

Alister of Auchallater- who was then a popular man in the County- used his best endeavours with the Laird of Abergeldie, Lord Aboyne and McLeod of McLeod, on behalf of his brother (James) and was successful in getting his brother and Bowman released from Prison. Many are still living of whom Alister of Auchallater and his wife used to relate the long journey that Alister had on foot, on this occasion, when going to Dunvegan (Skye) to see McLeod of McLeod; how well he was received and the McHardys of Braemar and Crathie always claimed kin with the McLeods and recognise McLeod as being their Chief Leader (*claimed their clan descent from McLeods of Rassay) 2nd copy only."

Jane McHardy (b. 1745)

Jane McHardy was not taught to read nor write and it's related of her that she was gifted "by inspiration" (in one night) by being able to quote the whole of the New Testament by heart- knew all herbs and was looked upon as being able to cure all disease- was remarkable for her pious Holy Life and is still remembered by some old people.

Ann McHardy (b. ?)

Ann was also a remarkably clever woman and the following inscription used to be read on her tombstone in church? Braemar "(1) No bard could write meet Eptiaph. (2) On one who lies in this Kirk-Yardie (3) Since language is too weak by half (4) To give due praise to Ann McHardy".

John Bowman, (husband to Margaret McHardy) (b, 1781)

This John Bowman's father was taken prisoner along with James McHardy of Inverey when the Braemar men rose in rebellion against the Ballot Act referred to on the back of Sheet No 1. This John Bowman as also his son James were very swift men and used to perform feats at Invercauld by jumping over two horses standing together and the Laird often caused them to do this when visitors were at Invercauld.

James McHardy of Ordachoy (b. 1777?)

This James McHardy of Ordachoy...(1777) had an uncle named William who was a Priest [see Fenton's article] at Corgarff, Tornahaish, was also at Braemar and some are still living of whom he baptised: Alister McHardy's son of Auchallater (William) was named after him and baptised by him; and he was Godfather to William Lamont, Linn of Dee and who was also named after him. He strongly adhered to the McLeod McHardy and his name is still to be seen in the Catholic Directory as McLeod McHardy (Revd) and usually signed his name William McLeod.