James Bruce & Mary Dundas

 James Bruce
James was born on December 14th, 1730 in Larbert.² 

• Birth Notes
  • Born and died on the Kinnaird estate, Stirlingshire.

He died in an accident or as a result of an injury, falling down stairs, at the age of 63 on April 27th, 1794 in Larbert.  He was buried in Larbert.

• Death Notes
  • Iron pillar, moved from his grave to car park at Larbert Old Parish church:
    "Left Side of Stone
    In this tomb are deposited the remains of JAMES BRUCE Esqr. Of Kinnaird
    Who died on the 27th of April 1794 in the 64th year of his age.
    His life was spent in performing useful and splendid actions
    He explored many distant regions, he discovered the fountains of the Nile
    He traversed the deserts of Nubia
    He was an affectionate husband, an indulgent parent, an ardent lover of his country
    By the unanimous voice of mankind his name is enrolled with those who were conspicuous
    For genius, for valour and for virtue."
    

 Mary Dundas
Mary was born in 1754.¹   She died due to a medical problem, Tuberculosis, at the age of 31 on February 10th, 1785.³ 

• Death Notes
  • 
    
    On Sunday, 26th August 1787, Burns and Nicol, at the beginning of the Highland tour, stopped at Larbert to admire: 'a fine monument of cast iron erected by Mr Bruce, the African traveller, to his second wife. N.B. He used her very ill and I suppose he meant it as much out of gratitude to Heaven as anything else.'
    
    Gravestone: now in car park at Larbert Old Parish church. Front side:
    "Sacred to the memory of MARY DUNDAS who died the 10th day of February 1780 aged 31 years
    JAMES BRUCE of Kinnaird erected this monument           
    A memorial of his gratitude and affection and her virtues."
    At her feet lies the body of ROBERT BRUCE their eldest son
    Who died 10th day of November 1778