John Stewart of Ralston

John Stewart was born in c. 1324.^[1] He was the eldest son of Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland, and his second wife, Isabel Graham.^[2][3] Stewart's father died in 1327, after which he inherited the lands of Ralston in Cunninghame.^[4][5]

Stewart may have begun his political career as early as 1344, as the recipient of a charter from David II of Scotland.^[6] He has been confused with his contemporary, John Stewart of Dalswinton, who was captured at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346.^[7] Stewart was associated with his elder half-brother, Robert the Steward, amid tensions over David II's captivity in England during 1352.^[8] He joined his half-brother at Perth in 1364, when the latter performed penance for failing to fulfill an agreement with the Church to legitimate his children.^[9]

After becoming King of Scots in 1371, Robert II appointed Stewart as seneschal of the Scottish royal household.^[10] Stewart held this office until 1377.^[11] His half-brother granted him an annual pension of £20 in 1380, which he received consistently for the rest of his life.^[12]

Stewart died in 1416, aged c. 92.^[13]

John married Alicia, daughter of Reginald de Mure and Sybilla de Graham, they are known to have had the following issue:

• John Stewart, died without issue.
• Walter Stewart, died without issue.
• Marjorie Stewart, married firstly Alexander Lindsay of Glenesk and secondly William Douglas of Lugton, had issue.
• Ergadia Stewart, married Patrick de Graham of Kincardine and Dundaff, had issue.
• Margaret Stewart, married John Hay of Tullbody, had issue.
• Isabel Stewart