He was born on 11 September 1776^[1] in Ardersier near Inverness, the son of Alexander MacBean (1745-1790), a farmer, and his wife, Rose Grant Campbeltown (1755-1830). He was baptised on 6 July 1790.^[2] His father is noted as a merchant at the time of his death.^[3]

He appears in practice in Edinburgh in 1810 at 14 North Castle Street and is already listed as a Writer to the Signet although only 20 years old.^[4]

In 1815 he had premises at 65 Castle Street but within 5 years had moved to prestigious offices at 11 Charlotte Square, part of an exceptionally large and beautiful pavilion block in a terrace by Robert Adam (the office is accessed from Glenfinlas Street).^[5] He maintained the office on Charlotte Square for four decades. He primarily dealt with wills and estates for rich clients. He appears as a trustee in the will of several famous people including Hugh William Williams. He was property agent for many wealthy highland clients.^[6]

He had offices at 11 Charlotte Square and lived at 63 Great King Street.^[7]

In 1836 he was signatory to a petition against the behaviour of Henry Brougham, Lord Brougham.^[8]

He died on 31 August 1857 and was buried on 4 September 1857.^[9] His grave lies on the upper terrace of St John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh on Princes Street, only 100m from his home on Charlotte Square.

Life

References