The legend in the Courts family states that John Courts, who came to Maryland in 1639 from Stoke Gregorey Somerset, England and was descended from the Earl of Aerendale. The legend also states that John Courts grew up or was raised at Loch Mabean Castle in Scotland near Dumfries, Scotland. The legend also states that the surname of Courtis or Courts was originally spelled Coates and this Coates family was descended from the Earls of Aerendale. The Earldom of Aerendale and Loch Mabean Castle was the traditional domain of the Bruces, and Robert the Bruce 1200-1250. The surname of Courts and the Courts family connects to the Earls of Aerendale and the surname of Coates/Courts is a sept fo the Farguharison/McDonald clan of Scotland.
It is a fact that John Courts, the immigrant, was married at Oxley Register, Yorkshire, England to Margaret Robinson, who was a daughter of Anthony Robinson, and this wedding occurred circa 1640's.
Also, it is a fact that John Courts ppurchased an indentured servant, Angus McDermont, a Jacobite who was captured at Preston and transported from Liverpool, England on the Godsped with ship master, ARthur Smith, for Virginia on the date of July 28, 1716. In fact, John Courts bought two more indentured servants, who all sailed on the Godsped that transported rebel prisoners into Maryland from Liverpool, England. These were Scotish rebels, called Jacobites, who wanted to restore the Catholic King to the throne of England. The other two men purchased by John Courts were Patrick Mackay, and Daniel Kennedy.
Any information concerning the authenticy of this Courts family legend that the Courts family descends from the Earls of Aerendale would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much
kitty