Her father was a wealthy armourer of Aberdeen, who was the Deacon of the Guild of Hammermen.

One of the stories told of his cleverness was his success at removing a large rock that was blocking the entrance to the harbour in Aberdeen.

[3] Her husband died on 9 October 1629 leaving her a rich widow, but with five daughters and a son, David.

She may easily have been inspired to this philanthropic act by her brother who was an advocate for good deeds as well as by the wishes of her dead husband.

[4] She herself died on 9 January 1667 and she is thought to have been buried near her husband in the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen.