I am stuck on the parents of William CARLYLE 1659-1725 of Brydekirk in the parish of Annan, who in 1688 married Mary BELL only child of John BELL of Satur in the parish of Middlebie. In 1892 my great grandfather wrote that it should be easy to find out because William's father was also the gg grandfather of Alexander CARLYLE, minister of Inveresk. Herbert CARLYLE 1558-1632 of Brydekirk, was thought to be William's g grandfather. I am also stuck on parents or any info about Isabella BELL 1700-1760, who married William's son David CARLYLE 1695-1757. He was a second son and did not inherit, and so farmed at Turfrig, part of the estate of the family of his brother-in-law IRVING of Wyseby in Kirkpatrick-Fleming or Annan. They died at Turfrig and are buried in Pennersaugh burial ground. John CARLYLE 1687-1727, of Birrens, ancestor of the author Thomas CARLYLE 1759-1881, was hung as a cattle thief and is also buried in Pennersaugh burial grounds. Oddly, his wife was also Isabelle BELL 1687-1859 and she is buried beside him. I wonder if my David married his widow. My David and Isabella only had one son, and perhaps they were caring for the children born of a first marriage of Isabella's.

Any theories? Does anyone have any info that might help me?