David Falconer

His father, Joseph Hume, or Home, was a border laird of modest means, but of a good family, claiming descent from Lord Home of Dunglass, who crossed into France with the Douglas in the French wars of the 15th century, and lost his life properly at Vernouy, 1423-4.

His mother, who her son says was, quote, a woman of singular merit, end quote, and for whom he always entertained the warmest affection, was a daughter of Sir David Falconer, president of the court session.

The paternal estate was Ninewells, on the northern bank of the White Adder, in the parish of Chernside, in Berwickshire.

The old plain mansion, of which a picture is preserved in the Chambers Book of Days, was situated on an elevation overlooking the river as it flowed to join the Tweed, and from the declivity in front issued a number of springs which gave the place its name.