John Boswell

John Boswell, 4th Laird of Auchinleck (1532?–1609), was a Scottish gentleman. He is considered by some scholars to be the first recorded non-operative Freemason. Biographical details John Boswell, 3rd laird of Auchinleck was the son of David Boswell and Janet Hamilton. In 1562 he married Christian Dalzell, and his marriage contract was signed by Thomas McCalzean of Clifton Hall, Gavin Hamilton, Commendator of Kilwinning, and others. His son, also John Boswell, married secondly, Christian Stewart, a sister of James Stewart, Earl of Arran. On 5 March 1591 John Boswell, younger, was accused in the Privy Council of practising witchcraft, sorcery and enchantments, consulting with witches and taking part in other devilish activities. Boswell's response to these allegations was to flee the country. The Privy Council heard that he had, "not only has oft and diverse times consulted with witches, but also by himself practised witchcraft, sourcery, enchantment, and other devilish practices, to the dishonour of God, slander of his word, and great contempt of his Highness, his authority and laws."