Jean Cochrane was born c. 1662 to a Covenanting family. In 1684, she was courted by a young colonel of the Royal (Scottish) Regiment of Horse named John Graham of Claverhouse. On June 10 of the same year, she married him.
In 1688, the "Glorious Revolution" broke out and Graham, now Viscount Dundee drew sword in defense of King James II. When he departed from his house, his wife encouraged him in his mission.
"Follow your glorious fate, where King and Country call you; where honour, and loyalty, and the ardour of your own noble nature, prompt you. Go where glory waits you!" Thus spake she, all unconscious of a last farewell. Yet the heavy sigh, and sad countenance belied her lips. And as far as her eyes could penetrate through space, she strained them after the departing figure of her heroic husband.--selection from The Grameid by James Philip of Dalimericlose, quoted on pg. 541, Mark Napier, Memorials and Letters Relative to the Life and Times of John Graham of Claverhous, Viscount of Dundee.
His wife was not wanting in her support to him. She secretly sent him money to fund his campaign. and even corresponded with William Livingstone (lieutenant-colonel of the Scots Dragoons) to join Dundee; the plan, however, was defeated.
In 1689, Dundee was killed at Killiecrankie. Five years later, Jean Graham married William Livingstone. She did not have long to live after her second marriage, being killed by the collapse of a house in 1695.
Her dauntless spirit against all odds, and her tireless endeavors to aid her husband should inspire those who hear of the deeds of Jean Graham.
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