In 1774 he removed to Cardross in Dumbartonshire, where, on the bank of the noble estuary of the Clyde, he spent the last fifteen years of a useful and honoured life.

He was twice married.

His first wife died at the birth of his first child.

Eight years afterwards, in 1757, he espoused Margaret, daughter of Colin Campbell of Inveresragan, who survived him by a single year.

By her he had the patriarchal number of twelve children, whom he brought up on the old Scotch system,--common to the households of minister, man of business, farmer, and peasant alike,--on fine air, simple diet, and a solid training in knowledge human and divine.