The first documented evidence of Lord Oliphant is in the Great Seal of Scotland ("Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum") where John Oliphant is cited as brother germain to Lord Oliphant, on 2 February 1394-5. Thereafter, the monks of Pluscarden record that in 1408, two brothers of Lord Oliphant, William and Arthur, had assisted in the murder of Sir Patrick Graham, Earl of Strathearn. Despite being second cousins of the King, these two brothers were drawn, beheaded and hanged. Walter Bower, who continued John of Fordun's chronicles is also cited to have made reference to the same incident circa 1408.