Mackay Family in Acheilidh & Laid, Rogart

 

The above photograph shows the old Mackay family croft at

Acheilidh, Rogart.

JOHN MACKAY [1799-7/4/1875] married CHRISTINA SUTHERLAND [1795-23/11/1857]      
John, a tenant in Achillie (Acheilidh/Achvellie) Rogart, son of Donald Mackay and Margaret Sutherland married Christina (Christian) daughter of Hugh Sutherland and Mary Macleod.
In 1834 John Mackay in Achvellie paid two shillings and sixpence to fund for the building of the Duke of Sutherland’s monument.
In 1841 John, a tenant, Christian and their children were living at Achevely.
In 1851, still at Achevely, John was a lotter of 6 acres.
In 1857 John Mackay died at Astall, his usual residence was given as Achillie.
In 1861 Christina, a widow and farming 9 acres was at Achillie with three sons and a three year old grandson, William Mackay.
In 1871 they were all still at Achillie except for grandson William. Now they had a grandson, Daniel, aged 12 with them.
In 1875 Christina died at Achillie (DC).
In 1881 their son Murdoch and his wife, Ann Munro had taken over the croft.
John and Christina are buried in St Callan's Churchyard, Rogart ((RO-B38). 
They had the following children:
JOHN MACKAY born 7th March 1820 Rogart (IGI) [died 5 April 1902 Balloan, Lairg aged 78 years] [married Johan Matheson] – 1841 census with parents
DONALD MACKAY born 25th December 1822 Rogart (IGI) [died 13th July 1883 Laid, Little Rogart] [married Henrietta Matheson – see below] (DC) – signed father’s death certificate in 1857 with his x mark
MARY ANN MACKAY born 25th March 1826 Rogart (IGI) [died 1918] [married James Todd, (born 1830 died 1891) in Australia] – 1841 census with parents – in 1852 Mary Ann left Rogart with her brother James for Australia - Mary Ann found employment and after several jobs became engaged to James Todd, a grazier and settled in Geelong - they reared a family of ten, six daughters and four sons
HUGH MACKAY born 28 March 1828 Rogart (IGI) [died 24 March 1875, general labourer, bachelor at Achaillie – brother Murdoch signed the death certificate] (DC) – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with parents, a weaver - 1861 census with widowed mother, stone blaster – 1871 census with mother
JAMES MACKAY born 1st November 1830 Rogart (IGI) [died 1904 New Zealand] [married Jane Gillanders, (born 1839 died 1916) in New Zealand] – 1851 census with parents - in 1852 left Rogart for Australia - not finding Australia to his liking, continued on to New Zealand where he landed in Wellington in 1856 - he then moved to Christchurch where he settled and eventually bought land at Longbush in the neighbourhood of the Canterbury Settlement - he married and raised a family of twelve, seven sons and five daughters
ANGUS MACKAY born circa 1832 [died 1919] [married Miss Helm – lived in New Zealand] – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with parents
WILLIAM MACKAY born 11th November 1834 Rogart (IGI) – may have died young – not shown on any census
MURDOCH MACKAY born 21st April 1837 Rogart (IGI) [died 1893 Achillie] [married Ann Munro] – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with parents - 1861 census with widowed mother, woollen weaver – 1871 census with mother – signed mother’s death certificate in 1875 – also signed brother Hugh’s death certificate just two weeks before his mother died – Murdoch took over the croft on his mother’s death
ALEXANDER MACKAY born 8th October 1839 Rogart (IGI) [died 22nd September 1918 Achillie, crofter, single, Angus Mackay, nephew, signed death certificate] (DC) – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with parents - 1861 census with widowed mother, ploughman – 1871 census with mother

The Mackay Family at Laid, Little Rogart:
DONALD    MACKAY [c1822-13/7/1883] married HENRIETTA MATHESON [c1823-5/7/1886]
Donald was born in Rogart, son of John Mackay, lotter, and Christina Sutherland – see above (DC).
Henrietta (Hennie) was born in Lairg, daughter of Robert Matheson and Ann Ross.
Donald and Henrietta married in Pitfour, Rogart, on 28 December 1849 (OPR).
In 1851 Donald and Hennie were at Little Rogart (Laid) with baby Christy, who was one month old.  Donald was an agricultural labourer working for Donald Munro.
In 1861 Donald, a farmer of 7 acres, and Henrietta were at Laid, Rogart. Aunt Henrietta Munro, a pensioner's wife was also living with them.
In 1871 and 1881 Donald was a flesher and farmer of 6 acres at Laid.
Donald died at Laid, Little Rogart, in 1883.  He was recorded as a lotter and a flesher (butcher) on his death certificate. Henrietta died in 1886 at Little Rogart. This family are buried in Rogart (RO-B36).
They had the following children:
CHRISTINA MACKAY (Christy) born 1st September 1850 Lead, Rogart (FCR) [died 30th November 1878 at Laid, aged 28 – buried with parents] - 1851 census with parents – 1861 census with parents – 1871 census with parents, general domestic servant
ROBERT MACKAY born 9th December 1851 Little Rogart (FCR) [died aged 30 South Australia] – 1861 census with parents
JOHN MACKAY born 2 November 1853 Lead, Rogart (IGI) [died 1929 Invercargill, New Zealand - emigrated to New Zealand 1874] – 1861 census with parents – 1871 census with parents, farm servant
DONALD MACKAY born 29 September 1855 Rogart (IGI) [died 23 February 1878 at Laid – apprentice blacksmith – single] (DC)
WILLIAM MACKAY born 24 February 1858 Rogart (IGI) [died 4 July 1879, clerk in seed warehouse, single] – 1871 census with parents, herd boy – signed sister Ann’s death certificate in 1871 and Christina’s in 1878
JAMES MACKAY, born 5 March 1860 Rogart (IGI) [died 15th April 1882 Laid, Rogart – farm servant, single] (DC) – 1861 census with parents – 1871 & 1881 census with parents
ALEXANDER MACKAY born 15 May 1864 Lead, Rogart (IGI)  – 1871 census with parents, scholar – 1881 census with parents – signed brother James’s death certificate in 1882 – signed father’s death certificate in 1883 – signed mother’s death certificate in 1886 - following the death of his parents Alexander with siblings Henrietta and Hugh, sailed for New Zealand in the ship, Rhapehu, and landed in New Zealand in 1887 to join their brother John, who had settled in West Otago
HENRIETTA MACKAY born 13 November 1866 Lead, Rogart (IGI) -  emigrated to New Zealand 1888 – 1871 & 1881 census with parents - following the death of their parents Henrietta sailed for New Zealand with her brothers Hugh and Alexander  in the ship, Rhapehu, and landed in New Zealand in 1887 to join their brother John, who had settled in West Otago
MURDOCH MACKAY born 3 November 1868 [died 5 June 1883 Laid, Rogart, brother Alexander signed death certificate] (DC) – 1871 & 81 census with parents
ANN MACKAY born 17 February 1871 Lead, Rogart (IGI) [died 7 March 1871 aged 18 days – brother William Mackay signed the death certificate] (DC)
HUGH MACKAY born 11 June 1872 Lead, Rogart (IGI) – 1881 census with parents - following the death of their parents Hugh with siblings sailed for New Zealand in the ship, Rhapehu, and landed in New Zealand in 1887 to join their brother John, who had settled in West Otago

Mary Bunting, New Zealand, and her sister Judy Diamond, are researching this family.
Carolyn Potter, USA, and Annette Jarrold, Timaru, New Zealand are also researching.  Thankyou to Annette for the photograph of Laid croft which she took in 1975 and thanks to her brother for the photograph of Acheilidh croft house which he took in 1984.

If you would like to make contact with the researchers please email me.

Sutherland House, Inchcape, Rogart

Following on to our article on Inchcape, Rogart, I have received this photograph of the original old Sutherland home at Inchcape from Canada.

Angus Sutherland wrote:
"The James Sutherland you mentioned who had a stone house was my great grandfather, or possibly another 'great' or two in there. There were several James's in my family.
My wife and I were at Inchcape two years ago (we live in Canada) and visited my relative (a much younger cousin to my grandfather, who came to Canada in 1911). The photos attached include the house she lives in (right beside the chalets, which were built, I believe, by her nephew) and 'the old house', (photo above) apparently the place where my grandfather and previous generations were born and raised.
A family tradition says that the same James mentioned above was approached by the factor and told to leave, but he hauled the factor off his horse and told him in no uncertain terms (possibly with a beating) that he had better not show his face around there again. The note that he had a stone house (the one photographed, I am told) was made by the factor as a way of explaining why he had not removed James Sutherland.

My grandfather, Angus Sutherland, was born in 1886 at Inchcape, but was raised in part at Bonarbridge, came here in 1911 and fathered a family of four, not including a still-birth. Those four have between them 16 children and quite a few grandchildren, with a couple of great-grandchildren now. Three of the four still live, aged 86, 84 (my father), and 75. A cousin of mine is working hard on a family tree and is in touch with other relatives still in Scotland or in England. Your website encouraged me to write about my fascination with Inchcape".

Thank you Angus for writing in.

Peter & Elizabeth MURRAY on ROGART MOUNTAIN

PETER MURRAY [1778-1875] married ELIZABETH MURRAY [1/12/1795-1898]

Peter (Patrick) at Dalfeasaig, Rogart, is a son of John Murray and his wife Janet of Rogart.
Elizabeth (Elspat) of Rhiske, Kildonan, is a daughter of Alexander Murray and Chirstina Sutherland.

The marriage took place in Kildonan on 3rd November 1814. The Reverend Sage officiated (OPR).

Peter and Elizabeth spent the first years of their marriage in Kildonan before leaving for Nova Scotia in 1819. Whyte’s directory records Peter working as a farmer in Earltown, Colchester County in 1820 (WHY10063). It is known that they settled west of Earltown Village overlooking the community. Peter was a bonesetter and his descendants are known by the nickname ‘bonesetter’.

They had the following children:
JOHN MURRAY, born 6 May 1816 Rhiske, Kildonan (OPR)
ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 15 May 1817 Rhiske, Kildonan (OPR) [died 1890 Nova Scotia] [married Christina Murray]
CHRISTY MURRAY, born 1821 Nova Scotia [married Alexander Mackay]
JANET MURRAY, born ? [died infant] (GM/NS)
JOHN MURRAY, born 1826 [died 1917 bachelor]
DONALD MURRAY, born 1828 [married Jane Sutherland]
ELLEN MURRAY, born 1831 [died 1908] [married John Sutherland]
ANGUS MURRAY, born 1832 [died infant]
male child, born 1834 [died infant]
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 1835 [died 1862]
ROBERT MURRAY, born 1837 [died 1906] [married Lydia Mackay]

See also Rogart Mountain on our main website
above photograph by Glen Matheson
(ref EM0011)

GRIEVE in Ross and Cromarty

Hi everyone

Here's my Sutherland-Ross and Cromarty connection.

My Great Grandmother, Georgina Grieve - was born abt 1821 in Kincardine, parents George Grieve and Phoebe Ross.

Georgina married Colin Ross, a shepherd, born 1810 in Eddrachillis, Sutherland, on 2nd December 1839 in Lairg.

They had 6 children while staying in Lairg, Elspet 1840; Phoebe 1841; Thomas 1843; Hugh 1846 and George 1850. They moved to Kincardine, Ross and Cromarty, and had 3 children Williamina 1853; Dolina 1855 and Donald 1857 born there.

They later moved back to Lairg where they had a son Robert in 1860 then moved yet again to Rogart where their youngest son Malcolm was born in 1864.

Georgina died in 1907 in Lairg and is buried in the parish cemetary.

I imagine they moved around because Colin was a shepherd had to follow the work.

I would love to learn more about the Grieve side of the family and if anyone has anything at all they could add it would be just great.

Margaret Smith, Renfrewshire, Scotland

MUNRO in Ross and Cromarty

My interest in this list is for Hugh Munro born at Oldshoremore, Sutherland
Mr Hugh Munro born on 4th April 1870 to James & Mina Munro (m.s. Corbett) is interred in lair number K61 in St Duthus Old Burial Ground, Tain.

Hugh passed away on 10th February 1948. Also interred in the lair are his daughter Jeanie McFarlane Munro, born 23rd December 1896 - died 21st March 1926 aged 26, and his wife Mary Munro (m.s. McCulloch), died lst June 1929.

Hugh and Mary were married on 3 March at Invergordon. Mary was born in Creich, Sutherland. Their daughter Jane (Jeanie) was born in Rossal, Rosskeen.

I wonder what took Hugh away from Sutherland and what his occupation was.

Ann Munro, New Zealand

MACGREGOR in Ross and Cromarty

I have listed below the first part of my McGregors from Applecross. I have kept to a more or less direct line to me, that part I will show separateley when I have sorted it.

The first name shown as ALEXANDER MCGREGOR m Flora McLennan has not been proven and is still under discussion. ALEXANDER MCGREGOR married Flora McLennan (she married (2) Henry {Harry} Allison Moore 1870 in Victoria. Australia Reg. 4166. He was the son of William Moore and Catherine Allison. He was born 1845 in York, Yorkshire, England and died 1920 in East Melbourne Victoria Australia at 74 years.

KENNETH McGREGOR, son of Alexander McGregor and Flora McLennan, was born 23rd April 1836 in Applecross Ross & Cromarty, and died 1863 in Victoria Australia, aged 26 years. He married ISABELLA ROBINSON LOCKHART who was born about 1841 in Stirling, Scotland. She died 20th May 1904 in Anderson St. Ballarat East, Victoria Australia. Kenneth and Isabella married on 1st January1857 in Wesleyan Mission House, Church of Scotland, Ballarat, Victoria Australia. Kenneth was a goldminer.

Isabella had arrived in Australia with parents on the "Bride of the Seas" from Liverpool, England 26th May 1854 arriving in Geelong, Victoria 11th August 1854. She was employed by Mrs Brinsmead, Parish of Moolop. 16 pounds for three months. Isabella was buried at the Ballarat New Cemetery C/E BB, Sec2, 47 age 63 years.

Children of Kenneth and Isabella:
1) KENNETH McGREGOR born 1858, died 1858 at 5 months old
2) ALEXANDER McGREGOR born 1859 in Gordon Diggings Victoria Australia. He died 31st May 1935 in Benevolent Asylum, Inmate, Ballarat, Victoria aged 80 years, buried at Ballarat New Cemetery. Area OGNK Sct. ½ Location 5.
3) WILLIAM MCGREGOR, Born 1862 in Ballarat Victoria Australia. Died May 27th 1912 in 424 Jones Street Ultimo, NSW. William was a slaughterman and butcher. He married MARGARET LOGAN HILL 2nd December 1885 in St Bartholomews Church Pyrmont. NSW Australia. Margaret was the daughter of Henry Hill and Jane Craig. She was born 28th October 1864 in 208 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia. She died 21st June 1947 at 82 years.

Electoral Roll 1903-William and Margaret McGregor with Jane Hill (her mother) 139 Harris Street, Pyrmont.
Electoral Roll 1906- John (should be William) Slaughterman, Margaret – Domestic Duties, Stella May - 34 Greek, St. Glebe. Also Jane Hill, Margaret's mother.

WILLIAM MCGREGOR was buried May 28th 1912 in Rookwood Presbyterian Sect. 6D, Plot 8692 with Jane Hill his mother in law. Cause of death, Haemorrhage from wounds inflicted to the throat by himself. Death notice for his wife Margaret: Sydney Morning Herald 22nd June 1947
Burial for Margaret Logan Hill, Rookwood Presbyterian Sect. 6D, Plot 8693 with husband
Albert Griffiths.

Children of William McGregor and Margaret Hill:

1. EVELYN ISABELLA JANE McGREGOR born abt. 1887 Riverstone NSW, died 12th November 1944 at 58 years. She married ALFRED CARLYLE BARDSLEY March 16th 1904 in St Bartholomews Church of England Church, Pyrmont NSW, son of Isaac Bardsley and Mary Hodgson. He was born 1883 in Balmain NSW Australia and died June 6th 1947 in St Vincents Hospital, Darlinghurst as result of an accident when struck by a car when crossing the street age 64 years. He was a tram conductor. Evelyn is buried at Waverley Cemetery with Grandfather Henry Layton Hill.

Death notice: Sydney Morning Herald: BADSLEY: Alfred Carlyle, June 6, 1947 (Result of Accident) at St. Vincents Hospital Darlinghurst NSW Australia. Husband of Eva (Evelyn) Dec. Lill, Nita, George Wally Tom and Phyllis, father in law of Bill, Frank, Arthur Peggy & Ken and Grandfather of Francis, Shirley, Kerrie, Alan, Ronnie and Carole. 64 years. Sydney Morning Herald 7th June 1947: Saturday. BARDSLEY Alfred Carlyle, Friend of Lill, Jo (Mrs Gilbert) and Olive (Mrs. Lassen) are invited to attend the funeral of their brother to Botany Crematorium.

2. STELLA MAY McGREGOR, born abt 1889 in Riverstone NSW
3. VIOLET MARGARET McGREGOR, born abt 1890 died 29th November 1977 in hospital, late of Mascot 88 years.
4. KENNETH LOCKHAR McGREGOR born 1892
5. MYRTLE JANE McGREGOR born 1893, died 13th February 1981

If anyone can relate to the above in any way I have more information re branches & twigs.

The above takes the information to my maternal grandparent Alfred Carlyle Bardsley and grandmother Evelyn Isabella Jane McGregor.

Prepared by my 3rd cousin Jan Bevan and researched by both of us.
Details published with her permission.

Paddy Walsh, Sydney, Australia

GRAHAM in Ross & Cromarty

Some of my Ross and Cromarty interests are the family of my GGGG Grandfather:
Finlay GRAHAM, born circa 1781 and Isabel McCULLOCH, born circa 1786. Finlay was a Kirk Officer in Balblair, Creich, Sutherland.
They had the following children:
Simon GRAHAM born 1798 - married 18 Dec 1829, Logie-Easter, Ross and Cromarty to Ann ROSS (1807-1861)
Ann GRAHAM born 1799
Isobel GRAHAM born 1802
Eppy (Elspet) GRAHAM born 1804
William Simson GRAHAM born 1806
Catharine GRAHAM born c1811 died 1886 married 25 Jun 1833, Fearn, Ross and Cromarty to Duncan URQUHART born 1796 died 1863
Alexander GRAHAM born 1811 died 1867 married 16 Dec 1837, Fearn, Ross and Cromarty to Catherine FORBES (born c1812)
Andrew GRAHAM born 1811 died 1858 married 11 Feb 1834, Kilmuir-Easter, Ross and Cromarty to Isabella ROSS
Janet GRAHAM born 1813
Hoping there are some connections on the list who can help fill the gaps!
cheers
Shona Mackay
Wellington New Zealand

MACKAYS of Craggan, Inchcape, Rogart

The first official record I have of my Mackay ancestors at Craggan, Inchcape is the birth of Ann Mackay on 5th August 1832 at Inischape to Robert Mackay and Mary Mackay.

Robert and Mary Mackay were my great, great grandparents. Robert was born about 1776 in Rogart maybe at Inchcape but I have no proof of this. His wife Mary was born at Muie, Rogart daughter of William Mackay and Jane Ross.

On 25th March 1794, aged 18 or over, Robert joined the Sutherland Fencibles. He served with the Fencibles until 27th September 1799, then the following day he joined the 93rd Regiment of Foot later to become the Sutherland Highlanders. In 1805 at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, Robert suffered a pulmonic complaint which rendered him unfit for further service. However he was not discharged from the 93rd until 9th March 1815.

Robert’s discharge papers in 1815 state that he was a Private and was born in the Parish of Rogart in or near the town of Dornoch. He was said to be 39 years of age, 5 foot 6 inches in height with dark hair, dark complexion and hazel eyes. He was a labourer by trade.

No doubt Robert came back to Rogart probably to Inchcape. The marriage of Robert to Mary Mackay is not registered. After the birth of Ann they had two more children at Inchcape – William born 18th January 1834 (my great grandfather) and Neil born 27th December 1841.

In 1841 Robert is recorded with his wife Mary, daughter Ann and son William at Inchcape but by 1851 Mary is recorded as a widow. Research at The Public Record Office, Kew, London gave Robert’s date of death as 12th May 1846. As he died before 1855 when official registration of births, marriages and deaths began I do not know the names of his parents.

In the 1809 Militia List for Rogart is a Robert Mackay, tenant at Incheap(Inchcape) In the 1812 Statute List for Rogart there is a Robert Mackay, widower, registered at Inchcape – is this my Robert or maybe his father? There is no Robert Mackay listed at Inchcape in the 1824 Militia list.

After her husband’s death Mary continued to croft her few acres at Inchcape until 1864 when my great grandfather, William Mackay married Alexanderina(Lexie) Murray from Fleuchary, Dornoch. Lexie was the daughter of Robert Murray and Margaret Gray. Lexie’s aunt Helen Gray, who was married to Gilbert Gunn, had moved to Inchcape from Fourpenny, Dornoch. Is this how Lexie and William came to meet? In 1861 William was working as a ploughman for Thomas Barclay in Dornoch so maybe that is when they met. I wish I knew!!

After their marriage at the Poles, Dornoch where Lexie’s uncle William Gray owned an inn, William took over the running of the croft at Inchcape. William and Lexie had 10 children, five boys and five girls all of whom lived to adulthood.

My great, great, grandmother, Mary Mackay died at Inchcape on 1st March 1877.

For the last 14 years of his life William was paralysed. I have been told by a current resident of Inchcape that this was caused by his carrying a very heavy sack of meal on his back up the hill to Craggan. There was no road to the croft which is high up on the hill above Dalmore. The croft house was very small with only three rooms. I have been told by the same resident that there was a hook on the ceiling and William was able to pull himself up in bed with ropes attached to this hook.

William died on 12th July 1911 at Inchcape. Hiis death was recorded in The Northern Times as the beloved husband of Alexanderina Murray. This short obituary was also written about him in the local paper.

The death took place at Inchape, Rogart, on the 12th inst., of William Mackay, at the age of 76 years, who for a period of 14 years was confined to bed through bodily infirmity. During his younger days he followed the occupation of farm work, and was considered one of the formest(sic) ploughmen within a wide range, always receiving the premier place wherever he competed. For several years, and during the working of the granite quarry at Dalmore, he was employed there, being an excellent and capable workman. Although confined to bed for such a long period, he being of a cheery disposition, bore his infirmity with great resignation. A large concourse of people assembled at the funeral, showing the sympathy of the district to be united for the widow and large family whom he has left to mourn his loss.

Lexie lived on at Craggan with some of her children until she died there aged 82 years from acute bronchitis on 1st December 1917.

Sheila Mackay
Edinburgh

Lost in Saskatchewan!

My grandmother's brother, Donald Munro born 1877 in Urquhart, Ross-shire to Hughina Munro (1852-1951) and William Munro (1844-1894) was helping his father, William, and was out on the links (now Golspie Golf Course) checking the sheep. It is said that Donald sent the two sheep dogs home and left Golspie on a coal boat that was docked at Little Ferry. Donald seemingly ended up in Saskatchewan, Canada, however, no definitive records have been found to confirm this. The only evidence that he may have been in Melfort, Saskatchewan was from his brother Duncan's obituary from 1947. The most annoying thing is that I lived in Edmonton, Alberta for 13 years, but had no interest in family history then, although my mother always told me we had relatives in Saskatchewan!!!!!!! He is one of my "must find more information" relatives.

Do you know what happened to William Munro? Any help most welcome.
Shirley, Golspie

Murray & Munro in Dornoch & Renton

My MURRAY and MUNRO interests:

John Murray married Margaret Murray (OPR marriage registered Feb 4, 1805) at Dornoch.
They had the following children:
John (1798); Margaret (1805); Mary (1807); William (1809); Donald (1811); Girzel (1813); Robert (1820); Catherine (1822) -married James Fraser of Kirkcaldy, Fife - they ended up in Renton, Dumbarton/Cardross near Glasgow; and my line: Hugh (1825)

Hugh married Euphemia Munro - daughter of Donald Munro & Janet MacPherson of Dornoch Parish - Donald was a stone mason.
Hugh & Effie married March 6, 1860 - Hugh's father was listed as deceased but mother still living. Hugh and Effie left the Highlands after their marriage and went to Renton, Dumbarton/Cardcross. Hugh went to work at the dye works - one company name was "T R Printworks" also referred to as "T R Dyeworks". They raised their children there.

Hugh & Effie's children were: Margaret (Maggie) (1862) - married William Cunningham.
Donald (1864) married Margaret Sim - no children then after her early death married Mary Henderson
Jessie (1867 - 1885)
John (1869) my grandfather - came to Canada and married Mary Helena Maguire
Hughina (1873) married Robert Colquhoun - came to Canada in 1910 with their family

Heather Murray
Saskatoon, SK
Canada

Macrae & Macpherson in Assynt

My G/G/Grandmother was a Janet Macrae, born 1823 at Assynt, daughter of John Macrae and Isabella Macrae or Macrae. Janet was married to a Hugh MacPherson from Ardmore and she died on 6th September 1899 at Ardmore. In the 1851 census, Janet is shown living with an Alexander and Chirsty Sinclair (both born in Assynt) at Ardmore. She was their niece. A Duncan Macrae 19 years, a nephew of the Sinclairs was also living at Ardmore in the same house. I know that there were another family of Macrae in Ardmore at the same time but I am not sure what the relationship was between Janet and them.

Thanks for any information

Hector Macrae

Bonar Bridge, Sutherland

CAMPBELL, MACKAY, ROSS in Eddrachillis

My Campbell line goes back to the mid 1700's through John Campbell who married Catherine McLeod. John was a Tenant, though I do not know where, and I do not have any Birth Marriage Death dates for him. However his son James Campbell was born in Grubmore, Farr 1772, died 19.4.1860, Achriesgill, Eddrachillis and was a Sheriff Officer. James married Catherine McIntosh (1786 - 10.5.1868, Achriesgill) and they had seven children that I know of, Ann, Johana, Janet, John, Heny/Henrietta, William and Eric.

William, my G-G-Grandfather, was born 1822 in Strathmore, Durness and died 14.9.1879 in Achriesgill, William was a Shoemaker. William married Hughina McKay (1827, Durness - 18.10.1883, Achriesgill) and they had five children that I know of, John, Hugh, Alexandrina/Lexy, Angus and James. Hugh was my Great Grandfather, born 15.9.1855 in Achriesgill, died 20.8.1934, Achriesgill, and he was a Fisherman. Hugh married Williamina Ross (2.8.1856, Achriesgill - 11.3.1928) and they had 4 children, Hughina, Jamima/Jemima, John and Norman. John was my Grandfather, born 10.5.1890 in Achriesgill, died 12.3.1946, and he was a Crofter, John married Bessie McKay (4.7.1891, Polin - 8.3.1966, Achlyness) and they had 6 children - photograph above shows John and Bessie on their wedding day - Williamina/Winnie, Lena, William Angus, Nora, Una and Cathel. John and Bessie settled in Blairmore, Bessie died at her daughter's home in Achlyness.

The McKay line to my Nan, Bessie, goes back to Roderick McKay, who married Barbara McKay. Their son John McKay was born in 1812, and died 27.10.1895, Polin. My G-G-Grandfather John married Henrietta McKay (1816 - 4.4.1892, Polin, parents William McKay and Catherine McKay) and they had 6 children that I know about, William, Barbara, Catherine, Barbara, Christina and Williamina. William was my G-Grandfather, born 1851, died 30.30.1900 in a tragic fishing accident when he, along with two of his sons and a nephew, all drowned in Shegra Bay. William married Mary McLeod and had 9 children, Hugh, Catherine, Barbara, Mary Ann/Marion, Hugh, Christina, Bessie, William Hugh and John. The latter two sons drowned with their father.

The Ross line comes in with a brother and sister marrying a brother and sister. Alexandrina/Lexy Campbell married Lachlan Ross, and Williamina Ross married Hugh Campbell, my G-Grandparents. This line starts Robert Ross, born 1771 and Janet McLeod, born 1775. They had 7 children, Hector, Angus, George, Angus, John, Lucy and Jane. My G-G-Grandfather was John Ross, born 1809, Eddrachillis and died 18.11.1891, Achriesgill, he was a Crofter. John married Mary Ross (1811, Assynt - 28.7.1881, Achriesgill), and they had 6 children that I know of, Lachlan, Janet, Hugh, Margaret, Williamina and Samuel.

Marie Hembrow

SUTHERLAND, GUNN in Kildonan

My main Sutherland interest is to trace the parents and history of William Gunn Sutherland born 11th September 1822 in Achintoul Kildonan.
He was married in the Lybster Free Church in 1855, his wife Robertina Gair Mcleod was born 1825 in Roster Caithness.
We know that after their marriage William and Robertina lived in the Latheron area and that William had moved to Glasgow by 1891 after Robertina's death.

Our knowledge of William’s parents is limited. We think they are the James Sutherland and Christian Gunn who were married on the 6th December 1809 in Kildonan.
It says James was from Auchintoul and Christian from Balnavaliach

They had two other children
Margaret Sutherland born 1/4/1811 Achintoul, Kildonan
Donald Sutherland born 11/7/1815 Kildonan

I would be interested in any information about their Sutherland and Gunn families in the Kildonan area.
Les Pearce
Badnaban
Sutherland

GRAY in Golspie

This photo, believed taken in Golpie about 1895, shows Elizabeth Gray (seated) 1833-1917.
I believe the girl to her right is her grand-daughter Lizzie, whom she spoke of in her letters to the States. Can anyone identify the others in the picture?

Elizabeth was the daughter of Hugh Gray (1781-1872) and Elizabeth Bannerman (1801-1880). Elizabeth married Alexander Sutherland (1840-1893) and had a daughter Jane (1864 - 1951). Jane married Alexander MacDonald (1864-1899) in 1886 and they came to the states shortly after to join the Gray's and MacKay's that settled in Minnesota, USA.

Thank you,
Beth Hunter

U.S.A.

Sutherlands of Clyne, Pronsie etc.

I am interested in finding out:

1. the paternal origins of my earliest known ancestor Adam Gordon of Griamachary (c.1750-1831), who is believed to be descended from the Gordons of Carroll - but how? Adam's father seems likely to have been the John Gordon who was in Dallagan at least 1750-66 but the latter's father is unknown. There is understood to have been some degree of cousinship with the Gordons of Breacachy and Achnamoine who are descended from the Gordons of Carroll.

2. the maternal origins of Adam Gordon, who is said to have been a nephew of Charles Gordon of Pulrossie (c1719-90) - the link, I would argue, being through a hypothetical sister Marjory of the latter who would thus have been Adam's mother. Adam's 2nd daughter was called Marjory, who one would expect to have been called after her father's mother.The names Charles and Marjory could have come from Charles Mackay of Sandwood (Charles of Pulrossie's hypothetical maternal grandfather) and Charles Mackay's mother Marjory Sinclair.

3. the paternal origins of Besey Sutherland (c.1755-1837 - Adam's wife), whose father (Adam of Kintraid) and grandfather (Donald of Torbreck) are sufficiently certain but I know nothing beyond that or how she connects with the Sutherlands of Clyne or other leading Sutherland branches.

4. My Adam Gordon's connection with the McBeaths of Tomich/Dallagan. John McBeath from there married a Jean Gordon (with children from at least 1792) and my Adam Gordon stood caution for a John McBeath when the latter was had up for dangerously beating Morison Gunn, son of George Gunn in Dallagan. A much younger John McBeath was also living with Adam Gordon's brother-in-law Gustavus Sutherland for some years up to 1820. This fact and the caution make a relationship between Adam and McBeaths very likely.

With best wishes
Alastair Gordon
London, England

MATHESON, MACKENZIE in Dornoch

I am researching the family of John MATHESON (crofter) and Isabella McKENZIE of Evelix, Dornoch.
Isabella (Isobel) MATHESON born 1787. Baptism 1 March 1787 - born Skelbo, Dornoch. Looking for more information.
John MATHESON born 1789. Baptism 13 July 1789 in Skelbo, Dornoch. Possibly married Ann McKENZIE 12.1.1811, in Dornoch.
Children :
Ann born 4.11.1821 Dornoch
Alexander born 3.4.1818 Dornoch
Other children born to John and Isabella MATHESON:
Margaret c 1782 married Alexander McKAY and had 6 children (Anne, John, Angus, Lilias, Margaret, George)
Anne MATHESON born 6.11.1784 married Lachlin SUTHERLAND s/o Alexander Sutherland and Lillie McIntosh. They had 10 known children (Isabella, Lilly(12.7.1809) , Alex, John, Ann, George, Lachlin( 24.9.1823), Margaret, Muina (20.5.1830), Willina, (20. 5.1830) all born Dornoch.
This family left Scotland for Zorra Township, Ontario, Canada before 1835. (This information from Lynn Munro, Ontario, Scotland)
Alexander MATHESON c 1796 married Marian/Merran MURRAY of Embo, Dornoch (daughter of John MURRAY and Jane MACKAY (19.5.1827). They had 7 children (John (15.8.1828) Thomas(17.2. 1830) Isabel (15.10.1832) Donald (25.11.1835) Alexander (17.11.1836) Betty (14.4.1839), Jean/Jane (10.12.1841);THOMAS married Catherine MURRAY, daughter of Angus MURRAY and Elizabeth (Bessy) MUNRO 15.10.1857 in Dornoch. They emigrated to Dunedin, New Zealand on 28.10.1857 departing from London on the "Palmyra".
Any information would be much appreciated. In particular there is a big gap in the children - ie from Margaret c1782, Ann 1784, Isobel 1787, John 1789 and then 7 years until Alexander in 1796 - wondered if there could be a possibility of there being more children in that 7 year period. Any information most welcome.
Thanks
Zelda Matheson,
Dunedin
New Zealand

FRASER in Eddrachillis

WILLIAM AND HUGH FRASER
I am trying to find out what happened to two of my great grandfather' s brothers. William was born in 1838/9 in Kinlochbervie, Eddrachillis. In the 1841 census his family are living at Portlevorchy, he is then aged 2. He is still there in the 1851 census. In the 1861 census he is then at Oldshorebeg, Eddrachillis. And from then on he vanishes. I think he has emigrated to either Canada or New Zealand as he had a nephew who emigrate to Dunedin, New Zealand in 1924 (Sandy Fraser 1893-1951) and a niece Catherine, born 1885, who married a Roderick MacKay in Glasgow. They emigrated to Fort William (Thunder Bay) Canada. When, I don't know.

Hugh follows the same path except for age and the fact he appears in the 1871 census aged 29 and still at Oldshorebeg. In 1841 he is 6 months old making his birth date 1840/1.

Their parents were Murdo Fraser 1803-1876 born and died Kinlochbervie and ALexandrina (Lexy) MacKay 1814-1900 born in Lairg and died at Kinlochbervie. Her family were first cleared from Shinness area of Lairg to Altnaharra and further cleared to Kinlochbervie.

Hugh and William had two sisters; Mary 1843-1934 and Johan 1846-1900 and one brother Robert 1848-1920. There is no trace of these two brothers in scotlandspeople. gov.uk or any IGI search I have done.

If anyone has information on these guys I'd be very grateful.

Andy Ross

MACKAY, SUTHERLAND, MURRAY in Kildonan

My main Sutherland interests are the families of two brothers, John and William MACKAY of Kildonan, sons of John MACKAY and Catherine SUTHERLAND. I would like to identify other siblings if there were any.

John MACKAY and JANET MURRAY: My line descends from John MACKAY who married Janet MURRAY in Tuarie (or Tuaraidh) , Kildonan in 1805. Janet's parentage comes from the following excerpt taken from 'Memorabilia Domestica' p. 99. I have little info on this MURRAY/CORBET family. Can anyone help?

“A family named Murray, lived at the place of Tuaraidh, Kildonan. The head of the family was Alexander (Alister) Murray, one of Captain Baigrie’s sub-tenants, as indeed he had been of his predecessor, Major Sutherland of Midgarty, who held Tuaraidh as a Highland pendicle to Midgarty. Murray’s wife was a sister of Barbara Corbet, my nurse...”.

John and Janet seem to have been uprooted repeatedly as their first seven children were born in Preschon (John 1806, Janet 1807), Achrintle (Alexander 1809, William 1811, Barbara 1812), Learable (James 1813) and Achentoul (Donald 1816) before the 1819 Clearances. At that time they settled in the township of Roster in Latheron Parish, Caithness and had two more sons, Robert in 1820 and Andrew in 1822.

son Alexander m. Catherine McLEOD and died in Latheron
son William emigrated to Canada before 1853, settled in Renfrew, Ontario, m. Johannah CAMERON and became a successful merchant and lumber dealer. The following, taken from William's obituary in the John O'Groats Journal in 1902, gives a brief description of the families plight in the Clearances:
"While the father was away looking for a place in which to settle, their house, along with all their other buildings, was burnt by the servants of the Duchess of Sutherland, and the only shelter was that of a potato pit over which they stretched their blankets, etc."
-daughter Barbara m. Thomas BANNERMAN in 1835 and remained in Sutherland. All but one of their ten offspring emigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Alberta and British Columbia
-son Donald m. Catherine McDonald, had at least two children and remained in Caithness
-son Robert MACKAY (my gggrandfather) m. Janet MCBEATH in Lybster, Caithness in 1852. Janet, born in Halkirk, Caithness was the daughter of Donald MCBEATH and Christina SUTHERLAND. Robert & Janet had four children: Robert, Donald, Alexander and Janet. This last Robert jr.(b.1853), my ggrandfather, m. Agnes LUNN of Camster, Latheron, daughter of Roxburgh shepherd, John LUNN and Mary LIANG. They emigrated to Canada in 1882 and settled near Hawkesbury, Ontario where Robert worked as a stonemason. They had two sons before Agnes died in 1884 following the birth of my grandfather, John Lunn MACKAY. Robert was the only one of his siblings to emigrate.
William MACKAY and Ann MATHIESON: married in Kildonan in 1796 and had 10 children, all but the last born in Ascaig. These were Elizabeth, John, Ann, Euphemia, Catherine, Henrietta, Hugh, Joseph, Edward and Donald (b. Achentoul, 1815). The youngest three emigrated to Montreal and did very well in the wholesale drygoods business, becoming wealthy merchants and philanthropists. Three of their nephews, Hugh, James and Robert MACKAY (sons of their sister Euphemia and her husband Angus MACKAY) went to Montreal to complete their education and enter the family business. Robert MACKAY became Senator MACKAY in 1901 and his daughter, Cairine Reay Mackay WILSON, was Canada's first woman senator.
There is more info on these families on my Tribal Pages website: http://www.ajmaceye.tribalpages.com/
Allison MacKay
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
(ref EM0012)

SUTHERLAND, MACLEOD, ANDERSON in Clyne

My main interests are descendants of

1.William SUTHERLAND and Ann McLEOD of Ballenladen, Strath Brora, Clyne. (They were evicted from there to Badnellan and West Clynelish -possibly via Ladies Loch.) no dates but earliest recorded child George born 1766

2.William ANDERSON and ANN SUTHERLAND of Badnellan. Oldest child Ann born 1794 (several in group related to this family)

3. ALEXANDER McLEOD and Janet GORDON of Badnellan a son Alexander born c 1781

4. Any families from the eviction townships in Strathbrora.

Most of this interest is confined to Clyne as my lot stayed very local or went to all the way to Canada/USA

Grant Forsyth
Fife, Scotland

MACPHERSON in Ballon, Golspie

I am looking for are the MacPherson family. George MacPherson married Katherine Sutherland in 1751. He was from Ballon, Golspie. She was was from Sallach, Golspie. She was obviously local, but where did he come from. Could he be one of the MacPhersons who came from the far north of the county. I am also interested in what his occupation was. Their son Donald born 1762 was my 3xg/grandfather who after he left the Sutherland Fencibles became a farmer in Marykirk near Montrose.
Welcome any information.
Jim Gibb
England

MACBEATH, MACDONALD, GRAY, BANNERMAN, MACKAY, MUNRO

Donald MACBETH (parents Murdoch MACBETH and Caroline MACDONALD) was born 1818 in Farr, Sutherland, Scotland. He died 6th May 1865 in Alsager, Cheshire, England aged 47 years. Murdoch MACBETH, his father, was born c.1791 and lived in Garve. Murdoch is on the Farr Militia List in 1807 and 1809 as a labourer, under 30. He was later a shoemaker and crofter. His brother James married Margaret Mackay in Langdale. Murdoch MACBETH married Caroline MACDONALD in 1812 in Farr. A census says that Caroline was born 1793 in Strathnaver, Farr (parents Alexander MACDONALD and Jane GRAY). She died in Cattlefield, Farr in 1881. She lived there after the family were cleared more than once. Murdoch died before 1841, Caroline is a widow on the census.

I can find nothing about the parents of Murdoch other than there are two Murdoch Macbeths on the 1811 Farr Census. I think the other one was his father, as Murdoch named his first born son Murdoch also. I do not think that the Macbeths were always in Farr, it is not a common name there. Many of the Macbeth children married Mackays, though Alexanderina married James Grant. I am at a brick wall with Caroline’s parents and Murdoch’s.

Donald MACBETH married Janet GRAY in 1848 in Trentham, they both worked on the estate. They may have been at Dunrobin previously. James Macbeth, Donald’s uncle, also worked on the estate, he was a piper. His son-in- law, John Macbeth, also a piper on the estate at a later date, married James’s daughter Flora. They were both born in Farr. I think that they must be related.

Janet GRAY was the daughter of Hugh GRAY and Elizabeth BANNERMAN, Hugh’s second wife. Janet was born in Golspie Tower in 1820 and died in Cheshire, England in 1889. She is buried with Donald in Alsager. They had six children together but Janet had a illegitimate child in 1846 by John Ross, a gardener in Golspie, named Catherine. They did not marry. I think that this illegitimate birth is why Janet may have come to England. Catherine Ross married William Macdonald in Golspie in 1870 and they emigrated to Minnesota, U.S.A. in 1872. Others brothers and sisters in the Gray family had moved there previously - Maryann Gray who married James Duff, Donald Gray, Christopher Gray and Jane Gray who was married to George Mackay.

Hugh GRAY (parents John GRAY and Margaret MACKAY) was born in Dornoch in 1781. He married Janet COSGRAVE in 1799 in Kirkcudbright when serving in the Sutherland Fencibles. She died in 1818. Hugh and Janet had six children. Grace married John Dempster in Edinburgh in 1826 and they emigrated to Canada between 1832 and 1836. James Gray married Mein Mackay in 1830 and emigrated the same year.

Hugh married Elizabeth BANNERMAN (parents Donald BANNERMAN and Catherine MUNRO) c.1819. I cannot find this marriage, but Elizabeth was born in Clyne 1801 and died in Golspie Tower in 1880. Hugh and Elizabeth had nine children. Duncan Gray emigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1854 on the ship “St. Helena”. The list states that he is from Golspie and a carpenter, like James Gray. I know nothing about Hugh’s parents nor Elizabeth’s parents.

Sylvia Mountford, Staffordshire, England

MATHESON, MACKAY

I continue searching for Alexander Matheson (b 1806) and married Jean Munro (b about 1811) of Creich. Their children were:

John (b 1831); my ggrandfather who married Ellen Caldow in Ayrshire in 1869.
Margaret (b about 1834)
Angus (b about 1837)
Christy (b about 1841)

I think Alexander's parents may have been John Matheson and Marion McKay of Torboll but I have no prove to substantiate this.

If anyone has information about this family please contact me.

Jan Tighe
U.S.A.

CAMPBELL, MACINTOSH, MORRISON, MACKAY & ROSS

I am researching children of James Campbell and Catherine McIntosh.
Anne Campbell born 19 May 1811 born in Grummore Farr
Janet Campbell born 7 January 1813 in Grummore Farr married Norman Morrison ( I believe they lived in Laird Durness) she died in 1893 - I am looking for any children they had
Johann Campbell born 6 June 1814 in Grummore Farr
John Campbell born 14 December 1816 Grummore Farr
Henry Campbell (daughter) born 1822 Durness Died 1887
William Campbell born 1823 was my Great Grandfather unable to find a birth certificate

Also I am trying to research children of John McKay or McHuesean born in 1791 married Flora Flory Forbes Sutherland born 1792 at Balamhulich married 22 June 1815

Angus Campbell Born 1863 in Eddrachills married Jemima McDonald on 2 June 1887 at Yorkhill Street Glasgow a police constable - they had
William Campbell born in 1888
James Campbell born in 1889
Jeffrey Campbell born in 1891

My Great Aunt Alexandrina Campbell married Lachlan Ross and had 15 children. I would love to know what happened to them all or some of them and their children: Hughina Ross born 1879, Mary Ross born 1880, Wilimina Ross born 1882, John Ross born 1883, Johan Ross born 1885, Hugh Ross born 1886, Jemima Ross born 1887, Christy Ross born 1889, Catherine Ross born 1890, Lucy Ross born 1891, Catherine McKay Ross, Norman Ross born 1894, Donald Ross born 1896, William Ross born 1898, Lexy Ross born 1900 and Margaret Ross.

Christine Lewis
England

CAMPBELL, MACKAY, DUNLOP & MURRAY

I was born and grew up in Tongue, Sutherland. My mother was born in Talmine, Melness, I had other relatives who lived in the Durness area. I am at present researching my family tree and hope to find others that are looking for members of the same families - Campbell’s, Mackay’s, Dunlope & Murray’s. My Father was born in South Shields but his mother’s side all came from Latheron, Caithness , some of this family ended up in Dalcharn, Tongue.

Penuel Gordon Grant Campbell b: 1880 Durness m Eric Campbell, Talmine, Melness, Tongue on the 18th July, 1913 at the Established Church of Scotland, Durness. (My Grandparents) Penuel's parents, George Mackay b:1837 Durness (Labourer) & Margaret Burke b:1843? Colinton, Edinburgh. Eric's parents..William Campbell b:1834 Durness & Johan Mackay b:1823 Durness. William's parents..James Campbell b:1806 Ireland & Jane Sutherland b:1811 Tongue, Sutherland.

I would appreciate if anyone has any other information to add.
I now live in Canberra, Australia and I think this is a great site to connect me back with my roots at home in Tongue.

Regards
Isabel Griggs
Canberra, Australia.

MACDONALD in Helmsdale, Kildonan

I am quite new to genealogy and have quite a bit of patchy information about family. Anyway I have discovered my MacDonalds have may have originated from Helmsdale, Kildonan. My gggrandfather was James Charles MacDonald (McDonald) who was born in Helmsdale in 1843, married Elizabeth Tait. His daughter Mary Ann, who is my great grandmother, was born about 1867 in Aster Shetland Islands. I also have a list of a list 6 generations of names that are father to son only including the males in my side of the family no siblings. I am interested in finding more info on my MacDonalds.They emigrated to Southland New Zealand in 1865.

Jenny Hall

Wellington, New Zealand
(ref EM0013)