Remembering today - 30 April

Lance-Corporal MURDO MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 9 North Tolsta, died today in 1917 at the age of 21
Private DONALD MORRISON, Canadians, late of 45 South Bragar, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Sergeant KENNETH RODERICK MURRAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 43 South Shawbost, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Remembering today - 29 April

Private MALCOLM MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 84 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1915 at the age of 29

Private KENNETH CAMPBELL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 19 Aignish, died today in 1917

Leading Seaman JOHN MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 19 Ranish, died today in 1918 at the age of 43

Napier witnesses: Norman Mcphail

Norman Mcphail gave evidence on behalf of the Carloway crofters in front of Lord Napier at Breasclete on 5 June 1883. He was aged 64, according to the Report. We find him in the 1881 census, aged 60, with his wife Chirsty (57), at a fisherman's house. This is located in Carloway in the 1871 census. In '81, we see Norman's family, Duncan (25), Malcolm (23), Isabella (20), Kenneth (17, an unemployed baker), Chirsty (15) and Murdoch (13). Norman's brother Malcolm (57) is listed as a visiting pauper. In the 1871 census, we find the same people there, but just about a decade younger. Malcolm Mcphail (brother) is now a 'Defendenton Relater'.  The earlier censuses do not readily yield Norman Mcphail at Carloway.

Moving forward in time, the 1891 census adds a daughter Ann (30); daughter Christy (now aged 24) has two young children, Bella (3) and Norman (1). Malcolm Mcphail remains in the house - presently referred to as an imbecile. The last available census, 1901, still shows Norman and Christy (now aged 82 and 77), with their children Bella (36), Chirsty (32), Catherine (45, married to Norman Macphail), John (16),  Kate (12), Kenneth (8) and Angus (5). The latter four youngsters all have their father's name given as Norman Macphail, but I'm not sure whether this is the elderly man referred to in this post.

Norman Mcphail passed away on 27 September 1902 at the age of 83. The cause of death is not specified. His parents' name is given as John and Mary (nee Macleod). His wife Christina survived him by 17 years, dying in 1919, aged 95.

Remembering today - 28 April

Corporal DONALD MACAULAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 19 Breasclete, died today in 1915 at the age of 39
Private MALCOLM MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 18 Breasclete, died today in 1915 at the age of 29

Private MALCOLM MORRISON, Cameron Highlanders, late of 10 Borve, died today in 1916 at the age of 21

Company Sergeant-Major DANIEL MACIVER, Canadians, late of Coll, died today in 1917 at the age of 41

Seaman JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 2 Upper Garrabost, died today in 1918 at the age of 19
Seaman NORMAN MURRAY, Merchant Navy, late of 14 Upper Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 24

Napier witnesses: George Smith

George Smith was a witness from Callanish, who gave evidence to Lord Napier on 5 June 1883 at Breasclete. He does not appear to feature in the 1881 census, but can be traced in 1871. We see him as a crofter at Callenish, aged 57. He is there with his wife Christy (50) and children Ann (17), Catherine (14) and Donald (5). Ten years before, the family is annotated at 31 Callanish, also with George's mother Ann (80) present. She is marked down as a mid wife. In 1851, George and 'Cursty' have their children Mary (4) and Ann (1). Ann Smith (70) is also in the house.

George Smith does also not appear in the 1891 census. He passed away on 21 August 1896, aged 83, having suffered from the effects of old age. His parents are listed as Donald and Ann (nee Maciver). His daughter Catherine registered the death at Carloway 5 days later; she was not able to write her own name.

Remembering today - 27 April

Private DONALD MACGREGOR, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 12B Tolsta Chaolais, died today in 1915 at the age of 35

Private NORMAN MACDONALD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 4 Portvoller, died today in 1917 at the age of 19

Private JOHN MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 46 Park Carloway, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Napier witnesses: John Mackenzie

John Mackenzie was 60 when he gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission at Breasclete. He did not have far to travel, coming from the next door village of Callanish - sometimes referred to as Callernish in the 19th century.

In the census of 1881, John is shown with his son Angus (27) and daughters Cathrine (23), Chirsty (20) and Mary (12). A decade further on, we see John's wife Mary, 6 years his junior, in the house, with their daughter Kate (Catherine), with her husband Thomas Mckay. Their young daughter Annie (5) is also present.  In 1901, John and Mary are shown at 23 Callanish, living with their granddaughter Annie and a 10-year old visitor, Effie Fraser.

Moving back in time, the 1871 census shows John Mackenzie being married to Ephemia Mckenzie, 5 years his junior. At that time, they have children named Angus (17), Catherine (14), Christy (11), Ephemia (9), Peggie (6) and Mary (3). Of these, the children Ephemia and Peggie do not appear in later censuses. Their mother died in 1875, at the age of 48, of 'inflammation'.

John Mackenzie died on 27 August 1906 aged 85, of old age.

The youngest of them all

Faces from the Lewis War Memorial lists the approximately 1,280 casualties from the Isle of Lewis who died in, or as a direct consequence of, the First World War. Today, I was asked by the Lijssenthoek Cemetery in Poperinghe, Belgium, for further details on Donald Snaddon, 39A Balallan. He is one of the 10,755 war dead, buried in that cemetery. Poperinghe is not far from Ypres [Ieper], scene of fierce fighting during the First World War.

Donald Snaddon stands out because he is the youngest serviceman from Lewis to have fallen in the Great War. He was aged only 15 when he died of wounds on 18 January 1916. Donald served with 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers, reg 17780, having joined up on 10 April 1915. His enlistment form is barely legible, but it would appear he "put his age on" - as being 18. And the authorities did not spot this. The service record does not tell us much more, only 10 pages of it survive.

His family history centres on the village of Balallan, 17 miles southwest of Stornoway.
Roderick Macleod (born 1792), son of Donald Macleod and Catherine Mackay, married Catherine Macarthur (1801). The family moved to 39 Balallan in the 1850s.

One of their children was named Donald (born 1837). Roderick and Donald split the croft between them, leaving Donald on 39A Balallan. He married Marion and had 9 children, among them a daughter, Mary, born 1870.

Mary married William Snaddon and lived in Glasgow, but two of their sons lived in Balallan. One of them was Donald, born 2 June 1900; his brother William was born in 1897.

Remembering today - 26 April

Lance-Corporal MALCOLM MACASKILL, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Kirivick, died today in 1915 at the age of 22
Private DONALD MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Vatisker, died today in 1915
Private DONALD MACLEAN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 15 Fivepenny, died today in 1915 at the age of 18

Private MALCOLM CAMPBELL, Canadians, late of 43 Arnol, died today in 1917 at the age of 33
Sergeant MALCOLM MACKENZIE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 1 Mid Borve, died today in 1917 at the age of 24

Seaman JOHN MACLEAY, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 10B Ballantrushal, died today in 1918 at the age of 43

ANZAC Day 2011

Remembering those from Lewis who served with Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Remembering all those from Australia and New Zealand who laid down their lives at Gallipoli and beyond. 

Sergeant MURDO MATHESON
Last address in Lewis: 3 Upper Shader,
Son of John and Mary Matheson
Service unit: 12th Australian Infantry
Service number: 465
Date of death: 6 April 1917 at the age of 26
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial,
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Had previously been seriously wounded at Gallipoli

Private ALEX DONALD MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 20 Church Street, Stornoway
Son of Neil and Mary Murray
Service unit: 24th Battallion Australian Infantry, Australian Imperial Forces
Service number: 6853/A
Date of death: 1 September 1918 at the age of 25
Killed in action by shrapnel
Interred: Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, grave VIII. B. 54
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel

Carpenter ALEX DONALD NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 14 Plantation Road, Stornoway
Service unit: Australian Royal Navy
Date of death: 25 May 1915 at the age of 30
Died in Melbourne
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel

Gunner HUGH MURRAY MAIR
Last address in Lewis: 2 Shell Street, Stornoway
Son of James Mair and his wife Margaret Murray
Service unit: 12th Australian Field Artillery
Service number: 255 A
Date of death: 9 May 1917 at the age of 25
Killed in France
Memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial,
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Crewed the first boat to land at Suvla Bay, and the last boat to evacuate Gallipoli
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel

Private JOSEPH JAMES MAIR
Last address in Lewis: 2 Shell Street, Stornoway
Son of James Mair and his wife Margaret Murray
Service unit: Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train
Service number: 404
Date of death: 28 February 1919 at the age of 32
Died in Melbourne, after being discharged due to non-service related injury in 1917.
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial; Nicolson WW1 memorial, right panel

Private NORMAN MACKINNON

Last address in Lewis: 15 Ranish,
Son of Kenneth and Annie Mackinnon
Service unit: 9th Battalion Australian Infantry
Service number: 2855
Date of death: 25 March 1918 at the age of 30
Killed in action in France
Interred: Borre British Cemetery, grave II. B. 2
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Private WILLIAM NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 21 Ranish,
Son of Roderick and Annie Nicolson
Service unit: 49th Australian Infantry
Service number: 2868
Date of death: 3 September 1916 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Contay British Cemetery, grave I. A. 26
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Sergeant ALEX MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: 14 Laxay,
Son of Malcolm and Mary Ann MacKenzie
Service unit: 13th Australian Infantry
Service number: 3855
Date of death: 18 April 1917 at the age of 35
Was taken POW and died of wounds in Germany
Interred: Hamburg Cemetery, grave III. G. 5.
Local memorial: Kinloch, Laxay

Lance Corporal GEORGE MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 7 Crossbost,
Service unit: 25th Australian Imperial Forces
Service number: 1967
Date of death: 29 July 1916 at the age of 36
Killed in action in France
Interred: Serre Road Cemetery no 2, Beaumont Hamel, Plot XIII, row M, grave 12
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost

Private DONALD MARTIN
Last address in Lewis: 59 Back,
Son of Allan and Christina Martin
Service unit: 26th Australian Infantry, A.I.F.
Service number: 375
Date of death: 29 July 1916 at the age of 28
Killed in action
Memorial: Villers-Bretonneux Memorial,
Mentioned on family gravestone in Gress Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: Back

Lance Corporal ANGUS MACIVER
Aonghas, Mac Aoinghais Mhic Ruairidh Mhic Mhurchaidh Oig
Last address in Lewis: 25 North Tolsta,
Son of Angus and Isabella Maciver
Service unit: New Zealanders
Service number: 8/2077
Date of death: 12 August 1916 at the age of 36
Interred: Anderson's Bay Cemetery, Dunedin, block 30, plot 100
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Served in Gallipoli. Invalided to New Zealand and died there.

Private JOHN MACGREGOR
Last address in Lewis: 12A Tolsta Chaolais
Son of Malcolm and Chirsty (Christina) Macgregor.
Service unit: Canterbury Infantry Battalion (N.Z.E.F)
Service number: 6/92
Date of death: 11 July 1920 at the age of 40
Died of war wounds at the Metropolitan Private Hotel
Interred: Christchurch (Sydenham) Cemetery, New Zealand. Grave: Block J2. Lot 53.

Private KENNETH MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 1 Brenish,
Brother of Mrs D. Bethune, 18 Balfour Street, Leith, Scotland. Son of Murdo and Margaret Maclean.
Service unit: 2nd Battallion Auckland Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Service number: 12/3714
Date of death: 3 October 1916 at the age of 33
Killed in action
Interred: Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial
Local memorial: Uig, Timsgarry

Private MURDO MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 8 Portnaguran,
Service unit: New Zealand Training Unit
Service number: 28285
Date of death: 15 November 1916 at the age of 30
Died of asphyxiation
Interred: Wellington (Karori) Cemetery, grave I. 24. (S).
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)

Napier witnesses: Murdo Macdonald

Murdo Macdonald was the witness for Tobson, Great Bernera, heard at Breasclete on 5 June 1883. We find a Murdo Macdonald, aged 56, at Tobson in the 1881 census, with his wife Henretta (50). Their children Henretta (20), Murdo (17) and Angus (25) are also present. The family is picked up in the 1871 census, not specifying where their 'private house' is located. A son Donald (12) and daughters Catherine (4) and Margaret (2) are shown in that census. In 1861, Angus (36) and Henrietta (29, born at Knock) are listed at 'Hopson' (which we can interpret as Tobson), with their young children Angus (5), Donald (3) and Ann (1).

Murdo passed away at Tobson on 25 January 1889, aged 65. He had suffered from consumption for some years. His parents' names are listed as Angus and Ann Macdonald. His son Angus reported the death at Miavaig on January 31st. Murdo's wife Henrietta followed him into death in 1892, aged 64.

Remembering today - 25 April

Private ALEX DON GRAHAM, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 34 Benside, died today in 1915 at the age of 19
Private JOHN MACAULAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 4 Hacklet, Great Bernera, died today in 1915 at the age of 23
Private MALCOLM MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 25 Tobson, Great Bernera, died today in 1915 at the age of 17
Lance-Corporal NORMAN MACDONALD, Canadians, late of 23 Arnol, died today in 1915 at the age of 27
Private MURDO MACINNES, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 5B Crossbost, died today in 1915 at the age of 28
Private DONALD MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 27 Arnol, died today in 1915 at the age of 27
Private DONALD MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 48 Carloway, died today in 1915 at the age of 22
Private FINLAY MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 18 Carloway, died today in 1915 at the age of 24
Private DONALD MACKENZIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Knockaird, died today in 1915 at the age of 23
Lance-Corporal DUGALD MACKENZIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 36 Eoropie, died today in 1915 at the age of 21
Corporal ALEX DAN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 38 Point Street, Stornoway, died today in 1915 at the age of 22
Corporal ANGUS MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 43 Ranish, died today in 1915 at the age of 22
Private KENNETH MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 14 Sheshader, died today in 1915 at the age of 21
Seaman MALCOLM MACPHAIL, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 25 Arnol, died today in 1915 at the age of 36
Sergeant ALEX MONTGOMERY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 5 Sheshader, died today in 1915 at the age of 28
Private MURDO MORRISON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 31 Cross, died today in 1915 at the age of 19
Private ALLAN MURRAY, Canadians, late of 49 North Tolsta, died today in 1915 at the age of 19

Seaman DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 1 Upper Bayble, died today in 1916 at the age of 36
Private DONALD MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 11 Ranish, died today in 1916 at the age of 19

Private ALEX DONALD MACDONALD, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 37 Keith Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 37
Seaman DONALD MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 6 Aird, died today in 1917 at the age of 27
Private ARCHIE MURRAY, Black Watch, late of 25 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 28

Second Lieutenant NEIL MACDONALD, Royal Garrison Artillery, late of 14 Balallan, died today in 1918 at the age of 24
Gunner JOHN MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 14 Leurbost, died today in 1918 at the age of 23
Lieutenant GEORGE MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 15 Scotland Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 33
Lance-Corporal JOHN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 6 Eoropie, died today in 1918 at the age of 31
Private ANGUS J MACMILLAN, Canadians, late of 6 Crossbost, died today in 1920 at the age of 34

Napier witnesses: Donald Macdonald

Donald Macdonald is 50 years of age when he gives evidence to the Napier Commission in Breasclete. We find him on the 1881 census with his wife Maggy, who in 1891 is referred to as Peggie. It should be born in mind that both are abbreviations / corruptions of Margaret.

They have six of a family in 1881, Angus (15), Murdoch (13), Bella (12), Mary A (10), Donald (4) and Anne (1). The 1881 census shows the curious discrepancy of putting Carloway in the parish of Lochs. In 1891, the family is in Park (Carloway). Donald is 58, and Peggie 50. Since 1881, Kenneth was born, aged 8 in '91. The other children are all still in the home, with the exception of the eldest, Angus.

By 1871, Donald and Margaret (Peggy) are shown with their eldest three children, Andrew [Angus?], aged 5 (should be 15), Murdo (8) and Issabella (5). Donald is a fisherman in the Carloway area.

Donald Macdonald passed away on 18 February 1899, aged 65, having suffered indigestion for a year. His parents are given as Angus and Ann Macdonald, his wife's name is Margaret nee Maciver. Donald's son Kenneth registered the death in his home township of Carloway.

Remembering today - 24 April

Private GEORGE MACDONALD, Canadians, late of 30 Knock, Carloway, died today in 1915 at the age of 21
Private MURDO MACIVER, Canadians, late of 38 Arnol, died today in 1915 at the age of 23
Sergeant PETER MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 29 Brenish, died today in 1915 at the age of 28
Private JOHN MORRISON, Canadians, late of 12 North Dell, died today in 1915 at the age of 30

Corporal DONALD MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 27 Habost, Ness, died today in 1916 at the age of 24

Sergeant DONALD MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 5 Upper Garrabost, died today in 1918 at the age of 25
Seaman DONALD SMITH, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 22 Fivepenny, died today in 1919 at the age of 20

Cemeteries and memorials

Those from the Outer Hebrides (from Lewis to Vatersay) who made the supreme sacrifice in both World Wars lie buried in several dozen cemeteries across the world, from Tromso to Cape Town, and from Vancouver through Eritrea to Australia. I have compiled a handful of Google Maps, which can be viewed on the links below. This also makes it easier to search for an individual cemetery.

Casualties from Harris, Uists and Barra: cemeteries
Casualties from Lewis: cemeteries
Casualties from Lewis, Harris, Uists and Barra: memorials

Remembering today - 23 April

Private JOHN MACRAE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 22 Point Street, Stornoway, died today in 1915 at the age of 19
Private JOHN SMITH, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 19 Habost, Ness, died today in 1915 at the age of 19

Lance-Corporal NORMAN MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 11 Sheshader, died today in 1916 at the age of 21
Private NORMAN MORRISON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 7B South Dell, died today in 1916 at the age of 21

Lance-Corporal JOHN GILLIES, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 15 Lionel, died today in 1917 at the age of 24
Private PETER MACAULAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Sheshader, died today in 1917 at the age of 24

Napier witnesses: Donald Martin

Donald Martin (61) was the witness for Tolsta Chaolais, the small village between Carloway and Breasclete. The 1871 census clearly shows him from there. The '81 census is confusing, as the transcription calls his area "Uig Hacktex". His family in 1871 consists of Donald (49), his wife Cathrin (48) and their children Cathrine (18), Kenneth (13), Anne (10), Marrion (7) and Dolly (3). Donald is listed as a mason crofter, which is the same information we find in 1861, with only the family about 10 years younger. In 1851, he lived in Doune Carloway, which is a mile or two to the north of Tolsta Chaolais.

Donald is found with his parents in 1841, living at Doune (near Carloway). He is the son of Kenneth (50) and Marion (45), with his siblings John (of the same age as Donald, twins?), Murdo (8), Ann (25), Margaret (20), Catherine (12) and Jane (4).

In 1891, Donald and Catherine remain at TC, with their children Kenneth, Annie and Dolly; Dolly's son Roderick (5) is also present.  A decade later, Kenneth Martin (42) is head of the household, with his wife Mary and 4 young children. Donald and Kate, now in their late 70s, are there, with their daughter Annie, now 39.

Donald Martin passed away on 16 February 1904 at the age of 83, having suffered influenza for 10 days. His son Kenneth reported the death. Catherine Martin died in 1915 at the age of 93.

Lewis censuses from 1801

Full census results are available from 1841 until 1911 at present, but censuses were also taken in the years 1801, 1811, 1821 and 1831. Only summaries of findings from these censuses are available; apparently, the census forms themselves were destroyed. Nonetheless, it does permit us to get a glimpse of the population of this country as a whole, and focused on the four parishes of Lewis in particular. These findings have been published on the Histpop.org website.

Two conclusions can be drawn: the population of the island doubled in the 40 years between 1801 and 1841, and the clearance of the Park district had no impact on the population of the parish of Lochs. And neither has the migration of 1851 had a major impact, as shown on the 1861 census.

I will pose a personal opinion at this point. Migration (forced or otherwise) appears to have had little impact on Lewis in terms of numbers. This does not mean that the 'Clearances', which did happen during the 19th century in Lewis, had a negligible impact.

The Park area, cleared in the years up to 1821, remains virtually depopulated today; by Park I mean in this context the area south of Loch Shell and east of Loch Seaforth.

The execution of the Clearance of 1851 is graphically described in the diaries of the Chamberlain of the Lews - graphic for its lack of compassion.

If explanation is sought for my interest in derelict villages, you can find it in these facts. Whether through compulsion, or through economic necessity, each former township represents lives lived, and lives ripped from their roots.

With thanks to fellow researcher Direcleit for highlighting the source website.

Remembering today - 22 April

Private DONALD MACDONALD, Canadians, late of 33B Habost, Ness, died today in 1915 at the age of 34
Lance-Corporal JOHN MATHESON, Canadians, late of 7 Upper Bayble, died today in 1915 at the age of 33

Private ANGUS MACAULAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Lundale, died today in 1916
Private ANGUS MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Flesherin, died today in 1916 at the age of 20
Private JOHN MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 15 Aird, died today in 1916 at the age of 22
Private MALCOLM MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Tong, died today in 1916 at the age of 25
Lance-Corporal JOHN MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 31A Breasclete, died today in 1916 at the age of 21
Corporal ANGUS MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Benside, died today in 1916 at the age of 27

Corners of Uig - Lamadale

The village of Lamadale did not feature in the published censuses of the 19th century, as the hamlet had by that time already been abandoned. The view shown here offers a close up view of the hill Taran Mor at the mouth of Loch Resort that can be seen from a far distance elsewhere in Lewis.

Corners of Uig - Tealasbhagh views

Google Earth gives us the opportunity to get an idea of the views from a location - within certain limitations. It is very enticing to catch a glimpse of remote corners of the island as the people, listed on the 1851 census (see the original post on Tealasbhagh), would have seen it. Nowadays, it is a hard, 12 mile slog from Carnish, the nearest village and the nearest road. This view looks west, down Loch Tealasbhagh from an elevated position above the shore.

Remembering today - 21 April

Private DONALD CAMPBELL, Gordon Highlanders, late of 8A Upper Garrabost, died today in 1916 at the age of 23
Private NORMAN MACLEOD, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, late of 6 Tolsta Chaolais, died today in 1916 at the age of 21

Private ANGUS GRAHAM, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 22 Coll, died today in 1917 at the age of 21

Seaman WILLIAM MACDONALD, Merchant Navy, late of 18 Garenin, died today in 1918 at the age of 27
Second Officer JOHN MURDO NICOLSON, Merchant Navy, late of 14 Plantation Road, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 33

Napier witnesses: John Maciver

John Maciver gave evidence at Breasclete on 5 June 1883. Tracing him through the censuses leaves some uncertainty, as the 1881 census entry gives no address. However, going through the timeline from 1861 onwards reveals a picture that matches our witness fairly closely.

In 1861, we find John (35) with his parents, Donald (76) and Cathrine (56) in Breasclete. His siblings Norman (29) and Mary (26) are also present. Ten years later, John Mciver has assumed the tenancy in Breasclete, with his mother Catherine (63) still in the house. Although John's wife is not present, her relations are. We find a Donald Mcray, and his sister Mary, as well as John's child Charty Mcray (6).

In 1881, John (52) and his wife Mary (44) are now alone in the house, except for a cousin. Ten years later, two of their children appear on the scene, Alexander (19) and Donald (10).

I am unable to find John Maciver with any certainty in the 1891 census, but it would appear he passed away on 3 March 1892, aged 70, at Breasclete. He left behind his widow Mary, nee Macdonald; his parents' names are given as Donald and Catherine. The cause of his death is not certified, but it appears John had been suffering ill health for 15 months previous. His brother Norman reported the death to the registrar in Carloway. Mary Maciver passed away 18 years after her husband, at the age of 75.

Remembering today - 20 April

Deckhand JOHN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of Aird Dell, died today in 1917 at the age of 19
Sergeant ANGUS MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 21 Aird Tong, died today in 1917 at the age of 27
Deckhand DONALD MACLEOD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 10 Mangersta, died today in 1917 at the age of 18
Seaman DONALD NICOLSON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 20 Ranish, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Napier witnesses: Neil Maclennan

Neil Maclennan gave evidence to Lord Napier at Breasclete, on the eastern shore of Loch Roag, on 5 June 1883. In the written submission, Neil is put forward as the representative for Callanish Park (should be Breasclete Park). Bearing this in mind, he appears in the censuses as follows.

In 1881, he is a shoemaker (aged 45) at "a crofthouse" in the Carloway district. Neil is married to Ann (34) with five children, Donald (7), Malcolm (4), Neil (1), Cathrine (9) and Maggie (3). His nephew Donald Mcleod (20) is there as an apprentice, and another nephew, Donald Mclennan (20) is there in a similar position.

Following the trail back in time, we find confirmation that this is the Neil Maclennan that spoke to Lord Napier in 1883. In 1871, Neil is a shoemaker at Callenish, married to Ann, with her brother Kenneth Mckay (14) also present. A decade earlier, Neil is not yet married, living with his brother John (40) and his wife Jane (24) and their two young children. Cathrine Mclennan (65) is the mother of Neil and John, and of Donald (27), Kenneth (23) and Robert (20).

The 1841 census gives us the first appearance of Neil, confirming his evidence that his folk were moved from Reef. At that time, we find Cathrine Maclennan (46) with her husband Donald (50) and their children John (20), Anne (18), Malcolm (14), Margaret (16), Donald (7), Neil (5), Kenneth (4) and Robert (6 months).

Fifty years later, Neil is a crofter in Breasclete, with his wife Anne. Their children are Catherine (19), Malcolm (15), Maggie (12), Neil (11), Kenneth (8) and John (6). In 1901, Neil (aged 64) remains at 5 Breasclete Park with his children Catherine, Neil and John.

Neil Maclennan passed away on 28 July 1908 at the age of 72, the widower of Ann, who died in 1899 aged 58. He had suffered a cerebral haemorrhage six days before his death, resulting in hemiplegia. His son Neil reported the death to the registrar in Carloway.

Corners of Uig - Ardbheag

Ardbheag, on the southern shore of Loch Hamnaway, had a population of about a dozen in 1851.  We find a family of Mcleods, numbering 6, with a Christian Buchanan visiting - Christian is a female first name. The Mcleods were Donald (71, tenant), Murdo (40, son), Mary (34, daughter), Norman (28, son), Ann (36, daughter) and 'Hemmy' (28, servant).

The second household was headed up by Murdo Mclennan (53, tenant) and his wife Merion (57). Their  daughter Merion (25) and son Donald (23) are also present. Fisherman Roderick Mcray is visiting.

By 1861, there are 18 people at Ardbheag, with the Mcleod family expanding; four grandchildren having been added to the family. Donald Mcleod (80) has handed over the designation of head to his son Murdo (50, fisherman). Other sons include Norman (38) and Angus M (20). Others present include three visitors, Mary Buchman (Buchanan?), Marrion Mathews (78) and Ann M Aeeley(?), aged 45.

Murdo and Marrion Mclennans remain in residence at Ardbheag, with grandson John Mcdonald (1) visiting.  The other three adults are also marked as visiting: Margaret Mcdonald (28), John Morrison (22) and Essey Macleod (29).

Corners of Uig - Ceann Rhuisle

This township, located at the northern extremity of Loch Hamnaway, as you come down the track from Carnish, had a population of 3, in the census of 1851. We see a shepherd, Donald Mcrae (63) and his wife Catherine (55), as well as their daughter Christy (19). All members of this family were born in Kintail, Ross-shire. Once again, an enigmatic entry in the 1851 census prompted a search of the large-scale OS map of the area, and this tiny hamlet came out, dangling from the teeth of the fine comb.

Corners of Uig - Tealasbhagh

When browsing the 1851 census for registration district 89, enumeration district 1 (the remote areas of Uig), I came across a strange name, which had me scratching my head all through my mid-morning coffee. Fortunately, I know my map, and after viewing the photocopy of the actual census record on Scotland's People, I concluded that the township of "Tallasrag", as the Ancestry transcriber calls it, is in fact "Tealasbhagh", on the loch of the same name. Tallasvay, which is the closest rendition of the name on the census form lies between the headlands of Ardbeag and Ardmor, a mile and a half south of Hamnaway [Tamanavay on the below map].



The 1851 census records the following people in this remote corner of the island:

John Mcdonald (44, tenant), married to Catharine (24), both born in Harris - which is only a mile or two away across Loch Resort. They have two young children, John (2) and Margret (3 months). Ann Mclean (19) is a house servant. The Mcdonald's nephew Donald Mclennan (20) is visiting 'fisher'; Donald Mcleod (40) is also visiting, but is not marked as a relative. Neither is Margret Mclennan.

A second household at Tealasbhagh shows a "labourer on the way", Alexander Loggie (20) from Maybole in Ayrshire. John Gaffey, from Roscommon in Ireland, is an assistantie 'Cirie' on the way. Alexander Macrae (30) is a labourer from Renton (Contin?) in Ross-shire, and Donald Stewart (19) from Uig, Ross-shire is also a labourer-on-the-way.

I have been unable to locate this township in the census of 1861 or later.

The Archeology Service for the Western Isles shows these findings for the locale nowadays.

Remembering today - 19 April

Private MURDO MACPHAIL, Canadians, late of 32 North Bragar, died today in 1916 at the age of 24

Private MURDO CAMPBELL, King's Own Scottish Borderers, late of 41 Habost, Ness, died today in 1917 at the age of 30

Sandwick Cemetery

This graveyard, which lies 25 minutes' walk away from the centre of Stornoway, is one of the largest in the islands. It contains 75 wargraves, commemorating nearly 80 casualties of both world wars. The cemetery, situated on the western outskirts of the village of the same name, is large, and consists of two parts.

The old cemetery is squeezed between Sandwick Bay and Lower Sandwick, accessible from Lower Sandwick in the east and the new cemetery in the west. Stornoway Historical Society have transcribed the inscriptions of all grave monuments and published those in two separate volumes.

The new cemetery stretches from the main road all the way down to the shoreline, and was opened towards the end of the 19th century. The oldest graves can be found nearest the road, while the most recent interments can be found lower down, towards the sea.

Wargraves are scattered throughout both old and new cemeteries. This blogpost is intended to pinpoint to a row where they are located in the new cemetery. The rows are counted on walking down from the eastern entrance on the main road, the entrance nearest the village of Sandwick. The graves are listed as they are passed on walking down each row in a westerly direction. The letter S means the grave is on the southern (left hand) side of the path, the letter N means it is on the northern (right hand) side. The letter C at the end of each entry indicates that it is a CWGC grave; the letter P means that reference is made to a casualty of war on a private or family gravestone.

Row 1 (under the peripheral wall): NONE

Row 2/S - Private MALCOLM CROCKETT of 9 Bayhead Street, Stornoway died 24 October 1914 aged 20 [P]
Row 2/N - Lance-Corporal ALEX MACLEOD of 38 Point Street, Stornoway died 26 September 1915 aged 21 [P]
Row 2/N - Corporal ALEX DAN MACLEOD of 38 Point Street, Stornoway died 25 April 1915 aged 22 [P]

Row 3/N - Private J N MORRISON of died 5 April 1917 aged 23 [C]
Row 3/S - Cooper 4th Class DONALD MACRITCHIE of 46 Keith Street, Stornoway died 1 January 1919 aged 29 [C]
Row 3/S - Deckhand MALCOLM MACLEOD of 2 Crossbost died 1 January 1919 aged 20 [C]
Row 3/S - Carpenter JOHN ANGUS MACDONALD of 8 Lower Sandwick died 11 July 1943 aged 29 [P]

Row 4/S - Sub-Lieutenant NEIL ALLISTER DEWAR of Winnipeg, Canada died 4 August 1943 aged 27 [P]
Row 4/S - Private ALEX DONALD MURRAY of 20 Church Street, Stornoway died 1 September 1918 aged 25 [P]
Row 4/S - Private MATTHEW MURRAY of 20 Church Street, Stornoway died 8 September 1916 aged 28 [P]
Row 4/N - Lance-Corporal DONALD MACLEOD of 36 Bayhead Street, Stornoway died 12 April 1917 aged 20 [P]

Row 5/N - Corporal JOHN RODERICK INNIS of 1 Newton Street, Stornoway died 2 January 1942 aged 23 [C]
Row 5/N - Seaman DONALD MACLEOD of 12 Murray's Court, Stornoway died 1 January 1919 aged 18 [P]
Row 5/N - Assistant Steward ALFRED S TAYLOR of died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 5/S - Chief Officer FREDERICK WILLIAM SPILMAN of 72 Arthur Road, Shirley, Southampton died 8 November 1918 aged 52 [C]

Row 6/N - Deckhand JOHN MACLEOD of 43 Upper Bayble died 1 January 1919 aged 41 [C]
Row 6/N - Leading Decksteward CHARLES M DEWSBURY of 1 Rodney Road, Great Yarmouth died 1 January 1919 aged 33 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - Signalboy DAVID MACDONALD of 53 Virginia Street, Aberdeen died 1 January 1919 aged 17 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 1 January 1919 [C]
Row 6/S - Stoker 2nd class WILLIAM MUNRO of 21 Cross Street Coulregrein died 15 October 1944 aged 21 [P]
Row 6/N - Private RODERICK MACLEOD of 4 Battery Park, Stornoway died 18 February 1919 aged 34 [C]

Row 7/N - Stoker 1st Class ALEXANDER KERSLAKE WADE of 7 Magdala Road, Highgate, London died 26 September 1915 aged 22 [C]
Row 7/N - A sailor from the Great War Known unto God died 27 September 1915 [C]
Row 7/N - Able Seaman A J G DAVISON of 3 Church Street, Tower Bridge Road Bermondsey, London died 31 December 1916 aged 20 [P]
Row 7/N - Trimmer / Cook WILLIAM SCAMBLER of Branxton, Innerwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed died 20 October 1917 aged 30 [C]
Row 7/N - Able Seaman ALBERT GEORGE KNIGHT of 56 Chasefield Road, Tooting, London died 9 January 1918 aged 23 [C]
Row 7/S - Stores Assistant RODERICK MACPHERSON MURRAY of Stornoway died 15 November 1945 aged 21 [C]
Row 7/S - Private GEORGE MACLEOD of 48 Arthur Street, Edinburgh died 22 July 1916 aged 19 [P]
Row 7/N - Private WILLIAM MACKENZIE of 66 Kenneth Street, Stornoway died 11 December 1917 aged 23 [P]

Row 8/S - Corporal DUNCAN ALICK MACAULAY of 7 East Street, Sandwick died 19 January 1945 aged 27 [P]
Row 8/S - Sergeant (W. Op/Obs) ALISTAIR ROBERT MACKAY of Marybank, Stornoway died 31 May 1942 aged 25 [C]
Row 8/N - Flying Officer WALTER RODERICK MATHESON of 14 Newvalley died 16 November 1943 aged 22 [C]

Row 9/N - Able Seaman MURDO MACLEOD of 11 Battery Park Road, Stornoway died 25 February 1943 aged 39 [P]
Row 9/N - Sergeant (Air gunner) KENNETH MACKENZIE of 5 Ropework Road, Stornoway died 21 September 1943 aged 22 [P]
Row 9/S - Private DONALD JOHN MACARTHUR of 12 Plantation Road, Stornoway died 27 September 1915 aged 26 [P]

Row 10/N - Sergeant MALCOLM MACLEOD of Stornoway died 12 August 1918 aged 28 [P]
Row 10/N - Greaser NEIL MURDO STEWART of 39 Seaview Terrace, Stornoway died 14 August 1944 aged 51 [C]

Row 11/N - Sergeant DONALD JOHN MACKENZIE of 10 Newton Street, Stornoway died 10 July 1942 aged 21 [C]
Row 11/S - Leading Aircraftsman RODERICK JOHN MACASKILL of 11 Francis Street, Stornoway died 13 August 1944 aged 35 [C]

Row 12/N - Chief Steward FRANK JAMES FOX of Hull died 5 September 1940 aged 65 [C]
Row 12/N - Carpenter CHARLES MORRISON of 20 Lower Sandwick died 8 June 1941 aged 41 [P]

Row 13/N - Lieutenant Colonel REGINALD GEORGE BREADMORE of Melbourne, Australia died 29 March 1941 aged 42 [P]
Row 13/N - Flight Sergeant (W.Op./A. Gnr.) THOMAS GLEDHILL of Wakefield died 14 April 1945 aged 22 [C]
Row 13/N - Sailor W. WRIGHT of Unknown died 27 July 1943 [C]
Row 13/N - Pilot Officer (W. Op./Air gnr) FRANK RICHARD HANCOCK of Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne died 31 July 1942 [C]
Row 13/N - Flying Officer DEREK BREARLEY RIGBY of Tanganyika died 1 August 1942 aged 22 [C]
Row 13/N - Able Seaman ALBERT EDWARD GILLARD of died 1 December 1941 aged 23 [C]
Row 13/N - Rigger's mate SYDNEY GILBERT BALL of Baldock died 1 December 1941 aged 32 [C]
Row 13/N - Gunner PATRICK KING of Stornoway died 27 August 1941 aged 36 [C]
Row 13/N - Lance Corporal GEORGE WILLIAM CANNON of Walsall died 3 July 1941 aged 33 [C]
Row 13/N - Ordinary Telegraphist CLIFFORD HINDLE GREENWOOD of St Vital, Manitoba, Canada died 12 April 1941 aged 19 [C]
Row 13/N - Able Seaman DONALD MORRISON ROBERTSON of Vancouver, BC, Canada died 12 April 1941 aged 20 [C]
Row 13/N - Stoker 1st class JACK PETTIGREW of Toronto, Canada died 12 April 1941 aged 33 [C]
Row 13/N - Assistant Steward RONALD WILLIAM GEORGE HOWLETT of died 28 March 1941 aged 35 [C]
Row 13/N - Air fitter BRIAN RALPH O'SHEA of Leicester died 30 March 1941 aged 18 [C]
Row 13/N - Seaman H C HILL of died 18 January 1941 aged 19 [C]
Row 13/N - Ordinary Seaman JAMES HERBERT OTWAY of Sedgeford, Norfolk died 11 December 1940 aged 18 [C]

Remembering today - 18 April

Sergeant ALEX MACKENZIE, Australians, late of 14 Laxay, died today in 1917 at the age of 35

Corners of Uig

Enumeration district 1 in Registration district 89 appears to encompass some very remote areas of Lewis, on and offshore. In 1901, we find the following houses:

1. Mealista House, a mile south of Brenish has a family of Mitchells in residence.

2. Hamnaway, about 8 miles south of Carnish, houses a family of Mathisons.

3. Beyond Hamnaway, a mile or two round the bay, we find the hamlet of Ardbeg. At no 1, we see Donald (72) and May (78) Mcleanan, with three of their children (aged in their 30s).
At 2 Ardbeg, there are a family of Mcdonalds.

4. At Crolaw [Crola] house, near the eastern extremity of Loch Resort a family of Macdonalds is in residence.

5. Kenreasort House, a few miles east of Crola shows Kenneth Mcdonald (51, gamekeeper), married to Catherine (28), and with Catherine Mciver (28) as a general servant there. John Mciver is registered as a sailor, aged 60. 

6. Thirty miles out at sea, the Flannan Isles Lighthouse is also in the census returns.


Wm Beggs 43), lightkeeper, born at Kirkpatrick, Wigtownshire
D Ross (37), ass lightkeeper, born at Scrabster, Caithness
J Mclachlan (34), ass lightkeeper, born at Kilboandon [?], Argyll
A Mciver (39), shoemaker, born at Cullanish [Callanish?], Ross-shire

It was four months before the 1901 census that three of their predecessors were inexplicably lost from the lighthouse during a violent storm.

I refer to Comann Eachdraidh Uig for further details on the locations and people mentioned.

Remembering today - 17 April

Private JAMES BEATON, Canadians, late of 40 Coll, died today in 1917 at the age of 22
Lance-Corporal ANGUS MACLEAN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 4 Ballantrushal, died today in 1917 at the age of 26

Napier witnesses: John Matheson

John Matheson gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission on behalf of the people of Aird Uig. We find him in the 1881 census, living with his father Malcolm (74), mother Catherine (60), and wife Isabella (36). His siblings Isabella (26) and Dorothy (37) are also present, together with niece Dorothy Mackay (15) and  Catherine Patterson (18), a servant. The 1871 census confirms his location as Aird Uig. This also shows another of John's sisters, Peggy, at that time a laundry-maid aged 20. Dorothy Mackay is present in the household as well in 1871. A decade before, we see all of John's siblings: Alex, Ann, Dorathia, Margaret (Peggy in 1871) and Isabella. John Matheson's record on Hebridean Connections shows he lived at 4 Aird Uig.

Going forward in time, John and Isabella had children by 1891: Bella (8) and Kate (6). In 1901, the family had located to Carloway, and John was a missionary at the Church of Scotland Missionary's Manse.

The death record shows, I believe, incorrect information, in that it shows John's wife as Elizabeth. He died  at 33 Callanish on 9 March 1921, aged 82. He is listed as an Established Church Missionary, and his father Malcolm was a United Free Church Missionary. John died of natural causes, and no doctor attended his death. I have been unable to trace Isabella Matheson's death record.

Robert Henry, Leading Seaman, 1876-1913

This substantial memorial in Sandwick Cemetery is dedicated to the memory of Robert Henry. He was a Royal Navy sailor who was killed through being dashed against a cabling bollard on board his ship, HMS Liverpool, on 4 March 1913. The accident occurred on account of a heavy sea during a severe gale.

Robert was born on 5 December 1876 at St Marys, Portsmouth. His occupation, before joining the Navy in 1894, was that of Rivet Heater. During his stint, which lasted until his death in 1913, Robert served in about two dozen different ships and navy bases.

I transcribe the text on the memorial, which is very poorly legible.

To the Glory of God
To the memory of
Robert Henry
Leading Seaman
HMS Liverpool
who lost his life on duty during
a severe gale off St Kilda
4 March 1913
aged 35
This stone is erected by his shipmates
"And so he bringeth them to the haven
where they would be" [Psalm 107].

Remembering today - 16 April

Leading Seaman NORMAN MACDONALD, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 18 Eoropie, died today in 1917 at the age of 42
Private NORMAN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 3 Callanish, died today in 1917 at the age of 21
Lance-Corporal GEORGE MURRAY MUNRO, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 50 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 18
Private JOHN NICOLSON, Gordon Highlanders, late of 3 North Tolsta, died today in 1917 at the age of 19

Lieutenant JOHN MUNRO, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 27 Aignish, died today in 1918 at the age of 28
Second Lieutenant JOHN MUNRO, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 11 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 22

Napier witnesses: Alexander Macdonald

Alexander Macdonald was the witness for Crowlista in Uig, giving evidence to Lord Napier's Commission on 4 June 1883 at Miavaig.

We find him on the 1881 census aged 46, with his spouse Catherine (33) and four children Dolina (7), John (6), Anne (3) and Jessie (8 months); also Christina Buchanan, a 46-year old pauper, who is visiting. Hebridean Connections states that the couple lived at 16 Crowlista.

A decade before, Alexander still lives with his mother (Ann, 69) and siblings Murdoch (30, fisherman), Malcolm (23, fisherman), Ann (27, agricultural labourer) and Christina. (25, agricultural labourer). Alexander is a fisherman at Crowlista. This information is linked to the record on Heb. Conn.

In 1891, we find Alexander and Catherine at the School House, with their children Ann (13), Janet (9), Kate (6) and Florance (4). Ten years later, the 1901 census lists this family of Macdonalds at 16 Crowlista, providing final confirmation.

Alexander Macdonald passed away on 27 March 1911 at the age of 76, still married to Catherine. Alexander had been suffering paralysis for 2 years before his death. Catherine followed her husband into death in 1929, aged 80.

Napier witnesses: John Ferguson

John Ferguson was the witness from Carishader, Uig, Lewis, who gave evidence at Miavaig on 4 June 1883. He is quoted as being 67 years of age, which is born out when we find his entry in the 1881 census at 12 Carishader. John is a farmer of 10 acres, living with his wife Mary (also 63) and daughters Christina (39) and Ann (22). Jane Macaulay (9) is a granddaughter in the house; John Ferguson (4) is a grandson; he was born in the Black Isle.

I refer to Hebridean Connections for John's family history and movement between Uig and Bernera.

Remembering today - 15 April

Seaman ROBERT MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 26 Crossbost, died today in 1918 at the age of 29
Bosun NEIL MACRAE, Merchant Navy, late of Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 38

Remembering today - 14 April

Private FINLAY MACLEAN, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 21 Callanish, died today in 1917 at the age of 19

Private KENNETH MACLEOD, Machine Gun Corps, late of 31 Carloway, died today in 1918 at the age of 31

Remembering today - 13 April

JOHN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 2 Fivepenny, died today in 1917 at the age of 21

Lance-Corporal MALCOLM MACINNES, Yorkshires, late of 2 Callanish, died today in 1918 at the age of 30

Private RODERICK MURRAY, Gordon Highlanders, late of 6 New Shawbost, died today in 1919 at the age of 24

Napier witnesses: Angus Maciver

Rev Angus Maciver was the parish minister for Uig, when he gave evidence to Lord Napier at Miavaig on 4 June 1883. In the 1881 census, we see him at the Manse of Uig, married to Margaret Jane, 11 years younger than her husband. She was born at Lerwick, the daughter of Robert Bannatyne. He is in the house with his daughter, but the census transcription on Ancestry gives his name as an erroneous 14; Robert's age is in fact 74. He originates from Rothesay, Bute, a retired officer of fisheries. The household also comprises a number of domestic and farm servants. 

Hebridean Connections provides further clues on this minister of the Free Church.  He grew up at Tobson, Great Bernera, where he was born in 1832, the son of Angus Maciver and Ann Macleod. Rev Angus Maciver was the minister at Uig for 13 years until 1889, and was involved with the land struggle for Kneep and Valtos. It is therefore no surprise he was called upon to give evidence to Lord Napier in 1883.

Napier witnesses: George Macaulay

George Macaulay (also known as Seoras Dubh or Seoras Iain Bhan) was one of the witnesses from Great Bernera. He mentions in his evidence that he was removed from Croir in 1880, something that tallies with the George Macaulay that is on Hebridean Connections, born in 1819.

In 1881, we find George (62) with his wife Ann (54) in a private house in Hacklet. Peggy Macleod (20) is there as a domestic servant, and Catherine Smith (16) is a cattleherd. Ten years before, George and Ann's location is not specified. They are in a house with William Smith (16, agricultural labourer), Christy Murray (21, servant) and cowherd Peggy Macleod (11).
In 1861, George (41) and Ann (35) are listed at Croir. His mother, Cathrine (73) is in the house, together with visitors William Smith (6), Cathrine Macleod (16) and Rachel Mcdonald (17). 

Hebridean Connections mentions the date of George's marriage as 1853, meaning that we find him at home with his parents John (68) and Catherine (66) in the 1851 census. George (30) is a fisher at Croir. His sister Christy (29), Mary (24), home scholar Catherine Mckenzie (granddaughter, 9) and visiting Donald Mcaulay (20, fisher).

George (71) and Ann (64) remain at Hacklet in 1891. Norman and Maggie Patterson are boarders with them. with two infant children. George and Ann Macaulay never had children of their own.The last time we find George Macaulay in a census was in 1901, when, aged 82, he is listed at 5 Hacklete. Marion Martin (30) is a domestic servant.

George Macaulay passed away on 8 July 1908, aged 89. His wife followed him into death two years and two days later, aged 85. Ann was the daughter of Norman Macdonald and Rachael Macritchie of Uigen.

Remembering today - 12 April

Private PETER MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 41 Leurbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 19
Private WILLIAM MACKAY, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 20 Cross, died today in 1916 at the age of 21

Private DUNCAN MACDONALD, Canadians, late of Flesherin, died today in 1917 at the age of 31
Lance-Corporal DONALD MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 36 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 20
Private JOHN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 56 Leurbost, died today in 1917 at the age of 28
Private ANGUS ROSS, Canadians, late of 51 Bayhead Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 27

Occupation: vagrant

In the 1851 census, we see 825 people in Scotland whose occupation is marked as Vagrant. In later censuses, the numbers of vagrants across Scotland hovered between 200 and 300.

In law, vagrancy is described as the state or action of one who has no established home and drifts from place to place without visible or lawful means of support.  In the 19th century, a vagrant was thought to be one who was able to work for his maintenance but preferred instead to live idly, often as a beggar. 

In 1851, the potato famine was barely over. Thousands of people had been driven to extreme poverty and starvation in Ireland and mainland Britain, often losing their livelihood and home in the process. To describe these unfortunates as Vagrants is harsh, although not strictly speaking inaccurate. We also see vagrants as inmates of the Glasgow Poor House (numbering about 100) - and it is quite noticeable, again upon glancing up and down the list - how many of those people described as Vagrants in Scotland were listed as coming from Ireland.

In the Outer Hebrides, we find ten vagrants in the Isle of Harris, and one in the Isle of Sandray (Barra).
Parish 111, Harris, had ten people listed as vagrant. It is not possible for me to verify whether they  actually really were vagrants


Marien Mac Lollan (50), mother-in-law, place of birth unknown, formerly farmer's wife. Lived with a family of Macdonalds at Drinishader.

Marion Macaulay (35) is a sister of Alexander Macaulay in Scadabay, living in a family of 10.

Catharine MacDond (8) "said to be a tenant's daughter", living with a family of Macdonalds at Cluer

Catharine Macinnes (77), living with a family of Mclellans at Kendibig

Donald Mackay (70), visiting a family of Mackays at Grosebay. He is a retired cotton merchant

Marion Martin (12), the daughter of Duncan and Ann Martin at Scadabay.

John Mclean (50), formerly a shepherd, living with Mary Mclean at Meavag. No relationship is indicated between these two.

Christian Mclellan (58), "a tenant's wife", visiting Lecklie and staying with a family of Macdonalds

Mary Mclellan (14), "a tenant's wife", visiting Lecklie and staying with a family of Macdonalds.
I seriously doubt whether Mary was "a tenant's wife" at her age. I think that the enumerator has ditto'd once too many here 
 
Marion Mcleod (12), visiting a family of Mcleods at Scadabay.

It is noticeable that all these people live in the empoverished Bays area of Harris.

Napier witnesses: Angus Macarthur

Angus Macarthur gave evidence at Miavaig, Uig, Lewis as a representative of Great Bernera. Although the census does not specify the township where he lived, enumeration district 9 does include that island.

We find Angus, aged 52, in the 1881 census with a family of 8 children. He is married to Margaret (44), with  Catherine (24), Donald (22, fisherman), Henrietta (19), Chirsty (14), Mahu [?] (9), Isabella (7), Kenina (4) and Mary (9 mo). The same family appears in 1871, when Angus's mother Ann (85) is also in the house.

In 1861, we find Angus and his wife Margaret (25) at Bosta, where they are staying with his parents Donald (75) and Ann (74). One of Angus's siblings resides at home, Margaret (31). Three of Angus's children are in the house as well, Cathrine (6), Donald (3) and Mary Ann (1). Donald senior was to die some 7 months after the census was taken. Helen was another sister of Angus's, which is not shown in the 1861 census.

Angus and Margaret were married in 1854. Angus Macarthur died on 1 July 1903; Margaret passed away nearly fifteen years later on 13 January 1918.
Hebridean Connections holds more information on this witness.

An Iolaire story

Deckhand Angus Mackinnon was one of over 200 sailors lost in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on 1 January 1919. When he drowned, Angus had been married for less than a year to a young lady, called Ethel, in Dover. And in April 1919, a daughter was born to this marriage. Ethel's granddaughter has been in touch with me, trying to trace any further relatives. I have referred her to two of the island historical societies for further detective work.

Remembering today - 11 April

Corporal DUNCAN ANDERSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 5 Kershader, died today in 1917 at the age of 22
Private RODERICK FINLAYSON, Cameron Highlanders, late of 2 Marvig, died today in 1917 at the age of 20
Private ANGUS MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 21 Ballantrushal, died today in 1917 at the age of 21
Private DUNCAN MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Gress, died today in 1917 at the age of 19
Civilian JOHN MACDONALD, Merchant Navy, late of 19 Balallan, died today in 1917 at the age of 29
Private MALCOLM MACIVER, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 48 Borve, died today in 1917 at the age of 20
Private PETER MACLEAN, Australians, late of 12B Crowlista, died today in 1917 at the age of 40
Private DONALD MACLEOD, Highland Light Infantry, late of 1 Holm, died today in 1917
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 8 Aird Uig, died today in 1917 at the age of 33
Private MALCOLM MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 13 Lower Shader, died today in 1917
Lance-Corporal NORMAN MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 14 Vatisker, died today in 1917 at the age of 24
Private ANGUS MACRITCHIE, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 1 Adabrock, died today in 1917 at the age of 37

Private RODERICK MACDONALD, South Africans, late of 23 East Street, Sandwick, died today in 1918
Sergeant ALLAN JOHN MORRISON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 35 Lower Barvas, died today in 1918 at the age of 22
Corporal ROBERT N NICOLSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 14 Plantation Road, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 31

Napier witnesses: Norman Morrison

Norman Morrison was aged 61 when he spoke at the Napier inquiry at Miavaig, Uig, Lewis. He had come across from Brenish, about 12 miles away. Norman was a fisherman and crofter.

In the 1881 census we find Norman and his wife Catherine (who was 4 years younger) with their children Donald (25, fisherman), John (22, fisherman), Malcolm (18, fisherman) and Margaret (16). In the 1871 census, we learn that the family lived at 30 Brenish.

The 1851 census shows Norman and Katerine (incorrectly marked as his sister) at 'Breynish' as a fisher and land tenant. His sister Jannet (30) is listed there as well. A male infant, 2 months old, is noted as Not Bass.

In 1901, we last see Norman (78) and Catherine (74) together at Brenish. Their son John (40) and his wife Marion (37) are present, with their young sons George (2) and Norman (3 months).

Norman Morrison passed away on 30 April 1911 aged 84 at Brenish. He is marked as the widower of Catherine, and the son of Donald and Peggy, having suffered senile decay for 6 weeks. His son Donald, living at Mangersta, reported the death at Miavaig.

The village of Brenish is not (yet) covered by Hebridean Connections.

Napier witnesses: Donald Matheson

Donald Matheson gave evidence at Miavaig, Uig, Lewis. He was 65 years of age, and in the 1881 census we find him at Kneep with his wife Anabella (7 years younger). She is marked on the census as blind. He is marked as a crofter. His children Annie (26), Malcolm (21), Donald (19, fisherman) and Peter (15, scholar) are at home. In 1871, his address is given as Schoolhouse and as a fisherman.

In 1861, Donald is a crofter at Kneep. In addition to his growing young family, we find a Margaret Maclean (70), his mother-in-law, and a crofter's widow. Her son, Annabella's brother Malcolm (38, tailor) is also in the house. In 1851, Donald Matheson appears to be visiting an address on Kenneth Street in Stornoway. In 1841, Donald is a 21-year old living with his father John (53) and mother Christina (47). This is corroborated by information on Hebridean Connections. His siblings are Anne (14), Malcolm (12), Angus (9), Christiana (6) and Peter (3).

Donald died suddenly on 17 October 1883 aged 65, just over four months after giving evidence to Lord Napier. No doctor attended his death. His son Malcolm, who was not literate, reported the death to the registrar at Miavaig, a couple of miles or so from his home.

A tale of four islands - Mingulay

Mingulay is the largest of the Bishops Isles, and had the largest population, until it was abandoned in 1912. When visiting the island today, landing on the beach will give an indication of the difficulties encountered by the islanders as they launched and beached their boats for the fishing. The storm that claimed the men of Pabbay in 1897 was survived by the Mingulay boat, but the difficulties eventually led to the dereliction of the island.

When looking at the population statistics, the large number of under-18s is conspicuous: around 70; over 60s number on average around 10.

1851: 115 people, 23 households,
1861: 139 people, 25 households
1871: 141 people, 26 households
1881: 150 people, 34 households
1891: 142 people, 32 households
1901: 135 people, 30 households

Remembering today - 10 April

Private DONALD MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 19 Lionel, died today in 1917 at the age of 23

Private NORMAN MACDOUGALL, Canadians, late of 54 Lower Barvas, died today in 1918 at the age of 25

A tale of four islands - Pabbay

There are several islands called Pabbay around the Hebrides. Pabbay Mor lies off Reef Beach in Uig, Lewis; there is a Pabbay off Broadford in Skye, a Pabbay in the Sound of Harris - and there is the Pabbay south of Barra, which is the subject of this post.



This island had a population varying from 10 to 24 between 1851 and 1901. All the able-bodied men were lost in a violent storm on 1 May 1897, leading to the island's abandonment in the early 20th century.

In 1851, there was a Macneil family in Pabbay, consisting of Niel (50) and his three sons (Donald (22), Donald jr (16), Alexander (14) and daughter Mary (12), together with a niece (Mary, 24). A second family, headed by Flora Maclean (27) and her young daughters Mary and Ann. Mary Macmillan is a house servant.

A decade later, three families can be found in the island, two of whom are called Morison (with one R). These both originate from South Uist. Alexander (41) and Mary (29) have two young children, Margaret and Ronald. Donald and Ann Morison (both 68) are the second family, living with their adult children Angus, Mathy and Margaret. The third Pabbay family are John and Marion Mcconnie [Mccormic], both 28 and hailing from South Uist, with their baby son Donald.
We find those three families again in the 1871 census, with the Mccormic's having had three further additions to the family. A fourth family is now in the island, bringing the population to its peak, with 24 in Pabbay in the year 1871. Neil and Margaret Mcdonald have come in, with baby John having been born in the past month or so. Family no 5 is Matilda Campbell (32), from South Uist, who has moved in with her young son Donald.

Change is afoot in 1881, with a family of Sinclairs coming in. Catherine (31) has three young children; John (36) and Margaret Mackinnon (30) have come with her elderly father, Donald Morison (85). Alex and Mary (now called Margaret) are still there, with their 12-year old son Donald. Matilda Campbell is still living in Pabbay, with 4 children (Ann, Donald, Alexander and Donald), the youngest being only 6 months old.

In 1891, Pabbay's population declines further. There are three brothers Morrison, Ronald, Angus and Donald, living with their stepmother Margaret Morrison. Matilda Campbell (45) is shown in the census with her husband John, 19 years her senior. They now have 4 children. Finally, the Mackinnons are still in the island, with their niece, Mary Ann Mcneil.

On 1 May 1897, the able-bodied men of the island all perished out at sea. The 1901 census reflects that. We only see one young man, Donald Campbell (21). All the other people in Pabbay are elderly, young or female.
John and Magdalen Campbell (73 and 65), with their daughter Annie and son Donald. Annie Morrison (39) is left with her three young children; John and Margaret Mackinnon (69 and 57) are there, with their 8-year old grandson Neil Macneil.

Pabbay was finally abandoned in 1911.

A tale of four islands - Sandray

Sandray is the northernmost of the Bishops Isles, a mile or so south of Vatersay.
Between 1851 and 1901, its population did not rise above 10.

In 1851, there was a family marked as 'Camron', presumably Cameron, consisting of cow herd Murdoch (48) and wife Janet (45), both originating from Bracadale in Skye. They had four daughters, all born in Skye; and two young sons, born in the parish of Barra. Alexander Macmillan (67) is marked as a visitor - occupation: vagrant.

In 1861, the resident family on Sandray is now 'Mckennon' (Mackinnon), with shepherd Hector (50) and wife Mary (45), together with their five daughters and one son. Hector's sister Elizabeth Macneil is also present.

Ten years later, the same family remains in Sandray.

In 1881, the shepherd family is Donald (56) and Mary (52) Mcmillan, with their four daughters (aged 14 to 24) and four visitors.

In 1891, Donald Macmillan remains as shepherd (now aged 69), with three of his children in his home; In 1901, the total population at Sandray is 3, with 82-year old Donald Macmillan and two of his children.

Sandray has been uninhabited since 1934. 


Image courtesy www.goxplore.net

Napier witnesses: Murdo Mclean

Murdo Mclean gave evidence during the Commission's visit to Meavaig, in the Parish of Uig in Lewis. He is mentioned in the Report as a fish-curer.

His entry in the 1881 census confirms his activities as a merchant and fisherman of Valtos. He is married to Maggie (8 years his junior at 47), and has a family of 6 children - John (18, scholar), Bell Ann (16, dress maker), Alexr (14, assistant teacher (English)), Maggee (12, scholar), Jane (9, scholar) and Annie (6).

In 1871, Murdo is a general merchant in Valtos, with his wife Margaret and children Alexander, Bella Ann and Margaret. Bess Macaulay is a 50-year old visitor, a pauper.

The 1861 census shows Murdo as the single person in his household, a 35-year old merchant, in Valtos.

I have been unable to trace him through the 1851 census, but a decade earlier we find Murdo as a 15-year old, living with his parents John (55) and Isabella (50) at Mangurstadh, which is confirmed through his entry in Hebridean Connections. His siblings are Katherine (25), Betsy (20), Malcolm (20), John (13) and Angus (7).

In 1901, we see Murdo (74) with his wife Margaret (65) still a general merchant at 20 Valtos. He passed away on 2 April 1911 at the age of 84, suffering from old age and paralysis of 21 days. No doctor attended his death; a cousin-in-law reported the death to the registrar at Miavaig.

Remembering today - 9 April

Private JOHN FERGUSON, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 32 Vatisker, died today in 1917
Regimental Sergeant Major DONALD MACKAY, Royal Scots, late of 6 Carloway, died today in 1917 at the age of 21
Lance-Corporal IAN R. MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, died today in 1917

JOHN MACLEOD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of Coulregrein, died today in 1918
Private MURDO MACPHAIL, Highland Light Infantry, late of 6 Mackenzie Street, Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 19

Acting Leading Signalman JOHN MACIVER, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 22 Aird Tong, died today in 1919 at the age of 36

Napier witnesses: Angus Gillies

Angus Gillies can be seen in the 1881 census of St Kilda, aged 34, living with his parents Finlay (72) and Mary (66), wife Ann (39) as well as his sister Mary (41). His son Finlay (3) is present, as well as niece Mary Macqueen (9).
In 1891, he is shown just with his wife and son, and in 1901 the couple are living together at 6 St Kilda.

In 1871 Angus and Ann are shown at Finlay's house, with occupations cottar and cragsman. Also present is Angus's sister Merion, whom we saw in 1881 as Mary.
In 1861, we have a more complete picture of Angus's siblings: Ewen (19), Angus (14), John (23), Marion (21), Mary (17) and Christian (9).

Angus Gillies passed away on 4 March 1924, aged 77, having suffered from internal cancer for 3 years. He is mentioned as being from 6 Main Street, and his death was registered by his neighbours from no 7. Angus's widow, Annie, died a year later, aged 83.

A tale of four islands - Berneray

The island of Berneray (referred to as Bernera) is the southernmost of the four islands. It has the Barra Head Lighthouse sitting on top of a 600 ft high cliff on the west of the island.

It is worth bearing in mind that there are two other islands called Berneray (or Bernera) in the Outer Hebrides. Great Bernera lies off the west coast of Lewis. The third Berneray is just north of North Uist, and is now linked to the latter island by causeway. During the 19th century (and well into the 20th), it was linked to Harris in an administrative sense.

Berneray (Barra) had the following numbers of population from 1851 until 1901

1851 - 44
1861 - 33
1871 - 38
1881 - 57
1891 - 30
1901 - 17

These included the lighthouse keepers, their families and attendants.
We find the following names across the decades:

1851
James Oswald (47), born at St Manonie, Fife, occasional lightkeeper
Joseph Thomson (34), born at New Hills, Aberdeen, with his wife Ann and 4 young children, light keeper
John Morrison (47), born at Portree, Skye, with his wife Mary and 3 children; principal lightkeeper

1861
Principal lighthouse keeper: James Pithie (44), born at Arbroath, with his wife Elizabeth and son James (7), born at Ronaldsay - North Ronaldsay in Orkney has a lighthouse as well.
Apertant lightkeeper: Joseph Agnew (33), born at Honeykirk, Wigtownshire, with his wife Sarah and three children;
Assistant lightkeeper: James Oswald (56) of Fife

1871
Principal lighthouse keeper: Robert Grierson (41), of Leith, with wife Mary and daughter Mary
Asisstant keeper Malcolm Greig (30) of Lerwick, with wife Annie and three children
Assistant keeper James Oswald (66) of Fife, with wife Christina

1881
Principal lightkeeper Lachlan Campbell (48) of Tobermory, with wife Marion and 6 children. They were born in Harris, North Uist, Graemsay [Orkney?] and Islay, all locations with a lighthouse.
Assistant lighthouse keeper William Irvine (27) of Cairnryan, Wigtownshire, with wife Isabella and three children, all born at Dunnet Head in Caithness.
2nd assistant lighthouse keeper George Rugg (25), of Castletown, Caithness, with his mother Isabella (from Sanday, listed as a former bonnet maker.

1891
Principal lighthouse keeper Donald Sutherland (47) of Dunnet, Caithness, with his wife Margaret and daughters Isabella and Jessie.
Assistant lighthouse keeper Charles Mcfadyen (37) of Islay with his sister Catherine
Assistant lighthouse keeper John Muir (36) of Orkney with his wife Ann Jane.

1901
Principal lighthouse keeper John Hughson (46) of Whalsay, Shetland with his wife and son
Assistant lighthouse keeper Archibald Macmillan of Southend [Kintyre] (30) and his sister Catherine
Assistant lighthouse keeper John Maccuish (25) of North Uist, also with his sister, Johanna.

It is noticeable that many of the locations mentioned in association with the lighthouse keepers on Berneray have a link with a Scottish lighthouse.

Apart from lighthouse keepers and their families, we also find a number of crofters and fishermen on Berneray during the 19th century.

1851
In total, seven families lived in Berneray at the time of the census. Four of those were crofters, fishermen and labourers of various descriptions. These families were headed up by fisherman Neil Mcneil (33) and his wife Catherine; Catherine Mcintyre (43), crofter's wife; Duncan Sinclair (45), crofter of 3 acres and John Mcneil (48), ditto.

1861
Apart from the lighthouse keepers, we find Donald Macintyre (42) with his wife Catherine (51, who we saw in 1851); Duncan Sinclair (56), with 6 children and John Mcneil (55) with his wife Ann (50) and three children. Noticeable is Allan Mcdonald, who is listed as a Ladies Association Teacher.

1871
Apart from the lighthouse keepers, we find Donald Macintyre (73) and his wife Catherine; Duncan Sinclair (65) and his wife Mary (56), together with their 6 adult children; and John Mcneil (71) with his wife Ann (66) and son Allen.

1881
 Apart from the lighthouse keepers, we find Mary Sinclair as crofter of 6 acres. Donald Campbell (36) is a fisherman as well; he is noted his wife Mary (35) and with four children. Marion Mcniel (29) is living with her three small children, marked as a crofter wife of 7 acres, of which 3 arable. A number of households are quoted full of fishermen, marked as lodgers.

1891
Apart from the lighthouse keepers, we find Donald Campbell (40), his wife Mary and eight children. Hector Campbell (65) is a crofter living with his wife Isabella (55) and son Michael. The remaining people listed on Berneray were associated with the fishing.

1901
Apart from the lighthouse keepers, we find Isabella Campbell living with her son Michael. We also see Peter Sinclair and Donald Campbell (54) as crofters, the latter with his wife Mary and 4 children.

It is worth noting that there is a dedicated cemetery on Berneray for the lighthouse keepers and their families; one grave is for a visiting lighthouse inspector. 

Remembering today - 8 April

Private MURDO MACLEOD, Canadians, late of 14 South Bragar, died today in 1917 at the age of 21

Chief Engineer JAMES WILSON, Merchant Navy, late of Stornoway, died today in 1918 at the age of 59

Remembering today - 7 April

Lieutenant GEORGE MACFARLANE MACLEOD, Gordon Highlanders, late of 63 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917

Able Seaman KENNETH MACLEOD, Merchant Navy, late of 25 Lower Bayble, died today in 1918 at the age of 26

A tragedy at St Kilda

Further to the information on the death of Donald Macdonald in the previous post, I can add that an article in the Scottish Field Magazine explains that the accident occurred when the men's boat capsized when it got caught by a wave whilst returning from tending to sheep on Dun. Norman John Gillies says that his mother, who lost her two brothers Norman and John in the drowning, named him after her brothers.

Napier witnesses: Donald Macdonald, St Kilda

Donald Macdonald is quoted aged 36 at the time that he gives evidence to Lord Napier's Commission in St Kilda. We find him in the 1881 census as a joint crofter with his mother Cath (60). He is in the same household as his niece Christina Gillies (28) and young son Donald (5).

Ten years later, Donald can be seen with his wife Rachel, who is 20 years his junior. Whether this is accurate is debatable, as it would mean she had her son Donald (now 15) at the age of 11. They had Ewen (3) and Catherine (1) between 1881 and '91.

In 1901, Donald is listed at 16 Main Street, St Kilda, with Rachel and his children Ewen (12), Catherine (11), Angus (2), Donald (5) and Rachel (18 months). Mother Rachel is a handspinner of wool; Donald senior's occupation has been corrupted in transcription, but appears to read "Crofter, handloom weaver of wool".

Donald Macdonald drowned in Village Bay, St Kilda at 11 am on 22 March 1909, aged 66. He is only marked as 'married', with his parents names Donald Macdonald and Catherine Mackinnon. The entry on the death record is one of three men who all died in Village Bay on the same date. The others were married man Norman Macleod Macqueen (29) and John Macqueen (17), single - these two were brothers. As a result of this tragedy, the island school was closed for a week.

Rachel, Donald's widow, was evacuated from St Kilda with all other residents on 29 August 1930, aged 67, and ended up in Lochaline.

Remembering today - 6 April

Lance-Corporal GEORGE MUNRO, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 22 South Dell, died today in 1916

Able Seaman JOHN NORMAN MACINNES, Merchant Navy, late of 24 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 18
Seaman DANIEL MACKENZIE, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 18 Crossbost, died today in 1917 at the age of 30
Sergeant MURDO MATHESON, Australians, late of 3 Upper Shader, died today in 1917 at the age of 26

Napier witnesses: Rev John Mackay

Rev. John Mackay was Free Church minister in St Kilda at the time of the visit by Lord Napier. He had held this charge for 18 years by that time, and we see him in the 1881 census. At that time, he is aged 64 and is quoted at the St Kilda manse with housekeeper Ann Macdonald, 9-year old scholar John Macdonald (boarder) and 67-year old Ann Mackinlay, nurse and teacher. She hailed from Bracadale in Skye.

The entry for the minister in the 1871 census is not easily found, but is soon spotted among the 87 people present on the island of St Kilda. John (54) is joined at the FC Manse by his sister Marge (40) and Ann Macdonald, housekeeper. Rev Mackay, who had been in office in St Kilda since 1844, does not show up on the 1851 or 1861 censuses. St Kilda cannot be differentiated in the 1841 census.

By 1891, the Rev Angus Viddes (48) is on the census as United Free Church minister for St Kilda, in the company of Catherine Maclennan (59), domestic servant, born in the district of Carloway in Lewis and a Jessie 'Chrouabl', a nurse. This minister, his surname transmuted to Fiddes, remains on St Kilda at the time of the 1901 census. He is quoted as being born at Tarbat in Rossshire.

The church history for St Kilda is adequately summarised on this Wikipedia page.

A tale of four islands

In the following series of four posts, I shall be stretching the remit of this blog to its very limit. The four islands referred to in the title are the Bishops Isles, south of Barra and Vatersay. They are: Bernera, Mingulay, Pabbay and Sandray. None of these are now permanently inhabited, and the lighthouse on Bernera (Barra Head) is automated. Barra Head is the southernmost island of the Outer Hebrides.

I am in the process of transcribing the censuses for the above named islands. This involves registration district 108 (Barra) and its enumeration district 4 (5 in 1851).

Sandray, image courtesy www.rhb.org.uk


Pabbay, image courtesy Flickr.com, user Paddimir


Mingulay, image courtesy Geograph.org.uk


Barra Head (Berneray), image courtesy Geograph.org.uk

Remembering today - 5 April

Private COLIN MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 1 South Shawbost, died today in 1916 at the age of 28
Private COLL MACDONALD, Seaforth Highlanders, late of 9 Newton Street, Stornoway, died today in 1916 at the age of 28

Private JOHN MORRISON, Gordon Highlanders, late of 18 Battery Park, Stornoway, died today in 1917 at the age of 23

Napier witnesses: Lachlan Campbell

Lachlan Campbell is found on the 1881 census aged 45, married to Catherine (30). He lives at the fish curer's house, he is marked as a fish curer. His children are Ann (5), John (3) and Malcolm (9 months). Rachel is also present, she was Lachlan's mother. Marg[are]t Macdonald (40), Ann Maclennan (25, born in Lochs Parish, Lewis) are domestic servants, with Niel Mackinnon (17) in the house as a herdsman.

A decade later, Lachlan's address is clarified as 2 Scadabay, now a fisherman and crofter.  Although his eldest daughter is not listed, five younger children have appeared on the scene. Johan (8), Rachel (8), Effy (6), Marion (4) and Donald (2). Margaret (36), quoted on the census form as Lachlan's daughter, is a domestic servant. I rather think, as is borne out in the 1901 census, that she is Lachlan's sister.

In 1901, we see the family progressing further, with only the twins Johan and Rachel (18), Euphea [Euphemia] (16), Marion (14) and Donald (12) remaining at home.  The family has expanded further, with the addition of Kenneth (10) and Eliza (8) since 1891. Margaret Macdonald is still in the house as a domestic servant.

Thirty years before, Lachlan is not yet married. He is at "Shipowners' House", with his mother Rachel (65, annuitant) and his siblings Malm (32), Euphemia (22) and domestic Margaret Mcdonald (22). Also present at that time was William Dingwall (32), a schoolmaster.

In 1861, Lachlan is a young man of 24, living in Scadabay with his parents John (60) and Rachel (50). Also present are his siblings Roderick (28), John (22) and Owen (17).

In 1851, we see more of Lachlan's siblings, as the family live in Scadabay. There are Kenneth (18), Roderick (16), Malcolm (14), John (10), Ewen (7) and Effy (4).

Lachlan Campbell died in Northton on 2 March 1925 at the age of 88, of supposed old age. No doctor attended his death. Lachlan is quoted as the widower of Kate Macdonald. His father John is marked as a shipowner.

Napier witnesses: Donald Macdonald

Donald Macdonald, a crofter from Grosebay, had me searching from his death backwards in time. He died on 7 September 1886 at the age of 75. He was the widower of Effy, nee Macaulay, and the son of Kenneth Macdonald and Christy (or Chirsty), nee Macleod. He died after suffering from bronchitis for 5 months, and from senile decay for 6 months. His son Donald reported his death to the registrar.

In 1871, we find Don[al]d and his wife Effy in a tenants' house in Harris, enumeration district 12. Also present are his son Neil (26, fisherman), Donald (20, fisherman), Roderick (17, ag labourer), Ann (14, gen servant)  and Murdo (12). Moving forward a decade, we find Donald (aged 70) and his daughter Ann (24), living in a crofter's house in enumeration district 2.

In 1851, there is a Donald Macdonald, tenant at Grosebay (farmer of 4 acres, employing no servants) , with children Keneth (11), Niel (9), Isabella (7), Alexander (5) and Donald (3). We can link the Niel and the Donald to the children he had in 1871.

Remembering today - 4 April

Lance-Sergeant JOHN MACKENZIE, Cameron Highlanders, late of 60 Balallan, died today in 1918 at the age of 26

Napier witnesses: Ronald Macdonald

Ronald Macdonald is the brother of the tacksman for Taransay, and the second of the witnesses from that island.

We find him in the 1881 census as a farmer's son on Taransay. Other family members include Mary Macdonald (80), farmer's widow, Kimber.  Rodrica (39) is her daughter. Listed alongside the Macdonalds are John Morrison (32), a sheepherd (sic); Mary Macaskill (22, general serv, domestic); Mary Mackay (16, general serv, domestic) and Archibald Macdonald (16), a herdboy. Whether he is related to the family is not mentioned on the census.

A decade earlier, we find the Macdonalds at Paible House, Taransay. Mary (63) is a farmer's wife with her sons Donald (43), Ronald (34), Roderica (28), Catherine Mary (24) and Donalda (20). In addition, we find Mary Morrison (22, born at Ardhasaig), a farm servant; Christy Macaskill (30, born at Berneray), a farm servant; and Johny Morrison (16), born at Kendulavig (near Obbe), a cattle herd.

In 1861, Ronald's father John appears on the census form, aged 81. He is a farmer of 700 acres employing 3 labourers and 1 boy. His wife Mary is listed as aged 63; rather strange, as her age remains the same in 1871! Their children are Marjory (40), Donald (35), Ronald (26), Roderica (22), Catherine (7) and Rondaline (4 mo). We saw her as Donalda on the 1871 census.
Farm servants include John Mcrae (68, shepherd), Norman Mcaskill (38, ploughman), John Macaskill (8, ploughman - age is obviously wrong), Malcolm Mackennon (6, reed rig); Anne Mckinnon (18, housemaid) and Effa Mckinnon (78, diarymaid).

I have been unable to reliably trace him in the censuses for 1851 or 1841.
In 1891, we find Ronald (aged 50) living on private means with his eldest sister, Marjory, then aged 70. As far as I can make out, he does not feature on the 1901 census.
 
Ronald Macdonald passed away on Taransay on 18 June 1913, aged 81, of supposed old age. No doctor attended his death. He is quoted as being single.

Napier witnesses: Angus Ferguson

Angus Ferguson was one of two witnesses from the island of Taransay, heard at Tarbert. The entry in the 1881 census for him would be the last from anyone from that island, as its population was zero from 1891 onwards.

Angus was a fisherman, aged 48, married to Rachel (born Macleod). He had four children, Mary (20), John (16, also a fisherman), Donald (14) and Ronald (12). The 1871 census specifies his residence as Paible in Taransay.

Twenty years previous, Angus is shown as a farm labourer's son, mother's name being Margaret. He lives at Nigh House with his siblings Rachel (23), Christina (12) and Ranald (14).

The earliest census, 1841, shows Angus as a 12-year old boy with his parents Niel (40) and Margret (36). Angus's siblings are listed as Etty (14), Ranald (6) and Chersty (2). 

After leaving Taransay, Angus (60) and his wife Rachel (52) can be located in 1891 in a private house in South Harris, with their children Mary (28) and Donald (23). Donald has two of his children with him, Peggy Thomson (5) shown as having been born in Edinburgh; and Rachel Brindle (2¼).

The 1901 census shows a strange discrepancy in ages, augmenting Angus's age to 78 in a space of ten years since 1891. He is now a former lobster fisherman, in the company of his wife Rachel (68) and sons Donald (33) and Ronald (29). Granddaughter Maggie Thomson (15, whom we saw as Peggy in 1891) is in the house as a wool spinner, born at St Cuthbert, Edinburghshire; Rachel Brindle (12, granddaughter) and Norman Shaw (14, visitor) are also listed.

Angus Ferguson passed away on 22 July 1905 at the age of 78, cause of death not specified; no doctor attended. He died on Taransay.
Angus's wife Rachel survived him by 13 years, passing away in South Harris in 1918 at the age of 90.

Remembering today - 3 April

Seaman DONALD MORRISON, Royal Naval Reserve, late of 8 Mangersta, died today in 1917 at the age of 49

Napier witnesses: John Mcleod (Tarbert)

John Mcleod can be found at Tarbert in the 1881 census, as a 68-year old merchant, wilks, residing at 19 East Tarbert. He lives with his wife Ann, two years his junior, and their 16-year old niece Ann Macleod.

I am not able to single out with any certainty a John Macleod in Pabbay in the 1841 census. Several are listed, some under the misspelt surname Maclead.

In 1871, John Macleod is in a house at Tarbert, with his wife Ann and a 'stranger' tennant Murdo Macleod and fisherman Donald Macleod. Ann Morrison is there as a housekeeper.

I am not confident about this piece of research; I am not able to trace him by death record either.

Napier witnesses: Angus Campbell

Angus Campbell, a crofter at Plocropol, can be found in the 1881 census with his wife Margaret, four years his junior. Their son Alex[ande]r (26) is a general merchant. His other children include Chirsty (24), Murdo (22, fisherman), John (19, fisherman), Angus (17), and two daughters named Cathrine (aged 10 and 7).

Ten years before, the family is picked up in the census of 1871, but their ages appear to be 3 or 4 years younger than you would have anticipated. Angus is at that time a crofter and fisherman, still in the Bays area of Harris.  I have not been able to locate Angus Campbell with any certainty in the censuses for 1851 or 1841.
EDIT: Direcleit has kindly added the census entry for 1861 in the comments section. 

Going forward, the family is still in Plocropol (no 7) in 1891, although Angus (65) is marked as being born in Lewis, Ross-shire. That is an obvious mistake; he remarked in his evidence that he was a young man around Obbe, South Harris. Of the family, we see Alexander (37) at home, but his brothers Murdo, John and Angus are no longer there. Daughters Christy (33), Catherine (23), Christina (20) and Katie (16) do remain at home. A grandson Angus Campbell (3) has appeared on the scene.

Angus Campbell does not appear to feature in the 1901 census. He passed away on 1 August 1909 at Plocropol at the age of 85, having suffered senile decay. He was the widower of Margaret Mcdonald; she predeceased him in 1901. His parents are named as Alexander Campbell and Chirsty Campbell. The death was reported by Angus's grandson, his namesake Angus Campbell.

Remembering today - 2 April

Private NORMAN MORRISON, Canadians, late of 48, Back Street Habost, Ness, died today in 1918 at the age of 28

Ensay & Killegray

Closing the series on islands in the Sound of Harris (Boreray and Pabbay went before), I am now focusing on Killegray and Ensay.



In the census returns from 1841 until 1901, the two islands cannot always be easily distinguished. Killegray only features as a separate enumeration district in 1841. In 1881, '91 and 1901, it is featured as a separate household schedule under enumeration district 1. It should be noted that in 1881 and 1901, this conclusion is only justified when comparing it to the 1891 census, where schedule 2 is clearly marked as Killegray House. The same people are still there in 1901, ten years older, but no longer separately marked. In 1881, it would seem that schedules 2 and 3 both refer to Killegray House; in 1901, this is schedule 2.

In 1841, there are 7 people on Killegray, 40-year old shepherd Kenneth Macrae with a 25-year old Mary Macrae. With them are 4 children under the age of 10. The seventh person is 62-year old Dorothy Ross.

As far as Ensay is concerned, in 1841, 16 people are registered as living there, 11 listed in the same household. The family is mentioned as "McCrac", but I would hazard a guess that being Macrae.  Also present is a William McCaskia (Macaskill?), aa Mary Mckenzie and a Mary and Tilla "Maateld". The first names for those listed as "McCrac"  were Alex (5), Alexr (20), Margt (25), Mary (15), Christian (20) and Alex (55). A separate family unit of McCrac consists of Christoph (30) and Isabella (25) with daughters Margt and Catherine (6 months). Effy Mccaskill (15) is in the same household.

1851 
[1] Kenneth Ferguson (19), brother-in-law and John Mcdonald (18), brother
[2] Christopher Macrae (40, boatbuilder, journeyman) and Bell Macrae (30); with children Peggy (12), Mary (10), John (8), Lexy (5) and Finla (3).
[3] William Macaskill (32, agricultural labourer) and Cathrine (30), with children Cathrine (9), Murdo (6) and Janet (2). These five are also mentioned under household 4, below.
[4] See those mentioned under [3], as well as:
Christy Mcrae (40, dairy maid), Janet Mckinnon (23, house servant), Duncan Mckinnon (20, farm labourer), John Mccleod (20, boatman), Donald Mcrae (19, boatman), John Mckinnon (17, herdboy), Mary Mccleod (16, house servant).

1861
[1]  Donald Mccar [Mcrae] (24, Ag Lab), Angus Mccear [Mcrae?] (30, ploughman), Angus Mccuien (57, Ag Lab), Andrew Mcrae (20, Ag Lab), Kristina Mcrae (60, Dairymaid), Margaret McOuish (22, domestic servant)
[2] Christopher Mcrae (56, boatbuilder, born in Kintail, Rossshire) and Isobel (40, born in Lochalsh, Rossshire), with children Mary (19, domestic servant), John (17, Ag Lab), Lexy (15), Finla (13), Donald (11), Agnus [Angus] (8) and grandson John Mcashall [Mcaskill] (3)

1871
[1]  Angus Martin (64, shepherd), and Cathrine (40), with children Donald (20, Ag Lab), Kenneth (15), Mary (11), Anne (9), Marion (7), Mary (5) and Johannah (2)

[2, Ensay House] Alexander Mcdougall (62, landoverseer, born at Fortingall, Perthshire), John Mcleod (50, Ag Lab, from Duirinish, Skye), Duncan Mclean (20, Ag Lab), Roderick Mcphee (18, Ag Lab), Morgan Ferguson (30, general servant / domestic) and Marion Ferguson (22, general servant / domestic)

1881
[1, Ensay House] Duncan Mclean (29,  farm grieve), Angus Mcleod (24, farm serv), Donald Mcleod (16, farm serv), Christy Mcphee (34, general serv, domestic), Catherine Shaw (44, dairymaid), Marion Mcaskill (25, housemaid),

[2, Kelligray House] Margaret Peterson (18, occupant, dairymaid)

[3] Donald Morrison (30, shepherd) and Mary (32, born in Lochbroom parish, Rossshire) as well as Donald's father Neil (64, shepherd). Donald and Mary's children were: Murdo (3, born in Lochbroom parish, Rossshire) and Neil (1).

1891
[1, Ensay House] Donald Alexander Stewart (35, farmer) and his sister Mary (36), both born at Kilmuir (Skye). Marion Stewart is listed as a 23-year old cook; whether she is related to the previous two is not noted. Domestic staff include Effie Mcdougall (57, housekeeper) and Kate Mckay (19, from Kilmuir, Skye, domestic servant). Farm staff include Marion Mcdonald (20, from North Uist, dairymaid), John Mckenzie (40),  Angus Mcleod (32), Donald Mcleod (24), Ewen Mclennan (19) and John Ferguson (46).

[2, Kelligray House] Mary Morrison (39, from Lochbroom, Rossshire, shepherd's wife) and her children  Murdo (13), Neil (11), Rachael (9), Charles (7), George (5) and John (2). Christy Mcswen is a 17-year old domestic servant.

1901
[1, Ensay House] William Stewart (48, born in Skye, Captain Mounted Infantry) and his sister Jane Macrae Stewart (50, born in Lochalsh, Rossshire). Jessie Chesholm Scott (42) is marked as a sister, but it is not clear whose sister she was. John Mckenzie (53, farm servant), Donald Mcleod (36, farm servant), Charles Morrison (18, farm servant), Alexandrina Rae (23, domestic house maid), Rachael Morrison (19, dairy maid).

[2, Shephard's House, Killegray] Donald Morrison (50, shepherd) and Mary (50), with their children George (16), John (13) and Simon (10). John Mckinnon is a 16-year old school teacher, boarding with the Morrisons.

I would like to once more applaud my fellow researcher Direcleit for accumulating a wealth of further information on these islands - this link refers to his entries regarding Ensay.