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.
Showing posts with label census. Show all posts
Showing posts with label census. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Monday, 11 April 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
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
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
Saturday, 9 April 2011
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.
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
Friday, 8 April 2011
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.
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Carloway
I am continuing my little series about vessels in port around the Isle of Lewis at the time of the 1901 census. I was quite surprised to find 68 names in the census return for men on board vessels at Carloway. This village on the west coast of Lewis, has a pier and is a fishing port. Nowadays, there is not much going on around the pier there. 110 years ago, it was a veritable hive of activity.
Or appeared to be. The census enumerators, who wrote up the returns, made a breathtaking mess of the east coast fishermen at Carloway. The total number of names is actually 35, meaning that with one exception, they are all written up twice. I shall endeavour to disentangle the web of confusion.
On that night of March 31st / April 1st, 1901, there are four fishing vessels at Carloway. These are:
White Queen,
Consolation,
Johanna Petrie
Glenalva
The confusion starts when the men are counted more than once in any of the following locations
1. On board their vessel
2. At the quay in Carloway
3. On board their vessel in Loch Carloway
Worse than that, several of the men from the Glenalva are counted with another vessel when ashore at the quay. Some of the names are suffixed with BF 348, which could refer to the vessel's registration. This tallies with the fishing vessel Onward, which carried the BF 348 registration from 1879. However, that name does not appear on the census forms.
All this means that they are counted under different "Household schedules".
Schedule 80: Consolation
Schedule 81: Glenalva
Schedule 82: Johanna Petrie; White Queen, at Carloway Pier or in Loch Carloway
Schedule 83: White Queen; Johanna Petrie in Loch Carloway
Schedule 84: Consolation at Carloway Quay
Well, that is enough to turn anyone's head. Let's clear this up and bring each crew member to his boat.
White Queen
Peter Buchan, 28, St Combs
Joseph Buchan, 48, Buchanhaven, Master
John Buchan, 30, St Combs
Robert Buchan, 23, St Combs
William Cormack, 39, Banff - also quoted with Glenalva
Alexander Glass, 25, Aberdeen, ship's engineer
William Mason, 40, Kincardineshire, fireman
Peter Reed, 45, Burnhaven, Mate
Andrew Strachan, 37, Inverlochy, Cook
William Strachan, 25, Inverlochy
Consolation
George Bruce, 49, Portnockie
William George (or Wiliam J. ) Bruce, 22, Banff
William Innes (or William James), 36, Portnockie
John Mair Johns, 36, Portnockie
James Mair, 34, 6 Fountain Street, Banff - also quoted with Glenalva and BF 348
Alexander Mair, 21, Portnockie - also quoted with BF 348
James Wood Reid, 31, Peterhead, Master
Francis Slater, 48, Portknockie, Mate
George Slater, 19, Portknockie
Francis Slater, 16, Portknockie, Cook
Alexander Watt, 40, Fraserburgh, also quoted with Glenalva
John Watt, 19, Banff - also quoted with BF 348
Alexander Wood, 39, Portessie
William Wood, 39, Portknockie - also quoted with Glenalva and BF 348John Wood, 20, Banff, - also quoted with Glenalva and BF 348
Johanna Petrie
John Buchan, 44, St Combs, Master
Charles Buchan, 38, St Combs, Mate
Andrew Buchan, 24, St Combs
William Davidson, 37, Aberdeen, engineer
Andrew Duthie, 37, Inverlochy
Gilbert Duthie, 27, Inverlochy
Charles Fait (or Fax), 27, Inverlochy
Alexr Milne, 35, Peterhead
Glenalva
Alexander Mair, 27, Portknockie
Alexander Watt, 40, Banff also quoted with Consolation
William Wood, 39, Portknockie, Master also quoted with Consolation and BF 348
John Wood, 22, Banff also quoted with BF 348
Or appeared to be. The census enumerators, who wrote up the returns, made a breathtaking mess of the east coast fishermen at Carloway. The total number of names is actually 35, meaning that with one exception, they are all written up twice. I shall endeavour to disentangle the web of confusion.
On that night of March 31st / April 1st, 1901, there are four fishing vessels at Carloway. These are:
White Queen,
Consolation,
Johanna Petrie
Glenalva
The confusion starts when the men are counted more than once in any of the following locations
1. On board their vessel
2. At the quay in Carloway
3. On board their vessel in Loch Carloway
Worse than that, several of the men from the Glenalva are counted with another vessel when ashore at the quay. Some of the names are suffixed with BF 348, which could refer to the vessel's registration. This tallies with the fishing vessel Onward, which carried the BF 348 registration from 1879. However, that name does not appear on the census forms.
All this means that they are counted under different "Household schedules".
Schedule 80: Consolation
Schedule 81: Glenalva
Schedule 82: Johanna Petrie; White Queen, at Carloway Pier or in Loch Carloway
Schedule 83: White Queen; Johanna Petrie in Loch Carloway
Schedule 84: Consolation at Carloway Quay
Well, that is enough to turn anyone's head. Let's clear this up and bring each crew member to his boat.
White Queen
Peter Buchan, 28, St Combs
Joseph Buchan, 48, Buchanhaven, Master
John Buchan, 30, St Combs
Robert Buchan, 23, St Combs
William Cormack, 39, Banff - also quoted with Glenalva
Alexander Glass, 25, Aberdeen, ship's engineer
William Mason, 40, Kincardineshire, fireman
Peter Reed, 45, Burnhaven, Mate
Andrew Strachan, 37, Inverlochy, Cook
William Strachan, 25, Inverlochy
Consolation
George Bruce, 49, Portnockie
William George (or Wiliam J. ) Bruce, 22, Banff
William Innes (or William James), 36, Portnockie
John Mair Johns, 36, Portnockie
James Mair, 34, 6 Fountain Street, Banff - also quoted with Glenalva and BF 348
Alexander Mair, 21, Portnockie - also quoted with BF 348
James Wood Reid, 31, Peterhead, Master
Francis Slater, 48, Portknockie, Mate
George Slater, 19, Portknockie
Francis Slater, 16, Portknockie, Cook
Alexander Watt, 40, Fraserburgh, also quoted with Glenalva
John Watt, 19, Banff - also quoted with BF 348
Alexander Wood, 39, Portessie
William Wood, 39, Portknockie - also quoted with Glenalva and BF 348John Wood, 20, Banff, - also quoted with Glenalva and BF 348
Johanna Petrie
John Buchan, 44, St Combs, Master
Charles Buchan, 38, St Combs, Mate
Andrew Buchan, 24, St Combs
William Davidson, 37, Aberdeen, engineer
Andrew Duthie, 37, Inverlochy
Gilbert Duthie, 27, Inverlochy
Charles Fait (or Fax), 27, Inverlochy
Alexr Milne, 35, Peterhead
Glenalva
Alexander Mair, 27, Portknockie
Alexander Watt, 40, Banff also quoted with Consolation
William Wood, 39, Portknockie, Master also quoted with Consolation and BF 348
John Wood, 22, Banff also quoted with BF 348
Rambler
This vessel is proving enigmatic for me. She was in Stornoway harbour at the time of the 1901 census, during the night of 31st March / 1st April. Only three men are quoted on board, namely:
John Bain, master, aged 34, Stornoway
Allan Mcleod, mate, aged 32, Stornoway
D Mcdonald, ordinary seaman, aged 20, Stornoway
Although there was a Royal Navy ship, HMS Rambler, in service around 1901, it was in port in Malta on the night of the census. HMS Rambler was built in 1879, and saw service in China, the Boer War and the Mediterranean, finally to be sold in 1907. The nature of the Rambler in Stornoway is presently a mystery. Any further info of course welcome.
John Bain, master, aged 34, Stornoway
Allan Mcleod, mate, aged 32, Stornoway
D Mcdonald, ordinary seaman, aged 20, Stornoway
Although there was a Royal Navy ship, HMS Rambler, in service around 1901, it was in port in Malta on the night of the census. HMS Rambler was built in 1879, and saw service in China, the Boer War and the Mediterranean, finally to be sold in 1907. The nature of the Rambler in Stornoway is presently a mystery. Any further info of course welcome.
Claymore
A vessel of that name was in Stornoway harbour at the time of the 1901 Census, on the night of 31st March / 1st April. She was probably the Macbrayne ferry plying between Kyle of Lochalsh and Stornoway. An image of the vessel docked at Kyle can be viewed on this page on the Am Baile website. There is also an extensive history of the ship on the same page, to which I refer.
On that night in 1901, there were 27 members of crew on board.
When going back through the previous censes, it is noticeable that several crewmembers had shorebound occupations before going to sea. One was a carpenter, another was a tailor. As they originated outside the Outer Hebrides, further perusal of this subject lies outwith the remit of this blog.
John Allan 58, fireman, Glasgow
John Mackinlay 27, 2nd officer, Glasgow
Theodore Sobenson 49, chief engineer, Norwegian
Neil MacCaig 21, 2nd engineer, Glasgow
Archd Macculloch 43, AB seaman, South Knapdale, Argyll
Robert Urquhart 50, AB seaman, Gairloch, Rossshire
Malcolm Macdougall 23, AB seaman, Tobermory [Mull], Argyll
Alexr Mackinnon 24, seaman, Strath, Inverness
Angus Nicolson 58, AB seaman, Portree, Inverness
Lachlan Buie 38, AB seaman, Small Isles [Jura], Argyll
Andrew Munro 46, AB seaman, Snizort [Skye], Inverness
George McTuilkan 28, AB seaman, Tarbert, Argyll
John Maclean 55, seaman, Portree, Inverness
John Fullerton 36, donkey man, Arran, Bute
John Cameron 49, fireman, Tiree, Argyll
Kenneth Macdonald 31, fireman, Kilmuir, Inverness
Wm J Diamond 35, fireman, Glasgow
John Allan 58, fireman, Glasgow
James L Masson 44, purser, Inverness
John Fisher 21, asst purser, Ardchattan Muckairn, Argyll
Mary Brown 44, stewardess, Gairloch, Ross
Angus Campbell, 64, master mariner, Tarbert, Argyll
Charles Harkness, 26, steward, Port Glasgow, Renfrew
William Irvine, 23, asst stewart, Glasgow
Donald MacTavish, 26, chief officer, North Knapdale, Argyll
Wm Timpson, 21, steward, Glasgow
Thomas Wattling, 40, cook, Edinburgh
Walter Weir, 15, steward, Greenock
On that night in 1901, there were 27 members of crew on board.
When going back through the previous censes, it is noticeable that several crewmembers had shorebound occupations before going to sea. One was a carpenter, another was a tailor. As they originated outside the Outer Hebrides, further perusal of this subject lies outwith the remit of this blog.
John Allan 58, fireman, Glasgow
John Mackinlay 27, 2nd officer, Glasgow
Theodore Sobenson 49, chief engineer, Norwegian
Neil MacCaig 21, 2nd engineer, Glasgow
Archd Macculloch 43, AB seaman, South Knapdale, Argyll
Robert Urquhart 50, AB seaman, Gairloch, Rossshire
Malcolm Macdougall 23, AB seaman, Tobermory [Mull], Argyll
Alexr Mackinnon 24, seaman, Strath, Inverness
Angus Nicolson 58, AB seaman, Portree, Inverness
Lachlan Buie 38, AB seaman, Small Isles [Jura], Argyll
Andrew Munro 46, AB seaman, Snizort [Skye], Inverness
George McTuilkan 28, AB seaman, Tarbert, Argyll
John Maclean 55, seaman, Portree, Inverness
John Fullerton 36, donkey man, Arran, Bute
John Cameron 49, fireman, Tiree, Argyll
Kenneth Macdonald 31, fireman, Kilmuir, Inverness
Wm J Diamond 35, fireman, Glasgow
John Allan 58, fireman, Glasgow
James L Masson 44, purser, Inverness
John Fisher 21, asst purser, Ardchattan Muckairn, Argyll
Mary Brown 44, stewardess, Gairloch, Ross
Angus Campbell, 64, master mariner, Tarbert, Argyll
Charles Harkness, 26, steward, Port Glasgow, Renfrew
William Irvine, 23, asst stewart, Glasgow
Donald MacTavish, 26, chief officer, North Knapdale, Argyll
Wm Timpson, 21, steward, Glasgow
Thomas Wattling, 40, cook, Edinburgh
Walter Weir, 15, steward, Greenock
Friday, 18 March 2011
SS Coverdale
Fellow researcher Direcleit has looked extensively into the census forms for Lewis and Harris, and I am quite happy to refer you to his blog for some of his work with the census returns.
I have done a little bit for my research into WW1 and its impact on the Lewis contingent. This evening I came across the census record for Stornoway, under the heading of Vessels. The address is given as Stornoway Outer Harbour. There are several vessels in port, with their name used for an enumeration district. One of them was the John Coverdale. I shall highlight others in days to come.
The SS John Coverdale was operated by Coverdale & Co of West Hartlepool (Sunderland) from 1899 until 1911. In that year, the steamer was sold to Maclay & Mcintyre of Glasgow for £14,500. They operated the vessel as SS Kassanga. She was torpedoed in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1918 by U-103, at position 52.27N, 05.26W, between Wexford in Ireland and Aberystwyth in Wales. The Kassanga had been en-route from Glasgow with a cargo of coal. No life was lost.
In Stornoway, 17 years earlier, the John Coverdale was recorded with the following crew:
George Dixon, 46, Master, England
Alfred Olsen, 47, 1st Mate, foreign subject (Sweden)
Wm Bromley 24, 2nd Mate, England
G A T Dixon 25, 3rd Mate, England
T Lawrie 44, Cook, Leith (Mid Lothian)
G Jaben 30, AB (seaman), foreign subject (Holland)
T Hutchinson 21, AB (seaman), Leith (Mid Lothian)
A Groat 24, AB (seaman), Westray (Orkney)
D Groat 22, AB (seaman), Edinburgh
T Hughes 29, AB (seaman), Wales
J W Bulman 31, 1st Engineer, England
J Airey 25 2nd Engineer, England
T Sweeting 26, 3rd Engineer, England
Ra Pease 21, 4th Engineer, England
J Campbell 49, Fireman, Leith (Mid Lothian)
A Carter 28, Fireman, US
O Stanke 25, Fireman, foreign subject, Germany
R Lord 18, Mess Room Boy, Leith (Mid Lothian)
J Fernie 31, Steward, Musselburgh (Mid Lothian)
T Luttle 20, AB (seaman), Barbados
W A Olsen 22, AB (seaman), foreign subject (Sweden)
R Waterson 18, Ordinary seaman, England
J Anson 46, carpenter, England
J Boyle 32, fireman, Ireland
J Matthew 32, fireman, Ireland
G Cannon 27, fireman, England
P Lohirra 27, fireman, foreign subject (Germany)
I have done a little bit for my research into WW1 and its impact on the Lewis contingent. This evening I came across the census record for Stornoway, under the heading of Vessels. The address is given as Stornoway Outer Harbour. There are several vessels in port, with their name used for an enumeration district. One of them was the John Coverdale. I shall highlight others in days to come.
The SS John Coverdale was operated by Coverdale & Co of West Hartlepool (Sunderland) from 1899 until 1911. In that year, the steamer was sold to Maclay & Mcintyre of Glasgow for £14,500. They operated the vessel as SS Kassanga. She was torpedoed in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1918 by U-103, at position 52.27N, 05.26W, between Wexford in Ireland and Aberystwyth in Wales. The Kassanga had been en-route from Glasgow with a cargo of coal. No life was lost.
In Stornoway, 17 years earlier, the John Coverdale was recorded with the following crew:
George Dixon, 46, Master, England
Alfred Olsen, 47, 1st Mate, foreign subject (Sweden)
Wm Bromley 24, 2nd Mate, England
G A T Dixon 25, 3rd Mate, England
T Lawrie 44, Cook, Leith (Mid Lothian)
G Jaben 30, AB (seaman), foreign subject (Holland)
T Hutchinson 21, AB (seaman), Leith (Mid Lothian)
A Groat 24, AB (seaman), Westray (Orkney)
D Groat 22, AB (seaman), Edinburgh
T Hughes 29, AB (seaman), Wales
J W Bulman 31, 1st Engineer, England
J Airey 25 2nd Engineer, England
T Sweeting 26, 3rd Engineer, England
Ra Pease 21, 4th Engineer, England
J Campbell 49, Fireman, Leith (Mid Lothian)
A Carter 28, Fireman, US
O Stanke 25, Fireman, foreign subject, Germany
R Lord 18, Mess Room Boy, Leith (Mid Lothian)
J Fernie 31, Steward, Musselburgh (Mid Lothian)
T Luttle 20, AB (seaman), Barbados
W A Olsen 22, AB (seaman), foreign subject (Sweden)
R Waterson 18, Ordinary seaman, England
J Anson 46, carpenter, England
J Boyle 32, fireman, Ireland
J Matthew 32, fireman, Ireland
G Cannon 27, fireman, England
P Lohirra 27, fireman, foreign subject (Germany)
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