Pentland Road - 2

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, s...

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.

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 mothe...

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 southwe...

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 ...

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.

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...

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

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 ...

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 Lew...

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.

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.

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...

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 Mcle...

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 Ardbh...

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.

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...

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 t...

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 Begg...

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...

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].

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 Marc...

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.

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.

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...

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 V...

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...

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.

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, h...

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 18...

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

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 Ronal...

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 ho...

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 si...

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.

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 keep...

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.

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', ...

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...

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

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 ...

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...

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 ap...

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 h...

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.

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...

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 co...