26 Apr. 2016 -
                surname  SUTHERLAND . . . .

   I would appreciate any information on James SUTHERLAND born 1777 or 1778 in South Ronaldsay, his father was George SUTHERLAND once a tenant of Knockhall.  James had a brother John.  James SUTHERLAND left for Canada in 1797 to work for the Hudson Bay Company.  In 1813 he returned to Orkney with his son William who was then left to be educated in Orkney.
 I would like to visit and would very much appreciate any information on the family.

Thank you,
- Irene

      31 Mar. 2015 -
                surnames  CROMARTY/CROMARTIE   STEWART . . . .

   I am trying to find the parents/family of my ancestor.  His name is William CROMARTIE.  He was born on May 1, 1731 on South Ronaldsay, Orkney.  He left and settled in the Fayetteville area of North Carolina in the United States.  He was supposed to have married a STEWART and had one son (same name).  She died and he later married Ruhameh Diane and had twelve children.  I am descended from their son Alexander.  We have not been able to find William's parents.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
- Vicky M.

      7 Dec. 2012 -
                surnames  ROSIE   WARDS   WARSE . . . .

   I am trying to find information on the Walter ROSIE family of Burray island  They are listed in the 1841 census, but not on the 1851 census.  They had a daughter named Jane listed as 10 years old.  Jane could be my GGGrandmother.  Jane moved to Canada around 1850.

Would you have any info on this family, did they emigrate from Burray?

Other info sources that you could provide would be appreciated.

- Steve P.

      5 May 2011 -
                surnames  STEWART   SUTHERLAND . . . .

   I am trying to find out about William STEWART (who married Ann SUTHERLAND in about 1788).  Their son, George is my GGG grandfather.

From the 1821 census I have worked out that he was probably born round about 1751 but I can find no record of his birth or death.  I would be interested to know the names of his parents and siblings if he had any.  Any clues about where to start?

- Hermione S.

      8 Feb. 2011 -
                surnames  ALLAN  THOMSON . . . .

   The text of this Query removed at the request of author, Peter S.,
on 3 March 2012.  If you are interested in these surnames or wish
to contact Peter S., please contact SouthRonaldsay.net for more info.

      4 Apr. 2010 -
                surnames  KENNEDY   LAIRD   GRIFFIN . . . .

   I am a descendent of Erick Laird KENNEDY, b. September 1829 in Orkney Island (according to his death record).  He migrated to Canada sometime before 1851, although not sure of the date.  I have census records for him from 1851, 1861, 1871, and 1881 in Canada, and he died in 1882.

Married in 1853 to Mary Elizabeth GRIFFIN - who was (Father) Dutch and (Mother) Irish but declared herself as Irish, born in Ontario.

Census Information [for Erick Laird KENNEDY]: 
   In 1851 he was a Farmer from Scotland and Presbyterian.
   In 1861 he was a Laborer from Scotland and Wesleyan Methodist.
   In 1871 he was a Farmer from Scotland and Wesleyan Methodist.
   In 1881 he was a Farmer from Scotland and Methodist.

Children [of Erick Laird KENNEDY and Mary Elizabeth GRIFFIN]: 
   First Born Twin Boys who died 1853 or 1854
   John Edward b. 1855
   Mary Elizabeth b. 1856
   David Griffin b. 1860
   Sarah Jane b. Dec 1, 1866  > (My Great-grandmother)
   Jesse Laird b. 1867
   Mary b. 1868
   Alice M. b. 1869
   Alexina b. Oct 1870
   Margaret b. Nov 30, 1872
   Agnes b. May 6, 1878

Sarah Jane KENNEDY married Francis Joseph LEESON.

Their youngest (of 11), Maggie Josephine LEESON, married Marshall HYATT.  (Three LEESON sisters married three HYATT brothers.)  Their second youngest (of 14), Mark Nelson HYATT, married my mother Carol JAMES.  I am the daughter of Mark and Carol.

I have a great deal of information on his family.
  But can anyone help with ancestors of Erick Laird KENNEDY?

- Liana F.

      24 Jan. 2010 -
                surnames  McBETH/McBEATH   LESK/LEASK . . . .

   Our South Australian solitary original immigrant in 1837 was William McBEATH b. 1818 - from South Parish, South Ronaldsay (he's in the 1821 census, age 3, son of William McBEATH and Mary Balfour LEASK of house 35, Burwick).

I'm keen to find out what happened to this little family after he left for Australia on the "John Renwick", leaving his widowed mother and 2 sisters, Mary b. 1820, Kirkwall, and Isabella b. 1822, South Ronaldsay.

It would be interesting to find out why and when families like this one settled in Orkney. (I'm presuming they came up from the Scottish mainland at some stage (?) forced up by enclosures.)

I'd be delighted to pass on a brief note on his life here if there's anyone with a particular interest.

Cheers,
- Wendy L.

      2 Dec. 2009 -
                surnames  WARDS   SIMSON   ROSY/ROSIE . . . .

   On 18 January 1824 James WARDS (fishing boat captain), a native of South Parish, South Ronaldsay, and son of David WARDS (deceased) and Margaret ROSY married Christian SIMSON -for some years a resident of South Ronaldsay- daughter of William SIMSON and Christian GREEN (or GREER) of Canisbay, Caithness.

Hoping to establish: 
   The birth and parents of Margaret ROSY (or ROSIE).
   The birth of James WARDS.
   The marriage of David WARDS and Margaret ROSIE.
   Any other relevant information.

Hopefully yours,

- Don B.
dbr87185@bigpond.net.au

      26 Sep. 2009 -
                surnames  MEIKLE   MAKINSON . . . .

   Looking for information about my uncle, Robert MEIKLE, who was brought up at Claybraes, South Ronaldsay, by his grandparents Henry and Barbara MAKINSON.  I know he joined the Seaforth Highlanders and was injured by a shell.  I think he may be buried at St. Peters cemetery but cannot find info on date of death from Scotlands People website.  Can anyone help?
Thank you.

- Elizabeth S.
elizabethspackman@hotmail.com

      9 Mar. 2009 -
                surnames  GUTHRIE   THOMPSON   BERSTON . . . .

   Trying to find any descendants of William GUTHRIE (b 1836) and Catherine THOMPSON (b 1836 - d 1887).  I believe they had at least 4 children, William b 1867 South Ronaldsay, Margaret b 1869 Kirkwall, Catherine b 1872 Kirkwall and Joan b 1874 Kirkwall.

Catherine GUTHRIE was my great grandmother and married James BERSTON in the Parish of Kirkwall & St. Ola in 1893 their daughter Joan Guthrie BERSTON (my grandmother) was born in 1894 and died in Grimsby Lincolnshire in 1980.  Would also be interested in hearing from anyone who is researching the same family tree and has any more details on any of my ancestors

On the GUTHRIE side I have: 
Donald (unknown dates) m Catherine
John (1815) m Margaret McDONALD (1817) daughter of John McDONALD/Ellen SYMISTER [sic]
William (1836) m Catherine THOMPSON (1836) daughter of John THOMPSON & Catherine SINCLAIR.

On the BERSTON side I have: 
Magnus (1730)
Magnus (1752) m Mary/Malley CROMARTY (1756)
James (1789) m Margaret BROWN (1801)
(I have been given James as being the son of Magnus but Magnus would have been 37 when his son was born and Mary 34 and they would have been 57 and 54 respectively when their last child was born in 1801 which seems a little old so I think this information may be wrong.)
Peter (1828) m Jessie GUTHRIE daughter of Laing GUTHRIE and Charlotte MacLEOD.

If anyone has any information would be delighted to receive it.

- Angela
runesong@ntlworld.com

      2 Feb. 2009 -
                surnames  SUTHERLAND   STEWART   ESSON . . . .

   I'm trying to help a friend do his family tree, and I have got as far back as approx. 1800 or before in Orkney.

Here is what I know so far: 
Edward JONES married Margaret SUTHERLAND, 1859 in Leith, Edinburgh.  On her Marriage cert., her parents are James SUTHERLAND and Barbara STEWART.  And on their marriage cert. 11 November 1831, South Ronaldsay & Burray, James SUTHERLAND's parents are John SUTHERLAND and his wife Jane ESSON of Flotta.  Barbara STEWART's parents were William STEWART and his wife Ann SUTHERLAND of North C?, witnesses George & John SUTHERLAND.

I can't seem to find any records for John SUTHERLAND & Jane ESSON's marriage, or birth records.....I would love to get more information on siblings or even further back... I appreciate anyone who can help out in any way with further information.

Many thanks, in anticipation

- Sheena
sofee59@hotmail.co.uk


      • response from Lisa C.  --  Hi Sheena:  I just want to pass along the known marriage-related information regarding William Stewart and Ann Sutherland, in the Old Parish Registers for South Ronaldsay... the IGI [International Genealogical Index] states their marriage took place on 19th February "1789", So. Ronaldsay.  I put the year in my own quotation marks as, having read these old records and deciphered much of the handwriting for certain clerks and ministers, it is my belief the year was really written as 1788. (I'm open to discussion, though, if someone else wants to look at that register entry and put forth their two cents!  I am going by my exposure to a large body of this handwriting, and its quirks.)  And, to continue, this is actually not the marriage date anyway: it was when the "Booking" for their marriage took place, as shown in the Old Parish Registers -- not the marriage ceremony.  A John Sutherland "vouched" for Ann Sutherland, at the Booking.  I have so far been unable to find the date of the actual marriage for William and Ann, though.

      8 Jan. 2009 -
                surnames  CROMARTY   DEERAN . . . .

   I am trying to find out a bit more about my Orkney connection. 
A Catherine CROMARTY born in S Ronaldsay in 1828 accompanied her brother to Tiree where he was a lighthouse keeper.  There may have been another brother en route to Tiree too and he never made it though: foul means - this part of the story is very hazy - does anyone know of it? 
Catherine CROMARTY married Colin BROWN in Tiree. 
Her parents were John CROMARTY born 1779 and mother was Barbara DEERAN born 1783.  They married in 1804.  I would like to try and find out John's parents and further back, if it is at all possible, and what became of the CROMARTYs as they seem to have died out.  Also any info on Barbara DEERAN?

Very many thanks.

I hope to come up to Orkney in the Spring so any information would be very welcome.

- Sine T.

      17 Nov. 2008 -
                surnames  WALLS/WAAS/WALLACE
                               SIMPSON   SUTHERLAND . . . .

   I am looking for any details I can about William WAAS who married Elspet SUTHERLAND in the South Parish, South Ronaldsay on 28 February 1797.

Elspet gave birth to a daughter Elizabeth in October that same year.  This first daughter died.  The second child was a son, Sutherland WALLS born in 1802, and the third child was another daughter named Elizabeth born in 1805.

Does anyone know who William and Elspet's parents were?  I don't even know exactly when and where they were born.  Elspet may have been born around 1768, as she was 53 years old in the 1821 census.  She lived in Widewall with her daughter Elizabeth (aka Bettie).  I have also not been able to find any information about Sutherland WALLS either.  No death, no marriage.  I am wondering if perhaps he emigrated to somewhere else.  If he did, I know not where.

Bettie WALLS (born 1805) had a daughter also called Elizabeth (Simpson) born on South Ronaldsay in 1823 and baptised in North Parish in 1837 when she was 14 years old.  Elizabeth's father's name was James SIMPSON.  James and Bettie were never married.  I know nothing about James SIMPSON, other than he was a 19-year-old servant in Widewall in the 1821 census, making him born around 1802.  Again, I know not where or when he was born, or who his parents were.

So I am looking for: 
   Elspet SUTHERLAND
   William WAAS (WALLS/WALLACE)
   Sutherland WALLS
      and
   James SIMPSON.

I am NOT looking for Bettie WALLS or Elizabeth SIMPSON.

Both WALLS and WAAS are Sanday names.
SUTHERLAND is from Hoy, and SIMPSON is a Walls & Flotta Name.
But somehow they ended up in South Ronaldsay.

Thank you, 
Robynne L.
cesca_nz [at] yahoo [dot] com

      24 Oct. 2008 -
                surnames  DUNNET   ROSIE   FLETT   MUIR . . . .

   I am tracing my ancestors and I believe that two of my Paternal GGG Grandparents were: 
    Thomas DUNNET   b.27/03/1771  d.07/06/1813
         m.11/03/1799 South Ronaldsay
    Margaret ROSIE   b.19/02/1782  d.15/07/1840

These being the parents of Margaret DUNNET, who were two of my Paternal GG Grandparents: 
    John (Nicol) FLETT   b.1802 Harray, Tailor
         m.26/02/1839
    Margaret DUNNET   b.1815 (04/08/1811 South Ronaldsay), Stocking Knitter

These being the parents of Thomas FLETT who was my Paternal G Grandfather: 
    Thomas FLETT   b.19/09/1852 Stromness
         m.17/02/1881 Westminster
    Mary MUIR   b.1851 Dumfries


Any information - especially confirmation would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Rob F.
DESDII-EW2G@mod.uk

      26 Aug. 2008 -
                surnames  THOMSON/THOMPSON   MOAR . . . .

   Hello, 
I am looking for information on James T. THOMSON.  He was born in 1847.  He was married to May MOAR, who came from Birsay.  James and May emmigrated to Oswego, New York in the 1850's or early 1860's.  James must have been a carpenter.  He built our family house in Oswego.  My grandfather, Ray Sinclair Thom(p)son --the "p" was added here in the US-- was also a housebuilder/ carpenter.  If I could get any direction/help it would be greatly appreciated.

- Ray Scott W.

      27 Feb. 2008 -
                surname  STEWART . . . .

   John STEWART born around 1772-1773 (Eastside) married Elizabeth McPHERSON December 1799.  They had several children.  We are interested in son James, born 1812 and died at Hall of Linklater in 1897.  He married Jane WISHART in 1841 and they had several children also. 
We are interested in their son Benjamin H. STEWART born 1852 and he married Catherine Gray DUNCAN.  They had several children.  We are interested in any of their sons:
William b.1848, d.1888;
John b.1843, d.1891;
Oman b.1848, d. ?;
Peter b.1860, d.1930?. 
Their other son Benjamin H. had a son Benjamin who had a son Benjamin -- That Benjamin is my husband.  We are looking for any other "Stewarts" still living or son's of [Stewarts], still living in Orkney.  We are travelling to Orkney in May 2008 and would like to meet any of our "cousins".  Not excluding the daughters at all, but seems like the "Stewart" part of the family is hard to track down. 
Also I believe the parents of John STEWART, b1772, were Alex. STEWART, b1756 and Margt. ANDERSON, b1758 and they were from "Benywindows"?
I could be wrong on this - does anyone know?.
Thank You.

- Colleen S.
bstewart5@cogeco.ca

      2 Jan. 2008 -
                surnames  GARRIOCH   SINCLAIR . . . .

   I am looking for confirmation that the James GARRIOCH that was born in 1817 or 1818 to Robert GARRIOCH and Catherine BERSTON on South Ronaldsay or Burray was the same James "Garrick" who came to Canada and received Western Land Grants in 1880.  He is said to have become ill and returned to Orkney a few years later.  My great grandfather was James SINCLAIR (nephew of James GARRIOCH?) and although the family history has him born a day and a year from the James Garrioch SINCLAIR on the South Ronaldsay.net website, I think it may be the same person.  The name was always spelled "Garrick" here [in Canada], and the different birthdate is the only thing I have yet to put together.  Any help would be appreciated.

- Sharon S.

      28 Nov. 2007 -
                surnames  SUTHERLAND   FERRIER   COPLAND
                   also  BANKS   LAIRD   PARK   CURSITER . . . .

   James SUTHERLAND of South Ronaldsay married Agnes FERRIER in Edinburgh in 1848.  He was a cabinet maker. 
Seven children were born to this couple: five in Edinburgh and the youngest two in London. 
I am most keen to find the descendants of the following "vanishing" Sutherlands:  James and Agnes' eldest son, John Kenneth SUTHERLAND, baptised in Edinburgh 27 Oct 1848, married a girl from Burray, Annie Banks SUTHERLAND [born 1859, daughter of George SUTHERLAND and Annie BANKS].  John Kenneth SUTHERLAND and Annie his wife lived at Skerpie on Burray from 1879 (when they married) until at least 1915.  They were the parents of twelve children (see below list) but after 1915 --when John K & Annie B. appear as parents on the marriage certificate of one of their sons (neither listed as deceased and both still living on Burray)-- there is no further trace of them!  I had expected to find them on the ScotlandsPeople site or at least the marriage or deaths of some of their children.  I have not been successful in finding them on the passenger lists from the NA "Ancestors on Board" site either.  All are accounted for on the 1901 census but post 1915... absolutely nothing!

These are the children of John Kenneth SUTHERLAND and Annie Banks SUTHERLAND (all born Burray):- 
1. Agnes Ferrier SUTHERLAND b. 1879 m. John Robt. PARK 31 Dec 1906 Burray
2. Daniel Manson SUTHERLAND b. 1882 Farmer witness at sister's wedding.
3. George Kenneth SUTHERLAND b. 1884 m. Williamina MacINTOSH 1914 Knockbain Rosshire. (He a Professor of Botany living in Southampton England)
4. James Ferrier SUTHERLAND b. 1885 m. Isabella Faulds Constable in Glasgow in 1915 (He a marine engineer: Brother Albert also a marine engineer was witness)
5. Albert SUTHERLAND b. 1887 (witness at brother's wedding in Glasgow)
6. Johanna SUTHERLAND b. 1889 (Twin of Bessie)
7. Bessie Anderson SUTHERLAND b. 1889 (Twin of Johanna)
8. Eleanor Brock SUTHERLAND b. 1891
9. Marion Neill SUTHERLAND b. 1893
10. Winifred Henrietta SUTHERLAND b. 1895
11. Jessie SUTHERLAND b. 1897
12. Cyril Banks SUTHERLAND b. 1900

There may be a couple more children revealed by the 1911 census!

Any suggestions that might help me discover what happened to them would be very welcome.  They are really quite a remote branch of my family tree but I should like to complete the records for this family if possible!

After James SUTHERLAND's death (before 1871), Agnes and her surviving five children returned to Orkney and lived with her brother in Kirkwall.  According to Agnes' death register [Kirkwall, d. 4 Feb 1901, age 80], her parents were Robert FERRIER and his wife, Elizabeth ANDERSON.  The Informant for her death was her son-in-law, George CURSITER of Kirkwall, who had married Agnes Ferrier SUTHERLAND [daughter of James and Agnes] in 1883.

- Muriel A.
murielatkinson@rogers.com

      12 Oct. 2007 -
                surnames  McDONALD   INGLIS   LOUTTIT . . . .

   Hi, my name is Christine Stone and I am researching my family from Australia (mostly on-line).

On a recent trip to the UK I was checking the 1841/51 census for my INGLIS family and discovered that my 3 X great grand mother, Margaret McDONALD, gave her birth place as Orkney, [So?] Ronaldsay.  In 1841 she is listed as being born "in Scotland Ireland or foreign parts", as is her Father in law, James INGLIS.

In 1841 Margaret McDONALD is aged 35 living with her husband's extended family.  Margaret's husband, James INGLIS, is described as a fisherman and also aged 35 he was born in Gravesend, Kent.  They are also living with James's parents, James INGLIS --also a fisherman but probably born in Scotland (could he be from Orkney too?) and his wife, Elizabeth ADAMSON, born in Gravesend.  Two of James senior and Elizabeth's children are also there: Christian, age 20, a bonnet maker; and Andrew, aged 30, a waterman, along with his wife, Mary. 
Also present are James junior and Margaret's children:
  James- age 11
  Mary- age 9
  Elizabeth- age 7
  Harriet- age 5
  Christian Ellen- age 3 (my Great Great Grandmother, I share my name with her and her daughter Christine Helen Shunn)
  William- aged 1

All this lot are living together in Church??? in Gravesend.

In 1851 Margaret INGLIS (nee MCDONALD) is still married but her husband is at sea (he gained his master's ticket that year) and aged 45 living with her children Harriet age 15, Christian age 12, and William age 10.  They are now living in Champions Alley Gravesend; her next door neighbour Christiana Walford, age 66, is also from Scotland (looks like Lewers?dany or something).

All this would give Margaret a birth date in 1805/6.

I am wondering if anyone knows if she is the Margaret McDONALD, born to the unmarried William McDONALD, a Sailor, and Margaret LOUTTIT, the latter of So Ronaldsay.  The actual OPR for this baptism reads thus: 
"1805 - July 21st - William McDonald A Sailor and Margret Louttit in St. Margrets hope Had A Natrul Child Born A daughtar and Baptized 23rd Septr Called Margret witnesses ... [no Witnesses are listed]".

Also, does anyone know if the above Margaret LOUTTIT is the same one shown in the 1821 Census household #41, at Smiddy, near St. Margaret's Hope?

If anyone could help me out at all with this family, I would be most grateful, they have been blocked for several years.

- Christine S.
cjfrstone@optusnet.com.au

      26 Sep. 2007 -
                surnames  BROWN   CROMARTY   FLETT . . . .

   I am looking for information on the descendants of Edward BROWN and Catherine/Kethren WENWEK/WINDWICK.  My line extends from this couple to Alexander BROWN and Ann GUTHRIE, then William BROWN and Jane CROMARTY.  Jane's parents were Samuel CROMARTY and Elizabeth FLETT.  My Great Grandfather being Robert Cromarty BROWN who migrated to Australia in 1889.  Any information on any of these families would be greatly appreciated as I know nothing about them until Robert migrated to Australia.

- Jenny

      18 Jul. 2007 -
                surnames  CLOUSTON   CROMARTY   TULLOCH . . . .

   I've been able to confirm my relative Maria CROMARTY [b.16 April 1823, d.6 Jan. 1867] came from St Margaret's Hope, South Ronaldsay.  Her mother was Jean/Jane/Jessie CLOUSTON & father was John CROMARTY.
 Maria went to Australia & married in 1851 David TULLOCH born in Edinburgh c. 1829.  I'd like to discover his ancestry.  His death cert unfortunately doesn't give his parent's names.
He died aged 40 on 17 Sep. 1869 in Melbourne, Australia.
The closest match for his family is the following family in the 1841 census where there is a son David born around 1827:
David TULLOCH, 40, tailor, Fanny CLOUSTON, 35, David 14, Robert 8, Jane 15- They are living at 2 Salisbury street, St Cuthberts Parish, Midlothian.

The above David & Fanny married in 1822 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian.  In the 1851 census we learn that Fanny was born in St Margaret's Hope, Orkney Islands & husband David at Kirkwall, Orkney.  Maria CROMARTY's mother, Jean/Jane/Jessie CLOUSTON, had a sister Frances.  However, their father was Mungo CLOUSTON & in the Marriage record for Frances CLOUSTON to David TULLOCH, her father's name was given as "David" CLOUSTON.  There was a David CLOUSTON at St Margaret's Hope, around the same vintage as Mungo, brothers perhaps?  Lisa & I have only been able to find one Frances CLOUSTON in all the Orkney Parish records - actually transcribed as "Franess" born to Mungo CLOUSTAN & Peggey LIDELL on 24 APR 1797, in South Ronaldsay, Orkney.  She also had a brother David, baptised Jan 4th, 1800 at St Margaret's Hope.

What I'd like to solve - is this "Franess" the Frances CLOUSTON who married David TULLOCH in 1822 at St Cuthberts Edinburgh?  Unfortunately her death record does not give parents' names.
Their son David doesn't appear in the 1851 census with the family [nor anywhere else that I can see] - my David went to Australia in 1849, so that's another indication I'm on the right track.
Also, another clue is David & Maria named their first child Frances/Fanny, b.1852 in Melbourne, Australia.
I'm thinking David & Maria were cousins, but would love to verify it in some way.

I'd welcome any clues.

- Elizabeth G.

      18 Feb. 2007 -
                surnames  DASS   CROMARTY   DURRAN . . . .

   There was a Robert DASS who was ordained a North Parish church elder in 1831, and later "removed to America" with his family, possibly sometime in 1847 or thereabouts.  I am trying to figure out if this was the Robert DASS who married Mary CROMARTY [daughter of William CROMARTY and Elspet DURRAN] in March 1826, in the North Parish of South Ronaldsay.  At his marriage, his occupation was given as Tailor.  Mary and he are shown in the 1841 So Ronaldsay census, both shown in the age range of 35-39 yrs, and with 5 children: Betsy, 14 - James, 11 - Robert, 9 - Jane, 6 - William, 2.  Robert's occupation in this 1841 census also indicates he was a Tailor. 
Would anyone know anything more about this family?  They seem to completely disappear, as I cannot find them in the 1851 or subsequent So. Ronaldsay censuses - which is understandable, if they emigrated to America.  I think I am on the right track -- but, where did they go to in "America"?  That could mean either Canada or the USA, but I cannot find them in the 1880 US census or the 1881 Canadian census either - even if I try searching with surname DUNDASS and its variations.  Does anyone have any information on this family?

- Lisa C.
southronaldsay@southronaldsay.net


      • note from Lisa C.  --  Thank you for your help, Jim!  Not sure why I wasn't finding signs of them in the 1881 Canadian census... perhaps I stuck too much info into my query string on that site, while searching the names.  I should have simply stuck in "Dass", and probably come up with the right hits.

      3 Dec. 2006 -
                surname  LAIRD . . . .

   I'm looking for any information on my great-great grandfather, Andrew LAIRD, from So. Ronaldsay, born about 1850, and later came to United States, maybe Boston, Mass.

- Sharon R.
sreed51@hotmail.com

      27 Oct. 2006 -
                surnames  SWANSON   ADAMSON . . . .

   My Grandmother Jessie Isabella ADAMSON was born in Wick on 28 Oct 1909.  There is a connection with the SWANSON Family.  Believe a Harbour master "Sandy" is also connected.

Very grateful for any information.

- Michelle M.

      16 Oct. 2006 -
                surname  ROSIE . . . .

   Regarding the ROSIE family of Swona... 
Edward ROSIE- b. ca.1750, died 8-6-1835, m. Helen TAYLOR 1782. 
Children: George- b. Swona ca.1770 [then later to Flotta at some stage] , Edward, Catherine, Helen.

Any Swona records for Edward's family prior to 1750?
  Thank you for any assistance.

- Keith J.
lojenkins@vic.chariot.net.au

      5 Oct. 2006 -
                surnames  TULLOCH   SINCLAIR   SUTHERLAND
                               KNIGHT   LENNIE   TAIT   THOMSON
                            BROWN   DUNNET . . . .

   I am interested in trying to find old photos of, and anecdotes about, post runners, postmen, postmistresses, letter carriers, etc., and, also, the locations of post offices, for 19th-century So. Ronaldsay and Burray. 
If there is a big response to this Query (if several photos are contributed), I thought a separate photo page in the "Contributed Photographs" section of this site could be developed, just for this topic. 
Does anyone know if the locations of post offices used in the 19th-century are still in use to this day?  Were there post offices located at each main area of So. Ronaldsay, like one in Grimness, one in the 'Hope, one in Hoxa, one in Herston, one in Widewall, in Sandwick, in the South Parish, etc.?  (I'm not sure how letter delivery worked on the islands.)  Does anyone have old photos of the old post offices, or photos of past postal carriers, from about 1850-1920s or so?

In looking through the censuses for 1841-1901, there are only a handful of people named with this type of occupation: 
  -- in 1841, only one name seems to be mentioned, that of a Robert TULLOCH, born Orkney, age 50-54, at Quoys in St. Mary's parish, occupation "Post Runner".
  -- in the 1851, 1861, & 1871 censuses, no postmen or related occupations seem to be indicated (or, at least, a fellow researcher and I could not find any!).  Were there no post offices or postmen, etc., during this period?!
  -- in the 1881 census, George SINCLAIR, born So. Ronaldsay, married, age 57, at Front Road, St. Margaret's Hope, is listed as a Post Master; at East End of St. Margaret's Hope, there is a James KNIGHT, born Burray, widower, age 75, listed as a Postman; and a Jane SUTHERLAND at Westerhouse, Burray, born Burray, widow, age 50, is Postmistress.
  -- in the 1891 census, an Andrew LENNIE, found at "Howe", is noted as a Postman - according to this census, he was born in Kirkwall, was married, and age 54; and Jane SUTHERLAND shows up again, Postmistress at the "Post Office" on Burray, widow, age 60.
  -- in the 1901 census, a John TAIT, born St. Margaret's Hope, single, age 21, was noted as a "Rural Postman"; a James THOMSON born in Rendall, age 14, was located at "Mariners" (?) in the No. Parish, described as a "Letter Carrier"; a James BROWN, born So. Ronaldsay, single, age 34, at Ferry in Grimness, was a Postman; a James DUNNET, born So. Ronaldsay, single, age 33, at "Oyce, St. Margaret's Hope", was also a Postman; and Jane SUTHERLAND, widow, age 70, was still a Postmistress, this time living at Park House, Burray.

Any input would be welcomed!

- Lisa C.
southronaldsay@southronaldsay.net

      5 Sep. 2006 -
                surnames  ROSS   HOURSTON . . . .

   Do the properties listed in the Household Index for Burray still exist in today's village?  [re: "Household Index" for "Lisa's Additional Research Notes", 1821 Census] 
I am particularly interested in No. 38, Cellardyke/Silverdyke.  The occupants in 1821, John and Christian ROSS were I believe my Great Great Great Grandparents through their son William, born 1826.  He married Mary HOURSTON from Stromness, later moving to Tyne Side (South Shields) together with Mary's sister Margaret and probably also their brother John. 
Further, will local records enable me to unearth details of the previous generation- Lauchlin and Margaret, or is this too ambitious?

- Peter R.
jangus@ntlworld.com

      25 Aug. 2006 -
                surname  LOUTTIT . . . .

   I am trying to find out if anyone knows which John LOUTTIT it was that died 17th March 1844.  The Kirk Session Minutes for So. Ronaldsay and Burray have an entry, dated April 22nd, 1844, stating that he was an Elder for the Session, and that he had died on the 17th March [1844], and the Session were recording "...their deep regret for the loss they had sustained" at his passing.  I do not find a gravestone inscription listed for him in the OFHS booklet that lists Monumental Inscriptions for So. Ronaldsay and Burray.  I thought he might be one of the John LOUTTITs shown in the 1821 Census, but I do not know which one.

- Lisa C.
southronaldsay@southronaldsay.net

      25 Aug. 2006 -
                surnames  SUTHERLAND   BAIN . . . .

   Jannet or Janette (unsure of spelling) SUTHERLAND was born in Burray abt. 1831; she married James BAIN born abt.1821 from Wick, Caithness and they had three children: Johan BAIN, Willhemina BAIN and Isabella BAIN whilst living in Scotland.  Some time around 1865 they moved to England and had three more children, one of them being my gt Grandmother Jannet Sutherland BAIN b.05/10/1872. 
Jannet SUTHERLAND was keen to pass on the information to her family that she was born in Orkney yet I can find no trace of her or James BAIN before they lived in Grimsby, Lincolnshire.  I have found them in Grimsby on the 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census where her birthplace is recorded as Scotland, Isle of Burray. 
Grimsby was beginning to boom in the fishing industry when they moved here and the story passed down the family was that Granny Bain came with the herrings!!  Although unlike most of my other ancestors James BAIN was not a fisherman but a Cooper by trade. 
I am keen to discover more about their lives before moving to Lincolnshire.

- Michele C.

      18 Jul. 2006 -
                surnames  TOMISON   WINDWICK . . . .

    TOMISONS AT HALCRO -

'Lisa's Additional Research Notes' [for the 1821 Census] are of interest to me... please see: 
The 1821 Census, Household no.62, TAFTINGA:
Malcolm Windwick age 54,
Barbara (M.S. Tomison) age 66,
Ann Tamison age 36,
Jean Tamison age 8,
John Tamison age 24.

Barbara "Tamison" was married at "Halcro", the home of my TOMISON ancestors.  The witnesses are Donald Tomison and Alexander Horne.
Would anyone know if this Barbara TOMISON was a sister of the TOMISON siblings I talk about in this previous Query?  Could this Barbara be a sister of Governor William TOMISON and his younger brother, Donald?  And could the Edward TOMISON also mentioned in that same previous Query of mine, be a sibling of these other TOMISONs as well? Barbara appears to have been born in 1755, the year a birth is registered for an Ann TOMISON born to John TOMISON at Thurrigar 15 Nov 1755 [O.P.R.].  (No further trace of Ann.)

There is no information about the parentage, birth, marriage or death of John TOMISON, father of Governor William TOMISON.  The first mention of John is in the Kirk Session Records, of South Kirk, South Ronaldsay:-
 19-10-1737... John Tamisone paid of marriage money 14/-
  25-12-1737... John Tamisone's marriage money 1 pound

There does not seem to be a birth record for Gov. William TOMISON but references to his birth are as follows: 
Dictionary of Canadian Biography: "TOMISON, William [fl 1739-1811], fur-trader, was born in South Ronaldsay, an island of The Orkney Group in 1739 and was apprenticed to the Hudson's Bay Company in 1760.  [...] He retired to England in 1811 and would appear to have died not long afterwards."

William endowed a school near Gossigar, a farm in the South Parish which he indicated in legal documents was the area in which he was born.
There is no birth record of Donald TOMISON but he is mentioned in the legal documents pertaining to Gov. William TOMISON's estate.  His burial record would have him born circa 1761.  Donald married Margaret ROSIE at St. Mary's Church, South Parish 10-2-1787 (witnesses Malcolm Rosie, William Gray). 
Other parish records which mention TOMISONs of "Halcro" about the time of Barbara Tamison's marriage to Malcolm WINDWICK in 1791 are:
 - William, eldest child of Donald TOMISON and Margaret ROSIE, born at "Halcro", 8-3-1789, with witnesses John Rosie and Gilbert Tomison (Gilbert Tamson).  (Was this Gilbert related?)
 - Anne [1792-1880] (daughter of Donald TOMISON & Margaret ROSIE), christened 1 Feb 1792, "Halcro", witnesses: John Tamison, Alex Horn.
 - John, second son of Donald TAMISON and Margaret ROSIE, baptised at "Halcro" 6-3-1796, witnesses James Tamison and Malcolm Winwick.  (Was this James also a relative?)
 - Elizabeth (Betty) [1799-1876] (daughter of Donald HORN & Margaret ROSIE), christened 17 Feb 1799, Halcro, witnesses: Alexander Horn, Malcom Winwik.
 - Thomas, youngest son of Donald TAMISON and Margaret ROSIE, born at "Halcro" 17-6-1802, witnesses Malcolm Winwick and Alex Horn. 
From then on the TOMISONs were tenants of "Halcro" until the death of John TOMISON in 1959. 
I am interested in knowing of further evidence which might link these possible siblings.

- Vicki B.
victoriabox@bigpond.com

      7 Jul. 2006 -
                surname  GOODFELLOW . . . .

   I'm trying to locate descendants of Rev. Alexander GOODFELLOW, who was born in Lochee, Dundee in the 1850's and who was minister in the South Parish of South Ronaldsay, Orkney.  He died in 1927.  Although he married Barbara SUTHERLAND from Wick, they had no children.  However, the 1901 census lists them as living with two young nephews so there may be surviving descendants through that line.  I'm trying, more in hope than expectation, to find out about Rev. GOODFELLOW's antiquarian activities in South Ronaldsay.  It's just possible that descendants might have family papers or correspondence in their possession relating to such matters.
Thanks.

- Martin C.
Martin.Carruthers@orkney.uhi.ac.uk


      • response from Lisa C.  --  Hello Martin:  One of SouthRonaldsay.net's Photo Contributors has this photo on-line:
http://www.SouthRonaldsay.net/1821/notes/stone-JL~8464.html
which, after you view it, you might wonder also if any descendants of the unnamed friends of Rev. Goodfellow mentioned on his memorial plaque might also have correspondence or papers that could relate to the Rev. Goodfellow.  Someone familiar with St. Mary's Parish Church and its history might know how to find out who erected the Goodfellow plaque at the church. 
 One of your best bets would be to contact the principal archivist, Alison Fraser, at The Orkney Library & Archives in Kirkwall:  http://www.orkneylibrary.org.uk/html/archive.htm
 According to the book, "The Soul of an Orkney Parish", by Rev. Stuart D.B. Picken (printed and published by The Kirkwall Press in 1972), page 103, Rev. Goodfellow was a member of the Viking Orcadian Society, the School Board and the Orkney Education Authority, and also published several works:
    Good Success (Sermon)   Kirkwall  1883
    Birsay Church History   Kirkwall  1903
    Sanday Church History   Kirkwall  1912
    Gerard Church History   Kirkwall  1916
    Dr. Paterson   Leith  1920
    Two Orkney Pulpit Worthies   Stromness  1925

      21 May 2006 -
                surnames  McGUFFIE   MORISON   CROMARTY . . . .

   Peter McGUFFIE [1805-  ] was born in Wigtown to parents James McGUFFOG [sic] and Sarah STEVENSON.  He was ordained as a minister in December 1830 in Glasgow.  Called to the South Ronaldsay United Secession Congregation.  His first marriage was in Glasgow 1831 to Agnes MORISON of Barony (O.P.R., Glasgow).  They had two daughters: 
(1) Margaret Morison [1832-1881] who married William Horn TOMISON in 1852 in Glasgow and emigrated to New South Wales a month later, never to return.  William was the heir to Gov. William Tomison's estate and Margaret gave a speech at the laying of the foundation stone of the new school rooms of Tomison's School in 1851 (when she was about 19 years old). 
(2) Agnes [1834-1900].  Her mother died 3 days after her birth.  She was a spinster, who devoted her life to looking after her invalid half-sister, Jessie.

Peter McGUFFIE married his second wife, Jessie CROMARTY, daughter of Robert CROMARTY and Helen McBEATH, at South Ronaldsay 1838.  They had four children: 
(1) James [1840-57] - an apprentice, drowned in the wreck of the "Dunbar" in Sydney (mother's tombstone). 
(2) William Cromarty [1842-65] born Lerwick, died in Calcutta (mother's tombstone). 
(3) Helen Sarah [1844-  ] born Lerwick, married William SMITH (a minister) 1862. They had several children, some of whom seemed to have emigrated to Canada. 
(4) Jessie [1848-  ] born Lerwick.  She was living with her uncle, James CROMARTY in 1871.  Was also looked after by her half-sister, Agnes, for 30 years (according to a letter written by Jessie after Agnes' death).  She apparently did not long survive Agnes.

Peter McGUFFIE went to Lerwick in 1840 to moderate in a dispute, then received a call.  He was loosed from South Ronaldsay, 1841.  He died 1849 age 42 and left a widow and four young children unprovided for.  His wife, Jessie, died a few years later in 1852, age 40 (the same year her step-daughter Margaret got married and went to Australia).

I am interested in knowing more about this family.

- Vicki B.
victoriabox@bigpond.com

      21 May 2006 -
                surnames  TOMISON   ROSIE . . . .

   Donald TOMISON [chr.1761-1842], youngest child of John TOMISON, and brother of Governor William TOMISON.  He probably spent most of his life at the South Parish farm, "Halcro".  There was a contemporary Donald TOMISON living in South Ronaldsay, probably a cousin (a farmer of "Crook", b.1771).

Donald married Margaret ROSIE [1759-1826] at St. Mary's Church, South Parish 10 Feb 1787 (Margaret was a daughter of John ROSIE, of Barsick [sic], South Parish and probably Anne DUNCAN, who married a John ROSIE 5 March 1753).

Donald & Margaret had five known children (O.P.R. and headstones):- 
  (1) William [1789-1832], married Jane HORNE - he became the heir to Gov. William TOMISON's estate, before dying suddenly. 
  (2) Anne [1792-1880].  Christened at "Halcro", witnesses, John Tamison, Alex Horn.  Died at St Margaret's Hope, age 86, widow of Donald BUDGE, house carpenter - master.  Donald died 1865 at St Margaret's Hope, age 88, occupation - proprietor, son of John BUDGE & Margaret COGLE.  Informant to both deaths - Thomas Budge, son.  Children: (a) William - b.1811; (b) John - chr.1813; (c) Margaret [1816-1832]; (d) Ann Stewart - b.1818; (e) Thomas Ford - b.1821; (f) female stillborn - 1833; (g) James Budge - died age 7 months 1835. 
  (3) John [1796-1882], married Isabella Fea MILLER, 1823.  Children (a) John - b.1824, probably died in infancy; (b) Mary - b.1826, married Malcolm SINCLAIR of Windwick, had 7 children born in South Ronaldsay then emigrated to North America; (c) Richard Miller [1827-81] bachelor, worked at "Halcro" with younger brother, John; (d) James Cromarty [1833-63], married Elizabeth Adamson BUDGE of Brough in 1858; (e) John [1844-1925] became tenant of "Halcro" in 1870, married Catherine ROBERTSON of Grutha in 1872.  5 children. 
  (4) Elizabeth [1799-1876] - Married 1822 to James DUNNET of Lyth (parents James DUNNET & Margaret TOMISON). Children: (a) Margaret [1823-83], married William WINDWICK; (b) Catharine [1827-74], married Magnus HALCRO; (c) James [1829-88], married Jane Annal. 
  (5) Thomas [1802-75] - have all information.

I would like to know more about Donald's parents and his wife Margaret ROSIE and her family. Also whether they had any other children and grandchildren than is listed above.

- Vicki B.
victoriabox@bigpond.com

      18 May 2006 -
                surnames  HORNE   TOMISON . . . .

   Alexander HORN married Cisely (Cecilia, Sisely) DUNCAN in Flaws on 4 Dec. 1782 in the South Parish, South Ronaldsay.  Alexander was described on his daughter's death certificate as a blacksmith.  I have not found anything of his origins.  Cecillia was the daughter of George and Elizabeth DUNCAN.
Alexander died in 1804 and Cecillia remarried to Malcolm GROAT [b.1760] and she died in 1846. 
Alexander & Cecillia's children: 
1. George [chr.1791]. 
2. Jane [1796-1865].  Married William TOMISON (heir to Gov. William TOMISON) on 19 Dec. 1815, South Parish.  Jane & William lived at "Halcro" until at least 1823 and by 1827 were living with Gov. TOMISON in "Dundas House".  They had 6 children: Jane [1818-51], William [1820-96], John [1823-57], Margaret Rosie [1825-81], Charles Duncan [1828-98], Mary [1830-54] most of whom died in N.S.W.  Jane also seemed to have looked after two nephews, William & Thomas Horn (probably the sons of her brother James) and her niece Mary Thomson Horne (daughter of her brother, Alexander).  Mary went to Australia with Jane and three of Jane's children and returned to Orkney just before Jane's death.  Thomas was probably the witness to his cousin, Margaret Rosie TOMISON's death, and called himself Thomas H. TOMISON, brother.  Jane was also looking after her step-father Malcolm GROAT when he was 91 (1851 Census). 
3. Sissely [1797-before 1835] - probably married Thomas LOUTTIT, 1822. 
4. James [1799-  ]  Probably a cooper.  Probably married Isabella SYMISON [b.1811].  Three sons: James [b.1831, alive 1866], William Tomison [chr.1836] probably perished in the "Dunbar" disaster 1857, Thomas Hutton [chr.1837]. 
5. Alexander [1801-43] of Aikers married Michal THOMSON [1802-83] of Brough 1829.  Seven children: Margaret [chr.1829], Alexander [1832-1922] & twin Sisily (Cecilia) [1832-1931], Jane/Jean [chr.1834], Michael (Michel - female) [chr. 1836], John Thomason [chr. 1839], Mary Thomison [1843-1879], see Jane above. 
6. Michael [1822-  ] - 1851 Census, farmer of Acres, St Margaret's Hope.

I am interested in any further information about this family.
My ancestors are Jane HORNE & William TOMISON.

- Vicki B.
victoriabox@bigpond.com

      17 May 2006 -
                surname  TOMISON . . . .

   My query is about the children of John TOMISON of South Ronaldsay:- 
The earliest mention of John TOMISON may have been:
 19-10-1737... John Tamisone paid of marriage money 14/-
  25-12-1737... John Tamisone's marriage money 1 pound

John had five known children:-
(1)  William [1739-1829] - b. Gossigar  (Governor TOMISON).
      (More if you need it) 
(2)  John - quoted as the next brother in proceedings of a law suit contesting the Governor's will, which suit was instigated by John's eldest son, William, as the Governor's heir-apparent.  No obvious clues to the later fate of this branch are known and it is felt likely that it died out after the court case, or is to-day represented by TOMISONs of Hoxa. 
(3)  Ann - b. Thurrigar 15-11-1755  [O.P.R.] 
(4)  Elspeth (Elizabeth) [1758-1849] - b. Thurrigar 20-10-1758  [O.P.R.]
Married Edward CHALMERS [1777-1836] - their daughter Anne [1800-1887] married James LOUTIT [1799-1875]. 
(5)  Donald [1761-1842] - ?  - named after a son of John ROSIE, b.1750, or after a Tamison forebear.  Married Margaret ROSIE (more if you need it) [O.P.R.]

There were two children during this period born to a John TOMISON, Linklater, South Parish - this may be the same John, for Linklater is only about 2 miles from Thurrigar and Gossigar.
   i) Jean - b. 14-10-1752 - nothing is known of her.
   ii) Edward - b. 2-7-1756.  There is a mention of an Edward Thomison, farmer of Brough, South Ronaldsay, in Orkney Processes of 1788.  A Katherine Rosie, relict of Magnus Grey, farmer, petitioned for letters of lawburrows against Edward, for fear of bodily harm, deadly malice and ill-will to Katherine, and threats to her life.  The letters were issued and Edward was fined 200 merks.

Is there any more information about these children, particularly John, whose son William contested the Governor's will.

- Vicki B.
victoriabox@bigpond.com

      30 Mar. 2006 -
                surname  LYALL . . . .

   In the 1851 census in Wick, Caithness, visiting with "my" LYALLs is a Christina (actually shown as "Chirstina") LYALL - aged 21 and shown as visitor, born South Ronaldsay - no other details.  I'm trying to trace this Christina to see if there is a family relationship - I can find nothing further - no marriage, birth record, etc.  I see some LYALLs in later years in South Ronaldsay but the Alex. LYALL would seem to originate in Canisbay Parish.  Does anyone have any information re: this surname in the parish?

- Agnes C.
wickers@ns.sympatico.ca

      17 Feb. 2006 -
                surname  SUTHERLAND . . . .

   I am looking for a photograph of the house at the "Bu of Burray" which was residence of my nasty ancestor 1780's thru till 1820's, when he wasn't hob knobbing in London.
[The Bu of Burray] is still standing, I believe.  Earlier it belonged to the "notable Stewarts!!"  My ancestor is said to have lowered the height by removing the top floor.

- Barbara S.
KBarbara.Stirling@xtra.co.nz

      31 Jan. 2006 -
                surnames  BROWN & PETRIE,  FLETT & BROWN . . . .

   I have found the marriage of John Scott BROWN, son of Magnus BROWN and Margaret SCOTT, to Mary PETRIE in 1868, daughter of Hugh PETRIE and Barbara GRAY, South Ronaldsay.  Does anyone have children for this couple?  I have one child only, Hugh Petrie BROWN, born May 1869.  I am also interested to find out if Jane BROWN, John S. BROWN's sister, who married John FLETT [in] March 1875, had any children?

- Ann D.
alexander@doig1476.fsnet.co.uk

      31 Jan. 2006 -
                surnames  SPENCE   ROBERTSON   GUTCHER . . . .

   Just for my own knowledge (and for the knowledge of anyone who may be interested), I am curious if anyone knows what happened to master mariner, George Robertson SPENCE/SPENSE and his family. 
George Robertson SPENCE/SPENSE, son of George "SPENSE", Fisherman in Herston, and his wife, Mary ROBERTSON, was born on South Ronaldsay in July of 1843.  He apparently emigrated to Port Huron (or possibly Port Dover?), Canada.  A marriage record transcription for him found at this web site  < http://www.nornet.on.ca/~jcardiff/index1.html >  states that he, as a 29-yr-old widower, married Elizabeth JACQUES (she of Port Dover) in 1874.  The Witnesses to this marriage were George P. WIGGINS and George GUTCHER, both of Port Dover. 
The reason I am curious about where George R. SPENCE went, and also his about his career as a captain, is that I believe that the 2nd Witness noted for his marriage in Canada was George GUTCHER of Gunnerhill, South Ronaldsay, a son of James GUTCHER and his wife, Catherine GUTCHER.  This George GUTCHER also moved to the Port Dover area, marrying [Cyntheria?] MARR about a month after George R. SPENCE's marriage (e.g. also in 1874). 
George GUTCHER was also a master mariner, and I think for a very short time, sailed with my own gg-grandfather, Capt. George BUDGE, also of South Ronaldsay.  I know several visitors of this web site who are connected in some way with this GUTCHER family line, and I think they might be curious to know if George GUTCHER and George Robertson SPENCE ever sailed together on any ships. 
Also, I am wondering if anyone knows who George Robertson SPENCE's first wife was??  Perhaps she was also a South Ronaldsay stray...

- Lisa C.
southronaldsay@southronaldsay.net

      27 Nov. 2005 -
                surnames  ANDERSON   McKAY . . . .

   I am searching for the death of Thomas ANDERSON who married Ann McKAY 3 Dec 1840 S Ron & Burray.  Thomas ANDERSON is listed as deceased on his son Hugh's death certificate in 1858.

- Joy M.
jmo22829@bigpond.net.au

      25 Nov. 2005 -
                surnames  MAXWELL (Longhope, Walls) . . . .
             also SINCLAIR   MATCHES   ANDERSON   CLOAD
               (the latter from So. Ronaldsay, & then Walls) . . . .

   Looking for anyone who can provide information or assistance in locating information related to an incident which occurred in Longhope Harbor in 1882, aboard the ship Benalder.  My ancestor, Thomas MAXWELL purportedly committed suicide on January 10th, 1882 by jumping overboard.  However, I have conflicting reports of the incident.  The Orcadian newspaper reported it on 14 January as a suicide, while The Scotsman newspaper reported that Thomas was blown overboard by a gust of westerly wind.  I would be interested in any additional information or accounts of this incident including whether or not the body was ever recovered and where Thomas might have been buried.

- Karen
ksteel@optonline.net


      • NOTE from Lisa C./SouthRonaldsay.net  --  In 1810, about 6 years before James SINCLAIR [son of John SINCLAIR & Barbara ANNAL] married Barbara GROAT [daughter of Malcom GROAT & Giles BARNET], James and Margaret MUNRO (a Domestic Servant), had a "natural" daughter named Jane SINCLAIR.

In 1849, this Jane SINCLAIR married Charles MATCHES [son of James MATCHES & Margaret FIRTH]; in 1873 one of their daughters, Barbara MATCHES, married John ANDERSON [son of James ANDERSON & Margory/Mary HEDDLE].

At least by 1881, John ANDERSON & Barbara MATCHES had moved from South Ronaldsay to Hackness, Longhope:

(source: 1881 Walls Census, FHL microfilm #0203399, GROS ref. Vol.032-1, EnumDist 4, Pg.5)

"Ref. No. 13041; Census Place: Walls and Flotta, Orkney"

Dwelling: "Heckness" [sic - should be "Hackness"] --
- John Anderson-Head-Male-Married-age 39-Farmer of 10 Acres Arable-born Walls.
- Barbra Anderson-Wife-Female-Married-age 28-Farmer's Wife-born So. Ronaldsay.
- Jane Anderson-Daughter-Female-age 6-Scholar-born Walls.
- Mary Anderson-Daughter-Female-age 4-born Walls.
- Hellen Norquoy-General Servant-Female-Unmarried-age 12-born Flotta.


John ANDERSON & Barbara MATCHES' daughter, Mary Heddle ANDERSON, shown as age 4 in the 1881 Census, later married William CLOAD [son of James CLOAD & Sarah Ann/Ann FRY] in 1895, Walls, Orkney.  It was this William CLOAD who served at the Longhope Battery as a Gunner and artillery man, and who was the caretaker and later owner of the place in the early decades of the 20th-century.  A "Mr. J. Cload", William's grandson, later became an owner of the site.  Some of this information comes from the book, "The Longhope Battery and Towers" by R.P. Fereday, printed in 1971.

Karen's Query to SouthRonaldsay.net focuses around the time period of January 1882, and, because of this, I wondered if family descendants of John ANDERSON/Barbara MATCHES, or the William CLOAD/Mary H. ANDERSON family, all of Longhope but with roots in South Ronaldsay, would possibly have any letters, notes, papers, or information handed down to them, regarding this January of 1882 death of Thomas MAXWELL from the ship Benalder.


The ANDERSONs were shown living at Hackness, Walls, in the 1891 Census as well:

(source: 1891 Walls Census, GROS reference #032/01 004/000)

"Civil Parish of Walls and Flotta, School Board District of Walls and Flotta, Parliamentary Division of Orkney and Shetland, Island of South Walls"

[27]--"Hackness" --

- John Anderson-Head-Married-age 49-Farmer-born Walls-working on own account-2 Windows.
- Barbra Anderson-Wife-Married-age 37-Farmer's Wife-born So.Ronaldsay.
- Jean Anderson-Daughter-Unmarried-age 16-Farmer's Daughter-born Walls.
- James Anderson-Son-age 9-Scholar-born Walls.

      10 Nov. 2005 -
                surnames  PEEBLES   GARRIOCH   WYLIE   ROSIE
                              TAYLOR   BARNET   ANDERSON   ALLAN . . . .

   James PEEBLES b.abt 1755, m. Barbara GARRIOCH,
 and they had 6 children:

- Robert PEEBLES b.12 Mar 1784, m. Mary WYLIE.
- Ann PEEBLES b.31 Oct 1785, m. George ROSIE 7 Nov 1807.
- Barbara PEEBLES b.14 Jan 1788.
- Helen PEEBLES b.1789, m. Corbet TAYLOR 26 Feb 1814.
- William PEEBLES b.9 Jan 1792, m.(1) Elizabeth BARNET 8 Mar 1823 - m.(2) Betty ANDERSON 1829.
- Sutherland PEEBLES b.9 Jan 1794, d.1859, m. Barbara ALLEN 7 Mar 1821 (on 1821 Census couple at No 2 Northhouse Swona).

I really need all the help anyone can give me especially info about James PEEBLES & Barbara GARRIOCH.

Many Thanks.

- Shyama P.

      6 Nov. 2005 -
                surname  MENZIES  & several unknown persons . . . .
              (special Query submitted to SouthRonaldsay.net)

   - Jim M.

      5 Nov. 2005 -
                surnames  MOWAT   SUTHERLAND   MUNRO
                                CROMARTY   GUTCHER   GRAY . . . .

   I am researching these [above listed] names, all from South Ronaldsay pre-1850.  I have census info from this great site (thanks Lisa!) but hope to make contact with descendants or fellow researchers.  I have John MOWAT (1765-?) m. Isabella SUTHERLAND (1764-?) in 1790/1 in Caithness.
Their son John MOWAT (1801-1877) m. Barbara MUNRO in 1825 (dates unknown), then m. Margaret CROMARTY (1811-1877).
John & Barbara's 7 children were born in South Ronaldsay.  John was a blacksmith and the family lived at Ganally  [note from Lisa C. -- this was actually notated as "Grinally" in the 1841 Census - I believe this is known as "Grindley" today].
John, Margaret and the children came to Australia on board Marco Polo in 1852, along with eldest son John's wife Catherine LOUTTIT.  John and Margaret's first born girl (Robina) died of measles on the voyage, aged 1 yr; they had another 3 daughters born in Victoria.  Son John returned to Orkney with wife Catherine after the death of their son in Australia at age 3.
John & Barbara's eldest, Jane MOWAT (1825-1878) m. Thomas GUTCHER (1820-1864), son of Thomas GUTCHER & Helen/Ellen GRAY, also of South Ronaldsay.  Thomas and Helen were married in Brough in 1810.  The GUTCHER family farmed at Gunnerhill.  Jane & Thomas were my husband's grt grt grandparents.
If you have links to any of these surnames, or additional information,
I would love to hear from you!

- Cherilyn M.
molli_pops@yahoo.com.au

      10 Oct. 2005 -
                surnames  SCOTT   ROSIE   KELLOCK . . . .

   I am trying to trace my great grandmother who was called Helen SCOTT, and she was born in or near St. Margaret's Hope on a farm or house called "The Quay".  She married a William KELLOCK.  Her sisters were Johann or Joanne who married an Italian Prisoner of War by the name of ROSIE or ROSSI, and her other sisters were Kate who settled in Alloa and Jean.  One sister also went to America.  Helen SCOTT went into service to Dr. PARK and I would be very very grateful if anyone knows of any connections to this family.

- Margaret S.

      7 Oct. 2005 -
                surnames  HOSSACK   CAMPBELL   DAVIDSON
                                DENNISON   PARK   McKAY . . . .

   I am interested in finding the date and place of the deaths of Robert HOSSACK and his wife Margaret Hossack (nee CAMPBELL).  They are listed in the 1821 census at Leith on Burray aged 63 with their son William.  I think Robert may have died about 1830.  The family came from Reay in Caithness about the turn of the century.  There was certainly other children than William:  Hugh married Betsy DAVIDSON; and Sutherland who married Barbara DENNISON in Stronsay; Charlotte married Isaac PARK in Burray; Alexander who married Diana McKAY in Wick.

- Lesley H.

      30 Sep. 2005 -
                surname  CUMMING . . . .

   I've been trying to track down the family history of my husband's great-grandfather, Alick CUMMING, born about 1840, Orkney, according to the 1891 England census.  By the time of his marriage (Fulham, London) in 1884 he was a railway inspector, and his father, James CUMMING was deceased.  It's hard to make out whether his father's occupation was Sailor or Tailor.
I have looked for a likely birth on Scotlands People, and in a listing of Orcadian christenings, but I can't find an appropriate Alick/Alex/Alexander with father James, even if I look quite a bit further back.  It is possible that he was lying about his age, as his wife was quite a few years his junior.
There are a couple of candidates for James, including the one aged 42 in [the 1821 Census], weaver, at Taftnickie, Sandwick.  Another James (his son?), aged 18, is a servant of James SINCLAIR, farmer at Kirk.  Either could have sired a son in 1840.  There is a further James CUMMING (b. abt 1804, m. Margaret LEITH, lived at Biggings/Eastside) in your pages, but, as he died in 1890, I am apt to dismiss him as Alick's father.
I'd be very pleased to hear from anyone with links to Alick/James -- especially if you can tell me some more about them.

- Deborah M.

      15 Sep. 2005 -
                surnames  CORSIE/CORSTON    WISHART . . . .

   I have been searching for this elusive man, William CORSIE, or CORSTON, who married Jane WISHART (from Orphir) in 1871, in Orphir. 
Several censuses state that William was born in South Ronaldsay, but I am beginning to wonder if he was born in South Ronaldsay at all - maybe not?  I just cannot find him anywhere.  I even tried the IGI for the whole of Scotland, and had someone also search South Ronaldsay's Parish Registers for his birth, and he didn't show up anywhere.
The censuses suggest his parents were a William CORSTON/CORSY/CORSIE - b. Kirkwall/St. Ola; mother's first name was Isabella - b. St. Andrews... both possibly born circa 1815-1816. 
CORSIE is a name in Rousay and I thought he might be connected to that island but so far nothing seems to place him there either.  Also the surname may not be Corsie or Corstan and could be something sounding similar, or a totally mis-spelt name?  I have tried all the different spellings and soundalikes I could think of, and nothing found.  I have asked an expert on Orphir matters if he knows anything and am awaiting a reply. 
William CORSIE and Jane WISHART's children, all born in Orphir, were:  Jane Rosina Wishart Corsie, b. 20 Jul 1872;  Ann Wishart Corsie, b. Abt. 1874 in Orphir, Orkney [IGI shows her born 21.10.1873 at Firth & Stenness?];  William Corsie, b. Abt. 1875;  Jemima Corsie, b. Abt. 1877;  Ellen Corsie, b.1881. 
If you are connected to this family, and know of William CORSIE's birth and birthplace, please contact me!

- Marion M.

      15 Sep. 2005 -
                surnames  SCOTT   SINCLAIR   TAYLOR
                                 ROSS   BROWN . . . .

   My great grandfather was George Brown SCOTT born 2/23/1873 in South Ronaldsay, St Margaret's Hope, Purgator.  He was the baby of a large family and the son of Charles SCOTT and Ann SINCLAIR.  I cannot find out when they were married - does anyone know?  and who there parents were? and what happened to them and the rest of the family?
These are the names:  Jane SCOTT born 2/25/1852, died in 1872 age 20.  Charles SCOTT born 12/18/1853.  Jessie SCOTT born 4/3/1856, died same year, I think.  John SCOTT born 5/28/1857.  Jessie SCOTT born 3/30/1859.  James SCOTT born 6/20/1863, who came to the United States.  William Taylor SCOTT born 4/29/1866.  Ann SCOTT born 5/10/1869, died at 6 week old.  Mary Ann Sinclair SCOTT born 8/18/1870.  And then my Great Grandfather, George Brown SCOTT. 
Does anyone have any information on this family?  I am really interested in the parents, Charles and Ann.  Who there parents where and also what happen to Charles and Ann.  Thank you for your help.

- Rosie
rostur@aol.com


      • response from Lisa C.  --  You'll find a few answers to some of your questions on my 1821 Census web site, within the "Lisa's Additional Research Notes" section, at Household #142 in Grimness. 

      10 Sep. 2005 -
                surnames  GROAT   THOMSON   TAYLOR . . . .

   I have an Elizabeth GROAT m. Robert THOMSON on 6 July 1802.  Elizabeth was born in Herston 1790, her parents were John GROAT and Jane TAYLOR - does anyone have information on these parents?
On the 1821 Census, at Blanster, Orrigare No. 101 is John GROAT, age 62 and Janet GROAT, age 49... are these Elizabeth's parents?

- Sandra W.
sandra24@bigpond.net.au


      • response from Lisa C.  --  Sandra:  I have a theory that the John and Janet Groat at 1821 Census Household #101 in Blanster were the pair that married on 3 March 1812, South Ronaldsay... e.g. "Jennet Rossie" who married John Groat.  But because I do not yet know this for sure, I have not put this on my Census site.  Can anyone out there, familiar with GROATs, verify that the Janet at this Household was Janet ROSSIE/ROSIE, and not "Jane TAYLOR"?

      16 Aug. 2005 -
                surnames  MORISON   McGUFFIE   CROMARTY . . . .

   I have the will of John MORISON of Glasgow (my ggg grandfather) written in July 1832 in which he left money for his daughter Mrs Agnes MORISON (maiden name) wife of Reverend Peter McGUFFIE Minister of the Gospel in South Ronaldsay.  They were married in Barony, Glasgow on 1 August 1831.  In 1842 he updated the will to give money to the late Mrs McGUFFIE's two children.  It is very likely that this is the same Peter McGUFFIE that married Jessie CROMARTIE (CROMARTY, CROMERTY) 17 Sept 1838 in South Ronaldsay.  The new couple had James in South Ronaldsay and then Helen, Sarah, and William CROMART[Y] in Lerwick in Shetland.  The IGI gives Peter McGUFFIE as being married to Jessie in Wigton, South Ronaldsay and gives him as son of James McGUFFIE, or McDUFFIE, and Sarah STEVESON but I suspect some guess work here.  I would really like to know more about the two children of Agnes; who were they and where did they go?

- Ken M.
ken.morison@canterbury.ac.nz

      12 Aug. 2005 -
                surnames  BUDGE   LINKLATER   SYMISON . . . .

   I am looking for information on the birth dates of Donald BUDGE, born Sandwick around 1759 and Jannet LINKLETER/ LINKLETTER/ LINKLATER/ LINKLATTER, born Flotta, around 1760.  They married on 12th February 1788.  Their children are William, 3rd May 1795 - 11th April 1867, Donald, 5th May 1798 - prior to 23/12/1841 when his wife was married for 2nd time & Thomas, 14th May 1801 - 8th Dec 1878.  I am also looking for any information on Margaret SYMISON who married William BUDGE on 1 April 1823.

- Yvonne R.
Nonnymw@aol.com

      8 Aug. 2005 -
                surname  PETRIE . . . .

   I am looking for all PETRIE's from Orkney.

- Janine M.

      2 Aug. 2005 -
                surnames  SPENCE   WYLIE . . . .

   Does anyone have any knowledge regarding the date of death of Isabella SPENCE (or SPENSE), who was the spouse of William WYLIE?  I am hoping someone has viewed her gravestone, which is likely located at St. Peter's Churchyard on South Ronaldsay.  Either that, or a descendant has her death noted in a family bible or a family record of some sort?
William married Isabella on 29th July 1794.

- Lisa C.
southronaldsay@southronaldsay.net

      30 June 2005 -
                surname  ANDERSON . . . .

   I'm trying to determine what happened to Peter ANDERSON, son of Thomas ANDERSON and Elspet PETER  b.15 Jan 1835, Burray.  He appears in the 1841 census at 403 Burray with his parents and siblings and then disappears.  I cannot locate him in subsequent census for SR&Burray.
Perhaps he died???
Any help would be appreciated.

- Joy M.
jmo22829@bigpond.net.au

      17 June 2005 -
                surname  ANDERSON . . . .

   In the 1851 census for S Ron & Burray, Mary ANDERSON is living at 2 North Hill Burray. With her is daughter Christian 10 yrs occupation, message girl.  Apart from this entry I can find NO trace of her in the Orkney OPR [Baptism, marriage or death].  Is anyone able to tell me what became of her, & possibly her father's name?

- Joy M.
jmo22829@bigpond.net.au

      17 June 2005 -
                surnames  SCOTT   GUNN   ROSIE . . . .

   I have found the marriage of John Brown GUNN and Betsy ROSIE - April 1879 at Silverdyke (or it could be Sillardyke) Burray.  Parents for Betsy are James ROSIE and Betsy ROSS.  I wonder if this is the same James ROSIE and Elizabeth ROSS married 7th Dec 1837 South Ronaldsay?
I am also still searching for James SCOTT, son of John SCOTT and May FLETT - he was living at "Quoyeden" in the 1841 census, age 5yrs, but can find no more about him.

- Ann D.
alexander@doig1476.fsnet.co.uk

      16 June 2005 -
                surnames  NORQUAY   ANDERSON . . . .

   I am trying to find out what happened to Samuel NORQUAY who is listed in the 1861 census at 11/43 Hillhouse with his mother Mary ANDERSON b. 1818, Cromarty, Ross & Cromarty.  Mary is listed as the head.  Also in the household are Mary's daughter Mary Stenson/[Stevenson] [23], son Thomas Guthrie[4], and Grandson Peter Allan[1].  I am unable to find a marriage or death for Samuel.

- Joy M.
jmo22829@bigpond.net.au


      • response from Lisa C.  --  Hi Joy:  A man who does Norquay geneal. has this link from his web site:
http://www.ingavoe.free-online.co.uk/norquay/reports/186100104.htm

      14 June 2005 -
                surnames  BANKS   LAIRD . . . .

   I have been trying to find an entry for the marriage of James BANKS and Mary LAIRD in Burray c1837 in the ScotlandsPeople website along with several other sites, but they all say "about 1837" or possibly 1836.  Any help would be great along with any other info about the BANKS/LAIRD families.

Thank you

- Fiona M.
MackayFL@aol.com

      13 June 2005 -
                surnames  ROSIE   ANDERSON   PETER . . . .

   I am trying to establish whether or not the Christina ANDERSON who married Peter ROSIE, 17 Nov 1853, was the daughter of Thomas ANDERSON and Elspet PETER[s].  Christian ANDERSON was christened 28 May 1825, Clyne, Sutherland.

- Joy M.
jmo22829@bigpond.net.au


      • response from Lisa C.  --  Yes, she was a daughter of Thomas ANDERSON and his wife, Elspet PETER... Peter ROSIE was a son of James ROSIE and his wife, Jane BRUCE.

      5 June 2005 -
                surnames  PETRIE   SUTHERLAND   SIMPSON . . . .

   Regarding the PETRIE family who lived at South Breck on Burray:  I am trying to trace the marriage of James PETRIE born circa 1801/06 to Elizabeth SUTHERLAND born circa 1801/11.  Also trying to trace the births/baptisms of both of them.  The parents of James appear to be William PETRIE and Barbara SIMPSON.  Any information regarding this family would be much appreciated.

- Jackie H.

      4 June 2005 -
                surnames  BREMNER   LAIRD . . . .

   I am researching the family of William BREMNER and Jane LAIRD, who lived on Burray.  In the South Ronaldsay and Burray 1841 Census, they had moved to Gallowhill and are listed along with William, James, Sinclair, Jane, and Andrew BREMNER at Burray Household #9/6.  The elder William BREMNER was born in Wick, Caithness, and his wife, Jane, was born in Stroma (Parish of Canisbay, Caithness), but at least one of their children [Andrew] was noted as having been baptized on South Ronaldsay/Burray.  My inquiry is:  do we have any present descendants of this William and Jane still in Orkney?

- Charlie P.
charlieanne.petersen@gmail.com

      4 June 2005 -
                surnames  DUNCAN   CROMARTY   BUDGE . . . .

   Gilbert BUDGE [b. 1838, South Ronaldsay, son of William BUDGE/Barbara MATCHES] emigrated to North America approx. late-1860s, and then married a Mary Jean DUNCAN in Port Dover, Ontario, in 1874.  They later settled in Chicago, Illinois.  Mary Jean's parents were listed in her marriage entry as "James DUNCAN and Margaret CROMARTY".  Would anyone know if this family line of DUNCANs, connected to the wife of Gilbert BUDGE, hailed from South Ronaldsay, or even from just somewhere in Orkney?  Mary Jean was born in Oswego, New York, but I have a hunch her family may have originally come from South Ronaldsay... can anyone offer any clues or leads regarding this DUNCAN family?

- Lisa C.
southronaldsay@southronaldsay.net