"Hunter-gatherer landscape archaeology" Edited by Steven Mithen
As mentioned last week, this new book is a very serious piece of academic research. "A core element is the publication of the major Mesolithic settlements of Bolsay Farm on Islay ans Staosnaig on Colonsay", although the key feature of the project is described as "the application of a landscape approach to hunter-gatherer archaeology through multi-disciplinary research." The comments that follow are utterly untutored; it is possible that they are even innocently misleading, so please refer to the book itself to check any point.
As far as the Colonsay sections of the book are concerned, local residents will remember the fieldwork which was undertaken between 1987 and 1994. In Chapter 5.1 of Volume 2, this work is set in context - it was an attempt to assess the extent of Mesolithic activity in Colonsay, and to pinpoint any site of exceptional quality. Hopefully one is correct in saying that sites north of a line from Glassard to Port Mor proved disappointing, that sites in the Scalasaig - Machrins valley were promising, and that Baleromin showed limited activity. The report does not suggest any direct connection between the Machrins and Scalasaig sites, and one might well imagine that the then topography would have separated the sites (by dense scrub woodland and a large bog, centred on "the Black Gate").
Naturally enough, as a layman, one is attracted by the more sensational discoveries - at Machrins, a rather nice stone axe was discovered, in the field just to the east of the old farmhouse. This was 9.4cm. long, 5.2cm. wide and 2.0cm. thick, and showing signs of wear. It was of the Neolithic period, and a study of the material suggested a provenance at Tieveulliagh (?) or Rathlin. Rathlin is, of course, closer to Colonsay than (say) Connel and, via Loch Gruinard and Loch Indaal, much easier of access. From the Mesolithic period, the most convincing material was found (as might perhaps be expected) in the field below Sguid Brìdeig. Unfortunately, Sguid Brìdeig itself was not examined, and a large part of the original field valley is now covered by blanket bog. This bog, which presumably developed after the original tree cover was stripped from the surrounding hills, inhibits examination of the site; even within the last 150 years it has engulfed a recorded standing stone, which has now completely disappeared.
For the true sensationalist however, the discoveries at Loch Staosnaig are quite extraordinary. The complexity of the site, exceptionally difficult working conditions and the huge quantity of lithic finds all made for a daunting task. Every details was recorded, every tiny piece of flint was examined and catalogued (e.g. 6,707 finds in 1991 were divided into more than thirty categories; 1994 produced 61,217 further examples). It is all in the book, but suffice to say that Prof. Mithen and his team first discovered the site, began to explore it, and were then intrigued to identify significant structures which had escaped damage from the plough.
As time went by, they identified and excavated a circular pit, 4.5m in diameter and a couple of feet deep; they also discovered stone settings, fireplaces and a host of other things. For example, they discovered a "guitar-shaped" assemblage of stones which could have been an oven and flue, operating not by the direct application of fire but through the use of pre-heated stones; which, of course, would permit the more precise regulation of the cooking temperature.
No less than 113 "coarse stone" items were discovered, all of which were carefully studied. These largely (78 items) consisted of the "limpet hammers" so beloved by generations of archaeologists, few of whom will have dislodged and eaten enough limpets to have quantified the gargantuan appetites that are implied by the signs of wear on these implements. Prof. Mithen prefers to define them as "elongated pebble tools", describes experiments to support the limpet-hammer theory but retains neutrality by citing possibilities of skin or flint dressing usage. Other stone implements are described as anvils, hammerstones and pounders.
A great curiosity is the pumice that was discovered and which was written up by Anthony Newton. To get the full story, one really must read it up, but it seems that two types of pumice were discovered, one of which "morphologically different to virtually all of the dacitic pumice" known from sites in the British Isles, Norway and Iceland. Most of the pumice on our shores has been found to originate in an Icelandic volcano, Katla, which was believed to have begun erupting about 6,500 years ago. The Staosnaig samples are at least 1,000 years older than that, and it has helped to establish the case for an earlier phase of activity at Katla, some 10,300 years ago. "The Staosnaig pumice… is the oldest pumice deposit that has been found in any archaeological site in the British Isles."
Perhaps the greatest sensation was that which arose from the study of plant remains, described by Wendy J. Carruthers. The research uncovered a seriously large amount of hazelnut shells, and it speedily became apparent that this was a resource which was being exploited in a very meaningful way. It seems that this small site may have processed anything up to 300,000 cobnuts, and there is also evidence that crab-apples were also being dried and preserved. The whole subject is discussed at length and is very enlightening - although this site may have been used for only a limited period, it is felt that plants may have contributed up to 40% of the protein content in the Mesolithic diet.
Less sensational but highly through-provoking was the discovery of large quantities of Lesser Celandine. This section is quite fascinating, and one can only recommend readers to refer to the original source; very possibly one might prevail upon Dr. Richard Gulliver to make a few comments - he will be in Colonsay next week. In principle, the argument revolves around the likely reason for such quantities of the plant being found. Was it gathered in handfuls together with the fallen nuts? (No, it was gathered in the spring). Was it required for medicinal use? Or was it used for food? There is a degree of toxicity involved, so please do not try this at home… "Gunther (1973) recorded that the local Snohomish dug the roots… cooked them on hot rocks, dipped them in whale and seal oil, and ate them with dried salmon eggs." (First catch your whale…). On the other hand, potato plants are toxic … but the tubers are not. Dickson & Dickson, in Plants and People in Ancient Scotland" say that "Roger Engelmark and Karin Viklund (1988) considered that the tubers had been roasted and eaten like popcorn". This certainly sits well with the roasting of the hazelnuts and the drying and preserving of apples - no doubt the same oven could serve a multiple role.
Lumps of a reddish paste material were found, but not commented on at length. One wonders if there could be any connection with red ochre mentioned at other Mesolithic sites, and it may be that there is mention elsewhere in the book. The summary of the Colonsay discoveries is very helpful and can be followed reasonably well by a lay reader. Obviously this is not a book that the general public will rush to buy, but it is the result of extraordinary diligence and application and is of the greatest value in giving a glimpse into the life of Colonsay's earliest inhabitants.
To be honest, this writer had always vaguely imagined that the earliest inhabitants of Colonsay were effectively low status individuals, pushed to the margins of the inhabited world and struggling by as best they could. But the work of Prof Mithen (and, earlier, Prof. Mellors in Oransay), makes it very clear that in fact they were pioneers, the same sort of people who opened up the American West, the sort of people who are beginning to conquer space. They had tried and tested technology, they were mobile, they were able to identify and exploit existing natural resources. Their circular pit, for example, seems to have been the foundation for a seasonal dwelling, consistent with structures in use elsewhere today; walk around the hills of Colonsay (e.g. the hollow 100 metres south of Dunan nan Nighean), and notice that such structures were still serving as normal dwellings here as late as the 17th century.
As has been seen, by far the most exciting and interesting site was the one discovered at Staosnaig, which (with lesser evidence at Scalasaig) is described as being "most suitable for arrivals on the island in boats from Jura or Islay". At the risk of being shot down, one does rather wonder about this description.
If one was based in Islay, which the evidence suggests was an important centre, one might explore and operate along the coast of Jura in a small craft, taking advantage of the tides. Equally, one might easily cross back and forth between the Bolsa area and Oronsay, taking advantage of the tidal streams and probably landing in and around the entrance to the Strand. From that point one might wander at will over Oransay, and might make ones way all over Ardskenish, the Glen and over to Machrins. Just as easily, one could travel onwards along the coast to Staosnaig, Scalasaig and even Balnahard.
All this is a long cry from choosing to travel direct from Islay to Staosnaig (more than double the distance to Oransay) or straight across from Jura (across the Tarbert Bank and at ninety degrees to the tidal stream). At one point the report states that, following an extensive survey of Colonsay, only "limited and rather ephemeral traces" of Mesolithic settlement were found. It goes on to say that this "is surprising in light of the Oronsay middens as it would be reasonable to assume that the people who created those middens also foraged on Colonsay…" With respect, one wonders if such foragers would not have followed the easy route.
With Oronsay being a well-developed and proven occupation site, on the main and only safe route to/from Islay, one might imagine that future investigation around Traigh nam Barc would be rewarded. The "Fairy Mounds" in Ardskenish Glen are associated with old traditions, and there is even a bush nearby which was described in association with "fairy arrows" (microliths). Perhaps a visiting archaelogist could have a scout round, just in case?
As for the Lesser Celandine, Murdoch McNeill (1910) mentions that "the cylindrical tubers of the roots are, in winter, scraped up and eaten by pheasants. Its roots are still used as a cure for piles, corns etc. They were compared to haemorrhoids, and generally used as a cure for that malady." Turning to Hazel, it would be good to report that he cites the nuts as causing piles, but in fact he merely records that the nuts "were collected for burning on Hallowe'en".
McCalder/Galbraith Papers
The generosity of our readers is quite overwhelming. Hardly a day goes by without information or help being received, all of which helps to build an informed picture of the life and experiences of Colonsay's past generations. The material which follows was received this week from Kate Gunn and is self-explanatory - many thanks, on behalf of all our readers.
Hello Kevin,
I am sending you an email of a letter from Forbes McCalder of Bruce County
ONT, to his cousin, my great great Grandfather Neil McCalder, of Mariposa
Township, Victoria County in Ontario. I thought you might like to see it
since in it A mentions going back for a visit to "The Island" referring to
Prince Edward Island, and finding no one there he knew. He likens it to Neil
going back to Colonsay and finding no familiar face. I attach the transcript
of the letter that I have copied and will send you a copy of the original. I
know you are interested in "Colonsay" references.
I am also emailing you several other items- a few transcripts below of some
letters I have from 1800's involving these Colonsay folk and I am putting in the mail to you also the following:
- copy of a full page letter written by Hugh McCalman as a testimonial for
A. McAlridge, his son Neil (my great great grandfather who settled in Little
Britain, Mariposa, ON) and his daughter, Peggy ( Margaret) ... who married
John Bell . DATE: Aug 3 , 1836, Port Askay, Islay. In the letter McCalman
says there is a ship in Loch Trindal?? in the ISalnd of Islay going to
Quebec, but that the family is of such reduced circumstances, that they only
have money to go to " Prince Edward's Island." He talks about the family
being of "sober, honest and industrious habits".
- a copy of a note from Hugh McCalman about the family being of
"unblemished moral character" DATE: July 12, 1836 Island of Colonsay,
Kintyre, Argylshire
- a copy of a handwritten note by Margaret McCalder Bell about her life and
that of John Bell, from their marriage in Colonsay in 1835 to their move to
East Gwillumbury, then to Mariposa and then finally to Elderslie Twp, Bruce
County.
My gg grandfather , Neil McCalder, married Christina Galbraith also of
Colonsay. In 1855 they separated ( I have the original letter of separation
dated 1855) and she moved to Arran Twp , Bruce Twp., where she lived on the
land of her brother Donald Galbraith until her death. She had one daughter
with Neil before their separation, Catherine McCalder ("Caty") . and then
gave birth to her second child, a boy, in 1857 in Bruce. His name was
William NEIL McCalder and he was my great grandfather.
According to an Edinburgh registry that my grandmother got on a 25th wedding
anniversary trip to Scotland in 1935, Neil was the son of Archibald McAlder
and Cathrine Blue, born Feb 10, 1811. I don't have a lot of information on
Christine Galbraith and her family background,but know she came from
Colonsay and had a brother Donald Galbraith. She may be referred to as
"Kristy", a young girl, on the 1841 Colonsay census. She was born I believe
in 1826 or 1827 and died in April 1904 in Paisley, Bruce Twp, ON.
Hope you find these of interest! - Kate Gunn
Document # 1 Letter of Separation between Neil McCalder and Christina
Galbraith. Witnessed by John Bell and John Galbraith. Mariposa in 1855.
Christina McCalder
Care of
Donald Galbraith, Arkwright Post Office, Arran
Agreement Between Niel McCalder and his wife, No 9.3 conc Arran
This Agreement, made and entered upon the first day of February in the year
of our Lord one Thousand eight-hundred and fifty-five Between Neil McCalder
of the Township of Mariposa County of Victoria and Province of Canada Yeoman
of the first part and his wife Christiana McCalder of the same place.
Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part for the consideration
hereinafter mentioned, did covenant promise and agree to pay his wife or her
agent the sum of Fifteen pounds Currency at the time of sealing and delivery
of these presents and the further sum of Ten pounds Currency in six months
from the date hereof, and further, the said party of the first part agree to
pay his wife or her agent the sum of thirteen pounds Currency Yearly and
Every Year payable on the first day of February Every Year that is today
thirteen pounds on the first day of February 1856 and every year during her
natural life, unless she conducts herself improperly then these obligations
shall be null and void.
In consideration whereof the said Christiana McCalder doth convenant,
promise and agree to and with her husband, Neil McCalder, that from the date
of these presents that she will not trouble him, his house or bound, nor
contract any debt in his name, neither will she try to hurt or injure, her
said husband in his person property or character from henceforth neither
will she commence a Suit at law or in Equity against her said husband.
The said Christiana McCalder promises and agrees to keep the child that is
to come after the course of Nature for one year after its birth if it lives
and he the said Neil McCalder agrees that she may keep the child altogether
for her own comfort during their lives together.
For Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto ?? set their
hands and seals the day and Year first written.
Signed sealed and delivered
In presence of
Wittnys John Galbraith Neill McCalder (signature)
Wittnys John Bell Christiana X (her mark) McCalder
Received in the day of the date of this presents the aforesaid sum of
Fifteen pounds Currency
Witness John Bell Christiana X (her mark) McCalder
Note... the original document, kept by Christine McCalder, has the following
hand written notations on it...
July 1855 10 pounds sent to CM in Arran Twp
1856-61 Feb 1 each year ... noted monies received in handwriting on the
document
1862 it changed from £13 to $52.
1862- every year is noted until Feb 1 1892 --last amount received.
Note... the child she was expecting at this time was Neil McCalder , who was
born in Bruce later that year and who lived with her in Arran until his late
teens or early twenties, when he moved to Mariposa ... LITTLE BRITAIN
...(not Cape Breton, as is the notes from the McCaffrey's, I believe). He
married Mary Ann Avery there, had one child , my grandmother Ella McCalder,
and died quite young in his forties.) More on him later.
Note... this was signed in Mariposa. John Bell was Neil McCalder's brother
in law, married to his sister Margaret. They moved shortly thereafter to
Elderslie Twp and this is where the correspondence I have occurred-back and
forth between Neil McCalder sr in Mariposa and his family, nephews, sister,
son etc. in Bruce/Arran/Elderslie. The letters run from 1855---until 1890's.
Document # 2 Angus Bell in Elderslie Twp to his uncle Neil McCalder in
Mariposa in 1869.
Elderslie March 4 1869
Dear uncle,
I embrace this opportunity of writing to you these few lines to inform you
that I am in good health hoping and wishing this may find you reaping the
same blessing. Dear Uncle, I received your letter of the 22 last night which
gave me much pleasure to hear of you all being well. Mother has been very
poorly this last two weeks with the cold, she is better now I never herad of
as much sickness as there is this Winter we have very little snow or
slighing since New Year's untill lately its snowing and blowing every day we
expected that some of us would go down this winter by the sleighing was so
bad we could not get away. Forbis McCalder is doing well in Southhampton and
little Forbes is foind well in the shanty. Donald iz in Paisley and he iz
well . hector is in good health and is learning his tread well. Archy is in
the shanty with the team he is well . All the rest of the family is well
Uncle Angus is ....ing hear the most of his time he did not get any word
about the land yet. James wife and family are all well. Malcolm Bell and
Sally are in good health. Aunty Cursty iz with them. She is well.
Lauchlan McFayden and family is well all the rest of the Friends about is
well.
Dear Uncle you mentioned about your boy I expected that I would have seen
him before now but I did not get any chance since I wrote before but I will
try and see him before long and I will do my best for him and I will well
see any sight of getting him away I will not spare time nor anything else I
no they watch me very close over their for it is such an out of the way
place that I never get any business to take me that way but I heard about
him the other day that he was well . As soon as I will see him or hear
anything Particular about him I will write to you and let you no all that I
can find out. I must inform you that Black Flora McDougald and .. Mc... that
burnt his wife is getting married today. I have not more to say at preasant.
Please and write soon . Father and mother and all the rest of the family
joins with me in sending our best respects to Angus Brown and tell him to
write to me or send me his adress
I remain your affectionate nephew till death
Angus Bell
Document # 3 Letter from Forbes McCalder in Paisley to his cousin Neil
McCalder... see paragraph #2 for reference to The Island (PEI) and Colonsay.
1871
Paisley, December 13: [18]71
Dear Cuson-
I take this opportunity to wright you these few lines to let you (sic) that
We are in good health at present hoping this Will find you All enjoying the
Same blessing. I have had my ups and downs in the World since I saw you and
I though many a time that I would have sean you before now but it was not
intended. Whither we will nor not it is hard to say I never b--- see your
Son. I think he is Close Confinement or nearby so he has never yet been in
Paisley they often told me that they Would bring him in sose I could see him
but they never did and if any one went there according to all it... they
would not get a chance to speak to him. Donald McCalder and Wife is well he
got it fine woman for Wife. Margaret and John Bell is well and All the
family Niel and Archy McMillan is well the old women has been poorly this
Winter but She is getting beter and her family send their love to you.
James Bell and family is Well also Laughlin Bell and his family is All Well.
Now... myself I sold my farm last Spring and I did not get in to any bushels
yet but I have it comfort ...to live in of my own.
I almost forgot to tell you that I was home on the Island last summer and
you may imagine how I felt when I got there just think how you would feel if
you Was in Colonsay and no one to know you . My brother Archy couldnot
remember off even seeing me he is the only one that is alive on the Island.
I two weeks with him and had it a plesent time you may def... him and I went
to New Brunswick to see Donald which I found in very good circumstances in
short they are well off I was well pleased with my trip and more So on
finding them all well and doing will the first thing that he asked me was
did I see Neil now I must stop. My wife and Willima join me in sending our
love to you and daughter and Catherine Bell.
I remain your Dear Cusan till Death
Forbis McCalder,Paisley
Letter from young Neil McCalder in Arran Twp to his father Neil McCalder in
Mariposa whom he has never met. 1873.
Arran March the 2 1873
Dear father
I take the pleasure of writing to you these few lines in order to let you
know that we are well at present. And I hope this will find you the same I
received your letter and I was happy when I got it.
But nothing will please me untill I see you own face. And I hope that will
not be long or if it will it will be against my will. I am not well just now
I have a bad cold I don't do much work but I am getting a little better now
it is hard to think that we never Seen each other yet And when I think over
all this I don't know what to Say about going to live with you my mother
Can't do with out me very well.
Butt I think it would be better for you to try and get me and mother up
there and then you would have all of my work and you wouldn't have to Pay
money for her and if you and her didn't agree She could have a house along
for herself but I think her and you and I would agree Well and it would be
better for you and me to. She is no trouble to any one here. She doesn't go
to any of the neighbours house only twice a year it would be better for you
to have all the money to yourself that come to me and my work to . The next
letter I will write it my Sister no more to say at present. Catherine Don't
write to me untill I write to you but father can write as soon as he gets
this. I want to send you my Lickness before you write to me no more to say
Neil McCalder
Kate Gunn
Education Coordinator
Museums Alberta
9829 - 103 St.
Edmonton AB T5K 0X9
E-mail: education@museumsalberta.ab.ca
URL: http://www.museumsalberta.ab.ca
Editor's reply:
Thank you for this very valuable material; I am sure it will be of great value to other researchers, and I am aware of one or two people who have been creating Colonsay sociometric family trees. I rather hope that somebody will be able to identify the various individuals named in these documents, and to assist with the context. In the meantime, I have compared them to the Old Parish Register records.
Niel was fairly easy to find in these records, and therefore his siblings; their baptisms (often many months after their births, depending upon how regularly the minister was able to cross over from Jura to Colonsay) were as follows, all children of Archibald McAlder (or McCalder) and Cathrine Blue:
Aug 10 1806, Marrion; May 19 1808, Flory; June 12 1809, Margrat; Feb 10 1811, Niel.
Peggy McCaldred went on to marry John Bell in Colonsay on October 30 1835.
On Aug 22 1833, Forbes was baptised, son of Malcolm McCaldrid and Mary Bell (so could have been a cousin of Niel McCalder on either or both sides?).
I cannot see the marriage of Neil McCalder and Christina Galbraith, but I feel fairly sure that she was a daughter of Angus Galbreath and Cathrin(e) McNeill, whose marriage was in Colonsay on July 6 1811 and whose issue were baptised as follows:
Jan 29 1812, Jeny; Feb 1 1814, Mary; July 20 1816, Cathrine; Feb 10 1819, Margrat; Jan 3 1821, Flory; Apr 3 1824, Donald; Apr 11 1827, Angus; July 26 1830, Luusay.
I am sending you a full copy of all the records in the post and hope that it may assist in putting more detail into the picture. In the current "Corncrake" we publish a (Gaelic) letter from Colonsay which is with other Colonsay material in a university archive in Canada, possibly Brunswick? Unfortunately am not sure where, hence we cannot access the rest of the material (probably a "MacMillan" collection). The University has a Scottish angle, possibly PEI or Nova Scotia background… I notice that you are in the same field of work, and wonder if you would be good enough to bear it in mind that such a collection does exist, somewhere, and might be of great interest.
P.S. I also took the liberty of asking Mary McKay if she could add anything, and she replied as follows:
"Just a note about the family of Angus Galbraith and Cathrine McNeill. I have spent considerable time on this family and I believe I have them all sorted out. Their daughter Catherine (Feb.10,1819 married James McNeill, went to Chicago for a time and then joined the rest of her brothers and sisters here. They are buried in Rusk's without a stone.
The Catherine that Kate is looking for is a daughter of John Galbraith and Mary McNeill.
Family:
(1)Flory(July 2,1910)
(2)Donald (June 29,1812-Feb.27,1896)"Rusk's"
(3) Lauchlan (July2,1814)
(4)Archibald Jan.22,1817)"Rusk's"
(5)John (July 31,1819)
(6) Kirsty 'Christina' about 1826 because age 15 on 1841 census
We believe this is the Christina who married Niel McCalder because #2 Donald (above) was the brother she came to live with. She is buried in Rusk's. with him , no stone
I will send you more as I get it organized.
Note:
I think John who married Mary McNeill is a brother of Angus who married Cathrine McNeill because
(1)of age,
(2)both came to Mariposa then Elderslie
(3) Both called their oldest son Donald.
May never get positive proof
Mary"
[Incidentally, it may be that Ena Williams will be able to provide additional information or comment - if so, it will appear in the next issue - Editor]
INFORMATION WANTED
If readers ever notice a gravestone which mentions Colonsay or Oronsay, they are kindly requested to make a note of the inscription and forward it to Readers Write
Greetings Kevin & David [Morgan],
Wanted to express our thanks, on behalf of the MacDuffee/Macfie Clan Society of America, for allowing me to include your articles in the last issue of the Clan Chatter. I submitted that issue to a newsletter competition conducted by the Odom Library www.scottishtales.com/familytree/ , and received an Honorable Mention for Overall Excellence-Scottish Clan-Magazine. Their favorable critique included how informative your articles were.
Again, a thousand Thank-You's,
Bruce J. MacDuffee, Editor
Dear Kevin,
Some corrections to your account of Alexander, son of the splendidly named Kinales McPhee. In 1871 he and his sister Margaret are found still living with their mother Flora on the croft in Lower Kilchattan (364 in your transcription), while Kinales is recorded with three sons and a daughter at Balnahard.
This may not indicate marital discord, although tantalisingly Kinales is recorded in 1881 (at Kiloran) with his wife Mary. However, she is the same age as Flora, so this is probably just an error of transcription. My guess would be that Kinales was working at Balnahard with his grown-up children, but had left Alexander and his mother to look after the croft. As we know from recent experience, a census is merely a snapshot of where people happen to be on a particular night once every ten years. The reason why there is no trace of Alexander in 1881 is that he died on 26 September 1878, as recorded on the family tombstone ("Row beside west wall", no.16). Kinales himself died on 28 October 1881, while Flora lived on to the ripe old age of 90 and died in 1906.
So I do not think this can be the Alexander McPhee we are looking for.
Alastair [Scouller]
Research & Record is pleased to announce the arrival of three major publications either in Chart Form or on CD-ROM, each priced at £10 sterling plus £2 postage and packing. They are: CLAN MACFIE - The Family History of the "Sugar" Macfie Family after which Clan Macfie has been named. DAL RIATA - The full list of the "Senchus fer n'Alban" which includes details of the Dal Riata who moved from Ulster to Argyll to form the basis of most Scottish Highland Clans. CLAN MACDUFFIE IN IRELAND - a major work which lists the true Clan in Ireland and their links with the O'Haras, the McDonnells and the McNeills. Please advise your requirements by E-mail and then post your cheque to 11 Arden Drive Dorridge Solihull West Midlands England B93 8LP
Hello,
I have just discovered a relative of mine that was baptised on Colonsay in
1817.
Name: William ROSS
Born to: James ROSS & Elizabeth McMillan who were married in 1814 in Middle
Greenock, Renfrew.
I suspect they moved to Colonsay after 1815, where William was born.
Subsequent children were born back in Greenock.
So, I believe they must have lived on the island between 1815-1819. I also
supect that they lived with the McMillan family as there seems to be quite
a number of McMillan's on the island at the time; maybe Elizabeth's family.
If you have any information on any ROSS - McMillan tie up, I'd be grateful.
I'll also let you know anymore that I find.
Regards,
Steve Cliff
Manchester, England
Editor's reply:
All I have found is William's
baptism June 10 1817 to James Ross and Bety McMillan, but I also notice that
Alexr Blue m. Jeny Ross Dec 28 1797, and had children C.... Aug 12 1797,
Beckie April 12 1801, John July 22 1805, Alexr May 19 1808 (these are all
baptisms, not birth dates).
Jeny was also called Jean, the name Beckie is
unusual and it was hard to read in the original - I have a note that it was
confirmed by a "third party". Goodness knows who, but I will search my
records... at least you now know that SOMEBODY is interested in this family,
and I suspect we might find them through "The Corncrake", will try next
issue.
Also, John Reid and Bely Ross had Murdach McLan (? hard to read) baptised on
June 3 1821. It is possible that Bely is the same person as Beckie, and
that her mother Jeny or Jean was an elder sister of your James....?
I will see if there is anything else I can find, and will be glad of any
clues from you. As you will know, Greenock was the major port of emigration
and some or all of the family may have passed that way... I am not aware of
any earlier Ross records here yet, but will see what I have.
Arandora Star - Georgina Hobhouse writes:
About 22 years ago I was working in Brussells and came here for a week's holiday. I brought with me an Italian colleague Angela Vegliante who was engaged to and later married Chris Capella whose grandfather (SAME SURNAME) was an Italian internee lost in this wreck. His body was never recovered, so on that visit we went to Eilean nan Ron and had a few moments silence near the grave (or where A.S. described the site of the grave). I will see if they can give us any pointers to a complete list.
From: Margaret
Subject: Genealogy search - Vass & Watson
I am a Scot living in New Zealand and I am researching my family history
and have
found that I have ancestors from your area.
My 2xG. Grandfather, James Donald Vass was born in Jura 29 Oct 1832. His
parents
were Donald Vass and Ann Watson who were married 20 May 1825 and according
to Scottish
Origins was married in Colonsay, but IGI records show the marriage took
place in
Jura.
I would like to obtain information from the marriage records and will be
visiting
Scotland in July, and may be able to visit the islands when I am there.
Could you please let me know where I am most likely to find information on
my ancestors?
I will be leaving New Zealand on 30 June and would greatly appreciate some
guidance
before I leave.
Regards, Margaret Kellett
Auckland
New Zealand
Editor's reply:
Hello Margaret - as it happens, the IGI record is misleading. At the time,
Colonsay was united with Jura in the same parish, but the minister kept
separate records for each island. The records are imperfect, and from 1820
onwards one has to allow for additional complication by virtue of a growing
baptist influence locally. At all events, I have a microfilm copy of the
records; I have never had time to transcribe the Jura records, but I think
you might access them from a site mentioned in issue # 32 of "The
Corncrake".
I have personally transcribed the Colonsay records and can assure you that
your antecedent was baptised in Colonsay. The record gives a number of
children to Donald Vass (or Vas, once) and his wife Annie Watson: 2 May 1827
"Margat Ann Vass", 26 July 1830 "Jean", 29 October 1832 "James Donald", 25
September 1834 "Hester Law Howard McNeill" and 2 September 1837 "John".
In 1834 they were living at "Keilorun" (i.e. Kiloran, Colonsay). No other Watson,
Vas or Vass entries appear in the Old Parish Register, they do not appear in
the 1841 census, and neither name appears in the graveyards of Colonsay or
Oronsay.
I suggest you try Jura records, or email Scott Buie at jsbuie@aol.com who
may be able to help. I have some other records I can try here. It is
possible that they emigrated - at that date, it would almost certainly have
been to Canada. Luckily it is an unusual surname, and the happy couple
clearly did not stint themselves in naming the children ... the "mcneill"
choice seems to have been a tribute to the then laird, and it seems to have
been a fairly widespread practice here at the time. It is not yet clear if
this was a genuine mark of esteem to the landlord and his family, or an
attempt at ingratiation.
I hope you will get a chance to visit Colonsay, and to visit the church
where your Great great grandfather was baptised. Please let me know if I
can help further - Kevin Byrne
Margaret replied:
>Hi Kevin - Many thanks for the information about my ancestors. It was most enlightening
>and I was thrilled to get your reply so quickly.
>
>I have obtained the marriage certificate for James Donald Vass,(born 1832). He was
>married in Dalkeith on 4 Jan 1859, although his place of residence was Galashiels
>in the Parish of Melrose. His occupation was Gardener.
>
>I will now start researching his whereabouts for the years between 1834 when he was
>in Colonsay up to the time of his marriage in 1859 - possibly via Canada!!
[This is excellent news, the gardens here were very significant and this helps us to establish the identity of an early participant in their creation. He clearly was a qualified man (not just a fellow who weeded the beds) and it may be possible to trace his career through some other significant Scottish gardens. Thank goodness his name is so unusual, it will be fascinating to compare a few gardens and to see what influences are common. If any reader can assist in tracing the name Vass through other gardens please do - Editor]
Hi Kevin,
You did mention that you had received a copy of the video taken at last years millenium service at Oronsay Priory. Wonder if there is an address we can write to to get a copy?
We did find something most unusual at Balnahard. I myself remember seeing these last when I was 14 years old. These were sea gooseberries. All along the shore just a few feet above low tide were small blobs of jelly the size of gooseberries. We filled a container with sea water and gathered up a few and put them into water. They came to life with amazing colours. Although they were mainly transparent they had 5 or 6 lines down the side of small hairs which rippled and flashed with colour when they used the hairs to propel themselves. Wonder if anyone else saw them?
Regards
Eric Davis
[The video is themed on Ecumenism and is produced by Church of Scotland, 121 George Street. There is a copy on the island - Kate had it last week, and will know where it is.
The sea-gooseberries have me foxed - presumably some sort of jelly fish, but hopefully somebody can tell us more? -
I take this chance to thank Eric for his photographs, which have largely decorated the current issue of "The Corncrake". - Editor]
We will be happy to receive more letters and, as always, the editor would like to hear from anyone who might wish to contribute. Individual articles on news or local events will always be welcome.
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