NEWSLETTER OFSIB THE ORKNEY FAMILY FOLK HISTORY SOCIETY NEWSISSUE No 41 MARCH 2007
2003 Committee
Sanday 2006
Eday 2005
Papay 2003
Graemsay 2004 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 40 December 06
ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY NEWSLETTER Issue No 41 From the chair March 2007 We decided to use this issue of the Sib Folk News as CONTENTS an opportunity to look back at how the society has developed over the last 10 years. With our membership FRONT PAGE now exceeding 1000 we can do this with a great sense Our annual outings of achievement and we all look forward to the next 10 years with great optimism and enthusiasm. I dont PAGE 2 From the Chair. think we fully appreciate how successful we are when OFHS Tenth compared to other societies. Anniversary Party Our research facilities are highly praised the St Magnus Hall, you will m ore about PAGE 3 by members who are invariably amazed at this in the newsletter. We are very grateful to Nan's poem—The the extent of the information uncovered. Our Gavin Rendall our HonoraryVice-President First Ten Years news letter is one of the best, thanks to our for donating one of his paintings for the editor, John Sinclair. Our publications are prize draw, we were all very envious of the PAGES 4 & 5 Annivrsary the envy of many a society thanks to all of winner. The weekend exhibition we held in Party Pictures our volunteers who diligently transcribed the the Library was a good rehearsal for our census, Old Parish Records, gravestones etc Orkney Homecoming in May. It gives us a chance to iron out any snags that crop up. PAGES 6 & 7 and they haven’t finished yet ! Thankfully winter will soon be behind My Great Aunts We are very grateful to Westray Heritage Trust Jean & Anna Sinclair for giving us the transcript of all the Westray us and we look forward to seeing all our Graveyards. We now have the booklets ready members from home and abroad in the office throughout the coming months. PAGES 8 & 9 for purchase in the office. The Church of I hope all our members and guests enjoyed St Magnus the Martyr our anniversary celebrations in February in City of London Anne Rendall CHAIRMAN PAGE 10 Danny Watt— a Stromness legend The OFHS Tenth Anniversary Party
PAGES 11 12,13,14 The 8th of February 2007 was celebrated as the tenth anniversary of the Orkney Family Orkney Family History Society. The occasion was marked at a gathering History Society– of over one hundred members and their partners in the St Magnus Centre, The First 10 Years Kirkwall. Snow had fallen the day before and still lay underfoot on the Thursday but did not affect the attendance too much. PAGES 15 & 16 Westray Sailors, Guests were offered drinks on entry to the hall and were greeted with Seamen and Scottish music played by members Tommy Tulloch and Colin Cooper on Skippers accordions. Interesting photographs from the Orkney convey the Society’s gratitude to OIC for providing PAGE 17 Archive and Harold Esson were on display around such suitable office accommodation in the Library. Robert strikes it the Hall. He in turn congratulated the society for its success Ritch The music stopped at 7.30pm and then the in attracting such a huge membership and its part Society’s chairperson, Anne Rendall, welcomed all in promoting ancestral tourism. He recalled an PAGE 18 & 19 those gathered. She went on to give the apologies and incident at the Twinning Ceremony in Manitoba Identity and its the congratulations of many absent friends notably when he, the OIC Chief Executive and their wives variations that of our Patron Brigadier Sidney Robertson, who had met a descendant of Annals from Orkney. They was, unfortunately, in hospital, and Alastair and Anne looked at each other and jokingly said, “We are here PAGE 20 & 21 Treasures from Cormack, previously editors of the “Orkney View”, to get away from them!” (Two OIC members are the attic who had all been at the inaugural meeting and had Cyril and Janice Annal). been such an encouragement to the Society. Davina Brown, vice chairperson, then thanked PAGE 22 Anne went on to introduce the Hon President, Nan Stephen and Nan and went on to introduce and 18th Annual Scott. She also welcomed all those gathered and welcome Gavin Rendall the guest speaker for the Conference then thanked the many friends and volunteers who evening. She said it has always been recognised that had contributed to the success of the society over it was thanks to Gavin’s vision and encouragement PAGE 23 Membership and ten years. She went on to tell the story of the first that the society came into being in 1997. He Subscriptions ten years in rhyme. She admitted that family, who had travelled the previous day from his home in wished to be nameless, had helped put it together. Eastbourne to be at the party. He is a water colour PAGE 24 Nan went on to introduce Councillor Stephen artist and had brought a mounted Orkney painting to Our annual outings Hagan, Convenor of Orkney Islands and asked him to mark the occasion. A lucky admission ticket wasA Anniversary Party Issue No. 40 December 2006 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 3
Fdrawn for the picture and Leslie Thomson’s membership number Orkney names. Two well known Orkney artistes Ingirid Jolly and was on it. Three smaller practice paintings, which were still very Owen Tierney sang three songs. First was Allie Windwick’s “Butter presentable, were won by Anne McCreath, Jimmy and Inga Oag on the Bow” then Robert W. Isbister’s, “Fueløy (Foula) Isle”. For and Ian and Pat Linklater. Gavin also voiced his gratitude for the a laugh and to finish off with they sang a very old cowboy song, support of Brig. Robertson and he had a thank-you card with him “There’s only five bullets in my old six shooter. Joyce Moore, our for members to sign. regular performer, then read a very fitting poem, “Genealogitis”. Anne in turn called for a vote of thanks for Gavin and then invited Tea, coffee and a huge variety of sweetmeats followed. Anne voiced the company to partake of the sumptuous buffet meal prepared the thanks of all to Clinton, the caterer, and to all those who had by Clinton Rendall. Some entertainment was enjoyed during an contributed to the success of the evening. She thanked every one for interlude in the supper. Adrianne Leask, research secretary, read a being there and wished them a safe journey home poem, “Reuting Aboot”, which amusingly gave an airing to lots of Nan Scott.L Orkney Family History Society
Nan Scott sums up the first ten The first ten years years in verse and finds a clever way to introduce Convenor You ken that I like Westray and aal day - the sun hid shone Stephen Hagan to our anniversary Although the castle haed no ruff hid wisno called apon. audience But Shapinsay wis buxan weet the shoo’ars ne’er geed by But at least their castle haed a ruff so aal the folk bade dry.
Every family history haes wan man at the start We also geed tae Stronsay and tae Papa Stronsay teu Hid’s usually Jock Thomson, then others play their part. We haed a peedie walk around tae find oot whit monks deu. Wur family history’s been the sam fae 1996 Some folk remained on Stronsay tae wander at their ease When Gavin Rendall headed North tae teach owld dogs new tricks. But alas they missed a nimmy treat – they deudno taste the cheese!
Gavin said his first objective wis tae form a steering committee In Eday then we spent a day apae the tourist trail At the time, I can mind thinkan, “Get volunteers? He’s no witty.” Where many lucked for ancestors – tae some the holy grail George Gray’s was the first neem called and he made little soon’ Some found things tae luck at meed oot o’ fancy wood Then next we kent we were all aboard for the meeting in Finstoon. But ithers lucked wae longing at Ena Husion’s Famous Food.
There must be a genetic link that makes folk volunteer. We geed tae Hoy tae see the sights and haed a stop at Lyness Some folk hid seems can not say no - hid really is quite queer. Ethel Young had an open door and fed us Rackwick’s finest The evening passed most pleasantly as business was debated For every trip we go on there’s a member with a link And efter twa three cups o tea we found we were aal related. And then we aal stand coontin kin and drying at the sink!
We called a public meeting and everywan wis bid We start tae publish census books, we had to hammer on 0wer 70 folk appeared ! You ne’er saw the like o’ hid. Tommy Robertson, the Mooneys, Ian and Betty Cameron. Folk cam fae every parish, they cam in twas and threes They waap them oot like good eens, the printer runs for all its worth And under many oxters were rolled up family trees. Hid churns oot money like the salt mill, beneath the Pentland Firth.
I must add, among us was a “Chiel wha wisno takin’ nots” The treasurer is happy when these books turn oot the sillar He hid a laptop on his knee tae keep track o’ all his tho’ts George Gray, wir finance guru, keeps his hand apae the tiller. David is a genius at maakin all computers come to life Bit if you’re short o’ stamps or pens don’t go to George and curse And that applies to pensioners teu ( – including this owld wife!) For all the office understands that Adrianne keeps the purse!
The first week in July that year was bonny, calm and fair If this all sounds good fun to you, why don’t you volunteer? We headed oot for Finstown and all parked in the square. We’re a very happy family and you have no need to fear. A night among the gravestones wis whit wae haed in mind Come join us at the Library, don’t linger feeling faint Twa dizzen folk recorded parish neems o’ every kind. For Dave and George can both display the patience of a saint
Then when wur knees got very sore we geed tae Hill o’ Heddle Hid deusno seem that long ago - hid deusno seem ten years Me dowter meed us cups o tea, and telt me no tae meddle Fae the society sprung intae life wae aal hid’s hopes and fears. We had every kind o’ fancy, and a duff meed in a cloot Wae aal the peedie incidents that someen aye remembers Than wae tried tae wash the dishes but the water had run oot! Hid’s cheust a Femily history – the history o’ wur members.
We haed a few excursions like the “trip days” long ago Wae got a hand wi’ premises. The council gaed us shelter A chance tae visit islands and see what they had to show. And noo in the new library the volunteers aal swelter. Noo every wan wis special and different fae the rest, Wur glaed that on their word to us they have nae been renaigan Hid depends apae your origins whit een you like the best. And wur very glaed they sent along Convenor Stephen Hagan. and its over to him now! 4 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Anniversary Party Issue No. 41 March 2007
Reutin Aboot was specially written for our Research Secretary Adrianne Leask by the Border Bard and Pheeona It was read by Adrianne to an appreciative audience at our Anniversary party on the 8th February 2007
Reutin Aboot
Noo a’ you folk fae Orkney and fae far across the sea Gavin Rendall If you want tae ken your lineage, why don’t you come tae me? Vice President For aal that I am owld and grey A’m no cheust an owld footer And doon there in the library I have a grand computer!
Noo if your neem is Manson or mibbee even Traill And you want tae ken your ancestors A’ll find them wae’oot fail. Nan Scott You think that they were Vikings and cam ower the sea in Gen Secy boats? How dae the likes o you ken they deudno come fae John O’ Groats?
But if you are a Drever or mibbee a Sinclair Convenor And you think you ken a little come on I’ll tell you mair. Stephen But if your granny was a Harcus that got merried tae a Flett Hagan I’ll soon tell ye a’ the story and maybe find mair yet.
Or if you had a peedie lass wae a heid o dark black hair And on the weetest dayNan ye’ve Scott ever seen hid never deud turn fair Ye’ll maybe think you’ve got me beat but hid deusno cause me pain For their’s no doubt in my mind her great grandad cam fae Spain.
But if your name is Pottinger weel they arrived gey late But I ken aal aboot them teu, and what has been their fate. And what aboot you ferryloopers that bear the name o’ Scott? You’re cheust a bunch o’ incomers no worth another thought.
And then you’ve got the noble Grays, blue blood in every vein If you listen tae the rumours they came here by Lady Jane. If you’re Leask - you cam fae Shetland or a Stout - fae the Fair Isle Adrianne Leask But if your cheust a Rendall then you’ve been here aal the while. Research Secy Anne Rendall Noo that cheust leaves the ither folk that crossed the stormy Chairperson ocean Weel they hadno many brains tae tak sic a silly notion! But if they really want tae ken tae whit Island they belong I always tell them Papay, tho’ I might have got it wrong.
So what I’m really saying if you want a family tree Cheust get in touch wae us ap here on the islands in the sea. Of course hid might no be that easy and might tak a bit o’ time, But gae us cheust anither week and we’ll pit hid aal in rhyme.
Hid wad hiv been far simpler if the folk afore they’d phones Had geen and chiselled a’ their neems apae the Standing George Gray Stones. Treasurer Noo lucking tae the future please help the “future me” Afore you go, be sure folk know whar you leave your family tree. Issue No. 41 March 2007 Anniversary PartyNEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 5
‘GENEALOGITIS’ from the Internet. Rob Nelon c/-Perth Dead Persons Society. Read by Joyce Moore at the Anniversary Party There is a new disease these days for which there is no cure. So, if it gets a grip on you”you’ve had it,’ that’s for sure.
This genealogitis. at least that’s what I call it has no known vaccination that can ever quite forestall it.
It strikes the rich, it strikes the poor. The old and young alike, and every nation feels its sting, when the bug makes a strike.
In fact, I’m stuck with it myself, I know whereof I speak, this stuff has kept progressing ‘till it almost makes me weak,
Some symptoms of this dread disease are buying ancient books, and, you’ll find yourself in graveyards and dusty attic nooks.
You write all sorts of letters for no stone is left unturned. Sometimes, for only postage stamps, a gold mine is returned.
Just let me say, in closing, that when all is said and done. this malady has brought me joy and such a lot of fun.
Many thanks to Alan Clouston, Member No 339, for supplying all of the photographs which appear on pages 4 and 5. 6 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007 The nursing achievements of my great aunts Jean and Anna Sinclair By Gordon J Sinclair - Member 720
am Gordon James Sinclair, Grandson of David Jack General Practitioners in Kirkwall named Sinclair. Fellow Sinclair, Snr. Formerly of the, “Quoys”, Holm, I am also the O.F.H.S. member, Ruth McInroy, nee Sinclair, noted the IGreat Nephew of Jane and Ann Sinclair of the, “Quoys”, connection between nursing excellence and her own Grandfather’s Sisters. medical interests and birthplace, Orkney. My visits from Glasgow to Orkney began in 1949 when, Ruth decided to research my Great Aunts’ history and after a rail journey, Mother and Father put me on the DH89 achievements compiled from original document copies as Dragon Rapide at Dyce, Aberdeen Airport, bound for Kirkwall follows ; to be checked in at the, Grimsetter, ”BEA”, (British European Airways), “Nissen Hut”, terminal where Grandfather was waiting to greet me and transport us in John Robson’s 1935 Extracts from the British Journal of Nursing. Vauxhall to the Family farm, adjacent to Robson’s shop. On one May the 19th. 1906 occasion, the aircraft passed over the Quoys and Grandmother Appointments was waving a tablecloth to the sky. Gran always claimed she Bignold Cottage Hospital, WICK. could see me returning the compliment. Miss Jean Sinclair has been appointed matron of the This six week vacation was to continue, annually, for another Bignold Cottage Hospital, Wick. She was trained at 2 years on each long school holiday although the aircraft type the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, in which institution varied from the DH89 Dragon Rapide to the DC3 Dakota from she has held the position of Sister. Renfrew Airport and on an occasion one of Hitler’s Junka’s from Inverness Airport. I September the 24th. 1910 did not meet Presentations ; To Miss Anna Sinclair. Jane or Ann Miss Anna Sinclair, recently appointed to the, in Orkney “Children’s Shelter”, in Edinburgh, who has been in as they had charge of the nursing at Fort George Garrison during already gone the past four years, was the pioneer of, ”Alexandra”, south to seek nursing in the North. Before leaving to take up her employment, new appointment, she was presented with a silver however, I sugar basin and cream jug. The articles are very did catch up massive and of exquisite workmanship, and bear the with them in following inscription :- “Presented to Miss Sinclair Lundin Links as a token of gratitude by the women of Fort George Gordon next to the Junka with his mother and and Edinburgh Garrison, 1910”. Eighteen months ago the Highland cousin from Ness Bank, Inverness. once or twice. Light Infantry, before leaving Fort George, presented As a child, and after Grandfather had passed on, I lost Miss Sinclair with a Silver teapot. touch with Jane & Ann, apart from a photograph of Jane in the family album and a beautiful crocheted tablecloth given to May the 10th. 1913. Mother as a wedding gift. I was unaware of their tasks in life Appointments or what I was about to discover almost 60 years later. Superintendent The following explains the amazing life of my Great Aunts District Asylum, Haddington, East Lothian. and also the discoveries and benefits of information sharing Miss Jean Sinclair has been appointed Superintendent. within the Family History society, I think the new Message She was trained at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Board on the Society’s internet site will be an ideal platform where she has held the position of Ward Sister; she for such sharing activity and maybe create some inspiration has also been Matron of the Bignold Hospital, Wick, for potential medics. and of the district Asylum, at Haddington. Should anyone reading this article have any further information that could enhance this story, please do not January the 17th.1920 Appointments hesitate to contact me through the Normal Society sources. I The Infirmary, Kingston –on-Thames, London. still visit Orkney annually. Miss Anna Sinclair has been appointed Matron. She Jean, (Jane), and Anna, (Ann) Sinclair were born on the was trained at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, and 36 acre Family Farm, the “ Quoys”, Holm, Orkney. They left the Brighton Hospital for women, and has been Sister the, sometimes hostile, Orkney weather and arduous farming in Charge at the Fort George Garrison Infirmary, life to dedicate their careers to the medical profession around Matron at the Sanatorium Peebles, Matron of the Great Britain. Great Barr Hospital, and during the war, Matron of The following citations were passed to myself from the hospitals at Weybridge, Exeter and Kilmarnock. Daughter, (and Grand Daughter), of Father and Son, Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 7 Extract from Haddington Courier April1935 Miss Jean Sinclair Superintendent of East Lothian
Mental Hospital, Haddington, Honoured At the retiral ceremony of Miss Jean Sinclair Staff, management and guests, including her sister Miss Anna Sinclair, celebrated her 23 years of ‘ faithful and unostentatious service.’ In his tribute to Miss Sinclair, Chairman Dr Did H.H.Roberts was fulsome in his praise of her you know? achievements. He recalled that shortly after George Leonard of Kirkwall taking up her duties as matron on the 1st April was certainly surprised 1912 Mr Macrae the then Superintendent retired when he opened the door and Miss Sinclair assumed full charge of the to two strangers on the 4th December 1910. ’Are we in institution – a position unique in the annuls of England’ they asked, mental hospitals. During her 23 years work in the ‘we have come by balloon.’ Asylum had gone on with uneventful smoothness Their names were Distler and her administration had always received the and Joerdens and they highest commendation. Her guidance had taken had set off from Munich on a 24 hour ascent. The the institution through the difficulties of the weather had deterio- Great War and the influenza epidemic of 1918 rated and they had been with conspicuous success. During her tenure she blown from Germany by a instituted many reforms and her staff benefited strong easterly gale. They descended to try and as- from improved conditions and hours of duty. certain their position and She never forgot her Orcadian roots and took every opportunity to relate the stories of the many found themselves hurtling famous Orcadians who left the islands and made their way in the world. Her name, said the along at sea level. A large Chairman, must now be added to the long list of Orcadians who have achieved success. wave struck the basket As a tangible mark of appreciation, Miss Sinclair was then presented with a pair of suitably and the third member of their party - a Herr Metzler inscribed binoculars and an electric standard lamp. - was thrown out and Miss Sinclair then thanked the speakers for their kind words and the staff and friends for their never seen again. handsome gifts. The balloon rose and they drifted again. They saw lights and again descend- ed only to find themselves Honoured by the King once more over the sea Miss Jean Sinclair, founder member of the and it was only by jett- Haddington Courier June 1935 tisoning all of their ballast College of Nursing, has, on the recommendation that they averted disaster. of the General Board of Control, Edinburgh, Finally when they were received the King’s Silver Jubilee Medal on her JEAN SINCLAIR, Quoys, Holm, Orkney sure they were over land retiral from the post of Superintendent of East 17.2.1868 - 28.5.1954 they let the last of the gas Lothian Mental Hospital, Haddington. ANNA SINCLAIR, Quoys, Holm, Orkney escape and the balloon finally came to a halt near 30.1.1875 - 4.6.1959 Park Cottage, St Ola. At first they thought they were in Switzerland and it was only when they read Glynis Porter – Member No.1612 is researching the name of Leask, ‘push’ on the doorbell of currently looking for the parents of a John Leask (born about 1844 George Leonard’s home CAN YOU – supposedly Glasgow, but she doesn’t think he was). that they realised that they She has found on a census for London a Mary Ann Leask who stated were in Britain. that she was from Aberdeen and Glynis thinks this lady may have been When interviewed by the HELP Orcadian Herr Distler said John’s sister. On looking at the OPR Index for Births and Christenings ‘Our speed must have been there are two virtually identical results for a Mary Ann Leask, the greater than the fastest GLYNIS only difference being the Parish. The date given is 24th July 1846 train in the world.’ Captain Leask Mary Ann Parents’ John Leask/Mary Spence. The Parish in Joerdens added that ‘They FIND one instance is given as Aberdeen (GROS Data 168/0A 0025) and in must have travelled over the other, Kirkwall (GROS Data 021/00 0006) and there is a reference 1500 miles and stared FR1622 by the parents name in respect of Kirkwall. death in the face.’ THESE Glynis feels this is rather strange but there may have an obvious answer. The Germans stayed in She wonders if anyone can help and also if they are researching this Orkney for three days be- fore catching the steamer LEASKS? family. south on their jouney Her e-mail address is [email protected] home. 8 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007 The Church of St Magnus the Martyr City of London By Peter Groundwater Russell - Member 161
hat a surprise it is to encounter a fearsome, warlike Earl of Orkney from Statue of St Magnus by Martin Travers the 12th century in an ancient Wren Wchurch hidden among modern high- rise office blocks between London Bridge and the old Billingsgate Fish Market. Apparently a church has stood on this site for well over a thousand years. Towards the end of the Saxon period, Danish settlers colonised both banks of the Thames and built three churches within the City of London, including St. Magnus. It is believed that Earl Magnus of Orkney actually went to London to visit Henry I (1100- 35) and, if so, he almost certainly would have seen London Bridge and might even have worshipped in the old church. The original dedication (before the cult of our northern Saint Magnus) is uncertain, though there were a number of earlier saints of the same name, some of whom were martyrs in the Roman persecutions. St Magnus the Martyr with the Stock The church was destroyed in the Great Exchange in the background Fire of 1666 and rebuilt to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren between 1671 and 1687 at a cost of £9,879, a considerable sum of money in those days. The Portland stone tower is considered to be one of Wren’s finest in the City. Rising in diminishing proportions, each storey being adorned with typical ornate flourishes of Wren, it is capped with a lantern, dome and ‘spiry turret,’ finally topped with a weather vane and cross. A handsome clock, which projects over the small outer churchyard and bears the date 1709, was presented to the church by Sir Charles Duncombe to mark his term as Lord Mayor of London. The story goes, perhaps apocryphal, that when Sir Charles was serving his apprenticeship The lantern tower and steeple, as a banker in the City he was thrashed St Magnus the Martyr by his master for being late for work. The Sir Charles Duncombe Clock Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 9
He resolv- Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. On its sculptured ed that if headpiece is a bunch of grapes and a grinning skull– he was ever emblems of conviviality and death. fortunate In 1924 a major restoration was undertaken and enough to two years later the Bishop of London decreed that b e c o m e from thenceforward the principal patron should be St. L o r d Magnus, Earl of Orkney. Some years ago the whole of Mayor he the interior was severely damaged by smoke from a fire would give that broke out during renovations but it has since been the church lavishly redecorated so that in the words of T.S. Elliot of St. in his famous poem, The Waste Land, once again “the M a g n u s walls of Magnus Martyr hold, inexplicable splendour of a clock, to Ionian white and gold.” save other boys who c r o s s e d o v e r L o n d o n B r i d g e f r o m suffering the same The St. Magnus Window (the arms of Kirkwall). fate. He did indeed fulfil his ambition and kept his promise. The church escaped serious damage in the Second World War though a bomb which fell on London Bridge in 1940 destroyed all the windows. Consequently, the present stained-glass i s modern. The St. Magnus window, one of four in the south wall, incorporates t h e Kirkwall coat-of-arms, the saint holding a battle-axe and a model of the pre-1666 church, the ruins of St. Magnus Church, Egilsay, and the cairn marking the place of his martyrdom. The life-size statue of the saint, resplendent in a horned The helmet, is a similar portrayal to that in The St Magnus Window (holding a battle-axe and a model of the old church). the window. When visiting London, take a trip to St. Magnus-the- Affixed to a wall in the inner courtyard stands the Martyr in Lower Thames Street, near the Monument, tombstone of ‘honest’ Robert Preston, the barman at and marvel at its truly magnificent interior or simply the old Boar’s Head, Eastcheap, who was immortalised enjoy a few quiet moments, away from the bustling by Washington Irving in his delightful little tale of his crowds and constant noise of traffic, to remember an search for the old tavern during a visit to London in Orkney Earl who was renowned for his piety and love 1817, which is featured in his best-known work, The of peace, as rare a phenomenon in the troubled Viking age as it is today. Ironically St. Magnus-the-Martyr be- longs to the High Church (Anglo-Catholic) movement within the Church of England and consequently the pervading aroma of incense, the ornate shrines, the gilded sword-rests and its liturgy would almost certainly be more familiar to the saint than the much less ostentatious ways commonly associated with Presbyterianism. The feast of St. Magnus falls on Monday, 16 May, when services will be held on or around that date in London, Orkney, Shetland, and no doubt elsewhere, to commemorate the 870th anniversary of his martyrdom.
The headpiece of the tombstone oi ‘honest’ Robert Preston All photographs taken by the author 10 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007
Danny Watt a Stromness Legend
anny Watt was a character through Between 1939 and 1946 the Stromness and through. He looked like a char- streets, built for fishermen and farmers and Dacter. He acted like a character. There their slow carts and barrows, became a main was no mistaking him for anybody else. He artery through which roared, night and day, was unique. enormous tarpaulined lorries, and staff cars, To begin with, for a long time, he was only and furious dispatch riders. They knocked known inside Orkney, driving his horse and the corners off ancient houses and cracked cart through Stromness to bring to mer- nearly every flagstone in the town. Strom- chants the goods that had just arrived for ness became almost overnight a khaki me- them on the ‘north tropolis. There were boat’. He was also a such swarms of men Did Mercury, a bringer of In the December newsletter there was that the local girls news. He seemed to an article about JamesWatt who becme could coolly pick and you know? know all the extraor- a successful builder in London. He was the second son in a family of choose where they dinary events that ten who came from Aberdeenshire. liked. Many scores of That a visit to Corrigall occurred sooner than They farmed the small farm of Sum- thousands of pounds Farm Museum will trans- other folk; and some merdale for ten years the moved to rattled across shop port you back to mid 19th said almost before Grey’s Bigging within the town bound- counters in that brief century Orkney farmstead. they happened. His ary where they had a dairy and sup- You won’t believe you are season of madness. plied milk to the town. Danny was the in an actual exhibit as acquaintance with Danny Watt tri- second youngest in the family. you wander through the genealogies was exact umphantly asserted When he grew up he followed his father various flagstone-floored and detailed. He knew the rights of civilian and became a carter in the town. rooms along with the everybody in the West vehicular traffic in After his death George Mackay Brown ducks and hens. There’s Mainland, and prob- wrote this appreciation of him. those years. His horse a welcoming fire burning ably in the East Ma- Ethel Young, Member No 45. and cart dominated in the open hearth with ainland too, and there the street. The gen- the farm cats basking in were precious few eral’s car, the huge the warmth. Equipment in the isles that he didn’t know. On market motorised caravans stuffed with Lewis guns and fittings include a day (Wednesday) he hailed everyone by the traditional box beds and a or army blankets, or cursing pioneers had to parish weaver’s loom. Ad- districts they came from; ‘Hello Swanney’ or stop while Danny patiently manoeuvred his jacent is a traditional barn Hello Tenston’. Quite an astonishing piece of horse and cart up Porteous’ Brae or along with a grain-drying kiln virtuosity, when it is done accurately every the narrow chasm of John Street. He was the and hand mill. Outside are day over many years. master, and he knew it, and they knew it. He examples of horse drawn During the last war, when Stromness was drove along, his mouth full of wit and chas- farm machinery. Nearby is chock-a-block with soldiers, Danny rose to his tisement and repartee — a living symbol of the only working example greatest heights. Some say there were 60,000 the pastoral over the industrial, of the man of of an Orcadian horizontal troops in Orkney in those years, a large pro- peace over the men of war. water mill. portion of them concentrated in and around For a long time after he retired, he was a The museum is open dur- Stromness. It was impossible for Danny to ing the summer months familiar figure in Wishart’s and Nicholson’s and located in Harray on get to know them all, for there was a constant buses, where he acted as a kind of unofficial Mainland Orkney. coming and going. So he inverted the process, conductor: perpetually astounding summer and they all came to know him instead. I think visitors with flashes of pregnant advice or I may safely say that Danny Watt was better astonishing buffoonery. Into any specimen known to the troops than the General Offi- of false granderie he pushed his long, deadly cer Commanding. It is a well known fact that point of derision. It could be very delightful soldiers that had served in different parts of to watch. To those travellers who genuinely Orkney would meet subsequently, nearer the sought help he was a priceless asset. end of the war, in North Africa or Rome or the Now that this rather small man, with his Rhine and talk for long about Danny Watt, deep-set brown eyes and his virtuoso tongue with much appreciative laughter. Probably is no more, we salute a unique, deeply original they still talk about him in the quiet taverns personality who will certainly take his place in Somerset and the Old Kent Road. among the shining dead of local legend. Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 11 ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY The first 10 years By George R Gray
he Orkney Family History Society came about as a result From the comments we receive I am sure that our magazine of a public meeting in Kirkwall, called by Gavin Rendall is one of the best in the country which must be thanks to our Tin October 1996. This was held to see how much interest editors and to those members who kindly send in articles. there was in setting up a family history society in Orkney. As a result of the public meeting convened by Gavin, the The Orkney Family History Society will always be indebted 1st Steering Committee of OFHS was held at Beechgrove, to Gavin Rendall for setting up that first public meeting. Finstown on 21st October 1996. Beechgrove was the home of At the meeting Gavin had asked if George Gray was in the Billy Cardno. audience and this being Orkney those that knew me pointed Those present were H.Angus, S. Bichan, B.Cardno, N.Craigie, me out and said “That’s him” and so I became the first person F. Eunson, G.Gray, H. Manson, David Rendall, Gavin Rendall, on the steering committee. Nan Scott was the second. Gavin Nan Scott and Janice Sinclair. Nan Scott agreed to chair the asked us if we knew each other and we said that we lived near Steering Committee meetings. I agreed to act as Treasurer each other and had spoken on the phone several times. Since while Helen Angus agreed to act as Secretary. then we have developed a great friendship providing I toe the At the 4th Steering Committee meeting held in January 1977 line! One day early in December when I got home from the I reported that the Society had £104.12 in the bank and 13 library my wife asked me if I had been upsetting Nan again. I paid up members. At our last committee meeting I reported asked why she thought that and she said that a box of home- that our bank balance was £29,700 and we have 1019 paid up made, gluten free, shortbread had been left in our porch with members. a message “ Have a Happy Gluten-Free Christmas” written on After 5 Steering Committee meetings an inaugural meeting the box. I explained that we had had a slight disagreement was held on 6th February 1997 in the Kirkwall Grammar about working on the Society’s December magazine. Perhaps School and so the Orkney Family History Society was created. the timing of the gift was just a coincidence but was much 70 people attended the meeting. appreciated anyway, Nan. It was agreed that all the steering committee would be appointed The society is also very grateful to Gavin for agreeing to take on to form the committee of the newly formed Orkney Family the post of editor for our magazine. It was Gavin who decided History Society. Another 3 members were also appointed to the we should call it “Sib Folk News” Gavin was our editor up until committee. They were Eddie Sinclair, Hazel Goar and Betty 2002. On his retirement as Editor the Society agreed to offer him Tulloch. After we had met several times I realised that 6 of the the post of Honerary Vice President which he was delighted to original committee were all related to me. accept. Olaf Mooney took over from Gavin as Editor until 2004. At the inaugural meeting it was also agreed that Brigadier It was then that our present editor John Sinclair took over. S.P.Robertson should become the Honorary President of the OFHS. Accepting the position he then gave a short speech and thanked the Committee for the honour. A
THE ORIGINAL COMMITTEE. Back Row: Brig. S. P. Robertson, George Gray, Gavin Rendall, Steven Bichan, Frank Eunson, David Rendall and Billy Cardno. Front Row: Janice Sinclair, Helen Manson, Nan Scot, Norma Craigie and Helen Angus. 12 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 13
FThe society is very grateful to several of the committee By May 2000 we had the first of our Churchyards recorded to the Society. Janice’s son Steven has kindly agreed to audit Department, several members of our committee were invited members who have served faithfully over the years. and ready for selling. The first 2 being Rendall and Shapinsay. our accounts in memory of his mother and we are grateful to the opening. It would appear that I am the only member of the committee We always realised it would take a while to record all of the for his help. In December 2003 I attended a Genealogy Tourism meeting who has been on it from the public meeting held in October 45 churchyards and this project is still ongoing. Since Janice’s death I have done most of the research on in Edinburgh. There were 130 present at the meeting. Max 1996 to date. In November 2000 we moved our office to the Strynd behalf of the Society. This was something which started as a Johnston, from the Great Canadian Travel Company was The Society was very grateful to the Orkney Islands Community Room which gave us a bit more space but was hobby, but in March 2004 I decided to take early retirement there to talk on the success of the Canadian Homecoming Council, Orkney Entrerprise, The Lottery Fund and several not suitable for disabled visitors. However it did have a nice as I realised that there was enough research to be done to to Orkney in 1999. Peter Needham from Westray was there Community Councils who gave us grants/donations to help private garden with a bench where our visitors could sit and keep me busy in my retirement. to talk about what Westray was doing to attract ancestral us set up our first office. The first lottery grant in 1998 was browse through our census books (weather permitting!) It was also in 2002 that we lost Alastair and Anne Cor- tourists to their island. There was also a speaker there from used to buy a new computer, printer and other equipment Each year the Society has had an outing and we have had and furniture for our office. The second grant in 2001 was several enjoyable day trips to the various islands. In 1999 mack when they moved south to live in Pitlochry. Having Visit Scotland who spoke about the Homecoming in 1999. to allow us to buy equipment for the recordings of the we went to Shapinsay but the day was cut short due to the been the Editors of “The Orkney View” they had lots of ex- All through the day there was so much mention of Orkney Monumental Inscriptions. terrible weather. Our first visit was Balfour Castle and some perience and advice to pass on concerning the publishing of that I realised that we are obviously getting it right as far as of the first people off the boat decided they would walk up to our magazine. However, they have not been idle since they attracting visitors in search of their roots. the Castle not realising there was transport coming for us. I left as they have been helping to set up The North Perth- Also in December 2003 we moved into our new office in can remember arriving at the Castle to find a few members, shire Family History Group. the new Library. Although many of us were not sure about including Steven and Helen Manson, arriving “absolutely In 2003 the Orkney Tourist Board started sending any moving into the Library it appears to have been the best drookled”. family history queries which came in direct to me in order thing to have happened to the Society since it began. We In 2001 on our outing to Stronsay we were delighted to be that I could send them details of the Society. This has cer- now have a very modern office in central Kirkwall with invited to visit the monks on Papa Stronsay . tainly helped to give us many new members. VisitOrkney access for the disabled and with a lovely view of St Magnus We were welcomed to the island by Father Michael Mary, now has an excellent website - ancestralorkney.com - for Cathedral. The Society is grateful to Orkney Islands Council who informed us that he himself had “Orkney Roots”. Although he had been born in New Z e a l a n d those interested in visiting Orkney or searching for for giving us this office and we hope that we are providing a his ancestors had come from N o r t h their Orkney roots. worthwhile service in return. Ronaldsay. Also in 2003 Dave Higgins set up the Society’s Seeing St Magnus Cathedral from our window is an website and agreed to act as our Webmaster. emotional experience for some of our visiting members as The website now gives our members a chance to the Cathedral was the place where their ancestors had enter a family tree, thus making it available worshipped. In June 2004 Margaret Reehl visited from to other members. America and as soon as she arrived she came straight to the Some of our members from abroad OFHS office to meet me. On seeing the Cathedral through have become regular visitors to Orkney. the window Margaret realised that it was exactly as her Brigadier S. P. Robertson handing over the Lottery Grant to George Gray One of our most regular visitors has grandmother had described it and found it quite a moving in the Town Hall. The committee members in the photograph from left to right are: Helen Angus, Secretary, Brigadier S. P. Robertson, George been Alexandra Richter from British experience. I had promised her that when she arrived I Gray, Treasurer, Nan Scott, Chairman and Billy Cardno, Vice Chairman. Columbia would have found the gravestone of her great grandparents Our first office was a small room at Broad Street at the who has Robert Sinclair and Margaret Flett. However, on finding the back of the “VisitOrkney” offices. Orkney Islands Council s p e n t grave I realised that the grave next to her grandparents was agreed to rent it to us. As we did not have a cleaner at that m a n y that of her great- great time I went in early on a Saturday morning before the office days in the grandparents, James opened to clean the toilets and sweep the floor. O r k n e y Sinclair and Mary Reid. One of the first tasks, which the Society carried out, was F a m i l y When I mentioned preparing the census data from the census sheets from 1821 H i s t o r y the name Mary Reid, through to 1891. This was carried out by several of our Society and Margaret was most members and the selling of census booklets has always been A r c h i v e s excited as I had given her our best source of income. When the 1901 census became doing her the answer to something available at the end of 2001 we managed to have these booklets ready to sell within weeks. Again this was thanks research. She she had wondered about is researching for over 50 years. When to our members. George and Nan presenting Father Michael Mary with One of the most exciting times for the Society was the census prints of Papa Stronsay Garricks and Munros and Margaret got married, Canadian Homecoming in June 1999 when approximately was amazed to find that one her mother had given 300 Canadians arrived in search of their roots. The majority Over the years we have visited most of the islands on our of her Munro ancestors from her a framed sampler of the visitors were descendants of men who had signed on summer outings and again we are grateful to all those on the Westray had worked for the with the name Mary with the Hudson’s Bay Company and who never returned. various islands who helped to make our trips successful. Tzar of Russia back in the Reid 1823 embroidered By the time of the Homecoming we had all the censuses On Thursday 14th February 2002 our committee member 1860s. on the bottom. On from 1821 to 1891 on computer thanks to Dave Higgins. The and main researcher Janice Sinclair died suddenly at On 2nd September 2003 asking her mother who Society is indebted to Dave Higgins who does the computer home. Janice was a very valuable member of our Society. I Prince Edward, The Earl Mary Reid was she was work for the Society and without whom we would struggle. had met up with Janice every Saturday afternoon to discuss of Wessex visited Orkney told that she was one of The highlight of the Homecoming for me was meeting our member Ken Harrison from British Columbia. He arrived any queries which had arrived. When I went to Edinburgh to officially open the new her Orkney ancestors. to attend meetings I visited Register House with a list of Orkney Library and Archive. After 50 years, she at my house with his family tree on disc and on looking at The 1823 sampler his tree I discovered that he was my half, sixth cousin, once certificates to find to help Janice with her research. Still As the OFHS were to be given had finally discovered, removed. Our common ancestor being George Traill 3rd of today many visitors arrive from abroad with letters which an office on the 1st floor, along that the sampler had been embroidered by her great great Holland. they received from Janice. Janice was and still is a big loss the corridor from the Archives Mrs Richter at gravestone grandmother, Mary Reid, in 1823 in Orkney. A 14 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007
FThe OFHS was concerned at her 6th cousin. I was amazed at the start that we might upset George Gray is a how excited she was to find a 6th the staff in the Archives Dept name familiar to cousin. We are both descended as we were taking work away many of our mem- from George Gray and Marga- from them. After 10 years I am bers. Officially ret Seator who were married in sure we have a very agreeable ‘Treasurer’ and a Westray about 1740. The next working relationship with the founder member of day she set off for Westray with Archive Dept and we are very the Society George a map of the house where her lucky to have our office close to also wears anoth- grandmother had been born. On their dept. er hat. Invariably her return she came back in to In 2004 we were delighted members’ family his- say what a wonderful day they when James Irvine published tory inquiries land had on Westray and also to ask his book “ Tracing Your Orkney on George’s desk and me if I had any children. I told Ancestors” His book is the first his encyclopaedic knowledge of Orcadian her I had a 26 year old daugh- book ever written to help people families more often than not produces an ter and a 24 year old son. She research their Orcadian ances- answer. Some of his more unusual queries said then that her own children try. It explains the many ways were “How many cities are there on Stron- would be delighted that they had of obtaining basic family his- say ?”, and “Are there many dwarfs in Ork- two cousins in Orkney although tory data from censuses, the IGI ney ?” George and his wife Elaine attended they would be 7th cousins. and the Internet and also lists the Queen’s Garden Party in 2002 because of Quiet a few visitors like to the information available in the his involvement with the Society. George re- take a photo of our office volun- Orkney Library and Archive. ally enjoys doing the research for members teers as a reminder of their visit In May 2004 Nan Scott de- which he says is like being a detective gath- to our office. cided to stand down from be- ering all the information together to ensure In May 2007 there is to be an- ing Chairman and from the the correct ancestors are found. other Homecoming which is an Committee. However, we were open invitation to people from delighted when Anne Rendall all over the world to come to agreed to take over. The Society Orkney to search for their roots. would like to thank them both for their contribution. Those members intending to come should contact me as The committee was not sure how it would manage with- soon as possible if they are needing help with research. My out Nan’s guidance but we did not have long to worry, as email address is [email protected] she agreed to come back on the committee in 2006. She is We look forward to seeing you in May. now doing a splendid job as our Secretary. Over the years we have also had a lot of enjoyable monthly At our AGM in May 2005 Brigadier S. P. Robertson in- meetings with speakers addressing us on various subjects. timated that he wished to stand down from his position One of our meetings that was best attended was when Eliz- as Honorary President. abeth Briggs from Winnipeg Anne expressed our grateful came to talk to us on “The thanks to him for all his sup- Orkneymen in Hudson’s port. It was agreed that Nan Bay”. We would also like to Scott should become the new thank Mags and Annie Ren- Honorary President, as she dall for kindly making the had been a major factor in tea at our meetings. making the Society what it I myself would like to say is today. Nan was delighted a big thank you to Adrianne to accept providing she could Leask who helps me with my still take an active part in Treasurer’s duties and to all the Society. those people in the various Many of our visitors are parishes and islands who keen to meet living relatives. are always willing to help In October I met Linda- me with my research que- Ann Sim and her husband ries when I contact them. from Perthshire. They were The Society has quite a in Orkney to try and find few members who volunteer out where her grandmother From left to right: Anne Rendall, Lillian Babcock, George Gray and to man our office every day had been born. She said her Adrianne Leask. Lillian was here with her husband, She is descended and I know by the reports I grandmother was Jessie Gray from Peaces and Omands from Sanday and they were both delighted receive that our visitors find Leslie which immediately with the research that George had done for them. them very helpful. We would made me think of Westray. She said that she was keen to also like to say a big thank you to them all. see if she had any living relatives in Orkney as she was an On Thursday 8th February the Orkney Family History only child and both her parents had been only children so Society held an informal evening, with a buffet and wine she had never known any cousins. On doing some research to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. This proved to be very through the Westray census I could then tell her that I had successful and a very enjoyable evening was had by our managed to find a relative for her and that I was in fact members and guests. L Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 15
By Gavin Rendall - Member No1 and Vice President any sailors were at sea on the enumeration days have been a coal merchant as all three ships listed below of census returns, hence we find many records carried coal from the east coast ports to Orkney. The Mof sailors’ wives but few of sailors on the census Caber Feidh was a two-masted fore and aft schooner of 86 returns. While we have the sailors’ surnames and their tons. She was bought by Benjamin Swanson in 1881 and married addresses on the returns we do not know where employed in the coasting trade between Orkney and the they originated. One way to deduce this is to research east coast ports. Two masted schooners were popular as the wedding records of the sailors and hence obtain they were very economical with man-power, and a crew of their parents’ names and where they were brought up. four was common. This article is the first in a series to be published later Leaving Sunderland on Nov. 25 1901, with coals for in Westray Roots about these sailors and the craft they Kirkwall, all went well until she came up to Orkney when sailed. she encountered a very strong N.W. gale. The weather Captain George Gray was born 24th May 1868 at became so bad that the master was forced to heave to Long Bigging in the West Side of Westray. His father, and the vessel drove off for several days. When about Robert Gray, was listed as a general merchant on his 120 miles east of Rattray Head, with the vessel leaking son’s marriage certificate and as a boatman on the 1891 badly, signals of distress were put up. The trawler Ceres census. No doubt George got his taste for the sea from of Hull answered the call, but the sea was so high that it his father. His mother was Elizabeth Leslie who married was impossible for the trawler to launch a boat until 4 Robert Gray in 1857. By the time George was 23, when a.m. the following morning –a Saturday. The crew of four he got married, he would probably have had nine or ten was safely taken off the damaged vessel and the trawler years at sea. He married Jane Logie in December 1891. stood by until the early hours of the following Monday She was from the farm of Lochend and her parents were morning when all hope of salvage was abandoned. The George Logie and Isabelle Muir. Ceres then proceeded to Aberdeen where the rescued men were landed. The master was George Gray and the mate was William Eunson, both of Westray. John Linklater of Kirkwall was A.B. and James Thomson of Sanday was O.S. Would Benjamin Swanson have had insurance for the loss of his ship? The mate, William Eunson, hailed from Furrigarth and was born on 5th September 1871. His parents were Robert Eunson and Anne Logie. He was married, age 29, in January 1901 to Christine Rendall, age 27, of Angerquoy. Her parents were Thomas Rendall and Barbara Rendall. The schooner Earnest The second record concerns the three-masted schooner, the Earnest, of 90 tons, also owned by Benjamin Swanson. The Earnest, as noted in Ross’ book was a top sail schooner. That is to say in addition to a third mast she carried square sails on the fore mast. Neither of the two sails were very deep. While in Orkney, the Earnest was A typical fore and aft schooner skippered by George Gray and traded chiefly between Orkney and the east coast coal ports. She was sold to The loss of the Caber Feidh English owners during the First World War Sinclair Ross’ books on Orkney Sailing Ships and Orkney Wrecks record some of George Gray’s career. The first The large ketch the Haldon record concerns the loss of the schooner, the Caber Feidh, The Haldon was also owned by Benjamin Swanson (There owned by Benjamin Swanson of Sanday. Swanson must is an article about this vessel in Westray Roots No 9A 16 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007
Fand a sketch in Westray Roots No12). unlucky, and lucky, for although she had many accidents Ketches or as they were sometimes called, smacks, varied none proved fatal. Early in her Orkney ownership, she lost tremendously in their rigging. Some boats had a topsail her main mast and was towed into Aberdeen for repairs. on the mizzen-mast, while others had a bowsprit carrying In 1908, she was rammed off Copinsay by an oil tanker, a jib. The rig also varied with the season of the year. Often losing her bowsprit. While under Orkney ownership her these ketches had red ochre or brown sails. skippers were George Gray of Westray and John Linklater The Haldon, a wooden vessel of 95 tons, was purchased of Kirkwall. When the Haldon was sold one of her subsequent owners wrote about her as follows. “As a ketch she had a heavy main sail and it was hard work setting it. After one trip the gaff topsail burst and it had to be sent down on deck for repairs. The main mast was found to be slightly rotten in the eyes of the rigging and it was decided to rerig the ship as a three-masted fore and aft schooner. This was a great success and the Haldon handled much better. The cost of the rerig was saved in three years by the easy motion in bad seaways”. How did skippers of sailing boats receive their training in navigation? It would seem necessary to be well qualified to be engaged, as George Gray was, to sail from Orkney to the East coast ports. George Gray must have been a good skipper and well trusted by Benjamin Swanson to have been trusted with not only one but three ships. He died age 48 of TB on 2nd March 1917 at the home of A typical Ketch or Smack his wife’s parents, Lochend. Sadly his daughter Isabella Muir Gray died of the same disease five months later. by Benjamin Swanson of Sanday in1904 and sold by George’s son Robert Gray was also a Master Mariner and him in 1916. The Haldon was one of the largest vessels he died at the age of 50 at Gill Farm on 2nd December operating from Orkney at the time. In her career she was 1942 of Natural causes. Gavin RendallL A welcome addition to the Orcadian bookshelf What Lies Behind the Picture? A Personal Journey into Cree Ancestry by Vernon R Wishart. ISBN 0-929123-14-X Vernon Wishart grew up with his brother William and back through 250 years, a tangle of Orkney/Indian sister Shirley on the prairies of central Alberta, Canada, history among Wisharts, Fletts and Spences, Cree and in the years before the 2nd World War. His father Roy Assiniboine. William Flett was from the township of Wishart was manager of a grain silo. He had the normal Redland in Firth had become a hunter and boatman with childhood of a white Canadian, playing football and hockey the Hudson’s Bay Company and reached the position and helping out on the neighbouring farms. But when of Master at several trading posts, aided by his Cree he went to college and became an ordained minister, he country wife, Saskatchewan (their grand-daughter Eliza became very aware of the negative social attitudes among would marry James Wishart). whites towards Native and Mixed-blood people. Thomas Wishart from Orkney travelled to Fort Garry Of their own family, Vernon and his siblings knew very with John Franklin in 1819. He found work in the growing little. It was only in the 1960s, years after the death of Selkirk Colony, and married Barbara Spence, daughter their father, that Shirley Wishart chanced on the family of James Spence from Birsay and his Assiniboine wife tale that changed their lives. Roy Wishart had given no Mary. As time went on the lives of Thomas Wishart’s hint of his ancestry, but the story that now emerged made son James and his wife Eliza were disrupted by growing it clear that he was silent to protect his family from the unrest and rebellion among the Native, Mixed-blood and racial attitudes that prevailed. A book of local history Metis peoples increasingly marginalised by new settlers that had been published in a small town called Rosebud, and the Canadian government. northeast of Calgary, included a tale of the Wisharts. In After many trials the Wisharts finally settled in the year 1887 James Wishart, heading home on a thirty Alberta, by the Rosebud River, the first settlers in the mile journey by horse-drawn sleigh, was caught in a severe area that would be known as Redland. blizzard. After two nights in the open he struggled for The book is thoroughly and thoughtfully researched miles on hands and knees and collapsed within yards of with vivid tales of family hardship, discrimination and his house. His wife Elizabeth had to cut off his frostbitten heroism in relation to national events, reflecting a racial toes- ‘Eliza’s knowledge of Indian medicine and surgery divide that still exists in Canada. It is equally a story saved Jim’s life’. Eliza Wishart, born Flett, was Vernon’s of Orcadians, shedding further light on the challenges great-grandmother, and this tale was the first hint of his and adventures of their historic employment with the Mixed-blood ancestry. Hudson’s Bay Company. It is a very welcome addition to The quest upon which Vernon Wisart embarked brought the Orkney bookshelf. him on many journeys in Western Canada, to the United Bryce Wilson 30/1/2007L States and Orkney. With the help of his sister he traced Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 17
Ritches beyond your wildest dreams LOOKING FOR MARY ANN MOWAT on Robert’s By Robert Whitton, Member No 218 website In my research into the inhabitants of 1860--1863 for 3 years 5 months however he Robert Whitton has Graemsay I was intrigued by an inscription married on Graemsay on 24th July 1860 so been researching his on a Gravestone in that well maintained clearly he went home for his marriage. family’s history for the Churchyard. When I visited for the first He does not appear in the 1861 census, which is past ten years. time about 10 years ago after recording the unusual as although his wife was at a Shore Station His mother’s inscriptions I just sat in the sunshine and someone must have filled in a census for the Bell families, Ritch and reflected on the lives of those around me. At Rock Lighthouse! Sutherland came from that date apart from my Great Grandfather Mary Ann and son George were located at the Graemsay and over and mother George Robert Ritch and Mary 1861 census at Arbroath indexed under Rich. The the years he has also Sinclair I was unaware who else was related death information was recorded on her husbands accumulated a wealth to me. I subsequently realised that many of gravestone. This could not have been put there by of information about those with a gravestone were related. After I her parents Edward Mowat and Isabella Ritch or her many other families worked on the information at home I realised son George as they had all died before that date. of the same name in that George Robert Ritch’s brother James A Mary A Ritch was at the City of Salem, Essex Orkney and Shetland. was recorded there. Mass. USA in the 1870 census taken on the 2nd Robert has just His gravestone records his death at a young June born about 1838 but I was unable to check completed a web age and also that of his wife Mary Ann Mo- initially if this was her. The record only states that site that hold all wat daughter of Edward Mowat and Isobella she was born Scotland was a Nurse to the family of this material. It is Ritch. It reads:- Benjamin Shrieve who buys Watches and Jewellery. an incredible piece Erected by Mary Ann Ritch in memory of This was the father of Octavious Shreive. At the of work and must her dear and worthy husband James Ritch, 1880 census she was there also a married female represent thousands Lightkeeper who died on 7th November 1865 servant to Octavious B Shreve a Physician. I was of hours of painstaking aged 31years. Mary Ann Ritch died in Salem, unable to locate the Shreive/Shreve family in the research into these Mass, US America on 22nd April 1900 aged 1900 census. families. 63 years. Most of this has been solved with my obtaining in Anyone interested To one side of this stone is that of their son: - October 2006, Mary Ann’s death certificate from in family history will In Loving Memory of George Ritch who died Salem. This states that Mary A (Mowlt) Ritch died find it fascinating 28th September 1884 aged 23 years. on 22nd April 1900 at 22 Chestnut Street, Salem, but if you have At the other side were her parents:- Mass, her husband was James Ritch and her father Ritch or Sutherland Erected by Edward Mowat in memory of his Edward Mowlt. She was a housekeeper at that connections you are in daughter Margaret Mowat who died 30th address and was buried in Harmony Grove Cemetery, for a real treat when October 1878 aged 34 years. Edward Mowat Shreve Lot at Salem, Mass. This confirms that her you open died 1st May 1891 aged 88 years. Also his employers were the Shreves.
IDENTITYand its VARIATIONS By Elaine Sinclair. Member No 1211. hile undertaking research into my Marion Dickson, Widow of John McWilliams, husband’s family history, I came General Labourer, who died at Leith on 13th Wacross the most intriguing case of July 1898. There is gap of 6 years between variable identify which I have encountered the death of the alleged husband and the Did to date. I have carried out several detailed birth of the child who is given his surname! you know? investigations into various family histories Marion’s fourth child was born in Edin- with Orkney connections. My husband has burgh in 1907. His birth certificate named The Betty Corrigall tragedy Orcadian ancestry, but the case which I wish him as John McCrath McWilliams and stated and her unconsecrated burial to highlight here involves an ancestor from that he was illegitimate. His mother’s name on Hoy is well documented Midlothian – more specifically, Leith. was given as Marion McWilliams, omitting but did you know that a min- The case concerns a child born in Glasgow any reference to her true surname of Dick- ister of that island suffered a in 1873. Her birth certificate shows that she son. No father’s name was provided. similar end. was called Marion Dickson, although the Marion’s fifth child was born at 198 Cause- The Rev James Bremner of family name was also sometimes recorded wayside, Edinburgh in 1915. His birth cer- the parish of Walls and Flotta as “Dixon”. Her mother, Jemima Dickson, tificate named him as James Shannon Dick- became engaged to the was from Leith and Marion’s birth was son or McWilliams and stated that he was Laird’s daughter who lived registered in Leith. In 1881, Jemima and illegitimate. No father’s name was provided. with her father in Melsetter daughter Marion were living in Leith in the His mother was stated to be Marion Dickson, House about a mile and a household of Jemima’s mother and Marion’s Widow of John McWilliams, Gardener, who half from James Bremner’s grandmother – a widow also called Marion died at Leith in July 1905. There is a gap of manse. Dickson, maiden surname Loch. In 1891, 10 years between the death of the alleged She told him that they would Marion was 17 years old and still living in husband and the birth of the child given his only marry if he resided in Leith with her mother Jemima; Jemima’s surname! Further, the alleged date of death sight of Melsetter House and husband, John Laing; and her grandmother, of the husband, McWilliams, varies by 7 he was so besotted with her Marion Loch or Dickson. A search for Marion years from the date of death provided on the that he set about building a Dickson (b. 1873) in the 1901 census under birth certificate of James’ sister, Annie. new manse on a suitable site Dickson or other possible aliases has, so far, In later life, the children provided varying in Longhope. yielded no successful result. information about their antecedents. When Shortly before the marriage arion had 5 known children. The first, Mar- Peggy married in 1922, her marriage cer- the daughter, who it seems garet Stewart Ernest Dickson (later known tificate stated that her name was Margaret was ‘a bit of a girl’ jilted as “Peggy”), was born in Leith in 1895 and, Dickson and her address was 198 Causway- Thomas. by 1901, was living with her grandmother, side, Edinburgh. This was where her brother He was so distraught that Jemima Dickson or Laing and Jemima’s James had been born in 1915. Her mother’s he hanged himself at the husband, John Laing, in Leith. Margaret’s name was stated as Marion Dickson, sub- rear of his manse on 23 birth certificate stated that she was illegiti- sequently married to (1) John McWilliams, August 1872. Like Betty mate. No father’s name was provided and Gardener and (2) Thomas Ireland, Stable- Corrigall before him he was her mother’s name was given as Marion man. Her death certificate did not provide not allowed to be buried in Dickson. the name of any father and stated that her consecrated ground but was Marion’s second child was born in Edin- mother was Marion Dickson later McWil- laid to rest, presumably in burgh in December 1901. Her birth certifi- liams subsequently Ireland (deceased). an unmarked grave, on a cate states that her name was Johnina McC- Ina never married, although she had a son, tiny island in the waters of reich Dickson (she was later known as “Ina”) William. Her gravestone has the surname Hoy, on the boundary of two and that she was illegitimate. No father’s “McWilliam” (omitting the “s” at the end) and parishes. name was provided and her mother’s name her death certificate stated that her father was given as Marion Dickson. was John McWilliams (Gardener), deceased My thanks to Bruce Young Marion’s third child was born in Edin- and her mother was Marion Loch McWilliam Member No 1054 for this burgh in 1904. Her birth certificate named now Ireland ms Dickson. information her as Annie Godsell Cartwright Mitchell On Annie’s marriage in 1923, she gave her Dickson or McWilliams and stated that she address as 198 Causwayside. This was also was illegitimate. No father’s name was pro- the address of her witness and brother, John vided, but her mother’s name was given as McWilliams. She gave her name as AnnieA Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 19
FMcWilliams and stated that her father was and secondly in July 1905 in Leith as a Gar- John McWilliams, Gardener, deceased and dener (birth records for Annie b. 1904 and mother was Marion McWilliams ms Dickson. James b. 1915). None of the children should Her death certificate stated her name as An- have been called McWilliams, but through- nie Godsell Cartwright Mitchell Macaulay, out their lives at least some of them seem Widow. Her mother’s name was given as to have believed that John McWilliams was Marion Dickson or McWilliams and no fa- their father. The information varies on dif- ther’s name was provided. ferent certificates (birth, marriage, death) John McWilliams’ marriage certificate and between children. in 1928 omitted his middle name McCrath Marion Dickson’s granddaughter can re- and stated that his mother was Marion Loch member her grandmother telling her that McWilliams ms Dixon and his father was her grandfather, John McWilliams, had gone John McWilliams, Gardener (deceased). His North to find work and she hadn’t heard death certificate showed no father’s name from him again. This does not correspond and gave his mother’s name as Marion with Marion’s two differing declarations of McWilliams afterwards Ireland. the supposed death of John McWilliams. My Did James’ marriage certificate in 1939 stated research has not so far shown any record of that his name was James Shannon McGre- a John McWilliams dying at Leith in either you know? gor McWilliams; his father was John McWil- of the two timeframes given by Marion Dick- n 1775 during the Ameri- liams, Gardener, deceased; and his mother son. On checking persons with this name can revolution,Captain was Marion McWilliams now Ireland ms who died anywhere in Scotland around the Henry Mowat, son of Dickson. At the time of writing, his death relevant time periods, I have not located any Orcadian Captain Patrick certificate has not been examined. corresponding results. Mowat, was conduct- Marion Dickson married Thomas Ireland Marion omitted the name “Dickson” on ing a survey of the New in Edinburgh in 1919. The address of both only one document which I have located to England coast aboard the parties was 198 Causewayside, Edinburgh. date – the birth certificate of her son, John Canceaux when he re- On her marriage certificate, Marion called McWilliams, in 1907. Because John was al- ceived orders to bombard herself Marion Bain and purported to be a ways called McWilliams and was recorded and burn the New Eng- land coastal towns. After widow. No first name was provided for the as such on birth, his family were given the warning the inhabitants alleged deceased husband. To date, I have surname McWilliams rather than Dickson. of Portland, Maine, then been unable to locate any evidence of a mar- Marion Dickson’s varying use and manipu- known as Falmouth Neck, riage between a Marion Dickson (or Dixon lation of names and identities resulted in de- he proceeded to destroy or McWilliams, if she was calling herself by scendants being unaware of their true family two thirds of the town. that name) and a man called Bain, who died identities or names. Of the cases I have re- In July 1779, he was in before April 1919 (when Marion married searched so far, this is unique. Marion Dick- charge of the three sloops Thomas Ireland). Marion also declared on son died at Bangor Hospital, Gogarburn, in of war that accompanied her marriage certificate that her father was 1965, taking her secrets with her. an army force to establish a John Dickson, Seaman Merchant Serv- a base in Penobscot Bay, Elaine Sinclair. Member No 1211 Maine when they were ice (deceased) and her mother was Jemima besieged by a large force Dickson ms Laing (deceased). In fact, her of nineteen American mother, Jemima Loch Dickson, married a ORKNEY ships from Massachu- John Laing, a dock worker, in Leith in 1886. setts. The inexperience Marion transposed the names of her mother HOMECOMING and incompetence of and stepfather on her marriage certificate the Americans enabled in 1919. This may have been to avoid stat- 2007 Mowat to hold out for 21 ing her illegitimacy. Marion went on to have OFHS will be involved with the days until British rein- forcements arrived. The a legitimate child with her husband and a Orkney Homecoming 16th - 22nd granddaughter of Marion’s can remember result has been described May. At the time of going to press fif- as the greatest American her legitimate and illegitimate aunts and ty-one people have booked to come. naval disaster until Pearl uncles clearly, although, of course, their ex- The OFHS office and the Orkney Ar- Harbour. act relationships were unknown to Marion’s chive will be open each day of the Henry Mowat died 14th granddaughter at the time. visit. The 20th May will be a Family April 1798 aboard his ship It seems clear that Marion Dickson changed History Sunday when the Library will HMS Assistance, while her name throughout her life. She may have be open from 2pm - 5pm. in command of the fleet on the North American believed she was a common-law wife by re- Some of the outlying parishes are pute to a John McWilliams (or others), but no station and was buried in agreeable to put on exhibitions of Hampton, Virginia. documentation has been found to prove her local interests on the 19th and 20th relationships to any of her partners. None The abridged logs of the May. Local members have volun- voyage of the Canceaux of Marion’s children had the father John teered to guide and trnsport visitors have been published. McWilliams. Marion also gave 2 differing as they look for their roots, dates when she said John McWilliams died - firstly in July 1898 at Leith as a Labourer 20 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007 Treasures FROM the ATTIC
By Elizabeth Copp - Member 1350 The past is another country, wrote L.P. Hartley in The Go- Between. It can seem impenetrable and beyond our ken. Yet sometimes we are lucky to catch a glimpse of what has been and gone and have a better understanding of a distant time. It happened to me this last summer when I had the difficult task of clearing out the family home with my sister and two cousins. The house had been built by our great-grandfather and had never been out of the family. We had to empty cupboards and sort out the con- tents together. We reminisced about past times as we did so. We remembered our grandmother winding up the grandfather clock in the hall. My cousin said that, out of mischief, he used to try to stop the pendulum swinging. Our grandmother would tell him off (kindly) and say that you can’t stop time. It carries on despite our best efforts to slow it down, she said. We four thought about that a bit sadly and then continued to pack things up and fill the hall with the boxes. Then we went into the attic. That was where the treasure lay. For there, hidden be- tween some rolls of carpet and old picture frames, were two portable, mahogany writing desks. Inside, under- neath the writing compartment of each, were old family London borough. From there she went on to work in East letters dating back to the turn of the century, an original Putney in 1912. There followed a spell in a hospital in copy of the Times from 1815 with details of the Battle of Canterbury. Then, in March 1916, she went to the Anglo- Waterloo, the original specifications and plan of the house American Hospital in Wimereux, near Boulogne, to work and, of more personal interest, lots of material relating to in the military hospital. One reference for that post stat- our grandmother’s time as a nurse. I had known that she ed that she was “a clever nurse, a good manager and very had been a nurse in France during World War 1, but she well suited to the nursing and management of soldiers.” had died before I had any chance to ask her about it. She Another stated that “Doctors and patients are well satis- didn’t speak about it to us when we were young. Perhaps fied with her work and care. She has my best wishes in some memories of that time were too difficult for her to applying for work during the present crisis.” Finally on talk about to us as children. Now suddenly, part of her January 8th 1919 the matron at Wimereux wrote that young life was lying before us on the attic floor. “Miss Gunn has been charge Sister of a medical and sur- Elizabeth (Lily) Gunn was one of the Gunns of Glaitness. gical Ward. She is sympathetic and kind to her patients The letters of reference in the boxes let me follow for the and most agreeable to work with. Miss Gunn is leaving first time her nursing career. She started nursing in the this hospital as it is closing because of the cessation of Balfour Hospital. The photograph on this page shows her hostilities.” sitting outside the Balfour Hospital (now The West End There is a lot of material relating to that period, much of Hotel) She is seated on the right. The picture on the fac- which I would like to look at more closely and which will ing page shows her standing on the left in a garden. (Is be a very good winter project, I rather think! It includes, this taken from where the tennis courts were later built? among other things, photographs of young soldiers, let- Can a reader or the editor identify this spot?) One of the ters of thanks from patients and a fascinating autograph first references stated that “Miss Lily Gunn, age 22, was a book signed by patients under her care. The original au- Probationer Nurse in the Medical and Surgical Wards of tograph book has been given to the Orkney Archive for the Balfour Hospital, Orkney, from September 3rd 1908 safe-keeping but each of we four grandchildren has kept to 7th April 1909, when she resigned with the view of go- a copy. There is just one small puzzle that I would like to ing to some large hospital, where in due course she could solve. In among her letters from that time is one written obtain a Diploma as Certificated Nurse.” from the hospital in Wimereux to a Mrs. Sinclair. It is That hospital was to be the Infirmary in Rotherhithe, a dated the 18th May 1918 and reads as follows. Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 21
Dear Mrs. Sinclair In answer to your letter received, your son, L/ cpl Sinclair, was in my ward. He was admit- ted on the 27th and died on the 29th. From admission he was in a semi-conscious condi- tion. I do not remember him ever complain- ing of pain. When asked, he felt very tired, only tired. I am sorry I do not know what day he was wounded. He could not tell us. Did not appear to understand what we meant when we asked him. If the doctor had thought he would have lived a few days, I am sure he would have sent for you. As it was he knew it would be useless. Did I am very sorry for you mothers who lose such you know dear boys. I hope you will be given strength In 1964 a memorial plaque Elizabeth, on left, in a Kirkwall garden. Could this be to bear up during your sad bereavement. was unveiled in St Magnus With sympathy, yours truly where the tennis courts were later built? Cathedral to Orkney’s D Thompson (Sister) ‘special missionary.’ in Mill Street, Kirkwall. Their son, William, Margaret Manson Graham The hospital at Wimereux had a military was three years old. was born in Orphir, Orkney cemetery attached to it. A little bit of delv- I do not know why my grandmother should on the 26th April 1860. ing on the Internet revealed that Lance have this letter in her possession. Per- After qualifying as a teach- Corporal William John Sinclair of the 6th haps she nursed Lance Corporal Sinclair er she was off to Glasgow Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders died aged when he was dying and then went to pass to train as a nurse. on her condolences to the family when she During this time she 20 on 30th March 1918. He was the son of discovered that the British William Tait Sinclair and Catherine Sinclair was home on leave. Perhaps Mrs. Sinclair passed the letter on to her to read and it Government were recruit- of Kirkwall, Orkney. He is remembered with ing nurses to go to Calabar honour. was not returned. I do not know. That is and in 1865 she left for Despite the difference in the date of death where the past is indeed out of reach and Nigeria. Although she did of one day, I am sure this has to be the same will have to remain a mystery. not realise it at the time person referred to in the letter. A little bit However, if there is anyone from that fam- this was the start of a life- more delving into the 1901 census revealed ily who would like to have the letter re- time of devotion to nursing that William T. Sinclair, draper, was living turned to them I am only too happy to do so. and missionary work in with his wife Katherine (sic) and 3 children Please e-mail me on [email protected] that country. In 1901 she joined a Government expe- dition sent to pacify one of the local tribes, the Aros. Margaret was the nurse on this expedition and for her services she received Can anyone help Colin with the the Africa General Service Medal. In addition she was awarded the Cross of Sinclairs of ‘Donnersbrae’ Holm? the Order of St John for her ten years of service in y family (surprise, surprise - Sinclairs!) Orkney in the near future, I was wondering Calabar. have, according to the Census lived at In 1919 she retired and if any other Member had done any research came home to Orkney but MDonnersbrae, Holm, since 1841. My which might help me. within two years she was grandfather didn’t want to be a farmer, joined Here’s hoping! off to Nigeria again as a the army and only came back for visits, so his Colin Sinclair Memb. No 466 missionary nurse based at younger brother inherited. 85 year old Edna [email protected] Arochuku. (now very frail and dependent on Home Care) Here she ran a dispensary, still lives there and is, as far as I can gather, attended the sick, the the only member of the family left in Orkney We now have over 1019 paid-up outcasts and the hungry, (or, come to that, Scotland!) members. If just 18 of you send healed the children and I have discovered that Edna’s father, Jim, me an article for our June issue, trained the local women in bought the freehold from the Graemeshall childcare. Her salary went by 23rd April, I’ll be on cloud to purchase medicines for Estate in 1922. I was hoping to find out how nine, on top of the world, walk- the mission. far back the tenancy went by consulting the ing on air, delighted, elated, in She was to spend 11 Graemeshall Estate Archives during my visit but high spirits and terribly grateful. years at Arochuku until her they are apparently restricted and require prior Ed. death in 1933 at the age permission to view from the estate heiress. of 73. As it is unlikely that I shall get back to 22 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 41 March 2007
Scottish Association of Family History Societies 18th ANNUAL CONFERENCE will be hosted by the Highland Family History Society on
Did SATURDAY 21st APRIL 2007 you know? in Culloden Academy Community Complex Raised and educated in Stromness, Orkney, Robert Culloden (just outside Inverness) Shaw was drawn to acting and writing from his youth. The theme of the conference wiil be Shaw trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. ‘Emigration – from Poverty to Prosperity’ In 1949 he debuted on- stage at the Shakespeare Professor Ted Cowan, Professor of Memorial Theatre The conference will be opened at 10am at Stratford-on-Avon. by Rodney Balfour, Chairman of the History at Glasgow University. His sub- From 1951 he appeared Inverness Area Education Committee ject is: in British and (later) Ameri- and a Chieftain of the Gaelic Society of ”Holding Fast or Fast Denying? Scot- can films as a character Inverness. The speakers will be:- tish Identity Overseas”. actor, frequently playing heavies. He became better Dr Marjorie Harper, Senior Lecturer In addition to these talks there will be known internationally after in History at the School of Divinity, His- displays, bookstalls and a raffle. A buffet appearing in the James tory & Philosophy at Aberdeen Univer- lunch will also be available. Bond movie From Russia sity. with Love (1963), and he There is ample car parking space adja- received a “Best Support- Dr Harper’s Subject will be:- ing Actor” Oscar nomina- “Adventurers & Exiles: Exploring cent to the entrance to the school. As all tion for his portrayal of the Scottish Exodus”. activities will take place at ground level Henry VIII in A Man for this an ideal venue for delegates who re- All Seasons. (1966). In Professor Jim Hunter, Head of De- quire wheelchair access. the mid ‘70s he suddenly partment at University of Highlands & became a highly paid star Islands Centre for History will address The evening before there will be a Civic after his appearances in the conference on:- Reception, hosted by the Provost of the several blockbuster mov- “A McDonald in the Camp of Sitting City of Inverness in Inverness Town ies, including The Sting Bull: A Thirty Generation Family House from 7pm to 8.30pm, to which all (1973), Jaws (1975), and delegates are cordially invited. The Deep (1977). He wrote History”. a play and several novels, including The Man in the David Stenhouse, Journalist and The cost of both conference and lunch Glass Booth (1967), which Senior Producer at Radio Scotland will tickets is the same as last year:- he adapted into a play; it speak on:-- £10 for the conference and an addition- was successful in both “Scots and ‘Former Scots’: Learning al £12 for those delegates who require London and New York, to Love the Diaspora”. lunch and in 1975 was made into a film. His novel The Hiding Place (1959) was Booking forms can be obtained from the Conference Secretary, 11 the source material for the Braeside Park, Balloch, Inverness IV2 7HL. Please send an A5 SAE screen comedy Situation Hopeless -- But Not Seri- Thinking of attending? You can download the delegate booking form ous (1965). He died of a heart attack at age 51. His from our website www.highlandfhs.org.uk or contact Nan Scott, General second wife (of three) was Secretary of the Orkney Family History Society at 01856 873917 actress Mary Ure. Issue No. 41 Maech 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 23
MEMBERSHIP
The Orkney Family History Society subscriptions etc rkney Family History Society was formed embership of the Society runs from in 1997 and is run by a committee of 1st March to 28th/29th February and Ovolunteers. Msubscriptions should be renewed during the It is similar to societies operating worldwide month of March. All subscriptions should be sent to where members share a mutual interest in the Treasurer at the OFHS address below. family history and help each other with research New members joining before the 1st December will receive back copies of the three magazines for and, from time to time assist in special projects the current year. From 1st December new members con-cerning the countless records and subjects will receive membership for the remainder of the available to us all in finding our roots. current year, plus the following year, but will not The main objectives are: receive the back copies of the magazine. 1 To establish a local organisation for the study, collection, analysis and sharing of information The present subscription rates are as follows: about individuals and families in Orkney. ORDINARY 2 To establish and maintain links with other Family membership...... £10.00 family history groups and genealogical societies throughout the UK and overseas FAMILY MEMBERSHIP 3. To establish and maintain a library and other Spouse, Partner and Children under 18...... £15.00 reference facilities as an information resource for SENIOR CITIZENS members and approved subscribers. Single or couple...... £7.00 4.To promote study projects and special interest groups to pursue approved assignments. OVERSEAS We are located on the upper floor of the Surface Mail...... £12.50 Kirkwall Library next to the archives department OVERSEAS and are open Mon–Fri 2pm–4.30pm and Sat Air Mail ...... £15.00 11am–4.30pm. Overseas members should pay their fees in Our own library, though small at the moment, sterling or its equivalent. If it is not possible to holds a variety of information including: send pounds sterling please check the exchange The IGI for Orkney on microfiche. rate. Our bank will accept overseas cheques The Old Parish Records on microfilm. without charging commission. Receipts will The Census Returns on microfilm transcribed be issued with the next magazine. Members on to a computer database. residing in the United Kingdom may pay their Family Trees. subscriptions by Bankers Order and if they Emigration and Debtors lists. wish can have their subscriptions treated as gift Letters, Articles and stories concerning Orkney donations. Forms will be sent on request. and its people. Cheques should be made payable to: Hudson’s Bay Company information. ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Graveyard Surveys (long term project). and forwarded to This material is available to members for ‘in ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY house’ research by arrangement. Orkney Library & Archive Locally we have monthly Members’ Evenings 44 Junction Rd, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1AG with a guest speaker. Telephone 01856 873166 extension 3029 We produce a booklet of members and interests General enquires should be addressed to the office in writing or to to allow members with similar interests to Treasurer George Gray (e-mail: [email protected]) correspond with each other if they wish. General Secretary Nan Scott (e-mail: [email protected]) We also produce a newsletter 4 times a year and Research Secy. Adrianne Leask (e-mail: [email protected]) are always looking for articles and photographs of Editor. John Sinclair (e-mail: [email protected]) Orkney Family History Society website— www.orkneyfhs.co.uk interest. A stamped addressed envelope should be included if these are to be returned. Back copies of Articles in the newsletter are copyright to the Society and the magazine can be purchased at £1 per copy. its authors and may not be reproduced without permiss- We can usually undertake research for members ion of the editor. The Society is a registered charity in Scotland and a member of the Scottish Association of who live outwith Orkney but this is dependent on Family History Societies. The Society’s newsletter, Sib the willingness of our island members giving up Folk News is registered with the British Library under their spare time to help. the serial number ISSN 1368-3950. Issue No. 41 March 2007 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY
Westray 1998
Shapinsay 1999
Rousay 1997
Hoy 2000
Papa Stronsay 2001
Christmas 2002