NEWSLETTER OFSIBTHE ORKNEY FAMIFOLKLY HISTORY SOCIETY NEWSISSUE 39 SEPTEMBER 2006
The north west wing of the Earl’s Palace, ,with the spire of St Magnus Cathedral in the distance. 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06
ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY NEWSLETTER Issue No 39 September 2006 CONTENTS From the chair FRONT PAGE ,Another summer nearly gone and what a fine The Earls Palace, spell of weather we have had. It has been great Kirkwall for the visitors and more and more of them PAGE 2 found their way to our offices in Junction Road. From the Chair. A big vote of thanks is due to all the volunteers
PAGES 3 & 4 who give so freely of their time to help them Our outing to discover more about their Orkney roots. Sanday cemeteries in Deerness, Firth, Stenness, PAGE 4 I am glad to see that more and more Our colleague members are discovering the benefits Holm, Sandwick, St Mary’s and Irene Miller of giving us advance warning of their Flaws. These are fairly comprehensive PAGES 5,6,7,8 visits. This, coupled with as much publications with graveyard plan, Vedder. family information as they have surname index and transcript of Conclusion available, enables us to try to fit in some inscriptions. More on our website at PAGE 9 preliminary research in time for their
PAGE 23 Can you help Anthea from Adelaide
PAGE 24 Membership Details Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 3
HOLMS OF IRE our outing to the 'jewel of the isles' TOFTS OTTERSWICK
BAY OF LOPNESS Cover Picture This view of the north Cross Kirk TRESNESS west corner of the Earl’s sanday KETTLETOFT PIER QUOYNESS BACKASKAILL BAY Palace shows the private STOVE WASSO by nan scott, member no 8 BROCH quarters of the hated LOTH Earl Patrick Stewart. Black Patie, as he was wenty OFHS members met at chance of a ride in a carriage and also tea in known in Orkney, was a the North Isles ferry terminal in the new tearooms. prolific builder of palaces Kirkwall on the morning of June The next stop was for lunch at the Kettletoft and castles, using local T slave labour. 4th 2006. Although there was some fog Hotel but on the way the guides pointed out In the background is St around they were relieved that the strong the model farm of Backaskaill, the highest Magnus Cathedral where winds of previous days had subsided. land on the island, Fea Hill, 216 ft, and the Earl worshipped Their destination this year was to be another good farm, Warsetter. Latterly this while accompanied by Sanday. Both on the outward and inward had been farmed by Hornes but in earlier the 50 musketeers who always attended his journey the Earl Sigurd called at Eday times by the distinguished Sir William person. when memories of last year’s outing were Sinclair. For years Sinclair was the most Eventually his despotic recalled. common name in Sanday. Being on higher ways caught up with The sea was like glass and it was warm ground the site is suitable for radio masts him and he was ordered enough to stand outside and watch the for transmission etc. The very old watermill by James VI to attend the Privy Council behaviour of the sea birds. There were at Boloquoy was mentioned and Bea Loch and answer charges ducks, guillemots including puffins, gulls, where Sanday’s water supply comes from including extortion and fulmars, a few terns, gannets and a great was pointed out. It is said to contain big the making of laws for skua that appeared to be harassing one of trout but didn’t appear on the menu that his own benefit. the gannets. day! Food was firmly in the mind now Even while the tyrant was incarcerated in On reaching the terminal at Loth the when passing Castlehill where Ernie Dumbarton Castle most noticeable features were the three Groundwater used to rear ostriches that he foolishly sent his windmills, although the blades could be found their way on to the table in Kirkwall’s illegitimate son Robert seen turning half-heartedly in the fog only Hotels. to Orkney, not once but when right at the pier! After soup and sandwiches in the Kettletoft twice, with instructions to collect the rents and A warm welcome awaited the party from the party explored the area reminiscing skats and attempt to two local members Anita Thomson and about the pier and the activities around it. recover the various Tommy Garrioch, who were there to act as The near-hand Sanday bakeries had a good palaces and castles; all guides, and also the two bus drivers Jim reputation. Many of the party found their contrary to Privy Council Harcus and Bernie Flett. way into the shop as well. orders. Robert was soon The first stop on the tour of Sanday was Having driven up through Cross in the betrayed in Orkney and to the large dilapidated farmhouse and morning the afternoon was spent exploring was taken prisoner to buildings of Stove. Jim and Marion the remaining two parishes of Lady and Edinburgh. The father, Patrick was Cursiter were Burness. Up the road was another big members of the group and as Jim was born tried and found guilt and farm, Beafield, where Anita and her beheaded in Edinburgh there it was a bonus to hear him reminisce husband, John Thomson, had farmed. The in 1615. It is said that on what it used to be like. The house is longest straight road in Sanday was past the execution was occupied by an artist who makes good use the Golf Links on the Plain of Fidge. A delayed so that he could have time to learn the of the garden and also of the plants that stop was made at the Hearsie Hoose and still survive from when the very sheltered Lord’s Prayer. the horse drawn hearse was pulled out and The son, Robert, was garden was in its hey day. photographed. On returning to the buses also tried in Edinburgh, The party returned to the buses and a head count proved no one had been left found guilty and hanged quite soon they stopped again at behind! A run around the most northerly in the same year—1615. And so ended the hated Braeswick to see an amazing collection part of the island went past Tofts ,Cleat of railway memorabilia. The UK’s most rule of the Stewarts in and Galilee. There was no time to visit the Orkney. northerly passenger carrying railway was Start Point Lighthouse but the reason for unfortunately tucked up in its shed as siting it there was soon obvious when all the owner was out of the island that day. left the buses to walk a bit on the shore of However a return visit could give one a Lopness Bay and see the remains of 4 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORYSOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06
Sanday had many wrecks over the years probably stop was at Marygarth where Mrs Bernie Flett had due to the irregularity of its coastline. prepared a lovely tea with scones and cakes. The On the way to Burness there was a visit to the ruins answers to the Sanday quizzes revealed that there of Lady Kirk and a climb up the stairs to see the so- really was at least twelve nesses on this island that called “devil’s fingerprints”. A stop at the Burness seemed to be all arms and legs. There was just time Kirkyard allowed a good view of the 19th century Scar left to visit Ayres Rock where one could get House and the fourteen ton stone left by ice age glaciers souvenirs, cards and craft items. The weather at Savil that the Laird had wanted as a feature at Scar. became clearer on the run back to Loth where the He was almost successful until the cart broke and the ferry was ready to leave. horses collapsed. A short way up the road was Breckan. Sanday’s name would make one think that, yes it There is a craft industry here featuring angora wool. would have sandy beaches and maybe poor soil. As On hand to talk about the exhibits was William Sichel regards the soil the number of farms with big the world famous athlete. There was a good show of traditional houses and the many big fertile fields vegetables in the garden so there was also a gardener in prove that there is good agricultural land in Sanday. the family. One would have expected the links to be heaving with Stomachs were beginning to rumble again so the next rabbits but the writer never saw one all day! Our friend and colleague Irene Miller he Orkney Family History Society lost a valuable member and volunteer when Irene Miller passed away in May 2006. She had been coping very well with ill health for some time Tpreviously. While she was able she took a great interest in family history and was a Saturday volunteer in the office. Her forte was the processing of subscriptions and getting the magazines ready for the post. This she did very quietly and efficiently. She was well qualified for the job as she had worked in the Tourist Office for many years. While she was there visitors were always greeted in She was the oldest of a family of five. She had a long a well-informed and polite way. Her work meant road to walk to school but this did not stop her that she amassed much becoming Dux of Kirkwall information on Orkney people Grammar School at the end and places. This included pro- of Fifth Year. Her brother viders of services for travel, Jim is well known as a accommodation and food. All retired teacher of of this information she Mathematics at Kirkwall willingly passed on to other Grammar School and a members of staff. In the early member of the Kirkwall City days of tourism in Orkney Pipe Band, among other Irene said that all she needed things. for the job was a selkie under After teaching for some time one arm and a puffin under the in the island of Rhum she other.Nowadays arch-aeology met and married Norman and family history have been Miller from Stronsay. They added to the attractions. had six children. Her family She also handled the bookings were very important to her for the St Magnus Festival and and she only returned to got to know many people from work when it would fit in outside of Orkney. Her with their needs. Norman knowledge of geography and predeceased her some years languages came in handy here. Irene on the right, with Adrianne Leask, getting ago but she is survived by She spoke French and German another edition of the newsletter ready for five of the family, nine grand and her ability to speak fluent dispatch to our members. children, one great Norwegian was an asset when Orkney and grandchild, a sister and three brothers. Hordaland, in Norway, had their Twinning She is greatly missed by all in the Society who knew Ceremony in 1983. Now the Society is short of her and they offer her family their sincere someone to check the news in the Journal from a sympathy at this time. Norwegian Family History Society! Nan Scott, Irene was born Irene Robertson of Viewfield, St Ola. MemberNo 8 Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 5
The concluding part of Isabella Tomlinson Muir’s early years at the farm of Vedder
By Isabella Tomlinson Muir And so concudes More Changes Howies of Langskail. There was a portable Isabella Donaldson’s eanie Banks boiler in which to make the tea, and this tale of her life at the married that we filled with water the night previous, in farm of Vedder in summer. She readiness for the picnic. The boiler was a Tankerness. J Although Isabella went to her relatives new one, and the next day we discovered to in Newcastle and our dismay that there was a scum on the completed her was married there. water. Hurriedly we emptied the boiler and reminiscenses in 1942, She and her husband refilled it with fresh water but there was still the events she wrote returned to Orkney scum on the water when it boiled. I think about cover the early in August. Lizzie we skimmed it, but the tea had to be made part of the twentieth Mitchell and I then, as the people were seating themselves century. Isabella Donaldson spoke to them at the High Market, and I in readiness for the meal. Although it didn’t I’m sure she would be delighted to know well remember how Jeanie looked. She taste bad, the tea looked just like cocoa, and that in the twenty-first was dressed in brown and wore a little we felt that our reputation as tea makers century many of the brown ‘Dutch bonnet’ which admirably was at stake! Afterwards we were told that if places that held happy suited Jean’s piquant type of beauty. She cabbages or any kind of vegetable had been memories for her are had wavy black hair, grey eyes and tip boiled first (to take the newness from the still working farms, tilted nose set in a small face. Her mouth boiler) there would have been no scum on albeit ‘under new was very small —too small I think as it the water. management’. sometimes looked hard. She and John Jimmie married in January 1911. Mary If any of our readers Stewart made a handsome couple. He was a teacher and I had known her for as have anything to add was tall and broad with a shock of black many years as Jimmie had and we were good to Isabella’s story hair and a black moustache. John Stewart friends. I was bridesmaid at their wedding please contact the went out to Australia that year, with the which was a very quiet one. Grandfather of newsletter and share intention of making his home there, and Greenock died the same week. Mary came to it with your fellow Jeanie followed him the next year, and as Vedder to live. members. far as I know they are still in Sydney. She It was in the summer of 1911 that Barra Isabella’s daughter, and I corresponded for several years, but Wilson (Aggie’s sister) went to Vancouver to Marjorie Muir, lives in I have not heard from her now for many marry Johnnie. Her brother Bob had been Edinburgh and is a years. I missed Jeanie a good deal as we home on holiday after an operation and member of the Orkney were a lot together after her husband went Barra went with him. At first I resented the Family History Society. away. She came back to the choir, and was thought of anyone taking Aggie’s place, but in great demand as a singer. She certainly we were all fond of Barra for herself and we was by far the best singer in the Parish - if knew she would make Johnnie a good wife, not in Orkney. which she did. My friendship with Lizzie Mitchell I have omitted to say that Willie and continued and we were much together too Margaret were now at Easthouse. Their during my twenties. Lizzie became very three children were growing up. Easthouse religious minded and we stopped going to was a farm at the other side of the Deerness dances; even at a wedding Lizzie would not Road. You get a lovely view of the String and dance. It took some courage on Lizzie’s part Inganess Bay from there, and in the summer to make such a stand, but she did so, and and autumn the moors behind the house has held to her convictions ever since. We made a pretty picture. had many serious talks during those years. It was about 1912 that my father’s health Lizzie and I were always on Picnic began to fail, not very noticeable at first, but Committees and the like together, and insidiously gradual. Mary Eunson of Ellenfield once we had a most awkward experience. married Doddie of Whitecleat in December This time we were making the tea for 1912. I still remember the date of the parish picnic, which was held at the their wedding - 12.12.12. I also remember that Jim Muir was at the Nautical College, 6 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06
of their wedding - 12.12.12. I also in the dark and also on frost. I drove him remember that Jim Muir was at the when the roads were hard with frost and Nautical College, Leith, earlier when he got sometimes with no frost nails in his shoes, his captain’s ticket, and he came home in and he was a little gem. Only once did I December. This time I went to meet him, have an accident with him. It was when but as luck would have it, the south boat Anna Oddie was at home before she joined did not manage into the pier at night on her husband in Canada. I went with Anna account of a high wind. I went down again and her twins one day to Holm to visit in the morning and just saw him for a few her aunt Mrs McBeath. It was an eventful Did minutes as he left the south boat to board journey almost from the start. First the lid the ‘Orcadia’ for Sanday. He came over came off a pail of ‘sooans’ Anna was taking you know to see us once at Vedder and I met him in to her aunt and I had to get out of the gig Pregnancy in Orkney Kirkwall the day before he left to join the for it. Then little Jimmie’s cap blew off and triggered a whole series of I had to get out to retrieve it. All went well rituals. Concealment was ‘Baron Erskine’. This was his first voyage high on the list to stop in steam. then till we were getting into Holm, when the trows getting wind Goodbye to Vedder coming round the corner at Hurtiso we of the event. Trows were In the summer of 1913 we decided met - of all things - some pigs! Every horse Orkney fairy folk, not your hates pigs and Purmie was no exception. ‘have three wishes top of that it would be better to leave Vedder on the Christmas tree fairies’ account of father’s health. It was arranged Then a large piece of paper blew across the but vertically challenged that we should go to the Old Schoolhouse road and amongst Purmie’s feet. At last we demons, fond of drink and at the November term. In June we had a got to St Mary’s village with one shoe loose. music, and in league with Johnnie McBeath insisted on unyoking the Auld Nick. pony and just as he got him into the stable, Trows also had a nasty habit of swapping a new Purmie turned round and the next thing born baby for an inferior I saw was Johnnie McBeath hanging on quality ‘changeling’. to Purmie’s tail! He was got back into the Changelings cried con- stable, however, and afterwards I took him stantly, drove their parents to distraction and grew up to the blacksmith’s to get a new shoe. Then, into sickly, wizened adults. when we were ready to come home, young Trows could be thwarted if Mrs McBeath came back from Kirkwall and the mother took sensible she would have Anna and the twins come precautions; a bible and a back into the house. Little did they know knife had to be kept within reach of the mother and on Purmie’s impatient habits, for once he was the birth of the baby they yoked he was all eagerness for home. I was were to be hidden in the in the gig and allowed him to eat grass all baby’s cradle and kept their along the roadside to keep him still. When until baby had cut its first Vedder is still a working farm and has been Anna was ready once more, I pulled the tooth. owned owned by a Mrs Rendall since 1948 ‘Wetting the baby’s head’ reins to bring Purmie back to the road, but was also part of the family picnic at Vedder. Willie was the only the gig had moved forward so that one shaft ritual; when the birth was one of the family who could not come, but caught in the collar, and when Purmie lifted announced the men folk his head, snap went the shaft! Now, how would down a bottle of Maggie and the children were there. All the whisky in celebration and Brasses came (and they were a family of were we to get home? The McBeaths got a it was not unknown for eleven then) and with them Aunt Maggie. bit of wood and the shaft was strapped and the child’s first drink to be Barbara and Bob and their family (four tied, and a joiner that came on the scene from this bottle as a cure said it would maybe carry us home. I told for all baby ailments. then) and Mrs Eunson. Maggie and Willie The celebrations continue of Swartabreck and their four children him that there must be no ‘maybes’ about with various feasts. The brought Aunt Mary with them, and Aunt it and that he had to fix it so that it would first is ‘Blide Maet’—joy Jessie came too. Jimmie and Mary and carry us home. That day’s outing cost father food of scones and ale for little Maisie completed the gathering. the price of a new shaft. family and friends. The Purmie was sold and we never saw// him ‘Fittan Feast’ followed and It was a beautiful day and we spent it this celebrated mother’s outside playing games. We had our meals again, And we left Vedder in November 1913 return to household outside too. It was an enjoyable day in the for the old schoolhouse. chores. Finally the ‘Cirsenin sense that we were all together, but back Our nearest neighbours were the Scotts Feast’ followed the of Netherhill, a most cheery house to visit. christening. of it all was the knowledge that we were Christening occurred leaving Vedder and that father would But Lizzie Scott began to ail in 1915 and within the week as at one never be strong again. The paralysis was died in Aberdeen after an operation. I time unchristened babies gradually getting a grip of him. missed Lizzie tremendously; she was such a could not be buried in We sold Purmie and the gig that summer sincere, straight person, with a pawky sense consecrated ground. of humour. Male children were always too. Purmie was mother’s pony and we had christened first. If the other had him for nine years: although he had Mother’s grandchildren were increasing/. way round the girl would his faults, we were all fond of Purmie. I had Andrew Eunson and Bella Bews were born grow a beard and the boy several experiences while driving him and in 1914. Mother was at one or other house would remain beardless. some narrow escapes. He was very good when our annual trip was held to Sanday, Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 7
but I could not leave father so I was It would seem that the Old Schoolhouse not at that trip. Sara Donaldson was born held for me only sad and bitter memories, in March 1915. I have omitted to say that but there were a few happy memories too. I Jimmie and Mary still remained at Vedder, became engaged to Jim Muir when he came and all their family were born there. I home to join the R.N.R. He was sent to Dover often went to see them and to help them. I after training and was a Lieutenant in the do not think that father was ever back at Dover Patrol for the duration. Vedder after we came to the Schoolhouse, After I recovered from scarlet fever, I applied but mother was there several times - always for and obtained a post in the Commercial when a new baby arrived. I never felt bitter Bank, Kirkwall. this was the most congenial about leaving Vedder. It was necessary that work I ever had, and most to my liking. I he should do so on account of father’s health, stayed with Sarah until I got lodging with Did and besides it was only fair to Jimmie and Mrs Crumley (Emma Arthur) in the Clay you know Mary that they should have a house of their Loan. Her husband was at Lyness and when the Stromness own. Emma wanted company. I was there when based lighthouse support Johnnie and Barra had two little boys by the ‘Vanguard’ was blown up, and I saw the vessel Pole Star visited the this time - Jim and Vedder. John Vedder light from the explosion which lit up the sky Flannan Isles lighthouse Donaldson was his baptismal name and it for miles around. Jess Petrie was teaching on the 7th December showed how deep was his love for the old in Kirkwall by this time and we were able to 1900, all was well with the home that Johnnie called his second son see quite a lot of each other. Jess was then keeper James Ducat and Vedder. engaged to Dave Ritch, whom she afterwards his two assistants Thomas David Bews was born in the autumn of married. When Emma’s husband was coming Marshall and Donald 1915 and as Maggie’s maid was young and home to stay, I went to live with Aunt McArthur. inexperienced I used to cycle to Swartabreck Maggie. I cycled home to the Schoolhouse On the 15th December in the mornings and do her baking and most weekends. the SS Archer passed the churning; then I went to read to Miss Cowan Jim Muir was home on leave in August 1917 island but the crew were at the Hall in the afternoons. Miss Cowan and we decided then to get married on his unable to see the light died in October, but I must have strained next leave instead of waiting till the war was which should have been my throat reading to her for, soon after, I over. His next leave was due in March. flashing twice every 30 had an attack of tonsillitis, and I was left My sister Maggie was expecting a baby in seconds. with a very troublesome weakness in my January, so I left the Bank in December so The captain reported this throat. Then I took scarlet fever - but that that I might look after her as help was so when he reached port but was after father died. difficult to get just then. That was a very bad weather delayed the Most of the young men were in the army snowy winter. The snow came on after supply ship Hesperus and and so many of the boys we knew were being mother and I went to Swartabreck, and it was Boxing Day before killed. My brother Willie joined up. Billy country traffic was at a standstill for some she reached the island. Brass was gassed in France. I remember time. Robert Heddle Bews was born in Despite sounding her siren the day Donald Stout, the vanman, told January, and towards the end of the month she received no response me about Billy and that his father and I had to go home to attend to my Insurance from the lighthouse. The mother might have to go to France. They Cards (I was Secretary for the Rural Workers captain sent the relief did not have to go, however, and Billy of Tankerness and Deerness). I walked from keeper ashore together recovered. Mrs Muir, the postmistress, lost Swartabreck to the Schoolhouse through with the first mate and her husband in 1916 - through illness, not that snow, and never did I have such a some seamen. When they through the war. I was very friendly with difficult walk. The thaw set in soon after entered the lighthouse they Jamie Muir and his wife. Jamie was a joiner I came home, but I lived alone for about a found a half eaten meal on and a very fine fiddler. Mrs Muir took over week before Geordie Scott managed to go the table and an upturned the Toab post after Jamie died and went with his gig to bring mother home. chair. The lamp, although the morning round with the letters for Then one morning in February the post out, was working perfectly some years. I sometimes went my brother brought two letters - one from Bob Muir and and the oil resevoir was filled to the brim. The Jimmie’s round when he was busy. It was a black- edged one from Lily, and I dreaded men had disappeared Mrs Muir who brought me the word of the worst when I saw them. I opened Bob’s and a thorough search Zander Fotheringham’s death. Then there letter and read the first line ‘I regret to tell of the island revealed was Jim Scott (who worked at Vedder before you. . . ‘ and I threw the letter from me and nothing. The last log entry he joined up) and John Fairweather, James covered my face with my hands. After a time my mother suggested that I should read the was at 9am on the 15th Oddie of Swarsquoy’s grandson, who was December. The entry for brought up at Swarsquoy after his father letters and know what had happened. So once more I took up Bob’s letter and read the 14th noted that the died. Then Johnnie Eunson of Ellenfield storm had abated. That ‘I regret to tell you that my mother passed was killed while training for the Air Force of the 15th indicated that away. . .’ For the moment I could not feel sorry in Canada - and many others belonging to there was no storm. for Mr Muir, so great was my relief that it was Tankerness. (Why should men go to war The mystery has never not Jim. Well Jim came home to his mother’s and kill and destroy the flower of our young been solved. manhood?) have got for our wedding; his next leave was 8 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06
Aberdeen and I acted as organist. The Rev Duncan McLaren was inducted in May. The summer came and went and then it was August. I had not told anyone outside our immediate family that I was getting married in August. Jim was to send me a telegram before he left Dover, and I was to see to all necessary formalities. My sister Bab was to see to the catering and the reception was to be held in the Public Hall. The Scotts of Netherhill were told Did immediately I knew that Jim had left Dover you know and Geordie Scott went to the beadle to that there could be a put up the banns. I went to the Registrar treasure trove of money and the minister myself. Daisy Eunson and jewels just waiting was to have been my bridesmaid, but she to be found at Clestrain became engaged to Willie Hourston in overlooking the island of April and, when he got called up in June, Graemsay in Orkney? they got married before he left. The duty of In 1758 William bridesmaid then fell to Nannie Eunson, and Honeyman, the Laird of Bob Muir as best man. Lily came over with Clestrain, was preparing Isabella Tomlinson Muir on the occasionof her Bob for the wedding. My own brothers and for his annual trading 8oth birthday, 1st December 1966. trip to the Hebrides. sisters (with the exception of my brother This time, to his wife’s mother’s funeral, and that was the leave Willie who was in Salonika) and some distress, their young he was to was to have got for our wedding; grown-up nephews and nieces, Mr and Mrs son was to accompany his next leave was due in August. George Scott, and the Rev Duncan and Mrs him. The Cheynes has left Tankerness in McLaren were the guests. Before leaving, however, November after having been over twenty And so on the 19th of August 1918 in the he decied to bury his years in the manse. It did not seem right Parish Church of St Andrews, Orkney, I valuables for safety, somehow. The Cheynes seemed part of signed my maiden name Isabella Tomlinson no doubt mindful of the earlier robbery at Tankerness. Mr Riddell played the organ Donaldson for the last time. Clestrain in 1725 by in church after the Cheynes left, then The rest of the story belongs to Mrs James T Gow the pirate. Mr Riddel left in February to go back to Muir. He told his wife to keep watch over the old boundary dyke that Can you help Jane find any of the evidently marked the location of the treasure and off he sailed for the Cromarty and Brown descendants Western Isles. Honeyman never connected with St Margarets Hope returned from that voyage although it ? was reported in true On the 27th November 1816 in St Company in Canada. Orcadian style that a Margarets Hope, a son, Magnus, was I am a descendant by marriage of brother spectral vessel had born to John Cromarty (born 1765) and William who had a family in Canada and been seen approaching Catherine Corrigall (born 1778). died at Fort Langley in 1875. His youngest Honeyman’s mooring off Clestrain. On the 12 December 1844 Magnus married son Samuel Ephraim was born in 1869 and Later reports confirmed Isabella Kennedy Brown, the daughter of he was my husband’s father. the sinking and the loss Edward Brown and Catherine Winnick. Magnus, as far as I know never left Orkney of both husband and Magnus and Isabella had two daughters, and it is his descendants and those of his son was too much for Helen Tomison Cromarty, born 17th July wife that I dearly hope my fellow members Mary Honeyman who died shortly after. 1846 and Susan Guthrie Cromarty, born 21 can help me with. Many people have tried March 1851. They also had a son William My name is Jane Cromarty and I live at to find the treasure born 12 June 1854. 6698 Braeside Rd., Vanderhoof, BC,Canada, but it has never been Magnus had three brothers: James V0J 3A2 my email address is janecrom@ recovered. It is said, Cromarty, born 1807, William, born 1814 hwy16.com. Any information connected to however, that the ghostly figure of a and Peter, born in 1820. Another brother, this family would be a step toward filling in woman haunts the fields John, was mentioned in the father’s will but the pieces of our family tree. Hoping to hear of Clestrain. No doubt was evidently not an issue of the marriage. from you and always willing to share what Mary still watching over I can find nothing about John. info I have on related families. A persistent the family valuables. Brothers William and Peter left Orkney in fellow researcher - Jane Member No 148. 1842 and 1843 to join the Hudson’s Bay Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 9 James Nicolson of Shapinsay 1838 -1918 a man of many interests By Carol Johnston. Member No 18 n cleaning my father’s desk after he died at When the society was 21 year old, James wrote a Leicester, England, there were two banns history of the society called ‘Coming of Age’. Two Oof marriage certificates for people in Leith, copies are held in the Co-operative Society’s Archives Scotland. They led me on a long and exciting journey. in Manchester. James NICOLSON and Marion SINCLAIR were found James was also treasure of the Co-operative Inland to be my great-grandparents, both from Orkney. Marion Convalescent Homes, a position he was very proud was probably born in Sanday but the family moved to to hold. He had great admiration for the Abbotsview Sandsend, Shapinsay. home near Galashiels which he visited several times. James was born in Shapinsay and this is his life story. He was a man with many interests being a founder Generations of the NICHOLSON family lived in Orkney member of the Leith Liberal Club, formed in 1886. He on the island of Shapinsay. James NICOLSON’S great- was also first secretary of the People’s Bank formed grandparents William NICOLSON in 1889 and remained a director until and Esther MICHALL were married leaving Leith. there on the 17th January 1762. In 1889 James fell ill and it was two His grandfather James was born on years before he could work again. He the 28th January 1775 and married joined A. Aikman & Son and remained Barbara HEDDLE in Kirkwall on the with them until 1896 when he felt 1st February 1800. Father Malcolm his association with the Co-operative was born on 2nd September 1806 and Society was detrimental to Aikmans. married Mary BEWS on the 25th He became clerk for the Leith Co- February 1837. James NICOLSON was operative Society and wrote ‘News born on 1st April 1838 on Shapinsay. from the East’ in the Scottish Co- He was the eldest of six children. operative Society’s newspaper. He Unfortunately his mother died when he often added verse to his text such as was 12 years old. He was educated at a Pleasure and business both combined, SPCK school. As well as paying school Give zest to life’s existence, fees, a condition of attendance was to Relieve the mind of carking care, take peat for the fire.. On leaving school And evil thoughts resisting. he worked on farms in various parts of after completing a report on a Orkney until he was 23 years old. combined business and social meeting In 1861 James moved to Leith, I don’t at Dalkeith. know what work he did but his spare In 1898 he was elected to Leith Parish James Nicolson with his wife Marion Council. time was spent studying at the Thistle Sinclair and their daughter Mary James was an elder of Duke Street Street Lancastrian School. Ann Nicolson. When James married Marion SINCLAIR E.V. Church for 26 years, 11 of those at Leith on the 16th November 1866, he was a provision as secretary. He also held office in the ‘Old Total merchant. At the time of the marriage Marion’s Abstinence Society & Fellowship Union’ and was a father Robert SINCLAIR was a farmer at Sandsend, Master of the ‘Persevere’ Lodge of Scottish Mechanics. Shapinsay. In December 1911 James retired aged 72 years. When Daughter Mary Ann was born on 28th May 1868. James his wife Marion died on 2nd December 1911, James became ill and upon recovery worked for five years went to Sunderland to live with his daughter Mary Ann as a gentleman’s companion. In 1870, aged 32 years, JOHNSTON, now a widow with two sons ages 15 and 13 he started work for Messrs J. S. Linklater & Co as a years of age. warehouseman and foreman in the ham department. James was proud of his Orcadian heritage and kept a Between 1871 and 1881 the family moved from 8 Kirk lively interest in the Islands. Street to 10 Union Street, Leith. Throughout his life in Leith he used his commercial James was asked to attend a meeting on Tuesday instincts and his active interest in politics to improve 2nd April 1878 to consider the formation of the Leith the quality of life for the people of that community. Provident Co-operative Society. About 40 people Little did he realise what a wonderful adventure the attended and as a result the society was formed and ‘Banns of Marriage’ would provide for me, his great- James was elected secretary, a position he held for 25 grandaughter and the pride I feel in my relationship years to this truly philanthropic man. 10 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06 I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair Ruth Lacey takes an informal look at the search for OUR Jean
rances Jean’s special song was I Dream of Jeannie with the Light FBrown Hair. She was my mother. Did My name is Ruth Lacey. I was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada. I live on you know? Prince Edward Island. It is not surprising that My generation grew up hearing about the largest hoard of Jean Randall who at the age of 18 came over Viking treasure ever to from the Orkney Islands with her sister be found in Scotland was Mary, a practical nurse and younger by 10 discovered in Orkney. years: “Mary was here and there - wherever It was in 1858 that a she was needed, and looked after her sister young lad hunting rabbits too.” My cousin Jean writes: “Mother [Jean near Sandwick Parish Randall’s granddaughter] used to talk about Church, close to Skara her favourite Aunt Mary Randall (a nurse) Brae came across a few who came to Canada to nurse and always bits of silver. wore a pristine white cap. Mother loved her The boy, David Linklater Scottish accent and often mimicked her!” was soon joined by Many things that came over with them a number of people are with various family members: silver gathering tangles spoons, blue china pitcher, big china cup, (seaweed) nearby and pink bowl and pitcher set, rocking chair between them they (woven seat), basket (for babies, laundry Monica and Ruth equipped for our Orkney weather managed to unearth over - Davina told me it was called a ‘Moses 100 items. And what a basket’), black glass bowl and pitcher, a to the ferry, and with great excitement collection; brooches and wooden butter pattern stamp. weathered the Pentland Firth crossing, necklets, silver ingots and In 1991 Dutch (Reg) Thompson began and put up at Sylvia Brown’s Hostel in arm rings together with a to take an interest in his Orkney Island Stromness number of Anglo-Saxon ancestors (Burgar, Thomson, Hourston). We had imagined we were going into the coins and others minted Several times he did a radio spot “By- wilds and doing something unusual but by as far away as Baghdad; Gone Days” on our local afternoon CBC now we knew we were only two of thousands the latest struck being (akin to BBC) radio show. I took note and that only the weather and history were dated 935. because he talked of Randalls. In March wild. And although the hoard of 2006 he did an interview from Papa Suitably humbled, we made our way on had lain in Orkney since Westray with John Rendall (who with Good Friday to a meeting with George Gray. 970 or so visitors cannot Annie Jean and son Neil farm Holland He had written saying our information was view it there because in Farm there). By then I had become somewhat thin on the ground and did I have common with most of interested in seeing the Orkneys and siblings’ names, and could Mary have been Orkney’s treasures it was Dutch gave me the idea that maybe I older and gone later. Well, I sent him some claimed by the Crown could track down our ancestors. He names (but not as thoroughly as I might and moved ‘sooth’ to stressed dressing for the weather (It have had I realised that was the key to the the National Museum of had snowed while they were there!!) and puzzle) and having done the math realised Antiquities in Edinburgh– advised contacting George Gray ahead of Mary must have been older (given Jean was now part of the Museum time so he could begin the search. 18 and that Mary took care of her later in of Scotland. My older daughter Monica and I arrived life). in Glasgow April 11th, borrowed sturdy As an aside, I had a wonderful time visit- jackets (mercifully, as we were endlessly ing with Colin Rendall in the photo archive grateful for them) from friends, and made while waiting for our appointment .He our way up by train to Thurso. We walked thought he might be connected but isn’t. Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 11
I burst into George’s office, noted 2 women (Hazel and Davina) and one man at the desk: you must be George Gray; do you know who I am? {He did.} It transpired that he had thought this was a joke - that Dutch had put me up to it: giving him such little information with the 5th most common name in the 1841 census!!!! Focusing on our mission we sat round the desk and discussed what little we all had in looking for a crack in the case. Davina was saying something I wasn’t quite getting because of her accent and I asked her three times to repeat it.and yes, she had said Did you know Baikie. I am grateful I am not a shrinking Completing the task with the silver spoon violet because my Grandfather’s middle The Distinguished name (which I hadn’t given to George) was and we were greatly moved and fulfilled to Conduct Medal Baikie and his sister was Effie. From there have completed our task better than ever (D.C.M.) was everything fell into place because following could have been imagined going so far back introduced in 1854 the name sequences is a sure route (to the in time to a real physical place. and is the oldest root!) in the past. In Glasgow I had been told by a medium that British award for This unraveling with Hazel and Davina there was a short old man from generations gallantry and until and George with all the computer record ago standing behind my left shoulder. His the introduction of confirmations was so unexpected for us name, Thomas. He wasn’t leaving until I the Victoria Cross and improbable for them that even George found out who he was. WELL: Once the later that year was melted and was moved by my tears of puzzle had started falling into place, George also the highest excitement and emotion when I told him handed us a family history sent in by a award for valour. I had brought some of my mother’s ashes women in Aurora, north of Toronto. She is While the V.C. to scatter in the Orkneys but now that her the great great granddaughter of Thomas, can be awarded great-grandparents’ graves were known her son of William, and cousin to Euphemia. In to any member of ashes could go there. addition, at that moment my other daughter the armed forces, The 1861 census shows 4 still at home; 1871 Chiara was in Aurora for Easter with her the D.C.M. can Jean is gone and Mary is 28 and 38 in 1891. boyfriend’s family. only be awarded to So it would appear Mary saw her whole We had a wondrously nourishing and non-commissioned family die (see below) and then immigrated. satisfying time in the Orkneys. The weather officers and in 1915 was second to the Hugh, cabinet maker, lived with them in the is an attraction in itself, and the Stone Age Victoria Cross. 1861 census. My grandfather Gordon Baikie ruins and the Stone Circles most stirring. When George (Jean’s son) was an excellent carpenter. I We felt so at home (Dutch said he’s never Inkster of Rousay have bookshelves and a desk he made. felt so at home anywhere as there.) and saw won his D.C.M. in The next day George took us to St Andrews familiar faces all round us. It was one of the finest trips I’ve ever had. 1915 he became the to see Heather House where two brothers only Orcadian to John and William Rendall, who’d come from When we took the evening ferry back to Thurso we didn’t feel up to walking nor do so. No one from Egilsay Island, worked and raised their Orkney has won was there a bus so I solicited a drive from families. We went on to the graveyard at the V.C. In 1916 passengers. Eventually a lady and her son Hall of Tankerness where we found the the Military Medal agreed. As we left the ferry I leaned forward grave of my great-grandmother Euphemia was introduced and gave her a PEI pin to thank them (dob:13/7/1814; daughter of Hugh A..Baikie to sit just below dob: 1783, Kirkwall, and Jane (Jean) for helping out. None of this “what’s this, the D.C.M. and Cruickshanks dob: 1789 St Andrews; where’s this” but: “Oh, PEI. Do you know was for acts of married 14/9/1811 in St Andrews; died Dutch Thompson? I’m related to him.” It bravery as opposed 13/12/1890) and her daughter Eleanor (dob: was Margaret Graham, daughter of Elsie to gallantry. Both 1/10/1849; died 27/5/1890). Not too far away Bain. these medals were is the grave of husband John (dob: 1807, How’s that for full circle. discontinued in Egilsay; died 31/12/1890), son John (dob: Questions remaining: What did 5 members 1993 and were 10/2/1846; died 18/3/1891) and his daughter of the family die of in 1890-91? I may never replaced by the Hilda (died 1/3/1891 aged 2). The grave of know why an 18 year old girl came out Conspicuous their pastor, Rev Smelly, is at the head of alone to Nova Scotia. We will search for her Gallantry Cross. the graveyard and we visited the ruins of his arrival and marriage and Mary’s arrival and Now turn over and home on the way back. death in the Archives in Halifax one day. read about the With a silver soup spoon borrowed from the My mother’s name was Frances Jean, my gallant exploits of library and a very uncomfortable George, I sister Margaret Jean, and many cousins are this young man buried my mother’s ashes with her great Jean, so it’s fitting we have traced the name from Rousay. grandmother Euphemia and her great-aunt back 6 generations. Eleanor. Monica put flowers on the grave
12 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No38 Septem,ber 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 13
his is the story of my grand uncle, George Inkster, a blue centre on a crimson background. This Colour was who, became a bit of a war hero and was the first mounted on a staff cut from a maple tree at Government TOrcadian to win the Distinguished Conduct Medal. House and was carried into every battle in which the Some of the story is as yet incomplete but I hope a Regiment fought in World War 1. forthcoming trip to Canada will help to fill in some of the The P.P.C.L.I. was the last privately raised Unit in gaps. the Commonwealth and are the only Canadian Unit to The Early Years provide the Queens Guard at Buckingham Palace, the George Inkster was born in 1882 at Geo, Westness, Tower of London and Kensington Palace in peacetime. Rousay. He was the seventh of nine children, seven boys Enlistment and Preparation for Active Service and two girls. During the harvest season of 1914, George Inkster was His parents Hugh and Georgina had been evicted working as a carpenter on grain elevators in Calgary, from their croft at Hammer, Rousay the previous year Canada. When War was declared and on learning of so that the land at Hammer could be incorporated with the formation of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Innister. They were the last occupants of Hammer. Some Infantry, he immediately volunteered for service with years later they left Hammer and went to live at Knapper this new Regiment. He was one of the 1,098 ‘Originals’ where George spent some of his early years. accepted into the Regiment and it was said that all but When about the age of 12, he appears to have left school one unit of the British Army were represented in the and became a farm worker at Westness, Rousay. During ranks of the new Regiment, as well as men from the Saskatchewan.‑For a short time, George assisted his the South Africa (Boer) War, George enlisted in the 31st to understand the severity of the situation in Europe Royal Navy and Marines. Only 10% were Canadian by brother to build a house and work the land but then Imperial Yeomanry – some records indicate it was the and he identified the need to establish an army unit that birth and all but 50 had seen previous service. went his own way and became a carpenter. A few years 31st Battery Imperial Army. would be able to mobilise quickly in an international The Regiment was ready to leave for Britain on 28 later, a fourth brother, David, also went to Canada. South Africa ( B o e r ) War. crisis. He was to become the founder of the Regiment and August but because of enemy action in the Atlantic their Unfortunately, he died before his wife and daughter could T h e Boer War started in his actions were to make possible Canada’s q u i c k departure was delayed until 27 September. On arrival join him in Canada – his daughter – later to become 1899 – a previous response to the War in August 1914. in Britain, the Regiment was found to be so experienced Nellie Groat a teacher in Stronsay - is still alive and she one was fought in As the climate of War overshadowed and well trained that it was ‘ready to take the field’. The 1880/81 – and was resides in Troon, Ayrshire near her daughter, Hilary. the international com-munity, h e Events Leading to First World War Regiment joined the 27th British Division as a unit of the a consequence of offered to personally raise and equip a 80th Brigade (named “The Stonewall Brigade” after its During the early part of the twentieth century, the Britain’s interest in mounted unit from within Canada for the defence of the Ypres Salient in May 1915). The Regiment atmosphere of conflicting political goals with the creation the gold mines in Imperial Authorities.‑Although attracted landed in France in December 1914 – just 4 months after of secret military alliances throughout Europe fomented the Boer territories to the suggestion, the authorities being formed – and was the first and only Canadian growing social and political upheaval. On Sunday 28 June of Transvaal and suggested that an Infantry unit would Infantry Regiment in a theatre of War in 1914. 1914, the citizens of Sarajevo gathered to see Archduke Orange Free State. be more appropriate. Actions Franz Ferdinand heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne. Although sup- The Declaration of War made the In early 1915, the PPCLI were in the Hooge-Bellewaerde As the Archduke and his wife passed the crowds, a posed to be “over by proposal by Capt Hamilton Gault sector of the Western Front. For most of World War 1 this young Bosnian student assassinated both of them. Christmas” a series of more appealing and on 6 August, 1914, was amongst the “hottest” places on the Western Front. Austria-Hungry suspected that Serbia had approved the tactical errors by over the Canadian Government provisionally During the afternoon of April 22nd 1915 the wind in assassination and declared War, breaking the balance confident leaders resulted accepted his offer. ‑An approach was made by Flanders changed direction and began blowing towards of power that bound peace in Europe and exposing the in embarrassing defeats at Lt.Colonel Francis Farquhar, DSO, on behalf of Capt Gault the south-west. The German “Stinkpioneren” took this secret alliances. such places as Ladysmith, Mafeking and Kimberley Hamilton to the Governor General of Canada, HRH the opportunity to release chlorine gas against the northern Germany’s invasion of Belgium on 4 August, 1914, and resulted in many military careers being ruined. Duke of Connaught – a son of Queen Victoria – to name the shoulder of the Ypres Salient. This was one of the first forced Britain into World War 1 and, as a loyal member of Many young men in Britain joined units of the Imperial new Regiment after his daughter, HRH Princess Patricia occasions when gas was used and great clouds of the gas the Empire, Canada followed suit and also declared War Yeomanry for fixed periods – one of the most celebrated of Connaught. Formal permission to form the Regiment could be seen drifting towards the allied lines. French of such units was the Lovat Scouts. By the time the War on Germany. was granted on 10 August and recruitment commenced Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Colonial troops broke and ran leaving a great gap in the ended in 1902, over 22,000 British servicemen had lost in six cities on 11 August. Veteran soldiers flocked to the Allies Line and beginning the second Battle of Ypres. It The founding of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian their lives in South Africa. Men who served in South six recruiting centres and by the 19 August a total of 1098 was essential to shorten the “line” and reduce the size of Light Infantry (PPCLI or, as they became known, ‘The Africa were eligible for the award of two medals, the ranks had been selected from over 3,000 applicants. the salient but before the decision was taken the British Pats’) was undoubtedly in response to the unfolding Queen’s Medal and, if they continued to serve after the The Regiment’s first parade was held on 23 August when and Canadian troops fought desperately to prevent a events in Europe that led to the War in 1914. A wealthy death of Queen Victoria, the King’s Medal. Princess Patricia presented her Regiment with a Camp breakthrough. Casualties were high but Ypres could not and distinguished Montreal businessman, Captain The opportunity of travel, action and excitement clearly Colour, the “Ric-A-Dam-Doo” as it was known, which she be saved without shortening the front. Andrew Gault Hamilton of the Royal Highlanders of appealed to George and he volunteered for service had designed and personally worked on by hand. On it the As a consequence, Hooge and Bellewaerde were on the Canada and a veteran of the Boer War had the foresight in South Africa. Legend indicates the he served with initials VP (Victoria Patricia) in gold were entwined upon extremity of the position after the withdrawal, leaving distinction as both a sniper and a runner – carrier of the Pats on Bellewaerde ridge one of the most exposed messages. George appears to have been awarded both units in the line. The gap in the “line” created by this the Queen’s and the King’s South Africa Medals. In 1916 withdrawal had to be secured. This gap between the while home in Rousay on leave from the front line, George PPCLI and the Northumberland Fusiliers at Mouse Trap was to tell the family that the South Africa War was a Farm, about two miles long, was a seriously weak sector. ‘picnic’ compared to the War in Europe. A much depleted 1/5 King’s Own and 2nd East Yorks After the Boer War he returned to life at Westness attempted to advance and plug the gap but a whirlwind as a ploughman, living with an older brother and his of enemy fire prevented their advance. grandmother. By the 8th May 1915 the PPCLI were under intense Emigration artillery fire and a ferocious German attack, resulting Some years later, he along with two of his brothers in their trenches being almost obliterated. At this Robert and William like many Orcadians at that time time in the War, George Inkster was a member of No 4 set sail for a new life in Canada where his brother Company. This Company were on the left flank of the Robert was granted a section of land near Regina in battlefield and in the vicinity of the two mile gap. While 14 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06 06
their position even though they were fighting from tends to indicate that he enjoyed the thrill of extreme danger ditches and shell holes and were under attack from and also that he preferred being one his own at such times, three sides. The Pats successfully held the line against probably preferring to trust his own skill and judgement to this sustained and ferocious enemy attack but by ensure his survival. Records also indicate that he had a scant the next day when the battle abated, they had only 4 respect for authority. In August 1915 he was in trouble with officers and 150 men left. When their turn came to be the authorities and was awarded “Field Punishment No 2”. relieved, Lt Niven formed them up behind the trench Later in 1915 after being awarded the D.C.M. he was promoted and marched at the head of the column, carrying their Lance Corporal but on 29 February 1916 he was again in colours, the Ric-A-Dam-Do, past Bellewaerde Lake, trouble with the authorities and was reduced in rank and fined Railway Wood down to the Menin Road, cheered by all 2 days pay. This punishment was a result of him being late the other troops they passed and to be written into the back to his Regiment following his journey to Rousay to visit his pages of history. Such was the fame of the Pats’ action parents. In addition to the punishment, he was also transferred on that day an article in a magazine in July 1915 read out of No 4 Section and into Headquarters Section where he ‘You will have read the glorious story of the Princess became a bomber – a moved which was to result in his death. Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Lt. (now Capt) Last Action Niven and a few men came through their terrible ordeal On either the 16th or 17th July 1916 the Headquarters stayed in’. The Pats still hold an annual parade on 8th Section of the PPCLI were engaged in operations in “no May to commemorate this historic battle. mans land” endeavouring to occupy enemy trenches. The During this battle itself, George Inkster and the Company was under the command of a Major Stewart others in No 4 Company were operating on the PPCLI and the bombers were in the lead. George Inkster and left flank at the gap left between themselves and the a Private Williams led the assault and as they entered a Northumberland Fusiliers. They were in the secondary trench, reported to be empty, the Germans were waiting. trenches behind No 1 Company. The ferocious enemy George Inkster and colleague were met with what was ground attack and bombardment resulted in No 1 described as ‘withering machine gun fire and potato Company’s position being completely over run leaving mashers (hand grenades)’. Both soldiers received fatal No 4 Company facing the full ferocity of the attack on injuries and George Inkster died on 17th July 1916. The this front. At the time in question, George Inkster following notice appeared in the was in the trenches, either carrying urgent messages Orkney Herald or acting as a sniper, when he encountered a German and paid tribute patrol of up to 20 men trying to infiltrate through to the gallantry of the trenches. Although he was on his own he did not this Rousay lad. flinch, found himself a favourable Private 1593 defensive position and George Inkster, engaged the enemy with D.C.M. is buried rifle fire. He shot and either alongside other killed all of the patrol or Canadian sold- killed a number of them, iers in the Rail- forcing the remainder to way Dugouts retreat or surrender. It (Transport Farm) must be remembered that Burial Ground, the German soldiers were plot VI.B.15. extremely brave fighters near Ypers in and would not have Belgium. capitulated easily and I n had they found a route addition into the gap between to the the PPCLI and the D C M , Northumberland Fusiliers he was the consequences in this awarded weakened sector could have the 1914- been serious. For his actions on 15 Star, the 8th May, 1915, Private 1593 Private George 1 9 1 4 - 1 8 Inkster was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Medal and became the first Orcadian to receive this the Victory honour. Medal. In early 1916, after being awarded the At the time of his Distinguished Conduct Medal George Inkster death, his older brother Hugh was also serving with was able to visit his parents in Rousay while on the A.S.C. in France. Like four of his brothers, furlough. His visit home was reported in the George did not marry and was survived by his local papers as were the award of the DCM mother and father who ended their days at and his death Myres, Sourin, Rousay with their daughter What kind of a man was George Inkster? Mary Jane (Logie), my grandmother, and Not a great deal is known about him but her family. The three other brothers it appears that he enjoyed danger and who went to Canada are all believed to adventure. It is known from records be buried in Winnipeg. and folklore that while fighting in George Inkster is remembered on the both the Boer War and World War 1 Rousay War Memorial along with 15 he frequently carried messages and other heroes of this tiny island who paid operated in “no mans land” as a sniper. This the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 15
By Bob Sanders, Palm Springs, California. Member No 1335
ho was John Sinclair? Historical of George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly by records provide a sketch of his Anne, daughter of James Hamilton, Earl of Wlife in early colonial America, and Arran. She was living 29 December 1615. scholars have established with reasonable He died 1642/43, in Caithness, aged 76. {CP certainty that he was a Scottish soldier 2:479}. He was the son of John born 1543 captured and banished from his native (below) by his wife Jean (Joan) Bothwell land by English forces under the command Hepburn, MCh91D.14b 1550 in Bothwell, of Oliver Cromwell. But where in Scotland Scotland. was he from, and what was his position in Henry Lord Sinclair b. 1575 Orkney, life and what was his connection to the very Scotland. prominent Sinclair families of this period? Henry Sinclair (or Sinkler) is the probable L.A.Morrison, the 19th century genealogist relative of John Sinkler and the Sinclairs of and researcher of the Sinclair families in Lybster, Caithness They were wadsetters of Europe and America, held forth the view, that land until 1670. The land was mortgaged accepted by the majority of John Sinclair’s to them. Lybster was in Latheron. Before descendants to this day, that John Sinclair Latheron there were Sinclairs of Lybster This is the second was the great-grandson of George Sinclair, in Reay. Henry was given part of the lands part of Bob Sanders’ the 4th Earl of Caithness. of Borrowstone and Lybster by his brother, research into his William Sinclair born 1590, father of Earl of Caithness, George. He later reverted family tree. John above: William Sinclair, Master of the land back to his brother in September While Bob’s connection with Orkney may Caithness, styled Lord Berriedale, son and 23 1606. It is assumed that Henry may have been diluted by heir apparent. He was, for 5 years, a prisoner have been a ‘natural’ son of John Sinclair of many generations he for debt in Edinburgh, being released in Caithness (ie. a bastard son), which is why still had the urge to 1621. He married Mary, daughter of Henry he had no land holdings of his own. He may [Sinclair] 3rd Lord Sinclair. He was living in visit the islands and also have been of the Sinclairs of Dunheath discover their magic September 1623 but died v.p. [CP 2:480]. He who also had land in Down Reay and Reay. for himself. married Mary Margaret Sinclair born 1610 He also is the son of John b. 1543 (below) but In this final part of who was the daughter of Henry 1575 and by his second wife Bessie Gunn b. 1550. his article Bob shows thus sister to our John born 1612. John Sinclair, MCh41F.14, b. c1543 how his ancestor FHL Caithness Family History 941.13 Caithness, Scotland (Girnigoe Castle) John Sinclair was D2h pg 8 - states William, Lord Berriedale, married Jean (Joan) Bothwell Hepburn, connected to some of died before his father, leaving a son John. MCh91D.14 b. 1550 in Bothwell, Scotland. the prominent Sinclair George (5th Earl of Caithness) Her ancestry traces to John of Gaunt. families stretching Sinclair b. 1566 Caithness. Father of John was Master of Caithness having back to the 13th William above. obtained a charter from Queen Mary Oct century. George Sinclair was the grandson and 2 1545. Quarrelled with his father and was heir, being son and heir of John Sinclair, imprisoned by him in the Castle of Girnigoe styled Master of Caithness, and Jean his for seven years and died there by famine and wife. He was born in 1566. On 18 June 1606 vermin, September 1575. he had charter of various lands forming the George Sinclair, MCh41F13 b.1510 Barony of Berriedale. He, also, resigned father to the above. his Earldom, and obtained from the King Earldom of Caithness restored to him in a movodanius thereof, 3 April 1592, with 1544. Builder of Rosslyn Chapel. Resigned remainder to William Sinclair, his first son his Earldom to King James V. who granted and his heirs male, and assigns whatsoever. the charter on 2 October 1545 to George’s He suppressed the rebellion in Orkney in son John; George’s heir-apparent. He turned 1614 which resulted in the execution of the against his heir John Garbh and imprisoned 5th Earl of Orkney. He married shortly after him in Girnigoe Castle. Probably died in 1576 on the 29 July 1585 to Jean, only daughter dvindictive. Made Justicar of Caithness, 16 Issue No 39 September 06
him in Girnigoe Castle Probably died in 1576. He Index and Epitome 1903) was cruel and vindictive. Made Justicar of Caithness, 1446 Started foundation of Rosslyn Chapel he sat at the 1567 trial of Bothwell for the murder of 1449 Created Lord Sinclair Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots. 12 May 1447 JamesIII exchanges William’s remaining John Sinclair, MCh41F12 b. 1495 Northumberland Orkney rights for the castle of Ravenscraig and lands of d. 18 March 1529 in battle to seize Orkney. Father to Wiltonne Carbarry and Dubbo. the above. Henry Sinclair (2nd Earl of Orkney MCh41C.9 b. Died at the Battle of Summerdale in May 1529 1375 Orkney Islands and father to the above. Curiously leading 500 men to assist his cousin William in Orkney. there is no record of Henry ever setting foot in his His opponents were led by James Sinclair governor of earldom or even of being installed as earl. Kirkwall Castle. (‘The History of the Sinclair Family in 1420 Probable year of his death. 1420 Bishop Thomas Europe and America’ L.A.Morrison p.39) Tulloch appointed governor of Orkney. Supposedly the earl was killed in the opening Henry Sinclair (Baron of Rosslyn), NB42 moments; altogether some 3500 were killed, some over b.1345 Earl of Orkney by inheriting Orkney dynasty. the following weeks. William was made prisoner. Both Original spelling St.Clair. Descended from Mauger, James and William Sinclair were grandsons of William uncle of William the Conqueror. Premier Scottish ‘the Waster’. (The new History of Orkney by Wm. family of Norman origins. Related to Stewarts. In Thomson p.237-9, 235) 1394 extended his authority to colonies in Greenland. William Sinclair, MCh41F11 b. 1459 Fife, Scotland The first European Prince to rule territories in the d. 9 September 1513 at the Battle of Flodden. Son to the New World. In 1398 he led an expedition to Labrador other William b. 1404 (below) by his first wife Marjory and Newfoundland. Around this generation name was Sutherland b. c.1430. changed from St Clair to Sinclair. Probable year of Last Norwegian earl. Built Rosslyn Chapel. The death 1400 Caithness Sinclairs built the Castle/Fortress Girnigoe William St. Clair Earl de Ross b. 1309 Rosslyn. which belongs to the 20th Sinclair earl. Even as a young man it was evident that he possessed Favoured by his father for the earldom, as opposed the skills and abilities of his worthy ancestors and was to his eldest half brother, also named William. Known employed in several negotiations of importance. In 1358 as ‘the Waster’ and of doubtful sanity, being declared he was appointed one of the ambassadors extraordinary ‘incompus mentis et fatuus’ in 1482, and having been to the Court of England. He added to the influence of that way for 16 years. (The new History of Orkney by his family with his marriage to Isabel, daughter and co- Wm Thomson p.199 & 297) heir of Malise, Earl of Strathern, Caithness and Orkney Sir William was slain at Flodden with King James IV William St Clair Earl de Rosslyn b. c1245 91488-1513) and 13 other nobles. The day before James Scotland. Great-grandfather to the above. Partisan of renewed the Earldom of Caithness. 12 earls, 13 barons Baliol and leader of Scots in revolt against Edward I and 5000 men, the ‘Flowers of the Forest’/ died there.. of England. Sheriff of Edinburgh. Granted Barony of Never was read in tragedy or story, Rosslyn in 1280. His eldest son fought at Bannockburn At one journey so many nobles slain and received a grant of lands around Pentland in 1317 For the defense and love of their sovereign. as his reward. Married Matilda de Orkney b. 1240 William served in Parliament and built Girnigoe daughter of Magnus III of Orkney b.1193 who was the Castle (between 1476-90). son of Gilbert de Orkney b. 1170. December 1476/7 Obtains Crown charter to Earldom I will mention only two more connections we have to of Caithness. Orkney. One is Donald MacDonald born 1379 plus his William Sinclair (the waster) Earl of Orkney. wife Mariota Leslie born 1376 and the other is Simon MCh165.11 b.1430 Caithness. Son of William Sinclair Fraser born 1286 plus his wife Margaret of Orkney (below) b. 1404 by his second wife Elizabeth Douglas b. born 1290. 1384. Set aside from succession when found insane. The path to Margaret of Orkney can be picked up William Sinclair, MCh41C.10 b. 1404 Rosslyn, father starting with William Sinclair born 1459 and already of both above. In 1422 William goes to Orkney and then recited above. His wife Mary Keith, born 1461, Copenhagen in an unsuccessful bid for the earldom ancestors go back seven generations to Margaret. as his guardian and uncle David Menzies attempts to Margaret’s father was an Jarl of Orkney and Caithness. control Orkney. (Burke’s Peerage). 1433. Probable date of the ‘Diploma of Thomas, Bishop The path to Donald MacDonald also can be picked up of Orkney and Zetland. and the Chapter of Kirkwall starting with William Sinclair born 1404 and his wife Respecting the Genealogy of William St Clair, Earl of Marjorie Sutherland born 1430. William has also been Orkney’. (Bannatyne Miscellany Vol. 3 p.63) Written to recited above and is the father of William born 1459. prove William’s right to the earldom. Makes no mention Marjorie’s grandfather is Donald MacDonald, born in of a male Sinclair descent from Rognvald. Orkney and Lord of the Isles (Mike Ashley Chart 39). 10 August 1434. William succeeds as earl of Orkney, I hope that you, my fellow members, have found my acknowledged Norwegian jurisdiction on investiture research of interest. You will have gathered that I am with earldom. According to his installation charter, immensely proud of my Orcadian/Scottish heritage. I Kirkwall Castle, built without permission, was to be would also take this opportunity to record my thanks returned to the King on William’s death. for the wonderful hospitality I received in Kirkwall and 1436 ‘as high admiral of Scotland conveyed Princess hope to repeat my visit in the near future. Margaret to France’ (Dictionary of National Biography: Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 17
Margaret Patrick, member no.1203, shares some of her research into the Tinch family
have been researching the Tinch family for some time now. In the early 1800’s, two brothers were Iorphaned. James, the elder brother, left for Australia, married and died there, leaving no family. John (b.1829) was brought up by a family in Orkney and he was ▲Photo 1 This is taken outside the house in Balfour thought to have signed some legal papers and the name Village, Shapinsay. changed from Tainsh to Tinch. L to R Standing: William Tinch (1861-1954), Alexina John Tinch and his wife Mary Work had two children, Robson (1859-1949, William (b.1861) and James (b.1854). William lived on Jane Sinclair (1856-1930), John Tinch or Tainsh (1829- Shapinsay and John moved to Glasgow. 1921), Mrs Brock (a friend), Isabella Tinch (1867-1959) William Tinch married Alexina Robson and had a son and William Tinch (1890-1970). William (b.1890). This was my Grandfather. James L to R Sitting: Elma Liddell (1908-1999), Jim Tinch married Jane Sinclair and they had a daughter Mabel (1892-1968) and David Tinch (1903-1947). (b.1892). This was my Grandmother. My Grandfather, William, moved to Glasgow for work ▼Photo 2 Laying the drains at Balfour Castle. and lived with his Aunt and Uncle, James and Jane. Front row, with key: William Tinch (1861-1954) During this time he courted and married his first cousin, Centre row, 2nd from right: William Tinch (1890-1970) Mabel. They continued to live in Glasgow. Back row, 4th from right: James Tinch (1892-1896) 18 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06 Orkney’s sons Stanley Cursiter CBE. RSA. RSW. On the 29th April, 1887 at 15 East Road recognised the young man’s potential and Kirkwall, a son was born to Mr & Mrs John also that the opportunities to develop that Cursiter. talent were not to be found in Orkney. He But for his mother’s tenacity therefore arranged an interview for Stanley Cursiter would have been a Stanley with a leading firm of Magnus—if the rest of the family Edinburgh architects. had had their way. But Mary In those days it was the Johan Thomson of Sanday could custom for the apprentice to not abide the name Magnus and pay the architect a substantial the sobriquet Mansie inevitably fee for tuition. It was perhaps applied to a Magnus in Orkney. fortunate for Stanley that his But why Stanley? In his book family could not afford the fees Did ‘Looking Back’ Stanley Cursiter otherwise he might have spent his you know explains that his father was a life at the drawing board. that even by Orkney keen amateur photographer and Stanley had, by this time, acquired standards the wedding of lost no time in taking a picture of his a mixed portfolio of his work George Balfour of Pharay new son. A frame was then required which came to the attention of an and Marjorie Baikie was and because this was at a time when Edinburgh publisher. He told Stanley something of a milestone. Stanley and Livingston were much that he would find him a job if he It took place in Noltland in the news, the frame had writ large was prepared to study design rather Castle in the 1600s and on the back—the Stanley Frame. that architecture. the occasion has been told Mother obviously liked the name And so Stanley Cursiter began and retold over the years. and Stanley the boy became. Later a five year apprenticeship with Hossack refers to it as he took much pleasure in telling Mclagan & Cumming, Litho- ‘a tradition of splendour people that he was named after a graphers and Printers. Here crowning the ruins of old photo frame. he mastered the techniques Noltland with a halo of Stanley, the youngest of a of designing colour work to glory’. family of four spent his early be reproduced by the new The groom was evidently childhood at Alton where the developments in colour printing a well liked, handsome family moved when he was very young. which were then being introduced. He also and hospitable fellow His father died when Stanley was nine/ and attended Edinburgh College of Art five who filled the castle with he was taken under the wing of his father’s nights a week. guests to celebrate his brother James Walls Cursiter, banker, Examinations in the 27 subjects taught at marriage. businessman, antiquarian and archaeologist. the college were held every May. Stanley The marriage feast His uncle’s library proved to be a treasure sat and passed 24. He missed out on the eventually drew to a close trove of information and knowledge which other 3 as they overlapped with subjects but gales prevented the Stanley considered to be almost as important he was sitting. When the results were visitors leaving the island. as the formal education he received at the published Stanley found that he had come The revelry resumed Kirkwall Burgh School. third in the whole country gaining a ‘Royal and the gales persisted It was here that his interest in art began to Exhibition’. This took the form of two or . . . . for some weeks. surface and he joined a class in me-chanical three years’ study at the Royal College Eventually the Steward drawing. Over the months everyone else of Art South Kensington. He decided of Noltland announced dropped out but Stanley, the sole candidate, against the course, however, and managed to the guests that every took the examination and at the age of beast in the byre had been to obtain a local scholarship which twelve gained his certificate in advanced slaughtered except the enabled him to stay at the Edinburgh building construction. bull. ‘Then kill the bull” College of Art and also to complete his His teacher, H.F.Bowden, obviously much replied the master of the apprenticeship. feast. taken with young Stanley’s enthusiasm, Winters found him spending every spare This final sacrifice taught him the elements of architecture moment sketching and painting while appeared to appease and introduced him to the magnificence of summers were spent in Orkney working on the gods for the storms St Magnus Cathedral which was to play an landscapes, seascapes and cliff scenes. abated, the guests important part later in his life. While still at the college he was elected departed and people have When he left school, he approached a member of the Royal Society of Scottish enjoyed the story ever T.S.Peace, the Kirkwall architect for a Artists. since. place in his drawing office. Peace obviously The start of WW1 saw him commissioned Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 19
into the 7th Scottish Rifles. His knowledge in his preparation. The Queen, however, of printing came in useful when after being turned up not in her coronation dress, but in invalided from the Somme he was attached a bright blue cocktail coat. Margaret related to the Field Survey Unit, Royal Engineers, that her father was so enraged at this slight producing front line maps, his first one to Scotland, as he saw it, that he left the being of the Hindenburg line. He was twice handbag out of the painting, just to make a mentioned in dispatches and received the point. And she added that it caused a small Military OBE. controversy at the time. After the Armistice was signed in 1918 A project which gave him immense he settled in Edinburgh with his wife pleasure in the 1960s was his extensive and resumed his career. He was elected work on the designs which contributed to President of the Society of Scottish Artists the creation of the St Rognvald Chapel in St for a double term. He was also pleased with Magnus Cathedral. his appointment to the Keepership of the The pulpit, communion table and lectern National Galleries where he was put in together with the designs for the figures of Kol, St Rognvald and Bishop William the charge of the Portrait Gallery. He did much Did to improve the conditions in which these Old were all designed by Stanley Cursiter you know national treasures were kept and was also and the work executed by Reynold Eunson, a responsible for their dispersal and storage at local craftsman. that in the 16th century, As time went on, Stenigar became too big the Convention of the start of WW2. Royal Burghs had Once this was done he began his war and the Cursiters moved house for the last wide powers in law, service with the Ordnance Survey where time to 7O Victoria Street in the centre of regulating the trade of he had almost 1000 draughtsmen working Stromness. The house is situated on an old the country, and were under him. He felt, however, that his efforts pier and Stanley enjoyed watching the the able to levy dues on the would be better employed if he returned activity in Stromness Harbour and the ships trade of neighbouring to the National Gallery where he and his that passed within a stone’s throw of his districts. These dues were necessary to keep colleagues subsequently mounted some 80 window. the Convention viable. exhibitions to help people combat the dark When he was no longer able to drive, his When Kirkwall was days of the war. friend Brigadier S.P.Robertson (still an active admitted in 1669 the In 1948 he decided to resign from his member of the OFHS) would take him for a decided that they would position of Director of the National Gallery run. The route was dictated by Stanley and be able to stump up less of Scotland, wind down his many other no derivation was allowed. if Stromness met part He did attempt a short biography of his life of the charge. After all commitments and retire with his wife to Stromness was doing Orkney. but it was fairly incomplete. Just 110 copies very nicely at this time They purchased the old Stanger boatyard were printed and given to his friends. thanks to its trading at Ness, Stromness. Much pleasure was After a long illness his wife died and in links with the American derived in transforming it into a beautiful a distressing letter to Esme Gordon, then Colonies. new home and studio which he named it secretary to the RSA, he declined their in- The Stromness vitation to their 150th birthday celebrations merchants refused Stenigar, as it is still called today. and their cause was In his ‘retirement’ he found himself busier and added ‘I am getting pretty infirm - deaf eventually championed than ever, occupied by many artistic, literary, in one ear and blind in one eye. Recent by by a local merchant, architectural and broadcasting projects, events have been pretty dispiriting - so I Alexander Graham, who many on behalf of his native Orkney. doubt if I shall ever leave Orkney again’. campaigned for some Demands on his skill as a portrait painter Early in 1976 Esme received a copy of twenty years to have the were such that he had to maintain a studio his ‘wee book’ as an aid to her writing his law changed. In 1758 an appeal to the in Edinburgh and during this time he obituary ‘when the time comes’. Houe of Lords ended in produced many dozens of portraits It came much sooner than she expected a decision that meant He also received the CBE and was made with his death on the 23rd April. not only freedom of Her Majesty’s Painter and Limner in A memorial service was held in St Magnus trade for Stromness Scotland and thereby hangs a tale. Cathedral and in accordance with ancient but for all towns in In an interview given to the Orcadian in Norse tradition he was cremated. His ashes, Scotland. along with those of his wife are interred in The burden of the 1988, his daughter Margaret Hunter told campaign had fallen of the Queen’s coronation visit to St Giles Finstown cemetery, which is about halfway mainly on Graham. Little Cathedral, in 1953, to receive the Honours of between Stromness and Kirkwall. help came from his Scotland. Her father, as Limner, was obliged fellow merchants who to record the event and had taken some pains had no doubt benefited from his efforts, and he was left ruined. He is now largely Articles for our December issue by October 20th please forgotten by the town Send as a ‘Word’ file to
View the complete James Irvine (No.96) has Scottish Census submitted the tree on the facing for 1841 page of four generations of the family John Rae, the Orcadian This was the first full census that who discovered the last link asked people’s place of birth and of the North West Passage and occupation rather than just a head count. whose birthplace, the Hall of It gives a fascinating insight into Clestrain in Orphir, is to become Did the Orkney Boat Museum you know Victorian Scotland with its then population of only 2,620,000. (seewww.hallofclestrain.org. By the time John Renton, an Orcadian Famous people recorded in the uk). He intends to present the tree to the Friends of sailor, was 21 years old census include Charles Mackintosh Orkney Boat Museum, but first invites members of he had survived a series who invented the fabric used in the Family History Society to advise him at
The family of Dr. John Rae, the arctic explorer This tree has been researched and compiled by James Irvine who will present it to the Friends of the Orkney Boat Museum. Captain Irvine has made an extensive study of Scottish family history and Orkney’s social history and has written a number of books and many article on these subjects.. See the comment on the facing page.
22 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 39 September 06 37
ORCADIANS and the war of independence John Scollay of Boston by Patricia Long, member no 1531 hen I studied the American War of Independence When General Howe, Commander-in-Chief of the British for O-grade History at Stromness Academy, Forces was making preparations to evacuate his forces Wquite a while ago, I’d probably have found it from Boston in March 1776, the people were concerned for more interesting if I’d realised how many Orcadians were the town. A deputation went to Howe and asked that he involved, on both sides. Andrew Craigie, America’s first “spare Boston” in return for being allowed to leave without Apothecary General, whose father, also Andrew, was an a fight. John Scollay was the first of the four “influential Orcadian who was shipwrecked in Nantucket; Henry Boston citizens” who signed the communication to the Mowat who bombarded Portland, Maine; David Geddes American army, telling them of this. from Stromness who was Deputy Paymaster-General to One of the great heroes of the early days of the the British General John Burgoyne and his brother George Revolution was Dr Joseph Warren. He was President of the who was an American privateer and John and Thomas Provincial Congress and is credited with holding the army Clouston who were also privateers, are just some of the together between Lexington and the Battle of Bunker men of Orkney descent who were involved in the early Hill, where he was killed. He was a widower and father of history of the United States. four and, when he died, he was engaged to John Scollay’s The first name I came across is perhaps the most daughter Mercy. The Scollays took in the three youngest interesting; John Scollay, chairman of the Boston orphans until their uncle married and adopted them two Selectmen, member of the Sons of Liberty and friend of years later. Letters written to Mercy by Samuel Adams Samuel Adams, one of the founding fathers of the United and Benedict Arnold about support for the orphans have States. A letter Samuel Adams wrote to John Scollay in been preserved. John and Mercy Scollay had ten children April 1776 from the first Continental Congress is held and another of their daughters, Priscilla, married Major by the US Library of Congress. There are one or two Thomas Melville. He was a member of the Boston Tea different versions of John Scollay’s Orkney connections Party and the tea leaves that Priscilla found in his shoes but they agree that he is descended from Malcolm Scollay were preserved as a family heirloom. Their son Allan was and Barbara Elphinstone of Hunton in Stronsay. He is the father of Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. probably a son of James (born about 1680) who either John and Mercy’s son William was an apothecary and emigrated from Orkney himself or is a son of John Scollay became a successful property developer with his friend, the who emigrated sometime before 1667 and leased the ferry architect Charles Bullfinch. They were part of a group who between Boston and Winnisimmet for seven years. built Tontine Crescent, the first block of brick buildings in Whoever came first to America, the family clearly did Boston. well, because John Scollay, who was born in 1711, was a William was Deputy Grand Master of Provincetown prominent citizen of Boston and a merchant comfortably Free Masons and with the Grand Master, Paul Revere, and enough off to commission portraits of himself and his wife, Samuel Adams, laid the foundation stone of the Boston Mercy Greenleaf, by the best known colonial artist, John State House. Singleton-Copley. The elected officials of Boston were called He was the owner of the building which gave Scollay Selectmen and John was elected to the Board in 1764. Square, a famous landmark in Boston, its name. Scollay He doesn’t seem to have been elected again the following Square became a ‘lively’ place, the home of burlesque year but he rejoined the board in 1773 and was Chairman theatre, and an article in the Harvard newsletter, ‘The from 1774 to 1790, covering the period of the American Crimson’, in 1951, after describing the delights of Scollay Revolution. Square, remarked “Scollay Square was named after Colonel In 1761 Scollay was one of 50 signatories of a petition to William Scollay, class of 1804. Scollay was the chairman of George III protesting about the illegal actions of British the Board of Selectmen of Boston and his family was one revenue officers and he became a member of the Sons of of the first in the city commercially, socially and civically. Liberty, the organisation founded by Samuel Adams to The Scollays were a dignified and staid family, but are now oppose the Stamp Act of 1765. extinct in Boston. It is just as well.” A first hand account of the series of public meetings leading up to the Boston Tea Party lists 13 men who You can find some more short biographies at www. attended them all. These included three of the most BuyOrkney.com and sign up for a daily e-mail about important figures of the revolution; Samuel Adams, John Orkney and Orcadians. Information on the Scollay family Hancock and Joseph Warren as well as John Scollay and or other Orcadians who deserve to be more widely known, his brother-in-law William Greenleaf. will be very gratefully received. Issue No 39 September 06 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 23
CAN YOU HELP! HELP ANTHEA in ADELAIDE? From Anthea Taylor. Member No 1053 or over 2 years now I have doggedly William Taylor described as a carpenter pursued my great, great grandfather, and his wife, Margaret. They were 29 and FJohn Dun(n) Taylor. He was born circa 30 years old respectively Also listed as 1825, place unknown, parents unknown. an Orcadian is John Taylor 27 years old, His wife, Elizabeth, was born at Deerness agricultural labourer. on 22 Oct 1837 to William Taylor and Jean Were William and John related? If so, what Omond. was the relationship? Does any reader William and Jean had 5 other children recognise the older William Taylor, husband If you have enjoyed what (William 1820; James 1826; Mary 1827; Jean your fellow members 1830; Margaret 1839), all born in Deerness. of Jean Omond? I have no marriage date for this couple and therefore no background have been saying in The 1841 census shows William Taylor (45) this issue they could be for William. Conversely, I have a lot of as a farmer at North Sheay with Jean, Mary, enjoying what you have Jean, Elizabeth and Margaret. William and information on the Omond family. to say in the December James, who would have been 21 and 14 at John and Elizabeth Taylor used a lot of very issue. this time are not listed with their family, familiar Orcadian names for their children, Let us know if great- and I assume they were living and working including Skea, Leask (Leske), Petrie, and great-grandad ever elsewhere at this time. Omond. John died at Port Germein in 1895 robbed the Deadwood In 1848 William, Jean and 5 of their after a very long career as a lighthouse Stage or perhaps children immigrated to Adelaide, South keeper at various locations around South great Uncle Magnus’s Australia on the “David Malcolm”. By Australia. Does this lighthouse service help grandfather’s uncle process of elimination I have determined invented the Carolina tie John into an Orcadian family? that William, the eldest son, was the one Cotton Carumpulator, child left behind. I hope someone will see this information and having, when a bairn, On 26 December, 1849 the “Sea Queen” can make a connection. In the meantime watched his father departed Plymouth bound for Adelaide. On I’ll keep searching! I can be contacted at produce the famous board were several Orcadians, among them [email protected]. Sanday Sheep Shearer from six rusty nails and an old rammie-back. And what about mother’s funny brother with the Met your ‘brick wall’? My book iffy birth certificate. Did a giant klunker really have will soon get you going again. his leg as he sat on the Brig o’ Waith steeping his feet on a hot summer’s Trace Your day. And why hasn’t Ripley written about it? Orkney Ancestors Well he might if you write to us as we believe he is By James M Irvine will give you an avid reader of SIB Folk News. And remember if Signed copies with update sheet #8.50 post free you are contacting me (surface mail) to OFHS members, direct from the author direct my new e-mail [email protected] address is
Ed. New e-mail address r Please note that in future for the edito if sending e-mails direct to the editor they should now be addressed to