SIB FOLK NEWSISSUE No 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

Echoes of a bygone age

Photograph. John Sinclair. 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 46 June 2008

ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY NEWSLETTER Issue No 46 June 2008 CONTENTS

FRONT COVER Echoes of a From Bygone Age

PAGE 2 From the Chair the chair PAGE 3 Tumbledown Our Annual General meeting was held on 8th May No 4 with the members’ endorsement and re-appointment of Page 4 & 5 the current committee members and all office-bearers. linked to Robert Louis During my chairman’s report it was an opportunity for me to highlight the great Stevenson and positive commitment made by the various committee members and our PAGE5 volunteers. The strength of any organisation is through its membership. While Robbie the Sholtie still anticipating our 2000th member it was noticed that a number of members had PAGE 6 not re-newed membership for the current year. It is still time for you to sign up Fiery Bill Inkster and maintain your interest and also to get your copy of Sib Folk News. PAGE 7 Last Ranch Our March and April monthly meetings were well attended with two great speakers PAGES 8 & 9 – Sheena Wenham on her study area – “St Mary’s in Holm” and James Irvine’s The Spences of Cumming & insight into “DNA in Genealogy”. Both were well appreciated and these monthly Spence meetings are important in bringing members together. PAGE 10 I found my Tumbledown After our AGM we had an International flavour which followed nicely from our previous DNA lecture. We viewed the story of Alexander Korobko in his quest to PAGES 12–16 DNA in Genealogy find “Who am I”? A Russian living in discovered his DNA indicated an ancestral connection to Orkney. It is indeed “a small world”. PAGE 17 In memory of Walter Sinclair On 15th June, we have our summer outing which this year will take members by PAGES 18 & 19 bus from out through Firth and on through highlighting the HBC Blankets various farms, houses and place names. We then will walk the streets of Stromness PAGE 19 on a guided tour about the history on the Hudson Bay Company and The Nor’Wast News from Janette Thomson in Stromness. After lunch at the Stenness Community Centre the bus-tour will then explore the places, farms and history of , visit the Orkneyinga Centre, PAGES 20 & 21 The Abernethys the Round Church and the Orphir Kirk yard before continuing to Kirkwall. of Stromness

PAGE 21 As an advance notice to members, the “Annual Dinner” has been brought forward James Cambell this year to September 11th so make it a date for your diary. Bruce Inkster

PAGE 22 An encounter with I hope that you will all have a nice summer and continue to support your Moby Dick Society.

PAGE 23 Can you identify Alan Clouston the Photographs PAGE 24 Membership etc Issue No. 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 3

This is Don Holloway’s

Can you still find yours?

By Alan Clouston – Member No 339

As a follow-up to the article “looking for Jane’ by Don Hol- know of. Were you related to or descended from this fam- loway which appeared in Sib Folk News No 45, I thought ily? If so I would be delighted to hear from you. that it would be interesting to use the now derelict croft It is interesting to note that the occupants of ‘Gerwin’ of ‘Gerwin’ as this edition’s ‘Tumbledown’ feature. in 1921 were the Knarston family, a surname that is no The 1841 to 1901 census records show that the Wilson longer in use in Orkney. Can any of our readers relate family, from which Don is descended, lived at ‘Gerwin’. to this name? John and Catherine Wilson had eleven children that I The last occupant of ‘Gerwin, was Joe Hourston. RESIDENTS OF PARKHOUSE / PARK COTTAGE 1821 1841 1851 1861 1871 188 1891 1901

Name age age age age age age age age Barbara Knarston 60 ------Barbard (daughter) 20 ------Isabella (daughter 20 ------

John Wilson - 50 61 70 - - Catherine - nee Wishart (wife) 50 62 x - - - - John (son) - 25 ------Barbarta (daughter) - 20 ------Helen (daughter)*** - 15 26 35 - - - - Andrew (son)** - 8 18 - - - - - John Hay (son) - - 7 - - - - - William (grandson) - - - 16 - - - - Jane Mathieson (servant) - - - 16 - - - - Barbara Wilson (sister in law) - - - 66 76 - - -

Andrew Wilson** - - - 28 38 48 58 - Mary nee Norn (wife) - - - 31 41 51 - - Mary (daughter) - - - 5 - - - - Catherine (daughter) - - - 3 13 32 - Margaret (daughter) - - - 2 - - - - John G (son) - - - 9mths 10 20 40 William (son) - - - - 9 19 - - Tomima Johnston (servant) - - - 12 - - - - Ann (daughter) - - - - 4 14 - - James (son) - - - - 2 13 - - Anderina (daughter) - - - - 5mths - - - Thomas (son) - - - - - 8 18 - Ann Tait (visitor) ------58 - Jessie Tait (servant) ------38

John Bews - - - - 27 37 47 - Hellen nee Wilson (wife)*** - - - - 45 57 67 - Jane Brass (servant) - - - - 17 - - - Mary Bews (servant) ------32 -

4 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

Stromness linked to ....and Royalty!!

By Robert Whitton. Member No 218 n 1791 David Geddes a merchant in Stromness the Regional Commander for Civil Defence South East was appointed the local agent for Hudson Bay Co Region and then Regional Commander for Civil Defence Iand was the agent that arranged passage for John North West Region, 1941-1942. From 1924 until 1947 he Foubister/Fubbister aka Isobel Gunn to Upper Canada. was Chairman of the Rio Tinto Company and Rhokana One of David’s sons George Geddes (1786-1840) married Corporation as well as director of various companies. Elizabeth Anderson in Stromness in 1816 and had 2 Baron Sir Auckland Geddes died 8 June 1954. His children in Stromness and then a further 6 chidren daughter Margaret Geddes (1913-1997) married Prince were born in Liverpool. The merchant bank that George Ludwig of - Darmstadt in 1937. Geddes or his father, ran at Stromness went bankrupt in Geddes’ book “The Forging of a Family” (Faber & Faber) the 1820s when he bought merchant ships rather than was published in 1952. merely lend on them. So George and his family ended up in Liverpool about 1818. George died in Dublin in CONNECTIONS 1840 but his youngest son named Auckland Campbell David Stevenson (1815-1886) was the builder of 30 Geddes (1831-1908) was staying at “Rispond”, Durness, including Dubh Artach in1872 and Robert with relatives of his mother at the 1841 census. Louis Stevenson (1850- 1894 ) was his Nephew. At 1871 Auckland Campbell Geddes was a lodger with the Prince Ludwig of Hesse- Darmstadt (1908-1968) was the Builder David Stevenson (1815-1886) at 43 son of the last reigning Grand Duke of Hesse-Darmstadt, Melville Street (near where I went to school much later!). a middle-ranking state of the former German Empire. His occupation was given as a Certified Engineer working He succeeded his brother Georg Donatus as the titular on the Indian Railways. He would have had much in Grand Duke of Hesse after his death. He married the common with the Stevenson families and perhaps he was Hon. Margaret Campbell-Geddes (1913-1997) daughter seen as a possible husband for one of David’s daughters. of Auckland Campbell-Geddes, 1st Baron Geddes in However Auckland married a Christina Anderson in 1937, on the day after the Sabena OO-AUB Ostend crash Aberdeen in 1871 and they had 2 children in India and a that killed his brother Georg Donatus, his brother’s further 3 in Hampstead, London. wife Princess Cecile of Greece (sister of Prince Philip, One son was knighted:- Sir Eric Geddes (1875-1937) Duke of ), two of their children Ludwig and served as British Minister of Munitions, Inspector- Alexander, and his mother Grand Duchess Eleanore. General of Transportation, Controller of the Navy and He and Margaret Geddes adopted his niece, Johanna (b. finally as First Lord of the Admiralty during World War 1936) but the little girl died in 1939, he also adopted his One. distant cousin Moritz, of Hesse in 1960 who Another son also named Auckland Geddes was born 21 succeeded to the title of Grand Duke of Hesse and by June 1879, Geddes was a Lieutenant (3rd class) in the Rhine and Head of all the House of Hesse following a Highland Light Infantry, 1901-1902, and took part in family pact. the Boer War. 1906-1909, he was Assistant Professor of At the wedding of Prince Ludwig to Margaret Geddes Anatomy at Edinburgh University. 1909-1913 he was she had planned to wear Bavarian Pheasant Dress but Professor of Anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons changed to black because of the plane crash. The couple in Ireland and 1913-1914 he was Professor of Anatomy at were married in St Peter’s Church at Eaton Square. Sir McGill University, Montreal, Canada. 1914-1915 Geddes Auckland Geddes had made an appeal that the couple was a Major in the 17th Northumberland Fusiliers be given privacy due to the tragedy, compounded by and 1916-1917 he was Director of Recruiting at the the fact that Ludwig had also lost his father the month War Office. Geddes was MP (Unionist) for Basingstoke, prior. Louis Mountbatten was best man, his brother the 1917-1920, as well as Director General and Minister Marquis of Milford Haven died about 6 months later in for National Service, 1917-1919. 1918-1919 he was April 1938. The Duke & Duchess of Kent were there as President of the Local Government Board. January-May was German Ambassador von Ribbentrop. Ludwig gave 1919 he was the Minister of Reconstruction. May 1919- the Nazi salute as he left the church. March 1920 he was President of the Board of Trade with At the funeral on 19 November 1937, of Georg-Donatus, a seat in the Cabinet from October 1919. He was then Eleonore, Cecile and their two sons, Prince Ludwig, the British Delegate in Washington to the Conference Ernie’s second son, as chief mourner walks in front. He was on Limitation of Armaments, 1917-1920. 1920-1924 followed by Prince Gottfried of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Geddes was Ambassador Extraordinaire and Minister Princes Christorph and Philipp of Hesse-Cassel, next Plenipotentiary to the USA. 1939-1941 Geddes was Prince Philip of Greece (the Duke of Edinburgh) and A Issue No. 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 5

FPrince Berthold of Baden. Following them were Lord The following Internet sites may prove of use to anyone Mountbatten (His Prince Louis of interested in reading more about these families. Battenberg (1900–1917) ) and George Milford-Haven who had been titled (His Serene Highness Prince George http://www.btinternet.com/~allan_raymond/Hesse_ of Battenberg (1892-1917) then Mr. George Mountbatten Rhine_Royal_Family.htm (1917), Earl of Medina (1917-1921) The Most Hon. The Marquess of Milford Haven (1921-1938) , his son David http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Donatus%2C_ and Drino Carisbroke L Hereditary_Grand_Duke_of_Hesse

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Andrew_of_Greece_ and_Denmark

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Mountbatten%2C_ 1st_Marquess_of_Milford_Haven

http://www.bellrock.org.uk/stevensons/

http://www.thepeerage.com/p10328.htm

http://forum.alexanderpalace.org/index. php?topic=3530.75

Please note if you are contacting Robert Whitton his new e-mail address is:- [email protected] Robbie and Rose the Sholtie By Allan Taylor. Member 1055 My beuy, whit ongans the ither day when I wis oot fur came jumpin aboot like a gibbie cat as made to meet Eliz- a dander. I spied Elizabeth Inkster, the young ain fae aff abeth. Next thing I saw was Robbie’s auld dog flying oot that auld Jock left Upper Biggan tae. Weel I’m saying young o the neep shed and barkin her haid off. This flegged the but she’ll no see hid again. Anyhow she brushes up ower sholtie who reared up on her hind legs wae the peenk rib- weel, especially when she his on the bonnie dresses; some bon sweenkin aboot in the ipery hole ootside Robbie’s byre days red, ither days yellow but the day I’m spaekan aboot door. the dress wis peenk and bliss me even Noo Robbie’s mither had been hivin her twa peedie yappin dogs hid their a grand efternuin bakan bannocks cluiks pented the same colour. and listening to the wireless when Weel when you spy Elizabeth Ink- she heard the commotion. She ster you can be sure that Robbie o’ made fur the door, opened it and Northoose will no be far away for he stood there takin in the scene as keeps his een on her every chance she rubbed her hands on her spleet he gits and here he wis again like a new bratto. Whit a guff there wis catty face efter a volo. as she spied Robbie wae a stick Elizabeth wis makkin fur the trying tae howk oot whit looked hoose wae a bonnie peedie sholtie she like a peenk ribbon from the ipery hid bowt fae Moar at the roop in Ston- hole. Twa peedie white dogs were nyhill for £4.7.6d. and that included a nippan at the heels o the auld col- float and the harness too. She thought lie, a sholtie wis tryan tae take a that Rose, for that was what she had lump oot o Robbie’s backside an named the sholtie, would be fine that gisless lass fae upper biggan about the croft and that the float wis bletheran on that she didna ken might come in handy on a Setter- how to harness afore the van an wid day night. Robbie com and show her. As they passed by I wis sneeter- ‘Git oot o me sight Robbie and tak an and laughan for I could see that this menagerie wi thee’ skreked his Rose wis also colour co-ordinated mither. with a grand peenk ribbon on her Weel Robbie didna need a second tell- tail. ing. Off he went to Upper Biggan and it Robbie couldn’t let this opportunity pass by and oot he wis one o the best efternuins he had hid fur many a day. 6 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008 Fiery Bill Inkster William Inkster, Cogar, . Born Nov 1859 Died May 1933 Son of William Inkster and Mary Gibson

By Isobel Irvine, Member No 338 This is yet another of my great-uncles whose story I have learned from other people. William’s nickname was Fiery Bill, because he was a fireman. Several years ago a retired fireman called Les Larnder was on holiday in Evie and while looking through the old Evie Kirkyard he came across William’s headstone and seeing “ex-firemaster” it aroused his curiosity to the extent that he wrote a book about him! Because his life story has already been published I will confine myself to contributing a copy of his obituary and the notice from The Orkney Herald. THE ORKNEY HERALD, Wednesday 24th May 1933 District News – Evie Funeral of Mr William Inkster – It was with regret that we learned of the death of Mr William Inkster, late firemaster, Aberdeen, at his home at Willowburn Road, Kirkwall, last Fri- day. Mr Inkster was a well known figure here, being associated with Evie through his wife, Miss Folster of Dale, who prede- ceased him some years ago. The funeral took place on Monday, when his remains were interred beside those of his wife in Evie churchyard. The cortege, on arriving from Kirkwall, was joined Thanks to Tom Gibson, Member No 1245, for use of the photograph. by several friends from this district and Rousay who came to pay a last tribute to one who was much esteemed and respected. and settled down to enjoy the evening of their days in The service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. Mr David- Kirkwall. son, minister of Rousay, and Mr James M. Ferguson, Evie. There On the eve of their departure from Aberdeen, Mr and were many beautiful wreaths. Mrs Inkster were entertained by members of the Ab- erdeen, Caithness and Association, and pre- Obituary sented with Chesterfield easy chairs. The presentation was intended to mark the appreciation of the members Death of Ex-Firemaster Inkster for service to the Association, Mr Inkster having been It is with great regret that we have to record the death of Mr one of its founders twenty-four years before. William Inkster, ex-firemaster, Aberdeen, which took place at his In Kirkwall Mr Inkster quickly took an interest in residence, 7 Willowburn Road, Kirkwall, on Friday. Mr Inkster public affairs and in November 1924 he entered Kirk- had been in poor health for some time, and his death was not wall Town Council, where, among other things, his unexpected. advice in re-equipping the Kirkwall Fire Brigade was Born at Cogar, Rousay, in 1859, Mr Inkster was apprenticed as invaluable. Owing to ill-health Mr Inkster retired in a ship’s carpenter with Messrs Stanger, shipbuilders, Stromness. March 1929. For some years afterwards he sailed as carpenter in the foreign The deceased was twice married. His first wife was trade, after which he joined the London Fire Brigade. Here his Miss Jane Learmonth, daughter of Mr William Lear- experience afloat stood him in good stead, and he quickly rose to month, Faraclett, Rousay, who died about thirty years a position of responsibility in the brigade. ago. His second wife was Miss Sarah Folster, daughter In 1899 Mr Inkster was appointed firemaster of Aberdeen, of Mr Folster, Dale, Evie, and she died a few years ago. and under his direction, the Fire Brigade quickly became one of Mr Inkster is survived by three daughters by his first the most efficient in the country. On his retiral from the brigade wife, all of whom reside abroad; Lilla, wife of George in 1923 Mr Inkster was presented with an illuminated address, Sinclair, Rousay, who is engaged in the Public Works signed by the civic heads and other dignitaries of the Granite Dept, Shanghai; Annie, wife of Mr Alex Booth, Durban, City. South Africa, and Ruby, wife of Mr Isaac Marwick, Jo- Though an exile for many years, Mr Inkster lost none of his hannesburg. love for Orkney, and on his retiral in March 1923 he and Mrs The funeral, which took place from Willowburn Road, Inkster, also an Orcadian, returned to the isles of their birth Kirkwall, to Evie, on Monday, was largely attended. L Issue No.46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 7

Submitted by Sheila Spence, Member No 39 he author, Elizabeth Mann, is a fourth ter conceived ‘one size fits all’ restrictive gov- descendant of James Gullion. Born in ernment agricultural land legislation imple- TEday in 1839, who left to take up service mented by distant faceless officials with little with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1856 and concept of the erratic demands of a working remained there serving in the Saskatchewan ranch. Government grants were made avail- district until 1874. James never returned to able to carry out many land or breeding im- Orkney but married into a local family and provements but by the time the official plans no more was heard of him until the author were drawn up, submitted for approval to a visited the Orkney Family History Society multiplicity of diverse non-cooperating de- some years ago. Through this contact Eliza- partments and inspected by an official inspec- beth traced her ancestors in Orkney connect- tor the weather window in which the project ing Gullion, Harcus and Scott families. These could have been done had passed for another Did names are still to be found in Orkney today. year whilst mortgage and bank loan pay- you know Other sources connected her to Scottish Fras- ments were never postponed. ers and French Beaudry families. The story is one of success in that the fami- An Orphir man relating Her account covers the years 1972-1982 ly did achieve great the tale of his day’s when she and her husband took the deci- improvements to fishing declared sion to give up careers in the academic world the land and stock that it was so to pursue a life of cattle ranching in Brit- but this was nulli- successful that ish Columbia. For the first three years they fied by the rising he had to put a ranched in the coastal area of the Upper Sq- inflation and the cassie (basket) of growing powers of fish on his back to uamish Valley near Vancouver but moved to lighten the boat or the hills on the South Okanagan Valley when bureaucratic and it would have sunk. they took on an abandoned 800 acre histori- commercial inter- Even then he was cal, stage stop ranch with the hope that this ests. frightened to to shift would be the start of a fulfilling way of life. Many details a quid of tobacco This move coincided with a period of the high- in the account from one cheek to est inflation rates ever experienced in North will be recognis- the other in case it America. able to readers in capsized the boat. What followed was an unending struggle to this country but carry out the necessary improvements and at it is also a very the same time attend to the welfare of their valuable record expanding, good quality breeding stock lines. for future histo- In addition never ending paper work and the rians studying balancing of essential equipment purchases this period of against mounting mortgage costs all had to evolving world wide be attended to and could not be postponed. agricultural developments. This period also saw the growth of compu- Published by Trafford Publishing (Canada) 2007

Our Cover picture Once again the flagstones of Stromness echo to the sound of horses hooves as two beautiful black Friesians, Tom and Jerry, take visitors for a tour through the old town. Climb aboard the magnificent Landeau at Stromness pierhead and experience a short tour of the harbour area or a longer sightseeing trip through the town. Google ‘Stromness by Carriage’ for more information. 8 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

The Spences of Cumming & Spence

by Cathleen Spence. Member No 57 ow do you get involved There is one lovely studio in family history? In photo, which shows the whole Hmy case it started when family. Standing are Robert our son was born and a relative Scott Spence, Mariannie Spen- commented that he would be ce, Andrew Campbell and his the 4th Robert Spence in line. I wife Caroline Spence. Seated decided to find out a bit more are Louisa Spence, Robert and established he is in fact the Spence snr, Ada Spence, Mary 5th. That was twenty-four years Ann (nee Yorston) and John ago and I’m still working on it! George Spence. We can date Occasionally something hap- this photo reasonably accu- pens that gives your research rately as Carrie and Andrew a huge boost and this occurred Campbell married in 1902 one day some time ago when and Mary Ann Yorston died in our nieces arrived with a box 1907. of about 60 glass plates, which Mariannie married George they had found in an attic. I The Spence Family Drever on the 7th October took them to the photo archive 1908 and there are several for developing and they turned glass plates of the Paterson out to be the most wonderful Kirk beautifully decorated for record of the Spence family cir- their wedding. Apparently the ca 1905/14 and included formal family made a special effort for portraits obviously taken in a this wedding, as it was the first studio, views of Orkney, family after the death of their moth- picnics, some very informal al- er. They are also interesting most snapshot type photos and in that the organ had still not even ones of the family dog. been installed in the church. The problem with them being Carrie married Andrew they pose even more questions Campbell who was a minister than answers. Who were all in Evie and later went on to be- the people and occasions re- come Moderator of the Church corded? of . He was the au- The first Spence to be- in thor of “Fifteen Centuries of Paterson Kirk volved in the business of Cum- the Church in Orkney”. Car- ming & Spence was Robert b rie was the artist in the family 1850 at Howan near the Sabis- and we still have several of her ton Mill in although the watercolours and etchings. family came from Doverhouse Louisa went on to marry in the Northside. He was the James Mackintosh of the Or- eldest of the seven children of cadian newspaper and was Robert Spence and Jean Fol- the only member of the family ster. He moved to Kirkwall as apart from Robert to have any a young man and in 1871 was children. employed by Warren & Cum- Ada, who was disabled, died ming as a grocer’s shopman. at the early age of 32. In 1877 he married Mary Ann John George was killed on Yorston from Orquil in Evie the 25th March 1918 in the and they had eight of a family, First World War in at six of whom survived to adult- the age of 27. Among the photos hood. The family made their is one of Kirkwall City Football home at 36 Broad Street and Kirkwall City Football Team Team who were winners of the later moved to 5 East Road. Kirkwall Challenge Shield A Issue No. 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 9

John George is seated far studied at the Royal Technical left in the middle row in front College in Glasgow where he of the man with the towel over obtained his Diploma in Baking his shoulder. The photo is not and he later became chairman dated but we would estimate it of the Orkney Master Bakers’ to be between 1909 and 1914. Association. As well as the ex- Thomas Warren of Warren & tensive photo collection he also Cumming died in 1884 and it left a small collection of 16mm was two years later that James film, one of which we believe Cumming took Robert Spence to be film of a trip to Marseille into the partnership. Robert to an international meeting of was a Town councillor for sev- Master Bakers. eral years and was involved in He too was a member of the establishment of the new Kirkwall Town Council and his town waterworks around 1910. interests were many and var- James Cumming died in 1897 ied. Fishing and shooting were leaving Robert owner of the among his greatest pleasures business. The shop was origi- Warren & Cumming Staff and for a time he had the trout nally on the east side of Albert hatchery at his house The Street, I believe near where Vard. He was president of the the Abbey National Building Orkney Small Bore Rifle Club. Society is today. We do not He was a member of Kirkwall know when the move was made Town Band becoming Band- across the street to number master in 1931 and his love 17. The oldest glass plate has of music extended to his in- “Warren & Cumming 17.3.83” volvement in the church being written along one edge and ap- Precentor and an elder of the pears to be of the staff at the Paterson Kirk. During the 1st time. We do not have any oth- World War he was in the Ter- er photos of Robert as a young ritorial Army and was a mem- man (he would have been 33 ber of the Home Guard during in 1883) and there is a differ- the 2nd World War. He mar- ence of opinion in the family ried twice, first to Mina Tait as to which is him. Personally of Quoyburray in 1916, and I think he is second from the then when she died he married left in the middle row. There Baker in the Bakehouse Mary Ross of the Bu in are two other photos presum- in 1945. In 1950 he gave up ac- ably of Cumming & Spence tive participation in the firm of staff – one obviously taken in Cumming & Spence although the bake house, the other in he remained a partner, and at what looks like a walled gar- the age of 60 started a new life den complete with push lawn with his family on the lands of mower in the background. We Vassquoy in Birsay where he don’t know the identity of any built a house and enjoyed an of these people. involvement in farming until Son Robert Scott Spence he died in 1965. born 1890 was always known For this article I have select- as Bob although he also had a ed six of the more interesting nickname “Painter” owing to photos and at this distance in his having painted bright red, time I understand the chanc- the door and railings of the es of anyone recognising any Kirkwall Police Station in the of the people is slim, but any dead of night! He joined his fa- feedback from readers would ther in the family business and Bakers in the Garden be appreciated.

If you have a tale to tell, why not tell it in our Septermber issue. Send it to me at—[email protected]—by July 22nd and I’ll do the rest. Photos welcome too. Good quality JPGs are perfect. Editor. 10 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

I FOUND MY

ANCESTRAL HOME By Ken Scotland. Member No 932

I am prompted to write following the article by Alan Clouston in the September 2007 issue of the Newsletter. The photograph, which I took in May 2005 during The Crofters Commission a visit to Orkney, shows the ruins of Quarry House in Report for ORKNEY - 1888 Stenness. This property was occupied by my great great grandfather James Bews (1819-1901) described in the Parish of Stennis (Stenness) 1861 census as a mason, and he lived in there with his Balfour Estate – Proprietors, the Trus- family from 1861-1891 tees of the deceased Col David Balfour. James was one of the nine children of William Bews Agent for the Crofter _ Mr Thomson. and Ellen (Nelly) Clouston and he was brought up Agent for the Proprietor _ Mr S Leitch at addresses in Heddle and Bieck. He married Mar- garet Goudie of Firth in 1852 and they had four chil- dren—James (b.1854), Margaret, my great grandmother James Bews, Quarryhouse deponed: (b.1856), William (b.1860) and John (b.1863). The area of my croft is 6 acres arable and outrun Of this family James, a shoemaker, married Margaret 5 acres. My rent is £3.00 and my arrears £4.10 shil- Moar or Isbester and he died at Dicksquoy in 1919. My lings. I have reclaimed 3 acres and expended £2.00 great grandmother Margaret married William Scotland on improvements. in Edinburgh and they had one son. She died in Edin- I trenched 1/4 of an acre, did 10 chains of ditch- burgh in 1920. Of William Bews I know nothing but I did discover that the youngest son John was a tailor in ing, 60 chains of drains and 2 chains of stone Edinburgh. He subsequently married an Isabella Chris- dykes. tie in Inverness and died in Kinloch Rannoch in 1937 aged 74. DECISION I have never been aware of having any Orcadian rela- The rent was reduced from £3.00 to £2.5 shil- tions but would be delighted if any of my fellow mem- lings. Of the £4.10 shillings of arrears £2.00 bers could tell me anything about these families or of were cancelled and the balance of £2.10 shillings the history of Quarry House. ordered to be paid in one instalment of £1.00 and During my visit to Orkney I also discovered that my one instalment of £1.10 shillings. great great grandfather had been a crofter as well as a mason and I am sure readers will find the following Re- port from the Crofters Commission 1888 of some interest.

ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Annual Dinner WILL BE HELD IN THE LINNFIELD HOTEL Kirkwall, on Thursday 11th September, 7.00 for 7.30pm

Don’t miss out on what always proves to be an enjoyable and entertiaining evening. Three courses followed by tea`, coffee and sweets. Choice of dishes, view them on the OFHS website, £20 per head. Phone OFHS at 01856 873166 to book or Hazel at 01856 781327 Issue No.46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 11

By Robert Whitton, Member No 218 In the recent bad weather, to keep my brain active, There are local stories as to how the name was es- I decided to look for places in the world called Orkney. tablished as Orkney Springs. One is that the name was Not surprisingly, I found that Canada was a likely place changed to honour Dr. McDonald who is thought to have to start looking but I have come across more in USA and come from the Orkney Islands, north of Scotland. Another South Africa. is that George Washington, while surveying the area for 1 Village of Orkney, Saskatchewan, Canada Popula- his friend Lord Fairfax, named it after the , tion 302. Private Dwellings 167 the first Royal Governor of Virginia (1704-1737). 2. Orkney Beach a dispersed rural community Dur- The oldest building in the complex is the 1853 Mary- ham, Ontario Geographic Location: Mara Township, land House, a galleried structure. Other hotels, specifical- Simcoe County Municipal Location, Ramara Township ly the Orkney Springs Hotel, built before the Civil War, 3.Orkney, Beverly Township, Wentworth County, are prime examples of early architecture. The Orkney Hamilton Ontario Springs Hotel is listed in the National Register of Histor- 4 Orkney Township, Cochrane District West, Ontario ic Landmarks. While many other spas have succumbed 5 Orkney, Floyd County, Kentucky, USA is a populated to fire, abandonment or demolition, Orkney Springs has (community) place located at latitude 37.43 and longi- survived. tude -82.735. The elevation is 745 feet. Orkney appears 8. The South Orkney Islands are a group of islands in on the McDowell U.S. Geological Survey Map. Floyd the Southern Ocean. The islands have been administered County is in the Eastern time zone (GMT -5). as part of British Antartic territory since 1962 and prior 6. Orkney, Klerksdorp District of the North West Prov- to this as a Falkland Islands Dependancy. Under the ince, South Africa. is a gold mining town It lies on the Antartic Treaty 1959, the Islands’ sovereignty is neither banks of the Vaal River approximately 180km from Jo- recognized nor disputed by the signatories and they are hannesburg near the N12 (national road) Approx popula- free for use by any signatory for non-military use. The tion within a 7KM radius is 8,000. islands are claimed by Argentina which has maintained The town was named after the birthplace of Simon a permanent base there since 1904. The South Orkney Is- Fraser, one of the gold mining pioneers of the 1880s. The lands were discovered in 1821 and were originally named town was proclaimed in 1940 on the farm Witkoppen, Powell’s Group, with the main island named Coronation where Fraser had first started gold mining. island as it was the year of the coronation of King George 7. Orkney Springs, Shenandoah County, Virginia, USA IV. In 1823, James Weddell visited the Islands, gave the is an unincorporated community in western Virginia. It archipelago its present name also renamed some of the is named for the Mineral Springs Resort founded there in islands. Interestingly, the South Orkney Islands are lo- the late 19th century. Many of the resort buildings still cated at roughly the same latitude south as the Orkney stand, and are owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Virgin- Islands are north (60°S vs 59°N), although it is not known ia and operated as Shrine Mont, a retreat and conference if this was a factor behind the naming of the islands. center. It is also the location of the annual Shenandoah Subsequently, the Islands were frequently visited but Valley Music Festival. no thorough survey was ever done until the expedition of Orkney Springs is a small town located at about 2300 William Spiers Bruce on the Scotia in 1903, which over- feet in the Allegheny Mountains of Shenandoah County wintered at Laurie Island. Bruce surveyed the islands, re- in Virginia. There were seven springs in the area which verted some of Weddell’s name changes, and established are important to its history and development and which a meteorogical station, which was sold to the Argentinian form the headwaters of Stoney Creek. Government upon his departure in 1904 This base, re- Stoney Creek runs through a beautiful little valley named Orcadas in 1951, is still in operation today and is and empties into the Shenandoah River near Edinburg. thus the oldest research station continuously staffed in The lands surrounding the present-day site of Orkney the Antarctic. Springs were provided by grant to Dr. John McDonald Perhaps readers of SIB News may be able to share with in 1774. The area was filled with medicinal waters, “cha- us additional information about these and other places lybeate” in their nature. (Chalybeate waters, containing called Orkney. There are also places with Orcadian Family mineral salts, cause a bright yellow mossy fringe to ac- Names and these might be interesting to research. This can cumulate on the rocks they touch or through which they be quite addictive as I also came across places called Or- pass.) Thus the first name for this place, presumably cho- phir and Caithness in Canada but as my lunch beckoned, I sen by, or for, Dr. McDonald was “Yellow Springs.” decided to call it a day on the computer! L

DNA Haplogroup NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY ISSUE NO 46 June 2008 I1a R1a R1b Total 12 attributed as Norse Norse Celtic

Surname origin Orkney Scotland Orkney Scotland Orkney Scotland Copland 1 Burgar 1 Garrick 2 Fraser 1 Flett 1 Burgess 2 Guthrie 1 Harcus 1 Halcro 1 Harper 1 Hutchinson 1 DNA Isbister 1 Inkster 1 Irvine 4 Leask 3 Mann 1 Mowat 4 Moodie 1 Mail 1 Moncreiff 1 Moar 1 Sinclair 3 Smith 3 Slater 1 Sandison 1 Shearer 1 Stout 3 Spence 1 IN GENEALOGY Sutherland 1 Stewart 1 Tait 4 Strong 1 JAMES IRVINE, Member No 96, summarisies the talk which he gave to the Society on April 10 2008 Watt 1 Wilson 1

The applications of DNA tests are steadily increasing, whether for medical research, paternity suits, forensic evidence No. of surnames 5 9 20 34 or genetic studies. Within the latter we can now explore “deep ancestry” (though whether your ancestors were Picts or No. Of participants 10 9 34 53 Norse is not what I call genealogy), maternal ancestry, and surname ancestry. This article focuses on the latter, but first % 19% 17% 64% 100% we need some understanding of the basics. We all inherit many genes from our parents and, perhaps surprisingly, from our distant ancestors. Some genes, known Sources: http://davidfaux.org www.clanirwin.org > DNA Study SFN #34, 6. as y chromosomes or y-DNA, only come through the paternal line, that is father to son; some, known as Mitochrondial or See also www. ysearch.org www.ybase.org www.smgf.org mt-DNA, come only through the maternal line; and some, known as autosomal or at-DNA, come from all our ancestors. I The important data, in bold, shows that at the time of writing, over 50 Orcadians have investigated the DNA profiles understand at-DNA is preferred for forensic criminology, while mt-DNA was preferred for “deep ancestry” (though y-DNA of over 30 Orcadian surnames. The table also shows the findings of those who also enjoy categorising these surnames is now used too). But to the genealogist the fascinating characteristic of y-DNA is that all males descended from a com- into those native to Orkney and those with Scottish origins, and the categorising DNA profiles into the deep ancestry mon paternal ancestor share both the same surname and very similar y-DNA profiles and in recent centuries, in theory, haplogroups I1a, R1a and the more common R1b. Personally I am still sceptical on the implications of such efforts, but the same surname. It is this fortuitous coincidence of the transmission rules for y-DNA and for surnames that underlies there are many books and websites (e.g. www.ethnoancestry.org) to persuade you otherwise! the development of surname DNA studies. If you do decide to have yourself tested (or, if female, to persuade a brother or father to be tested on your behalf), the Each y-DNA, mt-DNA and at-DNA cell in our bodies has a genetic code or DNA profile which may be described by next decision is to choose a testing company and how many markers you want analysed. For example, as FTDNA keep thousands of different markers, each of which may be classified by a numerical value. These values change if there has your sample indefinitely, you could start with their 12-marker test, and then later upgrade to their 37-marker test. Next been a mutation when between a cell is transmitted from parent to child. Some markers, such as those tested for forensic you complete an on-line application and payment. Shortly afterwards a mouth-swab will come through the post (blood purposes, mutate very fast with succeeding generations; in contrast those markers chosen for tests for surname studies tests are no longer necessary), together with simple instructions on its use. After conducting this painless process you change more slowly, perhaps one mutation per ten generations. return the swap, and a few weeks later you will receive a formal certificate with your personal 5-digit ID number and Today there are five main companies providing genetic DNA tests to identify the values of chosen markers: their prin- DNA profile, which for a 12-marker test will look something like: ciple characteristics are thus: Marker ID 393 390 394 391 385a 385b 426 388 439 389-1 392 389-2 Company HQ Founded by Laboratory web page www. data www. Value 13 24 14 11 11 15 12 12 12 13 13 29 FTDNA Houston USA 2000 own familytreedna.com ysearch.org This result is meaningless until it is compared with another DNA profile. I will return to this shortly. First there are Relative Genetics Utah UK 2001 Jim Sorenson own relativegenetics.com smgf.org some important confidentiality issues to address. You may elect to have to your name, e-mail address, personal ID number Oxford Ancestors Oxford UK 2001 Bryan Sykes own oxfordancestors.com and DNA profile posted to an on-line database accessible by only other participants using your testing company, and you DNA Heritage Weymouth UK 2003 Sorenson dnaheritage.com ybase.org may then further elect that another 5 digit ID, this time alpha-numeric, accompanies the posting of your DNA profile on Ethno Edinburgh UK 2004 Jim Wilson London ethnoancestry.com a public on-line database, but without the inclusion of your name or e-mail address. It is possible, though unlikely, that through one of these databases a long-lost male cousin may be discovered. Finally, by joining the relevant on-line surname Company A B C D E y-DNA No. of markers / cost study you will gain access to the current thinking on how distant branches of your surname may be related. Participants 10 12 25 27 33 37 43 46 67 FTDNA alone have over 4,000 surname studies, and they are developing fast. Some have several hundred participants, others just a few. To illustrate some of the findings that can emerge from such studies the remainder of this paper ad- Surname Studies FTDNA Y Y Y Y y 120,000 $99* $148* $189* $269* dresses, as an example, the Clan Irwin Surname DNA Study (www.clanirwin.org > DNA Study) that was established in Relative Genetics y ? n N y ? 30,000 $169 $199 late 2005 and reached 100 participants within 24 months. DNA Heritage Y n Y N y ? 10,000 $138 First some background is relevant. The Irwin Clan is thought to have originated in the Borders, and has well docu- Deep ancestry mented branches there, in Aberdeenshire, in Orkney and in Ireland, and many less well researched descendants in the Oxford Ancestors n N N N y ? 5,000 $360 Borders, Ireland, USA and elsewhere. However the relationship between these branches is not reliably documented, and Ethno Ancestry n Y N N y ? 1,000 $249** it is hoped that DNA will help resolve these enigmas. Other t medical criminology ORCADES u This Study has proved most popular with participants who live in America RESIDENCE % TEST DATE % A: Open, on-line database ? B: Sample kept? All companies give a test certificate USA 81% 2002 1 C: Surname Study Groups ? **: with interpretation Canada 8% 2003 2 D: TIP or equivalent ? *: discounted rate for surname studies Scotland 4% 2004 12 E: Deep Ancestry ? 4% 2005 13 Alas the companies do not necessarily test the same markers. For surname DNA tests the more participants’ results Ireland 1% 2006 52 that can be prepared the better. And, surprise, surprise, the more markers tested, the higher the cost. Australia / New Zealand 2% DNA tests are expensive, and the “science” of genetic tests is still developing. So it is worthwhile visiting websites rel- evant to one’s particular interest before participating in a DNA test. For example, my recent cursory search of the web for Although the second table shows a dip in mid 2007, we now have over 130 participants. Each participant is asked to y-DNA surname tests of those claiming Orcadian ancestry revealed the following: A provide brief details of their earliest paternal ancestor. A 14 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

SPELLING % BORN % ORIGIN % Irwin 31 1900s 3 Ireland 33 Irvine 14 1800s 34 US E Coast 30 Ervin 13 1700s 48 Scotland 17 Erwin 12 1600s 4 US other 10 Irving 10 1500s 2 2 Irvin 6 1400s 2 Canada 1 Arwine 2 1300s 0 England 1 Other 12 Unknown 7 Unknown 6 We can now return to the results; the following table shows 22 (of our first 100) DNA profiles, with 25 (of up to 67) of their markers:

After about thirty results became available we were able to identify a ‘modal haplotype’, a technical name for a DNA profile with the most frequently occurring count for each marker, and three distinct groups of participants who appar- ently have a common ancestor and are thus closely related, at least genetically. Using previously known genealogical data of some of the participants within each group we have been able to identify these groups as having originated in the Borders, in Orkney and in Ireland respectively. As a majority of our participants ‘belong’ to the former Group and were also hitherto unsure of their medieval origins, this represents a major achievement of our Study. We were also hitherto unaware of a wholly unrelated Irish branch. It is also apparent that the spelling of our surname, at least in the USA, is irrelevant. The remaining participants have been split into three groups, one of which comprises participants seemingly unre- lated to one another, and two in which relationships remain unclear. A Issue No. 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 15

F The remaining participants have been split into three groups, one of which comprises participants seemingly unrelated to one another, and two in which relationships remain unclear. Three tools are available for quanttfying genetic relationships. All are probabalistic:

(A) ‘Genetic Distance’: this is the sum of the magnitudes of the two DNA Profiles. Thus a ‘Distance” of two may be two one-step mismatches or one two-step mismatch (though there are special rules for marker nos. 385, 464 And YCA). A rough rule-of-thumb may then be applied.

12 - marker comparison 37 - marker comparison

Distance Distance 0 - 1 Very probably related 0 : Possibly related 2 - 6 Probably related 1 - 6 : Unclear 7 - 15 Unclear > 6 : Probably related > 15 Very probably related

(B) Time since ‘MRCA’ (Most Recent Common Ancestor). This involves complex graphs, and leaves a wide range of uncertainty. And bot (A) and (B) ignore the facts that some markers typically change more frequently than others.

(C) ’TiP’ (Time Predictor) probabilities. This facility, unique to FTDNA, combines all the above factors into a single probabiklity figure, which though ‘opague’ and still not an absolute measure, is nevertheless an invaluable comparitive tool. ‘Useful’ details of the 25 participants whose results are listed on the previous page can thus be presented in a table showing their genetic distances, TiP probabilities and earliest known paternal ancestor:

No. of DISTANCE TiP NEAREST User ID Earliest confirmed paternal ancestor ETHNIC markers FROM MODE from RELATED Surname Forename Residence Born Died GROUP tested /12 /25 /37 /67 Mode PARTICIPANT (1) BORDERS J4XAD Irwin Henry E Lancaster Co. PA c1813 R1b1 67 0/ 0/ 0/ 0/ 100% 6HQTF Irwin Alex William Tyrone; Glasgow; Sydney 1876 1935 R1b1 37 0/ 0/ 0/ - 100% UYXFD Irwin Samuel Lancaster Co. PA 1736 1783 R1b1 67 0/ 0/ 2/ 2/ 100% 5th cousin of QCFSX QCFXX Irwin Samuel Lancaster Co. PA 1736 1783 R1b1 67 0/ 0/ 1/ 1/ 100% 5th cousin of UYXFD D3MSG Irving Francis Dumfries, Dumfriesshire c 1568 1633 R1b1 67 0/ 0/ 1/ 2/ 99% brother of GRPBN PSU2X Irving Joseph VA; SC; Jackson Co, GA c 1749 1820 R1b1c 67 2/ 2/ 2/ 2/ 99% R6AS2 Irving William Bonshaw, Dumfriesshire f I 1484 R1B1 67 0/ 0/ 2/ 3/ 99% GRPBN Irving Francis Dumfries, Dumfriesshire c 1568 1633 R1b1 67 1/ 2/ 2/ 2/ 99% brother of D3MSG 79AYA Erwin Matthew Co. Antrim?/Burke.CO.NC c 1695 R1b1 67 1/ 2/ 3/ 3/ 99% 6th cousin of FU9P6 FU9P6 Erwin Matthew Co. Antrim?/Burke.Co.NC c 1695 R1b1 67 1/ 3/ 5/ 5/ 98% 6th cousin of 79AYA PMVA8 Irvine William VA 1757 1824 R1b 67 1/ 3/ 5/ 6/ 97% QF6UB Irvin Jonathan Hagerstown MD p1823 R1b1 12 0/ - - - 91% (2) ORKNEY 9VZ6R Irving Christe , Orkney Isles f l 1468 R1b1 37 2/ 6/ 11/ - 6% ) 98%; 13th cousin? T2UH5 Irvine George Sanwick, Orkney Isles c 1705 1742 R1b1 37 3/ 6/ 11/ - 18% ) 98%; 13th cousin? (3) IRISH QY7VH Irwin O’Ciarmhacain Eoin Limerick, Ireland 1785 1845 R1b1 67 2/ 8/ 16/ 19/ 1% )99% AURXF Irwin William Limerick, Ireland 1840 R1b1 67 2/ 9/ 17/ 20/ 1% )99% Seemingly unrelated (NPE) NGVB2 Irwin William Leinster, Roscommon c 1770 c1810 R1b1 12 6/ 1% 5% CX9X2 Irwin Malachai Pike Co., GA 1812 I1a 67 13/ 27/ 41/ 56/ 0% 4% Possibly related, but insufficient markers to determine branch KWNQC Irwin James UprComber, Co. Londonderry mar’d 1785 R1b1 12 1/ - - - 71% 71% ZBDKN Ervin Moses b Green Co, OH 1823 1870 R1b1 12 5/ - - - 37% 40% Branch undetermined pending further evidence 9C3EE Irvine John Orkney Isles Mi 1852 1924 R1b1 67 2/ 7/ 12/ 17/ 18% 42% XVVTZ Irwin Richard Cumberland, PA 1750 1796 R1b1 37 2/ 7/ 15/ - 4% 16%

This shows how misleading ‘genetic distance’ can be, and the convenience of TiPs. Strangely we have two full broth- ers with a distance of 2/37, illustrating the caution needed in interpreting DNA results. On the other hand we have managed to put a pair of 5th and 6th cousins in touch with one another. A 16 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

FA sensitive item is the participants who are apparently quite unrelated to any other participant. In DNA jargon these are the result of “Non-Paternal Events” (NPEs). Some NPEs may be caused by illegitimacy, and a few by adop- tion or formal name-change. But the majority are probably simply cases of a young boy being given the surname of his stepfather. NPEs of course work “both ways”: here we have unrelated participants with the surname Irwin, but we have also discovered a similar number of participants with quite different surnames (some of which are common Border surnames) but who also share the Irwin modal haplotype. A further group of NPEs, though not Irwins, may reflect the days of non-hereditary surnames such as the patronymic Sandison, the occupational name such as Smith, or place-names such as Aith or Burwick, some of whom the Orkney historian Storer Clouston has speculated may have originally been Irvines. So what conclusions can be drawn from our Irwin Study to date? Two tables illustrate some the main points:

Branch %

Test % Border 64 12 markers 14 Orkney 2 25 markers 7 Irish 2 37 markers 42 Unrelated (NPEs) 13 67 markers 37 Unclear, too few markers 9 Unclear, other reasons 10

12 or 25 markers may suffice for some, but most need 37 markers for clarity on origin of their paternal ancestry. 67 markers have proved popular but added have little further insight. About two thirds of our participants, probably a higher proportion than many other surnames, are descended from a common ancestor, but a significant minority, probably similar to other surnames, are NPEs. As expected, the spelling of our surname is not a reliable indicator of its origin. We have not yet been able to identify sub-branches genetically, using either genealogical or deep ancestry inputs, but many more participants are joining and more discoveries seem likely. This Irwin Surname DNA Study is apparently “mid-range”, the Clan Ewing study (www.clanewing.org) being a good example of how much more can be achieved. Certainly much can be learnt on the subject by viewing relevant surname DNA study websites. I recommend this before undergoing the expensive step of undergoing a y-DNA test one’s self. Alas there is much commercial “hype”, and as yet not much certainty of practical usefulness. But surname DNA studies are still in their infancy, and it does seem likely that genetics will become an increasingly useful tool to the serious genealogist L

Orkney by sea in 5o minutes— now you’re really moving At the time of going to press a new ferry will have un- 2 knots below her top speed of 20 knots, will eat up the dergone sea trials and be on her way from the Phillipines crossing in 50 minutes or less. to her new home at St Margarets Hope. Those who like to take in the views under cover can The Pentalina is a £10million purpose built catama- relax in the comfortable lounge. For the hardy types ran commissioned by Andrew Banks of Pentland Ferries. who like the sea air about them, safe comfortable seat- She is due in Ork- ing is available on ney about the end the top deck. of June and after a Light snacks and couple of open days beverages are avail- on both sides of the able but be quick— Firth will commence time flies aboard the short sea crossing the Pentalina. between St Margarets Even with three Hope and . return journeys per The Pentalina can day it would prob- hold up to 350 pas- ably be advisable sengers plus 85 cars to book by web or and even running at phone beforehand. Issue No. 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 17

In Memory of Walter Sinclair Able Seaman, SS Daxhound (London), Merchant Navy,

who was killed on Sunday, 11th October, 1941. Age 42 TÓRSHAVN

FÆRO ISLANDS By Davina Brown, Member No 327 n the spring of 2007 my husband, Win- target for the enemy. The presence of the ston Brown and I decided to visit the SS Daxhound, on which Walter Sinclair was IFaroese Islands. Apart from wanting to serving, was a great worry to the local peo- explore some place new, we also wanted to ple. The villagers of Soldarfjordur were fear- visit the grave of his second cousin, killed ful of the vessel lying at anchor just outside during the Second World war whilst serving the village and filled with petrol. The feared On the 9th April 1940, in the merchant navy. His parents were Wal- that if it was hit by a German aircraft, it was Germany, at war with the ter and Jane Sinclair (nee Learmonth) and totally unpredictable what might happen. British Commonwealth, his home was in Sorquoy, East Side, South At Skalafjordur the Air Defence announced France and Poland (The Ronaldsay. He joined the Merchant Navy in at 1.39pm that they were ‘ready’ and half- Allies) since September 1927 and remained until 1939. He returned an-hour later they saw a plane appearing 1939, invaded Norway. On home for a year and rejoined the Merchant at the opening of the Firth, Millum Fjarda. the same day Denmark Navy in 1940. The pilot had switched off the engines and was occupied in overwhel- On arriving at Torshaven Docks we sought had descended to just 50 feet above sea level. ming force. out someone who might be able to help us First it glided close to the western side of To forestall any German locate the cemetery where his cousin Walter the Firth, then turned to port and dropped attempt to seize the Faroe Islands a detachment of Sinclair was buried. On seeing a row of taxis, a bomb at three vessels lying at anchor in Royal Marines was landed we saw an older driver and thought that he the middle of the Firth, but failed to score a from HMS Suffolk on the might be the very person to help us. We ap- hit. It then climbed, turned to starboard and 13th April and took up proached him and he knew where the graves as it left Skalafjordur at 400-500ft two more defensive positions. were situated and offered to take us there. bombs were dropped on some fishing vessels, The Marines were relieved, The graveyard was only five minutes from again without scoring a hit. The plane then six weeks later, by a bat- the docks and situated on a hill overlooking ascended further and flew away in a north- talion of the Lovat Scouts the bay. On entering the cemetery, we saw westerly direction. During the attack the pi- which, with anti-aircraft the rows of war graves and were disappoint- lot strafed the SS Daxhound with machine- and coastal batteries of ed initially not to be able to find the grave. gun fire. Two men were hit, one of them the Royal Artillery and supporting devices, formed However, we then saw another being Winston’s cousin Walter Sinclair. the garrison until mid 1942 smaller row of graves further He died on board the Red Cross when it was relieved by down and were delighted to hospital boat on his way to hos- the 12th Battalion, The find Walter’s stone among pital in Torshaven. Cameronians, which, in these. Occupation of continental turn, was replaced by the There are 61 Common- Denmark gave Germany control 15th Battalion, The South wealth burials in graveyards of a sheltered sea passage from Staffordshire Regiment, on four of the Faroese Is- her own Baltic ports to Southern in the summer of 1943. lands, 40 of which are in the Norway and advanced airfields By the spring of 1944 Torshaven graveyard. The to support operations across the the improved position at sea enabled the infantry following is an account of Skagerrak. Possession by Ger- battalion to be withdrawn what happened to Walter on many of the Faroe Islands, an without replacement. Small that fateful day. outlying part of the Kingdom of naval and air forces were On the 11th October 1941, Denmark, would have threat- based in the Islands throu- between the hours of 8.25am ened not only the north Atlan- ghout the war but a large and 9.55pm German aircraft tic shipping routes but also airfield and seaplane base were seen over the Faroes the lines of communication of constructed on Vigar by all the time. At 2.05pm five the Allied Expeditionary Force the engineering services in planes were seen over Nolsoy which was being despatched to 1942 and 1943 were never and reported to the Sheriff Norway from Britain. brought into use. by the Watch at Hvitanes. Winston and I were pleased There were several ships to have paid our small pilgrim- lying in the middle of the age to his cousin’s grave to ac- fjord and no doubt would knowledge the sacrifice he had have made an attractive made for his country. L 18 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

By John Sinclair Member No 588

hen Monsieur M Germain Mangeuist of each blanket, a practise which continues to presented his proposals to the Hud- the present day. A full point was 4-5.5 inches Wson’s Bay Company Board in London long, and a half point was half that. Points in 1778, little did he realise that one of his would range from 1 to 6, increasing by halves, ‘marketing’ suggestions would still be earn- depending on the size and weight of the blan- Did ing money for the company nearly 300 years ket. For example: the standard weight of a you know later. pair of 1 point blankets was 3 pound 1 ounce His ‘Proposal of Terms’ under which he each and they measured 2 feet 8 inches wide that on the 6th Jan 1896, the Monomy, commanded would join the company included a by 8 feet long. by Captain Duck and number of suggestions which he felt Beaver pelts were the furs in huge demand in sailing from New York to would improve Europe and while the ‘points’ on the blanket Leith, ran hard aground in the growing were not originally intended to indicate that it Marwick Bay. inland trade should be traded for the same number of pelts Preparations were made the company for some time that was how they often came to salvage her general enjoyed from to be used. cargo but this proved im- Fort Albany T h e blankets were especially prized among possible when a severe along the the native peoples and gale broke her back. west coast of when coloured bars The huge cargo was washed ashore and it St James Bay. were intro- was reported that the One of these was duced some beach was six feet deep in the introduction cultures ad- places with wheat, bags of ‘Pointed’ opted these of flour, containers of lard, blankets. to denote gig spokes rum and rolling Blankets had al- the status of pins. ways formed the wearer. The wheat became hen part of the trade They were food and was sold at one goods offered by p r o v i d e d old penny a bag. When t h e HBC along with in pairs un- it was found that the water had caused a crust guns and powder, bullets, beads, pots and til the 20th century. They could b e to form round the outer pans, fish hooks, scissors, beads and all the folded over to provide a blan- portion of the flour leaving other items required to make life more bear- ket of double thickness or the contents edible the able in the harsh Canadian climate. ‘Pointed’ separated into two sepa- bags sold between one blankets were something special, and even rate blankets. A Captain shilling and sixpence today are still considered by many to be the Charles Stewart, command- and six shillings a bag Rolls Royce of the blanket world. Mangeuist er of the British troops at — (17.5p - 30p). was convinced that they would be the ‘must the capture of Mackinaw, is Hundreds of rolling pins have’ item that would appeal to the First Na- credited with the invention were also washed up and tions, Inuit and white trappers alike. of the Mackinaw coat made most of the locals ac- quired one as a souvenir. Blankets classified un- from point blankets. When Although the Monomoy der the point system he was unable to obtain great- had by now almost had been invented by coats for his men he ordered a completely broken up she the French weavers. The supply of blankets and the rest, still fetched £210 at public term ‘point’ is thought as they say, is history. auction. to come from the French Point blankets and coats were Almost 90 years later an- verb ‘empointer’ mean- wind and water resistant. other severe gale washed ing to make stitches in When they got wet they could her boiler up on the beach cloth. Each blanket is be dried and remain soft, not at Marwick Bay. graded by weight and stiffening up like skin gar- size using a point sys- ments. The early white blan- tem. These were indigo kets were found to provide excellent lines woven into the side camouflage when hunting in the A Issue No.46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 19

F winter snows. They were used as sails for sleds Hi members. and boats and there are records I hope some of them having of you find been used as wadding for bul- these names lets. HBC’s first order of interest for 500 point blankets While I was search- in five different sizes. ing for my gt grandfather, John Cumming This was sent to their suppliers of woven Foulis, on http://mariners.record.nsw.gov. goods in Witney, Oxfordshire, England. This au I came across the following Orcadians association continued until the 1920s when a who might be known to my fellow members rivalry developed between the various weav- in Orkney. ing compa- Incidentally my good news is that I found nies. Some my gt grandfather so that’s another bit of Did you began mar- the family tree completed. know keting ‘Gen- that one of the finest early uine Indian 1.”Alexandra” fr. Port of Melbourne to Sydney,arr. 2 town houses in Scotland Point Blan- Dec 1872, Pat Groundwater, steerage, British. can be visted for free kets’ under 2. “Harriett Armitage” Alexander Groundwater, in Kirkwall.The building their own mate, 27 yrs, (I presume Osbury was meant to be known as label and Orkney as in a later entry he was from Stromness), House has stood opposite s u p p l y i n g arr 3 Feb 1865 into Sydney. St Magnus Cathedral since to non HBC 3, “Beautiful Star”, Auckland to Sydney arr. 11 June 1574. At that time, however it outlets. Oth- 1866, A. Groundwater, mate, 28 yrs, Stromness. 4. “Beautiful Star”, Auckland to Sydney, arr. 23 May was the subchantry and er British archdeanery for the ca- 1865 Alex Groundwater, mate, 32, (age difference!) manufacturers climbed on the bandwagon thedral and only escaped and the inevitable law suits resulted—some Orkney. (sounds like the same sailor) destruction during the not resolved until 1949. 5. “Harriett Armitage” arr 10 Oct 1864, reformation when Gilbert Over the years the colours and tones of the A Groundwater, mate, 25 yrs, British. Foulzie, the last Roman blankets have changed keeping pace with the 6. “Granite Coty” London to Sydney, arr 26 May Catholic Archdeacon and demands of modern interior design. They are 1869, Alex Groundwater,15 years, Apprentice, Provost of St Magnus Ca- still available at HBC stores throughout Can- Aberdeen,crew. thedral, saw the writing on ada and continue to be manufactured in Eng- 7. “Lady Young” Brisbane to Sydney, arr 19 August the wall and became the first Protestant priest of land. They are now produced in 3.5, 4, 6 and 1868, Wm Groundwater, passenger, steerage, British. Kirkwall. Foulzie acquired 8 point the buildings and lands in 8.”Beautiful Star” Port of Nelson, (N.Z.) Arrived 8 sizes, to Broad Street and coverted fit twin, October 1866, Alexander Groundwater, 30 yrs crew, them for his own private d o u b l e , Mate. use. q u e e n 9. “Caprera” Melbourne to Sydney, arr. 27 March In 1642 it became the and king 1879. W. Groundwater, 21 yrs British, carpenter. town house of the old s i z e d 10. “Garorme” London to Sydney, arr. 3 June 1886, Orkney family of Baikie, b e d s J.Groundwater 22 yrs, ship’s mate, English,crew. the owners of the estate r e s p e c - Are there two A/Alex Groundwaters ? I’ll leave that of Tankerness, about 6 miles east of Kirkwall, and t i v e l y . thought with you. 11.“Summer Cloud”, Port of Adelaide to Sydney, remained in the Baikie’s Depending on size expect to pay $250-$350 possession until after arr. 17 August 1864, James Foulis, 2nd mate. 23 yrs USD. WW2. The north wing of This, at first glance, may seem expensive Scotland, crew. the house and the arched but when one considers that many early point 12. “Eliza Corry” Adelaide to Sydney, arr. 15 Sept gateway are 16th century blankets have survived into the 21st century 1865, James Foulis, 23 yrs Scotland, 2nd mate. while the armorial panel and have now become collectors items fetch- 13. “Vision”, Port of Foo Chow Foo to Sydney,arr 27 over the gateway bears ing many hundreds of dollars, the purchase September, 1868, James Foulis, 1st mate,27 yrs, the date 1574 and the of an HBC point blanket could be looked on Scotland, crew. arms of Gilbert Foulzie and as an investment or a family heirloom to be Age and timing etc lead me to believe he is my gt his wife Elizabeth Kinnaird. The house was restored handed down to future generations. grandfather. Hope this site may be of help to others. in the 1960s and is now a You’ll find ebay a good place to check cur- museum of Orkney life. rent values or log on to www.pointblankets. Cheers. com where Harold Tichenor has a most inter- esting site for collectors. L Janette Thomson Member 121 L 20 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No. 46 June 2008

By Ian Abernethy Member No 333

Back in September, 1999, Sib Folk News was kind enough Apprentices: Hugh , An Guthrie, John Robertson, to print a summary of my family research up to that time. John Rendall, Wm Flett. As family historians will know, progress, especially when Fresh or Green Men: William Stevenson, Thomas Bewes, you get back a fair way, can be slow but I think it may be William Scott, Henry Liny, George Brodie. worthwhile to add a little bit more to the saga. I hope that readers may find something of interest in my findings. Many of these men can be seen in the 1821 census as Briefly, the association with Orkney and, more Straits sailors in Stromness. The Ellen weighed 279 tons particularly, Stromness began with Thomas: he is listed and carried five well fitted boats but, unfortunately, we in the 1821 census as a fisherman, aged 53, living with have no image of her nor do I know what became of her his wife Isabella (Irvine) and three sons Thomas, William after 1823 but there is further work to be done on this. and John. Another son, James, had married by that time The museum at Stromness displays a variety of harpoons and was living close by with his wife Jean (Louttit) and young son Thomas. All four sons were Straits sailors and in 1823 two of them, James and William, were engaged as harpooners on board the Ellen. Although many whaling ships called in at Stromness for fresh water and additional sailors, only the Ellen was registered in Orkney. She was purchased in 1813 and £100 shares were offered to Orkney societies such as the Hammermen. Dividends amounting to £20 and £10 were paid but, in 1822 the company was dissolved and Stromness museum have a handbill from this time offering the Ellen for sale, together with all her stores, and the Oily House on the Kirkwall shore with its ‘Fixtures, Yard and Coopers’ Shed’. Later in the year a new company was formed but the Hammermen received little or no dividend from this and ended up losing heavily. I have a copy of the customs certificate issued to the Ellen on 25th August, 1823 and signed by Robert Watt, tide surveyor, and Robert Loutit, searcher. She carried twenty-seven casks of blubber from two whales, and Harpoons of the period in the Stromness Museum the fins thereof, and thirty-nine seals together with the used aboard the Ellen and I like to think my greatgreat blubber of three ‘narwals’. This does not seem a very big grandfather might have handled them with bravery and return for such an investment in money, time and effort. skill. After the whale fishing in the Davis Straits declined, Family researchers may be interested to see the complete James Abernethy remained at sea and by 1834 was mate ship’s crew. I give the names in the original spelling. aboard the schooner John and Margaret of Stromness and in 1836 was mate on board the schooner Expert of Master: James Spence. Stromness. Mate: William Seatter. John Abernethy was the youngest brother (nineteen in Surgeon: Simon Chisholm. the 1821 census) and also continued his nautical career Harpooners: James Abernethy, William Abernethy, Walter after the whaling slumped. By 1837 he was master of the Stout, David Rendall, George Spence. ship Victory registered in Stromness. This ship travelled Steersmen: George Chalmers, Jas Seater, Wm Marwick, between Orkney, various ports in Ireland and Newcastle Wm Muir, Wm Learmonth. and in 1839 reached the distant shores of St Petersburg. Line Managers: P Wilson, Sam Craigie, Ch Bewes, Rob In 1840 he employed his nephew, Thomas Abernethy (my Skerrow, Jas Cumming. great great grandfather) as a seaman. Thomas and his Sailors: John Flett, Thos Harper, Geo Rendall, Rob Bruce, father, James, left Stromness in the early 1840s to find D Gorie, John Rich, An Bewes, An Fubister, Wm Durness, work in Liverpool. Incidentally, while young Thomas Jas Cormack, John Liny, Jas Chambers. was to gain a degree of fame as Keeper of the CrosbyA Issue No.46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 21

Flighthouse and Superintendent of the be the black people waiting to welcome them. Formby lifeboat, his daughter, Mary, became The land turns out to be Pomona and he known as the ‘Grace Darling of the Mersey’ becomes a target for ridicule. The captain’s for her work with the lifeboat. On one occasion name is Jock Abernethy. Now, as I have said, she walked the ten miles into Liverpool at ‘Abernethy’ is not a common name in Orkney the height of a storm to ask for the Liverpool and to name this captain Jock Abernethy boat’s assistance while her father, Thomas, when there was a captain of the same name strode up and down the beach waving a sailing out of Stromness is too much of a lantern to warn a vessel of the great danger coincidence, surely? My guess is that Leighton it was in. John appears not to have married had met Captain Abernethy while engaged in and he is listed in the 1881 census aged 80 his research for the book and become friendly and living in Alfred Street. with him. His idea of a joke was to lampoon A new stone has been And thereby hangs a tale….. his friend (with permission, one hopes) as a added to the Timeline I recently, on the strength of the title, foolish sailor who couldn’t navigate his way at and all ordered an old boys’ adventure story called out of a paper bag. John, with his long and because a Russian, The Pilots of Pomona (1891?) by Robert successful career behind him, would surely Alexander Korobko, visited Orkney in 2006 in search Leighton. It is a very readable story set on relish the jest. of his Orcadian roots. mainland Orkney and mentioning many When visiting Skara Brae well known locations. Leighton mentions As always, I would welcome any comments he noticed that while the a comedy figure in the book, a captain ofa or new information. Any further material date of the landing of the brig, who sets out to sail to the West Indies. concerning the ships mentioned or Leighton’s first man on the moon in He knows nothing about navigation and book would be gratefully received. Ian 1969 was commemorated, gets completely lost but, after three months, Abernethy Member 333 the achievement of the land is sighted. He points to the cormorants Moby Dick detail on heading graphic from a New Zealand Russian cosmonaut, Yuri sitting on the rocks and proclaims them to commemorative stamp. Gargarin, was not. Gargarin was the first man in space and he had orbited the earth in his spacecraft Vostok 1 some 8 years earlier. James Campbell Bruce Inkster Mr Korobko suggested that this event was also worthy of a stone and was From Rousay in 1890 to a new life in Canada delighted when his idea was taken up. By Isobel Irvine Member No 338 On April 12th, 2008, on James Campbell Bruce Inkster, born 12 June 1872, They had 5 children; James, born 10 Sept.1912, the 47th anniversary of died May 1955, Nesbitt, Manitoba, Canada. died the same day. Yuri Gargarins flight, Mr James C. B. Inkster was another of my great- James Bruce Inkster, born 19 Nov. 1913, died 6 Korobko, various Rus- uncles, son of William Inkster and Mary Gibson, Aug.1956 Robert John Inkster, born 28 Feb. 1915, sian dignitaries including Cogar, Rousay, and a brother of Rev. John Inkster. died the same day. a former cosmonaut, I have to thank his grand-daughter Mrs Jo- Donald Charles Laidlaw Inkster, born 17 July and representatives of Ann Hodgson of Deloraine, Manitoba, for the 1916, died 30 May 1970. Historic Scotland watched as the Russian media information about his life. Joan Beattie Inkster, born 16 Dec. 1922, (don’t recorded the unveiling of a Unfortunately I do not have the wealth of know if she is still alive). stone, engraved by Leslie information that I had for John’s story but even James C. B. Inkster fought in World War 1 with Merriman, a member of if it’s just the basic facts, it’s still worth telling, the 23rd Seaforth Highlanders. He was a Captain Historic Scotland’s Orkney because James also had an interesting life. in the army, and fought at Vimy Ridge. monument conservation He emigrated to Canada in 1890, aged just 18 In 1923 he bought 320 acres of farmland near unit. years. I don’t know if he had relatives to go to, as his Nesbitt, Manitoba. The inscription is: brother John had, but I feel pretty sure he would He called his farm Glen Cogar, and farmed there ‘1961, First Man in Space’. have had. He worked on a farm near Margaret, with his sons Bruce (James Bruce) and Donald. This is now the first of 14 Manitoba, and his grand- daughter tells us he also James died in May 1955, just one month away stones in the Timeline. worked on a grain elevator. from his 84th birthday. It is perhaps interesting to In 1901 he married Ethel MacMillan, but sadly When my friend Muriel Johnston and I visited know that the last stone she died not long after their daughter Marguerite Canada in 1997 James’ grand-daughter, Jo-Ann reads: was born. The baby was born on 5 May 1902 and Hodgson, took us to Glen Cogar. It is still being ‘Skara Brae BC 3100’ her mother died in 1904/05. farmed by an Inkster, Jo-Ann’s brother David and After a time James moved to the city of Brandon, his wife Alice. Manitoba, where he worked at various jobs, It’s so nice to see that both James and his including insurance and real estate. He became brother John carried their memories of home one of Brandon’s best-known business men, and with them to Canada, by giving Rousay names to was identified with Insurance Trust Co. and other their properties, John calling his summer house firms. “Saviskaill” and James including “Cogar” in his On 20 Dec.1911 James married his second wife, farm’s name. Florence Maud Laidlaw. Isobel Irvine, January 2008 22 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.46 June 2008

Written by Magnus Mainland sometime during the early 1900s n the late 1800s it was quite a short time until the whole shoal common for shoals of whales to would be beached, and there would Icome around the Orkney Islands. be a rich harvest to be divided At that time whale oil was very among the farmers. But we had not valuable. So when the whales came reckoned on Moby Dick Jr. close enough to a bay, inhabitants As far as I know there is only one of the island would surround them species of whale that can be driven. in boats and drive them on to the There were about a thousand black shore. whales in this shoal and one white In 1893 a large shoal of whales one. It would have been a simple entered into . The shoal matter to drive the shoal ashore, stayed in Scapa Flow for some time, had it not been for the one white but people believed that whales could whale that I called Moby Dick Jr. not be driven ashore on Scapa Bay, He would jump out of the water so no one tried to drive them onto and take observations and lead the the shore. As Scapa Flow is almost pack toward freedom. Then the entirely landlocked, with but a few whole shoal would follow. But since small inlets, these whales could not the tide was not running, he could easily find their way to the open not decide which direction was sea,unless they were close to the toward open water. So the beast entrance while the tide was flowing would again surround them and so they could feel the motion of the drive them back. This continued water. for several hours, the whales never I was born and reared in Orkney getting far enough out to feel the and came to the United States at the Magnus Mainland (born 1878 on Wyre, died flow of the tide. age of nineteen. This happened when Then a power yacht entered I was fourteen. At this time I was 1959 in California) was my great uncle, the sixth of ten children born to John and Margaret the scene, with a hand operated working on a farm overlooking Holm Mainland. Eight of the ten children emigrated harpoon. Many attempts were Sound. Holm Sound connects Scapa to Canada or the United States. Magnus was made to harpoon Moby Dick, but Flow with making a 90 known to be a great story teller. He wrote the he was too fast and wise, and he degree bend about two or three miles following story, and I think it might be true since avoided coming near the boat with from the farm where I was working. he included so many details of life in Orkney in the harpoon; he would jump out of The farm was on a high bank just the late 1800s the water to see which way to go above the bend in the Sound. From Marie Bainbridge and then lead the pack off in the that point the whole length of the right direction just in time. Sound was in clear view. After six hours, the tide changed Part of my duty on the farm was to get the horses from again, and he got into the edge of the flowing water and the pasture at 5AM and ready for work at six o’clock. On this nothing then could stop him from leading the shoal out into particular morning, as usual, I looked down to notice the the Pentland Firth and freedom. About two-thirds of the state of the water in the Sound. It was very turbulent, just shoal followed the white whale past the boats. Then it was like the changing of the tide but extending much farther, so easy for the farmers to drive the rest of the shoal ashore. that I watched closely for a short time. I saw that it was a Several hundred whales were landed, some newly born that shoal of whales, and I realized at once that probably no one were about six feet long and some large ones up to forty feet else would see them so early in the morning. long. Immediately, I ran as fast as I could and got a horse and After the landing I stood on the bank and watched the rode past each farm, shouting as loud as I could, “Whales!” escaping whales swim out into Pentland Firth with Moby It seemed only seconds until the whole countryside was alive Dick Jr. leading his charge, jumping to take observations, with farmers, some dressed, some dressing, but all running his graceful body part of the time in the air and then back down to the Sound. into the water. Just as the whales reached the bend in the Sound, the tide Moby Dick Jr. was of another species of whale, white with changed. As always, there is still water for a while at the a rather pointed head, and his tail was more like that of a change. The whales were trapped in still water with land fish than other whales. The strange part was the intelligence about them. This gave the farmers time to man the boats and judgment that this white leader showed all through the and surround the whales. It looked like it would be only engagement. L Issue No. 46 June 2008 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 23

L5422/4 L2522/2 L3984/4

Do you recognise anyone in these photographs? The Orkney Photographic Archive has between 30,000 and 40,000 photographs in its collection. Here are a few from the L3731/2 many which are untitled. If you recognise anyone here please let L4662/2 the archives know at [email protected] Please quote the number on the photo- graph and name the people left to right.

L3148/3 L4127/3 29 Sept 1945 L1859/4 THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

rkney Family History Society was formed embership of the Society runs from in 1997 and is run by a committee of 1st March to 28th/29th February and Ovolunteers. Msubscriptions should be renewed during It is similar to societies operating worldwide the month of March. All subscriptions should be where members share a mutual interest in sent to the Treasurer at the OFHS address below. family history and help each other with research New members joining before the 1st December and, from time to time assist in special projects will receive back copies of the three magazines for con-cerning the countless records and subjects the current year. From 1st December new members available to us all in finding our roots. will receive membership for the remainder of the current year, plus the following year, but will not The main objectives are: receive the back copies of the magazine. 1 To establish a local organisation for the study, collection, analysis and sharing of information The present subscription rates are as follows: about individuals and families in Orkney. 2 To establish and maintain links with other ORDINARY family history groups and genealogical societies Family membership (UK only) £10.00 throughout the UK and overseas FAMILY MEMBERSHIP 3. To establish and maintain a library and other Spouse, Partner and Children under 18 £15.00 reference facilities as an information resource for SENIOR CITIZENS members and approved subscribers. Single or couple (UK only) £7.00 4.To promote study projects and special interest groups to pursue approved assignments. OVERSEAS We are located on the upper floor of the Surface Mail £12.50 Kirkwall Library next to the archives department OVERSEAS and are open Mon–Fri 2pm–4.30pm and Sat Air Mail £15.00 11am–4.30pm. Our own library, though small at the moment, Overseas members should pay their fees in holds a variety of information including: sterling or its equivalent. If it is not possible to send The IGI for Orkney on microfiche. pounds sterling please check the exchange rate. Our bank will accept overseas cheques without The Old Parish Records on microfilm. charging commission. Receipts will be issued with The Census Returns on microfilm transcribed the next magazine. Members residing in the United on to a computer database. Kingdom may pay their subscriptions by Bankers Family Trees. Order and if they wish can have their subscriptions Emigration and Debtors lists. treated as gift donations. Forms will be sent on Letters, Articles and stories concerning Orkney request. and its people. Cheques should be made payable to: Hudson’s Bay Company information. ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Graveyard Surveys (long term project). and forwarded to This material is available to members for ‘in house’ research by arrangement. ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Orkney Library & Archive Locally we have monthly Members’ Evenings 44 Junction Rd, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1AG with a guest speaker. Telephone 01856 873166 extension 3029 We produce a booklet of members and interests General enquires should be addressed to the office in writing or to to allow members with similar interests to Treasurer George Gray (e-mail: [email protected]) correspond with each other if they wish. General Secretary. Elaine Sinclair ([email protected]) We also produce a newsletter 4 times a year and Research Secy. Adrianne Leask (e-mail: [email protected]) are always looking for articles and photographs of Editor. John Sinclair (e-mail: [email protected]) interest. A stamped addressed envelope should be Orkney Family History Society website— www.orkneyfhs.co.uk included if these are to be returned. Back copies of The Orkney Family History Society the magazine can be purchased at £1 per copy. is a Registered Charity in Scotland SCO26205 We can usually undertake research for members who live outwith Orkney but this is dependent on Articles in the newsletter are copyright to the Society and its authors and may not be reproduced without permiss- the willingness of our island members giving up ion of the editor. The Society is a registered charity in their spare time to help. Scotland and a member of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies. The Society’s newsletter, Sib Folk News is registered with the British Library under the serial number ISSN 1368-3950. subscriptions etc MEMBERSHIP