SIB FOLK NEWS NEWSLETTER OF THE FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 91 Autumn 2019 You’re bound to find something of interest in Sib Folk News

graphics john sinclair 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 91 Autumn 2019

ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY NEWSLETTER No 91 AUTUMN 2019

COVER Inside info PAGE 2 From the Chair PAGE 3 What a surprise. From Norman was writing about my cousin. the Chair PAGE 4 Gregor Lamb's encounter Welcome to the autumn issue of the Sib Folk News. The summer with the Heilan' coo. seems to have gone past in a flash. Our volunteers have told me that PAGE 5 they have been busier than ever in the office over the last few months Who once lived at and it was standing room only some days. I apologise to some of the Shore St, ? visitors that we had to ask to come back the next day. Hopefully you PAGES 6 & 7 were able to call again and get the information you were looking for. My Isbisters in New Zealand. If you are planning a visit to the islands to discover more about your Orkney forebears it would be a great help to our researchers if you con- PAGES 8 & 9 Smuggling and tact us in advance and let us have copies (not originals) of any relevant Press Gangs. documents together with what information you already have. That way PAGES 10 & 11 we can be better prepared for your visit and hopefully tell you more That was me – about your Orkney background. Hooked on Orkney.

PAGES 12 & 13 We are looking forward to our programme of meetings over the winter An Irish family's and the September one takes a different format when we travel out to Orkney connection. for a two day visit. We will be setting up in the Heritage Centre PAGES 14 & 15 and are all looking forward to seeing a good turnout. The Miller of Skaill. I hope you enjoy the articles in this issue and reading the second instal- PAGES 16 & 17 ment of "Tammy O' Clestrains" diary when he meets King Neptune. Dozens of Cousins. On the subject of the newsletter, John Sinclair, our editor, has asked me to remind you all that our December issue is usually the most difficult to PAGES 18, 19 & 20 Crossing the Line. fill so I hope you will make a special effort to keep the supply of articles flowing. PAGE 21 Christmas will soon be upon us and if you are stuck for a present why Who was Captain William Tulloch? not give someone a subscription for the OFHS. It really is fantastic value PAGES 22 & 23 for money. You'll find all the details when you login to our website www. The man who orkneyfhs.co.uk and click on the members' page. raised the German Fleet (well most of it).

PAGE 24 Membership Anne Details. Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 3

By Greg Windwick. Member No 3294 Photo Credit: Bomber Command Museum of Canada Greg Windwick lives on the west coast of Canada in Kirkwall Orkney. Victoria BC. His older son lives in Alberta and Greg Why is Harry Reid sig- travels to see him quite often. On one trip he was driv- nificant? Well Greg’s ing through the small town of Nanton (pop 2181) and full name is Grego- ry Lincoln Harry Windwick, the Harry on the monument be- ing Greg’s first cous- in after whom he was named. Greg was the first boy to be born into they Windwick family after the dread- ful plane crash of 1944 This memorial contains all the names of the Canadians who gave their lives and he is proud to car- serving with the Bomber Command in World War II. ry the name on. Greg’s thought that he would take a look at the Bomber Com- father was Gordon mand Museum. The Bomber Command Museum of Chalmers Wind- wick, younger brother Flying Officer Harry Field proudly Canada, formerly the Nanton Lancaster Society Muse- displays his navigator’s badge um, is an aviation museum which opened in 1986 and of Harry’s mother Jean- was founded to protect and restore an Avro Lancaster nie Chalmers (Windwick) Reid. Greg knew her as FM159, one of only 17 remaining in the world. Concen- Auntie Teen. Although Greg was never fortunate enough to trating mainly on the Second World War many photo- meet Harry he did meet Harry’s younger brother George graphs, models and other artifacts fill the display areas. and remembers him disembarking from a flight to Victo- Outside the museum entrance is the imposing Bomber ria in his Canadian Air Force uniform. He and his family lived in Toronto, a very long distance from Victoria. Greg is grateful to Norman Logie for re- membering Harry and for some his- tory on the Reid side of Harry Reid’s family.

Command Memorial Wall that honours those who served in Bomber Command. On this Greg was proud to discov- This is a picture of Greg’s father Gordon Windwick at left, Harry’s sister-in-law, and er the name of Harry Reid; the same Harry Reid who Harry’s parents Alex and Teen Reid at their home in Toronto. Greg’s father was on was the subject of Norman Logie’s article in Sib Folk his way to the Orkney Islands for his first visit home in 35 years since emigrating News No 90, and who is buried in St Olaf’s cemetery in to Canada in 1927. L 4 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019

This one has our researchers stumped but maybe one of our members can help

I’ve a mark on me broo fae a heilan coo. . . . By Gregor Lamb, Member No 1620 I was about four at the time when the accident hap- pened. Above my bed in Binscarth Cottage, , hung a very large picture of a cow in a heavy wooden frame. In the middle of the night the old, frayed, string Here are two photos uploaded to our website by which suspended it snapped and it crashed down on my Margaret Hunter, member no 4356. Unfortunately sleeping form, the corner of the picture hitting my fore- the message board does not allow photos so we are head which gushed with blood. I remember an anxious appealing for information through Sib Folk News. mother patching me up by the light of an oil lamp and The photos are from a member whose husband told equally anxious brothers and sisters, wakened by the her that these are his ancestors from the area. hullabaloo, peering at the wound and hoping that their Our researchers have come up with a few possibles peedie brother would survive. but hopefully one of our members will provide the definitive answers. Every day most of us sit under, lie under or walk under 1. Hugh Nicholson and Jemima Robson. things suspended above our heads and fortunately nev- 2. John Robson and Jane Swanson. er give it a thought. Those who think deeply about what Another possibiity is that the woman could be Isobella might happen usually need some kind of therapy. Campbell.

I survived. Less lucky was Helen Flett of Nistaben in the Netherbrough district of . In the main living Who was William room of the old Orkney house, long wooden pegs called ‘dooks’ were driven in between the stones and used for Bews of Garth? holding a variety of things or materials used in the pro- cess of cooking. The ‘spoon cubby’ is the most familiar, a William Bews from Garth won this long pear shaped object made of straw with a hole in the Highland and Agricultural Society side in which the lady of the house kept her spoons. Less Medal back in 1904 at the annual familiar is the ‘saat backie’ a wooden box with a lid in ploughing match held in St Andrews at which valuable cooking salt was kept near the fire. Helen Netherhill and Messigate. must have been sitting on a creepie near the fire under William came first in the Ordinary Section and was the ‘saat backie’ when the dook fell out of the wall, the box also credited with having the best ploughed rig in the came down and hit her on the head. She died from her Ordinary Section and the straightest ploughing. injuries. That happened in 1817 more than two hundred And that is all we know about William Bews. years ago. Poor Helen was only twenty-eight years old. Leslie Foubister, member No 61, tells me that he seems to have been landed with the job of trying to identify The Flett family who currently live in Nistaben did William but he admits that so far he is stumped. He not know the story of Helen but the wife o’ the hoose, has discovered that William is not one of the Swart- Carol, remarked, ‘Hid’s strange that yi should tell me that abreck Bews but that is about all. becis the tither night we wir babysittan the grand-dow- So it’s another puzzle for our members. Surely someone ter and I said tae mesel thit I better tak awey that pic- will make something of the few facts provided. ture thit’s hingan above her head’! Answers please to the editor or you can email Leslie who will be delighted to hear from you. Gregor Lamb 21 February 2019 [email protected] Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 5

By Kristin Parry, Member No 1481 Old photographs show buildings gable end on to Shore 1871 according to David Partner.1 Among them the Linklater Street, Kirkwall between Tounigar and St.Catherine’s Place. family. William Linklater was the son of Alexander Linklater, a These were very old, built in the sixteenth and seventeenth farmer in Evie, and his wife Barbara Peace. He married Mary centuries. Apart from the butter store which was built as a Drever, the daughter of Nicol , a general labourer, and Barbara warehouse for the butter tax paid to the earldom the rest were Wallace. William’s duties as sheriff officer were probably only for wealthy landowners and merchants of Orkney. They were part time as he also was a shoemaker. William jnr married three storeys high under slate roofs and each would have had a Elenor Fea, daughter of Peter Fea, a slater from Broad Street, and kailyard (garden) and peat store. Christina Hepburn2 in 1862 but they and all the other children By the nineteenth century these gardens had gone and smaller except Mary disappear from the Orkney records. I am not sure houses had taken their place and the house at the St.Catherine’s what happened to James but the others seem to have emigrated to Place end was replaced by cattle sheds before 1900. The people Adelaide, South Australia. had changed too, the area was now occupied by sailors, tradesmen The grandchildren recorded are a bit of a mystery. I think Mary and labourers. Overcrowding was becoming a problem. Ann Stewart and Williamina Seatter were illegitimate daughters Dilapidation of the area continued so that by the 1930s of Barbara Linklater. Mary Ann probably died in 1863 but I don’t many of the houses, owned by the Town Council, had been know what happened to Williamina. Nor do I know what happened condemned as unfit for human habitation. The council sold the to James Munro/Linklater or even if he was two people or only one. whole lot to Shellmex who demolished the houses and built the I could find no James Munro of the right age in Orkney in 1871. fuel depot in their place. Only Mary of the children stayed at home. She lived with her Access was from Shore Street along a paved passage, the father after her mother died in 1879 until William died in 1893. Long Wynd which was about where the entrance to the depot is She died in 1918, her death was reported by John Robertson, now and by Thwart Close which ran from St. Catherine’s Place Inspector of Poor. nearly opposite Young Street through Erskine Square to meet the Long Wynd. House numbers were often not given so it is 1 G D Partner, Kirkwall in the footsteps of Hossack, Volume I p. 49 2 I had just written this when I read Brian Dishon’s piece in SFN 89. The difficult to know where exactly anyone lived. family that William Linklater jnr married into and Brian’s grandfather surely must So who lived there? The answer is a lot of people, 348 in be connected.

NAME 1841 1851 1861 1871 1881 1891 1901 1911

LONG WYND THWART CLOSE ERSKINE SQ Age Age Age Age Age Age William Linklater. Head. Sheriff Officer. b.Rendall. 25 37 49 58 69 79 - - Mary Linklater. Wife. b. Rendall. 25 36 48 58 - - - - Barbara Linklater. Daughter. b. Kirkwall. 4 13 23 - - - - - Mary Linklater. Daughter. b. Kirkwall. 3 12 22 30 39 53 60 - William R Linklater. Son. b. Kirkwall. 1 10 21 - - - - - David Linklater. Son. b. Kirkwall. - 8 ------Charles G R Linklater. Son. b. Kirkwall. - - 15 - - - - - James Linklater. Son. b. Kirkwall. - 3 12 - - - - - Mary Ann Stewart. g. daughter. b. Kirkwall. - - 3 - - - - - Williamina Seatter. g. daughter. b. Kirkwall. - - 5 months 10 - - - - James Munro. g. son. b. Kirkwall. - - - 5 months - 20 - - James Linklater. g. son. b. Kirkwall. - - - - 10 - - -

6 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 My Isbisters in New Zealand By David Farley, Member No 3992 I was a visitor to the Orkney Islands two years ago and met up with George Gray who was kind enough to help me trace information relat- ing to my Isbister family. I am descended from Henry Isbister (b. 1735) who was my fifth great grandfather. Henry, and his descendants migrat- ed to the Tynemouth area of the UK and eventu- ally made their way to New Zealand in the 1860s as part of the Albertland Movement. In following through various leads about the family I was fortunate to come across a wonderful centenary booklet published by the Paparoa, Matakohe and In the year 1862 the Board of Trade, , made it Districts Centennial Committee published in compulsory for all engineers to pass an examination. He 1962. This recorded many of the highlights and passed the exam and the First-Class Engineer’s Certifi- achievements of the early settlers of whom John cate he received was numbered 1 of all the Isbister was one. There follows an extract from certificates to be grant- the booklet relating to John Isbister and his wife ed by the Registrar Ann, however, more detailed information about General of Seaman, the early settlers is best found in the book - The London. This certifi- Albertlanders - Brave Pioneers of the 1860s cate is at present held which was written by Sir Henry Brett and Henry by a grandchild. He also sat for and ob- Hook in 2003. tained a New Zealand John Isbister, J.P. born in the Chief Engineer’s Cer- Orkney Islands in the year 1828 tificate. About this resided at North Shields in Eng- time, having recently land where in the year 1845 he returned from the married Ann Moor of West East, he decided to Hartlepool. His family consisted migrate to New Zea- of nine children: George, Joe, land. The family John, Thomas, Ellinor, sailed in 1862 on Annie, Esther, Zealand, and board the ship Clair- Louise. Thomas and Louise mont and after about were born at Matakohe. Being in a four and a half months’ pas- the heart of a shipping area it sage arrived in Auckland. Accommodation being scarce appears they were forced to accept temporary housing in a dis- only natural that he looked to the used flour mill in Freeman’s Bay. After six weeks they sea for employment. Being me- were able to hire a cutter at Onehunga to convey them chanically inclined and possess- and their goods to the Kaipara and Matakohe where ing the ability to study he ap- their grant of land was situated. Their goods were loaded pears to have dieted his energies in three large cases for the trip which took a total of three towards engineering and later weeks. During some of the journey the vessel had to be became steamboat man for the battened down. Arriving at Matakohe early in 1863 they East India Company, trading to were assisted ashore by the Smith family. Placing the India and the Far East. The col- cases in position for walls they made a temporary resi- lection of weapons, cutlasses, pis- dence by using the large carpets over same to form the tols, etc., that adorned the lounge roof. Fortunately it did not rain for the next seven weeks of his home confirmed his associ- and they were able to hire Maoris and have a whare (Mao- ation with that part of the world. Ann Isbister nee Moor ri hut or house) built. They were the seventh family in A Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 7

F the village. Later a more permanent home was built on Otamatea County Council he attained the distinction of the main road, in a prominent position and the grounds being County Chairman for ten consecutive terms before included a large, properly rigged, flag staff upon which retirement. He died in 1901 and is buried in Matakohe. Mr Isbister flew the appropriate flags in celebration of To show the character of these pioneers we can mention public anniversaries, etc. The flag pole was later pur- that among his last requests was that no monuments, of chased by Mr Norman Smith and erected on his neigh- any description, be put up to his memory as what he had bouring property. In 1950 it was donated to the Matakohe done had been given to the people freely. Cemetery Committee and part of it now marks the old An incident in the Isbister’s early life at Matakohe – dur- site of the Pioneer Church. After being settled for a few ing the first few years, as recounted by Esther Isbister, at years and finding it impossible to derive any income from a period when the whole of the menfolk were absent, her his land, although it is known that 5 acres had been dug mother and the children had a terrible scare. One day over by hand, he decided to obtain a job as an engineer Mrs Isbister heard a large party of Maoris approaching, sing- on the government steamer Hinemoa, a position he held ing and chanting and drawing closer and closer to the home. for some time. Finances having recovered, he returned to She immediately thought they were coming to kill them all so Matakohe where he commenced in business as a store- decided to protect herself and the family as far as possible. All keeper together with a blacksmith’s shop and a butchery the doors were locked and the windows quickly barricaded. and continued this business for many years. Included in She armed herself with a shotgun and gathering the children his business was a well set up first aid medical depart- around her waited for the end. When the leader approached ment. He was a most adaptable man and one of his pet and by signs indicated that he wanted a very large knife it studies was first aid and surgery, and as there were many looked like the end for them all. However, finally the Maoris periods when there was no resident doctor he was fre- managed to convey the fact that they had brought a substantial quently called upon to attend severe accident cases which gift of meat, which was in short supply, and the incident ended occurred among the bush workers. He was also an expert happily. L puller of teeth, could set a broken limb, stitch a wound and during a smallpox scare, about 1900, he vaccinat- ed practically the whole community. Throughout his life ARTICLE and PHOTOGRAPHS he took a leading part in local affairs. Among his activi- I have emailed various sources in New Zealand to try to ties he was a member of the first School Committee and obtain copyright clearance for the use of the Centenni- one of the first advocates of a religious chapel. Together al Booklet extract and the photographs which appear in with Mr R.C.Smith he was mainly instrumental in col- this article. I have had no success but I understand from the author of the article that his source was the Matakohe lecting the funds to build a settlers’ church for the use Museum and I am happy to credit them and trust that the of all protestant denominations. When the county coun- use of their material will be acceptable under the Fair Use cil regime commenced John Isbister was an early repre- statute. Editor. sentative. Under later developments and the creation of

Meet the man who built the Kirkwall Hotel - twice

William Horne was born in 1866, became a Mason and Slater to trade and worked on the Kirkwall Hotel when it was built in 1890. He also built this model in the 1930s with an interior framework of wood and forming the out- side with plaster. Over the years it became a ‘dust catcher’ and it was eventu- ally relegated to the attic of his home where it lay neglect- ed for 45 years gradually losing all of the chimney stacks and much of the roof and sidewalls. Fortunately help was at hand when Reynold John- stone of School Place in Kirkwall decided that he would restore the model to its former glory. Today it is in the possession of Olwyn Aitken and she kindly supplied me with William this information together with the photo of William Horne and his model. Horne. It transpired that William Horne was the brother of my Great Grandfather Da- vid Horne, Ham and Bacon Curer, and therefore my great Uncle. One of my proudest pssessions is this personalised and engraved silver christen- Elizabeth’s ing cup gifted to me in 1938 Christening Cup Elizabeth Donaldson neé Horne L 8 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019

By Jane Harris, Member No 1503 ‘A considerable degree of acuteness and shrewdness is NSA Vol 15 p 28 observed among the population’, wrote the Rev Pe- Smuggling prevailed at a time to a great extent in ter Jolly in 1840, describing his flock in the parish of the , and its peculiar situation gave Canisbay, . Walter Ross, my x 3 grandfather, it great advantages for that illicit trade; but, by the had lately been one of them. indefatigable execution of the Excise, it has within the last year or two been entirely suppressed. As might Walter –an outline naturally be expected, the effects of smuggling on the He was born on 17 August 1786, the son of Hugh Rosie morals of the inhabitants were most pernicious; and and Katharine Sinclair, in Stroma, the island between from their being occasionally detected by the excise, and severely fined, their worldly circumstances were Caithness and Orkney, part of the parish of Canisbay, severly injured. Caithness. He married Charlotte Green before 31 July So, in the late 1830s, exactly when Walter and family 1816; the marriage record has not survived but their left, there was a very real attempt to stamp out smug- first known child, Hugh, was a ‚“lawful son” when he gling. The comments of the 1841 census enumerator for was baptised on that day. Lawful means not illegitimate Stroma fill out the picture some more. or ‘natural son’. From the baptism of his fourth child ‘There is a considerable decrease in this District, the onwards, the surname Ross rather than Rosie was used, Inhabitants being at and previous to 1831 much addict- though there were lapses in other records. Is it signifi- ed to Smuggling. But now, Smuggling being completely cant? I don’t know and it’s often wrong to get too hung suppressed several families have left the Island and up on name variations. Anyway, Walter died on 6 June moved to the Orkneys to follow more lawful pursuits.’1 1862 in Walls, Orkney. For the time being, that is as close to actual evidence At some point in the late 1830s, the family moved to of Walter’s involvement in smuggling as I have. Smug- Walls, Orkney, The last sighting of Walter Rosie is in the gling can refer to the trafficking of goods without pay- Canisbay Church of Male Heads of Families ing customs but also to the making of illicit whisky. See roll for 1838 which describes him as a tenant in Stroma Smugglers’ Britain for brief information on this topic.2 (Canisbay Kirk Session Records, CH2/52/4, Nation- The 1822 Illicit Distillation (Scotland) Act and the 1823 al Records of Scotland). This is a few years after the Excise Act both had considerable impact on this smug- baptism of his daughter Charlotte, which took place at gling, with the latter significantly reducing the duty on Canisbay on 4 May 1833. There is a younger child, John, whisky. Suppression seems to have come late to Stroma for whom there is no baptism record in Canisbay and, however. Three ‘preventive service’ men are listed in unfortunately, not one in Walls either. However, the cen- the Male Heads of Families in 1838 and 1839, but only suses consistently record John’s birthplace as Walls, in one in 1840 and none in 1841. contrast to the rest of the family. From them and other sources, his birth year is around 1838. Shebeen? Walter and his family settled at Downatown, known Stroma to Orkney locally as Doonthro, one of the larger farms in North Why would they have moved from Stroma to Walls? The Walls. The remains of the house and steading show New Statistical Account for the parish of Canisbay pro- that, for its time, it was quite a substantial place. But vides one explanation. The parish minister, the Rev Pe- did he follow “more lawfull pursuits?”1 ter Jolly, whom I quoted earlier, wrote in October 1840: Doonthro was also an inn, or a ‘shebeen’ as one older “were it not for the excessively high rents (the people) resident described it to my parents. Its position, very would be content with their situation and circumstanc- close to the shores of Longhope, a busy anchorage es” (Vol 15 p 27). He later describes how payments in for shipping heading round the north of Scotland, was kind had been converted into money payments: ‚“this an ideal place for such an operation. If Walter had been has proved virtually a very great raising of rent” (p 28). running a whisky business in Stroma, a farm and inn So pressure of rent increases was one driver. But there would have been a good prospect for him. may be another. Peter Jolly also wrote: When we visited Stroma in 2003, the owner’s son re- Snip from the New Statistical Account about smuggling called a tale about a man of the surname Rosie who A Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 9

the first Rossie in my copy, so Walter Rossie becomes Walter Ross. Who made the change? According to the piece of paper glued inside the cover, my father, another Walter Ross, acquired the book in 1950, 12 years after publication. Who had it before him? Should I try un- sticking the label to see if there is a name? Someone, somewhere in my Ross line, erased that ‘ie’, I feel sure, not least because a very similar story is a faint family memory. In this version, Walter chuckled over the fine ‘pleenk’ the coin made when it hit the water. A grain of truth? Fact and fiction, family stories and documentary evi- dence is what we want the truth to be and what it really Downatown/Doonthro (excluding barn/byre. is. Few family stories are totally without foundations. It’s simply that the walls erected on them are often over F had fallen foul of the excise men who confiscated elaborated, gaining embellishments as the years go on. three stills. Unknown to them however, a stack of bere I do not doubt that Walter, my x3 grandfather, may well (form of barley) concealed another still which he took have tried his hand at the whisky. He would also have away with him. ‘It’s the whisky that took me down and been a great catch for the press-gang, with the innate it’s the whisky that’ll take me back up’, he reportedly sea knowledge of the Stroma men. L said. Stories, yes but some of the framework of facts round about lend credence. More research needed. 1 I am very grateful to Barbara Stirling, a New Zealander with Stroma roots, for The pot of gold pointing me to this quote many years ago. Not all censuses have enumerators’ According to my father, there was a pot of gold buried comments, but it is worth checking just in case. Comments are on the last page at Doonthro and never found again. People assumed of each enumerator’s book in 1841 so the only option is to keep going forward a this was money. Is it perhaps more logical to think of page on ScotlandsPeople. Very easy, and free, if you are using an old cen- the gold as liquid, uisge beatha? sus film of course. For the 1851 census, use the “Header” option on Press-gang the ScotlandsPeople website for the first pages. ‘Walter Rossie who belonged to Stroma, happened to be at [the neighbouring island to Walls], when 2 A more detailed look at the he was captured by the press-gang. He was a strong, topic: MacLean, Charles & healthy-looking man, and was considered by his ac- MacCannell, Daniel quaintances to be very clever. When he was put on board (2017) Scotland’s secret ship he at once began to play the fool. Every means that history: the illicit distilling could be thought of was used for the purpose of trying and smuggling of whisky. to get Rossie to commit himself, without avail. At last : Birlinn. the captain of the vessel took him in hand. He handed Rossie a silver coin and asked him what he would do Jane Harris wrote this as one of her articles for the 52 Ancestors with it The malingerer took the coin in his hand, turned Challenge where participants agreed to write 52 articles about it carefully over, and then declared it would make a fine their ancestors in just 52 weeks. If you have anything to add to this ‘henching’ stone. Pitching it flat side on the water, he tale Jane would be delighted to hear from you. You can email her at clapped his hands and gleefully chuckled as he saw it [email protected] bounding out of the water once or twice before it final- ly disappeared. That was enough for the captain. He ordered Rossie to be put ashore at once as a hopeless fool’. (Mackintosh, WR (compiler) (1938) Around the If your circumstances Orkney peat fires 4th ed. 1938 Kirkwall: The Orcadian. have changed . . . . pp180-181). Though these tales are by no means seri- you can update your new de- ous historical work, they first appeared in the Orcadian tails easily on our website. Just newspaper around the 1890s, within one or two genera- login to www.orkneyfhs.co.uk, tions of actual events. go to the members’ page and My Walter? edit as necessary. Looking at the book now I note several things. Rossie You can also check out the (the Rosie/Ross switch?); Walter, a relatively unusual renewal date of your sub- name but strong in that line; Stroma. If we look at the scription and renew this online if it is due. Canisbay baptism registers, there are only two likely Our website is a mine of information for BMDs, Strays, Walters, that is two young-ish men around 1800 or so Census, Emigration, Photos, Members’ Directory, Trees, during the Napoleonic wars. One was born in 1775 and Parish Records, Publications and every copy of Sib Folk my Walter in 1786. I’ve not been able to completely rule News from Issue No 1. out the other yet. For a website refresher course just download Sib Folk Looking at the book just now, I notice that someone has News No 81 and you’ll find a great guide written by our very carefully and neatly removed the ‘ie’ on the end of Webmaster Dave Higgins. 10 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019

By Raydon Corston, Member No 4252 It was not until just a few years prior to my Father’s We also journeyed passing that it was mentioned that the Corston family out to the Rendall came from the Orkney Islands in Scotland. This piqued hills to try to locate my interest and after some research I discovered that the gravesites of my great great grandfather lived in Kirkwall, . the Harraymen who This culminated in a journey in 2010 with some mem- perished in a storm bers of my family going to the Orkney Islands where, in the 1700s. (See with help from the Ork- Sib Folk News No ney Family History Soci- 65, March 2013). We ety, they discovered that spent a few hours my great great grand- searching to no father’s grave site is in avail because the fo- The house and bakery my g g grandfather built the St Magnus Cathe- liage was too dense. at 4 Albert Street, Kirkwall dral grounds, where it We were later told that we were only about 25 meters stands with numerous away. There is the possibility that some of the men other grave sites (as was were Corstons. the custom in earlier We visited the Corrigal museum at Harray and I asked times)‚ surrounding the Brian Flett, the at- main building. I was quite pleased with myself. My G tendant at the muse- G grandfather is William Corston and his first wife um, where the Corston Janet Dick is buried with him as well as Marion one Toonship was, and he of their children. We had only 2 days allocated on the took us to the back of Island, not near enough, but our journey encompassed one of the buildings Scotland, the south of Ireland and Cornwall in England and pointed to the to see where my wife’s ancestors came from. nearest neighbours’ After our return to South Australia I obtained more buildings. l presume information and photos of the Corston buildings and that there are some of family that I had harboured a wish to see, and discover Inside the Corrigall Farm Museum. Well the original buildings more of the Orkney Islands and the . worth a visit. still standing there to- In 2018 my old- day, as well. est daughter an- I went to see the grave site nounced that she at the St Magnus Cathedral was going walking again and was disappointed in the UK and of- to discover the headstone had fered to go three been laid down due to it being weeks early and declared unsafe as it was not in take me to the Is- the ground sufficiently. I con- lands which I glee- tacted the relevant people and fully accepted. had them reinstate the head- With help from the stone to its standing position. History Society Me with by oldest daughter Kym William and his first wife again, we discov- Janet Dick had five chil- ered the building that my G G Grandfather built at No dren one of them was 4 Albert Street, Kirkwall, as a clan and lodging house. William Bain who emigrated His wife Janet was a baker and some of the remains of to South Australia in 1849 on the sailing vessel called the the attached building where she baked are still visable Asiatic. It was a year after his mother died and today. the remarriage of his father, William Bain to A Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 11

a Betsy Robertson whose family had emigrated in 1839 to south Australia on the Lady Lilford sailing ves- Mabel Eunson’s sel. The Robertsons had two children Betsy and her younger brother John. Twins were born when they dis- article was a treat for embarked at Encounter Bay but sadly did not live. The Robertson family purchased land in an area called Tea this Orkney Bichan Tree Gully and called their property Golden Grove after the last vessel he commanded. The area was later named I always enjoy reading Sib Folk News but is- Golden Grove. In a later subdivision a road has been sue number 89 was especially interest- named Captain Robertson Drive. Their original home- ing. As soon as I saw the front cover re: Yar- stead that they built still stands today and although pha and I knew it must contain the badly neglected, is supposed to be restored according to ‘Bichans’! the planning consent provisions that were imposed. My maiden name was Bichan and my Father, William Bain and Betsy Robertson Grandfather and Great Grandfather were from married and raised eight children in Denwick, Deerness. I, along with 3 brothers and their lifetime. One of their first forays 2 sisters was born in Orkney, We left in was to embark on a journey to Ben- 1945 to farm in Lanarkshire. In 1949 we left Scot- digo where gold had just been found land to farm in the Doncaster area. where, I believe, they were moderate- ly successful. The family returned to Growing up in South Yorkshire no-one had our sur- South Australia where they purchased name and you wouldn’t believe the pronunciations. a small property at a place called eg Bischon, Bitchan, Bikham, Beecham to name Lochael where they farmed the property as well as some but a few! Visiting the churchyard at Deerness share farming on neighbouring properties. Some of his much later in my life I was fascinated to see just descendants still live close by. how many Bichans lie there. This was the start of One of the momentoes of William Bain’s life was that he my family history journey. had a gold ring made out of a nugget that he had found So far only a remote connection to the Bichans at and had the initials WBC inscribed into the flat top side Yarpa, but in November 2018 my sister Margaret of the ring. This ring was to be handed down to the first- Hill (nee Bichan) was on a tour of New Zealand born male of any of his descendants. and, whilst on the South Island, looked in a local My father’s first born was named William Bain and so telephone directory for any Bichans. She made was entitled, but my father was never known to pass contact with Ian and Anne Bichan and was able anything on in his life (boy was there a mess to clean to meet up with them at Christchurch Airport on up later). He kept the ring hidden in his old piano that her return journey home. They were very pleased he used to play. One day he reluctantly, after saying no to make contact with Margaret, as they said she twice, let a door knocking piano tuner in to tune the piano was the first Bichan they had met. Margaret had for 100 dollars. Be- told Ian and Ann that I was very interested in family ing nearly blind and history so they sent me all the research they had forgetful he didn’t done. I have been in touch by email with my infor- remember the ring mation and the oldest photographs I have of our until two days later. branch of the Bichans of Deerness. Ian and Anne Sadly that was the have worked out that we are 4th cousins. end of the ring so the I e-mailed the article to them and they were de- moral of this story is lighted to see it and were particularly pleased to to pass things on to see that Mabel Eunson had written it as they met those entitled sooner her in 2011 when they visited Orkney. than later. Our great grandfather and The help and patience of my new friends at the great grandmother Orkney Family History Society office is are buried adjacent greatfully acknowledged. to their farm in the Lochael cemetery. Ewer Tail Kneaded My journey in 2018 was successful in tracing our imme- for Sib Folk News. Don’t worry about diate family’s history. There is still much more to know. miss steaks as yew see I halve a spell- If any of the Corston decendants in Orkney or my fellow ing chequer to make it perfect awl the members can tell me any more I would be delighted to weigh threw. hear from them. My email address is‚ [email protected] L Send your article as an unformatted Word doc. If you have any photographs send these as individual Ray has placed timeline documents of his Corston jpgs of good or high quality, with names to:- family at the Orkney Family History Society office [email protected] where they can be viewed by anyone interested. by 26 Oct. and you might be in the next issue. 12 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 13

An Irish Family's Orkney connection

My Irish Granny Rev. David Historical Research vid and Mary Ferguson had their own obscure and uncon- My Granny was Irish; that much I knew. I also knew Ferguson in During the historical research, ventional way of familiarizing their children’s names. that she came from a small town called Portlaw in South- his ministry various names came to light, in- ern Ireland and that her father was a Presbyterian minis- in Portlaw cluding James Lister Ferguson, The Dispersion of Families ter. I was eight years old when she died but I remember and became the only boy and therefore, presum- Examination of the records showed the Fergusons to be an her as a kindly but strict disciplinarian. She didn’t suffer attracted to ably, the ‘Sonny’ in the painting. interesting but typical example of the dispersion of families small boys gladly and they were expected to behave in pub- David’s eldest Other names were Jane Delia, from Ireland in the 19th century. Emma, or ‘Barby’, and her lic and not make too much noise. Well she wasn’t unusual daughter. Emma Mary, Davidina Anna brother, James, would seem to have prospered in the States in that respect. There was also a painting of her family in and Lavinia but none of as both produced large families. They would have settled the house; it hung on a wall in the sitting room. It showed Family these seemed to bear well into the large diaspora of emigrant Irish all escaping her and her siblings when they were all growing up, but not Stories any resemblance to the the 19th century poverty of their native homeland. That her parents. She is shown as a rather angelic child of about As a child, I names associated with two of the sisters ended up in Orkney is of course interest- four along with her three older sisters and her older brother had heard sto- the characters in the ing but perhaps not surprising considering the remarkable and with the baby of the family held in one of her older sis- ries of the Fer- painting. It did seem reach of the Presbyterian church. Of the others, Jane De- ter’s arms. The eldest sister, who appears almost grown up, guson family, implicit that there lia, or ‘Cissie’ and Lavinia both remained single and both is shown in the foreground as befits her station, seated on my great aunts ought to be a Cecelia, spent periods of time with their married sisters in Orkney, Oil painting of the Fergu- a chaise long. Associated with the painting are the names and great un- for ‘Cissie’, a Barbara and Lavinia is reported to have been buried after her death of the siblings passed down in age order by Granny to all son siblings, presumed for ‘Barby’ and a Doro- in 1934 in graveyard. The saddest story is that of cle, some of to be 1867/68 her descendants, namely; Missie, Cissie, Barby, Sonny, whom had thy for ‘Dotie’. Howev- Davidina Anna, otherwise ‘Dotie’, who died of typhoid fever Lily, Dotie and Tiddlyba, although slight variations of spent time er, Grannyherself, was at an address in Belfast at the young age of 26, with her the names have been recorded in different branches of the in Orkney known to her con- mother present at her death. family. No one seems to have questioned why there were with Gran- temporaries seven names but only six children in the painting. ny and with as Lily, the Our Visit to Portlaw the Dickey name as- My wife and I visited Portlaw in March of this year and My Interest in the Fergusons family, but I signed to found a small but prosperous town, serving principally as a My interest in the Ferguson family was aroused by the found that I her in the dormitory town for the city of Waterford. It has its own her- prospect of a visit to Ireland and the attraction of a diver- knew very lit- painting, itage society where we were very well received. They had sion to Portlaw to see the family home. Portlaw is a small tle about them. although done some research before our arrival and took us to visit town about 15 miles north west of Waterford and a quick In order to documen- the well-preserved grave of Rev. David and Mary Ferguson. search of the internet established that it evolved in early find out more, I tary ev- It is in a protestant graveyard about two miles south of the Victorian times as a model village set up by one, David contacted other idence town, in the grounds of a Church of Ireland church, now Malcolmson, to support a cotton milling enterprise. The members of the showed decommissioned. The Presbyterian church itself is now Portlaw Presbyterian Church - now derelict town flourished in the mid part of the 19th century but de- family who had Sarah Sophia Ferguson. Known as Lily – My grandmother that her derelict; it was decommissioned in the early part of the last clined and the mill finally closed when the American civil been on explor- but subject to a preservation order real name century and is now used as a storage building, at least those war cut off the supply of raw cotton from the States. The atory visits to Portlaw and who had done historical re- was in fact Sarah Sophia. parts where the roof has not fallen in. The manse is right closure of the mill accompanied by the general poverty in search. An obituary notice for the Rev. David Ferguson next door and we were very hospitably received by the pres- Ireland, exacerbated by the after effects of the potato fam- was found, published in The Witness by one of his cleri- More Corroborative Evidence ent occupants who have lived there for more than 30 years. ine, must have had a devastating impact on the prosperity cal colleagues. It describes Rev. Ferguson as the diligent Further research produced probate and death certifi- They showed us around and it was interesting to see how of the families living in the town. student, the pleasant, genial, kind-hearted companion, cates for the unknown names, with birth dates and names the trappings typical of a period Scots manse had been pre- the earnest, hardworking, self-denying missionary, and of parents, some marriage certificates with corroborative served. On enquiring whether there were any plans to re- The Family Connection the single-minded, conscientious, painstaking and devot- data and even some notices of birth. From these, it became pair the church, the reply was typically Irish. We were told The connection between a family living probably in some ed pastor”. His early ministry was “in the wilds of Con- apparent that James Lister (‘Sonny’) and his elder sister, that this was not permitted as there is a conservation order poverty in southern Ireland and our family in Orkney obvi- naught, living in a house not fit for a human habitation, Emma Mary, had both married a brother and sister from on the building! On reporting on the unusual way in which ously needs some explanation. Tradition in the family has the only ceiling to which was formed of old newspapers” Waterford, namely Ellen and James Leckie, and both the Ferguson children had been given pet names bearing it that Granny came over to Orkney to stay with her eldest but in May 1854 he accepted a call to the congregation of families had emigrated to the United States and settled in little resemblance to their real ones, it was interesting to sister, Elizabeth, who was married to the Harray minister, Portlaw, “where he found a comfortable, and indeed ele- the Philadelphia area. Emma Mary had to be ‘Barby’ in hear that that was quite usual in Portlaw. "We all do that the Rev. William Dickey. During her visit, she must have gant, church quite ecclesiastical in its style of architecture the family painting, pronounced probably more correctly here" is what we were told. L stayed in the Harray manse, met my grandfather and the to which he added, by his own personal efforts, a most com- as ‘Babbie’, as her date of birth, confirmed by several doc- rest is history. Family records show that the two of them modious manse." Rev. David Ferguson, my great grand- uments, showed her to be, of the three older sisters, the were married in Portlaw in September 1887 with the Rev. father, continued to serve in Portlaw until his death in next in age to her brother. If that were the case, then could James Halcro – Johnston. William Dickey officiating. William Dickey himself is of February 1887. The obituary recalls that he leaves behind Davidina Anna be ‘Dotie’ and could Jane Delia be ‘Cissie’? Irish extraction and it might be reasonable to suppose that a wife and seven children, two of them married, one to the Granny’s given name was Sarah Sophia, although she was Member No 1271 he was at some time posted as an intern to support Rev. W S Dickey. known as ‘Lily’ so it was slowly becoming apparent that Da- 14 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019

Diana Thomson, OFHS Member 987 My earliest Thomson ancestor of record is my 3rd- where in Orkney3. great-grandfather, William Thomson, who worked as I discovered my connection to William Thomson when the miller at Skaill during the late 1700s and early 1800s. researching my 2nd-great grandfather, Alexander Watt Attempts to establish his birth and death dates and plac- Thomson. His 1809 baptismal and 1872 death records es have so far been unsuccessful. My information about established that he was a “lawful” son and that his par- him has been largely gleaned from the Breckness Estate ents were William Thomson, miller of Skaill, and Ann papers housed at the Orkney Archive and James M. Ir- Ploughman. An 1812 baptismal record confirmed a sec- vine’s book, The Breckness Estate.1 A transcript of a con- ond child born to this couple—Ann Watt Thomson4. tract between William Thomson and William Watt, the The 1821 Sandwick census reveals that Ann Plough- 6th Laird of Skaill, dated June 25, 1790, reads as follows: man, a schoolteacher, aged forty-eight, Alexander, aged William Thomson Miller—According to our former twelve and Ann, aged eight were living at Gorn, Town of agreements to be miller of my miln of Skaill to work all Southerquoy. William Thomson’s name was missing from my Plough work and Harrows and other instruments of the census. The Gorn was located a short distance my farm to mind and make the boxes of my carts and from the croft at Cuppadee where the family is recorded the other parts of my Cart work also to repair and … my as living as early as 18115.Education records show that boats. For which I hereby become “Ann Plowman” had established bound to pay you for the miln the a school at Gorn “on her own eight parts of the oats and sixth adventure” in 18156. It there- part of the Bear … for … and two fore appears likely that William pounds sterling for my ploughs, Thomson died sometime be- harrows, Carts, Boats … I oblige tween his daughter Ann’s birth myself to furnish you in a house in 1812 and 1815. and two planks of Land for a Ann Ploughman was born in debt of twelve shillings sterling Wick, Caithness according to per plank, grass for two cows as the 1841 and 1851 censuses. further encouragement to you Unfortunately, a death record without payment also a … grass has yet to be found for her and on Kierfiold Hill a half dozen a possible 1771 birth record has of lambs if you please to bring I took this photograph in 2006 but understand that the yet to be verified. The details of them and half … of wool in a millstones were removed the following year. Diana Thomson. her life prior to marrying Wil- present yearly to your Wife and liam are unknown other than a any new work in …. joists, doors, Jambs etc about my reference in the previously mentioned education records house and office houses I also become bound to pay you. to her experience as a teacher in Wick, Caithness where This agreement to stand good for this year and the next or she met and married William is also unknown. However, as long as we can agree. I am Yours etc. W. Watt. based on correspondence between William’s laird, Will Sir As I am satisfied with your offer I hereby become Watt and James Traill, the laird of Hobbister, Caithness, bound to fulfil my part in all aspects of this agreement as there is a possibility that William met Ann in Caithness. there is mentioned in the copy prefixed. I am your most Watt had asked Traill if he could send his miller to Hob- Obed. Serv. William Thomson2. bister to learn what was involved in lint milling. Traill Since reference is made to agreements prior to 1790, replied in March 18007. I believe that William may have served William Watt I have hesitated to advise the sending of your miller at (known as Will) from as early as 1787 when Will inher- this time because the season of breaking and sketching the ited the lairdship. Other Breckness Estate papers con- flax is over & the supply of water has become more precar- firmed that, in addition to operating both a grain and a ious by the late dry weather. Nevertheless, if you choose to lint mill at Skaill, William Thomson undertook a wide take a chance of the circumstances that may occur, he may range of other work, including house, barn, mill and boat yet have frequent opportunities of seeing the machinery building, and furniture and coffin making. Other records put in motion in the course of the Spring. revealed that he also leased the Yesnaby millstone quar- William and Ann’s son, Alexander Watt Thomson was ry from the laird, making mill stones for Skaill and else- baptized in Skaill, Sandwick on August 13, 1809 and A Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 15

F died in on April 14, 1872. He had married married Thomas Linklater, a farmer at Don (later Susanna Tait in Stromness on January 4, 1830 and had Breckness), in Stromness on August 1, 1816. I have found four children: Alexander, William, Shusana Laught- baptismal records for twelve children: Thomas, Ann, on and my great grandfather, William Robertson. Margaret, William, Betsy, John, Alexander, Janet, Their daughter, Ann Watt Thomson was baptized in Eliza, Peter Learmonth, Jean Watt and Katherine Skaill, Sandwick on October 7, 1812 and died in Strom- Bell. ness on September 10, 1890. She had married John Betsy Thomson was born circa 1797 and died at Linklater, farmer at Old Voy, Sandwick circa 1833. I Breckness, Stromness on June 8, 1877. She had married have found baptismal records for nine children: John John Allan, a farmer at Mithouse (later Westbigging), Beatton, Margaret Graham Watt, James, Jacob, Sandwick on December 28, 1824. I have found baptismal William, Caroline, Alexander, Ann Jemima Corri- records of six children: Ann, John, William, Robert gal and Jessie. Grant Watt, Thomas Trail Watt, Peter and Margaret. While searching parish baptismal records for Alexan- There may have been other children born to William der Watt and his sister Ann, I came across two entries Thomson and Isabella Muir but I have not been able to which establish that William Thomson had a previous find them in the Sandwick parish records. marriage and family: Where did William Thomson, the miller, come from? It January 7th 1798 was Baptized Isebla Lawfull is my hope that someone reading this article will have the Daughter to William Tamson and Isobell Muir Both answer to this question. L Residenters at Skeall in Sutherquoy. June 5th 1803 was baptized William Lawfull son to References: William Tamson and Isabla Mour (sic) Both Resident- 1. The Breckness Estate, Irvine, James M., published 2009, ISBN ers at Skeall (sic). 0-9544571-3-7. Attempts to trace these two children forward have 2. Orkney Archive: Reference D3/37. been unsuccessful as have been attempts to locate a 3. Orkney Archive: Reference D3/301. marriage record for William and Isabella Muir. Howev- 4. FHL Film 0990510, Church of Scotland, Parish Church of er, I later found two more children born to this couple Sandwick, 1728-1854. through death records—Margaret and Betsy. 5. The Breckness Estate, Irvine, James M., p 223. Margaret Thomson was born circa 1795 and died 6. Orkney Archive: Reference D31/58/7. at New Moan, Sandwick on January 13, 1879. She had 7. Orkney Archive: Reference D3/21

6,500 Sectators at Bignold Park

Still on the subject of football: did you know that a football match at Bignold Park once attracted a crowd of 6.500 spectators? The occasion was in 1942 when a Scottish Command X1 played a local team of ser- vice players. The Scottish Command squad fielded some of the giants of football in a squad captained by the legendary Matt Busby who was a PhysicalTraining Instructor at Flotta. The Scottish Command line-up was:- in goal John Moodie (Raith Rovers); backs: Jimmie Carabine (Third Lanark), Jack Howe (Derby County), Alec Millar (East Fife); half backs: Bobby Hardisty (Wolves), Alec Sharp and George Suth- erland (both Partick Thistle), Jock Thom- son (Everton), Matt Busby Captain; for- wards: Bobby Campbell (Falkirk), Tommy Stromness Athletic Reserves Walker (Hearts), Peter Simpson (East Corsie Cup Winners 1955 Fife), Archie Gourlay (Partick Thistle), With many a face Orkney members will recognise starting with back row L to R: Albert Juliussen (Huddersfield) and Alec Jim Swannie, Willie Muir, Dennis Tait, Jim Taylor, Lesie Flett, Colin Poke. Herd ( City). Front: Billy Sinclair, Thorfin Keldie, Lex Craigie, Jim Sutherland, Gregor Lamb. The Scottish Command squad went on to beat their opponents 10-1. 16 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019

DOZENS OF COUSINS Every picture tells a story. Many of us have, in a box some- where, a family group like this, from a century or so ago. The central characters here happen to be my grandparents – William Firth and Annabella Emslie – with their baby daughter Mary Ann, 2-3 months old. They are photographed at the family farm of Netherbutton, in Holm overlooking . Joining them are Granny and the older children …

By William James Firth. Member No 1910 of Netherbutton circa 1901 … or maybe not? Closer up, the other children look too old, and it seems likely that the “granny” in the photo is not Annie but my granny too young, to fit that scenario. Annie’s mother Eliza. She was living in Greenvale, Kirkwall in No, the other children are Mary Ann’s cousins, as is clear when 1901, and died there in 1905, age given as 80. “Eliza” is holding one looks at the OFHS 1901 census transcription, in which Mary Jeannie, the youngest Firth cousin, born October 1898. Behind Ann was just a month old: them is Samuel and Jane’s oldest dughter, Mary Jane, while the The other chil- other cousins are arranged left to right by age. 1901, Holm, District: 1, Property No: 15 - Netherbutton First cousins share grandparents. Here that means William’s dren belonged to 1. William Firth, (M), 47, Head, Mar, Farmer (0) Firth. my grandfather’s 2. Annabela Firth (F), 24, Wife, Mar. Tankerness. parents Samuel Firth (1820-1893) and Mary Wards (1821-1890). younger brother 3. Mary Ann Firth (F) 0. Dau. 1 month, Holm. Samuel was born in Firth, Mary in Kirkwall. Their grave and 4. Samuel Firth (M) 41 Bro. Wdr. Farmer (O), Kirkwall. gravestone is in St. Magnus churchyard, near the South gate. Samuel and his wife 5. Mary J Firth (F) 14. Niece. S. Holm. Jane Firth, who had 6. James W Firth (M) 12 Nephew. Scholar. Holm. Mary Ann’s other cousins are the offspring of William’s other died just over a year 7. Margaret Firth (F) 10 Niece, Scholar. Holm. siblings, so the next task is to find out about them. 8. John G Firth (M) 7 Nephew. Scholar. Holm. A mason and farmer, Samuel rented land at Netherbutton before. So Mary 9. Annabela Firth (F) 4 Niece. Holm. Ann (and hence 10. Jeannie S Firth (F) 2 Niece. Holm. around 1860 and built the house in the photo. It was complete by my father, who was 1862, because their youngest child, Jemima Jane, was born there born a few years later) had six first cousins living in the same in May 1862. Sadly, she lived only 82 days, and died at “Lower house – and about twenty more in the families of my grandfa- Button” (sic) on 9 August 1862, of a stomach ailment. ther’s older siblings. Big Victorian families meant more cousins Netherbutton was the birthplace of all the children in the photo, than you could shake a stick at! Contrast my own grandchildren, as well as all ten subsequent children of my grandparents, and who each have one sibling and exactly four first cousins. several of The cousin situation of my father and his brothers and sisters the next was unusual, not so much in sheer numbers, but in that they all genera- had the surname Firth, and were all born in Orkney between 1871 tion, in- and 1899. So the wonderful resource base of OFHS is a mine of cluding information about their lives. Which was essential for me, because myself, I knew little about the cousins in the photo, and nothing about the my old- many others, before I joined OFHS about ten years ago. er broth- Before relating what I’ve been able to glean about these Firth er Nor- cousins, I should explain that my Granny Emslie was an only man John child, and hence there are no cousins on her side. She was born Emslie in Tankerness in 1876. Her mother, Annie Flett, was born at Ink- (Ian) and ster in Orphir in 1848, but left Orkney before 1871. Granny was sister Janet brought up by her grandparents, William and Eliza Flett (nee Anabella Louttit). Granny’s is another story (indeed largely a mystery) but (Jean). A Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 17

F Here is a 1945 photograph the three of us at Netherbutton. In in 1913. the background are the eponymous WWII pylons, later the source Perhaps most tragic is Isabella’s Mary Jane: she was in Edin- of Orkney’s first TV signals. burgh with her mother, brother John, and the family in 1901, and OK, digression married Archibald Mackay there in 1903. By 1914 they were in over: how about 1861, Kirkwall, District: 6, Property No: 68 - Bridge Wynd Leith, with three daughters and two sons. Sadly, all three daugh- these twenty old- 1. Samuel Firth, (M), 40, Head, Mar, Mason, Firth ters died early that year. Archie joined the RAMC on the outbreak er cousins I men- 2. Mary W Firth (F), 39 wife, Mar. Kirkwall. of war in August 1914, while the very next month Mary Jane died, 3. John Firth (M) 12. Son. Firth. tioned? Here is my 4. James Firth (M) 11. Son. Firth. in Kirkwall, of acute TB. There is a memorial stone in St Magnus grandfather’s fam- 5. Mary J Firth (F) 10. Dau. Scholar. Firth churchyard for Mary Jane and her daughters. ily in Kirkwall in 6. Isabella Firth (F) 8. Dau. Scholar. Firth 7. William Firth (M) 7. Son, Scholar. Firth. By the 1901 and 1911 censuses many of the cousins had mar- 1861: 8. Samuel Firth (M) 1 Son.Kirkwall. ried and the next generation (my second cousins) was already rep- The family is resented. I’ve found family information on almost all the cousins, complete apart from poor little Jemima Jane, and an earlier Sam- most recently John’s youngest, Jane, 5 months old in 1891. Her uel born October 1855 at Bridge Wynd, who died in August 1858. photo and some of her story appears in Sib Folk News 86, p16. The Samuel listed (middle name Ritch) was born at Bridge Wynd Three cousins proved especially hard to track. Two of the four in 1859. He is the father of the cousins in the 1901 photo. My James Firths, namely John’s (1880, Rendall) and Isabella’s (1885, grandfather William and all his older siblings were born in Firth. St Andrews) are with their parents in 1901, but are not in Scotland All six children listed grew up and married, and all had children in 1911. More tantalisingly, Isabella’s second son Robert (1873) except Mary. She went into domestic service in Edinburgh, even- marries Margaret Barnett in Holm in December 1898, and in 1901 tually marrying a butler called William Shillito. Not till 1899, they are in St Margaret’s Hope, where Robert is a Police Consta- however, so there was never much chance of any Shillito cousins. ble, but neither are in Scotland in 1911. However, I recently found John married Mary Johnston in 1870, and they are farming 35 a Robert, Maggie and James Firth in the 1821 Canada Census acres at Velzian, Rendall in 1871 (with my grandfather working who fit the bill. James is single, while Robert and Maggie are ap- on their farm). Their first child Mary, the oldest cousin, was born parently childless. The other James also went to Canada, in 1911, there on 10 August 1871. Nine more children followed. but had already married in Orkney. His wife Margaret Cooper, Here they are in 1891, now at Kingshouse, Harray: and son James are still in Orkney in the 1911 Census, probably The eagle-eyed because Margaret was pregnant with Georgina, born August 1891, Harray, District: 1, Property No: 30 - Kingshouse might notice that 1911. They were reunited in Canada, but had no further children 1. John Firth, (M), 42. Head, Mar, Farmer, Firth. there are only nine 2. Mary Firth (F), 43. Wife, Mar. (nee Johnston) . by 1921. I’d be delighted to hear from anyone who knows more 3. Mary Firth (F) 19. Dau. S. Rendall. children listed. about them, or indeed any of the Firth cousins mentioned here. 4. John Firth (M) 18 Son. S. Rendall. The tenth, Samuel What happened to the Netherbutton cousins? I already said John 5. William Firth (M) 15. Son. Rendall. age 12, was vis- 6. Catherine Firth (F) 14 Dau. Rendall. George died at 19. His brother James married Mary Robertson. 7. James Firth (M) 10 Son, Scholar. Harray. iting relatives at They had one son, John b1924. James died in 1968.The oldest sis- 8. David Firth (M) 8 Son. Scholar. Harray. Midland, Rendall ter, Mary Jane, married William Kirkpatrick of Walls. They went 9. Robert Firth (M) 6 Son. Harray. 10. Peter Firth (M) 4 Son. Harray. on Census date. to Canada, from where William enlisted and fought in Belgium, 11. Jane Firth (F) 0. Dau. (5 months). Harray. So that’s ten Firth earning the Croix de Guerre. Sadly, he died in Montreal in 1920, apparently of war-related causes. They had no children, and Mary cousins in John’s 1891, Holm, District: 3, Property No: 56 - Old School Jane returned to Orkney. She died in 1967, and is buried in Holm. family. 1. James Firth, (M), 41, Head, Mar, Mason, Firth Margaret married Peter Guthrie at Netherbutton in 1916. She died There’s more! 2. Isabella Firth (F), 38 wife, Mar. Holm. in 1974, Peter in 1972, and they are buried in Stromness. Anna- James married 3. Margaret J Firth (F) 14. Dau. Scholar, Holm. 4. James Firth (M) 12 Son. Scholar, Holm. bella married her first cousin (mother’s side) John Firth in 1938. Isabella Leask at 5. Peter S Firth (M) 10. Son. Scholar,. Holm. (They were also second cousins on their fathers’ sides.) They Newark, Holm in lived at Midland, Rendall until John died in 1957. Bella returned December 1872. They had a mere three children: Isabella married to Holm, and lived until she was 90. She was the last surviving John Firth at “Lower Button” in December 1871. John was a son Netherbutton cousin, because her younger sister Jeannie died in of Robert Firth and Betsy Cleat of Quoys, St Andrews. Isabella Canada in 1929, just two years after marrying Alex Rendall. They gave birth to eight children before John died in 1888 (though Is- had no children. In fact, these six cousins produced only a handful abella b1876 lived only three days). In 1891 Isabella and most of children between them. Lastly, I should relate that Mary Ann of her remaining died in infancy. I remember my father telling us about his oldest 1891, St Adrews, Dist: 2, Prop No: 18 - Moss Sinclair 1. family were in St. sister whose nightdress had caught fire, and who’d died of burns 1. Isabella Firth, (F), 41, Head, Wid, Crofter, Firth. Andrews: 2. Robt Firth (M), 17 Son. Gen Labourer, St Andrews. (nearly two years before he was born). That was in January 1905, 3. Elizabeth Firth (F) 13. Dau. , St Andrews. John Firth (18), just before her 4th birthday. Until the family photo featured here 4. William Firth (M) 10. Son. Scholar, St Andrews. working on a near- emerged in 2018, she seemed to me somehow just an idea - a little 5. Mary Firth (F) 10. Dau. Scholar, St Andrews. by farm, is almost 6. James Firth (M) 6. Son. Scholar, St Andrews. girl with a charming name, her sad fate chiselled in granite on her 7. Samuel Firth (M) 4. Son. St Andrews. certainly Isabella’s parents’ gravestone in Holm. Now she seems much more real, and oldest son. should take a central place in our family history. Summing up (literally) that’s 27 first cousins, all Firths, for Every Picture tells a story, but some tell many stories. Mary Ann at her birth in 1901. Not all had survived. Apart from If any member has anything to add to this tale I would little Isabella, John’s son Samuel had died in 1900 age 22. Isa- be delighted to hear from them. You can email me at: bella’s William was killed in the Boer War in April 1901, when [email protected] aged 20, just weeks before the family photo. Several others also died young, notably John George, age 7 in the photo, who died William James Firth, June 2019 L 18 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Summer 2019

Article suggested by Marion Cursiter, Member No 597 4-7-21. Lat. 22.01N. Long. 74.25W. Distance 283. Lovely I hasten to add that the U.S. side is dry but Panama very weather. Getting on deck about 8am I could see land on wet. Fruit is very cheap. Bank of Scotland notes drop 15 to port side and we have been in sight of land (islands) all 20 cents. Had a nice supper and a game of billiards with a day; they are the West India Islands. Passed quite close to shipmate - I beat him by 7! . It has a on its most Southerly point. We got aboard about 11 laden with bananas, coconuts, pine- We hope to reach Colon lying near the Atlantic entrance of apples etc. The M.O. will not be in his best form of social the Panama Canal on Thursday; Panama is at the other. A behaviour to-morrow; a day in port usually creates medical whist drive to-night, fancy dress ball tommorrow, concert on attention the following day. Bedtime. Wednesday night. . 8-7-21. The siren woke me this morning. Washed, dressed, 85-7-21. Lat. l7.16N. Long. 75.33W. Distance 306. It has on deck, but am just a bit too late to see our entry to the been calm all day; no land in sight. This fancy dress has Canal. Lovely scenery on both sides. We are being pulled been a great success. The competitors formed on the after- along by two electric clutchers; they run on a single rail deck at 8pm, marched along all decks with pipe music. The 6 ins. wide, serrated to give driving power; there are two M.C. kept them busy till 9 and the dancing was kept going clutchers on each side. Now we come to the Gatun Lock. till 6 bells. Mr Little (a cabin mate) won 2nd prize as Father The Pakeha has to be Time. I can see the Pole Star is getting vey near the brink lifted about 30 feet - the now: the Southern Cross will be showing face very soon water being pumped now. Off to bed. and it only took 4 mins 6-7-21. Lat. l3.08N. Long. 77.37W. Distance 275. Fresh to do it. When there’s breeze. going very steady. A young child died of dysentery enough water the bell this morning. I have been busy with the pen to-day prepar- rings on the lock and the ing for land again as we hope to reach Colon to-morrow. I clutchers are away with don’t know if we are getting shore leave or not. The con- Gatun Lock, Colon, Panama us again. We go up two cert was quite a success this evening, a varied programme more lifts, each 30 to 40 ft. The lake is getting quite narrow enjoyed by all. and we are soon passing through a more level countryside; 7-7-21. Colon. Coming on deck this morning I could see a about 20 natives cutting grass with scythes. Hello, there’s long range of mountains on starboard side about 20 miles the gong for lunch. The town of Panama is not visible as distant, but as we steam along the land becomes lower and it stands on low ground and a sloping hillock shutters our we leave the mountains dimly visible on the skyline. The view. We can see Bilboa on the port side, then we sail out on pilot comes aboard at 9.15 and we have land on either the vast Pacific with a number of wee islands on either side. side. On the starboard dense woods, beautiful trees casting Good-bye to the Panama, the world’s greatest engineering reflecting shadows down the valleys - a picture for an artist feat, where countless lives were sacrified. There’s the tea - oh, for a brush! On the port we have a lighthouse with the bell. I am on first sitting this week. After tea we pass the time industrial side of town to the rear. The tug comes along- viewing the sunset, the sea like a sheet of glass. There is little side about 10 and make fast by 10.30 and starts coaling. It or no twilight now and quite dark by 7pm. I was sitting in is indeed very interesting to watch the coaling process all the smoke-room when Mrs Donnelly asked me to come done by electricity, no dust whatsoever - a wonderful piece and see the Southern Cross. Sure, and there it is and dead of mechanical structure. One bunker pipe is capable of ahead. It has two stars termed pointers; I will try to place passing 700 tons of coal in 20 minutes and the trucks are them as I see them to-night. First sighted at 6.30pm. Lat. 7 always at the ready. They come up the one line and back the .58N. Long. 79.43W. The two pointers direct just like the other, keep going in a circle. It certainly is great to stand by Pole Star to the plough or Great Bear. Willie of South Veo and see it all in motion. There are quite a number of planes asked me to get our position when sighting the Cross; well, buzzing overhead now. It was a heavy thunderstorm this there you are Willie. One of S.S. & A.Co. boats passed us aternoon lasting about 3 hours. We went ashore after tea. on starboard this evening bound for England from N.Z. America (by King’s R.R. s) is dry but no sign of drought 9-7-21. Lat. 5.15N. Long. 82.06 W. Distance 280. this afternoon. Colon is a much smaller town than Norfolk. Typical Pacific weather to-day, sea like glass with a slightA Issue No.91 Summer 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 19

F wind. A baby died this morning at 4 from sunstroke seated on his left dressed in something similar. It was amus- and was committed to the deep at 4.45pm. The ship ing to see the policeman chasing the stewards around but stopped dead for 1 minute when the coffin was put over the near failing to get his man. He was simply dragged along the starboard quarter with the flag flying at half mast. A burial deck and up before the Judge, who passed sentence; then he at sea is very impressive, no speck of land visible, nothing was marched before but the vastness of the mighty deep. The Captain took the the doctor who sound- service: ‘The trumpet shall sound and they also shall come ed him all over with forth’ Sad to say there is another child very ill. an instrument similar We expect to cross the Line about 9.30pm so we will to a foghorn, taking have two Sundays next week. Neptune will most conven- his temperature with iently delay his visit till Monday; only the crew was allowed a thermometer which to participate in the usual reception. I believe the sailors was about 2ft long, so are looking forward to giving the Chief Steward a good his mouth was taxed ducking! The sun is now North of us and we can expect to the utmost extent. some real cold weather ahead of us. The captain hopes to They all had to swal- reach Wellington in 2 wks 5 days so we are getting on. He Typical ‘Crossing the Line’ antics low a tablet and a glass is a very nice gentleman and I think all the officers are of of liquid before leaving and to judge by appearances this had the same calibre. It is now 9.20pm, with you it will be 4am not been very palatable. He was then put in the barber’s chair Sunday. There are some afternoons we think the stewards and lathered with a white-wash brush; the barber shaved him have surely forgotten to ring the bell - then learn the clock with a wooden razor 2ft long. The photographer is standing has gone in reverse. by with the professional head-covering and also a hole in the 10-7-21. Lat. 0.33N. Long. 85. 10W. Distance 289. Sun- front of his camera for spouting dirty water. The barber’s day School for the children at 10am. Gospel Service on the chair is elevated over the bath, the catch is withdrawn and the afterdeck at 6.30, commenced by singing the 100th psalm, a customer thrown into the bath back first, immediately caught good attendance for a change. Nothing marked the event but by 4 sailors and given a real good plunging. Some of the lads we have just crossed the Line. This is the coldest day we have were not more than 15, but they all seemed happy when it had. You will no doubt think this is a bit off the dotted line! At was all over. this season of the year the sun is slightly to the North of the I was kindly invited out for supper this evening by Mr Line so we don’t get it so warm on the Line. and Mrs Reid and enjoyed their company and supper. They 11-7-21. Lat. 1.50S Long. 88.54W. Distance 302. Ideal are Scotch and have a wee boy. The moon is just about right weather; to use a nautical term, ‘Just the weather we signed overhead to-night, dark, feecy clouds scudding over now. I’ll on for’. A lady went into hospital this afternoon with a poi- away to bed. soned toe, must have it amputated, I believe. A concert and 13-7-21. Lat. l7.26S. Long. 97.5 1W. Distance 302. A dance on the aterdeck this evening - it had been going on lady fell downstairs this morning, severely hurt, I believe. 2 for about half an hour when the news spread that Neptune wee boys detained in sick-bay with dysentery. The children was on the bridge, talking to the captain asking how many were treated to afternoon tea in the saloon to-day, tastefully passengers and crew he had aboard who had never crossed bedecked with flags. Lots of flying fish seen to-day; they are his domain. He received the desired information , came aft about the size of a cuithe, they rise just clear of the surface, with a lifeboat lamp in his hand and disappeared over the always fly to windward. It was quite dark at 6.30 this evening. starboard rail. We could see the light burning for an hour A whist drive at 8pm, 3rd entry - well worth it for the supper. afterwards flashing like a lighthouse between the swells, but 14-7-21. Lat. 1O.l4S. Long. 102.20W. Distance 315. I guess old Neptune is safely aboard the Pakeha, but a good Racing along all day with following sea. We are doing more show. He will be coming aboard to-morrow again to shave miles now with the cooler weather - the stokers feel more and bath the crew and talk to the children. The Pole Star has inclined to use the shovel. There is a Masonic meeting in the disappeared‚ the Plough or Great Bear still visible but now saloon this evening, about 25 aboard, I believe. They might very low on the horizon. at least have had their wives along to dinner, but Mr Reid 12-7-21. Lat. 4.35S. Long. 93.31W. Distance 322. I asked if I would look after his wife during his absence - “Of was only just up in time for breakfast this morning - had course I’ll be delighted”. We had a nice cup of tea, snaps and to wash in the cabin. Fried fish (cod) but it had not been biscuits and cheeses - which we managed to hold against a hooked yesterday. We are having lovely weather now, a very strong offensive! It sure is a scramble when biscuits and bracing cool of wind chasing us all the way. I was in a quoits cheeses appear. It is 4 weeks to-day since we left England, match to-day from 9.30 till 11.30, then didn’t get into the another 2 weeks should see us arrive at our destination. final; about 60 took part. 15-7-21. Lat. l3.00S. Long. l06.54W. Distance 316. We Neptune came aboard with all his staff (mermaids) at are now in the famous Trade-winds, only they are favourable, 2pm prompt. The captain saw them to the aterdeck, bowing blowing about 2 points abaft the beam . There was a concert them to a seat. Then the Judge, Magistrate, Policeman, on the afterdeck this evening - a huge success. barber, Photographers, 4 sailors to bath the transgressors, 16-7-21. Lat. 15.32S. Long. l13.6W. Distance 313. Strong all appeared. The unfortunate stewards sure had a ducking. wind all day with following sea. A number have been marked But the combined efforts of crew and police failed to locate absent in the saloon to-day, but I enjoyed my dinner to-day the Chief Steward. Father Neptune was dressed mostly in - steak and kidney pie with new tatties; they know when to rope yarn, with a crown of tin, holding a weapon in his right cook a decent meal - when there’s a slight motion! The hand resembling an ancient fork. His mermaids were all barometer is coming down to almost 29, the sky looks A 20 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91l Summer 2019

F like a blow, but still going fairly steady. The Athentic is There was to have been a dance on the afterdeck this three days astern of us; the wireless picked up the message evening, but the deck is doing a bit of a dance all by itself. this morning. I expect she will be in Wellington before us, 21-7-21. Lat. 27.148. Long. l36.04W. Distance 312. being of the White Star. We expect to see Pitcairn Island on Children’s sports at 10am, fancy dress parade at 2.30pm. A Tuesday; it is reckoned 9 days from there to Wellington. children’s concert on the afterdeck was also a huge success, 17-7-21. Lat. l8.04S. Long. 116.29W. Distance 319. one little one danced the sailors’ hornpipe. A whist drive in Children’s service in the tweendeck at 10am. Gospel ser- the saloon at 7.30. it was quite dark by 6 this evening. vice on the afterdeck at 6.30pm. which was well attended. 22-7-21. Lat. 29.3 lS. Long. 14l.38W. Distance 324. Fair There’s a choir formed now, the conductor Mr Irvine (a wind with following sea till 1pm. Then it went up S-W with Scot). A full moon this evening, a smooth sea, but nothing lots of rain till 6pm, then it cleared with a blow. There was else in sight. The concluding hymn was “Father hear us a jumble sale in the saloon at 2.30, Mr Freeborne, 4th when we pray”. Our thoughts carry us away to the land of officer acting as auctioneer. I bought a shirt for 2/- and gave our birth and of loved ones left there. When my brother, it to Mr Donnelly as he doesn’t have too many and it will Andrew, left the old home, Clestrain, in1908, he passed the be some time before his wife can make one. The proceeds hymnary to Mother open at ‘Peace, perfect Peace’ which go to sailors’ orphanage; the sale will be continued to-mor- she treasured all her life. row, weather permitting. There has been a whist drive this 18-7-21. Lat. 21 .41S. Long. 121.23W. Distance 319. evening, first prize - 7/6. We had an inspection of our lug- Strong wind to-day and Pakeha is rolling slightly, but can still gage to-day; till we reach Wellington - one more week and stand on one leg - my right! There was a whist drive at 8pm the capital will be ahead and in view. and finished at 10pm. We passed theS.S.Durham on our port 23-7-21. Lat. 3l.28S. Long. l47.l0W. Distance 309. Beauti- side about 8.30am (one of the Shire Line). She left Liver- ful weather, but cold; lots of passengers rubbing hands and pool on June 6th so I am glad I am not aboard Durham. The making no end of fuss. The jumble sale was continued this Pakeha holds the record for cargo boats so far: can do 13.5. morning and realised £17 which was considered very good. Pakeha did the last trip in 35 days - steaming days. I have just come down from the concert, a huge success. A 19-7-21. Lat. 23.06S. Long. l26.09W. Distance 302. number of humorous songs and also of sentimental. Miss We haven’t gone as far as yesterday. There’s a head sea and Thomson did the Highland Fling and her sister the horn- the propellor is whirring in the air too much. We are in the pipe. A lovely evening this now, the partly waned moon vicinity of Pitcairn Island. You will no doubt have read the rising in a cloudless sky. We all hope this will be the last Sat. story, descendents of the mutineers. There has been a fancy night aboard. If we can maintain our speed we should be in dress ball this evening again, more competition this time; Wellington on Friday. Wireless messages can now be sent to the sea has gone down otherwise there would not have been any part of N.Z. at the reduced rate of 1/2 a word. 10.30pm so many on the floor. I was up in the saloon this afternoon with us (Sat) with you at home it will be 9.30 on Sunday seeing Mrs Donnelly who had the op. a short time ago; she morning. The Southern Cross is almost overhead now - isn’t progressing too well; the wound is festering for lack of what a marvellous creation. attention and dressing; the surgeon is spending too much 24-7-21. Lat. 35.44S. Long. l52.48W. Distance 316. A time trotting young ladies around. The old doctor came in dull, dark morning with a North wind and lots of lightning. while I was there. Mrs Donnelly introduced us. He asked The ship is plunging; the propellor can be heard above the what part of Scotland I belonged to. He enjoys a yarn; he noise of the waters. Most of the passengers are in bunk hop- has visited Kirkwall and been up the Cathedral. His broth- ing for a better day to-morrow. I saw an albatross winging er’s wife comes from , so the world isn’t so large very low to-day which is a sure warning of heavy weather, after all. He and I were on the prom deck when the quar- I believe. A young girl was thrown down stairs to-day and termaster came along to take the temperature of the water; narrowly escaped being seriously hurt; they will appreciate it has to be entered daily in the ship’s log; the temperature fine weather after this blow. I am writing this in the dining was 72 degrees while the air was 66 degrees - it has fallen saloon and I expect the lights to go out any minute, only since yesterday; that is quite a sudden drop. It will fall an- they usually give 5 minutes warning. The deadlights are other 10 degrees before we reach Wellington. all down to-night. Hello, there’s 4 bells, 10pm. This brings 20-7-21. Lat. 25.118. Long. 130.42W. Distance 285. I was another Sunday to a close ‘‘The day Thou gavest, Lord, is awakened by someone asking if I wanted to see Pitcairn Is- ended, The sun sinks neath the Western sky, And hour by land. I dressed and went on deck. The island is about 3 miles hour sweet voices raising Thy wondrous praises heard on distant on the port side but the boats are already alongside High”. disposing of fruit, souvenirs etc. I bought one or two things 25-7-21. Lat. 35.46S. Long. 57.39W. Distance 268. The extremely cheaply. There are 175 inhabitants on the island, Storm has abated to-day, only the wind is still ahead, we are and 2 women for every man. Pitcairn sent 4 men to the a good bit behind our usual run owing to the head sea. An Great War and 2 returned. They sold a lot of oranges and all engineer had two of his gangers badly bruised to-day. I hear sorts of fruit, but the oranges are lovely - thin skin and full of there are seven cases of scarlet fever aboard and one girl juice, also preserved bananas; it was all very cheap. Money is operated on for diphtheria. This doesn’t sound too cheer- of very little value to them being so isolated; clothing is more ful now at the end of the voyage; we may go quarantine in their line. We only stopped for an hour. They got 2 bags of for two days. A whist drive this evening. Very cold now - flour, some frozen meat etc. When they pushed off from the had a shower of hailstones this afternoon. L ship’s side they began singing ‘We shall meet bye and bye’. Read the final instalment of Thomas’s journey in Their boats are about 16ft keel, skiff rig, staysail and main- the Winter edition of Sib Folk News sail, but not too much peak in the mainsail. Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 21

By Wayne Crooks, Member No 4357 In the Westside Cemetery on Westray there is a headstone “General Merchant.” There is a Masters Certificate of Service issued in 1851 to a “ERECTED BY CAPT WILLIAM TULLOCH IN William Tulloch indicating 30 years of service in the British MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED WIFE JANET GRAY Merchant Service in Coastal & Foreign Trade. This certificate WHO DIED OCT 1st 1868 AGED 57 YEARS AND has the holder’s birth as 10 May 1798 in Ronaldshay, and may THEIR TWO CHILDREN JAMES TULLOCH DIED or may not be him. 5th JANY 1833 AGED 2 YEARS BARBRA TULLOCH I cannot find any William Tullochs born 10 May 1798. There are DIED 16th MARCH 1841 AGED 3 YEARS. several born in 1797 and 1798, but these were in Sanday, and he said in the 1851 Census that he was born in Westray. The other children of William Tulloch and Janet Gray Numerous people in family trees have him born in 1804 or 1805, were William Tulloch (born 23 Dec 1831, died 26 Nov 1900 presumably working back from the census info, and his parents in South Australia), Ann Tulloch (b 1835), Mary Tulloch (b as James Tulloch and Elizabeth Meal. However this cannot be 1842), David Tulloch (b 1845), Thomas Tulloch (b 1847) and correct unless he had forgotten his age by the time he arrived in Jemimah Tulloch (b 1851). South Australia. The census information and his death details William Tulloch the son (1831-1900) went to South Australia are not consistent at all. and married Esther Armstrong who was from the Scottish Bor- As an aside, one of Captain William Tulloch and Janet Gray’s daugh- ders area. He had a colourful career as a sea captain along the ters, Mary born 1842, cracked a mention in Issue 88 of Sib Folk News. west coast of South Australia (Port Adelaide to Fowlers Bay). In the article Meet the Rendalls of Noltland in Westray, from 150 years They are my great great grandparents. ago‚ she is noted as the wife of George Rendall and that they had 9 I am trying to find out who my great great great grandfather children and moved to New South Wales, Australia. Captain William Tulloch was, or more to the point when he was I would be very grateful for any information which can help born and who his parents were. ascertain when Captain William Tulloch was born and who his I have plenty of evidence to show that after his wife Janet Gray parents were. If any of my fellow members can helpmy email had died in 1868, he travelled to South Australia in 1872 (at address is: [email protected] the age of 74) to join his sons William, David & Thomas. He Wayne Crooks Member No 4357 died in Woodville South Australia on 28 September 1894 at the age of 96. Newspaper notices and his headstone in Chelten- ham South Australia attest to this. A notice in the Adelaide Observer of Sat 29 September 1894:

The late Mr William Tulloch. Death from senile decay at Waverley House, Woodville. Father of Captain Tull- och, the well known master of the coasting schooner Wollomai. Came to the colony twenty two years ago in the St Vincent at 74 years of age. Formerly a sea captain. Left 3 sons and 2 daughters. Nice Photo of the Stromness Babies Working back from there things get a bit murky. From the but it is not Nurse Mowat death details he should have been born in 1797 or 1798. says George Burgher, Member No 101. To be sure he has The 1841 Census has William and Janet at Pow, Westray and checked it out with Barbara Littlejohn who confirms that her William age 35, occupation “Fisher”. This could mean up to age mother, Nurse Mowat, did not start nursing in Stromness until 39, but only gets his birth back to 1802, so not old enough. The late 1947 or ‘48. 1851 Census has them at the same address and William age George also reckons that the photo is from 1943 and not 47, which would imply he was born around 1804, occupation 1942. “Merchant Grocer”. It indicates he was born at Westray. In So who is the nurse? some of our members must know. the 1861 census he was evidently not at home, but Janet and Original photo appeared in Dec 2018 with names in Summer 2019 four of the children were recorded at New Pow and Janet as a 22 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.91 Autumn 2019

The man who raised the

Ernest German Fleet Frank Cox b.1883 (Well most of it d.1959 anyway)

Ernest Frank Guelph Cox, the rights to salvage SMS the eleventh son of a Wol- Hindenburg and SMS verhampton draper, left Seydlitz, and 26 destroy- school at thirteen and stud- ers. The two heavy ships ied electrical engineering were both accessible from in his spare time. He was the surface and Cox’s idea employed as Engineer at a was to raise the Hinden- Wolverhampton power sta- burg and use it as a float- tion by the age of eighteen, ing platform from which moving to the post of Assis- to enable salvage of the tant Engineer at Leaming- other ships. This was ulti- ton, and from there to Ryde mately to prove impracti- Corporation on the Isle of cal, as several attempts to Wight. From Ryde he moved lift the Hindenburg end- to Hamilton in Lanarkshire, ed in failure, due to the at the age of twenty-three, hulk’s instability and the moving yet again, this time likelihood of its capsizing to Wishaw in Lanarkshire whilst being pumped out, as Chief Engineer, aged just as it was sitting on rock twenty-four. It was here and not shingle as had Photo: Orkney Library and Archive in 1907 that Cox married been first supposed. the daughter of Wishaw Councillor Miller, the owner of He took his ex-German floating dock, and sectioned it to Overton Forge, a Lanarkshire steelworks, and joined the salvage the first of his destroyers, which was then cleaned firm as a partner. Unable to leave his post at the power and converted into a floating workshop. His team was station, he carried out both jobs simultaneously. In 1913 composed of local labour supporting a core of hired divers he set up the firm of Cox and Danks Ltd, with his wife’s and skilled salvage men from all over Scotland; they were cousin Tommy Danks as a silent partner and financier. soon raising a destroyer every four to six weeks. Heart- Cox’s need for capital was met by Danks, who sought a ened by this, Cox bought the rights to the remainder of way to increase his inheritance without personal involve- the sunken fleet, and proceeded to lift the ment in business. SMS Moltke which was upside down in shallow water, by The firm was well positioned to profit from large muni- filling it with air. It was towed to Rosyth on the Firth of tions manufacturing contracts during . The Forth for scrapping. This basic technique would be used end of hostilities opened new and lucrative opportunities repeatedly on many ships of the fleet. It was during this in scrap and metal salvage, enabling Cox to open a new stage of the project that his venture suffered a severe business in , and buy out his partner Danks’ blow; the price of scrap metal collapsed, finally stabilis- interests by 1920. In 1921 Cox had branched out into ing at a quarter of its previous value. Whilst sufficient shipbreaking, including two British HMS profit remained to ensure a chance of breaking even, the Erin and HMS Orion and some ex-German naval items sunken fleet no longer represented the cash rich harvest including a large floating dock taken as reparation fol- that it once had. Indeed, the price of scrap remained de- lowing the of the German prior pressed until 1937, well after Cox had effectively retired to the Armistice. from salvage. In 1924 he turned his attention to the wreckage of the A plain spoken and often blunt man, Cox was known for High Seas Fleet, scuttled at its moorings in Scapa Flow his explosive temper; he was respected by his workers as in late June 1919. Though initially written off by the being brilliant, hard-working and stubborn to the point British Admiralty as unsalvageable, the rises in the price of pig-headedness. He did not spare either his workers of scrap metal had changed the value of the wrecks mak- or himself during the eight years he remained at Scapa ing them profitable to lift, based on Cox’s estimates of the Flow. He kept his business afloat by common sense and quantity of high quality Krupp steel armour alone. good judgement, such as the salvage of coal from the His initial investment was to buy from the Admiralty wreck of the Seydlitz to provide fuel for his machineryA Issue No.91 Autumn 2019 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 23 during the General Strike of 1926. This was balanced by water and beached. acts of ego, such as the re-sinking of the Seydlitz after Earnest Cox subsequently purchased 26 of the destroyers and it had been successfully lifted early, as he had arranged 2 of the bigger ships including the battlecruiser Hindenberg, one for the press to be present on the day that it had been of the largest ships in the Kaiser’s navy. scheduled to be raised. Considered a ‘showman’ by his During the late 20s and early 30s Cox raised 35 of the scuttled contemporaries, Cox was happy to allow the recording of ships. some of the works in progress at by reporters and Today seven wrecks still remain – the Cöln, Dresden,Brumer, photographers, including film shot for newsreel. Karlsruhe, Kronprinz Wilhelm. the König and the Markgraf and By May 1932, Cox had raised the SMS draw divers from all over the world to Orkney again and again. Moltke, SMS Seydlitz, SMS Von der Tann, and SMS Hin- Earlier this year the three battleships Markgraf, König and denburg; the battleships SMS Kaiser and SMS Prinzre- Kronprinz Wilhelm were sold on Ebay for £25,000 each to a gent Luitpold, and the light cruiser SMS Bremse. Middle Eastern Company The cruiser Karlsruhe was also sold In 1932 Cox sold the marine salvaging side of his busi- for £8,500 to a private bidder in England. L ness to Alloa Shipbreaking, and retired from marine sal- vage. The Prinzregent Luitpold was the last ship that he raised in Orkney, despite having bought the rights to Book# to mark salvage SMS Bayern, sunk at Scapa in 20 fathoms. the centenary His yard at Lyness employed 200 workers at the peak of his business, and he was noted for granting holidays of the great with pay during times of financial hardship. #cuttle in While Cox’s record was impressive subsequent compa- nies who operated from 1930–1971 proved to be much Scapa Flow more commercially successful than Cox. Scuttle to Salvage, Author Nicholas Jellicoe, At the end of eight years of intensive work in the Flow RRP £19.99 his company made a loss of £10,000. The demise of the German High Seas Fleet in Ernest Cox died in 1959 at the age of seventy-six. Scapa Flow is a concise, pictorial story of two monumental events in global history: the biggest single shipping loss the world has known; and the largest salvage operation ever attempted.

The Great Scuttle, The End of the German High Seas Fleet, Author David Meara, RRP £14.99 This book follows the events of 21st June 1919 when a group of schoolchildren witness the scuttling of more than fifty German ships in Scapa Flow. The Last Days of the High Seas Fleet, Author Nicholas Jellicoe, RRP £25.00 A Tom Kent photo. Kirkwall Library and Archive Nearly half a million tons and fifty-four warships were scuttled on a calm summer’s day in a gesture of Wagnerian proportions. This year marks the centenary of the scuttling of the German For the Royal Navy this destruction was eventually accounted a High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow on the 21st June 1919. blessing: for the Germans, the stain of surrender expunged. But Of the 74 ships moored in the Flow, 16 of the capital ships, 5 at the time this cataclysmic event was seen as ‘the greatest act of the 8 cruisers and 32 of the 50 destroyers were scuttled. The of naval self-immolation ever known’. remainder either remained afloat or were towed to shallower Book details supplied by the Orcadian Bookshop, Kirkwall This article, which marks the centenery of ‘the great scuttle’, was suggested by Alistair McEwan, Scotland’s War 1914-1918 winter issue Our winter issue will be published in December and I hope that we have enough articles to fill it. It is usually the most difficult newsletter to fill so I hope that you will all rally round to help make this a great issue. If I get enough extra material to kickstart the March issue that will be even better. It’s the usual drill. Articles should be sent as a Word doc or mac file. Leave unformatted and single spaced. Any photos should be sent as ‘good quali- ty’ high res jpgs. I will produce a suitable heading graphic for your article. I would need your article by October 26th and it should be emailed to me at [email protected] all about the Orkney Family History Society

The Orkney Family History Society was WEBSITE www.orkneyfhs.co.uk NEW MEMBERS. DOWNLOAD THESE AND formed in 1997 and is run by a committee of On our website you will find a directory list- SEND WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION volunteers. ing all members together with contact de- Visit www.orkneyfhs.co.uk/docs/mempack. It is similar to societies operating worldwide tails to allow those with similar interests to pdf where you will find a New Membership where members share a mutual interest in correspond with each other if they wish. It is Application form and a blank Family Tree. family history and help each other with re- packed with a wealth of helpful material in- Please complete and send with subscription search and, from time to time, assist in spe- cluding information on resource materials, to The Treasurer. See address below. cial projects concerning the countless records census returns, monumental inscriptions, EXISTING MEMBERS CAN RENEW ONLINE and subjects available to us all in finding our photos, family trees etc., together with the roots. current and every past copy of our 24 page Log in and use link from My Details on the magazine – Sib Folk News – which is pub- members’ page if you want to renew this way. The main objectives are: lished 4 times a year. Have a look at issue No CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE 1 To establish a local organisation for the 81. It contains an article by our webmaster, We regret we are no longer able to accept for- study, collection, analysis and sharing of in- Dave Higgins, which shows you how to navi- eign currency cheques or postal orders and formation about individuals and families in gate and familiarise yourself with the site. request that you pay by card in future. Orkney. We are always looking for articles and photo UK members may pay by Bankers Order and can have this treated as a Gift Aid donation. 2 To establish and maintain links with other graphs of interest for our newsletter. A stamped addressed envelope should be in- Forms available on request family history groups and genealogical socie- Cheques should be made payable to:- ties throughout the UK and overseas. cluded if these are to be returned. Back cop- ies of the magazine can be purchased at - £1 ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 3. To establish and maintain a library and per copy. and forwarded to The Treasurer other reference facilities as an information re- Orkney Family History Society, source for members and approved subscrib- INHOUSE RESEARCH Orkney Library & Archive, 44 Junction Road, ers. We can usually undertake research for mem- Orkney, KW15 1AG Scotland 4. To promote study projects and special bers who live outwith Orkney but this is de- Tel 01856 879207 interest groups to pursue approved assign- pendent on the willingness of our island General enquires should be addressed to the office or to ments. members giving up their spare time to help. Any costs incurred, such as fees for certif- TREASURER GEORGE GRAY We are located on the upper floor of the Kirk- [email protected] wall Library next to the archives department icates, will require to be reimbursed by the and are open Mon–Fri 2pm–4.30pm and Sat member. GENERAL SECRETARY JACKIE HARRISON [email protected] 11am–4.30pm. NEW MEMBERS RESEARCH SECRETARY Our own library, though small at the Membership of the Society is through sub- moment, holds a variety of information Enquiries should be sent to George Gray until a scription and runs for a period of 12 months new research secretary is appointed. including: from the date of application. The IGI for Orkney on microfiche. EDITOR SIB FOLK NEWS JOHN SINCLAIR Our magazine, Sib Folk News, is available [email protected] The Old Parish Records on microfilm. to members every three months unless they WEBSITE www.orkneyfhs.co.uk The Census Returns on microfilm tran- have agreed to ‘opt out’ (see rate structure) as scribed on to a computer database. all issues are now available online. COPYRIGHT Articles and graphics in the newsletter are Family Trees. RATE STRUCTURE the copyright of the society and its authors Emigration and Debtors lists. Membership categories and subscription and may not be reproduced without permis- Letters, Articles and stories concerning £10.00 1. STANDARD sion of the editor. Orkney and its people. For all UK members (includes a copy of Sib The Society is a registered charity in Scotland and a member of the Scottish Association of Hudson’s Bay Company information. Folk News) and overseas members who opt out of receiving the magazine. Family History Societies. Graveyard Surveys (long term project). The Society’s newsletter, Sib Folk News is This material is available to members for ‘in £15.00 2. OVERSEAS registered with the British Library under the Includes a copy of Sib Folk News sent by house’ research by arrangement. serial number ISSN 1368-3950 surface mail. The Orkney Family History Society is a Locally we have a Members’ Evening, most registered charity in Scotland SCO26205 months, with a guest speaker. £18.00 3. OVERSEAS Includes Sib Folk News sent Airmail.

Some of the volunteers you will meet when you come to the Orkney Family History Society