My Rogart Connections

The Rogart Connections of Christine F Stokes (nee Murray)

From Rhemusaig

Details begin here

Photograph taken from Inchcape, looking down towards Torbreck

and from Torbreck

Use Labels on right to view each entry

updated 17/03/2016

William Murray & Isabella Mackay

William was baptised on 26th August 1746 at Sallach, (Sallachton) Golspie, son of a Donald Murray.

His wife Isabella was born circa 1753 and is reputed to be the daughter of an Alexander Mackay.

William and Isabella had at least the following children:
DONALD MURRAY, born circa 1770 Golspie - married Margaret Mackay - lived at Rhemusaig
JAMES MURRAY, born 1786 - married Elspet Mackay - lived at Kinnauld

Sallach or Sallachton, known as the muddy town, was in the area of Culmaily, Golspie. Around 1809 the Countess of Sutherland began the re-organisation of her estates. Kirkton, Culmaily and Drummuie were destined to become large modern farms. Prior to this the area had had numerous groups of small tenants who farmed such suitable parts of earth as they could find but the greater part of the area, including and in particular, Sallach, was marshy and badly in need of proper drainage. Young and Sellar, who the Countess had employed to action the modernisation, put forward plans for this area. To make their plans work they required to rid themselves of the many tenants, sub-tenants and cottars on the land. Colonel Sutherland held the wadset on part of Culmailie including the meal mill which was home to our Murray family. He did object but lost his land to the improvers. 

A census taken on the Culmaily area in 1810, at the beginning of the developments, showed a total of 253 persons had been cleared in 52 separate families. The 1810 Sutherland Militia List shows not one Murray at Sallach. Road contractors had moved in. Eventually the marsh land was drained and an embankment made at Loch Lundie to control the water. By 1813 families employed on the farm lived in stone-built cottages; the old black houses, one of which was the place of birth of William Murray, had been pulled down and the sooty turf used as manure.

What happened to all those families? We do know that William Murray, the miller at Sallach, together with brothers, sisters, and their families moved along Strathfleet to Kinnauld and Rhemusaig, on the edge of Rogart. They appear to have been fortunate to take over the milling there. They may also have been granted a free rent period for seven years. The wadset at Rhemusaig and Kinnauld was held for a time by Colonel Sutherland, the same man who had held the land at Culmaillie and Sallach. The mill at Rhemusaig was positioned between Kinnauld and Rhemusaig - a short distance of half a mile between the different croft houses. At that time both places came under Rogart parish but later were part of Dornoch parish before finally reverting to Rogart parish around 1891.

We do not yet know the exact date that the Murrays and the Mackays moved to Kinnauld - some of the family, including William, seem to have gone down late in the eighteenth century before the improvements began. Rhemusaig and Kinnauld remained the home of this family for many, many years.

In 1821 Isabella Mackay, wife of William Murray, died on 24th May. The old Parish Register of Dornoch shows a death for Isable Mackay, an old woman, who died at Kinnauld, 

In 1827 William Murray died on 29th January. 

In 1841 and 1851 Catherine Murray, daughter of William's brother Robert, was shown living alone at Kinnauld and recorded as a pauper. The old Parish Register of Dornoch shows a death for Isable Mackay, an old woman, who died at Kinnauld, on 24 May 1821. William died in 1827 at Rhemusaig.

William and Isabella are my four times great grandparents

updated 15/3/2016

Donald Murray & Margaret Mackay

Donald Murray, a miller, was born circa 1770 at Sallach, Golspie, son of William Murray and Isabella Mackay. His parents were forced to move from Sallach around 1809 when the family settled at Rhemusaig and Kinnauld, Rogart. Donald and Margaret were both living at Auchspilly, Golspie, when they married on 9 February 1792 at Golspie. As can be seen from the birth places of their later children Donald and Margaret did not immediately move to Rhemusaig with his parents. Donald’s eldest son William married Catherine Grant and they did settle at Rhemusaig as soon as they married. They lived in a separate croft from William’s grandfather William.

Donald Murray was certainly at Rhemusaig in 1812 when the Duchess of Sutherland issued eviction notices to the following persons there:

George Murray in Rhimusaig 
Paul Macdonald there 
John Macintosh there
Donald Murray there (this is Donald married to Margaret Mackay)
John Mackay, taylor there 
William Murray, miller there (this is William married to Catherine Grant)
William Mackay, blacksmith there (this is actually William Mackay, Kinnauld)
Janet Maculloch there 
Elspet Murray there 
Elspet Macintosh relict of the deceased Robert Mackay there
Margaret Murray there (this is probably daughter of Donald and wife of James Grant)

All were summoned to appear before the Sheriff Depute in Dornoch. As we now know the Murrays were not evicted and I believe none of the others were either. The above list shows clearly the different crofts at Rhemusaig and Kinnauld.

in 1837 Margaret Mackay died at Rhemusaig, Dornoch, at the home of her eldest son, William. The Parish Register states that “Margaret Mackay, relict of Donald Murray, late miller, died of decay of old age”. The register puts her age at 87 years but I question if that can be correct. Donald and Margaret went back to Golspie for burial. They are buried in St Andrew’s churchyard where only their names show on an old flat stone. They are buried with other Murray families around them.

They had at least the following children:

WILLIAM MURRAY, born 18 December 1792 Golspie - married Catherine Grant 
CHRISTINA MURRAY (Christy) born 25 February 1794 - the census shows a Christian Murray, born circa 1794 Golspie who in 1841 and 1851 was at Drummuie, Golspie - a pauper. In 1861 she was at Tiled House, Golspie, spinster and pauper. In 1871 she was at Tower Poor House, Golspie, a field worker and pauper. Is this Chirsty?
MARGARET MURRAY born circa 1795 - married James Grant 
JANE MURRAY (Jean), born 24 December 1801 Golspie
JANE MURRAY, born 1808 at Creich

Donald and Margaret are my three times great grandparents

updated 15/03/2016

James Murray & Elspet Mackay

James MURRAY
[1786-10/12/1869]
married
Elspat MACKAY
[6/2/1795-7/2/1891]

James was born in 1786, son of William Murray, cattleman, and Isabella Mackay.
Elspat was born on 6th February 1795, daughter of William Mackay, crofter, and Marion Sutherland.

James and Elspat (Elspeth) married on 9 May 1819 at Dornoch. The Parish Register states that Elspat was a Mackay or Mackenzie but as her own death certificate shows her as the daughter of William Mackay this may be an error or possibly her parents were not married. At the time of their marriage they both lived at Kinnauld, Rogart.

The Dornoch Militia list of 1824 shows James as a tenant at Rhemusaig, Rogart – next to Kinnauld. The Militia List tells that James was excused from service being poor with children. The 1841 census shows the family at Rhemusaig, Rogart. Like so many people in Rogart James and Elspat were not at home on census night. However, while their parents spent the night 'in the heather' their children Donald, James, Catherine and Robert were at home.

It was said that many folks objected to giving personal information to the 1841 census enumerators. This was the first census as we know them today.

On the evening of the 1851 census James and Elspat were at home. James is shown as a farmer of two acres. When the census enumerator came round in 1861 James was 76 years old and Elspet was 67 years. Their children had left home but they did have their granddaughter, ANN MURRAY aged 10 years, born in Glasgow and recorded as a scholar, living with them.

James passed away on 10 December 1869. The school records of Rogart show that on 13 December attendance at school was not so good because of James Murray of Rhemusaig’s death. As James appeared to have died on the 10th perhaps this was the day of his funeral. 

The 1871 census shows Elspet as head of the family. This census tells that their home had two rooms and Elspet was tenant of four acres. Living with her in 1871 was her granddaughter, Georgina Cumming, daughter of Catherine and her husband Alexander Cumming. Catherine had died in 1870 leaving the young Georgina motherless at 9 years old. Sadly, her father then died in 1873. Georgina continued to live with her grandmother and the next census in 1881 shows her still there. Elspat was now recorded as 86 years old and the tenant. As well as Georgina the house was also now home to Elspet's son James and his daughter Catherine Murray aged nine years. James's wife had recently died. Young Catherine attended school and the census shows that she was born in Dornoch. Shortly before the 1891 census was taken Elspat passed away. The census of that year shows young James as head of the family and a crofter. The house had been extended to six rooms and James had taken a new wife Jane Macdonald. His daughter Catherine was at home on census night. 

James and Elspat had the following children: 
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 12 March 1820 Rhemusaig, Rogart - married Elizabeth Ross in Rogart on 28th May 1842 - left Rogart for Canada the same year - in 1906 Betsy died - in 1912 William died aged 92 years and is buried with his beloved wife Betsy Ross in Knox Presbyterian Church, Harrington, Ontario - “There died at his home on Argyle Street, Embro, on March 18 one of the few remaining genuine pioneers of Zorra district, in the person of Mr W. Murray. Like many pioneers of the Zorras the late Mr Murray was a native of Sutherlandshire, Scotland, from which country he emigrated to Canada, seventy years ago, accompanied by his late wife. ..... The late Mr Murray was a man of many fine and admirable qualities, upright, honest and honourable. In all his dealings with his fellow man a good neighbour, kind, genial and generous, a true friend, and a good God fearing man. Like most of the Scotch emigrants, who have made good in Western Ontario, his only asset to begin life with was a splendid physique, a clear head, and a brave heart. One of his distinguishing characteristics was a strong and indomitable will which stood him in good stead during the pioneer days. Being determined to make a success of everything he undertook and later in life he had the satisfaction of having built up and maintained a fine home, ever noted for his hospitality, from which the poor, the needy, or the weary, were never allowed to go unrefreshed. In the spring of 1845 Mr Murray settled on lot 33 con. 6 West Zorra, where he remained for more than forty-five years and where all but two of his large family of twelve children [six daughters and six sons] were born. Nine of his family still survive him, five sons and four daughters also, fifty-two grandchildren and about twenty-five great grandchildren. .... in the removal of this good old patriarch the community loses an ideal citizen, his family a kind, wise and loving father and the poor a never failing friend. The evening of life was spent in retirement and comfort in the village of Embro where he lived for the past twenty-one years. His end was peaceful and may his ashes rest in peace.“ William and Betsy had a large family all born in Embo, Ontario.
GEORGE MURRAY, born 14 June 1821 Rhemusaig, Rogart 
DONALD MURRAY, born 22 September 1823 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at Rhemusaig in 1841 census 
ISABELLA MURRAY, born 24 November 1825 Rhemusaig, Rogart 
JAMES MURRAY, born 20 August 1828 Rhemusaig, Rogart - James was at Rhemusaig in 1841 & 51 census –in 1858 he married Janet Bruce who was born at Badchrasky, Rogart, daughter of John Bruce, farm labourer, and Ann Murray - in 1861 James and Janet were living at Rhemusaig where James was an agricultural labourer. From 1865 onwards James was recorded as a shoemaker. In 1871 the family were at Rhemusaig in a two roomed house. In 1879 Janet, wife of James Murray, shoemaker journeyman, died at Rhemusaig aged 45 years from heart disease (DC).  James signed her death certificate. He and Janet had four children - in 1889 on 22 November James married for the second time to widow, Jane Macdonald, daughter of John Macdonald, crofter, and Janet Macintosh (MC).  Jane had previously been married to William Mackay. In 1891 James, second wife Jane and his daughter Catherine were living at Rhemusaig.  His mother had died since the previous census. He was recorded as a crofter and the home had increased in size to six rooms.

In 1893 Jane, wife of James Murray, crofter, died at Rhemusaig aged 52 years leaving James a widower for the second time (DC). James signed her death certificate.

In 1901 & 1911 James was still at Rhemusaig. In 1918 James, a crofter and widower died at Rhemusaig aged 90 years (DC). James is buried in Rogart with his first wife, Janet, and their daughter Catherine (RO-B47). 

CATHERINE MURRAY, born 4 May 1831 Rhemusaig, Rogart – Catherine was at Rhemusaig in 1841 & 51 census - in 1854 she married Alexander Cumming, a farm servant at Rovie, Rogart.  Alexander was born 1829 in Boyndie, Banff - Alexander and Catherine lived at Culmaily, Golspie where he was employed as a farm grieve. in 1870 Catherine died there aged 37 years.Two years later Alexander died from chronic kidney disease. They left behind 8 orphan children. 
ROBERT MURRAY, born 12 July 1833 Rhemusaig, Rogart - married Catherine Fraser - was at Rhemusaig in 1841 and 51 census - we know, from an old family letter found in Canada, that Robert Murray was in Glasgow on the 13th April 1871. He wrote on that day to his niece Isabel Murray in Embro, Ontario.

updated 23/3/2016

Hector Grant & Janet Duff

Hector Grant  [1766-30/1/1840] 

married  

Janet Duff [c1770-8/5/1852]

Hector was born in Golspie around 1766.

In 1792 Hector, a shoemaker, from the parish of Golspie, and Janet at Skibo, Dornoch, married on 30 March in Dornoch (OPR).

In 1793 Hector and Janet’s first child was born in Golspie.  They then seem to have been away from Sutherland for a time. 

Hector may have been in the army. It does not seem that there were any children born in Scotland between 1793 and early 1800. The Sutherland Fencibles were raised in 1793 for service anywhere in Scotland. In June 1794 they were in Glasgow following a winter in Ayrshire. They then spent time at Musselburgh, near Edinburgh before returning to Glasgow where they spent some considerable time. They were also in Ireland for a time.  Could this be where the missing children were born?

The 1822 list of all male persons residing within the Parish of Dornoch includes Hector Grant, in Dornoch town, a shoemaker.

In 1840 Hector Grant died in Dornoch aged 74 years (OPR).

In 1852 Janet also died in Dornoch (OPR). 

They had the following children:

ABIGAIL GRANT born 29 April 1793 Golspie (IGI) – in 1816 married William Mackenzie (SCR)

CATHERINE GRANT (Kate), born 28 February 1800 Glasgow – married William Murray (DC)

JANET GRANT born 30 November 1802 Dornoch (IGI)  

ANN GRANT born 29 April 1805 Dornoch (IGI) – in 1827 married firstly Alexander Calder – see Calder

ALEXANDER GRANT born 18 December 1807 Dornoch (IGI)   

ISABELLA GRANT born 28 September 1810 Dornoch (IGI)   

DONALD GRANT born 9 February 1813 Dornoch (IGI)    

updated 16/3/2016 

William Murray & Catherine Grant

William was baptised in Golspie parish on 18th December 1792, the year of the sheep - Bliadhna nan Caorach - son of Donald Murray, a miller, and Margaret Mackay.

The 1813 Muster List of the Sutherland Local Militia shows a William Murray of Speelte, Golspie. A member of the Grenadier Company he is recorded as being 5'9½" tall. A later Militia List - 1824 reports "William Murray, miller, aged above 30. Grounds for exemption from militia force - poor and has children .........."

Catherine (Kate) Grant was born in Glasgow in 1800, daughter of Hector Grant and Janet Duff of Dornoch - I believe her father was in the army at that time. William and Kate married around 1817. 

They crofted three acres at Rhemusaig, Rogart. William was the miller at Rhemusaig as his grandfather and his father Donald were. The mill at Rhemusaig lay midway between the crofts at Rhemusaig and those at Kinnauld. Rhemusaig was earlier known as Reamusack. Members of this family lived at both places. There were in total approximately twelve crofts between the two places and these seem to have been inhabited mainly by members of the Murray, Mackay and Grant families - I believe Kate was related to those Grants but have yet to determine how. William's mother, Margaret Mackay, died at Rhemusaig in 1837.

The family farmed at Rhemusaig for many years but for William life was short. He died, on the croft, on 14 June, 1858, aged 56 years. The cause of death was given as 'natural decay'. This is hardly surprising when we consider the life he had lived: born in the 'Year of the Sheep', mass clearances, famines, cholera and twelve children whom he had, against the most awful odds, kept alive, only to see most of them forced to leave his beloved Highlands. 

Following William's death in 1858, Kate continued to farm at Rhemusaig. In 1861 her grandchildren William and Margaret Murray, children of her son Donald, were with her. 

By 1871 the croft had grown to six acres and the house had five rooms. Her son Alexander remained at home with his mother - indeed, he never left Rhemusaig throughout his lifetime. Her granddaughter Margaret was still on the croft. Margaret's father, Donald Murray, lost his life in December 1879 when the Tay Bridge collapsed. 

By 1881 her son Alexander (my great grandfather) had married and his wife, Jane Mackenzie joined the household. Alexander and Jane's first child, William (my grandfather), lived with his Granny Mackenzie at Torbreck, Rogart. His younger sister, Bessie, was also sent to Granny Mackenzie's. The 1891 census shows Kate still alive, aged 90 years. She lived as a widow for over thirty-six years. She continued to croft at Rhemusaig with her son Alexander and daughter-in-law Jane, until her death, passing away on the evening of twenty-first February, 1894 aged 93 years. Her death certificate states cause of death as 'supposed chronic bronchitis and old age'. 

She is buried with William in St Callan's churchyard, Rogart (photograph below).

Mr Alexander, Ground Officer of Rogart, wrote to the Sutherland Estates Office “Widow William Murray, 347 Rhimusaig died 21 February and leaves a grown up family which have all left except Alexander, a son, married and has been living in the house with his late mother and attending to the croft etc for many years.”

William and Kate had the following children:

WALTER MURRAY, born 3 February 1818 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841 - married Elspet Macintosh 

JANET MURRAY (Jessie), born 25 April 1820 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841 - married James Mackay 

MARGARET MURRAY, born 3 October 1822 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841

HECTOR MURRAY, born 27 February 1825 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841 - married Isabella Munro 

DONALD MURRAY, born 17 August 1828 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841 and 1851 - married firstly Mary Bell and secondly Elizabeth Mackay

ANN MURRAY, born 1 December 1830 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841

CHRISTINA MURRAY (Christy), born 7 June 1833 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841 and 1851 - died 10 December 1908 Bonar Bridge - when Christy died in 1908 she left the sum of £127. The probate details show that she was a “sometime” housekeeper at Braelangwell, Ardgay, lately residing at Bonar Bridge where she died. She did not leave a will but confirmation was granted to her brother Alexander Murray, crofter, Rhemusaig. 

CATHERINE MURRAY, born 31 March 1836 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841 & 1851 - married Hugh Sutherland 

ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 24 April 1838 Rhemusaig, Rogart - married Jane Mackenzie – at Rhemusaig through all census records from 1841 until his death – took over croft from mother at her death in 1894

JOHAN MURRAY, born 21 May 1840 Rhemusaig, Rogart at home with parents in 1841 & 1851 - married John Bannerman 

DAVID MURRAY, born 22 June 1842 Rhemusaig, Rogart - at home with parents in 1851 & 1861 - married Julia Macintosh 

PAUL MURRAY, born 1845 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1851 & 61 - married Jane Ross 

William and Kate are my two times Great Grandparents.

updated 19/03/2016 

Walter Murray & Elspet Macintosh

Walter MURRAY
[3/2/1818-24/12/1890]
married
Elspet MACINTOSH
[28/4/1821-1/8/1896] 

Walter was born on 3rd February 1818 at Rhemusaig, Rogart, the eldest child of William Murray and Catherine Grant. 
Walter and Elspet married on 1 December 1843 at Dornoch.
Elspet was born in Rogart daughter of Kenneth Macintosh and Catherine Douglas. 
Walter and Elspet lived at Culdrain, Rogart, for a time and it was there that their first child was born. Their second daughter, Isabella, was born in England in 1848 suggesting that they spent some time there. On their return to Sutherland they lived with Elspet's widowed mother, Catherine Douglas, in Rogart. 
The 1851 census shows them there. Walter worked as a railway labourer at this time. Sometime in the 1850s the family moved to a 24 acre farm at Fourpenny, Dornoch - the 1861 census shows them settled there. 
In 1871 Walter and Elspet's farm had reduced to 18 acres and they had a two-roomed croft house. In 1881 they gained another two acres and the house grew to seven rooms. 
Walter died in 1890 and is buried in Dornoch. In 1891 Elspet, a widow, continued to farm at Fourpenny until her death there in 1896.

Walter and Elspet had the following children:
CATHERINE MURRAY born circa 1846 Dornoch [died 11 March 1938, Dornoch [married George Grant] - in the 1861 census Catherine, was at Strahan, Dornoch, living with her aunt, Jane Macintosh
ISABELLA MURRAY born circa 1848 Hertfordshire, England [died 9 February 1925, Dornoch] [married George Matheson]
ROBINA MURRAY born 6 August 1852 Culdrain, Rogart [died after 1929 in Canada] [married Neil Macaulay] – 1871 census at home with parents
MARGARET MURRAY born 22 January 1853 Culdrain, Rogart [died 20 April 1885 Dornoch] - Margaret remained a spinster living at home. She is buried with her parents in Dornoch.
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 7 March 1855 Rogart [died 18th August 1927 Vancouver, Canada] [married Isabella Leslie] - 1871, 81 & 91 census at home - following his father's death in 1890 William took over the croft at Fourpenny and was there or a considerable time until he left for Canada where he died in 1927 - "The sad intelligence recently notified in the 'Northern Times' concerning the death of a highly respected son of Sutherland - Mr William Murray, late of Fourpenny - was a severe blow to many of his near relatives and friends. Mr Murray in his very early days, with his father, and a family of young girls, left Rogart and settled in Fourpenny, Dornoch. Subsequent to his father's death he occupied the Fourpenny Farm for a considerable time, but the call from the Golden West attracted him across the seas to Canada where he remained to the end. Many of us can still recall the fine qualities which constantly characterized the behaviour of William Murray - his transparent honesty, his touch of nobility in assisting his less fortunate fellows, and his big affection, made him a man of a genial personality and a lasting friend. Our deep sympathy is extended to his sorrowing family abroad and to his relatives at home" (NT 12/1/1928).
ALEXANDERINA MURRAY born 21 October 1856 Fourpenny Farm, Dornoch [died 6 March 1944 Dornoch] [married John Ross] – 1871 census at home with parents
ANN MURRAY (Annie) born 30 September 1858 Fourpenny Farm [died 2 March 1941 Dornoch] [married Robert Mackay] – 1871 & 81 census at home with parents
ELSPET MURRAY born 5 May 1860 Fourpenny Farm [died 11 September 1930 Hillside, Dornoch] [married George Macaulay] – 1871 & 81 census at home with parents

updated 16/3/2016

Hector Murray & Isabella Munro

In 1825 Hector was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, on 27th February, son of William Murray, miller, and Catherine Grant.  
in 1824 Isabella (Bell) was born on 27th September in Creich, daughter of Hugh Munro, blacksmith, and Janet Mackay (DC).
In 1849 Hector and Isabella married on 10 December in Creich (OPR). Isabella was living at Whiteface, Creich at that time.
Hector worked as a blacksmith and appears to have moved about quite a bit.  
In 1851 the family were at Spinnngdale, Creich. 
By 1861 they had moved to the Farm Manager’s House, Embo, Dornoch.  
In 1871 they were living at Oldtown, Brora, Clyne, in a three-roomed house. A granddaughter, Isabella Murray, one month old, born Dornoch, lived with the family – daughter of young Isabella Murray. 
In 1873 on 1st March, Hector died at Gordonbush, Strathbrora, Clyne (DC). His death certificate tells that he died from smallpox from which he suffered for eight days. He is buried at Ascoile, Strathbrora where a gravestone was erected by Isabella and his eight children.

The 1881 census shows Isabella at Fascally, Clyne, with children John and Alexander plus granddaughter Isabella, now 10 years old. 
The 1891 census shows Bell to be the keeper of the reading room at The Institute, Brora. She was assisted by her granddaughter Isabella.  
In 1901 Isabella was living alone in Sutherland Street, Brora. 
In 1907 Isabella, widow of Hector Murray, blacksmith, died at North Brora on 22nd December, aged 79 years (DC). George Robertson, who was married to Isabella’s granddaughter Isabella Murray, signed the death certificate.

They had the following children:
ISABELLA MURRAY, born circa 1850 Spinningdale – 1851 and 1861 census at home – in 1871 census she was living with parents, working as a nurse – also in 1871 Isabella gave birth to a daughter, Isabella who later married George Robertson – in 1874 Isabella senior married Alexander Stewart Morrison (MC) 
WILLIAM MURRAY, born circa 1853 Spinningdale, Creich – 1861 census at home – in 1888 married Ann Hossack (MC) 
JEMIMA MURRAY, born 23 December 1855 Embo Mains, Dornoch (BC) – 1861 and 71 census at home - in 1878 married Alexander Mackay (MC) 
HUGH MURRAY, born 28 April 1858 Embo Mains, Dornoch (IGI) – 1861 and 71 census at home – in 1881 Hugh appears to have been working as a farm servant at Rhives, Golspie – in 1888 married his first wife Margaret Cassells (MC)  
JOHN MURRAY, born 27 October 1860 Embo Mains, Dornoch (BC) – 1861, 71 and 81 census at home – in 1897 married Margaret Sutherland (MC) 
GEORGE MURRAY, born 18 October 1863 Embo Mains, Dornoch – 1871 census at home – 1881 census with his brother Walter at Major General William Tod Brown’s farm at Kilcolmkil, Clyne - Walter was employed as a cattle boy and George as a house lad - married Ellen Elizabeth Gower 
WALTER MURRAY, born 28 March 1866 Skelbo – 1871 census at home – ploughman – in 1881 he was recorded, with his brother George, at Major General William Tod Brown’s farm at Kilcolmkil, Clyne.  Walter was employed as a cattle boy and George as a house lad -  in 1891 married Jane MacGowan (MC) 
ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 4 December 1868 Littletown, Dornoch (IGI) – 1871 & 1881 census at home 

updated 18/03/2016

Janet Murray & James Mackay

JAMES   MACKAY    married    JANET MURRAY

[7/4/1824-18/8/1884]                 [24/8/1820-27/12/1898]

James Mackay was born in Thurso, Caithness on 7th April 1824, son of Donald Mackay, shepherd, and Janet Shearer.

Janet (Jessie) was born 24th August 1820 at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of William Murray, miller, and Catherine Grant.

In 1850 James, a coachman from St. Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh, and Janet, a servant at Lairg Inn, married in Lairg on 23 November (OPR).

They moved to Renton, Dumbartonshire, where they were resident at Carman Road, having firstly spent some time in Edinburgh where their daughter was born. 

In 1861 James, a labourer, Janet and daughter, Janet were living in Main Street, Cardross. 32 year old labourer, James Sutherland, who was born in Rogart was lodging with them.

In 1871 James, a clerk, Janet and daughter Jessie were living at Millburn House, Cardross.

In 1881 the family were living at Market Street, Mackie's Lane, Cardross, Dunbartonshire. James was a commercial clerk and gas collector. Living with them was 13 year old scholar, Elizabeth Sutherland, born Brora. She is Janet's youngest sister, Catherine's, child.

In 1884 James, clerk in a bleachfield, married to Janet Murray, died on 18th August at Market Street, Renton aged 62 years (DC). His brother, Hugh Mackay, Kippenross, Dunblane, signed his death certificate.

In 1898 Janet Murray, widow of James Mackay, Clerk at Printfield, died at Carman Road, Renton, the same address they moved into when they first married on 27th December 1898 (DC). 

They had a daughter:

JANET MACKAY (Jessie) born 9 September 1856, Edinburgh (BC) – 1871 census at home, yarn dye maker - 1881 census at home, dressmaker – in 1886 on 13th July married William Cumming - (MC) - William Cumming was born at Culmaily, Golspie, son of Alexander Cumming and Catherine Murray . 

William was a commercial clerk in Glasgow at that time while Jessie was a dressmaker living at her parents’ home in Carman Road, Renton.

In 1914 Jessie died at York Drive, Glasgow (DC).

They had the following children:

JAMES M. CUMMING born circa 1887 Glasgow – 1901 census at home, scholar 

ALEXANDER CUMMING born circa 1889 Glasgow – 1901 census at home, scholar

GEORGE CULMAILY CUMMING born 1891 [married Joan Mair Mitchell] – 1901 census at home, scholar – educated at Whitehill School, Glasgow, gained M.A. degree at Glasgow University 1912 then studied at Glasgow United Free church College, served with the Headquarters Staff, YMCA in Scotland and Italy (1914-1921), was inducted minister of the Church of Scotland at Darvel in 1921 later being called to Erskine Church, Glasgow – he and Joan had two children William (c1930-1992) a lawyer and Lizzie who was for many years nursing sister in the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow – signed father’s death certificate in 1947 – living in Clarkston Road, Glasgow at that time

WILLIAM CULMAILY CUMMING born 1895 [died circa 1970] – 1901 census at home, scholar – Minister of the Church of Scotland, firstly in Glasgow and latterly chaplain to Victoria and Western Infirmary, Glasgow 

JANET M. CUMMING born circa 1899 Glasgow

2) Sometime after Jessie’s death in 1914 William married again to Elizabeth Kay Thomson. 

William, a retired mercantile clerk, died at Crieff Cottage Hospital in 1947. His usual residence was Comrie.  Elizabeth was still alive.

updated 16/3/2016

Donald Murray & Mary Bell

Donald was born on 17th August 1828 at Rhemusaig, Rogart, fifth child of William Murray and Catherine Grant.

There is a fascinating story told in Rogart of Donald, as a young man, sitting on the parapet by the bridge at Pittentrail with two other young men one Sabbath evening. James Matheson ("Holy James") passed on his way to Rogart Free Church. The young men mocked him and he rebuked them telling them that "they would be sealed over water and would die by water". The young men laughed!

Donald married Mary Bell on 27 December 1855 at Rogart. Mary was born 13th July 1829 in Lairg, daughter of James Bell, shepherd, and Margaret Mackay. Sadly Mary died at Pittentrail, Rogart, on 14th May 1859 aged 29 years, mother of two children. Donald worked for the Postal Service as a mail guard/sorter on the railway - firstly he worked on the coach by which the railway mails were conveyed to Wick and Thurso before the extension of the railway network. The 1861 census shows Donald, a widower, working as a postrunner in Golspie village. 

He and Mary had the following children:

WILLIAM MURRAY, born 18 August 1856, Dornoch (IGI) [died Norwich, England] [married Mary Seaman]

MARGARET MURRAY, born 20 May 1858 Rogart [died 8 December 1928 Renton, Dumbartonshire] [married George Matheson]

in 1866 the widowed Donald remarried on 28th February in Golspie to Elizabeth Mackay, who was born 27th June 1829 in Old Kilpatrick, Dunbarton, daughter of Donald Mackay and Margaret Grant.

Donald and Elizabeth had the following children:

DONALD JOHN MURRAY, born 28 August 1869 Thurso, Caithness

WALTER HUGH MURRAY, born 10 April 1872 Thurso, Caithness [died 8 January 1941 at Johnston Avenue, Dundee] [married Catherine Williamson in 1897 in Dundee, daughter of Thomas Williamson, marine engineer and Catherine Brassel - Walter, a mercantile clerk, and Catherine had three children Donald, Constance and Ella. In the 1901 census the family were living at Commercial Street, Dundee. He and his wife died at Johnston Avenue, Dundee.

Donald’s elder children, William and Margaret, remained at Rhemusaig, Rogart, where they were looked after by their grandmother, Kate Grant, and their Uncle Sandy. Donald and Elizabeth moved again, this time to Dundee where they are shown in the Dundee Street Directory living at 13 South Ellen Street in 1878. Donald continued to work on the railways and was now a mail sorter and mail guard. South Ellen Street was situated about a ten minute walk from the railway station.

On the morning of Sunday, 28th December, 1879, Donald and Elizabeth were preparing to go to church when a colleague arrived to say they were short-staffed that day and requested that Donald work an extra shift. Donald changed from his church suit into his uniform. As the weather was particularly bad on this Sunday he wore two pairs of 'drawers', one cotton and one of plaiding; trousers of a yellow colour and a blue pilot jacket. On his head he wore the uniform cap with its gold lace and as always, his large watch on a silver chain. In his pocket he put his pass book and his keys. He said goodbye to his wife and children and left for work. His duties took him on the stretch of line between Dundee and Ladybank which lies midway between Cupar and Glenrothes in the heart of Fife.

The weather continued to deteriorate. A newspaper report later described it so - "Dundee was visited by one of the most fearful hurricanes which has ever been experienced in this neighbourhood." His journey to Ladybank was smooth and uneventful. The train on which he was to return to Dundee left Edinburgh at 4.15pm and headed for Granton where the passengers boarded the ferry for Burntisland (the Forth rail bridge was not built until 1890). The ferry then connected with the 5.27pm train from Burntisland to Dundee. As the train pulled out of Burntisland in the cold darkness there was a strong south-westerly wind. The train reached Ladybank on time and Donald boarded the train. Shortly after seven o'clock the train reached St Fort, a small station about two miles from the south end of the Tay Bridge, where the tickets were checked as usual. The ticket collector, William Friend, was an old friend of Donald. There were about 75 people on the train, including staff, at this point. As they were now only a few minutes from Dundee I imagine Donald had completed his work and was looking forward to home, supper and a warm fire. The weather was still dreadful and if anything had worsened since morning. The train slowed down for its approach on to the Tay Bridge. The wind had reached hurricane speeds and the river below was one sheet of white seething foam.

The train was seen to reach the high girders of the bridge. A few seconds later a gust of wind, more violent than any that had preceded it, was experienced and simultaneously spectators saw several flashes of fire descend from the bridge and disappear into the water. In one terrible moment columns, girders and train went down to the foaming river with not the faintest chance of survival for the victims.

Donald's body was never recovered. An article in the Dundee Advertiser of 31st December 1879 stated "........ in the north especially, where he [Donald] was a great favourite, his sad death will be heard of with much regret ......." It is interesting to note that not only did Donald die by water but I am assured that his two companions 'cursed' by the old man in Rogart, also died by water!

Elizabeth continued to live in 13 South Ellen Street, Dundee. She was recorded there in 1881 with her sons Donald and Walter. She also had two lodgers. In 1884 Margaret Murray, Donald’s daughter Margaret, by his first wife, married at Elizabeth’s house.

updated 18/03/2016

Hugh Sutherland & Catherine Murray

Catherine MURRAY

[31/3/1836-12/7/1901]

married

Hugh SUTHERLAND

[27/3/1817-10/8/1897]

Catherine was born 31st March 1836 at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of William Murray and Catherine Grant. 

Hugh was born at Ardochy, Clyne, on 27th March 1817, son of Robert Sutherland, farmer, and Elizabeth Murray.

Catherine and Hugh married at Rogart on 23 December 1859. Catherine made her X mark on the register. They farmed at Glaslochan, Dalchalm, Brora, Clyne. The 1881 census shows Hugh and Catherine at Glaslochan with their children. In 1891, still at Glaslochan only two children were still at home with their parents. Catherine and Hugh died there and are buried together in Clyne Kirkton Churchyard - photograph of their gravestone above.

Hugh and Catherine had the following children:
ROBERT SUTHERLAND, born 13 January 1861 [died Canada] [married Margaret Bain] – 1881 census, farm servant at Clynelish bothy
CATHERINE SUTHERLAND, born 10 October 1863 [died 31st March 1869]
WILLIAM SUTHERLAND, born 28 September 1865 [died 29 September 1890]
ELIZABETH SUTHERLAND, born 26 January 1868 [died 1913] – 1881 census in Dumbarton with her aunt Janet Murray [married Alexander Leslie]
CATHERINE ANN SUTHERLAND, born 28 April 1870 [died Dalchalm] [married Alexander Fraser of Achvrail, Rogart] – at home with parents in 1881 census, scholar
CHRISTINA SUTHERLAND (Teenie), born 16 October 1872 [died circa 1944/5] [married John McBride – at home with parents in 1881 census, scholar – Teenie was a cook working in stately homes during the season and was, for a time, cook to Lord Dysart. She married John late in life and they settled in Peebles until retirement when they returned to the family home at Dalchalm which they renovated].
JOHN SUTHERLAND, born 28 November 1874 [died 6 October 1900] – at home with parents in 1881 census, scholar – 1891 census at home with parents, brickmaker
HECTOR SUTHERLAND, born circa 1876 [died circa 1948/50] – at home with parents in 1881 & 1891 census, scholar – remained a bachelor, worked in the south for a time but returned to live on the family croft at Dalchalm. Fiddle player.

updated 18/03/2016

Alexander Murray & Jane Mackenzie

Alexander was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, son of William Murray and Catherine Grant. Known all his life as Sandy, Alexander Murray was the ninth child of William and Catherine. He is recorded on his eldest son's birth certificate as a general merchant; another source records him as a meal miller; yet another as a crofter and his own marriage certificate states he was a farm servant. I believe in his lifetime he was all these things! He was recalled in recent years by an elderly resident of Rogart as being "one of the old Rogart worthies". He remained a bachelor until he was 38 years old, living on the croft at Rhemusaig with his widowed mother, Kate.

Jane was born circa 1848 at Torbreck, Rogart, daughter of William Mackenzie, blacksmith, and Elspet Mackay of Torbreck, Rogart.

Alexander and Jane married on 26 February 1875 at Torbreck in a Free Church service. He took his bride to Rhemusaig to make her home. Jane returned to her old home at Torbreck for the birth of her first child but, thereafter her children were born at Rhemusaig. Jane's mother-in-law Catherine Grant (Kate), lived with the couple for nearly twenty years until her death in 1894. This may have been a factor, together with Sandy's reputation of being a difficult man, which led to Jane leaving her husband and the family home when her children had grown up. She moved to Tain, Ross-shire, to be with her daughter Christine. This, virtually unheard of event, left Sandy alone at Rhemusaig. Sandy is buried in the new cemetery at Rogart. Jane is buried in Tain.

In 1926 Alexander died at Rhemusaig on 30th December. He is buried in the new Rogart Cemetery alone.  

in 1931 Jane died in Tain.  She is buried there although I have never managed to find a gravestone despite walking round and round the lovely cemetery there.
They had the following children - those with an underline are links to further information

WILLIAM MURRAY, born 1 January 1876 Torbreck, Rogart - married Margaret Ann Mackenzie - these are my grandparents

MARY ANN MURRAY, born 11 June 1877 Rhemusaig, Rogart - married George Taylor, who was born in England, in Edinburgh on 29th March 1904 at The United Free church, Mansionhouse Road, Edinburgh - Mary Ann died 10 April 1928 Edinburgh - married George Taylor in Edinburgh] On 10th April 1928 Mary Ann died in Edinburgh (DC).  Her sister in law Margaret Murray, widow of William, Morningside Road, Edinburgh, signed the death certificate. Mary Ann and George had a daughter JEAN born 1st June 1906 in Edinburgh, died there on 15th August 1976.  Jean married Edwin Hull and they had a daughter Doris born in 1930 in Edinburgh. Doris married Eric Palmer.  Doris died in Edinburgh in the 1980s.

ELIZABETH MUNRO MURRAY (Bessie), born 10 October 1879 Rhemusaig, Rogart -  Bessie lived with her grandmother, Elspat Mackay, Widow Mackenzie, at Torbreck, Rogart as a youngster – she was admitted to Blairich School on 22^nd November 1887 where her parent or guardian was given as Widow Mackenzie, Torbreac – she had previously attended Rogart Public School – at Blairich she was presented for standard 2 in 1889 and standard 5 in  – she left Blairich school on 5^th August  – reason for leaving ‘passed standard five’ – Bessie was only 7 years old when she started at Blairich having already attended another school (possibly Rhilochan school which was closer to Rhemusaig) - in 1914 married George Barclay on 17th July 1915 at 10 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh - they had a son Ian M. Barclay born in 1915. Bessie died 19 December 1952 in Edinburgh

DONALD KENNETH ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 17 September 1881 - suffered from a paralysis which committed him to a wheel chair. It is not clear whether he was born disabled or whether an illness or accident affected him. Known as 'Uncle Dan' he was reputed to be a real star in his wheel chair. Apparently he could achieve amazing speeds over any terrain. He left Rhemusaig with his mother spending the rest of his life in Tain although it is said in Rogart that he did return at least one time. He died 21 December 1944 Northern Infirmary, Inverness.

JANE MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 26 August 1883 Rhemusaig - Jane moved to Tain with her mother and brother. She looked after them until their deaths then moved to England where she married a Harold Harvey and had two children.

MARGARET ELLEN MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 7th March 1886 Rhemusaig William Petrie Birnie and Margaret married on 26th September 1919 at the Manse, Park Road, Leith, Edinburgh, after Banns according to the forms of the Church of Scotland. William, a car conductor, aged 32 was born in Edinburgh, son of James Birnie, a tailor who was born in Aberdeenshire, and Margaret Petrie, who was born in Shetland. His parents were both deceased.

Margaret and William emigrated to South Africa where they both died at Cape Town. They have a daughter, Rosemary, who still lives there today. Rosemary married James Watt, son of her mother's sister Jessie (JANET MURRAY see below). Rosemary and James have a daughter, Pamela who lives in South Africa with her husband and their two children.

COLIN MACKENZIE MURRAY born 4th March 1888 Rhemusaig - in 1919 married in Lairg to Isabella Sutherland, who was born in 1892 at Clynelish, Clyne daughter of Andrew Sutherland, crofter, and Charlotte Gunn. Colin and Isabella had four children: Charlotte, Colin, Jean and William. Colin, a railway porter signalman, died in Glasgow in 1964. Isabella died in Evanton, Ross-shire, at the home of her daughter Jean in 1970. Their descendants still live in Scotland today.

CHRISTINE MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 9 March 1890 Rhemusaig, Rogart.  In 1915 she married Joseph Birnie, who was born in Creich, Sutherland, son of Francis Birnie and Jane Horn,, in Tain, Ross-shire on 24th June.  They had three children, Francis born 1916; Joseph born 1920 and Jean born 1922 all in Tain. Christine died in 1922 two weeks after the birth of her youngest daughter. Joseph later married Duncina Macrae. He died in Tain in 1959.

JANET MACKENZIE MURRAY (Jess/Jessie) born 11 June 1893 Rhemusaig. 

Janet worked a a cable car conductress in Edinburgh where she met JAMES WATT, a cable car driver who was born in the city.  They married on 12th September 1919 in Edinburgh. James and Jess had four children all born in Edinburgh; JEAN born 1920 - married Norman Hossack and moved to Vancouver, Canada, ELLEN born 1922 married Bernard David; CHRISTINE born 1825 - married Cameron Walker and JAMES who was born in 1926 and married his cousin Rosemary Mackenzie Birnie, daughter of MARGARET ELLEN MURRAY (see above). Jess died in 1981 in Edinburgh.

Photograph above Jean, Helen, Christine & James Watt, children of Janet Mackenzie Murray and James Watt. James Watt with a friend shown in the 1940s on right.

James Watt & Rosemary Birnie on their wedding day

front left to right John Murray (son of William Murray) Janet (Jess) Murray (Mrs Watt) bridegroom's mother, Rosemary and next to her her mother Margaret Murray (Mrs Birnie), 

Photograph above

Rosemary Birnie, daughter of Margaret Murray, her son in law Colin Thomson, her daughter Pam Watt and James Watt, her husband, father of Pam and son of Janet Mackenzie Murray.

James Watt with daughter Pamela

Colin & Pam Thomson with their two children

Pam Thomson with David Hossack (Vancouver), grandson of Jess Murray

taken at Pam's home in South Africa