Murray in Rhemusaig

David Mackay & Christian Anderson

2009-09-24T14:25:00.002+01:00

DAVID MACKAY
[1754-15/9/1830]
married
CHRISTIAN ANDERSON
[1763-4/4/1859]
David Mackay was the blacksmith at Torbreck, Rogart. He is believed to be son of a Thomas Mackay. The 1812 Statute List of people in Rogart shows David as a tenant at Torbreak of Pitfure paying four pounds rent. Others in Torbreak of Pitfure were John Macdonald, Alexander Mackay, Toal Mackay and Alexander Munro. Could Alexander and Toal be brothers of David – could Toal be Thos, son of David who was born in 1793? The 1824 Militia List shows Thomas, a mason; Alexander a weaver; Hugh, a labourer and Angus also a labourer all liable for duty.
David and Christian’s son Thomas married around 1826. He then appears to have lived in a separate dwelling at Torbreck with his wife and babies. In 1828 Thomas Mackay, Torbreck, was awarded the sum of two sovereigns for keeping a neat attractive cottage in Sutherland (Scotsman news archives).
David Mackay died in 1830 at Torbreck. In 1834 his widow, Widow Mackay, Torbreck, paid two shillings to the statue of the Duke of Sutherland to be erected in Golspie.
The 1841 census shows Christian, a widow, living at Torbreck. With her were her daughters Jane and Ann. A Marion Sutherland, aged 10 years, a female servant, was with them. Also in the house was Mary Mackenzie, aged 5. Young Mary is the daughter of William Mackenzie and Elspat Mackay, who lived in another dwelling at Torbreck.
Christian Anderson was said to be born in Morayshire. Her parents moved to Rogart when she was a very young girl. Family tradition states that they came to Sutherland to join family already settled in the county. According to Christian’s own death certificate her parents were John and Christian.
David Mackay passed away at his home in Torbreck on 15 September 1830 aged 76 years. His funeral took place at St Callan’s Kirk in Rogart. Christina lived on at Torbreck, a widow, for another 29 years.
Her youngest daughter Elspet, married young William Mackenzie, son of Kenneth Mackenzie and Mary Jenny of Achevely, Rogart. William and Elspet moved to Torbreck around 1835 where he looked after the croft and the blacksmith business. They lived next door to Christina for over twenty-five years.
The small community of Torbreck had only five families listed in the 1841 census. The Mackenzie’s and the Mackay’s plus the Macrae’s, the MacDonald’s and the Sutherlands. Life continued and hopefully as the years passed became a little easier. Christian was still at Torbreck in 1851. Now aged, 86, she used the name Christina. Her daughter’s Jean and Ann were still with her. A granddaughter, Jean Ross, born 1849, in Rogart, was also with them. Granny Mackay lived to be 96 years old. It could be said that she went out in a ‘Blaze of Glory’!
An old book, “Records of Grace in Sutherlandshire” by the Reverend Donald Munro, published by the Free Church of Scotland, contains much detail on Christina:
“Mrs Mackay was a lover of good people. At the time of the Communion, her house used to be so full that the family had to sleep in the barn. When she was on her deathbed, some worthies from the parish of Dornoch called to see her. They had been to hear Reverend Alexander MacLeod, and in the evening, attended the meeting that used to be held in the house of the godly Robert Munro. From the meeting they came to see Mrs Mackay and found her sinking. They proceeded to conduct family worship, when one of them said that, seeing the invalid was so weak, it might be out of place to sing beside her bed. Another of the company remarked however, “Yes, we shall sing, for that is the exercise in which she shall be engaged throughout eternity.” Some verses in Psalm 118 beginning with verse 19, “O set ye open unto me the gates of righteousness” were sung in which the dying woman joined with a clear voice. Not long after the worship was finished she became unconscious and passed away to her rest early on Monday morning.”
The gravestone in St Callan’s Kirkyard gives the date of that morning as 4th April 1859. Christina was 96 years old when she lay on her deathbed singing the 118th Psalm. An amazing woman! Her death certificate was signed by her grandson, Kenneth Mackenzie. He gave the names of her parents to the registrar as John Anderson and Christina Anderson.
David & Christian had the following children:
CHRISTIAN MACKAY born circa 1787 Torbreck, Rogart [died 7 July 1871 Cluaranich, Rogart] [married Donald Gordon (DC)
THOMAS MACKAY born circa 1793 Torbreck, Rogart [died 18th April 1863 Shinness, Lairg] (GY) [married Janet Gordon]
WILLIAM MACKAY born 25 January 1797 Torbreck, Rogart (IGI)
ALEXANDER MACKAY born 22 January 1799 Torbreck, Rogart [married Catherine Campbell and Catherine Mackay] (IGI/JC)
HUGH MACKAY born 28 April 1801 Torbreck, Rogart (IGI)
ANGUS MACKAY born circa 1802 Torbreck, Rogart
DONALD MACKAY born 31 August 1803 Torbreck, Rogart [died Ontario, Canada] [married Janet Mackay – Donald went out to Canada with his brother Alexander – Donald and Jessie had at least two children, David and Donald [married Mary Macleod – had a daughter: Sarah Ann MACKAY, born 1 March 1866 Bruce County, Ontario [married Marshall Orford]
JANE MACKAY born 18 December 1805 Torbreck, Rogart [died 8 December 1903 Golspie] [married William Ross] (DC)
ANN MACKAY born 8 March 1808 Torbreck, Rogart – twin to Henry [died 12 December 1868 Torbreck, spinster – nephew, Colin Mackenzie, Torbreck, signed death certificate] (GY)
HENRY MACKAY born 8th March 1808 Torbreck, Rogart – twin to Ann
ELSPET MACKAY born 23 July 1810 Torbreck, Rogart [died 18th December 1905 Torbreck, Rogart] [married William Mackenzie] (DC)

Donald Gordon & Christian Mackay

2009-09-24T14:24:00.000+01:00

DONALD GORDON
[1781-2/2/1851]
married
CHRISTIAN MACKAY
[1787-9/7/1871]
Donald was a farmer in Cluaranich, Inchoraig, Rogart. He appears to be the son of William Gordon and Elizabeth.
Christian (Christina/Christy) was born at Torbreck, Rogart, daughter of David Mackay and Christian Anderson (DC).
Cluaranich, Inchoraig is directly opposite Torbreck. The original crofts of both places are as one. The old Cluaranich house still stands although derelict now and used as a shed by the current family at Torbreck.
In 1812 Donald Gordon was a householder in Pitfure and Corrantorkan which would seem to be the same place as Inchoraig. A Donald Gordon is listed on the Estate Rentals for Rogart, 1826 at Inchoraig. In 1834 Donald Gordon, Cluranich, paid two shillings to the Duke of Sutherland’s statue fund. Donald was recorded as a tenant at Cluaranich in 1841, aged 60 years. He and Christian were there with three of their children. Donald died in 1851 and is buried, with his wife, in Rogart (RO-B52+53)
In the 1851 census Christy was a widow, lotter of seven acres at Cluranich with four of her children. They also had an Adam Gordon, aged 19 years, a bookseller, born in Rogart, visiting them. John Mackenzie, 9 year old scholar, born in Dornoch, was also visiting. In 1861 Christina was a farmer of 12 acres.
Christina died at Cluaranich in 1871 from ‘supposed old age’ with no medical attendant. Her nephew, Colin Mackenzie, at Torbreck signed the certificate.
They had the following children:
WILLIAM GORDON, born 10 December 1805 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR) [died 1883 Rogart] – in the 1851 census he was with his widowed mother at Cluranich, said to be a 40 year old bachelor but according to his birth date he should have been 45 – 1861 census with mother - in 1881 William is tenant of 8 acres at Inchoraig (same area) - living with him is his sister Christina who is a general servant
DAVID GORDON, born 30 March 1808 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR)
HENRIETTA GORDON (Henny), born 28th January 1811 Pitfure (Cluranich), Rogart (OPR) [died 11 September 1878] [married John Macdonald in Cluranich] – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with widowed mother
CHRISTINA GORDON (Christy) born 24 March 1812 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR) [died 18th October 1896 at Inchoraig, Rogart, aged 82 years – cousin Colin Mackenzie, signed the death certificate] (DC) – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with widowed mother – 1861 census with widowed mother – 1881 with her brother William, general servant
ANGUS GORDON, born 6 September 1815 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR) [died 28 August 1903 Inchoraig, Rogart – bachelor, carpenter – death certificate signed by Colin Mackenzie, Torbreck] (DC) - in 1901 Angus, a retired crofter, is living at Inchoraig with 79 year old cousin, William Mackenzie, a general labourer born Rogart
ROBERT GORDON, born 3 June 1819 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR)
JOHN GORDON, born 23 March 1825 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR)
HUGH GORDON, born 19 August 1830 Cluranich, Rogart (OPR) – 1841 census with parents – 1851 census with widowed mother, he was now a teacher - shown on the emigrants lists for 1850/60 to Australia – a Hugh Gordon travelled to Australia on board the ship GIL BLAS which arrived in January 1856 – this Hugh?

John Macdonald & Henrietta Gordon

2009-09-24T14:18:00.003+01:00

JOHN MACDONALD
[c1824-27/6/1885]
married
HENRIETTA GORDON
[1811-11/9/1878]
John Macdonald, a master shoemaker in Cluranich, Rogart, is the son of Donald Macdonald and Elizabeth Sutherland.
Henrietta is the daughter of Donald Gordon and Christian Mackay and granddaughter of David Mackay & Christian Anderson.
Henrietta is buried in Rogart where her husband and sons erected a gravestone (RO-B52) – note gravestone states sons – have only found one to date
In 1881 John was alone at Inchoraig. (I think the correct address is Cluaranich, Inchoraig.) This census tells that John was 57 years old and born in Clyne. He was certainly much younger than his wife. Living next door to him were Henrietta’s siblings William and Christina. John died at Cluaranich in 1885 when his death certificate, was signed by a neighbour, Robert Innes.
John and Henrietta had the following children:
DONALD MACDONALD, born 28 June 1858 Rogart (IGI).

Rhemusaig

2009-09-05T09:34:00.006+01:00

The right hand side photograph was recently taken by Trish Rannie and appears to be the original old Murray house at Rhemusaig.

It had a heather or turf thatched roof originally.

Comparing the walls and the layout with the photograph of the spinners sitting outside you will see why we think that this is it.

The lady second from left is my great grandmother Jane Mackenzie, Mrs Alexander Murray.

Many thanks Trish for taking the new photograph and for sending it to me.

Margaret Murray & William Petrie

2008-01-16T20:31:00.000Z

Margaret Ellen Mackenzie Murray born 7th March 1886 at Rhemusaig, Rogart. Daughter of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie.

This lovely photograph shows Margaret Ellen Mackenzie Murray who for a time work as a cable car conductress in Edinburgh. It is said that she met her husband while working on the cable cars.

William Petrie Birnie and Margaret married on 26th September 1919 at the Manse, Park Road, Leith, 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 Aberdeeenshire, 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). Her daughter, Pam Thomson, South Africa, sent the photograph. Thanks Pam.

William MURRAY & Mary SEAMAN

2007-07-06T07:42:00.000+01:00

William Bell MURRAY [born 18/8/1856]
married
Mary SEAMAN
William was born in Dornoch, son of Donald Murray and Mary Bell. He died in Norwich, England.

Elizabeth MURRAY & George BARCLAY

2007-07-03T14:05:00.001+01:00

Elizabeth MURRAY [10/10/1879-19/12/1952]
married
George BARCLAY [died pre 1952]

Elizabeth Munro Murray, known as Bessie or Betsy, was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie. Bessie lived with her grandmother, Elspat Mackay, Widow Mackenzie, at Torbreck, Rogart as a youngster – she was admitted to Blairich School on 22nd 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 1892 – she left Blairich school on 5th August 1892 – reason for leaving ‘passed standard five’ – Bessie was only 7 years old when she started at Blairich having already attended another school and left when she was 11.

Elizabeth and George married at 10 Chalmers Crescent, Edinburgh, on 17th July 1914. Elizabeth died in Edinburgh, widow of George Barclay, varnish maker. They are known to have had at least one child, a son, who may still be alive.

Mary Ann MURRAY & George TAYLOR

2007-07-03T13:53:00.000+01:00

Mary Ann MURRAY [11/6/1877 - 10/4/1928]
married
George Robert TAYLOR [born circa 1879]

Mary Ann was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie. At the time of Mary Ann's birth her father was described as a general merchant. She moved from the croft at Rhemusaig to Edinburgh where she found work as a dressmaker. At the age of 23 years Mary Ann married George Robert Taylor, son of George Henry Taylor and Helen Elliott of Kent, England. George was twenty-one years old and worked for a spirit merchant in the city. The wedding took place on the 29 March 1904 in the United Free Church, Mansionhouse Road, Edinburgh. Their only child; Jean was born in the city on 1 June 1906 [died 15 August 1976 Edinburgh].

Mary Ann died, aged 50, in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. Her sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Murray, widow of William Murray, was present.

Mary Ann's daughter, Jean Taylor, married Edwin Hull and they in turn had a daughter, Doris. The family lived in Edinburgh until their deaths.

Elspet MURRAY & George MACAULAY

2007-07-01T19:52:00.000+01:00

Elspet MURRAY
[5/5/1860-11/9/1930]
married
George MACAULAY
[28/77/1864-30/8/1956]

Elspet is the daughter of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh. Her sister, Robina, married George's brother. George was born in Lairg, son of Donald Macaulay and Barbara Mackay. Elspet and George, who was a policeman in Dornoch, lived at Gruids, Lairg. In 1901 George, now a farmer, Elspet and their 1 year old daughter, Elspet, were at Gruids, Lairg. Their house had 4 rooms with one or more windows. Elspet Murray died at Hillside, Dornoch in 1930. George died in 1956 at Greenford, Middlesex. Their daughter, Elspet (Elsie), born 1900, lived in West Ealing, London. She died in 1997 in London. She is buried with her parents in Lairg.

Ann MURRAY & Robert MACKAY

2007-07-01T19:43:00.000+01:00

Ann MURRAY
[30/9/1858-2/3/1941]
married
Robert MACKAY
[31/5/1866-2/5/1936]

Ann (Annie) is the daughter of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh of Fourpenny, Dornoch. Robert was born in Loth, son of George Mackay, farm servant, and Janet Mackay. Annie and Robert married in Glasgow on 9 January 1891. Robert was said to be a police constable in Paisley at that time. In 1895 when their son Walter was born he was a railway platelayer. He was described on his death certificate as a carting contractor. Annie and Robert both died at Balloan Cottage, Dornoch, and are buried in Dornoch with Annie’s parents.
They had the following children:
Walter Murray MACKAY, born 7th January 1895 Paisley] [died 9th April 1917] – Walter fought with the 1st/5th Seaforth Highlanders in France. He died in France during World War One and is buried in Plot 1, Row A, Grave 15, Roclincourt Military Cemetery, Arras, France.
JANET MACKAY (Jessie) born circa 1893
GEORGE MACKAY born ? [died 5 January 1956 Winnipeg, Canada] (NT) – “Off to the Land of the Maple Leaf - Mr. George Mackay, Balloan, son of Mr. Robert Mackay has left for Canada” (NT 10/6/1920)

William MURRAY & Isabella LESLIE

2007-07-01T19:32:00.000+01:00

William MURRAY
[7/3/1855-18/8/1927]
married
ISABELLA LESLIE
[born 15/4/1857]

William was born at Fourpenny, Dornoch, son of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh. He married Isabella Leslie in Inverness on 20 October 1899. William was described as a farmer from Fourpenny at his marriage and Isabella was a domestic servant living at Douglas Support, Coatbridge. Isabella is the daughter of John Leslie, crofter and Jane Sutherland of Dornoch. William and Isabella then left Sutherland for Canada where it is known they had a daughter, Elsie.

William died at his home in Vancouver on 18 August 1927. William had been a store keeper. He had been in the province for six years and had been in Canada for 22 years. William is buried in the Ocean View Cemetery and also remembered on his parents gravestone in Dornoch. An obituary appeared in the ‘Northern Times’ in Sutherland which included the lines: “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”. Obit shown in full on his parents reference.

Alexanderina MURRAY & John ROSS

2007-07-01T19:24:00.000+01:00

Alexanderina MURRAY
[1854-3/5/1926]
married
John ROSS
[21/10/1856-6/3/1944]

Alexanderina (Lexy) is the daughter of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh of Fourpenny, Dornoch. John Ross was born at Tarbat, Ross & Cromarty. The 1881 census shows an Alexa Murray of the same age working as a domestic servant in Dornoch town. In 1891 she was a housemaid at the Deanery, Dornoch - this Alexa? Lexy and John kept a bakery in Dornoch High Street. They had no children. In 1901 John, a grocer, and Alexa were living in High Street, Dornoch. They are buried together in Dornoch .

Robina MURRAY & Neil MACAULAY

2007-07-01T19:14:00.000+01:00

Robina MURRAY
6/8/1851-post 1930
married
Neil MACAULAY
[20/11/1857-31/12/1929]

Robina is the daughter of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh of Fourpenny, Dornoch. Neil is the son of Donald Macaulay and Barbara Mackay of Gruids, Lairg. The 1901 census shows Neil and Robina living in Dog Street, Dornoch where Neil was a domestic gardener. Their children Hughina and Walter were with them. Robina and Neil emigrated to Canada.

Obituary from Northern Times, 27th Feb 1930: "Canadian papers recently to hand record the death of Mr Neil Macaulay, brother of Mr George Macaulay, Hillside, Dornoch. This sad event took place very suddenly at this home 329 Arnold Ave., Winnipeg on 31st December last and in his 73rd year. He was buried on 4th January in Elmwood Cemetery, Winnipeg. An impressive funeral service was conducted by the Rev. F J. Price of Rosedale United Church, Winnipeg. The late Mr Macaulay belonged to Gruids, Lairg. He was a well known and respected citizen of Dornoch when for some years prior to 1912 he was employed with the late Llewylen Hacon at Oversteps. He married a daughter of the late Walter Murray, Fourpenny, and in order to find a wider sphere for his abilities, he with his wife and family emigrated to Canada about eighteen years ago. From 1912 to 1927 he was steadily employed in the Fort Rouge railway works, Winnipeg, and in the latter year he had to retire from active service with the company owing to his having reached the age limit. He always kept alive a strong affection for his native county and retained it to the end. To his sorrowing widow, son and daughter, we expend our sympathy in their sad bereavement".
Neil and Robina had two children:
HUGHINA MACAULAY born 19th June 1892 Glencassley, Rosehall, Creich
WALTER MACAULAY born 20th May 1894 Glencassley, Rosehall, Creich

Isabella MURRAY & George MATHESON

2007-07-01T18:53:00.000+01:00

Isabella MURRAY
[c1848-9/2/1925]
married
George MATHESON
[c1845-1/3/1931]

Isabella was born in Hertfordshire, England, daughter of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh. Her father was born at Rhemusaig but later moved to Fourpenny Farm, Dornoch, where Isabella was brought up. George Kennedy Matheson, carpenter, is the son of Alexander Matheson and Helen Sutherland. George and Isabella married on 26 December 1872 at Dornoch.

In 1881 at the census George and Isabella were in Dornoch with their children. They were still living in Castle Street, Dornoch in 1891 and 1901. Isabella Murray died at Dornoch on 9 February 1925. 'Our readers will regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Matheson, wife of our respected townsman, Mr. George Matheson, Castle Street. The late Mrs. Matheson got ill about three weeks ago and passed away on Monday night. She resided in Dornoch practically all her long life and endeared herself to a wide circle of friends amongst whom she will be sadly missed. To her husband and family we extend our sympathy in their sore bereavement. The funeral took place on Wednesday and was largely attended” (NT 12/2/1925).

George and Isabella had the following children:
MARY KENNEDY MATHESON 10 March 1875, Clashmore, Dornoch [died 11 September 1951 Dornoch] – 1881 census with parents – 1891 census with parents – 1901 census at home with parents, a teacher in Rearquhar school
GEORGE MATHESON born 23 July 1877, Dornoch – 1881 census with parents – 1891 census with parents – 1901 census at home with parents
ELSPET MATHESON born circa 1879 Dornoch – 1881 census with parents
HELEN MATHESON (Nellie), born 12 May 1882 Dornoch – 1891 census with parents – 1901 census at home with parents - Nellie, a spinster, stayed at home and looked after her parents until their deaths
WALTER MATHESON born 9 September 1885, Dornoch [died 13 November 1916, France] – 1891 census with parents – 1901 census at home with parents - Walter Matheson fought and died in France during World War One as Private Walter Matheson, 241331, 5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders - Walter is commemorated by name on Pier 15, Face C of the Thiepval Memorial, Picardy, France. This memorial commemorates by names 72,000 British soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme. This battle began at 7.28am precisely on 1 July 1916 when 17 mines were exploded under the German front line. Exactly two minutes later 60,000 soldiers weighed down with heavy packs, gas masks, rifles and bayonets staggered out of their trenches and over the top! By the end of that dreadful day 21,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lay dead in the poppy fields of northern France. Another 40,000 men were wounded. By the time the battle ended in November 420,000 British soldiers had died. At a service in Thiepval in 1996 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the battle the Reverend William Scott said "Never had so many men walked so confidently to a certain death".
ALEXANDER MATHESON (Sandy) born 18 May 1888, Dornoch [died 22 January 1945 Dornoch] – 1891 census with parents – 1901 census at home with parents - badly wounded in World War One

Catherine MURRAY & George GRANT

2007-07-01T18:36:00.000+01:00

Catherine MURRAY
[c1845-11/3/1938]
married
George GRANT
[9/10/1832-2/6/1920]

Catherine is the daughter of Walter Murray and Elspet Macintosh. George was born in Dornoch, son of William Grant and Ann Gunn. George and Catherine married in Inverness on 10 February 1871. They lived at Evelix, Dornoch, where George was a carpenter and farmer. In 1881 the family were living next to George’s widowed mother. In 1891 the parents and all their surviving children were living at Evelix Cottages, Dornoch. Their house had 7 rooms with windows. In 1901 all the children were still living at home this time at Clashmore Wood.

George Grant died in 1920 and was buried in Dornoch. “There passed away at his home on 2 June at Evelix Cottage, Dornoch, a well known and highly respected citizen of the county in the person of Mr. George Grant, joiner and builder. During the 50 years he was in business Mr. Grant carried out most important contracts in his line of business. Mr. Grant was 87 years of age and for the last few years was confined to the house. The funeral took place on Friday to Dornoch Churchyard” (NT 10/6/1920). Catherine died in 1938 and is buried with George.

They had the following children:
ANNIE GRANT (Catherine) born 4 January 1872 Dornoch [died 1948] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents
WILLIAM GRANT born 7 December 1873 Dornoch [died 22 December 1945 Church Street, Dornoch] [married Louisa Macdonald] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents - William was a joiner like his father
ELSPET GRANT born 17 June 1875 Dornoch – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents
CHRISTINA GRANT born August 1877 Dornoch [died 20 June 1880 Dornoch]
WALTERINA GRANT born 29 August 1879 Dornoch [died 23 May 1946 Evelix] [married Alexander James Campbell] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents
CHRISTINA GRANT born 14 January 1882 Dornoch [died 6 November 1930 North Lodge, West Park, Dundee] [married Alexander Cowieson on 26 September 1913 at Evelix, Dornoch – Alexander, from Haddington, East Lothian, was born circa 1881, son of Alexander Cowieson, gardener and Mary Ann Murray] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents
MARGARET GRANT born 15 March 1887 Dornoch [died 1 August 1887 Dornoch] – 1881 census with parents
ROBINA GRANT (Bertie) born 27 November 1883 Dornoch [died 27 September 1919 Evelix Cottage, Dornoch - dressmaker – single] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents
THOMAS GRANT born 17 May 1888 Dornoch [died 29 October 1918] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents - Tommy fought in France during World War One – Pioneer T. Grant WF/10224, 317th Royal Construction Co., Royal Engineers and is buried in Plot 4, Row K, Grave 24, Abbeville communal Cemetery Extensions, France. Tommy died in 3rd Australian General Hospital, Abbeville from bronchopneumonia.
JOHN GRANT born 17 May 1888 Dornoch [died post 1945] – 1881, 91 & 1901 census at home with parents

Alexander MURRAY & Isabella ROSS

2007-07-01T17:32:00.000+01:00

Alexander MURRAY
[11/2/1872-2/2/1943]
married
ISABELLA ROSS
[4/12/1884-20/12/1967]

Alexander was born at Bank, Rogart, son of Paul Murray and Jane Ross. Isabella was born at Proncy Croy, Dornoch, daughter of John Ross, crofter of Proncy, Dornoch and Christina Mackay. Alexander and Isabella married at the Pittentrail Inn, Rogart, on 8th June 1911. Alexander was a railway platelayer at the time of his marriage and Isabella was a domestic servant living at working at Pittentrail, Rogart.

Alexander died at Bank, Rogart, in 1943. He is buried with Isabella in Rogart.
They had the following children:
WILLIAM JOHN MURRAY, born 6th October 1912 Bank, Rogart [died 28 May 1926 – buried with parents]
DAVID ALEXANDER MURRAY born 17th June 1915 Bank, Rogart [died 10th March 1995, Inverness – retired railway station master] [married Elspeth Ann Macdonald - David was a railway signalman of Bank, Rogart, at the time of his marriage]
PAUL ROSS MURRAY born 1st March 1924 Bank, Rogart [died 3rd March 1990 at Edinburgh – retired Railway Manager] [married Mary Burnett] – had a son also named Paul Murray

George MURRAY & 1) Isabella MATHESON 2) Helen MATHESON

2007-07-01T17:11:00.000+01:00

George MURRAY
[20/2/1871-3/7/1937]
married
1) ISABELLA MATHESON
[died pre 1935]
2) HELEN C. MATHESON
[1883-28/4/1977]

George Murray, a master tailor, was born at Bank, Rogart, son of Paul Murray and Jane Ross. He was firstly married to Isabella Matheson.

George, a widower, married Helen Chalmers Matheson at the Ben Bhraggie Hotel, Golspie on 27th December 1935. At the time of this wedding George was living in Main Street, Golspie and Helen at Burgage Villa, Golspie. Helen is the daughter of Thomas Matheson and Grace B. Mackenzie. Less than two years after this marriage George died suddenly of heart disease at East End Golspie. Helen is buried with her parents in Golspie.

Robert MURRAY and Catherine FRASER

2007-07-01T17:01:00.000+01:00

Robert MURRAY
[12/7/1833-21/2/1881]
married
Catherine FRASER

Robert was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, son of James Murray and Elspat Mackay. He married Catherine Jessie McCallum Fraser. Robert was at home with his parents in 1851. He then moved to Glasgow. Robert died in Glasgow where he was a Merchantile Clerk living in Dennistoun.
He and Catherine had at least one child:

ANN MURRAY, born circa 1851 Glasgow – in 1861 Ann was living with her grandmother Elspat Mackay at Rhemusaig, Rogart

Catherine MURRAY married Alexander CUMMING

2007-07-01T16:34:00.001+01:00

Catherine MURRAY
1830 - 13/4/1873]
married
Alexander CUMMING
[4/5/1831-21/1/1870]

Catherine was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of James Murray and Elspat Mackay. Alexander, a farm servant at Rovie, Rogart, is the son of George Cumming, cooper, and Ann Taylor of Boydnie, Banffshire. Alexander and Catherine married in Rogart in 1854. They lived at Culmaily, Golspie, where Alexander was employed as a farm grieve. Catherine died there in 1870 leaving a very young family. Three years later Alexander passed away leaving the children orphans. They are buried in Golspie where the gravestone describes Alexander as “late of Boydnie, Banff”.

Catherine and Alexander had the following children:
ANN CUMMING born 12th June 1856 Golspie
ELSPET CUMMING born 22nd July 1857 Golspie
WILLIAM CUMMING born 25th October 1858 Golspie [married Janet Mackay]
GEORGINA CUMMING born 7th July 1860 Golspie – following the death of her parents lived with her Mackay grandmother at Rhemusaig
ALEXANDER CUMMING born 7th December 1862 Golspie – 1881 census working as an 18 year old servant at the Strachan Farm in Fordyce, Banff
JAMES CUMMING born 30th August 1864 Golspie – following the death of his parents lived with his 76 year old grandfather George Cumming at Little Craigherd, Boydnie, Banff – shown there in the 1881 census
AGNES MACPHERSON CUMMING born 6th December 1866 Golspie – 1881 census at High Shore, Banff, a servant aged 14
ROBERT CUMMING born 17th September 1868 Golspie – following the death of his parents lived with his 76 year old grandfather George Cumming at Little Craigherd, Boydnie, Banff – shown there in the 1881 census

James MURRAY & 1) Janet BRUCE 2) Jane MACDONALD

2007-07-01T16:20:00.000+01:00

James MURRAY
married
1) Janet BRUCE
[1834-5/10/1879]
2) JANE MACDONALD
[c1843-7/12/1893]

James, a shoemaker, is the son of James Murray and Elspet Mackay of Rhemusaig, Rogart. He was firstly married to Janet Bruce, daughter of John Bruce and Ann Murray. They married on 7th May 1858. James worked as an agricultural labourer at Rhemusaig according to the 1861 census. From 1865 onwards James is recorded as a shoemaker. In 1871 the family were at Rhemusaig in a two roomed house. Janet died on 5 October 1879.

James and Janet had the following children:
JAMES MURRAY, born 6 December 1858 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 15 July 1927 Rhemusaig] [married Helen Macnaughton] – 1871 census at Rhemusaig with parents, scholar
JOHN MURRAY, born 3 October 1861 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 20 June 1950 Perth] [married Margaret Mill] – 1871 census at Rhemusaig with parents, scholar
GEORGE MURRAY, born 23 August 1865 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 24 December 1867 Rhemusaig]
CATHERINE MURRAY [Kate], born 18 June 1870 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 21 September 1916 in hospital – usual residence Rhemusaig - she was a nurse] – following her mother’s death in 1879 Catherine went to her grandmother’s house at Rhemusaig with her father – they were there in the 1881 census - I believe his daughter Catherine (Kate) continued to live at home until her death in 1916 although she was not at home in 1901

2) Following his first wife’s death James returned to his widowed mother's home with his youngest daughter Catherine. They were there in the 1881 census. On 22 November 1889 James married for the second time to widow, Jane Macdonald, daughter of John Macdonald and Janet Macintosh. The 1891 census shows James, second wife Jane and daughter Catherine 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 died leaving James a widower for the second time.

In the 1901 census he had an Effy Mackay, unmarried, aged 52, born in Rogart, as a domestic servant living with him. James died at Rhemusaig in 1918. He is buried in Rogart with his first wife, Janet, and their daughter Catherine.

Dorothy in USA plus Sheila in Edinburgh also have links to this family.

William MURRAY & Elizabeth ROSS

2007-07-01T16:11:00.000+01:00

William MURRAY
[12/3/1820-18/3/1912]
married
Elizabeth ROSS
[3/1816-13/2/1906]

William is the son of James Murray and Elspat Mackay of Rhemusaig. William and Elizabeth (Betsy) married on 28 May 1842 and soon after left Rogart for Canada. William died on 18 March 1912 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 Godbearing 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 hosptality, 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 Elizabeth had the following children:
WILLIAM MURRAY born 1843 Canada [died 1843]
ELSIE MURRAY born 1844 Canada [died 1931]
JAMES MURRAY born 1845 Canada [died 1930]
MERRON MURRAY born 1846 Canada [died 1917]
ISABEL MURRAY born 1848 Canada [died 1934]
JOHN WILLIAM MURRAY born 1849 Canada [died 1914]
GEORGIANA MURRAY born 1851 Canada [died 1852]
ROBERT GEORGE MURRAY born 1853 Canada [died 1939]
DONALD MURRAY born 1855 Canada [died 1916]
HUGH ALEXANDER MURRAY born 1856 Canada [died 1934] [married Harriet Jane Meadows (1862-1900) in Ontario – they had a son James who married Christina Alice Macintosh – their only child, daughter Isabel married Mr Mills and their son John continues to research this family tree today
CHRISTINE MURRAY born 1860 Canada [died 1932].

A descendant of this family, Dorothy, lives in the USA and keeps in touch with me. Now, thanks to being able to view this information here a great, great, great grandson of William and Elizabeth had made contact.

Paul MURRAY & Jane ROSS

2007-07-01T09:39:00.000+01:00

Paul MURRAY
[1847-31/3/1924]
married
Jane ROSS
[1849-6/3/1919]

Paul was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, son of William Murray and Catherine Grant. Jane is a daughter of George Ross and Margaret Matheson. Paul and Jane married at Rogart on 26 March 1869.

In 1871 they were living with Jane's aunt - Catherine Matheson (1804-1897), sister to Margaret Matheson, Jane's mother - at Milton, Rogart - which is sometimes known as Miltonbank or simply Bank. Catherine was a daughter of James Matheson and Elspet Sutherland. Her brother Donald and sister Jane, also lived with her.

Paul worked as a railway platelayer in Rogart. They were still in the aunt's five-roomed house in 1881. The house was home that year to Catherine Matheson; her brother, Donald, her sister Jane, plus Paul, his wife Jane and their five children. Aunt Catherine was still alive in 1891 aged 88 years. She died in 1897 at the house. Paul and Jane continued to live at the house - by this time the house was referred to as being at Bank, Rogart. Jane died there in 1919. Paul also died at Bank, in 1924, and is buried with his wife in St Callan's churchyard, Rogart.

"The Reaper has been busy in our midst lately, gathering in the young and aged. On Saturday there was laid to rest one of our older inhabitants in the person of Jane Ross, wife of Mr. Paul Murray, Bank. For a number of years Mrs. Murray was laid aside from any active participation in life, and latterly had been confined to bed, from the effects of a stroke of paralysis. An attack of influenza which also seized the other members of the family, proved too much for Mrs. Murray’s strength, and she succumbed to the disease. Of a kindly and cheery nature, she will be missed in the home, and by a wide circle of friends of the older generation" (NT13/3/1919).

Paul & Jane had the following children:
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 25 January 1870 Bank, Rogart [died 31 December 1898, ironworker, bachelor, killed by falling from a train at Dalmore, Rogart] - at home in the 1871 & 81 census
GEORGE MURRAY, born 20 February 1871 Bank, Rogart [died 3rd July 1937 East End, Golspie] [married Isabella Matheson & Helen Chalmers Matheson]
ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 11 February 1872 Torbuie, Rogart (IGI) [died 2nd February 1943] [married Isabella Ross] – at home with parents in 1881 & 91 census
CATHERINE MURRAY, born 27 November 1876 Bank, Rogart [died 1st February 1932 Glasgow] [married 1st George Craig Stewart and 2nd James Mactaggart] – at home in 1881 & 91 census
DONALD MURRAY, born 14 August 1880 Bank, Rogart [died 18 March 1934] – at home in 1881 & 91 census

David MURRAY & Julia MACINTOSH

2007-06-30T22:36:00.000+01:00

David MURRAY
[1842-8/7/1893]
married
Julia MACINTOSH
[c1841-5/2/1904]

David was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, son of William Murray and Catherine Grant. Julia is the daughter of Alexander Macintosh and Ann Gunn of Rhianbreck, Lairg. David and Julia married on 28 June 1867 in Lairg. When their son Thomas was born at Rhianbreck, Lairg, David was a railway pointsman at Blair Atholl, Perthshire. Thomas’s birth is registered in both Lairg and Blair Atholl. He died aged 4 months in Perth where David was said to be a Railway Porter. A year later when baby John Alexander was born David was recorded as a Railway Shunter. By the time Julia was born in 1879 the family were back in Rogart. David was now a Railway Surfaceman.

In 1881 they were at Eden, Rogart, in a two roomed house. In 1891 they were at Dalmore, Rogart not far from Eden. David died there in 1893. Extracts from 1893 letters of the Rogart Ground Officer James Alexander to Donald MacLean the factor at Dunrobin. NLS Acc.10225 read: “1893 July 10, David Murray, 68 Dalmore, died 8 July “…has left a widow, with a grown up family, and all are doing for themselves. except the youngest, who is 12 years. and lives with her mother.”

Julia died at Dalmore in 1904.

David and Julia had the following children:
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 27 March 1868 in Lairg
CHRISTINA ANN MURRAY (Christy), born 18 September 1869 Tain, Ross-shire - in 1891 Christina, a cloth dyeworker, was living in, Renton, Dumbartonshire, with her cousin Margaret Murray married to George Matheson.
THOMAS MURRAY, born 11 November 1872 Rhianbreck, Lairg [died 5 March 1873 at Cross Street, Perth]
JOHN ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 24 April 1874 Cross Street, Perth - 1881 census with parents
HECTOR MURRAY, born 9 October 1875 Lairg [died 21 October 1875 Rhianbreck, Lairg]
JULIA MURRAY, born 17 May 1879 Eden, Rogart

Johan MURRAY & John BANNERMAN

2007-06-30T18:56:00.000+01:00

Johan MURRAY [21/5/1840-30/1/1906]
married
John BANNERMAN [22/10/1833-9/5/1919]

Johan was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, tenth child of William Murray and Catherine Grant. John was born at Backies, Golspie, son of Alexander Bannerman and Rose Matheson. Johan and John lived at Morvich, technically in Golspie parish but so close to the Rogart boundary that it is to all intents and purposes in Rogart (nowadays it is in Rogart). Morvich consisted of a lodge, gardener's house, a farm with farm house and cottages. John was a gardener and so probably lived in the gardener's house. They married at Rogart in a Free Church ceremony on 13 March 1863. In 1881 Johanna and John Bannerman were at Morvich with their children. John Bannerman was then a Farm Manager. Johan died at Tressady, Rogart, on 30 January 1906. John died, also at Tressady, in 1919. They are buried in St Callan's churchyard in Rogart close to Johan's parents - photograph of their gravestone above.
"There passed away after a short illness one of the most respected members of the community in the person of Mr. Bannerman, gardener, Tressady Lodge, at the ripe old age of 84. He served his apprenticeship at Dunrobin Gardens, was for many years in charge of Morvich Lodge and from there he faithfully discharged his duties for over 30 years. Mr Bannerman never came into the public limelight but carried out his duties in a quiet, unobrtrusive way and was held in high esteem". (Northern Times 22/5/1919).

Their daughters Ann and Rose continued to live in the area until their deaths and are buried in the new section at Rogart.

John and Johan had the following children:
William BANNERMAN, born 13 August 1863 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 12 February 1950 Dublin] [married Marcella Mary Fox]
Alexander BANNERMAN born 21 July 1868 Morvich [died 14 May 1931 Glasgow [married firstly to Elizabeth Reid & secondly to Isabella Stewart] – 1881 census with parents
David BANNERMAN born 30 September 1871 Morvich [married Sarah Ellen Atkinson] – 1881 census with parents
Ann BANNERMAN (Annie) born 24 August 1873 Morvich [died 7 July 1932 Tressady, Rogart – death was reported in the Northern Times on 21st July 1932] – 1881 census with parents
Rose BANNERMAN born 5 August 1879 Morvich, Golspie – christened in Rogart Free Church [died 26 February 1963 Dalmore, Rogart] – 1881 census with parents

During my researches into this family I was most fortunate to find Margaret Slade, a direct descendant of son William. Margaret added greatly to my information on this part of my family. I had spent years searching in Dublin and finding little more than brick walls before Margaret found me!

Colin MURRAY & Isabella SUTHERLAND

2007-06-30T18:46:00.000+01:00

Colin MURRAY
[4/3/1888-26/5/1964]
married
Isabella SUTHERLAND
[10/9/1892/11/1970]

Colin Mackenzie Murray was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, youngest son of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie. Isabella was born at West Clynelish, Brora, Clyne, daughter of Andrew Sutherland, crofter, and Charoltte Gunn. Colin and Isabella married in December 1919 in Lairg church. The family lived at Lairg for a while, then returned to Rogart where Colin was a porter at Rogart station. He was later transferred back to Lairg and then to Bonar Bridge. When the children had grown up and left home Colin moved to Glasgow where he died in Ruchill Hospital in 1964.

Isabella, widow of Colin Murray, railway porter signalman, died in Evanton, Ross-shire in 1970.

Colin and Isabella had a family of four - sadly the two girls are now deceased but the boys still live in Ross-shire. You can see a picture of Colin on his father's entry.

Christina Mackenzie MURRAY & Joseph BIRNIE

2007-06-30T17:50:00.000+01:00

Christina Mackenzie MURRAY
[9/3/1890-6/5/1922]
married
Joseph BIRNIE
[10/7/1886-9/1/1959]

Christine Mackenzie Murray was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie. She and Joseph, who was born at Balblair, Creich, married in Tain, Ross-shire, according to the forms of the established Church of Scotland on 24 June 1915. Joseph was a 28 year old shop porter, bachelor, son of Francis Birnie and Jane Horn. Christine was a domestic servant at 2 Victoria Terrace, Tain. Witnesses at the wedding were Jessie Murray and Lewis Birnie.
Christina and Joseph had tthree children including:
Francis BIRNIE, born 8th January 1916 [died in Tain 1981] - plus a son and a daughter who may still be alive.
Christina died soon after the birth of her youngest son. A few months later her widower remarried.

Janet Mackenzie MURRAY & James WATT

2007-06-30T17:35:00.000+01:00

Janet Mackenzie MURRAY (Jess)

[11/6/1893 - 19/8/1981]
married
James WATT
[10/6/1893 - c1960]

Janet, known as Jess, was born at Rhemusaig, daughter of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie. Jess went down to Edinburgh where she worked as a cable car conductress. She met James, a cable car driver, and they married on 12th September 1919 at the Melbourne Halls in Edinburgh. They lived their lives in the city. Jess died in 1981 aged 88 years.

They had the following children:
JEAN WATT born 1920 in Edinburgh and died in 1975 in Vancouver, Canada
JAMES WATT born 1926 Edinburgh and died in Cape Town, South Africa 2002 - photograph above shows James as a young man.
Plus two daughters who are still alive today.

Jean Watt, above, married Norman Hossack who died in 1974 in Vancouver at age 80. They had four children one of whom, David, lives in Vancouver and communicates with me.

James Watt, above, married a daughter of his mother's sister Margaret Ellen Mackenzie MURRAY who is still alive and living in South Africa. Their daughter is Pam Thomson who has helped me tremendously with this part of the family tree.

William MURRAY & Margaret Ann MACKENZIE

2007-06-30T17:08:00.000+01:00

William MURRAY
[1/1/1876-1923]
married
Margaret Ann MACKENZIE
[7/10/1883-8/7/1970]

William was born at Torbreck, Rogart, the eldest child of Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie of Rhemusaig. He was named after his paternal grandfather, William Murray of Rhemusaig. As a young boy William lived with his widowed maternal grandmother Elizabeth Mackay [Mrs William Mackenzie] at Torbreck where she farmed seven acres. Young William was there with his grandmother and Aunt Christina in 1881. The 1891 census shows him still there with his younger sister Bessie, aged 11 years. Granny Mackenzie was now 78 years old. Life was hard on the crofts - crofters struggled to support the large families and many children were boarded out to grandparents.

William was with his parents at Rhemusaig in the 1901 census. He left Sutherland within the next few years heading south to Edinburgh where many of his sisters were already settled. He found work as a jobbing gardener in the Morningside area of Edinburgh. On 10 June 1910 he married Margaret, daughter of John Mackenzie, a farm servant and his wife Mary Mackenzie. Margaret was born in Inverness. The marriage took place at the United Free Church, Polwarth Terrace, Edinburgh. After the wedding they moved into Morningside Road, an address which would be the family home for at least sixty years. William continued to do gardening and odd jobs while Margaret [Meg] cleaned at the big houses in the area.

The 1914/18 war required all men under forty to be enlisted - William was called up. He served with the Black Watch attaining the rank of Sergeant. In the trenches of Northern France he suffered very severely from gas poisoning. He lived until 1923 when his death certificate showed he died from illness associated with gassing. His young widow continued her life as before bringing up her children.

They had the following children:
ELIZABETH MURRAY [Bessy], born 27 February 1911 Morningside, Edinburgh [died 30 September 1976 Edinburgh] [married John Mackay in Edinburgh 1931] – had family, some of whom still live in Scotland
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 18 October 1912 Morningside, Edinburgh [died 29 April 1969 England] [married Robina Gordon Wilson in Edinburgh 1940] – had family of three, two of whom now live in England - these are my parents
ROBERT MURRAY, born 21 September 1914 Morningside, Edinburgh [died 8 April 1968 Edinburgh] [married Isabella Christina Chisholm in Edinburgh 1943] – had family some of whom still live in Scotland
MARGARET MURRAY [Peggy] born 5 May 1921 Morningside, Edinburgh [died 14 May 1977 Stirlingshire] [married James Thomson in 1944] – had family one of whom lives in Dundee
JOHN MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 3 February 1923 Morningside, Edinburgh [died 11 July 1975 Edinburgh] [married in Edinburgh where his widow still lives]
William Murray and Margaret Ann Mackenzie are my grandparents. Their son William, my father. Photograph above shows 'Gran Murray', Margaret Ann Mackenzie with three of her children, Bessie, William and baby Robert taken in 1914.

Alexander MURRAY & Jane MACKENZIE

2007-06-30T15:50:00.000+01:00

Alexander MURRAY [24/4/1835-30/12/1926]
married
Jane MACKENZIE [1841-22/7/1931]

Alexander (Sandy) is the son of William Murray and Catherine Grant of Rhemusaig, Rogart. 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 is the daughter of William MacKenzie 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.

They had the following children:
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 1 January 1876 Torbreck, Rogart [died 14 May 1923 Edinburgh] [married Margaret Ann Mackenzie] - these are my grandparents
MARY ANN MURRAY, born 11 June 1877 Rhemusaig [died 10 April 1928 Edinburgh] [married George Taylor in Edinburgh]
ELIZABETH MUNRO MURRAY (Bessie), born 10 October 1879 Rhemusaig [died 19 December 1952 Edinburgh] [married George Barclay] – Bessie lived with her grandmother, Elspat Mackay, Widow Mackenzie, at Torbreck, Rogart as a youngster.
DONALD KENNETH ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 17 September 1881 [died 21 December 1944 Northern Infirmary, Inverness] - 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.
JANE MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 26 August 1883 Rhemusaig [married Harold Harvey] - Jane and Harold married in Kent where they are known to have had at least two daughters.
MARGARET ELLEN MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 7th March 1886 Rhemusaig [died 13th May 1955 Cape Town, South Africa] [married William Petrie Birnie in Edinburgh 1919]
COLIN MACKENZIE MURRAY born 4th March 1888 Rhemusaig [died 26th May 1964 Glasgow] [married Isabella Sutherland]
CHRISTINE MACKENZIE MURRAY, born 9 March 1890 [died 6 May 1922 Tain] [married Joseph Birnie]
JANET MACKENZIE MURRAY (Jessie) born 11 June 1893 Rhemusaig [died 19 August 1981 Edinburgh] [married James Watt]
Alexander Murray and Jane Mackenzie are my great grandparents.

Catherine MURRAY & Hugh SUTHERLAND

2007-06-30T12:54:00.000+01:00

Catherine MURRAY
[31/3/1836-12/7/1901]
married
Hugh SUTHERLAND
[27/3/1817-10/8/1897]

Catherine was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of William Murray and Catherine Grant. Hugh is the son of Robert Sutherland and Betty 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.

Donald MURRAY & 1. Mary BELL 2. Elizabeth MACKAY

2007-06-30T12:24:00.000+01:00

Donald MURRAY
[17/8/1828-28/12/1879]
married
1) MARY BELL
[13/7/1829-14/5/1859]
2) ELIZABETH MACKAY
[born 27/6/1829]

Donald was born 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 in Lairg, daughter of James Bell, shepherd, and Margaret Mackay. Sadly Mary died at Pittentrail, Rogart, in 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]

The widowed Donald married on 28th February 1866 in Golspie to Elizabeth Mackay, who was born 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.

Hector MURRAY & Isabella MUNRO

2007-06-30T08:56:00.000+01:00

Hector MURRAY
[27/2/1825-1/3/1873]
married
Isabella MUNRO
[27/9/1824-22/12/1907]

Hector was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, son of William Murray and Catherine Grant.
Isabella (Bell) was born in Creich, and at the time of the wedding was at Whiteface. She is the daughter of Hugh Munro and Janet Mackay. Hector and Isabella married on 10 December 1849 in Creich.
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. The 1871 census shows them 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 Isabella Murray. Hector died in 1873 at Gordonbush, Strathbrora, from smallpox from which he suffered for eight days. He is buried at Ascoile, Strathbrora where a gravestone was erected by Isabella and his children - photographed above. Sadly today this gravestone is broken and lies on the floor.

The 1881 census shows Isabella at Fascally, Clyne, with 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. Isabella Munro died at North Brora in 1907.
Hector and Bell had the following children:
ISABELLA MURRAY, born circa 1850 Spinningdale [died 23 June 1914 Golspie] [married Alexander Stewart Morrison] – 1851, 61 & 71 census records with parents – Isabella had a daughter, Isabella, born in 1871 and who later married George Robertson. Her mother was a nurse. In 1901 Isabella was living in a two roomed house at Sutherland Street, Brora.
WILLIAM MURRAY, born circa 1853 Spinningdale, Creich – 1861 census with parents
JEMIMA MURRAY, born 23 December 1855 Embo Mains, Dornoch [died 8 April 1944 Brora, Clyne] [married Alexander Mackay] – 1861 and 71 census with parents
HUGH MURRAY, born 28 April 1858 Embo Mains, Dornoch – [died 5th October 1932 Johnson Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire] [married firstly to Margaret Cassells and secondly to Catherine Cairns] - 1861 and 71 census with parents – in 1881 Hugh appears to have been working as a farm servant in 1881 at Rhives, Golspie.
JOHN MURRAY, born 27 October 1860 Embo Mains, Dornoch [died 31 January 1950 Swordale, Bonar] [married Margaret Sutherland] – 1861, 71 and 81 census with parents
GEORGE MURRAY, born 18 October 1863 Embo Mains, Dornoch - 1871 census with parents – 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.
WALTER MURRAY, born 28 March 1866 Skelbo [died 7 February 1932 Dornoch] [married Jane McGowan] - 1871 census with parents – ploughman in 1871 - in 1881 he was recorded, with his brother George, at Major General William Tod Brown's farm at Kilcolmkil, Clyne
ALEXANDER MURRAY, born 4 December 1868 Littletown, Dornoch – 1871 & 1881 census with parents

Janet MURRAY & James MACKAY

2007-06-30T08:26:00.000+01:00

Janet MURRAY
[24/8/1820-27/12/1898]
married
James MACKAY
[7/4/1824-18/8/1884]

Janet (Jessie) Murray was born at Rhemusaig, Rogart, daughter of William Murray and Catherine Grant. James was born in Thurso, Caithness, son of Donald Mackay and Janet Shearer.

James, a coachman from St. Cuthberts, Edinburgh, and Janet, a servant at Lairg Inn, married in Lairg on 23 November 1850 (OPR). Jessie and James moved to Edinburgh where their daughter was born before finally settling in Dumbartonshire.

In 1881 the family were living at Market Street, Mackie's Lane, Cardross, Dunbartonshire. James was a commercial clerk and gas collector. Daughter Jessie was a dressmaker. When their only child, Jessie, had grown up they took Janet's youngest sister, Catherine's, child in and brought her up also. Janet Murray, widow of James Mackay, Clerk at Printfield, died in 1898 at Carman Road, Renton. The informant of the death was an Alexander Murray, Undertaker, 74 Main Street, Renton — a relative?
James and Janet had a daughter:
JANET MACKAY(Jessie) born 9 September 1856, Edinburgh [died 7th October 1914 Glasgow] [married William Cumming] - 1881 census with parents, dressmaker

Walter MURRAY & Elspet MACINTOSH

2007-06-30T07:42:00.001+01:00

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

Walter was born 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

Margaret MURRAY & James GRANT

2007-06-29T18:26:00.000+01:00

Margaret MURRAY

[c1790 - 4/11/1843]
married
James GRANT
[1780 - 4/2/1865]

Margaret Murray is the daughter of Donald Murray and Margaret Mackay of Rhemusaig. James is a son of Alexander Grant and Ann Mackenzie. James Grant was shown living in Rhemusaig on the 1822 Dornoch list of all male persons residing within the Parish of Dornoch excluding servants. (Rhemusaig is in Rogart although for many years classed as part of Dornoch parish).

In 1841 James and Margaret were in Rhemusaig, living next door to William Murray and Kate Grant (my 3 x great grandparents], William being Margaret’s brother. The 1851 and 1861 census records show James on his own at Rhemusaig farming three acres. His home had four rooms with windows. Living next door was Hugh Grant who appears to be his son. Margaret Murray and James Grant both died at Rhemusaig.

James and Margaret had the following children:
JOHN GRANT born 2 July 1810 Langwell, Rogart
ALEXANDER GRANT born 13 May 1812 Little Rogart - a blacksmith in 1841 census with parents
WILLIAM YOUNG GRANT born 21 December 1813 Rocky Park, Rogart
MARY GRANT born 10 January 1816 Rocky Park
CATHARINE GRANT born 18 June 1817 Rogart
JAMES GRANT born 26 June 1819 Kinnauld, Rogart
PETER GRANT born June 1821 Rhemusaig, Rogart
ANDREW GRANT born 8 August 1823 Rhemusaig, Rogart
HUGH GRANT born 1828 [married Barbara Grant] – at home with parents in 1841 census

William MURRAY & Catherine GRANT

2007-06-29T15:52:00.000+01:00

William MURRAY
[18/12/1792-14/6/1858]
married
Catherine GRANT
[1800-21/2/1894]

William was born in Golspie parish in 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, 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 grandaughter 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 (my great grandmother), 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 of their gravestone above. In 1871, their son Alexander erected a stone in memory of his parents. 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 [married Elspet Macintosh] – at home with parents in 1841
JANET MURRAY (Jessie), born 25 April 1820 Rhemusaig, Rogart [married James Mackay] – at home with parents in 1841
MARGARET MURRAY, born 3 October 1822 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841
HECTOR MURRAY, born 27 February 1825 Rhemusaig, Rogart [married Isabella Munro) – at home with parents in 1841
DONALD MURRAY, born 17 August 1828 Rhemusaig, Rogart [married Mary Bell and Elizabeth Mackay] – at home with parents in 1841 & 1851
ANN MURRAY, born 1 December 1830 Rhemusaig, Rogart – at home with parents in 1841
CHRISTINA MURRAY (Christy), born 7 June 1833 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 10 December 1908 Bonar Bridge] – at home with parents in 1841 & 1851 - 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 [married Hugh Sutherland] – at home with parents in 1841 & 51
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 [married John Bannerman] – at home with parents in 1841 & 51
DAVID MURRAY, born 22 June 1842 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 8 July 1893 Dalmore, Rogart] [married Julia Macintosh] – at home with parents in 1851 & 61 – witness at his brother Paul’s son, George, wedding
PAUL MURRAY, born 1845 Rhemusaig, Rogart [married Jane Ross] – at home with parents in 1851 & 61

William and Kate are my two times Great Grandparents.

Donald MURRAY & Margaret MACKAY

2007-06-29T15:21:00.000+01:00

Donald MURRAY
[c1770-pre 1837]
married
Margaret MACKAY
[c1770-28/4/1837]

Donald Murray, a miller, was born 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.

I have always believed that Catherine Grant’s parents may have had connections with Rhemusaig as there were Grants living there before the Murray families arrived.

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.

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 [died 14 June 1858 Rhemusaig] [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 [died 4 November 1843 Rhemusaig] [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

James MURRAY & Elspat MACKAY

2007-06-29T14:48:00.000+01:00

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

James is the son of William Murray, cattleman, and Isabella Mackay of Kinnauld, Rogart.
Elspat is the 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 seems to be an error. At the time of their marriage they both lived at Kinnauld.

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 home. James is shown as a farmer of two acres. When the census enumerator came round in 1861 James was 76 years old and Elspat was 67 years. Their children had left home but they did have their grandaughter, 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 Elspat as head of the family. This census tells that their home had two rooms and Elspat 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 Elspat'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 Murray and Elspat Mackay had the following children:
WILLIAM MURRAY, born 12 March 1820 Rhemusaig, Rogart [married Elizabeth Ross]
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 [died 15 December 1918] [married Janet Bruce and Jane Macdonald] – James was at Rhemusaig in 1841 & 51 census – there in 1881 and 1891
CATHERINE MURRAY, born 4 May 1831 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 21 January 1870] [married Alexander Cumming] – Catherine was at Rhemusaig in 1841 & 51 census
ROBERT MURRAY, born 12 July 1833 Rhemusaig, Rogart [died 21 February 1881 Glasgow] [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.

William MURRAY & Isabella MACKAY

2007-06-29T14:12:00.000+01:00

William MURRAY
[26/8/1746-29/1/1827]
married
Isabella MACKAY
[c1753-24/5/1821]

William was born in 1746 at Sallach, (Sallachton) Golspie, son of a Donald Murray. Isabella is reputed to be the daughter of an Alexander Mackay.

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 Rhemsaig 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 exactly when 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. It is possible that one member of the family married into a family settled at Rhemusaig or Kinnauld and the others followed through the years. Rhemusaig and Kinnauld remained the home of this family for many, many years.

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 Kinauld, on 24 May 1821. William died in 1827 at Rhemusaig.

William and Isabella had at least the following children:
DONALD MURRAY, born circa 1770 Golspie [married Margaret Mackay]
JAMES MURRAY, born 1786 [died 10 December 1869 Rhemusaig] [married Elspet Mackay]

William and Isabella are my four times great grandparents