I have recently learned that one of my ancestors John Mc Phail (born 1845) died in 1899 in Greenock Scotland may have come from North Uist. His parents were Charles Mc Phail and Margaret Mackay.. I can't find the parents on Scotland's people nor can I find any record of John in the 1851,61,71,81or 81 Scottish censuses. Can anyone help? Thanks in anticipation.
Simply on the question of why a MacPhail should be born in North Uist, the family was descended from Paul na h'Eile, the man responsible for killing a couple of half brothers with claims to the chieftainship of Clan Donald North, the MacDonalds of Sleat in Skye. There is a settlement in North Uist called Baile MhicPhail.
Thanks to everyone who helped in the search for John MCPHAIL. He still eludes me! He appears to have married an Anne Jane MCKILLOP at Ramoan Ballycastle, Rathlin, Antrim in 1868. He doesn't appear to be from Rathlin though the name MCFALL is found there. Was there a migration from North Uist to parts of Ireland in the early 1800's? Or am I still chasing red herrings.?
Thanks Elaine. I already have this death certificate from Scotlands people site. However I am no closer to the information as to where he was bornwas born than before.! At the moment it is an unsurmountable brick wall.