Hallo everyone, thank you all for being so busy on this while I have been otherwise engaged.
The first thing I did was purchase that death certificate for Christina. It reads as follows:
Christina MacLeod, widow of Murdo MacLeod, carter, died on 13 Oct 1885 at 7 Point Street, Stornoway, aged 68. Her parents were named as William Campbell, crofter and Catherine Campbell MS Macaskill, both deceased. Informant was her daughter, Isabella.
SO...this death has to be correct. Ties in with Isabella's accommodation address where she got married in 1891.
IF the 1871 census is the right family, then yes, Murdo would have died between 1871 and 1881. I brought up the list, cogitated somewhat, and after 3 attempts, I got the right one. His death cert reads as follows:
Murdo MacLeod, carter, married to Christina Campbell, died at Keith Street, Stornoway on 29 Mar 1872 aged 62. His parents were named as Donald MacLeod, crofter and Flora MacLeod, MS MacLeod, both deceased. Informant was his son, William MacLeod.
At first I was doubtful about the 1871 census BUT both children, Donald and Isabella are noted as children of Murdo Macleod and Christina Macleod. Donald b abt 1853 ad Isabella 1857. Got Isabell's birth; might have to see if I can get Donald's birth cert now too.
I agree with Forfarian that therefore this Donald clashes with the one I have as marrying Margaret NICOL. BUT I know that is the correct marriage so I wonder if it is a completely different Donald. Yet he says his accommodation was Harris. He says his mother as a Campbell (with an odd first name) and he said his father was a fisherman yet got that name right. Yet Donald was not very bright because he could not write his own name. Only made his mark.
I really need to think about this. But first I need to get all this info down now; I find that when it's written down in my program, you can more easily see the picture beginning to emerge. It would be good if I could find the family in 1861. Isabella would be 3 and Donald about 8. I saw one possibility in Barvas but not the right family.
I must say a huge thank to you all for this. I could not have got this far without you all.
Regards
Suzie