Shiels

[Jim Murray]

I have a baptismal record in Garvock in 1832 which reads - april 1 was baptised before witnesses Robert Murray lawful son of James Murray Shiels & Jane Christie.

Can anyone tell me what 'Shiels' is?  Is it a place or district or estate?

Thank you.

Jim Murray

[JEANP]

Hi Jim,

Looks like "Shiels" is a farm to me. I have the pre 1855 gravestone index for Garvock and I've found an entry which says:

rected in 1819 by Ann Christie imo husband Wm Mitchell late tenant in the Shiells d 19.2.1819 69 & chn viz david,Margt, Wm d inf, Kath.

Also next to the above:
John Walker 10.10.1878 82, wife Isabella Christie 21.8.1869 83, daughter Christine 2.1826 19m.

Erected in 1837:

Wm Christie formerly tent Berryhillock 16.12.1857 68, wife Margt Muchart 6.6.1860 74, ss James d 4y & John d 11y both d 3.1824.

Robert Duncan tenant Smiddyhill d. 8.12.1886 93, wife Ann Christie 24.3.1872 80,daughter Jessie 1.1.1846 29, son James 18.5.1848 23.

Erected in 1859 by Margt McGregor 16.2.1891 82, husband Wm Christie tenant Quarryfield 19.8.1851 51, three daughters Ann, Cath & Margt d inf, daughter Jessie 3.5.1893 41, son in law John Bosomworth 20.7.1908 63. Mary Christie or Bosomworth 3.2.1918 67.

Also:
Erected by Margt Scott imo husband David Low d in the Shieals 9.4.1813 48.

If any of these are any use, let me know I may be able to get photos if the stones are still around.

Jean