Western highlands and Islands LOOKUP OFFER

[angusm]

Hello again Helen O: I'm afraid there are no formal death records for South Uist or Benbecula before the introduction of statutory records in 1855. Marriages and birth/baptisms begin for the Noerthern end of the island in 1829 by way of the St Michael's RC Church, Ardkenneth records and those for Bornish in the South at much the same date. The only hope, a slim one as most graves at the time were registered by wooden crosses or unmarked stones, is that the relevant graveyard might have a clue. Just thinking about it, it is a bit of a toss up which graveyard would serve Garryfliuch. That early, it could be Howmore or Kilpheder. I will have to have a look at the map and consider that issue. Shame I had not registered the question as we only left South Uist on Wednesday. The one other suggestion I have is that you might contact someone at the Commun Eachdraidh Uibhist a Deas [the South Uist History Society]. You should be able to find a contact for them directly or via the Kildonan Museum. If you have a problem, let me know off Board and I will find a contact address. Angus

[HelenO]

How great!  I hoped it was just a matter of your not seeing the post.  Tomorrow, first thing, I'll follow your suggestion.  In the meantime, are you familiar with Bill Lawson's "Marriages (Recorded and Unrecorded) in Parish of South Uist 1820 - 1855"?  The supposed marriage McPhee / MacLean is in that publication on page 60.  And have you heard about the emigrant ship "George Stevens" (Master J. Potts) that took South Uist passengers to Cape Breton in September 1827?  Thanks, again..

Helen

[Martin Briscoe]

I don't have any family connections in the area but have you checked the Croft History for that area?  I

[HelenO]

Thank you, for your response, JMB.  And "no", I haven't chcked the croft history to try and find the parents of Donald McPhee and Mary MacLean.  Do you think there is a 'croft history' for South Uist in the early 1800s?

HelenO

[Martin Briscoe]

Thank you, for your response, JMB.  And "no", I haven't chcked the croft history to try and find the parents of Donald McPhee and Mary MacLean.  Do you think there is a 'croft history' for South Uist in the early 1800s?

HelenO

Sorry can't help there but if you follow the link there is a list of those available.  I have seen one that a friend has for the area where he lives.  They seem to have a detailed list of crofts and who lived in them at different times. 

I don't know about the Uists but Harris and Lewis have community centres in each area which usually have a museum and somewhere for family research.  Seallam seems one of the best organised (near Leverburgh).
It's a pity that Hebridean Connections does not cover Uist yet!  Perhaps one day..........

[ali607]

hi - dunno whether imentioned this before and havent read the thread fully i have to admit but i think you hould try:

http://www.seallam.com/

A lifetime of research on the western isles...
Alison

[HelenO]

Does anyone know about the Island of Hestimul in the sound between South Uist and Benbecula?  Especially, does anyone know about the tradition regarding the family name of the residents on this island?  Is this traditional story recorded anywhere?  Is there an estimate of when it might have originated?  All these questions, and all the answers, at this point, really matter in the quest for an ancestory who emigrated from South uist probably in the year 1828?

Thanks for any help.

HelenO

[Gadget]

Hi Helen

The first only interesting link that I've found is this one:

http://www.jenforum.com/macfie/messages/303.html

all the others seem to be about accommodation 

Gadget

[neilmcphee001]

Hey Helen if you are still about, give me a ring!!!!
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