William (John) Archibald

[Cramond Brig]

We are involved in some research on the Scottish connections with First Nations people in USA and Canada. One of the Chiefs recently visited Scotland and believes William (middle name possibly John) Archibald was a relative. He was from Stromness and joined the Hudson's Bay Company in 1868.

It would be good if anyone is able to identify him.

[Rosinish]

Very little to go on but only 2 indexed on SP.

ARCHIBALD WILLIAM ALEXANDER b 22 Apr 1851 bap. 1 Jun 1851 (OPR)
WILLIAM ARCHIBALD/MARGARET KIRKNESS (Parents)
030/50 152 Stromness
The above is also registered as b 23 Apr 1851 Stromness Free Church

ARCHIBALD WILLIAM b 24 Jun 1817
JOHN ARCHIBALD/HANNAH MURDOCK (Parents)
030/50 151 Stromness

Annie

[EdinKath]

There aren't many Archibalds on the Orkney census. According to the census transcripts on the Orkney family history society website, there are only four households with anyone named Archibald in 1861.

In Stromness
1. William Archibald, (M), 40, Head, Mar, Labourer, Fifeshire, Fife
2. Margaret Archibald, (F), 36, Wife, Mar, , Sandwick
3. John Archibald, (M), 8, Son, , Scholar, Stromness
4. Isabella Archibald, (F), 4, Dau, , Scholar, Stromness
5. Margaret Archibald, (F), 2, Dau, , , Stromness

In Firth and Stennes with a Cusiter family
6. William Archibald, (M), 10, Servant, , , Stromness (probably the 1851 birth to William and Margaret found by Annie)

Also in Stromness are
1. Hannah Archibald, (F), 80, Head, Wid, Soldiers Wife, Fifeshire, Fife
2. Margaret Archibald, (F), 36, Dau, S, Stocking Knitter, Stromness

And in Harray
1. William Archibald, (M), 45, Lodger, Mar, Road Lab, Fifeshire

By the 1871 census, the only William Archibald in Orkney is the one married to Margaret, aged 55 and still a labourer. There's another daughter, Jean aged 7. It looks like John and Isabella are both servants in other households.

[Cramond Brig]

Thank you both.