In a message dated 2/15/02 5:10:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, lizthompson99@hotmail.com writes: > have been told that David Shearer (1798-1888) was Provost, I think of Wick. > What is a Provost and how would I find out more? A Provost is a municipal government position who heads up the Burgh Council in a role similar to a Mayor. The Council records for Wick are held in the North Highland Archives in Wick (http://caithness.org/community/museums/nha/). As a caution however, the men who were Provosts in that period were normally lawyers or wealthy merchants - but not likely to be a lighthouse keeper. I say this from experience, because one of my ancestors (who had been a blacksmith in Wick) was also rumored to have been Provost of Wick prior to 1860, and I went through the Council records for the period. Here are my notes: ----------------------- "The post of Provost was an elected position, voted by the Burgh Council (or equivalent). The record of the Wick Council portrays a role similar to a mayor, leading the council and often initiating motions for the council to consider. This appears to have been the most respected position and usually filled by Bankers, Lawyers, or a well educated Merchant. The term was generally for 3 years, but re-election could extend the position to 6 years, etc. Alternately, someone could be voted in to fill an unexpired term (in the event of a death, or disqualification, for example) and only serve a brief time. Mr Joseph (Josiah) Rhind (Bank Agent) Provost of Wick 1844-1858 Mr. William Waters (Esquire) Provost of Wick 1858 (9 mo.) Mr. Alexander Bruce (Esquire) Provost of Wick 1858-1863 Mr. James Louttit elected Provost of Wick 1863" ------------------- I've often wondered how these kinds of family myths get started, and imagined that my ancestor may have exaggerated his past importance when he moved his family to Edinburgh - possibly believing that few people in Edinburgh would know any better <g>. In my ancestors case, he wasn't even the owner of the smithy - but worked for his brother who was a more prominent member of the community. Sorry, I can't help with the lighthouse. Sheila

You can retrieve list mail from the archives. http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/SCT/SCT-CAITHNESS.html Scroll down to the link to List archives (searchable database).

I recently learned that one of my 8th great grandfathers in Norway was a Scot who, according to local legend, escaped from the Battle of Kringen, August 26, 1612, in Gubrandsdalen (the valley of Gubrand), Norway. I've been able to find quite a lot of interesting information about the battle. Of around 500 Scottish mercenaries traveling across Norway on their way to be outfitted in Sweden, most were killed, eight were taken captive, and an unknown number escaped. The Scots were under the command of Colonels Ramsay and Sinclair. The former's troops were primarily prisoners from southern Scotland, while the latter's were men from Caithness (mostly Wick). Two of the escapees, one named Walter and the other named Aage (pronounced OH-geh), surnames unknown, made their way to the Trøndelag district near Trondheim where they settled on the north side of the fjord in what is today Rissa (also spelled Rissen and Ritsen), then part of the Stadsbygd parish. I'm descended from Aage, born ca. 1580. The names Walter and Aage (sometimes combined as Walter Aage) have been passed on to many generations of males from this community. The local legend has it that the name Aage is a Norwegian approximation of the original Scottish name which has been written as Ogee. There has been speculation that the name might be a nickname based on a Scottish word indicating the size of the individual. I'm sure there is no surviving roster of the men who served on this mission 400 years back (wouldn't that be great!), but I would be interested in comments on origins of the Ogee/Aage (spelled Åge today) name in Scotland. If it can be identified, is it more common in Caithness than in southern Scotland or vice versa? Is it possible that since the Caithness area had substantial Norse contact and early settlement that the name was one carried over from Old Norse? Many thanks! Dennis http://www.stadsbygd.org

I have been told that David Shearer (1798-1888) was Provost,I think of Wick. What is a Provost and how would I find out more? David was a lighthouse keeper at Wick, but i can't find him of the 1861 or 1871 census. Any idea where I could find him? Thanks Liz Thompson

Hello everyone: I am having a devil of a time sorting out all my John DUCHARTs. Could anyone on the list tell me if the John DUCHART who was the ex-provost of Wick was married to Elizabeth SUMMERSKILL? If not, to whom was he married? Thanks, Helen Turner

Dear Friends, I have just lost ALL my mail saved under CAITHNESS. If you have contributed to my mailbox, please help me again. Thank you. Barry Banks ForbesBanks@aol.com Interested in: BANKS, CAMPBELL, FORBES, McKAY. All in and around THURSO, DUNNETT, HALKIRK and LATHERON, from late 1790's through 1870's. Also BANKS in EDINBURGH in 1860's and 70's then later in CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA. MUCH THANKS!!!! Barry

I have a Robina Campbell, daughter of Robert Campbell, farmer, of Caithness, according to the OPR record of her marriage to James Aitchison in Edinburgh in 1816. Does this tie in in any way as I have come to a dead end with her. Cheers Sue in a sunny (at last) Melbourne, Australia

Hi List, I do not know if you are aware that Caithness has a specific web site all about caithness from day to day news to history, family history and all sorts of information. It is www.caithness.org Yours Fiona (S.E. Scotland)

Alexander Cowper/Barbara (both age 50) are on the 1841 census records for Knockinnon, Caithness, Scotland along with : Mary Henderson age 30 John Cowper age 25 Janet Cowper age 20 I am just beginning to research my line, new to genealogy, computer, etc. Any information for the above or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Valerie (USA) val@cdsinet.net

Does anyone have a John BANKS married to Anne DOULL 23 December 1825 in the parish of Wick? John was a sailor in Pulteneytown and Anne's father was Peter DOULL, a joiner from Pulteneytown, but in Edinburgh at the time of the wedding. They had a son, Daniel, born about 1833 in Pulteneytown (my great-great-grandfather). The IGI has another couple of children, Jean christened 7 Mar 1828 at Wick and Christian, christened 17 Sep 1830 at Wick. John and Anne were deceased at the time of Daniel's marriage (13 Jan 1865). Thanks Alastair Banks Australian Capital Territory

Hi I was interested in the posting below. I am related to Robert Campbell b Latheron c1817. His father was William married to Barbara Gunn. b abt 1782 Robert married Jessie/Janet Shearer had 5 children. Christina Campbell b 1846 was my g/grandmother I would be interested in any info you have on the Campbells of Latheron. Tricia Barnett (nee MORE) I was born Patricia MORE in Wick. As well as MORE and CAMPBELL also searching CORMACK JOHNSTON and Wares, Couper, Harper among others ----- Original Message ----- From: "linda forbes" <lforbes@bigpond.com> To: <SCT-CAITHNESS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, February 08, 2002 12:36 AM Subject: Reposting interests > I am reposting my interests in the area. > John McDonald born 1806 Kildonan married Christian Campbell 1832 in Latheron > Neil McDonald born 1809 Kildonan. > Adam McDonald born 1811 Kildonan married Elizabeth Campbell in 1847 Latheron > Robert McDonald born 1813 Kildonan married Hellen Munro 1838 Latheron > Hugh McDonald born 1816 Kildonan married Catherine Sutherland 1842 latheron > William McDonald born Abt 1818 either Kildonan or Latheron married Jane Sutherland 1847 Latheron > All brothers - parents Roderick McDonald and Isobel Gunn who married 1804 Kildonan. > They all settled on farms around Smeral and Baultach. > > I am also trying to find a death of Catherine McDonald from Baultach 1851-1855 > she was 90 in 1851.Where would she of been buried if died in Baultach? > Also where would a person be likely to be buried if living in Smeral? Maybe Latheron? > How far is Smeral from Latheron? > > Hoping someone can help > Linda Forbes > from a very HOT Brisbane Australia > lforbes@bigpond.com >

I am reposting my interests in the area. John McDonald born 1806 Kildonan married Christian Campbell 1832 in Latheron Neil McDonald born 1809 Kildonan. Adam McDonald born 1811 Kildonan married Elizabeth Campbell in 1847 Latheron Robert McDonald born 1813 Kildonan married Hellen Munro 1838 Latheron Hugh McDonald born 1816 Kildonan married Catherine Sutherland 1842 latheron William McDonald born Abt 1818 either Kildonan or Latheron married Jane Sutherland 1847 Latheron All brothers - parents Roderick McDonald and Isobel Gunn who married 1804 Kildonan. They all settled on farms around Smeral and Baultach. I am also trying to find a death of Catherine McDonald from Baultach 1851-1855 she was 90 in 1851.Where would she of been buried if died in Baultach? Also where would a person be likely to be buried if living in Smeral? Maybe Latheron? How far is Smeral from Latheron? Hoping someone can help Linda Forbes from a very HOT Brisbane Australia lforbes@bigpond.com

Thank you Peter for your reply to my last query. I have another one now if SKS can help me. I am looking for the MI for William Lyall/Leal and his wife Catherine Harper. I am sure they died in Watten, and it would be after 1784 and probably before 1800. Thanks, Allan in N.Z.

Dear readers, Although being a founder member of the FIFE mailing list this is my first listing on the Caithness list where my fathers ancestors came from, I list a few generations for you to see if anyone is connected. Tommy Manson The Fife Post http://www.fifepost.freeserve.co.uk --------------------------- First Generation ---------------------------------------- 1. Andrew MANSON. Occupation: Seaman,Fisherman. On 15 Mar 1828 Andrew married Isabella BANKS, daughter of John BANKS & Jane CALDER, in Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland. Born abt 1795 in Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland. Isabella died in Castletown, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. on 13 Jun 1883, she was 88. They had the following children: 2 i. Donald F (1825-1912) ii. William. Born in 1829 in Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland. iii. John. Born in 1831 in Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland. Occupation: Farmer,Hotel Keeper (1881). On 11 Oct 1855 when John was 24, he first married Jane SWANSON, daughter of Donald SWANSON & Elizabeth DOUGLAS, in Olrig, Castletown, Caithness. Born abt 1825. On 3 Mar 1875 when John was 44, he second married Esther INNES, daughter of Robert INNES & Esther FRATER, in Olrig, Castletown, Caithness. Born abt 1846 in Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland. Esther died in Commercial Hotel, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. on 18 May 1924, she was 78. Second Generation ---------------------------------------- 2. Donald F MANSON. Born on 10 Jan 1825 in Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland. Donald F died in Castletown, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. on 18 Oct 1912, he was 87. Occupation: Farm Servant,Stone Carter,Labourer at Flag Works. On 26 Oct 1846 when Donald F was 21, he married Esther FORBES, daughter of Robert FORBES & Margaret CAMPBELL, in Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland. Born on 11 Jan 1822 in Latheron, Caithness, Scotland. Esther died in Castlehill, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. on 3 Nov 1896, she was 74. They had the following children: i. William. Born in 1855 in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Occupation: Labourer Flag Works. On 13 Jan 1882 when William was 27, he married Christina CLYNE, daughter of William CLYNE & Ann MURRAY, in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Born abt 1856. 3 ii. John Dunnet (1856-1916) iii. Robert Forbes. Born on 30 Apr 1862 in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Robert Forbes died in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. on 25 Sep 1864, he was 2. Third Generation ---------------------------------------- 3. John Dunnet MANSON. Born on 11 Jun 1856 in Castletown, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. John Dunnet died in 4 Lochhead Crescent, Coaltown of Wemyss, Fife, Scotland. on 8 Dec 1916, he was 60. Buried on 11 Dec 1916 in East Wemyss Cemetery. Occupation: Stone Dressser,General Labourer,Fireman at Oilworks.. On 8 Jun 1877 when John Dunnet was 20, he married Barbara CAMPBELL, daughter of Oswald CAMPBELL & Janet SUTHERLAND, in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Born abt 1858 in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Barbara died in 4 Lochhead Crescent, Coaltown of Wemyss, Fife, Scotland. on 28 Aug 1941, she was 83. They had the following children: i. Donald. Born on 19 Oct 1877 in Castletown, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Buried in Jul 1956 in Dysart Cemetery, Fife, Scotland. Donald died in Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. on 8 Jul 1956, he was 78. Occupation: Message Boy,Coal Miner,Lamp Attendant. Donald married Janet Ross ALEXANDER, daughter of John ALEXANDER & Catherine PHILP. Born on 25 Dec 1880 in Dysart, Fife, Scotland. Janet Ross died on 4 Jan 1934, she was 53. ii. Esther Forbes. Born in 1879 in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Esther Forbes married Alexander McLEAN. iii. Oswald Campbell. Born in 1880 in Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Oswald Campbell died bef 1891, he was 11. iv. Jessie Sutherland. Born in Apr 1882 in Castletown, Olrig, Caithness, Scotland. Jessie Sutherland died in Tarbrax, Carnwath, Lanarkshire. on 8 May 1893, she was 11. 4 v. Robert Rose (1888-1915) Fourth Generation ---------------------------------------- 4. Robert Rose MANSON. Born on 17 Sep 1888 in Gerry's Square, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland. Buried in 1915 in No Known Grave. Robert Rose died in Battle of Loos, WW1, France. on 25 Sep 1915, he was 27. Occupation: Coal Miner. On 25 Mar 1910 when Robert Rose was 21, he married Agnes Cairns ALEXANDER, daughter of John ALEXANDER & Catherine PHILP, in Domicil 111, Tarbrax, Carnwarth, Lanarkshire. Born on 17 Aug 1889 in Dysart, Fife, Scotland. Agnes Cairns died in Railway Station or 26 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. on 10 Oct 1921, she was 32. They had the following children: i. Catherine Philp (1910-1986) ii. John Dunnet Alexander (1911-) iii. Robert Rose (1914-) -------------------------------------------------- --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.320 / Virus Database: 179 - Release Date: 30/01/2002

I'm trying to find more information on a Margaret Gunn. Here is the information I have:- Donald Bremner m. Margaret Gunn 1 Feb 1773 or 1774 at Latheron, Caithness Daughter Ann b. 5 April 1778 at Latheron, Caithness I believe Donald Bremner and Margaret Gunn are my G5Grandparents. If anyone can further my research into any of these individuals, their ancestors, siblings or descendants, I would be happy to hear from you. Regards Chris Macneill

Hi, can anyone help? I am currently looking for my ggg grandfather William Manson. I am not sure where exactly he was born, but i do know his family were in Thurso from 1864 to at least 1896. He was married to Dorothy Thompson 8/1/1864, their children William b.20/9/1866, James Thompson b.14/1/1872 & Dorothy b.1875 were all born in Thurso. According to the 1881 census they lived in Shore Street. I have hit a dead end, i am unable to locate William, so i am unable to locate his parents without having to try yet again trudging through Scots Origins (where i had no luck and spent £12) I did locate James who married Margaret Anne Wilson in 1896, through the LDS web site. If you are related (and i know there are many Manson in Scotland), I would be overjoyed to hear from you Caz Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

Seeking Listers interested in the Gray family living in Sarclet 1841 Census. Looking for info about the m of David Bruce b 1830 and Helen Gray b 1837 m 2 feb 1854. Carol Martin

Thankyou to all who replied to my queries re gt grandfather Wm MacLeod,his brothers and his grandparents. I have found Wm on 1881 census in Edinburgh with wife Barabara and chn.He was a master plasterer employing 28 men. I would really like to know what happened to his 2 brothers (Joseph & Robert) and his father,(Robert). Anyone with access to the 1871 census? Janette

Hi can anyone tell me if there might be missing entry's for Cannisbay Church records as I have found all my Ritchie births but 2... These 2 children show up on 1851 census as Son's but aren't on the register. They also list these people as parents on Marriage certificate and Death Certificate. I know the register looked a bit funny towards the end as it had entry's in margin's etc. Any advise would be welcome. julie

hi can anyone help, Iam looking for Robert Henderson and wife Oswald George they were from Pultneytown- wick. they would have died after 1851.They had 3 grandchildren with them in 1851 from their daughter helen she married a ? Alexander could someone please check for these Mi's please as i can't understand why the children would be listed as Paupers and i couldn't find parents, unless the parents had died.Many thanks Julie