John Macdonald was the estate factor for North Uist and South Harris, who gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission at Locheport and Obe on 30th and 31st May 1883 respectively.
We find him on the 1881 census, aged 55, as head of a household of 14 persons, which includes his sisters Margaret Macneil (59), Jane Macdonald (48) as well as 11 domestic and farm servants. The census returns states that John was born in N. Uist Gaelic, Edinburgh - a tad confusing.
The household (at Newton Farm) in 1871 is even larger, comprising of John Macdonald (45), his sister Margaret and no fewer than 23 domestic and farm servants. John is described as a farmer of 3000 acres.
Although John Macdonald states that he has been estate factor since 1855, I am not able to trace him on the North Uist censuses for 1861. Neither does he show up after 1881. Due to the large numbers of men named John Macdonald in these islands, it is well nigh impossible to locate his death record.
HE WAS MY GREAT GRANDFATHER'S BROTHER. I AM INTERESTED TO LEARN THE CONDITIONS OF THE TENANTS/
ReplyDeleteI would recommend to follow the link to Napier Report - Outer Hebrides in the panel on the right.
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