Lewis, Stornoway - Roderick Mcleod

Roderick Mcleod was a witness who spoke on behalf of the people of Upper Bayble at the Napier Commission's session at Stornoway on 9 June 1883.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to readily distinguish between the two men named Roderick Mcleod from Upper Bayble, who were both born in 1815, according to the 1881 census. One was married to Mary, the other to Anne. The witness to the Commission was aged 69, i.e. born around 1814.

Further information welcome.

Lewis, Stornoway - John Stewart

John Stewart gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Stornoway on 9 June 1883, on behalf of the people of Bayble. It is not possible to readily distinguish between the two men, named John Stewart, living at Lower Bayble, and being of very nearly the same age, according to the 1881 census. One was a crofter and fish-splitter, the other a fisherman. The man who spoke at the Commission's hearing was a crofter and fisherman.

One John Stewart was married to Annie and born about 1831, the other was married to Mary and born about 1829.

Further information welcome. 

Lewis, Stornoway - Kenneth Macleod

Kenneth Macleod gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Stornoway on 8 June 1883 on behalf of the people of Garrabost, Point. We find him in the 1881 census, aged 50, married to Christy Mcleod. They have 5 children, Angus (26), William (20), Isabella (16), Catherin (10) and Angus (8). The 1871 census adds John and Mary as children (ages between Angus and William), as well as a Christina, between Isabella and Catherine.

Kenneth Macleod passed away on 17 January 1889, aged 59, having suffered from cardiac disease and cerebral effusion. He was married to Christina, and was the son of Alexander and Christina. His son William reported the death to the registrar at Stornoway.

Lewis, Stornoway - Torquil Macleod

Torquil Mcleod was a witness to the Napier Commission at Stornoway on 8 June 1883, representing the village of Knock, Point. We find him in the 1881 census aged 40, married to Margaret (36). Their children were John (12), Mary (9), Isabella (5) and Donald (3). A decade earlier, the family were living with Torquil's parents  John (58) and Margaret (54) in Knock. Torquil's siblings were William (26), Mary (19) and Isabella (10).  Torqil's first child, John, is 6 months old at that time.

In 1891, Torquil's family has grown to 6 children, with the addition of James (9), Catherine (6) and Torquil (3).  By 1901, they appear to have moved to 22 Swordale. A grandchild, Isabella (1), has appeared on the scene by that time.

Torquil Mcleod died on 25 November 1901, only 7 or 8 months after the census was taken, aged 62. He is noted as a pauper, formerly a crofter, married to Margaret nee Mackenzie, and living at Swordale. The cause of death is epilepsy (6 years) and renal disease (1 year). His brother in law Donald (surname not legible on death record) reported the death to the registrar at Stornoway.

Lewis, Stornoway - Alexander Mackenzie

Alexander Mackenzie gave evidence on behalf of the people of Branahine [Braighe na h-Aoidhe]. We find him on the 1881 census at the age of 61, married to Isabella Mackenzie (57). The location of the couple is confirmed in the corresponding record from 1817. In '81, their children Malcolm (26), Robert (16) and Helen (14) are in the house. The 1871 census also shows an elder daughter Catherine, three years older than Malcolm; the 1861 census adds Janet, three years older than Catherine. Janet is Jessie in the 1851 census. The same record puts Alexander down as a crofter of 4 acres.

Lewis, Stornoway - Angus Mcleod

Angus Mcleod gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Stornoway on 8 June 1883. He was a crofter and fish merchant from Aird, Point. Unfortunately, the Report does not specify his age, and it is not possible to isolate the correct Angus Mcleod from the census returns for enumeration district 88, Parish of Stornoway.

Lewis, Stornoway - Donald Martin

Donald Martin was a witness to the Napier Commission during its session at Stornoway on 8 June 1883. The census for 1881 shows him at 85 Back, married to Elizabeth. They had 6 daughters, Isabella (16), Christina (14), Margaret (12), Ann (7), Johanna (4) and Jessie (2). They also occur in 1871, minus the children aged less than 10 in 1881. In 1861, Donald is living with his parents Norman (52) and Marion (50) at 4 Weavers' Lane. Donald, aged 25, is the eldest of the five children shown, which include siblings Anne (22), Donald (15), Mary (7) and Allan (3). The 1851 census also shows Christy, then aged 7. We first encounter Donald in the 1841, at that time aged 5.

In 1891, Donald and Elizabeth continue to live at Back, and by that time they also have a son, Donald, aged 8. Donald senior died on 7 November 1900 at the age of 64, having suffered from cancer. His brother Allan reported the death to the registrar at Stornoway. Donald's wife Elizabeth (nee Morrison) died in 1927, aged 89.

Lewis, Stornoway - Roderick Mackenzie

Roderick Mackenzie from Nether Coll near Stornoway gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Stornoway on 8 June 1883. The 1881 census shows him on Coll Road, with his wife Mary (74) and daughters Catherine (40) and Margaret (29), son Allan (erroneously marked as son-in-law) and granddaughter Isabella. The same family appears in 1871; the returns for 1851 and 1861 also show a son Murdo (younger than Catherine)  and a child Malcolm (6), whose relationship to other members of the family is not specified.

Roderick Mackenzie passed away on 1 March 1885 at the age of 71. He was the son of John and Christina (nee Macleod). Cause of death is splenitis for 6 months. Roderick's age appears to be a tad uncertain, when compared with the census records.

Lewis, Stornoway, Donald Campbell

Donald Campbell gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission at Stornoway on 8 June 1883.  He is referred to as being from South Tolsta; there is a Donald Campbell from 18 Tolsta in the 1881 census. He is aged 57, and is married to Catherine. Their children Anne (30), John (21) and Margaret (4) are with them in the house, as is their granddaughter Christina (5). The 1871 census puts the family at 75 Tolsta, with Ann (20), Catherine (16), John (12), Angus (9) and Margaret (1) as children. The family also turns up in the 1861 census, as living at 1 Straight Street, South Tolsta. Apart from Anne and John, we also find Mary, Christina and Jessie as their offspring. In 1851, Donald and Catherine live in South Tolsta, with their children Jean, Mary and Ann. Jean's age is given as 12. I have doublechecked against the original census return, which definitely shows Jean's age as 12 and Catherine's as 26.

In 1841, Donald is a 15-year old living with his parents John (40) and Mary Campbell (35) in South Tolsta. He is the eldest child (present), with his siblings Isabella (12), Mary (9), Alexander (6), Christian (3) and Angus (1).

In 1891, we encounter Donald as a croft labourer and fish curer with his wife Catherine, and daughters Anne and Jessie. By that time, Jessie is married to John Murray.

Donald Campbell passed away on 21 October 1903 at the age of 80, having suffered the infirmities of old age. He was the son of John and Mary (nee Macdonald)

Lewis, Ness - Malcolm Mclean

Malcolm Mclean appeared before Lord Napier during the session at Ness, Lewis, on 7 June 1883. At the time he is 64 years of age, and we duly find him in the 1881 census, living at 33 Swainbost. His wife is Christina (48), and they live with their children Cathrine (27), Angus (24), Christina (20), John (14), Malcolm (12), Donald (10) and Mary (7). No further reliable references to Malcolm can be located in the census records before or after 1881.

Lewis, Ness - Finlay Mackenzie

Finlay Mackenzie gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Ness on 7 June 1883. He was aged 51 in the 1881 census, married to Cathrine (41), with 8 children. He is listed as a merchant (grocer) at 9 Habost. The Napier Report quotes Finlay's village of residence as Tabost; Habost is the lenited form of Tabost. The children are named as Cathrine (18), Ann (16), Margaret (14), Donald (12), John (10), Finlay (5), Margaret (3) and Angus (4 months).

A decade earlier, Finlay (noted as a sailor) was living at Cross with his parents, John (82) and Catherine (70) as well as his children Catherine (8), Ann (6), Margret (4), Donald (2) and John (1 month). In 1861, we see Finlay's wife Catherine (20) and their first child Ann (2), who died later, in 1863. Finlay's father is head of the household at that time.

In 1851, we see Finlay's siblings Angus (31), Donald (24) and Ann (17); Finlay is 21 years of age.

The last census entry from Finlay Mckenzie is in 1901, when he is 70 years of age. His wife Catherine is 60, and they live with their children Annie, Christy and Donald with wife Annie and baby son Murdo.

Finlay Mckenzie passed away on 12 March 1906 at the age of 76. At the time of death, he had had diarrhoea for 18 days, and dyspepsia and debility for 7 years. His son in law John Mclean reported the death. Finlay's wife Catherine had pre-deceased him in 1905, aged 69.

Lewis, Ness - Murdo Mackay

Murdo Mackay gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission at Ness on 7 June 1883.

The 1871 census shows Murdo as a wool weaver in Cross (Barvas), aged 45. He is living with his daughter Christina (27), her husband Norman (20) and their daughter Catherine (5 months old). I have been unable to trace Murdo in earlier or later censuses. It is possible that this Murdo Mckay supposedly died on North Rona in February 1885, aged 57. He was married to Ann Morrison.

Lewis, Ness - Murdo Morrison

Murdo Morrison gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission at its hearings in Ness on 7 June 1883. He was a wool weaver, aged 72½ according to the Report. He was living with his wife Margaret at 3 Lionel. Murdo and Margaret show up in the censuses for 1871, '81 and '91; she was a year younger than her husband. The 1891 census shows their son-in-law John Maclean (58) and daughter-in-law Christina Maclean (48) with their children Alexander (25), Donald (23), Mary (14) and Angus (9). The address in 1891 is 4 Lionel. This remains unchanged in 1901, except we no longer find Murdo's wife Margaret. His age is listed as 91 on the census.

Murdo Morrison passed away only a few days after the 1901 census was taken, on the night of 31 March / 1 April 1901; he died on 16 April 1901 aged 90, the widower of Margaret (nee Gillies) who had pre-deceased him in 1897, aged 85. His parents' names were Donald and Christina (nee Maclean). Murdo's cause of death is listed as "supposed to be cerebral, with hemiplegia, 4 days". His grandson Angus Maclean reported the death.

Lewis, Ness - Malcolm Mackenzie

Malcolm Mackenzie, 4 Skigersta, gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Ness on 7 June 1883.  He was a fisherman aged 69 (in 1881), married to Effie (69). Also in the house were their son Murdo (38) and his wife Catharine (26); daughter Marion (28) and granddaughter Johanna (3). Malcolm features in the 1851 census as being married to Henny, living at Skigersta. The (transcribed) entry on the census corrupts the name of the village. Their children are Norman (12), Murdo (7), Donald (5), Marion (2 months). Margaret Murray, who is Effie's mother, lives with them in 1851, aged 75.

Malcolm Mackenzie died on 11 January 1885, aged 74. His parents' names are Norman and Henrietta (nee Smith). His cause of death is "supposed to be consumption". His son Donald reported the death; he was unable to write his name. Henrietta died in 1887, aged 76.

Lewis, Ness - Donald Mciver

Donald Mciver gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Ness on 7 June 1883. We find him in the 1871 census as a blacksmith and crofter at Cross. He is married to Mary, of the same age (36), with their children Cathrine (9) and Donald (4). The 1881 census shows the family extended to Anne, Angus and Anabella. They live at no 14, the Manse, although a village is not specified. By 1891, Murdo has also joined the family as a child of 8. Effy Campbell occurs in the '81 and '91 censuses as Mary's mother.

In 1861, Donald and Mary live at South Dell, a mile or so from Cross. A decade earlier, Donald is the 16 year old son of Angus and Anabella, with siblings Margaret (30), Sebla (29), Isabella (22), Angus (14) and Anabella (11).

Donald Mciver passed away on 28 January 1894 at the age of 60. He had suffered from hemiplegia (apoplectic) for 10 months. His widow, Mary, reported the death. She passed away in 1905, aged 65.

Lewis, Ness - John Macdonald (South Dell)

John Macdonald gave evidence to the Napier Commission during its session at Ness on 7 June 1883. He is  listed as a 57-year old crofter from South Dell. This tallies with the 1881 census record, which shows John and his wife Catherine (who is 13 years younger) and their children Donald (22), Christy (14), Peggy (10), Norman (7), Mary (4) and Ann (1). John Macdonald is listed as a mason at 23 South Dell. A decade later, we find John and Catherine at North Dell, with their daughter Margaret (Peggy is a form of Margaret) and granddaughter Jane (6). I have not been able to reliably locate John Macdonald in the censuses before 1881.

Lewis, Ness - John Macdonald (Knockaird)

John Macdonald was the witness from Knockaird in Ness, giving evidence to Lord Napier's Commission on 7 June 1883. He is 54 years of age at the time of the 1881 census, and is married to Catherine (52). The couple live at 3 Knockaird with thier children Donald (24), John (17), Malcolm (13) and Angus (21). A decade earlier, we find the family at the same location.

In 1861, John (then 31) is a cod & ling fisherman, living with his brother Murdoch (28), sisters Mary (22) and Isabella (19). Also present is his wife Catherine and the first three of their children Donald (5), Angus (2) and John (2 months). John's father Malcolm (69) is living with them as well.

The 1851 census shows John Macdonald (22) living at Knockaird with his father Malcolm (60) and siblings Ann (26), Murdo (16) and Isabella (10).

Moving forward in time, John is living at 17 Knockaird in 1891, marked as a 65-year old retired fisherman. Living with him are his sons John and Malcolm, as well as grandson Angus.

John Macdonald passed away on 17 February 1904, aged 79, having suffered a cerebral haemorrhage with hemiplegia for 2 days. His son John reported the death to the registrar at Borve; he could not write his name. John (senior)'s wife Catherine predeceased him. His parents' names were Malcolm and Isabella.

Lewis, Ness - John Munro

John Munro was a teacher at Lionel School, who gave evidence at the Napier Commission in Ness on 7 June 1883. He says he was born in Ross-shire, which is born out on the census return for 1881. He lives at 10 Lionel with his sister Netta, two years his junior. John Munro was 21.

Lewis, Ness - John Mcleod

John Macleod is listed as a boat builder from Ness, aged 35, who gave evidence to Lord Napier on 7 June 1883. John lives at 9 Port with his wife Eliza, who is two years younger, and children Gordon (3) and John M (1). Also present is Eliza's sister Deanie Gordon. A decade earlier, John (23) lives with his parents Murdo (70) and Marion (58) in Port - he is a general merchant at that point. Also present are his siblings Donald (26) and Malcolm (18). In 1861, John is a 14-year old scholar. His siblings are listed as Norman (17), Cursty (12) and Malcolm (8). The 1851 census entry has mutilated the name of Caligvol (the old name of Port Ness) and Murdo Mcleod. John Mcleod is aged 4, and lives with his parents and siblings Norman (16), Mary (19), Cathrine (10), Donald (7) and Christian (1).

By 1891, John (by then 43) has become the sub-postmaster for Port. The names of his children are Gordon (13), Jack (11), James (9), David (7), Walter (4), Mile (10 months) and Margaret (22).

Lewis, Ness - Farquhar Murray

Farquhar Murray gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Ness on 7 June 1883. At the time, he was in his early 50s, and we duly trace him in the 1881 census as living at 24 North Dell. He is a joiner and crofter, and has six children: Elizabeth (16), Donald (14), Rachel (12), Peter R (9), Malcolm (6) and Alexr (4). A decade earlier, he is listed as a cartwright, married to Cathrine, who was 11 years younger than Farquhar. Their children Elizabeth, Donald and Janet are listed, as are Farquhar's mother Catherine (74) and his sister Margret (37).
The 1851 census, which gives the earliest reference to this witness, lists Farquhar Murray as a tenant at North Dell, living with his mother Catherine (50) and siblings Margaret (2), Anabella (12) and Dolina (10).

Forty years later, the 1891 census shows Farquhar (58) with his six children at North Dell. By 1901, his daughter Rachel has married Donald Mcritchie, who has joined Farquhar and Rachel's siblings Elizabeth, Donald and Malcolm at 10 North Dell.

Farquhar Murray died on 13 February 1912 at the age of 82, having suffered valvular disease and congestion of the lungs. His parents' names are listed as Donald and Catherine (nee Macleod), and his son Donald reported the death

Lewis, Barvas - Angus Campbell

Angus Campbell gave evidence to Lord Napier during the session at Barvas on 6 June 1883. In the 1881 census, we find him at the age of 56, living with his daughters Anne (23) and Margaret (21). In 1871, the census marks him as a tenant constable, with his daughters Christy (15), Ann (13), Maggie (11) and son Kenneth (9) in the house at North Bragar. By 1861, Angus is at North Bragar with his wife Ann, 4 years his junior, and children Christy (5), Ann (11) and Meron (2). What appears to be Angus Campbell is in the 1851 census as a cottar in North Bragar, marked on his own.

In the 1891 census, Angus (now 65) remains at 28 North Bragar, with his children Kenneth and Margaret. Kenneth's wife Margaret is also there, with their children Ann (4) and Norman (2). Angus passed away on 22 June 1899 at the age of 75. He died of influenza. He was the widower of Ann Finlayson and Christina Smith. His neighbour reported his death to the registrar at Borve, which is 10 miles from Bragar.

Lewis, Barvas - Norman Campbell

Norman Campbell gave evidence to Lord Napier during the session at Barvas on 6 June 1883. He spoke on behalf of the people of Arnol. I have only been able to trace him on the 1871 census, as living at Arnol. He is aged 54 at that point, married to Ann with 9 children, varying in age from 1 to 22. They are Malcolm (22), Norman (18), Ann (15), Mary (13), Christy (10), Effy (6), Donald (3) and John (1). In 1861, we also find Catherine Maclean, marked as Norman's mother.

Forward in time, we find Norman and Ann at 14 Arnol in 1891, with their children Malcolm and Donald. We also find their daughter Henrietta, living with her husband Malcolm and children Ann (3 months old), Christina and Donald (both aged 7). By 1901, the family have relocated to 33 Arnol. Present at that time are Norman (84) and Ann (75), with son Malcolm and his children Christina and Donald. It should be borne in mind that the Malcolm that is marked as Norman's son in the 1901 census is more likely to be his son-in-law, bearing in mind that Norman's son Malcolm will be about 50 by this time, and the son-in-law is about 10 years younger.

Norman Campbell passed away on 6 June 1909, aged 94, having suffered senility. He was the son of Malcolm and Catherine (nee Maclean). No doctor attended his death. Ann predeceased Norman, dying in 1898 aged 75.

Lewis, Barvas - Duncan Macleod

Duncan Macleod gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Barvas on 6 June 1883. He is found with his wife Janet, both aged 61, in the 1881 census. Also found at their home is their son Angus (29, fisherman)  and Mary (21). Mary's son Malcolm Finlayson (2) and her brother Norman (19, a pupil teacher) are there as well.

In the 1871 census, Duncan and Janet are clearly marked as being from South Bragar, which corroborates the entry in the Napier Report. Their children are listed as John (27), Angus (19), Sue (17), Malcolm (13), Mary (11) and Norman (9).

I have been unable to trace Duncan before 1871 or after 1881; neither have I managed to find his death record.

Lewis, Barvas - Rev James Strachan

James Strachan, the minister for Barvas, was heard by Lord Napier on 6 June 1883. He originated from Aberdeen. He is aged 53, and shown with his wife Christina A (aged 47) and their children Christina, Roderick, Cath, Peter, Joan and William. In 1871, their children are quoted as Mina Maggie, Annie Mary, Christina Jessie, Helen Nora, Roderick and Catherine Alice.  We see them again in 1861, with their eldest three children Jamima M, Annie and Christina J. The other ten occupants are domestic and other servants.

In 1891, James Strachan remains as parish minister, living at the Manse in Barvas with his children Annie M, Catherine A (a teacher in the public school) and Agnes J..

Rev Strachan passed away, after a service of more than 30 years at Barvas, on 22 September 1892 aged 65, suffering from a multitude of health problems. His wife Christina (nee Reid) survived him by 28 years, passing away in 1920 at the age of 87.

Lewis, Barvas - John Matheson

John Matheson was 68 when he gave evidence to Lord Napier during his session at Barvas on 6 June 1883. In the census of 1881, we see him with his wife Margret (aged 64, like John himself at the time), with their children Donald (26) and Catherine (24). Also present is his granddaughter Mary; it is not made clear whose child she was. A decade before, John and Peggy [= Margaret], with their children William (20), Flora (18), Catherine (14) and John (12) at Upper Barvas. In 1861, another two of their children turn up on the census form, namely Ann (16) and Mary (14). These are also evidence on the 1851 census. John is aged 34, Margaret 32 at that time.

Moving forward in time, John and Margaret (both aged 74) feature on the 1891 census as living at 16 Upper Barvas with their son Donald (34), daughter Mary (40) and her husband Donald (42), as well as their children Murdoch (8), John (6), Mary A (4) and Chirstina (2).

John Matheson passed away on 9 December 1898 at the age of 85, son of John and Ann, due to supposed senile decay. No doctor attended his death, which was reported by his son-in-law Donald Morrison. His wife Margaret had died in 1891, after the census had been taken in early April. She was 74.

Lewis, Barvas - Donald Mcleod

Donald Mcleod was a crofter and the estate constable from North Shawbost. Aged 62 at the time he gave evidence to Lord Napier at Barvas, we find him on the 1881 census living at Carnan Road (North Shawbost) with his children Peggy (22), Christina (18) and Malcolm (20). In 1871, we also see an older daughter Mary (24), with Margaret (of which Peggy is an abbreviated form), Cristy and Malcolm. Donald's wife Mary (50) also features.

Donald is reported to have died in 1897 at the age of 78.

Lewis, Barvas - John Nicolson

John Nicolson was 69 years of age when he spoke at the Commission's session in Barvas on 6 June 1883. He gave evidence on behalf of the people of New Shawbost. He is easily traced on the 1881 census as a 68-year old drover from New Shawbost (or Park Road), married to Catherine (56) and with daughter Ann (17). In 1871, they appear on the census form with daughters Catherin (16) and Ann (8). John cannot be located on earlier censuses, using the information available.

John Nicolson passed away on 28 March 1886 at the age of 70, having suffered ill health of unknown description for 14 days. His parents' names are given as Nicol and Anne (nee Maciver). His wife Catherine (nee Macaulay) survived him by 9 years, passing away in 1895 aged 73.

Lewis, Barvas - Malcolm Mcphail

Malcolm Mcphail gave evidence to Lord Napier during the Commission's session at Barvas on 6 June 1883. He represented the people of South Shawbost.

In the 1881 census, there are two men named Malcolm Mcphail in the Carloway district, but the corresponding records in the 1871 census confirm that it was Malcolm Mcphail of South Shawbost, married to Anne, who had spoken to Lord Napier. He was a crofter, aged 65 in 1881, with a wife aged 70.
A decade earlier, we find the couple with their children Mary (29) and Murdo (a sub teacher, aged 20). In 1861, we also find sons John (15) and Robert (13). The family is found complete in the 1851 census, although their ages do not correspond to a passage of 10 years. Malcolm and Anne first appear in the census of 1841, aged 25 and 30, with their eldest child, Mary, aged 1.

In 1891, we find Malcolm and Ann at Uig Manse, as a retired crofter. They are living with their son John (47) and daughter Mary (49). Also present is John's niece Catherin Smith (49) and a number of farm and domestic servants.

Malcolm passed away on 18 January 1898 aged 80, marked as the widower of Ann (nee Macleod), who died in 1894 aged 66. His parents were Duncan and Margaret. He had suffered rheumatic fever for a year. His son John reported the death. Malcolm died at Balnakille in the district of Uig. His occupation is noted as missionary.

Lewis, Breasclete

A few notes on the witnesses that were heard in Breasclete. The census records for the witnesses from the Carloway area are all marked as being in the parish of Lochs. It should be borne in mind thought, that between 1722 and 1891, the area between Dun Carloway and Shawbost (inclusive) was held to be a detached part of Lochs.

Witness Murdo Mcleod, Borrowston, could not be traced in the censuses, as far as I could make out.

Lewis, Breasclete - Angus Paterson

Angus Paterson gave evidence at Breasclete on behalf of the people of Kirivick. We find him on the 1881 census, aged 54, living with his wife Mary (56). We can trace this couple back to 1861 - they do not appear to have had any children. Angus himself turns up in 1841 as a 15-year old in Tolstachaolais. He is staying with a family of Macaskills at the time.

Angus Paterson died on 15 May 1885 at the age of 58 "supposed to be asthma" - the death record is not too clear. He is survived by his wife Mary Mcgregor, who passed away in 1900 at the age of 75.

Lewis, Breasclete - Norman Morrison

Norman Morrison from Knock, Carloway, gave evidence to Lord Napier at Breasclete. He was aged 52 at the time, and he is easily traceable on the 1881 census. We find him there as a crofter in Knock, married to Christy (39) with their family of 7 children, varying in ages from 1 to 15. Although listed as a crofter in '81, the 1871 census lists his occupation as grocer and crofter.

In 1891, his household comprises of 14 people. Norman (60), his wife Christy (47) and five of their children. From the 1901 census, we learn that Norman was in fact born at Dalmore, a mile or so east of Carloway on the coast. At the time, he is aged 71, and lives with Christy (59), two of his children and two grandchildren.

Norman Morrison passed away on 16 November 1909 aged 80. He had been suffering from heart disease for three years. His parents' names are given as Donald and Mary (nee Macleod). His wife Christina (nee Maciver) died in 1929, aged 87.

Lewis, Breasclete - Norman Mcphail

Norman Mcphail gave evidence on behalf of the Carloway crofters in front of Lord Napier at Breasclete on 5 June 1883. He was aged 64, according to the Report. We find him in the 1881 census, aged 60, with his wife Chirsty (57), at a fisherman's house. This is located in Carloway in the 1871 census. In '81, we see Norman's family, Duncan (25), Malcolm (23), Isabella (20), Kenneth (17, an unemployed baker), Chirsty (15) and Murdoch (13). Norman's brother Malcolm (57) is listed as a visiting pauper. In the 1871 census, we find the same people there, but just about a decade younger. Malcolm Mcphail (brother) is now a 'Defendenton Relater'.  The earlier censuses do not readily yield Norman Mcphail at Carloway.

Moving forward in time, the 1891 census adds a daughter Ann (30); daughter Christy (now aged 24) has two young children, Bella (3) and Norman (1). Malcolm Mcphail remains in the house - presently referred to as an imbecile. The last available census, 1901, still shows Norman and Christy (now aged 82 and 77), with their children Bella (36), Chirsty (32), Catherine (45, married to Norman Macphail), John (16),  Kate (12), Kenneth (8) and Angus (5). The latter four youngsters all have their father's name given as Norman Macphail, but I'm not sure whether this is the elderly man referred to in this post.

Norman Mcphail passed away on 27 September 1902 at the age of 83. The cause of death is not specified. His parents' name is given as John and Mary (nee Macleod). His wife Christina survived him by 17 years, dying in 1919, aged 95.

Lewis, Breasclete - George Smith

George Smith was a witness from Callanish, who gave evidence to Lord Napier on 5 June 1883 at Breasclete. He does not appear to feature in the 1881 census, but can be traced in 1871. We see him as a crofter at Callenish, aged 57. He is there with his wife Christy (50) and children Ann (17), Catherine (14) and Donald (5). Ten years before, the family is annotated at 31 Callanish, also with George's mother Ann (80) present. She is marked down as a mid wife. In 1851, George and 'Cursty' have their children Mary (4) and Ann (1). Ann Smith (70) is also in the house.

George Smith does also not appear in the 1891 census. He passed away on 21 August 1896, aged 83, having suffered from the effects of old age. His parents are listed as Donald and Ann (nee Maciver). His daughter Catherine registered the death at Carloway 5 days later; she was not able to write her own name.

Lewis, Breasclete - John Mackenzie

John Mackenzie was 60 when he gave evidence to Lord Napier's Commission at Breasclete. He did not have far to travel, coming from the next door village of Callanish - sometimes referred to as Callernish in the 19th century.

In the census of 1881, John is shown with his son Angus (27) and daughters Cathrine (23), Chirsty (20) and Mary (12). A decade further on, we see John's wife Mary, 6 years his junior, in the house, with their daughter Kate (Catherine), with her husband Thomas Mckay. Their young daughter Annie (5) is also present.  In 1901, John and Mary are shown at 23 Callanish, living with their granddaughter Annie and a 10-year old visitor, Effie Fraser.

Moving back in time, the 1871 census shows John Mackenzie being married to Ephemia Mckenzie, 5 years his junior. At that time, they have children named Angus (17), Catherine (14), Christy (11), Ephemia (9), Peggie (6) and Mary (3). Of these, the children Ephemia and Peggie do not appear in later censuses. Their mother died in 1875, at the age of 48, of 'inflammation'.

John Mackenzie died on 27 August 1906 aged 85, of old age.