This site gives information on the witnesses who gave evidence to the Napier Commission at its hearings in the Outer Hebrides The witnesses are grouped by location where they spoke.Each entry links to the relevant page on the transcription of the Napier Report, in the case of the Outer Hebrides on this link.
The information is mainly obtained from the Scottish censuses for the years 1841, '51, '61, '71, '81, '91 and 1901, as presented on Ancestry.co.uk. The death records were viewed on Scotland's People.
Sources for additional information are attributed in the relevant entries.
No claim for completeness or error-free presentation is made, and many of the witnesses could not reliably be traced in the censuses, due to the relative paucity of surnames and first names in this part of Scotland.
All constructive feedback and additional information welcome.
North Uist, Alexander Mackinnon
Alexander Mackinnon gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. Unfortunately, I have been unable to reliable pinpoint this witness in the North Uist censuses.
Alexander Mackinnon passed away on 17 March 1891 at the age of 82, suffering from the effects of dropsy. He was married to Catherine nee Macisaac and lived at Cladach Carinish in North Uist.
Alexander Mackinnon passed away on 17 March 1891 at the age of 82, suffering from the effects of dropsy. He was married to Catherine nee Macisaac and lived at Cladach Carinish in North Uist.
North Uist, Archibald Macdonald
Archibald Macdonald gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. We find him on the 1881 census as being married to Peggy with their 3 children Catherine M (12), Donald (9) and Angus (6). No other references can be found to this witness.
North Uist, Angus Fraser
Angus Fraser gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. We find him on the 1881 census as a crofter of 20 acres at Balemore. Aged 47, he is married to Cathrine (38) and has ten children, varying in ages from 6 months to 15 years. The same family also appears on the 1871 census, minus those offspring that were aged 9 or less in 1881.
Angus Fraser died on 19 June 1897 at the age of 64 of cancer and renal problems. He was the son of Archibald and Mary (nee Macaulay). Angus had been married twice, first to Catherine Macdiarmid and latterly to Catherine Macaulay.
Angus Fraser died on 19 June 1897 at the age of 64 of cancer and renal problems. He was the son of Archibald and Mary (nee Macaulay). Angus had been married twice, first to Catherine Macdiarmid and latterly to Catherine Macaulay.
North Uist, John Boyd
John Boyd gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. We find him on the 1881 aged 62, living with his wife Effy (58) and their sons William (24) and Donald John (19). Their granddaughter Effy Maclean (9) is present as well. The family of the witness John Boyd becomes clearer in the 1871 census, which shows their children Cathrine (23), Mary (21), Alexander (19), William (10) and Donald (8). A decade earlier, the family (at Houghary) consists of John and Effy (now aged 42 and 41) and six children. In 1901, John and Effie are 82 and 80 respectively, with their son William and his wife Kate present, as well as their children Effie (11) and John (11 months).
John Boyd passed away at Houghary on 26 April 1901, within four weeks of the census being taken, as a result of influenza. He was aged 82 and was married to Euphemia nee Macintosh. John was the son of John and Catherine (nee Macdonald). His wife Euphemia died seven years later, aged 88.
John Boyd passed away at Houghary on 26 April 1901, within four weeks of the census being taken, as a result of influenza. He was aged 82 and was married to Euphemia nee Macintosh. John was the son of John and Catherine (nee Macdonald). His wife Euphemia died seven years later, aged 88.
North Uist and Harris, John Macdonald
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.
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.
North Uist, Rev John Alexander Macrae
Rev John Alexander Macrae was the minister for the Established Church in North Uist, who gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. We find him in the census of 1871 with a slightly cumbersome description of his address (Rd Public Or High Way Or The Parish Manse). He is aged 39 at the time, and lives with a number of domestic and farm servants.
No further references have been found of this witness.
No further references have been found of this witness.
North Uist, Rev Donald Maclean
Rev Donald Maclean is the Free Church minister for North Uist who gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. Unfortunately, I am unable to trace him in the census records.
North Uist, Angus Macdonald [Boreray]
Angus Macdonald gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883, on behalf of the people of the island of Boreray. I can only reliably pinpoint an Angus Macdonald on Boreray in the 1851 census, by which time this man is aged 21. He lives with his sister Euphemia.
North Uist, Donald Macqueen
Donald Macqueen gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. Unfortunately, I have only been able to find a reference to a Donald Macqueen at Baleshare, which is some distance from Middle Quarter, in the 1861 census.
North Uist, Angus Macaulay
Angus Macaulay gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Locheport on 30 May 1883. We find him on the 1881 census in a large household of Macaulay's, who are not marked down as his relatives. The resident family has 10 children; Angus is a visitor, described as a farm servant. In the 1871 census, Angus, aged 17, is living with his brother, John Macaulay, .
The 1861 census shows Angus Macaulay on the island of Heisker, which lies 6 miles west of North Uist, as an 8-year old scholar living with his brother John, who is aged 21 at that time.
In 1891, Angus is one of a household of 17 people, half of them aged 18 or under, at Tigharry in North Uist. His relationship to the head of the household (Roderick Macaulay) is described as that of cousin.
Not until 1901 do we find a reference to Angus Macaulay at Middle Quarter in North Uist, married to Femmie [Euphemia?] and with two young sons, Angus John and William Angus.
Angus Macaulay succumbed to the effects of septicaemia on 29 April 1909 at the age of 54. He was the son of Angus and Christina Macaulay (nee Ferguson), and was married to Euphemia who survived him.
The 1861 census shows Angus Macaulay on the island of Heisker, which lies 6 miles west of North Uist, as an 8-year old scholar living with his brother John, who is aged 21 at that time.
In 1891, Angus is one of a household of 17 people, half of them aged 18 or under, at Tigharry in North Uist. His relationship to the head of the household (Roderick Macaulay) is described as that of cousin.
Not until 1901 do we find a reference to Angus Macaulay at Middle Quarter in North Uist, married to Femmie [Euphemia?] and with two young sons, Angus John and William Angus.
Angus Macaulay succumbed to the effects of septicaemia on 29 April 1909 at the age of 54. He was the son of Angus and Christina Macaulay (nee Ferguson), and was married to Euphemia who survived him.
North Uist, John Morrison
John Morrison gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Loch Eport on 30 May 1883.We find him as a crofter in North Uist in the 1881 census, married to Margaret (50) and with six children, varying in ages from 5 to 27. The 1871 census gives the same information (minus those children that were aged 10 or less in 1881), but the 1861 census names Margaret as Peggy. Only the eldest two children are present at that time. However, this census does specify their location as Lochefort (Locheport). I am not sure that the John Morrison, who is a shepherd at Sponish in 1851 is the same man, although the age corresponds.
Forward in time, the 1891 census is an update on the 1881 census return; John's name is mangled in the transcription on Ancestry, and North Uist is in part described as being in Ross-shire.
I have been unable to locate John Morrison's death record
Forward in time, the 1891 census is an update on the 1881 census return; John's name is mangled in the transcription on Ancestry, and North Uist is in part described as being in Ross-shire.
I have been unable to locate John Morrison's death record
North Uist, James Maccorquidale
James Maccorquidale gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Loch Eport on 30 May 1883. We find him on the North Uist census returns as a 76-year old crofter, living with his wife Mary (78) and daughters Flor (40), Catherine (37) and son Alexander (36). Alexander has his son James with him.
In 1851, we find James at Carinish in North Uist, where he is a farmer. Obviously 30 years younger, in the company of Mary and their children Malcolm (23), Flora (19), Ketty (16), Alexander (14), Allan (12), Mary (9) and Peggy (6).
In 1851, we find James at Carinish in North Uist, where he is a farmer. Obviously 30 years younger, in the company of Mary and their children Malcolm (23), Flora (19), Ketty (16), Alexander (14), Allan (12), Mary (9) and Peggy (6).
North Uist, Malcolm Mcinnes
Malcolm Macinnes gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Loch Eport on 30 May 1883. Unfortunately, I have been unable to trace him on any of the 19th century censuses.
Benbecula, John Macdonald
John Macdonald gave evidence to the Napier Commission for the people of Gramsdale in Benbecula on 29 May 1883. We find him in the 1881 census at Uachdar, which is just beside Gramsdale. He is aged 75 at the time and lives with his wife Flora as well as daughters Meron (18) and Ann (21), as well as Ann's husband Donald Maccormick. Grandson Donald (2) Macdonald is there is well, in addition to visitor Ketty Martin.
The 1861 census sheds a clearer light on John and Flora's family. We see six children, varying in ages from 4 to 20, namely: Ann (4), Niel (8), Donald (11), Catherine (14), Christy (16) and Mary (20).
John Macdonald passed away on 26 June 1895 at the age of 87, due to the effects of old age. He was the son of Niel and Mary Macdonald. Flora survived her husband, but I have been unable to trace her death record.
The 1861 census sheds a clearer light on John and Flora's family. We see six children, varying in ages from 4 to 20, namely: Ann (4), Niel (8), Donald (11), Catherine (14), Christy (16) and Mary (20).
John Macdonald passed away on 26 June 1895 at the age of 87, due to the effects of old age. He was the son of Niel and Mary Macdonald. Flora survived her husband, but I have been unable to trace her death record.
Benbecula, John Mackellag
John Mackellag gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Torlum on 29 May 1883. We find him on the 1871 census at Hacklet, Benbecula, aged 44. He is living with his sisters Effy and Ann and four cousins, varying in ages from 5 to 25.
I suspect that misspellings of John's surname may account for his apparent absence from other census records.
I suspect that misspellings of John's surname may account for his apparent absence from other census records.
Benbecula, John Mcleod
John Mcleod gave very brief evidence to the Napier Commission during its session at Torlum on 29 May 1883. He appears in the census of 1881 with his wife May at Buailedhu, Iochdar, with their children Angus (6), Margaret (12), Ann (15), Peter (17) and Norman (19) as well as John's brother Alexander. The 1891 census is an update of the 1881 one, but in 1901 we see John and Mary (aged 79 and 70 respectively), with their son Norman (39) and his wife Marrion (26) and their children Cathrine (2) and John (9 months).
John Mcleod passed away on 28 April 1916 at the age of 95 of supposed old age. He was the son of Norman and Ann Mcleod nee Macintyre.
John Mcleod passed away on 28 April 1916 at the age of 95 of supposed old age. He was the son of Norman and Ann Mcleod nee Macintyre.
Benbecula, Donald Maccoll
Rev Donald Maccoll gave evidence to the Napier Commission at Torlum on 29 May 1883. He was the Roman Catholic priest, resident at Ardkenneth House and Church, in the district of Howmore in South Uist. Donald was aged 45, and had 3 domestic and farm servants at the house. Donald Maccoll originated from Kilmalie in Argyll. As a result of that information, we find Donald as a 15-year old on the 1851 census, living at 11 Achfupil near Kilmallie in Argyll. His father's name is Hector, a crofter of 2 acres, who is helped around the house by his daughter Mary (28). Donald has two younger siblings, Charles (13) and John (8).
I have not been able to locate Donald Maccoll's death record.
I have not been able to locate Donald Maccoll's death record.
Benbecula, Angus Mackinnon
Angus Mackinnon gave evidence to the Napier Commission during its session at Torlum on 29 May 1883. We find him as a joiner at Rhubrach in Benbecula, aged 58. He is married to Margaret (61) and has a daughter, Mary (25). A decade earlier, the family had sons Lachlan (19) and Archibald (14), as well as daughters Mary (17) and Cathrine (12).
I have not been able to find references to this family after 1881, nor could I locate Angus's death record.
I have not been able to find references to this family after 1881, nor could I locate Angus's death record.
Barra and Benbecula, Ranald Macdonald
Ranald Macdonald was the estate factor and secretary to Lady Cathcart of Gordon, who gave evidence at the Napier Commission's hearings in Castlebay and Torlum.
He shows up in the 1881 census as living at 10 Albyn Terrace, Old Machar, Aberdeenshire, occupation Factor (Land Agent). He is aged 46, having been born in South Uist, and married to Clementina Macdonald. He has four of a family, Clara (18 [not 28 as shown on Ancestry]), Ronald R and Clementina (both aged 15), Jessie (12) and Emily C (7). There are also two domestic servants present.
The 1871 census has the family at Prospect Cottage in Cluny, Aberdeenshire, with the exception of Emily C, who was not born yet. Ranald also has his brothers Dugald C and Donald, as well as his sister Mary in the house. Please note that Ancestry has erroneously concatenated his record with another household's.
The 1891 census is basically an update on the 1881 record.
The 1901 census shows granddaughter Mary Esslemont (9) with daughter Katie. Ranald is by that time aged 66.
He shows up in the 1881 census as living at 10 Albyn Terrace, Old Machar, Aberdeenshire, occupation Factor (Land Agent). He is aged 46, having been born in South Uist, and married to Clementina Macdonald. He has four of a family, Clara (18 [not 28 as shown on Ancestry]), Ronald R and Clementina (both aged 15), Jessie (12) and Emily C (7). There are also two domestic servants present.
The 1871 census has the family at Prospect Cottage in Cluny, Aberdeenshire, with the exception of Emily C, who was not born yet. Ranald also has his brothers Dugald C and Donald, as well as his sister Mary in the house. Please note that Ancestry has erroneously concatenated his record with another household's.
The 1891 census is basically an update on the 1881 record.
The 1901 census shows granddaughter Mary Esslemont (9) with daughter Katie. Ranald is by that time aged 66.
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