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Discussion: Hi. My name is Christine Watson and I, too, have roots in South Uist. My grandparents were Alex Morrison and Mary MacIntyre, and the last place they lived before emigrating to Canada was West Gerinish. I know from working out my family tree, that I'm related to MacPhees, Monks, MacEachens, Blacks, MacDonalds, MacDougalls, MacLennans, MacLellans, Gillises, and Buchanans. The earliest known ancestor is Neil Black, whose son John Black was born in 1760.
I have spent the last two years researching the emigration scheme of Father Andrew MacDonell and earlier, of Lady Gordon Cathcart. My mother and grandparents emigrated in 1923 with Father MacDonell's first group, but I have just found out that my grandfather's aunt and uncle (Angus and Mary MacDougall, and their children, Malcolm and Euphemia) emigrated to Benbecula, Saskatchewan in 1884. This was a limited scheme put forth by Lady Cathcart at the height of the Napier Commission, so, skeptic that I am, I suspect she was looking to garner good publicity.
If anyone reading this has relatives who came to Canada through Father MacDonell or Lady Cathcart I would really appreciate hearing from you. I think there is a link. At least two families from the 1923 group had relatives who came over earlier, with the 1883/4 group. As well, Father MacDonell had a signed photo of Lady Cathcart in his effects. I don't know if people in the Hebrides still talk about Lady Cathcart, but I have heard that Father MacDonell is still well known.
If anyone is looking for info on Hebridean emigrants to the Canadian west in the 1880's or 1920's, I have lists of names and passenger lists of the Marloch, the ship most of MacDonell's emigrants came over on. Any information on emigrants, Father MacDonell's recruiting on the islands, Lady C's families, etc. would be very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Christine Watson |
