A McDonald Family of London, India & Australia
Synopsis: The MacDonald's of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, concentrating on the MacDonald's of Castleton

Surname Index Page McDonald Index Page Descendants of William Hubert McDonald MacDonald's of Castleton, Skye Other McDonald'sSources

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MacDonald's of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, concentrating on the MacDonald's of Castleton

In tracing one of my McDonald ancestors, William Hubert McDonald, a number of online genealogies indicated that he was in fact baptised William Alexander MacDonald, son of William Bannatyne Macdonald of the MacDonald's of Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland. The circumstantial evidence was significant: both William Hubert McDonald and William Alexander MacDonald were sons of William MacDonald's, both father's were army officers, both sons were born c.1820 and both were born in India. The authors of the previous studies found no conflicting traces of William Alexander MacDonald and so the two were assumed to have been the same person. Unlike today when a complicated legal process needs to be followed to change one's name, in the 1800s a name could changed as easily as an article of clothing - easier in fact since changing clothing implied you had the money to afford several outfits. Finding the circumstantial evidence compelling, I initially accepted the connection between William Hubert & William Alexander, although with reservations. I researched the family of William Bannatyne MacDonald, who was of the Castleton branch of the MacDonald's of Sleat, Isle of Skye. Towards the end of that research I was sadly able to find William Alexander MacDonald, living in Skye from 1841 to at least 1881. Not only were the birth details and the middle name the same, but in the earlier census' he was living with his aunts, listed as a nephew. Since my research into the Castleton MacDonald's was nearly complete, apart from the addition of background material, photographs etc, I chose to tie up a few loose ends and put the research online. However please note that as far as I know, this is not my family and is no longer an active research project. I will make corrections & additions if such material is submitted, but I will not be personally doing any further research on this family unless I establish a fresh connection.


1. Donald 'Gorme' MacDonald,[60,62,64,65,68,69,72] born c.1624.[61] {[60] gives name as Donald John MacDonald, [62] however only gives his name as Donald. A Donald John Macdonald, a contemporary of John, was of the Kingsborough, Skye, Macdonald's.[71]} Died 1690-1700,[61,67] Castleton, Skye, Scotland.[67] Second son of Sir Donald 'Gorm' Macdonald, 8th Baron & 1st Baronet of Sleat (Isle of Skye, Scotland), by his wife Janet Mackenzie, daughter of Kenneth, first Lord Mackenzie of Kintail, Scotland.[25,60,62,64,67,69,72] Donald, 1st of Castleton, in Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland,[60,61,62,64,68,69,72] was a distinguished soldier, and as Colonel commanded the Clan Uisdein contingent at the battle of Killiecrankie, Scotland (1689).[60] Took a distinguished part in the civil wars of the time in which he lived.[69] In 1644, when civil war broke out in the British Isles, Donald's brother, Sir James Macdonald, 2nd Baronet of Sleat, was not overly enthusiastic for the royal cause, however following the battle at Inverlochly & before the Battle of Auldearn, 400 of the baronet's men had joined the King's forces, thought to have been lead by Donald Macdonald of Castleton, Sir James' oldest brother. The Sleat men continued with the campaigning following the defeat at the Battle of Philiphaugh. They took part in the siege of Inverness. When the king surrendered to the Scottish Army at Newark, and ordered Montrose to disband his forces, the Sleat men returned home to Skye and Uist. What specific part the Sleat contingent played in the campaign is unknown.[118] Donald possessed either by tack or wadset the lands of Castleton, Knock, Totamurich, and Camuscross (all in Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland), and of these he obtained a new wadset from his brother, Sir James Macdonald, in 1665.[60] {The clan chief had the power to bestow 'tacks' or leases. those close to the chief generally farmed part of a tack for themselves & sublet the remainder. Tacksmen were just below the clan chief in rank.[75]} He likewise held the lands of Ord, Croswaig, Tockvaig, and Tarsgavaig, also in the barony of Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] In 1691, he appears on the Valuation Roll of Inverness as a landowner in the county {Skye is in the county of Inverness}.[60] Upon his death was succeeded by his son, John.[69] {[69] states Donald had only one son, other sources indicate an additional two sons - did they die young?} Married Margaret Cameron.[60,61,69] Margaret d/o John Cameron of Lochiel, Scotland.[60,61,69]

Children of Donald MacDonald & Margaret Cameron:
*
 i.
  
 John MacDonald,[61,64,66,69,72,91] born 1650-1670 (from DOBs of children), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60]

ii.
Donald MacDonald, born Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,61] {Possibly died young. [69] implies John was the only surviving son}

iii.
Archibald MacDonald, born Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61] {Possibly died young. [69] implies John was the only surviving son}

iv.
Margaret MacDonald, born 1650-1660 (from DOB of child) Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61] Married John Mackinnon.[61] John born c.1662.[61]
Children: (a)
  
 John Mackinnon, born c.1682, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61]

v.
Mary MacDonald,[60,62,64,68,69,72] born 1660-1670 (from DOBs of children), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[62,68] Married Sir Donald MacDonald,[60,64,69,72] about 1690.[62] (Mary d/o Donald MacDonald of Castleton.[62,64]) Known as Domhnull a Chogaidh.[60] Donald was 11th Baron & 4th Baronet of Sleath, Scotland.[60,62,64,68,69] Donald, s/o Sir Donald MacDonald (3rd Baronet of Sleath) & Lady Mary Douglas (married 24/7/1662),[62,64,68] born between 1662-1670 (from DOM of parents & DOB of children) & died 1718.[60,62,64,69,72] Fought at Killecrankie, Scotland, at the head of his father's clan and, joining the rebellion of 1715, is said to have been attainted, but no forfeiture followed.[62] Fought in the campaign of 1689, under Dundee, and again in 1715, under the Earl of Mar.[60] Was known as Sir Donald of the Wars.[60,62]
Children: (a)
  
 Mary MacDonald,[60,62,68] born about 1690, Isle of Skye, Scotland. Died 1779.[62,68] Married John MacDougall, 1712.[62,68] John of Dunollie, Scotland.[62,68]
(b)
Sir Donald MacDonald, born 1697, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[62,64,68,72] Died 1720.[62,64,68,72] 12th MacDonald of Sleat & 5th Baronet of Sleat, Scotland.[60,64,68] Did not marry & upon his death the direct Sleat line became extinct & the baronetcy reverted to his uncle, James MacDonald.[60,62,107] (James' 2nd wife was Margaret , d/o John MacDonald of Castleton.[62]) Matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford University, Oxford, Co Oxfordshire, England, 7/11/1712.[68] Succeeded to the title of 5th Baronet Macdonald, of Sleat, Isle of Skye, Co Inverness, Scotland, 1718.[68]
(c)
Margaret MacDonald, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,62,64,68] Married Captain John McQueen.[62,64,68] John of the Royal Regiment of Foot.[60] Had issue.[62]
(d)
Isabella MacDonald, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,62,64,68] Died 10/12/1774.[60] Married Dr Alexander Monro of Auchenbowie, Soctland.[62,64,68] Professor of Anatomy in Edinburgh.[60] Had issue.[62]
(e)
Janet MacDonald, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[62,64,68] Married Norman MacLeod of MacLeod, 22nd Chief.[62,64,68] Norman died 1772.[64] Had issue.[62]
Married 2nd Alexander Macdonald, 1st of Boisdale, Scotland.[60,63,69,72] Alexander, s/o Donald Macdonald, 3rd of Benbecula & 15th of Clanranald, & Margaret Mackenzie.[63] Died 1768.[117] Alexander, also known as 'Alastair Mor', 1st of Boisdale, in South Uist, Scotland, which he inherited in 1730.[69] Said to have been the first who introduced the manufacture of kelp from Ireland to the Long Island; and to increase the quantity of sea-ware for that purpose he planted stones in the various bays on his property, a practice that continued into the late 1800s.[69]
  "The family of Boisdale only ran through four generations, but in the time of Colin Macdonald, the second, it attained great importance on the Clanranald estates and in the Isles. The first of the family was Alexander Macdonald, son of Donald Macdonald of Benbecula, afterwards of Clanranald, by his second marriage. He may have been in possession of Boisdale previously, but the charter in his favour by Ranald Macdonald, designed Younger of Clanranald, is dated the 26th of July, 1758, on which he was infeft in the same year. The description of the lands and mill thirlage, is in these words:
 "All and whole the twenty penny lands of Boisdales, Smerclet, Kilbride, Eriskay and Lingay, with the corn mill lately built on the said lands, with grazings, sheillings, mosses, rnuirs, meadows, woods, fishings, islands, rocks, and whole parts, pendicles and pertinents of the said lands of Kilbride, Boisdale, Eriskay, Smerclate, and Lingay and miln aforesaid; together with the teinds of the-said lands so far as the said Ronald Macdonald of Clanranald had right thereto, with the mill lands, multures and sequels thereto belonging, and payable out of the lands lying between the Sound of Barra, and the water called Ryglass, particularly after-mentioned, viz., the lands of Kilpheder, Dalibrugh, Garryhualach. Askernish, South Frobost, North Frobost, Garryvaltos, and Milntown, belonging in property to Clanranald, together with the services performable by the tenants and possessors of the said lands to the mill, all lying within the parish of South Uist and shire of Inverness."  
In some of the titles Boisdale is described as a five merk land of old extent, called Beustill or Boisdale. The first Macdonald of Boisdale, forsaking the ancient faith, became a Protestant, and showed his zeal by driving his tenants to church with a staff of foreign importation, of yellow colour, hence the nickname applied to the new religion, "the religion of the yellow stick." Boisdale's unhappy persecution of his tenants ended, as is well known, in the expatriation of many of the flower of the Clanranald people, headed by John Macdonald of Glenaladale, who sympathised with them in their sad fate. Alexander must have died early in 1768, perhaps before that year, for a precept of dare constat is granted in favour of Colin Macdonald, as eldest son and heir of Alexander Macdonald of Boisdale, on the 28th of May, 1768.
In the time of this Colin, second of Boisdale, the family had attained its height, he being almost supreme over the great Clanranald estates. Colin had numerous sisters and brothers, his father having married three times, and was himself married first to Margaret Campbell of Airds, and secondly to Isabella Campbell of Glen-Falloch. Miss Margaret Campbell's portion was 9000 merks. Colin died between 1799 and 1800, leaving a large family, of whom may be mentioned Hector, a Writer to the Signet, who feathered his nest handsomely through the love of litigation or imbecility of some of the island proprietors, and who assumed the additional name of Buchanan on his marriage with a Dumbartonshire heiress; Reginald, of Staffa, who succeeded by special destination to the baronetcy of Allanton, and, by marriage, to the Seton-Touch estates. "Old Staffa," as he was called, was well-known in Edinburgh society in its palmiest days, during the times of Sir Walter Scott and others. Margaret Macdonald, Boisdale, became the wife of Flora Macdonald's nephew, Angus of Milton. Their contract of marriage is dated the 10th of March, 1783.
Colin Macdonald was succeeded by his eldest son Alexander, third of Boisdale, afterwards a Lieutenant-Colonel. He married, contract dated 11th June, 1783, Marion Maclean of Coil. Before his father's death Boisdale was in difficulties, and the heavy provisions to his numerous brothers and sisters proved so burdensome while his father's trustees were in possession of the estate, that he had to place himself under trust, first in 1813 to William Dallas, W.S., and at a later period to Alexander Maclean of Coil, Hugh Macdonald, his eldest son, and Messrs Mackintosh and Macqueen, Writers to the Signet. He died in 1818 and was succeeded as representative of the family, but not in the estate, by Hugh Macdonald, fourth of Boisdale, who vent to England, married, and, since the estate was sold to the Gordons, lost sight of.
Alexander Macdonald, third of Boisdale, besides his family burdens, was engaged in several litigations, particularly one with his uncle, Major James Macdonald of Askernish. There was also a keenly fought question with some of the Barra people about rights of fishing, which, as they related to the historic isle of Eriskay. The southern part of South Uist, including Eriskay, formed of old a part of the property of the MacNeills of Barra, and though the lands had long passed to the family of Clanranald, yet the Barra people continued to fish around and land their boats on Eriskay. In 1809 Colonel Alexander Macdonald makes an application in the Court of Session against, among others, Ewen Ban Macdonald, grieve to MacNeil of Barra; Peter Robertson, schoolmaster of Barra; Finlay Mackinnon, ground officer there; Angus Macmillan, John O'Henley, Alexander Macneil, Neil Macinnes, and Neil Maclean, all in Barra, to prevent them from encroaching and roaming abroad upon Eriskay at pleasure, and injuring Boisdale's cattle and disturbing them, as also from fishing upon the banks adjacent to his islands. The respondents are said to admit Boisdale's right of property, but plead certain rights of use and wont, which Boisdale characterises "as savouring more of ancient depredations, than of the modern civilization of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland." He goes on to say that Eriskay lies in the channel between Barra and that part of South Uist belonging to him, but much nearer to South Uist, and through his predecessor's toleration, the Barra people were permitted to fish close inshore at Enskay, the fish there being more numerous and of better quality. The sea around the island subsides greatly at ebb, leaving a considerable beach, which the Barra people utilised by hauling up their boats and taking sand worms for bait. Indeed they went so far as to kindle fires and pluck up grass by the roots, to prevent their lines from intertwining, and even erected huts. Further, Boisdale contended that the Barra people had no right to fish nearer Eriskay than the mid channel with Barra, and stated that he was Depute-Admiral over the coasts of his own estate. He further stated that the respective fishing banks should be distinctly defined, for the present state of matters frequently ended in a fray and riot, and the loss of fishing tackle; and that in order to secure a kind of preference for the season South Uist and Barra began to set their lines in the. favourite banks, two months before the season opens, taking them away from the cultivation of their lands. It came out in the procedure that the old occupiers of Eriskay had emigrated, and those remaining knew nothing of its ancient history, or the old manner of possession. Fishing seasons vary, but it may be said with truth that there will always be considerable fishing ex adverso of the old Boisdale lands and those of Barra."[117] 		 
Children: (a)
  
 Colin MacDonald, born 1725,[114] South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69] Died 1799-1800.[114,117] 2nd of Boisdale, Skye, Scotland,[63,69,114] & 1st of Ulva, Isle Of Mull, Argyllshire, Scotland.[114] The following letter, dated 22/10/1791, was written from Prince Edward Island, Canada & addressed to Colin MacDonald Esqr of Boisdale, by Edinburgh & Invernefs, North Britain South West:
  St. John's Island Oct. 22d.1791, St. Peters.
Sir,
I wrote you in order to let you know that we are all well since we had a fine Pafsage of Six weeks & three days but some of them were very Sick with fevers The reason was that they were too much Confined in the Vefsel That man that wrote for his friends he Died Donald MacKinnon I shall now begin to tell you the History of this Province but its needless for me. You know it as well yourself. This Province is terrible Cold we have here Seven Months of Snow and frost and Sometimes Eight. If a man happen to wet his foot or hand half a mile from any House he is in Danger of losing his hand or feet. The Price of a Barrel of Potatoes Six Shillings when we arrived both Ships and the People Starving the Governor of this Island Sold Potatoes at the Rate of twelve shillings the Barrel the Bushel of wheat Seven Shillings & Sixpence Bushel of Barley Five Shillings -- If you please sir to inform the people if any Gentlemen intends to Crofs the Atlantic Ocean let him be there guide & Governor of the People of ? You may tell them from me if you please which you know Sir to Stay at home for their Constitution will not answer to the Climate here.
I now travel the most of the Island which is Eighty Miles and the Governor himself I would not compare him to a man of your Title & Honour if you see the poor people & Situation that left you I am afraid they'l Perish both with Cold & hunger those that came from low lands of Scotland they are well of but the Uist too high and they Cannot do but a living, we came here we thought ourselves to make money but we came to freese instead of making money Suppose I although I work here four years It is impossible for me to make four Pound cash. If you please to write to me without no delay and I shall be much oblige to you. Nothing more to say but my compliments to Mrs. Macdonald.
I am yours,
Rory Steel. P.S. Write Rory Steel to the Care of John MacKie St. Peters in St. Johns Island.[115]
  
Married Margaret Campbell,[114] d/o Campbell of Airds.[63,69] Married 2nd Isabella Campbell,[114] d/o Captain Robert Campbell of Glenfalloch, Scotland.[63,69]
Children: (1)
  
 Alexander MacDonald, born 1750s,[114] South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] Died 1818.[63,69,117] 3rd of Boisdale.[63,69,114] Captain in the 71st Regiment, serving in the American war of Independence.[69] Married Marion Maclean,[63,69] 11/6/1783.[117] Marion d/o Alexander Maclean, 14th of Coll, Scotland.[63,69] Had issue: Hugh (heir), Colin (doctor in the Indian army, died 1870s), Donald (rose to the rank of Major, killed in battle), Janet, Isabella & Margaret.[69]
(2)
Donald MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] Died 1797.[63] Colonel.[63,69] Served as an officer in the 22nd, 18th & 100th Regiments in succession.[69] In 1795 received letters of service to raise a regiment of the line, but died before the regiment was completed.[69]
(3)
Hector MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] One of the Principal Clerks of Session.[69] Married Jean Buchanan, d/o Robert Buchanan of Ross & Drumikill, Scotland.[63,69] Had issue: Robert, Hector, John, James, Jane & Margaret all of whom died unmarried, Jemima (married Sir Alexander Wellesley William Leith, Baronet, 10/1830).[69]
(4)
Margaret MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] Married Angus Macdonald of Milton, Scotland,[69,117] 10/3/1783.[117]
(5)
Harriott (Henrietta) MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] Married Major Alexander Macdonald, 3rd of Vallay, Scotland (1st cousin, see below).[63,69]
(6)
Sir Reginald MacDonald, born 1778,[63,109,110,114] South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63] (s/o Isabella.[63]) Died 15/4/1838 (61yo).[63,69,109,110,116] 2nd Baronet of Staffa, Scotland.[63,69] Advocate and Sheriff-Depute of the county of Stirling, Scotland.[69] Inherited the estates of Staffa and Ulva, in Mull, Scotland.[69] Originally Macdonald, adopted the name Macdonald Steuart-Seton; was Sheriff of Stirling (1811-1838) and laird of Staffa and Ulva in Mull; was a friend of Sir Walter Scott.[110,116] Married Elizabeth Margaret Steuart, 23/1/1812.[63,116] Elizabeth, sole heir & d/o Sir Henry Steuart, 1st Baronet of Allanton & Staffa & Lillias Seton, born 31/10/1790 & died 2/8/1866.[63,69,116] Elizabeth inherited the Touch Seton estates, in Co Stirling, Scotland, on the death of her uncle, Hon. Archibald Seton, late member of the Supreme Council of India, and Governor of Prince Edward Island, in 1835.[69,116] In 1835 she also succeeded to the office of heritable armour bearer to the Queen, and Squire of the Royal body.[69,116] Had issue: Sir Henry James Seton Steuart (Baronet of Allanton), Archibald, Colin Reginald, Isabella (married Rev. John Lockhart Rose, Vicar of Ambury, Wiltshire) & Lillias Margaret.[69]
(7)
Robert MacDonald, born 10/6/1777, South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,114] Died 10/12/1856.[63] (s/o Isabella.[63]) Of Inchkenneth & Gribune, Scotland.[63,69] Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Artillery.[69] Married Mary Douglas, 18/1/1801.[63,69] Mary, d/o Thomas Douglas of Grantham, Scotland.[63,69] Had issue: Robert Douglas (b.7/6/1802, Captain in the 42nd Highlanders), George Ranald (b.1804), Charles Kerr (b.1/1/1806, Major in the 42nd Highlanders, or Black Watch), James Archibald (born 18/1/1808, Captain in the Royal Navy), Ranald George Meyritt (b.25/2/1810) & Isabella Louisa (married James Neille Macneille, 1838).[69]
(8)
Jean MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] (d/o Isabella.[63]) Married John MacDonald, 1793.[63,69] John Macdonald, 18th of Clanranald & 6th of Benbecula, died 18/11/1794.[63,69] No issue.[69]
(9)
Colin MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] (s/o Isabella.[63]) Rank of Admiral in the Royal Navy, a C.B.[69] Married but had no issue.[63,69]
(10)
James MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] (s/o Isabella.[63]) Died 1806.[63,69] Medical doctor.[69] Did not marry.[63,69]
(11)
Isabella MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69,114] (d/o Isabella.[63]) Did not marry.[69]
(b)
John MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69]
(c)
Mary MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63,69] Married William MacDonald.[63,69] 2nd of Vallay.[69]
Children: (1)
  
 Alexander MacDonald, born Vallay, Hebrides, Scotland.[63] 3rd of Vallay.[63] Married Harriott Macdonald (1st cousin, above), d/o Colin Macdonald, 2nd of Boisdale.[63]
(d)
Donald MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63]
(e)
Hector MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[63]
(f)
Anne MacDonald, born South Uist, Hebrides, Scotland.[69,72]
  "Anne was educated in Dublin, and was a very accomplished and agreeable lady. Dr Johnson and Boswell visited Dr Macleod's house when on their tour. Boswell writes, "We had a dish of tea at Dr Macleod's, who had a pretty good house, where was his brother, a half-pay officer. His lady was a polite, agreeable woman. Dr Johnson said he was glad to see that he was so well married, for he had an esteem for physicians. The doctor accompanied us to Kingsburgh."[72]  
Married Dr. Murdoch Macleod.[69,72] Murdoch was the younger son of Raasay, who was severely wounded in the battle of Culloden, and afterwards, though still suffering from his wounds, chiefly instrumental in securing the escape of Prince Charles from the Isle of Skye, when his Royal Highness finally departed with Flora Macdonald.[69] Murdoch was a physician & settled on the farm of Eyre, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69,72]
Children: (1)
  
 Malcolm Macleod, born Eyre, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[72] Died West Indies.[72]
(2)
John Macleod, born Eyre, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[72] Lieutenant in the Navy.[72]
(3)
Norman Macleod, born Eyre, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[72] "Lieutenant in the 92nd, or Gordon Highlanders, of which regiment his uncle, Donald Macdonald of Boisdale, was major. Lieutenant Norman fought under Sir Ralph Abercromby at the battle of Aboukir, in Egypt, on 13/3/1801. The French opened a heavy fire of cannon and musketry, which the 92nd quickly returned, firmly resisting the repeated attacks of the French line (supported as it was by a powerful artillery), and singly maintaining their ground, till the line came up. In this action Lieutenant Norman was severely wounded, and he died in April following, of his wounds."[72]
(4)
Margaret Macleod, born Eyre, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[72] Married Kenneth Macleod of Swordale, afterwards of Ebost, Scotland.[72]
(5)
Anne Macleod, born Eyre, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[72] Died 1849, Snizort, Scotland.[72] Did not marry.[72]

vi.
Janet MacDonald, born 1680-1690 (from DOB children), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Married John MacDonald.[60] John, s/o Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat.[60] John received a tack {lease} of Flodigarry, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland, from Sir Donald Macdonald, for whom he was factor in Trotternish.[60] He fought at Killiecrankie under Sir Donald (1689).[60] In 1705 he received a tack {lease} of Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60]
Children: (a)
  
 Martin MacDonald, born before 1710, Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Succeeded his father at Flodigarry, and was chamberlain of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,112] In 1728 received a tack {lease} of the lands of Balvicquean, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60]
  "There was also an accepted bill due by the said John Mackinnon, Younger of that Ilk, dated the 28th of December, 1735, payable the 15th of May thereafter, to Martin Macdonald, late servant to the said Sir Alexander, and endorsed by him to the said Sir Alexander, but it consisting with the knowledge of the said Lady Margaret Montgomery and appearing from several other circumstances that the indorsation was only a trust in Sir Alexander's person, the said bill was returned to the said Martin Macdonald."[112]  
In 1751 Martin was questioned about the burning of the home of the Laird of Glenmoriston following battle of Culloden, of which Sir Alexander Macdonald was accused of being involved:
  Leith, Monday, December 16th, at 12 o’clock, 1751, the foresaid Patrick Grant brought along with him to my house one Martin MacDonald, whom I was glad to see, as I knew him to have been principal servant to Sir Alexander MacDonald in 1746, and therefore capable (perhaps) to clear up some things to me. I asked the said Martin MacDonald whether or not he April attended Sir Alexander MacDonald from the Isle of Sky to Inverness after the battle of Culloden? To which he answered, Yes. Then, said I, Did you see the Laird of Glenmoriston’s dwelling house set on fire and burnt down to the ground? Were Sir Alexander MacDonald and the Laird of MacLeod present at burning of the said house? And who was to be blamed for said burning? To all which the said Martin MacDonald answered, "I was (with a sore heart) an eyewitness to setting fire to the Laird of Glenmoriston’s house, and its being burnt down to the ground; that Sir Alexander MacDonald and the Laird of MacLeod were present at said burning, and that Lord Loudon had orders from the Duke of Cumberland for so doing, and also for scouring the Glen of Glenmoriston, which was accordingly done exactly enough, tho I believe," added he,"“much against Lord Loudon’s own inclination both as to the house and the glen: and that among Sir Alexander MacDonald’s following there happened to be two MacDonalds who were nephews to old Lady Glenmoriston, whom they pitied much in her then distress, and honestly told her it was not in their power to do her any other service than to take her furniture out of the house and to put it into a hut which they accordingly did, and then they were obliged to witness the burning of their aunt’s house to ashes." Then I desired to know if President Forbes was along with Lord Loudon, etc., at burning the house of Glenmoriston. To thisMartin MacDonald answered, "President Forbes was not present at burning the house of Glenmoriston; for," said he, "the President instantly, upon having accounts of the battle of Culloden, left the Isle of Sky and went directly for Inverness." I likewise asked if the young Laird of MacLeod was present at burning Glenmoriston’s house? To this Martin MacDonald answered, "The young Laird of MacLeod was not present at burning of said house, as he happened to be in Ross-shire at the time of the battle of Culloden; and I believe," added he "that he was at Inverness the day after the battle."[113]  
Married a daughter of Lachlan Maclean of Vallay, Hebrides, Scotland, and had William Martin, who died unmarried in America, and John, a Lieutenant in the Army, who succeeded his father at Flodigarry.[60]
(b)
Hugh MacDonald, born Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Of Grenigle, Scotland.[60] Had issue Janet & Margaret.[60]
(c)
William MacDonald, born Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Did not marry.[60]
(d)
Alexander MacDonald, born Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Of Svverby, Scotland.[60]
(e)
Elizabeth 'Betsy' MacDonald, born Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Married James Macdonald of Cuidrach, Scotland.[60] No issue.[60] Married 2nd Rev. Donald Macqueen, minister of Kilmiir, Scotland.[60] Had issue: Isabel, Janet, and Betsy.[60]
(f)
Margaret MacDonald, born Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Married James James Macdonald.[60] James known as "Seumus MacDhomhnuill Ghruamach," of Kendrom, Scotland.[60] Had issue: Donald John, and Janet.[60]
(g)
Christian MacDonald, born Flodigarry/Kingsburgh, Trotternish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Married Donald Nicholson, s/o Rev. Donald Nicolson of Aird, Scotland.[60] Had issue.[60]


According to the story of Flora MacDonald, Castleton was located about 4 miles from Armadale in the south-east of Skye. In a 4 mile radius from Armadale are Aird of Sleat (south), Achnacloich (west) and Teangue to the north. Teangue is adjacent to Knock Castle. The Flora MacDonald account indicates there was a road between Armadale and Castleton, which rules out Achnacloich. Aird of Sleat is a small hamlet consisting only of crofts and a church (now an art gallery). It does not possess (and never had) a dwelling more substantial than a simple croft. It would seem highly questionable that one of the oldest branches of the Sleat MacDonald's would have been based there (the 1st of Castleton was teh 2nd son of the 1st Baronet of Sleat). In the 1600s Knock Castle was the second most important castle held by the MacDonald's in Sleat, which would seem a more likely abode for the family. Knock Castle was abandoned in 1698, however there is a substantial manor-style residence nearby. According to the website of the Sleat Local History Society, the present day 'Knock An Cnoc' was once called Castleton or Castle Town. 'Knock An Cnoc', or 'The Hill', is the site of Knock Castle, which strongly suggests that at least until 1698 Knock Castle was the residence of the Castleton MacDonald's.



1.1. John MacDonald,[61,64,66,69,72,91,102,108] born 1650-1670 (from DOB of children), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Died c.1720.[60] Last will, John MacDonald of Castleton, Sleat, Isle of Skye, dated 18/10/1711.[97] 2nd Lord MacDonald of Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,61,62,66,69] Fought at the battle of Killiecrankie, Scotland (1689).[69] Upon his death was succeeded by his eldest son, Donald.[69] On 3/8/1700 John of Castleton, along with Rev. Eneas Macqueen, was accused of harbouring and refusing to give up to justice, Angus Macdonald & Angus Macglasserich, who were accused of mortally wounding Rory Mackinnon.[107]
  The following refers to two letters written by Sir Donald Macdonald, 4th baronet of Sleat, who was the brother-in-law of John Macdonald of Castleton, having married his sister, Mary, about 1690. "No. XCII. Anno1707. Sir Donald Gorme of Sleat. With Sir Donald Gorme, fourth baronet of Sleat, who succeeded in 1695, and died in 1718, the race of warriors truly so termed, of the Sleat family, may be said to have terminated. The annexed letter from Duntulm is interesting, Sir Donald being the last occupant of the castle. This grand old ruin we had the pleasure of inspecting quite recently, and the place where captives were summarily sent through, falling hundreds of feet into the sea, is still complete. We were told that a child of the family, and nurse, accidentally fell through, and this caused the castle to be abandoned early in the last century. It is to be regretted that so many of the stones have been taken to form dykes round the adjoining lands. The letter is addressed by Sir Donald to the Laird of Mackintosh, and written with his own hand. Keppoch had been so obstinate in refusing all compromise with Mackintosh, that the latter had to invoke the full strength of the law, and it would have fared hard with the former unless he had obtained the influence of Sir Donald, who, coming to the assistance of Keppoch, effected a settlement about the year 1700, and agreed to become his cautioner in a new tack. Coll of Keppoch, however, never had any money, or he was indisposed to pay Mackintosh, so, seven years after, the latter was obliged to complain to the cautioner. Carefully tied up with this letter is a singular bond of caution by Sir Donald Gorme, dated at Duntulm, 3rd August, 1700, and witnessed by Lieutenant Charles Mackinnon, late of Colonel Mackgill's regiment, and James Macdonald of Oronsay. The principals are John Macdonald of Castletown, yr. , and Mr. Eneas Macqueen, late minister of Sleat, now in Knock, who were accused of harbouring, and refusing to give up to justice, Angus Macdonald, brother german to Keppoch, and Angus Macglasserich, accused of mortally wounding Rory Mackinnon in Sulomis; all being taken bound to keep the peace, under a penalty of one thousand Scots. Follows the letter referred to : Duntulm, 15th May, 1707. Sir, I had the favour of yours of the 24th past, by Alex. Clerk, and was surprised to find Keppoch so remiss in paying you his tack duty, for which I am bound as a cautioner. I cannot think what has been the occasion of his falling short, but will write to him pressingly of it in two or three days, and if he give not satisfaction, I have as much concern to press him with diligence as any man can have in my case, but till I may have time to hear from him, I hope you will delay diligences, which will be very obliging upon, sir, your most humble servant, (Signed) D. Mackdonald. My wife gives her service to you and your lady, to whom you will please to present mine, and also of Drummuir."[107]  
Married Anne Maclean.[60] Anne, d/o John Maclean of Boreray, Scotland.[60] {[69] gives spouse as Mary Maclean}

Children of John MacDonald & Anne Maclean:
*
 i.
  
 Donald MacDonald, born 1693,[96] Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,60,61,69] Eldest son.[69]
* ii.
Roderick 'Rory Mac Ian' MacDonald, born 1700-1710 (from DOBs of children), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Younger son.[69] {[60] refers to Roderick as John. 'Ian' & 'John' seem to have been interchangable}

iii.
Archibald MacDonald, born Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] {Possibly died young. [69] implies Donald & Roderick were the only surviving sons}

iv.
Margaret MacDonald,[60,64,69,72] born 1690-1700 (from DOM & issue), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61,64] Married Sir James Macdonald,[62,64,69,72] probably c.1720.[62] James of Isle of Oransay, Skye, Scotland.[60,69,72] James, 2nd s/o Sir Donald MacDonald (3rd Baronet of Sleath) & Lady Mary Douglas (married 24/7/1662), born between 1663-1670 (from DOM of parents & DOB of children) & died 1723.[62,64] James was 6th Baronet of Sleath, Scotland, inheriting the baronetcy of  Sleath upon the death of his nephew, Sir Donald MacDonald, in 1720.[62,72] James was previously married to Janet MacLeod, with issue.[62,72]
Children: (a)
  
 John MacDonald, born c.1720, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[62,64,69,72] Died young.[62,64,69] No issue.[69,72]

v.
Florence MacDonald,[60,69,71] born c.1703, Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61,71] Died 1759, Kingsburgh, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75] Married Alexander Macdonald,[61,69,71,75] c.1719.[61] 6th Lord MacDonald of Kingsburgh.[60,61,69,71,75] Alexander born 1689 & died 18/2/1772 (83yo) Kingsburgh, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,71,75] Alexander was Chamberlain to the MacDonald's of Sleat untill about 1765, when he retired from active duty owing to the infirmities of advancing years, and in acknowledgment of his long and honourable services was awarded a pension of £50 per annum for life.[60]
  Alexander was described by a contemporary as "a man of great integrity, probity, and honour, and has been long one of the principal managers of his chiefs affairs, having been first appointed into that station by old Sir Donald [who died in 1718], was continued by his son, young Sir Donald, by Sir James, whose son, Sir Alexander, left him one of the Tutors to his sons the late Sir James and the present Sir Alexander [who died in 1795]; and has always acquitted himself with great fidelity and an unspotted character. In 1746, having entertained the young Chevalier at his house in Skye, and assisted him in making his escape, he was apprehended by order of the Duke of Cumberland, and sent prisoner to the Castle of Edinburgh, where he remained, close confined, for about twelve months, and was at last liberated upon the general Act of Indemnity."[69]  
Alexander of Kingsburgh was liberated from the prison of Edinburgh on the 4th of July, 1717, having 'got a whole year's safe lodging for affording that of one night'.[69] He became one of Sir James's Tutors, in which capacity he continued to act until Sir James came of age; when, in consideration of his long and faithful services to the family, he granted him an annuity of fifty pounds sterling a-year, for the remainder of his life.[69]
Children: (a)
  
 Alan MacDonald,[69] born c.1720, Kingsburgh, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61] Died 20/9/1795, Kingsburgh, Scotland.[60,69] 7th Lord MacDonald of Kingsburgh, Scotland.[61,71] In 1740s was a Lieutenant in one of Sleat's militia companies & was at Fort William with the government forces at the time of the battle of Culloden.[75] After his marriage managed a lease ('tack') at Flodigarry, Isle of Skye, Scotland (where his first 6 children were born).[75] After the death of Allan's mother, Allan & his family moved to Kingsburgh in 1759, remaining there until 1774.[75] Emigrated to Cheeks Creek, Anson Co, North Carolina, USA, 8/1774.[69,75] {Flora's step-father had previously emigrated to Anson Co, NC} With the outbreak in 1775 of the American War of Independence broke out, Allan became a Captain in the newly created 84th or Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment, then raised, and consisting of about 1,500 Highland emigrants or their sons.[69,75] His five sons also took part in the war, as did also Major Alexander Macleod, who had quite recently married his eldest daughter, Anne.[75] Allan took a distinguished part in the war, but he was taken prisoner 27/2/1775,[75] and was imprisioned first in Halifax, Virginia, USA,[69] & then Philadelphia, where he remained until 9/1777 when he was released as part of a prisioner exchange.[75] In 1778 Flora & her children left North Carolina and joined Allan, then stationed in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada.[75] In 1779 Flora returned to Scotland to rejoin her youngest children, John & Frances, residing with various relatives until after the end of the war when Allan returned to Scotland in 1785.[75] Upon his return to Scotland, took up residence in Kingsburgh House.[69]
  "Having received an elementary education in his native parish, he was afterwards sent to Edinburgh to complete his studies, at the expense of Sir Alexander Macdonald. He lived for a number of years at Flodigarry, of which his father had a tack {lease}, and continued there until 1772, when, on his father's death, he succeeded him at Kingsburgh. On old Kingsburgh's retiring from office in 1765, Allan was installed in his place as Chamberlain for Troternish, a post which he held until 1774. It was while at Kingsburgh that Allan and his distinguished wife entertained Dr Samuel Johnson and his biographer, in 1773. In 1774 a change came over the fortunes of the family of Kingsburgh. It was a transition time in the Isles when great economic changes rendered it difficult for the old class of gentry to maintain their ancient state. Animated by the desire to repair the somewhat shattered family fortunes, Allan broke up his establishment at Kingsburgh and sailed for the new world. Soon after his settlement in North Carolina, the American War of Independence broke out, and Allan was appointed Captain of a Company in the Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment. With his five sons he played a brilliant part in the campaign of 1777, but on the defeat of the loyalist army he was captured at Moore's Creek and taken prisoner to Halifax, where he was confined till 1783, when, the American War having been concluded by a Treaty of Peace, he was liberated, and returned to Scotland after an absence of nine years, his wife and other members of the family having returned in 1779. For a short time after his return to Scotland, Allan lived at Daliburgh in South Uist, in the neighbourhood of Milton, his wife's native place. About 1785 he and his wife and family left South Uist for Skye, and once more took up their occupancy of the house and farm of Kingsburgh, Allan in the enjoyment of a captain's pension. Here he died on the 20th September, 1795, and was buried in the family burying-ground at Kilmuir. Allan married on the 6th November, 1750, Flora, daughter of Ranald Macdonald of Milton by his wife, Marion, daughter of Rev. Angus Macdonald, minister of South Uist, with issue."[60]  
Married Flora MacDonald,[69,71] 6/11/1750,[60,69,75] Armadale, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75] Flora d/o Ranald Macdonald of Milton, & Marion Macdonald.[60] Flora, d/o Ranald & Marion, born 1722, Milton, Isle of Skye, Scotland,[74] died 5/3/1790, Penduin, Isle of Skye, Scotland, & her remains were shrouded in one of the sheets in which 'Bonnie' Prince Charles had lain in Kingsburgh House, while a fugitive in Skye, and was was buried in the Kingsburgh family vault in the churchyard of Kilmuir, Isle of Skye, ScotlandScotland.[69,75]
  "Flora MacDonald (Gaelic: Fionnghal NicDhòmhnaill), Jacobite heroine, was the daughter of Ranald MacDonald of Milton on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, and his wife Marion, the daughter of Angus MacDonald. Her father died when she was a child, and her mother was abducted and married by Hugh MacDonald of Armadale, Skye. She was abused by her father before he died and her mother hated her. She was brought up under the care of the chief of her clan, the MacDonalds of Clanranald, and was partly educated in Edinburgh. Throughout her life she was a practising Presbyterian. During the Jacobite Risings, in June 1746, at the age of 24, she was living on the island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides when Bonnie Prince Charlie took refuge there after the Battle of Culloden. The prince's companion, a Captain O'Neill, sought her assistance to help the prince escape capture. The island was controlled by the Hanoverian government using a local militia, but the MacDonalds were secretly sympathetic with the Jacobite cause. After some hesitation, Flora promised to help the prince escape the island. At a later period she told the Duke of Cumberland, son of George II and commander-in-chief in Scotland, that she acted from charity and would have helped him also if he had been defeated and in distress. The commander of the local militia was her stepfather, Hugh MacDonald. The commander gave her a pass to the mainland for herself, a manservant, an Irish spinning maid, Betty Burke, and a boat's crew of six men. The prince was disguised as Betty Burke. He had left Benbecula on June 27. After a first repulse at Waternish, Skye, the party landed at Kilbride, Skye, within easy access of Monkstadt, the seat of Sir Alexander MacDonald. The prince was hidden in rocks while Flora MacDonald found help for him in the neighbourhood. It was arranged that he be taken to Portree, Skye and from there taken to Glam on the island of Raasay. To distract the knights she performed a highland dance which is now called the Flora McDonald's Fancy. The talk of the boatmen brought suspicion on Flora MacDonald, and she was arrested and brought to London for aiding the prince's escape. After a short imprisonment in the Tower of London, she was allowed to live outside of it, under the guard of a "messenger" or gaoler. When the Act of Indemnity was passed in 1747 she was released. Her bravery and loyalty had gained her general sympathy, increased by her good manners and gentle character. Dr Johnson, who met her in 1773, describes her as "a woman of soft features, gentle manners, kind soul and elegant presence." He also paid the tribute that is engraved on her memorial at Kilmuir: "...a name that will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour."
On 6 November 1750, at the age of 28, she married Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh, a captain in the army and the eldest son of Alexander MacDonald VI. The couple lived at Flodigarry on the Isle of Skye where they subsequently parented five sons and two daughters. Upon the death of Allan MacDonald's father in 1772, the family moved into the MacDonald family estate at Kingsburgh. In 1774, they emigrated to North Carolina. During the American War of Independence Captain MacDonald served the British government in the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants). Legend has it that she exhorted the Loyalist force at Cross Creek, North Carolina (present-day Fayetteville) that included her husband, Allan, as it headed off to its eventual defeat at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in February, 1776. He was captured after the battle and was held prisoner for two years until a prisoner exchange occurred in 1777. He was then sent to Fort Edward in Windsor, Nova Scotia where he took command of the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants), Second Battalion. After her husband was taken prisoner, Flora remained in hiding while the American Patriots ravaged her family plantation and took all her possessions. When her husband was released from prison in the fall of 1778, she reunited with him at Fort Edward. In 1779 Flora and her daughter, Fanny, returned to Scotland. Flora resided at the homes of various family members, including Dunvegan, her daughter Anne having married Major General Alexander Macleod. After the war, in 1784, Allan also returned and the family regained possession of the estate in Kingsburgh. In 1779 Flora returned home to Scotland in a merchant ship. During the passage, the ship was attacked by a privateer. She refused to leave the deck during the attack and was wounded in the arm. Flora MacDonald had a large family of sons, who mostly entered the army or navy, and two daughters. She died at Kingsburgh on the Isle of Skye in 1790, at the age of 68. She is buried in the Kilmuir Cemetery. There is a statue to her memory in the grounds of Inverness Castle. In Scottish National Dancing - a relative of Highland Dancing, the dance "Flora MacDonald's Fancy" is named after her. It is known for its balletic steps and graceful movements, supposedly based on the dance that she performed for Bonnie Prince Charlie."[74]
  
After her husband's caputure during the American War of Independence, Flora returned to Scotland with her daughter, Frances.[69] Whilst crossing the Atlantic the ship was attacked by a French privateer, and, during the action which followed Flora remained on deck encouraging the sailors by her voice and example, and assuring them of success.[69] The enemy were beaten off, howver Flora was knocked down and had her arm broken.[69] On her arrival in Scotland she resided with her brother at Milton, in Uist, remaining there until 1783 when she moved, with her husband, to Kingsburgh House.[69]
Children: (1)
  
 Charles Macdonald,[60,69] born 1751,[120] Flodigarry, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75,120] Died 1795.[60] At his funeral, Lord Macdonald, on seeing his body lowered into the grave, remarked, "There lies the most finished gentleman of my family and name ".[69] Captain in the Queen's Rangers.[60,69] Married Isabella Macdonald, 1787.[60,69] Isabella d/o Captain James Macdonald of Aird, Scotland.[60,69] No issue.[60]
(2)
Annie Macdonald,[60,69] born 1754,[120] Flodigarry, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75,120] Died 1834, Stein, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69,120] Married Major Alexander Macleod of Lochbay, Skye & Glendale, Moore Co, USA.[60,69] Alexander fought in the American War of Independence & also in several European wars, in all of which he greatly distinguished himself, and rose to the rank of Major-General in the British Army.[60,69] Issue: Norman (killed in a duel), two sons, Flora & Mary.[69]
(3)
Alexander Macdonald,[60] born 1755,[120] Flodigarry, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75] Died 1782 at sea, went down in the ship "Ville de Paris," captured from the enemy at the battle of Eustati in 1782, and in which he and his brother Ranald were placed to take charge of the prize and crew.[60,69] Officer in the Naval Service.[69] Lieutenant 84th Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment.[60] Did not marry.[69] No issue.[60]
(4)
Ranald Macdonald,[60,69] born 1756,[120] Flodigarry, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75] Died 1782 at sea, went down in the ship "Ville de Paris," captured from the enemy at the battle of Eustati in 1782, and in which he and his brother Alexander were placed to take charge of the prize and crew.[60,69] Captain, Royal Marines.[60,69] Did not marry.[69] No issue.[69]
(5)
James Macdonald,[60,69] born 30/11/1757,[120] Flodigarry, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75] Died 1807.[60,120] Known as Captain James Macdouald of Flodigarry.[60,69] Served with distinction in Tarlton's British Legion.[69] Married Emily Macdonald.[60,69,120] Emily, d/o James Macdonald of Skeabost, Scotland.[60,69] Had issue: James Somerled (Lieutenant-Colonel of the 45th Madras Native Infantry), Allan Ranald (Captain in the 4th Bengal Native Infantry).[69]
(6)
John Macdonald,[60,69] born 1759,[69,120] Kingsburgh, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75] Died 16/8/1831, Exeter, England (72yo).[69] Lieutenant-Colonel of the Clan Alpine Regiment and Commandant of the Royal Edinburgh Artillery.[60,69] Contributed largely to the literature of of his profession, and became a Fellow Royal Society.[60,69] Married Mrs Bogle, a widow, with issue, two children, who died young.[60,69] Married 2nd Frances Maria Chambers,[120] d/o Sir Robert Chambers, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Bengal, India.[60,69] Issue: Robert (Major in the Indian army), John (Captain in the Indian army), Allan (died young), William Pitt (Major-General in the Indian army), Charles Edward, James (Captain in the Indian army), Reginald (Lieutenant, I7th Lancers), Flora Frances (married Edward Wylde), Henrietta Louisa Lavinia (married Benjamin Cuff Greenhill).[69]
(7)
Frances Macdonald,[60,69] born 1765, Kingsburgh, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[75,120] Married Lieutenant Donald Macdonald of Cuidreach, Skye, Scotland.[60,69] 6th of Cuidreach.[120] Had issue.[60,69]
(8)
son MacDonald.[69] Died aged 11yo of typhus, Killicgray, Montgomery Co, North Carolina, USA.[69]
(9)
girl MacDonald.[69] Died aged 13yo of typhus, Killicgray, Montgomery Co, North Carolina, USA.[69]
(b)
Anne MacDonald.[60,61,69] Married Ranald Macalister of Skirinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Ranald was the factor for Troternish, Scotland.[60] In 1786 Charles Mackinnon sold the estate estate of Strathaird in Skye to Alexander Macalister, one of the sons of Ranald Macalister of Skerinish (of the Macalisters of Loupe), by his wife, Anne, daughter of Alexander Macdonald of Kingsburgh.[72] Married 2nd Lauchlan Mackinnon of Corry, Skye, Scotland.[69] No issue to the 2nd marriage.[69]
Children: (1)
  
 Donald Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died Kingsburgh, Scotland.[69]
(2)
Allan Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died Kingsburgh, Scotland.[69]
(3)
James Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died Cour, Scotland.[69]
(4)
Janet Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died infancy.[69]
(5)
John Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died in India.[69] Left a sufficiently large sum of money to enable his father to purchase the estate of Strath, Scotland.[69]
(6)
Charles Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died India.[69]
(7)
Keith Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died Torisdale, Argyllshire, Scotland.[69] Army general.[69]
(8)
Norman Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Colonel and Governor of Prince of Wales Island, Canada.[69] Died at sea, lost on the ship 'Ocean'.[69] Had issue: Frances Byng & Flora.[69]
(9)
Margaret Macalister, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Married Dr Alexander MacDonald.[69] Alexander 2nd s/o Charles.[69] Had issue: John & Ronald (both Captains in the East India Company), Alexander (Lieutenant in the same Service, all three of whom died in India), Keith (Lieutenant in the Indian Navy), Charles Macdonald (Lieutenant in the Glengarry Fencibles), plus 6 daughters.[69]
(c)
James MacDonald.[60,69] Tacksman {leasee}of Knockcowe ('Cnocowe'), Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,71] Factor for Sir Alexander Macdonald, 8th baronet of Sleat.[69] Married Margaret Macleod.[60,71] Margaret d/o Major Macleod of Balmeanach, Scotland.[60,69,71] {[69] does not list the first 4 children}
Children: (1)
  
 Alexander Macdonald, born Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,71] Died on the island of St Kitts, West Indies, in the British Service.[60,71] Captain.[60,71] No issue.[60,71]
(2)
James Macdonald, born Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,71] Was engaged as a clerk in shipping offices in Greenock, and having been pressed into the Service, was never heard of again.[60]
(3)
Roderick Macdonald, born Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,71] Was engaged as a clerk in shipping offices in Greenock, and having been pressed into the Service, was never heard of again.[60]
(4)
Jessie Macdonald, born Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,71] Married Captain Norman Cyprus Macleod.[60] Illegitimate son of Norman, 22nd chief of Macleod.[71] Had issue.[60]
(5)
Margaret MacDonald, born Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,71] Died single, no issue.[60,69,71]
(6)
Flora MacDonald, born Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,71] Died single, no issue.[60,69]
(7)
Anne MacDonald, born 1777, Knockcowe, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,71] Married John Mackenzie,[60,69] 1808, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[71] John born 1775, Brahan, Rosshire, Scotland & died 1864, Kenyon Township, Glengarry, Ontario, Canada.[71] Architect.[60] John & Anne with all their family, except their eldest daughter, emigrated to Canada and arrived at Quebec City 1/9/1830.[71] They spent some time in Lancaster in the southern part of Glengarry Co, Ontario, & in 1832, took up land in Kenyon Township, Glengarry, where they remained the rest of their lives.[71] Had issue.[60]

vi.
Isabella MacDonald, born Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Married John Mackinnon of Kinloch, Isle of Mull, Scotland.[60,62,69] John was of a cadet branch of the Mackinnons of Strath, Scotland.[69] Had no issue (d.s.p.m.s.).[62]

vii.
Mary MacDonald, born before 1695, Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Married Alexander MacDonald.[60] Alexander, s/o Rev. Hugh Macdonald of Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Alexander was was one of the curators of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Sleat during his minority.[60] {Note - [60] has since removed this marriage & children for Mary}
Children: (a)
  
 Hugh MacDonald, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60]
(b)
Somerled MacDonald, born before 1715, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] In 1734, received a tack {lease} of the lands of Brogaig, Isle of Skye, Scotland and others from Sir Alexander Macdonald, afterwards received a lease of the lands of Bresklan.[60] Married Isabella Maclean.[60]
(c)
John MacDonald, born Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60]

viii.
Marion MacDonald,[66,102,105,106] born c.1695,[108] Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[66,102] Married Alexander Nicholson,[105,108] of Glenmore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Alexander, younger s/o Donald Nicholson, 12th Chief of the Scorrybreac Nicholsons, Skye (was married three time & had 23 children) & Margaret Robertson,[66,102] born 1697 & died c.1756.[106] Church of Scotland Minister, Steinshole, 1715.[102] Minister, Aird, Sleat, Skye, 1744.[119] Was the last clergyman in Skye of the Church of Scotland that was instituted during the reign of Charles II..[102] Incurred the wrath of Bishop Forbes for his Presbyterian leanings, and in 1750 refused to marry Alan MacDonald, Kingsburgh's son, to Flora MacDonald.[106] Tacksman of Aird, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108] Alexander lent large sums of money to Sir Alexander Macdonald - one bond, dated 22/10/1744 & witnessed by Alexander Macdonald of Kingsburgh and Donald Macdonald of Castleton, was for the sum of 7,000 merks.[119] There were also numerous references to debts owed to Alexander Nicholson in Sir Alexander's will:[119]
  Property left by Sir Alexander Macdonald:
Item by the said John Mackinnon, younger of that Ilk, the sum of 1000 merks Scots money of principal, 200 merks of penalty and interest from Martinmas, 1736, contained in a bond granted by him to Mr Alexander Nicolson, minister of the gospel, dated 7th December, 1736, to which the said Sir Alexander Macdonald acquired right from the said Mr Alexander Nicolson by assignation, dated 15th September, 1741, registrate in the books of session, 14th July, 1744.
Item by the said John Mackinnon, younger of that Ilk, and the said Neill Mackinnon, son to Corrychattachan, the like sum of 1000 merks and interest, from Whitsunday, 1744, contained in another bond by them to the said Mr Alexander Nicolson, dated the 12th of August, 1729, bearing 200 merks of penalty and registrate in the Sheriff Court Books of Inverness, the 8th of November, 1737, to which the said Sir Alexander Macdonald had also right from the said Mr Alexander Nicolson, by assignation dated the loth of December, 1744.
Item by the said John Mackinnon, younger of that Ilk, the sum of 5000 merks of principal, 1000 merks of penalty and interest from Whitsunday, 1733, contained in an heritable bond affecting the lands of Strathardil or Mackinnon, granted by the said John Mackinnon, younger, to the said Mr Alexander Nicolson, dated the 25th of September, 1733, and registrate in the Sheriff Court Books of Inverness, the 8th of November, 1737, bearing an obligment to infeft, with procuratory of resignation and precept of sasine for that effect, upon which precept of sasine, the said Mr Alexander Nicolson, was infeft in an annual rent of 250 merks, out of the barony of Mackinnon, conform to his instrument of sasine, under the hand of Roderick Macdonald, notar, dated the I5th of April, and registrate at Fortrose, 23rd of May, both in the year 1740, and to which heritable debt and interest thereof, from Martinmas 1744, the said Sir Alexander Macdonald had right from the said Alexander Nicolson, by assignation and disposition, dated the 12th of May, 1744.
Item There being a tack of the five penny land of Kinlochnadale, part of the barony of Mackinnon, entered into- betwixt the said John Mackinnon, Younger, and the said Mr Alexander Nicolson for 38 years' continuance from Whitsunday, 1734, for payment of 300 merks of yearly tack-duty and dated the gth of August, 1733, the benefit of the said tack with the burden of the tack-duty was assigned by the said Mr Alexander Nicolson to the said Sir Alexander Macdonald by assignation dated the 5th of June, 1745. And there was another disposition made by the said Mr Alexander Nicolson to the said Sir Alexander Macdonald, dated the 10th of December, 1744, of a house built upon the same possession.
(All these writs and documents of debt were in the year 1745 lodged by the said Sir Alexander Macdonald in the hands of Mr Macdonald of Glengarry)."[119] 		 
Children: (a)
  
 Rev Donald Nicholson, born 1725, Aird, Sleat,[108] Isle of Skye, Scotland.[66,106] Died 1780.[108] Tacksman of Aird, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[105,106,108]
  "A severe contest lasting for several years took place about 1766-1770 between the Rev. Donald Nicolson, minister of Strath, and tacksman of Torrin and Kilchrist, on the one part, and James Macdonald, Change-keeper at Sconser, on the other. The minister was pursuer, and he is described as 'a man of uncommon probity and goodness.' Not only was there a question of kelp shore on Loch Oynart, but also of hill marches in which the ancient boundaries of the Macdonald and Mackinnon estates cropped up. Many old witnesses were examined, whose evidence and hearsay went back to the end of the seventeenth century. The reverend gentleman, who is accused in the pleadings of being unduly concerned with his secular affairs, lost his case. His tack gave him a right to the kelp ex-adverso of his subjects on Loch Slappin, but he tried to extend the right to Loch Oynart, which was miles distant, because his predecessor in the tack, Macleod, wadsetter of Balmeanoch, had been in use to cut seaware on Loch Oynart."[119]  
Married Margaret MacQueen.[66,108] Margaret, d/o Rev. Archibald MacQueen (1671-1754), 5th of Rigg, 3rd of Snizort, Skye, & Florence MacDonald, born 1720-1740.[105] Married 2nd Flora Macdonald.[108]
Children: (1)
  
 Marion Nicholson, born 1762, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108]
(2)
Flora Nicholson, born c.1764, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108]
(3)
Alexander Nicholson,[103,108] born 4/4/1766,[66] Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108] Died 1846.[108] Married Susanna Nicholson.[66,103] Susanna d/o Donald Nicolson of Scoribreac, Scotland,[66,103] & Margaret MacDonald.[103] Had issue.[66]
(4)
Margaret Nicholson, born c.1766, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108]
(5)
Isabella Nicholson, born c.1768, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108]
(6)
Archibald Nicholson, born c.1773, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108]
(7)
Malcolm Nicholson, born c.1774, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108]
(8)
Annie Nicholson, born 21/9/1777, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[108] Married Murdoch Gillies.[108]
(b)
Joseph Nicholson.[104] Married Eliza Sarah Blackwood.[104] Eliza, d/o Thomas Blackwood (the Younger) of Castlenavin, near Seaforde, County Down, Ireland, born 1766.[104] Joseph resided Derryogue, County Down, Ireland, at the time of the marriage.[104] Had issue.[104]
(c)
John Nicholson.[106] Surgeon, resided Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[106]


The Battle of Killiecrankie was fought between Highland Scottish clans supporting King James VII of Scotland (also known as James II of England) and government troops supporting King William of Orange on 27/7/1689, during the first Jacobite uprising. Although it was a stunning victory for the Jacobites, it had little overall effect on the outcome of the war and left many of their leaders dead. Their forces were scattered at the Battle of Dunkeld the next month. The supporters of James II were known as Jacobites (from the Latin word for James). Scotland was a poor country at the end of the 17th century, the economy and agriculture stunted by decades of war. Roads were rough and transport by land difficult and the growth of trade was hampered by the lack of ships and properly developed harbours. Lowland areas had particularly suffered during the religious troubles while the highlands, often seen as lawless and barbaric by the ‘peaceful’ and ‘sophisticated’ lowlander, had largely been left to manage their own affairs. The highlands and lowlands were separated by more than geography. Lowland areas had more in common with the English. The highlanders spoke Gaelic rather than English, their dress and traditions were distinct, such as wearing the plaid and the playing of the bagpipes, clan organisation was paternalistic and militaristic. This is not to say that the highlands were any less cultured or advanced than the lowlands, only that it was seen that way in the lowlands. The lowlands were also predominantly Protestant while there were still areas in the highlands which were Roman Catholic. John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, had gone north to rally support for James. Claverhouse, as James’s lieutenant general, raised an army, mostly composed of MacDonald's, Cameron's, Stewarts and MacLean's. At Dalwhinnie Claverhouse issued a summons in the name of his king bidding the clansmen to muster at Lochaber. Despite a few successful but small actions by the Jacobites, there was little action for several months and there were increasing number of desertions as the clansmen, laden with loot, slipped back homeward. Claverhouse siezed Blair Castle, shortly before the Government forces arrived. On 27/7/1689 the Government forces approached the pass of Killiecrankie, a narrow and treacherous defile, enough to cause alarm to any commander of regular troops. The track, little more than a pathway, wound for two miles through the pass and, after a halt of two hours, the troops began the long assent. Once clear of the pass, they encountered the Jacobite forces, waiting for them. On the right of the Jacobite line stood the Macleod's and next to them an Irish unit under Colonel Cannon, and then came the might of clan Donald, men of Clan Ranald, Glengarry and Glencoe flanked by Grants of Glenmoriston. In there centre there was a bare 40 mounted men under Walter of Craighie while on the left stood Cameron of Lochiel, MacLean's, MacDonald's of Kintyre the McNeil's and MacDonald of Sleat. At 8.00pm when the fierce glare of the summer sun began to wane, the Jacobite's began their charge, at which point the entirety of the Highlanders dropped their gear, fired what muskets they had, and charged. The government forces, realizing the battle was on, stepped up their rate of fire, however due to a shallow terrace on the hillside shielding the advancing Jacobites, this fire was partly masked. Eventually the lines met and the government forces in the centre were "swept away by the furious onset of the Camerons." So fast was the Jacobite charge that many Government troops had insufficient time to fix their bayonets, leaving them defenceless at close-quarters. The battle soon ended with the government forces fleeing the field, quickly turning into a rout that killed 2,000. However, the cost of victory was enormous. About one-third of the Highlander force was killed, and Dundee was fatally wounded towards the end of the battle. The opening volleys had torn great gaps in their ranks and as many as 600 had fallen, including Sir Donald MacDonald of Sleat. The Jacobite advance continued until being stopped by government forces at the Battle of Dunkeld.[Wikipedia, Battle of Killiecrankie]


1.1.1. Donald MacDonald, born 1693,[96] Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,60,61,69] Died 1768, Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland (75yo).[96] 3rd Lord MacDonald of Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[61,65,69] Upon his death was succeeded by his only surviving son, John.[69] {[60] gives an additional child, Mary, who married Alexander Macdonald, 1st of Boisdale. Other sources however indicated she was the d/o Donald 1st of Castleton & the DOBs for her children are inconsistent with her being the d/o Donald 3rd of Casteton} Captain,[65] of one of  the independent companies raised in Skye in 1745.[69,72] Soldier of fortune, serving in armies of Holland & Flanders (possibly others),[96] reaching the rank of Colonel.[69,72,96]
  Donald "Was a prominent and distinguished personage in the 18th century Annals of the House of Sleat. Along with his chief, espoused the Government side at the 1745, and commanded one of the Skye Companies during the Jacobite Rising. He afterwards became a Colonel in the British Army. He wrote a letter to President Forbes after the 1745, which has been printed among the Culloden papers, and in which he appealed for the release of Alexander of Kingsburgh, who had become implicated in the rescue of Prince Charles. The letter was written on behalf of Lady Margaret Macdonald, and through the intervention of the President the appeal was successful."[60] "Donald Macdonald of Castleton was captain of one of the independent companies raised in Skye in 1745, and having afterwards entered the army, he rose to the rank of colonel. He was married to Isabella, daughter of William Macleod of Hamer, author of a treatise on the Second Sight, under the designation of Theophilus Insulanus."[72]  
Donald wrote a letter to Duncan Forbes, the Lord President of the Scottish Court of Sessions (the highest legal position in Scotland at the time), dated 5/12/1746 at Armadale, Isle of Skye, in which he related the circumstances relating to the death of Sir Alexander Macdonald, 7th baronet of Sleat & also pleaded on behalf of his brother-in-law (married to his sister, Florence) Alexander Macdonald of Kingsborrow (Kingsburgh) who was, at the time, imprisioned for supporting Prince Charles (as published in the Culloden Papers):
  "My Lord, - I believe ere this letter shall come to your hands, yon shall hear of the death of Sir Alexander Macdonald, who died at Bernera, in Glenelg, on Sunday, the 23d of last month. He arrived at that place on Wednesday the 19th, was that night taken ill of pleuresy, which carried him off in four days. Your lordship's intimacy with this gentleman for many years made you thoroughly acquaint with his character; and therefore, I shall not venture to speak much of it in this letter - only allow me to say that he was a downright honest man, true to his friend, and firm to his word. By his death we of his clan lost a father, and the King a good subject. Lady Margaret bears her affliction with that patience and resignation which becomes a Christian and a woman of prudence; and there is nothing wherein his friends can show a greater regard for his memory, than by doing all the good offices in their power to his lady and infant children. There is, my Lord, one particular in which she has ordered me to solicite your interest, at a time she is not in a condition to write to you; and that is in behalf of Mr Macdonald of Kingsborrow, now a prisoner in the Castle of Edinborough. That gentleman has been a principal manager of the affairs of the family of Macdonald for twenty-eight years, and did always discharge his trust with faithfullness and diligence. And, as by his long management, he is best acquainted with the affairs of the family, so there cannot be no greater service at present done her and her children, than that he should be set at liberty, and reinstated in his former office. Your Lordship also knows how serviceable Sir Alexander Macdonald also was in suppressing the late Rebellion; and tho' he has not lived to receive any favors suitable to his services, yet, it is hoped, they are not so forgot but that they shall be remembered to his lady and children, and they would take the liberation of the gentleman in the Castle as an earnest of the regard of the Grovernment for them; but how, or in what manner, this favour can be procured Lady Margaret leaves entirely to your Lordship's judgement. I am, &c."[69,72]  
Sir Alexander Macdonald (died 23/11/1746) bequeathed in his will to Donald: "Item by Donald Macdonald of Castletone, factor for the said defunct upon the lands of Slate, the sum of £1697 & 8d Scots, as the balance of his intromissions; Crops 1744-5 conform to an account of charge and discharge filed betwixt them, dated 8th November, 1746."[59] Donald had previous dealings with Sir Alexander - on 22/11/1744 Donald, along with Alexander Macdonald of Kingsburgh, were recorded as witnesses for the loan of 7000 Scottish Merks, that Sir Alexander had received from Rev. Alexander Nicolson of Aird, Sleat, Isle of Skye.[59] In 1746 Donald makes an appearance in the story of Flora Macdonald who was instrumental is helping 'Bonnie' Prince Charles escape from Scotland (See above for further details). In 1750 Flora married Donald's nephew, Allan (see above). The following except from Flora's story relates the part Donald played in Flora's capture by the government forces & also gives the only period evidence for the location of Castleton that I have been able to find:
  ".. [June 1746] At the expiration of ten days Flora received a message from a person of her own name, Donald Macdonald of Castletown, in Skye, about four miles from Armadale, to bid her come to his house in order to meet there the commanding officer of an independent company, one Macleod of Taliskar, who had ordered Macdonald to surrender. Flora, a little suspicious of what might happen, thought proper to consult with her friends as to what step she should take. They unanimously agreed that she ought not to go; but "go she would." Then they consulted together what she should say in case of an investigation. But Flora had made up her mind as to the answers she should give. She set out to meet her fate. She probably expected that she should be released after a short examination; for she knew not then through what channel the part which she had taken in the Prince's escape had transpired. The fact was, that the boatmen who had brought her with Charles from Skye had on their return communicated to Captain Fergusson every particular of the Prince's appearance, and had even described the gown which he had worn. Flora afterwards remembered, that at Mugstat Lady Margaret had warned her that this would be the case, and had pointed out to her the indiscretion of allowing these men to go back to North Uist. As she went on the road to Castleton, Flora met her father-in-law, Macdonald of Armadale, who was returning home; and shortly afterwards she was apprehended by Captain Macleod of Taliskar, with a party of soldiers, who were going to seek for her at her mother's house. She was not suffered to take leave of her mother, nor of her other friends; but was carried on board the Furnace, a sloop of war, commanded by Captain John Fergusson, and which lay near Raasay."[111]  
Married Isabella Macleod.[25,60,61,65,69,72] Isabella, d/o William Macleod of Hamer, Scotland.[60,61,69,72]

Children of Donald MacDonald & Isabella Macleod:
*
 i.
  
 John MacDonald,[60,65,69,72] born 20/12/1739, Edinburgh, Scotland.[25,61]

ii.
Archibald MacDonald.[60] Died without issue.[60] {Possibly died young. [69] implies John was the only surviving son}




1.1.2. Roderick 'Rory Mac Ian' MacDonald, born 1700-1710 (from DOBs of children), Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Died c.1790.[60] Was still alive 1/7/1790.[92] Last will, Roderick MacDonald, late tacksman of Borniskillaig, Sleat, Isle of Skye, dated 22/2/1788.[97] 1st of Camuscross, Scotland.[60,69,91] Commonly called "Ian Mac Dhomhnuill Ghlais," from whom the Macdonalds of Tormore arose.[69] Upon his death was succeeded by his eldest son, Alexander.[60,69]
  "Ruan Mac Ian was in many respects a most remarkable man, and a fine old Highland gentleman one of the last links in the chain which connected the customs of the past with the altered habits and civilization of the present. His second wife, a Mrs. Macqueen, had a daughter by a previous marriage, who lived with her mother in Rory's house, after his second marriage; and there does not appear to have been much love lost between him and this addition to his establishment at Camuscross. On a certain occasion he paid a visit to Armadale, and called on a namesake of his own.afterwards known as 'Old Ord,' to borrow seed potatoes. His friend asked how he left his wife, when he simply replied, "Dh' fhalbh i" or, she's away; and being further questioned about the sad occurence, he said, that he did not go to see himself, but he knew she was gone, "Dh' aithnich mi gun dh' fhalbh i air scread ni'c Cuinn". He delighted in great displays of hospitality at funerals, and judged the social position of those more immediately concerned by the quantity of spirits consumed, and the number of fights which took place on such occasions. When he heard of any more than usually desperate and sanguinary funeral fights, he would exclaim, "Yes, yes, that was to be looked for and expected. They came of respectable forbears." On the other hand, when he was informed that a funeral passed off quietly, he would say, "Yes, yes, that is just like the mean lot. What else could we expect from such a mean low-bred set of cads." On the occasion of the funeral of one of his sisters, he insisted that it must be celebrated by the bringing home of at least half-a-dozen dead bodies, as evidence of such an ample supply of whisky having been supplied as became the liberality and dignity of his house. He had strong views on the impropriety of the common people being allowed to mix too freely with their betters, and several curious stories are related of how, even in his old age, he resented this impertinence. In his earlier days the national beverage was freely manufactured without any interference by the Board of Excise, but in his latter years, he was much concerned and annoyed to hear that an Excise officer, one of a class then looked upon in the Highlands as the natural enemies of society, was on his way to the Isle of Skye, and had indeed actually crossed the Kyle. Old Rory was at the time confined to his bed by some ailment, and being unable personally to give such a welcome as he desired to the stranger, he sent for a powerful vassal upon whom he could fully depend to carry out any orders given him, if sufficiently rewarded. The hero having arrived, he was ushered into Rory's presence, who, pointing to a garment hanging against the wall of his room, said, "Do you see that coat with the silver buttons?" "I do." "Well then, it shall be yours, if you go and meet the coming exciseman, set upon him, and give him such a pounding as will keep him from coming to molest us again." The order was soon carried into effect; the man returned to tell his patron that he had executed his commission to the full, and demanding his reward, which, after being cross-examined, he at once received; for Rory was highly delighted. The examiner proceeded in this strain. "Na phronn thu a' mionach beag aige?" ("Did you crush his small bowels?") "I have"; to which Rory replied, "'S math sin," telling him to take the coat away with him as his well-earned reward, fully believing in his own mind that nothing more would be heard of the common enemy of Skyemen. Not very long after this, Rory in his walks met a man on the high-way, and asking him in the usual manner for his news, the way-farer informed him, among other things, that they were getting large catches of herring in Loch Eishort, and that an Excise officer was seen at Broadford, on his way through the Island. Rory became startled, and conscience-stricken, for he was, like most Highlanders, somewhat credulous, and believing his old enemy had risen almost from the dead, he exclaimed, "'S math a bha fios aige fhein gu de dhcanadh feum dha a sheachd leor do scaddan ur." Well did he know what would do him good his seven fulls of fresh herrings; as if this would have cured him from the effects of the terrible pounding which otherwise must have proved fatal."[69]  
In 1774 renewed his lease of lands in Camuscross, Tortamanach, Oransay, Barsavaig, with the grazings of Aslaig and Teangour, for 19 years.[92] Rory Macdonald was the landlord’s agent in Camuscross & in 1782 he was having difficulties with the Macinnes brothers of Leitir Fura,[98] as a result of which he wrote a letter to his landlord (extracts, written in English):
  "Dear Lord Macdonald.
I am scarcely able to put hand to paper with violent rheumatism sciatica. No doubt before I’m dead some villains will have their hands on my lands. There is a fellow at Leitir Fura, Angus McGinnish who gives a bad name to this country. There is not a year but he smuggles eight or nine hundred casks of brandy and rum. This money goes out of the nation and never returns. There are three notorious brothers at Leitir Fura: Angus, Donald and John. They have done more mischief to your woods than the whole people of Sleat put together.
I conclude and remain most respectfully your Lordship's most obedient, most humble servant, Rory MacDonald."[98]
  
Unsuccessfully applied to Sir Alexander Macdonald, his landlord, for a reduction of his rent, which he considered exorbiant, and in 1789 was served with a summons of removal to appear before the Sheriff-Substitute (who was Roderick's nephew, John MacDonald of Castleton) at the Change-House of Dunvegan, 31/3/1789.[92]
  Notwithstanding the position taken up in 1745 by Macleod of Macleod and Macdonald of Sleat, many of the Skye people joined in the insurrection, and none were more active and zealous than a tacksman of good descent, Roderick, commonly called Rory Macdonald, of Camuscross, parish of Sleat. He was not only well known in the field, but also, at a later period, in the law courts.
He was held in high estimation by Sir Alexander Macdonald and his son, Sir James, but fared very differently at the hands of their successor, Sir Alexander the first Lord. It did not matter where, whether in the old Macdonald possessions, the lands acquired from Mackinnon, or in North Uist, his Lordship's hand, I observe, fell heavily everywhere. I will confine myself at present to the case of Camuscross. Roderick Macdonald took a nineteen years' lease of Camuscross, Tortamanach, Oransay, Barsavaig, with the grazings of Aslaig and Teangour, in the year 1774, from Lord Macdonald, at what the tenant considered, after experience, the extravagant rent of £72, but it was the place of his birth and upbringing. He found it difficult in course of time to pay the rent, and in consequence of a conversation with Lord Macdonald, which led him to suppose a deduction would be made, Roderick went to his Lordship, with the lease, in order, he hoped, to have a deduction marked upon the back. Lord Macdonald, he alleged, "declined to give any deduction, and, by some mistake or other, took up the missive and carefully laid the same among his other papers," and Roderick thought it best to leave it in case Lord Macdonald thought better of the application, but upon a subsequent application Macdonald got neither reduction nor the restoration of his lease. Some time after, in 1789, he was served with a summons of removal to appear before Mr Sheriff-Substitute Macdonald, at the Change-House of Dunvegan, in a Court there to be holden on the 31st of March. The service copy summoned the defender, not in terms of the specific date in the libel, the sheriff-officer, having of his own will, made the date of compearance the 3rd of April.
Roderick Macdonald appeared in the Change-House of Dunvegan, stating that he had several defences, dilatory and peremptory, but confined himself to one, which was to decline the Sheriff-Substitute's jurisdiction, he, the Sheriff being his own nephew, and thereby falling within the Act of 1681, which prohibits in certain degrees all judges from adjudicating upon the affairs of their relatives. Lord Macdonald said it was a singular and ill-conceived objection to be taken by the defender to his own nephew, though it might have been different had the pursuer been the person to raise it. Rory, however, stuck to his objection, and Sheriff-Substitute John Macdonald, on the 5th of May, 1789, sustained his objection "in respect that the Act of 1681 was absolute," adding rather inconsequently to his interlocutor, "reserving to Lord Macdonald to insist before the Sheriff-Depute of the County or a Supreme Court."
Lord Macdonald acted upon the first suggestion, and got Sheriff Fraser of Farraline, not unwilling to befriend a brother landlord, to entertain the process and order pleadings. This was strenuously opposed by Roderick Macdonald, who pled with great ingenuity that as the initiatory procedure occurred in Skye it could not be removed except by way of appeal, and that not a step could be taken except at the place to which he was first summoned, the Change-House of Dunvegan. That if a man was summoned to appear at Inverness for instance, the process cannot be transferred to Aberdeen; and in explanation of the number and variety of the defender's objections, he added that "in determining the exercise of the rights of property, especially towards the depopulation of a country by removing its inhabitants, every defence was bound to be stated and to be listened to, and have as full weight as if a person were being tried for getting him banished." The Sheriff was in a dilemma, but he assoilzied Macdonald on the ground of the alteration in the summons of the date of compearance.
Next year a determined effort was again made to remove Macdonald. His various objections were repelled; he could not get back his missive of tack, and had only some loose acknowledgments of payments of rent. Decree was passed against him in the Sheriff Court of Inverness, and an advocation followed. Mr Fraser of Gortuleg was agent for Rory and fought well, but the Justice-Clerk refused the bill. Upon 10th June, 1790, Gortuleg writes "This morning the Court ordered a very able petition for Rory Camuscross to be answered, but those that are deemed the greatest lawyers were for refusing, viz., the President, Gardenstone, Eskgrove, and Swinton, and probably if he was present, the Justice-Clerk would be for his own interlocuter, but he was in the Outer House, and Lord Monboddo was likewise for refusing." Upon the 1st of July, 1790, Gortuleg again writes "The majority of the Court passed the Bill of Advocation, not without struggle, for there was much weight of metal on the other side, particularly the President and Justice-Clerk, but Lords Eskgrove and Dreghorn with others made a majority." After this Rory was left in peace. One of his sons was the well-known James Macdonald, commonly called "Knock," who carried on an extensive business as a general merchant for many years, but his affairs became embarrassed, and many in the Highlands suffered heavily. Business was carried on in those days with a high hand. Norman Macleod of Eileanreach and Coll Macdonald of Barisdale, great allies, fell out grievously from having been mixed up with Knock, and some of the creditors helped themselves. Eileanreach, on the 14th of March, 1795, says "The Macraes did on the fourth of this month, carry thirty cows from Knock in the night time, as I am informed. Certain it is that Knock himself pursued them next day, with thirty men in three boats, but did not overtake them till they ferried the cattle across Loch Duich, where, it is said, he was opposed by such formidable numbers that he sounded a retreat. Are these not pretty doings?" Eileanreach was of opinion that Barisdale either knew of or was at the bottom of this extensive lifting.
As Knock fell behind in his circumstances, his father, old Rory Camuscross was not left alone. James, on the 24th of March, 1786, says of his father, "that from old age and lingering ailment he has lost his faculties," but two years later, he writes enclosing two six hundred pounds bonds got from his father under these conditions. "It cost me some time to get my sister decoyed from her father, in case she might be a bar in the way of his signing the bonds. At last I got her to the Minister's house, when I immediately went to Camuscross, and got my father to sign the bonds there, upon Tuesday the 17th instant, before Malcolm Macaskill, residenter in Knock, and Farquhar Martin, change-keeper in Camuscross, both in the parish of Sleat. The bonds were read to him before signing, which was not the case with regard to my sister's bond. I am informed by one of the witnesses that it was never read to him, and that he did not know what paper he was signing. My father was so poorly the night he signed the bonds that he could not sit to sign bills. There is no settled money. All that was made in my mother's time was run through in time of his last wife. Nothing now remains but his stock of cattle, which will not be worth half the sums mentioned in the three bonds." James of Knock is also anxious to defeat some supposed schemes of a Dr Macleod to the prejudice of his and of Tanera's children.[92]
  
Married Anne MacLeod.[60,69] Anne d/o John Macleod of Drynoch, Scotland.[60,69]

Children of Roderick MacDonald & Anne MacLeod:
*
 i.
  
 Alexander MacDonald, born 1731,[95] Camuscross, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69]

ii.
James MacDonald, born between 1731-1755 (was a younger son & of age by 1776), Camuscross, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Of Knock, Scotland.[69] Appears in 1776 as a freehold voter of Invernessshire.[60] With his younger brother, Donald, was joint tacksman {leasee} of Tormore.[60] Was tacksman of Knock.[101] Factor (or Baillie) to Sir Alexander MacDonald of Sleat.[101]
  James Macdonald, commonly called "Knock," carried on an extensive business as a general merchant for many years, but he ran into financial difficulties. Business was carried on in those days with a high hand. Norman Macleod of Eileanreach and Coll Macdonald of Barisdale, great allies, fell out grievously from having been mixed up with Knock, and some of the creditors helped themselves. Eileanreach, on the 14th of March, 1795, says " The Macraes did on the fourth of this month, carry thirty cows from Knock in the night time, as I am informed. Certain it is that Knock himself pursued them next day, with thirty men in three boats, but did not overtake them till they ferried the cattle across Loch Duich, where, it is said, he was opposed by such formidable numbers that he sounded a retreat. Are these not pretty doings?" Eileanreach was of opinion that Barisdale either knew of or was at the bottom of this extensive lifting.[92]  
Married Grace MacDonald.[60,69] Grace, d/o Major Macdonald of Breakish, Scotland.[60,69] Had issue.[60,69] Possibly also married a daughter of MacLeod of Raasay.[101] Emigrated to Anson Co, North Carolina, USA, 1774.[101]

iii.
Donald MacDonald,[93] born between 1730-1750 (from [60] & DOBs of children), Camuscross, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Died 1799.[60,69] 1st of Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] With his older brother, James, was joint tacksman {leasee}of Tormore.[60] Was a captain of marines, from which he retired before 1774, in which year he was enrolled a freeholder in Invernessshire, a liferent and disposition having been assigned in his favour by Lord Macdonald of the lands of Tormore and others.[60] Married Elizabeth Macfarlane,[60,69,93] c.1776, Gavitock, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[93] Elizabeth of Garistock/Gavistock.[60,69,93]
Children: (a)
  
 Alexander MacDonald, born 1781,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,93] (Was a minor, 1788 when mentioned in the will of grandfather, Roderick MacDonald.[60]) Died 1857.[60,69] 2nd of  Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Farmer employing 9 servants, 1851.[93] Married Isabella Chisholm,[60,69] 1826, Urquhart, Inverness, Scotland.[93] Isabella, d/o Alexander Chisholm of Samalaman & Lochans, Moydart, Scotland,[60,69] born 1806, Arisaig, Lochaber, Inverness, Scotland.[93] Resided 1851, Tormore, Sleat, Skye, Scotland.[93]
Children: (1)
  
 Eliza MacDonald, born 1828,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,93] With parents, 1851.[93] Married Mr Hutchins of Edinburgh, Scotland.[60,69] Had issue.[60,69]
(2)
Barbara Diana MacDonald, born 1830,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] With parents, 1851.[93] Married Mr Oxley.[60,69] Emigrated to USA.[60,69] Had issue.[60,69]
(3)
Alexander MacDonald,[60] born 1831, Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died 1844.[69]
(4)
Annabella MacDonald, born 1835,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,93] With parents, 1851.[93] Married Mr Oxley, brother of Barbara's husband.[60,69] Emigrated to USA.[60,69]
(5)
Donald MacDonald, born 1836,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,93] With parents, 1851.[93] 3rd of  Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] Died after 1896.[60] Did not marry.[60] Upon becomming Factor for Glendale, Skye, in 1863, embarked on a widespread campaign of driving out the resident tenant crofters and turning the land over to sheep grazing, only passing on the original pre-clearance rents to the land's owner, resulting in a considerable financial gain for Donald.[99] Donald, whose designation as ‘Farmer, Tormore’ belies the fact that he had been factor for the Glendale estate during the unrest there in the 1880s, placed the blame for the Land Agitation firmly at the door of the, by then failed, Highlander newspaper which he saw as the main instigator of ‘this unfortunate rebellion’, as he put it.[100]
  In the late 1800’s Glendale could easily be described as the jewel in the crown of Skye. This beautiful glen, with its’ rich loamy soil, held one of the largest and most populous colonies of crofters in the Western Isles. Indeed it was the very size and nature of the glen that contributed to the actions of the landlord, but more importantly his agents, in trying to clear the people and take it for their own. The land was well cultivated and the people active, intelligent and courteous. They also had an unsurpassed reputation for hospitality toward strangers who found themselves stranded in this remote glen. The agent of the landlord, or Factor, was Donald MacDonald of Tormore from Sleat in south Skye. MacDonald was a farmer and landowner in his own right, owning Tormore Farm and two other smaller farms. The meagre income from these three properties was supplemented by his employ as Factor for several large Skye estates. Tormore thought the people of Glendale were weak, and he intended to exploit them for his own benefit. He had mistaken their geniality and kindness to strangers as a propensity toward subservience. The subsequent actions of the crofters, and their supporters, were to prove that the people were not as weak as Tormore would believe. The people of the glen held a strong bond of friendship, and mutual co-operation, with their Celtic cousins in Ireland. This bond, coupled with their well-educated nature, left the Glendale people well aware of the Land League agitation in Ireland and the subsequent success of that movement.
The vast proportion of the land known as Glendale was owned by Sir John MacPherson MacLeod (1792-1881). Sir John had purchased the lands from the trustees of the estate of the 28th MacLeod of MacLeod in 1862. MacLeod and his family were living in London having abandoned the castle of Dunvegan some years earlier. The running of the Clan land was left to a sister and appointed Trustees. The lands were sold to provide funds for the new lifestyle. Sir John had title to some 35,000 acres of Skye, but still spent the vast bulk of his time in London & India. He is known to have visited his Skye properties only once between their purchase and his death in 1881. The general running of the estate was left to his Factor. Initially this was James MacRaild who was firm, but fair, in his treatment of his crofting charges. In 1863 Sir John appointed a new Factor, Donald MacDonald of Tormore, who was his cousin.
When the appointment was confirmed Tormore took it on himself to treat the properties as if they were his own. His first step was to universally increase the annual rents of the crofts. Tormore was engaged on a stipend and commission. The stipend was a fixed sum per annum, and could not be altered without Sir John’s agreement, but the commission earned was dependant on increased income. That is exactly what Tormore set out to do. The first of his targets was the township of Lorgil. The rent for each croft was suddenly and dramatically increased. Each of the crofts in that township was able to support two cows, twenty sheep and a horse. In addition there was sufficient arable land to provide for all ten families who lived there. One of those tenants was Neil Shaw. He was one of several who were interviewed by newspaper reporters in 1881 at Skeabost. At that time he was resident at Eyre. In his interview he stated. “I was in Duirinish at one time. There were ten tenants in the township. Bad times came upon us and Mr MacAskill and his officer said if we put our stock into their hands they would get better prices for us than we could command ourselves. This we did and it went on for two years, before the end of which the tenants had got so much into debt that they were unable to keep their holdings, and he took the land himself. Some of the crofters went to Australia, myself and four others remaining here (Skye). We got a new township laid out for us at 40 shillings rent. We were there for five years. There were seven of us located on the ground but latterly only five. When Tormore became factor he took some convenient lots adjoining our township and he never rested until he became possessed of our lands. Tormore was then factor for Lord MacDonald and Orbost, and he promised me that if we went to Eyre everything would be done for me. We did not want to leave the township. Tormore cleared two townships. Ramasaig, in which there were twenty two families and Lorgil, in which I resided, and took the land himself. He stated that the rent was too heavy for us, and I replied that I and another crofter were quite willing to take it all. I am a good deal worse off than I was. I was free of debt then, I am not now. The year I came to Eyre was a bad one and I got largely into debt before I could pull myself and my family through. One particular thing that could be done for us is to give us land at it’s value. I believe I am paying double rent for the land I have. Should we get good land I would like it to be a condition that neither the landlord nor factor should have the power to remove us. I would not take a lease because they would just put us away at the end of it. I know too much of the factors work now. In the event that we get land at a fair rent we would require to be made sure against eviction.”
In his interview it is quite clear where the problems lay. The Factors were systematically stripping the best land for their own. The resident population had to be moved in order to secure the leases. Shaw realised that this was the case after the matter of the cattle sales. The tenants were persuaded to give their cattle to the Factor when they were due for sale. These cattle provided the sole cash income for the tenant and control of that income would ensure that the tenant fell into arrears with the increased rents. It is not known whether the whole sale amount was passed to the tenant, there would no doubt have been a ‘commission’ for the Factor, but the control of the cash flow would doubtless aid the Factor in his quest to remove them from the land.
The new rents were a severe burden to the township and the crofters very soon fell into arrears in the rent as most of their produce had to be sold to pay Tormore’s new rents. Faced with starvation or rent arrears, the people chose to hold back on the rent. Tormore decided that the new rents were too heavy for the people and, in what he was later to state to the Napier Commission was an act of kindness, evicted them and took a lease on the whole township himself. The people were forced onto the near barren poor soil on the seashore or were forced to migrate to the New World. Most of the croft houses were demolished to prevent the crofters from returning though the best were kept for the shepherds, stockmen and gamekeepers employed by Tormore. The rent for the lease Tormore took on for Lorgil was equivalent to the old rent for the township, the new rents being suddenly remitted. The hill grazing became a grouse moor and deer forest, the township land was Tormore’s new sheep farm.
Tormore now turned his attention toward Ramasaig. He followed a similar pattern of rent increases to the point where the crofters could not possibly keep up, followed by their eviction and the assignation of a lease for himself, again at the old rate. Twelve families were evicted from that township and the same result awaited those crofters as had befallen those of Lorgil, poor land by the sea and virtual starvation or a hazardous overseas journey to face an unknown fate. Some were taken in by relatives who held crofts elsewhere and could not bear to see their kinfolk starve. Ramasaig also became a sheep farm for Tormore. The pattern was once more repeated until Tormore held a lease on all the land from Lorgil to Waterstein. This whole area was now his personal sheep farm and where once there were some thirty families living on the land there were now only eight, who were in the employ of Tormore. The total rent paid to Sir John MacPherson MacLeod for these leases was the same as the previous rent due by the individual crofters, less Tormore’s commission of course. Sir John was completely unaware of the turmoil that had been wrought in his name. The matter only came to light in 1881 when the Executor for Sir john was appointed.
There was only one parcel of land left between Tormore and the township of Milovaig, the grazing land at Waterstein. This productive piece of land was let to Dr Martin of Husabost. This lease was due to end on Whitsunday 1882. Dr Martin had indicated that he did not want to renew the lease and it would therefore return to the owner, Sir John. This land would then be open to offers for a new lease. Dr Martin had very recently employed a Factor to run his estate and look after his farming interests, that Factor was Donald MacDonald of Tormore. When Tormore had taken over each of the townships he employed shepherds, stockmen and gamekeepers. These employees were generally from out-with the district as Tormore knew that these new employees would be far less likely to have kinfolk in the townships, and therefore hold no allegiance to them, and so would be more likely to follow his instructions to the letter. The vast bulk of these from Sleat, a place and people he knew and could easily control. The new estate under control of Tormore now stretched from Waterstein through Ramasaig to Lorgil. This land held the bulk of the good grazing for sheep and cattle and almost all the summer hill grazing. The crofters in the various townships, who had previously grazed these lands, now found themselves at odds with the shepherds and gamekeepers of Tormore. The gamekeepers would burn the moor in the spring to clear out old heather growth, thereby allowing new heather to come through and provide food for the grouse. The crofters simply saw this as a way of stopping them from grazing animals upon it. The grazing on the summer pastures was important as it allowed the lower fields around each croft to be used to make hay and grow oats. This would feed the crofter and his animals through the long winter months. This denial of the summer hill grazing made life extremely difficult. The overgrazing of the lower croft fields severely affected the yield. Food grew short for both the crofter and his livestock. Feelings were running high between the crofters and Tormore’s shepherds, stockmen and gamekeepers. Several small scuffles broke out between the parties. There were allegations of stock damage made against the crofters of Milovaig and Borrodale by stockmen and gamekeepers employed by Tormore. One crofter, Allan MacAskill of Milovaig, had his dog shot by one of the gamekeepers in front of Mrs MacAskill. When she complained the gamekeeper turned his gun toward Mrs MacAskill and threatened her. MacAskill was rightly outraged and, with the assistance of a fellow crofter, took the gamekeeper to Court at Portree. The case was successful and the gamekeeper fined 10 shillings with the alternative of seven days imprisonment in default. The victory celebrations were short lived however as two days after the court case MacAskill’s crofter witness was evicted from his croft by Tormore and all the crofters were banned from keeping dogs.[99]
  
(6)
Penelope MacDonald, born 1839,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,93] With parents, 1851.[93] Married Roderick Maclean, MD, South Uist, son of Rev. Roderick Maclean, parish doctor there.[60,69] Had issue.[60,69]
(7)
Johanna MacDonald, born 1841,[93] Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69,93] With parents, 1851.[93] Married Dr. Edward Campbell of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Medical Officer for Sleat.[60] Had issue.[60,69]
(8)
Malcolm Neil MacDonald,[60,69] born 1843, Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[93] With parents, 1851.[93] For some time an Indigo Planter, residing at Willowvale, Nairn, India, before returning to Tormore, Scotland.[60,69] Married Ethel Wright.[60,69] Ethel, d/o Rev. Mr. Wright.[60,69] Had issue: Donald, Somerled, and Malcolm MacDonald.[60,69]
(9)
John MacDonald, born Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69]
(b)
Roderick MacDonald, born Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Born between 1781-1788 (younger son, was a minor, 1788 when mentioned in the will of grandfather, Roderick MacDonald.[60]) Of Capstill, a Captain in the Army.[60]
(c)
Anne MacDonald, born Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Born between 1768-1788 (was a minor, 1788 when mentioned in the will of grandfather, Roderick MacDonald.[60])
(d)
Jennie MacDonald, born Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Born between 1768-1788 (was a minor, 1788 when mentioned in the will of grandfather, Roderick MacDonald.[60])
(e)
Diana MacDonald, born Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Born between 1768-1788 (was a minor, 1788 when mentioned in the will of grandfather, Roderick MacDonald.[60])
(f)
Magdalene MacDonald, born Tormore, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60] Born between 1768-1788 (was a minor, 1788 when mentioned in the will of grandfather, Roderick MacDonald.[60])




1.1.1.1. John MacDonald,[60,72] born 20/12/1739, Edinburgh, Scotland.[25,61] Died 25/12/1826, Skirinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (87yo).[25,34,60,61,65,69,72] 4th Lord MacDonald of Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[34,60,61,69] None of John's sons had legitimate children and sometime after his death the title & estates of Castleton passed onto James MacDonald of Camuscross, great-grandson of John's uncle, Roderick MacDonald (1.1.2).[70] {James of Camuscross was the 8th of Castleton,[70] the 5th to 7th of Castleton's were presumably sons of John, listed below} Sheriff-Substitute of Skye, 1789, 1790, 1801, 1826 {the office was granted for life, so John held the position from 1789, if not earlier, until his death in 1826}.[60,69,72,92]
  "John Macdonald of Castleton, succeeded Sheriff Macleod of Ullinish as Sheriff-Substitute of Skye (in the late 1780s). He was married to Margaret, daughter of Macleod of Arnisdale, Glenelg, the grandfather of Donald Macleod, Esquire, now of Scorrybreck, better known as Kingsburgh, he having for a long series of years maintained the characteristic hospitality of Kingsburgh House. Sheriff Macdonald died on 26th December 1826, aged eighty-seven years. Three of his sons were officers in the army; Major Alexander Macdonald and Captain William Macdonald, who died in the East Indies, and Captain John Macdonald of the H.E.I.C. service, who died at Skirinish in 1833."[72]  
In 1789 John's uncle, Roderick 'Rory' MacDonald of Camuscross, appeared before John at the Change-House of Dunvegan, but so as to avoid a conflict of interest, John asked Sheriff Fraser of Farraline to take the case (see entry on Roderick for more details).[92] In 1801 Captain Alexander Macleod brought before John at the Change-House of Dunvegan a charge of assault against William Porter, surgeon, as Macleod later related:[92]
  "A most violent attempt was made upon my life by William Porter, surgeon, and agent for the British Society at Lochbay. At said place, upon Saturday, the 6th day of June last, the said William Porter, having taken a walk upon the shore of Lochbay, upon the said day, in company with his wife, was there met by me and Captain Norman Macleod of the Waternish Volunteers, and without any altercation whatever he, in the true style of an Hibernian, struck me over the head with a stick he had in his hand, at the same time grasping my face with the other, and by the appearance of my eyes afterwards, his intention was to have pulled either one or both of them out, with his fashionable talons. Not satisfied with this, he wrested a hazel stick from me, which had a heavy head carved like a man's, which he took by the small end and continued to strike me on the head, till the stick flew in shivers, and the blood ran in torrents down my shoulders. Captain Macleod's right arm, like my own being disabled, it was impossible for him to have saved me, and if people upon the beach employed in riddling sand had not interfered, there is no doubt he had taken rny life, which he most certainly wished to have done.These people declared, though they observed the Doctor strike me repeatedly, they concluded we were diverting ourselves as they always knew us to be on very good terms. When I found myself relieved by the workmen, and finding three large cuts in my head, I took up a stone and flung it at the Doctor, which did not hit him. I also acknowledge to have called him a bloodthirsty Irish scoundrel, and that none but an infamous coward would have used a man he well knew had only the power of his left hand, in the manner he had done. Captain Macleod stood all this time with his hand upon the hilt of his sword, fearing, as I was told, that one of us might pull it from him. After he had gone away, the Captain observed he struck me with his whip, and that he believed it still remained where he dropped it. I told him it was no whip but the stick he first struck me with, and which he broke over my head, in which state it appeared to him like a whip, on which I took it up and let him see it. I do not know but his using me in this manner, knowing me to be one of the Justices of Peace for this county, aggravates the crime. My holding this office he cannot pretend to be ignorant of, as he employed me more than once in that capacity. With great difficulty I endeavoured to walk home, the distance being about a short mile, and took boat immediately for Grishernish and showed Sheriff John Macdonald the situation I was in. He pretended he was sorry for my usage, but could do nothing in the case until the matter was judicially brought before him, and suggested the propriety of my applying to Livingstone, the innkeeper at Portree, his Procurator-Fiscal, and he was uncertain when he could hold a Court on account of the sickness of one of his daughters She, being a patient of Dr Porter's, and the Fiscal distant about fourteen miles, and having despaired of any redress, I returned home the same evening. The afternoon being chilly, and getting cold, I found myself feverish, and being next morning much worse, my wife and some others who were present deemed it necessary to send an express for Dr Macskill, who arrived Monday the 8th of June, and found my head very much swelled, and cut to the bone in three different places, and the glands of my neck so much swollen and pained, that I could hardly move my head on the pillows. Thus, I was unable to stir out of bed for eight days. I was obliged to apply last week to Dr Macskill, who was so kind as bring some camphor and other things to reduce the swelling in my neck, which I am sorry to say does not seem to yield to his application, but rather increases and becomes worse. Since the above accident, or rather premeditated assault, I am very sensible of a defect in my sight. During four days, from the blows given, all objects appear to me red, from which I am inclined to think that the organs of sight have been impaired.
I want damages of £200, and whether the Sheriff allows so much or not, I hope he will put a stop to the arbitrary proceedings of the British Society's agent he like his predecessor in office, acting more like a Spanish Viceroy than a man e'mployed to encourage the natives of this country to industry, and to direct their attention from emigrating to the States of America. (The above presents a singular state of matters among the 'upper ten' of Waternish a century ago. The representative of law and order behaves like a savage; a Captain of volunteers goes about wearing a sword which he cannot use. It will not surprise the reader that a lady of mature charms, but well preserved, was at the bottom of the business. The Procurator-Fiscal of Skye was an innkeeper, and the Sheriff of the day used to hold Courts within the Change-House of Dunvegan)."[92]
  
Married Margaret McLeod.[25,34,61,65,69,72] Margaret, d/o Donald & Christian Macleod of Arnisdale & Glenelg, Isle of Skye, Scotland,[60,61,69,72,77] born 1746,[60,61] & died 2/1835, Skirinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (89yo).[60,61] Resided 1787, 1801, 'Grishernish' (Greshornish), Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,92] Resided 1826, 1830, Skirinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60,61,65,69,72,76]

Children of John MacDonald & Margaret McLeod:

i.
  
 Donald MacDonald, born Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60,61,65,69] Died Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,65,69] No issue.[60,69]

ii.
Norman MacDonald, born Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60,61,65,69] Died West Indies.[25,60,65,69] No issue.[60,69]

iii.
Alexander MacDonald, born Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,61,65,69,72] Died India or East Indies.[25,60,65,69] Major.[25,60,61,65,69,72] No issue.[60,69]

iv.
Margaret MacDonald, born 1771,[122] Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60] Probably died 1840s{[65] claims Margaret Isabella, d/o John & Margaret of Castleton, married Magnus MacLeod. From data provided on the children of Magnus & Margaret, Margaret was born before 1760, probably before 1750. Given the DOBs given above for John & Margaret of Castleton, it is clear that the wife of Magnus MacLeod cannot be their daughter. [60] gives Margaret's name and no further details} Living by independent means, 1841.[122] Unmarried, 1841.[122] Resided 1841, with sister Isabella, Skirrinish, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (McDonald, 70yo).[122] Missing 1851.[123]

v.
Isabella MacDonald, born 1771,[122] (1780[123]) Sleat parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60,65,123] Died 31/3/1858.[121]
{The 1851 census gives a younger age. Whilst normally the 1851 census ages are more reliable, they would imply Margaret McLeod was having children well into her 50s, so the 1841 figure is likely more correct, so I have gone with the 1841 DOBs} Living by independent means, 1841.[122] Married Rev. Alexander Bethune,[123] 1802.[65] Alexander died before 1841.[122] Minister of Harris.[123] Had 6 children, 3 male & 3 female.[65] Resided 1841, Skirrinish, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (Bethune, 70yo).[122] Living with her was her sister, Margaret.[122] Also living with Isabella in 1841 were Cathy McKinnon (20yo), Cath McLean (20yo), Ann McDonald (30yo), Christy McPiren (25yo), Christy Mathison (20yo) & Ann Mathison (14yo), all servants, Effy McDond (25yo), a beggar, and Murdo McQueen (30yo), a grieve, all born Inverness-shire.[122] Living in an adjacent property were sisters Flora & Catherine.[122] Resided 1851, with sister Catherine, Skirinish House, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (75yo).[123]
Children: (a)
  
 Isabella Bethune, born 1806/1807,[12,122]1813,[123] Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[123] Living by independent means, 1841.[122] House ruler, 1881.[23] Unmarried, 1841, 1851, 1881.[23,122,123] Resided 1841, with mother, Skirrinish, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (35yo).[122] Resided 1851, with aunt, Catherine McDonald, Skirinish House, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (38yo).[123] Resided 1881, with cousin, William McDonald, Lettoch House, Killearnan, Ross & Cromarty Shire, Scotland (74yo).[23]

vi.
Catherine MacDonald, born 1783,[122] (1791[123]) Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60,61,65,123] Unmarried 1841, 1851.[122,123] {The 1851 census gives a younger age. Whilst normally the 1851 census ages are more reliable, they would imply Margaret McLeod was having children well into her 50s, so the 1841 figure is likely more correct, so I have gone with the 1841 DOBs} Living by independent means, 1841.[122] Annuitant & farming 200 acres, 1851.[123] Resided 1841, Skirrinish, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (McDonald, 58yo).[122] Living with her was her sister, Flora.[122] Living in an adjacent property were sisters Isabella & Margaret.[122] Resided 1851, Skirinish House, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (McDonald, 60yo).[122] Living with her were her sisters, Flora & Isabella, Isabella Bethune (niece), William A. MacDonald (nephew), Margaret McDonald (23yo, b.Duirinish), relative & housekeeper, Flora McDonald (57yo, b.South Uist), visitor, relative & wife of Major McDonald of Waternish, as well as Ann Matheson (21yo), chambermaid, Bell Matheson (22yo), maid & house cook, Catherine Beaton (36yo), dairy-maid, Margaret McLeod (28yo), assistant dairy-maid, & John Nicholson (27yo), gardener, all born Snizort parish, Ann McPherson (37yo), maid & servants cook, born Sleat, Archibald Nicolson (31yo), farm servant, Alexander McDougall (29yo), shepherd, Donald McLeod (40yo), agricultural labourer, & Alexander Finlayson (61yo), labourer, all born Portree, and Angus McKinnon (25yo), acting groom, born Duirinish.[123]

vii.
Magnus MacDonald, born Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,61,65,69] Died India or East Indies.[60,65,69] No issue.[60,69]

viii.
John MacDonald,[25,60,61,65,69,72] born 1784, Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland,[25,34] baptised 20/10/1784, Durinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (s/o John Macdonald & Margaret Macleod).[76] Died 11/6/1830,[76] Skirinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,60,65,69,72] {Compiled genealogies give a DOD of 1833 or 1834, no day or month, however [76] gives the death, as above, of 'John Macdonald of Skye, s/o John Macdonald & Margaret Macleod', which would seem conclusive. [77] gives a DOD of 30/1/1834} Captain,[25,60,61,65,69,72] Honourable East India Company (H.E.I.C.),[72] Madras Army.[76] Married A______.[76] She died 16/10/1860.[76] {[76] only gives John's wife's initial} No issue.[60,69]

ix.
William Bannatyne MacDonald,[60,61,65,69,72] born 8/3/1787,[25,34,58,77] Greshornish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,77] Died 27/11/1823, Colar (now Kolar), Karnataka, India, Karnataka state, India.[25,34,54,55,58,77] "Deaths. Nov 27th, at Colar, Capt. B. W. MacDonald, 1st Batt. 1st Regt N.I.(Oriental Herald, 1824)"[54] Died enroute to Madras, India.[55] Buried 28/11/1823, Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka state, India (38yo),[21,78] "Captain B. W. Macdonald, 1st Regiment Native Infantry, buried by Rev. William Malkin."[78] Captain MacDonald died intestate, John Macdonald {presumably William's brother, also serving in the East India Company} was granted administration of the estate.[79]
  "Admin granted, 8/5/1834, William Bannatyne MacDonald, of Madras, Captain 1st Madras Native Infantry, bach. [d 27 Nov 1823, to Margaret Macdonald of Skerrinish, isle of Skye, co. Inverness, spr., Estate Duty Registers] one of the surviving executors of John Macdonald the father, who survived but died without taking admon, £200, further grant Mar 1849 to Catherine Macdonald spinster, one other of the surviving executors, £20, Pts."[124]
  
Served, 1805-1823, in the Honourable Company (East India Company) Army, Madras Presidency.[58] Entered service as Cadet, 1805.[55] Promoted to rank of Cornet, Ensign or 2nd Lieutenant, 27/6/1806.[55] Promoted to rank of Lieutenant, 11/7/1806.[55] Lieutenant, 1st Regiment, Native Infantry, 27/3/1821.[56] Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, Native Infantry, 20/11/1821.[57] "On furlough. Aug 26 (1821) Lieut.W. B. McDonald, 1st bat. 1st Regt., to the 20th Nov., to the Presidency.(Asiatic Journal, 1821)"[57] Promoted to rank of Captain, 15/2/1822.[55] At time of death, 1823, was Captain, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, Native Infantry.[54] At the time of death William was listed in the Madras Military Fund Family Register, which provided benefits for the widows and children of regular officers and chaplains of the Madras Army.[58] At the time of his death William was travelling to the city of Madras (now Chennai), Madras State (now Tamil Nadu State), India.[25] Partner Hussain Bhee.[21,25,77,80] {Various spellings of her name have been cited in published genealogies & indices (eg IGI), including Bhu, Bhree & Bree. I have gone with the spelling as given in the baptism record.[80] Some genealogies give her father as Hussein Bhee. A search of the web indicates that Hussain Bhu was a not unknown Indian female name. A Hussain Bhu, born 1859, and residing in the area of Jammamialamadugi, South India, was mentioned in a 1906 issue of the British Medical Journal. [25,34] give her name as Hussain Bree} William & Hussain were not married - William contributed to the Military Fund Family Register (see above), however after his death there was no provision for a widow or issue, indicating he had no legitimate issue,[58] further, the administration of his estate indicates he was unmarried.[124] Resided 1822, Trichinopoly, Madras State, India.[80]
Children: (a)
  
 William Alexander 'Hubert' MacDonald, born 13/11/1821 & baptised 6/2/1822, Trichinopoly, Madras State, India.[21,23,25,34,77,80,123] Baptism solemnised at Trichinopoly Christ Church by David Rosen, Missionary, parents listed as BW Macdonald, Captain 1st Battalion 1st NI, and Hussain Bhee.[80] Resided at Trinchinopoly at the time of the baptism.[80] Baptism sponsors were Major General William Macleod by proxy {great uncle}, Peter Desilvia, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Macleod by proxy, James Rudd, Miss Margaret Macdonald by proxy {sister} & Mary Murray.[80] Acting farm manager (for his aunt), 1851.[123] Farmer of 380 acres, 205 acres arable, employing 4 men, 3 'G' (grooms?) & 2 boys.[23] Resided 1841, in the household of Archibald Stewart (relationship unknown), Cuidrach, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (McDonald, 20yo).[122] Archibald was a tacksman, in 1841 was married with issue as well as a housekeeper & a governess.[122] Resided 1851, with his aunt, Catherine McDonald, Skirinish House, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (MacDonald, 26yo).[123] Resided 1881, Lettoch House, Killearnan, Ross & Cromarty Shire, Scotland (McDonald, 57yo).[23] Living with him was Isabella Bethune (cousin), house ruler (?), Margaret Ross (30yo) & Margaret MacCaskill (34yo), both domestic servants born Skye.[23]

x.
Flora MacDonald, born 1791,[122] (1798[123]) Durinish parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[25,34,60,61,65,123] Died Skirinish, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[69] {The 1851 census gives a younger age. Whilst normally the 1851 census ages are more reliable, they would imply Margaret McLeod was having children well into her 50s, so the 1841 figure is likely more correct, so I have gone with the 1841 DOBs} Unmarried 1841, 1851.[122,123] Living by independent means, 1841.[122] Annuitant & farming 200 acres, 1851.[123] Resided 1841, with sister Catherine, Skirrinish, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (McDonald, 50yo).[122] Resided 1851, with sister Catherine, Skirinish House, Snizort parish, Isle of Skye, Scotland (McDonald, 53yo).[122]


"British soldiers .. stationed at walled towns like Trichinopoly mostly lived in the bazaars. There was no accommodation anywhere for married women. A certain percentage of these came out with every British regiment. They found their lives in the casemates, in the bazaars, and in tents so unendurably hard that many of them died ... Their hardships and the result of them convinced the British soldier that his only chance of domestic comfort was to ally himself with the women of the country, who were accustomed to the heat of bazaar dwellings and wanted nothing better. The native women were in every way fitted to do what the men wanted, namely, to cook their meals, to keep clean their quarters, and to manage their clothes. European women could cook with a fire grate or a stove, but they did not understand how to manage with two bricks and a bundle of sticks. Neither did they understand how to keep a native-built house free of vermin. Circumstances were all against them, and all in favour of the native women. And so hundreds of alliances with the latter took place.... Civil marriage was not at that time recognised to be a principle of any importance. The civil and military laymen who were authorised to join couples together in marriage administered no oath, and adopted no method other than the method of the Church. They opened a Prayer-book and read the service before witnesses; and the marriage thus performed was held by the Government to be in every way a binding contract ... It was against the principles of the Missionaries to marry the men to heathen wives; but when alliances of this kind were entered into they did their best and the men backed them up to instruct the women, and prepare them for baptism, so that they might join them together in holy matrimony. The registers show many such cases of baptism and marriage on the same day. All the same there were many illegitimate children; the fathers, to their credit be it said, brought them to be baptised; the men were rough and had many faults; but they were mostly right minded, and were endued with some rugged virtues as well."[86]

Trichinopoly Fort, early 1800s
Trichinopoly Fort, India, early 1800s
Painting - Thomas Daniell
Town and fort of Trichinopoly, 1847
Town and fort of Trichinopoly, India, 1847
Photograph - History of China & India, Miss Corner
Trichinopoly, India, 1850s
Trichinopoly, India, 1850s
Painting - N. Remond

Trichinopoly. Tiruchirappalli is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in the state. Tiruchirapalli is a prominent industrial and educational hub of central Tamil Nadu. During British rule, Tiruchirappalli was commonly spelled "Trichinopoly". Tiruchirapalli, along with Madurai, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Tamil Nadu. It is mentioned by Ptolemy in the 2nd century BC and the earliest settlements date back to the 2nd millennium BC. In the late 1700s the English brought Tiruchirappalli under their control and the area was ceded to East India Company.[Wikipedia] "The town of Trichinopoly is 200 miles from Madras, and is situated on the south bank of the Cauvery. The tamil name is Tri-sira-pilly or place of the three-headed, from a tradition that in times long past, it was the haunt of a three-headed Rachsasa or Demon Giant. The fort lies at a distance of half a mile from the river, the walls occupying a rectangle of nearly a mile in length and half a mile in breadth. The ramparts can never have been so strong as they are generally supposed to have been, since the revetment consisted of single stones, laid in mud; although some parts, especially about the gateways, were built of solid stone, laid in chunam. The ditch was broad, deep, and capable of being filled with water. Excepting one ravelin in the north face, flanking the Chintamany or Madras gateway and the western or main gate. The ramparts having long since become dilapidated; and there being no further use for them, they were in 1845 ordered to be demolished. Within the fort is the rock, rising about 330 feet from the plain and enclosed by an interior wall. This rock was once the citadel, but is now occupied by dwelling houses. It is crowned by a pagoda, on which is the shrine of Tyamanasawmy. A native pettah and several public offices are also situated within the fort. The arsenal and magazine are curiously disposed of, partly in choultries formerly belonging to the pagoda, and partly in modern buildings adjoining them. There was an explosion of a magazine in 1772, of which traces are still existing. Some very large and substantial granaries, the works of former Governments, are also to be found within the inner fort or quondam citadel. The streets are regular, but narrow, and the town contains a large number of substantial houses belonging to Natives, some being of two stories. The bazaars are numerous, and there are one or two shops for the sale of European articles, liquors, &c. The fruit and vegetable market immediately beyond the walls on the south is large and well supplied. A palace and gardens of the Nabob of the Carnatic, the former crumbling into ruins, covers a large extent of ground in the town. There is a large decorated pagoda, used as a Cutcherry or Court for the Tahsildar, Police Ameen, and the town and district Moonsiffs. The old Jail now abandoned is also within the walls, as are also the Garrison Hospital and Main Guard. There stands a large square tank at the north end, surrounded with houses built and occupied by the European officers of the garrison a century ago. A new Jail was built in 1848 on the south esplanade, calculated for 500 prisoners. It is a spacious, airy and secure building, having a hospital attached. The force in cantonment now consists of a regiment of European Infantry, a company of Artillery, and two regiments of Native Infantry, with the usual Divisional and Brigade Staff; as Trichinopoly is the Head Quarters of the Southern Division of the Army. One wing of European Infantry occupies permanent barracks, partly arched buildings and partly tiled; and half the regiment is lodged in five ranges of thatched barracks with mud walls, but having the roof supported on solid pillars. These are called temporary barracks, but have been in use ten years. The permanent barracks are arranged in a square and are very hot, the arched part of the buildings especially so, while the temporary barracks are built in ranges and are very cool and comfortable. The hospital is a commodious building, standing to the south west of the permanent barracks, both occupying two sides of the parade ground. Opposite to which arc the officers' houses and the cantonment church. Two rows of comfortable houses behind the hospital are occupied by married soldiers. Trichinopoly, notwithstanding its hot and arid climate, has proved, with regard to European troops, one of the most salubrious stations in India. One Native corps is stationed at Poottoor, a suburb on the southwest, and another has its lines and places of arms to the south. Formerly the force was much larger - there are vacant buildings adapted for a regiment of cavalry and two of infantry. The Collector's Cutcherry is in the centre of the cantonment, the Session and Subordinate Court Houses are in Poottoor, where is also the Civil Hospital, or Dispensary supported by Government, for the relief of poor Natives. The station contains two Protestant Episcopal Churches, one in the fort, and the other in the cantonment, surrounded by a cemetry. The latter is served by the Chaplain of the station; the former belongs to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, who have had a missionary at Trichinopoly for many years. There are also a Wesleyan Mission Chapel, a large Jesuit Church, and other Roman Catholic Chapels. There is a Charity School. About sixty orphans, European and East Indian, are entirely supported. The Propagation Society have an efficient English school in the town; and the Roman Catholic priest have another. There are alao many Native schools. The mean annual fall of rain in Trichinopoly is about 40 inches. The mean annual temperature 85.5 farenheit. Maximum in the shade 102', Minimum 68'. The population of the town of Trichinopoly is computed at 65,000, exclusive of the military. A curious custom obtains in Trichinopoly of employing in each of the house of the Europeans, one or two cavilgars or private watchmen; of a peculiar tribe, whose occupation for many generations has been thieving. If none are employed, the house will almost certainly be robbed in spite of the police. They are civil men and will lend a hand to pull punkahs, run messages, &c. The system however is unworthy of a civilised age, and means are being taken gradually to put an end to it. The island of Seringham opposite Trichinopoly is famous for its two pagodas; the greatest and more celebrated is that from which the island takes its name and is dedicated to Vishnu."[Gazetteer of Southern India, 1855]

St John's, Trichinopoly, India
St John's, Trichinopoly, India
Photograph - The Church in Madras
Christ Church, Trichinopoly, India
Christ Church, Trichinopoly, India
Photograph - The Church in Madras
Christ Church, Trichinopoly, India
Inside Christ Church, Trichinopoly, India
Photograph - The Church in Madras

Christ Church, Trichinopoly. In the early 1760s money was raised by the officers based at Trichinopoly for the construction of a permanent house of worship for the Christian congregations there. The Government of Fort St George donated the nmaterials for the construction and the garrison Commandant, Colonel Wood, designed the building & supervised its construction. The foundation stone was laid 13/3/1765 & the church dedicated 18/3/1766. The design of the Church was similar to that of St Mary's, Fort St George. It was necessary to have a bomb proof roof in those troubled times. The roof consisted of three semicircular arches supported by the outside walls and two parallel ranges of arched arcades inside. The church was also used by Portuguese and Tamil congregations. Mr Schwartz, a Danish Missionary, was appointed the first chaplain. A charity school was established next to the church in 1771, funded by subscriptions from the garrison for 'the maintenance of the children of European soldiers, to be educated in writing reading arithmetic and in the principles of religion', Schwartz was also in charge of the school. The principal civil and military officers of the British garrison supervised the affairs of the English congregation. In 1794 the church vestry wrote to the Government asking that the Church might be repaired at the public expense, the request being received favourably. In 1798 a report on the building was commissioned, which found: 'The roof consisted of three masonry arches supported by two ranges of arcades within and by the outer walls. The walls were too thin for the weight of the arches, which were thicker than necessary. The north arch was seriously cracked all along owing to the exterior wall having sunk a little. Three large buttresse had already been built at various periods on that side.' Two more buttresses were recommended. The report concluded: 'The Church in this garrison appearing in a dangerous state ... It appears that the Church is not likely to last many years from the defective construction; but that, unless immediately supported by buttresses it may fall in directly.' The Government agreed to the needed repairs. In 1804 additional funds were obtained to purchase a neighbouring house & land to extend the graveyard & to use the house for the school. Schwartz's successor was Christian Pohle sometime between 1776-1793. Pohle remained at Christ Church and as the garrison Chaplain until his death in 1818. He was succeeded in 1819 David Rosen. Rosen was a 'graduate of Copenhagen, a student with an air of superiority, a man of literary taste but of restless habit. His knowledge of English was not great, so it was felt that the European work would be better done by Rev. Joseph Wright of St John's. Rosen remained at Christ Church until 1824. In 1827 it was reported that Christ Church was without a European Missionary and that the native congregation was left in charge of a catechist, occasionally visited by a Missionary from Tanjore, and finally that the Church was rapidly falling into ruins. The old semi-circular bomb-proof roof, which was too thick and heavy for the outside walls, continued to press them outwards. The heavy buttresses on the north side were not sufficient to prevent movement. It was therefore decided to take down the old roof and replace it by a horizontal beam roof with a terrace of brickwork and plaster above the beams. Daniel Schreyvogel was appointed chaplain in 1827 & remained there until he died in 1840. In 1860 the Government paid half the costs for further repairs. The building is 72x46 feet; it has a circular sanctuary at the east end 15 feet deep & 19 feet broad. There are two vestries each 12 by 8 feet at the west end, one on each side of the tower. On the altar piece, which is practically the panelling of the apse, there are printed in gold letters the Creed, the Lord's prayer, the ten commandments, and some texts of Scripture in various languages. A very interesting reminder of the former connection of the Church with the garrison is a hatchment on the north wall of the Church. It exhibits on an ermine shield three bulls proper, two and one, statant, gardant; this is surmounted by a crest, a bull's head couped; the legend is 'Be Firm'. Only one other Church in India possesses a hatchment.[86] St John's, Trichinopoly. Between 1800-1805 several of the regiments based at the Fort in Trichinopoly were moved to slightly higher ground on the Trichinopoly Plain, mostly for health reasons. In 1805 a request was made to build a church at the new site. In 1811 construction finally began. Limited funds resulted in a plain, strong, parallelepiped building without even a cupola for a bell. The church was consecrated in 1816, dedicated to St John the Evangelist. In 1822 a cupola and an entrance portico were added, and further additions two years later. The total cost of the 1822 & 1824 additions was twice that of the original cost of the church. A belfry was added in 1832. In 1816 the Bishop donated 200 volumes of theological works to the church.[86]

Temple at Kolar (Colar), India, 1800
Temple at Kolar (Colar), India, 1800
Painting - John Gantz
Hills overlooking Kolar, India
Hills overlooking Kolar, India
Photograph - Himanshu [Picasaweb]
Agram Cemetery, Bangalore, India
Agram Cemetery, Bangalore, India
Photograph - Ronnie Johnson

Colar (now Kolar). "A town in Mysore on the high road from Madras to Bangalore by the Moogli or Naickenairy passes, it is 68km from Bangalore. It was here that Hyder Ali was buried, his tomb is outside of the town. Gold dust is found in the neighbourhood, at a village called Marcoopum, Hamilton says that the area of country impregnated with gold, is estimated at 130 square miles. There is some fine carving in the gate of a pagoda on the top of the hill close to the town. It has a good public bungalow."[Gazetteer of Southern India, 1855] "The first part of the the road passed through a narrow valley, confined between two ridges of of low, rocky, naked hills. The valley in many places has formerly been cultivated; but now the whole is waste, and covered with bushes. Farther on, the hills to the right disappearing, the country in that direction is level to a great extent, seems to be very fertile, and has probably once been almost all cultivated. The spots which at present are cultivated do not seem to be more than a tenth part of the country. The country is very poorly watered, and often suffers from a want of rain; for an old revenue officer of the place remembers four famines that arose from this cause. Colar has a large mud fort, which is now repairing. The town contains seven hundred houses, many of which are inhabited by weavers. On the hill north from the town was formerly a hill fort, which has not been rebuilt since it was destroyed in an invasion of the Marattahs in the 18th century. On the top of the hill are four small villages. The soil is fertile, and the water in many places being near the surface renders it fit for gardens. Even in such a remote place, to which every access is steep and difficult, I found that the inhabitants were not protected by their extreme poverty, but suffered predation by the Baydaru."[87] Bangalore. "A large town in Mysore, it is the Head Quarters of the Centre Division of the Army. The Cantonment is pleasantly situated on the highest table land in Mysore, 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. The force, when complete, consists of the head quarters of the horse artillery, one European and one Native troop; half a company of foot artillery; a regiment of dragoons; one of Native cavalry; one regiment of European infantry; and four regiments of Native infantry. The population of the cantonment bazaars, including the villages of Ulsoor and Sholay, amounts to about 93,338 souls by the census of 1849-50. Bangalore Pettah or Native town, is situated to the south and west of the cantonment and contains a population of about 41,664 souls. Bangalore Fort is close to the southern gate of the pettah, the walls faced with stone and with a ditch and glacis, it is commanded from one or two rising grounds near, and could never have been a place of great strength.'[Gazetteer of Southern India, 1855] Agram Cemetery. Bangalore has a number of Christian cemeteries: St John's (1858), the Old Protestant or Agram Cemetery (1808), Hosur Road (1869), Fort Cemetery (1791 only) as well as several Catholic cemeteries. With the exception of the Fort Cemetery, which contained burials just from the year 1791, only the Old Protestant (or Agram) Cemetery existed for protestant burials in the 1820s, hence it is reasonable to conclude that William was buried there. Surviving gravestones in the cemetery have been transcribed, however a large number have been lost including, presumably, William's. Agram Cemetery is situated behind the ASC Officers Mess, off Trinity Road. It is an L shaped plot covering an area of 4.8 acres and located in the triangle created by Richmond Road, Trinity Road and Lower Agram Road. Behind the cemetery are the quarters of Karnataka State Reserve Police. The land was used as a Protestants Cemetery until the late 1860s. The most striking of them are two 40 feet Ionic pillars that stand out as sentinels to this place. Under one of them, amid the thick vegetation, is an inscription that reads, "Beneath a tomb close to this pillar rests the mortal remains of Lieut. John Pott, HM. 13th Dragoons, who died on 31st January 1822." The cemetery has a total of 824 graves, out of which only 380 can be identified. Most of the names are Anglican - British Military and their families. The tomb inscriptions reveal some interesting tales of the past era. One of the soldiers buried here was executed because he refused to drink his tot of rum! (Rum was considered to ward off infection from plague or cholera epidemics and by refusing to drink, the soldier paid a heavy price). In addition to military burials, there are graves of entire families who succumbed during the cholera and plague epidemics that hit the city during the 1820s.[Bangalore Cemeteries, Agram Cemetery] William Malkin was born in 1791, being the son of Samuel Malkin of London. He was educated at a private school at Islington; matriculated at Magdalen College, Cambridge, 1811, and graduated B.A. 1816. He was appointed a Chaplain and arrived at Madras at the end of 1816. He served at Poonamallee till 1820; then he succeeded William Thomas at Bangalore, and remained there till his retirement in 1832. In 1825 he published a volume of sermons by subscription, which he dedicated to the officers of H.M.'s and the Hon. East India Company's Service' who have either permanently or occasionally attended the ministry of the author.' In 1833 he became Vicar of St. Ives, Cornwall. He died at Leamington in 1874.[The church in Madras]
The East India Company was an early English joint-stock company that was formed initially for pursuing trade with the East Indies, but that ended up trading mainly with the Indian subcontinent and China. The oldest among several similarly formed European East India Companies, the Company was granted an English Royal Charter, under the name Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies, by Elizabeth I in 1600. After a rival English company challenged its monopoly in the late 17th century, the two companies merged in 1708 to form the United Company of Merchants of England Trading to the East Indies, commonly styled the Honourable East India Company (HEIC). The East India Company traded mainly in cotton, silk, indigo dye, saltpetre, tea and opium. The Company also came to rule large areas of India, exercising military power and assuming administrative functions, to the exclusion, gradually, of its commercial pursuits; it effectively functioned as a megacorporation. Company rule in India, which effectively began in 1757 lasted until 1858, when, following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown assumed direct administration of India. The Company itself was finally dissolved in 1874. The Company long held a privileged position in relation to the English, and later the British, government. As a result, it was frequently granted special rights and privileges, including trade monopolies and exemptions and remained a powerful force for over 200 years. The Company established trade in India in 1608. The high profits reported prompted King James I to grant subsidiary licenses to other trading companies in England, but in 1609 he renewed the charter given to the Company for an indefinite period, including a clause which specified that the charter would cease to be in force if the trade turned unprofitable for three consecutive years. English traders frequently engaged in hostilities with their Dutch and Portuguese counterparts in the Indian Ocean. The Company achieved a major victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Swally in 1612. The Company decided to explore the feasibility of gaining a territorial foothold in mainland India, with official sanction of both the English throne and the Mughal Emperor Nuruddin Salim Jahangir. The Company, benefiting from the imperial patronage, soon expanded its commercial trading operations, eclipsing its competitors. In 1634, the Mughal emperor extended his hospitality to the English traders to the region of Bengal, and in 1717 completely waived customs duties for the trade. The company's mainstay businesses were by then in cotton, silk, indigo dye, saltpetre and tea. Around 1670 King Charles II provisioned the Company with the rights to autonomous territorial acquisitions, to mint money, to command fortresses and troops and form alliances, to make war and peace, and to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the acquired areas. In 1711, the Company established a trading post in China, to trade tea for silver. By 1720, 15% of British imports were from India, almost all passing through the Company. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, Britain surged ahead of its European rivals. Demand for Indian commodities was boosted by the need to sustain the troops and the economy during the war, and by the increased availability of raw materials and efficient methods of production. As home to the revolution, Britain experienced higher standards of living. Its spiralling cycle of prosperity, demand, and production had a profound influence on overseas trade. The Company became the single largest player in the British global market. It reserved for itself an unassailable position in the decision-making process of the Government. The Seven Years' War (1756–1763) resulted in the defeat of the French forces in India by the Company's forces, effectively eliminating the French presence in India and giving the Company a Colonial monopoly over the sub-continent. The Company continued to experience resistance from local rulers during its expansion, but by 1757 had completed its military conquest of Bengal. The Kingdom of Mysore continued to offer resistance to the Company's forces, but eventually fell to the Company forces in 1799. Shortly afterwards the Company also secured Bombay (Mumbai) and the surrounding areas. The last vestiges of local administration were restricted to the northern regions. During the following decades to 1857 the Company functioned more as a nation than as a trading concern. A cholera pandemic began in Bengal, then spread across India by 1820. 10,000 British troops and countless Indians died during this pandemic. Between 1736 and 1834 only some 10% of East India Company's officers survived to take the final voyage home. In the 18th century, Britain had a huge trade deficit with China and so in 1773 the Company created a British monopoly on opium buying in Bengal. As the opium trade was illegal in China, Company smuggled the opium into China in amounts averaging 900 tons a year. The proceeds were used to buy tea in China. In 1838, with the amount of smuggled opium entering China approaching 1,400 tons a year, the Chinese attempted to curb the smuggling, resulting in the First Opium War. After the war the Company seized Hong Kong and opened the Chinese market to British drug traffickers. The Indian Rebellion of 1857, known to Indians as the "First War of Independence", resulted in widespread devastation in India and condemnation of the Company for permitting the events to occur. One of the consequences was that the British government nationalised the Company. The Company lost all its administrative powers; its Indian possessions, including its armed forces, were taken over by the Crown. The Company continued to manage the tea trade on behalf of the British government until 1874, when the Company was dissolved. The trading name of the company continued to exist, owned by the British Government Treasury. In 1974, the company was reestablished by a group of private investors, focusing on tea and coffee retail. The East India Company has had a long lasting impact on the Indian Subcontinent. Although dissolved following the rebellion of 1857, it stimulated the growth of the British Empire. Its armies after 1857 were to become the armies of British India and it played a key role in introducing English as an official language in India.[Wikipedia]



1.1.2.1. Alexander MacDonald, born 1731,[95] Camuscross, Isle of Skye, Scotland.[60,69] Died 1758,[60,69,95] at sea off the Irish Coast.[60,69] Eldest son & heir.[69] Upon his death was succeeded by his surviving son, Donald.[60,69] 2nd of Camuscross, Scotland.[60,69] Lieutenant, 42nd Foot (The Royal Highland Regiment).[95] Married Jane Johnstone.[60,69] Jane, d/o the Hon. Captain John Johnstone of Stapleton, second son of James, second Earl of Hartfell.[60,69] Jane died 1758.[60] {The claim that Jane was the d/o Captain John Johnstone is questionable since John Johnstone was born 1665, died 1730 & married 1698.[94] James of Hartfell did have a younger illegitimate son also named John. Was this the father of Jane? That would be consistent with Jane's grandson being a 'claimant' for the Annandale peerage rather than the 'legitimate heir'}

Children of Alexander MacDonald & Jane Johnstone:

i.
  
 Donald MacDonald.[60] probably born 1750-1758 (from DOB & DOD of father). Died 1804.[60,69] Eldest son & heir.[60] 3rd of Camuscross, Scotland.[60,69] Married Johanna Manning.[60,69]
Children: (a)
  
 James MacDonald,[60,88,90] born between 1775-1795 (from DOBs of children), Co Cork, Ireland (both James & his brother, Donald, married residents of Co Cork). Died 1865.[60,69] Artist & art critic.[88] One of the claimants for the Annandale Peerage, through his grandmother, Jane, daughter of the Hon. Captain John Johnstone of Stapleton.[60,69,90] Upon the death of the last legitimate heir of the MacDonald's of Castleton, Isle of Skye, Scotland, James inherited that title, as the nearest surviving legitimate male kin.[69,90] 8th of Castleton (6th in descent from Donald Macdonald).[70] Married Catherine MacCarthy.[60,69] Catherine, d/o Denis MacCarthy of Kilcoleman, Co Cork, Ireland, and a sister of his younger brother's wife.[60,69,90] Resided 1825, 1826, Cork, Co Cork, Ireland.[23,28,88,89,90]
Children: (1)
  
 Donald MacDonald,[60,69] probably born Co Cork, Ireland. Died 1853[60]/1856.[69] Unmarried, no issue.[60,69]
(2)
James Alexander MacDonald,[21,60,69,70] born 1825, Cork, Co Cork, Ireland.[23,28] Wesleyean minister.[23,28,60,69] 9th of Castleton.[70] Married Harriett F. Mackie,[23,60,69]  September quarter, 1854, Marylebone, London, England.[14] Harriet, d/o Edward William,[60,69] born 1818, Maidenhead, Co Berkshire, England.[23] Resided 1857, Banbury, Co Oxfordshire, England.[23] Resided 1863, Scarborough, Co Yorkshire, England.[23] Resided 1881, No.351 Amhurst Road, London, Co Middlesex, England.[23] Resided 1901, Formby, Co Lancashire, England.[28]
Children: (A)
  
 Rev. James Alexander Donald John MacDonald,[60] born December quarter, 1855,[14,21,69,70] Banbury, Co Oxfordshire, England.[14] Died 1947.[40] Wesleyan Minister.[60,69] 10th of Castleton.[70] Married Harriet Emma Corderoy, 2/11/1887,[21,70] Burdwan, Bengal, India.[21] Emma, d/o John Rittle Corderoy, born 1862,[21] & died 1932.[70] Issue include: Donald John MacDonald, born 1897, 12th of Castleton, married Cecilie Frances Jean Evan-Williams of Johannesburg.[70]
(B)
Edward William Johnstone MacDonald,[60] born June quarter, 1858,[14,69] Banbury, Co Oxfordshire, England.[14]
(C)
Rev. Roderick John Johnstone MacDonald,[60,69] born March quarter, 1859,[14,69] Doncaster, Co Yorkshire, England.[14]
(D)
Somerlett Hector Norman MacDonald,[60] born June quarter, 1861,[14,69] Doncaster, Co Yorkshire, England.[14] Died 1863.[69]
(E)
Harriet Flora MacDonald,[60,69] born 1857, Banbury, Co Oxfordshire, England.[23] With parents, 1881.[23]
(F)
Catherine Amelia MacDonald,[60,69] born 1863, Scarborough, Co Yorkshire, England.[23] With parents, 1881.[23]
(3)
Sir John Denis MacDonald, born 26/10/1826,[60,69,88,89] Cork, Co Cork, Ireland.[88,89] Died 7/2/1908, Southsea, Portsmouth, Co Hampshire, England.[88,89] K.C.B., M.D., F.R.S., Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets, Royal Navy.[60,69,88] "Sir John Denis Macdonald (26/10/1826-7/2/1908) was a surgeon and fellow of the Royal Society of London. Born in Cork, County Cork, Ireland, Macdonald served as an assistant surgeon in the Royal Navy. In later life he researched in the fields of zoology and natural history. He was elected a member of the Royal Society in 1859 (his membership being proposed by Joseph Toynbee, Edwin Lankester, Francis Sibson, Richard Owen and Richard Partridge among others) and made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1902."[89]
  "Sir John Denis MacDonald, K.C.B., F.R.S., M.D. St.And., M.R.C.5.Eng., R.N., Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets. Full of years and honours, there passed away at Southsea on February 7th Sir John Denis Macdonald, R.N. Son of James Macdonald, artist and art critic, he was born at Cork in 1826 and educated at Cork and Kings College, London. He obtained the diploma of M.R.C.S.Eng. in 1849. and entered the medical branch of the Royal Navy in August, 1849. He had a strong bent towards natural history, and was in due course appointed to H.M.S. Herald, a suveying ship in the Pacific; here his scientific knowledge and inherited artistic capacity stood him in good stead. His brilliant work, principally wlth the microscope, on the deposits brought up by the sounding-lead, dredge, and towing net caused him to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society ia 1859, at the early age of 33, and in July of the eame year he was promoted to the rank of Staff Surgeon. In 1862 Macdonald was presented with the Macdonagh Brisbane Medal by the Royal Soclety of Edinburgh; in 1866 promotion to the rank of Fleet Surgeon was awarded, and in 1867 he qualified as M.D St.Andrews. Between 1870 and 1880 Sir John Macdonald was Professor of Naval Hygiene at the Army Medical School at Netley, the naval surgeons on entry undergoing a couree of training there with the candidates for the Army and Indian medical services. Associated with the brilliant staff then serving at Netley-Parkes, de Chaumont, Macleod, Longmore, and Aitken-Macdonald soon made his mark, and it is through his teaching at Netley that he was principally known to so many generations of naval medical officers. In 1880 came the parting of the ways. It was decided to form a school for the preliminary training of medical officers at Haslar, and to the great regret of many the naval surgeons were withdrawn from the Netley course, and Macdonald's career as a teacher was over. He had already been promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets in 1875, and in 1880 was promoted to the rank of Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets. From 1883 to 1886 he was in charge of the Royal Naval Hosptfal at Plymouth, retiring from the service on May 24th, 1886. Sir John Macdonald was not a very voluminous writer, but he was the author of the Analogy of Sound and Colour, the Microscopical Examination of Drinking Water, and the Outlines of Naval Hygiene, which ran through two editions. He also contributed the article on yellow fever to Reynolds's System of Medicine. In 1902, as a Coronation honour, he was appointed a K.C.B., Military Division, an honour that, although somewhat tardily granted, was much appreciated by the members of the naval medical Service.(BMJ 22/2/1908)"[88]
  
Married Sarah Phebe Walker, d/o Ely Walker of Stainland.[60,69] Issue: James Alexander Walker MacDonald, died in infancy; John Denis MacDonald, William Richard MacDonald, Elyna Mary MacDonald & Catherine Janet MacDonald.[60,69] Married 2nd Erina Christiana Cunningham, d/o Rev. William Archer, M.A., of Wicklow, Ireland.[60,69] No issue from 2nd marriage.[69]
(4)
Jane Masters MacDonald.[60,69] Married William Richard Rogers, MD.[60,69] Had issue.[60,69]
(b)
Donald MacDonald.[60,69] Lieutenant in the 62nd Regiment.[60,69] Married Susan McCarthy.[60,69] Susan d/o Denis MacCarthy of Kilcoleman, Co Cork, Ireland.[60,69]
Children: (1)
  
 James MacDonald.[60,69]
(2)
Donald MacDonald.[60,69] Of Desert, Scotland.[69]
(3)
Jane MacDonald.[60,69]
(c)
Johanna MacDonald.[60,69] Married George Gwynne.[60,69]

ii.
Alexander MacDonald,[60,69] probably born 1750-1758 (from DOB & DOD of father). Married Anne Salterford.[60,69]
Children: (1)
  
 Alexander MacDonald.[60,69] Died infancy.[60,69]

iii.
Mary MacDonald,[60,69] probably born 1750-1758 (from DOB & DOD of father). Died young.[60,69]