The Families connected with Donald Cameron, shepherd in Fortingall parish

(Produced in conjunction with Domhnall Dubh)

James Stobie's map of Perthshire (1783) showing Easter and Wester Finnart (Fingart) at the end of Loch Rannoch.
The red square shows the later site of Rannoch Lodge

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Trying to track families associated with Donald Cameron, a shepherd in Fortingall parish is not easy. Firstly, Camerons abound in this parish with many of them having the same forename - even one of the main settlements was called Cameron (Camghouran). Secondly, the Fortingall OPR entries are scant before 1750. Thirdly, unlike tenant farmers, shepherds moved from place to place making it difficult to track families where the names of both parents were identical. This situation arises with Angus Cameron and his wife, Janet Cameron.

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Couple 1 - Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron in Georgetown, Loch Rannoch

The first couple named Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron lived in Georgetown where they had a daughter baptised in 1766, but the date of their marriage is unknown. A son Hugh (Ewan) was baptised in 1767 but probably died in infancy as a second Hugh (Ewan) was baptised in 1769, followed by the baptism of Alexander in 1774 at Georgetown.

Catherine (1776) and John (1780) probably were born in Georgetown as Donald was born there in 1783, but this still needs to be checked. So, these first 7 children would appear to be from one family.

Ewen was born, to parents of the same name, at Camghouran in 1785, followed by Duncan (1786) in Camghouran and John (1789) in Innerhaddon. These three are thought to be siblings. The question arises, are they also siblings of the earlier 7 children or a different family?

There is no evidence of additional marriage banns so most probably this is the same family. In addition, a Catherine Cameron was baptised at Georgetown in 1796 and had parents of the same name. To summarise, it is thought that the family moved down the south side of Loch Rannoch to Camghouran after the first 7 children, then a bit further to Innerhaddon for another child, finally returning to Georgetown for their last child. This also means that Ewen (1785) was their third child of that name.

However, it must be admitted that their last child raises some doubts. Alexandrina, their first child, was baptised in November 1766 and their last child, Catherine, was baptised in July 1796. That is a gap of nearly 30 years so, even if Janet married when she was 18 years old, she would have been nearly 50 years old. On the other hand, the dates in the Fortingall OPR are of baptisms not births, so the Catherine may have been baptised a few years after birth.

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Generation 2: The children of Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron in Georgetown and Innerhaddon

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Donald Kennedy and Catherine Cameron in Georgetown

Donald Kennedy and Catherine Cameron married in the parish of Fortingall, 23rd January 1819.

By the time of the 1841 census they were living in Georgetown.

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Couple 2 - Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron in Finnart and Cor a' Dhuin

1st edition of the Ordnance Survey map of Perthshire (1867) showing Cor a' Dhuin, just to the west of Georgetown

A second Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron marriage took place in 1784. The OPR entry does not mention where the bride and groom were living at that time, but it can be assumed that Angus Cameron was living at Finnart as this was where their first child was born.

8th March 1784, Fortingall OPR
Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron, both in this parish, gave up their names (to be proclaimed in order to marriage).

A daughter, Catherine, was born at Finnart and baptised 18th March 1785. A son, Alexander, was born at Finnart and baptised 2nd November 1788, followed by another son, Donald, baptised 10th September 1790. This son seems to have died in childhood as another Donald was baptised on 5th July 1795 but, by that time, the family had moved to Cor a' Dhuin, a small settlement further west and on the opposite side of the river from Dunnan. Janet was born there in 1798 but by 1802 the family had returned to Finnart.

The 1841 census return for Fortingall shows that Catherine Cameron and her widowed mother Janet were living at Mid Camghouran on the south side of Loch Rannoch.

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Generation 2: The children of Angus Cameron and Janet Cameron in Finnart and Cor a' Dhuin

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Donald Cameron and Catherine Forbes in Appin and Kinloch Rannoch

The origins of Donald Cameron were not easy to elucidated. For example, the 1841 census return states that he was born 'in the county' i.e. in Argyll, but the census return for 1851 at Rannoch Lodge Farm states that he was born in Fortingall parish. Likewise his date of birth was uncertain until his death certificate could be found - even finding where he died was not an easy task as he was a shepherd moving from place to place.

His death certificate, confirmed by the mention of his wife Catherine Forbes, and his son Mungo Cameron, relates that he was the son of Angus Cameron, labourer, and born around 1796. His mother is named as Janet Cameron, but her maiden surname is left blank, as was the custom when it was the same as the married name.

The marriage banns for Donald Cameron and Catherine (Katharine) Forbes appear in the OPRs for both Logierait and Fortingall, as the bride and groom lived in different parishes, although close neighbours. (Fortingall, Feb 27 1821 and Logierait, 11th March 1821).

11th March 1821, Logierait OPR
Donald Cameron, shepherd in Finnart, Fortingall parish, and Katharine Forbes in Wester Carie gave up their names for proclamation of marriage. Eodem die (on the same day) granted marriage lines.

There are only two baptisms for their children recorded in the OPRs, those of James Cameron, 6th December 1827 and Peter Cameron, 3rd April 1844. Both baptisms took place in Fortingall parish, but between these two dates the family lived in Appin of Argyll for a few years. Post-1841 census returns show that all of the children were born in Rannoch prior to 6th June 1841 (the date of the 1841 census).

The 1841 Census for Lismore, Appin and Duror, (ref 20/1) lists Donald Cameron and his family in the Glencoe area. The writing in the census is not easy to read but their homestead appears to be Corido, Black Mount, Glencoe. Most likely, this is the ennumerator's version of Coire Dubh.

* Black Corries Lodge

None of the older children are given an occupation, and none of the younger children are identified as scholars. This probably indicates the lack of a schoolmaster, rather than a lack of inclination to learn. All of the family were ticked as having been 'born in the county'. This certainly was not true for the parents and their son James. Likewise the ages are not accurate as James was baptised in December 1827, so in 1841 he would have been 3 years older than stated. It is most likely that some of the other given ages are equally distorted.

Although Alexander and Peter were born in Appin, Peter was not baptised until 3rd April 1844, after the family had returned to Rannoch.

The younger members of the family were starting independent lives by the time of the 1851 census. The Fortingall census (8/11) shows that Donald Cameron was living at Rannoch Lodge farm where Robert Auld was the overseer. He was one of four shepherds living there, along with a smith, a gardener and two female house servants. He was 54 at that time. His wife Catharine was living, with four of their children in an adjacent building named as Corrighuish. Presumably there was insufficient room for the whole family to stay together. His older daughters, Janet and Jane, were living in Rannoch Lodge, along with a gamekeeper, the coachman and a cook.

The settlement of Corrighuish does not appear on any of the maps from that era. However, the 1851 census return lists it between the entries for Camaserochd (Camasericht) and Rannoch Lodge. This places it at the west end of Loch Rannoch, on the north side, opposite to Finnart.

It is worth noting that Peter Cameron's entry states that he was born in Appin, but it has been established that he was baptised in Fortingall parish. This suggests that the younger members of the family returned from the Appin area around 1845.

The 1861 census shows that Catherine was living in Easter Tempar, Bunrannoch, with two of her own children plus two grandchildren.

The 9-year-old grandson, Donald Cameron, is thought to be the son of James Cameron and Grace McLeish, despite the slight age discrepency. Likewise, 6-year-old Catharine Cameron appears to be his younger sister.

Donald Cameron, (shep)herd married to Catherine Forbes died at Invermallie, parish of Kilmallie in Argyll on 13th April 1864 aged 68 years. His parents were given as Angus Cameron, labourer, and Janet (maiden name not given, both deceased. The informant was his son Mungo Cameron, His X mark. (signed thus as he could not write)

Janet Cameron's maiden name not given as it was the same as her married name.

Catherine Forbes, widow of Donald Cameron, shepherd, died at Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy, on 19th June 1869 aged 71 years. Her parents were given as John Forbes, farmer, and Margaret Cumming, both deceased. The informant was her son, Donald Cameron.

It may just be a coincidence but the 1871 census shows that Sarah McGregor had taken her family to live in Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy. The ScotlandsPeople web-site has her indexed as (Mrs) John Forbes (female). Were the two widowed sister-in-laws living in the same house?

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Generation 4: The children of Donald Cameron and Catherine Forbes in Appin and Kinloch Rannoch

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Donald McDougall and Janet Cameron in Glasgow

On the 25th day of June 1861 at 65 Shamrock Street, Glasgow, married after banns: Donald McDougall, spirit merchant aged 43 years, living at 65 Shamrock Street, Glasgow, widower, son of Dugald McDougall, deceased farmer, and Margaret McNaughton; and Janet Cameron, aged 35 years, living at 65 Shamrock Street, Glasgow, domestic servant and spinster, daughter of Donald Cameron, farmer, and Catherine Forbes; witnesses Duncan Boyd and Robert Taylor.

The 1871 census shows the family named as 'McDougle' and living at Croy Old Farm House, Cumbernauld.

There were also a farm servant and a ploughman living with them.

By 1881 the family had returned to 65 Shamrock Street, Glasgow.

* employing 3 men. The Glasgow Street Directory for 1881 shows that Donald McDougall, wine and spirit merchant, was running his business from 235, 237 and 239 Cambridge Street, as well as 63 Shamrock Street, next to the family home at 65. Donald McDougall, of D. McDougall & Co., 275 Parliamentary Road, was living at 65 Shamrock St West. 275 Parliamentary Road also was the business address of D. McDougall & Co., clay tobacco pipe manufacturers, for export and home sale.

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James Hastie and Jane Cameron in Kaiwaka, Northland, New Zealand

Jane Cameron married James Hastie in Hutchesontown, Glasgow, shortly before they emigrated to New Zealand in 1858.

On the 30th day of August 1858 at 98 Hospital Street, Glasgow, married after banns: James Hastie aged 34 years, late Dalness (Glen Etive), Argyll-shire, bachelor, son of James Hastie, shepherd, and Mary McColl; and Jean Cameron, aged 28 years, Tempar in Rannoch, Perthshire, spinster, daughter of Donald Cameron, shepherd and Catherine Forbes; witnesses James Hastie and Duncan Colquhoun. (98 Hospital St. was the establishment of John McGregor, spirit merchant, and next to the Hutchesontown Established Church).

Shortly afterwards they emigrated to New Zealand on the 'Evening Star', under the command of Captain F.S. Ewen, embarking Gravesend on 11th September 1858 and arriving at Auckland on 21st December 1858.

James Hastie was the son of James Hastie and Mary McColl. In 1851 James Hastie snr. was a retired shepherd, aged 81 years, living at Glackeriska, just to the east of Port Appin. Originally, he had come from Dumfries

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9156, 24th March 1893

"Our Kaiwaka correspondent writes :— It is with feelings of regret I have to record the death of another old resident, namely, Mr James Hastie, of Kaiwaka. The sad event occurred on February 25th.

Mr Hastie was a native of Scotland, having been born in Appin, Argyleshire, in the year 1822. In early life the deceased held responsible positions on several of the principal sheep runs in his native country, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of those whom he served.

In the year 1858, Mr Hastie, accompanied by his wife, took passage aboard the 'Evening Star', bound for this colony, this vessel being the first to bring out what were known as the '10-acre settlers'.

After a residence of some years in the city of Auckland, our much-lamented friend commenced the business of lime-burning in the neighbourhood of the Wade. Some years were devoted to this enterprise which, by the way, proved fairly remunerative.

Somewhere about 27 years ago, Mr Hastie decided upon another occupation and, in accordance with such resolve, came to Kaiwaka, and settled upon his land, where he remained ever since."

There is a memorial stone to James Hastie and his wife in the Hakaru Cemetery

In loving memory of
James Hastie
who died 24th February 1893
aged 71 years
Also his beloved wife
Jane Hastie
who died 7th May 1912
aged 82 years

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James Cameron and Grace McLeish in Little Dunkeld and Perth

6th December 1827, Fortingall OPR
James, son to Donald Cameron and Catharine Forbes in Cruach, Rannoch, (was baptised)

Cruach was a small settlement between Dunnan and Rannoch Lodge Farm. In the 1841 census return a single family was living there, that of Peter Robertson and Helen Lamont (McGilliwie), the daughter of William Lamont and Helen Low from Bohespic.

James Cameron married Grace McLeish in Auchtergaven parish, 13th September 1851

James Cameron and his wife are reported as having produced 5 children, including Catherine and David, but the 1871 census return shows that their family was a bit larger. James Cameron was absent from home, while his wife was looking after five youngsters. Their son Alexander was living in an adjacent house and working as a herd-boy for James Stewart, the farmer of Blairfettie. It also ignores the fact that their son Duncan died at Blairfettie, 31st May 1868, at the age of 13.

The 1881 census return lists James Cameron and his family living in Dalmarnock, Little Dunkeld parish.

Grace McLeish died at Dunkeld in 1904, aged 73 years. Her parents seems to have been Donald McLeish and Grace Falconer.

James Cameron, retired shepherd and widower of Grace McLeish, died at 6 Union Street, Perth, on 21st September 1913 aged 87 years. His parents were given as Donald Cameron, shepherd, and Catherine Forbes, both deceased. The informant was Angus Fraser McIntosh, step-grandson, living at 5 Hammerman Buildings, Dunkeld Road.

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The family of James Cameron and Grace McLeish in Blairfettie, Glenerrochty

* The boy seems to have been baptised as Donald Cameron, but registered as Duncan Cameron when he died 13 years later. The latter seems to be in error, as Donald probably is the 9-year-old grandson of Catherine Cameron (i.e. Forbes) living at Blairfettie in the 1861 census.

Kinloch Rannoch Register of births, 1855
Donald Cameron, born at Aulich, Rannoch, on 1st July 1855, son to James Cameron, shepherd aged 28 years and born at Cruagh in Rannoch, and Grace McLeish aged 25 years and born at Over Carney in Caputh parish. They were married at Over Carney near Dunkeld in 1851. Donald was their third child, the previous two children: a boy and a girl were still living.

Blair Atholl Register of deaths, 1868
Duncan Cameron, single, died at Blairfettie on 31st May 1868 aged 13 years. His parents were given as James Cameron, day labourer, and Grace McLeish. The informant was his father who was present.

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Robert Stewart and Catharine Cameron in Bruar farm

The Kenmore OPR for 31st May 1851 records the marriage of Robert Stewart and Catherine Cameron, while the 1855 birth certificate of their son Alexander shows that the couple were married at Amulree. It also states that Robert Stewart was 31 years old and had been born at Daloist in Dull parish. Catherine was 24 years old and had been born at Rannoch Lodge. Alexander was her 3rd child and that the previous two children were girls, and both living.

One gets the impression that Catherine Cameron was much younger than she claimed when she married but, being out of her 'home parish' who would question her?

Their first child, Margaret, was born at Coireghiuthais in Fortingall parish - this may be Coire Garth. The second daughter, Isabella, was born at Easangael in Blair Atholl parish

The 1881 Census has the family living at Baluaine farm, which the census calls Baluan.

A monument inscription (U8) in Blair Atholl parish churchyard shows that Robert Stewart died 6th October 1882. It also gives the dates for John, Robert and Margaret.

Catherine Cameron, widow of Robert Stewart, farmer, died at Bruar farm on 15th January 1892 aged 59 years. Her parents were given as Donald Cameron, cattleman, and Catherine Forbes, both deceased. The informant was Alexander Stewart, her son who was living at Front Lodge, Blair Atholl.

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Generation 5: The children of Robert Stewart and Catharine Cameron in Baluaine and Bruar farm

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Duncan Cameron and Elizabeth (Eliza) McLaren in Kilsyth

Duncan Cameron was born around 1836 and was in Appin with his family in 1841, aged 5. The 1851 census gives his age as 17, when he was living with his mother and younger siblings at Corrighuish, next to Rannoch Lodge. At that point he was employed as a shepherd.

On the 25th November 1859 at Princes Street, Helensburgh, Duncan Cameron in Neilston, Kilsyth, gamekeeper and bachelor aged 26 years, married Eliza McLaren, domestic servant and spinster from Govan, aged 22 years. His parents were given as Donald Cameron, shepherd, and Catherine Forbes. Her parents were given as Daniel (Donald) McLaren, farmer, and Mary McLaren.

Neilston was north-east of Kilsyth in Dunbartonshire and halfway between Glasgow and Stirling. Duncan had relatives in the area. He was not far away from his sister Janet, whose husband was a farmer in Cumbernauld in 1871, while his aunt Margaret Forbes lived at Middlemuir farm, just south of Kirkintilloch.

Neilston, to the north-east of Kilsyth

There were two other families living at Neilston: those of Andrew Adam, a coal miner; and Jean Marshall, an 80-year-old gentlewoman with her sick nurse. The 1861 census enumerator arrived to find that Duncan Cameron and his wife were in mourning for their 7-month-old baby daughter, Catharine, who had died the same day.

Duncan's aunt, Margaret Cumming (Forbes), may have been helping the family in their time of need.

The 1871 census return lists Eliza McLaren and three of their children living at Robertstown, Knockando.

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The children of Duncan Cameron and Elizabeth (Eliza) McLaren in Kilsyth

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James Wallace and Grace Cameron in Tayport, Fife

On 3rd November 1857 at Aberfeldy in Perthshire, James Wallace, 24 year old master blacksmith and bachelor living at Luthrie in the parish of Creich, Fife, married Grace Cameron, 22 year old house servant and spinster living at Rannoch in the parish of Fortingall. His parents were given as James Wallace, joiner, and Catherine Mark, deceased. Her parents were given as Donald Cameron. shepherd, and Catherine Forbes. Witnesses were Archibald Scott and John Cameron.

The witness John Cameron could have been Grace's brother, but it may be just a co-incidence.

The Old Smiddy House in Luthrie still exists but is now a private residence.

The Old Smithy at Luthrie, 2025 (left) and the lintel stone dated 1720 (right)

Trove.scot (part of Historic Environment, Scotland) describes the building as "Formerly part of Smithy Row, of which one house had 1790 lintel. Remaining part renovated, single-storey rubble and pantile with mid 19th century extension to T-wing."

A lintel stone is set into the garden wall, facing the road. Presumably this is the afore-mentioned stone, but it is dated 1720, not 1790!

The 1861 census return just lists their abode as property 29, Creich parish.

The family moved from Luthrie to Ferryport-on-Craig (Tayport) after the birth of their son James.

Although the 1871 census shows them living on the Cupar Road, this probably was the road to Guardbridge, where it met the St Andrews to Cupar road.

The 1881 census returns lists the family living at the smithy, Cupar Road, Ferryport-on-Craig, Fife.

There is a monument inscription for the family in the Ferryport-on-Craig (Tayport) cemetery.

....................................................................... Erected by James Wallace in loving memory of his wife Grace Cameron who died 12th August 1913 aged 79 Also the above James Wallace who died 18th July 1914 aged 81 and their sons James who died 8th October 1869 aged 5 John who died 8th March 1882 aged 11 Alexander who died 6th March 1882 aged 6 interred in Tayport churchyard Also their daughter Jemima (Mima) who died 20th December 1954 aged 82 .......................................................................

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The children of James Wallace and Grace Cameron in Tayport, Fife

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Ewan Cameron and Flora Cameron in Kilmallie and Aberfeldy

On the 28th June 1867 Ewan Cameron, water baillie and bachelor aged 38 years, living in Camagell (?), married Flora Cameron, 29 year old spinster living in Aberfeldy. His parents were given as John Cameron, crofter, and Catherine McIntyre (both living). Her parents were given as Donald Cameron, deceased shepherd, and Catherine Forbes. One of the witnesses was Donald Cameron, Flora's brother.

A water baillie policed the rivers on a sporting estate to deter poaching and safe-guard the water quality. When the cultivation of flax for linen weaving was first introduced in Perthshire, the retting (rotting) of the stalks to release the flax fibres resulted in water pollution. Consequently, tenants were forbidden to use the rivers for retting and had to build retting pools away from the main water courses.

The interesting aspect of this marriage is that Ewan Cameron was born 8th January 1825 in Kilmallie parish. Flora's father, Donald Cameron, died at Invermallie, parish of Kilmallie in Argyll on 13th April 1864. Although these events are 40 years apart, are there family connections between these two Cameron families much further back?

1871 census Ardnamuchan parish.

At the time of the 1881 census the family were living in Nevis Cottage, Kilmonivaig.

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Donald Cameron and Jessie (Janet) Stewart in Perth

The 1881 Census has the family living at 6 Victoria, Perth. The most unusual aspect is that their daughter Jessie was born in Ireland.

William Stewart Cameron, the son of Donald Cameron and Jessie Stewart was born at Perth in 1879.

Jessie Cameron, maiden surname Stewart died 1886 in Perth aged 44 years. Her mother's name was given as Dow. She was the daughter of William Stewart and Janet Dow, born 21st January 1842 in Kinclaven parish.

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Generation 5: The children of Donald Cameron and Jessie (Janet) Stewart in Perth

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Donald Cameron and Annie Forbes, his second wife in Perth

Register of Marriages, Moulin, Perthshire, 1887
On 23rd May 1887 Donald Cameron, tailor (cutter) and widower, aged 46 years, living at 8 Kinnoul Street Perth married Ann Forbes, domestic servant and spinster aged 41 years, living at 'Tayside', parish of Kinnoul. His parents were given as Donald Cameron, shepherd, and Catherine Forbes, both deceased. Her parents were given as Mungo Forbes, farmer, and Ann Cameron, both deceased.

The couple had no children.

Donald Cameron, tailor and clothier, married to Annie Forbes, died 3rd July 1898 at 8 Kinnoul Street, Perth, aged 59 years. His parents were given as Donald Cameron, shepherd, and Kate Forbes (both deceased?). The informant was his son William Cameron, who was present.

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Mungo Cameron and Annie Robertson

1851 Census: at home

1861 Census: shepherd at Nether Bohespic, born Fortingall and aged 16 years

In 1871 the census for Blair Atholl (ref. 1/4) i.e. records that Mungo Cameron was living on his own, in one of the two houses at Badnabeish. He was aged 25, unmarried, and employed as a shepherd. His place of birth was given as Dull parish.

1881 Census: Mungo Cameron, shepherd aged 31 years, lodger in Lingo Cottage, Carnbee, Fife. His birthplace was given as Dull parish, once again.

1891 Census for Strathloch (ref. 2/1) lists Mungo Cameron and his wife at Daldhu (Dail Dhubh), which is at the top of Glen Fernate, just before Loch Loch and Glentilt. Both Mungo and his wife were bi-lingual in Gaelic, their native tongue, and English.

1901 Census: Moulin (ref. 12/17) aged 55 Annie (Robertson) aged 44. No children

Mungo Cameron, shepherd, married to Annie Robertson, died at Haugh of Urrard in the parish of Moulin on 31st March 1922 aged 76 years. His parents were given as Donald Cameron, shepherd, and Catharine Forbes, both deceased. The informant was his nephew Alexander Stewart.