The Cumming Families in Carie on Loch Rannoch

(Produce in conjunction with Kori Maleski)

Carie on the south side of Loch Rannoch with the Rannoch saw-mill at Dall, to the west

Carie House was a safe residence for the Clan Robertson Chiefs when there was political trouble. Alexander Robertson, 13th Chief of Clan Donnachaidh, died there in 1749 and it is said that he was so popular that 2,000 clansmen followed his coffin from Carie House to Struan churchyard.

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According to 1755-56 Forfeited Estates census there were two Alexander Cummings living at Carie: one in Wester Carie and the other in Easter Carie. Alexander Cumming the schoolmaster was married to Katrin McDonald and lived in Easter Carie. Alexander Cumming in Wester Carie was married to Isabel Cumming and was tacksman of the wood at Dall. Soon after 1756 John Cumming took up residence in Carie. It is unclear where he came from. It also is unknown whether, or not, any of these Cummings were related to each other.

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Alexander Cumming, the schoolmaster, and Katrin McDonald in Carie

6th February 1753, Fortingall OPR
Alexander Cumming in Carie in the parish of Logierait and Katrin McDonald in Tempar in this parish were booked (for marriage) lawfully.

There is a matching entry in the Logierait OPR for the marriage of Alexander Cummin and Catharin McDonald dated 10th February 1753.

In 1755 Ensign James Small, the Factor for the Forfeited Estate of Strowan (Struan) reported that Alexander Cumming was the schoolmaster at Carie with upwards of 30 scholars. He had a salary of £2 10s but had 'scruples' to continue unless this was supplemented. Basically, the parents of his scholars could not pay him enough to support his own family in a proper manner.

It would seem unlikely that the school was a full-time occupation as the Factor's census showed that he was farming at the same time.

Statistics of the Forfeited Estates of Alexander Robertson of Struan, 1755-56,

Easter Carie tenant: Alexander Cumming
People under 10 years: 1 male
People betwixt 10 and 17 years: none
People above 17 years: 1 male, 2 females
Number who spoke English: 2
Number who could spin: 2
Livestock: 17 horses; 10 cattle; 20 sheep; 0 swine; and 16 goats
Acres in tillage: 4 acres

The census only counted the members of the family and did not include domestic servants nor farm servants. The identity of the under 10 year old male child is unknown, unless it was a mistake for Alexander's daughter Janet who was born in 1755. One of the two females aged above 17 years, obviously, was his wife Katrin McDonald who was well educated as she could converse in English. The other female seems to have been Isoble (Isobel) Cummin who, it can be assumed, was Alexander's sister as she was living at Carie in 1765 when she married.

All of Alexander's children seem to have been born at Carie, although the baptisms for Janet, Charles and Duncan appear in the Fortingall OPR, whilst the others are in the Logierait OPR.

6th April 1755, Fortingall OPR
Janet, daughter to Alexander Cumming and Katrin McDonald in Carie was baptised.

28th August 1757, Fortingall OPR
Charles ..................

3rd January 1762, Fortingall OPR
Duncan ..................

23rd December 1763, Logierait OPR
John ..................

15th April 1765, Logierait OPR
Katharine ..................

15th June 1767, Logierait OPR
James ..................

10th April 1770, Logierait OPR
John, lawful son to Alexander Cumming and Cathrine McDonald in Carie (was baptised).

30th March 1772, Logierait OPR - Rannoch
Cecilia, lawful daughter to Alexander Cumming and Catharine McDonald in Carie (was baptised).

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Generation 1: The Children of Alexander Cumming, the schoolmaster, and Katrin McDonald in Carie

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Charles Cumming and Jean Forbes in Caputh parish

12th June 1792, Caputh OPR
Charles Cumming and Jean Forbes, both in this parish, having been regularly proclaimed - married 12th June.

It is assumed that this is the same Charles Cumming. The full name is virtually unique in this part of Perthshire and the boundary for the parish of Caputh takes in part of Dunkeld, which was the Duke of Atholl's property.

There are no baptisms recorded for any children belonging to this couple. However, one possible child is Margaret Cumming who was born in Caputh parish around 1794. She appears in the 1841 census for Caputh aged 45 years - in fact she is the only Cumming in Caputh parish. She also appears in the 1851 census, living on her own.

It is assumed that Margaret died between 1851 and 1855 as she does appear in the 1861 census for Caputh, and her death is not recorded after the commencement of civil registration.

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Duncan Cumming and Susan Menzies in Roxborough, Ontario

22nd January 1797, Fortingall OPR
Duncan Cumming in Lassintulloch and Susan Menzies in Bolfracks, both in this parish (were booked for marriage).

Susan Menzies is thought to have been the daughter of Archibald Menzies and Mary Menzies, baptised 3rd December 1774, so she would have been 22 when she married.

The couple had three children while living at Lassintulloch but only two of them were baptised.

1st May 1798, Fortingall OPR
Alexander, son to Duncan Cumming and Susan Menzies in Lassintulloch (was baptised).

24th March 1800, Fortingall OPR
Archibald, son to Duncan Cumming and Susan Menzies in Lassintulloch (was baptised).

The third child was named John. The entry in the Register of Deaths for Stormont, Ontario, states that John Cumming died August 17th 1891, aged 86 years, 3 months and 28 days - a farmer, Presbyterian and born in Scotland. (Schedule C - deaths, County of Stormont, Division of Roxborough, entry 015510)

The family emigrated to Canada around 1805 and settled in Roxborough township, Stormont Co. Ontario, where another five children were born.

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Generation 2: The Children of Duncan Cumming and Susan Menzies in Roxborough, Ontario

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Alexander Cumming and Elizabeth McLaren in Roxborough, Ontario

After the death of her husband, Elizabeth McLaren moved to Roland, Manitoba, with her son William 'Red' Cumming. She died 3rd April 1885 and was buried at the Fairview Cemetery where there is a grave marker to her memory. It states that she was a native of Glengarry, Ontario, and was 77 years and 2 months old.

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Generation 3: The Children of Alexander Cumming and Elizabeth McLaren in Roxborough, Ontario

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John Cumming and Margaret McDiarmid in Roxborough, Ontario

John Cumming married Margaret McDiarmid on 5th November 1835. She was the daughter of John McDiarmid and Catherine Christie and had been born in Ontario, 24th December 1817. The couple had fifteen children, all of them born in Ontario.

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Generation 3: The Children of John Cumming and Margaret McDiarmid in Roxborough, Ontario

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Donald McColl and Catherine Cumming in Kenyon

Catherine Cumming married Donald McColl, the son of Neil McColl and Mary McPherson from Argyll. There is a memorial stone to them in the Maxville Cemetery, Stormont Co. Ontario.

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Generation 3: The Children of Donald McColl and Catherine Cumming in Kenyon

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William Cumming and Janet McNaughton in Roxborough, Ontario

Janet McNaughton was the daughter of Donald McNaughton and Christian Kippen, born around 1820. The family have a memorial stone in the Maxville Cemetery, Stormont Co. Ontario, which mentions their children Donald and Archie.

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Generation 3: The Children of William Cumming and Janet McNaughton in Roxborough, Ontario

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Duncan Cumming and Margaret (Mary) McDonald in Kenyon, Ontario

The parentage of Margaret McDonald is uncertain, but she was born in Scotland around 1811.

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Generation 3: The Children of Duncan Cumming and Margaret (Mary) McDonald in Kenyon, Ontario

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Robert Cumming and Margaret McLaren in Roxborough

There is a monument inscription to Robert Cumming in the Maxville cemetery. Margaret McLaren was the daughter of Robert McLaren and Margaret Urquhart, born in Ontario 16th November 1817. She died in Harrisville, Alcona Co. Michigan and was buried in the Springport cemetery under the name "Margaret McLaurin".

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Generation 3: The Children of Robert Cumming and Margaret McLaren in Roxborough

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James Cumming and Catharine McGrigor in Perth

20th December 1794, Fortingall OPR
James Cumming in Finnart in this parish and Catharine McGregor in Sallan, Kenmore parish, entered their names for proclamation.

There were very few Cumming men named James at this time, and Finnart is a just small distance to the west of Dall of Carie. Assuming that this was the same fellow, he would have been about 27 when he married.

By the following year, the couple had moved to Perth where their first child was born.

18th October 1795, Perth OPR
Duncan Cumming, lawful son to James Cumming, labourer in Perth, and Catharine MacGregor his spouse and baptised the eighteenth day of October said year, by Mr Duncan Macfarlane, Minister of the Gallic (sic) Chapel in Perth.

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Generation 2: The Children of James Cumming and Catharine McGrigor in Perth

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John Cumming and Helen Forbes in Carie

25th January 1795, Logierait OPR
Allan, natural son (i.e. illegitimate) son to John Cumming and Helen Forbes in Carie, was baptised.

John Cumming and Susan Robertson in Wester Carie

It is thought that John Cumming and Susan Robertson were married around 1801 but there is no record of this event in any of the OPRs. This lack of a record hinders determining the birthplace and family of Susan Robertson. However the 1841 census for Wester Carie gives her age as 74 years, seven years older than her husband. Normally the ages in the 1841 census were rounded down to the nearest five years, so her age may be accurate. If this is the case, then Susan Robertson was born around 1767.

The Logierait OPR shows that John was born in 1770, so the 1841 census makes him 4 years younger than his actual age.

However, Susan's birth and baptism may not have been recorded in the OPRs. If this is the case, then Susan may have been the daughter of Duncan Robertson and Susan McDonald in Grennich, whose son Alexander married John's sister Cecil (Cecilia).

The 1841 census return for Wester Carie shows that John Cumming was a 67 year old farmer with two of his chldren still living on the farm.

Susanna Robertson probably was a house servant to the family

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Generation 2: The Children of John Cumming and Susan Robertson in Wester Carie

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John Robertson and Catharine Cumming in Carie

12th February 1826, Logierait OPR
John Robertson, smith in Carie of Rannoch and Catharine Cumming, daughter of John Cumming in Carie, both in this parish gave up their names for proclamation of marriage. February 12th - marriage lines granted.

John Robertson was the son of Donald Robertson and Margaret Cumming, but the bride and mother-in-law do not seem to have been closely related, despite both being a Cumming.

John Robertson and Catharine Cumming had only two of their children baptised with their names entered in the Logierait OPR, but the 1841 census shows John Robertson as a farmer in Wester Carie, with a much larger family.

The 1851 census return for Wester Carie shows that John Robertson was a blacksmith as well as a crofter.

13th July 1855, Kinloch Rannoch
John Robertson, blacksmith, aged 67 years having lived in Rannoch for 42 year but born at Auchline of Glendochert, died 13th July 1855 at Wester Carie in Rannoch. His parents were given as Donald Robertson, farmer, and Margaret Cumming, midwife, who were both deceased. He was married to Catherine Cumming by whom he had 11 children: Duncan, 28y; James, 27y; Alexander, 25y; Margaret, 23y; Susan, 22y; Donald, 20y; Catharine, 18y; John, 16y; Janet, 13y; Cecilia, 12y and Charles, 8y. He was buried at Lassintulloch and the informant was his son Donald.

5th June 1860, Kinloch Rannoch
Cecilia Robertson, unmarried and aged 17 years, died of consumption at Middle Camghouran on 5th June 1860 and was buried at Lassintulloch. Her parents were given as John Robertson, master blacksmith, deceased, and Catherine Cumming. The witness was Donald Robertson, her brother.

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Generation 3: The Children of John Robertson and Catharine Cumming in Carie

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Duncan Cumming and Catharine Robertson in Wester Carie

19th January 1839, Fortingall OPR
Duncan Cumming in Innerhaddon and Catharine Robertson there (Innerhaddon) married 19th January 1839.

Catharine's death certificate shows that she was the daughter of Alexander Robertson, a farmer, and Elizabeth Robertson.

By the time of the 1841 census Duncan Cumming and his wife had a daughter Susan. His brother John was working with him.

Duncan Campbell, son of John Campbell and Margaret Cummimg, born 27th February 1833, Fortingall OPR.

The 1851 Census Return for Wester Carie shows Duncan's expanding family, but his daughter Elizabeth is absent. She would appear to be the 8 year-old grand-daughter living with Alexander Robertson and his wife Elizabeth Robertson in Gaskan of Bohespic (11 in schedule). So this confirms that Catharine Robertson was their daughter.

Their son James was born in 1852, shortly before Duncan Cumming died in 1855.

Duncan Cumming, farmer married to Catherine Robertson, died at Carie on 4th February 1855 aged 50 years and was buried at the Camghoran Cemetery. His parents were given as John Cumming, farmer, and Susan Robertson, both deceased. His children were recorded as: Alexander, 18y; Susan, 14y; Elizabeth, 12y; Catherine, 10y; John, 6y; and James, 3y. The informant was John Cumming, his brother. (John Cumming was not entirely correct as the son Alexander was 8, not 18 years old, as shown by the 1851 census).

The 1861 census return area was now assigned to Kinloch Rannoch and shows a much reduced family.

20 year-old Susan Cumming was at Kinloch Rannoch (3/10), while Elizabeth Cumming and John Cumming were living at Gaskan of Bohespic with their grandparents. Elizabeth Cumming was still at Gaskan in 1871.

By 1871 only Cathrine Cumming aged 54 years, and her children: Cathrine Cumming aged 26 years; and James Cumming aged 20 years remained together in Rannoch (3/3). Her son James Cumming aged 20 years was living nearby (Rannoch 3/2)

The 1881 census shows that Catherine Cumming was acting as head of the family and describes her as a farmer's mother. Presumably either her son John or her son James was the tenant farmer.

Catherine Cumming's unmarried son James was a gamekeeper, living at Corriemony Mills, Urquhart and Glenmoriston, Inverness-shire. Catherine's unmarried daughter Susan was employed as James's housekeeper.

9th August 1907, Kinloch Rannoch
Catherine Cumming, widow of Duncan Cumming, farmer, died at West Camghouran on 9th August 1907 aged 90 years. Her parents were given as Alexander Robertson, farmer, and Elizabeth Robertson, both deceased. The informant was her son John Cumming.

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The Children of Duncan Cumming and Catharine Robertson in Wester Carie

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John McDonald and Elizabeth Cumming in Donmaheich, Foss

13th December 1872, Foss
John McDonald, bachelor farmer aged 53 years, and Elisabeth Cumming, spinster housekeeper aged 29 years, both of Donmaheich, Foss, were married at Tummelbridge on 13th December 1872. His parents were given as Malcolm McDonald, farmer, and Catherine Robertson, both deceased. Her parents were given as Duncan Cumming, deceased farmer, and Catherine Robertson. (John McDonald aged rapidly to 73 by the 1881 census!)

John McDonald must have prospered as, by 1881, he and his brother had taken over Kynachan House.

The visitor, John Cumming, was the brother of John McDonald's wife, Elizabeth.

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James Cumming and Eliza Cameron in Finnart, Rannoch

18th January 1884, Abernethy and Kincardine, Inverness-shire
James Cumming, unmarried gamekeeper aged 30 years living at Auchindarren, Argyllshire, and Eliza Cameron, farmer's unmarried daughter aged 25 years living at Easter Tulloch, Abernethy, were married at Easter Tulloch on 18th January 1884. His parents were given as Duncan Cumming, deceased farmer, and Catherine Robertson. Her parents were given as Gregor Cameron, farmer, and Jessie Grant.

By 1891 James Cumming and his family were living in Finnart, Lochrannoch.

The 1901 census shows that James Cumming had become the postmaster at Finnart.

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Margaret Cumming in Carie

Margaret Cumming never married and, for most of her life, lived with her brother John Cumming and his family. As both of John's children were considered to be 'rather simple-minded', the assistance of Margaret would have been very supportive.

Margaret Cumming, unmarried housekeeper died at Carie, Rannoch, on 29th December 1890, aged 82 years. Her parents were given as John Cumming, farmer, and Susan Robertson, boh deceased. The informant was her nephew, Donald Robertson (the son of John Robertson and Catharine Cumming in Carie).

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John Cumming and Catharine McGregor in Carie

The 1841 census shows the unmarried John Cumming was one of three menn employed as farm labourers by Mrs Jane Stewart in Innerhaddon House.

1841 Census, Fortingall 10/7

12th January 1849, Logierait OPR
John Cumming, Carie in Rannoch in this parish and Catharine McGregor in Camghouran (Cameron), Rannoch, parish of Fortingall, gave up their names for proclamation of the banns of marriage 1st January 1849, got proclaimed at the 7th and were married on the 12th current.

Catharine's death certificate shows that she was the daughter of Gregor McGregor and Ann McGregor, born around 1807.

The 1851 Census Return for Wester Carie shows that John and his wife were farming 5 acres and could afford to have a house maid. John's unmarried sister Margaret was visiting the family.

Elspeth Cumming, aged 82 years was living in the next house in Wester Carie.

The 1861 Census Return for Carie shows that John's unmarried sister Margaret now was living with the family.

The 1881 Census Return for Carie provides much the same information.

John Cumming, farmer and widower of Catharine McGregor died 3rd April 1887 at Carie, Rannoch, aged 78 years. His parents were given as John Cumming, farmer, and Susan Robertson, both deceased. The informant was his nephew, Donald Robertson (the son of John Robertson and Catharine Cumming in Carie).

19th July 1890, Rannoch
Catharine (sic) Cumming, lunatic and single, died at Carie, Rannoch, 19th July 1890 aged 38 years. Parents given as John Cumming, retired farmer, and Catharine McGregor, both deceased. The informant was Donald Robertson, her uncle.

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Generation 4: The Children of John Cumming and Catharine McGregor in Carie

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James Cumming and Charlotte McKercher in Wester Camghouran

26 year old James Cumming was living with his parents at the time of the 1841 census. Six years later, in 1847, he married Charlotte McKercher, the daughter of Donald McKercher and Charlotte McFarlane, and her baptism is recorded in the Fortingall OPR, dated 7th August 1819. However, Charlotte McKercher was not living in Fortingall parish when she married.

7th November 1847, Glenorchy and Inishail OPR
James Cumming, parish of Fortingall and Charlotte McKercher, parish of Glenorchy had their names proclaimed in order to marriage, 7th November 1847 and were married 12th November 1847.

There is no corresponding entry in any of the Perthshire OPRs, so where Charlotte McKercher was living is unknown. Presumably she was with relatives or working as a servant on a farm. Their first child, Susan, was baptised in Fortingall parish, 29th October 1848 and the 1851 census shows that another daughter was born around 1850.

Margaret Robertson was the daughter of John Robertson and Catharine Cumming (James's sister) in Carie.

Duncan Cameron was the son of Alexander Cameron and Janet Cumming in Fortingall.

At Perth on the eleventh day of May 1852 James Mitchell, writer in Pitlochry, gave up the inventory of the personal estate of James Cumming, farmer and grazier at Wester Camghouran, Rannoch, which was recorded in the Court Books of Perthshire. His date of death was given as 18th day of June 1851.

Primo. Principal sum contained in an interest deposit, receipt granted by David Craigie, cashier for the Perth Banking Company, Perth, with interest to date of death £30.
Secundo. Debts on open account: John Robertson, Camghouran, £5; Angus Cameron, Killichonan, £3; Donald McLaren, Finnart, £4; and John Cumming, Carie, £13.
Tertio. The deceased's stock of sheep and cattle, farming stock, implements of husbandry, household furniture, bed and table linen values by Finlay Scott, licenced appraiser, Pitlochry; £298 15s 6d (all Sterling).

The inventory was signed by Charlotte Cumming (Charlotte McKercher) and dated 28th April 1852.

After the death of her husband Charlotte McKercher remarried and the details are recorded in a birth certificate of 1855.

Angus Cameron was born at Middle Camghouran on 28th February 1855, the son of Duncan Cameron, farmer at Middle Camghouran aged 41 years, and Charlotte Cameron, previously Cumming and maiden name McKercher, aged 34 years and born in Glenlyon. Angus was her 3rd child. His parents had been married in 1854 "on the road between Carie and Dall"

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John Campbell and Isoble (Isobel) Cumming in Drumcastle

28th February 1765, Logierait OPR
John Campbell in Drumcastle and Isoble Cummin in Carie were married at Rannoch

There are no baptisms for any children recorded in the OPRs.

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Alexander Cumming, tacksman of the Mill at Dall, and Isobel Cumming

March 1773 Ensign James Small, the Factor for the Forfeited Estate of Strowan (Struan) reported that he had been given a petition to the Commissioners from Alexander Cumming, tacksman of the saw-mill of Rannoch (at Dall), in which Alexander Cumming claimed that "He is a great loser by his tack of the woods and gives it up unless they limit the number of tons to one hundred, and the price be reduced to 15s Sterling per ton, and if they cannot do this, hopes that the Commissioners will give him a farm. Encloses an estimated loss of £30". This seems to match the dwelling place of the couple as mentioned in Fortingall OPR for the baptism of their daughter Sybilla in 1769.

The record of a marriage between Alexander Cumming and Isabel Cumming no longer exists, but they were living at Carie in 1756 when a daughter was born.

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Statistics of the Forfeited Estates of Alexander Robertson of Struan, 1755-56,

Wester Carie tenant: Alexander Cumming
People under 10 years: none
People betwixt 10 and 17 years: none
People above 17 years: 1 male, 2 females
Number who spoke English: 1
Number who could spin: 2
Livestock: 3 horses; 11 cattle; 18 sheep; 0 swine; and 13 goats
Acres in tillage: 3½ acres

The second adult female in the above census could have been Alexander's sister Margaret, who was married to Duncan McGrigor.

Their first child was born at Carie, and subsequent children were born at Kinloch Rannoch and Dall of Carie.

26th September 1756, Fortingall OPR
(missing), daughter to Alexander Cumming and Isabell Cumming in Carie was baptised.

Unfortunately the name of this daughter is uncertain, as the page in the Fortingall OPR for 1756 is torn. However, details contained in Alexander Cumming's Deed of Settlement would suggest that the daughter's name was Janet.

17th March 1762, Fortingall OPR
(missing), daughter to Alexander Cumming and Isabell Cumming in Carie was baptised.

The Fortingall OPR entry of baptisms for 26th September 1756 is badly damaged so that the name cannot be read, only the fact that it was the baptism of a daughter. However, the marriage of Anne Cumming to John Cumming, dated 1st March 1782, shows that she was living at Dall (of Carie) in Logierait parish. Her parents had moved their family from Kinloch Rannoch to Dall by 1767 and the family was still there in 1773, hoping to get a small farm from the Factor for the Forfeited Estate of Strowan. If Ann was born in March 1762, she would have been 20 years old when she married.

10th June 1765, Fortingall OPR
Margaret, daughter to Alexander and Isabell Cummings in Kinloch Rannoch was baptised.

15th July 1767, Logierait OPR
Duncan, lawful son to Alexander and Isabell Cummings in Dale (Dall) of Carie was baptised.

19th August 1769, Logierait OPR
Sybilla, lawful daughter to Alexander and Isabel Cummings in Dale (Dall) of Carie was baptised.

5th November 1770, Logierait OPR
Sibella, ................................................ was baptised.

26th December 1774, Fortingall OPR
James, lawful son to Alexander and Isabel Cummings in Dale (Dall of Carie) was baptised.

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The Settlement of Alexander Cumming (Dunkeld Commissary Court)

At Perth, the thirteenth day of December eighteen hundred and twelve years - in presence of John Hay Forbes Esq., Advocate Sheriff Depute of Perthshire, compeared George Condie, write in Perth, as Procurator for Alexander Cumming residing in Camgouran, Rannoch, and gave in the Deed of Settlement after inserted, desiring the same to be registered in the Sheriff Court Book of the said Shire, to the effect therein mentioned; which desire the said Sheriff finding reasonable, he ordained the same to be done accordingly whereof the tenor follows viz.

Know all men by these presents, that I, Alexander Cuming residing in Camgouran Rannoch, considering the propriety of settling my worldly affairs in my own lifetime so as thereby to prevent all differences or disputes that might arise thereanent among my children of others after my decease, therefore and for certain other onerous causes and considerations me hereunto moving, I hereby with and under the burdens, declarations and provisions, powere and faculty aftermentioned, assign, dispone, convey and make over to and in favor of the Reverend James Ferguson, Minister of the Mission to Rannoch and Foss, and John McGrigor, Teacher in Rannoch and the acceptor and survivor of them, all and sundry lands and heritages presently pertaining and belonging or that shall happen to pertain and belong to me at the time of my decease. As also, all and sundry debts and sums of money, whether heritable or moveable and all gold and silver, banknotes outsight and insight, plenishings and furniture of all sorts, and all other goods, gear, means and effects of whatever lind or denomination the same may be, which shall happen to be resting and owing or belonging to me at the time of my decease, by whatever person or persons by bonds, bills, decreets, accounts or otherways with the vouchers and instructions of the said debts, and all that has followed, or may be competent to follow thereupon, turning and transferring the whole premises before conveyed to and in favour of the said Mr James Ferguson and John McGrigor and the acceptor or survivor of them, whom I hereby surrogate and substitute in my full right and place of the premises.

And I hereby nominate and appoint the said Mr James Ferguson and John McGrigor and the acceptor or survivor of them to be my sole executors and universal intromitters with the whole debts due and goods, gear and effects belonging to me, exclusive of all others, my nearest in kin, with power to them, and the survivor of them, immediately after my decease, to meddle and intromet with the said goods, gear, means and effects, to call and pursue for the said debts and generally every other thing in relation to the premises to do that any disponees, executors or universal legators might lawfully do in the like case, providing always and declaring as it is hereby expressly provided and declared that these presents are granted for the uses, ends and purposes following, viz.

That my said Trustees shall be bound and obliged as by acceptation hereof they bind and oblige themselves, and the survivor of them, to pay all my just and lawful debts, deathbed and funeral charges and expenses.

Secondly, that my said Trustees shall be bound and obliged to call in my outstanding debts and turn the whole of my means and effects, above assigned to them, into cash, and after paying all neccessary expenses attending these measures, my said Trustees shall be bound and obliged to make payment of the following legacies viz.

To Margaret Cuming, my grandchild, lawful daughter of James Cuming at Hallowell, North America, my son, the sum of fifteen pounds Sterling, which sum shall in the option of my said Trustees be either paid to her, the said Margaret Cuming, or laid out at interest or otherwise disposed of by them for her behoof, as my said Trustees shall think proper, and which sum of fifteen pounds Sterling shall bear interest from and after the first term of Whitsunday or Martinmass happemomh twelve months after my decease till payment.

And also my said Trustees shall be bound and obliged, after paying all my debts and the said legacy, to divide the free remainder of my said means and effects into two equal shares and to pay over one of the said shares to Duncan Cuming, miller at Camghouran, my son, his heirs, executors or assignees.

And the other said share to Duncan Stewart, residing in Perth, my son-in-law, his heirs, executors or assignees, and which divisions shall be made by my said Trustees and aceptor or survivor of them, at and against the first term of Whitsaunday or Martinmass as happening twelve months after my decease, or as soon thereafter as my funds can be realised by my said Trustees, with interest thereafter till payment, and a fifth part more of Penalty in case of failure.

And I hereby reserve my own liferent right of the premises and also full power and liberty at any time in my life or even upon deathbed, to revoke, alter or innovate these presents at pleasure by a writing under my hand, but in so far as these presents are neither altered or revoked by me, so far shall they be good and effectual though found in my own custody or in the custody of any other person, undelivered at the time of my death, with the not delivery, whereof I hereby dispence forever and consent to the registration hereof in the Books of Council and Session, or others competent therein to remain for preservation, and therefore I consitute,

The Deed of Settlement was witnessed by Duncan Robertson, wood forester at Dull (Dall?), and John Cameron, residing at Camghouran, grandson. The preamble also states that Alexander Cumming died on 9th March 1812.

The Inventory of the Effects of Alexander Cumming 1813

Inventory of the personal or moveable estate which belonged to the deceased Alexander Cumming residing at Camghouran, Rannoch, given up by John McGrigor, schoolmaster at Kinloch Rannoch, one of the executors nominated and appointed by the said defunct, conform to the Deed of Settlement dated the eighteenth day of February and recorded in the Sheriff Court Books of Perthshire, the thirteenth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and twelve years.

Sum payable at the time of the defunct's death for building a house on the farm of Camghouran
.......£77 6s 9d

The deceased's growing corns, sold by auction on the 25th day of August 1812, per Roup Roll
.......£54 4s 6d

The deceased's household furniture, bestial and implements of husbandry, also sold by auction 28th day of May 1812, per Roup Roll
....... £174 7s 10d

Amount of inventory and valuation of the stock of sheep and body clothes which belonged to the said defunct at the time of his death appraisement under the hand of Duncan McGrigor, auctioneer, on appraisement stamp
.......£66 0s 11d

Value of the deceased's estate in Scotland
.......£372 0s 0d

Alexander Cumming probably was in his eighties when he died - a long life in times of turmoil and social change. His Deed of Settlement provides snippets of information which add to the family history. Firstly, his wife is not mentioned in any way so it can be assumed that she pre-deceased him. Secondly, although he possessed banknotes in 1812, he did not use a bank account - the gold and silver mentioned in the Settlement would have been coinage.

The first mention of kin is that of "Margaret Cuming, my grandchild, lawful daughter of James Cuming at Hallowell, North America, my son". Hallowell is a small village in Maine, USA, which has a burial ground called the Cummings Cemetery. However, the Cummings families in Hallowell are totally unrelated to James Cumming and his ancestors.

The second mention of kin is that of "Duncan Cuming, miller at Camghouran, my son", about whom very little was known.

The third mention of kin is that of "Duncan Stewart, residing in Perth, my son-in-law". This is the first clear evidence that the Margaret Cumming in Camghouran, who married Duncan Stewart in 1793, was the daughter of Alexander Cumming and Isobel Cumming.

Finally, the Deed of Settlement was witnessed by "John Cameron, residing at Camghouran, grandson". To witness this legal deed, John Cameron would have needed to be a mature adult in 1812, so he probably was born around 1780. From the OPRs his parents would appear to be Alexander Cameron and Janet Cumming, and his death certificate confirms the same.

15th February 1865, Rannoch
John Cameron, farmer and widower of Helen Robertson, died 15th February 1865 at Kinloch Rannoch, aged 82 years. His parents were given as Alexander Cameron, farmer, and Janet Cumming, both deceased. The witness was Alexander Cameron, his son, living at Pitlivie near Carnoustie.

As this part of the family were not otherwise mentioned in the Deed of Settlement, it must be assumed that Alexander Cumming had already provided for them before 1812. Alexander Cumming's daughter Anne is, likewise, not mentioned.

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Generation 2: The Children of Alexander Cumming, tacksman of the Mill at Dall, and Isobel Cumming

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Alexander Cameron and Janet Cumming in Crieff

15th March 1778, Logierait OPR
Alexander Cameron, volunteer in the Atholl Highland Regiment and Janet Cumming in Dale (Dall) of Carie entered their names for proclamation (in order to marriage).

11th May 1778, Logierait OPR
Duncan, lawful son to Alexander Cameron, sergeant in the Atholl Regiment and Janet Cumming in Drumcastle was baptised.

Note: Another Duncan, the son of Alexander Cumming and Janet Cumming, was baptised on exactly the same day in Logierait.

Their next two children, Donald and Isabel were born at Clachan of Struan and Kirkton of Struan in 1779 and 1782, respectively, while Cecilia was born in Kirkmichael parish in 1786. The remaining four children were all born in Crieff parish: Alexander, in 1789; James, in 1793; Margaret, in 1794; and a second James, in 1799. Curiously the only child missing from the OPRs is John Cameron, whose death certificate in 1865 suggests that he was born around 1783, so he would have been about 30 years old when he witnessed his grandfather's deed of settlement.

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Generation 3: The Childen of Alexander Cameron and Janet Cumming in Crieff

The baptisms in Crieff parish provide no further information, except that Alexander Cameron was a labourer.

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Duncan Stewart and Margaret Cumming in Perth

It is most fortunately that Alexander Cumming's Deed of Settlement mentions "Duncan Stewart, residing in Perth, my son-in-law", which confirms that the Duncan Stewart and Margaret Cumming who married at Camghouran, were the same couple who raised a family in Perth.

23rd March 1793, Fortingall OPR
Duncan Stewart and Margaret Cumming, both in Camghouran in this parish (gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage).

Catherine, their first child was baptised in Fortingall parish but the rest of the family were born in Perth, where Duncan Stewart worked as a carter, as shown by the baptism of their son Alexander.

17th May 1796, Perth OPR
Perth, the seventeenth day of May, 1796, was born Alexander Stewart, lawful son to Duncan Stewart, carter, and Margaret Cumming his spouse, and baptised the twentieth day of May, said year, by Mr Duncan MacFarlane, Minister of the Gaelic Chapel in Perth.

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Generation 3: The Children of Duncan Stewart and Margaret Cumming in Perth

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Duncan Cumming, miller at Camghouran

In 1812 Alexander Cumming's Deed of Settlement instructed his Trustees to "divide the free remainder of my said means and effects into two equal shares and to pay over one of the said shares to Duncan Cuming, miller at Camghouran, my son, his heirs, executors or assignees".

This would appear to be the same Duncan Cumming who had a natural (illegitimate) daughter by Margaret Cameron in Camghouran, baptised on 28th January 1801. The child was named 'Sibla' - one wonders if Duncan's sister Sibella was pleased or aghast at the choice.

Six years later Duncan Cumming married Flora Cameron

29th March 1807, Fortingall OPR
Duncan Cumming and Flora Cameron, both in Camghouran, entered (their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage).

The couple had three children before emigrating to Ontario, but there are no baptisms recorded in the Fortingall OPR. Another four children were born while they were living at Brighton, Northumberland Co. Ontario.

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Generation 3: The Children of Duncan Cumming and Flora Cameron in Brighton, Ontario

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John McFarlane and Alexanderina Cumming in Craiganour

The baptism of Alexanderina Cumming is not recorded in the OPRs but evidence that she was the daughter of Alexander Cumming and Isobel Cumming can be found in the 1851 census return for Rannoch Manse.

There are only three entries for the baptism of an Isobel McFarlane in the Fortingall OPR, which are dated 1785, 1807 and 1826. The second of these is the closest fit to Isabella being aged 38 years old in the census return (her actual age would have been 44), and she was the daughter of John McFarlane and Alexanderina Cumming. Margaret Cumming, her 60 year-old cousin, was the daughter of John Cumming and Anne Cumming, born 1790 and died 15th September 1876. So, if Isobel McFarlane and Margaret Cumming were (first) cousins, then their mothers were sisters.

5th August 1796
John McFarlane in Craiganour and Alexandrina Cumming in Camghouran (Cameron), both in this parish (were booked)

All of their children were born at Craiganour.

Christina MacFarlane, merchant and unmarried, died at the Manse of Kinloch Rannoch on 23rd July 1867, aged 53 years. Her parents were given as John MacFarlane, farmer, and Alexanderina Cumming, both deceased. The informant was her brother Duncan MacFarlane.

Duncan McFarlane, unmarried and Minister of the parish of Kinloch Rannoch, died at 14 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh on 4th August 1868, aged 68 years. His parents were given as John McFarlane, farmer, and Alexanderina Cumming, both deceased. The informant was his sister-in-law, Mary McFarlane.

Donald McFarlane, dairyman married to Mary McDonald, died Dalry, Edinburgh on 18th February 1869, aged 70 years. His parents were given as John McFarlane, farmer, and Alexanderina Cumming, both deceased. The informant was his son, John McFarlane.

(Generation 3) The Children of John McFarlane and Alexanderina Cumming in Craiganour

* Both baptismal entries are repeated for the following year.

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James Cumming and Christy Cameron, both in Camghouran (Cameron)

Christy Cameron in Camghouran had an illegitimate child by James Cumming in Camghouran in July 1795. As James was seldom used as a forename in Cumming families, there appear to be only two possible fathers for the child - James, the son of Alexander Cumming and Isobel Cumming born in 1774, and James, the son of Alexander Cumming and Katrin McDonald, born in 1767. As it tended to be the younger fellows who got girls pregnant, then the former James was taken as the more likely father until evidence proved otherwise. The conclusive evidence came from Alexander Cumming's Deed of Settlement

7th July 1795, Fortingall OPR
Margaret, natural daughter to James Cumming and Christy Cameron in Camghouran.

The Deed of Settlement mentions that a legacy was to be given to "Margaret Cuming, my grandchild, lawful daughter of James Cuming at Hallowell, North America, my son". It is interesting to note that Alexander Cumming recognised his son's illegitimate child as 'lawful'. Perhaps this was to prevent James's siblings from contesting the legacy or, perhaps, James actually married Christy Cameron before taking both to America. Certainly, the terms of the legacy suggest that James Cumming was dead by 1812. Margaret returned to Rannoch (along with her mother?), and married Archibald Cameron in 1815, as verified by her death certificate, 17th February 1871.

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Generation 3: The illegitimate child of James Cumming and Christy Cameron in Camghouran

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Archibald Cameron and Margaret Cumming in Camghouran (Cameron)

18th February 1815, Fortingall OPR
Archibald Cameron and Margaret Cumming both in Camgoran (Cameron) in this parish (were booked for proclamation in order to marriage).

9th March 1829, Fortingall OPR
Christian, daughter to Archibald Cameron and Margaret Cumming in Camghouran, born 7th December 1828, baptised 9th March 1829.

The baptisms of only the first four children are recorded in the OPRs, but the 1841 census for Camghouran (Fortingall 9/3) shows the approximate dates of birth for another three children.

Euphemia Cameron was the elder sister of Archibald Cameron, the children of Duncan Cameron and Mary McGrigor.

Margaret Cumming, widow of Archibald Cameron, farmer, died of old age at Carie, Rannoch, on 17th February 1871 aged 74 years. Parents given as James Cumming, farmer, and Christina Cameron, both deceased. Witness was Alexander Cameron, her son.

Ann Cameron, married to James Stewart, saw-miller, died at Dall of Rannoch on 9th August 1874 aged 37 years. Parents given as Archibald Cameron, farmer deceased, and Margaret Cumming, deceased. The informant was James Stewart, widower.

Donald Cameron, unmarried shepherd, died at Miltown of Kynachan, Foss, on 22nd July 1883 aged 57 years. Parents given as Archibald Cameron, farmer deceased, and Margaret Cumming, deceased. The informant was Duncan Cameron, his brother.

Euphemia Cameron, married to Donald McFarlane, gamekeeper, died at Crossmount on 2nd May 1892 aged 56 years. Parents given as Archibald Cameron, farmer deceased, and Peggy Cumming, deceased. The informant was her husband.

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Generation 4: The Children of Archibald Cameron and Margaret Cumming in Camghouran

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Duncan McGrigor and Margaret Cumming, in Carie

The OPR entry for the marriage of Duncan McGrigor and Margaret Cumming is virtually illegible but appears to read as:

31st December 1748, Logieriat OPR
(Dun)can McGrigor and Margaret Cummin in Carie in this parish were listed for proclamation.

The parentage of Margaret Cumming is uncertain. As she was living at Carie when she married, is must be assumed that she was the sister of one of the two Alexander Cummings. But which one - Alexander Cumming, tacksman at Dall or Alexander Cumming, schoolmaster at Carie?

There is a gap of ten years before any of their children had their baptisms recorded in the OPR so, perhaps, Duncan McGrigor enlisted in the Hanovarian army. While her husband was away, Margaret might well be living in her brother's house.

12th February 1759, Fortingall OPR
Neil, son to Duncan McGrigor and Margaret Cumming in Carie was baptised.

31st May 1762, Logierait OPR
Alexander

6th March 1764, Logierait OPR
Christian

19th October 1766, Fortingall OPR
Alexander, lawful son to Duncan McGrigor and Margaret Cumming in Carie was baptised.

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John Cumming and Kathrin McC..... in Carie

The first mention of this family seems to be the baptism of their son, George, in 1758 and from this it is estimated that John Cumming was born around 1728.

9th July 1758, Logierait OPR
George, son to John Cumming and Kathrine McC..... in Carie, was baptised.

(The surname in the Logierait OPR is indistinct but might be McCra).

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Generation 2: The Children of John Cumming and Kathrin McC..... in Carie

In 1772 John Cumming was involved in public scandal. The Logierait Session minutes for 23rd August 1772 relate that "John Cumming in Carie an Elder of this parish, compeared and confessed his having been guilty of adultery with Janet Cameron, his late servant maid. The Session in regard of his own confession, did depose the said John Cumming from the office of an Elder, and appointed the Minister to desire Mr McCulloch, itinerant Minister at Rannoch, to cause summonds the said Janet Cameron to compear before the Session as soon as possible, with certification".

26th August 1772, Logierait OPR
Margaret, adulterous daughter of Janet Cameron and John Cumming in Carie, was baptised.

Logierait Session minutes, 28th March 1773. Janet Cameron in Carie appeared and acknowleged that she brought forth a child in adultery to John Cumming in Carie, which John Cumming had compeared on the 23rd day of August last, and had confessed the said crime as appears from the Minutes of that date.

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Generation 2: The illegitimate child of John Cumming and Janet Cameron in Carie

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George Cumming and Margaret McNaughton in Carie

26th April 1788, Logierait OPR
George Cumming in Carie in this parish and Margaret McNaughton in the parish of Balquidder entered their names for proclamation - Granted a line to be married at Balquidder in May 1788.

The same marriage appears in the Balqhidder OPR dated 2nd May 1788.

George Cumming and his wife had several children, who probably were all born in Carie, but not all of them had their baptisms written in the Logierait OPR.

8th April 1791, Logierait OPR, Rannoch
Margaret, lawful daughter to George Cumming, schoolmaster, and Margaret McNaughton in Carie was baptised, born 5th ditto.

20th January 1794, Logierait OPR, Rannoch
Janet, lawful daughter to George Cumming and Margaret McNaughton in Carie was baptised, born 16th.

His daughter Christian Cumming, unmarried housekeeper, died at Carie on 3rd November 1890 aged 90 years. Her parents were given as George Cumming, schoolmaster, and Margaret McNaughton, both deceased. The informant was Alexander McGregor, her nephew.

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Generation 3: The Children of George Cumming and Margaret McNaughton in Carie

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Malcolm McGrigor and Margaret Cumming in Innerhaddon

Note: A different couple but with identical names married in Fortingall parish, 18th April 1785.

20th January 1818, Fortingall OPR
Malcolm McGrigor and Margaret Cumming, both in this parish (were booked for proclamation in order to marriage).

1st November 1818, Fortingall OPR
Hugh, son to Malcolm McGregor and Margaret Cumming in Innerhaddon (was baptised).

The 1841 census shows the family farming at Innerhaddon.

Janet Cumming, aged 45 years, was the unmarried sister of Margaret Cumming.

(Generation 4) The Children of Malcolm McGrigor and Margaret Cumming in Innerhaddon

Margaret McDougall, wife of a farmer, died 9th April 1857 at Garn.....?, Kirkintilloch, aged 29 years and was buried at Sighthill cemetery. Her parents were given as Malcolm McGrigor, deceased, and Margaret Cumming. The informant was Donald McDougall, widower.

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John Cumming and Margaret Forbes in Wester Carie, Dull parish and Kirkintilloch

The birth or baptism of John Cumming are un-recorded and, likewise, there is no record of his marriage to Margaret Forbes.

The first indication that he was the son of George Cumming and Margaret McNaughton comes from the 1841 census for Wester Carie, which shows him living next door to Margaret McNaughton and two of her daughters.

The 1851 census for Dull parish shows that John Cumming and his family had moved to Foss and become farmers.

By the time of the 1861 census, the family had moved to Middlemuir farm, just south of Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire.

By the 1871 census, John Cumming had retired to Hillhead, Claddens.

16th March 1877, Burgh of Falkirk
John Cumming, farmer married to Margaret Forbes, died 16th March 1877 at 9 Callendar Road, Falkirk, aged 74 years. His parents were given as George Cumming, teacher, and Margaret McNaughton, both deceased. The informant was his son-in-law, John Lang, 6 Stonefield Terrace, Glasgow.

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Generation 4: The Children of John Cumming and Margaret Forbes in Kirkintilloch

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John Campbell and Flora Cumming in Camghouran (Cameron)

13th February 1841, Logierait OPR
John Campbell and Flora Cumming, both in Carie, Rannoch, in this parish, gave up their names for proclamation of the banns of marriage.

The 1841 census shows the newly married couple were living in the house of Flora's mother, Margaret McNaughton, in Wester Carie along with her unmarried sister Christian. The next house was occupied by John Cumming, her brother, and his family. John Campbell and Flora Cumming never had any children.

The 1851 census shows that the couple had moved from Wester Carie to East Camghouran (Cameron).

The 1861 census shows that the couple never had any children.

Flora Campbell, pauper married to John Campbell, weaver, died suddenly at Camghouran (Cameron of Rannoch) 6th February 1874, aged 68 years. Her parents were given as George Cumming, Society schoolmaster, and Margaret McNaughton, both deceased. The witness was John Campbell, widower, and he signed with his mark (i.e. he could not write)

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John Forbes and Margaret Cumming in Carie and Edinburgh

The OPR entry for the marriage of John Forbes and Margaret Cumming is extremely brief and is a note (N.B.) indicating that it is recording a much earlier event.

27th February 1797, Logierait OPR
N.B. Married - John Forbes and Margaret Cumming (both) in Carie.

12th May 1813, Logierait OPR
John, lawful son to John Forbes, joiner, and Margaret Cumming in Wester Carie, was born 12th May 1813.

This entry is followed by -

12th January 1812, Logierait OPR
James, lawful son to John Cumming, farmer, and Susan Robertson in Wester Carie, was born 12th January 1812.
So, perhaps, John Forbes and his family were staying with John Cumming and his wife, Susan Robertson.

6th February 1824, Edinburgh OPR
John Forbes, wright, and Margaret Cumming his spouse in St. Cuthbert's parish, a son born 6th February, named James (baptised 27th February).

By 1841 John Forbes was a widower and had returned to Wester Carie where he was living next to John Cumming and his wife, Susan Robertson. His son, Mungo Forbes, had recently married Ann Cameron.

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Generation 3: The children of John Forbes and Margaret Cumming in Carie and Edinburgh

8th July 1862
John Forbes, inn-keeper married to Sarah McGregor, died at Pitlochry on 8th July 1862, aged 45 years. His parents were given as John Forbes, farmer, and Margaret Cumming, both deceased. The informant was his brother Duncan Forbes in Kinloch Rannoch.