Article by Neil Macphail in the Main on Sunday, 28th September 2003
Are you a MacDonald herding sheep on your lonely croft? A MacDougall
commuting home from your office job? Or even a MacAlister living a quiet
but humdrum life? If so, there is every possibility that lurking in your
body is the genetic fingerprint of one of Scotland's greatest warriors
- a fearsome man capable of tearing the heart out of a Viking foe. An Oxford
University scientist has traced the Y-chromosome, which determines maleness,
of the founder of Clan Donald - the great Somerled of Argyll, who was born
around 1100 and drove out the Viking invaders.
Geneticist Bryan Sykes says this microscopic fragment of the fearsome
fighter still lives on in the DNA of half a million clansmen throughout
the world. Indeed Professor Sykes says the Y-chromosome of the Gaelic warrior,
who it seems had Norse blood himself, is so prevalent it could be among
the most successful in the world. Prof. Sykes and his team made the discovery
almost by accident while they were researching genetic links between the
Scots and the Vikings and looking for Norse Y-chromosomes. He and researcher
Jayne Nicholson had taken thousands of DNA samples from men in the Highlands
and Western Isles, and spotted a group that stood out. They were at first
puzzled, then Miss Nicholson looked at the donors' names. These revealed
that among the men with the identical Y-chromosomes were MacDonalds, MacAlisters
and MacDougalls. Prof. Sykes said: "There didn't seem all that much in
it until Jayne said quietly that these clans were related.
"The possibility that this Y-chromosome was inherited from the common
ancestor of the MacDonalds, MacDougalls and MacAlisters was incredibly
exciting. They wrote to dozens of those clansmen throughout Scotland, enclosing
a sampling brush for them to collect DNA from inside their cheeks. In the
samples of those who replied, they found a single common Y-chromosome.
To be double sure this was Somerled's, Prof Sykes embarked on a sensitive
piece of research involving the living chiefs of the Clan Donald and their
septs. He said: "I wanted to see if the clan chiefs still alive, whose
recorded genealogies descend from Somerled, also shared the same chromosome.
This was a delicate task. We might find one or more of the chiefs did not
have it - meaning one of their paternal ancestors might have been adopted,
or had not been the biological father of his heir. He approached Lord Godfrey
Macdonald, Sir Ian Macdonald of Sleat, Ranald MacDonald of Clan Ranald,
William McAlester of Loup and Ranald MacDonnell of Glengary, enclosing
a DNA brush.
The result was conclusive: 'They all shared the same chromosome.
There was now no dought we had identified the legacy of Somerled.' Now
the only one whose lineage is in doubt is Somerled himself. Tradition says
he descended from the ancient Irish kings - but Prof. Sykes says the chromosome
proves his Norse ancestry.
The Macdonalds were one of the oldest, and probably the largest
and most famous of all the Highland clans in Scotland. Our
Celtic heritage goes back into antiquity, beyond the 6th Century a.d. to
Conn of the Hundred Battles, Cairfre Raida, founder of Dal Raida in in
Antrim, Eire, and Colla Uathais. Our ancestors on this side were regarded
as the heads of the ancient race of Conn, and the lineal heirs of the High
Kings of the Dalriadic Scots. Our Viking heritage goes back to Ingiald
and Olaf the Tree Hewer in 7th Century Sweden and Norway. All these blood
lines came together in the 12th Century with the birth of Somerled
MacGillebride MacGilladamnan, the historic founder of Clan Donald. Clan
Donald begins it’s recorded history with Somerled and his son Donald.
CLAN DONALD, from whence comes the surname MacDonald, means
the “Children of Donald” - the descendants of Donald, the Hebridean
King living in the 1200's. His grandfather, the mighty King Somerled, was
Celtic Ruler of Argyll, before conquering the South Isles from his wife's
family of Norse Sea-Kings. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the MacDonalds,
as Lords of the Isles, were at the height of their power and the principle
champions of Gaelic culture. They also held Ross-Shire and most of Inverness-Shire
under the title of the the Earls of Ross.
After the downfall of their Sea Kingdom of the Isles, which happened
at the close of the 15th century, the old Macdonald Royal House split into
many branches, each having their own hereditary chiefs - Clanranald, Glengarry,
Sleat, Keppoch, Glenco, and as well, Antirim just across the Irish channel.
But by the 20th century, the Crown once again recognised a Macdonald High
chief, a descendant of Hugh Macdonald of the Sleat Macdonald branch
- Lord Macdonald of Macdonald, who presently lives in Kinloch Skye.
The descendants of Clan Donald are now scattered in every part
of the globe. But wherever they are, one can be certain, that one day,
each and every one of them will always look back to their ancestral
roots in the Sea-Kingdom of the Isles.
The history of the reign stretches back to one Gilledomnan or
(Gille Adomnan) who was married to the heiress of Godfrey McFergus, Lord
of the Hebrides who died in 853 a.d. The McFergus branch of the old royal
family had stayed in the Western Isles of Scotland to do battle with the
invading Vikings who had begun attacking the Western Isles in 793 a.d.
Gilledomnan went to Ireland to seek military support. While he
was there, his daughter married Harold IV Gillis Magnusson, King of Norway
in an attempt to secure peace. His son Gillebride returned to Scotland
where he fought the Vikings, but ended up by marrying a Viking woman, and
they had a son Somerled, who was to become one of Scotland’s greatest heroes.
He became the progenitor not only of the Macdonalds, but many other of
Scotlands clans as well.
The Mighty Somerled
Somerled b. c1100, died 1164, buried in the Saddell Abbey 9 miles from
Mull Kintyre. “Rex Insularum”, Thane of Argyle. He was named after the
“Somerledi” or “Summer Sailors” - the Vikings.
Clan Donald begins their recorded history with Somerled, although it
is known that Somerled’s father was Gillebride son of Gilledomnan. Somerled’s
defeat of the Norse King of Man in 1156 a.d., gained independence for Southwestern
Scotland that survived for over four centuries. He made himself master
of Morven and Lochaber by heading a rising which expelled the Norwegian
raiders who had settled there. Later King David I gave him Arran, :Bute
and the Isle of Man, and he was also Lord of Argyll. His sons were known
as the “Lords of the Isles.” He married the daughter of the Norse King
Olaf I (Olaf the Black”) King of Man, born 1080-1153 and Ingebiorg of Orkney
born c1097. Rainghildis was born c1117 on the Isle of Man descended
from the the Viking Kings of Ireland and Norway. Somerled was descended
from Viking, Celtic and Pict Kings of Ireland, Scotland and the Isles.
Somerled, son of Gillbride son of Gilleagmain, son of Solaim, son of Meargad,
son of Suibhne, son of Niallgusa, son of Maine, son of Gofrig, son of Fergus,
son of Erc, son of Cartain, son of Eathach feighlioch, son of Colla Uais,
son of Eathach doimlein, son of Cairpre liffechar, son of Cormac
Uilfata, son of Airt ainfir faulcha, son of Cuin cead fcaig
Somerled won his wife’s hand in marriage through trickery. Holes
were drilled in Olaf’s galley, and plugged with a substance which would
disolve after a short time in the water. When the ship began to sink, a
relative of Somerled offered to fix the holes if Olaf would grant him one
wish, that Somerled could marry his daughter. The trick worked, and Somerled
and Rainghildis were married sometime after 1140. In 1164 Somerled
renewed hostilities and invaded the mainland with a large army. He was
assasinated at Renfrew by a bribed miscreant named Maurice MacNeil, a relative
of Somerled, said to have been his nephew, who had no fear of his
presence in camp. Somerled was buried at the monastery of Saddell or the
Isle of Iona, in Scotland. Somerled had a sister who married Malcolm, Earl
of Ross
Somerled and Rainghildis had children;
A1 Ranald MacSorley Macdonald, born before 1164, died c1209, progenitor of the Macdonalds of Islay. He founded the monastery of Saddell, and he granted a charter to Paisley Abby circa 1180. He married circa 1155 Fonia of Moray. He was the founder of Macdonald of Islay, Macdonalds of Sleat
A2. Dougald
Macdonald progenitor of the MacDougalls. He acquired Lorne, Mull, and
Jura.
A3.Angus Rabhach progenitor of the MacRuari (MacRory) clan in Bute. He acquired Bute, part of Arran and the territory lying between Ardnamurchan and Glenelg. He died in 1210.
A4.Godfrey Macdonald
A5.Alexander Oig Macdonald.
A6.Daughter Macdonald m. circa 1229 Malcolm Lamont born circa 1200 in Cowal s/o Sir Lauman chief of Lamonts. (About the year 1238, Duncan son of Fhearchar and his nephew Malcolm son of Sir Lauman granted to the monks of Paisley the church of Kilfinan with it’s patronage as well as lands at Kilmun and a chapel at Kilmory on Loch Gilp.)
Somerled married 2ndly, Daughter Bissett of Antrim with further children;
A6.Gillies MacSorley Macdonald married ? with children;
B1.Daughter Nicgillies m. her cousin Donald
Eponymous Macdonald of the Isles s/o Ranald
MacSorley Macdonald and Fiona of Moray. For
their children, see Angus Og.
other issue of Somerled
A7. Gillicallum (d Renfrew 1184),
A8 Olave,
A9. Gall Macsgillin,
A10. Beatrix (prioress of Iona)
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Generation 2 Macdonalds of Islay
Ranald or Reginald, MacSorley Macdonald of the Isles, born before 1164,
died c1209, s/o Somerled and Raginhildus. He was the progenitor of the
Macdonalds of Islay, from whom the Skye Macdonalds descend. He was
described in his charter (about 1180) to Paisley Abby as “Reginaldus Filius
Somerled Dominus de Inchegal“ His seal to this charter is inscribed “Reginaldus
Rex Insularum, Dominus de Ergile”. He married circa 1155, Fonia of
Moray the granddaughter of Fergus, Prince of Galloway ( m.
daughter of Randulph That a daughter of Randulph may have been a wife of
Reginald is given in TSP (Moray). It is not known if she was mother of
Donald) . Reginald assumed the title "Lord of the Isles" or received it
from his followers. He and his two brothers were styled Kings of
the Isles, and in the next generation, mention is made in a Norse chronicle,
of the three Kings of the Isles, all of the race of Somerled, existing
at the same time. Reginald obtained Kintyre and Isla, and part of Arran.
From Reginald, styled on his seal, Reginald Rex Insularum, Kominus de Ergile,
sprang the family of Isla. He died in 1207, leaving three sons; Donald,
Roderick and Dugal. From Donald descended the powerful Clan which still
bears his name.........
A1. Helen of the Isles married Alan, Lord of Galloway, Constable (d 1234)
A2. Donald Eponymous Macranald Macdonald Lord of the Isles, his successor, and younger half brother of Allan.Donald was born c1190 and died in 11269. He m. Daughter NicGillies his cousin. She was d/o Gillies MacSorley Macdonald, who was s/o Somerled and his 2nd wife, the daughter of Bissett of Antrim. See next generation chief
A3.Ruaridh, Roderick or Rory Macdonald b. before 1207 died 1268
Ruairi Roderick Macdonald of Garmoran and North Isles (after death of Angus
in 1210), died c1266. with son Allan died c1284, who had a son Ruairi forfetted
c1325, who had a son Ronald Macdonald who got a charter for the Uists,
Barra, Rhum and Garmoran, including Moidart, Morar, Arisaig, and Knoydart
in 1334. (Ruairi Macdonald also had son Allan who succeeded to his brother
Ronald’s lands, and a daughter Amie, heiress, whose lands went to her husband
in 1372, John 1st Lord of the Isles m. ? with children;
B1.Allan Macdonald of Garmaron born before 1268 died 1285
m. ? with children;
C1.Lachlan Macdonald died 1318, m. ?
with children;
D1.Ronald
the White Macdonald m. ? with children;
E1.Thomas Macdonald.
C2. Roderick Macdonald (d c1325, 3rd
son) forfeited c1325 married ? with children;
D1. Ronald Macdonald (the white?) died 1346 got a charter for the Uists,
Barra, Rhum and Garmoran, including
Moidart, Morar, Arisaig, and Knoydart in 1334.
D2. Allan Macruairi
C3. Christina Macdonald
married Donald 6th Earl of Mar with children:
D1. Duncan of Mar
C4. Ronald Macdonald son
of Allan
C5. Amy Macdonald heiresss
c1337 married her cousin John 1st lord of the Isles see next generation
B2.Ronald Macdonald son of Roderick
B3.Dougal Macdonald Dugall of Lorn, Mull and Jura,
1st of Dunollie, son of Roderick, born before 1268 m. ? with
children;
C1.Duncan Macdonald m. ? with children;
D1.Ferchard Macdonald.
D2.Duncan Macdonald.
C2.Erick Macruaridh
Macdonald
B4. Angus, Lord of Bute and Arran (d 1210) married
? with children
C1. James Macrory
of Bute and Arran (d 1210)
C2. Jean Macrory
m. Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland (d 1283)
C3..+ 2 other sons
(both d 1210)
B5. other issue - Gillicallum (d Renfrew 1184), Olave,
Gall Macsgillin, Beatrix (prioress of Iona)
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(Generation 3)
Donald Eponymous Macdonald lord of Inchegal, born 1190, died 1269.
He was s/o Reginald, s/o Somerled. The Macdonald clan takes it's name from
this Donald, grandson of the great Somerled He was the original
“Mac” (Son of Donald). Bornaskitaig on Skye, is said to have been the scene
of the gesture which gave the MacDonald clan its motto 'Air muir's
tir'. Donald, son of Reginald MacSomerled, engaged in a contest with a
rival clan for possession of a piece of land, whoever put his hand on the
shore first, would win it. At the last moment Donald's galley was overtaken,
so he cut off his left hand and flung it on the shore. In his charter to
the monastery of Paisley, about 1210, was described as “Dovenaldus Filius
Reginaldi filii Somerled dominus de Inchegal”. He married daughter
NicGillies, his cousin. She was d/o Gillies MacSorley Macdonald, who was
s/o Somerled and his 2nd wife, the daughter of Bissett of Antrim.
With children;
A1. Sir Angus Mor Macdonald, eldest son, his successor. see next generation
A2.Alexander Mor Macdonald b. before 1250 died 1299, ancestor of various
families fo Alexanders and MacAlisters.
B1.Donald Macdonald m. ? with children;
C1.Alexander
Macdonald m. ? with children;
D1.Ranald Macdonald.
C2.Gilbert Macdonald
de Insula
B2.Godfrey Macdonald
B3.Duncan Macdonald
B4.John Macdonald
B5.Hector Macdonald.
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(Generation 4)
Sir Angus Mor Macdonald born 1249 died 1301, Angus, Lord of Isla, styled
by the seannachies Angus Mor, had his lands ravaged by Alexander III, of
Scotland in 1255, so that in 1263, when King Haco of Norway arrived in
the Isles, Angus joined the Norwegians, although he was not at the defeat
at Largs in 1263. Shortly afterwards however, he was on friendly terms
again with the Scottish King, for in 1264, he was one of the three nobles
from Argyle present at the convention by which the Maid of Norway was declared
heiress to the throne of Scotland. About this time there were three great
noblemen all holding great possessions in the Isles, and on the mainland,
who attended the Scottish Parliament. According to some writers Angus Mor
was of a very amiable and cheerful disposition, and more witty than any
of his time. He died in 1292 and was succeeded by his son Alexander. He
married NicColin Campbell d/o Sir Colin Campbell of Lochawe. With
children;
A1. Alexander Macdonald born before 1292, the eldest son, fought against
Robert the Bruce, he was the progenitor of the Clan Alastair Macdonalds.
He was forfeited because he sided with the Bailliol party against Robert
the Bruce. He married after 1295 Julianna MacDougall of Lorn (dau of Ewen
MacDougall, 3rd of Dunollie and of Lorn) With children;
B1. John Dubh Macdonald
B2. Reginald Macdonald
B3. Somerled Macdonald
B4. Angus Macdonald
B5. Godfrey Macdonald
B6. Charles Macdonald
A2. Angus Og Macdonald, 2nd son, his successor, fought with Robert the Bruce see next generation
A3. John MacDonald (Iain Sprangach) born before 1292 - died c1340) brother of Angus Og and founder of the MacIains or Macdonalds of Ardnamurchan. (The last chief of the Macdonalds of Ardnamurchan was Alexander 7th of Ardnamurchan (bef. 1518-about 1538)
A4.Duncan Macdonald of the Isles born before 1292.
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(Generation 5)
Angus Og Macdonald - athough Alexander was the heir and elder brother,
he fought on the loosing side against Robert the Bruce, and his brother
Angus Og received all his forfeited lands. Angus Og led 5,000 men
and was a deciding factor in the battle of Bannockburn. Angus returned
to the Isles and died in 1326. He was given a royal burial on the sacred
Isle of Iona. He married Agnes O’Cahan, d/o Guy O’Cahan of Ulster, or Margaret
O’Cathan. As a reward for the service rendered by the Clan Donald at Bannockburn
the Clan was granted, at the wish of Bruce, the proud privilege, in every
battle, of occupying the place of honour protecting the right flank of
the Scottish army. For his aid, Bruce also bestowed upon Angus Og the Lordship
of Lochaber. with the lands of Duror and Glenco, and the islands of Mull,
Jura, Coll and Tiree. He died at Islay in 1329 and was succeeded
by his son John, known as the First Lord of the Isles. With children by
Agnes O’Cahan;
A1. John 1st Lord of the Isles, his successor c. early 1300’s see next generation
A2. Mary MacDonald married William, 5th Earl of Ross, Lord of Skye (d 09.02.1371-2)
A3. Fingola MacDonald, married John Stewart
A4. John/Iain Fraoch MacDonald (d 1358)ancestor of the MacDonalds of Glencoe. born abut 1330 died about 1358, natural son of Angus og and founder of the Macdonalds of Glencoe. (The chief killed in the 1692 massacre of Glencoe was Alexander Ruadh, 12th Chief. The last chief was Alexander James John, 19th chief)
Angus Og Macdonald married 2ndly, daughter Maceanruig with further children;
A5.John Og Macdonald, called Iain Fraoch, called Iain Sprangach Macdonald
of Ardnamurchan, born before 1292, died c1330 or 1358, was half brother
of John, first lord of the Isles. He was given the lands of
Glencoe by his father. The MACDONALDS of GLENCOE or MacIains Macdonalds
are descended from John Og, surnamed Fraoch, natural son of Angus
Og Macdonald of Isla, and brother of John, first lord of the Isles. He
settled in Glencoe, which is a wild and gloomy vale in the district
of Lorn, Argyleshire, as a vassal under his brother, and some of his
descendants still possess land there. This branch of the Macdonalds was
known as the clan Ian Abrach, it is supposed from one of the family
being fostered in Lochaber. See Macdonalds of Ardnamurchan
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(Generation 6)
John 1st Lord of the Isles, born 1299-1331, died 1377-1418, son of
Angus of the Isles and Agnes O’Cahan, was known as Good King John of Islay,
he married twice, firstly in 1337, a distant cousin Amie MacRaurie, d/o
Rory MacRaurie s/o Allan Macraurie of the Isles s/o Rory MacRanald s/o
Ranald and Fiona of Moray. John MacDonald, the Lord of the Isles, married
Amy MacRuari and she bore him three sons. The youngest was Ranald and from
him descended the Houses of Clanranald and Glengarry. As the only surviving
child Ranald was to inherit the enormous area of lands his mother had brought
into the family. Instead he agreed to hold the greater part of the land,
including Moidart, Lochaber and Arisaig, and let the succession go to his
younger half-brother Donald around 1373.With 4 children by Amie John, Ronald,
Godfrey, Donald, + further children
John Mhor ('Iain Mhor Tanistair') MacDonald of Duniveg, Angus,
Alexander 1st of Keppoch, Hugh of Glentilt, Marcus MacDonald
ancestor of MacDonalds of Cnocancluith, Mary married Maclean of Duart,
Elizabeth married Angus Mackay, and daughter Agnes (not known which mother)
married Sir John Montgomery of Ardrossan, Eglinton and Eaglesham
A1.Reginald
(Ranald) Macdonald born before 1360 died 1389, first chief of Clanranald
and Glengarry Macdonalds, he was the eldest surviving son of John 1st lord
of the Isles and Amy Macraurie, progenitor of the Clanranald Macdonalds
The CLANRANALD MACDONALDS of GARMORAN are descended from Ranald, younger
son of John, first Lord of the Isles, by his first wife, Amy, heiress
of the MacRorys or Macruaries of Garmoran. A2.John Macdonald
born before 1358 died before 1369 son of John and Amy. married Ellen
Campbell with children;
B1.Angus Macdonald of the Isles (a 1369, dsp
?)
A3.Godfrey Macdonald born before 1358 died 1401 Castle Tioram son of John and Amy, Lord of Uist m2. (c1350) Margaret Stewart (dau of Robert Stewart, King Robert II of Scots) Founder of the Siol Gorraidh.
A4.Mary Macdonald daughter of John and Amy married before 05. 1367 Lachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart Lachlan (d c1405)
John 1st Lord of the Isles married 2ndly also a cousin, between 1377 and 1467, Margaret Bruce, (a.k.a. Stewart) the daughter of Robert the Bruce King of Alban - King Robert II of Scotland. (His father had been a Steward, or Stewart) and his wife Elizabeth Muire. Being cousins Papal dispensation was granted to permit them to marry. “To the Bishop of St. Andrews, mandate to dispense John de Insulis, Lord of the Isles, and Margaret d/o Robert called Stewart, Knight, of the diocese of Glasgow, so as to intermarry, they being related in the third and fourth degree of affinity.” (18 Kalands, July, 1350, Avignon) With his marriage with Amie, John reclaimed the lands given to Ranald’s only other son, Rauri. John, first lord of the Isles, died in 1387. With 4 children by Amie MacRaurie: Ronald, John Godfrey and Mary.
The second marriage of John first Lord of the Isles, with Margaret Bruce (a.k.a. Stewart) d/o King Robert the Bruce and Elizabeth Muire: With 4 sons by Margaret Bruce;
A4. Donald Og Macdonald, the 2nd Lord of the Isles progenitor of Macdonalds of Sleat, his successor See next generation
A5.Agnes Macdonald born before 1380 m. Sir John Montgomery of Ardrossan, Eglinton and Eaglesham (b 1360, d by 1429)
A6.Angus Macdonald born before 1380.
A7.Hugh Macdonald of Glentilt and Thane born before 1380 married daughter Macintosh
A7.Alexander Macdonald or Alister born before 1380 died 1443,
s/o John first lord of the Isles and his 2nd wife Margaret Stewart a.ka.
Bruce, the progenitor of Keppoch Macdonalds. The MACDONALDS of GARRAGACH
and KEPPOCH, called the CLAN RANALD of LOCHABER,were descended from Alexander,
or Allaster Carrach, third son of John, Lord of the Isles, and Lady Margaret
Stewart. He was forfeited for joining the insurrection of the Islanders,
under Donald Balloch,
in 1431, and the greater part of his lands were bestowed upon Duncan
Mackintosh, captain of the clan Chattan, which proved the cause of a fierce
and lasting feud between the Mackintoshes and the Macdonalds. It was from
Ranald, the fourth in descent from Allaster Carrach, that the tribe received
the name of the Clanranald of Lochaber. He m. Mary of Lennox with
children; See Keppoch Macdonalds
A8. Iain Mor Macdonald of the Isles John Mhor ('Iain Mhor
Tanistair') MacDonald of Duniveg (d 1427) progenitor of the Macconnells
of Kintyr, Macdonalds of Dunnyveg and the Glens ofAntrim, also known as
Clan Donald South He was. born before 1380 died 1427 married Marjorie Bissett
of Antrim with children;
B1.Donald Ballach Macdonald of the Glens b.
before 1427 died 1476 m. firstly Joanna O’Neil with children;
C1.Sir John
Mor Macdonald of the Glens died c1494 m. ? with children;
D1.John Cathanach Macdonald of the Glens died c1494 m. Cecillia Savage
of Coloraine with children;
E1.Alexander of the Glens b. before 1494 died 1538 m. Catherine MacIain
Macdonald
d/o John of Ardnamurchan. with children;
F1.Donald Mallaichte of the Glens b. born before 1538.
F2.James of the Glens m. Agnes Campbell of Argyll with children;
G1.Archibald of the Glens b. bef 1565 died 1568.
G2.Angus of the Glens b. before 1565 died 1614 m. Mary Maclean of Duart
with children;
H1.Sir James Macdonald of the Glens b. before 1614 died 1626 m. Margaret
Campbell of Cawdor.
H2.Angus Og of the Glens died 1615 m. Catherine Campbell of Danna.
H3.Mary of Dunnyveg m. Sir Donald Macdonald of Clanranald.
G3.Ranald of Smerbie
G4.Coll Macdonald of the Glens
G5.Donald Gorme of Carey b. bef 1565 died 1586 m. ? with children;
H1.Donald Gorm Og of Carey b. bef. 1586.
G6.Alasdair Carrach of Glenarm
G7.Daughter Nighean Dubh of the Glens
F3.Angus Uaimhreach of the Glens
F4.Coll Maol Dubh of the Glens
F5.Sorley Buie of the Glens m. Mary O’Neil of Tyrone
F6.Alasdair Og of the Glens
F7.Donald Gorme of the Glens
F8.Brian Carrach of the Glens
F9.Ronald og of the Glens
F10.Maeve Macdonald of the Glens born before 1538.
F11.Mary of the Glens b. before 1538 m. Hector Mor Maclean of Duart
with son Hector Og.
E2.Angus Ileach of the Glens died 1565.
D2.Alasdair Carrach of the Glens
Donald Ballach married 2nly Joan O”Donnell of Tyrconnell with
further children;
C2.Daughter Macdonald of the Glens m. Thomas Bannatyne of Kames.
Iain Mor married 2ndly Finnon with further children;
B2.Ronald Ban Macdonald of Largie m. ? with children;
C1.Anne of Largie m. William Dubh Macleod
of Dunvegan with daughter who married Roderick Mor Mackenzie.
A9.Margaret or Elizabeth Macdonald born before 1380 married Angus
Dubh Mackay of Strathnever. Elizabeth MacDonald
m. (before 08.10.1415) Angus Dubh Mackay of Strathnaver
(d 1433)
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(Generation 7)
Donald Og Macdonald the 2nd Lord of the Isles, progenitor of Macdonalds
of Sleat, called Donald of Harlaw. He was the eldest son of John
and Margaret Bruce. He was born about 1359 and died 1423. He was
a renowned chieftain. He was educated at Oxford. He tried to claim the
Ross Highlands after his cousin gave up title to him when she joined a
nunnery. He fought against Black Angus Mackay (Earl of Farr in the Ross
Highlands), defeated him, and forced him to marry his daughter Elizabeth.
Donald was eventually beaten at the battle of Harlow by his distant cousin
Alexander Stewart, who was fighting for the Scottish Crown. Donald died
in 1423. Donald married Lady Margaret Leslie the Countess of Ross,
d/o Sir Walter Leslie by Euphemia Ross, Countess of Ross. Children of Donald
Og and Mary Leslie;
A1. Alexander Macdonald 3rd Lord of the Isles, his successor see next generation
A2.Elizabeth Macdonald m. Black Angus Mackay. (not listed on Macdonald?)
A3.Angus Macdonald born before 1423 Bishop of the Isles
A4.Son Macdonald a monk
A5. Anne Macdonald married (c1397) Robert 'Duncan Maclagmayn' (Lamont)
A6. Mariotta MacDonald m. Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath (d after 15.11.1456)
A7. Daughter Macdonald m. Dugald Campbell, 1st Captain of Dunstaffnage
Castle
*************************************************************************************
(Generation 8)
Alexander Macdonald 3rd Lord of the Isles, and the Earl of Ross, born
before 1423 died 1449 s/o Donald and Mary Leslie, took arms against
the Scottish King, and in 1427 was thrown into prison as a result. Two
years later when his mother died, he succeeded quite legally to the
Earldom of Ross and was liberated. He was not grateful for this royal favour,
but instead furious at having been imprisoned in the first place. He promptly
raised his clansmen, ravaged the Crown lands in Invernesshire, and burned
the town of Inverness itself. James I of Scotland defeated him, forced
him to submit, and imprisoned him once again. BIOGRAPHY: Sir Robert Douglas
of Glenbervie, Bart., THE PEERAGE OF SCOTLAND, Vol.2, Second Edition, John
Philip Wood, Esq., Editor, Edinburgh, 1813, p. 9. IX. Alexander, Lord of
the Isles, succeeded his father, and was, with his mother Lady Margaret,
who assumed th etitle of Countess of Ross, arrested by King James I. when
he hald a parliament at Inverness, in spring 1427, that monarch wishing
to humble him, as his predecessors had asserted an independency dangerous
to Scotland, and had treaed with the English Kings as sovereign princes.
The Lord of the Isles was soon released [Alexander de Yle, Lord of the
Isles, gave the island of Barra to Gillcownan Rodrici Murchardi Macneill,
by charter, dated 23d June 1427. Mag. Sig. L. xiii. No. 152.]; but his
mother was detained in prison probably as an hostage for her son, who,
however, in 1429, raised a body of men, and burnt the town of Inverness;
the King overtook him in Lochaber, and totally defeated the invader, 23d
June 1429. Reduced to despair, the Lord of the Isles sent an embassy to
entreat peace, which being refused, he resoved to throw himself on the
King's mercy. For this purpose he came privately to Edinburgh, and on the
27th of August 1429, attired only in his shirt and drawers, he, before
the high altar of Holyrood church, upon his knees, presented his drawn
sword to the
King, in presence of the Queen and nobles. His life was spared, in
consideration of his humble submission; but he was committed to Tamtallan
castle, under the charge of the Earl of Angus; and his mother, the Countess
of Ross, was sent to the island of Inchcolm, in the Frith of Forth. She
appears to have died the same year, when her son assumed the title of Earl
of Ross, as Alexander de Isle, Comes Rossiae, on the 24th October 1429,
granted a precept to Alexander Sutherland of
Dunbeath. A free pardon was granted to the Earl of Ross, in a parliament
held at Perth, 1431. After the death of James I. he had the office of Justiciary
of Scotland benorth of the Forth, as, in a charter in the possession of
Innes of Innes, dated 22d February 1438, the Earl of Ross is called Justiciarius
Scotiae ex parte boreali aquae de Forth. He granted a charter of the lands
of Kilravock to John Ross, 22d June 1440; and died in the end of 1448,
or beginning of 1449. By his wife, Elisabeth Seaton,
only daughter of Alexander Seton, Lord of Gordon and Huntly, he had
issue. He died finally in 1449 after a turbulent life, and was succeeded
by his son John. (He was married once, but his mistress also bore him several
children) Our Sleat Macdonalds are descended from his younger son Hugh
Macdonald of Sleat. With children;
A1. John Macdonald 4th Lord of the Isles - he forfeited the Lordship
to the Crown in 1493 and lived for another several years as a monk
in Paisley. He died in 1498. He married (before 08.02.1475-6) Elizabeth
Livingstone (dau of Lord Livingstone) and partner(s) unknown with children;
B1. John MacDonald (dvpsp)
B2. Angus MacDonald (dvp 1490) m. Margaret
Campbell (dau of Earl of Argyll) with children;
C1. Donald Dubh MacDonald
(d 1545) married ? with children;
D1. son
A2. Angus Og Macdonald, who tried to overthrow his father, m.
d/o Earl of Argyll which headed up the powerful Campbell
clan With children;
B1.Donald Dubh Macdonald direct heir of the
Lords of the Isles, also tried to restablish the Kingdom of the Isles sometime
shortly after 1542. But Donald Dubh died shortly
after this, and the next heir to the dignity of the Lords of the Isles
was
Macdonald of Sleat.
Alexander married 2ndly daughter of Macphee of Lochaber with further children;
A3.Celestine Macdonald of Lochalsh, Sheriff of Inverness (d 1476)
m. Finvola Maclean (dau of Lachlan Maclean of Duart) with children Alexander
of Lochalsh and a daughter who married Ewen Cameron. Born before 1449 died
1476. The last chief of the Macdonalds of Lochalsh was Sird Donald Galda
in the 16th century.
With children:
B1.Alexander Macdonald of Lochalsh, tried
to regain the kingdom and failed. Alexander of Isla was with Sir Donald
of Lochalsh when, in 1518, he proceeded against the father-in-law
of the former, MacIan of Ardnamurchan, who was defeated and slain, with
two of his sons, at a place called Craiganairgid, or the Silver Craig
in Morvern. The death of Sir Donald soon after brought the rebellion to
a close. In 1529 Alexander of Isla and his followers were again in insurrection,
and being joined by the Macleans, they made descents upon Roseneath, Craignish,
and other lands of the Campbells, which they ravaged with fire and
sword. Alexander of Isla being considered the prime mover of the
rebellion, the king resolved in 1531 to proceed against him in person,
on which, hastening to Stirling, under a safeguard and protection, he submitted,
and received a new
grant, during the king's pleasure, of certain lands in the South
Isles and Kintyre, and a remission to himself and his followers for
all crimes committed by them during the late rebellion. With children;
C1.James Macdonald
of Isla. In 1543, on the second escape of Donald Dudh, grandson of John,
last lord of the Isles, and the regent Arran's opposing the views
of the English faction, James Macdonald of Isla, son and successor to Alexander,
was the only insular chief who supported the regent. In the following year
his lands of Kintyre were ravaged by the Earl of Lennox, the head of the
English party. After the death of Donald Dubh, the islanders chose for
their leader James Macdonald of Isla, who married Lady Agnes Campbell,
the Earl of Argyll's sister, and though the most powerful of the Island
chiefs, he relinquished his pretensions to the lordship of the Isles, being
the last that assumed that title. James having been killed while
helping to defend his family estates in Ulster, Ireland, his eldest son
Angus Macdonald, succeeded to Isla and Kintyre, and in his
time the feud with the Macleans was renewed, details of which will be found
in the former part of this work. In 1579, upon information of
mutual hostilities committed by their followers, the king and
council commanded Lauchlan Maclean of Dowart and Angus Macdonald
of Dunyveg or Isla, to subscribe assurances of indemnity to each other,
under the pain of treason, and the quarrel was, for the time, patched up
by the marriage of Macdonald with Maclean's sister. In 1585, however,
the feud came to a height, and after involving nearly the whole
of the island clans on one side or the other, and causing its disastrous
consequences to be felt throughout the whole extent of the Hebrides,
by the mutual ravages of the contending parties, government interfered,
and measures were at last adopted for reducing to obedience
the turbulent chiefs, who had caused so much bloodshed and distress
in the Isles. He married Miss Maclean of Duart With children;
D1.Angus
Macdonald of Dunyveg and Isla, his successor. He married ? with children;
E1.Sir James Macdonald, son of Angus Macdonald of Dunyveg, had remained
in Edinburgh for four years as a hostage for his father, and early
in 1596 he received a license to visit him, in the hope that he might
be prevailed upon to submit to the laws, that the peace of the isles might
be secured. He sent his son, who as soon afterwards knighted, back
to court to make known to the privy council, in his father's name and his
own, that they would fulfil whatever conditions should be prescribed to
them by his majesty. At this time Angus made over to his son all
his estates, reserving only a proper maintenance for himself and his wife
during their lives. When Sir William Stewart arrived at Kintyre, and held
a court here, the chief of Isla and his followers hastened to make their
personal submission to the king's representative, and early in the following
year he went to Edinburgh, when he undertook to find security for
the arrears of his crown rents, to remove his clan and dependers
from Kintyre and the Rinns of Isla, and to deliver his castle of Dunyveg
to any person sent by the king to receive it. After the fall of Argyll,
who had turned Roman Catholic, and had also fled to Spain, where he is
said to have entered into some very suspicious dealings with his
former antagonist, Sir James Macdonald, who was living there in exile,
the latter was, in 1620, with Ranald of Keppoch, recalled from exile
by King James. On their arrival in London, Sir James received a pension
of 1000 merks sterling, while Keppoch got one of 200 merks. His majesty
also wrote to the Scottish privy council in their favour, and granted
them reemissions for all their offences. Sir James, however, never again
visited Scotland, and died at London in 1626, without issue. The clan Ian
Vor from this period may be said to have been totally suppressed.
Their lands were taken possession of by the Campbells, and the most
valuable portion of the property of the ducal house of Argyll consists
of what had formerly belonged to the Macdonalds of Isla and Kintyre.
C2. Margaret MacDonald of Lochalsh d/o Alexander of Lochalsh
m. Alexander Macdonald, 6th of Glengarry (d 1560)
C3. Janet MacDonald d/o Alexander of Lochalsh married Dingwell of
Kildun
B2 Daughter Macdonald d/o Celestine married Ewen
Cameron of Lochiel, 13th Chief (d 1547)
A4. Margaret Macdonald daughter of Alexander and not known partner, married John Sutherland, 8th Earl of Sutherland (d 1508)
A6.Hugh Alexander Macdonald, 3rd son of Alexander 3rd Lord of the Isles,
the Progenitor of the Sleat Macdonalds born before 1449 died 1498.
He m. firstly Elizabeth Seaton, and 2ndly daughter of Gunn, Cruineir
Ghall (Crowner of Caithness)
See Next generation chief
He married 2ndly Daughter Macleod of Harris with further children;
B2.Donald Herrach Macdonald
He married thirdly Daughter Macleod of Lewis with further children;
B3.Gilliesbuag Dubh
He married 4thly Daughter Maclean with furher children;
B4.Angus Collach
He married 5thly, daughter of Maurice, South Uist Vicar with further
children;
B5.Angus Dubh
He married 6thly Finvola MacIain of Ardnamurchan with furhter children;
B6.John Macdonald of Sleat
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(Generation 9)
The Sleat Macdonalds
Hugh Alexander Macdonald, 3rd son of Alexander 3rd Lord of the Isles, 1st Macdonald Chief of Sleat, progenitor of Sleat Macdonalds. He was heir to the Lords of the Isles after the death of Donald Dubh Macdonald, s/o Angus Og. Born before 1449 died 1476.
Hugh Alexander Macdonald b. c1449, was the first chief of the Macdonalds
of Sleat. He was the third son of Alexander, the third Lord of the Isles,
and the 2nd Earl of Ross. His mother was a d/o O’Beolan, the lay Abbot
of Applecross. (Dispensation by Pope Eugenius IV in favour of Hugh Alexander
and Donald, sons of Alexander Earl of Ross, legitimizing them - the illegitimate
sons of the said Alexander de Yle, Earl of Ross, a married man and an unmarried
woman).
Hugh Alexander succeeded his half brother John I Baron of Sleat.
From him he recieved a charter in 1469 of the lands of Sleat and Uist.
He inherited Uist, Benebecula and Sleat from his brother Celestine Macdonald,
and his descendants have held them in unbroken succession through the ages.
His lands were confirmed to him by charter in 1495 by James IV. Hugh died
in 1498 at a very advanced age and is buried in Sand in North Uist. Hugh
had a numerous family, legitimate and otherwise.
He married 1)Finvola, , daughter of Alexander, the son of John of Ardnamurchan,
He married 2)Miss Macleod of Lewis, (she was a d/o William
Macleod 7th chief and a d/o Lochbuie)
He married 3)Miss Macleod of Harris,
He married 4)Miss Maclean of Coll,
He married 5) Mary or Elizabeth Gunn d/o the chief of Gunn of Caithness,
Sutherland.
Of his children, the most noted were:
A1.John Macdonald his heir whose mother was Finvola of Ardnamurchan succeeded his father as the 2nd Baron of Sleat. He had no children, and the chiefship went to his brother Donald Gallach. He had an unatural antipathy towards his brothers, and he died mourned by few, and respected by none.
A2.Donald Gallach Macdonald, the 3rd Baron of Sleat Macdonald, succeeded his brother John, he was the son of a daughter of the Crowner of Caithness by the name of Elizabeth or Mary Gunn. He was murdered by Gilliespic Dubh his half brother. For his children see the next generation chiefs.
A3.Ronald Herrach Macdonald spent early part of his life in Ireland fighting the wars. When he returned he was accompanied by Dr. Maclean, ancestor of John Maclean M.D. of Shulista. Lands of Cuidrach were given to him, but they were afterwards moved to Shulista and held that township rent free when they became physicians to the Macdonalds. His descendant John Maclean M.D. acted in a duel capacity of physician and factor both to Sir Alexander and to Sir James Macdonald of Sleat. He died about 1780. (Many of the Skye Macleans no doubt descend from him. )Ronald Herrach Macdonald passed the later part of his life in North Uist and was the progenitor of the Macdonalds of Balranald. Ronald Herrach was cousin to Donald Gruamach the 5th chief.
A4..Donald Herrach Macdonald, third son of Hugh Macdonald by a daughter of the Macleod (Dunvegan, then styled Harris). He was murdered by his half brother Gilliespic Dubh.
A4.Gillespie Dubh Macdonald, black in person and in deed, s/o Hugh Macdonald by a d/o Torquil Macleod of Lewis. He ursurped the chiefship and became the 4th chief. The clansmen hounded him out of the district because he murdered his half brothers. In 1510 he attained the King’s pardon, and was granted the bailiary of Trotternish, formerly held by Alastair Crotach 8th chief Macleod. In 1518 on Ben Lee in Uist, he was killed by his nephews, who avenged the deaths of their fathers.
A5.Angus Collach Macdonald s/o Hugh by Miss Maclean of Coll.
A6.Donald Huchounson Macdonald by Mary or Elizabeth Gunn. !SOURCE: Sir Robert Douglas of Glenbervie, Bart., THE PEERAGE OF SCOTLAND, Vol. 2,Second Edition, John Philip Wood, Esq., Editor, Edinburgh, 1813, p. 12. Also called Huchounson,or the son of Hugh. He died, 1506, leaving, by his wife, daughter of Macdonald of Ireland, a son.
*************************************************************************************
(Generation 10)
Donald Gallach Macdonald 3rd Baron of Sleat Macdonald:
Donald Gallach Macdonald the 4th Chief and 3rd Baron of the Sleat Macdonalds,
Donald Gallach Macdonald was the 2nd son of Hugh Macdonald and Elizabeth
Gunn. The name Gallach was derived from the fact that his mother was a
daughter of the Gunns of Caithness. Donald fought at the battle of
Bloody Bay on the side of Angus Og, (who was deemed to be the rightful
heir of the Lords of the Isles, s/o Angus Og) and he took an active part
in the insurrection of Donald Dubh in 1503. (When Donald Dubh died, shortly
after 1545, the next heir to the dignity of the Lord of the Isles was Macdonald
of Sleat.)According to the Sennachie of Sleat, he “was a moderate man,
inclined to peace, black-haired and fair-skinned, and he seems to have
been of a different disposition from his older brother, for, according
to the same authority, he granted lands to one of his half brothers Donald
Herrach, to wit, the upper davoch of Sleat, the davoch of Dunsgathaic,
with four merklands in the west of Trotternish.”
Donald Gallach married the widow Agnes Macleod, widow of Torquil
Macleod of Lewis. She was Agnes Macdonald d/o Sir John Macdonald of the
Isles called “Cathanac”, Lord of Dunnyveg and the Glens. Donald Gallach
Macdonald was murdered in 1506 by one of his half brothers, Gilleasbuig
Dubh who briefly became the 4th chief, but eventually Donald Gallach’s
son by Agnes Macleod, Donald Grumach survived to become the 4th Baron of
the Sleat Macdonalds. With children;
A1.Donald Grumach Macdonald 5th Chief and 4th Baron of of Sleat Macdonald, his successor. For his children see the next generation chiefs.
*********************************************************************************
The Descendants of Donald Grumach Macdonald 6th chief, 4th Baron of Sleat & 5th Chief
Donald Grumach Macdonald 4th Baron of Sleat Macdonalds, 5th Chief.
Donald Grumach Macdonald was eldest son of Donald Gallach Macdonald 3rd
Baron of Sleat, and Mrs Agnes Macleod, (widow of Torquil Macleod of Lewis)
She was Agnes Macdonald d/o Sir John Macdonald of the Isles called “Cathanac”,
Lord of Dunnyveg and the Glens. Donald Grumach’s father Donald Gallach
Macdonald was murdered in 1506 by one of his half brothers, Gilleasbuig
Dubh who briefly became the 4th chief, but eventually Donald Gallach’s
son by Agnes Macleod, Donald Grumach survived to become the 4th Baron of
the Sleat Macdonalds. and he succeeded to the chiefship about 1518.
He was the first of a succession of five chiefs all of whom were
called Donald. (They were Donald Gruamach, Donald Gorm, Donald Gormson
Sassunach, Donald Gorm Mor, and Donald Gorm Oig)
Donald Grumach’s favourite cousin was Ronald Herrach Macdonald,
s/o Donald Herrach Macdonald, - both their fathers were murdered by Gilleasbuig
Dubh, but when they grew up, they exacted revenge upon their fathers’ murderer,
and killed him. But Ronald Herrach did not like his cousin’s wife, Catherine
Macdonald of Clanranald, and resolved to despatch her kin en masse, one
night at a banquet. But Catherine had her revenge ultimately, when she
hired an assassin to kill Ronald Herrach when he was in Griminish in North
Uist. This Ronald was the progenitor of the Macdonalds of Balranald.
This Donald was also known as “Donald the Grim.” It was a stroke
of fate that had raised a man of such ability, resource and determination
as Donald Gruamach to the headship of the clan. He was the first of five
chiefs, all named Donald. He signed a bond of offence and defence on April
30, 1527. In the year 1528, under Donald Gruamach, the Macleods were
driven from Trotternish in the bitterest of battles. He was cited to appear
before the Privy Council in 1530, but he refused to comply. In the following
year, when a new summons was served on him, and on his neighbour Ewen Mackinnon
of Strath, he again flouted the royal command and no measures were taken
to compel him to obey it.
Next to Macdonald of Islay, he was the most prominent chieftan
of his race in his day. Donald the Grim despised the peaceful art of the
clerk, and when along with other chiefs he signed a bond of offence and
defence at Inverness on the 30th April 1527, it was with his “hand at the
pen guided by Sir William Munro, notary Public”.
Donald the Grim married twice, first to Catherine Macdonald,
d/o Alexander Macdonald, the Chief of Clanranald, and 2nd to Margaret Macleod
d/o Macleod of Lewis. According to Macleod versions, Donald Gruamach
died in 1534 in a battle with the Macleods, he was cut down by one of Alasdair
Crotach’s (8th chief of Dunvegan Macleod) lieutenants, a Murdo MacAskill,
but other versions have it that he was found dead on Druim nan Cleoc at
the spring, in 1537. By Margaret Macleod he had 3 sons, John Og, Archibald
the Clerk, and James of the Castle. By wife Catherine Macdonald, he had
one son, his successor Donald Gorm.
A1.Donald Gorm Macdonald 5th Baron of Sleat, 6th chief, born Duntulm,
s/o Catherine Macdonald of Clanranald. For their children see next generation
chiefs.
A2.John Og Macdonald s/o Donald Gruamach and Margaret Macleod
of Lewis,
m. Miss Macleod, a d/o Alexander Crotach 8th chief of Dunvegan
Macleods.
A3.Archibald the Clerk Macdonald s/o Donald Gruamach and Margaret Macleod
of Lewis, He was murdered, it is said by a nephew named John Og. (Perhaps
this John Og was a son of his brother John Og?) The regency
of the clan fell to him
during the minority of young Donald Gormson Sassunach in 1539.
He m. ? with
children;
B1.Donald Macdonald bailie of Trotternish in 1580, and
was reprimanded for not paying church dues. It seems tha he died in the
course of that year for in 1581, reference is made to “lands which pertained
to the umquhile Donald MacGillespic Chleirich”
B2.Hugh Macdonald The infamous Uisdean MacGhilleasba’Chlerich
The pirate. He was cousin to the chief Donald Gorm, and plotted against
him. Donald Gorm caught him red handed and locked him up in the dungeon
with nothing but a piece of salt beef and an empty water jug. It is said
that Duntulm Castle is haunted by both he and the chief, Donald Gorm. This
Hugh Macdonald lived at Castle Uisdean which was in Cuidrach. He was commissed
by his uncle James Gruamach with the factorship of North Uist, and for
a time, discharged his duties admirably. Then he exterminated all the MacVicars
of North Uist because he wanted their land. Then Hugh teamed up with Donald
Herrach and together they entered into a life of piracy in the Hebrides.
He was caught by the soldier Do’ull Mac Iain ‘ic Sheumais who brought him
to Duntulm and the chief’s justice.
A3.Mary Macdonald d/o Donald Gruamach m. Ronald Mconneil.
A4.James Gruamach Macdonald of Castle Camus in Sleat,was the youngest
son of Donald Grumach Macdonald and his 2nd wife Margaret Macleod
of Lewis, he m. Miss Macleod, a d/o Alexander Crotach Macleod 8th chief
of Dunvegan died 1547, and a d/o Allan Cameron XII of Lochiel. (Miss Macleod
had one sister and 3 brothers - successor William Macleod who married
Agnes Fraser of Lovat in 1541, Norman 3rd son, Donald) He was reprimanded
by the government in 1575 and 1580 for not paying the tithes. He was captain
of the clan during the minority of young Donald Gormson Macdonald.
(he was only 6 or 7 when his father died) James was also called James
of the Castle. He was a man of uncommon sense, an able soldier, and
administrator; The
Kingsburgh Macdonalds descend from him
With children;
B1.John of the Castle Macdonald m. Miss Macdonald of Moidart with children;
C1.Iain Lom Macdonald, (Ian Lom, )a Bard, the Gaelic Laureat, in later years, he went straight to the chief Sir James Mor to complain about his brother the great soldier having to stay at the house of his son in law the Gesto Macleod. Sir James was shamed into giving him the lands of Cuidrach. Ian Lom was the Gaelic poet laureate of Charles II. and wrote a poem for Sir Donald Gorm Oig Macdonald 9th chief and first baronet around 1617. he wrote again, in 1644 and again in 1665 and again in 1695 on the death of Sir Donald Macdonald
C2.Colonel Donald John Macdonald born
c1624, "Do’ull MacIain ‘ic Sheumaisor Sheamuis" a soldier warrior - First
of the Macdonalds of Kingsborough. He was given the lands of Cuidrach
/ Bornaskitaig in 1667 by his brother the chief Sir James Mor.
Donald was an arch enemy of the Macleods. He was invited by his godmother
a lady named Nic Coiseam to take possession of her farm which was on the
island of Eriskay in the Kyle of Barra. There he grew up to be an
industrious man, of exemplary character and noted strength. He was
given his ancestral lands of Kingsborough during the chiefship of Sir James
Mor of Sleat, and also the district of Cuidrach.
He led a contingent of Skyemen under Montrose until 1645, he died about
1690. He married Margaret Cameron of Locheil (?) born c1624 . He was out
in 1645 and 1689. He died in Cuidrach about 1680 and his descendants occupied
Kingsborough for many generations. He was also the first one who began
selling the black cattle of the island sometime before 1650. So prosperous
had this trade proved to be, that the higher ranks no longer considered
it an indignity to engage in this and other pursuits. It required men of
the resolution and prowess of Do’ull Mac Iain ‘ic Sheumais to run the gauntlet
of the mauraders who were out to steal whole herds on the road between
Skye and the markets of Crieff and Falkirk. He led a raid on the Macleods
called the battle of Carinish, in which Donald Glas was killed ( Donald
Glas was 2nd of Drynoch) and he received a wound in the thigh..He m. Miss
Macdonald, a d/o the Keppoch chief. His wife died young and left him with
2 sons and one daughter. His descendants occupied Cuidrach for many
generations., and one of them was the notable lawyer Sir. J.H.A. Macdonald,
who was Lord Justice Clerk to the Court of Session. He also had a
foster son Macrimmon who later became a page to Rory Mor Macleod.
(History of Eriskay1580's - 1780's AD The first historical figure associated
with Eriskay is Domhnull Mac Iain 'Ic Sheamais, the celebrated warrior
bard and one of the most vivid characters in the long history of Clan Donald.
From his island base he would answer any call to defend the interests of
the clan with his mighty sword, the 'Cuig Mharg' which he named after the
five merks he paid for it.
Donald was also a skilled poet and fragments of his work have passed
into the oral traditions of Skye and the Uists. Donald died c 1650 in the
home of his daughter at Gesto, on the Isle of Skye. His son James MacDonald
followed in the tradition of his father and fought under Montrose in the
campaigns of the 17th century, losing both his legs in the process.Despite
his injuries, he returned to Eriskay and was succeeded by his son James
who was tacksman of Eriskay in the latter part of the 17th century. This
James had a son Donald and he had a son Angus. Angus died without issue
some time after 1745 and so ended over 200 years of unbroken occupancy
of the island by his family. With Children:
D1.Mary Macdonald m. John Macleod VI of Gesto
Macleods.
D2.James Macdonald tacksman of Eriskay late 1600’s m. ? with children;
D1.Donald Macdonald m. ? with children;
E1.Angus Macdonald died without children sometime after 1745
C3.Alexander Macdonald 6th of the Kingsburgh Macdonalds,
b. 1689, died Feb 13, 1772, factor of
Kingsborough to Lord Macdonald,
buried in Kilmuir Skye, married Flora Macdonald d/o John Macdonald
of Castleton
with children;
D1.Allan
Macdonald 7th of Kingsburgh Macdonalds, he was the eldest son of Alexander
Macdonald, factor of
Kingsboro, he was born c1689. He married the celbrated Flora Macdonald.
Flora and Allan had a family of 7
children, five sons and 2 daughters;
E1.Anne Macdonald eldest daughter, m. Major Alexander Macleod of Lochbay s/o The Wicked Man (Norman 22nd chief) and Janet Macdonald. They occupied Dunvegan Castle when Norman Macleod the 23 chief was in India circa 1780. ( Major Alexander Macleod was natural uncle to this chief.) Anne born at Flodigarry Feb. 18th 1755, married Major Alexander MacLeod of Lochbay, Skye. Went to N. Carolina with her parents husband and their children. Returned to Skye in 1779: was known as "Mrs Major MacLeod". She died in Stein, with issue.
E2.Major John Macdonald born 1759 died in august 16th 1831 commander of
the Macdonald Fencibles in 1794, commandant of the Royal Edinburgh Artillery,
went back to Scotland when the war was over.: John Macdonald of Exeter
from whom alone male representatives of the House of Kingsburgh exist today.He
married Frances Maria Chambers with children;
F1. Major General William Pitt Macdonald d: 12.3.1867 m: Charlotte Scott
F2. Major General John Collins Macdonald d: 14.2.1891 m: Sarah Anne Cotton,
Daughter of General cotton
F3. Florence Ellie Macdonald b: 1857 d: 1942 m: Colonel Henry John Waller
Barrow b: 1850, d: 1923
E3.Captain James Macdonald army officer, went to North Carolina. “a brave
officer who served with distinction
Tarleton’s British Legion.” He went back to Scotland when the war was over.
James IX of Kingsburgh (d. 1807,
Flodigarry) married Emily Macdonald, daughter of James of Skaebost.
With children;
F1.James Somerled Macdonald X of Kingsburgh (d.1843 unmarried).
F2. Alan Ranald Macdonald (d. 1842).
G1. Reginald John Somerled XI of Kingsburgh (d.1876).
G2. 2 daughters.
E4.Lieutenant Alexander Macdonald army officer, went to North Carolina.
He was lost at sea with his
brother Captain Ranald on Sept 14 1782.Alexander whose career is summarised
thus - born Flodigarry 21st
February 1755: emigrated 1774: at age of 20 was gazetted in the Royal Highland
Emigrant Regt. as Lieutenant:
present at Moore's Creek 27th February 1776: taken prisoner: liberated
1777: went to Nova Scotia: and was
lost at sea on his way home to Skye, probably in 1779. Unmarried. Note
the "probably".
E5.Allan Macdonald jr., “writing in his diary on Dec 22, 1756, wrote “in the end of the year 1744, fourteen persons saw a large vessel coming in below Kingsborough, in the dusk of the evening, and drop anchor in the entrance of Loch Snisort a very uncommon harbour which surprised us all. This sight we had till night deprived us of it; but next morning there was no vessel to be found, so that we all agreed it to be the 2nd sight, which was soon accomplished; for Captain Ferguson being in search of the young pretender, with the Furnace sloop of war, anchored exactly in the dusk of the evening, in that unusual place above mentioned half a mile below the house of Kingsborough.” Skye, by Derek Cooper page 226-227.
E6.Ranald
Macdonald Captain of the Marines. “In the summer of 1782, the Ville
de Paris” started for England in convoy. There were upwards of 500 men
on board. The prize crew was under the command of Flora’s son Ranald, Captain
of Marines, who was wounded on the “Princessa” in the battle. With him
was his brother Lieutenant Alexander Macdonald, who had joined the ship
shortly prior thereto. In mid ocean, on Sept 14 1782, she was stuck by
a terrific hurricane, and foundered. All on board were lost” Skye Pioneers
and the Island page 133.
Ranald born 16th August 1756: to Carolina in 1774: wounded at Bunker
Hill, 17th June 1775: gazetted Lt. in Marines 26th July. 1775: to Halifax,
Nova Scotia: promoted to Capt. Lt. September 1779: as Captain of Marines
served under Rodney at the Battle of Eustati (The Saints) on 12th April
1782 in Princessa (70 guns) where he was wounded: later that year was lost
at sea: unmarried. NB. at that battle the flagship "Ville de Paris" was
surrendered by the French admiral, De Grasse to Rodney.
Mr Whiteley (already referred to) got a copy of Ranald's will dated
31st August, 1780, proved in London 29th October, 1783. In it Ranald names
his father and mother (Alan and Flora). It is endorsed "Testator was late
a Captain in the Chatham Division of Marines belonging to his Majesty's
ship Shrewsbury and died in Sept. 1782". (See Public Record Office ref.
PRO Bl0 Box 2922 X/J 3620.) Note that his date of death coincides with
the date the R.M. Museum gives for the loss of the Ville de Paris on 9th
September 1782 off Newfoundland. That it took a year to prove it in London
is not surprising considering war conditions and trans-Atlantic communications
at that time.
E7. Captain Charles Macdonald returned to Scotland after the war.
E8.Frances
Macdonald called Fanny m. her cousin Donald Macdonald of Cuidrach. Frances
(or Fanny) youngest child of Flora and Alan was born at Kingsburgh 6th
May 1766, married Lt. Donald Macdonald, son of Capt. Alexander Macdonald
of Cuidreach and his wife Annabella, half sister of Flora, who had emigrated
to N. Carolina, but on his return married Frances with issue who emigrated
to Australia.With children;
F1.Major Alexander Macdonald of Cuidrach m. Annabella Macdonald with children;
G1.Kenneth Macdonald died Feb 13 1814. Aide de camp to General Donald Macdonald
at Moore’s Creek Bridge. He m. a daughter of Nicholson of Scorrybreac.
The family monument at Forres is inscribed thus” In memory of Capt. Kenneth
Macdonald 84th Foot Regt. of Caroline Hill Skye, and his wife Jane Nicholson.
Also their daughter Jessie, died at Forres, 15th June 1857. Mary, long
resident in Forres, died in Edinburgh 11th May 1898 aged 95” - Skye
Pioneers page 133. With children;
H1.Frances Macdonald, called Fanny m. John Munro of Forres.
G2.James Macdonald m. Isabella Macqueen d/o Reverend Donald Macqueen of
Skye, a Captain at Moore’s Creek. James was a Prisoner of war for two years
in Maryland. Rejoined the Kings Army in N.Y. Died of fever in 1780. Reverend
Donald Macqueen was a brother to Reverend William Macqueen. Their mother
Florence was a d/o William Macdonald styled “the Tutor”, uncle of Sir Alexander
of the ‘45.
G3.Donald Macdonald Ensign Tarlton’s Br. Legion in 1780. In 1790 married
his cousin Frances Macdonald d/o the celebrated Flora. They emigrated to
Australia. He arrived in North Carolina in Christmas 1774. Given 500 acres
in Anson Co, by his grandfather Capt Hugh Macdonald. Returned to London
1783.
G4.Daughter Macdonald first wife of James Macdonald tacksman of Skeabost,
and merchant
of Portree s/o John Macdonald of isker, North Uist, with children;
H1.Emily Macdonald m. Captain James Macdonald of Floddigary.
H2.Jessie Macdonald m. Ninian Jeffrey with children;
I1.Agnes Johanna Macdonald m. Ranald Livingstone. ch;
J1.Col. Ranald J. died 1926.
J2.Alexander
J3.William John
J4.Emily Nina
J5.Mary Frances
J6.Flora Charlotte
G5.Janet Macdonald m. her cousin Major Alexander Macdonald of Courthill
House, Kishorn, Loch Carron, died Nov 19 1815. He was s/o Reverend Hugh
Macdonald of Glenmore, s/o Hugh Macdonald of Glenmore s/o Sir James Macdonald
2nd Baronet of Sleat. Janet died at Stornoway 1847, buried Skye. Major
Alexander Macdonald acquired Mogstadt when the Macdonald chiefs left there
for Amadale sometime after 1745. With children;
H1.Alexander Macdonald unmarried.
H2.Hugh Peter Macdonald of Monkstadt died July 1868 m. Jessie Macdonald
d/o Donald Macdonald 2nd
of Skebost with children, who all emigrated to Australia; see the Australian
Macdonalds.
H3.Elizabeth Macdonald pursuant to marriage contract dated at Mugstot,
Skye on Oct 6 1813 m. Alexander Macleod of Borlin Skye (eldest son of William
Macleod b. 1750 died at Borlin Skye 10 Aug 1811, of Luskintyre, Harris)
without issue. Elizabeth died at Stornoway 1872 where she is buried.
H4.Alice Macdonald b. c1805 died May 27 1870 m. Roderick Millar M.D. died
1889 s/o
John Millar M.D., of Storoway with children;
I1.Johanna Elizabeth b. nov 10 1844.
I2.Janetta Macdonald b. Sept 6 1846 both now residing in Edinburgh and
dispensing
cheerful Highland hospitality and Highland history.
G6.Jacobina Macdonald b. in Carolina. In 1805 or 1806 she m. Adjutant John
(Eon) Macdonald of Skye, of
Lord Macdonald’s Regiment. He is said to have died about a year after
their marriage.
G7.Marion Macdonald d/o Major Alexander and Annabella m. Captain Murdoch
Macleod of Cuidrach Skye ( a
branch of the Lewis and Raasay Macleods) with children among others;
H1.Alexander m. with issue Banna.
H2.Marion Macleod m. Mr. Macintyre with children among others;
I1.Mary Macintrye
I2.Margaret Macintyre m. Reverend George Rainey Kennedy, minister of Dornoch
in 1868, with issue
among others George Rainey and Harry A.A. prof. Edinburgh.
H3.Margaret m. Reverend Alexander Macleod minister of Rogart Free Church,
Sutherlandshire in 1868, with no children.
H4.Malcolm Macdonald emigrated to Cape Breton.
H5.Annabella Macdonald m. James Munro M.D. of Kilmuir Skye. She was born
in 1792, and
emigrated to PEI in 1841. She died at Alberry Plains in Aug 1852.
D2..James Macdonald
of Cnocowe in Trotternish, younger son of Alexander Macdonald factor
of Kingsboro. James was brother to Allan Macdonald who married the celebrated
Flora. James m. Margaret Macleod called Peggie of the Balmeanach Macleods,
d/o Roderick Macleod. With children;
E1.Captain Alexander Macdonald
of Cnocowe, a captain in the British Army, he died with no children,
Isle of St. Kitts.
E2.James Macdonald of Cnocowe
nothing more known
E3.Roderick Macdonald of
Cnocowe. nothing more known
E4.Jessie Macdonald of Cnocowe
m. Captain Norman Cyprus Macleod illigitimate son of Norman
the 22nd chief of Macleod.
Jessie was his 2nd wife, with children;
F1.Elizabeth Pringle Macleod m. her cousin Reverend Roderick Maclean
of Kinloch, Osdal,
Durinish s/o Donald Maclean and Margaret Macleod. He was Reverend of South
Uist.
F2.Margaret Macleod m. Donald Calder.
E5.Margaret Macdonald of
Cnocowe died unmarried.
E6.Flora Macdonald of Cnocowe
died unmarried
E7.Anne Macdonald d/o James
Macdonald of Cnocowe and Margaret Peggie Macleod, b. 1777 Skye, m. MARRIAGE:
1808, Isle of Skye John Mackenzie b 1775 Brahan, Rosshire. 1775 -
1864 BIRTH: 1775, Brahan, Rosshire
DEATH: 1864, Kenyon Twsp, Glengarry Ont. BURIAL: Dunvegan, Ont. John
and Anne with all their family, except their eldest daughter Margaret,
emigrated to Canada and arrived at Quebec City Sept 1 1830. They spent
some time in Lancaster in the southern part of Glengarry Co, then in 1832,
took up land at Lot 22 - 9th concession Kenyon Township, Glengarry - see
Mackenzies of Kenyon. http://community.svcn.mb.ca/mckenzie/html/d0001/g0000020.html#I13
(- another descendant of the Kingsborough Macdonalds was the notable
lawyer Sir. J.H.A. Macdonald who, until recently was Lord Justice Clerk
to the Court of Session)
( - other descendants include Fanny Charlotte, widow of Lt. Col R.
E. Henry, who was d/o Captain James Murray Macdonald, who was grandson
of Flora. Fanny dedicated a plaque to her greatgrandmother in 1896)
(- another placque was unveiled in 1790 by Miss Emily Livingtone, a
descendant, and a Major Livingtone Macdonald, also a direct descendant)
Source: Glen Mackenzie archives, P.P. Box 1767 Swan River, Manitoba
ROL-1Z0 Canada.
Web page at http://www.swanvalley.freenet.mb.ca/~gwmckenz/genealogy.htm
Source: Skye pioneers and the Island page 133.
Source: History of Skye, by Alexander Nicholson
Source: Old Skye Tales, by William Mackenzie
*******************************************************************************
next chief 12th gen
Donald Gorm Macdonald 5th Baron, 6th Chief of Sleat Macdonalds.
Donald Gorm Macdonald, the 5th Baron of the Sleat Macdonalds, s/o Donald
Gruamach Macdonald and Catherine Macdonald of Clanranald. He was
distinguished by the cognomen “Gorm” which meant Blue, possibly from a
birthmark, but it also meant noble or stately in old Gaelic. He was a man
of great promise, and one of the most able and ambitious of his line. He
married his cousin, Margaret Macleod, heiress of the Lewis Siol Torquil
Macleods.
In May of 1539 he invaded Trotternish aided by one branch of
the Macleods, to go against the other. His claim to the lordship of the
Ilses and to the earldom of Ross was disputed by Mackenzie of Kintail.
He ravaged Mackenzies lands and beseiged him in his castle before which
he received an arrow wound in the foot, form which he died in 1539. On
this, the final expulsion of the Macleods from Trotternish, in 1539,
the family seat of Macdonalds was changed from Dun Sgathaich to Duntulm
which as to remain their principal residence until a few years after the
rebellion of 1715. King James V paid a memorable visit to the Island in
1540, and was entertained at Duntulm.
It was Donald Gorm who fixed Castle Duntulm as the family residence
around 1616, although The Macdonalds left Duntulm sometime after
1725, some say because it was haunted by the ghost of Donald Gorm Mor Macdonald.
It was this chief who locked up Hugh Macdonald in the dungeon with nothing
but a piece of salt beef and an empty water jug. Donald Gorm Macdonald
was killed at the battle of Eilean Donain against the Mackenzies in 1539.
He was succeeded by his son Donald Gormson Macdonald. With children;
A1.Donald Gormson Sassunach Macdonald b. c1522, succeeded as 7th chief when only 6 or 7 years old. The regent was his uncle James of the Castle. He m. Mary Maclean of Duart. For their children see next generation chiefs.
A2.Daughter Macdonald m. Angus Martin, (1548-1618) called “Angus of the Wind”. (she was his second wife, his first was reputed to have been a Danish Princess, Biurnaig.) He was alive in the early years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign 1558-1603. His brother in law (Donald Gormson?) had married a Maclean, whom Angus loathed heartily. She, aware of Angus skill as an amateur versifier, kept nagging him to compose an ode in her honour. Angus eventually got so fed up that he wrote a quatrain which made him markedly persona non grata for a long time to come. “You promised not to get enraged, You red-eyed, pockmarked ruddy faced old bag. We paid dearly for your dowry, Woe to him who’s got you for life! - Skye, page 121 by Derek Cooper. Angus had 7 sons, not known who their mother was.
A3.Sorley Boy Macdonald, Earl of Antrim (Somhairle Buidhe)
*************************************************************************************
next chief 13th gen
Donald Gormson Sassunach Macdonald 7th Chief and 6th Baron of the Sleat Macdonalds,
born before 1539, died 1585. son of Donald Gorm Macdonald and the daughter
of Siol Torcuil Macleods of Lewis. He was a youth of tender years (6 or
7) when his father died, and the govenment of the clan devolved
upon his uncle Archibald the Clerk Macdonald who was soon murdered. At
that time the young chief was absent from Skye. It seems that the government
for some reason or another, was eager to secure his person and in order
to obviate that contingency, his uncle took him to Lewis. Thereafter he
was not heard of for several years, some surmising that he had been for
a part of that time at the court of Mary I, of England, and hence his cognomen
of “Sassunach”. When he reached manhood and succeeded to the chiefship,
he carried on the bitter war with the Mackenzies, vowing to avenge his
father. In 1553 we find that Donald Gormson is carrying war into the Mackenzie
territory, harassing their friends, and helping their enemies. So fierce
and frequent were his incursions that the government was at length induced
to interpose. He was declared an outlaw and the injunction was given to
take steps to prevent “MacGorme, ane broken Hielandman, from taking timbers
fro long-faddis (galleys) out of MacKenzie’s territory.” He seems however
to have persisted in his forays in spite of threats and warnings, for again
in 1554 his conduct and that of his ally Macleod of Lewis ahad become so
outrageous that a commission was issued to Argyll and Huntly to proceed
to the isles “to the utter extermination of Donald Gormeson.” Eleven years
later however, he was restored to royal favour, when, in the abortive uprising
that took place on the marriage of Mary to Darnley, Macdonald took the
side of the Queen, and he helped to stamp out the rebellion. It was during
this time that the bloodthirsty chief Iain Dubh Macleod massacred the descendants
of his relative Iain a’ Chuil Bhain. The only one to survive was Norman,
a nephew of the last chief, Iain Dubh, who was being fostered at the time
in Harris by a cadet of his clan. She took him to safety and the
house of his relative Donald Gormson, who raised the boy, and when he was
grown, gave him the lands of Kingsburgh, and the district remained with
his descendants until they were given to the famous warrior Do’ull Mac
Iain ‘ic Sheamuis, during the chief ship of Sir James Mor Macdonald. (Sheamuis
was a young cadet of the Macdonalds and farmed the island of Eriskay)
Donald Gormson joined the Prodestant party and he was held in
high estimation at court. “For his good and faithful service, the government
conferred upon him a yearly pension of 1000 marks, together with the fruits
of the vacant bishopric of Aberdeen. But he was not to enjoy these
privileges long, for he died in 1573 and he was mourned as a chief whose
ability had raised his clan to a position of high honour and great prosperity.
He married Mary Maclean b c1526, died before 1585, of the Duart Macleans,
d/o Hector Mor Maclean of Duart. He left two sons, Donald Gorm Mor and
Archibald Clerk. He had children;
A1. Donald Gorm Mor Macdonald 8th chief, s/o Donald Gormson Sassunach
Macdonald and Mary Maclean of the Duart Macleans. He was b. 1548
eldest son, age 6 or 7 years old when his father died, and he succeeded
him as the 8th chief and the 7th Baron the Sleat Macdonalds, The regency
fell to James Gruamach Macdonald who was the youngest son of Donald Gruamach
and his 2nd wife a daughter of Macleod of Lewis) but Donald Gorm Mor died
childless in December of 1616, Donald Gorm Mor was 5th in descent from
Hugh of Sleat.
Donald Gorm Mor was married 3 times, to Margaret Macleod of Dunvegan,
to Mary Mackenzie of Kintail, sister of Kenneth Mackenzie of Kintail,
and 3, Marjory Macintosh a sister of Macintosh of Dunachton.)and
was succeeded by the son of his brother Archibald Clerk Macdonald. He was
the Macdonald chief who callously sent home his one eyed wife Margaret
Macleod (sister of Rory Mor Macleod) back to her father, and by so doing,
caused much ill will. He had her mounted on a one eyed nag, escorted by
a one eyed groom, and followed by a one eyed mongrel dog. It began the
“War of the One Eyed Woman”. This was in 1601, and it was to be the
last clan fight ever fought in Skye. When peace came after the battle of
Coire na Creich in 1601, it ended the war between the Macdonalds and the
Macleods. It was celebrated in a great festival at Dunvegan. As the Macdonalds
were approaching the castle, their Piper MacArthur played that favourite
tune “MacDonald’s Salute.* History of Skye page 69. Donald Gorm received
a charter for his lands in 1596 from James IV, he was also given a “letter
of Tack” for Trotternish. Donald Gorm Mor went to Islay to visit his kinsman
Angus of Dunnyveg. While he was there, he was blamed for a raid on the
Macleans, which was really done by the pirate Hugh Macdonald. His
bard was MacVurich.
Donald Gorm Mor made peace with Sir Rory Mor Macleod, the 15th
Macleod chief, and the battles between the Macleods and the Macdonalds
came to an end on the island in 1609. The document forced on them
by King James I was signed by Rory Mor Macleod 15th chief, Donald Gorm
Mor Macdonald, and Lachlan Mackinnon of Strath, called the Statutes of
Iona, signed in 1608 and reafirmed in 1616. It also reafirmed Prodestantism
on the island, although most of the ministers here were still Episcopalian
at this point. Donald Gorm Mor died in 1616, with no issue and was
succeeded by his nephew Donald Gorm Og Macdonald. In 1622 the three chiefs
were Donald Gorm og Macdonald, Lachlan Mackinnon and Rory Mor Macleod 15th
chief.
A2.Archibald the Clerk Macdonald b c1550, the second son of Donald
Gorm Sassunach. Archibald’s eldest son Donald Gorm Og MacGhilleasba
Chleirich, the first baronet of Sleat, succeeded to the estates in 1617.
Archibald the Clerk Macdonald m. Mary or Margaret Macdonald b. c1555
Duniveg, Ross and Cromarty. With children;
next chief
B1.Donald Gorm Og Macdonald 9th chief succeeded
his uncle Donald Gormson, became the first Baronet of Sleat.
“Do’ull Gorm Og, MacGhilleasba Chlerich”.
For his children, see next generation chiefs.
B2.Alexander Macdonald m. ? with children;
C1.Mary Macdonald m. Donald
MacGille Martin I s/o Taos Martin and Janet Macdonald. Donald Martin fought
in the
campaign of Montrose
under the Macdonald banner. He was the 3rd Tacksman of Beallach, Skye.
They had children;
D1.John Martin m. Janet Macdonald, d/o Donald Macdonald. John was the Tacksman
of Floddigary and circa
1705, was the tacksman of Kingsburgh. They had children;
E1.Martin Martin m. Miss Maclean, d/o Lachlan Maclean of Vallay,
North Uist, Scotland. with children;
F1.Lt. John Martin Lieut in army of Flodigary, he was witness of
Captain John Martin’s will. He m. ?
with children;
G1.Donald Martin. (possible Stencholl Martins of PEI descend from this
Donald. If so, he
married ? with children;
H1.Mary Martin b. c1786 Stencholl Skye died oct 20 1869 aged 83 years,
buried Uigg Pioneer Cemetery on PEI. She m. Donald Macleod II s/o Donald
Macleod I of PEI. He was b. c1779 Valtos Skye and died sept 17 1851 aged
72 years in PEI. She emigrated to Orwell Head PEI in 1830. See Lelievre
papers for descendants.
H2.John Samuel Martin b. 1790 Stencholl Skye died oct 15 1883 PEI
aged 93. He m. Catherine Macdonald
H3.Charles Martin b. Stencholl Skye died before 1881 Heatherdale
PeI.
G2.Angus Martin
m. ? with children;
H1.Angus Martin b. c1793 died march 26 1876, age 83 years.
G3.William Martin
b. c1770 died dec 1848 Steinshall Skye, aged 78 years. He married Mary
Nicholson b. c1782 and died sept 14 1862 in Skye, aged 80 years.
They are both buried Osmigarry Burial Ground Skye. (William’s family
apparently died out in PEI as his son John M. had just daughters and his
other son and daughter remained in Skye) With ch;
H1.Angus
Martin b. c1814 d. april 7 1887 Skye, buried Osmigarry.
H2.Flora Martin
b. c1815 d. april 7 1887 Skye.
H3.John
M. Martin b. c1817 Kilmuir died march 13 1883 aged 66 years.
F2.Samuel A. Martin b. c1746 Skye, died April
29 1853 Orwell Cove PEI. m. Catherine Macphail and
emigrated to
PEI on the Polly in 1803. Desc available.
D2.Martin Martin
D3.Mary Martin.
D4.Donald Martin II m. Isabella Macdonald of Cuidrach.
Donald was the 4th of Beallach Martins. He fought at
Killiecrankie with his brother John and Sir
Donald Macdonald. With children;
E1.Martin (or *Donald?)
Martin m. Madeline Maclean d/o Lachlan Maclean of Vallay, North Uist. He
was 5th Tacksman of Beallach and Duntulm circa 1699. The had at least 2
sons and one daughter. *according to Old Skye Tales page 58, his name was
Donald. With children;
F1.Christina Martin unmarried.
F2.Donald Martin 6th of Beallach and Duntulm, I b. 1700 Beallach
died circa 1786. He m. Isabella Macdonald born Sartil, d/o Alexander Macdonald
and Margaret Macdonald. Donald was 6th Tacksman of Beallach for Sir Alexander
Macdonald circa 1715, and was succeeded by his son Reverend Angus Martin
7th of Beallach and Duntulm. Children;
G1.Reverend Angus Martin 7th of Beallach and Duntulm m. Mary Nicholson
with no children. He was succeeded by his brother Martin Martin VIII of
Duntulm and Beallach.Served in 76th Highland Reg in 1777 American Revolution.
G2.Reverend Lachlan Martin (grandfather of Dr. L. M. Matheson)
G3.Reverend Donald Martin II b. c1750 died 1838 Abernathy Scotland m. Anne
Macdonald born c1771, died dec 11 1803, buried Osmigarry Burial ground,
Kilmuir, Skye, d/o Norman Macdonald of Scalpay, son of the son of Sir James
Mor Macdonald. Rev. Donald Martin lost his family lands as a result of
his vocation after the deaths of his two elder brothers. He was parish
minister of Kilmuir 1785-1808, a noted violinist, transfered to the East
Church Inverness (1808-20) and Abernathy (1820-38). With children;
H1.Lieut. Donald Norman Martin III died 1815 of wounds received at Waterloo
after returning home to
Woolwich Skye.
H2.James Ranald Martin I died 1874.
H3.Daughter Martin.
H4.Daughter Martin.
H5.Susan Martin m. John Graham. She acquired Sartil Skye from her grand
uncle Captain Samuel Macdonald.
G4.Martin Martin 8th of Beallach (succeeded his brother Angus VII)
factor for Lord Macdonald, he was b. Beallach, died at a young age
on Skye. He m. Isabella Margaret Macleod d/o John Macleod of Raasay. He
was 8th tacksman of Beallach and Duntulm for Lord Macdonald. The lament
“The Lament for Martin of Beallach was written about him. With children;
H1.Isabella Martin b. c1780 d. Skye age 72. m. Martin Martin of Tote.
( he was eldest Marrishader Martin, s/o John Martin and Mary Nicholson
who was d/o Peter Nicholson of Scorrybreac. This John Martin was only son
of Mr. Martin and Rachel Macdonald who was d/o John Macdonald of
Culnancnoc) He later held the lands of Tote, Eyre, and Unakill, and was
the last of the class called tacksmen.
H2.Jane Martin m. Count Maurin.
E2.Reverend Donald Martin III. 9th of Beallach
was a minister in Kilmur. He m. Miss Macdonald, a d/o Norman Macdonald
of Scalpay and Bernisdale. He died in 1838, succeeded by his son
James Ranald Martin 10th. with children;
F1.James Ranald Martin 10th of Beallach (afterwards
Sir Ranald Martin C.B. F.R.S.) succeeded to the chiefship of the Beallach
family. He was a surgeon in the Indian Army. He m. Jane Paton d/o Col Paton,
C.B. They had 9 sons, all in the army. For their descendants, see page
60 of Old Skye Tales.
E3.Mary Martin
E4.John Martin I. m. Miss Bethune with children;
F1.Donald Martin.
F2.Malcolm Martin.
F3.Angus Martin b.
Skye m. ? with children;
G1.Peter Martin b. Snizort, Skye.
F4.John Martin II
b. c1726 Sleat, died Jan 1791 possibly Portree. He m. Marion Sarah Macleod
d/o William Macleod and Margaret Bethune. She was b. c1735 in Duirinish
Skye and died about oct 1 1784 Moore Co. North Carolina. John Martin fought
in the battle of Culloden in 1746 as Captain. He emigrated to North Carolina
in 1771, captured Moore’s Creek in 1776, granted land in Cape Breton, but
returned to Skye by June 1787. His will was administered on Jan 16, 1793.
Marion is buried on Captain John Martin’s land in Moore Co, North Carolina.
She was a direct descendant of Olave the Black of the Clan Macleod. With
children;
G1.Murdoch Martin b. c1759 Skye d. 1824
Moore Co. North Carolina.
G2.Catherine Martin b. c1760 Skye died
june 27 1852 Moore Co, North Carolina aged 92. She is buried Longstreet
Presbyterian Cemetery, N.C.
G3.Margaret Martin b. c1762 Skye.
G4.William Martin b. 1768 Skye died
april 24 1819 Moore Co, North Carolina. Unmarried.
G5.John Martin III b. c1773 died 1824
Moore Co.
G6.Martin Martin b. c1775 d. 1828 Sparta,
Hancock Co North Carolina.
G7.Flora Martin Jr. b. c1780.
G8.Alexander Martin b. june 27 1784
Cumberland/Moore Co. died after jan 24 1860, probably Richmond Co, N.C.
G7.Flora Martin Sr. b. 1779 Skye died
aug 3 1854 Moore Co, N.C. m. Archibald Black with descendants available.
***********
next chief 14th gen
Donald Gorm Oig Macdonald (Sir Donald Macdonald) 9th chief of Sleat
and the 1st Baronet.
Donald Gorm Oig Macdonald, s/o Archibald the Clerk Macdonald succeeded
his uncle Donald Gorm Mor as 9th Chief of the Sleat Macdonalds, in 1616.
He was known as “Dou’ll gorm Og, MacGilleasba Chlerich” In the summer of
1616 young Donald Gorm went to Edinburgh primarily with the object of seeking
protection from the King against the Chief of Dunvgan Macleods. He was
graciously recieved and made such a favourable impression on his soverign
that he was invested with the insignia of knighthood and he was confirmed
in his title to all his estates with the exception of Trotternish. He was
made the first Baronet of Sleat in the year 1625, designated “of Nova Scotia”.
In 1590, Donald Gorm Mor was definetly Prodestant, he was commanded by
King James VI to suppress Jesuit activities on Skye.
This Donald was held in high esteem by the Stewart Court, as
can be seen by this writing;
Donald Gorm of fair countenance
The smoothest of the three
No dolt were you in court
Of King Charles
-Iain Lom, the Gaelic poet-laureate of Charles II.
Donald Gorm Oig Macdonald was an ardent supporter of the Stewarts,
in 1639 he was made the King’s Lieutenant in the Isles. In consequence
of his loyalty to the Stewarts, he was summoned before the Scottish Parliament
in 1641 and was accused of treason to the country. After suffering imprisonment
for a short space, he was at length set at liberty; but he did not long
enjoy his freedom, for he died in 1643. He married Janet Mackenzie b. c1592
of Kintail d/o Kenneth Mackenzie of Kintail, first lord of Kintail and
Jean Anne Ross. Janet was sister to Colin and George, first and second
Earls of Seaforth. Her uncle was Alexander Mackenzie of Kilcoy.
(Donald Gorm Macdonald was perhaps married twice, since Sir James
his successor had a half brother by the name of Archibald Macdonald)
It was during the time of this chief, that MacMhuirich in the “Black book
of Clan Ranald” mentions among others, John, son of Rory Macleod of Harris,
Lachlan son of John Balbh Mackinnon, John Garbh MacGillechallum of Raasay,
and Sir Donald Gorm, son of Gilleasbuig Macdonald. In 1628 there was an
assembly of chiefs including John Macleod of Dunvegan, Sir Donald Macdonald
of Sleat, Sir Lachlan Mackinnon of Strath, and Alexander Mac Gille Chaluim
of Rassay. Witness’ to this event were William Macleod of Tallisker,
John Mackenzie of Fairburn and John Nicholson and John Ross, notars. Donald
Gorm Macdonald died in October of 1643, and was succeeded by his son Sir
James Mor Macdonald.
With children;
A1.Sir James Mor Macdonald by Mary Mackenzie b. c1616-20, 2nd Baronet of Sleat, eldest son, his successor. For his children see the next generation of chiefs.
A2.Archibald Macdonald (the chief’s half brother) “An Ciaran Mabach”, poet and warrior. His name was Gilleasbuig Ruadh. (Archibald Roy) He secured a wadset for Bornaskitaig in Trotternish in 1654, and he also occupied lands in North Uist. He was not, as is erroneously stated by Mackenzie, s/o Sir Alexander 6th Baronet. He died about 1688.
A3.Donald Macdonald of Castleton, (“Donald of the Castle”) was given
a wadset of land in Bornaskitaig in 1667 by his brother the chief Sir James.
He led a contingent of Skyemen under Montrose until 1645.
***********************************************************************************
next chief 15th gen
Sir James Mor Macdonald 10th Chief 2nd Baronet
Sir James Mor Macdonald, b. c1616, eldest s/o Donald Gorm Og and Janet
Mackenzie, succeeded as 10th chief of the Sleat Macdonalds and 2nd baronet,
in 1643. This chief was known for his prudence “a man of very great ability
and judgement”, as he was characterised by the government of Cromwell;
and for a time the affairs of the clan under in peaceful rule, were in
a flourishing condition. He joined Montrose in 1645.
At Worcester on Sept 3, 1651 the Highland brigade had to bear
the full brunt of the onslaught of Cromwell’s forces and the clans were
severly cut up and scattered in hopeless flight. Those who were made prisoners
in this battle were consigned as slaves and sent to the Plantations in
America. Neither the Macdonald nor the Macleod chief was present at this
battle.
In later life, Sir James began to frequent the cities of the
South, where he entertained on a lavish scale. Numerous guests visited
at Duntulm and at Armadale, where all was gaiety and unfailing generosity.
It seems, however, that this extraordinary liberality had plunged the estate
deeply in debt and it led to domestic troubles that caused much anxiety
to the clan. Quarrels between the chief and his son became to acute as
to induce the wadsetters to threaten the deposition of the one and to refuse
to recognise the other as heir. The execution of this decision was however,
obviated by the death of Sir James December 8, 1678 on Skye.
Sir James married firstly) on Feb 23, 1633 Ross and Cromarty,
Margaret Mackenzie of Tarbat, only daughter of Sir Roderick Mackenzie
of Tarbat, ancestor of the Earls of Cromarty. Roderick Mackenzie was s/o
Colin Cam Mckenzie, 11th Baron of Kintail. Sir James and Margaret had a
large family.
Sir James m. 2ndly in 1661, Mary Macleod, eldest daughter of
Big John Iain Mor Macleod of Dunvegan, 16th chief and Sibella Mckenzie,
d/o Mackenzie, first lord of Kintail. (Big John Macleod was b. c1595 and
died sept 1649, s/o Sir Roderick Macleod and Isabell Macdonald b. c1567
of Glengarry, married c1592 - Sir Roderick was s/o Tormod Macleod and Giles
Mclean of Duart))
With children by Margaret Mackenzie of Tarbat; Sir Donald his
successor, Hugh of Glenmore, John of Bernisdale and Scalpay, Roderick,
James of Aird, Alexander, Archibald, Angus, Catherine, Florence.
By his 2nd wife Mary Macleod, he had children John of Balconie,
(and Elizabeth?).
In addition, he had one natural son, Ronald Macdonald of Baleshare.
A1.Sir Donald Macdonald 3rd Baronet, 11th chief, born after 1633, eldest son, of Sir James Mor Macdonald and Margaret Mackenzie. Sir Donald Macdonald, third baronet of Sleat, died in 1695, succeeded by his son the 4th baronet; Sir Donald Macdonald.
A2.John Macdonald progenitor of Bernisdale and Scalpay Macdonalds, s/o Sir James Mor Macdonald and Margraret Mackenzie.
(Somerled, not listed in Clan Donald book, but listed in other sources)
A3.Somerled (Samuel - Soirlee) of Sartil Macdonald, 4th s/o Sir James
Mor Macdonald and Margaret Mackenzie, b. 1641, died 1700 m. Mary
Macleod d/o Murdo Macleod called the “Tutor” of Raasay. With children;
B1.Captain Hugh Macdonald born in Armadale,
(Uisdean Cam “One eye - he was blind in one eye), he was the 3rd son of
Somerled and Mary Macleod. In 1728, he m. Marion Macdonald, mother of the
celebrated Flora.They emigrated to North Carolina about 1771 or 1772 where
he died in 1780. With children;
C1.Annabella
Macdonald born Scotland, m. Major Alexander Macdonald s/o Hugh Macdonald
II of Cuidrach. He
died Nov 19, 1815. They went to the Carolinas c1772, returned
to London in 1781, and to Skye in 1783. He was a
Major for the 84th Royal Highland Emmigrant Reg. in the American Revolultion.
With children;
D1.Captain Kenneth Macdonald b. Cuidrach, died feb 13 1814 Forres,Scotland.
He m. Jane Nicholson of
Scorrybreac and died in Forres Scotland. He went to the Carolinas about
1772. With children;
E1.Jessie Macdonald died june 15 1857 Forres Scotland.
E2.Mary Macdonald b. c1803 Scotland died may 11 1898 aged 95 in Edinburgh.
E3.Fanny Macdonald born and died in Scotland. She m. John Munro s/o George
Munro and Jessie Nicholson.
He was born 1800 in Forres, Scotland. With children;
F1.Andrew Munro b. Skye died Scotland.
F2.George Munro b. Skye m. Miss Donaldson.
F3.Kenneth Munro b. Skye.
D2.Captain James Macdonald b. Flodigarry, died 1780 NY.
USA m. Isabella Macqueen.
He went to Carolinas about 1772.
D3.Ensg. Donald Macdonald b. 1760 Cuidrach m. Frances
Macdonald b. Kingsburg. He went to S. Carolina
in 1774 to fight in war, returned to London
in 1783.
D4.Daughter Macdonald m. James Macdonald s/o John Macdonald
of Portree. James was tacksman of Skeabost, and a
merchant in Portree. With children;
E1.Emily Macdonald m. Captain
James Macdonald of Flodigarry with children;
F1.Jessie Macdonald.
D5.Janet Macdonald died 1847 Stornaway, Scotland m. Major
Alexander Macdonald s/o Hugh Macdonald II of Cuidrach.
Alexander died nov 19 1815. Went to Carolinas c1772
returned to Skye in 1783. With children;
E1.Alexander Macdonald.
E2.Hugh Peter Macdonald
b. Monkstadt died july 1868, m. Jessie Macdonald d/o Donald Macdonald of
Balranald. For
their children see Australia
E3.Elizabeth Macdonald died 1872 Stornoway m. about
oct 6 1813,
Mugstot Skye, Alexander Macleod born and died Borlin
Skye.
E4.Alice Macdonald b. c1805 died may 27 1870, m.
Roderick Miller M.D. born Stornoway,
died 1889, s/o John Miller M.D. With children;
F1.Johanna Elizabeth
b. nov 19 1844 died Edinburgh.
F2.Janet Mcdonald
Miller b. sept 6 1846 died Edinburgh.
D6.Jacobina Macdonald b. Carolina USA m. about 1805,
Sir John Eon Macdonald Adjutant of Lord Macdonald’s
Regiment. He was of Scalpay, had lands in
Bernisdale.
D7. Marion Macdonald m. Murdoch Macleod a tacksman, s/o
Alexander Macleod and Catherine Macqueen.
He was b. in Cuidrach, Snizort. with children;
E1.Alexander Macleod m.
? with children;
F1.Banna Macleod.
E2.Marion Macleod m. Mr.
Macintyre with children;
F1.Mary Macintyre.
F2.Margaret Macintyre.
E3.Margaret Macleod m. Reverend
Alexander Macleod in 1868, born Rogart Sutherlandshire Scotland.
E4.Malcolm Macleod emigrated
to Cape Breton Nova Scotia.
E5.Annabella Macleod b.
1792 Cuidrach, died Aug 1852 Alberry Plains PEI. m. James Munro M.D.
s/o George Munro and Jessie
Nicholson. Descendants are available.
C2.James Macdonald a lieutenant in the Dutch Service 1747-8.
B2.James Macdonald
B3.Margaret Macdonald m. Captain Alexander Macdonald who occuppied
Sartil circa 1733. He
was of the Ardnamurchan Macdonalds. With children;
C1.Captain Samuel Macdonald b. 1739 Sartil died Oct 10 1830
When he was age 90 years, he m. Catherine Stewart age 22 years, d/o
Mr. Stewart and Miss Macdonald. Miss Macdonald was b. c1806 and died 1886
in Kilvaxter. Captain Samuel emigrated to Carolina in 1770 he was a Loyalist
officer during the American Revolution. He served under Allan Macdonald,
husband of the celebrated Flora Macdonald, and he was taken prisoner at
Widow Moore’s Creek Bridge. He aquired Sartil on hiis return from USA and
lived there for many years. He sold Sartil to Johh Graham and Susan Martin,
Samuel’s grandniece) Children of Captain Samuel and Catherine Stewart;
D1.Mary Macdonald b. c1758 Sartil
/ sartle Skye died april 9 1857 age 99, m. Angus Macaulay M.D.
He was born 1760 in Skye
or Lewis, and died Dec 6 1827 in Mt. Buchanan, lot 57, PEI aged 67 years.
C2.Donald Macdonald occupied Boronas, Kitag, and Glensdall.
C3.Isabella Macdonald b. Sartil Skye m. her cousin Donald Martin
I s/o Martin Martin
and Madeline Maclean. He was born 1700 in Beallach Skye and
died circa 1786. He was
the 6th Tacksman of Beallach for Sir Alexander Macdonald circa
1715. Children are
listed under Donald Martin I.
A4.James Macdonald of Aird in Sleat, s/o Sir James Mor Macdonald and Margaret Mackenzie.
A5.Catherine Macdonald eldest d/o Sir James Macdonald and Margaret Mackenzie,
m. Sir Norman Macleod of Bernera (she was his 2nd wife, his first wife
was Margaret Mackenzie of Kintail by whom he had one son, John of
Contullich Macleod) He was the third s/o Sir Rory Mor chief
of Macleod and Isabella Macdonald of the Glengarry or Clanranald Macdonalds.
Sir Norman was a student of Glasgow University in 1622, and his brother
was William of Hamera. He was patron to the poetess of Dunvegan, Mary Macleod
“Mairi n’in Alasdair Ruaidh” Sir Norman died March 3, 1705. With children
by Catherine Macdonald of Sleat;
B1.Isabella Macleod of Bernera, d/o Catherine Macdonald and
Sir Norman Macleod of
Bernera, m. Roderick Macneil 13th chief of the Barra Macneils.
With children;
C1.Roderick Macneil known as Ruairidh
Mac Ruairidh who was born in 1693 and after his father’s death became 14th
chief of the Macneils. He died May 7 1763 and was succeeded by his eldest
son Roderick. He m. his first cousin Alice Macleod d/o William Macleod
1st of the Macleods of Luskintyre Harris with children;
D1.Roderick Macleod, who became 15th chief of Barra Macneils
D2.Margaret Macleod m. Norman Macleod tacksman of Unish, Waternish, and
who succeeded his cousin Alexander of Muiravonside as 6th of the Macleods
of Berneray.
C2.Gilleonan Macneil m. ? with children;
D1.Roderick Macneil of Brevig, Barraa m. Catherine Macdonald with
children;
E1.Roderick Macneil known as Ruairidh Og, b. Barra in 1777 and emigrated
with his parents to PEI in 1802. He was a well educated man, and was a
highly respected in PEI first as a teacher, and then as an M.P. He gave
up teaching to become a farmer and farmed 200 acres of his father’s land
at Vernon River PEI. He died in 1850. He m. in 1811, Catherine MacEachern
with children;
F1.Roderick Macneil died c1851 unmarried.
F2.Lachlan Macneil, who according to the late Rev. A. Maclean Sinclair,
on the death of Lieut.General Roderick Macneil on Oct 22 1863 in London,
to the Chiefship of the Clan Macneil.
F3.Donald Macneil died unmarried.
F4.Margaret Macneil
F5.Marjory Macneil
F6.Catherine Macneil
F7.Janet Macneil
F8.Ann Macneil
C3.Donald Macneil tacksman of Vatersay, m. Isabell Macleod
d/o Norman Macleod 2nd of the Macleods of Greshornish and his wife Catherine,
d/o Lachlan Maclean 10th of the Macleans of Coll.
C4.James Macneil
C5.Penelope Macneil m. 1) Angus Macdonald 2nd of the Macdonalds
of Belfinlay (descended from the Macdonalds of Clanranald) and 2ndly John
Macdonald M.D. with children by Angus Macdonald;
D1.Donald Macdonald 3rd
of Belfinlay died unmarried.
D2.Ranald Macdonald succeeded
his brother as 4th of Belfinlay was a captain in the Clanranald regiment,
and joined the
army of Prince Charles in
the 1745 uprising. He fought at Cullodon, and died unmarried.
D3.Penelope Macdonald m.
Angus Macdonald 3rd of Macdonalds of Milton South Uist (brother of the
celebrated
Flora) with children;
E1.Angus Macdonald captain in the army and served in the American war.
He was drowned in Locheynort in the
winter of 1808-09 and was succeeded at Milton by his eldest son also Angus,
who was the last Macdonald of Milton.
E2.Archibald Macdonald
E3.Alexander Macdonald
E4.Gilbert Macdonald was a captain in 6th Royal Regiment died 1836
unmarried.
E5.Donald Macdonald died unmarried.
E6.Flora Macdonald
E7.Marion Macdonald m. Nov 28 1778 Reverend George Munro, minister of South
Uist (s/o Reverend John Munro minister of South Uist and his wife Christina
d/o William Macleod of the Hamera family, tacksman of Waterstein and Ose)
with issue.
E8.Mary Macdonald
Penelope Macneil (C5) married as her 2nd husband, John
Macdonald M.D. s/o Ronald Macdonald 3rd of the Macdonalds of Kinlochmoidart.
Dr. John fought with his father at Sheriffmuir and was afterwards implicated
in the affairs of 1745, and suffered as a consequence. Afterwards he lived
at Kinlochmidart. It does not appear that there was any issue of Penelope’s
2nd marriage to Dr. John Macdonald.
B2.Catherine Macleod of Bernera d/o Catherine Macdonald and Sir
Norman Macleod of Bernera, m. as her first husband, Alexander Macleod 9th
chief of Raasay Macleods, who was grandson of John, brother of Alexander
6th of Raasay. He had succeeded his cousins Iain Garbh and Alexander Macleod.
Catherine and Alexander had an only son Malcolm.
C1.Malcolm Macleod succeeded his father in Raasay.
Catherine Macleod (B2) married as her 2nd husband Angus Macdonald
3rd of the Macdonalds of Scotus, born 1667 died 1746 whose mother was Flora,
d/o John Macleod 2nd of the Macleods of Drynoch. Angus Macdonald
died in 1746, and his widow Catherine married as her 3rd husband her cousin
Charles Macsween of the MacSweens of Roag, Duirinish. ( He was a son of
Catherine’s aunt Florence Macdonald d/o Sir Roderick Mor 15th of Dunvegan)
She was his 2nd wife. Charles had been for a time factor on the Macleod
estates, and afterwards tacksman of Bernisdale, Snizort. In 1766, he succeeded
Allan Macdonald of Kingsburgh as a factor for Sir Alexander Macdonald,
but he proved untrustworthy, for at the end of his first year, having colleced
all the rent money, he absconded to the West Indies, accompanied by his
wife and the four sons of his previous marriage. He died in poor circumstances
in 1774 in Philadelphia. His widow Catherine Macleod was some years later
living in Quebec, from which she wrote to Norman Macleod of Dunvegan, regarding
money matters. That is the last we heard of her. Catherine Macleod and
Angus Macdonald had children;
C2.Donald Macdonald succeeded his father at Scotus and
was killed at Culloden. He was twice married with issue.
C3.John Macdonald styled of Crowlin born 1695 died 1746
. m. May 2 1723 at Arnisdale Glenelg, Janet Macleod, d/o Donald Macleod
of Arnisdale with numerous issue including;
D1.John Macdonald known
as “Spanish John” born 1728 died apirl 15 1810 in Cornwall Ontario
Canada, whose career in France, Spain and in the Highlands after Culloden
is given in his own autobiographal narrative - Spanish John, being a narrative
of the early life of Colonel John M’Donell of Scottos. Written by himself.
Printed by the Royal Celtic Society (Blackwood, Edinburgh and London, 1931)
He was tacksman of Inverguseran in Knoydart. He emigrated in 1775 to Canada,
and died on April 15 1810 at Cornwall, Upper Canada. *The aforementioned
descendant of "Spanish John" MacDonell I am descended from 'Spanish John'
acDonell, through hisdaughter Polly MacDonell. There is a possibility I
also descend from his son John "The Priest" MacDonell through the marriageof
fifth cousins. I am writing a full biography of "Spanish John" MacDonell,
with illustrations, which I will complete soon. I willbe VERY happy to
give a copy to you, if you send me your address via my e-mail address.
You ask if you have ancestral linksto "Spanish John"; indeed there are,
as all persons with MacDonell lineage have ancestral connections to him,
and those
descending from the Scottos/Scottus branch are even closer. You are
probably descended from "Spanish John"s grandfatherAeneas MacDonell, (1678
- 1764), who had also been in the Spanish Army. There is no charge for
my work. I will send acopy to ANYONE interested! Just ask.
To reach me, here is my rather morbid e-mail address;
WEAPONS@WEAPONS.ZZN.COM He m. in 1747 a d/o D. MacDonell who
was killed at Culloden with issue.
E1..Polly Macdonald
C4.Allan Macdonald tacksman of Ardnaslishnish and was
out in the 1745. He m. ? with children;
D1.John Macdonald an officer
in the American war, then settled in Montreal. He m. ? with children;
E1.Angus Macdonald m. ? with children;
F1.Anne Cecilia Macdonald m. Nov 13 1861 James Sutherland Chisholm 27th
chief of the Clan Chisholm with
children;
G1.Roderick Donald Matheson who succeeded his father as 28th chief of Chisholm
and died on april 4 1887
unmarried.
G2.Mary Isabella died young.
G3.Louisa Jane.
G4.Anne Margaret
D2..Flora Macdonald m. as his 2nd wife Ronald Macdonald
4th of the Macdonalds of Gerinish in South Uist, whom she
met in Canada with children;
E1.Allan Macdonald
who succeeded his father in Gerinish and also in Canadian property, which
his father had named
Gerinish. He however, sold
his property to his brother Alexander and went to PEI where he died without
issue.
E2.Alexander Macdonald
succeeded his brother in Gerinish and was a captain in the army.
With children;
F1.Ronald Macdonald (only son) who succeeded in establishing a claim to
the estate of Morar in 1854 and became
14th head of the Macdonalds of Morar. He soon afterwards sold the estate
and returned to Canada.
C5.Ronald Macdonald, of whom nothing is known.
B3.Marion Macleod of Bernera, d/o Catherine Macdonald and Sir
Norman Macleod of
Bernera, m. as his 2nd wife, Donald Maclean 12th of the Macleans
of Coll with children;
C1.Lachlan Maclean m. Catherine d/o Donald Maclean 3rd
of Macleans of
Coll with children, all died young.
C2.John Maclean of whom nothing is known.
C3.Hugh Maclean who succeeded as 14th of Coll, m. Janet
d/o Donald Macleod
13th of Talisker Macleods. Hugh died May 4 1786. With
children;
D1.Donald Maclean drowned
sept 25 1774 in Sound of Ulva.
D2.Alexander Maclean succeeded
his father in Coll He was known as Alasdair Ruadh and was for some
time a Captain in the Argyll Fencible Regiment. He was appointed Lieut.
Colonel in the Breadalbane Fencibles in 1794. He m. Catherine d/o Captain
Allan Cameron of Glendessary with children;
E1.Hugh Maclean who succeeded his father in Coll, and was 16th and last
Maclean of Coll. He m. in 1814 as his first wife, Janet Dennistoun with
issue four daughters. He m. in 1825 as his 2nd wife Jane Robertson, with
issue four sons and two daughters.
E2.Janet Maclean m. Hon. George Vere Hobart 2nd s/o Duke of Buckingham
with issue a daughter Vere Louise Catherine who m. Donald Cameron of Lochiel
D.L. 23rd chief of the Clan Cameron, with issue.
E3.Sibella Maclean died unmarried.
E4.Catherine Maclean m. Major Donald Macleod of Talisker, and emigrated
to Tasmania in 1820.
E5.Maria Maclean m. Alexander Hunter, Edinburgh.
E6.Marion Maclean died unmarried.
E7.Breadalbane Maclean (F) died unmarried.
D3.Hector Maclean b. 1756 entered service of East
India Co in 1775. Appointed Captain 1786, Major in 1795, Lieut. Col in
1798, and Major General in 1811. He was created a K.C.B. in 1815 and was
Lieut General in 1821. He died in 1849 in London.
D4.Norman Maclean Major in 78th Regiment died of
Yellow fever in the island of Grenada, unmarried.
D5.Roderick Maclean, an army officer m. Christina,
d/o Captain Allan Cameron of Glendessary with issue an only daughter
Marion.
D6.Allan Maclean captain in 36th Regiment m. Jean
d/o Captain Allan Cameron of Glendessary.
D7.Hugh Maclean captain in 60th Regiment.
D8.Marion Maclean m. in 1783, Alexander, eldest
s/o Colin Macdonald 2nd of the Macdonalds of Boisdale and his first wife
Margaret, d/o Donald Campbell of Airds with issue.
C4.Neil Maclean emigrated to Virginia, was a merchant.
C5.Catherine Maclean m. her cousin Dr. Hector Maclean
3rd of the Macleans of Grulin, whose mother was Janet, d/o John Macleod
2nd of Berneray. They had an only surviving daughter Mary. Dr. Johnson
and James Boswell visited Dr. Maclean at his home in Erray, Mull and the
former describes Mary as the most accomplished lady he met during his tour
of the Hebrides. Dr. Maclean died about 1784 and his daughter Mary in 1826.
B4. Margaret Macleod of Bernera d/o Catherine Macdonald and
Sir Norman Macleod. In 1706 she signed an obligation of marriage with Mr.
Neil Beaton, the family tutor, to whom she was about to bear a child. There
are several families on the island of Berneray who claim to be descended
from Sir Norman Macleod of Berneray. They can trace their genealogy back
to a certain Neil Macleod, who was born about 1706. According to tradition,
he was fostered in the island of Barra, and it is interesting to note that
Isabel, (sister of Margaret) d/o Sir Norman Macleod was married to Roderick
13th of Macneil Barra at the time. The child bore his father’s christian
name but apparently adopted his mother’s surname. He returned to Berneray
as a full grown man, and his connection with the Macleods of Berneray has
never been challenged in the island. There seems to be good reason to believe
that this tradition is correct and that Neil Macleod was the son of Neil
Beaton and Margaret Macleod. Despite the obligation of marriage entered
into, Margaret did not marry Neil Beaton. Neil Beaton was probably a son
of Kenneth Beaton, tacksman of Leabost, Snizort, who as a young man was
befriended by Sir Norman Macleod of Berneray. It is said that Neil commenced
preaching but never had any particular church assigned to him. He died
at Dunkeld about the year 1749.
A6.Florence Macdonald the second d/o Sir James Mor Macdonald and Margaret
Mackenzie, m. firstly John Iain Breac, 18th chief of Dunvegan Macleod
who died in 1693. The tutor to this family was Martin Martin M.D. of Trotternish
who wrote the History of the Western Isles in 1693. The harper for this
family was An Clarsail Dall, Roderick Morrison the blind harper. (He was
born 1646 on Lewis) Florence and John Iain Breac had 3 sons, Roderick Norman
and William, the two oldest of whom were successively chiefs, and the last
died young. The daughters were Isabella and Jeanet. Florence Macdonald
married secondly John MacNaughton of that ilk.
Children of Florence Macdonald and John Iain Breac Macleod;
B2.Roderick Macleod, 19th chief of Macleod m. Lady Isabel Mackenzie
d/o the third Earl of Seaforth. Roderick died in 1699, succeeded by his
brother Norman the 20th chief. The bards have nothing good to say about
this 19th chief. They had an only daughter;
C1.Anne Macleod m. Donald Macleod of Bernera, the “Old Trojan.”
Donald married three times, Anne Macleod, 2nd ?, third Margaret Macleod
of Greshornish. His children by Margaret Macleod were Lt. Gen Sir
John Macleod, and Lt. Gen Sir Charles Macleod who served in India. Also
a son Alexander Macleod who erected at Rodel, a memorial to his father
which says: “In his 75th year, he married his third wife, by whom he had
9 children, died age 90 years in 1783.” with children by Anne Macleod;
D1.Captain Norman Macleod of Ullinish,
s/o Anne Macleod and Donald Macleod of Bernera, was accused in 1739 of
kidnapping young men and women in Skye and elsewhere with the intention
of selling them as slaves in he American Colonies. Sir Alexander Macdonald
was also implicated in this scheme. Norman left Skye and for a time lived
in Northern Ireland, but came back when his chief was mobilizing the clan
in support of the government in 1745. He was commisioned with the rank
of Captain, it is alleged that none was so zealous as he in the pursuit
of his father, who was a rebel. After the ‘45 Macleod settled down and
became a noted breeder of Highland cattle.
D2.Janet Macleod of Bernera m.
Reverend John Macpherson M.D. appointed as minister in Sleat in 1741 to
succeeded Reverend Edmund Macqueen. He was a classical scholar of note,
and a well known poet. He served Sleat until 1764 and was succceeded by
his son Reverend Martin Macpherson. With children;
E1.Reverend Martin Macpherson, succeeded his father in Sleat in 1765. Educated
at Aberdeen and Edinburgh. He lived at Ostaig, and was host to Boswell
and Johnson. He died in 1812 age 69 years. He m. Miss Mackinnon, d/o Mackinnon
of Corey.
E2.Sir John Macpherson, Gov General Bengal in India. He made a substantial
contibution to the funds of the poor of
his native parish.
D3. Reverend William Macleod? minister of Bracadale
(He was brother of Sheriff Alexander) He went to Campbelltown in
1767.
D4.Sheriff Alexander Macleod of Ullinish?
B3.Norman Macleod, 20th chief of Macleod.succeeded his brother
Roderick in 1699. In 1703 he
married his cousin Anne Fraser d/o Hugh 11th Lord Lovat.
with children;
C1.John Macleod 21st chief succeeded
his father but died in the same year 1706.
C2.Norman Macleod 22nd chief succeeded
his brother John in 1706. He was called “The Wicked Man.” He m. in 1726
Janet Macdonald youngest d/o Sir Donald Macdoanld of Sleat, but she left
him in 1733, he then married Anne Martin.
B4.William Macleod died young.
B5.Isabella Macleod.
B6.Janet Macleod.
A7.Hugh Macdonald of Glenmore, s/o Sir James Macdonald and Margaret
Mackenzie. He was progenitor of the Mogstadt and Glenmore Macdonalds.
He m. ? with children;
B1.Reverend Hugh Macdonald of Glenmore, minister of Portree,
married his cousin Elizabeth Macdonald d/o John Macdonald of Balconie and
Alice Mackenzie. (John of Balconie was s/o Sir James Mor Macdonald and
his 2nd wife Mary Macleod) with children;
C1.Major Alexander Macdonald of Courthill, Lochcarron m. his
cousin Janet Macdonald d/o Major Alexander Macdonald
of Cuidrach and Annabella Macdonald. With
children two sons and two daughters;
D1.Alexander Macdonald eldest
son became insane from an operation.
D2.Hugh Macdonald I of Mogstadt.
He inherited Mogstadt. He m. Jessie Macdonald of Skeabost with five sons
and six
daughters; Alexander, John, Hugh, Donald Lochinvar, James, Jessie,
Julia, Bosville, Elizabeth, Johanna, Margaret; See Australian Macdonalds.
source: Meta-Anne Hudson in Australia mhud@eisa.net.au
B2.James Macdonald s/o Hugh of Glenmore.
B3.John Macdonald s/o Hugh of Glenmore
B4.Janet Macdonald d/o Hugh of Glenmore
B5.Alice Macdonald d/o Hugh of Glenmore
B6.Margaret Macdonald d/o Hugh of Glenmore
A8.Ronald Macdonald natural s/o Sir James Mor Macdonald and ? with children;
B1.Hugh Macdonald of Baleshare, a captain in the Hanoverian militia.
B2.Son Macdonald m. ? with children;
C1.Norman Macdonald of Scalpa and Bernisdale Scotland. He m.
? with children;
D1.Anne Macdonald b. c1771 died
dec 11 1803.
D2.Sir John Macdonald, Adjutant
General to the forces under Wellington. He m. circa 1805, Jacobina
Macdonald b.
Carolina USA, d/o Major
Alexander Macdonald and Annabella Macdonald.
D3.General Alexander Macdonald
“Sandy” C.B. served in Peninsular wars, was Governor of Honduras.
D4.Adjutant General Archibald
Macdonald served in Peninsular wars, was AdJ general of the army in India.
Sir James Macdonald’s second wife was Mary Macleod, favourite sister
of Iain Breac, chief of the Dunvegan Macleods. James and Mary had an only
son, called John of Balconie. From him, descend the Cnocowe Macdonalds.
With the consent of his eldest lawful son Donald, Sir James gave his second
son John a wadset of Monkstadt, Cnocowe and some other lands, in a contract
dated June 27, 1698. John married Alice Mackenzie, in a contract dated
June 13, 1698.
About 1725, the Macdonald chief fled the haunted castle of Duntulm
and moved to Monkstadt, and John and his family moved across the ridge
to Cnocowe, in order to make room for them. Cnocowe was located between
Loch Chaluim Chille and the sea, and was tenanted for many generations
by Macdonalds nearly related to the neigbouring Macdonalds of Mogstadt.
John’s half siblings would have been Donald the 11th chief, Catherine,
Somerled of Sartle, James, Hugh of Glenmore and Mary Macdonald. The head
of this family in 1745 was Donald Ruadh (Roy) who succeeded his father
Aonghas Ruadh - presumably Angus was s/o John of Balconie.
A9.John Macdonald of Balconie m. Alice Mackenzie on June 27 1698.
with children;
B1.Elizabeth Macdonald m. Reverend Hugh Macdonald first minister
of Portree.
B2.Angus Roy Macdonald born after 1698 m. ? , succeeded by his
son Angus. with children;
C1.Angus Macdonald (There is a family of “Roy Macdonalds” who
emigrated to PEI with the Glenaladale settlers, they
were Catholics, possible they were descendants
of this Angus) If so, the family was:
D1.Angus Macdonald m. ? with children;
E1.Roderick Macdonald
E2.Charles Macdonald
E3.James Macdonald b. 1790
E4.John Macdonald
E5.Ronald Roy Macdonald
E6.Alexander Macdonald.
C2.Hugh Macdonald of Baleshare, in the Hanoverian Militia.
C3.Donald Roy Macdonald, s/o Angus Roy Macdonald, head of the
family in 1745. He supported Bonnie Prince Charlie and was involved in
the escapade with Lady Margaret Macdonald, the wife of Sir Alexander Macdonald
the 15th chief. He was wounded in the foot at Culloden. He was kinsman
to the 16th chief sleat Macdonald - the Scottish Marcellus, Sir James Macdoanld
who died young. His tutor had been John Macpherson, s/o Reverend Dougald
Macpherson minister of Durinish and brother of the Reverend Martin Macpherson
of Strath. He m. ? and was succeeded by his son Ronald Roy Macdonald.
with children;
D1.Ronald Ruadh Roy Macdonald. He was the last occupant
of Cnocnowe, and seems to have been a man of importance in his time. He
had a family of 21 children, most of whom emigrated to Prince Edward Island
and Cape Breton.
E1.Angus Roy Macdonald, the eldest son lived in
Uig. Aonghas Mor Mac Faonuill Ruaidh was a remarkable man, of huge stature
and herculean strength. He m. Mary Morrison, herself of abnormal stature.
With children, three sons and one daughter, the sons were all termed “Mor”
or big”. He was succeeded by his eldest son Hugh:
F1.Hugh Mor Macdonald succeeded his father,
stayed in Uig. He m. ? with children;
G1.George Macdonald
in Uig, present head of family.
F2..Son Mor Macdonald stayed in Uig, married
with a family.
F3.Ronald Mor Macdonald emigrated to Australia.
F4.Daughter Macdonald stayed in Uig married
with a family.
E2.Ronald Og Macdonald a merchant and farmer in Kensaleyre,
ch;
F1.Peter Macdonald stayed in Portree.
E3.Donald Macdonald unmarried lived in Portree.
E4.Alasdair Macdonald an officer in the army m. with one
son and three daughters;
F1.Son Macdonald went abroad.
F2.Mary Macdonald m. Roderick Macdonald with
a large family, they emigrated to Chicago USA.
F3.Martha Macdonald m. Mr. Mackenzie, no issue.
F4.Elizabeth Macdonald m. Lachlan Ross of
the Royal Hotel in Portree with 3 sons and 1 daughter;
G1.Alasdair
Ross died unmarried in Trinidad.
G2.Charles Ross
M.D. unmarried in Lanark.
G3.George married
with 3 daughters.
G4.Jessie Mary
m. Mr. Todd of Kingsboro, 2 sons.
G5.Leila m.
Dr. Mackenzie of Newcastle died 1930.
G6.Anne m. Mr.
Sarrail an army officer.
E5.Christina Macdonald m. Mr. Gibson of Portree no
issue.
E6.Catherine Macdonald m. John Campbell no issue.
They lived in lower Tote, which was cleared in 1810. The author of “Old
Skye Tales”, William Mackenzie, possesses a set of silver teaspoons with
their initials on them, also a cup and saucer which belonged to the celebrated
Flora Macdonald. - page 18, Old Skye Tales.
E7.Flora Macdonald m. Donald Lamont with 2 sons,
5 girls. (If same ones, then they were married March 16, 1837 in
Snizort Skye)
E8.Margaret m. James Budge a fiddler.
E9.Son Macdonald emigrated to PEI m. ? with children;
F1.Lachlan Macdonald emigrated from Uig to
PEI, and settled at Ashton six miles from Dundas. He had more than 5
children among which;
G1.Son Macdonald m. ? with children;
H1.Flora
Macdonald m. Mr. Anderson of St. Peter’s Bay PEI.
G2-G5. 5 children were living in 1929.
F2.Alexander Macdonald emigrated from Uig
to PEI and settled at Ashton six miles from Dundas. Three living children
in 1929. He and his wife are buried near the Presbyterian church in Dundas
PEI. In 1929 3 of his children were living. He settled near St. Peter’s
Bay PEI.
F3.Alexander Macdonald called Cape Breton
Sandy emigrated to Cape Breton NS. He is buried with his wife near
the Presbyterian church in Dundas PEI.
E10.Catherine Macdonald m. Ronald John Mackenzie and emigrated
to PEI, settled at Bridgetown, Dundas with children;
F1.Flora Mackenzie
A10. Marion Macdonald (not known who was mother) possibly a d/o Sir
James Mor Macdonald, she married Patrick Mcgreggor the 3rd chief of the
children of the mist.
*************************************************************************************
16th gen
Sir Donald Macdonald 11th chief Sleat Macdonalds and 3rd Baronet.
Sir Donald Macdonald, s/o Sir James Mor Macdonald and his first wife
Margaret Mackenzie of Tarbat, succeeded his father as 11th chief of the
Sleat Macdonalds and 3rd Baronet, in 1678. “He had never been in robust
health, and for many years after his accession he was constrained to lead
a quiet life, but he was unwearied in his endeavor to raise the low fortunes
of his clan. Like his father and especially his grandfather, he was an
ardent loyalist” - History of Skye, page 103. In 1689 when the Highland
chiefs rose on behalf of King James under Viscount Dundee Sir Donald was
not lagging in his support of the Stewarts at the battle of Killiecrankie.
Sir Donald died at Armadale on Feb 5 1695 and was buried in Kilmore.
Proud mountain lion
Erudite, spirited, noble
Scrupulous, humble, manly and brave
Skilled in arms and horsemanship
Authoritive, watchful without anxiety
You died in Armadale of the jewels
- The poet Iain Lom.
He was a man of outstanding wisdom and fortitude. He married Lady
Margaret Douglas 2nd daughter of Robert the 8th Earl of Morton and
three of their sons are known to fame, namely, Donald, the heir; James
of Oronsay, who also was chief, and William. With children;
A1.Sir Donald Macdonald 12th Chief and 4th Baronet succeeded his father as 12th chief and 4th Baronet. Called Do’ull a Chogaidh, or“Donald of the War”. He fought at Killiecrankie in 1689 when the Highland chiefs rose on behalf of the Stewart King James under Viscount Dundee. He was forfeited for his share in the insurrection, but the forfeiture was soon removed. He was probably the last Macdonald chief to be born at Duntulm. For his children see the 12th Chief.
A2.Sir James Macdonald of Oransay 14th Chief and 6th Baronet who succeeded his nephew, as 14th chief and 6th Baronet. For his children see the 14th chief.
A3.William Macdonald 3rd son, “The Tutor” of Sleat. (He was tutor
during the minority of his nephew, Sir Alexander, the 7th Baronet. Others
were Alexander of Gleneltin, Donald of Sarthill and the young chief’s maternal
kinsman Donald Macleod of Talisker and Norman Macleod of Greshornish) William
was progenitor of the Aird and Vallay Macdonalds. He fought at Sheriffmuir
with his two brothers, Donald and William. William the "Taightear" or Tutor,
was likewise born in Duntulm Castle. His elder brother was Domhnull a'
Chogaidh, and their father was Sir Donald Macdonald, commonly called Domhnull
Breac, who was married to Lady Mary Douglas. William the Taightear was
major under the Earl Of Mar in the battle of Sheriffmuir, and his
brother Domhnull a' Chogaidh, while on his way to that bloody field, was
seized with a fit of paralysis at Perth, which disabled him from proceeding
farther. At length the Property was returned by the Crown, not, however,
to the rightful heir, but to William the Taightear, who got possession
of it in his own name. No sooner, however had this taken place than he
delivered it over to his brother Domhnull a' Chogaidh. The Taightear lived
and died at Aird, a place about two miles north of Duntulm Castle. His
remains were interred in the parish burying-ground, quite near the spot
where the remains of the celebrated Flora Macdonald were buried many years
afterwards. The funeral of the Taightear was attended by many thousands
from all parts of Skye and of the adjacent isles." He m. ? with children;
B1.Florence Macdonald m. his his 2nd wife, Reverend Archibald
Macqueen M.A. minister of Snizort from 1706 to 1753. (For her family,
see Reverend Archibald Macqueen.)
B2.Florence Macdonald m. to Donald Nicolson Tacksman Aird of Sleatjo.macdonald@btinternet.com
A4.Isabel Macdonald m. Alan Macdonald of Morar.
A5.Barbara Macdonald m. Coll Macdonald 16th chief of Keppoch Macdonald.
A6.Angus Macdonald, a natural son, of whom we know nothing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17th generation
Sir Donald Macdonald, 12th Chief of Sleat Macdonalds, 4th Baronet.
Sir Donald Macdonald, 12th chief, 4th Baronet, “Do’ull a’ Chogaidh”
(Donald of the War) eldest son of Sir Donald 11th chief. This young
chief was a man of great stature, fine appearance, and of a most engaging
and commanding personality - History of Skye, page 136. He greatly distinguished
himself at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, thus his designation ‘a
Chogaidh”. Like his father, he was always active in the Stewart causes
and he was privy to all the intriegues of the Jacobites. Around 1714, he
refused to make a declaration of allegiance to King George, and he was
immediately put into prison in Glasgow. When he was released, he came home
to Skye and became embroiled in another rebellion. The Macdonalds of Skye
and Uist had meanwhile mustered to the number of about 800 men, who, with
a piper, MacArthur at their head, presented a gallant array as they marched
towards Kyleakin. They joined forces with the Earl of Seaforth at Brahan
Castle. On Nov 14, 1715 occurred the battle of Sheriffmuir. The Macdonalds
were commanded by 2 of the chiefs brothers, James of Oransay, and William.
The Macdonald Piper was Angus Macarthur. In June of 1726 Sir Donald was
declared guilty of treason, and his estates were forfeited. William Macleod
of Hamera was appointed the Factor. Sir Donald died in March 1718.
Sir Donald of Sleat
A chieftan of hundreds
Masterful, mighty and exceedingly wise”
- Watson, JC, 1934, p 66
He was married to Mary Macdonald of Castleton in Sleat, d/o Donald
of Castleton, and had one son, his successor Sir Donald Macdonald who was
13th chief and 5th Baronet, and succeeded his father in 1718, and daughters
Margaret, Mary, Isabella and Janet.
A1.Sir Donald Macdonald 13th chief and 5th Baronet, succeeded his father in 1718, but died in the early months of 1720 unmarried. He was succeeded by his uncle James of Oransay.
A2.Margaret Macdonald m. Captain John Macqueen of the Royal Regiment.
A3.Mary Macdonald m. John Martin of Flodigarry with issue.
A4.Isabella Macdonald m. Alexander Munro, M.D., professor of Anatomy in Edinburgh
A5.Janet Macdonald youngest daughter of Sir Donald Macdonald and Mary
Macdonald, m. in 1726, “the Wicked Man.” This was Norman Macleod
b. 1706, the 22nd chief of Dunvegan Macleods. He treated her shamefully,
and they agreed to separate in 1733. She died c1741. Norman remarried Anne
Martin. He was implicated in several mysterious deaths and abductions.
He died in 1772 and was buried in St. Andrews. With children by Janet Macdonald,
one son;
B1.John Macleod, died 1766, before his father.
(The Wicked Man had three daughters by his 2nd wife Anne Martin and
two natural sons, men who rose to fame, namely Major Alexander Macleod
of Lochbay who m. Anne, eldest d/o the celebrated Flora Macdonald, and
Captain Macleod of Cyprus. The latter were both distinguished officers
in the American war of Independence. During the time the young chief General
Macleod was engaged in wars in India, Major Alexander Macleod and his wife
Anne occupied Dunvegan Castle.
**************
18th
Sir Donald Macdonald 13th Chief of Sleat Macdonalds, 5th Baronet.
Sir Donald Macdonald only s/o Sir Donald Macdonald and Mary Macdonald
of Castleton in Sleat, succeeded his father in 1718. His estates were still
under sentence of forfeiture. In the year 1718 the crops failed, and large
numbers of cattle and sheep succumbed to the rigours of that wild winter,
so much poverty prevailed in Skye. Sir Donald did all that was possible
to alleviate the terrible distress among his own people, for he was a man
who had their welfare close to his own heart.
In 1720, the young chief died in the prime of life, when eagerly
engaged in his efforts to retrieve the fortunes of his people. He was a
man of great promise, a born leader of men and endowed with scholarly parts.
He had been educated at the University of Glasgow. In the roll of students
for the year 1712, he is entered as a 4th year student.
In the Caledonian Mercury of June 2, 1720, is reported a petition
by Margaret widow of the late Sir Donald, on behalf of his 4 enfant daughters,
praying that the House of Lords should make a settlement on them from the
Forfeited estates. Since Donald had no sons, he was succeeded by his uncle
Sir James Macdonald of Oransay. Children of Sir Donald and Margaret ?;
A.Mary Macdonald born before 1720.
B.Margaret Macdonald born before 1720.
C.Isobel Macdonald born before 1720.
D.Janet Macdonald born before 1720.
**********
19th
Sir James Macdonald of Oransay 14th Chief of Sleat Macdonalds and 6th Baronet.
Sir James Macdonald of Oransay, s/o Sir Donald the 11th Chief and Margaret Douglas succeeded as 14th Chief of the Sleat Macdonalds, and 6th Baronet in 1720, succeeding his nephew Sir Donald. He had distinguished himself at the battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, and at Sherriffmuir in 1715. He had been instrumental in preventing the late chief from throwing in his lot with the hopeless affair that ended in the debacle of Glenshiel. Sir James only lived a few weeks after his accession, died in 1720, and Clan Donald were once again mourning the loss of a good chief. He was twice married, firstly Janet Macleod, and 2ndly Margaret Macdonald of Castleton. He married Janet Macleod of Greshornish with children;
A1.Sir Alexander Macdonald 15th chief & 7th Baronet succeeded his father in 1720.
A2..Margaret Macdonald m. Sir Robert Douglas of Glenbervie, the author of the famous “Baronage”.
A3.Isabel Macdonald died young.
A4.Janet Macdonald m. Sir Alexander Mackenzie of Coul.
Children of Sir James Macdonald and his 2nd wife Margaret Macdonald d/o John Macdonald of Castleton;
A5.John Macdonald whose only appearance on record is on 19th September 1723 when he is named as heir male to his father in the general provision made for the family.
***************
20th gen
Sir Alexander Macdonald 15th Chief of Sleat Macdonalds, and 7th Baronet.
Sir Alexander Macdonald, 15th Chief and 7th Baronet, s/o Sir
James Macdonald of Oransay and Janet Macleod of Greshornish. He succeeded
his father as chief in 1720. (it was thought to be around 1725 that the
Macdonalds moved out of Castle Duntulm because it was haunted - they moved
to Mogstadt, and the Mogstadt Macdonalds moved to Cnocowe, across the ridge
to make room for them)(Duntulm was eventually sold about 1832 to Captain
Fraser of Culbockie. The whole purchase formed what was known as the Kilmuir
Estate, now belonging to the Board of Agriculture.
During the minority of the young heir, five notable men were
appointed to act as regents. They were Alexander Macdonald of Glen Haultin,
William Macdonald of Bornaskitaig, Donald Macdonald of Sartil, Norman Macleod
of Greshornish, and Donald Macleod of Talisker. His Piper was Charles Macarthur,
who accompanied his young master during his school days in St. Andrew’s,
much to the entertainment of the Lords of Fife. In 1726, a salary of 66
pounds 13s 4d was paid to this piper, a perquisite that was additional
to his tenure of Peingowan.
Sir Alexander married 1) Anne Erkskine a d/o a Senator of the
College of Justice. She lived for only a year after their marriage, and
their only child Donald, died young.
He married 2) Lady Margaret Montgomery, died 1799, the accomplished
d/o the Earl of Eglington and one of the most beautiful and cultured women
of her day. Boswell says that such was the respect the Lady Margaret enjoyed,
that when she went about among her people, the latter could often be seen
running along the road in front of her, picking up stones from off the
track, “lest she should be hurt by the stumbling of her horse”. They
lived at Mogstadt.
While the rank and file of the clan at this time were still strong
supporters of the Stewart cause, Sir Alexander vacillated. The turbulent
past of the Macdonalds has led to many changes in their fortunes but one
of the most important historical connections with Kinloch was the decision
by Sir Alexander Macdonald not to send an army to assist Prince Charles
Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) at Culloden in 1746 - this decision,
perhaps more than any other led to the defeat of the Highland Army
and thereafter the gradual demise of the Highland Clan System. His wife,
Lady Margaret was a staunch supporter of Prince Charles, as were clansmen
Donald Roy Macdonald, Macdonald of Kingsborough and Hugh Macdonald of Armadale.
Lady Margaret was involved with the Flora Macdonald escapade to hide the
Prince in 1745. Sir Alexander Macdonald was with Cumberlands army at Ft.
Augustus at the time his factor Macdonald of Kingsborough was taken there
as prisoner. When the last embers of the rebellion were still smouldering,
Sir Alexander died. He was on his way to London in order to interview the
Duke of Cumberland and had barely left Skye when he contracted a severe
chill. Acute pneumonia supervened and he died in the barracks at Glenelg
in November of 1746. He was buried in the parish churchyard at Kilmore
in Sleat where he was accorded what was perhaps one of the most sumptuous
funerals ever witnessed on the island. He was succeeded by his eldest son
Sir James Macdonald. This chief was implicated in a plot along with Norman
the 19th chief of Macleod, circa 1740, in which it was said they were abducting
Skye people and sending them as slaves to the colonies. Sir Alexander died
in November 1746, leaving three sons. With children;
A1.Sir James Macdonald 16th chief, 8th Baronet, born on Boxing Day, 1741. “The Scottish Marcellus” died young. Sir James Macdonald b. 1741 was only 5 years when he succeeded, during his minority the management of affairs were in the hands of his mother Lady Margaret and her faithful Steward Alexander Macdonald of Kingsbourgh. Called the Scottish Marcellus, He died in Rome in the middle of July, 1766 age 25 years, and was succeeded by his brother Sir Alexander Macdonald. He was a friend of Boswell.
A2.Sir Alexander Macdonald 17th chief, 9th Baronet, 1st Lord succeeded his brother Sir James.
**********
21 gen
Sir Alexander Macdonald 17th chief, 9th Baronet and First Lord.
Sir Alexander Macdonald succeeded his brother Sir James in 1766. This
chief had been educated at Eton and St. Andrews, was a cultured man, widely
read, and a genuine patron of learning. He was also an accomplished musician
and player of the violin. He was wholly devoid of sympathy either with
the culture, or the manner of life, of his own people. In his dealings
with them he stood purely in the role of landlord and he had no scruples
about increasing their burdens when occasion presented itself. The demand
for wool and the boom in kelp, had furnished him with ample pretexts
for raising rents and he took the fullest advantage of the situation. Great
resentment, therefore, prevailed against him, and several of his tacksmen
actually united, pledging themselves to resist the payment of what they
looked upon as unwarrantable impositions. Many were contrained to emigrate.
This “English bred chieftan” as Boswell calls him, was raised to the peerage
in 1776 as Lord Macdonald of Slate, Co. Antrim, a designation that has
no territorial identity. Whether it was in return for his honour or not,
he busied himself at that time with the raising of a regiment on his estates
for fighting in the American War of Independence. He succeeded in mustering
over 700 men from his own estates. The regiment was reviewed at Inverness
in 1778 and, towards the end of the year it was despatched to America.
“The Macdonald Highlanders” as they were called fought in several engagements,
and on their return to this country they were disbanded at Stirling in
the year 1784. In 1794, when a real menace threatened the nation in the
form of a French invasion, he helped to raise a defense corps “The Macdonald
Fencibles”, that was commanded by Major John Macdonald of Kingsborough,
one of the many soldier sons of Flora Macdonald. Sir Alexander died in
September of 1795.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Diana Boswell of Gunthwaite
in Yorkshire, a lady of exceptional beauty, the eldest d/o Godfrey Bosville,
Esq of Gunthwaite, Yorkshire. Of their family of ten children, (7 sons
and 3 daughters) the two older sons Alexander and Godfrey were chiefs,
while a third named Archibald who was a posthumous child, rose to the now
obsolete dignity of Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. Alexander was the
9th Baronet and was created a peer of Ireland, July 17, 1776, as Baron
Macdonald of Sleat, county Antrim. With Children;
A1.Sir Alexander Wentworth Macdonald 18th chief, 10th Baronet, 2nd
Lord succceeded his father as 18th chief, 10th Baronet, and 2nd Lord
Macdonald in 1795. He died in June 1824 unmarried and was succeeded
by his brother Godfrey.
and was succeeded by his brother Godfrey. Like his father, he
preferred England to Skye.
A2.Sir Godfrey Wentworth Macdonald 19th chief, 11th Baronet, 3nd Lord
b. October 14, 1775 Edinburgh, he was the third child, and second son.
He succeeded his brother in 1824.
A3.Archibald Macdonald b. posthumously, rose to the now obsolete dignity of Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
A4.Diana Macdonald the eldest daughter, married in 1788 the Right Hon.
Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster. His lordship died September 12, 1795.
********
Sir Godfrey Wentworth 19th Chief , 11th Baronet and 3rd Lord Macdonald.
Sir Godfrey Wentworth Macdonald succeeded his brother in 1824. He was
b. in Edinburgh in 1775. Educated at Harrow and Oxford, entered upon a
military career in 1794 when he was barely 20 years of age. He was an athletic
and handsome man, being well over six feet in height and when, five years
afterwards, he returned to England from active service in Holland, an event
happened that was to be of momentous consequence to the House of Sleat.
The youthful soldier fell in love with a young English lady,
Louisa Maria Edsir or Louia Maria La Cost, the offspring of a morganatic
alliance between the Duke of Gloucester, brother of George III, and the
beautiful Lady Almeria Carpenter, d/o the first Earl of Tyrconell. The
young lady’s guardians disaproved, so an elopement was resolved upon and
carried out. According to Scottish law, they were married. According to
English law, they were not. Eventually he returned to England in 1803 with
the rank of colonel and was duly married according to English law on Dec
29 1803 The legitimation of his child Alexander born before that ceremony
was thus unquestionably established. Godfrey Wentworth died in 1832, at
age 57 years, and the succession devolved upon his 2nd son Godfrey, the
presumption then being, that the first son Alexander was illegitimate.
Godfrey was tireless in his efforts to relieve the distress of his people,
and it is on record that in 1849, he was supplying numerous families with
meal free of charge. Godfrey died in 1832 age 57 years of a heart attack.
His wife died two years later. With children;
A1.Alexander William Robert Macdonald born Sept 12, 1800, inherited
the English estates of Thorpe and Gunthwaite in 1813.He assumed the
name of Bosville and went to live at Thorpe Hall. He retired from the army
in 1814 with the rank of General and was known as General Bosville until
1824. In 1812 he was apppointed Major General in the Peninsula War. He
m. Matilda Moffat Bayard. He died in 1847. With two children;
B1.Godfrey Wentworth Bosville b. 1825, succeeded his father at
Thorpe. He m. in 1841 Harriet,
sister of the 8th Lord Middleton. He died in 1865 a fortnight
after his son was born. With
children;
C1.Sir Alexander Wentworth Macdonald
Bosville 21st chief, 14th Baronet of Nova Scotia b. sept 26 1865
m. in 1886
Alice Edith Middleton. In 1909 his appeal was
granted, and he was pronounced 14th Baronet of Nova Scotia. He died
in
1833. with children;
D1.Sir
Godfrey Middleton Macdonald Bosville 15th Baronet 22nd chief
born sept 25 1887. He m. ? with children;
E1.Sir Somerled 16th Baronet 23rd chief 1917-1958 m. ? with ch;o
F1.Sir Ian 17th Baronet 24th chief b. 1947 m. Claire with children;
G1.Somerled Alexander b. 1976.
D2.Celia
Violet Bosville b. jan 28 1889
B2.Julia Bosville m. the 8th Lord Middleton.
A2.William Macdonald b. aug 29 1801 died young.
A3.Louisa Macdonald b. sept 16 1802. She became countess of Hopetouon,
wife of the 5th Ear.
A4.Elizabeth Diana Macdonald b. feb 27 1804 m. Mr. Davidson of Tulloch
with descendant;
B1.Lt. Col. Valentine Vyvian Harvey, D.S.O. died 1930 age 44
years.
A5.Julia Macdonald b. oct 30 1805 m. Charles Hudson.
A6.Susan Hussey Macdonald b. aug 25 1807 m. Richard Beaumont.
A7 Godfrey William Wentworth Macdonald 20th chief , 12th Baronet, 4th
Lord, b. March 16 1809, succeeded his father in
1832.
A8.William Macdonald b. oct 31 1810.
A9.Diana Macdonald b. april 12 1812 m. Mr. Smyth of Heath.
A10.Jane Bosville Macdonald b. may 25 1815 unmarried.
A11.Marianne b. july 27 1816 m. Henry Turner.
A12.William Macdonald b. at Thorpe on Sept 20 1817
A13.Octavia Sophia Macdonald b. at Thorpe Feb 6 1819 m. Hope Johnstone.
***********
22
Sir Godfrey Macdonald 20th chief, 4th Lord.
Sir Godfrey 1809-1863, became the 20th chief of the Sleat Macdonalds
in 1832, and the 4th Lord. This young chief lived extravagantly, and soon
found himself deeply involved in debt. In order to meet the demands of
his creditors, he was forced in 1847, to sell portions of the family patrimony,
including the whole of North Uist, and Kilmuir in Skye, which later, he
regretted deeply. At this time as well, in 1846, the last descendant of
the Macleods of Raasay was forced by debt to leave for Australia. Sir Godfrey
was married in 1845, to a Yorkshire lady, d/o G.T. Wyndham, Esq.
of Cromer Hall, Norfolk and they had 2 sons who became (would have become?)
successively chiefs, Somerled and Ronald Archibald. He died in 1863. With
children, two sons and four daughters;
A3.Daughter Macdonald.
A4.Daughter Macdonald.
A5.Daughter Macdonald.
A6.Daughter Macdonald.
A7.Son Macdonald.
A1.Hon. Somerled (Samuel) James Brudenell Macdonald 5th Lord. He died
unmarried in 1875 age 25 years. (born 1849)
A2.Ronald Archibald Macdonald 6th Lord, 1853-1947. He married Louisa
Jane Ross of Cromarty. children;
B1.Godfrey Evan Hugh Macdonald 1879-1914 Killed in action.
B3.Alexander Godfrey Macdonald 7th Lord 1909-1970, m. ? with
children;
C1.Godfrey James Macdonald 8th Lord b. 1947.
********
Sir Ronald Archibald Macdonald, 22nd chief of Sleat Macdonalds 6th
Lord Macdonald.
Ronald Archibald Macdonald succeeded his brother Somerled in 1875.
He was 30th in descent from Somerled, ”Rex Insularum”
A1.Hon. Somerled Macdonald died unmarried.
A2.Hon. Godfrey Macdonald killed in France. He m. ? with children;
B1.Sir Alexander Godfrey Macdonald succeeded as 23rd chief, 7th
Lord.
B2.James Archibald Macdonald, killed in Italy.
A3.Hon. Ronald Macdonald killed in France.
A4. Hon. Iona Macdonald.
Sir Alexander Godfrey Macdonald 23rd chief of Sleat Macdonald, 7th Lord.
Sir Alexander Godfrey Macdonald succeeded his grandfather as the 23rd
chief of the Sleat Macdonalds, and the 7th Lord. With children;
A1.Godfrey Macdonald 24th chief succeeded his father.
Sir Godfrey Macdonald 24th Chief of Sleat Macdonald 8th Lord
Sir Godfrey Macdonald 24th Chief and 8th Lord succceeded his father
Godfrey.
Kinloch Lodge, the home of Lord and Lady MacDonald, is an elegant
white stone building
situated at the head of Loch Na Dal on the Sleat Peninsula, known as
the Garden of Skye. Built originally in 1680 as a farmhouse Kinloch was
developed during the 18th Century as a Shooting Lodge for the Macdonalds
of Skye.
Godfrey Macdonald of Macdonald, Lord Macdonald and High Chief
of Clan Donald, with his wife Claire established Kinloch as a small country
hotel in 1973 following the death of his father. Today Kinloch continues
to be the home of Lord and Lady Macdonald and their four children;
A1.Alexandra Macdonald.
A2. Isobel Macdonald.
A3. Meriel Macdonald.
A4.Hugo Macdonald.
******************************************************************************
Unknown mini geneologies:
ANDREW MACDONALD - emigrant to PEI in 1805 from Moydart, settled Panmure
Island. Among all the Highland emigrations to Canada none have furnished
so many men successful in professional and
mercantile life as the MacDonalds of Georgetown, at the east end of
Prince Edward Island. Andrew MacDonald, Esquire, of Eilean Shona, Inverness-shire,
and Arisaig on the island of Eig, came to Prince Edward Island in 1806,
bringing with him a following of forty persons. He had married a Miss MacDonald
and had a family of fifteen children, the last of whom was laid to rest
in Georgetown cemetery but a few weeks ago, having been born in 1797 and
died in 1882. Mr. Andrew MacDonald had purchased an extensive estate in
Prince Edward Island, but, owing to some informality in the title-deed,
it was ultimately eaten up by law-costs, and there remained to his descendants
but Panmure Island and some property in Georgetown. However, in San Francisco,
in Boston, in New Brunswick and in Montreal, as well as in old Scotia
and in Prince Edward Island, the descendants of this enterprising
Scotch gentleman are not only prosperous but remarkable for their superior
talents and success. He married Isabella Macdonald of the Borodale Macdonalds
with children;
A1.Hugh Macdonald married ? with children;
B1.Hon Augustine Colin Macdonald b. Panmure June 30 1837 married
Catherine Macdonald d/o A. Macdonald of Rhu Arisaig
B2.Hon Andrew Archibald Macdonald, In 1863 he married Elizabeth,
the daughter of Thomas Owen, and had four sons: Aeneas Adolphe, Archibald
Percy, Reginald Hugh, and Andrew Douglas.
*****************************
RHETLAND MACDONALDThe large and fertile property in Prince County known
as Bedeque was originally the property of MacDonald of Rhetland a
branch of the house of Morar founded by Raol MacAllan 0g. In 1775 Rhetland,
following the example of his kinsman Glenaladale, determined to better
the condition of his people by emigration, and with that view purchased
ten thousand acres in Prince Edward Island and sold his estate in Scotland
to Lord MacDonald of Sleat. He was returning in an open boat from
Skye, whither he had gone to receive from Lord MacDonald the purchase-money,
when a squall arose, and Rhetland, with his eldest son and all on board
were drowned. He left a grandson, who succeeded to the title and
estate, and also two sons and two daughters. The family was of course
much impoverished by the loss of the gold paid for
their lands, and had no choice but to come out to their newly acquired
property in America, where their descendants still dwell. A young priest,
great-grandson of the old Rhetland, left Prince Edward Island some
years ago and became a most popular vicaire in Montreal. He has since
entered the Society of Jesus.
****************************
MACDONALD OF ALISARY
The second bishop of Prince Edward Island, the Right Rev. Bernard MacDonald,
was of the house of Alisary, another branch of Glenaladale. He succeeded
Bishop MacEachern, and was consecrated bishop of
Charlottetown in 1836. He was a hardworking pastor
and took a deep interest in education. He established in
1855 St. Dunstan's College, an institute of learning for Catholic boys,
and was instrumental in inducing the Sisters of the Congregation
de Notre Dame of Montreal to open their first mission on the island. He
died in his college of St. Dunstan, about two miles from
Charlottetown, in 1859.
*********************************
SPANISH JOHN MACDONALD
y The aforementioned descendant of "Spanish John" MacDonell I am descended
from 'Spanish John' MacDonell, through his daughter Polly MacDonell. There
is a possibility I also descend from his son John "The Priest" MacDonell
through the marriage of fifth cousins. I am writing a full biography of
"Spanish John" MacDonell, with illustrations, which I will complete soon.
I will be VERY happy to give a copy to you, if you send me your address
via my e-mail address. You ask if you have ancestral links to "Spanish
John"; indeed there are, as all persons with MacDonell lineage have ancestral
connections t him, and those descending from the Scottos/Scottus branch
are even closer. You are probably descended from "Spanish John"s grandfather
Aeneas MacDonell, (1678 - 1764), who had also been in the Spanish Army.
There is no charge for my work. I will send a copy to ANYONE interested!
Just ask.
To reach me, here is my rather morbid e-mail address;
WEAPONS@WEAPONS.ZZN.COM
--------------------------------------------------------
Donald Macdonald, IV of Heisker and Skeabost I find myself the descendant
of Donald Macdonald, of Snizort, Isle of Skye. Tacksman of Tanera, and
IV of Heisker and Skeabost. He was married to Margaret, daughter of Donald
MacDonald , Viscount of Rigg. His son John was born 1802. Excuse my ignorance
but what exactly is is "IV of Heisker and Skeabost" mean. Is this a hereditry
clan position/chief?
I have not been able to find any reference to a Viscount of Rigg anywhere.
The IV designates your ancestor as fourth chieftain of his particular
branch of Clan Donald.
As I remember, Heiskir and Skeabost is a branch of Clann Uisdean.
I'm pretty sure it was one of your ancestors who, after the unpleasantness
at Glencoe, sailed 10 bolls of meal to the survivors atAppin. When asked
why he sailed all the way from Heiskir, he replied "kinship". He and the
MacIains of Glencoe shared one ancestorwho had died 350 years earlier.
http://www.tartans.com/cgi-bin/net.Thread.pl/message/4/1/38/1047?user=&email=&depth=4&detail=description&lastread=7
Kinlochmoidart MacDonalds of Alasdair Mhor MacDonald
by hmaceachern, 3/11/100
These MacDonalds are of the Kinlochmoidart families in Scotland and
are descended from John, son of Allan, eight Chief ofCland Ranald. Alasdair
Mor MacAonghais'ic Alasdair (Alasdair Og), b.1770, came with his family,
from Kylesbeg, Moidart. Hewas a younger brother to the Chieftain of Kinlochmoidart,
who was executed for his part in the 1745 rising to support PrinceCharlie.
A number of younger members of this Kinlochmoidart family eventually emigrated
to P.E.I. and Nova Scotia in the late1700's. Alasdair Mor MacDonald, settled
in Broad Cove, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I'am interested to find other
connections to
this family.
MacDonalds of Moidart
by Dolores, 3/12/100
My Macdonalds are from Moidart Scotland. I got back as far as Donald
(RUARIE) and Mary MacInnes. We also have links toMacEachern. I know how
all of the names repeat so there could be a chance of no link. Donald came
over and settled on lots 51and 52 in Cregnish and his son Archie settled
in Glendale where our line continued with Rory ,patrick and my grandfather
Archiewho moved to trenton N.S. he was married to Florence MacIssac and
his brother Sandy married Florences sister CatherineMacissac. I believe
it was the my gggrandfather archie who married Anne maceachern from Moidart
also. Any connections
here?My e-mail is bluenoser8@hotmail.com
Moidart MacDonalds
by hmaceachern, 3/28/100
Hi, In response to you message posted concerning the Moidart MacDonalds, I am not sure that they are of the same family,although our MacEachern family were origionally from the Judique area near Cregnish. We are also related to MacIssac's. Myg-grandfathers wife was Mary Ann MacInnis, married to James Alexander MacEachern, any connections there? Both came fromScotland, although we aren't sure if it was Eigg or Moidart.
McEachern, my mothers clan
by Sean, 11/26/100
my mother's father was Allen, begotten from an Alexander, who came
down from an Angus,I'm at
www.BeDaStone@AOL.com. maybe we should talk