CAMERONS IN STRONTIAN
According to clancameron.org, Clan Cameron Cadet Famillies: “The
Camerons of Ardnamurchan, Along with the Camerons of Sunart and
Morvern, these Camerons are descended from Donald na Cuirc Cameron
of Glendessary, son of Allan M’Illduy of Lochiel and other
affiliated Camerons, who in or about 1650 secured tacks of large
areas in these districts and “colonized” them with Cameron
clansmen. In addition to Camerons there were also a fair number of
MacMillans, MacPhees and MacLachlans.”
Separate parish registers exist for Strontian beginning in 1804.
Ardnamurchan parish registers exist from 1777, but are blank from
January 1779 to May 1802, and April 1809 to May 1810. No burials are
recorded in the early parish registers, but baptisms and marriages
are recorded. John Cameron's last child was Kirtsey, born about
1803, one year before the Strontian parish register begins. It is
possible that John had additional children who did not survive to
adulthood, born after 1803 in Strontian. The possible parish
register entries below are bolded. Some children born to a John
Cameron have been eliminated because their parents' marriage is
recorded after 1804 (such as John Cameron and Menny Gray), so they
cannot be the parents of Alexander and his siblings.
There were a large number of Camerons in Strontian. For example, in
1806, there were 31 baptisms listed in the Strontian parish
register. Of these 19 (or 61%) were children born to Cameron
fathers. There are 16 different John Cameron families in Strontian
having children baptized between 1804 and 1810.
Strontian Parish Register
Baptisms in Strontian
1804
May 19 Anne daughter of Donald Cameron, shepherd of Glenhivich.
May 19 Alexander son of John Cameron, tenant, Glaschoren.
May 20 Donald son of Alexander Cameron, tenant, Ranachan
Arone.
June 3 Margery Cameron daughter of Ludovic Cameron, Scamadel
June 28 Christian daughter of Allan Cameron, Scotstown
July 29 John son of ___ Cameron Anahelt
August 15 John son of John Cameron and Sarah McEachen,
Resipol
August 23 Ewen son of Allan Cameron & Jannet
Cameron,Ranachan
Sept 30 Mary daughter of John Cameron & _____,
Scotstown
Octr 14 Donald son of Archibald Cameron & Mary McMaster,
Anahelt
Octr 23 Donald son of Allan Cameron & Margery Cameron,
Camesein
Nov 19 John natural son of Allan Cameron and Christy
McPherson, at the bridgeend, Strontian
1805
Jan 30 Margaret & Jannet daughters of Archibald Cameron &
Anne Cameron, Anahelt
Feb 14 Flora daughter of Allan Cameron & Mary Cameron,
Anaheilt
Feb 27 George son of Duncan Cameron & Catherine McIntosh,
Scotstown
March 4 Marion daughter of Archibald Cameron, Goudhill and
Eve McPhee, Scotstown
March 17 Flora Cameron daughter of John Cameron & Mary
Gray, Glenhivich (likely Menny Gray)
March 27 Margaret daughter of John Cameron clerk for Mr.
Jeffreys & Flora daughter of John Cameron, Ardnastaing
May 11 James & Allan sons of Donald Cameron miller at
Ranachan
May 16 Ewen son of Capt. John Cameron & Jannet Forest
Resipol
May 17 James son of Ewen Cameron & Effy McMillan shepherd
Ranachan
June 11 Anne daughter of John Cameron & Jane Cameron,
Anahelt
June 30 Mary daughter of James Cameron & Anne McLean,
shepherd, Glenhivich
Aug 2 Margaret daughter of John Cameron and Ketty McLean,
Anahelt
Aug 9 Cathrine daughter of Donald Cameron and Anne Cameron,
Ranachan
Aug 11 Ewen natural of Charles Cameron, Pollach, and
Anne Cameron
Sep 25 Susanna daughter of Donald Cameron and Marjery
Cameron, Scotstown
Oct 16 Ronald son of Dugald Cameron and Anne Stewart, Anahelt
Nov 9 John son of Hugh Cameron and McKinzie merchant,
Stontian
Dec 25 Donald son of John Cameron, shepherd Ranach, and
Margaret McMillan
1806
Jan 4 Donald son of Duncan Cameron and Anne Cameron, Anaheilt
Jan 11 Alexander son of Allan Cameron and Margery Cameron,
Camesein
Feb 20 Alexander son of Ewen Cameron and Anne Cameron, Ranach
March 28 Allan son of Donald Cameron shepherd, Glenhivich
May 12 Donald son of John Cameron and Mary Black,
Scotstown
May 19 Jannet daughter of Archibald Cameron & Anne
Cameron, Ranachan
June 25 Marion daughter of John Cameron and Eve Cameron,
Strontian
June 26 John son of Archibald Cameron and Cameron, Anaheilt
July 2 Margaret daughter of John Cameron, Mull and Anne
Beaton, Scotstown
July 5 Mary daughter of Ewen Cameron and Effy McMillan,
Ranachan
Oct 12 Patrick Cameron of John Mhore Cameron and Menny Gray,
Glenhivich
Oct 20 Ewen son of Alexander Cameron and Marion Cameron,
shepherd, Achnellan
Nov 9 Donald son of Archibald Cameron, smith and Eve McPhee,
Scotstown
Nov 20 Flora daughter of Allan Cameron & Catherine
McPhee, Scotstown
Nov 26 Duncan son of Donald Cameron, taylor and Elisabeth
Cameron, Scotstown
Nov 30 Duncan son of Hugh Cameron and Jannet Cameron,
Anaheilt
Dec 22 John son of Alexander Cameron and Margaret McPherson,
Alahelt
Dec 25 Alexander natural son of Donald Cameron & Betty
McPherson, Polloch
1807
May 1 Donald son of John Cameron and Mary Black, Scotstown
May 29 John, Mary & Catherine three children of Donald
Cameron and Isavella Cameron, Ranachan and born at the same birth
*June 8 Jean daughter of John Cameron, Mull and Anne
Beaton, Scotstown (Jean and Jane were
interchangeable in Scotland, and Janet/Jennet are a diminutive form
of the name, so this is possibly the Jennet shown in Cameron family
records.)
June 15 Marjery daughter of Alexander Cameron More, Anahelit
June 15 Ewen son of Archibald Cameron and Anne Cameron,
Ranachan
June 19 Alexander son of John Cameron and Ketty McLean,
Strontian
July 5 James son of Alexander Cameron & Mae Donald,
Camesein
Aug 5 Marjery daughter of Alexander Cameron & Flora
Cameron, Ardnastaing
Oct 11 John son of James Cameron and Anne McLean, Glenhivich
Nov 28 Alexander son of Archibald Cameron and Anne Cameron,
Anahelt
Dec 5 John son of John Cameron, shepherd and Anne Cameron,
Achellan
Dec 5 Margaret daughter of Donald Cameron & Mary
McMillan, Gorsten Muireu
1808
Jan 10 Alexander son of Allan Cameron and Ketty McPhee, Scotstown
Jan 26 Ewen son of John Cameron and Jean Cameron, Anahelt
Feb 14 Marjery daughter of Alexander Cameron & Ketty
McPherson, Anahelt
March 15 Christy daughter of Dugald Cameron, Ardnastaing
Aug 11 Anne daughter of John Cameron & Anne McNaughton,
Ranachan
Aug 11 Neil son of Duncan Cameron and Anne Cameron, Anaheilt
beg
Aug 11 Allan son of Donald Cameron at Glenhivich
Aug 19 Alexander son of Alexander Cameron and Mary McDonald,
Camesein
Aug 21 Flora daughter of Dugald Cameron and Anne Stewart,
Anaheilt
Aug 23 Archibald son of Allan Cameron and Marjery Cameron,
Cameisein
Oct 2 Christy daughter of John Cameron More and
Menny Gray, Glenhivich
1809
Jan 22 Jean daughter of Duncan Cameron, Scotstown
Feb 22 John son of Ewen Cameron, Scotstown
Feb 26 Jannet daughter of Alexander Cameron, Glenhivich
April 2 Angus son of Dugald Cameron, Anahilt
April 2 Duncan son of John Cameron, London House
April 30 Mary daughter of Allan Cameron, Anahilt
May 11 Alexander son of Donald Cameron, sheriff
May 28 Donald son of Hugh Cameron, merchant, Strontian
July 2 Mary and Cathrine twin daughters of Donald Cameron,
muller, Ranachan
July 12 Cathrine daughter of John Cameron, miner
July 22 Cathrine daughter of Alexander Cameron, Ardnastaing
Nov 12 Ewen son of John Cameron, shepherd, Ranachan
Dec 19 Alexander son of John Cameron, shepherd,
Achnellan
1810
Jan 29 Ewen son of James Cameron, shepherd
March 4 Betty daughter of Donald Cameron, tailor
April 23 Jannet daughter of Alexander Cameron, Anahelt
April 29 Duncan son of Hugh Cameron, woodkeeper, Arundle
May? Marion daughter of James Cameron, miner
Baptisms in Ardnamurchan
1777
Jan 25 Duncan Cameron and Mary McColl in Swordelehad had a child
baptized called Anny.
1778
Sept 12 Donald Cameron and Mary Cameron in Braynan outs had a
child baptized called Chirsty.
Nov 22 Dougall Cameron and Mary McDonald in Aston had a child
baptized called Mary.
(blank from 1779-1802)
1802
June 4 Allen Cameron and Margaret McKenzie at Corivulin
had a child baptized on the 4th June named Isobel.
10 April Alexander Cameron at Arevegang had a child baptized
named ______.
11 Oct Donald Cameron and Mary McColl at Fernamona had a
child baptized named Dugald.
1803
11 Jan Donald Cameron and Christian McDonald at Swardulchaol had
a child baptized 11th January named Donald
11 March Donald Cameron and Peggy Cameron at Swardilcherach
had a child baptized 11 March named John.
17 March Donald Cameron and Maggie Cameron at Achosnich had a
child baptized 17th March named Alexander
14 Feb John Cameron at Glenmore and Catherine McMillan at
Glenby had a bastard child born 14th February called John.
12 June Allen Cameron and Mary Cameron at Gorteneorn had a
child baptized the 12th named Duncan.
5 Aug Alexander Cameron and Janet Campbell at Gorteneorn had
a child born 4th August named Archibald.
28 Sept John Cameron and Mary Cameron at Glenmore had a child
born 28th September named Isobel.
1804
12 July Archibald and Mary, son and daughter to Donald Cameron
and Isabell Livingstone, Glenmore, the son 3 years, daughter 1
year at baptism.
5 Aug Ann, daughter to John Cameron and Sarah McMillan,
Tornamon
1805
7 April Alexander, son to Dugald Cameron and Ann McDonald,
Bourbley
7 July Mary, daughter to William Cameron and Peggy
MacLachlan, Swardlechoil
22 Sep Janet daughter to Donald Cameron and Margaret Cameron,
Swordlechimach
9 July Margaret natural daughter to Allan Cameron and Mary
Henderson, Tornomoy
14 July Kathrine daughter to Alexander Cameron and Katherine
Cameron, Gingadle
28 July Duncan son to Allan Cameron and Marion MacKenzier,
Corrisulin.
29 December Duncan, son to John Cameron and Margaret
Steward, Toronony
1806
16 July James son to Alexander Cameron, smith and Jannet Cameron,
Achaliny
1807
20 July Christian, daughter to James Cameron and Katherine
MacMillan, Camusing
24 May Donald, son to Dugald Cameron and Ann MacDonald,
Bourblaig
12 July Archibald, son to John Cameron and Peggy
Stewart, Tornomony
5 Aug Archibald, son to Allan Cameron and Marion MacKenzie,
Corrivalin
1808
1 Nov Hugh, Flory children of Donald Cameron and Peggy Cameron, Swardlechoil
8 Nov Donald, son of Donald Cameron and Lizzy Cameron, Glenboradle
1809
10 March Alexander, son to Allan Cameron and Marion McKenzie,
Corrwalin
1810
25 March Peggy, daughter of James Cameron, workman at Salen and
Christian McPherson, his wife
5 Aug Mary, daughter of Donald Cameron, jun. tenant Claish and of
Mary Weir his wife
9 Aug Archibald, son of John Cameron, shepherd, Gortenirna,
and of Sarah Cameron his wife
3 Sept Alexander, son to Mr. Cameron and Mrs. Cameron,
Glenboradelle
18 Sept Duncan, son of John Cameron, jun., tenant, Aharkill and
of Mary Cameron his wife
1 Oct Alexander son of Capt. Alexander Cameron, tacksman of
Glenbort and of Janet Campbell his wife
1 Oct Archibald, son of John Cameron, shepherd, Laga,
and of Mary Cameron his wife
7 Oct Donald, son of Donald Cameron, tenant, Tarbert, and of
Catherine MacNaughton his wife
18 Nov Catherine, daughter of Archibald Cameron, cottar, Gortencon
and of Winifret MacDougall his wife
18 Nov Libby, daughter of Donald Cameron, tenant, Ardtow and of
Anna MacPherson his wife
9 Dec Alexander son of Duncan Cameron, tenant, Sheilfoot and of
Anne Cameron his wife
30 Dec Sarah,, daughter of Duncan Cameron, cotter,
Gortenfeina, and of Mary Cameron his wife
Marriages in Ardnamurchan and Strontian
1776
May 4 Dougal Cameron in Achintcan and Mary MacLachlan were
married
1777
May 22 Alexander Cameron in Swordelahad and May Cameron were
married
1778
Aug 12 Alexander Cameron in Glenvierade and Ann Cameron were
married
1779
Alexander Cameron, Lochell and Margaret Cameron were married
1804
May 19 John Cameron shepherd, Glenhivich & Menny Gray
daughter to Peter Gray, shepherd, Glenhivich
Sept 11 John Cameron, clerk for Mr. Jeffreys & Flora
Cameron fourth daughter of John Ardnastaing
Dec 27 Duguld Cameron, shepherd, Carmoch to Anne McVeich
Dec 31 John Cameron, shepherd, Ranachan to Margaret MacMillan
from Lochaber
1805
Jan 29 Duncan Cameron, miner, Anaheillt to Anne Cameron daughter
of Duncan, Anahelt
Feb 15 Hugh Cameron, merchant, Strontian to Ann McKinzie
daughter to Alexander McKinzie
1806
Jan 17 Alexander Cameron at Anaheilt to Margaret McPherson
daughter to Angus Mac Pherson, Ardnastaing
Feb 1 John Cameron at Ranachan to Anne MacNaughton daughter
to John MacNaughtan, tenant, Tarbert
Feb 3 Hugh Cameron servant of Mr. Jeffreys to Jannet Cameron
March 11 Ewen Cameron son to Lachlan Cameron, Camesein to
Christy McDeirmeid, daughter to Duncan MacDeirmeid, Resipol
March 31 Duncan Cameron at Caniesein to Anne MacDugald
July 16 Alexander Cameron, Doredamh to Margaret MacDeirmeid
1808
July 21 John Cameron, miner to Ketty Cameron, Scotstown
1809
Dec 19 Allan Cameron, Lochead miner to Anne Cameron
1810
Jan 18 Alexander Cameron, Achneillan to Christy Mac Millan
Jan 24 Allan Cameron More Ranachan to Christy MacNaughton,
Tarbet
2 Dec Hugh Cameron, weaver, Glenbeg to Jean Cameron, Glenmore
SOURCES: Strontian parish register; Ardnamurchan parish register
Cameron Families in Strontian
Sttontian is a village and parish in highland Scotland, in the
county of Argyllshire, The main industry in the parish was lead
mining, which began in 1725. In these mines the mineral strontianite
was discoved. The community was built out to provide housing for the
lead miners. In 1871, the population of Strontian was 803. Anaheilt,
Ramachan, and Scotstown are hamlets and considered part of
Strontian. Anaheilt had eight families in 1723, which had grown to
28 crofts by 1828.
Many of the families of Strontian were Camerons, and most worked in
the lead mines. There were 16 different John Cameron families in
Strontian having children baptized between 1804 and 1810. Some
married after 1804, so could be eliminated as possible parents for
Alexander Cameron. Cameron families were found in Anaheilt,
Scotstown, Ranachan, and Strontian village. Two Cameron families
were also found in Resipol, which was seven miles west of Strontian.
Our John Cameron was from Mull, and likely left to work at the lead
mines in Strontian. He had five sons – Donald, Peter, John,
Alexander, and Thomas, and two daughters – Jennet and Kirstey.
Alexander was born in 1797 in Strontian. At the young age of
sixteen, he married Catherine Cameron in Kilmelford. He was shown as
a servant in Fernoch Melfort. Did John Cameron quit lead mining and
start working as an agricultural laborer in Fernoch, taking his
family with him, or did the young Alexander go off to find work
himself?
Anaheilt – two John Cameron families had children in the
early 1800s in the hamlet of Anaheilt. They were:
• John Cameron and Ketty McLean had a
daughter Anne (1795) and a son Alexander (1807), so are not likely
parents for our Alexander. Our Alexander was born in 1797.
• John Cameron, born in about 1765, and Jane/Jean
Cameron had a daughter Anne (1805) and a son Ewen (1808).
Neither of these have the same names as our Alexander Cameron’s
siblings, so are likely eliminated as possible parents for
Alexander. John and Jean are found in Scotstown in the 1841 census.
Ranachan – two John Cameron families had children in the
early 1800s in the hamlet of Ranachan.
• John Cameron and Margaret McMillan were
married in 1804 in Strontian, so could not be Alexander’s parents.
John was a shepherd.
• John Cameron and Anne McNaughton were
married in 1806 in Strontian, so could not be Alexander’s parents.
Strontian (with no hamlet listed) –
• John Cameron, clerk for Mr. Jeffreys,
married Flora Cameron in 1804, so could not be Alexander’s
parents. They had a daughter Margaret in 1804 in Strontian. She did
not have the same name as any of our Alexander Cameron’s siblings,
so they are likely eliminated as possible parents for Alexander.
• John Cameron of London House (hotel)
and Flory Cameron had sons Duncan born in 1809 and Donald
born in 1811. Possibly this is the same couple as above.
• John Cameron and Eve Cameron had a
daughter Marion born in 1806 in Strontian. She did not have the same
name as any of our Alexander Cameron’s siblings, so they are likely
eliminated as possible parents for Alexander.
• John Cameron was a lead miner. He had a
daughter Cathrine born in 1809. She did not have the same name as
any of our Alexander Cameron’s siblings, so is likely eliminated as
possible parents for Alexander. This may be the same John as in
other entries.
Scotstown:
John Cameron and Anne Beaton
John was born in about 1769. He became a lead minter in Scotstown.
He was shown in the Strontian parish register as “John Cameron
Mull”. He married Anne Beaton, the daughter of Donald Beaton
and Christina MacDonald. John and Anne had the following children:
1. Alexander, born in about 1797; occupation: lead
miner. He is listed in the 1861 and 1871 censuses, living in
Strontian with his brothers and sister. Alexander died 29 January
1872 in Strontian. He was single.
2. Archibald, born in about 1802, occupation: lead
miner. Archibald died 10 November 1885 in Strontian. He was shown as
83 years old at the time of his death. He was listed as a lead
miner, and he was single. The informant was Alexander Cameron, his
nephew-in-law. His parents were named on the death certificate as
John Cameron, miner, deceased, and Anne Cameron, maiden surname
Beaton, deceased.
3. Catherine, born in about 1811.
4. John, born in 1815 in Strontian; occupation:
lead miner.
John was a strong possibility for John Alexander Cameron’s
grandfather, and Alexander’s father. He was from Mull, married to an
“Annie”, and born in 1769. However, Archibald’s death certificate
positively identified this John and Anne as his parents. Archibald
was living at the time of the 1861 census with his brother
Alexander. Our Alexander Cameron was living in Inveraray with his
wife Catherine and granddaughter in the 1861 census, so could not be
Archibald’s brother. This eliminates John Cameron and Anne Beaton as
possible parents for our Alexander Cameron.
SOURCES: 1841 Scottish census, Strontian; 1861 Scottish census,
Strontian; 1871 Scottish census, Strontian; ancestry.com;
Archibald Cameron death certificate; www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk.
John Cameron and Mary Black
John Cameron was born in about 1770 and became a miner in Scotstown.
He married Mary Black. John and Mary had the following children:
1. John, born in about 1796. This is about the
year listed for our Alexander Cameron’s brother John’s birth. His
occupation was lead miner. He married Mary Stewart. John and Mary
had these children: Alex, Margaret (Peggy), Donald, Archibald, and
Flory. The children were born in nearby Moidart, Invernesshire. John
was mentioned in a history of Moidart: “According to the 1851
census, the size of the crofts in two of the townships in Moidart
varied from between half an acre to twelve acres. Three of the
crofts rented by tenants on the Moidart Estate of Dr Donald Martin
at Glen Uig were less than six acres in size: Norman McDonald,
John Cameron and John Mcdonald each worked five acres.” (Moidart,
the Land and Its People). John died 29 November 1876 in
Strontian. His parents were listed as John Cameron, miner, and Mary
Cameron, maiden surname Black.
2. Donald, christened 1806 in Strontian.
3. Donald, christened 1807 in Strontian. Our
Alexander did have a brother Donald.
4. Catherine
SOURCES: Strontian parish register; 1841 Scottish census,
Moidart, Ardnamurchan parish; 1851 Scottish census, Moidart,
Ardnamurchan parish; 1861 Scottish census, Moidart, Ardnamurchan
parish; 1871 Scottish census, Strontian; death certificate for
John Cameron, Strontian, 1876; Ardnamurchan parish register, FHL#
1041003 .
We know that Alexander Cameron was born in Strontian in 1797, the
son of John Cameron. Alexander and most of his siblings were born
before the start of the Strontian parish register. John and Mary
seem to be possible parents for our Alexander Cameron. Two of the
children mentioned were John and Donald, which are names recorded as
Alexander’s siblings. John was born in about the right year, but
Donald listed as one of the older children in family records. This
Donald is a younger child. It's possible that they are Alexander's
parents, but it's not an exact match.
Other Cameron Families in Scotstown:
These Cameron families are not Alexander’s parents, but were
present in Scotstown in the early 1800s. Possibly they were
relatives.
These John Camerons had children born later:
• John and Janet Cameron – John was born
in about 1801 of Scotstown. He was a crofter. John and Janet had the
following children: Sarah, John, Ann, Hugh, and Neil.
• John Cameron and Catherine Cameron had a
son Hugh born in 1815.
• John Cameron and Peggy Cameron had a son
John born in 1815.
These other Camerons may be relatives:
• Janet Cameron – born in 1801 of
Scotstown.
• Ewen and Sarah (Sally) Cameron - Ewen
was born in 1801 of Scotstown. Ewen was a crofter. Ewen and Sally
had these children: Ewen, John, Dugald, Duncan and Allan.
• Ewen/Hugh Cameron and Sarah Cameron –
Ewen/Hugh was born in about 1801 of Scotstown. He was a crofter and
lead miner. Hugh Cameron married Sarah Cameron 8 June 1826 in
Aharacle. Hugh and Sarah had these children: John, Hugh, Dugald,
Duncan, Allan and Catherine. (1841 and 1851 Scottish census;
Aharacle parish record, ancestry.com; death certificate of Allan
Cameron,, 1864)
• Hugh Cameron and Jannet Cameron had a
daughter Elizabeth born in 1811.
• Duncan Cameron and Catherine Cosh –
Duncan was born in 1788 of Scotstown. He was a lead miner. They had
sons George born in 1805 and Dugald born in 1815.
• Duncan Cameron had a daughter Jean born
in 1809. This may be the same Duncan as in other entries.
• Duncan Cameron miner had a daughter
Marjory in 1811. This may be the same Duncan as in other entries.
• Duncan Cameron and Marjory Cameron had a
daughter Susanna born 1804. This may be the same Duncan as in other
entries.
• Duncan Cameron and Margaret (Peggy) Cameron
– Duncan Cameron was a lead miner. He married Margaret Cameron 18
February 1811. He is called Duncan Cameron Whiskey in the parish
register. Duncan and Peggy had these children: Catherine, Elspit,
and Mary (who emigrated to Canada).
• Dugald and Ann Cameron - Dugald was born
in about 1765. He was a lead miner of Scotstown.
• Donald and Peggy Cameron – Donald was
born about 1801 of Scotstown. He was a crofter.
• Donald Cameron taylor and Elisabeth Cameron
had sons Ewen born 1804 and Duncan born 1806.
• Allen Cameron and Ann McPherson – Allen
was born in about 1795 of Scotstown. He married Ann McPherson. Allen
was a lead miner. Allen and Ann had these children: Mary, George,
and Flory.
• Allen Cameron and Catherine (Ketty) McPhee
had daughters Margaret and Flora born 1806 and a son Alexander born
1808.
• Angus Cameron and Jean Cameron had sons
Duncan born in 1814 and Martin born in 1815.
• Archibald Cameron and Vere McPherson had
a daughter Mary born in 1815.
• Archibald Cameron Smith and Eve McPhee
had a daughter Marion born in 1805 and a son Donald born 1806.
Other Camerons are found in the inquest made after Duncan
Cameron, a lead miner, was killed by a rock-fall in a lead
mine in 1851. Alexander McPhee, a witness described Duncan Cameron:
“Cameron was the tallest and strongest man at Strontian. He was
upwards of 6 feet and about 33 or 36 years of age. He was in
perfect health when I saw him about 2 hours before he met with his
death.”
Another witness was John Cameron: “John Cameron had
worked at various mines for many years on an occasional basis,
including a spell for Sir James Riddell. Compeared John Cameron
'Smith', Miner residing at Scotstown in the parish of Ardnamurchan
and Shire of Argyll who says: I am about 40 years of age, on
Thursday 7 August 1851 I was employed in the mines at Strontian
putting out water at the bottom of Bellsgrove - I am generally
employed as a blaster. I have been engaged occasionally in Mines
since I was able to work tho' I have been employed at other jobs
during that time. I wrought about 9 months in the mines at
Leadhills, I wrought better than half a year in the mine at
Carsphairn, I wrought better than half a year at the sinking of a
shaft and driving a level of discovery at New Cumnock, Ayrshire, I
wrought driving a level in the neighbourhood of Inverary searching
for copper ore, I was engaged about 9 months, I wrought for the
last three months in the Strontian mines under Mr Barrat. I
wrought in these mines before Mr Barrat became manager. I was
working on my own account. I wrought also about three years under
the proprietor of the mines, Sir James Milles Riddell driving the
present level to Bellsgrove Quarry. Since I wrought to Mr Barrat I
have been paid 2/- per shift, except 12 days I wrought quarrying a
found for a house.”
Another witness at the inquest was Donald Cameron: “Compeared
Donald Cameron, residing at Scotstown in the parish of
Ardnamurchan and Shire of Argyll who says: I am 48 years of age. I
am employed as 'Woodman' in the Strontian Mine under the
management of Mr Barrett & Mr Floyd. I have wrought in these
mines for the last 4 years. I have wrought at mining altogether
about 15 years. I have acted as 'Woodman' at Strontian about the
last 3 years.” (Strontian Mines Inquest by John Dye;
Moidart Local History Group)
John and Hugh Cameron were mentioned in a court case in
1859: “Dugald McNaughton and John Cameron had a trial of strength
outside the London House Hotel Strontian and were charged
subsequently with a breach of the peace. Report by Constables
Duncan Cameron and Allan Cameron of an assault on John Cameron.
Dugald McNaughton, a Shepherd at Beithach, Parish of Morvern and
County of Argyle in the employ of Charles Alexander Esq.,
Liddesdale, Parish and County aforesaid, has been guilty of
assault in so far as on Thursday the 20th day of October, 1859
years, the said Dugald McNaughton did assault John Cameron, son of
Hugh Cameron, Miller, Anyhelt, Parish of Ardnamurchan and County
of Argyle, by seizing hold of him by the neck and struggling for
some time. The said John Cameron, it appears, was equally guilty
with himself in so far as that he struggled with him. It appears
that the cause of the quarrel was that MacNaughton was bragging
strength and that he could manage all the lads at Strontian. Added
in the margin was the note: 'This happened in the Coach House
where they were selling whisky at the back of the London House'.
Witnesses: Duncan Cameron Constable, Allan Cameron Constable
The Court Records put the matter more formally: That albeit
by the laws of this and of every other well governed realm, Breach
of the Peace is a crime of a heinous nature and severely
punishable yet true it is and of verity that Dugald MacNaughton, a
Shepherd and now or lately residing at Beach in the Parish of
Morvern in the County of Argyll and John Cameron, son of and now
or lately residing with Hugh Cameron, Miller and now or lately
residing at Anaheilt - in the parish of Ardnamurchan in the County
of Argyll have both and each or on or other of them been guilty of
the said crime, actors or actor or act and part. In so far as upon
the Twentieth day of October Eighteen hundred and fifty nine years
or about that time, within or at or near a Coach house situated at
or near the Inn called or known by the name of the "London House"
at Strontian in the parish of Ardnamurchan aforesaid, then and now
or lately occupied by ¼¼. The said Dugald MacNaughton and John
Cameron did wickedly and feloniously square & fight and seize
hold of and struggle with, each other, did create or cause to be
created a great noise and disturbance and did otherways conduct
themselves in a violent, unruly, noisy and disorderly manner, to
the great annoyance of the lieges and in Breach of the Public
Peace which was thereby broken and disturbed.” (London
House, 1859, by John Dye)
Mary Cameron was mentioned, along with her father Donald
Cameron, as being a victim of soap fraud in 1863: “Like as
aforesaid within the house at Scotstown in the Parish of
Ardnamurchan aforesaid there and now or lately occupied by Donald
Cameron, a Miner, then and now or lately residing there, the said
James Brady did wickedly and feloniously, wilfully, falsely and
fraudulently represent and pretend that he had bought a large
quantity of Soap damaged by water in consequence of the vessel
carrying it sinking or springing a leak in the Canal, and having a
Packet containing sundry bars or pieces which he there and then
wickedly and feloniously, falsely, fraudulently and wilfully
represented to Mary Cameron, daughter of the said Dugald Cameron
as being genuine Soap and a portion of the Soap so bought by him
as aforesaid and offered the same or a portion thereof to her for
sale and did thereby or by some other false and fraudulent
representations and pretence induce the said Mary Cameron to buy
four bars or pieces of the foresaid article represented as genuine
soap and which the said James Brady then and there delivered to
her and received in payment thereof the sum of three shillings and
six pence Sterling on the faith and representation that it was a
genuine article, whereas the said four bars or pieces was a
spurious composition manufactured by the said James Brady,
intended to resemble soap, and the said James Brady did thus or
otherways cheat and defraud the said Mary Cameron of the foresaid
sum of three shillings and six pence, her property or in her
lawful possession.” Flora Cameron Lowry of Anaheilt was also
a victim of the fraud. (Fraudulent Sales of Soap by a Pedlar, by
John Dye)
1855 Valuation Lists
These Camerons were listed in the 1855 valuation lists in Scotstoun:
John Cameron Smith – Croft, Scotstoun
John Cameron Lochiel – Croft, Scotstoun
Hugh Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Alexander Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Duncan Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Allan Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Alexander Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Donald Cameron Smith – Croft, Scotstoun
Hugh Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Donald Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Hugh Cameron post – Croft, Scotstoun
Margaret Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Widow D Cameron – Croft, Scotstoun
Other families in the hamlet were the McPhees, McMasters,
MacPhersons, MacMillans, a Stewart, Buchanan, Hunter, Lowrie,
MacCallum, and MacKinnon.
In Anyhelt (Anaheit) were these Camerons:
Alexander Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
John Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Duncan Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Widow Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Donald Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Allan Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Margaret Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Alexander Cameron – Croft, Anaheit
Donald Cameron Boatman – Croft, Anaheit
Allan Cameron James – Croft, Anaheit
Camerons in Strontian in the 1841 Census
John and Jean Cameron of Scotstown
John Cameron, born abt 1756, age 85, lead miner
Jean Cameron, born abt 1773, age 68
John and Ann Cameron of Scotstown
John age 72, (born about 1769) lead miner
Ann, age 70
Kett, age 25
Ann McPhee, age 13
John and Ann Cameron of Ardnastang
John Cameron, born abt 1781 in Argyll, age 60, ag lab
Ann Cameron, born abt 1786, age 55
Ewen Cameron, born abt 1823, age 18, ag lab
James Cameron, born abt 1828, age 13, ag lab
Charles Cameron, born abt 1830, age 11
Sarah Cameron, born abt 1835, age 6
Donald Cameron, born abt 1838, age 3
Mary Cameron, born abt 1761, age 80
John and Flora Cameron of Ranachan More
John Cameron, born abt 1781 in Argyll, age 60, ag lab
Flora Cameron, born abt 1789, age 52
Ann Cameron, born abt 1814, age 27
Donald Cameron, born abt 1816, age 25, ag lab
James Cameron, born abt 1818, age 23, ag lab
Thomas Cameron, born abt 1822, age 19, ag lab
Jesse Cameron, born abt 1826, age 15
Ewen Cameron, born abt 1832, age 9
John Cameron, born abt 1808, age 33, ag lab
Jesse Camero, born abt 1839, age 2
Donald Cameron and Mary of Ranachan More
Donald, age 50 (born about 1791), agricultural laborer
Mary, age 40
Dugald, age 16
Alex, age 14
Ewen, age 12
John, age 8
Allan, age 6
Lodie, age 4
SOURCE: 1841 census on www.ancestry.co.uk.
