Donald Matheson (abt. 1809 - 1882)

Emigration: 1829, Possibly on the "Mary Kennedy" from Portee, Skye1

Notes for DONALD MATHESON:

"Inverness-shire, a highland county of Scotland, bounded N. by Ross and Cromarty, and the Beauly and Moray Firths, N.E. by the shires of Nairn and Elgin, E. by Banff and Aberdeenshires, S.E. by Perthshire, S. by Argyllshire and W. by the Atlantic...and is the largest shire in Scotland. Excepting comparatively small and fertile tracts in the N. on both sides of the river Ness, in several of the glens and on the shores of some of the sea lochs, the county is wild and mountainous in the extreme and characterized by beautiful and in certain respects sublime scenery. There are more than fifty mountains exceeding 3000ft. in height." Extracted from Encyclopaedia Britannica. 11th ed. Vol. 14. (Cambridge, 1910)

Lot 62 Description (as transcribed from the original 1841 Census document)

There are no persons in the township whose passage has been paid by the proprietor and the same may be said of the other three townships [in this District] with the exception of five or six indentured servants brought out from Scotland in 1803 by the Earl of Selkirk & who afterwards received small allotments of land for their services.

In all this township and generally throughout the district the wheat crop yielded but very poor return in consequence of it being severely injured by the rust and the people frequently loose many of their cattle & sheet by the depredations of the bear as well as by other casualties.

A few of the young men employed in the shipyards belong to other parts of the country though they have been resident in the district for the last 8 or 9 months.

In this township there are several poor families who only arrived on the Island last fall & who have not yet taken up any land, some of whom will most probably settle in some other parts of the country in consequence of the little encouragement held forth to them by the proprietor's agent.

In this township the land is generally speaking of a good quality, but no man whom I interviewed acknowledged his own farm to be of the best quality.

The land with but very few exceptions is leased at one shilling sterling per annum rent and for the term of 999 years.

In the rear of this township there are several new settlers who raised no crops. On the whole of the lot there is but one half-finished church, one grist mill frequently out of repair and one very indifferent school house. There are no brewing or distilling establishments.

Full Single Record for Document 1841

Name of Township, Town, or Royalty. 62

Name of the head of each Family. Donald Matheson

Trade or Occupation. Farmer

Males: Under 16 years of age. 1 Females: Under 16 years of age. 1

Males: From 16 to 45. 1 Females: From 16 to 45. 1

Total number in each family (including Servants and Apprentices). 4

Number of persons in each family, in connexion with the Church of Scotland. 4

Number of acres of Land held by each family by Leasehold. 100

Number of years of term of Lease expired. 0

Number of years of term of Lease. 999

AMOUNT OF RENT PAID BY EACH FAMILY

Rent in Sterling (£ / s / d) 5/0/0

Number of acres of arable Land held by each family. 10

PRODUCE RAISED BY EACH FAMILY DURING THE LAST YEAR

Number of Bushels of Wheat. 0 Number of Bushels Barley. 10

Number of Bushels Oats. 40 Number of Bushels Potatoes. 150

Number of Horses owned by each family. 1 Number of Neat Cattle owned by each family. 6

Number of Sheep owned by each family. 10 Number of Hogs owned by each family. 2

Number of persons in each family natives of Scotland. 2

Number of persons in each family being natives of this Island. 2

1861 Census: Donald Matheson, Lot 62, Farmer, Presbyterian. 2 born Scotland, 5 born PEI.

Hutcheson's 1864 Directory, p. 138: Farmer, Belle Creek Lot 62.

"At Belle Creek on Sunday, the 11th instant, Mr. Donald Matheson, in the 73rd year of his age, deeply regretted by a large circle of relatives and friends (Examiner, 22 June 1882, p 2 col 4.)"

More About DONALD MATHESON:

Burial: St John's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Belfast, PEI

Emigration: 1829, Possibly on the "Mary Kennedy" from Portee, Skye1

Notes for CATHERINE MCDONALD:

"At Belle Creek, October 29th, after a lingering illness which she bore with Christian meekness and much patience, to the Divine Will, Catherine MacDonald, the wife of Donald Matheson, age 67 years. Her end was peace."

More About CATHERINE MCDONALD:

Burial: St John's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Belfast, PEI

Emigration: 1829

From the P.E.I. Register and Gazette, Tues., June 2, 1829. - "84 Immigrants including women and children from the Isle of Skye arrived here on Sunday. They left their native place about 6 weeks ago in a ship for Cape Breton, along with a number of settlers for that Island. They all seem to be in high health and judging from appearance, in easy circumstances. With prudent foresight characteristic of their race they came provided with 12 months of provisions and an ample stock of warm clothing. They all have relatives already settled on the Island chiefly about Belfast, and with the exception of one family it is, we understand, their intention also to settle in that thriving settlement.

Customs House, Entered June 1st, 1829, Mary Kennedy, Cape Breton, 84 Passengers."

"Argosy never sailed with more precious cargo than that discharged at Charlottetown on June 1st, 1829, from the good ship ‘Mary Kennedy’. There were 84 heads of families in the party [Conflict - see record above]. They settled along Murray Harbour Road, and in the Back Settlement, later called Lyndale. Each family bought from 50 to 100 acres of land. They named the Uigg district after their birthplace, Uig, in Skye, famed for romantic beauty, and deriving its name from the Norwegians who held the Western Islands of Scotland for generations." (Skye Pioneers, p 72)

"UIGG, named by the Skye settlers of 1829 after Uig, in Skye. Donald Macdonald, a Skye schoolmaster, who arrived in 1841, and taught in the grammar school, is said to have varied the name to Uigg." (Skye Pioneers, p 99)

The information in Malcolm MacQueen's Skye Pioneers and in his later Hebridean Pioneers has been augmented through personal communications and, especially, through the 1841 census. It should be noted that it is impossible to identify passengers on the Mary Kennedy with similarly named persons in 1841 with 100% certainty. However, the census does give a number of checks which reduce the possibility of error. First, the passengers on the Mary Kennedy are known to have settled primarily in lots 50/66/57. Second, the families of passengers will have children born in Scotland, but few under the age of 16 - since the Mary Kennedy landed 12 years before the 1841 census. (Note that the 1841 census specifies children's ages only in ranges, above and below 16.) Third, these families will have no children born in PEI over 16. Fourth, few of these passengers will have been anything other than 'Church of Scotland' (although a few Baptists are recorded). Fifth, both parents in these families will have been born in Scotland. Where these checks ALL fit, the census of 1841 can be used with reasonable confidence.

One interesting result of the census information is evidence of the number of children who made this crossing. Although only a minority of the Mary Kennedy passengers have been identified, it seems that at least 50 children accompanied them on board! Their confidence in the boat and the crew, or their estimate of prospects in Scotland, or both, may be gauged from this quite amazing fact.

84 Immigrants, Including:

Alexander Cameron (1785-1845), his wife Catherine (MacLeod) Cameron 1795-1882 and 5 children, including William (1815-1840). The 1841 census lists the family in lot 50, with 7 of 8 family members being 'natives of Scotland'. Alexander, Catherine and William are buried in the Uigg Cemetery.

John Cameron (1801-1853), his wife Mary (Stewart) Cameron (1807-1895) The 1841 census lists the family in lot 67, with only John and Mary born in Scotland.

Ewen Cameron (1797-1892), his wife Ann (MacDonald) Cameron (1804-1884). In the 1841 census, the family is listed in lot 57 with Ewen, Ann and 3 children (Ann and Angus were 2 of them) born in Scotland. Ewen Cameron, and his brothers Alexander and John were from Glenconan by Uig. Malcolm MacQueen notes that "Ewen Cameron's sons, Roderick and Alexander, were outstanding master mariners. Perhaps in the history of Belfast, no family was more highly esteemed than the Camerons of Point Prim." (Hebridean Pioneers, p 27)

Alexander MacLean (1798-1878), his wife Margaret (Macdonald) MacLean at least one child, Katherine MacLean (1819-1915) (m. John MacQueen) Skye Pioneers, p 69 ('she emigrated to PEI in 1829'), 99 (land in 'Lyndale'), 145, 161 ("Alexander MacLean, miller, came from Skye in 1829...") The 1841 census has an Alexander McLean (not MacLean) in lot 66, age 'from 16 to 45', with a family of 10, all 'natives of Scotland'.

Norman MacLeod (1762-1837), his wife Margaret (MacPhee) MacLeod (1788-1855) Skye Pioneers, p 159 "Norman MacLeod, one of the 1829 settlers... Mr. and Mrs. MacLeod were accompanied to PEI by their children, Samuel, Roderick, John, Murdoch, Mrs. Angus Macdonald, Mrs. James Macdonald, Mrs. [Alexander] Cameron and Neil [MacLeod]...". See also p 93, 94, 95, 97. The 1841 census shows a 'native of Scotland' age 'upwards of 60' living with John MacLeod and his wife in lot 50. This was probably John's widowed mother, Margaret MacLeod.

James MacLeod Skye Pioneers, p 93, 94 ("Of the original settlers, Norman MacLeod, James MacLeod and Murdoch MacLeod were an older generation and were brothers.")The 1841 census shows James MacLeod and his wife in lot 50, both over 60 years of age (therefore born before 1780) and 'natives of Scotland'.

Murdoch MacLeod Skye Pioneers, p 93, 94, 95 ("the original Murdoch MacLeod"). The 1841 census shows Murdoch MacLeod ('upwards of sixty') in lot 50 with a family of 8 ('7 'natives of Scotland').

Murdoch MacLeod (1815-1889) Skye Pioneers, 95 ("not the original Murdoch MacLeod, but a son of old Norman MacLeod"), 159, 160. The 1841 census shows Murdoch MacLeod 'from 16 to 45' in lot 50, with a family of 4 (2 'natives of Scotland') and a servant or hired hand of some sort ('native of the British colonies').

Rev. Samuel MacLeod (1796-1881) Skye Pioneers, p 73, 74, 79, 80, 93, 94 ("John MacLeod, Roderick MacLeod and Rev. Samuel MacLeod were also brothers...sons of Norman..."), 95, 159 The 1841 census shows Samuel MacLeod and his wife in lot 50, both 'natives of Scotland', age 'from 16 to 45', and their three children ('being natives of the Island').

Roderick MacLeod (1803-1888) Skye Pioneers, p 93,159, 160. The 1841 census has Roderick MacLeod and his wife, 'natives of Scotland' aged 'from 16 to 45', living in lot 50 with their 4 children ('natives of this Island').

John MacLeod Skye Pioneers, p 93, 159, 160. The 1841 census shows John and his wife in lot 50, both 16-45, living with a woman 'upwards of 60'. This may have been John's widowed mother, Margaret MacLeod. All are listed as 'natives of Scotland'.

Neil MacLeod (1810-1888) Skye Pioneers, p 159 No information is given in the 1841 census unless Neil is listed under his father's name, Norman (who had died in 1837) - perhaps because Neil took over Norman's property? This 'Norman MacLeod' in lot 50 is listed as 'from 16 to 45' and as having a family of 10, 4 being 'natives of Scotland'.

Angus Macdonald, his wife (? MacLeod) Macdonald Skye Pioneers, p 93, 94, 159. The 1841 census shows Angus MacDonald living in lot 50, age 45-60, with a family of 10, 6 'natives of Scotland'.

James Macdonald (1793-1883), his wife (? MacLeod) Macdonald Skye Pioneers, p 93, 94, 159, 160, 161. The 1841 census shows James MacDonald and his wife in lot 50, age 45-60, with 6 children, 4 of the family 'natives of Scotland' and 4 'natives of this Island'.

Donald Macdonald Skye Pioneers, p 94 ('Angus, James and Donald were brothers'). The 1841 census lists many Donald MacDonalds. The most likely of these is listed in the census as Donald MacDonlad' lot 50, both parents 'from 16-45' and 'natives of Scotland', with 7 children, one born in Scotland.

Malcolm MacKinnon, his wife (? Campbell) MacKinnon At least one child, Alexander (1819-1887) Skye Pioneers, p 93, 127 ('Among the Uigg settlers of 1829'..) In the 1841 census, the family is listed for lot 50, Malcolm being 'upwards of 60', his wife 45-60 and 3 children, all 'natives of Scotland'.

Donald ban oig MacLeod, his wife Mary (Martin) MacLeod Children - Donald (1818-1896), John?, Malcolm?, Roderick (1822-1896) Skye Pioneers, 73, 141 ("of Valtos, Skye, emigrated to PEI with the Uig colonists in 1829"), 142, 143 [Valtos is a community behind Uig to the east, south of Staffin, between Culnacnoc and Elishader]. The 1841 census lists many Donald MacLeods and Donald McLeods. The most likely of these is Donald McLeod, in lot 57, the husband and wife both 45-60, with 6 children, the whole family being 'natives of Scotland'.

John Martin, his wife Catharine (Macdonald) Martin At least 1 child, Samuel (b 1821 on Skye) Skye Pioneers 99, 149 ("arrived in Uigg in 1829'), 150. There are several John Martins in the 1841 census. The most probable is listed in lot 57, with 5 of the 8 family members being 'natives of Scotland'. The husband is 45-60, the wife 16-45. Malcolm MacQueen notes that 3 of Samuel's sons became Presbyterian ministers in the US and that a fourth son became speaker of the PEI legislature. (Hebridean Pioneers, p 29)

Alexander Nicholson Skye Pioneers 99, 161. In the 1841 census, there are several Alexander Nicholsons. The most probable is listed in lot 57, with 4 of 7 family members being 'natives of Scotland'. The parents are shown as 45-60 and 16-45.

James Campbell, his wife Christy (MacDonald) Campbell, and 4 or 5 children (the 5th probably born on the way over) immigrated from the Uig area in Skye in 1829. James Campbell's house was one of the first in Uigg. By the time of the 1841 census, James had died (in 1839) but Christie is shown as living in lot 50 with 7 children. 5 of the 8 are listed as 'natives of Scotland'. One of the children was John Campbell born 1824 Skye, died 1907, Orwell Head.

Malcolm Lamont (Valtos, Skye), his wife Isabella Macdonald Emigrated to Prince Edward Island in 1829 with his wife Isabella Macdonald and was accompanied by his nephew Murdoch Lamont (below). Malcolm and Isabella brought with them their children, among whom was Ewen Lamont. In the 1841 census, Malcolm Lamond (not Lamont), over 60, is shown in lot 57 with his wife, age 45-60, and 2 males 16-45 (Ewen and Murdoch?). Ewen Lamont was born in 1817 in Bernisdale, Skye, and was age 13 when they emigrated to PEI. He died on October 26, 1905 in Stencholl, PEI and is buried in Springton. He was a scholar, and Head Master of the famed Uigg Grammar School circa 1860. "Lyndale, [was] named by Ewen Lamont, a Skyeman, at a public meeting called for the purpose, about 1880." (Skye Pioneers, p 100) ( http://www.linneberg.com/skye/lamont3.html ). Murdoch Lamont was born circa 1822 also in Bernisdale, Skye. He died Sept 17, 1902 in Springton PEI. He was noted March 1855 in New Bedeque Road, Lot 22, PEI. Murdoch was a Mason and Farmer, also Clerk of the Commissioner's Court and Commissioner of Roads/Bridges for 10 years in PEI. He married Catherine Stewart (1834-1914) in 1855 in Ch'town.( http://www.linneberg.com/skye/lamont-murd1.html ).

Note: Some of the marriages that occured after arrival on the Island may have been to ladies who arrived from Scotland on earlier vessels, and 2., Census totals may also include non-family members, servants, boarders, etc... who may not have come over with the family, but have been from Scotland. However, this brings us much closer to a full and reliable list than we have had before. As more information comes to light, this page will be updated.