The MacMartin Arrow

[Cameronian]

.
SherbrookeJacobite said.....My family come from Ratullochmore, near Glen Gloy, and were originally MacMartins.

We do not often hear many speak of the MacMartins, yet in the 1890 Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, wrote of this Clan in a very affectionate manner, let me contribute some of what he wrote:
From THE CAMERONS OF LETTERFINLAY, STYLED "MACMARTIN"
While many histories and memoirs of the Camerons of Lochiel have been written, little or no attention has been given to the Macmartins of Letterflnlay, although nearly every account makes them out as original heads of the clan.
The name of Letterfinlay, inseparably connected with the Macmartins, first occurs in the year 1466, when it, with Macomer and Stronaba, is found included with other lands in a charter by John of Yla to Mackintosh, dated at Inverness, 14th of November, of that year. One of the witnesses is the well-known Donald Balloch; and this is the only occasion I have observed him named in a Lochaber writ.
This charter was confirmed in 1494. At this period the extent of the Mackintosh possessions in Lochaber was immense, all secured by charters, viz. :—Glenluie and Loch Arkaig, in 1337; Brae-Lochaber, in 1443 , the hereditary bailiary and stewardship of Lochaber, 1447; Glengarry, Auchindrorne, Letterfinlay, Stronaba, and the two Leanachans, in 1466.
For a long time prior to this period it may be assumed that the Macmartins had been in actual possession of Letterfinlay, and it may be also assumed that a Lochiel married Macmartin’s daughter and heiress. Yet, although no charter appears to have been granted by the Macdonalds or subsequent superiors in the fifteenth century, we find the Macmartins assuming a distinct importance and footing in writs of the period, commencing early in the sixteenth century. The titles referred to at the sale in 1851, do not go further back than 1763, but there were valuable papers in existence early in this century In 1513, and again in 1533—
(1) Duncan Macmartin, closely allied with Keppoch, is found; in 1548, Soirle Macmartin, and by 1549 the line becomes unbroken.
(2) In that year Martin Vie Conchie of Letterfinlay appears, and is foster-father to Ewen of Lochiel. There is also found, in 1570, Martin Vie Conchie MacMartin; and by 1584 the ultroneous claims of Lochiel to the’ lands, which ran on from 1534 to 1580, appear to. have dropped. In 1561 one Duncan Vie Ronald intents process in the Sheriff Court of Inverness, against Gille Martin Vie Conchie, in Letterfinlay .

(3) Martin was succeeded by Duncan, who is found as early as 1598, and had a brother named Donald. In 1600 Dnncan of Letterfinlay is styled Vie Conchie. The Macmartins are found after this period in close alliance with Lochiel, and in 1617 they were Lochiel’s chief supporters in obstructing Mackintosh’s holding. Steward Courts or crossing the Lochy. The principal people summoned by Mackintosh to Edinburgh, to answer for their conduct in that year, were Allan Cameron of Lochiel; Duncan Cameron, alias Macmartin; Dongal Cameron; Dougal Cameron, alias Macmartin Vie Allister; Donald Cameron, alias Macmartin; and Ewen Cameron alias Macmartin Vie Conchie Vie Ewen. In June, 1629, there is found in the records, Duncan of Letterfinlay, who fostered Sir Ewen Cameron, and his son, Duncan Oig Cameron, alias Macmartin

In old times the two Ratullichs were always let to Letterfinlay’s people, so that the family and its branches were long a power in Lochaber, possessing that fine block of land fronting the loch and the river of Lochy, extending from the barony of Abertarff at the north-east, t.o the river of Speari at the south-west, and backwards to Brae Roy, Glen Roy, and Blarour. The divergence of the river Lochy, caused by the construction of the Caledonlan Canal, has in effect destroyed the famous Dell of Macomer, on which Highland hosts had so often mustered, and I refer specially to the “Grameid,” where, in language nervous and vivid, the place and the assembled warriors are depicted in the time of Dundee.

Duncan of Letterfinlay, as I have said, is found in close connection with Lochiel, and as he first had to stand the brunt of crossing Mackintosh’s expeditions, and obstructing him at the ford of Lochy, Lochiel sublet to him the lands of Kylinross, which, though west of the river, lay convenient to Macomer, and the Letterfinlay family for about a century, appear as occupants of that place, except the short interval to be noted. The occupants of Kylinross in 1663 were Martin Cameron of Letterfinlay, John Vie Tan Vie Comhie Vie Ian, and Gilliephatrick Vie Ian Kyndnish. This Duncan was succeeded by his eldest son

~4) Duncan Oig, who did not relish the position of buffer betwixt Mackintosh and Lochiel, and in his father’s lifetime fell out with Sir Ewen Cameron, and was dispossessed of Kylinross, which had been assigned him by his father Duncan. Matters, however, were made up, for the Macmartims were worth conciliating. Duncan Oig is found in 1642 and 1645, and was succeeded by his son

There is much more, and if it is of interest I will add more to this MacMartin History..

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Thank you so very much for that. I am directly descended from those MacMartins of Letterfinlay referred to in the article (which contains information I did not have). Our family lived at Ratullochmore (Variously spelled as Rathlichmore, Rathliesmore ...) This is one of the two Ratullichs referred to in the article (along with Ratullochbeg). The sale of 1851 refers to the purchase of the Glenfintaig estate by Andrew Belford. This spelled the end for our family living in Lochaber, for shortly after purchasing it, this former factor for Lochiel cleared the estate and forced our family, and many others, out of their ancestral homes.

My gggrandfather, Angus Cameron ("Little Angus") followed his older brother ("Big Angus") to Nova Scotia. Another brother, Duncan, also settled there. I have never been able to find out what happened to their parents, Angus Mor and Catherine (nee MacDiarmid) Cameron.

I am very interested in any other information you may have about the MacMartins, and thank you again for taking the time to share it with us.

Moran taing,

John

[Cameronian]

We may have to continue with the remainder of the line of those descending from the MacMartin’s of Letterfinlay in two further sections just to appease the website ……

(5) Martin, who is found as owner prior to 1663. He, in turn, was succeeded by his son, named

(6) Duncan, who appears to have been put in possession before his fathers death. In 1667 Lord Macdonell, as appears by the Book of the Grants, interceded with Grant on behalf of Donald Vic Ewen Macmartin of Thattulichbeg, and Angus Vic Ian Roy Vic Coil Macmartin, apparent of Rattilichmore, who had been imprisoned as marauders in Strathspey.

The name of the Lochaber men as “lifters” was wel1 known in Moray, and there is a curious reference by Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth, in a letter to the Lord Chancellor of Scotland• dated Elgin, 25th September,1682, where the Earl, having been asked to see as to “disaffected” ministers taking shelter in Ross, says little about them, being full of his own special grievance “My Lord,—Ever since my north-coming, I have made it my business to enquire if any of those disaffected ministers you spoke of to me at Edinburgh did resort to the shire I am concerned in~ but found no such disorderly people in it; although we suffer so much by the Lochaber men, that if the King and Council take not an effectual course presently, many of us in that place will not have so much of our own as will pay the public dues.” Unless the Earl exaggerated, it is clear the Lochaber men, when they entered Ross, performed the business which brought them, in a thorough manner.

In 1685 the name of Neil, son of Letterflnlay, is found. In 1683 the Marquis of Huntly takes proceedings against Duncan Macmartin of Letterflnlay

[Cameronian]

Now on to George MacMartin 7th of Letterfinlay

(7) George MacMartin was the next possessor, son of Martin the younger, and was twice married. He had several children by his first wife, from a reference in the contract of marriage with his second wife, Mary, eldest daughter of Angus Mackintosh, senior, merchant in Inverness, and of Culchlachie. This contract is dated at Inverness, 14th December 1732. The lady’s tocher was 6000 merks, and she got a jointure of 300 merks secured over Dellrnacomer and Strongluy. One of the witnesses, and Letterflnlay’s groomsman, was Allan Cameron, younger of Lindally, and he himself signs “George Mc Martine.” Letterflnlay was dead prior to 29th December, 1737, as on that day he is referred to in a deed as deceased. George was succeeded by his eldest son

(8). Captain Cosino Gordon Cameron, who died young without issue. Cosmo was captain in the Highland regiment commanded by Colonel Archibald Montgomery, and was succeeded by

(9) George MacMartin Cameron, who, upon 4th August, 1763, had himself served heir to his Grand-uncle, Martin Cameron of Letterfinlay. In the service, George styles himself as son & the late Evan MacMartin, otherwise Cameron, sometime of Barlowbeg (Ratlich beg I), thereafter in Dellifour of Badenoch, and through the failure of heirs male, descended of Martin MacMartin, otherwise Cameron, of Letterfinlay, commonly called Martin Mor MacMartin, he, George, was nearest heir male of Martin Mor, his Grand-uncle. There is a tradition that George was not the lawful heir, the alleged propinquity being falsely sworn to by one named “Ian-Mor-na-Cath-ruagh.” George is stated to have been a herd lad, and, after his service as heir, was taken from the kitchen to the dining-room, and educated. John Cameron in Glenroy, whose descendants are still living in Brae Lochaber, was said to be son of the true heir, and it was common report that the successful claimant’s family would never prosper. Certain it is that George was in difficulties for the last fifty years of his life, being under trust for forty-six years, and the trust ran on till 1840, a period of fifty-seven years. George married, on 28th February, 1767, Isobel Fraser, sister of Simon Fraser, last Laird of Foyers, of the race of “Huistean Frangach,” by whom he had a numerous family, some living to very great age. He was of careless disposition, not unmingled with obstinacy, which involved his estate. Gortuleg, in one of his letters, calls him “poor thoughtless man.” Be executed a trust in 1783; a bond of interdiction in 1798 ; a deed of entail in 1807, which was held null ; and a further deed of trust in 1817. The family originally had their residence at Letterfinlay, but had removed to Mucomer by 1770. In 1788-1790 George writes from “Claiggin, by the Nevis,” as his abode.

The house of Letterfinlay was converted into an inn. Lord thingy
hurn speaks of it in 1819 as comfortable, but; in 1841, as a poor place. That portion of land called Davochnessie was formerly occupied by a race of Camerons renowned above all others for strength, activity, and daring. So late as 1780 a body of Macmartin men, to the number of forty or fifty, as noted in the “Book of Grant,” attacked the lands of Glenmoriston, and well-nigh took the life of the well-known Alpin Giant, the laird’s brother. To this day, that a. Cameron is of the race of Davochnessie is held an honour, but the place itself now knows them not.

Without referring to the clean sweep of the Rattillichs by Mr Belford, let us contrast the Letterfinlay, Macomer, and Stronaba of to-day with these places in 1805. What they are now may be seen by the Valuation Poll of 1890-91, little over a dozen occupants.

Luckily I am able to give a full list for 1805. In Macomer and Torness there were John Macdiarmid, Alexander Cameron, shepherd; Donald Cameron, Donald Cameron Smith in Forness, Mary Macintyre—5.

In Stronaba—the Rev. Thomas Ross of Kilmonivaig, John Cameron, Catherine Macarthur, Alexander Macarthur, George Cameron, Donald Macdonald, Alexander Macdonald, John Maekinnon, weaver; Katharine Mackinnon, Janet Cameron, Flora Cameron, John Macneil, Duncan Cameron, Evan Cameron, John Macpherson, weaver; John Macpherson, labourer; John Maclachlan, alias Cameron—-17.

In Invergloy—John Cameron Vic Coil-vie-Ian Vic Ullay, John Cameron Vic Aonash Vic Ian dhu, John Cameron Vic Ewen, Donald Mor Cameron, Ewen Cameron Vic Allister, Duncan Cameron, tailor; Ewen Carmeron, Vic Aonash, John Roy Cameron, John Roy Cameron, junior; Alexander Breck- Cameron, Samuel Cameron, Widow Mary Kennedy, Ewen Cameron Vic Coil vie Ian, Donald Ban Cameron, and Donald Ban Cameron Vic Ewen Vic Allister—16.

In Inverskulliroy— Martin Cameron, Alexander Breck Cameron, Donald Ban Cameron, Ewen Cameron, Ann Cameron—S.

In Letterfinlay—Duncan Doun Macnaughton, Duncan Macnaughton Vie Homas, residing at Borline of Glengarry; Donald Macnaughton, John Macnaughton, Evan Cameron, innkeeper; Duncan Cameron—6.

In Tartness— John Cameron, Widow Anne Cameron, and Widow Vere Macdonald —3.

In Bolluach, Glengloy, and Strongloy—Allan Cameron, tenant in Meople of South Morar; Peter Stewart, James Mackay, Donald Mor Cameron, and Duncan Roy Cameron—5 ;

In all, 57 heads of families, perhaps 300 souls. The family of George Cameron of which I have any note, consisted of four sons, Gordon, Hugh John, Hugh, Duncan, and five daughters, Jane, Isabella, Christian, Anne, and Charlotte. Miss Charlotte, the youngest daughter, died at Macomer 15th June, 1812—all the others survived their father. Upon George’s death in June, 1829, he was succeeded by his eldest son

(10) Gordon Cameron. He entered the military service, and in 1794 went abroad in Erracht’s Regiment. He was one of Glengarry’s friends and supporters in the unfortunate duel with Lieutenant Norman Macleod, and when volunteering was rife early in the century, he raised a local company called the Letterfinlay Volunteers. Like his father he was much embarrassed, and he did not survive him long, dying on 20th September, 1830. He was succeeded by his next brother

(11) Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh John, who had served with distinction. The estate was under trust until 1840, Colonel Cameron, however, taking an active part in the administration. He was of a proud, reserved, but honourable disposition, quite unfitted to cope with the difficulties which ‘surrounded him. To add to these, he had barely succeeded, when he found himself involved in a serious litigation with the Gordon trustees, in reference to the marches of Stronaba and Blarour. He struggled on, affairs getting worse, until 1847, when he was obliged to execute a trust deed. Fortunately, he did not live to witness the actual sale to Mr Baillie, in November, 1851. Sensitive in disposition, proud of his descent, and of being the oldest head of his clan, Colonel Cameron’s heart was broken at the prospect of what had become inevitable. I had hoped to get access to a memoir of his family, which, some forty years ago, I had heard rumored as being in existence; but, having failed, the genealogy now given is to be taken as subject to correction.

The last of the Macmartins was
(12) Hugh, who was served heir in 1851 to his brother Colonel Hugh John, as also to his brother Duncan. This Hugh and his sisters lived latterly at Inveruiskullin, in Glenluy, and none of them having married, the race of the Macmartins through George, both male and female, terminated. The burial place of the Macmartins (Cill-’Icomar) is at Achnanaimhnichean, even now a pretty spot, but no longer, through the Canal operations, to be compared to what it was when really at the confluence of the rivers.

That there are heirs of line, and male, can, from what has been above stated, hardly admit (I doubt; and it would be well that such as can establish their connection, should do so legally, and prevent what is at present the virtual extinction of this ancient and honourable House from becoming actual and total.
…………………………………….

As you can appreciate that article was written by Charles Fraser-Mackintosh in late 1880’s and as John says….

“My gggrandfather, Angus Cameron ("Little Angus") followed his older brother ("Big Angus") to Nova Scotia. Another brother, Duncan, also settled there. I have never been able to find out what happened to their parents, Angus Mor and Catherine (nee MacDiarmid) Cameron”

I think that there is a great sense of survival when we can re-connect these Ancestral lines back into their Clan lands, even though history and time has torn the fabric, the treads remain ready to be woven back together again making the fabric whole and colourful once more…

Gur math a theid leibh……….. Bhal

[Cameronian]

It appears that I failed to mention the best part ...

At the mustering of the clans at Delmacomer, early in 1689, under Dundee and here is a translation of the description of young Letterflnlay in the Grameid

Here too is Macmartin the younger, rising high above his whole line. His dark locks hang around his face and cover his cheeks, and his eyes shine like the stars, while his neck rivals the white flowers. His father and a great force of dependants accompany him, and an illustrious company of his brethren in their ranks surround him on every side. He himself, in variegated array, advances with lofty mein. Thó garter ribbons hanging at his leg were dyed with Corycian saffron, and with the tint of the Syrian shell, as was his plaid. The crest of his helmet glows with floating plumes, and the trappings of his mounted powder horn gleam in shining brass. His sister had embroidered his tunic with the red gold, and a double line of purple went round his terrible shoulders . ~Mighty of limb, mighty in strength,

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Once again thanks very much for taking the time to share that information with us. It means so much to me. At the risk of boring others here is how I am descended from the MacMartins in your posts.

John Foster Cameron (Me) son of
John Fraser Cameron & Carolyn Melvin, Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia
Charles Russell Cameron m. Belle Irwin, Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia
Alexander Fisher Cameron m. Janet Dechman, Sherbrooke
Angus Cameron (Little Angus) m. Nancy Fraser Ratullochmore, Lochaber (came to Nova Scotia after the family was cleared).
Angus Mor Cameron m. Catherine MacDiarmid, Ratullochmore
John Cameron m. Mary Stewart, Ratullochmore
John MacMartin- Cameron of Ratullochmore
John MacMartin- Cameron of Ratullochmore
Angus MacMartin- Cameron of Ratullochmore
(Angus Vic Iain Roy Vic Coil MacMartin, taken prisoner at Strathspey)
John Roy MacMartin-Cameron of Ratullochmore
Donald MacMartin of Ratullochmore
Duncan MacMartin of Letterfinlay (3)
Martin MacMartin of Letterfinlay (2)
Duncan MacMartin of Letterfinlay (1)

The Dochanassie referred to is shown on old maps as adjacent to the Ratulloch's, so I don't know if our family were considered Dochannassie Camerons or not, but they certainly were close.

I knew the MacMartins were "out in strength" with Lochiel and Bonnie Dundee at Killicrankie, but I had never seen that wonderful description of Young Letterfinlay before.

I am aware of other MacMartin descendants - there were a number that emmigrated to New Zealand (info provided to me by Bruce Alex Cameron) and Nancy Cameron Armstrong of the U.S. - who also has ties back to Ratullochmore.

So, despite the fact that we are, at present, without a heriditary Chieftan, the MacMartin Clan is alive and well and proud to be a part of Clan Cameron.

Moran taing Bhal!

John

[ChrisDoak]

It has often been told that when George McMartin,9th of Letterfinlay,inherited the title from his distant cousin in 1763,he was just a simple herdsman.Seemingly not the brightest of lightbulbs,I have often wondered if he was deliberately selected over more entitled candidates,as he would have been ignorant of what he was inheriting.

Described as being in financial difficulties for the last 50 years of his life,the noose around his neck arrived with the Letterfinlay title.For when he accepted the Chieftainship,George also unwillingly inherited the massive debts run up by his predessessors.

In 1720,Martine McMartine and his eldest son George(later 7th of Letterfinlay),borrowed £6515Scots from the Duke of Gordon,and agreed to pay it back by Bond.No repayment was made,and with the rapidly increasing annual rates of interest,the Duke of Gordon presented the new Letterfinlay with a debt which was impossible to clear,and allowed the Duke to put a stranglehold on Letterfinlay's affairs.

George's reputation as a soft touch was compounded as well,when he was bizarrely presented with an outstanding bill from 100 years previous.In 1661 twenty cows were stolen from Murray of Dollary by tenants of the Letterfinlay Estate.By a Decreet of 1686,the 6th Chief was ordered to pay compensation of £880Scots to Murray,but(surprise,surprise)this never happened.The Factor for Lochaber to the Duke of Gordon ,during the 1730s and 40s,Donald McDonald of Sandaig,purchased the debt,and subsequently took out further legal action to enforce its repayment.Poor old George.

So for anyone out there keen to re-activate the McMartin Chieftainship - beware of dark strangers bearing ancient documents!

Myself,I have been blowing the dust off some old papers relating to the '45 Rebellion recently,which should be of great interest to those of McMartin and McSorley descent.I shall post an item relating to it shortly.

Cheers,Chris.

[Cameronian]

Chris we do very much appreciate you " blowing the dust off some old papers" one never knows what can be found when attempting this......there is also a connection between the Camerons of Rannoch, whom I confess to having a set of "old dusty papers" (somewhere) giving them descent from the MacMartins of Letterfinlay.(?)

At the moment I am attempting to merge into a Chronological order the Murray of Broughton Memoirs, Itinerary of Prince Charles, Albemarle papers etc so that a clear picture can be obtained as to who was there and when present where.....

Don't let the dust settle.................Bhal

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Chris,
I am really looking forward to your info on the "Rising of '45" (remember we were not the rebels!).

Bring on the dusty papers!

John

[Alans]

My G.G Grand father Cosmo Cameron who arrived on the ship"Aurora" at Geelong( State of Victoria Australia) in 1848 was born near Letterfinlay about 1824, son of a John and Mary Cameron ( nee Mcmartin according to Cosmo) who appear to have been tenant farmers.
He eventually established strong links in Australia with a member of the Clunes family who actually sponsored him out to Victoria to work as an overseer. His father may well have had links with the Clunes family according to family traditions, but I have no documentary proof.
My paternal grandmother, who was Cosmo's grand daughter on her maternal side,always talked about the Mcmartin connection and especially that her Mcmartin ancestors had been "out" in the '45.
Ironically Grannie's father Alan MacDonald, after whom I am named, had a Cameron mother who was descended from the Glen Nevis Camerons who did not enthusiastically support the rising; although Cumberlands troops still looted their lands and tenants holdings.
My personal thanks to Bhal, Chris and SJ for presenting such good information about the McMartins of Letterfinlay. Its the one exact place I can tie an ancestor to. I know where others were married, or the areas they came from; but old Cosmo is the only one I can tie to a specific place and family in Lochaber, despite almost certainly having ancestry from 3 of the 5 arrows.

Aonaibh Ri Cheile!
Ailean glas.

[Cameronian]

For our Sherbrook Jacobite you mention that some of your ancestors migrated out to New Zealand, can not help you with that, however along with Alans' Cosmo descendants in Victoria, we also have the following:

John Cameron, b. 24 Jan 1808, Rataluch-mohr, Kilmonivaig,
son of Alexander Cameron and Janet Cameron. He d. ca 1854-56.
He migrated to Victoria with his family about 1851-3
m. Jul 1847?, Kilmonivaig, Catherine Kennedy, b. 1809, Glencoe, dau of Duncan Kennedy and Sarah Buchanan
1.1 Margaret Cameron, 14 Aug 1828, Briananach, Kilmonivaig
1.2 Catherine Cameron, 12 Oct 1830, Briananach, Kilmonivaig
1.3 Ewen (Hugh) Cameron, b. 27 May 1832, Briananach, Kilmonivaig, d. 18 Sep 1900, unmarried
1.4 Duncan Cameron, b. 28 Nov 1834, Briananach, Kilmonivaig, d. 28 Sep 1921, unmarried
1.5 Mary Grace Cameron, b. 31 Aug 1835, Briananach, Kilmonivaig
1.6 Morag (Sarah) Cameron, b. 21 Dec 1837, Briananach, Kilmonivaig
1.7 Annie Cameron, b. 23 Dec 1842, Briananach, Kilmonivaig, d. 30 Dec 1927
1.8 Paul Cameron, b. 19 Dec 1845 (1 Jan 1847), Kilmonivaig, d. 3 Aug 1921

Do any of these sound as thought they may connect into your family John.

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Bhal,

Thank you very much for your continued efforts, I really do appreciate it. The people you have listed are undoubtedly relatives, although I am not sure exactly how they tie into my tree. I would guess that Alexander Cameron could be a brother of my ggggrandfather - Angus Mor Cameron, as they both lived at Ratullichmore at the same time, and were around the same age.. I believe, although I have never been able to prove it, that Angus Mor's parents were John and Mary (Stewart) Cameron of Ratullichmore.

The names of the family you listed are all very common in my family. Alexander, John, Janet, Catherine, Duncan and Mary are all names that have been carried down through the years in my family (and many other Cameron families as well!).

You have given me another branch to pursue - and more clues to the puzzle. I would love to make contact with some of these long lost cousins. I will keep looking!

Thank so much again - I always look forward to all your postings, and these are indeed special.

Moran taing,

John

[tabatha]

Hi my name is Tabatha Patchin I've been researching my family history, The Descendants of Telt. I have gone back as far as Allan MacDonald Dubh Cameron also known as " Allan nan Creach ". He was Captain of Clan Cameron from around 1460 thru 1480. I also saw John Dubh Cameron. His descendants wre known in Gael as " Sliochdlain Mhic Ailein " , from there came the Camerons of Calart and from these Camerons came the families of Cuilchenna and Lundaavra. Until this time the Clan Cameron was made up of the Macgillonies,MacMartins,MacSorlies,MacMillans, and Macphees. I was wondering if anyone could help me with more info? thank you

[Alans]

There will be some very knowledgeable people who may be able to help you; but there is a lot of History in the Cameron Archives, The Cameron battles pages and the version of the book of Stewart of Ardvorlich about the clan- all on this website. If you have already covered these just say so; as I'm sure several people here could give you highly specialised reading to do.

Dia duit! Ailean Glas.

[alasdairmartin]

It may interest you that there are in fact descendents of the last clanchiefs of the MacMartins. My great grandfather was an illigitimate son of one of them and a Euphemia MacDonald. He was born in or around 1831. They lived at Moy very near Mucomar. He went to Strathspey, married twice and had large families by both wives. I am the grandson of the eldest son of the second family.

[ChrisDoak]

Hi Alasdair,
Welcome to the board,and thank you for letting us know about your great-great grandfather Alexander McMartin (as he is recorded in the 1841 Census) and his origins.I assume his father was Colonel Hugh John Cameron,11th of Letterfinlay,as he was a man who had a repuation in Lochaber for being unable to keep his trousers pulled up!

The Presbytery Minutes for the nearby Parish of Kilmonivaig reveal that in September 1832,Colonel Cameron of Letterfinlay was fined £100Scots for fornicating with a Christian McInnes in Inveroy,and it is only because the Minutes for the Parish of Kilmallie (wherein Moy lies) are only in existance from 1836 on,prevents us from knowing more about his relationship with Euphemia.Presumably,because there is no record of Alexander's birth,Cameron must have denied any truth in his involvement,and the baby could not therefore have been baptized.

Did Alexander continue to use the McMartin surname,or did he use Cameron at any stage?

Regards,Chris.

[Cameronian]

Sherbrooke Jacobite wrote “I think (but am not completely sure) that the present day Letterfinlay, is located in what was traditional Letterfinlay”.

Well ‘tis something that I have often wondered as I zoom down the A82 toward the Letterfinlay Hotel …there is mention in ‘The Camerons’ “of George MacMartin Cameron being the last of the family to live at Letterfinlay which before 1770 had been converted into an Inn”. Guess someone is just going to have to ‘drop in’ and ask the question.

One of the documents which I had intended to read at the National Archives was missed, I thought it may shed some further light upon our Cameron of Letterfinlay line, should someone be heading that way ….. if not will access them in January

GD128/15/2 1737-1891
Cameron of Letterfinlay; estate and legal papers Including: Representation to Caledonian Canal commissioners re loss and damage to Letterfinlay estate by raising the level of Loch Lochy,

1829. Papers in dispute between Duke of Gordon and Cameron of Letterfinlay re their marches, 1831-2, including pencil sketches of the marches

[ChrisDoak]

Hi Val,

I have never been too sure when the Camerons of Letterfinlay last lived at Letterfinlay itself.Certainly when Cosmo Gordon McMartin died in tha late 1750s,and the Chieftainship passed in the 1760s to a distant relative living in Badenoch,the new head of the family chose not to live there,but further to the south-west in Dochanassie.Saddled with the inherited massive debts of the Camerons of Letterfinlay,George Cameron,the new Chief,could only have afforded to inhabit very modest residences.

We know that he was living at Muccomir,Dochanassie,in the 1770s and 80s,Claggan,Glen Nevis in the 1790s,and back to Muccomir thereafter.His large family of children moved to remote Inveruiskivulin in Glen Loy during the 1820s (I think),and remained there,all unmarried,until the last one died.It was well-recorded that a serious streak of insanity ran through this McMartin family,and that might explain why none of the children ever married.

Curiously,there was an incident reported in 1843,which was shocking in it's callousness: "Alexander Cameron,Esq.,Inveruiskivulin"emigrated to Australia with his family,but abandoned his mentally handicapped daughter back in Lochaber to survive on Parish aid (to use the phrase of the period,as I have seen it written,she was referred to as an "Idiot".).I wonder where this family fits into the equation,as the original Camerons of Inveruiskivulin emigrated to Canada in the early 1800s.

Regarding those Letterfinlay Papers you mentioned ,GD128/15,I saw them earlier this year,and they were a very entrtaining read.Documements to,and collected by,Campbell Mackintosh,Lawyer in Inverness,they mostly deal with neighbourhood disputes between the residents of the Letterfinlay Estate.They give lots of valuable information for anyone deciphering their family links there,through the use of long patronomic names (e.g."Donald Cameron,alias McIon vic Auley" etc..).

Only a few of the items relate to George Cameron of Letterfinlay - typically a Claim for his failure to support an illegitimate daughter,and a case of accusations against Donald Mor Oig Cameron in Leckroy,of stealing 150 sheep from him etc.,etc..

The most valuable document in the collection is one dated 1785,which lists all the tenants on the Letterfinlay Estate (Muccomir,Stronoba,Invergloy,Inverskillroy,Torness,Letterfinlay,Tartness,and Bolloch) served with eviction notices - curiously by Ewan Cameron of Fassifern.

This list of residents was printed in an article on the Camerons of Letterfinlay in the Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness in 1890,by Charles Fraser Mackintosh,but dated "1805".Somerled McMillan for his book "Bygone Lochaber", lifted most of the names,but erroneously attributed the source to an "1805 Valuation Roll" - and to think I spent years trying to track that document down!

Cheers,Chris.

[sentfromaboveam]

Hello, My name is Angelique Wynnfield. I am trying to get some information on my family history. I wasn't raised by my father who was a Martin. His father was from the Highlands of Scotland. I have only recently found out that the man that raised me was not my biological father. I only have my father and grandfather's name and where my grandfather was born and raised. I was wondering if there was somewhere that I could go to find out more about my family. I would appreciate any information you can give me to help me on my search.
Thank you.