The Isle Tanera

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The Isle Tanera

These notes are based on my own transcriptions, and those forwarded to me by other people, along with info from other sources, credited as the info appears.

This file links from my genealogy introduction file at index.htm, which includes links to files with some history of Coigach, and a gazetteer of descriptions and translations into english of the gaelic place names of Coigach communities and places. Tanera though does not have gaelic roots! Tanera was known to the vikings as "Hawarymoir", meaning Island of the haven. It is the largest of the Summer Isles, and is the only one still permanently inhabited.

Recently I have added to this website an article written by Alexander MacLeod, one of the Island's last inhabitants he left in 1930 and died in 1974, his article includes memories and mentions of people also in this file. That article is at Tanera Island

Any suggestions for additions or edits please feel free to email me, Donald MacDonald-Ross, at;

[email protected]


Besides the familys listed below, the Parish Register includes a few christenings and marriages at Tanera;



Tanera 41-1

Duncan MacLeod                            35      Crofter
Rory        do                            80
Rory        do                            40
Peggy       do                               90
Mary        do                               30
Katharine    do                               3
Johannah      do                             6 months
Peggy         do                              15  F.S.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 10. All are listed as born in County.

In the next census Duncan and Mary with three children are at Tanera 51-13.

Mary dies 1886 at Tanera, her parents noted as having been John MacKenzie and Barbara, Maiden Surnamed MacKenzie.

The baby Johanna marries 24 March 1870 to Kenneth Macleod of Reiff, the two of them are living with a two month old son, at Kenneth's parents home in 1871 at Reiff 71-75. That marriage registration shows Johanna's father was Duncan above, and her mother Mary (also above) was maiden surnamed McKenzie.

Catharine Campbell at Tanera 41-4 was likely a daughter of Rory and Peggy.

A brother of Duncan, John, is in this census with his family at Polbain 41-11, his 1873 death registration names his parents, "Rory" and "Peggy" above, as having been Roderick MacLeod and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeod. Another brother, Roderick (young Rory above), dies 1879, his own death registration confirms father's name, but refers to mother Margaret as maiden surname MacKenzie.


Tanera 41-2


Ewan McLeod                               40      Crofter
Ann       do                                 40
Murdoch    do                             15
Margaret   do                                12
Catharine  do                                10
Johannah   do                                 8
Donald     Do                              6
Mary       do                                 2
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 10. All except Ewan are listed as born in County.

By time of the next census at Tanera 51-14 Ewan has died, that census also shows that Ann's maiden surname was McLean.

The Parish Register has the wedding 4 November 1824 of "Evan McLeod Mate on board the Sloop Coigach to Anne McLean Tanera"

The Parish Register also includes the christening 17 October 1830 of Catharine McLeod to Ewan on Isle Tanera.


Tanera 41-3


Alexander McLean                          35      Crofter
Catharine    do                              80
Margaret     do                              27
Kenneth      do                            4
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, pages 10 and 11. All are listed as born in County.

In 1851 this family is at Tanera 51-6, Alexander and Margaret are away from home then, with Catharine as Head of Household. Catharines maiden surname is shown in that census to be "MacLey".

It looks certain the first wife of Alexander dies and he remarries to Margaret, as the 1883 death registration of Margaret has the relationship of son Ewen, the Informant, as "Stepson".

Catharine's daughter Catharine is in this census at Tanera 41-14 as wife of Dougald Matheson, she dies 1875 and her Death Registration identifies Catharine above as Maiden Surname MacLeay, and her late husband as John MacLean.


Tanera 41-4


Donald Campbell                           37
Catharine   do                               30
Isabella     do                              6 months
Peggy McLeod                                 20
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 11. All are listed as born in County. There is a slash mark beneath Isabella's name, indicating the end of a family group.

In the next census this family is at Tanera 51-17, Catherine dies before then, and Donald is a Widower. With Donald and two of his children then are Donald's three siblings who are in this census with Donald's father at Tanera 41-6, and also with them is Donald's sister Annabella, who is in this census as servant to the Matheson family at Tanera 41-14.

Donald dies in 1873, his death registration had informant his brother-in-law Roderick MacLeod, who I think is in this census with Catharine's parents and other relatives at Tanera 41-1.


Tanera 41-5


John Morison                              75
Isabella do                                  25
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 11. Both were listed as born in County.


Tanera 41-6


Hugh Campbell                             65
Norman   do                               20
William   do                              20
Isabella                                     25
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 11. All are listed as born in County.

Donald Campbell at Tanera 41-4 is another son of Hugh. In the 1851 census at Tanera 51-17 Hugh has died and the three siblings above are with Donald's family. Also with them is a sister Anabella, who is in this census as a servant to the Matheson family at Tanera 41-14.

The Parish Register includes the christening 22 April 1822 of William Campbell to Hugh.


Tanera 41-7


Donald McGregor                           45      Crofter
Rodk        do                            20
John        do                            20
Ann         do                               15
Isabella     do                              15
Flora        do                              14
Duncan       do                           12
Kenneth      do                           10
Christy      do                               7
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 11. All are listed as born in County.

In the 1851 census only Donald and two of his children are still on Isle Tanera, see Tanera 51-15.


Tanera 41-8


Wm McLean                                 50      Crofter
Katharine do                                 50
Alexander  do                             25
                     -- page break --
Donald McLean                             25      Crofter
Kenneth    do                             20
Duncan      do                            10
Anable                                       18
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, pages 11 and 12. All are listed as born in County.

In the 1851 census this family is at Tanera 51-11, Catherine's maiden surname there is shown to be Matheson.

William and Catherine, through their son Duncan above, are ancesters of John Fidler of Las Vegas. John's wife Joyce, (CONTACT INFO), has done lots of research on this family, and provides much of the following info.

The Parish Register includes the christening 26 October, 1829 of Donald MacLean to William at Tanera.

Alexander marries 16 June, 1853 to Annabella McKenzie, I have not identified Annabella in censuses before 1861, when she and Alexander are at Tanera 61-10.

Donald marries 11 February, 1847 to Catharine McDonald who is in this census two households away, at Tanera 41-10. Donald and Catharine appear in the 1851 census at Tanera 51-10 with two young children, living with Catharine's father and two of her siblings.

The marriage of Kenneth MacLean to Isabella MacKenzie is registered as 15 March, 1855, his parents noted as William McLean and Catherine, Maiden Surname Matheson, hers as John McKenzie and Flora, Maiden Surname McLeod. Isabella's father John MacKenzie and stepmother Ann are in this census at Altandhu 41-3.

Duncan is shown in the 1851 census to be born at Brain (sp?, possibly Tain?) in RossShire, he marries 3 September, 1857 at Wick in Caithness, then settles at Stornoway on Lewis.


Tanera 41-9


Robert McLeod                             50      Crofter
Catharine  do                                50
John        do                            20
Mary         do                              15
Alexander    do                           10
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 12. All are listed as born in County.

By time of the next census Robert has died, and Catharine with family is at Tanera 51-16. Catherine's death is registered as 1858 at Tanera, her parents noted as having been Norman McLeod and Henny, maiden surname McLeod. Informant was her son John.

The Parish Register includes a few christenings to Robert MacLeod on Tanera;

  1. Robina McLeod to Robert, christened 29 July 1826
  2. Alexander McLeod to Robert, christened 8 February 1830

The Parish Register also includes the marriage 27 February 1851 of John McLeod, a Seaman from Badidaroch in the Parish of Assynt, to Mary McLeod of the Isle Tanera, daughter of Robert McLeod there. Mary is in the next census with her family, though John is then away from home.


Tanera 41-10


Murdo. McDonald                           60      Crofter
John      do                              20
Katharine  do                                25
Donald     do                             20
Mary       do                                15
Isabella   do                                13
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 12. All are listed as born in County.

In the 1851 census this family is at Tanera 51-10.

Donald MacLeod (CONTACT INFO), has found death registrations of Murdo and his daughter Isabella "Bella" at Tanera. Murdo died 15 November 1857 (reg# 18) aged 80 years. He was a Woollen Weaver and Widower. His parents were Donald McDonald, a crofter, and Catherine McCorkill, the Informant was their son John above.

Isabella "Bella"' marries 6 December 1848 to John McLeod, a Seaman living on the Isle of Ristol. John is in this census with his family at Ristol 41-2, in the 1851 census the couple is at Ristol 51-5 with a daughter Sarah, and a visitor Ann Macdonald (likely a sister of Isabella).

Possibly Murdo was married twice, as the 1877 death registration of John above aged 58 names mother as Marion, Maiden Surname MacLean, and Isabella's death registered 1873 aged 47 years names mother as Sara, Maiden Surname MacLean.

Catherine marries 11 February 1847 to Donald McLean who is in this census at Tanera 41-8. In 1851 they are living with two children in the home of her father.

A daughter of Murdo McDonald not present in this census, Penelope, marries a few months after her sister 1 June 1847 to Roderick McLeod of Achiltibuie, Penelope's place of residence was then listed as at Ullapool. Roderick (as "Rory") is in this census with his parents and siblings at Achiltibuie 41-19. Penelope and Roderick are in the 1851 census at Polglass 51-62 with two children and Roderick's mother.


Tanera 41-11


John McKenzie                             75      Crofter
Ann       do                                 75
Alexander   do                            20
Isabella    do                               20   F.S.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 12. All are listed as born in County.

John is in the 1851 census at Tanera 51-9, noted then as "uncle-in-law" to Catherine MacKenzie, presumably he was uncle to her then missing husband, Alexander McLeod, who has not been identified yet in the 1841 census.


Tanera 41-12


Donald Stewart                            30      Cotter
Jannet     do                                28
Mary        do                                3
Alexander   do                             1
Peggy Grant                                  11   F.S.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 12. All are listed as born in County.


Tanera 41-13


Donald McKenzie                           40      Crofter
Chirsty     Do                               40
John        do                            10
Ann          do                               8
Alexander     do                           7
Donald       do                            3
Jannet Kerr                                  21   F.S.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 13. All are listed as born in County.

This family is in the 1851 census at Tanera 51-8.

The Parish Register records the marriage 3 February, 1829 of Donald McKenzie of Isle Ristol to Christian McLeod of "Riff" (later records spell it as "Reiff"). The christening of John (above) 18 May, 1831 shows this family was at Isle Ristol at that time. Donald's parents had been John MacKenzie and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeay. Chirsty's parents were Murdo McLeod and Maggie, Maiden Surname McLean, that couple with six of Chirsty's siblings, are in this census at Reiff 41-7 (one of her sisters there, Elizabeth, was a gt-gt-grandmother of myself, Donald MacDonald-Ross; CONTACT INFO). Another sister of Chirsty is Ann Urquhart at Reiff 41-10.

Janet "Jannet" Kerr was christened 27 October, 1819 at Reiff. Her father, stepmother, and many relatives are there in this census at Reiff 41-11. She marries 18 March, 1847 to Hugh McKenzie of Faochag by Reiff (in this census at Faochag 41-22). They are together in the 1851 census at Faochag 51-65.

Janet Kerr is an ancestor of Ron MacKenzie in B.C.; CONTACT INFO


Tanera 41-14


Dougald Matheson                          40      Crofter
Catharine  do                                34
Margaret   do                                13
Mary       do                                11
John       do                             10
William     do                             8
Kenneth     do                             2
Annable Campbell                             20
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 12. All are listed as born in County.

In the 1851 census this family is at Tanera 51-7. (There Dougald is shown as born at Portree on Skye!)

I am unsure if this family was related to the Mathesons nearby at Achiltibuie, who later had the Inn there, see Achiltibuie 41-32.

The Parish Register includes the marriage of Dougal Matheson to Catherine McLean, both in Tanara, 22 December 1825.

Dugald is listed as father in the christenings of five Matheson children at Tanera in the Parish Register;

  1. Margaret, c.23 Oct 1826
  2. Catharine, c.6 Jul 1828
  3. John, c.11 Jun 1830
  4. William, c.17 August 1832
  5. Murdoch, c.27 Oct 1834

Catharine dies 1875, her Death Registration identifies her mother Catherine, Married Surname MacLeay, as Widow of John MacLean, is in this census at Tanera 41-3.

My guess is that Mary Matheson in the next Household (see Tanera 41-15), is a widowed sister or sister in law of Dougald, living in a humble cottage on his lot.

Annabella Campbell is a daughter of Hugh Campbell at Tanera 41-6, and sister to the three children there. Her brother Donald is at Tanera 41-4. Before the next census Hugh dies, and Annabella is living in the in the Household of her brother Donald, along with four siblings and other relatives at Tanera 51-17.

Dugald and Catherine are ancestors of Kate Ferris on the Isle of Lewis (CONTACT INFO), through their son John above, who marries Williamina McKenzie of Badralloch 2 March 1865.


Tanera 41-15


Mary Matheson                                40   Cotter
Notes on this Household:

Mary appears in Enumeration District 14, page 13. She was listed as not born in County.

I assume Mary was a widowed sister or sister in law of Dougald Matheson in the previous Household (Tanera 41-14), and her cottage was on his lot.


Tanera 41-16


Alexander McKenzie                        60      Crofter
Isabella      do                             55
John          do                          35
Murdoch        do                         25
Alexander      do                         20
Kenneth        do                         20
Wilhelmina      do                           20
Christy         do                           15
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 13. All are listed as not born in County.


Tanera 41-17


John Ross                                 35
Katharine do                                 28
Murdoch    do                              8
Alexander   do                             7
John        do                             5
Annable      do                               3
Barbara                                      9 months
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 14, page 14. All are listed as not born in County.


Tanera 51-6


Catherine MacLey       Head         W.       80   Supported by Parish Relief
Kenneth MacLean        GrandSon     U.    13      Fisher's Son
James    Do.            Do. Son            9        Do      Do
Ewen     Do.            Do. Son            6        Do      Do
Margaret   Do           Do. Daur              4     Do      Do
Notes on this Household:

All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom. This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District 8 (it is the first enumerated on Tanera).

In the 1841 census this family was at Tanera 41-3. In 1861 the four children are with their parents at Tanera 61-17. The parents missing from this census are Alexander and Margaret. It looks certain the first wife of Alexander dies and he remarries to Margaret, as the 1883 death registration of Margaret has the relationship of Ewen above, the Informant, as "Stepson".

In the 1841 census Catharine was already 80 years of age (!?), and her surname was listed as McLean. Her death is registered as 27 June, 1856 at Tanera, aged 97 years, Widow, her parents had been Alexander McLeay, Weaver, and Catherine, maiden surname McLeay, Informant her son Alexander.

Catherine Matheson in the next Household, Tanera 51-7, is a daughter of Catherine, her 1874 Death Registration notes her father (husband of the Catharine above) had been John MacLean.


Tanera 51-7


Dougald Mathison       Head         Marr  51      Fisher
Catherine  Do.         Wife         Marr     48
Margaret   Do          Daur.        U.       22
Mary      Do           Daur         U.       20
John      Do.          Son          U.    19      Fisher's son
William   Do.          Son                16       Do  Son
Kenneth   Do.          Son                10
Murdoch    Do          Son                 7
Sally      Do          Daur.                  5
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom, except Dougald born County of Inverness, Parish of Portree (that is on the Isle of Skye).

In the 1841 census this family was at Tanera 41-14, in 1861 they are at Tanera 61-5.

Catherine's dies 1874, the death registration identifies her mother Catherine, Maiden Surname MacLeay, who is in the previous Household, Tanera 51-6, and her late father had been John MacLean.

William marries 7 July 1859 to Isabella Campbell, who is in this census at Tanera 51-12. In 1861 they are living next to William's parents at Tanera 61-6.

The Parish Register records the marriage 25 December 1852 of Roderick Grant to Mary Matheson. Mary and Roderick are in the 1861 census with four children at Tanera 61-7.

John marries Williamina McKenzie of Badralloch 2 March 1865. They are ancestors of Kate Ferris, who now lives on the Isle of Lewis (CONTACT INFO).


Tanera 51-8


Donald MacKenzie       Head         Mar.  48      Fisher
Chirsty  Do            Wife         Mar.     49
John     Do            Son          U.    17      Fisher's Son
Peggy   Do             Daur.                 16     Do     Daur.
Ann     Do             Daur.                 14     Do      Do
Alexander Do.          Son                12        Do     Son
                     -- page break --
Donald MacKenzie       Son                10      Fisher's Son
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on pages 2 and 3 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom.

In the 1841 census this family was at Tanera 41-13. In 1861 they are at Tanera 61-3.

The Parish Register records the marriage 3 February, 1829 of Donald McKenzie of Isle Ristol to Christian McLeod of "Riff" (later records spell it as "Reiff"). The christening of John (above) 18 May, 1831 shows this family was at Isle Ristol at that time. The 1877 death registration of young Donald above confirms Christy as Maiden Surnamed MacLeod.

Donald's parents had been John MacKenzie and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeay.

Chirsty's 1888 death registration notes her parents as having been Murdo McLeod and Maggie, Maiden Surname McLean, her 1829 marriage registration notes her residence then as at Reiff. Those parents have eight other noted children, including Elizabeth MacDonald, who is in this census at Reiff 51-87. That Elizabeth was a gt-gt-grandmother of myself, Donald MacDonald-Ross (CONTACT INFO).

Other siblings of Christina include Ann Urquhart at Reiff 51-83, Murdoch at Reiff 51-76, Flora Campbell at Achnancarian 51-11, George at Ardmair 51-41. And at Reiff 51-72 are siblings Catherine, Alexander, Donald, and the Widowed father of the brothers and sisters; Murdoch MacLeod.


Tanera 51-9


Catherine MacKenzie    Head         Mar      34   Fisher's Wife
Roderick MacLeod       Son                 6
Alexander  Do.         Son                 4
Ann        Do.         Daur.                  2
John MacKenzie     Uncle in law    Widr.  86      Curer of Herrings
Niel Kerr              Cousin       U.    45      Fisher
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom.

In the 1841 census Catharine was with her family at Reiff 41-8.

In the 1841 census Neil was with his family at Achiltibuie 41-41.

Catharine's missing husband Alexander is at Achiltibuie, a visitor to the family of Neil Kerr! See Achiltibuie 51-86.

In 1853 Catherine, her husband Alexander MacLeod, and their three children listed above emigrate to Tasmania with 15 other Coigach families, including Neil Kerr above, aboard the Sir Allan McNab, see McNab 522.

Catherine's mother at Reiff was Mary Kerr, and I think it certain that Neil Kerr's father, Roderick at Achiltibuie, was a brother of Donald Kerr and Mary (Kerr) MacKenzie of Reiff, that explains the cousin relationship above.

John McKenzie was in the 1841 census at Tanera 41-11.


Tanera 51-10


Murdoch Macdonald      Head         Widr  77     Weaver at the hand loom (wool)
John    Do.            Son          U     25        Do   Son
Catherine Do.          Daur         Mar      22
Mary     Do.           Daur.        U.       21
Donald Maclean         Soninlaw     Mar   26      Fisher
Catherine Do.          Daurinlaw              2      Do.   Daur
Sally    Do            Daurinlaw             4mo
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom, except Murdoch born at Portree, InvernessShire (on the Isle of Skye).

In 1841 this family was at Tanera 41-10. Catharine's husband Donald Maclean was with his own family two households away then at Tanera 41-8. In the 1861 census this family is at Tanera 61-2.

Donald MacLeod (CONTACT INFO), has found death registrations of Murdo and his daughter Isabella "Bella" at Tanera. Murdo died 15 November 1857 (reg# 18) aged 80 years. He was a Woollen Weaver and Widower. His parents were Donald McDonald, a crofter, and Catherine McCorkill, the Informant was their son John above.

Possibly Murdo was married twice, as the 1877 death registration of John above aged 58 names mother as Marion, Maiden Surname MacLean, and Isabella's death registered 1873 aged 47 years names mother as Sara, Maiden Surname MacLean.

The Parish Register records the marriage 11 February 1847 of Donald McLean to Catharine MacDonald, both of Tanera, and Catharine's father listed as "Murdo McDonald, Weaver, Tanera". Donald's mother and four siblings are in the next Household, Tanera 51-11.

A daughter of Murdoch, Isabella "Bella", married 6 December 1848 to John McLeod, a Seaman living on the neighbouring island Isle of Ristol. John was in the 1841 census with his family at Ristol 41-2, in this census the couple is at Ristol 51-5 with a one year old daughter Sarah. Also with them is a 27 year old unmarried Visitor Ann Macdonald, likely an older sister of Isabella.

Another daughter of Murdo McDonald, Penelope, was not present in the 1841 census, she married a few months after her sister 1 June, 1847 to Roderick McLeod of Achiltibuie, Penelope's place of residence was then listed as at Ullapool. Roderick (as "Rory") was in the 1841 census with his parents and siblings at Achiltibuie 41-19. Penelope and Roderick are in this census at Polglass 51-62 with two children and Roderick's mother.


Tanera 51-11


Catherine Matheson     Head         Mar.     60   Gardeners Wife
Alexander MacLean      Son          U.    36      Fisher
Kenneth   Do.          Son          U.    34      Fisher
Anabella   Do          Daur         U.       27
Duncan Do.             Son          U.    21      Fisher's Son
Catherine Macrae       Herd                   8   Herd Servt.
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom, except Alexander born at Parish of Brain(sp?), RossShire, and Catherine Macrae born in the Parish of Gairloch.

In 1841 this family was at Tanera 41-8, that census and birth registration of their son Donald show Catherine's husband as William MacLean.

William and Catherine, through their son Duncan above, are ancesters of John Fidler of Las Vegas. John's wife Joyce, (CONTACT INFO), has done lots of research on this family, and provides much of the following info.

Alexander marries 16 June, 1853 to Annabella McKenzie, they are in the 1861 census with a 5 year old daughter Catherine at Tanera 61-10.

The marriage of Kenneth MacLean to Isabella MacKenzie is registered as 15 March, 1855, his parents noted as William McLean and Catherine, Maiden Surname Matheson, hers as John McKenzie and Flora, Maiden Surname McLeod. Kenneth with two children is in the 1861 census at Tanera 61-11. Kenneth's wife Isabella dies in childbirth, 1 November, 1860, the death registration confirming her parent's names. Her father John MacKenzie and stepmother Ann are in this census at Tanera 51-93.

Duncan, (John Fidler's ancestor), marries 3 September, 1857 at Wick in Caithness to Mary MacDonald, daughter of a Murdoch MacDonald and a Catharine Smith. Duncan and Mary then settle at Stornoway on Lewis.

A son of this family, Donald, is married to Catherine Macdonald, and is living in the previous Household, Tanera 51-10, with two young children, Catharine's father, and two of her siblings. The Parish Register includes the christening 26 October, 1829 of Donald MacLean to William at Tanera.


Tanera 51-12


Mary MacKenzie         Head         Mar.     34   Sailor's Wife
Isabella Campbell      Daur         U.       13
Flora     Do           Daur.                 10
Kenneth    Do          Son                 8
James     Do           Son                 5
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom

In 1841 this family was at Badentarbet 41-6, Mary's husband was also not at home then! In 1861 they are at Tanera 61-16.

The death is registered 3 July, 1856 at Tanera of John Campbell, Seaman, aged 50 years, his parents noted as having been Hugh Campbell and Isabella, Maiden Surname MacLeod, Informant was his Widow Mary.

Isabella marries 7 July, 1859 to William Matheson, who is in this census at Tanera 51-7. Isabella and William with a 6 month old daughter are in the 1861 census at Tanera 61-6.


Tanera 51-13


Duncan MacLeod         Head.        Mar.  43      Fisher
Mary MacKenzie
         or MacLeod    Wife         Mar.     40
Catherine MacLeod      Daur         U.       18
Hannah     Do          Daur                   9
Barbara    Do          Daur                   2
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom

In 1841 this family was at Tanera 41-1, in 1861 all five are at Tanera 61-19.

Mary dies 1886 at Tanera, her parents noted as having been John MacKenzie and Barbara, Maiden Surnamed MacKenzie.

Pretty certain Donald Campbell at Tanera 51-17 is Widower of Duncan's sister Catherine.

A brother of Duncan, John, is in this census with his family at Polbain 51-37, his 1873 death registration names his parents, as having been Roderick MacLeod and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeod.


Tanera 51-14


Ann MacLean            Head         W.       52   Crofter (of about 3 Acres)
Catherine MacLeod      Daur         U.       20
Hannah     Do          Daur         U.       18
Donald   Do            Son          U.    16
Mary MacLeod           Daur         U.       12
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom

In 1841 this family was at Tanera 41-2, Ann's husband Ewan was alive then.

The Parish Register has the wedding 4 November 1824 of "Evan McLeod Mate on board the Sloop Coigach to Anne McLean Tanera"

The Parish Register also includes the christening 17 October 1830 of Catharine McLeod to Ewan on Isle Tanera.

By 1861 Hannah ("Johannah" in other censuses) has married Angus McLeod from Assynt, and is living at Tanera 61-18 with a 6 month old daughter Dolina. Also with them then is Hannah's sister Margaret, and Angus's sister Catherine.


Tanera 51-15


Donald MacGregor       Head         Widr  60      Crofter (of about 3 acres)
Isabella  Do           Daur         U.       25
Christy   Do           Daur                  14
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom

In 1841 Donald and eight children were at Tanera 41-7. In 1861 Donald and Isabella are at Tanera 61-14.


Tanera 51-16


Catherine MacLeod      Head         W.       60   Crofter of about 3 acres
John MacLeod           Son          U     34      Fisher
                     -- page break --
Mary MacLeod           Daur         Mar      26   Sailors Wife
Alexander Do.          Son          U.    22      Crofter's Son
                                                          or Herring Fisher
Henny MacLean          GrandDaur             11
Catherine MacLean        Do Daur.             8
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on pages 4 and 5 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom

In 1841 this family was at Tanera 41-9, Catharine's husband Robert was alive then.

The Parish Register includes a few christenings to Robert MacLeod on Tanera;

  1. Robina McLeod to Robert, c.29 July, 1826
  2. Alexander McLeod to Robert, c.8 February, 1830

Catherine's death is registered as 5 February, 1858 at Tanera, aged 70 years, "Widow of a Crofter & Fisherman", her parents noted as having been Norman McLeod and Henny, maiden surname McLeod. Informant was her son John.

In the 1861 census John is married to Ann McDonald and living with three children and his sister Rodina at Tanera 61-13. John's son Robert born 3 September 1856 at Stornoway was clearly named for his father. I cannot see Robina in the 1841 or this census, but there is a "Rodina" McLeod, listed in the 1871 census as a sister to Mary above that I think is her. Rodina is in the 1861 census with other McLeod relatives at Tanera 61-13.

The Parish Register also includes the marriage 27 February 1851 of John McLeod, a Seaman from Badidaroch in the Parish of Assynt, to Mary McLeod of the Isle Tanera, daughter of Robert McLeod there. Presumably John is away at sea in this census.


Tanera 51-17


Donald Campbell        Head         Widr  50      Fisher
Isabella  Do           Daur.                 10
Peggy     Do.          Daur.                  6
Norman       Do        Brother      U.    31      Fisher
William      Do        Brother      U.    28      Fisher
Anabella       Do.     Sister       U.       35
Isabella       Do.     Sister       U.       33
Roderick Campbell    Brother's Son  U.     6      Seaman' Son
Barbara MacLeod        Visitor      U.       37   Servt at home
Ann Campbell           Visitor      U        19
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District 8. All born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom

In the 1841 census Donald and Isabella were at Tanera 41-4, with Donald's wife Catherine. Donald's father Hugh was then Head of Household at Tanera 41-6, with his three siblings who are now listed above; Norman, William, and Isabella as part of that Household. Annabella was also in the 1841 census, at Tanera 41-14 as servant to the Matheson family there.

In the 1861 census Donald with two children and three siblings is at Tanera 61-15.

Pretty certain Duncan MacLeod at Tanera 51-13 was a brother of Donald's late wife Catherine.


Tanera 51-18


Janet MacKenzie        Head         W.       69   Pauper
Peggy Fraser           Daur         U.       37   Spinner of wool & hemp
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District 8. Both born at RossShire, P. of Lochbroom. The occupation of Pauper for Janet had some word after it, possibly in brackets, with "Wid" written over it in different handwriting.

Cannot see these two in the 1841 census...


Tanera 61-1


John McLeod            Head         Mar   36      Fisherman
Isabella McLeod        Wife         Mar      34
Sarah      Do          Daur                  11   Fishermans Daur
Roderick    Do         Son                 9      Son
Donald      Do         Son                 7
Ann         Do         Daur                   4
Murdoch      Do        Son                 1
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census John and Isabella with one year old Sarah, and a 27 year old unmarried Ann Macdonald (likely a sister of Isabella), were on the neighbouring island at Ristol 51-5. In that census two other of the five Households on Ristol had siblings of John!

The Widow Catherine McLeod at Tanera 61-4 is John's mother.

In the 1871 census this family is at Tanera 71-21.

Isabella "Bella", married 6 December 1848 to John McLeod, a Seaman living on the neighbouring island Isle of Ristol. Isabella's father was listed then as Murdo McDonald, Weaver, Tanera.

Donald MacLeod (CONTACT INFO), has found the death registration of Isabella "Bella" at Tanera. She died 13 January 1873 (reg# 2) aged 47 years. The death registration lists her parents as Murdo McDonald, Weaver, and Sara McLean.

Catherine McLean in the next Household at Tanera 61-2, and Penelope McLeod at Achlochan 61-5 are sisters of Isabella.

Isabella's father Murdoch McDonald died 15 November 1857. His wife died sometime before the 1841 census, though her name, Sara McLean, is shown on the death registration of Isabella in 1873. Clearly young Sarah above and her cousin Sarah McLean in the next Household were named for their grandmother.


Tanera 61-2


Donald McLean          Head         M     45      Fisherman
Catherine  Do          Wife         M        45
Sarah      Do          Daur         U        12   Fisherman's Daur
Catherine  Do          Daur                   9
John       Do          Son                 7
Jessie     Do          Daur                   5
Flora Macdonald        Visitor               12
John       Do          Br.in law    U     40      Fisherman
Notes on this Household:

In the 1851 census this family was at Tanera 51-10, the home of Catherine's father, Murdoch Macdonald. In the 1871 census Donald and Catharine, along with two children and Catharine's brother John Macdonald, are at Tanera 71-20.

Catharine's father died 15 November 1857. His wife died sometime before the 1841 census, though her name, Sara McLean, is shown on the death registration of another daughter (Isabella) in 1873. Clearly young Sarah above and her cousin Sarah McLeod in the previous Household were named for their grandmother.

Isabella McLeod in the previous Household, Tanera 61-1, and Penelope McLeod at Achlochan 61-5 are sisters of Catherine.

Cannot see Flora in other censuses, but I assume her father was a brother of Catherine and John.

Donald has two brothers in this census; Alexander at Tanera 61-10, and Kenneth at Tanera 61-11


Tanera 61-3


Donald McKenzie        Head         Mar   60      Fisherman
Christina Do           Wife         Mar      60
John      Do           Son          Un    30      Fisherman
Mary      Do           Daur         Un       27   Domestic Servt.
Donald    Do           Son          Un    21      Fisherman
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census this family was at Tanera 51-8. In 1871 Donald and Christy with three children are at Tanera 71-19.

Donald dies 1884 at Tanera, the death registration notes his parents had been John MacKenzie and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeay.

Young Donald dies 1877, the registration notes his mother Christy above as Maiden Surnamed MacLeod.

The Civil Registration Index records the marriage 4 September 1861 at Wick in Caithness of John McKenzie to Hughina McKay from Sutherland, and the births of three of their children, that family is in the 1871 census at Tanera 71-18.

Though this family has been on Tanera since at least the 1841 census, Donald was originally from Isle Ristol and Christian McLeod from "Riff" (Reiff). The christening of John (above) 18 May 1831 shows this family was at Isle Ristol at that time.

Christina's 1888 death registration notes her parents as having been Murdo McLeod and Maggie, Maiden Surname McLean, her 1829 marriage registration notes her residence then as at Reiff. Those parents have eight other noted children, including Elizabeth MacDonald, who is in this census at Reiff 61-23. That Elizabeth was a gt-gt-grandmother of myself, Donald MacDonald-Ross (CONTACT INFO).

Other siblings of Christina include Ann Urquhart at Reiff 61-19, Donald, Catherine, and Alexander at Reiff 61-14, Murdoch at Reiff 61-7, Flora Campbell at Acheninver 61-10, and George at Ardmair 61-51.


Tanera 61-4


Murdoch McKenzie       Head         Mar   39      Fisherman
Catherine Do           Wife         M        39
Roderick  Do           Son          U     12
Christina Do           Daur                  10
Murdoch   Do           Son                 8
                     -- page break --
John McKenzie          Son                 5
Catherine Do           Daur                   3
Duncan    Do           Son                6Mo
Catherine McLeod       Motherinlaw  Widow    67   Widow of a Sailor
Alexander   Do         Br.in law    U     40      Fisherman
Barbra Stewart         Servt.       U        20   Domestic Servt.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census this family was on the neighbouring island at Ristol 51-4. Catherine McLeod and Alexander were in the Household previous then, at Ristol 51-3. Another son of Catherine, John, was then at Ristol 51-5, In this census he is at Tanera 61-1 with his wife and children.

In 1871 this family is at Tanera 71-16.

The Parish Register records the marriage 13 April 1848 of Murdo McKenzie of Reiff to Catharine McLeod, a daughter of Roderick McLeod of Isle Ristol.

Murdo's parents and other relatives are in this census at Reiff 61-9. With them there is a 12 year old grandson Roderick, I think young Roderick above was enumerated twice in 1861!

Among the children of Murdo and Catherine is Alexanderina, who became grandmother to Alistair MacLeod (CONTACT INFO), the Highland Council Genealogist!

Catherine McLeod dies before the next census, her son Alexander though is living next to his McKenzie in-laws at Tanera 71-17, married to Christina "Chirsty" McLeod, with a four year old son.

Barbra Stewart was a daughter of Alexander Stewart of Badenscallie, she was with her family in the 1851 census at Badenscallie 51-32, her parents and three siblings are in this census at Badenscallie 61-8. Catherine McLeod's maiden surname was Stewart, my guess is Catherine was a sister of Alexander.

Catharine's death is registered as 19 November, 1866 on Isle Tanera, age 75 years, her son John the Informant. The registration notes her as Widow of Roderick MacLeod, Seaman, and daughter of John Stewart and Catherine Graham.


Tanera 61-5


Dugald Matheson        Head         Mar   63      Tenant
Catherine Do           Wife         Mar      59
Margt.    Do           Daur         Un       31   General Servt.
John      Do           Son          Un    27      Fisherman
Kenneth   Do           Son          Un    21          Do
Murdoch   Do           Son          Un    17          Do
Sarah     Do           Daur                  13
Anabella Grant         GrandDaur              6
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. They were all marked as born at Coigach, except Dugald born at Portree in InvernessShire (that is on the Isle of Skye).

In the 1851 census this family was at Tanera 51-7. By 1871 Dugald has died, his Widow Catherine listed as "Mary" is at Tanera 71-13 with Kenneth, Murdo, and a 17 year old granddaughter Sarah Grant who is in this census at Tanera 61-7 with her parents; Roderick Grant and Mary Matheson.

Dugald dies 7 November, 1865 at Tanera of Typhus (supposed by Informant), age 69, parents noted as having been Murdoch Matheson and Mary, maiden surname also Matheson, his 19 year old daughter "Marion", likely the Sarah above, died a few weeks before, 27 September, 1865 aged 19 years also of Typhus. Catherine dies 1874, her Death Registration notes her parents had been John MacLean and Catherine MacLeay, both dead before this census. Catharine's brother Alexander is in this census at Tanera 61-17.

William Matheson in the next Household, Tanera 61-6, is a son of Dugald and Catherine.

John marries Williamina McKenzie of Badralloch 2 March 1865. They are in the 1871 census with two children at Tanera 71-15. John and Williamina are ancestors of Kate Ferris, who now lives on the Isle of Lewis (CONTACT INFO).


Tanera 61-6


William Matheson       Head         Mar   25      Fisherman
Isabella  Do           Wife         Do       26
Catherine Do           Daur                  6Mo
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census William was with his Matheson family at Tanera 51-7. In the 1871 census this family is at Tanera 71-14.

In this census William's parents and other relatives are in the previous Household at Tanera 61-5, and his sister Mary Grant is in the next Household, Tanera 61-7.

William Matheson married 7 July 1859 to Isabella Campbell. Isabella was in the last census with her family at Tanera 51-12. In this census Isabella's Widowed mother Mary and four of her siblings are at Tanera 61-16.


Tanera 61-7


Rodk. Grant            Head         Mar   34      Fisherman
Mary Grant             Wife         M        29
Donald  Do             Son                 5
Sarah   Do             Daur                   4
Donald  Do             Son                 2
John    Do             Son                 1
Ann Shaw               Servt.       Un       20
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

There were only a few Grant families in Coigach, but so far I have not been able to identify Roderick in earlier censuses. Possibly he was then at Ullapool where the 1871 census says he was born. However in 1851 Mary was with her Matheson family at Tanera 51-7.

In the 1871 census this family is at Tanera 71-7. Young Sarah is then with her Matheson grandmother and two uncles as a General Servant at Tanera 71-13, interesting her age there is shown as 17 rather than the expected 14, probably her age was changed so she could avoid school!

The Parish Register records the marriage 25 December 1852 of Roderick Grant to Mary Matheson, and the Civil Registration index lists the births of 8 children to this couple;

  1. Dugald, b.14 September 1855 (the first "Donald" above is probably a mistranscription at some point)
  2. unnamed female, b.28 October 1856 (Sarah above)
  3. John, b.14 July 1858 (confusing, but appears to be recorded as the second "Donald" above!)
  4. John, b.25 January 1860
  5. William, b.17 June 1861
  6. Murdoch, b.11 June 1863
  7. Catherine, b.22 August 1865
  8. Alexander, b.23 February 1869

Mary's parents and five of her siblings are at Tanera 61-5, with them in this census is a six year old daughter of Roderick and Mary, named Anabella.

William Matheson in the previous Household, Tanera 61-6, is a brother of Mary.


Tanera 61-8


Frances Mcdonald       Head         U        58   Daur of a Land Proprietor
Eliza      Do          Servt.       U        21   Housekeeper
Ann McKenzie           Servt.       U        23   Domestic Servt.
Rodk. McLeod           MServt.      U     52      Herdsman
Notes on this Household:

All were born in Ross and Cromarty. A 1998 email notes Frances as marked born Assynt, and Eliza born at Portree, Isle of Skye. Needs to be double checked.

The Freecen project looks to have transcribed Frances in the 1841 census at Skeabost on the Isle of Skye with her father Donald, the age given there, 25 to 29, though does not agree with the age above by a decade; likely a mistranscription or enumeration error.

Likely the father of Frances was Donald MacDonald, a Merchant from Skye where he was Chieftan of the Macdonalds of Heisker and Skeabost. Donald had extensive interests in Assynt and Coigach. He is noted in the 1798 Militia List as owner of two boats based on Tanera. In 1816 he purchased Isle Ristol from the British Fisheries Society.

Donald MacLeod sent the following data in 2000;

I have found an entry in a booklet called Historic Assynt by Malcolm Bangor-Jones that may refer to the same man.
pg 4 "After Morrison died in 1791...the fishing stations of Culag and Tanera were bought by Donald Macdonald from Skeabost on Skye who moved to Lochinver."
1802 he was given a lease of all the coastal farms between Lochinver & Rhu Stoer
1812 became tenant of Lochinver sheepfarm
He later handed over his enterprises to his son, Donald who went bankrupt and fled to South Africa.

The death of Donald Maconald, Land Proprietor, Widower, aged 92 years, was registered as 23 October, 1857 at Tanera, Informant his son James. The registration notes his parents had been James Macdonald, Land Proprietor, and Margaret, Maiden Surname Macdonald. His burial is noted as in the Church Yard of Snizort, Isle of Skye.

A descendant of Donald, Rob Gladstones in Australia, notes Donald had a son John born 1802 on Tanera, source given as "List of Officers of The Bengal Army, 1758-1834, p 123".

Though ages recorded do not line up, I think Roderick McLeod is in the next census living by himself at Tanera 71-12, and was in 1841 with his family at Tanera 41-1. Donald Campbell who is in this census at Tanera 61-15 dies in 1873, Informant was his brother-in-law, Roderick MacLeod.

Another daughter of Donald, Mary, married in 1838 to Evander MacIver, the powerful Factor for the Duke of Sutherland in Assynt.

Another daughter of Donald, Margaret Ann, has her death registered in the 1 November, 1844 edition of the John O'Groat Journal, as "Mrs McDonald".

Another daughter of Donald, Ann, has notice of her marriage in the 21 November, 1823 edition of the Inverness Journal as at Kingsburgh, Isle of Skye.


Tanera 61-9


William McLean         Head         Mar   60      Tenant
Catherine  Do          Wife         M        64
Anabella   Do          Daur         Un       32   General Servt.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. William was marked as born at "Kinchall" in RossShire, the other two at Coigach.

In the 1851 census William was missing, but Catherine and Anabella were at Tanera 51-11.

In 1871 all three are at Tanera 71-9, with them then is a Widowed son Kenneth and two of his children, who are in this census at Tanera 61-11, and servant Sarah McLean who is in this census at Tanera 61-2 with her family, I am unsure yet whether Sarah was a relation of these McLeans.

Alexander in the next Household, Tanera 61-10, is another son of William and Catherine.


Tanera 61-10


Alexander McLean       Head         Mar   48      Fisherman
Anabella    Do         Wife         M        49
Catherine   Do         Daur.                  5
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census Alexander was at Tanera 51-11.

Patron Submitted info to the Mormon's I.G.I. lists the marriage 16 June, 1853 on Isle Tanera of Alexander McLean to Annabella McKenzie. Also submitted was the birth of Catherine as 17 October, 1855.

Alexander's parents and a sister are in the previous Household at Tanera 61-9, and Kenneth in the next Household at Tanera 61-11 and Donald at Tanera 61-2 are his brothers.


Tanera 61-11


Kenneth McLean         Head         Widr. 40      Shoemaker
William   Do           Son                 5
Johanna   Do           Daur.                  3
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census Kenneth was with his MacLean family at Tanera 51-11.

The marriage of Kenneth MacLean to Isabella MacKenzie is registered as 15 March, 1855, his parents noted as William McLean and Catherine, Maiden Surname Matheson, hers as John McKenzie and Flora, Maiden Surname McLeod. Isabella died in childbirth, 1 November, 1860, the death registration confirming her parent's names. Her father John MacKenzie has died since the last census, but her stepmother Ann is at Altandhu 61-24.

Kenneth's parents are two Households before this one at Tanera 61-9, he and his children (with Johanna as "Janet"!) are with his parents in the 1871 census at Tanera 71-9.

Kenneth has two brothers in this census; Donald at Tanera 61-2, and Alexander in the previous Household at Tanera 61-10.

The birth of Johanna to parents Kenneth McLean and Isabella McKenzie is registered as 5 April, 1858.


Tanera 61-12


John McLeod            Head         Mar   35      Fisherman
Mary   Do              Wife         M        34
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. John was marked as born at Assynt, and Mary at Coigach.

In the 1851 census Mary was with her McLeod family at Tanera 51-16, though she was married then (see note below), her husband was not at home census night.

By time of the 1871 census Mary is Widowed living at Tanera 71-8. With her there is her sister Rodina, who is in this census in the next Household at Tanera 61-13, also with them is a 9 year old niece Catherine McLeod, whose parents are also in this census in the next Household.

John McLeod married Mary McLeod 27 February 1851 in Lochbroom Parish.


Tanera 61-13


John McLeod            Head         Mar   40      Fisherman
Ann     Do             Wife         M        35
Robert  Do             Son                 4
Allan   Do             Son                 1
Rodina  Do             Sister                31   Domestic Servt.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. They were all marked as born at Coigach, except Ann at the Parish of Uig on the Isle of Lewis.

In the 1851 census John was with his McLeod family at Tanera 51-16.

The Civil Registration index records the births of three children to John McLeod and Ann McDonald;

Catherine is in the 1871 census at Tanera 71-8 with her aunts Rodina (above), and Mary, who is in this census in the previous Household at Tanera 61-12.

I think Rodina was earlier known as "Robina".


Tanera 61-14


Donald McGregor        Head         Widr. 70      Tenant
Isabella   Do          Daur.        Un       30   General Servt.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. They were all marked as born at Coigach. The Household is followed by the notation of a house being built.

In the 1851 census these two were at Tanera 51-15 with another daughter of Donald, Christy.


Tanera 61-15


Donald Campbell        Head         Widr. 60      Fisherman
Isabella  Do           Daur         Un       18   Domestic Servt.
                     -- page break --
Margt. Campbell        Daur                  14
Norman    Do           Brother      Un     31      Fisherman
Willm.    Do           Brother      Un     29          Do
Isabella  Do           Sister       Un        34   Domestic Servt.
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, pages 3 and 4. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census this family was at Tanera 51-17. In 1871 the family is at Tanera 71-4, Donald's occupation then has become "Sailmaker".

Isabella dies 14 June, 1863 unmarried at Tanera, parents noted as having been Donald Campbell and Catherine, Maiden Surname MacLeod.

William marries 24 February, 1871 to Catherine Gunn in the Parish of Gairloch (the 1871 census gives her place of birth as Polewe).

Norman marries 28 November, 1861 to the Widow Johanna McLean (maiden surname McKenzie, her first husband had been Kenneth McLean of Altandhu). Cannot see Johanna in this census, but two of her children are with their McLean grandmother at Altandhu 61-24. In the 1871 census Norman and "Hannah", with those two children and two of their own, are at Tanera 71-5.

Pretty certain Duncan MacLeod at Tanera 61-19 is brother Donald's late wife Catherine.


Tanera 61-16


Mary Campbell          Head         Widow    50   Widow of a Tenant
Flora    Do            Daur         Un       20   General Servt.
Kenneth  Do            Son          Un    18         Do    Do
Roderick Do            Son                16
James    Do            Son                14
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census this family was at Tanera 51-12, that census shows Mary's Maiden Surname was McKenzie. Mary's husband was away then and in 1841 so I am unsure what his forename was, but I think it likely he was a sibling of the Campbells in the previous Household at Tanera 61-15.

In 1871 Mary with two of her children and an 18 year old Servant Catherine McLean is at Tanera 71-6.

Isabella Matheson at Tanera 61-6 is a daughter of Mary.

Kenneth marries 29 January 1874 to Barbara McLeod who is in this census at Tanera 61-19.


Tanera 61-17


Alexr. McLean          Head         Mar   61      Fisherman
Margt.    Do           Wife         Do       45
Kenneth   Do           Son          Un    23      Fisherman
James     Do           Son          Un    19         Do
Ewen      Do           Son                16
Margret   Do           Daur                  14
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census the four children were with their grandmother Catherine at Tanera 51-6. In 1871 this family is at Tanera 71-3.

Margaret dies 1883 at Tanera, Informant on the death registration was Ewan above, "Stepson", which indicates she was a second wife of Alexander. Her parents were noted as having been Kenneth Fraser and Jessie, Maiden Surname MacKenzie.

Alexander's sister Catherine Matheson is in this census at Tanera 61-5, she dies 1874 and her Death Registration notes their parents had been John MacLean and Catherine MacLeay, both dead before this census.


Tanera 61-18


Angus McLeod           Head         Mar   27      Sailor
Johanna  Do            Wife         M        26
Dolina   Do            Daur                  6Mo
Catherine Do           Sister       Un       25   General Servt.
Margt     Do           Sisterinlaw  Un       30      Do      Do
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. Angus and his sister-in-law Margaret were marked as born at Assynt, the others at Coigach.

Cannot see Angus or his sister Catherine in earlier Coigach censuses, probably they were in Assynt.

In the 1871 census this family is at Tanera 71-2 with Johanna as "Hannah". Angus is away from home then, but with them is a 40 year old unmarried "General Servant" Margret McLeod, probably the Margret above.

In 1851 Johanna was with her Widowed mother Ann (McLean) McLeod and three siblings at Tanera 51-14. Margaret was not with her in 1851, but in 1841 Johannah, Margaret, their parents, and other relatives were at Tanera 41-2.


Tanera 61-19


Duncan McLeod          Head         Mar   50      Fisherman
Mary      Do           Wife         M        48
Catherine Do           Daur.        Unm      21   Domestic Servt
Johanna   Do           Daur.                 19     Do       Do
Barbra    Do           Daur.                 11
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. They were all marked as born at Coigach.

In the 1851 census this family was at Tanera 51-13, in 1871 they are at Tanera 71-1.

Mary dies 1886 at Tanera, her parents noted as having been John MacKenzie and Barbara, Maiden Surnamed MacKenzie.

A son Roderick is born 4 January, 1870 to Thomas Munro and Catherine McLeod in Lochbroom Parish, no marriage is registered to that couple, and he is with Duncan and Mary in 1871, along with his mother listed as "Catherine McLeod".

Hannah "Johanna" marries 24 March, 1870 to Kenneth Macleod of Reiff, the two of them are living with a two month old son, at Kenneth's parents home in 1871 at Reiff 71-75. That marriage registration shows Johanna's father as Duncan above, and her mother Mary (also above) was maiden surnamed McKenzie.

Barbara marries 29 January, 1874 to Kenneth Campbell who is in this census at Tanera 61-16.

A brother of Duncan, John, is in this census with his family at Dornie 61-4, his 1873 death registration names his parents, as having been Roderick MacLeod and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeod.

Pretty certain Donald Campbell at Tanera 61-15 is Widower of Duncan's sister Catherine.


Tanera 71-1


Duncan McLeod          Head         Mar   65      Crofter
Mary McLeod            Wife         Mar      60
Catherine McLeod       Daur         Unm      30   General Servant
Barbara McLeod         Daur         Unm      21   General Servant
Rory Munro             Grandson            1
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 1 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-19, in 1881 they are at Tanera 81-1.

Mary dies 1886 at Tanera, her parents noted as having been John MacKenzie and Barbara, Maiden Surnamed MacKenzie.

Barbara above marries 29 January, 1874 to Kenneth Campbell who is in this census at Tanera 71-6. Barbara and Kenneth, along with their children, Barbara's parents, and young Roderick Munro, are in 1881 at Tanera 81-1.

Young Roderick Munro, "Rory" above, was born 4 January, 1870 to Thomas Munro and Catherine McLeod in Lochbroom Parish, no marriage is registered to that couple. He is still with his grandparents in the 1881 census, though Catherine is missing then.

A daughter Hannah or "Johanna" was with this family in the 1861 census. She married 24 March, 1870 to Kenneth Macleod of Reiff, and the two of them are in this census with a two month old son at Kenneth's parents home at Reiff 71-75. Johanna's marriage registration confirms her mother Mary (above) was maiden surnamed McKenzie.

The marriage is registered 20 February, 1873 of Alexander McLeod, a Fisherman Resident at Dornie aged 43 years to Margaret McLeod of Isle Tanera, aged 29 years. His parents noted as John McLeod and Ann, Maiden Surname Urquhart (see Dornie 71-34 and Dornie 71-35), hers as Duncan McLeod and Mary, Maiden Surname McKenzie. The registration notes Alexander and Margaret were cousins, so presumably his father John McLeod was a brother of Duncan above. In the 1881 census Alexander and Margaret with two young children and Alexander's sister Margaret are at Dornie 81-5.


Tanera 71-2


Hannah McLeod          Head         Mar      36   Crofter
Dolina McLeod          Daur                  10   Scholar
Murdo McLeod           Son                 8      Scholar
Neil McLeod            Son                 6
Ewen McLeod            Son                 5
Ketty Ann McLeod       Daur                  9m
Margret McLeod         Servant      Unm      40   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 1 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-18, Hannah's name was then "Johanna", and her now missing husband Angus was marked as Head of Household, in 1881 they are at Tanera 81-2.

With this family in 1861 was a 30 year old sister of Hannah, Margret, I think that is also likely her above.


Tanera 71-3


Alexr McLean           Head         Mar   70      Crofter
Margret McLean         Wife         Mar      55
Kenneth McLean         Son          Unm   32      Fisher
James McLean           Son          Unm   27      Fisher
Ewen McLean            Son          Unm   25      Fisher
Margret McLean         Daur         Unm      23   Servant
Kenneth McLean         Visitor            11
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 1 of Enumeration District #3. Alexander marked as born on Isle Martin, Margret at Poolcorry (in RossShire), their children all on Isle Tanera, and the visitor, Kenneth McLean, at Achnahaird.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-17, in 1881 they are at Tanera 81-3.

Margaret dies 1883 at Tanera, Informant on the death registration was Ewan above, "Stepson", which indicates she was a second wife of Alexander. Her parents were noted as having been Kenneth Fraser and Jessie, Maiden Surname MacKenzie.

Alexander's sister Catherine, enumerated as "Mary Matheson", is in this census at Tanera 71-13, her death registered 1874 notes their parents as John MacLean and Catherine MacLeay.

I think the visitor Kenneth McLean was in the 1861 census as a 3 year old at "Little Altandow", the last Household enumerated as part of Achnahaird that year.

Kenneth marries 26 June 1873 to Flora McKenzie, who is I think in this census with three of her siblings at Achiltibuie 71-35, in the 1881 census Kenneth and Flora with three children are at Achiltibuie 81-7.


Tanera 71-4


Donald Campbell        Head         Widr  70      Sailmaker
Peggy Campbell         Daur         Unm      24   General Servant
Isabella Campbell      Sister       W        50
William Campbell       Brother      Mar   36      Fisher
Catherine Campbell                  Mar      30
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach, except Catherine born at Polewe.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-15, with them then was an unmarried brother of Donald, Norman, who is in this census in the next Household at Tanera 71-5.

Donald's death was registered as 26 February, 1873, aged 72 years, his parents had been Hugh Campbell and Isabella, Maiden Surnamed MacLeod. Informant of the death was his brother in law Roderick MacLeod, and his wife had been "Kitt" MacLeod. I think that Roderick is in this census at Tanera 71-12, and his and Kitt's MacLeods can be traced back to the 1841 census at Tanera 41-1.

At the time of this census William and Catherine are newlywed; their marriage was registered 24 February 1871 in the Parish of Gairloch with Catherine's maiden surname as Gunn. They are in the 1881 census at Tanera 81-4 with four children (registration of the birth of their oldest daughter, Isabella, 28 March 1872 lists Catherine as "Kitt Gunn"!)

Not certain, but I think the Widow Mary Campbell two Households away at Tanera 71-6 had been married to a brother of these Campbells.


Tanera 71-5


Norman Campbell        Head         Mar   52      Fisher
Hannah Campbell        Wife         Mar      40
Mary McLean            StepDaur     Unm      17   Servant
Mary Ann McLean        StepDaur     Unm      15   Servant
Kenneth Campbell       Son                 4
Anabella Campbell      Daur                   3
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census Norman was unmarriedd with his Widowed father Donald Campbell and four siblings at Tanera 61-15, in 1881 Norman and Johanna with three children are at Tanera 81-5.

Not sure where Hannah was in 1861, but her children Mary and Mary Ann were then with their McLean grandmother at Altandhu 61-24.

Hannah ("Johanna" in other records) was maiden surnamed McKenzie, and married first to Kenneth McLean of Altandhu. Possibly she was from Strathcanaird, as the I.G.I. has a patron submission of the birth of Mary Ann McLean to parents Kenneth McLean and Johanna McKenzie 4 July 1855 at Ghlaoich Strathcanaird, and patron submission of the marriage 8 June 1852 in Lochbroom Parish of that couple. The O.P.R. for neighbouring Assynt Parish also records a marriage 23 May 1852 of a Kenneth McLean to a "Joahanna" McKenzie, probably the couple were from both Lochbroom and Assynt Parishes, and had their wedding registered in both.

Norman Campbell married Johanna McLean in Lochbroom Parish 28 November 1861.

Three siblings of Norman are in the previous Household at Tanera 71-4. Not certain, but I think the Widow Mary Campbell in the next Household, Tanera 71-6, had been married to a brother of Norman.


Tanera 71-6


Mary Campbell          Head         W        55
Kenneth Campbell       Son          Unm   28      Fisher
Roderick Campbell      Son          Unm   26      Sailor
Catherine McLean       Servant      Unm      18   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-16. Mary was already a Widow then, I have no idea what her husband's forename was, but I think it likely he was a brother of the Campbells in the two previous Households; Tanera 71-4, and Tanera 71-5. Mary is by herself in the next census at Tanera 81-9.

The 1851 census shows Mary's Maiden Surname was McKenzie.

Isabella Matheson at Tanera 71-14 is a daughter of Mary.

Kenneth marries 29 January 1874 to Barbara McLeod who is in this census at Tanera 71-1. Kenneth and Barbara, along with their children, Barbara's parents, and young Roderick Munro, are in 1881 at Tanera 81-1.

The Glasgow Herald, 14 December, 1883, includes a short article noting abandonment of the barque Benefactress, from Quebec to Greenock, in Mid-Atlantic, with loss of two crew from Sandwick on Lewis, and Roderick Campbell, "a native of Tanera near Ullapool".


Tanera 71-7


Roderick Grant         Head         Mar   46      Fisher
Mary Grant             Wife         Mar      39
Annabella Grant        Daur         Unm      16
Dugald Grant           Son          Unm   15
Donald Grant           Son                12      Scholar
John Grant             Son                11      Scholar
William Grant          Son                 9      Scholar
                     -- page break --
Murdo Grant            Son                 7      Scholar
Catherine Grant        Daur                   5
Alick Grant            Son                 2
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on pages 2 and 3 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach, except Roderick at Ullapool.

In the 1861 census most of these people were at Tanera 61-7, though Annabella was then with her Matheson grandparents at Tanera 61-5.

In the 1881 census this family is at Tanera 81-6, with young Alick above listed as "Alexander".

The Parish Register records the marriage 25 December 1852 of Roderick Grant to Mary Matheson.

Mary's mother, two brothers, and her daughter Sarah are in this census at Tanera 71-13. Her brother William is Head of Household at Tanera 71-14, and her brother John is at Tanera 71-15.


Tanera 71-8


Mary McLeod            Head         W        45   Crofter
Rodina McLeod          Sister       Unm      40   General Servant
Catherine McLeod       Niece                  9
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census Mary was at Tanera 61-12, Rodina was with the family of her brother John, Catherine's father, at Tanera 61-13. Mary and Rodina are in the 1881 census at Tanera 81-8.

Mary's husband John was alive in the 1861 census, listed as born at Assynt. John McLeod married Mary McLeod 27 February 1851 in Lochbroom Parish.

I think Rodina was originally known as "Robina".


Tanera 71-9


William McLean         Head         Mar   79      Gardener
Catherine McLean       Wife         Mar      88
Annabella McLean       Daur         Unm      46
Kenneth McLean         Son          Widr  52      Shoemaker
William McLean         GrandSon     Unm   15
Janet McLean           GrandDau              13
Sarah McLean           Servant      Unm      21
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census William, Catherine, and Annabella were at Tanera 61-9, Kenneth, Widowed with his children (Janet above was then listed as "Johanna", and in 1881 as "Johan") was at Tanera 61-11, and Sarah was with her parents at Tanera 61-2.

William and Catherine both die before the 1881 census, Catherine in 1874, "age 86", daughter of Donald Matheson, and Catherine, maiden surname Campbell, Informant her husband William. William died 26 May, 1880, age 90 years, Widower of Catherine Matheson, son of Alexander MacLean and Janet, maiden surname MacKenzie, Informant his son Kenneth.

In 1881 Kenneth is then Head of Household, with his sister Annabella and two children at Tanera 81-10.

Donald McLean at Tanera 71-20 is another son of William and Catherine.


Tanera 71-10


George McLean          Head         Mar   38      Farmer
Isabella McLean        Wife         Mar      29
William McLean         Son                 4
Simon McLean           Son                 1
Sally McLeod           Servant      Unm      21   Dairy Maid
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District #3. George and Isabella marked as born in Polewe (in Gairloch Parish, the 1881 census has them born at "Aultbea"), and the rest on the Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census this family is at Tanera 81-11.

The Civil Registration Index shows the marriage 8 March 1866 in Gairloch Parish of George McLean to Isabella McIver. Although William above is marked in this census as born on Isle Tanera, his birth was registered as occuring 12 January 1867 at Gairloch, and the 1881 census lists him as born at Altbea like his parents.

Simon's birth was registered in Lochbroom Parish 1 February 1870.

In the 1861 census Sally McLeod was at Tanera 61-1, with her name as "Sarah". Her parents and other relatives are in this census at Tanera 71-21.

The next Household, Tanera 71-11, also has a McLean from Polewe as Head, Roderick. Likely Roderick was a brother of George.

Alexander MacLeod (September 1897 - July 1974), one of the last inhabitants of Tanera wrote an article of his reminescinces which has been scanned and transcribed onto this website by volunteers at tanera2.htm. That file includes the following notes regarding George MacLean;

There was the story of another man who came face to face with a ghost at a stream - I could pin point it - about one hundred yards south of the schoolhouse. Everybody didn't have the slightest doubt but it was true.

Much as has been written about it by other writers, I would make brief reference to the poltergeist at Tigh a' Quay, but I heard a somewhat different version of it from my father. The man who was pestered was George McLean, who occupied part of Tigh a' Quay. He was fishing in the Minch and called at Stornoway. He visited a man who was reputed to have power to expel evil spirits and pled with him to remove the poltergeist. He said he would do so but that he (George McLean) would have to be prepared to suffer the loss of relatives and possessions. He replied that he would like it expelled at all costs as it was driving him mad. The poltergeist was removed, but shortly afterwards George McLean lost a sealskin wallet (fashionable in those days) containing 7 pounds, a lot of money at that time. This was followed by the loss of a young son and in addition much illness in his family.


Tanera 71-11


Roderick McLean        Head         Mar   47      Fisher
Catherine McLean       Wife         Mar      35
Isabella McLean        Daur                   6
                     -- page break --
William McLean         Son                 4
Kenneth McLean         Son                 2
Kennethina McIver      Servant      Unm      28   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on pages 3 and 4 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born at Polewe (in the Parish of Gairloch, except young Kenneth born in Coigach.

In the 1881 census Catherine is Widowed with seven children at Tanera 81-12.

The death of Roderick is registered as 11 April, 1880 at Tanera, aged 55 years, married to Catherine Cameron, son of William MacLean and Isabella MacKenzie, Informant his brother George MacLean.

The Civil Registration Index shows the marriage 18 February, 1864 in Gairloch Parish of Roderick McLean to Catherine Cameron. The Worldconnect tree of Keith Reeves at http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=kei123&id=I1002 shows Roderick's parents as having been William Maclean and Isabella McKenzie, and Catherine's as Alex Cameron and Isabella McIver Resident at Ormisgaig, Gairloch. Civil Registration and Keith's tree record births of seven children to this family;

The previous Household, Tanera 71-10, also has a McLean from Polewe as Head, George. Likely George was a brother of Roderick.

Likely Kennethina was a cousin or other relative of Catherine.


Tanera 71-12


Roderick McLeod        Head         Unm   68      Pauper
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District #3. Roderick was marked as born in Coigach, and listed as "Imbecile".

Though the ages do not line up, I think Roderick was in the last census at Tanera 61-8, and in the 1841 census with his family at Tanera 41-1.

The death of Roderick is registered as 26 October, 1876 at Tanera, Informant his brother Duncan. His parents are noted as having been Roderick McLeod and Margaret, maiden surname MacKenzie.

Donald Campbell at Tanera 71-4 dies in 1873, Informant of his death was his brother-in-law, Roderick MacLeod, likely the Roderick above.


Tanera 71-13


Mary Mathieson         Head         W        67   Crofter
Kenneth Mathieson      Son          Unm   28      Fisher
Murdo Mathieson        Son          Unm   26      Fisher
Sarah Grant            Servant      Unm      17   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-5, Mary was then listed as "Catherine", and her husband Dugald was Head of Household then. Dugald died 7 November, 1865 at Tanera of Typhus (supposed by Informant), age 69, parents noted as having been Murdoch Matheson and Mary, maiden surname also Matheson, their 19 year old daughter "Marion" ("Sarah" or "Sally" in earlier records), died a few weeks before, 27 September, 1865 aged 19 years also of Typhus.

Catherine ("Mary" above) dies 27 December, 1874 at Tanera, her son Kenneth above as Informant. The death registration names her parents as having been John MacLean and Kett, Maiden Surnamed MacLeay. A brother of Catherine, Alexander MacLean, is in this census at Tanera 71-3, it is interesting that his birthplace is noted there as "Isle Martin", suggesting the family was there before Tanera.

In 1881 Kenneth and Murdo are still unmarried, living at Tanera 81-14.

William Mathieson in the next Household, Tanera 71-14, and John in the Household after that, Tanera 71-15, are sons of Catherine.

Mary Grant at Tanera 71-7 is a daughter of Catherine, young Sarah above is her daughter.

Catherine was an ancestor of Kate Ferris, who now lives on the Isle of Lewis, (CONTACT INFO), through her son John two Households away.


Tanera 71-14


William Mathieson      Head         Mar   37      Fisher
Isabella Mathieson     Wife         Mar      31
Catherine Mathieson    Daur                  11   Scholar
John Mathieson         Son                 9      Scholar
Donald Mathieson       Son                 6      Scholar
Flora Mathieson        Daur                   4
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District #3. William marked as born in "RossShire Isle Tanera", with double dittos for all following, and the word "Coigach" written later after the Do marks for Isabella (indicating, I think, a later change to indicate she was born in Coigach, though not on Tanera).

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-6, in 1881 they are at Tanera 81-15, with William missing there but present as a visiting Fisherman at Polglass 81-13.

William Matheson married 7 July 1859 to Isabella Campbell. Isabella was a Campbell originally from Badentarbet, and one of her sisters was named Flora, likely the daughter above was named for Isabella's sister.

Isabella's Widowed mother Mary and two of her brothers are in this census at Tanera 71-6.


Tanera 71-15


John Mathieson         Head         Mar   38      Fisher
Wilina Mathieson       Wife         Mar      28
Sarah Mathieson        Daur                   5
Dugald Mathieson       Son                 2
Christy McKenzie       Servant      Unm      18   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District #3. John is marked as born in "RossShire Coigach", Wilina has a "Do" marked under "RossShire", then Sarah again marked as "RossShire Coigach", with double dittos for the other two, indicating I think that Wilina was not born in Coigach, which reflects other data that has her born at Badralloch.

In the 1861 census John was with his parents and other family at Tanera 61-5, in 1881 John and Williamina "Wilina" with children are at Tanera 81-13.

John Matheson married Williamina McKenzie (daughter of Murdoch MacKenzie and Williamina MacLeod) of Badralloch 2 March 1865. They are ancestors of Kate Ferris, who now lives on the Isle of Lewis (CONTACT INFO), through a daughter Margaret born in 1880. Margaret marries Murdo MacLeod of Achnahaird in 1910, that Murdo is in the 1881 census as a 10 year old at Achnahaird 81-6.


Tanera 71-16


Murdo McKenzie         Head         Mar   40      Fisher
Catherine McKenzie     Wife         Mar      40
Murdo McKenzie         Son          Unm   17      Fisher
John McKenzie          Son          Unm   14
Catherine McKenzie     Daur                  12   Scholar
Duncan McKenzie        Son                10      Scholar
Mary McKenzie          Daur                   7   Scholar
Lexy McKenzie          Daur                   4
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-4, with them then was Catherine's Widowed mother, Catherine McLeod, and a brother Alexander. Catherine (the mother) has died since then, but Alexander is Head of the next Household at Tanera 71-17.

In 1881 this family is at Tanera 81-16.

The Parish Register records the marriage 13 April, 1848 of Murdo McKenzie of Reiff to Catharine McLeod, a daughter of Roderick McLeod of Isle Ristol.

Murdo dies 7 June, 1877 at Tanera, aged 57 years, Informant his brother-in-law, Alexander MacLeod. The death registration notes his parents had been Murdo McKenzie and Mary Kerr.

Murdo's father and other relatives were in the 1861 census at Reiff 61-9, see the notes there for links to his relatives in this census.

Alexanderina, "Lexy" above, was a grandmother of Alistair MacLeod (CONTACT INFO), the Highland Council Genealogist! Alexanderina is with her sister Chirsty (wife of Alexander McKenzie) in the next census at Polbain 81-14.

John McLeod at Tanera 71-21 is a brother of Catherine.


Tanera 71-17


Alexr McLeod           Head         Mar   52      Fisher
Christy McLeod         Wife         Mar      42
Murdo McLeod           Son                 4
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census Alexander was with his Widowed mother Catherine McLeod at Tanera 61-4 with the McKenzie family that is in this census in the previous Household at Tanera 71-16, Catherine McKenzie there is a sister of Alexander.

In 1881 this family is at Tanera 81-17.

John McLeod at Tanera 71-21 is a brother of Alexander.


Tanera 71-18


John McKenzie          Head         Mar   38      Fisher
Hughina McKenzie       Wife         Mar      33
Peggy McKenzie         Daur                   7   Scholar
Dolina McKenzie        Daur                   5   Scholar
Christy McKenzie       Daur                   2
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District #3. John, Peggy, and Dolina are marked as born in Coigach, the place of birth for Hughina and Christy is marked as in SutherlandShire, the writing of the community is indistinct but looks like "Portrasyn".

John was in the 1861 census with his parents and siblings at Tanera 61-3. In this census his parents and three siblings are in the next Household at Tanera 71-19. In the 1881 census John is Widowed with three children at Tanera 81-18.

The death of Hughina is registered as 10 June, 1876 at Tanera aged 39 years, married to John MacKenzie. Her parents were noted as Hugh MacKay and Lucy, Maiden Surname MacKay, Informant her husband John.

The Civil Registration Index records the marriage 4 September, 1861 at Wick in Caithness of John McKenzie to Hughina McKay, and the births of three of their children;


Tanera 71-19


Donald McKenzie        Head         Mar   69      Crofter
Christy McKenzie       Wife         Mar      68
Peggy McKenzie         Daur         Unm      35   General Servant
Ann McKenzie           Daur         Unm      33   General Servant
Donald McKenzie        Son          Unm   30      Fisher
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-3. In 1881 Donald and Christina, with a 47 year old unmarried daughter Margaret (Peggy above), are at Tanera 81-19.

Donald dies 1884 at Tanera, the death registration notes his parents had been John MacKenzie and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeay.

Christy dies 1888 at Tanera, parents noted as having been Murdo McLeod and Maggie, Maiden Surname McLean, her 1829 marriage registration notes her residence then as at Reiff. Those parents have eight other noted children, including Elizabeth MacDonald, who is in this census at Reiff 71-73. That Elizabeth was a gt-gt-grandmother of myself, Donald MacDonald-Ross (CONTACT INFO).

Other siblings of Christina include Ann Urquhart at Reiff 71-70, Alexander and Donald at Reiff 71-66, and Flora Campbell at Acheninver 71-99 being visited by their brother George who is resident at Ardmair.

Young Donald dies 10 October, 1877 at Tanera, aged 36 years, single, Informant of the death his brother John. The registration notes his parents as Donald MacKenzie and Christy, Maiden Surnamed MacLeod.

John McKenzie in the previous Household, Tanera 71-18, is a son of Donald and Christy.


Tanera 71-20


Donald McLean          Head         Mar   50      Crofter
Catherine McLean       Wife         Mar      49
John McLean            Son          Unm   17      Fisher
Janet McLean           Daur         Unm      15   General Servant
John Macdonald                      Unm   47      Fisher
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 6 of Enumeration District #3. All marked as born in Coigach, except Donald born at Dingwall (the 1881 census gives his birthplace as "Brachan").

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-2. By 1881 at Tanera 81-20 Donald is Widowed, living with three of his unmarried children.

Catherine's death is registered as 23 July, 1878 at Tanera, aged 60 years, married to Donald McLean. The Registration notes her parents had been Murdo McDonald, Weaver, and Marion, Maiden Surname McLean. Her husband Donald Informant of the death.

John above is Catherine's brother, and Isabella McLeod in the next Household (Tanera 71-21), is her sister. John dies unmarried 27 November, 1877 at Tanera, his death registration confirms their parents names. Likely the father Murdoch was married twice, as the 1873 death registration of Isabella notes her mother as Sara, Maiden Surname McLean.

Donald's parents, William and Catherine, along with other of his relatives, are in this census at Tanera 71-9.


Tanera 71-21


John McLeod            Head         Mar   46      Fisher
Isabella McLeod        Wife         Mar      43
Donald McLeod          Son                15      Fisher
Ann McLeod             Daur                  13   General Servant
Murdo McLeod           Son                12      Scholar
Kathy McLeod           Daur                   6   Scholar
Tanera 71-22

John Kerr              Lodger       Unm   50      Schoolmaster

                     End of Isle Tanera
Notes on these Households:

These two Households are on page 6 of Enumeration District #3, in the same house. All marked as born in Coigach, except John born at Ullapool.

In the 1861 census this family was at Tanera 61-1.

Isabella "Bella" dies 13 January 1873 (reg# 2) aged 47 years, the registration says her parents were Murdo McDonald, Weaver, and Sara, Maiden Surname McLean. Her brother John and sister Catherine are in this census at the previous Household, Tanera 71-20, possibly their father was married twice as John's 1877 death registration notes mother as Marion, Maiden Surname MacLean. Murdoch MacDonald had been a weaver on Tanera.

Alexander McLeod at Tanera 71-17 and Catherine McKenzie at Tanera 71-16 a siblings of John.

Possibly John Kerr might have been part of the Reiff or Achiltibuie Kerr familys, but as his birthplace was given as Ullapool that is unlikely.


Tanera 81-1


Duncan MacLeod         Head         Mar   71      Crofter of four Acres
Mary     do            Wife         Mar      68   Crofters Wife
Kenneth Campbell       Son in Law   Mar   36      Fisherman
Barbara   do           Daur         Mar      30   Fishermans Wife
Flora     do           GDau                   5   Scholar
Catherine  do          GDau                   4     do
John       do          GSon                2        do
Peggy      do          GDau                  1mo
Roderick Munro         GSon               10      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 1 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Duncan MacLeods House".

In the 1871 census Barbara with her parents, her sister Catherine, and young Roderick Munro were at Tanera 71-1. Kenneth was than with his family at Tanera 71-6.

In the 1861 census Duncan, Mary, Barbara, and two other daughters were at Tanera 61-19. One of those daughters was 19 year old daughter Johanna. Johanna married in 1870 to Kenneth McLeod of Reiff, they are in this census at Reiff 81-21.

In the 1891 census this family is at Tanera 91-1.

Mary dies 24 November, 1886 at Tanera, her parents noted as having been John MacKenzie and Barbara, Maiden Surnamed MacKenzie.

Kenneth's mother Mary is in this census at Tanera 81-9. He also has a sister Isabella Matheson in this census at Tanera 81-15

The marriage of Kenneth Campbell to Barbara McLeod was registered 29 January, 1874.

The birth of Roderick Munro is registered 4 January, 1874 in Lochbroom Parish to parents Thomas Munro and Catherine McLeod, though no marriage is registered to that couple in Lochbroom. Catherine was in the 1861 census with her parents.


Tanera 81-2


Angus MacLeod          Head         Mar   47      Fisherman
Hannah    Do           Wife         Mar      47   Fishermans Wife
Murdo     Do           Son          Unm   19          Do     Son
Neil      Do           Son                15      Scholar
Ewen      Do           Son                13         Do
Catherine  Do          Daur                  10      Do
Chirsty    Do          Daur                   6      Do
John       Do          Son                 4         Do
Margaret   Do          Sis-in-law   Unm      31   Herring Gutter
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 1 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Angus MacLeod's House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-2, with Angus away from home then. In 1891 they are at Tanera 91-2, Angus then noted as having been born at Lochinver, Sutherlandshire.

Based on earlier censuses, I think Angus's sister-in-law Margaret was 51, not the 31 shown in this census.

The birth of Christina ("Chirsty" above) was registered as 4 April, 1874 at Tanera, her parents noted as Angus MacLeod and Hannah, maiden surname MacLeod with their wedding having been December 1859 at Lochbroom.


Tanera 81-3


Alexander MacLean      Head         Mar   82      Formerly Fisherman
Peggy       do         Wife         Mar      67   Fisherman's Wife
James       do         Son          Unm   37      Fisherman
Ewen        do         Son          Unm   34         do
Margaret    do         Daur         Unm      32   Fisherman's Daughter
Betsy MacLeod          Visitor      Unm      35   Farm Servant +
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 1 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Alexander MacLeans House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-3. Before the 1891 census James marries Annabella McLeod of Dornie, who is in this census as Domestic Servant to a McKenzie family at Achiltibuie 81-1. James and Annabella, with children and James's brother Ewen, are in the 1891 census at Tanera 91-3.

Margaret, "Peggy", dies 9 November, 1883 at Tanera, aged 69 years, her husband Alexander not then noted as deceased. Informant on the registration was Ewan above, "Stepson", which indicates she was a second wife of Alexander. Her parents were noted as having been Kenneth Fraser and Jessie, Maiden Surname MacKenzie.

The death of Alexander is registered as 12 February, 1890 at Tanera, aged 91 years, Widower of Margaret Fraser, his parents noted as having been John MacLean and Catherine, maiden surname "McLay" *otherwise spelled "MacLeay"), Informant his son Ewan.

Young Margaret marries 13 April, 1882 at Achiltibuie as second wife to John MacLean, Widower, Master Shoemaker, aged 39 resident Altandhu, her mother then noted as Margaret maiden surname MacLeod, deceased, confirming that Alexander was married twice.

Kenneth McLean at Tanera 81-7 is a son of Alexander and Peggy.

Since the 1871 census (1874), a sister of Alexander's, Catherine Matheson, has died. Two of her children are in this census at Tanera 81-14.


Tanera 81-4


William Campbell       Head         Mar   55      Fisherman
Catherine  Do          Wife         Mar      40   Fisherman's Wife
Isabella   Do          Daur                   9   Scholar
Hugh       Do          Son                 5         Do
Catherine   Do         Daur                   3      Do
Neil        Do         Son                 4mo
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Wm Campbell's House".

In the 1871 census William and Catherine were at Tanera 71-4 with William's Widowed father Donald, and two siblings. In 1881 the family is at Tanera 91-4.

William Campbell and Catherine Gunn were married 24 February 1871 in the Parish of Gairloch.

The death of William Campbell aged 86 years at Tanera was registered as 26 October, 1907, married to Catherine Gunn, his parents noted as having been Hugh Campbell and Annabella, maiden surname MacKenzie, Informant his son Neil.

Norman Campbell in the next Household, Tanera 81-5 is a brother of William.


Tanera 81-5


Norman Campbell        Head         Mar   59      Fisherman
Johan    Do            Wife         Mar      52   Fisherman's Wife
Kenneth   Do           Son                15      Scholar
Annabella  Do          Daur                  13      Do
Johan      Do          Daur                  10      Do
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Norman Campbell's House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-5, in 1891 they are at Tanera 91-5.

Johan ("Hannah" or "Johanna" in other records) was maiden surnamed McKenzie, and married first to Kenneth McLean of Altandhu. Possibly she was from Strathcanaird, as the I.G.I. has a patron submission of the birth of Mary Ann McLean to parents Kenneth McLean and Johanna McKenzie 4 July 1855 at Ghlaoich Strathcanaird, and patron submission of the marriage 8 June 1852 in Lochbroom Parish of that couple. The O.P.R. for neighbouring Assynt Parish also records a marriage 23 May 1852 of a Kenneth McLean to a "Joahanna" McKenzie, probably the couple were from both Lochbroom and Assynt Parishes, and had their wedding registered in both.

Norman Campbell married Johanna McLean in Lochbroom Parish 28 November, 1861.

William Campbell in the previous Household, Tanera 81-4, is a brother of Norman.


Tanera 81-6


Roderick Grant         Head         Mar   56      Fisherman
Mary       Do          Wife         Mar      50   Fishermans Wife
Annabella  Do          Daur         Unm      26   Sewing Mistress
Dugald     Do          Son          Unm   25      Fisherman
Sarah      Do          Daur         Unm      24   Housemaid
Donald     Do          Son          Unm   22      Fishermans Son
John       Do          Son          Unm   21          Do      Do
William    Do          Son          Unm   19          Do      Do
Murdo      Do          Son          Unm   17          Do      Do
Catherine   Do         Daur         Unm      15       Do     Daur
Alexander   Do         Son          Unm   12      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 2 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Roderick Grant's House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-7. In 1881 they are at Tanera 91-6.

The Parish Register records the marriage 25 December 1852 of Roderick Grant to Mary Matheson.

Mary dies 20 May, 1909 at Tanera.

Young Alexander dies 16 October, 1893 unmarried at Tanera, the death registration confirming his mother Mary was Maiden Surname Matheson.

Mary has two unmarried brothers, Murdo and Kenneth, in this census at Tanera 81-14. Her brother William is away as a visiting fisherman in this census at Polglass 81-13, but his family is at Tanera 81-15. John Matheson at Tanera 81-13 is another brother of Mary, and is agt-grandfather of Kate Ferris on Isle Tanera (CONTACT INFO).


Tanera 81-7


Kenneth MacLean        Head         Mar   42      Fisherman
Flora      Do          Wife         Mar      40   Fishermans Wife
                     -- page break --
George MacLean         Son                 6      Scholar
Maggie     Do          Daur                   5     Do
John Alexander Do      Son                 2        Do
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on pages 2 and 3 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Kenneth MacLean's House".

In the 1871 census Kenneth was with his parents at Tanera 71-3, in this census that family is at Tanera 81-3. In the 1891 census Kenneth, Flora, Margaret and John are at Tanera 91-7.

Cannot see Flora in the 1871 census at Tanera, but the IGI includes a patron submission of a marriage in Coigach 26 June 1873 of a Kenneth McLean to a Flora McKenzie, I think that was the 32 year old Flora in the 1871 census with three siblings at Achiltibuie71-35, two of those siblings are in this census at Achiltibuie 81-1.


Tanera 81-8


Mary McLeod            Head         Wid      54   Crofter (1 Acres)
Rodina  Do             Sister       Unm      52   Formerly Genl Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District 3.

Both were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harborside, Widow McLeod's House".

In the 1871 census these two were at Tanera 71-8 with a nine year old niece, Catherine McLeod. In 1891 Mary is alone at Tanera 91-8.


Tanera 81-9


Mary Campbell          Head         Wid      65   Sailors Widow
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District 3.

Mary was born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Widow Campbell's House".

In the 1871 census Mary was at Tanera 71-6 with two sons and a servant.

The 1851 census shows Mary's Maiden Surname was McKenzie.

Isabella Matheson at Tanera 81-15 is a daughter of Mary. A son of Mary, Kenneth, married 29 January 1874 to Barbara McLeod. Kenneth and Barbara, along with their children, Barbara's parents, and young Roderick Munro, are in Tanera 81-1.


Tanera 81-10


Kenneth MacLean        Head         Wid   58      Shoemaker
Annabella  Do          Sister       Unm      54   Housekeeper
William    Do          Son          Unm   25      Fisherman
Johan      Do          Daur         Unm      22   General Serv Dom.
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 3 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Harbourside, Kenneth MacLeans House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-9 with Kenneth's elderly parents. In 1891 Kenneth and Annabella, with niece Sarah, are at Tanera 91-9.

Donald MacLean at Tanera 81-20 is a brother of Kenneth and Annabella.


Tanera 81-11


George MacLean         Head         Mar   46      Fisherman
Isabella   Do          Wife         Mar      38   Fishermans Wife
William    Do          Son                14      Scholar
Simon      Do          Son                11         Do
Isabella   Do          Daur                   8      Do
Alexander   Do         Son                 6         Do
Catherine   Do         Daur                   3      Do
Johan       Do         Daur                  4mo
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District 3.

George, Isabella, and William marked as born at Aultbea, the rest born in Lochbroom. The address is listed as "Quay, George MacLeans House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-10. In 1871 they are at Tanera 91-10.

The Civil Registration Index shows the marriage 8 March 1866 in Gairloch Parish of George McLean to Isabella McIver.

William's birth was registered 12 January 1867 in Gairloch Parish. Simon's birth was registered in Lochbroom Parish 1 February 1870.

Catherine MacLean in the next Household, Tanera 81-12, is Widow of Roderick MacLean from Aultbea, likely Roderick was a brother of George above.

Alexander MacLeod (September 1897 - July 1974), one of the last inhabitants of Tanera wrote an article of his reminescinces which has been scanned and transcribed onto this website by volunteers at tanera2.htm. That file includes the following notes regarding George MacLean;

There was the story of another man who came face to face with a ghost at a stream - I could pin point it - about one hundred yards south of the schoolhouse. Everybody didn't have the slightest doubt but it was true.

Much as has been written about it by other writers, I would make brief reference to the poltergeist at Tigh a' Quay, but I heard a somewhat different version of it from my father. The man who was pestered was George McLean, who occupied part of Tigh a' Quay. He was fishing in the Minch and called at Stornoway. He visited a man who was reputed to have power to expel evil spirits and pled with him to remove the poltergeist. He said he would do so but that he (George McLean) would have to be prepared to suffer the loss of relatives and possessions. He replied that he would like it expelled at all costs as it was driving him mad. The poltergeist was removed, but shortly afterwards George McLean lost a sealskin wallet (fashionable in those days) containing 7 pounds, a lot of money at that time. This was followed by the loss of a young son and in addition much illness in his family.


Tanera 81-12


Catherine MacLean      Head         Wid      44   Fishermans Widow
Isabella     Do        Daur         Unm      16   Widows Daughter
William      Do        Son                14      Scholar
Kenneth      Do        Son                12         Do
Jemima       Do        Daur                  10      Do
Alexander    Do        Son                 8         Do
Isabella     Do        Daur                   5      Do
Duncan       Do        Son                 3         Do
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 4 of Enumeration District 3.

Catherine and her two oldest children were marked as born at Aultbea, the rest as born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Quay, Widow Rodk. MacLeans House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-11, with Catherine's then living husband Roderick as Head of Household. In the 1891 census four of the children are at Tanera 91-11.

The Civil Registration Index shows the marriage 18 February, 1864 in Gairloch Parish of Roderick McLean to Catherine Cameron. The Worldconnect tree of Keith Reeves at http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=kei123&id=I1002 shows Roderick's parents as having been William Maclean and Isabella McKenzie, and Catherine's as Alex Cameron and Isabella McIver Resident at Ormisgaig, Gairloch. Civil Registration and Keith's tree record births of seven children to this family;

The previous Household, Tanera 81-11, also has a McLean from Polewe as Head, George. Likely George was a brother of Roderick.


Tanera 81-13


John Matheson          Head         Mar   48      Fisherman
Williamina  do         Wife         Mar      39   Fishermans Wife
Sarah      do          Daur                  15   Scholar
Dugald     do          Son                12         do
William    do          Son                10         do
Colin      do          Son                 8         do
Williamina  do         Daur                   8      do
John       do          Son                 6         do
Roderick   do          Son                 4         do
Catherine   do         Daur                   1      do
Margaret    do         Daur                  9mo
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoin John Matheson's House". Unusual to see a 4 year old and a 1 year old listed as "Scholars"!

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-15. In 1871 they are at Tanera 91-13.

Dugald marries 4 February, 1904 at Carnoch, Lochbroom, to Dolina McKenzie, resident Lots of Scoraig, daughter of John McKenzie and Willina Maclean, all four of their parents are noted as living then.

John Matheson married Williamina McKenzie (daughter of Murdoch MacKenzie and Williamina MacLeod) of Badralloch 2 March 1865.

This family includes ancestors of Kate Ferris, who now lives on the Isle of Lewis (CONTACT INFO). Young Margaret marries Murdo MacLeod of Achnahaird in 1910 (see Achnahaird 81-6), and they are Kate's grandparents.

Earlier censuses show Murdo and Kenneth in the next Household at Tanera 81-14, and William whose family is at Tanera 81-15 are brothers of John (William himself is a visiting Fisherman at Polglass 81-13). Mary Grant at Tanera 81-6 is a sister of these brothers.


Tanera 81-14


Murdo Matheson         Head         Unm   34      Fisherman
Kenneth   do           Bro.         Unm   38      Fisherman
Marion MacLeod         Servant      Unm      15   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District 3.

All marked as born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoin Murdo Matheson's House".

In the 1871 census Murdo and Kenneth were at Tanera 71-13 with their Widowed mother Catherine (listed as "Mary" that year). Catherine died 27 December, 1874 at Tanera, her son Kenneth above as Informant. A brother of Catherine, Alexander MacLean, is in this census at Tanera 81-3.

In 1891 Murdo and Kenneth are at Tanera 91-14.

Murdo and Kenneth have a brother John is in the preceding Household at Tanera 81-13, and the family of their brother William is in the next Household at Tanera 81-15 (William himself is a visiting Fisherman at Polglass 81-13). Mary Grant at Tanera 81-6 is a sister of these brothers.


Tanera 81-15


Isabella Matheson      Wife         Mar      42   Fisherman's Wife
John        do         Son          Unm   18      Fishermans Son
Dugald      do         Son          Unm   15          do      do
Flora       do         Daur                  13   Scholar
Marion      do         Daur                   6      do
Isabella    do         Daur                   2      do
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 5 of Enumeration District 3. Strange to see a 2 year old marked as a "Scholar"! All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoin Wm Matheson's House".

The missing William Matheson is a visiting Fisherman at Polglass 81-13. He and Isabella, with 4 children, were in the 1871 census at Tanera 71-14. In 1891 this family is at Tanera 91-18.

William and Isabella married 7 July 1859. Isabella was a Campbell originally from Badentarbet, and was in the 1851 census with her mother and siblings at Tanera 51-12, one of her sisters was named Flora, and her mother Mary is in this census at Tanera 81-9. Isabella also has a brother Kenneth at Tanera 81-1

John at Tanera 81-13, and Murdo and Kenneth at Tanera 81-14 are brothers of William. All three were together in the 1851 census. Mary Grant at Tanera 81-6 is a sister of these brothers.


Tanera 81-16


Catherine MacKenzie    Head         W        59   Fisherman's Widow
Murdo        do        Son          U     27      Fisherman
John         do        Son          U     25         do
Duncan       do        Son          U     20         do
Mary         do        Daur         U        17   Widows Daughter
                     -- page break --
Christina Stewart      Visitor      U        28   Fisherman's Daughter
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on pages 5 and 6 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoin Widow MacKenzie's House".

In the 1871 census Catherine was with her husband Murdo McKenzie and six children at Tanera 71-16. Catherine was a daughter of Roderick MacLeod and Catherine Stewart of Isle Ristol, and Murdo was a son of Murdo McKenzie and Mary Kerr of Reiff. Murdo was with his parents in 1841 at Reiff 41-8.

In 1891 Catherine with two children, a daughter in law, and a granddaughter, is at Tanera 91-15.

Murdo and Duncan drown off Cape Wrath 25 June, 1890 when their boat, "New Alert of Coigach" is lost. John above survives, he was Informant on his brother's death registrations, and of their cousin Donald MacLeod, who is in this census at Tanera 81-21, his father John there is a brother of Catherine above. Alexander MacLeod in the next Household, Tanera 81-17, is another brother of Catherine.

Mary dies unmarried 19 July, 1893 at Tanera, Informant of the death was her uncle, John MacLeod (presumably the one at Tanera 81-21).

Two daughters of Catherine are at Polbain 81-14. Alexanderina there later becomes grandmother of Alistair MacLeod (CONTACT INFO), who is now the Highland Council Genealogist!

I wonder if Christina Stewart was a cousin of Catherine?


Tanera 81-17


Alexander MacLeod      Head         Mar   61      Fisherman
Christina    Do        Wife         Mar      54   Fisherman's Wife
Murdo        Do        Son                14      Scholar
Allan Fraser           Border       Unm   20      Certificated +
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 6 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoine, Alexander MacLeods House". Not certain yet what the end of Allan's occupation read, my guess is "Teacher".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-17, in 1891 they are at Tanera 91-16.

Catherine MacKenzie in the previous Household, Tanera 81-16, is a sister of Alexander, and John MacLeod at Tanera 81-21 is a brother.


Tanera 81-18


John MacKenzie         Head         Wid   50      Fisherman
Margaret  Do           Daur         Unm      17   Fisherman's Daughter
Christina  Do          Daur                  13   Scholar
James      Do          Son                10      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 6 of Enumeration District 3.

All were marked as born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoine, John MacKenzies House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-18, John's wife Hughina was alive then. The 1871 census had Hughina and Christina listed as born in SutherlandShire. In 1891 Margaret as "Maggie" and James are with their aunt Margaret (in the next Household this census) at Tanera 91-17.

John's death is registered as 28 September, 1881 at Tanera, aged 51 years, Widower of Hughina MacKay. The registration notes his parents as Donald McKenzie and Christy, Maiden Surname MacLeod, Informant his daughter Margaret.

John's parents and his sister Margaret are in the next Household at Tanera 81-19.

The Civil Registration Index records the marriage 4 September 1861 at Wick in Caithness of John McKenzie to Hughina McKay, and the births of three of their children;


Tanera 81-19


Donald MacKenzie       Head         Mar   82      Formerly Fisherman
Christina   Do         Wife         Mar      80   Fishermans Wife
Margaret    Do         Daur         Unm      47       Do     Daughter
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 6 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoine, Donald MacKenzie's House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-19, in 1891 Margaret with a nephew and niece from the previous Household is at Tanera 91-17.

Donald dies 6 March, 1884 at Tanera, daughter Margaret Informant, the Registration notes his parents had been John MacKenzie and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeay.

John MacKenzie in the previous Household, Tanera 81-18, is a son of Donald and Christina.

Christina dies 9 June, 1888 at Tanera, age noted as 94 years, parents noted as having been Murdo McLeod and Maggie, Maiden Surname McLean, her 1829 marriage registration notes her residence then as at Reiff. Those parents have eight other noted children, including Elizabeth MacDonald, who is noted twice in this census; at Achiltibuie 81-3 and at Reiff 81-18. That Elizabeth was a gt-gt-grandmother of myself, Donald MacDonald-Ross (CONTACT INFO).

Other siblings of Christina include Anne Urquhart at Reiff 81-14, and Flora Campbell at Camusglassellan 81-2.


Tanera 81-20


Donald MacLean         Head         Wid   62      Fisherman
Catherine  Do          Daur         Unm      28   General Serv Domestic
John       Do          Son          Unm   26      Fisherman
Jessie     Do          Daur         Unm      24   Fishermans Daughter
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 6 of Enumeration District 3.

Donald was marked as born at Brachan (in RossShire, the 1871 census says he was born at Dingwall, 1891 as at "Fodderty, Brahan"), his children in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardngoine, Donald MacLeans House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-20, with Donald's Wife Catherine then alive. In 1891 the family is at Tanera 91-19.

Donald's Wife Catherine was a Macdonald, John MacLeod in the next Household, Tanera 81-21, is Widower of Catherine's sister Isabella.

Donald's parents, William and Catherine, were in the 1871 census along with other of his relatives at Tanera 71-9, they are missing in this census; probably they died between 1871 and 1881. Kenneth and Annabella at Tanera 81-10 are siblings of Donald.


Tanera 81-21


John MacLeod           Head         Wid   55      Fisherman
Donald   Do            Son          Unm   24         Do    's Son
Anne     Do            Daur         Unm      22      Do    's Daur
Murdo    Do            Son          Unm   20      House Carpenter
Simon MacKenzie        GSon                2
Notes on this Household:

This Household is on page 6 of Enumeration District 3.

All were born in Lochbroom. Address listed as "Ardnagoine, John MacLeod's House".

In the 1871 census this family was at Tanera 71-21, John's wife Isabella was alive then. In 1891 John, Anne, and Simon are at Tanera 91-20.

John's wife, Isabella "Bella" died 13 January, 1873 (reg# 2) aged 47 years. She was a Macdonald, Donald MacLean in the previous Household, Tanera 71-20, is Widower of Isabella's sister Catherine.

Donald drowns 25 June, 1890 with his cousins Duncan and Murdo MacKenzie (in this census at Tanera 81-16, their mother Catherine there is a sister of John above), when their boat, "New Alert of Coigach" is lost off Cape Wrath. A brother of Duncan and Murdo survives, John, he was Informant of their death registrations.

Alexander MacLeod at Tanera 81-17, is another brother of John.


Tanera 91-1


Ken. Campbell          Head         Mar   45      Crofter & Fisherman
Barbara  "             Wife          "       41   Crofter & Fisherman's Wife
Flora    "             Daughter              15   Scholar
Catherine "               "                  13   Scholar
John     "             Son                12         "
Maggie   "             Daughter              10      "
James    "             Son                 8         "
Isabella  "            Daughter               5      "
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census this family with Barbara's parents at Tanera 81-1.


Tanera 91-2


Angus McLeod           Head         Mar   56      Crofter & Fisherman
Johan   "              Wife         Mar      54   Crofter & Fisherman's Wife
Ewen     "             Son          Unm   22      Crofter's Son
Catherine "            Daughter      "       19   Servant (Domestic)
Christine "              "           "       16      "         "
John      "            Son           "    13      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. Angus marked as born at LochInver (Sutherlandshire), the rest on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-2.


Tanera 91-3


James McLean           Head         Mar   45      Crofter & Fisherman
Annabella  "           Wife          "       32   Crofter & Fishermans
                                                                   wife
Margaret   "           Daughter               6
John      "            Son                 4
Catherine  "           Daughter               2
Ewen McLean            Brother      Unm   42      Crofter & Fisherman
Jessie McLeod          Visitor               15   (Domestic) Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera, except Annabella at Dornie, and Jessie McLeod at Reiff.

In the 1881 census James was unmarried, with his McLean family, including his brother Ewan, at Tanera 81-3.

Annabella was in the 1871 census with her McLeod family at Dornie 71-33, in the 1881 census she was Domestic Servant to a McKenzie family at Achiltibuie 81-1. Both of her parents were McLeods, I wonder if she was a relative of the Visitor, Jessie McLeod...

In the 1881 census Jessie McLeod was with her family at Reiff 81-7, her mother and four siblings are in this census at Reiff 91-34.

The death of James is registered as 8 June, 1897 at "Blarbog, Isle Tanera", aged 54 years, Annabela's Maiden Surname noted as McLeod. The Informant, his brother Ewen, notes their parents had been Alexander MacLean and Margaret, Maiden Surname MacLeod.

Hugh McDonald from New Zealand fought with the N.Z.E.F. in WW1, while on leave in 1918 he visited at Coigach and sent home a letter telling of the relatives of his parents he met there. Marg Ward (CONTACT INFO), is a gt-niece of Hugh, and has transcribed and sent the letter to me, it is now a file at; Hugh's Letter. In the letter Hugh relates;

At Old Dornie I saw Annabella McLeod, Donald Soldier's daughter - Mum's cousin. She is a Mrs McLean, a widow for 20yrs. Two daughters, Margaret & Katie are at home. Mrs McLean used to be in Tanera.


Tanera 91-4


William Campbell       Head         Mar   72      Crofter
Catherine Campbell     Wife         Mar      50   Crofter's Wife
Hugh Campbell          Son                15      Crofter's Son
Catherine Campbell     Daur                  13   Scholar
                     -- page break --
Neil Campbell          Son                10      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, pages 1 and 2. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera, Rossshire, except Catherine at Aultbea, Rossshire.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-4.

William Campbell and Catherine Gunn were married 24 February 1871 in the Parish of Gairloch.

The death of William Campbell aged 86 years at Tanera was registered as 26 October, 1907, married to Catherine Gunn, his parents noted as having been Hugh Campbell and Annabella, maiden surname MacKenzie, Informant his son Neil.

Norman Campbell in the next Household, Tanera 91-5 is a brother of William.


Tanera 91-5


Norman Campbell        Head         Mar   79      Crofter
Johan     "            Wife         Mar      60   Crofter's Wife
Isabella   "           Daughter     Unm      22   General Servant
Alex. McEwing          Grandson            6      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. All marked as born in Ross-shire, Norman at Isle Martin, Johan at Aultando, Isabella at Tanera, Alex at Glasgow.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-5.

Johan ("Hannah" or "Johanna" in other records) was maiden surnamed McKenzie, and married first to Kenneth McLean of Altandhu. Possibly she was from Strathcanaird, as the I.G.I. has a patron submission of the birth of Mary Ann McLean to parents Kenneth McLean and Johanna McKenzie 4 July 1855 at Ghlaoich Strathcanaird, and patron submission of the marriage 8 June 1852 in Lochbroom Parish of that couple. The O.P.R. for neighbouring Assynt Parish also records a marriage 23 May 1852 of a Kenneth McLean to a "Joahanna" McKenzie, probably the couple were from both Lochbroom and Assynt Parishes, and had their wedding registered in both.

Norman Campbell married Johanna McLean in Lochbroom Parish 28 November, 1861.

William Campbell in the previous Household, Tanera 81-4, is a brother of Norman.


Tanera 91-6


Roderick Grant         Head         Mar   66      Crofter & Fisherman
Mary       "           Wife          "       60   Crofter & Fisherman's Wife
Dugald      "          Son          Unm   35      Fisherman
Donald      "          Son           "    32          "
John       "           Son           "    31          "
Alex       "           Son           "    21      Fisherman's Son
Annabella   "          Daugter       "       36   General Sewvant
Kate Matheson          Niece         "       11   Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. Roderick marked as born at Ullapool, Dugald at Badinscallie, the rest on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-6. Kate Matheson was then with her family at Tanera 81-13 as "Catherine", they are in this census at Tanera 91-13.

The Parish Register records the marriage 25 December 1852 of Roderick Grant to Mary Matheson.

Mary dies 20 May, 1909 at Tanera.

Young Alexander dies 16 October, 1893 unmarried at Tanera, the death registration confirming his mother Mary was Maiden Surname Matheson.

Mary has two unmarried brothers, Murdo and Kenneth, in this census at Tanera 81-14. Her brother William is away as a visiting fisherman in this census at Polglass 81-13, but his family is at Tanera 81-15. John Matheson at Tanera 81-13 is another brother of Mary, and is a gt-grandfather of Kate Ferris (CONTACT INFO).


Tanera 91-7


Kenneth McLean         Head         Mar   54      Crofter
Flora    "             Wife          "       53   Crofter's Wife
Margaret  "            Daughter     Unm      15   Crofter's Daughter
John      "            Son           "    12      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera, except Flora at Achiltibuie.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-7.

Cannot see Flora in the 1871 census at Tanera, but the IGI includes a patron submission of a marriage in Coigach 26 June 1873 of a Kenneth McLean to a Flora McKenzie, she was the 32 year old Flora in the 1871 census with three siblings at Achiltibuie71-35.


Tanera 91-8


Mary McLeod            Head         Wid      60   Pauper
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. Mary marked as born on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census Mary with sister Rodina was at Tanera 81-8.


Tanera 91-9


Kenneth McLean         Head         Widr  70      Retired Shoemaker
Annabella   "          Sister       Unm      68
Sarah     "            Niece         "       35   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 2. Kenneth and Annabella marked as born at Ullapool, Sarah on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census Kenneth and Annabella with two children of Kenneth were at Tanera 81-10. Have not yet found Sarah in the 1881 census, but her widowed father Donald, brother of Kenneth above, with two of her siblings is in this census at Tanera 91-19.


Tanera 91-10


George McLean          Head         Mar   58      Fisherman
Isabella   "           Wife         Mar      49   Fishermans's Wife
Simon     "            Son          Unm   26      Fisherman
Alexr      "            "            "    16      Fishermans's Son
                     -- page break --
Isabella McLean        Daughter     Unm      19   Fishermans's Daughter
Catherine   "             "                  13   Scholar
Hannah      "             "                  10   Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, pages 2 and 3. George, Isabella, and Alexander marked as born at Aultbea (in Gairloch Parish), the rest born on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-11.


Tanera 91-11


Kenneth McLean         Head         Unm   22      Crofter
Isabella  "            Sister       Unm      26   General Servant
Alex       "           Brother      Unm   18      Cow Herd
Duncan     "              "          "    12      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera, except Isabella at Aultbea, RossShire.

In the 1881 census these siblings and others were with their widowed mother at Tanera 81-12.


Tanera 91-12


Ellen S. Welch         Head         Unm      31   Teacher
Flora Matheson         Servant       "       22   Servant (Domestic)
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. Ellen marked as born at Lochgelly, Fifeshire, Flora at Isle Tanera. Interesting that Flora was the only person noted on Tanera as an English speaker, rather than as Gaelic or Gaelic and English.

In the 1881 census Flora was with her family at Tanera 81-15, in this census they are at Tanera 91-18.


Tanera 91-13


John Matheson          Head         Mar   60      Crofter
Willina  "             Wife          "       48   Crofter's Wife
Dugald   "             Son          Unm   22      Fisherman
William  "              "            "    20      Ag Labourer
John     "              "            "    16      Fisherman
Willina  "             Daughter      "       17   Crofter's Daughter
Roderick  "            Son                12      Scholar
Margaret  "            Daughter              10      "
Kenneth   "            Son                 9         "
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 1. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera, except Willina at Little Lochbroom, RossShire.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-13.

Dugald marries 4 February, 1904 at Carnoch, Lochbroom, to Dolina McKenzie, resident Lots of Scoraig, daughter of John McKenzie and Willina Maclean, all four of their parents are noted as living then.

John Matheson married Williamina McKenzie (daughter of Murdoch MacKenzie and Williamina MacLeod) of Badralloch 2 March 1865.

This family includes ancestors of Kate Ferris, who now lives on the Isle of Lewis (CONTACT INFO). Young Margaret marries Murdo MacLeod of Achnahaird in 1910 (see Achnahaird 81-6), and they are Kate's grandparents.

A daughter of this family, Kate, is in this census with the family of John's sister Mary at Tanera 91-6.


Tanera 91-14


Murdo Matheson         Head         Unm   44      Crofter & Fisherman
Kenneth   "            Brother      Unm   48         "       "
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 3. Both marked as born on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census these brothers were at Tanera 81-14.


Tanera 91-15


Catherine McKenzie     Head                  70   Fishermans Widow
Mary       "     "     Daur                  26   Fisherman Daughter
Sarah      "     "     Grand Daughter         5
John       "     "     Son                35      Crofter
Maggie     "     "     Wife                  33
                     -- page break --
Barbara McKenzie       GrandDaughter          1
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, pages 3 and 4. Catherine marked as born at Ullapool, Ross, Mary and John at Tanera, Sarah at Polbain, Ross, Maggie and Barbara at Achiltibuie, Ross.

A granddaughter of young Barbara, Mairi Sutherland, shares; "left in 1911 to go to Argentina with her husband John Sutherland to take up life on sheep estancia. She returned in 1922 to Scotland. She was native of Tanera." Barbara married John Alexander Sutherland, a sheep manager at Punta Arenas, Chile, and had five children.

Ancestry DNA testing shows Mairi Sutherland as a fifth to eighth cousin of myself, I think it likely we are sixth cousins, through a MacLean woman and her niece marrying into families at Reiff in the late 18th century.

In the 1881 census Catherine with four of her children was at Tanera 81-16.


Tanera 91-16


Alex McLeod            Head      Married  72      Crofter
Christina  "           Wife         "        60   Crofters wife
Murdo      "           Son          Unm   23      Fisherman
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. The age of Murdo might be "22". Alex marked as born at Ullapiool, Christina at Achiltibuie, Murdo on Isle Tanera, all Ross.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-17.


Tanera 91-17


Margaret McKenzie      Head         Unm      57   Pauper
Maggie      "          Niece         "       27   General servant
James       "          Nephew        "    20      Fisherman
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census Margaret was at Tanera 81-19 with her elderly parents, Maggie and James were in the previous Household at Tanera 81-18 with a sister and their widowed father.


Tanera 91-18


William Matheson       Head      Married  57      Crofter
Isabella               Wife          "       49   Crofters Wife
Dugald                 Son          Unm   25      Fisherman
Sarah                  Daughter      "       16   General servant
Bella                    "                   12   Scholar
Murdo                  Son                 9      Scholar
Mary Campbell      Mother-in-law    Widow    68   Pauper
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. They were all marked as born on Isle Tanera except Mary at "Aultando".

In the 1881 census most of this family was at Tanera 81-15, William was then visitng at Polglass 81-13.

Flora Matheson, sevant to the teacher at Tanera 91-12, is a daughter of this family.


Tanera 91-19


Donald McLean          Head         Widr  76      Crofter
John    "  "           Son          Unm   36      Fisherman
Jessie  "  "           Daughter      "       30   General Servant
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. Donald marked as born at Fodderty, Brahan, the other two on Isle Tanera.

In the 1881 census this family was at Tanera 81-20.

A daughter of Donald, Sarah, is in this census as General Servant to her widowed uncle, Kennth MacLean, at Tanera 91-9.


Tanera 91-20


John McLeod            Head         Widr  65      Fisherman
Annie   "              Daughter     Unm      32   General Servant
Simon McKenzie         Grandson           12      Scholar
Notes on this Household:

This Household appears in Enumeration District 3, page 4. James marked as born at Ullapool, John on Isle Tanera, and Simon at Badinscally.

In the 1881 census these three were at Tanera 81-21.


This file, and others dealing with history and genealogy of Coigach, links from my homepage at:

http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~coigach

Any suggestions for additions or edits please feel free to email me,

Donald MacDonald-Ross, at:

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