Walking with Ghosts..........

a website for the descendants of Angus and Nancy McCutchen MacLeod~~

Genealogical Information - John II of Rigg and son Alexander of Raasay and Donald of Galtrigal:

This page has been created as a Companion Page to the FTDNA L165/S68 Project; the information has been extracted from various internet sources , emails from the individuals who are members of the ACMS MacLeod Surname Project, and/or the FTDNA L165/S68 Project.

Y-STR (67) haplotype mutation rate

A new mutation can happen at any time but a 67 marker haplotype using the .002 historical rate indicates it can typically survive unchanged since the generation of the prior mutation event for a bit more than seven generations (approximately 210 years). Random matches will be minimal, if any.

Mutation rates vary among the paternal lines.

Kerchner Surname Project the 67 marker average haplotype mutation rate for the seven people YDNA67 marker tested is .0043. The 67 Kerchner haplotype on average can typically survive unchanged about 3.5 generations (approximately 105 years). Random matches unlikely.

There are ten generations between each of these kits to the man that is believed to have been their MRCA with 8 mutations between them at the highest level at which both men have tested. Which of the men experienced the mutation at DYS 389 (markers 10 and 12) is not clear; since the earliest days of the ACMS Project, a 50/50 split has been seen between these two combinations. Three of the missed markers are at what are considered fast moving ones (in red row two). (potential relationship = 6th Cousins 2 generations removed)

Green signifies that the allele/value is that of the L165/S68 sub clade and pre-dates the birth of the Founder by perhaps more than 1000 years, while blue signifies that the allele is unique to the MacLeods/Cluster Two.

FTDNA writes: "A 58/67 or 59/67 match between two men who share the same surname (or a variant) means it is possible but unlikely that they share a common ancestor within the genealogical time frame. If you test additional individuals you may find the person whose DNA results falls in-between the persons that are 8 or 9 apart demonstrating relatedness within this family cluster or haplotype."

"It is most likely that they did not match 24-25/25 or 35-37/37 in previous Y-DNA tests."

"If several or many generations have passed, it is possible that they are related through other family members. The only way to confirm or deny the relationship is to test additional family lines and find where the mutation took place. By testing additional family members, you may find the person in between. This 'in betweener' is essential. Without him only the distant possibility of a match exists. "

The HMH (Hypothetical Modal Haplotype) of the MacLeods serves as the in-betweener for these two men; as seen in the tables below, both men are genetically related to the HMH. Testing of additional cousins would shed more light on the mutations seen. Any one of the mutations could actually be ancestral to the branch. In this case, the man carrying the Modal allele (value) of the HMH could have experienced a back mutation/correction since the last shared ancestor. Only with the testing of known cousins can this be determined - with this testing, we can learn the generation in which any mutation took place.

McGee YUtility: FTDNA Mutation Rates, 95% probability, 30 year generations

Genealogy

It is currently believed that John II of Rigg was the most recent common ancestor of these two men based upon the marriage record of Ann MacLeod, granddaughter of Donald of Galtrigal and Murdoch MacLeod VIII of Trumpan; this record states that Ann was the daughter of Alexander, son of Donald, son of John of Raasay.

The TMRCA table just above shows that using the MacLeod HMH as the "in-betweener", 95% of the time, a common ancestor for the two men would be found between the years 1345 and 1495 (1945 avg birth year of participants - 450 years etc). The testing of other known cousins of each man could determine the generation in which mutations took place allowing us to refine the TMRCA.

Malcolm 9th of Lewes MACLEOD born Bef. 1452 died Abt. 1528

The MacLeods of Raasay are descended from Malcolm MacLeod IX of Lewis who about 1510 gave his second son, known as Calum Garbh (Malcolm the Stout) as his patrimony the islands of Raasay and Ronal as well as the districts of Coigeach and Gairloch on the western mainland of Ross. The first MacLeod of Raasay (Mac Gillechaluim) was.....

Malcolm Garbh 1st of Raasay MACLEOD born Abt. 1500 died abt 1560 was married and had at least two sons "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 39.

John of the Axe - younger than Alexander 2nd - carried off his aunt who was married to Roderick MacLeod XI of Lewis. His sons were killed in the 1568 massacre in the island of Islay but his daughter married Alexander Roy MacKenzie I of Gairloch. He married as his second wife, a daughter of Allan MacLeod of the Gailoch MacLeods

Alexander 2nd of Raasay MACLEOD born bef. 1560 died abt 1565; all of his son but Malcolm were killed in the 1568 massacre in the island of Islay - "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 39/40

Malcolm 3rd of Raasay MACLEOD - youngest son - born bef. 1568 died abt 1605(1610 Morrison); fostered by Malcolm MacNeil in 1568 and so survived his brothers. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 40/41

John - born before September 1592 when he accompanied his father on raids against the Earl of Caithness and Alexander Bayne of Tullock; he is believed to have died in one of those raids.

Murdoch - traditionally reported to have been an illegitimate son; born about 1580 - The MacLeods of Marishadder descend from him.

Malcolm Og 4th of Raasay believed to have died in the fight at Clachan Bay in August 1611 (believed to have resigned the lands to Kenneth MacKenzie of Kintail cr. 1609). "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 42

Alexander 5th of Raasay MACLEOD born bef 1611 and died abt 1643 - became chief by November 5th 1611 according to a letter by the King which addressed him but was not served heir until February 15 1617. . "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 42

Alexander 6th of Raasay - died before, or early in 1648 - married to Sibella MacKenzie of Applescross - he was succeeded by his second brother. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), pages 43-45

John Garbh 7th of Raasay - born around 1600 - served heir to his father on 22 September 1658 - drowned in the Minch in April of 1671 married to Janet, daughter of Sir Rory Mor/Dunvegan - no issue. John Garbh was succeeded by his brother, Alexander who was 7th. Their sisters Giles and Janet became heirs to their father in 1688 but in 1692 resigned their rights as "heirs of line" in favor of their second cousin. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), pages 45-46

Note: MacKenzie wrote that he was succeeded by his cousin Alexander, yet the Mary MacLeod, the bardess, was his contempory and composed an elegy to him which stated that he was succeeded by his brother ; the Rev. James Fraser wrote that this brother's name was Alexander.........

Alexander 8th of Raasay - According to at least two different sources, this Alexander succeeded his brother as the 7th or 8th of Raasay from 1671 to 1688 when his sisters were served heir to their father's estate. Nothing further is known, however he must not have had sons since after his death, the representation passed to the Rigg Branch of this family. ""The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), pages 43 / Clan Magazine, Vol II, No. 17, 1952, page 77 provided by Gordon J. MacLeod

Malcolm - drowned in the Minch with John Garbh - it is not know if he married- "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 43

Janet - served heir to their father in 1688 (married Duncan MacRae of Inverinate - of the sivler goblets) - In 1692, she resigned her rights as "heir of line" to a second cousin, Alexander, of Rigg. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 43-45

Giles - served heir to their father in 1688 In 1692, she resigned her rights as "heir of line" to a second cousin, Alexander, of Rigg. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 43-45

Representation of Raasay passes to the Rigg branch - see John II of Rigg and his son Alexander.

John MacLeod 1st of Rigg born bef. 1605 died bef. 1692

Murdoch, became the "Tutor of Raasay" later of the "Glen" - (see Alexander below) and became the progenitor of the MacLeods of Glen(Glenmore) in Portree. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 109 - His daughter Mary was married to Summerled MacDonald, fourth son of Sir James Mor MacDonald of Sleate. Their son, Hugh MacDonald, was stepfather to Flora MacDonald of the '45.Clan Magazine, Vol II, No. 17, 1952, page 77 provided by Gordon J. MacLeod

John II of Rigg MacLeod born abt. 1622 died bef 1692

1. Ancestor of Kit 37392 Alexander VIII (or IX Morrison) of Raasay MacLeod b. abt 1650 (1680 - 1688) married to Catherine, daughter of Sir Norman MacLeod of Berneray, Harris - - A minor whose father had already died when his cousins Janet and Giles resigned their "heir of line" to him, he was Tutored by his uncle Murdoch see above. "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), pages 46/47

1. Malcolm IX(X Morrison) of Raasay b. bef 1688 ( 1688 - 1761) married first in December 1713 Mary MacKenzie of Applecross and second to Janet MacLeod of Osgaig on 10 May 1748. He died in August of 1761.

Murdoch, born about 1714 a doctor, from whom descend the MacLeods of Eyre

Norman, born about 1714 an officer in the service of the States General in Holland

Janet born about 1714 who married in 1743 as her first huband Iain Dubh, John MacKinnon of MacKinnon, who was "out" in the '45 and. along with Donald of Galtrigal, aided in the Prince's escape. She then married John MacLeod of Colbecks.

Alexander born about 1748

Rev. Malcolm MacLeod, minister of Snizort born about 1748

 

John X(XI Morrison) of Raasay b. abt 1714 (Chief from 1761 - 1786) b. 1714 married Jane MacQueen of Totaroam in Trotternish

James XI of Raasay ( 1786 - 1833)

Francis Hector George

Loudoun Hector XIV of Rasaay (1880 - 1934)

2. John MacLeod On page 47, he is listed as the second son of Alexander VIII of Raasay AND as the father of "Captain Malcolm MacLeod, who joined Prince Charles in 1745 and took part in his escape. Yet, on page 119 of the same book, Captain Malcolm MacLeod is shown as the son of John III of Rigg. Malcolm was said to have been born cr. 1711 and therefore could have been the son of either this John (son of Malcolm IX of Raasay) or the son of John III of Rigg.

"The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 47 -

2. John III of Rigg "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 119

i) Norman MacLeod, IV of Rigg died 1752 - married to Julia MacLeod, said to be of the Raasay MacLeods; his son John V of Rigg immigrated to North Carolina where Norman became Lieutenant's Commissioner in the Highland Army - made a prisoner at Widow Moore's Creek Bridge released 30 November 1780. John returned to Skye and married Janet MacDonald of Dunskellor in North Uist. A second son of John III of Rigg, called Norman was also captured at Moores Creek and held until 1780 at which point he returned to Skye and became Tacksman of Camustianavaig in Portree.

ii) Captain Malcolm MacLeod b. cr 1711 died after 1773. According to "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 119, a Captain Malcolm MacLeod was "nephew" to Murdoch of Brae.... but on page 47, this man was the son of John MacLeod, who was second son of Alexander VIII of Raasay - see above.

Whichever line of descent Captain Malcolm followed, it is written that he was arrested and taken aboard the Furnace and taken to Tilbury Fort in London where he arrived on 1 November 1746. He was liberated by the Act of Indemnity in 1747 and travelled to Scotland with Flora MacDonald. He eventually became the Tacksman of Brae and entertained Dr. Johnson and James Boswell in 1773.

He was married to Catherine, the daughter of Angus MacQueen of Totaroam. He is believed to have had a son named Norman who immigrated to Prince Edward Island but his descendants can not now be traced according to page 119.

3. Murdoch Tacksman of Brae, Raasay "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 109

Gave shelter to Malcolm ( see just above) after he (Malcolm) had helped in the Prince's escape. In Carolina with his son, Dr. Murdoch in 1776.

i) Murdoch Apothecary of Cross Creek MacLeod (married first to Flora MacLeod, sister of Alexander of St. Kilda and second to Mary MacLean of Kilpheadair b. abt 1742 d. Aft. 1784 "The MacLeods The Genealogy of a Clan Section Four The MacLeods of Lewis with several Septs including The MacLeods of Raasay, EDITED BY Major L.H.D. MacLeod, R.M. (ret'd), (T.R. Macleod, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia), page 109/110

Surgeon in the Highland Army and taken prisoner at Moore's Creek Bridge. After his release, he served in Nova Scotia as surgeon to the Royal Emigrant Regiment. In October 1779, his wife returned to Scotland in the company of Lord Dunmore and Flora MacDonald. He returned to Britain in 1784 and settled at Kilpheadair in North Uist.

"Exhibited in the Dunvegan Castle are the Spectacles of Donald MacLeod of Galtrigal, the Prince's boatman, and the Amen Glass which was given to Donald MacLeod by the Prince, inscribed with the words 'To my faithful Palinurus' alluding to the boatman who conducts people across the Loch." Julia MacLeod of Brae married Norman MacLeod II of Ebost; their granddaughter Peggy (born in London in 1899 daughter of Murdoch (Physician/of Ebost) gave the spectacles to Chief John in 1956.

4. Ancestor of Kit 150848 Donald MacLeod born abt 1678 died Aug 09, 1749 believed to have been married to Catherine MacDonald, daughter of John V of Glenaladale and NicAngus MacDonald of Balinavich

Source a) Murdoch MacLeod VIII of Trumpan married Anne MacLeod, daughter of Alexander, son of Donald, son of John MacLeod of Raasay. They had issue. THE MACLEODS -- THE GENEALOGY OF A CLAN, Alick Morrison, Section V, "Appendix: The MacLeods of Trumpan and Millivaig", Edinburgh, The Associated Clan MacLeod Societies, 1976, p. 1

Source b) Roderick of Trumpan, Son of John Bann of Trumpan, grandson of Murdoch VII of Trumpan, A SKETCH OF RODERICK MACLEOD'S FAMILY, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF 1893, "My father's relations on the women's side were as follows. My father's mother was Anne MacLeod of the family of Raasay, near related to John Garbh Mac illa Chalum, who was drowned on his passage to the Island of Lewis to fight the MacKenzies who had joined with the Government of the day in taking Lewis from the MacLeod. Her father, Alexander MacLeod was the first to take the mills to Skye to grind corn, they were generally called the millers and the miller's children for generations. "

1. Ancestor of Kit 150848 Alexander "The Miller" MacLeod of Galtrigal born about 1715 in Galtrigal Skye Ancestor of Kit 150848

i) William b: c 1750 Skye;

a.Donald b: c 1785 Galtrigill, Skye;

i. Norman b: 1820 Galtrigill , Skye;

a) Murdoch (known as Murchadh Muillear) b:1858 Waternish, Skye;

i) Alexander (known as Alasdair Muillear-the son of the miller) b:1900 Glendale, Skye;

a. living

i. living

ii) Ann MacLeod b. Abt. 1760 d. unknown married Murdoch III of Trumpan

Roderick of Trumpan, Son of John Bann of Trumpan, grandson of Ann and Murdoch VII of Trumpan, A SKETCH OF RODERICK MACLEOD'S FAMILY, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF 1893, "My father's relations on the women's side were as follows. My father's mother was Anne MacLeod of the family of Raasay, near related to John Garbh Mac illa Chalum, who was drowned on his passage to the Island of Lewis to fight the MacKenzies who had joined with the Government of the day in taking Lewis from the MacLeod. Her father, Alexander MacLeod was the first to take the mills to Skye to grind corn, they were generally called the millers and the miller's children for generations. " Ancestry of Kit 30098 - Representing the Harris Branch of MacLeod

Murdoch MacLeod VIII of Trumpan married Anne MacLeod, daughter of Alexander, son of Donald, son of John MacLeod of Raasay. They had issue. THE MACLEODS -- THE GENEALOGY OF A CLAN, Alick Morrison, Section V, "Appendix: The MacLeods of Trumpan and Millivaig", Edinburgh, The Associated Clan MacLeod Societies, 1976, p. 1

2. Murdoch MacLeod born abt 1731;

"Despite the clan chief's lack of enthusiasm, many individual clansmen either joined the prince's army or helped in other ways. Two of them were the 68-year-old Donald Macleod of Galtrigill and his son Murdoch, who was only 15 and at school in Inverness. The news of the approaching Hanoverian army stirred young Murdoch's blood and he "got himself provided in a clay-more, dirk and pistol, he ran off from the school and took his chance in the field of Culloden Battle." From the Highlander - March/April 2010 by Steve Lord

"A strong, eight-oared boat was obtained and a crew found. Murdoch MacLeod, who had escaped from Culloden, took one of the oars and, despite Donald's misgivings regarding the weather, the party set out to sea in the early evening of April 26. Accompanying Prince Charles were Captain Felix O'Neil, Captain Allan MacDonald and John William O'Sullivan, one of the "Seven Men of Moidart," who arrived from France with Prince Charles at the beginning of the campaign." Donald Macleod of the '45: The Prince's Helmsman - Walkingshaw Help

"What became of Murdoch we do not know, but Donald MacLeod was captured on Benbecula on July 5 and was brought before General John Campbell of Mamore on board HMS Furnace." " Donald Macleod of the '45: The Prince's Helmsman - Walkingshaw Help From the Highlander - March/April 2010 by Steve Lord

It is believed that this Donald was the same Donald as the one known "The Faithful Palinurus" or "The Faithful Pilot". There is also some evidence, mostly circumstantial that Norman Mor MacLeod, Heriditary Galley Maker at Dunvegan, Colbost was also a son of Donald of Galtrigal. Read more

Supporting Evidence:

1. Items gifted to Dunvegan (CMM 1956 souvenir edition), by a family descended from John of II of Rigg - this family were descendant's of Murdoch of Brae, son of John II of Rigg and of the Raasay Branch of MacLeod."Exhibited in the Dunvegan Castle are the Spectacles of Donald MacLeod of Galtrigal, the Prince's boatman, and the Amen Glass which was given to Donald MacLeod by the Prince, inscribed with the words 'To my faithful Palinurus' alluding to the boatman who conducts people across the Loch." Julia MacLeod of Brae married Norman MacLeod II of Ebost; their granddaughter Peggy (born in London in 1899 daughter of Murdoch (Physician/of Ebost) gave the spectacles to Chief John in 1956. (Note: I do not know how the "Amen Glass" was donated to Dunvegan)

2, The obituary of Christine MacLeod, daughter of Isabella, daughter of Marion MacLeod Beaton, daughter of Donald MacLeod (Mary Shaw), son of William MacLeod (Betsy Beaton), son of Alexander the Miller, states that she was a descendant of Donald of Galtrigal

3. Roderick of Trumpan, Son of John Bann of Trumpan, grandson of Murdoch VII of Trumpan and grandson of Ann MacLeod, the Miller's Daughter, A SKETCH OF RODERICK MACLEOD'S FAMILY, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF 1893, "My father's relations on the women's side were as follows. My father's mother was Anne MacLeod of the family of Raasay, near related to John Garbh Mac illa Chalum, who was drowned on his passage to the Island of Lewis to fight the MacKenzies who had joined with the Government of the day in taking Lewis from the MacLeod. Her father, Alexander MacLeod was the first to take the mills to Skye to grind corn, they were generally called the millers and the miller's children for generations. "

One genealogist who doubts this evidence wrote: The document also says that "Alexander took the mills to Skye to grind the corn". That strongly suggests that Alexander (and therefore his father) moved to Skye from elsewhere. He would not have done so, if his father had already been on Skye - as clearly Donald of Galtrigall was. Therefore, I do not see how Alexander's father could have been Donald of Galtrigall".

Another researcher writes the following: Page 73 in The Book of Dunvegan... “between 1732 and 1735 Mills were constructed at Dunvegan, Roag, Bracadale, Miniginish, Waternish and also at Harris and Glenelg” · Prior to these “new mills” people ground the corn with hand mills or querns etc. Being the “first to take the mills to Skye” does not mean he {Alexander the Miller} wasn’t already from Skye... it might just mean he was the first (amongst others) to take the mills to Skye {Dunvegan}

Alexander the Miller was born about 1700 - 1715 then he would have been in his 30s when the Mills were bought to / constructed in Skye. (So prior to 1732 Skye folk either ground the corn themselves sent it away by boat with people like “the Pilot” to say INVERNESS to be ground?) Donald of Galtrigal: Circa 1745-49 Donald was a well to do farmer (who likely grew corn) at Galtrigal and paid rent direct to his chief Macleod. Donald could afford to send his youngest son Murdoch to Grammar School in Inverness with his cousins (Macleods of Dunvegan / Raasay ..and MacDonalds). Therefore it is reasonable to believe Donald also educated his other sons in like manner.

Alexander the Miller was educated and capable of the idea of sourcing the plans for the new water powered mills, taking the plans back to Skye and implementing the construction of same using family skilled “Joiners” or “Galley Makers” for chief Macleod of Dunvegan! This Could lead to a history of Estate Joiners (This is in reference to a belief that Norman Mor, Estate Joiner of Colbost, was also a son of Donald of Galtrigal - see here).

Research Book of Dunvegan: Book of Dunvegan: records collated 1685 to 1708 showing how many farms on each Barony (a total of 114 farms in all) Estates Owned by Macleod of Dunvegan 1708 – to 1902 We now have some facts about when the Mills first came to Skye. Back to finding documented evidence (Contracts, Estate records, Testaments etc) about Donald of Galtrigal, his marriage and his children.

More about DONALD of Galtrigal and Catherine MacDonald of Glenaladale

"Almost all historical references to Donald MacLeod of Galtrigil have one common source, " The Lyon in Mourning" , a collection of speeches, letters, Journals etc. relative to the affairs of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. It is one of the best contemporary records of the Jacobite rising of 1745-46. This collection was compiled between 1746 and 1775 by Reverend Robert Forbes AM (1708-1775 )....

Catherine MacDonald, wife of Donald of Galtrigal, was the daughter of John V MacDonald of Glenaladale and NicAngus MacDonald (daughter of Angus Og MacDonald 1 of Balinavich - later Milton )

UNCLE OF CATHERINE: Ranald Macdonald 11 of Milton (the father of "the Flora Macdonald"). (Hugh MacDonald, grandson of Malcolm IX of Raasay, became Flora's stepfather- Known as Armadale; planned the Prince's escape)

BROTHER OF CATHERINE: Angus MacDonald of Borrodale - leased Borrodale House. It was at Borrodale Bay that Charles Edward Stuart, 'Bonnie Prince Charlie', first set foot on the Scottish mainland on 25 July 1745 . Borrodale House served as his headquarters and his living accommodation whilst he was canvassing the support of local clansmen. It was from here that that the Prince left for Moidart and the Raising of the Standard at Glenfinnan on 19 August 1745. A year later the Prince, fleeing from the forces of King George, returned briefly to Borrodale. Lady Catriona MacDonald of Borrodale gave him one of her plaids. This garment was subsequently divided into pieces as mementos of the Stuart cause, one such piece now displayed in the Highland Museum in Fort William. Prince Charles embarked from a bay on the loch, some two miles east of Borrodale on a ship bound for France.

NEPHEW OF CATHERINE: Major Alexander Macdonald V11 of Glenaladale. Alexander was among the first to espouse the cause of Prince Charles, and it was on his estate at Glenfinnan that the royal standard of the House of Stuart was unfurled. He played a conspicuous part in all the engagements of the Highland Army, and held the rank of Major in the Clanranald Regiment . After the disaster at Culloden, when the Prince found his way to the West Coast, Glenaladale acted as the faithful guide and companion of Charles. On the return of the Prince from Uist, he continued under the protection of Glenaladale and his friends until he embarked for France. The Prince was entertained at Glenaladale's house on several occasions. Glenaladale, who did not follow Charles to France, succeeded in eluding the pursuit of the emissaries of the Government until finally the Indemnity Act set him free. writings of Noni Brown

"In April 1746, Prince Charles Edward Stuart was desperate. He was on the run after the disaster of Culloden when one of the heroes of the '45, Donald MacLeod of Galtrigill, came to his rescue. Galtrigill is a tiny crafting township, a place not far from Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, seat of the head of the MacLeod clan.... The Skye MacLeods did not "come out" for the prince in the 1745 Rising..... MacLeod {of Dunvegan} ....as soon as {he} heard of the Young Pretender's arrival in Scotland, he informed the government. ..... Despite the clan chief's lack of enthusiasm, many individual clansmen either joined the prince's army or helped in other ways. Two of them were the 68-year-old Donald Macleod of Galtrigill and his son Murdoch, who was only 15 and at school in Inverness. The news of the approaching Hanoverian army stirred young Murdoch's blood and he "got himself provided in a clay-more, dirk and pistol, he ran off from the school and took his chance in the field of Culloden Battle." From the Highlander - March/April 2010 by Steve Lord

Donald was a member of the Glengarry regiment - the Raasay MacLeods fought as part of this regiment at Falkirk and Culloden (The History of the Rebellion by John Home pg 249 fIRST PUBLISHED IN 1802)

In early April 1746, the Prince's Banker, Aeneas Macdonald, brother of Kinlochmoidart, was sent by the Prince to Barra to recover and transport to Inverness about 380 pounds in gold, which had been landed on the island in the previous December. (NB) For his companion and pilot Aeneas Macdonald chose Donald, and a week or two before the Battle of Culloden the two set out on their dangerous mission across a sea "swarming with sloops of war, boats and yawls full of militia". ( Source: The Prince's Pilot. A Record of Loyalty and Devotion by Evan Macleod Barron, Inverness: Robt. Carruthers & Sons 1913 - Microfilmed by University of Toronto Library) (NB)

"Donald was a competent seaman and also well connected to important Jacobites, including MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart. He had recently been asked to pilot Kinlochmoidart's brother Aeneas to Barra, where a consignment of gold had been landed from France. On their return, a messenger was sent asking Donald to meet the prince at Borrodale. The two men met in a wood a few days after the defeat at Culloden. "You see Donald," said the Prince, "I am in distress. I therefore throw myself into your bosom, and let you do with me what you like. I hear you are an honest man and fit to be trusted." It is difficult to believe, but it seems that Prince Charles had it in his head to sail to Skye and make contact with MacLeod and Sleat. He asked Donald to take a message to them, "for I still think those gentlemen, notwithstanding what they have done, will have humanity and honour enough to give their protection to the wretched, whose crime is only bad luck and misfortune.'?

"For the prince to consider such a crazy plan is indicative of his utter desperation. MacLeod was clearly flabbergasted at the idea and refused the mission. "0, Sir," said Donald, "I would do anything for you except this. Your Highness knows they have played the rogue already, and you must not trust them again; for at this very time they are in search for you with their forces." Charles was eventually convinced. He changed his plans and now hoped to be piloted by MacLeod "safely through the islands, where I may look for more safety than I can do here. A strong, eight-oared boat was obtained and a crew found. Murdoch MacLeod, who had escaped from Culloden, took one of the oars and, despite Donald's misgivings regarding the weather, the party set out to sea in the early evening of April 26. Accompanying Prince Charles were Captain Felix O'Neil, Captain Allan MacDonald and John William O'Sullivan, one of the "Seven Men of Moidart," who arrived from France with Prince Charles at the beginning of the campaign."

"On May 1, Donald MacLeod took Campbell's boat and began the journey to Stornoway, leaving the Prince and others behind on Scalpay. By May 4, the prince received the message that Donald had made successful preparations and so set off with his companions to sail to Harris and then walk to Stornoway. A message was sent to MacLeod when they were within a couple of miles of Stornoway to which Donald immediately responded, conducting the prince's party to the house of Mrs. MacKenzie of Kildun, where they were received with proper Highland hospitality." From the Highlander - March/April 2010 by Steve Lord

"Donald, for sixty days, through constant peril, held the life and fortunes of the royal fugitive within his keeping, and for his loyalty spent eight months, with the elder Clanranald and others, in the fever-stricken hold of a rotting hulk off Tilbury, on a daily ration of one-half pound of raw oatmeal which they mixed with water in a bottle. Most of them died there, but Donald, in spite of his three score and ten lived to see once more the hills of Skye" (Source: The Glenaladale Pioneers) (NB)

"On June 21, he {Prince Charles} paid off his boatmen with a shilling a day, and parted company from Donald MacLeod and Colonel O'Sullivan. What became of Murdoch we do not know, but Donald MacLeod was captured on Benbecula on July 5 and was brought before General John Campbell of Mamore on board HMS Furnace. When MacLeod admitted his association with the prince, the general asked if he knew of the reward offered for Charles and commented that the money, "no less a sum than 30,000 pounds sterling, which would have made you and all your children after you happy for ever."? Donald's reply is illustrative of the Highland importance of offering hospitality to others, and the loyalty on which the prince was often able to rely: "What then? Thirty thousand pounds! Though I had gottent I could not have enjoyed it eight and forty hours. Conscience would have gotten up upon me. That money could not have kept it down. And tho' I could have gotten all England and Scotland for my pains I would not allowed a hair of his body to be touch'd if! could help it.'"

"MacLeod was eventually taken to London, and by August was confined aboard a prison ship moored at Tilbury. Conditions aboard were dreadful. The men "lay for months in a most deplorable state of misery, their cloaths wearing so off them that many at last had not a single rag to cover their nakedness with .... Donald MacLeod said he had reason to think that no less than 400 men died on board three ships opposite to Tilbury Fort among which were 60 or 70 Grants of Glenmoriston."" Donald was transferred in April or May 1747 to the much easier environment of a London Messenger's House from which he was finally released on June 10. Once released, "The Prince's Pilot," as MacLeod had become known, soon found himself among friends, including John Walkingshaw, a Scottish Jacobite sympathiser who resided in London. Walkingshaw presented him with an inscribed silver snuff box with an engraving of the eight-oared boat and its occupants on the lid. On the base of the box were the words "DONALD MACLEOD OF GUALTERGILL in the Isle of Sky, THE FAITHFUL PALINURUS** aet [age] 68, 1746."

"MacLeod remained in London for two months where he became something of a celebrity in Jacobite circles. Sometime about the end of July Donald left London to return to Scotland. He was penniless but, owing to the good offices of John Walkingshaw, found himself on August 17 in the house of James MacDonald in Leith. Funds were raised for him and at last on October 23 Donald set out to be reunited with his wife and family at Galtrigill on Skye."

MacLeod lived for another two years but in July 1749 Robert Forbes (of Lyon in Mourning fame) received a report that Donald had died and duly placed an epitaph to the man in the Caledonian Mercury. This appears to have been a false alarm as in early September another message arrived with the news that Donald was alive and well. However, on September 18 another letter arrived stating that "poor Donald is dead about ten days ago.?"

The epitaph reads: "Some time last month died at Gualtergill, in the Isle of Skye, aged 72, DONALD MACLEOD, of late so well known to the world by the name of the FAITHFUL PALINURUS. In the decline of his life he gave a strong proof how much he despised the gilded dust, that idol of the times. o had I Virgil's or great Homer's pen, L' d sing the praises of the wondrous man. Firm as a rock he stood the shocks offate And bravely scorn'd to be a tool of State." From the Highlander - March/April 2010 by Steve Lord

Letter 21 October 1747 to Lord Arbuthnott from Rev Robert Forbes

My Lord, Your lordship may be justly surprized at me having been honoured with yours of September 8th 1747, without making any return to it before this time. But to tell the truth, as I had a view of this bearer, I delayed writing till I could do it with a good grace. And sure I am I could never do it with a better one than at present, when I gladly embrace the opportunity of affording your lordship the happiness to salute one of the first men in the world . I know, my Lord, you feel a sensible pleasure beyond many in the world in conversing with worthies, men of rigid virtue and integrity, and such indeed this man is. Know then, my Lord, that this will be put into your hands by the renowned SCOTS PALINURUS, Donald MacLeod, tenant at Gaultergill , in the Isle of Sky, that most faithfull and honest steersman of the eight-oar'd boat from the continent to the Isles of Benbicula, South Uist, Lewis, etc, etc, etc, and who had the Prince among his hands for about ten weeks after the battle of Culloden.

While a prisoner on board a ship he went through an uninterrupted series of the greatest hardships and severities for several months together. In a word, he was reduced to the lowest ebb of misery, and had the mortification of seeing others dying about him like rotten sheep. But his gray hairs (by a remarkable blessing of Heaven) have survived the trials of adversity, while many younger and in appearance much stronger, submitted to the fate of a lingering death. Although his history be most extraordinary in all the several instances of it , yet, my Lord, when he arrived here from London, he had not wherewith to bear his charges to Sky, where he has a wife and children (under the Laird of Macleod) whom he has now been absent from for nineteen or twenty months .

Something has been done for him in and about Edinburgh, but far from what his merit justly entitles him to, and what his circumstances really call for , So many and frequent are the demands that have been made, that I must frankly own I was turned quite bankrupt in applications before I had the honour of your Lordship's letter; so that it was altogether out of my power, though my inclination was great, to make anything for poor William Baird, whose affecting history and character were no strangers to me.

Take a view, my Lord, of this truly noble (though poor) worthy in this single point - that he had the courage and integrity of heart to despise the tempting bait of thirty thousand pounds sterling , and not only so, but that in spite of the' infirmities attending the hoary head he struggled through as great dangers and difficulties of life for the preservation of etc, as it is in the power of the most fertile fancy to paint; and then I leave it to your lordship to draw the immortal character of this amiable instance of heroic virtue.

I dare venture to say that no man of bowels can hear honest Donald's interesting story without a mixture of joy and pain, and even without shedding tears. Well do I know all the several parts of it, and the more I think upon it, to the greater height is my admiration raised of the wondrous good man . He has a large silver snuff-box which serves as an excellent medal of his history , to which I refer your lordship after asking your forgiveness for this too long letter. But while I would fain flatter myself with the hopes I am giving you pleasure, I indulge a self-satisfaction, for I could dwell upon the subject.

I shall be glad to know when this reaches your lordship's hands, for I will be sorry if it should happen to be of an old date before it is delivered. That God Almighty may bless and reward your lordship with all happiness both here and hereafter, for the many seasonable instances of compassion and relief you have shewn to the necessitous and deserving, is the hearty and earnest prayer of, My Lord, Your lordship's very much obliged and most humble servant.

Rev. ROBERT FORBES. Citadel of Leith, October 21st 1747.

The Jacobite Relics

Although the Chief at the time of the '45 did not support Bonnie Prince Charlie, many of his Clan did do so. Visible from the castle on the other side of the Loch is Galtrigal, the home of the Prince's pilot, Donald MacLeod of Galtrigal, the man who brought the Prince 'Over the sea to Skye' from Uist during the time when the Prince was a fugitive. At the time the Chief was one of the people searching to apprehend the Prince.

Flora MacDonald, the Jacobite heroine, was in the boat with the Prince, and equally being hunted by the MacLeod Chief. By one of those quirks of fate, some twenty or thirty years later, her daughter had married the Tutor to the young Chief of MacLeod, and was living in the Castle. The mother, on one of her return visits from America where she had emigrated, is believed to have stayed for two or three years in the Castle and left her personal Jacobite relics to her daughter. Thus you will see in the castle still today her Stays, her Pin-Cushion with the names of those who suffered in the '45, a Lock of the Prince's Hair, a list of her children, and a small portrait of herself copied by the wife of the 24th Chief.

Exhibited in the castle are also the Spectacles of Donald MacLeod of Galtrigal, the Prince's boatman, and the Amen Glass which was given to Donald MacLeod by the Prince, inscribed with the words 'To my faithful Palinurus' alluding to the boatman who conducts people across the Loch. Another interesting object with a fanciful engraving of the Prince is the tooth of a sperm whale which can also be seen in the castle today.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH CAN BE DONE USING:

Page 248 THE CELTIC MAGAZINE. Xo. XIX. MAY 1877. Vol. II. THE LAST SCENES OF FLORA MACDOXALD'S LIFE, WITH A VARIETY OF COLLATERAL INCIDENTS. By the Rev. Alex. Macgregor,M.A. http://www.archive.org/details/celticmagazinemo00macg

The Lyon in Mourning" ,by Reverend Robert Forbes AM (1708-1775 )

The Prince's Pilot. A Record of Loyalty and Devotion by Evan Macleod Barron, Inverness: Robt. Carruthers & Sons 1913 - Microfilmed by University of Toronto Library) (National Library of Scotland Acc. 12321

The Papers of Major Neil MacLeod Vol 3.

"“Millers of Raasay” by Rebecca MacKay of the Raasay Heritage Trust

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