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

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

Genealogical Information - Norman Mor, Hereditary Estate Joiner/Galley Maker at Colbost (for Dunvegan)

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.

FTDNA writes: 111-6 - Probably Related - A 105/111 match indicates a more distant genealogical relationship. Over half of matches will be 9th cousins or closer, and most matches at this level are related as or more recently than 14th cousins. If there is a tradition of a recent genealogical relationship, the best way to confirm it is to test additional family lines. By testing additional family lines you can find the person in between who is a closer match to each of the others tested.This 'in betweener' is essential for you to find as their match proves the connection between the more distant matches.

The HMH (Hypothetical Modal Haplotype) of the MacLeods serves as the in-betweener for these two men. 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.

Genealogy

Research information provided by Alistair MacLeod, Gordon MacLeod, Neil MacLeod and Noni Brown - as much detail as is available has been provided in order to help other YDNA participants to determine if there is a point at which they may connect with this family. There are marriage connections between this family and the MacLeods of Trumpan, MacLeods of Talisker, and Donald MacLeod of Raasay/Galtrigal among others. Links are provided where ever possible to aid in further research. If you can provide additional information, please email.

Norman Mor MacLeod - Heriditary Joiner at Colbost for Dunvegan

8 generations to YDNA Participant 36748 / 7 generations to YDNA Participant 193751

Potential relationship is 5th cousins 1 generation removed - At 111 markers tested, they are a distance of 6. Over half of those who share a surname and a point of ancestral origin will be found to be 9th Cousins or closer. YDNA has proven that there is a relationship, but not the nature of the relationship.

Family legend is that Norman fought at Culloden with a battleaxe for the Prince as part of the Raasay Branch! The family is supposed to be of the Clann Alaisdhair Ruaaidh, the same branch which the poetess Mairi Ni'n Alastair Ruaidh, that branch which descended from William the Cleric. The eldest sons reportedly held the land of Colbost rent free as the hereditary galley makers to the Dunvegan MacLeods but no evidence has been found in the Castle Muniments.

Although the relationship between these two YDNA participants is not yet "proven" there is evidence that the relationship exists:

1) NORMAN MOR was Galley Maker/ Joiner to Norman the Red Man 22nd Chief of Harris/Dunvegan; this hereditary position continued in 36748's family for generations until about 1850 when it passed to a member of 193751's family.

2) Independent written family histories (Campbell, Ross, MacLeod) shared the same names beginning with a Norman Mor; one tree was dated 1839 stating that Malcolm MacLeod was the son of Norman Mor MacLeod and that descendants were "Estate Joiners at Dunvegan".

There is some belief that Norman Mor MacLeod was a son of Donald of Galtrigal - The Faithful Pilot; however the only evidence to date is circumstantial (a Kilt Pin reported to be that which was given to Donald by the Bonnie Prince has been passed down in one of the Australian Branches of this family). It is my understanding that Donald of Galtrigal was added to most of these written histories recently - apparently because of the circumstantial evidence contained in the heirloom held by 193751's family AND then through a maternal relationship in which a descendant of Alexander the Miller married a descendent of Malcolm and Christie MacLeod's. Research into this possible relationship is ongoing.

1) Ancestry of 36748 Murdo MacLeod - Joiner of Colbost b. Abt. 1780; He is reported to have been "galley-maker" for the MacLeod Chiefs - almost certainly a joiner at least - he was married to Marion MacLeod on Duart (MacLean Stronghold) in about 1833. She was born about 1771 and died between 1841 and 1851 in Husabost ( she was found in the home of her son Norman in 1841, but was not found in 1851).

Colbost (Scottish Gaelic: Cealabost) is a scattered hamlet on the B884 road, in the Glendale estate, overlooking Loch Dunvegan on the Scottish island of Skye.

i) Ewen who moved to Newcastle
ii) Allan who immigrated to Australia
iii) Alexander who immigrated to Australia

iv) Norman MacLeod - Joiner of Colbost b. Apr 1802. He was known in his early years as "Taramoid Mac Mhurchiadhe" and in later years as Tormod Dall or blind Norman. He was married to Catherine MacSwan or MacSween who was born about 1812 and died about 1895 presumably at Husabost. (Husabost, near the mouth of Dunvegan Loch lies 3 miles from Galtrigal.) He was a very well known character for his prominence in the turbulent religious affairs of that era. He gave evidence at the Napier commission of 1883 that his family were "removed" from Colbost" in 1841.

a) Ancestry of 36748 Alexander MacLeod born 1835 died 1932 Left Skye and became a master draper of Edinburgh. He was married to Elizabeth Balls.

1. Fred T. MacLeod born 1872 and died March 1961 He was the author of various MacLeod and Skye subject books including "MaCrimmons of Skye" and Eilean a'Cheo". He was married to Anna Jane Prince. Prominent in Clan MacLeod Society around 1906 when he helped to reconstitute it.

i. Norman MacLeod born 1908 in Edinburgh and died 1977

b) Christina 1829-1849
c) Kenneth 1840 - 1901
d) Marion 1851 - 1863
e) Murdo 1851-1932
f) Roderick 1845 - 1929
g) Margaret 1847-1921

2) Ancestry of Kit 193751 Malcolm MacLeod b abt. 1760 in Scotland died Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland married to Christie MacMillan b. about 1760 died Aft. 1796 Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland The family lived at Monkstadt which was the estate of Maj. Alexander MacDonald. Alexander was the son of Rev. Hugh (of Portree) MacDonald and Elizabeth (of Balconie) MacDonald. The of Monkstadt was inherited from Mary Macleod MacDonald who was 2nd wife of Sir James Mor MacDonald of Sleat.

Monkstadt House

Kilmuir (Scottish Gaelic: Cille Mhoire) is a village on the west coast of the Trotternish peninsula in the north of the island of Skye. It is in the Scottish council area of Highland and is the only place in Scotland (apart from the Western Isles) where Scottish Gaelic is spoken by over 50% of the population.Flora MacDonald who assisted Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape from Scotland after his defeat at Culloden, is buried in the cemetery here. Kilmuir, an area of Dunvegan, on Skye

i) Angus Donald MacLeod b. abt. 1790 Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland (Family Tree of Norma Beard cr. 1990 - not yet proven)
ii) John MacLeod b. abt 1791 Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland (Family Tree of Norma Beard cr. 1990 - not yet proven)

iii) Norman MacLeod b. 1791 Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland d. unknown Bolevean(?) married to Janet MacNeil, of the Talisker Branch of MacLeod.

a) Christina MacLeod b. abt 1807 d. April 30, 1886 married to Neil Ross b. abt. 17987 d. September 9, 1862 (parents of Dr. Neil Ross, grandparents of Helen Ross)

b) Margaret "Peggy" MacLeod b. abt 1821 married William Campbell of Bolevean Croft

1. Norman Campbell married Mary McLeod daughter of Norman of Galtrigal, son of Donald of Galtrigal, son of William of Galtrigal, son of Alexander the Miller of Galtrigal, believed to be the son of Donald of Galtrigal, the Faithful Pilot. Mary's nephew, Murdo John MacLeod (son of her brother, Murdoch) was fostered with her. He inherited Bolevean Croft.

c) Angus Dubh MacLeod b. abt. 1811 was Sheriff's officer at Bolevean -

1. Kenneth MacLeod - Estate Joiner at Dunvegan

i) Dugald MacLeod - Estate Joiner at Dunvegan -

2. John
3. Ann
4. Norman
5. Donald
6. Marion

d) Donald b. abt 1817 - Estate Joiner at Colbost - It is believed that after the grandchildren of Norman Mor (see 36748 above) were cleared from Colbost in 1841, the position was hereditarily passed to this Donald. He immigrated to America (date not given) and the position was passed to his nephew Kenneth (see above, son of Angus Dubh) and then to Kenneth's son Dugald. The 1939 Tree does not list Donald - it shows "Kenneth & others" under the children of Angus - Sheriff at Bolevean.

iv) William MacLeod 1794 Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland d. 1874 Linicro (across from Monkstadt), Kilmuir, Scotland (1874 Death certificate parents: Malcolm Macleod (deceased) & Christy MacMillan (deceased) ) married to Marion "Sarah" MacQueen (daughter of Angus MacQueen (perhaps related to the MacDonald Tacksman Rev. Angus MacQueen) and Flora MacDonald (1860 Death certificate parents: Angus MacQueen, Farmer (deceased) and Flora MacDonald (deceased). At least one of William and Marion's children immigrated to Australia in the 1850's. Contact Noni Brown for additonal information on this branch of the family.

v) Ancestry of Kit 193751 Donald MacLeod b. 1799 Kilmuir, Trotternish, Scotland d. 1851 Timonee, NSW Australia married to Mary MacDonald - daughter of Norman MacDonald and Margaret Buchannon (Emigrated to Australia in 1837 per "Midlothian")

The 1939 Family Tree does not show William as a son of Malcolm, however sibling relationship between Donald and William of Monkstadt is confirmed by a letter written by William to his widowed sister in law (Ann MacDonald MacLeod) in Australia. No male in William's line has yet stepped forward for YDNA testing. A token Kilt or scarf pin given to Donald of Galtrigal or his son Murdoch, by the Prince, is currently held by a member of this family, descendent of Donald McLeod of Kilmuir (brother of William) who immigrated to Australia in 1837 on the Midlothian. As the pin is held by the family, the supposition is that the Donald McLeod of Monkstadt, Kilmuir and his family are descendents of Donald MacLeod of Galtrigal.

Recent research has not revealed any verifible connection between this family and that of Donald; the only evidence is the kilt pin (see Norman a) below). Donald of Galtrigal had much to do with the MacDonalds during the years surrounding Culloden, it is therefore possible that the pin was handed down through this family's connection to the MacDonalds and not through a paternal relationship to Donald of Galtrigal. There is however, a maternal relationship to Alexander the Miller who is believed to be the son of Donald of Galtrigal.

a) Norman MacLeod b. 1821 d. 1892 married in 1845 to Christina Campbell - descendants of this family have the Kilt Pin reported to have been given to Donald of Galtrigal by Prince Charles. Note that it is quite possible that the inheritance came through mother Mary MacDonald.

b) Ancestry of Kit 193751 Angus MacLeod b. 1823 d. 1901 at Dunvegan, Moondrook, Austrailia married in 1855 to Janet Wallace
c) Donald MacLeod b. 1827 married in 1860 to Margaret MacLennan at Manning River, Australia
d) John MacLeod b. 1829 married 1868 to Catherine Ramsey at Manning River, Australia
e) Christina MacLeod b. 1831 married in 1855 to Archibald Cameron
f) Twin of Christina b. 1831
g) Malcolm b. before 1837 - died on board ship
h) Alexander b. before 1837 - died on board ship

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