SCT-ISLEOFMULL-L Archives

Archiver > SCT-ISLEOFMULL > 2001-02 > 0981683246


From: "Margaret Kipp" <>
Subject: Re: Alison Graham's Jenet McPhail & Co.
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 20:47:26 -0500
References: <001601c0916d$91d51ea0$cedcd4d4@toshiba>


I couldn't resist responding to the reference to McPhails in the Ross of
Mull. I understand that my great grandfather, John McPhail, was born in
1848 in the Ross of Mull, in Kilchoan and or Kilfinichan. If any of this
does not make sense, it is because I am still struggling with the parishes
and place names. His parents were Donald McPhail and Ann McColl, who
emigrated to Canada about 1885. Donald was born June 7, 1811 in Kilmore.

John, who married Helen McPhee in Oban on January 6, 1876, seems to have
led an interesting life. He and two brothers remained in the UK while the
other five or so siblings went to Canada with their parents. In 1878, I
understand that he was gamekeeper at Ardura. He was also ploughman to the
Rev. Campbell at Bunnessan. We understand also that he was in the police at
Lochgilphead. In 1881 he was the innkeeper at Ulva when it burned down. He
was in an army regiment at some point. I visited Ulva last August and got
the pamphlet which mentions both 1881 and 1885 as dates for the fire. My
grandmother was two when this happened. He took over the croft at Kilvaree
near Connel Ferry when his parents went to Canada about 1885. He died on
December 3, 1921 at Kilvaree. His wife Helen is understood to be the
granddaughter of Ewan McPhee, mentioned in Prebble's book, and in McIan's
book as a sort of "outlaw".

He had eight children, three of whom emigrated to Canada early in the
1900's, while the other five stayed in the UK. My grandmother stayed in
Scotland, and had four children. My mother emigrated to Canada in 1946.

If anyone can fill in any blanks I would appreciate it.

Margaret

This thread: