Genealogical Record of John Campbell in Nether Bohespic
and of his daughter, Janet Campbell of Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia

One of the few remaining buildings at Nether Bohespic

John Campbell and Janet Robertson in Nether Bohespic had an illegitimate daughter, born 12th July 1770, and named Janet. The Session Minutes record the following for 25th July 1770:

Compared (appeared before a legal court) Janet Robertson in Nether Bohespic and gave up John Campbell in said town as father of a child she had lately brought forth. Compared also said John Campbell and acknowledged himself father to said child. John Robertson and Angus Campbell, their parents in Nether Bohespic gave in their conjunct bill of £20 Scots for their fines and appearances, payable six weeks from date.

The Session Minutes state that this took place at Blair Manse, so it would seem that all parties voluntarily went to the Minister, explained the circumstances of the birth, accepted Church Discipline and guaranteed that the child would be brought up by the families. Janet was baptised by the Minister, the same day. However, John Campbell didn't make Janet a lawful daughter by marrying Janet Robertson. Instead he married Barbara Robertson in Dalno on 26th March 1772.

At this time Nether Bohespic was considered to be a 40 shilling (or 3 merk) land, but was divided into two equal parts. Angus Campbell (John's father) and Donald Robertson the drover had a tack (lease) for one half and paid £3 15s Scots, while the other half was held in tack by John and Donald Robertsons who paid £4 3s 4d Scots. Angus Campbell is first mentioned in the Blair Estate Rental for Nether Bohespic in 1764, but seems to have been a new arrival as there is no record of a Campbell previously farming Nether Bohespic.

John (Janet's father) and Donald Robertsons, likewise, are not mentioned in the Blair Estate Rental for Nether Bohespic before 1764. Prior to this, Robert Robertson had been the sole farmer of this half, with an eleven year tack commencing after 1757 for an annual payment of £4 3s 4d Scots. As the lease still had 4 years to run in 1764 and as they are recorded as John and Donald Robertsons, rather than John Robertson and Donald Robertson, it is tempting to summise that Robert Robertson had died and that the farm was taken over by his two sons. However, There is no firm proof. Robert Robertson appears to have been indifferent to formally baptising his children: an un-named child on 15th September 1728; and Charles on 9th April 1744. A gap of nearly 16 years! Similarly neither John nor Donald have any children baptised. The children of Donald Robertson and his spouse Janet Stewart who were baptised at Over Bohespic and Nether Bohespic are those of Donald Robertson the drover, as shown by the baptismal entry for Christian (8th May 1765).

If John was the son of Robert Robertson and Ann Stewart in Easter Bohespic, then the following may have been his parents' marriage - Robert Robertson in Shierglas, Dull parish and Ann Stewart in Blair Atholl parish, married 16 Feb 1720 (Dull OPR).

In 1778 the Factor noted that Angus Campbell in Nether Bohespic had one son married with children. This would accord with John's marriage to Barbara Robertson and the birth of their children, the eldest being Angus who was named after his paternal grandfather, as was the custom in those days. The last rental paid by Angus Campbell was in 1786, after which an Alexander Campbell (possibly in error for John Campbell?) was living at Nether Bohespic.

John Campbell and Barbara Robertson had four children, and possibly more, but children were not always baptised in the parish church as the Bohespic families were 'living on the fringe' and were either unwilling or unable to pay the fee to have a baptism recorded in the OPR.

-

The Children of John Campbell and Barbara Robertson in Nether Bohespic

(1) The 1851 census for Dalno lists Catherine Campbell, widow, aged 79 years as being the sister-in-law of John Robertson, who was married to Jean Campbell. There is no evidence of when she married, nor her husband's name, and it is assumed that she died before 1855.

-

The way in which John Campbell was forced to leave Nether Bohespic is recorded in a petition to the Duke of Atholl dated 1805, and subsequent notes by the Atholl Estate Factor.

The Petitioner has been a tenant for upwards of forty years. Three years ago the district was open to best offers ⁽¹⁾ and Peter and Alexander Robertson, his neighbours, sent their sons to Blair to get their farms again. The custom was that only one person would offer for the whole farm, and only the name of that farm would be in the rent book, this being old use and practice. Alexander Robertson gave his (Campbell's) farm to another son John, and told him that he would be obliged to give his up as he was to settle his two sons in the whole farm. He told him that he now possessed his farm as it belonged to him. The Petitioner said "They now stretch every move to dispossess him. May it please Your Grace to consider the poor oppressed state of the Petitioner".

(1) In 1801 James Stobie, the Duke of Atholl's factor, wrote "I made a neat division of Bohespike in the hill as well as the arable, forming the whole into regular farms and taken offers from the best of the tenants which amounts to about £260 - £40 more than double the old rent. I kept out from offering every person who had an indifferent character".

John Campbell was not easy to dislodge from Nether Bohespic as shown by two letters to the Factor, Mr Palliser.

He (John Campbell) can't declare his sentiment verbally, owing to his deficiency in the English language. He wants to stay in his house till he can make proper use of his crop. If he must move presently, he will submissively go without any further trouble or damage. He has made every effort to get another place, but has failed. He thought a party was coming to evict him, but he will go peacefully (1805).

John Campbell agrees that it is inexcusable for not removing at Whit(sun) following Mr Palliser's orders, and to prevent further trouble obliges to pay £50. All cattle and furniture shall be removed from Nether Bohespic before 6 o'clock on Tuesday evening, 23rd July (20th July 1805).

After being evicted from Nether Bohespic, it would seem that Janet Robertson allowed the Campbell family to take up residence at Dalno. Janet was the widow of Alexander Robertson who had drowned in the river Tummel leaving her with a young family to bring up. The eldest, John, was only about 15 years old, so the widow needed someone to work the farm for her.

On 7th August 1808 John Campbell married the widow, and the Atholl Estate rental book for that year shows that John Campbell's son Angus had an equal share of the tenancy with John Robertson, each paying £15. Two years later, on 6th May 1810, John Robertson married John Campbell's daughter Jean, making the families doubly inter-related. The shared tenancy was not an easy relationship and led to a bitter dispute over Dalno.

-

Janet Campbell of Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia

John Campbell's illegitimate daughter Janet was brought up at Nether Bohespic and married Donald Robertson in Over Bohespic, 9th February 1793.

Their only child to be formally baptised was Christian, on 5th October 1800, at Over Bohespic. However, when the couple emigrated to Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1801, the passenger list for the 'Sarah' which sailed from Fort William, had amongst the Rannoch emigrants: Donald Robertson, farmer; Janet Robertson, spinster; Peggy Robertson (6y); Janet Robertson (4y); John Robertson (2y).

Another of the Rannoch emigrant families on the 'Sarah' was: James Robertson, farmer; Christian Robertson, spinster; Elizabeth Robertson (6y); Janet Robertson (3y); Duncan Robertson (2y). These probably are James Robertson in Over Bohespic and Christian McGillewie in Gascan of Bohespic, who married 2 Feb 1793 (Blair Atholl OPR). James Robertson and Cirsty McGillavie in Over Bohespic had a lawful son Duncan born 3rd May 1799, baptised 5th May. (There are no other entries). It was not unusual for friends and families to emigrate together. In Murray Point cemetery, near to Barney's River, Pictou, there is a monument erected to "James Robertson, Big Island, (who emigrated) to Nova Scotia in 1801 from Perthshire, died 1829, aged 73 years."

In addition there is a memorial stone in the Hattie cemetery probably relating to more Robertsons on the 'Sarah': Donald Robertson died 1816, aged 35 years; James Robertson died 2 Feb 1858 aged 82 years. Natives of Blair Atholl, Perthshire, Scotland. Emigrated 1801.

The reason why Donald's daughter Christian is not mentioned on the passenger list probably relates to how passenger numbers were calculated. Any person aged 16 or more counted as a full passenger, but the ages of all those who were younger than 16 were added together and divided by 16. So four children aged 8, 5, 2 and 1 would count as a single passenger, and any child less than a year old could be ignored. Christian would have been only 8 months old.

Two-year-old John died on the voyage and was buried at sea. He may have been one of those who died of small-pox before arriving in Pictou. It is worth noting that the next son to be born in Pictou also was named John. So the name must have been important, possibly that of Donald's father in Over Bohespic.

Donald's monument inscription suggests that he was born around 1758-9, and there is a high probability that this is the Donald Robertson who was born at Wester Bohespic (i.e. Over Bohespic) on 1st April 1754. However, and this is not an April Fool's joke, a normal search of the Blair Atholl OPR will not provide the expected entry as it gives his parents as Donald Robertson and Elspeth Stewart. A thorough examination of all the records for the Bohespic area leads to the conclusion that 'Donald' is a clerical error for 'John'. Firstly there is no record of a marriage between a Donald Robertson and an Elspeth Stewart at this time. Secondly there are no other children baptised for such a couple. And thirdly the date of birth fits neatly into the chronology for the rest of the family.

John Robertson in Dalriach of Bohespic and Elspeth Stewart, daughter to Alexander Stewart in Over Bohespic, married 26 Feb 1747 (Blair Atholl OPR). The children of John Robertson (Rotson) and Elspeth Stewart were, with the exception of Duncan, all born at Over Bohespic: Duncan, 14 Feb 1748 at Dalriach of Bohespic; Ann, 6 Jul 1752; Donald, 1 Apr 1754; Janet, 24 Sep 1756; Elspeth, 7 Oct 1759; Alexander, 8 Apr 1762; William, 11 May 1764; and Katharine, 22 Mar 1766.

-

(Generation 1) The Children of Donald Robertson and Janet Campbell in Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia

(1) Although there were thought to be only eight children, and these are accounted for, there is a strong possibility that Janet died and that the Janet who married Adam McKenzie was a later addition to the family. However, there is no definite proof, only circumstantial evidence. Firstly, the 1871 census lists her place of birth as Nova Scotia, not Scotland. Secondly, her age is given as 62 years so she would have been born ~1809. Thirdly, her son Adam John McKenzie was born in 1855, when she would have been fifty-eight.

Initially the family lived at Merigomish, Pictou, but moved to Barney's River in 1817 and to the upper settlement near Avondale in 1819. There is a monument forto Donald Robertson and a separate monument for Janet Campbell in the Kenzieville cemetery which state that they originally came from the parish of Blair Atholl in Scotland.

The monuments to Janet Campbell and her husband Donald Robertson in Kenzieville Cemetery

In memory of Jannet Campbell wife of Donald Robertson, died November 12th 1870, aged 101 year, 1 month, 1 day. The pure in heart shall see God.

Here lies the remains of the late Donald Robertson who departed this life November the 10th 1834 aged 75 years. A native of the parish of Blair Athol, Perthshire, Scotland. He lived and died in the faith and hope of obtaining the crown of glory which Christ hath purchased for his people.

Their son John also has a monument in the same cemetery.

The monument to 'Col' John Robertson in Kenzieville Cemetery

..... remembrance of John Robertson Col. son of the late Donald Robertson and Janet Campbell of Blair Athol, Perthshire, Scotland, born at Merigormish, Pictou Co. Died at Barney's River, 4th August 1882 aged 80 years. And I saw no temple there, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of .....

The name has been carved as a semi-circle with 'Col' in the middle. This seems to fit numerous reports that there was, in Kenzieville cemetery, an explanation of how Donald Robertson was related to Colonel Robertson, but many have assumed that it was Col. Robertson of Struan and this has caused some confusion. The 1881 census records him as a married farmer aged 78 years, with a 50 year old wife, Catherine.

Janet Campbell's monument records that she was 101 years, 1 month and 1 day old when she died, and this is pretty close to her date of birth as recorded in the Blair Atholl OPR. The Paisley Herald and Refrewshire Advertiser was impressed at her longevity and reprinted her obituary on Saturday 31st December 1870, saying that she left eight children, fifty-five grandchildren, fifty-five great grandchildren and four or five great great grandchildren.

She also recollected sitting on her grandfather John Campbell's knee and being told that when he was 21 he had fought at Culloden with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Evidence from this comes from the book 'Prisoners of the '45 ' which mentions that John Campbell from Blair Atholl parish, in the 3rd batallion of the Atholl brigade, was taken prisoner after Culloden but was later discharged. However it is fairly certain that this was her father, not her grandfather. Janet Campbell can be excused a little confusion in her old age, but it is equally possible that she had been brought up to think that John Campbell actually was her grandfather.

In his early years John Campbell was a wild lad, as recorded in the minutes of the Blair Atholl Session.

(25th May 1745) Elspeth McGrigore in Dalnacardoch confessed to be with child, begot in fornication with John Campbell, an unmarried man in Dalnacardoch, servant to Patrick Robertson of Trinafour.

John Campbell could have been a farm servant or working at the Dalnacardoch Inn which was at the branch where the old drove road to Bohespic left General Wade's military road between Perth and Inverness. The inn came into existance in 1732 when the Duke of Atholl contracted Alexander Robertson of Blairfettie to undertake the building of an inn and offices at Dalnacardoch at a cost which was not to exceed 1,000 merks.

(22nd September 1745) John Campbell and Elspeth McGrigore appeared before the Session, the said Elspeth McGrigore having been delivered of her child. John Campbell alleged that the child did not answer his calculation, and suspected that Angus McDonald alias Croyderlich (in Glengarry) and Donald Robertson, son to Alexander Robertson in Kinaldy had indecent behaviour with her. Elspeth McGrigore swore that she had not, and John Campbell agreed to father her child, (which was baptised and named Janet).

John Campbell was back in Dalnacardoch by 21st September 1746, as he paid his fine to the Session, which had been modified to 6s Sterling as he was unable to pay more. However, it was not long before he was back in trouble.

(15th March 1747) It had been reported to the Minister that Elspeth Robertson in Dalinrich, a dumb woman since birth, had brought forth a child begotten in fornication with John Campbell, servant to Patrick Robertson of Trinafour, dwelling at Dalnacardoch. Both appeared before the Session and, by signs being made to her (was she also deaf?), asked to know the father of her child. She pointed to John Campbell but he positively refused that he had ever had any carnal knowledge with her. Despite exhortions, both persisted with their version. By signs, it was confirmed that the circumstances corresponded with the date of birth. Both were questioned in private, but to no avail.

Elspeth Robertson took James Robertson, an Elder of the Session, to a place near Dalnacardoch where she alleged that John Campbell had committed guilt with her, and then signed several circumstances of his forcing her. James Robertson, being asked if the part appeared to be so private as to favour such an attempt, answered that it did, but John Campbell observed that it was only a gunshot from the King's Highway, and that travellers might see them. He also alleged to have heard reports that she had fathered the child upon another, but the witness claimed that he had never said such a thing. The whole matter was referred to the Presbytery of Dunkeld.

The Presbytery of Dunkeld fared no better in the matter, and returned it to the Blair Atholl Session. Eventually the situation was resolved by John Campbell swearing the Oath of Purgation before the congregation, but he could not keep out of trouble.

(29th November 1748) Grissel Tossich (McIntosh) in Dalinrich appeared before the Session, owned herself to be pregnant, and fathered her spurious child upon John Campbell, late servant to John McPherson (the inn-keeper) in Dalnacardoch, and said that they committed guilt summer last.

(12th March 1749) John Campbell, a relapse in Dalchunie, late in Dalnacardoch, appeared before the Session, owned guilt with Grissel Tossich in Dalinrich, was seriously exhorted to repentance, and ordered to appear before the Congregation, which he did the same day.

The Session were not satisified until John Campbell had appeared four times before the congregation as he was a relapse, and paid their combined fines of £12 Scots. After this he seems to have settled down, until his final dalliance with Janet Robertson in Nether Bohespic.

-

(Generation 2) The Children of Robert Johnston and Margaret Robertson at lower Barney's River, Nova Scotia

John Johnston and Margaret Grant are buried at Murray Point cemetery, Pictou.

-

(Generation 3) The Children of John Johnston and Margaret Grant at lower Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Robert Johnston and Mary Ellen MacKay at lower Barney's River, Nova Scotia

According to her death certificate, Jeanette Christine was born in the USA in 1882.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Peter Johnston and Rachel Cunningham at Rockport, Mass.

According to his marriage certificate, there appears to be another son, Edgar Oakley Johnston who was born at Joggins Mine, New Brunswick. He married Agnes Jean Barton (widow?), maiden name Williamson on 8th March 1950, but gave his age as only 34 years! Father given as Peter Johnston, born Thorburn.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Peter Isaac Hooper and Catherine Hughina Johnston in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

-

Janet married Adam McKenzie, the son of William McKenzie and Catherine Sutherland of Barney's River.

(Generation 2) The Children of Adam McKenzie, farmer and merchant, and Janet Robertson at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Donald R. McKenzie, farmer, and Catherine E. Robertson at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Adam John McKenzie, and Esther Ann Thompson at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

In 1960 Alexander James Bannerman, with the assistance of his sister Mrs. Elspeth Bannerman Kennedy of New Glasgow, entitled 'The Family Tree of the descendants of Lt. Col. Alexander Robertson of Struan, Scotland', in which he compiled a list of the descendants of Donald Robertson and Janet Campbell, who were his great-grandparents. Unfortunately this source of family history, although rich in names, contains few dates, as shown below.

Obituary in the 'Morning Chronicle, Halifax, N.S., 20 Dec 1880, p3' - "Death at Livingstone Cove, Cape George, Antigonish Co., on the 8th inst., in the 90th year of his age, Duncan Livingstone. The deceased was born in the year 1791, onboard the emigrant ship 'Ann', off the coast of Ireland, on a voyage from Scotland to America".

(Generation 2) The Children of Duncan Livingston(e), and Christian Robertson at Livingstone Cove, Antigonish, Nova Scotia

-

In 'A History of the County of Antigonish' by Duncan Joseph Rankin, 1929, it is claimed that Duncan Livingstone married Janet Livingstone and had four children: John (unmarried); Henry (unmarried); Mary (unmarried); and Janet.

However, when his father Duncan Livingstone died in 1880, he left a final will and testament dated July 1846. His two sons, Duncan Livingston and John Livingston were bequeathed, as tenants in common, his lot of one hundred and sixty acres on the north side of Cape George bounded to the north by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to the east by Robert Hunter's property, to the west by Allan Livingston's property and to the south by that belonging to Donald McDougall. In addition they were given all of the buildings, livestock, crops, debts and personal property. In return they were instructed to support and provide suitable education for their four younger brother, Malcolm, Donald, Alexander and Colin. The boys were to work on the farm until they came of age, after which they would receive £10 in merchantable produce at cash price, so that they could do for themselves. There is no mention of his wife nor any of his daughters.

The 1881 census shows the following family of Duncan Livingstone living next to his brother John Livingstone's family as stipulated in their father's will.

(Generation 3) The Children of Duncan Livingston(e) and Annie Margaret Livingstone at Cape George, Antigonish

Duncan Livingstone and his wife have a memorial stone in the Cape George Presbyterian cemetery.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Daniel McNutt and Christina Livingston(e) at Mount Thom, Pictou, N.S.

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Allan Cumming and Janet Livingston(e) at Upper South River, Antigonish

The following information concerning the Cumming family comes from the 1871 census, but the family then disappears.

-

(Generation 3) The Children of John Livingston(e) and Ann (Rachel) Taylor at Livingstone Cove, Nova Scotia

The following information concerning the Livingstone families comes from 'A History of the County of Antigonish' by Duncan Joseph Rankin, 1929, but has not been checked.

In 'A History of the County of Antigonish' there is no mention of John's daughter Christina.

The Mary who married Mr Condon the light-keeper is the same person as Louisa, possibly using a middle name. The 1882 marriage certificate gives Louisa's parents as John and Rachel Livingstone. Her husband was William Condon, son of David Condon, the first light-keeper at Cape George. The couple had three daughters but only one, Josephine b 12 Dec 1887, survived. In 1889 William Condon resigned his post giving his reason as the recent death of his wife. Josephine was left in the care of Louisa's cousins, Duncan and Annie M. Livingstone, while William went to the Klondyke as a prospector.

Sophia, Sarah and Charlotte are not mentioned. Charlotte, aged 4, appears in the 1881 census but in the 1891 census she is given as 'Bertie' which possibly is an abbreviation for a middle name of Alberta.

John's daughter Margaret is recorded as having married Mr Hannigan, and there is a marriage in 1900 between Mary Agnes Livingstone, daughter of John and Rachel Livingstone, and Daniel Hannigan.

Lastly 'A History of the County of Antigonish' mentions John's daughter Janet who married James Gordon. The 1891 census shows that James Gordon was a farm labourer for one of the Livingstone families and the 1901 census shows him as a married farmer. His wife's name may have been mis-read as 'Jessie' (Janet), but the census lists her as 'Soppie' (surname, and no given name), despite being the wife of James Gordon. From her age it would seem that this is Sophie Livingstone.

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Jairus Harding Hull and Mary Livingstone at Gloucester, Mass., USA

The following information concerning the Hull family comes from 'Guysborough, Sketches and Essays' by Dr Cranton, who also wrote that Mary Livingstone was the sister of the wife of Jairus's brother.

-

'Col' John Robertson's first wife was Christy McKenzie, the daughter of William McKenzie and Catherine Sutherland. After she died he married Catherine Grant, the daughter of Peter and Catherine Grant of Barney's River (27 Jul 1874). Witnesses: John Johnstone (nephew) and James D. Murray (nephew). Catherine Grant may have been John Johnstone's sister-in-law.

(Generation 2) The Children of Colonel John Robertson and Christian McKenzie at Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia

-

Daniel C. Robertson, land surveyor of Barney's River

Daniel C. Robertson was unmarried and when he died he left his possession to the rest of his family who are named in his will:

In the name of God, Amen

I, Daniel C. Robertson, land surveyor of Barney's River in the County of Pictou and Province of Nova Scotia, this twenty-ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy five.

Knowing the uncertainty of time, and being of a sound mind, do make this my last will and testament.

I give my body to the dust and my soul to God who gave it.

I give and bequeath to my father John Robertson one coat.
I give and bequeath to my brother William M. Robertson one shilling.
I give and bequeath to my brother John J. Robertson one shilling.
I give and bequeath to my brother Rev H. A. Robertson one shilling.
I give and bequeath to my brother Adam F. Robertson my cooking stove and the little red trunk.
I give and bequeath to my brother Duncan N. Robertson my riding wagon, truck, cart, Franklin stove and my clothes.
I give and bequeath to my sister Janet C. Robertson my cow, one sheep, all my bed clothes and house furniture, dishes and the like.
I give and bequeath to my sister Catherine A. Robertson my gold shirt buttons.

My brother Duncan N. to have my surveying compass and all my instruments and pay the government debts of which I give him a memorandum and have charge of my watch.

I hereby nominate and appoint my brother Duncan Neil Robertson and Alexander Fraser Downe as executors of this my last will and testament, and I hereby authorise them to dispose of my lot of land (blank) acres situated at the Big Gut between New Glasgow and Pictou Landing, formerly known as the Thompson Carmichael farm. Also two small lots at or near Mabou Bridge, Cape Breton. And out of the proceeds thereof to pay my just debts which I owe to Dr Fraser, Adam McKenzie Esq., James Fraser Downe and sons, Hugh Cameron, merchant, William F. McKenzie and a man by the name of McAbe at Sunfield, and another Ronald Lamb on East River who worked with me a full day at government work. And Daniel McDiarmid, John J. Robertson of Barney's River, who worked a full day also, to be paid first after that of Dr Fraser, and the rest as their names come on the above. After that any other who may have a just account against me.

My gold watch to be given to my brother Adam F. Robertson if he settles my account with Angus Murray, if not, the watch to be sold to pay Angus Murray's account.

The riding sleigh and buffalo robe to be given to Daniel Chisholm, New Glasgow, or pay him for it.

What ever balance may be over and above paying my debts to be given to my brother Duncan N. Robertson.

I sign and seal this my last will and testament in presence of John Robertson, Catherine A. Robertson (signatures)

-

John James Robertson married Mary Ann Lafford, the daughter of George William Lafford and Jane McLeod.

(Generation 3) The Children of John James Robertson and Mary Ann Lafford at Arichat, Richmond Co., Cape Breton, NS

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Henry James Lafford Dorey and Jane Christina Robertson at Arichat, Richmond Co., Nova Scotia.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Everett Mahlon Wilcox and Sophia Margaret Ann Robertson at Springfield, Mass.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Charles Andrew Chapin and Charlotte Ellen Robertson at Springfield, Mass.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of William Daniel Hugh Cline Robertson and Bertha Eugenia Nora Chapin at Arichat, N.S.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of John 'Jack' Latimer and Mary Rosina Robertson at New Glasgow.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Frank C. Eldridge and Ora Mable Robertson in Springfield, Mass.

-

Rev. Hugh Angus Robertson and Christina McNeill Dawson in Erromanga, Vanuata

Erromanga, where five missionaries were murdered, two of them devoured by the cannibals, is now a Christian Island. Rev. H. A. Robertson and his wife were appointed to Erromanga, the Martyr Isle, where their efforts have been crowned with abundant success. Mr. Robertson was born at Barney's River, Pictou, in 1841. When a young man, he entered the employ of R. McKenzie, Pictou. His health not being good, and having a desire to see these beautiful isles for himself, he took passage to the South Pacific in the Dayspring, 1863. When in Melbourne, Australia. he was appointed agent for the New Hebrides Cotton Co., of Glasgow. His work was to buy the material from the natives and ship it to Scotland. Though accepting the situation for only six months, he remained over four years. He was familiar with the missionaries and deeply interested in their work. In 1868 while still on Aneityum, the Church of Scotland, at home, invited him to be their first missionary. He accepted the invitation and returned to Nova Scotia where he took a course of training in Theology and Medicine.

In 1871 he was ordained as a foreign missionary by the Kirk Presbytery of Halifax, as their second missionary, Rev. Mr. Goodwill being the first. On the sixth of September he married Christina McNeill, daughter of John Dawson, Little Harbor, Pictou. They sailed from Halifax, October 24, and landed at Aneityum, May 1, 1872. He died May, 1914, en route home on a furlough.

(Generation 3) The Children of Rev. Hugh Angus Robertson and Christina McNeill Dawson in Erromanga, Vanuata

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Duncan Neil Robertson and Annie Cecilia Chapman at Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of David Murphy, blacksmith, and Catherine Robertson at Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 2) The Children of Alexander Robertson and Janet Elizabeth Ross at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

(1) In the 1881 census Alexander Neil Robertson, farmer, and his wife Rebecca were living with his brother Daniel. There is also an entry for a John Douglas, aged 12 years, who may have been a farm servant. They adopted A.W. Dewar, born 7 Nov 1878.

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Daniel A. Robertson and Margaret Helen Irving at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of John James Robertson and Elizabeth McDearmid at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Hector Grant and Ellen Annie Robertson at Marshy Hope, Pictou, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Robert Bannerman and Margaret Robertson at Pleasant Valley, Pictou, Nova Scotia

All of these children are mentioned in Robert Bannerman's will.

-

(Generation 3) The Children of John Dewar and Janet Robertson at French River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of Robert Gordon and Helen (Ellen) Robertson at Barney's River, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 3) The Children of (John) Stewart Murray and Mary Sibella Robertson in Ferndale, Washington State, USA

-

(Generation 2) The Children of John Grant and Catherine Robertson in Little Harbour, Pictou, Nova Scotia

-

(Generation 2) The Children of Hugh McDermond (McDearmid) and Jane Robertson at Barney's River, Pictou, Nova Scotia