The Moon families in Walter Gald's Croft

James Stobie's map of Perthshire, 1783, Walter Gald's Croft was just north of Old Blair village

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The Moons had lived in Walter Gald's Croft since the mid-1600s. In 1665, a George Moon (b ~1620) was paying £20 Scots in annual rent and in 1679 the same payment was being made by Duncan Moon (b ~1650), presumably his son and the father of the subsequent George Moon (b ~1675). The Atholl Estate records also mention an unidentified half-merk land named as 'Innershorsa' which was leased to Duncan Moon who was paying the minister's stipend for it from 1705 until 1710. By 1715 the stipend was being paid by George Moon, presumably his son. The 'Inner' or 'Inver' part of the name denotes the 'mouth of a river or stream', so the Innerhorsa probably was a strip of East Mains land where the river Tilt enters the river Garry. This is supported by the payment in 1714 of £4 Scots to George Moon and Robert Stewart, late possessors, for the value of the land taken off their farms by the construction of the tree-lined avenue beside the Hercules Park.

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(Generation 2) The Children of George Moon and Janet Mackglashan in Walter Gald's Croft

In 1724 George Moon and Janet Mackglashan had 11 year tacks (leases) for Walter Gald's Croft and the Minister's Croft (Croft-an-taggart) and paid 100 merks. Walter Gald's Croft was adjacent to Toldamph and the Minister's Croft was just north of St. Brides. Walter Gald's Croft probably was a 1 merk land (roughly 25 acres) as, at Whitsunday 1733 they had obtained a life-rent for half of Walter Gald's Croft and the 40 pence land of Toldamph, with its brew-seat (i.e. they were making beer and probably distilling whisky). By 1735 the annual rent was 52½ merks, 2 firlots of (oat)meal and 2 firlots of bere (barley), plus 10 loads of peats.

On 4th December 1736 there was an execution of poinding and arrestment at the instance (insistance) of John Robertson of Lude against George Moon in Walter Gald's Croft for non-payment of a bill. (National Records of Scotland, ref 132/263)

George must have died by 1742 as Janet Mackglashan was in discussion with the Duke's Factor concerning the life-rent tack held in favour of herself and the deceased George Moon, her husband. She seems to have moved to Blairuachdar where her son George was a tenant and, soon afterwards, Walter Gald's Croft was merged with Toldamph and the farm was enclosed.

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(Generation 2) The Children of George Moon and Janet Mackglashan in Walter Gald's Croft

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Hugh Whytack and Janet Moon in Blair

In 1725 Hugh Whytack had a tack (lease) for 8 acres in East Mains of Blair, between the River Tilt and Bruar burn.

(Generation 3) The Children of Hugh Whytack and Janet Moon in East Mains of Blair

The Kirk Session Minutes for 4th December 1748 contain the following:

Marjory Whittack in Blair was suspected of being pregnant, and was summoned.

(1st January 1749) Marjory Whittack was summoned but did not appear.

(15th January 1749) Marjory Whittack appeared, owned herself pregnant, and fathered her child (James) upon Robert Herring, a bombardier in His Majesty's train of artillary in Perth, and that they committed guilt between 1st and 15th of May last. (This is odd as the parish baptismal register records the father as James Walker, merchant in Perth, 7th February 1749).

(19th March 1749) The Minister presented a line from Mr Black, minister of Perth, in answer to his letter anent Marjory Whittack, wherein he wrote the Kirk Session of Perth's consent, desiring the said Marjory Whittack to satisfy Church Discipline and pay her penalty for use of the poor of Blair parish where she resided.

(9th April 1749) Marjory Whittack was summoned but did not appear.

(18th June 1749) Marjory Whittack in Blairuachdar was ordered to appear before the Congregation.

(23rd July 1749) Marjory Whittack in Blairuachdar was ordered to appear before the Congregation for her guilt with Robert Herring a soldier in His Majesty's train of artillary, lying that year at Perth.

(30th July 1749) Marjory Whittack in Blair appeared before the Congregation for the first time, and was rebuked.

(19th November 1749) Marjory Whittack in Nether Drumnacrich appeared before the Congregation a second time, was rebuked and discharged. Her uncle, George Moon in Blairuachdar, as cautioner paid her fine of £5 Scots.

The Kirk Session Minutes for 20th October 1751 contain a further allegation:

Marjory Whytack in Blair was reported to be with child, was summoned and denied being with child.

(3rd November 1751) The Session ordered George Ritchie to acquaint Marjory Whytack in Blair that if she continued to refuse to give up the father of her child, they would get a commission for her imprisonment.

(24th November 1751) Marjory Whytack in Blair was ordered to appear before the Session, Sabbath next.

(1st December 1751) Marjory Whytack appeared before the Session and confessed guilt and gave up John Wilson, gardener in Atholl House, as father of her child. One of the Elders was to discourse with John Wilson about her accusation.

(15th December 1751) The Session agreed to meet on the following Tuesday in order to confront John Wilson and Marjory Whytack about her fathering her child upon him.

(22nd December 1751) Marjory Whytack in Blair and John Wilson, gardener in Atholl House appeared before the Session. He denied her accusation, while she persisted that she had none to father her child upon, but him, and he had carnal dealing with her only the once in the garden the third day of June last. He owned that he threw her down on the grass that day but his conscience checked him, proceeding no further. The said Marjory Whytack alleged that Mrs Mackglashan and Mrs Stewart in Blair had heard him own that he had ado with her. The Session agreed to meet some day the following week to discourse with the said women concerning the allegation (The use of 'Mrs' suggests that the two women probably were the wife of Patrick McGlashan the inn-keeper in Blair, and the Minister's wife, both highly respected).

(2nd February 1752) John Wilson, gardener in Atholl House and Marjory Whytack, late in Blair, was ordered to appear before the Session, come 14 days, at Blair, in order to enquire more seriously her reasons for fathering the child upon John Wilson, of which she was delivered some weeks ago. The Minister gave a groat to an Officer for arresting in George Moon in Blairuachdar's hands, whatever he owed Marjory Whytack.

(26th April 1752) Marjory Whytack was summoned by the Session again.

(10th May 1752) Marjory Whytack was summoned but did not appear. She was summoned again in order to make a clear discourse of the parent of her child, brought forth by her lately, whom she fathered upon John Wilson, gardener in Atholl House.

(17th May 1752) Marjory Whytack in Balinuarain appeared before the Session, together with John Wilson, gardener in Atholl House. She persisted in her accusation which he denied, and said that he was willing to give his oath that he never had any carnal dealing with her. The Session sent some of their members to discourse with Mrs Mackglashan and Mrs Stewart anent the said allegations, and reported that said women never heard John Wilson own her or express such words. The case was referred to the Presbytery of Dunkeld to take their advice.

The child was baptised as Hugh Wilson, 10th January 1752.

The Testament of William Brand, confirmed at Dunkeld, the sixteenth day of October 1759, shows that May (Marjory) Whittoch was living in Kilmaveonaig and was owing him 4s 8d Scots for lint seed. So, presumably, she had a small plot of land where she was growing flax and was a linen weaver.

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Duncan Moon and Janet Robertson in Teanafearn

There are only two births associated with Teanafearn and the location of a settlement with this name is not shown on any map. Duncan Moon and Janet Robertson only had the one child, who was born there, but the parents of the other child, John Stewart, alias Allan, and Janet McKenzie had five other children. The first two children were born at Riechappel in Glen Banvie, the third at Teanafearn and the fourth child at Riechlachrie which is in Glen Bruar, a few miles to the west of Riechappel. This suggests that the third child was born in the same general area. The estate map for Riechappel shows two small separate pieces of ground with a head dyke built right across the hillside from the Allt Feith nam Fearna to the Allt an t-Seapail, suggesting that all of the hillside down to the Banvie was being farmed. Although the main buildings are situated beside the Allt an t-Seapail, there are a couple of buildings, an enclosure and a surrounding dyke beside the Allt Feith nam Fearna. It is highly likely that this small settlement was called Tigh na Fearna (Teanafearn).

George Moon, the son of Duncan Moon and Janet Robertson was born at Teanafearn, 7th March 1738 and, mostly likely was named after his paternal grandfather. The tenants of Riechappel at this date were George Moon and Margaret Stewart, so it would seem that Duncan Moon was living on a small part of his younger brother's land. In 1759 the Kirk Session described him as "late in Blairuachdar", indicating that he had moved to Blairuachdar with his mother, Janet Mackglashan, and that he was dead by that date. Evidence suggests that his son George moved south to Perth, possibly with his Duncan's widow.

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(Generation 3) The Children of Duncan Moon and Janet Robertson in Teanafearn

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Janet Moon in Blairuachdar

There is no record of a baptism for Janet Moon, and her existence is known only from an entry in the Blair Atholl Kirk Session minutes, dated 30th July 1759, which states that a testificate (character reference) was given to Janet Moon, daughter to Duncan Moon late in Blairuachdar, who left the parish in 1752. If she was about 18 years old she would have been born around 1734 and there are only two Duncan Moons living in the parish at this time. One was married to Janet McCra and living in Glengirnaig and has no known connection with Blairuachdar. However, as previously mentioned, Janet Mackglashan the mother of Duncan Moon in Teanafearn moved to Blairuachdar after the death of her husband

It was not unusual for young women to go to the 'Low Country' seeking employment and then return to the parish. It is supposed that this was the same Janet Moon who was living at Inverslanie, probably as a servant, in 1763 when she married John McDonald in Balnauld. It is assumed that this refers to Balnauld of Blairuachdar as it was close to Inverslanie.

Blair Atholl OPR, 10th February 1763
John McDonald in Balnauld and Janet Moon in Inverslanie, married.

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George Moon and Katharine Stewart in Perth

Perth OPR, 7th May 1776
Perth. May the seventh day 1776, contracted:

George Moon, labourer in this parish, and Katharine Stewart, daughter of William Stewart, shoemaker in Braetown?, parish of Apendore?, both in this parish - Elder Alexander Bisset. The above parties were regularly proclaimed and married, May the 21st day, by Mr Moodie, Minister at Perth.

The couple had three children, the eldest boy being named after his paternal grandfather and the second son after his maternal grandfather.

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(Generation 4) The Children of George Moon and Katharine Stewart in Perth

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Donald Moon and Katharine Stewart in Upper Pitdornie

Two pieces of information suggest that Donald Moon in Pitdornie was the son of George Moon and Janet Mackglashan. Firstly he named his son George, after his father, which was the tradition, and secondly he laterly was a joint tenant with his brother George. His marriage to Katharine Stewart in the Moulin OPR indicates that he had become a tenant in Pitdornie before he married. It is most likely that his sister Cecil was keeping house for him as he was unmarried.

Pitdornie was on the south side of the river Garry nearly opposite Aldclune and was part of Moulin parish, although the farms on either side were in Blair Atholl parish. This was most fortunate as the Blair Atholl marriages, if ever they were recorded for the early 1730s, no longer exist. Although the marriage entry merely states that Donald and Katharine were 'both of this parish', the birth of their children links them to the Strathgarry area and specifically to Pitdornie.

Moulin OPR, 24th May 1733
Donald Moon and Katharine Stewart, both in this parish, being legally contracted, booked and proclaimed and no objection offered, were married 24th May.

Blair Atholl OPR, 5th December 1738
(no name) to Donald Moon and Katharine (no surname) in Strathgarry was baptised.

Moulin OPR, 23rd February 1741
George, son to Donald Moon and Katharine Stewart in Upper Pitdornie was baptised. William McTavish and Donald Stewart, witnesses.

Donald and his family moved to the 1 merk land of Ardkincael by 1754 which he shared equally with his brother George, who had been living at Blairuachdar. Initially, the two brothers did not have a tack (lease) and Donald Moon left by 1757, leaving George Moon as the principal tenant.

(Generation 3) The Children of Donald Moon and Katharine Stewart in Upper Pitdornie

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George Moon and Margaret Stewart in Riechappel

There is no record of the marriage of George Moon to Margaret Stewart as marriage records for Blair Atholl parish do not exist prior to 1743, but baptisms were recorded from 1718 and there is an OPR entry stating that George Moon in Riechappel and Margaret Stewart his wife had a son, Duncan, born 28th November 1736, and they continued to live there until about 1748.

The Blair Atholl Session minutes for 14th July 1745 relate that George Moon in (Rie)chappel gave in a bill for part of Isabel McCaula's (McColl or McCool?) legacy, and described George as the son of Janet Mackglashan in Blairuachdar.

Perhaps it is not surprising to find that by 1751 George Moon was leasing both Riechappel and the twenty pence land of Blairuachdar. The annual rent for Riechappel was £30 Scots and 30 loads of peat, while the rent for Blairuachdar was £10 Scots, 5 poultry, 15 loads of peat, 1 boll and 1 firlot of meall (oats) and the same quantity of bear (barley). One 'load' of peat was probably a creel of peat carried on a man's back. The 'boll' was a variable measure of volume, and for oats it was about 211 litres, and a firlot, or fourth lot, was a quarter of a boll.

George Moon seems to have been using both properties as his son Henry was born at Riechappel, 20th November 1748, yet was described in the Kirk Session minutes as being 'in Blairuachdar' when he gave the interest due on his bill to Neill Stewart in Calvine on 26th April 1747. He was also 'in Blairuachdar' when he acted as cautioner for his niece, Marjory Whittack, and paid her bill to the Kirk Session on 4th December 1748.

George Moon's daughter Christian was born at Blairuachdar on 7th March 1752, but by 1754, the family had moved to Ardkincael where Thomas was born on the 20th January 1755. Initially this 1 merk land was equally shared, without a tack (lease) by Donald Moon and George Moon but by 1757 George Moon had become the principal tenant. It is assumed that Donald was George's brother.

On 25th April 1756 it was reported to the Kirk Session that George Moon in Ardkincael and others had committed a riot and breach of the Sabbath, which gave great offence to the neighbourhood. The Session delayed the compilation of that affair until the following Sunday so that the Elders to get information about it, but nothing was proven.

Three of George's children grew up and married from Ardkincael: Janet Moon in Kincael and James Gow in Inverslanie, married 22nd January 1768; Alexander Moon in Kincael and Marjory Gow in Rindou, married 11th January 1770; Christian Moon in Kincael and Charles Cameron in Kilmaveonaig, married 9th Jul 1773.

The Testament of Margaret Reid in Kincraigie (Dunkeld Commissary, 25th April 1769), mentions that her house furniture was to be sold by public roup, which was proclaimed on the Sabbath at the parish church, but as none appeared at the day affixed George Moon in Ard Kincael and Angus Robertson, tacksman of the Mill of Kincraigie were asked to itemise the articles and their values.

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There is also the interesting entry - George Moon in Ardkincael and Katharine Reid in Wester Baluaine, married 16th February 1768.

Although George Moon and Margaret Stewart had seven children baptised, there is no record of a child named George. If there had been, by traditional naming, George should have been the eldest son born before Duncan. Reid is not a common name and Margaret Reid, Patrick Robertson's widow in Kincraigie, may have been related to Katharine Reid. George Moon and Katharine Reid do not seem to have been any children from this marriage. These facts tend to suggest that George Moon's wife, Margaret Stewart, had died and that he had re-married to an older woman, possibly the sister of Margaret Reid.

This seems to be confirmed by a 19 year tack for Ardkincael which was granted in 1770 to George Moon, and after his death to Katharine Reid his spouse. George Moon was still alive in 1778 as he paid his annual rent, but by 1781 his son John Moon was paying the annual rent of £7 3s 3d for Ardkincael and Riechappel, which continued up until 1787. In 1788 the Ardkincael settlement was taken back by the Duke of Atholl and cleared to form Cannacoil Park of Blairuachdar.

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(Generation 3) The Children of George Moon and Margaret Stewart in Riechappel

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Duncan Moon and Isobel Gow in Riechappel

The Kirk Session minutes of 24th November 1754 record that Duncan Moon in Ardkincael was given a testificate (character reference) as he was about to leave the parish. He probably was going into the Lowlands for employment. Despite this, it would appear that Duncan took over the tenancy of Riechappel from his father, as he was living at Riechappel when he married Isobel Gow from Inverslanie on 9th December 1762. The couple had eleven children between 1763 and 1783, all born at Riechappel. The last recorded rental for Riechappel was £2 16s 9d Sterling in 1783 and after that date the township was uninhabited, apart from sheep.

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(Generation 4) The Children of Duncan Moon and Isobel Gow in Riechappel

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Donald McDonald and Margaret Moon in Dalnamine

There were three Moons living at Clunes of Glengarry who married within a short time of each other, and it assumed that they were brothers and sisters: John in 1791; Margaret in 1792 and George in 1794. Their parents would appear to be Duncan Moon and Isabel Gow as no other family had children of these names and born in years which would make the previously mentioned marriages possible.

Blair Atholl OPR, 10th May 1792
Donald McDonald in Dalnamine and Margaret Moon in Clunes married.

The couple had five children who were all born at Dalnamine.

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(Generation 5) The Children of Donald McDonald and Margaret Moon in Dalnamine

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Angus McDonald and Anne McDonald in Tulloch of Glenerrochty

There does not seem to be a baptismal record for Angus, but evidence that he was born around 1793 comes from his death certificate.

Angus McDonald, (shepherd) married to Anne McDonald, died at Clunes 11th June 1877 aged 84 years. His parents were given as Donald McDonald and Margaret Moon, both deceased. The informant was his son Alexander.

Blair Atholl OPR, 14th December 1834
Angus McDonald in Calvine and Ann McDonald in Calvine, married.

The 1851 census for Tulloch of Glenerrochty states that Ann McDonald was born in Glencoe, Argyllshire, around 1815.

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The Children of Angus McDonald and Anne McDonald in Tulloch of Glenerrochty

* All of the family baptisms are entered together in the appendices of the OPR, where it clearly shows the child as a lawful son, named Alexander (not Alexandrina as per 1851 census), and the 1861 census also gives the child as a son, Alexander.

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John McDonald and Christian Muir in Edinburgh

St Cuthbert's, Edinburgh OPR, 1st April 1839
John McDonald, labourer residing in No.1 Home Street, and Christian Muir, also residing in same place, both in this parish, daughter of Thomas Muir, coal overseer at St. David's in the parish of Dalgety have been three times duly and regularly proclaimed in order to marriage in the Parish Church of St. Cuthberts and no objection offered.

John McDonald, lodging house keeper married to Christina Muir, died at 6 Forres Street, Edinburgh (St. George district), on 20th May 1865 aged 69 years. His parents were given as Donald McDonald, farmer, and Margaret Moon, both deceased. The informant was his sister-in-law Louisa E. Muir.

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George Moon and Elspeth Stewart in Pitagowan

There were three Moons living at Clunes of Glengarry who married within a short time of each other, and it assumed that they were brothers and sisters: John in 1791; Margaret in 1792 and George in 1794. Their parents would appear to be Duncan Moon and Isabel Gow as no other family had children of these names and born in years which would make the previously mentioned marriages possible.

Blair Atholl OPR, 14th December 1794
George Moon in Clunes and Elspeth Stewart in Aldclune, Moulin, married.

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(Generation 5) The Children of George Moon and Elspeth Stewart in Pitagowan

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Duncan Moon and Jean Thomson in Bothwell

The 1861 census shows the extended family at the village of Bellshill, Bothwell, Lanark.

Iron puddlers refined pig iron (crude iron from the blast furnace) into wrought iron.

Duncan Moon, labourer at public works and married to Jean Thomson died 25th December 1861 at Mossend, aged 65 years. The cause of death was from burns or scalds from steam, leading to tetanus after four days. Parents given as George Moon, woodcutter, and Elizabeth Stewart, both deceased. The informant was his son James.

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The Children of Duncan Moon and Jean Thomson in Muirkirk, Ayr

* George Moon, iron miner and widower of Marion McTurk died at 34 Lugar, Auchinleck, on 22nd February 1883 aged 61 years. Parents given as Duncan Moon, deceased furnace labourer, and Jane Thomson. Informant was William Murdoch, brother-in-law.

** William Moon, furnaceman married to Janet Baird, died at 18 Bridge Street, Motherwell, on 9th January 1893 aged 68 years. Parents given as Duncan Moon, deceased carter, and Jane Thomson (deceased). Informant was his son George Moon.

*** Duncan Moon, assistant furnace-keeper widower of Janet Smith, died at 34 Lugar, Auchinleck, on 22nd September 1900 aged 60 years. Parents given as Duncan Moon, deceased general labourer, and Jane Kirkpatrick (sic), deceased. Informant was his son James Moon.

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John Moon and Marjory Stewart in Clunes

There were three Moons living at Clunes of Glengarry who married within a short time of each other, and it assumed that they were brothers and sisters: John in 1791; Margaret in 1792 and George in 1794. Their parents would appear to be Duncan Moon and Isabel Gow as no other family had children of these names and born in years which would make the previously mentioned marriages possible.

Blair Atholl OPR, 16th July 1791
John Moon in Clunes and Marjory Stewart in Aldandow, Glentilt, married.

John Moon would have been just 22 at the time of his marriage, which is rather young for these times. However, an entry in the Logierait OPR may suggest a reason for his decision to quickly marry Marjory Stewart.

Logierait OPR, 19th June 1791
Donald, natural son to Christian McIntyre presently residing Tynaird, who she fathers upon John Moon in Clunes, parish of Blair Atholl, which he as yet denys (sic), by appointment of the Presbytery the child was baptised, 19th June.

In 1800 there was a Bond of Caution in Lawburrows by Alexander Moon, forrester to the Duke of Atholl, and James Sydie, smith, for John Moon in Clunes of Glengarry (promising) that he would not harm John Robertson in Clunes of Glengarry. Alexander Moon may be John's younger brother. James Sydie was married to Margaret Moon.

His daughter's death certificate states that John Moon was a miller.

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(Generation 5) The Children of John Moon and Marjory Stewart in Clunes

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Donald Moon in Warrensburg, New York, US

The 1820 Federal Census for the town of Warrensburg, Warren Co., New York State, shows two Moon families living next to each other: John Moon aged 18-26 years with a female aged over 45 years; Daniel Moon aged 18-26 years with a female aged 26-45 years. They were living next to Daniel and Alexander Robertsons on one side, with James S. McDonald on the other side. These people may have emigrated together.

John Moon would have been 24 years old and his brother Donald (Daniel) would have been 26. The older female might be their mother Marjory Stewart and the younger female probably was Daniel's wife.

John Moon's name appears in the 1814 list of taxpayers for Warrensburg, but does not appear in the 1816 list, and Daniel appears in neither. This suggests that John Moon went out before 1814 to secure a property for the family and the rest of the family arrived in 1819.

Daniel married Anna Esther McDonald, possibly before he emigrated, and they had a daughter Margery (Marjory, after his mother?), born in 1823 while they were living in Bolton township. In 1828 he and his brother applied for naturalization and their neighbour James McDonald supported the application. The two McDonalds may be related.

After the death of his first wife, Daniel married Jemima Welch (after 1836).

The 1850 census for Warren County shows the family.

At the time of the 1865 census for New York State, Daniel Moon, labourer aged 70 years, and his wife Jemima Moon aged 72 years, were living with their son-in-law Horace Laplanch (LaPlanche) and his family. The record confirms that Daniel came from Scotland and states that Jemima came from Massachusetts. It also states that Daniel and his wife had 5 children (although a '4' has been changed to a '5' for Jemima, presumably as Margery was from Daniel's first marriage), which means that there is an unknown child, unless their adopted child has been included. The census lists Carlton J. Smith, aged 3 years, as being adopted.

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(Generation 6) The Children of Daniel Moon and Anna Esther McDonald

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(Generation 6) The Children of Daniel Moon and Jemima Welch

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Horace Laplanch (LaPlanche) and Margery (Marjory) Moon

The 1865 census for New York State shows Horace Laplanch (LaPlanche) aged 35 years, living in a frame house at (136) Caldwell, Warren Co., with his wife Margery Moon, aged 41 years, 12 year old son Joseph, 9 year old daughter Mary, and 8 year old son Orlando. All of the children had been born in Warren County. Also living with them were Margery's father and step-mother.

Margery's half-brother, Daniel H. Moon and his family were living in the adjacent house.

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(Generation 7) The Children of Horace Laplanch (LaPlanche) and Margery (Marjory) Moon

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Ephraim B. Moon in Washington, New York

Ephraim B. Moon was born around 1840 in Bennington Co., Vermont.

On 24th April 1859 he married Minerva Lanfair. His brother Daniel H. Moon married Alice A. Lanfair on the same day, and the brothers were witnesses for each other's marriages. It is assumed that the two brides were sisters.

In the 1870 census for Caldwell, Ephraim is given as a 30 year old farmer with a 26 year olf wife (Minerva) and three children.

(Generation 7) The Children of Ephraim B. Moon and Minerva Lanfair

(Generation 7) The Children of Ephraim B. Moon and Adella Brown

* Percy was a tool clerk

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Daniel H. Moon in Warrensburg, New York

Daniel H. Moon was born 10th March 1843 at Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., Vermont.

On 24th April 1859 he married Alice A. Lanfair. His brother Ephraim B. Moon married Minerva Lanfair on the same day, and the brothers were witnesses for each other's marriages. It is assumed that the two brides were sisters. Alice A. Lanfair was born April 1837, at Stamford, Bennington Co. Vermont.

(There are other Moon families living in Bennington C., Vermont, who can trace their ancestry back to Jesse (i.e. James) Moon. Jesse Moon appears to have originated from England and is totally unrelated to the Moons from Blair Atholl in Scotland).

Daniel Moon may have enlisted in the Unionist Army during the American Civil War. If this is a different Daniel Moon, then there are some odd coincidences: the date of birth are the same, Daniel H. Moon's MI mentions Company F in the New York Infantry, and there is no mention of him in the 83rd Regiment, only the 63rd and 97th.

MOON, DANIEL. — Age, 20 years. Enlisted at Hydesville, to serve three years, and mustered in as private, Co. F, (63rd Reg.) July 7, 1863; transferred to Co. I, Ninety-seventh Infantry, June 7, 1864; also borne as Moore.

The 1865 census for New York State shows Daniel H. Moon (or Meon) aged 22 years, living in a plank house at (135) Caldwell, Warren Co., with his wife Alice Moon, aged 26 years, 5 year old daughter Julia, and 10 month old son Edgar. Both of the children had been born in Warren County. Daniel's parents were living in the adjacent house.

The North Caldwell cemetery contains a monument which states that "Alice A. wife of Daniel H. Moon died Dec 28 1885 ae 48 years 4 months and 12 days".

Maryette (Mary Etta) Griffin Page was the second wife of Daniel H. Moon of Bolton Landing. She was born at Horicon, Warren Co., 21st Apr 1848. Her father was William Cushman Page and her mother, Maryette Griffin, died thirteen days after she was born. Maryette Griffin Page died 13th Jul 1930 at Bolton Landing, and there is a memorial to her and her husband in the Bolton Rural cemetery.

Daniel H. Moon, Company F., 83rd Regiment, New York Infantry, died 2nd March 1917 at Caldwell (now known as Lake George).

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(Generation 7) The Children of Daniel H. Moon and Alice A. Lanfair

(web-site note: Where do the following fit in? Elizabeth Moon, 1y and Susan Moon 3y, both in Athol village died of cholera in October 1850.)

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Angus Cameron and Marjory Moon in Colinton, Edinburgh

Blair Atholl OPR, 8th January 1832
Angus Cameron in Blair and Marjory Moon in Blair married.

The couple did not have any children but seem to have 'adopted' a nephew and a niece.

1851 census Viewfield Farm (Colinton or Hailes, 4/4, Midlothian)

Margory Cameron, wife of a farmer, died at 22 William Street, St George, Edinburgh on 27th April 1860, aged 65 years, and was buried in the West Church burying ground. Parents given as John Moon, miller, and (Marjory) Stewart. Informant was her brother-in-law, John Cameron, 33 Alva Street.

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John Moon and Jane Kennedy in Warrensburg, New York, US

John Moon's name appears in the 1814 list of taxpayers for Warrensburg and in the 1820 Federal Census for the town of Warrensburg, Warren Co., New York State, shows an unmarried John Moon living next to his brother Daniel (Donald). John Moon was aged 18-26 years and there was a female aged over 45 years living with him, presumably his mother, Marjory Stewart.

At some time between 1820 and 1823 John Moon married Jane Kennedy, the daughter of Alexander Kennedy and Jane McEwan (1772? - 1856). Alexander Kennedy was baptised in Foss, parish of Dull, Perthshire, 1st January 1761 and died in 1852. His parents were Hugh Kennedy and Mary Fergusson, who married in Dull parish on 31st December 1751. The marriage entry in the Dull parish OPR for Alexander Kennedy and Jean McEwan (28th November 1789) just states that they were "both in this parish". However the baptisms of their children link the family to Drumvaich, which is a small settlement south west of Foss, at the western end of Loch Tummel.

Alexander Kennedy and Jean (Jane) McEwan had four sons baptised in Dull parish before they emigrated to America.

Dull OPR, 14th December 1790
John, son to Alexander Kennedy and Jean McEwan in Drumvaich, Foss, was baptised.

Dull OPR, 20th June 1793
Duncan, son to Alexander Kennedy and Jean McEwan in Druimvaich, was baptised.

Dull OPR, 18th June 1795
Hugh, son to Alexander Kennedy and Jean McEwan in Drimvaich, was baptised.

Dull OPR, 12th May 1797
Alexander, son to Alexander Kennedy and Jean McEwan in Drumvaich, was baptised.

Robert Kennedy and Christian Kennedy also had a son Hugh at Drumviach in 1795 which suggests that Alexander and Robert were brothers.

As there were no more baptisms for this family after May 1797, it is assumed that they emigrated soon after this date but they do not seem to have emigrated directly to Warrensburg. By the time of the 1850 census Alexander Kenndy and his wife were living next to their son-in-law, John Moon.

John Moon 52y farmer of 1,800 acres, born Scotland
Jane Moon 50y, born Scotland
Duncan Moon 26y, painter, born New York state
Margaret Moon 25y, born New York state

James Moon 20y, born New York state

Alexander Kennedy 90y, farmer, born Scotland
Jane Kennedy 79y, born Scotland
Charlotte Kennedy 30y, born New York state.

In the 1865 census John Moon is described as a farmer with his own land, 69 years old and married twice
Deborah his wife, born in Saratoga, aged 56 years with 4 children.

In the 1880 census John is given as a farmer aged 83 years, born in Scotland
Deborah his wife, keeping house, was aged 71 years, born New York
Mary Green, widowed sister-in-law was aged 82 years.

John's second wife, Deborah D. died in 1889.

There is a monument inscription in the Warrensburg cemetery, Hudson Street, which lists John Moon's children.

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(Generation 6) The Children of John Moon and Jane Kennedy in Warrensburg, New York, US

In the 1880 census:
James Moon 49y born New York, Principle Keeper, Clinton Prison, living at Dannemora, Clinton, NY
Harriet E. 38y born New York
Charles Moon 20y son, born New York
Jennie Moon 16y daughter, born New York

The 1910 census shows:
James Moon 79y born New York
Harriet E. 68y
Charles Smith 21y grandson, unmarried
James Smith 19y grandson, unmarried
Ada Smith 17y granddaughter, unmarried

The children of James Moon and Harriet ....... seem to be:
John R. 1861 - 1888?
Charles 1860 - 11th November 1909. He was a book-keeper who died of chronic Bright's disease (glomerulonephritis)
Jennie 1864

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(Generation 6) The Children of Duncan Moon and Victoria Edwards in Warrensburg, New York, US

* bar tender in 1880 census

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James Gow and Janet Moon in Inverslainie

The Kirk Session minutes of 19th July 1752 record that Janet Moon in Riechappel was given a testificate (character reference) and left the parish at Whitsunday 1752, presumably employed as a house-maid in the Lowlands. She was only 13 years old at the time. However she returned and married James Gow in Inverslanie, 22nd January 1768. The couple had three daughters but Janet Moon must have died shortly after the birth of Janet in March 1773, as James remarried in May 1775.

(Generation 4) The Children of James Gow and Janet Moon in Inverslainie

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John Moon in Ardkincael

John Moon in Kincael had an illegitimate child by Betty Stewart in Balinuarain, named James, 13th September 1782.

John Moon in Kincael had an illegitimate child by Margaret Gow in Balmeanach, named Robert, 20th November 1782.

(The following is sheer speculation but would tie together some of the known facts in a plausible way)

To get one girl pregnant might be considered unfortunate. To get two girls pregnant at the same time is more than sheer carelessness, it's dangerous, and as John Moon didn't care to marry either of them he needed a way out. The first solution is too quickly leave the parish. The second solution is to marry someone else that you like better, so that you can return to the parish with the excuse of "Sorry - I'm already married!" It is suggested that John Moon disappeared to Edinburgh where he married Janet Wallace.

Edinburgh OPR, 27th March 1782
John Moon, flaxdresser in Old Kirk parish, and Janet Wallace, same parish, daughter of William Wallace, deceased farmer in Perthshire (married).

This marriage, together with the fact that the couple returned to Perthshire underpins the reasoning:
Firstly, by marrying in Edinburgh they would be unknown. If they had married anywhere near Blair Atholl, the families of two pregnant girls would have objected to the proclamation in an attempt to force John to marry one of the two.
Secondly, John's older brother Duncan took over the tenancy of their father's farm, Riechappel, by 1862 so being a flaxdresser would be a reasonable occupation.
Thirdly, as the couple did not remain in Edinburgh it can be assumed that John was not a flaxdresser in Edinburgh.
Fourthly, as Janet's father was deceased, the couple could not expect to set up home with her parents.

Their first child was born at Ground of Balyoukan in 1785 and this would suggest that John settled there, helped by Thomas Moon, miller at Balyoukan, who probably was his younger brother. The National Records of Scotland, 1797, show that Thomas Moon, miller at Pitcurr (Mill of Balyoukan) was accused of mobbing and rioting in response to the Militia Act.

John Moon and Janet Wallace had at least 8 children, the first 5 in Moulin parish and the next 3 in Logierait parish. The baptismal record of their first-born lacks the child's name, as well as that of the mother, Janet Wallace, stating that the family were living at Ground of Balyoukan. All of the other Moulin births mention Balyoukan, but the entry for Jean is more specific, stating Broomfield of Balyoukan.

At some time after 1794 the family moved to Logierait parish. Thomas and George were born at Croftnancuisag and William was born at Chapeltown of Tulliemet, which was closeby. (Note: William has been indexed by ScotlandsPeople as 'Moan' instead of Moon)

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The Children of John Moon and Janet Wallace in Balyoukan

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David MacKinlay and Helen Moon in Perth

Perth, the ninth day of September 1826, contracted: David MacKinlay, shoemaker in the Middle Church parish of Perth and Helen Moon, daughter to John Moon, labourer in the East Church parish of Perth - Elder James Robertson - the persons before named were regularly proclaimed and married on the tenth day of October said year, by the Rev. James Esdaile, minister of the East Church parish, Perth.

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Thomas Moon, of the Royal Marines

Thomas Moon was only 16 when he enlisted, perhaps to escape from being indentured as a tailor. He received one guinea from Captain G. Gray upon being attested at Perth, 10th January 1812, and witnessed by Thomas Green, sergeant. At Edinburgh, 29th January 1812, he was given a further £5 15s 6d on intermediate approval. The form of attestation described him as being 5 foot one and a half inches tall, with a healthy complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.

Royal Marines, Form of Oath, 1812.

Thomas Moon do make oath that by trade I am a tailor and to the best of my knowledge and belief was born in the parish of Logierait in the County of Perth(shire) and that I have no rupture, nor ever was troubled with fits; and am no ways disabled with lameness or otherwise, but have the perfect use of my limbs; that I am not an apprentice; and that I do not belong to the Militia or to any other Regiment or Corps, or to His Majesty's Navy. As witness my hand at Perth, the tenth day of January 1812. (signed with the signature of the recruit)

He served in the 10th Company of Marines at Chatham, commanded by Lieut-General Barclay and by July 1816 had been promoted to corporal. From 1817 to 1822 he served as a sergeant but this may have been a temporary appointment as he was listed as a corporal from 1823, for the rest of his military career. In 1829 he was discharged as dead.

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Alexander Moon and Marjory Gow in Riechlachrie

Alexander Moon in Kincael and Marjory Gow in Rindou, married 11th January 1770.

Kincael (Ardkencall) was just to the north of Old Blair village and is shown on James Stobie's map of Perthshire (1783) but disappeared when Balinloan farm was built. Rindou (Raondou) was just to the north of Ardkincael, in the same area of Glentilt. Marjory appears to have been the daughter of James Gow and Ann Stewart in Raondou, born 6th May 1749.

Initially, in 1774, Alexander was sharing a half-plough of land at Blairuachdar with James Stewart, and then with John Stewart in 1779-80. He must have been there as late as 1787 as he was paying the stipend, but by 1788 he had been forced to move on and the 'New Farm' was built in 1790. Alexander was also employed as a gamekeeper as shown by the death certificate of his daughter Janet who died in 1858. This would explain why the family moved so often, and to remoter parts of the parish.

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(Generation 4) The Children of Alexander Moon and Marjory Gow

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James Sidey and Margaret Moon in Blair

Blair Atholl OPR, 25th January 1793
James Sidey, smith in Blair, and Margaret Moon in Pitlochry, married

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The Children of James Sidey and Margaret Moon in Blair

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John Moon, valet to Lord James Murray

Evidence that John Moon was valet to Lord James Murray comes from a letter that he wrote to Lady Emily Murray dated 13th June 1814. Count Platoff had becomes a guest of Lord James Murray as his lodgings in London had been "a hovel". Arriving home one evening Lord James had found the Count performing a Cossack dance, similar to that the Scottish sword dance. Gow's band played during dinner as the Count was fond of music, and the Count was anxious to see the Highland Fling. Accordingly John Moon from Bail-an-t-shealail in Glen Banvie (Riechappel), Lord James's valet, who could dance very well, and some others performed a reel with which the Count was much delighted.

John Moon wrote to Lord James Murray's wife in 1837, aquainting her with the sudden death of her husband.

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Alexander Robertson and Janet Moon in Dunkeld and Blair

Alexander Robertson in Mount Alexander (Dunalastair) and Jannet Moon in Blair, married 9 Aug 1805.

The first three children were born when the couple were living at Dunkeld, after which the family returned to Blair village. Alexander Robertson was a mason and probably was employed by the Duke of Atholl.

Janet Robertson, widow dependent on her son, died at Bridge of Fender on 4th December 1858 aged 77 years. Her parents were given as Alexander Moon, gamekeeper, and Marjory Gow, both deceased. the informant was her son, George Robertson. She was buried in the new churchyard of Blair where there is a monument to the family.

In memory of Alexander Robertson, mason in Blair, who died on the 28th April 1851 aged 82 years, and of Janet Moon his wife, who died on the 4th December 1858 aged 77 years. Also of Mary Ann Stewart who died at Croftmore, 24th January 1862 aged 5 years and 7 months.

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(Generation 5) The Children of Alexander Robertson and Janet Moon in Dunkeld and Blair

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James Moon and Mary Tindell/Tindal/Tindle in Blackford parish

Muthil OPR, 28th May 1809
James Moon, gamekeeper (and) Mary Tindle, Dunkeld, proclaimed 28th May. (where married, or by whom, is not given)

Mary Tindell was the daughter of Charles Tindell and Janet McLaren (both from Kenmore) who were married 19th April 1775. The Tindell family lived in the Gardener's House at Taymouth Castle, near Kenmore, Perthshire.

James Moon, gamekeeper married to Mary Tindell, died at Strathallan Cottage, Blackford, on 14th September 1864 aged 78 years. Parents given as Alexander Moon, game keeper, and Marjory (Gow), both deceased. The informant was his grandson, James C. McF..? residing at Woolwich.

There is a monument inscription in the Tullibardine Chapel graveyard, Auchterarder which is inscribed:

"Sacred to the memory of James Moon, who was (for) fifty-five year head gamekeeper to The Right Honourable, the Viscount of Strathallan, who died at Strathallan 14th September 1864, aged 78. Also Mary Tindell his wife who died 10th July 1865 aged 81. And Charles, their son, who died 11th November 1846 aged 33.

Mary Tindell, died at Strathallan Cottage, Blackford, on 9th July 1865 aged 81 years.

(Generation X) The Children of James Moon and Mary Tindell in Blackford parish

* Marjory's baptism was also recorded in the Blackford OPR as 'Margary', and dated 16th May 1819.
** Frances was in Dunkeld at the time of the 1841 census.

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Charles Cameron and Christian Moon in Kilmaveonaig and Middlebridge

Charles Cameron in Kilmaveonaig and Christian Moon in Kincael, married 9 Jul 1773. All of the children were born in Kilmaveonaig except Charlotte who was born after the family had moved to Middlebridge.

(Generation 4) The Children of Charles Cameron and Christian Moon in Kilmaveonaig and Middlebridge

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Thomas Moon in Balyoukan, Moulin parish, and Bridgend of Tilt

Before 1855 the surname of Moon was uncommon in Scotland and the OPRs list only eight Thomas Moons being baptised, three of them in Blair Atholl parish. So when a number of documents of the same period mention "Thomas Moon the miller", the probability that these are different people is exceedingly small.

The first reference comes from the national records of Scotland (AD14/1/2) and is a Crown Office precognition concerning the Atholl and Strathtay riots in 1797. This precognition accused six men of mobbing and rioting in response to the Militia Act under which each parish was expected to supply a set number of men. All eligible men were balloted to serve for 5 years and, if chosen, could either serve or pay a substitute to take their place. Although the Militia was intended to be used for home defence and guarding prisoners of war, many thought that once enlisted they would be sent to fight in the war with France. One of the accused was Thomas Moon, miller at Pitcurr (Mill of Balyoukan). When brought to trial the following year (3rd May 1798), he was found guilty and sent to Perth Tolbooth for 1 year. Later this was reduced to 4 months on appeal.

Of the 8 known Thomas Moons mentioned in the OPRs, 3 were yet to be born, 2 were under the age of 16 and 1 was over the age of 60. The remaining 2 were Thomas Moon the son of Duncan Moon and Katharine Moon, aged 37, and Thomas Moon the son of George Moon and Margaret Stewart, aged 46. It is thought that the latter Thomas Moon was the miller.

The reason for this assumption is based on the location of the mill at Balyoukan. On account of ancient ownership of land, most of Balyoukan was a separate part of Moulin parish, but surrounded by Logierait parish and this area was devoid of Moon families. However in 1782 John Moon and Janet Wallace married in Edinburgh and had a child born at Balyoukan in 1785. This coincidence would be explained if John Moon and Thomas Moon were brothers.

It is known that both Thomas Moons had brothers called John, but the one belonging to Duncan Moon and Katharine Moon married Helen (Nelly) Dewar in 1813, so Thomas Moon the miller appears to have been the son of the other couple, George Moon and Margaret Stewart.

The next reference which probably relates to the same fellow is a minute concerning a tack (National Records of Scotland, ref: GD 132/534). A 7 year tack (lease) was made by James Robertson of Lude to Thomas Moon in Bridgend of Tilt for the lint mill there, with proposals for building a barley mill, dated 12th December 1801.

Having completed his time in Perth Tolbooth, Thomas might have lost the mill at Balyoukan so returning to his parish of birth where his brothers might be able to give him financial assistance would seem a sensible course of action. He would have been nearly 47 years old and presumably unmarried as the OPRs contain no mention of a marriage nor children. However the last reference show that he still alive and back at the Mill of Balyoukan in 1820.

Dowally OPR, 1820
Robert Douglas, weaver (in) Mains of Dalcapon in this parish and Charlote Stewart, a native of the parish of Blair Atholl, servant with Thomas Moon, meal miller Balleyoukan, was lawfully married at Kirkmichael the 13th November 1820".

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Malcolm McGrigor and Cecil Moon in Shierglas

There are very few entries relating to Moons in the Moulin OPR, but one of earliest is the marriage between Malcolm McGrigore and Secil Moon. Originally Cecil's surname had been given, in error, as 'Menzies' which was crossed out and replaced by 'Moon'. Additionally the forename is extremely difficult to read with ScotlandsPeople initially indexing it as 'Jill', which is not possible for this parish at this time. The last two letters definitely are 'il' and the first is the same as the 'S' of Stewart further down the page - suggesting that it was 'Secil'. There are a number of other examples where the name Cecilia has been written as Cecil, Secil and Sisel. That the correct name is Cecil, in some form, is strengthened by the baptismal entry for their son William.

Moulin OPR, 10th October 1730
Malcolm McGrigore and Secil Moon, both in this parish, being legally contracted, booked and proclaimed and no objection offered, were married (unclear) October 29th.

Moulin OPR, 21st November 1738
William, son to Malcolm McGregor and Cicilia Moon in Shierglas was baptised. Neill Stewart of Shierglas and Donald Moon, witnesses.

It is most fortunate that the name of Donald Moon was recorded as a witness as this helps to identify her parentage. In 1738 the only known Donald Moon, old enough to be a witness, in this area was Donald Moon in Pitdornie and it is suggested that he was Cecil's brother. As Cecil was living in Dull parish at the time of her marriage, it seems most likely that she had been keeping house for her brother Donald, as he did not marry until 1833.

(Generation 3) The Children of Malcolm McGrigor and Cecil Moon in Shierglas