The Seaton family in Loinmarstaig, Glengirnaig, Moulin parish

Kilmaveonaig church

Kilmaveonaig Episcopal church

There is something reassuring about having an early ancestor who is commemorated with an inscription on his tombstone. Many of the flat stones in the Kilmaveonaig churchyard have no inscription and, perhaps, this is not surprising as the people were native Gaelic speakers. However, the upright stone for Alexander Seaton provides an excellent starting point for researching his family history.

Alexander Seaton Inscription

1851
Erected by the family of
Alexander Seaton
late of Stronchavie
in memory of their father
who died 5 July 1848 aged 83 years
and their mother
Margaret Kennedy
who died 20 July 1851 aged 75 years.
Also
Donald Seaton
who died 23 February 1830 aged 20 years
(the rest of stone is flaked away)

When the Kilmaveonaig monument inscriptions were surveyed in 1974 by James R. Seaton, he also included that Alexander Seaton was the son of James Seaton and Jean McLagan, and had been born at Linmartig (Loinmarstaig) 18th May 1765. It is unclear whether this was part of the original inscription or an addition from personal knowledge of the family, which may have been his own relatives. However, it can be verified through the OPR which shows Alexander born 18th May 1765 to James Setton and Jean McLagan.

The Moulin OPR contains the marriage entry for James Seton and Jean McLagan in 1757. Men tended to marry in their thirties while girls were normally in their twenties, and if this was the case here then Jean probably was the daughter of Patrick McLagan and Christian Stewart, and was born 16th November 1734. This assumption is supported by the name of her second son being Patrick and her eldest daughter being Christian, which follows the traditional naming pattern. Consequently James's parent would be Donald Seaton and Janet, and the most likely couple are Donald Seaton and Jannet Menzies in Ardtulichan, Blair Atholl parish.

Map of Ardtulichan, 1783

Ardtulichan as shown on James Stobie's map of Perthshire (1783)

Ardtulichan is on the south side of the river Garry and within the parish of Moulin. Donald Seaton and Duncan Seaton were living there in the early 1700s but do not appear on the 1705 list of the Duke of Atholl's fencible men. They were probably brothers as they appear to have been of about the same age and their father may have been the tenant. Donald Seaton was married to Jannet Menzie, while Duncan Seaton was married to Elspeth Stewart.

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Donald Seaton, supporter of the Jacobite cause

Donald Seaton's great-granddaughter, Margaret Cameron Bustard, thought that he had fought at the battle of Culloden. However, there was no evidence to support this and, as he would have been in his mid-fifties, this was unlikely. However, such stories often have a grain of truth, and this one relates to earlier events.

In 1715 Donald Seton participated in the uprising to restore James Edward Stuart (the Old Pretender) to the throne. In November of that year the indecisive battle of Sheriffmuir was fought and further north the Hanovarian forces re-captured Inverness. At the same time a smaller Jacobite force, led by William Mackintosh of Borlum, got as far south as Preston where they were forced to surrender. A large number of these Highlanders came from Blair Atholl and the surrounding area. The rebel prisoners were dispatched to various jails in Lancaster, Chester and Liverpool to await trial, and Donald Seton was held in Preston prison. Most of prisoners were of the opinion that the Government would not venture to execute any one of them, but after four of the English-born prisoners were found guilty of high treason and executed on the gallows, six hundred of the remainder declared themselves guilty and begged for transportation rather than capital punishment. At that time there was a labour shortage in the 'New Plantations' as they were called, and in March 1716 the merchants of Carolina petitioned the Council of Trade and Plantations that some of the rebels taken at Preston might be sent there. Consequently the prisoners were offered clemency if they agreed to sign indentures for seven years service in the Plantations.

The shipment of rebels from Liverpool commenced in the Spring of 1716. The first vessel to sail was the frigate 'Scipio', commanded by Captain John Scraisbrick, which took 96 rebels and was bound for Antigua and the New Plantations, but the actual destination is in doubt. The list of prisoners, published by the Government Record Office is found in "Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series, America and West Indies, 1574-1739" ref: CO 5 190, page 362 (The National Archives, Kew, London). This records "Recd. 30 March 1716 ninety five Rebel Prisoners (according to the previous list) on board the 'Scipio', John Scaisbrick Commander, in order for transportation. On the same CO 5 190, page 369 in the summary information table: 95 rebels, shipped March 30th, 'Scipio', master Jno. Scasbick, bound for Virginia. Yet in TS 20 47 3 page 7 (The National Archives, Kew, London) it states: "30th March 1716 shipped on Board the 'Scipio' Frigate, Capt. John Scraisbrick Commander, for Antigua 96 Rebels". Certainly some of the prisoners ended up in Virginia as prisoner 68, Hugh Ross, born 8th July 1681 in Faynesfield, Nairnshire, Scotland, died 1740 in North Carolina, USA, after bringing the rest of his family over from Scotland.

Among the Preston prisoners on board the 'Scipio' was "Daniel Seton, Mullion, Perth". Daniel is the anglecized version of Donald and Mullion, Perth, is Moulin parish in Perthshire. Although this is not conclusive proof, there are very few Seatons in the Moulin area and even fewer Donald Seatons. Margaret Cameron Bustard wrote the following about her ancestor:

"He was banished to Virginia, and indentured to one of the landowners of the colony. I expect he proved himself a faithful servant. After he had been about six months in the colony, his master set him one night to watch some property, some crop I think, which was being destroyed by some unknown person or persons. During the night the enemy came and commenced the work of destruction. Donald attacked them and was rather severely handled. They escaped, but Donald secured their dog which led to the discovery and punishment of the wrongdoers.

In reward for his bravery, Donald was given his liberty and leave to return to Scotland. His master told him he intended to go to England in six months, and that if he would work for him for wages till then, he would take him in the ship with him. Donald agreed to that and at the end of six months sailed for England with his master. Arriving in London, Donald walked to his home in the Highlands of Scotland.

After crossing the Border and still far from home, he was recognized and arrested as an escaped convict, was cast into prison and had to remain there till they could correspond with his master in London. He reached home after an absence of two years. His wife had not heard from him in all that time. He said that if he had had his family with him, he would have been content to have remained in Virginia".

Curiously his brother Duncan Seaton, who was not involved in the 1715 Rising, also went out to the New Plantations in America.

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Duncan Seaton and Elspeth Stewart in Balrobie

The Blair Atholl Kirk Session minutes of 19th March 1722 records that the Session was informed that Elspeth Stewart spouse to Duncan Seaton, sometime in Balrobie and now in the New Plantations abroad, was supposed to be with child some while ago, and witnesses were summoned. On 1st April 1722 Christian Stewart in Balrobie, Anne Stewart spouse to John Stewart in Blair, and Katharine McGlashan, midwife, reported to the Session that they had examined the breasts of Elspet Stewart, and they were not producing milk. The Session were not totally convinced and on the 22nd April 1722 the neighbours of Elspeth Stewart were examined but knew nothing, and once again Margaret Stewart and Christian Stewart, both in Balrobie, again confirmed that she was not producing milk. Obviously this was doing little for the Elspeth Stewart's reputation as a faithful wife and, on 9th September 1722 the Session agreed that the affair of Elspeth Stewart in Balrobie should be laid before the Congregation, after Sermon, to intimate that the allegations against her were unproven.

Duncan Seaton would not have taken the hazardous voyage to America during the winter months, but might have done so in the summer of 1721. Yet the insinuation that his wife had entered into an adulterous affairs suggests that he had been away much longer, and this is strange. Under normal circumstances a man would not leave his wife behind, unless he was thinking of emigrating and making preparations for the arrival of the family in a new home. She would not be able to run the farm on her own while he was away unless she was assisted by their relatives or by hired men and women who would need to be paid. Her brother-in-law Donald had returned from Virginia by 1720 as his son James was baptised in Blair Atholl, 16th September 1720, so perhaps he was running the farm. How long Duncan stayed in the New Plantations is also unknown, but the only child born to him and Elspeth Stewart seems to be Isobel, 14th April 1728. Perhaps his returning brother had told Duncan about the 'New World' and wanted to see if there was a future for them out there. The reason for Duncan Seaton's absence remains unanswered.

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James Seaton and Jean McLagan in Loinmarstaig of Glen Girnaig

As previously mentioned, Donald Seaton's son James married Jean McLagan in 1757 but the Moulin OPR does not record where either the bride or groom were living at the time.

Moulin OPR
James Setton and Jean McLagan, both in this parish, were legally contracted, booked and proclaimed and, no objection offered, were married 31st March 1757.

The couple had 10 children, all born at Loinmarstaig in Glen Girnaig which is on the opposite side of the River Garry from Ardtulichan and Balrobie. Duncan Seaton was farming at Loinmarstaig at the same time, and it is quite likely that James and Duncan were brothers.

The OPR entry for the baptism of James Setton's son Patrick in 1759 is followed by two interesting entries: Baptised, Neill (according to Scotlands People, although the ink blot makes it extremely difficult to read) to Patrick McGlashan and Isabell (an error for Elspeth) Setton in Kionaghleen. The following baptism which was on the same day reads, 'Baptised, James to John McLaren and Betty Setton in Leekscriadan'.

The OPR entry for the baptism of James Setton's daughter Christian in 1761 is followed by 'Baptised, John to John McLaren and Betty Setton in Leekscriadan'. It is hard to believe that this orchestration of baptisms is sheer coincidence, especially as James and Duncan Setton's farm of Loinmarstaig was just a fifteen minute walk from the farm of Leekscriadan. Consequently, there is more than a mere suspicion, that Elspeth Seaton and Betty Seaton were the sisters of James and Duncan.

Loinmarstaig, Glen Girnaig

Loinmarstaig, with original buildings behind the trees and 1800s house on the left

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(Generation 3) The Children of James Seaton and Jean McLagan in Loinmarstaig, Glen Girnaig

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Donald 14 Jan 1758 Margaret McLagan 5 Jun 1790 Balghulan h. 1811-20
w. 23 Feb 1837
Patrick 31 Jul 1759 . . . d.
Christian* 16 Jul 1761 Alexander Seaton 25 Jun 1782,
Moulin
Kincraigie h. before 1820
w. after 1820
Janet 26 Dec 1763 1h. Alexander McIntosh

2h. John MacLachlane
1 Dec 1787

16 Jul 1791
Kirkmichael
parish

Chapletown of Fincastle
1h. by 1791
2h.
w.
Alexander 18 May 1765 Margaret Kennedy 7 Nov 1801
Logierait
Stronchavie h. 5 Jul 1848
w. 20 Jul 1851
James 18 May 1766 died in infancy . Loinmarstaig d. by 1771
Jean 22 Aug 1769 Alexander Robertson 6 Jan 1792 Easter Balrobie h.
w.
James 30 Jul 1771 . . . d.
John 21 Dec 1773 Isobel McBeath 22 Feb 1805 Ekfrid,
Ontario
h. 12 May 1852
w. 9 Jun 1882
Elizabeth 2 Oct 1776 Thomas Ferguson 17 Dec 1808 Ashmore,
Blairgowrie
h. 11 Dec 1853
w. 5 Sep 1869

* Note: the OPR entry for Christian gives her mother as Christian McLagan in error.

The last child was Elizabeth, but the pages of the Moulin OPR are torn and that piece is missing.

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Donald Seaton and Margaret McLagan in Balghulan

Moulin OPR, 5th June 1790

Donald Seton and Margaret McLagan, both in this parish of Moulin, were contracted and booked in order to be proclaimed for marriage.

By 1811 Donald Seaton was the tenant farmer in Balghulan which is about 0.7km north-west of Moulin. This is shown by the Last Will and Testament written by his wife Margaret McLagan when she was about 45 years old. Perhaps this was because the couple had no children, and at that age, she was unlikely to have any. She certain wasn't seriously ill as she well outlived her husband Donald who died at some time between 1811 and 1820.

The Minister of Moulin carried out his own census of parishioners over a five year period from December 1820, twenty years before the first official National Census of 1841, and by that time Margaret (Mary) McLagan was widowed and living in the village of Moulin.

Name Status Age Occupation Comment
Grace McInroy head 79y cottar widow McLagan
Mary McLagan
(Margaret McLagan)
54y widow Seaton

The head of the household, Grace McInroy, was Margaret's mother. The Moulin OPR shows that John McLagan and Girzel (Grace) McInroy married 7th June 1765, and that their daughter Margaret was baptised 26th June 1766, which matches Margaret's age in the 1820 census.

Margaret McLagan died at Pitlochry on the 23rd day of February 1837 and on the 21st day of April 1837 her Last Will and Testament was registered at Perth by her brother James.

"I, Margaret McLagan, wife to Donald Seaton, tenant in Balghulan in the Parish of Moulin and County of Perth, being at present sound in memory and judgement, and considering the uncertainty of this life, do hereby make my Last Will and Testament as follows:

I nominate and appoint my lawful husband Donald Seaton my sole executor and universal intromuller with my whole goods and gear, debts and sums of money, household furniture and other moveables whatever, that may pertain to me at the time of my death, in virtue of bonds, bills or any other manner of ways, all which I hereby leave and bequeath to him, with power to do everything there anent that any other Executor with payment of all my just and lawful debts, and of my death bed sickness and funeral charges.

And upon the death of my said Executor, I appoint the Reverend David Duff, minister of Moulin, Alexander Seaton, my brother-in-law in Stronchavie and James MacLagan, my brother, in Pitlaraig, Trustees to settle the residue of my effects of which he may die possessed, namely to divide it into two equal parts, one of which parts to be given to the nearest of my own kin, and the other part to be given to the nearest of the said Donald Seaton's kin. And should the said Donald Seaton marry again, the above named Trustees are to make the foresaid division as soon as that event takes place.

And this I declare to be my Last Will and Testament, reserving nevertheless full power to me, at any time of my life, to alter, innovate or annul the same at pleasure. And I consent to the registration hereof in the Books of Council and Session or others competent therein to remain for preservation. In witness whereof I have subscribed these presents written by the Reverend David Duff, minister of Moulin at Balghulan, the sixth day of August 1811, before these witnesses John MacIntosh and Donald MacIntosh, wrights in Tullipuirie (Tullypowrie).

The said Margaret McLagan, declaring she cannot write and touching the pen of the above designed David Duff, subscribe for her".

The Will was presented by James McLagan at Moulin (Margaret's brother) in the presence of Archibald Buttar of Faskally, Justice of the Peace. The Registration states that Margaret McLagan died at Pitlochry on the 23rd day of February 1837. Her Inventory comprosed: £4 cash in the house; household furniture and other effects valued at £10 5s 4d; a sum of £100 due by James McLagan in Moulin; a sum of £16 due by Alexander Seaton in Moulin. (note added that no interest was due nor payable on either sum).

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Alexander McIntosh and Jannet Setton

The Kirkmichael OPR records the contract of marriage between Alexander McIntosh and Janet Seaton, 1st December 1787. The entry contains little information except that Alexander McIntosh came from Kirkmichael parish whilst Janet Seaton. They were married on the 12th.

The only Janet Seaton of an appropriate age in Moulin parish was the daughter of James Seaton and McLagan in Loinmarstaig, who was born 26th December 1763. She would have been nearly 24 when she married. The couple do not seem to have had any children and it would appear that Alexander died unexpectedly as Janet Seaton re-married in 1791.

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John MacLachlane and Janet Seaton in Chapelton of Glen Fincastle

John McLauchlan in Dull parish and Janet Seaton in Moulin parish, married 16th July 1791, and it is interesting to note that traditional names were used from Janet's side of the family.

The Children of John MacLachlane and Janet Seaton in Chapelton of Glen Fincastle

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Robert 2 Jul 1793 . . Chapelton d.
Jean 26 Feb 1797 Robert Seaton 9 Mar 1817,
Dull
Balinauld,
Glen Fincastle
h. 1 Aug 1862
w. 1888
James 22 May 1800 . . Chapelton d.
Helen 23 Mar 1803 . . Chapelton d.

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Alexander Seaton and Margaret Kennedy in Stronchavie

The marriage of Alexander Seaton and Margaret Kennedy appears in both the Moulin and Logierait OPRs.

Logierait OPR, 7 Nov 1801
Alexander Seaton in the parish of Moulin and Margaret Kennedy in this parish, booked for proclamation of banns of marriage.

Moulin OPR, 27 Nov 1801
Alexander Setton in Stronachavie in this parish and Margaret Kennedy in Dunfallandy, parish of Logierait, married.

Neither provide more than the bare essentials and there are at least two girls of similar age, named Margaret Kennedy, at this time. Fortunately the Minister of Moulin's 1820 census of parishioners shows that Alexander Seaton and his family are at Stronharvie, where all of their children were born.

Name Status Age Occupation Comment
Alexander Seaton head 55y farmer ex-Elder
Margaret Kennedy wife 46y
Margaret Seaton daughter 18y
James Seaton son 15y
Janet Seaton daughter 13y
Alexander Seaton son 8y
Jane Seaton daughter 5y
Robert Robertson servant 22y
Margaret McLauchlan servant 23y
Andrew Kennedy father-in-law 70y

Normally Kirk Elders were appointed for life, or until they felt that they were too old to carry out their duties, so it is unusual for Alexander Seaton to be described as an ex-Elder. However, in the Head of Household census (1834-41), he is listed three times a 'Elder'. In addition there is no mention of Alexander's son Donald who was born in 1809, nor is he mentioned anywhere in the Moulin census.

This census also shows that Margaret Kennedy's father was Andrew Kennedy, and combined with her age being 46 years, then she can be identified as Margaret Kennedy, daughter of Andrew Kennedy and Janet Robertson, married 26th November 1774, Logierait.

Logierait OPR, 9 Feb 1775
Margaret, lawful daughter to Andrew Kennedy and Janet Robertson in Tomdahyle (Tomdachoil) was baptised.

By the time of the 1841 census Margaret had married John Cameron and left for Canada with their family, James had also emigrated to Canada, Janet had married James Robertson and left Moulin parish, Donald had died, and Jean had married James Scott and moved to the parish of Bendochy.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birthplace
Tomhulan Alexander Seaton 75y independent Perthshire
Alexander Seaton 25y farmer Perthshire
Elizabeth Seaton 25y Perthshire

Alexander Seaton, the younger, had married Elizabeth Duff in 1840, but his mother Margaret Kennedy is not listed as she was at Strone of Cally with her recently married daughter and her husband James Scott. The Seaton family were employing: two female servants, Margaret Campbell and Margaret Robertson; three agricultural labourers, Charles Robertson, John Forbes and Peter Small; and a fox hunter, William Robertson.

According to his tombstone Alexander Seaton, late of Stronchavie died 5th July 1848. He was buried in the Kilmaveonaig churchyard, to the right of the entrance gate, close to several other upright and flat Seaton tombstones which probably belong to close relatives.

Alexander Seaton Tombstone at Kilmaveonaig

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(Generation 4) The Children of Alexander Seaton and Margaret Kennedy in Stronchavie

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Margaret 16 Jan 1803 John Cameron 30 Sep 1822
Moulin
Noyan
Caldwell's Manor
h. 28 Mar 1874
w. 28 Jan 1868
James 2 Jun 1805 . . St. Johns,
Newfoundland
d. 5 Aug 1876
Janet 25 Aug 1807 James Robertson 6 Oct 1833
Moulin
Moulin h. after 1841
w. after 1841
Donald 15 May 1809 unmarried . . d. 23 Feb 1830
Alexander 31 Aug 1812 Elizabeth Duff 14 Dec 1840
Moulin
Bridge of Earn h. 25 Oct 1887
w. 1 Apr 1896
Jean (Jane) 7 Oct 1815 James Scott 4 Jun 1840 Mains of
Rochallie,
Blairgowrie
h. after 1862
w. 15 Feb 1862

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John Cameron and Margaret Seaton in Moulin and Quebec

Moulin OPR, 30th September 1822
John Cameron and Margaret Seaton, both in this parish were married.

This is all that the Moulin OPR records about the couple, but before John Cameron left for Canada he was given permission to make copies of entries relating to his origins, so that they could go with him.

Moulin OPR, 8th June 1756
Baptised. John, son to James Cameron and Isabel Fergusson, his spouse, in Drumchaber. (John Cameron's father)

Moulin OPR, 9th December 1756
Baptised. Janet, daughter to Patrick Forbes and Secil Campbell, his spouse, in Baledmund. (John Cameron's mother)

Moulin OPR, 11th November 1786
John Cameron and Janet Forbes, both in this parish, were booked in order to be proclaimed (and) were married the 22nd current (John Cameron's parents' marriage)

Moulin OPR, 24th November 1787
Baptised. Anne, to John Cameron and ....... Forbes, his spouse, in Moulin (John Cameron's sister)

(She may have married John Ferguson and lived in Logierait with a number of children).

Moulin OPR, 12th May 1790
Baptised. Margaret, to John Cameron and Janet Forbes in Moulin (John Cameron's sister).

(She married John Canacher and moved to Huddersfield, England, where she died in 1883 aged 93).

Moulin OPR, 13th February 1794
Baptised. John, to John Cameron and Janet Forbes, his spouse, in Moulin (John Cameron)

Moulin OPR, 24th November 1798
Born, a daughter to John Cameron and Janet Forbes, his spouse, in Moulin, baptised (blank) (John Cameron's sister)

John Cameron and his wife Margaret Seaton had several children between 1823 and 1834: James, Janet, Margaret, John, Jane, of whom only Janet and John survived infancy. They were followed by the twins Jane and Margaret. All of these children were born in Moulin itself.

In 1835 John Cameron sailed from Aberdeen to Quebec where his brother-in-law, James Seaton, was living. James Seaton owned a large tract of land in the township of Aston, near Three Rivers and John Cameron went there to establish a home for his family, but found that it was an unbroken wilderness. Nothing daunted he took up one part where a cabin had been built the year before by lumbermen. He lived there on his own from autumn, through the winter, until the end of the following summer during which time he cleared enough land to make his first field. His nearest neighbours, who were French, lived more than a mile away, but they could speak neither Gaelic nor English, and John Cameron could speak no French.

In the summer of 1836 his wife, Margaret Seaton, and their five children, Janet, John, Margaret, Jane and Anna sailed from Greenoch on the 'Canada', a merchant ship built in Greenoch in 1831. During the trip Jane was nearly killed when a sailor up in the riggings accidently dropped a bucket of tar when she and her sister were playing on deck below. The bucket made a deep dent in the floor of the decking, but Jane escaped unharmed except for getting her head and dress covered with tar.

After a short trip of only 6 weeks the family arrived in Quebec, where John Cameron was waiting, and went James Seaton's place. They stayed there some time before travelling on to Three Rivers, and finally to the new family home in Aston, but without their son John who remained with his uncle. Margaret Seaton was not impressed with her new home in the wilderness, surrounded by strangers who could not speak English, and refused to stay there. So, after a few weeks, the family left for Montreal where they spent the winter. While in Montreal Janet (Jessie) married Edward Brown and went to Caldwell Manor (present-day Noyan), and a while later Jane went to live with them.

In the following Spring the rest of the family went to Caldwell Manor. In those days the Canadian railroad only ran from Montreal to St. Johns on the River Richelieu. So, from St. John, the family had to get an open sailboat which took them to a place about a mile south of the United States/Canadian border where James Seaton had another property. Here, John Cameron established himself as a store-keeper but times were hard and, after the business had struggled for four years, they returned to Montreal and finally in 1842 went back to Aston which was little changed from six years before. Now they commenced in earnest to clear the land and make a decent family home, enduring all the hardships of new settlers. Eventually more fields were established, a better house built and out-houses erected, but John Cameron and his wife never came to terms with their surroundings, especially as there was no protestant church nearer than three Rivers, twelve miles away.

Young John Cameron went into lumbering when he grew up and met his wife in Ontario, where he settled.

Margaret Cameron went to Caldwell Manor when she was 15, as there were no English schools near Aston. She married James Bustard, 1sr January 1857 Chateauquay, New York, and moved to Scottsburg, Virginia, around 1870

Anne Cameron went to the village of St. Gertrude, not far from Aston, where she taught in a boarding school. She married Odilon LeBlanc, a French Canadian.

Alexander Cameron also left the farm and went to the Eastern Township, but later returned and went to Keene, New Hampshire.

James Cameron settled on part of his father's farm but died suddenly of heart disease, aged only 35 and unmarried.

Elizabeth Cameron went to live with her sister at St. Gertrude but died when only nineteen years of age, 22nd Aug 1861.

Donald Cameron married and went to Keene, New Hampshire, with his wife and child.

Margaret Seaton died in 1868 and was buried at Three Rivers. After her death John Cameron sold the farm to his son John and went to Caldwell Manor to live with his daughter Jessie. John considered living on the farm, but then changed his mind and sold it to his sister Anna. She split the 500 acres into farms for each of her five sons.

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(Generation 5) The Children of John Cameron and Margaret Seaton in Aston, Canada

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
James 16 Nov 1823 died in infancy . . d. before 1836
Janet
(Jessie)
8 Aug 1825 Edward Brown . Caldwell Manor
(Noyan)
h. 10 Jun 1886
w. 23 Jul 1913
Margaret ~1827 died in infancy . . d. before 1832
John 5 Sep 1829 . . Ontario h.
w.
Jane ~1830 died in infancy . . d. before 1832
Jane
(Jean)
8 Apr 1832 ... Priest . Halifax, Virginia h.
w. 30 Jan 1917
Margaret 8 Apr 1832 James Bustard 1 Jan 1857
Franklin, Chataquay, NY
Halifax, Virginia h. 2 May 1904
w. 16 Jan 1916
Anna
(Mary-Ann)
9 Mar 1834 Odilon LeBlanc 20 Jan 1863 Aston,
Quebec
h.
w.
Alexander 4 Oct 1837 Marie Donaldson 20 Jan 1863
Canada
Boston,
Mass.
h. 19 Jan 1922
w. 27 Sep 1904
James .. Oct 1839 unmarried . Aston d. 1874
Elizabeth .. Dec 1841 unmarried . St. Gertrude d. 22 Aug 1861
Donald 28 Mar 1846 Hermine M. Dumond by 1867 Keene,
New Hampshire
h. 8 Apr 1897
w. 11 mar 1922

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(Generation 6) The Children of James Bustard and Margaret Cameron in Havelock, Quebec

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
John 30 Oct 1858 Vina Clark 1889 . h. 1928
w.
Jane Howden
(Jennie)
22 Apr 1860 Julius Caesar Hudson 30 Apr 1885 Halifax Co.Virginia h.
w. 16 Jun 1940
Alexander Seaton 1 Nov 1861 unmarried . Halifax Co.Virginia d. 23 Jul 1909
Cyrus Darius Hystaspes 18 Apr 1863 Eva Florence Harrison 25 Nov 1884 . h. 1940
w.
James Gustavus 14 Feb 1866 unmarried . Cairo,
Illinois
d. 1 May 1889
Margaret Elizabeth 5 Nov 1868 Robert Lee Lacy . . h.
w. 22 Dec 1901
Thomas Donald 15 Mar 1871 May Belle Cousins 1892 . h. 11 Nov 1896
w.
Eleanor Virginia 13 Mar 1874 James D. Haygood . . h.
w. 1940
William Teese 16 Mar 1876 . . . d. 1 Sep 1880

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(Generation 6) The Children of Odilon LeBlanc and Anne (Mary-Ann) Cameron

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Paul Hector
Odilon
3 Apr 1864 . . . h.
w.
Jean Luc
Leger
4 Jul 1866 . . . h.
w.
Marie Aure Virginie 17 Jun 1868 . . . h.
w.
David Ernest Alphonse 7 Aug 1871 . . . h.
w.
Marie Elizabeth Eugenie 12 Aug 1873 . . . h.
w.
Marie Philippe Armand 3 Oct 1875 . . . h.
w.

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(Generation 6) The Children of Alexander Cameron and Marie Donaldson

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Ann . . . . h.
w.
Edward . . . . h.
w.
Florence . . . . h.
w.
Rebecca . . . . h.
w.
Elizabeth . . . . h.
w.
Nelson . . . . h.
w.
Margaret C. 22 Feb 1869 . . . h.
w.
James D. 30 May 1870 . . . h.
w.
Mary Annie ... Apr 1872 . . . h.
w.
Jennie 22 Sep 1876 . . . h.
w.

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James Seaton in Quebec and Newfoundland, Canada

James Seaton emigrated to Quebec and moved to Newfoundland. He was editor of the Courier from 1846 to 1849, after which he became editor of the Times and General Commercial Gazette. However his views were not the same as those of the proprietor. In 1851 he went into partnership with John Thomas Burton (printer and publisher) and was editor the Newfoundland Express which started off as a weekly but became a daily newspaper by 1866. It continued as such for a whole year before Burton left the paper, after which time James Seaton became proprietor and editor, publishing irregularly three times a week until 1876 when he died.

It is not known whether James married. If he had a family in Newfoundland, no records of them remain.

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James Robertson and Janet Seaton in Perthshire

The Moulin OPR marriage entry for James Robertson and Janet Seaton provides little information, except that it had some urgency.

Moulin OPR, 6th October 1833
James Robertson and Janet Seaton, both in this parish, married.

Moulin OPR, 17th January 1834
Baptised, a son to James Robertson and Janet Seaton, his wife, in ........ named Donald.

Moulin OPR, 15th February 1836
Baptised, a son to James Robertson and Janet Seaton, his wife, in Stronachavie named James.

Moulin OPR, 9th November 1838
Baptised, a daughter to James Robertson and Janet Seaton, his wife, in Port-na-craig, Logierait parish named Margaret.

Moulin OPR, 3rd June 1846
Baptised, a daughter to James Robertson and Janet Seaton, his wife, presently residing at Rait, parish of Kilspindie, named Jane.

The reason that James Robertson was moving around so much was that he was an agricultural labourer, probably employed on a short-term basis, but by the time of the 1841 census he was living in the village of Moulin and could afford to hire a female servant. He obviously was improving his social position and eventually became the trusted Factor to Sir Patrick Murray Thriepland, Bart.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birthplace
Moulin James Robertson 30y ag. labourer Perthshire
Janet Robertson 30y Perthshire
Donald Robertson 7y Perthshire
James Robertson 5y Perthshire
Margaret Robertson 2y Perthshire
Ann Campbell 20y female servant Perthshire

-

(Generation 5) The Children of James Robertson and Janet Seaton in Perthshire

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Donald 17 Jan 1834 Margaret Thomson Brown 18 Mar 1864,
Bombay, India
India and
Dunkeld
h. 9 Feb 1885
w. 1 Apr 1891
James 26 Dec 1835 unmarried . India d. 5 Apr 1876
Margaret 9 Nov 1838 . . . d.
Jane
(Jean)
3 Jun 1846 John Robertson . . h.
w.

-

Donald Robertson and Margaret Thomson Brown in India and Dunkeld

Donald Robertson married Margaret Thomson Brown, 18th March 1864, Malabar Hill, Bombay, India.

She was the daughter of David Brown and Helen Moncur, born 1st April 1839, Blairgowrie. It is uncertain whether they met in Bombay, or knew each before Donald went out to India.

The circumstances by which Donald was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Bank of Bombay are unknown, but it may have been through his father's employer, Sir Patrick Murray Thriepland. Certainly by naming his eldest son Patrick Murray Thriepland Robertson, he seems to be expressing his gratitude for some favour. The Bank of Bombay was founded in 1840 under the management of Mr John Stuart who was described as a most cautious and sagacious man, and by the close of the 1850s the bank was prosperous despite the Indian Mutiny. However, this was not to last.

The American Civil war, which started in 1861, created a shortage of raw material for the Lancashire cotton mills. Consequently, cotton prices in India rocketed. The great and sudden wealth produced by the price of cotton, coupled with the lack of any investment regulation resulted in reckless speculation. Companies were started for every conceivable purpose: cotton cleaning; spinning; shipping; livery stables; hotels; brick and tile manufacture; and land reclamation. Often, shares in the companies were floated at a 60% premium of their nominal value, giving the lucky allottee an instant profit of nearly 40%. This fueled speculation to greater and greater heights despite the fact that many of the companies actually had less than a third of their supposed capital. With such untold wealth, many of the banks were willing to become involved.

Up until the amended Bank Act of 1863, the Bank of Bombay could issue its own bank notes but could not advance money without substantial security, and advances on personal security were not allowed. After 1863 these restrictions were lifted with the expectation that the Directors would impose their own strict control.

At the Bank of Bombay the Secretary, Mr James Blair, and the Deputy Secretary, Mr Ryland, determined to 'effect a radical change' by increasing the bank's capital and advancing it to Mr Premchund (one of the Directors) who, in return, alloted shares in his various companies to the Secretary. When Mr Ryland retired Donald Robertson became Deputy Secretary to Mr Blair and followed the Secretary's instructions without questioning them.

At the close of 1865, when it became obvious to the Directors of the bank that the loans could not be repaid, Mr Blair was made to retire on the grounds of ill-health, and Donald Robertson replaced him. He was 32, with no formal training in finance, and should never have been entrusted with that office - a weak Secretary acting under the influence of a designing Director. The losses under his management amounted to over 5 million Rupees.

Donald and the family returned to Scotland and were living in Caputh by 1872 when their daughter Janet Seaton Robertson was born.

By 1874 they were in Bothwell, Lanarkshire where their daughter Margaret was born, 25th May.

James Anthony Robertson was born 7th October 1876 at Elm Cottage, Bothwell in Lanarkshire. The birth certificate states that his parents were married in Bombay, India, 19th March 1864, and that his father was now a commission agent.

Julia Matilda Robertson was born in Dunkeld just before the 1881 census was taken. Donald was now running the Atholl Arms Hotel in Dunkeld, previously run by Mary Ann Grant, his wife's sister.

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
Bridge Street
(East Side)
Donald Robertson head marr 47y hotel keeper Moulin
Margaret Morison Brown Robertson wife marr 42y Blairgowrie
Patrick Murray Thriepland Robertson son u/m 16y scholar Bombay, India
Helen Mary Robertson dau u/m 13y scholar Bombay, India
Janet Seaton Robertson dau u/m 9y scholar Caputh
Margaret Robertson dau u/m 6y scholar Bothwell, Lanark
James Anthony Robertson son u/m 4y Bothwell, Lanark
(Julia Matilda) Robertson dau u/m 1m Caputh
Robert Grant nephew u/m 28y no occupation Caputh
John Grant nephew u/m 25y no occupation Caputh
Donald Cameron servt u/m 23y hotel boots Stanley
Jessie Sutherland servt u/m 22y cook Rosskeen
Christina McLean servt u/m 37y housemaid Dunkeld
Christina Littlejohn Millar or Rankin servt widow 54y lady's nurse Glasgow

It is an odd coincidence that his next-door neighbour, widow Ann Ross, had two teenage grand-daughters living with her who were born in India.

-

(Generation 6) The Children of Donald Robertson and Margaret Thomson Brown in India and Dunkeld

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Patrick Murray Thriepland ~1865,
Bombay
. . . d. after 1891
Helen Mary ~1868,
Bombay
Peter Fraser MacArthur 23 Mar 1892,
Glasgow
Glasgow h. after 1922
w. 31 Jul 1911
Janet Seaton 30 Mar 1872,
Dunkeld
. . . d. after 1891
Margaret B. 25 May 1874,
Bothwell
. . Rothesay d. after 1911
James Anthony 7 Oct 1876,
Bothwell
. . . d. 23 Aug 1881
Julia Matilda ~1881,
Caputh
. . . d. after 1929

-

James Seaton, civil engineer

The following resumé of the life of James Seaton (1835-76) appears in volume 44 of the 'Minutes of the Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers'.

"Mr James Robertson, the second son of Mr James Robertson, land-steward on the estate of Sir Parick Murray Threipland, Bart., Fingask Castle, Errol, was born on the 26th of December, 1835. He was educated first at Moulin Parish School, afterwards at Kinnaird Parish School, and finally at Kinnoull Street Academy, Perth.

On the 17th of April, 1854, he entered as an apprentice the office of the late Mr Thomas Telford Mitchell, Associate of the Institute of Civil Engineers. During this pupilage he superintended the construction of the short railway from Perth to Methven, the branch line from Coupar-Angus to Blairgowrie, and the branch from Larbert to Denny; also the Dunblane, Doune, Callandar railway. Afterwards he was for a considerable time employed on the survey for the proposed supply of water to Glasgow from Loch Katrine.

In the beginning of 1858 Mr Mitchell took the contract for the construction of the Castle Douglas section of the Portpatrick railway, of which Mr Robertson had the entire charge till about the end of 1860, when he accepted an appointment in India with Messrs. Lee, Watson and Aiton, who held the contract for the construction of the Nagpore Extension of the Great Indian Peninsular railway. Here Mr Robertson for several years had charge of districts, giving great satisfaction to his employers, as well as the railway company, and proved himself peculiarly competent to carry out public works in India and to manage natives. When the contractors returned home he was left in full charge of the completion of their undertaking, about 280 miles. For valuable assistance during the Nagpore Rxhibition of 1865, in forwarding goods by the contractors' train, and generally giving advice in the futherance of this object, he received the thanks of the Goverment of the Central Provinces.

In June, 1868, he returned to this country to recruit his health, and in the autumn was asked to go to India again, to take charge for the contractor, Mr. Joseph Bray, of No. 19 contract on the same railway, from Goolburga to Raichore, which was also completed to his employer's satisfaction. Mr. Robertson finally returned to this country at the end of 1870, and shortly afterwards entered into partnership with a firm of iron manufacturers in Scotland (The Milnwood Iron Works, Motherwell). But his arduous duties in India, combined with the effects of the trying climate, had so impaired his health that he never afterwards quite recovered his strength, and he died in Glasgow of the 5th April, 1876.

He was elected an Associate of the Institute of Civil Engineers on the 3rd of December 1872".

The National Library of Scotland holds a collection of his correspondence, journals and photographs (Acc. 10012, James Robertson), which include letters from him and his brother Donald, a banker in Bombay 1859-69, to their father. Also letters from India to their sisters Margaret and Jean, as well as to Jean's husband John Robertson. In addition there are photographs of the building of the GIP Railway, Nagpore.

-

Alexander Seaton and Elizabeth Duff in Tomchulan and Bridge of Earn

Moulin OPR, 12 Dec 1840
Alexander Seaton and Elisabeth Duff, both in this parish, married 14th current.

Elizabeth's death certificate gives her parents as Alexander Duff, farmer, and Helen McDougal, who married in Logierait parish on 18th June 1810. She was born 14th October 1814. Her older sister Katharine was born in Logierait parish, 18th February 1812, but her two younger sisters were born in Moulin parish: Helen, 7th October 1816; and Margaret, 16th November 1824.

As previously mentioned, by 1841 Alexander Seaton jnr. and his young wife had taken over the lease on Tomchulin, while his parents had retired to an adjacent dwelling on the farm, although his mother Margaret Kennedy is not mentioned in the census as she was at Strone of Cally with her recently married daughter and her husband James Scott. Alexander Seaton had a 50 acre farm employing: two female servants, Margaret Campbell and Margaret Robertson; three agricultural labourers, Charles Robertson, John Forbes and Peter Small; and a fox hunter, William Robertson.

By 1851 Alexander Seaton and his wife had a family of 5 children.

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
18 Tomchulan Alexander Seaton head marr 37y farmer of 50 acres Moulin
Elisabeth Seaton wife marr 36y Moulin
Helen Seaton dau u/m 10y scholar Moulin
Margaret Seaton dau u/m 8y scholar Moulin
Elisabeth Seaton dau u/m 7y scholar Moulin
Alexander Seaton son u/m 3y Moulin
Isabella Duff Seaton dau u/m 1y Moulin
Margaret Seaton mother widow 76y annuitant Moulin

Widow Seaton is Margaret Kennedy who died 20th July 1851.

At some time between 1854 and 1861 the family moved to Bridge of Earn, in the parish of Dunbarney, where they had a much bigger farm.

1861 Census for Grant Farm, Dunbarney parish

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
Alexander Seaton head marr 48y farmer of 119 acres Moulin
Eliza Seaton wife marr 46y Moulin
Margaret Seaton dau u/m 17y Moulin
Alexander Seaton son u/m 13y scholar Moulin
Isabella Seaton dau u/m 11y scholar Moulin
Donald Seaton son u/m 9y scholar Moulin
Isabella Sim neice u/m 15y scholar Moulin
Ann Clark servant u/m 21y dairymaid Moulin
James McIntosh servant u/m 28y ploughman Moulin
Samuel Cairns servant u/m 20y ploughman Newburgh, Fife
James Leven servant u/m 16y cattle boy Scoonie, Fife

1881 Census for Brickhall, Dunbarney parish

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
Alexander Seaton head marr 66y farmer of 340 acres Moulin
Eliza Seaton wife marr 64y Moulin
Elizabeth Seaton dau u/m 30y Moulin
Donald Seaton son u/m 28y Moulin
Jessie Seaton dau u/m 26y Moulin
Catherine Duff visitor widow 66y lady's companion Moulin

Alexander Seaton married to Eliza Duff died at Cronan Farm, Coupar Angus, 21st October 1887. The informant was his son Donald Seaton. The executors of his will were: William McLaren, farmer in West Dron, Bridge of Earn; David Sturrock, Tigh na truin, Pitlochry; and William S. Ferguson, farmer in Pickstonhill, near Perth.

1891 Census for Cronan Farm, Coupar Angus parish

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
Elizabeth D. Seaton head widow 76y Moulin
Donald Seaton son u/m 39y farmer Moulin
Margaret Seaton dau u/m 48y Moulin
Isabella Seaton dau u/m 41y Moulin

Elizabeth Seaton died at Cronan, Coupar Angus, 1st April 1896 aged 80 years. She was the daughter of Alexander Duff, farmer, and Helen McDougal, both deceased. Informant was her son Donald Seaton.

Donald Seaton died 5 Jan 1910 at Ochiltree farm, Glenfarg, and left a will.

-

(Generation 5) The Children of Alexander Seaton and Elizabeth Duff in Tomchulin and Bridge of Earn

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Helen 24 Nov 1841 . . . d.
Margaret 6 Apr 1843 . . . d.
Elspeth 27 Nov 1844 died in childred . Bridge of Earn d. 1859
Alexander 18 Jun 1846 . . . d.
Alexander 26 May 1848 . . . d.
Isabella Duff 8 Apr 1850 . . . d.
Donald
(Daniel)
8 Feb 1852 . . . d.
Janet 21 Dec 1853 . . . d.

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James Scott and Jean (Jane) Seaton in Mains of Rochallie, Bridge of Cally

Jane Seton, married James Scott, 8 Jun 1840 (Blairgowrie OPR) and 9 Jun 1840 (Moulin OPR).

At the time of the 1841 census James Scott and his wife Jane were living at Strone of Cally, just north of Blairgowrie. Jane's mother, Margaret Kennedy was visiting.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birthplace
Strone of Callie James Scott 24y ag. labourer Perthshire
Jane Scott 25y Perthshire
Margaret Seton 65y independent Perthshire

First four children born in Bendorchy parish, last five in Blairgowrie parish.

Jane Seton, married to James Scott, farmer at Mains of Rochallie, Blairgowrie, district of Persie, died 15th February 1862 aged 45 years. Parents given as Alexander Seton, farmer, and Margaret Kennedy. Informant was her husband, James Scott.

(Generation 5) The Children of James Scott and Jean (Jane) Seaton in Mains of Rochallie, Bridge of Cally

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Charlotte 22 Aug 1841 . . . d.
William Alexander 9 Dec 1842 . . . d.
James Seton 5 Jul 1844 . . . d.
Daniel 20 Feb 1846 . . . d.
Alexander Seaton 17 Aug 1847 . . . d.
Charles (twin) 9 Jun 1849 . . . d.
Margaret (twin) 9 Jun 1849 . . . d. 1864
Robert McDonald 29 Jan 1851 . . . d.
John 23 Sep 1853 . . . d.

-

Alexander Robertson and Jean Seaton in Easter Balrobie and Ardtulichan

Alexander Robertson in (Easter) Balrobie and Jean Setton in Loinmarstaig, Moulin parish, married 6th January 1792. The first three children were born at Easter Balrobie, but after 1800 the family moved to Ardtulichan.

Alexander Robertson must have died before 1841 as only his widow and children appear in the 1841 census for Ardtulichan.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birthplace
13. Ardtulichan Jean Robertson 70y independent Perthshire
John Robertson 40y cattle dealer Perthshire
Thomas Robertson 30y ag. labourer Perthshire
Peter Robertson 25y ag. labourer Perthshire
Margaret Skinner 14y ag. labourer Perthshire

By the time of the 1851 census for Ardtulichan........................................

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
15. Ardtulichan Jane Robertson head widow 80y former farmer's wife Moulin
John Robertson son u/m 53y cattle dealer Moulin
Alexander Robertson son u/m 48y farmer of 13 acres Blair Atholl

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Alexander Robertson and Jean Seaton in Easter Balrobie and Ardtulichan

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Margaret 28 Feb 1793 . . Ardtulichan d.
John 18 Oct 1795 . . Ardtulichan d.
Alexander 3 May 1800 . . Ardtulichan d.
Donald 28 Oct 1804 . . Ardtulichan d.
Thomas 28 Jun 1807 . . Ardtulichan d.
Peter 1 Jul 1810 . . Ardtulichan d.

-

John Seaton and Isabel McBeath in Ekfrid, Middlesex Co., Ontario

John Seaton and Isabel McBeath married 22 Jan 1805.

Isabel was the daughter of Alexander McBeath and Susan Stewart who married 6 Jan 1775. Her father farmed at Clachglas in Glentilt, where she was born 20 Apr 1783, but shortly after her birth the family moved to Croftvikewan where her sisters Susan and Christian were born. Her brother Archibald married Margaret Seaton and they emigrated with their seven children to Bainsville, Ontario (1817-19). Perhaps Archibald encouraged John Seaton and his wife to do likewise.

John Seaton was joint tenant of Loinmarstaig with Donald McLaren in 1806, when his son Donald was born, as shown by the Minister of Moulin's census.

Name Status Occupation Comment
John Setton head farmer
Isabel MacBeth wife
James Setton son
Isabel Setton daughter servant

The last entry is rather odd and John's daughter Isabel was not born until 1808. James is described as "their son", but Isabel is described merely as "daughter". Perhaps the Isabel in the 1806 census was an illegitimate daughter.

It is assumed that John Seaton, his wife and seven children emigrated to Canada before 1820 as they do not appear in the 1820 Moulin census. According to the 1851 Canadian census, their daughter Susan was born in Quebec while their daughter Margaret was born in New London, Ontario, in 1837. By 1851 John Seaton was farming Lot 14 Concession 4, Ekfrid in Middlesex Co. Ontario.

Name Profession Birthplace Religion Age
John Seton farmer Scotland Free Church 80y
Alexander Seton farmer Scotland Free Church 40y
Elizabeth Seton . Scotland Free Church 34y
John Seton labourer Scotland Free Church 31y
Isabella Seton . Scotland Free Church 68y

There is a Donald Seton living very close and this may be another son.

Name Profession Birthplace Religion Age
Donald Seton farmer Scotland Free Church 33y
Elizabeth Seton . Scotland Free Church 21y

John Seaton died 12 May 1852 and was buried in the Lotan cemetery where there is a stone erected to his memory. After the death of her husband Isabel McBeath lived with her youngest daughter Margaret who was married to David McDonald. Isabel died at Ekfrid 9 Jun 1882 and was buried in the Lotan cemetery. Her tombstone says that she was a native of Perthshire and was aged 106 years and 3 months. A bit of an exageration but not bad, considering that she was 99 years old!

-

(Generation 4) The Children of John Seaton and Isabel McBeath in Ekfrid, Ontario

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
James 21 Feb 1806 . . . d.
Isabel 17 Jan 1808 John Fraser 1825 Dundee,
Quebec
h. 15 May 1875
w. 1 May 1883
Alexander 22 Apr 1810 . . Ekfrid,
Ontario
d. Oct 1887
Jean (Jane) 2 Aug 1812 John Eddie . . h. 1880
w.
Donald 20 Jun 1814 . . . d.
Elspeth
(Elizabeth)
25 Aug 1816 . . Ekfrid,
Ontario
d. 6 Jan 1898
John 8 Nov 1818 Margaret McDougall . Ekfrid,
Ontario
h.
w. 18 Feb 1858
Susan ~1821 Alexander McDougall ~1844 Ekfrid,
Ontario
h. after 1871
w. after 1871
Margaret 10 Oct 1827 David McDonald ~1844 Ekfrid,
Ontario
h. 25 Dec 1888
w. 8 Aug 1911

-

John Fraser and Isabel Seaton in Dundee, Quebec

John Fraser, the husband of Isabel Seaton, was a native of Balnafroig near Dores, Inverness-shire, born 27th March 1796. He was the son of James Fraser and Anne Fraser who were married in Dores, 25th December 1784. Some sources suggest that his mother was Ann McBean, but this seems to be incorrect and has come about through the birth of John's sister Janet in 1798. The Dores OPR shows that a Janet Fraser, daughter to James Fraser and Ann McBean was born at Balnao, 12th September 1798 and baptised the following day. However, John's sister Janet was born at Balnaroik (Balnafroig), 15th April 1798, but although the mother's name is clearly Anne Fraser and the father's surname is Fraser, his forename has been scrawled over so that only the initial letter 'T', or possibly 'F', can be read. John's own entry clearly shows that his parents were James Fraser and Anne Fraser in Balnaroik (Balnafroig).

John and his four brothers: James b 16 Mar 1789; Alexander b 24 May 1791; William b 18 Oct 1800; Donald b 1 Sep 1803; and sister Janet b 15 Apr 1798, emigrated to Dundee, Quebec, about the year 1818. (Other siblings were: Alexander, b 23 feb 1788; Mary, b 12 Aug 1793; and Hugh, b 7 Feb 1806). They cleared the land and, like many early settlers, sold the potash from the trees that they cleared to generate cash income. Their stone 'ash house' where the potash was burned is still standing. They helped establish the first church in Dundee (Free Church of Scotland). Two hundred years later, the direct descendants of John Fraser and Isabel Seaton still own the farm where they settled, including their stone house that was built in the 1820s. John and Isabel are buried along with 3 generations of their descendants in Zion Cemetery in Dundee, Quebec.

-

(Generation 5) The Children of John Fraser and Isabel Seaton in Dundee, Quebec

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Nancy ~1828 Thomas Vass 1848 Huntingdon,
Quebec
h. 1886
w. 8 Mar 1920
Isabel ~1831 William Fraser . Dundee,
Quebec
h. 1 Feb 1874
w. 20 Mar 1917
Mary ~1832 Thomas Grant . LaGuerre,
Quebec
h. 17 Aug 1895
w. 6 Apr 1881
John J. Jun 6 1835 Margaret Fraser . Huntingdon,
Quebec
h. 22 Sep 1917
w. 15 Oct 1897
Donald J. May 22 1837 1w. Isabella Fraser
2w. Sarah McCracken
1867
1879
Dundee,
Quebec
h. 30 Apr 1919
1w. 13 May 1876
2w. 1 May 1929
Jannet Apr 20 1839 Farquhar D. McLennan 1861 Williamstown,
Ontario
h. 16 Dec 1908
w. 30 Nov 1916
Alexander John Apr 27 1841 Anna Sinclair 1867 Alameda Co.,
California
h. 8 May 1909
w. 15 Mar 1890
Jane ~1844 Duncan Fraser 1866 Dundee,
Quebec
h. 12 Jun 1911
w. 28 Aug 1928
Margaret Jun 18 1846 Donald McLachlan 1870 Lobo,
Ontario
h. 2 Aug 1914
w. 26 Sep 1950
William J. ~1848 Ann Elizabeth Cameron ~1874 Godmanchester,
Quebec
h. 8 Oct 1879
w. 28 Sep 1876
Thomas Mar 8 1852 died in infancy . Dundee,
Quebec
d. 30 Apr 1852
Elizabeth ~1855 James McCartney . Ormstown,
Quebec
h. 1897
w. 1947

-

Alexander Seaton

The 1851 census shows that Alexander Seaton farmed Lot 14 Concession 5 which was next to his father's farm at Lot 4 Concession 14. Both of these farms were of 100 acres and about half of the native woodland had been cleared for cultivation.

Alexander seems to have sold his farm by 1861 as he does not appear in the census for that year. By the 1871 census he had returned as a married labourer but his wife was not with him. He died in October 1887.

-

John Eddie and Jane Seaton

Jane Seaton married John Eddie at Ekfrid 25 May 1837. His parents were William Eddie and Elizabeth McDonald. The family moved to Minnesota around 1856. Information on the family can be found in 'Nairn to Ekfrid and West' written by Blake McGill.

(Generation 5) The Children of John Eddie and Jane Seaton in Ekfrid, Ontario

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
William ~1838 . . Ekfrid d.
John ~1839 . . Ekfrid d.
Elizabeth ~1840 . . Ekfrid d.
Isabella ~1842 . . Ekfrid d.
Donald
(Daniel)
~1845 . . Ekfrid d.
Jane ~1847 . . Ekfrid d.
Susan ~1849 . . Ekfrid d.
Hugh 6 Jul 1850 (Lydia) Eastman 10 Mar 1880 Arnett,
Oklahoma
h. 8 Apr 1935
w. 29 Oct 1920
James born
Minnesota
. . Minnesota d.

-

John Seaton and Margaret McDougal

John Seaton married Margaret McDougall, the daughter of Angus McDougall and Alice McMillan. She died 18 Feb 1858, aged only 34, and was buried in the Lotan cemetery where there is a memorial stone.

In 1871 John Seaton was listed as a contractor and was living with Angus Black and his family. Angus had married his niece Isabella McDougall in 1870.

In 1891 John Seaton was living alone at Strathgroy, aged 68 years and blind. It is possible that he married Mary Sheldon who was a widow.

John Seaton, 70 years old, profession not given, widower, born in Perthshire Scotland, presently living in Strathroy, son of John Seaton and Isabella (McBeath), married Mary L. Sheldon, 32 years old, widow, born in New York City, presently living in Strathroy, daughter of Fred and Mary Sheldon, 29th March 1895 at Strathroy

-

Alexander McDougall and Susan Seaton in Ekfrid

Susan Seaton married Alexander McDougall around 1844.

(Generation 5) The Children of Alexander McDougall and Susan Seaton in Ekfrid, Ontario

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Ann ~1844 . . Ekfrid d.
Isabella ~1846 . . Ekfrid d. 1 May 1883
Jean (Jane) ~1848 . . Ekfrid d.
John ~1850 . . Ekfrid d.
Alexander Seaton 25 Oct 1853 Ann Decou . Ekfrid d. 1940
Margaret 27 Apr 1855 . . Ekfrid d. 31 Oct 1877

-

David McDonald and Margaret Seaton in Ekfrid

Margaret Seaton married David McDonald around 1844.

(Generation 5) The Children of David McDonald and Margaret Seaton in Ekfrid, Ontario

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
Alexander Seaton 11 Nov 1845 Martha Corneil 15 Dec 1870 Ekfrid h. 12 Feb 1923
w. 18 Feb 1929
Ann 10 Jul 1849 Duncan McColl ~1870 Ekfrid h. 1875
w. 20 May 1918
John Seaton 31 Mar 1852 Ann Graham 2 Oct 1883 Ekfrid h. 11 Jul 1936
w. 14 Mar 1890
Susan 15 Jan 1854 Donald Graham 20 Nov 1879 Ekfrid h. Jan 1936
w. 30 Jan 1910
William 10 May 1856 Mary Graham 11 Oct 1888 Ekfrid h.
w.
Donald Seaton 24 Jun 1858 Ann Switzer 20 Jun 1889 Ekfrid h. 1937
w. 14 Feb 1893
David 10 Jun 1860 Mary McEachern 4 Jan 1899 Ekfrid h.
w.
James 24 Jun 1861 Mary Robson 15 Dec 1927 Ekfrid h.
w. 18 May 1933
Archibald 1 Apr 1862 Elizabeth Bell 19 Sep 1900 Ekfrid h.
w.
Margaret 30 Jun 1866 unmarried . Ekfrid d. 17 May 1875
Mary Jane 12 Oct 1869 Frederick Eaton 7 Oct 1891 Ekfrid h. 8 Jul 1961
w. 9 Jun 1895

-

Thomas Ferguson and Elizabeth Seaton in Blairgowrie

Kirkmichael OPR, 17th December 1808
Thomas Ferguson in this parish and Elspeth Seaton in the parish of Moulin, contracted (for marriage).

Moulin OPR, 30th December 1808
Thomas Ferguson in the parish of Kirkmichael and Elspeth Setton in this parish - Married.

The couple are not easy to trace as none of their children have their baptisms recorded in the OPRs and the spelling of their surname is quite variable. The 1841 census shows them living with their two sons but, considering that the eldest of the two was born around 1817, it is quite likely that there are other children born between 1809 and 1816.

In the 1841 census the family were farming at Claywhat, near Bridge of Calley, to the north of Blairgowrie.

Dwelling Name Age Occupation Birthplace
Claywhat farm Thomas Ferguson 70y farmer Perthshire
Elspeth Ferguson 60y Perthshire
James Ferguson 24y farmer Perthshire
Thomas Ferguson 22y farmer Perthshire

Thomas Ferguson married three years later.

Blairgowrie OPR, 12th May 1844
Thomas Ferguson and Elisabeth Elder Scott, both in this parish (married)

By the time of the 1851 census they had moved to Ashmore (Blairgowrie, 2/1)

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
1. Small house,
Ashmore
Thomas Ferquson head marr 84y retired farmer Blairgowrie
Elizabeth Ferquson wife marr 73y Moulin
Ashmore Farm Thomas Ferquson head marr 33y farmer of 170 acres Blairgowrie
Eliza Ferquson wife marr 31y Blairgowrie
William Ferquson son u/m 4y Blairgowrie
Charlotte Ferquson dau u/m 2y Blairgowrie
Eliza Ferquson dau u/m 2m Blairgowrie

Thomas Ferguson jnr. was employing 5 farm labourers and 2 female servants.

Thomas Ferguson snr. died at Ashmore on 11th December 1853.

By 1861 the rest of the family had moved to Kinnochty Farm Mains (Kettins, 5/2)

Dwelling Name Related Status Age Occupation Birthplace
4. Kinnochty Mains Thomas Farquson head marr 41y farmer of 350 acres Blairgowrie
Elizabeth Scott Farquson wife marr 39y Blairgowrie
Alexander Farquson son u/m 14y scholar Blairgowrie
William Farquson son u/m 12y scholar Blairgowrie
Charlotte Farquson dau u/m 11y scholar Blairgowrie
Jessie Farquson dau u/m 6y scholar Blairgowrie
Thomas Farquson son u/m 3y Blairgowrie
Jane Farquson son u/m 7m Kettins
6. Kinnochty Cottage Elizabeth Seaton head widow 85y farmer's wife Moulin

Elspet Ferguson, widow of Thomas Ferguson, farmer, died at West Kinnochtry (parish of Kettins) on 5th September 1869 aged 93 years. Her parents were given as James Seaton, farmer, and Jean McLagan, both deceased. The informant was her son James Ferguson.

The monument inscription in the Kirkmichael churchyard reads: Thomas Farguson died at Ashmore 11th December 1853 aged 87. His wife Elizabeth Seaton died at Kinnochtry, 1869 aged 93 years.

-

(Generation 4) The Children of Thomas Ferguson and Elizabeth Seaton in Blairgowrie

Name Born Married Date Residence Died
James Ferguson ~1817 . . Bridge of Calley? d. after 1853
Thomas Ferguson ~1819 Elisabeth Elder Scott 12 May 1844 Kinnochty,
Kettins
h.
w.
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