Emailed information from Robyn Wiggs (Mackay), Australia, to Keith Dash, Australia, about Robyn’s ancestor Captain Colin Mackay (1839-1889) who was the Chief Constable of Argyllshire during the Crofter’s War of 1886, and who led the police expedition to quell the uprising on Tiree.
Extract: “… pertaining to the Crofter’s War 1886 which gives my great grandfather, Captain Colin Mackay, Chief Constable of Argyllshire, as the leader of the police expedition at that time. I know he died 17 September 1889, Cormly/Comly? Building Lochgilphead, Argyll. He is buried Achnabreac Cemetery Argyll. … indicate he was a serving member of the Police at the time of his death… His headstone was erected by the members of the constabulary… His widow, Susan Mackay (Whyte/White), with their children immigrated to Australia to join their eldest son. From there our family continues.”
Came across this by accident whilst doing my family tree. The Chief Constable you mention, Colin Mackay, was my great grandfather. Small world. His daughter Jessie Mackay resided in Lochgilphead and eventually at the North Lodge, Poltalloch House Estate, nearto Kilmartin.
Hi Alan,
Small world alright! Colin Mackay was also my great grandfather. My line comes down from his son, John White Mackay.
After Colin’s death, his widow Susan, and children John White, Susan and Louise Joined older son, Colin in Brisbane, Australia.
I had not been able to find any info on Jessie and assumed she had died prior to their move. I believe there may have been an Angus as well.
I had posted on this site trying to find any info on Chief Constable Colin Mackay – searched the Northern Police hoping for photo to no avail. Happy to share the Australian Story if you are interested.
Alan can you please forward your info… I am cousin to Robyn above mentioned.
mackaycat@bigpond.com
We have a lot to share (I thought Jessie passed as a child as I havnt been able to track her down)