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Hi

In this thread

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,325769.0.html

I ask for some help about some questions I have in relation to my family who were in Ballachulish around the turn of the 18th and 19th Century and would have been linked to the quarries there.

Quote

I am trying to find information on a John McDougall and a Rachael McColl who lived in the Appin area in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

The Book “Villages of Northern Argyll by Mary Withall” mentions a family Gravestone in the ground of the Keil Chapel in Duror. The stone is notable because of reference to their 8 deceased children. I am descended from their Daughter Isabella who would have been born around 1812.

Our information suggests that at some point they were based near Ballachulish and that John was a “Quarry Contractor”. I believe that Ballachulish was known for quarrying.

Our information is that Isabella in 1832 married a Master Joiner and Timber Contractor called John Carmichael who was from Lismore and thereabouts. They lived at a farm/mill named in family letters as “Dal ma - trait” but this might also be read as Dalnatrat.

If anyone has information about the McDougall, McColl or even Carmichael families in this area, or ANY information about these areas, including what documentation there may be about quarrying in Ballachulish and the people that worked there I would really appreciate you making contact.

Any help, advice or basic info you can point me to would be gratefully received.

I wonder if you could help me solve a mystery in connection with my research into the Scottish contribution to World War 1.

I have found the two Argylls listed below. The records are from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission but I feel that one of the soldier’s first names must be wrong. They would appear to be brothers.

Corporal John Carmichael, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Age: 25, Date of Death: 13/11/1916, Additional information: Son of Archie and Sarah Carmichael, of Ballachulish, Argyll.

Private John Carmichael, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Age: 20, Date of Death: 13/11/1916, Additional information: Son of Archie and Sarah Carmichael, of Ballachulish, Argyll.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Alistair McEwen