Livingstones and McPhails on Luing, Argyll, 1834

[Keith Livingstone Australia]

I'm chasing up the Livingstone-McPhail connection and the only GRO record of an Angus Livingston marrying a McPhail is a Jan 22nd 1802 marriage in the Parish of Kilbrandon & Kilchattan. Angus Livingson marrried Ann McPhail. At the end of the hand-written line was the word Colipol. So I've found a Cullipool, on the island of Luing, between Oban and Jura. Luing has a church of Kilchattan that was first recorded in use in 1589. I found evidence that families of Livingstones and McPhails were tenant farmers on Luing in 1834 on this website:

[Jill Richmond]

Hi Keith, I was most interested to see your posting and to read that you have forebears who were on the island of Luing. This is the first instance I have seen of Livingstones, other than my own family, who were at one time on Luing. My gt. gt. gt. Aunt Mary was born on Luing 17 August 1785 at Bardrishaig. She was the daughter of Archibald Livingston and Mary McDougall, but I can find no record of their marriage. Sometime after Mary's birth the family moved to Craignish. My gt. gt. Grandfather, Alexander, was born at Soroba, Craignish in 1791. It seems likely that we share a common ancestor. Next time I am in Argyll I hope to go to Luing and see if I can find out anything. One of my cousins spoke of seeing a gravestone inscribed with the name William Livingston(e). Incidentally, my maiden surname is Livingston. Best wishes, Jill

[Keith Livingstone Australia]

Hi Jill; Thanks for replying. I will copy that information to my notes. I'm still trying to find out if the Angus Livingston(e) mentioned is actually my ancestor, who definitely married a McPhail. If this is the same fellow, (and the time lines are exactly right)then his wife used a different first name on the wedding register(Ann)to that which was mentioned 56 years later on the death certificate of Angus's son John in 1858 (Margaret). Mind you, these anomalies seem to be quite common. The main thing is that we have evidence of a group of McPhails and Livingstones living on this tiny island, as well as marrying. The Luing island records may give us more information on the clan relationship that led these families, along with the Morrisons, to migrate en masse to Canada. I wonder if there are any male descendants still on the island with any of those names, especially Livingston(e).

[Jill Richmond]

Hi Keith, Thanks for your e-mail. It set me wondering whether, in fact, there were

[Bachuil]

Today Luing is mostly owned by the Cadzows who are famous for breeding Luing Cattle.

[Keith Livingstone Australia]

According to one century-old transcript I was reading recently about the extended family of David Livingstone,it said that all of his family had "long since left" the regions of Ulva, Mull and Morvern. Presumably for opportunities around Blantyre and Canada.Much of the clan's heritage is probably spread throughout Canada and North America by now.

[Susan Jones]

Hello Keith I have no information for you regarding Livingstones but my paternal grandfather was born on Luing(Duncan Mcphail). I don`t know if there would be any connection to the Mcphails you are investigating. I remember being taken to Luing as a little girl and meeting some relatives. Grandads neice or cousin lived on Easedale and her name was Jeanie or Jennie. Her brother was called Colin. My grandfather died late 50`s about 62 years old. I shan`t chatter on in case this info is irrevelant to you but I`d be delighted to know if any of this ties up with what you know. best wishes

[Keith Livingstone Australia]

Thanks Susan. Any information is useful! Out of interest, my first cousin was the daughter of a Livingstone daughter, and her name was Jeanie (she died young unfortunately). My brother is named Colin. These may be family names that popped up again in recent times.

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Keith, Could not get through to that information page, but understand that Livingstones were living at Luing. I intend to check this out further as I am curious about any Maconleas at Luing that changed their name to Livingstone before 1775. There were Maconleas on nearby Colonsay apparently in the 1600's and they may have changed their name to Livingstone as did our Lismore/Morvern Maconleas. regards Donald (Livingstone) Clink

[Gordon McPhail]

Hello My father, grandfather, gt-grandfather and gt-gt-grandfather were all named Duncan McPhail and came from Blackmillbay on Luing (with the exception of my Dad who was born in Glasgow). I wonder if we have common ancestry. Maybe you can get back to me...... Gordon McPhail