THE MACMARTINS (D.M) Today, the MacMartin-Camerons are without their ancestral lands, and have no one to claim the chiefship of the ancient house of Letterfinlay. Perhaps one day, in the not too distant future, someone will come forward to stake his claim as the true lineal descendant of John MacMartin-Cameron in Glenroy, who was believed to be a son of the rightful heir to the Chiefship of the MacMartins and the Letterfinlay estates, when the main line terminated in the death of Cosmo Gordon MacMartin, 8th of Letterfinlay. The MacMartins of Letterfinlay were originally of ecclesiastical stock, being one time devotees of St. Martin of Tours, as the old Gaelic form of their name - MacGhille Mhartainn (Son of the Servant of Martin) - implies. Tradition has it that they came over to Scotland from Ireland about a thousand years ago and were found at an early date in Ayrshire, then in Argyll, prior to their settlement on Lochaber. Their progenitor, Gilleroth, son of Gillemartin, witnessed a grant of lands in Carrick in the reign of Alexander II. (1214-1249). They had the reputation in the Highlands of being very cunning, hence the origin of the Highland proverb : Sliochd nan sionnach - Clann Mhartainn (Offspring of the foxes - Clan Martin). Indeed, on of the foxs nicknames in Gaelic is Gille-Martainn (Martins Gillie). ....this family was still known as MacMartin locally during the latter part of [the 19th] century, but they were known abroad by the name of Cameron. It is interesting to note how and when this old family was forced to take the name of Cameron. Sometime prior ro 1472 Ailean nan Creach (Allan of the Forays), son of Donald Dubh Cameron, tried to persuade a minor Highland family called MacWilkane to change their name to Cameron and own this brigand as their chief. Donald Mór MacWilkane, Head of the tribe, would not hear tell of it and was determined to resist every advance in this direction. One fine summer day Allan called at Donalds tigh-dige - i.e. a house surrounded by a mound to keep out an inundation - up Loch Oichside, on what appeared to be a friendly visit. He was hospitably received and after partaking a sumptuous meal, made as though he would depart. Hostlike, Donald arose to see him to the door, when, suddenly, Allan drew back and coming behind MacWilkane he asked him in Gaelic - De n uair a tha e? (What time is it?). This was long before clocks were known in Lochaber. Donald, never suspecting treachery, put up his right hand to shade his eyes as he sought to tell the time from the sun, but before he was able to say a word, the wily Allan had severed his head with one sweep of the broadsword. An old seanachie, when describing the dastardly deed in Gaelic, gives us this vivid account - Mun robh am focal air bàrr a theangaidh, bha a cheann air bàrr a bhròige (Before the word was on the tip of his tongue, his head was on the top of his shoe). The murderer then called to see MacMartin of Letterfinlay. He warned him that if he did not assume his name and follow his banner he would serve him as he had done to his neighbour - Ni mi cleas MhicMhuilcein ort! (Ill play the same trick on you as I did to MacWilkane!).... ....The MacMartins are undoubtedly of ancient stock but at this date it is not possible to trace their pedigree back with any degree of certainty before the beginning of the 16th century. The names of Angus Mertini and Duncan Mertini - i.e. Angus, (son) of Martin, and Duncan, (son) of Martin, are given as witnesses to a charter by Celestine of the Isles to Alan Donald Duff (Allan, son of Donald Dubh Cameron), captain of Clan Cameron, in 1472. The first MacMartin of Letterfinlay lived there in 1513, and so, for convenience, we shall designate him - Duncan, 1st of Letterfinlay.... The MacMartins of Letterfinlay (Grid NN253914) ca1490- ???? Duncan MACMARTIN-CAMERON (1st of Letterfinlay) Close alliance with the Keppoch family - in 1533 his name appears as of Letterfinlay - death year ?, but his son succeeded by 1549 ca1530- ???? Martin MACMARTIN-CAMERON (2nd of Letterfinlay) Lochiel laid claim to his lands on the strength of a charter by George, Earl of Huntly to the Hon. Donald Cameron alias Allanson of Lochiel, of the lands of Letterfinlay, Stronabaw, and Lyndaly, lying within the Lordship of Lochaber and Sheriffdom of Inverness - 16th Feb 1534. The claim was dropped by 1584. Martin was foster-father to Ewen Beag, 2nd of Lochiel. ca1565- ???? Duncan MACMARTIN-CAMERON (3rd of Letterfinlay) Succeeded by 1598. Brother John was the progenitor of the Lochleven family. The MacMartins supported Lochiel against MacKintosh - Lochiel sublet to him the lands of Kylinross, west of river, but near Mucomir. ca1595- ???? Duncan Òig MACMARTIN-CAMERON (4th of Letterfinlay) Had at least three sons - Martin, John Roy in Stroneaba, and Ewen in Rattulichbeg. Ewens son was imprisoned as a marauder in Strathspey. ca1616- ???? Martin MACMARTIN-CAMERON (5th of Letterfinlay) Owned the estates prior ro 1663. In 1671 he and his brother John Roy were accused of murder and mutilation - their effects included a very large number of animals, probably many of them stolen. In 1684 they were both again arraigned for cattle thieving. Martin had at least two sons - Duncan and Martin Òg. The latter led a large force in 1689 at Viscount Dundees muster at Mucomir. ca1640- ???? Duncan MACMARTIN-CAMERON (6th of Letterfinlay Possessed estate before fathers death. Duncan had at least one son and two daughters. The son, Neil, is mentioned in 1685. Mary married Archibald MacDonell, 14th of Keppoch, and was the mother of Coll of the Cows. Another daughter became the second wife of John Mòr MacSorlie-Cameron, 9th of Glen Nevis. Duncan was succeeded by his nephew. ca1680- ???? George MACMARTIN-CAMERON (7th of Letterfinlay) Son of Martin Òg. Married twice and had several children by his first wife. A contract for his second marriage to Mary MacKintosh is dated 14th Dec.1732 at Inverness. The groomsman was Allan Cameron, younger of Leindallie. George was dead before 20 December 1737. ....George, 7th of Letterfinlay......... was, for a time, tenant of Mucomir farm which belonged to the Duke of Gordon, but he gave it up sometime prior to 1725 because the Duke had refused to reduce the rent. When MacMartin left the farm he boasted that he would defy any other person to take the lease of it, and, sure enough, it remained without a tenant for a few years. At last, the Duke prevailed upon the Reverend John Skeldoch, Minister of Kilmonivaig Parish Church from 1725 to 1733, who could not find a place in which to reside, to take it. The former tenant waited until the minister had plentifully stocked the farm with cattle, and built a house on it, then, with some of his followers (finding that the cattle were carefully watched), went to the place where the calves were kept, and with their dirks cut off their heads and cut the skins so that they could not be of any use, then laid them in two separate heaps. That same night they cut and destroyed the nets and other equipment of the Salmon Fishery on the River Lochy, belonging to the Duke of Gordon. But finding that this did not force the minister to leave the place, they waited for an opportunity of his being away from home when a band of them, well armed, surrounded the house, pulled down part of it and fired several shots towards the bed where his wife lay, which, at last, obliged the minister to retire to Fort William with his wife and family. Skeldoch was forced to resign his charge at Kilmonivaig and was later transferred........... on 11th April 1733......... ca1742- ???? Cosmo Gordon MACMARTIN-CAMERON (8th of Letterfinlay) Son of George. A soldier. Died in early manhood without issue, and was succeeded by a distant relative of the Ratullochbeg branch. ca1740- ???? George MACMARTIN-CAMERON (9th of Letterfinlay) Eccentric. Died 1829 ca1770- ???? Gordon MACMARTIN-CAMERON (10th of Letterfinlay) Served in Allan Cameron of Errachts regiment in 1794. Died 20th September 1830, succeeded by his brother. ca1772- ???? Hugh John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (11th of Letterfinlay) Eccentric Colonel. Died before November 1851, succeeded by his brother. ca1774- ???? Hugh MACMARTIN-CAMERON (12th of Letterfinlay) Hugh and his sisters lived at Inveruiskavouline in Glenloy. They all appeared to suffer from the family eccentricities, even mental weakness. None married, and the line died out at this point. The MacMartin-Cameron offshoots include those of Kinlochleven, Blarachaorin, Camuserracht, Ratullochbeg, Ratullochmore, Stroneaba, Mucomir, and Dochanassie. The MacMartin-Camerons of Kinlochleven (Grid NN185617) ca1568- ???? John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (1st of Kinlochleven) Younger son of Martin, 2nd of Letterfinlay. Had two sons : Angus, his heir, and Donald, progenitor of the Blarachaorin family. ca1603- 1690 Angus MACMARTIN-CAMERON (2nd of Kinlochleven) Mentioned in 1678 and 1691. Succeeded by his son. ca1645- 1706 John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (3rd of Kinlochleven) Described in 1686 as fiar of Kenlochmore. The same year he was given a sasine on wadset of Kenlochbeg. At one time Kinlochleven consisted of two separate estates: Kenlochmore on the Inverness-shire side of the River Leven, and Kenlochbeg on the Argyll side. By the summer of 1695 John was referred to as of Kinlochlevin. He married Isobel Campbell, with issue, Duncan. After his death, his widow remarried, and became the second wife of John Cameron, 6th of Erracht. John of Kinlochleven was succeeded by his son. ca1684- ???? Duncan MACMARTIN-CAMERON (4th of Kinlochleven) A Hanoverian patrol report refers to old Cameron of Kinlochleven on 16th October 1749. Succeeded by his son. ca1710- ???? Duncan MACMARTIN-CAMERON (5th of Kinlochleven) A military report 17th August 1749 says:: The Sergt. at Glencoe reports that on Sunday the 7 Inst. as two of his party were going with his report to the Corpl. at Loch Leven, they saw Duncan Cameron of Kinlochbegg wearing a Highland Plaid And when he saw the soldiers he gave the Plaid to his Servant Maid and made of as fast as he could, the men persued him But could not overtake him, so returned Back and took the Plaid from his Servant, the Sergt. Has been in search of him two or three times, but to no purpose, as he is a Man of some fortune And was in the late Rebellion, think him a proper person gto make an example of, so have sent a description of Him to all the parties, and Dont Doubt but I shall soon have him prisoner. Succeeded by his son. ....1735- ???? John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (6th of Kinlochleven) Married Anne, daughter of Alexander MacSorlie-Cameron, 12th of Glen Nevis, with issue: John, Angus, Jean, Anne, Helen and Christian. Succeeded by his son ....1777- ???? John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (7th of Kinlochleven) Named as heir to his father John Cameron on 5th April 1781. Nothing further is known about this family. Their old home was renovated a number of years ago and is now better known to travellers as The Tartan Hotel. Estate now owned by the British Aluminium Campany. The MacMartin-Camerons of Camuserracht (Grid NN502571) The MacMartin Camerons of Camuserracht, Rannoch, Perthshire are descended from Donald MacMartin of Blarachaorin, younger son of John MacMartin, 1st of Kinlochleven, who married under romantic circumstances Rachel MacGregor of Dunan. Donald is styled in Gaelic by the patronymic of Mac Mhic Mhartainn na Leitreach (Son of a son of Martin of the slope, i.e. Letterfinlay), and his descendants are still known in Rannoch as Clann ic Mhartainn (Children of a son of Martin). Rachel MacGregor had, it would seem, many wooers, and among the rest, a gentle old bachelor in Lochaber, said to be Ranald, son of Alexander MacDonell, 10th of Keppoch, whose addresses she despised and rejected. Determined, however, to gain his point, he conceived the project of carrying her off by force or strategem. Accordingly, he induced about a dozen of his comrades, young men of good families in Lochaber, to proceed with him to Rannoch and take her, nolens-volens, provided they got an opportunity. On arriving near Dunan in the evening, they lay in wait, and watched till they saw her walking alone in a birch wood close to her fathers house. The fellows then rose from their ambush, seized her, and carried her off across the mountains towards Lochaber by an unfrequented path, so as to avoid pursuit. They entered a lonely bothy or sheiling, where Ranald, now that she was in his power, demanded her surrender to his suit. But, his appearance being anything but prepossessing, and entertaining a natural repugnance to him, born, probably, of family feuds, Rachel would on no account consent to marry him. They tried all fair means to persuade the obdurate beauty, but to no purpose. One of the men, less principled than the rest, proposed, by way of punishment for her tenacity, that she should be dishonoured, and then allowed to return to her father if she pleased. Another objected to this brutal proposal, saying that it was as discreditable to themselves as it was shameful to the girl, and made the chivalrous suggestion that all the gentlemen present (and blackguards too) should be drawn up in a line, and that she should be allowed to choose which of them she pleased for a husband. This suggestion was agreed to by Ranald who said - Am boirionnach nach toir a roghainn á triùir, bheir i a deòin as a dhà-dheug (The female that will not take her choice of three persons, she will give her assent to a dozen). As soon as this opportunity was given to her, Rachel immediately fixed her gaze on the young gallant who had made the magnanimous gesture, and turning to him she expressed her gratitude and said - As you have given me proof of your humanity, generosity, and good sense, I choose no other than you. Donald MacMartin of Blarachaorin, the man of her choice, is said to have been exceedingly handsome. Next day the marriage was solemnised by a priest at Lochaber, and a messenger was despatched to Dunan to inform her father of her fate. Blarachaorins union in marriage with Rachel MacGregor proved to be a happy one and a warm friendship soon sprung up between him and his father-in-law, who not only condoned the abduction of his daughter, but allowed her a handsome marriage portion. [Donald] had by her a son John, the direct ancestor of the MacMartin-Camerons of Camuserracht, and a daughter who married her cousin Iain Dubh Òg MacGregor of Dunan. Ewen MacMartin-Cameron, 3rd of Camuserracht...........was a tall, powerful man, of whose feats of strength several anecdotes are recorded. He is said to have been endowed with the Second Sight, and many weird tales are told of his visions, particularly those referring to those disastrous events of the Rising, in which two of his brothers, whom he had tried to dissuade from joining the army of Prince Charles, had met the fate that awaited so many of their fellow-clansmen in that romantic but ill-starred enterprise. The following anecdote is told of Ewen : The eldest of his boys was named after Robertson of Drumachaon, his father-in-law, the second after Ewens own father. While yet little fellows, they one day quarrelled and fought. The younger knocked down his elder brother and was on top of him, whereupon the father sang out this extempore verse: Tha an seòl mar bu chòir dha, S an dòigh so mar bu dual dith; Giuthsach Beinn na Brice Air muin sliochd Beinn na Cuallaich (The way of doing a thing as he ought, And this knack as twas natural; The pine forest of the Speckled Ben [Beinn Bhreac] On the top of the offspring of the Herding Ben. [Beinn na Cuallaich]) Beinn Bhreac is a well-known ben in Nether Lochaber, whereas Beinn na Cuallaich is in Rannoch. The former is associated with the MacMartin-Camerons and the latter with the Robertsons. ca1645- ca1690 John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (1st of Camuserracht) Called Iain Bàn Abrach (Fair John of Lochaber). Settled about 1677 in Rannoch. Married a daughter of John MacGregor of Ardlarich and had three sons : Donald Roy, Duncan and John, who, along with their kinsman Donnachadh Mac Iain Duibh Òig (Duncan, son of youngJohn Dubh), took part in the 15 Rising. John Bàn was succeeded by his eldest son. ca1675- ???? Donald Roy MACMARTIN-CAMERON (2nd of Camuserracht) Succeeded about 1690. Married a daughter of Alexander Kennedy of Leanachan, and had a very large family. Eldest son Alasdair was killed at Culloden, serving under Major Menzies of Shian and Robert MacGregor of Ardlarich. The second son succeeded him. ca1705- ???? Ewen MACMARTIN-CAMERON (3rd of Camuserracht) Married a daughter of Robertson of Drumachaon, Rannoch. Ewens first-born having died young, he was succeeded by his second son. ....1735- ???? Donald MACMARTIN-CAMERON (4th of Camuserracht) Born in 1735. Married Janet MacGregor, belonging to the Dunan family, in 1757. Daughters names unknown, but his sons were Ewen, Angus and John, who lived and died in Rannoch; also Donald and Duncan, who emigrated to Nova Scotia and left descendants there. ....1759- 1844 Ewen MACMARTIN-CAMERON (5th of Camuserracht) Born 1759. Known in Gaelic as Eòghann Dubh an Daraich (Black-haired Ewen of the Oak-tree). Factor to Sir Neil Menzies, Baronet. Married in 1805 Rachel, daughter of MacGregor of Lerigan and grand-daughter of Alexander MacGregor of Ardlarich, the heir of the MacGregors ofGlenstrae, and, as such, claimed the title of Chief of the Clan Gregor.. Rachel lived til 1871, aged ninety-four. There were two sons - Rober tand Angus (born 1819, went to live in Gloucester). ....1809- ???? Robert MACMARTIN-CAMERON (6th of Camuserracht) Born in Rannoch 1809. Went to live in Gourock. The MacMartin-Camerons of Ratullochbeg ca1620- ca1677 Ewen MACMARTIN-CAMERON (1st of Ratullichbeg) Died prior to 1678. A younger son of Duncan Òig, 4th of Letterfinlay. Had at least two sons : Donald, and Ewen (who settled in Dellifour, Badenoch)....succeeded by his son ca1645- ???? Donald MACMARTIN-CAMERON (2nd of Ratullichbeg) Imprisoned for cattle stealing in 1667, before the death of his father....succeeded by his son. ca1680- ???? John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (3rd of Ratullichbeg) Succeeded before 1691. His cousin George (son of Ewen in Dellifour) was the one chosen as chief of the MacMartins of Letterfinlay after the death of Cosmo Gordon, 8th of Letterfinlay. Little more is known of this family beyond the fact that some were living there when evicted by Andrew Belford after he had purchased the Glenfintaig estate around 1845. The MacMartin-Camerons of Ratullochmore ca1602- ???? Donald MACMARTIN-CAMERON (1st of Ratullochmore) A younger son of Duncan, 3rd of Letterfinlay....succeeded by his son. ca1628- ???? John Roy MACMARTIN-CAMERON (2nd of Ratullochmore) Living in Rattullichmore in 1667....succeeded by his son. ca1648- ???? Angus MACMARTIN-CAMERON (3rd of Ratullochmore) Head of the family in 1678....succeeded by his son. ca1668- ???? John MACMARTIN-CAMERON (4th of Ratullochmore) Head of the family in 1691. Some of the descendents were living there when evicted by Andrew Belford after he had purchased the Glenfintaig estate around 1845. The MacMartin-Camerons of Stroneaba (Grid NN206844) John Roy, a younger son of Duncan Òig, 4th of Letterfinlay, was the progenitor of this family. Two of his descendents are said to have gone to France to bring Lochiel home. John MacMartin-Cameron shared the tenancy of Glenpeanmore with Allan MacMillan in 1777. Two of his sons - John and Alexander - went out to Canada, and the latter was a partner with Archibald MacMillan of Murlaggan in a general store in Montreal from 1809 to 1811. Allan Cameron of Meoble was a nephew of John and Alexander Cameron. In the valuation Rolls for 1805 there are six Camerons who were probably descendants of John Roy : John,George, Janet,Flora, Duncan and Even, all occupants. In 1839 Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh John MacMartin-Cameron of Letterfinlay and his trustees had summonses served against Archibald Martin. George.. Cameron, Ewen Cameron, and Donald Cameron for their eviction, all crofters in Stoneaba. The MacMartin-Camerons of Mucomir (Grid NN184839) The MacMartin-Camerons of Mucomir appear to have been a wild lot and not readily given to hospitality, nor were they easily moved by compassion towards the needy. This fact seems to be borne out by the following anecdote : A toil-stained wayfarer, who had more than once been denied food and shelter, made a final appeal to the MacMartin-Camerons of Mucomir. After continued heavy knocking, he at last last attracted the attention of one of the inmates, who, on opening the window, demanded to know the reason for all the disturbance. If there be a Christian in the house, replied the stranger, then, surely he will let me rest awhile within. The occupant, somewhat taken aback by the request, at length answered him thus: There are no Christians here; we are all Camerons! In Mucomir and Torness the following Camerons were given in the Valuation Roll for 1805: Alexander Cameron, shepherd; Donald Cameron; Donald Cameron, blacksmith in Torness. Mucomir farm was once the home of Alexander Anthony Cameron, the world-famous athlete and heavyweight champion. His father was quite a strong man but was better known locally for his skill as a fiddler. It is said that once an athlete named MacGregor complained to old Mucomir about his son lifting all the main prizes at the different Highland Games. The old man treated the matter light-heartedly and remarked quite casually that he had a daughter who could beat either of them if he cared to meet her. Kate, the daughter, was a match for any man of strength. It was the writers privilege to meet her when she was an old woman. She declatred that she and her famous brother inherited their strength from their mothers father - big Sandy MacMillan, one time tenant of Moy farm. After their fathers death, A.A.Cameron and his brother tenanted Mucomir farm for a time. The MacMartin-Camerons of Dochanassie (Grid NN204863) The MacMartin-Camerons of Dochanassie. In the Dewar MSS. the name Donald MacMartin of Dochanassie is mentioned as one of the would-be assassins who tried to waylay Colin Campbell of Glenure near Onich before he crossed Ballachulish ferry on the fatal day of his murder. The Dochanassie branch used to carry in their possession a multi-knobbed cudgel, known locally as the Dochanassie stick, which was not unlike the Irish shillelagh. A story is told of a rabble, not uncommon at funerals in olden times, which broke out in a certain house where a number of Dochanassie Camerons met. Tempers became heated over the uisge-beatha (whisky) and blows were freely exchanged. An old man in the company, while noticing some of his friends fail to use the Dochanassie stick to full advantage, owing to the lowness of the rrof, shouted to them excitedly Feuchaibh air an fhairadh iad (Try them sideways). The Dochanassies, like most Celts, are proud and somewhat hyper-sensitive, and some, at least, have been known to take offence over the smallest grievance and to have nursed wrongs for years. This was typical of one of their tribe, who, as he lay dying, was loth to forgive a neighbour who had done him an injury. The minister was called in and in order to prepare him to meet his Maker he said - Now, I hope, Donald, that you have forgiven all your enemies. Every one of them, replied the dying clansman, every one of them but Duncan, my neighbour. Ah! said the minister, but you must forgive all. Donald pondered over the situation for some time, and then rather reluctantly he dragged himself to the point of forgiveness, saying, Well, minister, if I must forgive him, then I must : but by God, Jamie (turning to his son), if you dont make Duncan pay for all the wrongs he did me, may Dochanassies curse be with you!
Posted on: Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:10:49 +0000
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