Kilmonivaig, Inverness-shire, Scotland Genealogy

Kilmonivaig # 99

History
The parishes of Kilmalie and Kilmonivaig were anciently united, and called the parish of Lochaber; but they were disjoined upwards of two hundred years ago.

The length of this parish from south to north, is about 60 miles, and its greatest breadth is 20. It is bounded by the parishs of Kilmalie, Fortingal, Lagagn, Glenelg and Kintail, and Boleskine.

This parish has the Inverlochy Castle of which many stories are told to the great antiquity of this castle. Near this castle, was fought what was called a bloody battle between Montrose and Argyle in 1645.

The hills and glens of this parish afford the most excellent pasture for sheep and black-cattle.

There is a register of births and marriages which commences in 1780, it was irregularly kept till 1820. The Romas Catholic population seldom use this record for baptisms; but most of their marriages are entered in it. There is also a minute-book kept by the kirk-session.

About one-half of the population belongs to the Established Church, the other to the Roman Catholic. There are two episcopalian families.

This account was written February 1842.

Source: New Statistical Account of Scotland, FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2, vol. 14.

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index available on computers at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: Births began in July 1780 however; there are three pages of irregular entries prefixed to the record, entitled, "Register of the Births of Pensioners who applied for the Kinloch bequest". Only about twenty of these entries are prior to 1780, the earliest being applicable to 1730. Except 1795-1801 and 1810-1819 this record contains many irregular entries. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1829–1871 Register of Births 1730–1819 Collections and Disbursements 1827–1897 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/433.

Kilmonivaig Free Church
History— The congregation here was organized by the ordained missionary at Glengarry, who adhered to the Free Church in 1843. At his translation in 1844, a catechist was appointed. For a time the people did not dare to ask for a site on which to erect a church. Worship was conducted in the open air, or in a small and quite unsuitable apartment. Finally a site was obtained at Gairlochy, and a church was built there in 1860. A minister was settled in 1859. As regards area, this is the largest parish in Scotland, being 60 miles long by 40 miles broad. The population is widely scattered. Many of the population are Roman Catholics. Membership: 1859, 64; 1900, 57. Source:  Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1943–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 Vols. Pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source, including list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Bunroy Catholic Church
History—

In 1737, the parish of Kilmonivaig, including parts of Lochaber and Glengarry, was said to have 1003 Catholics. In 1760, the number was 1600. This was part of the Lochaber mission, which in 1763, was said to have 3000 communicants. Bunroy was also known as Bridge of Eunachan to 1852. The original chapel was at Killechyrille surrounded by a burying ground, then at Achluachvach to 1826. No early records. Source: Catholic Missions and Registers, 1700–1880 Scotland, by Michael Gandy, pub. 1993. FHL book 942 K24gm, vol. 6.

Records— Baptisms 1820–1922 Marriages 1830–1853 Confirmations 1840–1865 Deaths 1833–1842 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record RH21/75.