Jura, Argyle, Scotland

Parish #539

History
Gigha and Cara Disjoined from this parish 100 years previous to 1843. Miltown, and Craighouse are the nearest towns. There are seven inhabited islands in this parish. Many of the inhabitants live to 100. Colin Campbell Esq. of Jura; and Captain M’Neil, younger of Colonsay are the major landowners. The land was primarily used for, pasture for sheep and cattle, bear, oats, and potatoes. The population in 1801 was 2007 and in 1841 was 2299. The earliest dated register iis 1810. Those prior to that date were lost. No reason given. There are two parish churches in the parish.

This history was written in1843.

Source: HistoryNew Statistical Account of Scotland(FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 7)  also available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Browse the scanned pages under 'For non-subscribers,' then search for the parish report.

Condition of Original Records—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: Jura: the early pages have suffered from damp and want of care. On the page after May 1726, the record is described as “a register of all the children's names baptized in the Isles of Jura, Scarba and Lunga.” No entries exist August 1724–December 1725. The record is blank May 1726–November 1731 and incomplete to May 1734, after which it is blank until January 1810. Colonsay: entitled “christening register” the entries contain only the names of the parents, the baptismal name of the child and the date, probably of baptism. Marriages: Jura: the record was regularly kept. Colonsay: entitled “marriage register” the entries contain the names of the parties and the dates. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1850–1928 Presbytery Minutes 1836–1929 - Islay and Jura Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/494 and 411.

Colonsay Baptist Church
History— Missionaries commenced Baptist work in the area about 1812. Many converts immigrated to Canada. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926. FHL book 941 K2hi. More details may be given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown; though it is doubtful there are any pre-1855 records. For information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland 12 Aytoun Road Glasgow G41 5RT Scotland

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