Harris, Inverness-shire, Scotland Genealogy

Harris # 111

History
This parish was designed Kilbride, but now denominated in English, Harris. It derives its name from “na hardibh,” a Gaelic expression signifying the heights. This parish in the highest and most mountainous part of the long island in which it is situated. This parish includes St. Kilda.

The Earl of Dunmore is the sole proprietor of the parish.

The arable ground is of very small extent, but some raw produce is raised, Oats, barley, potatoes, and hay. Also sheep and Black-cattle are pastured.

In the year 1755, the population amounted to 1969 souls, in 1792 there were 2536, and at the present period, it is upwards of  4000. By census, there were 1863 males, 2037 females, 777 families, and 759 houses inhabited.

This account was written January 1841.

Source: The 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. Some records may be indexed on the International Genealogical Index. Births: There is no record prior to 1823. In the separate record for St. Kilda, the largest number of birth entries for any one year is eight and the smallest is two entries. No entries November 1840–July 1849 and the total number of entries are seventy. Marriages: One entry for each of the years 1830, 1831, 1834, 1837, and 1838. There are no entries for 1839, one for 1840, and no entries until 1846. One entry for the latter year and two entries for 1849 close the record. Total number of entries is twenty-two. Deaths: Sixty-one entries recorded between July 1830 and September 1839. One entry for 1840, one for 1845 and three for 1846, close the record. This volume is retained by the registrar-general. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
No known records.

Harris Free Church
History— In 1845 a catechist was placed in Harris. The population in 1847 was stated at 4000, practically all adhering to the Free Church. In 1848 it was seen that two charges were required in the island. A church was erected at Manish, and the charge there was sanctioned under the name of Harris in 1849. The other charge was at Tarbert. Membership: 1855, 200; 1900, 30. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Tarbert Free Church
History— The congregation was formed here in 1848, when the district was divided. Church and manse were built about 1860, in which year the charge was sanctioned. The congregation entered the Union unbroken in 1900. Membership: 1863, 900; 1900, 251. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— No known pre-1855 records.

St. Kilda Free Church, Station
History— In 1846, all the inhabitants of St. Kilda, numbering 103, declared their adherence to the Free Church. Deputies occasionally visited the island, but no agent was stationed there, and the proprietor refused the use of the vacant church. A catechist was appointed about 1859 but resigned in 1863. In 1865, with the Assembly sanctioned, and in response to a request of the people, a probationer was ordained as missionary in the island. Membership: 1880, 100*; 1900, 20. - including adherents 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.

Records— No pre-1855 records.