Kildalton, Argyllshire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #541

History
This parish derives its name from a stepson of one of the Macdonalds of the Isles. Portellen, and Bowmore are the nearest towns. The Macleans and the Macdonalds fought over this land with the Macdonalds driving the Macleans out. Mr. Campbell of Islay is the largest land owner. The land was primarily used for, oats, barley, postatoes,  sheep and black cattle, slate quarry, and limestone quarry. The population in 1801 was 1990. The population in 1841 was 3315. The first registers kept are lost, and kept irregularly until the last 50 years. (1844)  The Government Church is well attended. This account was written in 1844.

source: New 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: Records prior to 1761 have suffered from dampness and lack of care. The pages are blank January 1744–May 1745, July 1755–July 1758, and 1762–February 1789. Mothers' names are not recorded until April 1805. Marriages: Records prior to 1766 have suffered some damage, every page being more or less imperfect and many entries incomplete. The pages are blank October 1766–November 1789. Except July 1798–1802 inclusive, the fact of marriage is seldom added to the entries until May 1814. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1789, 1802–1883 Accounts 1790–1845 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/611.

Kildalton and OA Free Church
History— Many people in Port Ellen adhered to the Free Church in 1843 and a congregation was immediately formed, although some years elapsed before a minister was settled. The church was built in 1845 outside Port Ellen on a hill overlooking the village. The manse was erected in 1848. Membership: 1848, 65; 1900, 86. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Minutes 1844–1928 Deacons’ Court Minutes 1847–1933 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH3/527

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