Killean and Kilchenzie, Argyl, Scotland

Parish #519

This is a guide to the history and major genealogical records of Scotland as they pertain to the parish of Killean and Kilchenzier. To learn more about how to use these records to search for your ancestors, go to the Scotland: Research Strategies.

History
Killean probably derives its name from St. Killian. Tarbet, Campbelton are the nearest towns. The peninsula of Kintyre and adjacent isles were at one period the property of the McDonalds, Lords of the Isle. The major land owners were: Duke of Argyle; Keith Macalister of Glenbarr; Macalister of Loup and Glentangy; Miss Macdonald of Largie; and George M’Niel of Ugadale. The land was primarily used for, sheep, hogs, potatoes, oats, peas, beans, bear, and cattle. The population in 1801 was 2520. The population 1841 was 2401. The decrease of population can only be attributed to the suppression of Smuggling. There are 2 churches in the parish. There are no known disenters. This account was written in 1843.

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.

= Census Records =

A census is a count and description of the population, taken by the government, arranged by locality and by household. Read more about census records.

Here is a list of the Family History Library microfilm numbers for the census records of [Parish] as well as the library numbers for any surname indexes available:

The 1901 census of Scotland is indexed on www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk. To use it, you must register and pay a small access fee. All available censuses, 1841-1901, are indexed on this website. It may be easier for you to pay to use the website rather than access indexes through the library.

= Church Records =

The Established Church of Scotland was Presbyterian. Read more about church records.

= Established Church—Old Parochial Registers =

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 Genalogical Index. Births: The record is incomplete May 1779–March 1784. During that time there were irregular entries of eight families on six pages dated 1762–1830; also irregular entries of four families 1756–1800 and on two pages after 1791; irregular entries of two families, 1789–1811 at July 1795; irregular entries of three families 1798–1840 and on two pages at February 1802; and irregular entries of one family, 1805–1812, at March 1809. Mothers' names were not recorded until 1784. Marriages: The first page is a copy. The second and third pages are slightly imperfect. Deaths: There are three entries for ministers of Killean in 1790, 1798, and 1851 on the flyleaf of the register of births. Two entries of deaths and burials, 1816 and 1832, occur on page 131 of the register of births. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
There are no known records.

Killean Free church
History— Adherents of the Free Church in the parish formed this congregation at the Disruption. At first they worshiped either under a canvas tent or in the open air on the seashore. Mainly through the exertions of the minister, a church, manse and school were erected in 1846. Membership: 1848, 188; 1900, 71. 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—  Extent of pre-1855 records is unknown.

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