McLeas of Bute --> Departures

[Kyle MacLea]

Hi everyone,

Roberta asked me to repost something I posted to the old Forum in case it is of interest. She had noted:

Between 1693 and 1759 there were 47 McLea's born between 1693-1759, 9 Lea's between 1693-1759, 3 McOnlea's. The McOnlea's were born 1694-1696.

Only 11 marriages for McLea and one for McOnlea between 1698-1795.

Only 2 Livingston's were born in Bute.

This is what I had typed of the Bute OPRs, which coincides with Roberta's examination of the records:

http://kitenet.net/~kyle/family/wiki/Ne ... McLea.html

Roberta then asked:

Do you have a theory on why there are such few marriages as compared the births; where did they go, I wonder.

I wonder as well!

You have a good point about the number of marriages versus the number
of births. It looks like in each generation only a few families
stayed on the island, and many must have left. I don't know where
they went, and because the census doesn't begin until 1841, it's only
REALLY possible to know for families that left later. There might be
some isolated records that would help with some of these families in
other parishes, but my guess is it will be hard to know. Probably the
better route would be to look at historical patterns of migration from
Bute?

One note is that Dr. McLea's Examination Roll of Bute, which covers years and is
basically a census of families in the Parish, but concerned with religious
education, might give some ideas. However, the existing Rolls are all at the
National Archives of Scotland, which I do not have the ability to visit at the moment.
Perhaps these might shed some light on migration.

My guess is that Glasgow and the lowlands were popular destinations,
along with the New World.

But a good point that probably other McLeas in Argyll originate from
the McLeas of Bute as well. It would be great if some of these could
show up in our DNA testing program, because they may match me.

Kyle=

[Canadian Livingstone]

Hi Kyle and Roberta,

I agree. The Mcleas you speak migrated to places in Lowland Scotland where there was industry and employment. Others went to America and Australia apparently. A few went to Atlantic Canada and Ontario. Both the Bute and Rosshire and Cromarty Mcleas i would imagine.
regards,

Donald

[Roberta Ann]

Hi Kyle;

Scotland Civil Registrations
Page: Rothesay Deaths FHL, # 256423 entry 74
Text: Robert McLea, baker, single, age 23 years, died 22 June 1856 at 70 High St., Rothesay. father was Robert McLea, seaman, deceased. Mother was Ann Thomson. He died of consumption which lasted some months. He is buried at Rothesay burial ground. Informant was Alexander Walker, cousin.
Date: 1856

Page: Rothesay Deaths FHL # 256423 entry 85
Text: Archibald McLea, upholsterer, single, age 26 years; died 15 July 1856 at 17 Old Vennel Rothesay. father was Robert McLea, seaman, deceased. Mother was Ann Thomson. He died of consumption which lasted about 12 months. He was buried at Rothesay burial ground. Informant was Alexander Walker, cousin, 76 High St., Rothesay.
Date: 1856

Regards;

Roberta

[Canadian Livingstone]

HI Kyle,

Have you checked for death records for your Mclea relatives after they left Rothesay? I mean whatever was registered after 1856. Roberta may have access to them. If you dont find your ancestors you may find other information on their McLea relatives which may in the original document mention parents names.

regards,

Donald