McKay/Gunn-Orkney

[hilarygunn]

This is real stab in the dark stuff. Family stories place our gr gr grandad as from Orkney, although I relise this could be a bit of romanticising by a Glasgow slum boy!
He was born John McKay Gunn about 1830/1.
On his marriage cert in England he gives his father's name as John Gunn, farmer.and place of birth as Scotland.
He first shows up in Normanton, Yorkshire in the 1861 census as a mail guard, lodging with a family in Normanton, where he marries in late 1861 and stays for the rest of his life.
At no time can I find any more clues to his background so I'm hoping someone with access to Orkney record might be able to help, even at worst to tell me he wasn't from there.
Would appreciate any help or suggestions anyone can make.
Hilary

[Russell]

Hi Hilary and welcome to TalkingScot

The Gunn name is prevalent in Caithness and there is a Gunn museum in Latheron. That might be the best place to start.

There is a website for Caithness.org which has a genealogy message board and they may be able to give you some insights into the family background.
I'm not directing you away from TalkingScot but when an enquiry can be quite site/location specific the local knowledge they offer can help you get started and you will be back here with more general enquiries

I was up in Caithness enquiring about my Oman ancestors and they were most helpful. The Wick Library is also very helpful. There was a great deal of movement between Caithness and Orkney and they link in many ways.

Hope you can find the links you need.

Russell

[hilarygunn]

Thank you for that Russell, I'll do that and maybe come back here later if I get a lead,
Hilary

[bleckie]

Hi Hilary
Have you seen this one from freecen


Surname First name(s) Rel Status Sex Age Occupation Where Born Remarks
GUNN John Head M M 56 Farmer Of 10 Acres Sutherland - Kildonan
Page: 0/8 GUNN Elizabeth Wife M F 46 - Caithness - Latheron
GUNN John Son U M 23 Farmer's Son Caithness - Halkirk
GUNN Wm Son U M 21 Farmer's Son Caithness - Halkirk
GUNN Barbara Dau U F 19 Farmer's Daughter Caithness - Halkirk
GUNN Catherine Dau U F 19 Farmer's Daughter Caithness - Halkirk
GUNN Farquhar Son U M 16 Scholar Caithness - Latheron
GUNN Alexandrina Dau U F 13 Scholar Caithness - Latheron
GUNN Helen Dau U F 7 Scholar Caithness - Halkirk

Yours Aye
BruceL

[hilarygunn]

Hi Bruce, No I hadn't seen that. Which year's census is it please?
Hilary

[bleckie]

Hi Hilary

Sorry to much on plate at the moment This is from the 1851 census
Yours Aye
BruceL

[hilarygunn]

Thanks Bruce,I'll check it out now, it looks hopeful.
Hilary