"Given that the farm is called Duachy which means the meeting place it seems highly probable that the site with the chair is the Duachy. It is likely to have been used by the Druids who used the stones to determine the summer solstice." - from The Druid's Seat

"The Mainland portion of the parish of Kilbrandon, consisting of a quadrangular area of land stretching from Clachan Sound to Loch Melfort, comprises the lands of Degnish, Kilchoan, Barnayarrie, and Ardmaddie; but there is evidence to show that at one time it included the lands of Barnacarrie, Duachy, and others lying south of the outlet of Loch Feochan, which now form part of the parish of Kilninver. Thus, on a hill overlooking Clachan Sound, known as Suidhe Bhreanain (the seat of St Brendan), there are the remains of a churchyard called Claodh Bhreanain (the burial-ground of Brendan). In the Aberdeen Breviary it is related that "Saint Brandon having sailed to the west coast of Scotland, fixed his residence on the top of a hill, whose base stretched into the sea, on the spot known as Sedes Brandani, where only one ship could enter." This description may well apply to Suidhe Bhreanain, and the narrow channel which at this place separates the parishes of Kilbrandon and Kilninver...

The story of the wanderings of Brendan, as told in the poem of the Pilgrimage of' St Brendan, is often called the Christian Odyssey. For seven years he sailed over strange seas and visited the savage lands of Western Alban in quest of "the land of promise of the Saints," and during his dreary pilgrimage he repeatedly visited the Land of Lorn, where his memory is still green in the hearts and lore of the people...

The worship of stones, fountains, trees and other natural objects, and the mysterious beings which these represented, is as old as mankind itself; and it was this worship and the influence of its ministers--the Magi or Druaidh--which the early missionaries had to combat and subvert. Appropriately enough, at the foot of Suidhe Bhreanain, crowning a low gravel mound on the shores of a little lake known as the Dubh-loch, are the remains of a megalithic circle - vestiges of that ancient cult. Only four of the upright monoliths remain, but the general arrangement may be traced; and we may believe that here in this sequestered spot was the principal idol of the Pagan inhabitants, "the Cromcruach and twelve idols of stone around it, and he was God of all the people until the coming of Brendan."

Each monolith is a roughly hexagonal block of basalt, many tons in weight, standing nine feet or more above the surface of the ground; and we cannot but wonder at the mechanical genius and perseverance which the men of that far-off neolithic age must have possessed to wedge the columns from their bed in the trap-dyke, to transport them long distances, and ultimately, by lever, inclined plane and the power of co-operation, to erect them as enduring monuments of their worship and beliefs.

About a quarter of a mile to the east of the circle, in a bleak, bare glen, is a large sheet of fresh water known as Loch Seil, in the middle of which is still to be seen the foundation of a lake dwelling, rectilinear, and built of square blocks of stone; while to the north tower the basaltic cliff's of Duachy and Ardnahua, crowned by the fantastic Losgann Lathurnach and the remains of a, prehistoric fortress. Viewed from the sea, the rock upon which the ruins stand, 600 feet above sea-level, resembles a bastioned fort. It is precipitous on three sides, the scarp being about 60 feet high. The landward side was defended by a wall 250 feet long, drawn across the top of an abrupt slope."

- from Netherlorn, Argyllshire and its Neighbourhood, Patrick H. Gillies, 1909

RCAHMS Site Record for Duachy

Map showing Barindruman, Kilninver, Duachy and Blarie, Argyllshire c 1801

William Russel's occupation is "Agricultural Labourer".

"ARDNAMURCHAN, a parish, partly in the county of Argyll, and partly in the county of Inverness; comprising the quoad sacra districts of Aharacle and Strontian, and containing 5581 inhabitants. The present parish of Ardnamurchan, previously to the Reformation, was distributed into three separate parishes, comprehending the five districts of Ardnamurchan, Sunart, Moidart, Arasaig, and South Morir. These districts still remain as distinct portions, and from the first the parish takes its name, signifying "the promontory" or "heights of the great sea." This term was originally applied with great propriety, the district of Ardnamurchan being nearly a peninsular promontory, thrusting itself out from the mainland to a considerable extent, into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean... The principal Harbours along the coast are, the bay of Glenmore, on the south of Ardnamurchan, affording good anchorage; that of Kilchoan, a small harbour on the same coast, furnishing the chief point of communication with Tobermory; and, on the north coast of Ardnamurchan, at Ardtoe, a small bay, where inferior craft may find a safe retreat. At the island of Shona, north of Kintra bay, also, and in the opening of Loch Moidart, are several creeks with good anchorage, the resort of boats from the southern highlands, in the season for cod-fishing; and in Loch Sunart are the harbour of Strontian, and the creek of Salin, at which latter a pier has been built... There is a post-office at Strontian, with a daily post; also one at Arasaig, with a delivery three times weekly; and a third at Kilchoan, communicating, by a messenger, with Strontian, twice each week. A road runs from Arasaig, by Glenfinnan, to Fort-William and the Caledonian canal, and another from Strontian to Corran Ferry, by each of which cattle and sheep are driven to the southern markets. The principal communication, however, is by steam-vessels from Glasgow, which touch at the point of Arasaig, and at Tobermory, a sea-port, in the northern extremity of the island of Mull, about five miles south from the harbour of Kilchoan, in Ardnamurchan. A fair is held at Strontian, in May, and another in October, for cattle and sheep; and there is also a cattle and sheep fair at Arasaig...  The parochial school, situated at Kilchoan, affords the ordinary instruction; the master has a salary of £25. 13. 3., with £10 fees, and a house, garden, and two acres of land, the whole valued at £7. " - from A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland by Samuel Lewis, 1846

John McCowan was the Parish Schoolmaster at Kilchoan from at least 1850 to 1881.

Donald and Anne are Catherine's little brother and sister.

1861 Scotland Census - Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan, Argyllshire
John McCowan & Catherine McCormick

* from Scotland's People (no image)

John McCowan fought in the Boer War in South Africa. He and Janet Scobie were married after the war ended. Janet Scobie was the housekeeper in John's mother's house. John's mother died on Aug 1, 1903, and John was in  Paisley and the informant on her death record. Sometime between 1903-1908 the family would have emigrated to (Cape Colony) South Africa.

"My Great Grandmother McCowan lost her husband very early, so Great Grandmother became a seamstress with her own business and did very well... Grandfather was raised by  Nanny and Grandfather fell in love with the housekeeper and were married. My Grandfather fought in the Boer War in South Africa and after the war was over then did Grandfather send for Grandmother and they were married. My father (Hugh), brothers Dougall and Bill were all born in Port Elizabeth near the Cape of Good Hope." - Catherine McCowan

Town Hall, Durban, Natal, South Africa, c 1910

 

Gandhi in South Africa With the outbreak of the Boer war in 1899, Gandhiji enlisted 1100 Indians and organized the Indian Ambulance Corps for the British. Inspite of the Indian support, the Transvaal Asiatic Department continued its anti-Indian regulations. Gandhiji chose to support the British as he felt, "The authorities may not always be right but as long as the subjects owe allegiance to the state, it is their clear duty to...accord their support". Gandhiji was now the recognised leader of South Africa's Indian community. By 1901, he returned to India with his family. He travelled extensively in India and even opened a law office in Bombay. However, South African Indians refused to part with their crusader of justice. He had to return to South Africa on the request of the Indian community in 1902. By 1903, Gandhiji had begun to lead a life of considerable discipline and self-restraint. He changed his dietary habits, he was his own doctor, he embraced the Gita and he was confronting untouchability. By 1906, after undergoing many trials and tribulations of self-abnegation and eventually brahmacharya (celibacy), he had became invincible to face the South African government. Except God, Gandhiji feared nothing.  Influenced by John Ruskin's preaching of rustic life, Gandhiji organized Phoenix Farm near Durban. Here he trained disciplined cadres on non-violent Satyagraha (peaceful self-restraint), involving peaceful violation of certain laws, mass courting of arrests, occasional hartal, (suspension of all economic activity for a particular time), spectacular marches and nurtured an indomitable spirit which would fight repression without fear.  - from Gandhi in South Africa (1893-1914) Read more about The Phoenix Settlement Satyagraha in South Africa The first satyagraha struggle that Gandhi launched in South Africa was against the background of the passage of Asiatic Registration Act by the government of Transvaal in 1907. Realizing that his techniques of prayers and petitions had been rendered ineffectual, the tactic of passive resistance emerged as the new method of opposing. He urged the Indian community to disobey the Act and resort to picketing of the major offices like the permit offices. In 1908, in the month of January, Gandhi and other satyagrahis were jailed. Following this a movement commenced where the satyagrahis began to burn the certificates in a bonfire. In the month of September, Gandhi was arrested for the second time, this time sentenced for two months. The following year, saw Gandhi once again behind the bars for three months. It is pertinent to mention here that Gandhi founded a small colony by the name Tolstoy Farm, where his fellow satyagrahis could lead a bare existence.  The Indian women joined the satyagraha struggle, with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court judgment that annulled all Muslim, Hindu and Zoroastrian marriages. As the women satyagrahis were arrested following their march to Newcastle, several Indian miners, under the guidance of Gandhi, decided to cross over Transvaal border, resorting to non violence means. Even Gandhi's wife Kasturba Gandhi was included among the imprisoned women satyagrahis. In the year 1913, in the month of November, fifty seven children, one hundred and twenty seven women and two thousand and thirty seven men resumed the march.  Following the 'blood and iron' policy adopted by government of South Africa, two Christian men Pearson and C.F Andrews were sent to aid Gandhi. This initiative was taken by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, one of the most prominent Indian politicians. The Viceroy of India, Lord Harginge, criticized the policies of the South African government. Pressurized by London, negotiations commenced between South African Government and Gandhi. In an agreement that was finally arrived upon, certain concessions were made. The 13 taxes imposed on the previously indentured laborers were abolished, marriages performed according to Indian customs received legal acceptance and a domicile certificate, with the thumb impression of the holder, was adequate to permit entrance into South Africa. With a trail of significant achievements behind him, Gandhi finally returned to India in the year 1915, and within a brief span of time became the leader of the Indian Nationalism.  - from Gandhi in South Africa

Janet (35), Hugh (4) and Dugald (1) returned to England from Durban, South Africa, aboard the "German" (Union-Castle Line) on April 17, 1913.

Names and Descriptions of British Passengers, Ship German, Port of Arrival London, Date of Arrival 17 April 1913
See original document

 

R.M.S. German Union-Castle Line Royal Mail Steamer "German" GERMAN 1898 / GLENGORM CASTLE 1914 The GERMAN was a 6,763 gross ton passenger / cargo ship, length 440.3ft x beam 53.2ft, one funnel, two masts, speed 12 knots, accommodation for 76-1st, 105-2nd and 98-3rd class passengers. Built 1898 by Harland & Wolff, Belfast for the Union SS Co., she collided with and sank Wilson Line's s/s CORSO the same year in the River Elbe. Shortly afterward, she collided with the sailing barque SAVERNAKE with minor damage. She arrived at Capetown from Southampton on her maiden voyage on 29th Jan.1899. 1900 came under the ownership of Union-Castle Mail SS Co. In 1914 she was converted into a hospital ship with 423 beds and because of anti-German sentiment was renamed GLENGORM CASTLE.. 1921 Among the last hospital ships to be decommissioned, but apart from one mail voyage to South Africa, she continued in Government service as a troopship.In 1925 she returned to intermediate service for Union-Castle Line and in 1930 was scrapped at Rotterdam. - from The Ships List

Janet and her children must have returned to South Africa soon after as they then returned to England aboard the SS Inanda arriving into Tilbury (on the Thames) on May 29, 1916.

Names and Descriptions of British Passengers, Ship SS Inanda, Port of Arrival London, Date of Arrival 29 May 1916
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S.S. Inanda S.S. Inanda, The Aberdeen Line, London to Natal & East Africa Aberdeen Clipper Line of Packets / Aberdeen to Natal Direct Line / John T. Rennie, Son & Co. / John T. Rennie & Sons 1845-1911 / Harrison-Rennie Line 1911-1921 In 1904 the first above 4,000 tons gross INANDA (2) joined the fleet. The final and largest ship built for John T. Rennie and Sons was the INTABA which was completed at the end of 1910. John T. Rennie, Son & Co.'s Aberdeen Direct Line was purchased in 1911 together with their fleet of seven ships and passenger services to Natal by the Liverpool based Thos. & Jas. Harrison. Their fleet continued to sail to South Africa as the Harrison-Rennie Line, retaining vessel names beginning 'In' a tradition retained for Harrison's passenger vessels. The first vessel built for the Harrison-Rennie Line was a cargo ship named ITOMBI in 1912 and she was followed in 1913 by the only passenger ship ordered for the Harrison-Rennie Line the 114 passenger ship INGOMA. In May 1921 the passenger service was abandoned. The Rennie name was dropped and both ships were transferred to Harrison’s London to West Indies passenger service. Two further passenger ships with Rennie names were built for the West Indies service in 1925 and 1937, the INANDA (3) and INKOSI (2). World War 2 was the end of the passenger ships for Harrison. Thos. & Jas. Harrison Formed in Liverpool in 1853 when the Harrison brothers, who had previously been partners in the firm of George Brown and Harrison, took over the company on the death of George Brown and renamed it Thos & Jas. Harrison. The original trade was the importation of brandy from the Charente region of France. In 1860 the company took delivery of their first two steamships and gradually disposed of their sailing ships, the last one being sold in 1889. In 1871 the Charente SS Co. was formed, managed by T & J. Harrison. John T. Rennie, Sons & Co Aberdeen Direct Line was taken over in 1911 together with their fleet of seven ships and passenger services to Natal. The Rankin, Gilmour fleet was also taken over in 1918 and the Crown Line fleet of Prentice, Service & Henderson, Glasgow in 1920. The same year, the fleet of Scrutton, Sons & Co., London was acquired. During World War I, 27 ships were lost to enemy action and a further 30 in WWII. By 1988 with the decline in British shipping, the company only owned three ships and chartered several more, but have subsequently withdrawn from shipowning. - from the ShipsList See Harrison Line History See Inanda Registry See Wreck Site - Inanda, 1918