Orkney Image Library

<< back
add a comment

Guestbook

Anderson, Swanson, Caithness, Flett Families

Hi, I'm looking for any photos or information of the below families from my maternal side. Peter Anderson (1884-1963) son of James Anderson (b.1847) and Charlotte Swanson (b.1851) I believe from Harray, married Robina Caithness (1889-1926) daughter of Peter Caithness (b.1866) and Mary S Fotheringhame (b.1870) of Stronsay. Also Adam Flett (b.1837) and Catherine Cusiter (b.1839) and family. I'm related via Peter Anderson (b.1916) and James Hourie Flett (b.1878) who emigrated to New Zealand.
Added by Aaron Wheeler on 24 January 2011
Would Peter Caithness and Mary Fothingham have had a son also Peter? if so then he lived here in Longhope and was married to a Jean Taylor, I dont remember Peter but Jeannie Caithness lived here until about 1970 when she moved down to Wales so live with here daughter Ivy Page. Ivy and her husband Jeff were my parents good "freends". Jeannie lived a long life only passing away a few years ago daughter Ivy is still alive as far as I know,they had two other daughters Mary and Freda
Added by John Budge on 25 January 2011
Peter Caithness did indeed have a son, Peter, who married Jeannie Taylor. Peter died in 1945 in Edinburgh. His usual address was Longhope. I have contacted Aaron direct to give him more information about my Caithness tree.
Added by Pam Lyon on 28 January 2011
Hi John, yes that's right, there was a Peter Caithness 'jnr' b.1895 to Peter & Mary, and I've just been generously sent some info that says he married Jean Taylor of Longhope, so they must be the same Peter. Thank you for the extra info about Peter and his family.
Added by Aaron Wheeler on 29 January 2011
I think Peter Caithness was a joiner or a ships carpenter. He sailed on the Great Lakes like a lot of Orcadians used to do before the war. Most came home for the winter as the Lakes froze over and all trading ceased, I have heard that Peter sometimes worked on farms out there until the thaw came and so made money all year round. I believe he was a very hard working man. That is about all I know of the man although there will be grand children who might be on this site who would have more info to pass on who knows where it could lead!!.
Added by John Budge on 01 February 2011
Just another couple of things I have been able to find out about Peter and Jeannie. They were caretakers of the Y M C A here in Longhope before the war when a lot of workers were around here and they provided rooms and food at the Y M. While there Peter built a dinghy, onlookers asked "what are you going to call her Peter" his reply was "I think I will call her "Ifshe". If she floats and float she did and I understand she was a rather nice dingy and always was called "Ifshe".
Added by John Budge on 01 February 2011
James Anderson(2.1.1847) was born in Harray, the son of Elizabeth Corrigall who worked at Langskaill and James Anderson of Nairhouse, Harray. They never married. Young James married Charlotte Swanson, daughter of William Swanson b. 16.8.1820 of Walls, Hoy and Mary Martin b. 7.1.1821 of Edinburgh. They had 8 of a family of which Charlotte was the 4th. James and Charlotte had 7 of a family of which Mary Elizabeth b.8.5.1875 was my grandmother. Mary Elizabeth's birth certificate gives her place of birth as Mill Bay,North Walls, Walls. And possibly in a house called Simmary.John Budge could keep us on the right path there. Mary Elizabeth married John Phillips from Birsay on 20.12.1894 in Finstown. I have photos of Charlotte and Mary Elizabeth which I can e-mail to you Aaron and any other information that you require.
Added by Rae Phillips on 27 February 2011
Not content with making 1 mistake I made 3, shouldn't rely on memory, especially mine. James Anderson's father was Thomas. Elizabeth worked at Nairhouse and Thomas resided at Langskaill
Added by Rae Phillips on 15 March 2011
I am in fact Jeannie Caithness grand daughter. My mother is Freda. Granny died at the grand age of 102. She ended her days with my mum in Kelso Roxburghshire. Unfortunately her 2 other daughters died before her. If you still want any info I can put you in touch with Freda.
Added by Vivian Speirs on 19 February 2013
Good to here from you on this site Vivian, I must have known you in the past as your cousin Pat spent a lot of time with us at the Burnhouse whilst visiting Grannie at West Custom House. In fact she dreaded grannie appearing at our house to "Dreel" her grand daughter down the road! Pat would say "Oh hell Grannie leave me alone". I used to help Jeenie to cut peats. When she got into my old van one would think she was going to a show in Londons West End such was the wiff of perfume and paint and floral dresses she wore. None the less Jeannie was a hard worker running a guest house here in Longhope sometimes sleeping in a chair so another guest could be accommodated. I remember an old man telling me she used to help on farms and was an expert stack builder in harvest time. It would be nice to see you and Pat sometime back here.
Added by John Budge on 24 February 2013




Your Name


Your email address - only add this if you're happy for it to be shown publicly.


Latest Pics

Stronsay ladiesMystery thingHelliar backs through the narrowsTowards the Bayleaf DeliHamnavoe in RosythAlfred Linklater of Upper BraebusterA little hairy caterpillarOrkney Golf ClubCentenary of Orkney Golf ClubWilliam Berey