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Wine merchants, whisky blenders and exporters, sole proprietors of "Cluny" whisky, of Sallyport Buildings, Melbourne Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne and with offices in London and Edinburgh

1857 The firm was established

1880 The partnership between John Ewen McPherson and John Hare, who had traded as wine and spirit merchants in Pilgrim Street, was dissolved and McPherson continued trading on his own account

1903 The firm opened new, expanded premises, known as Sallyport Buildings

https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/John_E._McPherson_and_Sons


He is trading ' Cluny' whisky. Cluny is how the clan chief of the McPhersons is known up here in the Highlands. Now whether he is a descendant or he's just using the name, I don't know. Obviously there's a few centuries between these and I have included it as an example.


When John MacPherson 1st of Nuide was born in 1589, in Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland, his father, John Ewan MacPherson of Cluny, 7th Chief, was 21 and his mother, Ann Bain Forbes of Culloden, was 14. He married Ann Farquarson of Monaltrie in 1608, in Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland, United Kingdom. They were the parents of at least 5 sons and 2 daughters. He died on 30 May 1677, in Inverness-shire, Scotland, at the age of 88.


https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/KZVN-1YG/john-macpherson-1st-of-nuide-1589-1677

A sally port is a secure, controlled entry way to an enclosure, e.g., a fortification or prison. The entrance is usually protected by some means, such as a fixed wall on the outside, parallel to the door, which must be circumvented to enter and prevents direct enemy fire from a distance. Wikipedia


Why do they call it a Sallyport?
It was originally a small secondary door or gate that could be used by troops to exit a fortification during a time of siege. To sally means to go out and port is the french word for door.

In view of the lack of info prior to the 1863 marriage you may have to consider that John was rather fanciful

The only SP baptism record of a John M*Pherson born around the right time with father named Lachlan is this one:

MACPHERSON
JOHN
LACHLAN MACPHERSON/MARGARET TOLMIE VOL 1 PAGE 434
M
04/04/1833
104/
20 24
Laggan

But that's Inverness-shire - nowhere near Edinburgh - and there's no middle name.

Assuming this is him in 1851, he's a farm labourer in Inverness-shire - nothing to do with alcohol or being a commercial/commission agent. (I admit, he could have had a major change of occupation between 1851 and 1861, for all we know.)

John Mcpherson
in the 1851 Scotland Census
Name: John Mcpherson
Age: 16
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1835
Relationship: Servant
Gender: Male
Where born: bt subject shire, scotland, Laggan
Parish Number: 104
Civil Parish: Laggan
Phillimore Ecclesiastical Parish Maps:
View related Ecclesiastical Parish
County: Inverness
Address: Breakachy-house
Occupation: Farm Labourer
ED: 4
Page: 4
Household Schedule Number: 16
Line: 16
Roll: CSSCT1851_24



His father was a ground officer ( person in charge of tenants on a large estate).

Lachlan Mcpherson
in the 1841 Scotland Census
Name: Lachlan Mcpherson
Age: 40
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1801
Gender: Male
Where born: Inverness, Scotland
Civil parish: Laggan
County: Inverness
Address: Balgown
Occupation: Grd Officer
Parish Number: 104
Household Members Age
Lachlan Mcpherson 40
Margaret Mcpherson 40
Angus Mcpherson 14
Bell Mcpherson 12
Janet Mcpherson 10
Sarah Mcpherson 5

However, no John with the family in 1841.


In 1871 and 1881, Lachlan and family are at Cluny Cottage, Balgowan, Inverness-shire.

Lachlan Macpherson
in the 1871 Scotland Census
Name: Lachlan Macpherson
Age: 70
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1801
Relationship: Head
Spouse's Name: Margaret Macpherson
Gender: Male
Where born: Laggan, Inverness-shire
Registration Number: 104
Registration district: Laggan
Civil parish: Laggan
County: Invernessshire
Address: Balgown Cluny Cattage
Occupation: Farmer & Ground Officer Of 8 Acres) Of Which Of Arable Employing 1 Woman
ED: 1
Household schedule number: 31
Line: 19
Roll: CSSCT1871_19
Household Members Age Relationship
Lachlan Macpherson 70 Head
Margaret Macpherson 70 Wife
Jessie Macpherson 29 Daughter


Lachlan McPherson
in the 1881 Scotland Census
Name: Lachlan McPherson
Age: 84
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1797
Relationship: Head
Spouse's Name: Margaret McPherson
Gender: Male
Where born: Laggan (G), Inverness Shire
Registration Number: 104
Registration district: Laggan
Civil parish: Laggan
County: Invernessshire
Address: Balgown (Cluny Cottage )
Occupation: Farmer (Of 04 Ac, Arable Employing 1 Girl)
ED: 1
Household schedule number: 34
Line: 18
Roll: cssct1881_30
Household Members Age Relationship
Lachlan McPherson 84 Head
Margaret McPherson 84 Wife
Jessie McPherson 37 Daughter
Jessie Macdonald 9 Grandaughter (Granddaughter)
Lachlan A Macdonald 7 Grandson
Helen McIntosh 16 Servant

THE ESTATE
Cluny is an important and historic estate lying at the heart of a thriving Highland community centred on the village of Kingussie. It is situated at the southern end of the district of Badenoch between the Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountains and encompassing a rich variety of landscapes lying between about 800 feet above sea level at the River Spey to about 3,024 feet at the summit of Cairn Dearg. Fertile farmland along the riverbank, mature policies and native woodland, spectacular crags, heather clad moorland and rugged corries provide the estate with a diverse range of activities and interests. The importance of Cluny from an ecological viewpoint is evidenced by the designation of three separate areas of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as lying within a nEnvironmentally Sensitive Area. The potential for a variety of conservation projects is therefore considerable. Red deer stalking, grouse shooting and pheasant shooting, farming, holiday cottage letting and forestry are the principal income producing enterprises.

Until 1943, when it was sold Cluny was the seat of “Cluny” MacPherson, the Chief of the great Clan Chattan.

http://www.andywightman.com/docs/cluny_2014.pdf


Lachlan could have been a minor member of the family (as living in an estate cottage) , but not the laird himself.

Managed to find a couple of obituaries for him. One says he was the 4th son of Lachlan MacPherson and was born in Edinburgh 17 June 1834. He came to Newcastle when he was 23 and had 12 children altogether.


'... yesterday at his residence at Sheldon. South Devonshire, of Mr. John Ewen Macpherson the founder of the firm Messrs John E Macpherson and Sons wine merchants, Sallyport Buildings, Melbourne Street, Newcastle. The deceased gentleman was very wellknown...'

14 September 1922 - Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, England



This one says 'he claimed to be a descendant of the famous Scottish chief, Cluny MacPherson, and if the direct issue had not been maintained he would have been head of the clan...'


'.... An interesting link in the chain of association with Dipton has been broken by the death, in his 89th year, of Mr. John E. Macpherson. Although not known personally to a number of residents in the village., he performed many actions of charity and kindness...'

22 September 1922 - Consett Guardian - Consett, Durham, England

The 1861 census looks like the correct one, in that case.

But his baptism is not on SP, and Lachlan is not in Edinburgh (or anywhere in Scotland) in 1841 or 1851.

ArgyllGran
No I couldn't find Lachlan either.Trying to find Lachlan's yob based on son John's yob,he could have been born I would think.
I might try under the Mac spelling and see what turns up.
Pat

typo error there.!!!
should have read =could have been born
Pat

Hello everyone.
There are a lot of names here that I recognise,and also a lot of lovely new information, and thanks again.
I will read through it all,but will certainly get back to you for further help if I get stuck !!
Pat

When I said

"But his baptism is not on SP, and Lachlan is not in Edinburgh (or anywhere in Scotland) in 1841 or 1851."

- that's apart from the baptism I posted earlier - the only one on SP around the right time, with father Lachlan - and the censuses I posted for that child's probable father Lachlan and family (but in Laggan, with the Cluny connection, not Edinburgh).

The only snag is that that child wasn't born in Edinburgh, and he's not with Lachlan's family in 1841.

There is this Lachlan living in Edinburgh. I assume his daughter is Mary A and she was born in Edinburgh at the right time.

1881 England, Wales & Scotland Census
23, Scotland Street, St Cuthberts, St Georges, Midlothian, Scotland
Household members (8 people)
First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
James S Ferguson Head Married Male 44 1837 Ironmonger Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Mary A Ferguson Wife Female 44 1837 - Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Janet Mcp Ferguson Daughter Unmarried Female 17 1864 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Isabella B E Ferguson Daughter Unmarried Female 15 1866 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
William J Ferguson Son Male 12 1869 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Walter W Ferguson Son Male 10 1871 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
>>Lachlan McPherson Father-in-law Widower Male 81 1800 Annuitant Laggan, Invernessshire, Scotland
Elizabeth Mcp Reid Servant Unmarried Female 20 1861 General servant (domestic) Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland



Transcript of Mary Ann's record
First name(s) Mary Ann
Last name McPherson
Marriage year 1862
Marriage place Edinburgh Parish,Edinburgh,Midlothian,Scotland
Place Edinburgh
County Midlothian
Country Scotland
Spouse's first name(s) Jas.
Spouse's last name Ferguson
Marriage date 01 Jul 1862
Record set Scotland, Modern And Civil Marriages 1855-2019
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records

I was looking at this earlier. John Ewan's obituary mentions him being fascinated by the ships in Leith. John is also the 4th son in this census.

1841 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Fountain Bridge, 18, St Cuthbert's, Midlothian, Scotland
Household members (9 people)
First name(s) Last name Sex Age Birth year Birth place
Jennet McPherson Female 38 1803 Scotland
Grace McPherson Female 13 1828 Midlothian, Scotland
>>Mary McPherson Female 5 1836 Midlothian, Scotland
>>John McPherson Male 6 1835 Midlothian, Scotland
William McPherson Female 0 1841 Midlothian, Scotland
Hugh McPherson Male 15 1826 Scotland
William Smith Male 15 1826 Midlothian, Scotland
Duncan McPherson Male 10 1831 Midlothian, Scotland
Andrew Falconer Male 50 1791 Midlothian, Scotland



1851 England, Wales & Scotland Census
27, Hercles Street, St Cuthbert's, Midlothian, Scotland
Household members (6 people)
First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
Janet McPherson Head Married Female 42 1809 - Tain, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland
Jane McPherson Daughter Unmarried Female 21 1830 Dress maker Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Grace McPherson Daughter Unmarried Female 20 1831 Servant Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Margaret McPherson Daughter Female 12 1839 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
William McPherson Son Male 9 1842 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Thomas McPherson Son Male 5 1846 Scholar Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland





1861 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Calton Hill, Leith, St Andrew, Midlothian, Scotland
Household members (4 people)
First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
Janet U McPherson Wife Married Female 56 1805 Valet's wife Tain, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland
Mary Ann McPherson Daughter Unmarried Female 23 1838 Dressmaker Midlothian, Scotland
Thomas McPherson Son Unmarried Male 16 1845 Upholsterers appce Midlothian, Scotland
>>Georgina McPherson Daughter Female 8 1853 Scholar Midlothian, Scotland



1871 England, Wales & Scotland Census
23, Scotland Street, St Mary Edinburgh, St George, Midlothian, Scotland
Household members (9 people)
First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
James Ferguson Head Married Male 34 1837 Wholesale iron monger & jewller Midlothian, Scotland
Maryann Ferguson Wife Married Female 34 1837 - Midlothian, Scotland
Janet M Ferguson Daughter Female 7 1864 Scholar Midlothian, Scotland
Isabella B Ferguson Daughter Female 5 1866 - Midlothian, Scotland
William J Ferguson Son Male 2 1869 - Midlothian, Scotland
Walter W Ferguson Son Male 0 1871 - Midlothian, Scotland
>>Georgina McPherson Niece Unmarried Female 18 1853 - Midlothian, Scotland
Euphemia Irvine Servant Unmarried Female 40 1831 Domestic servant Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Elizabeth Fraser Servant Unmarried Female 25 1846 Domestic servant Dunse, Berwickshire, Scotland

Hugh from the 1841?

1871 England, Wales & Scotland Census
1, Giles Street, South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland
Household members (6 people)
First name(s) Last name Relationship Marital status Sex Age Birth year Occupation Birth place
Hugh McPherson Head Married Male 48 1823 Spirit merchant Sutherland, Scotland
Mary McPherson Wife Married Female 46 1825 - Midlothian, Scotland
Thomas Paterson McPherson Son Unmarried Male 23 1848 Engineer Midlothian, Scotland
Isabella McPherson Daughter Unmarried Female 28 1843 - Midlothian, Scotland
Mary McPherson Daughter Unmarried Female 13 1858 - South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland
Margaret Wilkie Servant Unmarried Female 18 1853 Domestic servant South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland

I had a look for Lachlan's death 'cos this is annoying me. He died in Edinburgh in 1890, was the widower of Janet Urquhart and was a Gentlemen's attendant. His son in law J S Ferguson was the informant. His parents were Donald McPherson, farmer and Margaret McIntyre.

Name: Janet Urquhart
Gender: Female
Marriage Date: 13 Jul 1825
Marriage Place: Edinburgh Parish,Edinburgh,Midlothian,Scotland
Father:
Thomas Urquhart
Spouse:
Lauchlin Mcpherson
FHL Film Number: 1066694

Just as a wee aside, my great grandaunt Betsy Reat married Lachlan McPherson b 1854 and he also stayed at Balgowan, Laggan. They must all be interconnected someway. I thought these names all sounded familiar. Obviously this is a totally different family though.

There were lots of McPherson households in the Laggan and Balnagowan area - doubtless because of the old Cluny McPherson family.

Unfortunately there's no Edinburgh baptism on SP for Mary Ann, either.


Two baptisms for Lachlan MacPhersons in Laggan.

The 1799 one is probably the man in Edinburgh in 1881, while the 1796 one may be the man in Laggan in 1881 - no sign of a daughter Mary Ann with the Laggan family, so I assume the Edinburgh family must be the correct one..

MACPHERSON
LACHLAN
Father: JOHN MACPHERSON/
M
28/07/1799
104/10 85
Laggan


MACPHERSON
LACHLAN
Father: ANGUS MACPHERSON/
M
28/04/1796
104/10 77
Laggan

His DC has his father as Donald and his mother as Margaret McIntyre.

SP doesn't show baptisms of any children of those parents - nor the parents' marriage..