90750: William Macdonald

William (1811-1897) was the son of Murdo Macdonald and Isabella Mackenzie of 6 Old Back.

William married Margaret Maclennan, of 26 Vatisker, and the couple settled as cottars in Old South Tolsta and had 5 children.

In 1851, during the croft lottings, the family obtained 1 North Tolsta; the couple had a further 3 children there. In total they had eight children: five girls and three boys. Their third child and fifth child died young.

In 1851 his parents obtained 29/30 Back; later his mother split this croft and retained 29 Back. In 1856 his father died. His mother died in 1867.

The couple’s daughter Margaret became a cottar at 1 North Tolsta, but 1 North Tolsta eventually passed to their youngest son, John.

William was widowed in 1895 and died two years later.