Introduction / Westray Grays / George Gray and Margaret Seatter / George Gray and Jean Reid / Robert Gray and Christian Harcus / Barbara Gray and John Rendall

John Rendall

John Rendall (b. 6th March 1863) was the youngest child of Barbara Gray and John Rendall. He was born at Banks in Westray and was the only child of theirs to have his birth announced in the local paper. It unfortunately stated that his mother had given birth to a daughter.

He farmed at Banks for many years, part of that time with George Meil who had been evicted from Cott of Cleat. George's brother, John Meil, had married John's sister, Jean Rendall.

John never married and when he got older he moved into a house at Surrigar, near his niece, Joan Harcus. She ran a shop there and he used to wash eggs and to other odd jobs for her.

When John was unable to work, he was moved to the County Home in Kirkwall where he died on 4th April 1938. An obituary, which appeared in the paper, suggests that he was well liked by those who knew him.

Obituary - Mr John Rendall, late of Banks, passed away at the County Home, Kirkwall. His remains were removed to Westray by boat, where the funeral took place to Westside Churchyard. Rev David Moyes, Rev John Laurie and Mr George Ritchie were present and conducted the service. For many years Mr Rendall lived at Banks. He was a very quiet man, and sympathy is expressed to the bereaved.