Introduction / Families / Harcus

William Harcus (Hercus) and Janet Groat

William Harcus (b. about 1779) and Janet Groat (b. about 1775) probably married around 1800 and it is likely that he was the tenant of the Bu and Lakequoy in the 1810 rental.

While William’s parents are unknown, as he died pre the 1851 census, Janet is known to be the daughter of Robert Groat and Elizabeth Drever. (See Groat family page)

William and Janet are known to have had six children:

• William Hercus, baptised June 1801 who married Barbara Swordie

• Margaret Hercus, baptised 21st November 1804

• John Hercus, baptised 15th April 1808 who married Jane Scollay

• Alexander Sinclair Hercus, born 22nd July 1812

• Stewart Hercus, baptised 24th February 1817 who married Jane Shearer

• Mary Hercus, born 15th February 1821

It is thought that the family moved from Pharay to Eday in the period from 1817 to 1821. The OPR does indicate that their son Stewart was born in Pharay although whether Eday or Pharay is not mentioned in respect of Mary. This generally indicates that it is Eday, the larger of the two islands although this is by no means conclusive. It is noted that the witnesses at the baptism were Peter Miller and Thomas Chalmers, which are not Pharay names.

William and Janet were at Wantonbrae, Eday in 1841 with their youngest daughter, Mary. William’s occupation was given as agricultural labourer.

Janet spent the rest of her life at Wantonbrae or Upper Wantonbrae. She was widowed by 1851 and died on 25th October 1864.