Introduction / Families / Sinclair

Mary Sinclair and William Harcus

Mary Sinclair (b. abt. 1763) was born on Pharay and married William Harcus. They are known to have had at least six children:

• Jean Harcus, born 8th October 1795

• Robert Harcus, born 10th December 1797 who married (1) Sarah Scott and (2) Margaret Shearer

• James Harcus, born 14th March 1800 and died at Rowa (Ruah) on 14th March 1860

• Isabella Harcus, born 5th August 1802

• William Harcus, born 13th February 1806

• John Harcus, born 16th January 1808

They were at Old Green, Eday with their son, James Harcus, in 1841.

1841
Old Green, Eday

	Age	Occupation	Born
William Harcus	90 years	Indigent	Orkney
Mary Harcus	75 years	Indigent	Orkney
James Harcus	40 years	Indigent	Orkney

It is the 1851 census, which indicates that Mary was on Pharay

1851
Old Green, Eday

	Relation	Status	Age	Occupation	Born
Mary Sinclair	Head	Widow	88 years	Former farmer's wife	Pharay
James Harcus	Son	Unmarried	51 years	Fisherman	Eday

It appears William died between 1841 and 1851. No death records have been found for either Mary or James, so they evidently died before Civil Registration began in 1855. It also appears that in the 1851 census Mary is listed by the maiden name, not an unusual practice. Since the family were born on Eday, Mary was on Eday at least by about 1795.