James Cheyne

     James Cheyne was born, 31 January 1790, in Scatness, Dunrossness Parish, Shetland Islands, Scotland.^1,2,3,4,5

James Cheyne married Elizabeth Allison of Goat 15 January 1815, in Dunrossness Parish, Shetland Islands, Scotland. The IGI has two marriage records for James Cheyne and Elizabeth Al(l)ison, both in Dunrossness. One was 15 January 1815, the other 1 February 1816.
Information provided to me by Robert D. Cheyne in Bentonville, Arkansas states that the James that married Elizabeth was the son of Robert Cheyne and Ursula Mader of Fair Isle. After reading of the 1841 and 1851 British Censuses, I concur with his conclusions.^6,1,5

James Cheyne, Senior, was the Schoolmaster at Fair Isle 1822-1866. When first appointed he complained of the "wretched" condition of the schoolhouse and taught in the church. He said that there was little religion among the people who were all "professed smugglers".⁷

James Cheyne was listed on the 1841 Scotland Census, at School House, in Dunrossness Parish, Shetland Islands, Scotland. He was head of household and a teacher. Also in the household were Elizabeth Cheyne, Girsall Cheyne, Anderina Cheyne and Margaret Cheyne.²

James Cheyne was listed on the 1851 Scotland Census, at School House, in Fair Isle, Dunrossness Parish, Shetland Islands, Scotland. He was head of household and a teacher of reading, works and arithmatic.. Also present was his daughter, Margaret Cheyne. His grandson, James Cheyne, was also present.³

James Cheyne and his wife Elizabeth Cheyne were listed on the 1861 Scotland Census, at School House, in Fair Isle, Dunrossness Parish, Shetland Islands, Scotland. He was head of household and a Retired ?? Sess Cl Farmer 4 Acres Employing 4 Labourers. He was listed as 71 years old and born in Dunrossness Parish.⁵

James Cheyne died 22 May 1866 at School House in Fair Isle, Dunrossness Parish, Shetland Islands, Scotland.⁸