Eliza Junor

For an account of Eliza's life see my 'The long afterlife of Eliza Junor'.

1804
Born in Essequebo or Demerara to Hugh Junor [from the Black Isle, Scotland] and an unknown mother, probably either a slave or a 'free coloured' woman.

1816
The Demerary & Essequebo Royal Gazette
Saturday, June 8, 1816.
This is to inform the Public, that the following Persons intend quitting the Colony: -
Hugh Junor in 14 days or six weeks from April 29.
William and Eliza Junor, free coloured children, in 14 days or six weeks from April 29.

Christened 21 August at Rosemarkie

Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh Junor Esq of Essequibo, was born on the 11th September 1804, and baptised by Mr Wood on the 21st August 1816
William, son of Hugh Junor Esq above designed was born on the [blank] and baptised by Mr Wood on the 21st August 1816

1817
19 September: Her father married Miss Martha Matheson, daughter of Colin Matheson of Bennetsfield [chief of Clan Matheson]

1818
School records: Fortrose, 15 December 1818: For Proficiency in Penmanship, Miss Elizabeth Junor, from Demarara.

1823
Death of Hugh Junor

1825

A male anda female slave in Demerara-Essequibo were registerd to Eliza Junor on petition after the register had been made up and submitted.

1826
Step-mother remarries to Rev Archibald Browne, first presbyterian chaplain in Demerara – a supporter of slavery who had published three sermons in pamphlet form in 1824 On the Duties of Subjects to their Sovereign and the Duties of Slaves to their Masters

1837
Eliza’s illegitimate daughter, Emma, born 15 November at 18 Great Hermitage Street, Wapping, London, the father recorded as Thomas McGregor, gentleman [possibly a Thomas McGegor, born Kirkhill in 1803 who later lived in Brighton]

1841
Eliza living in Brixton with her 3-year old daughter Emma McGregor – but using a false surname [Menn? Mann? Nunn?]

1851
Emma a pupil at a small private school in Pennard, Somerset
Eliza a dressmaker, living with Catherine Mackenzie (60) on the south side of the High Street, Fortrose

1861
On the census day Elizabeth Junor, 57, dressmaker, was living at 3 Union Street, Fortrose with Catherine Mackenzie, widow 70, proprietor of the cottage – and a visitor Emma McGrigor, a governess, aged 23, born in England.

Eliza died on 20 April 1861 – her death certificate gives her father as Hugh Junor, West India Planter (deceased) and names no mother; the cause of death was unknown; and the death was reported by her daughter Emma McGrigor.

A stone in her memory was erected in Rosemarkie kirkyard.