West Indies
Again, inscriptions in the family Bible indicate that Charles Muir Campbell was "taken as an infant by his parents to the West Indies". In subsequent census data, he reported his birthplace as Jamaica or West Indies or W.I. There were many Scottish folks present in the West Indies. Some made their fortunes there, others met their death there due to disease or slave revolts. The Scottish system of inheritance typically meant that the oldest son would inherit the family land and titles in Scotland, while the second and subsequent sons would have to find their own way in the world. This often meant travelling to places like the West Indies to try their hand at sugar or coffee production. The idea was that they would make their fortune or die of disease. Some intended to "make their fortune" and return to Scotland. These are well documented in the book Sojourners in the Sun, by Alex Karass.
While the bulk of the Scottish people were in Jamaica, West Indies, there were also many people present on other Caribbean islands. The "Ceded Territories" and Demerera (British Guiana) may also hold clues as to the fate of Charles Muir Campbell's parents. The years from his birth in 1795 until 1798 (the year he claimed on his application to become a United States citizen), were particularly dangerous in the West Indies. These years included the raids during the "Second Maroon War", and the bloody execution of 50 prisoners following the "Fedon Revolution". See transcript of report of Fedon Revolution If his parents weren't killed in one of these uprisings, they could have just as easily died of disease in their new environments.
Family history says that Charles Muir Campbell's life was in danger as an orphan and heir, so he was smuggled out in a boatload of orphans. The family Bible simply says that he was taken to the United States by his uncle, James Campbell, and put to school in Basking Ridge, NJ.
Following the Fedon Revolution, which included the execution of Governor Homes, a James Campbell became the acting Governor. If this was the same "uncle James Campbell", then he could have arranged transport for his nephew. There are passenger ship records for James Campbell landing in the United States during the appropriate time period. But hard evidence has yet to surface. Years later, Charles Muir Campbell applied for U. S. citizenship and claimed to have entered the country permanently since June 1798. (find exact date)
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Famous quotes containing the words west and/or indies:
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I never hear the west wind but tears are in my eyes.”
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