Many Scots became plantation owners and wealthy merchants in Jamaica, frequently based on the exploitation of slaves. Often they would return to Scotland, having made their fortune. Others would leave money to the poor in their home parishes. One such was William Duffes (or Duffus), from Deskford in Banffshire.
The Kirk Session records of Deskford include a list of the recipients of £15 left to the poor of the parish:
List of the Poor of the Parish of Deskford nominated by the Revd Walter Chalmers Minister of Deskford & George Duffes in Knappycawset in terms of the will to receive the Legacy bequeathed by the late Mr William Duffes of Jamaica 17th November 1826
Christina Huie | 4/- |
Janet Keir | 7/- |
Isobel Nicol | 8/- |
Ann Currie | 5/- |
Elisabeth Dougal | 8/- |
Jane Riach | 8/- |
Margaret Cruickshank | 6/- |
Girrel Dunbar | 6/- |
Ann Whyte | 7/- |
Margt Taylor | 7/- |
Margt Huie | 7/- |
Isobel Ingles | 8/- |
Elspet Duffes | 1 |
Jane Mcintosh | 8/- |
Isobel Duffes A Duffes' sister | 1 |
John Wright's Relict | 6/- |
John Milton | 8/- |
Isobel Duffes | 1 |
Elspet Longmore | 5/- |
Helen Fraser | 9/- |
Isobel Smith Craibston | 6/- |
Elspet Henderson | 6/- |
James Ritchie | 9/- |
George Taylor | 8/- |
Isobel Ross | 10/- |
James Craib | 6/- |
Jane Leg | 6/- |
Isobel Mess | 6/- |
Jane Ball | 6/- |
Alexr Wilson | 8/- |
Elspet Huie | 4/- |
Andrew Morison | 8/- |
Isobel Smith Kirktown | 10/- |
Janet Robertson | 10/- |
Ann Dawson | 8/- |
Elspet Keir | 8/- |
Margt Hunter | 4/- |
15 |