|
We referred above to two
McLean brothers who settled at Strathlorne, and were sons of Roderick
McLean from the Isle of Rum, Scotland, who, with his family, had settled
at Broad Cove shore in 1812.
About this same date Allan
McIsaac, a native of Canna, Scotland, came to that shore and laid out for
himself four hundred acres of land adjoining the McLean lands on the South
West.
This Allan had three sons,
John, Alexander and Donald. As we have seen, John settled at Broad Cove
Intervale, Alexander and Donald remained at the shore, and got married to
two sisters, daughters of Donald McIsaac of Big River who, with Hector
McKinnon and Angus Mclsaac No. 1, was the first to settle in Broad Cove.
The mortal remains of this Allan McIsaac, with others of that day, are
buried on the beach near the entrance to Inverness Harbour. There were no
consecrated cemeteries then. We beg leave to suggest that the last resting
place of those pioneers should be decently protected from the vulgar
trespass of the thoughtless and careless.
Alexander, son of Allan,
had a family of six sons and three daughters, namely: John, Donald, Allan,
Angus, Aeneas, James, Ann, Mary and Margaret.
John, son of Alexander
worked faithfully and efficiently on his father's farm till he was past
the meridian of life, then he entered the Monastery of Petit Clairvaux,
Tracadie, Antigonish, as a lay brother and died there after years of
prayers and penance.
Donald, son of Alexander,
was the late Father Donald McIsaac, a man of great piety, who served for
many years as parish priest at Grand Narrows and River Inhabitants,
respectively. In his later years failing health compelled him to retire
from the ministry, and he went back to die among his people. He was the
very first to be buried in Stella Maris Cemetery at Inverness-on his
father's old farm.
Allan and Angus, sons of
Alexander, were men of education, and two of the old time teachers of
Inverness County. They were natural gentlemen both. Angus died of
pneumonia at home, and Allan died out West from natural causes.
Aeneas was simple minded
and harmless all his life, and lived with his brother James.
James, son of Alexander,
was the youngest son, and the only member of that large family that was
married. His wife was Ann McDougall, daughter of Alexander McDougall,
Carpenter, of Broad Cove Banks. They had a large family of sons and
daughters. The Inverness Railway and Coal Company took for its terminals
and working space at Inverness, fifty-three acres of James' farm, and the
county paid therefor $100.00 an acre with large costs.
Donald McIsaac, son of
Allan, had a family of five sons and five daughters, namely: Allan, Angus,
John, Donald, Alexander, Catherine, Mary, Margaret, Teresa and Bella.
Allan was married to
Margaret McEachen of Judique and had a family of whom Doctor J. A. McIsaac
of New York was one. His son Daniel is now in possession of the old farm,
and is also Mayor of Inverness town.
Angus had been for years in
New Zealand, accumulated some gold, returned home and entered into
business at Margaree. He married Margaret Gillis (Peggy Iain Gobha) of
Margaree Forks, and afterwards went to Minnesota, and engaged in farming.
He died in Minnesota, after which his widow returned to the County of
Inverness.
John, son of Donald, was
married to Mary McLeod, daughter of Neil McLeod of St. Rose, and had a
good family of three sons and two daughters.
Donald, son of Donald, was
married to Christy McLeod of Antigonish Harbour, and had a family of two
sons and three daughters, all of whom are now dead. He was the Postmaster
at Inverness when he died. His widow afterwards died in Antigonish, but
was buried at Inverness.
Alexander, son of Donald,
died young and unmarried. Three of the daughters of Donald were well
married, and two remained single.
About five years before
Allan McIsaac mentioned above came from P. E. I. to Broad Cove shore, his
brother Angus (Aonghnas MacNeil) had settled at the head of the Pond, (now
Inverness Harbour) and was the first man to settle there. He had five
boys, namely Archibald, Donald, Roderick, Angus, Og and James. They took
up a large tract of land consisting of six hundred acres running from the
Pond westwardly along the Banks of Broad Cove. This lot was divided and
set apart in four equal shares for the four sons Archibald, Donald,
Roderick and Angus Og.
Archibald held the moiety
at the head of the Pond. He was married to Miss McIsaac, daughter of Neil
McIsaac, Foot Cape, and had a large family. After his death the widow sold
the farm to Donald Beaton, and moved with all her children to Codroy, on
the West coast of Newfoundland. Donald Beaton conveyed this lot to his son
John E. who is now the owner and occupant thereof.
The next lot was taken and
occupied by the son Donald (Domhnull Ruadh) who married Mary McDonald of
Whycocomagh, and had a family of sons and daughters. After his death his
farm was sold for debt by the Sheriff of Inverness to James Gillis who
went into possession and reconveyed one-half the lot to Angus and John,
two sons of Red Donald. These two brothers still hold their shares. James
Gillis occupied his portion for many years, and then sold it to his nephew
Hugh Gillis, who conveyed it to his father Angus Gillis, who conveyed it
in his turn, to his daughter, Mrs. Allan McDonald, now in actual
possession.
The third lot was held by
the son Roderick McIsaac who had a family of two sons and six daughters,
namely:- Lewis, Alexander, Mary, Sarah, Jessie, Mary Jr., Margaret and
Catherine. On the death of Roderick the farm was divided between the two
sons, Lewis and Alexander.
Lewis was married to
Christy McLean, daughter of Neil McLean, and had one son and three
daughters. Lewis himself, his wife and son are dead long since. The
daughters got married many years ago and left the place.
Alexander was married to
Mary Rankin, daughter of Duncan Rankin, Senior, Sight Point, and had
several sons and daughters. He remained on the place all his life and was
noted in all respects as an exceptionally just and honest man. His oldest
son Rory, who lives on the homestead is now the competent owner and
manager of the farm.
The next lot to the West
was that of Angus McIsaac, Og. He had quite a family of able boys. After
some years on this farm he decided to move, with his family to Codroy,
Nfld. He therefore sold his farm property to the late George Cameron,
Mason, who went into possession, was married twice and died there. His two
respectable sons, Hugh and George, now own the estate in severalty.
The next two hundred acre
lot was originally owned by Neil McLean, son of Roderick McLean from the
Isle of Rum. Neil had two sons and three daughters. On his death the place
was given to the two sons, Donald and John, share and share alike. John's
share was sold and is now in the hands of George Ross and Harry Ross.
Three of Donald's sons, Neil, John A. and Hugh, own their father's share,
and are turning it to good account.
The pioneer settlers on the
next farm were three McIsaac brothers Alexander, Donald and Angus, who
afterwards moved to Broad Cove Intervale. Their interest in the shore farm
was sold to Martin McPherson from Antigonish who did business there on a
modest scale for some years. He subsequently removed to Broad Cove Marsh,.
and his interests here were acquired by Malcolm Campbell an excellent man,
whose descendants are now holding forth there. Malcolm Campbell was
married to Catherine Cameron daughter of John Cameron of South West Mabou,
with issue, one son, Angus, and one daughter Katie. This Angus is now
dead, but was married to Catherine Beaton and left a very large family.
Some of that family with their widowed mother are now the parties in
possession. Malcolm Campbell's. daughter Katie is the kind and clever wife
of John E. Beaton of Inverness.
THE MacDOUGALLS OF B. C.
BANKS.
Now we come to a large
block of land containing seven hundred and fifty acres, selected and
located by Lachlan MacDougall, a native of Moidart, Scotland, who
emigrated with a grown up family in the last stages of the eighteenth
century and came here from Antigonish, to mark out and secure a permanent
home, in the summer of 1808. He divided this block into three lots of two
hundred and fifty acres each. The Eastern lot he set apart for his son
Archibald; the central lot for his son Duncan; and the Western lot for his
son Alexander. There was another son, Hugh, who founded for himself a home
at Broad Cove Marsh, and is elsewhere referred to.
This Lachlan MacDougall was
an exiled scion of the House of Lorn. His people fought like Trojans for
William Wallace; but, yielding to the sinister entreaties of "the red
Comyn", they fought with equal valour against "The Bruce", and for Bailiol,
and thereby lost their estate. When they lost their estate, they were left
to their fate. It was ever thus. When people are deprived of their worldly
goods, the world throws them to the wolves. Fortunate are they who believe
in another world, and govern themselves accordingly. Lachlan MacDougall
was the first man buried in the first Catholic Cemetery of Broad Cove.
Archibald MacDougall, son of Lachlan, was married to Mary MacDougall,
daughter of Roderick McDougall (Ruaridh Cleirach) of Malignant Brook,
Antigonish. She was an aunt of Reverend Roderick MacDonald of Antigonish,
and of the late Right Reverend Ronald MacDonald, Bishop of Harbor Grace.
When the latter was parish priest in Pictou, he came one day into the
settlement of B. C. Banks to collect money. He told his aunt (his mother's
sister) he would stay with her that night on his return, but he failed to
show up, though the distracted aunt sat up all night for him. He came
early next morning and received a sound Gaelic scolding from his aunt. She
told him, among other things, that his good father would not pass a night
in a stranger's house so near her. His suave reply was:- "Well, auntie, I
suppose my poor father would not do it, but, unfortunately, I took after
my mother's people."
Archibald MacDougall's
family were, Lachlan, Duncan, Ann, Katie, Mary and Margaret.
Ann was married to Lachlan
MacDonald, Rear Ranks, and had a large family, namely: Roderick,
Archibald, Dougald, Angus, Ann, Mary, Katie, Nancy and Sarah. Lachlan
McDonald was married a second time, to Jessie McLellan of West Lake, and
had Angus Jr., Margaret and Elizabeth.
Catherine was married to
James McInnis of Rear Loch Ban, and had a family of two sons, John and
Archibald.
Mary was unmarried, and
died at home from natural causes. Margaret died at home by an unfortunate
accident. She was left alone, and well, in the house one fine day in
haymaking time. Mysteriously a fire broke out in some part of the
building, which was too far advanced before she discovered it. At once she
went outside; but remembering something which she wished to bring with
her, she returned into the house and was probably overcome by the smoke
and flames. She was burned to death when they found her.
The farm was left to the
two sons, Lauchlin and Duncan, in equal parts. Duncan never got married.
For a score of years he carried on a small mercantile business at the
Banks, and at the same time conducted the work of the farm. During his
business career he walked seven times to Halifax; went there on horseback
three times, and with a horse and "gig" once. The "Gig" was a novelty and
a luxury at one time. A cushioned car then would spell sudden death. Old
the good old times.
Lauchlin MacDougall (son of
Archibald) was married to Sarah McIsaac daughter of Roderick McIsaac (Red)
with issue, Archibald, Roderick, Mary Ann and Jessie. The two sons died
young, and the two daughters married, Mary Ann to John Rankin (Alexander)
and Jessie to Charles McDonald (Codroy). Both daughters had smart
families.
This Lauchlin was a
particularly cheerful and pleasant man, with an immense fund of the old
Scottish legends. He lost his eyesight long before he was an old man, but
lived on till he was past ninety in total blindness, and edifyingly
resigned to his life and lot.
Duncan MacDougall son of
Lachlan Senior, took up the white man's burden on the central lot. He was
married to Ann MacDonald, daughter of Lachlan McDonald (Lachinn Mac
Ruaridh) of Antigonish with issue: John, Ronald, Dougald, Lachlan,
Alexander, Angus, Mary, Ann and Catherine. He and his brother Alexander
were married to two sisters. Jane was the name of Alexander's wife.
Another sister of theirs by the name of Christy was married to John
Cameron (Red) of South River, Antigonish. In this way two of the
Macdougall families of B. C. Banks were first cousins of the late Bishop
Cameron.
Duncan was a tailor by
trade, and died while the family was young, and all together. Duncan's
wife also died comparatively young. The daughters Mary and Ann got married
at an early age, and the home, which was a favorite stopping place for the
wayfarers of the time, was familiarly called "Tighe na Gillean."
The oldest son, John, was
now the head of the house. He was a man of great industry and good
judgment, a famous dancer, and withal a kind and genial host. People say
he was a poet; we do not know. We did hear some of the songs which he
composed, and they ran with wonderful ease and smoothness. They could be
put to music like Tom Moore's melodies. We are inclined to believe they
indicated something of the "divine spark." He died unmarried.
Ronald took up a farm at
North Cape Mabou, and lived to a good round age. He was married twice. By
the first marriage he had no issue, by the second he had John R., Malcolm,
Archibald, John, Duncan, Margaret and Ann.
Dougald, also lived at
North Cape Mabou, and was married to Margaret McDougall, daughter of Angus
McDougall (Ban) of West Lake Ainslie, with issue: Duncan, Alexander,
Angus, John, Donald, Archibald, John Jr., Ann, Margaret, Mary and Jane.
Duncan, John, John Jr., Ann and Mary are dead; Alexander owns a large farm
on the summit of North Cape Mabou, Angus is in San Franciso, Daniel in
Sacramento, Archy in Edmonton, Alberta, and Jane in Duluth, Minnesota.
Lachlan and Alexander
remained on the shore homestead, each owning one-half thereof.
Lachlan locally known as
Lachinn Ban was married to Mary McEachen daughter of John McEachen (Iain
Mac Ewin ic Dhunall) of Mount Young, Mabou, with issue:- Duncan, John L.,
Hugh L., Mary, Annie, Jane, and Mary Ann.
Hugh L., is on the
homestead married to Jane MacDonald, daughter of the late Donald McDonald
of Broad Cove Chapel, and has a fine family. John L. resides at
Strathlorne, is a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, has been
practising law in this County for thirty-eight years, is married to
Caroline, daughter of the late Hon. Isaac Le Visconte of Arichat, and has
four clever living sons, namely: Lachlan Gordon, Bertram Camillus, John
Cameron and Isaac Duncan, M. A. Mary was married to the late Angus McIsaac
of West Lake, Jane to Martin Gillis of Grand Mira, and Mary Ann to Lachlan
Campbell of Campbellton. Duncan and Annie are dead.
Alexander McDougall, son of
Duncan, was married to Margaret McIsaac, daughter of Murdoch McIsaac of
Broad Cove Intervale, with issue:-John A., Murdoch, Ann, Katie and Jane.
John A. was married to Jane
Gillis of South West Margaree, issue: Murdoch-Angus, John Alick, Hugh G.,
James, Maggie Bell, Margaret, Mary Jane and Mary Ann.
Murdoch, son of Alexander,
went out West forty years ago and never returned.
Ann was married to the late
James McIsaac of Inverness, with issue: Alexander Ronald, Alexander
Lachlan, Murdoch, John Francis, James, Dan, Rosa, Mary Maggie, Louise,
Cassie and Mary.
Katie was married to Donald
McKay late of Glendyer, with issue: John, James, Clarence, Margaret,
Maggie Jane, Louise, Rosie, Matilda and Catherine. All these with their
mother went away to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and have done and are doing well.
Jane, daughter of
Alexander, was married in Boston to Angus G. Rankin formerly of Sight
Point.
Angus McDougall, son of
Duncan, was the youngest of a large family. He was a tailor by trade and
never got married. He was lost at sea in a storm, with all on board, on
the way to Bay St. George some forty years ago.
Mary, daughter of Duncan,
was married to Duncan McDougall (Big) of West Lake Ainslie, with issue:
Donald, Duncan, Alexander, Margaret, Ann and Mary Ann.
Ann was married to Donald
McDonald of South Cape Mabou, with issue: Duncan, Roderick, John, Angus,
Ann and Christie.
Catherine was married to
Donald MacDonald (John Michael's son) of Rear Judique Chapel, with issue:
John, Duncan, Hugh, John Jr., Annie, Mary and Catherine.
Alexander MacDougall, son
of Lachlan from Moidart, took possession of the Western lot of the
aforementioned block. He was a powerful man physically, and was married as
already said to Jane MacDonald, daughter of Lachinn Mac Rualidh, with
issue: Lachlin, Dougald, Duncan, Donald, John, Flora, Catherine, Ann, Mary
and Christy.
The three last named
daughters remained unmarried.
Flora was married to John
Campbell (Ban) of Rear Loch Ban, with issue: John, Donald, Lachlan,
Malcolm, Alick, Mary, Jane, Catherine and Christie.
Catherine was married to
Donald Jameson of Rrear Loch Ban, and had one son and three daughters.
Lachlan, the oldest son,
died young and unmarried.
Dougald was married to
Elizabeth McDonald, daughter of Donald McDonald (Saddler) of Black River,
with issue: John, Donald, Alick, Angus, Maurice, Sarah, Jane and Maggie.
Donald was married to
Jessie Rankin and had a nice family of sons and daughters. Duncan was
never married.
John was the youngest, and
was a carpenter by trade, went to the United States when quite young,
enlisted in the civil war there, and afterwards moved out to the
California coast. He settled down in St. Barbara, where he got married,
raised a smart family, and died.
The next pioneer settler at
the Banks was old Archibald McIsaac who came here from Antigonish with a
brother, Hugh, who settled at South West Margaree. We think they were
grand uncles of the late Judge McIsaac of the County Court.
Archibald was married to a
daughter of old Lachlin Macdougall (from Moidart) heretofore described. He
took up four hundred acres at the Banks which were divided among three of
his sons, namely: Archibald, Og, on the old homestead, John, the tailor,
in the centre, and Donald on the Eastern side. Donald afterwards sold out
his portion to Hugh Rankin, whose heirs and descendants still own it. The
heirs of Archibald, Og, and of John, the tailor, are still in possession
of their ancestral properties.
Archibald McIsaac had two
other sons, Angus and Dougald, besides the above named. The former had a
large farm at South Cape Mabou, was married to Mary McDonald, daughter of
John McDonald (Michael) of Rear Judique, and d had a large family.
The son Dougald died
suddenly at Grand Narrows in midwinter, after a heavy snow storm. His
friends at the Banks were obliged to carry, or pull, the remains home to
Broad Cove, on an improvised hand-sled. In connection with his death the
following story ran: In a certain house at the Grand Narrows, on a certain
night, a little girl in her early teens, saw a vision of a dead man in the
house. She got excited and frightened; but they calmed her down by making
her believe it was only a dream. The following evening Dougald McIsaac and
his brother went into that house to spend the night. Both were in perfect
health. The little girl ran screaming to her mother saying, "Oh, mamma,
that is the dead man I saw last night." Within an hour Dougald McIsaac had
a violent heart pain, and before midnight he was dead.
Another pioneer settler at
Broad Cove Banks was a natural sprig of the heather named Allan MacDonald,
very commonly known as Allein Beg. As the name implies, Allan was not a
man of bulk physically, but was "every inch a man." He who judged Allan by
his size ran an imminent risk of getting left. He came to the Banks with
one son, John and two daughters, Sarah and Catherine. Another daughter was
married to Captain Angus MacDonald, Tulloch, of West Lake Ainslie. An
older son, Ronald, did not, we understand, come with him to Broad Cove
Banks.
The son, John, was a most
interesting proposition with his fists. He, too, was a small sized man,
but made many bigger men look smaller. He was left-handed, and his punch
was deadly. No matter who faced or attacked him, the first blow John
landed was the last word in the argument. He was a nice honest clean
hearted man when no offence was given him. He left a family of three fine
sons, James, Angus and Allen, all of whom are dead.
The family of Allan Jr., is
now in possession of the homestead.
Before Allein Beg came here
he had lived for years at Sight Point. One of his neighbours there was
Hugh McLean, better known as Ewin Og, who had wit to burn. He was a poet,
with a penchant for playful sarcasm. Allein Beg and Alexander McLeod, an
innocent neighbour, were the special objects of his raillery. Allein Beg
would come in a rage to kill Ewin Og for his satires. Ewin Og, would
restore peace by composing on the spot, a song in praise of Allein Beg.
The latter was propitiated, and went away comparatively happy; but before
he reached home a fresh satire, much worse than the first, was red hot on
his heels. It was not a happy life. The three men sold out at Sight Point,
and left the place, Allein Beg coming to the Banks, Sandy McLeod buying a
farm at Deepdale, and Ewin Og going to River Dennis. Far enough apart to
ensure the preservation of the peace. Poor Ewin Og! He was never bad at
heart; but the exuberance of his poetic genius sometimes outran his
judgment.
One of the first families
to Settle on Cape Mabou was the family of Patrick McKay who came from
Scotland, in the early part of the 19th century. Patrick had three sons
and several daughters, who made their homes at North Cape. The names of
the three sons were Alexander, Donald and Allan (Ban.) They were staunch
and sturdy men of the Presbyterian faith.
Alexander had two sons,
Archibald and John, commonly called the "big boys" - Na Gillean Mhor -
each of whom had a large family. Of these two families, Allan, son of
John, is *he only one now left on the 'homestead.
Donald, son of Patrick, was
an interesting character, who, also, had two sons, Roderick and Donald.
The former of these two sons died unmarried, the latter with a son and
daughter is still on the old farm.
Allan (Ban') had a large
family of sons and daughters. He was a thrifty farmer who was always noted
for his good horses. His oldest son, Donald, succeeded him on the farm
where he distinctly "made good."
There were three McIntyre
brothers among the early farmers of North Cape. Their names were
Archibald, Donald and Joseph. Each of them had a large family. One
grandson of Archibald and a grandson of Donald, are all that are now left
of those McIntyres on North Cape.
There were two able
families of Frasers. nearly all of whom have died or dwindled away. One
grandson of Simon Fraser (John, son of Neil) is now the only Fraser
resident of North Cape, and he is doing well there.
John McQuarrie (lain
Taillear) was another of the pioneer farmers of North Cape. He had several
sons, namely: John, Donald, Edward and Hector, and each of these sons had
an intelligent family. Only one son of John Jr., still remains there.
Another early resident of
North Cape was old John McArthur from Canna, Scotland. He had two sons,
John and Duncan, both of whom were married. John had a large family, but
Duncan died without issue. These men were fine men, very able physically,
and quiet and amiable in disposition. Their fine large farm is now vacant
and forsaken.
The most of the settlers of
North Cape developed the same impatience for leaving their farms which we
deplored in our remarks on South Cape. We adhere to the opinion that it is
a costly mistake to quit the cultivation and possession of fertile farms
anywhere.
The farms are the feeders
of the world, and nothing else can take their place. Cape Mabou may have
its drawbacks and disadvantages. So has every place on earth. That way
lies victory.
The only old settlers at
Port Ban and Sight Point who are not elsewhere mentioned were the McIntyre
family and Alexander Kennedy.
About the year 1810
Alexander Kennedy with his brother Murdoch came to Sight Point. In 1791
they came from Canna, Scotland, to Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, with two other
brothers, John and Donald. The two last named came to Broad Cove in 1808
and Alexander and Murdoch came to Sight Point a couple of years
afterwards.
Murdoch did not stay long
at Sight Point, having taken up a large tract of land at Loch Ban, where
some of his descendants still live.
Alexander remained all his
life on the Sight Point farm. He was married to a Miss McIntyre, a sister
to old Archy McIntyre, by whom he had six sons and two daughters, namely:
John, Angus, Neil, Archibald, Donald, Joseph, Mrs. John M. McIntyre, and
Catherine. The youngest son, Joseph, and Neil's widow with one of her sons
are all that remain on that old homestead.
The McIntyres who remained
at Port Ban were two brothers, John and Donald. Both of them lived, worked
and died on the old farm.
John was married to a
daughter of Alexander Kennedy and had a large family of sons and
daughters. The oldest son, Angus, and the unmarried daughter Katie, live
on the old farm. One of the daughters was married to the late Angus
Gillis, Drover, of Broad Cove Chapel, another to John Campbell, Carpenter,
of Inverness, and a third was the first wife of Angus Rankin, Jr., of
Sight Point.
Donald McIntyre was a nice
man of gentle manner who was very much liked. He was married to Mary
McPhee, a daughter of Neil McPhee of North Coal Mines, Mabou, She was an
admirable woman and had a family of three sons and three daughters,
namely, Angus, Francis and John, Mary, Matilda and Julia.
Mary was married to the
late Michael Kennedy, son of Murdoch, Matilda to Angus Kennedy, Esquire,
son of Murdoch; and Julia to John B. Beaton. The last named couple are
dead.
Angus and Francis have been
since more than thirty years in the Western States, where we are glad to
hear both are doing well. John B. and his wife live in the town of
Inverness. The old farm has passed into other hands.
THE MacLEANS OF FOOT CAPE.
Lachlan, son of Hector,
first of Muck, had a son named John. This John married a Miss Campbell by
whom he had two sons, Lachlin and Alexander. Lauchlin was drowned at the
age of twenty-two. Alexander married Eunice MacKinnon by whom he had six
children, namely: Lauchlin, Donald, Malcolm, Christy, Mary and Catherine,
all of whom, except Catherine, emigrated to Cape Breton in 1826.
Lauchlin, known as Lachlinn
Mac Alasdair, was born in 1763. He was ground-officer in Rum for thirty
years. He married Mary MacKay, by whom he had Donald Ban and Marion, and
came to ,Cape Breton in 1826, settling down in Strathlorne at Foot Cape.
His son Donald Ban was
married in Scotland to Christy McLean, daughter of John Mor MacLean of
Kilmory in Rum, and had the following family, namely: John, Lachlan,
Alexander, Murdoch, Allan, Donald E, Hector, Neil, Marion, Isabel and
Christy. Donald Ban died at Foot Cape in 1874 at the age of eighty years.
The daughter Marion was married to Squire John MacDonald of Brook Village,
and had a family; Christie was married to Donald MacLean (Neil's son) of
Broad Cove Banks, and had a family, and Isabel, who always remained. on
the homestead, died unmarried.
The eight sons of Donald
Ban were a striking family. They were all large, fine looking men, of very
considerable physical strength and, also, exceedingly quiet and peaceable
men of excellent disposition. Of the eight sons John and Alexander were
the only two that got married. Alexander was the father of Reverend
Lachlan Hugh McLean, a young Presbyterian minister of much promise. Allan
and Donald E., were familiar school teachers in the County of Inverness.
They were among the first batch of Inverness aspirants to qualify under
Dr. Tupper's original Education Act for Nova Scotia. They were both pupils
of Dr. Forrester at Truro.
THE MacISAACS OF FOOT CAPE.
Donald McIsaac, Miller, and
his brother Allan, were not immigrants, but were permanent residents who
gave a vast amount of substantial service. They were sons of John McIsaac
described among the first settlers of Broad Cove Intervale.
Donald was married to Mary
Gillis (Mhari Aonghas ic Ewin) of South West Margararee. Some of our
readers may remember her brother, Martin, an ecclesiastical student who
died in Quebec. The family of Donald the Miller were: John, Angus, Allan,
Stephen, James, Anthony, and Sarah. When the family were grown up, and all
together, they were marked producers. They operated a fine 200 acre farm,
a gristmill, sawmill and carding mill. Apart from these milling and
farming activities, the son Angus carried on a retail mercantile business
until his health gave way. The only members of this family that were
married were John, James and Sarah. All the rest died comparatively young.
Donald the Miller was a brainy, pleasant and respectable citizen.
Allan McIsaac lived further
down towards the shore. He bought the farm on which he made his home. He
was married twice. By the first marriage he had five children, namely:
Alexander, John, Margaret, Ann and Lizzie. By the second marriage he had
Joseph, John A., and Mary Ann. Some of the first family are dead, and all
have left this place long since. Joseph and John A., with their
interesting families, are settled down on the old homestead, to which they
have added by purchase. They are two of the most sane and solid men of the
district of Strathlorne.
THE MacDONALDS OF FOOT CAPE.
Lauchlin MacDonald and
family were already noted in the sketch ,of B. C. Banks. But two other
MacDonalds, two brothers, Allan and Alexander, who came from Canna,
Scotland, took up their abode at Foot Cape. Each of them took up a farm of
two hundred acres adjoining one another. Both were married and had large
families.
Alexander's family were:
Hugh, John, Allan, Murdoch, Norman, Neil, Catherine and Christie. John was
a farmer, Hugh and Norman were carpenters, Allan was a shoemaker, Murdoch
was a tailor, Neil R a mason - and all were wits. The humorous sallies of
Norman, Murdoch and Allan are quoted by the younger generations to this
day. They were an easy-going, happy-minded family, who never displayed any
nervousness to get rich all in a heap: yet they were delightful men to
meet and talk to. But they are all gone, and greatly missed.
Allan's family were;
Duncan, Neil, Malcolm, Alexander, Roderick, James and Elizabeth. This
Allan had received some common school education before he left the old
country. He even had some dips into medical works, a circumstance which
gave him great demand among the sick of the neigborhood. There were no
registered doctors here in those days. Allan was a kind and gentle nurse,
a good fiddler, an agreeable companion, and a thoroughly welcome visitor.
The neighbors had faith in him, and we have no doubt he helped many sad
sufferers.
This family, like the
children of Alexander, were literally consumed with pleasantries. Apart
from their quick and peculiar sense of humor, they had the faculty of
mimicking, without giving offence - a distressingly rare faculty. Some of
our oldest and gravest residents will still shake in their chairs, when
they think of some of the mirth making performances of Alick-Allan. All
this family are now dead, with the exception of the two youngest sons,
Roderick and James. The former, with his son Neil, owns and occupies one
half of the ancestral farm; the latter, who has been a school teacher of
long standing, owns a farm adjacent to his brother Roderick's, but resides
at present in the town of Inverness. |
