Suggest This Page To A Friend!
Submitted by Judy A. (MacPhee) LeDrew - [email protected] Information in this database is based on information obtained from my transcription of 'A Collection of Fragments of Family History Derived from Ancient Records & Authentic Traditions - 1866 by John MacEachern, Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI'...(transcribed by Judy A. (MacPhee) LeDrew in February 2001), with the exception of a few dates, and other pertinent detail obtained from the Family Bible, Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cemetery Transcript, PEI Archives, and some additional dates provided by Janet MacQuarrie, wife of Wayne, a g.g.grandson of John MacEachern.
Ancestors & Family of John MacEachern (1809-1883) Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI
1. Ewen MacEachern, b. in Craignish, Scotland 'opposite the Island of Jura'.
"Our forefathers about 8 or 9 generations back left Craignish for Mull and landed at a place named Crogan in the Estate of Lochbuy, and having applied to the then Landlord, he directed? them to Killiemore, Ardmianach".
"And having proceeded to their destination, and travelling with their children, they halted at Kilfinichen by a spring named "an tober mor" (or great spring) to take some refreshments; some of the people of the place observing them from their homes, asked one another "who are those at the tober mor" and where did they come from" some answered, we know not unless they came out of the tober more" i.e. great spring - and to this day they are sometimes called "Hivche????an tobair mhoir" i.e. the race or "The Family" of the great spring" - Shewing the simple incidents that led to the origin of some terms".
"But to follow the narrative, the people invited them to their houses & used them hospitably, and on the morrow they reached the place pointed out for them by their future Landlord, and remained there till the year 1821. ***"
Written across the above paragraph, making it very difficult to decipher, are the following words, some of which I cannot make out (jld):
"I am told since that it was at noon they had to take some dinner by the "well" when first observed by the nearest villagers who sounded?? the ???? which led to the appellations and afterwards for ?????? on their journey to Killiemore".
"It seem it was Ewen that left Craignish for Mull, therefore my Uncle's sons were the 8th generation of males in Killiemore".
"For the information of others of my relations who may wish to know the names of some of their forefathers, I will here set down such as I obtained them from my Uncle Neill of Canoe Cove, and which I took down with a pencil at the time. To begin at Ewen, Lauchlin his son, Neill his son, John** his son, Neill his son, Charles his son, Neill & Dougald his sons".
Children:
2. i Lauchlin MacEachern.
Second Generation
2. Lauchlin MacEachern.
Children:
3. i Neill MacEachern.
Third Generation
3. Neill MacEachern.
Children:
4. i John "The Handsome" MacEachern.
Fourth Generation
4. John "The Handsome" MacEachern. "Of the forementioned John, whose name is marked with an asterisk, he was an extraordinary handsome man. My uncle that was at Canoe Cove said that an aged woman at Malpec Road, PEI, told him that she often heard her father say that the forenamed John MacEachern was, in his day, the best looking man in "Duthich siol Eachain" i.e. the Estate of Lochbuy" which contained the half of the Isle of Mull, and was anciently named the land of the race of Eachan or Hector".
"This John had four sons, Lauchlan, Neil, Ewen, Allan; the sons of Lauchlan were John, and his son was John of Oban, formerly mentioned. Neil's sons were Charles, Dond., Callum or Malcolm. Ewen's family were John who died at the East River, Lot 48, PEI, also Effy, Marion & Catherine. The family of Allan was Alexander and some daughters, one of whom was mother to old Malcolm McPhayden, Crapaud".
"This Alexander was a Schoolmaster. My father Dougald MacEachern was in his school in Talpull, Ardmianach in 1797. His father expended a good deal to educate him in Edinburgh, be taught in Oban, and was married to a daughter of Campbell of Dunstaffnage".
"These are the families of the four brothers, the sons of John the handsome".
Children:
5. i Lauchlin MacEachern.
6. ii Neil MacEachern.
7. iii Ewen MacEachern.
8. iv Allan MacEachern.
Fifth Generation
5. Lauchlin MacEachern.
Children:
9. i John MacEachern.
6. Neil MacEachern. ..........." a very vigorous active man, but ....... Neill was especially so, being very swift of foot. There is an instance I forgot to write before, concerning his extraordinary agility. The gentry, the aristocrats of the country, had a fox-hunt and the smartest of the people were called out to help the sport. During the chase this Neill out ran the dogs and caught the fox. The gentry were put out of conceit of their boasted dogs. They said he caught the fox unawares, to 'let it go again' prove the matter which was done, and when it was supposed to be sufficient distance off, he got leave to start, which he did, and caught him again. They made a second objection, and he told them to let it go again, which they did, and to a much farther distance. They told him it was time for him to start now, and if he would catch him it was strange, which he did, and caught him the third time. He swung him round and striking his head to the heel of his shoe, killed it, saying "he'll not give me another heat". This was done in a large field in the rear of Tirorain? farm, Ardmianach.
The recording such, may to some seem frivolous, but unless we mention such of their particular deeds as we heard often of, we will only record their bare names."
Children:
10. i Charles MacEachern.
ii Donald MacEachern. ......."Donald, who lived across Lochscridain? in a place named "Coille Beithach ne gower", whom he (his brother Charles) used to visit in his declining years; once a year to mend his nets & at which he was a superior hand."
iii Malcolm/Callum MacEachern.
7. Ewen MacEachern.
Children:
11. i John MacEachern.
ii Effy MacEachern.
iii Marion MacEachern.
iv Catherine MacEachern.
8. Allan MacEachern.
Children:
i Alexander MacEachern, occupation Schoolmaster. "This Alexander was a Schoolmaster. My father Dougald MacEachern was in his school in Talpull, Ardmianach in 1797. His father expended a good deal to educate him in Edinburgh, be taught in Oban, and was married to a daughter of Campbell of Dunstaffnage".
12. ii "some daughters #1".
iii "some daughters #2".
Sixth Generation
9. John MacEachern.
Children:
i John "of Oban" MacEachern.
10. Charles MacEachern. "Neill's son Charles, (my grandfather) had a large family, some of whom died when young - two Johns, two Marions, the survivors were Neill, Christina, Anna, Catherine, & Dougal, i.e. my father. This Charles was married to Christina Macdougall, daughter to Dougald Macdougall (mor), son of Ewen, son of Dougald (mor) who perished in a great snowstorm near Glenbyre Lochbuy. He was the only one that McLaine of Lochbuy could get to venture across the hills to Rossel Tavern or distillery to fetch a large cask of whisky".
......."was a very vigorous active man......but his father Neil was especially so...."
......."Charles was to the Lowlands, after his son Neill had returned from the army, he gave the place to him in 1803. Neill i.e. my Uncle, and my father Dougald, went to the Lowlands as wages were high, owing to the scarcity of men caused by the war with France. They both worked at the clearing out of the foundation of the Duke of Argyle's new Castle at Roseneath, Dumbarton Shire."
......"My grandfather Charles, as I said before, after his eldest son Neill had married, and taken charge of the place, went a trip to the Lowlands to see some of his relatives, especially a cousin of his own, a Charles MacGillvray, near Helensburger, Dumbarton Shire, with whom he went to work a few weeks to Mr. Dennistown's of Colgrain, who was so pleased with his services, and tidy manners, that he proposed to him to fetch his family there and that he would give him an easy situation for life in a porter's lodge, or whatever employ would suit him. He afterwards returned home to Mull, but never went back to the Lowlands."
......."He had a brother Donald, who lived across Lochscridain? in a place named "Coille Beithach ne gower", whom he used to visit in his declining years; once a year to mend his nets & at which he was a superior hand. Of his last visit, an incident is related which was a little before his death. On the night of his arrival there, in his sleep, he heard a voice or person saying "Charles, make for home, thy days are not long (or many). When he got up in the morning he prepared for home to the surprise of his brother, at his unusual haste, but he would not be persuaded to remain, and departed for home. Having arrived smart, after travelling round the head of the Loch which is a long distance, and began at his usual employments. The time of year I, at present, don't know, but if I can find out yet I will perhaps set it down, but I suppose it to be in the Spring, as it is said he was delving with a spade the week that he died. He was fresh and ruddy as in youth, and not a gray hair on his head. He took his last illness after his return from his brothers."
He married Christina MacDougall, (daughter of Dougald mor MacDougall and Anna MacKinnon). Christina: ........."my grandmother"............."When Christina was weaned, her mother Anna McKinnon, nursed a daughter to McKinnon of Strath. She was wife to Judge Stewart, PEI and mother of some of the Stuarts of whom the DesBrisays of Charlottetown are descended."
Children:
i John MacEachern #1, d. in "when young".
ii John MacEachern #2, d. in "when young".
iii Marion MacEachern #1, d. in "when young".
iv Marion MacEachern #2, d. in "when young".
13. v Neill MacEachern b. 1769.
14. vi Christina MacEachern.
vii Anna MacEachern, d. in Tapull, Scotland. "no familiy".
She married John McKinnon. John: 'of Tapull (Scotland), Uncle to John McKinnon, DeSable, PEI".
15. viii Catherine MacEachern.
16. ix Dougald MacEachern b. ca. 11/??/1785.
11. John MacEachern, d. in East River, Lot 48, PEI. "John McEachern who died at Lot 48, East River (PEI) - his sons were Ewen, Alexr., Stephen? and Angus".
Children:
i Ewen MacEachern.
ii Alexander MacEachern.
iii Stephen? MacEachern.
iv Angus MacEachern.
12. "some daughters #1". "The family of Allan was Alexander and some daughters, one of whom was mother to old Malcolm McPhayden, Crapaud".
Children:
i Malcolm McPhayden.
Seventh Generation
13. Neill MacEachern, b. 1769 in Scotland, lived in Tapull, Scotland, d. 13 Jan 1859 in Canoe Cove, Lot 65, PEI. "My Uncle i.e. Neil, was a good scholar, an excellent writer & kept a School in Tapull before he went to the Army. And one of his scholars attained to a Colonel with the education given to him by my Uncle; his name was Lauchlin MacQuarrie."
......"Neill, who died at Canoe Cove Jan. 13th, 1859, aged 90, was born 1769, left a widow who is still living and at this time i.e. 1866, able to work."
He married (1) Effy McLaine, (daughter of Donald McLaine) d. in Killiemore, Scotland.
Children:
17. i John MacEachern.
ii Donald MacEachern. "married"......and living in "Buctouche, NB".
iii Mary MacEachern.
She married Mr. Hardie.
iv Ann MacEachern, b.ca 1796, d. 14 Feb. 1874, buried: in Argyle Shore Presbyterian Cemetery, Argyle Shore, Lot 30, PEI. "Ann who is married to her cousin Donald McLean, Argyle Shore, Lot 30, PEI." Spelling of McLean is used in Collection of Fragments........by John MacEachern, 1866. However, the cemetery transcription used the spelling "McLaine"........which is probably correct, since John MacEachern said that Ann was married to a 'cousin'......and Ann's mother's maiden name is "Effy McLaine".
Cemetery transcription reads: #175 McLaine - Ann, wife of the late Donald McLaine, d. Feb. 14, 1874, Ae 78.
She married Donald McLean (cousin). b. ca. 1787, d. 18th of ??? 1843, buried: in Argyle Shore Presbyterian Cemetery, Argyle Shore, Lot 30, PEI.
Cemetery transcript reads: #176 - MacLaine: to the memory of Donald MacLaine who died 18th ....?..... 1843, aged 56 years. Please note use of "MacLaine" for husband Donald......and "McLaine" for wife Ann.
v Dougald MacEachern. "married"......and living in "Buctouche, NB".
He married (2) Mary Campbell, (daughter of John Campbell). Mary: ......"Was a very kind & friendly virtuous woman, as are all her daughters too."
Children:
vi Marion MacEachern, b. in Isle of Mull, Scotland.
She married Duncan MacEachern.
vii Christy/Christina MacEachern, b. in Canoe Cove, Lot 65, PEI.
She married Donald Darrach (Smith).
viii Charles MacEachern, b. in Canoe Cove, Lot 65, PEI. "Charles.....married to a ??? McLean who died". "He is married the second time".
He married (1) ???? McLean. ????:.
He married (2) 2nd wife unknown.
ix Colin MacEachern, b. in Canoe Cove, Lot 65, PEI.
He married Ann McDougald.
x Neill MacEachern. ......."and the youngest son Neill, who was a teacher for some years on the Island, left for Canada and afterwards to Michigan. He enlisted in the Federal Army against the South, and was a few days after his arrival in Washington, promoted a Corporal in the Michigan, 6th (I think) Regt. of Cavalry, was to a great many engagements. In one of which, out of 1200 men and 12 Captains of the Regt., only 300 men & 1 Captain remained. When the war was over he returned to (I think) Michigan where he married.
xi Catherine MacEachern, b. in Canoe Cove, Lot 65, PEI.
She married Archibald MacKinnon.
xii Janet MacEachern, b. in Canoe Cove, Lot 65, PEI.
She married Duncan MacKinnon.
14. Christina MacEachern. some confusion here re this statement........." Christina was married to Malcolm McFadyen, whose son Donald is a tailor & piper Charlottetown. He had three sisters & one brother, John. He died in youth in Mull & his three sisters - Christy, Ann, and Marrion, were married in Mull - were smart tidy women.".
.........Who is the 'he' who 'died in youth in Mull'?......is it Donald?..is it Malcolm?..is it John?...probably John.
She married Malcolm McFadyen.
Children:
i Donald McFadyen. ...."a tailor and piper, Charlottetown".
15. Catherine MacEachern. .......married "to a widower at Laggan Lochbuy, of the name of Duncan Campbell. He had 4 sons by his first wife who were all very kind to her. Two of them were, in 1821, in the employ of McLaine of Lochbuy. Her own family were Charles, Dougald, Duncan, and Marrion. Of the others I don't know their names, or whether she is alive or where they are."
She married Duncan Campbell.
Children:
i Charles Campbell.
ii Dougald Campbell.
iii Duncan Campbell.
iv Marrion Campbell.
16. Dougald MacEachern, b. ca. 11/??/1783 in Killiemore, Isle of Mull, Scotland., baptized in by Rev. Dugald Campbell, Min. of Parish, d. 8 Dec 1846 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI. "born in Killiemore, Ardmianach, in the Parish of Kilfinichen, Mull, according to his own writing, in 1785, about the beginning of November".
"When a boy, he was to school at Tapull, where was for a short time an excellent Teacher of English. When my father made rapid progress having a strong memory, and of a quick apprehension; at that time if any of the scholars spoke Gaelic in school, or coming to or going home, if informed on, they were punished. My father on one occasion, was punished by making him wear his bonnet till next day, stuck full of feathers. But he did not go far from school when he pulled them out and scattered them to the wind. As he was a favourite of Mr. Forbes, he allowed him to pass and took no further notice of their accusations. He made good progress in reading, writing, arithmetic, while Mr. Forbes remained there. And when he removed, wished his parents to send him to school to his next station which, however desirable, was not convenient. He afterwards acquired a thorough mastery of reading and writing Gaelic, and being fond of Poetry, he committed to memory a vast amount of Scripture, Psalms, Assian's ?? Gaelic Poems, and purchased the works of the best Gaelic poets, Collections, etc. As in his youth, the high wages in the Lowlands enticed many of the youths to go there, and on occasions visiting friends in Edinburgh & Glasgow, etc. he bought many books which he eagerly perused".
"Having a desire to acquire the Geographical and Religious position of the world, he some years after his marriage, purchased Brooks's Universal Gazetteer in 2 volumes, and Dr. Hurd's Rites and Ceremonies of All Nations - works which contained a very full information. And by the access to such, he in early life, the writer hereof acquired an information beyond many of his youthful companions".
"My father Dougald MacEachern, before he was married, and during the high wages caused by the Bonepartean War, worked in many of the best Agricultural Counties of the Lowlands of Scotland, in the Lothians, in Lanarkshire, Renfrew, Haddington, Berwickshire, by which he acquired the knowledge of the most approved methods of indeed most manual labour".
"His first services in Mull was with MacQuarrie of Ulva, in Gribbon after his Macquarries return from the American war, who was very kind to him, being of an extraordinary gentlemanly disposition. He used to take him with him in his visits to the several gentlemen with whom he served during the American campaign, the Laird of Lochbuy, etc. He afterwards went to service at Glencannie in the centre of Mull to a Ewen McIntyre, where also was Sarah Fletcher, where they formed the first acquaintance, her people being old residents of that quarter, of which more afterwards. My father after this went to Cowal after being to Roseneath Castle. Though only about five feet eight high, yet very few ever met him who could lift or carry with him, being of an extraordinary strong built frame. When at Cowal though only about 20 years, being there at kelp making, which when shipping, they were carrying it along side of the ebbed vessel. Him and another very strong man were carrying together, when this man's hands failing, called to my father to let the barrow down, as his hands were failing. Who telling him to try to reach the vessel as the place was covered with water, but the man staggered and the barrow falling, broke, and the mass which was one lump, was in the water a distance from the vessel. Being in a fix, my father told a few of them if they could lift it, he would try to carry it. We can lift it, said they, but no man can carry it. However, he insisted and they raised it out of the water on his back and he carried it, and held it on his back till a string was got round it to hoist it into the vessel. The hardness of it was what he complained of, and not the weight. A piece had to broke off it to admit it down the hatch, the weight of the remaining part was noted in Glasgow - as a curiosity, though I don't now remember. This would have been .........�"
"As I stated before, he worked at jobs etc. over most of the Lowlands to Chirnside? in Berwickshire where in the employ of a Mr. Fletcher? for some time who made him offers to engage with him on very advantageous terms for life. He however, generally once a year, returned to see and help his parents, and to perhaps stay a few months or weeks & to start for the Lowlands again".
Notes re after marriage and birth of first child John....."Being so used to the Lowlands, he could not long content himself to the what he now deemed, obsolete ways of the Highlands. So he bade what was a last adieu to his native place and parents, and moved to the Low country again, rather to take his chance of earning a livelihood for himself and family there, than hold lands so remote from markets, as the Hebrides then were".
"Accordingly he went to Roseneath, where his wife, child, and sister-in-law Effy, next harvest followed him to Helensburgh in Dumbarton Shire at a relation of his fathers formerly mentioned, Charles McGillvray, where he soon procured employment, after he quit the planting of trees for the Duke in Roseneath. He began first to work for Messrs. Wm. & Robert Grant of Auchintulloch by the bridge of Froon, who had a large sheep & cattle farm in Glenfroon, which comprised three or four formerly large farms. His master was so well pleased with his active manly way, that he retained him in his employment, which were various as he was a great dealer in timber etc."
"As Mr. Grant - almost every summer took a large tract of oak woods to cut and peel, from Sir James Colquhoun of Luss, my father had constant employ for years. They worked on the Island of Loch Lomond (that picturesque scenery) some summers and winters".
"I omitted to state that Mr. Grant gave him a house in Stuckidow in Glenfroon, the only liveable house on that farm in the which we lived for nine years".
"Near this part of Glenfroon was the scene of that feud between the MacGregors and the Colquhouns, so noted in the annals of Scottish clansmen".
"This is one of the most beautiful valleys of Scotland, and the farm we lived on was a beautiful, quiet, sequestered place, but from which a lovely view of most part of the valley for four miles could be obtained. Here my brothers Donald, Charles, Duncan & Dougald were born, and baptized by Mr. Allen F.? McArthur, the then Minister of the Row Parish".
.............."My father was generally in the employ of the Grants while they were able to carry on business to profit, but through the mismanagement or roguery of their foreman in the wood business, so they suffered heavy losses and became bankrupt, and gave up their large farms in Glenfroon, confining themselves to the homestead at Auchintulsch?? near the bridge of Froon by Lochlomond.
My father thereby losing the support of his best friends, joined with a Robert MacFarlan at the Garelock-head who had a fishing wherry for two summers. And afterwards with a John Stewart at the same employment, which he followed for some time, before, and after we left Glenfroon, the which before I quit writing of, I will say something of its inhabitants. Our next neighbours across the river was a widow McIntyre (or Wright which is the same) & her three sons who left for New York in 1820 when we left the Glen.
The next - Ewings next 2 McNeils & Andrew Jardine - all very kind people. A Doug. Grant - a great favourite of my fathers, also MacFarlans, McAulays, Glens, etc. the kindest people one could wish - the McNeils were very much so. One of the old men used to say after we left, "That he felt the Glen so lonesome when Stuckidow was without a smoke and when he did not see the nice little boys passing to school with their tartan kilts."
"In the summer of 1820 we left Glenfroon and moved across the hill to the Torr, a farm on a beautiful emminence fronting the Garelock & Roseneath Castle, 1 mile N.W. of Helensburgh, where we remained one year. Our good neighbours of Glenfroon came to fetch our furniture round by Helensburgh to the Torr & my father, mother & children took across the moor, and some friends on foot bidding adieu to the beautiful valley of Froon.
Of all the places in Scotland, my attachments feel to concentrate more to Glenfroon. I suppose as it was there my earliest recollections are. My first going to school, and many other recollections of childhood, which seem to keep a hold on the attachments through after life. Before quitting Glenfroon, I will give a sketch of its situation etc. It is situated in the centre of that part of Dumbarton Shire, anciently called Lennox or the Isle of Ben-leven. The River Froon runs from the N.W. end of the valley, and is joined by many large brooks in its course, till it empties itself into that largest of British lakes, Lochlomand. Many trout and small salmon go to the head of the river. The upper part of the glen being the levellest and most beautiful, some rocky rapids in the lower part prevent heavy salmon coming up from the lake. It now wholly belongs to Colquhoun of Luss since the Buchanans lost their part of it, and he owns the greater part of the Isle of Benleven. The Glen was the scene of the feud between them and the MacGregors. I think about the year 1603. It was a great slaughter commenced by the Colquhouns, but the MacGregors were victorious, and dealt destruction in the retreat, but the results so managed by the Colquhouns in their representations to the King, as to procure almost the total destruction of the Clan Gregor. Such mad feuds were made to be deplored at such a time, after such progress by the Reformation of Religion in Scotland, and being also such a weakening of the strength and unity of the Nation in such eventful times. I will conclude this part of the narrative with the concluding verse of a Poem composed in memory of the feud, by a MacGregor, as far as I remember, who wrote concerning these matters sometime in the beginning of the present century, which I read when a youth, and now quote from memory."
"But years have past and ages gone,
And scarcely in the Vale is known
The field of feud, the Battle stone
And tract of victory.
The sound of war does cease to thrill,
The hunters vanish from the hill,
And but the face of nature still,
Remains in loneliness."-------------
"Torr: In the summer of 1820 we moved over the hill to the Torr, under a promise that Macaulay from Glenfroon, who came there the previous year should employ my father, and build a new house for us, and we lived in the one end of his own new house while there, but old Walter McAulay, taking ill after a long confinement to bed, died and his son Peter, being a bad manager, and spendthrift, soon run through his thrifty father's property. And not paying the rent to Mr. Buchanan, the then landlord, his stock it was sold at auction. My father being before this disappointment in his engagements, joined a John Stewart, who lived by the brook near the bridge at Row, & followed the herring fishery in the loch, and as far as Campbelltown Cantyre, the which was some times profitable, and at other times very precarious. As to the employment in that country in the summer, it is very pleasant - the varying beautiful scenery of the different Lochs and Straits, from the river Clyde to Campbellton, cannot be surpassed in any country, and the enlivening scenes of sometimes near or over a thousand wherries around the Isle of Arran on a fine July evening, is indeed an interesting sight, and from which as a nursery of seamen, many of the Clyde shipping are supplied for their Commerce over the Globe. In the autumn of 1820, I, in the company of friends there, after being in Glenforsa a month, my Uncle went with me to Killiemore, Ardmianach to my Uncle Neill MacEachern's, and after a few days, he left me there and he returned for Dumbarton Shire. My brother Neill was born in Torr on Dec. 8th, 1820. In the summer of 1821 my father removed to Roseneath to the Hill of Camsail, the next farm to the Clachan, where the Church & School are. When my Uncle Neill MacEachern left Mull for America, I remained with my Aunt Anna, who came to Roseneath with me in August 1821. My father still followed the fishery with Stewart having the wherry between them. As many of the children as were of school age, went to Mr. Dodds' School, he was then in the first or second year of his teaching there, an excellent teacher of Greek, Latin, French, German, Mathematics, Navigation, Geometry, Algebra, Bookkeeping, Drawing, and indeed all the qualifications necessary to a Schoolmaster in any country Parish in Scotland. He was still teaching when the last letter was sent to me in 1866.
Being a young man from the Borders, and taught in the best Colleges in Scotland, having the most approved modes of pronunciation etc., the parish reaped much improvement by his school, and indeed, he was a man of very civil, attractive manners, taking much pleasure in the improvement of his pupils, and in conjunction with the Rev. Robt. Story, the Parish Min., whose Manse was in sight of the Schoolhouse, every kind endeavour was used for their moral and spiritual training.
After moving to Roseneath, my father, when the fishing season was over, began to work in the winter for Lorne Campbell Esqr., Portkiln, where as in all his farming services, his work gave satisfaction, and was always employed in his services when he could attend, and Mr. Lorne proving a good friend to him in any strait, my father discontinued the precarious, tho' honest, occupation of a fisherman, and began to work regular for Mr. Lorne, and after sometime, a house becoming vacant, we left Mr. Robert Campbell's farm and moved to a more convenient place to Mr. Lorne's employ, to the upper Barracks, where my father could be home to almost all his meals.
Before we left the Hill of Camsail, Mr. Lorne took a fancy for me to go to his house to wait on his table to go for letters. As he was Factor to the Duke of Argyle, I had daily to meet the post. I was always allowed to take his own riding horse when he did not use it. When I was there, the present Duke of Argyle was generally there, being a boy, he was the second son, and was intended for the Army, and to be free from the too pampering ways of home, he & his nurse were sent to Portkiln as Mr. Lorne's mother was such a trustworthy gentlewoman, his manly trainings were entrusted to them. (Mr. Lorne being unmarried while I lived with him). The heir since dying, the second son became Duke, who I believe is nothing the worse of his early training. This was from 1824 to 27. I remained with Mr. Lorne Campbell two years and went the next winter to school to Mr. Dodds. Afterwards I bought a nice boat at Greenock, and having procuring nets, I and Donald, and sometimes Charles or Duncan, earned a good deal by attending the herring fishing, when they came into the Garelock, which was in the month of July, the which we occasionally followed for three summers. Once we went to Loch long & Lochgyle tho' I was only 18 years, the others being all younger, yet by our diligent attention to the fishing, we made a great deal more money than the other youths who worked at day wages, of which we had also the chance when the fishing was over, which was generally in the beginning of harvest.
In the summer of 1829 we made by one morning's fishing, nearly 8 pd. Sterling, in Greenock, besides many other good fishings, so that the herring buyers of Greenock called us the "lucky boys". My father still attended regularly with Mr. Lorne.
In the Autumn of 1828, Donald my brother, by Lorne Campbell's recommendation, engaged with Mr. Rawdon Clavering, second son to Lady Augusta, sister to the then Duke of Argyle. This Rawdon Clavering was a Lieutenant in the Royal Tappers and Miners. He was then a widower, and had two young boys. After some seeks he proceeded to Levonport in England, where he continued till we sent for him on the eve of our departure for America.
My father was sent to Appin by Mr. Lorne in 1828 to Fasanacloich to a Mr. Stewart for a drove of sheep. This Mr. Stewart was married to one of MacLaine of Lockbuy in Mull's daughters. When she understood that my father was originally a native of her father's Estate, and had many boys, she prevailed on him to send one of them to her, and on his return Charles went by Steamer from Greenock to Appin, and was also there till the time of our preparing to go to America in 1830.
Before quitting my account of our sojourn in Roseneath, I will endeavour to give a short sketch of its appearance, its owners, and people. Roseneath is a beautiful peninsula of land in that part of Dumbartonshire or Lennox, called sometimes the Isle of Ben-leven.
That arm of the sea called Garelock, runs up to the North of Roseneath for 7 or 8 miles, almost landlocked by Roseneath, and other points on the Helensburgh side the beautiful bays, coves and clean pebble beaches on its shores, wooded in some places to the water's edge. Its good holding ground for anchorages made it the winter resort of yaughts being so sheltered from the southerly, westerly, and indeed all winds, and generally a pleasure trip by steamers was to the Garelockhead, being by water the most convenient. Of its beautia the Rev. Robt. Story the Min. (tho' a native of a Border County) in his Memoirs of Isabella Campbell pg. 258, thus writes "living in a spot where nature exhibits to the eye, some of her most beautiful, as well as some of her grandest appearances".
The Duke of Argyle has a most magnificent palace in Roseneath (being the owner of the peninsula), and the grounds are expensively laid out by walks, lanes, avenues lined with native and foreign trees, a flower garden of ten acres, containing neither fruit nor vegetable, but shrubs, herbs, and flowers, from every clime that would grow in the open air in Scotland, surrounded by a lilach (sic) or lilyook hedge overhanging a pailing which, in the time of blossom, had a beautiful appearance. In our time there was no Church, but the Established Church, of which the forenamed Mr. Story was Minister. At the Dissruption of 1843 he clung to the Old Church, he said in the Assembly on the following day, "If there had been more praying and less speaking, the Church of Scotland would not be in its present position".
There have been many changes there since, in many respects, and the place greatly altered in appearance, the present Duke having let for building most of the Roseneath shore to Glasgow, people so that the retired quiet shores are now become a line of buildings for summer enjoyments and winter retirements for those sick of crowded cities."
........JME on his father Dougald's death......"He had, I believe, only ended his 63rd year, as he wrote once that "the year 1783" was the year he was born, (about the latter part of harvest (or potato digging)).
As an instance of his faithfulness to all classes, I may mention the following. A few hours before his death Colonel (then Capt.) Cumberland, the Landlord, came from home, a distance about 9 miles, with a sleigh on a hard bare road to see him. He wept tears over him and on his departure, said to those around him "Men I would consider myself happy to lie down and die in that mans place". He was at this time speechless, so that his view of him was wholly from former conversation......... I have since seen in a School Manuscript of his "1783, Year I was born". Then he must have been 63 years a month before his decease. JME March 11th, 1872".
He married Sarah/Marion Fletcher, married 11 Aug 1808 in Glasgow, Scotland, b. ca. 1786, (daughter of Donald Fletcher (of Gavidale) and Catherine MacPhail) d. 30 May 1875. Sarah/Marion: ......."The Fletchers of Gavidale, Glenforsa were those of whom my mother was descended, her father was Donald, son of Angus, son of Donald ban (i.e. fair) of Gavidale."
"Her three brothers were married & living in Glasgow, she being the youngest of the family living".
...."Sarah Fletcher, my mother, died on Sab. 30th of May 1875 being 88 years in the previous March. My wife & I took her from Ch'Town in the summer of 1866 after she became paralysed, as we were afraid she might die in Town at a time of the year that it would not be easy to take her remains to Canoe Cove. She was with us near 9 years, quite helpless almost. My wife & the girls had a great deal of trouble with her. Three months before she died she awoke one night gasping for breath, and from that to the day of her death, could not lay down, nor lean back only a few minutes, but sit stooped. It was a wonder to those who sat up with her every night for 3 months how her back could endure such a position. Her constitution was very sound, never had Rheumatism, scarcely ever had a cough. Her hearing, reason etc. was perfection ever."
The following Obituary Notice was put in "The Presbyterian".
At Big Point, Lot 65, PEI, on the 30th of May, Sarah Fletcher, widow of the late Dougald McEachern, Elder, in the 89th year of her age. Deceased was a native of Braidale (Bentella), Isle of Mull. In 1830 with her husband and family, she emigrated from Roseneath DumbartonShire, to P. Edward Island, where, in conviction with the great Revival of that period, she experienced that change of heart, which her Christian demeanor evinced through life. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord".
(Glasgow Herald & Greenock Advertiser please copy). Presbyterian June 24th, 1875. By J.M.E. Elder July 5th, 1875)."
Children:
18. i John MacEachern b. 30 Aug 1809. Author of "A Collection of Fragments of Family History Derived from Ancient Records & Authentic Traditions - 1866".
ii Donald MacEachern, b. 5 Oct 1811 in Stuckidow, Glenfroon, Scotland, baptized by Rev. John Allen of Rowe Parish, Sct., d. 28 Nov 1884 in PEI in his 74th year. ......."ordained an Elder by Rev. D. McDonald"........."had 6 sons and 4 daughters".
He married Mary Campbell, married 31 May 1838 by Rev. D. McDonald, PEI, b. ca. 1815, d. 15 Jun 1878 'age 63 years'. Mary: "Mary Campbell, fourth daughter to Neil Campbell, Nine Mile Creek,".
iii Charles MacEachern, b. 18 Jan 1814 in Glenfroon, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, baptized by Rev. A. McArthur, Rowe, d. 28 Aug 1872 in Mill?town, Calais, State of Maine. ......"had two (3 written in also) sons & four daughters."
He married Mary Stewart, married 1838 in New Brunswick, (daughter of Dougald Stewart). Mary: ......."Mary Stewart, fourth daughter to Dougald Stewart, Malpec, in 1838."
19. iv Duncan MacEachern b. 9 May 1816.
v Dougald MacEachern, b. ?? Aug 1818 in Glenfroon, Scotland, baptized by Rev. A. McArthur, Rowe, Scotland. ......."He went to sea from P.E.I. about Dec. 1838 in a vessel of Peakes to England, was to different countries - Russia, South America, & on board a British Man of War was at the bombardment of the Spanish rebels out of Salamanca? and afterwards landed and helped them to take possession of the Town. He returned to this Island about 1845, remained home till after his father's death, sold the place, and in 1849 sailed mate in one of Frances Longworth's to Britain, & from Clyde to several other places, but never yet returned."
vi Neill MacEachern, b. 8 Dec 1820 in Torr, near Helensburgh, Scotland, d. 10 Nov 1880 in Millcreek, Buctouche, NB. ....." After my father's death went to New Brunswick and afterward married Ann Cameron & has a farm near Millcreek, Bucktouch, and has a large family. Died there Nov. 10th, 1880.".
He married Ann Cameron, married in New Brunswick.
vii Christina MacEachern, b. 2 Jul 1825 in Hill of Camsail, Roseneath, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, baptized by Rev. Peter Proudfoot, Arrochar, d. 7 Sep 1875 in Boston, Mass......age 50 years. "Christiana MacEachern, i.e. Mrs. Hill, my sister, died in Boston, U.S. on the 7th of Sept. after a lingering illness, aged 50 years, left 2 sons & 2 daughters alive, & her husband. ".
She married Robert Hill. Robert: from Charlottetown, PEI.
Eighth Generation
17. John MacEachern. "John, the eldest, when we came to this place, had a 100 acres taken? from the Lady Fannings in Rice Point, now called Big Point, and had commenced to work on it. He lived on it and he was the means of our coming near him. He got married to a daughter of Dougald Bell's at Long Creek. Their surviving family was Dougald, Effy & .............. (blank space). He remained there till 1849. Had cleared a great deal, and was quite comfortable, but he took a notion to leave, and went to Buctouche, in New Brunswick, along side of his brother Donald, who was the means his leaving the Island. He was a very kind, honest, and industrious man, and has 300 acres of land there and is still living, being at the time of writing this, about 62 years of age."
He married ???? Bell, (daughter of Dougald Bell).
Children:
i Dougald MacEachern.
ii Effy MacEachern.
18. John MacEachern, b. 30 Aug 1809 in Killiemore, Isle of Mull, Scotland, baptized in by Rev. Dougald Campbell, d. 3 Jun 1883 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI. Author of "A Collection of Fragments of Family History Derived from Ancient Records & Authentic Traditions - 1866"
......."The writer hereof, John MacEachern, was as formerly written, born in Killiemore, Ardmianach, Parish of Kilfinichan, Isle of Mull, on the 30th August 1809, as written in my father's Bible at the time, and is the only Hebridean or native of Argyle of the family."
"......a house in Stuckidow in Glenfroon,...........Here I went first to school to Mr. Abercrombie, a kind, diligent, and also a good scholar, tho' aged and lame, whose native place was not far from that of the noted George Buchanan. I went first in company with a maternal Uncle of mine, Neil Fletcher, who went there to finish Arithmetic & Bookkeeping - and after he left, I and Donald used to go regular to the Chapel (as the farm on which the last schoolhouse was on, which was something nearer was called). We had to cross the River Froom which was fordable, but in the time of heavy rains swelled and became dangerous in a short time. We were often cause of great uneasiness to our mother as the bridge was only two spars crossed by short deals spiked across, without railing for foot passengers, which was tow miles from home".
"An attempt to build a bridge was made, and a large one, arched, stone bridge was finished but the foundation seems was not firm, and on the removal of the wooden support, the building (as the masons began too late to suspect) gave way, and the forementioned wooden temporary construction put up in its place, and remained there during our time. I and Donald made up progress in school, considering our age, and had on that account the silent abuse and sneers of older scholars whom we outstripped, which we found hard to endure after our Uncle's departure from school. My Uncle had a great fancy for learning, proposed to Mr. Abercrombie that I should begin Latin & procured two books, the Rudiments and Corderii. I began the Rudiments in my eighth year, as I see by the dates I wrote at the time, but I believe the Master tho' a good English scholar, was deficient in Latin, as I understand in after schools".
........."In the summer of 1821 my father removed to Roseneath to the Hill of Camsail, the next farm to the Clachan, where the Church & School are. When my Uncle Neill MacEachern left Mull for America, I remained with my Aunt Anna, who came to Roseneath with me in August 1821".
........"Early in the spring of 1830 e heard of a vessel sailing to Prince Edward Island, where my father's brother had gone in 1821, and we thought it would be a good opportunity for us, as few or none sailed from Clyde for that place, and we were informed that it was a Priest Macdonald from the Island that chartered her to bring settlers for his own Estate.
The writer hereof, then 20 years, proceeded to Glasgow, where we were informed the Clergyman lived with the then priest of the only R.C. Chapel there, Mr Scott. I went to the confessional, where I was informed he was, I pushed my way through the large edifice after night to the door of the confessional. Likely being taken for a member, an officer being seated opposite the door, I applied for admission, stating that I was a stranger had come from a distance. He told me to go in when the one that was in came out, but two Irish women stood one at each side of the door, and when the door opened one stepped in. It being Saturday night, each was eager to be done.
The officer said, why did you not press in, I replied I did not like to force in, on which he sprang to the door and told Mr. Macdonald, and the Irish woman was turned out and I was admitted, when I made a bargain with him to take us as passengers, having our choice to settle on his Estate or elsewhere. This was a brother to Mr. Dond. Macdonald of Tracadie in this Island, from Glenaladale in Scotland.
The vessel was the Corsair brig of Greenock, Capt. James Hamilton, of which more afterwards. She was to sail in March but did not sail till April.
Accordingly, we resolved to prepare to leave for America, being tired of a servil life in the Lowlands of Scotland, and my father since my remembrance, seemed to have a great wish to go to America, but could never put together what would bring his family there. We now had a good opportunity. I had saved a good deal by the fishing and Donald had earned a good deal in Mr. Clavering's employ which all lay in his hands he finding him in clothes etc. and one pound sterling a month for one & a half years - and paid his passage home from England, being very sorry for his loss as a trustworthy boy. He sent him by steam from England to Ireland, and from that to the Clyde, it being winter there were not so many Steamers during that season.
Now that there was a vessel direct to the Island, my father communicated his views to Mr. Lorne Campbell who replied that tho he was loath to part with his services knowing that he would miss him much; yet when there was such a good chance and that we could clear our way; for the future good prospect of a wider field of action for his then many young sons, he would certainly give him every encouragement, and further him therein. We laid out a great deal of money in Greenock in buying many things that we could do without, as the money would be of far greater benefit to us in the Island, as much stock etc. could be bought for a small sum in cash, but we were misled by letter telling us to bring this & that - as if were going to an uninhabited Island in the outermost parts of the earth where nothing could be got but what we could bring with us.
After having fitted out ourselves, we were ready to sail from the Clyde On Saturday evening, the 5th of April, and on Sabbath we were towed out to the "Tail of the Bank", and cast anchor waiting for the first favourable winds.
My Uncle Neil Fletcher, whom we left in Roseneath, came to see us again there on Monday, to whom we bade a long farewell, and a kinder Uncle could scarcely be, and we sailed on Tuesday from I think the 8th of April 1830. I see by the Almanac of 1830 that my father marked the 6th as our departure from Greenock, and Wednesday May 18 our landing in Charlottetown - JME1870. "
......."by the Rev. Donald Macdonald on April 13th, 1837. Was ordained an Elder in the Church of Scotland by the said Rev. Dond. Macdonald at DeSable Church on Monday, Augt. 3rd, 1853."
He married Mary MacKinnon, married 13 Apr 1837 at her father's house in Nine Mile Creek, PEI, b. 14 Dec 1817 in near Southport, PEI, (daughter of Malcolm McKinnon and Mary Campbell) d. 17 Sep 1875 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI. Mary: ......."third daughter of Malcolm McKinnon, Nine Mile Creek".
"A few words more. Besides being "a woman of good understanding", she was also "of a beautiful countenance", of a very fair skin, without pride, or ostentation, walking in the footsteps and bearing the image of her Saviour, whose praise she often sang in her sleep. See song of Sol. VII-9 also Psalm 149 -5 verse. JME".
Children:
20. i Jane/Jean McEachern b. 23 Apr 1838.
ii Mary MacEachern, b. 27 Feb 1840 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 20 Nov 1842 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
21. iii Dougald MacEachern b. 1 Mar 1842.
iv Mary MacEachern, b. 29 Feb 1844 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 4 May 1887, buried: in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
v Still Born Son #1, b. 23 Mar 1846 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 23 Mar 1846 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
vi Still Born Son #2, b. 23 Oct 1847 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 23 Oct 1847 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
vii Malcolm MacEachern, b. 9 Jan 1849 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 10 Feb 1849 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
viii Malcolm MacEachern, b. 16 May 1850 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 18 Sep 1850 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
ix Sarah MacEachern, b. 24 Aug 1852 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized ?? Nov 1852 by Rev. Donald McDonald, d. 13 Mar 1878 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
x Christina MacEachern, b. ?? Mar 1854 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized ?? Aug 185? by Rev. Donald McDonald, d. 11 Dec 1881 in 'aged 27 yrs 7 mo's & 9 days', buried: in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
She married Archibald MacDonald.
xi Neil MacEachern, b. 8 Jul 1856 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 3 Aug 18?? by Rev. Donald McDonald, d. 10 Oct 1891.
xii Lauchlin MacEachern, b. 18 Jun 1859 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 30 Aug 18?? in New church at Desable, PEI, d. 1 Aug 1877 'aged 29', buried: in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
19. Duncan MacEachern, b. 9 May 1816 in Glenfroon, Scotland, baptized by Rev. A. McArthur, Rowe.
He married Mary McGillvray, married 30 Sep 1847 in by lic. to William Schurman, JP, d. in Boston, Ma. Mary: ........from "Wilmot Creek", PEI.
Children:
i Neil Fletcher MacEachern.
ii John MacEachern.
Ninth Generation
20. Jane/Jean McEachern, b. 23 Apr 1838 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 22 Jul 1881 in Chester, England, buried in the City of Chester, England
"On July 22nd 1881 after an illness of over twelve months which she bore with Christian patience in the blessed hope of a glorious immortality beyond death and the grave. Jean MacEachern, beloved wife of Sergt. Peter?? Mullins??, 4th King�s Own, in the 44 year of her age. Leaving a loving husband, 2 sons & 4 daughters, father, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, many Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, relatives & friends to mourn their loss. March 14th, 1882."
She married Sgt. Peter Mullins. Sgt.:.
Children:
i John William Mullins, b. 9 Jun 1868 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ii Mary Ann Mullins, b. 8 Mar 1870 in Weedon???.
iii Helen Amelia Mullins, b. 8 Oct 1871 in North Camp Aldershot.
iv Sarah Jane Mullins, b. 17 Jun 1875 in Curragh Camp, Ireland.
v Ethel Hannah Mullins, b. 5 Oct 1877 in Chester, England.
vi Alfred James Mullins, b. 4 Jun 1879 in Chester, England, Boughton Parish.
21. Dougald MacEachern, b. 1 Mar 1842 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 1900, buried in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
Children:
i Charles Neil MacEachern, b. 30 Mar 1879 in PEI, baptized 9 Sep 1881 by Rev. John Goodwill, d. 20 Nov 1961, buried: in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
May 19, 2004 - PEI Archives - Church of Scotland baptism index cards, listing as follows:
MacEachern Rice Point, Lot 65
Name: Charles Neil (ill.)
Father: Dougald MacEachern
Mother: Flora Campbell
Born: March 30, 1879
Bapt: Sept. 9, 1881
By: Rev. John Goodwill.
He married Jane MacDonald, 5 Aug 1879 by K. McLellan, Minister. Jane was b. 5 Mar 1859, (daughter of John McDonald Jr. and Julian McKinnon) d. 1942, buried in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
Children:
ii John Duncan MacEachern, b. 20 Mar 1880 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 9 Sep 1881 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 1900, buried in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
iii Donald Lachlin MacEachern, b. 26 May 1881 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 9 Sep 1881 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 1905, buried in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
iv Mary Christina MacEachern, b. 7 Feb 1884 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 16 May 1884 in by Elder Donald MacEachern, d. 16 May 1884 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
v Malcolm MacEachern, b. 25 Feb 1885 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 17 Jun 1885 in by Rev. John Goodwill, d. 1913, buried in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
vi Janet MacEachern, b. 19 Nov 1886 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 10 Dec 1886 in by Rev. John Goodwill, d. 4 Jun 1887 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
vii Dougald MacEachern, b. 14 Apr 1888 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 17 Aug 1888 in by Rev. John Goodwill, d. 8 Sep 1888 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
viii Jane MacEachern, b. 6 Jul 1889 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, d. 28 Aug 1889 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
ix Mary Issabella MacEachern, b. 25 Dec 1890 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 23 Apr 1891 in by Rev. John Goodwill, d. 10 Aug 1891 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI.
x Neil Fletcher MacEachern, b. 1 Oct 1892 in Rice Point, Lot 65, PEI, baptized 4 Nov 1893 by Rev. John Goodwill - 1st baptism in Nine Mile Creek Church, d. 25 Jun 1988, buried: in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.
xi Mary Ann MacEachern, b. 7 May 1894 in Rice Point, PEI, baptized n by Rev. Daniel MacLean in Nine Mile Creek, PEI.
xii Julia Janet MacEachern, b. 10 Feb 1896 in Rice Point, PEI, baptized 2 Jul 1896 in Nine Mile Creek, PEI by Rev. D. McLean.
xiii Margaret Jane MacEachern, b. 12 Nov 1897 in Rice Point, PEI, baptized by Rev. Daniel McLean at Nine Mile Creek, PEI.
xiv Sarah Christiana MacEachern, b. 24 Jul 1899 in Rice Point, PEI, baptized at Rice Point, PEI by Rev. Daniel McLean, d. 1902, buried in Canoe Cove Presbyterian Cem., PEI.