|
In 1794 the first settlers from Glen Elg, Scotland arrived in Glengarry County, tucked away in the southeastern most tip of Ontario. Among these first settlers was Donald McGillivray (born 1765,Glen Elg, Scotland) who settled on Lots 27 and 28, Concession 6 of Lochiel Township in the newly named town of Kirkhill. Here Donald built a homestead with his wife Catherine and raised eleven children. The first log home that Donald built still stands today and the stone home that was built later is still inhabited by one of Donald's descendants. Donald's descendants have settled across Canada with one branch of the family living in Manitoba. Donald McGillivray was just one pioneer who helped to clear the wilderness of the St. Lawrence Valley and begin to build a community where his descendants could prosper.
Donald's son Malcolm (born 1807) farmed Donald's land. Malcolm married Margery MacNab (Born 1820) and they raised ten children. Their eldest son, Donald (born 1842) moved to the E1/2 of 16.5 in Lochiel Township in 1863 when he married his wife, Elizabeth Ross (born 1844). Elizabeth had inherited the land from her father. In 1892, Donald purchased additional land (W1/2 15.5 Lochiel) from William Ryan for the sum of $3200.00. Elizabeth and Donald had twelve children. In 1904, when Donald died, his son, Malcolm (born 1880) took possession of the farm. Malcolm married Isabelle MacDonald (born 1882) and together they raised five children. In the winter of 1939, the original Ross home, where Donald and Elizabeth had lived, burned along with most of the antiques inside. Only the stone chimney remained standing. A new home was built, and this became the retirement home of Malcolm and his wife Isabelle (born 1882). In 1951, Malcolm's eldest and only son Donald (born 1914) took possession of the farm. Donald (1914) married Claire Cunning and raised three children. Upon Donald's death the farm passed into his son Ross' possession (born 1949).
Since Donald (1765) settled in Glengarry, the M(a)cGillivray family have dedicated their lives to farming the land. Donald (1795) and Malcolm (1807) had the arduous task of clearing the land of bush and making it suitable for growing crops and raising livestock. The first log home of Donald and Catherine shows how the settlers used the forest around them to build their first primitive shelters. Later on, as more land was cleared for cultivation and the prosperity of Donald and Catherine increased they were able to build a beautiful stone home. Throughout the years, various family members added additional farm buildings to the properties and made changes to the homes as new commodities (especially electric power) became available. While life was often hard, all members of the McGillivray family were stout Christians. Donald (1765) was part of the group of men who began St. Columba Presbyterian Church in Kirkhill. Many of the MacGillivray men were also very vocal on the local school boards. The MacGillivrary's were also well known for their dancing capabilities and it is still said that Donald (1914) was the best square dancing caller in Glengarry. As such, these men, along with their wives and children, worked hard to clear the land and improve their own quality of life and that of their community.
This webpage will explore Donald McGillivray's family and their settlement of Glengarry County. In particular this website will attempt to show what Donald's family has deemed important enough to keep throughout the years. By examining one family in particular, it is possible to take a closer look at the culture of the settlers of Glengarry County and how they have contributed to its growth over the years.
Website compiled by: Lindsey Howes (grandaughter of Donald MacGillivray)
© Lindsey Howes
Information on this website may be used for personal use.
Lindsey can be contacted at: nipstu@hotmail.com |