Additional Biographies

'Big' Angus MacMillan and with her 10 children she, too, began a dynasty. The present log house is believed to have been built about 1830, but has long since been sheathed over, inside and out. This vintage homestead is still with the 'King' MacGillivray family and what tales it could tell! Direct descendant Anne MacGillivray still occupies it with her mother, née Ruth MacGillivray, who celebrated her 90th birthday October 2002 at the old Manse opposite Kirkhill United Church. With many MacGillivray and other kin present, as well as the presentation of a fine plaque from the Township mayor, it Was a very special occasion. We only regretted that Mrs. Myrtle (McGillivray) Stanger of Drumheller, Alberta, the chief chronicler of 'King' descendants, Was not with us. Myrtle turned 90 in April 2003.
John Duncan MacLeod (1901-1968), a direct descendant of 'Big' Alex, from Dunvegan, is, Kenyon Township, graduated from Kemptville College. He held senior appointments with Ontario's Department of Agriculture until 1948 when he returned to buy a Kenyon farm and opened a seed-cleaning plant.
John D., as he was known, was the prime mover in forming the Clan MacLeod Society of Glengarry (later of Canada), and initiated preparation of The MacLeods of Glengarry, 1st Edition (1971). Revised Edition (1993) has a wealth of family history edited by Madeleine McCrimmon, also a MacLeod emigration's descendant. John's inspiration and advice were sorely missed after he was killed by a tractor in 1968.
About 1840 'Big' Alex's grandson Roderick (Rory) (1812-1879) and his brother Norman MacLeod (1810-1889) moved to share Lot 25.9th Kenyon. Norman, who had married Captain Alexander's daughter Mary MacLeod (1812-1875), became a captain of the 4^th Glengarry Militia during the 1837 Rebellion. Their son Alex served during the Fenian Raids with the 39^th Battalion.
Roderick (Rory)'s son, Duncan Rory MacLeod (1854-1908), wed Jessie Ann McCuaig (1871-1952). They had five children, of whom John D. was the most prominent in Glengarry's history.
It would be heartwarming to think that, with the new millennium, perhaps the time has come to erect a new plaque to supplement that on the “MacLeod Settlement” cairn. It would recognize the roles played by Sergeant Archibald 'King' McGillivray, `Big' Alex, `Big' Norman and cousin Kenneth MacLeod, in ensuring the success of the emigration and the parts played by their descendants in building a prosperous Glengarry. Failing that initiative, perhaps these brief comments will serve to revive interest in Upper Canada's Loyalist story by making descendants more aware of their fascinating and heroic heritage.