The MacCrimmons - Chapter 1 - The Journey
This October 2024 marks the anniversary of an amazing journey that brought a young family from Scotland to what is now North Glengarry. The original settlement on Lot 8 Concession 9 is still owned by direct descendants. Background details were not recorded for the emigrants and settlers who lacked political or military status. The present MacCrimmon family trace their history in a series of articles, part research and part oral stories, a legacy of challenges and growth to share with you. Cousin Gertie MacCrimmon spent decades researching documents to add facts, and cousin Sylvia Lothian maintains the family tree book, now with a second edition. It is still a relevant story about survival and the desire for a better life.
Chapter 1 The Journey
Malcolm MacCrimmon, born in 1791, and Isabella MacLennan or MacLellan, born 1794, were married at Glenelg, Scotland January 18, 1822. We assume that they were farmers in Scotland because of the life they chose in British North America. The Highlands and the Islands of Scotland were quite populated with very small farms. The Glenelg Parish area on the mainland, very near the Isle of Skye, had shorelines for fishing, rolling hills, forests and grasslands, along with an abundance of stones that were used to build humble one storey homes with thatch roofs.
Life had become very unpleasant in Scotland in the late 18th century. Enclosure Acts under King George IV made it legal to take land from the farmers. Thatch roofs were even burned to force people to leave. Corn laws charging taxes on grains made bread unaffordable. Heavy competition for land, housing, food and jobs, as well as discontent over political and religious persecution, forced the common Scots to seek opportunity elsewhere. Some landowners gave the displaced settlers food and clothing and the government willingly organized ships to send them away. Emigration was the solution to the terrible social conditions of the time.
Malcolm and Isabella, along with sons Allan 8, Donald Mor 2 and Farquhar 9 months, boarded a ship Oct 2, 1824 leaving for the New World. Passenger lists were not kept until 1865. Passage on a ship crossing the Atlantic in 1800 was below deck, crowded, stuffy and dirty. A passenger was allowed a mere 2 square feet of space. Food was scarce, perhaps oatmeal, cheese, eggs, pea soup, bread, were usually prepared by the passengers. No plates or utensils, they ate out of a wooden pail. A good safe passage took from 18 to 25 days. However, if bad weather persisted and sailors lacked skills, it could take 6 weeks or more. 10 to 20% of those who left Europe died on board. Sadly, son Allan died during the voyage. By Dec 4, 1824 the MacCrimmon family reached Lancaster, then travelled a little farther to Dalhousie where they stayed with Malcolm’s sister. Annie and her family, the Morrisons, had arrived in 1820 so the two families stayed together all winter.
Malcolm and family travelled north in the spring of 1825 to claim the deeded land. A half hour drive for us, but a terrible challenge for walking and perhaps some wagon rides through massive dark forests and swamps. Travellers took only what they could carry. The dream of freedom and better conditions pushed them onward. Upon arrival, the task of building a shanty type shelter and clearing some land occupied their days. Malcolm and Isabella raised a large family in the years to come. Their eight children were, Allan who died on the ship, Donald Mor born 1822, Farquhar born 1824, Margaret born 1826, Donald Og born 1830, Anne born 1832, another son named Allan born 1836 and Penelope born 1838. Most of their tombstones are at the Kirk Hill United Church cemetery.
This story will continue in the months to come with chapters outlining pioneer work to establish a home and the farm, contributions to the community of Dunvegan and personal achievements. The official reunion marking 200 years on the family farm is scheduled for July 5, 2025.
The MacCrimmon Reunion Committee
