Archibald MacKinnon (1784 - 1872)

Born 1784 in Isle of Muck, Scotland

Ancestors

Died 23 May 1872 at about age 88 in East Lake Ainslie, Inv. Co., NS

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Biography

Archibald MacKinnon migrated from Scotland to Canada.

Where does one begin to discuss the interesting life of Archibald MacKinnon. He is described by MacDougall, (1922) as "... a very eccentric genius." and there are several stories well recorded about his life and death that I shall endevour to pass on here. Archibald was never married. He had fallen in love with a Mary MacLean, sister of Eachunn Hogha of the "landed gentry". They, because of the difference in classes, were not permitted to marry causing them to vow they would remain single the rest of their days. This fact combined with his great size led him to be known as "The Big Batchelor".

Archibald was reportedly a great fiddler and while still in the old country, playing at a gathering with his beloved dancing, he made a minor mistake. He put aside his fiddle promising never to play it again. From that time forward he only taught others the art.

Archie came to Nova Scotia with his siblings in 1820. As can be seen from the following obligatory note he was a passenger on the ship "Dunlop" sailing to Pictou, Nova Scotia from Greenock, Scotland on or after July 10 1820.

Tobermory 10th July 1820

I do hereby acknowledge to be due Capt. C.D. Rankin the sum of one pound fourteen shillings S/g being the balance unpaid of my passage to Pictou with the ship Dunlop of Greenock __________ sum I promise to pay him on demand after my arrival in America

Witness Niel McKinnon X Archd McKinnon

(The following was on another part of the same piece of paper)

This I certify that Allan McKinnon has payed his note to C.D. Rankin for his brother Archibald amounting to £2.11.3 including expenses and said Archibald is to Pay Allan the above amount on demand C D Rankin

Amount of Bill ____ ? 1"16 .7

Incidental Expenses 1" 3 .5

Centra 3 = -

1 ½ Gallon Rum = 9" 9

2 11 3

Archie MacKinnon slowly made his way to Cape Breton, chosing to settle on 200 acres of land on the east side of Lake Ainslie beside property selected by his sister & brother in law. Archie was 36 years old.

In a deed written Dec 10, 1861 and recorded Jan 13, 1862 an Archibald MacKinnon sells his property of 200 acres to Archibald MacKinnon, Neil's son, for the sum of five shillings. We know that Neil "Iain Ban" inherited his maternal uncle Archie's property but in 1861 young Archibald, the grantee, was only about five years old. The 1871 census shows the big batchelor living with Eunice MacKinnon, his nephew Donald "Iain Ban's" widow, and her three children.

MacDonald, 1937, states that 18 years before his death Archibald had his tombstone made. It bears the following inscription:

FORTUNE FOLLOWS THE BRAVE - FORTUNA SEQUATUI AUDACES

Sacred to the memory of Archibald MacKinnon who was born A.D. 1784 in the Isle of Monks Parish of Small Isles Argyleshire and died on the 23 day of May A.D. 1872 Aged 88 years.

Also found carved on the headstone are the boar's head, holding in it's mouth a shank-bone of a deer, a feature common to both the MacKinnon Crest and Arms. There is also a stag, a lion's head, a star, a crescent moon, and an archer's arms with bow and arrow pointing skyward. Among other things the stag is known to symbolize someone who is skillful in music and a lover of harmony while the star may symbolize honor, achievement and hope.

Archibald left instructions for his funeral where by five gallons of liquor were distributed between his home, and at the gate of Neil "Mor" MacDonald's farm with the remainder at the graveside. The Rev. Alexander Grant, hearing of these plans, tried to discourage Archie but to no avail. His remains were carried on the shoulders of pallbarers, and a piper, perhaps his nephew Farquhar Mor, led the procession. This was reportedly the last time liquor was served openly at a funeral at East Lake Ainslie. Archibald was buried at the old MacKinnon Cemetery located on his brother Alan's property. His sandstone grave marker is the only carved gravestone in the little cemetery where other graves are marked by field stones. Were it not for Archie's "eccentric nature" this cemetery would have been lost to future generations like so many other pioneer burial sites.

Archibald also had the foresight to have a written will which was dated March 25 1870. Having no children of his own all his worldly possessions were bequeathed to his grandnephews as follows: Donald MacKinnon, Neil's son; Allan MacKinnon, Neil Allan's son; Donald MacKinnon, Neil Dan's son; Donald Archd MacKinnon, Farquhar's son; Donald MacKinnon, John's son, & Lauchlin MacKinnon, Neil's son, the money I have in the Nova Scotia Bank. The said money to be equally divided between them Donald MacKinnon, Neil's son is to have half the interest of the whole amount when it is drawn, the other half to go with the respective shares."

One wonders how much money was in that account to be divived between do many people.

Archibald was mentioned on a memorial in MacKinnon Family Cemetery, East Lake Ainslie, Inverness County, Nova Scotia, Canada with a death date of 23 May 1872.^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
   Find A Grave: Memorial #177815330 (accessed 21 February 2024)
   Memorial page for Archibald “The Big Bachelor” MacKinnon (1784-23 May 1872), citing MacKinnon Family Cemetery, East Lake Ainslie, Inverness County, Nova Scotia, Canada; Maintained by Colin MacKinnon (contributor 49153699).

Land Records, Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management (NSARMS)  6016 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Probate Records,(Will of Alexander McKinnon, dated March 25 1870); NSARMS.

• 1871 Census of Canada, Nova Scotia, District 203 Inverness County, sub-district O, East Lake Ainslie, page 22, family 60; citing Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: RG31; digital images

Gravestone, Pioneer Cemetery, East Lake Ainslie.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Eugene Quigley for starting this profile.

Click the Changes tab for the details of contributions by Eugene and others.