Mary McFadyen

North Bruce, 1889
Another Old Settler Gone.

The removal by death on Wednesday of last week of Mary McKinnon, relict of the late Angus McKinnon, of the 12^th con. of Bruce was like the taking away of a link that binds the present to the past. How few people there are now living who first saw the light of day before the present century began. Mrs. McKinnon was born in the island of Mull, Argyleshire, Scotland, in the year 1798. She was united in marriage to Angus McKinnon in 1824 who was a native of the same island. He was born in 1785 and passed away in 1882 at the advanced age of 97 years. The late Angus McKinnon was a good man and his name is yet fragrant in the minds of many for his holiness of life and the lofty spirit of devotion that characterized his every act. He was a most conscientious man and in the smallest details of life aimed at serving his Master most faithfully. This might be illustrated by mentioning an incident that happened in his early religious history and is frequently told of him still. In his youth he learned to play the bagpipes and was passionately fond of the music of his native hills. At the period of his conversion, about 1843, he underwent deep conviction ere he found the peace that never left him in his subsequent years. On one occasion during this period of his life on returning from church he deliberately consigned his hitherto beloved pipes to the flames and was never afterwards known to play them. During the stormy times of 1843, he and his wife identified themselves with the Free Church, being staunch defenders of the spiritual independence of the church. The year 1849 found them in Canada and settled in the township of Vaughan, York county, the first home of so many Scottish immigrants who afterwards led the way in pioneer life in many parts of Ontario. Five years later or in 1854, they settled on the lands in Bruce where they were destined to spend the remainder of their days and which are now owned by their sons, Donald and John. On August 17^th, 1882, Angus McKinnon peacefully passed away, full of years, and respected by every one who knew him. One who knew him well says, “I never saw a more consistent Christian. He acknowledged God in everything and lived very near to Him, being specially noted for the qualities of reverence, trust and gratitude.” And now after a longer stay of seven years his aged partner in life has also crossed the river. She went home on Wednesday last and her remains were borne to their last resting place on Friday. A large concourse of friends assembled to pay their last tribute of respect. The last sad rites were performed by the Rev. John Eadie, pastor of the North Bruce Presbyterian church. The aged couple were tenderly nursed and cared for in their last years by Mrs. Donald McKinnon to whom the other members of the family feel themselves indebted.

This aged couple left a numerous family. Eleven children were born to them. Two of these died in infancy and another at a more matured age. The remaining eight survive and all were present at the funeral on Friday. They are Mrs. Thos. Smith, Tara ; Mrs. McGillivray, Port Eligin ; John McKinnon, Bruce ; Mrs. McLean, Bruce ; Mrs. John Bell, Saugeen ; Donald McKinnon, Bruce ; Mrs. Gilchrist, Bruce, and James McKinnon, Port Elgin.

In all there were born to this patriarchal couple 11 children, 72 grand children and 19 great grand children, making the whole number of descendants 102. There are now living 8 children, 63 grand children and 17 great grand children, or 88 in all. The grand children are scattered widely, among them being teachers, preachers, merchants, &c. It might be worthy of note in concluding to say that nearly all the children and grand children who have come to years of maturity are members of the Christian church. How far this may be in answer to Angus McKinnon’s earnest and frequent prayer for blessing “on children and children’s children” we know not.⁵