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A BRIBF HISnrORY

OF THE

ANCESTRY AND POvSTERlTY

ov

ALLAN MACLEAN

VERNON, COLONY OF CONNECTICUT

NSW KNOLAND, U. S. A. BY

MARY MCLEAN HARDY

BERKELEY, CAL, NLvKouAND, Printing Co. 2036 Center Street

1905

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Mac Lean of Coll.

MACLEAN COAT=OF=ARMS

The seven different branches of the McLean family have each their own Coat-of Arms, although the central shield is the same in all. That of the MacLeans of Coll consists of the four quar- tered shield with the crest resting upon it, and, just above, a scroll with the words, ''Altera Merces.'' Under the shield is a scroll with the words, ''Virtus Durissima Terity The support- ers consist of a hound and an ostrich.

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preface:

In these days we lead such a strenuous, earnest life that we seldom think of the trials and struggles of our ancestors who crossed the seas to seek a home in this pleasant land. Some of us know little of the progenitors of the McLean race. Having leisure, and access to valuable papers, I have found pleasure in compiling the following pages, and trust that the survivors of our branch of the old stock will find something to interest them.

In the early history the wars and clan contentions seem fearful, but we must remember that those were fierce times and only by fighting could one keep his own. The character of those western clansmen, and the making of such character, is well shown in Lang's History of Scot- land, Vol. I.

For the history of our ancestry I have tried to condense the ancient history of the McLeans as found in the "History of the Clan," published in 1889 by Prof. J. P. McLean, giving the character and exploits of the most prominent chiefs and lairds down to the time of our pro- genitor, Allan MacLean. Some facts have been given me by Rev. A. McLean Sinclair, Belfast, Prince Edward Island, Dominion of Canada, and much aid and encour- agement from a relative by marriage in Connecticut who is well versed in McLean genealogy.

In tracing the posterity of Allan MacLean down to the present time I have had access to a manuscript vol- ume of recollections by Col. Francis McLean, of Ver-

non, Conn., penned by his daughter in 1859, also some parts of a similar volume by Rev. Allen McLean of Simsbury.

Some one has said that "We are true to ourselves only when "we act with becoming pride for the blood we in- herit and which we transmit to those who will soon fil^ our places." So may it be with all the McLeans as the swift days pass on until the night cometh.

M. M. H. 1(^11 Vine St. Berkeley, Cal. igo^.

THB CLAN MACLBAN

rnHE MacLeans have every reason to be proud of their 1 history atid ancestry, even though it be judged in the light of the civilization of this age. Of all the clans of Scotland none is more deserving of honorable mention, or having its history carefully recorded, than that of MacLean. For centuries in the history of Scotland it held a conspicuous place for independence of bearing and disinterested loyalty. It rapidly grew in influence and power until it reached its zenith in 1453, at which time, during the reign of James VI. it was accounted the most powerful in the Hebrides. In 1493 the lands belonging to the clan comprised the greater part of the large island of Mull, the whole of the islands of Coll and Tiree, por- tions of Islay and Scarba, and districts on the main land in Morvern, Lochaber and Knapdale.

No clan has received more honorable mention. Sir Walter Scott has sung concerning it: *

May the race of Clan Gillian, the fearless and free, Remember Glenlivat, Harlow and Dundee.

Prof. John Stuart Blackie says,t "There were mighty men in Mull in those days, and the MacLeans were among the mightiest. "William Allen, t a Scottish poet, says, "The MacLeans were all brave men — all Hectors, and the finest swordsmen of the Highlands." Andrew Lang writes of the MacLeans of Mull — "The Spartans of the North who never gave back in battle."

• Flora Mclvor's Song. tAltavona, pp. 169, 178. 3: Letter to J. P. McLean.

The clan called in earlier history, Clan Gillian and Clan Lean, as well as Clan MacLean, existed more as a tribe than as a clan during its traditionary period. From 1366 to 1493, when the Macleans were vassals of the Lords of the Isles, the history is clear and positive. In 1493 the MacLeans became independent and numbered four powerful branches — Duard , Lochbuy, Ardgour and Coll. They were among the most loyal of the loyal in their adherence to the house of Stuart, and shared the sorrows of tha discrowned monarch at Inverkeithing and Culloden in 1746. During this period the clan under- went great vicissitudes, the lands being nearly all alien- ated and the house of Duard becoming practically extinct- From this time the history of the clan, as a clan, disap- pears and is succeeded by the records of various families. In religion the Clan MacLean followed the beliefs of their age, though never becoming idolaters.

The growth of the clan was rapid till the chieftainship of Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean in 1580, when the zenith of its power was reached, although others would place it as late as the first baronet. Sir Lachlan, i6th Laird of MacLean in 1630. After this latter date the decline can be easily traced. The causes are manifold, — the long feud with the MacDonalds, the adherence to the house of Stuart and the enmity of the powerful house of Argyle, chief of the clan Campbell on the East. Skene, the great- est of all historians of Keltic Scotland, in speaking of the Argyle family, says,* "Its history consists principally in the details of a policy characterized by cunning and per- fid}^ and which obtained its usual success in the acqui- sition of great temporal grandeur and power."

The chiefs maintained the dignity of the family. The clansmen were also true highlanders in whatever was re- garded as essential to dignity and hospitality. The

tThe Higblanders, Vol. II, p. 284.

6

MacNeils, a celebrated race of bards, were the hereditarj' harpers of the MacLeans of Duard. For their physicians, the Beatons, the most famous of Scotland, were chosen, who also became the family seanachaidhs or genealogists, to whom the clan history owes its preservation.

The home of the MacLeans is the island of Mull, one of the Hebrides, thirty miles long and twenty-five miles wide, and separated from the main land of Scotland by the Sound of Mull on the north and the Firth of Lorn on the east. A distinguishing feature of the island is Ben More, an extinct volcano rising to the height of three thousand one hundred and seventy-two feet.

In 888 Harold Harfagr added the island to his king- dom of Norway, but the Norsemen made no permanent settlement there.

In the year 1156 a bloody battle took place between Godred and Somerled, Thane of Argyle, and the great progenitor of the Lords of the Isles, which resulted in the former ceding to the latter several islands and dis- tricts including Islay, Jura and Mull. It is recorded that "the Danes were put to flight and the land of Mull and Morvern being freed at last from their yoke and slavery."*

Angus Og MacDonald, fifth in descent from Somerled, was a faithful friend of Robert Bruce in his attempt to free his native land from the harsh grasp of England. As a reward for his services Bruce conferred upon him in 1314 the lordship of Lochaber and the islands of Mull, Jura, Coll and Tiree, which had belonged to the family of Lome.

Angus Og w^as succeeded by his son John as first Lord of the Isles, about the year 1329; he died about 1386 and was succeeded bj' his son Donald as second lord. Donald granted to Lachlan MacLean, July 12, 1390, charter to several lands and holdings in Mull and other isles, the

*Co)lestana de Rebus Albanicis, p. 324.

keepership of several castles and the office of steward of the house of Donald of the Isles. The above shows that the MacLeans possessed a portion of Mull by charter as early as 1390.

Dr. John Beaton, the last genealogist of the MacLeans of Duard, and Dr. Kennedy, in his "Dissertation on the Royal lyine of Stuarts," trace the MacLean hne back to Ere, an Irish chieftain, and through Ere to Aonghas Turmhi Teambrach, an ancient Irish monarch. It can- not be proved that Gillean was or was not descended from any of the sons of Ere. Unquestionably, the MacLeans are of a purely Highland origin.

The MacLeans can trace their origin with precision to Old Dougall, of Scone, who must have flourished about the year iioo, and has been described as an "influential, just and venerable man." He had one son, Raingee, whose son Conduilig, from whom the clan Conduilig, (that is clan McLean,) in the Island of Mull, became lay abbott of the Monastery of Lismore in Argyleshire ; his son was Niall, whose son was Rath or MacRath, who married a sister of the Somerled, mentioned above. He had a son —

I. Gilleain — the First chief and founder of the Clan MacLean, or Clan Gilleain. He is often called Gilleain of the Battle-ax, from his habit of carrying that implement as his ordinary weapon and constant companion * He flourished about the year 1250. Gilleain means "Servant of St. John." His son—

*The following anecdote is related of him. which probably accounts for the origin of the MacLean crest, which consists of a battle-ax between a laurel aud cypress branch, symbols of death and victory, and is still used on the coat-of-arms. He was on one occasion engaged in a stag-hunt upon a mountain, and having wandered from the rest of the party, the mountain suddenly becoming covered with mist, he lost his wav. After three days wandering, he entered a cranberry bush, where, fixing the battle-ax in the g-ound, he laid down to rest. His friends discovered him by seeing the head of the battle-ax above the bush.

II. Gille-Iosa (Servant of Jesus) was Second chief, and a distinguished warrior under Alexander III. of Scotland. He performed prodigies of valor and in battle received honorable mention. He died in 1300 and was succeeded by his son —

III. Malcolm, called also Gille-Calum, meaning Ser- vant of Columba, fought at Bannockburn at the head of his clan, June 24, 1314, and died in the reign of King David Bruce. He had three sons, Donald, Niall and John. He was succeeded by his son —

IV. John, known as John Dubh, or Black John. He married a daughter of Cumming, Lord of the Braes of Lochaber, and died during the reign of Robert II. He had two sons, Lachlan, the Wily, and Hector, the Stern, to the former of whom he gave the lands of Duard; to the latter, those of Lochbuy. These two bro- thers made a considerable figure during the reigns of Robert II. and III. They were affectionate brothers — faithful in their friendships but fearful in their resent- ments. They engaged in desperate feuds with the clan MacDougall and the clan Cameron. Hector was the founder of the house of Lochbuy and that of Urquhart in Inverness, which for several centuries was one of great power. John was succeeded by his son —

V. Lachlan Lubanach, first MacLean of Duard. His time probably antedates 1365. In 1366 he married Mar- garet, daughter of John, first Lord of the Isles, being forced to obtain a dispensation from the Pope for the mar- riage. Lachlan took the precaution to have his lands con- firmed by charter in 1390. He had five sons, Hector, John, Lachlan, Neil and Somerled. He lived to a great age and died before 1405. He was succeeded by his son —

VI. Red Hector of the Battles, or Hector Roy, re- nowned as one of the best swordbmen of his time and of

gigantic strength. Many knights came from distant parts to measure weapons with him, among them a knight from Norway who challenged him to mortal combat. They fought at Salem, in Mull, and the Norwegian fell. An old Gselic poem afi&rms that Hector led a great fleet to the coast of Ireland and there defeated some of the ships of the King of England.

In 1409 Hector received a charter from Donald, Lord of the Isles, for certain lands, and is there described as "I^ord of Duard and Constable of the castle of Cairnburg," a small island two miles from Mull, almost inaccessible by nature, and used as a royal garrison for more than a thousand years. Hector married a daughter of the Earl of Douglas. In the renowned battle of Harlow MacLean commanded the right wing and performed prodigies of valor. Near the close of the battle fought July 24, 141 1, he and Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum engaged in single combat with such fury that they fell dead, foot to foot on the field e'er a friend could assist them. Hec- tor's body was entombed on lona. Tradition represents him generous as well as brave. He left two sons, Each- Ian and John Dubh, the former of whom became the Seventh chief.

VII. Lachlan Bronnach accompanied his father in the battle of Harlow and was made prisoner by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, whose daughter he afterward mar- ried. He had one son, Lachlan Og, his heir and suc- cessor. By his second wife, who was a daughter of Wil- liam MacLeod of Harris, he had two sons, Niel of Ross and John Garbh of Coll, who founded the Coll branch of the family.

VIII. Lachlan Og, or Young Lachlan, so called to distinguish him from his father, was Lord of Duard and

xo

chief of MacLean during a period when great political changes were about to take place in the Western Isles- The western chiefs had thought themselves practically in- dependent of the King, and obedient only to the Lord of the Isles who ruled in princely style. In the rebellion that resulted the Macleans adhered to John MacDonald, Fourth lyOrd of the Isles, Lachlan Og was beset both within and without in these troublous times. The gene- alogists declare him "to have been a good and pious man." He possessed rare judgment and maintained a peaceful demeanor. He married Catherine, daughter of Colin Campbell, first Earl of Argyle, and although his father-in-law sought to involve him in difficulties, his judgment and skill warded off every blow. He was living in 1478. His son Hector succeeded him.

IX. Hector Odhar, the Swarthy, was also called the Brave, because of his warlike disposition which he dis- played in encounters with Angus MacDonald, son of the Lord of the Isles. As chief of his clan and Lieut-General of the Lord of the Isles, he fought under John, Fourth Lord, at the battle of Bloody Bay in 1482, and was killed at Flodden Field August 22, 15 13. •

Before the time of Hector Odhar the chiefs of MacLean and those of other clans had been in feudal subjugation for several generations to the Lords of the Isles — the chiefs of the clan MacDonald, then the most powerful in Western Scotland. From them they received a great por- tion of their lands confirmed by charter to them and their heirs, in time considering themselves practically inde- pendent of the King Very important trusts were com- mitted to them, and in battle the post assigned the chief of MacLean was in the van, at the right of the Lord of the Isles.

The MacDonalds were in frequent conflict with the

II

reigning sovereign. The chief of MacLean was one of the prominent leaders, and the valor of the MacLeans has been celebrated in story and song. John the Fourth Lord of the Isles was treacherous, and in a naval battle, fought in 1482, was subdued by his son Angus, referred to above. In 1493 the MacDonalds were conquered, and at a parliament held in Edinburgh, the possessions of the Lord of the Isles were declared to be irrevocably forfeited to the crown.

It was during the chieftainship of Hector Odhar that the clan thus became independent of the Lords of the Isles and subject only to the King. By him the charters to their lands were confirmed. Several branches of the clan had alreadj' sprung from the parent stock, the most important of which were the families of Lochbuy, Coll and Ardgour, and to each of them, as well as to that of Duard (whose chief, according to an ancient writer, was "callit Great McLean,") separate charters were given. From henceforth "the clan rapidly grew in influence and power until it reached its zenith, near the close of the sixteenth century, at which time it was accounted the most powerful of any in the Hebrides." * The McLeans were an independent clan from 1493 to 1598. He was succeeded by his son —

X. Lachlan Catanach, or the Shaggy, who was in- volved with the chiefs of other clans in an insurrection of the MacDonalds by vi^hich it was hoped to restore to the Lords of the Isles their former supremacy. Argyle, as usual, was deputed by the King to suppress them. The conflict was long and the success of the King's party only partial, but becoming disgusted with the selfishness and recklessness of MacDonald and the deceit he had

*Gregory'z Western Highlands, p. 419.

12

practised upon them, Lachlan and the chief of Maclycod abandoned his cause and oiTered their submission to the regent, then in the place of the King who had fallen at Flodden. Some years later Lachlan was on terms of friendship with the new kitig, James V., and having let- ters of protection from him, went to Edinburgh where he was treacherously stabbed to death in bed and unpro- tected, by Sir John Campbell oi Calder, brother of Sir Colin, Karl of Argyle, who probably instigated the deed. This was in 1527.

Lachlan's first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Archibald Campbell, second Earl of Argyle. He afterward married Margaret, daughter of Sir Dugald Campbell. His third wife was Marian, daughter of John MacEean of Tresh- nish, Capt. of Cairnburg, by whom he had two sons, Hector Mur, his successor, and Ailean na Sop. His mar- riages took place before he became chieftain, and he resided for many years in the stronghold of Cairnburg. The reason of his murder was that the Argyles wished to get possession of his lands.

XI. Hector Mor, or Hector the Great, succeeded his father in 1527. He was a noble chieftain — good, kind, affectionate and brave — an accomplished politician and an approved warrior. He granted extended leases to his vassals to encourage the improvement of lands and the building of more comfortable dwellings. He lived more like a modern noble than a feudal baron. He found- ed that noble addition to Duard Castle, called the Great Tower. (Duard, meaning Black Promontory, from the high rock on which the castle stands to this day in ruins.) The King called him to his councils, and he took a seat in parliament as one of the lords of the kingdom. He married Mary, daughter of Alexander MacDonald of Islay and the Glens, by whom he had two sons and seven daughters. He provided handsomely for his daughters,

13

who were all married to leading men in the kingdom, and he left to his oldest son and heir an unburdened estate with a considerable amount of money.

He sought to avenge the murder of his father by tak- ing part in burning the house of Roseneath, Lennox and Craignish, for which he received a roj'al remission in 1531. In 1557 an invasion of his lands was contem- plated by Archibald Campbell, fourth Earl of Argyle. When he found Hector was ready to receive him, whether he came as friend or foe, the invasion was given up, changed into a nuptial gathering at Duard Castle, where a double marriage took place, Argyle receiving Catherine, second youngest daughter of Hector Mur, for his third wife, and giving his own daughter Janet to the heir of the chief of Duard. Hector Mur died about 1568 and was succeeded by —

XII. Hector Og, or the Younger, was a spendthrift, who burdened the estate with debt. He inherited none of his father's noble qualities and was the only worthless chief of MacLean. He built a residence on lona, the ruins of which are still shown as "Garden of Young Hector." He had one son and three daughters. Sur- vived his father but five years, dying in 1573. His son —

XIII. Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean, Knight, called also "Big Lachlan." both on account of his stature and the greatness of his mind, was the most accomplished and warlike chief that ever held sway in Duard. Historians say " he was one of the most remarkable men connected with the Highlanders of Scotland in his day."* " By his education on the continent he had learned civility and good manners and lived accordingly."! "It is good for the MacLeans to cherish in their heart of hearts Lachlan

* Book of Scottish History, p. 638.

t Spottiswoode's History of Church of Scotland, Vol. Ill, p. 344-.

14

Mor and Hector Mor." "He was the most talented and conspicuous among all chiefs, and in war and personal prowess had no equal.' ' King JamesVI. became very much interested in him and had him sent to Edinburgh and brought up in his court. His military genius fitted him to meet the emergency upon which the future of his clan seemed to depend. In 1576, at the age of eighteen, he took possession of the estates, and during his twenty-two years rule the clan was almost continually involved in strife either for the King, its allies or itself. He was an important personage in the cause of England during the reign of Elizabeth. In Aug. 1598 he was slain in Is- lay through the base treachery of his nephew, Sir James MacDonald, who had persuaded him to visit the island on pretext of an amicable settlement of their diflferences.* His death, in the 41st year of his age, was deeply la- mented, not only by his own people but by the High- land clans generally. His affable and kind bearing to- ward his vassals and friends, his cool behavior on the field of battle, and his commanding presence, always made him an ideal chieftain, while his early education biased him in favor of the Reformed religion, which he ardently embraced from a conviction of its truth, and thus became the first Protestant of his name. By exam- ple as well as precept he demonstrated to his people that he had no faith in the teachings of the Romish church. He married Margaret, daughter of William Cunningham, Karl of Glencairn, and had four sons and one daughter. He lies buried in the churchyard of Kilchoman, Islay.

XlV. The first act of his son, Hector Og, or Young Hector, who became chief at twenty years of age, was to adopt retaliatory measures upon the Mac- Donalds for the death of his father and kinsmen, and, being joined by the Camerons of Lochiel and

•Clan His. pp. 91-137.

15

other friendly clans, they descended on Islay, swept the MacDonalds off the island, severely wounded their chief and burned their dwellings. The removal of King James VI. from the court of Edinburgh to that of London was beneficial to the Isles as better laws were enacted for the government of the Isles. Hec- tor Og married first, Janet, daughter of Cailean Cam, 11th MacKenzie of Kintail, by whom he had Hector Mor, his heir, Lachlan, and Florence who married John Garbh, 7th MacLean of Coll.* He married, second, Isabella, daughter of Sir Archibald Acheson of Gosford, by whom he had two sons, Donald, first MacLean of Brolass,t and one daughter. He died in i6iS, in the fortieth year of his age.

XV. Hector Mor succeeded to an extensive and un- encumbered estate, when the family had great influence. He died childless in 1626 — the first failure in direct suc- cession in four hundred years. His brother Lachlan suc- ceeded him.

XVI. Sir Lachlan MacLean, Bart., the first baronet, came into possession under the most favorable circum- stances. He had power and influence sufficient to guard him against any open attack, possessing the favor of the King (Charles I.) as some security against treachery, al- though his irreconcilable foe, Archibald Campbell, 8th Earl of Argyle, made many attempts to entrap him. The first visit of Lachlan to court after the death of his bro- ther was in 163 1, and while there Charles created him baronet of Nova Scotia, by the title of Sir Lachlan Mac- Lean of Morvern. The reception tendered him by the King made a lasting impression on his generous nature and confirmed him in that steadfast loyalty from which

•See Clan His. p. 287. t See Clan His. p. 224.

i6

he never swen^ed, but which laid the foundation of many disastrous results to the clan.

About this time there began that rapid decline of the clan in power and possessions due in a measure to the jealousies existing among the several branches of the family and the severe conflicts with the clan MacDonald, all of which were fostered and encouraged by the ava- ricious King James whose grasping policy and cunning behests were executed by those princes of perfidy and dupli- city, Archibald and Colin Campbell, but more especially to the machinations and greed of the Campbells who, be- cause they could not induce the MacLeans to join them in their treachery and intrigue, and being covetous of their lands and holdings in the isles, became their most bitter foes.

The close of the civil wars in 1644-48, which resulted in the triumph of the parliamentary armies and the de- thronement of Charles I. brought to the front the am- bitious and unscrupulous, the result of which was that law and justice were trampled under foot. The time had now come v/hen the long cherished desire of the house of Argyle against the MacLeans might be realized. Since the commencement of this strife of parliament with the King's forces, the estate of MacLean had paid none of the public dues. Sir Lachlan estimating the amount of those dues trifling enough to indemnify him for the ex- pense of maintaining a thousand armed followers on behalf of the King during Montrose's campaigns; and, from conscientious reasons, he now felt less disposed to pay them into the hands of those whom he believed had usurped the King's authority.

Noncompliance on the part of Sir Lachlan was just what Argyle desired. He instantly set himself about purchasing all the debts, both public and private, which he could find against the Chief of Maclean, and these

17

debts, with certain alleged to be owing to the bishop of the isles, and some old debts, for the payment of which he pretended to be security, enabled Argyle to establish a claim of ^30,000. He then issued secretly and of his own authority a writ of attachment against the person of Sir Lachlan, who was taken prisoner "at Inverary and thrown into Argyle' s castle of Carrick for a debt due to Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyle." For upward of a year Sir Lachlan suffered imprisonment rather than sign a bond of acknowledgment of the debt demanded by Argyle. His health at length declining, and seeing no hope of relief by legal measures, in a country now pros- trate, he was induced to yield to the wishes of his friends and signed the bond; whereupon he was liberated, to re- turn in a dying condition to his castle in Mull where, on the 1 8th of April, 1648, he expired. * * * The settlement of this claim was purposely delayed by the Campbells many years, and continually augmented, until by craft and falsehood, added to great influence at court, they succeeded in obtaining about ;^ioo,ooo from the Macleans, and finally the larger part of their lands.

It is recorded that "Archibald Campbell, ist Marquis of Argyle, for his many crimes was beheaded at the cross at Edinburgh, May 16, 1661." and his son Archibald, "for treachery and treason was beheaded June 30, 1685."

Sir Lachlan MacLean married Mary, second daughter of Sir Roderick MacLeod of MacLeod, by whom he had two sons. Hector and Allen, and three daughters.

XVII. Hector Roy, or Hector Rufus, Bart., succeed- ed his father. His lines were cast upon evil times, civil commotions continuing during his rule. Charles II. was crowned at Scone in 1651, He was slain in the battle of Inverkithing. Of the 800 MacLeans engaged but forty escaped alive. As Hector never married, he was succeeded by his brother Allen ^

18

XVIII. Sir Allen MacLean, Bart. His death oc- curred in 1674. His son —

XIX. Sir John, Bart., succeeded at the age of four, under two kinsmen as regents till 1686, when Sir John appointed four agents for his business and started on his travels, first to England, thence to France, whence he returned to Ireland with King James II., to whom he remained faithful, resisting the government of William and Mary. He was continually persecuted by the Ar- gyles, as his ancestors had been. He lived much of the time in London. He died at Gordon castle, 12th of March, 17 16, aged 45, and was the last of the powerful lords of Duard. ,He left one son and five daughters. He was fine looking, graceful and agreeable, his polite address showing he had spent much time at court. He was well educated, speaking Gaelic, English and French fluently. A sturdy honesty was the leading characteristic of his family and from that standard he never departed. His gallant behavior at Killiekrankie when but eighteen, and at Sheriffmuir showed his bravery. His life was a monu- ment of the injunction, "Put not your trust in Princes." It is gratifying to know that the Morvern estates and Duard passed out of the Argyle family in 18 19. Sir John was succeeded by his son —

XX. Sir Hector MacLean, Bart., born at Calais in 1703. At the age of four he was taken to England, thence to the Highlands, to the care of Donald MacLean of Coll till he was 18. He then studied in Edinburgh, and in 1721 went to France to complete his studies in belle-letters and civil law, where he remained till the revolution un- der Prince Charles Exiward Stuart broke out in 1745. The battle of Culloden, disastrous to the Prince, may be said to have ended the clan system. Sir Hector remained faithful to the Stuart cause till his death which occurred at Rome Oct. 1750. He died without issue. He was

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succeeded bj' Sir Allan MacLean, fourth Laid of Bro- lass, a descendant of the second marriage of Hector Og, 14th Chief of the Mac Leans.

XXI. Sir Allan MacLean, Bart., of Brolass, em- braced a military life and was Captain-commandant of nine companies of Montgomery's Highlanders, sent to America and serving at Fort Duquesne, Ticonderoga and Crown Point until the termination of hostilities in 1760. He afterwards attained to the rank of Colonel and retired on half pay, with his three daughters, to the island of Inch Kenneth where he lived in plenty and elegance. He had a tedious, expensive law suit with the Duke of Argyle, gaining a portion of his ancient patri- mony. He entertained the celebrated Dr. Samuel John- son in 1773, who gives a very interesting account of his visit at the "hut" (huts were distinguished from "hou.ses" by being of one story only,) in his "Tour to the Hebri- des." This was "furnished with unexpected neatness and convenience, and occupied by a gentleman and two ladies of high birth, polished manners and elegant con- versation, who practised all the kindnesses of hospitality and refinements of courtesy." He died Dec. 10, 1783. The name of Sir Allan MacLean is still spoken of with great respect in Mull and the adjacent islands. He was particularly noted for his hospitality to strangers, amia- bility of disposition and courteous bearing. He was buried in the ancient cemetery on the island of lona where his grave can be seen, covered by a sculptured sand-stone, enclosed by a low stone wall, not far from the ruins of the ancient chapel.

As he died without male heirs he was succeeded in his titles by his nearest of kin, a descendant of his grand- uncle, Hector Og.

XXII. Sir Hector MacLean, Bart., who died without

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issue Nov. 2, 1818, and v/as succeeded by his half- brother —

XXIII. Sir Fitzroy Jeffreys Grafton MacLean, Bart., who made the profession of arms his choice and rose rap- idly from the rank of Ensign to that of General in 1837. He spent twenty-eight years of active service in the hot climate of the West Indies. In 18 15 he returned to England and lived in London till his death, July 5, 1847. He married the widow of John Bishop of Barbadoes, and was succeeded by his son —

XXIV. Sir Charles Fitzroy MacLean, Bart., who commanded the 8ist Regiment of Scotch Guards and died in 1883. In 1 83 1 he married Emily, daughter of Rev. Jacob Markham, D. D., Canon of Windsor. His son —

XXV. Sir Fitzroy Donald MacLean, Bart., the heredi- tary chief at the present time, served in the Crimean war in 1854-5. His last visit to the United States was in 1893, upon invitation of the MacLeans of Chicago and vicinity, to visit the Columbian Exposition as their guest. A royal reception was tendered him, and he appeared in full Highland costume, the plaid being the MacLean dress tartan, his bonnet, with the three eagles' feathers, in his right hand. He also wore the Crimean medal, two clasps and Turkish medal received for ser- vices in the Crimean war. Every one of his clansmen wore the tartan.

The menu card was a work of art and bore upon its title-page the family crest, an uplifted battle-ax crossed by a branch of laurel and one of cypress. Among the prominent guests were Hector MacLean, of Nova Scotia, and Archibald John MacLean, of Pennycross. Sir Fitz- roy responded to the toast, "Our Guests." A concert was the last of the entertainment provided, the music being exclusively Scottish, whether produced by the

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bagpipe, violin, orchestra or human voice. The chief expressed deep appreciation of the courtesies shown him.

In time there came to be many branches of the family, each with its chief called "laird," a term implying consid- erable landed estate and tenantry, and from each of these allegiance is due to the chief of the house of Duard who was descended in the line of the eldest son from the pro- genitor of all, Gilleain.

An association has been formed in Scotland with branches in America for " reviving and promoting clan interests by collecting records and traditions, the culti- vation of social intercourse among its members, rendering assistance to needy clansmen and encouraging the study of the Gaelic language and literature," to which all Mac- Leans are eligible.

:li: ^ ^ Jfi ^

The MacLeans believed that the Stuarts were their right- ful sovereigns, as they were, according to the old law of succession which by many in those days was considered the law of God. The clan continued its adherence to the house of Stuart until the cause became utterly hopeless — losing immensely in men, money and lands in its defense-

The English kings, to whom they were compelled to submit, regarding the system of clanship as imcompatible with the exercise of their own authority, determined to put an end to it, and enacted very severe laws for the purpose. The chiefs were deprived of their hereditary jurisdiction and the power to protect and provide for the clansmen who had always adhered to them with such loy- alty and love. A disarming act took from them the arms they had often used with such vigor and skill so that not enough were left to them for the defense of their homes. Heavy penalties were inflicted upon any found in posses- sion of weapons; transportation for seven years follow- ing the second offense.

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Still more grievous was the act that forbade the wearing of the dress that had been the national costume from time immemorial, and which distinguished the Highlanders from all other people, and, by slight differences, each clan from every other. The Lowland dress was very incon- venient and obnoxious, and they felt themselves insulted in being compelled to wear it; but for any man or boy, upon whom appeared any part of the Highland garb, the punishment for the first offense was imprisonment for six months, and for the second, transportation for seven years. So unpopular was this act that after a while it became impossible rigidly to enforce it, but it was not re- pealed until it had been on the statute books nearly forty years. In the meantime these oppressive laws had driven thousands of Highlanders out of the country, very many of them emigrating to America, carrying with them a passionate love of their old home, and loyalty to their chief as their rightful head.

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THE MACLEANS OF COLL

The island of Coll is distant about six miles from the extreme western point of the island of Mull. It is four- teen miles long and two and a half broad. It is an un- dulating moorland with fertile patches and some low hills, the highest, Ben Hogh, 339 feet. The sea coast is rocky and precipitous, indented with several inlets, affording very good harbors. There are 48 fresh water lochs on the island, one of them, lyoch Breachacha, is upon the east side of the south-western part, and near its head is Breachacha Castle, the seat of the MacLeans of Coll. The earliest description of it is contained in an official document written between 1577 and 1595- It is 80 feet in height, surrounded by three walls, and is still entire although deserted. Breachacha (Breachd or Breac, spot- ted, and achadh, a field or meadow, so called because in summer it is enameled with clover and daisies.)

The Coll family, to which the writer belongs, is one of the older and more powerful branches of the Duard fam- \\y, descended from John Garbh, the second son of the second marriage of I^achlan Bronnach, 7th Chief of Mac- Lean who was living in 1493.

I. John Garbh was so called from his gigantic stature

and great strength. The clan was then, as it had been

for more than a century, subject to the Lord of the Isles,

and from him John Garbh demanded an inheritance. He

was granted the island of Coll, also lands in Mull, Loch-

aber and Morvern, and afterward purchased the island

of Rum. He lived, feared by his enemies and respected

by his friends. He married Isabella, daughter of Frazer

of Lovat, and became founder of a highly esteemed and

influential branch of the clan, of which he was first laird.

His only son —

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II. John Abracb, so called on account of his living most of the time on his possessions in Lochaber, married Janet, daughter of Ewen, 5th Maclyean of Urquhart, and had two sons, John and Hector, who were very young at the time their father was killed by Cameron of Lochiel. A branch of the Camerous, however, fought bravely for Coll, and rescued and cared for his wife and children, for which service there was ever after a reciprocal friend- ship between the two families, and in token of this amity it was cut in stone over the gate of Breachacha Castle that any of this tribe should be welcome there and should be rescued and protected against all enemies.

III. John, the oldest son, was in possession of the estate in 1493. In 1545 he was one of the lairds who consented to a treaty with