McLellan, John

In /
Memory /
OF /
JOHN. /
McLELLAN /
DIED /
October. 17. /
1857. /
aged 21 yrs. /
R. I. P. /

H. GILLIS | [stone carver]

In reading the inscription on this stone, we begin a search for information on John McLellan by looking at the records in the fall of 1857 and come up empty—no obituary, no death recorded. Reviewing the 1841 plot plan of the cemetery we discover a half plot #72 was designated exactly one month prior to the death. Could this be a MacLellan family plot purchased by Hugh McLellan W.R. [West River]?? Could there be a mistake recorded on the stone? It has happened before. West River certainly was part of the St Ninian Parish.

In perusing Rankin’s history on McLellan families of Antigonish County there is mention of a young John McLellan drowning at the Antigonish River.[1] Bill Landry recalled reading about a McLellan who drowned while crossing on the ice.[2] October ice? Not likely. The drowning must have occurred the previous winter. We find an account of the incident… From the first setting of the winter early in November last, we had been one continuation of alarming snowstorms and thaws, with scarcely an entire day of any kind of settled weather. A mild glimpse of sunshine is sure to be instantly followed by [illegible] of most piercing frost—a fall of snow to terminate in a rain storm. Thus, we had two of the heaviest freshets that we remember of ever seeing here causing much damage to roads and bridges, and consequent inconvenience to the public generally and to the traveling portion in particular; many persons, owing to these sudden changes narrowly escaping with their lives. The frequent sudden overflowing of some of the roads leading out of town and consequence damage and inconvenience incidental thereto, points to the obvious necessity of a change in the demise of many of them. We have known the mails to be hindered from passing at Pushie’s Bridge for days and so intercourse in that direction suspended and then crossing at imminent risk to life and property.

On Saturday last 24th inst., a young man named John McLellan son of James McLellan of the South River melancholy to relate, was drowned in attempting to cross the River near the said bridge. He was in the 22nd year of his age and the only son of his disconsolate parents whose state may be more easily imagined than described. The deceased was of temperate but steady habits and unblemished character—his death is much regretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. All efforts were made by his friends to get his body but not yet successful. We have instances of many narrow escapes in crossing the same river and hope something will be done to avoid such dangers.[3]

The body of young John McLellan was lost in the river and it would be months before the remains were discovered. An inquest was held and reported on The Casket… The readers of the Casket will recollect our recording in February the melancholy circumstances attending the death of a young man named John McLellan, a native of the South River in this County. He had only returned home after a protracted absence, and was drowned in the West River while attempting to cross upon the ice. Notwithstanding the most diligent search his body remained missing until Thursday last, 14th inst., when some Indians, in passing up the river, discovered one of his hands above the water, the rest of the body being imbedded in a sand bank, at no great distance from where the accident occurred. The body was at once recovered from the cold resting place, and an inquest held on it by Wm. Currie, Esq. Coroner, and a verdict of “Accidental Death” returned. The body was quite intact and the progress of decomposition trivial. His parents will feel a great satisfaction, amid their deep sorrow for his death, to have his remains placed among his relations and friends in the consecrated burying ground of the Chapel in which he had worshipped from his childhood. Requiescat in pace.[4]

In looking a little deeper at the family we discover the McLellan family arrived in Nova Scotia c.1804 with pioneer Archibald the son of Archie of Morar, Scotland.[5] James McLellan was a son of Archibald and according to an extract from Archibald’s will… In the first place I devise and bequeath to my beloved son James MacLellan and to his heirs the one half of the farm lot on which I at present reside situate lying and being in the Upper Settlement of the South River of Antigonish aforesaid, being the upper or Southern portion of my said farm lot, which said Half portion of said farm lot containing one hundred and fifty acres, more or less [6]— Catherine, sibling of our subject John McLellan was married in 1869 to Lauchlan Cameron.[7] We find a blended household of three generations on the 1871 census.[8] It appears as though Catherine and Lachlin name their firstborn child – John.

[1] A History of the County of Antigonish by D.J. Rankin, pg.314

[2] Drummer on Foot Edited by R.A. MacLean and Don MacFarlane

[3] The Casket January 29, 1857

[4] The Casket May 21, 1857

[5] A History of the County of Antigonish by D.J. Rankin, pg.214

[6] NS Probate Will Books 1821-1882 Vol.A; pg.260-262

[7] NS Vital Records Year: 1869; Book: 1803; Page: 23; Number: 94

[8] Library and Archives Canada Census 1871; Antigonish County; Upper South River Dist.; Household #163