McMillin, John J
IHS /
In memory of /
JOHN J. /
Son of Donald & /
Marey McMillin /
Died Oct. 28 /
1856 AE. 2 yrs. /
The ‘facts of a life’ are generally carved in the memorial headstone. In the short life of John J McMillin, this may not be the case. According to church records John James McMillin was the firstborn son of Donald and Marey (nee Fraser) McMillin of Antigonish Landing. His birthdate is recorded as October 14, 1856 and baptismal date Oct 26, 1856.[1] The parents were married the previous winter on Feb 17, 1856 with Donald McKenzie and Anne Kell serving as witnesses. The stone indicates John J. lived two years, but according to records he possibly only lived two weeks. Was this an error on the part of the stone carver?
The McMillin family continue to go on with their lives. Donald is a shoemaker but also operates a modest 15 acre farm growing hay and oats, raising sheep and milch cows and fishing for cod in the nearby harbour. Marey manages the farm chores along with weaving cloth/flannel and making butter.[2] In time, Marey is expecting once again and so the family grows.
Children born as follows:
- Sarah born May 5, 1858 bap. May 30 1858.
- William born 22 Apr 1860 bap. May 6 1860;
- Alexander born Feb 12, 1862 bap. Feb 16 1862;
- Ronald born 10 Mar 1864 bap 30 Mar 1864;
- Duncan born 16 Nov 1866 bap. 29 Dec 1866;
- Daniel born Jun 20 1869 bap. Jul 25 1869.[3]
The St Ninian Church records appear to record all relevant information on the ceremonies of life regarding the McMillin family. Whether it is two years or two weeks, this child John J was and continues to be remembered.
[1] Nova Scotia Catholic Records, Diocese of Antigonish (bac-lac.gc.ca)
[2] Agricultural Returns 1871 Census Antigonish County Division 2; Household #163
[3] Nova Scotia Catholic Records, Diocese of Antigonish (bac-lac.gc.ca)