Person

McLennan, John

1789-1866

John McLennan (14 May 1789-27 Aug. 1866) was born in Kintail, Scotland, the son of Murdoch McLennan and Christina McLennan, daughter of Alexander McLennan. John McLennan came to Canada in 1802 with his parents on the “Neptune” and settled in the province of Quebec before moving to Glengarry County, Ontario, after the death of Murdoch. John McLennan taught school at Williamstown until he retired in 1823. That same year, the family took up land on the 4th concession of Glengarry. They lived there until 1847, when John McLennan bought property on the shore of Lake St. Francis, east of Lancaster. McLennan rose to become a man of some importance in southern Glengarry County where he held various minor offices, including clerk of the court at Williamstown, and worked as a conveyancer. McLennan was in the Glengarry militia, serving as a lieutenant in the War of 1812 and a captain during the Rebellions of 1837. He married his first wife, Margaret Mackenzie, daughter of Duncan Mackenzie, on 18 January 1819 in Montreal. Together the couple had four children before Margaret died in 1827. McLennan married his second wife, Mary McGruer, daughter of Alexander McGruer, on 12 January 1830. The couple had one daughter before Mary died later that year. McLennan married his third wife, Catherine McRae, daughter of Christopher McRae, on 29 November 1830. Together the couple had five children before Catherine died in 1843. John McLennan died in Lancaster, Glengarry County.