Mackeigan

MACKEIGANS FROM NORTH UIST TO CAPE BRETON

Author: Lark B.Szick

published.
 

The name MacKeigan has been spelled many ways, Mac and Mc are both used. Some examples are MacEagan, McKeagan, MacKiggan, McIgan, McKeggan, MacEgan, McKichen, and there are many more. Starting in the late 1700's and the early 1800's the MacKeigans are found to be on the move. Many of them left North Uist by choice, looking for a better life. Some early MacKeigans in Cape Breton are known to have come before 1820. Later, during the Highland Clearances, others had to leave. Some left willingly and others by force. In every case, it was a tremendous undertaking and the partings were filled with deep emotions on the part of those who left and those who stayed. As far as we know the MacKeigan surname (MacKiggan) is no longer found on North Uist. Those of us who are descendants of the those early pioneers to Cape Breton have been the recipients of a wondrous legacy forged by the blood, sweat, tears, sorrows and joys of our ancestors. We are who we are, in part, because of their efforts to create better lives for their children and the generations to come.
 

For more information, please contact Lark Blackburn at lark4u@gmail.com

Commenter wrote:

This book (107 pages) provides a detailed genealogy of the descendants of the first MacKeigans who emigrated to Cape Breton from North Uist in the early 1800s. It is an indispensable guide for anyone researching their MacKeigan ancestors and family history, especially since many of the sources of information are not  available through other means.