Donald McKay was born in the parish of Kildonnan, Sutherlandshire Scotland in the year 1777 where he spent the first sixteen years of his life. When at this age he had a great desire to follow a military life and in order to accomplish that end he enlisted in the Fensible service which at that time was called - owing to the wars and commotions that over spread the land. In this rank he spent seven years of his life having visited a great part of England and Ireland in the latter of which he set himself to acquire the elementary branches of a common education which was in his day almost unknown in the highlands of Scotland. Being naturally endowed with a considerable share of perserverance and ambition he succeeded in aquiring such a knowledge of letters and figures as to fit him for the common duties of life and always at every opportunity endeavouring to add to his small store of learning. At this time peace was restored and the Fensibles broked up, he together with the other soldiers, was discharged to their homes. But being still inclined to follow a military life he in a short time enlisted in the 75th Regiment of Foot then recuiting in the highlands of Scotland. In his new situation his good behaviour gained him the favour of all who knew him but more especially those of his commanders. He acted in the capacity of a servant for some considerable time under Colonel Swinton of whom he speaks afterwards in raptures of approbation, being by this time advanced from the rank of a private to that of a Corporal. In the year 1806 receiving permission to visit his friends in the highlands of Scotland he married a young woman by the name of Mary Bruce with whom he had formed an attachment in early life.
Having now been married and returning with his wife to the army where she employed herself in sewing and washing for the soldiers and by this means often earned more than double his pay. In the army she had borne to him four children, two sons and two daughters. But now being discharged on account of being worn out in the King's service allowing him a small pension of nine pence a day for life. Though accustomed to all the different sorts of climates in the temperate and torrid zones and become habituated to most of the manners and custome of those different places which he visited, yet it seems none had so lasting an impression of him as those made when roving in his boyish days among the heathy glens of the romantic highlands of Scotland and for that reason chose that sequestered spot to all the pomp and splendor of England's most populous cities.
He having now removed from the bustle of a military life his first and only care was to educate his family which now seemed to be rising around him, being eight in number, six sons and two daughters. The youngest of the family whose name was Hector and who is the subject of this memoir and who is also the writter of it was born in Rangay in the parish of Sotheron on the 25th of May 1826 and baptised by the Rev. Mr. Davidson of the said parish. The first six years of my life I spent in sickness from a complaint called the rose having aplied to many doctors for cure but still to no purpose vast sums was spent by my father in tryng to restore me to that state of health which the family enjoyed till in my sixth year and application was made to one Dr. Henderson a very skillful
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and successful surgent who succeeded so far as to cure me for a time telling that it should still come at intervales. In the year 1831 my elder sister got married to a young man of the name John Bain, a joiner who immediately emigrated together with his wife and my eldest brother and younger sister for the North American Colonies. My father now desirious of trying his fortune in the new world sold all his good and chattles in order to accomplish his favourite object but owing to something or other coming in his way was prevented from taking that step at that time being determined to take shipping at as early a time as possible. He now proceeded still farther north to within a few miles of the town of Wick to a place called Thrumster and rented for himself a small farm. In this new situation I was sent to school in the year 1833 to Ulbster about a mile distant from where we were to a teacher of the name of Isiah Tulloch a young man of good talents and respectability with whom I made rapid progress. I studied under him the common branches of education and for my good conduct and perserverance obtained two prizes one a bible the other a fang copy book. The rest of the boys being all from home I had to perform the small duties of the farm along with my father and sometimes spending my time in keeping the cattle upon the common pasture, going to school in the winter time and about home in the summer especially in July, August and September being the fishing time in that quarter. In the year 1839 I myself attended the herring fishing.
About this time my time seemed to pass by in the most pleasing manner possible. I played with my fond companions and never thinking of coming days, frequenting town on every fair or market day attended most of the places of sport and amusement in the neighbourhood and in short was an eye witness of all the scenes of curiosity in the place. In the year 1840 my father emigrated once more to North America and succeeded in coming to Pictou, Nova Scotia on board the Ospay of Leith, setting sail from Thurso and in five weeks and three days we land in Pictou town, 17 June. On the next day after our arrival we were met by our brother and brothers in law who conducted us eighteen miles into the country to a settlement called West Branch River John.
The first Sunday after my arrival I went in company with my brother to Sunday School in the vicinity where my activity in answering the questions put to me by my teachers attracted the attention of some persons who called my father the next day to see if he would allow me to teach a school in the neighbourhood to which he consented and in a short time I entered on my new vocation where I continued to discharge my duties as well as might be expected at that age for the space of four months.
Winter coming on I went to school for two months and afterwards took the school at the expiration of that term my teachers time being then just up. In this place I made an application for license and succeeded in falling in the ranks of the third class and consequently obtained government money, though not large was counted large by me at that time. In this place I continued a year and a half and after that I employed myself in assisting my father who had now bought a new farm at Carriboo River about 7 miles from Pictou town. The summer and harvest of 1842 I spent in working about home on the farm being principally engaged (in company with brother Alexander) in building and finishing a house and preparing some land for a crop next year. After getting the business of the winter settled in as convenient a manner as possible I applied for and obtained a school in our vicinity but previous to entering in my new situation I went to school in Earltown to brother Alexander for the space of three months where I improved what I already had studied and also learned book keeping. During my stay in Earltown I boarded at Mrs. Rosses that good kind and motherly old woman whose kindness to me will be kept in remem-
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brance till my dying day.
In this situation I again applied to the Board of School Commissioners for a license and after due examination I was enrolled among the ranks of the second class. In this situation I continued for eighteen months, making considerable progress in my school affairs and gaining the general approbation of all my employers. During my stay here I together with some young men organized a debating society which was the means of greatly improving the youth generally and myself among the number in the communication of our ideas in a more intelligible and accomplished style. Though this place presented many advantages of improvement - yet it had many disadvantages which proved hurtful in the extreme one of which was that there was a grog shop at the door into which I often went along with my other droughty companions and sometimes partook of the sparkling cup quite freely till on one occcasion (new years) I had occasion to go to bed and compose myself till moring, (got tipsy).
In this place I continued teaching for a year and a half. I then returned home again and intended to go to Pictou Academy and spend the winter there but was prevented by the following circumstances. Being on day at Roger's Hill Sacrament I met with my good old friend Mr. Wm. Murray then teacher in Upper Stewiacke for a year then to go along with him to some place of learning at the expiration of that term. Accordingly I consented to go thither and in a few days I took my leave and bent my journey towards Stewiacke. Upon my arrival there I found my friend Mr. Murray in school drilling his scholars from whom I received a cordial welcome. Going to his boarding house I was well entertained by the landlord (Mrs. I. Smith) of the house. Next day I received a letter of introduction from Mr. Murray to Mr. D. C. Archibald one of the trustees, and after receiving some direction about the road I persued my course and in about two hours arrived at my intended station. I met Mr. Archibald in the field plowing a piece of very stoney land, being a tall, intelligent looking man wearing spectacles at which I wondered much to see a man plowing with spectacles having never seen those glasses applied to anything so common before. After some conversation on various subjects and among the rest the subject of teaching in common schools, mode of discipline and a number of other things too tedious to mention then we entered the house and partook of a hearty dinner.
The same evening I attended a school meeting. My friend Mr. Murray also attended and introduced me to my employers in a very complimentary manner. I was then called on to speak and to express my views of the best mode of teaching young children. My views meeting with their approbation, the next thing that was done was to write out a bond and see who was to support the school and in less than half an hour I was employed for the sum of twenty-five pounds per year and to board round among the scholars.
My engagement being now made and the time appointed for taking up school I took my leave of Mr. Murray and bent my course towards home when I was received with the usual welcome of parental affecton and related to them my success in that distant place. Preparations were now going on for my departure and the day appointed for that event. Before I would leave home I paid a visit to a young lady who was then sick with the measles and during my visit I caught the infection and was confined to bed about three weeks, during which time I was attened with great care both by my parents and others. In about a month from this time I started
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to my new situation and arrived there in company with Alexander Ross who was going at the same time to teach in Musquodoboit. On my way to the South Branch I dined with Rev. Mr. Smith from whom I received some directions regarding that school. Late in the evening we arrived at Mr. Archibalds where we continued all night.
Next day I visited the two other trustees and found them still of the same mind and that day week I commenced on my new scene of labours for the ensuing year. In this place all went harmoniously as might be expected for the space of a month when a sudden eruption occured between a small party of Roman Catholics and myself upon a point of doctrine. They were desirous that their professions should be taught in school, a thing which I utterly refused to do; and when they saw that they could not prevail on me to consent to this they thought they would prevent me from having prayer in my school morning and evening as I was accustomed to do. At the resolution of theirs I tendered them my departure, saying that I would never comply with their measures. When they saw that I was stedfast in my opinion they fell in with the majority and afterwards told me that I might do as I pleased in my school after this, that they would never find fault with me because the took me to be a conscientious person and my steadfast conduct confirmed their opinion. In the summer of the same year I organized a Sunday School which was regularly and profitably attended by the youth in that place. I was under the superintendence of two very intelligent men, the one a Presbyterian and the other a Baptist. I exercised the classes on the various branches taught and these two men opened and concluded our meetings with prayer.
During my residence in Stewiake I attended the Teacher's Society. The was a society formed by the teachers of that place for their mutual benefit. In this society I composed and delivered the first essay that I delivered in public. My subject was Geography. Here I also joined the Bible Society and gave 1/3 towards its support.
In the summer and harvest of this year I enjoyed many pleasures, sometimes with my good old friend Mr. Murray and sometimes with other companions.
In the fall of this year Mr. Murray left Stewiake and went to the Truro Academy. While he was there he kept up a constant correspondence with me the principal object of which was to persuade me to go to the Truro Academy along with him, as I had partly made up my mind to go to Pictou Academy. He painted the character of this institution with such bright colours as dazzed my imagination and I was induced to join him at the expiration of my teerm which took place on the last of January 1848.
The season of my departure now drawing near I felt something particular which can hardly be understood except by those who have experienced a separation between friends of the dearest kind.
The friends who have treated me so hospitably on my first arrival and during my stay began to make a deep impression on my mind and those young tender ones committed to my care whose sprightly faces beamed forth as an indes to a merry heart added fuel to that fire of anguish after the exercise of the day was over I addressed the scholars briefly on the origin of our Sunday School showing the advantages derived from it
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on every side and conluded by bidding them all farewell - When I was so overcome by the excited state of their minds and my own feelings that I sat down in a flood of tears.
The next week the term of my day school being expired I in like measure took my leave of my scholars in a very affecting manner. I then went to a school meeting wich they had got up to employ me again and to continue my school as before, but this I could not do having made up my mind to go to Truro Academy and there to spend the greater part of the year. I received the most part of my wages and a recommendation from my employers which is as follows:
(Signed) } Daniel Archibald, Robert W. Frame, John McCulloch - Trustees
On the first day of February one thousand eighteen hundred and forty-eight I took my leave of my friends and set out on my journey for Truro in company with Mr. Fleck who kindly gave me a passage thither, about ten o'clock at night I arrived at my intended station. The family was about family worship at the time. When entering Mr. Murray shook me cordially by the hand and gave me a warm reception and also introduced me to my landlord and land lady. The next day I made a bargain with Mr. Archibald for my boarding for six months and paid him five pounds in advance days and returned in great glee about entering on my new situation. Upon coming from Earltown on a Saturday night I spent the Sabbath there, but before Monday to my astonishment I was storm staid. However I started Tuesday but of all the hardships I encountered I think this might be reckoned amoung the most trying, for a distance of twenty miles there was nothing but snow to the knees.
About half past three o'clock I came to Truro once more, being extremely fatigued by my walk. Next day I went to the Academy and began my career with as much activity as possible to do so. In this borading house I continued about six weeks when a company of young men came to the Academy broke my former engagements. We having to depend upon our own resources for maintainence joined together and hired a room, bought all our own provisions and in a manner commenced keeping "Bachelor's Hall."
In this situation we continued six months, driving at our progress with as much eagerness and anxiety as ever we could. During my stay here we received a letter from Mr. Forrester, then Professor of the Halifax College requesting us to attend at the hotel in Truro on such a day. This we accordingly did. Upon entering into conversation with Mr. Forrester we soon learned his intentions. We were all examined by him in the branches we had studied and the branches we were then studying, also chalked out a line for us to go in during our stay in Truro. He also sent us a number of books from the college library.
The time now being drawing on that I must leave the Academy and all its gay sports and pleasant toils and when we must all part from each other some to the college at Halifax and some to look after situations among the
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among the rustic farmers for Nova Scotia...among the number consigned to the latter place beyond I was one, to spend my time among a number of drawling boys teaching their young ideas how to shoot.
Upon paying Mr. Blanchard for my term of tuition he presented me with the following recommendation: "This will certify that for the last eight months past Mr. Hector McKay has been attending the Colchester Academy where he hwas been studying Latin, Greek and the higher branches of mathmatics in all of which he has made very respectable progress. He already ranks as a first class teacher in the community of Colchester which I should consider a sufficient guarantee as to his qualifications as a teacher of the English language.
Ian Blanchard
Teacher of the Colchester Academy
Truro, Oct. 11, 1848
After leaving Truro I heard of a school being in Lodonderry, I took a ride thither to see if that was the case and found the school as I had anticipated. I made application to the trustees and soon my tender was accepted but I had to run the chance of my scholars for my salary, no assignment being made. Accordingly I commenced my new course of labour on the 31st day of October, 1848 and had only 14 scholars the first day and not many more for the first week. This almost threatened a death blow to my future design. The second or third Sunday that I was here I attended Rev. Mr. Bayne's bible class which was kept once a fortnight in the meeting house on Sunday morning an hour before the meeting commenced. Here I had to get some of the proofs for some scripture doctrines and questions I learned from a book I got from himself. On the 25th of January 1849 I took a ride to Pictou to see my parents and to be present at the wedding of brother Alexander who on the next day was getting married to Miss N. Ross a young girl from Earltown.
At this wedding I had good times. All my old companions were there and with them I had a mirthful time. I then left for home or in other words for Londonderry and arrived there a day later that I expected when I went away but happily on my arrival I found that Mr. Winter Botham, a temperance lecturer was to lecture to all the children next day and consequently I did not take up school till next week. This answered well.
About this time Rev. Mr. Bayne left the place for about six weeks to preach to the vacant congregation at Yarmouth but his pulpit was supplied by others during his stay, among the rest Rev. Mr. McCulloch preached a sermon and on his way home he called on me and enquired particularly into my situation. This clerical visit gave me so much pleasure that I almost forgot the cold with which afflicted at the time and aroused my mind to new vigors.
I left Great Village after the first six months and got in as under teacher in Truro Academy. I boarded at Mrs. Brinyan's with Miss Rogers. I spent a very pleasant summer in this place. I devoted myself with great ardour to my studies and made considerable progress in Latin and Greek.
1849, Sunday March 25. I spent in reading and some time in prayer. I felt anxious about the concerns of my soul and willing to serve my God and to give glory to His name and in my weak endeavours to serve Him. I found how utterly helpless I was and greatly required His assistance was necessary in the performance of his great work. I pray God that He may enlarge my heart to ask things that are agreeable to Him will give those instructions necessary to guide me in my pilgrimage here below.
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Tuesday 27 Was reading today of the peace and unity that prevailed between Lot and Abram. Surely that peaceful nature which so much characterized them should be sought by us also. We have the whole counsel of God before us and have can we then but prosper under the influence of such a teacher if we continue under His teaching God will ultimately give unto us the promised land and there be subjects under his divine authority for ever and ever.
18 Today I have reason to raise my heart to God for his goodness to me though I am mindful of Him He is not unmindful of me. O may I have assurance in God which Abram of old had when receiving the promise, knowing that promises are held out to me by my blessed Saviour Jesus Christ.
Sunday 1st of April Today I feel tired of a long journey but I wish to give glory and praise to God for His goodness in conferring strength on me to perform my journey and on the morning of his holy day I do desire to enter his sanctuary and sing aloud to God for his marvellous works to me.
"O that men to the Lord would give
And for His works of wonder done
Unto the hearts of men".
1849 April On the last day of April I left Londonderry and went to Truro according to the proposal to teach in the Academy as Second Teacher. Here I also began to study the Latin and Greek more fully and took the advantage of services of my kind friend the head teacher. Mr. Blanchard who gave me a lesson every day in these branches. This together with my own diligence enabled me to overcome many difficulities in these branches. I continued in this place till the first of November when I left and went to Halifax to attend the Free Church college in that city, being rather scarce of funds I had to teach about two hours each day. From this teaching I realized as much as paid my board for the session. But my progress was not so great here as I anticipated at first on account of the delicate health of our Professor. I had to uncounter many difficulties being my first session at College, and being also engaged in school teaching. But notwithstanding all these impediments I find much pleasure in studying the classics, especially the Anead of Vir gil in latin. It sends a thrill of living fire through my very soul and rasies my mind to the regions of the sublime.
1849 Sunday May 8 This is the first Sunday that I spent in Truro. The sight of the good old mansion the church brought back again fond recollections to my mind. As I went along the road thither associations carried my mind back to the remembrances of former days when I used to repair thither in company with my dear companions who are now scattered to and fro each I trust in his sphere of usefulness.
When entering the house of God and sitting for a short time having my mind musing on the wings of imagination a man came running in saying the house is on fire. O for the confusion of that moment each one running to the door. In the midst of this confusion I instantly thought how dreadful would be the alarm at the last day when the trumpet woudl wound calling forth rise ye dead and come forth to judgement. But as the fire was not very great it was soon overcome. We again entered the church and joined in the worship of God. Our good and pious minister, Rev. Mr. McCulloch preached two very good and practical sermons faithfully applying the truth of God to the necessities of man.
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receiving those instructions which shall be made subordinate for greater and more useful ends and while the mind is thus taught in natural things do Thou teach the minds of spiritual things for Thou alone are able to teach lovingly an dto profit. Turn not away from me, O lord, but Thou hear and forgive and grant to me an answer of peace for Christ's sake, Amen.
Summer 1849 All this summer I spent in Truro, teaching in the Academy and studying at the same time, saying a lesson morning and evening to my teacher Mr. Blanchard and in this way I made considerable progess in my studies, having read the second and third and forth and fifth books of Ceaser and the first book of Virgil in Latin and fifteen chapters in John's gospel in Greek and went through the greek grammar twice. This summer I reckoned to the most pleasant any of my pervious life and one I think as profitably spent as any. I continued here for some time, still holding the view of going to Halifax to proceed with my education, but while I was here for the Rev. Dr. Burns of Toronto came to Truro and preached a sermon after which I had some conversation with him. I spoke to him of going to Toronto to college and also to teach school. He gave me all the information in his power and all the encouragement so I made up my mind to go. I continued in this opinion until the first of November when I was met one day in Truro by my worthy friend Mr. Wm. Murray who persuaded me with all the earnestness of which he was capable to give up my notion and to go to Halifax to take me as an assistant in ths school during the winter, to which he complied and immediately sent me a dispatch by telegraph to come down forthwith.
After settling my business in Truro I went to Halifax by the coach on the 17th of November 1849 and entered the Free Church in 144 Argyle St. Halifax on the 20th November 1849 under Professer McKenzie one of the best and greatest of men.
I had not been long under the tuition of Professor McKenzie when he died, to the grief and loss of our infant college. He died of liver complaint. The day before he died he was attended by his fellow labourer Prof. King, who faithfully watched oever his spiritual interests. A short time before he died, Rev. Prof. King prayed earnestly with him and when done Prof. McKenzie stretched his hand and took Prof. King by the hand and bade him a final adieu with their two hands thus clasped together his soul took its flight from its clay tabernacle to its almights Source. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the spirit for they shall rest from their labourers and their works do follow them."
After his decease hes place was supplied prom tem by Rev. A. Romans and (?) Honeyman, with whom we studied logic and the classics. During my stay in Halifax I had to teach two hours in the day in the aforementioned school which I found very labourious to attend to school and college both.
My first session at college being now gone through I returned home and in five days went in quest of a school. After travelling a few days I at last succeeded in getting a school in Earltown for six months in the place where my brother Alexander had taught for five years. While I was here I had a very full school and I gave pretty general satisfaction. The first of November, my time being again out, I started again for Halifax to meet our new Professor, Rev. Prof. Lyall. I performed my journey to Halifax in company with Mr. Murray and performed that long journey in two days. I arrived in Halifax, visited some friends and then took up my lodgings at Mr. McNab's boarding house. I together with four others rented two rooms and found our own provisions but got them to cook. I entered
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the college under Rev. Prof. Lyall whom I admire much as a teacher, especially in Philosophy. We apparently will have a prosperous session - we have plenty to do.-
1850
Dec. 25 - I have been privileged to see another Christmas. I was invited to take dinner at Mr. McNab's and tea at Mr. Books. In the forenoon went to the Methodist meeting. Came home and dined accordingly. I also spent the evening very merrily in company consisting of nine of the students and four young ladies - the wine, the songs and the jokes went round with great glee until half-past eleven o'clock. Sent a letter to E. today also. I thank my God that I have yet been made the spared momment of his mercy and as Thou art permitting me to see time, O prepare me for eternity.
Saturday 26th. I have nothing particular to record of today. Since I wrote last I have done very little in the way of study. Went to the recitation class and for th efirs titme in my life tried to take th eplatform to recite. My piece was "What a Change". Invited to eaon the Monday night to Mr. Wisdom's* - had a letter from Dr. Burns. The doctor is as vigourous as ever - wrote to brother Alex. Have received no letter from home yet.
April 11th - Today our college was closed by the professors in due form. The following subject was given to the students that have a mind to join Divinty class next session under Prof. King.
Our session being now ended I visited home to see my parents and people - the following day I took the stage to Truro where I remained a few days with some friends. - But my stay at home was short because I had to return again to Halifax to teach in St. John's school, arrangements having been made between the committee of that school and Wm. Murray and myself.
Soon I returned to Halifax and commenced my new employment on the 13th May 1851. The school increased very fast under the superintendence of my colleagues and myself. On the second day of July the school was examined by the Presbytery of Halifax and from the expressions of satisfaction expressed by almost all present we found that our labours had not been in vain.
About this time I also attended a course of lectures in Botany delivered by Prof. A. Forrester at the Horticultural Gardens. These I found most interesting and instructive and considerably sharpened my taste for that science which I always looked upon as a favourite science.
In the last of October I appeared before Presbytery for examination I passed and the Clerk of Presbytery was instructed to give me a certificate to enter the Divinity Hall. I entered the Hall under Prof. King on the 4th November 1851. This is a very important step in my life. I fear I am not qualified for much an important move* but I pray God I may be made qualified for my duty and made more to feel my responsibility.
On Wednesday the 28th of January I joined the Order of the Sons of Temperance, North Star Division. Paid and initiation fee of 12/6. There were four of our student joined at the same time viz. G. Munro, A. McKay, R. Murray and myself.
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Appeared before the Presbytery for examination previous to my entering the Hall the second year. My examination was sustained by the Presbytery and the clerk instructed to give presbyterial certificates for my entering the second year in the study of Divinity.
The session commenced on the 3rd ay of November 1852 in Prof. King's study room, the rooms of the college not being ready for our reception.
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