Person:John Maclean (2)

John was known as the Inverness Centenarian and 'The Gael'. It is believed that he was raised by his grandfather (unknown). He died approx. 105 years old. Queen Victoria sent him 5 guineas in a purse on his 100th birthday. John was a 'presenter' (song leader) in his church right up until he died. He wrote for the Inverness Chronicle on local life and stories. His son Finlay had his books published later in his life. From these books it is known that John's two uncles fought in the battle of Cullodin in 1746 for Bonnie Prince Charlie and that he can remember when potatoes were first planted in Inverness in 1756, after being discovered and imported from the 'New World'. His books include: 'Historical and Traditional Sketches of Highland Families and of the Highlands' - printed by Dingwall, Advertiser Office 1848. 'Reminiscences of Clahnacuddin' - printed in Inverness by Donald MacDonald 1886 'History of Clan MacLean' by JP Maclean, printed in Cincinati by Robert Clarke and Co 1889, - 'Men of Athol' and 'Robertsons of Athol'. The Clan Gillean by Rev A. MacLean Sinclair (Book) in Reference : A reprint of The Clan Gillean by Rev A. MacLean Sinclair, originally published in 1899.

1. ↑ IGI
2. ↑ Family Files - J P Maclean P 2, P386, History of Clan Maclean
3.   Known as the Inverness Ventenarian, lived to the great age of one hundred and six years, and died in the year 1852. He was of the Dochgarroch family. From his infancy he gave a greedly ear to the recital of old stories. He was gifted with health and a remarkable memory and by means of the latter many historic incidents of the country have been preserved from oblivion. The stories he recited were published in a local paper in 1842 and then gathered into book-form ... Brought up by his Grandfather after his parents died. His grandfather was about 70 years at that time.