My sister Karen McRae visited Shelagh McRae (our cousin) of Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island in May 2000. Gwynnyd's grandfather, William McRae moved from Hopetown to Manitoulin Island in the mid 1800's. Based upon information from Shelagh, Karen transcribed a document "The Pioneers of Hopetown" written by Ila McKellan which describes the early settlement of Hopetown Quebec by Duncan McRae and his descendants.
Although the "British Roll of Honour" states Duncan McRae was a Colonel in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, and who took part in the taking of Quebec in 1759. Since the Gordon Highlanders was not created until 1794, it seems "The Pioneers of Hope Town" account in which he was a common soldier in Wolfe's army is the true history.
The website gogaspe.com has lists and photographs of those buried in cemeteries in the Gaspe area. Hope Town has two included, one for St_Andrews_United_Hope_Town, and a second for St James Anglican Hope Town. Both these have many graves by the name of McRae.
Although the "British Roll of Honour" states Duncan McRae was a Colonel in the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, and who took part in the taking of Quebec in 1759. Since the Gordon Highlanders was not created until 1794, it seems "The Pioneers of Hope Town" account in which he was a common soldier in Wolfe's army is the true history.
The website gogaspe.com has lists and photographs of those buried in cemeteries in the Gaspe area. Hope Town has two included, one for St_Andrews_United_Hope_Town, and a second for St James Anglican Hope Town. Both these have many graves by the name of McRae.
Photograph of tombstone containing name of Ila McRae from St Andrew's United Church Hope Town, Quebec
author of The Pioneers of Hope Town.
author of The Pioneers of Hope Town.
After posting this page, my brother Bruce McRae sent me this document entitled "Descendents of Farquhar McRae". The author, who put a great deal of effort into the research contends that Duncan McRae actually fought in the Battle of Quebec which took place during the American Revolutionary War, Dec 1775 and not the better known Plains of Abraham Battle of 1759 between Generals Wolfe and Montcalm.
The "Descendants of Farquhar McRae" traces my ancestors from Farqhhar McRae to my grandfather Malcolm McRae.
This was updated in a chart made by Shelagh McRae in 2010.
The "Descendants of Farquhar McRae" traces my ancestors from Farqhhar McRae to my grandfather Malcolm McRae.
This was updated in a chart made by Shelagh McRae in 2010.