The History of the Family

This part of the blog will begin a summary of the family history as far as we can go..

One question to be addressed is how our family with the Scottish surname got to Nova Scotia. The Family Heritage Map gives an abbreviated explanation. Roger MacPherson has written a extensive report which details wives and siblings of the males listed next to the map. When the Thirteen Colonies sought separation from Britain in 1776, Highland Regiments, including the 82nd, were raised to battle the rebels. When his Regiment was disbanded in 1783, James was given 100 acres of land near Pictou Landing. The Highland Scots became farmers, miners, tradesmen and labour leaders in Nova Scotia working in Albion Mines, Stellarton, Springhill and eventually Sydney at the beginning of the 20th Century. Steel, coal, civic administration, and electrical engineering were occupations which finally brought the family to Lower Sackville in HRM. The "Sackville MacPhersons" have diverse careers. The 21st century "Reid" bears a name which has been present in the MacPherson line for over 200 years.