I’m looking for information on Michael MacLean, a long time resident of Inverness County, Cape Breton. Born in 1840, MacLean served 12 years in the American Army and was a veteran of the that country’s civil war from 1861 to 1864, possibly with the 2nd Regiment U.S. Cavalry. Upon returning to Port Hood, MacLean took up fishing before turning his hand to farming.

He married Catherine MacDougall in 1870. The mother of at least 9 of his children, she passed away in 1887 at the age of 44. MacLean married secondly, Mary MacDonald, the daughter of “Domhnull MacAilein”, and fathered three more children. MacLean perished sometime between 1901 and 1907.

His children include, by his first wife: John Laughlin, Mary Catherine Ann, Laughlin, Angus, Annie Bell, Sarah, Neil Francis, Mary Sarah, and Joseph Alexander. Children by his second wife include: Donald “Dan” F., Catherine Isabel “Cassie Belle”, and John Ranald.

Any information on this family would be appreciated. Specifically, I’m looking for the parents of Michael MacLean. His father is known to have been born in the province, and his mother in Scotland.