I am trying to trace my great grandfather, Neil MacLean. He came to Molega, Queens County NS. around 1891 from Cape Breton NS to work in the Molega gold mines. He married Katherine Joudrey and as far as I know never returned to Cape Breton. What I know of his origins is from Census documents, marriage certificate etc. He was born in Cape Breton between 1860 and 1865.and gave his religion as Catholic. His father was Malcolm MacLean, born in Scotland ; his mother was Mary born Cape Breton. Family tradions says he came from the Irish Cove/Big Pond area. Two other young MacLean men Alexander and Donald came to Molega with him but appear not to have stayed. At least one of them was a brother according to my grandmother. She remembers them speaking Gaelic to each other.

I have found only one family in the Census listings that fit all the above criteria. They are listed in the Big Pond Census. and in 1891 the family is as follows
Malcolm MacLean, age 78,Head, born Barra Scotland, Catholic
Mary MacLean, age 70, wife, born NS
Neil MacLean age 27
Alexander MacLean, age 22
Anna MacLean, age 21
Donald MacLean, age 18
(Note: Malcolm and Mary are listed as ages 55 and 54 in the 1881 Census)

Is there anyone who has researched or is familiar with this family and could finally confirm that this is my Neil.
Thanks
Burdette

Neil and family can be found on the 1901 and 1911 census for Shelburne-Queens, Sub-District Brookfield... OF NS
His marriage to Catherine (1892)can be found registered at www,nsgenealogy.com.. Brookfield was the census place .. Neil was of Molega.. On his marriage his parents show as William and Mary..He was born Cape breton..MacLean spells as "McLain"

Good Luck

syl

Neil's death is also registered at the NS web site --April 5, 1937.. Parents-- "Malcom Maclean and Mary Macneal"--His wife "Catherine"

Regards,

syl

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. In 2006 when I submitted this query, NS Vital Records where not available online. What a great resource we now have!!