Duncan Donald MacSweyn, known to all as Duncie, was born in 1871, in the former Kenyon Township, now North Glengarry, in a community on the Dunvegan Road known as Cotton Beaver. It was obvious from his teenage years that he had a great deal of natural talent.
Duncan Alexander Macdonell was a major promoter of Scottish and Celtic Music in Glengarry for nearly 30 years. He was born in St Raphael’s to Angus Alexander Macdonell and Marjorie MacKenzie.
Drawn to Glengarry by the music and the people, Gerry has shared his Irish musical heritage with the county for over 40 years and is a worthy nominee for the Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame.
At a very early age, Ellen Cameron, became interested in Highland dancing. Her first teacher, Mary Saunders, immediately saw her potential. Once she had mastered the basics, Ellen began competing in local competitions where she won numerous local awards.
Hughie’s family roots in Glengarry go back to the late 1790s. He grew up with eight sisters and five brothers on the family farm near Martintown. His father, William, had a great influence on Hugh, teaching him to play the guitar at the age of six. His siblings recall that there was always music in the house and their mother, Margaret Kennedy, frequently would dance with the children in the kitchen.
Omer and Angelina Ranger started their life together in Vaudreuil, Quebec, but moved to Glengarry County in 1911. They purchased land here and built their home. During their years in the brick home, they parented 12 living children. The house was filled with music and parties.
A native of Glen Sandfield, Ontario, Lloyd was born to Roddie and Edna MacCuaig (nee MacMillan) on Jan 12th 1935. Lloyd died on Jan 13th 2016. His mother Edna was a very accomplished pianist and influenced his style and choice of Scottish Music.
Darrel Edwin Neil MacLeod is the son of RD and Clara MacLeod. His musical ability includes playing the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, tin whistle and the bodhrán and singing.
The MacQueens from Skye were a very musical family who contributed to the music of Glengarry for over 50 years both as musicians and promoters.
The Glen Orchestra was one of the most popular performance groups in Glengarry for over 15 years. They played from St Eugene to Berwick, but were most popular in the North Glengarry area.