1841 - Ceatharnach Mhegantic – The Megantic Outlaw

In July 1841, Murdo Morrison of Kneep and his wife Sophia sailed from Stornoway aboard the brig Lady Hood Mackenzie bound for Canada in hope of a better life.

Having borrowed money to buy land, they were cheated by an unscrupulous agent out of their farm near Lake Megantic. Their youngest son Donald’s efforts to avenge this crime and his ability to evade his pursuers earned him the title, the Megantic Outlaw.

Sadly he was tricked into giving himself up, charged with manslaughter, although he had acted in self-defence, and sentenced to eighteen years hard labour. He was released after four years but died several hours later. He is buried in Gisla Cemetery, Quebec.