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THE MACNEILS OF BARRA
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XIX. Roderick, eldest son of Lachlan, succeeded his father in the chieftainship of the Macneils of Barra. He was born, March 10, 1845. He owns an excellent farm at Vernon River and is in comfortable circumstances. He is a tall, good-looking, kind-hearted, and pleasant man. He paid a visit to the island of Barra three or four years ago. He married Catherine Ann Campbell and has five sons by her. He has probably just as much peace of mind and real happiness as if he were laird of Barra.


BRANCHES OF THE MACNEILS OF BARRA

I. Hector, fourth son of Neil of Barra and Margaret Maclean, was tacksman of Vaslan. He was married and had Hector and others. Hector, Eachann Mac Eachainn, was married and had a daughter who was married to Lieutenant Roderick Macneil, son and heir of Macneil of Barra.

II. John, second son of Gilleonan of Barra, removed to Kintyre about 1680. John, grandson of this John, settled in Ireland about 1750, married Anna Kearney and had one son by her. John’s son was an officer in the 9th regiment and served under General Burgoyne in the American war. He was taken prisoner at Saratoga. He married Blair Spence, returned to Britain, and went to live in Edinburgh, where Gordon, his only son, was born. After his death Gordon was taken to Ireland by his grandfather, John Macneil, and educated at the University of Dublin. Gordon married Anna Maria Swift, and had by her one son, John Gordon Swift, and a daughter named Blair. J. G. Swift was a minister in the Irish Episcopal Church. J. G. Swift Macneil, M.P., is his son, and is the only known descendant in the male line of the John Macneil who settled in Kintyre.

III. Gilleonan, son of Roderick Macneil of Barra, and Isabel Macleod, lived at Brevaig. He was married and had one son, Roderick, his successor. Roderick of Brevaig married Catherine MacdonaJd, and by her had Rory Og, Gailleon, Lachlan, Catherine, and Margaret. He came to Prince