The Last Lairds of MacNab a Tale of Arrogance, Greed, Vindictiveness and Tragedy by David R Rorer instant download

The Last Lairds of MacNab a Tale of Arrogance, Greed, Vindictiveness and Tragedy by David R Rorer instant download

Francis MacNab of Macnab 1734-1810, 16th chief

Archibald MacNab of MacNab 1777-1860 17th chief

The clan was unfortunate in having these two as chief, Francis was colorful, imprudent and if he thought about his debts it was only to avoid paying them. He settled the estate on his nephew Archibald who found the estate hopelessly encumbered with debt, yet made no effort to satisfy the creditors. Eventually, to avoid being haled into court, he ran away to Canada where he obtained a land grant from the government. Writing back to Scotland he promised land and supplies to would be settlers. Instead he treated them as serfs, extracted rents to which he was not entitled,, abused and generally mistreated them. Eventually, the settlers of MacNab Township were able to successfully petition the government for his removal. He then moved to Hamilton, Ontario, where he spent a decade attempting other scams and failing at them too. 

MacNab died in poverty and exile in France in 1860 leaving only an unmarried daughter as his sole heir. The Bovain Estate was acquired by the Earl of Bredalbane the principal creditor and Archibald's grant is now part of MacNab/Braeside township in Renfrew County Ontario