John McKay was born at Reay, Sutherland, Scotland 1751, and trained for the ministry in Scotland before emigrating to Canada with the British Army where he served in Montreal for several years. Reportedly he served in the "Seven Years War", fought under Sir. John Johnston, was Presbyterian. Some think he went to New York in 1770. Family tradition has it that his father is Angus McKay. He married Catherine McDougall, Roman Catholic, ca. 1781, in Canada and their children included: Angus who m Margaret/Marjorie Ferguson, dau of John; Mary Margaret who m Peter McLennan and is buried at Williamstown, Ontario; James who m Mary McPhee; John; Alex; Nellie who m Archie McPhee; Kate who m J.R. McMillin at Lagan, Glengarry, Ontario; Maggie who m Allan McPhee; and Margery who m A.D. Glassford.