John McKay was born to Angus McKay of Dornoch, Scotland in 1751 at Reay, Scotland. John m ca. 1781 perhaps at Montreal to Catherine McDougall, daughter of Major John McDougall. John McKay d 1839 maybe at Laggan.

It is believed John McKay trained for the ministry, joined the Black Watch and arrived in NY 1770, came to Canada with the British Army after the Revolution, was in Montreal for several years, and received a grant of land near Lancaster ca. 1784.

Children of John and Catherine McKay included:
1. Angus b 1785 perhaps in Montreal, d 1853 Martintown, m Margaret or Marjorie Ferguson, dau of John.
2. Mary Margaret m Peter McLennan of Glenbrook & she's buried at Williamstown.
3. James m Mary McPhee, had son Black Duncan McKay, lived at Alexandria.
4. John.
5. Alex.
6. Nellie m Archie McPhee of Greenfield.
7. Kate m J.R. McMillin of Laggan.
8. Maggie m Allan McPhee.
9. Margery m A.D. Glassford.