Eóghainn Nìll Eóghainn Iain

Daniel Hugh “Hughie” MacInnis was from Shore Road, Little Judique, Inverness County. He was born on September 8, 1904, in Glendale, Nova Scotia, to Neil MacInnis and Catherine MacGillivray. His MacInnis ancestors came from Moidart, Scotland.

Like many Cape Bretoners of his generation, Hughie left home at a young age in search of work. At just 18, he travelled to Detroit, Michigan, where he found employment as a painter with the Ford Motor Company. It was there that he met Sarah Agnes “Sadie” MacDougall of Little Judique Ponds.

Hughie and Sadie were married on June 11, 1929, in Detroit. They began their family there, but the years of the Great Depression brought difficult circumstances. Hughie’s job was eventually terminated, and like many Cape Bretoners who had gone to Detroit for work, they were forced to return home. When they made the journey back to Cape Breton, they travelled with their 1931 Model T car.

Back in Cape Breton, they raised a family of ten children together. In their early years, they faced challenges securing housing, but were given a generous opportunity by an elderly MacEachern couple on Shore Road. The MacEacherns invited Hughie and Sadie to live with them in exchange for helping to care for them. In time, Hughie and Sadie took over the farm and came to own the home and its 150-acre property. Hughie worked the farm for many years before later taking a job with a construction company.

Hughie was a tall man with a quiet and gentle nature. He enjoyed spending time with family and neighbours, and was known for his love of visiting. He played a few tunes on the fiddle and especially loved singing Gaelic songs. While his children did not speak Gaelic fluently, they would often join in on the choruses.

He is remembered as an honest and devout man, deeply committed to his faith. He faithfully recited the rosary and said his prayers each night before bed.

Hughie passed away in 1984 at the age of 80 and is buried at St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery in Port Hood.