Flòraidh Eóghainn Dhòmhnaill 'ic Aonghuis

Flora Mae MacLellan | Flòraidh Eóghainn Dhòmhnaill ’ic Aonghuis was born July 19, 1909 in Broad Cove, Inverness County, to Hughie D. and Annie (MacPherson) MacLellan. Her people came from Morar, Scotland when her great grandfather, Angus MacLellan (Archibald), emigrated from Swordland in 1816. Angus arrived with his wife Isabella MacLellan and two sons, Donald and Ronald. They spent the first winter with relatives in Malignant Cove, Antigonish County, and then moved to Broad Cove, securing a 200 acre land grant in 1832.

Donald married Marcella MacEachern of Mount Young, and they had 12 children, Flora’s father Hughie D amongst them. Hughie D. and Annie MacPherson married in 1899 and lived on the homestead. Flora was their sixth child, born July 19, 1909.

Flora’s first language was Gaelic and she held a rich store of cultural knowledge. There are six recordings from her in the collection: two impressive international tales (‘Ridire an Fhàinne’ and ‘Sgeulachd a’ Chait Bhig agus a’ Chait Mhóir’), two songs, information about local bàrd Dòmhnall Thormoid and an expression. As Dr John Shaw notes, “To Flora’s remarkable memory we owe international tales that are unique among folktales recorded in Cape Breton” (Na Beanntaichean Gorma, p. 204).

Flora’s brother Archie Dan is also part of the Collection. Speaking of Archie, Shaw observed how “his sister Flora appeared to know most of Archie Dan’s material by heart as well as [being] his constant companion during recording sessions, occasionally discreetly prompting him” (ibid, p. 204).

Flora is remembered as a modest, kind woman and a hard worker in the house and on the farm. She was a member of St Margaret of Scotland’s Parish and lived most of her life in Broad Cove. In her later years, she lived with her niece and nephew in Little Judique and her final years were spent at the Inverness Manor. She died at age 97 on January 18, 2007.