Iain Mhurchaidh Eòin Mhóir

John K. MacNeil was born in Jamesville, Victoria County, and later made his home in Big Beach, Cape Breton County. He was the son of Murdoch J.(Eòin Mór) and Mary (Dòmhnull Thormoid) of Piper’s Cove, descendants of MacNeils from the Isle of Barra.

A cherished member of Christmas Island Parish, John K. was full of fun and always ready with a joke or an entertaining anecdote. As a neighbour recalled, “ He was well liked and so bloody funny on the tongue!” Each year, he delighted local children by playing Santa Claus at the old parish hall. He loved a good dileag and never missed an opportunity to share stories.

John K. worked for Canadian National Railroad with the “extra gang,” where he was as much a source of entertainment as he was a laborer. He also worked as a farmer. Though he never married, he had a wide circle of friends who valued his humor and companionship. His brother, Dan Rory, is also featured in the Cape Breton Folklore Collection. John K. died on November 12, 1979 and is laid to rest in Christmas Island Cemetery.