1813

Born Braal, Halkirk Parish, County Caithness, Scotland(7)

1 June 1829

Joined the Hudson Bay Company. The Hudson Bay Company Records (A.32/41) 1829, June 1st. Agreement: John McKay of BRAWL in the Parish of HALKIRK in the county of CAITHNESS as a Labourer for five years at £17 p. a. for the first three and £18 p.a. for the last two years. Signed with his mark.(7)

1 June 1830

In the records of the District Office, York Factory, Manitoba, Canada.  Attached to General Charges.(8)

1 June 1831

In the records of the District Office, York Factory, Manitoba, Canada. Does not give a district for him.(8)

1 June 1831

Columbia District Records show him attached to Fort Vancouver, Oregon Territory(9)

23 June 1833

[Tolmie at Fort Nisqually]  After dinner, accompanied by Brown & McKay two of the servants, rode over to the Nusqually River to see if a barrier across path would be an effectual obstacle to the oxen in their attempting to descend the steep bank. . . only a force of six effective men in the midst of treacherous, bloodthirsty savages, with whom murder is familiar. ⁽¹⁸⁾

27 June 1833

At noon Chief Trader Heron arrived, followed by a large squad of Portage Indians all mounted.  He is to assume the charge here. (19)

28 June 1833

Mr. H. has got the remaining moiety of store converted into a bedroom, the goods being chiefly removed to the shop.  Tonight the apartment is tenanted by his & Pierre's wife.  Rendall keeps Pierre company -- Brown & McKie are at the farm house and I am "left alone in my glory" . . . (19)

29 June 1833

Earthquake shakes Puget Sound.  Journal of William Tolmie, "Mr. Heron returned about 9 this morning to breakfast.  Afterwards we mounted the north bank of Coe by the path and were occupied nearly all day in collecting specimens of the soil . . . H[eron](19) and I on horseback,  While thus engaged our three attendants, McKie, Brown and Peter Tahi, the islander, felt the earth under them shake violently at least twice.  Brown first exclaimed, and seemed much alarmed -- He and McKie were on their knees at the time and felt violently lifted up, the sensations of Peter I could not ascertain, Mr. H and I did not perceive anything remarkable -- this happened at 20 minutes from 2 . . . which is not far wrong. . . "(17)

3 July 1833

It was discovered by accident tonight, that he ["The Frenchman"] understood the Spokan language which H's wife [Josephte Boucher] speaks.(20) 

10 September 1833

[Tolmie Pg 234]  Rode out in the evening with John to discover what sort of rush would best answer for covering houses.

18 September 1833

[Tolmie Pg 235]  In the evg. the Cadboro hove in sight, but anchored about 5 miles distant close to the isle which bounds the prospect to N. E.  John & Louis being dispatched in a canoe about an hour after midnight returned with the letters etc from Ft Langley -- we have jus concluded their perusal.

24 September 1833

[Tolmie Pg 237]  With John's assistance arranged the store & afterwards resumed the study of Geography. . .

2 October 1833

[Tolmie Pg 239 - 240]  I did not look on my situation before as at all critical & was a good deal surprised by his statement which I think is much exaggerated.  Gave each of the men a musket & 6 charges Ammunition & had all the guns loaded, in order to be prepared for the worst.  Have desired John McKay to sleep in my apartment.

10 November 1833

[Tolmie Pg 249]  Have undertaken the task of teaching John McKie, the man who attends me to read & today wrote him an alphabet.  He is a well dispositioned and steady lad & deserving of encouragement. 

19 May 1834

Named in the Fort Nisqually Journal as one of the men at Fort Nisqually, Puget Sound, Oregon Territory.(10)

26 May 1834

[Tolmie Pg 280 at Ft. McLoughlin, Millbank sound]  The brig Dryad seen a short distance below. . .  Lay awake chatting with Anderson till 3 AM. . . Heron gone to Colville, Nusqually & Fort Langley -- both kept up.

27 January 1835

Tuesday. This morning sent off John McKie and Bourgean and family to Vancouver with the accounts of this place and Langley.(11)

Vancouver, April 4, 1837

Since the day it arrived I have contrary to expectation seen or heard nothing of Ouvre's deposition against Mr Heron, but, in glancing hurriedly over it I perceived that it was falsely asserted that the Fort had been left in charge of only one man-- On referring to a private journal--[Tolmie Pg 325]

17 October 1838

Father Modeste Demers baptized Step-son George Herron, [age 4 1/2] daughter Isabelle Elizabeth  [b. 2 Jan 1837] and son William [age about 7 months], at Fort of the Lakes.  John McKay named as being Postmaster of Fort of the Lakes located at the head of Upper Arrow Lake.(12)

30 October 1838

Josephte Boucher, aged 21, daughter of Josephte Boucher, freeman and Josephte woman of the country, baptized by F. N. Blanchet.  Fort of the Lakes.(12)

1 November 1838

M 13 John McKay and Josephte Boucher.  That it might be known to those whom it may concern, the 1st of November, 1838, in the presence of the witnesses undersigned, the Sieur John McKay, Post Master of the Fort of the Lakes, on the River Columbia, in the service of the Honorable Company of Hudson's Bay, member of the Protestant Religion, and Demoiselle Josephte Boucher, member of the Roman Catholic Church, have renewed and ratified, as before these witnesses, they renew and ratify before us priest undersigned, Vicar General of the Columbia, the mutual consent of marriage, which we have received by virtue of extraordinary powers conferred to us by His Grandeur, Monsigneur Joseph Norbert Provencher Bishop of Juliopolis.  The said spouses have also recognized and made known as their legitimate children Isabelle born the 3 January, 1837, and William, aged about 7 months, issue of their natural marriage contracted while waiting the presence of a person authorized to receive legitimately their said consent, of marriage, done and recorded at Fort of the Lakes, on the River Columbia, the day and year abovesaid, before us priest undersigned, in presence of Andree Chalifou, distinguished guide on the River Columbia, who, not knowing how to sign, has made his mark by a cross, and of Frederic Minie and of Etienne Fortier, undersigned,  The spouses, as well as Andree Chalifou, having declared not knowing how to sign, have made the mark of a cross.  Frederic Minie  Etienne Fortier  Andre (X) Chalifou  John (X) McKay  Josephte (X) Boucher  F. N. Blanchet, priest, V. G.(12)

18 July 1840

Son John McKay baptized by Modeste Demers in the Fort Colville area, Oregon Territory.(12)

31 August 1847

Retired from the Hudson Bay Company and settled in the Willamette Valley.(13)

14 May 1848

Son Alexander McKay baptized by B. Delorme, at the St. Louis Church at French Prairie in the Willamette Valley in Champoeg County, Oregon Territory. (6)

March 1849

Appears on the Champoeg County Provisional and Territorial Census Records. Foreigners Twenty one and upwards  Foreigners Male McKay John.  His wife's step father Hubert Joachim also appears.

20 May 1849

14-B John McKay Abjuration. The 20 May, 1849, we undersigned parish priest of St. Louis, have in supplying the ceremonies of Baptism, baptized conditionally John MacKay husband of Josette Bouche. We have received his abjuation and have renewed to him his consent to marriage in the presence of M. Veyret, priest. Godfather Andre Lachapelle, godmother, Louise Humpherville.(6)
 

21 May 1849

"875" St Louis Church 10th of Sept 1852

This is to certify that I have married John McKay and Josette Bouche in the presence of  Francis [Hayrat] and Andrew Lachapelle on the twenty first of May 1849. 

B Delorme cath pr. (14)

26 May 1849

Applied for citizenship Clackamas County Oregon.  (14)

20 September 1850

14-B Charles MacKay. The 20 September, 1850, we undersigned parish priest of St. Louis have baptized Charles born the 14 of the legitimate marriage of John Mackay and of Josette Bouche. Godfather Charles Lafantaisie and Isabelle Hubert.(6)

23 December 1850

Visited by the census taker.  Living in Marion County, Oregon Territory.  Household consists of John McKay age 36, Jane age 30, George age 18, Elizabeth aged 14, William age 13, John age 11, Robert age 7, David age 5, Alexander McCoy age 2, Charles age 1.  John born in Scotland, the rest in Oregon Territory.

8 September 1851

Granted citizenship Marion County, Oregon Territory.(14)

12 November 1851

The 12 November, 1851, after the publication of three bans of marriage made at the sermon of our parish masses between Jean Francois Guerin of the parish of St. Louis of the Willamette, of-age son of Francois Julien Guerin, deceased, of Pleherel Department of Cotes du Nord, France, and of the living Marie Jeanne Salmon on the one part; and Isabelle McKay, minor daughter of John McKay and of Josette Bouche, farmers of this parish, and by the consent of whom we proceed, on the other part; nor having moreover found any impediment, we undersigned parish priest of St. Louis have received their mutual consent to marriage and have given them the nuptial benediction in the presence of John McKay, the father of the bride, Baptiste Aubichon, Louis Menes, Henri Ducheney who have signed with us as well as the groom.  J. Guerin  Ls Frs Menes  H Ducheney   B. Delorme(6)

12 Feb 1852

The 12 February 1852, we the undersigned parish priest of St. Louis have baptized Marie born the 8 of this month of the legitimate marriage of John McKay and of Josette Bouche of this parish. Godfather, Jean Francois Guerin, godmother Isabelle McKay.  The godfather has signed with us.  Jean Francois Guerin  B. Delorme.(6)

15 September 1852

Filed papers for his Donation Land Claim in Marion County Oregon.(14)

1853

Appears on the census of Marion County.  John McKay, 1 voter, 6 males, 2 females.(15)

28 March 1855

We undersigned parish priest of St. Louis have baptized Felicite Marie Magdelaine born the 25 of last month of the legitimate marriage of John McKay and Josette Bouche of this parish.  The godfather has been William McKay who could not sign, the godmother Rose Hubert who has signed with us.  Rose Hubert  B Delorme, pr Vg.(6)

3 May 1857

The 3 May, 1857, we undersigned parish priest of  St. Louis have baptized Josephine born the 21 April last of the legitimate marriage of John McKay and of Josette Bouche inhabitants of this parish.  Godfather Aug Doullot, godmother Marguerite Flett his wife who has signed with us.  Auguste Douillot Margaret Flett B Delorme V.g.(6)

4 August 1857

The 4 August, 1857, in view of the dispensation of one bann of marriage, granted by us, and the publication of two others made at the sermon of our parish masses two consecutive Sundays between William McKay minor son and legitimate of John McKay and Josette Bouche inhavitants of this parish and by the consent of whom it proceeds on the one part; and Rose Biscornet of age daughter of Pascal Biscornet, now dead, and of the living Louise, Indian, of the same parish on the other part; and not having discovered andy impediment, we undersigned parish priest of St. Louis have received their mutual consent to marriage and have given them the mutual benediction in the presence of Narcisse Moray, Edouard Bellanger, John McKay, Sophie Biscornet who could not sign.  B. Delorme, V. g.(6)

6 October, 1857

The 6 October, 1857, in view of the dispensation of two banns of marriage granted by us and the publication of the other made at the sermon of our parish mass between Johnny McKay of the parish of St. Louis minor son and legitimate of John McKay and of Josette Bouche domiciled in the same parish and by the consent  of whom it proceeds on the one part: and Sophie of the same parish minor daughter and legitimate of Pascal Biscornet, now dead and of the living Louise, Indian, by the consent of whom it proceeds on the other part, and not having, furthermore, encountered any impediment, we undersigned parish priest of St. Louis have received their mutual consent to marriage  and have given them the the nuptial benediction in the presence of Jean Francois Guerin, Peter Kittson and William McKay brother of the groom.  The two first have signed with us.  J F Gurein  Peter Kittson B Delorme, V.g.(6)

18 September 1859

The 18 September, 1859, we undersigned priest have baptized Samuel, born the 8 of this month of the legitimate marriage of John McKail and of Josette Bouche of this parish, godfather Julien Bouteiller, the godmother Marianne Robidoux who could not sign.  L. A. LeBas, priest, miss, apost.(6)

16 June 1860

1860 Federal Census.  Fairfield township, Marion County, Oregon.  John McKay age 47 b. Scotland, J age 41 b. W. T., R age 18 b. W.T., D age 14 b. W.T., A age 13 b Oregon, Charles age 10 b. Oregon, Mary age 7 b. Oregon, F age 6 b. Oregon, J age 3 b. Oregon, S age 9/12 b. Oregon.

1863

George Herron married Jenny at Fort Colville in Stevens County Washington.(16)

6 July 1874

6 July, 1874, we the undersigned Pastor of St. Louis after the proclamation of one ban, dispensation having been obtained for the second and third by the Vicar General, have received the mutual consent of marriage of Antoine Dellart son of Joseph Dellart and Elizabeth Souchonab, on the one part, and of Mary McKay of this Parish, daughter of John McKay and Josette Boucher, on the second part, and have given them the nuptial benediction in presence of Mr. Francis Moisan and William McKay, witnesses.  G. A. Varmeersch, P.M.(6)

9 November 1874

November 9, 1874, we the undersigned pastor of St. Louis, after the proclamation of three bans, have received the mutual consent of marriage of Moses, Bertrand, son of Gedeon Bertrand and Denise Risson on  one part and Felicite McKay, daughter of John McKay and Josephine Boucher on the other part, and have given them the nuptial benediction in the presence of Eugene Pierrard and Josephine McKay, witnesses.  Rev. G. A. Vermeersch, Pr. M. (6)

10 May 1875

May 10, 1875, we the undersigned, after the proclamation of three bans, have received the mutual consent of marriage of Charles son of John McKay and Josephine Boucher, on the one part; and of Elizabeth, daughter of John Pierre Sanders and Elizabeth on the other part, and have given them the nuptial benediction in presence of John Pierre Sanders and David McKay, witnesses.  Rev G. A. Vermeersch, P.M.(6)

11 Feb 1876

Feb. 11, 1876, [Gervais Records]  We the undersigned parish priest of this parish, have interred in the Cemetery of St. Louis the body of Marie McKail, widower wife of Antoine Delord, deceased in this parish aged of thirty years.  Present Antoine Seguin, Joseph Matte, Francis Morin and Joseph DeLore who have not signed.  L. Gaudon, pr.(6)

9 May 1877

May 9, 1877, we the undersigned have blessed the grave and buried the remains of William McKay, aged 40 years and 2 hours, legitimate husband of Rose Biscornet, whom we testify to hve been buried in the cemetery of Gervais in presence of Francois Murray and John McKay.  J. Dols, parish priest.(6)

14 May 1879

Buried his wife Josephine Boucher, in the St. Louis Cemetery (Catholic). Records are in the Gervais Register. ⁽¹⁾

8 June 1880

Living in Woodburn Precinct, Marion County, Oregon with son Charles and his family. Also in the household are John's daughter Josephine and his son Alexander. ⁽²⁾

13 June 1881

Conveyed title to his Donation Land Claim. The documents were filed at the Oregon City Land Claim Office. [Have not discovered who he conveyed it to yet.]⁽³⁾

27 August 1885

Received Holy Confirmation from the Archbishop of Oregon City. ⁽⁴⁾

1888

Died. "His last years were spent near Woodburn, where he is buried." ⁽⁵⁾