by Yvonne McCargar
My grandmother, Evelyn McCargar, in her later years invested in the research of our family tree and I have used that research and more to pen my novel, “Life or Land: A McCargar Story”.
The McCargars were one of the first families of the Kemptville area, and the patriarchs are buried on the grounds of the Old Methodist cemetery. Thomas McCargar, the eldest son of Thomas McCargar Sr, built the first stone house in the area later called Leahurst house.
I have written a book on how the McCargars came to be in North America. This first book I have published takes the reader from Scotland to Quebec to New York through various campaigns, captures, escapes, etc. I am working on the sequel that will follow the McCargars when they leave the army until they obtain land in South Gower Township. I also have plans for a third book related to my father-in-law’s experience. Being Polish, he was picked up and sent to a Russian gulag, released to join Anders Army, fought in the battle of Monte Cassino, came to Canada as a displaced person, and worked on a farm in Smith Falls for two years before being granted citizenship.
While the book is a work of fiction, I have researched the time period and I believe my novel respects and stays true to the history. With my love for Jodi Picoult’s books, I have given another take on the killing of Jane McCrea, who’s death I believe incited such outrage that may have caused many, who were not called upon by Washington, to join the fight.
My novel contains various themes of alcoholism, spousal abuse, postpartum depression and prejudices of the time. My father, John Coleman McCargar (now deceased) was born and raised on a farm in Mountain, built by Hugh McCargar, the fourth son of Thomas McCargar Sr. All seven sons of Thomas McCargar became prominent members of the area. Thomas McCargar Jr, the eldest, served as an ensign in the battle of 1812, a captain in the rebellion of 1837, and later a magistrate of Johnstown District.
I grew up just outside of Kenmore with my three sisters, went to school in Metcalfe (Osgoode Township High school) and attended Algonquin College. I have worked for the last 34 years as a dental hygienist at the Manotick Dental Clinic, and continue to do so. Some of the books that inspired me to be a writer include a grade 8 read for me – Anya Seton’s book “Katherine”, which made me fall in love with historical fiction, then later in high school, I read “Five Smooth Stones” by Ann Fairbairn about the Civil Rights Movement, and “The Women’s Room” by Marilyn French about the Feminist Movement. I am also a fan of Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” books. I like an easy read and I believe I write in that manner. I’m 64 and have lived in Ottawa for all of my career, but my sisters live in Osgoode and Greely, and my mother is in the Wellings of Winchester.
I encourage all locals to pick up a copy of “Life or Land: A McCargar Story”. I’m sure that you’ll be glad you did!