Putting together a paper, magazine article, or book of
any description can be a daunting task - particularly for the
uninitiated, non-professional writer, and all contributors to
this work fall into this category. Therefore, if our attempt at
putting together this humble publication is not as slick as the
New Yorker, or as in-depth intellectually as the Atlantic
Monthly, your forbearance is requested.
Many years ago William R. MacLean of Nova Scotia
produced the first work on the Nova Scotia MacKean Family
branch titled "MacKean Chiefs". He was building on a
previous publication by Cornelius McKean of Perry, Iowa,
published in 1902. The genesis of this latest MacKean
history has spanned many years with several generations of
various branches of the family stating that "someone should
up-date the MacKean Chiefs book", and countless others
wishing it had been done. Finally, the principals involved
here decided that, if a definitive work was to be published,
buck-passing and waiting for others to complete the task had
to stop. They made a commitment and began the amateur,
fumbling, embryonic steps required to compile a book, as
complete as possible, on the Nova Scotia MacKean clan and
its ancestral origins.
Some paraphrase of "fools rush in" may be applicable.
I (Wilma Powell, nee MacKean, of Halifax and Aspen, Nova
Scotia), was persuaded by many people to oversee the task
and coordinate the publication. Principal among these was
John McKeen of Saint Paul, Minnesota. His drive,
enthusiasm, and work ethics were an inspiration to all
involved. His writing and archival research, which included
trips to Scotland, Pennsylvania, Canada, and New England,
comprise a major portion of this volume. I, in turn, had to do
some persuading in order to get the quality of help I required,
thus Clarence Archibald, whose knowledge of business and
un-questionable character proved to be the right choice. His
recall of 'who's who' has also proven invaluable. The most
difficult task in this undertaking goes to the editor, and I am
sure "Divine Guidance" led me to Bobby Marks, ''who does
not have a drop of Blue Blood in his veins, but is my nephew
by marriage". He took on the Herculean task of editing,
sorting, developing, and maintaining the volumes of
submitted material in a user-friendly data-base. Without his
help, and the cooperation of his understanding and loving
wife Joyce - this project
would not have been possible.
I do not want to give the impression that this endeavour was
a chore, as becoming involved in the project has given me
the opportunity to meet and correspond with some new,
interesting, and delightful people. It has also helped to spur
me on to head up the MacKeen reunion, thus making it
possible for everyone to get acquainted and enjoy this great
clan.
On behalf of Clarence and myself, we wish to make special
mention and thanks to the following:
Joyce Archibald, Clarence's patient, understanding, and
loving wife;
Brian McDormand of Italy Cross, Nova Scotia who
contributed his extensive research on the MacKeen clan
which he compiled over the past ten years;
To the people who contributed completed individual family
trees, and everyone who took the time to complete the data
forms that, without which, this book would not be possible;
To the generous folk who donated money 'just to help out', as
this is a non-profit venture;
A warm, heartfelt "thank you" to the people who gave me
moral support, even though they may not have been aware
of it;
And my family, my friends who have ordered many copies of
the book without question.
I have decided not to try and name, individually, all the
people who have assisted in one way or another, in case I
inadvertently miss someone.
Last, but by no means least, I want to pay special tribute to
my dear husband, Ray Powell, for having the patience to
survive me and my infatuation for 'things MacKean' these
many years. You are the best honey.
WMP
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