John Dubh Maclean, 4th Chief

John Dubh Maclean, or Iain Dubh mac Gilliemore in Scottish Gaelic, or John Maclean the black was the 4th Chief of Clan MacLean.

John Dubh Maclean, 4th Clan Chief
4th Chief of Clan MacLean
In office
circa 1320 - circa 1365 (45 years)
Preceded byMaolcaluim mac Giliosa Maclean, father
Succeeded byLachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart, son
Personal details
Spouse(s)Daughter of Cumming, Lord of the Braes of Lochaber
ChildrenLachlan Lubanach Maclean of Duart
Eachann Reaganach Maclean
ParentsMaolcaluim mac Giliosa Maclean

Biography

John succeeded his father as chief of the clan. He was known as Iain Dubh Maclean, or Black John Maclean. He married a daughter of Cumming, Lord of the Braes of Lochaber. He undoubtedly had large possessions, particularly the lands of Duard and Lochbuy, of which the Lord of the Isles was his feudal superior.[1]

He had three sons:[1][2]

It would appear that John designed the lands of Duard for Lachlan, and those of Lochbuy for Hector. Such, at least, was the way in which they were disposed of. These two brothers made a considerable figure during the reigns of Robert II of Scotland and Robert III of Scotland. The prominence of their father, as well as their own affable behavior and pleasing manners, gained for them the friendship of John, First Lord of the Isles, in so much so, that it excited the jealousy of the courtiers, among whom the chief of MacKinnon, the master of the household, became a most inveterate enemy. In order to accomplish his revenge, or satiate his jealousy, he determined to cut the brothers off by taking their lives, while they were hunting with Lord John. Having been warned of MacKinnon's designs, the brothers easily thwarted his plans. Shortly afterward MacDonald (Lord of the Isles) started on some expedition from his castle at Arc's in Mull to the mainland, intending to remain for a season at his castle of Ardtornish in Morvern. MacKinnon, having been unavoidably detained, was to follow after, but, meeting the two brothers, he renewed the quarrel between them. Both parties were well armed, and had their retainers. In the affray which took place MacKinnon was killed while in the act of mounting into his galley, and his followers dispersed. Skene calls this "one of the most daring actions which has ever been recorded of any Highland chief." His version, however, is somewhat different from the above. Not knowing how the Lord of the Isles would take the death of the master of his household, they resolved to apply heroic measures, and keep by force that friendship which they thought might now be forfeited. They now proceeded to follow up their act by one still more daring. Immediately they manned MacKinnon's galley with their own men, and started in pursuit of John, whom they overtook a short distance from Ardtornish, captured his vessel, and carried him prisoner to one of the Garvelloch islands. Here he was detained until he solemnly promised them to remain their true friend.[1]

Death

He died during the reign of Robert II of Scotland.[1]

Ancestors
Iain Dubh mac Gilliemore's ancestors in three generations
Iain Dubh mac Gilliemore Father:
Maolcaluim mac Giliosa		 Paternal Grandfather:
Malise mac Gilleain		 Paternal Great-Grandfather:
Gilleain na Tuaighe
Paternal Great-grandmother:
Paternal Grandmother:
 Paternal Great-Grandfather:
Paternal Great-Grandmother:
Mother:
Rioghnach of Carrick		 Maternal Grandfather:
Gamail, Lord of Carrick		 Maternal Great-Grandfather:
Maternal Great-Grandmother:
Maternal Grandmother:
 Maternal Great-grandfather:
Maternal Great-Grandmother:

References

 This article incorporates text from A history of the clan Mac Lean from its first settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the present period: including a genealogical account of some of the principal families together with their heraldry, legends, superstitions, etc, by John Patterson MacLean, a publication from 1889, now in the public domain in the United States.

  1. MacLean, John Patterson (1889). A History of the Clan MacLean from Its First Settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the Present Period: Including a Genealogical Account of Some of the Principal Families Together with Their Heraldry, Legends, Superstitions, Etc. R. Clarke & Company. p. 32. Laird of Brolas.
  2. "One Clan, Two Families". Clan Maclean. Retrieved 2009-03-24. Lachlan Lubanach and his brother Hector Reaganach were, respectively, the progenitors of the Duart and Lochbuie families but how these two acquired land in Mull is not known for certain, but they are certainly the first Macleans on the island.
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