People Share Wild Pieces of Family History Passed Down by Ancestors

The author’s family history is filled with colorful characters and fascinating stories, none more so than the tale of their great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather(?), Andrew. Faced with a difficult situation in Cork, Ireland, he took matters into his own hands and threw rocks through his landlord’s windows. Rather than face the consequences, he made the bold decision to flee to Canada, where he started a new life as a farmer on the Ottawa River.

To blend in with the Scottish settlers in the area, he even changed his surname to MacDonald. However, when the tax collector came knocking, Andrew was not one to be pushed around. He imprisoned the collector in his cellar until they backed down. It’s a story of ingenuity, perseverance, and a willingness to stand up for what one believes in, even in the face of authority.