John Thompson Log House - Digital Archive

Biographical Info

The John Thompson Log House was built in 1845 on land owned by “Big” John Thompson. Thompson used huge pine logs hewn on both sides when building his cabin, as opposed to the smaller common logs of black ash or cedar, which has aided in the overall preservation of the John Thompson Log House. The rare one-and-a-half storey structure still has its original stone fireplace. Thompson commissioned stonemason Angus McDonald to construct the foundation, and Peter Lamont as carpenter on the project. McDonald was a master mason, called “Clahair” or “Stonemason” in Gaelic.

After emigrating from Scotland, the two Thompson brothers, Neil and James, started families in Puslinch. Both brothers had sons named John, with Neil’s son known as “Big John” and James’ son known as “Little John.” “Big John” Thompson became a farmer, while his cousin became a tailor. 

The property is historically associated with Scottish immigration from Argyllshire and the settlement of Killean in Puslinch. The John Thompson House is part of the Crieff Hills Community.