It was granted by the government ("Family Compact") to Archibald 13th Laird of McNab (1779-1860), who had fled from his debts in Scotland.

He promised to settle it with Highland clansmen, and the first group of eighty-four settlers arrived the same year, 1825.

Only after eighteen years of petitions, court battles, and appeals was his grip loosened when the government finally began issuing Crown grants to the settlers.

[2] In addition to the main town of Braeside, the township also comprises the communities of Burnstown, Clay Bank, Clay Valley, Dewars, Glasgow Station, Goshen, Lochwinnoch (partially), Lundys Corners, Pine Grove, Sand Point, Stewartville, Rhoddy’s Bay, Waba and White Lake.

On April 16, 2024, Mackenzie decided to suspend himself for 60 days, stating he is no longer comfortable being the face of the township.