[1][3][4] John was born in 1604 at Duart Castle, Mull, Argyll, Scotland.

[5] He was the son of Hector Og Maclean, 15th Clan Chief and Isabella Atcheson of Gosford, daughter of Sir Archibald Acheson, 1st Baronet.

His full brother was Donald MacLean, 1st Laird of Brolas[6][7][8] Isabella was the daughter of Sir Archibald Acheson, 1st Baronet.

[3] John Hans Makeléer and Anna had fifteen children, with ten surviving to adulthood.

They are:[2] In 1635 he loaned 1,150 thalers to Queen Christina of Sweden to supply her army at a time when the Royal treasury was depleted.