Norman, born 1839, was the son of Peter MacMillan and Ann Ferguson. In 1841 they were living in old Ruisgarry, where Peter was a farmer. 

With the re-organisation of Ruisgarry in 1845, most of the family emigrated to Cape Breton. However, Norman stayed behind, settling in Rodel with his uncle Donald MacMillan. He later married Ann Morrison of Ludag, Berneray. They made their home at Rodel.