Volume V No 11 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Clans 2014! - An International Gathering of Clans planned for July 11 - 13, 2014 Stirling, Scotland
AFTER A LONG ANTICIPATION, IT IS in 2014: A packed Bannockburn 700 Weekend, OFFICIAL: Stirling Council has followed on to featuring re-enactments, the official opening of the EventScotland’s recent announcement of funding National Trust for Scotland’s new Visiter Centre • for Scotland’s 2014 Year of Home- A potential youth arts festival and coming with a huge announcement schools event • A “Stirling Tastes of their own: Stirling will host an Good” food and drink festival in internationalgathering of clans, September • A potential angling proposed for 11 - 13 July 2014 to festival. coincide with the Sekonda Stirling Of course, the Standing Highland Games. Council of Scottish Chiefs has al- The 2014 clan gathering is ready committed host to a nd In- envisioned to take place across a ternational Clan Convention to number of venues in Stirling, and conduct the global business of the is planned to feature: • Clans Village • Cavalcade Clans, in 2014, most likely also in Stirling and well procession between the Clan Village and the Castle coordinated with Clans 2014, Bannockburn 700 • Entertainment on the Esplanade • A program of etc. COSCA and Standing Council will partner in musical and other cultural events in other key ven- America to ensure that American Scots are well ues. integrated into all of the 2014 events, especially From the looks of it, things are going to be the Clan Convention. absolutely hopping in Scotland in 2014, especially This is going to be fun. Stay tuned for more in Stirling. In addition to all of the regular cultural info as it becomes available. Buy more luggage. and entertainment events in the area, and in addi- Go here to take a peek at Stirling Council’s tion to Clans 2014 International Clan Gathering, excellent 2014 website: http:// Stirling Council plans to add the following events www.stirling2014.co.uk/
Wishing you all Beth’s a Newfangledblessed Family Easter Tree &Section a joyous B April 2012spring Page 1 Site Seeing This will make you smile for days! http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1kZW8e79Bm0&feature=player_embedded
It is interesting to note that Flowers of the Forest is an ancient Scottish folk tune. The original words are unknown, the melody was recorded about 1651-1625 in the John Skene of Halyards Manuscript as Flowres of the Forrest, though it may have been composed earlier. Several versions of the words have been added to the tune, including Jean Elliot’s lyrics in 1756. Powerful solo bagpipe versions of the song are used at services of remembrance, funerals and other occasions; many know the tune simply as The Lament.
The Clan Macfie 2012 Colonsay Calendars were a great hit and due to the response we had to make another small order and we have about 20 left, and we will not be placing a reorder, so if you did not get a 2012 Colonsay Calendar, send $17.00 for calendar and postage to: Jim McAfee, 420 Ash Dr. , Baxter, TN 38544 Ginger McAfee, Macfie Clan Society of America www.clanmacfieofamerica.com
Page 2 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Clan Annual Whisky Meeting At Seminar Pleasanton CA. planned Sept 1-2 for 2012 Plan on attending the annual Clan Ramsay Association meeting which will Scotland be held in the Pleasanton California this year. County Games The games will be held over Labor Day A “stop the presses” announcement weekend at the Alameda County Fair- from Bill Caudill. grounds. This year the Scotland County High- Liz Howe, Clan Ramsay’s Nevada land Games will include a new Whisky Commissioner has made arrangements with Seminar and Tasting event. Hosted by a Larkspur Landing Hotel in Pleasanton for local afficianado, this event will feature reservations. Reservations need to be in by high-end single malts with gourmet food August 9, 2012. pairings...... some serious good stuff here For more information about reserva- folks! tions, contact Liz Howe at Watch our upcoming announcements
Visit the Clan Macfie FaceBook page Glen Cathey has recently put up The Official Clan Macfie FaceBook page and it is ready for you to join and participate. You can see some Youtube of the Clan Parliament at Nethybridge. This is the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ The-Official-Clan-Macfie-Page/177565770680 Clan Crawford Association Incorporated to serve our members worldwide to preserve our legacy. Our Associates can assist you with surname related activities including events, DNA genealogy, heraldry, surname history and more. Ralf Smart, Director, SE 803-425-5316 or [email protected] or www.clancrawford.org
Page 4 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Looking for your Scottish Family History? Visit our newly redesigned website: www.unicornlimited.com
Information on hundreds of Scottish families, as well as: * Bagpipe music books * Scottish history and culture * Scottish and Celtic folklore * The Scots and Scots-Irish in North America Visit our site to purchase instant download materials Unicorn Limited, Inc. Since 1979, your #1 source for information on all things Scottish! Renny and Vicki McLeod P. O. Box 125, Loachapoka, AL 36865 334.501.0202 [email protected] Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 5 Clan Graham Society If you are a Graham or Sept of Graham, you are cordially invited to share in a proud and noble heritage. For application, write: Clan Graham Society Norris Graham PO Box 70 Yucca, AZ 06438-0070 www.clan-graham-society.org Don’t forget - Tartan Day is coming April 6!
Page 6 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Flowers of the Forest
James Carr Grizzard passed away ones choice in Jimmy’s memory. March 22, 2012 in Gainesville, Georgia after a lengthy illness. Winton D. MacLennan, born May Jimmy was a 1969 graduate of 26, 1937 on Prince Edward Island, Canada, Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. He was passed away on February 18, 2012 after a an active figure in the Scottish community, long illness. Win was a long time member and was well known throughout the south- of Clan Donald through his mother (a east for his remarkable presentations of MacArthur from Islay), “Ode to a Haggis” and and the past president “Tam o’ Shanter” at of Clan MacLennan As- Burns Night Dinners. sociation USA. He also He was an active was instrumental in member in both the forming the Keltae So- Burns Club, and the St. ciety at David Andrews Society of Lipscomb University, Atlanta. Jimmy was a and was their first ad- member of the 78th visor. Fraser Highlanders, New Inverness Garrison, Atlanta, Georgia, Zenna B. Childress, age 96, of where he was heard as the voice of the regi- Laurens, SC passed away in Laurens ment at the highland games throughout the County Hospital on Sunday, January 29, south. 2012. He was a long time member of both Mrs. Childress was born in Pool, Clan Donald and Clan Kerr, and served W.VA. on April 20, 1915. She moved to many years as President of the Kerr Fam- South Carolina from Arizona to be nearer ily Association of North America. to her sons and their wives. after her hus- He is survived by his wife, Corrine, band, Grover Childress, passed away. brothers George King Grizzard of New Mrs. Childress is believed to have been Smyrna Beach, FL, Stephen Jones Grizzard the oldest living relative of Bartholomew of Clarkesville, GA; a sister, Jeannine Ramsey, 1776-1843. Annette Grizzard of Ashland, Oregon; and Mrs. Childress is survived by her two nieces Virginia King Grizzard-Brierley of sons, James of Aiken, SC and Richard of Los Angeles, CA and Elizabeth Jones Hendersonville, NC, three grandsons, Ty, Grizzard of Atlanta, GA. Doug, and Greg Childress and three great- In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the charity of Continued on page 8 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 7 Flowers of the Forest, con’’t from page 7 granddaughters, Monique, Ainsley and Sa- vannah.. A memorial service and graveside cer- emonies were held at Phoenix Memorial Park, Phoenix, AZ where she will lie in quiet repose with her loving husband, Grover
Richard Sutherland Gary, FSA Scot, 76, of Swanton, Maryland, passed away last December 9. Mr. Sutherland was a life member of the Clan Stewart Society in America. He was a poet.
Alexander Pratt, 86, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died recently. Mr. Pratt was born near Glasgow, Scotland. He emigrated to Hawaii after WWII and worked asa carpen- ter. He was a life member of the Clan Stewart Society in America and was very active in the Scottish culture there in Ha- waii. Clan Blair Society Membership cordially invited from Blair descendants and other interested parties. www.clanblair.org President: Helen L. Blair 7516 E. Hermosa Vista Dr. Mesa, AZ 85207-1110 [email protected]
Membership Chairman: Charles Diman 3413 Sunnybrook Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210-4715 [email protected]
Page 8 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Release of 1940 US Federal Census imminent
Bryan Mulcahy, Reference Librarian, Fort Myers, Lee County Library
Good Morning: I am sending this as a re- day, the best source to begin learning how to minder about the upcoming release of the 1940 use the census is by visiting the following link Federal census. While most of you probably al- http://www.archives.gov/research/census/ ready are aware of the significance of the event, I 1940/start-research.html on the National Ar- am including some tips gleaned from the National chives home page. This section discusses the Archives and members of the Lee, Collier, and release of the census and includes additional Charlotte County genealogical societies. Please be links, one of which will be to the NARA Online advised that what I am providing is an overview. Public Access Catalog (OPA) mentioned in the 1. The is no current index of names. How- previous tip. ever, both Ancestry.com and Family Search will 5. Is there a source where I can find gen- begin the process of creating a person name eral information on the 1940 census including index to the census upon formal release to the FAQ’s and a listing of questions that were public. asked? The following link http:// 2. How long will this project take? There www.archives.gov/research/census/1940/gen- is no easy answer to this question. Both orga- eral-info.html will provide this type of general nizations are soliciting volunteers to assist in information, FAQ’s, and links to relate infor- the project as well as other options. In my re- mation including tutorial videos compiled by search on this issue, I’ve heard speculation archives personnel in conjunction with several ranging anywhere from one to ten years. professional genealogists. The FAQ’s are es- 3. How can I locate ancestors without an pecially important because it will provide ad- index? Patrons must identify the enumeration ditional information on important matters such district in which they lived in 1940 and browse as the codes that were added by the Bureau of the census population schedules for that specific Census after the enumerators shipped the cen- district. The National Archives has placed pdf sus schedules to Washington. This section will copies of the enumeration district maps and de- also discuss fees if patrons need certified cop- scriptions on their website under the classifica- ies of pages relevant to their research. tion NARA Online Public Access Catalog Bryan L. Mulcahy, Reference Librarian (OPA). Fort Myers-Lee County Library at 2050 Cen- 4. Where can I go to get more information tral Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901-3917. Tel: on how to view these maps and other informa- (239) 533-4626: Fax: (239) 485-1160 or E- tion to prepare my search strategy? As of to- Mail: Bryan at [email protected]
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 9 Taking your camera to a Highland Games? Why not send your pictures to [email protected] and have them pub- lished in this magazine with your own photo credit? Just send about 30-40 or more pho- tos on a disc to: Beth Gay-Freeman, 102 Lakeside Dr., Walhalla, SC 29691. Your pho- tos will be featured in the next BNFT - along with your very own photo credit!
Hispanic Genealogical Society of Southern California PO Box 2472 Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-0472 http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/GSHA.htm
Subscribe now, for wonderful Celtic reading Celtic Seasons ...from the Stream of Celtic Consciousness Just send your name and address and some kind of monetary donation to: Rich Shader 2593 Chapparal Drive Melbourne, FL 32934
Page 10 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Celtic Music Talent Set for the 19th Annual Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games HUNTERSVILLE, NC: Rural Hill announced fied audiences on two continents. They have added the Celtic music talent set to perform at the 19th to their ever-growing family of fans — affection- Annual Rural Hill Scottish Festival & Loch ately known as the Rogue Army — at music festi- Norman Highland Games April 21 & 22. Interna- vals, theaters, Highland Games, renaissance festi- tional and regional groups and individuals will vals, clubs, pubs, and corporate events — anywhere headline the weekend’s festivities including Celtic that presents top-quality, high-energy music. This rock groups the Rogues and Rathkeltair, the hard- has even included regular rotation on satellite ra- driving Texas Celtic sounds of Clandestine, and dio. Their hard won road successes have estab- traditional Celtic musicians Ed Miller, Jil lished them as artists with bona fide international Chambless and John Taylor. Complete schedules, acclaim. event information and advance tickets are avail- Rathkeltair blends compelling and catchy able online at www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net. original songs with Fun for the entire family, the Rural Hill Scot- tight, driving tish Festival & Loch Norman Highland Games straight-ahead rock- weekend offers professional Scottish heavy athletic n-roll, while never competition, amateur heavy athletics, piping and forgetting its Celtic drumming, highland dancing, Scottish country roots. Based in Jack- dancing, children’s activities, demonstrations and sonville Beach, Rural Hill’s famous historic encampment. Return- Florida, and highly ing this year are the “Kids Zone” and the popular regarded for its ex- Celtic Rock Music Stage including the Saturday traordinary energy, showmanship and profession- evening concert. The Advance 2-day (Sat. & Sun.) alism, Rathkeltair enjoys a loyal and rapidly ex- discount ticket is $25.00 and includes admission panding community of friends and fans. Rathkeltair to the Saturday night concert. Complete informa- features three veteran road-warriors from England, tion and advance ticket purchases are available Northern Ireland and America. Noted singer- online at www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net. songwriter/guitarist Trevor Tanner, former front If the 78th Fraser Pipe Band sat down with man for The Bolshoi, a mainstay of the UK club the Waterboys, the Chieftains, the Rolling Stones, scene at the height of the MTV era and the subject and the Dave Matthews Band, and then asked some of a rabid international underground cult follow- friends from a sym- ing, writes most of the band’s original material. phonic orchestra to join Drummer Nick Watson (formerly of the Field them at the table the re- Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band) and bagpiper/ sulting sound might be- multi-instrumentalist Neil Anderson are two of the gin to resemble the original members of Clan Na Gael (7 Nations), the Rogues. For nearly two NYC-based band that kicked off the “kilt rock” decades the perfor- phenomenon in the US in the mid-90’s and inspired mances of this many of the groups working in that genre today. CeltRock Folk Classi- Clandestine is hard-driving, toe-tapping cal group have electri- Continued on page 15 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 11 Clan Sinclair Association, Inc., (USA)
7 ft. x 9 ft. tent panel created by Heraldic Artist, Tom Freeman, for the 2009 Gathering in Edinburgh. Clan Sinclair Association, Inc. (U.S.A.)
Do you know who came to North America almost 100 years before Columbus’ famous voyage? Prince Henry Sinclair in 1398!
Come join (and enjoy) your Sinclair family
President Membership Contact Melvin Sinclair Alta Jean Ginn 224 Bransfield Road 12147 Holly Knoll Circle Greenville, SC 296715 Great Falls, VA 22066 864-268-3550 703-430-6745 [email protected] [email protected] Page 12 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree * Section B April 2012 A Highlander And His Books.... The Art of Scottish-American Cooking Kay Shaw Nelson
Reviewed By Frank R. Shaw, FSA Scot,
Like many of you, us The Art of Scottish-American Cooking. Any- I have had the privilege thing but a novice in the kitchen, this author of 20 of enjoying some great cookbooks gives us a wealth of Scottish-Ameri- meals in America, Eu- can recipes. She takes us through the alphabet of rope and the United Scottish food from Annapolis Deviled Crab to Williamsburg Spoon Bread, touching on all Kingdom, especially in points in between. The list Scotland. Yes, Scotland! [email protected] makes you want to go Scottish food gets a bad back to Scotland and put rap by some, but I can tell your knees under a Scot- you they have never had the opportunity to dine tish table or venture to that favorite part of America in the home of Angus Tracey on the Black Isle where the Scots left their culinary marks. to the delight of his poached salmon, in the In Kay Shaw Nelson’s cookbook you will kitchen of Clan Shaw Chief, John Shaw of learn about Scottish men and women who impacted Tordarroch, where his wife Sylvia served the our eating habits in the United States. You might most delicious roasted chicken you’ve ever be surprised at the list: John McIntosh (apple); tasted, sat at the table of Ken and Jean Cox a Mary Johnson (hand-cranked ice-cream freezer); few miles down the road from Culloden for a Philip Armour (Armour & Co.); Rev. Sylvester full Scottish meal, feast on Jamie and Meta Graham (Graham cracker); Joseph Campbell Scarlett’s Scottish venison at their Milton of (soups); another Campbell family along with the Moy home, stay at Dunain Park Hotel just out- Hutchinson family (Moon Pie, one of my favor- side Inverness and enjoy as good a breakfast pre- ites as a child along with an RC Cola); David Jack pared by Chef Anne Nicol (nee Shaw) as there (Monterey Jack cheese); Julia Child (cookbooks is anywhere or stand in line at her nightly side- and television shows); Rev. Elijah Craig (Bourbon board filled with scrumptious homemade des- whiskey, my kind of minister!); Dr. James Crow, serts, or eat the most succulent lamb one could (Old Crow Bourbon whiskey); and let’s not forget ask for in the Edinburgh home of Robert and James Beard and Craig Claiborne (a Scotch egg Pauline MacGillivray. So much for the lover) who probably did more to refine the food naysayers! tastes of America than any other two people. These Now along comes Kay Shaw Nelson with folks all have one thing in common – they are Scots a cookbook that speaks to every Scottish- Ameri- or have Scottish ancestors. can heart. She has done the world, and Scottish One of my favorite recipes in this book is Americans in particular, a great favor by giving
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 13 Interesting History of John Blair (written by Bob Blair, John Blair’s Great Grand Nephew) John Blair 15 November 1803-6 March 1836 John was the second oldest son of Tho- of Scottish cattle drovers as cattle have been a part of mas Blair and Polly Wall Blair. Although it has the lives of most of the subsequent generations been often stated that John was from Tennes- of Blairs. see, the Blair family was in the Cape Girardeau, John was less than one year old when Missouri area by 1806. John may have been Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off born in Georgia before the family moved or from St. Louis to explore the northwest. He possibly in Missouri. If he was born in what is would have been startled at age eight by the first now Missouri, he was one of the first Ameri- violent tremors of the New Madrid earthquake cans born in Louisiana Purchase land. The centered just about fifty miles south and would treaty had been signed have been astounded in Paris in April but to find out that the was ratified by the quake opened large United States con- chasms on the land gress just a month be- and had changed the fore John’s 1803 birth course of the mighty date. John’s family river. He would have was typically large also witnessed the and he had six broth- Great Comet of 1811 ers and two sisters. and a solar eclipse in The family was Meth- September of the odist and John’s fa- same year. ther was one of the The young charter members of the first congregation west John may have been enthralled by stories of the Mississippi at McKendree Chapel near of Zebulon Pike, Colter, Sparks, Freeman Jackson, Missouri. John’s middle name is not and, of course, Lewis and Clark exploring new known but several of his brothers are middle lands and having unimaginable adventures. named after prominent Methodist bishops of Living on the Mississippi in the early 1800s the time. His physical appear- meant that he would have ance is not known but the been exposed to fur traders Blairs were typically of fair With thanks to the and adventurers like Manuel complexion, freckled, tall, Lisa, Auguste and Pierre lanky and had red hair. Blair Bruidhinn Choteau, Mike Fink and other The Blair family had likely men enthusiastically pursuing come to America sometime after the Highland clear- their fortunes on the river. He may even have ances of the eighteenth century and via Antrim county, been an excited witness to the first steamboat, Ireland. John’s father, Thomas, is thought to have been The New Orleans, traversing the Mississippi. born in Georgia around the time of the Declaration of As a teenager, he saw Missouri become a state Independence. The family may have been descendants in 1820. Continued on page 17 Page 14 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Music at Loch Norman, continued from page 11 Texas Celtic sound. Formed in 1991, the band John Taylor is a fiddler and composer from is known for their brand of blasting tune sets and Buckie in Scotland and a past winner of the Niel fresh songs. Piper EJ Gow award for Scottish fiddling. Jones and fiddler Gre- Taylor is well known in Scottish gory McQueen lead the country dance circles having ap- tunes with the full force peared in many parts of the world of their individual mu- including the USA, Canada, New sical energies. Al Cofrin Zealand and various parts of the brings cittern and occa- UK. He has recorded specific sionally another set of country dance music CDs with Andrew Imbrie and bagpipes to the mix. Percussionist and singer Emily has often appeared with Texas-based folk singer, Dugas captivates with her original song collabora- Ed Miller. In a review of their first collaboration, tions with Al, as well as her singular interpreta- The Edinburgh Rambler, the Austin American- tions of songs in the Celtic genre. EJ and Al also Statesman called Taylor “brilliant.” join Emily on vocals, with many songs now set in three-part harmony. Ed Miller has been hailed as “one of the fin- est singers to come out of the The Scottish Folksong Revival” and as “one of Scotland’s best Henderson’s singing exports.” Originally from Edinburgh, he has for many years been based in are coming! Austin, TX where he gained graduate degrees in Folklore The Clan Henderson Society will be and Geography at the Univer- represented at the following games during sity of Texas. Ed has recorded April: 8 CD’s of Scottish songs. Jil Chambless is without a doubt one of o 13-15 Apr: Scottish America’s top Celtic music vocalists and musi- cians. A native of Montgomery, AL, Jil was first Festival, Batesville, AR introduced to Celtic music in the o 14 April: Scots-Irish 1980s when she met the Tuscaloosa, Alabama based Festival, Lexington, VA band, Henri’s Notions, and the o 14 Apr: Tartan Day, rest is history. During her tenure, the Notions have completed four Fremont, CA recording projects and per- o 20-22 Apr: Loch Norman formed nationally at concerts and festivals. Under the production magic of Scot- in Huntersville, NC tish legend Brian McNeill (founder of the Battle- field Band, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and o 21 Apr: Scottish Games, producer) Jil has finished the recording of her first Bakersfield, CA solo CD. Jil performs with Henris Notions as well as a trio setting with Scottish singer Ed Miller and o 27-29 Apr: Iron Thistle, the Notion’s Scooter Muse. Yukon, OK Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 15 91st Clan Macneil AGM set for 57th GMHG this July The Clan Macneil AGM will be held in con- The AGM will be from 6-8 PM on Friday, junction with the 57th Grandfather Mountain July 13 at the at the Banner Elk Presbyterian HIghland Games which are planned for July 12 - Church, Banner Elk, NC. July 15, 2012 near Linville, North Carolina. The Clan Macneil Council Meeting will be held there at 2 PM, Friday, July 13. For info on GMHG, contact Cheryl Farthing 2nd Annual at [email protected]. Rim Country Celtic Festival April 14 & 15th, 2012 Payson, AZ Elks Lodge 1206 Beeline Hwy Admission Adults: $10.00 Children: 6 – 16 $5.00 Under 6: Free Saturday: 9 am til 5 pm Opening Ceremony: 12 noon Sunday: 9 am til 4:000 pm Kirking of the Tartan Many clans will be represented and there will be vendors of Celtic wares entertainers musicians & dancers American and Celtic foods will be available Genealogy help will also be available Pres: Lloyd D Gibson @ 575 649 5015 web: www.rimcountrycelts.org web: http://rimcountrycelts.webs.com e-mail: [email protected]
MacDuffee Clan Society of America, Inc. Of Clan MacFie Organized July 1962
Annual General Meeting each year in July Registrar: at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Marty Rosser 336-275-8619 [email protected] Genealogy Chairman: Richard Ledyard Treasurer: David Nathan McDuffie 865-671-2555 [email protected] 678-557-9215 [email protected]
Page 16 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 John Blair, continued from page 14 As young John Blair approached adult- forever by the war of the Texas revolution. hood he would have surely heard tales of the John dutifully joined the revolution and went to opportunities in the new land of Texas. It was Bexar as a Private with Colonel James Bowie. He said that men could go there and be all but given may have served as a fourth cannoneer with great tracts of good land with abundant water and Parrott’s artillery battery but later followed agreeable climate. He met and married a young Bowie into the Alamo. In the election at the lady who was possibly named Mary. And so it is Alamo on February 1, 1836, John voted for against this backdrop of the excitement of new Samuel Maverick and Jesse Badgett to be del- exploration, fortunes to be made, and being re- egates to the convention for Texas indepen- sponsible for making your own way in a bright dence. If there was a line in the sand, John new world, that John and Mary set off for Texas. stepped across it. Louis Rose later testified that John Blair was a he had left John Blair dreamer like so many behind inside the for- others who, before him tress. John was one of and after him, settled the defenders of the new lands. Like most Alamo who stood who undertake such an with Travis, Bowie intoxicating new expe- and Crockett and rience, they discounted made the ultimate the reports of brutal sacrifice for the inde- Commanche attacks, pendence of their new stifling hot summers, country. freezing blue northers, A few years later, deadly rattlesnakes, Thomas Milligan Blair, clouds of biting insects and alternating seas of mud John’s older brother, came to Texas with the and impenetrable dust storms filtering out of the family’s power of attorney to claim the land that new land. They probably assumed they could con- the grateful republic had awarded John’s siblings tinue their devotion to their Methodist faith while for his service and sacrifice. In May of 1854, the paying mere lip service to the requirement that they family of John Blair, received a land patent which convert to Roman Catholicism as a condition of had been secured by John M. Stephen. On January immigration. This requirement would not have 12, 1855, John’s family made a warrantee deed to been popular with the rest of the devout Methodist Mister Stephen for the land, which became the Blair family and was likely a significant point of town of Stephenville, Texas. Even though it does contention prior to the couple’s departure. not bear his name, the city of Stephenville is a fit- It is not known when they arrived in eastern ting tribute to John Blair and the other Texan he- Texas but John registered as a married man for roes who died with him at the Alamo. one league of land (4,428 acres) in Zavala’s ***Footnote: This representation of the life of John Colony on February 19, 1835. John and Mary Blair-Defender of the Alamo is based on both documented and non-documented sources and should not be used as any had dreams of hundreds of valuable beeves graz- kind of factual documentation for any facet of his life or the ing on their league of land, raising a large family lives of any other members of the Blair family. It is merely and living a long, comfortable life as Texans. In an attempt to paint a more human impression of this well- known Blair ancestor whose service was instrumental in the less than a year that dream would be smashed Texas revolution. Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 17 Clan Bell International
This old West Marche Clan, one of Border clans since the early 1100s, were retain- ers of the Great House of Douglas and also allied with the best border families through blood and friend- ship. Their land holdings were extensive, and to sur- vive, they engaged in the “rieving” of the period and participated in many battles against the English. Declared “unruly” by the Scottish Parliament, many of the Clan emi- grated to the Ulster Plantation after 1610. After William Bell, called Redcloak and Chief of the Clan died in 1628, the chiefship became dormant, and without leadership, the Bells ceased to exist as a viable clan. Clan Bell International (CBI) in the United States represents Clan Bell world-wide with a coordinated network of 20 International Representatives, each representing the Clan in their own country. CBI is a charitable organization of Scottish descendants and friends of Family/Clan Bell dedi- cated to the study of Bell genealogy and Scottish history and the perpetuation of family tradition. CBI cordially invites membership inquires from persons Named Bell (all spellings), their descendants and friends. Quarterly newsletter published. Tents hosted at major Scottish festivals from coast to coast. President: Visit our Web site: Membership Secretary: William H. Bell Alta Jean Ginn 2322 Shadow Hill Drive clanbell.org 12147 Holly Knoll Circle Riverside, CA 92506 Great Falls, VA 22066 [email protected] [email protected]
Page 18 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 A Highlander and his books, continued from page 13 Scotch Fried Chicken. You’ll enjoy letting your who wish they were! This book gives credence to friends know that one of the “great Scottish con- that statement. Many of us have ridden through the tributions to the American cuisine is fried chicken.” beautiful Scottish Highlands, so buckle up; you’re As documented in their travel books, in 1773 on set for another great ride! Kay Shaw Nelson has the Isle of Skye, Dr. Johnson and James Boswell given us a wonderful collection of Scottish-Ameri- “were served fried pullets” (a young chicken which can recipes. This book is a tribute to Scottish-Ameri- we seldom killed in SC during my childhood since can people. There is not a page in this book without they would eventually become hens). Immigrants interest - it is Scottish-American food at its best! to the Carolinas from Skye carried this recipe with I do not say this about a lot of books I review, them. I still recall my mother’s Sunday fried but The Art of Scottish-American Cooking is wor- chicken as a boy growing up in Mullins, South thy of your purchase. You will be tempted to con- Carolina, and I now know that my ancestors came sider it as a gift to yourself, for your family, and up the Cape Fear River from the Isle of Jura to for your friends on their birthdays and at Christ- settle in what is now Bladen County, North Caro- mas. Simply put, this book is nothing but a taste of lina. Jura was not that far from the Isle of Skye. friendship and love, Scottish-American style. I’ve There is also mention of literature in Kay’s eaten at Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye where recipes with quotes from the big three - Scott, one of Scotland’s most celebrated chefs and writ- Stevenson and Burns. In reference to the lowly ers of cookbooks holds court. I have fond memo- herring, Sir Walter Scott wrote, “It’s nae fish ye’re ries of that luncheon with Susan, my wife, and buying, it’s men’s lives.” He made it clear that he friends, Susan and David Shi of Furman Univer- liked his salmon plain and simple for he wrote, sity. The food was excellent, but with all due re- “The most judicious gastronomes eat no other spect I have to say, “Move over, Lady MacDonald. sauce than a spoonful of the water in which the There’s another writer in town!” salmon has been boiled, together with a little pep- Purchase price of this hardcover book is $21 per and vinegar.” This great entertainer, who hosted at www.pelican.com or you may call 1-800-843- hundreds of people over his life time at Abbottsford, 1724. The media mail rate is $2.95, plus 50 cents had a fondness for desserts and once described them for each additional book shipped. ISBN 978-1- as “a fairy feast of cream, jellies, strawberries, al- 58980-386-2. mond-cream, and lemon cream.” How many know And I close this review with a recipe to fur- that Robert Louis Stevenson spoke of Scotland’s ther whet your appetite – most famous Scottish oatmeal dish, porridge, with Etta MacKay’s Salmon Dip a “they”? Listen up, “They’re fine, halesome food, 8 oz. cream cheese, softened they’re grand food, parritch.” We are familiar with ½ cup sour cream Robert Burns’ tribute “To A Haggis” but Burns 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice speaks of porridge as “The halesome parritch, Chief ¾ cup minced smoked salmon of Scotia’s food.” Burns, known to take a wee dram 2 tbsp. snipped fresh chives or two, enjoyed the “social glass” as he called the Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste national drink, Scotch whisky. I’ve read a lot of Scott In a medium bowl combine cheese, sour and Burns and some Stevenson but never realized cream, and lemon juice; blend well. Add salmon their love of food as Kay has so excellently pre- and chives. Season with salt and pepper. Blend sented throughout her book. well. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve as I’ve often heard there are two kinds of people a dip for raw vegetables or with oatcakes. Makes in this world – those who are Scottish and those about two cups.
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 19 Robert Burns’ local pub, The Crook Inn, saved by people power
The Crook Inn, in Tweedsmuir. Picture: Phil Wilkinson. The Scotsman, published on Wednesday 21 March 2012
One of Scotland’s oldest and most historic James Welch, director of TCC, said: “It has inns, famous for its literary connections with the been part of the community for so many years. likes of Robert Burns “It was one of those and John Buchan, will fairly historic landmarks reopen its doors to the that people used to stop public after six years. at going north or south The 400-year-old for lunch or a coffee. Crook Inn, in “But for the com- Tweedsmuir, in the Bor- munity, it also provided ders, one of the first li- one of the most valuable censed establishments in things: a source of em- Scotland, was closed in ployment in an area 2006 when the owner at- where there are few tempted, unsuccessfully, other opportunities.” to convert it into homes. The inn proved to Following a cam- offer literary inspiration paign by locals to keep the pub in its original form, for Burns, who was a regular, and was where he the Tweedsmuir Community Company (TCC) has wrote his poem Willie Wastle’s Wife. Buchan also provisionally agreed to buy the premises and carry frequented the pub during the time he wrote the out any necessary renovations. adventure novel, The Thirty Nine Steps, and However, the community must first raise the immortalised the hostelry in his short story, Gideon £160,000 needed by the end of the year. Scott. During this period the TCC will have access However, the pub, which was also a favourite to the property to examine it and gain estimates for repair work and apply for funding. Continued on page 25
Clan Colquhoun Society Of NA 2984 Mike Drive Marietta, GA 30064 [email protected]
Colquhoun/Calhoun, Cowan, MacClintock, MacManus. Applications available online at http:// www.geocities.com/clancolquhoun_na/home.html
Page 20 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Clan Sutherland Society of North America
Septs and Associated Families: Cheyne, Clyne, Duffus, Federith, Gray, Keith, Mowat, Murray, Oliphant.
For membership information, please visit our website at www.clansutherland.org
You may contact the president: George Sutherland 9613 Highstream Court Charlotte, NC 28269
Clan Chief, Lady Elizabeth, Elizabeth Sutherland, Countess of Sutherland Countess of Sutherland Chief of Clan Sutherland
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 21 Page 22 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 The National Tartan Day New York Committee invites you to The Annual Tartan Day Post-Parade Party Saturday, April 14 After the Tartan Day Parade, come on down to Stout! We’ve got an open bar from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, and... Scocha Our favorite “folk and roll” band, direct from Scotland * And performing upstairs, it’s the return of “the band they couldn’t stop” - Prydein
Stout, 133 West 33rd Street, Manhattan (half-block from Penn Station) To purchase online, go to: www.tartanweek.com
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 23 Clan Macneil Association of America If you are a Macneil or any of the following “Sept names, then you have fouhd the clan you are o’n D’thainig thu.” looking for! - Remember the men from whom you have come. • Macneil • McNiel • MacNeil • Mcneill President C. McNeill Baker, Jr. • Macniel • McNeill 6959 Almours Drive • MacNiel • Mcneal Jacksonville, FL 32117-2628 • Macneill • McNeal clanmacneilua.us • MacNeill • Mcneale • MacNeillie • McNeale • O’Neal • Macgugan • Macneal • McNeilage • O’Neil •MacGuigan • MacNeal • Mcneilage • O’Niel • Macguigan • Macneale • McNelly • O’Neill • McGougan • MacNeale • Mcnelly • Oneil • Mcgougan • MacNeilage • McNeally • Oneill • McGrail • Macneilage • Mcneally • Nelson • McGraill • MacNelly • Neil • Neilson • Mcgrail • Macnelly • Neal • Nielson • Mcgraill • MacNeally • Neall • MacGougan • McGugan • Macneally • Neale • Macgougan • Macgugan • Mcneil • Neill • MacGrail • McGuigan • McNeil • Niel • Macgrail ...and • Mcniel • Niell • MacGugan • Mcguigan
Page 24 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 The Crook Inn, continued from page 20 Ramsay castle sold for £5 million A wealthy former vicar has bought Dalhousie Castle for the knock-down fee of £5 million ($7,921,000). Entrepreneur Robert Parker, who owns a luxury hotel chain, has purchased the haunt of Scott, has fallen into disrepair since it was “haunted” Lothians castle for around half shut in 2006. of what it cost ten years ago, it was reported Duncan Davidson, chairman of TCC, said: in the British press. “It’s in a very bad state, partly because it had dry The 13th century building, near rot, which is being treated, but also there have been Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, has 29 bedrooms burglaries and people going in and stripping out metal from the place.It’s not fit for use.” and is a popular site for weddings. Mr Welch said the final bill for the restora- The castle is said to be haunted by a tion would far exceed the £160,000 asking price. 16th century ghost. “We’ll be looking at a considerably greater invest- It had been on the market for around ment to bring it back,” he said. £7.5m following the collapse of Von Essen “It wouldn’t surprise me if it was several hun- Hotels last year, but Mr Parker, who was a dred thousand pounds to carry out a full restoration.” A spokesperson for Historic Scotland, which vicar for two decades before moving into has given the property a Class-C category, said: business, is thought to have bid success- “Keeping a building in use is the best way to pro- fully with a figure well below that. tect its long-term survival.” Dalhousie, the historic seat of the Background Ramsays, was converted to a hotel in 1972. Established as a licensed premises in 1604 and Dalhousie is not where the current Clan as a place for drovers to rest while taking cattle from the Borders to markets in England, the Crook Chieftan lives. The Rt. Hon. James Ramsay th Inn has had a colourful history. 17 Earl of Dalhousie, lives in Brechin During the 17th century, a falling out with the Castle. local minister led to the town’s congregation being The grounds of Brechin Castle have locked out of the church and the pub became a tem- been in the Maule-Ramsay family since porary kirk. The building also became a Presbyterian the 12th century. meeting house when Covenanters were being hunted. Robert Burns was a regular at the inn and it The castle has been the seat of the Clan was there he wrote his famous poem Willie Wastle’s Maule since medieval times. Wife in 1792. But it was during the mid-19th cen- Continued on page 27 tury the place became an established favourite with the Edinburgh literati, who would go walking in about poaching, Gideon Scott. the nearby hills. According to the Historic Scotland, the cur- Scots author John Buchan also frequented the rent property dates back to the early 19th century, pub during the time he penned his novel The Thirty incorporating the remains of its earlier incarnations Nine Steps, and he immortalised it in his short story along with Art Deco additions from 1936. Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 25 Would you like for your clan to be represented in these pages? These ads for Scottish Clans and genealogical groups are $5.00 each issue, never mind the size. (My way of saying “Thank You” for all the kindnesses given to me by the Scottish community over the last 20 plus years.) Just send me in jpeg format your crest or other symbols you’d like in your ad...and the copy (words) you wish...your billing address...and that’s it. Send to [email protected]. Clan Buchanan Society, International, Inc. Bohanan Macwattie Buchanan Macwhirter Colman Maccolwan Macwhorter Cormack Maccormac(k) Masters Cousland Maccommon Masterson Dewar Maccoubrey Morrice Donleavy Maccubbin Morris Dove, Dow Maccubbing Morrison Gibb(s)(y) Maccubin (of Perthshire only) Gibbon Macdonleavy Murchie Gibson Macgeorge Murchison Gilbert Macgibbon Richardson Gilbertson Macgilbert Risk Harper Macgreusich Rusk(ie) Harperson Macgubbin Ruskin Leavy Macinally Spittal Lennie Macindeo(r) Spittle Lenny Mackibb Walter Macaldonich Mackibbon Walters Macalman Mackinlay Wason Macandeior Mackinley Wasson Macaslan Macmaster Waters Macaslin Macmaurice Watson Macauselan Macmorris Watt Macauslan(in) Macmurchie Watters Macausland Macmurphy Weir Macauslane Macneur Wuill Macalman Macnuir Wool Macalmon(t) Macquat Wule Macammond Macquattie Yuille For membership information, contact: Macasland Macquattiey Yool Macchruiter Macquyer Yule [email protected] Maccolman Macquinten Zuill
Page 26 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Ramsay Castle, continued from page 24 2012 Clan MacNicol Worldwide Gathering set for Launceston, Tasmania, Australia The Clan MacNicol Society Australia announces with greatpleasure that it will host the 2012 Worldwide Clan Gathering The Maule and Ramsay clans were October 12 through Sunday, October 14 in joined under a single chieftain in the 18th Launceton, Tasmania - springtime in Aus- century. The seat of the Ramsay clan was tralia. moved from Dalhousie Castle to Brechin For complete information, please email Castle in the early 20th century. Mal Nicolson at [email protected] or For hundreds of photos of Dalhousie write to him via airmail: Po Box 243, castle visit this web site: http://tinyurl.com/ Gymea, NSW, 2227, Australia. 7s9ayu With thanks to Scorrybreac.
KY Transportation Cabinet free road assistance If you travel Kentucky’s interstates and parkways you have probably seen the SAFE PATROL truck. This is a free service to stranded motorists. Put their number in your cell phone. The KY Transportation Cabinet has a service that most people aren’t aware of. It’s called the Safe Patrol. If you are on an interstate or parkway and need assistance with your car. They can provide gas, oil, air for flat tires, jump batteries and other minor repairs free of charge. The telephone number to call is 1-877-367-5982. This is a good number to put in your cell phone. Below is the website that details what they provide. http://transportation.ky.gov/Incident-Management/Pages/Safe- Patrol.aspx
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 27 The Armstrong Clan Society
Dedicated to the Armstrongs, Crosiers, Fairbairns, Grosiers, Nixons and those interested in these surnames
The Armstrong Clan Society was organized on October 8, 1981 and is incorporated in the state of Georgia, USA. The Society is recognized as a Section 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization and exempt from U.S. federal income tax.
On September 24, 1984, the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland granted warrant to the Lyon Clerk to matriculate in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland in the name of the Armstrong Clan Society, Inc., the Coat of Arms in the upper left on this page. Our motto “SEMPER INV1CTUS” can be translated as “Always Unconquered”. Objectives of the Armstrong Clan Society:
1. To seek friendship and unity among all Armstrongs, its septs and associated families. 2. To provide for the preservation of Armstrong artifacts unique to the family. 3. To serve as a genealogical and historical resource for the membership and the general public. 4. To provide news, Armstrong history, items of general interest, and genealogy via our newsletter The Armstrong Chronicles. 5. To establish worldwide geographic membership representation.
Membership
All Armstrongs, Croziers, Fairbairns, Groziers and Nixons (regardless of the spelling) and their descendants, are eligible for full membership in The Armstrong Clan Society. In the United States and Canada, dues are $25 per year or $45 for 2 years. All memberships are family memberships which includes two adults and all minor children. In all other countries, dues are $35 per year. All dues are payable in US funds.
For a membership application email Peter Armstrong at [email protected] or download from http://www.armstrong.org/membership.htm. Note: “spouse” on the application includes: spouse; domestic partner; or any other adult living at the same address.
Page 28 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Thirteen CDUSA Regions cover the United States With membership, you will receive your regional newsletter several times each year, plus the CDUSA national publication, By Sea By Land, ClanClan DonDonaldald twiceUSAUSA each year. T here is no joy without Clan Donald!
High Commissioner Membership Secretary Forrest Lee Piver Marion Schmitz 340 Main Street 1685 Casitas Avenue Narrows, VA 24124 Pasadena, CA 91103 (540) 726-7614 (626)398-6343 [email protected] [email protected]
To see the many names on the Clan Donald sept/allied family list, please visit: http://www.clan-donald-usa.org
Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012 Page 29 Page 30 Beth’s Newfangled Family Tree Section B April 2012