the histle Fishing for ’ s S o c i e t y t n d r e w o f L o s t . A A n Young e S g e l September 2010 Members T h e s ll of us who have a message from John E. Lowry, FSA Scot President. Andy Murray Aattended Saint Andrew’s events can’t help but notice the average age Dear James C. Ledy II, USA (Ret.) Why? of our fellow members is Members, Because that is what we do. We Loss is very steadily increasing. honor and mark the passing of much a part of Nothing we can do about our friends and fellow travelers. living. We all that. But if our society is to Over the years your St. Andrew’s know that and continue and to flourish Society has attended and even we all we need to recruit younger conducted memorials for those experience loss from time to time. folk too. Here is an close to us. I just thought you No this is not a repeat from At the ninth anniversary of 9/11 the approach SASLA member would like to know that we care. last issue. Just an update on the other day, we could all “re-live” and Clan Matheson west Now, if I have not chased you Scottish number one and current the horrible emotions of that day coast lieutenant, Bob totally away, things are, in fact, number 4 in the world. The US whether we were affected directly looking up! The “Dog Days of Matheson, is taking: Please see Andy Murray, page 6 or only as caring citizens of this Summer” are pretty much great United States of America. concluded and we are headed for ne of the Those horrendous sights and Fall. What are the dog days? Well, summer days even more Osmallest sounds will never leave us, will during certain days of summer, uncomfortable! Highland they. Sirius, the brightest star in the As you will see elsewhere in Clans is Clan But I am thinking today more of constellation Canis Major (the big the Thistle, our SASLA Fall Matheson, how we as a society (and, yes, this dog) rises and sets with the sun. Schedule is light but important and without St. Andrew’s Society) face loss and It DOES whether you can see it or with the Seaside Highland Games knowing any aunts, uncles what we do about it. Tomorrow a not! The ancient Romans, being coming up in less than a month. or cousins, it was easy for Gordon Clansman and I will drive slightly more superstitious than Please make your plans to attend Bob Matheson to grow up to the little town of Carefree, most Californians, believed that this constantly growing and and never know anyone Arizona just to attend the Memorial this very bright star added to the improving Celtic Gathering. It’ a else named Matheson. of another fallen Clansman, Major heat of the sun, making those hot Discovering the Clan Please see Message, page 2 Matheson Society in The Highlander magazine in 1981 started Bob's own excellent adventure of discovering his family's past. After In Gear attending local Games and commenting to the Society that he never saw a Clan ackie Stewart World Formula Champion J 1 Matheson tent, he was 1969, 1971, 1973. appointed the USA Deputy Lieutenant for the west In a relatively short Stewart was also an early coast. Now Bob sees a Clan career, Scottish race-car advocate of driver safety and Matheson tent every time he driver Jackie Stewart, born worked tirelessly to improve the sets it up! While Clan in Milton Dumbartonshire “diabolical” state of course and driver safety. He was the first to Sir Jackie Stewart, OBE Matheson's participation in in 1939, won 27 Grand Prix The Flying Scot the Highland Clans DNA races and was Formula 1 pioneer the use of safety belts world champion three and full-face helmets. Motor See Fishing, page 6 times. racing was not the first sport he Please see Jackie Stewart, page 4 2 the thistle september 2010 Letter from Edinburgh Calendar of Events

Part two of Kenneth’s honeymoon Seaside Highland Games adventure. Part one was published Oct 8, 9 & 10, 2010 in the June 2010 Thistle. President John E. Lowry, FSA Scot Kirkin of The Tartans Vice President e next took the road north along Little Oct. 24, 2010, 10:30 a.m. John D. Macpherson WLoch Broom round Gruinard Bay which Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church Treasurer David Moffett contains Gruinard Island famous for being the Secretary testing place of an bomb in WWII. Robert Burns Supper Joan C. Standing It was only recently that it was decontaminated and visitors are Jan 29, 2011 Board of Trustees once more allowed. Then south by Loch Ewe for our next stop at the Norman Auslander world famous Inverewe Gardens amid scenery of great natural www.saintandrewsla.org

John L. Benton, M.D.* beauty– an oasis of greenery and colour stretching as far north as Labrador in the west and St Petersburg in the east, warmed by the Mary Corcoran, Ph.D Gulf Stream it is able to sustain plants from many temperate regions Message, from page 1 John D. Macpherson of the world which were established over one hundred years ago by grand celebration of your Rev. Charles Robertson Osgood Mackenzie by excavating the glacial raised beach and heritage—come on out! Then, on a Ian J. Skone-Rees, FSA Scot importing soil for a vegetable, fruit and flower garden for his bit more somber note is our much Stuart Bird-Wilson Victorian Gothic house completed in the 1870s. anticipated annual Kirkin’ o’ the On leaving there we went south along Loch Maree to Achnasheen * Past president Tartans service at the beautiful through the forests to Achnashellach, (these two names being very Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church. familiar to me as it was known my father as a young man worked in The announcement of our luncheon that area in connection with his work for the Post office), and on by destination will be made at that The Thistle is the official Lochcarron where my wife took a turn at the wheel and drove us time. Isn’t that exciting?! publication of the Saint Andrew’s across the new bridge "over the sea to Skye" to Kyle of , Society of Los Angeles. It is One of my goals as President is published four times a year. where I drove around dropping off our guests at various B&Bs. The a return to some celebration of the Deadline for each issue is the day following after picking up our guests we drove to Talisker life of our namesake, Saint Andrew. first day of March, June, Distillery where we were shown how they make "usquebaugh" – the September & December. A Saint Andrew’s Society should water of life! Submit articles, photographs, honor its creator! I don’t know if and address changes to the The next day we left Skye and paused at Eilean Donan castle, then that will be possible this year but editor at: [email protected]. on by Loch Duioch passing the Five Sisters mountain tops through or when it is, you will be the first to The Editor Glen Sheil and south by Loch Lochy and Spean Bridge where we know! A modest gathering of Saint Andrew’s Society, Los Angeles visited the Commando Monument. This is a large three-figure bronze 12925 Riverside Drive remembrance, perhaps, with a Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 statue commemorating the service and sacrifice given by thousands www.saintandrewsla.org more elaborate gala dinner dance of Allied troops during World War II. Each Armistice Sunday a in the not-too-distant future. How The publisher accepts no memorial service is attended by veterans and their families with responsibility for the opinions does that sound? Good, I hope, and expressed, accuracy of information, locals and visitors. Then on to Fort William where we stopped I hope you will all stay in close or similarity of names submitted by overnight, and treated our guests to a performance of Scottish music authors. communication with us and with and dance along with a good meal. CONTRIBUTORS each other. Our strength is in our John E. Lowry, FSA Scot We were now on the homeward stretch back to Edinburgh. Along numbers and our numbers must David Cargill the final road we drove through Glencoe, called in at Doune castle, Robert Matheson include you. Thanks and always David Moffett where I viewed the Wallace monument, then on to Stirling castle, Kenneth Sinclair Stewart know there is more to come. Ian J. Skone-Rees, FSA Scot Bannockburn and the giant statue of Robert the Bruce. Truly a tour de force and a comprehensive introduction to PUBLISHER EDITOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGN for our wedding guests! Ian J. Skone-Rees

PHOTOGRAPHY Next issue Kenneth will give his personal commentary on this Contact John Lowry via email Ian J. Skone-Rees at: jemmettlowry aol.com David Moffett year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. @

PRINTING Coronet Printing Which of these is not a continuous flow of water? Word Power A BurnB StreamC CreekD RillE Brook Click here for the answer. 3 St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles Scotland’s Influence in the United States A series of articles prepared by David Cargill

The Scots were a valuable addition to a developing world. society, and these Scots played a crucial role in the early Their past experience of working in the harsh conditions of rural development of the New World. Most headmasters of the schools Scotland, combined with their hard-working Presbyterian in the new colonies south of New York were Scottish or of upbringing, made them an ideal people to help build America in Scottish ancestry. These establishments were fundamental in the its formative years. education of America's future leaders; both Thomas Jefferson's The Scottish emigrants of the 18th Century were an educated and John Rutledge's tutors were Scottish immigrants. group due to the Scottish Reformation, which had stressed the In this continuing series of articles we will introduce Scots or need for education, so every Scot could read the Bible. persons of Scottish descent who have left their indelible mark on Education has always played an important part in Scottish the American landscape – Ed.

David Bremner Henderson Committee on the Judiciary (Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth 1804–1906 Congresses), Committee on Rules (Fifty-sixth and Fifty-seventh Congresses). He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives (Fifty-sixth and Fifty-seventh Congresses) but cotland’s contribution to declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1902. The SAmerican politics is Aberdeenshire lad would be the first, and to date, the only Iowan impressive, and contains some Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives – the 39th Speaker notable firsts… during Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt’s administrations. David Bremner Henderson During David’s four year tenure as Speaker, he was lobbied to run remains the only speaker of the for President, but the U.S. Constitution forbade David to run U.S. House of Representatives from because he was not born in the United States. Iowa. He was also an amputee. After leaving Congress, David practiced law in New York City. Born in Old Deer, David Bremner Henderson died in Dubuque, Iowa, February 25, Aberdeenshire, Scotland on March 1906 aged 65, and was interred in Linwood Cemetery, Dubeque. 14th 1840, David emigrated with His portrait hangs in the Speakers’ Room in the U.S. Capitol. his family to the USA when he was just six years old. Although the Henderson family initially settled in Illinois, David’s parents, Thomas and Barbara, eventually chose How well do you know Scotland Fayette County, Iowa as their home. Incredibly David would marry at the tender age of 16 to a local Number of Scottish islands: 326 790 1,100 girl, Augusta. The couple would have three children, Donald, St. Andrews Carnoustie Oxford Belle, and Angie. Birthplace of Golf: David enlisted in the Union Army September 15 1861, as a 15th Century 12th Century 14th Century Eas Coul private in Company C, Twelfth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry; World’s highest waterfall: Niagara Victoria he was elected and commissioned first lieutenant of that Aulin Most common eye color company and served with it until discharged, following the loss Black Hazel Blue of a leg at the Battle of Fort Donelson, February 26, 1863. for Scots is: Both have The fiery Scot decided to study law at Upper Iowa University What has Edinburgh in Both built on Both home to relics of St. and was admitted to the bar in 1865. He opened his practice in common with Rome: seven hills. the Chevalier. Dubuque, Iowa. Andrew. David’s successful career in law inspired his political Which of these was NOT a Whisky Tartan Bagpipes aspirations, and he was elected as a Republican to the Forty- Scottish invention: eighth and to the nine succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1883 – March 3, 1903). He served on numerous committees including: Committee on Militia (Fifty-first Congress) as chairman, Click here for answers. 4 the thistle september 2010

Enumclaw 2010 www.saintandrewsla.org Scotch Corner Whisky producers outraged at Scottish Nationalist’s proposal to introduce a minimum price for alcohol

The Scottish government has Scottish Retail Consortium, as well announced that it wants alcohol to as opposition parties at Holyrood. be sold at a minimum of 45p per Both Labour and Liberal Democrats unit. The SNP (Scottish Nationalist have voiced opposition while The Party) minimum price plan is an Scottish Grocers’ Federation have attempt to reduce consumption. welcomed the plan saying it would Reduced consumption, it is curtail “irresponsible selling” of claimed, would cut deaths, reduce alcohol below cost by large health care costs, and hospital supermarkets and help level the admissions related to alcohol playing field between small shops related conditions. The minimum and big chains. They warned, pricing move has received the however, if the proposals were not backing of the British Medical implemented across the UK they The 63rd Annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Association in Scotland, the Royal could create a cross-border and Highland Games and Clan Gathering were held this year at Enumclaw, Washington. College of Physicians and Alcohol internet trade in drink. A return of Our own Dave Moffett attended to support Concern. But it has been criticised The Reivers perhaps! his brother Don at the Moffett Clan tent (above). Don Moffett is third from the right. by some drinks companies and the Dave is behind the camera lens!

Jackie Stewart, from page 1 excelled at however. He was a in sixth and won his first Formula there was no emergency away from the sport he had talented clay target marksman. 1 point. Four years later he would evacuation service or real dominated and helped transform. Competing in shooting win the event. At the end of the trackside medical facilities. As it “The key in life is deciding tournaments in Scotland, he 1965 season Jackie was third in turned out his fractured collar when to go into something and hoped to qualify to join Great the driver’s championship, bone was not life threatening, when to get out of it.” Britain's 1960 Olympic team. His behind team mate Graham Hill but his potential injuries could In addition to his 40 years in poor performance during the and fellow Scot Jim Clark (see The have been. From that time on motor racing, Jackie also served final round of the Olympic trials Thistle, June 2010). Jackie worked to improve as a trustee of the Scottish on his 21st birthday ended that Jackie stayed with BRM for emergency services, better safety Educational Trust, was a patron plan, however, and Stewart three years but in 1966 an event barriers, and the introduction of of the British Dyslexia returned home, believing he was occurred which would change the safety-related devices in cars. Foundation, a board member of destined to work at his father's young Scots outlook on racing Frustrated with the BRM Jackie Moet Chandon, and chairman of garage. But in 1963 the Tyrell forever. Competing at the Belgian reconnected with the Tyrell team the Grand Prix Mechanics racing team, were sufficiently Grand Prix at Spa Jackie’s car in 1968 and the following year Charitable Trust. impressed by his driving skills to careened off the track during a won the first of his three world A beloved figure in Great invite him to join their Formula 3 sudden downpour. He was champion titles. After a brief Britain Jackie was awarded an team. Jackie was soon beating pinned behind the steering wheel spell with the March team he OBE (Order of the British Empire) allcomers and in 1965 was soaked with leaking fuel. During again teamed up with Tyrell and and Knighted by Queen Elizabeth. seeking a new challenge. BRM’s the 25 minutes it took to release won his second drivers’ He left Formula 1 motor racing (British Racing Motors) Formula 1 him he had time to reflect on the championship in 1971. In 1973 he a far safer sport than when he team beckoned and in his first situation he was in. At that time, won his third and final entered it four decades earlier. race in South Africa Jackie came apart from a first aid station, championship and also walked 5 www.saintandrewsla.org Summer Party, July 2010 6 the thistle september 2010

Poets’ Corner www.saintandrewsla.org

Poets’ Corner is the name given to a Fishing, from page 1 section of the South Transept of Westminster Abbey due to the number of poets, Project brought in a steady stream of everyone else on playwrights, and writers now buried and commemorated there, including Scotland’s visitors, there was no rush of younger Facebook named own Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Thomas Mathesons. Not being satisfied with the Bob or Robert Matheson, and about 20% of Campbell, and Robert Adam. attitude that "they'll come to us if they them accepted his invitation. One young want to," Bob went fishing...for new, Bob Matheson in the UK even commented Please send your submissions of original younger Mathesons. "It's nice to know there are other compositions, or poems that have special meaning Because any Matheson looking for Mathesons around." The lesson learned is for you, to the Editor via email: rees @mac.com. 1 their Clan tent at previous Games never that we are invisible to all young Scots. found it, Bob mails a promotional flyer to They have no idea Clan Societies exist, and My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson all Mathesons in the area prior to any many know very little of their ancestry. Games he attends. A young Matheson from It's up to us to find them and spark their I have a little shadow that goes in and out with Utah saw the flyer for Costa Mesa while interest in their Clan. me, visiting his mother in Orange County. He Some Facebook contacts can result in And what can be the use of him is more than I couldn't make it to the Games, but he sure unexpected new and close friendships. can see. wanted a Clan T-shirt. Rather than just The Bob and Robert Mathesons on He is very, very like me from the heels up to the take the order and send the shirt, the Facebook often have Matheson friends, head; inquiry was followed up by a phone call usually family relatives. Bob noticed one And I see him jump before me, when I jump into that led to a follow-up phone call with his Matheson having a friend named my bed. dad. That call resulted in his dad and two Alejandro Guillermo Matheson in brothers attending the Games in Payson, Argentina. Bob sent Alejandro a Friend The funniest thing about him is the way he likes Utah, to visit the Clan Matheson tent Request and a message to learn more to grow (which otherwise would never have about his Spanish sounding name. It turns Not at all like proper children, which is always happened). The entire three families are out that Alejandro Guillermo is Spanish for very slow; now actively involved in their Scottish Alexander William. His ancestors left For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india- heritage. Extending a proactive approach Scotland and settled in Canada, except rubber ball, to today's social networks, a friend one brother decided to go to South And he sometimes gets so little that there's none emailed Bob an invitation to join America. That was Alejandro's grandfather of him at all. Facebook. Having minimal exposure to who married and raised a family, and who social websites, Bob set up his Robert later taught Alejandro some Gaelic and He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to Matheson Facebook page. Now it was whose Matheson tartan kilt Alejandro now play, Bob's turn to invite someone to be a proudly wears. And can only make a fool of me in every sort of friend, but who? Using the "search" Alejandro is working his way through way. function, Bob sent a Friend Invitation to college by teaching English, and hopes to He stays so close beside me, he's a coward you one day visit the United States. Using the can see; Andy Murray, from page 1 free application Skype on their computers, I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that Alejandro and Bob talk regularly, often an Open is, as I write, entering its second shadow sticks to me! hour at a time. Bob is encouraging week; not unfortunately with Andy. His Alejandro to visit in mid-October so he tournament came to an end in the third One morning, very early, before the sun was up, can help staff the Clan Matheson tent at round at the hands of Switzerland’s I rose and found the shining dew on every the Seaside Games. Stanislas Warwrinka. A tremendous upset buttercup; Bob's suggestion to other Clans? Go for the Scottish star who was expected to But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy- fishing for young members! Fish aren't be a likely prospect to wear the US Open head, going to jump out of the water to join you, crown this year. However Andy was not Had stayed at home behind me and was fast and neither are young Scots. You need to the only upset, Roger Federer fell to asleep in bed. go looking for them, engage them, and Djokovic who subsequently lost to Rafa reel them in to your Society. Nadal in the final. On to Australia Andy! WORD POWER

September 2010

ANSWER

A A burn is a red inflamed area of the skin caused by exposure to flame, heat or sun or to consume something by flame.

The same pronunciation is applied to BOURN (E), which is a common Scottish name for a small stream or brook.

GOTCHA!

How well do you know Scotland

September 2010

ANSWERS

Number of Scottish islands 790 – 130 of which are inhabited

Birthplace of Golf Golf has been played at St. Andrews since the 15th century.

World’s highest waterfall Eas Coul Aulin, in the county of in Scotland, four times higher than Niagara.

Most common eye color Seven out of ten Scots have blue eyes.

What has Edinburgh in common with Rome? All of the above. The Chevalier is Charles Edward Stuart – Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Which of these was not a Scottish invention? All of the above! Whisky was invented in China and first distilled by monks in Ireland in the early 15th century before reaching Scotland 100 years later. Tartan was first found in early central Europe as were bagpipes.