UniteUnite AcrossAcross tthehe WWesternestern SeaSea THE ANNUAL MAGAZINE OF THE CLAN CAMERON ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA premier issue - 2008 TwoT w o Symbols,S y m b o l s , standings t a n d i n g togethert o g e t h e r Features,Features, AArticles,rticles, News,News, andand contentcontent ffromrom aacrosscross tthehe U.S.U.S. aandnd CCanadaanada INCLUDING 2008 Rally in 2009 Gathering Chicago at Achnacarry 2008 || Vol 1 Unite Across the Western Sea C oo ntents 2 Welcome to Our First Annual Introduction to this new publication and greetings from North American Commissioner, Thomas A. Cameron 3 Message from Lochiel Greetings and holiday wishes from Donald Cameron of Lochiel, XXVII Chief of Clan Cameron 4 Clan Cameron North America - 40 Years Ago A look back at when it all started, 1968, and how our origins spanned from Ontario to Grandfather Mountain 11 So You Want to Find Your Ancestors? A genealogical primer, by John F. Cameron, Vice President, Highland Prairie Branch 14 An American Ranger at Achnacarry Linda A. Cameron, Midwestern U.S. Regional President, interviews a WWII Army Ranger who trained at Achnacarry 20 Proposed North American Coat of Arms Details and significance of the Clan Cameron Association of North America’s pending Arms, for all clansfolk 21 2008 North American Rally Photo highlights from the Chicago Rally, along with a message from Lochiel 22 Having Fun Isn’t By Accident Keys to a successful and - most importantly - fun tent, by Cerise Cameron Blair, South-Central U.S. Regional President 24 Reivin’ Ewan Cameron reports on the Ontario Branch and their unique “Cattle Reiving” day on the trails 26 Cameron Clansmen’s Oak Grove Details on this exciting memorial project, dedicated to our ancestors, to be located on the grounds of Achnacarry 28 Clan Cameron 2008 Piping Scholarship The Southern California Branch announces the winner of the Best Grade III Piper in Southern California 29 Uncle Tom Taylor Rocky Mountain Branch member Sandy Taylor shares a sentimental glipse of her Scottish uncle’s life in America 30 Alexander Cameron - British Agent to the Cherokee Indians An examination of Revolutionary War ear figure “Scotchie” Cameron, by Craig Martin, Florida Chapter Convenor 34 Are You Scottish Enough? Western U.S. Regional President Charles Cameron Bond asks this question from a Clan Cameron perspective 36 Photo Highlights from 2008 A glimpse at our members celebrating their Scots heritage at some of the Association’s 100+ events THE CLAN CAMERON ASSOCIATION A SCOTTISH CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY, FOUNDED 1889 WWW.CLAN- CAMERON.ORG INTERNATIONAL BRANCHES: SCOTLAND, AUSTRALIA , NEW ZEALAND, NORTH AMERICA WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL MAGAZINE! The Clan Cameron Association of North America, proudly preserving and promoting the collective heritage of its members in both the U.S. and Canada, writes prolifically. Each Chartered Branch has its own newsletter, focusing specifically on local and area topics of interest. They also put forth some amazing original content that only a small portion of the 1,000 member families within CCNA ever have the chance to enjoy. The idea of this annual magazine, combining the best content from our chapters and branches, was put forth at the Council of Presidents, which took place during the 2008 Rally of Clan Cameron North America, in Chicago. It was warmly received, and although the time was limited to undertake this year’s publication, we have made our best efforts. Future annuals will, almost certainly, have even more diverse content, and we look forward to an entire year of editorial time. Unite Across the Western Sea was the name chosen for this magazine, which is in keeping with the North American Coat of Arms that is before the Lord Lyon for consideration (see associated story). It sums up what we are here for, to “unite” or join together, across state, province, region and national borders in celebration of our collective heritage. Our ancestors all had that one thing in common – they made the voyage across the Atlantic and North America was their chosen home. We too made a choice, to perpetuate our heritage within the Clan Cameron Association, preserving and promoting those cherished links that bind us together as “Cameron Clansfolk.” This year we celebrate CCNA’s 40th anniversary. I’ve challenged our leaders to take our goals “beyond the tents.” I would also ask that you join that effort. The games and festivals are important components of the Association’s mission, but we also need to preserve that heritage. Within the pages of this publication we hope to permanently capture the creative, outstanding talent that our newsletter contributors put forth. Take the time, throughout 2009, to share your creativity with your clansfolk (prose, artwork, song, fiction…). We are all volunteers, united in our effort to put forth interesting content, but at times it seems only a small handful are contributing. Whether by writing something for your local newsletter, lending a hand at the tent, marching with your clan or sharing your family history, we do welcome your participation. This is your Association, so please let us know what you’d like to see – and also – what you’d like to read. We hail from two countries, but our bonds know no borders. I look forward to the next 40 years here in North America – united we may accomplish great works, all in the name of Clan Cameron. Aonaibh Ri Cheile, Tom Cameron North American Commissioner Clan Cameron Association Message from Donald Cameron of Lochiel XXVII Chief of Clan Cameron As 2008 comes to a close, I am delighted to send you all the warmest of greetings in this North American Annual, which I am sure will be widely appreciated by clansfolk across the continent. As you know, we are all facing difficult times with regard to the economy, global warming and worldwide conflict, and I hope very much that we, the Canadian Prime Minister, and your new American President will rise to the challanges that face us over the coming months. I wish all members of Clan Cameron a happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year 3 CLAN CAMERON NORTH AMERICA 40 YEARS AGO By Thomas A. Cameron ...IN THE BEGINNING As Camerons spread throughout the world from their native Scotland they retained a deep pride in their heritage. In 1889, during a resurgence in “all things Scottish” throughout Great Britain, an association of Camerons was inaugurated in Glasgow. The objects of this association were, and continue to be “the reviving, conserving, and promoting of the interests, sentiment, and associations of the Clan; the cultivation of social intercourse among members; the encouragement of education; the collecting and preservation of records and traditions relating to the history of the Clan, and any other objects which the Association may from time to time determine.” Just prior to this, in 1876 an organization (not affiliated with the Clan Cameron Association) began opening chapters - Clan Cameron "Lodges" throughout the U.S. and Canada. These scattered "Order of Scottish Clans" chapters were named for various Scottish Highland clans and were initially situated in major cities (such as East Boston, Philadelphia and St. Louis, and eventually in smaller communities) throughout at least thirty-three states and provinces. Their women’s auxiliary went by the name “Daughters of Scotia.” As of 1912 their total membership - for all “clans,” not just the Camerons - was 16,000 individuals. The first such Clan Cameron Lodge, named #7 (the seventh lodge of the OSC system) was based in Providence, Rhode Island. These organizations were fraternal, charitable societies for men of Scottish descent, organized with officers and by-laws, but at their core they were really a life insurance society that supported members in the service and with graveside memorials. Surprisingly, the majority of members from within each lodge did not have a definitive genealogical connection with the clan – even the lodge “chiefs” were simply fraternal members, usually not Camerons. As advertised, membership in any OSC clan “entitles you to a weekly cash payment while sick” and a free doctor at all times. The various entities also held annual games, competitions and Burns Nights, with Clan Cameron lodges occasionally the organizing force behind these events. As an example, the Philadelphia Clan Cameron No. 64 Lodge, known as “The Old Reliable” (due to its founding in 1889) held meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Lewar’s Hall, at 9th and Spring Garden Streets in Philadelphia and co- sponsored (with Clan Gordon) the United Scottish Clans of Philadelphia’s annual picnic and games at Washington Park. The OSC was somewhat active into at least the 1960s, but faded into obscurity and ended soon afterwards. There were also various “Clan Cameron Committees” formed over the years in North America (such as the one that existed in Ontario in the 1920s which welcomed Donald Walter Cameron, XXV Chief of Clan Cameron). There is a possibility that these committees did have a connection with the OSC, but this is pure speculation. Unfortunately, while authorized Clan Cameron Association branches were formed in Australia (1933) and New Zealand (1935), North America remained a continent proud and enthusiastic regarding their Scots heritage, but quite unorganized in terms of Clan Cameron. This all began to change at the Dutton Highland Games in Ontario during the summer of 1966. Dr. Harold Cameron of London, Ontario had been contacted and asked to attend these games, to 4 represent Clan Cameron. Harold, a native of Scotland who emigrated to Canada after graduating from Edinburgh, thought it prudent to telegraph Colonel Donald Hamish Cameron of Lochiel, XXVI Chief of Clan Cameron, asking for his involvement – neither knew one another at the time, a situation that would be rectified in the near future.