Clan MacKenzie Society in the Americas Cabar Feidh The Canadian Chapter Magazine

June 2003 ISSN 1207-7232

In This Issue: abortive 1719 uprising in a book for their members in December 1895, entitled The Jacobite Attempt of 1719. This attempt is a History of the Mackenzies - Part 13...... 1 - 7 most important one from a Mackenzie perspective, as the clan New Members ...... 7 chief, William Mackenzie, the 5th Earl of Seaforth, was one of the Letters to the Editor ...... 7 - 8 principal leaders of this uprising in Scotland. It led to his exile. It Events in 2003 ...... 8 also resulted in the destruction of the Mackenzie’s historical Proposed Clan MacKenzie Library ...... 8 stronghold, Eilean Donan Castle and it was the main reason that New Zealand Clan Gatherings ...... 8 - 11 the Mackenzie clan played such a minor role in the ‘45 rebellion, Kildonan, Canada and New Zealand ...... 11 - 12 twenty-six years later. More on Thomas Urquhart McKenzie ...... 12 Among the almost 300 letters and papers reproduced by the 400th Anniversary of the Union of Scottish and English Crowns Scottish History Society, there is only one from the Earl of ...... 12 - 13 Seaforth himself, and a mighty strange letter it is, written as it was Pedigrees of the Early Mackenzie Chiefs - Part 1 . . . 13 - 14 only two months after the Battle of Glenshiel. Glory of Poolewe - poem ...... 14 The history of the 1719 uprising started far from the Highlands Alberta Happenings ...... 15 of Scotland and was immersed in the complexities of European The Real McKenzies ...... 15 politics. Sir Alexander Mackenzie’s Grave ...... 15 James Butler, Duke of Ormonde, had been Captain General in An Incident in Scotland ...... 16 the English army, in succession to the famous Duke of Book Review by Ken Mackenzie-Smith ...... 16 Marlborough. He went on to become one of the leaders of the McKenzies in a Champion Pipe Band ...... 16 - 17 Tory party in England. Ormonde became deeply implicated in the Other Clan Articles ...... 17 - 20 plot to bring over James Stuart from France following the death of James’ sister, Queen Anne in 1714. Queen Anne was the last sur- HISTORY OF THE MACKENZIES viving Stuart sovereign, except for the ambitions of Catholic CHAPTER 13 James. Ormonde rightly felt that James was the legitimate heir to the throne as the son of his father James VII and II, who was THE JACOBITE ATTEMPT OF 1719 forced to abdicate his throne because of his Roman Catholic reli- gion in 1688 in favour of the joint sovereigns, William of Orange n November 1890 the British Museum obtained a book of let- and his wife, Queen Mary. Mary was not only the wife of William Iters of the second Duke of Ormonde, which were written of Orange but also the daughter of James VII and II. There is no between November 14, 1718 and September 27, 1719. Most of the question that in accordance with the rules of inheritance, James letters were written to Cardinal Alberoni or Prince James Francis VIII and III was the legitimate king of both England and Scotland. Edward Stuart, otherwise known to history as the Old Pretender, It must be said, however, that James could have made his path to or to the Jacobites as King James the VIII of Scotland and III of the throne a less difficult one had he been prepared to renounce his England. The contents of these letters related to the projected Roman Catholic religion and to have made a statement to that invasion of Britain in 1719 on behalf of the exiled Stuarts, which effect. But James was not prepared to depart from his religious eventually led to a landing in the West Highlands. The result was beliefs and an antagonistic Britain was not overly sympathetic to the ill-fated Battle of Glenshiel. him because of his dogmatism. Thus politics came into play and As a consequence of the finding of these papers, the Scottish the German, King George I was placed on the throne of Britain. History Society produced them and updated the account of the Outraged Scots rallied to the cause of the Jacobite rebellion of

Cabar Feidh Newsletter: Members who wish to write to the Society with contributions to the Newsletter please send submissions to The Editor, Clan MacKenzie Society, 580 Rebecca St., Oakville, ON L6K 3N9. or e-mail to [email protected] 1715 which fizzled out following the inde- Page 2 could now give to the Jacobite adventure. cisive battle at Sheriffmuir. The second setback was the assassination Afurther complication to the attempt to ing in 1715, and he moved to the Papal of Charles XII of Sweden. He had been a put the Stuarts back on the throne was that dominions, where he remained for the rest strong opponent of King George I and his in 1707 an Act of Union brought England of his life. death now led to a change of policy in and Scotland together as a single country, The Jacobites plotted other attempts to Sweden’s previously hostile attitude to Great Britain. The Union was disliked by unseat King George from the throne and Britain. many on both sides of the border and did sought the help of Sweden, who promised Ormonde next invited George Keith, little, initially, to remove the dislike that to land 12,000 Swedish troops in Scotland the 10th Earl Marischal to join the cause the English and Scots had for each other. in support of a Jacobite uprising in and he agreed to do so and was accompa- Some Scots hoped that a Stuart monarch England. King Charles XII of Sweden was nied by his younger brother, James Keith, would renounce the Act of Union and to lead his troops in person and substantial who was to go on to achieve fame as a make Scotland an independent nation once financial support was to be forthcoming Field Marshal in later years. The Earl more. Whatever their respective motives, from Cardinal Alberoni and Spain. The Marischal was provided with two frigates the plotters plotted and Britain became a attempt came to naught when secret papers and two thousand muskets plus a supply of place of intrigue, a place full of spies and were seized which disclosed the intrigue money and ammunition. In addition a secret agents, with government informers and effectively ended that initiative. small body of Spanish troops were sent everywhere seeking to find out what was The next scheme involved a proposed with the Earl to Scotland, where it was going on. Most of the intrigues took place marriage between James and one of the expected that the Highlanders would flock in Europe with or without the support of daughters or nieces of Tsar Peter to gain to the standard of King James VIII & III. foreign princes or prime ministers, each of thereby Russian support against King The Earl Marischal set sail on 8th March whom had their own secret political rea- George. Ormonde failed in this attempt, 1719 with letters from the Duke of sons for supporting or not supporting the though the Earl of Mar was able to Ormonde to the Duke of Gordon, Jacobite cause. Many promises were made announce that a bride had been found for Glengarry, Maclean of Brolas and Donald and broken and the history of the Jacobite the Jacobite King James in the person of Macdonald of Benbecula, the cousin of rebellions is filled with outrageous promis- Princess Maria Clementina Sobieski, a Clanranald. es of huge armies, massive arms shipments granddaughter of the King of Poland. The main force was to go with and boat loads of gold to finance risings in The Jacobites continued their plotting Ormonde and he waited for the fleet of five both England and Scotland. Constantly the and discovered a strong ally in Spain in the warships and 22 other ships with 5000 promises were not fulfilled. Sometimes guise of Cardinal Giulio Alberoni, who troops and arms for 30,000 more. This fleet these were due to a change of political for- had become the absolute master of Spain left Cadiz on 7th March. But the govern- tune, sometimes an assassination, some- and was now having problems with the ment in England had plenty of warning times bad weather, but always, bad luck! English navy under Sir George Byng. from its informers that such an invasion Against this background we have the Byng was under orders to protect Italy was being attempted and put out a price of Jacobites divided amongst themselves and from attack by Spain. Byng completely £5,000 for the capture of Ormonde. often having personal motives in opposi- destroyed the Spanish fleet much to the Unfortunately for Ormonde, he waited tion to the general good. The English great fury of Alberoni who decided to hit in vain for the ships and the troops since Jacobites, for their part, simply failed to back at the British via military support for terrible storms scattered the fleet and produce the necessary numbers of men to the exiled House of Stuart. The further caused the loss of many lives. An attempt make the uprisings succeed and the plan was that Ormonde, with his military to send a further fleet was abandoned and Scottish Jacobites also had to fight clans reputation and personal popularity in all hopes for a successful rising now rested and countrymen loyal to the House of England was the man to lead such an with the Earl Marischal and his tiny inva- Hanover. It was a sorry catalogue of expedition. Ormonde’s letters commence sion force, now making its way to missed opportunities for a cause which at this point, from November 4, 1718. Scotland. could have been won with better planning, Ormonde met with Alberoni in Madrid and The Earl Marischal’s Spanish force better leadership and better co-operation. the plans for an expedition were discussed comprised a total of 307 men which Once it was discovered that Ormonde and relayed to James. These plans included included 18 officers. Young James Keith was implicated in the plot to re-establish sending many thousands of Spanish and was dispatched to France, now an enemy the Stuarts, a move was immediately made Swedish troops plus enormous numbers of country, to advise the Jacobites there of the to impeach him. He fled to France in muskets to arm the English Jacobites, with intended expedition. At Bordeaux he met August, 1715 and worked for the Jacobite landings in the west of England and also with General Gordon, Brigadier Campbell cause from that base. King Louis XIV, the the Highlands of Scotland where the and some others to whom he gave money Catholic monarch of a powerful country, Jacobite support was strongest. so that they could hire ships to get to had been supportive towards James, whose Two things happened to put a dent in Scotland. At Orleans he met with the exiled court was domiciled in France. these plans. First the political involvement Marquis of Tullibardine and they travelled Unfortunately Louis died in September of Spain in France’s affairs led to France together to Paris. 1715 and French politics changed in declaring war on Spain on 9th January, It was in Paris that Keith and favour of friendship with England. James 1919. With Spain now at war with Tullibardine met up with the Marquis of was forced to leave France after his return England, Italy and France, Alberoni was Seaforth, (he had been made a Marquis by from Scotland following the ill-fated upris- very restricted in the amount of support he James in the Jacobite peerage), and Seaforth brought with him a brother of Page 3 Seaforth himself was very wary of the Lord Duffus. Shortly afterwards they were proposed rising in Scotland. He was of the joined by Campbell of Glendaruel. Keith politics were being played in a game in strong belief that until there was evidence reports: which the Scots were required to work of strong support with Ormonde landing in together if they were to stand any chance England with his army the Highlanders of success whatsoever in the would not wish to risk all so soon after the light of the enormous odds last abortive attempt of 1715. However against them. despite these grave misgivings Seaforth This mixed party left Havre “with the greatest difficulty . . . was per- on 19th March in a small barque, suaded to move.” Lord Seaforth declared the Fidele. They arrived in that his mind was still the same as it had Mackenzie territory on the Isle of been when they were in Lewis: Lewis, just narrowly avoiding capture by the British fleet which “...thinking it folly and distraction to was on the alert, having received stirr without a landing in England, and the intelligence of the proposed Gentlemen of his name agreed that all their uprising. endeavours would be to no purpose for The Earl Marischal was men could not be brought in earnest to the already in Lewis and his two field before that time...” frigates were at anchor in Stornoway. Tullibardine had in Glendaruel was dispatched from fact received his commission Gairloch with messages to the Highland from General Arthur Dillon who chiefs announcing the arrival of the expe- was at James’ court at St dition. The ships left Gairloch on the 6th Germains. However, but continuous storms drove them all the Tullibardine did not advise the way back to Lewis and it was not until Earl Marischal of this commis- April 13th that they landed on the shores of sion and, as the Earl was the Loch Alsh. senior major-general present, he The next day Glendaruel returned with took command accordingly. A the response from the Highlanders that council of war was held at which they were ready to rise in support of King the Earl Marischal expressed the James as soon as they had confirmation of need to land on the mainland of Ormonde’s landing in England. Lockhart Scotland and make a dash to of Carnwath sent a note to the Earl Inverness, where they would Marischal with his views on what ought to William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth (and seize the garrison. Tullibardine be done: Marquis of Seaforth in the Jacobite peerage) advised against this saying that they should remain in Lewis and wait for Ormonde to “...it is thought proper that the Earl “I told them the reason of my coming, and arrive with his forces in England. It was Marischal should publish a manifesto, in showed them the short credentials I had decided to head for the mainland. which, after having enumerated the many brought from the Duke of Ormonde. The next day Tullibardine requested a grievances attending the Union, such as the Glendaruel smiled at reading them, and meeting of the council of war at which he decay of trade, and the violation of the told me that the billet would have been of made a speech, “which nobody understood Scots’ liberties and civil rights, etc, he little weight with them, had they not been but himself” and produced his commission should declare that it is the King’s (James already advertised by the Duke of Marr to appointing him as Lieutenant-General of VIII) intention to restore his Scots’ sub- obey what orders the Duke of Ormonde James’ forces in Scotland. Marischal jects to their ancient rights and indepen- should send. This plainly let me see that accordingly resigned command, except for dent state. And that he himself and those we had two factions amongst us, and the ships, which had been committed to with him appear in arms as well to redeem which proved the occasion of our speedy him personally by Alberoni. Once again the nation as restore the King, and that he ruin when we landed in Scotland.” Tullibardine and Glendaruel stressed the does thereby invite all his fellow subjects need to remain in Lewis, but others to contribute towards so just, honourable, Glendaruel was secretly anxious to protested so strongly that the Earl and necessary an undertaking. And in this gain a commission for Tullibardine as the Marischal’s views prevailed and they set manifesto, assurance should be given that a commander in chief of the forces, since he sail from Lewis on April 4th with the Scots Parliament will be invited to meet as felt comfortable that he could direct the intention of landing in Kintail, which was soon as the posture of affairs will allow the easy-going Tullibardine for his own ends. considered safe as it was also Seaforth’s same to assemble, that such laws may be On the other hand, Glendaruel was not on property. Bad winds prevented them from therein made and passed as shall be judged good terms with General Gordon and reaching Kintail so they disembarked in necessary for settling the peace and tran- wished to ensure that the military control Gairloch, which was loyal Mackenzie ter- quillity of the nation and securing the lib- did not fall into his hands. Thus underlying ritory. erties and religion of the same...” Page 4

The Marquis of Seaforth undertook to raise 500 men from his Mackenzie clan to support the Spanish contingent on the understanding from Tullibardine that he would write and obtain the support of Clanranald and Lochiel. Arguments con- tinued among the Jacobite leaders as to their course of action with Tullibardine and Glendaruel still counselling delay. On the 20th April, Clanranald and Lochiel arrived. Then came the news of Ormonde’s plight with his fleet. Tullibardine was all for taking the next boat back to Spain, but the Earl Marischal would not hear of such a thing and he threatened to burn the ships. In fact he sent the two frigates back to Spain and they just missed being captured by a strong British squadron of five war- ships. One of the reasons that the Earl Marischal took this action was that he was suspicious of Tullibardine’s caution; he The sorry state of Eilean Donan Castle after the Royal Navy had finished with it. believed that it was his intention to embark the force and return with them back to Boats mann’d and arm’d, under the says that “not above a thousand men Spain. The despatch of the frigates Command of two Lieutenants, who, land- appeared, and even those seemed not very removed this option. In fact not only ing at the Foot of the Castle, attack’d and fond of the enterprise.” Tullibardine’s Tullibardine, but the Spanish Colonel, took it after a small Resistance. Thinking it younger brother, Lord George Murray when he saw how few Highlanders had proper (as the Camp lay within two Miles) arrived with a force of men from joined the cause was also ready to return to to blow the place up, I sent Captain Perthshire. Murray was to become famous Spain with his force until he was prevailed Herdman of the Enterprize on that Service, as the leader of the Jacobite forces during upon to stay. With the frigates gone, there who perform’d it effectually, after having the ‘45 rebellion and was arguably one of was now no retreat. first sent off the Prisoners, with 343 the greatest military leader to come out of The Jacobite leaders made Eilean Barrels of Powder, 52 Barrels of Musket- Scotland. Another famous figure, Rob Donan Castle their base. This castle, the Shot, 200 Weight each, and some Bags of Roy, arrived with men from Stirlingshire ancient stronghold of the Mackenzie clan, Meal.” and Argyllshire. On June 5th, Lochiel was used as the storehouse of ammunition arrived with 150 of his clan and two days and supplies and these were guarded by Eilean Donan had seen much action in later, Seaforth turned up with the 500 men about 40 of the Spaniards. its long history as the stronghold of the he had promised from the Mackenzie clan On May 10th, three British warships Mackenzies of Kintail, but modern war- and their supporters. The next day Rob under the command of Captain Boyle ships and artillery fire were too much for Roy’s son brought another 80 volunteers. came up the loch to Eilean Donan and this otherwise impregnable fortress. The Meanwhile delays had ended the plans demanded that the castle surrender. One of small Spanish garrison surrendered with- to seize Inverness as the garrison had been the Spanish soldiers deserted and informed out a fight and were taken prisoner. The substantially reinforced. General Boyle’s men that the Spanish lieutenant in buildings in which the provisions had been Wightman, who had been one of the com- charge of the garrison was prepared to stored were set on fire and the ancient manders of Argyll’s troops at Sheriffmuir, deliver up the castle. Captain Boyle’s Eilean Donan Castle was blown up, ending marched from Inverness with a strong despatch elaborates: 500 years of history. The ruined shell of force of about 850 infantry, 120 dragoons the castle stood solitary and proud for and 130 Highlanders and proceeded to “At nine in the morning, I sent my almost 200 years before it was rebuilt early make his way across the Highlands to Lieutenant towards the Fort with a Flag of in the 20th century by its new Macrae Kintail. The Jacobites decided to await the Truce to demand them to surrender; but owner. force at Glenshiel, a grand and desolate they firing at the Boat, he return’d. About The Jacobites were in a sorry state with glen. This area is typical Highland terrain Four in the Afternoon, a Deserter wav’d to no base and limited supplies. The failure of and if the Highlanders were to fight, then us from the Side of the Camp, who, being Ormonde heavily restricted the ability to this ground would suit them best with its brought off, inform’d us that the Camp was raise the necessary numbers of men in hills, gorges and steep declivities. of about 4700 Men and daily increasing. At England and Scotland. At this point On the 9th June Lord George Murray, eight in the Evening we brought our Ships Tullibardine decided to do what he should who commanded the outposts, reported to play upon the Castle with a great Fire, have done in the first place, raise men for that the enemy was encamped four or five under the Cover of which I detach’d two the cause from the Highland clans. Keith miles off, near Loch Clunie. Next morning Page 5 they struck camp and made their way attack the Jacobite left commanded by A little later on June 30th he wrote: towards Glenshiel. As they advanced, Lord Seaforth. He was strongly positioned “I have used all possible means to put a Murray and his men moved back, main- behind some large rocks and soon received Dread upon those who have been more taining a distance of about half a mile. support from Sir John Mackenzie of Coul, immediately concerned in this late unnat- At two o’clock in the afternoon the two together with the remainder of the ural Rebellion, and by all just accounts am armies came in sight of each other and Mackenzies. Seaforth was still feeling the assured the Rebells are totally disperst.” Wightman halted and deployed his men for pressure of the attack and called for more an attack. The Jacobites had built some support. Rob Roy and his men set off to There were 274 Spanish prisoners fortifications including a barricade thrown join the Mackenzies, but the support did taken and they were sent to Edinburgh and across the road and along the face of the not reach them in time and most of them were ultimately returned to their country in hill on the north side of the river there were gave way under the pressure of the attack, the following October. entrenchments. At this point the main body while Lord Seaforth himself was badly The Pretender James and the Duke of of the Jacobite army was posted and this wounded. Rob Roy’s men next gave way Ormonde remained in Spain hoping to included about two hundred of the Spanish and retired up the mountain where they renew their attempt at a later date. Alberoni troops, Lochiel and his 150 men, 40 of Rob were followed by the Glengarry men and also had ambitions to support a further Roy’s men, 50 McKinnons and two hun- others. invasion but he had lost credibility and it dred of Lord Seaforth’s Mackenzies, under Wightman’s army directed their atten- was reported that the Spanish people just the command of Sir John Mackenzie of tion to the centre and the Spaniards held laughed at his project. Quite apart from Coul. One of the officers in command was out well, but finding themselves deserted that his hands were very full with affairs at John Mackenzie of Avoch. There were in by the Highlanders they too retired up the home and only the Jacobites had “faith addition about 179 others, the majority of mountain side away from harm’s way. The enough to believe every thing that makes whom were probably Glengarry’s men. whole of the Jacobite army under for them, let it be ever so impossible.” Lord Seaforth himself was positioned Tullibardine was now in retreat and the Alberoni fell from power in the December on the extreme left high up on the side of a Hanoverians pursued their enemy over the of 1719. hill with two hundred of his best hills until it was dark. Of Ormonde, nothing more was heard. Mackenzie clansmen. On the right 150 The “English” losses were 21 men He lived for many years but took no more men were under the leadership of Lord killed and 121 wounded. Despite the sorry part in politics, and when he was seen by George Murray, while the centre was com- result for the Jacobites, it is not believed Lady Montagu in 1743 she said, “To say manded by the Marquis of Tullibardine, that the Highlanders suffered any worse the truth, nobody can be more insignifi- accompanied by Glendaruel. Brigadier losses than those of the government. Lord cant.” McIntosh of Borlum was with the George Murray was wounded as was Lord Tullibardine was the man who unfurled Spaniards and the Earl Marischal and Seaforth. One report states that only ten Prince Charles’ standard at Glenfinnan in Brigadier Campbell were with Seaforth’s Jacobites were killed or wounded. 1745, dying the following year a prisoner men. The Jacobite leaders gathered the next in the Tower of London. Wightman’s force consisted of British day to determine their next move. The fact Lord Seaforth managed to make his and Dutch troops with some support from that they were without ammunition and peace with King George and was able to Highlanders loyal to the Hanoverians. supplies they had no confidence to try return home to play no further part in the These included 80 Munros under Captain again. It was decided that the Spanish Jacobite cause. It was left to his kinsman, George Munro of Culcairn, the younger troops should surrender as prisoners of war George Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Cromartie, brother of the Munro clan chief, Sir Robert while the Highlanders, who would be tried to lead the Mackenzie clan for the Munro of Foulis. Culcairn was to be and executed as traitors if caught, should Jacobites in 1745, by which time Seaforth severely wounded in the action which fol- escape among the mountains and find their was dead. lowed. One official report gave the own way to safety. Only the two Keiths went on to lead Jacobite force at 1,640 Highlanders and A price was put on the heads of Lord successful and prestigious careers, 300 Spaniards, while General Wightman’s Seaforth, the Marquis of Tullibardine and although Lord George Murray came close force totalled 1,106 men including 136 the Earl Marischal of £2,000, a great deal to great fame in 1745 by almost leading the Highlanders as well as four mortars for of money in those days. The leaders suc- Jacobite forces to victory, marching the throwing grenades. cessfully managed to escape to the conti- Highland troops through England all the The battle commenced between five nent and some of them were to try again 26 way to Derby. and six o’clock at which time the left wing years later, during the ‘45 rebellion. The year following the abortive rising of Wightman’s army moved against Lord The Mackenzie clansmen were without at Glenshiel, James and his wife George Murray’s position on the south side their chief and they suffered greatly when Clementina had a son, Bonnie Prince of the river. The position was first shelled Wightman wrote to say he was: Charlie. He it was who would lead the by a mortar battery and then attacked by a next, and last, Jacobite uprising of 1745. number of troops, including the Munros. “taking a tour through all the difficult parts But back once more to William This attack was repulsed but a second of Seaforth’s country to terrify the Rebels Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth. He had attack drove back Murray’s men. by burning the houses of the guilty and been attainted for his part in the 1715 Wightman’s right now moved up the hill to preserving those of the Honest.” rebellion so he was asking for serious trou- ble for the leading role he played in the Page 6 of Appin and others in that Country in 1719 uprising. The mass of letters and Argyle shire; the M’Leans in Mull, Rum, Thus the proud Clan of the Mackenzies papers from Ormonde to Alberoni and Coll, Morvine, Ardnamurchan and had reached its nadir. General Wade James make little reference to Seaforth. Swinard, in Argyle shire. reporting on the condition of the people in But it was Seaforth and his Mackenzie clan “The several Clans in that part of 1725 stated, that whereas the Seaforth ten- who provided almost one half of the Lochaber belonging to the Duke of Gordon ants had been the richest in the Highlands, Jacobite forces, while the leaders argued in Inverness shire; and those in Murray and they were now reduced to poverty through and politicked and wrecked any chance of Banf shires. the neglect of their lands and crops through winning a difficult campaign. Seaforth “The M’Neils of Barray in Argyle taking up arms. Their state of misery in wrote a letter to James on August 10th shire; The M’Kintoshes and other tribes of 1719 was compounded by the destruction 1719, just two months after the disaster at that name in Inverness shire; the caused by the soldiers. Glenshiel. His letter tells us little, except Robertsons belonging to Strowan in Perth- There had been efforts previously to try that from the tone one gathers that Seaforth shire. and disarm the Highlands. For example, in was unhappy that he was not in James’ “The underwritten Clans belong to 1716 an act was passed by parliament for confidence despite the fact he had risked Superiors well affected to His Majesty. the disarming of Highlanders. But despite all for his King, and that there were The Duke of Argyle 4,000 these efforts, most of the Jacobite clans unnamed persons responsible for the poor Lord Sutherland and Stathnaver 1,000 were as well armed as ever and a trade in support of James’cause. Let Seaforth have Lord Lovat (Frasers) 800 arms took place between the clans and the last word: The Grants 800 Holland and other continental countries. The Rosses and Monroes 700 A more determined effort was made in The Earl of Seaforth to James VIII & III Forbes of Cullodin 200 1725 following the Disarming Act to try Aug 10th 1719 Rose of Kilraick 300 and forcibly pacify the rebellious clans. Sir Archibald Campbell of Clunes 200 This time General Wade was given the Sir - Your Majesty’s I received by _____ responsibility and he arrived in Inverness Captain Barkley, and am most sensible of 8,000 in August 1725. the regard and kindness, you are pleased to The following report included in honour me with. I read the two letters of The two Clans underwritten for the Letters from a Gentleman in the North of May 1st and June 9th you ordered to be most part went in the Rebellion in 1715, Scotland, lists the clans who took part in communicated to me, and regret from the without their Superiors: the 1715 rebellion and sheds light on the bottom of my heart the unlucky situation The Athol Men 2,000 relative strength of the Mackenzie clan: of circumstances, not upon mine, but upon The Braidalbin Men 1,000 your Majesty’s account. total 3,000 “The underwritten Clans or Tribes were I will not pretend, Sir, to give you a engaged in the late Rebellion: most of detail of things here, since you have not The Clans underwritten were in the late them are armed, and commit depredations. honoured me with the trust of any, only to Rebellion, and supposed still to be disaf- “The M’Kenzies, and the small Clans, assure your Majesty that as there were no fected to His Majesty’s Government. viz. The M’Ra’s, the M’Lennans, men engaged in the late action of Glenshiel The Islands and Clans of the late Lord Murchiesons, and the M’Leods of North but mine, and those but few (though a great Seaforth 3,000 Assint, and M’Leys inhabiting the many standing by) so there are none more M’Donalds of Slate 1.000 Countries belonging to the late Lord ready on all occasions to show their zeal M’Donalds of Glengary 800 Seaforth; and all the Gentlemen and others for your service, when opportunity offers. M’Donalds of Mourdairt 800 of the name of M’Kenzie in the Main I am sorry that I am forced to acquaint M’Donalds of Keppoch 220 Land, and Isle of Lewis, in Ross, and your Majesty that your affairs here are Lochiel Camerons 800 Sutherland, shires; the M’Leods and others brought to so low an ebb (by whose fault I The M’Leods in all 1.000 of Glenelg in the Isle of Skey, and the wont say) that there nothing remains but Duke of Gordon’s followers 1,000 Harries in the shire of Inverness; the everyone to shift for himself, and that by Stewarts of Appin 400 M’Donalds and others of Slate or Skey and the advice of him you honour with your Robertsons of Strowan 800 North Uist in the shire of Inverness. The commands, I still made it my study (upon M’Kintoshes and Farquharsons 800 M’Donalds and others of Glengary, which account I suffer most of any) to M’Euens in the Isle of Skey 150 Obertaff, or Knoidart, in Inverness shire; serve your Majesty to the utmost of my The Chisolms of Strathglass 150 the M’Donalds and others of Muidart, power, and though I be once more obliged The M’Farsons 220 Arrisack, Muick, Canna, South Uist, in to leave my native country, as in all proba- _____ Inverness and Argyle shires. The bility I must, to wander abroad, in whatev- In all 11,140 Camerons of Lochiel in Inverness shire; er place fortune alots my abode, I shall the Camerons of Ardnamurchan, Swynard always beg leave to subscribe myself, with General Wade made his way to Brahan and Morvine, in Argyle shire; and the other the profoundest regret, Castle and called upon the Mackenzies to small tribes in these countries; the Sir, deliver their weapons. He persuaded the M’Donalds of Keppoch, and others in that Your Majesty’s most dutiful subject representatives of the Clan that if they part of Lochaber belonging to M’Kintosh and most obedient humble servant, would willingly give up their arms he of Borlum in Inverness shire; the Stewarts SEAFORT. would make representations to parliament to obtain remissions for the Clan Chief and Page 7 NEW MEMBERS his followers. To a large extent the proce- in all their arms and warlike weapons to e welcome the following new mem- dure was a sham since the weapons hand- the Castle of Brahan, on or before the 28th Wbers who have joined since the pub- ed in were largely old and worthless. of August. lication of the last Newsletter: The process of the submission of the “On the 25th of August I went to the Mackenzie clan and the surrendering of Castle of Brahan with a detachment of 200 Marlene Coultis, their arms was reported to the Government of the regular troops, and was met there by RR#7, by General Wade. His report makes inter- chiefs of the several clans and tribes, who Owen Sound, ON N4K 6V5 esting reading: assured me they had used their utmost dili- gence in collecting all the arms they were Katharine & David Erskine, “The Laird of the Mackenzies, and possessed of, which should be brought 425, 14th Street West, other chiefs of the clans and tribes, tenants thither on the Saturday following, pursuant Owen Sound, ON N4K 3Y1 to the late Earl of Seaforth, came to me in to the summons they had received; and [Katharine is the daughter of member a body, to the number of about fifty, and telling me they were apprehensive of Pat Jansen and the grand-daughter of assured me that both they and their follow- insults or depredations from the neigh- Margaret MacKenzie Clark Hyslop, great ers were ready to pay a dutiful obedience bouring clans of the Camerons and others, grand-daughter of Mabel Duff Clark (1st to your Majesty’s commands, by a peace- who still continued in possession of their cousin to Major Lex Mackenzie) and great ful surrender of their arms; and if your arms. Parties of Highland companies were great grand-daughter of Sarah Ann Majesty would be graciously pleased to ordered to guard the passes leading to their MacKenzie Duff.] procure them an indemnity for the rents country; which parties continued there for that had been misplaced for the time past, their protection, till the clans in that neigh- Alexander George & Eva MacKenzie, they would for the future become faithful bourhood were summoned, and had sur- RR#1, subjects to your Majesty, and pay them to rendered their arms. Shallow Lake, ON N0H 2K0 your Majesty’s receiver for the use of the “On the day appointed the several clans public. I assured them of your Majesty’s and tribes assembled in the adjacent vil- Donald & Ann McKenzie, gracious intentions towards them, and that lages, and marched in good order through (Commissioners of the Clan they might rely on your Majesty’s bounty the great avenue that leads to the Castle; MacKenzie and clemency, provided they would merit and one after the other laid down their Society of New Zealand - South Island) it by their future good conduct and peace- arms in the courtyard in great quiet and "Greenbush", Fortrose, R.D.5, able behaviour; that I had by your decency, amounting to 784 of the several Near Invercargill, New Zealand Majesty’s commands to send the first sum- species mentioned in the Act of mons to the country they inhabited; which Parliament. would soon give them an opportunity of “The solemnity with which this was LETTERS TO THE EDITOR showing the sincerity of their promises, performed had undoubtedly a great influ- Well Done. A fantastic job on the March and of having the merit to set the example ence over the rest of the Highland clans; newsletter! The quality of work put into the to the rest of the Highlands, who in their and disposed them to pay that obedience to editing is superb and I am not just saying turns were to be summoned to deliver up your Majesty’s commands, by a peaceable that because of your mentioning my family their arms, pursuant to the Disarming Act; surrender of their arms, which they had and the outgoing search for my ancestor’s that they might choose the place they never done to any of your royal predeces- point of origin. I must say that I was quite themselves thought most convenient to sors, or in compliance with any law either pleased though. Dad was so impressed that surrender their arms; and that I would before or since the Union.” he was wondering what the cost would be answer, that neither their persons nor their to acquire a dozen copies of the March property should be molested by your General Wade refers in this report to newsletter, Cabar Feidh? Also, do you Majesty’s troops. They desired they might the rents from the Seaforth estates which have copies from previous years? be permitted to deliver up their arms at the were “misplaced”. One of the more inter- Since we last corresponded I have Castle of Brahan, the principal seat of their esting stories of how these rents came to be come across some new developments . . . . late superior, who, they said, had promoted misplaced is a remarkable narrative of the Here is what I have found: and encouraged them to this their submis- loyalty that the Earl of Seaforth’s tenants A quote from the notes (1930’s) of my sion; but begged that none of the Highland had to the Mackenzie Clan Chief. The hero 3x great-uncle, Jesse Clarence Kimsey, companies might be present; for, as they of the story is one Donald Murchison, who states, “Dissatisfied with McKenzie clan had always been reputed the bravest, as was the estate factor of the Earl of Seaforth (mentioned in Scott’s ‘Lady of the Lake’), well as the most numerous of the northern and whose duties involved the collection life in Scotland, our ancestors’ opinions, clans, they thought it more consistent with of rents from the numerous tenants of his marked them ‘McKemzie’ for discrimina- their honour to resign their arms to your Lordship across Ross and Cromarty. This tion. They sought the coasts, fished, sailed, Majesty’s veteran troops; to which I readi- story will be told in the September issue of traded - decided to come to America - ly consented. Cabar Feidh. Passed through Ireland - Embarked from “Summonses were accordingly sent to England with one of Lord Baltimore the several clans and tribes, the inhabitants Colonies before the Revolutionary War - of 18 parishes, who were vassals or tenants settled East Bank of the Potomac. Moved of the late Earl of Seaforth, to bring or send to Cane Creek, N.C. (Buncombe Co.) Many Kimseys have since followed the call Page 8 $41,650. He was recommended to Alan by westward. Left off “Mc’ when reached the library at the University of Guelph. America.” Park (Sherwood Park, AB) Alan reported that he was prepared to Christopher Kimsey, Princetown, ID June 21 - Fort Erie - Alan & Ken donate this collection to the Clan Ed: This is just an extract from a very June 27-28: Red Deer Highland Games MacKenzie Society subject to the mem- long letter. Research into a family tree (Red Deer, AB) bers' approval and that if accepted the clan takes considerable time and Christopher June 28 - Barrie - not attending would issue a tax receipt for the amount of has all the necessary enthusiasm. As I have June 28 - B.C. Highland Games - at the the valuation. The books will continue to said on many an occasion, you get lucky Coquitlam Town Centre Stadium be kept at 580 Rebecca Street and will be sometimes but the amount of luck is in June 29: Edmonton Scottish Society available for lending to paid up members relationship to the work you put into the Highland Games: (780)987-5261 on terms to be decided. It was noted that research. No research - then do not expect July 1 - Embro - Ken the Clan MacKenzie Society in New any luck! July 5 - Kincardine - Volunteers ?? Zealand has a small library and books are On the matter of extra copies we do July 5 - Halifax - everyone on the trip loaned for up to four weeks with the mem- print just a few extras to hand out to new July 5, Penticton. 9 - 5 p.m. at King’s ber paying the cost of mailing. Lost books members at Highland Games. We do keep Park, 500 Eckhardt Ave West. are invoiced to the member at their value. copies of all back issues and to photocopy July 12 - Chatham - Alan & Norman? There was much discussion on this pro- these would take a considerable amount of July 12: Fort Edmonton Highland posal and in particular the fact that the time. A price can be quoted if you wish to Games (Edmonton, AB) Society would need to insure the books. It pursue this further. Info: (403)962-8476 would also need to determine what would Here is another very long letter from July 19 - Highlands of Durham happen to the location of the collection in which we have extracted a part: (Uxbridge) - Alan, Norman, Bob the event of Alan's death. The recommen- & Olga dation was made that a trust or library Having researched my husband July 19 - Orillia Scottish Festival - Rad. committee be formed to look after the mat- William Mackenzie’s family history for Aug 1/2 -Maxville - Alan, Ken, Alistair ter of insurance and future custody after some years, I made a great discovery, for Aug 3 - Montreal - Jimmy Alan's death. In the unlikely event that the me at least, in Kew Public Records’Office Aug 9 - Fergus - Alan, Norman, Society ceased to exist it was agreed that in London last October. Alistair, Ken, Shawn the library should go to the Clan Centre at William’s father 4666 Pte. Donald Ross Aug 16 - Sarnia - Alan, Bob & Olga Castle Leod. Mackenzie was in the 2nd Battalion Aug 23 - Almonte - Ken Mackenzie- On Motion duly made by Norman Seaforth Highlanders and fought in the Smith & Alan MacKenzie, seconded and carried unani- Boer War. The first time I visited the Aug 30 - Calgary Highland Games mously it was RESOLVED that the Records’Office I found a copy of Donald’s August 31: Canmore Highland Games Society accept the offer of the collection war service record of four large pages in (Canmore, AB) which would be named "The Alan very good condition showing when and McKenzie Collection" at some point dur- where he joined up and where he served. I ing the current year with a possible han- could not believe my good fortune. I also ANNUAL PICNIC AND ANNUAL dover to be officially recognized at the found he had served in the Chitral GENERAL MEETING AGM and picnic at Black Creek Pioneer Campaign 1895 near the Afghanistan bor- The Picnic and AGM will be held at Village on September 14th. It was further der and was given the Indian Medal 1895 Black Creek Pioneer Village on Sunday, RESOLVED that the Society issue an with clasp Relief of Chitral 1895. September 14, 2003. Liz Kelly has con- income tax receipt for the amount of the Jill Mackenzie, White Rock, B.C. firmed that she has tentatively booked the professional valuation of $41,650 and that - [email protected] Georgina Finley Dancers for the event. a copy of the listing and valuation be retained by the Society with its books and papers for future identification.” EVENTS IN 2003 PROPOSED CLAN MACKENZIE The Collection includes some very Highland Games SOCIETY LIBRARY IN CANADA valuable books on the Mackenzie clan and he following games have been identi- BY ALAN MCKENZIE other books of interest to anyone interested Tfied and volunteers to attend noted: t a recent meeting of the local com- in the history of Scotland. In due course we Amittee in Oakville, Ontario I offered shall issue a listing of the books in stages - June 10: Grande Prairie Highland to donate my Scottish book collection to the collection listing runs to 49 pages so it Games the Clan MacKenzie Society. Here is the is not practicable to include it in the Grande Prairie, AB: (403)532-4250 Minute made at that meeting: Newsletter. June 14 - Georgetown - Alan, Bob & “Alan McKenzie reported that he had There will be further information on Olga, and Ken obtained a professional valuation of his the library in due course. June 20,21,22: Chemainus on collection of Scottish books. It comprises Vancouver Island. The 20th is a golf tour- 816 books and journals and the valuer, nament, the games on the 21st & pancake John Rush - Books of Hamilton, Ontario, breakfast on the 22nd. has placed a valuation on the library of June 21: Highland Gathering in the GATHERINGS IN NEW ZEALAND Page 9 shall restrict this somewhat but will BY ALAN MCKENZIE include some articles in future issues. mentioned in an earlier Newsletter that immigrant, Margaret Fraser. This couple Meanwhile it is worth mentioning some of Ifollowing the Clan MacKenzie had 19 children, all of whom survived and my immediate observations. they in turn had several children, Today we The Clan MacKenzie Society in New can count thousands of their descendants Zealand boasts about 600 members which in New Zealand. I subsequently make con- is a remarkable achievement. This does, tact via e-mail with some of these fourth for the most part include husbands and cousins and in further correspondence with wives. Asingle membership costs $8 while Jock and Sonia Mackenzie, Joint a joint membership is only $10. Severe Commissioners of the Clan MacKenzie restrictions exist for non-profit societies Society of New Zealand, who also have and so they have been unable to accumu- Canadian relations, I was invited to come late the funds to help with the Castle Leod to New Zealand and Sonia arranged an Project. They do have a fund in place to excellent program of visits to various invite over Cabarfeidh at some point. I members of the clan including some of the know that he would certainly enjoy such a cousins. All of these people put me up in visit. The New Zealanders speak very their homes and I was generously accom- highly of Lilias, Dowager Countess of modated throughout my one month’s stay, Cromartie’s visit a few years ago. She very from March 3rd to April 3rd. much impressed the clan members there. I visited clan members from Auckland I was also impressed by the knowledge in the North Island to Fortrose (very appro- so many New Zealanders have of their Thomas Urquhart McKenzie and his wife priate!) at the foot of South Island and in genealogies. When members talk to each Margaret Fraser between I did a considerable amount of other they will often be heard to exchange driving all over this remarkably scenic information on which ship their ancestors Gathering in Scotland in 2000 and my land. In fact so overwhelmed was I by the arrived. meetings with the Clan genealogist, spectacular scenery that I came back with Some of my cousins were keen that I Graeme Mackenzie, that I had discovered a eight hours of video film! should visit the place where Thomas family connection in New Zealand. The Through the good offices of Jock and Urquhart McKenzie had his house and connection was with a member of the fam- Sonia Mackenzie arrangements were made estate, known as Poyntzfield. During this ily who emigrated to New Zealand in 1840 for me to attend three Gatherings in interesting visit to the region known as the and was thus one of the earliest of the set- Fortrose, Christchurch and Puketapu (near Lower Rangitikei I was shown the Fraser tlers to go to this beautiful country. This Napier). I met a large number of clan Cemetery, a private cemetery where the person was Thomas Urquhart McKenzie members and that included no less than descendants of the Fraser and McKenzie and shortly after his arrival in New seven fourth cousins. Needless to say I continued on page 11 Zealand he married another Highland could write a book on my experiences. I

This is just a “few” of the descendants of Thomas Urquhart McKenzie and Margaret Fraser and their nineteen children taken at the McKenzie Family Reunion at Bulls, New Zealand in 1976. Needless to say the numbers have swollen considerably since that photograph was taken! Page 10

First New Zealand Gathering held at the home of Commissioners Donald and Ann McKenzie at Fortrose, near Invercargill, South Island. Donald and Alan McKenzie hold the banner and Ann McKenzie stands immediately to the right of Alan.

Second New Zealand Gathering held at the home of Joy (McKenzie) Burrows in Christchurch. Joy’s husband wears the kilt on the right and Joy herself is standing to the right of Alan (or is it her identical twin sister standing at extreme left?)

Third New Zealand Gathering at the home of Jock & Sonia Mackenzie - Joint New Zealand Commissioners. Jock (Lieutenant to Cabarfeidh) and Sonia Mackenzie flank Alan McKenzie (centre). Page 11 continued from page 9 a grandson of Alexander of Ballone, their son, Donald, born November 13, 1796 and families are buried. I was intrigued to see a Puketapu. died April 1848, married Sarah (More) number of graves that had Maori names. The following article is from Jim Macleod, born 1788 and died March 8, Over the many years there have been a Thwaites, whose family has Canadian con- 1870. They lived at Kildonan on the shores number of intermarriages between the nections. of Little Loch Broom where they had their Maori and immigrant peoples. In fact I met family until the village was cleared in a Maori lady, Elaine Jeffree, who actually 1840. The ruins of Kildonan are across a KILDONAN, CANADA looks after the cemetery and is herself a burn from Kildonan House, which is now descendant of the Fraser side of the family. AND NEW ZEALAND owned by Sir Tim Rice’s son. In the burn is One of the cousins that I met at the BY JIM THWAITES an old unmarked cemetery where we may cemetery was Graeme Winston (Jock) DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, NEW ZEALAND have ancestors. McKenzie. I was much surprised to learn ost in the mists of time and lost in the Donald and Sarah are buried in the wee that he and his two sons, Stewart Craig Lmisty Highlands many of the details of cemetery at Bhord Bhuidhe, which is also McKenzie and Fraser James McKenzie, our forebears are probably gone forever. on the Dundonnell estate. were all members of the Manawatu But there is much information to be gained Most of the crofters at Kildonan moved Scottish Society Pipe Band. This grade one with perseverance, contacting relatives, to Scoraig. Two families went to pipe band are the current New Zealand friends and genealogists who have some Badralloch. Donald and his wife went to champions (2001 and 2002!) and also the knowledge and those still living in the Loggie on Loch Broom, the opposite side 2002 Australasian champions. More of this Highlands. to Ullapool. Donald died in 1848 but dur- band on page 16. Belonging to the Gruinard ing those years at Loggie there had been Another cousin that I stayed with in Mackenzies’ family and with the help of the formation of the Free Church of New Zealand was Ian Levien, a retired good friends who are related, like Sonia Scotland in 1843 and the potato famine in major in the New Zealand army. He had Mackenzie, Philippa Mackenzie, Anne 1846. Following the much publicised Irish been very active as a cornet player in the Smith and Nina Mackenzie (now potato famine of 1845 the blight hit National Band of New Zealand, which has deceased) I have been able to trace back to Scotland a year later than it hit Ireland and been on a number of world tours. Ian is Fisherfield. This is the name given to the England. During the 1800’s the road to now their Assistant Manager and when I area lying between Meikle Gruinard and Ullapool became known as Destitution mentioned the possibility of them perform- Gruinard Garve, the south bank of the Road as many travelled that road to sail ing at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo Gruinard river. Once long ago pre 1655 from Scotland never to see their homeland in Halifax with their Maori dance group he this was part of the Gruinard estate, part of again. Donald and Sarah (More)’s oldest was very excited. So I returned to Canada the property sold to Henry Davidson in son, Alexander, became a crofter at Loggie with a video tape and a mission to contact 1795. Now there is an attractive bridge and in 1856 married Barbara McLennan in Tattoo Drum Major Norman MacKenzie nearby for travellers to cross but in those the Free Church of Scotland in Ullapool. (our Toronto Commissioner) to see what times there was a small ferry or, of course, They had five sons and two daughters; the can be done. Norman has since taken the the long way round. eldest son, Donald, and his wife Margaret video and will pursue this possibility. Donald of Fisherfield was the second Sutherland from Durness, Sutherland, I shall pass on more information in due son of Thomas Mackenzie and the grand- sailed for Australia where on the journey course about this visit. Meanwhile I must son of John Mackenzie, 1st of Gruinard. they lost their twin sons. They had two pay a special thanks to all those wonderful He probably farmed the area either on his daughters born in Australia where Donald hosts who looked after me during my mar- own account or by subletting to tenants but worked on the railway; they then came to vellous visit. They are Ian (4th cousin) and for to have retained the name so long he New Zealand where they had eight more Denise Levien in Papakura, Colin (4th must have been a remarkable man in some children. Donald first worked for his uncle cousin) & Josie McKenzie in Thames, Gay ways. Time has hidden this from us but Kenneth George MacKenzie, known as Kingi (nee McKenzie) in Rotorua, Jim and there is no way time could hide his descen- K.G., who was farming at Fortrose, Betty Thwaites - Jim is deputy commis- dants as he has many. The original house is Southland, New Zealand. sioner - in Manaia, Donald & Ann long gone but salmon still leap in the beau- Two other sons of Alexander, Kenneth McKenzie (Commissioners South Island) tiful Gruinard river. Cattle and sheep no Bain - known as K.B., and his brother in Fortrose near Invercargill, Hugh and longer roam the valley but the trees have Murdo emigrated to Canada in 1893. K.B. Gay Ross in Wanaka, Don and Margaret not yet invaded its grandeur. was working in Halifax as a gardener and McKenzie in Timaru, Joy (McKenzie) Donald of Fisherfield married three a caretaker at a college where he met Burrows, who hosted the Gathering in times, his first wife was Mary Mackenzie Margaret Jane Little, a student studying Christchurch, Sarah and Martin Crysell in of the Ardloch family being the fifth child singing and the skills of a seamstress. The Wellington, Roland and Betty Mackenzie of James of Keppoch. There were three young couple began an eleven year corre- in Dannevirke (Roland greeted me on sons and one daughter from this marriage. spondence while K.B. sought his fortune. arrival by playing the bagpipes on the Donald’s second wife was Janet In 1897 he travelled to Dawson City, doorstep!), Liz (4th cousin) and Stuart Mackenzie, the 17th child of George Yukon, to stake his claim in the Klondike Gunn in Hastings, and finally Jock Mackenzie of Gruinard and his first wife, goldrush. It seems bad luck at the roulette (Lieutenant to Cabarfeidh) and Sonia Margaret. Their eighth child, Elizabeth, table lengthened his time there but he must Mackenzie (joint Commissioners) in married Kenneth Mackenzie of Badlochar, have had some success because he proudly claimed the nuggets in a small doeskin bag Page 12 children, grandchildren, and great-grand- and the gold in Margaret Jane’s engage- children - and judging from samples, a ment ring were from the Klondike, as was hence the beginning of their home at clean-built, comely race they are, too. the brooch he sent back to his sister, “Greenbush”, which is now a much larger Duncan, the eldest, is rather dark and sour- Kenithina, in Loggie, Scotland. property [1,200 acres!] and farmed by looking, but he will mellow with age and In 1899 K.B. was working on the Donald and Ann McKenzie who are the his father’s whisky. ‘Duncan - the bottle!’ Canadian Pacific Railway through the South Island Commissioners for the New Choking with dust, and sun-dried till I Crowsnest Pass in the Rocky Mountains. Zealand Clan Mackenzie Society. Today in crinkled like parchment, the airy and shad- Several photos show him, head powder New Zealand the descendants of Kenneth ed parlour of the Mackenzie was to me an man, standing with the other men of his and Catherine and their spouses number oasis of comfort, cool and refreshing. I crew. over 400. refreshed, but did not insult the old laird’s Finally, K.B. returned to Halifax to With my wife, Betty, our great experi- whisky by taking it in milk (the printer will marry Margaret Jane on October 27, 1902. ence last September was to travel to please be careful of the whisky and milk). Together they returned west to Grand Edmonton in the hope of finding some of I fancied from the twinkle in the chief’s Forks, B.C., where K.B. worked as a my MacKenzie relations. The result was eye that he expected to see me go under smelter. It is not known if K.B. stayed even better than I had hoped for, meeting after the third tumbler, but was unaware of together during those years but there are with Juanita Block who was the only the seasoning I had received in the editori- notes saying Murdo worked for a shipping Canadian relative I had heard of. We were al whisky department. ‘Donald, the bottle company in Montreal and later at a smelter phoned by Ken and Mary Mackenzie from stands with you!’One of the sights, I might in Trail, B.C., not too distant from Grand Drayton Valley. Ken is a grandson of almost say wonders, of the country is Mr. Forks. In April 1906 K.B. and M.J’s first Kenneth Bain and he came to Edmonton Mackenzie’s flower garden. It is such a child, John Robert, was born and in 1908 and took us to stay with them at their home splendid scene of artistic beauty that all the M.J. returned to Halifax for the birth of in Drayton Valley. On returning to gardens in Auckland rolled into one can Barbara Jean. Kenneth and Margaret then Edmonton Ken’s cousin Pat (MacKenzie) scarcely equal. The mystic maze is espe- decided to pursue farming on the Prairies, Race [one of our clan members in cially ingenious in design, and the stranger, first at Three Rivers, Manitoba and soon Canada!] and her husband, Cec Race, both once in, has some difficulty in finding his thereafter at Travers, north of Lethbridge, retired schoolteachers, made us very wel- way out. This horticultural wonder is Alberta. The first few years were prosper- come at their home in Leduc. When we left mainly the work of Mr. Mackenzie’s own ous years. Photos show a fine wooden Canada we felt we had united the two fam- hands, and is, I understand, the work of a structure home and a well-dressed family ilies of New Zealand and Canada with the lifetime. I hope the grand old fellow will of seven. Tragically in 1916 Margaret Jane Western Highlands. yet live years enough to make a second died in childbirth and somehow Kenneth [Ed: This interesting article is an addi- lifetime, and add new beauties to his cre- managed with his brood of children. tion to the book “K.G. McKenzie, Of ation.” In 1923 Murdo returned to Loggie to Greenbush Southland ‘Our Heritage’”. [Ed: Poyntzfield no longer exists, it look after his widowed mother, Barbara. Further information on this book can be was burned down many years ago. There is After her death he packed up his own fam- obtained from Jim and his e-mail address a cairn placed by the family on the spot ily with wife, Williamena, and joined K.B. is [email protected]]. where the house once stood and the in Alberta. Murdo died in 1928 after a remains of the magnificent garden can still lengthy illness. K.B. continued farming be seen with some massive trees and until his death on July 28, 1941. Presently ALITTLE MORE ON THOMAS shrubs.] Murdo’s daughter Janet lives at URQUHART MCKENZIE Marwayne, Alberta while descendants of s mentioned earlier Thomas lived Kenneth Bain live mainly in the areas Awith his large family at a house he 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE around Edmonton and Drayton Valley with named Poyntzfield ( which he named after UNION OF SCOTTISH AND ENGLISH some of the younger generations as far a manor house in Easter Ross). When CROWNS flung as Vancouver, New York and meeting with my cousin Colin McKenzie he following piece is from the Thailand! in Thames, Coromandel, New Zealand he TEconomist newspaper: Kenneth, the brother of Alexander and produced an extract from a book entitled Scottish nationalists mourn their union son of Donald and Sarah (More), while “Ramblings by A. Tramp” (J.D. Wickham) with Britain. Misguidedly so. working as a shepherd at Loggie, Newton, on a journey made in 1887. Here is what he nything to help the tourist trade. That, married Catherine McLean on September had to say on running into Thomas Apresumably, was the Scottish 17, 1860 in the Free Church of Scotland in Urquhart McKenzie: Executive’s thinking when it laid on some Ullapool. After the ceremony they were “As I said, I did not get sight of the pomp and pageantry to mark the 400th rowed out to a sailing ship destined for McKelvie, but I met the Mackenzie, a anniversary of the Scottish and English Greenock where they boarded the “Lady neighbour of his, one of the finest ‘real old crowns. But the Scottish National Party Agidia” and set sail for New Zealand. Scottish gentleman, one of ye olden time,’ smells a rat. Kenneth tried his had at gold mining in the it has been my good fortune to meet with. To some Scottish patriots, March 24th Otago goldrush. This was not to his liking Hale, hearty, hospitable, Mackenzie, of 1603, when James VI of Scotland became so he went shepherding until 1869 when he Parewanui, is the beau ideal of a Highland James I of England, marked the start of a acquired his first property of 50 acres, chieftain. His clan numbers a hundred - slide that ended with the subjugation of the Page 13 ter and was published in volume II of Sir country by its larger southern neighbour. William Fraser’s The Earls of Cromartie The Anniversary shindigs are particularly (1876), at page 462 et seq. It was followed unwelcome, they reckon, because they by a shorter manuscript history entitled mean, in effect, a burst of state-financed The Genealogy of the Mackenzies unionist propaganda slap in the middle of Preceding the Year 1661 Written in the the campaign for elections to the Scottish Year 1669 by a Person of Quality, pub- Parliament on May 1st. lished in 1900 in volume I of Walter For a party whose biggest electoral Mafarlane’s Genealogical Collections in problem is persuading Scots to feel more Publications of the Scottish History self-confident about independence, this Society, volume 33. The pedigrees of the seems narrow-minded. Admittedly, the early chiefs contained in both manuscript Stuarts were not a great success, and were histories are similar. The Earl of binned in 1688 for another import, this Cromartie’s pedigree, based upon his 1669 time from Holland. But with the shorter manuscript history, at pages 54-60, Jamestown settlement in Virginia, they follows: launched the empire, which was largely run by Scots. And Scottish dominance of PEDIGREE 1 today’s cabinet suggests they have retained 1. Kenneth, son of Colin Fitzgerald and much of their power. The SNP should sure- Douglas Hickling the daughter and heiress of Kenneth ly be arguing that, if the Scots can run MacMahon (Matheson), was named for his Britain, they can be trusted to run their lieutenant in Germany, he attended maternal grandfather. He married Morba, homeland. Harvard Law School where he studied “daughter to MacDougal of Lorne.” He labor law under Archibald Cox, who was was succeeded by their son, to become the special counsel who was AMAJOR HISTORICAL REVIEW OF ordered dismissed by President Nixon in 2. Kenneth, who supported Bruce in his THE EARLY CHIEFS OF THE CLAN the famous Watergate affair. contest with the Comyns. He was succeed- His wife, the former Madeleine MACKENZIE ed by his son, Henning, is of Yankee ancestry on her e have been in communication with mother’s side, and is descended from the Douglas Hickling who has sent us a 3. Kenneth na Sroine [Kenneth of the W Munros of Scotland and, through them, most interesting review of the various Nose], who married Finguala, daughter of from Kenneth-a-Bhlair Mackenzie, whose sources of the Mackenzie clan chiefs. MacLeod of Lewis. He was executed by daughter Catherine married Hector Munro Since the article is so large we shall the Earl of Ross at Inverness, and was suc- of Foulis. include it over the next several editions of ceeded by his son, the Newsletter. It is appropriate that some 4. Murdoch Dow, who married a daughter work be done on this aspect of Mackenzie THE PEDIGREES OF THE EARLY history. Indeed I attempted a shot at it of “MacCaula of Lochbroom”. He was CHIEFS OF CLAN MACKENZIE some time ago but found myself immersed succeed by his son, into too many clan projects at the same CAN THEY BE TRUSTED? 5. Murdoch Nidroit (of the bridge), so time. We are therefore most grateful to BY DOUGLAS HICKLING Douglas for this research. Let us start, called because his mother while pregnant therefore by giving you Douglas PART 1 with him had been saved from a fall at the Hickling’s biography. he several published pedigrees of the bridge of Scatwell. He married Fingala, Tearly Mackenzie chiefs - from daughter of MacLeod of Harris. He was DOUGLAS HICKLING Kenneth, for whom the clan is named, succeeded by his son, ouglas Hickling is a retired California through Alexander “Ionraic” - that are con- Dattorney, who was born and raised in tained in family histories compiled 6. Alexander Ionraic (the upright). who Eden, New York, the hometown of the between the 17th and early 20th centuries married (1) Anna, daughter of MacDougal Kazoo Company. Both of his parents were are based upon traditions, real, perceived, of Lorne, by whom he had Kenneth and Canadian, the earliest New World or contrived. Considering that these pedi- Duncan, and (2) Margaret, daughter of Hickling, a naval veteran, having settled in grees frequently contradict each other and MacDougal of Morir. Simcoe County, Ontario, in 1819, as part that they are not supported by existing con- of the Crown’s program of encouraging the temporary records, can any of them be The shorter manuscript history of the immigration of soldiers and sailors so as to relied upon? Mackenzies, by the first Earl of Cromartie, pacify the Indians. The two earliest surviving manuscript was soon followed by The Genealogie of Douglas took an early interest in fami- histories of the Mackenzies were compiled the Surname of M’Kenzie Since Their ly history. Even before graduating from in the seventeenth century by Sir George Coming Into Scotland collected in 1667 Cornell, he explored the rural cemeteries Mackenzie, created first Earl of Cromartie by John Mackenzie of Applecross, a friend and public records of Simcoe County. by Queen Anne in 1703. His first account, of the first Earl, and copied from the for- After completing service as an artillery written circa 1650, takes the form of a let- mer’s papers in 1670. This manuscript was published in 1916 as volume II of Page 14 glory of Poolewe. Highland Papers and volume XII of Publications of the Scottish History the chiefs of most of the Highland clans up 'mong silver birch and rowan trees a Society (second series). The pedigree of to about 1400. According to Skene, the river winds it's way the early Mackenzie chiefs as set forth in manuscript was compiled by an Irish sen- to join the peaceful waters of Atlantic's the Applecross manuscript follows: nache employed by Clan Maclachlan as proudest bay indicated by the fact that the pedigree of where wavelets lap the shingle round PEDIGREE II that clan is quite detailed and includes the foreshore's lovely line 1. Kenneth, son of Colin Fitzgerald and intermarriages. and the bay reflects the beauty of a vil- the daughter of Kenneth Matheson, was In 1834, Skene published his English lage that is mine. named for his maternal grandfather. He translation of this manuscript in volume 1, married a daughter of MacIver, and was part 1, of the Transactions of the Iona Sweet memories of boyhood bliss upon succeeded by their son, Club, at page 54. In a note, Skene pointed those waters wild out that the manuscript established “[t]he of roaming by the shady banks when I 2. Murdoch, who married a daughter of comparatively late invention of many of was but a child MacAulay. He was succeeded by, the traditionary origins of all the Highland come back to me and longingly I sigh clans.” once more to be 3. Kenneth na sroine, who married a Skene became more specific in his The by whispering winding waters as they daughter of MacDougall of Lorn, whom he Highlanders of Scotland (1836), in which ramble to the sea. caused to be thrown over the bridge at he attacked the notion that the Mackenzies Scatwell while she was pregnant with were descended from Colin Fitzgerald as Oh to roam by primrose pathways claimed by the 17th century, and subse- through sweet Inveran's bonnie glades 4. Murdoch na drochaid (of the bridge), quent, family historians. First, at pages among the Rhododendron groves who married a daughter of MacLeod of 187-188, he stated that whenever a clan beneath the evening shades Lewis. He was executed by the Earl of tradition, such as that of the Mackenzies, once more to thrill to the mavis' trill by Ross at Inverness, and was succeeded by asserts a marriage of the foreign founder of the wildwood ways I yearn the clan with the heiress of that family, the and to watch the roedeer gambol 5. Murdoch dubh, known as Black family claiming the foreign founder is through the bracken and the fern. Murdoch of the cave. He married a daugh- invariably the oldest cadet of the family ter of MacLeod of Harris, and they were which has somehow usurped the power In the twilight of my lifetime I would the parents of and estates of the clan chief. It then choose to settle down attempts to conceal the defect in its right where the winds sweep through the 6. Alexander Ionraic (the upright). He by blood by asserting the foreign founder woodlands and the mountains seem to was brought up by MacDougall of Lorn, who married the chief’s heiress. frown and married (1) a daughter of MacDougall Second, Skene, at pages 325-326, stat- there I'd linger by the river where of Lorn, by whom he had Kenneth and ed that the documents frequently quoted as water ouzels play Duncan, and (2) a daughter of MacRanald. supporting a Mackenzie descent from and salmon leap quick-silver-like in Colin Fitzgerald were either (1) non-exis- flashes through the spray. It is widely believed that John tent, (2) inconclusive, or (3) “a forgery of Mackenzie of Applecross borrowed the later times.” Not only was there no docu- Poolewe, Poolewe, it's your mountains Colin Fitzgerald descent from the first Earl mentary support for the claimed descent blue, your river and your bay of Cromartie and that they both relied upon from Colin Fitzgerald, such a descent was that make you pride of Highland hearts one or more earlier manuscripts that no rejected by the manuscript of 1467, which no matter where they stray longer exist shows a Gaelic descent from Gilleoin of it's the birds that sing and the woods The foregoing are the only published the Aird. that ring to the echoes of their song seventeenth century manuscript histories [Ed: There are five more pedigrees of that make a mystic haven of the place of the family. Several later unpublished the early chiefs yet to be examined. See the where I belong. family histories by compilers, including next Newsletter in September for more on the Rev. John Macrae, Hector Mackenzie, this fascinating subject.] Copyright Willie MacKenzie 1959 Dr George Mackenzie, and Captain John Matheson of Bennetsfield, are held in GLORY OF POOLEWE Willie is one of our members in B.C. Scottish libraries, but they are not readily and we have given examples of his poetry accessible because they are in manuscript and songs in previous issues. This grand form only. 've heard folk wing the praises of their one above was sent in by Commissioner In 1833, an ancient parchment now Itowns and cities grand Joan MacKenzie, with Willie’s permission. known as the Manuscript of 1467 was they say that in their fairness they're found by William F. Skene in the the finest in the land Advocates’ Library in Edinburgh. The but away up on the Highlands 'mong ALBERTA HAPPENINGS manuscript is a compilation of crude lists the misty mountains blue here is always something interesting of names, believed to be the pedigrees of we sing of sun-kissed waters and the Tgoing on in Alberta and our constant page 15 aware of the situation and reassure you we are getting on with it"! truth I can’t stand that type of music. In response to this welcome comment Nevertheless it is gratifying that someone it did occur to us that given the importance has seen that the good name of Mackenzie of this explorer to the good name of is good enough to gain some points with Canada that some of our civil servant the buying public. In the case of The Real members might have some thoughts as to McKenzies they do actually have a mem- whether the government might step up to ber of the band by the name of Paul Kevin the plate for help with the funding. So we McKenzie “aka: Kipper McKenzie, asked Peadair if he had any idea of the Fibbler McKenzie, that idiot w/ the kilt up likely cost of such upkeep. He responded around his head”. One is enough I suppose as follows: to give them some sort of legitimacy to the name and they do wear the Mackenzie kilt I would think a one-time capital sum of and some have tattoos with the stag’s head! around £4,000 invested will provide for Heather Chilton (on the right) enjoying a quiet future years for maintenance of the moment with a friend at the Calgary Memorial. Horticultural Society in the “twig” gazebo. SIR ALEXANDER MACKENZIE’S GRAVE communication with Sheila McKenzie So here was a general request to mem- e have had a response from Scotland helps us keep abreast of them. Sheila sent bers. If you are interested in making a one from former Clan society president us a full page colour article from the W time donation towards such a fund - and Peadair Mackenzie. This is what he had to Calgary Herald dated April 17th on two we can give a charity receipt - then send us say: new surgical methods for replacing or a cheque payable to Clan MacKenzie Hope you are all well and avoiding the resurfacing hips. Now we do know that Society and we shall forward such funds to 'bug'. I read in one of your magazines that some of our members have had hip to the Scottish Clan Society. ALSO, any the memorial at Avoch was not being replacement surgery or, at least, are look- civil servant members out there - what looked after----- I wish someone had con- ing for such help. So it was with interest chances for getting government help? tacted us because although the gentleman we noted that one of the pioneers in a Please contact me directly on this matter who did look after the site is now retired method known as Birmingham Hip at: [email protected] or phone (905) 842- and in a home, we can progress matters Resurfacing is Dr Jim MacKenzie, who 2106. here. just happens to be the son of our Edmonton I have been in touch with the local Commissioner, Cec MacKenzie. Made of Here is a further e-mail from Peadair people, who are proud of the association, cobalt chrome, the hip resurfacing unit is a Mackenzie which is of great interest: to prevent any possible cross purposes as a small, shiny two-piece unit designed to Society. I expect to clarify the local situa- replicate a human ball-and-socket hip As an addendum to my last email, I tion quite soon ie; do they have anyone in joint. The parts fit flawlessly, the ball slid- have heard from the Chairman of the mind as a carer? Our Society Committee ing like silk in the socket. In September Avoch Heritage Trust. He is delighted to discussed the matter recently and we do 2002, Dr Jim Mackenzie implanted one of hear that we will take over the administra- have a prospective 'Guardian of the Grave' these new beauties into Calgary’s first tion of the Memorial. The area has been although we have not made any approach- Birmingham Hip Resurfacing patient, a weeded and an anti-weed membrane laid 60-year-old male patient. This new treat- down and covered with three ment has great possibilities and is now tons of gravel to reduce the covered by the Alberta Health scheme. level of maintenance. We Sheila McKenzie also sent us a picture will have to replace the cur- (reproduced above) of Heather Chilton rent flags which are too (sitting on the right). To quote Sheila: large - no problem! “Heather Chilton is a mainstay of our We do feel that Gregor locals. She is Kathleen MacKenzie's Mackintosh who looked daughter and former colleague of mine in after the site for many years Occupational Therapy. She is a daemon and is now in a home and gardener.” unable to walk should be honoured in some way by THE REAL MCKENZIES our Societies. We will now omeone tipped us off that quite apart make an approach to discov- from the reasonably well-known brand How the grave appeared when it was being S looked after. er a 'Guardian of the Grave' of Scotch whisky known as “The Real Regards, Peadair. McKenzie” there is also a punk rock band es until the local situation is clarified. with a rather similar name - The Real This seems good news and donations Is it possible to set up joint funding for McKenzies. Now I have to admit that I am are requested for this project. Sir the project? Just to let you know we are not much into punk rock - in fact to tell the Alexander Mackenzie is one of the great page 16 heroes of Canada and MacKenzies in Canada should take a lead. Ontario and he is looking for ideas from members in that region for “get-togethers” to be developed over the Summer months in AN INCIDENT IN SCOTLAND the Ottawa area. Meanwhile members in that area please note that by A. Morley MacKenzie we shall be at the Almonte Games and we should like you to visit ere is a Scottish story of a tradition many clan members may us at the clan tent. So call Ken with your suggestions or offers to Hnot be aware of - it came to my mind when reading the March help. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 613-273-1500. issue of Cabar Feidh and the border incidents relating to the Jacobites. A few years back on one of our English/Scottish visits Paula MCKENZIES IN A CHAMPION PIPE BAND and I stopped overnight one Saturday just south of the border. On ow I have to say I am not given to boasting (much!) but when Sunday we started out and crossed into Scotland at Jedburgh. A NI discovered on my visit to New Zealand that three of my little later, about 11.a.m. we entered Lauder, a small village with cousins were in the New Zealand champion band for the last two a pub on the square and a half dozen cars parked outside. We years then I must say that I glowed with pride! The band in ques- parked and entered to find about a dozen customers enjoying the tion is the Manawatu Scottish Society Pipe Band and they are the hospitality. The landlord served us and as we sipped ours over the current New Zealand and Australasian champions and they are next 15 or 20 minutes we noticed the publican continually going planning to go to Scotland this year to try their luck in the world to the window and looking out onto the square. When I called him championships for the first time. They hope to find themselves over for our refills I asked why he kept looking out the window. placed among the top ten bands in the world - at least that is their “Ah lad!” he said, “I shouldna’ be open till noon and it’s only ambition at their first attempt. I met one of the band members, 11.45. But you see we had 700 horse riders in town all from here- Jock McKenzie, while I was visiting the cemetery where the early abouts and I didna’ close till 2 a.m. and these thirsty people were McKenzie immigrants to New Zealand were buried. Jock told me hangin’on the door at 9 a.m. this mornin’.” that his two sons were also in the band. Stewart McKenzie is the “Really?” I said, “why the 700 riders?” Pipe Major and his brother Fraser is the Drum Sergeant. So I con- “We do it every year at this time and they ride the border to tacted the band via the internet and purchased their newly released keep the English out! But now I’m keeping an eye open for the CD titles “The Calling” and very good it is too. constable.” Only a few days earlier I had gone into Toronto to hear a per- “Well,” I said, “you go and change your clock to 12.15 and I’ll formance by the four time World Champions, the Simon Fraser change my watch as well and swear to the constable that your University Pipe Band and I bought one of their outstanding CD clock is right!” performances recorded at Carnegie Hall. When one hears a band “What a guid idea!” he said, and promptly moved the hands of of this calibre it is no wonder that the standards set are so high that the pub clock to 12.15. it must be a hard thing to aspire to such a standard of excellence. It wasn’t a large pub and as I looked around I saw the patrons The Simon Fraser band has so much depth with world standard also adjusting their watches. And one guy even applauded! solo pipers, and they can produce sounds from their pipes that [Ed: good story Morley - thanks!] almost seem impossible. The audience certainly appreciated this. However, the standard of the Manawatu Pipe Band is excep- tionally high and the solo performance of Stewart McKenzie on HOW THE SCOTS INVENTED THE MODERN WORLD his pipes is absolutely outstanding. He has won numerous awards by Arthur Herman for his piping and under his leadership the Manawatu Pipe Band ne of the hottest books on Scotland to hit the market in recent would certainly give all others a run for their money! Good luck Oyears is this best seller by Arthur Herman (a non Scot!). It is to them in their championship efforts in Scotland. published by Three Rivers Press, New York, a subsidiary of The Manawatu Scottish Society Pipe Band was formed in Random House. 1925, and is based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The band Commissioner Ken Mackenzie-Smith has read this book and draws its membership from as far afield as Australia. The band is this is his review: led by the brothers Stewart and Fraser McKenzie, who have led This is a fascinating, easily read book by an American the band to victory at the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships Professor. It is a “true story of how Western Europe's poorest in 2001 and 2002 and to first place in the Australian and South nation created our modern world and everything in it”. Starting in Pacific Championships in 2002. The band also won the New the 1600’s it covers all aspects of Scottish history and its most Zealand Champion Drum Corps title in 2002, a title it has held famous sons up to the present day. It details Bonnie Prince three times in recent years. Charlie’s historical failure, the Highland Clearances, the lives of The CD, “The Calling” brings together the music and arrange- Robert Adams, John Watts, Arthur Conan Doyle, Alexander ments that characterise the band, including new material that Graham Bell, David Livingstone, Adam Smith - even Ian Maclean expands on the traditional pipe band repertoire without exiting the along with countless others. All great Scots who have left their genre. Featured on the recordings are compositions and arrange- mark on our world. ments by Stewart McKenzie and Timothy Cummings. Their Reading it makes you even more proud to be part of one of arrangements, coupled with the original drum scores by Fraser its most famous Clans. I highly recommend it to all our members. McKenzie, give the band a distinctive sound and style that has won it many accolades. OTTAWA CALLING! The picture above shows the cover on the CD with Stewart Ken Mackenzie-Smith is the Commissioner for Eastern McKenzie being the piper. This CD is not generally available in page 17

Canada but I had no problem buying my copy by sending an e- mail to the band and buying a bank draft in payment. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Just send an International Bank Draft (you can purchase from your local bank) payable to "Manawatu Scottish Society Pipe CONTACT: [email protected] Band", for New Zealand Dollars $40.00. The CD is NZ$30 plus $10 for packaging & postage (Air Mail). Please post the Bank CALLING ALL MACKENZIES!!!! Draft to David Sutherland, 5A Birkhall Grove, Strathmore, THE LANDS OF THE MACKENZIES OF Wellington, New Zealand. (The e-mail address is [email protected]). BALLONE HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE The New Zealand dollar is cheaper than the Canadian dollar MARKET. and the cost works out at around Can$32. Highly recommended. [This message that follows created a huge volume of e-mails on the Mackenzie chat line. My own contribution from the Clan Society in Canada was to suggest that we had quite enough on our plate with the Castle Leod Project. However here is what started this huge interest!]

lexander I of Ballone (1608-1645) was the 4th son of Sir ARoderick MacKenzie, Tutor of Kintail (Progenitor of the Earls of Cromartie and the families of Scatwell, Tarvie & Ballone) and his wife Margaret MacLeod of Lewis, Coigeach and Assynt. We were the first to clear the lands and establish a communi- ty there, with a small church, known as the Clachan, Loch Broom. I personally visited the site, where the graves of Alexander II of Ballone and his descendants are situated, greatly in need of repair, a project I mentally committed to and would like your help with. Their memorials have survived, more or less, since 1666. Ballone went out of our family’s control in 1799 as a direct page 18 result of our participation in the Battle of Culloden. Two members bring food - they will supply plates, cups, cutlery and a cold bev- of our family were taken prisoner and later released from the erage. People are also asked to bring along any records or addi- Tower of London, being Colin MacKenzie 1st of Badluachrach tions to their family tree history book. Since there are to be a num- and his brother, William MacKenzie, who fought under their kins- ber of children expected if you can take prizes for games that man George MacKenzie 3rd Earl of Cromartie. The minister went would be welcome! to London and negotiated the safe release of these two Jacobites. Anyone with McKenzie ties would be welcome to come and The estate so encumbered could not be saved. spend the afternoon at this event. To get to the Dromore Park, During the Clearances, the minister and his wife at the travel north on Highway #6 about 10 miles past Mount Forest. Clachan saved the lives of many of our kin by allowing them to Turn right on Concession 18 and go approximately 7 miles to the spend the winter in tents in the snow on the church grounds. Those Park on the right side of the road before the village of Dromore that survived mainly came to America. itself. Today known as Inverbroom, the property once consisted of Enjoy a pot luck meal, games and fellowship. Bring photos about 60,000 acres and was later known as the Braemore Forest, and stories of your family line to share with the gathering. on the road between Inverness and Ullapool. For more information contact Bill or Sheila McMeekin at During my trip, I met the current owners of the property, who (519) 369-6374. are in the process of settling the estate of their late parents. It is my hope that members of the Clan MacKenzie around the world will be interested in reacquiring some or all of this beauti- ANOTHER CASTLE LOOKING FOR MONEY ful land. The property is being offered either in its entirety for here is a lot of competition in the world when it comes to £2,550,000 and above or in two lots: Lot 1 at 19,300 acres for Textracting money from donors to assist Scottish castles which offers over £2,000,000 and lot 2 with a portfolio of estate are crumbling and in risk of decay. Mark Courtney, our intrepid dwellings at offers over £550,000, provisionally offered on condi- source of what goes on in Scotland, sends us lots of newspaper tion that the buyer of Lot 1 does not require the entirety. and magazine cuttings and in fact we could make up a magazine If you are interested in buying any or all of this parcel, or in from these alone. One of the articles that was of great interest was combining somehow in a group to acquire any or all of this par- from the Daily Mail of May 5th which showed a photo of Castle cel, please email me ASAP. Sinclair Girnigoe which is in great danger of toppling over the Thank you! cliff on which it stands plunging it into the North Sea. The castle Cornelia W. Bush is owned by Malcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness. The castle PS I have not received fees of any kind for this announcement is said to be in such a perilous condition that it has been added to and am not the property agent. I have notified the owners of my a list of the world’s most endangered heritage sites, along with the wish to see the property in MacKenzie hands again and they are Great Wall of China and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt! amenable to hearing from us on this subject. So here is another castle competing with Castle Leod for ===== funds! In the case of the Earl of Caithness’s castle he has the C.W. Bush, FSA Scot advantage that he is very pally with Prince Charles and Camilla Member, Association of Professional Genealogists Parker Bowles and the Prince has agreed to help his friend with http://www.corneliabush.com the campaign to raise the funds to save the castle. Lucky Earl! http://www.americanpeerage.com Friends believe that Prince Charles’ involvement is a confir- [email protected] mation that he intends to continue his grandmother’s strong links with Caithness in a move which mirrors her 50-year project to [This large estate should not be confused with Ballone Castle restore her beloved Castle of Mey. which is Easter Ross and is in the ownership of Lachlan and Ann Stewart]. HIGHLAND CLEARANCES Here is an interesting article from the Daily Mail sent in by Mark 20TH ANNUAL MCKENZIE REUNION Courtney. It is by Michael Fry. SATURDAY, JULY 26TH, 2003 AT THE DROMORE PARK, EGREMONT TOWNSHIP (NOW SOUTHGATE), GREY COUNTY, nverness and the rest of the Highlands suffered a blow when they failed to make it onto the short-list for European Capital of ONTARIO, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m I ach year some fifty descendants of JAMES MCKENZIE and Culture in 2008. It was always a bit far-fetched to think a whole EELIZABETH ROSS have met to celebrate the lives of their region might be designated as a capital. ancestors. James and Elizabeth were married in 1829 at Nigg, Still, it was worth a shot, if only to show that Highlanders now Ross & Cromarty, Scotland. In 1847 they, along with their six consider themselves to be in a European league for cultural vital- children, came to Canada and took up land in Egremont ity. That in itself is a big change for people used to seeing them- Township, Grey County. Over the next 156 years their descen- selves as down-trodden victims. dants have scattered all across North America. A change of view is justified. The region is prospering as We have been advised of this event by member, Bill never before, with its population rising after a century of decline. McMeekin, the president of this reunion, now in its 20th year. But perhaps its view of itself has not yet changed quite enough. There is to be a pot luck supper and attendees are asked to Every culture worth the name carries with it a certain burden of history. Highland culture is rich in music, poetry and page 19 I think these critics should at least wait and see what song inherited from long ago and still being renewed in I write - my book is unlikely to be published for another the present day. But pervading it all is a sense of gloom. four years. But let me make it plain that I do not deny that any Highlanders can make merry with the best of them, yet the Clearances ever took place at all. morning after they will come face-to-face with two feelings dic- For instance, in 1814 Patrick Sellar, a sheep farmer from tated to them by their traditional culture. The first is that they Elgin, evicted many families from Strathnaver in the interior of ought to feel miserable. The second is that they cannot do any- Sutherland. He packed them off down to new homes on the coast, thing about it. where they struggled to exist. Several ingredients have gone into this depressing brew. He was acting on the authority of the Duke of Sutherland, who Winters are cold, nights are long and the weather is awful. The gave him the lease of the land. Sellar’s men used more force than midges are maddening. Eking out an existence from thin, acid soil they needed to, and two old people died of exposure after their amid moor and mountain has never been easy. And Highland reli- homes were destroyed. He was tried for culpable homicide, but gion is seldom cheery. acquitted. But the burden of history has been especially heavy on This is all a matter of detailed historical record, and there Highlanders. They are told, and tell themselves, there was once a would be no sense in denying it. And there are many more exam- happier time. Then the straths were stocked with sturdy clansmen, ples which are just as well documented. comely maidens and chubby children. The glens were dotted with But the question I ask is how representative these incidents cosy homesteads where families lived their simple lives as they were? In other words, is Clearance really the central fact of mod- tilled their tiny plots. ern Highland history? But it was all destroyed by outsiders. For the sake of profit the What makes me suspicious on this score is comparison with tyrannical landlords, often Englishmen, threw the people out, left other instances of whole populations being removed, or even them to starve or forced them to emigrate, and turned their land destroyed, of which there have been far too many in living mem- into a desert fit only for sheep. ory. These were the Clearances, from the end of the 18th century The Holocaust is a case in point. In 1939 six million Jews to the end of the 19th century. If the Clearances are the central fact lived in the parts of Europe about to be occupied by the Nazis. of modern Highland history, then the Highlanders would be right They were killed on the spot or cleared from their homes only to feel miserable. to be murdered in the camps. By 1945 no Jews were left except a And they would be right to resent those who rejected all few lucky survivors. claims of justice or pity and evicted their forefathers from the land Kosovo is the latest example, an ethnic cleansing much more they loved, shedding bitter tears over their own helplessness. like a Clearance. Yet what if the Clearances are a myth? Or largely a myth, just When the Serbs invaded the province, two million Albanians a single part of a more complicated story? were living in it. They killed some, mainly in order to prompt the In that case, today’s ceaseless chorus of despair over the rest to flee to safety. They did so, and within a few weeks only a Clearances would be quite out of proportion to what actually hap- tiny fraction of the original population remained. pened. Worse, this chorus has a persistent damaging effect on the How do the Highland Clearances compare? In 1755 Dr present generation of Highlanders. Alexander Webster carried out, on his own initiative, the first It makes them feel they can do nothing for themselves. It national census of Scotland. He relied on information from minis- makes them look to outsiders, usually the Government, to do ters of the Kirk which no modern scholar has seriously been able everything for them. It makes them think the world owes them a to dispute. living. With such a psychology, they are unlikely to sustain any He found a population of 250,000 in what we used to call the cultural vitality for long. seven crofting counties. I am a historian, and I have long suspected that the story of the From 1801 the British Government started an official census Clearances handed down to the Scotland of today contains too every ten years. The last to record an increase in those counties’ much myth. population was in 1881. They then contained 400,000 people. John Murray, the 200-year-old Scottish publishing house in From this I conclude that, whatever happened to the Highland London, has just commissioned me to write a new history of the population between 1775 and 1881, it cannot be called Clearance, Highlands. not as a general description, not as a central fact. When they first contacted me, they asked me to update the If you clear the people of a region, there are none left, or very story as handed down. But I replied that I wanted to tell a differ- few. Or else you can look for them in mass graves, and where are ent story and, after I explained, they accepted there was one to be the mass graves in the Highlands? written. Highlanders not only stayed living in their own region, but Public announcement of the commission brought a variation actually increased in numbers by 60 per cent. If my argument on the familiar Highland chorus - a chorus of hate and abuse. amounts to Clearance Denial, I am happy to accept the term. People tell me I am like David Irving, the historian who writes My second big suspicion is about the demonising of the land- that Nazi Germany never carried out the Holocaust on the Jews. lords. Ever since the Jacobite rebellions, the men running He invented Holocaust Denial, which in some countries is a Scotland have seen the Highlands as a problem. crime. It is chastening to read the papers of those in the 18th century Now I am inventing Clearance Denial. Perhaps the Scottish and find them fiddling with the same nostrums as their successors parliament, on one of the many days it has nothing better to do, now: encouragement of fisheries, higher educational standards, should make that a crime too. better communications and so on. Not until recently did the oil industry and e-commerce begin But why did he have to turn them off the land and knock down to solve the problem. Meanwhile, everyone thought intervention their wee houses? It is easy to forget that the wholesale shifting of by outsiders was the answer - nothing could be expected of the population is part and parcel of progressive social engineering. Highlanders themselves. The Duke of Cumberland had his own The people of Strathnaver moved no further from their ances- way with them, but after him the approach turned more benign. tral homes than the people of Townhead moved to Castlemilk The Duke of Sutherland with his fellow landlords regarded when the Corporation of Glasgow rehoused them in the 1950s. themselves as engaged in a great project of improvement, found- The same degree of social disaster, but here in a sink scheme, is ing a tradition which stretches right down to the Highland and the result. It is no better for having been caused by a public body Island Enterprise of today. rather than by a private individual. Who else, in their time, was to tackle it? The state did not yet Clearance was a policy of the Left. Like so many policies of think economic development any part of its business and, anyway, the Left, it issued in squalor and chaos. Luckily it did not affect all it lacked the resources of money and expertise. Vast schemes of Highlanders, perhaps even a majority. social engineering, as they would now be called, could only be They could move to the growing towns. They could find work carried out by wealthy individuals with power over their own in the Lowland industries. They could emigrate. Some even made estates to get things done. a go of it by sticking out where they were. The Duke of Sutherland was a landlord, but he was much more They took their lives into their own hands. Probably they were of an industrialist. Like other industrialists of the age, he support- happier, without feeling that this was something they had to ed the Liberal party, not the Tories. broadcast to the world. He came into his Highland estate by marriage, and he drew his I hope my history will show from the example of their forefa- riches from his huge properties in the English Midlands, where he thers that today’s Highlanders need not be miserable and that, if owned coalmines and potteries, built roads and canals. they are, they can themselves do something about it. He wanted to bring to the North of Scotland the progressive spirit of the industrial revolution. [Ed: I have a strong suspicion that this controversial article That also caused upheaval and dislocation, not to mention suf- might get some of our members to reach for their pens or their e- fering, to the common people. But they were all better off in the mails. If so then we would welcome your views and comments on end. In his innocence, the duke expected similar benefits for the matter of the Highland Clearances!] Highlanders. An Old Scottish Punch Cartoon

Tourist (landing on small island in the Hebrides - to old resident). “Who lives here, my friend?” “Oh, just me and the wife and my brither-in-law.” “And what sort of place is it?” “Oh, an awfu’place for scandal.”