Max McAllister Mike Morrison Charles Batten Martha Ralston Moyers
Jean McIntyre Jeff McGill Jeannie Petrie Mary Cudmore Mary Van Gorden
Harold Ralston Cameron McLellan Janey Gee
Subject: McAllisters
From: Max
macmax@comcast.net
Hi, I wanted to post a query in your website if it possible. Thanks.
I'm an US-based genealogical researcher for the Clan McAllister - South American
branch. I have traced McAllisters from "Ireland" to "Argentina" and I have a
full genealogical tree for that branch of the family (1750 to 2005).
Now I am focusing my effort in "linking" the first generation of Irish McAllisters with the "Scottish" side of the family that emigrated to Northern Ireland.
I would like to know if somebody has on records McAllisters emigrated to Co. Antrim or Dublin around 1720 (after Glencoe Massacre 1692).
I am searching for "2 brothers" (Charles & James or John or
"J...") that settled in Donabate. Co. Dublin after 1730) . They married to
sisters named Ann and Charlotte Cassidy, both from Staffordstown Turvey,
Donabate. Co. Dublin.
Additionally, I would like to know what type of records are available for
tracing emigrants from Scotland to Ireland, if any.
Thanks in advance,
Max
USA
From me:
Hi Max,
Thanks for your interesting email. I'll be happy to post your query in the next
online Magazine.
I'm sure that you've already tried this, but a Google search brings this up:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-49,GGLD:en&q=emigrants+from+Scotland+to+Ireland
All the best in your research.
Ian
Subject: The Argyll
Mountain Battery
Date: 01/10/2005 18:45:24 GMT Standard Time
From: Mike Morrison
mikemor2@earthlink.net
Hello Ian,
It has been some time since I have been in contact with Kintyre Mag, sadly. What
started as a family history quest has turned into a research project aimed
toward publishing the first comprehensive history of the 4th Highland (Mountain)
Brigade, RGA (TF) (1908-1920) of which The Argyll Mountain Battery (HQ in
Campbeltown) was a major part. I started looking into the Bute Mountain Battery,
then the Argyll Mountain Battery and the Ross Mountain Battery, then the whole
4th Highland (Mountain) Brigade as the project grew and the need became
apparent.
With some help from many people in Scotland, not the least of which has come from the Archivists at the Argyll & Bute Archives, I have pieced together a personnel roster of 133 Officers and 1,055 NCO's and Other Ranks. Although that's a good part of the Brigade, I am sure I have missed many men. I have also been collecting stories from diaries, letters and family stories which tell the story of this magnificent band of men better than any official source. They came from and well represented the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland. A Territorial Force unit, they provided the first guns to come ashore for "The Incomparable 29th" Division (a Regular Army Division) at W Beach on Gallipoli and remained a decisive factor in that conflict until the end. They later were the first guns ashore in the landings at Suvla Bay. After a short stint in Egypt at the Sinai, they were sent to Salonika where they played a decisive role in the submission of Bulgaria in September 1918 which was the first link in the chain that led to the Armistice in November.
I have found that there is still a good deal of interest (and
many descendants of the men of these batteries) in Scotland and around the
world. As Campbeltown and Tarbert Loch Fyne were such an important part of the
Argyll Battery, I would like to find descendants of these men as well as
interested local historians. I would like to add their stories, particularly
those in saved letters, writings and diaries as well as those passed down in
family lore. That is what adds the human touch to the story and brings out the
wonderful nature of these men who did their duty for King & Country in splendid
fashion.
In Oban and Rothesay, local newspaper coverage using photos I have has helped me
meet other descendants of these men, many of whom have added to the story, some
adding names to the many faces in the photos. Although I live in California, I
have been to the area three times since 2002 and hope to come back. I have not
yet visited the Kintyre Peninsula, regretfully. As I was told by a correspondent
in Stornoway - "It's no easier getting from Rothesay to Stornoway today than it
was 100 years ago."
Any suggestions?
Mike Morrison
I replied:
Hello again Mike,
Thanks for your very interesting email. I know what it's like to start something
and have it run away with me. That's why the Mag is still running after all
those years!
I did a Google on 'Argyll Mountain Battery' and came up with this:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-49,GGLD:en&q=The+Argyll+Mountain+Battery
I'm sure that you've already tried that but I found it very interesting.
I'll post your email in the next Wee Drams in January and hope that you get some
replies.
All the very best,
Ian
And from Mike:
Thanks for your kind reply, Ian.
You may have noticed that a growing number of Google hits on any
of the three batteries or the Brigade come back to things I've written or
answers to queries posed to or by me. I am constantly refreshed (and amazed) at
the interest these three wee batteries generate. I have developed some nice
friendships with other descendants of these batteries and the interest has
spread from them to others with no connection, other than perhaps a regional
one, and a sincere interest in their history. One who has researched another WW1
unit learned that "you have to get the little old ladies to pry open their shoe
boxes" to get to the diaries, letters and artifacts that bring the history of
these men to life. Particularly as the War Diaries of the Argyll and the Ross
Batteries for their Gallipoli period have been lost at the National Archives,
these diaries and letters serve as the corroborative history that is, otherwise,
missing. (They tell the story much better anyway!) So I hope we can get the word
out to the families who still hold these bits of information (soon, as I must
start writing soon) so their relative(s) can be a part of the story that will
finally be written.
Regards,
Mike Morrison
Subject: Origin of name
Date: 02/10/2005 13:59:27 GMT Standard Time
From: Charles Batten
cbatten@piggott.net
Hello Ian,
My name is Charles Batten. I live in Arkansas. I am trying to
find out if the Batten name originated in Scotland. I found two of my ancestors
who were from Scotland. One was Peter Batten, the other was his son, Moses
Batten. Moses came to the United States and died in Tennessee around 1840.
I do not know what county or what city they were from. I would like to know for
certain if the name is Scottish.
Thank you, very much.
Charles
Tempus Fugit
I replied:
Hello Charles,
Thank you for your email. I did a little Google search and came up with this:
http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-49,GGLD:en&q=Scottish+names
I checked out one or two but couldn't find the name
Batten.
I'll post your query in the next online Magazine and hopefully someone will be
able to assist.
All the very best,
Ian
Subject: Beginning to
understand...
Date: 08/10/2005 23:00:45 GMT Standard Time
From: Martha Ralston Moyers
argylllass@juno.com
Ian,
I am wishing you a good Saturday morning again from Southern California,
Just read through your latest quarterly edition of Kintyre magazine. It's a fine
thing you're doing with this publication. Exploring the net links is great fun
and a chance to do a little on-line shopping.
Your magazine is an enjoyable resource for my thoughts on many things that I
wonder about. Being a grandmother, as all mothers and grandmothers surely do, I
have watched with wonder the character development of my children as they grow.
Since I began searching the family line, and learning more of our genetic
character as Scots, I am seeing through a tiny window into the behaviors and
choices my next generations are making. They sometimes amaze me with their
boldness and industry to accomplish so much in life. And, to have a good time
doing so. I would enjoy exchanging e-mails with any of the Ralston family tree
in Kintyre.
I don't know if many of your readers are aware of how much interest and pride
American Scots have in our heritage. In November the United Scottish Society is
hosting a luncheon at the Masonic Hall in Torrance, California for those of us
in the senior age group. We will enjoy a fine meal together and take time to
relish who we are and where we come from.
I believe all of us owe so much to those who came before us. It is a gift to be
able to read your magazine, explore the links, and view the photos. Whether I
ever get to visit in person or not at least I can fly across the miles in your
pages. I can dream of a stay over at Oatfield House, or pass the word of it to
others who may be travelling sooner than I. I’ll be keeping the peninsula and
the Southend communities on my list of where I yet must go.
Looking forward to your next issue.
Martha Ralston Moyers, MSN, RN
Orange, CA
ArgyllLass@juno.com
I replied:
Hello Martha,
Thank you very much for your interesting and erudite email. It's always very
pleasing to hear that the Magazine is being enjoyed by nice folks such as
yourself. I passed it on to John Cowan, the owner of Oatfield and he replied
saying that you would always be welcome there.
Over the years I have indeed become aware of how many of our friends 'across the
pond' enjoy Scotland and things Scottish. I have some very good friends who have
visited Scotland and with whom I have spent some memorable holidays. May the day
come that we can meet and swap stories too.
All the very best to you and yours,
Ian
Subject: Query re
Photo of John MacIntyre in Kintyre Mag - Web Edition 45/March/April 2001
Date: 13/10/2005 14:39:52 GMT Standard Time
From: Jean McIntyre
Jean.MacINTYRE@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
Dear Ian
I recently found your site (which is fantastic, thank you!) & when reading my
way through the back issues, I came upon the photo of your great grandfather
John MacIntyre, holding the bridle of a horse. I was struck by his likeness to
my grandfather Hugh McCorkerdale Macintyre and wondered if they could be related
in some way?
My grandfather was born in Argyle (around 1898??), one of a family of 6 boys &
one girl. I believe his mother, maiden name McCorkerdale, moved with the
children from Campbeltown to Inveraray following her husband being lost at sea
when the family shared fishing boat went down somewhere out past the Kilbrannan
Sound.
As a very small child, I accompanied my parents & grandfather to Campbeltown to
visit various relatives, but do not remember the names of any of them. I am
planning to retire very soon & intend to stay in Campbeltown so would be very
interested to know if any family members are still living there.
Yours sincerely
Jean Macintyre
I got back to Jean:
Dear Jean,
Thank you for your interesting email and for your kind remarks about my efforts
with the Mag. In actual fact, you have pointed out to me an error in the
Magazine. The gentleman in question is not a McIntyre, but a McCormick. His wife
- my grandmother - was a McIntyre. Sorry about that.
I rang my mother in Campbeltown when I received your email and she couldn't
remember your grandfather. Although she is 86 this year, she still has a
phenomenal memory of the old days.
She advises that a number of McIntyres left Campbeltown to settle in Canada (she
thinks around Saskatchewan), but there are still many McIntyres in the town,
some not related to her side of the family.
I'll post your email in the next online Mag and we'll hope for a reply from the
readers.
Have you thought of writing to the editor of the Campbeltown Courier with your
enquiry? The address can be found on
www.campbeltowncourier.com
All the very best to you and yours,
Ian
Subject: A quick question from
Jeff McGill
Date: 25/11/2005 03:24:22 GMT Standard Time
From: Jeff McGill
jmcgill@mail.fairfax.com.au
Note from Jeff McGill in Campbelltown, Australia.
Hope you are keeping well, Ian. Your Kintyre Mag website remains the best read
on the internet.
Just a quick question, mate...
I was trying to email Sandra Anderson, re the Walker family history, but the
email I sent has bounced back.
The address I have is sandra@georgem.globalnet.co.uk
Do you know if she has changed her email address, or is there another way for me
to contact her?
Cheers, Jeff.
I replied:
Hi Jeff,
Sorry to take so long to reply but Helen and I have been travelling a lot this
past month.
I'm sorry that you couldn't contact Sandra Anderson. When I receive email and
put it in Wee Drams I use the e-address given at the time. Some folks email me
to tell me when they've changed e-address but I haven't heard anything from
Sandra.
I'll post your query in the January edition and either she'll see it or,
perhaps, someone who knows her will.
Thank again for the nice things you say about the Mag. Here's wishing you and
yours a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Ian
Subject: Kintyre Mag
Date: 06/12/2005 20:26:27 GMT Standard Time
From: Jeannie Petrie
jmpetrie@eliotpd.com
I found your e-mail while searching on line for information
regarding my great-great-grandfather James Macmurchy. My mother is a great-grandaughter
of James and at one time had a copy of his poems. In the course of her life she
misplaced the poems and I am desperate to find a copy. She remembers a poem
called A Letter to Kate and the Wee Hoose. SHe also remembers a poem about a
minister. My mom is 83 years old and is not well health-wise. I would love to
find a copy of the poems before she dies. Can you help me?
Jeannie Petrie
PS My mom is the grandaughter of David MacMurchy, James's son
I don't know if you got my other e-mail but I need your help. I got your name
off the internet, I am the great-great-granddaughter of James MacMurchy, the
"Poet of Kintyre."
I am desperately trying to find a copy of his poems, My mother (granddaughter of
his son David) had a copy and treasured them. Now they are missing and my Mom is
heartsick over it. She is 84 years old and not well in health. I would love to
be able to get a copy of them for her.
I realize this is shot in the dark, but can you help me?
Thanks
Jeannie Petrie
I replied:
Hello Jeannie,
Sorry to take so long to reply but I've been travelling a lot this last month.
Can I suggest that you write to:
Mr. Angus Martin - Editor
13 Saddell Street,
Campbeltown,
Argyll,
PA28 6DN,
SCOTLAND.
He'll be better placed to answer your question.
All the best for Xmas and the New Year.
Ian
From Jeannie:
I am looking for Ian the editor. I came across several articles
written by Ron Booth, regarding James MacMurchy who is my
great-great-grandfather. I am trying to find information for my family tree and
would love to be able to contact Ron Booth, the author of the articles.
I will be able to fill in information regarding David MacMurchy, son of James,
who was my great-grandfather
Thanks
Jeannie
And from me:
Hi Jeannie,
I'm sorry to seem to keep giving you the slopey-shoulder but I don't know Ron
Booth. Some of the articles you find in the online Kintyre Mag are supplied by
readers of the online Mag and some are reproduced from the bi-annual, hard-copy
'Kintyre Antiquarian and Natural History Society Magazine'.
As this article came from the hard-copy edition, the best way, therefore, to
find the writer of the article is to snailmail the editor, Angus Martin.
Hope that helps. All the best Jeannie,
Ian
Back from Jeannie:
Ian
Thanks for all your help. My husband and I plan on visiting your beautiful
country this summer. Any suggestions on Bed and Breakfast in the area or where
we can get the info?
Thanks
And me:
Hello again,
I forgot to give you this address:
Linda Peacock,
East Trodigal Cottage,
Machrihanish,
Argyll,
PA28 6PT
SCOTLAND
Helen and I bed and breakfast here when we're in Campbeltown. Linda's lovely and
it suits us just fine.
Ian
Subject: RAMSAY, COLE, MacMillan,
PENMAN & Montgomery familes
Date: 07/12/2005 01:30:18 GMT Standard Time
From: Mary Cudmore
botspot@pei.eastlink.ca
My 5 x great grandparents, John Ramsay (DOB abt 1728) & Margaret Taylor, both of
Argyllshire departed Campbeltown, Scotland on the brigantine, Annabella in 1770,
landing in Malpeque, Prince Edward Island.
Donald Ramsay, (DOB abt 1748) from Argyllshire, son of John above, married Mary
MacMillan, also a passenger on the Annabella, and who was supposed to be Roman
Catholic and a servant. The Ramsays were Presbyterian.
Another passenger, Mary Cole, would go on to marry Neil Ramsay, who was Donald's
brother and also a passenger on the Annabella. We don't have any idea who the
parents or family were for Mary MacMillan or Mary Cole.
I wonder if anybody researching these surnames, RAMSAY, MacMILLAN, or COLE may
have some information on their ancestors.
I don't know if you are familiar with our famous PEI authoress Lucy Maude
Montgomery, who wrote "Anne of Green Gables" but her Montgomery family emigrated
from Scotland to Prince Edward Island, Canada in the year 1771. Her ancestors
and mine are intertwined with the PENMAN, COLE & RAMSAY families.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Mary Cudmore
Charlottetown, PEI
CANADA
I replied:
Hello Mary,
Sorry to take so long to reply but Helen and I have been travelling a lot this
past month.
Thank you for your very welcome email. I'll be sure to post it in the Wee Drams
section in the January edition of the Kintyre Mag, and hope that you get some
replies.
One of my wife's favourite books in her schooldays was Anne of Greengables.
All the very best,
Ian
And from Mary / Edna
Dear Ian,
Thank you so very much for your reply and for posting my inquiry.
Yes, LMM's Anne books, and their serials about her family on PEI are very well
known throughout the world and in particular very loved in Japan. Your wife
would be a "Kindred Spirit" if she is a lover of the Anne books. I am especially
interested in my Scottish heritage and its links to my home province of Prince
Edward Island.
Like Anne Shirley, the heroine of "Anne of Green Gables" I have red hair,
freckles and look very Celtic.
Seasons Greetings from Canada and may you and your family experience the warmth
and joy of the Christmas Season and celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus.
Thank you so very much.
Sincerely,
Edna Cudmore
Subject: Ruan
Date: 26/12/2005 20:53:13 GMT Standard Time
From: Mary Van Gorden
mvan001@centurytel.net
Hello...I have just come across your excellent web site and wonder whether you
can help me. I have reason to believe my ancestors came from Ruan, Scotland.
Where, oh where, is Ruan? Nobody seems able to tell me. Is is probable that it
is the area where Knock Ruan and Loch Ruan are located? Can you make a guess for
me? I would very much appreciate a reply from you.
Mary Van Gorden
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
I replied:
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your welcome email. The only Ruans I can find are the ones you
mentioned. There is a place called Ruan in County Clare in Ireland.
If the word comes from the Gaelic, then Ruadh means 'Red' (simply - there's more
to the meaning than that).
I'll post your query in the Wee Drams section of the forthcoming edition of the
online Mag and see if you get any help from our readers.
All the very best to you and yours,
Ian
Subject: address change h-j
Date: 05/10/2005 01:58:07 GMT Standard Time
From: Harold Ralston
hralston@wi.rr.com
I have changed my email Internet service to this new address,
HRalston@wi.rr.com
Please change your address book.
(I will no longer be using execpc.com)
Harold A Ralston
Subject: RE: Website
Date: 06/12/2005 20:23:37 GMT Standard Time
From: Cameron McLellan
cameron@mclellan.org.uk
Hello Ian,
Hope this finds you and yours well :)
I finally got around to updating the site with the McTaggart info:
http://www.machrihanish.net/Machrihanish_McTaggart.html
Credit is at the bottom of the page, with a link.
Hope it looks ok.
All the best
Cameron
Subject: Kintyre Mag--Wee Drams
Date: 18/12/2005 18:41:43 GMT Standard Time
From: Janey Gee
janeygee@sympatico.ca
Hi there Ian;
December,15/2005
Long time NO HEAR from me, eh ? Had some health issues to deal with over the
last couple of years, but thankfully am on the 'mend' now and 'rarin to go
having started back on the 'ancestor--trail ' of those elusive Kintyre folks,!
I was catching up reading the back issues of 'wee drams' and was at first
surprised then delighted to see my ' special-- cousin ' Willie (Bill) Pursell
front and centre corresponding with a Mr. Porter, very interesting.
I call him 'Willie--Bill' as he is known by both names to many
people, we first made contact in late 1995 after I had returned to Canada from a
trip 'Hame' to do some research on the family-tree.
I had friends drive me down to Campbeltown as my "Grt-Granny, Mary Pursell was
born there, and I knew the family history of a "relative" named Edward Pursell
who had been a schoolmaster there, I wondered if there were any family
still living there. We went into the 'Argyll Hotel ' for a refreshment'
and asked if anyone knew the "Pursell" family, quite a few patrons did and gave
us directions to " Davaar House" where 'Iona Pursell McNeil still lived.
I must tell you Ian the childhood memory I had of this Davaar-House, my
Grandfather, Archibald Pursell Giffen, and schoolmaster Edward Pursell were
first cousins, so every year during the " Fair" holidays Grampa & Granny Giffen
would go visit, sometimes "Doon the Watter" to Dunoon or Oban, and
then Campbeltown, where Granny would describe walking up the long drive to the
big 'White-Hoose' with the tall 'pillars' in front, I had a picture of this
house in my mind, sight unseen, but the minute I saw it in 1995 I knew that was
it,! For their visit my Granny Giffen was treated to the purchase of a new
"Hat" Grampa was always thrilled to be in "The Wee Toon" his Mother was born in
on Long Row, as he himself had been born in London, Eng while his Father was
down there working.
Grt, Granny Mary Pursell had a younger brother Edward who married Mary Russell,
they had five son's, the eldest Edward, schoolmaster, was Willie- Bill's Father,
also two son's BOB & PETER became the famous Pursell 'bros' football (soccer)
player's, Peter playing for "Ranger's" and being 'capped' for
Scotland. My own Father told us stories of being taken to see them play when
with "Queen's Park".! I now correspond with the two son's of "PETER" Iain & Bob
Pursell who live in Somerset, Eng, neither of them or Willie-Bill had ever heard
of my Giffen family, even though my Father told us when Grt-Granny Pursell who
lived with them and died in Partick, Glasgow,a lot of people came up from "The
Wee Toon" Campbeltown,for her funeral.
Before closing, I must tell you Ian the end of my visit to "Davaar House" in
'95, no one was at home so I wrote a note telling who I was and giving my
friend's phone number in E/Kilbride and next day "Iona" called and we had a
lovely chat, she then giving me Willie-Bill's number in Canada, and so we found
each other,,,,,, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it, !
I joined the Kintyre Antiquarian, Nat/Hist/Society couple of years ago Ian, I
once asked you about a 'collection-plate' so I send my 'donation' to them
instead, I have had some correspondence with "Angus Martin" re- my ancestors and
also Elizabeth Marrison who sent me some notes from an old 'shop-journal'
stating some purchases made by my 'two' Ramsey" brother's ancestors "Ivan"
(Edward) & Archibald" it was thrilling to read but sad as she had no other
'info' on the family. So my search begins again on Gilbert & Catherine MacMillan
Ramsey, children, Ivan, Archibald, Barbara, Marion, I know who the children
married, I and Willie-Bill descend from Archibald Ramsey, but
I have no info on where Gilbert & Catherine came to Kintyre from, where they
married, died, had other siblings,? I do know Gilbert had a sister Margaret who
married a John Thomson, they all farmed together and Marion (Sarah-More) married
her cousin "Ivan (Edward) Ramsey in 1803, they had a few children but then I
have lost sight of them,!
If any of your readers out there Ian have 'info' on this family I
would very much appreciate hearing from them. I did receive tremendous help from
Mr Ian MacDonald when he was in Tarbert, I must get in touch with him again.!
Well Ian this is a 'long-winded' one, I know you will not mind though hearing
from me again, will try to keep it going this time,, meanwhile hope you and
Helen are both in the pink', have a very Merriest of Christmas's and "A Guid New
Year, tae yin an aw" All the best for 2006,!
Your's aye,
JANEY,
janeygee@sympatico.ca
From me to Janey:
Hi Janey,
Aye, it has been a wee while since we 'spoke' but on receiving your email it
seemed as if it was yesterday.
I'm sorry to hear that you weren't well but pleased that you're on the mend and
feeling fine. Ye canna keep us doon, hen.
Thanks for reminiscences too. I note that you mention Giffen. Do you know Paul
Hilton? He's looking into Giffen stuff. He's here -
tinym@nb.sympatico.ca
Anyway, got to get the Mag put to bed. All the very best for the New Year, Janey
to you and yours.
Ian