December 2016

In this Issue:

 St. Andrew's Day Dinner  Aztec Highland Games
 Letter From the Editor  Hail to the Chief
 Jane Hilton Memorial Concert  Society Officers
 Research Your Scottish Ancestry  Coming Events
 Odds and Sods  In Aunt Jennie's Pantry
 December Historical Article  A Word from our Advertisers


St. Andrew's Day Dinner
by Don Finch

The Society welcomed a festive crowd to its inaugural St. Andrew’s Day Dinner at the Phoenix Country Club on Saturday evening December 3rd. The PCC was beautifully decorated for the Christmas season and many guests took family pictures around the many Christmas trees.

ThHree Ladies   Kilpatrick Family

The decision to host a formal St. Andrew’s Dinner in December (official bank holiday in Scotland is November 30th) was made by the Board following the realization that our Burns Supper this past January was held the same night as several other Burns events which charged either no, or very low admission prices. Recognizing there is a desire by many for a real dress-up affair in an upscale country club setting, with a gourmet prix fixe menu, we are delighted with this year’s participation and look forward to growing the event in 2017.

Following cocktails overlooking the gardens, which were also decorated with sparkling lights, the group followed the piper to the ballroom for the Presentation of the Colors by Post 48 of the Scottish-American Military Society. After ‘welcomes’ by MC Paul Bell and Don Finch, and a fine rendition of the Selkirk Grace by Mark Pelletier, the audience cheered in The Haggis and his entourage of Piper Alasdair Martin, Presenter Jim Morrison, Chef Hidalgo and Poosie Nancy, as played by Victoria Phegley.

Piping in the Haggis  Stabbing the Haggis

We were honored to have as our guest speaker Mr. Norman McClelland, Shamrock Foods Chairman who gave an illustrated talk about his family’s DNA connection to Scotland prior to their eventual settlement in Ireland. His father, W.T. McClelland immigrated to Tucson in the early 1920’s and soon after the family dairy began selling its milk under the Shamrock Dairy label. Norman has grown the business into the largest dairy in the southwest and the 7th largest foodservice distributor in the country.

Norman McClelland

On December 8th, in Dublin, Norman McClelland is receiving the prestigious 2016 “Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad”

The award will be presented by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.

The award recognizes his philanthropic work with the Irish Cultural Center and numerous other non-profits across the state.

Chef Hidalgo presented a selection of “small plates” of St. Andrew’s-inspired epicurean fare, accompanied by wine flights paired to each dish. Just the right touch so soon after turkey day. Iain Walinck and Stoneybank performed during and after dinner which wrapped with the 50-50 draws, a farewell to Jim and Marelle Morrison who are moving back to the U.K., and Auld Land Syne.


Letter from the Editor, Don Finch

Dear fellow Caledonians:

This is being published a few days after the beginning of the month so we could include some pictures and comments about our inaugural St. Andrew’s Day Dinner which was held on Saturday December 3rd.

The Highland Games season has ended for 2016 and of course plans are well underway for our upcoming event. The new name Phoenix Scottish Games will be held on a new date, March 4th and 5th, 2017, at the same place: Steele-Indian School Park in central Phoenix. Take a look at the new Facebook page for constant updates!

Did you know the Scots invented shopping? Here’s proof:
- A penny saved is a penny gained.
      Scottish Proverb
- Money is flat and was meant to be piled up.
      Scottish Proverb
- Never marry for money, ye'll borrow it cheaper.
      Scottish Proverb
- Take care of your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.
      Scottish Proverb

Shopping CartWe’ve got a new place for you to shop right here from the CSA homepage: shop.arizonascots.com

Although most of the current choices will appeal to entrants and vendors for the March 4/5, 2017 Phoenix Scottish Games, you can now buy your advance tickets at a considerable savings over the Gate price. And, there are no additional fees! (Donate or pay your membership dues here also)

In next month’s newsletter, we’ll review the accomplishments of 2016 from the perspective of our members and friends of Scotland here in the Valley, and we’ll also look back on what took place in yon Caledonia.

HHA Scotland2017 will be the perfect year to discover the best of Scotland’s historic sights and distinct culture. Relive the country’s fascinating past through a range of exciting events and activities taking place across the country.

For more information, go to  visitscotland.com/hha2017

Don Finch

From your Board of Directors, may I extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas,
Happy Holidays, and a Healthy New Year.

Don Finch, Editor


Jane Hilton Memorial Concert

Jane Hinson Memorial

Here are some words from the Hilton Family regarding the event:

"To all that celebrated, performed, volunteered and donated at the concert event/memorial, thank you! It was beautiful. Jane was certainly in spirit at the event.

What an honor to have her celebrated in such a way. We believe that there were over 500 in attendance at the event last night. Please know that this amazing event brought in over $12,000.

Special thank you to the Irish Cultural Center for hosting this celebration, and to our wonderful Amber Dudley that in Jane’s words, was truly the ‘hand of God’ for taking on the task. Love to you all, from the Hilton Family."

Sarah Noble added “The memorial benefit concert, silent auction and raffle helped raise funds for Jane Hilton's medical expenses, and honored her life.

The concert featured local bands, fiddlers, classical string ensembles, vocalists, instrumentalists, and folk musicians from around the country performing on 3 separate stages. Silent auction and raffle items were donated by her loved ones and supporting businesses.

Special thanks to the Phoenix Irish Cultural Center for donating the use of their beautiful facility to the cause.”


Research Your Scottish Ancestry

The Census: A Decennial Family Records

by Robert M. Wilbanks IV, B.A.
Chief Genealogist & Historian, C.S.A.
genealogy@arizonascots.com

Robert WilbanksOne of the core foundational records of genealogy is the Census. Particularly for the beginner, the Census is one of the best all-around type of records used in the search for family history. Taken every ten years, the census becomes a decennial family record, providing a full picture of the family as it grows and changes over the course of multiple decades.

In the case of the United States, there is probably no other single group of records which contains more information about persons and families who lived during the 1800s, and early into the 1900s. Fortunately, most of the U.S. census records still exist. With online indexes, and full image access in a variety of online systems, researching the U.S. census is a fairly easy resource to search the family in each State every 10 years. A lot can be learned in a short period of time.

The first country to incorporate a census was the United States. It was begun in 1790, as a result of a Constitutional provision, and has been taken every ten years since. From 1790 to 1840 the census only lists the name of the head of the household with a count, usually as tally marks, of persons in that household according to age groups. Despite these limitations, even these early census records have proven to be invaluable aids in painting a complete genealogical picture, as well as useful tools to help locate and identify specific persons and families; placing persons and/or families in a time and place.

1850 saw one of the most significant changes in the United States census. Each individual, in a family, rather than just the head of the family, became the primary focus of the census. Instead of describing an entire family on a single line, as had been done in the earlier schedules, one line of the census was used to record varied pieces of information on each person within the household. This was the first census which would name every individual in the household, and include ages, place of birth, occupation, and other significant details related to each individual. Also, there is an implied relationship of individuals within a household to the head of the household.

Gradually, additional information, such as deaths and marriages, were added in the 1860 through 1890 census schedules. Most significantly, beginning with the 1880 census, the relationship of individuals within a household to the head of the household is stated directly.

The 1900 census began to inquire as to citizenship status of each individual, including year of immigration to the U.S. and whether naturalized. This becomes significant clues for further research in immigration and naturalization records which can identify place of birth in Europe. This continued through the 1910 and 1920 census.

The more recent U.S. census records are not yet available due to the Right to Privacy Act of 1974. The 1940 census is the most current census available to the public at this time. However, information from the most current census records can be obtained under special circumstances from the Bureau of the Census.

Meanwhile, in the United States, State and local census records exist for some of the States during the years between the Federal Census records. Additionally, Special unique Federal Censuses were conducted in conjunction with the regular Federal Census. Some examples of these are the Mortality Schedules, Indian Censuses, Agricultural Schedules, Slave Schedules, and Manufacturing Schedules.

Unlike in United States genealogy, where census records are the backbone of research, the census records of the various nations formerly of the historic British Empire are varied in consistency for informational content, as well as current existence and accessibility. For example, Canada did not begin taking the census until 1871. Ireland’s census records are virtually all lost from 1821 to 1891. In England, the 1801 through 1831 censuses are only tally counts with no names. Since 1841 the census records are complete and usually accessible in a variety of online sources.

Like England, Scotland’s 1801 through 1831 censuses are of no help. But the 1841 through 1911 censuses are fully extant and open for public use. However, uniquely for Scotland, the 1841 through 1891 censuses are not available on all the varied online subscription resources where you can readily find the complete U.S. and England census images. Only indexes to Scotland’s census records are available on these various commercial online resources.

1881 Census
National Records of Scotland 1881 Census

Access to all of Scotland’s census records, 1841 to 1911, are limited, worldwide, to one online site known as Scotland's People. The Scotland’s People website is the official Scottish Government website for searching a wide variety of Scotland’s government records and archives. It is managed, uniquely, as a Pay-per-View site. [The following information is not recently verified and subject to change: The minimum fee of £7 GBP (about $11 US) gives you access to the database for 90 days and gives you 30 page credits with which you view search results and documents (1 credit per page of search results viewed and 5 credits per document viewed).]

The census records significantly help you to locate where the family was living in a specific year, and provides you with a wealth of information regarding that family, such as who the children or parents were, dates and places of birth, marriage and death, occupation, year of immigration and whether naturalized. As you collect the census records for a specific family over the course of several censuses, a family picture will develop.

Also, searching census records will give you multiple directions for further research. Census records can lead you to where and when to locate birth, death and marriage records, occupational records, city directories, ships passenger lists, and naturalization records, which all can provide a wealth of additional information.

In the short and long term, census records can help you identify the family group fully, potentially directly identifying where in Scotland the family came from, or directing further research to records that can be more significant in that goal. Overall, the census is a great resource worth taking advantage of.


Robert the Red (Rob Roy)
by Jo Ramsdell

The spring of 1671 was to see the start of one of the remarkable stories of the Highlands—that of Raibeart Ruadh (Robert the Red) as he was nicknamed because of his wild red hair.  For most others though, he would be known by his anglicized name of “Rob Roy.”  Robert was born at Loch Katrine on the 7th of March 1671, the third son of Chieftain Donald (Glas) Gregor of Glengyle and Margaret Campbell (cousin of John Iain (Glas) Campbell 11th Laid of Glenorchy and later The Earl of Breadalane).  He was baptized at Buchcanan Parish as Robert MacGregor. 

The next we hear of Raibeart (Rob Roy) is at the age of 18 when he was (although a Protestant) became a Jacobite sympathizer (follower of James Stuart the “Old Pretender”).  He rallied the Gregors to join Jacobite leader Viscount Dundee, John Graham of Claverhouse.  Dundee, known by his supporters as “Bonnie Dundee” was to meet the Hanoverian army of William of Orange led by General Hugh MacKay at Killiekrankie on the 17th of July 1689.  It was a bloody battle and although the Jacobites were victorious, Dundee was killed and sometime later Rob’s father was captured and imprisoned for two years on doubtful treason charges.  After his release, Donald Gregor never returned to his former spirit and health and died in 1702.

Rob RoyNow in his early twenties, Rob concentrated on the family business with his brother—cattle rearing with a wee bit of reiving (stealing) thrown in which was fairly normal practice in the Highlands.  During this time his business aptitude was growing, as was his political knowledge and he became fairly respected as a businessman, well known throughout Scotland with holdings in Inversnald and Graigrostan.  At the age of 22 Rob married Helen MacGregor of Comar and they had four sons—James (Mor) the tall, Ranald, Coll and Robert known as Robin (Oig) or young Rob.

In 1711, wanting to expand his cattle trade, Rob borrowed money from James Graham, 1st Duke of Montrose with whom he had been doing business for some ten years.  Montrose (known for his greed) had made a lot of money through his investments in MacGregor’s trade, but when one of Rob’s trusted associates disappeared with the money, a fortune at the time even for a wealthy cattle and land owner, Montrose showed no mercy to Rob who was unable to repay the sum and pressed him for repayment hoping to claim Rob’s land and cattle.  Rob was branded “Outlaw” by Montrose and he confiscated his lands and cattle. 

Rob then rented land from his mother’s cousin, John Campbell, the Earl of Breadalhane (who in 1703 had been made the 2nd Duke of Argyle) a political enemy of Montrose.  Campbell, knowing of Rob’s sympathy for the Jacobite cause, was prepared to turn a blind eye as Rob wreaked his revenge on Montrose by raiding his lands.  Montrose did manage to capture Rob, however he escaped and by now his escapades were attaining folk hero status in the glens.   He became a marked man with High Treason charges over his head and spent the next 10 years a hunted man.  He managed to escape capture on various occasions until in 1725 he was captured and imprisoned in the famous Newgate Prison in London.  Rob was sentenced to transportation to Barbados but before he was due to be deported, he received a pardon from King George I and returned home to his family in 1727.

Rob was to live out his life with his family in relative tranquility.  He died at Inverlochie on the 28th of December 1734 at the age of 63 and was laid to rest a Balquhidder Kirkyard. 

Picture Credit


Arizona Claims Championship at Highland Games
From the
Farmington Daily Times, Hannah Grover


AZTEC NM - The sixth annual Aztec Highland Games & Celtic Festival pitted athletes from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah against each other in a friendly competition in OCtober at Riverside Park. Each year, a trophy is award to the state whose athletes perform the best during the first day of the two-day festival.

In 2014 and 2015, New Mexico claimed the title Four Corners Regional Champion. This evening, the New Mexico athletes surrendered the title to Arizona. Athletes like Heather MacDonald, 31, of Phoenix, helped Arizona secure the honor. MacDonald took first place in the women's open championships. The former track athlete has been competing in highland games around the country for about a decade. "It's fun," she said as she waited for her turn competing in the sheaf toss, an event that challenges athletes to toss a burlap bag filled with straw or mulch over a bar using a pitch fork. "It's a little weird, but it's fun."

The weird nature of the games also stood out to Kara Bonham, 31, of Fort Collins, Colo. She has been competing in the highland games for about a year and took fourth place in the women's open today. While she initially thought competitions like the sheaf toss were weird, after a year of competitions, she can now throw the burlap bag of straw and mulch about 19 feet in the air and over the bar.

As Bonham waited for her turn to compete in the sheaf toss, she talked with her friends, MacDonald and Mikaela Lovato, 23, of Albuquerque. The three friends met through highland games competitions and, even though they only see each other a few times a year, they talk to each other daily.

The camaraderie of the highland games is one of the aspects that sets it apart, the athletes said. "Highland games is something where we all help each other," Bonham said. Michelle Crownhart, 58, of Phoenix, echoed Bonham's sentiment. "Whether you're the best or the worst, everyone wants to help you get better," she said. Becca Bishop, of Mesa, Ariz., competes in the sheaf.

Michelle Crownhart Michelle Crownhart throws the hammer

The more than 50 athletes who competed had a wide range of age and experience. While Bonham began competing a year ago, MacDonald has a decade of competition experience, and Crownhart has been competing for 23 years.

The highland games also provide a chance for people who have never competed to try their hand at the sport. Novice athletes will have the chance to compete during the games Sunday. "If you're new, you get help on the spot on the field," MacDonald said.


Hail to the Chief


While filing our annual report with the Arizona Corporation Commission, Don came across the names of those who have served as President of the Caledonian Society of Arizona for the past 20 years. Here is the esteemed list:

Karen (Sutherland) Murdock1996 – 1999
 Harold Stewart 2000 – 2003 and 2006 – 2008
Michelle Campbell2004 - 2005
Elizabeth (Grant) Reich 2009
Jean Latimer2010 - 2011
Wendy Hurley2012
Mark Clark2013 - 2014
Don Finch2015 - present

While we’ve had our share of drama, fortunately it’s been nothing like the recent national contest!


COMING EVENTS & Highland Games in Arizona and Bordering States
Games Calendar compiled by Clan Campbell Society NA


December 2016 No Gathering at the ICC in December
December 14 Scottish Games Meeting, 6 PM, Rosie McCaffrey's
January 2017 No Gathering at the ICC in January
January 21 ROBBIE BURNS SUPPER - DUBLINER PUB
March 4-5 PHOENIX SCOTTISH GAMES - our new name!


Odds and Sods


ThHe BBC
Fox News Science

 

Articles of interest from
The BBC

Scots and Welsh can have say
in Brexit court case

Articles of interest from Fox News

Ex-German POW gives legacy
to Scottish village



In Aunt Jennie's Pantry - HP SAUCE
Article and photo from Wikipedia

HP SauceHP Sauce is a brown sauce produced by the H. J. Heinz Company, named after the Houses of Parliament.

It's the best-selling brand of brown sauce in the UK with 74% of the retail market.

HP Sauce has a malt vinegar base, blended with tomato, dates, tamarind extract, and spices.

 

Early History;
The original recipe for HP Sauce was invented and developed by Frederick Gibson Garton, a grocer from Nottingham in 1895. Garton called the sauce HP because he had heard that a restaurant in the Houses of Parliament had begun serving it. For many years now the bottle labels have carried a picture of the Houses of Parliament, and the original description on the label was in both English and French.

HP Sauce became known as "Wilson's gravy" in the 1960s and 1970s after Harold Wilson, the Labour Prime Minister. The name arose after Wilson's wife, Mary, gave an interview to The Sunday Times in which she claimed "If Harold has a fault, it is that he will drown everything with HP Sauce".

Heinz takeover
In June 2005, Heinz purchased the parent company, HP Foods, from Danone and soon announced plans to switch production of HP Sauce from Aston, Birmingham to its European sauces facility in Elst, Netherlands,

Oh! Canada
HP Sauce for the Canadian market is manufactured by H. J. Heinz in the Toronto suburb of North York, Ontario. If one has a problem using an iconic ‘British’ sauce that is made in the Netherlands, your editor highly recommends the ‘truer’ version available north of the border. And, it also has an English & French label, just like the original!



Membership Renewal Reminder

Dues are still only $25 Single and $40 Family. This admits you to all our wonderful monthly events with food and entertainment provided. Payments received in November or December of 2016 include full year membership for 2017.

It’s easy to pay by credit card at our On-Line Shopping Cart - just jump to the Membership Page


Society Gatherings
Regular membership gatherings are usually held the second Thursday of each month at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ. beginning at 6:30 pm. Please check our website for further details.

Caledonian Society Officers
President: Don Finch
480-252-0152
Immediate Past President: Mark Clark
Past President: (2010 – 2012) Jean Latimer
602-867-6507
Vice President Administration: Mark Pelletier
623-455-8076
Vice President Games: Paul Bell
602-882-0840
Vice President Membership : David McBee
602-617-5694
Secretary   
 
Treasurer: Vicki Phegley
602-526-2313
Trustee 1: Ian Warrander
602-391-0223
Trustee 2: Thom von Hapsburg
602-882-6490
Trustee 3: Dan Miller
 
------------------------
Newsletter Editor:

Don Finch
480-252-0152
Statutory Agent: Dan Miller
 
Chief Genealogist & Historian: Robert Wilbanks
602-990-7914

A Word from our Advertisers


The Escape of Bonnie Prince CharlieThe Escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie

This book describes the exciting adventures of Bonnie Prince Charlie over five months after his defeat at the battle of Culloden in 1746.

On the run from his Hanoverian enemies, he desperately sought a ship in which to escape from Scotland.

In the process, he and a few companions secretly trekked for five hundred miles over remote mountainous areas of theWestern Isles and the North-West Highlands of Scotland. Eventually, he was rescued by friends, and taken to France.

The author has thoroughly researched the story from contemporary accounts. Over ten years,he has also walked and explored the whole route that Charles followed on foot. For the benefit of present-day hillwalkers, there is a companion Hillwalkers’ Guide.

It contains details of walks that together cover Charles’ complete route, and lead to places tha tfigure in the story. The Guide can be accessed free of charge from the dedicated website.

ISBN: 978-1-911113-65-2
Author: Malcolm Seddon


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Bagpiper USA
Len Wood

Lois Wallace

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