A question on my claim of Scottish Heritage.

[Lochaber19]

I do have some questions about my Heritage and if I have enough of a claim to Scottish ancestry. My last name is Steussy which is an Americanized Stussi (Which is Swiss). And for most of my life I never had the knowledge past that point. I was always told that the both my Father's family (Stussi) and my Mother’s Family (Olsen) both immigrated to the US in the late 1800 and any mixing of the family line occur from that point forward. I was told that I have some Scottish and Irish and English blood as well as Spanish and German. So I always thought great I am an American through and through. But I wanted to track my Ancestry so joined Ancestry.com and started tracing my way back through the decades.

Turns out that both the Stussi and Olsen family lines were grafted onto a more substantial American tree than I though. Instead of both of the men bring wives from the old country they found themselves some American ones. To make a long story short... (I know too late) I have family on this Continent from back when it was "The Colonies". So I started trying to place the names and the nationalities to each ancestor. Turns out I have quit a few Scottish roots on my paternal side. But with MacDowell's on both my Grandmother's and my Grandfather's sides of the tree this lead me to the conclusion that the Clan that I have more ties too is the clan MacDougall. That was all well and good, that side of the family was from areas of the country that were not hit quite so hard from Reconstruction and had a better record system. My mother's side is from Pensacola Florida and the records are hard to come by. But I learned that my maternal Grandfather's Grandmother was a Cowan. I know that the name Cowan has ties to both MacDougall and Colquhoun. But there are no documents that can take me back any farther at this time.

I feel that I have a strong argument for Clan MacDougall, but I really don't want to claim something without some type of verification. This is why I would like to write to the clan chief and ask if my claim is valid or not. Just making the claim without an okay feels a lot like claiming veteran’s status without truly serving. Yes I have Scottish blood, but with a melting pot heritage and no Scottish Surname I do not want to make the claim let alone go out and pick out plaids, without getting an okay from the Chief. My friend Hawk has already started a thread over on the Clans room about the writing of the letter and I have posted a similar post as this to help focus the discussion over there. I would like to hear what people might say towards at least claiming the Scottish heritage, not Clan affiliation. So feed back would be great. Thanks for taking the time for reading my post.

[Father Bill]

Seems to me you're over-thinkin' it lad. Why do you need proof of what you know?

For what it's worth, if you're trying to establish your clan affiliations (which clan), it traditionally goes as much through the male side as possible.

Seems to me you're worrying too much; you're not claiming financial benefits here, just swearing allegiance to the Clan chief, which in this day and age really doesn't amount to a high hill of beans.

[bwat]

I do have some questions about my Heritage and if I have enough of a claim to Scottish ancestry. My last name is Steussy which is an Americanized Stussi (Which is Swiss). And for most of my life I never had the knowledge past that point.

Where in Switzerland? I spent a fair amount of time in Zurich last year and the place is just breathtakingly beautiful.

I would like to hear what people might say towards at least claiming the Scottish heritage, not Clan affiliation. So feed back would be great. Thanks for taking the time for reading my post.

I think most Scots would agree with me when I say I'm not bothered in the slightest what you claim. I mean this in the sense that it's none of our business to challenge you. Anybody who is somehow offended by your claims is just out looking the be offended.

I do not want to make the claim let alone go out and pick out plaids, without getting an okay from the Chief.

Also, why do americans who were born in a country that was itself born out of a desire to get rid of a foreign leader always come on here wondering how best to ask permission from a foreign "leader"? I know of no scot that would ask permission from some clan chief. I realise this is not what your are asking about but still I feel like I have to say it.

[Tarheel]

My good Matthew, align with me, Hawk and other Colquhoun. Speaking for myself, I've felt like a stray before and have never been let down by family or friends. Father Bill is right though, don't over think this issue. Know thy own heart and ye never be led astray.

[Hawk]

Seems to me you're over-thinkin' it lad. Why do you need proof of what you know?

For what it's worth, if you're trying to establish your clan affiliations (which clan), it traditionally goes as much through the male side as possible.

Seems to me you're worrying too much; you're not claiming financial benefits here, just swearing allegiance to the Clan chief, which in this day and age really doesn't amount to a high hill of beans.

Father Bill, as what is known as a Traditional in my Tribal Family, I can appreciate what Mat is actually saying here. He is expressing an honest and truthful feeling about his ancestors and the honoring of his family and whom he is. By expressing a need to reach out to his family's Clan Chief, I see an honorable example of something we don't see too much of in this day and age. What he is attempting to do, in an honest way, is walk with respect. That is worth more than "a hill of beans". Well done Mat....good journey in bringing this part of the family the respect it deserves.

[Holcombe Thomas]

Lochaber, you might consider contacting or joining the Clan McDougall society. They've a website at http://macdougall.org/wp/.

Holcombe

[Ron Wright]

Aye:A Journey without Respect is a step backwards:

[MacEanruig]

Just by looking at the page Thomas Holcombe linked to, you should be able to be a member of Clan MacDougall. Nothing tried is nothing gained. Go for it, and remember that you will always be part of our wee clan here on XMTS.

[Lochaber19]

First I want to say thanks to everyone that has responded. I am most likely thinking about this a bit much. I just want to give this a the most respect that I can give. I could claim that I was part of which-ever clan that I wanted and also state that I have Scottish Ancestry even if I only had a in-law that was Scottish, and it would most-likely stay between me and the Lord. BUT I would know and that would mean that what I had really didn't have any value because it would be something that I created. That is why I want to do this the hard way. So that it is worth it, so that I truly have a claim to this. Again thanks for the positive feed back.

[MacGumerait]

Lochaber19 , when one researches their genealogy , I consider that as a respect for the past / history . I think it's admirable that you have learned as much as you have about your family's history .

It would seem that your latest tie would be with the MacDougall Clan . I think previous suggestions of contacting the Clan MacDougall Society would be a good start . The folks within the Clan Society can offer you information and if you wish to personally contact the Chief , they can probably offer guidance in that endeavor as well .

Best wishes on your journey of family history ( the very effort has my respect ) .

Regards , Mike