What do I say to my Dad?

[kenpobob]

I was speaking with my dad tonight, and in the conversation I gave him a form to join our Clan Society, and the address to order a very good clan history. He proceeded to ask if I haven't gone over board on the "Scottish Stuff?" His reasoning was that the last "Real" McGilvray was his Great Grandfather. Now my McGilvrays have been in the USA since the late 1700s. How do I handle this?

If I recall correctly you also live here in Utah... We live near the center of the genealogical research world, the LDS family library and I don't think I would ever think that phrase would come up at the research library....Anyway, I doubt I could add anything to the more learned & mature rabble have not already said. All the best to you and your dad.

[Phogfan86]

Nanook said it far better than I was trying to. People left those countries -- or were encouraged to explore other options -- for a reason or two or 19. The groups like St. Andrew Societies and the little German Catholic and Lutheran parishes and, here in Kansas, the fraternal organizations formed in the Russian Mennonite communities and many of the other organizations were what those people wanted to remember of the old country. They weren't reflective of reality or they'd have never left.

[NewKilt]

I just found out that one of my mother's forebears is German. So I figure that is the reason that llike oompah music.Frank

I have more German blood than Scottish blood. Maybe that's why I play tuba instead of bagpipes. I can, however, play "Scotland The Brave" on the tuba .

Sorry. Has nothing to do with the thread. I couldn't resist. Couldn't sleep because my back hurts. Spinal surgery Monday - maybe he should examine my head while he's at it .

[Bugbear]

I have more German blood than Scottish blood. Maybe that's why I play tuba instead of bagpipes. I can, however, play "Scotland The Brave" on the tuba .

Sorry. Has nothing to do with the thread. I couldn't resist. Couldn't sleep because my back hurts. Spinal surgery Monday - maybe he should examine my head while he's at it .

I don't really understand why, but that is cracking me up. Hee hee, on the tuba.
Hope your Spinal surgery turns out well.

[macwilkin]

Nanook said it far better than I was trying to. People left those countries -- or were encouraged to explore other options -- for a reason or two or 19. The groups like St. Andrew Societies and the little German Catholic and Lutheran parishes and, here in Kansas, the fraternal organizations formed in the Russian Mennonite communities and many of the other organizations were what those people wanted to remember of the old country. They weren't reflective of reality or they'd have never left.

Again, you're making generalisations that were not always the case. The mysterious Nanook did raise some very valid points as to why some left the auld country, be it Scotland, Norway or Poland, but his points, as well as yours, don't apply to everyone.

Immigrant fraternal organisations were originally started as mutual-aid societies where an immigrant could meet a fellow ________, possibily get a job as well as other assistance and participate in social activities. Yes, they have changed over time, but you simply can't dismiss them as never reflective of reality. For the immigrants that joined the Sons of Norway, etc. they provided a needed "safety valve" against WASP America that wasn't always thrilled to see them land.

Not every immigrant wanted to leave their country, btw, and not everyone stayed here permanently.

btw, I wasn't aware that the Mennonites formed fraternal organisations -- could you please elaborate on this in a PM to me?

Todd

[Carolina Kiltman]

Just need to throw my tuppence in here. On my Father's side, documented too, 1688-89 a Catholic Gentleman Farmer in Eastern Shore Maryland. Guess why He came here? My Mother came over from Scotland in 1920 after marrying my Father.

On my Wife's side, German German and more German. The most recent from the 1871. She was the first generation where German was not the general language spoken in the home. In Northeast Iowa there were churches where the hymns and sermons were still in German as late at the early 1950's (mostly among the older folks).

Why did they come, for many varieties of reasons. As to remembering a "golden past" that is preferable to never remembering anything good or pleasant happening. My favourite Mother-in-Law was one of those and was a most miserable old women for all too many years before her death.

We have asked our four kids (youngest turns 41 in a few days) to write down memories of growing up, putting it all into a book and giving it to us. They in turn have at least a start on the families' histories, with as many pictures as I/we can identify. Seems a fair trade to all of us.

[macwilkin]

Just need to throw my tuppence in here. On my Father's side, documented too, 1688-89 a Catholic Gentleman Farmer in Eastern Shore Maryland. Guess why He came here? My Mother came over from Scotland in 1920 after marrying my Father.

On my Wife's side, German German and more German. The most recent from the 1871. She was the first generation where German was not the general language spoken in the home. In Northeast Iowa there were churches where the hymns and sermons were still in German as late at the early 1950's (mostly among the older folks).

Why did they come, for many varieties of reasons. As to remembering a "golden past" that is preferable to never remembering anything good or pleasant happening. My favourite Mother-in-Law was one of those and was a most miserable old women for all too many years before her death.

We have asked our four kids (youngest turns 41 in a few days) to write down memories of growing up, putting it all into a book and giving it to us. They in turn have at least a start on the families' histories, with as many pictures as I/we can identify. Seems a fair trade to all of us.

Where at in Northeastern Iowa where your people from?

Todd

[Tim B]

I'm adopted and have no idea what my bloodline runs. Didn't find out until a few years ago (I'm 52 now) that my (adopted) father heritage is Scottish. Seems no one in my family really cared and with a surname like Brown, they could have been from anywhere!n I embrace my fathers heritage now, as if it were my own. I guess because I've never known I have always envied those who did.

Be proud to be a Scot. Let your dad think what he likes. Just be sure that you pass your Scottish pride onto your children, so they can pass it on to theirs.

Tim B.