Clan Fraser or Fraser of Lovat?

[Kent Frazier]

In doing my family history, I've discovered that there is very little sourced information I have on my ancestor who came to America from Scotland. The common consensus seems to be that he was George (Thomas) Fraser and was born in Inverness around 1725 or 1737. There also seems to be agreement that he was married about 1758 either in Pennsylvania or North Carolina. Searching Scotlandspeople.gov.uk, I've found a George Fraser born in 1737 and two Thomas Frasers born in 1725, but no George Thomas'. These are all listed as being born or christened in Inverness-shire. The family histories that I have all indicate that he was born in Inverness, but again this is not sourced.


In doing further research, I found in the book “No Quarter Given” That “Lovat enlarged his clan by taking in numerous 'Boll of Meal' Frasers – men who changed their name in return for sustenance.” With that in mind, I thought that maybe “Thomas” was a surname and not a middle name prior to joining the Lovat Clan. Searching Scotland's People, I found some Georges Thomas'; one born in 1725 and one born in 1737. Neither were from Inverness, but Killearn and Monimail.

With this in mind, I'm wondering about what your thoughts would be as to which Clan I should claim. Should I claim Clan Fraser until I have more information or go with my gut feeling and claim Clan Fraser of Lovat as I have been? Or does it really matter? Just trying to decide before I start buying Clan Badge items.


I'm particularly interested in the thoughts of our Scottish members.


Thanks,


Kent

[gilmore]

You might think about Y chromosome DNA testing. While it will not provide the certainty of a paper trail, it could very well show you where it would not be profitable to look. E.g., if your ancestor was a Thomas who adopted the Fraser name, that is likely to turn up. It show probabilities, and is a good way to get an informed idea of where to look further, and where further research would be futile. The largest and best DNA testing service is at www.familytreedna.com. Take a look at their FAQ, it's fairly exhaustive.