My father and I have very little in common; though I most certainly love and respect him, he is a practical, "live today, prepare for tomorrow" sort of guy whose interests have always been very different from my own. I never knew my grandfather, my great-grandfather was a semi-abusive alcoholic, and I have been unable to find any information on my second-great grandfather. But when I discovered my third-great grandfather, I knew I had finally found a relative with whom I could relate.
He was born in Scotland, and his grandfather (and maybe his father as well) was a member of one of the Highland Fencible regiments and all three were deeply proud of their national heritage. This third-great grandfather was an academic and gentleman at heart, both things that appeal to me, and often told stories about his homeland after he emigrated to the United States where he was elected City Auditor of Salt Lake City until his death in 1899. Such was his love and longing for Scotland that he and his eldest son were founding members of the Utah Caledonia Society.

After reading about him in journals and newspaper articles from his day, I decided to find out more about my heritage and kilts, bagpipes, Burns, etc. were all a part of this.

In fact, just last Sunday I was able to locate my great-great-great grandfather's burial place and leave flowers there (probably the first in at least 50 years). I really wish I had known the man... perhaps in another life!