A Swan in Search of his "True" Clan

[Cygnus]

If, at any time in the future, your digging yields new results, well then you're within your rights to switch loyalties. It's normal practice.

It's good to know that's normal practice, though the thought of "switching loyalties" really doesn't sit right with me. I've been doing more research and have a couple of leads, but they're really just shots in the dark.

And Chas, those are both things I've taken into consideration; Swan can be a reference to a Norse name or it can refer (at least in Middle English, I'm not sure about any Celtic languages) to a swineherd. My most distant Scottish ancestor for whom I have a record was born in the 1770's and is listed as a weaver. His son became a boot-maker, and his son became the auditor of a sizable city. By the late 1700's, though, it's possible they had departed from the trade that garnered them their last name sometime during the previous century or so.

As I stated in the thread in the Tartans section, the ancestor mentioned above spent time in Ireland during the Rebellion of 1798. I am thinking he may have been a member of one of the Scottish Fencible regiments that was sent to Ireland at that time. If he was, though, I find it interesting that he is listed as a weaver rather than having his rank listed. I also find it interesting that his wife (apparently) accompanied him since their son was born in Ireland in the few years they spent there.

But, this isn't a genealogy forum so I will digress. I suppose I was just hoping that somebody would come along with a lead that put me on the trail again.

I appreciate the help that everyone has given thus far!