Howdy,

I came across your site while researching my ancestors in preparation for attending the Sacramento Valley Scottish Games and Festival. So far I have discovered:

My mother’s maiden name is McElmurry. Her father stood over 6 feet tall and had red hair. His mother was a McCollum. My father’s mother was a Mitchell and her mother was a Creighton. Other names further back include Ramage and McCord. So I guess that makes me (at least partially) a Hebridean Ulster Scot with borderland and lowland accents. Probably explains my love for sailing in the cold and foggy San Francisco Bay and my need to hike to high places (I have bagged 25 California County high points and six 14ers).

My wife’s grandfather (actually a great uncle) is Leslie Gordon, which may be two for one but we haven’t researched him yet. He is not in her bloodline which is nearly pure DAR English.

I am considering joining the Clan Morrison Society of North America as it seems to be the best link of a modern clan association to my mother’s maiden name. My wife and I are enjoying perusing the tartan data base and a kilt may be in my future.

Great site you have here.