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Vol. XVII No. 4 Autumn 2005

New Orleans page 5

Roots & Twigspage 6

Bodyguard Protocol page 8

Dunblanepage 10

J. W. Hendersonpage 11

Glencoe Hendersonspage 23

Last Requestpage 28

Once more the forces of nature remind us that we humans (as ingenious, inventive, industrious and insightful as we have

been throughout our history) are nearly useless in the face of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, tidal waves, and earthquakes. We can remove hills and mountains (albeit a scoop at a time), change the course of rivers, manipulate the DNA molecule, harness the atom, and are told in the Hebrew Bible that we have dominion over the birds of the air and fish of the sea. But we are too small to control the onslaught of sudden natural calamities--especially where large populations of people become victims of the disaster.

And so where does that leave us? One option, of course, is to dwell where we can avoid such events, but that option doesn’t leave many places to live, if any. Another option is to buy a lot of insurance, which may not even cover all that we expect. Another is to sink into despair when it happens, as though the world is created for our individual comfort. Still another is to HOPE, not so much that it will never happen to us or the people we love or the nation we live in, but to TRUST that there is a greater purpose in life than to avoid distress and suffering. These catastrophes will indeed continue to occur in our natural world, even if they happen to us from day to day, like accidents and heart disease and cancers.

In what (whom) do we trust? As I’ve written in previous articles all of us have grown up learning to trust in various forms of religious faith, and as chaplain of our organization which includes

quite a number of these forms, I suggest that each of us learns to draw from the spiritual resources that help us through the struggle to understand our pain and confusion. Surely our natural strength will not overcome the natural disasters, even though nature does its own work in healing those parts of our bodies that are injured.

Also, we can trust all those trained professionals who stand ready to assist in the rescue, recovery, healing, and rehabilitation processes: first, the health professionals in the clinics, including the EMTs on the street; second, the community emergency personnel, like the police and the fire and military; third, all those who open their homes to evacuees, perhaps out own volunteer efforts, with our money; and fourth, to all the elected and appointed governmental officials who are so often blamed for making unwise hasty decisions, but yet are still crucial to the solutions.

Put all of this together, and we have the system of response to disaster. It’s not easy or simple, but as our Henderson motto suggests, it’s the greater part of VIRTUE which ENNOBLES our human life. Add to that our personal faith in the GOD who has given us life in the first place, who answers our prayers of petition, thanksgiving, intercession, and we have the resources that will help us through times of anguish. May we all learn to hope and trust, and above all, to teach our children and grandchildren the same.

From the Chaplainby C. Frederick Sanford

2 An Canach Autumn 2005

An Canach8500 Wendell Drive

Alexandria VA 22308-2158(703) 780-1068 [email protected]

An Canach Staff Editor Russell Henderson Assistant Editor Judy Henderson Printing & Distribution Mark Henderson

Contributing Columnists Beth Gay Christian Garin Billy J. Henderson Cairns Henderson Charles B. Henderson David S. Henderson

Dr. Greg Henderson Robert Lansing Henderson Terry Henderson Leon Hicks Robert P. Humphreys, Ph.D. Horace Loftin John Robert Mallernee C. Frederick Sanford

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meaning of 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Consequently donations of funds, library books, and other property made to the society are deductuble contributions for the purpose of Federal Income Tax Returns.

An Canach is the Official Newsletter of the Clan Henderson Society. It is published quarterly to provide information about Clan Members, Scottish Culture, Attire, Music, Food, Upcoming Events, and our individual and collective Genealogy. It is the expression of life in Clan Henderson as maintained by your contribution of articles, information, and ideas. Please submit your material anytime, either online or by regular mail.

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Autumn 2005 An Canach 3

President's Messageby Billy J. Henderson

Billy J. Henderson

Edwin P. Hendricks Jr

Dottie Henderson

Carol Maley

Stephen G Murphy

President

Vice President

Recording Secretary

Mem

bership Secretary Treasurer

Sent: Monday, 5 September 2005 5:13 P.M.Subject: The Henderson Family

To: Billy Henderson, President, The Clan Henderson Society of the United States

Your Canadian cousins in the Clan are watching the terrible happenings in your state and in neighbouring states with extreme feelings of helplessness. Please accept both my own personal wishes and prayers and those of all the clan members in Canada for a speedy and safe resolve of the disaster which has devastated the south coastal states. The Canadian Clan Henderson Society has made a contribution to the Red Cross relief fund which is sending aid to those persons who have been left homeless. I pray that your own family remains safe.

Cairns Henderson President, The Clan Henderson Society of Canada

Slainte Maith, h-uile latha, na chi ‘snach fhaic!

As I write this, it has been five days since Hurricane Katrina paid a visit to our area. I live

140 miles from the Mississippi coast, but the Hurricane caused damage in our part of the state as well. There were hours of howling wind, while the house was battered by debris falling from the trees. Electricity failed very quickly. It was a long wait, but today we again have electricity. Having air conditioning back is great!

We have trees down: three fell on fences, and a very large pine fell across three levels of the deck. We had only one limb through the roof. I feel fortunate and blessed with only minor damage.

Many have died and it appears that even more may. Thousands have lost everything. A friend here from Chalmette, Louisiana (part of the flooded greater New Orleans area) said today that he would never have imagined that he would lose everything and have to start over

when he was more than 80 years of age. There is so much suffering and so much stress.

A Henderson in New Orleans was among those at the forefront of the struggle to help those left in New Orleans. An article about the experiences of this physician is on page 5. We cannot resist letting you know that a Henderson was there.

Mississippians in this area have always provided first response to the Mississippi coast following a hurricane. Katrina brought middle Mississippi to its knees, however. We could not respond without gasoline and electricity. We have been limited to helping with the shelters.

Bless all of the Clan Henderson members who have called or emailed. I am looking forward to the AGM in Tulsa.

Yours Aye,

Billy


Ar Oran Agus Ar Ceolby John Robert Mallernee

Clan Bard

This time I teach you about a classic Scottish song, which most of you good Scottish clansmen probably already know.

It’s Green Grow The Rushes Oh, composed by Robert Burns, and published in 1784 in his Commonplace Book.

I learned to play and sing this song by listening to the (mostly Irish) female band, Cherish The Ladies, on their album, One And All - The Best Of Cherish The Ladies, which I obtained from the Green Linnet Web site.

If you wish to shop for Celtic music albums, or even use your home computer to listen to entire albums before you purchase, their Web site address is:www.greenlinnet.com. Sometimes, they even give away albums, and I’ve got three or four albums which I received free from the Green Linnet Web site.

There’s an interesting story about the song, Green Grow The Rushes Oh, although I’ve been told it’s merely an urban legend, a popular bit of mythology which sounds good, but is actually false. According to the story, the reason Mexicans call Americans “Gringo”, is because many of the early settlers in Texas, being mostly of Celtic heritage, enjoyed singing Green Grow The Rushes Oh. It is even claimed that the night before the Alamo fell, the men kept up their spirits by singing this song.

It is true that David Crockett (he never called himself “Davey”) was a first generation Scottish immigrant and played the fiddle. Another defender at the Alamo was John MacGregor, a Scottish immigrant, who played the bagpipes. History records that during that final night, David Crockett and John MacGregor had a “musical duel”, which David Crockett lost, since John MacGregor knew more songs, and could play longer than David Crockett did.

So, all you bonny lads and lassies, here now is your bonny song:

Green Grow The Rushes OhComposed in 1784 by Robert Burns

There’s not but care on every handOf every hour that passes, oh,That signifies the life of man,And ‘twere not for the lassies, oh!

CHORUS:Green grow the rushes, oh.Green grow the rushes, oh.The sweetest hours that e’er I spentWere spent among the lassies, oh.

The worldly race, their riches chaseAnd riches still may fly them, oh.And when at last, they catch them fast,Their hearts can ne’er enjoy them, oh!

Give me a quiet hour at e’en,My arms around my deary, oh,And warly cares and warly menMay a’ gae topsy turvy, oh!

For you so grave, ye sneer at this,Ye’re not but senseless asses, oh.The wisest man the world e’er saw,He dearly loved the lassies, oh!

**********

Moran taing agus slainte mhath!

(Pronounced as “moor-ahn tyenng ah-kus slahn-cha vah”, that means, “Many thanks and health good!”)

Green Grow The Rushes Oh


Thanks to all of you who have sent your notes of concern and your prayers. I am writing this note on Tuesday at 2 P.M.. I wanted to update all of you as to the situation

here. I don’t know how much information you are getting but I am certain it is more than we are getting. Be advised that almost everything I am telling you is from direct observation or rumor from reasonable sources. They are allowing limited internet access, so I hope to send this dispatch today.

Personally, my family and I are fine. My family is safe in Jackson, Miss., and I am now a temporary resident of the Ritz Carleton Hotel in New Orleans. I figured if it was my time to go, I wanted to go in a place with a good wine list. In addition, this hotel is in a very old building on Canal Street that could and did sustain little damage. Many of the other hotels sustained significant loss of windows, and we expect that many of the guests may be evacuated here.

Things were obviously bad yesterday, but they are much worse today. Overnight the water arrived. Now Canal Street (true to its origins) is indeed a canal. The first floor of all downtown buildings is underwater. I have heard that Charity Hospital and Tulane are limited in their ability to care for patients because of water. Ochsner is the only hospital that remains fully functional. However, I spoke with them today and they too are on generator and losing food and water fast.

The city now has no clean water, no sewerage system, no electricity, and no real communications. Bodies are still being recovered floating in the floods. We are worried about a cholera epidemic. Even the police are without effective communications. We have a group of armed police here with us at the hotel that is admirably trying to exert some local law enforcement. This is tough because looting is now rampant. Most of it is not malicious looting. These are poor and desperate people with no housing and no medical care and no food or water trying to take care of themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the people are armed and dangerous. We hear gunshots frequently. Most of Canal street is occupied by armed looters who have a low threshold for discharging their weapons. We hear gunshots frequently. The looters are using makeshift boats made of pieces of styrofoam to access. We are still waiting for a significant national guard presence.

The health care situation here has dramatically worsened overnight. Many people in the hotel are elderly and small children. Many other guests have unusual diseases. There are (Infectious Disease) physicians in at this hotel attending an

HIV convention. We have commandeered the world famous French Quarter Bar to turn into an makeshift clinic. There is a team of about seven doctors and PAs and pharmacists. We anticipate that this will be the major medical facility in the central business district and French Quarter.

Our biggest adventure today was raiding the Walgreens on Canal under police escort. The pharmacy was dark and full of water. We basically scooped the entire drug sets into garbage bags and removed them. All under police escort. The looters had to be held back at gunpoint. After a dose of prophylactic Cipro I hope to be fine.

In all we are faring well. We have set up a hospital in the French Quarter bar in the hotel, and will start admitting patients today. Many will be from the hotel, but many will not. We are anticipating dealing with multiple medical problems, medications and and acute injuries. Infection and perhaps even cholera are anticipated major problems. Food and water shortages are imminent.

The biggest question to all of us is where is the National Guard. We hear jet fighters and helicopters, but no real armed presence, and hence the rampant looting. There is no Red Cross and no Salvation Army.

In a sort of cliche way, this is an edifying experience. One is rapidly focused away from the transient and material to the bare necessities of life. It has been challenging to me to learn how to be a primary care physician. We are under martial law so return to our homes is impossible. I don’t know how long it will be and this is my greatest fear. Despite it all, this is a soul-edifying experience. The greatest pain is to think about the loss. And how long the rebuild will take. And the horror of so many dead people.

Please send this dispatch to all you think may be interested in a dispatch from the front. I will send more according to your interest. Hopefully their collective prayers will be answered. By the way, suture packs, sterile gloves and stethoscopes will be needed as the Ritz turns into a MASH.

E-mail sent from Dr. Greg Henderson on 30 August 2005 to Charlie Henderson.

Dear Friends, As a native of Louisiana (the Cajun part, not the southeastern part, where New Orleans is), I wanted to share the following e-mail dispatch from Dr. Greg Henderson (no relation), a pathologist who recently moved to New Orleans from Washington, D.C. I think it’s safe to say at the moment that the tragedy in the Crescent City is unprecedented and will undoubtedly dwarf that of 9/11, at least in terms of scope and cost, if not loss of life. Charlie Henderson

Catastrophe in New Orleans


by Dr. Horace Loftin, FSA Scot

Henderson Henryson HenrisounHenders

MacHendryMcHendryMacHenryMcHenry HendryHenry

HendrieHendron

d’HandressonMacKendrickMcKendrickMacKendry McKendry

MacKendreeKendrick

And other versions of MacEanruig“son of Henry”

Dear cousins:Some of you folks have been

waiting patiently (?) for my slow response of late to your genealogies, queries and correspondence. In the words of my old army sergeant, “we will correct that discrepancy”! I’m working down the pile of your goodies right now, and you’ll hear from me soon.

But I have an excuse. For the first time in my 78 years (give or take the occasional flu, etc), I have been sick abed. I don’t recommend it! I had been puny for several months, and the surgeon found a tumor almost blocking my colon. They chopped it out, sewing the pieces back together. Luckily, all those very bad “C” cells were contained within the tumor and so I escaped chemotherapy -- thank goodness.

I’m recovering nicely, thank you, so much so that I am off on a birding expedition to Peru in October. I may not venture far from the van, but I’m going anyway!

All of this has caused the fact of human mortality to enter my mind rather prominently. Now, don’t misunderstand me. I propose to be your Clan genealogist for another ten or so years, so that I can retire after 30 years on the job. Then I’ll have time to resume research on MY OWN family, suspended since I signed on to record YOUR genealogies in our database.

The time will come when somebody else must take on the office of Clan Genealogist (Seanachaidh). Who among you cousins will that somebody be? Any candidates? Any curiosity? Any ever-so-slight twinges of interest? Right now the routine work involved has leveled out to very manageable proportions

—perhaps the equivalent of a day per week can keep things under control.

The fun part comes after that: the extra things you like to do, like digging deeper into certain families, inventing new and better ways to uncover Henderson documentary proofs, finding connections hidden in the mass of names in the burgeoning data-base—whatever. Surely, efficient use of the computer and the web would be a novelty! And of course, you will come to know more in general about the genealogies and family histories of Hendersons, McKendricks, McHenrys et al, than anyone else on earth.

Think about it. If you have the slightest inclination or curiosity toward the role of Clan Genealo-gist, please let me know. I’ll fill you in and tell it to you straight. And I promise not to twist your arm (which I have been accused of in other Clan connections).

Meanwhile, there are all sorts of collateral tasks that should or could be done to enhance our genealogical program. These are things I can’t take on personally. They need another warm and curious body—i.e., they need YOU—to be realized.

We already have a head start at these activities: I call them my “desks.” For example, many of you have profited from the outstanding work of the “Scottish desk.” Jerry McClendon is our expert on the Hendersons of Fordell and on Scottish documents and research generally. If a question arises from your submitted data in these areas, I pass it on to Jerry and he usually comes up with the answer.

Here are some “desks” which come to my mind that need filling:

The “DNA Desk.” What other Clan could profit more and more rapidly than us Hendersons by a DNA program? We know we are a Clan-of-the-Name-Henderson, with several origins known and unknown. Are you descended from the Hendersons of Glencoe? Of the Viking Gunns? of the Fordells? And from whom are the Fordells descended? Of the Borders? or from whom else and from where?

The “Ulster Desk.” Possibly the majority of our families are Scot-Irish, i.e., passed from Scotland to what is now North Ireland and on to America. Many of the genealogies in our database begin in that “Ulster” area, complete with names and localities. What we need is entry into Ulster records and documents, so that we can build up and move back in time—perhaps to Scotland—those Scot-Irish lineages.

The “LDS Scottish Desk.” One of our Clansmen told me he spent several weeks in Edinburgh searching out Henderson documents from their archives and libraries. After he had about finished his work, an archivist told him, “You know, the Latter Day Saints have copies of all of these records in Salt Lake City”! So who among you is in a position to search those LDS records for Henderson data?

The “McKendrick Desk.” We already have a fine “McHenry Desk” in operation by Clansman Richard McHenry. He takes care of my McHenry, Henry, and Hendrie et al queries, plus doing his own researches on these folks. What


Neil Henderson, of Elk Grove Village for 43 years. Was born 18 May 1923, in Scotland, and died Friday, 22 July 2005, peacefully at home with his family.

He was a veteran of World War II serving for five years as a Sergeant in the British Army. He was employed by GT & E for 31 years as a senior staff engineer.

As a prolific artist, writer and Scottish Bard, Neil was a member and past president of the Elgin Scottish Society, a member of the Robert Burns Federation of Scotland, member of the Robert Burns Club of Milwaukee, St.

Andrews Society of Illinois, past Bard and member of the Clan Henderson and member and past president of the Elk Grove Artists Association. He was the Northwest Cultural Council Poetry Award Winner for 2004.

He was the beloved husband of 55 years of Jean (nee McGuigan); loving father of Linda (Donald) Obrochta and Diane (Thomas) Malinowski; son of the late Donald and the late Hilda (nee Lowry) Henderson; dear brother of Laddie (Moira) Henderson and the late Alan Henderson; cherished grandfather of Julie and Kyle Obrochta, Liane and Alexander Malinowski and the late Glen Obrochta; and survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

The Alexandria Scottish Christmas WalkDon’t Forget to Mark Your Calendars!

3 December 2005

This year’s Christmas Walk, the Scottish parade through old town Alexandria, will be 3 December 2005. The kick off time is normally 10 A.M., but we encourage all participants to arrive early as parking is at premium during this event. There is a “help desk” normally located on St Asaph St near the intersection of Wolfe or Wilkes St. The help desk will direct you to the location of the Clan. We try to have a Clan Henderson banner visible at the Clan Henderson assembly site. The location for the Celidh that evening has not confirmed; however, post cards will be sent to members of the Mid-East Region prior to the event announcing the time and location. If you need additional information on either of these events, please give me or the deputy commissioner a call. You may also email me at [email protected]. Please title email “Clan Henderson Christmas Walk info.”

Leon Hicks (703) 922-4647Christian Garin (703) 753-9041

we need now is a Clansman to do much the same with McKendrick, Kendrick, and Kendree et al.

And I can think of many more “desks” that need your attention. What’s your own special interest and/or expertise that you might help out the Clan by taking on?

So I think you see the kinds of things that need doing to continue to make our genealogical program as good as—or better than—any other such. Let me know your interest, and we’ll talk it over.

The Clan motto is, of course, “Sola Virtus Nobilitat”. But I suspect the Clan Society motto properly should be:

YOUR CLAN NEEDS YOU!

Ode To Neil HendersonBy: John Robert Mallernee

Bard of Clan Henderson

There’s a man I never metWho was born in Scotland yet.In Glasgow, he was born,Where Henderson kilt was worn.A sergeant, he would be,In the Queen’s Royal Army.A Scottish warrior poet,This man I never met.I don’t know a lot,But, I’ve heard he was a Scot.That’s enough for me,With his Henderson history.An American, he became,And Chicago knew his name.He was my cousin’s friend.But, now he’s met his end.He was our great clan’s bard,And To follow him is hard.So I’ll try the best I canTo honor that great man,A Gaelic warrior poet,This man I never met.To a lone bagpiper’s skirl,A Hielander leaves this world.Just as we live, we die,And through the Heavens fly,Where Hendersons awaitTo meet us at the gate,And hail our warrior poet,This bard I never met.Hendersons to God appeal,“Welcome home our clansman, Neil!”


Clan Henderson BodyguardProtocol

by Christian Garin, Head of the Bodyguard

Background

The Clan bodyguard is just another way of keeping our heritage alive. The bodyguard was created

to assist convenors at gatherings of the clan and to manage the more formal activities (parades, opening and closing ceremonies, receptions,

ceilidhs, AGM functions, weddings, funerals, etc.) of the Clan. The bodyguard’s function is only ceremonial so don’t expect

to see us squaring off with any Campbells. However, the group does have its historical origins. The MacEanruigs were very large and strong Scots, well suited for providing personal protection and were sought out by many. The best example of this is the case of the MacEanruigs of Glencoe who were the bodyguard to the Chieftain of the Clan Donald at Glencoe, the MacIan. However, should you have information on any other Henderson bodyguard activities in history, please advise the Head of the Bodyguard through the web site at your earliest convenience.

Requirements There are a few requirements in order to be able to serve

your Clan as a member of the bodyguard. The primary desire is to maintain uniformity and set a standard of appearance for the rest of the clan. The main condition for bodyguard membership is to own a kilt, preferably in the ancient or muted tartan; however, any of the Henderson tartans are suitable. Attendance at Scottish games, festivals and Celtic events whenever possible is highly desired of all Bodyguard members. As an appointed officer of the Clan, it is necessary to maintain an active membership within the society. All bodyguard members should have at their disposal the use of a broadsword, cleidhmor, dirk, targe or any other form of arms used in Scotland during the fight for independence from Great Britain.

Duties Now that you have heard about all the background and

you still want to join our ranks the next thing you need to know is what we actually do. Our goal is to assist the event convenor (those persons who set up the Clan tent and help

others learn about the Clan and Society). The Bodyguard manages the formation of the Walkabout. This term comes Australia where it indicates a stroll, which is also significant because our Chief, Alistair Henderson of Fordell, lives “down unda.” The Walkabout performed by the Society is basically a tartan parade where a piper and drummer, if possible, lead the clan contingent followed by the bodyguard, clan officers, banners and flags and any clan members present. It provides an excellent opportunity to show our pride in the Clan.

“So tell me again, what should I wear now?”….

There will be individual ideas as to the “proper” dress, for

the Bodyguard, with variations affected only by the standards of historical precedent. The only “uniform” requirement established at this time is the wearing of a kilt in any of the Henderson tartans (with the exception of the Dress tartan). Hats, caps, jackets, boots, gillies all will be of personal choice and keeping within bounds of traditional garb. The Bodyguard should not present a “gaudy” appearance but should become the standard by which other Clan members will want to dress for all occasions.

Most military paraphernalia is welcome if the individual desires to wear personal awards on a military style shirt or day wear jacket. Bodyguard members will not wear badges, which show attendance at Games or Festivals, with any military apparel. Rank insignia, badges or patches affiliated with a particular military unit or organization will not be worn.

The “badge of office” for Regional Bodyguard Leaders will be a red sash, provided by the Clan, which will be worn over the right shoulder, draped to below the left hip and riding over any baldric or sword belt. The sash will be worn under an evening or day wear jacket. No insignia, pins, badges or patches will be placed on the sash unless specifically approved by this office and meant for all Bodyguard Leaders. Nametags will be worn on the right breast above a shirt or jacket pocket or will be equal to that height when affixed to a shirt or jacket without pockets. Sporran worn by Bodyguard members will be chosen in accordance with individual tastes, however, those made of fur are particularly desirable.

The “badge of office” for State Bodyguard Leaders will be a blue sash. It will be worn as described above.


“So tell me now, in which order do we march today?”… In keeping with the objectives of the office, Regional and

State Bodyguard Leaders should attempt to be present when the Chief of Clan Henderson is in their region or state. Likewise, a visit by a Chieftain will also require certain ceremonial procedures. For these instances, the Bodyguard Leader will be present or ensure all necessary procedures are carried out by another Bodyguard or Clan member acting in his stead.

The Regional/State Bodyguard Leader will not carry the Chief’s standard or a Chieftain’s pinsel (personal flag). Another member of the Clan, properly attired in a Henderson tartan kilt, will be designated to carry out this responsibility. The Leader of the Bodyguard will precede the Arms or pinsel with broadsword drawn and carried pointing to the heavens, arm at a ninety degree angle with forearm parallel to the ground. Other Bodyguard members present will follow the Leader and be in a single or double file (depending on numbers), preceding the Arms or pinsel. All claidhmor will be carried by the two handed method with sword hilt positioned in front of, but not touching, the bearer’s chest. Targes will be carried on the left arm. Dirks will be worn on the kilt belt at the right hip.

Processions (Walkabouts and parades) should be led by one or two pipers who are followed by drummers and then the Clan banner (preferably carried by two children). The banner will be followed by the national flags of the U.S. and Scotland (U.S. flag on the right) and these followed by the Keeper of the Sporran (Treasurer). Next will be the Clan shield followed by the Bodyguard Leader, the Bodyguards, chief’s standard or chieftain’s pinsel and that personage. Should other Clan officers be present (elected or appointed by the President) they will be in line of march immediately following the Chief or Chieftain and spouse. Other Clan members will follow behind the elected or appointed officers, carrying Clan flags which may be distributed amongst the marchers. At least one tartan flag should be carried in the final rank of marchers to signify the end of the Clan procession.

Carrying tartan flags should be an informal gesture with the flag carried over a shoulder and at an angle to keep the flag itself from touching the ground. No flag, standard, or pinsel is “dipped” to any personage! Any salutes necessary are given by the Bodyguard (in unison) and on command of the senior Bodyguard member present, with the Clan Chief, Chieftain and any other Clan Chief or other personage of import on a reviewing stand being the object of the salute.

Intervals between marching ranks will normally be three to four spaces within the marching unit with the lead group (pipers when available, otherwise the banner) following the group ahead by about eight to ten paces.

“Hey mate, let’s have a Walkabout!”… The Clan Henderson Walkabout receives its name from the

Australian term for a stroll with friends or an informal walk. We use it as a means of advertising and showing the Clan tartan at Games and Festivals. Our Clan spirit is evident from this parade which is normally carried out by arrangement between the Bodyguard Leader and event managers at about 2 P.M. on each afternoon of the event. The Bodyguard Leader will

establish the Walkabout route and consult with Clan officers of higher position to ensure acceptability. He will brief the piper(s) and others as necessary to ensure the route is known and understood. A Walkabout will normally be conducted in the Clan area and through the vendor areas as desired, being cautious about the possibility of disturbing other Games activities, such as harp, violin and other musical activities.

“Anything else I should be prepared for?”…

There are plenty of things to think about, but one cannot anticipate every situation that may present itself. Common sense will prevail in many cases, and one can do little harm if each bodyguard understands that all that we do should be done with pride, dignity and common sense; more often than not, we may not have all the bodies present to re-create the situation given in the marching order described above; nevertheless, the same basic order should be followed in as much as the situation allows. For instance, a not-too-often use of the bodyguard has to do with formal events, such an official dinner/function/Ceilidh. If there is a formal entrance of the head table, the group of officials should be piped in to their table. Bodyguards would be responsible for arranging this. If present, I envision a (any) piper, followed by drummer(s); then comes Henderson shield, the bodyguard, then the standard or pinsel, followed by that personage and spouse and other dignitaries at the Head table. When everyone is in place, the head bodyguard would propose a toast. (A possible toast is “To the Chief, our great nations and ancestral home and their leaders”—and an appropriate response to this toast is “Slainte Mhath [slanh-cha vah], which means “Good Health”). The bodyguard would also arrange for the Ceilidh master to run the event of the evening.

In another situation where a Chief or Chieftain is on the move during a formal event—he should be accompanied by a representative of the Clan carrying the standard or pinsel and a bodyguard.

(Note: This document is intended to be a living document; a copy of it will soon be available for viewing on the Clan Henderson Society of America’s Web site www.ClanHendersonUSA.org. It will be modified on an as-needed basis).


About halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and a bit north, nestled along the River Allan, is the historic town of Dunblane. It is the site

of an ancient Roman camp, a magnificent ancient cathedral and a branch of the Henderson Family.

The Hendersons of Dunblane seemed to mostly be involved as masons from the early 1700s, and perhaps earlier, well into the 1800s. George Henderson was one of these masons. He was a son of John Henderson, mason of Dunblane, and was born in 1727. He married Jean Drummond in 1761 and they had 9 children; John, Patrick, John (first died), George, Stephen, Anne, Alexander, Thomas and Peter. Thomas, Patrick and Alexander were in the military. Alexander was a private at the battle of Waterloo.

One of the children, Stephen Henderson, was born on 22 July 1773. He did not want to be a mason. He did not want to be in the military but he wanted to get out of Dunblane. In the early 1790s, he left Scotland for America. He settled in the town of New Orleans, then population 10,000, including the slaves.

He arrived in America as he stated in his will “without a penny or a friend.” That changed rapidly as he quickly made a fortune with shrewd deals and smart buying. He was a partner in Kenner and Henderson a major retailer in New Orleans. He gained stature as a politician also and by the time New Orleans had been purchased by the United States and was approaching statehood, Stephen was selected as one of the delegates to the constitutional convention. He was among the three-man delegation that traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the papers of statehood. Also, during this time, he brought over two of his nephews, George and Stephen. They were the sons of his brother John Henderson. John had stayed in Dunblane, and later Glasgow, to continue the Masonic tradition.

When the War of 1812 came to New Orleans in 1815 with the British invasion, Stephen and his nephews served with the defending forces. While still on the city council, Stephen served with Relf’s Rifles at the front. When the war ended, Stephen turned his attentions to the sixteen year old daughter of one of the most distinguished men of the French society. Her name was Eleonore Zelia Destrehan. Her father was Jean Noel Destrehan. He had served with Stephen in the constitutional convention and in other political and business matters. He also had owned lands over which the battle of New Orleans had been fought and much damage had been done. Although he had resisted efforts by Stephen to marry his daughter earlier, it appears that some arrangements had been made for shortly after the forty-three year old Scotsman married the sixteen year old queen of Creole Society, Stephen gave Jean Noel Destrehan $250,000. This helped Destrehan repair the damage on his lands. Later, after Destrehan’s death in 1823, Stephen and his

wife Zelia purchased the Destrehan Plantation. Many thought that Zelia would inherit the Scotsman’s fortune but Zelia died in 1830 on a visit to her sister in New York City. Zelia and later Stephen will be buried in the cemetery not far from the Destrehan Plantation in St.Charles Parish, Louisiana. They had no children.

Some say he pined away for his lost love until his death in 1838, however, it seems that he was away much of the time. In 1831 he had the remains of his parents, George Henderson and Jean Drummond reinterred inside the Dunblane Cathedral. He also was often found at White Sulphur Springs, Virginia. The Springs of Virginia at that time were a fashionable location with supposed healing powers as a result of the sulphur spring on the property. Many wealthy southerners maintained homes there. Stephen Henderson built the biggest. He spent at least two summers there before his death. It would be used as the summer white house for several presidents in the early to mid 1800s.

Today it is located on the grounds of Greenbriar Country Club in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. He spent several enjoyable summers there until his death on March 10, 1838. He was buried beside Zelia in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. He was worth over two million dollars at his death.

Today, the site of his mansion in New Orleans is the site of the Customs House on Canal Street and the funds set up to help the orphans, fireman and others in New Orleans is still active as the “Henderson Poor Fund.”

His nephew Stephen moved upriver to Baton Rouge and served as city administrator or mayor from 1836 until 1838 when he resigned to act as an executor of his uncle’s will. He too prospered in America.

Stephen Hendersonby Terry Henderson


The Families of James Walter (J.W.) HendersonBy Robert P. Humphreys, Ph.D.

Part Two: Mary Susan Avera

J.W. Henderson’s second marriage was to Mary Susan Avera on February 2, 18812. J.W. was living in Milam County and Mary Susan was living with her family in

Bell County. However, their marriage took place in Falls County in the home of J.W.’s cousin W.A. Barclay2, son of Jeremiah Todd Barclay. Eight children were born to J.W. and Mary Susan2, 9:

i. Walter Scott Henderson b. December 8, 1881 in Milam County, Texas, m. Lena Maud Perkins April 14, 1907.ii. Carrie Abna Henderson b. March 9, 1883 in Milam County, Texas, m. Jules Baker November 25, 1908.iii. Hardy Avera (Hard) Henderson b. June 3, 1884 in Milam County, Texas, m. Dea M. Smith May 13, 1906.iv. Thomas Samuel Henderson b. July 19, 1885 in Milam County, Texas, m. Nellie Smith October 4, 1908.v. Earnest Lee (Jack) Henderson b. October 4, 1886 in Milam County, Texas, m. Martha E. Justis November 1907.vi. Julius Rungie (Jule) Henderson b. March 17, 1888 in Milam County, Texasvii. Alexander McCloud Henderson b. June 23, 1889 in Milam County, Texasviii. Dwight Monroe Henderson b. February 4, 1891 in Milam County, TexasMary Susan had a difficult task from the beginning of her

marriage. She came into J.W.’s home and became the caregiver for the children from his first marriage, and as these children left home they were replaced with her and J.W.’s children.

In 1895 J.W. and Mary Susan were living near the small community of Maysfield. He was recognized in the Cameron Herald Newspaper in a list of people from Maysfield who made donations to help rebuild the residence of Jacob Brink that had been destroyed by fire17.

J.W. Henderson’s Business InterestsWhat J.W. Henderson lacked in formal education appears

to have been made up by his entrepreneurial spirit. Upon returning to Milam County after his expeditions to the Western and Northwestern parts of Texas, J.W. was engaged in “freighting and overseeing” 10 until the outbreak of the Civil War. After the war J.W.’s business pursuits expanded in several directions as described in Reference 10:

“In 1867, he embarked in the live stock business, which was then the principal industry of the State, and gave it his attention until 1877, at first carrying on operations alone,

afterward being a member of Cragan Beef Packing Company of New York, and still later, being with the firm of Henderson, Reall & Powers, raising and shipping cattle from 1873 to 1877.

In 1877, he closed out his stock business, and, having made some investments from time to time in Milam county

lands, turned his attention to the improvement of these and to the mercantile business, which

he entered at Yarrellton. Farming, ginning, merchandising and stock growing have since

formed his business pursuits. His entire time has been absorbed with these, and he has met with the usual successes and reverses incident to such interests and enterprises.

From 1887 to 1892 he was in the cattle business in Menard County, in partnership with Julius Range of Galveston. One public position is all he ever filled, that being the office of Cattle Inspector, which he held

for about fifteen years. He interests himself in both county and State politics and is a

leader in these matters in the locality where he resides, being a stanch (sic) Democrat with

progressive ideas”. Reference 18, in describing the small

community of Maysfield near where J.W. and Mary Susan lived, states that by 1884 Maysfield had a steam gristmill and cotton gin, a good school and 250 residents. The gristmill and cotton gin appear to have been owned by J.W. Henderson. The steam gristmill was identified in the inventory of community property J.W. prepared after the death of his first wife (Table 1) 16. The gin apparently had been erected on a 5-acre tract of land carved out of the A.P. Eaton acres listed in J.W.’s property inventory19.

The biographical sketch of J.W. Henderson in the Lewis Publishing Company’s 1893 History of Texas alluded to the successes and reversals that J.W. experienced in his interests and enterprises. However, the public and private records that J.W. left suggest he experienced considerable financial difficulties the last few years of his life. From June 1874 through the late 1890’s when J.W. died, the deed records in Milam County reflect that J.W. made approximately 31 land purchases and 42 land sales, reducing his land holdings in Milam County to essentially zero. Perhaps the most telling evidence of his difficulties was the confusion surrounding 2600 acres he owned in Milam County19. The series of transactions regarding this land were the following:

(1) J.W. Henderson and Mary Susan Henderson signed a deed of trust on May 12, 1890 for 2600 acres in Milam County to the Francis Smith Caldwell and Company in exchange for $17,000. The deed of trust contained provisions for J.W. to


repay the $17,000 in a series of notes and if any of the notes went unpaid the trustee could sell the land30.

(2) J.W. signed an additional deed of trust for 2403 acres of these 2600 acres to Richard Henderson (believed to be his son) on December 27, 1890 and recorded in Milam County on December 29, 1890. The stated purpose of this trust was to secure the payment of eight notes executed to J.T. Henderson of Menard County, Texas. This instrument implies that J.W. had borrowed money from J.T. Henderson (believed to be his son John T. Henderson) and had used the land for collateral via the deed of trust31.

(3) J.W. Henderson sold this same 2600 acres to his son John T. Henderson for $5000 on March 6, 1893 and the sale was recorded in Milam County on March 7, 189332.

(4) J.W. Norris, substitute trustee for Francis Smith Caldwell and Company, recorded a second selling of this same land in Dallas County on March 27, 1893. J.W. Norris claimed in the document that J.W. Henderson and Mary Susan Henderson had failed to make one of the payments provided for in the deed of trust identified in (1) and he had sold the property to Francis Smith, the highest bidder, for $5000 on March 7, 1893 at the County Courthouse door in Milam County30.

At the very least this series of transactions clouded the title to these 2600 acres, and suggests that J.W. may have had difficulty repaying the $17,000 to the Francis Smith Caldwell and Company in compliance with the deed of trust.

On September 9, 1893 J.W. and Mary Susan declared 200 acres from the A.P. Eaton original grant to be their homestead21. The Texas homestead law was passed as a statute on January 26, 1839 and was incorporated into the Texas Constitution in 1845. The law permitted rural families to claim not more than 200 acres in one or more parcels with the improvements thereon as their homestead. Rather than taking advantage of a recently passed law, J.W. appears to have been protecting 200 acres from his creditors.

J.W. Henderson’s DeathJ.W.’s financial condition does not appear to have improved

between early 1893 and early 1897. He and Mary Susan signed a note to borrow $450 from the First National Bank of Cameron on January 5, 189720 with their livestock serving as collateral.

J.W. became ill on January 15, 1897, a few days after signing the note to the First National Bank in Cameron and died on November 8, 1897 at the age of 64 years, 5 months, and 13 days2. He does not appear to have left a will, and there are no probate records for J.W. in Milam County. The actions J.W. took just prior to his death may have precluded the need for a will or probate.

On August 23, 1897 J.W. and Mary Susan sold the gin to H.C. Henderson22, his youngest son from his first marriage. J.W. stated that he was acting on his own behalf and as executor of his late wife Mary E. Henderson’s will. The gin was sold for $3000 that was to be paid to Mary Susan in six annual payments of $500 each with interest paid separately. The description of

the property indicates that the gin lot was part of the A.P. Eaton survey with a small part of it in the Charles Martin Survey.

On the same day, August 23, 1897, J.W. conveyed ownership of their 200-acre homestead to Mary Susan by warranty deed23. In the deed transfer, written like a will, J.W. states that he was acting on his own behalf and as executor of the will of his late wife Mary E. Henderson. In describing the property J.W. stated that it was primarily in the A.P. Eaton survey. He also stated that it was fully described in a decree of the United State’s Court at Austin, Texas in a suit of Francis Smith against J.W. Henderson and others, and being the tract designated and set apart in said suit as a homestead. He further stated that the gin lot was excluded out of the 200 acres. J.W. stated that the land was to go to Mary Susan for the duration of her lifetime

and then to their children who were all named. He stipulated that the land was not to be divided until

the youngest child reached the age of 21 years.It appears that J.W., by the actions he took

a few months before his death, divested himself of the remaining property he owned in an attempt to provide for Mary Susan in her lifetime and afterwards their children. Depending on the speed of the court proceedings in Austin, J.W. may not have lived to know the outcome of the Francis Smith suit.

Mary Susan Avera’s Years without J.W. Henderson

Despite J.W.’s attempts to provide for Mary Susan after his death, it does not

appear she was left in very good financial condition. Henry Henderson sold the gin back

to Mary Susan on January 5, 1899 in consideration of $10 and cancellation of five notes25. It appears Henry

did not find the gin profitable for the price he paid or thought Mary Susan could earn more income through ownership of the gin. In a separate agreement Henry agreed to pay Mary Susan $.25 per bale for each bale he had ginned in 1897 and 189825. She appears to have sold the gin again on December 29, 1900 to J.B. Cavitt34, and for one last time on August 3, 1910 to her son Walter Scott Henderson35.

Mary Susan remained in Milam County a little over three years after J.W. died, and she was enumerated in the 1900 Milam County census with all her children at home26. Shortly thereafter, probably during the summer and early fall of 1901; she loaded her family and few belongings into a wagon and moved them to Colorado City, Mitchell County, Texas28. The wagon appears to have been purchased from the John M. and J.D. Hefley Company on July 6, 1899 for $37.50 for which she signed a note due on September 1, 190027. The note was stamped paid on September 1, 1900. Mary Susan arrived in Colorado City prior to October 8, 1901 where she purchased an iron bed, a sofa, and some window shades for $6.10 cash and $5.00 credit29.

Mary Susan continued to live in Colorado City the remainder of her life. She retained ownership to the 200-acre homestead in Milam County until 1910 when, with the permission from her children she sold it to her son Walter Scott Henderson36. Mary Susan was enumerated in the 1910 Mitchell County


In the first portion of the article in the last issue, we incorrectly identified a picture as J. W. Henderson’s home—this was not correct.

census37 with sons Julius and Alexander still living at home. She was living alone when enumerated in the 1920 Mitchell County census38. Mary Susan lived until March 8, 1922 and was buried in the Colorado City, Texas Cemetery39.

Genealogical References1. Not used2. Bible Record of Mary Susan Avera, currently in possession of Johnnie Marie Henderson, great granddaughter of J.W. Henderson3. Milam County, Texas 1850 Federal Census4. Milam County, Texas 1860 Federal Census5. Milam County, Texas 1870 Federal Census6. Milam County Deed Record Book D2, Page 3927. History of Milam County, Texas by Lelia McAnally Batte8. Wayne County, Mississippi 1860 Federal Census9. Milam County, Texas 1900 Federal Census10. History of Texas, Together with a Biographical History of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee, and Burleson Counties, Chicago, Illinois, Lewis Publishing Company, 1893, pages 662 and 663.11. James Bivens signed a Quit Claim on February 18, 1889 to 140 acres of land in Milam County to clear up the title for J.W. Henderson. He stated that J.W. had bought the land and put the title in the name of Mary Bivens, James Bivens wife and J.W. Henderson’s mother.12. Milam County, Texas 1880 Federal Census13. Milam County, Texas Records, Volume II, Compiled by Mrs. John T. Martin and Mrs. Louis C. Hill, Printed in Waco, Texas 1986.14. Milam County, Texas in the Civil War, James E. Williams, Printed in Cameron, Texas, 1993.15. Will of Mary E. Henderson filed for record June 25, 1880 and recorded August 30, 1880 in Milam County, Texas.

Mary Susan Avera with her children and their spouses and some grandchildren

16. Milam County, Texas Probate Records, Volume B, page 93, May 1881 Probate Court Term.17. ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/tx/milam/newspapers/02feb.txt.18. http://www.geocities.com/milamco/milam-071.htm. 19. Milam County Deed Records, Book 48, Page 27020. Original note in the records of Glenda Henderson Humphreys, great granddaughter of J.W. Henderson.21. Milam County Deed Records, Book 35, Page 381.22. Milam County Deed Records, Book 48, Page 27023. Milam County Deed Records, Book 48, Page 160.24. Milam County Deed Records, Book 48, Page 50625. An agreement drafted by Hefley and Watson Attorneys and signed by H.C. Henderson from the files of Clayton Henderson, grandson of J.W. Henderson.26. Milam County, Texas 1900 Federal Census27. A copy of the note signed by Mary Susan Henderson for the purchase of a wagon for $37.50 was from the files of Johnnie Marie Henderson Glass, her great granddaughter.28. Information from Nellie May Henderson, deceased, granddaughter of Mary Susan Henderson.29. Copy of the note from the files of Clayton Henderson, Mary Susan’s grandson.30. Milam County Deed Records, Book 35, Page 205.31. Milam County Deed Records, Book 32. Milam County Deed Records, Book 34, Page 48433. Lawrence County, Alabama Marriage Records34. Milam County Deed Records, Book 57, Page 9735. Milam County Deed Records, Book 90, Page 16636. Milam County Deed Records, Book 98, Page 23837. Mitchell County 1910 Federal Census38. Mitchell County 1920 Federal Census39. Grave marker for Mary S. Henderson in the Colorado City, Texas Cemetery


Games, Festivals, and Gatherings

Mid Central RegionLori HendersonCommissioner

My husband Kevin and I became the new Athletic Directors this year for the

Kansas City Scottish Highland Games. We had been working a solid year on obtaining ten different sponsors for money as well as inkind, building new equipment and learning this end of things rather then just the athlete side.

The morning rain did hinder our prompt start but not our spirits. Organization pays off and even amidst the rain, lightening and thunder we managed to give fifty-five athletes from all over the US a fine day with good

competition, free lunch from Famous Dave’s Barbecue, massages from the Retreat of KC, and all the chalk and tape they wanted from Cramer Athletic products. Our plan is to make the KC game the premier Scottish Athletic event in the Midwest. During our ten years of traveling to fourteen states and Scotland where Kevin has competed, we have learned the right way of doing things. We want to instill in our athletes the pride to discover their Scottish ancestory and not be just another warm body throwing a caber in a kilt.

In the last three years we have managed to bring aboard Kevin’s dad Bob as Convenor here as well as MacPherson Highland Game in September; his brother Robert as an athlete, niece Alison as a judge’s helper and daughter Katie as the scorekeeper. Also on the field this year was our oldest

daughter Jessica and husband Scott, helping where needed and donned in his matching’modern’ Henderson kilt with his Grandpa was our five month old grandson Lucas. Alison and little brother Ben also had handmade kilts out of the Henderson cotton and enjoyed their day helping Grandpa Bob in clan row as well as with the athletics. Under Kevin’s direction I had my sewing machine rather busy two weeks before Games Day!

Lori Henderson

Kansas City, Kansas Games11 June 2005

by Bob Henderson, Convener

Rain, rain, mud and more rain. It rained steady for 2 hours. The field had been soaked all week

Alison and Ben Henderson, Kevin’s brother, Rob’s kids.

Bob Henderson (my father in law) who convened KC and MacPherson, Kansas and Ben.

Kevin Henderson and our grandson Lucas


long from heavy thunder and rain showers. Finally about 11:30 A.M. the sky began to clear and by 12:30 P.M. we were able to have the Parade of Tartans. It did not take long for the entire area to be plagued with a serious mud problem.

As the sky cleared and attendance picked up, we at the Clan Row became quite busy. We had a good many visitors at the Henderson tent with twelve signing the book. With a late start, most visitors were in a hurry to see all of the fine Scottish entertainment including Seven Nations, who performed two concerts.

We did have an interesting visitor by the name of Larry Henderson, a genealogist and professor at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He stayed for about an hour to visit about family lineage.

The KC game this year boasted twenty-one pipe bands, fifty-five athletes, one hundred dancers and twenty-five clan tents. They are looking forward to move next year to their new location at EH Young Park in Riverside, Missouri; north of the Kansas City metro.

Quad City Highland Games at Davenport, Iowa

by Lori Henderson Regional Commissioner

The 7th annual Quad City Highland Games at Davenport, Iowa, was at long last represented by Clan

Henderson. In fact, I actually received their award for coming the farthest; Quad City Longshanks 2005! The weather could not have been better after the rain the day before. I had a total of twenty visitors sign the register with a dozen more who just stopped to chat. We found lots to talk about as I had brought my husband Kevin’s scrapbook containing nine years of Scottish Athletic pictures. His younger brother Rob has also joined the family in Clan involvement and was participating on a field of fifty athletes in the ‘B’ division.

Among my visitors was member Marilyn Henderson Stade and her daughter Elizabeth who had just danced and tied for the trophy in the Novice 13+ class. They are from Cedar Hill, MO and travel the circuit each year to compete in the dancing and always stop at Henderson tents when they are present.

They had visited with my father-in-law Bob at Kansas City in June and will be present at the Tulsa, Oklahoma games and Annual General Meeting as well as the St. Louis, Missouri Games in October.

Another visitor was Pam Trotter, a chemistry professor at the nearby college whose grandmother, a Henderson, is a resident of Inverness, Scotland. As a young girl she remembers she received a kilt in the ancient Henderson and still receives Scottish gifts from her. Pam and her husband now travel the paths of nearby Ren Fests. I sent her home with a membership form in hopes she would also delve into her Scottish ancestry.

Of course, the highlight of my day was finding a convenor for next year. My goal, after sending out seventy-three letters to active and inactive members was to do just that. Arthur and Mary Ann Wagoner who have recently moved from California to Cameron, Illinois, have agreed and are very interested in being the convenors starting in 2006 for this joint Iowa/Illinois Highland Games.

All in all, convening my first games was a success. It was hard to not be on the athletic field all day like I normally am for six to ten games a year, but my neighboring clans helped me out a few times so I could sneak over and take some pictures of Rob and all my Scottish Heavy friends.

Jane Tennant, who was in charge of clan tents, and one of her assistants presenting the Longshanks Award to Lori Henderson, Mid Central Region Commissioner and Quad Cities convenor. The award is given every year to a clan coming the greatest distance.

Portland Highland GamesMt. Hood Community College

Gresham, Oregon By Art Henderson

The 53rd Annual Portland (Oregon) Highland Games took place on Saturday, 16 July 2005 at Mt.

Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. Fifty-two clans or organizations were represented and attendance was about 11,000.

Pat and I set up the tent between 7 and 8 A.M. then she left to attend a genealogical meeting / tour of a photo-graphy studio that specializes in repair and refurbishment of old or damaged photographs. She returned just in time for the Parade of the Clans at noon.

There was little activity in the Henderson tent during the cloudy morning hours so it provided a good opportunity to visit with Jim Macduff in the next tent. He passed along tips on Scottish history and hints on exhibiting from many years of experience.

North Pacific RegionW. Dean Henderson

Commissioner


The clouds burned off during the Parade of the Clans. We had five people marching behind the Henderson banner.

The afternoon was fairly active with thirteen people visiting the tent. Two of those were Henderson children brought by non-Henderson grandparents. Robert Bailey from Hillsboro said, “Hello.” Bob Goodin reported that he has returned to Oregon from his seminary studies and provided a new address.

At one point there were four people filling out membership applications. I wish they had come at different times so I could have provided more individual attention. Two sisters, Judy Corbett from Topeka, Kansas and Marsha Stout from Portland and Gary Bickford and his sister Shana Bickford all filled out their membership applications at the same time. Gary has an adult daughter who will probably join the Clan. It got pretty hectic for a few minutes but it was much better than the boredom of the morning.

Don and Joyce Iske visited the tent and conversed for awhile. She is Rex Maddox’s cousin who lives a few miles outside of Portland.

Late in the afternoon Janice Henderson and her sister Maya Jeffery from Seattle came by the tent. Janice was the convener of the Henderson tent in Portland for several years.

Ellen Bentley who has Henderson relatives in the Carolinas marched in the Parade of the Clans with us. She is an organizer of the Scottish Fest in Prosser, Washington in the heart of Washington’s wine country.

The sunny afternoon with tempera-tures in the mid seventies and numerous visitors made for a very enjoyable day.

Ohio GamesBy Loulie Henderson

It was with great pride that High Commissioner David Henderson introduced his grandson,

David Whittington (age two) and granddaughter Mallie Whittington (age three) to the Ohio Games. David wore his

David Henderson introduced his grandson, David Whittington.

High Commissioner David Henderson, Great Lakes Region Commissioner, Doug Henderson, and Allison Gibson following her Kilted Mile win.

first Henderson kilt and Mallie looked quite the lass in her kilted skirt and blouse with jabot. Our daughter, Barrie, and son-in-law, Doug, helped our Great Lakes Commissioner Doug Henderson convene our gathering at the event.

In spite of the fact that the heat index was over 100°, Allison Gibson of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Highland dancer and cross country runner, won the women’s kilted mile for the third consecutive year. This victory grants Clan Henderson free tent space for another year. Thanks Allison! We are proud that you have won a cross country scholarship to Alma University beginning in September.

David and Loulie Henderson’s granddaughter Mallie Whittington at the Ohio Games.

Great Lakes RegionDoug Henderson

Commissioner


Blairsville, Georgia Games11-12 June 2005

by Fred Sanford

The 2nd annual festival and games in Blairsville, Georgia were held on June 11 in Meeks Park. The

tent was convened with help from my wife Peggy, and assistance from Caryn Henderson of Lawrenceville.

We had plenty of supplies for the little tent, and Caryn set up another canopy tent between us and the rushing stream. Caryn brought her mother, Carlene, and her daughter Cydney, and on Saturday we had a steady stream of visitors to the tent. James and Anita Clay came from Buford, and Sean Hendricks (our vice-president’s son) added to our number and, though small, we made our presence known during the parade of tartans. Jim Akins also stopped by the tent on Saturday.

Sunday morning was a different story as the aftermath of the first hurricane of the season sent torrents of rain upon the field. As tents were setting up for the day, the outlook was dismal. The church service was held under a pavilion tent, without tartan flags present, but the rain continued. By 10:30 A.M. the entire event was called off, except for some athletic events which proceeded in the mud.

Peggy and I carried our supplies to the parking lot through rain and slosh, and left by 11 A.M Caryn and her family arrived after noon to break down their canopy, and rushed to avoid being flooded by the angry and rising creek. But, the event had a successful Saturday, and with the town’s gracious support, will surely plan their 3rd annual games next year.

South East RegionHarry J. KeiferCommissioner

With thirty members, the Herndersons were a proud clan. We always feel well protected when Ed Hendricks and his two sons, Sean and Cory, march with their formidable weapons. We didn’t need to worry about the Campbells, however. We had three in our tent. Our guest, Aggie Sebiston, Caren Henderson, and her Gaelic-speaking friend.

We enrolled seven new members. Mrs. Robert Shimp from North Augusta, South Carolina paid Clan Henderson the highest compliment. She writes that after becoming a member she felt that she had come “home.” For several years, many of us have stayed in Blowing Rock at the Springhaven Inn. The owner, Linda High and her sister have become new members. As the games were coming to a close, US Congressman Patrick McHenry joined Clan Henderson. A big welcome to all new members.

Clan Henderson preparing to take a Walkabout at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

By Loulie Henderson

The wind was howling, the rain was pouring in torrents and the temperature was falling rapidly. The kilted clansmen appeared from the dark shadows trying to keep their torches glowing. Scotland? No. This was the opening ceremonies on 7 July 2005 at the Grandfather Mountain Games. However, the weather for the remainder of the weekend was perfect.

We had very good attendance at our tent. Harry Keifer, Commissioner for the South East Region, convened with George Henderson assisting. It was a pleasure to have Rex, our President Emeritus, and Pat Maddox with their family at the games. Pat, daughter Christie, and son-in-law Bob Heston, gave valuable assistance at the Council of Scottish Clans tent.

We were fortunate to have two clan chaplains, Fred Sanford and wife Peggy, and Doug Henderson, our first chaplain. Doug’s wife, Bonnie, was not able to join us. She is recovering from back surgery. We send our love and prayers for a speedy recovery. It is always like a family reunion with Doug’s beautiful children and grandchildren. Kyle, who is a Presbyterian minister, piped for our clan walkabout.


Mid South Region

Glasgow, Kentucky Highland Games

by Fred Sanford

The Henderson tent at the Glasgow Kentucky Highland Games in June had a special and honored

visitor. Robin Blair, the Lord Lyon and King of Arms, was present from Scotland and was a guest of honor at the Games.

Traveling with him was Rommily Squire of the Scottish Heraldry office, who reported to us that he had just had dinner the week before in Britain with Alistair

Donald Henderson, the late chief’s son, heir apparent, who apparently now looks forward to assuming an active role in the Clan.

The Games themselves were well planned and attended. Opening exercises were held on Friday afternoon in the Glasgow town square, with a short parade and speeches from the dignitaries (mayor and guests of the Games).

Peggy and I had the opportunity to host a tent for the first time, and had a steady stream of visitors all day Saturday. We entertained the Marsh (McNicol/

Duncan) family from Cincinnati, with the two boys carrying our Clan flag and banner on a walkabout. Other Saturday guests were William Scott Henderson, Dena Hendrix Shewmaker, Shirley Sowell, William Palmer, Mrs. Paul (Elizabeth) Henderson, Mary Henderson Stade, and Alex and Barbara Henderson. On Sunday we were visited by Dale Henderson, Paula and Lora Setters, Elizabeth Elliott and Brad Henderson. and Murl and Margaret McRae of Bloomington, Indiana.

Everyone Needs A Break Sometime

“It is healthy to laugh at ourselves.... or why we need more visitors, especially after lunch!Keep in mind we were all having fun!”


Mid East RegionLeon Hicks

Commissioner

Potomac Celtic Festival Leesburg, VA

11-12 June 2005

Convenor, Christian Garin, Deputy to the Commisioner, Mid-East Region

Article contributed by Leon Hicks, Commissioner Mid-East Region

BEST TENT HONORS!!!!

The Potomac Celtic Festival was a very special event for Clan Henderson. We were awarded the best Clan Tent honors. The actual inscription on the award recognized the convener for the best tent award, and of course this was Christian Garin arguably the best convener in Clan Henderson. He, with a modest amount of help from the commissioner, managed to set up an excellent display, provided an excellent spread of food and drink, and ensured that the official documentation and forms required to conduct Clan business were all readily available.

Those who were responsible for the clan tent evaluation made several comments that recognized the convener, clan members, and the bodyguard present, and their enthusiastic support of the Clan. We were fortunate to have two body guards present—Zeke and Mike Maddox, and our newly appointed Head of the Body guard, Christian Garin.

Also present were Ann Henderson Hicks, Youth Activites; President Emeritus, Rex Maddox, wife Pat, daughter Christi and son in law, Robert Heston, all busy at the COSCA tent..

In addition, Beth Jones was present and dressed in traditional Scottish fashion that provided additional attraction. Even Connie Gibas’ two dogs from Richmond, Virginia were sporting Henderson tartans—no one could match this.

At the time of the evaluators’ visit, there were several other Clan members present all of whom were welcoming

visitors to the tent and enjoying each other’s company. In short, there were many elements that all came together to convince the evaluators that Clan Henderson was truly the best clan present. The underlying support, however, that makes it all come together is the tireless support of the convener—Christian Garin.

This event has always been one of the best festivals in the region. Even though the weather can be very unpredictable this time of year, this year’s event was generally nice, a bit warm, but at least it was dry. It was an excellent opportunity to visit with Clan members who regularly attend this event from western Maryland, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia. During the two day event we had over fifty visitors to the tent many

of whom were not Clan Henderson members, but nevertheless enjoyed the camaraderie of our clan. These included members of other clans, visitors simply wanting to know more about Scottish history, and even the Drum Major for the Alexandria Pipes and Drums.

Perhaps the main attraction to this event is the superb music. There were at least four stages with various types of Celtic performances being presented continuously over the two-day event. The event also provides a wide variety of food and merchandise vendors. It is an event that I would encourage other clan members to attend—it is well worth time and effort it takes to travel to Leesburg.

Here are two pictures… one of Leon picking up the convenor award on my behalf for best clan tent


Virginia Scottish GamesAlexandria, Virginia

23-24 July 2005by Christian Garin

It seems like the Virginia Scottish Games always arrive on the hottest week of the year. With the tempera-

tures soaring in the high nineties the previous days and violent thunderstorms, we were quite happy enduring the low nineties of the weekend and what promised to be an otherwise dry one.

Leon Hicks was waiting at the field when I arrived Saturday and helped me set up. With one tub of goods left behind in my garage that morning, we had to improvise and had to compromise with the standard layout. Speaking of layout, we also had to adjust to a new field layout, which most people we talked to over the weekend did not like. The vendors were split in two areas of the field, with the clans in the middle. Attendance also seemed to be on the low side, compared to other years, and at one point, it appeared we had more participants than public at the event. Entertainment was also on the down side, with only one tent occasionally shared by Alex Beaton and Hunting McLeod.

We traded quantity (number of new members) for quality (visiting members and renewing members), and that it was. Rex Maddox and wife Pat, son Michael and grandson Zeke with girlfriend Beth John (whose father, Gary, visited on Sunday); Leon Hicks of course with wife Ann; former Vice President, Michael Henderson, “sans” wife Joan—just not the same J; Rex’s daughter, Christi with husband Bob Heston, all busy at the

Alexandria Games. Front Row: Leon Hicks, Christi Heston, Taylor Smalls, Pat Maddox, Beth John, Christian Garin. Back Row: Leigh Maddox, Wesley Smalls, Michael Henderson, Michael Maddox, Zeke Maddox, Rex Maddox, Marjorie Mallett (Clan Gunn).

This is the kind of lunch we have come to expect in the Mid East Region.

COSCA tent next to us; another of Rex’s daughters, Leigh, with children Wesley and Taylor, visiting from “nearby” New Mexico; the Bretts, from New Jersey, and Don and Sue Henderson, from Delaware, to name a few. (I am probably missing a few, but if you sign the roster and don’t indicate your membership number, or that you are a member, I have no way of remembering when I write this report).

Renewing members included Edward Brett and family from New Jersey, who kindly made a donation to the Chief’s Fund; and …huh… myself. Ed was competing in the drumming and band competitions. Also competing, but this time at the British Car Show, were Dan and Sue Henderson, from Harrington, Delaware, who were showing their vintage car, a Wolseley 15/50. And let’s go back to Taylor Smalls, Rex’s granddaughter, from Albuquerque, New Mexico—she was competing in the Children’s Athletics and took second place in the caber toss, third place in the disc toss, third place in the brick toss, and third place in the foot race! So quite a talented group of Henderson’s we had at these Games.

A fun weekend we all had, even if a bit quieter than usual, and a bit hot. I cannot end this article without thanking Beth John for her gift to the Henderson tent, a finely crafted poster of Henderson surnames, and bodyguards Michael and Zeke Maddox for their invaluable help in coordinating day to day activities and helping with packing at the end of the Games.

Bodyguard Zeke Maddox with Beth John who presented a finely crafted poster of Henderson surnames for the display at the clan tent.


Rex granddaughter, Taylor Smalls, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is tossing the caber in Alexandria.

Don and Sue Henderson with their classic car at the Virginia Games.

Caledonian Club of San Francisco

Scottish Highland Gathering & Games

Pleasanton, California3-4 Sept 2005

by Suzanne Henderson Emerson

The Caledonian Club of San Francisco hosts the largest highland festival in Northern

California, held each Labor Day at the county fairgrounds in Pleasanton. This year, the event had notably fewer guests than in previous years. With numerous stages, dancing, music, historic reenactments, athletic competitions, Highland cattle, birds of prey, sheep dog trials, and about a hundred clans present, there were certainly enough activities to keep everyone busy.

This was our first time hosting the tent while also monitoring two small children – we had our hands full. A highlight of the event, from the perspective of our 1-year-old and 3-year-old girls, was dressing up in their new Henderson tartan skirts and their little mob-caps, attracting the attention of many passers-by. I can’t believe I forgot our camera!

South Pacific RegionAmong the clan members present at

the event were Joan Emerick, Suzanne and Dan Pallazzo, Dan Henderson, Joyce Belluomini, Lisa Wilhite, Nellie Locory, Julie McVicker, Neil Henderson, and David and Nancy Henderson. Quite a few visitors dropped by and expressed interest in joining the organization. We welcome our newest members, who signed up at the event: Paul “Russ” Henderson of Vallejo, and Sharon Henderson Smalley of Richmond.

John Ellis, who grew up in Spokane, Washington, and recently relocated to California, told an interesting story about his high school. The land upon which Shadle Park High in Spokane is located was donated by the widow of Eugene Shadle, who was a Henderson descendant. According to a document displayed in the school hallway, the grant of land came with a requirement that each student be inducted into Clan Henderson upon graduation. John’s description of the school’s history is confirmed by the school’s web site at www.spokaneschools.org/shadle, which also describes the Shadle Park “Highlanders” school colors of green and gold as having been inspired by the Henderson tartan, and provides a short history of Clan Henderson. The web site says nothing, though, about its graduates being inducted into Clan Henderson – perhaps those of you up in the Pacific Northwest have a high school in need of a formal, kilted induction ceremony!

Attention Commissioners: Bodyguards in office, and bodyguards to be

nominated. By Christian Garin,

Head of the Bodyguard

I recently accepted the appointed official position as Head of the Bodyguard. As I have no current database to work from, I am trying to figure out who has been officially appointed as Regional or State Bodyguard Leaders and who needs to be officially appointed. Along with that, for me to create my database, I would need to know who currently has a state or regional sash and who does not. I plan to send my appointment letters as soon as I hear from you. Also to place one single order for the sashes required.

Please make sure you give me as much information as possible as to your region’s needs so I know what to send to the addressees. I would like to finalize this by 10/30/05. Thanks.

Aye, Christian GarinDeputy to the

CommissionerMid-East Region

Head of the BodyguardClan Henderson Society

(703) 753-9041 home

[email protected]


Ionnsaichadh Ar Canan by John Robert Mallernee

Clan Bard

Once again I will demonstrate my ignorance by trying to teach you a subject I don’t know! Of course that way we will learn Gaelic together.

We have a new guy here at the Ol’ Soldiers’ Home, who retired from the United States Marine Corps, and then completed a second career, retiring as a deputy sheriff in New Hampshire.

Of Clan Campbell, he is very proud of his Scottish military heritage, quite knowledgeable of Scottish culture, owns three different kilts, religiously attends every local Scottish event, has visited Scotland, and wears the official insignia of a Highland regiment tattooed on his arm.

I had learned on the Internet to pronounce “Slainte” as “Slahn-cha”. But, this new guy says I learned it incorrectly. He says “Slainte” is actually pronounced “Slawn-juh” (or something resembling that). As I’m writing this, I wish I could double-check with him, but right now, he’s away attending Scottish gatherings in New England.

When you first meet someone in the Highlands or Islands where this language is still spoken, you might wish to ask them their name. To do this, you say, “De an t-ainm a th’ oirbh?”, which is pronounced “jay ahn teh ahn-num a or-riv”.

This is the formal style of address, used respectfully with strangers or those in authority. There is an informal version, used for children or students, but I’ll not bother with that. The fact is, everything you choose to say in Scottish Gaelic has a formal version and an informal version, but whenever possible, I’m only teaching the formal version, as I’m already confused enough, and don’t need to make things worse. I figure if you always address someone formally, you won’t accidentally insult them.

When giving your own name, you would say, “Is mise (your name)”, which is pronounced “Is mish-sha” and the literal translation is, “Am I”. For instance, I might say (if I thought I could get away with it!), “Is mise Baird Iain Mac Uilleam a Clann Mac Eanruig”. It would be pronounced as “Is mish-shah bayard Eeyan Mack Oollyum ah Klawn Mack In-rick”, and literally means, “Am I (the) Poet John, Son of William, (and) of the Children of the Son of Henry”.

How’s that for a mouthful?

If you’ll use your home computer to look it up on the Internet, you’ll find that every common English name has its equivalent in the Highlander tongue. Now, I reckon nearly everybody knows that the word “Mac” means “son”. But, females do NOT use “Mac” in front of their father’s name. The word for “daughter” is “Nic”, which is pronounced as “Nick”, and thus, females refer to themselves as “Nic Eanruig” (or whatever).

As in all my previous reports, I invite any of you to correct me if I’m doing any of this wrong, for I’ve never been to Scotland, and I’m trying to learn, a little bit at a time, while handicapped by very limited resources.

If you want to inquire where someone is from, you ask, “Co as a tha sibh?”, which is pronounced, “ko ahs ah hah shiv?” Each country has its own name in Gaelic, but if you tell them you’re from “America”, they’ll still understand you.

Well, I reckon that’s about enough for now. I hope my efforts are able to help somebody, but sometimes, I’ve really got to wonder?

Slainte mhath, y’all!

Getting Ready for the SeasonTo say, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” you would say

“Nollaig chriheil agus Bliadhma mhath ur!”.

Thatʼs pronounced as, “Nolla-eek kree-yell ugh-uss blee-unnuch va-oor!”, and literally translated, means “Christmas hearty and Year well new!”


I have always been intrigued by the legends I’ve heard about the Hendersons’ connection with clan Donald. The Hendersons of Glencoe and their descendants have an

old and prestigious lineage. The Gaelic name for Henderson is MacEanruig; and Clan

Eanruig of Glencoe claims descent from Eanruig Mor Mac Righ Neachtan, Big Henry, son of King Neachtan. Neachtain is said to have reigned from 700 to 724 and to have built the Pictish stronghold of Abernethy. As High King of the Picts.

King Neachtain was credited with the wholesale adoption of Christianity north of the Forth. The majority of the most impressive stone cross slabs were carved during and after the reign of Neachtain.

The Chieftain of the MacEanruigs ruled Glencoe for some three centuries until displaced by the MacDonalds, when King Robert the Bruce gave the area to Angus Og, Lord of the Isles and Chief of Clan Donald, for his support at Bannockburn in 1314.

The Henderson Chief at Glencoe was Dugald MacHendry. his daughter married into Clan Donald and the chiefship passed on with her. Her husband was Iain Fraoch (Heather John), on whom Angus bestowed the lordship of Glencoe.

Fraoch and his wife lived at Inverlochy for a time and it was there that their first son and heir was born. He was known as Iain Abrach, or John of Lochaber. In due time, he became the first MacIain of Glencoe and the clan came to be known as the Clan Abrach. The Hendersons who were noted for their strength, always formed the bodyguard of the chief, and were the hereditary pipers of the clan Abrach.

In any event, Iain Fraoch could trace his lineage back to Somerled, the twelfth century King of the Isles. Somerled‘s mother was Norse and his father was Gillebride, who claimed decent from the Kings of Dalriada. Somerled was a pivotal figure in West Highland history. His campaigns over forty years during which time he gained a Kingdom. He ruled during the period that blended the Norse and Celtic heritage. He had three sons: Dugall, Reginald, and Angus. Reginald was given Islay and Kintyre. Reginald tempered personal valor with a love of peace and culture. His son, Donald of Islay, succeeded his father, Reginald, as Lord of the Isles in

The Hendersons of Glencoeby David S. Henderson FSA Scot and Loulie Henderson

1207. He was an iron warrior. His reign included so many black deeds, that fearing for his own salvation, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome to seek absolution from the Pope. He died in 1269 and was succeeded by Angus Mor. Angus’s son, Angus Og, came to the aid of Robert the Bruce leading his clansman

against Edward II of England at Bannockburn in 1314. When Angus Og died in 1330, he left two

sons, John, later Lord of the Isles, and Iain Fraoch, from whom descended

the MacDonalds. When the House of

McIain was attacked by government troops in 1692, the chief’s piper and personal attendant, Big Henderson of the Chanters, a man who stood 6’ 7”, and was of

prodigious strength, was among those killed.

The Henderson stone in Glencoe memorializes this

tragic event. But after the bloody murder at Glencoe, and after the

MacIains were scattered in the snow and after many perished in winter weather, then,

years later, most came back to live in Glencoe; and in 1745, came out against the Hanoverians for Prince Charles Stewart.

Hendersons inhabit Glencoe to this day. The above article was based upon materials found in:

Collins Encyclopedia of Scotland by John Keay and Julia Keay (1994).The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans by Johnston and Bacon (1972).Clans and Tartans of Scotland by Robert Bain (1968).The Book of Scottish Clans by Iain Zaczek (2001).Glencoe by John Prebble (1966).Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia by George Way (1998).Scotland and Her Tartans by Alexander Fulton (1991).


MacIan Is Looking Forward To Seeing You At One Of These Events

* President Emeritus Rex Maddox will be present at this event. This schedule is as correct as we can present at time of publication. Please let the editor know of changes.

October 1 Connecticut Scottish Festival Goshen Fairgrounds, Goshen CT1 Loch Lomond Highland Games Ben Lomond, CA1-2 Chesapeake Celtic Festival Snow Hill, MD1-2 Flora MacDonald Highland Games Red Springs, NC1-2 Loch Hartwell Highland Games Hartwell, GA1-2 Tennessee Highland Games Murfreesboro, TN2 New Jersey Scottish Heritage Festival PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ William E. Henderson-Convenor7-9 Seaside Highland Games Seaside Park, Ventura, CA Joe Henderson-Convenor8 Anne Arundel Scottish Highland Games Crownsville, MD Christian Garin—Convenor8 Radford Highlanders Festival Radford University8 St. Louis Scottish Games Forest Park, St. Louis, MO Charles Henderson-Convenor9 Scotland Highland Festival Waldo Homestead, Scotland CT15-16 Rio Rancho Highland Games Rio Rancho, NM15-16 Stone Mountain Highland Games Stone Mountain, GA Harry Keifer-Convenor

22-23 Richmond Highland Games Richmond Raceway, Richmond, VA Christian Garin—Convenor29 Waxhaw Scottish Games Waxhaw, NC

November 5 Tucson Celtic Festival Rialto Park Raceway, Tucson AZ 5-6 Austin Celtic Festival Fiesta Gardens. Austin, TX5-6 Foothills Highland Games Hendersonville, NC12-13 Scottish Highland Games Gulfport, MS18-19 Highland Games of Louisiana Jackson, MS19 Dunedin Celtic Festival Highlander Park, Dunedin, FL19 Tallahassee Scottish Highland Games and

Celtic Festival Tallahassee, FL

December3 Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk and

Clan Henderson Ceilidh Alexandria, VA23-25 Celtic Festival and Highland Games Mesa County Fairgrounds

Grand Junction, CO

2006 Predicted Dates of Events

January21 Central Florida Scottish Games Central Winds Park, Winter Springs, FL

February4 Sarasota Highland Games Sarasota, FL17-19 Celtic Heritage Festival Midland, TX18-19 Gulf Coast Celtic Fling and Highland

Games Manatee County Fairgrounds, Palmetto, FL25 Jacksonville Scottish Highland Games Clay County Fairgrounds Green Cove Springs, FL25-26 Arizona Scottish Gathering and Highland

Games Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ

March4 Scottish Festival & Highland Games Sportsplex of Coral Springs Coral Springs, FL4 Whiskies Of The World Expo San Francisco Hilton San Francisco, CA11 Panama City Highland Games Grace Presbyterian Church Panama City, FL11-12 Calaveras Celtic Faire Calaveras County Fairgrounds Angels Camp, CA17-19 Scottish Country Fair Sumter County Museum Sumter, SC

Congrats to George Henderson and his Excelsior-Henderson motorcycle that he rides in his kilt. Here is another rider, clan member Robert Keller of York, Pennsylvania with his kilt, motorcycle and pet chicken.


Kilts in the WindFrom information and photos provided by Beth Gay

Marti Van Horne, ScotsMaster Travel Specialist and Clan member, Beth Gay at Eillean Donan castle.

If you would like to join

Kilts in the Wind next year for their Borders and

Islands trip to Scotland,

contact Beth Gay at (229) 782-

5674 or [email protected].

Beth will send you a brochure

when they are available.

Clan Henderson members Dr. Horace Loftin of Beaufort, North Carolina; Billy and Lil Evans of Newport, North Carolina; Bill Henderson of Leonardtown, Maryland; Beth Gay of Moultrie, Georgia; Mr. Milton Henderson of Nashville, Tennessee and Mr. William A. Henderson of Reno, Nevada all enjoyed two weeks in Scotland this past May and June on the Kilts in the Wind—Going Home to Scotland trip.

Our tour group traveled over 3500 kilometers from the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas and north to Smoo Cave on the North Sea, visiting many places

along the way. It was a wonderful trip and enjoyed by all.

Just a few of the sites seen by everyone included the Falkirk Wheel in Falkirk where the group rode a barge up and down through a very modern boatlift; Edinburgh Castle and Rosslyn Chapel; Bannockburn Battlefield and Stirling Castle; the Highland Wildlife Park and Aviemore.

The group visited Kingussie and the Highland Folk Museum, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway where we went two kilometers up the mountain to the “highest” restaurant in Scotland. A special treat in Aviemore was a visit from Ray Owens who did an impersonation of a Jacobite soldier. At Loch Ness and Moniack Castle everyone enjoyed samples of wine made from wildflowers, fruits and tree saps.

The Priory in Beauly was one of the highlights of the trip. Other visits included the Black Isle seaside village of Rosemarkie and the Groam House Museum containing fifteen carved Pictish Stones, Ardvreck Castle, Armadale Castle and Gardens, and Kinlock Lodge where we were hosted by Isabella Macdonald in the absence of her parents.

Our group, of course, stopped at Glencoe to make a pilgrimage to The Henderson Stone.

The final night was a Ceilidh featuring the many talents of the entire troop of touring folk. It was a wonderful way to end a great trip.


Order Form for YourClan Henderson Name Badge

Submit your order to: Harry J. Keifer 4511 Ridgeland Dr. Lilburn GA 30047

Use this name on my badge:

Names for other badges:

My Address:

Encloded is my check for $10.00 times the number of badges requested.

Background Color: ❑ White ❑ Gray (Black Letters only)

Please make check payable to Clan Henderson Society

From Our DonorsGenealogy: John Perch Henderson, Jr. Vernon Vester Austin James Neil Henderson Rudolph Henderson Cythia F. Bright Rosalyn Sasser Perdue Morrison Webb Lloyd Holbrook Susan A. Henderson Sarah Henderson Dorn Ellen M. Bentley Caitlin M. Oceallaigh-Walker Stanley Henderson Carolyn W. Henderson Joy A. Creamer .FJR Henderson Karen F. Buchsbaum Karen Bunning William S. Henderson Dr. William F. Henderson Daniel N. Henderson Richard J. Henderson James N. Miller Shirley Sowell Rowena H. McFalls David F. Henderson General Contribution: Philip J. Henderson D’Auby H. Schiel Rudolph Henderson Rex Cornwell Norma Jean Moore Richard E. Henderson Carol Sue Minster Morrison Webb Charles B. Henderson Rex K. Loftin George E. Henderson H.L. (Shorty) Henderson Donald D. Smart Cheryl B. Adams Ernest Girardin Caitlin M. Oceallaigh-Walker Steve B. Meinecke Virginia S. Rastede Julia Whitney John Grady Henderson Charles Brooke Henderson David G. Henderson Carolyn W.Henderson George A. Henderson Karen Bunning William S. Henderson Anne Henderson Love Joan E. Emerick Carol Maley Chief’s Fund: John Perch Henderson Rudolph Henderson Danny Lee Henderson Carolyn W. Henderson Joy A. Creamer William S. Henderson Edward Brett Ann Lane Hicks Extra Regional Contribution: Expense coverage: John T. Henderson Mike Henderson (Postage) Daniel N. Henderson (Clan Secretary)

Please return your dues cards for proper credit to your membership

number, it is very difficult to find some members in the database because of Jr., Sr., first second or third’s, and of course we have 1,136 “Henderson’s” in the database, not counting the above mentioned Jr., Sr., etc.... so again please return your cards because we also save them as a record of your payment.

Once a person has become a member of the Clan, he/she is assigned a number, and never loses that number. If you happen to become inactive and not pay your dues for some time, you do not need to reapply for membership. All you do is send in your renewal dues and you will be reactivated.

To the membership...


Society Web Site www.ClanHendersonUSA.org

Youth ActivitiesAnn Henderson Hicks4506 Penwood DriveAlexandria VA 22310-1463(718) [email protected]

Clan WebmasterDavid C. Henderson4245 Stoneridge St. Apt.# 3Wyoming MI 49519

[email protected]

Chief of the Name and Arms of HendersonChief

Alistair D. HendersonYounger of Fordell

123 Annie StreetTorwood, Queensland 4066

Australia

High Commissioner for North America and Chieftain

David S. HendersonPO Box Drawer U

New Bern NC 28563USA

[email protected]

Virtue Alone

EnnoblesAn

CanachAn Cirean Ceann Cinnidh

Clan Henderson Societyof the

United States of America

Officers

PresidentBilly J. Henderson863 Hwy 469 NorthJackson MS 39208-8056(601) [email protected]

Vice PresidentEd HendricksP.O.Box 669Demorest GA 30535(706) 778-9636 [email protected]

Vice President—General CounselEarl Ronald Hendry, JDPO Box 220Roan Mountain TN 37687-0220(423) [email protected]

Recording SecretaryDottie Henderson686 Thrush CourtMarco Island FL 34145-1932(239) [email protected]

Membership SecretaryCarol Maley19 Sunbury StreetMinersville PA 17954-1441(570) [email protected]

TreasurerStephen G Murphy555 North Lane Suite 5010Conshohocken PA 19428(610) [email protected]

President EmeritusRex A. Maddox7504 Range RoadAlexandria VA 22306-2422(703) [email protected]

Commissioners

North East Region(CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT}

Phillips B. Carpenter14 Haynes. Hill RoadBrimfield MA 01010-9750(413) [email protected]

Mid East Region(DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV)

Leon Hicks450b Penwood DriveAlexandria VA 223101463(703) [email protected]

South East Region(FL, GA, NC, SC)

Harry J. Keifer4511 Ridgeland DriveLilburn GA 30047-4347(770) [email protected]

Great Lakes Region(IN, IL, MI, OH, WI)

Douglas W. Henderson3410 Wooster RoaD, #119Rocky River OH 44116(440) 356-2825

North Central Region(MN, ND, SD)

Mid Central Region(IA, KS, MO, NE)

Lori Henderson 10251 130th St.Valley Falls KS 66068

[email protected] Mid South Region(AL, KY, I.A, MS. TN)

Billy J. Henderson863 Hwy 469 NorthJackson MS 39208-8056(601) [email protected]

Far South Region(AR, OK, TX)

South West Region(AZ. CO, NM, UT, WY)

Joseph H. McEldowney,Jr.14996 East Columbia DriveAurora CO 80014-3812(303) [email protected]

North Pacific Region(AK, ID, MT, OR, WA)

W. Dean Henderson170 141st Place NE, Bellevue, WA 98007(425) [email protected]

South Pacific Region(CA, HI. NV)

San Francisco Area ConvenerSuzanne Henderson Emerson160 Plymouth AvenueSan Carlos CA 94070-1621(650) [email protected] CA ConvenorJoe Henderson4920 Atherton StreetLong Beach CA 90315(562) [email protected]

Appointed Officials

(OesDana)Clan Piper

John R Bergquist, PME2112 Chama AvenueLoveland CO 80538-3619(970) [email protected]

Clan GenealogistDr. Horace Loftin, FSA ScotPO Box 86Beaufort NC 28516-0086(252) 728-1548

Head of the BodyguardChristian Garin 14025 Sterling Point DriveGainesville VA 20155(703) [email protected]

Clan ChaplainC. Frederick Sanford520 Dogwood RoadStatesville NC 28677-3417(704) [email protected]

Editor, An CanachRussell L. Henderson8500 Wendell DriveAlexandria VA 22308-2158(703) [email protected]

Clan BardJohn Robert MallerneeAFRH-W # 158 Washington DC 20011-8400(202) [email protected]

Historian—ArchivistElizabeth P. Gay5028 Sylvester HighwayMoultrie GA 31768(229) [email protected]

QuartermasterWarren C. Henderson457 Durden RoadPrattville AL 36067(334) [email protected]


An Cirean Ceann Cinnidh

An CanachClan Henderson Society

8500 Wendell DriveAlexandria VA 22308-2158

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDRICHMOND VA

PERMIT NO. 1630

TIME SENSITIVE MATERIALSociety Web Site

www.ClanHendersonUSA.org

In Loving Memory ofNeil Henderson18 May 1923-22 July 2005

Last Request

Dear Lord, I feel my time draws near.If I may impose, please send me a soft white cloud,upon which I may lieclad in sparkling rose colored raiment.Let the warm summer scent of lilacassail my cold nostrils.

With my palms crossed sedately upon my chestand my feet pointing downto a row of little silver boxes—three or four will be enough—for they will house my accomplishments, which are few.

Let them have pretty, gem encrusted lidsthat people can lift, peer inside and say,Ah, yes! He tried hard.Then, with a gentle smile, softly close the small box.

Upon the seventh day, for seven is your lucky number,send down the diminutive creatures I love,the tiny sparrows and yellow finches,the squirrels and rabbits and little field mice.

But don’t forget to include the few big ones.Perhaps four, stern, fearfully visaged golden eagles,For I know many things loom large in yourunnumbered creations of beauty.

At each corner of my soft white cloudPlace a fairy piper dressed in tartan finery.No dirges! Have them play merry tunes.And, with all creatures singing, let them bear me aloft.Away! Away!

Away! Beyond the blue,where my soft white cloud will dissipateand disappearand I shall be left to sit through eternityin good company and chat of many thingswith calm, still, quiet ones.

NH Aug. 04

Ed Note: Neil requested this poem to be sent to An Canach as his final contribution. We print it here in remembrance to our dedicated clan poet. He was a friend. He will be greatly missed.

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