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Author: kalolachun14
Surnames: Cathcart
Classification: immigration
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.cathcart/39.44.47.2.1.2/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
Hi Molly,
Looks like we're both descended from the Scottish Carleton Cathcarts. If you
haven't already, you can read about the early Cathcarts of Carleton in Burke's
Peerage. Your Cathcart immigrant ancestors no doubt had something to do with the name of
your town in Ontario.
The Carleton Cathcarts are considered a "junior branch" of the Cathcarts (Lord
Cathcarts) and are descended from John Cathcart the 2nd Lord Cathcart.
The Cathcart family originated in Scotland and are all descended from Reinaldus, a Norman
knight to came to Scotlad w/King David the first and was gifted the land of Cathcart (now
"Cathcart village" in Glasgow, Scotland). My American Cathcart ancestor, John
Cathcart b. 1763, Antrim, Ireland, immigrated to America in 1983. His father, William,
was born in Scotland.
The seat of the Carleton Cathcarts has always been in Ayrshire (county) Scotland, first
in Carleton where the ruins of the first "castle" exist (on farm land and more
of a small stone fortress). In the 1500's John Cathcart and wife Helen Wallace built
Killochan Castle in Girvan, Ayrshire, Scotland. It's one if not the only
"homes" of it's period that has been continuously occupied through the
centuries. I believe the last Cathcart occupants lived in the Castle in the 1950's.
It has sold numerous times since then and is now owned by Saudi Arabians. Until this last
purchase, the home retained it's historical Scottish interior.
I've been on the grounds of Killochan and conversed with an earlier owner (English, I
believe) but was not invited in.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/princess-to-sell-off-content...
You can Google and learn a great deal about the castle if interested.
The Carleton Cathcarts were Scottish Covenanters (early Presbyterians). Lots to study.
John Cathcart held secret meetings with the Covenanters at Killochan Castle. This, of
course, was against the law. They were true believers. My Cathcarts established a
Covenanter / Presbyterian church in Rock Hill, SC upon arrival. Uncle Hugh Cathcart is
buried in the cemetery there.
Hope all if this is of interest to you. The Cathcarts were definitely a presence in
Scotland and have a fascinating history. Many Cathcarts (main line) have sit as members
of the British House of Lords throughout the centuries.
Much aloha, Carole
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