Legions of the Dead

When you think about it, most of your relatives are dead. All those generations leading up to you? Pushing up daisies. Singing with the choir invisible (we hope).

Aside from the most recent few ranks, we know little but names and dates, if that. But each one a unique self, created by God, another such as you or me, living out life in various circumstances. Ours, yet their own.

Once in a while, one of the oldsters jumps into focus. For the Binkses, we think we got a couple ancestors from the 1500s figured out.

Meet Ewan Beag Cameron, and his “natural” son Donald “Taillear dubh na tuaighe” (Black Taylor of the [Lochaber] Axe).

Donald M’Ewen M’Connell or Donald MacEwen Bhig, known as the Taillear Dubh na Tuaighe, was one of the clan’s most colorful figures. As a child he was nursed by the wife of a tailor who lived at Blar na cleireach, near Lundavra, hence his by-name. Later he was brought up by MacLachlan of Coruanan, head of a tribe who were followers of Lochiel. He became an expert in the use of arms, and was particularly dexterous in the use of the Lochaber Axe, his favorite weapon. He grew up to be a brave and prudent man famed for his wit and sarcasm…

So my patrilineal line is part bastard Cameron of Lochiel, of toughness, wit, and sarcasm. Ours fought and fell at Culloden, and before, and since.

And while these internets are not a deftly handled hooked axe, perhaps they’ve a farther reach, aye?

Remember learn and pass on all about your old ones: without them, you’d be nought. May God bless and keep them safe, until That Great and Terrible Day, and then unto the broad uplands of heaven.

Binks

Thursday, September 20th, A.D. 2007

Regular Religious News

THESE GUYS NEED $$$, or they will close– “I am convinced of the good that the books published by Sophia Institute Press can do in helping people grow closer to God.” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Here’s their catalogue …. (sophiainstitute)

JUST PUBLISHED: Walking thru Byzantium …. (byzantium1200)

Continue reading →