Genealogical conundrum

**ThinBlueLine** · 3rd February 10, 07:52 AM

HeathBar,

Joining the clan societies is definitely an option, I do what I can to support and honor every part of my ancestry. My surname is very common and is either Welsh or German. I have not yet been able to dig far enough back to determine which one it is.

ForresterModern,

You are correct about the genealogical connection. And the issue of upsetting the clan is what I am trying to avoid. I am also trying to make sure I do not wind up insulting members of the clans that I would be claiming.

**davedove** · 3rd February 10, 08:04 AM

historically, there were a number of ways to join a clan: be born into it, marry into it, or be adopted (officially or unofficially) by it. It sounds like your ancestor was effectively adopted.

Now, it's true that it's not a blood link and some clan societies may have an issue with that, but it's unlikely.

**HeathBar** · 3rd February 10, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by ThinBlueLine

Joining the clan societies is definitely an option, I do what I can to support and honor every part of my ancestry. My surname is very common and is either Welsh or German. I have not yet been able to dig far enough back to determine which one it is.

Not knowing the timeframe of the family in question, anytime a man marries a single mother and takes her child as his own, he is to be honored. And I am glad that you are honoring him by bringing his own heritage into your life. If I were you, I would pick one of the clan socieities to join. Then become active with that society. Participate and help out in the clan tent. That would be the best way to honor his memory. If you tried to join and honor all three, you could end up spreading yourself too thin and get burt out. You could still make a monetary donation to the other clans in his name to honor those sides.