"Heritage"

          
           
 One-hundred-sixty-six years ago my great-great-grandfather, Daniel, departed his homeland of Scotland.
           
 He and his clan were members of the much larger, Clan MacPherson. They occupied an area of, "A' Ghàidhealtachd." Gaelic for, "The place of the Gaels." Scots refer to it as, "the Highlands."
 Daniel and his bride Sarah (Gaelic given name - Sorcha - meaning bright or clear) had established a home just northeast of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.
     
 He made the voyage to America and settled near the town of Appomattox, Virginia. There he toiled as a blacksmith, saving every possible penny over a two year period before sending for his lovely Sarah.

 During the next five years they welcomed a son and daughter. According to historical accounts, they thrived, purchased land, built a modest home, and bred horses.

 Prior to the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina the family sold their homestead in Appomattox.
 As the Civil War began, Daniel and family were establishing a new stake in Southern Ohio. He soon would be dressed as a soldier for the Union Army.

 Nearly four years, and many battles, later Daniel safely returned home to Sarah and their two children.
 Their son, my great-grandfather, grew to a stature of 6' 6". A certain anomaly for the time.
 Dad chose my name to honor his tall grandfather.
       
*July 2, 2014*
         
**Written in honor of my dearly departed neighbor and close friend.
 He loved the family history that led to my name.**