Who are we?

John Charles Turnbull, born June 10, 1874 Woodsland, Duddington, Scotland. He was the son of John Turnbull and Margaret Jane Mills.

When he was old enough he did many odd jobs as coachmen, gardener, laborer, rubber worker and finally went into His Majesty’s service. He served in the Boer War and later served in World War 1. He held many different ranks due to fighting, drinking and disorderly conduct.  The highest rank held was Sgt/Major in the 1st Cameron Highlanders. Like many others in this era, he was a heavy drinker and missed out on the joys of having a family. He married Anna Matthews Christie, and they had 3 children. He was gone from the family unit by the time last son James was born.Two of the children went to the United States first Margaret the only daughter, followed several years later by James and his mother Anne.  The oldest son Stewart went into Her Majesty’s service and served in India. Jack never met any of his grandchildren he probably never even knew he had any.  He died in 1929 of stomach cancer at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland. His cousin Mary remembered him as mischievous, with bright blue eyes that would twinkle when he thought of something naughty, or someone to tease. She also remembered his flaming red hair that always fell into his eyes. None of the family members inherited his red hair.

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Clan Prints in History

Some of our ancestors who have left their mark in the pages of history.

Charles Rule, Delegate to the Democratic National Convention for Ohio in 1860           
John W. Rule, Member of California State Assembly, 21st District 1863-1865    
Victor A. Rule. Candidate for U.S. Representative, Florida 10^th District 1962.    
William Rule, Delegate to the Republican National convention for Tennessee in 1924     
Lyman Trumbull, Member of Illinois State House of Representatives 1840-1841. Secretary of State of Illinois, 1841-1843, Justice to Illinois State Supreme Court 1848-1853, U.S. Senator from Illinois, 1855-1873, a candidate for Governor of Illinois in 1880.   
William M. Trumbull, U.S. representative from Pennsylvania 21^st District in 1940          .
Richard C. Turnbow, Candidate for Kansas State Senate 11^th District in 2000.

A.R.Turnbull, Mayor of Canton, Ohio 1906-1912 and 1913-1914.          

 

Emma B. Trombley,   Member of Michigan Democratic State Council Committee in 1939, Alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention for Michigan in 1940, Presidential Elector for Michigan in 1944   .
Andrew Alkire Trumbo, U.S. Representative from Kentucky 9^th district 1845-1847.

Highland Games

As most of you are aware the Olympic field and track trials have been in progress for the Olympics to be held in Athens, Greece this year.

Some of the notable games that are played at the Highland games are also part of the Olympics. This one is actually a very early Olympic game. It is a wee bit different, than the shot put, but the same idea. Today we are going to take a look at the “Clachneart” or Stone.

The stone is an old contest of strength, probably from the same era as the Caber Toss. The usual weight of the stone is between 16 to 22 pounds, 8 to 12 pounds for women. The idea is to throw the stone as far as you can. There are two ways it is done, and the most popular is like the shot put. The stone is positioned at the level of the shoulder, next to the neck, and held by one hand. The contestant is within a ring of about 7 ½ feet, he is allowed a run up to a toe board and then toss the stone. If he steps out of the ring or on the board the toss is not counted. Some contestants spin around twice going to the (trig) toe board. The contestants are given three chances. The object is to toss the stone as far as possible and the winner is the contestant who throws the stone the farthest.

A version of the game that is sometimes played at the Highland Games is called the Braemar. This is where the contestant must keep one foot stationary against the trig (toe board) and then toss the stone. The world record in this event is 62 feet and 11 inches. The award is the same as in the other stone toss, the farthest thrown stone is the winner.

There is another feat of superman strength  with stones, but I have not seen these advertised in this country. McGlaschen or Atlas stones are huge granite spheres that will weigh up from 150-250 pounds. The object is to lift the stone from the ground and then place it on top of a barrel.

Please attend a Game in your area especially where there is a TCA tent, your tent hosts need your support. Thanks, Janet.