The family of Logan lived in the Highlands of Scotland for many centuries and the chieftain of the clan was defeated at Flodden Field (1513). Before he died he gave to one of his faithful men a finger ring with the request that the man should deliver it to the chieftain’s wife. She was to keep it for his son and heir. The ring could only be worn by the Chief and had gone from one Chief to another for several hundred years. It was gold with a large Onyx setting on which was carved the family coat of arms. The coat of arms is a heart pierced by a dagger and surrounded by the words Hoc Majorum Virtus, which translated means, “This valor of my ancestors.” The ring was given to the wife and in the course of years to the son who in time gave it to his son. It was lost and stolen several times but always was returned to its rightful owner.
In the early 1840s a young Scotsman landed in New York. He was the son of a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church and was recognized as the Chief of Clan Logan because he wore the ring. He enlisted in the Northern army and fought in support of the Union during the Civil War. For gallantry on the field of battle he rose in the ranks and at the close of the war was a Lieutenant. He stayed in the Army and was sent West to fight the Indians. “In the early 1870s the Indians were troublesome along the foothills of the Rockies. Capt. Logan participated in almost every campaign...” He had many narrow escapes. In 1877 he and his troops were led into an ambush. The battle was called “Battle of the Big Hole.” Capt. Logan and all his troops died. After his death his body was mutilated and every article of wearing apparel including a 32nd degree Masonic ring and the Logan Ring were taken.
Mrs. Logan then moved with her family away from the frontier and took up land in Montana. Her daughter married Captain Comba who was a member of the regular Army and the family did everything within their power to find the Ring of the Logan’s. One day a trapper called at one of the posts on the Indian reservation in Idaho and showed the officers a 32nd degree Masonic ring. He had found it on the skeleton of an Indian in one of the canyons of the Judith Basin four hundred miles from the battle of the “Big Hole.” They bought the ring from the trapper for four dollars worth of provisions. They advertised for the owner, and Col. Comba of the fifth United States infantry saw the ad. The Captain who knew about his father-in-law’s ring visited the post and obtained the ring.
In 1898, 22 years after the death of Capt. Logan, his oldest son, William Logan, was appointed an Indian agent and stationed in Montana. For years he made a diligent search and inquired at all the Indian agencies in the Northwest hoping to find some trace of the ring which rightfully now belong to him. Finally he gave up hope and wrote to his a maternal grandfather in Scotland asking for a description of the ring and a copy of the family coat of arms because he intended to have a similar ring made here. The old gentleman declined to send it, reminding the grandson that the ring had been lost many times before and would in time be returned to the rightful owner.
One day William Logan was in his office in a small town in the Northwest when an Indian “squaw” entered. She placed her hand on the railing around his desk and there on the middle finger of her left hand was the missing ring. He quickly purchased the ring and the Indian “squaw” told him this story. The Indian who had scalped his father had taken the ring and as he was dying had given it to the Indian “squaw.” Just to be sure, William Logan sent the ring to his sister who was the wife of Captain Comba.
Captain Comba, who in 1877 made such a diligent search for the ring was now a Colonel in the Fifth Infantry and was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, with his family. He was commander of the Twelfth Infantry that captured the stone fort in the battle of El Caney, “where the real fighting in Cuba was done.” At the time this story was published in the Chicago Tribune he was in the Philippines.
The story ends here in the Tribune but if you goggle the name William Logan you will find more information about his life and the rings are mentioned. Also, if you look for Clan Logan on the Internet, you will discover that the clan does not presently have a Chief recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The question is what happened to the original “Ring of the Logans?” Perhaps some of our readers who belong to the Logan Clan can help us with an answer. It appears to be a true story.
Note: I have quoted freely from an article in the Chicago Daily Tribune, 21 April, 1901, page 46.
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois St. Andrew’s Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
June 7, 2014 - Next meeting of the Scottish American History Club. We will talk about D-Day, June 6, 1944. We will remember and honor those who died and the Flag under which they served.
June 20-21 - Chicago Highland Games
July 19, 2014 - Annual History Tour. Save the date and watch for details.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The General Died and Chicago Mourned
“The Clan MacArthur was the dominating clan of Scotland from A.D. 300 to 1750. This clan crowned and uncrowned the kings of Scotland for more than 1,000 years. For more than 600 years they were the keepers of the Stone of Destiny. Upon this stone, all the kings of Scotland were crowned, and since it’s removal to England in the time of James the First, every ruler of England has been crowned upon this stone. The legend is that this is the stone upon which Jacob rested his head when he saw the vision of the angels upon the ladder, ascending to and descending from heaven.” (Source unknown)
This is the heritage and background of General John McArthur. We know very little about his ancestors except that they were Highlanders. His father, John MacArthur, was a native of Islay in the Western Highlands. He was a blacksmith and a tenant of Lord Balantyre. His son, also named John, was an excellent student and his parents and the parish minister wanted him to study for the ministry. His patron offered him a full scholarship at the University of Edinburgh. John respectfully declined and began working with his father as a blacksmith.
John McArthur was a soldier at heart. His ancient heritage called him and so did America. He was attracted to this country by reading accounts of the Mexican war. “The uniform success of our soldiers filled him with admiration for the American people, and he determined to cast his life with them.” Little did he know how this would determine his future.
He came to Chicago early in its history and began manufacturing boilers. He became one of the trustees of the United Presbyterian Church. Before the Civil War he organized a militia company known as the Highland Guard. When the first call for volunteers was issued by President Lincoln, Capt. McArthur tendered his services and those of his company. He was at once elected a Col. of the 12th Illinois infantry.
The Scottish citizens of Chicago presented to McArthur and his Regiment an American flag and a smaller flag of white silk which bore the following words:
“Dinna ye hear the slogan?
Tis McArthur and his men.”
At the battle of Fort Donelson, early in the war, he had command of a brigade, and ”displayed such gallantry that he was at once made a Brig. General.” He was unschooled in the science of war but his “McArthur blood” made him skillful and brave. He was born a soldier.
We don’t have time to give all the details in the career of General McArthur. We do need to say that at the battle of Pittsburgh (Shiloh) he was severely wounded and carried from the field of battle. When he recovered he was put in command of a division of the Army of the Tennessee and remained in command until the war ended.
In 1848, at the parish of Erskine, Scotland, he married Miss Christina Cuthbertson. The marriage produced eight children. After the war, he served for a time as the Commissioner of Public Works for Chicago and in 1872, President Grant appointed him Postmaster. He was an active member of the George H. Thomas, Post No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic.
The General was president of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society in 1871 when the city was destroyed by the Great Fire. What a strong leader he must have been during this critical time.
In 1877, John McArthur was forced into bankruptcy. In my files is a copy of all the creditors listed in Document 4014. I recognize many of the names as people associated with the Society who must have come to his aid and loaned him money. The total debt was $72,446.22.
Most of the articles about his life indicate that he was a poor businessman. You decide. Here is what was written in the Memorials of Deceased Companions, page 357. “In 1872, President Grant appointed him Postmaster. In 1874, the bank which had been designated by the Secretary of the Treasury as a depository of public funds failed. General MacArthur had at the time a balance of $73,000 on deposit, and a judicial ruling held him indebted to the government for that amount. With characteristic integrity, he went to work to make good the loss, with the result that he depleted his own fortune down to the borderline of want. From this misfortune, he never fully recovered, but with the same heroism which characterized him in war, he did not surrender, but fought adversity and succeeded in securing sufficient to enable him to rear and educate his family.”
The John McArthur Clan is buried in Section 90, lot no. 155. Twenty-eight people are buried in this large lot. Gus Noble, our president and I visit this plot at least four times a year. In a line are the burial lots of Mason, McArthur and Badenoch. All important names in the history of the Scots of Chicago.
Let me quote again from The Memorials: “On the evening of May 15th, 1906, the Angel of Death came and kissed down his eyelids, and his remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. Thus we close the story of this sturdy life, hoping to meet him in the great beyond.” (Written by Edward A. Blodgett, George Mason and Richard S. Tuthill.)
A great man died, and Chicago declared a day of mourning.
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
630-629-4516
History Club - Next meeting, June 7, 2014. We will discuss and celebrate the sacrifices of those who fought on D-Day.
This is the heritage and background of General John McArthur. We know very little about his ancestors except that they were Highlanders. His father, John MacArthur, was a native of Islay in the Western Highlands. He was a blacksmith and a tenant of Lord Balantyre. His son, also named John, was an excellent student and his parents and the parish minister wanted him to study for the ministry. His patron offered him a full scholarship at the University of Edinburgh. John respectfully declined and began working with his father as a blacksmith.
John McArthur was a soldier at heart. His ancient heritage called him and so did America. He was attracted to this country by reading accounts of the Mexican war. “The uniform success of our soldiers filled him with admiration for the American people, and he determined to cast his life with them.” Little did he know how this would determine his future.
He came to Chicago early in its history and began manufacturing boilers. He became one of the trustees of the United Presbyterian Church. Before the Civil War he organized a militia company known as the Highland Guard. When the first call for volunteers was issued by President Lincoln, Capt. McArthur tendered his services and those of his company. He was at once elected a Col. of the 12th Illinois infantry.
The Scottish citizens of Chicago presented to McArthur and his Regiment an American flag and a smaller flag of white silk which bore the following words:
“Dinna ye hear the slogan?
Tis McArthur and his men.”
At the battle of Fort Donelson, early in the war, he had command of a brigade, and ”displayed such gallantry that he was at once made a Brig. General.” He was unschooled in the science of war but his “McArthur blood” made him skillful and brave. He was born a soldier.
We don’t have time to give all the details in the career of General McArthur. We do need to say that at the battle of Pittsburgh (Shiloh) he was severely wounded and carried from the field of battle. When he recovered he was put in command of a division of the Army of the Tennessee and remained in command until the war ended.
In 1848, at the parish of Erskine, Scotland, he married Miss Christina Cuthbertson. The marriage produced eight children. After the war, he served for a time as the Commissioner of Public Works for Chicago and in 1872, President Grant appointed him Postmaster. He was an active member of the George H. Thomas, Post No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic.
The General was president of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society in 1871 when the city was destroyed by the Great Fire. What a strong leader he must have been during this critical time.
In 1877, John McArthur was forced into bankruptcy. In my files is a copy of all the creditors listed in Document 4014. I recognize many of the names as people associated with the Society who must have come to his aid and loaned him money. The total debt was $72,446.22.
Most of the articles about his life indicate that he was a poor businessman. You decide. Here is what was written in the Memorials of Deceased Companions, page 357. “In 1872, President Grant appointed him Postmaster. In 1874, the bank which had been designated by the Secretary of the Treasury as a depository of public funds failed. General MacArthur had at the time a balance of $73,000 on deposit, and a judicial ruling held him indebted to the government for that amount. With characteristic integrity, he went to work to make good the loss, with the result that he depleted his own fortune down to the borderline of want. From this misfortune, he never fully recovered, but with the same heroism which characterized him in war, he did not surrender, but fought adversity and succeeded in securing sufficient to enable him to rear and educate his family.”
The John McArthur Clan is buried in Section 90, lot no. 155. Twenty-eight people are buried in this large lot. Gus Noble, our president and I visit this plot at least four times a year. In a line are the burial lots of Mason, McArthur and Badenoch. All important names in the history of the Scots of Chicago.
Let me quote again from The Memorials: “On the evening of May 15th, 1906, the Angel of Death came and kissed down his eyelids, and his remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. Thus we close the story of this sturdy life, hoping to meet him in the great beyond.” (Written by Edward A. Blodgett, George Mason and Richard S. Tuthill.)
A great man died, and Chicago declared a day of mourning.
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
630-629-4516
History Club - Next meeting, June 7, 2014. We will discuss and celebrate the sacrifices of those who fought on D-Day.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Soap in the Midst of Diamonds
When Potter Palmer and other millionaires began building their magnificent mansions on Lakeshore drive they had a major problem with a nearby soap factory. Thomas Dougall had purchased his property on Cedar Street when it was a wilderness. Now it was valuable, but a major problem.
The millionaires appointed a committee to visit Mr. Dougall and seek to buy him out and “get rid of this soap factory because it was an objectionable feature in the locality of their palaces.” During the visit Mr. Dougall said “...Gentlemen, I didn’t ask you to come up here and build your residences near my soap factory, and being here when you came it will have to remain...” And remain it did. Soap in the middle and diamonds all around.
Thomas Dougall was born in West Calder, near Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 16, 1811. As a teenager he worked in a local soap factory but when he reached “his majority” he emigrated to Canada and remained in Montréal for a short time before moving to New York City. In 1848 he came to Chicago when it was scarcely more than a village. He bought his property on Cedar Street (lots 39 to 45) where it grew in value over the years. Mr. Dougall was involved in the manufacture of soap from 1837 to 1890 when he retired.
Miss Elizabeth Cameron, from Forres, Scotland, married Thomas Dougall in October 1837, near Salem, New York. She died in Chicago on January 21, 1878 leaving 11 children: Naomi, the wife of David Wiley of Chicago; Mallion, Jane, Elizabeth, Margaret, Alan, John, William, James, Robert, and Mabel. A son named David died in Chicago on June 30, 1884.
Three different times his business was destroyed by fire. Before the Great Fire of 1871, he occupied a three-story frame building. After the fire he erected another frame structure 66 x 75' in size. “His losses have been very heavy, but he has always been able to pay every dollar of his indebtedness.”
Mr. Dougall was an active member of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society and the Caledonian Society. He was a member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church and the funeral was conducted by the Rev. William Robson Notman. “A delegation from the Saint Andrew’s Society was present to honor the memory of their departed member.” He was survived by four daughters and three sons.
Thomas Dougall was the great-great grandfather of Robert James Black, president of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society in 1998-1999. Mr. Black died of a massive heart attack at a Home Committee meeting in the new Georgeson wing before the facility admitted its first resident. His picture is in the museum. He was justly proud of his heritage and told the story of Thomas Dougall whenever he could. Bob was a patent attorney with offices in Park Ridge. I had the privilege of conducting his funeral service. Some members of the Black family are buried in section 12 at Rosehill cemetery.
Thomas Dougall, his wife and 22 member of his family are buried in Section 101 at Rosehill. This includes all of his children and 7 grandchildren. The last burial was in 1963.
(Much of the above information was taken from his obituary as printed in The Soap Gazette and Perfumer, May, 1903 and The History of Chicago, vol. 3.)
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, March 1 - Bill Currie, a retired journalist, has traveled for decades throughout Scotland, writing about its culture and its people. In the 1980s, he produced and managed the Highland Games, helping to revive the events in Chicago and Milwaukee. Before retiring in 2003, he lived on the Isle of Skye, where he was deputy editor at the West Island Free Press. Last year, after 45 years of playing the Great Highland Bagpipes, he laid them down to concentrate on woodworking. Why? "Because there are no 9-fingered pipers." He will bring family artifacts and tell you about the Currie Seed Co. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. and the presentation begins at 10:00.
Saturday, April 5 - Our special speaker is James Cornelius, Curator of the Lincoln Collection in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential library. Please note the time change! THE MEETING WILL START AT 2 P.M. (museum will open at 1 p.m.)
Personal Note: My thanks to everyone who has send cards, emails or called our family after the death of Mary Ellen on January 13th. Over 200 cards and letters have been received and many of you sent memorials to the Lombard Nazarene Church in Lombard, IL. Many of you came to the memorial service in spite of snow and icy roads. Gus Noble, our President, and the Board of Governors for the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, have been most kind and have offered much personal support. Thanks for supplying the piper and the beautiful floral arrangement for Mary’s memorial service.
The millionaires appointed a committee to visit Mr. Dougall and seek to buy him out and “get rid of this soap factory because it was an objectionable feature in the locality of their palaces.” During the visit Mr. Dougall said “...Gentlemen, I didn’t ask you to come up here and build your residences near my soap factory, and being here when you came it will have to remain...” And remain it did. Soap in the middle and diamonds all around.
Thomas Dougall was born in West Calder, near Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 16, 1811. As a teenager he worked in a local soap factory but when he reached “his majority” he emigrated to Canada and remained in Montréal for a short time before moving to New York City. In 1848 he came to Chicago when it was scarcely more than a village. He bought his property on Cedar Street (lots 39 to 45) where it grew in value over the years. Mr. Dougall was involved in the manufacture of soap from 1837 to 1890 when he retired.
Miss Elizabeth Cameron, from Forres, Scotland, married Thomas Dougall in October 1837, near Salem, New York. She died in Chicago on January 21, 1878 leaving 11 children: Naomi, the wife of David Wiley of Chicago; Mallion, Jane, Elizabeth, Margaret, Alan, John, William, James, Robert, and Mabel. A son named David died in Chicago on June 30, 1884.
Three different times his business was destroyed by fire. Before the Great Fire of 1871, he occupied a three-story frame building. After the fire he erected another frame structure 66 x 75' in size. “His losses have been very heavy, but he has always been able to pay every dollar of his indebtedness.”
Mr. Dougall was an active member of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society and the Caledonian Society. He was a member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church and the funeral was conducted by the Rev. William Robson Notman. “A delegation from the Saint Andrew’s Society was present to honor the memory of their departed member.” He was survived by four daughters and three sons.
Thomas Dougall was the great-great grandfather of Robert James Black, president of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society in 1998-1999. Mr. Black died of a massive heart attack at a Home Committee meeting in the new Georgeson wing before the facility admitted its first resident. His picture is in the museum. He was justly proud of his heritage and told the story of Thomas Dougall whenever he could. Bob was a patent attorney with offices in Park Ridge. I had the privilege of conducting his funeral service. Some members of the Black family are buried in section 12 at Rosehill cemetery.
Thomas Dougall, his wife and 22 member of his family are buried in Section 101 at Rosehill. This includes all of his children and 7 grandchildren. The last burial was in 1963.
(Much of the above information was taken from his obituary as printed in The Soap Gazette and Perfumer, May, 1903 and The History of Chicago, vol. 3.)
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, March 1 - Bill Currie, a retired journalist, has traveled for decades throughout Scotland, writing about its culture and its people. In the 1980s, he produced and managed the Highland Games, helping to revive the events in Chicago and Milwaukee. Before retiring in 2003, he lived on the Isle of Skye, where he was deputy editor at the West Island Free Press. Last year, after 45 years of playing the Great Highland Bagpipes, he laid them down to concentrate on woodworking. Why? "Because there are no 9-fingered pipers." He will bring family artifacts and tell you about the Currie Seed Co. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. and the presentation begins at 10:00.
Saturday, April 5 - Our special speaker is James Cornelius, Curator of the Lincoln Collection in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential library. Please note the time change! THE MEETING WILL START AT 2 P.M. (museum will open at 1 p.m.)
Personal Note: My thanks to everyone who has send cards, emails or called our family after the death of Mary Ellen on January 13th. Over 200 cards and letters have been received and many of you sent memorials to the Lombard Nazarene Church in Lombard, IL. Many of you came to the memorial service in spite of snow and icy roads. Gus Noble, our President, and the Board of Governors for the Illinois Saint Andrew Society, have been most kind and have offered much personal support. Thanks for supplying the piper and the beautiful floral arrangement for Mary’s memorial service.
Friday, January 31, 2014
History Club Meeting on February 1 Cancelled!
Based on present weather forecasts, we have decided to CANCEL the
History Club meeting scheduled for tomorrow, February 1. Our Speaker,
James Cornelius, will be rescheduled. Call me if you have questions.
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
Scottish American History Club
630-629-4516
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
Scottish American History Club
630-629-4516
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Mary Ellen Rethford, 1928-2014
Mary Ellen McDonough was born in San Antonio, Texas,on July 7, 1928. A few days after her birth, the family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her father was a Pentecostal preacher and became the pastor of a growing church called Capital Hill Assembly. Mary graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1945 where she participated in drama and was the state champion badminton player.
In 1946, she married Wayne Rethford whom she had known since the age of twelve. Two children resulted from the union: Elaine Moore and Suzanne D’Anza. There are 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Mary was energetic, smart and full of boundless energy. She had an excellent singing voice and often sang in church, at funerals and weddings. Her interest in church music was endless and she had committed hundreds of song to memory.
As we have reviewed her life, her interests and accomplishments, we found them interesting and amazing. Here is a partial list:
While living in Nashville, TN. She became a skilled maker of women’s hats and an accomplished seamstress. She was also skilled in pattern making and could see a dress, draw the necessary patterns and then sew the dress. A trade school offered a certificate in Interior Design and she became quite proficient at designing home interiors.
After many years of study and testing, she became a Master Graphoanalyst and was very adept in interpreting personality traits through an individual’s handwriting. She often gave talks at local colleges and to other interested groups on handwriting analysis and on several occasions was used by local police departments to analyze profiles. She once served on a selection committee for those seeking to winter at the South Pole for several months. She used handwriting as a basis for her selections. Her analysis was compared to other psychological testing before the final individuals were selected.
She became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois but never served in that capacity. Accomplished at picture framing, she was the owner of a frame shop in Glen Ellyn known as Dorothy’s.
Graduating from a school in Iowa, she became licensed in electrolysis and in 1976 opened “Electrolysis by Mary Ellen.” It first located in Glen Ellyn and later in Wheaton. The business, now greatly expanded, is owned and operated by her two daughters.
She was quite proficient in needlework and the making of Christmas ornaments. She was an excellent cook, but it was not something she especially enjoyed. If she had interest, there was little she could not learn to do - from refinishing furniture, rewiring lamps, installing ceramic tile or looking for antiques at garage sales. She always carried a small magnet. Before the days of the Internet, there was always a book with instructions at the book store to teach her anything she wanted to learn.
Mary Ellen had many friends and was greatly admired by members of her church, her business clients and the Scottish community of Chicagoland. In 2010, the Board of Governors of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society honored her “cultural and charitable work” by naming her the Clanswoman of the Year.
Mary Ellen Rethford died on January 13, 2014 at her home in Lombard, IL. Her life will be honored on the evening of January 26 at the Lombard Church of the Nazarene, 536 North Rt. 53 (Columbine Ave). For those of you without a G.P.S. system, the church is one-half mile south of North Ave on the west side of the street. The family will be receiving guests beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by a service of thanksgiving and music. A lone piper will close the service with Amazing Grace.” All are welcome.
This memorial service is being arranged by the Lombard Church and they will be pleased to receive memorials in Mary’s name in lieu of flowers. Send your memorial to the Lombard Church of the Nazarene, 536 North Route 53, Lombard, IL. 60148.
If you need more information you can call my home, 630-629-4516 or the church office 630-627-9444.
Wayne Rethford, husband and President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
The Scottish American History Club will meet on February 1, 2014. The special speaker is James Cornelius, Curator of the Lincoln Collection in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential library. Please note the time change!
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2 P.M. (museum will open at 1 p.m.)
In 1946, she married Wayne Rethford whom she had known since the age of twelve. Two children resulted from the union: Elaine Moore and Suzanne D’Anza. There are 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Mary was energetic, smart and full of boundless energy. She had an excellent singing voice and often sang in church, at funerals and weddings. Her interest in church music was endless and she had committed hundreds of song to memory.
As we have reviewed her life, her interests and accomplishments, we found them interesting and amazing. Here is a partial list:
While living in Nashville, TN. She became a skilled maker of women’s hats and an accomplished seamstress. She was also skilled in pattern making and could see a dress, draw the necessary patterns and then sew the dress. A trade school offered a certificate in Interior Design and she became quite proficient at designing home interiors.
After many years of study and testing, she became a Master Graphoanalyst and was very adept in interpreting personality traits through an individual’s handwriting. She often gave talks at local colleges and to other interested groups on handwriting analysis and on several occasions was used by local police departments to analyze profiles. She once served on a selection committee for those seeking to winter at the South Pole for several months. She used handwriting as a basis for her selections. Her analysis was compared to other psychological testing before the final individuals were selected.
She became a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Illinois but never served in that capacity. Accomplished at picture framing, she was the owner of a frame shop in Glen Ellyn known as Dorothy’s.
Graduating from a school in Iowa, she became licensed in electrolysis and in 1976 opened “Electrolysis by Mary Ellen.” It first located in Glen Ellyn and later in Wheaton. The business, now greatly expanded, is owned and operated by her two daughters.
She was quite proficient in needlework and the making of Christmas ornaments. She was an excellent cook, but it was not something she especially enjoyed. If she had interest, there was little she could not learn to do - from refinishing furniture, rewiring lamps, installing ceramic tile or looking for antiques at garage sales. She always carried a small magnet. Before the days of the Internet, there was always a book with instructions at the book store to teach her anything she wanted to learn.
Mary Ellen had many friends and was greatly admired by members of her church, her business clients and the Scottish community of Chicagoland. In 2010, the Board of Governors of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society honored her “cultural and charitable work” by naming her the Clanswoman of the Year.
Mary Ellen Rethford died on January 13, 2014 at her home in Lombard, IL. Her life will be honored on the evening of January 26 at the Lombard Church of the Nazarene, 536 North Rt. 53 (Columbine Ave). For those of you without a G.P.S. system, the church is one-half mile south of North Ave on the west side of the street. The family will be receiving guests beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by a service of thanksgiving and music. A lone piper will close the service with Amazing Grace.” All are welcome.
This memorial service is being arranged by the Lombard Church and they will be pleased to receive memorials in Mary’s name in lieu of flowers. Send your memorial to the Lombard Church of the Nazarene, 536 North Route 53, Lombard, IL. 60148.
If you need more information you can call my home, 630-629-4516 or the church office 630-627-9444.
Wayne Rethford, husband and President Emeritus
Illinois Saint Andrew Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
The Scottish American History Club will meet on February 1, 2014. The special speaker is James Cornelius, Curator of the Lincoln Collection in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential library. Please note the time change!
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2 P.M. (museum will open at 1 p.m.)
Monday, January 6, 2014
Chicago’s Scot - H. Philip Maxwell
Beginning in 1930 and ending in 1966, the city of Chicago held an annual music festival in Soldier Field. The attendance was always between 70 and 80 thousand but when loud speakers were added outside the stadium the attendance reached one hundred thousand or more.
The event officially known as the Chicagoland Music Festival was sponsored by the Chicago Tribune Charities, Inc., who also sponsored the Amateur Boxing Association and the R.O.T.C. program in local schools.
On the day of the Festival a luncheon was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hilton Hotel on Michigan Avenue where the star entertainers performed. Over the years the list of stars was quite amazing. Here are just a few of the names: The Lenon Sisters, Frankie Avalon, Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong, Alan King, Liberace, The W-G-N Barn Dance crew, Eydie Gorme, Hildegarde, Charlie Weaver and the Murk Family Singers from Wheaton. ( If you don’t recognize some of those it’s because of your age.)
One name many of you will recognize is that of Edd Byrnes. Ten thousand teenagers greeted his plane when it landed at Midway Airport and Channel 7 televised his arrival. A capacity crowd of 1200 also greeted him at the Conrad Hilton.
In 1938 one of the features was the match lighting ceremony. It became a regular feature. The Diamond National Corp. of New York City supplied 150,000 "strike anywhere" matches for the event. Not sure of the significance of the ceremony but if any of our readers know they can leave a comment.
Chicago’s African American community often had the greatest emotional impact. A chorus of 1,000 sang the old Negro Spirituals. They practiced at what is now the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church at King Drive and 41st Street. Traffic stopped and people listened. A Tribune reporter named James Bennett visited the church and reported that every seat was filled at the practice. "I’ll tell what is the real story: It was singing so rapturous, so pulsating, and so moving that it made you want to cry and made you feel you ought to pray."
This group of 1,000 once combined their voices with 4,000 others to sing the Hallelujah Chorus. That year, 2,000 lawyers from America and Great Britain, who were attending a convention of the American Bar Association, came as group to hear the great voices.
The Tribune employee responsible for all the planning was H. Philip Maxwell. He had joined the Tribune in 1929 and headed the Golden Gloves boxing tournament and the ROTC awards program. Mr. Maxwell was born in Greencastle, Indiana, 1901. His father was a Methodist gospel singer. On New Year’s Day our family did some checking on Ancestry.com and the Maxwell family for several generations were all born in Indiana and New York. We did this search because Mayor Richard H. Daley often referred to him as "Chicago’s Scot."
Mr. Maxwell’s retirement party in 1967 was held in the Grand ballroom of the Conrad Hilton where 850 had lunch and remembered all the great festivals. The Tribune wrote: "A touch of Scottish heather filtered into the Grand ballroom as Chicago paid tribute to Phillip Maxwell..." The Tribune continued: "It was a time for a special visit from Mayor Daley, for laughter while humorous, heart- warming gifts were presented, for perhaps a few tears as memories of past Festivals were relived, and for heartfelt applause for Chicago’s Scot, Harry Philip Maxwell."
I don’t know if Philip Maxwell was a member of the Saint Andrew Society but I think he might have been. His brother, W.D. Maxwell was the Editor of the Chicago Tribune and a Distinguished Citizen at the banquet in 1965. More about him at a later time.
At the time of his death Mr. Maxwell was a patient in the LaGrange Community Hospital. He lived in Naperville with his wife who survived him. Other family members were a son, Donald; a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Downs; and a brother, W.D. Maxwell. He is buried in Vincennes, Indiana.
These festivals are great reminders of our past and every year was its own story. We have certainly changed as a people. Sometimes, I think it might be nice to turn back the clock.
Wayne Rethford
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
The first History Club meeting in the new year will be on January 11, 2014. Same place - same time (10 a.m.) - different date. The speaker will be Tina Beaird and her subject - "The Scottish Diaspora - Migration Chains to Illinois." Tina is the Reference Librarian at the Plainfield Library. We met Tina on our History Tour last summer. She is smart, full of energy and knows her subject. It will be a good start for 2014.
February 1, 2014. New Time - 2 p.m. Our speaker will be James M. Cornelius who is the Curator of the Lincoln Collection in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He is a native of Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Illinois. Please note the time change. The museum will open at 1 p.m.
The event officially known as the Chicagoland Music Festival was sponsored by the Chicago Tribune Charities, Inc., who also sponsored the Amateur Boxing Association and the R.O.T.C. program in local schools.
On the day of the Festival a luncheon was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hilton Hotel on Michigan Avenue where the star entertainers performed. Over the years the list of stars was quite amazing. Here are just a few of the names: The Lenon Sisters, Frankie Avalon, Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong, Alan King, Liberace, The W-G-N Barn Dance crew, Eydie Gorme, Hildegarde, Charlie Weaver and the Murk Family Singers from Wheaton. ( If you don’t recognize some of those it’s because of your age.)
One name many of you will recognize is that of Edd Byrnes. Ten thousand teenagers greeted his plane when it landed at Midway Airport and Channel 7 televised his arrival. A capacity crowd of 1200 also greeted him at the Conrad Hilton.
In 1938 one of the features was the match lighting ceremony. It became a regular feature. The Diamond National Corp. of New York City supplied 150,000 "strike anywhere" matches for the event. Not sure of the significance of the ceremony but if any of our readers know they can leave a comment.
Chicago’s African American community often had the greatest emotional impact. A chorus of 1,000 sang the old Negro Spirituals. They practiced at what is now the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church at King Drive and 41st Street. Traffic stopped and people listened. A Tribune reporter named James Bennett visited the church and reported that every seat was filled at the practice. "I’ll tell what is the real story: It was singing so rapturous, so pulsating, and so moving that it made you want to cry and made you feel you ought to pray."
This group of 1,000 once combined their voices with 4,000 others to sing the Hallelujah Chorus. That year, 2,000 lawyers from America and Great Britain, who were attending a convention of the American Bar Association, came as group to hear the great voices.
The Tribune employee responsible for all the planning was H. Philip Maxwell. He had joined the Tribune in 1929 and headed the Golden Gloves boxing tournament and the ROTC awards program. Mr. Maxwell was born in Greencastle, Indiana, 1901. His father was a Methodist gospel singer. On New Year’s Day our family did some checking on Ancestry.com and the Maxwell family for several generations were all born in Indiana and New York. We did this search because Mayor Richard H. Daley often referred to him as "Chicago’s Scot."
Mr. Maxwell’s retirement party in 1967 was held in the Grand ballroom of the Conrad Hilton where 850 had lunch and remembered all the great festivals. The Tribune wrote: "A touch of Scottish heather filtered into the Grand ballroom as Chicago paid tribute to Phillip Maxwell..." The Tribune continued: "It was a time for a special visit from Mayor Daley, for laughter while humorous, heart- warming gifts were presented, for perhaps a few tears as memories of past Festivals were relived, and for heartfelt applause for Chicago’s Scot, Harry Philip Maxwell."
I don’t know if Philip Maxwell was a member of the Saint Andrew Society but I think he might have been. His brother, W.D. Maxwell was the Editor of the Chicago Tribune and a Distinguished Citizen at the banquet in 1965. More about him at a later time.
At the time of his death Mr. Maxwell was a patient in the LaGrange Community Hospital. He lived in Naperville with his wife who survived him. Other family members were a son, Donald; a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Downs; and a brother, W.D. Maxwell. He is buried in Vincennes, Indiana.
These festivals are great reminders of our past and every year was its own story. We have certainly changed as a people. Sometimes, I think it might be nice to turn back the clock.
Wayne Rethford
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
The first History Club meeting in the new year will be on January 11, 2014. Same place - same time (10 a.m.) - different date. The speaker will be Tina Beaird and her subject - "The Scottish Diaspora - Migration Chains to Illinois." Tina is the Reference Librarian at the Plainfield Library. We met Tina on our History Tour last summer. She is smart, full of energy and knows her subject. It will be a good start for 2014.
February 1, 2014. New Time - 2 p.m. Our speaker will be James M. Cornelius who is the Curator of the Lincoln Collection in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. He is a native of Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Illinois. Please note the time change. The museum will open at 1 p.m.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Milwaukee, A Scotch Town
“Contrary to popular belief, Milwaukee was originally a Scotch-Irish town, not a German settlement. A great part in building it up from a small town to the twelfth city of the United States was taken by Scotchmen, who achieved prominence in finance, commerce and industry, and upheld the finest traditions of Scottish culture.” So says the Milwaukee Journal on January 24, 1934.
The article was written because the St. Andrew’s Society was celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. At their first dinner on January 25, 1859, Alexander Mitchell was in the chair, the vice-president, Judge Arthur MacArthur was the toastmaster. Robert Menzies was the first secretary and the poet laureate was Robert Shiells. So many Scots lived in Milwaukee that the “Scotch public picnic was for years the largest and merriest gathering in Milwaukee.” In the winter there was curling promoted by the St. Andrew’s Society.
As we have previously mentioned the first president of the Milwaukee Society was Alexander Mitchell, who according this article, was the outstanding Scotchman who played the leading role in the development of Milwaukee and the northwest. John Johnston was a nephew of Mr. Mitchell and a graduate of the University of Aberdeen. He came to Milwaukee in 1856 and spent his entire life working at the Mitchell bank. Three times the St. Andrew’s Society elected him president and he was also the president of the Grand National Curling Clubs of America.
Another prominent Scot was Arthur MacArthur who came to Milwaukee in 1849 and two years later was the city attorney. He later became an associate judge of the supreme court of the District of Columbia and was later chancellor of the National University in Washington. His son Arthur served in the Civil War and was given “the congressional medal of honor for bravery at Missionary Ridge.” In the Spanish-American war he served with honor in the Philippines. He fell dead while addressing his comrades of the 24th Wisconsin volunteers at a reunion in Milwaukee. His son was General Douglas MacArthur of World War II. He also received the Medal of Honor.
I have never seen the Robert Burns statue in Milwaukee but the sculptor is the same as ours standing in Garfield Park since 1906. They are identical. “In 1909 the Milwaukee Society unveiled the statue of Robert Burns which now stands in Franklin Square.” It was a gift from James A. Bryden, a founder and past president of the Society. The organization also contributed money to the Scottish memorial in the Princess Street Gardens which says: “A tribute from men of Scottish blood and sympathies in America to Scotland.” I wonder if that memorial still exists?
I find it interesting that Douglas MacArthur and Billie Mitchell grew up in the same town and were nearly the same age. Later in life they would be in the same courtroom - one a defendant, the other a member of the jury. More on that later. I can’t think of a major American city that does not have a Scottish history. I hope someone in Milwaukee will take interest and begin to gather these great stories.
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois St. Andrew’s Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
The first History Club meeting in the new year will be on January 11, 2014. Same place - same time - different date. The speaker will be Tina Beaird and her subject - “The Scottish Diaspora - Migration Chains to Illinois.” Tina is the Reference Librarian at the Plainfield Library. We met Tina on our History Tour last summer. She is smart, full of energy and knows her subject. It will be a good start for 2014.
The article was written because the St. Andrew’s Society was celebrating its seventy-fifth anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. At their first dinner on January 25, 1859, Alexander Mitchell was in the chair, the vice-president, Judge Arthur MacArthur was the toastmaster. Robert Menzies was the first secretary and the poet laureate was Robert Shiells. So many Scots lived in Milwaukee that the “Scotch public picnic was for years the largest and merriest gathering in Milwaukee.” In the winter there was curling promoted by the St. Andrew’s Society.
As we have previously mentioned the first president of the Milwaukee Society was Alexander Mitchell, who according this article, was the outstanding Scotchman who played the leading role in the development of Milwaukee and the northwest. John Johnston was a nephew of Mr. Mitchell and a graduate of the University of Aberdeen. He came to Milwaukee in 1856 and spent his entire life working at the Mitchell bank. Three times the St. Andrew’s Society elected him president and he was also the president of the Grand National Curling Clubs of America.
Another prominent Scot was Arthur MacArthur who came to Milwaukee in 1849 and two years later was the city attorney. He later became an associate judge of the supreme court of the District of Columbia and was later chancellor of the National University in Washington. His son Arthur served in the Civil War and was given “the congressional medal of honor for bravery at Missionary Ridge.” In the Spanish-American war he served with honor in the Philippines. He fell dead while addressing his comrades of the 24th Wisconsin volunteers at a reunion in Milwaukee. His son was General Douglas MacArthur of World War II. He also received the Medal of Honor.
I have never seen the Robert Burns statue in Milwaukee but the sculptor is the same as ours standing in Garfield Park since 1906. They are identical. “In 1909 the Milwaukee Society unveiled the statue of Robert Burns which now stands in Franklin Square.” It was a gift from James A. Bryden, a founder and past president of the Society. The organization also contributed money to the Scottish memorial in the Princess Street Gardens which says: “A tribute from men of Scottish blood and sympathies in America to Scotland.” I wonder if that memorial still exists?
I find it interesting that Douglas MacArthur and Billie Mitchell grew up in the same town and were nearly the same age. Later in life they would be in the same courtroom - one a defendant, the other a member of the jury. More on that later. I can’t think of a major American city that does not have a Scottish history. I hope someone in Milwaukee will take interest and begin to gather these great stories.
Wayne Rethford, President Emeritus
Illinois St. Andrew’s Society
630-629-4516
Upcoming Events:
The first History Club meeting in the new year will be on January 11, 2014. Same place - same time - different date. The speaker will be Tina Beaird and her subject - “The Scottish Diaspora - Migration Chains to Illinois.” Tina is the Reference Librarian at the Plainfield Library. We met Tina on our History Tour last summer. She is smart, full of energy and knows her subject. It will be a good start for 2014.
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