MacArthur Ancient Tartan ~The forename Arthur may owe its origins to the Greek word "arktouros" meaning keeper of the bears and in the Celtic world it came to mean "strong as a bear". The name is now known around the world as a result of the legendary King Arthur who may have been a Celtic chieftain around the 6th century. The first reliable record of the name is in Adomnan's "Life of Columba" which tells of a king of the Scots called Aedan mac Gabhrain named his son Arthur, also in the 6th century.
The MacArthur clan is believed to have the same roots as the Campbells, but claims that further back they are descended from the legendary King Arthur, are unprovable. The clan is certainly regarded as ancient and there is a Gaelic saying "as old as the hills, the MacArthurs and the Devil". The more established records show that they originated from the district of Lennox, part of the old kingdom of Strathclyde and moved into Argyll. The clan seat was established at Strachur, on Loch Fyne.
The clan was at its peak in the 14th century when a MacArthur married the heiress of the progenitor of the Campbell lords of Loch Awe. The MacArthurs from Loch Awe supported Robert the Bruce and fought at the Battle of Bannockburn. Their leader, Mac-ic-Artair, was rewarded with land previously held by the MacDougalls of Lorne (who had supported the Comyns). The MacArthurs became keepers of Dunstaffnage castle.
When King James I attempted to subdue the Highland clans who were becoming too powerful in the 15th century, the MacArthurs were amongst those who bore the brunt of his actions. The clan chief, Iain MacArthur, who could summon 1,000 men, was executed in 1427 and most of the clan lands were confiscated. For all practical purposes that was the end of the clan; unlike others who suffered setbacks and managed to recover, the MacArthurs never regained their clan lands, though the name survived as many of the clan dispersed.
In more modern times, US General Arthur MacArthur, whose parents came from Glasgow in Scotland, became Lieutenant-General in the Philippines in 1906. His son, General Douglas MacArthur, became even more famous in the Pacific and the Philippines during WW2 as commander of the US forces in the Far East.
David L. McCarter
A blacksmith by trade.
Born 1758 ~Died March 05, 1818
He died in York County, South Carolina
and was buried at Bethany ARP Church Cemetery, just outside Clover, South Carolina.
He married Sarah Catherine Dickson and she is buried alongside him.
David McCarter ~ My 4th Great Grandfather.
He and Sarah Catherine had at least six children together.
The last child born to this couple, was Minor McCarter.
Minor is my 3rd Great Grandfather.
We went one sunny day to Bethany ARP Church to seek them out.
The tombstones there are scattered about, no doubt some are missing in between.
The cemetery slopes down and away from the church, studded with old trees that stand sentinel over those souls that are long gone.
It is a beautiful old place.
The grounds are well cared for, and well loved.
There is just a feeling you get, when you are on hallowed ground.
We walked among the stones and we each read the names aloud, until we had found those, that we were searching for.
A couple of hours and about 200 plus pictures later, we were done.
Russ is a trooper. He is convinced that I should have “found them all” by now.
But I am quiet about that for the most part.
(I have really just gotten started), but there is no need to tell him that.
Sly grin.....
Thomas McCarter, Son of David L. McCarter, brother to Minor McCarter. Our 3rd Great Grand Uncle.
Loutishe McCarter, Daughter of Thomas McCarter.
Once the markers were found I felt that old familiar feeling.
My family.
If you are ever in Clover, stop in and see them .
As with all the others, they will be waiting for you.
There are McCarter cousins all over the place...just about 114 McCarter's or McArthur's here in this cemetery alone.. Lots and lots of cousins.
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Thomas MacArthur & Janet Chalmers,
Born in Kilmadock, Pertshire, Scotland ~ 6th Great Grands
Abraham McCarter & Elizabeth Carson,
Born Colony of Pennsylvania ~ 5th Great Grands
David L. McCarter & Sarah Catherine Dickson,,
Born Colony of Pennsylvania ~ 4th Great Grands
Minor McCarter & Mary Anne Huffstetler,
Born North Carolina ~ 3rd Great Grands
William M. Barber & Margaret Ann McCarter,
Born South Carolina ~ 2nd Great Grands
Robert Samuel Parrott & Nancy "Nannie" Ann Barber,
Born South Carolina ~ Great Grands
Wilburn Larry Parrott & Ethel Blanton ,
Born South Carolina ~ Maternal Grandparents
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