Echoes of the Clan: Mae Allegra Carstensen Nelson & Dr. Randall Hylman Nelson

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In this month’s Echoes of the Clan feature, we remember two remarkable individuals whose legacy lives on through education, civic leadership, and enduring service: Mae Allegra Carstensen Nelson and her husband, Dr. Randall Hylman Nelson.

🧕 Mae Allegra Nelson: A Life Devoted to Public Service

Born in Curtice, Ohio, in 1921, Mae Allegra Carstensen Nelson committed her life to education, community, and civic advocacy. A woman of academic achievement and public impact, Mae held degrees in science, arts, and education from Ohio State University and the University of Michigan, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

During World War II, Mae served as a physical therapist in the U.S. Army and earned the rank of second lieutenant before her honorable discharge in 1946.

Her public life extended far beyond military service. For more than 30 years, Mae was a driving force in governmental reform and voter education across Jackson County and Carbondale, Illinois. She:

  • Served as president of the Carbondale League of Women Voters
  • Co-chaired the Jackson County Committee that led judicial reform in the 1960s
  • Helped pass the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention
  • Served on the Jackson County Board from 1977 to 1989
  • Was named Southern Illinois Regional Woman of the Year in 1988

Mae Nelson’s influence was not symbolic—it was structural. She shaped policy, advocated for inclusive government, and remained deeply involved in her community through decades of change.

🎓 Continuing Her Legacy: The Mae A. Nelson Scholarship

To honor her lifelong dedication to public service, the Mae A. Nelson Scholarship Fund was established at Southern Illinois University. The scholarship supports female students majoring in political science—a fitting tribute to Mae’s tireless civic engagement and belief in women’s leadership.

View the scholarship listing at SIU.

Through this fund, Mae’s values live on—empowering the next generation of women committed to government, reform, and the public good.

đŸ‘šâ€đŸ« Dr. Randall Hylman Nelson: A Champion of Political Education

Dr. Randall Nelson was a respected professor at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, remembered as a scholar who cared deeply about his students and the community around him.

Friends and colleagues recall him as someone who didn't just teach political science—he lived it. Dr. Nelson was known for his sense of humor, dedication to student growth, and ability to make political theory accessible to everyone in the room.

“He was very passionate about students... He was always there for them,” said a colleague in his tribute published in the Daily Egyptian.

Through both classroom instruction and community involvement, Randall Nelson exemplified the principle that education is not confined to institutions—it ripples into society.

đŸ•Šïž A Lasting Echo

Together, Mae and Randall Nelson left a legacy of education, empowerment, and public service. Their lives remind us that clan heritage is not just about ancestry—it’s about the people we become, the causes we support, and the impact we leave behind.

Their echo endures not only in memory—but in the minds of students, the reforms of a county, and the ongoing work of civic leadership carried on in their name.

If you know a clan member whose life deserves to be honored in Echoes of the Clan, reach out to Alissa, our Genealogist at cmaagenealogy@clanmacneilusa.us. These are the stories that shape who we are.

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The McNeills of Gigha and Colonsay: Their Role in Scottish and Irish History

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While many are familiar with the Macneils of Barra, there exists another vital chapter in our clan’s history—one rooted in the islands of Gigha and Colonsay. These McNeills form a distinct lineage, both historically and genetically, and their story is essential to understanding the full scope of Clan Macneil’s heritage.

đŸïž Where Are Gigha and Colonsay?

Both islands lie off the western coast of Scotland, nestled among the Inner Hebrides. Gigha sits just west of the Kintyre peninsula, and Colonsay lies further north, closer to Mull and Islay.

These weren’t remote or insignificant lands—they were strategically located along key sea routes used by the Gaels, Norse, and later the Lords of the Isles. Whoever controlled these islands controlled movement, trade, and influence.

🧬 A Distinct Lineage

The McNeills of Gigha and Colonsay are not simply offshoots of the Barra Macneils. Modern Y-DNA testing confirms that they form a separate male-line cluster, meaning they share a different paternal origin than their Barra cousins.

This genetic divergence supports what the historical record also hints at: that Gigha and Colonsay had their own localized lines of leadership and clan identity.

Their legacy isn’t lesser. It’s parallel. And it’s worth remembering.

📜 Historical Mentions and Land Tenure

  • The MacNeills of Gigha appear in charters and land grants as early as the 15th century. Historical references occasionally describe them as a “Chief of Gigha”—an important detail for those tracing lineage or seeking recognition of distinct status.
  • Colonsay, meanwhile, has deep Norse roots and played a role during the rise and fall of the Lords of the Isles, a Gaelic-Norse power structure that dominated the Hebrides until the late 1400s.
  • Families on both islands had strong ties to Islay, Kintyre, and the coastal mainland. Over generations, the McNeills of Gigha and Colonsay became entwined with broader Argyll nobility.

⚔ Conflict, Migration, and Change

The 16th and 17th centuries were turbulent. With the decline of the Lords of the Isles and the centralization of power by the Scottish crown, landholding families—including the McNeills—faced constant realignment.

Some branches lost land due to forfeiture or debt. Others aligned with rising powers to maintain influence. These pressures led some McNeill families to migrate into Ulster, where they would become part of the broader Scots-Irish story (we’ll explore that in more detail in Week 4).

🧭 Why This Matters Today

For many clan members with roots in Argyll, Islay, or Antrim, the Gigha and Colonsay McNeills may represent their true ancestral line. Their legacy is less discussed—but no less important.

Recognizing them honors the complexity and diversity within Clan Macneil. It also gives rightful attention to those whose ancestors helped shape the western isles—through leadership, conflict, alliance, and resilience.

📌 In Summary

  • The McNeills of Gigha and Colonsay are a distinct branch of Clan Macneil, both genetically and historically.
  • They played significant roles in the maritime culture of the Hebrides, especially during the era of the Lords of the Isles.
  • Though often overshadowed by the Barra narrative, their contributions to Scottish and Irish history are undeniable—and ongoing.
  • Today, DNA evidence complements the historical record, giving us a clearer picture of this vital part of our shared story.

Want to know which branch your family belongs to?
Email Alissa, our Clan Macneil USA Genealogist, at cmaagenealogy@clanmacneilusa.us

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The Scottish and Irish Migration Connection: How Clan Families Settled in New Lands

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Migration has long been a defining aspect of Scottish and Irish history, and the clan families were no exception. Across centuries, waves of migration carried these families from their homelands to new regions, shaping the cultural identities of communities worldwide. Influenced by war, famine, British policies, and economic opportunities, these movements contributed to the spread of Scottish and Irish heritage across North America, Australia, and beyond.

Timeline of Migration

  1. Early Scottish and Irish Movement (Pre-1600s)
    • Before major conflicts and colonization, Scottish and Irish clans primarily migrated within the British Isles.
    • Many sought new lands within Scotland and Ireland due to clan disputes or shifting allegiances.
  2. Plantation of Ulster (1609–1690s)
    • Scottish Presbyterians were encouraged by the British Crown to settle in Northern Ireland, displacing native Irish populations.
    • Some McNeill families in Northern Ireland trace their lineage to this period, settling primarily in Antrim and Down.
  3. Jacobite Uprisings and Forced Migration (1715–1746)
    • The defeat of Scottish Highlanders in the Jacobite Rebellions led to mass displacement.
    • Many Highland Scots, including Macneils of Barra and McNeills of Gigha, were forced to flee to North America to escape persecution.
  4. Irish Famine and Economic Migration (1840s–1870s)
    • The Great Famine (1845–1852) devastated Ireland, prompting mass emigration to the United States, Canada, and Australia.
    • Irish McNeills and Ulster Scots took advantage of immigration programs and opportunities in cities and rural settlements.
  5. 20th Century Migration and the Scottish Diaspora
    • Economic hardship in Scotland and Ireland continued to push people abroad.
    • Scots-Irish communities became deeply rooted in American culture, particularly in Appalachia and the Southern United States.

How Conflicts and Policies Shaped Migration

  • The Highland Clearances (1750s–1860s): Landowners forcibly removed tenant farmers to make way for sheep farming, driving thousands of Scottish families to Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Many Macneils of Barra emigrated during this time.
  • Penal Laws and Religious Persecution: Catholic and Presbyterian Scots faced discrimination under British rule, prompting voluntary and forced migration.
  • The American Revolution (1775–1783) & Civil War (1861–1865): Scots-Irish immigrants played key roles in these conflicts, shaping their status in North America.
  • The Industrial Revolution (1800s–1900s): Economic shifts led to job opportunities in cities, attracting Scottish and Irish immigrants to manufacturing hubs.

Regional Identities and Genetic Connections

  • Appalachian Scots-Irish Influence: Many Scots-Irish settlers, including McNeills, became part of the Appalachian frontier, bringing their customs, music, and storytelling traditions.
  • Maritime Canada’s Scottish Settlers: Nova Scotia (“New Scotland”) saw a major influx of Macneils, particularly from Barra, preserving strong Gaelic traditions.
  • The Gigha McNeills and Highland Identity: The McNeills of Gigha are often categorized as Highlanders due to their Gaelic heritage and clan structure, but their coastal location near Kintyre also placed them in contact with Lowland influences. They were part of the Gaelic maritime culture that spanned from the western Highlands to Ulster. Their genetic history shows both Highland and Norse ancestry, reflecting centuries of interaction in the region.
  • DNA and Family Links: Genetic studies reveal strong connections between McNeill/Macneil lineages and broader Celtic ancestry, showing how migration patterns shaped genetic diversity.

Conclusion

The migration of clan families was shaped by a complex web of conflict, policy, and opportunity. From forced displacement to voluntary settlement, these movements left a lasting imprint on regions around the world. Understanding these migrations helps preserve the history of these families and their enduring cultural legacies.

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Echoes of the Clan: Louise McNeill Pease – West Virginia’s Poet Laureate and the Voice of Appalachia

Louise McNeill Pease (1911–1993) was a distinguished Appalachian poet, historian, and educator from West Virginia. Born on January 9, 1911, in Buckeye, Pocahontas County, she grew up on a family farm established in 1769. Her father, G.D. McNeill, was also a writer, authoring The Last Forest, which chronicled the decline of wilderness in Pocahontas County. Influenced by her father’s love of storytelling and history, McNeill developed an early passion for poetry and began writing at the age of 16.

A Pioneering Literary Figure in Appalachia

McNeill was a trailblazer in Appalachian literature, bringing the voices of her people to the forefront. She infused her work with the dialects, rhythms, and landscapes of West Virginia, making her poetry an authentic reflection of life in the region. Her collections, such as Mountain White (1931), Gauley Mountain (1939), and Paradox Hill (1972), weave a narrative of tradition and change, chronicling the Appalachian experience with precision and deep emotion.

Her most renowned work, Gauley Mountain, is a poetic history of West Virginia that intertwines personal memories with larger historical themes. It remains a defining text in Appalachian studies, celebrated for its lyrical storytelling and historical depth. Her memoir, The Milkweed Ladies (1988), provides a deeply personal and vivid portrayal of Appalachian farm life, capturing the intersection of personal experience and broader historical shifts.

A Historian of West Virginia’s Cultural and Environmental Shifts

McNeill was not just a poet; she was a historian who documented the profound transformations of West Virginia. She pursued higher education at Concord College (now Concord University), earning a bachelor's degree in English in 1936. She furthered her studies with a master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio in 1938. In 1939, she married Roger Pease and continued her academic journey, eventually earning a doctorate in history from West Virginia University in 1959.

Her teaching career spanned over three decades, during which she taught English and history at various institutions, including rural one-room schools in West Virginia, Potomac State College, Fairmont State College, and West Virginia University. McNeill’s writing serves as a historical record, capturing the displacement of communities, the environmental consequences of coal mining, and the loss of traditional ways of life. Through her work, she preserved the stories of those who might have otherwise been forgotten, ensuring that the struggles and triumphs of Appalachia remained in the public consciousness.

A Poet Who Captured the Spirit of the People and the Land

McNeill’s poetry is deeply rooted in the land and people of Appalachia. She wrote of coal miners, farmers, mothers, and laborers, elevating their stories through her art. Her work is rich with themes of nature, family, and survival—expressing both the harsh realities and the enduring strength of Appalachian culture.

Unlike many literary figures of her time, McNeill did not romanticize rural life. Instead, she presented it as it was—filled with both breathtaking beauty and relentless struggle. Her ability to balance these truths made her one of the most authentic voices in Appalachian literature.

A Trailblazer in a Male-Dominated Literary World

As a woman in the early-to-mid 20th century, McNeill carved out a space for herself in a literary world dominated by men. She was a scholar, educator, and poet who defied expectations and left an enduring mark on the literary landscape.

In 1979, Governor Jay Rockefeller appointed her as West Virginia’s poet laureate, a position she held until her death in 1993. Her appointment was a groundbreaking achievement, solidifying her influence in both literary and academic circles. She used this platform to champion Appalachian literature and advocate for the recognition of voices from the region.

Throughout her career, McNeill received numerous accolades, including the Appalachian Gold Medallion in 1988 and honorary degrees from Fairmont State College and West Virginia University. Her contributions to literature and education have left an indelible mark on Appalachian cultural heritage.

The Legacy of Louise McNeill Pease

Louise McNeill Pease remains a towering figure in Appalachian literature, her legacy woven into the very fabric of West Virginia’s cultural history. Her poetry and prose continue to be studied, celebrated, and admired for their depth, authenticity, and historical significance.

Through her words, she gave voice to the people of Appalachia, preserved the history of a rapidly changing region, and broke barriers as a woman in literature. Her influence endures, reminding us that poetry is not just an art form—it is a means of recording, reflecting, and reshaping the world around us.

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Get to Know CMAA Washington Commissioners: Bill and Ellen Huls

The Huls family has been the clan commissioner for Clan MacNeil in Washington since 2001.  Bill put an inquiry in to see if there would be any clan representation at the Seattle Scottish Highland Games, and was told he was now it! His wife Ellen jumped in right away, creating booth materials out of pictures from their recent honeymoon trip to the Isle of Barra and handmade signage from clan material she bought online. For the last 20 years they've been traveling to various Northwest highland games, representing the clan proudly.  They are thrilled to meet new friends and share clan history, adjusting and adding to the booth as they learn more about the history.

Outside of the highland games Bill is the Artistic Director of Renton Civic Theater, a local nonprofit live theater organization that serves the South Puget Sound community. Ellen is a high school counselor.  They are of course very involved in the local performance community, but they also volunteer with a program that Ellen help start at her school to feed students on the weekends and recently throughout the pandemic. They also love camping around the northwest with their cairndoodle puppies Ceili and Melodi, who are better known as the Macneil Dragons.

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CMAA Commissioner in Nevada, Lowell Patton

Lowell Patton wears many hats within CMAA organizaiton: Clan Macneil Nevada Commissioner, Commissioner Coordinator, and Council Member

Lowell has been the Nevada Commissioner for Clan Macneil for over ten years.  He has arranged tents at the Reno Celtic Celebration and the Las Vegas Highland Games.  Clan Macneil held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Las Vegas Highland Games in 2019.  Lowell is a Past Chief of the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans and has delivered the Address to a Haggis as well as been the emcee for the Robert Burns Celebration that is regularly attended by over 400 people.

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Terry and Bonnie McNeill, Enjoying the Good Life!

Our Southern California commissioners are Bonnie and Terry McNeill. Bonnie is a retried nurse and worked at Loma Linda University Medical Centre for 40 years. Terry is a 38-year veteran of the Colton Fire Department who retired as Battalion Chief.

We are enjoying the good life traveling and exploring in our 40 ft. motorhome. We love to kayak. They take them whenever they travel - picture it: kayaks on top of the Jeep, Jeep pulled behind the motorhome.

Bonnie surprised Terry with a MacNeil kilt on his Birthday years ago which prompted him to look into his family history, which of course drew him in and had him very interested in all things Scottish. The Costa Mesa Games were their first Games and after attending, they were hooked on everything. The MacNeil Clan Commissioner at the time was was Kerux-David Neal. In Terry's words, "he was so knowledgeable and made us feel like family". As a result, Well we became co-commissioners and help David, in two years David retired and turned over the tent to us.

California has several Games, you can find Bonnie and Terry at The Queen Mary Games in Long Beach in February, the Costa Mesa Games in May and the Seaside Games in Ventura. Swing by their tent and say hello!

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Have you met Rochester Bob, CMAA’s New York Commissioner?

Scottish Armiger, Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Fellow of the Society of Antiquarians of Scotland, and 47th Recipient of the MacNeil order of Merit. I am currently a Member of Council, the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee and the Commissioner for Western New York. 

My wife Nikki and I were “rescued” by our senior English Cocker Spaniel, Hershey.  We love him!  I have been successful in my career of managing large-scale IT programs. In my free time, I enjoy serving As a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St Rita’s Roman Catholic Church, holding various leadership roles in the Knights of Columbus, traveling the world as much as I can, boating and sporting clays shooting.  And I have a wee passion for the Uisge Beatha. 

I love to meet new people and listen to their stories, and that’s why I love having a tent at the Scottish Games - it’s a great chance to learn about peoples’ sometimes complex family trees and to share the Clan’s history
 both fact and tradition!  I’ve met so many great people, both at the tent and in the Clan MacNeil Association, and we’re always looking for more MacNeils to share in the fun and to share about themselves. 

Bi gu math agus le deagh dhĂčrachd,

Rochester Bob McNeill

Have you met Rochester Bob, CMAA’s New York Commissioner? Read More »

Genealogy Records to Help You

Records and Sources

Once you've gathered as much information as possible from living family members, it's time to gather the evidence. With the basic info in hand, expand your research by looking for records such as census records, marriage licenses, and death certificates to verify and add to the information you already have. These records may also provide information that helps you get back to the 'next' generation.

Records on the Internet

FamilySearch.org

An excellent place to start researching on the Internet is the FamilySearch web site. This site is maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is a direct link into the Family History Library — the largest genealogical library in the world — in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Research has also been made easier with all the church records of Scotland having been placed on CD-ROM.

Ancestry.com

Ancestry.com is one of the most popular genealogy websites. It is not affiliated with any specific library, but it does have partnerships with several libraries and archives around the world. These partnerships allow Ancestry.com to digitize and make available online a wide range of historical records that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. Some of the archives and libraries that Ancestry.com has partnered with include the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the U.S. Census Bureau, the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, the British Library, and many others.

Online Records

Both sites, and many others, offer a variety of features and tools for researching genealogy. These include access to census records, vital records, immigration records, military records, and more. These records are sourced from archives and libraries around the world and are searchable by name, date, location, and other criteria.

As much as we love the conviences and ease of use that the internet provides, we do want to remind you to be careful using data from web sites. It's a good place for starting a map, but it is often inaccurate if you're looking an index. The first rule is always to check all data - go to the original source if possible.

Census Records

U.S. Census

Census records are a valuable resource for genealogy research as they can provide a wealth of information about your ancestors, including their names, ages, birthplaces, occupation, and family relationships. The United States census began in 1790 and is conducted every 10 years. The information recorded in the census has varied over time, with more detailed information being recorded in more recent censuses. For example, from 1790–1840, only the head of household was listed. Currently, the 1950 census is the most recent census that is publicly available due to the 72-year rule. For more information, check out the US Census Bureau website.

Scotland Census

The first national census in Scotland was taken in 1801. Since then, censuses have been taken every 10 years, with the exception of 1941. The most recent census available for Scotland is the 1911 census. The census records for Scotland are held by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) and are available for viewing at the NRS reading rooms in Edinburgh and at local archives throughout Scotland. Some census records have been digitized and are available online through resources such as Scotland's People. Scotland's People is a website run by the NRS and allows access to a wide range of genealogy records including census records, birth, marriage, and death records, wills, and military records.

Physical Visits

Visiting either the National Archives or the Family History Library gives you the opportunity to view some of the original, physical documents. Seeing the real document provides a sense of authenticity and connection to one's ancestors that can't be replicated online. Another bonus to visiting is the knowledgeable staff who can help with research or provide guidance on how to navigate the collections. If you ever have the chance, we certainly recommend visiting!

Family History Library (FHL)

The FHL is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is the largest genealogy library in the world. It is operated by the Family History Department of the LDS Church, and is open to the public free of charge. The FHL has an extensive collection of genealogy records, including census records, vital records, immigration records, military records, and more. The collection includes records from all over the world, but with a focus on the United States and Europe. The FHL also has a large collection of microfilmed and digitized records, including records that are not available online or in other libraries.

In addition to the FHL, the LDS Church also operates more than 4,900 Family History Centers around the world. These sites provide access to the FHL's microfilm and digital collections, as well as assistance from trained staff and volunteers. They are open to the public free of charge, though not all of them are open full-time.

The National Archives (NARA)

The United States has several locations where the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains facilities and archives. The main facility is the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., which houses the original copies of important documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

In addition to the main facility in Washington, D.C., the NARA operates several regional facilities across the country, including:

  • National Archives at Atlanta (Georgia)
  • National Archives at Boston (Massachusetts)
  • National Archives at Chicago (Illinois)
  • National Archives at Denver (Colorado)
  • National Archives at Fort Worth (Texas)
  • National Archives at Kansas City (Missouri)
  • National Archives at New York City (New York)
  • National Archives at Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
  • National Archives at Riverside (California)
  • National Archives at San Francisco (California)
  • National Archives at Seattle (Washington)

These regional facilities hold records from federal agencies and courts in the regions. They serve, and provide research and reference services to the public. Some also have exhibitions, educational programs, and other public events.

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