Histories of Clan Macfie Societies


CLAN SOCIETIES HISTORIES

To support his request to the Lyon Court in the late 1960s/early 70s for Clan Macfie to again be recognised as an active Clan, Dr. Earl Douglas MacPhee, was asked, amongst other things, to identify areas of Clan population around the world and have Clan Societies formed in those areas as representative bodies of the respective clan members.

He attended to this relatively quickly in Canada with clan societies forming in a number of provinces in 1974. Simultaneously, a single clan society was formed in Australia. In due course the Canadians moved to become a national body (1995). To Earle’s surprise, however, he found societies containing Clan members already existed in Sweden (1937) and The United States of America – Coffey/Coffee (1937), Cathey (1951) and MacDuffee (1962).

Other Societies of Clan Macfie formed in Scotland (1977), Macfie in USA (1982) and New Zealand (1984) although this latter society traces its origins back some ten years before that date with an extended family group there actively supporting Dr. MacPhee’s proposal.

In the period following Dr. MacPhee’s death on 25th September 1982 and the appointment of the Clan’s second Ceann-Cath on 7th September 1989, Clan members met at Clan Parliaments convened by the Clan Societies in Nova Scotia (1983), Glasgow (1985), Nova Scotia (1987) and Inverness (1989). At the 1987 Clan Parliament it was agreed:

“That in order to be recognised and accepted by The Clan Parliament as a new society, said society shall have:
1.A recognised Clan Macfie name;
2.A requirement that all members be descended from a Macfie family or be attached to the same by marriage or adoption;
3.A minimum of 20 members;
4.Officers elected by a democratic process;
5.By-Laws governing its operation; and
6.At least a biennial financial accounting to its members of Society monies.
Further, the said society shall agree to abide by the Constitution and by-laws of the Parliament of Clan Macfie.”

This criteria is used by the present Ceann-Cath, Clan Commander Sandy McPhie in extending recognition to member Clan Societies of Clan Macfie.





THORBURN-MACFIE FAMILY SOCIETY – SWEDEN

The following brief account of a “Macfie” presence in Sweden and the formation of the Clan Macfie Society there was written by the Society’s President, Ulf Macfie Hagman, in late 2003. Ulf was responsible for repairing and re-erecting the Clan Macfie Standing Stone, “Carragh Mhic-a-Phi” on Colonsay in the 1970s. He served 30 years as Secretary of the Clan Society, followed by a further 15 years as it’s President. In July 1990 he was appointed as Commissioner for Clan Macfie in Sweden. Ulf handed over as President of the Thorburn-Macfie Family Society to Arne Wallin at the triennial general meeting in 2004. The Clan Society is scheduled to host the 16th International Gathering of Clan Macfie in Sweden in July 2007.

The first Thorburn who emigrated to Sweden was a merchant, William Thorburn, who arrived here in July 1823, together with wife, Jessy, born Macfie, and five children. William Thorburn was the eldest child of William Thorburn, tea merchant in Leith. (The father, William, had 18 children with two wives). The “Swedish” William was married to Jessy Macfie, daughter of Robert Macfie of Langhouse, sugar refiner of Greenock. One of William and Jessy’s daughters, Jessie, married William Andrew Macfie. They lived in Grennock for some years, but then they emigrated to Sweden in 1845. They did buy an estate, called “Anfasterod”, situated about 22km (13˝ miles) south of Uddevalla. Later on the eldest son, Robert Macfie inherited the estate. The estate is still there, but owned by new, not known, people. The great house was burnt by an accident about 20 years ago, but was rebuilt in the same style, though somewhat smaller. Agard Hagman, grandfather of Clan Society President Ulf Macfie Hagman, married Violet Macfie in 1893. In May 1894 his father, Sidney M. Hagman, was born. Agard was a Civil Engineer. Ulf’s father studied Chemistry, and was a Dr. of Philosophy, and had work in chemistry all the time. Then it was Ulf’s arrival in 1927 who became a Mechanical Engineer.

In 1923 the descendants gathered at the estate “Kasen” in Uddevalla, the estate which William Thorburn did buy in 1822 and where he settled in 1823. They had a kind of centennial to the first settling in Sweden. Then nothing happened until 1937 when a few Thorburns and Macfies met and the idea came up to start a Family Society. In 1938 they had the first Family Reunion. Then we have had Reunions every third year on the first Saturday in July (roughly the day of the first Scottish family arriving at Uddevalla). The family Society issues one newsbulletin every year. It is called SLÄKTRONIKAN (The Family Chronicle) most of it written in Swedish.





CATHEY REUNION ASSOCIATION – U.S.A.

Planning for the first reunion of the Catheys began in 1950 under the inspiration of Mrs. Fannie Cathey (also known as “Aunt Fannie”). Aunt Fannie had a vital interest in the Catheys in that she married a Cathey and her mother was a Cathey. Together with brothers, Dick and Lewis Cathey of Gastonia, NC, these three “Cathey cousins” organized the first reunion which was held at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church on August 5, 1951. The registration was 350 with out-of-state cousins coming from Missouri, Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

The Charter for the organization was adopted at the first gathering and is still in effect today (2004). A unique feature of the charter is that there are no membership dues – making it more of a family approach rather that a business approach. There are no “invitations” to the gatherings – they are called “Notices” and all relatives and their carefully selected guests/visitors are welcomed. Older persons coming from a distance many times need close friends to provide transportation and some care.

Reunions are held on the first Saturday of August on odd years. In 1987 we had our first major emphasis on genealogy. One of the goals of the CRA is “to extend to all Catheys and their descendants the information which has been collected” and organized for preservation.

One of the key means of communication for the “members” is an annual newsletter, called “Cathey Kith and Kin”. Mr. Frederick Alexander Cathey, Jr. (aka “Dick Cathey”) edited and published this newsletter from its inception until his death in 1984. Both Dick and his brother, Lewis, died that year. Aunt Fannie died in 1965 in Mecklenburg County, NC. Boyt Cathey replaced Dick with the 1985 issue. Boyt is a grandson of Aunt Fannie and continues the Kith & Kin responsibility.

A project headed by Lewis Cathey was the restoration of the grave marker of Jean Cathey (1692-1777) located in the cemetery of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church (near Charlotte, NC). Jean may have been born a Cathey (no one knows for sure). We do know that she was the wife of George Cathey who probably died near Salisbury, North Carolina. George is the ancestor of many Americans including Senator Elizabeth Hanford Dole of North Carolina. Elizabeth is the wife of former Senator Bob Dole, of Kansas. It is interesting that Mrs. Dole resides in the area where her ancestor, George Cathey, lived out his last days.

Back to Jean’s marker: In order to preserve the ancient marker a new and larger granite marker was procured and the restored marker was embedded in it. The original marker is now protected from the atmospheric pollution and weather of the 21st Century.

A computer database is sponsored by the CRA and is an extremely valuable tool for Catheys and allied families of the United States and Canada. A database for Cathies/Catheys of Britain has also been developed; however it has not been maintained. Current President of the Clan Society is Charles Edwards of Knoxville, TN





The MacDuffee Clan Society of America Inc. of Clan Macfie

When a group of interested descendants decided to have an organisational meeting at Grandfather Mountain, N.S. in July 1962, it was held in the hope that a body could be formed essentially to foster the preservation of our Scottish heritage, provide for the exchange of information on the genealogy of the various branches of the family, provide a central agency for recording family matters, and to provide a means for social exchange and friendships to the members. Under the leadership for Convener Allen MacDuffie, these efforts culminated in incorporation in the District of Columbia as the MacDuffee Clan of America, Inc. on December 11, 1968. The name of the Clan Society was changed to MacDuffee/Macfie Clan Society of America, Inc. on July 12, 1992. The name was subsequently changed again to The MacDuffee Clan Society of America Inc. of Clan Macfie. The current President of the Clan Society is Thomas A. MacDuffie of Carrollton, GA

It was felt that the place of incorporation would favour none of the 50 states and the spelling of the name was a composite spelling to appeal to the many variations. In his history of this Clan, Dr. Earle D. MacPhee says there are 40 or 50 different spellings of the name which have developed down through the centuries. Many people abbreviated the name of MacDuffie to McPhee, MacPhee, MacFie, McFee. Other spellings from Ulster included McAfee, MacAfee, and Mahaffy.

Since incorporation, the annual meetings have been held at Grandfather Mountain, Linville, N.C. on the second weekend of each July, in connection with the colourful and world renowned Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Here, in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Clan Society is a co-sponsor of the games each year and provides a dinner meeting for the members to conduct the business of the Society, fellowship, exchange of information, and enjoyment of the festivities, sports and entertainment. Any member may attend these Society meetings.

The Society Genealogy Chairman provides a central source of ancestor charts on each member. Also, many of the Clan Society members are accomplished genealogists and are working constantly on research projects and articles.

The workhorse of our communications to members throughout the year is “Clan Chatter”, an informal type newsletter. This provides the membership with news and serves as a medium through which the members can publish articles as to our history and heritage.

All officers serve on a voluntary basis and devote many unselfish hours to Clan affairs. Each member will receive a Certificate of Membership, a Clan insignia, a copy of the Clan Society By-Laws, mailings of each regular Society publication, an opportunity to participate in all Clan sponsored events, and all rights and privileges of membership. Any new member must be sponsored by an existing member in good standing. Application forms are available from the Clan Society Secretary. There are five classes of membership – Founding Member, Life Member, Member (over 30), Jr. Member (30 and under) and Associate Member.

All descendants of persons bearing any of the Clan Macfie surnames or any other spellings derived from, and including but not limited to, the following are eligible for membership – MacDuffee, MacFie, MacAfee, MacPhee, MacGuffey, Duffee and Fee. All persons directly connected by marriage with, or descended from, or adopted by, persons bearing these surnames are also eligible. Associate membership is reserved for those who have performed a special service for the Clan Society.





THE MACFIE CLAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA

The Society was founded in 1981. H.R. Scott McPhee was marching in the Clan Parade at the Grandfather Mountain, N.C. Highland Games alone when Bill James, whose wife Bobbie was a McFee, saw him and stepped in to join him as they marched around the field proudly holding the MACFIE banner. After discussions between the two, Scott along with his wife Marvene, formed the Society then called “The Macfie Clan Society of North America”. The first Treasurer of the society was Marvene McPhee, wife of Scott. The first Vice President was Lance McAfee. It was announced in OBAN SCOTLAND at the MACFIE Parliament meeting in September 2000 that the word “NORTH” be dropped from our name. The proposed name change was approved by the Society at their annual general meeting on October 20, 2001 In Stone Mountain GA.

Charter members were:
Chester Riddoch MacPhee
Doug Donn and Mrs. Donn
Helen Gould Fee
Thomas J, Fee
Francis Ann Harpe
Richard Hitchings
Bobbie McFee James
William Godfrey James
Alexander Sandy MacPhee
Catherine MacPhee
Donald MacPhee
John Richard McFee
 H.R. Scott McPhee
Marvene McPhee
George Barclay Ross
Margaret Ross
Matthew Gilles Ross
Louise McDuffie Wade
William Edward Wade
Boughton Marshall
James Preston McAfee
Linda Rabun McAfee
Kenneth Rhea McFee
Anne C. Guffey Hyland
 John Roy Methven
Alexander Hector McPhee
Cynthia McPhee
David Raymond McPhee
Gene Boyer Fee
Phebe Fee
Charles McFee
Furman Bonnel McFee, Jr.
Ruby McFee
Diane MacPhee Krugh
Skipton Altiman McPhee


H.R. Scott McPhee was President of the clan for the first eight years and was succeeded by Ray McFee who served for one year with Jeanie McFee as the treasurer during his tenure. Vice President was Bill James. . Jim McAfee was elected President in October 1994, Ginger McAfee (Jims wife) was elected as Treasurer and Kenny McFee as Vice President. Kenny McFee died in 2000, and Archie McAfee was elected to fill the position of Vice President.

Membership records of the Society were brought up to date and computerized in 1995. Norrie MacPhee was appointed as Membership chairman in 1999 and passed away in December 2003. Diane Swenson succeeded him.

The following are some of the games where the Society has proudly convened a MACFIE CLAN tent

Santa Rosa, CA.
Kansas City, MO
Glasgow, KY
Grand Fort
Stone Mountain, GA
Alma, MI
 Estes Park, CO
Nashville, TN
Zephyrhills, FL
Gatlinburg, TN
Red Springs, NC
Ft Worth, TX
 Tucson, AZ
Paducah, KY
Cumberland Gap, TN
Middle Tennessee
Culloden, GA
Blairsville, GA

The Clan was Honor Clan at Stone Mountain 1998, Cumberland Gap, 2003 and Zephyrhills, 2004.

The Macfie Society was an original clan convener at Estes Park, CO, Culloden, GA, Zephyrhills, FL. Cumberland Gap, TN, Paducah, KY, & Blairsville, GA.

Clan members have served or are serving on the Games committee for the following; Nashville – Jim McAfee, Zephyrhills – Cliff McDuffie, Stone Mountain – David McDuffie – Blairsville, Jim P. McAfee

The Clan has participated in the Moultrie, GA Scottish Weekend with members present there, Lena and Archie McAfee, Bill and Barbara Morris.

The clan has been honoured by winning Clan Challenges and Best Clan tent by winning numerous times.

The MACFIE CLAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA acted as host for two International Gatherings of Clan Macfie, one at Stone Mountain, GA in 1995 and the second at Gatlinburg, TN in 2003.



THE MACFIE CLAN SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA

In April 1973 Dr. MacPhee wrote to “The Australian” newspaper seeking to make contact with Clan members in Australia. Three responded. At Dr. MacPhee’s request the then Flight Lieutenant Alexander (Sandy) McPhie at RAAF Base, Richmond in New South Wales agreed to form a Clan Macfie Society in Australia. This Society came into being on the 4th May 1974 when 28 of 31 Macfies approached agreed to its formation. Sandy McPhie was its convenor and became its first President, continuing in that office until 1998 when he handed over to Brian McPhee who in turn handed over to the present President, Bernie McPhee of 30 Wilson Street, Oakleigh, Vic, 3166 at the Biennial General Meeting in May 2004.

The Clan Society was originally known as The McPhee Clan of Australia. This was later changed to reflect the official Clan name of Macfie and the body’s correct status as being a Clan Society, not a Clan. A Newsbulletin was introduced to keep members abreast of developments within the Society. Originally a quarterly publication, Issue No. 1 was dated 11th May 1974. Now three copies are issued each year, No. 97 being dated March 2004.

The Society is organised on a national basis with a Biennial General Meeting being held in even years, usually in May, in State capitals by rotation. A Clan dinner is normally held in conjunction with the BGM. They are the only regular meetings and social functions held by the Clan Society, although State Vice-Presidents of the Society often hold functions in their own areas.

Initially, membership numbers grew slowly. In 1978 a mailing was made to all Macfies, by whatever spelling, in the Australian telephone directories. Over 800 invitation-to-join letters were sent with membership numbers increasing from some 150 in 1975 to over 450 in 1979, a number maintained since then.

When the Society first formed little was known of the number of Macfies in Australia or when they arrived here. Norah McPhee and Margaret Phee of Sydney commenced searching shipping records for details - a task still continuing to-day with a number of researchers under the leadership of Trevor Phee of Hamilton, N.S.W.. The large number of ships coming to Australia in the 19th century carried a comparatively large number of Clan members as migrants. Most of this shipping arrival information is now documented and has been supplemented in many instances with family and personal histories and anecdotes provided by Clan members throughout the country. It is hoped to consolidate all shipping and history data for publication in a year or two.

The Society has been a strong supporter of Clan Macfie from the outset, Society and family groups frequently meeting or attending Highland Games and other Scottish functions. Contact is maintained with other Clan Societies of Clan Macfie around the world and with a number of other Clans or Scottish organisations within Australia. Many members have travelled overseas for Clan Gatherings and Parliaments or just to visit Colonsay, the Clan homeland.

In 1976 Victor McPhie of Dalby, Q’ld., became the first Clan member in Australia to receive a Grant of Arms from the Lyon Court in Edinburgh. This was followed quickly by Grants to Charles Macphee, now deceased, of Melbourne, Vic., and A. L. (Sandy) McPhee of Mt. Vincent, N.S.W., the present Clan Commissioner in Australia. Hector McPhie of Toowoomba, Q’ld., matriculated Arms from those of his brother, Victor, and these were in turn inherited undifferenced by A. C. (Sandy) McPhie, the present Clan Commander, when his father died. Charles Macphee, along with Ulf Macfie Hagman of Sweden, was instrumental in having the Mhic-a-Phi Standing Stone on Colonsay where our last Chief died, repaired and maintained.

Clan/Clan Society members in Australia have been successful in many walks of life be it politics, business, industry, the professions or sporting. Their contribution overall is one of which we can all be proud and to which we can all add in the future. Why not join the Clan Society to-day and participate directly in this continuing and expanding story? Ian McPhee of Brookvale, Sydney, N.S.W., was elected President of the Clan Society at the Biennial General Meeting in Melbourne, Vic., in May 2006.



COFFEY/COFFEE REUNION ASSOCIATION – U.S.A.

(The surname spellings Coffey and Coffee were recognised as acceptable Clan Macfie surnames by the late Dr. Earle Douglas MacPhee, the Clan’s first Ceann-Cath or Clan Commander. This recognition has been continued by the Clan’s present Ceann-Cath, A. C. (Sandy) McPhie. The surname has fairly wide usage in the United States where two Coffey/Coffee organisations have been established. The Coffey/Coffee Reunion Association based in Texas has been granted recognition as an Affiliated Clan Society of Clan Macfie. It does not meet all the criteria for full recognition. The Coffey Cousins Clearinghouse based in Jefferson City, MO. has not sought recognition as a member Clan Society.)

In 1937, Woodson Coffee Sr. oldest son of Mansel and Georgiana Reynolds Coffee decided that it was not good for the family to gather only at funerals and weddings. He told his six brothers and one sister to bring their spouse, children, and grandchildren to his ranch outside of Miami, Texas for a gathering. Everyone brought food and enjoyed a good visit on the banks of the river under the shade of the big cottonwood trees. About 50 people attended.

Before World War II, Woodson sold the ranch and moved into Amarillo, Texas. The gathering was then held in a large park. There were often 200 or more people at the Sunday afternoon picnic and the food was wonderful. During the war, any military service men or women who were in the park were encouraged to join with the family. We all invited the visiting service people from church to join us also and drove them with our family to the park. The home cooked food was a wonderful thing for them.

Through the years families moved farther and farther away. The numbers to attend began to dwindle. In the late 1990's, it was decided to move the Reunion to another city. San Antonio, Texas was tried and we had 80 people in attendance. Now the meeting place is a city other than Amarillo, every other year. Our 2004 gathering had about 40 people to enjoy the culture and fun of Fort Worth, Texas.

We began as a core family but have expanded to include anyone named Coffee or Coffey, or anyone who wants to be a part of our group. We have no membership dues , newsletter, constitution, or by?laws. Our finances are handled by donations received in an old cowboy campfire coffee pot. Our officers are chosen each year and usually from the people who live in the host city. Even though Woodson Coffee Sr. is long gone, it is usually the oldest surviving member of the family who "tells" us that "you will attend" if it is humanly possible, and we do.