Alans
Dedicated Clansperson
Posts: 197
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Post by Alans on Mar 10, 2003 22:18:32 GMT -6
 This is just speculation based on a literal translation form the Gaelic, but the Gaelic nickname of Clan Camerons most famous fighter as distinct from chief( Black Ewen of the C17th is undoubtedly the greatest chief), almost certainly does not refer to any occupation as a tailor. He may have got this got this nick name from his battle skills ie. as a carver and shaper of his opponents flesh with his dreaded lochaber axe. The macIntoshes may have given him this grim tag. Of course he may have simply been a dark haired man who was an ex tailor turned warrior, but somehow I dont think so. Anyone out there who can further enlighten us? See Stewart of Ardvorlich's Clan history (abridged version online in reference selections drop box) for more details of the black tailor.
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Post by ChrisDoak on Mar 15, 2003 11:47:19 GMT -6
Hi Alans,
Whilst not being a great expert on this period,I note that in Stewart of Ardvorlich's book,he relates how Donald McEwan McConnell (aka Tailleur Dubh na Taighe),the illegitimate son of Ewan Beag (XIVth Chief),was nursed as a child by the wife of a Tailor,who lived neared Blar na cleireach,Lundavra.
It is possible that he learned the skills of a tailor during childhood,but whether he approved of his nickname I am not too sure.(The modern equivalent might be calling someone "a Big Jessie"!).Either way,it no doubt prevented the confusion of mixing him up with his uncle,Donald Dubh (XVth Chief),and his contemporary Donald Dubh McEwan,son of Ewan of Erracht.
Regards,Chris.
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Alans
Dedicated Clansperson
Posts: 197
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Post by Alans on Mar 26, 2003 4:31:29 GMT -6
Hello chris! yes I was only speculating a little, but as the son of a chief, bastard or not, who may well have been fostered out proably to a family headed by a warrior, I would think the nickname has other origins rather than merely the son of a dark haired tailor. The nearest decent tailor was probably in Inverness or Glasgow. The fact that he became one of Lochaber's greatest warriors and supposed progenitor of the Taylor sept would indicate that he did only one type of tailoring using the human body, as his medium, rather than cloth. regards Ailean glas!
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Post by lisa taylor on Aug 11, 2003 20:24:03 GMT -6
im form USA andtaylor would like about of clan.
famliy my came usa in 1930- or 1920
much thank you
lisa taylor
usa bellaire
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anne
New Member
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Post by anne on Sept 4, 2006 18:56:31 GMT -6
Hello, I also am a Cameron through my grandmother Kate Taylor. Her grandfather was from Fife and served under Nelson in the Battle of Trafalger. But we cannot find anything farter back. If you can help, please do. This site is very interesting, and I feel I am closer now that I know about the Black Taylor. Anne USA
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Post by gaelgal on Sept 10, 2006 21:57:51 GMT -6
Hi, Taylor! Well met, I am sure! I am a Taylor as well, but still learning my ancestry. This is a good place to meet good people!  |
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Post by gaelgal on Sept 10, 2006 22:03:02 GMT -6
Just a thought as I was reading the explanations on why he was called the black tailor... was there a chance he was burned in the fire / rescue incident and became black? Or perhaps like Cinderella he sat too close to the ashes his entire life and was sooty... I know, it's late here in Atlanta and I guess I'm a wee bit goofy with suggestions. I go for the dark haired Scot version of his Dubh name.
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