Hi everyone,
This may be a strange question, but was it common/normal for Scottish immigrants to America (in the 1780s or so) to switch to using their clan's name when they came to America rather than the surname they had previously used in Scotland? If so, why?
I ask because I'm trying to find my 4-times great grandfather's parents, and the best clue I have found is that it is possible that while he (Archibald Henry Henderson, b. about 1784) and all his brothers and sisters used the Henderson name in America, his parents (Archibald McKendrick, b. 1740, and Mary Drew Smith, who also seem to have immigrated) generally used the McKendrick surname (although at times Archibald Sr. is also shown as Archibald Henderson). I'm not sure if I've found the right parents for my great great great great grandfather, but so far most of the details line up with what I know about my Archibald Henry Henderson and his family. Any information regarding either Archibald, why the family would have switched names, or if this is even the right family to trace would be greatly appreciated!
If it helps any, my Archibald Henry Henderson (who went by Henry most of his life) came to NC around 1805, ultimately settling in the Canton area (Haywood County) of NC where he evidently farmed and ran a mill. His wife's name was Elizabeth Susan Sellars.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! - Stephanie