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Cotter / Dodd Family Reunion

Re: Cotter / Dodd Family Reunion

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 1:52AM GMT
Classification: Query
Hello Deborah,
The Cotter River and dam in the Brindabella Ranges is named after Garrett Cotter. Garrett and Michael Cotter may have been brothers, but I haven't seen any definite proof of a sibling relationship between them. However, I tend to think that it's possible as both came to Australia from the Fermoy region in Co. Cork, both were sons of a James Cotter, and various lines of Michael's descendants claim a relationship so, perhaps, the claim came from Michael himself?

There are however some things which don't support a sibling relationship. When Michael came to Australia, he was sent to "Tirranna" at Goulburn, and Garrett wasn't far away at Collector to the south of Goulburn, yet there doesn't appear to have been any contact between the two.

For example, in all the Christenings, Weddings, etc. of Michael and Garrett's children, none of the other "brother's" children acted as God Parents, Best Man, Bridesmaids, etc. which I would have expected amongst first cousins. Also, none of Michael's children were named Garrett, which would be expected if they were brothers, though Garrett did name his second son Michael (James was his first born).

So it remains possible that Garrett and Michael were brothers, but I haven't found any definite or conclusive proof of that relationship.

I think you might be a bit harsh on your Mum, the Cotter of Co. Cork were the descendants of the Sons of Ottar who were the kings of Dublin and who also controlled the Isle of Man (where they are still known as the MacCotters), and possibly also controlled Anglesey in Wales. Basically, they controlled the south Irish Sea from Dublin, Man and Anglesey till Brian Boru defeated them at Dublin, and the Welsh with a Scottish army drove them out of Anglesey.

They were also influential in the Scottish Hebrides and are associated with the clans McLeod and McLean.

The Ottars were Vikings from Norway, and they are the descendants of the Scylfings, the ancient royal family in Sweden (hence Ottar, from Ottar Vendelcrow). The Scylfings were based in Sweden but were driven out to Norway by the Goths (Geats) around 500 to 600 AD.

The "Sons of Ottar" Y-DNA project has proven the Norse origins of the Irish Cotters (see http://www.familytreedna.com/public/sonsofottar/default.aspx). Also of interest is the Wikipedia history of the Irish Cotters (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotter_family), and also Miriam Ellis's speculations on an Ottar, Uther, Arthur connection is interesting (see http://www.miriamellis.com/geneaology1.shtml). So, go and say sorry to Mum.

Cheers,
Dafydd Cotter

Re: Cotter / Dodd Family Reunion

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 11:37AM GMT
Classification: Query
Surnames: Cotter, Kelly, Cotter O'Brien
That all sounds very interesting Dafyyd. I shall read more on the weekend!! Thanks so much.

I did read up about Garrett (Cotter Dam) and it seems he was sent out there so that he wouldn't be able to mix with others and not get in any trouble!! Even though Golbourn & Yass were close ... maybe in those days it was a big trip. And then, not every brother gets on either. Especially if one has a bad reputation and the other is trying to buid one.

I am trying to find out who Mary is .. I've found one Mary O'Brien who married a Kelly. Makes me wonder if perhaps Mary Kelly was actually (nee O'Brien) and partly explains Lenny Cotter O'Brien.

Not sure you've seen this website .. thought you might find it interesting http://www.australiancemeteries.com/nsw/harden/galonghs.htm

Re: Cotter / Dodd Family Reunion

Posted: 9 Mar 2015 8:12PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Pam, I was wondering if there will be a future Cotter reunion as I missed the last one (I didn't know about it).. I would love to go to a "Cotter" reunion.. Thank you
Chris (Nee Cotter)

Re: Cotter / Dodd Family Reunion

Posted: 9 Mar 2015 8:40PM GMT
Classification: Query
Hi Chris,
Sorry but I haven't heard of a meeting. I also missed the last one.
Take care,
Pam

Re: Cotter / Dodd Family Reunion

Posted: 10 Mar 2015 8:05PM GMT
Classification: Query
Thank you for your reply.. If there are any more reunions of the Cotter/Dodd, could you please let me know
Thank you again
With kindest regards
Chris
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