I've often wondered when I would have time to explore the history of our Graham Clan. My brief attempts to understand the Scottish clan history and to embrace the culture that is so carefully preserved in the U.S through Highland Games and other festivities have left me confused, but still very interested.
The section of our family that resides in Pomeroy, WA, and surrounding areas, has been diligent in keeping interest alive. There are those who have scoured the records to try to determine the family lineage beyond William and Mary (Puckett) Graham, who are buried in the old cemetery at Pomeroy. We are descended from them, but so far there is no proof of who his Graham forebears might have been, despite the dedicated efforts of cousins Kathleen Fitzsimmons and Shirley Johnson. This surprised me as I had thought my records incomplete and planned to ask Shirley how to obtain the rest of the genealogy file.
The annual Graham-Fine Family Reunion was held on June 26 in the little village of Kamiah, Idaho on the Nez Perce Reservation. We heard this time that "we're pretty sure" that William was the son of James Graham, but no paper proof has been identified, so the mystery remains unsolved. There was talk of Ireland and assurance that we are "Scotch-Irish" because Grahams originated in Scotland and then moved into Ireland.
The discussions are interesting and lively at these reunions, not always "on track" with the agenda topic, but definitely an important part of an event that feels like "family"! The shared stories lend new flavor and excitement to what we know, or suspect, our ancestors and relatives might have been up to. I'm grateful to those who work tirelessly on the genealogical mysteries, those who host and prepare for the annual reunion, and those who serve as officers of the group. They do the important work that benefits all descendants and their families.
For those readers who are descendants of Lester and Pearl Smith: We are "Grahams" through Lester's mother. The lineage is: William and Mary Graham, their daughter Ludicia "Louisa" and her husband John Clear; their daughter Margaret and her husband Luther Smith; their son Lester and his wife Pearl (Carlisle) Smith.
Next year the reunion will be at Pomeroy, WA. Date to be announced, but probably sometime in July. In 2012, we'll probably be at Athena, OR during the Highland Games.
