DAVID FORSYTH AND THE BATTLE OF FLODDEN

Five hundred and twelve years ago on 9 September 1513, in the fields near Branxton in Northumberland one of the greatest disasters in Scottish history took place. The Battle of Flodden.  Along with King James IV, much of his nobility and thousands of soldiers were killed. 

Among those who stood beneath the royal banner was David Forsyth of Carvichtoun. The Exchequer Rolls of Scotland note simply but powerfully:

“David Forsyth, who died in the conflict of Flodden under the banner of the late King James IV.” (Exchequer Rolls, Vol. 14,

In 1519–20, years after Flodden, the records show that David Forsyth’s son, also named David, was finally granted sasine — legal possession of his father’s lands. The entry reads:

“… sasine was given at Edinburgh, 28 January, to David Forsyth, son and heir of the late David Forsyth, who died at Flodden.”

To take up his inheritance, the younger David had to pay a relief — a feudal fee owed to the Crown by heirs. It was a solemn transaction: a son reclaiming his father’s place, not only in land but in memory.

The grief of Flodden found its way into song and ballad. Among the most famous is The Flowers of the Forest, a haunting lament that speaks of the young men who never returned:

“We’ll hear nae mair lilting at our yowe-milking,
Women and bairns are dowie and wae.
Sighing and moaning on ilka green loaning,
The Flowers of the Forest are a’ wede away.”

Though composed later (with versions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries), the song carries the sorrow of Flodden’s aftermath — villages left without their sons, Scotland bereft of its leaders. To this day, The Flowers of the Forest is played at memorials, funerals, and on Remembrance Day, a lasting echo of 1513.

Are you a descendant of Forsyths?
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Thomas Forsyth and the Lands of Struthers (1642)

Sometimes, a name tucked into a legal document opens a window into the lives of our Forsyth ancestors. Such is the case with Thomas Forsyth, who appears in a royal charter dated 9 August 1642, recorded in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland.

In this charter, King Charles I confirmed a grant of lands to Joanni Sutherland of Kinsterie, including territories in the regality of Kinloss, Moray. Among the lands described are the lands of Struthers, and notably, a small adjoining parcel that had once been occupied by “Rob. Torries and Thomas Forsyth, alias Cowie.”

This reference may seem minor, but it tells us several things:

• Thomas Forsyth was active in this region of northern Scotland in the early 17th century.

• His alias, “Cowie,” likely refers to a territorial connection—a hamlet or estate name, possibly indicating where he came from or was associated with.

• The land he occupied was valuable enough to be noted in a royal confirmation of property, showing the Forsyths had a presence in matters of landholding or tenancy tied to the noble families of the time.

Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Volume 9, Charter No. 1270 (page 453), dated 1642.

🔍 Why It Matters

Records like this don’t just list property—they show where people lived, whom they were associated with, and how they were woven into the broader fabric of Scottish society. While Thomas Forsyth may not have been the noble recipient of this grant, his name endures in the legal memory of the land, and through it, we get a glimpse of the Forsyths in 17th-century Scotland.

Are you a descendant of Forsyths?
🔗 Join Clan Forsyth Society USA to explore your heritage and connect with others researching the Forsyth name across the centuries!

A FORSYTH WITH A BADGE: THE WILD WEST LIFE OF DEPUTY JOE

A Forsyth with a Badge: The Wild West Life of Deputy Joe

When I hear the name Forsyth, I think of my grandfather, Scotland, and the sound of bagpipes—not shootouts and outlaws in the American West. But sometimes Forsyth history comes with spurs and six-shooters.

While reviewing old family papers collected by Eddie Forsyth, I stumbled on a letter that opened the door to one of the most colorful Forsyths I’ve ever researched—Joseph Forsyth, U.S. Marshal, deputy sheriff, and frontier lawman. From Kentucky to Texas and New Mexico, Joe faced bandits, gamblers, and desperados... and lived to tell the tale (barely).

His story includes newspaper clippings of gunfights, manhunts, undercover assignments, and even a gold medal awarded by the New Mexico government.

🔍 Want to know what finally ended his career—or if it ever really did?

👉 Read the full story in the April 2018 issue of the Griffin Newsletter. This is one Forsyth tale you don’t want to miss!

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THE LEGACY OF WILLIAM WALLACE

William Wallace, one of Scotland’s most enduring national heroes, was born around 1270. His first known act in the Wars of Scottish Independence occurred in May 1297, when he assassinated William Heselrig, the English-appointed Sheriff of Lanark. Soon after, Wallace joined forces with fellow patriot Andrew de Moray.

That same year, the English occupied Stirling Castle. Wallace and Moray, familiar with the surrounding terrain, used the high ground—now home to the National Wallace Monument—to monitor enemy movements. On 11 September 1297, the Scots achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, though the triumph was bittersweet. Andrew de Moray was mortally wounded in battle and died two months later.

In the aftermath of Stirling Bridge, Wallace was knighted and named Guardian of Scotland, acting in the name of the deposed King John Balliol.

However, the tide soon turned. At the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, Wallace’s forces were overwhelmed by the English. Though he survived, the defeat led to his resignation as Guardian. He left Scotland for a time, returning around 1304.

Tragically, Wallace’s fight ended in betrayal. On 5 August 1305, he was captured near Glasgow by Scottish nobleman John Menteith and handed over to the English. Tried and found guilty of treason, Wallace was executed in London on 23 August 1305.

Although there's no firm evidence that Forsyths fought alongside Wallace at Stirling Bridge or Falkirk, the clan was certainly present in the region during that era. By the early 14th century, Forsyths were active under Robert the Bruce, with some rising to prominent local roles around Stirling Castle and Sauchie—territories deeply tied to the Wars of Independence..

📍 Source: The National Wallace Monument
🔗 William Wallace – National Wallace Monument

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The Remarkable Journey of Samuel Douglas Forsyth: From Virginia to Venezuela

You can read the full article written by Jason Richardson in the July 2023 issue of The Griffin

Samuel Douglas Forsyth, born around 1780 in Virginia, led a life full of adventure, transformation, and unexpected twists. Little is known about his early years, but records first surface in 1807 when he served as a Surgeon’s Mate to U.S. General James Wilkinson. However, Forsyth’s time in the military was short-lived, as he resigned from his post in 1808. Afterward, his life appears to have quieted for a time—until he reemerged in 1811, practicing medicine in Rapides, Louisiana. By then, Forsyth was already plotting his next move: Nacogdoches, Texas.

But this would prove to be just a stepping stone. Forsyth’s true journey began when he ventured to South America, where the winds of revolution were sweeping the continent. His role as a supporter of South American independence came into focus as he joined the Gutierrez-Magee Expedition of 1812–1813—an early filibustering effort against Spanish Texas. This was a bold move, as Forsyth found himself involved in the rising tensions between Mexico and Spain, alongside U.S. volunteers led by Augustus Magee and Mexican Republicans under Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara.

From Mexico to Venezuela: A Revolution’s Call

Forsyth’s commitment to independence didn't stop in Mexico. In 1813, he joined General José Alvarez de Toledo’s rebel army and eventually found his way to Venezuela. In 1816, during the height of the independence struggle, Forsyth was appointed as both a colonel and physician in Simon Bolívar’s army. Bolívar himself took note of Forsyth’s contributions, writing in a letter dated February 13, 1816:

"The bearer of this letter is Dr. Forsyth who I beg leave to recommend to your notice and protection."

This personal recommendation from Bolívar hints at Forsyth’s growing importance in the Venezuelan revolution. As a key figure in the struggle for freedom, Forsyth’s medical expertise, coupled with his military service, made him indispensable to Bolívar's forces.

Building a Legacy in Venezuela

After the revolution, Forsyth settled in Caracas, where his influence continued to expand. In addition to acquiring mercantile stores previously owned by Royalists, he became a key intermediary between the U.S. and the Venezuelan government, negotiating arms deals for Bolívar’s army. Forsyth also founded a real estate company—Lemmon, Forsyth, and Beste—and served as an interpreter for visiting U.S. officials, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in post-revolutionary Venezuela.

In 1819, Forsyth acted as an interpreter for U.S. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during his visit to Venezuela. Perry, who was negotiating an anti-piracy treaty with Bolívar’s government, stayed at Forsyth’s home while in Angostura. Unfortunately, during the return voyage to the U.S., tragedy struck: Perry succumbed to yellow fever, and Forsyth found himself treating the crew members, despite contracting the illness himself. Perry’s death made headlines, and Forsyth’s pivotal role in the situation was noted in the Evening Post of New York.

Diplomacy and the U.S. Mission

Forsyth’s diplomatic skills continued to serve him well. In 1820, he was dispatched with Manuel Torres to the U.S. to secure arms for Bolívar’s forces. In a meeting with President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, Forsyth and Torres negotiated successfully, avoiding the intimidation tactics often used by their contemporaries. The diplomatic mission further solidified Forsyth’s standing, and in 1824, he hosted a dinner in Caracas for Bolívar, during which a portrait of George Washington was prominently displayed—likely one Forsyth acquired during his time in the U.S. or received as a gift from Commodore Perry.

The Final Years and Legacy

In the years that followed, Forsyth’s life in Venezuela remained one of growing influence and family. In 1826, he purchased a historic property, La Casa de Solorzano, which would later become the Museo de Arte Colonial Quinta de Anauco, a museum dedicated to Venezuela’s colonial history. Forsyth’s personal and professional legacy continued to evolve until his death in 1841.

Forsyth’s final resting place is at the British Cemetery in Caracas, where he is remembered not just as a U.S. citizen, but as a true participant in Venezuela’s revolutionary history. His life—from Virginia to Louisiana, Mexico, and ultimately Venezuela—offers a powerful narrative of dedication to a cause greater than oneself, spanning continents and histories.

A Lasting Legacy: Samuel Douglas Forsyth’s journey is a testament to the global spirit of revolution and the connections that shaped the course of history. His contributions in both the medical and diplomatic spheres during Venezuela’s fight for independence are still remembered today, and his story reminds us of the many unsung figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the world we know.

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William Forsyth: A 16th-Century Edinburgh Official

Every so often, the historical record gives us a glimpse of a Forsyth whose role reached into the heart of Scottish civic life. One such man was William Forsyth, who served as a customs officer—or more precisely, a custumar—in Edinburgh during the 1570s.

In a volume of Scottish financial records, we find:

“Forsyth, William, renders account of the custumar of Edinburgh…”
Dated 1 November 1574, the entry refers to a 4-month period of accounting from 15 August to 15 December 1573, during which William Forsyth handled duties on behalf of Robert Watsoun, who had resigned the post.

📦 What Was a "Custumar"?

In 16th-century Scotland, a custumar was an official responsible for collecting customs duties—fees paid on goods entering or leaving ports or markets. This position involved oversight of trade, taxation, and public finance. It was not a minor role, especially in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and economic hub.

Forsyth’s duties involved major commodities such as:

• Wool and cloth (including 3 lasts, 3 sacks of wool, and 9661 dozen woollen cloths)

• Woolfells (sheepskins with wool attached—an important export product)

The total customs and duties accounted for during his brief term amounted to over £268, a substantial sum at the time.

💡 Why This Matters

This 1574 record places a Forsyth at the administrative center of Scottish commerce, responsible for managing and reporting large volumes of trade. It confirms that Forsyths were not only landholders and soldiers—but also played important roles in the early Scottish economy and governance.

Whether William Forsyth was appointed temporarily or was a trusted substitute during a transition, his presence in this record is a mark of status, literacy, and trustworthiness in a time when such positions were reserved for respected men.

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📖 Source: Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, Vol. 20 (Entry for Edinburgh, p. 150–151)

William Forsyth-Grant and Ecclesgreig Castle

William Forsyth-Grant: From Montreal to a Scottish Castle

William Forsyth was born on 10 February 1804 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and baptized there on 11 March 1804. He was the son of John Forsyth and Margaret Grant.

Marriage and Family

William married his first cousin, Eweretta Jane Forsyth, daughter of Joseph Forsyth of Kingston, Upper Canada, likely before the birth of their first child in 1836. Together, they had six children:

1. Frederick Grant Forsyth (1836–1912)

2. Ann Gregory Forsyth-Grant Brigstocke (1839–1921)

3. John Joseph Forsyth (1840–1884)

4. William Forsyth-Grant (1843–1921)

5. Alice Ewertta Forsyth-Grant (1844–1924)

6. George James Forsyth-Grant (1847–1920)

A New Name and a Castle Inheritance

William later changed his name to Forsyth-Grant in order to inherit the estate of his maternal uncle, Frederick Grant. This estate, originally called Mount Cyrus, was located near St. Cyrus in Kincardineshire, Scotland. William renamed it Ecclesgreig Castle, a grand structure built from the remains of the old Mount Cyrus House in 1844.

In the 1841 census, William (age 35), listed as a merchant, was living at Mount Cyrus with his uncle. By 1851, he was head of household at Ecclesgreig Castle, listed as a “Landed Proprietor.”

Later Life and Death

In the 1861 census, William was living in Fritwell, Oxfordshire, England, still head of household. He passed away on 18 October 1863, and is memorialized at Ecclesgreig Burial Ground in St. Cyrus. Probate for his estate was granted on 11 May 1864 in England.

Legacy

Ecclesgreig Castle remains a notable landmark in Aberdeenshire, with local lore suggesting it may have inspired Bram Stoker’s depiction of Dracula’s castle. Through his inheritance and name change, William Forsyth-Grant cemented the Forsyth connection to this historic site.

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 Sources

1) Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records

2) The Encyclopedia of Canada

3) Scotland Census 1841, 1851

4) England Census 1861

The Act of Proscription: A Blow to Highland Culture—and the Forsyths Felt It Too

The Act of Proscription: A Blow to Highland Culture—and the Forsyths Felt It Too

When we think of cultural oppression, we often look to sweeping laws that target identity, expression, and tradition. For the Scottish Highlands, one of the most infamous examples was the Act of Proscription of 1746, a direct response to the Jacobite uprising and a calculated effort to dismantle the Highland way of life.

What Was the Act of Proscription?

Passed in the wake of the Battle of Culloden (April 16, 1746)—the final and brutal defeat of the Jacobite forces—the Act of Proscription began on August 1, 1746.  It was designed to suppress any future rebellion by stripping Highlanders of their ability to arm or distinguish themselves culturally.

The Act included:

• A ban on wearing Highland dress, such as kilts and tartan.

• A prohibition on bearing arms without a royal license.

• Harsh penalties, including imprisonment and transportation (forced exile), for violators.

• An expansion of earlier laws, like the Disarming Act of 1715, which had followed the first Jacobite rising.

It was not simply a military tactic—it was cultural erasure. The law aimed to destroy clan loyalty and dismantle the Highland clan structure by weakening its symbols and traditions.

The Act’s Impact on Highland Families

The penalties for breaking the law were severe. A first offense for wearing tartan meant six months in prison; a second offense brought transportation to the colonies for seven years. This caused lasting trauma, leading many Highland families to hide their heritage or emigrate.

Clan leaders who had once rallied under banners of shared identity now faced the dismantling of their communities. The loss of Highland dress wasn’t just aesthetic—it was spiritual, ancestral, and political.

Were the Forsyths Affected?

While the Forsyths were a Lowland clan, they weren’t isolated from the impact of the Act of Proscription.

• Some Forsyths lived in Highland fringe areas, including Moray and Banffshire, where the line between Highland and Lowland identity blurred.

• Forsyths who supported the Jacobite cause—either directly or through sympathies—would have seen their kin suffer under the Act's penalties.

• The cultural shift and crackdown on Scottish identity affected all Scots who valued their heritage. Even Forsyths who weren’t Highlanders by geography were Highlanders by spirit.

It’s worth noting that many Forsyth families emigrated to North America in the years following the Jacobite defeat, joining a wave of displaced Scots looking for freedom to preserve their traditions—and start anew.

Reclaiming What Was Lost

The Act of Proscription was repealed in 1782, but by then, much of the damage had been done. Entire generations had grown up without their ancestral dress or clan gatherings.

The Repeal went as follows:

“Listen Men. This is bringing before all the Sons of the Gael, the King and Parliament of Britain have forever abolished the act against the Highland Dress; which came down to the Clans from the beginning of the world to the year 1746. This must bring great joy to every Highland Heart. You are no longer bound down to the unmanly dress of the Lowlander. This is declaring to every Man, young and old, simple and gentle, that they may after this put on and wear the Truis, the Little Kilt, the Coat, and the Striped Hose, as also the Belted Plaid, without fear of the Law of the Realm or the spite of the enemies.”

 Today, Scottish clans—including the Clan Forsyth Society USA—celebrate what was once forbidden. We wear our tartan with pride, share our history openly, and honor those who endured the efforts to silence their identity.

Are You a Forsyth Descendant?

The Forsyth story—like Scotland’s—is one of resilience. Join us to reconnect with your roots and help keep our history alive.

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Forsyths of the US Revolutionary War

Carolyn Forsyth Smith, an officer of the Clan Forsyth Society USA, conducted extensive genealogical research into Forsyth family members who served in the American Revolution. Her efforts uncovered 31 Forsyths (with spelling variations such as Forsythe and Forsaith) who answered the call for liberty.

These patriots hailed from across the American colonies and served in militias, regular army regiments, cavalry units, and even in naval and supply roles. Their service stretched across 11 original colonies, showing that members of the Forsyth family were present and active on many fronts during the fight for independence.

Below is the list Carolyn compiled, based on regimental records, military rosters, and pension applications:

📜 Revolutionary War Forsyths by State & Regiment:

Connecticut

• Latham Forsyth

• William Fosyth

Delaware

• James Forsyth

• William Fosyth – Hall's Regiment

Kentucky

• John Forsyth – Russell's Regiment, Cavalry, Volunteers

• John Forsythe – Russell's Regiment, Cavalry, Volunteers

Massachusetts

• Andrew Forsyth – 2nd Regiment

• Jesse Forsyth – 8th Regiment

Mississippi Territory

• Andrew Forsythe – 2nd Fitzpatrick Regiment, Militia

New Hampshire

• David Forsythe – 2nd Regiment

• David Forsyth – 2nd Regiment

• Johnathan Forsythe – 2nd Regiment

New York

• William Fosyth – Hardenberg's Regiment, Militia

• William Fosyth – Janson's Regiment, Militia

North Carolina

• Andrew Forsyth

• Hugh Forsyth

Pennsylvania

• James Forsyth – 12th Regiment

• James Forsyth – 10th Regiment

• John Forsyth – (unspecified unit)

• John Forsyth – (unspecified unit)

• Mary Forsyth – 3rd Regiment (❗An intriguing and rare female name in the records—worth further investigation!)

• Robert Forsyth – 5th Regiment

Rhode Island

• Andrew Forsythe – 1st Regiment

South Carolina

• Hugh Forsyth – 4th Regiment, Artillery

• Joseph Forsyth – 5th Regiment

• Joseph Forsyth – S.C./Virginia

Virginia

• Daniel Forsythe

• Hugh Forsythe – 4th, 8th, and 12th Regiments

• Jacob Forsythe – 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 12th Regiments

• Robert Forsyth – Continental Army

• Robert Forsyth – Continental Troop, Lee's Legion

Other/General Service

• Caleb Forsyth – Navy, Commissary General of Military Stores Dept.

• Isaac Forsythe – Military Stores

• James Forsyth – Continental Army, Spencer’s Regiment

These names represent only a portion of the Forsyth legacy in early American history. Some families continued to serve in later wars, while others helped shape the young republic through civil and political leadership.

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Mary Branagan, the daughter of Anne Forsyth and George Branagan

Mary Branagan, born in August 1833, was the daughter of Irish parents, Anne Forsyth and George Branagan. At the age of 23, Mary was secretly baptized into the Mormon Church and ran away from her home in Dublin, Ireland to join the Mormon converts on their way to a new life in Utah. Amazingly, Mary travelled alone and she was the first woman to pull a handcart across America, a huge accomplishment!

Converts like Mary were part of a larger wave of Irish Latter‑day Saints who emigrated amidst economic hardship and famine. The church in Ireland began seeing conversions in the 1840s and 1850s

She can be found in the Church History Biographical Database: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/chd/individual/mary-branagan-1834?lang=por&timelineTabs=all-events&utm

She  lived out her life in Springville, Utah as a teacher. This article was found in the Utah Enquirer on March 28, 1890 that mentions her. https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=1410873&q=%22mary+b+crandal%22&sort=rel 

She married Spicer Wells Crandall on 2 March 1857 in Salt Lake City. 

In this Deseret News transcript of the Emigrants that left Florence, Iowa on 5th June 1856.  Mary is found in the “Handcart Company” that left on June 9, 1856.  Crandall is shown as one of the Counselors. https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/chd/transcript?name=transcript-for-emigrants-for-utah-deseret-news-6-august-1856-176.

Mary also is said to have written this  autobiography, which offers insight into the everyday life, struggles, and faith of pioneer women. See her story in the Young Woman’s Journal.

• The beginning” pages 259-267Mary B. Crandal, "Autobiography of a Noble Woman", Young Woman's Journal, March 1, 1895.

• Continued from page 267 (page 322 to 323: Mary B. Crandal, "Autobiography of a Noble Woman", Young Woman's Journal, April 1, 1895.

• Continued from page 323 (pages 387 to 388Mary B. Crandal, "Autobiography of a Noble Woman", Young Woman's Journal, May 1, 1895.

• Continued from page 388 (pages 427 to 428) Mary B. Crandal, "Autobiography of a Noble Woman", Young Woman's Journal, June 1, 1895.

Mary was an active leader in her local community, until her death in 1919. https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6nc7644/10254984

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Elizabeth Forsyth Land Owner in 1577 Scotland

On September 30, 1577, a royal charter issued at Holyroodhouse confirmed lands in Echeris (Strathisla, Banffshire) to Joanni Langmure and his heirs.

What makes this record special to us?
It names Eliz. Forsyth—Elizabeth Forsyth, mother of the grantee—as an occupant of part of the lands. 🌿

She held 2 bovates (a medieval land measure) of the Netherthird of Echeris, with grazing rights and shared pasture.

This rare mention is a glimpse of a Forsyth woman in a land transaction, showing that the Forsyths weren’t just witnesses or landholders—they were respected residents in royal records.

📖 Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Vol. 4, Item 2726 (1577)

Are you a Forsyth descendant? Join Clan Forsyth Society USA to learn more about your family's history and connect with your heritage!

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The Most Famous Forsyth of the Revolutionary War

One of the most famous Forsyths of the American Revolutionary War is Robert Forsyth—a true patriot who lived a life of duty and honor.

🪖 He enlisted in the Continental Army after the war began, and just three years later, received a commission as Captain in the Corps of Partisan Light Dragoons under the legendary "Lighthorse Harry" Lee.

⚔️ In 1781, Robert was promoted to Major of the First Virginia Legion—leading with courage through the Southern campaigns.

📜 After the war, President George Washington appointed him as U.S. Marshal of Georgia.

💥 In 1794, Major Forsyth became the first U.S. Marshal to die in the line of duty, forever remembered for his service both in battle and in building the young United States.

Are you a Forsyth descendant: Join Clan Forsyth Society USA Today

William Forsyth & The American Revolution

📜 Discover Clan Forsyth Society USA & Your Forsyth Heritage! 📜

William enlisted as a private for one month in Feb 1778 with Capt William Lathan and then again in March 1779 under the same officers.  They manned the artillery at Fort Griswold.  He was awarded a pension in 1831.  Records on Fold3 confirm his service and his marriage to Prudence.

🪦 William passed away on November 6, 1843, and is buried in Wood Cemetery in Ledyard, New London County, CT.
His tombstone still stands today and can be seen on Find A Grave—a lasting marker of a life devoted to liberty.

📖 His story is a powerful reminder of the many Forsyths who helped shape the foundation of the United States.

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Latham Forsyth of Connecticut

📜 Discover Clan Forsyth Society USA & Your Forsyth Heritage! 📜

As we continue our month of July honoring Forsyths who served in the American Revolution, we recognize Latham Forsyth of Connecticut, a proud descendant of Gilbert Forsyth.

🪖 Records from Fold3 confirm his service during the Revolutionary War—and tell the story of a life rooted in duty and legacy.

💍 Latham was married to Abigail, who—after his passing—received a pension and bounty land as his widow, a lasting testament to his sacrifice and service to the young nation.

From the battle lines of Connecticut to the pages of American history, Latham Forsyth stands as another example of how our name helped shape liberty.

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John Forsyth and Cristine Reid

📜 A Wee Bit of Forsyth History 📜

In 1576 John Forsyth and his wife Christine Reid were granted lands and rights, read more about this

On May 16, 1576, King James confirmed a charter issued by the Abbot of Kinloss to Master John Forsyth and his wife Cristine Reid.

The Forsyths were granted lands in Sauchiewotoun, Wyndishillis, and Nether-sait of Bochkerts, along with the mill at Newlandis, located in the barony of Strathisla (modern Banffshire).

🛠️ They were even given rights to build and maintain a mill — a clear sign of their standing and responsibility within the region.

This document reflects the growing influence of Forsyth families in northern Scotland during the 16th century—trusted, educated, and land-holding.

📍From the barony of Strathisla to the royal registry at Halyruidhous (Holyrood), the Forsyth name was already making history.

📖 Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, Vol. 4, Item 2566

Are you a Forsyth descendant? Join Clan Forsyth Society USA to learn more about your family's history and connect with your heritage.

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Keeper of the Keys

On March 26, 1557, Queen Mary confirmed a land grant to Patrick, Bishop of Moray, involving estates in the Highlands—from Balblair to Terebechrache—and recorded it at Edinburgh.

Witnessing this royal transaction was John Forsyth, identified as "claviger" — Latin for Keeper of the Keys of Rothesay 🔑

This early record places a Forsyth in a position of responsibility and trust, serving as a royal or administrative officer in 16th-century Scotland. His role as claviger suggests he held authority over access to a key location—possibly a castle or royal estate.

🗓️ A small note in history, but a big moment for the Forsyth name

📖 Source: Register of the Great Seal of Scotland Vol 4

Are you a Forsyth descendant? Join Clan Forsyth Society USA to learn more about your family's history and connect with your heritage!

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Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath, signed by Scottish nobles to assert their independence from England, laid the philosophical groundwork for liberty and self-rule. Over 450 years later, those same ideals inspired the Declaration of Independence in America on July 4, 1776.

📜 What’s the Forsyth connection?
Our ancestors were part of this spirit of independence. As loyal Scots, Forsyths stood for sovereignty, identity, and the right to self-govern—principles carried across the Atlantic by Scots-Irish immigrants who helped build the foundations of a new nation.

🔗 The Declaration of Arbroath wasn’t just about Scotland—it echoed through history and helped shape the very soul of America.

Are you a Forsyth descendant? Join Clan Forsyth Society USA to learn more about your family's history and connect with your heritage! Join Today

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR - Jonathan Forsaith→

📜 Discover Clan Forsyth Society USA & Your Forsyth Heritage! 📜

A search of Fold3 military records reveals that many Forsyths served in the American Revolutionary War—answering the call for liberty.

One such patriot was Jonathan Forsaith, son of Matthew Forsaith and Ester Graham of New Hampshire.

In June 1777, Jonathan enlisted for three years—or the duration of the war—serving in a company commanded by Captain Blodgett. His service is a proud part of our Forsyth legacy.

A descendant of this New Hampshire family is an active participant in our Forsyth Y-DNA Project. If you are a direct-line male from this family—or from any Forsyth branch—we encourage you to join. Your participation can help expand our understanding of Forsyth lineage through the power of genetic genealogy.

Sources: Fold 3 and FamilySearch

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WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR - Mary Forsyth

📜 Discover Clan Forsyth Society USA & Your Forsyth Heritage! 📜

We don’t often think of women serving in the American Revolutionary War, but the records tell a different story.

A search of Fold3 military archives reveals Mary Forsyth, who enlisted in the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment—a rare and remarkable find.

Further evidence from FamilySearch Revolutionary War records shows that on 13 May 1776, Mary was paid for nursing a soldier in Captain Bayard’s company—a powerful reminder of the essential roles women played in supporting the war effort.

Though often overlooked, Mary Forsyth’s service shines a light on the quiet strength and dedication of women in the Forsyth family legacy.

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