My Clan McEwen Research

by Jim Allen
(Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Cowal Marker with Otter Ferry and MacEwen Lands

Cowal Marker with Otter Ferry and MacEwen Lands

You ask for Clan McEwen stories. I enjoyed what I found on your website, so here is my clan story and some research. My mother was Marion McEwen. Her father was George McEwen... his father was James McEwen. James' father Peter married Mary McIntyre. They emigrated and were buried in Nairn Ontario. James McEwen was from Kenknock, Perthshire. We have his bible and some history of part of the clan.

I too am interested in general clan history. There are many McEwen/MacEwan websites... different spelling, but they're all the same bunch. I find a lot of information on electricscotland.com. Here's a brief summary for posting general highlights and points of interest.

• The McEwens are of Irish/Scotch ancestry descended from Irish Kiings who came to Scotland circa 500-600 AD.

• The McEwens of Loch Fyne established themselves in the district of Cowal about 1100-1200 AD. Their neighbours were the Lamonts and the MacLauchans. They were known as the McEwens of Otter.

• Eoghain na h-Oitrich (Ewen of Otter), who gives his name to the clan, lived at the beginning of the 13th century. His name is derived from Eoghan which translates from the Gaelic as "Born of the Yew Tree".

• In 1794, the Rev. Alexander McFarlane wrote in his Statistical Account of the parish of Kilfinnan: "On a rocky point on the coast of Lochfyne about a mile below the church is to be seen the vestige of a building called Caesteal Mhic Eobhuin or MacEwen's castle ... this MacEwen was the chief of a clan, and proprieter of the northern division of the parish called Otter."

• The McEwens were displaced by the powerful Campbell clan who moved to Loch Fyne from Loch Awe in 1474 AD to be near the sea.

• The current Duke of Argyle is a Campbell.

• The last known clan chief of the McEwen was Ewen Earl of Otter who died or was killed without children; ergo no successor and the clan broke up no chief no clan.

• Some McEwens joined the Campbells... some eventually becoming hereditary bards and sennachies to the Campbell Chiefs of Glenorchy. And other MacEwens went to their cousins, the MacLauchans. Some ran off and became outlaws/rogues, a loutish bunch generally.

• The last witch to be executed in Scotland was a MacEwen.

This research fascinates me. Will write a more coherent account when I can. We will take a trip on retirement hopefully with your help. Cheers, and I will someday soon sit in the Otter Pub and have a pint or two. Jim

Ed.... Jim sends new items from time to time... we created a whole page for his Clan McEwen - MacEwan Research Check it out!

He loves to contact other Clan members. If you would like to contact Jim, send your e-mail address with your comment, we'll put you in touch.

Comments for My Clan McEwen Research

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Jun 25, 2021
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McEwans of Loch Awe
by: CPattison

I would be very grateful if anyone has any information on a Hugh McEwan/MacEwan, born 1858 or his father, John, born 1831, in the vicinity of Loch Awe, variously described as being from Kilkrenan, Kilmichael Glassary, or the settlement of Ardary on the banks of Loch Awe itself. Hugh married a Mary Ann and moved to Old Kilpatrick, Clydebank. I cannot find anything else about him.
John died in Kilchrenan and Dalavich in 1913. Hugh had a daughter, Annie Proctor McEwan, a son Evan Mitchell, killed in WWI, another son, John may also have died in WWI. There was also a daughter, Catherine May McEwan, who may have emigrated but I have no definite details.
Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.

Jun 23, 2021
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Please add to your list!
by: Joel McEwen

Good Morning,
I'm currently researching family symbols and came across this site. My father is a Peter and his grandfather was a Duncan so it seems there are some connections here. I would be happy to be part of your mailing list as I plan a bike tour of the UK which will be much based around exploring my McEwen roots!
Cheers,
Joel McEwen
Hillsdale, ON

Apr 15, 2021
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Neil McEwen and Jessie Witherspoon
by: Judith

I believe these are the ancestors I am looking for. They were of Peter McEwen and Mary McIntyre.
Neil and Jessie were the parents of Robert Shaw and Mary. All of Ontario
judycashel2018@gmail.com

Sep 15, 2017
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Going to see the land of my Clan
by: Mary MacEwen Camarda

I live in New York USA. I am finally making a trip to Scotland early October. This has been a dream of mine since I was a young child. The Story is that my great Grandfather was born on a ship heading to America in the mid 1800s. His name Charles Walter(Walter Charles) MAcEwen. I believe his father was Neil, a linen merchant.
Charles married a Dairy Farmer's from daughter and settle in NYC.
That's all I got.
Thankyou for given me some info to find this piece of my history.

Feb 16, 2017
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Mystery
by: Answers I need

I am mcewan the sure the spell it define from me.

I had research the last night. I said I am Scottish but I am black woman, so I am trying to link my African ancestor to Scotland.

mmm what a mystery.

Sep 27, 2016
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Castle or fort Mcewen
by: Alan J Mcewen

Finally got back to this site. Yes my wife,
son and myself rented a van and drove to Kilffinnan where we were greeted very warmly by the hotel owners. we had lunch and a pint of McEwans to wash it doon.

Had a wet walk through the marshes to the beach with thousands of wee shells and razor clams. Took pictures at the gate sign and proceeded to clamber up and doon til we found the Castle/fort. We have videos and pics of our trip. We also have a picture of the rock with heather on it about twenty feet away which is blown up and hangs on our wall..Beautiful. I was proud to be there.

Going back again next year, just cant get enough.

We live in Victoria BC Canada.

Oct 11, 2015
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Looking for William Ivan McEwen's family - South Africa
by: Tess Mayne

Hello there, I'm trying to find out anything about William Ivan McEwen who frequented the Hermanus, Western Cape area in South Africa during the late 1940's onwards. We think he was born in and around the 1930's. He used to visit the Hermanus Hotel and knew the owners.

Apr 11, 2015
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Clan Ewen Society and Clan McEwan
by: Colin Davies

Hello to all on site, if it is not known already the Clan McEwan in Scotland now has a Commander and if all goes well in a few years will have a new Chief of name and Clan. If you are interested in linking up with others of the name and researching your family histories, then contact the Clan Ewen Society and they can give further details on family and research undertaken and possible links to others of family name.I have posted on the site before a few years back.The site is just as good now for further information and finding knowledge about our MacEwans all over the world.The Society meets at the castle site in June every other year to remember the Clans homeland and will be there in June in 2015
all the best and keep linking.

Apr 11, 2015
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Clan Ewen Society and Clan McEwan
by: Colin Davies

Hello to all on site, if it is not known already the Clan McEwan in Scotland now has a Commander and if all goes well in a few years will have a new Chief of name and Clan. If you are interested in linking up with others of the name and researching your family histories, then contact the Clan Ewen Society and they can give further details on family and research undertaken and possible links to others of family name.I have posted on the site before a few years back.The site is just as good now for further information and finding knowledge about our MacEwans all over the world.The Society meets at the castle site in June every other year to remember the Clans homeland and will be there in June in 2015
all the best and keep linking.

Apr 04, 2015
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in reply to Carol
by: Carmen Smith

THis was Carols comment...
( I'm finding it very difficult to trace my McEwan line and only have hearsay and passed down family stories to go on. Supposedly my Great Great Great Grandfather was James McEwan and was convicted for trespassing on the Lairds Land (Argyll)Must have been in the early 1800's. Sentenced to Australia where he became a bushranger, his hideout was the Jenolan Caves, finally caught and sentenced to Norfolk Island. Anyone out there know anything about this James??)

I am from New Zealand my Great grandfather was James Mc Ewan and your post sounds like him missing out though that he was then absconded to NZ. He passed away at sea on M.V.Holmglen 24 November 1959.we are all smiths here but really Mc Ewans you have a huge family if this is
the same james

Nov 12, 2014
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Thank you
by: Amanda McEwen

I would like to thank you for putting this page together. My sister and I are McEwens, all 5 of our children have been named McEwens, my 2 are boys. But we've not spoken to our father in a very long time. Sooo we don't know any of our clan history, or where our part of the line leads back to. So thank you for this site that gives me a little insight into the chiefless clan so I can pass on what history may be found to my two boys. Cheers!

Jul 31, 2014
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John McEwan and Margaret smith
by: Sheila hamilton

Response to I Curruthers comments
My great grandmother was Wilhelmina Mcewan daughter of John Mcewan and Margaret Smith in approximately 1855 but before the statutory Birth certifates in Scotland. Mary seems to have been her sister born in 1856. I haven't gone further back but I have heard that my grandmother used to visit relatives in Madderty




Jul 12, 2014
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McEwan south Africa
by: Anonymous

I am looking for any info on McEwan in South Africa
What is have 100%
is
Mat Finch McEwan married William Peter Harris on 22 June 1892 (a dual wedding with Walter Reid and Harriet Hare Harris
Witness: Isabelle McEwan
and
Witness / Family Joseph Wallace MacRobert MCEWAN

I enter it exactly as I found it..
Joseph Wallace MacRobert MCEWAN..
was it maybe...
Joseph Wallace Mac, Robert MCEWAN

WP Rose (I have traced Family of WP Rose)

regards
Ivan Harris
irfaan.harris@yahoo.com
+966505414576

Jul 05, 2014
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McEwen
by: B mcewen

My father was James vernie mcewen, born in ok., his father Charles Edward mcewen, born coosa al married in ok, and moved to California His fatherwilliam Powell mcEwen coosa al, his father George Washington mcewen and mother Mary sears. Coosa Alabama , Jasper kirkham mcEwen ,Robert Bort mcEwen Gwinnett Georgia, Alexander mcewen North Carolina Thomas mcEwen his father. rumor has it the mcewens split after emigrating some going north to canada and some heading south.

Going to Scotland hopefully sept. Would like to find out more. Sorry about the sp and punctuation.

Jun 01, 2014
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Owens/MhicEoghainn
by: Shandralynn Mayberry

I am from the line of McEwans the emigrated to the US under the name Owens. My father's name is Marion (from the Carolinas). If you have any other family info, please let me know. I know very little about this side of my family tree. :-( shandralynnm@hotmail.com

Aug 19, 2013
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Excited You're Going to the Castle!
by: Mark and Judy

Hi Alan,

We're excited for you! Can't wait to hear your comments. Have a wonderful trip!
Mark and Judy

Aug 14, 2013
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Aye Otter,
by: Alan John McEwen

This is Wed the 14th Aug,2013, Getting excited, My wife and son and myself, are flying on Tuesday 20th. to Glasgow, I was born in Paisley, grew up in Renfra, anyway,, renting a van, first stop Strone , then Kilfinan, and the McEwen Craig, or castle.

Haven't been home since 1977, OMG. cannie beleive it .will comment when i get back... Wee Ali McEwen

Apr 29, 2013
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Madderty Scotland
by: Ian L H Carruthers

Hi Folks im researching Mary McEWAN & the COMRIE's from MADDERTY
- Mary's parents may have been John (road surfacer?)x Margaret SMITH
Rgds
Ian C

Oct 14, 2011
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Family Tree
by: Tony Smith

I would just like to add this item to your page, my mother was Marjorie Florence McEwen born 31/08/1906 and her father was Andrew Donald McEwen born 1877.
If anyone has any information of my Great Grand father I would love to know.
Contact email: tony.smith1011@yahoo.com
Thank you.

Sep 28, 2011
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Busqueda de antepasados
by: Ana Maria McEwen

Hola mi bisabuelo se llamaba William McEwen y entro al país (colombia) en 1830, me gustaria saber mas sobre el,si tienen alguna información favor enviarmela a mi correeo mariamcewen@hotmail.com
Gracias...

May 10, 2011
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Help me Find James McEwen
by: Ben McEwen

Hi, i am appealing to anyone out there to help me find James McEwen, who used to live in Top Location, Vereeniging, Gauteng, Sout Africa. He moved either to Cape Town or the Eastern Cape. I would like to hear from his family either in the Western or Eastern Cape.

Jan 22, 2011
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It sounded like genealogy
by: DJ

But I learned little about the Ewen McEwen who came to Canada a long time ago. Did I miss something??

Nov 23, 2010
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i need help
by: katrina mcewan

hi my name is katrina and i'm having a real hard time finding anthing on the McEwan side of my family, my father was Ian James McEwan and his father was James McEwan and his fater was also James McEwan and that is as far as i have got it is very frusting as i keep hitting brick walls. I have heard that James McEwan was addopted but his real family name was McEwan so if any one has any info i would love to hear from you...

Sep 24, 2010
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Help
by: Summer Mc Ewen

Ok i am seeing that people are posting comments and i am wondering if we all can link up and really dig into finding the family connections

Sep 24, 2010
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Does anyone know this James McEwan?
by: Carol

Hi, Great to find this site and read about McEwans. I'm finding it very difficult to trace my McEwan line and only have hearsay and passed down family stories to go on. Supposedly my Great Great Great Grandfather was James McEwan and was convicted for trespassing on the Lairds Land (Argyll)Must have been in the early 1800's. Sentenced to Australia where he became a bushranger, his hideout was the Jenolan Caves, finally caught and sentenced to Norfolk Island. Anyone out there know anything about this James??

Sep 11, 2010
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my family
by: tina gray evans

my great .great,great,great great grandparents weremherary ann mcewen and george washington.

Aug 12, 2010
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The McEwen's of Grand Bras Land Grenada
by: Anonymous

My Grand Father:was James Powell McEwen,his only son John Altino,Agricultor an proprietor,in the estate of Grand Bras was Jacks McEwen,Linnus,Aida Wilson.From the old paper works that hurricane distroy I learn we came from the North west of Scotland where the Castle an lands was lost,to the Cambells There's two designs of Tartan the old and a new design of both I purchased with a tie, Kit an Kin book.

Jul 31, 2010
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Caribbean Mc Ewen
by: Summer Mc Ewen

Well there are a lot of Mc Ewen in the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada to be exact. This is nice since i am trying to trace the family tree if anyone can help me that would be great. Sexycat_eyes@hotmail.com is my email address

Jul 25, 2010
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Ewen McEwen
by: Ewen

My great grandfather was Ewen McEwen. He emigrated to Canada a long time ago. I have a huge family and we were in Prestonvale, Lanark and Perth Ontario in the beginning. Farmers in the beginning and some still are.

Nov 24, 2009
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In Search of the McEwan Clan Castle Ruins
by: Margaret

Thanks for your webpage. I found it most interesting especially as my husband and I are about to travel to Otter Ferry to find the cairn and ruins. At present we are in Scotland and will be until December 29.

I am from Brisbane Australia and my Mum was Isabella Martin McEwan from Springside near Kilmarnock. Her father was Thomas (Tam) McEwan and her mother was Agnes Thornberry Owen.

Many, Many thanks and I will look forward to any updates.

Jul 25, 2009
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my family
by: Donald mcewan

the mcewans came from cambeltown in 1890 after leaving the farm they had.moved to greenock and worked in the ship building industry,some of the family moved to london ontario and other traveled the world.

Jun 08, 2009
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McEwan Clan family
by: Colin Davies

Hello to all,
Very interesting and entertaining site, I am also a McEwan through Grandmother's line and GRT Grandfather McEwan's from Glasgow and Argyll.For a number of years assisted as editor to the Scots Ewen Society which produced a buletin on all things McEwan for it's members.I have alot of research on the travels of McEwan's and also the records of McEwan's from Perthshire over the years.Their history is not recorded in Great detail yet but there is a lot of information out there in manuscipt and Irish annals it just hasn't been collected together.To all McEwans I wish you 'Reviresco'.

Nov 11, 2008
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McEwan
by: graeme McEwan

my grandfather was called James McEwan as well im finding it very hard to find much information about McEwans past never trust a cambell

Jun 06, 2008
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Grandfather search
by: Jane McEwen

My grandfather is James McEwen.I'm not sure if he is still aliove or not.His son Sidney McEwen was born in 1938 and passed on in 2000.James should be in his eraly 90's or late 80's.My grandmother's name is Dorah and she's still alive.

We are from South Africa as I beleieve that James came to South Africa as a soldier.

Dec 31, 2007
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Kiwi planning holiday to Scotland
by: Douglas McEwan

Very hard to track information especially with the spelling but found this report excellent and the first one that has helped us plan our trip.

Dec 23, 2007
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Like Your Research on the McEwens
by: Judy and Mark

Thanks for sending us your story Jim. Our clan stories come mostly from our visits to Scotland. We love the first hand experiences of traveling... and we couldn't beat the thrill of finding "our castle"... the MacEwen castle. When we stay home for a while, we'll look up more of the clan history.

Here's a pint of McEwan's back at you! Judy and Mark

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