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![Show Contents]() MacTaggert Surname History
- Origins Available:
 Scotland
The ancestors of the MacTaggert family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The name MacTaggert is derived from the Gaelic name Mac an t-Sagairt, which means "son of the priest." 1 Early Origins of the MacTaggert familyThe surname MacTaggert was first found in Ross-shire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Rois) a former county, now part of the Council Areas of Highland and Western Isles in Northern Scotland, which emerged from the Gaelic lordship of the Earl of Ross. One of the first on record was Ferchar, son of the Red Priest of Applecross in Ross. He was knighted by King Alexander of Scotland in 1215 for his assistance in subduing the rebellious clans of Moray. He eventually became the Earl of Ross. 1 The Chronicle of Melrose noted: "Machentagar attacked them and mightily overthrew the king's enemies; and he cut off their heads and presented them as gifts to the new king ... And because of this, the lord king appointed him a new knight." Fearchar of Ross or Ferchar mac in tSagairt (anglicized as Farquhar MacTaggart), was the first of the Scottish Ó Beólláin (O'Beolan, Beolan) family who received by Royal Grant the lands and Title of Mormaer or Earl of Ross (1223-1251.) Early History of the MacTaggert familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacTaggert research. Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1459, 1504, 1527, 1581, 1583, 1688, 1789, 1835, 1841, 1857, 1867 and 1938 are included under the topic Early MacTaggert History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacTaggert Spelling VariationsThe appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. MacTaggert has been spelled MacTaggart, MacTagart, MacIntaggart, MacTuggart, MacToggart and many more. Early Notables of the MacTaggert familyNotable amongst the Clan at this time was Sir John McTaggart, 1st Baronet (1789-1867), a Scottish Liberal MP in the British Parliament who represented Wigtown Burghs (1835-1857) and was created a Baronet in 1841. The...
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacTaggert Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacTaggert familyThe expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of MacTaggert: Hugh, James, Mathew, Peter McTaggart, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; as well as Charles, Hugh, James, Thomas and William McTaggert, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
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