Comments on: new Clan Histories online

By: Rodger Moffet

Rodger Moffet — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:24:36 +0000

Burkes Peerage has 4 records of this family name:

1. BELLEW of BARMEATH
2. GRATTAN-BELLEW
3. LOFTUS (NOW BELLEW) of MOUNT LOFTUS
4. TROLLOPE-BELLEW of CAREW

The first three of these are of Irish descent. The shield you are describing from the coat of arms sounds a little like the Grattan, the colours would be similar but its a lion rampant not greyhounds. However the motto is not the same

By: Thor Ewing

Thor Ewing — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:51:08 +0000

Hi David!

Just happened to be passing, and I noticed your comment.

Clan affiliation normally goes through the male line with the surname. For more information on Ballew clan affiliations and a Ballew tartan, have a look at http://www.ballew.org/ballew.html

By the way, the clan crest and motto may be worn in the cap badge (these are readily available for most clans), but should not be confused with the arms (i.e. shield etc.) which may only be displayed by their owner (for a clan, this will be the clan chief).

It’s very interesting though that you have such a long oral tradition among your family’s matriarchs. Was your great grandmother born in Scotland?

Best wishes,
Thor

By: David Ballew

David Ballew — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:22:08 +0000

Ok I’m trying to find a good starting point for me and my boy to get our appropriate kilt and so on. I know my clan name is gordon and the crest i saw was a shiled with four sections blue and yellow with dogs that looked like grey hounds. if anyone knows anything about this crest. the added info would be appreciated. o and the slogan means “by courage not by craft”. i was told by my grandma who was told by her ma.