Re: Does Wands name originate from Wanzer family?
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In reply to:
Does Wands name originate from Wanzer family?
Esther Rancier 1/18/03
The Wands family in Cayuga County began with John Burgess Wands (1800-1895), my great-great-great grandfather.He came to the Cato/Ira area sometime after 1836 (his youngest child, Addison, was born in New Scotland, Albany County, in 1836).John's father was James Wands 2nd (apparently named after his father's brother or cousin James.
John's grandfather was John Wands, the immigrant ancestor of my line.His brother (or cousin) James came to New Scotland at the same time -- i.e., at the end of the French and Indian War, about 1763.They were later joined by another brother (cousin), Ebenezer.
Both John and James were members of a British Highland regiment, and were brought to North America to fight the French. They were members of either Montgomery's or Fraser's Highlanders (there is still discussion going on concerning which), and may have fought in Quebec.
Family tradition indicates that John and James were conscripts into the army.One tale says they were kidnapped while taking grain to the mill.At that point (1750's) in Scotland, the British were determined to eliminate the Scottish culture, and one way of doing it was to put young men into the British Army.The Jacobite rebellion left a bad taste in the mouths of the British, and they were determined to to Anglicize Scotland at all costs.
At any rate, John, James, and Ebenezer, all of whom have descendants in the U.S., came from Stirling, Scotland.The records of St. Ninian's parish there contain many births and marriages of Wands family members.
The New Scotland Wands family were largely members of the New Scotland Presbyterian Church, where several are buried.
Colin Wands and Larry House are excellent sources of information for this family (Colin is in Scotland, Larry is in New York State).Larry is descended from Ebenezer.
I hope this helps.
More Replies:
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Re: Does Wands name originate from Wanzer family?
sue morin 5/03/06
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Re: Does Wands name originate from Wanzer family?
Christine Wands 5/12/06
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Re: Does Wands name originate from Wanzer family?