We Descend from Scottish Highlanders Escaping Persecution

Top Ten Things a Hamby Should Know:
#4 - WE DESCEND FROM SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS ESCAPING PERSECUTION


Our Clark ancestors tell a fascinating story of religious persecution among Scottish Highlanders and their escape to America. Grandpa C.P. Hamby’s mother Laura’s family originates with Alexander Clark, her third great grandfather who came from the island of Jura in Argyll County off the coast of Scotland. He arrived in the Cape Fear area of North Carolina in 1736.


Alexander’s family, particularly his grandfather who endured the Battle of the Boyne, had suffered much in wars that desolated Scotland with persecution heaviest against Presbyterians. Returning to Scotland by ship after escaping to Ireland during the conflict, Alexander’s grandfather ascended a hill that overlooked his residence and gazed in sadness on desolation below, saying “but three smokes in all Jura could be seen.” All his family had perished. He eventually remained in Jura, having for his second wife one whose infant had been taken from her arms, its head severed in her presence and used to beat the mother until she was left for dead.


Gilbert, the only surviving son from his first wife and our ancestor, also remained on the island of Jura and reared a family. His son, named Alexander after his grandfather, moved to North Carolina seeking freedom from the type of religious persecution his family had faced. He settled in Cape Fear with what is referred to as the Argyll Colony. They were instrumental in forming the famous Barbecue Presbyterian Church there in 1757.