Ken, I thought about your response and though that I might have missed one of the best clues in finding my Brown line in the UK. I spent 3 hours or so looking for a Crab; Idol, deity, or myth. The only thing that I could find was cancer (the crab - /An Portán/). If anyone can help...could this be a local Celtic deity in Ireland? One of the best Brown stories I have found is the Browns of Colston (or Colstoun). This isn't my line but it is an interesting story. I won't include the story here, but those are interested, can Google "The Colstoun Pear". Randall Ken & Alice Brown wrote: > Hi All > > Thanks for the interesting postings in reply to my recent note. I see though that most respondents were mainly of German (Alsace) or English descent and NOT Scottish. Where have all the American Scots by the name of Brown gone? > > Diane and Beverly said that a lot of American records were destroyed during the Civil War. That I can understand as I also have Irish ancestors who seem to have had the habit of destroying records as well, due no doubt to a few contretemps with the English over the century's. As a result, on my Irish side, I can only trace back to the early 1800's. BLAST them! (the English that is) Except for MY English ancestors of course. We are all a mixed up people aren't we and I haven't even mentioned the Welsh, Portuguese and east Indian (Rajput) ancestors I have! > > I particularly enjoyed Randall Colston's posting. What a great story mate. Actually as far as I can figure the Brown's of Coulston in Scotland (not certain of the spelling) are about the only Scots Brown's that I know of who can go back on the paper trail further than MY Scots Browns. (chest puffed out) BUT Randall - translation needed: What on Earth is a 'crab idol'? Whatever it was, your ancestor, in his inebriated state seems to have stomped it! Not even Google can elucidate the mysteries of 'crab idol' is. Don't leave me/us hanging mate. Tell us non Americans quick. What's it all about mate? > > Cheers > > Ken Brown > OZ > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to BROWN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >