“To Conquer or Die” The MacDowalls are a Scottish clan, heirs male of Fergus, Lord of Galloway in 12th century. One branch settled in Sweden, where they became Barons Duwall. Fergus, whose ancestry is unknown, became Lord of Galloway in the reign of David I. Scholars believe he was candidate acceptable to both the Norse…
Author: Justin Durand
Diary of Esther Swanstrom
transcribed by Margaret (Porter) Riley Thursday, April 3rd 1913 I am at home once more and very happy to be here although my trip was enjoyable all the way through. I came from Piney to Dunhame yesterday and Bert brought me from there home to-day on horseback. Poor Bert I am sure that his shoulder ached after…
Swanström Coat of Arms
The Swanström coat of arms was assumed (I believe) during or shortly after World War I, perhaps about 1918, and certainly before 1942 by my great uncle Hugo Ferdinand Swanström (1886-1971). The arms might be older. No records exist of the arms assumed and borne by Swedish commoners, so the arms could have come down…
Swans in Literature
The Ugly Duckling The story of The Ugly Duckling is perhaps the best known story involving swans. It was written by the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen in 1843 under the title Den grimme ælling. In short, a duckling hatches. His brothers and sisters are normal, but he is ugly and clumsy. He suffers harassment and is eventually…
Origin of the Surname Hauri
The surname Hauri originated in Switzerland. In early records the name is variously spelled Haury, Höri, Horin and Houri. We find Hovri at 1282, 1303 and 1308 in Steffisburg, Hoori 1310 at Jegentorf, and Hörinus in Latin charters at Beromünster in 1313 and 1324. These various spellings might point to slightly different pronunciations. The standard…