Peter Gordon's web site is dedicated to the family history of the Gordons of Camlet, Glengirnoc, which is part of the Abergeldie estate. His data is solid up to Camlet John, who married Euphemia McAndrew in 1782, although he has some work to do to prove or disprove the possibility that Camlet John's parents were John Gordon of Crathienaird and Isobel Shepherd. If these were his parents, then Camlet John would be related to the McHardys of Daldownie and Crathienaird.
What is certain from the documents Peter passed on, in particular the Bovaglie Manuscript of 1872, is that the Auchallater and, therefore, the Ordachoy McHardys are related through Jean McGregor, wife to Alister of Auchallater, to the Gordons of Bovaglie, descended in turn from the Gordons of Hallhead near Craigievar.
Gary's web site records the family history of his own family as well as that of his wife, Shelley. It's Shelley's maternal line that links back to the Ordachoyers, namely through Amelia Farquharson Souter, nee Bowman, who was born in 1822 to John Bowman and Margaret McHardy.
Other web sites pertaining to the McHardy/MacHardy Surname
Published by Andrew J. McHardy. An invaluable source of information on all things McHardy. Andrew's family is not related to the Ordachoy McHardys, but they lived just across the road in Corgarff. Find here a more complete version of the possible legendary origins of the McHardy name alluded to in “The McHardy Boys” article by John Duff.
Sandra McCarthy-Gurney alias McHardy traces her origins back to the Deeside McHardys (and is probably related to the Ordachoyers, but it's not yet clear how). Her web site charts the history of her family in South Africa and the changes in the family name, because of misspelling and mispronunciation, from McHardy to McCarthy.
An invaluable resource Sandra provides for the benefit of all McHardys is the McHardy Family Tree Project in which she aims to collect and make available information on McHardys and their origins from all over the world. Currently, she has about 2000 names in her database and hopes to add to it continually. Please contribute your own McHardy predecessors — who knows, one day all the various McHardy genealogies may finally get untangled!
The four greats grandson of Gustavus McPherson and Diana McHardy, David Walker provides a wealth of information on Glen Nochty in Strathdon before about 1850, and about the McHardy, Farquharson, Forbes, and Grassick surnames, among others.
Deb O'Reilly is a fourth generation American from New York City and has, like many New Yorkers, a rich genealogical heritage. She traces her Scottish roots back to Strathdon through her Grassick — and McHardy — ancestors, and to Banffshire through the Stuart/Stewart surname.
Corgarff, Strathdon, and the North East of Scotland Genealogy and History
Ian Downie's web site is dedicated to his own Downie family history. Although his family is not related to them in any way so far as he has found, since becoming interested in the area after a New Zealand Downie asked if there were any connections, he includes a separate section that provides valuable research material for Downies from Strathdon.
The four greats grandson of Gustavus McPherson and Diana McHardy, David Walker provides a wealth of information on Glen Nochty in Strathdon before about 1850, and about the McHardy, Farquharson, Forbes, and Grassick surnames, among others.
Deb O'Reilly is a fourth generation American from New York City and has, like many New Yorkers, a rich genealogical heritage. She traces her Scottish roots back to Strathdon through her Grassick — and McHardy — ancestors, and to Banffshire through the Stuart/Stewart surname.
Looking for other Strathdon names besides McHardy, or for OPR entries later than 1820? Suzanne has them on her amazingly generous web site. Her ultimate goal is to provide a complete transcription of the Strathdon OPR volumes and the transcriptions of the death records from 1855-1865.
A web site published by the society to assist and promote the study of genealogy and family history based on the North East corner of Scotland. A long list of publications are available for purchase.
The official government source of genealogical data for Scotland. They offer a fully searchable index of Scottish births from 1553 to 1904, marriages from 1553 to 1929, and deaths from 1855 to 1954. Indexed census data is available from 1881 to 1901. From the results of the index search you may view, save, and print images of many of the original documents. There is currently a fee of £6 for 30 page credits available for 168 consecutive hours.
The Scotlands People web site has now amalgamated with that of Scottish Documents — Scotland's Written History.
Search the index database for over 520,000 Scottish wills and testaments dating from 1513 to 1901. There is currently a fee of £5 to view each image of a related document, whether it is one page or five.
A privately run web site, this service allows you to search their database of English and Welsh BMDs for a minimum of £5 (four different payment plans are available).
Describes itself as the oldest and largest free genealogy site. Search for family surnames in trees submitted by genealogists, but bear in mind that the web site does not make itself responsible for checking the accuracy of those trees submitted.
Also available from RootsWeb are the free services of FreeCen, FreeBMD, FreeReg. Search theses sites for British census data and both religious and civil registrations of British BMDs.
Describes itself as the oldest and largest free genealogy site. Search for family surnames in trees submitted by genealogists, but bear in mind that the web site does not make itself responsible for checking the accuracy of those trees submitted.
Also available from RootsWeb are the free services of FreeCen, FreeBMD, FreeReg. Search theses sites for British census data and both religious and civil registrations of British BMDs.
Jenny's Bothy is a converted youth hostel in Dellachuper, Corgarff, offering self-catering accommodation for groups of up to ten. Located two-and-a-half miles from the Lecht, it is within striking distance of the Cairngorms as well as upper Strathdon.
Planning a research trip to the Northeast and looking for a means to get to where you want to go? RBTaxis have a range of services available to suit your needs that include local hires, long distance trips, and special trips following the whiskey and castle trails. Want to fit in a round of golf? Golf tours are on offer, too.
Located near Insch, Archaeolink is a wonderful park that brings to life the history of the people of the Northeast from Mesolithic to Roman times. There are indoor and outdoor exhibitions that feature hands-on activities, workshops and guided tours. We visited the park when the kids were 7 and 5, and both were absolutely enthralled. My then 5-year-old son was especially rivetted by the Roman soldier putting on his armour and explaining each piece as he went. A must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in history and archaeology.
Non-Internet Links
Windsor Castle Archives (see details under Sources)
Think you may have family members who worked for the Royal Family at one time? Write to the Windsor Castle Archives to discover if they have information on your predecessors.
McHardy Promotional Section
— McHardys in Business and McHardys to Keep an Eye Out For
