Clan Cameron Members can access Cameron Stories Combined – Edition 2 on the Clan Cameron in Australia Member’s Page.
Additional family stories or updated accounts, with a hint below, have been added to Edition 1.
- Tell your Story: From Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Scotland to Australia by John (Mel) Cameron, Vice-President Clan Cameron NSW Inc.
As the daughter of stonemason in the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the 18th century John’s great Grandmother Isabella emigrated to Australia on SV Brilliant in September 1837 as a widow with seven children, first settling in the Hunter Valley of NSW. John’s grandmother then settled on the Clarence River establishing the property ‘Highfield’ which was noted as haven for ‘travellers’ during the Depression years.
- The Camerons of Coboco by James Lachlan Cameron, Commissioner Clan Cameron Australia
James’ great great Grandparents Archibald and Catherine Mathieson emigrated to Australia from the Blaich locality in Lochaber on the Boyne in 1838 as part of the Highland Emigration Scheme, settling in the Dubbo region where their siblings became prosperous graziers.
- The Camerons of Blarachaorin by Christopher Cameron, Treasurer Clan Cameron NSW Inc.
From humble tenants in the small settlement of Blarachaorin, situated on the old military road between Kinlochleven and Fort William, Chris’ great great great great Grandparents Angus and Isabella had six children. John and his family emigrated to Australia on the Blonde in 1849 to settle in the New England area of NSW along with a number of other highland families. The area was affectionately referred to as Scot’s Corner and with grit and determination and in a supportive and united community they became successful graziers and contributed to the wider life of the local area.
- The Camerons of Otunui by Margaret Steedman & Donald Cameron and Christina (Christian) Maclean of Wairarapa by Alistair Cameron, President Clan Cameron NSW Inc.
Hailing from the Ardnamurchan area, as did John Cameron’s descendants above, Alistair’s descendents emigrated to New Zealand on the Blenheim in 1840. Alistair’s mother Joan Aitkins descends from those who settled in the Otunui area, in the rugged central highlands of the North Island. Family members lived in a large tent before a large timber house was built which also served as the local Post Office. Alistair relates tales of Angus who at 32 stone (over 200kg) reportedly broke the neck of a bull with his bare hands.
Alistair’s paternal descendants settled and farmed land in the Wairarapa area where the family home is currently occupied by 7th generation New Zealand Camerons. Alistair emigrated to Australia in 1981.
