by Chris Palmgren
posted September 10, 2009
Members of the Massey and McCallie families of Lookout Mountain recently gathered at the Lookout Mountain United Methodist Church for a reunion. This year, history was the main focus of the gathering. Descendants of Warren Massey and Edward McCallie traveled several hundred miles to attend - some as far away as Maine and Panama.
Donald Palmgren, Jr., a descendant of both the Massey and McCallie families, gave a detailed presentation on the history of both families.
Palmgren told the group the Massey family history traces back to the 11th century. An unbroken line of 31 generations stretches across 950 years of French, English and American history. Generation numbers 28, 29 and 30 were present at this year's reunion.
The Massey family learned their origin is traced to La Ferte’-Mace’, France. This was the seat of Viscount William de la Frete-Mace (or Massey as it is spelled today). He was the brother-in-law of William-the-Conqueror. Palmgren took the family through the years as each ancestor dealt with the different English Kings. He noted in 1314 when Scotland won its freedom from England that the Masseys and the McCallies actually fought against each other.
Palmgren said the Masseys were very devout Catholics and eventually lost their battle with the mostly Protestant Parliament and middle class of the day. According to Palmgren, the Masseys decided to immigrate to America after they witnessed in horror their household priest drawn and quartered.
Descendant were then presented with family history though the American Revolution, the Civil War and up to the present day. Palmgren mentioned Nathan Massey is only one of three American Revolutionary soldiers to be buried in Walker County, Georgia.
Entrepreneurs Marvin and Henry Massey ran one of the first gas stations and grocery stores on Lookout Mountain. Henry Massey was also one of the founding members of the Fairyland Golf Club. The Massey Food Market was a popular social gathering spot for mountain residents from 1923 until its closure in 1972. Marvin Massey was well known for his expertise in mountain plants and ran a landscaping business for many years. Brother Joe Massey was a founder of the Fairyland School and fought many times with the Walker County School Board when board members wanted to close the mountain school. Joe also came to be known as the local Civil War historian.
The McCallie family learned they are descendents of the MacAulays (McCallies) of Ardencaple. Palmgren said they were the rulers of the Castle of Ardencaple in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The castle was built during the 12th century. In 1566, Aulay MacAulay (the 1st) was part of the Royal Guard of Mary Queen of Scots. Around 1578, Palmgren said Aulay MacAulay was knighted by King James. King James also knighted Sir William Massey. Palmgren explained Sir William Massey was the grandfather of Richard Massey (the father of the “American” Masseys).
Family members were told beginning in the 17th century, the Lords of Ardencaple began to sell off their land holdings because they were living beyond their means. The castle was finally sold by Aulay MacAulay IV.
Contemporaries of the MacAulay clan resided in Wigtownshire, Scotland. Alexander McCallie
was born in 1699 in Wigtownshire and married Margaret Majough. They had four sons and two
daughters. The tough economic conditions of the mid-1700s sent tens of thousands of Scots to immigrate to Canada and America. Palmgren said the Alexander McCallie family was no exception. The two daughters (Ann and Mary) moved to Australia and three of the four sons came to America.
One son, Simon, stayed in Scotland while his brothers Archibald, Andrew and John arrived in Philadelphia in 1775. Archibald was said to have gone "to the Northwest." Andrew moved his family to Kentucky and John's family ended up in Blount County, Tennessee. Palmgren explained John McCallie is the father of the local McCallies. Palmgren said John McCallie was a Presbyterian elder, but around Knoxville, he was best known for his fine ale.
The Massey family has held many family reunions on Lookout Mountain since 1925. This year's event was catered by Bob Hall of Crossroads Cafe & Catering in Chattanooga.
Caroline Palmgren
cempalmgren@gmail.com
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