September 17, 2003

The Comyn Clan

During the past few days, I have been actively engaged with members of the extended Comings family in discussions on our family history. I have been fascinated by what I have learned.

From what I can tell, the Comings family has its roots in northern Italy. From there they moved to southern France, eventually coming to England with William the Conqueror. At that point the family (now bearing the surname Comyn) seems to have split into two branches--one in England and another in Scotland. The Scottish branch grew to great power and wealth. During Scotland's struggle with Edward Longshanks in England, the Comyn clan sided with William Wallace of Braveheart fame.

At one point, the head of the family, one John (Red) Comyn, was named co-protector of Scotland with Robert Bruce. The two quarelled, and Robert ended up killing John at the base of an altar of a Scottish church.

There ensued a clan war between the two families which resulted in utter defeat for the Comyns. As a result they scattered, and their name was banned from Scotland. Some of the family had holdings in England, or else went to live with members of the English branch. Among these were my direct ancestors.

In my readings today, I came across the last will and testament of John Commyn, the father of Isaac, who was the first of our family to come to the new world. The following words from that will struck me:

I John Commyn of Ipswich in the county of Suff yeoman being in good helth of body and of good and perfect memory thankes be given unto Almighty God therefore doe make and ordayne this my last will and testament in manner and forme followeing Ffirst I com[m]itt and com[m]end my soule and body into the handes of my alone Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ by and thorough whose most pretious merrits I assuredly hope and expect fruic[i]on of a ioyfull resurrection and eternall lyfe.

If you can get past the old English way of writing, you find a clear testimony of the man's faith in Jesus Christ.

I am proud of the courage "Red" Comyn showed when he stood up for what he believed in, even though it resulted in his death. I am even more proud of the testimony that my ancestor John Commyn left, which endures today, years after his death.

May my descendants remember me for both!

Posted by Andrew on September 17, 2003 2:52 PM.

Comments

Posted by: John Ireland at November 21, 2003 4:54 AM

Posted by: Teresa at October 5, 2004 3:44 PM