This is the infomation as it was sent to me and by most of it being oral history, we have no proof as yet. Maybe someone reading this can help confirm or disporve, this information.
First E-mail:
As I understand the Lendrum (Landrum in USA) family history.
The Landrum family name comes from Lendrum, a place name near Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In Gaelic "leathan druim" is broad ridge or moor of the ridge, from the Celtic "lon" is moor and "droma", the genitive of druin, is hill or ridge.
Lendrum Farm
The Lendrum farm is situated between Turriff and Fyvie in northeastern Aberdeenshire. Turriff is 38 miles northwest of the city of Aberdeen. The farm itself measures about 250 acres in the parish of Manquhitter, about four miles south of Turriff. Numerous farms in Aberdeenshire are known by names which they have held for centuries. The land in this area has been cultivated continuously from the Neolithic age, six to eight thousand years ago.
The Lendrum farm has had its present name from at least the 11th century, when the "Battle of Lendrum" was fought there. This bloody three day battle between the armies of Mormaer (Earl) of Buchan, "Thane of Buchan" and the usurper Donald Bane, "Donald of the Isles", brother of King Malcolm Canmore.
Red Comyn
Originally the Lendrum were the Comyn family. In 1306 Robert the Bruce killed John "Red" Comyn, in a church at Dumfries. The name Comyn was banned and some of the Comyn's took the name Lendrum for political reasons.
The Lendrum tartan is registered with the Scottish Tartan Society. The Lendrum coat of arms is on record in The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
USA
In 1680's two brothers John and James Lendrum/Landrum arrived in Virgina. Most Landrum's in the US can trace their line to the brothers. It is believed that their father was William Lendrum of Aberdeenshire (not proven).
Can anyone help me figure out the Comyn/Lendrum connection? What about the Lendrum's of the 1500-1600's in Aberdeenshire?
Thanks
Nan
Second E-mail:
I'm afraid much of the history of the Lendrum/Landrum family of Scotland is oral history and so far no one has been able to prove it. What I can tell you is that John and James Lendrum arrived in America about 1685, we know this from court records. It is believed that John and James were brothers. Also, the oral history of this family name is carried down through the lines of both Lendrums/Landrums. (Landrum is the Americanized Lendrum.)
After killing of "Red" Comyn, Robert the Bruce - in an effort to quell any revenge or rebellion by the Comyns - seized the Comyn lands and sought out the Comyns and their supporters. Many of the Comyns fled to England where they were pardoned for their indiscretions against the King [Edward] and allowed to live and own property in England. Those who were left behind in Scotland changed their name to avoid persecution.
One group of Comyns took the surname Lendrum from their land near Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In Gaelic "leathan druim" is broad ridge or moor of the ridge, from the Celtic "lon" is moor and "droma", the genitive of druin, is hill or ridge.
Note: No written documentation of this name change has been found. If you were in hiding would you keep a written record showing who you were?
I'm including a portion of the history of the Lendrum land as it shows a connection to the Comyns.
The Lendrum Farm measures about 250 acres in the parish of Manquhitter, about four miles south of Turriff. Numerous farms in Aberdeenshire are known by names that they have held for centuries. The land in this area has been cultivated continuously from the Neolithic age, six to eight thousand years ago.
The Lendrum farm has had its present name from at least the 11th century, when the "Battle of Lendrum" was fought there. This bloody three day battle between the armies of Mormaer (Earl) of Buchan*, "Thane of Buchan" and the usurper Donald Bane, "Donald of the Isles", brother of King Malcolm Canmore.
The third day of the battle was fought in a six-acre field, which tradition says, was covered with gore. The Mormaer of Buchan prevailed. After losing most of his force Donald was forced to flee. Until at least 1793, it was believed locally that corn (grain) grown on the "bloody butts of Lendrum" could not be reaped without strife and bloodshed among the reapers.
The site of the battle was marked by cairns and tumuluses until the first half of the 19th century, when a tenant put the heath under plow. He removed the hillocks that had marked the graves of the slain and preserved the memory of the battle. In many hillocks he found corroded iron and other evidence of conflict.
*In 1212 William Comyn is the Earl of Buchan and in 1306, at the time of "Red" Comyn's death, John Comyn is the Earl of Buchan. John fought for the independence of Scotland and was a distant cousin to "Red" Comyn.
The Earl of Buchan is believed to be the Lendrum/Landrum ancestor. The references to him in our oral history does not mention him by name, only by title.
I don't know if this clear things up or muddies the water. If you have any questions I'll try to answer them.
This information was received from:
Nan Hankovich
LANDRUM List Administrator