Our Leadership
John E Mackfall, President
Clan Phail Society
Welcome!
My interest in family history and Scottish clan history came from not knowing or hearing about my own ancestry when I was growing up. In 1985, I began what became 30 years of research to discover as much as I could about my family name as well as to meet as many MacPhails as I could – from all around the world.
I was able to trace the Mackfall family history from 1744 to present. This research was relatively easy because everyone with the surname spelling of Mackfall is a direct relative. I documented what I learned in a book that can be passed down to future generations of Mackfalls.
When I began to focus on my ancestry prior to the 1700s, it became more difficult. I realized there were at least 70 different surname spellings of MacPhail, which is the origin of my Mackfalls, and that led me to explore the wider clan history of the MacPhails. To make it easier for others, I compiled my research in a book, “The Clan Phail: The History of a People.”
Learn about the various MacPhail surname spellings and about the book.
Since there was no clan association for MacPhails at the time, I got a committee together and we formed the Clan Phail Society in 1990. I remain the founder and president.
One of our connection points with MacPhails throughout the world is through the Clan Chattan Association of which I have been a member of the governing council since 1992. I am the second-longest serving council member and also served a stint as chairman of the association.
I am currently leading the campaign to have the Lord Lyon recognise the Chiefly family and allow the MacPhail’s to have a Clan Commander, as the last Chief of the Clan died in 1906 leaving no known heirs. If we are successful in gaining a Commander, then it is the first step to once again having a Clan Chief. A worthy goal for us MacPhails!
