hello,
my name is Reed Gaddie, a cousin to most of the Gaddies living in Hart County Kentucky USA, and our father was traced back to a descendant William Gaddey (Gaddy,Gadie,Gaddey) family whom left Scotland possibly about 1700-1732, and settled somewhere in New Kent County Virginia. My mother gave me a copy of a land lease in 1732, which stated he was from New Kent County Virginia, most of which parish records were burned in the civil war. Recently, our family travelled to Scotland to find our lost ancestors. We discovered them in the eastern coastal lowland towns of Arbothnott, Kineff, and Bervie. Some of our family at one time lived on the Orkney Island. One interesting fact is these towns were close to Aberdeen. In Aberdeen, there is today a river named "Gadie Burne" located at the back of the Benachie mountains. Additionally, there is a national song written regarding this river or Burne. My question for all those knowledgeable in Scotland's history. What is the source of the name "Gadie Burne." One individual suggested it may have been named after a family of ancient origin whom lived in that area perhaps even earlier than most historial records were recorded. According to another, the Gadie family was in that area even as early as the 4th century a.d. and was involved in some battle which nearly extinguished the family. This family anciently were known to be practice the skills of blacksmithing even perhaps of ancient weapons, and worked with precious ores. An inventory of widow Mary Gaddey in 1752 verified this fact. Back to my question - Does anyone know of the origin of the Gadie family, or Gadie Burne name?