Indiana McCaslins

Mr. McCaslin's first name postulated from the Scotch-Irish naming pattern from 1700-1850. Two of his sons named their third sons Richard. This naming pattern also gives the name of Mr. McCaslin's father as his first son (John) would have been named for him.

This standard naming pattern, commonly used in England and the Americas, was:
first son father's father (John)
first daughter mother's mother (Mary)
second son mother's father (David Wasson)
second daughter father's mother (no second daughter)
third son father's name (Robert or Richard)
third daughter mother's name (no third daughter)
fourth son father's eldest brother (Robert or Richard)
fourth daughter mother's eldest sister (no fourth daughter)
fifth son father's second oldest brother or mother's eldest brother (no fifth son)
fifth daughter mothers second eldest sister or fathers eldest sister(no fifth daughter)

Letter from W.W. (Wesley W.) McCaslin addressed to D.S. (David Serril) McCaslin, Huron, Dakota
"Franklin Ind Oct 12 -86
Dear Nephew, the only reason why I hav not answered your lt of Sept 10 is this. I hav been hoping by inquiry that I might learn some fact that would throw some light on the Subject in which you are interested, I believe that S.C. Gentleman is a kinsman of ours, for it is a fact that our tribe first came from Ireland. My Grandfather Robert McCaslin had three brothers and one Sister, David, Richard, John, & Mary (afterwards Mary Thickson of Jefferson co Ind) all born in Virginia. he also had one half brother and sister, George King, the founder of our family seat, and Charlotte Snodgrass. Since Receiving your letter, I hav been trying to find out the name of my greate grand Father in fact I began the inquiry before I got your letter for I hav been Somewhat interested in this thing. Sometime I ast Allen McCaslin if he knew the name of his Grandfather He answered no It may be that Uncle Ellick may know I intend to call on him especially for that purpose, if he can not tell the name of his grandfather then the only chance left is an uncle J. R. McCaslin, living in Jefferson Co, possibly he may know, I am Satisfied that if my Father or his sisters were living I could find out for it was through an aunt (Polly Hemphill) a sister of my father that I learned the maiden name of my Great Grand mother, her maiden name was Wasson and there is where the McCaslins got the name of Wassen in the family (and ther has been Several) also one or two Wasson Kings, good name to perpetuate. Some of the younger McCaslin's will please take notice. Maybe John Henry will think of this. - If I can possibly find out the name of my great grandfather I will let you know, and I believe he would turn out to be one of the three brothers Spoken of by your S.C. correspondent. Alexander, John and Robert, and Mary are very common names among many of the McCaslins.
This leavs us as well as usual. Wishing you abundent success in the work in which you are engaged, I remain affectionally your Uncle W.W. McCaslin.
P.S. Here is the address of a McCaslin it may be you already hav it. Lincoln obtained it through a fellow Student at Hollan [Holland?] Mich. Rev. McCaslin, Liberry Station Westmoreland Co Pa. he is Presbyterian minister."
Transcribed with no corrections in spelling or grammar by Lois Johnson.