THE HISTORY OF THE MACKENZIES.





ORIGIN.



THE CLAN MACKENZIE at one time formed one of the most powerful
families in the Highlands. It is still one of the most numerous
and influential, and justly claims a very ancient descent. But
there has always been a difference of opinion regarding its original
progenitor. It has long been maintained and generally accepted
that the Mackenzies are descended from an Irishman named Colin or
Cailean Fitzgerald, who is alleged but not proved to have been
descended from a certain Otho, who accompanied William the Conqueror
to England, fought with that warrior at the battle of Hastings,
and was by him created Baron and Castellan of Windsor for his
services on that occasion.


THE REPUTED FITZGERALD DESCENT.


According to the supporters of the Fitzgerald-Irish origin of the
clan, Otho had a son Fitz-Otho, who is on record as his father's