I know this is a long shot, but I have to try. My research on my Diamond side brickwalls with William George Drummond in Barnwell South Carolina. Census records say he was born around 1810 in New York.
This is where it gets interesting. The family story is that William was from Elmira, New York, and moved to South Carolina and changed his name. It is said that stealing horses was the reason for the hasty retreat.
I don't know why South Carolina was chosen, perhaps there was family there. I don't know why he chose Drummond, perhaps a mothers maiden name.
I do know there are a lot of McMasters in Elmira, New York, and William named his first daughter, Almira, so that makes the story seem possible.
I am hoping some McMasters researchers will have some insight to help prove or disprove.
