The spelling of surname may or may not be correct. We have also seen it as McKigg. It became McKeage/MacKeage here in Canada.
We have no information about the family before they emigrated.
George's wife was Letitia Nelson. They were married July 1, 1804, and had eight children; five of whom emigrated.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1780 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 1st Jan 1847 | |
I have researched my own ancestors and found our surname was spelled four different ways in church records. I think the minister of the day spelled it as he thought it might be spelled without any consultation! Have we already been in contact?
Regards, Leslie McKeague
https://bailiepublications.com/
I checked my FTM program and do not see a Leslie at all in the McKeage or MacKeage listings but then you spell yours with a "u".
George McKigg or McKeag emigrated to Canada before 1844. My husband's great-grandfather James McKeage was born in Tingwick, Quebec that year so it was before then and after 1823 when George's youngest son was born. He came to Canada with five children, the eldest Mary was apparently already married so remained in Ireland and two died in infancy.
His children were John, born 1810, died 1899, Robert 1812-1892, Betanaugh (Elizabeth) 1817-1858, James 1820-1890 and Alexander 1823-1901 During the first couple of generations they intermarried with families named Suitor and Stevens, sometimes marrying first cousins. (my own great-parents in England were first cousins)
Four of Leon's great-grandfather's children changed the spelling to MacKeage instead of McKeage (there is a story behind that) so that is how our name is spelled. His first cousin 3x removed, John McKeage moved west to Alberta in 1898, bringing his family; raising cattle and hay crops. There are many McKeage's and Suitors in southern Alberta now.
Leon's Dad was born in Asbestos, Quebec but after his father died his mother moved the family to Edmonton, where her parents had moved some years earlier.
Beth - ;)
