James HERREL/Mary PATTERSON

Hello, We have sent your query to a local volunteer whom we hope will be able to offer some advice

Best wishes, Denise

Hello! I am not sure if I should address this to Mr. or Ms. Martin - so I will leave my 'Hello' as the welcome.  I read over your note and mulled over a few possiblities of where to begin. Alas! It is the proverbial brick wall. Without a gate or door to unlock and examine more beyond, I am at a loss. I need a wee bit more info to know where to point you for what would be your own journey of discovery. Co. Sligo is small - one of the smallest of the counties - but still - it had lots of folks living in it prior to the Great Famine. First - the names. Are you searching for Jane and Mary [Nicholson] ?  William and Elenore Nichoson? Both couples? Do you have a townland name? A village? Do you have a marriage certificate or death certificate of any of these folks? Children names and any documentation for them. Where were they living in Canada? in the States? Census date? Ship documentation? Jobs / occupations? Church affiliation? How are they related to you? Can you work backwards - from yourself to your parents etc to get to details about these folks? Without a bit of the above it will be hard to suggest future routes for you to explore. Let me know what you have and I can advise more. Till then, take care. Be safe and healthy.  Steve Lemken

William Herrell and his wife Elenore(nee Nicholson) emigrated to Canada (Simcoe County, Ontario) between 1844 when their youngest child Margaret was born in Ireland and 1861 when they are first listed on a Canadian Census. Five other children, all born in Ireland, accompanied them: Mary Ann (1835), William (1837), Elizabeth (Eliza) (1837), Elenore (Ellen) (1842), and Catherine (1843). I believe William may have been born around 1804 and Eleanor around 1816.

They may have emigrated from County Sligo.

His parents, ?William? and Jane may have emigrated with them or possiby before with brother James and his wife Mary Patterson.

William worked as a farmer and the family were members of the Wesleyn Methodist church.

I recently located a marriage record on RootsIreland for: William HARROLL and Eleanor NICHOLSON at the Church of Ireland in KILLALA  County Mayo on May 20, 1829.

James Herrell and his wife Mary (nee Patterson) emigrated to Canada (Simcoe County Ontario) prior to the birth of their eldest child in Ontario - Eliza Jane in 1847. I believe James was born around 1814 and Mary around 1827.

So, it looks like both families left Ireland near in the first few years of the famine.

Any help you can provide will be most helpful,

Nora