Greetings,
I'm hoping to uncover more about my immigrant ancestors, Thomas Ewing, a cooper, his unknown wife, and son, William. William was born 30 Oct 1790 in Tyrone according to the family bible. Neither his still unidentified mother, nor his father, who has been determined to be Thomas Ewing based on a combination of tax records and shared DNA, were mentioned in the bible. William had a brother, also named Thomas, who may have been just a year or two older or younger, also born in Tyrone based on his own obituary. There were at least two unidentified daughters also born to this couple who may or may not have been born in Ireland.
The family immigrated from Tyrone to eastern Pennsylvania (Chester County) around 1797, father Thomas being first recorded in tax records of Londonderry Township in that year (whence comes the information that he was a cooper). Based on the birth dates for the sons, Thomas and William, it is likely that Thomas Sr. married in Tyrone, by at least 1788 or 1789. The family was Presbyterian.
Based on the probable marriage timeframe, it's likely that Thomas and his wife were born in the 1760's in Tyrone with a margin of 10 years for Thomas giving a range of about 1750-1770 (for a very early marriage at about 18). My estimate is 1764.
By about 1815-1820, brothers Thomas and William had migrated from eastern Pennsylvania to western Pennsylvania, thence to Ohio and in the case of William, onward to Illinois. Thomas Jr. remained in Ohio until his death. It is not known where Thomas Sr. or his unidentified wife died.
Thomas Jr. married Rebecca Salter, whose nativity is given as Maryland or Pennsylvania. Her family's origins are not known. William married Sarah Mathews, who, according to the bible, was born in Chester County, but whose (unproven, but likely) parents, Thomas Mathews and Margaret Stewart, had immigrated from Belfast. If these are not her parents, DNA at least has shown that Sarah is descended from a close Mathews family member to this couple.
As for children's names, the following has been determined for Thomas Jr. and William:
Thomas Jr. & Rebecca Salter: William (~1815), Henry (~1816), John (~1822), Rebecca (1826), Mary (~1831), Samuel (~1833). The absence of a Thomas is striking.
William & Sarah Mathews: Thomas W. (1818), John (1819), William (1821), Andrew Mathews (1823), Mary Jane (1825), Margaret (1827), David Walker (1829).
I would be delighted to hear any information, tips or other input.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
Regards,
Mike Ewing (mike.ewing@gmail.com)
Semiplenus
Sunday 29th Nov 2020, 03:48AMMessage Board Replies
-
Mike,
Research in Tyrone in the 1700s is notoriously difficult. There are almost no records to consult, especially for someone like a Cooper, as he was unlikely to have any significant amount of land, if indeed he had any at all.
You mention that the family was Presbyterian. This link explains what Presbyterian records exist, arranged parish (very few have records for the 1700s):
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/proni-guide-church-records
If you are unable to go yourself, you could employ a researcher. Researchers in the PRONI area: http://sgni.net
There are 43 parishes in the county. Map here:
https://www.ancestryireland.com/civil-parish-maps-for-ulster/civil-parishes-of-county-tyrone/
You mention that you have used DNA to research the family. Family Tree DNA reportedly has more people with Ulster roots than any other company. That obviously increases the chances of finding a match. You might want to try them or, if you have already tested, you can transfer your results to them for no fee.
The North of Ireland Family History Society is running an Ulster DNA project in conjunction with FTDNA and can offer testing kits at a reduced price. http://www.nifhs.org (Go to DNA project on the website).
Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Sunday 29th Nov 2020, 01:34PM