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Looking for information on my GGGrandfather William Mathews, b. @1824/5 in County Down.  His parents were James, b. Unk, County Armagh and Nancy Mathews. They emigrated to the United States, possibly during the Irish Diaspora in the late 1840's, ending up in Goodland Township, Lapeer, Michigan, USA. From the births of their children, we know they were living in Toronto, Canada in 1857 and had moved to the United States by 1860.  I'd like to find out why they were in County Down and where seeing his father, James, was from County Armagh.  Thank you everyone! Gary Altman

Gary Altman

Monday 25th Apr 2022, 01:23PM

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  • On rootsireland, I found a Wm. Matthews born in Down in 1824, but his father was "Wils."

    There are four children baptized with father Wils. One has the mother listed, as Agnes.

    William Matthews :
    Baptism: 28-Jun-1824
    Parish: DRUMBALLYRONEY (BALLYRONEY) PRESBYTERIAN
    Co. Down
    Father: Wills Matthews

    Are you sure James and Ann were the parents' names? If they appear on William's death certificate, they may be wrong, as he did not provide that information.

    Patricia

    Tuesday 26th Apr 2022, 09:53PM

  • Patricia - thank you so much for your reply! Yes, I've seen that birthdate before but couldn't verify it.  The names James and Nancy are not verified and are only "family mythology" at this point.  In fact, his death certificate says his father's name (nickname) was "Alie" and that's all we have to go by.  We also know the family was not Catholic so there's another clue.  Any indication if or when your named William left Northern Ireland? 

    Thank you again!

    Gary Altman

    Gary Altman

    Thursday 28th Apr 2022, 03:52PM

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