My ancestor Hugh Blair left Ballywee, Donegore in 1803 and came to Pennsylvania, United States. The family had attended Parkgate Presbyterian Church in Donegore until 1791 when they left that church and joined the seceeder church in Donegore. Hugh was married to Jane Thompson when he came to the states, but she is believed to be his second wife and his 1st wife's name is not known. One of his daughters married James McMasters and another married William Cathcart before leaving Ireland. He had 11 children, 7 of whom had come to the U.S. prior to Hugh when he brought the 5 youngest children with him.
Wednesday 24th Oct 2012, 07:50PM
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I just found this site and as I was adding my family info to the Donegore/BallyweeTownland site I noticed your post on the Blairs of Ballywee.....such a tiny place so I was interested to see your post. I also have this Blair family on my tree. My connection to this family is thru the line of McMasters. I know that Elizabeth Blair married James McMaster.......he had a brother Hugh McMaster who married Eleanor Barr....Eleanor Barr I believe was the sister to my 4x Great Grandfather William Barr. William married Margaret Bryson of Ballywee (see my post).
Eleanor and Hugh McMaster were in Pittsburgh PA as early as 1811.....their first 3 children were born in Ireland. These families of Ballywee have to be all inter-related. Hope to learn more about all of these families.
Tuesday 8th Apr 2014, 07:40PM