The Raphoe Knox’s Part two
The Knox, Young, Brookborough Connection. From 1730, --2002.
Thomas Knox of Tom’s Croft, Convoy and John Knox of Castletorrison are
related, Thomas was an Uncle to John. Thomas Knox also owned the Lough Eske
properties. Thomas Knox had a daughter named Katherine who married John
Young from Castlefinn, Co.Donegal.
John and Katherine Young (nee) Knox had a family of one son that I know of and
his name was Thomas Young. Thomas failed to father an heir to his properties
and his mother Katherine Young (nee) Knox inherited the property and Lough
Eske became known as the Young Properties.
Katherine Young (nee) Knox’s
Great grandson married Jane
Grove. Jane and Thomas Grove,
the Grove’s were children of Rose
Brooke; she was a sister of Henry
Vaughan Brooke.
Henry Vaughan Brooke was a
bachelor and had inherited large
amounts of properties from Basil
Brooke who was Henry’s father.
Henry Vaughan Brooke left much
of his properties to his nephew
Thomas Grove on condition that he
takes the name and Coat of Arms
of Brooke. This Thomas Grove did
but, he died without issue.
The Will of Henry Vaughan Brook provided that in such a case,
that the properties go to the husband of Thomas Grove’s sister
Jane Grove, but Thomas Young Sen. had died in the meantime, so
his son Thomas Young took the name and Coat of Arms of
Brooke and became known as Thomas Young Brooke of Lough
Eske formally that of Thomas Knox of 1700
Thomas Young Brooke Esq., of Lough Eske in 1832 married
Susanna Marie Donnelly born on the 3rd of July 1806; she was
then twenty six years of age. She was one of a family of twelve
children, and the third daughter of John Donnelly Esq., of
Blackwater Town, Mulvennan, her mother was Rebecca
Young, and her maternal Grandmother was also Young, sister
of the MP. Of Cavan, Sir William Young Bart., later created
Lord Lisgard.
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A report in the Donegal Democrat, a local Newspaper date 11th of July 2002, had
a write-up on the Historical Society outing to Co. Fermanagh, and it stated,
Those Eighty members of Co. Donegal Historical Society travelled to County
Fermanagh recently for their annual coach outing.
The Society which is one of the biggest in the country with one thousand
members annually visits places of historical interest.
The
members visited
Necarne Caste a
17th
century
plantation castle
in Irvinestown that was later used as a World War Two American Military
Hospital. Necarne Cast was designed by J. B. Keane.
The tour continued with a bus tour of the Island town of Enniskillen.
On arrival at Church Hall the Society were welcomed by Lord
Brookborough who gave an interesting and informative history of the Brooks
in the family church. The Brooke family were granted Donegal Castle at the
time of the Ulster Plantation and also had extensive lands at Lough Eske, these
lands in the Seventeen Thirties were the property of Thomas and Mrs Knox
who were granted the Castle and lands, their daughter Katherine married
Young from Castlefinn, and their son Thomas Young married into the Brook
family connections who through marriage connections took over Lough Eske
Castle and lands some one hundred years later.
The members visited his residence, Colebrook House, and received a guided tour
of the House and an interesting account of its history. Colebrook House was
designed by William Farrell who coincidentally was the architect of St Anne's
Church in Ballyshannon.
The Society then the visited Ashbrook House the home of Lady Brookborough,
mother of the current Lord Brookborough, who hosted afternoon tea and
conducted members on at tour of the House which contained such memorabilia,
antiques and photographic records of the political sporting and other activities of
the family.
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In the evening the Society assembled at Dorians Hotel in Ballyshannon for their
Dinner, and afterwards the President of the Society gave an address and thanked
all those who participated in their days outing.
It was at this point that several members of the Society who knew of my ability to
write poetry asked me to write a little memento in poetic fashion to the Lord and
Lady Brookborough and Lady Brookborough (Sen) for receiving us on the day,
and as a way of saying thank you to them.
After much consideration, the next morning I conceded to their request, this is
what I wrote is on page 100.
A Little Memento
Of
The Donegal Historical Society Members Visit. 22nd June 2002.
Dear Lord and Lady Brookborough
this note just comes to say,
How thoroughly we enjoyed our visit,
to your home just yes-ter-day.
The reception that we all received,
will remain with us until.....
And the visit to the little Church,
way up on the Hill.
2
It was of great delight to meet
the Senior Lady on the day,
To enjoy her great reception
and that lovely cup of Tae.
To glance the Old Old Homestead,
and those memories of the past,
It was the enough I can assure you,
that those memories will forever last.
3
Alas the day had ended,
much too soon , that , I must say.
And for your wealth of kindness,
we know not to repay.
But please abide with this Society,
of the Historical Members of Donegal,
And we will be delighted to have you come and visit us,
maybe some time in the Fall.
Thank you .
Until we meet again, kindest regards, For and on behalf of the Donegal Historical
Society.
By Ivan Knox
June 2002
3
Susanna showed special care for the poor, the afflicted, and the young, as her
memorial Testifies, she had special healing gifts, for she was herself an
accomplished herbalist, she gave generously of these gifts to all those who needed
them.
Both she and her husband Thomas lived through these appalling trauma times of
the famine and with their neighbours worked to relieve the people. Each day food
was dispersed from a great cauldron in the Castle Courtyard and the Brookes also
sent a boat to America for supplies.
A young woman, living at the time with the Brookes, who later emigrated to
America where she married and became Marianne Harper, recorded witnessing
the queues of poor people filing past a gap in the courtyard wall, holding up their
bowls to be filled.
Marianne also left a glimpse of the conditions prevailing in this Ascendancy
household-a stark contrast- saying that until she left the Brookes she did not know
what it was to comb her own hair or to put on a pair of shoes
The
Brookes
had
no
family but
filled their
home with
a
great
number of
nieces,
nephews,
greatnieces and
great
nephews. Their nephew John Donnelly (later to become Major General Sir John
Donnelly KCB.) was left in charge while his parents were in India.
Thomas Brooke DL of Lough Eske died on the 12th October 1884, aged 74 years.
The Church of Ireland at Lough Eske was erected and maintained by him during
his lifetime and he further bequeathed a considerable sum towards its endowment.
As for Susanna Marie Brookes, Thomas’s wife, she died on the 1st of September
1883 aged 76 years; her life was one of undeviating Christian devotion to the
good of all around here. The poor, the afflicted and the young were her special
care.
They are interred in the family burial ground – Killymard and their memory is
held dear to those amongst whom their lives were spent.
Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. They rest from their labours and their
works do follow them.
A Miniature of Susan Marie’ great-aunt Brooke’ as she was affection ally called,
show her as a beautiful, tranquil woman with brown ringlets and large blue eyes,
dressed in a gown of rich blue taffeta and holding a single rose in her fingers. At a
4
time when two Donegal neighbours went abroad in bullet-proof vests and another
had bullet-proof glass in his drawing room windows for fear of assassination, the
Brookes were exemplars of the kind of good stewardship the privileged should
exercise.
The name William Knox also appears in the Murray Broughton Estate papers as
well and of lands held by him and John Smith, John Hamilton and George Kirk in
Boylaghoughtra, Donegal around the same time in the 1730’s, it states that they
were the settlers and of Scottish extraction.
This would help to explain how John Knox of Castletorrison came into contact in
the first place with this Herron lady, perhaps John was working at the Mills in
Drumroosk, Donegal Town, with his Uncle at this time.
In the Murray Records of the Broughton Estate dated 1730. By. Thomas Addi of
Donnaghadee. (And I quote.).
That Mrs.Young holds the Damland and two small parks with the Mills at
Droomroosk, and she say it’s the same land that Mr. .Knox held with the said
Mills without alteration, but John Stewart of Drumroosk says, the two parks did
belong to that Droomroosk which is now held by Ralph Walker, and that Thomas
Knox told Mr. .Murray at Lough Eske that the said two parks would be very
convenient to him with the Mills, and that Mr..Murray laid his hand on Stewart’s
shoulder and bid him let Thomas Knox have the said two parks and he would
consider him for it; and Stewart said he let Mr.Knox have them accordingly but
has not as yet received any allowance.
The Mill Park Lands were leased from Alexander Murray Esquire of The Broughton Estate, Cally
Donegal Town, Co.Donegal. at Droomroosk Donegal Town by Thomas Knox and Family in 1730
, The Mill Park Hotel was built on these lands in the year 2000 A.D..Photo taken in the year
2001.A.D.By Ivan Knox Corcam, Ballybofey.
Castleraghan has two farms. Those are two fine extensive farms situated about
four miles from Killybeggs. They lie between Ballymedonnall, Darney, and the
Point and have the benefit of wrack and sand for manure the first of which is the
best kind, and in Near Rahan there is an abundance of fine white Marl even with
the surface of the earth.
Those farms are all fit for grain and meadow, both of which make a fine
appearance this year and I am told that they always do so, and the grass in general
is all mixed with red and white clover pr. shamrock.
5
There are eleven tenants on them, all poor (but two) one of these farms has three
Ballyboes = (75 to Cunyngham Acres) (one Ballyboe = 25 Cunyngham acre).and
the other Farm contains two Ballyboes and a half = (62.5 Cunyngham acres)
After Mr. Cunyngham’ s lease expired on Castlerahan he took two Ballyboe’s
from the means of Castleraghan which Mr.Conyngham now sets as his own land
to Capt. Andrew Conyngham at £ 16-0-0 per annum.
They were set about nine years ago. One of the present tenants William Adair; he
says that they really belong to Mr...Murray, but was given off by Thomas Knox
when he was agent for Mr.Cunyngham and Mr. Murray.
Thomas married in Donegal Town his wife’s name is not known, but is known
that both she and Thomas lived on Ballyweill Island which is situated just of the
Coast as you go down towards the Strand off the Main Donegal Town /
Mountcharles Road.
One takes the signpost for the Beach and as one comes to a T junction pointing
Beach to the right don’t go in that direction, go left instead and about two hundred
meters down that road you will see Ballyweill Island just a short distance off
shore, there is no roadway out to the Island, it is only accessible by boat or dingy.
Ballyweill Island from the shore on Ballyweill Road off the Donegal / Mountcharles Road.
The Island was covered in gorse in the early 1700’s and the Knox family had it
cleared of gorse and were growing very good quality Oats on the Island which
contained one Ballyboe of land , equal to approx. Twenty Five Conyngham acres.
The rent for the Island payable by the Knox Family in 1730 to the Conyngham
Estate and The Murray’s of Broughtown Estate of which the agent was Thomas
Knox, was £6-3-0. Per annum.
6
William Knox’s son was born (circa 1755).
His Records refer to him as No Name Knox. But I believe that his name was
William, a son of William that went to Donegal Town with his brother Thomas in
or around 1700
William (No name) Knox married twice, his first wife had two known sons by
him, named John, born 1780 and William born 1795, but it is believed that there
were many more siblings in this family. These two Knox men’s families are the
only Knox’s that there is any Records of that are available in the year of 2001.
(End of quote) Submitted by the Eaton family Lawyer, William Pomeroy Eaton
William (No name) Knox‘s wife passed away, and he remarried again, this time
to a widow woman who also had a large family. this marriage lasted only for a
short period of time, as the times were so bad, that they could not support the
large numbers of the two families to-gether , that each went back to their original
homes, she to her people, and he to his, the Record does not state if there was any
union to this marriage.
Their full records are explained further on in this Record.
7
William Knox’s Family of Two sons. John & William
The Knox’s of Castletorrison 1755. John Knox born 1785 son of William Knox
1755.
John Knox, born 1785 married a lady the name of Herron from Donegal
Town and had a family of, Ten, their names were,
Elisa Knox, married Hussey Mc.Coy, Blue Mount, Illinois.
Mary Knox, No details.
Martha Knox, married Samuel Blackburn, Magheracorn, Convoy,
went to the U.S.A.
Jane Knox, born Ireland married Thomas Henderson this family
settled in the State of ,Maine in the U.S.A.
Ann Knox, married James Mc. Clure, Alberta, Canada
John Knox, emigrated. to the U.S.A. died with Yellow Fever.
Joseph Knox, born as the 7th child in 1815, (m) Jane Sherland,
Magheranappan, Convoy. (d. 1916) and is laid to rest in Convoy
Presbyterian Church Graveyard.
Margaret Knox, no details
Esther Knox, married, went to Australia, family not known.
Rebecca Knox, born 1834 married David Callan in 1852 in (Convoy Pres Ch.),
went to Australia, there was no family to this union.
8
William Knox born 1795
William Knox, married Mary Gardiner from Sion Mills, County Tyrone, and their
family of fourteen were.
Margaret, Knox born 1819, died 1852, aged 33 years.
Samuel Knox, born 1820, died 1916, aged 96 years, in the United States of
America
William Knox, born 1822, died in 1885, aged 63 years.
Isabella Knox, born 1823, died in 1913, aged 90 years.
Mary Knox, born 1824, died 1845, aged 21 years
Nancy Knox, born1825, died at 1895, aged 70 years.
Jane Knox, born 1826, died 1882, aged 56 years.
Eliza Knox, born 1827, died in 1881, aged 54 years.
Matilda Knox, born 1830, died 1906, aged 76 years.
Ellen Knox born 1831, died in 1879, aged 48 years.
Alexander Knox, born 1832, died 1862, aged 30 years.
Rebecca Knox, born 1834, died in 1898, aged 64 years.
John Knox, born 1838, died in 1905 age 67 years. had one known son named
Samuel Gardner Knox.
Sarah Knox, born 1848, married McNichles, died 1910, aged 72 years (U. S. A.)
William Knox born 1795 went to the United States of America on 18th September
1845 and six of his family went to America on board the Ship Berlin to
Philadelphia in 1847, their names were,
Samuel Knox born 1820 and died 1916,
William Knox born 1822 and died in 1885,
John Knox, born 1838 died 1905.
Isabella Knox born 1823 died 1913
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12
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19
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There was a family of Knox’s went to United States of America in 1851, they
could have been the same Knox’s of 1842 as John and William Knox were, but
there is no written proof of that. They were probably the Knox’s of Mongory, or
the Knox’s of Raphoe Park. They certainly had all the Christian names of these
Knox’s
.
They were,
Nancy Knox, (nee?) bore, 1831 husbands name not given, sailed from Derry Port,
to Philadelphia in United States of America, on board the Passengers Ship
Stoneaway, and Sailed on the Eighth of October 1851. The four sons of this
family on Board together with their Mother Nancy, were,
James aged 12 year old,
John aged nine years old,
William aged seven years old,
Robert aged four years old.
I have no more knowledge of this family.
21
(Continued from page 26
As told by their great granddaughter Martha Blackburn Grey, Illinois, U.S.A. born
1840 died 1926 in the USA.
The Knox’s of 1700, General Henry Knox, 1st Sec of War U.S.A.was a brother of
Grandmas Grandfather
His father came to the United States and settled in Conneticut. Grandma said she
remembers the folks back home in Ireland hearing from them.
The Wife or Mother of Andrew was one of this families
The Family connection;
Grandmother Blackburn was (Martha Knox) born The Craigs, County Donegal
Ireland, April 1815, died Nov. 1901
Her Parents were John Knox, Craigs, born 1785 and Martha Knox
Donegal Town early 1800’s
Sisters –
Eliza married John Mc Kinney,
Mary married Montgomery
Jane married Nathanial Henderson of Maine
Ann married Jim McClure Ireland
Esther married George Donnell, went to Australia
Rebecca married David Callan, went to Australia
(nee)
Harron,
Brothers, John and Joseph.
John; came to America, (had visits of him.) I have no records of a wife or family of
John.
Joseph; married Jane Sherland, Convoy. Co. Donegal, Ireland.
Their family were;
(1) John born at the Craigs, Convoy, married, his first wife died and he remarried,
went to Scotland. With two sons and one daughter.
(2)James born at the Craigs, Convoy, 1863 married Jane Tait, Labadoo, with five of a
family
Their names were; Joseph born at the Craigs, Convoy in1897 died 1963 at Labadoo,
married Sarah Jane McKane, White hill, Killygordon with three of a family;
Their names are Jean born at Labadoo Killygordon1933, married James Wilson
Magherahane, Raphoe; James died 1997, with four of a family
Lorna married Leslie McSparron Claudy, Co Derry, with three children by 2005. (See
full report page 104 and 105
Ivan Knox born Labadoo, Killygordon born May 1935 lives at Corcam, Ballybofey,
Co.Donegal, married Letitia Hardy, Camish, Ballybofey Co.Donegal, Ireland, with
four sons; (see full report page100-102)
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There names are Wesley John born Corcam, Ballybofey1968, married Lorna
Devenney, Convoy, Co.Donegal with three of a family; live at Carrickshandrum,
Killygordon, Co Do negal
Their names are Adam born 1997 died 1997.
Aaron born 1999,
Eleanor born 2004
Joseph Alexander Knox, born at Corcam, Ballybofey1968, married Louise Kilpatrick,
Findrum, Convoy, County Donegal, lives at Dunboyne, County Meath with three of a
family;
Jessica born Feb.1999, Victoria, born Jan. 2001, Abigail born Nov. 2003
Andrew James Knox born at Corcam, Ballybofey1970, married Hilary Russell, Corby
Glenn, Raphoe, County Donegal with three of a family and live at Carrickshandrum,
Killygordon, County Donegal.
There names are;
Shania born 1999, Matthew born 2004, Alexis born 2007,
Mark McKane Knox born 1973 at Corcam, Ballybofey, married Emma Wasson,
Church Hill, Kilmacrennan, on Oct 11th 2008, lives at Glebe Hollow, Stranorlar, Co.
Donegal in 2008
Isabel Stevenson (nee) Knox born at Labadoo, Killygordon May1940. married
Charles Stevenson Ballymagorry Strabane, Co. Tyrone, Charles died 1992, .( see full
report page)104-105
Their names are Ann married and living in Sligo,
Isobel, married Ian Robb Ballymagorry, Strabane Co. Tyrone with a boy and a girl.
Dawn born not married living at Ballymagorry Strabane Co. Tyrone in 2008.
(2) Martha born at the Craigs ,Convoy, never married
(3) Cassie born at the Craigs Convoy, never married,
(4) Adam born at the Craigs, Convoy, went to New Zealand married Ethel Clara
Wright in 1933 (see page106 for full report.)
(5) Elizabeth (Lizzie) born at the Craigs, Convoy, 1904 married Charles McKane of
White Hill, Killygordon in 1940, he was a brother to Sarah who married Elizabeth’s
brother Joseph in 1932. (See full report on page (110-117)
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Sam Blackburn, my mother’s father was born in Ireland, lived in the Craigs
Village of County Donegal. A linen weaver by trade. His material came from
Londonderry and worked on a hand loom in his home. Raised the Flax but did not
process it.
In his spare time he raised garden products, especially potatoes. Two years in
succession the potatoes blighted, cutting down his income. About this time
someone went to Ireland with an engine to do weaving which took away the work
of the linen weaver
Then Grandfather began looking for another job. One of his school friends in Ireland
was over here in the States wrote him and asked him to come to America, thinking he
could find work here, which he did. Grandfather first came to Troy, Illinois; coming
by a sailing vessel, taking Eleven weeks to cross the Atlantic, then came up the
Mississippi to New Orleans... He got work with Capt. Gunterman on the farm.Capt.
Gunterman’s wife died and he told my Grandfather, he send for his wife and he did,
and she brought her oldest daughter with her. They got as far as New Orleans and ran
out of money and had to work there for about two months, they got a chance to come
to Troy, by taking care of a rich man who had the small pox, on his way up to St
Louis.
My Grandfather Blackburn – sister was Martha Moorehead
His mother’s maiden name was West. came to America in 1852 and lived in Maiden
Co. Moved to Mr. Gunterman’s place and lived there for 15 years. Then moved to
Quercus Area.
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William Knox (1755) and of the descendants of John and Mrs
Knox (of Castletorrison, Convoy, (nee) Herron, Donegal Town.
From 1780.Castletorrison, Convoy,
Castletorrison, is an agricultural area about three miles north of the village of
Convoy, it was a very large area up until 1860 when the Griffith Valuations
came into existence, when an area like Castletorrison was divided up into what
became known as town lands.
The town land of Castletorrison was part of the Cunyngham Estate.
The striking thing about Castletorrison and the new town land being added, was
that Lady Cunyngham birth place in Scotland was Craig's or Craigsendend, she
and the Knox’s were Related before coming to Ireland, the Knox’s could always
be found living on holdings belonging to the Cunyngham Estate from way back,
maybe this has some significant bearings on the new townland of the Craigs,
Convoy, and the Relationship between the Cunyngham’s and then Knox’s.
The Craigs or Tom’s Croft, could this Tom’s Croft have any significant bearing
on Thomas Knox we find with the Mills in Donegal Town.
It is from here that the first of the written Records of the Knox’s of my
descendants can be found, this goes back to the years of 1755 AD.
The Craigs farm was in total of 60 acres, of mostly good land, but there was some
turbery on it as well.
The dwelling house consisted of a Two-storey building, it was built of Stone and
Roofed with Slate in 1948 when I first saw it. It contained three bedrooms
upstairs and downstairs with kitchen, and living room and drawing room as it was
known then, but in today’s terms it is called a sitting room, or guest room.
There was no water laid on, nor was there a flush toilet, or bathroom.
The lighting was by Candle Power only, as Electricity was unheard of at that time.
In Joe Knox’s time of the early 1800’s it was s Single Storey House, Stone Built,
and covered with Hazel branches and Thatched with Turf Sods from the Hill.
The fireplace was an Open Hearth with its Cranes and Hooks, and the firing was
Turf Sods and Sticks.
The window in the Old House was very small as was the doorway; for it all
depended on the size of these two opening that you paid the rent to your Landlord.
At that time you were what was known as a Tenant farmer.
The Landlord at that time were the Executors of Lady Cunyngham, the same Lady
Cunyngham that the Knox’s were related to and Enlisted as Soldiers in 1630.
There is no Church or Government Records of the Knox’s of that time, only what
was kept by the Landlords.
I was most lucky in this respect as a relation named Eaton in the United States of
America had quite a lot of details of the Knox’s, and it is from these Records that
I can disclose the true family history.
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The extended families of John and Mrs. Knox (nee) Herron’s
family, from 1810__.
Eliza Knox, born (circa) 1810 married Hussey McCoy, Blue Mound in Illinois,
U.S.A.
Mary Knox, born (circa) 1812, I have no further information regarding this
family.
Martha born 15th. April 1815 fact, married Samuel Blackburn,
born on the 10th of October 1810 in Magheracorn, Convoy.
Magheracorn is a rural agriculture area two miles south of Convoy
Village, on the main road to County Sligo. It was here that Sam
Blackburn was reared and learned the farming skills. His
extended family still reside in Magheracorn in the year 2001.
Martha Knox and Sam Blackburn married 1838, and went to live at
Cornigillagh, Convoy. Co Donegal, Ireland
It was at Cornigillagh that four of their seven children were
born, their names were.
Martha Knox Blackburn, born 1840, died 1926 aged 86
years, born Convoy.
Margaret Knox Baird (nee) Blackburn, no date of birth
shown, bore Convoy.
Jane Knox Blackburn, no date of birth shown, bore Convoy.
Rebecca Knox Blackburn, no date of birth show, born
Convoy.
Eliza Ann Knox Blackburn, born 7th March 1853 in
Edwardsville, Illinois U.S.A.
John Knox Blackburn, no date shown, born and
Edwardsville, Illinois, U.S.A.
Samuel West Blackburn, born the 6th August 1858 Edwardsville, Illinois,
U.S.A.
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The Blackburn
extended
family
each
families
Martha Knox Blackburn,
Followed by each family member as shown above.
Martha Knox Blackburn, born Cornigillagh, Convoy, 1840, Emigrates to
Illoinois, United States of America, 1850, died in 1926 aged 86 years married
Robert A Gray, born 16th Oct 1835, died 5th Dec. 1918. Was from Cornigillagh,
Convoy, County Donegal, married in Illinois, U.S.A., and had a family of
fourteen, six girls, and eight boys.
Their names where
Sarah A, Gray, born 8th of July 1877 Madison Co.Ill
Annie B. Gray, date of birth 13th Sept 1865, .Madison Co. Ill.
Mary Gray, date of birth, 12th of June 1870, Madison Co.Ill.
Hyde Gray, date of birth, 23rd of Sept. 1862, Madison Co. Ill
William A. Gray, date of birth, 10th Sept.1863, Madison Co.Ill
Joseph S. Gray, date of birth, 11th Sept. 1868, Madison Co. Ill.
James M. Gray, date of birth, 23rd of Nov. 1879, Christian Co.
Francis S. Gray, date of birth, 8th of Aug.1882, Christian Co. Ill
John, H. Gray, date of birth 15TH march, 1867, Madison Co. Ill
Martha Blackburn Gray, date of birth not known.
Marg. Jane Gray, date of birth 19th of March 1872 Madison Co.
Ill.
Elizabeth Martha Gray, date of birth 17th of September 1875,
Edna Blackburn Gray, date of birth 19th of February 1884,
Christon Co.Ill.
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Robert A. Gray, date of birth 6th of February 1874, Madison Co. Ill...
Martha Blackburn Gray, date of birth not known.
The Gray family originally came from Convoy Co.Donegal.
Margaret Knox Blackburn, born (circa) 1842, Conigillagh,
Convoy. Emigrated to Illinois, United States of America, 1850, married a
widower named Baird from Illinois.
They had no family of their own, but raised four of a family of Bairds from his
previous marriage.
Jane Knox Blackburn, born (circa) 1843, Cornigillagh, Convoy. Emigrated to
Illinois, United States of America, 1850. Married Joseph McKinney, a Full
Cousin of her own.
Joseph McKinney was murdered, the killer's, one of them was hanged, and the
other was given a Life Imprisonment.
Three children born to this union. John R.Mc.Kinney, a former Rancher in
Payette, Idaho, now retired was Senator from his district.
The late Bernice was a Schoolteacher.
The younger Mildred married Corrington, and lives in Normal, Illinois, she has
several children
By the way,’’ One Way’’ Corrigan who landed in ‘’Dinnegall’’(Donegal, Ireland)
was a resident of Long Beach California, where he made the flight.
I have a picture of my late brother Thomas welcoming ‘’One Way’’ back to Long
Island. My brother was then Mayor of that City.
Rebecca Knox Blackburn
Rebecca Knox Blackburn, born (circa) 1846, Cornigillagh, Convoy.
Emigrates to Illoinois, United States of America in 1850. Died in
1933 aged 87 years, was not married,
She was a Schoolteacher, and was a Cripple from birth; she was in
regular contact with her Mother’s people back in Ireland. We have many pictures
of her at this time in the year 2001 which we treasure very dearly. She was our
main source of contact up until her death in 1933.
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They Eaton family of Wood River, Edwardsville. Illoinois. February 1947.
Re- Blackburn, Magheracorn / Knox, Craigs, connection, from 1847
By Henry B. Eaton, lawyer, suite 6-7 Madison Store Buildings, Edwardsville,
Date February the Seventh 1947.
This is a letter that he had written to James Knox of Labadoo Killygordon Co.
Donegal Ireland.
Dear, Cousin,
Your letter under date of January, 31st 1947 reached me here in Edwardsville at
my law officer on that is five days 5th February time. pretty good, I will say.
I was glad to hear from you.
You might be interested in a little history of the Knox, Blackburn, West, families
etc.
My Grandmother on my maternal side was
Matilda ( Matty) Blackburn
(Nee) Knox, the Craigs, Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland.
She married Samuel Blackburn, Magheracorn, Convoy,
Ireland, and four of their seven children were born at
Cornigillagh, Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland.
My Grandmother Blackburn lived to be about 87 years old, I believe. She died in
1901. Her husband died years before, aged about 58, I believe.
The eldest of their children, Mattie Knox Blackburn lived to be
Eighty Six or Eighty Seven years old. She married Robert A. Gray
on the 24 th January 1861 in Madison Co.Ill. Robert A Grey was
born on the 16th of October 1835 in Cornigillagh, Convoy Co.
Donegal Ireland and went to Illoinois, U.S.A. They had a .family of
fourteen, six girls, and eight boys. (See previous two pages for all of
their names), but the following names is the only one’s that I have
got photographs of.
Annie Grey, date of birth 13th Sept 1865, .Madison Co. Ill.
Margaret Grey, date of birth 19th of March 1872
Madison Co. Ill.
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Elizabeth Grey, date of birth 17th of September 1875,
Edna Blackburn Grey, date of birth 19th of February 1884, Christon
Co.Ill.
Frank Grey, date of birth, 8th of Aug.1882, Christian Co. Ill
John, Grey, date of birth 15TH march, 1867, Madison Co. Ill
Robert A. Grey, date of birth 6th of February 1874, Madison Co.
Ill...
Martha Grey, date of birth not known.
Sarah Grey, date of birth, born 8th of July 1877 Madison Co.Ill
.
Lizzie Long, with her six great grand children
namely Sydney & James Staybachi, Jane Long with
Rosella Twins on her Knee, and Jerry Long with
Ronald Edgumbe U.S.A.
Those now living in 1947 are
Edna B. Gray,
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Frank Grey, (Edna B, and Frank are single.)
Annie Walley,
Margaret Burdick,
Uncle ‘’Bob’’ Gray was a member of Illinois Legislature years ago, Elected as a
Democrat.
Most of the Greys were Farmers,
Edna B. Grey is a Retired Schoolteacher,
Frank is still teaching school.
Ann Knox Blackburn, (no picture available) born 7th March 1853 in Illoinois,
United States of America. She was the first family member to be born in the
United States, married a William Pomeroy Eaton, Madison County, Illinois,
United States of America, whose Father was Henry King Eaton, the first
County Judge of this County (Madison County.)
My father was a Union Soldier in the Civil War, and was
County Superintend of Schools of this County, Elected
in1868 on the same ticket with United States Grant the
Great Union General, the latter being Elected President of
the United States.
Six children were born to my Parents their names where,
Henry Blackburn Eaton, born, 22nd of Aug. 1883, was 63 years of age Aug. 1946.
William John Eaten born that 20th December 1884 aged
62 last December.
Joseph King Eaton, born, 31st of December 1886, was 60 years of age December
1946.
Samuel West Eaton born 28th of October 1889 was 57 years`
of age October 1946
Benjamin Pomeroy Eaton died in infancy.
Thomas Marion Eaton, born 3rd August 1896 and died 1939 aged 43 years
I am the eldest, admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1908, was County Judge of this
County from 1914__1918, have practised law in this part of Illinois 38 years, as
of November 1st, 1946, we have Three children.
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Mary E Dolly (nee) Eaton, who has five children, three years
and two boys she lives in Seattle, Washington aged 47 years as
of November 9th, 1946.
Henry King Eaton born the 5th of January, 1912
aged Thirty Five last January 1946. he was a tail
gunner on an army B24 Liberator, was in 32 raids
over Japanese held territory, was in the Bombing of
Balikpappan, (? SP.) Bombing of Corregidor,
(Minilla P.I.) Non-Commissioned Officer R-Tech.
Serg. He is married with two sons. Henry King Eaton is 5 ft 10 and one half in’’
tall, and ways about 200 lbs
Miss Rebecca Eaton born 14th October 1925, aged 31
years last October 1946. She lives in Seattle, Washington.
is employed by the Post Intelligencer , a hearst Daily
Publication. She is quite a singer. Is said to have a
Suprano. Is taking instructions from one of the best
Instructors in the North West. We have high hopes for.
She is 5 ft 10 and 1/2 in tall, and weighs about sh-sh-sh250 some pounds.
Mary Eaton is 5 ft 10 in’’ tall and weighs 295 to 300 lbs or so.
Henry Blackburn Eaton that's me as 5 ft 8 and one half inches tall, and weighs
315 lbs.
My wife is the smallest of the family a pretty hefty bunch say’z I.
.
William John Eaton is the Father of Lieutenant William Pomeroy Eaton.
William John and his wife has four children,
The Lieutenant and Three girls.
The Lieutenant can give you the
details of his family when he meets
you.
The Lieutenant William Blackburn
Eaton married Phoebe, I don't know
or second name they had four of
family their names where Mary Jane,
Judith, Joan, and their son Jean.
The following is a letter which my father Joseph Knox received from the
lieutenant and his wife Phoebe on 6th December 1955 and it reads as follow.
Christmas greetings to all cousins in Ireland sorry (Eire) from, Mary Jane, Judith,
Jean, and Joan.
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This has been a very busy year for us. Bill has been away most of the time on
inspection all over the South eastern part of the United States, to Puerto Rico and
a month in French Morocco in North Africa in September. Also gets extra trips to
Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
By 1960 Bill is still with Directorate of Material at S E C until next summer.
Phoebe teaches social studies at Omaha Central High.
Bill and Phoebe celebrated 25th wedding anniversary on August 14th, 1960.
By 1962 letter dated 14th December. It states,
Dear cousin’s, how had you been this past year? We have been an unusually
good health, and all of us have been very busy with school.
In addition to his work with the Air Force, Bill has earned his Master's Degree
this year. If all goes well, I will receive one and next summer
Grandfather Eaten, William John, was very ill last spring, heart-attack, but is
much now.
He was with us for about six weeks this summer and we enjoyed his visit very
much.
When he was here, we all went to Denver, Colorado to spend a week in the
mountains.
Grandfather and the children had never been and Colorado before, but they like it
as much as Bill and I do.
Grandfather's brother, Joseph King died last February.
Of the five boys, there are just two left, Grandfather William John, and Samuel.
We had rather hoped to be in England this summer, but will be here another years
longer than we expected.
In away, it is good because the girls can get their university training here.
My parents are and fairly good health, but they work too hard. My father says he
can’t be happy unless he has something to do.
Cousin Sarah, we would so love to here how you and Cousin Joseph are, and what
and where our Jean, Ivan, and Isabel?
Some of these days we will get some snapshots taken to send it to you, but it is
very seldom we get out the camera.
Anyway a very merry Christmas and are Happy New-Year to you all,
Sincerely, Phoebe
Christmas 1964, this Christmas greetings reads,
Eaten.
Dear Cousin’s,
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How grieved we where to here of your sorrow. It seems that we are so far away
from all our relations that we are unable to be of help in times of need.
Bill’s father, a William John Eaten died in May 1964.
Always he had wanted to visit relative in Eire, and see the place where his mother
had lived.
How ever, even if he did not get to make that trip, he did do quite abit of
travelling, in his last year's, and enjoyed every bit of it.
Bill is so busy these days with his missiles, it is very interesting work.
It's another year at the V. A.F. B. for the Eaten same job just a year older.
Will you have your family with you at Christmas holiday?
Jean and Joan are still at home. Bill does not here too often
from his sisters, but they're all well.
We have enjoyed Isabel's letter so very much and to thank
her for taking the time to write to us.
Wishing you all as very Happy Christmas and the Happy
New Year.
Sincerely, Phoebe Eaten
Christmas 1967, our last Christmas card, and incidentally our last letter of
Communication with this family, they called it the year of the Treck. It is now the
year 2001, 44 years further on, and we have not been in any communication with
each other since.
The Christmas card is dated 1967,
It starts with, season's greetings from all the clan!
From each of us to each of you,
There comes this wish sincere---,
That you may have health and happiness,
Throughout the coming year.
Bill and Phoebe Eaten
A very merry Christmas and Happy New-Year to you and your family, from your
American Cousins who will never forget the warm hospitality they received from
their
Irish Cousins,
Sincerely,
Phoebe Eaten.
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Mary Jane is 18 years of age now, was born in 1937. She in her first year at
The University. So far she likes it, but it is. Very hard work in
Omaha and Mary Jane also teaches history.
In 1960 John and Mary for which our doing a two-year tour with the Army in
Germany
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By 1960 Mary Jane will go on for Second Degree if she is fortunate enough to
win in a scholarship.
By 1964 the Fouts are still in Germany and have won a year’s fulbrith at the
University of Heidelberg, Mary teaches at Dependence
School, John and Mary Jane Fouts (nee) Eaten have a son Justin, and is learning
German
By 1967, the Fouts got in on the moving too, from Minneapolis to Omaha. Their
second son John Eric arrived in the family and July 1967. Justin is in kindergarten
at Dundee School in Omaha, their daughter Elizabeth is their first born child and
is the chief household help now that Justin is in school.
Our Judith is 15 years of the age now, born in 1940, has this year and next year to
seven before she is ready but unless we can grow money on a Tree sometime in
the near future, I don't see how she can go until Mary finishes.
In 1960 Judith graduates from Omaha University in June, practice teaching
French at Omaha South High.
In 1964 Judith was still in Stockton but was at V A F D this summer.
Our son Jean will come along but he is just 11 years of age now, born 1944, and
beginning his Boy Scouting.
In 1962 Jean has in Junior High School, plays on all the school athletic teams,
sings bass in the choir's, and is busy with Boy Scout.
By 1964 both Jean and his fiancée Sander Geiser hope to graduate from Alan
Hancock Junior College in June.
The baby Joan is 7 years of age now. Born 1948, and thinks she can run the whole
family. The three oldest are still taken Piano lessons. Joan wants to begin next
year.
By 1960 Joan us just beginning at Norris Junior High and enjoys being a big girl
now.
By 1964 Joan was in the High Schools theatrical art Group, at the University of
Denver
Bills father, William John Eaten came down and spent a few days with us this
summer but he didn’t like the Louisiana heat very much. Said he couldn’t have
endured it if we had not had air-conditioning in our house.
My parents where here in October, my younger sister and her or family in
September.
We are expecting another sister of mine and her husband soon.
Hope they’ll be with us for Christmas.
Must hurry along with the Christmas cards. There are so very many it is a
tremendous task but most enjoyable.
Again let me Wish You a Merry Christmas and are Happy New-Year.
Sincerely, Phoebe Eaten
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