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Somerled Gillebrideson Macdonnell was born abt. 1100. He married Sabina in 1140. And he died in the year 1164.
Children of Somerled Gillebrideson Macdonnell and Sabina are:
1. Ranald Somerledsson Macdonnell, b. 1148
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Notes for Somerled Gillebrideson Macdonnell:
He was living with his father in the caves of Morven and is described in an ancient chronicle as "A well tempered man, in body shapely, of a fair and piercing eye, of middle stature and quick discernment. " His early years were passed in hunting and fishing; "his looking glass was the stream; his drinking cup the heel of his shoe; he would rather spear a salmon than spear a foe; he cared more to caress the skins of seals and otters than the shining hair of women.
At present he was as peaceful as a torch or beacon - unlit. The hour was coming when he would be changed, when he would blaze like a burnished torch, or a beacon on a hill top against which the wind is blowing." But when the Isles' men, over whom his ancestors had ruled, were in dire need of a leader Somerled came forward in his true character. A local tradition in Skye tell s that the Islesmen held a council at which they decided to offer Somerled the chiefship, to be his and his descendants forever.They found Somerled fishing, and to him made their offer. Somerled replied, "Islesmen, there i s a newly run salmon in the black pool yonder. If I catch him, I will go with you as your Chief; if I catch him not, I shall remain where I am." The Islemen, a race who believed implicitly in omens, were content, and Somerled cast his line over the black pool. Soon after a shining salmon leapt in the sun, and the skilful angler had the silvery fish on the river bank . The Islemen acclaimed him their leader,and as such he sailed back with them "over the sea to Skye," where the people joyously proclaimed that the Lord of the Isles had come . Such at radition in Skye. Other accounts say that the scene of Somerled's first achievements was in Morven, and his conquest of the Isles later.
Somerled, Rex Insularum, took his place as a leader of men, from whom descended a race of Kings, a dynasty distinguished in the stormy history of the Middle Ages, who ranked themselves before the Scottish Kings.
The young hunter up rose a mighty warrior, who with dauntless courage and invincible sword struck terror into the hearts of his foes. Nor did he depend along on his matchless courage. In one of his first encounters with the Norse invaders he made full use of that "quick discernment" ascribed to him by the early chronicler. It happened that while on a small island with a following of only one hundred Islemen, he was surrounded by the whole Norwegian fleet, and, realizing that his smallforce was utterly inadequate to resist their attack, conceived a clever stratagem to deter the norsemen from landing on the island. Each of his men was ordered to kill a cow, and this having been done, and the cows skinned, Somerled ordered his little force to march round the hill on which they lay encamped; which having been done, in full view of the enemy , he then made them all put on the cow hides to disguise themselves,and repeat the march round the hill. He now ordered his men to reverse the cowhides, and for a third time round the hill, thus exhibiting to the Norsemen the appearance of a force composed of three divisions .The ruse succeeded, for the enemy fleet with drew.
Somerled prosecuted the war into the heart of the enemy's country; and having gained possession of the mainland domain of his fore fathers, he took the title of Thane or Regulus of Argyll , determining to obtain possession of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles and thus form a Celtic Kingdom. Olave the Red, then King of Man and the Isles, becoming alarmed at the increasing power of Somerled, arrived with a fleet in Storna Bay. The "quick discernment" of Somerled again proved equal to the occasion. He was desirous of obtaining the hand of Olave's daughter, Ragnhildis, in marriage, and went to meet the King of Man. Somerled wishing to remain unknown to Olave, said , "I Come from Somerled, Thane of Argyll, who promises to assist you in your expedition, provided you bestow upon him the hand of your daughter , Ragnhildis." Olave, however, recognized Somerled, and declined his request. Tradition says that Somerled was much in love with the fair Ragnhildis, and considering all is fair in love and war, agreed to the following plan to obtain her father's consent:
Maurice MacNeill, a foster brother of Olave, but also a close friend of Somerled, bored several holes in the bottom of the King's galley, making pins to plug them when the necessity arose , but meanwhile filled the holes with tallow and butter. When, next day, Olave put to sea, the action of the water displaced the tallow and butter, and the galley began to sink. Olave and his men in the sinking galley called upon Somerled for aid. Somerled agreed if he could have Ragnhildis hand in marriage. The promise was given,and Olave found safety in Somerled's galley, Maurice MacNeill fixed the pin she had prepared into the holes, and, to the King's amazement, his galley proceeded in safety. The marriage of Somerled and Ragnhildis took place in the year 1140. And in 1154, Olave was murdered by his nephews, who claimed half the Kingdom of the Isles.
Godred, son of Olave, who was in Norway at the time, returned to the Isles, but his tyranny and oppression caused the Isles men to revolt, and Somerled, joining forces with them, seized half the Kingdom of the Isles,and became Righ Innesegall, or King of the Isles, as well as Thane of Argyll. Later Somerled invaded the Isle of Man, defeated Godfrey, and became possessed of the whole Kingdom of Man and the Isles. The power of Somerled, King of the Isles, now caused great anxiety on the neighboring mainland , and King Malcolm IV of Scotland dispatched a large army to Argyll. Somerled took up the challenge, and a hard fought battle left both sides too exhausted to continue hostilities. Peace was established between the King of Scotland and Somerled, but after suffering great provocation from Malcolm and his ministers, the King of the Isles again took up arms in the year 1164, and gathering a great host, 15,000 strong, with a fleet of 164 galleys, sailed up the Clyde to Greenock . He disembarked in the Bay of St. Lawrence, and marched to Renfrew, where the King of Scotland 's army lay. The traditional version of what then occurred is, that feeling reluctant to join issue with the Highland host,and being numerically inferior, Malcom's advisers determined to accomplish the death of Somerled by treachery. They bribed a young nephew of Somerled, named Maurice MacNeill, to visit his uncle and murder him. MacNeill was admitted to Somerled's tent, and finding him off his guard, stabbed him in the heart. When Somerled's army learnt of the fate of their great leader, they fled to their galleys and dispersed.
Tradition tells of a dramatic episode that is said to have occurred when King Malcolm and his nobles came to view the corpse of their late powerful foe. One of the nobles kicked the dead hero with his foot. When Maurice MacNeill, the murderer, saw this cowardly action, the shame of his own foul deed came upon him . He denounced his past treachery, and confessed that he had sinned "most villainously and against his own conscience," being "unworthy and base to do so." He stabbed to the heart the man who had insulted the mighty Somerled, and fled. Through one Maurice MacNeill had Somerled won a bride, and at the hands of another Maurice MacNeill met his death.
With regal pomp and ceremony the body of the King of the Isles was buried In Iona's piles, Where rest from mortal coil the mighty of the Isles. Family tradition, however, says that the Monastery of Saddel was the final resting place of the mighty founder and progenitor of the line of Princes that sat upon the Island throne, from whom descended the great Clan Donald.
Taken from History of the Clan McDonald:
The Families of MacDonald, McDonald and McDonnell,
By Henry Lee,
New York,
R. L. Polk and Company,INC.
(Copyright 1920)
Ranald Somerledsson Macdonnell, son of Somerled Gillebrideson Macdonnell and Sabina , was born in the year 1148. He married Fiona Moray . He died in the year 1207 in Kintyre, Scotland.
Children of Ranald Somerledsson Macdonnell and Fiona Moray are:
1. Donald Reignaldson Macdonnell, b. 1190
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Notes for Ranald Somerledsson Macdonnell:
Ranald, Randal, or Reginald, Who was the second son of Somerled, is known as a benefactor of the Abbey of Paisley and is credited with founding Cisterian Monastery. Randal succeeded his father about 1164 and served as lord of the Isles until his death.
Donald Reignaldson Macdonnell, son of Ranald Somerledsson Macdonnell and Fiona Moray , was born in the year 1190. He married a Miss Walter . He died in the year 1249.
Children of Donald Reignaldson Macdonnell and Miss Walter are:
1. Angus Mor Macdonnell, b. 1248
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Notes for Donald of the Isles: The clan takes it's name from Donald, the 3rd Lord of the Isles and grandson of Somerled. Donald's son was the original "Mac" (meaning "son of"). It was Donald's great grandson, Angus Og, the 6th Lord of the Isles who sheltered Robert the Bruce at the lowest of his career. Later, leading a small band of Islemen, Angus Og was instrumental in Bruce's defeat of the English at Bannockburn. This battle won independence for Scotland. In recognition of Clan Donald's part in the victory Robert the Bruce proclaimed that the Clan Donald would forever occupy the honored position on the right wing of the Scottish Army.
Angus Mor Macdonnell, son of Donald Reignaldson Macdonnell and Miss Walter , was born in the year 1248. He married a Miss Campbell . He died in the year 1300.
Children of Angus Mor Macdonnell and Miss Campbell are:
1. Alasdair Og Macdonnell
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Notes for Angus Mor MacDonnell:
Angus Mor, being the son of Domhnall or Donald, took on the surname of MacDomhnall, and was the first to use this surname which later has taken on it's many forms, i.e. McDonald, MacDonald, McDaniel,MacDonnell, etc.
In February, 1256 King Henry III of England commanded his bailiffs and subjects in Ireland not to allow Angus Mor MacDonnell, or other Scottish male factors to be received in Ireland, and again in 1260 admittance to that country was denied to the Scots.
Alasdair Og Macdonnell, He married Agnes O' Cathan . He died in the year 1308.
Children of Alasdair Og Macdonnell and Agnes O' Cathan are:
1. Somerled Macdonnell
Somerled Macdonnell, died in the year 1367.
Children of Somerled Macdonnell and are:
1. Marcus Macdonnell
Marcus Macdonnell, son of Somerled Macdonnell. He married Amy O' Cahan . He died in the year 1397 in Connaught, Ireland.
Children of Marcus Macdonnell and Amy O' Cahan are:
1. Charles Tirlogh Mor Macdonnell
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Notes for Marcus McDonald:
TIHE MACDONALDS OF CONNAUGHT AND LEINSTER IN SOUTHERN IRELAND
The Castle of Tyneklll. south of Dublin, was in the ownership of the MacDonalds of Connaught and Leinster. It was after their progenitor Alasdair Og, had opposed Robert Bruce on his way to the Scottish Throne, that these families went to Ireland. They'd had connections there; in 1202 Alasdair Og and his father Angus Mor had a safe-conduct for purposes of commerce in Ireland. The Historical Manuscript of 1450 identifies Alasdalr Og's grandson there, a Somerled of the mid-14th Century; and his descendants are traced during the 14th, 15th and 16th Centuries, through the Irish 'Annals of Loch Ce' and The Annals of the Four Masters, as Captain s of Gallogiachs and Kernes, in Connaught.
The true position of Marcus as the son of Somerled is confirmed by, anentry in tile Books of Ballymote and Lecan which is couched in the following terms, "Marcus MacSomerly Mic Alexander Mic Angus Mor MacDonnell
Marcus assumed tile role of commander of O'Connor's Galloglachs when his brother, Donald Og MacDonnell was slain in 1388. He held this command for nine years. I n 1397, hostilities broke out in the province of Connaught between O'Connor Roe and O'Connor Don, both of who seterritortes were in Rosscommon. Marcus MacDonnell was the Commander of the Galloglachs under O'Connor Roe while MacDonouqh from Silgo went to the assistance of O'Connor Don. The forces of O'Connor Don were defeated with great slaughter. There upon O'Connor Don and MacDonough raised another army. Dougal, a son of Marcus, along with Felim O'Connor, son of Cathal Og O'Connor, visited Doneqal to solicit the aid of O'Donnell in the fight. The O'Donnel l and other chiefs of Tiroconnell came to the assistance of O'Connor and MacDonnell helping them to vanquish their foes and waste their country with fire and sword, and compelling them to give hostages in security for their behavior in the future. The sons of Cathal Og, the people of Durnin and Marcus MacDonnell, Captain of Galloglachs marched to Carberry, and halted at Lissadill in the country of the MacDonough. While engaged in the task of spoliation and division, quarrels over the spoils of victory proved their ruin. O'Don nell the Chief of Donegal, came with a small force of cavalry to settle the dispute, to be followed by a number of Irish clans, who assembled in the interests of the defeated O'Connor Don and MacDonough. The cavalry of the sons of Cathal Og O'Connor advanced toward them on the way to Sliqo. An arm of the sea was on their left hand, the stream of BunBrenoige was on the right. A fierce and bloody battle ensued which resulted in disaster to the sons of Cathal Og O'Connor, in which Marcus MacDonnell, Captain of O'Connor's Galloqlach, and his son Dougall MacDonnell were left dead upon the field with a large number of Galloglach, See "The Four Masters,vol. IV., p.753 for this account.
After the death of Marcus MacDonnell, the last surviving son of Somerled, son of Alisdair Og , his position as head of O'Connor's warriors appears to have been taken by Somhairle Buidhe , son of Marcus. This Somerled accompanied Brian O'Connor on a raid into the Oilella in 1398 . Having been left by their own people with only a few companions, they, were unexpectedly attacked by a superior force, and Somerly was slain at Cnoc-in-Crona. See The Clan Donald of Connaught and Leinster, p. 114.
"We, are not aware that Dougall, son of Marcus, who was slain when his father fell in 1397, or Somhairle Buidhe, another son, who was killed in battle the following year, left any progeny . It is pretty well authenticated, however that the representation of the family was continued by Charles, another son of Marcus, whose name is on record in some Irish Annals. See the Annals of the Four Masters, vol V, p. 1641.
Charles Tirlogh Mor Macdonnell, son of Marcus Macdonnell and Amy O' Cahan . He married Catirfina O' Ruaire . He died in the year 1435 in Leinster.
Children of Charles Tirlogh Mor Macdonnell and Catirfina O' Ruaire are:
1. John Carragh Macdonnell
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Notes for Charles Mor MacDonnell/McDonald:
Charles Mor McDonald, born in Antrim; died 1435. He was the son of Marcus McDonald and Amy. He married Catirfina O'Ruaire. In or about the year 1420 Charles, the brother of Sumhairle Buidhe McDonnell migrated with a hand of followers from O'Kelly's Country in South Galway into Leinster and founded the Galloglagh, under the O'kellys of Maine, a region on the border of Leitrim and Cavan. In 1419 Charles MacDonnell and his son escaped from a battle at the mouth of the Lighen with MacWilliam Bourke, and his connection with the O'Kellys appears to have come to an end. Soon after this Charles, son of Marcus and his son,John Carrach, migrated to Queens County, in all probability accompaniedby a large number of their tribe. These settlers soon acquired a considerable tract of country including Tynekill Castle at the base of the boundary of the mountains of Leix and Wicklow, which forms a part of the boundary of the English Pale, their lands being known for ages as the Clan Donnell Country. The position taken by Charles and his son, John Carrach, thus became defined as the necessities of their English neighbors. They became Constables of the Pale or wardens of the Marshes, and were permitted to appropriate the extensive tract of country with which they were connected for upwards of two hundred years. See The Clan of Connaught and Leinster, p. 121 Charles, son of Marcus MacDonnell, the first of the Clan Donald;s of Leinster, died in 1435 and was succeeded by his son, John Carragh, who is described by the Analysts as, "The best Captain of the English". This John Carragh MacDonnell was fighting in Offaly in 1466 where he was slain. See Ulster J. Arch. II, p. 34
John Carragh Macdonnell, son of Charles Tirlogh Mor Macdonnell and Catirfina O' Ruaire. He died in the year 1466 in Offlay Ireland.
Children of John Carragh Macdonnell and are:
1. Tirlogh Oge Macdonnell
Tirlogh Oge Macdonnell, died in the year 1503 in Leix.
Children of Tirlogh Oge Macdonnell are:
1. Eoin Carrach Macdonnell, b. 1474
Eoin Carrach Macdonnell, was born 1474. He died in the year 1514.
Children of Eoin Carrach Macdonnell are:
1. Tirlough Macdonnell, b. 1500
Tirlough Macdonnell, son of Eoin Carrach Macdonnell , was born 1500 in Teenekill, Queens Co., Ireland.
Children of Tirlough Macdonnell are:
1. Calbhach Colla Macdonnell, b. 1524
Calbhach Colla Macdonnell, son of Tirlough Macdonnell , was born 1524 in Ireland. He died June 21, 1570 in Queens Co., Ireland.
Children of Calbhach Colla Macdonnell are:
1. Hugh-Buidhe Macdonnell, b. 1549
Hugh-Buidhe Macdonnell, son of Calbhach Colla Macdonnell , was born 1549 in Queen City, Leinster, Ireland. He married Mary Moore 1568-1586. He died July 31, 1619 in Queen City, Leinster, Ireland. Mary Moore was born 1548 in , Of Wicklow Co., Ireland. She died in Ireland.
Children of Hugh-Buidhe Macdonnell and Mary Moore are:
1. Bryan Macdonnell, b. 1577
2. Fergus Macdonnell, b. abt. 1600
3. Helena Macdonnell, b. abt. 1602
4. Feararch Macdonnell, b. abt. 1593
5. Fergus Macdonnell, b. abt. 1570
6. Helen Macdonnell, b. abt. 1570
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NOTES:
HUGH BUIDHE: THIS HUGH WAS CHIEF OF ONE OF
" THREE SEPTS OF GALLOGLASSES OF THE CLAN DONNELLS, "
IN LEINSTER IN HIS TIME.
LORD OF THE MANORS OF TENEKILLE AND BALLYCRASSEL, QUEEN'S CO.
Hugh Buidhe or Hugh-Buide or Hugh Buy or Hugh Boy ...
THE CLAN DONALD OF CONNAUGHT. Vol. II, Chapter 4 page 129
Not long after the eulogium upon the "auntient continual fydelitie" of the Clan Donald of Leinster, there is much reason to fear that Hugh of Tynekill, with the other MacDonald Captains, quitted for a season the prudent paths of loyalty. Towards the end of the sixteenth century , the rebellion of Hugh O'Neill was threatening to over whealm the English power in Ireland. After the death of Shane O'Neill, his kinsman Hugh, son of the Baron of Dungannon, assumed the title of Earl of Tyrone with the consent of the English Government. In 1597, however, he assume da much more ancient, and distinctly more dangerous designation, namely, the O'Neill. It was one of those cases in which there is much in a name. We who know the devotion of the Western Clans of' Scotland to the very title Lord of the Isles, and how dangerous this sentimental attachment often proved to the State, can understand the motives of policy which banned unlawful title like O'Neill, which clustered so many traditional glories. O'Neill was a name to conjur with in the North of' Ireland, and there fore must be suppressed. Thus it was that Hugh O'Neill, in assmning the immemorial title, was guilty of an act of rebellion. But he went further. The assumption of the dignity was but a symbol of resistance to the power of the alien. He unfurled his banner and gathered round him not only those of his own name and lineage, but the minor septs who owed him vassalage and sympathised with his resistance to England, such as the Magennisses, Maemahons, and MacDonalds. The Clan Donald of Leinster took action along with the O'Moores, a neighbouring sept, on the side of the Earl of Tyrone.
WFT Vol 12 Tree #0862-
This Hugh was Chief of one of "Three Septs of Galloglasses of the Clan Donnells," in Leinster in his time.
(Chief of the Galloglas of Leinster )
Bryan Macdonnell, son of Hugh-Buidhe Macdonnell and Mary Moore , was born 1577 in Of Wicklow, Leinster, Ireland. He married Unknown 1596-1612. He died January 01, 1612 in Glencoe, Argyll, Scotland. Unknown was born abt. 1590 in
Children of Bryan Macdonnell are:
1. Alexander Macdonnell, b. 1613
Alexander Macdonnell, son of Bryan Macdonnell, was born 1613 in Leinster, Ireland. He married Helena Archibold in 1644 Wicklow Co, Ireland. He died March 30, 1683 in Wicklow County, Ireland. Helena Archibold, daughter of Thomas Archibald, was born about 1616 in Arklow, Wicklow, Ireland. She died February 13, 1692 in Glencoe, Argyll, Scotland.
Children of Alexander Macdonnell and Helena Archibold are:
1. Bryan (Brian) McDonald, b. abt. 1645
2. John Macdonnell, b. abt. 1643
3. Alexander (Alastair) Macdonnell, b. abt. 1647
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NOTES:
Alexander MacDonnell, born 1613 in Leinster, Ireland. died March 30,1683 in Wicklow
County, Ireland. He married Helena Archbold.
Alexander, was a distinguished commander of Galloglasses, which were septs of Scottish clans that went to Ireland to serve as mercenary families.
Alexander McDonnell was the Constable of Wicklow County, Ireland.
His grave is in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Wicklow, Ireland. His headstone is obviously
very ancient, but clearly reads:
"Here lieth the body of Mr Alexander MacDonnell who
departed this life March 30th, 1683 in the 70th year
of his age."
Bryan (Brian) McDonald, son of Alexander Macdonnell and Helena Archibold , was born in 1645 in Arklow, Wicklow, Ireland Or Glencoe, Argyll, Scotland. He married Mary Combs abt. 1665 in Either Ireland, Or Scotland. He died February 23, 1707 in Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle, PA (Later DE). Mary Combs , the daughter of John Doyle, was born 1647 in Arklow, Wicklow, Ireland. She died 1686-1730 in Mill Creek, New Castle, DE.
Children of Bryan (Brian) McDonald and Mary Combs are:
1. Bryan McDonald, b. November 01, 1686
2. William McDonald, b. abt. 1680
3. John McDonald, b. 1679
4. Annable , b. 1693
5. James McDonald, b. abt. 1682
6. Richard McDonald, b. abt. 1691
7. Mary McDonald, b. 1689
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Notes for Bryan (Brian) McDonald:
--- Taken from "Calendar of Delaware Wills, 1697-1708, NewCastle Delaware. page 13 ---
Bryan was a Lieutenant in Colonel Francis Toole's regiment in the causeof King James II of England.
Came to New Castle DE in 1691.
Notes for Lt. Brian McDonald/MacDonnell:
Bryan MacDonnell's Will dated March 19, 1707 Mill Creek Hundred, NewCastle, Delaware
(New Castle Co. Delaware Vol B P 153 Old Book)
Bryan was a Lieutenant in Colonel Francis Toole's regiment in the
cause of King James II of England. It seems as though King James II was quite tolerant of the Presbyterians and believed that they should betreated equally with the Catholics. Originally there were Presbyterian Officers and members in his army. When James went into exile in Francehe appointed a Lord Deputy, Richard Talbot, earl of Tyrconnell, his brother-in-law, to manage his army in Ireland.
He instructed Richard Talbot to treat the Presbyterians and Catholics in the army equally.
Talbot saw fit to ignore this request and began to purge the army of Protestants in the following year. Englishmen were turned out of the Army, Protestant regiments were disbanded, and Roman Catholic Irishmen took their place. It was openly stated that Talbot's purpose was to destroy all Protestantism in the country, and to restore the old faith.It took only eighteen mont hs and by the time James arrived back in Ireland, Talbot had removed 4000 Protestants from the army, including 400 officers. He had increased the Catholic soldiers from 1000 to 5000 by the end of 1686. It might appear that Bryan, Alexander's son might have been purged from the James Army at this time.
Bryan (or Brian) MacDonald and his family settled near New Castle,
Delaware, after arriving in this country in 1685. Coming with him was his wife Mary and 3 sons , John, William and James. He had 4 more children after arriving in America. They were Bryan Jr., Mary, Richard, and Anabel.
Bryan came to New Castle, Delaware and bought 693 acres of land from William Penn on November 18, 1689. I am told that the land is just outside Wilmington, DE, occupied now by some housing and a park--Brandywine Springs Park-. The land is bordered by Red Clay Creek and Hyde Run,
both of which can be found on a New Castle County Map.
Bryan's Will March 20, 1707
Book B, Vol. l, page 153
In the Name of God Amen the twenty third day of Febry in the
Yeare of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seven Bryan
MacDonnell of the County of New Castle on Delaware River being
sick and weak in Body but of Good and perfect Memory (thanks be to
Almighty God) and Calling to Remembrance the uncertaine Estate
of this transitory life and that all flesh must Yield unto Death
when it shall please God to Call Doe make constitute ordain and
declare this my last Will and testament in manner and forme following
Revoking and adnulling by these presents all and every testament
and testaments Will and Wills heretofore by me made and declarea
either by word or/writing and this to be taken only for my Last
Will and testament and none other and first being penitent and
sorry from the bottom of my heart I'or my sins past most Humbly Desire-
lng forgiveness for the same, I Give and Committ my Soul to Almighty
God my Saviour and Redeemer in whom and by the Meritts of Christs
Death and oassion possesse and irmeritt the Kingdome of Heaven
orepared for bio Elect and Chosen and my body to be buryed in
such place where it shall my Exectrs hereafter named to appoint
and now for the settling of my Temporall and such Goods as Chattles
and Debts as it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, I doe order
Give and dipose the same in manner and forme following (that is to
say) First I will that all my Debts and Duties as I owe in Right
or Conscience to any manner of person or persons whatsoever shall
be well and truly contented and paid or ordered to be paid within
Convenient time after my decease by rmy Exectrs thereafter named
Item I give and bequeath to my well beloved Wife Mary during her
natural life my Dwelling Plantation together with three hunared
and forty acres of lanad there unto adjoyning with one half of my
household Goods and moveables.
page - 2 -
Goods and Moveables to. be equally divided between my two sons Viz
William and Bryan MacDonnell
Item I give and bequeath to my Eldest Son John MacDonnell and to
his assigns the fifty acres of Land or Meadow Commonly called the
Great Meadow lyeing and being in the Forke of a Run called- Great
Run As alsoe Tenn pounds of Good and lawfull money ko be paid to
him by my Son William as here after to be specifyed
Item I give to my Son William MacDonnell his Heires Assigns for
ever two hundred and fifty three acres of Land it being part of
the Grant of Land on which I now live, and lying and being on the
south side of a small ,Run (which runneth up along the fence side
on the south of my cleared Land) and Butting on the main or branch
of the said Run, he there fore paying to my Eldest Son John MacDonnell
the sume of tell pounds aforesaid within three years after my decease.
Item I give unto my son James MacDonnell the sume of twenty pounds
of Lawfull money to be paid to my Exectrs within three years
after my Decease.
Item I give unto my Son Bryan MacDonnell his heires or assigns
after the decease of my dearly beloved Wife Mary my now Dwelling
Plantation freely to be by him or his assigns possessed and
Enjoyed for Ever, but that if it should so happen, that he dye
before my dearly beloved Wife Mary that then my said Plantation
shall returne to my son Richard MacDonnell his heires or assigns,
and to be by him or his assigns freely possessed and Enjoyed forever.
Item I give unto my son Richard MacDonnell the sume of twenty
pounds of Good and lawfull money to be paid to him when he shall
come to the age of twenty one years
Item I give unto my Daughter Mary Danger one young Mare coming
page -3-
two years old being a fole of Great Gray Mare.
item I give unto my Daughter Anable MacDcnnell the sume of twenty
pounds of Good and Lawfull money to be paid to her when she shall
come to the age of Eighteen years together with my Great White
Mare I bought of Henry Peterson (of Elk River) and the two mares
and one Colt which here to fore hath been called hers.
Item I will and doe hereby order and intend that my son Bryan
MacDonnell or his heires shall pay the aforesaid sume of twenty
pounds to my son Richard MacDonnell and my Daughter Anable Mac
Donnell out of my now Dwelling Plantation wthin one yeare after
he shall come into possession of it (If not paid before by my
Exectrs) or in Case of his death and the Returne of the Plantation
to my sone Richard MacDonnell (as aforesaid) that then he shall
pay therefore unto my Daughter Anable her said twenty pounds, And
I doe hereby Constitute make and ordaine my dear and loveing wife
Mary and my well beloved sons William and Bryan MacDonnell my sole
Exectrs of this my last Will and testament In Witnesse where of
I have here unto sett my hang and Seale the day and yeare first
above written
Signed Sealed Published
his
and declared by the within BryanMacDonnell
mark
named Testator as his Last
Witl and testament in the
presence of us the Subscribers
Richard Empson
James Robinson
George Read
By the Tenor of these presents We Robert French ~ James Coutts
Esqrs Deputy Registers for the probate of Wills and Granting Ltrs
of administration for the County of New Castle upon Delaware by
Page-4-
Virtue of a Commission from the Honble John Evans Esqr Leiuetanant
Governor of the Counties: of New castle Kent and Sussex upon Delaware :
and Provluce Of Pensilvania doe make known unto all. men that the
nineteenth day of Larch in the yeare of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and seven at New Castle in the County of New Castle
aforesaid before us the Deputy Registers aforesaid was proved
approved and Instnuated the Last Will and Testament of Bryan
MacDonnell late of the said County of New Castle Deced to these
presents annexed having whilst he live a and at the time of his
death Goods Rights and Credits in diverse places within the same
County by means whereof the full disposition of all and Singular
the Goods Rights and Creditts of the said Deced and granting the
administration thereof as alsoe the heareing of Accts and Calculation
or Heckoning of the said administration and the finall Discharge
and Dismission from the same unto us are manifestly known to belong,
and the admlnistration of all and Singular the Goods Rights and
Credttts of the sd Deced, and his Last Will and testament any
manner of Ways Concerning was Granted unto Mary MacDonnell, William
MacDonnell and Bryan MaeDonnell Sole Exectrs in the same Testament
named Cheifly of well and truly administring the same and makeing
'a true and perfect Inventory of all and Singular the Goods Rights
and Credits of said deced and exhibitting the same unto the
Registers office at New Castle at or before the Ninteenth day of
June next alsoe of Rendering being Solemnly Sworne in
Testimony whereof we have Caused the Seale of the said County of
New Castle to be affixed Dated at New Castle the Twentieth day of
March in the sixth yeare of the Reigne of Queene Anne over Great
Britain &c Anno Dnmi 1707 Robt French James Coutts
Again on 11 Mo., 7th (1708): "About the year 1685 or 6, Wm. Guest obtained one grant for 5 0 A. on New Rent, in Newcastle Co. near the Great Run which flows into Redclay Creek, and a not her grant for 200 acres, all which he sold to One Phileman Murfy, who sold 50 acres of it to Brian McDonald, and resigned the rest as 'tis said to one of Brian's children,but without making any improvements or paying rent he left the Country.John .McDonald, Some time last year, viz ; 1707, Agreed with James Logan forall this land at 20 pounds p'r c't and 1st
ster. Q't R't from that time, according to which bargain he requests aregular grant and confi rmation."
Reference to this land was also found in DB Q vol 2 pg 11 New CastleCo. and the land is described as being between lands now of George Read, James Robinson and Hugh Symonds. Included in the deed is a recitation which stated an agreement was made with John McDonald, eldest son of Bryan McDonald for 250 acres & dated 7th day 1 lth month, 1708.
He appears as Bryan Macdonnell on the New Castle, De. Assessment of 1693. The assessment was "by virtue of an act granting to King William & Queen Mary" The rate was 6 & 4 assessed. (Tax Lists-Delaware1693-1696 inHist. Soc of PA).
On 23 Feb 1707 Bryan MacDonnell made his will. He bequeaths to his wife, Mary his dwelling plantation together with 340 acres of land and one haft of his household goods and moveables . The other half to beequally divided between his two sons, William and Bryan MacDonnell. Heb equeaths to his eldest son, John MacDonnell 50 acres of land called the Great Meadow being in the forks of a run called Great Run and ten pounds.To his son, William MacDonnell he gives 250 acres of land being part of the tract ofland upon which Brya n lives. To son, James MacDonnell he gives 20 pounds.To son, Bryan MacDonnell he gives his "now dwelling plantation" after the decease of wife Mary. To son, Richard McDonnell he gives 2 0 pounds to be paid when he comes to the age of 21. To his daughter, Mary Danger he gives one young mare. To daughter Anable MacDonnell 20 pounds to be paid to her when he comes to the age of 18 also his great white mare, two mare and one colt. Other requests for his children are in his will. His wife Mary and sons William & Bryan are executors. (Vol B, 153 Old BookNew Castle Co., Del)
Where the will is recorded there is this note, "Bryan MacDonnell,late of the said county of New Castle having while he lived and at thetime of his death good sights and credits in diverse places within thesame county."
(Notes from Miss Ellen McDonald 1925-1927)
Much has been written on Bryan McDonald and the McDonald family by Elizabeth Kelly Allison in Early Southwest Virginia Families, Auburn,Alabama, 1960 pg I 1 l; Southwest Va. Familie s by David B. Trimble pgs261 & 266; Donald Family by Harvey Donald, Des Moines, Ia Pg 5; McDo naldGenealogy by Frank V. McDonald; Frank V. McDonald, Genealogy of theMacdonald Family Editi on B, New Haven, Connecticut, Tuttle, Morehonse & Taylor, 1876 & Frank V, McDonald, Contributio ns To The Early History of Bryan McDonald & Family,
Settlers In 1689, San Francisco, Winterburn & Co., 1879; Early IrishFamilies in Virginia by Michael J. O'Brien pgs 324-327; David E. Johnston, A History of Middle New River Settlement s & Contiguous Territory, Radford, VA, Commonwealth Press, Inc., 1906, reprinted 1969pgs 436-4 38; The Donnells and their Macdonald Ancestors by Emma A.Donnell & James Arthur Donnell 1928 . His name is on page 163 of Seventeenth Century Colonial Ancestors of Members of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century 1915-1975 Compiled by Mary Louise Marshall Hutton 1976. " Bryan McDonald(1645-1707) Del., m. Mary Combe. Surveyor;Landowner."Children: The first four probably bom in Leinster, Wicklow,Ireland and the last ones in New Castle Co., DE: Parents: Alexander MacDonnell and Helena Archibold.
He was married to Mary Jane Doyle in 1665 in Ireland.(1) (2)(3) Children were: Bryan McDonald.
http://www.exiledangel.com/mcdonald/tree/d22.htm#P126
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Bryan MACDONNELL 1645 part 2
Bryan (or Brian) MacDonald and his family settled near New Castle,
Delaware, after arriving in this country in 1686. He left Scotland to go
to Ireland because the rulers of Scotland had accepted the Roman Catholic
Faith and was trying to enforce it upon the subjects of Scotland. Not
long after this, the rulers of Ireland accepted Roman Catholicism. Bryan
and his family went to America. 125,000 of these so-called Scotch-Irish
left Ireland for America. He emigrated to America in 1686. Coming with
him was his wife Mary and 3 sons, John, William and James. He had 4 more
children after arriving in America. They were Bryan, Jr., Mary, Richard,
and Anabel.
Historians list one of the great events of the World's History as the
Massacre of Glencoe, Scotland. Under pretext of desiring to rid the
country of thieves and bandits, men got permission from King William to
carry out their plans. Men who did this came into the valley, ate the
food, fed their horses and stayed two weeks existing on the hospitality
of Alexander MacDonald and his wife. The day of the massacre, the men
informed Alexander and his family what they were going to do. However,
the men promised Alexander and his family that because of their ages, no
harm would come to them. Alexander was 82 at this time. Before the men
left the house, Alexander and his family were dead. The livestock was
driven off, and what people remained were left to starve or freeze. This
massacre was in the year 1692. The men commiting the massacre were from
the Clan Campbell.
New Castle County, DE in the 1680's, the land patented by Bryan is now
the site of Brandywine Springs Park a few miles outside of Wilmington.
http://www.penjaccphoto.com/penleyged/fam01043.htm
Bryan McDonald, son of Bryan (Brian) McDonald and Mary Combs , was born November 01,1686 in Wicklow, Leinster, Ireland. He married Catherine Priscilla Robinson December 08, 1715 in New Castle Co, DE. He died May 21, 1757 in Buffalo Creek, Augusta Co., VA. Catherine Priscilla Robinson, daughter of James Robinson and Catherine Howell , was born 1694 in White Clay Cr., New Castle Co, DE. She died 1760 in Augusta Co. Or, Botetourt Co, VA.
Children of Bryan McDonald and Catherine Priscilla Robinson are:
1. Mary McDonald, b. January 19, 1730
2. Bryan McDonald, b. July 08, 1732
3. James McDonald, b. July 08, 1718
4. Priscilla McDonald, b. December 22, 1734
5. Rebecca McDonald, b. April 13, 1724
6. Richard McDonald, b. June 13, 1716
7. Edward McDonald, b. March 04, 1720
8. Catherine McDonald, b. February 27, 1727
9. Joseph McDonald, b. April 04, 1722
10. Bryan McDONALD, b. 1724
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NOTES:
Bryan McDonald (1686-1757)
CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800
ABSTRACTS OF WILLS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA. AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT. WILL BOOK NO. 2.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
page 45
Page 197.--21st May, 1757. Bryan McDonald's will--To son Bryan McDonald, 1/2 of testator's land where he (Bryan, Jr.) used to live; to son-in-law John Armstrong, other half of plantation above where testator now lives; to daughter Prisla, bed she now lieth upon; to wife Catherine; to son Richard, 5 shillings; to sons James, Edward, Joseph and Bryan McDonald, remainder of estate; to daughters Rebecca Bean, Catherine Armstrong, Mary Smith. Executors, wife Catherine and son-in-law John Armstrong. Teste: Joseph McDonald, George Robinson, Edward McDonald. Proved, 18th August, 1757, by Edward and Joseph McDonald. Both executors qualify with Edward McDonald and Joseph McDonald.
Supposedly from the Kegleys' Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, 1980:
Col. Bryan McDonald came to Virginia from Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware, about the year 1745. He was 59 years old when he moved to Buffalo Creek. Those who died early in the settlement were buried in the McDonald or Glebe graveyard at the corner of Edward McDonald's land. The old Bryan McDonald place is at a head spring of Buffalo or Tinker Creek. The land is near the gap in Tinker Mountain. The old house was about four or five miles above the Robinson Mill. In 1938, the original house was still standing.
More Notes for Bryan MCDONALD
Reference: Early adventurers on the Western Waters
He came to Virginia from Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware,
about the year 1745. He was 59 years old when he moved to Buffalo
Creek. Those who died early in the settlement were buried in the
McDonald or Glebe graveyard at the corner of Edward McDonald's land. The
old Bryan McDonald place is at a head spring of Buffalo or Tinker Creek.
The land is near the gap in Tinker Mountain. The old house was about
four or five miles above the Robinson Mill. In 1938, the original house
was still standing.
21st May. 1757. Bryan McDonald's will--
To son Bryan McDonald, 1/2 of testator's land where he (Bryan, Jr.) used
to live;
to son-in-law John Armstrong, other half of plantation above where
testator now lives
to daughter Prisia, bed she now lieth upon;
to wife Catherine; to son Richard, 5 shillings;
to sons James, Edward, Joseph and Bryan McDonald, remainder of estate;
to daughters Rebecca Bean, Catherine Armstrong, Mary Smith.
Executors, wife Catherine and son-in-law John Armstrong.
Teste: Joseph McDonald, George Robinson, Edward McDonald.
Proved, 18th August, 1757, by Edward and Joseph McDonald. Both executors
qualify with Edward McDonald and Joseph McDonald.
Bryan's occupation was a tanner.
Source: Chalkley's Chronicles
Page 332.--29th August, 1759. Vendue of Bryan McDonald's estate--To Bryan
McDonald, Edward McDonald, William Graham (a large sermon book), James
Bean (Drilincourt on Death), Geo. Robinson (a large Prayer Book) James
Litherdale (a conc shell), Catherine McDonald.
http://www.penjaccphoto.com/penleyged/fam01043.htm
Mary McDonald, was the daughter of Bryan McDonald and Catherine Priscilla Robinson. She married Tobias Smidt/Smyth/Smith. She was born January 19, 1730 in New Castle Co., DE. She died aft. 1801 in Washington Co., VA.
Children of Tobias Smidt-Smyth-Smith and Mary McDonald are:
1. Edward Smyth, b. May 10, 1762
2. Rebecca Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. June 25, 1775
3. Cathrine Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. October 12, 1756
4. Jonas Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. April 04, 1750
5. John Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. 1759
6. Elizabeth Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. December 15, 1757
7. Mary Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. 1760
8. George Smidt-Smyth-Smith, b. November 12, 1754