William Wilson in County Donegal abt 1750

[Robert Richards]

I am looking for help in finding more information on my ancestors in County Donegal.

I have found William Wilson born about 1750 and married to Esther Reed also born about 1750
William's father was William (1730-1770) and his siblings Sarah (1755-1796), Samuel (abt 1758)
and Elizabeth (1760-1760).
Esther Reed's father was Francis Reed (1730- 1787) and her Mother was Hannah (1730-1787). Her siblings Hannah (1753-1753), Jane (1754-1788) and John (1757-1814).
Both families emigrated to Nova Scotia Canada between 1760-1770.
William Wilson and Esther Reed had 10 children, all born in Nova Scotia.

I will be travelling in Donegal and would love to find any more details in what area the Wilson's and Reed's were from.

Thank you,
Bob Richards

[Elwyn Soutter]

Bob,

Wilson and Reed/Reid are both common names in Donegal. In the 1901 census there are 623 Wilsons and about 200 Reed/Reids (Reid being the more common spelling in the county at that time).

Research in Donegal in the 1700s is very difficult due to a general lack of records. To trace the family you would need to know their precise denomination and ideally the parish or townland they came from. From the era of their departure, I’d guess they were probably Protestant, either Church of Ireland or Presbyterian, but in any event there are almost no church records for Donegal for the 1700s, so you are unlikely to trace them from documentary sources.

DNA testing might match you with a family with more knowledge of their origins.

[Robert Richards]

Thanks for the information Elwyn,

I was concerned that I did not find much published information into the 1700's.

I have started my DNA testing and hope that will unlock some links...

Bob