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Thank-you Robert,

I had found some of that but not all.  That helps fit in another piece  .

I have some new information from another descendant.  Perhaps someone can help me from here.

William Bell - born abt. 1760, Aghnadaragh, Glenavy Parish, Antrim;
                 - buried 31 May 1845, Glenavy

1st wife: Sarah Peel - born in Ballinderry
                                 - married 23 May 1783, Glenavy
                                 - buried 5 March 1811 Glenavy

2nd wife: Sarah Ingram - born 1789
                                      - married 21 August 1814, Glenavy
                                      - buried 17 December 1837, Glenavy

William also had the siblings:

Edward
John
Allan

Nothing is known about the siblings or if there are more and nothing is known about their parents.  Sorry Becky ... may or may not be the same family.

Does anybody know what cemeteries there are in Glenavy?

Thanks,
Karen Bell

I'm am trying to trace my ancestors back to Ireland and haven't been able to get anywhere.  I am hoping that someone may be able to help.

I am looking for any kind of record regarding a Matthew Cowan, his wife, parents, children or anything at all.

Matthew was born Abt. 1775 in Tipperary County.  At some point he was in the yeomanry.  He was married twice and I know nothing of his 1st wife.  His 2nd wife was Elizabeth Nicholson, Abt. 1771, who came from Thurles.  She was a widow and had the name Elizabeth Martin before she married Matthew.

I have  a letter of reference for Matthew written July 2nd 1827 which is signed by  (what looks like) an Alexander Hodges, Curiate of Ballymoreen or Ballymurreen.  The writting is hardly readable and unfortunately that is all I have to go on.  Elizabeth also has a letter of reference written on the same day and signed by a George F? (Forester?), Rector of the Parish of Thurles.

Matthew and Elizabeth emigrated to Canada August 1827.  Matthew had a daughter from his 1st marriage, Kitty Cowan , and Elizabeth also had 2 children from her 1st marriage, Sam and Eliza Martin Abt. 1798.  Together they had another 4 children: Mary Ann Cowan Abt. 1812; Margaret Cowan Abt. 1814; William Cowan Abt. 1818 and Matthew Abt. 1820 all born in Tipperary County.  Sam Martin stayed behind in Ireland when the family went to Canada.

Also there may be connections to a Ryan, Glover or Gibbs family.  We have found documents in Canada which state that they were related to the Ryans.  (before they settled in Canada)

Anyways, I seem to be up against a brick wall and would certainly appreciate any help!!!

Thank-you,

Karen