Hello I am trying to locate where William McDonald was born approx 1806 in the Ballinderry parish of Antrim. He joined the military in Lurgan in 1824 (96th regiment) and ended up in New Zealand via Australia in 1844. There are letters held in PRONI that he wrote from Tasmania in 1842. I have been unsuccessful in locating the townland he originated from. I believe McDonald could also be McDonnell.
To the best of my knowledge they were Church of Ireland. I have found DNA links to various Ruddell families from Tamnifaglasson, Seagoe, Moira and Ballylacky, Ballinderry but no McDonnell/McDonald links to the area. One of his children had Barber as a second name. I have found a Barber and McDonnell in the Derrykillultagh townland in 1833 but not in the 1851 Census. Not sure of there is any connection. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you
