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Drumnaha, Ancestry for Winthrop Pickard Bell, Canadian/British Intelligence Agent A12, DERRY/DONEGAL

Hello,

I am searching for information on a place called Drumnaha, the ancestral home of WInthrop Pickard Bell  (MI6 agent, philosopher/phenomenologist)), born May 12, 1884, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of Andrew Mackinlay Bell (1847-1918) and Mary Emerancy Pickard (1847-1918).

I understand Winthrop Pickard's ancestors came from Drumnaha, County Derry or Donegal? Materials on his connection to Ireland speak of their having coming from "Northern" Ireland, but it would have had to have been well before 1921, so a small 'n' for northern would be more accurate. In any case I believe that the place is/was near the county border, hence the confusion. Logainm.ie tells me that Drumnaha is a townland in County Donegal.

The possible emigrant  ancestor from Ireland was  Samuel Bell who was granted land in Nova Scotia in 1784. 

Can anyone assist with this, filling in the gaps. I thank you in advance for any help available.           Pauline Murphy Sutow

 

Pauline Murphy Sutow

2 replies

As you mentioned, Drumnaha is in Donegal near the border with Derry/Londonderry.  Donegal is of course in the north of Ireland but not Northern Ireland.

glanvil3@aol.com

Pauline

Drumhaha which you located is on the border between County Donegal and County Tyrone. 
https://www.townlands.ie/donegal/raphoe-south/urney/urney-west/drumnaha/

"Drumnaha is in the Electoral Division of Urney West, in Civil Parish of Urney, in the Barony of Raphoe South, in the County of Donegal"

At theTithe Applotments (1830s) both counties are shown for Bell holdings in Urney. This was a much resented tax payable on agricultural land over one acre by all denominations to the Church of Ireland(Anglican) as the state church.

Below link has a Rollan Bell and a John Bell
https://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/reels/tab//004625731/004625731_00234.pdf


Below has a Dawson Bell
https://titheapplotmentbooks.nationalarchives.ie/reels/tab//004625731/004625731_00274.pdf

In Ireland prior 1800 BMD records are rare, I have not found any for Samuel. As you have Drumhaha as the family area, it is likely that the above records are for relatives.

I can see a huge amount of information on Winthrop Pickard Bell and his achievements online.  I believe there is a centre in Donegal which you should contact:
, 
https://www.monreaghulsterscotscentre.com/

Given the family names believe Ulster Scots background. This centre gives a historical insight, while not a genealogical centre it has gathered information on distinguished emigrants, and may be able to assist with information.

The surname Bell is still to be found in this area,   While Samuel Bell being in Canada in 1784 means an early departure, given the distinguished career of his descendant Winthrop Pickard Bell, it is possible that there could be person/s with knowledge. Below is a link to a Facebook group where if you connect and add a posting, it may yield some information.

East Donegal Local and Family History:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749886925022075/

If I find more information of interest I will post.

Best Regards

Marion Whelan - IrelandXO - Ireland Reaching Out Volunteer.

Whelanmg, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘︎IrelandXO Volunteer

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