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County Antrim, Borough Ballymena

AntrimAntrim (Antrim)

Looking for information on my 7th Great Grandparents, Janet Leslie and John McDill.  I believe both were born in County Antrim, Borough Ballymena.  Janet was born in 1679 and John was born in 1675.  Not sure if Janet was related to the Leslies of Castel Leslie.

I believe their daughter, Margaret Peggy McDill, was born in 1715 and immigrated to America with her husband, John Amos Peden, about 1772.

We will be visiting Ireland in September 2014 and I want to learn more about my ancestors before we arrive.

Any information on Janet Leslie, John McDill, Margaret Peggy mcDill or John Amos Peden will be appreciated.

IrelandXO member

5 replies

 

You don?t say what denomination your ancestors were but, whetever they were, it is likely that you will struggle to find any information on ancestors who left Ireland so long ago. The earliest Church of Ireland records for Ballymena only start in 1789, and the earliest Presbyterian ones in 1812. (Earlier records having been lost).

The names you mention are all common in Co Antrim. Looking at the 1901 census for the county, there ate 154 Leslies, 100 McDill and 100 Peden, but linking nay of those back 200 years to your ancestors is quite a challenge.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/search/

I searched Griffiths Valuation for Leslies, McDill & Peden in the Ballymena area (parish name is Kirkinriola) but there were none listed in the 1860s, suggesting the names had died out in that immediate vicinity.

Ahoghill AntrimIrelandXO Volunteer

I did what research I could this year as I visited Ireland in October.  Spent some time in Ballymena and Belfast.  My frandfather was born and raised in Ballymena and my Grandmother in Belfast (only a short distance away).  My Grandmother's name was Jane Peden Hanlon.  She was born in 1885.  Her Mother's maiden name was Peden.  I have little information on that side of the family but if you wish we can communicate.

IrelandXO member

I did what research I could this year as I visited Ireland in October.  Spent some time in Ballymena and Belfast.  My frandfather was born and raised in Ballymena and my Grandmother in Belfast (only a short distance away).  My Grandmother's name was Jane Peden Hanlon.  She was born in 1885.  Her Mother's maiden name was Peden.  I have little information on that side of the family but if you wish we can communicate.

IrelandXO member

Thanks for the response.  There may be a connection through the Pedens but I can't find it.  The last link I can find is Jane Peden Morton(1737-1830).  Her father was John Amos Peden(1709-1791).  His father was James Peden Jr.(1683-1770). And his father was Jame Peden(1630-1723).  I think there are many Pedens currently living in Northern Ireland.  No doubt I have a link to some of them.  Finding that link is like finding a needle in a hay stack.  Again, thanks for the response.

IrelandXO member

Thanks for the reply. I feel confident they were Protestant. Agree that the name probably died off in that immediate area.  Again, thanks.

IrelandXO member

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