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John McCabe Clockmaker

ArmaghArmagh (Armagh)

I am trying to verify that the John McCabe described below is the same person as my 4 great grandfather who served in the military during the Revolutionary War in 1776 in Maryland, USA.

John McCabewas born c. 1745 in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. The third son of Patrick b. cir 1708 d. 28 Feb 1782 his wife Mary Maziere in 1801. They were a family of clockmakers. His brothers were Thomas, William, and James.

By 1767 he was a watch and clockmaker in Lisburn. He was working in Newry as a watch and clockmaker when he moved from Mill Street to the Dial in North Street. Early in 1769 he placed an advert showing he was still at North Street in Newry. It indicated he was making cylinder and repeating watches as well as a complicated musical clock playing at least seven tunes on bells or organ to make a different tune every day and a psalm on Sunday. John moved briefly to Dublin before emigrating to Baltimore, Maryland, USAbetween 1772and 1774 where he is recorded as working in 1774.His name is recorded on the 1790 Census of Baltimore. I don't know if he came with a wife orchildren.

IrelandXO member

3 replies

Afternoon

One issue with your query is that it is quite early in terms of the dates involved. It might be best to approach this therefore, from the perspective of the clock-making fraternity. I have heard of a book that lists watch and clockmakers, I think by a lady called Fennell or Fennelly. It would be helpful for you if you could access a copy.

Let me know how you progress

Best wishes
Clare Doyle
Genealogy Support

IrelandXO member

Hi:

Are you still watching this space for replies about Mr McCabe?

I may be able to help, as I am interested in Irish clockmakers who came to America.  

My regular Email is kcbpr1@gmail.com.  

Best wishes.

K Robinson MD

IrelandXO member

The Clock and Watchmakers American Adveriser 1707-1800 shows the he died in 1778. 

richfishbones

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