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McCabe Family of Watchmakers from Lurgan

ArmaghArmagh (Armagh)

My 5th great grandfather was John McCabe who fought in the Revolutionary War and died in 1778. I have found convincing evidence to make him the same person as the John McCabe who was the watchmaker in from Lurgan, moved to Newry, then London. John the watchmakeremigrated toBaltimore, Maryland and continued to make watches in Baltimore until his death. His father was Patrick and his brother was James, the most notable of the watchmakers.

I am looking for any information that would conclusively tie these two John McCabes to be one and the same. It would be a great honor to have such a fine family as my ancestors.

Mirta Ramer

4 replies

Thank you Elwyn.  I have seen this wonderful article, but I cant seem to find anything more on Patrick the patriarch of the family..  will keep searching.  best regards, m 

IrelandXO member

I’m a volunteer at the Museum of Irish Time in Co. Waterford. Our pocket watch display says: “John McCabe was working (in Newry) from about 1767. The McCabes were important Ulster makers. 
Another tale from the pocket watch display- Newry - “John McCabe of Newry was particularly interesting, and in 1769 published a description of a musical clock he just made. In 1774 he moved to Baltimore in America. He was, apparently, the only Irish clock or watchmaker to have been involved in the American Revolution, although many Ulstermen took part”.   

richfishbones

brexile, thank you for your reply,  this is very interesting to me.  I wish i would have known about the museum a year ago as I was in waterford and could have visited it.  I wonder if there is any way to send a picture of the display? it would be a great addition to my family history book I am preparing. I could send you my personal email if youd like.

best regards,

atrim

 

Mirta Ramer

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