Little Ireland-Tennesse Ancestry

Attached is a brief history of the town of McEwen, located in the County of Humphreys, Tennessee, USA. My Irish ancestors settled here after coming to American through New York into Pennyslvania and onto McEwen, as they worked on the Railroad.

A Dr. Frederick Knapp and his borther-in-law James F. Neale of New Orleans brought 2 dozen Irish workers here to raise sheep. Some of the names are listed, but not all. Around 1862 there were about 300 families here. And McEwen was known as "Little Ireland", as well as "Buttermilk Junction". After the American Civil War, the entire area covered by the community was once owned by five Irish Families; the Sheehans, Walshes, Burchiels, O'Gradys and Halpins.

St. Patrick Church and Cemetery is the conerstone of this community. Unfortunately the rocords at the moment are boxed due to renovations and relocation of the record room of the Nashville Diocese.

I'm not sure where or which Parishes I should post this in, but I hope this may help others that may find their Surnames listed.

Kind Regards,

Mitzie