McNantz
Hello; The McNantz side of my family hs proven the most difficult to research. I have found US Census records for Neal McNantz, born 1779 in Ireland and Naturalized 180? in Washington DC, married Mary Ann Elizabeth Downs, and for Charles McNantz married in 1790 in Maryland. There is also a Nancy McNantz listed in the 1800 Census. I have some records of 3 McNantz sisters who entered the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary in Georgetown, DC. Griffiths valuation lists James McNantz in County Louth, Parish Faughart, Townland Dungooly in 1854.
Neal's son, Patrick Henry Mcnantz 1824-1885, married into a moderately prominent Maryland Catholic Family and records after that are clear. Either records prior to Patrick were not available or those researchers had little interest in the McNantz background. Neal McNantz also served in the Militia during the war of 1812. His naturalization papers do not give parentage or any details about his birth location.
With the name being so scant in Irish records, I wondered if the family had been one of the Scottish settlers-but the firm alignment with the Catholic religion in America makes that unlikely.
I have been unable to find additional information. Any assistance you can provide would be most appreciated.
Sincerly
Mary Lou
