Looking for my Irish McQuiggans
My 4th great grandfather, Francis McQuiggan, was born about 1790 near Arboe, County Tyrone, Ireland. At the age of 16 he argued with his father and left home. He never had any contact with them again and never spoke of them.In 1807, he joined the British Army, was sent to the West Indies, then to Canada, and was with the British Army at the Battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. He received his discharge from the army dated Queenston, 1815 after serving 7 years 100 days. For his services he was given a grant of 200 acres of land of his choice. He settled on Lot 6, Con.3, Township of Bayham, County of Elgin, two miles west of Vienna, Ontario, Canada.After about 150 years, the McQuiggans of Canada made contact with a family of McQuiggans living in Australia. Through them we received the following information. Arthur McQuiggan who was born in Ireland about the year 1800, claimed to be one of a large family who's records show that he had a brother born in the year 1790, who left home at an early age and was never heard from again. According to a Royal Scots pay record from 1814 his rank was Corporal.
I would very much like to connect with my ancestral home and heritage. I will be most grateful for any assistance in this matter.
This is a transcription of his discharge:
Under the reserve of Defence act. His majesties 1st Battalion, 1st Artillery Royal Scotts Regiment of Forse, whereof H.R.H. Edward Duke of Kent, 9. He is Colonel, that is to certify that Francis McQuigon, plain volenteer company in the regiment aforesaid, born in the parish of Arboe, in or near the town of Arboe, in the county of Tyrone. Having inlisted for the inited...under the act of...Geo, II. Having served according to the provisions of said act for the space of seven years and one hundred full days...but in consequence of a procklamation...is hereby discharged, having first received all demands of pay, blotting from his inters into the said regimes. He is hereby discharged by the receipt on the back hereof...and prevent any improper use being made of the discharge by falling into other hands. The following is a description of the said covst
Francis McQuigon, 25 years of age, is 5 ft. 4 in. in height, fair hair, grey eyes, fair complection, by trade a weaver.
Given under my hand and seal of the Regiment, at Queenstone.......day of.....1815
Detail
Discharge of First Service
Date
1815