Reconnecting with Inishowen and Campbell ancestors who left in 1850

Colleen's ancestors, Moses McIntyre and Rebecca Campbell, left Inishowen in the 1850s. She had already collected substantial information about her Campbell lineage. During her trip there areas where her ancestors departed from, she was eager to learn more about the McIntyres. Records indicate McIntyre families living in Inishowen in 1631, with records for Culdaff townlands, including Tirmacroragh (Croragh), from the 1740s. In Letterkenny library I was fortunate to find historic information for Coleen.

Her family tree now enlarged as located connections on her family line. I made contact with a McIntyre relative who, although he returns in the summer, does not reside locally, as not available he would ask a neighbour to assist, he is a highly regarded historian, whom I know as a fellow member of the Donegal Historical Society. She had a very interesting afternoon, learning more about the area's history and visiting the location where McIntyre land and the remains of a 300-year-old house.

We met-up at the graveyard of Carndonagh Presbyterian Church(Hillhead) where there are McIntyres, Campbells, and also Wallaces, another connected family. The earliest family headstone is that of James Campbell (1830-1907), the brother of her ancestor Rebecca. After the graveyard visit we returned to Colleens hotel in Culdaff for an enjoyable genealogy chat.

Thank you to your wonderful organization and a special thanks to Marion. I will be making a contribution to your organization in her honor.

Message from visitor Coleen Zoller

I want to express my thanks for connecting me to Marion Whelan in Donegal for a meet and greet during my recent visit to Ireland. Marion was a wonderful contact, and she went above and beyond to assist me in my efforts to see the land of my Irish ancestors. She made a connection that provided me with an opportunity to tour the McIntyre property and see the ruins of a 300 year old home. This was more than I ever imagined and I am grateful. She took the time to go over some documents that she had found and gifted me with some photocopies of pertinent information from the Letterkenny Library.