McKaskey Parish, Derry circa 1766

I am trying to locate the birthplace of an ancestor, Captain Robert Orr who emigrated in 1766. Can anyone advise where this location
is today or other information regarding the Orr's. My great grandmother was Katherine Orr daughter of Samuel Orr. I am considering a visit to Northern Ireland later this summer or early fall. Any related information is much appreciated.
Thank you!
Michael Rapp

Hi Michael,

It's great to hear you're considering visiting the places where your ancestors walked.

I've had a good look around the parish registers and records, and it has me wondering. Would it be possible that in the mists of time, the McCaskey was someone's way of interpreting Macosquin? There is a Macosquin parish in Derry~Londonderry, and often when people gave their details, the person writing down may not have been familiar with the area in question. This happened quite a lot.

Hopefully some of our wonderful experts in the area may also be able to give you some ideas on where exactly your ancestor may have originated from.

Cornelia

Hello Cornelia,

Thank you very much for your research and your fast reply. Your suggestion is valid considering immigration papers, language and dialect. I will certainly consider this possibility in my further search.

I am a native of and live in western Pennsylvania 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh...rich in early American history and settled by Irish immigrants. Captain Robert Orr was one of the first to settle west of the Allegheny Mountains in 1778 in Hannah's Town. We have many Pennsylvania towns and counties today named for towns in Ireland....Derry, Sligo, Donegal, McCandless, Wexford, Letterkenny, Kittanning, Newcastle, Knoch, Newtown, Tyrone and I am sure...many more.

Captain Orr was a militiaman who took up arms and fought the French & Indians to secure the Ohio region for the colonies. He was wounded, captured and later freed by the French in Montreal. It's quite interesting following his footsteps west forming this country and is one of the original..."Sons of the American Revolution." His contributions are many to this region and continued until his death in 1833....only 40 miles from my present address.

I do appreciate your insight and wish you the very best!

Michael A. Rapp

Hi Michael,

Great to see that you've been able to find out so much about your ancestors settling in Pennsylvania, and there are indeed a lot of town names that travelled along with the immigrants. 

We hope you'll be able to find out more about Robert via the Macosquin records, and please keep us updated on your findings. 

Best of luck! :)

Melin

Hi Michael

Bill MacAfee's fine website at www.billmacafee.com confirms that in 1740 there were 2 households headed by an Andrew Orr in Macosquin Parish.
 
This at least confirms an Orr presence in Macosquin in mid-18th century. But owing to no surviving church registers of baptisms and marriages in this parish prior to 1823 it will be difficult to confirm how or if Andrew Orr is connected to your Robert Orr.

Brian, 
Thanks for this information....very helpful and very much much appreciated.

Best wishes,

Michael Rapp

Hi Michael,

Keep us posted on your findings, and you know where to find us if you have any other questions. :)

Have a wonderful Sunday! 

Melin