Swann's from Portglenone area, County Antrim
I'm new to this sort of research, but am hoping for beginners luck!
My branch of the Swann family probably originated around Durham, England in 16??. They had a big family bust up and one moved to Northern Ireland. Possibly at this point he added the second N to the surname. He bought land near Portglenone, County Antrim. I think the townland was called Carmegrim. They obviously had some money as he bought a farm, bred horses and grew flax which was processed in a mill/village he set up & was known as Swanton (Swann's Town).
All these records are lost as a Portglenone clergyman in 18?? decided he needed a bit more space for records & burned the old stuff! Lots of us don't like that guy!!!!!
A decendant James Swann died in the 1870's and some of his sons left Ireland. One (Robert) went to south island New Zealand - any help there?
I also have been told that we have a branch of the family in the USA, but where is a complete mystery.
I'd love to hear from anyone out there who might have information to help.
Many thanks
Alan Swann