Re: Ann McILLRATH/Robert LAVENDER
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In reply to:
Ann McILLRATH/Robert LAVENDER
Ken Holmlund 6/11/01
I have not been able to find my information on McIl(l)rath's but I recall in the late 1700s early 1800s there were a significant number of McIl(l)raths named Hugh and from County Down and County Antrim.
There are still a lot of McIl(l)rath's in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. My Great-grandfather (Samuel McElrath)was born in Boveedy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. I travelled there several years ago and had a wonderful tea with a Mrs. McIlrath (she was in her late 80s).We ran into her when my Irish cousin started knocking on doors along the only street in the area. She and her family had been in the County for several centuries but did not have much information about the family.
I was able to link up with the Northern Ireland McElraths by writing to everyone listed in the phone book.There weren't that many.I received letters from several of them - they were all related to each other and are now spread across Northern Ireland. I attended the wedding of Colin McElrath (County Down, now Antrim) and visited with more McElraths in one room than I had seen in my life time and my father came from a family of 15 children.
Thanks
John