Re: Alexander Porterfield(1780-1848)Donegal to PA to OH
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In reply to:
Re: Alexander Porterfield(1780-1848)Donegal to PA to OH
Ronald Harper 3/27/03
Ron,
I notice that in the past you have exchanged messages with Jody Mckenney Thomson re. her interest in John Porterfield (1675 - 1738)(emigrated to PA) and his first son William
(1712 - 1789) I have recently exchanged messages with Jody and we are both highly skeptical of the accuracy of Frank Burke Porterfield's identification (in his book)of John P. of Trenton N.J. being the progenator of the family of 8 children who migrated with their parents from Donegal to PA -- which are believed to be the first Porterfields to imigrate to America. This is a grave error, because the "real" John is a critical link in our family tree.
As you probably know John Porterfield of Trenton left all of his considerable properties in N.J. to his brother,Alexander of Duchall and newphews, also in Scotland. I have a copy of this will, and there is no mention of a wife or children or any properties in Pennsylvania. I believe the Trenton John is accurately identified as the brother of Alexander, Laird of Duchall. But to believe that he was the father of 8 children who, at the time of his death ranged from age 13 to 27 year old is not credible.
I am trying to find out a little more about William (1645-17280 m. Annabel Stewart - who migrate to Ireland and the father of John who migrate to America with his wife and 8 children. These records would be in Ireland since John was born and raised there and most, if not all of his children were born there.
Do you have any insights on this? I would greatly appreciate any light you can shed on this.
Neil Porterfield
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