The MacDonnell Family of Leinster
1100AD to 1707

Generation No. 1

The first documented member of the MacDonnell family was SOMERLED MACGILLEBRIDE

1. SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE was born Abt. 1100 in 1st Lord of the Isles, and died 1164 in Monastery of Saddle. He married RAGNHILDA OLAVSDATTER 1140. She was born Abt. 1111.

Notes for SOMERLED MACGILLEBRIDE:

Clan Donald is one of the oldest, and probably the largest and most and probably the largest and most famous of all the Highland clans. Its Celtic heritage goes back into antiquity, beyond the 6th Century AD, to the great clans in what today is Ireland, Conn of the 100 Battles, Cairfre Raida, founder of Dal Raida in Antrim, Eire, and Colla Uathais. Our Viking heritage goes back to Ingiald "Ill-Ruler" and Olaf "Tree-Hewer" in 7th Century Sweden and Norway. All of these traditional blood lines came together in the 12th Century. Somerled MacGillebride MacGilladamnan, the historic founder of Clann Domhnaill. Our ancestors were regarded as the heads of the ancient race of Conn, and the lineal heirs of the kings of the Dalriadic Scots. Clan Donald, greatest and largest of the Highland Clans, begins it's recorded history with Somerled, a descendant of Conn of the Hundred Battles and Clan Colla. Somerled's defeat of the Norse King of Man in 1156 gained independence for southwestern Scotland that survived for over four centuries.

When the fortunes of the Clan were at the lowest ebb, there arose a savior in the person of one of the most celebrated of Celtic heroes, Somerled, the son of Gillebride. He was living with his father in the caves of Morven and is described in an ancient chronicle as "A well tempered man, in body shapely, of a fair and piercing eye, of middle stature and quick discernment." His early years were passed in hunting and fishing; "his looking glass was the stream; his drinking cup the heel of his shoe; he would rather spear a salmon than spear a foe; he cared more to caress the skins of seals and otters than the shining hair of women.

At present he was as peaceful as a torch or beacon - unlit. The hour was coming when he would be changed, when he would blaze like a burnished torch, or a beacon on a hilltop against which he wind is blowing." But when the Isles' men, over whom his ancestors had ruled, were in dire need of a leader Somerled came forward in his true character. A local tradition in Skye tells that the Islesmen held a council at which they decided to offer Somerled the chiefship, to be his and his descendants forever.

They found Somerled fishing, and to him made their offer. Somerled replied, "Islesmen, there is a newly run salmon in the black pool yonder. If I catch him, I will go with you as your Chief; if I catch him not, I shall remain where I am." The Islemen, a race who believed implicitly in omens, were content, and Somerled cast his line over the black pool. Soon after a shining salmon leapt in the sun, and the skilful angler had the silvery fish on the river bank. The Islemen acclaimed him their leader, and as such he sailed back with them "over the sea to Skye," where the people joyously proclaimed that the Lord of the Isles had come. Such a tradition in Skye. Other accounts say that the scene of Somerled's first achievements was in Morven, and his conquest of the Isles later.

Somerled, Rex Insularum, took his place as a leader of men, from whom descended a race of Kings, a dynasty distinguished in the stormy history of the Middle Ages, who ranked themselves before the Scottish Kings.

The young hunter uprose a mighty warrior, who with dauntless courage and invincible sword struck terror into the hearts of his foes. Nor did he depend along on his matchless courage. In one of his first encounters with the Norse invaders he made full use of that "quick discernment" ascribed to him by the early chronicler. It happened that while on a small island with a following of only one hundred Islemen, he was surrounded by the whole Norwegian fleet, and, realizing that his small force was utterly inadequate to resist their attack, conceived a clever stratagem to deter the norsemen from landing on the island. Each of his men was ordered to kill a cow, and this having been done, and the cows skinned, Somerled ordered his little force to march round the hill on which they lay encamped; which having been done, in full view of the enemy, he then made them all put on the cowhides to disguise themselves, and repeat the march round the hill. He now ordered his men to reverse the cowhides, and for a third time march round the hill, thus exhibiting to the Norsemen the appearance of a force composed of three divisions. The ruse succeeded, for the enemy fleet withdrew.

Somerled prosecuted the war into the heart of the enemy's country; and having gained possession of the mainland domain of his forefathers, he took the title of Thane or Regulus of Argyll, determining to obtain possession of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles and thus form a Celtic Kingdom.

Olave the Red, then King of Man and the Isles, becoming alarmed at the increasing power of Somerled, arrived with a fleet in Storna Bay. The "quick discernment" of Somerled again proved equal to the occasion. He was desirous of obtaining the hand of Olave's daughter, Ragnhildis, in marriage, and went to meet the King of Man. Somerled wishing to remain unknown to Olave, said, "I Come from Somerled, Thane of Argyll, who promises to assist you in your expedition, provided you bestow upon him the hand of your daughter, Ragnhildis." Olave, however, recognized Somerled, and declined his request. Tradition says that Somerled was much in love with the fair Ragnhildis, and considering all is fair in love and war, agreed to the following plan to obtain her father's consent:

Maurice MacNeill, a foster brother of Olave, but also a close friend of Somerled, bored several holes in the bottom of the King's galley, making pins to plug them when the necessity arose, but meanwhile filled the holes with tallow and butter. When, next day, Olave put to sea, the action of the water displaced the tallow and butter, and the galley began to sink. Olave and his men in the sinking galley called upon Somerled for aid. who sent to his marriage with Ragnhildis. The promise was given, Olave found safety in Somerled's galley, Maurice MacNeill fixed the pins he had prepared into the holes, and, to the King's amazement, his galley proceeded in safety. The marriage of Somerled and Ragnhildis took place in the year >1140. In >1154, Olave was murdered by his nephews, who claimed half the Kingdom of the Isles. Godred, son of Olave, who was in Norway at the time, returned to the Isles, but his tyranny and oppression caused the Islesmen to revolt, and Somerled, joining forces with them, seized half the Kingdom of the Isles, and became Righ Innesegall, or King of the Isles, as well as Thane of Argyll. Later Somerled invaded the Isle of Man, defeated Godfrey, and became possessed of the whole Kingdom of Man and the Isles.

The power of Somerled, King of the Isles, now caused great anxiety on the neighboring mainland, and King Malcolm IV of Scotland dispatched a large army to Argyll. Somerled took up the challenge, and a hard fought battle left both sides too exhausted to continue hostilities. Peace was established between the King of Scotland and Somerled, but after suffering great provocation from Malcolm and his ministers, the King of the Isles again took up arms in >1164, and gathering a great host, 15,000 strong, with a fleet of 164 galleys, sailed up the Clyde to Greenock. He disembarked in the Bay of St. Lawrence, and marched to Renfrew, where the King of Scotland's army lay. The traditional version of what then occurred is, that feeling reluctant to join issue with the Highland host, and being numerically inferior, Malcom's advisers determined to accomplish the death of Somerled by treachery. They bribed a young nephew of Somerled, named Maurice MacNeill, to visit his uncle and murder him. MacNeill was admitted to Somerled's tent, and finding him off his guard, stabbed him to the heart. When Somerled's army learnt of the fate of their great leader, they fled to their galleys and dispersed.

Tradition tells of a dramatic episode that is said to have occurred when King Malcolm and his nobles came to view the corpse of their late powerful foe. One of the nobles kicked the dead hero with his foot. When Maurice MacNeill, the murderer, saw this cowardly action, the shame of his own foul deed came upon him . He denounced his past treachery, and confessed that he had sinned "most villainously and against his own conscience," being "unworthy and base to do so." He stabbed to the heart the man who had insulted the mighty Somerled, and fled. Through one Maurice MacNeill had Somerled won a bride, and at the hands of another Maurice MacNeill met his death.

With regal pomp and ceremony the body of the King of the Isles was buried In Iona's piles, Where rest from mortal coil the mighty of the Isles.

Family tradition, however, says that the Monastery of Saddel was the final resting place of the mighty founder and progenitor of the line of Princes that sat upon the Island throne, from whom descended the great Clan Donald.

Taken from History of the Clan McDonald: The Families of MacDonald, McDonald and McDonnell , By Henry Lee, New York, R. L. Polk and Company, INC. (Copyright 1920)

Notes for RAGNHILDA OLAVSDATTER:

Ragnhilda Olavsdottir was the Princess of Mann, daughter (and only known child) of King Olav of the Isle of Man.

Children of SOMERLED MACGILLEBRIDE and RAGNHILDA OLAVSDATTER are:
2.
i. REGINALD OF THE2 ISLES, b. Abt. 1148, Morven, Argyle, Scotland 2nd Lord of the Isles; d. 1207, Kinyre, Argyle, Scotland.
ii. ANGUS.

Generation No. 2

2. REGINALD OF THE2 ISLES (SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born Abt. 1148 in Morven, Argyle, Scotland 2nd Lord of the Isles, and died 1207 in Kinyre, Argyle, Scotland. He married FIONA MORAY. She was born in Galloway.

Notes for REGINALD OF THE ISLES:
Randal, or Reginald, second son of Somerled, is known as a benefactor of the Abbey of Paisley and is credited with founding Cisterian Monastery. Randal succeeded his father about 1164 and served as lord of the Isles until his death.

Children of REGINALD ISLES and FIONA MORAY are:
3.
i. DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, b. Abt. 1190, 3rd Lord of the Isles; d. 1249.
ii. RODERICK OF THE ISLES.
iii. DOGALL OF THE ISLES.

Generation No. 3

3. DONALD OF THE3 ISLES (REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born Abt. 1190 in 3rd Lord of the Isles, and died 1249. He married MARGARET STUART.

Notes for DONALD OF THE ISLES:

The clan takes it's name from Donald, the 3rd Lord of the Isles and grandson of Somerled who lived until 1269. Donald's son was the original "Mac" (meaning "son of"). It was Donald's great-grandson, Angus Og, the 6th Lord of the Isles who sheltered Robert the Bruce at the lowest ebb of his career.Later, leading a small band of Islemen, Angus Og was instrumental in Bruce's defeat of the English at Bannockburn. This battle won independence for Scotland. In recognition of Clan Donald's part in the victory Robert the Bruce proclaimed that Clan Donald would forever occupy the honored position on the right wing of the Scottish Army.

Angus Og's grandson, Donald, the 8th Lord of the Isles, married the heiress of the Earldom of Ross and in 1411 fought the Battle of Harlaw to keep his wife's inheritance from being usurped by the Regent Duke of Albany. His army of 10,000 men included the forces of almost every clan of the Highlands and Isles. All these clans were willing vassals of the Lord of the Isles. They regarded the MacDonald Chiefs as the heads of the ancient "Race of Conn," and lineal heirs of the ancient Kings of the Dalriadic Scots, going back to the 6th century and beyond.

Notes for MARGARET STUART:

The wife of Donald of the Isles, was Princess Margaret Stuart, granddaughter of King Robert the Bruce, through his daughter, the Princess Marjorie.

Children of DONALD ISLES and MARGARET STUART are:
4.
i. ANGUS MOR4 MACDONNELL, b. Abt. 1249, 4th Lord of the Isles & 1st Mac Donald; d. 1301.
ii. ALASTAIR MOR.

Generation No. 4

4. ANGUS MOR4 MACDONNELL (DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born Abt. 1249 in 4th Lord of the Isles & 1st Mac Donald, and died 1301. He married CAMPBELL.

Notes for ANGUS MOR MACDONNELL:

Angus Mor, being the son of Domhnall, took on the surname of MacDomhnall, and was the first to use that surname which later has taken on it's many forms, i.e. McDonald, MacDonald, McDaniel, MacDonnell, etc.

In February, 1256 King Henry III o England commanded his bailiffs and subjects in Ireland not to allow Angus Mor MacDonnell, or other Scottish male factors to be received in Ireland, and again in 1260 admittance to that country was denied to the Scots.

Children of ANGUS MACDONNELL and CAMPBELL are:
5.
i. ALASTAIR OG5 MACDONNELL, b. 1272, 5th Lord of the Isles; d. 1308.
6.
ii. ANGUS OG MACDONNELL, b. Abt. 1275.
iii. JOHN SPRANGACH MACDONNELL.

Generation No. 5

5. ALASTAIR OG5 MACDONNELL (ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born 1272 in 5th Lord of the Isles, and died 1308. He married MARGARET O'CATHAN.

Notes for ALASTAIR OG MACDONNELL:

Alasdair Og MacDonnell became the progenitor of Galloglach of Ulster. In September 1286 he attended the meeting in favor of the elder Bruce and against the succession of the Maid of Norway at Turnberry, and, in 1291 offered the oath of allegiance to the English King who at that time was seeking out for making Scotland an English province. On the 11th of July 1292 a safegard was given to him on behalf of the family for the purpose of commerce in Ireland. Henceforth Alexander supported Edward I, who appointed him High Admiral of Western Seas and ballie of part of Kintire.

Child of ALASTAIR MACDONNELL and MARGARET O'CATHAN is:
7.
i. SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, d. 1387. 6. ANGUS OG5 MACDONNELL (ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born Abt. 1275. He married AGNES O'CAHAN.

Notes for ANGUS OG MACDONNELL:

Angus Og MacDonnell, Lord of the Isles, Kintire and Bute. He fought at Bannockburn in 1314. Angus Og's grandson, Donald, the 8th Lord of the Isles, married the heiress of the Earldom of Ross and in 1411 fought the Battle of Harlaw to keep his wife's inheritance from being usurped by the Regent Duke of Albany. His army of 10,000 men included the forces of almost every clan of the Highlands and Isles. All these clans were willing vassals of the Lord of the Isles. They regarded the MacDonald Chiefs as the heads of the ancient "Race of Conn," and lineal heirs of the ancient Kings of the Dalriadic Scots,going back to the 6th century and beyond.

On a small island just off the coastline of the Isle of Skye, and near Castle Uisdean, lie the bodies of three Crusader Knights. What a strange and foreign place to bury Knights who fought predominately in the Middle East, unless of course they were Templar Knights living out their final days in the land of Angus Og McDonald. The theory then, is that Robert the Bruce, the Clan Donald of Angus Og, and the Knights Templar joined forces in driving out the English at Bannockburn. The Knights had spent years studying battle and passed this knowledge on to the troops at Bannockburn most of which were under Angus Og. Were the Templars, in fact, the source of the name "young foreign warriors"?

Child of ANGUS MACDONNELL and AGNES O'CAHAN is:
i. JOHN6 MACDONNELL.

Generation No. 6

Notes for SOMERLED (SORLEY) MACDONNELL:

The Clan Donnell of Connaught and Leinster are descended from Somerled, the son of Alastair Og. It is important to genealogical researchers to distinguish the Somerled from his nephew Somerled of Tyrone, son of Black John, son of Alistair Og.

We know little about Somerled, son of Alastair Og, but there are distinct traces of his descendants where they became Captains of Galloglach. t is probable that Somerled, son of Alastair Og MacDonnell was Constable of O'Connors Galloglach, though we have no certain knowledge. We do have evidence that four of his sons acted successively in that capacity, and that all of them met their death on the field of battle.

Child of SOMERLED MACDONNELL and O'REILLY is:
8.
i. MARCUS7 MCDONALD, b. 1st of Leinster, Ireland; d. 1397, Leinster, Ireland.

Generation No. 7

8. MARCUS7 MCDONALD (SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born in 1st of Leinster, Ireland, and died 1397 in Leinster, Ireland. He married AMY.

Notes for MARCUS MCDONALD:

THE MACDONALDS OF CONNAUGHT AND LEINSTER IN SOUTHERN IRELAND

Tynekill.

The Castle of Tyneklll. south of Dublin, was in the ownership of the MacDonalds of Connaught and Leinster. It was after their progenitor Alasdair Og, had opposed Robert Bruce on his way to the Scottish Throne, that these families went to Ireland. They'd had connections there; in 1202 Alasdair Og and his father Angus Mor had a safe-conduct for purposes of commerce in Ireland. The Historical Manuscript of 1450 identifies Alasdalr Og's grandson there, a Somerled of the mid-14th Century; and his descendants are traced during the 14th, 15th and 16th Centuries, through the Irish 'Annals of Loch Ce' and The Annals of the Four Masters, as Captains of Gallogiachs and Kernes, in Connaught.

Marcus MacDonnell

The true position of Marcus as the son of Somerled is confirmed by, an entry in tile Books of Ballymote and Lecan which is couched in the following terms, "Marcus MacSomerly Mic Alexander Mic Angus Mor MacDonnell

Marcus assumed tile role of commander of O'Connor's Galloglachs when his brother, Donald Og MacDonnell was slain in 1388. He held this command for nine years. In 1397, hostilities broke out in the province of Connaught between O'Connor Roe and O'Connor Don, both of whose territories were in Rosscommon. Marcus MacDonnell was the Commander of the Galloglachs under O'Connor Roe while MacDonouqh from Sligo went to the assistance of O'Connor Don. The forces of O'Connor Don were defeated with great slaughter. Thereupon O'Connor Don and MacDonough raised another army. Dougal, a son of Marcus, along with Felim O'Connor, son of Cathal Og O'Connor, vlsited Doneqal to solicit the aid of O'Donnell in the fiqht. The O'Donnell and other chiefs of Tiroconnell came to the assistance of O'Connor and MacDonnell helping them to vanquish their foes and waste their country with fire and sword, and compelling them to give hostages in security for their behavior in the future.

The sons of Cathal Og, the people of Durnin and Marcus MacDonnell, Captain of Galloglachs marched to Carberry, and halted at Lissadill in the country of the MacDonough. While engaged in the task of spoliation and division, quarrels over the spoils of victory proved their ruin. O'Donnell the Chief of Donegal, came with a small force of cavalry to settle the dispute, to be followed by a number of Irish clans, who assembled in the interests of the defeated O'Connor Don and MacDonough. The cavalry of the sons of Cathal Og O'Connor advanced toward them on the way to Sliqo. An arm of the sea was on their left hand, the stream of Bun Brenoige was on the riqht. A fierce and bloody battle ensued which resulted in disaster to the sons of Cathal Og O'Connor, in which Marcus MacDonnell, Captain of O'Connor's Galloqlach, and his son Dougall MacDonnell were left dead upon the field with a large number of Galloglach, See "The Four Masters,vol. IV., p.753 for this account.

After the death of Marcus MacDonnell, the last surviving son of Somerled, son of Alisdair Og, his position as head of O'Connor's warriors appears to have been taken by Somhairle Buidhe, son of Marcus. This Somerled accompanied Brian O'Connor on a raid into Tlr Oilella in 1398. Having heen left by their own people with only a few companions, they, were unexpectedly attacked by a superior force, and Somerly was slain at Cnoc-in-Crona. See The Clan Donald of Connaught and Leinster, p. 114.

"We, are not aware that Dougall, son of Marcus, who was slain when his father fell in 1397, or Somhairle Buidhe, another son, who was killed in battle the following year, left any progeny. It is pretty well authenticated, however that the representation of the family was continued by Charles, another son of Marcus, whose name is on record in some Irish Annals. See the Annals of the Four Masters, vol V, p. 1641.

Child of MARCUS MCDONALD and AMY is:
9.
i. CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8 MCDONALD, b. 2nd of Leinster; d. 1435, Leinster, Ireland.

Generation No. 8

9. CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8 MCDONALD (MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born in 2nd of Leinster, and died 1435 in Leinster, Ireland. He married CATIRFINA O'RUAIRE.

Notes for CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR MCDONALD:

Charles Thurlough Mor McDonald, born in Antrim; died 1435. He was the son of Marcus McDonald and Amy. He married Catirfina O'Ruaire.

In or about the year 1420 Charles, the brother of Sumhairle Buidhe McDonnell migrated with a hand of followers from O'Kelly's Country in South Galway into Leinster and founded the Galloglagh, under the O'Kellys of Maine, a region on the border of Leitrim and Cavan. In 1419 Charles MacDonnell and his son escaped from a battle at the mouth of Ath Lighen with MacWilliam Bourke and his connection with the O'Kellys appears to have come to an end. Soon after this Charles, son of Marcus and his son, John Carrach, migrated to Queens County, in all probability accompanied by a large number of their tribe. These settlers soon acquired a considerable tract of country including Tynekill Castle at the base of the boundary of the mountains of Leix and Wicklow, which forms a part of the boundary of the English Pale, their lands being known for ages as the Clan Donnell Country. The position taken by Charles and his son, John Carrach, thus became defined as the necessities of their English neighbors. They became Constables of the Pale or wardens of the Marshes, and were permitted to appropriate the extensive tract of country with which they were connected for upwards of two hundred years. See The Clan of Connaught and Leinster, p. 121

Charles, son of Marcus MacDonnell, the first of the Clan Donald of Leinster, died in 1435 and was succeeded by his son, John Carragh, who is described by the Analysts as, "The best Captain of the English". This John Carragh MacDonnell was fighting in Offaly in 1466 where he was slain. See Ulster J. Arch. II, p. 34

Child of CHARLES MCDONALD and CATIRFINA O'RUAIRE is:
10.
i. JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9 MCDONALD, b. 3rd of Leinster, Ireland; d. 1466, Talbotstown, Wicklow, Ireland.

Generation No. 9

10. JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9 MCDONALD (CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born in 3rd of Leinster, Ireland, and died 1466 in Talbotstown, Wicklow, Ireland.

Notes for JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE) MCDONALD:
Notes for John Carrogh (Thirlough Oge) McDonald:

Child of JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE) MCDONALD is:
11.
i. CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10 MCDONALD, b. 4th of Leinster, Ireland; d. 1503, Leinster, Ireland.

Generation No. 10

11. CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10 MCDONALD (JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born in 4th of Leinster, Ireland, and died 1503 in Leinster, Ireland.

Notes for CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG MCDONALD:

Charles (Thurlough) Og McDonald, died 1503. He was the son of John Carrogh (Thirlough Oge) McDonald and was the head of the house of Tennekill during the later half of the fifteenth century. The first that is found of him is the early years of the sixteenth century when the Cland Donald of Leinster was at war with the Burkes of Mayo. This contest was disastrous to the Cland Donald for in 1503 they were overtaken by a great and terrible overthrow in which most of their Galloglagh were slain, and Charles Turlough Og, their captain, fell upon the field of battle.

Children of CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG MCDONALD are: 12.
i. JOHN11 MCDONALD, b. 1474, 5th of Leinster, Ireland; d. 1514, Leinster, Ireland.
ii. EION CARRACH MACDONNELL, b. Abt. 1474, 5th of Leinster, Ireland; d. 1514, Leinster, Ireland.

Generation No. 11

12. JOHN11 MCDONALD (CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born 1474 in 5th of Leinster, Ireland, and died 1514 in Leinster, Ireland.

Notes for JOHN MCDONALD:

John McDonald, born in Leinster, Ireland; died 1514. He was the son of 128. Charles (Thurlough) Og McDonald.

Child of JOHN MCDONALD is:
13.
i. CHARLES TURLOUGH12 MCDONALD, b. 1500, Tennekill, Queens Co. Ireland (6th of Leinster); d. 1522, Leinster, Ireland.

Generation No. 12

13. CHARLES TURLOUGH12 MCDONALD (JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born 1500 in Tennekill, Queens Co. Ireland (6 th of Leinster), and died 1522 in Leinster, Ireland.

Notes for CHARLES TURLOUGH MCDONALD:

Charles Turlough McDonald, born in Tennekill, Queens County, Ireland; died Abt. 1522. He was the son of John McDonald. Child of Charles Turlough McDonald is: Calvagn MacTurlough McDonald, died June 18, 1570.

Child of CHARLES TURLOUGH MCDONALD is:
14.
i. CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD, b. Abt. 1520, 7th of Leinster; d. June 18, 1578, Leinster, Ireland.

Generation No. 13

14. CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD (CHARLES TURLOUGH12, JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born Abt. 1520 in 7th of Leinster, and died June 18, 1578 in Leinster, Ireland.

Notes for CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH MCDONALD:

Calvagn MacTurlough McDonald, died June 18, 1570. He was the son of Charles Turlough McDonald. Settled in Leinster in 3 Steps of which 2 were in Queen's county and the 3rd in the barony of Talbotstown, Wicklow. He got a grant of Tynekill from Queen Elizabeth in 1562 Calvagn MacDonnell was slain in Shrule, June 18, 1570, a proof that even at this time the English in Ireland had begun to employ the Leinster MacDonnells.

Children of CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH MCDONALD are:
15.
i. HUGH BUIDHE14 MACDONNELL, b. 1549, Queens County, Leinster, Ireland; d. July 31, 1619, Tennakill Castle, Queens County, Ireland.
ii. ALEXANDER MACDANELL.
iii. WALTER MACDONNELL.
iv. DONOUGH MACDONNELL.
v. BRIAN MACDONNELL.

Generation No. 14

15.HUGH BUIDHE14 MACDONNELL (CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD, CHARLES TURLOUGH12, JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born 1549 in Queens County, Leinster, Ireland, and died July 31, 1619 in Tennakill Castle, Queens County, Ireland. He married MARY O'MORE.

Notes for HUGH BUIDHE MACDONNELL:

Hugh Buy McDonald, born Abt. 1549 in Queens County, Leinster, Ireland; died August 31, 1619 in Queens County, Leinster, Ireland. He was (yellow Haired) the son of. Calvagn MacTurlough McDonald. He married Mary Moore and succeeded to the Tinnekill estate upon Calvagn's death.

More About Hugh Buy McDonald:
Residence: Tynekill, Queens County, Ireland

Children of Hugh McDonald and Mary Moore are:
i. Bryan McDonald, born April 1577 in Leinster, Ireland.
ii. Fergus McDonald, born Abt. 1575; died 1637.
iii. Helena McDonald, married John Doyle.
iv. Alexander McDonald.

HUGH BUIDHE: THIS HUGH WAS CHIEF OF ONE OF " THREE SEPTS OF GALLOGLASSES OF THE CLANDONNELLS," IN LEINSTER IN HIS TIME.

LORD OF THE MANORS OF TENEKILLE AND BALLYCRASSEL, QUEEN'S CO. Hugh Buidhe or Hugh-Buide or Hugh Buy or Hugh Boy

WFT Vol 12 Tree #0862-This Hugh was Chief of one of "Three Septs of Galloglasses of the Clan Donnells," in Leinster in his time. LORD OF THE MANORS OF TENEKILLE AND BALLYCRASSEL,QUEEN'S CO.

WFT Vol 4 tree #3996 - states Lord of the Manors of Tennekille and Ballycrassel. This tree has a different ancestor pattern though - states his father as CLAUAGH MACDONNELL who died June 1570 son of - EOIN GARRACH MACDONNELL II b- 1455-1498 son of - EOIN GARRACH MACDONNELL b-1417-1471 in Leinster, county Wicklow, Ireland son of - DONOCH MAC DONNELL b- 1390- 1442 in Leinster and died 1504 in Slain in Leix son of - TIRLOUGH OGE MACDONNELL b- 1357-1435 (Notes for him-First settler in Leinster) Son of - TIRLOUGH MOR MACDONNELL b- 1393- 1398 and died 1435 (notes for him- Tirough Mor Mac Donnell of The Glinns) son of - MARCACH MACDONNELL b- 1381-1396 and died abt. 1397 (he married the daughter of Oheyan Lord of Dunsevern) son of - EOIN-OGE MACDONNELL b- 1358-1385 (he married Lady Margery, daughter of Mac Eoin Bissett of Glinns, Antrim. other notes for Eoin-Oge MacDonnell- Hero of Sir Walter Scott's "Lord of The Isles") son of - EOIN MOR MACDONNELL b-1327-1363 (he married PRINCESS MARGARET STUART who died 1387, daughter of Robert and Lady Mure

Children of HUGH MACDONNELL and MARY O'MORE are:
16.
i. FERGUS15 MACDONNELL, b. 1575, 9th of Leinster, Ireland; d. May 09, 1637, Leinster, Ireland.

17.
ii. BRYAN MACCALVAGH MACDONNELL, b. 1577, Tynekill Castle, Queens County, Leinster, Ireland; d. Abt. 1635, Tynekill Castle, Queens County, Leinster, Ireland.
iii. HELENA MACDONNELL, b. Abt. 1579; m. JOHN O'DOYNE.
iv. ALEXANDER MACDONNELL, b. Abt. 1580.

Notes for ALEXANDER MACDONNELL:

Alexander MacDonnell on February 11, 1597 submitted unconditionally and gave his son as pledge..

Generation No. 15

16.
FERGUS15 MACDONNELL (HUGH BUIDHE14, CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD, CHARLES TURLOUGH12, JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born 1575 in 9th of Leinster, Ireland, and died May 09, 1637 in Leinster, Ireland.

Notes for FERGUS MACDONNELL:

Fergus MacDonnell assumed the position as head of the Tennekill family upon the death of Hugh Buidhe MacDonnell. Fergus was loyal to the English and led a quiet life dying May 9, 1637.

Child of FERGUS MACDONNELL is:
18.
i. JAMES16 MACDONNELL, b. 10th of Leinster, Ireland; d. 1661, London, England.

17. BRYAN MACCALVAGH15 MACDONNELL (HUGH BUIDHE14, CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD, CHARLES TURLOUGH12, JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born 1577 in Tynekill Castle, Queens County, Leinster, Ireland, and died Abt. 1635 in Tynekill Castle, Queens County, Leinster, Ireland.

Notes for BRYAN MACCALVAGH MACDONNELL:

Bryan MacDonnell was born in Tynekill Castle, Queens County, Leinster, Ireland in 1577 and died in the Castle about 1635.

Child of BRYAN MACCALVAGH MACDONNELL is:
19.
i. ALEXANDER16 MACDONALD/MACDONNELL, b. Abt. 1613, Leinster, Ireland; d. March 30, 1683, Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland.

Generation No. 16

18. JAMES16 MACDONNELL (FERGUS15, HUGH BUIDHE14, CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD, CHARLES TURLOUGH12, JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born in 10th of Leinster, Ireland, and died 1661 in London, England.

Notes for JAMES MACDONNELL:

Colonel James MacDonnell of Tynekill. The story of his stirring and eventful life, and his connection with the Confederated Catholics in the Great Rebellion, has been told. Because of his activities against the English was declared to be in rebellion and a reward offered for his head. Apparently no one took up the offer because James died in London in 1661. The Family estates were forfeited in his time and never restored, but the succession continued unbroken.

Child of JAMES MACDONNELL is:
i. FERGUS CHARLES17 MACDONNELL, d. Coolavin.

19. ALEXANDER16 MACDONALD/MACDONNELL (BRYAN MACCALVAGH15 MACDONNELL, HUGH BUIDHE14, CALVAGN MACTURLOUGH13 MCDONALD, CHARLES TURLOUGH12, JOHN11, CHARLES (THURLOUGH) OG10, JOHN CARROGH (THIRLOUGH OGE)9, CHARLES THURLOUGH MOR8, MARCUS7, SOMERLED (SORLEY)6 MACDONNELL, ALASTAIR OG5, ANGUS MOR4, DONALD OF THE3 ISLES, REGINALD OF THE2, SOMERLED1 MACGILLEBRIDE) was born Abt. 1613 in Leinster, Ireland, and died March 30, 1683 in Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland. He married MARY HELENA ARCHBOLD in Ireland. She was born Abt. 1622 in Wilcaoorn, Queens Cty, Ireland;, and died February 1691/92 in Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland.

Notes for ALEXANDER MACDONALD/MACDONNELL:

Alexander McDonnell, born Abt. 1613 in Leinster, Ireland; died March 30, 1683 in Wicklow County, Ireland. He was the son of Bryan McDonald. He married Helena Archbold. Alexander McDonnell was the Constable of Wicklow County, Ireland. His grave is in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Wicklow, Ireland. His head stone is obviously very ancient, but clearly reads:

"Here lieth the body of Mr Alexander McDonald who departed this life March 30th, 1683 in the 70th year of his age."

Notes for MARY HELENA ARCHBOLD:

Helena Archbold, born in Arklow, Wicklow County, Ireland. She was the daughter of Thomas Archbold. HELENA ARCHBOLD, married ALEXANDER MACDONNELL.

Child of ALEXANDER MACDONALD/MACDONNELL and MARY ARCHBOLD is:
i. LT. BRIAN17 MCDONALD/MACDONNELL, b. November 11, 1645, Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland; d. November 11, 1707, Mill Creek, New Castle Co., Delaware; m. MARY DOYLE, 1665, Ireland; b. 1647, Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland; d. 1709, Mill Creek, New Castle Co., Delaware.

Notes for LT. BRIAN MCDONALD/MACDONNELL:

Bryan MacDonnell's Will dated March 19, 1707 Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle, Delaware
(New Castle Co. Delaware Vol B P 153 Old Book)

Bryan was a Lieutenant in Colonel Francis Toole's regiment in the cause of King James II of England. It seems as though King James II was quite tolerant of the Presbyterians and believed that they should be treated equally with the Catholics. Originally there were Presbyterian Officers and members in his army.

When James went into exile in France he appointed a Lord Deputy, Richard Talbot, earl of Tyrconnell, his brother-in-law, to manage his army in Ireland. He instructed Richard Talbot to treat the Presbyterians and Catholics in the army equally. Talbot saw fit to ignore this request and began to purge the army of Protestants in the following year. Englishmen were turned out of the Army, Protestant regiments were disbanded, and Roman Catholic Irishmen took their place. It was openly stated that Talbot's purpose was to destroy all Protestantism in the country, and to restore the old faith. It took only eighteen months and by the time James arrived back in Ireland, Talbot had removed 4000 Protestants from the army, including 400 officers. He had increased the Catholic soldiers from 1000 to 5000 by the end of 1686. It might appear that Bryan, Alexander's son might have been purged from the James Army at this time.Bryan (or Brian) MacDonald and his family settled near New Castle, Delaware, after arriving in this country in 1685. Coming with him was his wife Mary and 3 sons, John, William and James. He had 4 more children after arriving in America. They were Bryan, Jr., Mary, Richard, and Anabel.

Bryan came to New Castle, Delaware and bought 693 acres of land from William Penn on November 18, 1689. I am told that the land is just outside Wilmington, DE, occupied now by some housing and a park--Brandywine Springs Park-. The land is bordered by Red Clay Creek and Hyde Run, both of which can be found on a New Castle County Map.

Back to List

Site Hosted by Dotser

Families - Family Crests - Surnames - Guides and Sources