John and David McClay

John and David McClay emigrated from Donegal, Ireland, to Illinois, USA, circa 1847. Their families may descend from the Barons McLea of Lindsaig

Ancestors (descent known or speculated):

1. Circa 1620: Per McLea Manuscript, three sons of last Baron McLea of Lindsaig, Kilfinan, Cowal, Argyl, Scotland leave Scotland and end up in Ulster, Ireland. (Speculation)

2. 1630: John McCley. One of the sons is listed on Muster Rolls in Ulster, Ireland. (Speculation).

3. 1665: James M'clae is listed in Hearth Tax Rolls on land near Ramelton, Donegal Ireland. (Speculation).

4. 1715: John McClea listed on Raphoe Marriage Bonds, Donegal , Ireland. (Speculation).

5. 1760: Sam McClay born in Augnish townland, near town of Ramelton, Donegal, Ireland (known).

6. 1799: John McClay, son of Sam, born in same place. (known)

7. 1820: David McClay, son of John, born in Ards, Conwal townland, also near town of Ramelton, Donegal, Ireland. (known)

8. 1847-8: John, David and other family members move of USA and settle in State of Illinois. (known)

9. 1850: John, David and other family members listed in 1850 census for Washington County, State of Illinois (known). Both own 500 acre farms.

10. Present: My cousin, James McClay, still owns the 500 acre farm (now a dairy) owned by David in 1850. My grandfather, David McClay moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where my mother was born. After marrying , my mother and father moved to California where I was born. Most of my McClay "family" (cousins) still live in rural Illinois.

Added by Craig McClay Wilson, Sacramento, California, USA.