William McGee was born in County Donegal in 1803. He married Margery McConnell and together they had 6 children. The children we all born in County Donegal:
John M McGee 1827-1905
Bernard McGee 1831-1864
Michael McGee 1832-1894
Ellen McGee 1834-
William McGee 1837-1906
Nancy McGee 1838
William emigrated to the United states ahead of his family and is believed to have gone to work on the Erie Canal. His family arrived in the US in 1841. Margery traveled with all six children, arriving aboard the Stephen Whitney in April of that year. They sailed from Liverpool to New York. The family settled in Wyoming County in western New York State.
In 1849 William purchased land and established his own farm. William spent the rest of his life farming this land with the help of his sons. As his sons grew up and started families of their own, the farm was divided among them. The oldest son, John was a merchant and lived in the village and second son, Bernard died fairly young. The bulk of the land ended up being farmed by Michael and William. The brothers married sisters and lived next to each other for many years. So far the trail of the two daughters has gone cold and no information has been found.
The land is still a working farm today and is owned by an immigrant family from Germany.
Margery, Bernard and one of Bernard’s daughters died in 1864 and are all buried together. William died in 1885 and is buried with his wife, son and granddaughter.
The McGee family stayed in Wyoming County for several generations, they were farmers and business owners throughout the years. The family has scattered all over - from the nearby counties to all over the US and Puerto Rico
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1803 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 1st Aug 1885 | |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | Margery McConnell | |
My great grandfather was also John McGee, born about 1851 in Termon area of County Donegal. He married Catherine Friel and they had 11 children.
All living children, except for the eldest Patrick who would inherit the farm, immigrated to the US. All went West to San Francisco after getting off in Philadelphia. Patrick never married. Do you have any information on our John McGee? His father was Patrick McGee born about 1819.
Thanks,
Teresa Emory
I have been unable to find any information about my McGee family in Ireland. So far I haven't been able to find what parish they came from. It's possible that your John and my William are related but I am not sure.
