1
Full Story of the Raphoe Knox’s (c) 1450 Part one
Cresent; Falcon Crest
Coat of Arms; Falcon Wings expanded within a bordure engrailed
on a canton or a fesse chequy, and a cresent surmounted of another for
difference.
(Motto) I proceed and am more prosperous
Knox Adamus (m) his cousin Sybilla, Daughter of Walter, High
Stewart of Scotland
Issue, Son Uchtred. (Circa) 1450.
Two sons
Uchtred B. (circa) 1490. ______ _________John De Cnoc. B. (Circa)
1485.
1 1
Uchtred. B (circa, 1520) John the Reformer B. (circa, 1515)
Died 1575, end of line.
Uchtred De Cnoc, born, (circa) 1520 (m) Isabel Cunyngham, sister of Lord Cunyngham, Rathfurley.
1 1
Son Uchtred (b) 1554 their second son Son Andrew. (b) 1556.
1 1
Son, John (b) 1574 Sons, Thomas (b)1576, Claud, John, Andrew, James, George,,Marg, Mary. 1 More details about Rt..Rev.Andrew Knox ‘s Family. See Burkes Irish Family
Records
1 (under Knox)
Son William, Took the Title (b) 1599, John or James (b)1597, Uchtred (b) 1596,
1 Title Restored 1 1
1 1 1
Family to Lifford to Raphoe.early 1600’s. No male issue. End of the Line for Uchtred
1 With his Uncle &Aunt Sold his lands to Lord Cochrane To Mayo and Lord & Lady Cunyngham
then to elsewhere As a Soldier, (m) with issue
See Burkes Irish Family 1 see below
Records ( under Knox) 1
(Sons) 1 2 3 4 Daughter
James (b) 1620, Patrick, Andrew, Thomas, Katherine
. 1 1 1 1 1
William (b)1660 ---- ---- To Donegal. (m) J.Young
1
James (b)1685 married with issue,
1
James, (b)1720 married with issue
1
Son William, (b) 1775, married Smyth., Convoy, Known Family, Two sons
1
First Son William (b) 1790 , married Gardiner Sion Mills, Was formally from
Convoy.Co.Donegal.
Williams family of Fourteen Ten Daughters, and Four sons, for this family
see William Knox born 1795 in the Adam Tait & James Knox Book
And Second Son John (b)1785, married Herron from Donegal Town Co.Donegal with a family of Ten
Eight daughters and Two Sons. For this family ,see William Knox, 1755,and the descendants John &
Mrs Knox Castletottison, Convoy, Co.Donegal, Ireland. From 1780, in the Adam Tait and James Knox
Book.
2
3
Knox Motto
This Scottish surname was brought to Ireland by settlers, principally in the 17 Th
centuries. And this number of prominent Knox families who acquired estates in
County Derry, County Mayo, Tipperary and Dublin, trace their lineage to settlers
from Ranfurly in Renfrewshire, who came to Donegal early in the 17th century.
In 1234 the land of Cnoc was held under the abbot of Paisley by Dun Gallus filius
Cristini, and his spouse Matilda.
Early records of the name mentioned John le Cnoc who witnessed the charter of
lands in 1260 and in the following year he witnessed a grant of lands to the Abbey
of Paisley.
George Knox was a sergeant in Edinburgh in 1467. John Knox (1514-1572 was a
great Scottish reformers, and remembered for his opposition to Mary Queen of
Scots, and her leanings towards Rome. When the sparce Irish population began to
increase it became necessary to broaden the base of personal identification by
moving from single names to a more definite nomenclature. The prefix MAC was
given to the father's Christian name or O to that of a grandfather or even earlier
ancestor.
At first the Coat of arms was a practical manner which served a function on the
battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face and armour
encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his
fellow followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his
surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour.
They associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armoury.
Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered at Moyne and Rappa Castle, County
Mayo.
Arms; Gules a falcon wings expanded within a border engrailed or on a canton of
the same a fess chequy argent and azure.
Crest; a Falcon close on a perch all proper. The Motto; MOVEO. ET. PROFICIO
, I proceed and am more prosperous
4
The meaning of the name De Cnoc. (Knox)
Uchter De Cnoc, (Knox) Lord of Ranfurly, and his wife Isabella
Cunyngham, of Craigs End, Scotland, (then shortened to Craigs.)
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The Name Knox or (De Cnoc, old spelling),
from the year (circa) 1450, A.D.
They could trace their descendants back to Adamus ,who married Sybilla (his
Cousin) who was daughter of Walter, High Stewart of Scotland, and obtained
from him the lands of Knoc ( anglicc, a Hill ), Ranfurley, and Griefe Castle,
in the County of Renfrew, from whence they obtained the Name and Title.
The De.Cnoc or Knox Family of that era had a known issue of two sons, one of
their son’s names I don’t know, but I do know that born in the years of (circa
1485) was the father of John (De. Cnoc) Knox who was born in the years of (circa
1515) and died in the year of 1572.
John (De.Cnoc) Knox was later in life to become best known as John Knox the
Great Reformer. He converted to Protestantism under the influence of George
Wishart. He was exiled in Geneva (1554) where he conferred with Calvin.
He was invited to lead the Reformation in Scotland (1559) and succeeded in that.
He proposed organization of the Church of Scotland in the first book (1560).
John (De Cnoc) Knox’s Uncle was named Uchter De Cnoc (Knox), born (circa
1490) and married, his wife is unknown, and they had one known son also named
Uchter born,
(Circa 1520).
Uchter De Cnoc, (Knox) born (1520) Lord of Ranfurley, married Isabella
Cunyngham, of Craig's, or Craigsend Scotland, were the descendants of a very
Ancient Scottish Family.
Uchter (De Cnoc) Knox was the eldest son of the above-named Uchter and Isabel
De. Cnoc (Knox) (nee) Cunyngham, born (circa) 1554) had one son named John.
Born (circa 1574).
John’s son named Uchter born (circa 1596) (named after his Grandfather Uchter.)
sold his lands to Lord Cochrane, and died without male issue.
John had also a son named James (born circa 1597) and a younger son named
William born (circa 1599). How many more sons of this family were I don’t
know?
Uchter and Isabel De Cnoc (Knox ) (nee) Cunyngham second son Andrew De
Cnoc (Knox ) born 1556 , and died in 1643.Andrew Knox graduated M.A.in the
University of Glasgow and 1579, 7 years after the death of John Knox; it can be
easily seen in his life that he was much influenced by the teachings of his kinsman
The next year he was Ordained Minister of Lochwinnoch in Ayrshire.
In 1585 he was transferred to the Abbey Church of Paisley.
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He built himself a house there and his initials are engraved on an oak panel in one
of the principal rooms.
While here he twice defeated invasions of the Spanish into Scotland.
First, in 1592, he, with a body of armed men, defeated the Spanish blank plot,
which was to try to re-establish the Roman faith, by seizing George Kerr just after
he got on board his ship in the Clyde. Kerr was secretly passing into Spain with
important letters.
Andrew Knox on that occasion received assurances from Queen Elizabeth that
good dispositions and regards should be had of his labours, charges, perils, and
services.
Again, in 1597 he defeated a desperate enterprise of Hew Barclay, a Roman
Catholic Baron, who seized and fortified the island of Ailsa, with the design of
delivering it to the Spaniards, who had promised to make a decent in that quarter.
He girded on his sword, and taking boat with a few daring assistance, attacked the
traitor on his rock, rather than be taken alive, rushed into the sea and perished.
In April, 1605 Andrew Knox was appointed Bishop of the Isles, and nominated
Abbot Icolmkill, by writ of Privy Seal.
In 1606 he attended Parliament in Perth.
In 1610 he was a member of the Court of High Commissions.
The diocese comprised 209 islands of various sizes, from Lewis, 36 miles long,
down to near specs upon the ocean. The people spoke Gaelic, but could also
speak, or at least understand, ENGLISH, and repeated prayers in it, to which were
joined the Creed and the Ten Commandments.
Bishop Knox exerted himself to compose differences and promote order, but his
pains were all bestowed; and, to escape personal violence, he had to beat as
summary retreat.
On June 26th, 1611, Bishop Knox was preferred by letters patent to the Bishopric
of Raphoe in Ireland. It is supposed that he continued to retain both Bishoprics
until 1619. He found his diocese in most deplorable state. It had been populated
and destroyed by internal wars between Hugh Roe O'Donnell and Shane O'Neill
for many years. These two had united to oppose the English, and, after a desperate
conflict were overcome.
The Cathedral of Raphoe was unroofed and in ruins. There is no record of this
work of destruction. In 1566 Armagh Cathedral was ‘’ruined, broken-down, and
defaced’’ by Shane O'Neill. The cause assigned for the outrage was ‘’that he did it
lest the English should lodge therein’’.
In 1576 another Irish Chief burned the town and church of Athenry, though his
mother was buried in that place; but he declared that’’ if his mother were alive,
he would sooner born her and the church together than any English Church should
fortify there.
7
Before Raphoe Cathedral passed into the hands of the English a wooden cross
was built up in a recess in the chancel, where it appears to have stood. It entirely
escaped detection by the Protestants, and only a vague tradition was preserved of
this existence.
Bishop Leslie alleges that it was pretended that this cross was a part of the true
Cross of Calvary and had miraculous powers. He supposed that it was destroyed,
but three years after his book was printed, it was discovered by Mr Thomas Drew,
R.H.E.A.
On being exposed to the air it crumbled away. The remains were put back and
built up again.
Bishop Knox obtained his patent in 1611 and our present authorised version was
published.
On May 6th, 1610, King, to Sir Arthur Chichester-- An annuity of £100 by the
year for Andrew Knox, Bishop of the Isles of Scotland, and now a elected Bishop
of Raphoe, in Ireland. (This annuity determined May 19th 1620)
July 24 Th, 1610, King's letter for translation of George Montgomery to Meath
with Clogher.
April 10th, 1611, Andrew Knox Bishop of Isles to Lord Salisbury - Came to
Court last Easter to impart to his Lordship the misery of the Church in the north of
Ireland, but failed to obtain access.
On his return from Royston where he and the Lord Chancellor of Scotland were
commanded by the King to attend touching some affairs of Scotland, he was
directed presently to take journey to the Isles of Scotland towards Ireland, for
services in both kingdoms.
Sends bearer, his elected Deane of Raphoe to communicate to him his Majesty's
pleasure touching the reformation of the abuses of the Irish Churches—
July 4th, 1611 Andrew, Bishop
of the Isles, to become
Archbishop of Canterbury
(Abbot)- On leaving Court
hastened to the Isles of
Scotland, and, having settled
disturbances there, proceeded
to England ; thence, by King’s
order, to Dublin. Delivered
King's letters and articles to
Lord Deputy, who assembled
the four Archbishops, and their suffrages. Stayed in the City 15 days.
Within 10 days the matter was concluded.
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For help and Preaching and reasoning with the adversaries (numerous in Dublin),
took with him one very reverend and learned Scotchman, Mr James Dundas,
chancellor or (chantere) of Moray, well known to his Majesty and Mr Adair, Dean
of Raphoe.
October 13th, 1611, -- Sir Arthur Chichester, to Salisbury- the Bishop of Raphoe
is a good Bishop for that part of the kingdom, and zealously affected to correct
and reform the errors and abuses of the priests and people, and has done more
good in Church government in the short time of his being among them than his
predecessor George Montgomery in all his time.
February 5th for 1612, Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Salisbury, to Sir
Arthur Chichester,--
Recommend the Bishop of Raphoe as a Reverend person, honoured and esteemed
by the King and by their Lordships. He bears the King's warrant to be admitted to
the Privy Council, of which the doubt not he will be a worthy and Reverend
known member.
1612-- The King's direction in favour of the Bishop of Raphoe- that the Bishop
return to Ireland, take up his residence there, and follow forth his charge.
That a letter be drawn up and signed by the King, directed to the Lord Deputy,
signifying the favourable acceptance of the Bishop's service done last year, with
direction to grant a Commission to inquire what lands belonged to the House and
priory of Donegal, now annexed to the Bishopric of Raphoe, at the time of
suppressing the friars, and to give the Bishop possession of such Lands as
formally belong to the sayed friars.
And as the House of Donegal is in a ruinous state, and part of the materials were
carried away by Captain Brax for building of the Castle of Donegal, it behoves
the Bishop last year to borrow Sir Ralph Byngly’s house, upon Lough Swilley,
where he resides with his wife and family, and the garrison being 24 miles distant
the King's pleasure is that 25 horsemen, under the conduct of Sir Ralph Byngly,
should be appointed to wait upon the Bishop, and live near his residence.
Also those 15 soldiers be appointed under the absolute command of Sir Ralph
Bynly, with an entertainment of tens per diem.
Sir Ralph Bynly’s House was at Rathmullen
Bishop Knox restored the Chapel of the Monastery.
In his time, and for long after, it was used as the parish church of Rathmullen.
Within its walls is the buring place of the Knox family’s and of others.
Over the door can still be seen the remains of a stone bearing the Knox coat of
arms. Two crescents, and beneath a fish swimming (possibly indicative of his
having crossed the sea), and the letters AN. KN.SE. And the date 1619.
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In June 1619, the Bishop with his son Thomas, and the Reverend Thomas Bruce,
and others, were made free denizens of the Kingdom of Ireland, and in February,
1620, he was directed at by the King to ‘’surrender the house (castle) and five-
and-a-half quarters of land at Rathmullen, and to have a re-grant of same’’.
In because Bishop Knox was in Scotland that,
The Castle of Dunyveg was for a short time garrisoned by him for the
Government.
The Bishop himself was let into at trap in Isla by the sons of the old Chief Mc.
Donnell. The insurgents broke his boats, threaten to massacre him and his
company, and compelled him to deliver to them Thomas, his son and John, his
nephew of Ranfurley, as hostages for his performance of some conditions.*
Bishop Knox brought with him from Scotland a goodly number of sons, whom he
ordained and planted in different parts of his diocese
Thomas, (the eldest son of Bishop Andrew Knox), was appointed to the See of the
Isles in February, 1619; instituted to Clondavaddock, in the diocese of Raphoe,
3rd August 1622, and held that Parish for five years.
In 1620 a King's letter was issued to grant him all lands in Kilmacrennan in
possession of Sir Mulmury McSwiney.
Again in 1627 Charles the 1st. directed Lord Falkland, ‘’ in consideration of the
long and faithful service done unto our dear late father, and unto us and our
Crown, by the Right Rev. Thomas Knox, Lord Bishop of the Isles’’ to make a
legal grant of certain lands (almost all in the barony of Kilmacrennan), late in the
tenure of Sir Mulmurry Mc.Swiney, with covenants of life use for the latter.
It is doubtful whether this letter took effect, Bishop Thomas Knox died in 1628.
He married Prudence daughter of Peter Benson, Esq. of County Londonderry. The
left a daughter, but no son.
Claudius (second son of Bishop Andrew Knox) was ordained deacon and priest
on 2nd June 1615. He was first appointed to ‘’Aughinncion’’ a parish on the north
shore of Lough Swilly, a few miles from Letterkenny.
Afterwards he was rector and vicar of Inniskeel, so-called from a monastery
founded on an island with in its limits, of which St. Conal Coel was abbot in
about the year of 590, when he was killed by pirates.
It is on the North West Coast, and is about 24 miles in length and about eight
miles and breath, it is mountainous and barren. The island of Inniskeel is about
one mile from the shore. The parish contained the town of Narin, five-and-a-half
miles from Ardara. Through it flows the river Guibarra.
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John Knox, A.M., ( third son of Bishop Andrew Knox ) was ordained deacon and
priest 6th January 1619, collated to the Church of Kilbarron; inducted by
Reverend T Bruce, Archdeacon of Raphoe, to the prebend of Drumholm , on the
9th the March 1619. In the Visitation Book of 1622 -said to be ‘’an honest young
man, a good preacher and scholar’’. The parish of Kilbarron contains the town of
Ballyshannon.
John Knox purchased the lands on which he built his dwelling house of
Moneymore.
John Knox married Jane daughter of G Downham D.D., who was appointed
Bishop of Derry and 1616. They had a son named George.
On 31st May 1622 an inquiry was held by an Archbishop Ussher, under at a
Royal Commission, at Ramelton, to the Report of which the signature of Bishop
Knox is fixed.
In this Record it is stated, that ‘’the Cathedral Church of St Eunan of Raphoe is
ruynated, and all decayd saving the walls onto which has been two years passed
preparing a roof which, God willing this summer will we be put up at the Bishops
and Parishioners charges’’.
The inscription on the porch seems to point to a conclusion of this undertaking,
and that he came with this intention may be inferred from his bringing away two
bells from the ruined Church at Iona.
We have the names of many of those who may have assembled when the words
of the Holy Bible Reformed Prayer Book were for the first time, read within the
walls of St. Adamnan’s Cathedral.
It is not unlikely that Bishop Downham would come from Derry, a distance of 13
miles, considering his close connection with the Knox family.
Six miles on the other side of Raphoe is St. Johnston, then a place of some
importance.
It was expected by Government to become a large town owing to its convenient
situation on the River Foyle, and was made a Borough, and allowed to return two
Members of Parliament.
One of these was Sir James Galbraith. From family papers we learn he built a
house near St Johnston in 1630, called a Gentle Dowish, the name is still
preserved in a hill near that place.
His brother, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Galbraith, lived two miles distance.
He had married Jane, daughter of William Conyngham, of Castle Conyngham,
Esquire, two miles distant from Dowish.
In the same parish of Taughboyne lived the Sampson's of Castlereagh.
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As all these families where closely connected with that of Knox by marriage and
friendship.
The extensive Knox family are connected to many of the landed gentry of the
Country, A descendant Colonel Andrew Knox of Prehen, Londonderry was MP
for County Donegal for 27 years.
His daughter Marianne became romantically entangled with a dissolute, John
Mc.Naughton, There is no need to narrate here the of untold tragedy of her death,
accidentally, at the hands of her lover, and of his subsequent hanging at Lifford in
1761.
Andrew (4th son of Bishop Andrew Knox) on 25th April 1628 was ordained
deacon and priest, and appointed Rector of Killaghatee a parish not far from
Drumholm.
In 1630 he was collated to the ‘’Prebend of Invermilley’’.Inver is on the other
side of Donegal Bay from Moneymore. It means an entrance of the sea at the
mouth of a river. From thence it was but a short sail to his brother's house.
Andrew married Rebecca, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Galbraith by
whom he had two sons, namely Andrew and Robert Knox.
In Sixteen Thirty the King granted licences to Bishop Knox to hold a market at
the town of Raphoe every Saturday, and two fairs June 11th and October 24th
.
On the 27th March 1630, Bishop Knox died, it is said that he married his cousin
Elizabeth daughter of William Knox of Silveland, by whom he had
Thomas, James, George, and,
Margaret, who married John Cunningham of Camberkeithy, son of James, 7th
Earl of Glencairn, and,
Another Daughter who married John Hamilton of Wood Hall.
‘’Record and another account’’ ‘’ Bishop Andrew Knox married the daughter of
John Knox, merchant in Ayr’’.
Another one States that he married Elizabeth daughter of Sir Ralph Bingley,
Knight of Rossguil, County Donegal. The first and last of the statements are
probably both correct, and the Bishop was married twice.
Of Bishop Andrew Knox’s 5th son, James, we only know that he was
administrator to his father, as was also Claudius.
The only records of other Knox’s than those of Rathmullen that we can find are in
Law papers in the possession of Major Hamilton, of Brown Hall.
In 1702 there was a transfer of lands from John Knox to Alex Nesbitts and
Alexexander Knox.
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In the same year mention is made of William Knox of Aughmoyan. These lands
in the North-west of Donegal where Claudius Knox lived.
As to the youngest daughter of the Bishop Andrew Knox, called Mary or
Marjorie, she is said to have married Mr Nesbitt, of Wood Hill, a parishioner of
her brother Claudius, for it was only in late years that Ardara was cut off as a
separate perished from Inniskeel
Mr. Nesbitts father Alexander, was the first settler from Scotland.
He married his cousin Alice, daughter of the Reverend Alexander Conyngham, of
Tower, who succeeded Adair as Dean of Raphoe. His youngest daughter
Catherine Murray married Bishop Leslie.
Marjorie Knox (Andrew Knox Bishop of Raphoe) only daughter. Marjorie
appears to be a child off his second marriage and much younger than her brothers.
James Nesbitt, of Wood Hill, and Marjorie Knox, had a son named George in
Holy Orders, who became rector of Inniskeel.
He married Catherine Cunningham, of Ballydavit, and had two sons James and
Richard. James married Elizabeth Hamilton, and Richard married Marcia
Hamilton, of Brown Hall of which they were sisters. Of the first of these
marriages the Hamilton’s have confirmation, not of the second?
A narrative written by a Presbyterian minister from Scotland, named John
Livingston, in which he relates the particulars of his irregular at ordination by
Bishop Andrew Knox for Killinchy, in County Down.
Livingstone was afterwards deposed from the ministry, and the accuracy of the
details, which rest on his unsupported statement, is at least doubtful.
Like all men who have acted a prominent part in life the character of Bishop
Andrew Knox is differently viewed by his contemporaries.
By some he is commended for his ‘’moderation, piety, temper;’’ by others
condemned for ‘’intolerance, deceit, and avarice’’.
This certainly appears that in his youth he was impetuous and warm tempered.
Whatever he may have been, at least he and his sons were instruments in the
hands of God to bring back the Light from Iona, which Columba once took there
from Raphoe.
He had kindled there a beacon which shed its light over Scotland and the North of
England. Now, when the word of God in Ireland might be likened to the Cathach,
through the lapse of time becomes so decayed that it was as a sealed book, this
Bishop from Iona brought not a portion only, but the entire scriptures.
Set upon a candle stick, its light shone even among those who refused to accept
the messenger.
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That the Church of Rome in Ireland is less ignorant and Superstitious now than
then is because of the reflected rays of that light.
Bishop Knox was succeeded in Raphoe by Bishop John Leslie.
Two years after the death of Bishop Andrew Knox, in 1635, Bishop Leslie
received a letter from King Charles (given in ‘Bishop Reeves’ famous edition of
St. Adamnan’s life of Columba).
Stating that Andrew, late Bishop of Raphoe did without just cause, or any warrant
from our great royal father or us, carry with him two of the principal bells that
where an Icolmkill, and place them in some of the churches of Raphoe. He
reminds Leslie that he himself before demanded them, and says his successor had
petitioned him for their restoration.
Therefore, and in regard, we have given orders to the present Bishop of Yles, for
repairing the Cathedral Church of that Bishopric….. It is our pleasure that you
cause deliver unto the said Bishop these two bells for the use of the said Cathedral
Church.
A little piece of history regarding Bishop Lesslie.
The Leslie’s can trace their ancestry back to Attalla the Hun.
The first Leslie came from Scotland and was a Hungarian nobleman.
Bartholomew Leslie was the chamberlain and protector of Margaret Queen of
Scotland.
It is through him that the family motto GRIP FAST originated. While fleeing
enemies Queen Margaret rode pillion on the back of Bartholomew’s horse.
When fording a River the Queen fell off, Bartholomew threw her the end of his
belt and told her grip fast the buckle.
He saved the Queen's Life and from that day forward she bestowed the Motto
Grip Fast on the Leslies.
.
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The first Leslie’s to come to Ireland was Bishop John Leslie who was Bishop of
the Isles of Scotland.
In 16th June 1633 he was transferred (it seems that only Bishop and foreign
languages) can be transferred to Raphoe and County Donegal where he built the
first Castle.
At the age of 67 the Bishop married a young girl, Catherine Cunyngham, in her
eighteenth year, daughter of Alexander Cunyngham, Dean of Raphoe.
They had five children two of whom lived to adult. One of their sons became a
Bishop while the other son became a non Juring Presbyterian minister, by the
name of, The Rev.Charles Leslie who wrote the phamphlets ’’The Massacre of
Glencoe’’ in which he sought the wrath of King William in the outrage, and for
which he was for a time imprisoned.
Obliviously he was, like his father, a strong Stewart supporter.
Bishop John Leslie was known as the ‘Fighting Bishop’ and defeated Cromwell's
forces at the Battle of Raphoe.
On the Restoration Charles the 2nd
. the bishop then 90 rode on horseback from
Chester to London in 24 hours. As a reward for his loyalty the King granted him
£2,000.
In 1665 Glasslough Castle and Demesne was sold by Sir Thomas Ridgeway to the
Bishop of Clogher John Leslie.
The bishop died at the age of 100 in 1671. The original deed of the Castle is in
the family archives.
John Knox born 1515 ‘’ The Reformer ‘’
Ranfurley seems then to have passed out of the family, but the
title was afterwards restored in the line of John Knox or (De
Cnoc’s) younger son William Knox or (De Cnoc), it was
William’s brother Uchter Knox or (De Cnoc.) who previously
sold the lands to Lord Cochrane.
John Knox or (De Cnoc) the Reformer is said to have been
also of this house, but only a cousin to Uchter Knox or (De
Cnoc).
It is from the line of John Knox (born circa 1574) who was a
son of Uchter De Cnoc (Knox) (born circa 1554) who was a
full cousin of Andrew Knox Bishop of Raphoe, born (circa
1556 and died 27th
March 1643,) and a grandnephew of John
Knox ‘’ The Great Reformer’’ born 1515 and died 1575.
It is from the line of John Knox (De. Cnoc) born (circa 1574) that the Knox’s of
Castletorrison and their descendants of 2001 and onwards are descended from, but
15
their forefathers can trace their descendants right back to Adamus who married
Sybilla his cousin.
Sybilla was the daughter of Walter High Stewart of Scotland and obtained from
him the lands of Knoc. (Angelic), a hill, Ranfurley, and Griefe Castle in the County
of Renfew in Scotland; from whence the obtained the name and title.
My Grandfather James Knox born 1863, told me as a boy,
when I asked him on of his relation to John Knox the Great
Reformer as he referred to him as, said that we were of the
same roots but not of the same branch, meaning that James
Knox’s forefathers, and
John Knox’s forefather, were of the same Knox family at one time.
My name is Ivan Knox born 1935, son of Joseph Knox born
1893, grandson of James Knox born 1863, great grandson
of Joseph Knox born 1821, great, great grandson of John
Knox born 1780, great, great, great grandson of William (No
Name) Knox born 1755, great, great, great, great grandson
of William Knox born 1680, great, great, great, great, great
grandson of William Knox born 1645, great, great, great,
great, great, great-grandson of James born 1620, great ,great,
great, great, great, great grandson, of James of 1597.
And also the same relationship with the Cunyngham’s of that era.
16
The Knox’s of Castletorrison, (circa) 1580.
James Knox (Sen.) ( born circa 1597)
in Scotland and Served as a Soldier
with Lady Cunyngham, in Raphoe in the
early 1600’s, (her husband was Marquis
Cunyngham a brother of Isabel
Cunyngham who married Uchter De
Cnoc, (Knox ) she would have been a
Grand Aunt of James Knox’s by
marriage) in Raphoe, County Donegal,
his five son were,
James Knox, (born circa 1620 in Scotland)
(read all about his family in a few pages
further on)
Patrick Knox, (born circa 1621). I have no
further information on Patrick Knox (born
circa 1621) to date.
Thomas Knox (born circa 1623) married and was
living at Tommy’s Croft, address still known till
this present day of 2002.
Went to Donegal as a Rent Collector for the
Cunyngham Estate and for the Murray Estate, the
extended family of Thomas Knox, another
Thomas, and his will is dated 25th
September
1717 was granted the owner-ship of the old Castle
and lands of Lough Eske in the 1730.
George Knox (born circa 1625) rented lands from
the Bishop of Raphoe in 1656, then to Ballybofey,
in the name of George V. Knox R.N. . . . Then in
the Richard Griffith Valuations of 1854 in the name
of Charles N. Knox, Ballybofey, with an Estate of
One Hundred and Thirty Two Holdings.
Andrew Knox, born, (circa, 1626)
Raphoe Quarter. Then to Donoughmore
and later acquired an Estate in
Killygordon of some Fifty Five
Properties, Later to become known as
The Alexander Knox Estate, then to
Mansfield Estate, in the name of Rev.
17
George D. Mansfield and Francis Mansfield, and lastly according to Richard
Griffeth Valuations of 1854, John Craig Esq. jnr.
These five Knox men all served as a Soldiers with Lady Cunyngham in Raphoe in
the from the early 1630’s ---.
James Knox (Sen) `was a ranking Soldier, being a bearer of a sword and pike,
while his sons James, Patrick, Thomas, George, and Andrew held the rank of
‘‘five’’ less than their father, the bore no weapons at all.
In 1630 Lady Cunyngham was the widow of Sir James Cunyngham, who was a
brother to Isabel, and Uchter De Cnoc’s wife.
Lady Cunyngham at that time was the undertaker of 2000 acres of land in
Raphoe, and had a small partially armed force to defend the Estate, which
consisted of 66 Soldiers,
Ten men with sword and pike.
Ten men with sword and snaphance.
Two men with sword and Callever.
Two men with sword and halbert.
Fourteen men with sword only.
Twenty Nine men with no weapons of any kind.
The 1654 Civil Survey gives an account of lands in the Raphoe diocese, its rent
and to whom rented.
Archibald Sproule, 453 acres at Boggagh, £20, 12 shillings and no pence,
together with four muttons, two hogs, twelve capons (chickens), twelve hens, and
sixteen days service of a man and horse.
Robert Buchannan, 227 acres at Glenmaquin and Cullaghybeg, £26 ,12 shillings
and no pence, three muttons, twelve capons (chickens) and seven days service of
a man and horse.
‘’The Heirs of John Leslie, gent, British protestant, minors’’ had 270 acres at
Tullideveny, Ardkeragh, Muntertiny, Mongory, Gortneske, GortmcGlinn,
Gortneseleglan, Litroch, Magheraboy; along with their rent, there was delivered
on their behalf ‘’three muttons, six capons (chickens) seven or eight hens, and
sixteen days service of man and horse.
Alexander Cunningham 35 acres from the Bishop at Duncloch Parke, a tenement
house and garden and Orchard at Raphoe.
William and George Conningham had lands at Kiltoal, and
18
Francis Guthrey had 136 acres Ferncanaghy, and together with his rent he delivers
twenty four hens, and six day’s service with man and horse.
Robert Barclay had 111 acres at Figart, on top of his rent he was obliged to supply
two muttons, one hog, 32 lbs of butter, 32 lbs of cheese, and eight days service of
man and horse.
The Bishop had but British Protestants as tenants, although some of them had
quite modest holdings,
John Fulton had but a house and garden,
John Smith had ‘’an house and garden plot, and three acres of land and three cows
grazing in the Common of Raphoe’’ at £ 2 , 2 shillings and six pence, with that
ofcourse was the customery service of man and horse .
Archibald Kyle, had a garden plot with five acres of land and four cows grazing.
The Civil Survey of 1654 lists thirty two tenants on church lands, other names
apart from those foregoing being;
George Knox, born 1625, he would have been just 29 years old by then and a
brother of James born 1620. ?.
John Nesbitt, Andrew Hamilton, James Kerr, and others , some of these lands
were designated as ‘’Unprofitable’.
For example Mr.Burnbery leased 334 acres at Ballyholey of which two hundred
acres were deemed as ‘’red bog’’.
It appears from Records that James born 1620 married and had a family of
Three known sons
In a book of records that I have, named Trace your relatives, for Reference reason
only, it refers to a meeting in the Raphoe Vestry Minutes,mic / 95 pg’s
41,42,43,44,it states that,
Pursuant to the Certificate of the High Constable of the Barony of Raphoe, in the
County of Donegal, Certifying that 450 trees were the number of trees subdivided
by the Grand Jury of the said County as the full proportion for the Parish of
Raphoe of the said trees to be planted in the said County by order of Parliament.
We the Minister, Churchwardens and Parishioners of the said Parish Pursuant to
the said act at a Vestry held on the 5th
of January Anno Dom 1702 have sub-
divided the said 450 trees in the respective Townlands in the said Parish to be
planted and raised by the processors and occupiers of the said lands yearly
according to the list hereafter mentioned., EG; on the lands in the said Parish
belonging to the
Lord Bishop of Raphoe the number of 196 as follows, and then it mentions a lot
of other landowners, before it comes to the Knox name, then the following
Knox’s are mentioned. the lands of
Apart from James, (b) 1620, and his son James, born 1660, mentioned in the
Hearth Money Role were living in Raphoe, there was Alexander and William
living in Donoughmore,in the 1640’s, but it is thought that there were more of
19
these families than has been recorded. These are the names that are mentioned in
the Tree Planting of 1702.
It is shown in records that James born 1660 and living at Raphoe Park, had a
family of at least three sons, but again there could have been more than these.
These three sons names were, William, of Ashmoyne, born (circa 1685,) Joseph,
of Mongorry , born (circa 1690), and John, born ( circa 1695-1700).
William Knox (born circa 1685) and living in Ashmoyne in 1702 and had land
partners, the above mentioned to plant on his lands at Ashmoyne quarter, 11 Trees
Yearly. William’s sister married Smyth front Finnadork, Convoy.
It is recorded that William was living in Castletorrison in 1745.
The lands of Joseph Knox, (born circa 1680) living at Mongorry, Raphoe, in 1702
to plant on his lands one Ballibow of land with three Trees Yearly.
The lands of John Knox (born circa) 1680 and living at Raphoe Park in 1702
along with Nine other Landowners to plant on their land 24 Trees Yearly.
William, (1680) Ashmore Quarter, Raphoe .He had another brother named
Thomas (b) circa 1680), that went to Lougheaske, Donegal town, his Will is dated
25th
September 1717, and leaves to Mr. William Conyngham ‘’and his heirs
forever’’ the office of Seneschal of ‘’Broughton’s Estate ‘’.
It is not known how many more of this family there was.
We know that William Knox, (born circa 1680.), and lived at a Ashmyne Quarter
of the Raphoe,which is situated between Convoy and Raphoe, convenient to the
Corby Glen, mention in the Tree planters of 1702.
20
John De Cnoc (Knox)
Born1515.
General Henry Knox born 1750.
Cresent; Falcon Crest
Coats of Arms; Falcon Wings expanded within a bordure engrailed on a canton or a
fesse chequy, and a cresent surmounted of another for difference.
(Motto) I proceed and am more prosperous
Notice the chequered blue and white at the top left side of the Coat of arms is exactly as that of the
Knox Coat of Arms of the Knox’s that came to Ireland in 1601.
The canton of the bird in flight represents the same Knox family, but of a different household.
As we know that the name Knox (De Cnoc) originated from Uchtred De Cnoc,
and Grief Castle in Ranfurley, Renfrewshire, Scotland as a gift from the High
Sheriff of Scotland in or around 1450, before that there was no such name as that
of ‘’Knox’’.
From there we can trace our descendants to here in the most Northerly County of
Ireland, ‘’County Donegal’’ sometimes referred to in American records as the
North of Ireland.
Londonderry was the Sea Port that all people’s that were going overseas
emigrated from in those years.
The first family of the Knox’s that came to Co.Donegal was the Reverend
Andrew Knox in the early sixteen hundreds, the records of that family is
extremely well documented.
Rev. Andrew Knox was soon to be followed by his cousin
William Knox of Silvyland in Renfrewshire; he came to
Ireland, in fact to near Lifford in 1601. And it from this
family that we are linked here in Donegal in the year of 2003.
and can be traced right back to then.
So in 1729 when William Knox Emigrated to Boston and the
record states that he came from the North of Ireland and as
the family name of Knox was so uncommon then, it is
reasonable to assume that William was a descendant of
21
William Knox that came from Silveland, Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1601.
I know that there was a William living at Castletorrison, Convoy in 1690, at that
time the townland of the Craigs did not exist; he was born around1675 and had a
family of one known son William.
It is thought that it was this William born 1712 at Castletorrison, Convoy, Co.
Donegal, Ireland. went to Boston and died in the year 1762 age 50 years. He was
the father of General Henry Knox born in Boston USA in 1750.
William married Mary Campbell from Strabane, County Tyrone, North Ireland
and had Ten children, They were better known as the pioneers from ‘’North
Ireland’’, meaning that North Ireland was in the Ulster Province of Ireland in the
1700’s, and under the Rule of the British Parliament and the British Crown, they
remained as such until 1922 when Britian handed back 26 counties of the 32
counties that made up the Island of Ireland to the Irish people for to be governed
by themselves and to be come known as the Republic of Ireland and retaining the
remaining 6 counties to be known as the six counties under British Rule. Thus
dividing Ireland into two different parts, Northern Ireland with six of the’’ most
North Eastern Counties,’’ and the Republic of Ireland known as the ‘’Twenty Six
remaining southern counties of Ireland ‘’.
William and Mary Knox (nee) Campbell went into the Boat Ferrying business; He
was a shipmaster, carrying on trade with the West Indies. Suffering from financial
difficulties and all the mental stress and burdens that go with money woes,
William died at the age of Fifty years.
HENRY KNOX was born in Boston,
Massachusetts, U.S.A. on the 5th
day of July
1750. He was the seventh child of the family of
ten and was only twelve years old at the time of
his father’s death; he gave up school and
became the sole support for his mother. He went
to work in a bookstore; he was a second
generation Ulster Scott, in that his father
William emigrated from Londonderry in Ulster
to Boston in 1729, as part of the flow across the
Atlantic; joined the Boston Grenadiers Corps in
1772; married Lucy Flucker in 1774; joined the
patriot cause and offered his services to General
Washington in 1775; was commissioned colonel
of Continental Regiment of Artillery; led the
expedition to transfer captured British guns from
Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in 1776, a move that
forced the British to evacuate the city; led the
Delaware River crossing and participated in the Battle of Trenton in 1776; was
promoted to brigadier general and Chief of Artillery of the Continental Army,
December 1776; participated in the battles of Princeton, Brandywine, and
Germantown in 1777 and Mamouth in 1778; sat on the court-martial of Major
John Andre in 1780; placed the American artillery at the Yorktown siege in 1781;
commanded the West Point post,1782-1783; organized the Society of the
22
Cincinnati, 1783; was commander in chief of the Army, 23rd
December 1783-20th
June 1784; served under the Confederation as Secretary at War, 8th
March 1785-
11th
September1789; served under the constriction as first Secretary of War, 8th
March1785-31st of December 1794; prepared a plan for a national militia,
advocated and presided over initial moves to establish a regular Navy, urged and
imitated the establishment of a chain of costal fortifications, and supervised
Indian policy; retired to Thomaston, Maine, U.S.A. 1796; engaged in lumbering,
shipbuilding, stock raising, and brick manufacturing; died in Thomaston on the
25th
of October 1806.
Henry Knox supported the American cause, he joined the patriot militia at 18, and
after witnessing the Boston ‘’massacre’’ in 1770, he got involved full-time in the
patriot struggle. As early as 1772, he became a member of the Boston Grenadier
Corps. He was a volunteer in June 1775 at the Battle of Bunker Hill and at the
Boston siege. He served under General Ward, in charge of the colonials around
Boston, in 1775, Washington arrived in Boston, taking command of the army.
There he met and developed a friendship with Knox, a friendship that would last a
lifetime.
Washington realized the need of artillery in the American forces and found Knox
to be well versed on the subject. Washington asked his opinion on what the army
should do.
The thought of Knox was to use the cannon from the captured Fort Ticonderoga.
Thus, Knox was commissioned a colonel, placed in charge of artillery, and given
the task to bring cannon from Ticonderoga to Boston. By way of ox sleds, Knox
successfully brought fifty cannon to the city.
In March 1776, Washington seized Dorchester Heights (the key to Boston) and
Knox placed the cannon in position there.
Howe realizing the danger of an impending American bombardment withdrew his
troops from the city. O n March 17th
, he embarked his troops for Halifax. Boston
was entered the following day by triumphant Americans.
After the capture of Boston, Knox helped Connecticut and Rhode Island in proper
defence, in preparation for the return of the British. Washington took his forces to
defend New York. Knox joined the army there, as the British fleet arrived in New
York, with men numbering 30,000. The American forces numbered 18,000 with
very little experience.
The American forces were so outnumbered; they were forced to retreat which did
not end until the crossing of the Delaware River at Trenton on December the 8th
,
1776. The Americans had seized all the boats along the Delaware, so the British
were unable to follow.
January 3rd
1777 Washington attacked the British Army. Knox rendered
aggressive service, earning him a commendation from the Commander-in-Chief.
Knox had a commission while the army was in winter quarters at Morristown,
New Jersey.
Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by a Frenchman
named Duncondray, secured by Silas Deane, the American Minister to France,
Duncondray interviewed with Washington and then headed to lay his credentials
before Congress. Washington wrote to Congress on behalf of Knox on the May
23
31st 1777, General Green and Sullivan supported Washington, and Duncondray
was permitted to join the troops under Washington as a volunteer.
Knox was involved in the fighting at both the battles of Brandywine and
Germantown. He had a limited number of cannon. At Brandy well he placed them
near Chadds Ford, but the British forced a retreat. The Americans held them in
check at Birmingham Meeting House and were able to retreat to Chester.
At Valley Fordge Knox was invaluable in organizing and erecting forts to
safeguard the winter encampment from attack.
Eventually, the British army was forced in siege at Yorktown. Knox had placed
the artillery in fine strategic position. After the surrender of Cornwallis on
October 19th
1781 Knox was advanced to major-general, a homer well earned.
In 1782, Knox was stationed at WestPoint and remained there with the troops
until the agreement was made with the British to evacuate New York.
In the fall of 1783, Knox was able to leave as they followed the British out of
New York. On December the 4th
1783 the officers assembled at Fraunces Tavern
to take final of their Commander-in-Chief. Knox stood by Washington.
Washington withdrew and Knox returned to Boston, well-received.
Knox was elected Secretary of War by Congress in 1785, and in 1789, he was
appointed Secretary of War in President Washington’s new cabinet. Knox found
his service as Secretary of War to deal with growing unrest in the western frontier
of the little country. When a treaty was finally reached, the leadership of Knox
was manifested in his aid in promoting law and order.
Knox officially wrote to the President on Dec. 28th
1794,
‘’After having served my country nearly twenty years, the greatest portion of
which under your immediate auspices, it is with extreme reluctance, that I find
myself constrained to withdraw from so honourable a station. But the natural and
powerful claims of a numerous family will no longer permit me to neglect their
essential interest. In wherever situation I shall be, I shall recollect your confidence
and kindness with all the power and purity of affection, of which a grateful heart
is susceptible.
Washington accepted Knox’s resignation with regret.
General Knox and his family moved to Philadelphia, the Nation’s Capitol and
settled on an estate at Thomaston, in the district of Maine in 1794 as it was then
known.
Which he called ‘’Montpelier’’. He was engaged in various types of businesses
during the latter part of his life such as; brick-making, cattle-raising and ship-
building. He entertained numerous guests and gave some time in service to his
state in General Court and Governor’s Council. Washington desired to appoint
Knox as a Commissioner to St. Croix, but Knox declined.
Knox was born an inner city child, without formal education, who was destitute at
the age of 9 and worked to support his mother and brother.
But his natural intelligence would not be denied.
24
By the age 21 he met Lucy Fluker, his true love, as hundreds of letters between
them attest. She was daughter of the powerful Tory Secretary of the Province, and
from their elite company Knox gleaned manners, style, a greater measure of
acceptance and a devoted wife.
Throughout the War, Luck travelled with her husband whenever she could. The
family moved 14 times in 19 years of their marriage, and during that time she
gave birth to 13 children. Lucy’s mother was Hannah Waldo, the daughter of
Brigadier Samuel Waldo, Who had owned a 576,000 acre patent of land thirty
miles square, encompassing parts of Waldo and Lincoln and all of Knox Counties
along with the islands within 3 miles of its border.
With much difficulty, Knox cleared title to the Waldo Parent. On April17th ,
1794, Knox signed a building contract with J.Heearsey and H. Simpson stating ‘’ They will perform for him, he furnishing the materials, the requisite mason work
of a dwelling house to be built at Fort point on the St. Georges River in Thomas
Town, according to the plan furnished Messer’s Dunton and Cushing, master
carpenters’’
The house was to be well finished but
entirely plain…with everything in true
proportion…an oval room with
wingroom… staircases in the rear of the
oval room to be lighted from the top of the
house by a sky light or rather two sky
lights, or one pretty large. There will be a
basement, parlour, chamber and garret
stories and a cellar beneath one quarter of
the basement 30 ft square and 6 feet high ‘’done’’ according to the rules of work
laid down in Ye Town and County Builders Assistant engraved and printed in
Boston.
The house was painted white with a semi-circular front and contained nineteen
rooms with a ceiling height ranging from nine to thirteen feet. Some believed it to
be the most elegant house in all of New England.
Montpelier was the only home that Luck and Henry would ever own and, alas, the
joy of ownership was short-lived. In 1806, Henry Knox died after two days of
suffering of peritonitis, perhaps caused by a chicken bone perforating the
intestine.
At the age of 56, his political success had not translated into business success, his
finances were unsettled, and he had to sell off the Waldo Patent a piece at a time,
leaving very little but the acreage immediately surrounding the mansion. Henry
Knox left Lucy with little money and a large property to maintain.
When Lucy died, Montpelier was deeded to their younger daughter Caroline who
lived in the family home from the age of 6 to her death at 60. Upon Caroline’s
death, Lucy, Jr. returned to the family home in Thomaston where she lived until
her death in 1854.
25
The Knox connection ceased when Lucy’s children were forced to sell the house.
For 75 years it stood much as it had in 1796. The innovative skylight system
allowed slow but fatal water damage. The building was structurally beyond
saving.
The railroad purchased the property and in 1871 tore down everything except the
brick farm house, which they turned into the Thomaston railroad station.
The house that Henry Knox had
envisioned with such pride was gone!
Residence of Thomaston salvaged a few
artefacts such as pieces of the original
wallpaper and stair balusters that were
known fondly as ‘’Thomaston walking
sticks’’.
‘’This is the Bow Room at Montpelier
(Oval room) where they entertained
large gatherings.
Fire in our two matching marble
fireplaces make the room cosy in cold weather, the wind blowing off the river
chills one’s body right to the bone!
At night the firelight and the light from the whale oil Lamps make the crystal
chandelier sparkle!
Harry had these two large looking ‘’glasses’ hung on each side of the front door
to add reflected light and to make the room more cheerful. Harry’s portrait by
Gilbert Stuart of Boston hangs over the fireplace on the left. Notice the door –how
it is curved to fit the shape of the room .Henry had all doors and frames milled in
Boston and brought to Thomaston by boat.’’
The double flying staircase facing the door commands
the attention of the guests entering the hallway for the
first time. All marvel that a structure can be built without
the support that conventional stairways require. The huge
skylight above admits sunlight from all directions and
floods the upper and lower halls with natural lighting.
The long case clock that you see facing was built by
Daniel Monroe here in our new Country. Throne on the
opposite landing was imported from Dublin, Ireland
Benjamin Frothingham of Boston built these two
matching gaming tables on each side of the door to the
bow room. Ben was a Captain of the Artillery under
Harry’s command during the war and now makes his living as a cabinet maker.
We move the tables into the bow room or the drawing room and have some lively
games of whist.
This is one of the many bedrooms at
Montpelier, this one is the Master bedroom, and
it has just been re-papered with a French paper
with Chinoise motif.
The new bed canopy that picks up the red in the
paper was delivered by the Boston Schooner
26
and the matching coverlet will arrive by the same schooner.
This is the kitchen of the Montpelier mansion owned in 1795 by General Henry
and Mrs Lucy Knox.
Water in piped in from the outside through a wooden pipe. Imagine, running
water to the sinks in those years. The fireplace is of hearth.
This is a letter signed in 1794 by General Henry Knox; he always signed Knox as
his signature.
After the was Henry Knox acquired the 576,000 acres of the Waldo Patent at $5
per one hundred acres, And tried to sell it to the settlers that fought for it at $3 per
5 acres. The settlers refused to pay and Henry Knox went Bankrupt.
Please read more on this family as told by Martha Knox Blackburn born the
Craigs-Donegal County, Ireland, April 1815. Died November 1901,
Parents John (b) 1785 and Martha Knox, Craigs, Convoy, County Donegal
Ireland. See page 50
27
Thomas Knox and his families from the late 1600’s to the late 1800’s
By the year 1730 Thomas Knox the
Agent for the Murray Broughton Estate
and for the Cunyngham Estate, Donegal,
Co.Donegal. Thomas Knox was a direct
descendant of Lady Cunyngham; his
grandmother was Isabel Cunyngham a
sister of Lady Cunyngham Husband
.Marcus Cunyngham of 1500’s.
According to Thomas Addi of
Donnaghadee, on the 29th
day of April
1730. The following is from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland,
pursuant to several memorandums given unto him by the said Alexander Murray
at his house in Cally. Thomas Knox at that time in 1730 had gained the freehold
to Lough Eske Castle and Lands, it was a niece of his that married John Young
from Castlefinn, and around 100 years later a descendant called Thomas Young
took on the name Brooke in order to gain an inheritance from Thomas Grove, his
brother-in-law.
Thomas Knox was married but I don’t know who his wife was or how many
siblings there were. Thomas Knox also had a sister named Catherine.
In this way confusion arose over that Lough Eske had been granted to Basil
Brooke at the time of the plantation and that the Brooke family had resided at
Lough Eske in the nineteenth century were the direct descendants of Basil Brooke
who had been granted Donegal Castle.
28
Thomas, (hence Tommy’s Croft or now known as the Craiggs.), went to Donegal
Town area, was born sometime around 1700 as well. His father was William, and
lived at that time in Convoy including Raphoe in 1665 (Hearth Tax 1665)
Thomas Knox, and the Alexander Murray, of Broughtown Estate, Southwest
Donegal. Remarks made by Alexander Murray at his house in Cally, on the 29th
day of April 1730
Thomas and John Knox of Castletorrison, Convoy were of the same family of
Knox but of different generations, Thomas being of the earlier generation of 1700.
John Knox born 1785 married a lady from Donegal Town named Herron, and the
only family by that name within a Ten to Twelve mile radius, is actually living at
Main Street Donegal Town named, Isabella, Mary and Cassie around that time.