Evidence of early family ties with Clonavaddy, Co. Tyrone.

From The New London Gazetteer (1826):

"COUNTY TYRONE: It is about 43 Irish miles long, and from 18 to 33 broad, and contains 35 parishes. A great portion of it is rough and mountainous; in many parts the soil is rich and fertile, and equally calculated for tillage or for pasture. Principal rivers, the Blackwater, Foyle, Mounterlouny, Drimna, Fentona, Owenreagh, Longfield, Derg, and Fin. The linen manufacture is in a most flourishing condition through the whole extent of the district. Pop. 259,691. Capital, Dungannon."

Our McGrath/Magrath family was from Clonavaddy, County Tyrone, and there is evidence that they were established there as early as the 18th century, if not sooner.

Clonavaddy Townland 1798-estate map of the Stewart Family:
Neil O’Neill and Hugh O’Neill shared an area of land with Patrick Laphan, John Laphan, Patrick McGrath, Patrick Sharkey, Neil McCane.
They had 23 acres of pretty good land and 47 acres of poorer ground including bog.

These families were still living in Clonavaddy at the time of Griffiths Valuation more than half a century later, with 'Laphan' spelt as 'Lappan' or 'Lappin'.

The Tithe Applotment books from 1824-1837 have the following entries for Clonavaddie (sic. 'Clonavaddy')

1826: Felix Sharkey, Clonavaddie, Donaghmore
Patrick Sharkey as above

1826: Biddy Lappin, Clonavaddie, Donaghmore
Thomas Lappin “ “