John Haffey of Magherarval

1830 Ordnance Survey Map

John Haffey was born about 1776 in Magherarval County Armagh.  He married Alice McArdle before 1806 when their son James was born.  Although there is no actual proof that John Haffey born abt 1819 was their son a number of things make it very likely.  

First is that DNA matches with James and other children suggest a fourth cousin relationship among the current generations.  

Second is that John named his oldest daughter Alice, a name that is found in other descendants families as well.  

Third is that James's son James settled close to our John in Canada and family tradition said that he was a nephew. 

Fourth is that we have McArdle matches to siblings of Alice, which proves that she is a connection and not just John.

A number of John's children or grandchildren emigrated, most to Canada but at least one to Australia.   

John was living in Magherarval when the Tithe Applotments were taken in 1832. Magherarval  is a townland consisting of about 171 acres in Lisnadill Parish, south of the city of Armagh.  

Haffy, John - Townland: Magheriarval Year: 1832  (Note spelling of Haffy and of  Magherarval.

We don't know when John died at this point.  He is listed in the Vicar Choral's Rent Books in 1836 but has been replaced by his youngest known son Joseph (spelling Haughey) by 1855, so it assumed that it was within that time frame.

About the extractions from the Vicar Chorals Rent Books  

 

The suggested Family of John Haffey and Alice McArdle includes:  

1. James 1806-1871 m Catherine Corr (christening record exists) DNA match
1. Ten known children  matches Walsh O'Brien Reynolds
2. Peter  1809-1869 
3. Mary 1810-1874 m. James McMahon DNA match
1. matches Haughey, Lomas, McKinney, Cairney
4. Eliza 1811 
5. Ann 1814
6. Rose 1816 m .Thomas Harrold (to Australia)
7. Susan @ 1819 m Patrick McAvinchey DNA match
1. matches Feighan Hamill
8. John
9. Catherine 1821 m. Patrick Sheridan
10. Margaret 1824 m. Owen Tunny
11. Joseph 1827 m. Margaret Donnelly