Hello anne_p (and all)!
My name is Joseph, and I am the great-great grandson of Charles Rea/Wray, who was born 1888 in Kells, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (shown on his ship manifest to the US). A couple of years ago, I did some research at the Family History Centre in Salt Lake City, trying to figure out who Charles's parents were, and I discovered that their names were John Wray and Margaret McDonald, of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Doing some more research, I found my Charles Rea on the Ireland census of 1901, living in Tannybrake, Kells, with Charles and Margaret (McDonald) Kissock – interestingly, the very Charles and Margaret Kissock discussed on this thread. Would you happen to have come across any Reas/Wrays or a Charles Rea/Wray in your research, or have heard of him?
From my research, I am beginning to believe that my Charles may have been the son of this Margaret, or at least he was a relative. I found it very interesting that the Margaret on this thread had an illegitimate daughter born in 1871 – according to my grandmother (Charles’s granddaughter), Charles and a sister were born illegitimately and, consequently, were ignored or treated differently by the family. It could very well be that this sister my grandmother was talking about is Margaret’s daughter born in 1871, although she would have been somewhat older than my Charles.
I would love to learn more about the Charles and Margaret (McDonald) Kissock discussed on this thread, as well as about the McDonald family in general, and Margaret’s daughter, if possible. Would love to know what you think about Charles being the son of Margaret too. If you would be interested in learning more about my Charles Rea/Wray, I would be willing to send you the information I have - just let me know!
I look forward to hearing from you, and learning more about this interesting family!
Best,
Joseph
PS1: I would also love to hear everyone's input, and would love to send information on my Charles Rea/Wray and family, if it would be of interest! Have a wonderful day!
PS2: I also find it very, very interesting that Hamiltons are discussed on this thread - my Charles Rea/Wray married Elizabeth Hamilton, born in 1879 in Ballyclug, the daughter of Samuel Hamilton and Ellen Leitch, and her siblings names were Margaret, possibly Anna, possibly David, and maybe others (I need to look at my notes). Possibly related? Margaret moved to the US after Charles and Elizabeth immigrated, I think in 1914, with her husband, a Mr. Johnston (another name here).