My great grandfather Hugh Paterson born 1825 lived at Ballyhenry where he married Margaret Jane McMillen, (Millen) or (Mullen) although marriage certificate definitely states McMillan. They were both of Ballyhenry, Parish of Newtownards, County Down. Hugh's was a weaver and his father namely, William Paterson was likewise. William was married to Elizabeth nee Kennedy. Hugh was resident in Glasgow in 1848 but returned to Ballyhenry where he married Margaret Jane McMillen on 14th May, 1853. He succeeded in Glasgow and became owner/occupier of a Beaming Shop in Rumford Street in Glasgow's East-end. His son Robert McMillan Paterson was my grandfather. I have tried, unsuccessfully, for years to trace the lineage of Hugh Paterson son of William. Can anyone out there help. I know there must be relatives still in Ireland of either the Paterson or McMillan side (Newtownards) my mother who lived to be 90 died only 12 years ago and she used to spend holidays there. I am also interested to know the family history of William Paterson from County Down who emigrated to the USA in the 18th century from County Down. The said William rose to fame both as a lawyer and senator such that the town of Paterson, New Jersey was named in his honour. My mother's cousin who died only 8 years ago age 92 told me that he was one of ours but that is not to say that mine are of that line or rather that he is of ours, but I am intrigued to know that William's lineage and whether there is a connection. The Mormon Library in Phoenix Arizona confirmed that he came with his family to the USA from County Down as also that the town of Paterson, New Jersey was named in his honour.
