Facts and traditions collected for a family record

JAMES M'CONNELL. 1 23
In May 26, 1782, the following lines were signed by the minister of
Kells, Rev. John Gillespie : —
" These do certify that the bearer, James M c Connel, and Mary Haffie, his wife,
both in this parish, have still maintained a fair and unblemished character, they
having always behaved themselves as it became good neighbours and Christians,
so far as is known to the Kirk-Session of Kells, and may be admitted as members
into any Christian society where Providence may order their lot. — Given in the
name and by appointment of said session, day and place above mentioned,
by me, John Gillespie, Min T .
AVilliam Gordon, Sets. CW
From a paper dated 8th February 1785, it appears that James
M'Connell took the farms of Kennick and Nether Crae, at a rent of
£40 yearly, for six years, commencing at Whitsunday 1782. Soon after
this time he retired to live at Gatehouse of Fleet, where he was supported
by my father until his death in 1809.
In a letter from James M'Connel, my brother, in Manchester, dated
February 7, 1860 :—
" My father's niece, Mrs Porter, remembers her grandfather, James M'Connell.
He was a good-looking man, with considerable colour in his face ; and was expert
with his fingers, being able to make his own wheelbarrows, &c. He was unfor-
tunate in his farming operations at Hanaston, and was induced by his son James
(my father) to leave the farm and live near Gatehouse of Fleet. The house he
lived in was afterwards pulled down During his difficulties at Hanaston, he
yielded to intemperance, but afterwards he had sufficient principle and strength
of character to abandon this habit, and was a man much liked and respected.
Mrs Porter remembers going with her grandfather M'Connell to see his sister
Mrs Heron, who at the time lived at Gatehouse of Fleet. Mrs Heron's son, and
perhaps also her husband, had a farm called Hill Head. Mrs Heron was a pretty
old woman.
Mrs Porter's grandfather had another sister, Mrs Nairn, who lived at Dalnotty,
(pronounced Danotty,) on the road from Newton-Stewart to Stretton, and another
sister, also married, whose name she forgets.* The husband of Mrs Nairn was
shot dead in mistake by Government officers in pursuit of smugglers.
* Probably M'Nish.