I am hoping someone might be able to assist me in locating my gg grandfather’s parents. James McCann, born in 1790, married Sarah Gray in Mt. Jackson, VA in 1824. They had four children: Robert Emmet, Lucy Gray, Daniel Curran and Newton French. Sarah’s parents were Daniel Gray and Mary Strother, both who were born in the United States.

In considering James’ past, I began tracing back all of the children’s middle names. Gray and French come from Sarah’s side of the family, but I am still trying to find the Emmet and Curran connection.

James was Irish and a Presbyterian and had a brother named Emmet McCann, perhaps a John or Thomas Emmet. I also know that there is a historical connection between the name Emmet and Curran in the United Irishman Robert Emmet and his fiancée Sarah Curran. Robert was hung for his leadership in the 1803 Irish rebellion and Sarah married someone other than a McCann.

Can any one give me some advice on how I might proceed in my search? Thank you.

Sue Ellen McCann smccann@kqed.org.