Pamela Noel Madden’s ancestors came to the Ottawa Valley from Ireland in 1823.
Thomas and Ellen Madden and their four kids left Cork Ireland aboard the Stakesby, and made their way to Shipman’s Mills (today Almonte) where they cleared and farmed land near Appleton.
The land is farmed by eighth-generation descendants, and Thomas and Ellen’s progeny totals 1264 descendants scattered throughout North America in the 10th generation.
Many Scottish migrants thank (or not) the Liard of McNab for sponsoring their indenture; in the case of the Irish emigres, their patron was Peter Robinson, for whom Peterborough is named.
The Stakesby’s sailing brought with it 500 passengers.
As we know today, Lanark County is a mix of fertile land and boulder ranches.
Pamela concedes her family’s story is not unique- but what is likely singular is that Thomas and Ellen’s descendants still occupy the grounds of the original land grant.
Noel has made it her mission to trace the entire Madden crew; that story, when we continue.
By Rick Stow