Colonisers and Settlers?

This painting of the Mayflower was created by Dr. Mike Haywood of Illogan, Redruth, Cornwall, England. You can view his catalogue of marine paintings at his website: www.mikehaywoodart.co.uk

Spreading the Family Name Abroad

"The democratic attitudes of the New World spread like wildfire. Many migrated aboard the fleet of sailing ships known as the "White Sails." The stormy Atlantic, small pox, dysentery, cholera and typhoid took its toll on the settlers and many of these tiny, overcrowded ships arrived with only 60 or 70% of their passenger list.

The migration or banishment to the New World continued, some voluntarily from Ireland, but mostly directly from England or Scotland.

In North America, migrants which could be considered a kinsman of the family name Menham, or variable spellings of that same family name included Conrad Mennell, who arrived in Baltimore in 1831, R. Mennell, who was Naturalized in Pennsylvania in 1852, Christopher Meynell, who arrived in America in 1678, and Charles Meynell, who settled in Philadelphia in 1758.

From the port of arrival many settlers joined the wagon trains westward. During the American War of Independence some declared their loyalty to the Crown and moved northward into Canada and became known as the United Empire Loyalists.

Among notables of this name in recent history were: Alice Meynell (1847-1922), English essayist and poet, Daphne Mennell, Canadian artist, Dame Alix Meynell, Surgeon, as well as Lawrence Meynell, Author."

I would be happy to hear from anyone who is connected to any of the above families who is living in the USA, Canada or anywhere else for that matter.

The next page 'Dispersion and Downfall?' deals with the question of emigration to Ireland during the Cromwell era.

Please leave a comment below if you wish.