William Downey abt 1755- died Annapolis County1826 has many descendents in this area especially in the Eastern end of the county and though family lore says he originated in Ireland, I have no proof. He lived in Granville in 1781 (census), bought land in Paradise in 1782 & 1786. He married Mary Ellis of Granville in 1788. They raised a family of 11. They sold their Paradise property and moved to near the Melvern Square area on the Stronach Mountain Road in 1809 where William died in 1826. Mary died at East Margaretsville 1866. William did not get a grant, he purchased his land so was not poor. Over the years the name Downie became more common though on William's deeds it was always Downey. Does anyone have any proof of his origins or arrival?