Person:Josiah Espy (4)

"It is likely that members of the Espy clan went from Scotland with, or following the Hamilton family from the original area south of Glasgow to the Hamilton Estate in Ireland partially located in County Down.

A Rev. James McGregor, Minister of the Aghadowey congregation in County Londonderry, was influential in persuading many of the Ulster Scots to emigrate to America.

Josiah and Priscilla Mitchell Espy were married in Ireland, it is supposed, but no record can be found, neither can any proof be found that they crossed the ocean, nor can we find any record of death of either." At the present time we are unaware of any documented proof that supports the chronology and relationship of the three generations - George, Hugh, and Josiah - referred to above. Florence Mercy Espy's old book is all we can quote as to the Scotland - Ireland connection. Her working papers and supporting document, done in Fort Madison, Iowa, at the end of the nineteenth century have long since been lost." Source: The Espy-Espey Geneaalogy Book vol. p. v