-] a FAMILY OKIGINS

According to historical records that seem reasonably authentic, my family had its beginnings in rural Normandy. Devereuxs were a part of Duke William's invading army when he crossed the Channel in 1066 to launch the Norman Conquest of Britain. Following the victory at_Senlac Hill, when William rewarded his retainers with lavish grants of English land, the Devereuxs struck roots in the vicinity of Hastings where they settled down to the life of farmers. The name is widely found in that part of England today. |

Descendants of this group took part in the invasion of Ireland in the late 1100's, and were among the beneficiaries of generous land awards in the conquered counties of Waterford and Wexford. They chose for their portion the coastal area of Wexford where, like their forebears, they carried on the farming tradition. In succeeding generations, they seem to have grown greatly in numbers and influence; historical Irish maps show Devereux as the clan name of County Wexford.

Skipping a few centuries brings us to the early decades of the 1800's when my great-grandfather, his wife, and several sons and daughters Sailed from Wexford for the new land of promise ~-- Canada. There seems to have been a question regarding his given name; I have heard him referred to as "Martin," and also as "John" -- a matter of little moment at this date. Aboard the ship were a handful of emigres from neighboring Irish counties, and a number of Scottish families from the Hebrides, mainly from Skye and Mull. The voyage of more than six weeks was a nightmare of roaring gales and mountainous seas that finally ended in Sydney, whence they made their way to their common ohjective -- Prince Edward Island.

Upon arrival at Charlottetown, most of the Irish group headed for what

is now Emyvale; many of the Scottish contingent settled in the vicinity of