(1) Doctor James Lynah
1735 - 1809
Early Beginnings
That
the family name, and in fact the family itself, had its beginning in
Ireland, there is no doubt. (1) The name is a mutation of the word
"Leinsterman" a place name, meaning out of, or from, Leinster, one of
the four provinces of Ireland, and dates from the thirteenth or
fourteenth century. Many variations of the name can be found in
Ireland, and some are still in general use. (2) At this writing only
one reference worthy of note has been found in Ireland and its
connection, if any with the family, is yet to be established. (3) There
are two records of other Lynah immigrants to Charleston, but the writer
has not found evidence of family relationship. (4) The first written
record of Doctor Lynah appears to be July 1, 1766. (5) His grandson,
also James Lynah, has, in a letter written at age 73, stated that he
immigrated somewhere about 1765 or 1766(6). This letter is remarkable
for its accuracy and so worthy of note that it will be the basis of the
early history of Doctor Lynah with footnotes added to elaborate where
necessary. To quote:
"I
was in my 16th year when my grandfather died in Charleston corner of
Meeting and Queen Streets.(7) He bore the reputation of a fine surgeon
and physician, and in a practice of more than fifty years, grew
rich.(8) He was 74 at the time of his death of consumption produced by
accidental catarrah, taken at one of the great conflagrations in
Charleston where he worked and exerted
(1)
Parish Register St. Mary's Church Vol. 11 pg. 138 (Jan. 13, 1814) was
buried Eleanor Lynah, widow of Dr. James Lynah, in the eightieth year
of her ages by birth an Irishwoman and by religion a most ardent
Catholic.
(2) Laighneach, Leynaugh, Lynaugh, Lynagh, Linagh, Lynam, etc. from Woulfe's Irish Names and Surnames.
(3) St. Johns Parish Register. Dublin 1720 Mar 16 marriage Andrew
Lynah and June Hughes, widow, by the Rev. Mr. Hugh Vaughn. The early
generations of the family believed that the original surname was Welch
Lynor, and later O'Neil (the maiden name of an early wife, taken
because of inheritance rights). It was thought that this Dr. James
Lynah was the first or second of this name. Dr. Bullock, the noted
Georgian genealogist has recorded this tradition. The "O'Neil" being
that great family of Ulster. If this is so, tracing the line will be
even more difficult, if not impossible.
(4)
St. Phillips Parish Register, pg. 321: died, Lynah, John of Ireland.
Burried Oct. 7, 1762. Charleston County Dept. of Health, died, Timothy
Lynah, age 32 of Ireland (Sept. 1838).
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