With the help of several people on this list, I have been able to proceed with my Semple family history. I now know that my gg grandfather, William Semple, married Isabella Mathewson, daughter of Gilbert Mathewson and Ann Wylie, 1832 in Casltederg. William and Isabella died in 1844 and 1843 in Pettigo and are buried in Derg Cemetery. They left 3 young daughters: Ann, Hannah and Matilda who were raised by their uncle, John Semple, at Straw House in Bovevagh, Derry. I know William Semple, born about 1806, to be the son of George Semple and Martha Edwards. William's grandparents were George Semple and Sarah Given, daughter of James Given. This latter George was the brother of a John Semple of "Mullenabrien" according to the Edwards pedigree. Since these seem to be landed families, I am wondering if John Semple might be the Major John Semple who, according to the Londonderry Sentinel, died at his residence, Castletown, December 14,1842, age 79. His wife was Hannah, who died July 2,1857 at Strabane, age 80 years. I would be delighted to hear any ideas about how to pursue this possibility. My hope is to find a Semple pedigree. I found listed at PRONI a pedigree for the Mathewsons of Ardstraw. I hope it will give me some new information on that line of my family. Regards, Virginia