The Daft Eddie Project
In W.G. Lyttle's original book several names are provided, identifying key places, events and characters. The aim of 'The Daft Eddie Project' is to try and establish as much factual information as possible, from wherever you now live in this world, relating to the story, as well as build a community of people associated and impacted by the story today! It is my sincere hope that such information will help add further credibility and establish a greater sense of truth and accuracy regarding the people, places and events of the story. To begin with, please have a look at some of the threads below. However, any information you may have to further establish other aspects of the story would be equally appreciated and valued, helping to start new threads. If you can provide any information in relation to people, places or events it would be very exciting to hear from you! All information will be treated in confidence and will only be shared under permission of the provider.
N.B The date margins, for sake of research, are from late 1700s to early 1800s.
​
Key Characters and their locations
​
​Daft Eddie According to the original story, Eddie was raised on Mahee Island by Robert and Lizzie Barbour. He is said to be buried at Tullynakill Graveyard. His grave stone is said to have been taken and put to use elsewhere.
Thomas and Martha McFadden According to the original story are said to have lived at 'Oakville' farm at Ballyeasborough, on the Ards Peninsula. McFadden is said to have been blessed with grandchildren.
Further information to establish and evidence these claims would be gratefully received!
The Rescue Party
​
Names of men who formed a rescue party are listed in the original story. Their names have been added below and where they are said to be from:
Patrick Johnston, Ballyeasborough
William Johnston, Ballyeasborough
Robert Coffey, Ballyeasborough
Charles Patton, Ballyeasborough
John Gibson, Ballyeasborough
John Taylor, Ballyeasborough
John Black, Ballyeasborough
John Aiken, Ballyeasborough
​
Robert Black, Glastry
Robert Connor, Glastry
​
James Wilson, Kircubbin
James McWhirr, Kircubbin
John Patty, Kircubbin
Henry Pyper, Kircubbin
Gerorge Wilson, Kircubbin
John Gray, Granshaw, Kircubbin
Henry Taylor, Granshaw, Kircubbin
​
Robert McCann, Innishargie
​
John Kennedy, Ballywalter
Thomas Patton, Ballywalter
Robert Murdock, Ballywalter
James Murdock, Ballywalter
Robert Maxwell, Ballywalter
William Shaw, Ballywalter
​
Thomas Askin, Whitechurch
William McMinn, Whitechurch
​
Thomas Askin, Rureagh
​
​
Further information relating to these people and the story would be gratefully received!
​​​​​​​​
​
Canada
In the 1979 edition of the original book, additional reference is made to Henry Pyper. It is claimed his family emigrated to Canada, with the large hardware business Wm. S Pyper, Fort William
(Thunder Bay), being the outcome of this emigration.
​
Several people from the Ards Peninsula emigrated during the 1800s. Another Canadian destination, amongst many possible others, is Amherst Island and surrounding area. Perhaps links to the story may be traced to here?
​
Canada and the USA received many people from the shores of Northern Ireland. It would be great to have as many folk as possible dig into their past and share any possible links they may have!
​
​
Further information relating to the people and places mentioned in the story would be gratefully received!
Australia
Again, in the 1979 edition of the original book, additional reference is made to people relating to the story. It is suggested that McFaddens possibly intermarried with Coffeys? These Coffeys of Ballyeasborough, Newtownards, may have links to the Thomas and Martha McFadden, Father and daughter, mentioned in the story. They may also have relatives in Australia, as mentioned in the 1979 edition of the book. It would be great if the good folk from Australia , who have links to the Ards Peninsula in County Down, could hunt their records and Family Trees!​
The original book also mentions the 'Merry Hearts' who were captured faced 'Transportation for Life.' Could this have been to Australia?
​
Further information relating to the people and places mentioned in the story would be gratefully received!
