McGaw History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Ireland experienced a dramatic decrease in its population during the late 19th century. This was in a great measure, a response to England's imperialistic policies. Hunger and disease took the lives of many Irish people and many more chose to leave their homeland to escape such hunger and disease. North America with its promise of work, freedom, and land was an extremely popular destination for Irish families. For those families that survived the journey, all three of these things were were often attained through much hard work and perseverance. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name McGaw:

McGaw Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• John McGaw, who landed in America in 1811 2
• Edward McGaw, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1839 2
• M McGaw, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851 2
• Alexander McGaw, aged 28, who landed in America from Liverpool, in 1899

McGaw Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

• Colin McGaw, aged 22, who settled in America from Scotland, in 1902
• Elmer E. McGaw, aged 24, who immigrated to America, in 1904
• George K. McGaw, who landed in America, in 1906
• Alex McGaw, aged 23, who immigrated to America from Glasgow, in 1906
• James McGaw, aged 23, who settled in America from Glasgow, in 1906
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McGaw Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

• Henrietta Mary McGaw, aged 23, who settled in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1910
• Charles McGaw, aged 34, who immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1913
• Allan Robert McGaw, aged 22, who immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1918
• Barbara McGaw, aged 38, who settled in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1922
• Agnes McGaw, aged 8, who immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1922
• ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McGaw Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• John McGaw, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1858 aboard the ship "Bee"

McGaw Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• George McGaw, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Mermaid" in 1859 3
• Wilhelmina McGaw, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Mermaid" in 1859 3
• Mr. George Mcgaw, British settler travelling from Liverpool aboard the ship 'Mermaid' arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th October 1859 4
• Mrs. Wilhelmina Mcgaw, British settler travelling from Liverpool aboard the ship 'Mermaid' arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th October 1859 4

• Major-General Edward John McGaw (1901-1972), American Commanding General 1st Cavalry Division (1955-1956) 5
• Walt McGaw (b. 1899), American National Football League guard
• Robert W. McGaw, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Illinois, 1972, 1980 (alternate); Mayor of Rockford, Illinois, 1973-81 6
• Samuel McGaw VC (1838-1878), Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross
• Mark McGaw, Australian former professional rugby league footballer