MacKen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A massive amount of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century for North America and Australia in hopes of finding more opportunities and an escape from discrimination and oppression. A great portion of these migrants arrived on the eastern shores of the North American continent. Although they were generally poor and destitute, and, therefore, again discriminated against, these Irish people were heartily welcomed for the hard labor involved in the construction of railroads, canals, roadways, and buildings. Many others were put to work in the newly established factories or agricultural projects that were so essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the world. The Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s initiated the largest wave of Iris immigration. Early North American immigration and passenger lists have revealed a number of people bearing the name MacKen or a variant listed above:

MacKen Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• William Macken, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1651 1
• William Macken, who arrived in America in 1652 1

MacKen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Cath Macken, aged 18, who landed in New York in 1854 1
• Hugh, Michael, Patrick, Thomas, and William Macken also, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860

MacKen Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Mr. Thomas Macken, (b. 1817), aged 21, Irish labourer who was convicted in Monaghan, Ireland for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the "Clyde" on 11th May 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 2

• Francis Macken, American politician, Member of New Jersey State House of Assembly from Essex County, 1868-69 3
• Daniel E. Macken, American Republican politician, Justice of New York Supreme Court 7th District; Elected 1960 3
• Anthony "Tony" Macken (b. 1950), Irish former professional footballer
• Fidelma O'Kelly Macken (b. 1942), Irish retired judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland (2005-2012), Judge of the European Court of Justice (2004-2005)
• Walter Macken (1915-1967), Irish writer of short stories, novels and plays
• Eoin Christopher Macken (b. 1983), Irish actor, film maker and model
• Eddie Macken (b. 1949), Irish three-time silver equestrian show jumper, former Olympian
• Brendan Macken (b. 1991), Irish rugby player
• Tara Macken, Kuwait-born, stunt woman and actress, known for her work on The Mentalist, Star Trek Into Darkness, Iron Man 3 and many more
• Peter Neville Macken (b. 1938), Australian modern pentathlete and fencer, five-time Olympian
• ... (Another 2 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)