top of page
Writer's pictureWill Dougherty III

From Ireland to Dorothy Pond: Uncovering the Dougherty Story Behind a Lake’s Name

Hello Ó Dochartaigh family and friends across the globe,


I’m thrilled to share my new book, The Long-Forgotten Story of Dorothy Pond in Millbury, Massachusetts: An Enduring Legacy of Charles Dougherty (fl. 1718–1748). This work uncovers the remarkable story of one of the early bearers of our surname in America. An Irish native who emigrated from Ulster during the 1718 Scots-Irish migration, Charles carved out a life in the wilderness of central Massachusetts. This fully documented yet easy-to-read book is sure to inspire your own exploration of ancestral roots.



The Mystery of Dorothy Pond

Several years ago, while researching my family history using Y-DNA, autosomal DNA, and historical records, I stumbled upon the name Dorothy Pond on a map of central Massachusetts. With so many variations of the Dougherty surname—such as Dority and even Dorothy—I suspected a connection. A visit to the 148-acre lake in 2018 deepened my curiosity when no one could explain the origin of its name. What followed was five years of research into land deeds, maps, and colonial records to uncover the story. I’m thrilled to share that the first settlers near this pond, 300 years ago, were indeed the Doughertys.


Reconstructing the Life of Charles Dougherty

Colonial records often yield frustratingly sparse details, but through careful analysis of hundreds of land deeds, debt court cases, and historical personal connections, I’ve pieced together a vivid portrait of Charles Dougherty. The book reveals a man who not only farmed and had a family in the American frontier, but who also speculated in land and was one of the early drivers helping to develop water privileges and mills. It tells the story of hope, enduring rough financial times, and doing what it takes to make sure your family has the best life they can. From the scattered clues, a surprisingly complete image emerges—one that offers even a glimpse of Charles Dougherty’s personality, his quest for independence, and cultural identity.


A Scots-Irish Rebel in Colonial New England

One of the book’s most interesting aspects is its exploration of Dougherty’s choice to live in the “Country Gore,” an unincorporated sliver of land that allowed him to remain outside direct town governance, taxation, and the influence of the government-backed church. While he was an entrepreneur and interacted with his community, his choice of residence suggests a quiet defiance—a determination to maintain the some of the cultural and religious identity of the Scots-Irish settlers he fled Ulster with in search of freedom and opportunity. Ultimately, the story finds that he built a modest squatters cabin on unclaimed government wilderness, leased local meadow acreage from nearby landowners, and fished and hunted on the Great Pond which still bears a variant spelling of his name. It is a story of overcoming hardships, resilience in the face of intolerance, a choice to maintain one's cultural and religious identity—a story which many of our immigrant ancestors' shared. His story reflects the legacy of independence and perseverance that defines our Clann.


Discovering Inspiration for Your Research

For those tracing their own Ó Dochartaigh ancestry, this 200+ page work demonstrates the value of persistent research and logical deductions. Sparse records can still yield treasures—patterns and connections that illuminate not only an ancestor’s life but also their community and times. The research carefully uses both positive and negative evidence and calls upon many disciplines to come to a solid answer. Dougherty’s tale is a vivid example of how small details, pieced together, can tell a rich, compelling story. I hope this work is an inspiration to your own research journey. It can be an enjoyable read for yourself or a great Christmas gift for the genealogist in your family.


Read More or Begin Your Journey

Learn more about the book and its contents at:


📖 Ready to dive into the full story? Order your copy of The Long-Forgotten Story of Dorothy Pond in Millbury, Massachusetts today:


Let’s continue exploring our shared heritage and uncovering the stories of our ancestors together. Who knows what remarkable tales you might uncover about your own Ó Dochartaigh roots?


Hope you each had a Happy Thanksgiving,


Will Dougherty, III

Author of The Long-Forgotten Story of Dorothy Pond in Millbury, Massachusetts

333 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

ความคิดเห็น


bottom of page