Ewan CHRISTIAN, DEEMSTER

                   William Christian, known as Illiam Dhone or Brown-haired William, was aManx patriot.  He was a leader of the Manx rebellion as was shot todeath.  Here is a quote from that time:

"Mr. William Christian of Ronaldsway, late Recr. was shott to death attHangoe Hill the 2nd January; he died most penitently, and mostcurragiously, made a good end prayed earnestly, made an excellent speechand the next day was buried in the Chancle of Kr Malew."

Known as Illiam Dhone, he had been a member of the House of Keys andSteward of the Abbey, and by 1648 he was the Receiver-General,responsible for the finances of the Derbys, the rulers of the Isle ofMan.  In 1649, after the execution of King Charles, Parliament asked LordDerby to surrender the Island, and when he refused, simply gave it toLord Fairfax, who did nothing to claim it. In August of 1651, Derby movedto the mainland to continue fighting, leaving William in charge of themilitia, and Lady Derby as Governor in Residence.  After Derby wasexecuted at Bolton in October, the Commonwealth fleet arrived to restoreorder to Man. In order to avoid future bloodshed, William was appointedgovernor.  When Charles II came to pwer, William refused to restoreproperty to the Derbys, and was tried for his actions during theCommonwealth period.  He was convicted and shot by the Derby-influencedadministration. Charles II, incensed at this formalized murder, finedeveryone involved, and ordered William's lands restored to the family.But because Derby's malevolence continued, Williams descendents moved toVirginia and Ireland.

Three sons of Capt. William Christiann, Illiam Dhone, left the Isle ofMan after his execution for alledged treason.  They went to Ireland toavoid persecution.  They were John, William, and Patricius.  Theyestablished the "Irish" branch of the Christian family.