River Enion
I am seeking information about my BENNION family ancestors who apparently originated somewhere in Shropshire. I am trying to determine where that somewhere might have been, if I can. Here is what I know. Part of the family moved from Shropshire to Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales sometime in the early 1500s, and, after that date, most of my direct BENNION ancestors were born in and around Hawarden. (Note: The distance from Shrewsbury to Hawarden is approximately 46 miles or 74 km, via A5, A483.) Prior to 1500, our records show family members being born or buried in Shrewsbury and elsewhere in Shropshire, and other nearby places. But, where in Shropshire, exactly, did they live?
My source states that the BENNION name originated from the Welsh AP or AB ENION (son of Enion), and originated with a river named Enion located somewhere near Shrewsbury. Apparently, the family named a son for the river, His sons would have been named AB ENION. Later, AB ENION evolved into BENNION in a manner common with Welsh surnames when the use of patronymics diminished and fixed surnames came into fashion. The name BENNION was in use in 1500, according to my records, so the son Enion must have lived prior to that time. It is said that all people from Flintshire and west central England with the name of BENNION descend from the person who was named for the river.
I am trying to identify that river in order to locate the family’s place of origin or home town, if possible. In my search of the rivers and streams of Shropshire, I cannot find one named Enion. However, I do find one near Craven Arms named Onny. River Onny was once named River Union, according to what I have read. I can imagine in my mind how Enion could evolve into Union, and later Onny. But, I have no way to verify if that is what happened. So, does anyone know of a River Enion in Shropshire or whether Onny may be the same river? The river’s name of Enion might have been actively used during the Early or High Middle Ages, before records of specific individuals existed. Can anyone help me, please? Am I moving in the right direction?