My gg grandfather was Thomas Bonfield/Banfield. He was born around 1818 in Woodford, Galway and he migrated from there to the USA, eventually arriving in Kansas, USA. He apparently had a brother Michael, and perhaps a sister Bridget. I do not know who his parents were. His son, John Edward, was my g grandfather. I was hoping someone might have some information on Thomas's family. Thank you.
KSO:
It is not clear from your note if Michael and Bridget also emigrated. The 1855 Griffiths Valuation survey for Co. Galway was conducted around 1855. There were seven Banfield records all in East Galway. One of the seven was a Michael Banfield in Coos North townland in Ballynakill parish.
Have you considered DNA testing? Your matches may reveal some information on the origins of your family in Co. Galway.
Roger McDonnell
Thank you, Roger, this is helpful. I am not completely clear myself who exactly emigrated. My understanding is the Thomas came over from Coos. The word from the family is that Michael stayed in Ireland, possible Bridget as well. I did a DNA test, kit #A884109, through Ancestry, but have yet to figure out how to use that for genealogy. Thank you very much for replying.
Sorry, I didn't realize that "KSO" was the name on this site. It is Scott Oliphint. My mother's grandfather (on her mother's side) was John Bonfield (d. 1924 in Kansas). His daughter, Anne, was my mother's mother. Thank you.
Scott:
I located two Banfield families in Coos North in the 1901 census. The first family is likely a son of Michael. The second family is headed by a James Banfield who maybe a brother to Thomas and Michael.
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Coos/Coos_North…
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Coos/Coos_North…
This is a marriage record for a Bridget Banfield from Coos? Father listed as Michael.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_re…
see fourth record for death of a Michael Banfield from Coos
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_retu…
Roger