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Family of James Blakley (Born Aug 23, 1858) in Drumristin, Co. Leitrim.

Hello all!

My sister and I live in Canada.  We are descendants of James Blakley who was born in Drumristin, Co. Leitrim on Aug 23, 1858.  He is the father of our grandfather, Milton John Blakley (1905-1986).  James came to Canada in 1881.  James' father was Christopher Blakley who was born in Cantitrindle, Derryvullen, Co. Fermanagh in 1816.  Christopher was a farmer (flax for linen) and had several looms.  Christopher's father was named George (born in 1782) in same location as Christopher.  We think that George was married to Catherine Irvine (born 1779) and that they lived in Irvinestown.  Does any of this sound familiar to anyone in this group?

My sister and I are planning to travel to Irvinestown in May 2026 and would like to hear any ideas on where we might find out more about our family.  Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Kindest regards, 

Katherine (Kate) (Calberry) Bruce

Sudbury, Ontario Canada

katebruce23@gmail.com

1 reply

Kate,

There were 3 different George Bleakelys farming in Derryvullan in 1834, according to the tithe applotment records. One of them might be your family.

https://www.irishgenealogyhub.com/fermanagh/tithe-applotment-books/parish-of-derryvullan.php

I see the baptism of a Cath Bleakly to parents George & Catherine, in Derryvullan North parish on 15.10.1814. Might be your family. They lived in Druminchin.

https://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/fermanagh/churches/derryvullan-birth.html

George died 21.7.1844:

https://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/fermanagh/churches/derryvullan-burials.html

3 Blakely households in Druminshin Beg in Griffiths Valuation in 1862 (James, George & Christopher). So possibly a family connection? George & Christopher are both deleted from the Valuation Revision records in 1864, and replaced by Johnston Gray. James is deleted in 1869 and replaced several times but eventually by Robert Reid.

No Blakleys in Druminshin by the 1901 census.

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

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