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Martha Calbach Colclough/Phelan/Reilly

Kilkenny

My gggrandparents were Michael Phelan & Martha Calbach Colclough. They married in 1819, Martha was Church of Ireland and Michael RC. They were probably born around 1790 and died around 1830. They farmed at Goresgrove near Urlingford. They had at least 2 sons: William Michael Phelan 1819-1892, who migrated to USA and was a successful businessman, and Kyran 1821-1899 (my ggrandfather), who remained at the farm. According to Reilly family records, the Phelans had 10 boys and when Michael died, Martha married Thomas? Reilly and had further children... 9 Reilly boys altogether plus the 10 half brother Phelans. Records of this family exist in the Reilly archive (see attached document), but onlythe 2 Phelan christenings have any documentation.

What I am attempting to establish is whether Martha Colclough was attached to the Colcloughs who lived at nearby Goresgrove House, Garryhiggin? Where her Calbach maiden name cme from? Where she and Michael Phelan are buried?

Also trying to establish the facts regarding her marriage to Thomas? Reilly and the rest of these Phelan / Reilly boys. Any farm with the potential to house 19 boys must have been the stuff of local legend, surely. Any assistance with any of the above would be much appreciated. Thanks. Jim Phelan

tjpzone@ntlworld.com

4 replies

Hello.  My family has 2 different Reilly/Riley/Reily trees to it.  We have traced back to my great-grandfather Henry Riley who was baptized in Tallanstown in April 1820.  His parents were Patrick Reily and Mary Mulvaney.  Do you have any information on the late 1700's?  Kathy Cook

akookykat@yahoo.com

Hi Kathy, I haven't fully explored the Reilly connection yet, apart from the branch who went to Fond du Lac, but as Tallanstown is about 100 miles away from Urlingford, it is difficult to see if there could be any connection. Jim

tjpzone@ntlworld.com

Jim - I've found another possible link.  My great grandmother was Bridget Riley - also born Riley.  They lived in Canada. Her mother (my gggrandmother) was Mary Anne Fallen.  She was born in 1844. Her father was Patrick.  I am wondering if you have information on the Phelans who emigrated to USA?  Thank you - Kathy

akookykat@yahoo.com

I doubt anyone will respond to this, since it has been so long. I have records of a Thomas Reilly and a Margaret (Martha) Colclough. Margaret (Martha) was born in 1777 and is of descent of Irish nobility, which eventually traces back to Anthony Colcough, first colclough in Wexford/Kilkenny (cant remember). 

 

Can anyone confirm the relationship between Thomas Reilly and Margaret (Martha) Colclough having a child named Michael Reilly, a successful businessman who went from urlingford to Fond Du Lac?

James Culotta

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