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O'Donnell Donegal Family Roots

Greetings:  Yesterday I posted a message asking for help in researching my Irish family history.  I did not include some important information.  My great grandfather (Hugh Smith O'Donnell) was born in County Donegal in 1841.  He arrived in Philadelphia USA as a child between 12 - 15 years of age. His father was John O'Donnell (DOB around 1820 but unknown) and his mother was Mary Smith. Their first child (Mary Ellen O'Donnell) was born in America in 1864. Based on Irish naming patterns it is likely Mary Smith O'Donnell's father's name was Edward Smith (DOB around 1819-1825 but unknown).  Any information on the Irish origins of this family would be greatly appreciated.  Carolyn L. Smith

O'Donnell Irish Family

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Carolyn:

I rechecked Roots Ireland and there were no baptismal records for children of a John O'Donnell and a mother with the surname Smith/Smyth.

The one lead I can give you is data from the 1857 Griffiths Valuation that I mentioned in responding to your first message. There were three Edward Smith/Smyth records. We don't know if your Edward Smith/Smyth was alive in 1857 or leasing land but if he was alive and leasing land, he would be included in the Griffiths listing. The word after Edward is the townland and the next word is the civil parish. Both Muff and Donagh civil parishes are on the Inishowen Peninsula (upper right corner of Donegal on a map).

SmithEdwardDrumskellanMuffCo. Donegal

SmythEdwardCarrowblaghDonaghCo. Donegal

SmythEdwardDrumskellanMuffCo. Donegal

Roger

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

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