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Owen/Catherine Connors in Bawnmore Townland, Parish of Kilbrin, County Cork

Owen Connors is named in the Tithe Applotment Books in 1832 (according to records on Ancestry) and in 1836. Both note him as living in Banemore (Bawnmore) Parish of Kilbrin, Barony of Duhallow. The RC Church Parish Records note Bawnmore as the address for 2 of Owen's children in 1822 and 1824 so I believe this townland is accurate. On looking further in the "House" Books that were dated 1847, Owen is no longer listed, but a Catherine Connors (his wife, widow) is marked through and John Murphy is noted in her place. From the research I have done that tells me that Owen died, then Catherine died with John Murphy obtaining their holding. It was suggested to me that maybe Owen "lost" his holding or died. He would have been at least 50 years old in 1847. On further research I found several "Owen Connors" in the Parish of Kilmeen in the townlands of Cloongeel, Glenalougha and Shanavoher with the last 2 townlands having a lot of Connors'. What is the likelihood that Owen moved to another townland? I thought families lived in the same place and passed their land onto their children. I still wonder if any or how many of Owen Connors' family could have died during the Famine, a question I probably will not find an answer for.

My question is what is the likelihood that Owen moved to be closer to possible siblings and thus they could help each other.  There are also some Daniels and Patricks who were two of Owen's childrens names listed in these townlands. Finding death records is also difficult as church records for this are sparse. 

Any help would be appreciated. I want to make a trip to Ireland in the future and would love to meet any one still living there that could be related to me.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Connors Hartley

 

 

Connors1952

4 replies

Kathleen:

I think Owen died based on the fact that Catherine was shown with the holding. Catherine may have died which resulted in John Murphy taking over the holding. Catherine may have also moved to live with relatives possibly a married daughter.

Have you considered DNA testing? You may have matches with 3rd or 4th cousins who might have more info on the family.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you so much for getting back with me so quickly!! I am inclined to agree with your scenario of events.

Owen Connors had a son, Henry, who moved to Pennsylvania. He was my Step-Great Grandfather as he adopted my Grandfather, Daniel Connors. So I know doing a DNA test will not help. I have been looking for the Connors since 1989 and so I will continue to pursue them despite not having a direct link. My Dad was a Connors and was the best man I've ever known. Being a Connors has given me a sense of pride and so I will still try to find them. After all, Henry adopted Daniel and gave him a life and gave me my Dad. Maybe my thinking seems crazy.

I actually know a direct ancestor of Henry's in Wales and I have been in contact with her for years and she has helped me tremendously but she is older and her husband just died. Also, for her, being a Connors was somewhat of a point of contention as the Connors were in jail A LOT and she has tried to distance herself from that branch of the family. Personnally, I find the whole "jail" thing makes them (the Connors) interesting. We all have skeletons in our closet. I have a plaque in my house that says "Bad Decisions make great stories". I tend to agree.

Again, thank you so much for your input.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Connors Hartley

 

 

 

Connors1952

Kathleen:

Good luck! 33 years isearching for Connors is a long time!

Roger

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thanks for all your help.

Kathy

Connors1952

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