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Patrick McDonald and Mary Daily from Cork

Hello,

As I prepare for our once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland in May, I am researching my great great grandparents, Patrick McDonald and Bridget Murphy.  Patrick lived 1825-1905 and his wife, Bridget 1831-1910, both died in Rochester, NY.  My McDonald relatives believe they lived in County Cork, my mom thought Clare but tend to go with my relative's analysis.  I have their death certificates with parents names and have been unable to pull anything in Ancestry or Roots Ireland.  I realize these are common names so it may be impossible to locate where they came from Ireland but would appreciate any help you could give.  Copies of their death certificates are attached. I am hoping since I have parents name to eventually break the break wall.

I'd love to locate their townland area, etc. to visit while in Ireland.

Blessings, 

Audrey

 

Audrey Yantz

5 replies

Audrey:

I was unsuccessful also looking for a baptismal record for Patrick McDonald with the parents names listed on his death record and also did not find any baptismal records for siblings.

McDonald/McDonnell, Daily/Daly and Murphy were very common surnames in the 19th century and found in all counties.  Murphy and Daily/Daly were very prominent in Co. Cork.

I did find a Bridget Murphy baptized September 21 1829 at the Enniscorthy parish in Co. Wexford. The mother was Judith Doyle. I would treat this record as a lead since you don't know her mother's name.

Also, have you considered DNA testing? Maybe you will have matches on this line who have more info on your McDonalds and Murphys.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you, Roger.  It's amazing to me that Patrick McDonald is so elusive - after months of local research, I determined where they lived and even found land deeds.  But tracing him back to Ireland.... a mystery that I'll keep working.  A McDonald elderly cousin remembered his dad talking about some family arguments about their real name - McDonnell or McDonald, so you may be on to something there.

As I work on our Ireland trip itinerary for May, I want to at least step foot in each county family may have lived.  I have 7 months so might find something more definitive yet.

I completed DNA testing in Ancestry and FindMyPast.  Not real skilled in understanding the results but will give it a try.

Again, my thanks!

Audrey

Audrey Yantz

I wanted to update my message.  As we've been working hard to get better county information for our upcoming Ireland trip, we were finally able to obtain a death certificate of one of the McDonald children.  The parent's birthplace is listed as Roscommon. A complete shock to us!!!  Should I post a new message there?  We've always been told County Cork so hope the new information is correct.

We are truly looking forward to visiting Ireland.  It's a dream come true.

Audrey Yantz

Audrey:

No need to post a new message in Roscommon since all messages are shown on the main message board. My guess is that Bridget Murphy was from Cork and the family stories included Patrick McDonnell as also from Cork?

Unfortunately, I had no success finding a baptismal record around 1825 for a Patrick McDonnell with father Patrick and mother Mary Daly. Many of the parishes in Co. Roscommon do not have records back to the 1820s.

Roger

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you Roger!  We were a bit surprised when the death certificate for our McDonald and Murphy relatives didn't show Cork.  I will keep looking.  Their parents names were listed on their death certificate information and Cork at least showed some possibilities.  It'll be a great myself why it was reported as Roscommon.... perhaps one day I will find another clue.

We are looking forward to visiting Ireland soon.  What a blessings that will be!

Audrey

Audrey Yantz

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