Ireland XO
Back to Message Board

Thomas Nolan 1856

Thomas Nolan (my Grandfather) was born 4 November 1856 to Thomas Nolan (from the Nolan's of Rinneen, Ballyaneen South and Gort) and Catherine Glynn, who may be from the Glynn's near Rinneen or Shragh perhaps. Thomas later emigrates to Australia in 1876, at the age of 19. Family stories of Ireland were very few. I was wondering how or where I could search for any records of his early life in Ireland like his childhood, schooling, work etc which may give clues to his upbringing, family links and even what happened to Catherine.

His father died in 1871 when he was 14. Other Nolan's from the family went to the USA at various times, but Thomas decides to go to Australia alone as a teenager. With Thomas and Catherine not married, how would he have been raised ? Would he have been fostered or placed within the family say ? In Australia he was successful and appeared well educated, so one would say he was from a good home.

What is the best way to look for his early childhood ?

Thanks again Fred Nolan

Fred Nolan

11 replies

According to rootsireland.ie, Thomas Nolan (b. 1856) lived in Kiltartan townland in the RC parish of Kilmacduagh in Co. Galway. It's unclear why you believe Thomas's parents (Thomas, Cath. Glynn) were not married. The transcription of his baptismal record does not indicate this, but I have not seen the actual register.
glanvil3@aol.com

Patricia, copy of Thomas's Baptism

Fred Nolan
Fred, It is possible that Thomas Nolan, Senior was employed on the Gregory Estate. A hedge school was set up in Kiltartan on January 7th 1851. You should consider posting the names and birth dates of Thomas' siblings to reach a wider section of that community. Griffith's Valuation - www.askaboutireland.ie - has a record of a number of Glynn and Nolan families in the parish of Kilmacduagh. Regards,
McCoy
Fred, I have checked the Civil Registration records for Gort 1871-1872 and the only death of a "Thomas Nolan" I could find was for a "Thomas Nolan", aged 48 years, whose death is recorded for July 4th 1871. His address Ballyaneen. Death reported by Michael Nolan. Credit: www.irishgenealogy.ie Regards
McCoy
Fred, I looked at the register but didn't see any indication that Thomas was illegitimate. If I missed something, please let me know.
glanvil3@aol.com

McCoy, Thomas 1823-1871 is the father of young Thomas 1856. Michael 1826-1899 was his brother. Thomas senior's and Michael's father was Daniel Nolan, who had brothers James and Denis that we are aware of. Their father is Martin Nolan and mother Anne Connell 1747-1811 (ref Kiltartan Cemetery) we understand are the parents of Daniel, Denis and James. Sr de Lordes assisted with this research. Best wishes Fred.

Fred Nolan

Patricia, On Thomas's original Parish Baptism entry is the notation 'Fronling', have you ever seen that before ? I have scrolled through the entire Parish rec's several times and it only noted with young Thomas's entry, as well as numerous Latin initials. I've attached a copy of a later transciption of the original Parish rec's which shows a notation "ill'tate". Sr de Lordes has helped with the research over many years

Fred Nolan
Fred, In the original baptism record above, I don't see a mention of illegitimate. The second one you posted (called birth certificate) is a transcription, not an original. Does it have an abbreviation for illegitimate next to Thomas's name? Not sure what it says. But I would trust the original...
glanvil3@aol.com

Patricia, this is the death record (#112) for Thomas senior, informant is his brother Michael. Michael states he is a bachelor.

Fred Nolan
McCoy, could you tell me anymore about the Hedge School in 1851, would it have been still operating after 1856 ? I assumed that the Schools that may have been linked to him would be the Kiltartan National School or in Gort, the Convent Primary School. I understand that Roll Books for both don't exist or were destroyed in a fire in 1944. After Primary, he may have went to Gort National School perhaps ? My thoughts that with an enrollment, notes may have indicated his home/parents etc. Ref the potential for employment at Gregory Estate, where would you find info like that ?
Fred Nolan
Fred, The Kiltartan National school was set in January 1851 and it absorbed the local hedge school. It is likely that Thomas Nolan, Junior attended this school. In regard to employment opportunity, working on the Gregory estate would have been mainly seasonal. The town of Gort would be a possibility as a store or delivery assistant. The Gregory Museum may have some information on this. Regards,
McCoy

Reply

Reply
One image file up to 2 MB.