Tracing the Boyle and Keely Families in Ireland

Hi, I don't know the time period you are looking in, or if Monaghan is definite. But I did find the following baptism on RootsIreland for a son of a William Boyle and Nancy (nickname for Ann) Keely in 1843 in Derry. William Boyle Baptism: 10-Dec-1843 Address: Coleraine RC Parish: Coleraine, Co. Derry Father: William Boyle Mother: Nancy Keely Sponsors: John Mclaughlin Mary Mclaughlin

Hi Patricia, Thank you for this information. The time period is about right. I am hoping that this William Boyle baptized in 1843 is my 2nd Great Uncle. My 2nd Great Grandmother Elizabeth Boyle came from Ireland, but I never knew what county or parish. She married my 2nd Great Grandfather James Reed in New York City on December 25, 1866. I have attached their marriage record where it lists her parents William Boyle and Ann Keely. At the bottom of the marriage record, a William Boyle is listed as a witness. I assumed that the witness was probably a brother to Elizabeth and not her father. A William Boyle is also listed as a sponsor for the birth of James and Elizabeth's first born child William in 1868. Based on Elizabeth's death certificate, Elizabeth was born around 1838. Family lore has it that Elizabeth Boyle had a twin sister named Bridget. Soooo......is it possible that there is a 1838ish baptism record for Elizabeth or Bridget for the same William Boyle and Nancy/Ann Keely? Another New York-based baptism record I have from 1867 lists a Timothy Boyle as a Godparent, so William Boyle and Nancy/Ann Keely may have also had a son named Timothy. I really appreciate your help! Regards, Tim

It looks like 1843 is the starting date for available online RC baptisms, so Elizabeth's would not be available. You have probably checked Elizabeth's death record, will, headstone, obituary, but if not, perhaps you might find her place of origin there.

Hi Patricia, Unfortunately, her death certificate (attached) only indicates her birth place as Ireland, which is fairly typical for US documents. There was no will to be found and her headstone and her obituary provide very basic information. A few other questions: 1) Is it possible that the earlier records exist and just have not yet been digitized? I ask this to see whether it is worth it to hire a genealogist that can be allowed to review the un-digitized records (if allowed). 2) can you confirm what church William Boyle was baptized in 1843? Thank you ! Tim

William Boyle was baptized in the RC parish of Coleraine. Contact details for the parish follow. Perhaps they can tell you which church he was baptized in. Address: 72 Nursery Avenue, Coleraine, Co. Derry, BT52 1LR Phone: 028 7034 3156 Email: coleraine@downandconnor.org

Regarding earlier records, which might give details of Elizabeth and Bridget... There was no civil registration until the 1860s, so baptismal records would be the only record of their birth. You might check with Coleraine parish to see if records exist before 1843 for baptisms. On another note, be sure to trace witnesses/sponsors, such as John and Mary McLaughlin. It is possible they were relatives.

There were Boyles in the 1831 Irish census of Derry. It's digitized at FindMyPast and perhaps elsewhere.

There are Irish national school records at Ancestry, FamilySearch, and FindMyPast. Perhaps you might find the Boyles in those records. About your question about undigitized records...are you aware of certain undigitized records that your family might appear in? Just checking.

Hi Patricia, Thank you so much for the extra information. I have sent an email to the Coleraine parish for some help on the church. I am visiting Ireland in June of 2023 for the first time and would love to know for sure if these are, in fact, my descendants. I am digging into the witnesses and sponsors now. Again, thanks! Regards, Tim

Good luck, Tim. And have a great trip.

Hi Patricia, I am not aware of any specific family records not being digitized, but I have heard that some churches that have not had their records digitized may allow a researcher or genealogist access to the records to visually look at them. In a way, I think I am just lifting up all rocks to see what may be under there. 😃 Thank you for the additional guidance on the Derry census and the National school records. I will give them a look. Best regards, Tim