John H McCann from Armagh
My grandfather, John Henry McCann, was born on June 25, 1879 in Divernaugh, County Armagh. His birth was registered in Newry. He was baptized at Carrickruppen by a Father Grimes. His family reportedly attended the RC church at Bessbrook.
His parents were Patrick Francis McCann (born in Boylston, County Ayr, Scotland on April 3,1849) and Ann Jane Wilson (born in Culloville, County Armagh)on December 16, 1844. Patrick and Ann Jane were married at Carrickruppen County Armagh on November 8, 1877 by Father Grimes.
US and Scottish records and family hearsayindicate that:
- Patrick Francis was the son of John McCann and Sarah McElherne (?) both presumedly from Armagh. Patrick'sgrandfather was named Henry McCann. His grandmothermay have had the last name of Shearing.
- Ann Jane was the daughter of John Wilson (a Church of England curate) and Ann Nevins. Ann Jane was reportedly a Catholic convert.
Patrick, Ann Jane, John Henry and another son, Michael (born August 1, 1881 in Divernaugh) left Ireland in 1888. Their ship sailed from Liverpool to Philadelphia. They eventually settled in Cambria County, PA.
My mother, Frances Patricia (named for her grandfather) is 94 and would dearly love to know more about her father's family. The only Irish records that we hve located were civil birth certificates for John Henry and Michael. All other data is from a family Bible, family lore, and records outside of Ireland. We've searched LDS records and hired Irish genealogists but have had no luck thus far.
Any information about this family would be greatly appreciated.