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Searching for connections to Peter Gillespie

DonegalKillybegs Upper (Donegal)

Searching for info & any records for my GGGrandfather Peter Gillespie. He was from County Donegal, born around 1805, married Anne Diver around 1829. They left Donegal during the famine in 1847 with their 4 children (Edward,Nancy,Frances,John) & settled in Port Carbon/Pottsville PA....They had three more children in the US (Hugh-my GGrandfather, Peter,Briget)

In discovering Catholic Baptismal records for the youngest three in PA, as well as other baptismal records where Peter & Anne are the godparents in PA, there are other Gillespie's who are either siblings to Peter or cousins. They are James Gillespie married to Briget Breslin, Philip Gillespie married to Unity Brown, and another Peter Gillespie married to Briget  Haughney.

The only record that I have been able to find a possible match to  is the 1834 Tithe Applotment Book, showing a Peter Gillaspie, James Gillaspie & Charles Gillaspie in Dummanooe Old Town  Townland of Killybegs & Edward Diver  as the next entry in Drumbaugh Townland in Killybegs.

Thus I am looking for any additional records or info on births, marriage, residence, etc. We do have a sense of urgency as we have planned a trip to Donegal/Killybegs for early October this year. Would love to connect with any Gillespie's or others that may have a sense of the family history.

Any thoughts or insight are gratefully appreciated. Thank You!

John Gillespie.        johngillespie@ymail.com

 

IrelandXO member

2 replies

Hi Jack,

I went to www.rootsireland.ie and did a quick search of all the names on your list.  I had not luck with these names in the date range you mentioned but have found an Edward, Anne, and John born to father Gillespie and mother Diver in Co. Donegal but the years are between 1860 to 1880.  I don't know if these are your people but the surname Diver is quite unusual so it might be worth a look.  Are you positive they went over during the famine or is it something you were told?  Just a thought!

Regards,

Anne Dennehy

IrelandXO member

Hi Anne, 

Many thanks for your comments. I do know the family emigrated around 1847 & they are listed in the 1850 US Census for Pottsville, PA. However you do raise a striking coincidence with the 3 names of the children & mother's maiden name of Diver/Dever.

I will search the RootsIreland website much more closely. Thanks again for your help.

John

IrelandXO member

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