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Orr - Creggan, Convoy

DonegalRaphoe (Donegal)

I have just signed up to the Irelandxo, and I’m hoping to find some information on the Orr family who stayed/worked in the Creggans townland near Convoy, Donegal, in the 18th/19th century. I have managed to accrue information from St Eunan’s Church (COI) in Raphoe ,Convoy Presbyterian Church and PRONI, Belfast. My missing years are from 1790 to 1820 in particular the marriage of John Orr and Esther Holmes around 1810, as there is no record of this in St Eunan. I was wondering if anybody has any ideas where to look next as the trail seems to have gone cold. I have no information on Esther Holmes so I don't know if she lived in the Convoy/Raphoe area or not.

thank you
 Bobby Orr

orrrxx@sky.com

2 replies

Hello Bobby Orr,

I am a descendant of William Orr son of James Orr, Esq. and Mary Russell. William was born in 1756 and died in Ohio in 1815. He served in the Revolutionary War in a Ranger company on the Pennsylvania frontier. 

James Orr was a person of some stature. He was from Northern Ireland but I haven’t perused investigating him.

The time period you are investigating in Raphoe is a difficult one. The area first grew rapidly but then collapsed due to the cratering of the Flax economy, followed by landlords attempts to restore their wealth by pushing tenants out and becoming more engaged in pastoral agriculture. Mass emigration then began to gain momentum in eastern Donegal well before the Great Famine. 

At some point, I hope to visit the Linen Hall Library in Belfast as it may have relevant records of my Donegal ancestors who followed after William Orr. Perhaps Linen Hall May have something for you too. 

AB Wheeler

Hi AB Wheeler,

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. It's definitely worthwhile looking into.

Cheers

Bobby Orr

orrrxx@sky.com

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