Ireland XO
Back to Message Board

Annie Gilshnan

My great-grandmother was Annie Gilshnan or Gilsenan, born 3 Oct 1837, either in Co. Dublin or Co. Meath. The DOB is sourced from her own statement. I can find no record of her baptism, but her father was Hugh Gilshnan, a surveyor, who moved to England in 1841, leaving Annie with relatives.. Hugh's father was William Gilsenan, a blacksmith, who probably lived in Co. Meath. I don't know the name of Annie's mother. Annie emigrated to New Zealand in 1859 and married John McLaughlin in Auckland the same year. I am searching for the identity of Annie's mother and also for details of William Gilsenan.

John

8 replies

John,

Attached marriage of a William Gilshenan in 1826.

It may not have any connection, but the spelling of the surname confirms that it existed in County Meath.

Regards,

McCoy

Many thanks. I haven't found the attachment yet, but then I'm technophobic. Still looking!

John

John,

Surnames of Ireland by Edward MacLysaght - Third Edition 1978 - Mac Gills(h)enan

Mac Giolla Seanin (Devotee of Saint Senan. This Sept originated in Tyrone, but the name is equally well known in North Leinster.

Both Leonard and Nugent have been adopted as synonyms of Gilshenan which is sometimes made Shannon in County Fermanagh.

Regards,

McCoy

John,

Transcript of the marriage of John McLaughlin to Anne GILLSON in 1859 - Auckland, New Zealand.

You should get a copy of the marriage certificate, if not already done so. It may give further information on Anne's parents.

Regards,

McCoy

Thanks, but I have, and it doesn't.

John

Hi John and McCoy Well done! My great, great grandmother was Catherine Gilshnan who changed her surname to 'Gilson' when she migrated to Auckland in 1867.  I believe she is Annie's younger cousin. If you have any information to help me trace Catherine's birthplace and parents I would be most appreciative. Seems to be quite a mystery! Thanks so much!

Skyshark

Catherine's father was a blacksmith, but I don't know his name. What is your estimate of Catherine's year of birth, a d how can we be in touch?

John

Hey John Thanks very much for your reply. My number is 0412869896. At the moment I'm supporting a family member with a health condition and in a new job so don't really have time to talk at length. But I get school holidays in September so would love to catch up and talk about this I've always wondered about Catherine. A NZ marriage website says she was born in 1848 but her death cert says 1850 - 1880. There seem to be many Gilsenans in Healesville Victoria in the mid 1800s. Not sure if that's relevant. Thanks heaps for your information. 

Skyshark

Reply

Reply
One image file up to 2 MB.