Looking to connect or find info regarding my Kearns ancestors from Williamstown, Galway

GalwayTempletogher (Galway)

Hello.

I am interested in learning anything about my Kearns ancestors who lived in Williamstown, Galway. The family that lived there were my grandfather Thomas (b1882), my great grandfather John (b1860), my great grandmother Margaret (nee Quinn). They came to NYC, USA in Oct 1891.

Also, my gg grandfather, Matthias Kearns and his wife Margaret (Peggy) (nee Concannon) lived there. Both were born c1840.

I do have Sean Glynn's Historical Sketch of Williamstown and it shows that Matt Kearns lived in Kilroy's house. I think it might be Mr Feeney's place if I recall our trip over many years ago.

With all that said, I am looking for any family connection. Also, I am looking for the final resting place of Matthias and Margaret.

If any info or any connections, please let me know.

Thank you.

Bill Kearns

Brooklyn, NY, USA

wkearns

14 years ago

13 replies

I've forwarded your request to a volunteer who may be able to offer some assistance.

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Kind regards,

Genealogy Support

Ireland Reaching Out

IrelandXO member

14 years ago

Bill

I have a copy of Sean Glynn's myself. There are two Matt's listed in Griffith's Valuation of 1854 or 55, in Derrywode and Kiltybannan, but none in Williamstown/Corralough. There was a Matt in Williamstown by 1864, presumably your ancestor. There is a reference to Matt and Margaret in 1891. I cannot find them in the 1901 Census. A Matthew Kearns died during 1896 in Glenamaddy registration district. He could be your man.

Regarding looking for their grave, keep an eye on this site. http://www.galway.ie/en/Services/Heritage/Archaeology/Graveyards/

I understand that Templetogher Cemetery will be going online eventually, it is their likely resting place. The others in the parish, Kildaree, Moore and Carraroe are already listed.

Sean Glynn's notes have me lost at this distance, though I was there last April. I wondered if your ancestors might have lived around here. Good luck.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Williamstown,+Ireland&hl=en&ll=53.677713,…

IrelandXO member

14 years ago

Hello Ireland XO.

Thanks for forwarding on my request. It has been helpful!.

Bill Kearns

Brooklyn, NY, USA

wkearns

14 years ago

Hello John.

Thanks for the info. This is very helpful. I especially like the Graveyards site - a bit hard to read most but at least another lead to follow. I will keep an eye out for Templetogher additions.

You mention two facts:

"...Matt and Margaret in 1891." and
"Matthew Kearns died during 1896..."

Would you tell me the sources for these so I can track them down and maybe get the official record.

And thanks for google street view - very cool to see the familiar main from our visit on some other family pictures.

On a personal note, my mother-in-law is Anne Noone (Lavelle) from Cunloon Parish in Mayo. She is 90 now and had a brother John and then my wife's cousins John Noones - all in England since the 1930s. It's a long shot but I thought I would check if any connection.

Thanks again for the help.

Bill Kearns

wkearns

14 years ago

Bill

My direct ancestors were from Roscommon, not aware of any in Mayo. Having looked again, the death of Matthew in 1896 was registered in Glenamaddy civil parish not Williamstown, though they are both in Glenamaddy Registration District/Poor Law Union. It puts some doubt in my mind as to whether he is your Matt. This should link to the record.

https://familysearch.org/search/records/results#count=20&query=%2Bgiven…

The item from 1891 is concerning a minor dispute. If you contact me at r7kh0xf@dispostable.com I'll send the details.

Best regards

IrelandXO member

14 years ago

Hello,

Just to tell you, I wouldn't be put off by the fact that the district is Glenamaddy. My ancestors from Carrowneany and Pollynoon in the Williamstown area are all registered in the Glenamaddy District.

RoscommonGenealogy

13 years ago

Hello John. It's been a long time - I hope you are well.

I'm hoping to get over to Williamstown next weekend for a quick trip. Templetogher is not on the website as yet but hope to take a look in person!

Best regards,

Bill

wkearns

12 years ago

Looking for:
Thomas Kearns b: 1813
County Meath

immigrated to Canada (Woodstock area)
then to O'Neil Nebraska d: 1893

IrelandXO member

12 years ago