I'm particularly interested in building up more detail on the Bates-Thompson sides of the family tree.
We know the Thompsons were from Letterkenny and Corravady and the Bates' were concentrated in the triangle of Castlefin- Stranalor - Convoy.
The Bates family emigrated from Carnowen (Carnone) to New Zealand in 1926.
My Grandfather was John George Orr Bates - I'd like to establish the connections to the Orr family as well.
Hi,
Thanks very much for your post and hopefully we can help you.
Donaghmore is the nearest parish to Carnowen, however, for the other areas, you should post a message on the main County Donegal message board.
Can you tell me what religion the Bates of Carnowen were?
Ps there are links on the main Donaghmore page for the churches of the parish.
Regards.
The Bates and Thompson families were all members of the Presbyterian Church in the parish. They were pew holders of the Donaghmore Presbyterian church.
Very good.
Have you been in contact with Donaghmore Presbyterian Church?
I have much of the informatiomn from the Donaghmore Presbyterian Church and family in the area. The Bates & Thompson information is, however, sketchy before the 1854-57 pew holders list. There are Bates families at Garrison hill that could be relations but I cannot make the links to demonstrate the alleged family connections.