Finnegan's To Atlantic Canada early 1800's
Looking for any information on Finnegan/Finigan/Finnigan connection between Limerick relatives. My paternal grandfather said that our family came from the Limerick area. Circa late 1700's, Patrick and Emily Finnigan had two sons, Michael and John who went by ship to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Michael stayed in Nova Scotia, while John went to Ontario, Canada. Approximate year of birth 1791 for Michael. We cannot trace any further back outside of Canada as this was pre-famine and records apparently were burned/lost?
The Finnegan name was shortened in Canada to Finigan..most likely to lack of spelling knowledge, census takers handwriting, etc.
On a recent trip to Ireland I was told by a local in Ennisthat there were some Finnegan's in Limerick, but most from Monahan province.
Any clues would be appreciated.
Susan