Thomas Farrell
Hi,
I'm trying to find more information about my 3rd Great Grandfather, Thomas Farrell. He was a soldier in the British Army, and according to the Regimental Nominal Roll for the 29th Regiment of Foot (his regiment), he was born in the town of Killinby, Co. Longford, Ireland, in 1795. I can't find a townland with this name. Perhaps the recruiters meant Killeenboy? Or maybe Killenbore? Regardless, he enlisted at Mullingar for unlimited service on March 10, 1811. He was 16 years old.
The Regimental Register shows Thomas as 5'5" tall and of fair complexion. He had grey eyes and brown hair. At age 24, his height was measured at 5'6.5" inches. When he enlisted, his stated occupation was "laborer." He married Anne Gorman at some point. I don't think it was before his enlistment. In 1826 while on garrison duty in Waterford City, they had a son Godfrey. Later that year, Thomas and the regiment shipped out to Mauritius, where he died in 1830, most likely of disease. He's buried somewhere on that island. I want to find his grave, if possible, someday.
Thomas's son Godfrey emigrated to Boston at the end of the Famine in 1852. I don't know what became of Thomas's wife, Annie. I think she may have come to Boston too.
Regarding Thomas's origin, I've looked at Killeenboy Townland on Griffiths Valuation, and there is a Matthew Farrell, but his plot is tiny. There are many more Farrells listed in Killenbore, including several named Thomas.
That's all I know. I realize "Thomas" and "Farrell" were very common first and last names at the time, but I'd like to learn more about my 3rd GG if possible. Do you have any suggestions? Anything would be much appreciated. I should be in Ireland this fall, so I can search physical records if necessary.
Thanks for your time.
Dave Farrell