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Looking for John Wells

MayoCrossmolina (Mayo)

I'm looking for information on my great grandfather John Wells, born between 1838 and 1842.  He emigrated to the U.S. and lived in Chicago, Illinois, for most of his state-side life.  I don't know when he left Ireland.  His 1893 death notice published in the Chicago Daily News references him as a native of Crossmolina, County Mayo.  I'm lucky to have a few photos of him and my great grandmother but know very little else about him.  I don't know his parents' or siblings' names.

My husband and I will be traveling to Crossmolina Parish on July 13-17, 2015, and would love to meet folks from Crossmolina and continue looking for John Wells.  Thanks very much for any outreach from Crossmolina or from anyone who may have clues or suggestions.

vanbrax@gmail.com

3 replies

I checked Roots Ireland for 1835-1845 in Co. Mayo and did not find a record other than an 1836 baptismal record for a John Wills in the Back/Knockmore parish which is to the east of Crossmolina parish.

There is a gap in the Crossmolina records from August 1841-April 1845 so if John was born in that period his record will not be available. On July 8th the National Library of Ireland will be placing all RC parish registers online for free searching. maybe when you return from Ireland you can check the Crossmolina register.

I also looked at the 1856 Griffiths Valuation head of Household listing. There were no Wells entries but three Wills records. http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/mayo/crossmolina.htm

Roger McDonnell

Crossmolina Baptisms Aug. 27, 1831 - Aug. 8, 1841 P.4230 Apr. 23, 1845 - Dec. 28, 1880 Marriages Nov. 18, 1832 - Feb. 10, 1841 Mar. 10, 1846 - Dec. 27, 1880 

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you for your response.  I will certainly pursue the National Library of Ireland's RC parish records when available.  Could all the Wells have left Crossmolina before the 1856 Griffiths Valuation?

In County Mayo Chronicles #9 (March 1990) I found a death notice for Michael Welles, weaver, 37 years, decay, died 9 Jan. 1827, from Kilmoremoy Catholic Parish, just east of Crossmolina Parish.  Michael Welles would have been the right age to be John Wells' grandfather.  John Wells may have been raised in Crossmolina Parish.  Might there be any Michael Welles records?  Perhaps in the National Library's collected records soon to be released on line?

We will be in Crossmolina Parish July 13-17 and will check any records we can find.

Thank you.

vanbrax@gmail.com

Wells could also be trascribed as Wills and there are of those family in Crossmolina Union of (Church of Ireland) parishes, based in Ballinagur in Moygownagh.

If you are still there - was John Wells Catholic or Protestant?

 

LA

 

 

Moygownagh MayoIrelandXO Volunteer

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