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Conflicting sibling birth and baptism records

MayoTagheen (Mayo)

Hello,
I'm hoping someone might have insight into the following:

I found birth records and baptism records for what I believe are two siblings in my family. The problem is that they seem to conflict...

P A T R I C K E G A N :
CIVIL BIRTH RECORD: Patrick Egan and Bridget Garvey (Parents) Shessaugh, Claremorris District, County Mayo, Ireland : JUNE 28, 1884 (on same document the baptism date is listed as Jan 1 - 0)

E L L E N E G A N :
BAPTISMAL RECORD: Patrick Egan and Bridget Garvey (Parents) Sessin (spelling variation on Shessuagh? Currently spelled Sessiagh) Tagheen and Crossboyne Roman Catholic Parish : JUNE 21, 1884

So, it seems like (supposing this is the same family)...they had one child baptised SEVEN DAYS before giving birth to another? I guess it's possible...but why would that happen? I'm so confused. I can't find evidence of any other Egan family in Shessaugh/Sessiagh (which was/is a very tiny 130 acre area) and the parents names match...so? I found the birth and baptism records on rootsireland.ie, and they were the only ones there (ex: no baptism record for Patrick, no birth record for Ellen). Patrick is my direct descendent, so I know he exists as a member of my family.

I'm at a loss to explain this. Does anyone know how / why this would have happened?
Thanks for your time and any help you can offer!
Casey

IrelandXO member

2 replies

Casey:

My guess is that the transcriber for Roots made a mistake with the baptismal record.

Can I suggest that you look at the church records? The Mormon Church has microfilmed the records for Tagheen parish. You could go to www.familysearch.org  order the film and it will be sent to a Mormon Family History Center near you. You would go to the FHC and use their microfilm readers to check out the 1884 records. Your other option is to cntact the church to see if they would help you.

https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/481700?availability=Family%20Hi…

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

WOW! That was fast and so helpful. That's exactly what I'll do. I'm kind of hoping they are actually twins (there's a history in my family) and I was giving up hope on figuring out one way or the other. I really appreciate the good advice!
Best Wishes,
Casey

IrelandXO member

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