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O'Connor in Roscommon - Killinvoy / Elphin

RoscommonElphin (Roscommon)Killinvoy (Roscommon)

Hello,

I am trying to trace the roots of my father back to Roscommon Ireland before I visit there in mid-July. My father died when I was a child and there are no living relatives in the United States. It would mean so much to me tofind the cemetery where my ancestors are buried or the church where they worshipped.

Here is what I know:

Thomas J. O'Connor, my grandfather, immigrated to New York, NY in the 1880's (not sure of the exact year). He became a US citizen on October 22, 1888. I believe he was born between 1855 - 1863 and his parents were Edward O'Connor (or Connor)and Bridget Ward. I think they are from Killinvoy, Roscommon / Elphin Diocese.Thomas married Mary O'Connor (her maiden name was also O'Connnor) in 1881 or 1882 I think. I'm not sure if they married in Ireland or the U.S.

Any information would be so appreciated! Thank you!

Mary Knopp (O'Connor)

IrelandXO member

3 replies

Hi Mary

I have located a marriage record for Brigid Ward and Edmund Connor who married in the Roman Catholic Church oh Killinvoy & Kilmeane on 27th October 1851. This parish is just a few miles from Roscommon Town and contains a couple of cemeteries. There were a number of families of both surnames in the area around that time but it may be possible to narrow the search further in order to identify the townland.

Kind regards

Eilish Feeley

IrelandXO member

Hi Eilish,

Thank you so much!  I will check that out when I am in Roscommon.

Mary O'Connor

IrelandXO member

Hi Mary

Have you any connections by marriage to the Gannon family? Luke O'Connor's father married a Gannon and I have problems with her Christian name.

My research in Ireland took me to Kilcroy, Hillstreet, Elphin where the O'Connor family settled and from where they emigrated to Canada on their way to Spring Prairie, Wisconsin where I'm sure (without proof) their ancestors had already travelled to. The family became famous when the boy Luke was returned to Ireland and then moved to London and became the first soldier to win the VC in the Crimean War. His young brother Daniel formed his own company (The Casey Guards) to fight for the Union in the Civil War. I have written books about both of them. I have just added a message on this notice board. If you feel there is any connection, my email is brianhumphreyso@aol.com. Cheers Brian

Brian Humphreys

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