I have recently discovered that my family may come from Kilmacshalgan Parish, Dromore West, County Sligo. My great great great grandfather was Lawrence Patrick Connolly I born in 1808. His son was Lawrence Patrick II born in 1829. I believe the emigrated to America around 1855. They ended up in Hollywood, Minnesota. Any information on this family is appreciated!
Michelle:
The 1858 Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Co. Sligo had a Laurence Connolly in Rathgoonaun townland in Kilmacshalgan civil parish. There were three other Laurence Connollys in other parishes. Assuming your Laurence was still alive in 1858 and leasing land, this record could be the correct record.
RC records for Kilmacshalgan parish go back to 1815, however, Roots Ireland only has the records starting in the 1860s. You may have to contact the church.
I checked the 1901 census for Rathgoonaun and there were 8 different Connolly families in the townland in 1901.
Roger McDonnell
Michelle:
I found a civil death index record for a Laurence Connolly who died in 1876 and the death was registered in the Dromore West registration district-- Volume 19 page 126. This Laurence was born in 1806. You can get a copy of this record from the General Register Office for around 4 euros. If you plan to get a copy, let me know and I will forward instructions.
Roger
Hello
I am from that area and may be able to help you as my mother would have known this family of Connollys. There are still Connollys in this area. Please let me know if you want assistance and I can email you privately.
There were a few Connolly families in the Dromore West area and some of these still remain. Happy to assist you.
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen
I will pass this on to the original poster
Best wishes
Clare Doyle
Genealogy Support
Hello Kathleen,
Thank you for your response to my post! I would be interested in talking to you about the Connolly family. My email is michelle.sturiale@gmail.com
I always thought the family came from Armagh, but another family researcher says that they come from Dromore West. Attached is a descendent report, I hope its helpful.
Thank you!
Michelle
I have Connolly’s fromthis area in my own family tree, so we may be distantly related?
I think the Laurence Connolly that Roger refers to above (death of 1876) may be this one, who died 9th Dec 1876, aged 70 years. This one lived in Culleen townland and died a pauper