Hello, Rory
I'm brand spanking new to irelandxo just having registered. I read Jim's search message and your reply to Jim. I am pasting it herewith just as an fyi should be interested. I am wondering, however, are you located in Lissan Parish currently or are you, too, researching ancestors from there? I have had great luck in researching my McCrory line but have been facing the brick wall on g-g-grandmother, surname Mitchell, and g-g-g-grandmother, surname Devlin for decades! Perhaps you have some suggestions for looking under some rock that I haven't turned over. Mccrory relative (since passed) 'recalled' a Betty Mitchell as a housekeeper for one of the brothers of her husband, but she seemed to have been written off for the most part by the family. I suspect she may have been 'from the wrong side of the tracks' as I have contacted likely Mitchels in the area who seem to not want to make an association to her.
Nice to have contact with others with interest/connections to Lissan. Following is message sent to Jim
Jim
I just signed up on irelandxo and read your messages. One of my lines is also Lissan - McCrory/Mitchell, McCrory/Devlin.
McCrorys also residents of Ballybriest. I recognize the McCann and Donnelly families from my own research which includes family in Canees. Have you encountered Fr. Charley McCann in your research? He may be of help to you as his family also from Ballybriest and surrounds. He has done great research in recording gravestones at the graveyard. His family shirtails into mine - I would guess most assuredly yours. I haven't communicated with Charley in some time. He is/was located in Maryland. I will dig out my last address for him and send to you. Perhaps researching Maryland diocesan parish priests would also turn up Charley's current parish/whereabouts.
Also, regarding your McCann/Donnelly marriage certificate - the witnesses, Arthur McCann and McGlone are names I'm familiar with. I am not certain without a 'dig' but believe Arthur McCann was Charley's grandfather or... and the McGlone family is a direct relative to him. May even be his mother's side.
It was one of my great grandmothers on my mother's side who was born in Ballybriest in 1843, emigrated to PA in mid 1860's, then on to Nevada and Utah (where I was born). She had two sisters that also emigrated later and lived their lives in Philadelphia. "Found' granddaughter of one several years ago and we stay in touch. My line of McCrory still in and around Ballybriest, Tullynure, Cookstown, Stewartstown.
If I can be of any help, please do give a yell.
Bill Sullivan