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Craig Family

Westmeath

I am looking for information concerning my ancestors Michael Craig and Catherine Sheridan. I realize that there may be many spelling variations for the name Craig. They were married in Rathaspick & Russagh, County Westmeath, on September 4, 1822. Their son, John Christopher Craig, was born in County Westmeath in 1824. Michael, Catherine, and John emigrated to New Brunswick, Canada in 1825. I realize that I am probably very fortunate to have found this much information, but would like to connect them with family in Ireland. I would appreciate any thoughts on what direction I should now go.

IrelandXO member

2 replies

Kathleen:

Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

I looked at the 1901 census for Co. Westmeath and there were only twenty-three people with the surname Craig and many were children. I did not see any families living near the Rathaspick/Russagh area in northwest Westmeath. So unless Thomas had  a sister(s) who married and stayed in Ireland, there likely are no descendants there now.

You may want to consider autosomal DNA testing. You may not match someone in Ireland but you may match someone in Canada or the USA with Craig connections back to Westmeath.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

I am related to the Craig families of Westmeath.  My great-great-great grandfather was George  Craig and his wife was Eliza Craig -two different  Craig families. I contacted the Mulliger Library in Westmeath and the Burgess Papers were examined by Gearoid OBrien. His information goes back to Thomas Creage a felt-maker in Athlone in 1739 and also a town bailiff. A George Crague is buried at St. Marys Church in 1773 anda George Crage in 1781. Another George Craigthere in 1828 and 1833. A George and Mary had a son Mathew baptised there. Several George Craigs were in Athlone - one confirmed therein 1846.Two distinct families of Craig in Athlone include a felt maker and weaver and the family in Cornamagh, Athlone ( a mile and a half north-east of town) werefarmers - also Georges in the family.I have the Attestation papers for George Craig born 1809 and married Eliza (Elizabeth) Craig.  Both families emigrated to Canada.  Mine came to Ontario and are buried in Colpoys Bay, Grey County.  I have lots of information if you think there is a connection. I do not know of any Michael Craig or Catherine Sheridan but an Elizabeth Sheridan married a Samuel Caswell in Limerick.  I am trying to locate a Samuel Caswell who married an Elizabeth unknown of a different date.  You can email e at vmbweb@rogers.com if interested.

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