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Gallagher Family

Westmeath

I believe my second great grandfather, James Joseph Gallagher was born somewhere in Westmeath in March 1863. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1885 or 89. I know he married a Winifred in 1891 in West Orange, New Jersey. I don't know if they knew each other in Ireland or if they met in the U.S. They had 4 children, Mary, James, Winifred & John. I have a handful of U.S census records for him, but nothing that states where in Ireland he's from.

I realize how vague the information I have is, but if anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Meghan

IrelandXO member

3 replies

Hello again Meghan!

The subscription site Roots Ireland has two James Gallagher baptismal records in Co. Westmeath. One was in 1858 and the other in 1864. However, you really need to to try to find his parents names possibly from his death record. We can then check to see if one of the two Westmeath records are the correct record or possibly he was born in another county.

Roger McDonnell

Castlemore RoscommonIrelandXO Volunteer

Thanks again, Roger. I haven't been able to find any mention of his parents names yet, but I'll keep looking for his death record. Thanks for your quick replies. I really appreciate it.

Meghan

IrelandXO member

re Gallagher Family

I looked at the 1930 US Census for New Jersey, Essex County, West Orange  District 0637  Town ED 7-621 SD page 93.  There is a James Gallagher with a wife named Winifred ( although it was spelt incorrectly by the census taker). Both were born in the Irish Free State. He said he was 66  at the time of the US Census and that he came to the USA in 1880 and  that he was naturalized. She came to the USA in 1884 and was also naturalized. It says that both of them were age 24 at the time of their marriage. They and two adult children were living at 42 Columbia St West Orange NJ . Could this entry be your family? If so I will see what else might be available.  Besides Death records their parents names might be marriage record both religious and civil.   Their naturalization records and might give you Winifred's maiden surname and her parents name All the Best, 

 MJ Cam

wmcameron546@v…

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