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Looking for Gavigans in Westmeath

WestmeathMullingar (Westmeath)

Hello all!

I am looking for information on the Gavigan (Gavagan) family in Westmeath. I am a descendent of a Patrick Gavigan (b. 1840ish?). He was definitely born in Co. Westmeath and we believe he was born in or near Mullingar. Patrick's parents were Michael Gavigan and Mary Seone (might be Slone or Stone).Patrick emigrated to New York by 1861 and died there in 1919. Patrickhad two brothers (Richard and Thomas) who emigrated to NY as well (maybe not all together though). There is also a mention of two sisters whom we believe stayed in Ireland.

I would love to find more information about the family in Ireland. How many siblings? Where did they live? Are there still descendants in Ireland?

I would love any advice as to where might be best to start our search. I've tried Ancestry, FamilySearch and Rootsweb.ie.

Thankyou!

IrelandXO member

7 replies

Rhys Gavigan

The gavigan are from dysart westmeath I am gavagan

Rhys Gavigan

Found record for Thomas baptism 7/11/1846 at Mullingar parish to Michael and Mary Slawn but couldn't pull up Patrick.  Try RootsIreland as you can pay monthly subscription.  I am sure you can find records for both Mary Slawn and Michael as I have pulled records back to 1770 for Westmeath

 

apaulburke@gmail.com

Hello from Mullingar,

I've checked Griffith's Valuation (a land tax survey from the mid 19th century) and there is a Michael "Gavagan" occupying a house and land of just over an acre in Irishtown in the civil parish of Mullingar in County Westmeath in 1854 (leased from John Wyer). This was the only Michael Gavigan (or spelling variants) in County Westmeath, and could be the father of your Patrick. You can view the record here.

All the best,

Jann

jmann@irelandxo.com

Hello again,

I've found a possible death record for Michael Gavagan, Patrick's father, in 1881. He died 20th May 1881 at Kilpatrick in the Registrar's District of Mullingar in the Union of Mullingar in County Westmeath. He was married (meaning his wife was still alive when he died) and aged 70 (giving an estimated year of birth of 1811). He was a labourer and died of old age. The informant for the death was Eliza Gavagan of Kilpatrick who was present at death (the relationship of Eliza to Michael is not stated but could have been a daughter or daughter-in-law).

There is no guarantee this is the correct Michael Gavagan, but worth keeping in mind.

Cheers,

Jann

jmann@irelandxo.com

Hi,

I've found a transcription of a baptism for a sister of Patrick Gavagan:

Baptised in May 1834 in the Roman Catholic Parish of Mullingar in County Westmeath, Catherine Gavigan, daughter of Michael Gavigan and Mary Scone.

I've also found a transcription of a baptism for a brother of Patrick Gavagan:

Baptised in May 1832 in the Roman Catholic Parish of Mullingar in County Westmeath, James Gavigan, son of Michael Gavigan and Mary Scone.

Paul had previously found a baptism for Thomas in 1846:

Baptised in July 1846 in the Roman Catholic Parish of Mullingar in County Westmeath, Thomas Gavigan, son of Michael Gavigan and Mary Slawn. Sponsors of the baptism were Patt Stafford(?) and Ann Weldon

Cheers,

Jann

jmann@irelandxo.com

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