I do not have a birth/baptism record for Thomas. Two possibilities are:
1. Tom McGuirk born to John & ElizabethMcGuirk of Avoca and baptized in Avoca on 24 March 1792. This is strongest candidate because of a family rosary handed down through the generations that is engraved "Thomas McGuirk Ireland 1791, Canada 1889".
2. Thomas McGuirke bon to Michael & Mary McGuirke of BRay and baptized 21 March 1802. This one is more possible because Thomas & Catherine named their first son Michael and first daughter Mary..
Thomas McGuirk married Catherine Colman in the Roman Catholic parish of Bray on 5 Feb 1827. This is the earliest fact I can find on my great-great-grandparents. Their children were all born and baptised in the Parish of Bray: Michael (b. 1827), Thomas (b. 1829), Roger (b. 1832), Mary (b. 1834), Eleanor (b. 1837), Patrick (b. 1839), and Elizabeth (b. 1841).
The family immigrated to Quebec, Canada during the Great Famine. I have found no records on Roger and Eleanor other than their baptisms, but everyone else lived in the Eastern Townships (Shefford County) of Quebec for many years.
Thomas died 25 May 1881. Catherine 31 Oct 1890. Their burials are recorded in the St Joachim de Shefford Catholic parish registers and they are buried in the parish cemetery.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1791 (circa) | VIEW SOURCE |
| Date of Death | 25th May 1881 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Father (First Name/s and Surname) | Michael | |
| Mother (First Name/s and Maiden) | Mary McGuirke | |
| Place & Date of Baptism | 21 March 1802 | |
| Names of Children | Michael (b. 1827), Thomas (b. 1829), Roger (b. 1832), Mary (b. 1834), Eleanor (b. 1837), Patrick (b. 1839), and Elizabeth (b. 1841) | |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | Catherine Colman | |
