Conlin/Laughran or Laughlin Info

Christine,

Variation in the spelling of places and surnames in Ireland is commonplace so expect to find that routinely. Having a single correct spelling was not a concept that troubled our ancestors in the 1800s. The parish name tends to be Killeeshil for RC records and Killeshil for civil and other denominations records. But not always.

Killeeshil RC baptism records for the years 1816 ? 1900 are on the rootsireland site. I assume that you have searched those for the couple?s children? If they are not there, and you think they ought to be, then it might be worth double checking by looking at the original documentation. There?s copies on microfilm in PRONI, Belfast and in the National Library of Ireland, Dublin. These microfilmed copies will be going on-line in mid 2015 (on the National Library site), if you can?t get there in person.  Expect to find handwriting that is very hard to read, and so transcription mistakes on the rootsireland site are very common.

Apart from baptism records, there are not other relevant records in the mid 1800s which might mention your ancestors, so they are probably your best bet to start with.

Tradition was to marry in the bride?s church, so if by any chance James Conlin came from a different parish to Mary Laughran/Laughlin then she would probably have moved with him to his parish, and their children would therefore be baptised there.

Do you know the Conlin?s occupation? If farmers, then it?s be worth checking the tithe applotment records (1820s/1830s) for Tyrone, as well as Griffiths Valuation. (1860) which has several Conlon families listed in Killeeshil. Griffiths is on-line but for the tithe applotment records you need to go to PRONI in Belfast to look them up.

If you think James senior was still alive in 1864 or thereafter, then his death should have been registered. A death in Killeeshil would normally be registered in Dungannon. Searching the Irish civil indexes, 1864 to 1901 shows 3 Jas Conlon/Conlan deaths in that period, registered in Dungannon. One is of an age to be the father of James who married Mary L. (He lived 1792 ? 1879).

Elwyn

Dear Elwyn,

Thank you so much for your quick response. My great-great-grandparents were Catholic and I found a baptism record for my great-grandaunt, Catherine Conlin, that lists James and Mary Conlin as parents and a sponsor as Ann Laughran. The date is 11 November 1843, which is different than what her children listed on her death certificate, but I suspect that the baptism record is correct. (Based on her children's information, she would have married their father at age 6 -- as I located their US marriage record from a Brooklyn, New York Church.) I cannot locate any baptism records for my great-grandmother, Ann Conlin. She and her sister, Catherine, came with their mother to the US when they were children. (We think in 1848.)

My great-greatgrandfather was buried at sea, according to family legend. I believe that is true because my great-great-grandmother Mary Conlin was listed as head of household and a widow from her first US Federal Census.

We plan to visit Ireland in July. I have two sets of great-grandparents from Northern Ireland -- Antrim and Tyrone -- so we expect to spend a bulk of our trip there. We will go to the Republic of Ireland as Ann Conlin married my great-grandfather, Terence Reilly, in Brooklyn. He was from the Republic of Ireland -- either County Meath or County Westmeath (again, US records are not so good).

Again, many thanks.

Best regards,

Christine

I am heading to County Antrim from 25 June until 30 June. I will spend one nigh in Dungannon (27 June). Still searching for any clue about my gg-grandparents, James and Mary (nee Laughran) Conlin, and their daughters, Ann (my great-grandmother) and Catherine (my great-aunt). As my original message stated, we believe they left for America in 1848 -- with an emphasis on believe as we are not certain.  Any hints or clues we should follow would be greatly appreciated.

Regards from New York,

Christine

Hi Christine,

I see you are visiting Dungannon on the 27th June, there is an Historical Society based in Killeeshill and there are Church records on line. Google "Killeeshill & Clonaeese Historical  Society" and if you wish, a visit to  the society's base which is about 1!/2 /"miles from the Church, can be arranged.

I am a member of the society.

Briege

I

Dear Breige, I've been traveling and just saw your post tonight. I contacted the historical society through its website and had your name as the subject. I know I may be too late in responding. I am in Dungannon right now, leaving tomorrow. I'm staying at the Kensington Bed and breakfast. I found the marriage record for my great-great grandparents at PRONI from 1838. The marriage was between the Irish name for James Conlin and Mary Laughran in Killeeshill. The witness was Johciman Laughran and a name I couldn't decipher. I would appreciate any leads or suggestions. I will check this site in the morning before I head out. As I mentioned in a previous post, they had two daughters, Ann and Catherine. They arrived in Brooklyn NY around 1848 without James. Thanks for your help. Best regards, Christine