My grandfather, John Henry McCann, was born on June 25, 1879 in Divernaugh, County Armagh. His birth was registered in Newry. He was baptized at Carrickruppen by a Father Grimes. His family reportedly attended the RC church at Bessbrook.
His parents were Patrick Francis McCann (born in Boylston, County Ayr, Scotland on April 3, 1849) and Ann Jane Wilson (born in Culloville, County Armagh) on December 16, 1844. Patrick and Ann Jane were married at Carrickruppen County Armagh on November 8, 1877 by Father Grimes.
US and Scottish records and family hearsay indicate that:
- Patrick Francis was the son of John McCann and Sarah McElherne (?) both presumedly from Armagh. Patrick's grandfather was named Henry McCann. His grandmother may have had the last name of Shearing.
- Ann Jane was the daughter of John Wilson (a Church of England curate) and Ann Nevins. Ann Jane was reportedly a Catholic convert.
Patrick, Ann Jane, John Henry and another son, Michael (born August 1, 1881 in Divernaugh) left Ireland in 1888. Their ship sailed from Liverpool to Philadelphia. They eventually settled in Cambria County, PA.
My mother, Frances Patricia (named for her grandfather) is 94 and would dearly love to know more about her father's family. The only Irish records that we hve located were civil birth certificates for John Henry and Michael. All other data is from a family Bible, family lore, and records outside of Ireland. We've searched LDS records and hired Irish genealogists but have had no luck thus far.
Any information about this family would be greatly appreciated.
Thursday 22nd May 2014, 12:39AM
Message Board Replies
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Blanche:
Not sure that more information would be available. Having a family Bible that goes back to the late 1700s is a great resource.
As you probably know, civil registration throughout Ireland did not commence until 1864.
RC church records for that area ( Bessbrook) start in 1835 which is later than you need. The Church of Ireland records start in 1832.
You may want to look through the 1835 Tithe Applotment listings for Killevy parish.
http://www.connorsgenealogy.net/Armagh/KillevyTithes.htm
The Griffiths Valuation for Co. Armagh was conducted 1863-1864. If the McCanns were back from Scotland then possibly John McCann was listed. Unfortunately, there are four John McCanns in that parish so it will be difficult to determine which one may be your relative.
http://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/armagh/killevy.htm
There was one McCann family in Divernagh in the 1901 census.Was James the younger brother of Patrick?
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Armagh/Camlough/Divern…
Let me know if you have any questions.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Thursday 22nd May 2014, 01:21AM -
Roger, thank you so much for your input and suggestions!
Sunday 25th May 2014, 11:38PM -
Found my Mom's great grandparents (John McCann and Sarah McElherne) on rootsireland. They married on October 28, 1843 in the Roman Catholic Church in Lower Killevy (St Peter and Paul in Bessbrook?). Witnesses were John Savage and Jane Brennan.
In response to your question above...the James in the 1901 census was not a brother of Patrick.
Thursday 21st Aug 2014, 01:00AM -
Found my Mom's great grandparents (John McCann and Sarah McElherne) on rootsireland. They married on October 28, 1843 in the Roman Catholic Church in Lower Killevy (St Peter and Paul in Bessbrook?). Witnesses were John Savage and Jane Brennan.
In response to your question above...the James in the 1901 census was not a brother of Patrick.
Thursday 21st Aug 2014, 01:00AM -
Found my Mom's great grandparents (John McCann and Sarah McElherne) on rootsireland. They married on October 28, 1843 in the Roman Catholic Church in Lower Killevy (St Peter and Paul in Bessbrook?). Witnesses were John Savage and Jane Brennan.
In response to your question above...the James in the 1901 census was not a brother of Patrick.
Thursday 21st Aug 2014, 01:00AM