I am trying to get more information about my great grandmother Agnes Anna Rooney and her family. What I know is that her parents were (I believe) John Rooney any 1837 and and Mary Anne Timlin 1856?-1888, baptized in Backs, Mayo. They appear to have been married in Killala, Backs, Mayo. Maybe Claughans? There appears to be a marriage date of 4 Mar1869. Agnes was born in December, 1876 in Ballina. She had 3 living siblings: Elizabeth 1877, Patrick 1878 and Mary 1886. My understanding is that her mother died from childbirth with Mary (or maybe a later non-surviving child). At that time Agnes went to live with her (Anthony?) Timlin grandparents at a Public House in Ballina (but I know they also raised at least some sheep). The other 3 children were placed in an orphanage.
Agnes raised enough sheep to sell for her passage to the US in1892, and she subsequently paid for all of her siblings to emigrate.
So, here are my questions. What happened to her father? I understand that at the time he wouldn't have been allowed to raise the children on his own, but what happened to him? What orphanage would the other children have been placed in? Are there any living members of the family left, I promise I am not going to show up on their doorstep!
Who was Anthony Timlin's wife? It doesn't seem to be a very common name, hoping I can find something else about this family.
I believe John Rooney's father was also John, but don't know anything else .
Is Killala a town? Is Backs a parish? What are they like?
I would really appreciate any information on these families. Thank you so much for your assistance!
Valerie B Williams
Wednesday 6th Nov 2019, 01:59PMMessage Board Replies
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Oh Miriam you are wonderful! Some great information I didn't have. It's so hard to figure out what makes logical sense in a place you have never been to, I really appreciate the help.
I have found some John Rooney's that emigrated to the US of the right age that might be him, but because my mother was raised by her grandmother I know more about her and her family than I might normally, and I know he completely disappeared from their lives.
Also, the pub owners were Anthony Timlin and his wife, not John Rooney. Sorry for not being clearer.
Can't wait until I have time to look at all these "goodies." Thanks again.
Valerie B Williams
Thursday 7th Nov 2019, 01:20PM -
Thanks again Miriam. Yes, I have had DNA done, but no matches to anyone on that side of the family.
It's funny about the pub, because I know it existed. My Mom even looked for it when she visited Ballina in the 70's. I know here in the States most large towns and cities had city directories, pre telephones. Something like that wouldn't have existed for Ballina in the late 1800's would it?
Valerie B Williams
Saturday 9th Nov 2019, 12:40PM -
Oh, and thanks for the information on Mary Rooney, but that's not her. Rooney is almost as bad as Williams. I have a pretty good hold on dates through US records, and I know Mary's daughter Mary was born 29 Nov 1886, possibly 1884 at earliest. I believe I may have found Patrick's birthday in an index for 19 Mar 1878 with last name "Rone". Isn't genealogy fun? Thanks again!
Valerie B Williams
Saturday 9th Nov 2019, 08:19PM