My McLaughlin line has me stymied. Family lore is that the first McLaughlin to emigrate to the USA was caught poaching on the King's lands and was sent to the US as punishment. The year that I remember being given is 1763, but that doesn't match what I have found. Right now, I am working on a Michael McLaughlin in New Brunswick, NJ. The census records all list he and his wife, Bridget, as being born in Ireland, which would contradict the lore (and I'm fine with that). I have no idea from where in Ireland, however. I have December 1810 as his birth month/year with no date. I've searched a bunch of the free sites, and some of the paid, but have been unable to find too much. Before I was much good at documentation, I have his wife as Bridget Coffey, with a marraige record of 13 Jan 1841 in Taughmon, Westmeath, but he is listed in New Jersey, USA and his children were born in NJ starting in 1835, so I'm not sure that can be correct. Any assistance is so greatly appreciated!
- Kathleen
Kathleen Snider-Belinski
Wednesday 27th Dec 2023, 08:26PMMessage Board Replies
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Kathleen:
As you likely know, McLaughlin/McLoughlin was/is a very common surname in Ireland and in the mid-19th century, the surname was very common in Ulster particularly Co. Donegal. Finding a baptismal record back to 1810 without his parents names would be very difficult.
I located the 1841 marriage record in Westmeath and did not find any baptismal records for that couple. Likely this record is for another couple if you have children in New Jersey born in the 1830s/
Have you considered a DNA test? You may have matches with 3rd or 4th cousins in the USA or other countries that might have more information on your McLaughlin/Coffey line.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Wednesday 27th Dec 2023, 09:47PM -
Hi Kathleen,
In case you haven't done so, examine the records for Michael and Bridget's children, such as birth, marriage, death, baptism, obituaries, etc. You might find Bridget's maiden name given in one or more of them. Also the place of origin of Michael and Bridget in Ireland. I hope this is helpful.
Patricia
Thursday 28th Dec 2023, 12:33AM -
Thank you, Roger and Patricia. I have lots of information on their descendants, but nothing that has provided any clues. I did take a DNA test, and my GEDmatch number is AY1737591. This was a longshot, but thanks for the replies!
Kathleen Snider-Belinski
Thursday 28th Dec 2023, 08:59PM