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Could really use some help tracking our families roots in Ireland. Here is what we know, Thomas Burke (Bourke) was born May 15, 1820. He emigrated to New York, New York arriving at age 26 on May13, 1848 on the ship Sarah Milledge from Galway, Ireland. Ellen Noonan's date of birth is unknown, but based on US census records we estimate 1824-1827. On US census records her birth country was listed as Ireland. Ellen Noonan arrived in New York on Dec. 5, 1849 at the age of 25. Her port of departure was Liverpool sailing on the Patrick Henry. Thomas and Ellen were married on December 28, 1850. Witnesses at the wedding were Miles Sweeney and Mary Noonan. Ancestry.com indicates she had several siblings/relatives; Mary age 29, John age 28, Pat age 28, Anthony age 27 and others. Not sure if they are siblings or relatives. Trying to find Thomas's birth parents and county and the same for Ellen. Planning a trip to Ireland this summer/fall and would like to visit possible relatives and such. Very much appreciate any help. Thanks for your consideration. Charley and Mary Jo

Charles Burke

Thursday 25th Jan 2024, 08:00PM

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  • Charley and Mary Jo:

    Thomas Burke was/is a very common name in Ireland. On the subscription site Roots Ireland there were 17 Thomas Burke baptismal records in 1820 although none were in May. Also, a good number of RC parishes do not have records back to 1820 and in addition, we don't know if Thomas changed his birth date when he came to America. A good number of Irish people in the 19th century were not sure of their actual birth date. 

    I tried to look for an Anthony Noonan baptismal record since Anthony is a less common name but there were no Anthony Noonan baptismal records on the Roots Ireland data base for all of Ireland. Noonan was found primarily in the Cork/Tipperary/Waterford/Limerick part of the country.

    A general DNA test might be helpful in identifying matches who have more info on your Bourke/Noonan ancestors.

    Roger McDonnell

    Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Friday 26th Jan 2024, 02:48PM

  • Hello Roger, Thank you for your response. Wish you had more information. I'll keep looking and hoping to find a connection. Regards and best wishes. Charley

    Charles Burke

    Sunday 28th Jan 2024, 05:23PM

  • I looked up the passenger list for the Sarah Milledge which was a coffin ship which sailed from Galway to New York at the height of the great Irish famine. I noticed the four names of the Burke's on the ship and I believe they were siblings trying to escape the famine. I also looked up the New York State 1855 census

    https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-8BLJ-Z7K?i=25&personaU…

    Is this your Thomas/Ellen and children? 

     

    Eileen

    Monday 29th Jan 2024, 12:23AM

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