Tracing the Cormick Family in County Mayo through Irish Deeds: 1700-1840

Friday, January 8, 2021

Previous research¹ "Leveraging Irish Records and Histories to Establish Potential Links between the Cormick/Cormack/Cormac Family of Erris and Tirawley to John J. Barrett and John Mannion" led to an analysis of the Cormick line based upon a finding in the Ordnance Survey Letters, County Mayo, Vol I indicating a line from Dermot Cormick through to a Major Michael Cormick of Castlehill in Mayo.² The information provides two branches descending from Dermot via a Michael and Richard Cormick. A letter from Thomas Francis Barrett provides a link from his mother, Ann Cormac (Mannion) Barrett, to Elizabeth Cormac daughter of Francis Cormac of Castlehill. It should be noted that Cormick name spelling is often interchanged as Cormick, Cormac, or Cormack such that for this analysis, Cormick will be referenced going forward.

Fig.1 - Cormick line from Ordnance Survey Letters, County Mayo, Ireland.

The letter by Thomas F. Barrett notes that Francis Cormac was the owner of an estate where he lived, Castlehill. Francis Cormac was noted to have three daughters, Elizabeth, Lettie and Maggie. Furthermore, Francis was noted to have had a younger brother who had two sons, a Major and Captain in the British Army and two daughters. The connection of the families has remained elusive.

Fig.2 - Proposed Cormick relationships from Ordnance Survey Letters, County Mayo, Ireland.

Recently the Registry of Deeds Index Project Ireland has begun compiling and indexing the deeds. The website indicates:

“The purpose of this project is to provide finding aids for the records held at the Registry of Deeds in Dublin.”

There are a few types including main index, grantors index and townland index. The website goes on to further say:

“The Registry of Deeds is a rich source of genealogical information. Marriage and other settlements are particularly informative about family relationships.”

An exploration of currently indexed records was used as an initial search to try and prove the previously proposed relationships among the Cormick clan and tie in the suggested relationships from a family letter. The search gradually expanded to try and find un-indexed grantors, and then looking through lands that may be relevant, such as Castlehill and Lahardane.

A reconstruction was undertaken to prove when possible the lines of the Cormick family through the deeds starting with the later lines and working backward.

Fig.3 - Proposed Cormick lines from prior research.

1839-1801

An entry from Vol. 11, #109, in 1839 clearly states that Anne Walsh and Elizabeth Coyne were the sisters of Michael Cormick who died intestate and unmarried on 5 Sep 1835.³ A Conveyance dated in 1837, vol. 4, #12⁴ with Ann Walsh, indicated that Michael Cormick was a Major in the North May Regiment of Militia, confirming the rank from prior research sources.

Fig.4 - Memorial No. 109 Walshe to Coyne, 1839.

In 1836, a deed naming Elizabeth Coyne is noted in Vol. 12, deed 123.⁵ A review of this deed was performed since there was reference to a sister of Michael Cormick of Castlehill married to a man named Coyne. The deed states, Elizabeth Coyne “otherwise Cormick” was living in Dublin. She had lands in County Sligo that she came into when a Michael Cormick died intestate leaving Elizabeth and Ann Walsh, wife of John Walsh, as co-heirs.

Fig.5 - Memorial No. 123, 1836.

A deed from 1835 names “Ann Walsh or Cormick”, wife of John Walsh, and "Elizabeth Coyne or Cormick” as parts to the overall transfer of lands. The entry, vol. 18, deed No. 64⁶, further mentioned the personal estate of Michael Cormick. Researching further back in the “Transcripts of memorials of deeds, conveyances and wills” on FamilySearch.org, an 1825 entry for a Michael Cormick stands out in Book 804, page 211, Memorial #542546.⁷ This entry indicates that Michael of Castlehill, Mayo was the only son and heir to Charles Cormick. The record further states that Charles was deceased and identifies Charle Cormick’s wife, as Anne.

Furthermore, the deed indicates Charles Cormick was nephew to a Michael Cormick of Mullenmore (or Mullinmore, both spellings were observed), also deceased. Charles was a devisee named in the last will and testament of Michael Cormick of Mullenmore. The record further states that Michael Cormick was nephew and heir to Bridget Dillon (Cormick) a daughter and co-heiress of the deceased Michael Cormick of Mullenmore. Bridget is noted to be deceased in the record and was married to Edward Dillon and “had issue one son”, Edward Dillon, who died in 1801.

Additionally, it is noted that Anne Foster, a Cormick, was the widow of Charles Sullivan Foster. She is stated to be another daughter and co-heiress of Michael of Mullenmore. Prior to marrying Charles Foster, Anne was the “widow and relict” of Charles Cormick and mother to Michael of Castlehill. A third daughter is identified, Mary Mahon, wife to Theobald Mahon. Together they had a son, Richard Mahon who is a party in this deed.

Michael Cormick of Mullenmore named his three daughter in his will and died Aug 1779. He also named his son-in-law, Charles, previously noted to be his nephew in his estate as executor.

Fig.6 - Memorial No. 542,546, 1825.

The memorial, #502,600, book 737 from 1819 refers to Anne, Elizabeth and Michael as siblings and their father as Charles.⁸

So from the prior research on the Cormick line, the deeds indicate Charles Cormick married Anne Cormick. Anne was the daughter of Michael Cormick of Mullinmore. Anne and Charles of Castlehill had three identified children as follows:

Michael of Castlerhill died Sep 1835 and was in the North Mayo Militia, moving from rank of Captain to Major
Anne married John Walsh who came to own Castlehill in Mayo
Elizabeth who married Edmond Coyne

Michael Cormick of Mullinmore had three daughters:

Anne who married Charles Cormick of Castlehill (she also wed Charles Sullivan Foster)
Bridget who married Edward Dillon, one issue Edward Dillon died in 1801
Mary who married Theobald Mahon, one issue Richard Mahon died 1825

It is possible that Thomas Francis Barrett’s letter might have confused the fact that Michael Cormick was a Captain and then promoted to Major, as no other brother was identified in the records.

Shifting further back to an 1801, Memorial 351581⁹ Michael Cormick was noted to be of Castle Hill, County Mayo, and eldest son and heir at law of Charles Cormick of Castle Hill, esquire, deceased. Michael’s mother was Anne Sullivan Foster. It was noted that Charles became indebted to John Keogh. The deed notes lands near Lahardane, Tubbernavine, and other areas known to Barrett, Cormick and Mannion lines were sold or rented to make up for the debt.

Fig.7 - Cormick to Keough, Memorial No. 351,581, 1801.

1799-1700

In 1783, memorial No. 235176 between Charles Cormick and John Keogh¹⁰ indicates Richard Cormick formerly of Mullinmore likely lost lands and put others in a trust as a provision for Thomas Cormick, the third son of Richard. After Richard’s death, money came to Richard’s eldest son, Michael. The memorial indicates Thomas Cormick died and Charles was his executor. Further, it is stated that Michael died without male issue, and that Charles, under the will of Richard Cormick, his grandfather, and due to the intermarriage of became entitled to the estate. Apparently the holdings were in Mayo, Roscommon and Westmeath.

It is interesting to note from the earlier research, Charles’ grandfather was reported to be Richard, and that his father was Thomas. This record references Michael and Thomas as sons of Richard and includes the “intermarriage” in how Charles inherited land. Thus, one may conclude from the available date that Richard had at least two sons, the said Thomas and Michael. Following this, Charles may be descended from Thomas and married his first cousin, Anne Cormick, daughter of Michael.

Fig.8 - Cormick to Keough, Memorial No. 235,176, 1783.

A memorial in 1775, book 307, page 549, No. 205501 Cormick to Plaistow¹¹ details conveying land to Plaistow excluding land of Patrick Barrett and either Wm. Francis or Mrs. Francis Cormick of Ely likely from Michael Cormick, but his brother Thomas is also mentioned. In 1771, book 291, page 15, No. 189070, also Cormick to Plaistow has similar exclusions.

Fig.9 - Cormick to Plaistow, Memorial No. 189,070, 1771.

In 1770, a memorial Cormick to Cormick was found, book 287, page 210, memorial No. 186567¹² that relates Cormick family of Thomas. The memorial indicates Thomas of Castle was father to Charles, eldest son, of Castlehill. Thomas provided land, payment to Charles, further more Thomas’ eldest daughter is identified as Bridget Cormick, whiles his second daughter was noted to be Letitia Cormick. A second son, Richard Cormick, is also named in the record. The memorial indicates that Thomas’ brother was Michael Cormick. The witnesses included an Edward (or Edmond) Cormick of Tobernaveen and Lewis O’Donnell of Castlehill.

A memorial from 1768, No. 170082 between a Wallace and Blake¹³ adds more to the Cormick lines identifying a Michael Cormick of Mullinmore and his father Richard. In addition, Michael appears to have set by, to and in trust for Francis Cormick, his uncle.

Francis Cormick is identified as the uncle of Michael Cormick of Mullinmore, County Mayo, while Richard Cormick is identified as Michael’s father. There is reference to land in Lahardane. It also refers that Michael Cormick be “decreed as a protestant Discoverer” to claim land.

Fig.10 - Wallace to Blake, Memorial No. 170,082, 1768.

In 1748, memorial No. 94570 between Cormick and Palmer¹⁴ discusses the marriage of Michael Cormick, late of Mullinmore, but now in Tubber, Dublin, marrying Mary Blake daughter of Xaverius Blake. Additionally, mentioned are Thomas and Francis. The long memorial then identifies Michael’s mother as Bridget Cormick and later indicates that Thomas and Francis were his brothers.

Thus we might create a line from Richard Cormick of Mullinmore who married a woman named Bridget as follows:

Michael of Mullinmore, eldest son, married Mary Blake and had three daughters previously outlined
Francis
Thomas

In addition, Richard had a brother named Francis Cormick.

A 1746 memorial, No. 83212 Lyster to Besnard¹⁵, finds both Michael and Francis Cormick party to the undertaking. Michael is listed from Mullinmore. The lands include payment from Richard Cormick of Mullinmore and his estate, known by the name of Ballykieran.

Fig.11 - Lyster to Besnard, Memorial No. 83,212, 1746.

The next indexed record is dated 1 March 1735¹⁶ and references a purchase of land by Richard Cormick. It was witnessed by a Michael Cormick, though no relationships can be discerned from the record. The lands span a few areas though the deed was made in County Mayo.

The next deed, dated 3rd day of March, 1713¹⁷ is a deed from Earle of Clanricard to Richard Cormick of Mullinmore, Mayo. The deed states for the sum consideration of sixteen hundred pounds sterling, Richard was granted lands such as the farm of Aghnanire consisting of Divers Town and more. The deed is No. 4833. There was no additional information on the Cormick family other than the reference to Richard being of Mullinmore.

A search of the currently indexed deeds for Cormick associated with County Mayo led to a No. 1708 Deed of Morgan to Cormick.¹⁸ In the deed dated 13 Dec 1708, the first reference calls out Francis Cormick of Newtown, Mayo with the designee of esquire. In addition, he is identified as the eldest son and heir of Michael Cormick of Inver, Mayo, also an esquire. Michael is noted to be deceased as of 1708. It is critical to note that the actual deed identifies Francis yet the index record improperly references a Charles Cormick, yet there is no reference to Charles within the image. On 20 June 1700 a tripartite deed was signed by Michael Cormick, suggesting he died between 1700 and 1708. The prior research has two potential Michaels, one of Castlehill who died about 1835 and is obviously ruled out. The other Michael Cormick is Michael Roe, son of a Richard. Thus, Francis may be a son not previously identified.

An earlier deed, No. 202 from 1708 between Lord Bophin and a Burke¹⁹ references a Francis Cormick and his wife Ellen. The link is that half the lands are in Mayo, the Barony of Irrus where many Cormick references have been made. There is no other reference to any Cormicks within the 1708 deed, No. 202.

Legal Cases

A legal record appears in the English Reports: House of Lords (1677-1865) Volumes 3-4²⁰ Cormick v Trapaud. The report provides further evidence of Richard Cormick having sons, Michael, Francis and Thomas. Richard died about 1737-1738 and the lands passed to Michael. Michael “on or about the 6th day of March, 1743, intermarried with Mary Blake . . .” and over time was in debt. There was exchange of money and land and Michael remained in debt to Richard Plaistow. The record indicates that in August 1779, Michael died without any male issue, during Michael’s life with his brothers Francis and Thomas also died. Francis died without issue, while Thomas “left issue one son, Charles Cormick, who entered into all the said lands; and the said Charles Cormick having died, leaving Michael Cormick his eldest son and heir at law . . “ All aligns with the deeds.

Fig.12 - Cormick v Trapaud, English Repors: House of Lords (1677-1865).

Another legal matter was published in Doe dem. MANNION and another v. Bingham.²¹ This record from 1840 discusses the estate Ardelly of one Francis Cormack. It states in 1796 that he had to lease out to Bingham for 31 years and that if yearly rent was not paid, it appears the land should revert to Francis’ heirs. Francis was noted to have died in 1803 “leaving several sons and daughters” and as of 1825 the surviving sons died without issue and”…his two sisters, the lessors of the plaintiff, became entitled to the reversion.” Bingham claims deed of conveyance executed in 1805 by the sisters, Not all the deeds are indexed and some of the research was fortuitous findings. There is likely more to pull from the grantor indexes. This research did not dig into the land or place name indices yet, but will be an avenue to continue to explore relative to the Cormick line. The most likely tree is shown and the dashed lines indicate best conclusion to date with the limited information on the line.

There are still connections to be made in the deeds and the letter from Thomas F. Barrett dated 1 Sep 1903. Thomas indicated that in approximately 1803, a Francis Cormac owned a large estate and married an Elizabeth Cormac, who had a large estate of her own. He had three daughters, Elizabeth, Lettie and Maggie and a younger brother. Thomas Barrett indicates the younger brother had two sons, a Major and Captain and two daughter, Mrs. Coyne and Mrs. Walsh. This likely represents Charles Cormick of Castlehill and his son Michael who was a Captain then Major, and his sisters Anne and Elizabeth.

Thomas Barrett identifies estates in the Baronies of Erris and Tearaly (likely Tyrawley). The estate in Tyrawley consisted of lan in Castle Hill, Lahardane, Tubbernavine, Masbrook, and Terry. The estate in Erris was land in Cetric and also Elly, possibly Binghams Castle or land around it. Thomas Barrett discusses Francis Cormac incurring debt secured through land for a period of time and dying before paying the debt to likely Charles Cormick who passed possession to his children.

The deeds have not identified a Francis, but the name Letitia in one deed may suggest that Thomas was off by a generation and some names and that the “brothers” were Charles and Richard. Additional research may further connect these names.

Fig.13 - Thomas Francis Barrett letter, 1903.

SVG Family Tree TreeCormickID

1 Barrett, Bill. "Leveraging Irish Records and Histories to Establish Potential Links between the Cormick/Cormack/Cormac Family of Erris and Tirawley to John J. Barrett and John Mannion." The Times of Their Lives (blog). Entry posted March 2015. Accessed December 23, 2020. https://thetimesoftheirlives.blogspot.com/2015/03/leveraging-irish-records-and-histories.html. ^↩
2 John O'Donovan. Ordnance Survey Letters, Mayo Vol. I and Vol. II. (1838).^↩
3 Ireland. Vol. 11, Walshe to Coyne, Deed 109, 1839. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 . https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-5TLR, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
4 Ireland. Vol. 4, Walshe to Bourke, Deed 12, 1837. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 . https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-SPDK, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
5 Ireland. Vol. 12, Coyne to Coyne, Deed 123, 1836. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-Z9Q6, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
6 Ireland. Vol. 18, Walsh to Childe, Deed 64, 1835. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-LKJR, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
7 Ireland. Vol. 804, Ellis to Castlemaine, Deed 542546, page 211, 1825. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ7-9S1V-3, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
8 Ireland. Vol. 737, Coyne to Cormick, Deed 502600, page 464, 1819. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH3-S4MG-R, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
9 Ireland. Vol. 531, Cormick to Keough, Deed 351581, page 400, 1801. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ4-9V44, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
10 Ireland. Vol. 349, Cormick to Keough, Deed 235176, page 421, 1783. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH3-S9MG-B, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
11 Ireland. Vol. 307, Cormick to Plaistow, Deed 205501, page 549, 1775. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-J9FG-N , Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
12 Ireland. Vol. 287, Cormick to Cormick, Deed 186567, page 210, 1770. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJW-4Y6B, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
13 Ireland. Vol. 268, Wallace to Blake, Deed 170082, page 296, 1768. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSNH-H7BK, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
14 Ireland. Vol. 139, Cormick to Palmer, Deed 94570, page 372, 1748. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ4-KSNR, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
15 Ireland. Vol. 120, Lyster to Bernard, Deed 83212, page 445, 1746. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH3-SSZ4-2, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
16 Ireland. Vol. 81, Browne to Cormick, Deed 58507, page 505, 1735. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSHS-G982-D, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
17 Ireland. Vol. 11, Earle of Clanricard to Cormick, Deed 4833, page 399, 1713. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSH3-M9TC-F, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
18 Ireland. Vol. 1, Morgan to Cormick, Deed 220, page 364, 1708. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSHX-X912-B, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
19 Ireland. Vol. 1, Lord Bophin to Burke, Deed 202, page 314, 1708. Memorial Deeds, Conveyances and Wills. Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland. FHL microfilm, 008093792 .https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSHX-X915-4, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.^↩
20 The English Reports: House of Lords (1677-1865). United Kingdom: W. Green, 1901.^↩
21 Irish Law Reports: Particularly of Points of Practice, Argued and Determined in the Courts of Queen's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer, in Ireland .... Ireland: Printed and published for Robert Carrick, 1841.^↩
© William C. Barrett 2020

Witness to Discoveries: Analysis of Witnesses and Sponsors Leading to Potential Family and Birthplace for Thomas Donnelly

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Posted by Bill Barrett

Thomas Donnelly was said to have been from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, though no evidence had been found to confirm his townland. According to multiple records, Thomas Donnelly was born about 15 Feb 1859¹ in Ireland. He immigrated to the United States sometime between 1875-1877 according to the census records²^,³ and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Thomas married Mary J. Campbell on 11 Oct 1885 at St. Anne’s Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to the marriage information, the witnesses included James McGlone and Agnes Moran.⁴ Thomas was living at 2500 N. 2d Street and Mary was living at 971 Richmond St according to the marriage license application.¹

Thomas and Mary had 4 children, two of whom, Anna and Catherine, lived to marry and have children.

Children of Thomas Donnelly and Mary Campbell	Birth	Death
Anna Mary Donnelly	2 May 1886	16 Sep 1959
Catherine R Donnelly	2 Mar 1888	Unknown
Thomas Donnelly	1 Sep 1892	12 Feb 1894
Mary Dolores Donnelly	5 Jan 1895	13 Oct 1918

The baptismal records for all four children were located on FindMyPast.com in the Philadelphia Archdiocese Roman Catholic Baptismal Records. The dates as well as sponsors were listed for each child. All four children were baptized at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Philadelphia.

Thomas Donnelly and Mary Campbell's Children's Baptismal Dates and Sponsors

Child	Baptism Date	Sponsors
Anna Mary Donnelly⁵	24 Oct 1886	James Mallon and Anna McAnany
Catherine R Donnelly⁶	11 Mar 1888	Jno Quinn and Catherine Campbell
Thomas Donnelly⁷	11 Sep 1892	William and Jane Donnelly
Mary Dolores Donnelly⁸	20 Jan 1895	Joseph McGurk and Catherine Campbell

The only son of Thomas Donnelly and Mary Campbell was sponsored by William and Jane Donnelly. Employing a well known technique of researching family, acquaintances and neighbors (or FAN),and thinking there may be a relationship between Thomas initial searches of William led to interesting results. A 1900 U.S. Census record for a William and Jane Donnelly in Philadelphia⁹, in the Kensington area of Philadelphia was located and the address is close to where Thomas and Mary Donnelly lived in 1900. William and Jane had two children in 1900, Jane, aged 8 and William, aged 6.

1900 U.S. Census William Donnelly

Name	Relation	Age	Place of Birth	Year of Immigration
William Donnelly	Head	40	Ireland	1882
Jane Donnelly	Wife	30	Ireland	1885
Jane Donnelly	Daughter	8	Pennsylvania	N/A
William Donnelly	Son	6	Pennsylvania	N/A

William is a saloon keeper. He and Jane have been married 10 years. They are living on Montgomery Avenue in the 18th Ward of Philadelphia. A marriage license was located for 1890 between William Donnelly and Marion Jane Gaven.⁶ A search of the Philadelphia Catholic Baptisms on FindMyPast for Jane Donnelly, born about 1892 resulted in her baptismal record for 1891.⁷ The sponsors for Jane were identified as Thomas Donnelly and Catharine Campbell. Thomas' mother-in-law was Catharine Campbell, thus the records continue to link Thomas Donnelly and William Donnelly.

Jane Donnelly Baptismal Record (Philadelphia, 1891)

William Donnelly’s petition for naturalization was located from 1890.⁸ Thomas Donnelly, of 2500 N 2d Street in Philadelphia, signed as witness and citizen. Thomas Donnelly, as previously indicated, was known to be living at 2500 N 2d street. This represents the third record that links Thomas and William in some way. Though, nothing is explicit to their connection, it is likely that William Donnelly and Thomas Donnelly are related. According to the petition, Thomas Donnelly, was a citizen by 1890 though his petition/naturalization records have not been located.

Petition for Naturalization of William Donnelly (Philadelphia, PA)

Continued research into William Donnelly resulted in the discovery of his passport application. William Donnelly indicated he was born in Cookstown, Tyrone, Ireland on 7 Oct 1859. The application lists his father as John Donnelly (deceased). William was traveling to settle an estate. Thomas Donnelly’s death certificate listed his father as John Donnelly, which if they are related might suggest that William and Thomas are brothers. Incidentally, a passport application for William’s wife, Jane Donnelly was found as was William’s son, John Joseph Donnelly.

Passport Application for William Donnelly (1923)

William indicated his date of birth as 7 October 1859 on his passport application.⁹ Comparing William's birth date to Thomas Donnelly's birth date, which was noted to be 15 Feb 1859, would make it unlikely they could be brothers. However, birth dates were not always accurately recorded or known. Thus, there could be evidence to indicate one birthday or the other is not correct.

Further research into Irish records resulted in a baptismal record for a William Donnelly dated 7 Oct 1859, father John Donnelly and mother, Alice McGurk.¹⁰ William was baptized on 7 Oct 1859 in the Diocese of Armagh and the Parish of Desertcraight, in County Tyrone. Additional searching resulted in a baptismal record for a Thomas Donnelly, father John Donnelly and mother Anne MaGlone dated 15 Feb 1855 in the parish of Lissan, Tyrone, Ireland.¹¹ The townland may be Dramora or more likely Dunmore. Cookstown is a downland situation central to both Desertcraight (Desertcreat) and Dunmore.

Map of County Tyrone from www.ulsterheritage.com Showing Relationship of the Parish of Lissan and Desertcreat

William Donnelly Baptismal Record (Ireland, 1859)

Thomas Donnelly Baptismal Record (Ireland, 1855)

A final record was found for the marriage of Anne Maglone to John Donnelly in the parish of Lissan, Tyrone,Ireland, dated 15 July 1852.¹² The marriage record indicates they were married in Moboy, a townland just west of Cookstown. The witnesses appear to be Lester Toal(?) Mallon and Peter Maglone.

Marriage Record (Ireland, 1852) of John Donnelly and Anne Maglone

It is impossible to conclude from the data the exact relationship of Thomas Donnelly to William Donnelly. However, the data is suggestive that Thomas and William knew each other well and were likely related as they sponsored each other’s children. The relationship was originally proposed to be brothers, but the birthdates being both in 1859 speak to either an issue in exact dates or different mothers. Thomas Donnelly listed a birthdate of 15 Feb 1859, so perhaps he changed the year or did not recall the exact year, or the evidence is purely coincidental and these are not the same people.

Once again focusing on witnesses and sponsors for various life events of Thomas and William, an interesting find is that a sponsor for Mary Dolores Donnelly, Thomas’ daughter, was a man named Joseph McGurk, the last name of William Donnelly’s mother from the baptismal record. Furthermore, James McGlone was witness to Thomas’ wedding. This may be a spelling difference to Anne MaGlone.

In conclusion, it is likely that Thomas Donnelly and William Donnelly are related in some way. Both were reported to have a father named John, however each also reported being born in 1859 only 8 months apart. The two separate baptismal records may suggest different mothers if it is the same John Donnelly. The additional names of McGurk and McGlone/MaGlone represent areas for additional research to identify the connection. A possible family tree is provided with tentative linkages.

Family Tree created with SVG Utility created by Tony Proctor of Parallax-viewpoint

1 Philadelphia, PA, marriage certificate no. 33 (11 October 1885), Thomas Donnelly and Mary J. Campbell; Philadelphia City Archives, Philadelphia. ^↩
2 Ancestry.com, 1900 United States Federal Census (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.Original data - United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 18;), Year: 1900; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 18, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1460; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0355; FHL microfilm: 1241460. ^↩
3 Ancestry.com, 1910 United States Federal Census (Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;), Database online. Year: 1910; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 35, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1404; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 0862; Image: ; FHL microfilm: 1375417. ^↩
4 St. Anne Marriage Records, 11 Oct 1885, St. Anne Church; Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center, Wynnewood, PA. Thomas Donnelly and Mary Campbell. ^↩
5 St. Edward the Confessor (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), , , Anna Donnelly Baptismal Record, 24 Oct 1886; digital images, FindMyPast.Com (FindMYPast.com : downloaded 6 July 2017). ^↩
6 St. Edward the Confessor (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), , , Catherine Campbell Baptismal Record, 11 Mar 1888; digital images, FindMyPast.Com (FindMYPast.com : downloaded 6 July 2017). ^↩
7 St. Edward the Confessor (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), , , Thomas Donnelly Baptism, 11 Sep 1892; digital images, FindMyPast.Com (FindMYPast.com : downloaded 6 July 2017). ^↩
8 St. Edward the Confessor (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), , , Mary Donnelly Baptismal Record, 20 Jan 1895; digital images, FindMyPast.Com (FindMYPast.com : downloaded 6 July 2017). ^↩
9 Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Year: 1900; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 18, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1460; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0349; FHL microfilm: 1241460 ^↩
10 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Marriage Indexes, 1885-1951," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JJJG-1FM : 25 September 2017), William Donnelly and Gaven, 1890; citing license number 38417, Clerk of the Orphan's Court. City Hall. ^↩
11 St. Anne (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), , , Jane Donnelly Baptismal Record, 27 Sep 1891; digital images, FindMyPast.Com (FindMYPast.com : downloaded 25 November 2017). ^↩
12 National Archives; Washington, D.C.; ARC Title: Naturalization Petitions for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1795-1930; NAI Number: 6; Record Group Title: M1522. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Federal Naturalization Records, 1795-1931 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Certificate #1160. ^↩
13 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Roll #: 2206; Volume #: Roll 2206 - Certificates: 260350-260849, 27 Mar 1923-28 Mar 1923. Volume: Roll 2206 - Certificates: 260350-260849, 27 Mar 1923-28 Mar 1923. Certificate #260397. ^↩
14 Ancestry.com. Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05585 / 01. Year Range: 1839 - 1880. ^↩
15 Ancestry.com. Ireland, Catholic Parish Registers, 1655-1915 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016. Catholic Parish Registers, The National Library of Ireland; Dublin, Ireland; Microfilm Number: Microfilm 05585 / 01. Year Range: 1839 - 1880. ^↩
16 Lissan, Archdiocese of Armagh, Counties of Tyrone, Baptisms: July 22, 1839-Dec. 30, 1880; Marriages: Sept 1, 1839 - Nov. 20, 1880 Transcription". Online database, FindMyPast (http://findmypast.com). Database by National Library of Ireland (accessed 9 Dec 2017); page 89, John Donnelly and Anne Maglone, July 15, 1852. ^↩

Potential Family of Joseph Hurst - Evidence Relative to Unsourced History

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Posted by Bill Barrett

An email via Ancestry.com asked about the posted family tree for Hiram Hurst, showing his father as Joseph Hurst and his mother as Rebecca Verner. Research of Hiram and Joseph resulted in finding that Joseph had a sister, Rebecca Hurst who appears to have married George Moystin (Mostin/Mostyn).¹ A 1848 death notice for a George Mostin in Philadelphia indicated the funeral was to be held at his brother-in-law, William Hurst's home on Callowhill Street below 11th². This information suggests that Rebecca, Joseph and William were siblings.

The cemetery plot for Joseph Hurst and his family was discovered, originally located in Odd Fellows cemetery in Philadelphia, PA which was closed and the graves relocated to Lawnview Cemetery³. A plot deed lists a Joseph and apparently the letters, Sr. being reinterred at Odd Fellows "from Lafayette Cemetery" with interment date of 3 October 1850.

Thus, the circumstantial conclusion was that Joseph Sr. was the father of Joseph, Rebecca, and William Hurst.

Recent contact with a potential cousin, as mentioned, resulted in the following information that was passed down through their family from an aunt who lived in Camptown, PA. The information suggested that a William Hurst married Elizabeth Burley (Burleigh, Burghley, etc.). The information went on to provide as written the following as children of William and Elizabeth Hurst:

"1) John Hurst born Innis Killen Ireland. At 21 was put on police force. 21 years in London. A year after retirement, came to America.

2) One sister, Rebecca, married Wm. Moysten. Died in Wilmington, 2 sons - Wm. & Jos. Wm, married twice, had 2 + 1 children, Isaac, Wm, & Stewart

3) Wm. - married widow Sharp. Had two children, Will (married Cora Curet) and Lizzie

4) Joseph married had son Hiram

5) Jarrett. Youngest. Killed at Fredericksburg or died of yellow fever. Had two daughters; Mary and Sara (who married a Mr. Stabley) and lived in Camden, NJ. She had a son named Andrew Stabley

6) Thomas went to Baltimore and family lost trace of him.

Wm. & Eliz (Burley) Hurst parents of above. Came to America earlier. Buried in Philadelphia Cemetery. Retired; lived with sons in Phila."

Starting with a simple MindNode to formulate a plan and document the quick searches that a potential links always brings an image shows:

Additional information from the potential cousin indicated that John Hurst was married to a woman named Sara Stethers.

William Hurst Research Relative to Rebecca Hurst and Joseph

As previously mentioned, existing research derived from the death notice for George Mostin, husband of Rebecca, indicated the funeral was held at his brother-in-law's residence, William Hurst, at Callowhill St. below 11th. This information provides evidence that Rebecca and Joseph had a brother named William, living in Philadelphia around 1848.

The only William Hurst identified in that location via census data is for a William in the Spring Garden Ward as follows:

1850 U.S. Census, 1st Ward Spring Garden for William Hurst⁴:

Name	Birthplace	Age	Occupation
Wm Hurst	Ireland	30	Laborer
Eliza	"	35
Annie	Pa	14
Thomas	"	12
Elizabeth	"	1
John Campbell	Ireland	27

William living on/near Callowhill is at best circumstantial evidence to link Rebecca Hurst and Joseph Hurst previously to this William. The information provided by the contact mentioned that William Hurst married a woman named Sharp, who was widowed. A death certificate for Elizabeth Jane Hurst, dated 27 December 1915, listed her parents as William Hurst, born in Ireland and Eliza. Sharp, born in Ireland⁵. This appears to be the Elizabeth from the 1850 census and confirms that William Hurst married Eliza Sharp, further corroborated by the 1850 Census entry.

Further research identified an Elizabeth Hurst, living with Thomas Stewart and two children, Elizabeth and William Joseph, in the 1860 U. S. Census⁶.

U.S. 1860 Census, 13th Ward, Philadelphia for Eliza (Elizabeth) Sharp.

Name	Age	Birthplace	Occupation
Elizabeth Hurst	50	Ireland
Thomas Stewart	21	Pa	Plumber
Elizabeth Hurst	10	Pa
Wm. Jos.	8	"
Paul Lone	50	England
John Scott	22	"

The data suggests William died or left the family between 1850-1860. The first indication is an 1861 city directory entry for Eliza living on Rugan St. noted to be the widow of William.⁷ A death notice was found for a William Hurst in July 1859. This notice lists his residence as being in the rear of 923 Callowhill St. in Philadelphia⁸. The notice indicated that William was to be buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery. A cemetery deed was located for Odd Fellows and identified the following individuals buried within the family plot⁹:

William Hurst Odd Fellow Cemetery Deed Information:

Name	Age	Year of Death	Interment Date
Henry Gennay	3h	1857	May 31
Annie "	"	"	"
Henry "	12h	1856	Aug 1
Edward "	15 months	1856	Aug 5
William Hurst	46 years	1859	July 17
Thomas Stewart	23 years	1861	Oct 25
Mary B. Hurst	Adult	1882	Sep 25
Carrie "	still born	1889	Feb 13
Annie Genay	2 years	1864	Sep 9

The cemetery plot information shows a Thomas Stewart, William Hurst and the Genay surname. Thomas Stewart was previously identified in the 1860 census living with the family. A death notice for Thomas Stewart indicates his funeral took place at the home of his mother on 407 Rugan St.¹⁰ City directory data indicates Elizabeth Hurst, widow of William, was living on Rugan St. at the time of Thomas' death¹¹. Rugan street according to the city directory is from 917 Callowhill to Noble Street. Again, linking this family of William Hurst to the William Hurst on near Callowhill from the death notice of George Moystin.

The data appears to confirm the information provided that William Hurst married Eliza Sharp, who was previously married to a man with the surname Stewart. She had at least one child, Thomas Stewart. The connection to the Genay name may indicate that a daughter married a man named Genay. A death notice for Annie Genay indicates here parents were a William Stewart and Eliza Sharp.¹² This seems to indicate that Eliza Sharp married a William Stewart, had 2 children, Thomas Stewart and Annie Stewart. Annie married a man named Genay and this links the Genay family to the cemetery deed.

Further research of Eliza, widow of William Hurst, and her children finds the following from the 1870 and 1880 U.S. Census.

The 1870 U.S. Census, 37th district, 13th ward¹³:

Name	Age	Occupation	Birthplace
Eliza	59	laborer	Ireland
Lizzie	20	"	Pa
William	18	store clerk	"

The 1880 U.S. Census, E.D. 214, Ward 12/13¹⁴:

Name	Age	Occupation	Birthplace
Eliza	70		Ireland
Lizzie	30		Pa
William	27	Railroad clerk	"

Eliza's neighbors according to the 1880 Census are a Henry Gennay and his wife Annie. Thus, it appears to confirm that Eliza Sharp first married a man named Stewart, then married William Hurst. No additional information to connect William Hurst and Eliza to Joseph Hurst, Rebecca Hurst Moystin or Jarret Hurst has currently been identified.

Only circumstantial data ties Rebecca and Joseph to William Hurst including the census data and city directory addresses and the family's are all utilizing Odd Fellows Cemetery. The only identified William Hurst on Callowhill street is the tenuous link to the information from George Moystin's death notice tying William Hurst to Rebecca and her brother Joseph Hurst.

Jarret Hurst Research Relative to Rebecca Hurst and Joseph

A simple summary of research on Jarrett Hurst indicated he was born about 1813 and died 7 February 1863 in a U.S. Military Hospital in Washington, D.C¹⁵. Jarrett was serving in the Union Army during the Civil War.¹⁶ City directory listings indicate that Jarrett was a tinsmith working on Jackson's Ct.¹⁷ The 1850 Census finds Jarrett, 31 born in Ireland, his wife Mary, 28 born in Pennsylvania and a woman, Mary L. Bucke, 70 born in Pennsylvania, living in the North Mulberry Ward of Philadelphia.¹⁸ Mary Bucke may be the mother-in-law to Jarrett.

The 1860 Census finds Jarrett with several children living in Ward of the East district.¹⁹

The 1860 U.S. Census, Ward 10, East District finds:

Name	Occupation	Age	Birthplace
Jarrett	tinsmith	35	Ireland
Mary L.		33	Pa
Mary J.		10	"
Sarah E.		8	"
Wm. A.		7	"
Stewart Burns		40	"
Kate Petit		17	Ireland

A cemetery deed was located for Jarret Hurst in Odd Fellows Cemetery²⁰ and indicated the following buried in the plot:

Name	Age	Year of Death	Interment Date
Mary L. Bucke	75	1853	Dec. 13
Jeret Hurst	50	1863	Feby 15
Mary L.	69	1864	Jun 8
William A	33	1864	Jul 6
Mrs. Staley's infant	stillborn	1889	March 1
Mary J Hurst	41	1894	Apr 8

Daughter Sarah was reported to have married an Andrew Stabley/Staley/Staly. This appears to be confirmed by the presence of the infant buried in the family plot. The same plot information indicated that daughter Mary died April 1894 and son William A. died July 1884.

An online transcription of the widow pension of Mary L. Bucke Hurst, wife of Jarret, has a record of an Annie Stewart testifying on her behalf.²¹ This potentially links Annie Stewart, daughter of Eliza Sharp, married to William Hurst, in the 1850 census to the family of Jarret Hurst. Thus, if the limited evidence linking William Hurst to Rebecca through addresses can be further confirmed, there is some alignment to the information provided from a contact's aunt.

Mapping the location of Jarrett, William, Joseph and Rebecca using Google Earth and maps available on PhilaGeo.org shows that Rebecca lived about 1 mile from Joseph and her potential brothers, Jarrett and William.

The evidence presented to link the information provided by a contact to the families of Joseph, Rebecca and the above researched William and Jarret is suggestive only. The families all used Odd Fellows Cemetery, all lived within 1 mile of each other or less, and have some references to potentially mapped addresses. Thus, it appears likely these families are related while additional information to research might include church records to identity any baptismal sponsors, marriage records for witnesses and probate records. No additional information was discovered to identify and link the suggested father of William Hurst (married to Elizabeth Burley) relative to the cemetery information for a Joseph Hurst, Sr

Proposed family tree incorporating current research where ? Hurst could be Joseph Sr. or William. Additional research to be done for John Hurst and Thomas Hurst. Further research for the parents who were said to have lived in Philadelphia will be explored, as well as searching for more definitive evidence to link the families in the proposed tree.

1 Discovery of Hiram Hurst's Parents and Possible Extended FamilyAnAnalysis of Current Evidence."

Accessed September 3, 2016. http://thetimesoftheirlives.blogspot.com/2014/12/

discovery-of-hiram-hurst-parents-and.html.

2 Public Ledger (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)1 Nov 1848, Wed • Page 2

3 Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

4 Year: 1850; Census Place: Spring Garden Ward 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_818; Page: 333B; Image: 107

5 Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.

6 Year: 1860; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1163; Page: 841; Image: 427; Family History Library Film: 805163

7 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1862. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

8 Public Ledger (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) 16 Jul 1859, Sat • Page 2

9 Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

10 Public Ledger Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thu, Oct 24, 1861 – Page 2

11 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1862. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

12 Ancestry.com. Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015.

13 Year: 1870; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 13 District 37, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

14 Year 1880; Census Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1173; Family History Film: 1255173; Page: 212A; Enumeration District: 214; Image: 0433

15 Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

16 National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.

17 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, City Directory, 1861 Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

18 Year 1850; Census Place: Philadelphia North Mulberry Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_815; Page: 429B; Image: 435

19 Year 1860; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 10 East District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1160; Page: 636; Image: 208; Family History Library Film: 805160

20 Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.

21 Jerret Hurst 91st PA." Accessed September 3, 2016 http://freepages.military.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pa91/phursj1.html.

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Potential Family of Joseph Hurst - Evidence Relative to Unsourced History

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William Hurst Research Relative to Rebecca Hurst and Joseph

Jarret Hurst Research Relative to Rebecca Hurst and Joseph

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