James Diffley 1820 : Short Biography

James Diffily married Mary Farrell on 3-Mar-1840 in Strokestown RC church, witnesses by Peter & Patricia Farrell. The couple were likely neighbours in the townland of Derrycashel (just south-east of Strokestown near Termonbarry).

In the 1824 Tithe Applotment records for Cloona & Derrycashel,  a Francis Michael Diffelly and a William Diffelly held land here, as did a Michael, Owen, Peter and Patrick Farrell. As Strokestown RC parish records are patchy in the early 19th century, it's impossible to determine their fathers' names. 

The couple baptized the following children in the RC parish of Strokestown:

20-Jul-1842 Catherine Diffely (godparents: Patrick Carney & Mary Grealy)

30-May-1844 Patrick Deffily (godparents: Hubert O'Neil & Elenor Norten/Harten).

their other children, Bridget, Ellen, Catharine, Timothy, Michael, Maria, Martin & Francis were recorded in the Census of 1851, but do not appear on parish records.  

In 1858 at the time of Griffith's Valuation, a James Duffely was recorded in the townland of Derrycashel.

In April 1901, James Diffley (widower) appears in the Irish census with four adult children. He died in 1907, age 89. 

His son, Patrick Diffley who inherited the family farm appears as Head of household in1911. 

Their daughter Maria Diffley emigrated to Altoona, PA, USA. (see Mrs M.E. Montgomery)