My 4th Gt Grandfather was James Burns (Abt. 1789)
In the 1851 England census he was living in Durham with his children (My 3rd Gt Grandfather) John Burns (Abt. 1829) Bridget (Abt.1826), and his brothers James J (Abt. 1824) and Patrick Burns (1840). Another brother Edward Burns (1841) shows up in the 1861 England census. Bridget and John settled in County Durham but the others just seem to disappear. I've been looking at US records but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack without a mothers maiden name (I've found family from social security records this way).
James' wife was probably called Catherine. I found a probable marriage record for John which has Catherine listed as his mother and John and Bridget both had children called Catherine - she likely died between 1941 and 1951, and this fits with the Irish naming tradition.
In the 1851 England census Bridget is listed as being born in County Down but the others just say Ireland.
I think there will probably be more siblings because of the gaps in their ages (1824-1841).
Any help in finding baptism records or any possible links would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Catherine
Cath8681
Sunday 23rd Jan 2022, 11:43PMMessage Board Replies
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Hi Catherine, I have been asked to look at old queries, there is only one record of a Catherine Burns born in Down but in 1834, father James mother Kain or Kane I assume so the age is not that far out. This only means that this is the only record found, it may not exist as we rely on church records.
There is a site here on County Down and I see lots of James Burns and variants which is worth a look, https://rosdavies.com/
I looked at Roots Ireland from 1820 to 1840 and there were 8 children to a James and Catherine, all Catholic, main one was mother Connolly or Conley; also a Catherine Trainor and a Catherine McNerny may be McEnany.
Good Luck
Pat
Pat O Holloran, IrelandXO Volunteer