Grave Inscription

The top may be Celtic - John Shields Native of Creeney (?) Parish of Donegal Co Donegal Ireland , Departed this life Feb 12, 1864 Aged 35 years 3 months and 11 days.   May he rest in peace.  Erected by his wife Honorah.

Too bad they didn't use shaving cream to be able to read it all. 

That's what it looks like to me at least.

Anne

It's possible he was from the townland of Crevagh in the parish of Mevagh, Donegal.  I think the spelling on the headstone is probably just another English transliteration of the original Irish name.

You can check the townland here https://www.townlands.ie/donegal/kilmacrenan/mevagh/glen/creevagh/

Regards,

Patrick Collins

I could be wrong but I believe it says 'In the memory of', it is written in an old style but if you look closely then you will see.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to post these replies. Your responses made sense in that I too used townlans.ie to see if I could figure out where John Shields was from in Ireland. But the townland and parish were bot consistent at least for County Donegal. You gave me a suggestion that I will investigate and look for other evidence to see if I can determine where he came from. 

Thanks again

Marge Gillis

Hi,  If you are searching try both Shields and Sheilds (as on the stone).

I would also try Sheils.   I have a friend whose husband's  ancestors are from Donegal and they spell it Sheils.

Happy Hunting.

Anne

Marge,

For what it's worth, I agree with Patrick that it is Creevagh townland in Mevagh parish. I know that the parish on the headstone says a parish starting with 'N', but it is relatively easy to mix up 'M' and 'N'.

Best wishes, Kieran