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Hello,

My great great-grandfather emigrated to the US from Ireland probably around 1840. Unfortunately, we have no records of where in Ireland he came from, but based on US censuses he was born around 1820. I have quite a few DNA matches with a John Clinton who was born in Kildare in 1824 to Edward Clinton and Anastasia Dugan*. I am able to find parish birth records for many children of Edward & Anastasia, but no Laurence. 

I'm wondering if Laurence was born out of wedlock (Edward & Anastasia were married in 1823), is it possible his birth wasn't recorded?

Any advice for further research is much appreciated!

Mary

mschwander

Tuesday 24th Oct 2023, 03:02PM

Message Board Replies

  • Mary,

    On the subscription site Roots Ireland, the marriage record of Edward and Anastasia as well as the birth records of their eight children are given. It sounds like you already have some of those details. Both Edward and Anastasia were from Rathangan, Kildare as stated in their marriage record. Their first born was John in 1824, and one of his baptismal sponsors was Lawrence Hyland. As their remaining seven children were born between 1830 and 1844; my guess is that your Laurence possibly took on the name of his sponsor at some point in his life. Maybe as a way to honor him?Do you think that is a possibility? I am happy to provide further details on his siblings if you would like them. 

    Regards,

     

    Carolyn

    Wednesday 25th Oct 2023, 04:20AM
  • Carolyn,

    Thank you so very much for this information! That's interesting that John Clinton's sponsor's name was Lawrence Hyland and maybe that will lead me to some other hints about my great great-grandfather. Since I have DNA connections with John Clinton, I'm thinking that I have to have a blood relationship with the family somewhere. 

    My Lawrence Clinton would have been about 4-years-old when John Clinton was born, so I don't think him being a sponsor for his baptism is possible.

    From Ancestry.com, I can see the other siblings' baptism information from other members' trees. I suppose I should explore all of the sponsors' names for more possible hints.

    I truly appreciate your help!

    Mary

    mschwander

    Wednesday 25th Oct 2023, 06:45PM
  • Mary,

    Perhaps this is your Laurence....from Roots Ireland...

    Laurence Clinton, born 26 Mar 1823, RC parish Kilcock, Co. Kildare. Father is John Clinton, mother is Anne Stapleton. Sponsors are George Stapleton and Bridget Stapleton. 

    Regards,

    Carolyn

    Wednesday 25th Oct 2023, 07:35PM
  • Carolyn,

    It could be. The birth date certainly works and the location matches that of my DNA connections with Clintons.

    Thank you!

    Mary

    mschwander

    Thursday 26th Oct 2023, 01:14PM

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