Share This:

Hello,

   I am researching my great grandfather, Richard Conley, born about 1838 in Ireland, and died 1895 in Cape Girardeau County Missouri. Here are some clues related to Ireland:

   - According to Richard's son, Richard's father was a gardener, perhaps around Dublin. In my research, I have found that gardener can refer to a farmer with 5 acres or less.

   - Richard's father died and was buried at sea on the way to the United States with his son, probably around 1859.

   - Richard seems to have several older sisters (and perhaps an older brother).

   - Richard worked in Cape Girardeau County as a miner.

   Any clues/next steps are greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks and blessings,

 

David Conle

DConley

Thursday 2nd Feb 2023, 12:51AM

Message Board Replies

  • David:

    The surname could have been Connolly/Connelly in Ireland.

    I checked two sites Roots Ireland (subscription) and irishgenealogy.ie (free) and only located one lead in Co. Dublin for a Richard Connolly. Richard Connolly baptized April 28 1834 at St. Paul's church Arran Quay in Dublin. Father was Thomas Connolly and mother Anne Cahil. I could not locate any baptismal records for siblings for this Richard so this may not be your ancestor.

    Have you considered a general DNA test to see what close matches you might receive?

    Roger McDonnell

    Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Thursday 2nd Feb 2023, 04:21PM
  • Roger,

       Thank you for your help. This is a new record for me.

       I have taken two DNA tests, one for Ancestry.com, and a 111 marker Y-DNA test through FamilyTreeDNA.com. 

       The closest Y match is Sean Conolly, 1 step difference at 111 markers. We have yet to find how we connect. Here is the information he sent: The earliest record we have is my great-grandfather John Conolly, born in 1861 and emigrated to the US in 1898-1899, traveling from Wexford -> Manchester -> Southhampton -> New York, on the ship 'Berlin'. We have no information of what area of Ireland he was originally from, but apparently the original spelling was Connolly.

    Thanks again,

    Dave

    DConley

    Friday 3rd Feb 2023, 01:04AM

Post Reply