Looking for information on my great-grandparents, Michael Veale and Margaret Butler (1839-1905). They lived in Ballyglassoon. We have found the baptismal records for all the children in the Catholic church in Piltown. They had 10 children - at least 5 came to the U.S.
John b. 1867; Katherine 1869-1949, stayed at home with her parents, married George Kearney and lived in Piltown; Thomas 1871-1873; Michael 1873-1930 (in Philadelphia, Pa.); Thomas (the 2nd) b. 1875; Mary Katherine 1877-1977 (in Cuyahoga, Ohio; James Patrick 1878-1930 (in NYC) (my grandfather); Margaret Mary 1881-1973 (Bristol, Maine); Bridget 1882-1887; Edward Peter 1885-1967 (Bronx, NY)
I've traced and been in contact with the "grandchildren" in the States. But we know little at all of my great-grandfather Michael. Apparentlly there is a picture of Margaret Veale in the National Library of Ireland, where she noted as being from Dowling. We know nothing more of her.
Any information or leads to take me further back in time are appreciated!
JeanneB
Sunday 16th Sep 2012, 02:08AMMessage Board Replies
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Hi
I've forwarded your request to a volunteer in Co Kilkenny who may be able to assist or advise you.
All the best.
Genealogy support
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Hi Jeanne,
Our volunteer in Kilkenny has come back with this information. I hope this helps.....
Michael Veale
MacLysaght who is an authority on Irish Surnames advises that the three spellings Vail / Vale / Veale are often interchanged in their usage. The Vail / Vale / Veale name itself is of Norman origin and is found in many mediaeval records. The name is associated with the County of Waterford which is adjoining Kilkenny while the barony of Iverk is right next to the Waterford Border.Ballyglassoon
This is a townland of 160 acres in the civil parish of Fiddown, Barony of Iverk, in the poor law union of Carrick-on-Suir. In Griffith Valuation of 1850 there is only one reference to the Vale family in this barony indeed in the entire county of Kilkenny. A John Vale (not Veale) is recorded in the Townland of Tobernabrone in the civil parish of Fiddown,, barony of Iverk as follows
No and Letters of
reference to
Map
Names
Townland and Occupiers
Names
Immediate Lessors
Description of Tenement
Area
Net Annual Value
Land
Buildings
Total
John Vale
Earl of
Bessborough
Ho,Off,Land
11,0,6
?3.18.0
?2.12.0
?6.10.0
It seems probable that this is very likely the family of origin of Michael Vale (Veale) husband of Margaret Butler. There is also a reference to the same family of Vale in the Tithe Applotment Books of 1830. As his eldest son, born 1867 was named John this is a strong and further indication that Michael?s father in turn was John. Naming the first born son for the paternal Grandfather was a well established practice in 19th century Ireland.
Margaret Butler
Dowling is a townland of 440 acres in the civil parish of Fiddown, Barony of Iverk, in the poor law union of Carrick-on-Suir also. There are no less than 26 Butler families recorded in Griffith so it would be somewhat more difficult to isolate the correct family and so identify the Margaret Butler who married Michael Veale.
All the best.
Genealogy support
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I would expect that she and her husband and some of her children are probably buried in the cemetery. Probably someone should check the cemetery stones or records?
Kare5620@gmail.com
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We did find information in the Piltown catholic church's Baptism Register - for all the children, and we know who stayed in Ireland and who emigrated. It's going BACK one more generation to find Michael's and Margaret's families that has us stumped.
Any tips for finding the parents of my grandparents?
JeanneB
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I'll be coming over in a couple of weeks, and am hoping to get some time in the Piltown area. Nine years ago a female historian with the last name O'Shea led my 3rd cousin to the supposed homestead of my great grandparents - in Dowling, where Margaret Butler is noted as living in the 1901 census, with her daughter Margaret and son Edward.
Is there any chance of finding Ms. O'Shea or someone else who might be able to direct me to this property? It is talked of as now belonging to the Ballygowan water co.
JeanneB