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Through birth and baptismal records I have been able to confirm my great grandfather Martin Conroy was born in Kilteevan in 1872. His records indicate he was born to Michael and Catherine Egan. Michael died sometime before the 1901 Census, as Catherine is listed as remarried to a Michael McCormack. Catherine's death is also unknown, post 1911 Census. Both Census records have Catherine living in Creevyquin. I know there were atleast 8 additional siblings: Maria, Thomas, two Anna's (one most likely dying in infancy), Michael, Bridget, Mary Anne and Patrick, but records for them beyond birth/baptism are unknown, with the exception of Bridget and Patrick. Bridget is listed in the 1901 Census, and Patrick is listed in both. They are living in Creevyquin with their mother.

I would like to find out more information on Martin's parents, or any of his siblings. Marriages, deaths, emigration. Martin moved to Chicago sometime in the 1890's and stayed there until his death in 1960. For what ever reason he was quiet about his life in Ireland, and offered few details. His children didn't even know how old he was when he died. They knew he was from Ireland, but not the specific county, village or parish. His son Thomas visited Ireland in 1948, but it is unknown at this point if he was able to locate any family. It is imagined he did, as his father was still alive at that point, and most likely offered some direction. Although Thomas was the informant on Martin's death certificate, and his age, specific place of birth and parents are listed as unknown, so maybe not. A family story says that when Thomas visited Ireland, he found where his father was from, and attempted to get some of his father's documentation, only to be told the old church had burned down, taking the records with it.

I would be very happy to talk to any distant relations who can add to the large unknown parts of my great grandfathers story.

Tuesday 14th May 2013, 01:31PM

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  • The 1855 Griffiths Valuation survey head of household listing for Co. Roscommon shows a Martin Conry in Creevyquin. Possibly he was the father of Michael. I also located the marriage index record for Michael Conry and Catherine Egan. They were married in 1870. You can write to the GRO www.groireland.ie and get a copy of the marriage record. Fill out their form and provide the year, registration district, volume and page number. Likely, Martin was the oldest son and maybe the oldest child since he was born in 1872.            First Name: Michael  

    • Last Name: Conry  
    • Year: 1870  
    • Registered Quarter/Year: 1870  
    • Registration District: Roscommon  
    • Volume: 3  
    • Page: 370  
    • Spouse Forename: Catherine  
    • Spouse Surname: Egan  

    Roger McDonnell                                                         

    Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Tuesday 14th May 2013, 03:41PM

  • Thank you very much for the information. Every little bit helps. I have written the GRO for the marriage record and will wait patiently for its arrival.

    Wednesday 15th May 2013, 08:10AM

  • I believe that my great grand mother Annie Conroy was a sister of your great grandfather Martin Conroy. She moved to Newtownforbes, Co Longford and married John Allen and had nine children (including my grandfather Albert (Bertie) Allen. Later as a widow, she remarried James Daly (father of the James Daly who in the British Army Connaught Rangers and rebelled in India in 1920 during the War of Independence and was executed). Annie fostered children in her later life in the 1950s and she died in 1959. She acted as a midwife for her neighbours. She said that she was from Knockcroghery and a clay pipe from Knockcroghery was used at her wake as this was a tradition. 

    My mother Annie spent a long time researching her grandmother Annie Conroy without any success. Annie gave two different father's names on her two marriage certificates, one was Thomas Conroy and one was Michael Conroy. She said also that Michael was a doctor which was highly unlikely as she was a servant.

    There did not seem to be any connection between Annie and her family in Roscommon but then communications would have been difficult with no phone or car.

    My mother and I would love to hear from any relatives in the US. 

    Best Regards

    Aine Carr (ainecarr14@gmail.com)

    acarr

    Monday 29th Jun 2020, 11:16AM

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