Peter Flanigan Sr., was born in County Derry, Ireland around 1759 (died 15Mar1861) and was one of the early settlers in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, USA. His first wife Bridget died soon after the birth of their second child Michael who was born in 1793. Peter Flanagan was then married to Anna (Nancy) Reinzel who also was born in County Derry in 1773. She died 8 May 1854. Peter and his second wife Anna are buried at St. Michael's Cemetery, Loretto, Cambria, Pennsylvania, USA.
Peter's obituary is as follows:
OBIT: Peter FLANAGAN, 1861, Carroll Township, Cambria County, PA The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, March 21, 1861 Volume 2, Number 31 Mr. Peter Flanagan, a respected citizen of Carroll township, died at his residence on Friday, at the advanced age of 96. Mr. Joseph Tierney died at his residence in Cambria township the same day (Friday) at the old age of 76 years. These men both belonged to the class of pioneers who pitched their tents in Cambria county when it was a howling wilderness and notwithstanding difficulties and dangers, hewed out homes for themselves and families. Our first settlers are passing away.
Obituary, Democrat & Sentinel, Wednesday, March 20, 1861
It is our melancholy duty this week to chronicle the death of a venerable citizen of the County. Mr. Peter Flanagan died at his residency in Carroll Township, on the last Friday. He was one of the first settlers of the County, and being possessed of an iron frame which was proof against sickness and privation, and indomitable energy of character, was a fine specimen of the American Pioneer. It is to this class of men our County owes all its wealth and prosperity. But for their love of liberty and adventure and their contempt for danger, these then Western wilds would still be a desolate wilderness. His name may not live in the history of our country, but the traces of their labors will remain till the last moment of time. Mr. Flanagan was a good citizen and commanded the esteem of all who know him.
Any information on the Flanagan family in County Derry during the 18th century would be appreciated.
Thank you.
dennym0202
Sunday 30th Dec 2012, 03:38PMMessage Board Replies
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hi,
Thank you for your message.
Unfortunately, the reality of finding documentation pertaining to births/baptisms/marriages/deaths in Ireland prior to 1800 ? particularly in rural areas ? is that they simply may not exist. Also note that the Church of Ireland was the official church of the country and therefore the bulk of information that does survive for earlier periods is often from these registers.
However, in order to dtermine which registers you should be checking, it is necessary to narrow down the Flanagan's parish in County Derry. Do you have any documentation that mentions a speific townland/parish/village or town in Derry?
To see what Church of Ireland records ar available go to http://ireland.anglican.org/about/42 and http://www.nationalarchives.ie/.
Some other websites which you may find helpful are:
The National Archives of Ireland http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-records/introduction/
The National Library of Ireland http://www.nli.ie/en/family-history-introduction.aspx
The National Archives UK ? genealogy search: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/
The Public Records Office of Northern Ireland http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/family_history.htm
Genealogy Links: http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/derry/index.html
Perhaps it may also be an idea to contact the Derry Genealogy Centre for possible assistance-however a fee may apply. Here are their contact details:
Derry Genealogy Centre,
Harbour Museum,
Harbour Square.
Derry BT48 6AF
Phone: +44 2871377331 Email: genealogy@derrycity.gov.uk
I hope that this helps. Remember to post any new information that you find. The more information you post, the more likely it is that one of our volunteers will be able to advise or assist you. Also include information concerning which sources you may have already used so others may further your search.
kind regards,
Genealogy Support
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Thank you Emmma for your reply. Unfortunately I do not know the townland,parish or village nor do I have any documentation.
I will try the cemetery where the Flannigan family is buried in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Also, thank you for the links to other sites.
dennym0202