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Hi

I've hit a brick wall with research concerning my ancestor Cornelius Donnelly. According to his convict record, he came from Belfast (later in his life he said he came from Antrim). I have this brief account of his trial (also involving his brother James) from the Downpatrick Recorder (14 October 1843). "Cornelius Donnelly and James Donnelly, for stealing several articles of wearing apparel, the property of John Macmullan, at Ballynafeigh, on the 13th September. Guilty; to transported seven years."

I've had no luck finding out any information regarding his parents and whether he had siblings who continued to live in Ireland. I've tried various online sources for baptism records but haven't been able to get anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions maybe regarding local sources in Belfast that might not be accessible online?

Cheers

Rob Donnelly

robdon67

Sunday 18th Sep 2016, 01:32AM

Message Board Replies

  • Hi Rob

    Do you have birth years for the Donnelly boys?

    I had a look on www.rootsireland.ie/ and there are lots of James birth/baptisms but no Corneliuses from Antrim.

    However if you can give me approximate birth years I can try to get a matching pair

    Col

     

     

     

    ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Monday 19th Sep 2016, 04:29AM

  • Thanks for the reply Col. My best approximation for Cornelius' year of birth is 1826. There was a year between them so James was 1827. They both listed their occupations as flax dressers in Belfast on their convict records. 

    robdon67

    Tuesday 20th Sep 2016, 02:03AM

  • Actually looking at James' wedding record, he was 29 in 1854 so 1825 should be his year of birth. 

    robdon67

    Tuesday 20th Sep 2016, 02:06AM

  • Not much luck I'm afraid Rob. These are the rootsireland Cornelius Donnelly birth/baptisms from 1820-35 from all counties:

    Church BaptismDonnellyCornelius1819Co. Dublin
    Church BaptismDonnellyCornelius1831Co. Armagh
    Church BaptismDonnellyCornelius1835Co. Armagh
    Church BaptismDonnellyCornelius1835Co. TyroneName:James DonellyDate of Birth:
    I searched for their other children but couldn't get a matching James I'm afraid.

    There are 4 James Donnelly baptisms around 1827; they're all from St Patrick's Belfast but only hese have parents' names:

    Date of Baptism:03-Feb-1828Address:
    Parish/District:ST PATRICK'S, BELFASTGender:MaleCountyCo. Antrim
    Denomination:Roman Catholic
    Father:Ed DonellyMother:Susan ConwayOccupation:

    Name:James DonellyDate of Birth:

    Date of Baptism:24-Nov-1828Address:
    Parish/District:ST PATRICK'S, BELFASTGender:MaleCountyCo. Antrim
    Denomination:Roman Catholic
    Father:James DonellyMother:Mary Nand

    The nli R C registers have St Patrick's Belfast records but not for the 1820's!

    Col

    ColCaff, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Wednesday 21st Sep 2016, 03:27AM

  • Thanks for all your efforts Col. I suspect the generation before the two brothers will remain a mystery but it's a great thing that the records give a solid geographical link to Belfast as their home town. I hope to see the place some day.

    Best wishes to you!

    robdon67

    Thursday 22nd Sep 2016, 04:37AM

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