I'm researching Thomas McGeehan, born 12 Nov 1806 in County Donegal. He married Mary Ellen Connor, and their son Edward was born in 1825 in Ireland. Sometime between 1827 and 1829, the family emigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and they ended up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Thomas was a brick layer, and in Pennsylvania he established his own business. After the move to Pennsylvania, they had the following children: John William (born 1835), Mary (Born 1836), Anthony J (born 1841), Catherine (born 1842), and Anastasia (born 1847).
I don't know what caused this family to emigrate, but there was a Hugh McGeehan, a coal miner, in northern Pennsylvania already here at the time of Thomas move. Hugh McGeehan was also from County Donegal. If they are related, that could be a reason for the move.
Thanks!
Kim McGeehan
Kim McGeehan
Thursday 27th Jun 2019, 03:06AMMessage Board Replies
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Kim:
Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!
There are very few RC baptismal and marriage records pre-1850 for Co. Donegal. Just to be sure I did search the subscription site Roots Ireland and there was no baptismal record for Edward McGeehan in Co. Donegal anywhere near 1825.
I looked at the 1857 Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Co. Donegal and there were 87 McGeehan heads of household. The greater majority of these McGeehans were in Lettermacward/Inishkeel/Templecrone parishes in western Donegal. A smaller group were in the eastern part of Donegal in Ramoghy and All Saints parishes. So likely your family came from one of these two area but I would lean towards the first group personally. The family left Ireland for a better opportunity.
Please consider adding your McGeehan family emigration story to our XO Chronicles site and possibly someonew will see a connection, https://irelandxo.com/ireland-xo/history-and-genealogy/ancestor-database
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Thursday 27th Jun 2019, 09:36PM -
Thank you for your quick response. I will get my act together and work to be more of a contributor to this site! Kim
Kim McGeehan
Monday 1st Jul 2019, 01:44PM -
Hi Kim. I am related to this Thomas McGeehan
mvhissom
Wednesday 15th Mar 2023, 08:38PM -
Hi, and thanks for posting. How are you related to Thomas McGeehan and have you been able to find more information about his location in County Donegal? I'm just getting back on the McGeehan part of my research and was pleased to see your post.
Kim
Kim McGeehan
Saturday 6th May 2023, 08:01PM