Hello, I am seeking information about my great, great-grandfather, Bernard Curley. He was born in Athlone and Drum in 1825. He immigrated to the United States on 31 Mar 1849. He sailed on the Patrick Henry, an American ship. I do not know if it was a coffin ship. I am looking for any information on his life in Ireland or in the United States. He served the Union army during the American Civil War. He enlisted in Co. F, of the 66th New York Regiment on November 4, 1861, for three years. I think he was living in New York City at the time. However, he was discharged in 1862 for a "disability." I believe he lost his leg at Antietam. My grandfather told me about his one-legged grandfather working on his farm. My grandfather said his grandfather was a very hard worker. Bernie died n 1899 in Ballston Spa, New York, at the age of 74 and was buried there. Photos will also be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Jeff Cole
JJCole
Saturday 31st Jul 2021, 03:04AMMessage Board Replies
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Jeff:
I searched the subscription site Roots Ireland and found a May 27 1825 baptismal record at the St. Peter's Athlone RC parish for a Bernard Curly. His parents were John Curly and Mary Galvin. Sponsors were Bernard Galvin and Bridget Doolan. If this is the correct family, he had at least three siblings Elizabeth 1820 William 1833 John 1835. No townland shown on the four records.
The parents were married January 25 1819 at St. Peter's Witnesses were William Galvin and Edward Curley likely brothers to the bride and groom. John was shown as living in Carrick. There is a townland in Drum civil parish called Carrickynaghtan. Not sure if this is the location.
Here is a link to the parish register. You may want to scan the register to see if you locate any other sibling baptismal records.
https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0538
There are a number of John Curley baptismal records in St. Peter's in the 1790s. Not sure which may be for your John. There were also two Mary Galvin records in 1797 and 1798.
February 4 1797 father Michael Galvin mother Anne Grogan
February 11 1798 father Charles Galvin and mother Celia Carragal. I think this is the correct record since the family lived in Carrickynaghtan.
Let me know what questions you have. I live in the States so I can't help with pictures.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
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Jeff:
I went back and looked at the John Curley baptismal records in the 1790s in St. Peter's. I found only one with a father Bernard. If the 1825 Bernard was the oldest son and named after his grandfather than this record may be correct for John Curley.
John Curley baptized December 10 1793 father Bernard Curley and mother Bridget McDoony. They lived in Rooskagh which is in St. Peter's civil parish.
Roger
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
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I have much information on Bernard Curley who Jeff Cole inquired of. I hope he sees this as I would be willing to give him my info. most of which is his life here in America. Bernard Curley was my 2nd Grandfather on the paternal side. He organized and commanded the Southern Rifles as a Captain and is mentioned in the book"History of the Doles Cook Brigade , Army of Northern Virginia". I now own the very old photo of him in uniform that is mostly seen of him. My information is that he was born in Ballymacurly Roscommon, Ireland in 1823 and left aboard the Patrick Henry embarking froMy informatiom Liverpool and arrived in NY Mar 31, 1849 along with his wife Mary Ann Reeder. I would like to know more of his origins and his ancestors. I do not find much mention of Ballymacurly. I will be planning a visit soon Thank you for all you do.
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Ballymacurly townlands (there are two-North and South) are in Clonnygormican civil parish and the RC parish is Creggs/Glinsk/Kilbegnet. Records for this parish start in 1836. I did not find a marriage record for Bernard Curley and Mary Ann Reeder.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘