Bridget Burns : Short Biography

Bridget Burns was born in approximately 1845 and was the second child of Patrick Henry Burns and Ann Mulrooney. It is suspected that she, as well as her parents and siblings were born in the area around the borders of the Civil Parishes of Kilkeevin and Baslic.

Her early years must have been difficult given the "Potato Famine" which began in 1847 and lasted a number of years thereafter. Perhaps it was the principal factor causing the emigration of her family to the United Stated in approximately 1860.

Bridget Burns, who remained behind in Ireland where she married her Thomas Crane in approximately 1862. Specific records provide specific evidence as to their location in Co. Roscommon. It is documented in the civil records that they resided in the PLU of Castlerea, the Civil Parish of Baslic, in the townland of Corlis. Corlis immediately borders the Civil Parish of Kilkeevin. Additionally, the church records of the Tulsk parish (now Ogulla) demonstrate that for several of their children, various Mulrooney family members served as baptism sponsors. Presumably, this demonstrates a close relationship between the Burns and Mulrooney families (e.g. uncles, aunts and/or cousins) A search for the Mulrooneys shows them living in a few different townlands in Kilkeevin, all near the Baslic border. This lends credibility to the fact that Patrick and Ann also originated in this area.

She and Thomas Crane (though we have seen variations on the spelling such as Craine and Crean) raised eight children. It is certain that three of Bridget and Thomas' children, John, Mary Ann and Martin also emigrated to the United States, settling in the New York metropolitan area. It also appears that her son James and daughter Cecilia also relocated to the United States as well. Her other children remained in Ireland on the farm.

Census records for 1901 and 1911 show them residing on the farm in Corlis.

Bridget died in Corlis on 21 May, 1923. At the time she was a widow, Thomas having passed December 8, 1915.