Hello,
I am researching my great grandfather, Richard Conley, born about 1838 in Ireland, and died 1895 in Cape Girardeau County Missouri. Here are some clues related to Ireland:
- According to Richard's son, Richard's father was a gardener, perhaps around Dublin. In my research, I have found that gardener can refer to a farmer with 5 acres or less.
- Richard's father died and was buried at sea on the way to the United States with his son, probably around 1859.
- Richard seems to have several older sisters (and perhaps an older brother).
- Richard worked in Cape Girardeau County as a miner.
Any clues/next steps are greatly appreciated.
Thanks and blessings,
David Conle
DConley
Thursday 2nd Feb 2023, 12:51AMMessage Board Replies
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David:
The surname could have been Connolly/Connelly in Ireland.
I checked two sites Roots Ireland (subscription) and irishgenealogy.ie (free) and only located one lead in Co. Dublin for a Richard Connolly. Richard Connolly baptized April 28 1834 at St. Paul's church Arran Quay in Dublin. Father was Thomas Connolly and mother Anne Cahil. I could not locate any baptismal records for siblings for this Richard so this may not be your ancestor.
Have you considered a general DNA test to see what close matches you might receive?
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
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Roger,
Thank you for your help. This is a new record for me.
I have taken two DNA tests, one for Ancestry.com, and a 111 marker Y-DNA test through FamilyTreeDNA.com.
The closest Y match is Sean Conolly, 1 step difference at 111 markers. We have yet to find how we connect. Here is the information he sent: The earliest record we have is my great-grandfather John Conolly, born in 1861 and emigrated to the US in 1898-1899, traveling from Wexford -> Manchester -> Southhampton -> New York, on the ship 'Berlin'. We have no information of what area of Ireland he was originally from, but apparently the original spelling was Connolly.
Thanks again,
Dave
DConley