My great grandfather was Michael Woods he was born either 1845 or 1849 depending on the 1901 or 1911 Census,he lived at Cornonagh which is in the Creggan.
I have got both his marriage certificate's saying his father was also Michael but cannot find his birth as don't know his mother's name,the only one that seems to match is a Michael Woods and Ellen Ryan but they are from limerick,a long distance away,I have not got the skills to match and see if it is the same Michael,think he might have spent his childhood in America then came back to Ireland.
Michael married Catherine mcCreech on 21 February 1884 at Castleblayney RC Church,son Michael was born 29 December 1884 died 31 December 1884,Catherine died 5 January 1885.
Michael married Ellen Keenan on 1 June 1886 at Castleblayney RC Church they had 4 Children.
Mary Anne born 25 May 1887,She married a neighbour Patrick Donnelly and had 8 Children,marriage 30 September 1908, she died 28 March 1942 at Daisy Hill hospital Newry.
John born 13 June 1889 died in America 26 December 1969,I think he married Honora O'BRIAN.
James born 1891 died 1891
Patrick born 24 September 1892 died 23 October 1978 married Annie McShane born 13 August 1897 died February 1980 ( My Grandparents)
I know because of the penal law Catholics were not allowed to own property but I found a will from 1900 ( I know my grandparents owned theirs so think it fits.
Bridget Brennan left her farm at Cornonagh to Michael Woods in 1900 probate 11 June 1900 Michael Hearty law clerk,Owen Treanor of Crossmaglen Publican.it was dated 21 July 1898,Bridget Brennan was present at my grandfather's birth so she might be related,some Brennan's were landlords.
