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I'm looking for information about my great-grandfather Patrick William Burke, his birth parents and their families. I have quite a bit of information from Ancestry, so I'm looking for more local knowledge and records. According to Patrick's death certificate (14 January 1916), Patrick and his parents Jno. Burke and Winifred Burke (nee McDermott) were born in Ireland. Several published death notices indicate that Patrick was born in County Mayo, although this information is speculative at best.

I have a number of other records from Ancestry that indicate Patrick was more likely born in England, perhaps due to his parents emigrating to England during the potato famine. This other information also indicates that Patrick was raised by Winifred and Jno. (or Owen) Gigalon (or Kilgallen). The most likely scenario is that Winifred re-married Gilgalon/Kilgallen. I have a record from Roots Ireland showing their marriage could have occurred in 1855 near Kilbeagh/Charlestown in County Mayo.

There may be other plausible explanations of  Patrick's relationship to the Gilgalons/Kilgallens. One possibility is that both of Patrick's birth parents died and he was raised by the Gilgalons/Killgalens. In any event, Patrick retained his Burke surname throughout his entire life and I'm fairly certain his birth parents were both born in Ireland.

I have personal DNA results from Ancestry that show I have family connections to the Province of Connacht, particularly in the region of Connemara. While this may be attributed in part to my mother's side of my family, the connection is very strong, which suggests this area is very likely where the Burke family lived. 

Any insight is appreciated.

Tom B.

Tuesday 27th Nov 2018, 03:18AM

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  • Tom:

    Welcome to Ireland Reaching Out!

    I looked at the 1856 Griffiths Valuation head of household listing for Kilbeagh civil parish and there was a John Kilgallon in Lurga Lower townland. Lurga Lower is just to the west of Charlestown.   https://www.failteromhat.com/griffiths/mayo/kilbeagh.htm

    The RC church for Charlestown/Kilbeagh is St. James and the baptismal records start in 1855 and marriages in 1845. https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0126  Since the marriage was in Carracastle (five miles to the east of Charlestown) likely Winifred was from that parish. Good number of McDermotts in the area.

    When you look at the Griffiths data for Kilbeagh civil parish, you will also notice a John Burke in Lissymulgee townland. Not sure if there is any connection to your great-grandfather.

    Roger McDonnell

    Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Tuesday 27th Nov 2018, 05:17PM
  • Thank you Roger for the suggestions. I'll be sure to check them out.

    Tom B.

    Wednesday 28th Nov 2018, 01:55AM

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