Share This:

Judith Gaffney married James Dowd on November 3, 1859 at Castlerahan and Munterconnaught. This record came from the Catholic Parish register. I'm hoping someone there could take a quick look to determine the names of Judith's parents, so I can climb up one more generation.

Here's some additional information ; Judith had two brothers: Patrick Gaffney (born in abt 1841) and Owen Gaffney (1838-1909). 

What steps do you suggest I take in trying to search for their parents.

Thanks for your assistance and kindness.

With gratitude,

Jerry

J Moe

Wednesday 31st Aug 2022, 03:32PM

Message Board Replies

  • Jerry, The other names on the marriage record are sponsors, not parents.

    Have you looked for Gaffney births at rootsireland.ie? If you could find an Owen, Judith, and Patrick born to the same set of parents, you'd have their names.

    Did this family stay in Ireland? If not, where did they emigrate to?

    Do you know the names of the Dowd children? If there was a second son, he was very likely named for Judith's father.  The second or first daughter would have been named for her mother.

    Patricia

    Wednesday 31st Aug 2022, 03:51PM
  • Thanks for your help. I have come up empty so far on rootsireland.ie in finding baptismal records for Owen, Judith and Patrick. These three stayed in Ireland. It's the next generation where some made it over to America. The Dowds had three children that I'm aware of:

    Patrick 1860

    Bridget 1863

    Mary 1870

    They were baptized in Clare, Crosserlough. I did get these yesterday at rootsireland.

    I appreciate the help.

    J Moe

    Wednesday 31st Aug 2022, 04:34PM
  • Jerry,

    Did  you look at all the US records for the Gaffneys before turning to Irish ones? All the census records, BMD records, church records, wills, obituaries, headstones, etc.?  Often there are clues in those records that make it easier to find your family in Ireland.

    In Irish records, have you looked at BMD records, church records, 1901/11 censuses, wills, Griffiths Valuation, Tithe Applotment Books?

    I hope this is helpful.

    Patricia

    Wednesday 31st Aug 2022, 08:05PM
  • Hi again Jerry,

    I can't find Mary's baptism on rootsireland.  Anyway, why not look at her civil birth record at irishgenealogy.ie?  It might say who was present at the birth and what their relationship to Judith was. If you're lucky, it might be Judith's mother.

    Patricia

    Wednesday 31st Aug 2022, 08:17PM

Post Reply