St John Thornhill 1798-1873

I'm curious to know if any-one knows why St John Thornhill, born in Gainsborough Lincolnshire England came to live in Kildorrery from England. He married Elizabeth Courtney in Ballyhay, Co Cork in 1817 at the age of 19.  It appears that St John was christened as a Protestant but converted to Catholicism on his marriage. They had seven children. According to Griffith’s Valuation for 1837 St John was the tenant of three properties owned by the Earl of Kingston and landlord for 11 properties in Kildorrery. He was also the tenant of 2 properties in Farahy.

St John is my great great great great grandfather, related through Mary Clement O'Donnell (born 1904 to Michael and Mary O'Donnell).

Many thanks

Margaret