RootsChat.Com
Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Derry (Londonderry) => Topic started by: Jennmbell on Monday 24 June 24 06:57 BST (UK)
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Hello,
I’m searching for information about my great great grandparents Mary Connelly and John Connelly (married in Coleraine in 1912).
It’s a complicated story but it seems that Mary ran away from home when she was 15 so there’s no confirmation of her family name, although some people have mentioned it was Bradley or Macallister but there is no proof. She had several children with John, one of who was my great grandma, Martha Connolly, who married Jamie Spence.
I would like to know if anyone has any real confirmation of Mary’s surname and birthdate. The birthdate mentioned by others searching says 1849 and John was born in 1827.
My great grandma’s birthdate (according to others) was in 1874 and Jamie’s was in 1884. I have the record of James’ but not Martha’s (other people have linked it but the link goes nowhere).This puts her 10 years older than her husband. I’m wondering if this information is in fact correct as I can’t find her in the census if that’s the case. She was a servant and I’ve searched every possible spelling of that name.
Secondly, Martha had 2 illegitimate children (one was Kathleen) and rumor in the family was that it was the master of the house where she worked but I have no information on where she worked to even look into that.
I’ve searched genealogy sites and old newspapers, but I can’t find any leads. I’d really appreciate it if anyone can help!
Thank you in advance!
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Hi Jennmbell
Welcome to RootsChat :)
Did any of these events take place in Scotland? Or are they all related to Ireland?
Monica
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Thanks for responding Monica. These events were all in Northern Ireland (likely all in Londonderry) and they eventually did move to Greenock sometime between 1912 and 1920.
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You have posted on the Dumfriesshire/Scotland board here on RC. I will ask the moderators to move your post to the Londonderry board where hopefully people can help further :)
Have you tried to find Kathleen on the 1921 census in Scotland?
I see also the problem with the link on www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/ to a possible 1912 marriage for Martha to James Spence. Has anyone reported it on the site?
Monica
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Just from the general index on www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk, you would need to buy units to view (costs are reasonable), there is this entry for the family I think in Greenock in 1921:
James Spence 37
Martha Spence 38
Kathleen V A Spence 15
James Spence 13
Doreen Spence 13
Martha Spence 0
There is a birth entry for Doreen in 1918 on SP, the site linked above:
DOREEN SPENCE
Mother's maiden name CONNELLY
1918
564 / 1 / 184
Greenock East
Doreen's birth registration (pay to view as above) should include the date and place of parents' marriage. The same info should show for new born daughter Martha who shows in 1921.
Monica
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I’m searching for information about my great great grandparents Mary Connelly and John Connelly (married in Coleraine in 1912).
Sorry this date doesn't make much sense given the possible range of birth dates
There is a marriage of John Connolly to Mary Ann O'Neil in Coleraine on 10th July 1891 he is listed as a Widower and she as a spinster. Both state they are of "full age". (Added he is a labourer and she a Housekeeper)
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The 1912 date I think should read as the year of their daughter Martha's wedding to James Spence.
The link to their marriage has been wrongly linked to another couple's marriage, see www.rootschat.com/links/01t98/ (link shrunk from https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie )
Monica
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I thought this 1901 census entry in Coleraine might fit for Martha www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai000605628/
Her age of 19 here would fit better with the age showing for her on the 1921 Scottish census where she showed as aged 38. So, birth year 1881-3?
1911 census in Ireland, you would expect, seems illusive so far :-\
Monica
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1911 possibilities ;)
I think Martha looks to have been working away from home on the 1911 census, whilst daughter Kathleen and son James were being taken care of by her mother Mary. Both entries in Coleraine:
Kathleen and James - www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002807848/
Martha - www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002805382/
Worth noting that mother Mary on that first entry is showing both as a widow and having been only married for 10 years, with 6 living children resulting from the marriage.
Monica
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There is a son to Mary showing on the 1911 census, Samuel born in the 1870s.
I think this is his birth registration. Mother Mary is showing here with the maiden surname of Braddly (Bradley, and other variants). See https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1878/02981/2092052.pdf
Monica
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Samuel's birth posted above-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1878/02981/2092052.pdf
Just to note that the informant, Mary Law, was a local midwife. There were Conleys in Glenleary townland at least as far back as 1832 when Peggy Conolly, daughter of Joseph and Martha of Glenleary, was baptised on the 19th September in Macosquin Presbyterian Church (also known locally as Englishtown).
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Has this been posted yet?
Martha Jane Conley, parents John and Mary (Braddly), born at Glenleary-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1878/02981/2092052.pdf
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John Connelly age 35 died at Glenleary-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1882/06395/4836600.pdf
Mary Conley is listed in 1901 census as married 10 years, so perhaps married c1872?
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Knockantern/Spittle_Hill/590489/
Sure enough, married 1872 at Coleraine Registry Office. His residence Glenleary and hers Bushtown. Both 'full age' which may or may not be accurate-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1872/11305/8147752.pdf
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Going through my files and online sources and have found lots more information and some of it might be quite a surprise. Still typing it up and will post later.
I see also the problem with the link on www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/ to a possible 1912 marriage for Martha to James Spence. Has anyone reported it on the site?
Not sure what the problem mentioned is but I was able to bring up the marriage without any bother-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1912/09918/5605139.pdf
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There certainly was a problem up to yesterday with that link taking you to another couple's marriage.
I did report the problem yesterday on site. Blown away if it has been corrected that quickly!
Monica
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Really pleased you came across this thread, aghadowey! Thought you would be a big help on it ;)
Monica
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There certainly was a problem up to yesterday with that link taking you to another couple's marriage.
I did report the problem yesterday on site. Blown away if it has been corrected that quickly!
Monica
Wonder if it was the way we searched? I used James Spence and the year to find it since so many possible spellings of Conley. I would be very shocked if they fixed anything that quickly as I've been reporting problems there for years and still find they haven't fixed transcriptions or links.
First of all, I'm pretty sure I found the online tree OP mentioned and can;t see how on earth it was put together. In many cases the sources are clearly given yet the details are ignored and wrong information is put instead.
One example is the birth of Martha Jane Conley. Tree says she was born at Glenleary on 30 May 1874 (correct) "Daughter of John Conley and Mary Elizabeth (MacAlister) Conley" when her birth registration clearly show her parents as John Conley & Mary Braddly [Bradley]
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Conley-426
The information listed for her father John Conley is just as bizarre. Says he was before 25 Feb.1827 and died 17 July 1882. This would make him about 55 when he was born. However, the death registration clearly says he was 35 years old (born c1847). Unfortunately there is a gap 1840s/1850s in baptismal register for Macosquin Presbyterian Church.
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Conley-422
There seems, for some strange reason to be uncertainty for Mary Brandley's maiden name with it being listed as McAllister (even though the marriage registration and children's births call her Bradley). It possibly stems from certificate for marriage of John Connelly & Sarah Jane Elliott- his parents John Connelly & Mary Bradley and her parents John Elliott & Mary McAllister.
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Not sure how many posts this will be broken up into and it's late here so to start with-
John Conley (c1847-17 July 1882 Glenleary) m.(1872 Coleraine Registry Office) Mary Bradley (c1847-21 Mar.1920 Spittal Hill, Coleraine).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1872/11305/8147752.pdf
I thought that Mary was likely Catholic and the Conleys were Presbyterian so that might be one reason for a registry office wedding. However, although the ceremony was performed by the Deputy registrar, Rev. James Patrick also attended which is interesting because Rev. Patrick was, at that time, minister of Dromore O.S. Presbyterian Church. Dromore, which was recently sold, is just along the road from Macosquin Presbyterian but the two belonged to different Synods and it's unlike the minister of Dromore would have been involved unless one or both of the parties belonged to his congregation.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1882/06395/4836600.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Londonderry/Somerset/Glenleary/1516907/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Knockantern/Spittle_Hill/590489/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1920/05133/4413592.pdf
Children of John & Mary (more details on each later)-
1. Thomas Conley (31 July 1872 Bushtown)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1872/03240/2186998.pdf
2. Martha Jane Conley (30 May 1874 Glenleary)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1874/03153/2156349.pdf
3. John Conley (c1875)
4. Samuel “Sam” Conley (25 Feb.1878 Glenleary)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1878/02981/2092052.pdf
5. Jane “Jeannie” Conley (c1879? Co.Derry)
6. James Conley (24 June 1880 Glenleary)
ttps://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1880/02866/2049872.pdf
Up to now everything is fairly straightforward and 6 children agrees with what Mary filled out in 1911 census.
John Conley died in 1882 leaving Mary with a young family. Then Mary has two more children-
7. Catherine Conley (8 July 1885 Glenleary)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1885/02639/1972930.pdf
8. Alfred Lawrence Conley (11 May 1892 Park, Bushmills, Co.Antrim)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1892/02351/1878699.pdf
Note: I'm sticking to Conley as the spelling of the surname although various others were used at different times.
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Samuel “Sam” Conley (born 1878) m.(11 July 1914 Coleraine Registry Office) Isabella Spallin.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1914/09855/5578787.pdf
? https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/186173312/samuel_conley
1. Samuel Conley (27 Aug.1909 Carnaboy).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1909/01606/1644726.pdf
2. Alfred Conley (29 Aug.1914 Blaugh).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1914/01397/1574854.pdf
James Conley (born 1880, died 19 Feb.1964) m.(4 June 1908 Ballyrashane COI) Jemima Bell.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1908/10053/5656164.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Knockantern/Spittle_Hill/590493/
Children:
1. Anna Mary Conley (25 June 1908 Spittal Hill, Coleraine)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1908/01648/1658075.pdf
? https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/189318027/anna-mary-simpson
2. John Conley (1 Oct.1909 Spittal Hill, Coleraine)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1909/01596/1641369.pdf
The last two children-
Catherine Conley (born 1885) was alive in 1901 but haven't found her after that yet.
Alfred Lawrence Conley (born 1892) m.(16 Nov.1917 Coleraine Registry Office) Minnie Lafferty.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1917/09759/5541858.pdf
Mid-Ulster Mail [Cookstown], 23 June 1934: … Alfred Connolly, of Spittal Hill, Coleraine, was charged with driving to the danger of the public. …
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I do have lots more details, much of what corrects the errors on two different sites, but will not bother posting anymore until Jennmbell has commented (she has been online several times but what I've posted so far is a lot to take in).
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1911 possibilities ;)
I think Martha looks to have been working away from home on the 1911 census, whilst daughter Kathleen and son James were being taken care of by her mother Mary. Both entries in Coleraine:
Kathleen and James - www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002807848/
Martha - www.census.nationalarchives.ie/reels/nai002805382/
Worth noting that mother Mary on that first entry is showing both as a widow and having been only married for 10 years, with 6 living children resulting from the marriage.
Monica
I’m blown away Monica, thank you for all your effort and research! I think that is her in the 1901 census in the Cameron household! This has given me a lead, thank you so much! Mary was only married for 10 years as John died from either tuberculosis or diphtheria. Very sad. I’m still reading your posts, I am so grateful 🙏🏼❤️
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Going through my files and online sources and have found lots more information and some of it might be quite a surprise. Still typing it up and will post later.
I see also the problem with the link on www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/ to a possible 1912 marriage for Martha to James Spence. Has anyone reported it on the site?
Not sure what the problem mentioned is but I was able to bring up the marriage without any bother-
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1912/09918/5605139.pdf
I am so grateful for the information you’re posting, thank you much. Please do post what else you found! You are amazing, thank you so much ❤️
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I do have lots more details, much of what corrects the errors on two different sites, but will not bother posting anymore until Jennmbell has commented (she has been online several times but what I've posted so far is a lot to take in).
Please do send more details! And please know that I am so grateful. I’m going to search the lead of Martha at the Cameron house. I wonder if one of the adult males there was the father of Kathleen and Tom. It’s such a shame the family didn’t pass the stories down. Everyone was so scared of bringing shame to the family because of the illegitimate births. Very sad for them. It must have been a rough life.
Also thank you for posting the Scotlands People census. I’m couldn’t find them there. I’m can’t remember if that was you or Monica. I am so grateful for both of you and the efforts you went to. God bless you!
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There certainly was a problem up to yesterday with that link taking you to another couple's marriage.
I did report the problem yesterday on site. Blown away if it has been corrected that quickly!
Monica
Wonder if it was the way we searched? I used James Spence and the year to find it since so many possible spellings of Conley. I would be very shocked if they fixed anything that quickly as I've been reporting problems there for years and still find they haven't fixed transcriptions or links.
First of all, I'm pretty sure I found the online tree OP mentioned and can;t see how on earth it was put together. In many cases the sources are clearly given yet the details are ignored and wrong information is put instead.
One example is the birth of Martha Jane Conley. Tree says she was born at Glenleary on 30 May 1874 (correct) "Daughter of John Conley and Mary Elizabeth (MacAlister) Conley" when her birth registration clearly show her parents as John Conley & Mary Braddly [Bradley]
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Conley-426
The information listed for her father John Conley is just as bizarre. Says he was before 25 Feb.1827 and died 17 July 1882. This would make him about 55 when he was born. However, the death registration clearly says he was 35 years old (born c1847). Unfortunately there is a gap 1840s/1850s in baptismal register for Macosquin Presbyterian Church.
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Conley-422
There seems, for some strange reason to be uncertainty for Mary Brandley's maiden name with it being listed as McAllister (even though the marriage registration and children's births call her Bradley). It possibly stems from certificate for marriage of John Connelly & Sarah Jane Elliott- his parents John Connelly & Mary Bradley and her parents John Elliott & Mary McAllister.
You are right! Martha and Mary’s entries were originally done by Tom’s decendents and I think they got more family info than I did because they seemed to think Mary’s maiden name was Macallister but I couldn’t find any confirmation of that. All I know is that she ran away from home at age 15 and that my great grandma, Martha, had 2 illegitimate children to a master of the house she was working in. As you mentioned, I couldn’t find her in the 1911 census either, which I couldn’t understand. I was trying to find her in jail records, workhouse registers, and old newspaper entries, but I can’t. I created my family tree on Wiki too and linked to Tom’s one of Martha and Mary because we worked out he is a distant family member of my grandma’s half sister, but there are inconsistencies that I wanted to clear up.
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Good to have you back :)
Over to aghadowey now for further details ;)
Monica
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You have posted on the Dumfriesshire/Scotland board here on RC. I will ask the moderators to move your post to the Londonderry board where hopefully people can help further :)
Have you tried to find Kathleen on the 1921 census in Scotland?
I see also the problem with the link on www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/ to a possible 1912 marriage for Martha to James Spence. Has anyone reported it on the site?
Monica
Woops! I didn’t realize I was posting it on the Dumfriesshire thread, that was a mistake.
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Good to have you back :)
Over to aghadowey now for further details ;)
Monica
I’m forever grateful to you both 🙏🏼
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There are lots of inconsistencies in the Wikitree but also lots of valuable information, along with family photos and stories. I can still remember Annie Conley and her daughter Josie coming to our house and especially Josie talking about her wee daughter Karen who died of leukemia when she was only five. Little did I know then that about 15 years later my youngest daughter would also be diagnosed with a blood cancer but thankfully medical treatments have advanced greatly over the years.
I don't think illegitimacy would have bothered the family that much. Depending who the father was it might have been quite widely known and sometimes the child would have used their father's surname or would be noted in birth or baptismal records. Also, Martha would have been in her 30s by the time Kathleen and James were born and those two were not the first illegitimate ones in the family.
Will probably leave Thomas Conley's family until last because he had so many children (11, I think).
There are a few births I can't find still and some thing I want to re-check but here's a bit more ...
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Jane “Jeannie” Conley (c1879? Co.Derry-26 Mar.1947 hospital) m.(28 Feb.1906 Terrace Row Presby-terian Church, Coleraine) Frederick Wilcox (c1886 Eng.-7 May 1971 Cullentra, Rathdrum, Co.Dublin), gamekeeper.
I haven't found her birth registration yet. She might, I think, be born a bit earlier than she stated (perhaps because husband was younger).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1906/10113/5679583.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Donegal/Cranford/Rowross/504405/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1947/04591/4215243.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1971/04130/4048332.pdf
1. James Mains Hemphill (13 June 1898 Park, Bushmills, Co.Antrim-aft.1911).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1897/02132/1809915.pdf
1901 and 1911- with grandmother Mary Conley (name given as James Hemphill).
That Wikitree has really messed this bit up as Jane was NOT married to a Mr. Hemphill, etc.
2. Ada Mary Wilcox (1 Sept.1906 Ballywillan, Portstewart dist.) m.(12 Feb.1933 Rathgar R.C. Church, Dublin) Christopher Rackley.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1906/01733/1684945.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1933/08975/5248294.pdf
3. Annie Wilcox (31 Oct.1907 Mulroy, Milford, Donegal).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1907/01677/1667075.pdf
4. Ellen Wilcox (22 Feb.1910 Mulroy, Milford, Donegal).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1910/01582/1636966.pdf
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There are lots of inconsistencies in the Wikitree but also lots of valuable information, along with family photos and stories. I can still remember Annie Conley and her daughter Josie coming to our house and especially Josie talking about her wee daughter Karen who died of leukemia when she was only five. Little did I know then that about 15 years later my youngest daughter would also be diagnosed with a blood cancer but thankfully medical treatments have advanced greatly over the years.
I don't think illegitimacy would have bothered the family that much. Depending who the father was it might have been quite widely known and sometimes the child would have used their father's surname or would be noted in birth or baptismal records. Also, Martha would have been in her 30s by the time Kathleen and James were born and those two were not the first illegitimate ones in the family.
Will probably leave Thomas Conley's family until last because he had so many children (11, I think).
There are a few births I can't find still and some thing I want to re-check but here's a bit more ...
I’m sorry to hear about your wee one but I’m glad she is ok.
My grandma wouldn’t talk about how her mum had Doreen and Tom before she met her dad. My mum said Scotland was very conservative back when she was young and there was a lot of shame in illegitimate births (at least in my family). So mum didn’t get much information about it.
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Jane “Jeannie” Conley (c1879? Co.Derry-26 Mar.1947 hospital) m.(28 Feb.1906 Terrace Row Presby-terian Church, Coleraine) Frederick Wilcox (c1886 Eng.-7 May 1971 Cullentra, Rathdrum, Co.Dublin), gamekeeper.
I haven't found her birth registration yet. She might, I think, be born a bit earlier than she stated (perhaps because husband was younger).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1906/10113/5679583.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Donegal/Cranford/Rowross/504405/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1947/04591/4215243.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1971/04130/4048332.pdf
1. James Mains Hemphill (13 June 1898 Park, Bushmills, Co.Antrim-aft.1911).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1897/02132/1809915.pdf
1901 and 1911- with grandmother Mary Conley (name given as James Hemphill).
That Wikitree has really messed this bit up as Jane was NOT married to a Mr. Hemphill, etc.
2. Ada Mary Wilcox (1 Sept.1906 Ballywillan, Portstewart dist.) m.(12 Feb.1933 Rathgar R.C. Church, Dublin) Christopher Rackley.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1906/01733/1684945.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1933/08975/5248294.pdf
3. Annie Wilcox (31 Oct.1907 Mulroy, Milford, Donegal).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1907/01677/1667075.pdf
4. Ellen Wilcox (22 Feb.1910 Mulroy, Milford, Donegal).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1910/01582/1636966.pdf
Are you a genealogist? You’re amazing at this!
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John Conley (c1875-aft.1911), engine driver, m.(17 Nov.1899 Anderston, Glasgow) Sarah Elliott (c1877-28 May 1906 Brook St., Coleraine).
His birth registration also not found yet.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1906/05564/4562407.pdf
1. Mary McAlister Conley (c1900 Scot.) m.(22 Sept.1920 Crossgar Presbyterian Church) William Lawrence.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Drumcroon/Drumcroon/652400/ (with O’Neill relatives)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1920/09267/5354955.pdf
a. Mary Elizabeth Lawrence (23 July 1921 New Row, Coleraine).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1921/01178/1491198.pdf
2. Sarah Jane Conley (30 Aug.1901 Partick, Scot.-aft.1911).
3. John Conley (26 June 1903 Macleary).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1903/01862/1725487.pdf
4. Samuel Conley (31 Oct.1904 Brook St., Coleraine-aft.1911).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1904/01809/1708674.pdf
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I'm not finished with Martha yet but I know she's the one you are really interested in so here's rough draft which hopefully I can add to later.
Martha Jane Conley (30 May 1874 Glenleary) m.(24 July 1912 Portrush Presbyterian Church) James Spence (c1884?).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1874/03153/2156349.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1912/09918/5605139.pdf
1. Kathleen Mary Conley (23 Apr.1906 Spittal Hill, Coleraine-aft.1921).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1906/01744/1688566.pdf
2. James Conley (c1908 Co.Derry-aft.1921).
Can’t find birth registration yet.
3. Doreen Spence (c1918 Greenock-aft.1921).
4. Martha Spence (c1921 Scot.).
I have more places to search so haven't finished this bit but got sidetracked tracing her cousins.
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I'm not finished with Martha yet but I know she's the one you are really interested in so here's rough draft which hopefully I can add to later.
Martha Jane Conley (30 May 1874 Glenleary) m.(24 July 1912 Portrush Presbyterian Church) James Spence (c1884?).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1874/03153/2156349.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1912/09918/5605139.pdf
1. Kathleen Mary Conley (23 Apr.1906 Spittal Hill, Coleraine-aft.1921).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1906/01744/1688566.pdf
2. James Conley (c1908 Co.Derry-aft.1921).
Can’t find birth registration yet.
3. Doreen Spence (c1918 Greenock-aft.1921).
4. Martha Spence (c1921 Scot.).
I have more places to search so haven't finished this bit but got sidetracked tracing her cousins.
Thank you! Yes. I just really want to track down a story about the births pre marriage and Mary’s true maiden name and, hopefully learn why she ran away from home. I have a subscription to the British Newspaper Archive so I’ve trawling through articles there.
Martha Spence was my grandma 🥰 She married my grandad, Adam Mcnee.
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Now Thomas (sigh)-
Thomas Conley (born 1872 Bushtown-26 Aug.1953 Cullyvenny) m.(12 Oct.1897 Macosquin Presbyterian Church) Jane Allen (c1881-1943).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1872/03240/2186998.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1897/10469/5812396.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Londonderry/Drumcroon/Dromore/1516522/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Londonderry/Somerset/Coolyvenny/587858/
1. Mary Conley (1898) m.(1919) Robert Harbinson.
2. John Conley (1900) m.(1925) Annie Lynn Gordon.
3. Samuel James Conley (1903) m.(1924) Annie Matilda Woods.
4. Robert Henry Conley (1905) m. Mary Moffatt.
5. Eliza Jane Conley (1907 Cullyvenny) m. John McKee.
6. Thomas Conley (5 Dec.1909 Cullyvenny-9 May 1910 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1909/01596/1641366.pdf
Bapt. 8 Feb.1910 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Thomas, parents- Thomas Connelly & Jeannie Allen, born 5 Dec.1909.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1910/05431/4518412.pdf
7. Martha Conley (born & died 11 Apr.1911 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1911/01533/1621266.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1911/05398/4507631.pdf
8. Joseph Conley (born & died 20 Dec.1913 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1914/01425/1584752.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1914/05313/4478558.pdf
9. Margaret Conley (15 Mar.1915 Cullyvenny-25 Mar.1915 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1915/01382/1568285.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1915/05275/4464841.pdf
10. David Conley (born & died 18 Apr.1916 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1916/01346/1555747.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1916/05246/4454163.pdf
11. Hugh Conley (20 July 1917 Cullyvenny-21 July 1917 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1917/01306/1540380.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1917/05210/4440645.pdf
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Thank you! Yes. I just really want to track down a story about the births pre marriage and Mary’s true maiden name and, hopefully learn why she ran away from home. I have a subscription to the British Newspaper Archive so I’ve trawling through articles there.
Not a lot in online newspapers when I searched. There's no doubt Mary's maiden name was Bradley. I think the confusion with McAllister comes from marriage certificate of John Conley & Sarah Jane Elliott which, in the Scottish custom, lists both sets of parents.
I suspect Mary Bradley was Catholic her marriage to John Conley might explain estrangement from her family although she could have stopped having much contact with them even before she married. In an case, she was in her 20s when she and John married.
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Back to Thomas Conley's family-
Mary Conley (19 Nov.1898 Gills) m.(2 July 1919 Macosquin Presbyterian Church) Robert Harbinson.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1898/02066/1789319.pdf
Bapt. 23 May 1899 Macosquin Presbyterian Church. Mary, parents- Thomas Connelly & Jeannie Allen, born 19 Nov.1899
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/marriage_returns/marriages_1919/09681/5511224.pdf
1. Sarah Jane Conley (25 Mar.1918 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1918/01291/1534709.pdf
Bapt. 27 July 1920 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Sarh Jane, illegitimate, mother Mary Connelly, born 25 Mar.1918.
2. Thomas John Harbinson (16 Nov.1919 Cullyvenny).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1919/01234/1513574.pdf
Bapt. 27 July 1919 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Thomas John, parents- Robert Harbinson & Mary Connelly, born 16 Nov.1919.
3. Mary Elizabeth Harbinson (3 July 1921 Managher).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1921/01187/1494315.pdf
Bapt. Oct.? 1921 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Mary Elizabeth, parents- Robert Harbinson & Mary Connelly, born June? 1921. Note: birth registered in the district of Aghadowey.
4. Robert Henry Harbinson (30 Sept.1923).
Bapt. 12 Dec.1923 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Robert Henry, parents- Robert Harbinson & Mary Connelly, born 30 Sept.1923.
5. Samuel James Conley Harbinson (25 Mar.1925),
Bapt 7 June 1925 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Samuel James Conley, parents- Robert Harbinson & Mary Conley, born 25 Mar.1925.
John Conley (22 Dec.1900 Dromore-23 July 1969) m.(30 Sept.1925 Coleraine Baptist Church) Annie Lynn Gordon (28 Apr.1903 Craggan Place, Motherwell, Scotland-3 Jan.1998 Coleraine Hospital).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1901/01969/1759041.pdf
Bapt. 10 May 1901 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, John, parents- Thomas Conley & Jeannie Allen, born 23 Dec.1900
CONLEY- 3rd January, 1998 (peacefully) at Coleraine Hospital, Annie (in her 95th year), beloved wife of the late John Conley, late of 9 Brook Green Bungalows (and formerly of Windyhall and Upper Main Street, Garvagh), dearly loved mother of Josie, Jack (South Africa), and the late Anne, mother-in-law of Maureen and Hamilton. Funeral service in Brook Street Gospel Hall tomorrow (Thursday) at 1 p.m., and afterwards to Aghadowey Presbyterian Churchyard (via Greenhill Road). By request family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired to Northern Ireland Leukemia Research Fund (North West Branch) and Combat Cancer, c/o Mr. A.H. Clyde, 85 Main Street, Garvagh, BT515AB. “With Christ which is far better.” Very deeply regretted and sadly missed by all the family circle.
Note: another notice lists grandchildren.
1. Josephine “Josie” Conley (d.24 Mar.2006)- family.
2. Anne Conley (2 July 1938-1 July 1990)- family.
3. John “Jackie” Conley, South Africa.
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Samuel James Conley (21 June 1903 Dromore-3 Oct.1955 Ballylintagh) m.(19 Nov.1924 Killaig Presbyterian Church) Annie Matilda Woods (d.9 Feb.1975 Ballylintagh).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1903/01862/1725486.pdf
Bapt. 22 Feb1905 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Samuel James, parents- Thomas Connelly & Jeannie Allen, born 21 June 1903.
Belfast Newsletter, 4 Oct.1955: CONLEY- October 3, 1955, at his residence, Ballylintagh, Coleraine, Samuel James, beloved husband …
Belfast Newsletter, 11 Feb.1975: CONLEY- February 9, 1975, at home, 30 Ballylintagh Road, Coleraine, Annie Matilda, beloved wife of the late Samuel James Conley. Funeral today (Tuesday), at 2 p.m., to Macosquin Presbyterian Churchyard. House private. Deeply …
1. Sarah Jane Conley (14 Aug.1925).
Bapt. 29 Nov.1925 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Sarah Jane, parents- Samuel J. Conley & Annie Matilda Woods, born 14 Aug.1925.
Cullyvenny School: Sadie Conley, Ballylintagh, born 10 July 1925, enrolled 23 July 1930, Pres., labourer.
2. Mary Elizabeth Conley (26 June 1927-d.y.? 1928?).
Bapt. 30 Apr.1928 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Mary Elizabeth, parents- Samuel Conley & Annie Woods, born 26 June 1927.
3. Samuel James “Jim” Conley (6 Oct.1929), Australia.
Bapt. 10 Dec.1930 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, parents- Samuel James Conley & Annie Woods, born 6 Oct.1929.
Cullyvenny School: Jim Conley, Ballylintagh, born 3 Oct.1929, enrolled 20 Nov.1934, Presb., labourer.
4. John Conley (16 Apr.1931-23 July 1974 Garvagh), creamery worker, m.(9 Jan.1958 Ballyclabber R.P. Church) Matilda Archibald (8 Nov.1930-17 Jan.1986)- family.
Bapt. 18 Jan.1933 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, John, parents- Samuel J. Conley & Annie Woods, born 16 Apr.1931.
Cullyvenny School: John Conley, Ballylintagh, born 16 Aptr.1931, enrolled 28 Apr.1936, Presb., labourer.
Also 3 daughters born 1933-1938 (at least one still alive so details not posted)
Robert Henry Conley (4 Oct.1905 Managher-16 July 1964) m. Mary “Minnie” Moffatt (4 Feb.1900-23 Aug.1988 Portrush).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1905/01766/1695198.pdf
Bapt.29 Jan.1907 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Robert Henry, parents- Thomas Connelly & Jane Allen, born 4 Oct.1905.
1. Robert James Moffatt Conley (1927-21 Sept.1987 Portrush).
Bapt. 20 Mar.1928 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Robert James Moffatt, parents- Robert Henry Conley & Minnie Moffatt, born 8 July 1927.
Eliza Jane Conley (25 Dec.1907 Cullyvenny) m. John McKee
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1908/01670/1664926.pdf
Bapt. 11 Oct.1908 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Lizzie Jane, parents- Thomas Connally & Jane Allen, born 25 Dec.1907.
1. Thomas Conley (16 Oct.1924-23 Dec.1944 Italy) m. Mary.
Bapt. 7 June 1925 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Thomas, illegitimate, mother- Elizabeth Jane Conley, born 16 Oct.1924.
https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/1715556/thomas-conley/
Also a daughter & 2 other sons (father John McKee) born 1931-1938.
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Samuel James Conley (21 June 1903 Dromore-3 Oct.1955 Ballylintagh) m.(19 Nov.1924 Killaig Presbyterian Church) Annie Matilda Woods (d.9 Feb.1975 Ballylintagh).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1903/01862/1725486.pdf
Bapt. 22 Feb1905 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Samuel James, parents- Thomas Connelly & Jeannie Allen, born 21 June 1903.
Belfast Newsletter, 4 Oct.1955: CONLEY- October 3, 1955, at his residence, Ballylintagh, Coleraine, Samuel James, beloved husband …
Belfast Newsletter, 11 Feb.1975: CONLEY- February 9, 1975, at home, 30 Ballylintagh Road, Coleraine, Annie Matilda, beloved wife of the late Samuel James Conley. Funeral today (Tuesday), at 2 p.m., to Macosquin Presbyterian Churchyard. House private. Deeply …
1. Sarah Jane Conley (14 Aug.1925).
Bapt. 29 Nov.1925 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Sarah Jane, parents- Samuel J. Conley & Annie Matilda Woods, born 14 Aug.1925.
Cullyvenny School: Sadie Conley, Ballylintagh, born 10 July 1925, enrolled 23 July 1930, Pres., labourer.
2. Mary Elizabeth Conley (26 June 1927-d.y.? 1928?).
Bapt. 30 Apr.1928 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Mary Elizabeth, parents- Samuel Conley & Annie Woods, born 26 June 1927.
3. Samuel James “Jim” Conley (6 Oct.1929), Australia.
Bapt. 10 Dec.1930 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, parents- Samuel James Conley & Annie Woods, born 6 Oct.1929.
Cullyvenny School: Jim Conley, Ballylintagh, born 3 Oct.1929, enrolled 20 Nov.1934, Presb., labourer.
4. John Conley (16 Apr.1931-23 July 1974 Garvagh), creamery worker, m.(9 Jan.1958 Ballyclabber R.P. Church) Matilda Archibald (8 Nov.1930-17 Jan.1986)- family.
Bapt. 18 Jan.1933 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, John, parents- Samuel J. Conley & Annie Woods, born 16 Apr.1931.
Cullyvenny School: John Conley, Ballylintagh, born 16 Aptr.1931, enrolled 28 Apr.1936, Presb., labourer.
Also 3 daughters born 1933-1938 (at least one still alive so details not posted)
Robert Henry Conley (4 Oct.1905 Managher-16 July 1964) m. Mary “Minnie” Moffatt (4 Feb.1900-23 Aug.1988 Portrush).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1905/01766/1695198.pdf
Bapt.29 Jan.1907 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Robert Henry, parents- Thomas Connelly & Jane Allen, born 4 Oct.1905.
1. Robert James Moffatt Conley (1927-21 Sept.1987 Portrush).
Bapt. 20 Mar.1928 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Robert James Moffatt, parents- Robert Henry Conley & Minnie Moffatt, born 8 July 1927.
Eliza Jane Conley (25 Dec.1907 Cullyvenny) m. John McKee
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1908/01670/1664926.pdf
Bapt. 11 Oct.1908 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Lizzie Jane, parents- Thomas Connally & Jane Allen, born 25 Dec.1907.
1. Thomas Conley (16 Oct.1924-23 Dec.1944 Italy) m. Mary.
Bapt. 7 June 1925 Macosquin Presbyterian Church, Thomas, illegitimate, mother- Elizabeth Jane Conley, born 16 Oct.1924.
https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/1715556/thomas-conley/
Also a daughter & 2 other sons (father John McKee) born 1931-1938.
Wow, I’m blown away. Thank you so much for your effort. This has given me a lot more than I had!! Thank you so much. I’m going to go and look in to some of these leads. As far as I understand, Mary ran away from home when she was 15. I can’t imagine what her life must’ve been like and how hard things must’ve been for her to go out into the bad world at that young age. Thanks re the confirmation of Bradley, I’ll go down that rabbit hole today!
You are amazing, thanks again ❤️
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Mary probably had left school by the age of 14 and been out working away from home which might explain the story about running away. According to the marriage registration her father was Lawrence Bradley. I did have a quick look for deaths in Coleraine R.D. but didn't see anything promising. Ballymoney. Ballycastle, Limavady/Newtownlimavady all worth checking further.
If the Bradleys were Catholic, as I suspect, them thee might be further records online once the area is narrowed down.
https://registers.nli.ie/
I did search through records of Cullyvenny School and noted them in above posts. I need to check the Collins School register but it's gone missing (somewhere in my office or room next door). I also went through the records I have for Macosquin Presbyterian, Crossgar Presbyterian, Killaig Presbyterian, Aghadowey Presbyterian and St. Guaire's COI. Also death letters, notes for the Ironmongers' Company and other misc. resources.
Next step would be to look for records in the Coleraine churches (starting with New Row, Terrace Row and 1st Coleraine Presbyterian and St. Patrick's COI). Both PRONI and Coleraine Library have these microfilmed. I think the NIFHS Causeway Branch might have all or most of these transcribed for their members to view.
One record I am very keen to find is the birth for Martha Conley's son James (c1908 in Co. Derry according to census). If Martha lists a different residence than Spittal Hill it could be an important lead.
I'm also still working on information on Martha's cousins which has proved to explain a connection I have been researching.
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Forgot to mention graveyards- Macosquin and Dromore Presbyterian could both have headstones for the family (certainly in Macosquin Presbyterian). Already checked graveyard records for St. Guaire's COI and Aghadowey and Crossgar Presbyterian Churches.
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Made enquires and NIFHS Causeway Branch do have St. Patrick's COI records transcribed and are working on transcribing the other Coleraine churches.
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Mary probably had left school by the age of 14 and been out working away from home which might explain the story about running away. According to the marriage registration her father was Lawrence Bradley. I did have a quick look for deaths in Coleraine R.D. but didn't see anything promising. Ballymoney. Ballycastle, Limavady/Newtownlimavady all worth checking further.
If the Bradleys were Catholic, as I suspect, them thee might be further records online once the area is narrowed down.
https://registers.nli.ie/
I did search through records of Cullyvenny School and noted them in above posts. I need to check the Collins School register but it's gone missing (somewhere in my office or room next door). I also went through the records I have for Macosquin Presbyterian, Crossgar Presbyterian, Killaig Presbyterian, Aghadowey Presbyterian and St. Guaire's COI. Also death letters, notes for the Ironmongers' Company and other misc. resources.
Next step would be to look for records in the Coleraine churches (starting with New Row, Terrace Row and 1st Coleraine Presbyterian and St. Patrick's COI). Both PRONI and Coleraine Library have these microfilmed. I think the NIFHS Causeway Branch might have all or most of these transcribed for their members to view.
One record I am very keen to find is the birth for Martha Conley's son James (c1908 in Co. Derry according to census). If Martha lists a different residence than Spittal Hill it could be an important lead.
I'm also still working on information on Martha's cousins which has proved to explain a connection I have been researching.
You’re amazing! I am blown away and so grateful! I’ve been searching the ‘Lawrence Bradley’ lead for a while and I did find a family in the census, a Lawrence who was a farmer, but I couldn’t find a birth record for a Mary Elizabeth Bradley. I have also found many mentions of Mary and John Connollys in old Derry papers.
I’m sure there’s an interesting story here and I’m determined to find it! I was over the moon last week because I found the story of my other great great grandad who suffered a very tragic death, so I’m not giving up hope 😊
I really appreciate your research ❤️
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In all the records I found I can't think of one instance where Mary was Mary Elizabeth.
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I'm delighted to find all this information on these families; thanks to Aghadowey and Monica for their helpful posts. My interest is in the marriage of Thomas Conley and Jeanie Allen in 1897. Jeanie was either a sister or a half sister of my great grandmother Isabella Allen. So Thomas and Jeanie's children are my first cousins twice removed, or half first cousins. We don't know if Isabella and Jeanie had the same father; both were illegitimate. I am in touch with a descendant of Jeanie', with whom I share DNA; I'll have to try and figure out if the amount of cM suggests half-sisters.
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Hi All
Thanks for all the great info here. My grandmother was Catherine Conley (or Connoly) Mary Conley's sixth child.
I'd like to say I had lots of family information but I don't, virtually everything I have picked up is from the various geneology sites.
From what I can determine Martha & James Spence, Catherine Connoly & James Conley or Hemphill (Jeannie's son) must have moved to Greenock sometime after Martha & James wedding in 1912 & before or during 1915.
The 1921 Scotland Census lists Martha's son Jas aged 13 & having been born in Belfast, if we can rely in this information, it has my grandmother as Kathleen & born in Renfrewshire, then I think his birth certificate might be found here.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1908/01669/1664689.pdf
There is no giiven name & from what I can gather 51 Lisburn road was a Workhouse and Infirmary and maternity hospital but I'm sure you will have much more accurate information than me.
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Welcome to Rootschat :)
It's hard to know if the Belfast birth is for the correct James as earlier census in Ireland says born Co. Derry (although I was unable to find the certificate in Coleraine or surrounding area).
Have you done DNA testing? if so, I suspect I might known more than a few of your matches ;D
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No I have not done any DNA testing, I think I quite like leaving an element of doubt. ;)
There may actually have been more that you know since another branch of my tree appears to go back to a Susan McMullin of Aghadowey