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Hi Godfrey,

As I haven't done much on the Kellys lately I'll start on getting certificates for further info. From census returns from 1861 onwards my Kellys moved a bit: Wiilington, Stavely in Derbyshire, then back to Willington/Crook/Brandon/Brancepeth.

I'm also going to go back on Irish websites.If our families are connected it will be a bit futher back. My g-g-grandparents James and Catherine were from two separate Kelly families so that could be where it's all happening.

As for me, I was actually born in Crook, lived in Gateshead and am now based in Staffordshire. I know Tyneside very well and spent many childhood holidays in Crook.

Good luck with your searching. Let me know how it goes and I'll do the same. 

Hi Donald,
Sorry for late reply. Have been away. I think it's just a coincidence of names. My gggrandfather James Kelly was 52 according to the 1871 English census, married to a Catherine Kelly (same surname!) and they were living then in the Crook area of Co. Durham with 7 children.

Have you tried the Irish Family History Foundation (ifhf.brsgealogy.com)?They  have births, marriages and deaths but you do have to pay to view the records.

I've got to the point where I think a trip to Ireland is on the cards. I've hit a brick wall as regards Irish ancestor info over here.

Good luck in your searching.

Polly

Thanks for the reply. I realize this is going to be a long haul to say the least.

All I know for sure at the moment is that Catharine Kelley was from Ballyfaron - whether that is a small town or what I don't know.

Her husband James (different Kelley) is only ever mentioned as coming from Co. Roscommon.

I'll have another go at the Irish Genealogy records.
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My other mystery, after a couple of years of searching, is my greatgrandfather JOHN LEONARD (who does not want to be found).

On his gravestone in Co. Durham it reads that he was born in 1848 in the Parish of Arles, Co Loais. (I've not yet been able to track down Loais records.

But according to English census returns his birthdate is anywhere from 1851-1854.

He was always a mystery to my grandmother ("don't talk about the Leonards, something amiss"), disappointed my grandfather by promising to take him to Ireland with him - but never did.

My greatgrandmother was his second (of 3) wives; his first wife is a mystery.

We suspect shenanigans.

He may have left home to be a travelling showman - now that would have horrifed my grandmother!