New information has surfaced from a distant relative just found. Back in December 2003, I took a shot in the dark, and started writing to Quinn families listed in the phone book for the Ballintra area of Donegal.
I never heard back from anyone, so I assumed they weren't connected, or were not interested. But last week, I received a letter from a Patrick Quinn of S. Carolina. Patrick was born and raised in Balliintra and immigrated to the states in the 60's or 70's.
He had went home to visit his nephew, and was given my letter! Here is what he has told me:
There were only 3 Quinn families living in the area up until recently (probably last 30 years or so) These three Quinn families were all related to each other.
One was the Daniel Quinn family. They lived on a farm located at the top of the street in Ballintra. In 1800 or right afterwards, they were forced off their land and forced to live on a farm located in Lisnapaste (Ballynakillew). Today the church of Ireland stands on the land.
The second family was mine. The John Quinn family. Around 1800, he was farming rented land in Rafoarty, but he was moved in 1844 to a house in Ballintra. I have the information on the family from 1844 forward, if anyone needs it.
The third family is the one we don't know about yet. IF you have QUINN connections to this area, PLEASE get in touch with me. We now have 2 of the families connected, and are compiling information. If we can locate this 3rd family, we will finally be armed with enough to fill some major holes in our history!
There is also a gravestone in the Drumholm graveyard that reads "Erected in the memory of Daniel Quinn, who died -- -- 1777. Erected by Terrance Quinn."
This Daniel was most likely the grandfather of the Daniel Quinn I mentioned at first. Following naming traditions, the grandfather, father and son were all named Daniel. (confused yet? LOL)
We now know where a lot of our family records are being kept. The good thing is - they weren't destroyed in the Four Courts fire! The bad thing is - NO ONE will help us access these records!! Some are being held at the Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh. The others are indeed at St. Brigid's Church in Ballintra!
We cannot get help from the father at the church. He ignores all requests, whether by letter, email, or visits in person. And the email address for the Friary is not a valid address.
If you have any ideas of how to get these records, or you have ANY connections to this QUINN family, please contact me! We are so very close finally after 12 years!!!!
Patty
