Irish in Co Durham

[Heinz 57]

I was told (many years ago) by an elderly aunt that the Crawfords came from Co.Mayo. I have found a few that fit the bill lodging in Barrow-in-Furness of all places, that why I asked if they could have come across via a Cumbrian port. They were all C of E once they came over here.

What is chain migration ?

Lynn

[Mr J T Arthur]

That's interesting because Crawford was a very rare name in Co Mayo with only four households listed for the whole of the County in the Primary valuation of Ireland which in the case of Mayo was surveyed in 1856 and you would not find many non Catholics there, however in that survey a Robert Crawford leased a house from The Ecclesiastical Commissioner next door to the Church of Ireland in the town of Ballycastle who could well have been connected with your ancestry.

Chain migration refers to those who emigrated at a later stage encouraged by those who had already settled in a certain district who were usually relations or friends from their place of origin.

J.T.A.

[Heinz 57]

I did some digging round years ago and apparently Westport used to have a high non catholic population. So if I could ever get over there that would be the first place I'd look.

Chain migration is exactly how they came over. I have two brothers on the 1891 census then the whole family is there in Birtley 10 years later on 1901.

Lynn

[Mr J T Arthur]

Lynn,

It may be worthwhile to make a note of the following for future reference.

J.T.A.

St. John’s Church, Ballycastle, Co Mayo.

St. John’s Church was built in 1827 and is the oldest building in the town. The Church grounds contain 18 headstones, the oldest of which is dated 1865 and bears the name of Robert Crawford.


Ministers name is Dean Ardis and Service is held at 9.00a.m.on Sundays in Summer time and at 8.00p.m. on Saturdays in Winter time.


St. John’s Hall, beside the Church, was built as a soup kitchen in Famine times.

[Heinz 57]

Thank so much.
I've made a note of that. My grandfather was called Robert Crawford so there could be a connection. His father was William Crawford and his mother was Martha. Martha died over in England, but I suspect her husband, (my great grandfather) died in Ireland c. 1890 as he is the only family member who never appears on the English census. I have checked the local churches, and council cemeteries and he is no where to be found. So I'm 99% sure he never made the trip.

Many thanks
Lynn

[rubyruby]

Can anyone help me track my ancestors James Mackin B.1809  Ireland
I have him on census 1851 with wife Catherine, sons Thomas B. 1832, & Nackin (not heard this name before) B. 1838  all born Ireland. lived at
Portobella Lane Monkwearmouth,
thanks ruby

[Adamand]

Hello Moni. Here are the two baptisms for Loftus at St Cuthberts, Durham City:-

John Loftus, born 28/October/1849, baptised 4/November/1849, parents patrick and and Susan Loftus, (no maiden name given) sponsor Hugh Ginnaly?

Martin Loftus, born 25/September/1851, baptised 28/September/1851, Parents Patrick and Susan Loftus, maiden name Archer, sponsors Matthew and Hannah Higgins.

Adam

[No-one]

Dear Adam

This is brilliant and unexpected. These are my Loftuses. Thank you very much indeed for finding the baptism records. I had almost given up hope!

Did the records give any other information - address, occupation, place of origin in Ireland etc?

John and Martin's mother, Susan/Susannah Loftus nee Archer gave conflicting information about her origin in later censuses - in one she said she was from Roscommon and in another from Louisburgh (Co. Mayo). At a guess her husband Patrick Loftus came from Mayo.

With thanks again for making my day

Best wishes

Moni

[Adamand]

Hello Moni. That is all the information that it gives.
I do have four deaths and another three baptisms for Loftus (each with a different maiden name)
 I would think that they are related. Do you want them?

Adam