Elizabeth Holmes, Bumlin, County Roscommon.

[RoisininIreland]

My great great grandmother was Elizabeth Holmes.  I have been told that she was from Gortoose, Bumlin, County Roscommon and that she had one sister Mary, and brothers Michael and William.  A Thomas Holmes was a witness to my great great grandparents marriage in 1861, and I suspect he was another brother.

I’ve searched the 1901 and 1911 Census’s of Ireland and I think I’ve found all of the above named brothers in Bumlin and Annaghmore, along with possibly another brother John in Gortoose.

Eliza had previously married John Farrell in 1856 in Strokestown and had two children that I know of - Mary (born 1857) and Patrick (born 1858).  Patrick died in Providence, Rhode Island in 1931, but I’ve no idea what happen to Mary or Eliza's first husband.  My family didn’t even know of this marriage or their children until I started my research.

I would love to hear from any distant family members or anyone with information to help my research.

Thank you.

[PeterH137]

Hello, ii just came across your query

My great-great-grandfather was John Holmes of Gortoose Roscommon ( born 1835)

He had a brother Thomas b1831 ( possibly the witness at your g-g-grandparents wedding)

At John's wedding he had a William Holmes as witness, (and i have no idea who he was, possibly a cousin ?).

I was aware of a Michael Holmes also, but am not sure of relationship  to John ( possibly then also a cousin)

I do know that John and Thomas's father was also a Thomas Holmes, but there appears to be no records remaining of his birth/death or other family

I hope some of this helps

[RoisininIreland]

Thank you so much for your reply Peter.  There certainly appears to be a connection.  My great great grandmother was probably born around 1829 in Gortoose.  Unfortunately, her marriage record (to my great great grandfather) doesn't include her fathers name.  I think I'll have to try to get details of her first marriage, in case her father's name is mentioned on that record.

I'll be in touch 

[RoisininIreland]

Hi Peter.  I've only now discovered Eliza Holmes's fathers name (through her brother William's marriage record).  He was Edward Holmes.  But there was no Edward Holmes in Roscommon at the time of Griffiths Valuation, so he was either dead or living elsewhere.

I'd still put money on it that your Holmes ancestors and my Holmes ancestors were related as it's a small townland and Holmes wouldn't be a common name.  I just need to find a link.

I'll keep you posted.