Searching for CONLY/CRAWFORD c. 1820s

[Mark Crawford]

Hi folks,

All of our family historians to date have hit a brick wall trying to track down my 3g-GF, Francis Crawford. I have been unable to find any record of his birth, death or marriage in Scotland; I know he had 2 children there in 1845 and 1847.

Talking to a different part of the family, their story is that he was born in Ireland, married, came to Scotland, then went back to Ireland 'to fight for the cause', when he was killed. (I know he died a few years either side of 1849). Putting aside the romance, it would at least explain why I have no documentation about him.

I do know his wife, Allice CONLY, came over to Scotland with her parents Edward CONNELLY and Mary CLARKE some time between 1838 and 1844. I found an 1891 census record which indicates that Alice's sister, Margaret, came from Fermanagh. So I'm guessing that the Connellys came from Fermanagh.

Francis may or may not have been from the same place, but he may have married in Ireland.

Anyway: I have no experience of hunting in Ireland. Nothing obvious comes up in Rootsireland, although I'll admit the cost discourages me from searching too hard.

Can anyone give me any pointers to how I might be able to take this further? Francis Crawford side would obviously be great, but at this stage I'd be happy to be able to answer more about the Connollys.

Many thanks in advance
Mark

[aghadowey]

To find Irish ancestors for such an early period you need to see if church records exist.
Have a look at Introduction to Irish Records and My Ancestor came from Ireland - where do I start?.

[rathmore]

Young Irelander rebellion 1848
try this site http://Http://www.ballingarry.net/warhouse/guide.html
you will be able to e-mail them they might be able to help you

[Mark Crawford]

@Rathmore - thanks, I've dropped them a note.

@aghadowey - thanks for those links, I've checked them before but will have another go to see if I've missed anything obvious.

Thanks guys,
Mark

[rathmore]

have you had a look at the census for 1901 and 1911 you might see townland or place lots of Crawfords and Connelly in Fermanagh
http://www.census.nationalarchive.ie

[rathmore]

Sorry

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie

[fermanaghroots]

You mentioned he "went back to Ireland 'to fight for the cause'"

Do you know what cause? If so he might be on the Muster Rolls.  Also, currently in Fermanagh the Crawford surname would be mostly protestant and Connelly would be mostly Roman Catholic.

However, on the other hand, he might have been part of the rebellion.

Something makes me point you in the direction of Galloon Parish, for example the link below is to a transcript of the birth register.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0ehj/

Notice there are many of the surnames you mention, all living in the same area.

PS - There is a Francis CRAWFORD  b20/8/1819 to a  Francis Crawford & Mary Smyth   

[Mark Crawford]

Thanks KDDA,

I've no idea what he went back for - it's just a family legend. (Although I think it was a bit after Cromwell's time!).

I know that most of the family were Catholic, but I also know some married out, so I doubt they were especially religious.

Thanks for the link, it's interesting...

Mark

[fermanaghroots]

I've no idea what he went back for - it's just a family legend. (Although I think it was a bit after Cromwell's time!).

My apology, your absolutely right, posting just before bedtime is a bad idea!  I seem to have got two sets of research confused!