Hello RCs!
I need some fresh eyes to help with this puzzle, please
Bridget Devir/Diver (various spellings) was born/baptised 5th October 1878 in Magherablad, Donegal. Her birth was registered in Dunfanaghy. Her parents and grandparents on both sides were from Magherablad, Magheraroarty and Castle Doe.
Bridget’s parents were John Devir and Bridget O’Donnell. They emigrated to Australia within a short time after her birth, intending to send for her later. This didn’t eventuate as, within 8 years, Bridget snr and 4 of her 5 Australian born infants had died. A remaining son, John Patrick-my maternal grandfather-was raised by various extended Devir family members who had also migrated at various times. John snr seems to have vanished without trace by 1890.
On 27.2.1900 Bridget jnr married Alexander Strain jnr, (b 2.8.1878, also reg. in Dunfanaghy). His parents were Alexander Strain and Julia/Gilly/Cecilia Brogan who lived at or near Creeslough.
At the time of Bridget & “Alick”’s marriage, her address was recorded as Magherablad, his as Drumtully, though I’m not sure if this was a mis-transcription or if it refers to Drumtullagh in Antrim.
Their daughter Julia was born in Massiness on 7th April 1901 (reg. Dunfanaghy) & baptised 3rd Jun 1901. The family appear on the 1902 census at no. 7, Masiness. Alex is a general labourer.
Young Julia died in 1902. On the civil death record the address is given as Killyfad, but the district is Dunfanaghy & county is Donegal. Bridget is the informant.
Thereafter I can’t find a trace of Bridget or Alexander in any 1911 census, Irish or UK. Nor can I find a death or obvious immigration record for either of them. What am I missing?