RootsChat.Com

Phew! Interesting story!  I think this lady could have been one of Cissy's many cousins, although until now, I hadn't come across her.  They had a habit of using different first names because their real names were ordinary ones, so the new names were more suited to the stage.  I think the way to go is for you to try and find out a little more from your remaining family member who is related to her and I will also have a look.

Still no reply from the Ancestry tree owner unfortunately.

A complete shot in the dark but there is a tree on ancestry with a Bobby Griffiths who appears to produce musicals. 

He was born 20 Sept 1906 in Methune, Massachussets and died in New York on 17 June 1961.  There are lots of photos on there.

Hi,

I have just come across your post.  I seem to be researching the same family.  I checked the GRO records for Peter Loftus who was 6 in 1851, and it comes up with 2 possibles, born 1844, mmn McDonnell and born 1845, mmn McNelly.

Looking at other children born to these mothers, I came to the conclusion that the most likely was McNelly.

I note that you have a McNally marrying a Loftus, so the two families could be related and Roseanna's maiden name is probably McNally.

The details below are from a post of mine on here a few years ago:

"My link is John Loftus, born c. 1851, father William (according to marriage certificate)
John married Mary Sarchfield in North Meols, Lancashire, (now Southport) in 1874.  He wasn't on the 1871 census, was missing from the 1881 census (his wife was listed with her parents under her married name) and he died in North Meols before the next census. Mary was born in Manchester.
There is a possible listing - a John Loftus lodging in Birkenhead in 1881, married, occupation bricklayer's labourer, no wife listed, born Ireland.
John's son, William, used to say he received postcards from his cousin Cissy Loftus.  Cissy was a famous actress, born Glasgow, daughter of Marie Loftus also a famous actress, and Ben Brown.
Via a contact I know there is a connection to Wolverhampton - James Loftus born. c. 1827 in Wolverhampton who ended up in Glasgow with a family story that his children were looked after by Marie Loftus, when his wife died.
So I am looking for anyone with Glasgow, Manchester, North Meols or Wolverhampton Loftus connections or any connection of Loftus with the names Sarchfield/Sarsfield, McLoughlin or Mitchell.
All my research so far points back to Ballina or Crossmolina, Mayo."

I have lots more information if you would like to send me a pm.

Hi,

There are a couple of family trees on other sites which state that Charles was born in County Mayo, Ireland and none give parents' names.  I think you might have difficulty in finding any records further back.