Thomas O'Connor (abt 1817-1897)

[SheilaO]

Has anyone come across Thomas, reputed to have been born in Enniscorthy about 1817?  His obituary (Westmeath Independent)says that he was the son of a man who was one of the first to take part inthe battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798.  This may be family legend!

By 1848 he was married to Teresa Power and living in Drum, Co. Roscommon.  The family later moved to Athlone town.  Thomas died 7 April 1897 at The Grove, Baylough, Athlone.

Does anyone have a link with Thomas?

[Christopher]

Hello SheilaO,

What denomination was Thomas?

You'll have to rely on Church records as civil registration in Ireland was not introduced until 1864. Non Catholic marriages were registered from 1845 onwards. When registration for BDMS started in 1864 some people didn't bother with the registration for a few years after that date. Keep your fingers crossed that church records still exist.

Christopher

[SheilaO]

Hi Christopher

The O'Connors were a Catholic family, indeed Thomas was a member of the Third order of Franciscans and was buried in his habit.  The only indication I have that he was born in Wexford is the newspaper article about his death.

Sheila