Gortinanima:
You are a real gem to have posted so many excertps of Mr. Moody's diary. Is there any way for me to obtain a copy of the diary from far away in Pennsylvania, USA? I am very anxious to learn background about events and living conditions in Magilligan and Dunboe parishes at any point during the 1800s, so I would love to know if Mr. Moody's diary mentions the Great Wind of January 1839, or famine/fever conditions at various times, or the actions of their landlord, Henry Hervey Bruce. Perhaps his diary is limited to only events important to his immediate family.
My Magilligan ancestors include Sweeneys, Cannings, Redgates, McAnally/McNallys, who lived at Clooney, Ballymagoland, Drumahorgan, Oughtamore, and Aughill, mostly. Since Mr. Moody lived at Clooney prior to moving to Coleraine, he might mention events affecting my ancestors, as well.
In particular, my g-g-g-grandfather James McNally of Ballymagoland died on October 20, 1841, at a young age (38). I'm wondering if a specific disaster/accident occurred on that date (which Mr. Moody might mention). Supposedly, my g-g-g-g-grandfather Sweeney (name believed to be Patrick Sweeney) died at age 119 at Magilligan. Perhaps this event might be sufficiently unusual to be mentioned.
I don't want to burden you with many lookups for me. I appreciate any advice you can give me on how best to review a full copy of the diary.
Thank you so much.
Barbara Miller
