Subsequent to my earlier post I have finally discovered the birth certificate of my grandfather, John Burns. It was a bit of a stab in the dark when I sent off for it. I knew that a John Burns had been born in Sligo Town in the second quarter of 1892 and this was one posibility among many. On the Request Form I put the mother as Beesy Burns and the father as probably 'Unknown', possibly 'Conlon'.
I was stunned when I received the certificate. It said that the father was a John Conlon, which was an absolute bonus. Also Beesy Burns, who registered the birth, had put her name as 'Beesy Conlon formerly Burns'.
Undoubtedly to be married to John Conlon had been a heartfelt wish on the part of Beesy, although this never happened, and it seems certain that she named the child, John, after the father.
So I am unbelievably pleased as you can imagine.
The birth took place in Holborn Hill in Sligo town, and this is the same address as the father.
Obviously, the search continues: I am now looking for the birth certificate of my great grandfather, John Conlon.
Beesy Burns was 23 years old when she gave birth.
There is a John Conlon, aged 27, in the 1901 Census lodging in Water Street who is a possible candidate. If this is my GGF then he would have only been 18 years and 13 days when he became a Dad. Needing permission to get married at that age could be the reason why it did not happen: his family may have thought he was too young and Beesy Burns should have known better. I would love to know.
As ever, any assistance would be greatly received.
Thanks John Burns, Lancashire England.
