Hello ! I am beginning a search on my 2GGF John H. Doole, born March 1, 1839 in Derry County. He left Ireland at a young age and settled near Quincy, Illinois, USA around 1856. A historical account of him was listed in an 1879 booklet that read as follows:
"DOOLE, JOHN H., farmer; Sec. 12:P.O.Kellerville; was born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1839; came to Adams county in 1856, May 10 and worked as a farm hand for 18 years. Was married in 1871 to Mary Ann McConnel. She was born in Ireland..... Moved to McKee township in 1875 and located on sec. 12, of which there is 170 acres of land, undivided, owned by him and his brother George."
Family folklore says that he came to America alone at the age of 17, from Derry, Ireland.
Not sure if his brother George was an immigrant at the same time. In the same historical account, George is listed above, but his name is spelled "Dole".
1880 Illinois USA census lists both brothers and their wives with the surname spelled "Dole"
John Doole served in the 78th Illinois volunteer Infantry in the Civil War.
His military papers all have him listed as John "Dool"
(however, my family, his descendants have always been spelled Doole.)
We have always been told that his name was John Hunter Doole, however all documents, including his probated will, have him listed as John H. Doole
Key clues for me are:
John H. Doole, born 3-1-1839 in Derry, Ireland
Brother George
Came to Adams County, Illinois USA in 1856
Would love to know more about my Irish family as my DNA says that I am nearly 1/2 Irish.
Anyone know the Dooles of Derry County that may have had a son named John Hunter in 1839?
