Very little is known about or documented of Peter Langan a founder member of the Fenians or Irish Republican Brotherhood,founded on Patricks day 1858 on the premises of Peters timber yard in 16 Lombard St,Dublin.
My brother and i have for years being researching our great grandfather Matthew O'Neill involved in the same movement since its inception and were naturally interested in his fellow Fenians so read up on anything to do with the Fenians.
On reading Joseph Denieffes recollections,my brother a very astute reader noted that Denieffe noted in his book that Peter died Feb 1863 and also that Peter was one of the last connections to the 49 (1849) movement .
I then looked up the Glasnevin trust and found he had been buried there age 30 but with an address of Townsend St which troubled me as he was supposed to be from Lombard St.
I then found a marriage mistranscribed on Irish Genealogy in 1858 for a Silvester Durr (Sylvester Dunn/Dunne) to Elizabeth Langan of 16 Louvbain St(Lombard St)father Peter Langan,so because of his age at death i thought Elizabeth was his sister,this was about three years ago.
I then found a baptism for Peter Dunn 1863 of the above parents at the same address in Townsend St which helped tie Peter Langan to this address.
Just recently it dawned on me to check the wills calendar and it was there leaving his assets to the care of Sylvester Dunne husband of Elizabeth Dunne his only next of kin and daughter for the care of his widow Mary.
Because of Peter Langans age at death 30 i had found a marriage in 1832 for a Peter Langan and Maria Keegan which i thought were his parents but now because of the will think its actually Peters marriage based on the fact that his daughter got married 1858 giving her a birth of circa 1838 approx.
So with Denieffe mentioning his tie to the 49 movement i believe he was a much older man most likely born around 1812 approx going by the age of his daughter and his marriage.
I know from Griffiths Valuation that he was at Lombard St 1850s but was wondering could anyone with access to earlier street directories find him at this address or elsewhere prior to 1850s or a Langan dealing in Timber possibly his father.
I have informed the National Graves Association and the Late Shane McThomais(died Glasnevin this week age 46 R I P) of my findings.
Any help with Peters earlier life greatfully appreciated.
Cheers
Dathai.
