As some on this list will recall I have been looking for a Thomas Kavanagh (spelling may differ) for many years now without any success at all.
Thomas’ story seems complicated and confusing, certainly to me. The family first appears on the 1871 census living at Tow Law Co Durham. In 1881 they are living at Crook Co Durham. There is no trace of them after that date that I have found.
On the 1871 census Thomas Kavanagh is said to have been born in Wrexham. On the 1881 census he is supposed to have been born in Spennymoor Co Durham. I have contacted the relevant registry offices via e-mail and telephone and he cannot be found on either register.
From his marriage certificate – which is all I have to prove he existed – he was born around 1867 as he lists his age as 27 on the certificate in 1894, but again this information may not be correct.
If I can find his mother’s maiden name I am thinking it may help to locate the family better however, to do this, and instead of following Thomas, which has always proved a dead end, I have been looking to follow his brother John.
John Kavanagh was born in Ferry Hill in 1870. I have followed him and that information has not changed unlike his brother. While it is believed Thomas must have died around the 1900 mark, his wife remarrying in 1902, John did not die until he was in his latter years.
I have tried to find Catholic churches near to Ferry Hill and got a list of them for that period but not being good at family history research I am missing something but no idea what so I am truly hoping the group can help me.
It is believed, or strongly suggested that as they are not listed before 1871 that they probably came over from Ireland around that time. John and Catherine Kavanagh – the parents – are listed as being Irish but no part of Ireland is listed on the two census records.
Since John was very likely born in Ferry Hill I would be very interested to find his baptismal record to find his mother’s maiden name but it is proving difficult for some reason.
There is a list of churches but I am thinking the nearest one to Ferry Hill is the most likely. I know most children got baptised at a family church but as they came from Ireland I think this unlikely so they probably baptised John at the nearest Catholic church. I also am aware that some churches has long since closed since that date but I don’t know which if any have closed. I am guessing St Andrew’s at Bishop Auckland for John’s baptismal but could be wrong.
Would anyone on the list be able to help me to find John’s mother’s maiden name please?
Maybe someone has baptismal records of some of the near-by Catholic churches.
I have also contacted Durham registry office without success so I think I have contacted all the relevant places so this list for help is my last port of call really.
I have my fingers crossed and offer my thanks for any help in advance.
Kindest regards
E.