Didn't get a chance to post this yesterday but it's not as easy to sort out as one would expect... too many Michael Donnellys in Belfast, too many Donnellys living in Pound St. at various times, etc.
The McCusker household in 1901 census (with Edward Donnelly) is one of the best clues.
Above is a possible family tree. Edward Donnelly is in McCusker household in 1901, gives father as Michael Donnelly (carter) on marriage. A Michael Donnelly & Mary McCusker had 2 sons. However, no sign of marriage for Michael Donnelly & Mary McCusker, death of Michael Donnelly or birth of Edward Donnelly. Edward might have been illegitimate (no sign of birth under McCusker) or a child of Michael's by previous wife/relationship.
Still working through various records trying to pin down a few other Donnellys & McCuskers.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to do all of that! Much appreciated.
I have everything more recent than Edward Donnelly, it's just where he came from that's been our problem.
My summary has been pretty much what yours was, he
may have been illegitimate. However, it could be the case that he was baptised in a different Church (i.e. not St.Peters like the rest) and ditto for the Donnelly & McCusker marriage. If these were in St Patricks for example, there are no records online for the approx year of Edward's birth. He may be the son of this Michael & Mary, or at least of Mary. There are lots of similarities in addresses and the fact that Sarah McCusker (single) refers to him as her nephew could be correct. However, she also referred to Daniel McKee as her son which he obviously isn't. I honestly don't even know who Daniel's mother is! It's "Agnes" on his Birth record but "Nancy" on his Baptism entry. And if it is the Nancy on the 1901 census, well, she's only 9 years older than Daniel, so maybe those sisters are in their 50s, not 30s.
I did find a Teacher called Daniel McKee, much older than the McCusker sisters but who knows, there could be something in that.
Overall, I
see all the links to Edward and this couple, but for me personally, it's not enough to say, yes, this is absolutely my family if you know what I mean? I need something solid
