The Crosbie's/Crosby's and Tracy) families of Roscommon

[Christopher Earl]

Thanks so much sorry for late reply . Yes at Michael and Elizabeth daughter Elizabeth Crosbie marriage in 1861 in Dumfries to John Mulhearn Elizabeth younger sister my direct ancestor Maria Crosbie is described as a witness yet her death entry had her in 1900 Near Parkgate north of Dumfries her husband the informant William Kirkpatrick states she was 52 in 1861 this would make her 13 ? Is that old enough to be a witness at a wedding . Secondly there is the possibility that while Elizabeth Tracy was from Elphin Roscommon , Michael Crosby May either have been Scottish , Irish or from the north of Ireland and could possibly have changed religion or crisscrossed the Irish Sea hence why it is difficult to track him down . Likewise the family emigrating from Roscommon to Dumfries and Galloway he may have had family roots there . It can often be a misconception to think every Irish person escaping the famine may have been Roman Catholic he could have been a convert from another Church . Much of the Information that I have gleaned has been from death , marriage and census information on Scottish Records Christopher

[Maiden Stone]

Secondly there is the possibility that while Elizabeth Tracy was from Elphin Roscommon , Michael Crosby May either have been Scottish , Irish or from the north of Ireland and could possibly have changed religion or crisscrossed the Irish Sea hence why it is difficult to track him down . Likewise the family emigrating from Roscommon to Dumfries and Galloway he may have had family roots there .

As Michael was an agricultural labourer and his father was a shepherd it's likely one or both spent periods working in Britain before Michael made his home in Scotland. Irishmen went over to earn money as seasonal labourers. There was little paid work in rural areas of Ireland. Some ag. labs at home in Ireland would do a day's work in exchange for food. There were desperate times in 1820's and 1830's. Travel between Ireland and Britain became quicker & cheaper from 2nd decade of 19thC. 1st week's wages in Britain would more than cover the fare.