Re: Finlays County Cavan
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In reply to:
Re: Finlays County Cavan
Tom Finlay 11/19/02
Tom;Your information is very interesting.. The name David was possibly the most common finlay name in Co. Cavan. My gggrandfather was also David ,born about 1800,went to Scotland before 1820. The Wesleyan connection is interesting: there was a ""Primitive Methodist Meeting House" at Swanlibar in 1840,Parish of Kinawley, on land owned by an Alex. Finlay MD.
Some questions about your David F. ancestor...do you know when he emigrated? Name of his wife? Did she emigrate with him? Names of their children? (Often provides clues to names of ancestors).
The finlays first came to the Cavan area from Scotland in 1609, and seemed to have prospered and multiplied for about 200 years.But many emigrated because of population pressures, famines, religious strife from 1800 on. Most were farmers, or partly involved in farming because it was and still is good cattle country. For awhile (late 1700's) they raised a lot of flax for linen weaving.Some were professionals, ie doctors, ministers,and owned land but many also leased land from others.
Some were Catholics, but most protestant, and some grave yards contain both, while some don't.Contrary to what you say, the west end of Co. Cavan was mostly protestant until the 1800s when so many left. I have a lot of source referances, and some contacts if you are interested.
Other questions: Where is Beverley Twp.? (I live in Carleton Place, Eastern Ontario. Does the name "Amelia" turn up in your Finlay Connections?
Note: Most Finlays changeds to Findlay if they returned to Scotland before coming to Canada, as mine Did. I have found the name as Fennelly, in some early references. Hope to hear from you soon.
More Replies:
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Re: Finlays County Cavan
Tom Finlay 11/21/02