Monday 31 December 2018

Kilkenny People found in Belgian Archives

Whilst undertaking other research in the National Archives in Brussels, Belgium, the following Kilkenny people were located in the indexes to files held by the National Archives and I thought it would be interesting to post their details here.  The Belgians had a love affairs with administration and recorded a great deal of information in these records that might not be readily available elsewhere, such as the names and details of parents when recording a death.   Belgium was a popular destination for Irish people in the 19th century and there are many dossiers recording their immigration and life in Belgium.  These few are just the tip of the iceberg and inevitably much more information would come to light if one had time to dig around in the record offices and archives over there.  There are probably more Kilkenny people in these archives but their former residence may just be given as Ireland.  Also more information could probably be found in the Civil or Church records for Kilkenny or other Irish records for anyone trying to follow up these Kilkenny people.

1. Death Certificate for Mary McDonald, born Kilkenny who died 10/02/1852 at Ostend, aged 63 years, 9 months and 22 days.  Her father's name was Jean (John) McDonald and her mother was Patience Grant.   Henri or Henry Bouchier is recorded as her partner (presume husband).  Mary must have been born circa 1788.

2. Death certificate for Elizabeth Leeson, born in Kilkenny who died 16/9/1845 at 8 Kapucijnestraat, Ostend aged 70 years. Her father was John Leeson and her mother Elizabeth Leeson. Her late partner was Patrick McGray (presume late husband).  Elizabeth must have been born circa 1775.

3. Wedding Certificate dated 30/1/1892 for Bridgid Delany who was born 24/11/1848 in Kilkenny, a governess living at rue Blaes, Brussels; Bridgid married Ursmar Prosper Denis, born 18/4/1861, of Hainaut.  Her parents are given as Richard Delaney and Mary Coyne.

4.  A whole Kilkenny family appear in file No 373707 (Foreigners Files).  This file dated 1881 records the following members of the same family.The file will contain data about why the family has arrived in Belgium, where they are living and their last address outside Belgium.  It is unclear to me if Anne Callenen and Ann Callanan listed below are the same person; only the file would reveal that information. This information is from the index only:-
a) Ann Cotterill born Kilkenny 2/6/1871
b) Marie Cotterill born Kilkenny 1/1/1872
c) Catherine Cotterill born Kilkenny 1/1/1874
d) Anne Callenen born Kilkenny 1/1/1848.    Her partner is given as Thomas Conroy.
e) Ann Callanan born Kilkenny 21/1/1846.

We hope this information will be of help to someone out there seeking those elusive Kilkenny ancestors.

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