Greenans in Ireland - Page 2

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Kilmore Civil Parish

Next, we analyze the Greenans living in Kilmore Civil Parish.  Kilmore is adjacent to Aghabog on its northern border.  Looking at the Ordnance maps it appears that Rossnaglogh East is very near this civil parish.  In fact, Corravilla townland appears to border Kilmore Civil Parish.  As you may recall, Corravilla townland is where Susan (McPhillips) Smith was born, and this townland is next door to Irish John Smith’s home in Rossnaglogh East.  The next map shows the location of Rossnaglogh East to Kilmore Civil Parish and it would appear to be a one quarter to a half mile away.

 The Griffith Valuation of 1847 to 1864 shows the following Greenan surnames entered in its rolls.  According to the information below, the Greenans could be found in seven different townlands in this civil parish.  As this civil parish is close by we will look at and review the Griffith Valuation information for the following names.

Greenan Surnames of Aghnaglogh Townland

Aghnaglogh townland is not found near Aghabog’s boundaries.  We include this information as it shows two Greenan families living in the area – Thomas and his son, Thomas.  From the information found in the list, the Greenans lived in Aghnaglogh and are listed in the Ordnance map as farming and living in sections 12 and 13.  This appears to be a larger townland than most.  Townlands can be as small as an acre but in general most townlands normally appear as 120 to 130 acres. 

Greenan Surnames of Crewmeige Townland

 Crewmeige townland was near Irish John’s home.  From Corravilla townland one could walk perhaps a hundred feet to the northwest and set foot in this townland.  There are several Greenan families listed here.  Crewmeige was a bit larger than most townlands with 154 acres.  As you know, a section of land is a square mile and comprises 640 acres. A quarter section is equivalent to 160 acres.  In South Dakota the Smiths owned several sections of land.  Looking at how clustered these families lived within these townlands, the immigrant Irish must have felt like royalty with their 40 acres of land.  With this in mind you can see that traveling between these townlands could be done within a reasonable amount of time.

 So, where is Crewmeige townland?  Crewmeige is to the right of Corravilla townland.  Rossnaglogh East is to the west of Corravilla townland; therefore, Crewmeige is in easy walking distance of this townland.

  Cremeige Townland.      Rose Greenan lived and farmed in sections 1A and 1B.  "1A" can be found at the top left section of this map.  "1B" on the other hand is located on the right central side of the map.

Greenan Surnames of Loyst Townland

 Loyst townland was home to Bernard Greenan.  According to the Valuation information, Bernard occupied a house but had no land.  Where is Loyst townland?  Previously, we identified each townland by it proximity to Rossnaglogh East, which was the site of John Smith’s Irish home.  Loyst townland is adjacent to and east of Nart townland.  This townland is larger than most we have discussed so far.  It is three townlands to the north and east of Corravilla townland. Corravilla townland is adjacent to and east of Rossnaglogh East.

 Loyst Townland.   According to the Griffith Valuation Index, Bernard Greenan lived in Section 8B of Loyst Townland.  It is hard to see on this map, however, it appears to be sandwiched between sections 7 and 3A on this map.  That would place it near the center of this amoeba shaped townland. 

Greenan Surnames of Nart Townland  

Francis Greenan lived in this townland and appears to have had a house and land.  The immediate Lessor is Lord Rossmore, who owned lots of land in Monaghan.  From this information it does not appear that Francis farmed much land in this townland.  One can get an idea of the size of a townland by recalling that a section of land is defined as 640 acres; therefore, Nart townland is still a small land area. 

 So, where was Nart in relation to Rossnaglogh East?  Going east from Rossnaglogh East you hit Corravilla townland.  East of and adjacent to Corravilla townland is Rakevean townland.  Right above Rakevean is Nart; therefore, one can say this townland is within an easy walking distance from John Smith’s Irish home.

 Nart Townland.  According to the Griffith Information, Francis Greenan lived in Section 5 in Nart townland.  You can see this particle of land as it appears on the top center of this townland is labeled as '5'.

Greenan Surnames of Radrum Townland 

 Radrum townland was found in Kilmore Civil Parish.  According to the information from this Valuation list, James Greenan lived in Sections 3A and 3B in this townland. He occupied a house, office and farmed land.  His tenement included approximately 27 acres of land.  A map is not included here because the townland was some distance from Rossnaglogh East.  However, this does not mean he was not related to the other Greenan families described already. 

Greenan Surnames of Urcher Townland

This is the last townland we will discuss for Kilmore Civil Parish; however, it is one which has some interest to us.  The following Greenan names appear on this Valuation List:  James Greenan, Thomas Greenan, and Terence Greenan.  Terence Greenan was the name of Irish John’s uncle.  Terence Greenan lived with the family in Brooklyn and his name can be found in the 1850 US census.  He also appears to have accompanied three young Smith children (Bridget, John and Owen) as they traveled to America to be with their mother.  As indicated earlier, the Griffith Valuation was compiled between 1847 and 1864.  This is the only time that ‘Terence Greenan’ appears at all on any list for County Monaghan.  As indicated earlier, later editions of this Valuation Index often included people who had died or had moved on to other locations.  So this list is used by genealogists as a way to trace movements of their ancestors too.

 Urcher townland is adjacent to and east of Loyst townland.

Another odd item is the inclusion of a ‘Catherine Smyth’ on this list.  Although an interesting coincidence, at this time we do not believe her to be a relative.

 Urcher Townland.   Terence Greenan lived in Section '11'.  James Greenan lived and farmed in sections 8, 10 and 12B.  He is located beside Terence.  Thomas Greenan lived in Section '13'.

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