A Letter and a Headstone Expand My Family Tree
Dorah Darragh's headstone included the Dillane surname. Isn't it amazing when a single record explains so much about a family? Or how headstone inscription can lead to the trail of another family? I've had two discoveries like these recently which have been key in revealing new information about my current research subject, my second great-grandmother, Maria Jane Darragh (about 1851-1903). John Darragh's Letter A letter in Edward Bristol's probate file was written by John Darragh, who identifies himself as Maria Jane's father. In it, he explained why "Jane" and her brother Daniel were the only known heirs of Edward Bristol, the pair's half-brother. John explains complex family relationships, revealing additional siblings for Maria Jane and more. 1 Letter transcription: Canada Province of Ontario On this seventeenth day of February A.D. 1874 came and appeared before me at the Town of Owen Sound in the County of Grey and Province of On...
