Longford, 1837

 

Source: IrelandXO

Above is a map of County Longford from the Lewis Topographical Dictionary. As I track the Dooner family in the Longford-Roscommon area, I can see on the map a location called O'Brians Town. I wonder if John O'Brien's roots trace back to this region as well. Although family lore from his obituary said he was born on the banks of the River Shannon in County Clare, if you follow the Shannon into central Ireland you find yourself in Longford-Roscommon. Possibilities.

I have ordered a copy of Guy Rymsza's 2004 book County Longford Residents Prior to the Famine, in the hopes of learning more about the county and the potential Dooner and O'Brien connections. I'll follow-up later in April with more information.