My great-grandparents were Robert McCRACKEN (b. 1833 in County Monaghan - son of George McCRACKEN & Jane MADILL) & Margaret PHAIR (b. 1849 - daughter of Robert PHAIR & Dora McDOWALL). Robert emigrated to NZ in 1861 and Margaret in 1867, and they married in Dunedin in 1868. Robert & Margaret had 9 children - their oldest son George Robert McCRACKEN was my grandfather, and his son Robert Matthewson McCRACKEN my father.
George and Jane McCRACKEN did not come to NZ but their daughter Jane did. She had married John McKAIGUE (McKague) in 1870, They were to have four children some of whom were born in Ireland and some in NZ (I think).
Margaret's parent's Robert PHAIR & Dora McDOWALL also settled in NZ. Dora was born about 1813 in County Cavan, and Robert about 1805 in County Fermanagh. According to the will of their son Robert he was born in Killinkeare, County Cavan so perhaps that is where the family lived.
My knowledge of these families is very limited - my father showed little interest in his history - but I would be very interested in learning more and would be delighted to hear from you if you think we may have connections.
Joan McCracken
Wellington, New Zealand
Note: This mesage has been added to the Ulster, Fermanagh, and Cavan pages as well as Monaghan
Monday 9th Mar 2015, 11:58PM
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Joan:
The 1861 Griffiths Valuation head of household lisitng for Co. Monaghan only showed one George McCracken. He lived in Drumhay townland in Aghabog civil parish which is in western Co. Monaghan not far from the Co. Cavan border. If your George lived to at least 1861 and he was in Co. Monaghan possibly this is your ancestor. www.askaboutireland.ie for the Griffiths.
I was unable to locate a baptismal record in Co. Monaghan for Robert McCracken. Roots has many but not all church records.
Roger McDonnell
Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘
Tuesday 10th Mar 2015, 03:45PM