Buggy – the worst character 1855

A search through microfilmed parish registers in Ireland can often take many hours. However, from time to time the long searches can be interspersed with illuminating comments made by the parish priests. The ‘legitimacy’ of a new born baby and reputation of the parents are usually the focus.

A transcription of baptisms from the Mourne Lower Roman Catholic parish in Co. Down has the following observation in relation to the baptism of twins Eliza Jane and Patrick on 24 September 1855[1]: “Their father is of Mullertown and is generally called Buggy and is of the worst character.”

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[1] Jones, Fiona, compiler. Irish Genealogy Project, Parish Records Mourne Lower Co. Down McCartan Baptisms                                                                                            http://www.igp-web.com/down/parish_records1.htm : accessed 21 November 2011