Hi Mary Beth---With the help from another person looking into Skuse history, I think that we may have located your grandfather's birth record. There’s a John Skeuse who seems to fit----he was born on February 16, 1881 in Butlersgift, Drimoleague. His parents were Edward Skeuse and Ellen Brien. His godparents were Patrick Brien and Hanora McCarthy.

His grandparents (i.e. Edward’s parents) were Thomas Skeuse and either Mary or Norry McCarthy (the handwriting is tough---). I think (but am not yet 100% sure) that Thomas was my ggg-grandfather Nathaniel’s brother, in which case Thomas’ father’s name is probably Nathaniel. That makes your grandfather John the 2nd cousin of my g-grandmother Elizabeth (and you my 4th cousin once removed)….

Beth