Hi Josh and Rosaleen. This is Jim Ford in the USA.

Ref the obituary I sent you for Miss Brigid Forde in Caltra. I believe my mother was in error when she said Brigid was the sister to my grandfather (Patrick). I think she was his cousin and here is why.

The 1901 Irish census has only one Forde family in Caltra, the family of Thomas Forde (age recorded as 52) in House 5 in Creggaunnagroagh (Caltra, Galway). the six youngest children are Thomas, James, Simon, Andrew, Bridget, and Michael. These are all ther names on the refed obit.

The 1911 Irish ccensus still has only one Forde family in Caltra, the family of Thomas Forde (age recorded as 67) in House 2 in Greggaunnagroagh (Caltra, Galway). Simon and James are missing but all the others are listed. In addition, there is a William Forde, age 9, listed as Grand Nephew and birthplace is England. In the 1911 English census my grandfather (Patrick, age approx. 46) and one of the boys (William, age 9) are missing from the household at 15 Duke Street, Hulme, Manchester, Lancashire, England. I have been unable to locate them anywhere in the English census. Ergo, I think this is the missing William. I have reviewed all Forde's in 1911 Irish census and cannot find an appropriate Patrick.

If Patrick's father was named James as stated on the mariage record of Patrick and Annie, then based on the data stated I believe James (father of Patrick) was the brother of Thomas (resident of Caltra).

From this point on I am at a loss. However, here may be a starting point for further research. In 1901 and 1911, within 5 km. of Caltra there were Forde's living in Castleblakeney; between 5 and 10 km there Forde's living at Ballymacward; and between 10 and 15 km there were Forde's at Skehahagh,Tiaquin,Derryglassaun, Ballyglass, Taghboy, and Killeroran.

Since the most likely connections are with Castheblakeney and Ballymacward I guess this question is for Rosaleen. Are there parish records available at either of these locations that could tie up the loose ends?

Happy hunting. Jim