Year 5: Guest Log from Jan - Dec 2003
The name isn't Polish nor is it a weird version of the Anglo-Norman name, Lynch. It comes from the Irish (Gaelic) name Loingseach (pronounced Lengsha). This is the Irish for a sailor, so presumably the first Lynskey was a fisherman! This name was common throughout Gaelic Ireland (pre 1600). As Ireland gradually became anglicised between 1600 and 1800, Irish people began to adopt English versions of their names. In the south and east of Ireland which were anglicised first, the name Loingseach became Lynch (after a fashionable Anglo-Norman name, common among the Norman aristocracy). However the west of Ireland (mainly Galway/Mayo) remained Irish-speaking until the great famine of the 1840's. So when the then British Government undertook an Ordnance Survey of Ireland in the 1830's, one of their objectives was to thoroughly anglicise the country and root out Gaelic place-names and surnames. As the people conducting the survey (British Army personnel mainly) had neither interest nor love of Gaelic culture, they crudely translated names purely by sound. So the Irish Loingseach became Lynchey, Lynsky, Lynskey or Linskey. They weren't even consistent in their botching of the name!
After the famine, there was huge emigration from Galway and Mayo, which went on for well over fifty years. When these mainly Irish-speaking people landed in New York or Montreal (or later in New Zealand), they naturally adopted the English version of their name which had been handed to them or their parents by a British army officer some years before. Similarly within Ireland itself, people gradually stopped speaking Irish (not fashionable etc), and began to use the names given them by the Survey. It is ironic that Galway and Mayo, which are the most Gaelic parts of Ireland, have probably the highest proportion of English-sounding names in Ireland. They're not really English names - just poor 'translations' of Gaelic names.
So that's why virtually all Lynskeys worldwide are descended from Galway/Mayo people. We're distantly related to the more common Lynch's but to the Gaelic variety - not the Norman version. I hope this hasn't disillusioned any bearers of what's a true Gaelic name in it's original form. I think it's always best to know the facts and leave the fairy-tales/fantasies to the kids!
As a final point, I think it's noteworthy that the Irish were the first Europeans to use surnames - way back in the 9th century. It's generally agreed that Kelly (O'Ceallaigh in Irish) was the first European surname. I don't know when Loingseach first appeared but we can be sure there's the best part of a thousand years behind us.
If you've got this far, thanks for listening!
I have traced her through the 1901 census, living in Field Street Birkenhead, with her daughter Julia, and Julia's family. Julia's marriage certificate shows her father as Patrick Linskey (sic) deceased.
I am looking for some information which might shed light on whether Bridget's marriage to Patrick Lynskey was a second marriage, or whether Julia was the child who arrived with her widowed mother.
while looking at the census for 1901 I came up with another family of Lynskey's a few doors away. this household was headed by Mary Lynskey, born around 1850, a widow with a daughter Madden. I am interested in looking at whether that family are related to Bridget.
There were two other Lynskey families in the area at the time of the census. One lived at Argyle Street South. The family comprised of Patrick and Mary Ann, with their children Peter, mary Ann, Patrick, Michael and a servant Fanny Cunningham. I can't find a link, and the names are unfamiliar, however they seem to link with details on your web site. The birth place of the children is shown as Rock Ferry.
I would be pleased to hear from anyone with any information which might take me further in my research.
carlablair@onetel.net.uk
Hi Chuck, I am Betsy Lynskey of Danville, wife of Martin Thomas Lynskey,Jr who passed away 9-21-01. I met you one time at one of the reunions down here at the Lynskey farm. Thomas's son has bought a car wash here in Dan. with a big sign with his name on it. We are very proud of him. We would love for you to come down sometime your welcomed to stay here. The farm road is names Lynskey Farm Rd now which makes it official. Come on down sometime we would love to have you. I see Bob and Marie often and love their new home. I miss visiting with your grandmom as we use to see her often when Thomas was alive. He loved going to see Gaston. My e-mail is quilting@sitestar.net Love to you and your family. Betsy
Hi, My name is Glen Leroy Lynskey. I came across this site while searching the web for Lynskey's. I was wondering if I was related. I was born in Witchata Falls, Texas in 1959. My Grandmother, Lurlene Lynskey says I have ties to Ireland, but no one knows any details. My mother is Deloris Janette Lynskey. My dad is Teddy Knipe, my mom changed my name back to her maiden name when I was 9mo. old. Their relationship was devorced at that time. My mom's dad is Glen Eugene Lynskey and his brother is Ed Lynskey. Do you have any family tree info that could apply to me.
Thank you,
Glen Leroy Lynskey Lomita, CA email: glen@gltechstudios.com My Website: http://gltechstudios.com/
My name is Yvonne Lynskey, I live in New Zealand and I am married to Michael Keith Lynskey who is a direct descendent of Michael & Ellen Lynskey of County Mayo. His great grandparents are John Joseph & Margaret Lynskey, his grandparents Andrew John (known as Ray) & Edna Lynskey, his parents Keith Raymond & Kathleen Alicia Lynskey. Our e-mail address is LynskeyM@clear.net.nz
<hey my name is Heather Lynskey i live in Westerville Ohio im 14 my friendz call me heath and H.A.L.(heather anne lynskey)i play soccer i have been playing for 11 years i been snowboarding for 2 or 3 years well i gtgz so IM or e~mail me any agez and i will talk to you laterz bye
heather
noelle lynskey from Ireland, daughter of james lynskey originally from knocksaxon, balla, co.mayo. born 1900, died 1969. would love to hear more about us lynskeys noelle@cyberclub.iol.ie
hey waddup Heather here, here are more things about me im 14 my b~day is in sept the 18th 1988 i have 2 sisters and 1 brother i like to write poems about what ever i could think of i like to go to easton with my friends or play soccer with friends or family i go to texas with my sister or brother i go to mississippi 2 it is fun to get away some times well that is all i can think of so talk to you later write me @ Heathangel11
hello 2 all the lynskey families. mary teresa lynskey here in co. mayo,ireland.i am 16 yrs old.love to here from other lynskey email: marytlynskey@hotmail.com
mary teresa lynskey here again. i would love to find out more about all the lynskey.Where the name came from ect EMAIL:Marytlynskey@hotmail.com
Brian Lynskey from Orange Park, Florida, USA. Decendant from one of the three brothers who crossed over from northern Ireland in the mid-1800's - Patrick, Michael or Martin. Other Lynskeys in Wheeling West Virginia, Miami Florida, Front Royal Virginia Asheburn Virginia and Danville Virginia. Interested in what year these brothers came over, what port they disembarked and what they did during the American Civil War if they came over before 1865.
Thanks
Brian - Martin Carroll Lynskey was my great great grandfather. He and his brother Patrick served in the 57th Virginia Infantry during the Civil War. The 57th fought at Malvern Hill, Gettysburg and Five Forks. I believe Patrick was wounded at Malvern Hill (I think it was called Crewes Farm in the South). Martin and Patrick were part of Pickett's Charge and were members of Armistead's Brigade. Martin was captured there and spent most of the remainder of the war in prison at Point Lookout in Maryland. He was released in 1865, returned to his Company and was promptly recaptured during the Battle of Five Forks, which was one of the last battles for the Army of Northern Virginia before Appomattax. Michael Lynskey, Cranford, NJ mlynskey@interpublic.com
hey this is Heather,
waddup all Lynskey family? e~mail me back HI HEATHER: PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FULL EMAIL ADDRESS.
Hi to the Lynskey's worldwide.I am looking for a penpalMy name is Sean Lynskey.Please write to me at Supersuds2001@aol.com thank you!!
5-21-2003
Chuck -
Here is the logo information I found in old family stuff -
A family member dug up the Lynskey Coat of Arms from the Sanson Institute of Heraldry at Boston, Mass (USA) around 1966. I have a picture here at home. the Coat consists of a shield, straight across the top, with straight sides that later taper to a point in the center at the bottom. A wide inverted "V" bisects the shield. Three trefoils (shamrocks) are appointed to the shield - top right, top left and center bottom.
The backgrouns should be the color "azure", representing truth and loyalty.
The "arms" or inverted "V", should be the color "argent", that is silver, representing nobility serenity and peact - also purity and chastity because silver withstands the test of fire.
The three trefoils should be the color "or", that is gold, attributed to valor, celestial light and honor.
It is said that each color, line, curve and symbol has a specific meaning. the Sanson Institute feels that our shield dates to the 13th century.
Brian Lynskey Orange Park, Florida
Chuck ten thousand hits on the website. Awesome achievement. Thankyou on behalf of all of the Lynskey's and Lynskey descendands world wide. Thankyou also Deb for allowing Chuck to spend time on the website. You are a busy, big hearted couple and we wish you well for the future. John & Carole.
hi i am the grandaughter of peter and mollie lynskey who live in the wirral in the uk i am the daughter of roisin and stephen lynskey. I never new that there was so many lynskey's in the world.
Hi there, I am Gemma Lynskey-Nonis (previously Gemma Lynskey) and I must say I am a little shocked at the numbers of Lynskeys there actually are! Having to always spell my surname I thought there must be only a rare few of us around!
chuck - we want more pictures of the little guy!!!!!!
GSB
I am great grand daughter of Patrick and Julia Page Lynskey from Woodford Parish, County Galway. Julia, or Judith, was born 10-9-1834 in Woodford, I have birth certificate. Her parents were William Page and Margaret Egan, other siblings were Jane {1823}, Letitia {1833} and Ann {1837}. Julia married Patrick Lynskey June 6,1853, in Woodford. I have marriage license. Where did Patrick Lynskey come from, is he the P. Lynskey, born July 3,1823, in Loughrea Parish, parents John and Rose Lowry Lynskey. asclsjt@hotmail.com
Hey Uncle Chuck this is Mike Jamrosz!!!
I am sorry about Aunt Debbies dad!!
I love you very much!
My e-mail addy is lilmikeyj@hotmail.com
Mike
P.S. I hope to see you soon!
9-2-2003 Thank you "Mr. Charles" for hosting the Lynskey web site. I am researching my name for a school assignment. This website will get me an "A" for sure! I like to read all about the Lynskey people around the world.
My name is Emily Lynskey, and I live in Orange Park, Florida. I am 9 years old and I play basketball and soccer. I have two sisters - Amy and Katie - and a dog, Cody. I am in fourth grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School, and I want to go to University of Central Florida for college. More later...
Urgent: I have had an email from a Tom lynskey in the UK and his return email adress doesn't seem to work. Anyone recognise it? Ca anyone help fix it? The email says "Tom Lynskey" <tI007f0077@blueyonder.co.uk> but Blueyonder bounces the reply to that address .... Any help appreciated, Thanks Si sdc123@hotmail.com
Hi, found this site whilst searching Irish Origins for my ancestors. My ggrandmother was Catherine Lynskey (also spelt Linskey) born c1860 Ireland (? where), came over to Liverpool with her family c1865-8.Mother was Julia father Edward also known as Thaddy, they lived at West Derby and were farm workers for the Earl of Sefton at nearby Croxteth Hall, Lancashire. I would love to find any connections/branches of the family anywhere, am more than willing to share info. Jane Davison email:J@nied.freeserve.co.uk
My name is Terry Lnskey from Winsford,England I have a brother,Paul Lynskey,the sons of Jimmy Lynskey with relatives still Living in Liverpool.Who Are Bobby Lynskey, Tommy Lynskey and Davey Lynskey,and my granparents James Lynskey born in Liverpool 1910 and Alice Lynskey Born in Liverpool in 1913
My E-Mail address is terrylynske@msn.com
Hey Chuck, it's Paula here, John and Carole's middle kiddly. I'm not sure what got me tuning into the web site on this lovely summery evening.. spose I thought it to be time I checked up on it and said my g'days to ya. How's the family of three going? I hope you're all well. I'm currently living in Auckland, with my sister Mel and enjoying it here. I finish my course next month then head to Melbourne, Australia to live for a while to have fun/save money then go further afield. yay!! Well that'd be all from me for now. Hi to Deb. See ya!
my mother was kathleen gertrude lynskey,born 1891-1969,daughter of bridget hargedon and thomas lynskey. thomas had brothers peter; other close relatives were michaeL(POSSIBLY MARRIED TO MARG.HUSSEY) there is a mary lynskey and p.j. peter has daughter, carmel, living at ballyglass,kilconnell, ballinasloe,co.galway. a "ronnie" and kathleen curley are also mentioned on our family tree.. we have another peter married mary ann kelly, they had 6 sons. martin,michael,john,patrick thomas, and peter. dinah, is mentioned along with a christine, kitty and ricky. i know it is all very confusing, but we did the best we could while we were in ireland. my grand-father, thomas, ran a "publik house" on the corner of green st. in ( i think) boyle. i would love to be able to put all these people in order. (gr. father, thomas, was also a constable. thax for the web.site. i,ve been doing research for many years. patricia schena, mass. u.s.a.
My name is Daniel Lynskey. My father is Thomas Anthony Lynskey born 1940 Newark, NJ. His father was John Lynskey born 1898, Ballyhaunis, Mayo. His father was Thomas Lynskey lived in Mayo, born 1839 location unknown. His wife was Mary Waldren. I hope this information may fill in some holes for someone. Does anyone have anything that might let me get back a little further than this? Thanks,
email: danandlaura0526@aol.com
Dia Dhuit! Delighted we found your site . And just in time to wish our son Alan Lynskey a very HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY on 18th November 2003.Love from all the Lynskey Gang in Athenry Co. Galway.Ireland
hello there, I was just bored at work and googling my name on the Internet and this webpage came up. I'm a Lynskey too but I'm from the other side of the Atlantic, in the UK. The only Lynskey heritage I know is that it's an irish name, although my immediate family were from Liverpool. Someone has also told me that Lynskey means something along the lines of 'person from accross the sea' so I reckon we're a travelling bunch. Might be rubbish but you never know. Anyway, hope you are happy and healthy, Jude Lynskey (heyjude20002001@yahoo.com)
hi my name is paul lynskey living in cheshire england we have family living in liverpool we come from mayo irealand i never thourght there were so many lynskeys out there
my name is ellie bennettt lynskey i live in crewe england i am 4 years old i have a sister called sophie and my dad is paul lynskey and my mum is zoe i also have family living in winsford and liverpool i have been in hospital for the last few days so my dad helped me to write this to cheer me up
helo every one my name is ellie bennett lynskey i am 4 years old i live in crewe england my dad paul lynskey has helped me to write this to cheer me up as i am in hospital
hi my name is paul lynskey living in cheshire england we have family living in liverpool we come from mayo irealand i have 2 daughters sophie age 10 and ellie age 4
hi every one my name is ellie bennett lynskey i am 4 years old i have a sister called sophie age 10 my dad is paul lynskey and my mum is zoe we live in crewe england we have family living in winsford cheshire and liverpool
everton
I´LOVE NEW YORKER,IWOULD TO SPEAK WITHE SOMEONE FOR MAKE FRIENDSHIP,I NEED TO YOU AND YOURS FRIENDS FOR I TO SEND MY CONTACT. SORRY! I DONT´SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL YET. PLEASE MY CONTACT´S
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I´SORRY DONT´TO KNOW EUA SO IT´S MY DREAMS
my name is ellie lynskey i live in cheshire england i also have family living in winsford and liverpool england my dad is paul lynskey and my mum is zoe
my name is ellie lynskey my parents are paul lynskey and zoe i also have family living in winsford cheshire and liverpool england
Hi, My name is Richard D. Kelley am am the son of Janet Lynsky Wife of William R. Kelley. How are you doing Cousin? I lived in Califorinia for 10 years and have been in Texas for about 8 years. I have been seeking to get out of the Texas heat, perhaps Southern VA or North Carolina.
Thank you for putting up the Web site. I miss all the family that I had as a child, I have some vidio that I took of Granpa Gaston that I took 1993 with MOM (Janet). Granpa showed us around the Falls Church home and some of the many things he built, including the China hutch in the Dining room. I always loved both my Grandfather's workshops. I would be glad to make you a copy if you like. I would also like to come to a reunion some time. I haven't seen Aunt Marie and Uncle Bob in 20 years or more.
Hello to all the Lynskeys! My name is Deirdre Lynskey( Born 1982) twin sister to Fiona Lynskey, daughters of Gerard F. Lynskey of Carras Cloghins hill, Tuam, Co.Mayo. Ireland. I grew up in Clonlara village Co.Clare. Ireland, but now in final year of Pharmacy degree, Brighton University, England. My father has two brothers Micheal and Danny Lynskey. My Grandfather was Frank Lynskey who had a sister Peggy (margaret) and brother Micheal (now all deceased)Glad to see there are so many lynskeys around the world. As a child i used to look at the telephone book and the few lynskeys that were there were relatives. But now i know us lynskeys are not such a rarity afterall!!If anyone would like more information i would be glad to help. deelynskey@hotmail.com
Hi, my name is Susan (Lynskey) Slawson. It's New Years eve (2003) and I'm the only one in the office today. To relieve my boredom during my lunch break I decided to search my maiden name in the google search engine and couldn't believe how much stuff about Lynskeys exists. I live in Warrington Cheshire UK. I have a sister called Sharon and we are the children of Ernie (b 1924 d. 1989) and Vera (Morris) Lynskey. My father was born in Warrington and was the first child of Francis (Frank) and Elsie (Bate) Lynskey. My Grandfather, Frank Lynskey was born in St Helens Merseyside in 1903, the youngest of 13 children of Martin and Anne (Jordan) Lynskey. Martin was a farm labourer. As far as we are aware Francis was the only one of his siblings to be born in England, so the family must have come over from Ireland at the beginning of the 20th Century. Other than the fact that my Great Grandmother had connections with the family name Machin, I don't have any more information. Can anyone out there fill me in? I can be contacted at s.m.slawson@dl.ac.uk and would love to hear from you.
happy new year to all the lynskeys out there , im sat in work with nothing much to do , so i thourght id wish all the best to us all from sophie and ellie lynskey
This is the webmaster, Chuck, wishing everyone a happy, safe and prosperous 2004.
Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute to this site and Lynskey genealogy.
Dec 31, 2003 - Chuck Lynskey