Re: Golliher / Gallaher/ etc
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In reply to:
Golliher / Gallaher/ etc
Donna 1/22/99
I have written extensively on the subject of our surname spelling variations.These are all variations of the ancient surname O'Gallchobhair, later spelled Gallachoir (mostly in Scotland) and then O'Gallagher.Originally the internal 'gh' was mostly silent (the Gaelic sound has no English equivalent).
I believe the Gollaher, Golliher, Golleher and even Gallaher surnames spellings are all closely related, and stand apart from Gallagher quite a bit. I don't believe this is due to illiteracy so much as differences in religion, politics, family squabbles and errant census takers.Caleb O'Gallaher is an enigmatic early Gollaher showing up in Wilmington, Delawar in abt 1745 or so when he married Martha Jones.Some have him immigrating from Ballyshannon, County Donegal.His siblings and parents all spelled the name O'Gallaher.Caleb fathered Charles, whose sons included Thomas Gollaher/Golliher mentioned here (father of Benj. Austin), and James Gollaher b. in Georgia.James Gollaher fathered my ancestor, William Culbertson Gollaher.Wm went on to the what is now southern Utah with the Mormons in 1849 after spending a considerable amount of time in Illinois.His father returned to family in Kentucky, where he died in Livingston.
I believe the Gollaher, Golliher, Golleher and even Gallaher surnames spellings are all closely related, and stand apart from Gallagher quite a bit. I don't believe this is due to illiteracy so much as differences in religion, politics, family squabbles and errant census takers.Caleb O'Gallaher is an enigmatic early Gollaher showing up in Wilmington, Delawar in abt 1745 or so when he married Martha Jones.Some have him immigrating from Ballyshannon, County Donegal.His siblings and parents all spelled the name O'Gallaher.Caleb fathered Charles, whose sons included Thomas Gollaher/Golliher mentioned here (father of Benj. Austin), and James Gollaher b. in Georgia.James Gollaher fathered my ancestor, William Culbertson Gollaher.Wm went on to the what is now southern Utah with the Mormons in 1849 after spending a considerable amount of time in Illinois.His father returned to family in Kentucky, where he died in Livingston.The history of the pronunciation back into Ireland is quite fascinating, and gives us rich clues as to the lineages so many have questioned here. (You say Gawl-yer, I say Gaw-la-her ... ever wonder why?). I don't have all the answers, but I believe there is some interesting information available at the O'Golly Clann Forum.It's hosted by Delphi.com and the address is:
http://forums.delphi.com/ogollaher/start
You'll have to sign on with Delphi, but its free.
http://forums.delphi.com/ogollaher/start
You'll have to sign on with Delphi, but its free.I would greatly appreciate any discussion y'all could muster at that forum.
More Replies:
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Re: Golliher / Gallaher/ etc
8/29/99
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Re: Golliher / Gallaher/ etc
4/03/00
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Re: Golliher / Gallaher/ etc