Irishman died in Birmingham - John Joseph Gill

10-10-20

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1229/1344086-appeal-birmingham-death-family/

I'm not sure how much researching on these topics is allowed in this forum, but I'm always struck by the passing of Irishmen who have departed the Island and ended up passing away in isolation elsewhere. Many left for jobs in more difficult times and ended up contributing to the creation of other nations, never to see home again or retaining a strong link to their birthplace.

What information can be gleaned from the online resources which could help identify this gent?

BingCrosbee

A John J Gills birth was registered in Roscommon in the 4th quarter of 1937. His mothers name was Murphy.

BingCrosbee

It looks like this was the only child born to this couple.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120043951#Comment_120043951

I presume that's from a database without general access? ie, I can't search Sligo, Mayo etc for similar?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120044057#Comment_120044057

Says in the article that he was one of approx 9 children; presumably this holds some truth, so that record is not likely to our John J Gill.

55Gem

That record is from Family Search

Ireland Civil Registration Indexes, 1845-1958 • FamilySearch

Maybe way off the mark but there is a death in the Roscommon Herald 1987 of a Tom Gill, Birmingham formerly Weekfield who was the 7th son of Charles and Bridget Gill. Two of the four surviving brothers lived in Birmingham one was called John. This family maybe too early to have a son that's just died.

Just checked and it looks like this couple married in 1911

5621085.pdf (irishgenealogy.ie)

Their son John was born 1920

10-10-20

Ah here - there is significant divergence between the RTE article and the IT one:

RTE: "I was told recently that he had no children and was never married, so we're looking for his siblings and we're trying to ensure that we meet the last wishes of John, and his family, in respect of how his funeral is dealt with," Mr Coxhead said.

IT: He was one of nine siblings and had four children of his own, say the council. Despite, presumably, having many living relatives, a public appeal in the UK and Ireland has received no response.

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/12/27/appeal-to-trace-relatives-of-irishman-who-died-in-birmingham-last-month/

Anyway, the facts presented appear to be:

• His last known address was Whitehouse Common Road in Sutton Coldfield (City of Birmingham) (up to 2008, it seems).
• Mr Gill was born on August 31st, 1936 (seems definite)
• Is originally from Co Roscommon (no town mentioned).
• Mr Gill died in Orchard House (Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9JP ??) on November 25th, aged 86.
• He was one of nine siblings

chooseusername

Sounds like the family has been found, Westmeath apparently.

Hermy

Yes, just heard that on RTE Radio 1.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120046541#Comment_120046541

Ah, good news! It was plastered over the local papers/internet alright. I wonder whether the link could have been established online or was it a chance discovery?

ednwireland

News article here

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1230/1344214-john-joseph-gill/

Hermy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120046611#Comment_120046611

It seems the information given out yesterday by the official from Birmingham was incorrect so it would have been tricky to get around that obstacle.

chooseusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120046611#Comment_120046611

Irish heir hunters "Erin Research" probably heard it on RTE.

...

Be right back

Ah, that's sad. The niece living in Birmingham didn't know she had an uncle living there also.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120046754#Comment_120046754

Yes, funny life, isn't it.

"This is an Irishman abroad who could have ended up in a pauper's grave," he said. Ireland came together to grant his last wishes. That's key here in my small mind. 👍️

silliussoddius

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120046754#Comment_120046754

Yeah. Reminds of a film called Kings that came out about 15 years ago. People can travel what is now an hour away and can fall so hard.

BingCrosbee

I had an uncle who went to London in the 40s and ended up on the streets. He was from a decent farming background. He died in 1992 and his ashes were brought back to Ireland for burial. He was too embarrassed to admit his plight and never set foot back in Ireland. It’s very common especially with the Irish of past generations.

Be right back

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120047476#Comment_120047476

How sad for those who had to go in the hope of a better life and end up on the streets. I hope your uncle remained in contact with his family, Bing.

pinkypinky

I was amused at the tone of 'we located Mr Gill's parents' marriage certificate' like we couldn't just find that on a free website....

Jellybaby_1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120049155#Comment_120049155

Yes indeed, I find that message coming through on the Heir Hunters TV series. They make even the easiest 'find' sound like a hard slog!!

doc22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120046820#Comment_120046820

I'm confused about the "pauper's grave" bit. Did they literally track down the relatives of him so they would pay for the funeral for him?

Hermy

I'd assume that had relatives had not been found he'd have been buried in common ground without a headstone.

Deregos.

Why am I embarrassed to admit that I seen this on the Journal today.

https://www.thejournal.ie/irishman-to-be-buried-in-england-today-after-successful-appeal-5973189-Jan2023/

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120136176#Comment_120136176

Sure look, he's offering a service. No better advertising than being able to reach out and help, etc.

pinkypinky

He's a great man for the self-promotion...

chooseusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120136222#Comment_120136222

Or maybe J.J. Gill was a millionaire, so a nice cut, plus free advertising.