Reynolds McGilligan was born about 1883, the son of Rodger McGilligan. Nothing of his childhood is known. Reynolds traveled to America repeatedly from 1907 to 1923. His first known passage commenced on 1 Apr 1907 from Londonderry to New York City on the S.S. Columbia. The trans-atlantic crossing typically lasted 12 days. Reynolds recorded destination was Chicago to stay with his cousin George Johnston. Reynolds’ World War I Registration Card states he was of medium build and height with grey eyes and brown hair. At the time of registration he was living at Alden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsyvlania and working as a riveter at Hog Island, then the largest ship builders in the world.
Reynolds returned to Ireland on the S.S. Columbia which sailed from New York to Glasgow via Moville on 23 Jan 1923. The passenger list recorded Reynolds as a citizen of the United States with the intent to remain in Ireland at Moneysallin, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry. Unfortunately two years later on the 18 Jun 1925 Reynolds passed away and was buried in St. Patrick’s Parish Church at Kilrea, Co. Londonderry. Legend has it that Reynolds was buried on the day he was due to be married. Reynolds is buried along with his brother John McGilligan and sister Eliza Jane McGilligan. John McGilligan’s first wife Margaret Hamilton and infant child are buried in the same plot. The headstone was erected by Reynold’s nephew John McGilligan and his name was engraved as Randall not Reynolds.
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Places of Residence
Elder & McGilligan Genealogy 