Well, it looks as if we are all in the same boat. I live in Philadelphia
and have been searching for the roots of my Callaghan's (now Callahan) for
quite awhile.
I never realized how common the name was until I started in earnest. Our
family rumor was that our Callaghan's were from County Cork. There is no
evidence of any sort to prove this. I assume that it was because that was
where the name falls most often in Griffith's valuation but who knows, I
guess it could hold water. Time may tell.
My Great Great Grandfather was John Callaghan who was married to Sarah
McFadden. It seems that they first show up in Philadelphia after the 1870
census. They both died here in 1875 and are buried in Old Cathederal
Cemetery. Their children are Edward, Charles, John, James, Alexander, Hugh
and Sarah. There may be more but these are the ones I have located. James
was my great grandfather .
I am giving this off the top of my head since I just moved and don't have
easy access to my info right now.
I remember also coming accross a Cornelius Callaghan in my cemetery hunts. I
need to dig this info out. Cornelius is not one of mine but I keep anything
I come accross just in case.
Some day, perhaps we will hit the jackpot.
Pat Callahan in Philadelphia