Taylor Swift's Irish roots traced in new research

Derry or Donegal roots

New research has revealed that two of Taylor Swift’s paternal great-great-great-grandparents, Susan Davis, a dressmaker and Francis Gwynn, a weaver, emigrated from Derry, in the north of Ireland, to the United States in 1836. This was roughly a decade before the Great Irish Famine, during a time marked by substantial emigration from Ireland to America as people sought out better opportunities and living conditions, as well as adventure.

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This research, carried out by the Irish Family History Centre and commissioned by EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, draws a connection to the American chart-topping artist’s hit song “Love Story”, the lead single from Taylor’s second album Fearless.

Speaking on Newstalk, Fiona O’Mahony, Head of the Irish Family History Centre, told Moncrieff that Susan Davis and Francis Gwynn were

“probably either from Derry or from Donegal – they got on the boat in Derry … They’re Church of Ireland but there are no church records for that time. So unfortunately, we’re unable to pin down the exact point, but we do know that they’re from that area.”

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Susan and Francis, accompanied by friends and cousins, departed from Derry on Saturday, 11 June 1836, on board the fast-sailing copper-fastened ship Amy. After a two-month voyage across the Atlantic, they arrived in Philadelphia on 20 August. It remains unclear whether the pair left Ireland together and went their separate ways for a time after arriving in the US or if they stayed in contact. However, we do know that three years later, the pair were married in Philadelphia in 1839.

Ms O’Mahony told Moncrieff that census records and newspaper reports indicate that Francis became a soap manufacturer and amassed considerable wealth. One census record shows that he owned property valued at $18,000. They worked hard and were successful.

The couple had six children: Ann, John, William, Francis, Joseph and Mary. According to Ms O’Mahony, one of the sons became a doctor and another became a lawyer. However, five of the six children predeceased their parents, but they were survived by their daughter Mary, born in the 1850s, who is Taylor Swift’s great-great-grandmother.

Dublin roots

It was already well known that Taylor Swift had strong genealogical links to Dublin through her mother, Andrea Gardner Swift née Finlay. With their artisan roots, the Finlay family were members of Dublin’s Hosier’s Guild for at least three generations, moving through neighbourhoods like Phibsborough, Portobello and Harold’s Cross as their fortunes improved.

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FindMyPast has also conducted extensive research into the multiple Grammy Award winner’s Dublin ancestry. Taylor Swift’s maternal great-great-great-grandfather, George W. Finlay, served as a justice of the peace for Dublin. His son, also named George, was born in 1847 at Harold’s Cross in Dublin. The latter enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1866, embarking on a maritime career that spanned over 40 years. He began as a clerk and when he retired, he was paymaster rear admiral.

While in South Africa, George met a young widow named Emma Maria Whiffin. They returned to England, where their son, again named George, was born. However, the couple separated shortly after his birth and he later married Louisa Anna Darling in Dublin in 1880.

George, the younger, immigrated to the US, married Eleanor Mayer and together they had a son named Robert Bruce Finlay – Taylor Swift’s maternal grandfather.

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Taylor Swift’s homecoming

Everyone in Ireland is excited to welcome Taylor Swift home next week. Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1’s News at One, EPIC CEO and Museum Director Aileesh Carew expressed her intention to send Taylor Swift an illustration depicting her Irish roots ahead of her visit to Ireland next week for her sold-out Eras Tour at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium from Friday, 28 June to Sunday, 30 June.

Derry Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr has written to Taylor Swift to invite her to visit their city.