Gallihugh
A history of the name
The name Gallihugh, regardless if
spelled with an (i), an (e) or an (o), cannot be found in any documentation of
names originating in the British Isles. The only name that is similar in
spelling and pronunciation is Gallihue, which is a variation of the name
Gallagher. There is no evidence in the old countries of the name ever having
been spelled with an (u) as the fist vowel versus the (a).
Research to date indicates that all of
the Gallihughs living in the United States can very likely be traced back to a
Sary (Sarah) Gallohugh. Her last name was spelled with several variations over
a period of many years. On the marriage licenses for her daughters Hannah and
Nancy, it was spelled Gallehugh; on the 1810 Census, it was spelled Gallohugh;
on the 1820 Census, it was spelled Gallihugh; and spelled Gallehue at other
times.
John, possibly Sary’s husband,
had his name on a 1793 marriage license to Ann Rowe, spelled as Gallohue.
Likewise, Elijah, who in all probability
was one of Sary’s four sons, had his name spelled in various ways. On the 1820
Census, it was Gullehugh; on the 1850 Census, it was Galahugh; on a Deed, it
was Gallahue; and on an 1855 Will and another Deed, it was Gallihugh.
Additional research reveals that the
Virginia Taxpayers 1782-7 Record lists a Charlotte and a Rachael Gallahue in
Prince William County. The 1785 Virginia Enumeration lists a Soloman Gallehew
in Stafford County.
Several marriage license in the later
part of the 1800’ listed the children who married as Gallehugh, while at the
same time, listed their parents Gallihugh. The (e) and (I) appear to be
interchangeable.
Consequently, it is readily apparent
that Gallihugh, like most other last names, has been spelled with numerous
variations over the ages. Primarily due to the lack of education, individuals.
Many years ago tended to spell names the way they sounded. However, the
spelling of Gallihugh with an (I) seems to become prevalent during the early
1800’s. This is very evident with Elijah and very possibly his youngest
brother, Isaac, and their descendants. As far as can be determined, Elijah’s
and Isaac’s four other siblings, Hannah, Nancy, Moses and (?)Marion left no
descendants, who continued the name.
It seems peculiar that only one
individual with the last name similar to Gallihugh has ever emigrated to the
United States. It is suspected that a few older ancestor immigrants with the
spelling Gallihue or some similar spelling were John’s forefathers and
subsequently, possibly Sary’s in-laws. Then the Census taker, County Clerk,
etc., began spelling it Gallihugh. Eventually, the spelling as we know it took
hold and has continued to this day.
For further information on the origin of
the name, please refer to [Bob’s book-will provide information when it’s published].
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