Br Didacus may be the Michael Mc Namara, from Clare, aged 25, living in Abbleyland, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath , in 1901: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... d/1784021/. Abbeyland in Multyfarnham was a Franciscan Monastery: https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/build ... -westmeath. I looked at the Michael McNamaras aged 35 in all counties in 1911 (born in Clare, single), just in case that Michael was still in Multyfarnham - therefore, not Br Didacus - and was surprised to see that there was no Michael McNamara, aged about 35, living in any other county.
When I looked at the MacNamaras I got a pleasant surprise: again there was no Michael McNamara that fitted the bill, but the father of a Michael MacNamara caught my attention. He is a Patrick McNamara Oshaughnessy, aged 69, living in Tullaroe, Querrin DED: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... oe/365430/. Looking at the image of the original form, I wondered where the transcriber got the “Oshaughnessy” from, and then saw that this was the name given in the House and Buildings form: http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/r ... 001789480/. Somebody did a very thorough job.
Anyway, I’m happy enough with the possibility – even likelihood – that Br. Didacus in 1911 is the Michael McNamara in Multyfarnham in 1901. I’m not going to try to find out any more about him.
Sheila
Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Moderators: Clare Support, Clare Past Mod
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Sheila, good work in discovering that “Didacus Mac Connara”, age 35, of Friary Lane in Athlone in the 1911 census, was the same as “Michael McNamara”, age 25, of Multyfarnham in the 1901 census, both in County Westmeath. The two men are definitely one and the same.
Sheila, I know you didn’t want to do any further research on Brother Didacus McNamara, but you’ve left some low hanging fruit and, I reckon, it would be a great shame to not highlight the excellent resources available on the Franciscans at the Clare Library. Their “Franciscan Friary Ennis Collection” of 180 photos, includes three group photos with your Brother Didacus McNamara:
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/photo ... ctions.htm
The earliest of these three photos is the Franciscan Novitiate Group 1905-1906 in Ennis which includes 15 individuals: (L-R) Back Row: Fr Michael O'Hanlon, Fr Hubert Quinn, Fr Joseph Moloney, Fr Denis O'Callaghan, Br Damian. Middle Row: Br Kieran Brogan, Fr Celestine Moriarty, Fr Leo Sheehan, Br Didacus McNamara. Front Row: Fr Ignatius Kelly, Fr Fridolin Fihely, Fr Bartholomew Foley.
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
Initially, I thought that the Novitiate Group of 1905-1906 was when Michael McNamara (of 1901 census) became Brother Didacus McNamara (of 1911 census). But that is incorrect. Brother Didacus would have been 30 years old in 1906, so he surely professed his vows prior to 1901 when he was reported as a “Lay Brother”. In the photo Brother Didacus is next to the Rev. Leo Sheehan, sitting in a very important looking chair. Rev. Leo Sheehan was age 39 in 1911 when he was the vicar at the Franciscan friary, he was clearly not a novitiate in 1906 (based upon another photo in the archive, supposedly 50 years later, I believe this was the assumption of the contributor). Also, the Rev. Michael O’Hanlon, reading a book in the back row, looks well over 50 years old. The 12 remaining individuals look quite young and are likely the novitiates.
The Rev. Patrick Conlan, O.F.M., who died in May 2023 at the age of 83, was an Irish Franciscan historian and author of several books and scholarly articles on the Irish Franciscans. His writings help explain why Brother Didacus McNamara was living at Multyfarnham in County Westmeath in the 1901 census. In looking at the 1901 Irish census, you would never realize the interesting history on how his presence at Multyfarnham was the result of what can only be described as a hostile takeover.
https://www.franciscans.ie/latest-news/ ... n-ofm-rip/
The Rev. Patrick Conlan was the author “Franciscan Ireland”, 1989, Lilliput Press. The source material for this book was primarily research into the Franciscan archives in Rome and elsewhere and published in the Collectanea Hibernica journal. Fortunately, these journal articles, 25 in total, are freely available on the jstor website, only requiring a user account to access 100 articles each month.
https://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSea ... el&acc=off
Apparently, the Irish Franciscans of the 19th century were a bit of an embarrassment for the Continental Franciscans, who were being prosecuted by the various liberal governments in Europe.
Documents during this period located in Franciscan archives in Rome were summarized in Rev. Patrick Conlan’s research articles published in the Collectanea Hiberinca journals. The original documents were mostly in Latin or Italian so this would have been an incredible effort. Excerpts mentioning Brother Didacus as well as the 1896 takeover of Multyfarnham abbey:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ra_s_Lane/
Brother Didacus McNamara may or may not have been part of the first wave of friars to arrive at Multyfarnham in 1896, but he was living there at the 1901 census. The Franciscans appear to have several levels of profession, and Brother Didacus McNamara at Ennis gets a brief mention in the Rev. Patrick Conlan’s research of the “English Franciscan Friars in Killarney, 1860-1902”:
The “eleven novices transferred from Ennis” in late 1902, would be about the same number of young novitiates (12) in the Franciscan Collection photo, “Novitiate Group of 1905-1906 in Ennis”. Thus, it is possible that the photo was from several years earlier or else the novices were visiting Ennis from the Killarney novitiate. One remaining mystery is the location of these 11 or 12 novitiates in the 1901 census, I cannot locate them in Ennis.
Brother Didacus McNamara also appears in a group photo labeled as 1908. This is a much smaller group of seven Franciscan friars:
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
Once again, the Rev. Leo Sheehan was sitting in the middle of the photo in a very important looking chair. In the 1911 census, Leo Sheehan, age 39, born in Dublin, was reported as the vicar; apparently a step below the top friar position of “guardian” held by Stanislaus Ryan (age 33, born in Limerick). In the 1908 photo, Bernard Kneafsey sitting next to Leo Sheehan was reported to be the “guardian”, but in 1911 Bernard, (age 39, born in Clare) was reported as a “priest” below Leo Sheehan.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ne/353709/
The third group photo which included Brother Didacus McNamara was labeled “Father Leo Sheehan’s Jubilee” and dated circa 1956:
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
Apparently, the assumption is that Father Leo was a novitiate in the 1906 photo, and hence his Jubilee (presumably 50th, and not 25th) was in 1956. However, this is incorrect. Notwithstanding that he would have already been an ordained priest by 1901, Leo Sheehan, O.S.F., of the friary at Merchant’s Quay, Dublin, died on 13 December 1940 at the age of 69 years old. He was part of the reformist group which began in 1888, so I reckon his Jubilee photo would be based upon his first joining the Franciscan order (as opposed to his final ordination) and thus his 50th Jubilee would be say around 1939 or 1940. He appears to be in his late sixties in the photo which supports this theory.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 260270.pdf
County Clare born Brother Didacus McNamara, educated in Italy, was part of the reform movement of the Irish Franciscans. He also played an important role in expanding the presence of the Franciscans in Ireland in the first decades of the 20th century:
“Bro. Didicus McNamara”, Franciscan Brother, from the Friary at Athlone, died on 4 July 1947 at the District Hospital, Athlone; informant Sr. M. Gertrude, occupier District Hospital. Sheila, you may have been challenged in finding his civil death record if you had searched, as the informant wrote “Didicus” instead of “Didacus”. These two names, one a misspelling, are not equivalent for civil record searches (similar to the surnames McNamara and Mac Namara). The ancestry website, although only an index, is much more forgiving when doing a search than the irishgenealogy website.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 210547.pdf
In October 2022 the decision was made by the Franciscan Friars to leave the town of Athlone after a presence of nearly 800 years. Their last day was 6 January 2023, although the Franciscan Church of St. Anthony would remain open with a limited mass schedule. The Franciscan housing in Athlone has been utilized for Ukrainian refugees starting in late 2023.
One of numerous articles on-line about the Franciscans leaving Athlone in 2023:
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/16364/ ... to-athlone
Sheila, I know you didn’t want to do any further research on Brother Didacus McNamara, but you’ve left some low hanging fruit and, I reckon, it would be a great shame to not highlight the excellent resources available on the Franciscans at the Clare Library. Their “Franciscan Friary Ennis Collection” of 180 photos, includes three group photos with your Brother Didacus McNamara:
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/photo ... ctions.htm
The earliest of these three photos is the Franciscan Novitiate Group 1905-1906 in Ennis which includes 15 individuals: (L-R) Back Row: Fr Michael O'Hanlon, Fr Hubert Quinn, Fr Joseph Moloney, Fr Denis O'Callaghan, Br Damian. Middle Row: Br Kieran Brogan, Fr Celestine Moriarty, Fr Leo Sheehan, Br Didacus McNamara. Front Row: Fr Ignatius Kelly, Fr Fridolin Fihely, Fr Bartholomew Foley.
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
Initially, I thought that the Novitiate Group of 1905-1906 was when Michael McNamara (of 1901 census) became Brother Didacus McNamara (of 1911 census). But that is incorrect. Brother Didacus would have been 30 years old in 1906, so he surely professed his vows prior to 1901 when he was reported as a “Lay Brother”. In the photo Brother Didacus is next to the Rev. Leo Sheehan, sitting in a very important looking chair. Rev. Leo Sheehan was age 39 in 1911 when he was the vicar at the Franciscan friary, he was clearly not a novitiate in 1906 (based upon another photo in the archive, supposedly 50 years later, I believe this was the assumption of the contributor). Also, the Rev. Michael O’Hanlon, reading a book in the back row, looks well over 50 years old. The 12 remaining individuals look quite young and are likely the novitiates.
The Rev. Patrick Conlan, O.F.M., who died in May 2023 at the age of 83, was an Irish Franciscan historian and author of several books and scholarly articles on the Irish Franciscans. His writings help explain why Brother Didacus McNamara was living at Multyfarnham in County Westmeath in the 1901 census. In looking at the 1901 Irish census, you would never realize the interesting history on how his presence at Multyfarnham was the result of what can only be described as a hostile takeover.
https://www.franciscans.ie/latest-news/ ... n-ofm-rip/
The Rev. Patrick Conlan was the author “Franciscan Ireland”, 1989, Lilliput Press. The source material for this book was primarily research into the Franciscan archives in Rome and elsewhere and published in the Collectanea Hibernica journal. Fortunately, these journal articles, 25 in total, are freely available on the jstor website, only requiring a user account to access 100 articles each month.
https://www.jstor.org/action/doBasicSea ... el&acc=off
Apparently, the Irish Franciscans of the 19th century were a bit of an embarrassment for the Continental Franciscans, who were being prosecuted by the various liberal governments in Europe.
When Michael McNamara joined the Franciscans he was part of the newly trained reformer group who were educated at St. Isidore’s College in Rome and eventually returned to Ireland. Multyfarnham was the first Franciscan house to be taken over by the reformers, and the Ennis friary would soon follow. Msgr. Ignatius Murphy in “The Diocese of Killaloe, 1850-1904” discussed how these changes “split the Franciscan houses between the new friars (“Brown friars” based upon their habits) and those who wished to continue in the old way of life (“Black friars”). He concluded, “This marked the end in Ennis of the Black friars, who were indistinguishable from diocesan priests, and heralded the arrival of the Brown friars, who have been a familiar part of life in Ennis since then” (Murphy, pg. 133-134).The Franciscans [on the Continent] sought the answer to their problems in regular observance and religious discipline, i.e., a return to an almost monastic lifestyle. The Irish friars had never gone through the same experience, but their style of living became a source of scandal to the Continental Franciscans. The history of the Irish friars in the second half on the last century [19th] consists of various efforts made to persuade the Irish to reform themselves.
Eventually, in 1888, a drastic solution was imposed. The Irish novitiate was transferred to Germany, later to Italy. A rigorous training programme was set up. Special teams were sent back to Ireland to recruit. The newly trained friars were kept in Italy until the houses in Ireland could be taken over one by one. The reformers took over control of the province in 1899, by which time the elements of a centralised administrative bureaucracy had begun to emerge. The first thirty years of this century [20th] were taken up by the process of settling in and implementing the reform programme laid down in 1888; a seraphic college were those thinking of joining the Order were educated (Multyfarnham), a novitiate in Ireland (Killarney) [but first back to Ennis from 1899 until 1902], a house of studies for the humanities and possibly also philosophy in Ireland (Galway) and theology in Rome. The next thirty years were characterised by expansion into new places, apostolates and missions; a period to which the title of the second golden age of the Irish Franciscans might be given by a future historian.
“Vocations to the Irish Franciscans 1800-1980” by Patrick Conlan, Collectanea Hibernica, Vol. 42 (1987), pp. 29-37 (9 pages)
Documents during this period located in Franciscan archives in Rome were summarized in Rev. Patrick Conlan’s research articles published in the Collectanea Hiberinca journals. The original documents were mostly in Latin or Italian so this would have been an incredible effort. Excerpts mentioning Brother Didacus as well as the 1896 takeover of Multyfarnham abbey:
In 1896, the old “Black friars” appear to have been taken unawares of the takeover by the young “Brown friars” of their friaries and don’t appear to have been too happy about the changes. In 1899 the Ennis friary was also taken over by the reformist friars as reflected in the 1901 census (priests noted in brackets in 126-9 above).126-9: A report on the state of St. Isidore’s College, Rome, . . . [signed by several priests] . . . Rome, 26 July 1896; Latin; there are six priests in the community: Bernard Doebbing, Peter Begley, Nicholas Dillon, Francis Donnelly, Patrick Cahill, and Laurence O’Neill; there are five clerics: Leo Sheehan [1911 at Ennis Friary], Bernard Kneafsey [1911, same], Alphonsus Prendergast [1901 at Ennis Friary], Kevin O’Regan [1901, same], and Benedict Coffey; there are three clerical novices; Joseph Moloney, Chrysostom Dore and Stanislaus Ryan [1911 at Ennis Friary]; there are two Irish tertiaries, Sebastian Fitzgibbon and Didacus McNamara, and four Germans: Vincent Austermann, Benevenutus Peeters, Julian Kuckler, and Leopold Mueller; the level of regular observance is good . . .
193-4: Luigi Canali da Parma, O.F.M., min. gen., to Peter Begley, O.F.M., Rome, 23 May 1896; Latin; he orders Begley to return to Ireland and engage in negotiations with the Irish minister provincial [Alphonsus Jackman] about the young priests from Italy returning to Ireland and taking over the friary there; all decisions are to be referred back to the minister general.
195-6: Alphonsus Jackman, O.F.M., min. prov. To Luigi Canali da Parma, O.F.M., min. gen., Dublin, 30 May 1896; Italian; in the past he pressed the minister general about the return of the novitiate to Ireland; he was amazed when Peter Begley, O.F.M., arrived last night to negotiate about the reformers from Italy taking over an Irish friary in its entirety. . .
197-8: Agostino Ciasca, secretary of the Sacred Congregation ‘de Propaganda Fide’ to [Alphonsus Jackman, O.F.M., min. prov.], Rome, 19 June 1896; Italian; in accordance with the decisions of Propaganda taken in 1889, the time is now ripe for the next stage of the reform of the Irish Franciscans; this involves the friars trained in the new ways taking over a friary in Ireland; the minister general and his definitory have decided that Multyfarnham is the most suitable friary; therefore this house is to put under the direct control under the direct control of the minister general, the present community are to be withdrawn quam primum [as soon as possible] and the buildings, including all associated properties and contents, are to be handed over, whole and entire, to Peter Begley, O.F.M., delegate general.
199-200: Alphonsus Jackman, O.F.M., min., prov. to Luigi Canali da Parma, O.F.M., min. gen., Dublin, 30 June 1896; Italian; he and the entire definitory of the Irish province believe and feel in conscience bound to object, that the new arrangement proposed for the friary in Multyfarnham is totally against the Rule of St Francis and the constitutions of the Order; in particular the new community should be under the control of the minister provincial.
A Short-Title Calendar of "Hibernia," Vol. 5 (1894-9), and of Irish Material in "Saxonia S. Crucis," Vol. 3 (1890-1900), in the General Archives of the Friars Minor, Rome; by Patrick Conlan, Collectanea Hibernica, No. 27/28 (1986), pp. 196-231
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ra_s_Lane/
Brother Didacus McNamara may or may not have been part of the first wave of friars to arrive at Multyfarnham in 1896, but he was living there at the 1901 census. The Franciscans appear to have several levels of profession, and Brother Didacus McNamara at Ennis gets a brief mention in the Rev. Patrick Conlan’s research of the “English Franciscan Friars in Killarney, 1860-1902”:
According to Ignatius Murphy, Ennis contained the Franciscan novitiate starting in June 1875 through to 1885, when a new building was constructed and the novitiate moved to Harreveld, Holland. The new building was ready three years later, but instead of returning to Ennis the novitiate went to Rome as part of the outside reform strategy of the Irish Franciscans initiated in 1888. “The novitiate in Ennis . . . was reopened in the summer of 1899 when the Brown friars took over. This second phase was even shorter than the first. When Killarney friary was purchased from the English Franciscans in October 1902 it was decided to transfer the novitiate there and eleven novices transferred from Ennis later that year” (Murphy, p. 136).Copies of receptions and professions in Ennis of brothers for the Irish province
First Order reception of Brs Didacus McNamara and Felix Steppler on 15 August 1899 [by Father Peter Begley per footnote]; simple profession by Br. Juniper Arens on 16 November 1899; simple profession of Brs Didacus McNamara and Felix Steppler on 26 August 1900; Third Order profession of Br John O’Regan. . . (p. 193).
“A Short-Title Calendar of the Reception and Profession Books of the English Franciscan Friars in Killarney 1860-1902”, Patrick Conlan, Collectanea Hibernica, No. 42 (2000), pp. 181-214 (34 pages)
The “eleven novices transferred from Ennis” in late 1902, would be about the same number of young novitiates (12) in the Franciscan Collection photo, “Novitiate Group of 1905-1906 in Ennis”. Thus, it is possible that the photo was from several years earlier or else the novices were visiting Ennis from the Killarney novitiate. One remaining mystery is the location of these 11 or 12 novitiates in the 1901 census, I cannot locate them in Ennis.
Brother Didacus McNamara also appears in a group photo labeled as 1908. This is a much smaller group of seven Franciscan friars:
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
Once again, the Rev. Leo Sheehan was sitting in the middle of the photo in a very important looking chair. In the 1911 census, Leo Sheehan, age 39, born in Dublin, was reported as the vicar; apparently a step below the top friar position of “guardian” held by Stanislaus Ryan (age 33, born in Limerick). In the 1908 photo, Bernard Kneafsey sitting next to Leo Sheehan was reported to be the “guardian”, but in 1911 Bernard, (age 39, born in Clare) was reported as a “priest” below Leo Sheehan.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ne/353709/
The third group photo which included Brother Didacus McNamara was labeled “Father Leo Sheehan’s Jubilee” and dated circa 1956:
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
Apparently, the assumption is that Father Leo was a novitiate in the 1906 photo, and hence his Jubilee (presumably 50th, and not 25th) was in 1956. However, this is incorrect. Notwithstanding that he would have already been an ordained priest by 1901, Leo Sheehan, O.S.F., of the friary at Merchant’s Quay, Dublin, died on 13 December 1940 at the age of 69 years old. He was part of the reformist group which began in 1888, so I reckon his Jubilee photo would be based upon his first joining the Franciscan order (as opposed to his final ordination) and thus his 50th Jubilee would be say around 1939 or 1940. He appears to be in his late sixties in the photo which supports this theory.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 260270.pdf
County Clare born Brother Didacus McNamara, educated in Italy, was part of the reform movement of the Irish Franciscans. He also played an important role in expanding the presence of the Franciscans in Ireland in the first decades of the 20th century:
https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/build ... -westmeathATHLONE’S NEW CHURCH.
SACRED AND HISTORIC CERMEMONY.
Two years after the laying of the foundation stone by Most Rev. Dr. McNamee, Bishop of Ardagh, and Clonmacnoise, the new Franciscan Church of St. Anthony erected as a memorial to the Four Masters, was blessed in Athlone on Sunday by Father Flannan O’Neill, O.F.M.
The new church which is built on an historic site associated with the Franciscan for hundreds of years, taken the place of a wooden building which has been used as a church since the old church showed signs of decay. Built upon the site of the old Friary, the new church, with its Tower and Cormac entrance, is a very imposing building. In every instance where possible, Irish products have been utilised in its building. The cost of the church so far is up to £40,000 and of that amount over £32,000 has been collected.
Great Congregation.
At the opening Mass on Sunday the large congregation indicated the popularity of the Franciscans in Athlone. People came from many miles outside the district, and when the Rev. Fr. Columba Hanrahan, the 80 years old veteran of the Community, said the first Mass, there was barely standing room for late comers.
There were many boys anxious to assist at the first Mass, just as there were Communicants fasting up to midday to be the first to receive Communion, but the honour of assisting at the opening Mass was reserved for yet another veteran of the Community in Brother Didacus McNamara, to whose energies in collecting for the church is due the fact that the balance on the wrong side is so small.
Five of the windows in the apse are by the late Mr. Henry Clarke, and like all the other work in the church, with the exception of the marble altar, are Irish products.
Guardian’s Address.
Very Rev. Father Philip, Guardian, in a short address, said it was over 700 years ago that the Franciscan found their way along the banks of the Shannon and were welcomed by the people of Athlone, where they founded a house and church. During the 700 years that had elapsed the history of the Franciscans had been the history of Ireland. It was not in any boasting spirit that he said that time and again the Irish Franciscans had dyed their brown habits and the green soil of Ireland in their martyr’s blood.
Time and again their friaries and their churches had been razed to the ground, and time and again the people had given them a new home and a new habitation. This was the fourth church the people of Athlone had to erect, and they had done it with a generosity for which he thanked them heartily.
The first Mass was offered. . .
Roscommon Messenger, Saturday, 12 December 1931
“Bro. Didicus McNamara”, Franciscan Brother, from the Friary at Athlone, died on 4 July 1947 at the District Hospital, Athlone; informant Sr. M. Gertrude, occupier District Hospital. Sheila, you may have been challenged in finding his civil death record if you had searched, as the informant wrote “Didicus” instead of “Didacus”. These two names, one a misspelling, are not equivalent for civil record searches (similar to the surnames McNamara and Mac Namara). The ancestry website, although only an index, is much more forgiving when doing a search than the irishgenealogy website.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 210547.pdf
In October 2022 the decision was made by the Franciscan Friars to leave the town of Athlone after a presence of nearly 800 years. Their last day was 6 January 2023, although the Franciscan Church of St. Anthony would remain open with a limited mass schedule. The Franciscan housing in Athlone has been utilized for Ukrainian refugees starting in late 2023.
One of numerous articles on-line about the Franciscans leaving Athlone in 2023:
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/16364/ ... to-athlone
-
smcarberry
- Posts: 1289
- Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:31 pm
- Location: USA
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Jimbo, I usually hold back and wait for Sheila to post her reaction to one of your expository deep-background posts, but I must say that this time you have produced a model of such a one, in that I had little need to read the whole thing but did so. Your encapsulation of the Franciscans' time in Ennis is, at least for my purposes, so well done for being a brief survey of the Order's dynamics in that time period, in that section of the world. I am so glad that you have access to the breadth of online sources, which you share here through research that takes so much time and concentration to find and then sort out. You again have done a masterful job of distilling it all down to just right for this topic to be read by your fellow family historians.
One last thanks also for your mentioning that the former Fransican residence in Athlone is now being used to shelter Ukrainian refugees, a reference to a compelling present-day dynamic of importance for us. For me in particular, since my grandmother was the first-born American child of Ukrainian parents leaving behind most of their families who were later themselves forced out during the Soviet invasion of the 1940s. Thus she was here in the U.S., to marry a Carberry born to a Clare-born immigrant's son.
Sharon C.
One last thanks also for your mentioning that the former Fransican residence in Athlone is now being used to shelter Ukrainian refugees, a reference to a compelling present-day dynamic of importance for us. For me in particular, since my grandmother was the first-born American child of Ukrainian parents leaving behind most of their families who were later themselves forced out during the Soviet invasion of the 1940s. Thus she was here in the U.S., to marry a Carberry born to a Clare-born immigrant's son.
Sharon C.
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Jimbo
Thank you for that history - all new to me. I'm not able to make contributions for a while, but still very interested of course.
Sheila
Thank you for that history - all new to me. I'm not able to make contributions for a while, but still very interested of course.
Sheila
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Happy Easter.
Hi Sheila, absolutely, please take care of yourself. And I am certain the search for the missing Thomas McNamara of Glandree will still be ongoing when you get back. If there is some topic of particular interest to you being discussed while you’re away from the forum, or a mistake you would like to correct, we can always discuss further later on.
Hi Sharon, thank you for the positive feedback and sharing the Irish-Ukranian heritage of your father. Not the most common of combinations in America, compared to say Irish-German, but both families being Catholic (I assume), they likely had much in common. With the large numbers of Ukrainians now living in Ireland, I suppose there will likely be more children born with the same heritage as your father.
I searched on-line for photos of the Franciscan Friary residence in Ennis and noticed how the reform of the Irish Franciscans starting in 1888 has been glossed over. An excerpt from the Franciscan website:
At the Clare Library website, the article “Some Historic Aspects of Ennis” by Martin Breen provided the photos I was looking for and the history of the building:
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
This brings the total novitiates in the Ennis group photo down to eleven, the same exact number mentioned in Ignatius Murphy’s history, “The Diocese of Killaloe, 1850-1904”, “When Killarney friary was purchased from the English Franciscans in October 1902 it was decided to transfer the novitiate there and eleven novices transferred from Ennis later that year”. The novitiates likely first professed after the 1901 census (31 March 1901). I reckon the photo was taken in 1902. The journal articles written by Fr. Patrick Conlan only go through 1900. In one article he does make reference that at St. Isidore in Rome, “Items from the beginning for this present century [20th] are in a box entitled “Irlanda 1900-1920”; this box which would likely provide additional details of the Ennis group of eleven novitiates.
More information of Fr. Kevin O’Regan:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... e/1069946/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... th/394834/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 218846.pdf
Was surprised to see the above reference from 1891 that “the remains of Luke Wadding, O.F.M., have been placed in a decent tomb”. Father Luke Wadding, O.F.M., (1588-1657) “founded the Pontifical Irish College in Rome in 1628 [St. Isidore’s] for the training of Irish diocesan clergy. He followed this up in 1656 with the foundation of an Irish Franciscan novitiate in Capranica, about 70kms north-west of Rome, which remained open until 1983” – see history in link below. He is also famous for obtaining approval from Rome to make St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th of March an official Catholic feast day in Ireland.
https://stisidoresrome.org/history/
The Irish Franciscan friar Luke Wadding appears on two Irish commemorative postage stamps issued on 25 November 1957 at the 300th anniversary of his death (a dark blue, 3p; and deep claret, 1 shilling 3 p). He also appears on one Irish commemorative stamp issued on 24 January 2007 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of his death. In the same issue, a second stamp commemorated the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Franciscan College at Louvain in 1607 by other Franciscan priests. The Rev. John J. McInerney of Killawinna, Doora, County Clare graduated from the Irish College at Louvain on 14 July 1901 and went to Kansas. My 2019 posting “McInerney Postcard from Killawinna to Belgium” included the 400th anniversary stamp for the Irish College at Louvain:
http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... f=1&t=7101
A further review of Father Patrick Conlan’s journal articles led to a Patrick McNamara who attended the seraphic college in Capranica, outside Rome, in the late 1890’s. And when it came time to profess as a Franciscan, his baptism at Kilchreest and Clondegad parish was confirmed by his parish priest, which led to his parents in County Clare and, surprisingly, to his older brother, Brother Didacus McNamara.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 055625.pdf
And according to about 30 family trees on the ancestry website, Patrick McNamara of Leamnaleaha was the brother of Michael “Brother Didacus” McNamara. According to these various McNamara family trees, Patrick McNamara (they don’t appear aware of “Brother Fidelis”) was a Franciscan who died in Rome in 1901. Unable to verify with any record, but Fidelis McNamara disappears from the records (census, death records, and newspapers). Plus, his parents in the 1911 census were the parents of nine children, and only five were living. Since the five living children have all been accounted for (Brother Didacus, John, Sinon, Martin, James), it does appear that Brother Fidelis died prior to 31 March 1901.
Unless, of course, if Brother Didacus was not the Michael born in 1875 to Sinon McNamara and Susan Donohoe, which I reckon is unlikely. The year of birth is perfect with his age in later records. And it’s not uncommon to have two priests in one family. Plus, Brother Didacus died in 1947 leaving many nephews and nieces in Ireland (and the USA) who would likely have been told of their Franciscan uncle.
Since one uncle of the two Franciscan friars completed an 1851 census search request application in 1916, their paternal grandparents are also known. While the friars’ father, Sinon, inherited the Leamnaleah farm, three of their uncles had the occupation of baker and moved to three different towns in County Clare, with John in Kilrush, Patrick in Kilkee, and Michael in Ennis. See family tree below:
John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) and Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha Townland, Civil Parish of Kilchreest
They were married in 1837 (prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad/Keelchrist marriage register) according to the Ireland 1851 Census Search Request form which was submitted by their son, Patrick McNamara of 22 O’Connell Street, Kilkee:
https://censussearchforms.nationalarchi ... sp?id=1369
There are no McNamara’s reported in the Tithe Apploment books, dated 19 October 1825, for “Lemnelehy” townland in Kilchreest Parish. There was a Thomas Roach in 1825; John McNamara likely “married in” to Leamnaleah when he married Catherine Roche in 1837.
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... st_tab.htm
At 1855 Griffith Valuation for Leamnaleaha townland, John McNamara held two plots both with John Beecham Brady as the lessor. Plot 10 consisted of land, over 2 acres, valuation £1 and 5 shillings. Plot 11 consisted of house, office, and land; over 15 acres, valuation of £4 and 5 shillings.
A neighbor in Plot 12, was a Michael McNamara, with just a house and garden, 3 roods, valuation 14 shillings.
A John McNamara died in the 2nd quarter of 1866 at the age of 95, so born about 1771. A John McNamara died in the 1st quarter of 1867 at the age of 95, so born about 1772. Both Killadysart registration district; on-line records are not yet available. There is a possibility that either man could be the father of John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha (and thus also the tenant of Plot 11 at Griffith Valuation).
John McNamara and Catherine Roach McNamara of Leamnaleaha died on 23 January 1886 and 23 December 1886, respectively; their son, Sinon McNamara, was the informant on both civil death records:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 791660.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 779924.pdf
When Patrick McNamara completed the 1851 Census Search form in 1916, he reported that his parents were John McNamara and Catherine Roache of Leamnaleaha townland. As a follow-up to confirm his own identity, Patrick was requested to list his parent’s children in birth order (which was written on the side of the form). Sinon McNamara was reported as the eldest child and first born son, which makes sense as he would inherit the Leamnaleaha farm.
John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) and Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886) of Leamnaleah were the parents of seven children; birth years of first four children, born prior to start of baptism register, are estimated:
1.0 Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907 in Leamnaleaha)
Sinon McNamara, “age 26”, a farmer of Leamnaleaha, son of farmer John McNamara, married Susan Donohoe, age 24, of Renappa (or Reknappa), daughter of farmer Thomas Donohue, on 12 February 1872 at the catholic chapel at Lissycasey; witnesses Thomas McGrath and Sarah Donohoe (Killadysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 145788.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075861/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359520/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 549399.pdf
Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) and Susan Donohoe (≈1847 – after 1911) of Leamnaleaha were the parents of nine children, five living at the 1911 census (as well as many post-1911 grandchildren not listed):
………………… 1.1 Thomas Donohoe McNamara (1872 – 1907 in Boston, MA), no residence reported, was baptized on 16 November 1872; sponsors Pat O’Donohoe and Mary McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Thomas McNamara, parents as above, married Irish born Agnes J. Delaney, daughter of William Delaney and Elizabeth Walsh, in Boston on 28 January 1903 (MA marriage records, 1840-1915).
………………… 1.2 Michael “Brother Didacus” McNamara (1875 – 1947), was born on 20 September 1875, to Sinon McNamara and Susan Donoghue of Leamnaleagh per civil birth record (Kildysart registration). No baptism entry can be found in the Clondagad/Kilchreest baptism register. <Abbeyland, Multyfarnham, County Westmeath, House 1; Friary Lane, Athlone East Urban, County Westmeath, House 10>
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 127678.pdf
See biography of Brother Didacus in prior posting.
………………… 1.3 John McNamara (1877 – 1934 in Carrrowreagh), no residence reported, was baptized on 16 September 1877; sponsor Mary Cleary (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Per civil birth record his birthplace was Leamnaleha. <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 15; House 14>
John McNamara, of Leamnaleha, Lissycasey, farmer, son of Sinon McNamara, married Ellen Crowley, of Furroor, Lissycasey, daughter of John Crowley [and Bridget Conway per 1883 birth record] on 14 February 1911 at the Catholic church at Lissycasey by James Monahan, curate at Ballynacally; witnesses James McNamara and Maggie Conway (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 614350.pdf
John McNamara (1877 – 1934) and Ellen Crowley (1883 – after 1934) do not appear to have had any children and at some point after 1911 moved to Carrowreagh townland. John McNamara, of “Carhurreagh”, farmer, married, age 56 years, died on 6 September 1934; informant was his brother, Martin McNamara of Leamnaleha (Kildysart regisration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 304529.pdf
………………… 1.4 Patrick “Brother Fidelis” McNamara (1880 – 1900? 1901? In Rome?), no residence reported, was baptized on 21 January 1880; sponsors Pat Kelly and Mary Finucane (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Patrick McNamara was a student of the Franciscan seraphic college in Caparanica, outside Rome, from 1894 to 1897. He “simply professed” in Rome on 20 August 1898 as Brother Fidelis. See above sources.
………………… 1.5 Sinon McNamara (1882 – 1953 in Kildysart), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 20 May 1882 (Kildysart registration). In the 1901, “Simon”, age 18, carpenter, was living with his Uncle Michael McNamara at Market Place in Ennis; in 1911 with his family at Leamnaleaha. <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 14>
Sinon McNamara, a carpenter, of Leamnaleha, son of farmer Sinon McNamara, married Mary Pender, daughter of farmer Michael Pender, on 23 March 1927 at the Catholic church at Lissycasey by the parish priest Denis Murphy; witnesses Martin McNamara and Ellie McNamara (Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 292451.pdf
………………… 1.6 Martin McNamara (1885 – 1963 in Leamnaleaha), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 6 February 1885 (Kildysart registration). <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 15; House 14>
Martin McNamara of Leamnaleaha was the informant on the civil death record for his brother, John McNamara of Carrowreagh townland, in 1934.
Martin Sinon McNamara, a farmer, of Leimnaleha, son of farmer Sinon McNamara, married Bridget O’Sullivan, daughter of farmer Pat Sullivan, on 25 February 1936 at the Catholic church at Ballycorick; witnesses John McNamara and Mary Ronan (Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 224968.pdf
………………… 1.7 James McNamara (1887 – 1952 in Waltham, Middlesex, MA), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 15 September 1887 (Kildysart registration). <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 15; House 14>
James McNamara, age 25, from Lissycasey, arrived in Boston on the Franconia on 2 July 1913. His Irish contact was his mother, Susan McNamara of “Lemnaleha, Lissycasey”; his USA contact was his “cousin”, Michael O’Hare, of 19 Brooklyn St., Boston, MA.
1913 passenger listing (two pages): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XC-1C4
James Richard McNamara and Mary Walsh were the parents of 13 children in Waltham, MA, including the Rev. Eugene P. McNamara. See McNamara memorials on the findagrave website (below link) which include photos and obituaries. The Rev.’s obituary names all 12 of his siblings. One minor error, James Richard McNamara died in 1952 (per social security record), his son, James Richard McNamara, Jr., died in 1954.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/253 ... d_mcnamara
………………… 1.8 Sarah McNamara (1890 – 1891), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 7 August 1890 (Kildysart registration). Sarah died at 5 months on 15 January 1891 (Kildysart registration).
………………… 1.9 Unknown McNamara, parents of 9 children, 5 living in 1911 census (not 27-year old “Ellen” in 1911 census, she was the wife of John McNamara, 1.3 above).
2.0 Mary McNamara (≈1840 – 1913 in Ennis)
Mary McNamara, “age 54”, in the 1901 census was living at Market Place in Ennis in the household of her younger brother, Michael McNamara, a baker. In the 1911 census, Mary McNamara, age 71, was still living with her brother at Market Place, she proudly reported her birthplace as “Leamnaleaha, Co Clare” (transcribed as “Leisnna ?”, correction submitted). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... e/1069648/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ce/353447/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 487015.pdf
3.0 John McNamara (≈1843 – to NJ back to Kilrush – died 1891 in Jersey City, NJ)
John McNamara married Catherine Griffin about 1866 in New Jersey according to family histories. They had at least two children (Margaret and Michael) in New Jersey and returned to Clare by 1868, when the first of their six Irish born children were baptized in Kilrush Parish. They lived first at Henry Street, then later Frances Street in Kilrush. John’s occupation was “baker” in the civil birth records of his children.
“Mary” McNamara (age 35), and her children, Margaret (11), Michael (10), Mary (9), Delia (8), John (6), Catherine (5), Agnes (3), and Patrick (11 months) arrived in New York on the ship Italy on 24 May 1882.
1882 Passenger Listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR3-MG2Z
I could not find the passenger listing for John McNamara. A son, Simon, was born in New Jersey on 2 March 1883, so there is a very narrow window for John’s arrival in the USA. Two more children were born in New Jersey.
4.0 Patrick McNamara (≈1845 – 1919 in Kilkee)
Patrick McNamara, “age 26”, a baker living in Kilrush, son of farmer John McNamara (alive), married Mary Kelly, age 26, of Labasheeda, daughter of farmer Martin Kelly (alive), on 6 April 1872 at the catholic chapel at Labasheeda; witnesses John McNamara and Mary Kelly (Killadysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 149934.pdf
In Guy’s Directory of 1893, Patrick McNamara of Frances Street in Kilkee was listed as a Baker. In the 1901 census, Patrick McNamara was Albert Road in Klkee was a “Master Baker” and in the 1911 census living at O’Connell Street, occupation of “Publican”. When Mary Kelly McNamara died in 1920 she was reported as “Widow of Patrick McNamara, Baker”. Patrick McNamara (≈1843 – 1919) and Mary Kelly (≈1843 – 1920) were the parents of eight children, seven who were surviving as of 1911 (see census links for children). <Albert Road, Kilkee, House 144; O’Connell Street, Kilkee, House 14>
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... chants.htm
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... _/1079764/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... et/364947/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 422120.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 411719.pdf
5.0 Michael McNamara (1846 – 1942 in Ennis), of Lamenaleha, was baptized on 20 October 1846; sponsors Bridget Roache and James Roache (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Michael McNamara, “age 27”, a baker living in Ennis, son of farmer John McNamara (alive), married Mary Green, age 26, a milliner living in Ennis, daughter of farmer Francis Green (dead), on 14 February 1879 at the catholic chapel at Ennis; witnesses Martin Honan and Mary McNamara (Ennis registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 046431.pdf
In the 1881 Ennis city directory, Michael McNamara had a bakery on Market Street, one of ten bakeries in Ennis. Michael McNamara was living at Market Place in Ennis with his family and sister Mary, in both the 1901 and 1911 census; his occupation was baker. In the 1911 census, he reported his birthplace as “Leamnaleaha, Co Clare” (transcribed as “Limerick, Co Clare”, correction submitted). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... e/1069648/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ce/353447/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 307258.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 244834.pdf
Michael McNamara (1846 - 1942) and Mary Green (≈1853 - 1934) of Market Street were the parents of five children, four surviving at 1911:
………………… 5.1 Margaret McNamara (1880 – 1969) was informant at death of sister, Mary, in 1943. Margaret McNamara, of 15 Upper Market Street died on 7 October 1969 at the age of 89 years; informant Thomas Quinlivan, occupier of 15 Upper Market Street (Ennis registration). Not sure where living in both 1901 and 1911 census years.
………………… 5.2 Frank McNamara (1881 – 1941) of Market Street died on 21 March 1941 at the age of 58 years old; informant his sister (scribbled, either Mary or Margaret). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
………………… 5.3 Mary McNamara (1883 – 1943) was informant in 1942 at death of father. Mary McNamara of Market Street died on 1 March 1943 at the age of 58 years old; informant her sister, Margaret McNamara. <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
………………… 5.4 Jane McNamara (1885 – 1929), of Market Street, died on 23 March 1929 at 41 years old; informant her sister (scribbled, either Mary or Margaret). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
………………… 5.5 Catherine McNamara (1889 – 1889), of Market Street, died on 16 June 1889 at 5 months old; informant her mother, Mary McNamara (Ennis registration). Unknown civil birth record.
6.0 Anne McNamara (1848 – unknown), of Leamanalha Beg, was baptized on 16 September 1848; sponsors Martin McNamara and Bridget McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
7.0 Martin McNamara (1850 – 1924 in Pittsfield, Berkshire, MA?) of Lamenaleha, was baptized on 16 July 1850; sponsors John McNamara and Kate McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
A Martin McNamara, age 31, born in Ireland, was living in Canaan, Columbia County, NY, with his newlywed wife (Mary Callahan, age 27, NY born) in the 1880 census. By the 1900 census, they were the parents of six children, five surviving. Was Martin the youngest son of John McNamara and Catherine Roache of Leamnaleaha? No marriage record in NY or MA as a source which might name the parents of bride and groom. Martin McNamara died in Pittsfield, MA, just across the NY-MA state line from Canaan, and the ancestry website only has a death index for Berkshire County with no parents listed. However, Family Search does have the actual death record for Martin McNamara who died on 15 April 1927 at the reported age of 76 years. It was completed by daughter Mabel who reported her grandfather as “John McNamara” and grandmother as “Cannot Be Learned”.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6ZF3-F33D
**************************
Father Patrick Conlan, O.F.M., wrote that in 1888 after the Irish Franciscan novitiate was transferred to Italy and a rigorous training program had been set up, that “special teams were sent back to Ireland to recruit”. The two McNamara brothers from Leamnaleaha townland were not the only future Franciscan friars from Clondagad Parish as two more were recruited from nearby Lissycasey townland. A total of four Franciscan priests originated from the immediate vicinity of Fanny O’Dea’s famous hostelry located half-way between Kilrush and Ennis. Surely, I reckon, the Franciscan recruiting team must have stayed at Fanny O’Dea’s when looking for new recruits. Incredibly, one of the two Franciscans recruited from Lissycasey was another McNamara and the great-grandson of the famous Fanny O’Dea.
https://fannyodeas1790.com/
To be continued,
Hi Sheila, absolutely, please take care of yourself. And I am certain the search for the missing Thomas McNamara of Glandree will still be ongoing when you get back. If there is some topic of particular interest to you being discussed while you’re away from the forum, or a mistake you would like to correct, we can always discuss further later on.
Hi Sharon, thank you for the positive feedback and sharing the Irish-Ukranian heritage of your father. Not the most common of combinations in America, compared to say Irish-German, but both families being Catholic (I assume), they likely had much in common. With the large numbers of Ukrainians now living in Ireland, I suppose there will likely be more children born with the same heritage as your father.
I searched on-line for photos of the Franciscan Friary residence in Ennis and noticed how the reform of the Irish Franciscans starting in 1888 has been glossed over. An excerpt from the Franciscan website:
Good grief, the history is not that complex. The Ennis Friary was not the official novitiate of the Irish Province starting in 1885 with its planned reconstruction, nor returned in 1888 when the reconstruction was complete due to an imposed reform of the Irish Franciscans, and finally returned to Ennis when the reformed Brown friars took over from the old Black friars in 1899. Then the novitiate moved to Killarney in 1902, when its friary was purchased from the English Franciscans.Bow Lane on 12th December, 1830. Following a threat by the Provincial in 1853 that he would close Ennis friary unless conditions were improved, the present site at Willow Bank House was obtained and the first mass was celebrated in the new church there on 1st January 1856. Twenty years later this building was replaced by the present church. Ennis became the official novitiate of the Irish Province from 1876 to 1902, but the history of the novitiate during this period is complex. The old medieval friary was returned to the friars as an ecumenical gesture by the Church of Ireland in 1969.
https://www.franciscans.ie/our-friaries ... ies/ennis/
At the Clare Library website, the article “Some Historic Aspects of Ennis” by Martin Breen provided the photos I was looking for and the history of the building:
Patrick Comerford has an interesting blog, and often visits churches, including the Franciscan Friary church in Ennis. Great photos but his summary of the Franciscan novitiates in Ennis over-simplified the timing:Willow Bank House, which is joined to the friary (see photo) dates from the eighteenth century. It was sold to the friars in 1854 when they built their first Friary, for £300 by Edward J. Armstrong. It is a large three story, five bay house and it served as the Novitiate of the order for many years from 1877 after its renovation and reconstruction. William Carroll was also responsible for this work.
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... en%202.pdf
In taking another look at the Franciscan Friary Ennis Collection’s photo labeled “Franciscan Novitiate Group, 1905-1906”, I see now that there were eight friars/novitiates in the back row, but only five were named, ending in “Br. Damian”. The fifth friar appears older than most the others, and is surely the same friar as “Fr. Kevin O’Regan” in the photo “Ennis Franciscan Community” of 1908, sitting to Fr. Leo Sheehan’s left:Meanwhile, a new friary was completed in 1877, and the Franciscan house in Ennis remained the official novitiate of the Irish province until 1902.
http://www.patrickcomerford.com/2018/08 ... iscan.html
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
https://clarelibrary.fotoware.cloud/fot ... lection%2F
This brings the total novitiates in the Ennis group photo down to eleven, the same exact number mentioned in Ignatius Murphy’s history, “The Diocese of Killaloe, 1850-1904”, “When Killarney friary was purchased from the English Franciscans in October 1902 it was decided to transfer the novitiate there and eleven novices transferred from Ennis later that year”. The novitiates likely first professed after the 1901 census (31 March 1901). I reckon the photo was taken in 1902. The journal articles written by Fr. Patrick Conlan only go through 1900. In one article he does make reference that at St. Isidore in Rome, “Items from the beginning for this present century [20th] are in a box entitled “Irlanda 1900-1920”; this box which would likely provide additional details of the Ennis group of eleven novitiates.
More information of Fr. Kevin O’Regan:
Rev. Fr. Kevin O’Regan, born in Tipperary, was living at the Franciscan Friary in Ennis at the 1901 census (age 41) and at the Franciscan Friary on Liberty Street in Cork in the 1911 census (age 46). “Rev. Kevin O’Regan from Ennis, Co. Clare” died on 24 June 1946 at the age of 82 years, at the House of St. John of God in Stillurgan, Dublin (Rathdown registration).244-7: Bernard Doebbing, O.F.M., Anthony Cleary, O.F.M., Joseph Kaufman, O.F.M., and Bonaventure Aherne, O.F.M., to [Luigi Canali da Parma, O.F.M., min. gen. Capranica], St Isidore’s, Rome, 10 Jan. 1891: Latin, a report on St Isidore’s College for the second semester of 1890; the community consists of the four priests mentioned above, twelve clerics (Louis Baldwin, O.F.M., Nicholas Dillon, O.F.M., Quintin Wirtz, O.F.M., Laurence O’Neill, O.F.M, Benjamin Gannon, O.F.M., Isidore O’Meehan, O.F.M., Leo Sheehan, O.F.M., Bernard Kneafsey, O.F.M., Bonaventure Staunton, O.F.M., Alphonsus Prendergast, O.F.M., Kevin O’Regan, O.F.M., and Stanislaus MacDermott, O.F.M.), seven brothers [all German sounding], and two tertiarties [more Germans]; the Lady Chapel and the Chapel of St Anthony have been restored; the remains of Luke Wadding, O.F.M., have been placed in a decent tomb; studies are proceeding normally, all lectures now being within the college and no students attending the Urbanum; each week the theology course includes four lectures in dogma, four in moral, two in scripture, two in history and one in canon law; details are also given of the course in humanities; results obtained by each student are noted.
“A Short-Title Calender of "Hibernia", Vol. 4(1889-93), in the General Archives of the Friars Minor, Rome” by Patrick Conlan; Collectanea Hibernica, No. 26 (1984), pp. 95-128 (34 pages)
https://www.jstor.org/stable/30004703
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... e/1069946/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... th/394834/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 218846.pdf
Was surprised to see the above reference from 1891 that “the remains of Luke Wadding, O.F.M., have been placed in a decent tomb”. Father Luke Wadding, O.F.M., (1588-1657) “founded the Pontifical Irish College in Rome in 1628 [St. Isidore’s] for the training of Irish diocesan clergy. He followed this up in 1656 with the foundation of an Irish Franciscan novitiate in Capranica, about 70kms north-west of Rome, which remained open until 1983” – see history in link below. He is also famous for obtaining approval from Rome to make St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th of March an official Catholic feast day in Ireland.
https://stisidoresrome.org/history/
The Irish Franciscan friar Luke Wadding appears on two Irish commemorative postage stamps issued on 25 November 1957 at the 300th anniversary of his death (a dark blue, 3p; and deep claret, 1 shilling 3 p). He also appears on one Irish commemorative stamp issued on 24 January 2007 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of his death. In the same issue, a second stamp commemorated the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Franciscan College at Louvain in 1607 by other Franciscan priests. The Rev. John J. McInerney of Killawinna, Doora, County Clare graduated from the Irish College at Louvain on 14 July 1901 and went to Kansas. My 2019 posting “McInerney Postcard from Killawinna to Belgium” included the 400th anniversary stamp for the Irish College at Louvain:
http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... f=1&t=7101
A further review of Father Patrick Conlan’s journal articles led to a Patrick McNamara who attended the seraphic college in Capranica, outside Rome, in the late 1890’s. And when it came time to profess as a Franciscan, his baptism at Kilchreest and Clondegad parish was confirmed by his parish priest, which led to his parents in County Clare and, surprisingly, to his older brother, Brother Didacus McNamara.
Patrick McNamara was born on 1 October 1880, the son of Sinon McNamara and Susan O’Donoghue of Leamnaleaha townland, civil parish of Kilchreest:251: [Bernard Doebbing, O.F.M., to Luigi Canali da Parma, O.F.M. min. gen.], Rome, 28 July 1897; Latin; he applies for permission for the following students of the seraphic college in Capranica as clerical novices in the Fransiscan Order: Michael Enright, Timothy O’Brien, Patrick O’Brien, Michael Ryan, Patrick Enright, William Clifford, Patrick McNamara and William O’Shea.
260: An Exeat signed by Thomas [McRedmond], bishop of Killaloe, Ennis, 6 July 1897; Latin; a letter of freedom for Patrick McNamara to enter the Franciscan Order.
261: A statement by Robert Fitzgerald, P.P., Kilchreest and Clondegad, County Clare, 9 July 1897; English; a certificate that Patrick McNamara was born on 1 Jan. 1880 and then baptized according to the rights of the church.
262: A testimonial letter from Generoso Mattei, bishop of Nepi and Sutri, signed by Angelo Flamini, canon and chancellor, Nepi, 1 July 1897; Latin; a letter of freedom for Patrick McNamara, a student of the seraphic college in Caparanica from 1894 to 1897, to enter the Franciscan Order.
381-2: A testimonial letter, signed by Bonaventure Aherne, O.F.M., Rome, 8 Feb. 1899; Latin, Gregory Cleary, O.F.M., and Raphael O’Connell, O.F.M., were solemnly professed on 29 April 1898; Dominic Enright, O.F.M., Fidelis McNamara, O.F.M., James O’Shea, O.F.M., Julian Kuelker, O.F.M., Paschal Burke, O.F.M., Vincent Austermann, O.F.M. and Timothy Brokamps, O.F.M., were simply professed on 20 August 1898.
“A Short-Title Calendar of "Hibernia," Vol. 5 (1894-9), and of Irish Material in "Saxonia S. Crucis," Vol. 3 (1890-1900), in the General Archives of the Friars Minor, Rome” by Patrick Conlan; Collectanea Hibernica, No. 27/28 (1986), pp. 196-231
https://www.jstor.org/stable/30004703
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 055625.pdf
And according to about 30 family trees on the ancestry website, Patrick McNamara of Leamnaleaha was the brother of Michael “Brother Didacus” McNamara. According to these various McNamara family trees, Patrick McNamara (they don’t appear aware of “Brother Fidelis”) was a Franciscan who died in Rome in 1901. Unable to verify with any record, but Fidelis McNamara disappears from the records (census, death records, and newspapers). Plus, his parents in the 1911 census were the parents of nine children, and only five were living. Since the five living children have all been accounted for (Brother Didacus, John, Sinon, Martin, James), it does appear that Brother Fidelis died prior to 31 March 1901.
Unless, of course, if Brother Didacus was not the Michael born in 1875 to Sinon McNamara and Susan Donohoe, which I reckon is unlikely. The year of birth is perfect with his age in later records. And it’s not uncommon to have two priests in one family. Plus, Brother Didacus died in 1947 leaving many nephews and nieces in Ireland (and the USA) who would likely have been told of their Franciscan uncle.
Since one uncle of the two Franciscan friars completed an 1851 census search request application in 1916, their paternal grandparents are also known. While the friars’ father, Sinon, inherited the Leamnaleah farm, three of their uncles had the occupation of baker and moved to three different towns in County Clare, with John in Kilrush, Patrick in Kilkee, and Michael in Ennis. See family tree below:
John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) and Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha Townland, Civil Parish of Kilchreest
They were married in 1837 (prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad/Keelchrist marriage register) according to the Ireland 1851 Census Search Request form which was submitted by their son, Patrick McNamara of 22 O’Connell Street, Kilkee:
https://censussearchforms.nationalarchi ... sp?id=1369
There are no McNamara’s reported in the Tithe Apploment books, dated 19 October 1825, for “Lemnelehy” townland in Kilchreest Parish. There was a Thomas Roach in 1825; John McNamara likely “married in” to Leamnaleah when he married Catherine Roche in 1837.
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... st_tab.htm
At 1855 Griffith Valuation for Leamnaleaha townland, John McNamara held two plots both with John Beecham Brady as the lessor. Plot 10 consisted of land, over 2 acres, valuation £1 and 5 shillings. Plot 11 consisted of house, office, and land; over 15 acres, valuation of £4 and 5 shillings.
A neighbor in Plot 12, was a Michael McNamara, with just a house and garden, 3 roods, valuation 14 shillings.
A John McNamara died in the 2nd quarter of 1866 at the age of 95, so born about 1771. A John McNamara died in the 1st quarter of 1867 at the age of 95, so born about 1772. Both Killadysart registration district; on-line records are not yet available. There is a possibility that either man could be the father of John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha (and thus also the tenant of Plot 11 at Griffith Valuation).
John McNamara and Catherine Roach McNamara of Leamnaleaha died on 23 January 1886 and 23 December 1886, respectively; their son, Sinon McNamara, was the informant on both civil death records:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 791660.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 779924.pdf
When Patrick McNamara completed the 1851 Census Search form in 1916, he reported that his parents were John McNamara and Catherine Roache of Leamnaleaha townland. As a follow-up to confirm his own identity, Patrick was requested to list his parent’s children in birth order (which was written on the side of the form). Sinon McNamara was reported as the eldest child and first born son, which makes sense as he would inherit the Leamnaleaha farm.
John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) and Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886) of Leamnaleah were the parents of seven children; birth years of first four children, born prior to start of baptism register, are estimated:
1.0 Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907 in Leamnaleaha)
Sinon McNamara, “age 26”, a farmer of Leamnaleaha, son of farmer John McNamara, married Susan Donohoe, age 24, of Renappa (or Reknappa), daughter of farmer Thomas Donohue, on 12 February 1872 at the catholic chapel at Lissycasey; witnesses Thomas McGrath and Sarah Donohoe (Killadysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 145788.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075861/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359520/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 549399.pdf
Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) and Susan Donohoe (≈1847 – after 1911) of Leamnaleaha were the parents of nine children, five living at the 1911 census (as well as many post-1911 grandchildren not listed):
………………… 1.1 Thomas Donohoe McNamara (1872 – 1907 in Boston, MA), no residence reported, was baptized on 16 November 1872; sponsors Pat O’Donohoe and Mary McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Thomas McNamara, parents as above, married Irish born Agnes J. Delaney, daughter of William Delaney and Elizabeth Walsh, in Boston on 28 January 1903 (MA marriage records, 1840-1915).
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/184 ... s-mcnamaraFuneral of Thomas D. McNamara.
The funeral of Thomas D. McNamara, superintendent of M. O’Keeffe’s stores, was held yesterday afternoon at his late home, Edwin St., Ashmount. Delegations from the various organizations were present. The pallbearers were T. McNamara, John F. McNamara, John F. Sheehan, Patrick J. Delaney and Martin Kelley. The burial was at St. Joseph’s cemetery, West Roxbury. This morning at St. Mark’s church, Dorchester, high mass of requiem will be celebrated for Mr. McNamara.
The Boston Globe, Massachusetts, 29 April 1907
………………… 1.2 Michael “Brother Didacus” McNamara (1875 – 1947), was born on 20 September 1875, to Sinon McNamara and Susan Donoghue of Leamnaleagh per civil birth record (Kildysart registration). No baptism entry can be found in the Clondagad/Kilchreest baptism register. <Abbeyland, Multyfarnham, County Westmeath, House 1; Friary Lane, Athlone East Urban, County Westmeath, House 10>
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 127678.pdf
See biography of Brother Didacus in prior posting.
………………… 1.3 John McNamara (1877 – 1934 in Carrrowreagh), no residence reported, was baptized on 16 September 1877; sponsor Mary Cleary (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Per civil birth record his birthplace was Leamnaleha. <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 15; House 14>
John McNamara, of Leamnaleha, Lissycasey, farmer, son of Sinon McNamara, married Ellen Crowley, of Furroor, Lissycasey, daughter of John Crowley [and Bridget Conway per 1883 birth record] on 14 February 1911 at the Catholic church at Lissycasey by James Monahan, curate at Ballynacally; witnesses James McNamara and Maggie Conway (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 614350.pdf
John McNamara (1877 – 1934) and Ellen Crowley (1883 – after 1934) do not appear to have had any children and at some point after 1911 moved to Carrowreagh townland. John McNamara, of “Carhurreagh”, farmer, married, age 56 years, died on 6 September 1934; informant was his brother, Martin McNamara of Leamnaleha (Kildysart regisration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 304529.pdf
………………… 1.4 Patrick “Brother Fidelis” McNamara (1880 – 1900? 1901? In Rome?), no residence reported, was baptized on 21 January 1880; sponsors Pat Kelly and Mary Finucane (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Patrick McNamara was a student of the Franciscan seraphic college in Caparanica, outside Rome, from 1894 to 1897. He “simply professed” in Rome on 20 August 1898 as Brother Fidelis. See above sources.
………………… 1.5 Sinon McNamara (1882 – 1953 in Kildysart), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 20 May 1882 (Kildysart registration). In the 1901, “Simon”, age 18, carpenter, was living with his Uncle Michael McNamara at Market Place in Ennis; in 1911 with his family at Leamnaleaha. <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 14>
Sinon McNamara, a carpenter, of Leamnaleha, son of farmer Sinon McNamara, married Mary Pender, daughter of farmer Michael Pender, on 23 March 1927 at the Catholic church at Lissycasey by the parish priest Denis Murphy; witnesses Martin McNamara and Ellie McNamara (Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 292451.pdf
………………… 1.6 Martin McNamara (1885 – 1963 in Leamnaleaha), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 6 February 1885 (Kildysart registration). <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 15; House 14>
Martin McNamara of Leamnaleaha was the informant on the civil death record for his brother, John McNamara of Carrowreagh townland, in 1934.
Martin Sinon McNamara, a farmer, of Leimnaleha, son of farmer Sinon McNamara, married Bridget O’Sullivan, daughter of farmer Pat Sullivan, on 25 February 1936 at the Catholic church at Ballycorick; witnesses John McNamara and Mary Ronan (Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 224968.pdf
………………… 1.7 James McNamara (1887 – 1952 in Waltham, Middlesex, MA), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 15 September 1887 (Kildysart registration). <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 15; House 14>
James McNamara, age 25, from Lissycasey, arrived in Boston on the Franconia on 2 July 1913. His Irish contact was his mother, Susan McNamara of “Lemnaleha, Lissycasey”; his USA contact was his “cousin”, Michael O’Hare, of 19 Brooklyn St., Boston, MA.
1913 passenger listing (two pages): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XC-1C4
James Richard McNamara and Mary Walsh were the parents of 13 children in Waltham, MA, including the Rev. Eugene P. McNamara. See McNamara memorials on the findagrave website (below link) which include photos and obituaries. The Rev.’s obituary names all 12 of his siblings. One minor error, James Richard McNamara died in 1952 (per social security record), his son, James Richard McNamara, Jr., died in 1954.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/253 ... d_mcnamara
………………… 1.8 Sarah McNamara (1890 – 1891), residence Leamnaleagh, was born on 7 August 1890 (Kildysart registration). Sarah died at 5 months on 15 January 1891 (Kildysart registration).
………………… 1.9 Unknown McNamara, parents of 9 children, 5 living in 1911 census (not 27-year old “Ellen” in 1911 census, she was the wife of John McNamara, 1.3 above).
2.0 Mary McNamara (≈1840 – 1913 in Ennis)
Mary McNamara, “age 54”, in the 1901 census was living at Market Place in Ennis in the household of her younger brother, Michael McNamara, a baker. In the 1911 census, Mary McNamara, age 71, was still living with her brother at Market Place, she proudly reported her birthplace as “Leamnaleaha, Co Clare” (transcribed as “Leisnna ?”, correction submitted). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... e/1069648/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ce/353447/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 487015.pdf
3.0 John McNamara (≈1843 – to NJ back to Kilrush – died 1891 in Jersey City, NJ)
John McNamara married Catherine Griffin about 1866 in New Jersey according to family histories. They had at least two children (Margaret and Michael) in New Jersey and returned to Clare by 1868, when the first of their six Irish born children were baptized in Kilrush Parish. They lived first at Henry Street, then later Frances Street in Kilrush. John’s occupation was “baker” in the civil birth records of his children.
“Mary” McNamara (age 35), and her children, Margaret (11), Michael (10), Mary (9), Delia (8), John (6), Catherine (5), Agnes (3), and Patrick (11 months) arrived in New York on the ship Italy on 24 May 1882.
1882 Passenger Listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR3-MG2Z
I could not find the passenger listing for John McNamara. A son, Simon, was born in New Jersey on 2 March 1883, so there is a very narrow window for John’s arrival in the USA. Two more children were born in New Jersey.
4.0 Patrick McNamara (≈1845 – 1919 in Kilkee)
Patrick McNamara, “age 26”, a baker living in Kilrush, son of farmer John McNamara (alive), married Mary Kelly, age 26, of Labasheeda, daughter of farmer Martin Kelly (alive), on 6 April 1872 at the catholic chapel at Labasheeda; witnesses John McNamara and Mary Kelly (Killadysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 149934.pdf
In Guy’s Directory of 1893, Patrick McNamara of Frances Street in Kilkee was listed as a Baker. In the 1901 census, Patrick McNamara was Albert Road in Klkee was a “Master Baker” and in the 1911 census living at O’Connell Street, occupation of “Publican”. When Mary Kelly McNamara died in 1920 she was reported as “Widow of Patrick McNamara, Baker”. Patrick McNamara (≈1843 – 1919) and Mary Kelly (≈1843 – 1920) were the parents of eight children, seven who were surviving as of 1911 (see census links for children). <Albert Road, Kilkee, House 144; O’Connell Street, Kilkee, House 14>
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... chants.htm
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... _/1079764/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... et/364947/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 422120.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 411719.pdf
5.0 Michael McNamara (1846 – 1942 in Ennis), of Lamenaleha, was baptized on 20 October 1846; sponsors Bridget Roache and James Roache (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Michael McNamara, “age 27”, a baker living in Ennis, son of farmer John McNamara (alive), married Mary Green, age 26, a milliner living in Ennis, daughter of farmer Francis Green (dead), on 14 February 1879 at the catholic chapel at Ennis; witnesses Martin Honan and Mary McNamara (Ennis registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 046431.pdf
In the 1881 Ennis city directory, Michael McNamara had a bakery on Market Street, one of ten bakeries in Ennis. Michael McNamara was living at Market Place in Ennis with his family and sister Mary, in both the 1901 and 1911 census; his occupation was baker. In the 1911 census, he reported his birthplace as “Leamnaleaha, Co Clare” (transcribed as “Limerick, Co Clare”, correction submitted). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... e/1069648/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ce/353447/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 307258.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 244834.pdf
Michael McNamara (1846 - 1942) and Mary Green (≈1853 - 1934) of Market Street were the parents of five children, four surviving at 1911:
………………… 5.1 Margaret McNamara (1880 – 1969) was informant at death of sister, Mary, in 1943. Margaret McNamara, of 15 Upper Market Street died on 7 October 1969 at the age of 89 years; informant Thomas Quinlivan, occupier of 15 Upper Market Street (Ennis registration). Not sure where living in both 1901 and 1911 census years.
………………… 5.2 Frank McNamara (1881 – 1941) of Market Street died on 21 March 1941 at the age of 58 years old; informant his sister (scribbled, either Mary or Margaret). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
………………… 5.3 Mary McNamara (1883 – 1943) was informant in 1942 at death of father. Mary McNamara of Market Street died on 1 March 1943 at the age of 58 years old; informant her sister, Margaret McNamara. <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
………………… 5.4 Jane McNamara (1885 – 1929), of Market Street, died on 23 March 1929 at 41 years old; informant her sister (scribbled, either Mary or Margaret). <Market Place, Ennis Urban #2, House 10; House 11>
………………… 5.5 Catherine McNamara (1889 – 1889), of Market Street, died on 16 June 1889 at 5 months old; informant her mother, Mary McNamara (Ennis registration). Unknown civil birth record.
6.0 Anne McNamara (1848 – unknown), of Leamanalha Beg, was baptized on 16 September 1848; sponsors Martin McNamara and Bridget McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
7.0 Martin McNamara (1850 – 1924 in Pittsfield, Berkshire, MA?) of Lamenaleha, was baptized on 16 July 1850; sponsors John McNamara and Kate McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
A Martin McNamara, age 31, born in Ireland, was living in Canaan, Columbia County, NY, with his newlywed wife (Mary Callahan, age 27, NY born) in the 1880 census. By the 1900 census, they were the parents of six children, five surviving. Was Martin the youngest son of John McNamara and Catherine Roache of Leamnaleaha? No marriage record in NY or MA as a source which might name the parents of bride and groom. Martin McNamara died in Pittsfield, MA, just across the NY-MA state line from Canaan, and the ancestry website only has a death index for Berkshire County with no parents listed. However, Family Search does have the actual death record for Martin McNamara who died on 15 April 1927 at the reported age of 76 years. It was completed by daughter Mabel who reported her grandfather as “John McNamara” and grandmother as “Cannot Be Learned”.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6ZF3-F33D
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/174 ... n_mcnamaraMartin McNamara, aged 76 years, died yesterday afternoon at his home, 103 Francis avenue. The past two years Mr. McNamara has lived in this city coming from Canaan, N.Y., where he had been a farmer. His wife died six years ago. The survivors are three daughters, Misses Anna, Julia, and Mabel, all of this city, and two sons, Edward J. of this city, and John of West Stockbridge. The funeral will be held on Friday morning from St. Joseph’s church. Burial will be in the family plot in St. Patrick’s cemetery in West Stockbridge.
The Berkshire County Eagle, Pittsfield, MA, 16 April 1924
**************************
Father Patrick Conlan, O.F.M., wrote that in 1888 after the Irish Franciscan novitiate was transferred to Italy and a rigorous training program had been set up, that “special teams were sent back to Ireland to recruit”. The two McNamara brothers from Leamnaleaha townland were not the only future Franciscan friars from Clondagad Parish as two more were recruited from nearby Lissycasey townland. A total of four Franciscan priests originated from the immediate vicinity of Fanny O’Dea’s famous hostelry located half-way between Kilrush and Ennis. Surely, I reckon, the Franciscan recruiting team must have stayed at Fanny O’Dea’s when looking for new recruits. Incredibly, one of the two Franciscans recruited from Lissycasey was another McNamara and the great-grandson of the famous Fanny O’Dea.
https://fannyodeas1790.com/
To be continued,
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Susan Donohoe McNamara, who died sometime after 1911, erected a headstone to honor her husband, Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) at Kilchreest Graveyard (transcriptions donated by Ballynacally I.C.A.):
If indeed related, the two men would have been second cousins. Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904) was very likely the son of Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882) based upon her death record. So if the “second cousin” theory is correct, then Sinon’s father, John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) was also a son of Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882):
Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882) was the mother of Martin McNamara, and possibly John McNamara:
1.0 John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) & Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha
………….. 1.1 Sinon McNamara (1839 – 1907) & Susan Donohoe (≈1847 – after 1911) of Leamnaleaha
……………………………… 1.1.7 James McNamara (1887 – 1952) of 55 Tomlin St, Waltham, MA
2.0 Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904) & Margaret Kelly (≈1835 – 1907) of Leamnaleaha
………….. 2.1 Martin McNamara (1871 – 1939) & Mary McNamara (1874 – 1963) of Leamnaleaha
……………………………… 2.1.3 Martin McNamara (1905 – 1982) arrived in Boston in 1930 going to his “cousin”, James McNamara of 55 Tomlin St., Waltham, MA
Is the “cousin” relationship noted in a USA passenger listing of an Irish immigrant very reliable evidence? Perhaps not. Here is an example of a “cousin” relationship which appears to be dubious. When James McNamara, later of 55 Tomlin St., Waltham, first arrived in Boston in 1913, his Irish contact was his mother, Susan McNamara, and American contact was his “cousin”, Mike O’Hare of Boston.
Michael Hehir was born in September 1880, the son of Patrick Hehir and Susan Clohessy per Clondagad parish records. Patick Hehir (1850 – 1915) was the son of Michael Hehir and Ellen Scanlon. Susan Clohessy was the daughter of Michael Clohessy and Bridget Connellan. James McNamara of Leamnaleaha would have known Michael Hehir as a neighbor in the same parish, but how could they have been “cousins”?
In conclusion, I reckon more evidence is required to prove that John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) was the brother of Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1907) despite the proximity of the McNamara headstones and the cousin relationship reported in a 1930 passenger listing.
Four sons of Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly would immigrate to Chicago. One of the four disappeared. Despite Illinois death records for the other three, which correctly named their parents, their descendants are still challenged to trace their roots back to Ireland with any confidence. In census records, the Irish born McNamara’s fibbed their ages by 10 or even 15 years, and this was also reflected in their death records. Another challenge, when Michael McNamara died in Chicago the death record was reported as “Mc Namara” with a space. The ancestry website does not equate “McNamara” with “Mc Namara” (the reverse is okay), so it would be very difficult to discover that this Michael was the son of Martin Mc Namara and Margaret Kelly as reported in his death record.
The ancestry website now provides “suggestions” which has led to many errors in the McNamara family trees. For example, they “suggest” that Patrick McNamara born in 1903, the son of Martin McNamara and Mary McNamara of Leamnaleaha, who also went to Chicago, was the Patrick born in Crusheen in 1903 to Patrick McNamara and Bridget Duffy. The ancestry “suggestion”, an error, unfortunately gets copied from tree to tree. It was 100 times easier to trace the McNamara families forward from Ireland, with knowledge of accurate birth years as well as parents and siblings, than trying to trace backwards.
When land cancellation books and the early civil death records become available on-line, these records might prove or disprove the family relationships noted below:
Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882) of Leamnaleah Townland, Civil Parish of Kilchreest
Mary McNamara was a tenant at Leamnaleaha townland at 1855 Griffith Valuation; Plot 5Ab; lessor, John Beecham Brady; house, offices & land; 1 acre, 3 roods, 17 perches; valuation £14 and 15 shillings. Her neighbors were James Finucane (John) at 5Aa, and James Finucane (Morgan) at 5Ac. These three tenants of 5Aabc, sublet 5Ad, a house valued at 5 shillings, to Bridget Sullivan.
Mary McNamara also shared Plot 6 in Leamnaleaha, two acres of Land (waste) that held no value, with four others: James Finucane (John), James Finucane (Morgan), James McNamara, and Martin McNamara. These five tenants sublet Plot 6a, House, valued at 5 shillings, to John Sheehan.
The husband and maiden name of Mary McNamara are both unknown. The Griffith Valuation sharing of land in Plot 5 and Plot 6 might be evidence of family relationships. A good chance her maiden name might have been Finucane?
Mary McNamara, of Leamnaleaha, a farmer’s widow, age 99 years, died on 26 July 1882; informant was Martin McNamara of Leamnaleaha, not reported but surely her son (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 834803.pdf
Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904 in Leamnaleaha)
Unknown marriage to Margaret Kelly prior to 1849.
Martin McNamara was a tenant at Leamnaleaha townland at 1855 Griffith Valuation, sharing Plot 7ABCD with James McNamara; lessor, John Beecham Brady; house at 7Db, office & land; over 54 acres; valuation £8 and 2 shillings. James McNamara, with a house at Plot 7Da, had valuation of £8 and 6 shillings.
Martin McNamara, of Leamnaleaha, married, farmer, age 80 years, died on 26 January 1904; informant Maggie McNamara, daughter present at death at Killadysert. Margaret McNamara, of Leamnaleaha, a farmer’s widow, age 72 years, died on 9 March 1907; informant Thomas Lillis, West Clare coroner. Both Kildysart registration:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 585111.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 552025.pdf
Martin McNamara (≈1821 – 1904) and Margaret Kelly (≈1835 – 1907) of Leamnaleaha, were the parents of 13 children. Three children likely died in infancy or very young. Three surviving daughters did not marry and ended up in Killadysart Town. Four sons lived in Chicago. One son, Martin, married and remained on the farm. The whereabouts of two sons (John and James) are a complete mystery; born prior to the 1864 start of civil death records, they may have died young or maybe they also went to Chicago or Boston.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075854/
1.0 Michael McNamara (1849 – 1921 in Chicago), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 17 February 1849; sponsors John McNamara and Winifred Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
“Michael MacNamara”, a blacksmith was living with his brother, “Murty MacNamara”, a clerk, in the 1885 city directory for the Town of Lake (Lake Township, later SW portion of Chicago) at 4061 Seneschalle. In the 1887 Chicago city directory, Michael McNamara, blacksmith, was living at 4078 Scheneschalle.
There were many men named Michael McNamara living Chicago (over 10 in the 1887 directory), but the distinguishing feature for Michael McNamara was his occupation as a blacksmith. In the 1896 Chicago directory he was living at 4729 S. Elizabeth; in 1910 at 1347 West 71st Place; and 1916 at 1254 West 72nd. In the 1900 census, both Michael McNamara (“age 45”) and his son, Thomas, were blacksmiths.
Michael McNamara had arrived in the USA in 1875 according to the 1900 census; his arrival was prior to Ellis Island with its more detailed records. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen, but only an index is available for Illinois naturalizations with very little information (no arrival year or ship). Michael McNamara (1849 – 1921) married Mary Murphy (≈1865? - 1920) about 1881 and they were the parents of six children:
………………… 1.1 Nellie McNamara (age 18 in 1900)
………………… 1.2 Thomas McNamara (age 15 in 1900, died in 1926)
………………… 1.3 Anne McNamara (age 13 in 1900)
………………… 1.4 Catherine McNamara (age 12 in 1900)
………………… 1.5 Alice McNamara (age 6 in 1900)
………………… 1.6 Unknown McNamara (in 1910 census, parents of six children, five living)
Mary Murphy McNamara, of 1254 W. 72nd Street, Chicago, born in Ireland, “age 52” [unlikely, given 18 year old son in 1900], spouse of Michael McNamara, died on 3 August 1920. Her father was reported as “Patrick Murphy” and mother as “McCarthy”.
Cook County death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MW-GF8D
Michael McNamara, of 7221 May Street in Ward 32, “age 62” (in fact, age 72), born in Ireland, retired blacksmith, widowed, husband of Mary, son of Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly, died in Chicago on 15 July 1921; burial at Mt Olivet; informant not reported on index.
Cook County death index (note: the family tree he is attached to is loopy)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N77F-FS6
2.0 Thomas McNamara (1850 – 1927 in Chicago), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 1 December 1850; sponsors James McNamara and Anne O’Dea (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
When his nephew, Patrick McNamara (son of Martin McNamara), arrived in New York on the SS Carmania on 13 September 1925, his USA contact was uncle Thomas K. McNamara, of 4209 Emerald Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (see 12.1 below).
Thomas McNamara, of 4209 Emerald Avenue, “age 58” (in fact, age 76), born in County Clare, Ireland, laborer, single, son of Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly, died in Chicago on 17 November 1927; burial at Holy Sepulchre; informant Patrick McNamara (not reported, but his brother who lived on Emerald Avenue).
Cook County death index:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLYT-NQ6N
3.0 Martin McNamara (1852 – died prior to 1862), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 30 August 1852; sponsors Murty Kelly and Bridget Shea (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
4.0 Susan McNamara (≈1854 – 1930 in Killadysert), the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register has a missing page from September 1853 to January 1855. Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly very likely had a child born between August 1852 and January 1856. Susan McNamara was the baptism sponsor for her young brother, Martin, in 1871. She was living with her parents, two sisters, and single brother in the 1901 census at the reported age of “33 years”. By 1911, her brother had married and Susan and her two sisters had left the household and moved to Killadysert Town. <Leemnaleigha, Kilchreest, House 7; Killadysert Town, Killadysert, House 36>
Susan McNamara, shopkeeper, of Kildysart, “age 75”, died on 24 July 1930; informant her nephew, John McNamara (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 330669.pdf
5.0 Mary McNamara (1856 – died prior to 1869?), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 8 January 1856; sponsor Margaret Reily (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
6.0 John McNamara (1857 – unknown), of “Leimnaleha”, was baptized on 22 April 1857; sponsors Mary Kelly and Martin Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
7.0 James McNamara (1859 – unknown), of “Leimnaleha”, was baptized on 31 March 1859; sponsors Margaret Kelly and Martin Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
8.0 Martin McNamara (1862 – likely died as infant), no residence reported, was baptized on 29 September 1862; sponsor Mary Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
9.0 Patrick McNamara (1865 – 1933 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 1 March 1865, mother reported as “Bridget Kelly”; sponsors Martin McNamara and Mary Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Patrick McNamara, “age 36”, married Katherine Gallagher, age 32, in Chicago on 27 November 1907 (per Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). Katherine Gallagher was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on 25 July 1875, the daughter of Irish born Michael Gallagher and Catherine Morris (source her Illinois death record).
Cook County marriage index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N7H6-94D
After Patrick McNamara moved to Chicago he reported his year of immigration on census reports as 1880 in 1910, 1891 in 1920, and 1888 in 1930.
The McNamara’s lived at 5540 Elizabeth Street in 1910 and on Emerald Avenue in 1920. Patrick McNamara’s brother, Thomas, died at the Emerald Avenue address in 1927, and Patrick was the informant.
Patrick Mc Namara, of 6623 S. Sangamon St., a stationary fireman, “age 53” [should be “age 68”], born in County Clare, son of Martin Mc Namara and Margaret Kelly, spouse Catherine, died in Chicago on 18 August 1933. Burial at Holy Sepulchre. Note: when searching on ancestry for the civil death record you must have the space in “Mc Namara”; not necessary on the Family Search website:
Cook County civil death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N34X-WS5
Cook County civil death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MD-BT8G
Patrick McNamara (1865 – 1933) and Katherine Gallagher (1875 -1942) were the parents of two children born in Chicago:
………………… 9.1 Joseph Emmett McNamara (1909 – after 1950), born 10 December 1909 per WWII registration.
Why Indiana? Did they elope? They most likely, I reckon, met at the wedding of Joseph’s Irish born cousin, Patrick McNamara, who married Mary’s sister, Josephine Doran, on 27 June 1936. The Doran sisters were the daughters of Patrick Doran, an ex-R.I.C. sergeant, whose family arrived in Boston on 2 September 1923 (following the Irish Civil War) and settled in Chicago. Joseph McNamara and Mary Angela Doran were the parents of three children born in Chicago:
……………………………… 9.1.1 Joseph Patrick McNamara (age 12 in 1950)
……………………………… 9.1.2 Mary K. McNamara (age 10 in 1950)
……………………………… 9.1.3 William J. McNamara (age 4 in 1950)
………………… 9.2 Catherine McNamara (≈1912 – after 1942)
10.0 Mortimer McNamara (1867 – to Chicago - unknown), no residence reported, was baptized on 27 February 1867; sponsors Thomas Mack and Mrs. Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Per civil birth record, birthplace was “Leamnaleha”.
“Murty MacNamara”, a clerk, was living with his brother, “Michael MacNamara”, a blacksmith, in the 1885 city directory for the Town of Lake (Lake Township, later SW portion of Chicago) at 4061 Seneschalle.
A “Mortmer J McNamara”, born in Ireland, became a naturalized U.S. citizen on 17 October 1894 in an Illinois court. “Mortimer McNamara” is not a common name in the USA or Ireland. He appears again in Chicago in 1903 being taken away in a “paddy wagon”, but his later whereabouts are a mystery.
11.0 Mary “Margaret” McNamara (1869 – 1932 in Killadysert), no residence reported, was baptized on 14 March 1869; sponsors James McNamara and Anne McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Living with her parents in 1901. Margaret and her two sisters left the household by 1911 and were living in Killadysert Town. <Leemnaleigha, Kilchreest, House 7; Killadysert Town, Killadysert, House 36>
Margaret McNamara, shopkeeper, of Kildysart, “age 68”, died on 29 December 1932; informant her niece, Susan McNamara (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 314701.pdf
12.0 Martin McNamara (1871 – 1939 in Leamnaleaha), no residence reported, was baptized on 2 February 1871; sponsors John McNamara and Susan McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 7; House 6>
Martin McNamara, farmer, of Leamnaleha, Lissycasey, son of Martin McNamara, married Maria McNamara, daughter of Timothy McNamara [and Mary Hogan per 1874 birth/baptism] of Carrowreigh West, Cranny, on 1 February 1902 at the Catholic chapel at Cranny by the curate Michael Hayes; witnesses Martin Kelly and Margaret Lorigan (Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 736099.pdf
Martin McNamara (1871 – 1939) and Mary McNamara (1874 – 1963) of Leamnaleaha were the parents of nine children born in Leamnaleaha, Clare:
………………… 12.1 Patrick McNamara (age 8 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6> was born on 7 February 1903 (Kildysert registration).
Patrick McNamara, age 22, born in Lisseycasey, arrived in New York on the SS Carmania on 13 September 1925; Irish contact his father, Martin McNamara, of “Leamnehela”, Lisseycasey; USA contact, his uncle, Thomas K. McNamara, of 4209 Emerald Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (see 1.2 above).
Patrick McNamara, age 35, of Chicago, became a naturalized U.S. citizen on 16 November 1939, reporting his birth on 7 February 1903 in “Lumnaleha, Lissycasey, Ireland”; arrival in New York on 13 September 1925 on the Carmania; and marriage on 27 June 1936 to “Josephine”.
Naturalization Photo: [add later, no space]
Marriage of Patrick McNamara, age 33, to Josephine Doran, age 33, in Chicago on 27 June 1936. (He is not the Patrick McNamara of Chicago married to Josephine Blum of German heritage).
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q21K-LML8
Josephine “Bridget” Doran was the sister of Angela Doran, who married Patrick’s American born cousin, Joseph E. McNamara, in November 1936. The Doran sisters were the daughters of Patrick Doran, an ex-R.I.C. sergeant, whose family arrived in Boston on 2 September 1923 (following the Irish Civil War) and settled in Chicago.
………………… 12.3 Martin McNamara (age 5 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6> was born on 18 October 1905 (Kildysert registration).
Martin McNamara, age 24, of Lissycasey, Co. Clare, arrived in Boston on 16 August 1930 on the ship Karlsruhe. He was going to his cousin, James K. McNamara, of 55 Tomlin Street, Waltham, MA (see 1.7 in prior posting). Irish contact was his father “Patrick McNamara” of Lissycasey, which was clearly a mistake. Two years later, Martin McNamara completed his Declaration of Intent to become a U.S. citizen in September 1932, stating his birth in County Clare on 18 October 1905, and arrival on the Karlsruhe on 16 August 1930 (given birth date, the Martin McNamara on the Karlsruhe was definitely the son of Martin McNamara of Leamnaleaha).
1930 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XB-9R3
In November 1936, Martin McNamara visited family in County Clare, returning to Boston on 22 March 1937 on the SS Scythia. He reported his birthplace as Ennis, Co. Clare; Irish contact as his father “M. McNamara of Lissycasey”; USA contact continued to be his cousin, James K. McNamara, of 55 Tomlin Street, Waltham, Massachusetts. He was traveling with a fellow Boston resident and his future wife, Hannah Fleming, age 23, originally from Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Their U.S. reentry permits (neither were U.S. citizens) were issued on the same date prior to trip, so they didn’t meet on the ship.
1937 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23N9-7N5
Martin and Hannah McNamara, still Irish citizens, along with their three American born children, visited Ireland in 1950, returning to New York (and then Boston) on the SS America on 7 December 1950. Martin McNamara, born 18 October 1905, finally became a U.S. citizen on 20 May 1957. Martin visited Ireland again, this time returning to Boston on Pan American Airlines on 12 August 1959.
1950 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24YX-CTC
………………… 12.4 Margaret Mary McNamara (age 3 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6> was born on 29 June 1907 (Kildysert registration). She must be the late “Sr. Anslen, of England” in the 1985 obituary of her brother Patrick McNamara of Chicago. More likely a “Sister Anselm”?
Searching the 1939 England and Wales Register (tip: never specify a birthplace), Margaret McNamara, born on 29 June 1908, was a school teacher and “R.C. Sister”, one of four nuns, living at Sloperton House Cottage in Devizes, Wiltshire, England.
Given the location of the convent in the small town of Devizes, Margaret McNamara must have been a member of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy. The France based teaching order opened an Indian mission in 1849 and an English mission in Devizes in 1864 (only leaving in 2021 according to the order’s history):
https://srsofstjosephofannecy.org/index ... to-devizes
………………… 12.5 Catherine McNamara (age 3 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6>
………………… 12.6 Ellen McNamara (age 1 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6>
………………… 12.7 John McNamara (1911) was born on 10 June 1911 (Kildysart registration). He was informant at the death of both parents as well as his aunts, Susan McNamara, in 1930, and Catherine McNamara in 1946.
………………… 12.8 Susan McNamara (1913) was born on 12 February 1913 (Kildysart registration). She was informant at the death of her aunt, Margaret McNamara, in 1932.
………………… 12.9 James McNamara (1914) was born on 13 August 1914 (Kildysart registration).
13.0 Catherine “Kate” McNamara (1872 – 1946 in Killadysert), no residence reported, was baptized on 2 July 1871; sponsors James McNamara and Margaret McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Living with her parents in 1901. Catherine and her two sisters left the household by 1911 and were living in Killadysert Town. <Leemnaleigha, Kilchreest, House 7; Killadysert Town, Killadysert, House 36>
Catherine McNamara, an “Independent Lady”, of Kildysart, age 73, died on 25 November 1946; informant, John McNamara (not reported but her nephew). Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 213864.pdf
***********************
At Griffith Valuation for Leamanleaha townland, the above Martin McNamara (≈1821 – 1904) shared Plot 7 with a James McNamara, both with a valuation of about £8. Who was this James McNamara of Leamnaleaha, and was he related to either Martin McNamara (≈1821 – 1904) or John McNamara (≈1806 – 1886)?
To be continued,
Its location in the Kilchreest graveyard at E52 was adjacent to another McNamara headstone located at E53:E52.
Erected by Susan MCNAMARA
Leimnaleha
In memory of her beloved husband
SINON
Who died 26th Mar 1907 aged 68
R.I.P.
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... ctione.htm
Was Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) of Leamnaleaha a close relation to Martin McNamara (≈1819 - 1904) of Leamnaleaha? Aside from the close proximity of their graves, a Boston passenger listing from 1930 provided an additional clue that the two men buried next to each other might indeed have been related. When a grandson of Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904) arrived in Boston in 1930 his USA contact was his “cousin”, the son of Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907), who lived in Waltham, Massachusetts.E53.
Erected by Martin McNamara Leimnaleha
In memory of his dear father
MARTIN MCNAMARA
Who died Jan. 26th 1904 aged 86
Also his loving mother
Margaret McNamara
who died Mar. 9th 1907 aged 72
Their son Martin
died Dec 11th 1938 aged 71
His wife Mary
died Feb. 21st 1963 aged 88
R.I.P.
If indeed related, the two men would have been second cousins. Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904) was very likely the son of Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882) based upon her death record. So if the “second cousin” theory is correct, then Sinon’s father, John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) was also a son of Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882):
Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882) was the mother of Martin McNamara, and possibly John McNamara:
1.0 John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) & Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha
………….. 1.1 Sinon McNamara (1839 – 1907) & Susan Donohoe (≈1847 – after 1911) of Leamnaleaha
……………………………… 1.1.7 James McNamara (1887 – 1952) of 55 Tomlin St, Waltham, MA
2.0 Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904) & Margaret Kelly (≈1835 – 1907) of Leamnaleaha
………….. 2.1 Martin McNamara (1871 – 1939) & Mary McNamara (1874 – 1963) of Leamnaleaha
……………………………… 2.1.3 Martin McNamara (1905 – 1982) arrived in Boston in 1930 going to his “cousin”, James McNamara of 55 Tomlin St., Waltham, MA
Is the “cousin” relationship noted in a USA passenger listing of an Irish immigrant very reliable evidence? Perhaps not. Here is an example of a “cousin” relationship which appears to be dubious. When James McNamara, later of 55 Tomlin St., Waltham, first arrived in Boston in 1913, his Irish contact was his mother, Susan McNamara, and American contact was his “cousin”, Mike O’Hare of Boston.
Michael Hehir was born in September 1880, the son of Patrick Hehir and Susan Clohessy per Clondagad parish records. Patick Hehir (1850 – 1915) was the son of Michael Hehir and Ellen Scanlon. Susan Clohessy was the daughter of Michael Clohessy and Bridget Connellan. James McNamara of Leamnaleaha would have known Michael Hehir as a neighbor in the same parish, but how could they have been “cousins”?
In conclusion, I reckon more evidence is required to prove that John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) was the brother of Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1907) despite the proximity of the McNamara headstones and the cousin relationship reported in a 1930 passenger listing.
Four sons of Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly would immigrate to Chicago. One of the four disappeared. Despite Illinois death records for the other three, which correctly named their parents, their descendants are still challenged to trace their roots back to Ireland with any confidence. In census records, the Irish born McNamara’s fibbed their ages by 10 or even 15 years, and this was also reflected in their death records. Another challenge, when Michael McNamara died in Chicago the death record was reported as “Mc Namara” with a space. The ancestry website does not equate “McNamara” with “Mc Namara” (the reverse is okay), so it would be very difficult to discover that this Michael was the son of Martin Mc Namara and Margaret Kelly as reported in his death record.
The ancestry website now provides “suggestions” which has led to many errors in the McNamara family trees. For example, they “suggest” that Patrick McNamara born in 1903, the son of Martin McNamara and Mary McNamara of Leamnaleaha, who also went to Chicago, was the Patrick born in Crusheen in 1903 to Patrick McNamara and Bridget Duffy. The ancestry “suggestion”, an error, unfortunately gets copied from tree to tree. It was 100 times easier to trace the McNamara families forward from Ireland, with knowledge of accurate birth years as well as parents and siblings, than trying to trace backwards.
When land cancellation books and the early civil death records become available on-line, these records might prove or disprove the family relationships noted below:
Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882) of Leamnaleah Townland, Civil Parish of Kilchreest
Mary McNamara was a tenant at Leamnaleaha townland at 1855 Griffith Valuation; Plot 5Ab; lessor, John Beecham Brady; house, offices & land; 1 acre, 3 roods, 17 perches; valuation £14 and 15 shillings. Her neighbors were James Finucane (John) at 5Aa, and James Finucane (Morgan) at 5Ac. These three tenants of 5Aabc, sublet 5Ad, a house valued at 5 shillings, to Bridget Sullivan.
Mary McNamara also shared Plot 6 in Leamnaleaha, two acres of Land (waste) that held no value, with four others: James Finucane (John), James Finucane (Morgan), James McNamara, and Martin McNamara. These five tenants sublet Plot 6a, House, valued at 5 shillings, to John Sheehan.
The husband and maiden name of Mary McNamara are both unknown. The Griffith Valuation sharing of land in Plot 5 and Plot 6 might be evidence of family relationships. A good chance her maiden name might have been Finucane?
Mary McNamara, of Leamnaleaha, a farmer’s widow, age 99 years, died on 26 July 1882; informant was Martin McNamara of Leamnaleaha, not reported but surely her son (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 834803.pdf
Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904 in Leamnaleaha)
Unknown marriage to Margaret Kelly prior to 1849.
Martin McNamara was a tenant at Leamnaleaha townland at 1855 Griffith Valuation, sharing Plot 7ABCD with James McNamara; lessor, John Beecham Brady; house at 7Db, office & land; over 54 acres; valuation £8 and 2 shillings. James McNamara, with a house at Plot 7Da, had valuation of £8 and 6 shillings.
Martin McNamara, of Leamnaleaha, married, farmer, age 80 years, died on 26 January 1904; informant Maggie McNamara, daughter present at death at Killadysert. Margaret McNamara, of Leamnaleaha, a farmer’s widow, age 72 years, died on 9 March 1907; informant Thomas Lillis, West Clare coroner. Both Kildysart registration:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 585111.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 552025.pdf
Martin McNamara (≈1821 – 1904) and Margaret Kelly (≈1835 – 1907) of Leamnaleaha, were the parents of 13 children. Three children likely died in infancy or very young. Three surviving daughters did not marry and ended up in Killadysart Town. Four sons lived in Chicago. One son, Martin, married and remained on the farm. The whereabouts of two sons (John and James) are a complete mystery; born prior to the 1864 start of civil death records, they may have died young or maybe they also went to Chicago or Boston.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075854/
1.0 Michael McNamara (1849 – 1921 in Chicago), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 17 February 1849; sponsors John McNamara and Winifred Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
“Michael MacNamara”, a blacksmith was living with his brother, “Murty MacNamara”, a clerk, in the 1885 city directory for the Town of Lake (Lake Township, later SW portion of Chicago) at 4061 Seneschalle. In the 1887 Chicago city directory, Michael McNamara, blacksmith, was living at 4078 Scheneschalle.
There were many men named Michael McNamara living Chicago (over 10 in the 1887 directory), but the distinguishing feature for Michael McNamara was his occupation as a blacksmith. In the 1896 Chicago directory he was living at 4729 S. Elizabeth; in 1910 at 1347 West 71st Place; and 1916 at 1254 West 72nd. In the 1900 census, both Michael McNamara (“age 45”) and his son, Thomas, were blacksmiths.
Michael McNamara had arrived in the USA in 1875 according to the 1900 census; his arrival was prior to Ellis Island with its more detailed records. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen, but only an index is available for Illinois naturalizations with very little information (no arrival year or ship). Michael McNamara (1849 – 1921) married Mary Murphy (≈1865? - 1920) about 1881 and they were the parents of six children:
………………… 1.1 Nellie McNamara (age 18 in 1900)
………………… 1.2 Thomas McNamara (age 15 in 1900, died in 1926)
………………… 1.3 Anne McNamara (age 13 in 1900)
………………… 1.4 Catherine McNamara (age 12 in 1900)
………………… 1.5 Alice McNamara (age 6 in 1900)
………………… 1.6 Unknown McNamara (in 1910 census, parents of six children, five living)
Mary Murphy McNamara, of 1254 W. 72nd Street, Chicago, born in Ireland, “age 52” [unlikely, given 18 year old son in 1900], spouse of Michael McNamara, died on 3 August 1920. Her father was reported as “Patrick Murphy” and mother as “McCarthy”.
Cook County death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MW-GF8D
Michael McNamara, of 7221 May Street in Ward 32, “age 62” (in fact, age 72), born in Ireland, retired blacksmith, widowed, husband of Mary, son of Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly, died in Chicago on 15 July 1921; burial at Mt Olivet; informant not reported on index.
Cook County death index (note: the family tree he is attached to is loopy)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N77F-FS6
2.0 Thomas McNamara (1850 – 1927 in Chicago), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 1 December 1850; sponsors James McNamara and Anne O’Dea (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
When his nephew, Patrick McNamara (son of Martin McNamara), arrived in New York on the SS Carmania on 13 September 1925, his USA contact was uncle Thomas K. McNamara, of 4209 Emerald Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (see 12.1 below).
Thomas McNamara, of 4209 Emerald Avenue, “age 58” (in fact, age 76), born in County Clare, Ireland, laborer, single, son of Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly, died in Chicago on 17 November 1927; burial at Holy Sepulchre; informant Patrick McNamara (not reported, but his brother who lived on Emerald Avenue).
Cook County death index:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLYT-NQ6N
3.0 Martin McNamara (1852 – died prior to 1862), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 30 August 1852; sponsors Murty Kelly and Bridget Shea (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
4.0 Susan McNamara (≈1854 – 1930 in Killadysert), the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register has a missing page from September 1853 to January 1855. Martin McNamara and Margaret Kelly very likely had a child born between August 1852 and January 1856. Susan McNamara was the baptism sponsor for her young brother, Martin, in 1871. She was living with her parents, two sisters, and single brother in the 1901 census at the reported age of “33 years”. By 1911, her brother had married and Susan and her two sisters had left the household and moved to Killadysert Town. <Leemnaleigha, Kilchreest, House 7; Killadysert Town, Killadysert, House 36>
Susan McNamara, shopkeeper, of Kildysart, “age 75”, died on 24 July 1930; informant her nephew, John McNamara (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 330669.pdf
5.0 Mary McNamara (1856 – died prior to 1869?), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 8 January 1856; sponsor Margaret Reily (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
6.0 John McNamara (1857 – unknown), of “Leimnaleha”, was baptized on 22 April 1857; sponsors Mary Kelly and Martin Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
7.0 James McNamara (1859 – unknown), of “Leimnaleha”, was baptized on 31 March 1859; sponsors Margaret Kelly and Martin Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
8.0 Martin McNamara (1862 – likely died as infant), no residence reported, was baptized on 29 September 1862; sponsor Mary Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
9.0 Patrick McNamara (1865 – 1933 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 1 March 1865, mother reported as “Bridget Kelly”; sponsors Martin McNamara and Mary Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Patrick McNamara, “age 36”, married Katherine Gallagher, age 32, in Chicago on 27 November 1907 (per Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). Katherine Gallagher was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on 25 July 1875, the daughter of Irish born Michael Gallagher and Catherine Morris (source her Illinois death record).
Cook County marriage index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N7H6-94D
After Patrick McNamara moved to Chicago he reported his year of immigration on census reports as 1880 in 1910, 1891 in 1920, and 1888 in 1930.
The McNamara’s lived at 5540 Elizabeth Street in 1910 and on Emerald Avenue in 1920. Patrick McNamara’s brother, Thomas, died at the Emerald Avenue address in 1927, and Patrick was the informant.
Patrick Mc Namara, of 6623 S. Sangamon St., a stationary fireman, “age 53” [should be “age 68”], born in County Clare, son of Martin Mc Namara and Margaret Kelly, spouse Catherine, died in Chicago on 18 August 1933. Burial at Holy Sepulchre. Note: when searching on ancestry for the civil death record you must have the space in “Mc Namara”; not necessary on the Family Search website:
Cook County civil death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N34X-WS5
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/219 ... e-mcnamaraMcNAMARA—Katherine McNamara (nee Gallagher), loving wife of the late Patrick K., fond mother of Joseph Jr. and Mary Katherine. Funeral Friday at 9:30 a.m. from residence, 6623 S. Sangamon St., to St. Brendan’s Church [1889-1989]. Interment Holy Sepulchre.
Chicago Daily News, 18 February 1942
Cook County civil death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MD-BT8G
Patrick McNamara (1865 – 1933) and Katherine Gallagher (1875 -1942) were the parents of two children born in Chicago:
………………… 9.1 Joseph Emmett McNamara (1909 – after 1950), born 10 December 1909 per WWII registration.
Indiana marriage index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:8GX7-3F2MMARRIAGE LICENSES:
VALPARAISO, Indiana—… Joseph McNamara, accountant, 810 Lincoln Way, and Mary A. Doran, 423 North Notre Dame avenue, South Bend; …
The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Indiana, Sunday, 29 November 1936
Why Indiana? Did they elope? They most likely, I reckon, met at the wedding of Joseph’s Irish born cousin, Patrick McNamara, who married Mary’s sister, Josephine Doran, on 27 June 1936. The Doran sisters were the daughters of Patrick Doran, an ex-R.I.C. sergeant, whose family arrived in Boston on 2 September 1923 (following the Irish Civil War) and settled in Chicago. Joseph McNamara and Mary Angela Doran were the parents of three children born in Chicago:
……………………………… 9.1.1 Joseph Patrick McNamara (age 12 in 1950)
……………………………… 9.1.2 Mary K. McNamara (age 10 in 1950)
……………………………… 9.1.3 William J. McNamara (age 4 in 1950)
………………… 9.2 Catherine McNamara (≈1912 – after 1942)
10.0 Mortimer McNamara (1867 – to Chicago - unknown), no residence reported, was baptized on 27 February 1867; sponsors Thomas Mack and Mrs. Kelly (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Per civil birth record, birthplace was “Leamnaleha”.
“Murty MacNamara”, a clerk, was living with his brother, “Michael MacNamara”, a blacksmith, in the 1885 city directory for the Town of Lake (Lake Township, later SW portion of Chicago) at 4061 Seneschalle.
A “Mortmer J McNamara”, born in Ireland, became a naturalized U.S. citizen on 17 October 1894 in an Illinois court. “Mortimer McNamara” is not a common name in the USA or Ireland. He appears again in Chicago in 1903 being taken away in a “paddy wagon”, but his later whereabouts are a mystery.
CAUSES A SMALLPOX SCARE.
Patient Recently Discharged from Isolation Hospital Alarms Residents of the North Side.
Mortimer McNamara, who was discharged from the isolation hospital three days ago as cured of smallpox, created consternation among a crowd of residents in the vicinity of State and Ontario streets yesterday afternoon because they thought he was still suffering with the disease. McNamara was forced to seek shelter in a hallway of the Studio building at State and Ontario streets, and for nearly ten minutes Sergeant Fitzgerald and Patrolmen Massesweet and Kenny stood guard on the sidewalk. When Inspector Campbell and Lieut. Handly arrived they saw at once a mistake had been made. The patrol wagon was then summoned and McNamara was taken to the East Coast avenue station.
Chicago Tribune, 1 March 1903
11.0 Mary “Margaret” McNamara (1869 – 1932 in Killadysert), no residence reported, was baptized on 14 March 1869; sponsors James McNamara and Anne McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Living with her parents in 1901. Margaret and her two sisters left the household by 1911 and were living in Killadysert Town. <Leemnaleigha, Kilchreest, House 7; Killadysert Town, Killadysert, House 36>
Margaret McNamara, shopkeeper, of Kildysart, “age 68”, died on 29 December 1932; informant her niece, Susan McNamara (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 314701.pdf
12.0 Martin McNamara (1871 – 1939 in Leamnaleaha), no residence reported, was baptized on 2 February 1871; sponsors John McNamara and Susan McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). <Leamnaleaha, Kilchreest, House 7; House 6>
Martin McNamara, farmer, of Leamnaleha, Lissycasey, son of Martin McNamara, married Maria McNamara, daughter of Timothy McNamara [and Mary Hogan per 1874 birth/baptism] of Carrowreigh West, Cranny, on 1 February 1902 at the Catholic chapel at Cranny by the curate Michael Hayes; witnesses Martin Kelly and Margaret Lorigan (Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 736099.pdf
Martin McNamara (1871 – 1939) and Mary McNamara (1874 – 1963) of Leamnaleaha were the parents of nine children born in Leamnaleaha, Clare:
………………… 12.1 Patrick McNamara (age 8 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6> was born on 7 February 1903 (Kildysert registration).
Patrick McNamara, age 22, born in Lisseycasey, arrived in New York on the SS Carmania on 13 September 1925; Irish contact his father, Martin McNamara, of “Leamnehela”, Lisseycasey; USA contact, his uncle, Thomas K. McNamara, of 4209 Emerald Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (see 1.2 above).
Patrick McNamara, age 35, of Chicago, became a naturalized U.S. citizen on 16 November 1939, reporting his birth on 7 February 1903 in “Lumnaleha, Lissycasey, Ireland”; arrival in New York on 13 September 1925 on the Carmania; and marriage on 27 June 1936 to “Josephine”.
Naturalization Photo: [add later, no space]
Marriage of Patrick McNamara, age 33, to Josephine Doran, age 33, in Chicago on 27 June 1936. (He is not the Patrick McNamara of Chicago married to Josephine Blum of German heritage).
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q21K-LML8
Josephine “Bridget” Doran was the sister of Angela Doran, who married Patrick’s American born cousin, Joseph E. McNamara, in November 1936. The Doran sisters were the daughters of Patrick Doran, an ex-R.I.C. sergeant, whose family arrived in Boston on 2 September 1923 (following the Irish Civil War) and settled in Chicago.
………………… 12.2 Michael McNamara (age 6 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6>Patrick McNamara, beloved husband of the late Bridget [Josephine] McNamara, nee Doran; devoted father of . . . [one daughter, two grandchildren, one great grandchild] . . . loving brother of James, John and Susan [Hehir], all in Ireland, the late Martin, of Boston, Michael, Nellie and Catherine, all of Ireland and Sr. Anslen [Anselm?], of England. . . . Funeral . . . St. Rene Church. Mass 9:30 a.m., interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Native of Leamnaleha, County Clare, Ireland.
Chicago Tribune, Saturday, 28 September 1985
………………… 12.3 Martin McNamara (age 5 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6> was born on 18 October 1905 (Kildysert registration).
Martin McNamara, age 24, of Lissycasey, Co. Clare, arrived in Boston on 16 August 1930 on the ship Karlsruhe. He was going to his cousin, James K. McNamara, of 55 Tomlin Street, Waltham, MA (see 1.7 in prior posting). Irish contact was his father “Patrick McNamara” of Lissycasey, which was clearly a mistake. Two years later, Martin McNamara completed his Declaration of Intent to become a U.S. citizen in September 1932, stating his birth in County Clare on 18 October 1905, and arrival on the Karlsruhe on 16 August 1930 (given birth date, the Martin McNamara on the Karlsruhe was definitely the son of Martin McNamara of Leamnaleaha).
1930 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XB-9R3
In November 1936, Martin McNamara visited family in County Clare, returning to Boston on 22 March 1937 on the SS Scythia. He reported his birthplace as Ennis, Co. Clare; Irish contact as his father “M. McNamara of Lissycasey”; USA contact continued to be his cousin, James K. McNamara, of 55 Tomlin Street, Waltham, Massachusetts. He was traveling with a fellow Boston resident and his future wife, Hannah Fleming, age 23, originally from Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Their U.S. reentry permits (neither were U.S. citizens) were issued on the same date prior to trip, so they didn’t meet on the ship.
1937 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23N9-7N5
Martin and Hannah McNamara, still Irish citizens, along with their three American born children, visited Ireland in 1950, returning to New York (and then Boston) on the SS America on 7 December 1950. Martin McNamara, born 18 October 1905, finally became a U.S. citizen on 20 May 1957. Martin visited Ireland again, this time returning to Boston on Pan American Airlines on 12 August 1959.
1950 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24YX-CTC
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/240 ... n_mcnamaraMcNAMARA—In South Boston, July 7, Martin, beloved husband of Hannah M. (Fleming), beloved father . . . [of three children] . . . Brother of Patrick of Chicago, IL, James and John McNamara and Mrs. John Hehir, all of County Claire, Ireland. Also survived by six grandchildren. Funeral from the O’Brien Funeral Home, 146 Dorchester St., SOUTH BOSTON, Saturday at 8. Funeral Mass at St. Augustine’s Church . . .
Boston Globe, Friday, 9 July 1982
………………… 12.4 Margaret Mary McNamara (age 3 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6> was born on 29 June 1907 (Kildysert registration). She must be the late “Sr. Anslen, of England” in the 1985 obituary of her brother Patrick McNamara of Chicago. More likely a “Sister Anselm”?
Searching the 1939 England and Wales Register (tip: never specify a birthplace), Margaret McNamara, born on 29 June 1908, was a school teacher and “R.C. Sister”, one of four nuns, living at Sloperton House Cottage in Devizes, Wiltshire, England.
Given the location of the convent in the small town of Devizes, Margaret McNamara must have been a member of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy. The France based teaching order opened an Indian mission in 1849 and an English mission in Devizes in 1864 (only leaving in 2021 according to the order’s history):
https://srsofstjosephofannecy.org/index ... to-devizes
………………… 12.5 Catherine McNamara (age 3 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6>
………………… 12.6 Ellen McNamara (age 1 in 1911) <Leemnaleaha, Kilchreest, x; House 6>
………………… 12.7 John McNamara (1911) was born on 10 June 1911 (Kildysart registration). He was informant at the death of both parents as well as his aunts, Susan McNamara, in 1930, and Catherine McNamara in 1946.
………………… 12.8 Susan McNamara (1913) was born on 12 February 1913 (Kildysart registration). She was informant at the death of her aunt, Margaret McNamara, in 1932.
………………… 12.9 James McNamara (1914) was born on 13 August 1914 (Kildysart registration).
13.0 Catherine “Kate” McNamara (1872 – 1946 in Killadysert), no residence reported, was baptized on 2 July 1871; sponsors James McNamara and Margaret McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881). Living with her parents in 1901. Catherine and her two sisters left the household by 1911 and were living in Killadysert Town. <Leemnaleigha, Kilchreest, House 7; Killadysert Town, Killadysert, House 36>
Catherine McNamara, an “Independent Lady”, of Kildysart, age 73, died on 25 November 1946; informant, John McNamara (not reported but her nephew). Kildysart registration):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 213864.pdf
***********************
At Griffith Valuation for Leamanleaha townland, the above Martin McNamara (≈1821 – 1904) shared Plot 7 with a James McNamara, both with a valuation of about £8. Who was this James McNamara of Leamnaleaha, and was he related to either Martin McNamara (≈1821 – 1904) or John McNamara (≈1806 – 1886)?
To be continued,
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Jimbo,
Great work on the Leamnalehy McNamaras. In my experience two graves adjacent to each other, with same surname on the headstones, is enough to show that the two families were closely related. And I do not doubt that Martin was indeed a cousin of James, who was living in Waltham, MA. Great research by you on the descendants.
Sheila
Great work on the Leamnalehy McNamaras. In my experience two graves adjacent to each other, with same surname on the headstones, is enough to show that the two families were closely related. And I do not doubt that Martin was indeed a cousin of James, who was living in Waltham, MA. Great research by you on the descendants.
Sheila
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Sheila, I agree that the proximity of headstones at Kilchreest graveyard of Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1907) and Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907), the son of John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) likely point to a close family relationship. This is also supported by the cousin relationship reported in the 1930 passenger listing of Martin McNamara going to Waltham, Massachusetts.E93.
Sacred to our honoured parents
JAMES MACNAMARA
AND
MARY NÉE O’ DEA
and to our little brother
Martin
In life eternal crowned with bliss
Be ye so gently good in this
E’en distant days with pride will tell
Your noble traits revered farewell
Michael and Mary
Michael A MacNamara B.L.
Died 12 May 1928
R.I.P.
Kilchreest Graveyard transcriptions at Clare Library donated by Ballynacally I.C.A.:
https://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cocla ... ctione.htm
Of course, the inverse is not necessary true: the fact that the headstone at E93 for James McNamara (≈1825 – 1892) of Leamnaleaha appears to be distant in Section E from the headstones of Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1907) at E53 and Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) at E52 does not mean that they were not closely related. In logic, “If p, then q” does not mean that “If not p, then not q”. And, upon further research, there is evidence of a close relationship between the families as when James McNamara died in 1892 the informant on the civil death record was his nephew, Patrick McNamara, of Leamnaleaha. But, unfortunately, it is not very clear who the Patrick McNamara in 1892 could have been with any certainty:
1) Patrick born about 1845, the son of John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) and Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886). Patrick was a baker living with his family in Kilkee and unlikely to have been the informant in 1892 living in Leamnaleaha.
2) Patrick born in 1865, the son of Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1904) & Margaret Kelly (≈1835 – 1907). Patrick would later settle in Chicago. On census reports he stated his year of arrival in the USA as early as 1880 (in 1910 census) and late as 1891 (in the 1920 census). Both years might be dubious. Patrick McNamara is a very common name and the early passengers listing from 1892 / 1893 provide little detail. The Illinois naturalization index records include many Patrick McNamara’s, but again have little detail as far as year of arrival.
3) Patrick born in 1880, the son of Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) and Susan Donohoe (≈1847 – after 1911), grandson of John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) and Catherine Roache (≈1806 – 1886). If related, he would be grand-nephew. Patrick would go to Rome in 1894 and later became a Franciscan (“Brother Fidelis”). But I reckon he was too young in 1892 to be an informant on a civil death record. Although I also think he was too young to go to Rome at the age of fourteen to join the Franciscans, so I could be wrong about the death record.
Further research into the descendants of James McNamara (≈1825 – 1892) provided more clues of family relationships between the McNamara families of Leamnaleaha:
James McNamara was a tenant at Leamnaleaha townland at 1855 Griffith Valuation, sharing Plot 7ABCD with Martin McNamara; lessor, John Beecham Brady; house at 7Da, office & land; total valuation £8 and 2 shillings. Martin McNamara, with a house at Plot 7Db, had a total valuation of £8 and 6 shillings. The land at Plot 7ABCD totaled 57 acres, 20 perches. Not really clear how the land was divided between James and Martin; Plot 7D had a valuation of £8 and 15 shillings, which was greater than the total valuation for either James or Martin.
https://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith ... ha%3C/b%3E
Does the sharing of Plot 7ABCD indicate a close family relationship between James McNamara (≈1825 – 1892) and Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1907)?
James McNamara also leased in Plot 8 over 32 acres of Land only; lessor John Beecham Brady; valuation £7 and 5 shillings.
As mentioned in the prior McNamara of Leamnaleaha family trees, James McNamara also shared two acres of Land only (Plot 6) with James Finucane (John), James Finucane (Morgan), Mary McNamara, and John McNamara. Lessor was John Beecham Brady, zero valuation.
A different James McNamara was a tenant of a house and small garden at Plot 17, a little over ½ an acre, valued at only 8 shillings; lessor was Morgan Finucane.
Anne McNamara, of Leamnaleah, married, farmer’s wife, age 60 years, died on 18 December 1882; informant was her son, Michael McNamara (Kildysart registration). James McNamara, of Leamnaleha, widower, farmer, age 67 years, died on 24 October 1892; informant his nephew, Pat McNamara, present at death in Leamnaleha (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 831842.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 712700.pdf
James McNamara (≈1825 – 1892) and Anne “Nancy” O’Dea (≈1822 – 1882) of Leamnaleaha, unknown marriage, were the parents of three children:
1.0 Michael McNamara (1853 – 1928 in Dublin), of “Lameneleha”, was baptized on 9 March 1853, mother reported as “Anne O’Dea”; sponsors Michael McNamara and Margaret McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Michael McNamara of Leamnaleha was the informant on the death record for his mother, Anne McNamara, who died in 1882. He was not the informant when his father died in 1892. I suspect he may have been away at university or training to become a barrister.
In the 1901 census, Michael A. MacNamara, age 41, not married, “practicing Barrister”, was living at House 8 in Leamnaleigha. His relationship to the head of household (John Maloney, a herd and agricultural labourer”) was “employer”. The name of the leaseholder on the House and Building Return (form B1) for House 8 was reported as Michael MacNamara. Their neighbor in House 7 was Martin MacNamara (see family tree in prior posting).Hilary sittings will open on Saturday. There will be five new barristers called, viz.:—1. Mr. Michael Augustus Macnamara, only son of Mr. James Macnamara, late of Leimnaleha, in the County of Clare, farmer, deceased. Certificate signed by Mr. W. F. Kenny. To be proposed by Mr. Sergeant Campion. Mr. Macnamara obtained a certificate of honour at the honour examination held in October, 1895, and takes rank accordingly. 2 . . .
Belfast News Letter, Friday, 10 January 1896
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075855/
In the 1901 census, Michael A. MacNamara was reported to be a speaker of both Irish and English.THE LEAGUE IN WEST CLARE.
One of the largest meetings held for some time in the West was held here on Thursday at Lissycasey, under the auspices of the United Irish League. There was an immense concourse of people from all over the constituency, and their enthusiasm was unbounded. . . . Those present—. . . M A M’Namara, B L etc.
Cork Examiner, Saturday, 30 November 1901
Two years later in September 1904, Michael A. MacNamara finally got his work published.One of the [Gaelic] League Organisers, Mr O’Hanrahan *, has been lately visiting Clare, which contains a very large proportion of Irish-speaking people. It is pitiable to read how the language has been boycotted by the people themselves, and it is oftentimes very difficult to get native speakers to converse in Irish. Mr O’Hanrahan says he met near Labasheeda Mr M A MacNamara, B.L., who is a fine Irish speaker. MacNamara is a splendid type of cultured Gaelic scholar; he is not unknown in Meath which he visited a couple of years ago, and is well remembered in Newry for his eloquent lecture on Gaelic about twelve months ago. He is now preparing a series of important essays and lectures, and as Mr MacNamara is careful, studious and eloquent, his contributions to Gaelic thought and literature will command much attention.
Drogheda Independent, Saturday, 17 Mary 1902
* Peadar O h'Annrachain (1873 – 1965):
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/715 ... ch%C3%A1in
Not the strongest of reviews, but I searched on-line anyway to obtain all the verses of the poem “Kilkee the Grand”. Was unsuccessful, but the National Library of Ireland has a copy in their collection which will require a visit to Dublin to view:KILKEE.
Mr. M.A. Macnamara writes a pamphlet in verse and in prose, of “Kilkee the Grand.” He thus bursts into song, suggested by a classic Iernian Meldody.
Mr. Macnamara’s prose is more intelligible than his verse, but, fortunately, the bewildered reader is helped out by a few explanatory annotations. These, as the writer is careful to explain, are not put forward as a matter of consequence, but merely as mites of what remains to be discovered on the coast of Clare and elsewhere throughout Eire, and as examples of the derivation of names of places from sources which are probable and from arguments that are rational.Nor sea nor stone by artists planned,
No lauded scene no fairy land;
Not austral flood by coral strand,
Nor where the sun doth night command.
The purple tide by Gods adored,
The climes Genoa’s lord explored,
Nor region brighter can afford,
Thy glory, pale Kilkee the grand.
The writer is enthusiastic, if not always quite coherent.Neither are the few sketches I have drawn exhaustive of the scenic wonders that are ever present round the Coast of Clare, especially in the winter time. Mountains being of greater dimensions, it might be expected that their vastness would excite our feelings to a greater extent, but their greatness is without life or change (save, indeed, what is caused by the clouds), and too remote to be impressive; while the precipice is at hand in awful grandeur, and the ocean with life and power and passion; the sublimity of the latter is apparent without any effort of the imagination—they stir up a pleasing dread, mingled with a tireless admiration.
“Kilkee the Grand.” Epic lines, laudatory and descriptive of the Coast of Clare, with topographical and other notes. By M.A. Macnamara, Barrister-at-Law. Arranged as solo and chorus by A.D. Fitzgerald. Galway: O’Gorman and Company.
Weekly Irish Times, Saturday, 24 September 1904
https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000481201
The Spring 2017 issue of the Irish Arts Review in an article on Nathaniel Hone (painter of Kilkee landscapes) by Julian Campbell, the poem “Kilkee the Grand” gets a brief mention, although it incorrectly identifies the poem’s author as a woman.
A google search of “M A McNamara” leads to a photo in the NLI collection commissioned by “Miss M A McNamara” of Kilhile (in County Wexford) which I reckon was the source of the error in the Irish Arts Review. Regardless, the article is very interesting as it tells of the increasing popularity of Kilkee as a resort for tourists (see postcard mailed on 13 August 1906 from Kilkee to Mountanville House in Dublin requesting an old evening coat belonging to the son of the Lord Chief Baron Palles on page 34 of this thread).In 1892, not long after Hone’s visit, the narrow-gauge railway was extended to Kilkee. The town now became more accessible to tourists. Percy French was prompted to write his humorous song about the West Clare Railway, Are you right there Michael, are you right? in 1897, and Miss M A McNamara her poem ‘Kilkee the Grand’ in 1904.
https://www.irishartsreview.com/articles/time-and-tide/
http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... &start=495
In the 1911 census, Michael McNamara, age 55, single, “B.L. (Practicing)”, was a lodger at the Abbey Hotel in Ennis which was then run by William Keane.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... et/353178/
In June of 1912, M. A. MacNamara, B.L., was one of several individuals interviewed in Ennis by the Departmental Committee on Agricultural Credit in Ireland about offering credit facilities to small farmers in County Clare. The link below contains the entire long interview, below are excerpts specific to his land holdings and views on the current situation in Clare:
Six months after his testimony noting that County Clare was “unsettled”, Michael A. MacNamara, in a shocking outrage, was maliciously attacked in his own house just as he was about to have his “tea” (“dinner” in the USA):Ennis. 12 June 1912
Mr. M. A. MACNAMARA, B.L., Lissycasey, Ennis, examined.
8055. THE CHAIRMAN.—You are a barrister, but are engaged in farming, Mr. Macnamara, I understand?—I have scarcely any practice at the Bar. I am engaged in farming, I may say.
8074. How far do you live from Ennis?—About eleven Irish miles.
8075. What is the size of your farm?—About 74 Irish acres, but I sold about ten acres recently.
8076. For the enlargement of your neighbours’ farms?—Yes.
8077. What kind of farming to you follow?—Grazing entirely, I may say.
8078. So you don’t do any cultivation?—Very little, I have a herdsman on the farm, and he tills a little. I have been living on the farm a good deal for the past twelve years, but I hope I won’t be in it very much in the future.
8079. You do not like farming?—I do.
8080. You don’t find the associations pleasant?—I do. I think it is a very nice occupation, and I think it would pay very well, too.
8081. In what condition are the farmers around your neighbourhood?—The greater part of them are fairly well off. There are not more than ten percent in a struggling way.
8082. What is about the average size of a farm?—About twenty Irish acres.
8083. Do these people cultivate much of their holdings?—No; there is very little tillage in Clare. They cultivate a little, but unfortunately, I think, they depend too much on the shop. They could produce a good deal on their farms, but they are tempted and induced to buy more than they need.
8087. Would it not pay better for them to cultivate a few more acres of land and raise more fodder?—Yes, but, as I said before, there has been a great lack of industry for the past twenty-five or thirty years. The country is rather disturbed. The young boys don’t like to work. They want to go to America.
8088. Mr. GILL.—They have to work when they go there?—They have.
8089. The CHAIRMAN.—They don’t like to work at home?—No. They used to work far better in my earlier days than they do at present.
8130. Mr. GILL.—Although they might know what to do, they don’t do it [cultivation]?—No, they don’t.
8131. And they don’t do it [cultivation] because, you say, the country is unsettled?—Yes; because, within my own recollection, the people were very industrious in the old days and tilled more, and did their tilling a great deal better, but since the agitation commenced there is less industry. Of course, there were a few bad years. There was a necessity for the agitation then, but it is still going on.
8132. The CHAIRMAN.—Is much of the land sold in Co. Clare?—Less than half.
8133. Once the land is disposed of and the occupiers become the owners, you think things will settle down?—Certainly, I think the country will never be settled, until the other half of the tenants who have not bought their holdings, have purchased.
8134. Mr. BAILEY.—To what do you attribute the fact that so much of the land is not purchased?—The Act of 1909, which deprived the landlords of the terms they had under 1903. There are very few landlords willing now to sell.
Source: Report of the Departmental Committee on Agricultural Credit in Ireland, Volume 2
By Ireland. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction. Committee on Agricultural Credit
https://books.google.com/books?id=qMdcA ... ra&f=false
Five months later at the Cork Assizes, with similar testimony, the “jury convicted Sheehan and Gavin with firing with intent, and acquitted Kelly. His Lordship said owing to the very serious shooting cases in County Clare he would have to impose a sentence of twelve months’ imprisonment with hard labour on Gavin and Sheehan. Kelly was discharged.” (Northern Whig, Tuesday, 22 July 1913)CLARE GENTLEMAN
TELLS EXCITING STORY
Of an Attack on His House
RECEIVED OVER 30 GRAINS OF SHOT
At a Special Court at Ennis Courthouse on Tuesday, Mr. M’Elroy, R.M., presiding, James Gavin, Patrick Kelly, Michael Clancy and Michael Sheehan appeared, Clancy on bail, the others in custody, charged with the attempted murder of Mr. M. A. MacNamara, B.L. [Barrister-at-Law], at Leamnalehy on January 9th.
Mr. MacNamara was the first witness. He deposed—I remember January 9th, and since November 22nd I have been residing at my place at Leamnalehy alone. On that evening I fed my cattle. When finished it was beginning to grow duskish. I went back to the house and was getting some tea. I latched and bolted the door and closed the shutters of the windows. When the tea was ready I went into the room of the kitchen to take it. Just as I was about to have the tea I heard hurried footsteps coming to the outside door and an attempt made to open it. . .
I went and took my revolver from the bedroom, quickly slipped the bolt off the door and said, “Come in now if you like.” I did not open the door. I went inside the door of the bedroom, where I had a commanding view of the outside door and where I was partly protected.. . . open it. I went near it and said, “Who is there?” A voice answered, “A friend.” I said, “What friend?” and the same voice answered, “It is all right,” or words to that effect. I then said, “What is your name?” There was a slight pause, during which I heard a whisper from another party, and the same voice said, “Siney Mack.” I said, “That is not Siney Mack.” The voice said it was. I then heard a second voice attempting to imitate Siney Mack’s voice repeating the name. I then said, “That is not Siney Mack’s voice, and I’ll not let you in.” I went. . .
Evening Irish Times, Wednesday, 5 February 1913
Mr. Cullinan—Before going for the revolver or taking the bolt off the door had you recognise the voice of the person who had been speaking outside? I had, absolutely.
Mr. Cullinan—The name who spoke the most whose voice was it? James Gavin’s, the prisoner here [the son of Martin Gavin of Lavally townland].
Is he anything to any of the other prisoners? He is brother-in-law to Patrick [who married Bridget Gavin, daughter of Martin Gavin, in 1908], and related to the Sheehan, too [Michael Sheehan was born in April 1894, the son of Thomas Sheehan and Mary Clancy of Tonlegee townland. Mary Clancy was the daughter of James Clancy and Catherine Gavin, and possibly the sister of Michael Clancy, “a returned American” who was let out on bail and not tried. Thus, Martin Gavin and Catherine Gavin Clancy, I reckon, were siblings].
Had you known Gavin’s voice previously? I had.
Continuing, witness said that after he went to the door of the bedroom the door was opened.
Did anyone come in? Yes, a rather small person, a boy—I mean not full-grown man [in fact, Michael Sheehan was 18 years old]. He was stout, low-sized, thick-set, with a peculiarity about his legs and walk.
How did he come in actually? He came in almost sideways, with a good deal of his back towards me, with a right shoulder forward. He came in quietly and slowly. Just then I heard other steps outside, which possibly took my attention off him for an instant. I saw the fire of the shot and felt wounded in the left hand.
“If I Had I Would Have Shot Him.”
Did you see any firearm with him? No. If I had I would have shot him. That’s what saved him. He had the firearm artfully concealed at his left-hand side.
Mr. Cullinan—Did you fire a shot from the revolver? I did; a second or two after the gunshot I fired a shot from the revolver, and the man ran away.
Were you in Jail street, Ennis, on January 29 last? I was.
And did you see there the boy who came into your house on January 9th and fired the shot at you? I did.
Who was that boy? Michael Sheehan, the prisoner here.
After the man or boy ran out of your house that night what did you do? I went cautiously to the door and went outside and looked around. I could see no one. I returned to the house again and shut the door. About a minute or possibly a little more after I heard either two or three shots, two in rapid succession, and the kitchen window was broken and shutters forced in. I remained inside for about half an hour, my revolver in my hand, and after that I went to the house of James Finucane, about three hundred yards away, to get my hand dressed. I remained at Finucane’s until the police, who were sent for, came. A car was then procured and I was brought to the County Infirmary.
In all, about how many grains of shot struck you? In all, about thirty-three or thirty-four.
The witness was then examined as to the trouble he had with the prisoner Kelly over a field which he had purchased close to his house from a brother of the Siney Mack whose name had been mentioned. Kelly had been decreed for stabling a brother of Mack’s, and witness had summoned him several times for trespass. He had been awarded compensation for malicious injury on the same field. His herd had left him on account of a threatening letter. On one occasion Kelly had abused him.
The witness was cross-examined by Mr. Lynch.
The Chairman remanded Kelly, Gavin, and Sheehan without bail, and Clancy was allowed to renew his bail.
Weekly Freeman’s Journal, Saturday, 8 February 1913
1926 Irish Census: TBD in April 2026.
Michael A. MacNamara of Leamnaleaha died on 12 May 1928 according to his probate records and headstone at Kilchreest graveyard, but I could not locate the civil death record (likely under an unusual transcription of his name, perhaps written in Irish).
MACNAMARA Michael Augustus of Leamnalaha, Liscasey, county Clare, died 12 May 1928 at The Mater Misericordia Hospital, Dublin; Administration, London, 15 February, to Mary Macnamara, spinster. Effects £4,102 and 10 shillings in England.
England & Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administration), 1858 – 1995; [source: ancestry website].
2.0 Martin McNamara (≈1854 – prior to 1864?), likely born between August 1853 and January 1855 which has no baptism entries in the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. “Our Dear Little Brother Martin” per family headstone as noted at the start of this posting.
3.0 Mary McNamara (1856 – 1942 in Dublin) of “Leemnaleha”, was baptized on 1 October 1856, mother reported as “Nancy O’Dea”; sponsors Mary Meehan and Pat Donohue (Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms, 1846-1881).
Not sure where Mary was living in 1901. Mary MacNamara, “age 50”, farmer’s daughter, appears to have been living by herself in Leamnaleaha townland in House #7 the 1911 census.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359513/
However, on the Form B.1 “Household and Building Return”, under the column “No. of distinct Families in each House” it states “2” for House #7; and House #8, was left blank. Clearly, Daniel McGrath, age 77, occupation “Is a Heard”, living in House #8 with his wife, three children, and two granddaughters, was working for the MacNamara’s of House #7. Daniel McGrath, of Leamnaleha, labourer, died at the age of 78 years on 23 October 1911 (Kildysart registration).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359514/
1926 Irish Census: TBD in April 2026.
Mary MacNamara was named as the beneficiary in the probate records upon the 1928 death of her brother, Michael A. MacNamara (as noted above). I am fairly positive that she was the Mary McNamara, single, age 86 years, who died at St. Joseph's Asylum for Aged and Virtuous Single Women at Portland Row in Dublin on 5 December 1942 and who, according to the probate records, was fairly well-to-do:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 245777.pdf
MACNAMARA Mary Margaret of St. Josephs, Portland-row, Dublin, spinster, died 5 December 1942. Probate Liandudne, 24 March, to the reverend Francis Kenny, clerk, and John Redmond Peart, solicitor. Effects £588 3s. 3d. in England.
England & Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administration), 1858 – 1995; [source: ancestry website].
**********************
Regarding the 1913 attack, some newspaper accounts reported that “Siney Mack” was the “nickname of Simon McNamara, well known to be a friend of Michael McNamara” (per Northern Whig of 22 July 1913). Other accounts were more specific: “Simon Macnamara, mentioned as a relative of witness’s, was a brother of John Macnamara, to whom witness [Michael A. MacNamara] sold a portion of his land last year” (per Irish Independent of 5 February 1913).
“Simey Mack” or "Siney Mack" must be Sinon McNamara born in 1882 to Sinon McNamara (≈1839 – 1907) and Susan Donohoe (≈1847 – after 1911) of Leamnaleaha. And the John McNamara, who Michael A. McNamara sold land to, was their son born in 1877. John McNamara had married Ellen Crowley on 14 February 1911, and was living with his parents and siblings in the 1911 census, so timing would be good to get his own farm sold to him by Michael A. McNamara.
What was the motive for the attack on Michael Augustus MacNamara, B.L., of Leamnaleaha? The Resident Magistrate at the February 1913 magisterial investigation provided his theory which was only printed in a few Irish newspapers:
The speech by the Resident Magistrate makes it sound like it was simple greed by the Moonlighters in attacking M. A. MacNamara of Leamnaleaha. Initially, I thought the accused were just being bullies in first threatening the herdsman to leave his employment and then attacking MacNamara in his home. But the situation and motives might be more complicated. At the time of his 1912 interview, Michael A. MacNamara stated that he had a farm of 74 Irish acres and that he had recently sold 10 acres. Clearly, MacNamara was the owner of his land, likely purchased under the 1903 Land Act. But how did he acquire 84 Irish acres? The conversion of Irish acres to British acres (that used at Griffith Valuation) is a multiple of 1.62, so Michael A. MacNamara had owned a whopping 136 statutory acres of land. At 1855 Griffith Valuation, his father, James McNamara (≈1825 – 1892), only held about 62 acres (32 acres in Plot 8; and about 30 acres in his ½ holding of Plot 7). As a barrister-at-law and a “literary gentleman” of some wealth, did Michael have a greater ability to navigate the 1903 Land Act compared to a less educated farmer, and thus greatly increase his land holdings? Would his neighbors have considered him to be a “land grabber”? Perhaps gaining title to land that had been previously considered common land? And why was his act of selling 10 acres of land to John McNamara so contentious? When the land cancellation books become available on-line, it will be interesting to see how Michael A. MacNamara had doubled the family holdings from the time of Griffith Valuation.CRIME IN THE COUNTY.
His Worship [Mr. McElroy, the Resident Magistrate] said that there was one fact quite certain, and that was, that on the night of January 9 Mr. Macnamara was murderously assaulted in his own house. Mr. Macnamara was not under any “delusion” about that at all. That act was not done by strangers. Apparently, it was done by people living in his own district, and who were well acquainted with him and his friends. What was the reason why he should be attacked in this way? Of course, he knew that in this county sometimes crimes were committed without any apparent motive out of pure wantonness, but he could not think that that was what had occurred in the present case. Mr. Macnamara in his evidence had referred slightly to politics, but his Worship threw that out of the case altogether. He did not think that this attempt was made on account of Mr. Macnamara’s politics. Whatever else happened in Clare, so far as his experience had gone, no one was attacked on account of his politics or his religious opinions. But the case was not without motive. Having referred to some points in the case, his Worship, continuing, said that the procedure in some of the cases of outrage was something like this: A man takes a violent fancy to a field occupied by a neighbor. Probably he had no claim to it, legal or otherwise; he does not go to consult a lawyer about it because legal or wise advice is the last thing that a client of this sort desires. But there is another class of practitioner in this county. There is the expert moonlighter, and this is the gentleman who is consulted by the client on such occasion. The unfortunate object of the expert’s attention finds his house fire into, perhaps the thatch is set on fire over his head, and the heads of innocent women and children; dumb animals are killed or maimed, walls are thrown down, hay is burned, and the county is saddled with taxation for malicious injuries and extra police. And it is a mistake to say that these outrages are arising out of dispute between landlord and tenant. There are disputes between landlords and tenants still, but I think, said his Worship, nine out of ten of these cases, plainly and above ground, arise out of petty, private causes, private disputes about land. What is the use of having new land laws? What is the use of having security for farmers in this country, of rooting farmers in the soil, if they are to be treated in this way? No farmer in this county at present could be secure in his title for a day, no farmer could know the day when some pretext would not be made for raising an agitation about his farm . . .
Evening Irish Times, Monday, 17 February 1913
In 1914, M.A. MacNamara had published a small pamphlet with a very long title, “Patriotic verses in support of the union of the Albion Isles!: With ethnological and topographical notes, in proof of the brotherhood of Angles, Celts, and Britons”. The NLI has the pamphlet in their collection; I could find no mention of it in any newspaper. His political opinions were likely long-standing ones and depending upon how vocal Michael was in his support of the union of Ireland and Britain, it may have been a contributing factor to his attack in 1913. There could be more than one motive.
https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000481179
The Kilrush Board of Guardians took the side of the two young men who were accused of attacking MacNamara and sentenced to one year imprisonment. This lack of support for the victim of the attack must have been very upsetting to Michael A. MacNamara.
After being convicted on 20 July 1913, the Cork Prison Register reported that James Gavin (age 27, 5 foot 9, of Kilcrease, Kildysart, son of Martin) was sent to Limerick Prison on 24 July 1913. Michael Sheehan, age 18, 5 foot 4, of “Thongalee”, son of Thomas) was sent to Mountjoy Prison on 15 December 1913. I could find no further prison records as evidence that either man was released early from their sentence of 12 months of hard labor.KILRUSH BOARD OF GUARDIANS.
THE LAVALLA PRISONERS
Mr Kelly read the following letter in reference to the guardians’ resolution for the release of the Lavalla prisoners:—
Mr Carmody—This is a reply to the resolution passed last week.Dublin Castle
31 January, 1914
Sir—I am directed by the Lord Lieutenant to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th instant in the case of James Gavan and Michael Sheehan, and to acquaint you that his Excellency’s decision shall be duly communicated to you.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
E. O’FARRELL.
[To:] The Clare of the Union, Kilrush.
Clerk—Yes, the resolution was forwarded to the Lord Lieutenant.
Chairman—No decision has yet been arrived at.
Mr Talty—That has yet to come.
The subject dropped.
Kilrush Herald and Kilkee Gazette, Friday, 13 February 1914
Some twenty years later, one of the submissions from the School’s Collection discussed a “great shooting” that took place at Leamanleaha townland:
The stories in the Schools’ Collection were gathered from 1937 to 1939, so surprised that the Leamnaleaha shooting was considered “long ago” as only some 25 years had passed. I suppose from a child’s perspective, an incident from 1913 would have been a long time ago. This story was one of 87 stories collected by Micheál Ó Cochláin, the school teacher at Tonlegee (adjacent to Leamnaleaha). Unlike submissions I’ve read from other schools, unfortunately the names of the student and the storyteller being interviewed were not reported. Discovering the location in Leamnaleaha townland of the “small field near my place called Besse's Haggard” would certainly narrow the field of who the above storyteller might have been.The name of my townland is Leamnaleha. The reason it was called that is the leap of a wild animal off Kelly's Forth into Mr. Macnamara's field. There is a small field near my place called Besse's Haggard. The reason it was called that is, an old woman lived there long ago called Bess. There is a river near me also called Breaffa river. The reason it was called that is, Breaffa is the name of the Townland in which it is. There is a small lake in the next Townland to called Burren lake. It is called that because Burren is the name of the place in which it is. The people of my place and of the place around me are small farmers. Some of the land is bad and more of it is good. Long ago there was a great shooting there. It was an old Councellor that was shot. He had a big farm of far [fair?] land, and he sold some of it and that was the cause of the shotting [sic]. He was not killed but he had to go away from it to America. Then his sister came home and took up the place. Five or six years ago she sold it. They are both dead and buried now.
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0605, Pages 070 to 071
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922331/4870836
Michael Augustus MacNamara died in 1928, and I believe Mary McNamara died in 1943, so “they are both dead and buried now” was not quite true. Nor do I believe that Michael A. MacNamara “had to go away from it to America”. There is no evidence of his going to America and as a man of substantial financial means he would only need to move to Dublin to avoid any difficulties in County Clare. He does appear to have kept a lower profile throughout the latter part of the 1910’s, but reappears about 1921 as a frequent newspaper contributor of new articles regarding the Irish language.
In 1922, M. A. MacNamara published “Authentic derivations of place-names in County Dublin traced and explained with the aid of real evidence.” [Dublin: Cahill & Co., Ltd., 1922, 145 pages]. He clearly did not have “to go away from it to America” after the 1913 attack but had moved to Dublin.
https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000130853
After the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed on 6 December 1921, M. A. MacNamara, B.L., penned an article in the Evening Herald (Dublin) of 28th of December entitled “The Signatories: Gaelic Names to the Anglo-Celtic Treaty”. The treaty had induced him “to give an outline of the etymology and connotation of the Gaelic signatures to that historic document”. He then explains the etymology of the Irish names for Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, Robert Barton, Eamonn Duggan, and George Gavan Duffy. At the 100th anniversary of its signing, RTE News provided a short and interesting news segment (see below link); at the 2:50 mark is the signatory page. The Irish signatories all signed in Irish, with Arthur Griffith also writing his name in English in parentheses. Arthur Griffith’s signature in Irish is scribbled and I’m unfamiliar with the Irish script, so not sure if it is the same as “O Griobhtha” (“descendants of a valiant princely race”) as described in M.A. MacNamara’s news column.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vSmAWR_7Do
In an interesting connection, Father Leo Sheehan , the Franciscan Friar who appeared in several group photos taken in Ennis, which included Brother Didacus McNamara (1875 – 1943), was the brother-in-law of Arthur Griffith. Mary “Maud” Sheehan, daughter of Peter Sheehan (merchant), married Arthur Griffith on 24 November 1910 at St. John the Baptist in Clontarf, Dublin; the officiating priest was her brother, Fr. Leo Sheehan, O.F.M.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 636955.pdf
**********************
Was James McNamara (≈1825 – 1892) of Leamnaleaha closely related to either Martin McNamara (≈1819 – 1907) or John McNamara (≈1809 – 1886) of Leamnaleaha? Could they possibly have been three siblings? Further evidence of their relationships could be determined from the land records, specifically the cancellation books documenting how the Leamnaleaha lands were passed down between generations.
And there were two men named James McNamara in Leamnaleaha townland who were leasing a house at the time of 1855 Griffith Valuation (when an Irishman typically only had one house). Who was the other James McNamara in Plot 17 with the house and small garden sub-leased from Morgan Finucane?
To be continued,
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Jimbo,
I enjoyed reading about Michael Augustus MacNamara, who was unusual in those times in having attended university. He comes across as a bit pompous; his poetry was certainly very pompous.
His mother was Anne (Nancy) O'Dea, but she's Mary on the headstone. Could Michael Augustus have made a mistake? No, I think the inscription must be too weathered to read.
Sheila
I enjoyed reading about Michael Augustus MacNamara, who was unusual in those times in having attended university. He comes across as a bit pompous; his poetry was certainly very pompous.
His mother was Anne (Nancy) O'Dea, but she's Mary on the headstone. Could Michael Augustus have made a mistake? No, I think the inscription must be too weathered to read.
Sheila
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Sheila,
Yes, I agree that the O’Dea headstone likely states “Nancy”. An “N” in an old weathered headstone can look like an “M”, and if the “y” was clearly visible, “Mary” would be a very good bet for the transcription.
The first verse of “Kilkee the Grand” is very pompous and I suspect was never actually recited or sung by anyone. It does not appear in the Clare Library’s extensive song collection. The brief mention of the poem in the 2017 Irish Arts Review article was accurate in that M. A. MacNamara was likely prompted to write “Kilkee the Grand” due to the increasing popularity of Kilkee as a tourist destination. However, as far as popularity of the poem, it’s not anywhere in the same league as “Are you right there, Michael, are you right?” by Percy French which the author of the Irish Arts Review article by including both in the same sentence appears to have elevated it to.
I also agree with you that Michael A. MacNamara was unusual in obtaining a university education in his era. But I had to chuckle as this Michael is the third barrister in County Clare we’ve come across in the past few years and they are all named “Michael MacNamara”. You will recall in the thread “John McNamara, of Barberton, Ohio, returns to County Clare in 1892”, we discussed the (completely unrelated) family of Captain Michael MacNamara (≈1781 - 1859) and Mary Finucane (≈1791 - 1859) of Greenpark, Ennis, including their son, Michael MacNamara (1819 – 1900):
MacNamara of Green Park family tree discussed here:
http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... 3&start=45
After Michael A. MacNamara, B.L., was shot at in his own home at Leamnaleaha, according to his testimony at the magisterial investigation, he “went to the house of James Finucane, about three hundred yards away, to get my hand dressed. I remained at Finucane’s until the police, who were sent for, came.” It is interesting that both MacNamara families of Leamnaleaha and Green Park have in common solicitors and a Finucane connection.
Upon further research into the newspaper archives, the magisterial investigation into the shooting of M. A. MacNamara in 1913 went into a second day which provides us with further significant evidence:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359516/
James Finucane, of Leamnaleaha, age 22, son of James Finucane, had married Honor McMahon, age 19, daughter of Michael McMahon, on 11 February 1866. One witness was a Sinon McNamara, who must be the Sinon (≈1839 – 1907), son of John McNamara and Catherine Roache of Leamnaleaha. The other witness was a John McNamara, who might possibly their other son, John, born about 1843. If so, then this John McNamara soon left for New Jersey where he was known to have married Catherine Griffin about 1866, fathered two children in New Jersey, and then returned to Clare when a son was born in Kilrush in December 1869. The timing is a bit rushed, so the other witness might be John McNamara (≈1809 – 1896), the father of Sinon McNamara.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 8239135.pdf
At 1855 Griffith Valuation for Leamnaleaha townland, there were two households with a James Finucane, so not obvious which one belonged to the father of James Finucane who married in 1866 and whose house Michael A. MacNamara went to in 1913:
Plot 5Aa, James Finucane (John), as in “son of John”
Plot 5Ac, James Finucane (Morgan), as in “son of Morgan”
Michael A. MacNamara was the son of James McNamara of Plot 7Da; who shared lands with Martin McNamara of Plot 7Db. In viewing the map that accompanies Griffith Valuation, it becomes more clear which Finucane house the injured Michael went to in 1913. Michael MacNamara’s house at Plot 7Da was closest to James Finucane’s house at Plot 5Aa; Martin McNamara at Plot 7Db was about twice the distance in the opposite direction. After Plot 5Aa was Plot 5Ab, then Plot 5Ac, all fairly close to each other.
A Morgan Finucane died in 1868 at the age of 90 years old in Killadysert Parish. I suspect the informant on this civil death record (when it becomes available on-line) will be Thomas Finucane (≈1825 - 1915) of Leamnaleaha House #9 in the 1901/1911 census reports, who with Catherine McMahon had children between 1858 and 1879. Thomas Finucane married prior to 1864, so there is no civil marriage stating his father, but the 1868 death record might note the family relationship of the informant to Morgan Finucane.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075856/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359515/
Mary McNamara at Griffith Valuation at Plot 5Ab lived between the two Finucane households at 5Aa and 5Ac. There is a good chance that this Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882), who from her death record was likely the mother of Martin McNamara (≈1818 – 1904), was a Finucane.
John Finucane in his witness testimony referred to the accused, Patrick Kelly, as “the tea-man”. A term I had never heard of. A search of the 1901 Irish census for all of Ireland with “tea” as the occupation led to 1,560 results. Common variations were “tea traveller”, “tea agent”, “tea merchant”, “commercial traveller, tea trade”.
A google search led to a youtube clip of “The Tay Man” by the Irish storyteller Eamon Kelly which explained the origins of the “tea-man” in Ireland (and told a funny story):
Was the defendant Patrick Kelly actually a “tea-man” by occupation? Patrick Kelly (“age 28” in 1901) was the son of Patrick Kelly (age 65) and Bridget Kelly (age 60), baptized on 16 January 1867 in Kilchreest Parish, and they were living in Gurtygeehan, Lissycasey in the 1901 census. Patrick Kelly, Sr., died in December 1903. When Patrick Kelly, Jr., married Bridget Gavin of Lavally (the sister of defendant Michael Gavin) in 1908, he reported that his father, Patrick Kelly, was deceased. At the 1911 census, Patrick and Bridget (Gavin) Kelly were living in Breaghva West (Kilchreest) with their two young children; Patrick’s age has been scribbled out and left blank in the census index. In the 1913 prison records, Patrick Kelly, of “Breaffy, Kildysart”, was reported to be 43 years old (much closer to his actual age than the 1901 census). In all these reports, Patrick Kelly was reported to be a “farmer’s son” or “farmer”, but never a “tea man”.
1901 census: https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... n/1076316/
1903 death record: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 588206.pdf
1908 marriage: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 654592.pdf
1911 census: https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... st/359454/
There were several men named Patrick Kelly in Kilchreest Parish, so I reckon that “the tea man” was most likely a nickname to distinguish between them. Patrick Kelly was not very popular with many of his neighbors, and by all accounts neither was the travelling tea-man, was this the origin of the name? Michael A. MacNamara was attacked in his home just as he was starting to have his “tea”. If this was the modus operandi of the moonlighters, including the accused Patrick Kelly, did this lead to his nickname “the tea man”? Or maybe Patrick Kelly was simply very fond of drinking tea?
The next witness was Thomas O’Dea who stated that he had “taken last year a field which had been the cause of disputes between Mr. Macnamara and the prisoner Kelly, and he gave it up subsequently” as he didn’t want to get mixed up with the troubles over it, but then “took it again in October, and I gave it up again”. Was this the same land from the first day of testimony, which the news accounts stated that Michael A. MacNamara had sold to John McNamara, the brother of Sinon McNamara? Why was this particular field, which was, to use the Irish saying, “being passed around like a hot potato”, so controversial that men would fight and even kill over?
The following witness was John O’Dea who reluctantly testified that he had heard in Ennis the defendant Michael Gavin use threatening language against Michael A. MacNamara telling him that he would pay £5 for the boys to “give him a clitter”. After some laughter in the court, O’Dea would clarify his testimony with “to give him a slap”. Curious about it origins I researched the term on-line. “Clitter” was included in a “list of Irish words which have survived in the spoken English of Limerick City” that Frank Prendergast, M.A., in an article, Irish Idiom in Limerick City’s Vernacular English, published in the North Munster Antiquarian Journal, volume 40 (year 2000), pgs 73-88.
To be continued,
Yes, I agree that the O’Dea headstone likely states “Nancy”. An “N” in an old weathered headstone can look like an “M”, and if the “y” was clearly visible, “Mary” would be a very good bet for the transcription.
The first verse of “Kilkee the Grand” is very pompous and I suspect was never actually recited or sung by anyone. It does not appear in the Clare Library’s extensive song collection. The brief mention of the poem in the 2017 Irish Arts Review article was accurate in that M. A. MacNamara was likely prompted to write “Kilkee the Grand” due to the increasing popularity of Kilkee as a tourist destination. However, as far as popularity of the poem, it’s not anywhere in the same league as “Are you right there, Michael, are you right?” by Percy French which the author of the Irish Arts Review article by including both in the same sentence appears to have elevated it to.
I also agree with you that Michael A. MacNamara was unusual in obtaining a university education in his era. But I had to chuckle as this Michael is the third barrister in County Clare we’ve come across in the past few years and they are all named “Michael MacNamara”. You will recall in the thread “John McNamara, of Barberton, Ohio, returns to County Clare in 1892”, we discussed the (completely unrelated) family of Captain Michael MacNamara (≈1781 - 1859) and Mary Finucane (≈1791 - 1859) of Greenpark, Ennis, including their son, Michael MacNamara (1819 – 1900):
Michael MacNamara (1819 – 1900) of Green Park had a son, Michael Joseph MacNamara (1875 – 1943), who was also a solicitor.DEATH OF MR. MACNAMARA, ENNIS.
We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. M. Macnamara, Green Park, Ennis, one of the oldest solicitors in Clare, which took place on Sunday after a few days' illness. Mr. Macnamara was born in 1819 on the voyage from St. Helena, where his father, Captain Macnamara, of the 60th Rifles, had been for some time as one of those in charge of Napoleon [not true, as discussed in posting, see link below]. After serving his time to the late Mr. M. Cullinan, Ennis, he was admitted to practice at the Hilary Sessions, 1842. The funeral will take place from the Cathedral at 12 o'clock.
Irish Independent, Tuesday, 16 January 1900
MacNamara of Green Park family tree discussed here:
http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... 3&start=45
After Michael A. MacNamara, B.L., was shot at in his own home at Leamnaleaha, according to his testimony at the magisterial investigation, he “went to the house of James Finucane, about three hundred yards away, to get my hand dressed. I remained at Finucane’s until the police, who were sent for, came.” It is interesting that both MacNamara families of Leamnaleaha and Green Park have in common solicitors and a Finucane connection.
Upon further research into the newspaper archives, the magisterial investigation into the shooting of M. A. MacNamara in 1913 went into a second day which provides us with further significant evidence:
The witness John Finucane must be the son of James Finucane whose house M.A. MacNamara went to after being shot, about three hundred yards away according to MacNamara’s testimony on the previous day. In the 1911 census, John Finucane (age 31) was living with his father, James Finucane (age 68) in House #10 in Leamnaleaha townland.CLARE SHOOTING CASE
FURTHER SIGNIFICANT EVIDENCE
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT)
ENNIS, Wednesday Night.
The magisterial investigation into the shooting of Mr. Michael A. Macnamara, B.L., advanced another stage to-day, when Michael Clancy (on bail) and Michael Sheehan, James Gavin, and Pat Custody (in custody) were again brought up before Mr. George M’Elroy, R.M., at the County Courthouse.
John Finucane gave evidence that on the night of the occurrence he met a man on the road going towards Leamnalehy Cross, to whom he spoke, but got no reply. He could not say who the man was.
Liberty to cross-examine was given, and Mr. Cullinan then questioned witness from a statement which had been given to the police, and which he had signed, in which he said the man was in his opinion Pat Kelly, the tea-man.
Witness admitted he made the statement. He spoke to the man as being Kelly from his appearance. He could not know him when he did not answer.
Mr. Cullinan then questioned witness as to a statement made to his father and mother the same night, when he was told Counsellor Macnamara was shot that “it should have been Kelly who shot him, as it was he that I met on the road.”
Witness admitted that he made the statement.
In cross-examination by Mr. Daly, witness said his father had not been good friends with Kelly for some years.
Thomas O’Dea, a farmer, said that Kelly came to his house about 6 o’clock on the night of the shooting, and remained there until 9 o’clock. He had taken last year a field which had been the cause of disputes between Mr. Macnamara and the prisoner Kelly, and he gave it up subsequently.
Why did you give it up? There was some previous trouble about it, and I did not want to get mixed up in it. I took it again in October, and I gave it up again.
Were you afraid to keep it? I was not. My wife and friends did not want to have anything to do with it.
John O’Dea, a farmer, was examined by Mr. Cullinan as to a conversation he had with Gavin in Ennis in reference to the field in question.
By Mr. Daly—Witness [John O’Dea] said he was a cousin of Mr. Macnamara. The statement referred to by Mr. Cullinan was made in the presence of Mr. Macnamara and Sergeant Comiskey on the road last Sunday. He was “coerced” to make it by the Sergeant.
Mr. Cullinan asked witness on his oath had Gavin used threatening language towards Mr. Macnamara.
Witness made no reply.
The question was repeated several times, and eventually the Chairman said he should commit him if he did not answer.
The witness said he should decline to answer.
The witness, at last, amid much laughter in court, said the women tell the secrets on both sides.
Witness then detailed the conversation, in the course of which Gavin, he stated, said he would get boys for £5 “to do so and so.”
Mr. Cullinan—To do what? I don’t know (laughter).
To do what? To give him a clitter (loud laughter). To give him a slap.
Was “slap” the word he used?
Witness at first said he did not know, and then said it was the very word.
Medical and police evidence was given, and Mr. Cullinan then applied for the discharge of Clancy, against whom there was not sufficient evidence to warrant his being sent to trial.
Clancy was then discharged, and the other prisoners were again remanded in custody.
Dublin Daily Express, Friday, 14 February 1913
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359516/
James Finucane, of Leamnaleaha, age 22, son of James Finucane, had married Honor McMahon, age 19, daughter of Michael McMahon, on 11 February 1866. One witness was a Sinon McNamara, who must be the Sinon (≈1839 – 1907), son of John McNamara and Catherine Roache of Leamnaleaha. The other witness was a John McNamara, who might possibly their other son, John, born about 1843. If so, then this John McNamara soon left for New Jersey where he was known to have married Catherine Griffin about 1866, fathered two children in New Jersey, and then returned to Clare when a son was born in Kilrush in December 1869. The timing is a bit rushed, so the other witness might be John McNamara (≈1809 – 1896), the father of Sinon McNamara.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 8239135.pdf
At 1855 Griffith Valuation for Leamnaleaha townland, there were two households with a James Finucane, so not obvious which one belonged to the father of James Finucane who married in 1866 and whose house Michael A. MacNamara went to in 1913:
Plot 5Aa, James Finucane (John), as in “son of John”
Plot 5Ac, James Finucane (Morgan), as in “son of Morgan”
Michael A. MacNamara was the son of James McNamara of Plot 7Da; who shared lands with Martin McNamara of Plot 7Db. In viewing the map that accompanies Griffith Valuation, it becomes more clear which Finucane house the injured Michael went to in 1913. Michael MacNamara’s house at Plot 7Da was closest to James Finucane’s house at Plot 5Aa; Martin McNamara at Plot 7Db was about twice the distance in the opposite direction. After Plot 5Aa was Plot 5Ab, then Plot 5Ac, all fairly close to each other.
A Morgan Finucane died in 1868 at the age of 90 years old in Killadysert Parish. I suspect the informant on this civil death record (when it becomes available on-line) will be Thomas Finucane (≈1825 - 1915) of Leamnaleaha House #9 in the 1901/1911 census reports, who with Catherine McMahon had children between 1858 and 1879. Thomas Finucane married prior to 1864, so there is no civil marriage stating his father, but the 1868 death record might note the family relationship of the informant to Morgan Finucane.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075856/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ha/359515/
Mary McNamara at Griffith Valuation at Plot 5Ab lived between the two Finucane households at 5Aa and 5Ac. There is a good chance that this Mary McNamara (≈1783 – 1882), who from her death record was likely the mother of Martin McNamara (≈1818 – 1904), was a Finucane.
John Finucane in his witness testimony referred to the accused, Patrick Kelly, as “the tea-man”. A term I had never heard of. A search of the 1901 Irish census for all of Ireland with “tea” as the occupation led to 1,560 results. Common variations were “tea traveller”, “tea agent”, “tea merchant”, “commercial traveller, tea trade”.
A google search led to a youtube clip of “The Tay Man” by the Irish storyteller Eamon Kelly which explained the origins of the “tea-man” in Ireland (and told a funny story):
A search of The Schools’ Collection on the duchas website led to several stories of how the “tea-man” was not always a welcome visitor:And we go back now to the time when tea was introduced in Ireland, and the Irish people took to drinking tea like ducks to water. Well it wasn’t available in the shops, when it came out first, but men used to go from house to house with a pony and trap selling the tea and they were called “tay men”. Now it so happened that a tay man put up with a husband and wife in a single roomed house in which there was only one bed . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xePCo-DTp6Q
The Tea Man.
Long ago the Tea man used to go through out the country selling tea. He was a very unwelcome visitor by everybody.
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0731, Page 247
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5009063/4982690/5119664
About twelve years ago a traveller named Hennigan was going about selling tea. He came to Brennan's house which is now owned by Traynors, Corran, Rososerk. There were two sisters in the house Mary and Brigid. They were fed up with him coming to sell tea. Mary said to Brigid when he comes in tell him I'm gone to town and you know nothing of the business. Then Mary hid under the kitchen bed. When the tea-man arrived he asked "Where is Mary"? Brigid replied "She is gone to town", he then asked "Will she be long away"? Says Brigid "Wait till I see" and over she walks to the bed, lifted the valance and asked "Will you be long away Mary"?
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0145, Page 83
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4428045/4372100
The google search also led to a recent headline in Irish newspapers, ‘Tea-man’ Kevin Bakhurst under fire as politicians lose confidence in RTE chief, but, disappointedly, they never explained why he is being called the “tea man”.How the tea was first sold.
Long years ago before tea was to be got so handy in shops as it is to day. Men used to drive around in big high cars selling it. They stopped at every house and forced the people to buy some whether they were willing or not. They used to walk into everyones house and leave them a certain amount of tea and the next week they would call for the price of it. Very often the poor people could not afford to buy any but all the same the supply was left them as if they were able to pay it. Many plans were got up to trick the tea men as they were called . . .
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0770, Page 364
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5009213/4998643
Was the defendant Patrick Kelly actually a “tea-man” by occupation? Patrick Kelly (“age 28” in 1901) was the son of Patrick Kelly (age 65) and Bridget Kelly (age 60), baptized on 16 January 1867 in Kilchreest Parish, and they were living in Gurtygeehan, Lissycasey in the 1901 census. Patrick Kelly, Sr., died in December 1903. When Patrick Kelly, Jr., married Bridget Gavin of Lavally (the sister of defendant Michael Gavin) in 1908, he reported that his father, Patrick Kelly, was deceased. At the 1911 census, Patrick and Bridget (Gavin) Kelly were living in Breaghva West (Kilchreest) with their two young children; Patrick’s age has been scribbled out and left blank in the census index. In the 1913 prison records, Patrick Kelly, of “Breaffy, Kildysart”, was reported to be 43 years old (much closer to his actual age than the 1901 census). In all these reports, Patrick Kelly was reported to be a “farmer’s son” or “farmer”, but never a “tea man”.
1901 census: https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... n/1076316/
1903 death record: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 588206.pdf
1908 marriage: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 654592.pdf
1911 census: https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... st/359454/
There were several men named Patrick Kelly in Kilchreest Parish, so I reckon that “the tea man” was most likely a nickname to distinguish between them. Patrick Kelly was not very popular with many of his neighbors, and by all accounts neither was the travelling tea-man, was this the origin of the name? Michael A. MacNamara was attacked in his home just as he was starting to have his “tea”. If this was the modus operandi of the moonlighters, including the accused Patrick Kelly, did this lead to his nickname “the tea man”? Or maybe Patrick Kelly was simply very fond of drinking tea?
The next witness was Thomas O’Dea who stated that he had “taken last year a field which had been the cause of disputes between Mr. Macnamara and the prisoner Kelly, and he gave it up subsequently” as he didn’t want to get mixed up with the troubles over it, but then “took it again in October, and I gave it up again”. Was this the same land from the first day of testimony, which the news accounts stated that Michael A. MacNamara had sold to John McNamara, the brother of Sinon McNamara? Why was this particular field, which was, to use the Irish saying, “being passed around like a hot potato”, so controversial that men would fight and even kill over?
The following witness was John O’Dea who reluctantly testified that he had heard in Ennis the defendant Michael Gavin use threatening language against Michael A. MacNamara telling him that he would pay £5 for the boys to “give him a clitter”. After some laughter in the court, O’Dea would clarify his testimony with “to give him a slap”. Curious about it origins I researched the term on-line. “Clitter” was included in a “list of Irish words which have survived in the spoken English of Limerick City” that Frank Prendergast, M.A., in an article, Irish Idiom in Limerick City’s Vernacular English, published in the North Munster Antiquarian Journal, volume 40 (year 2000), pgs 73-88.
John O’Dea testified that he was a cousin of Michael A. MacNamara of Leamnaleaha. Who was John O’Dea? Was his use of the word “clitter” in his 1913 testimony a clue to his identity?“Cliotar”, Irish origin unknown, “Clitter” in English, used to describe a slap with the open hand, viz, “I gave him a clitter across the face”.
See Limerick City library link below for complete article:
https://www.limerickcity.ie/media/NMAJ% ... ergast.pdf
To be continued,
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Jimbo,
The word "clitter" was also used in Co Clare. Back in the fifties, if you gave cheek, you might get a clitter.
I enjoyed reading that next installment of Michael A MacNamara and The Field. Every parish probably has just such a field - representing a principle, or a matter of honour, or an expectation that had been flouted. Check out the poem, "Epic" by Patrick Kavanagh. I know a field that is now covered by briars and blackthorn, but was once protected by police living there in a wooden hut. There's no plaque giving the history!
I, also, noted the connection between MacNamara and the Finucanes , and was interested, but the relationship, if there was one, is probably lost in the mists of time . As you can imagine, people kept contact with "respectable" relations, no matter how distant.
I loved the piece about the Tea Man. I was not aware of any of it. I know that when tea was rationed during the war, people went to great lengths to get some. The Tea Man started something big.
Sheila
The word "clitter" was also used in Co Clare. Back in the fifties, if you gave cheek, you might get a clitter.
I enjoyed reading that next installment of Michael A MacNamara and The Field. Every parish probably has just such a field - representing a principle, or a matter of honour, or an expectation that had been flouted. Check out the poem, "Epic" by Patrick Kavanagh. I know a field that is now covered by briars and blackthorn, but was once protected by police living there in a wooden hut. There's no plaque giving the history!
I, also, noted the connection between MacNamara and the Finucanes , and was interested, but the relationship, if there was one, is probably lost in the mists of time . As you can imagine, people kept contact with "respectable" relations, no matter how distant.
I loved the piece about the Tea Man. I was not aware of any of it. I know that when tea was rationed during the war, people went to great lengths to get some. The Tea Man started something big.
Sheila
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Sheila,
Thank you for sharing the poem “Epic” by Patrick Kavanagh which I enjoyed very much. I’m probably not the only one who is now curious about your field covered by briars and blackthorn which in years past was protected by a police hut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLISXyxKf7k
Patrick Kavanagh doesn’t appear to be too well known in America, although my central library has a large collection of his books. Unlike Percy French (1854 - 1920), Patrick Kavanagh (1904 - 1967) was commemorated on an Irish postage stamp issued on 21 October 2004 at the 100th anniversary of his birth.
I researched the witness Thomas O’Dea who testified on the second day of the magisterial investigation that Patrick Kelly had come to his house the night of the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara, thus providing “the tea man” with an alibi. I reckon he must be the Thomas O’Dea (age 37) living in the 1911 census at Gortygeehan, Lissycasey (the same townland where Patrick Kelly was living with his parents in the 1901 census). Thomas O’Dea was the son of Denis O’Dea and Mary Connor born on 1 January 1873. On 1 November 1908, Thomas married Bridget O’Connell, daughter of Peter O’Connell of Kilmurry McMahon. At the time of the 1911 census, Thomas O’Dea and Bridget O’Connell had two children, their eldest son Denis (age 2) was living with his Connell grandparents in Drumdigus, Kilmurry. I could not find Thomas O’Dea in the 1901 census; he was not living with his widow mother and four siblings in Gurtygeehan. Perhaps he had emigrated and later returned to Ireland.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... en/359958/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... us/362655/
I also researched the witness John O’Dea who testified at the magisterial hearing into the 1913 shooting of Michael A. MacNamara, and was his cousin. I was confident that he was the John O’Dea born in 1870 to Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara of Carrowkilla, and the grandson of Patrick O’Dea. Thus, John O’Dea through either his father or mother, or both, could be the cousin of Michael A. MacNamara?
The discovery of another moonlighting attack led me further down this path. Similar to the two prisoners from Lavally convicted in the attack on Michael A. MacNamara in 1913, three others from Lavally were accused in a moonlighting attack in 1889 on the home of Patrick O’Dea of Carrowkilla:
Reconstructing the descendants of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) of Carrowkilla highlights how it is much easier to trace a family forward than tracing backwards. For example, his son Michael O’Day (≈1835 – 1911) immigrated to Chenango County in New York in the late 1860’s. This was discovered only in the passenger lists of three nephews who went there in the early 1900’s likely to assist their uncle on his farm as Michael O’Day was the father of three daughters and no sons.
Most of the O’Dea descendants ended up in Chicago. And despite excellent obituaries which typically list their parents, both their USA and Irish siblings, origins in Ballynacally, not one descendant (on the ancestry website) has successfully traced their ancestry back to Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) of Carrowkilla. One grandchild, Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951), with the greatest number of descendants unfortunately had the least detailed obituary, only listing siblings living in Chicago. However, the later obituaries of these three siblings all lead directly back to Ballynacally, Clare and even reported their parents. Unfortunately, the ancestry website only has an index for Irish civil birth, marriage and death records with limited information; their users are mostly unaware that these records are freely available on-line at the irelandgenealogy website. This has led to the descendants of Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951) tracing his ancestry back to random parents in Kilrush, and even more random ancestors back two more generations.
In reconstructing the descendants of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890), which started off with only two sons then grew, I included research to answer the following questions which expanded it greatly:
1) The likelihood of an O’Dea descendant who immigrated to America marrying a spouse from Ireland, and whether or not from County Clare.
2) The likelihood of an O’Dea descendant who immigrated to America returning to Clare either for a family visit or to return permanently.
3) The likelihood that an O’Dea male descendant who immigrated to Chicago, and remained there, would become a policeman for the City of Chicago.
Researching the O’Dea descendants in Chicago I was surprised to learn that the Family Search website has the parish records for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, described as the “cornerstone of Irish culture in Chicago”, and these registers are now freely available on-line. Frequently, the free Family Search website (only requiring registration) has better records than the subscription based ancestry website.
https://www.familysearch.org/search/cat ... %20Library
Researching the descendants of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) has now solved the mystery of how his grandson, John O’Dea (1880 - 1950), the son of a farmer in the 1901 census, had become a master harness maker by the 1911 census. Just because an individual was reported living with their parents in both the 1901 and 1911 Irish census reports, does not mean that they didn’t spend the intervening years living in America and learning a new trade.
Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) and Mary _______ (≈1811 – 1876) of Carrowkilla, Kilchreest Civil Parish
At Griffith Valuation, Patrick O’Dea leased Carrowkilla Plot 6a from lessor Major William Ball; house, offices, and land; 25 acres, total valuation £19. He sublet to Hannah Moroney Plot 6b, a house valued at 5 shillings.
Mary O’Dea, of “Carukilla”, 65 years old, married, farmer’s wife, died on 29 September 1876; informant Patrick O’Dea of Carukilla (either her husband or son) per Killadysert registration:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 16109.pdf
The maiden name of Mary O’Dea is unknown. The Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism records include a Patrick O’Dea baptized on 27 February 1851, with parents Patrick O’Dea and Mary Lynch. This Patrick might be their youngest son. However, their residence was “Fierregh” in the baptism record, a possible variation of “Furroor” townland in Clondagad, so perhaps doubtful. One son, Michael O’Dea, immigrated to Preston in Chenango County, New York. Either his marriage record (presumably in NY) or 1911 death record might possibly have the names of his parents. This would require giving the Preston town clerk a call to confirm if they have these records as they could be in the nearby towns of Norwich or Oxford, and then completing an application along with a $10 fee to the appropriate town clerk. The likelihood that either the marriage or death record includes parents of bride/groom or of deceased is quite low. Irish civil BMD records, in a consistent format for all of Ireland, are much easier these days to obtain than USA records.
When moonlighters attacked the house of Patrick O’Dea of Carrowkilla in May 1889, Patrick O’Dea, Sr., was about 92 years old. The focus of the attack, I reckon, was more likely Patrick O’Dea, Jr., who would have been in his forties.
Just one year later, Pat O’Dea, of Carhukilla, widower, 93 years old, farmer, died on 30 April 1890; informant Ellen [McMahon] O’Dea, daughter-in-law (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 741652.pdf
Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) and Mary ______ (≈1811 – 1876) were the parents of at least five children and most likely at least seven children (including daughters Catherine and Jane):
1.0 Catherine O’Dea (≈1830 – 1903 in Lanna, Clondagad)
Catherine O’Dea married Patrick Canny on 2 March 1851 at her father’s house; witnesses Pat O’Dea and Marry Barry (per Clondagad and Kilchreest marriages, 1846-1880). Catherine O’Dea was the daughter of Patrick O’Dea; this is known as her youngest sister, Jane O’Dea, married in 1874 with her civil marriage record reporting father as “P. O’Dea”. The witness, Pat O’Dea, was likely her father.
At Griffith Valuation, Patrick Canny was a tenant in Lanna townland of Col. George Wyndham, Plot 2a; house, office, & land; 37 acres; valuation £13 and 10 pence.
Patrick Canny, of Lanna, married, age 65 years, farmer, died on 13 June 1891; informant his daughter, Margaret Canny of Lanna (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 730286.pdf
There is a good chance that Catherine O’Dea Canny raised her youngest sister, Jane O’Dea. When Jane O’Dea married John Gavin in 1874, her residence was reported as “Lanna”. In the 1901 census, the widow Kate Canny (age 76) was living in the John Gavin household at Lanna townland and she was reported as “Aunt”, perhaps as a sign of respect. Kate O’Dea Canny was, in fact, the sister of Jane O’Dea Gavin as accurately reported on the 1903 civil death record for Catherine Canny when Jane Gavin was the informant.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 588205.pdf
Patrick Canny (≈1826 – 1891) and Catherine O’Dea (≈1830 – 1903) appear to have had only one daughter: <Lanna, Clondegad, House 5, x>
………………. 1.1 Margaret Canny (≈1853 – after 1891), the only evidence of Margaret’s existence is the civil death record of her father in 1891. Her father married in March 1851, Margaret Canny was likely born in the period between August 1853 and January 1855 which has no baptism entries in the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. Later whereabouts after 1891 are a mystery.
2.0 Thomas O’Dea (≈1832 – 1875 in Innisdea, Kilchreest)
Thomas O’Dea married Mary McNamara on 13 April 1858; witnesses Patrick McNamara and Bridget McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest marriages, 1846-1881).
Thomas O’Dea, of “Ennisdea”, age 42, married, herdsman, died on 8 January 1875; informant Mary O’Dea, not reported but his widow (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 237933.pdf
The later whereabouts of Mary McNamara O’Dea are unknown. It is possible that she was the Mary O’Dea of Killadysert, widow, 66 years old, laborer, who died on 11 March 1890 at Killadysart workhouse. However, “Mary O’Dea” is a very common name in the civil parish of Killadysart.
Thomas O’Dea (≈1832 – 1875) and Mary McNamara (≈1835 ≈1840? - after 1875) were the parents of seven children. The baptisms and birth locations of their first two children are unknown. Thomas O’Dea was a farm laborer/herdsman, so he may have moved to a different parish or even abroad during the first years of their marriage. The later whereabouts of one daughter (Fanny) are unknown, but the other six children all immigrated to Chicago.
………………. 2.1 Patrick O’Dea (≈1860 – 1932 in Chicago)
Patrick O’Dea, age 30, married Marie Quinlivan, “age 25”, on 5 November 1890 in Chicago (Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). In the 1910 census, Patrick J. O’Dea (age 51) had the occupation of “Special Police” and employer was “own account”; he was living with his wife and brother, Daniel H. O’Dea (age 35) and one other boarder. In the 1920 census, Patrick J. O’Dea (age 58) had the occupation of “Special Policeman” and was hired by “Private Families”. It appears that Patrick provided private security for families in gangland Chicago.
………………………..……. 2.1.1 Mary Theresa O’Dea (1894 – 1909) was born on 30 March 1894 and baptized on 15 April 1894 per the St. Patrick’s baptism register, mother reported as “Mary Quinlan”; sponsors Thomas McNamara and Catherine O’Day. She died on Christmas Eve in 1909. Her uncle, Michael O’Dea, attended the funeral as noted in his local Indiana newspaper.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-M2S9
………………………..……. 2.1.2 Mary H. O’Dea (age 17 in 1920 census). In the 1910 census, Mrs. Mary O’Dea was reported to be the mother of one child, none surviving. Thus “Mary Helen” or “Helen Mary” appears to have been adopted, perhaps informally. Helen O’Dea (age 26) was living with her “parents” in 1930; and Helen M. O’Dea (age 29) was living with her widowed “mother” in 1940, along with Thomas J. Ryan (age 39, “nephew”). However, “Helen Mary” was not included in Mrs. Mary O’Dea’s obituary in 1942.
Patrick O’Dea died in Chicago on 2 December 1932, and was reported born in County Clare on 3 February 1860 and was the son of Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara (Cook County deaths index, 1916-1949).
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/103 ... _o'dea
1940 Census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWTR-1SD
Mary Quinlivan O’Dea died on 19 November 1942, and was reported born on “16 August 1872” in “Rhinana, Ireland” and father was “Patrick Quinlivan”. I reckon only her birthplace was accurate; the informant was a “H. Ryan”.
1911 census: https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ly/355217/
………………. 2.2 Thomas O’Dea (≈1861 – 1926 in Chicago)
Thomas O’Day married Sarah Crotty on 30 April 1890 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chicago; witnesses John Crotty and Catherine Crotty (Chicago Catholic Church Records, 1833-1925):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-5JKG
The Thomas O’Day family was difficult to find as they left Chicago for a few decades. In the 1900 census, Thomas O’Day (age 40) was living with Sarah and their three Illinois born children in Kansas City, Kansas, where he worked as a “steel rail straightener”. In the 1910 census, Thomas O’Day (age 48) was living with Sarah and four children in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was a laborer in a steel mill. Their two youngest children (Tom and Theresa) were reportedly born in Ohio (Tom was born in Illinois per 1900 census).
Sarah Crotty O’Dea died on 3 July 1916 in Chicago of TB and it was reported that she was born in Ireland on 22 August 1865 to “C O Crotty” and “Ellen Riordan” (Cook County death index, 1878-1922). Her mother was accurately reported, but her father was William Crotty and she was born closer to 1860. In the 1880 census, William (age 51) and Ellen Crotty (age 47) were living in South Chicago with their six Irish born children, including Sarah (age 20), and also their 9 year-old American born son. The Crotty family reported their year of arrival to the USA as 1872. Sarah Crotty (age 11, born in Ireland) arrived in New York, with her other family members, on the steamship Egypt on 20 October 1872.
1872 passenger listing of “Crotly” family (#889 to #896):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVPK-9J1C
The Egypt at 5,064 tons was the largest of the 12 ships of the National Line which, according to advertisements, were the “Largest Passenger Steamships Afloat. Steam from Liverpool to New York, every Wednesday, and from Queenstown every Thursday”. The ship Egypt left Liverpool on 9 October 1872, so the Crotty family would have boarded at Queenstown on 10 October 1872 and crossed the Atlantic in just ten days. “The Steerage accommodation is unequalled for space, light, and ventilation. Abundance of Fresh Provisions served up Cooked by Company’s Stewards” (Derry Journal, Friday, 20 September 1872).
Their youngest Irish born child, Willie Crotty (age 12 in 1880), was born after 1864, so there is a civil birth record to trace back to the civil parish and then Catholic baptism records. William Crotty was born on 7 August 1868 to William Crotty and Ellen Riordan of O’Briens Bridge, in County Clare (Limerick registration). The baptism records for five of the six Crotty children born between 1857 and 1868 can be found at the Killaloe Parish baptism register (1844 – 1881), including William Crotty baptized on 7 August 1868; only missing child was Sarah born about 1860 (after only a quick look).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 256557.pdf
In the 1920 census, the widower, Thomas O’Dea (“age 50”), was living at East 65th Place in Chicago with his four children. At the same address was his sister, Marie O’Dea Fee (age 54) and her family as well as two “Illinois” born cousins. Thomas O’Dea (≈1861 – 1926) and Sarah Crotty (≈1860 – 1916) were the parents of four children:
………………………..……. 2.2.1 Ruth O’Dea (1891 – 1922) died on 8 January 1922 (born 31 October 1892 per death record, off by one year). Per St. Patrick’s baptism register, Mary R. O’Dea was born on 30 October 1891, and baptized on 15 November 1891; sponsors William Crotty and Catherine Crotty.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-5J6N
………………………..……. 2.2.2 Helen K. O’Dea (1894 - 1921) died on 20 April 1921 (born 23 June 1894 per death record). Per St. Patrick’s baptism register, “Ellen Catherine”, born on 23 June, was baptized on 22 July 1894, sponsors William Lloyd and Mary Lloyd (William Lloyd married Mary Crotty on 14 May 1885 in South Chicago per Cook County marriage index).
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-PMGZ
………………………..……. 2.2.3 Thomas Patrick O’Dea (1896 - 1944) was baptized at St. Patrick’s in Chicago on 27 December 1896, sponsors Michael O’Dea (child’s uncle) and Catherine O’Dea (not sure who).
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-7L1L
Thomas Patrick O’Dea, born on 13 December 1896, was living at 1418 E. 65th Place per his WWI registration. Per the Veteran’s Affairs Index, Thomas Patrick O’Dea, born on 13 December 1896, had been a private with Company B of the 81st Engineers Combat Battalion; enrollment on 27 August 1918, and discharged 6 December 1918. Thomas Patrick O’Dea died on 27 December 1944 at the age of 47 years and was buried on 4 January 1945 at Oak Forest Cemetery (aka Cook County Cemetery for the Indigent).
Veteran’s Index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:7B9W-8B2M
Cook County death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2M8-PRMR
………………………..……. 2.2.4 Theresa M. O’Dea (≈1901 – 1934) was born in Ohio according to 1910 census. “Theresa Foushee (nee O’Dea), beloved wife of Robert, mother of Helen and Robert Jr., daughter of the late Thomas and Sarah O’Dea (nee Crotty), sister of Thomas and the late Helen and Ruth O’Dea, niece of Mrs. Robert Fee. Funeral Monday . . . St. Cyril’s church, Interment Mount Olivet” per Chicago Daily News of 18 August 1934.
Maria O’Day, age 27, married Robert Fee, age 29, on 3 June 1891 in South Chicago (per Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). Per the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church marriage register, the witnesses were Patrick Kelly and Mary Fitzgerald. The “Fee” surname does not exist in County Clare (per census reports) and more common in the north of Ireland (where in the 1940 census Robert Fee reported as his birthplace).
St. Patrick’s marriage register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-RJTP
In the 1910 census, the Fee household included two Irish born cousins of Mary: Thomas O’Dea (age 28, 1905 arrival) and Michael O’Dea (age 25, 1908 arrival), both children of Patrick O’Dea and Ellen McMahon (see 7.0 below).
1910 census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKC7-F1R
In the 1920 census, the Fee household included two more “cousins” of Mary; their reported birth was in “Illinois” and there appears to be some confusion if married “M” or single “S”. Catherine O’Dea (age 21) must be the Irish born daughter of Patrick O’Dea and Ellen McMahon, and thus indeed a cousin of Mary O’Dea Fee. Catherine arrived in Chicago in 1916 (and cannot be found elsewhere in the census), was born in 1898 and thus the correct age, and finally her occupation of “stenographer” in 1920 was the same as Irish born Kate in the 1930 census. Not sure about the other “Illinois” born cousin, Thomas O’Dea (age 22).
Robert Fee (≈1862 - 1944) and Mary O’Dea (1863 – 1942) of Chicago were the parents of two children:
………………………..……. 2.3.1 George Leslie Fee (age 7 in 1900 census), per St. Patrick’s baptism register, “George S.” was born on 2 February, and baptized on 19 February 1892, mother reported as “Maria O’Day”; sponsors Michael Kelly and Mary Scanlon.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-78QT
………………………..……. 2.3.2 Robert Emmett Fee (age 3 in 1900 census), per St. Patrick’s baptism register, was born on 14 May, and baptized on 13 June 1897, mother reported as “Marian O’Day”; sponsors James Kelly and Mary Kelly.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-3YKV
Maria O’Dea Fee was the informant on the death record for her brother, Michael O’Dea, who died in Gary, Indiana in April 1941. The following year, Maria O’Dea Fee, born “20 April 1869” in County Clare, wife of Robert Fee, died on 7 February 1942. Burial in St. Mary’s cemetery, Evergreen Park, Cook County.
………………. 2.4 Frances “Fanny” O’Dea (1865 – before 1923, unknown location), no residence reported, was baptized on 18 February 1865; sponsors John Murtough and Fanny O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Frances O’Dea was born on 14 February 1865, with a residence of Ballynacally; her father was a labourer (Kildysart registration).
Regarding the baptism sponsor: John Murtagh, age 30, a laborer, son of Thomas Murtagh, of x [unclear], married Mary McNamara, age 23, of Ballinacally, daughter of Patrick McNamara, on 24 February 1865 at Kilchreest chapel; witnesses Michael O’Dea and Honor Cleary (Kildysart registration). John Murtough would have been born about 1835, prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. However, there was an Honor Murtagh baptized on 2 December 1846, parents were Thomas Murtagh and Honor O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 254941.pdf
Fanny’s first cousin, another Fanny O’Dea born in 1893, immigrated to Chicago, but in 1920 was living in the small city of El Paso, Illinois (see 7.6 below). The mother of the household where she was boarding was a Mrs. Bridget Murtagh Fitzgerald born in Ireland (supposedly about 1850 according to census reports, but I reckon prior to 1846). Bridget Fitzgerald died in El Paso in 1922, and her Illinois death record reported a father of “Patrick Mulaugh”. However, these records, when completed by informants who had never been in Ireland, are frequently incorrect. The Fitzgerald’s of El Paso named their second born son “Thomas”, surely after his maternal grandfather, Thomas Murtagh, who was married to Honor O’Dea.
The 1865 marriage witness, Michael O’Dea, was very likely the first cousin of the groom, John Murtagh. Honor Cleary, the other witness, will next appear married to Michael O’Dea in the 1870 USA census living in Preston, Chenango County, New York, with their six-month old daughter and Bridget Cleary (age 62). See 3.0 below.
Frances, born in 1865, was reported as the “late Mrs. Collins” in the 1923 obituary of her brother Daniel; and the “late Mrs. Frances Collins” in the 1932 obituary of her brother Patrick. Whereabouts are a mystery. Similar to all her siblings, Frances O’Dea likely left Ireland as I could not locate a Frances O’Dea and Collins civil marriage record in Ireland; or an appropriate Frances Collins in the Irish civil death records prior to 1923.
………………. 2.5 Michael O’Dea (1867 – 1941 in Gary, Indiana), no residence reported, was baptized on 13 July 1867; sponsor Eliza Chambers (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Michael O’Dea was born on 10 July 1867, with a residence of Knocksaggart; his father was a farm labourer (Kildysart registration).
Michael O’Dea was likely the baptism sponsor on 27 December 1896 for his nephew, Thomas Patrick O’Dea (2.2.3 above), per the St. Patrick’s of Chicago baptism register. The other sponsor was a Catherine O’Dea, whose identity is unknown.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKRJ-S48
In the 1930 census, Mike O’Dea, born in Ireland, “age 54”, was boarding at a hotel on Washington Street in Gary, Indiana; his occupation was a laborer on a steam railroad. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen and had arrived in 1885 according to the 1930 census.
Michael O’Dea, born in Ireland, age 75, single, died in Gary, Indiana on 8 April 1941; his residence was the Central Hotel on Washington Street. His reported birth date was 10 July 1865 and parents reported as Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara. The witness was Mrs. Robert Fee of 1503 East 60th Place, Chicago (his sister).
………………. 2.6 John O’Dea (1870 – 1870), no residence reported, was baptized on 23 October 1870; sponsor Margaret O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). John O’Dea was born on 16 October 1870, with a residence of Ballynacally; his father was a labourer (Kildysart registration).
A John O’Dea died in the fourth quarter of 1870 at the age of zero; on-line civil death record not yet available.
………………. 2.7 Daniel Henry O’Dea (1872 – 1923 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 20 November 1872; sponsor “Mary” (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Daniel O’Dea was born on 10 November 1872, with a residence of Innisdea; his father was a labourer (Kildysart registration).
A Daniel O’Dea, age 10, born in Ireland, arrived in New York on 18 October 1884 on the ship Egypt.
Daniel H. O’Dea was living with his brother, Patrick J. O’Dea, in both the 1910 and 1920 census (at the reported age of 35 and 45, respectively). His year of arrival was reported as 1884 in 1910 and 1890 in 1920. Daniel worked as a conductor for the street railways in Chicago.
3.0 Michael O’Day (≈1835 – 1911 in Chenango County, New York)
Michael Oday (age 34) appears in the 1870 census living in Preston, Chenango County, New York, with his wife Honora Oday (age 29), their daughter Mary Jane (6 months), and Bridget Cleary (age 72, not reported, but Honora’s mother).
“Cleary” is a common surname in Clondagad and Kilchreest parish records. Honora Cleary, like Michael O’Day, would have been born prior to the 1846 start of its parish baptism register. With near certainty, Michael O’Day and Honora Cleary were the marriage witnesses at the 24 February 1865 marriage of John Murtagh to Mary McNamara; Michael O’Day was likely the cousin of John Murtagh.
There is no evidence that Michael O’Day fought in the American Civil War which ended in April 1865 as there are no military enlistment or pension records for him. Michael O’Day and Honora Cleary had a NY born 6-month old daughter born in the 1870 census. They had been married for 32 years according to the 1900 census. They likely married in New York as there is no Irish civil marriage record.
In the 1870 agricultural census for Preston, Chenango County, Michael O’Day farmed 115 acres and held 30 acres of woodland for a total value of $5,800. He reported no farming implements of any value. He owned 2 horses, 26 “milch” cows, and one “other cattle”, for a total value of $1,520. For the year ending 30 June 1870, Michael O’Day harvested or produced 30 bushels of Indian corn, 40 bushels of wheat, 25 bushels of Irish potatoes, $15 worth of orchard products, 900 pounds of butter, 45 tons of hay, and 4 pounds of hops. The value of animals slaughtered or sold for slaughter totaled $257. The estimated value of all farm production including betterment and addition to stock was $1,961.
Bridget Cleary (age 85) continued to live with the O’Day family in Preston through to the 1880 census, where she was reported as Michael’s mother-in-law. Bridget Cleary, with a headstone marked “1796 – 1892”, was buried in Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Norwich, Chenango County.
Margaret Cleary was living with the O’Day family in Preston in the NY 1905 census (age 70) and 1910 federal census (age 76), and reported as “sister-in-law”. She had most likely arrived in the USA about the same time as her sister, Honor. Margaret “Clary” (age 30) in the 1870 census and Margaret “Claery” (age 35) in the 1875 census was a domestic servant living in the household of T. Dewitt Miller of Norwich, Chenango. In both the 1880 census (age 40) and 1900 census (age 62), Margaret Cleary was a domestic servant in the household of Warren L. Scott, a grocer in Norwich. Margaret Cleary died in Norwich, NY, on 6 April 1915 (certificate 21214). Her probate records might lead to other Cleary relatives.
Michael O’Day, with three daughters and no sons, and getting on in years, would send to Ireland for his nephews, presumably to help with the farm work. John O’Dea arrived in 1903 and was still there when his brother, Thomas O’Dea, arrived in May 1905. A third nephew, Patrick Dwyer, also arrived in 1905.
After the death of Michael O’Day (1835 – 1911), the widow Honor Cleary O’day (1839 – 1929) would go to live with her daughter, Fanny O’Day Neville, in Norwich, Chenango County, until her death in 1929. Michael and Honor O’Day are both buried in St Paul’s Cemetery in Norwich:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... hael-o'day
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... nora-o'day
Michael O’Day (≈1834 – 1911) and Honora Cleary (≈1839 - 1929) of Preston, Chenango County, were the parents of three daughters:
………………. 3.1 Mary Jane O’Day (1869 – after 1945) was 6 months old living with her parents in Preston in the 1870 census.
Mary J. O’Day, age 45, born in Preston, NY, daughter of Michael O’Day and Honora Cleary (both born in Ireland), married John J. Griffin, age 56, born in Preston, son of Michael Griffin (born in Ireland) and Catherine Welch (born in Preston, NY), on 18 October 1916 in Norwich, Chenango, New York by the Rev. Joseph S. Tiernan; witnesses Robert Griffin and Marguerite Neville [bride’s niece] (NY County marriage records, 1907-1936).
1916 marriage register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FFRC-3WH
Mary J. O’Day Griffin (1869 – after 1945) was reported as the surviving spouse in the obituary of John J. Griffin (1864 – 1945) of Preston, who died in January 1945 (Press and Sun Bulletin, Binghamton, NY, 30 January 1945). They did not have any children.
………………. 3.2 Margaret E. O’Day (1871 - 1936) was 4 years old living with her parents in Preston in the 1875 census.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/147 ... ret_downey
………………. 3.3 Frances “Fanny” G. O’Day (1873 – 1944 in NY) was 2 years old living with her parents in Preston in the 1875 census.
She was also living with her parents in the 1880 census, but not in 1900 when her location is unknown. She next appears in the 1905 census as Mrs. Frances Neville along with James Neville (age 35), their daughter Margaret Neville (age 3), and a boarder, “John O’Dray” (born in “US”, occupation “harness”, age transcribed as “34” in error, clearly “24”). “John O’Dray” was in fact her first cousin, John O’Day born in Ireland in 1880 (see 7.1). Frances O’Day must have married the NY born James Neville (who was single in 1900) about 1901 (unknown marriage record).
Frances Neville died in Norwich on 22 February 1944 (per NY death index, 1852-1956). A photo of Fannie O’Day taken prior to her marriage is included in her findagrave memorial:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... es-neville
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... -g-neville
James Neville (1868 – 1932) and Frances O’Day (1873 – 1944) of Norwich, Chenango County, were the parents of one daughter:
…………………….………. 3.3.1 Margaret V. Neville (1901 - 1991)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... te-neville
4.0 Mary O’Dea (≈1841 – 1873 in Carrowkilla)
Mary O’Dea, of Carrowkilla, age 32, spinster, farmer’s daughter, died on 13 May 1870; informant Patrick O’Dea present at death Carrowkilla (Kildysart registration). Relationship of informant was not reported; likely her father who died in 1890, but possibly her 22-year old brother.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 260815.pdf
5.0 Margaret O’Dea (≈1843 – 1904 in Poulaphuca, Kilchreest)
Margaret O’Dea, of Carhukilla, “age 26”, daughter of Patrick O’Dea, farmer of Carhukilla, married William Dwyer, age 27, weaver, of Poulaphuca, son of William Dwyer (≈1812 – 1886), weaver of Poulaphuca, on 17 March 1879 at the Catholic chapel at Kilchreest by the curate P. McDonnell; witnesses John O’Dea and Bridget Gavin (Kildysart registration). Consistent information reported in Clondagad and Kilchreest marriage register, 1846-1880. Margaret O’Dea married just a few weeks after her brother, Patrick O’Dea, who married on 25 February 1879 (on the same civil registration page):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 046514.pdf
Margaret O’Dwyer, of Poulaphica, “age 53”, married, weaver’s wife, died on 10 May 1904; informant husband W. O’Dwyer (Kildysart registration). Her civil death record reflects a birth about 1851, while her marriage record a birth about 1843. The youngest of her eight children was born in 1894; I suspect that she was younger than the “26” reported on her 1879 marriage record.
William O’Dwyer (≈1841 – after 1911) and Margaret O’Dea (≈1843 – 1904) of Poulaphuca were the parents of eight children. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, House 1>
………………. 5.1 James O’Dwyer (1880 – 1948 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 6 September 1880; sponsor Mary O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). James O’Dwyer of Poulaphuca was reported born on 15 September 1880 (after his baptism) to avoid a penalty; father’s occupation was a “weaver” (Kildysart registration). <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
James O’Dwyer, age 25, labourer, nationality “England”, race “Irish”, of Ballynacally, Ireland, arrived in New York on the SS Celtic on 13 May 1906. His destination was to his brother, Patrick O’Dwyer, of 442 45th Street.
1906 passenger listing (#6): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JFCJ-K23
James Dwyer, of 4929 Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, birth in Ireland on 2 December 1880, arrival in New York on 12 May 1906, became a U.S. citizen on 19 August 1911 at the circuit court in Cook County; witnesses were “Dave” O’Dea [should be “Daniel”] and Patrick O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue, Chicago. Not reported, but the witnesses were his first cousins.
James J. Dwyer, age 30, married Norah Murphy, age 27, on 15 October 1913 in Chicago. Norah Murphy was the sister of Lt. John Murphy of the Chicago police department whose 1958 obituary reported his birthplace as “Knockboy, Ballynacally, County Clare” and being the brother of “Mrs. Nora Dwyer and Mrs. Delia Kelly”. John (age 15), Nora (age 14) and Delia (age 13) were living with their parents, Edmond Murphy and Bridget Hehir, at Inishaellawn, Lisheen in the 1901 census:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... un/360112/
James Dwyer, and his wife Nora, were issued a USA passport on 10 June 1924 with the stated purpose “too see my parents”. In the passport application, James Dwyer reported his birth in Clare on “4 September 1882” and that his father William Dwyer was still living in Clare. He had the occupation of policeman and they lived at 4626 Calumet Avenue in Chicago. They had plans to leave on the SS Adriatic on 5 July 1924 and return within two months. James Dwyer (age 41) and Nora Dwyer (age 36) are on the passenger listing of the SS Adriatic returning to New York on 25 August 1924.
1924 passport application (right side page; go to next page for passport photo):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV5Y-WZT4
1924 passenger listing (#28, #29) https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JNHQ-LWL
James Dwyer, born 2 December 1881, policeman, son of William Dwyer and Margaret O’Day, husband of Nora Dwyer, died on 11 October 1948 (per Cook County deaths, 1871-1998):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MZ-6MHJ
Patrick Dwyer, age 27, from “Boyle”, left Queenstown on the SS Celtic arriving in New York on 2 April 1905. His destination was Oxford, New York (located in Chenango County, a nearby city of his uncle, Michael O’Dea, living in Preston). His contact was initially written as his brother, “Michael Dwyer”, but this name was crossed out and written above was “Patrick” with a scribbled surname, of Oxford, Shannaugh [Chenango], New York. I reckon Patrick O’Dwyer stated that he was from “Ballynacally” and the shipping clerk heard “Boyle”, located in County Roscommon, by mistake. With the obscure destination of Oxford in Chenango County, this passenger is surely Patrick O’Dwyer of Poulaphuca, Ballynacally.
1905 passenger listing (#12): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JF32-C29
In the 1910 census, Patrick Dwyer was boarding at E. 46th Street in Chicago, still an “alien”, and had the occupation of motorman in the streetcar industry. He held the same occupation through to the 1940 census.
Patrick Dwyer, “age 24”, married Margaret Browne, age 22, on 27 April 1910 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chicago (Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). When Margaret Browne Dwyer died in 1964, her obituary stated that she was the “fond sister of Ellen Doohan of County Clare” (Chicago Tribune, 21 September 1964). Ellen Browne, of Cloncolman, daughter of Michael Browne, had married Patrick Doohan of Lissycasey on 16 October 1915. Ellen Browne (age 14) was living with her father, Michael Browne, in Cloncolman, Clondegad, Clare, in the 1901 census. Margaret Browne was born on 18 November 1877 to Michael Browne and Susan Clancy of Cloncolman (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 093334.pdf
Patrick Dwyer, of 226 W. 61st Street, Chicago, birth in Ireland in 1881, arrival in New York on 2 June 1904, became a U.S. citizen on 19 August 1911 at the circuit court in Cook County; witnesses were “Dave” O’Dea [should be “Daniel”] and Patrick O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue, Chicago. Same naturalization day as his brother, James Dwyer. Not reported, but the witnesses were their first cousins. The arrival date does not agree to the 2 April 1905 passenger listing, but fairly close (and there is no arrival on 2 June 1904).
Patrick Dwyer (1882 – 1955) and Margaret Browne (1877 – 1964) of Chicago were the parents of four children:
…………………….………. 5.2.1 Katherine Dwyer (age 7 in 1920). Sister Marie Davide, O.P.
…………………….………. 5.2.2 James Dwyer (age 6 in 1920)
…………………….………. 5.2.3 Margaret Dwyer (1915 - 1954) was born on 5 September 1915, and baptized on 19 September 1915; sponsors James Coughlin and Nora [Murphy] Dwyer (per St. Leo the Great baptism register):
1915 baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-15FH
Note: this Patrick Dwyer of County Clare and later Chicago has been incorrectly “adopted” by the descendants of Michael Dwyer and Mary Sullivan of Ballyhaunis in County Mayo; the parents of 12 children including a Patrick Dwyer born on 23 August 1883, who died in Chicago on 30 June 1941.
………………. 5.3 John O’Dwyer (1883 – 1912 in Poulaphuca), of Poulaphuca was born on 15 November 1883 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver” (transcribed as “ODwver”, correction submitted). <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
John O’Dwyer, age 24, single, laborer, of Ballynacally, destination Chicago, arrived in New York on the SS Baltic on 9 May 1908. His Irish contact was his father, William O’Dwyer, of “Phoulaphuca, Ballynacally”. His USA contact was his brother James O’Dwyer, of 442 E. 46th Street, Chicago. John O’Dwyer was traveling with his cousin, Michael O’Dea, son of Patrick O’Dea, who appears right below him on the passenger listing. John O’Dwyer was likely only visiting his relatives in Chicago for a short period as he died in Clare at the age of 29 on 11 May 1912:
1908 passenger listing (#23, #24, two pages): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JXPS-23P
1912 civil death record: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 495016.pdf
………………. 5.4 Maria O’Dwyer (1885 – 1885), of Poulaphuca was born on 29 April 1885 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. Maria died at 5 days old.
………………. 5.5 William O’Dwyer (1886 – after 1955), of Poulaphuca was born on 10 November 1886 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, House 1>
“William Dwyer” of Ballynacally was reported as a brother in the obituaries of James Dwyer (1948) and Patrick Dwyer (1955), both of Chicago.
………………. 5.6 Mary O’Dwyer (1888 – 1908), of Poulaphuca was born on 15 August 1888 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
………………. 5.7 Michael O’Dwyer (1890 – 1904), of Poulaphuca was born on 3 September 1890 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
………………. 5.8 Margaret O’Dwyer (1894 – after 1955), of Poulaphuca was born on 30 January 1894 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, House 1>
“Madge” of Ballynacally was reported as a surviving sister in the obituaries of James Dwyer (1948) and Patrick Dwyer (1955), both of Chicago.
6.0 Jane O’Dea (<1846 – 1916 in Lanna, Clondagad)
Jane O’Dea, of Lanna, “age 21”, daughter of farmer P. O’Dea, married John Gavin, of Lavalla, age 28, son of Martin Gavin, on 14 November 1874 at the Catholic chapel of Kilchrist by the Rev. M. Quinlivan; witness Pat O’Dea and Mary Gavin (per Kildysart registration). The marriage witness was likely Jane O’Dea’s father. When married Jane O’Dea was residing at Lanna, and not the Carrowkilla residence of her father, as Lanna was the residence of her elder sister, Catherine O’Dea Clancy (≈1830 – 1903), who quite possibly also raised her.
Jane O’Dea Gavin was a sister-in-law to James Gavin, who, according to the 1913 magisterial investigation, on the 29th of January at Jail Street in Ennis had used threatening language against Michael A. MacNamara, including that he would pay £5 to get boys to “give him a clitter”. Jane O’Dea Gavin was also sister-in-law to Patrick Kelly, “the tea-man”, who was married to Bridget Gavin.
Some evidence, however slight, that Jane O’Dea (and thus also Catherine O’Dea Clancy) was the daughter of Patrick O’Dea of Carrowkilla is that her eldest daughter married a son of John McMahon of Carrowkilla. Also, there was not a Patrick O’Dea of Lanna townland which would have disproved the theory. Further evidence could have been if the children or grandchildren of John Gavin and Jane O’Dea went to visit O’Dea relatives in Chicago, but they appear to have all remained in Ireland.
Despite Jane O’Dea’s age being reported as 21 in her 1874 marriage record, her birth year is open to debate. If truly only 21 years old, then born about 1853 and possibly between August 1853 and January 1855 which has no baptism entries in the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. However, the 1901 and 1911 census reports for Jane Gavin reflect a birth year of 1845 and 1843 respectively. And when Jane Gavin died in 1916, her reported age was 70 years on the civil death record, thus born about 1846. Her headstone at Plot B86 at Kilchreest cemetery has chiseled in stone that she was 71 years old. Thus, I’ve concluded that Jane O’Dea was more likely born prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register.
An older age at marriage might explain why John Gavin (<1846 - 1916) and Jane O’Dea (<1846 – 1916) were the parents of only three children, a small family for that time period. <Lanna, Clondagad, House 5, House 9>
………………. 6.1 Mary Gavin (1875 – 1954), no residence reported, was baptized on 8 August 1875; sponsor Catherine O’Dea (per Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Per civil birth registration, their residence was Lanna and her father was a farmer (Kildysart registration).
Mary Gavin, of Lanna, daughter of John Gavin, married Patrick McMahon, of Carhukilla, son of John McMahon (deceased) [and Anne Roache per 1873 baptism], on 17 February 1903 at the Catholic church at Lissycasey by the curate William Foley; witnesses Eugene O’Shea and Catherine McMahon (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 722855.pdf
Patrick McMahon (1873 - 1944) and Mary Gavin (1875 – 1954) <Lanna, Clondegad, House 5; Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 2> were the parents of three children:
…………………….………. 6.1.1 Bridget McMahon (1903 - 1972) <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, x, House 2> married Thomas Ronan, of Music Hall, Lissycasey, son of John Ronan, on 11 April 1944 at the Catholic church at Ballycorrick by the parish priest Patrick O’Reilly; witnesses Patrick Gavin and Mary McMahon (Kildysart registration).
…………………….………. 6.1.2 John McMahon (1907 – 1990 per Kilchreest cemetery) <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, x, House 2>
…………………….………. 6.1.3 Mary McMahon (1914 – 1987 per Kilchreest cemetery), of Carrowkilla, was born on 31 January 1914 (Kildysart registration).
………………. 6.2 Patrick Gavin (1879 – 1967 per Kilchreest cemetery), no residence reported, was baptized on 28 December 1879; sponsor Mary Quinlivan (per Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Patrick Gavin, of Lanna, was reportedly born on 20 January 1880 (one month after his baptism), father’s occupation was farmer (Kildysart registration). <Lanna, Clondagad, House 5, House 9>
Patrick Gavin, age 30, of Lanna, Ballynacally, son of John Gavin, married Anne McGuane, age 28, of Gurtygeehan, Lissycasey, daughter of John McGuane [and Anne Griffin per 1877 baptism], on 2 February 1910 at the Catholic Church of Lissycasey by the parish priest A. Clancy; witnesses Patrick O’Dea and Kate McGuane (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 627936.pdf
Patrick Gavin (1879 – 1967) and Anne McGuane (1877 – 1963) of Lanna were the parents of three children:
…………………….………. 6.2.1 Mary Gavin (1913 – after 1944), of Lanna, was born on 18 September 1913 (Kildysart registration). Mary Anne Gavin, daughter of Patrick Galvin of Leanna, Lissycasey, married Patrick Collins, of Reiskavanagher (sp?), Newmarket, son of John Collins, on 29 August 1944, at the Catholic church at Newmarket-on-Fergus, by the curate J. Hayes; witnesses Patrick Hamill and Mary Collins (Ennis civil registration).
…………………….………. 6.2.2 Michael Gavin (1916 - 1955), of Lanna, was born on 2 July 1916 (Kildysart registration). Died on 22 June 1955 per civil death record, informant his father Patrick Gavin; headstone transcription states 22 Jan 1967.
…………………….………. 6.2.3 Patrick Gavin (1919 – 1986 per Kilchreest cemetery), of Lanna, was born on 5 September 1919 (Kildysart registration).
………………. 6.3 Michael Gavin (1883 – 1885), of Lanna, was born on 22 November 1883, father’s occupation was farmer (Kildysart registration). Michael died on 7 March 1885.
7.0 Patrick O’Dea (<1846 or ≈1851 – 1930 in Carrowkilla)
To be continued,
Thank you for sharing the poem “Epic” by Patrick Kavanagh which I enjoyed very much. I’m probably not the only one who is now curious about your field covered by briars and blackthorn which in years past was protected by a police hut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLISXyxKf7k
Patrick Kavanagh doesn’t appear to be too well known in America, although my central library has a large collection of his books. Unlike Percy French (1854 - 1920), Patrick Kavanagh (1904 - 1967) was commemorated on an Irish postage stamp issued on 21 October 2004 at the 100th anniversary of his birth.
I researched the witness Thomas O’Dea who testified on the second day of the magisterial investigation that Patrick Kelly had come to his house the night of the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara, thus providing “the tea man” with an alibi. I reckon he must be the Thomas O’Dea (age 37) living in the 1911 census at Gortygeehan, Lissycasey (the same townland where Patrick Kelly was living with his parents in the 1901 census). Thomas O’Dea was the son of Denis O’Dea and Mary Connor born on 1 January 1873. On 1 November 1908, Thomas married Bridget O’Connell, daughter of Peter O’Connell of Kilmurry McMahon. At the time of the 1911 census, Thomas O’Dea and Bridget O’Connell had two children, their eldest son Denis (age 2) was living with his Connell grandparents in Drumdigus, Kilmurry. I could not find Thomas O’Dea in the 1901 census; he was not living with his widow mother and four siblings in Gurtygeehan. Perhaps he had emigrated and later returned to Ireland.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... en/359958/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... us/362655/
I also researched the witness John O’Dea who testified at the magisterial hearing into the 1913 shooting of Michael A. MacNamara, and was his cousin. I was confident that he was the John O’Dea born in 1870 to Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara of Carrowkilla, and the grandson of Patrick O’Dea. Thus, John O’Dea through either his father or mother, or both, could be the cousin of Michael A. MacNamara?
The discovery of another moonlighting attack led me further down this path. Similar to the two prisoners from Lavally convicted in the attack on Michael A. MacNamara in 1913, three others from Lavally were accused in a moonlighting attack in 1889 on the home of Patrick O’Dea of Carrowkilla:
The children of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) of Carrowkilla were likely all born prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest parish registers. His grandchildren were included in these registers (thank you Murph for transcribing all these parish records) and later USA passenger and census records are evidence that they were first cousins, grandchildren of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890). Very late in the research, the John O’Dea who was born in 1870, and identified as the likely witness in 1913, was discovered to have died as an infant in 1870 (he was never reported on the very detailed obituaries of several siblings in Chicago).ALLEGED MOONLIGHTING.
Yesterday morning three young men, named Patrick, Daniel, and John Sexton, sons of small farmers living at Lavalla, near Ballincally, the two first-named being brothers, were arrested on a charge of attacking and firing into the houses of John McMahon and Pat O’Dea of Carrowkilla in the same district. The moonlighters entered several houses and demanded firearms, but were only successful in intimidating McMahon into delivering up his gun [other accounts stated it was O’Dea]. Several bullets fired into the houses were found inside. The prisoners were brought before Mr. Hodder, resident magistrate, at Ennis, yesterday, and were remanded for eight days.
Birmingham Daily Post, Friday, 24 May 1889
Reconstructing the descendants of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) of Carrowkilla highlights how it is much easier to trace a family forward than tracing backwards. For example, his son Michael O’Day (≈1835 – 1911) immigrated to Chenango County in New York in the late 1860’s. This was discovered only in the passenger lists of three nephews who went there in the early 1900’s likely to assist their uncle on his farm as Michael O’Day was the father of three daughters and no sons.
Most of the O’Dea descendants ended up in Chicago. And despite excellent obituaries which typically list their parents, both their USA and Irish siblings, origins in Ballynacally, not one descendant (on the ancestry website) has successfully traced their ancestry back to Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) of Carrowkilla. One grandchild, Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951), with the greatest number of descendants unfortunately had the least detailed obituary, only listing siblings living in Chicago. However, the later obituaries of these three siblings all lead directly back to Ballynacally, Clare and even reported their parents. Unfortunately, the ancestry website only has an index for Irish civil birth, marriage and death records with limited information; their users are mostly unaware that these records are freely available on-line at the irelandgenealogy website. This has led to the descendants of Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951) tracing his ancestry back to random parents in Kilrush, and even more random ancestors back two more generations.
In reconstructing the descendants of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890), which started off with only two sons then grew, I included research to answer the following questions which expanded it greatly:
1) The likelihood of an O’Dea descendant who immigrated to America marrying a spouse from Ireland, and whether or not from County Clare.
2) The likelihood of an O’Dea descendant who immigrated to America returning to Clare either for a family visit or to return permanently.
3) The likelihood that an O’Dea male descendant who immigrated to Chicago, and remained there, would become a policeman for the City of Chicago.
Researching the O’Dea descendants in Chicago I was surprised to learn that the Family Search website has the parish records for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, described as the “cornerstone of Irish culture in Chicago”, and these registers are now freely available on-line. Frequently, the free Family Search website (only requiring registration) has better records than the subscription based ancestry website.
https://www.familysearch.org/search/cat ... %20Library
Researching the descendants of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) has now solved the mystery of how his grandson, John O’Dea (1880 - 1950), the son of a farmer in the 1901 census, had become a master harness maker by the 1911 census. Just because an individual was reported living with their parents in both the 1901 and 1911 Irish census reports, does not mean that they didn’t spend the intervening years living in America and learning a new trade.
Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) and Mary _______ (≈1811 – 1876) of Carrowkilla, Kilchreest Civil Parish
At Griffith Valuation, Patrick O’Dea leased Carrowkilla Plot 6a from lessor Major William Ball; house, offices, and land; 25 acres, total valuation £19. He sublet to Hannah Moroney Plot 6b, a house valued at 5 shillings.
Mary O’Dea, of “Carukilla”, 65 years old, married, farmer’s wife, died on 29 September 1876; informant Patrick O’Dea of Carukilla (either her husband or son) per Killadysert registration:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 16109.pdf
The maiden name of Mary O’Dea is unknown. The Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism records include a Patrick O’Dea baptized on 27 February 1851, with parents Patrick O’Dea and Mary Lynch. This Patrick might be their youngest son. However, their residence was “Fierregh” in the baptism record, a possible variation of “Furroor” townland in Clondagad, so perhaps doubtful. One son, Michael O’Dea, immigrated to Preston in Chenango County, New York. Either his marriage record (presumably in NY) or 1911 death record might possibly have the names of his parents. This would require giving the Preston town clerk a call to confirm if they have these records as they could be in the nearby towns of Norwich or Oxford, and then completing an application along with a $10 fee to the appropriate town clerk. The likelihood that either the marriage or death record includes parents of bride/groom or of deceased is quite low. Irish civil BMD records, in a consistent format for all of Ireland, are much easier these days to obtain than USA records.
When moonlighters attacked the house of Patrick O’Dea of Carrowkilla in May 1889, Patrick O’Dea, Sr., was about 92 years old. The focus of the attack, I reckon, was more likely Patrick O’Dea, Jr., who would have been in his forties.
Just one year later, Pat O’Dea, of Carhukilla, widower, 93 years old, farmer, died on 30 April 1890; informant Ellen [McMahon] O’Dea, daughter-in-law (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 741652.pdf
Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) and Mary ______ (≈1811 – 1876) were the parents of at least five children and most likely at least seven children (including daughters Catherine and Jane):
1.0 Catherine O’Dea (≈1830 – 1903 in Lanna, Clondagad)
Catherine O’Dea married Patrick Canny on 2 March 1851 at her father’s house; witnesses Pat O’Dea and Marry Barry (per Clondagad and Kilchreest marriages, 1846-1880). Catherine O’Dea was the daughter of Patrick O’Dea; this is known as her youngest sister, Jane O’Dea, married in 1874 with her civil marriage record reporting father as “P. O’Dea”. The witness, Pat O’Dea, was likely her father.
At Griffith Valuation, Patrick Canny was a tenant in Lanna townland of Col. George Wyndham, Plot 2a; house, office, & land; 37 acres; valuation £13 and 10 pence.
Patrick Canny, of Lanna, married, age 65 years, farmer, died on 13 June 1891; informant his daughter, Margaret Canny of Lanna (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 730286.pdf
There is a good chance that Catherine O’Dea Canny raised her youngest sister, Jane O’Dea. When Jane O’Dea married John Gavin in 1874, her residence was reported as “Lanna”. In the 1901 census, the widow Kate Canny (age 76) was living in the John Gavin household at Lanna townland and she was reported as “Aunt”, perhaps as a sign of respect. Kate O’Dea Canny was, in fact, the sister of Jane O’Dea Gavin as accurately reported on the 1903 civil death record for Catherine Canny when Jane Gavin was the informant.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 588205.pdf
Patrick Canny (≈1826 – 1891) and Catherine O’Dea (≈1830 – 1903) appear to have had only one daughter: <Lanna, Clondegad, House 5, x>
………………. 1.1 Margaret Canny (≈1853 – after 1891), the only evidence of Margaret’s existence is the civil death record of her father in 1891. Her father married in March 1851, Margaret Canny was likely born in the period between August 1853 and January 1855 which has no baptism entries in the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. Later whereabouts after 1891 are a mystery.
2.0 Thomas O’Dea (≈1832 – 1875 in Innisdea, Kilchreest)
Thomas O’Dea married Mary McNamara on 13 April 1858; witnesses Patrick McNamara and Bridget McNamara (Clondagad and Kilchreest marriages, 1846-1881).
Thomas O’Dea, of “Ennisdea”, age 42, married, herdsman, died on 8 January 1875; informant Mary O’Dea, not reported but his widow (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 237933.pdf
The later whereabouts of Mary McNamara O’Dea are unknown. It is possible that she was the Mary O’Dea of Killadysert, widow, 66 years old, laborer, who died on 11 March 1890 at Killadysart workhouse. However, “Mary O’Dea” is a very common name in the civil parish of Killadysart.
Thomas O’Dea (≈1832 – 1875) and Mary McNamara (≈1835 ≈1840? - after 1875) were the parents of seven children. The baptisms and birth locations of their first two children are unknown. Thomas O’Dea was a farm laborer/herdsman, so he may have moved to a different parish or even abroad during the first years of their marriage. The later whereabouts of one daughter (Fanny) are unknown, but the other six children all immigrated to Chicago.
………………. 2.1 Patrick O’Dea (≈1860 – 1932 in Chicago)
Patrick O’Dea, age 30, married Marie Quinlivan, “age 25”, on 5 November 1890 in Chicago (Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). In the 1910 census, Patrick J. O’Dea (age 51) had the occupation of “Special Police” and employer was “own account”; he was living with his wife and brother, Daniel H. O’Dea (age 35) and one other boarder. In the 1920 census, Patrick J. O’Dea (age 58) had the occupation of “Special Policeman” and was hired by “Private Families”. It appears that Patrick provided private security for families in gangland Chicago.
………………………..……. 2.1.1 Mary Theresa O’Dea (1894 – 1909) was born on 30 March 1894 and baptized on 15 April 1894 per the St. Patrick’s baptism register, mother reported as “Mary Quinlan”; sponsors Thomas McNamara and Catherine O’Day. She died on Christmas Eve in 1909. Her uncle, Michael O’Dea, attended the funeral as noted in his local Indiana newspaper.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-M2S9
………………………..……. 2.1.2 Mary H. O’Dea (age 17 in 1920 census). In the 1910 census, Mrs. Mary O’Dea was reported to be the mother of one child, none surviving. Thus “Mary Helen” or “Helen Mary” appears to have been adopted, perhaps informally. Helen O’Dea (age 26) was living with her “parents” in 1930; and Helen M. O’Dea (age 29) was living with her widowed “mother” in 1940, along with Thomas J. Ryan (age 39, “nephew”). However, “Helen Mary” was not included in Mrs. Mary O’Dea’s obituary in 1942.
Patrick O’Dea died in Chicago on 2 December 1932, and was reported born in County Clare on 3 February 1860 and was the son of Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara (Cook County deaths index, 1916-1949).
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/103 ... ck-j-o'deaO’DEA—Patrick O’Dea, husband of Mary, father of Helen and the late Mary Theresa, brother of Michael, Mrs. Fee, the late Mrs. Frances Collins, Thomas and Daniel O’Dea. Native of Ballynacally, County Clare, Ireland. Funeral Monday from 6033 Harper Ave to St. Cyril’s church; mass at 9:30 a.m. Interment Mount Olivet.
Chicago Tribune, Saturday, 3 December 1932
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/103 ... _o'dea
1940 Census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWTR-1SD
Mary Quinlivan O’Dea died on 19 November 1942, and was reported born on “16 August 1872” in “Rhinana, Ireland” and father was “Patrick Quinlivan”. I reckon only her birthplace was accurate; the informant was a “H. Ryan”.
The location in the death record and siblings reported in her obituary led to Newmarket-on-Fergus parish registers. Maria Quinlivan (1859 – 1942) was baptized on 9 September 1859, parents William Quinlivan (≈1825 – 1874) and Anne O’Donohue (≈1840 – after 1911), who had married on 10 October 1858. Daughter Bridget baptized in 1865 had the location “Rineanna”; William Quinlivan’s 1874 death record stated he was from “Rhiananna”. Anne O’Donohue “Quinlan” in the 1911 census was living with a “visitor”, her grandson Michael Fahey, age 13, the son of Nora Quinlivan (who died in 1907) and Patrick Fahey.O’DEA—Mary O’Dea, nee Quinlivan, late of 4763 Dorchester avenue, loving wife of the late Patrick, mother of the late Mary Teresa, sister of the late Delia McMahon, Nora Fahey, Patrick, Michael, and James Quinlivan. Native of Rhinana, County Clare, Ireland. Funeral Monday, 9 a.m., from funeral parlors, 71st and South Park avenue. Mass at St. Ambrose’s church at 9:30. Interment Mount Olivet.
Chicago Tribune, Saturday, 21 November 1942
1911 census: https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ly/355217/
………………. 2.2 Thomas O’Dea (≈1861 – 1926 in Chicago)
Thomas O’Day married Sarah Crotty on 30 April 1890 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chicago; witnesses John Crotty and Catherine Crotty (Chicago Catholic Church Records, 1833-1925):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-5JKG
The Thomas O’Day family was difficult to find as they left Chicago for a few decades. In the 1900 census, Thomas O’Day (age 40) was living with Sarah and their three Illinois born children in Kansas City, Kansas, where he worked as a “steel rail straightener”. In the 1910 census, Thomas O’Day (age 48) was living with Sarah and four children in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was a laborer in a steel mill. Their two youngest children (Tom and Theresa) were reportedly born in Ohio (Tom was born in Illinois per 1900 census).
Sarah Crotty O’Dea died on 3 July 1916 in Chicago of TB and it was reported that she was born in Ireland on 22 August 1865 to “C O Crotty” and “Ellen Riordan” (Cook County death index, 1878-1922). Her mother was accurately reported, but her father was William Crotty and she was born closer to 1860. In the 1880 census, William (age 51) and Ellen Crotty (age 47) were living in South Chicago with their six Irish born children, including Sarah (age 20), and also their 9 year-old American born son. The Crotty family reported their year of arrival to the USA as 1872. Sarah Crotty (age 11, born in Ireland) arrived in New York, with her other family members, on the steamship Egypt on 20 October 1872.
1872 passenger listing of “Crotly” family (#889 to #896):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVPK-9J1C
The Egypt at 5,064 tons was the largest of the 12 ships of the National Line which, according to advertisements, were the “Largest Passenger Steamships Afloat. Steam from Liverpool to New York, every Wednesday, and from Queenstown every Thursday”. The ship Egypt left Liverpool on 9 October 1872, so the Crotty family would have boarded at Queenstown on 10 October 1872 and crossed the Atlantic in just ten days. “The Steerage accommodation is unequalled for space, light, and ventilation. Abundance of Fresh Provisions served up Cooked by Company’s Stewards” (Derry Journal, Friday, 20 September 1872).
Their youngest Irish born child, Willie Crotty (age 12 in 1880), was born after 1864, so there is a civil birth record to trace back to the civil parish and then Catholic baptism records. William Crotty was born on 7 August 1868 to William Crotty and Ellen Riordan of O’Briens Bridge, in County Clare (Limerick registration). The baptism records for five of the six Crotty children born between 1857 and 1868 can be found at the Killaloe Parish baptism register (1844 – 1881), including William Crotty baptized on 7 August 1868; only missing child was Sarah born about 1860 (after only a quick look).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 256557.pdf
In the 1920 census, the widower, Thomas O’Dea (“age 50”), was living at East 65th Place in Chicago with his four children. At the same address was his sister, Marie O’Dea Fee (age 54) and her family as well as two “Illinois” born cousins. Thomas O’Dea (≈1861 – 1926) and Sarah Crotty (≈1860 – 1916) were the parents of four children:
………………………..……. 2.2.1 Ruth O’Dea (1891 – 1922) died on 8 January 1922 (born 31 October 1892 per death record, off by one year). Per St. Patrick’s baptism register, Mary R. O’Dea was born on 30 October 1891, and baptized on 15 November 1891; sponsors William Crotty and Catherine Crotty.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-5J6N
………………………..……. 2.2.2 Helen K. O’Dea (1894 - 1921) died on 20 April 1921 (born 23 June 1894 per death record). Per St. Patrick’s baptism register, “Ellen Catherine”, born on 23 June, was baptized on 22 July 1894, sponsors William Lloyd and Mary Lloyd (William Lloyd married Mary Crotty on 14 May 1885 in South Chicago per Cook County marriage index).
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-PMGZ
………………………..……. 2.2.3 Thomas Patrick O’Dea (1896 - 1944) was baptized at St. Patrick’s in Chicago on 27 December 1896, sponsors Michael O’Dea (child’s uncle) and Catherine O’Dea (not sure who).
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-7L1L
Thomas Patrick O’Dea, born on 13 December 1896, was living at 1418 E. 65th Place per his WWI registration. Per the Veteran’s Affairs Index, Thomas Patrick O’Dea, born on 13 December 1896, had been a private with Company B of the 81st Engineers Combat Battalion; enrollment on 27 August 1918, and discharged 6 December 1918. Thomas Patrick O’Dea died on 27 December 1944 at the age of 47 years and was buried on 4 January 1945 at Oak Forest Cemetery (aka Cook County Cemetery for the Indigent).
Veteran’s Index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:7B9W-8B2M
Cook County death index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2M8-PRMR
………………………..……. 2.2.4 Theresa M. O’Dea (≈1901 – 1934) was born in Ohio according to 1910 census. “Theresa Foushee (nee O’Dea), beloved wife of Robert, mother of Helen and Robert Jr., daughter of the late Thomas and Sarah O’Dea (nee Crotty), sister of Thomas and the late Helen and Ruth O’Dea, niece of Mrs. Robert Fee. Funeral Monday . . . St. Cyril’s church, Interment Mount Olivet” per Chicago Daily News of 18 August 1934.
………………. 2.3 Mary O’Dea (1863 – 1942 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 16 April 1863; sponsor Anne O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Regarding the baptism sponsor, a “Nancy O’Dea” died in the fourth quarter of 1864 at the age of 47; Kildysart record not yet available on-line.O’DEA—Thomas O’Dea, beloved husband of the late Sarah, nee Crotty, father of Thomas P. O’Dea, Mrs. Theresa Foushee and the late Helen and Ruth O’Dea; brother of Mrs. M. Fee, Patrick J., Michael, and the late Daniel O’Dea; native of Ballynacally, County Clare, Ireland. Funeral Thursday, Jan. 21, 8:45 a.m., from his sister’s residence, 1201 E. Marquette Road, to St. Cyril’s church. Interment Holy Sepulchre cemetery.
Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, 20 January 1926
Maria O’Day, age 27, married Robert Fee, age 29, on 3 June 1891 in South Chicago (per Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). Per the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church marriage register, the witnesses were Patrick Kelly and Mary Fitzgerald. The “Fee” surname does not exist in County Clare (per census reports) and more common in the north of Ireland (where in the 1940 census Robert Fee reported as his birthplace).
St. Patrick’s marriage register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-RJTP
In the 1910 census, the Fee household included two Irish born cousins of Mary: Thomas O’Dea (age 28, 1905 arrival) and Michael O’Dea (age 25, 1908 arrival), both children of Patrick O’Dea and Ellen McMahon (see 7.0 below).
1910 census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKC7-F1R
In the 1920 census, the Fee household included two more “cousins” of Mary; their reported birth was in “Illinois” and there appears to be some confusion if married “M” or single “S”. Catherine O’Dea (age 21) must be the Irish born daughter of Patrick O’Dea and Ellen McMahon, and thus indeed a cousin of Mary O’Dea Fee. Catherine arrived in Chicago in 1916 (and cannot be found elsewhere in the census), was born in 1898 and thus the correct age, and finally her occupation of “stenographer” in 1920 was the same as Irish born Kate in the 1930 census. Not sure about the other “Illinois” born cousin, Thomas O’Dea (age 22).
Robert Fee (≈1862 - 1944) and Mary O’Dea (1863 – 1942) of Chicago were the parents of two children:
………………………..……. 2.3.1 George Leslie Fee (age 7 in 1900 census), per St. Patrick’s baptism register, “George S.” was born on 2 February, and baptized on 19 February 1892, mother reported as “Maria O’Day”; sponsors Michael Kelly and Mary Scanlon.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-78QT
………………………..……. 2.3.2 Robert Emmett Fee (age 3 in 1900 census), per St. Patrick’s baptism register, was born on 14 May, and baptized on 13 June 1897, mother reported as “Marian O’Day”; sponsors James Kelly and Mary Kelly.
St. Patrick’s baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-3YKV
Maria O’Dea Fee was the informant on the death record for her brother, Michael O’Dea, who died in Gary, Indiana in April 1941. The following year, Maria O’Dea Fee, born “20 April 1869” in County Clare, wife of Robert Fee, died on 7 February 1942. Burial in St. Mary’s cemetery, Evergreen Park, Cook County.
………………. 2.4 Frances “Fanny” O’Dea (1865 – before 1923, unknown location), no residence reported, was baptized on 18 February 1865; sponsors John Murtough and Fanny O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Frances O’Dea was born on 14 February 1865, with a residence of Ballynacally; her father was a labourer (Kildysart registration).
Regarding the baptism sponsor: John Murtagh, age 30, a laborer, son of Thomas Murtagh, of x [unclear], married Mary McNamara, age 23, of Ballinacally, daughter of Patrick McNamara, on 24 February 1865 at Kilchreest chapel; witnesses Michael O’Dea and Honor Cleary (Kildysart registration). John Murtough would have been born about 1835, prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. However, there was an Honor Murtagh baptized on 2 December 1846, parents were Thomas Murtagh and Honor O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 254941.pdf
Fanny’s first cousin, another Fanny O’Dea born in 1893, immigrated to Chicago, but in 1920 was living in the small city of El Paso, Illinois (see 7.6 below). The mother of the household where she was boarding was a Mrs. Bridget Murtagh Fitzgerald born in Ireland (supposedly about 1850 according to census reports, but I reckon prior to 1846). Bridget Fitzgerald died in El Paso in 1922, and her Illinois death record reported a father of “Patrick Mulaugh”. However, these records, when completed by informants who had never been in Ireland, are frequently incorrect. The Fitzgerald’s of El Paso named their second born son “Thomas”, surely after his maternal grandfather, Thomas Murtagh, who was married to Honor O’Dea.
The 1865 marriage witness, Michael O’Dea, was very likely the first cousin of the groom, John Murtagh. Honor Cleary, the other witness, will next appear married to Michael O’Dea in the 1870 USA census living in Preston, Chenango County, New York, with their six-month old daughter and Bridget Cleary (age 62). See 3.0 below.
Frances, born in 1865, was reported as the “late Mrs. Collins” in the 1923 obituary of her brother Daniel; and the “late Mrs. Frances Collins” in the 1932 obituary of her brother Patrick. Whereabouts are a mystery. Similar to all her siblings, Frances O’Dea likely left Ireland as I could not locate a Frances O’Dea and Collins civil marriage record in Ireland; or an appropriate Frances Collins in the Irish civil death records prior to 1923.
………………. 2.5 Michael O’Dea (1867 – 1941 in Gary, Indiana), no residence reported, was baptized on 13 July 1867; sponsor Eliza Chambers (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Michael O’Dea was born on 10 July 1867, with a residence of Knocksaggart; his father was a farm labourer (Kildysart registration).
Michael O’Dea was likely the baptism sponsor on 27 December 1896 for his nephew, Thomas Patrick O’Dea (2.2.3 above), per the St. Patrick’s of Chicago baptism register. The other sponsor was a Catherine O’Dea, whose identity is unknown.
In the 1910 census, Michael O’Day, born in Ireland, “age 37”, was boarding at the North Works Inn located in Gary, Indiana. His occupation was locomotive engineer at a steel mill, and year of USA arrival was 1908 (reported as 1885 in 1930). He was still an “alien” in 1910.INDIANA HARBOR
Michael O’Dea of the Lake Shore hotel, an engineer at the Inland [Steel Company] mill, spent rather a sad Christmas, having been called to Chicago on account of the death of his niece, Theresa, 16 years old, and daughter of his brother Patrick O’Dea of Forty-fifth street and Champlain avenue. Miss O’Dea died Thursday night and was buried on Christmas.
Lake County Times, Hammond, Indiana, 29 December 1909
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MKRJ-S48
In the 1930 census, Mike O’Dea, born in Ireland, “age 54”, was boarding at a hotel on Washington Street in Gary, Indiana; his occupation was a laborer on a steam railroad. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen and had arrived in 1885 according to the 1930 census.
Michael O’Dea, born in Ireland, age 75, single, died in Gary, Indiana on 8 April 1941; his residence was the Central Hotel on Washington Street. His reported birth date was 10 July 1865 and parents reported as Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara. The witness was Mrs. Robert Fee of 1503 East 60th Place, Chicago (his sister).
………………. 2.6 John O’Dea (1870 – 1870), no residence reported, was baptized on 23 October 1870; sponsor Margaret O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). John O’Dea was born on 16 October 1870, with a residence of Ballynacally; his father was a labourer (Kildysart registration).
A John O’Dea died in the fourth quarter of 1870 at the age of zero; on-line civil death record not yet available.
………………. 2.7 Daniel Henry O’Dea (1872 – 1923 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 20 November 1872; sponsor “Mary” (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Daniel O’Dea was born on 10 November 1872, with a residence of Innisdea; his father was a labourer (Kildysart registration).
A Daniel O’Dea, age 10, born in Ireland, arrived in New York on 18 October 1884 on the ship Egypt.
Daniel H. O’Dea was living with his brother, Patrick J. O’Dea, in both the 1910 and 1920 census (at the reported age of 35 and 45, respectively). His year of arrival was reported as 1884 in 1910 and 1890 in 1920. Daniel worked as a conductor for the street railways in Chicago.
O’DEA—Daniel O’Dea, son of Thomas and Mary O’Dea, nee McNamara, brother of Patrick, Thomas, Michael, Mrs. Fee and the late Mrs. Collins. Funeral Monday from sister’s residence, 1418 E. 65th Place, to Corpus Christi church. Burial Mount Olivet. Native of Ballynacally, County Clare, Ireland. Member of Chicago Street Car Men’s Union No. 241. For information call Yards 0124.
Chicago Tribune, Sunday, 7 October 1923
3.0 Michael O’Day (≈1835 – 1911 in Chenango County, New York)
Michael Oday (age 34) appears in the 1870 census living in Preston, Chenango County, New York, with his wife Honora Oday (age 29), their daughter Mary Jane (6 months), and Bridget Cleary (age 72, not reported, but Honora’s mother).
“Cleary” is a common surname in Clondagad and Kilchreest parish records. Honora Cleary, like Michael O’Day, would have been born prior to the 1846 start of its parish baptism register. With near certainty, Michael O’Day and Honora Cleary were the marriage witnesses at the 24 February 1865 marriage of John Murtagh to Mary McNamara; Michael O’Day was likely the cousin of John Murtagh.
There is no evidence that Michael O’Day fought in the American Civil War which ended in April 1865 as there are no military enlistment or pension records for him. Michael O’Day and Honora Cleary had a NY born 6-month old daughter born in the 1870 census. They had been married for 32 years according to the 1900 census. They likely married in New York as there is no Irish civil marriage record.
In the 1870 agricultural census for Preston, Chenango County, Michael O’Day farmed 115 acres and held 30 acres of woodland for a total value of $5,800. He reported no farming implements of any value. He owned 2 horses, 26 “milch” cows, and one “other cattle”, for a total value of $1,520. For the year ending 30 June 1870, Michael O’Day harvested or produced 30 bushels of Indian corn, 40 bushels of wheat, 25 bushels of Irish potatoes, $15 worth of orchard products, 900 pounds of butter, 45 tons of hay, and 4 pounds of hops. The value of animals slaughtered or sold for slaughter totaled $257. The estimated value of all farm production including betterment and addition to stock was $1,961.
Bridget Cleary (age 85) continued to live with the O’Day family in Preston through to the 1880 census, where she was reported as Michael’s mother-in-law. Bridget Cleary, with a headstone marked “1796 – 1892”, was buried in Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Norwich, Chenango County.
Margaret Cleary was living with the O’Day family in Preston in the NY 1905 census (age 70) and 1910 federal census (age 76), and reported as “sister-in-law”. She had most likely arrived in the USA about the same time as her sister, Honor. Margaret “Clary” (age 30) in the 1870 census and Margaret “Claery” (age 35) in the 1875 census was a domestic servant living in the household of T. Dewitt Miller of Norwich, Chenango. In both the 1880 census (age 40) and 1900 census (age 62), Margaret Cleary was a domestic servant in the household of Warren L. Scott, a grocer in Norwich. Margaret Cleary died in Norwich, NY, on 6 April 1915 (certificate 21214). Her probate records might lead to other Cleary relatives.
Michael O’Day, with three daughters and no sons, and getting on in years, would send to Ireland for his nephews, presumably to help with the farm work. John O’Dea arrived in 1903 and was still there when his brother, Thomas O’Dea, arrived in May 1905. A third nephew, Patrick Dwyer, also arrived in 1905.
After the death of Michael O’Day (1835 – 1911), the widow Honor Cleary O’day (1839 – 1929) would go to live with her daughter, Fanny O’Day Neville, in Norwich, Chenango County, until her death in 1929. Michael and Honor O’Day are both buried in St Paul’s Cemetery in Norwich:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... hael-o'day
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... nora-o'day
Michael O’Day (≈1834 – 1911) and Honora Cleary (≈1839 - 1929) of Preston, Chenango County, were the parents of three daughters:
………………. 3.1 Mary Jane O’Day (1869 – after 1945) was 6 months old living with her parents in Preston in the 1870 census.
Mary J. O’Day, age 45, born in Preston, NY, daughter of Michael O’Day and Honora Cleary (both born in Ireland), married John J. Griffin, age 56, born in Preston, son of Michael Griffin (born in Ireland) and Catherine Welch (born in Preston, NY), on 18 October 1916 in Norwich, Chenango, New York by the Rev. Joseph S. Tiernan; witnesses Robert Griffin and Marguerite Neville [bride’s niece] (NY County marriage records, 1907-1936).
1916 marriage register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FFRC-3WH
Mary J. O’Day Griffin (1869 – after 1945) was reported as the surviving spouse in the obituary of John J. Griffin (1864 – 1945) of Preston, who died in January 1945 (Press and Sun Bulletin, Binghamton, NY, 30 January 1945). They did not have any children.
………………. 3.2 Margaret E. O’Day (1871 - 1936) was 4 years old living with her parents in Preston in the 1875 census.
Source: news article on findagrave website (below link) which has no date. The marriage must have been between the 1900 census, when Irish born Timothy Downey was a bachelor and the 1905 NY state census when he was married. From later census reports, they had no children.Timothy Downey and Miss Margaret O’Day, two well known young people residing in the town of Preston, were united in marriage Tuesday at St. Paul’s Church, Rev. Father Curtin officiating. Miss Mary O’Day, sister of the bride, was maid of honor and M.H. McMahon acted as best man. The bride is the daughter of Michael O’Day, of Preston, and the groom is a prosperous farmer. They are receiving the congratulations of their many friends.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/147 ... ret_downey
………………. 3.3 Frances “Fanny” G. O’Day (1873 – 1944 in NY) was 2 years old living with her parents in Preston in the 1875 census.
She was also living with her parents in the 1880 census, but not in 1900 when her location is unknown. She next appears in the 1905 census as Mrs. Frances Neville along with James Neville (age 35), their daughter Margaret Neville (age 3), and a boarder, “John O’Dray” (born in “US”, occupation “harness”, age transcribed as “34” in error, clearly “24”). “John O’Dray” was in fact her first cousin, John O’Day born in Ireland in 1880 (see 7.1). Frances O’Day must have married the NY born James Neville (who was single in 1900) about 1901 (unknown marriage record).
Frances Neville died in Norwich on 22 February 1944 (per NY death index, 1852-1956). A photo of Fannie O’Day taken prior to her marriage is included in her findagrave memorial:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... es-neville
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... -g-neville
James Neville (1868 – 1932) and Frances O’Day (1873 – 1944) of Norwich, Chenango County, were the parents of one daughter:
…………………….………. 3.3.1 Margaret V. Neville (1901 - 1991)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/149 ... te-neville
4.0 Mary O’Dea (≈1841 – 1873 in Carrowkilla)
Mary O’Dea, of Carrowkilla, age 32, spinster, farmer’s daughter, died on 13 May 1870; informant Patrick O’Dea present at death Carrowkilla (Kildysart registration). Relationship of informant was not reported; likely her father who died in 1890, but possibly her 22-year old brother.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 260815.pdf
5.0 Margaret O’Dea (≈1843 – 1904 in Poulaphuca, Kilchreest)
Margaret O’Dea, of Carhukilla, “age 26”, daughter of Patrick O’Dea, farmer of Carhukilla, married William Dwyer, age 27, weaver, of Poulaphuca, son of William Dwyer (≈1812 – 1886), weaver of Poulaphuca, on 17 March 1879 at the Catholic chapel at Kilchreest by the curate P. McDonnell; witnesses John O’Dea and Bridget Gavin (Kildysart registration). Consistent information reported in Clondagad and Kilchreest marriage register, 1846-1880. Margaret O’Dea married just a few weeks after her brother, Patrick O’Dea, who married on 25 February 1879 (on the same civil registration page):
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 046514.pdf
Margaret O’Dwyer, of Poulaphica, “age 53”, married, weaver’s wife, died on 10 May 1904; informant husband W. O’Dwyer (Kildysart registration). Her civil death record reflects a birth about 1851, while her marriage record a birth about 1843. The youngest of her eight children was born in 1894; I suspect that she was younger than the “26” reported on her 1879 marriage record.
William O’Dwyer (≈1841 – after 1911) and Margaret O’Dea (≈1843 – 1904) of Poulaphuca were the parents of eight children. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, House 1>
………………. 5.1 James O’Dwyer (1880 – 1948 in Chicago), no residence reported, was baptized on 6 September 1880; sponsor Mary O’Dea (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). James O’Dwyer of Poulaphuca was reported born on 15 September 1880 (after his baptism) to avoid a penalty; father’s occupation was a “weaver” (Kildysart registration). <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
James O’Dwyer, age 25, labourer, nationality “England”, race “Irish”, of Ballynacally, Ireland, arrived in New York on the SS Celtic on 13 May 1906. His destination was to his brother, Patrick O’Dwyer, of 442 45th Street.
1906 passenger listing (#6): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JFCJ-K23
James Dwyer, of 4929 Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, birth in Ireland on 2 December 1880, arrival in New York on 12 May 1906, became a U.S. citizen on 19 August 1911 at the circuit court in Cook County; witnesses were “Dave” O’Dea [should be “Daniel”] and Patrick O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue, Chicago. Not reported, but the witnesses were his first cousins.
James J. Dwyer, age 30, married Norah Murphy, age 27, on 15 October 1913 in Chicago. Norah Murphy was the sister of Lt. John Murphy of the Chicago police department whose 1958 obituary reported his birthplace as “Knockboy, Ballynacally, County Clare” and being the brother of “Mrs. Nora Dwyer and Mrs. Delia Kelly”. John (age 15), Nora (age 14) and Delia (age 13) were living with their parents, Edmond Murphy and Bridget Hehir, at Inishaellawn, Lisheen in the 1901 census:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... un/360112/
James Dwyer, and his wife Nora, were issued a USA passport on 10 June 1924 with the stated purpose “too see my parents”. In the passport application, James Dwyer reported his birth in Clare on “4 September 1882” and that his father William Dwyer was still living in Clare. He had the occupation of policeman and they lived at 4626 Calumet Avenue in Chicago. They had plans to leave on the SS Adriatic on 5 July 1924 and return within two months. James Dwyer (age 41) and Nora Dwyer (age 36) are on the passenger listing of the SS Adriatic returning to New York on 25 August 1924.
1924 passport application (right side page; go to next page for passport photo):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV5Y-WZT4
1924 passenger listing (#28, #29) https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JNHQ-LWL
James Dwyer, born 2 December 1881, policeman, son of William Dwyer and Margaret O’Day, husband of Nora Dwyer, died on 11 October 1948 (per Cook County deaths, 1871-1998):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MZ-6MHJ
DEAD AT 66
James J. Dwyer, 66 [in fact, age 68], who retired from the police department 13 years ago, after 20 years of service, died Thursday night of a heart attack in his home at 1053 E 47th St. His wife Norah survives him.
Chicago Daily News, Friday, 8 October 1948
………………. 5.2 Patrick O’Dwyer (1882 – 1955 in Chicago), of Poulaphuca, was born on 4 March 1882 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>DWYER—James Dwyer, 1053 E. 47th street, fond husband of Nora Murphy Dwyer, brother of Patrick of Chicago, Madge and William Dwyer of Ballynacally, County Clare, Ireland. Funeral from funeral home, 1222 E. 47th street, Monday, Oct. 11, at 9:30 a.m., to St. Ambrose church [1906 – 2021]. Mass 10 a.m. Interment St. Mary’s, Oakland.
Chicago Tribune, Sunday, 10 October 1948
Patrick Dwyer, age 27, from “Boyle”, left Queenstown on the SS Celtic arriving in New York on 2 April 1905. His destination was Oxford, New York (located in Chenango County, a nearby city of his uncle, Michael O’Dea, living in Preston). His contact was initially written as his brother, “Michael Dwyer”, but this name was crossed out and written above was “Patrick” with a scribbled surname, of Oxford, Shannaugh [Chenango], New York. I reckon Patrick O’Dwyer stated that he was from “Ballynacally” and the shipping clerk heard “Boyle”, located in County Roscommon, by mistake. With the obscure destination of Oxford in Chenango County, this passenger is surely Patrick O’Dwyer of Poulaphuca, Ballynacally.
1905 passenger listing (#12): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JF32-C29
In the 1910 census, Patrick Dwyer was boarding at E. 46th Street in Chicago, still an “alien”, and had the occupation of motorman in the streetcar industry. He held the same occupation through to the 1940 census.
Patrick Dwyer, “age 24”, married Margaret Browne, age 22, on 27 April 1910 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chicago (Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). When Margaret Browne Dwyer died in 1964, her obituary stated that she was the “fond sister of Ellen Doohan of County Clare” (Chicago Tribune, 21 September 1964). Ellen Browne, of Cloncolman, daughter of Michael Browne, had married Patrick Doohan of Lissycasey on 16 October 1915. Ellen Browne (age 14) was living with her father, Michael Browne, in Cloncolman, Clondegad, Clare, in the 1901 census. Margaret Browne was born on 18 November 1877 to Michael Browne and Susan Clancy of Cloncolman (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 093334.pdf
Patrick Dwyer, of 226 W. 61st Street, Chicago, birth in Ireland in 1881, arrival in New York on 2 June 1904, became a U.S. citizen on 19 August 1911 at the circuit court in Cook County; witnesses were “Dave” O’Dea [should be “Daniel”] and Patrick O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue, Chicago. Same naturalization day as his brother, James Dwyer. Not reported, but the witnesses were their first cousins. The arrival date does not agree to the 2 April 1905 passenger listing, but fairly close (and there is no arrival on 2 June 1904).
Patrick Dwyer (1882 – 1955) and Margaret Browne (1877 – 1964) of Chicago were the parents of four children:
…………………….………. 5.2.1 Katherine Dwyer (age 7 in 1920). Sister Marie Davide, O.P.
…………………….………. 5.2.2 James Dwyer (age 6 in 1920)
…………………….………. 5.2.3 Margaret Dwyer (1915 - 1954) was born on 5 September 1915, and baptized on 19 September 1915; sponsors James Coughlin and Nora [Murphy] Dwyer (per St. Leo the Great baptism register):
1915 baptism register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2YM-15FH
…………………….………. 5.2.4 Anna Mae Dwyer (age 2 in 1920)Margaret Dwyer Mackin, late of 659 W. 61st Place, beloved wife of Joseph T., loving mother of Joseph, James, Marianne, Kathleen, Michael, and Margaret Mackin, fond daughter of Patrick and Margaret Dwyer, dear sister of Sister M. Davide, O.P., James and Annamae Dwyer. . . Our Lady of Solace Church. . . Holy Sepulchre cemetery . . .
Chicago Tribune of 4 October 1954.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207 ... rick_dwyerDWYER—Patrick Dwyer, late of 6928 S. Throop street, beloved husband of Margaret, nee Browne; loving father of Sister Mary Davide, O.P., James, Annamae, and the late Margaret Mackin, dear grandfather of six, fond brother of William and Madge of County Clare, Ireland, and the late James [of Chicago]. Funeral Monday, 9 a.m., from funeral home, 7013 S. Racine avenue, to St. Brendan’s church, Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchree. Member of St. Brendan’s H.N.S.; St. Elizabeth court, No. 22, C.O.F.; Calumet council, No. 632, K. of C., and div. 241, CTA. Please omit flowers.
Chicago Tribune, Sunday, 30 January 1955
Note: this Patrick Dwyer of County Clare and later Chicago has been incorrectly “adopted” by the descendants of Michael Dwyer and Mary Sullivan of Ballyhaunis in County Mayo; the parents of 12 children including a Patrick Dwyer born on 23 August 1883, who died in Chicago on 30 June 1941.
………………. 5.3 John O’Dwyer (1883 – 1912 in Poulaphuca), of Poulaphuca was born on 15 November 1883 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver” (transcribed as “ODwver”, correction submitted). <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
John O’Dwyer, age 24, single, laborer, of Ballynacally, destination Chicago, arrived in New York on the SS Baltic on 9 May 1908. His Irish contact was his father, William O’Dwyer, of “Phoulaphuca, Ballynacally”. His USA contact was his brother James O’Dwyer, of 442 E. 46th Street, Chicago. John O’Dwyer was traveling with his cousin, Michael O’Dea, son of Patrick O’Dea, who appears right below him on the passenger listing. John O’Dwyer was likely only visiting his relatives in Chicago for a short period as he died in Clare at the age of 29 on 11 May 1912:
1908 passenger listing (#23, #24, two pages): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JXPS-23P
1912 civil death record: https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 495016.pdf
………………. 5.4 Maria O’Dwyer (1885 – 1885), of Poulaphuca was born on 29 April 1885 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. Maria died at 5 days old.
………………. 5.5 William O’Dwyer (1886 – after 1955), of Poulaphuca was born on 10 November 1886 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, House 1>
“William Dwyer” of Ballynacally was reported as a brother in the obituaries of James Dwyer (1948) and Patrick Dwyer (1955), both of Chicago.
………………. 5.6 Mary O’Dwyer (1888 – 1908), of Poulaphuca was born on 15 August 1888 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
………………. 5.7 Michael O’Dwyer (1890 – 1904), of Poulaphuca was born on 3 September 1890 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, x>
………………. 5.8 Margaret O’Dwyer (1894 – after 1955), of Poulaphuca was born on 30 January 1894 (Kildysart registration); father’s occupation reported as “weaver”. <Poulaphuca, Kilchreest, House 2, House 1>
“Madge” of Ballynacally was reported as a surviving sister in the obituaries of James Dwyer (1948) and Patrick Dwyer (1955), both of Chicago.
6.0 Jane O’Dea (<1846 – 1916 in Lanna, Clondagad)
Jane O’Dea, of Lanna, “age 21”, daughter of farmer P. O’Dea, married John Gavin, of Lavalla, age 28, son of Martin Gavin, on 14 November 1874 at the Catholic chapel of Kilchrist by the Rev. M. Quinlivan; witness Pat O’Dea and Mary Gavin (per Kildysart registration). The marriage witness was likely Jane O’Dea’s father. When married Jane O’Dea was residing at Lanna, and not the Carrowkilla residence of her father, as Lanna was the residence of her elder sister, Catherine O’Dea Clancy (≈1830 – 1903), who quite possibly also raised her.
Jane O’Dea Gavin was a sister-in-law to James Gavin, who, according to the 1913 magisterial investigation, on the 29th of January at Jail Street in Ennis had used threatening language against Michael A. MacNamara, including that he would pay £5 to get boys to “give him a clitter”. Jane O’Dea Gavin was also sister-in-law to Patrick Kelly, “the tea-man”, who was married to Bridget Gavin.
Some evidence, however slight, that Jane O’Dea (and thus also Catherine O’Dea Clancy) was the daughter of Patrick O’Dea of Carrowkilla is that her eldest daughter married a son of John McMahon of Carrowkilla. Also, there was not a Patrick O’Dea of Lanna townland which would have disproved the theory. Further evidence could have been if the children or grandchildren of John Gavin and Jane O’Dea went to visit O’Dea relatives in Chicago, but they appear to have all remained in Ireland.
Despite Jane O’Dea’s age being reported as 21 in her 1874 marriage record, her birth year is open to debate. If truly only 21 years old, then born about 1853 and possibly between August 1853 and January 1855 which has no baptism entries in the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register. However, the 1901 and 1911 census reports for Jane Gavin reflect a birth year of 1845 and 1843 respectively. And when Jane Gavin died in 1916, her reported age was 70 years on the civil death record, thus born about 1846. Her headstone at Plot B86 at Kilchreest cemetery has chiseled in stone that she was 71 years old. Thus, I’ve concluded that Jane O’Dea was more likely born prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register.
An older age at marriage might explain why John Gavin (<1846 - 1916) and Jane O’Dea (<1846 – 1916) were the parents of only three children, a small family for that time period. <Lanna, Clondagad, House 5, House 9>
………………. 6.1 Mary Gavin (1875 – 1954), no residence reported, was baptized on 8 August 1875; sponsor Catherine O’Dea (per Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Per civil birth registration, their residence was Lanna and her father was a farmer (Kildysart registration).
Mary Gavin, of Lanna, daughter of John Gavin, married Patrick McMahon, of Carhukilla, son of John McMahon (deceased) [and Anne Roache per 1873 baptism], on 17 February 1903 at the Catholic church at Lissycasey by the curate William Foley; witnesses Eugene O’Shea and Catherine McMahon (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 722855.pdf
Patrick McMahon (1873 - 1944) and Mary Gavin (1875 – 1954) <Lanna, Clondegad, House 5; Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 2> were the parents of three children:
…………………….………. 6.1.1 Bridget McMahon (1903 - 1972) <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, x, House 2> married Thomas Ronan, of Music Hall, Lissycasey, son of John Ronan, on 11 April 1944 at the Catholic church at Ballycorrick by the parish priest Patrick O’Reilly; witnesses Patrick Gavin and Mary McMahon (Kildysart registration).
…………………….………. 6.1.2 John McMahon (1907 – 1990 per Kilchreest cemetery) <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, x, House 2>
…………………….………. 6.1.3 Mary McMahon (1914 – 1987 per Kilchreest cemetery), of Carrowkilla, was born on 31 January 1914 (Kildysart registration).
………………. 6.2 Patrick Gavin (1879 – 1967 per Kilchreest cemetery), no residence reported, was baptized on 28 December 1879; sponsor Mary Quinlivan (per Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). Patrick Gavin, of Lanna, was reportedly born on 20 January 1880 (one month after his baptism), father’s occupation was farmer (Kildysart registration). <Lanna, Clondagad, House 5, House 9>
Patrick Gavin, age 30, of Lanna, Ballynacally, son of John Gavin, married Anne McGuane, age 28, of Gurtygeehan, Lissycasey, daughter of John McGuane [and Anne Griffin per 1877 baptism], on 2 February 1910 at the Catholic Church of Lissycasey by the parish priest A. Clancy; witnesses Patrick O’Dea and Kate McGuane (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 627936.pdf
Patrick Gavin (1879 – 1967) and Anne McGuane (1877 – 1963) of Lanna were the parents of three children:
…………………….………. 6.2.1 Mary Gavin (1913 – after 1944), of Lanna, was born on 18 September 1913 (Kildysart registration). Mary Anne Gavin, daughter of Patrick Galvin of Leanna, Lissycasey, married Patrick Collins, of Reiskavanagher (sp?), Newmarket, son of John Collins, on 29 August 1944, at the Catholic church at Newmarket-on-Fergus, by the curate J. Hayes; witnesses Patrick Hamill and Mary Collins (Ennis civil registration).
…………………….………. 6.2.2 Michael Gavin (1916 - 1955), of Lanna, was born on 2 July 1916 (Kildysart registration). Died on 22 June 1955 per civil death record, informant his father Patrick Gavin; headstone transcription states 22 Jan 1967.
…………………….………. 6.2.3 Patrick Gavin (1919 – 1986 per Kilchreest cemetery), of Lanna, was born on 5 September 1919 (Kildysart registration).
………………. 6.3 Michael Gavin (1883 – 1885), of Lanna, was born on 22 November 1883, father’s occupation was farmer (Kildysart registration). Michael died on 7 March 1885.
7.0 Patrick O’Dea (<1846 or ≈1851 – 1930 in Carrowkilla)
To be continued,
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890) and Mary _______ (≈1811 – 1876) of Carrowkilla, Kilchreest Civil Parish, Continued,
7.0 Patrick O’Dea (<1846 or ≈1851 – 1930 in Carrowkilla)
Pat ODea, age 28, farmer, of Kilchreest, son of Pat O’Dea (living), married Ellen McMahon, age 21, daughter of farmer John McMahon, of Ballynacally, on 25 February 1879 at the Catholic chapel at Kilchreest by the Rev. M. Quinlivan; witnesses Patrick O’Dea and Bridget McMahon (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 046514.pdf
Patrick O’Dea’s year of birth was consistently reported as about 1851 on his 1879 marriage record, the 1901 and 1911 census reports, his 1930 civil death record, and on his headstone at Kilchreest cemetery. His wife, Ellen McMahon, was baptized on January 1859, the daughter of John McMahon and Anne Roache (whose house was also attacked by moonlighters in 1889). She was much younger than him. Did Patrick O’Dea (or his wife) consistently fib his age to appear younger and was Patrick O’Dea, in fact, born prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register?
Patrick O’Dea (≈1851 - 1930) and Ellen McMahon (1859 - 1944) of Carrowkilla (or commonly, “Carhukilla”) were the parents of ten children. <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
………………. 7.1 John O’Dea (1880 – 1950 in Ballynacally), no residence reported, was baptized on 14 January 1880; sponsors John O’Dea and Mary McMahon (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). John O’Dea, of Carrowkilla, was born on 13 January 1880, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
In the 1901 census, John O’Dea (age 20) was living on his father’s Carrowkilla farm and reported as a “farm labourer”. By the 1911 census, John (age 31) was still living with his father but his occupation was now “master harness maker”. There were 42 men with the occupation of “harness maker” in County Clare in the 1911 census, of which only two were reported as “master”. Where did John O’Dea, the son of a farmer, learn to become a harness maker? Was this skill learned in New York, in the small village of Norwich in County Chenango?
John O’Dea, age 22, last residence “Cahurkulla”, nationality (county) of “Mayo” [??], destination New York, fair paid for by uncle, arrived in Philadelphia on the SS Haverford on 1 June 1903. His U.S. contact was his uncle, Michael O’Dea, of Oxford, Chenango County, New York. Written across several columns, referring to Michael O’Dea was “There [Oxford] 13 years, heard [from] 2 months ago”.
1903 passenger listing (#4): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23QJ-JDN
I knew that John O’Dea of “Cahurkilla” had gone to Oxford in Chenango County in the early 1900’s since he was the contact living in nearby Norwich for his brother, Thomas O’Dea, who arrived in New York on 25 May 1905. Very odd that the passenger listing stated that John O’Dea was from County Mayo and not County Clare, but it was clearly a mistake.
In the 1905 NY state census, “John O’Dray”, age 24 (transcribed in error as “34”), born in the “US” (an error by census taker), was boarding in the household of James Neville in Norwich, Chenango County, NY. James Neville was married to John O’Day’s NY born cousin, Fanny O’Day, the daughter of Michael O’Day and Honor Cleary who lived in Preston, NY (see 3.0 above). John O’Day’s occupation was “harness” followed by scribbled words:
1905 census (left side, row 18): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV18-JJ7
There were eight different saddle and harness makers in the village of Norwich according to the 1869/1870 directory. William C. Main (1832 – 1918) of Norwich was said to have been the “largest dealer in harness, trunks and bags in Chenango County” according to his 1898 biography:
https://chenango.nygenweb.net/books/69nrwch.htm
http://www.usgenweb.info/nychenango/books/1898-m.htm
By the 1911 Irish census, John O’Dea had returned to Carrowkilla and now had the occupation of “harness maker master”.
1926 Census: TBD in April 2026.
John O’Dea may have moved to Ballynacally Village by 1926. In a recent Clare Echo news article entitled “Estuary Way Café brings new life to Ballynacally”, a local historian (Mary Hester) listed who lived at each of the four houses that made up the “Range Cottages” located at the village’s Fair Green: “These houses were originally built by the Ball family who were local landlords. Usually, employees on the Ball estate lived there. House Number 1 was owned by the O’Dea family and latterly John O’Dea worked here as a harness maker. . . .” (Clare Echo, 12 August 2020).
https://www.clareecho.ie/estuary-way-ca ... lynacally/
John O’Dea, of Ballynacally, age 70, single, harness maker, died on 15 December 1950; informant brother Dan O’Dea (1951 Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 185993.pdf
………………. 7.2 Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951 in Chicago) of “Carhukilla”, was born on 27 January 1882, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, x>
Thomas O’Day, age 22, a labourer, of “Carhucalla”, arrived in New York on the SS Teutonic on 25 May 1905. His destination was his brother, John O’Day, who lived at 32 Birdsall Street, Norwich, New York. Thomas O’Dea appears to have been travelling with Michael Doody from Lavalla who was going to his brother in Kansas City.
1905 passenger listing (#7): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JFQG-YXQ
In the 1910 census, Irish born Thomas O’Dea (age 28, USA arrival in 1905) and Michael O’Dea (age 25, USA arrival in 1908) were living in the household of Mrs. Mary O’Dea Fee, on Madison Avenue in Chicago, and were accurately reported as “cousin”.
Thomas O’Dea, of 1257 E. 46th Street in Chicago, with a reported birth date of 10 December 1882, became a U.S. citizen on 17 October 1913. Date of arrival in U.S. was 25 May 1905. His two witnesses were his Irish born and U.S. citizen cousins, Dan O’Dea and Pat O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue.
Thomas O’Dea, age 31, married Katie Moroney, age 25, on 18 February 1914, in Chicago (Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). Upon her marriage to a U.S. citizen, Kate Moroney automatically became a U.S. citizen (this was not the case when a foreign born man married an American woman; there is no longer automatic U.S. citizenship by marriage for anyone).
1914 Cook County marriage index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N7Z9-KTT
Kate Moroney was born in Limerick according to the Illinois birth record of her son in 1922. In the 1920 census, John Moroney (age 28) was living in Chicago with his sister Mrs. Kittie O’Dea (age 33) in the O’Dea household; and according to his 1911 passenger listing was from Herbertstown, Limerick. Both siblings were living with their parents in the 1901 census in Herbertstown:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... _/1490798/
Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951) and Kate Moroney (1886 – 1941) of Chicago lived at Langley Street in 1920 and St. Lawrence Avenue in 1930 and 1940; they were the parents of seven children:
…………………….………. 7.2.1 Elizabeth O’Dea (age 15 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.2 Mary Ellen O’Dea (age 11 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.3 Kathleen O’Dea (age 8 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.4 Peter O’Dea (age 7 in 1930), born 17 November 1922 per Illinois birth index; father Thomas O’Dea reported birthplace of “Ballynacally”, mother Catherine Moroney birthplace of “Limerick”.
…………………….………. 7.2.5 Frances O’Dea (age 5 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.6 Patrick O’Dea (age 2 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.7 Claire O’Dea (age 9 in 1940)
Michael O’Dea, age 24, born Ballynacally, destination Chicago, arrived in New York on the SS Baltic on 9 May 1908. His Irish contact was his father, Patrick O’Dea, of “Coherkilla, Ballynacally, Clare”. His U.S. contact was his brother, Thomas, of Flat K, 5449 Lake Avenue, Chicago. Michael O’Dea was travelling with his first cousin, John O’Dwyer, also from Ballynacally (see 5.3 above).
1908 passenger listing (#23, #24): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JXPS-235
In the 1910 census, Irish born Michael O’Dea (age 25, USA arrival in 1908) and Thomas O’Dea (age 28, USA arrival in 1905) were living in the household of their cousin, Mary O’Dea Fee, on Madison Avenue in Chicago.
Michael O’Dea, of 1257 E. 46th Street in Chicago, with a reported birth date of 10 July 1886, became a U.S. citizen on 17 October 1913. Date of arrival in U.S. was 9 May 1908. His two witnesses were his Irish born and U.S. citizen cousins, Dan O’Dea and Pat O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue.
Michael J. O’Day, age 33, married Della Neylon, age 29, on 30 October 1917 in Chicago (per Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). The Catholic marriage register of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church reported the priest as Edward O’Brien and the witnesses as James Fitzgerald and Catherine Hogan:
St. Patrick’s marriage register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-78C1
When Mrs. Della O’Dea, wife of Michael, died on 25 July 1942, her Cook County death certificate reported her age as “51 years” (in fact, age 63), birthplace as County Clare, and father as “Patrick Neylon”. Her sister Nellie Kearns (age 56, a widow) was living with the O’Dea family in Chicago in the 1940 census. Nellie Kearns had returned to Ireland in 1908 to visit her father, Patrick Neylon, of Ennistymon. The specific townland, transcribed as “Mary”, was difficult to read on the passenger listing and appeared to be more like “Shary”. Nellie Kearns had returned to Clare as her father was dying. Patrick Neylon, of Skagh, married, laborer, age 73, died on 30 December 1908; informant his son Thomas Neylon (1909 Ennisytmon registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 529961.pdf
Brid Neylon, no residence reported, daughter of Pat Neylon and Anne Tierney, was baptized on 9 December 1877; sponsors John Keating and Mary Leahy (Inagh-Kilnamona baptisms, 1865-1880). Per the Ennistymon civil birth registration, Bridget Neylon was born on 28 December 1877 (reported late to avoid a penalty) and residence was “Skeagh”, and her father was a “farmer”. Bridget Neylon, age 22, was living with her family in Skeaghvickincrow, Cloonanaha townland in Clare in the 1901 census:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 088991.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... w/1073879/
Michael O’Dea (1884 – 1942) and Bridget Neylon (1877 – 1942) of Chicago were the parents of two children. Michael O’Dea was a machinist in the steam railroad industry according to census reports.
…………………….………. 7.3.1 Eileen O’Dea (age 8 in 1930 census)
…………………….………. 7.3.2 Michael O’Dea, Jr. (age 6 in 1930 census)
Mary O’Dea, age 20, of “Ballynacally Co. Clare”, destination Chicago, arrived in Boston on the SS Cymric on 5 May 1911. Nearest relative back in Ireland was her father, Patrick O’Dea, of Ballynacally. She was travelling with her younger sister, Fanny O’Dea, age 18.
1911 Passenger Listing (#15): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XQ-6M3
On 5 April 1922, Marie O’Dea applied for a USA passport in order to visit Ireland to “see her parents”; her father Patrick O’Dea was reported to be residing in Clare, Ireland. She had become a U.S. citizen in April 1919. The travel plan was to leave from New York on 19 May 1922. The witness on her passport application was Mary Walsh Sheahan, a telegraph operator living at 2912 West 38th Street in Chicago. Mary O’Dea and Mary Sheahan would have been school chums back in Clare. Mary Walsh Sheahan was born on 8 May 1888 to Connor Sheahan and Honor Walsh of Tonlegee townland. In the 1920 census, Mary Sheehan, age 30, single, born in Ireland, telegraph operator, was living at the West 38th address in Chicago along with her two American born cousins. One American cousin was Walter Hanrahan, age 36, the son of Martin Hanrahan and Ellen Walsh. Elleanor Walsh Hanrahan (born 1848; ≈1858 per USA records) and Honor Walsh Sheahan (born 1851) were the daughters of Richard Walsh and Honor Ryan (per Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms). Mary W. Sheahan born in Tonlegee was likely a cousin of some sort to Michael Sheahan of Tonlegee who was arrested in 1913 for the shooting into the home of Michael A. MacNamara of Leamnaleaha.
1922 passport application (right side page; go to next page for passport photo):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV5B-3KVN
Mary O’Dea (age 31) and her sister, Frances O’Dea (age 26), returned to Clare in May 1922 for a family visit and arrived back in New York on 22 October 1922 on the SS Baltic.
1922 passenger listing (#19 and #20): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JNJY-3QQ
Mary O’Day and her two surviving siblings in Chicago were named in the obituary of their maternal uncle, Martin J. McMahon (1882 – 1944), the much younger brother of their mother, Ellen McMahon O’Dea (1859 – 1944):
In the 1950 census, Mary O’Dea (age 63) was living with sister, Frances O’Dea (age 57), on Ellis Avenue in Chicago.
Patrick O’Dea, age 30, single, farm labourer, of Ennis, County Clare [the nearest city or town] arrived in Philadelphia on the SS Haverford on 26 August 1920. His Irish contact was his father Patrick O’Dea, of “Carhukilla, Ballynacally, Ennis, Co. Clare”. His destination was his sister (“bro +” also scribbled in), Catherine O’Dea, c/o Mrs. R. Fee, of 1418 E. 65th Place, Chicago, Illinois [Mrs. Mary Fee was his cousin].
1926 Census: TBD in April 2026. Patrick O’Dea had likely returned to Carrowkilla by the 1926 census; he does not appear in Chicago records. Patrick O’Dea, of Carrowkilla, bachelor, age 72, occupation brick layer, died at Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis on 11 June 1962.
………………. 7.6 Frances “Fanny” O’Dea (1893 – 1970 in Chicago), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 18 January 1893, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
Fanny O’Dea, age 18, of “Ballynacally Co. Clare”, destination Chicago, arrived in Boston on the SS Cymric on 5 May 1911. Nearest relative back in Ireland was her father, Patrick O’Dea, of Ballynacally. She was travelling with her older sister, Mary O’Dea, age 20.
1911 Passenger Listing (#16): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XQ-6M3
In the 1920 census, Frances Oday, age 28, occupation bookkeeper in a law office, was boarding with the Fitzgerald family in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Frances O’Dea, of El Paso, Illinois, with a reported birth date of 15 September 1896, became a U.S. citizen on 5 April 1921 in a court in Woodford County, Illinois. Date of arrival in U.S. and witnesses were left blank.
Why was Fanny O’Dea living in El Paso, Illinois, a small “city” (the population has never exceeded 3,000) located 125 miles southwest of Chicago? Was she possibly related to the Fitzgerald family? Mike Fitzgerald (age 67 in 1920) was born in Illinois. Bridget Fitzgerald (age 70 in 1920) was born in Ireland and her maiden name was “Murtagh”, a surname that appears in County Clare records. Honor Murtagh was baptized on 2 December 1846 in Clondagad and Kilchreest Parish, parents Thomas Murtagh and Honor O’Dea. See prior discussion on Murtagh family at 2.4 above.
One year after becoming a U.S. citizen, and while still living in El Paso, Frances O’Dea applied for a USA passport at the U.S. district court at Peoria, Illinois, on 10 April 1922. Her intent was to leave New York on 1 May 1922 to travel to the British Isles. Her father, Patrick O’Dea, was living at “Carhukilla, Ireland”.
1922 passport application (right side page; go to next page for passport photo):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKDF-RF3X
In the 1930 census, Frances O’Dea (age 33) was living with her sister, Catherine O’Dea (age 32), at 4721 Ellis Avenue in Chicago; they were both stenographers. Their apartment was located in the Hyde Park adjacent neighborhood of Kenwood, not far from the University of Chicago; Frances had the same address in the 1950 census.
In 1947 Frances O’Dea (age 50) and his sister, Marie O’Dea (age 57), once again returned to Ireland for a family visit, returning to New York on the SS Mauretania on 24 November 1947:
1947 passenger listing (#16, #17): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:245C-N7L
In the 1950 census, Frances O’Dea, age 57, was a secretary for a building contractor, and living with her sister, Marie O’Dea (age 62), still in her apartment at 4721 S. Ellis Avenue.
1950 census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6X16-FX1W
In the 1901 census, Catherine O’Dea, age 7, was living in Carrowkilla with the widow Anne McMahon (age 62), who was her grandmother although Catherine was reported as a “visitor”. Also in the household were three unmarried children of Anne McMahon. Her children included Catherine McMahon who will marry James Conlon of Corebeg, Doora, in 1904; and Patrick McMahon who in 1903 will Mary Gavin, who I believe was a granddaughter of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075575/
In the 1911 census, Kate O’Dea, age 15, was living with her aunt’s family, Kate McMahon Conlon (a mother of five young boys), in Corebeg, Doora (transcribed as “Canlon” in error; correction submitted).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... eg/354320/
Katherine O’Dea, age 20, of Ballynacally, Ennis, arrived in New York on 4 June 1916 on the SS New York. Her Irish contact was her father, Patrick O’Dea; her USA contact was her sister, Maria O’Dea, of Park Avenue, Chicago (her destination).
1916 passenger listing (#6): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JJ4L-4ZF
In the 1920 census, Catherine O’Dea (a stenographer, born in “Illinois” in error, age 21) was living with her cousin, Maria O’Dea Fee, at East 65th Place in Chicago.
Catherine Teresa O’Dea of 1566 E. 62nd St., became a U.S. citizen on 3 January 1924, reporting her birth date as 25 April 1897; arrival in U.S. on 4 June 1916; one witness was Frances O’Dea at the same address.
In the 1930 census, Catherine O’Dea (age 31) was living with her sister, Frances O’Dea (age 33), in Ellis Avenue in Chicago; they were both stenographers.
Catherine O’Dea returned to Ireland where on 27 October 1932 she married Patrick Sharry of Lisheen at the Catholic Church at Ballycorrick:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 236592.pdf
“Mrs. Patrick Sharry” of Ireland on 1956 obituary of sister Marie O’Dea of Chicago; “Catherine Sharry” on 1970 obituary of sister Fanny O’Dea, also of Chicago.
………………. 7.8 Ellen O’Dea (1898 – after 1970), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 12 January 1898, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
“Mrs. Patrick Daffy” of Ireland on 1956 obituary of sister Marie O’Dea of Chicago; “Lena Daffy” on 1970 obituary of sister Fanny O’Dea, also of Chicago.
………………. 7.9 Daniel O’Dea (1900 – after 1970), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 14 March 1900, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
………………. 7.10 James O’Dea (1904 – after 1970), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 21 April 1904, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, x, House 7>
***********************************
It was interesting that Thomas O’Dea (≈1832-1875), the eldest of the sons of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797-1890) of Carrowkilla was the herdsman / farm laborer. And it was the younger son, Patrick O’Dea (≈1851-1930) who would inherit the farm. Did Thomas lose the right to “inherit” the farm when he left the household to work as a laborer for others (per the civil birth records of his younger children, Thomas moved around a bit). As the elder son did he have the right to Carrowkilla to take over his father’s farm? Unfortunately, we will never know the answer to that question as Thomas O’Dea died in 1875, fifteen years prior to his father in 1890.
From the O’Dea family tree, it appears that the children of a farm laborer were far more likely to emigrate from Ireland as they would not inherit the land. And none of the six children of Thomas O’Dea (≈1832-1875) who settled in Chicago appear to have ever returned to Ireland as their parents were deceased and they had no siblings living there.
The opposite was true for Patrick O’Dea (≈1851-1930) and Ellen McMahon (1859-1944), who both reached an old age and remained on the Carrowkilla farm. Their ten children all reached adulthood. Three of their youngest children never left Clare. Seven of their children went to America; three of whom returned to Ireland permanently; two returned for family visits, twice; and two settled in Chicago and never returned to Ireland. The two O’Dea children who never returned to Ireland were married with children; the two who returned for two family visits were single and never married.
It was similar scenario for the eight children of William Dwyer (≈1841 – after 1911) and Margaret O’Dea Dwyer (≈1843 – 1904), although one child died in infancy and two children died very young. Of the five remaining, the three eldest went to Chicago; one returned permanently, one (married, no children) returned for a visit, and one (married, with children) never returned to visit Ireland. Their two youngest children remained in Clare, and their son inherited the farm.
Of the three children of Thomas O’Dea (≈1832-1875), two children of Margaret O’Dea Dwyer (≈1843-1904), and two children of Patrick O’Dea (≈1851-1930), who remained in Chicago and married, their seven spouses were all Irish born (six brides and one groom). Five brides were born in County Clare, one bride in adjacent County Limerick, and one groom somewhere in Ulster province. Of the five brides born in County Clare, two were from the same Clondagad and Kilchreest parish as their husband, and three from outside parishes.
Of the eight grandsons of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797-1890) who remained in Chicago, only James Dwyer (1880-1948) would become a policeman for the City of Chicago. His brother-in-law, John Murphy, was a lieutenant in the Chicago Police Department. Another grandson, Patrick J. O’Dea (≈1860-1932) had the occupation of “Special Policeman” and worked for “Private Families” according to census reports. The brother-in-law of Thomas O’Dea (1882-1951), John J. Moroney (age 28), was living with the O’Dea family in 1920 and reported his occupation as a policeman for the City of Chicago. Thomas O’Dea’s young uncle, Martin J. McMahon (1882-1944), was also a policeman for the City of Chicago.
Sergeant James Dwyer (1880-1948) and the others were policemen in Chicago during the prohibition era which was famous for its gangland violence. In particular, the Italian “Chicago Outfit” led by Al Capone against their “Irish” rivals, the North Side Gang led by Bugs Moran. The famous St. Valentine’s Massacre, which targeted the North Side Gang (its victims don’t sound very Irish), took place on 14 February 1929.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Val ... y_Massacre
The Chicago Tribune of 26 October 1930 had the headline “Bandit Suspects Caught in Chase on Michigan Ave” with a great photo of six standing Chicago policemen who made the arrests, all with Irish sounding surnames: “Sergt. Joe Hoban, Detective James Dorsey, Sergt. James Dwyer, Detective Martin Joyce, Sergt. William Tobin, and Detective Ed Kelly”. The three young men sitting in the photo all had very Italian sounding surnames: Bennie Fellichio (age 19), Angelo Cirousa (21), and John Paldo (21), who, of course, were innocent until proven guilty.
1930 Police Photo with Sergeant James Dwyer: [add later, no space]
To be continued,
7.0 Patrick O’Dea (<1846 or ≈1851 – 1930 in Carrowkilla)
Pat ODea, age 28, farmer, of Kilchreest, son of Pat O’Dea (living), married Ellen McMahon, age 21, daughter of farmer John McMahon, of Ballynacally, on 25 February 1879 at the Catholic chapel at Kilchreest by the Rev. M. Quinlivan; witnesses Patrick O’Dea and Bridget McMahon (Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 046514.pdf
Patrick O’Dea’s year of birth was consistently reported as about 1851 on his 1879 marriage record, the 1901 and 1911 census reports, his 1930 civil death record, and on his headstone at Kilchreest cemetery. His wife, Ellen McMahon, was baptized on January 1859, the daughter of John McMahon and Anne Roache (whose house was also attacked by moonlighters in 1889). She was much younger than him. Did Patrick O’Dea (or his wife) consistently fib his age to appear younger and was Patrick O’Dea, in fact, born prior to the 1846 start of the Clondagad and Kilchreest baptism register?
Patrick O’Dea (≈1851 - 1930) and Ellen McMahon (1859 - 1944) of Carrowkilla (or commonly, “Carhukilla”) were the parents of ten children. <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
………………. 7.1 John O’Dea (1880 – 1950 in Ballynacally), no residence reported, was baptized on 14 January 1880; sponsors John O’Dea and Mary McMahon (Clondagad and Keelchrist baptisms, 1846-1881). John O’Dea, of Carrowkilla, was born on 13 January 1880, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
In the 1901 census, John O’Dea (age 20) was living on his father’s Carrowkilla farm and reported as a “farm labourer”. By the 1911 census, John (age 31) was still living with his father but his occupation was now “master harness maker”. There were 42 men with the occupation of “harness maker” in County Clare in the 1911 census, of which only two were reported as “master”. Where did John O’Dea, the son of a farmer, learn to become a harness maker? Was this skill learned in New York, in the small village of Norwich in County Chenango?
John O’Dea, age 22, last residence “Cahurkulla”, nationality (county) of “Mayo” [??], destination New York, fair paid for by uncle, arrived in Philadelphia on the SS Haverford on 1 June 1903. His U.S. contact was his uncle, Michael O’Dea, of Oxford, Chenango County, New York. Written across several columns, referring to Michael O’Dea was “There [Oxford] 13 years, heard [from] 2 months ago”.
1903 passenger listing (#4): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23QJ-JDN
I knew that John O’Dea of “Cahurkilla” had gone to Oxford in Chenango County in the early 1900’s since he was the contact living in nearby Norwich for his brother, Thomas O’Dea, who arrived in New York on 25 May 1905. Very odd that the passenger listing stated that John O’Dea was from County Mayo and not County Clare, but it was clearly a mistake.
In the 1905 NY state census, “John O’Dray”, age 24 (transcribed in error as “34”), born in the “US” (an error by census taker), was boarding in the household of James Neville in Norwich, Chenango County, NY. James Neville was married to John O’Day’s NY born cousin, Fanny O’Day, the daughter of Michael O’Day and Honor Cleary who lived in Preston, NY (see 3.0 above). John O’Day’s occupation was “harness” followed by scribbled words:
1905 census (left side, row 18): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MV18-JJ7
There were eight different saddle and harness makers in the village of Norwich according to the 1869/1870 directory. William C. Main (1832 – 1918) of Norwich was said to have been the “largest dealer in harness, trunks and bags in Chenango County” according to his 1898 biography:
https://chenango.nygenweb.net/books/69nrwch.htm
http://www.usgenweb.info/nychenango/books/1898-m.htm
By the 1911 Irish census, John O’Dea had returned to Carrowkilla and now had the occupation of “harness maker master”.
1926 Census: TBD in April 2026.
John O’Dea may have moved to Ballynacally Village by 1926. In a recent Clare Echo news article entitled “Estuary Way Café brings new life to Ballynacally”, a local historian (Mary Hester) listed who lived at each of the four houses that made up the “Range Cottages” located at the village’s Fair Green: “These houses were originally built by the Ball family who were local landlords. Usually, employees on the Ball estate lived there. House Number 1 was owned by the O’Dea family and latterly John O’Dea worked here as a harness maker. . . .” (Clare Echo, 12 August 2020).
https://www.clareecho.ie/estuary-way-ca ... lynacally/
John O’Dea, of Ballynacally, age 70, single, harness maker, died on 15 December 1950; informant brother Dan O’Dea (1951 Kildysart registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 185993.pdf
………………. 7.2 Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951 in Chicago) of “Carhukilla”, was born on 27 January 1882, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, x>
Thomas O’Day, age 22, a labourer, of “Carhucalla”, arrived in New York on the SS Teutonic on 25 May 1905. His destination was his brother, John O’Day, who lived at 32 Birdsall Street, Norwich, New York. Thomas O’Dea appears to have been travelling with Michael Doody from Lavalla who was going to his brother in Kansas City.
1905 passenger listing (#7): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JFQG-YXQ
In the 1910 census, Irish born Thomas O’Dea (age 28, USA arrival in 1905) and Michael O’Dea (age 25, USA arrival in 1908) were living in the household of Mrs. Mary O’Dea Fee, on Madison Avenue in Chicago, and were accurately reported as “cousin”.
Thomas O’Dea, of 1257 E. 46th Street in Chicago, with a reported birth date of 10 December 1882, became a U.S. citizen on 17 October 1913. Date of arrival in U.S. was 25 May 1905. His two witnesses were his Irish born and U.S. citizen cousins, Dan O’Dea and Pat O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue.
Thomas O’Dea, age 31, married Katie Moroney, age 25, on 18 February 1914, in Chicago (Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). Upon her marriage to a U.S. citizen, Kate Moroney automatically became a U.S. citizen (this was not the case when a foreign born man married an American woman; there is no longer automatic U.S. citizenship by marriage for anyone).
1914 Cook County marriage index: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N7Z9-KTT
Kate Moroney was born in Limerick according to the Illinois birth record of her son in 1922. In the 1920 census, John Moroney (age 28) was living in Chicago with his sister Mrs. Kittie O’Dea (age 33) in the O’Dea household; and according to his 1911 passenger listing was from Herbertstown, Limerick. Both siblings were living with their parents in the 1901 census in Herbertstown:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... _/1490798/
Thomas O’Dea (1882 – 1951) and Kate Moroney (1886 – 1941) of Chicago lived at Langley Street in 1920 and St. Lawrence Avenue in 1930 and 1940; they were the parents of seven children:
…………………….………. 7.2.1 Elizabeth O’Dea (age 15 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.2 Mary Ellen O’Dea (age 11 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.3 Kathleen O’Dea (age 8 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.4 Peter O’Dea (age 7 in 1930), born 17 November 1922 per Illinois birth index; father Thomas O’Dea reported birthplace of “Ballynacally”, mother Catherine Moroney birthplace of “Limerick”.
…………………….………. 7.2.5 Frances O’Dea (age 5 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.6 Patrick O’Dea (age 2 in 1930)
…………………….………. 7.2.7 Claire O’Dea (age 9 in 1940)
………………. 7.3 Michael O’Dea (1884 – 1942 in Chicago) of “Carhukilla”, was born on 21 October 1884, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, x>O’DEA—Thomas O’Dea, June 5, 1951, beloved husband of the late Catherine, nee Moroney, father of Elizabeth Sheffner, Mary Ellen McKenna, Kathleen Lampe, Frances Schaft, Claire Trein, Peter, and Patrick O’Dea, brother of Marie, Frances, and the late Michael O’Dea [siblings living in Ireland not reported], grandfather of 14. Funeral Friday, 9:30 a.m., from chapel, 7705 Cottage Grove avenue, to St. Columbus church, mass 10 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre cemetery.
Chicago Tribune, Thursday, 7 June 1951
Michael O’Dea, age 24, born Ballynacally, destination Chicago, arrived in New York on the SS Baltic on 9 May 1908. His Irish contact was his father, Patrick O’Dea, of “Coherkilla, Ballynacally, Clare”. His U.S. contact was his brother, Thomas, of Flat K, 5449 Lake Avenue, Chicago. Michael O’Dea was travelling with his first cousin, John O’Dwyer, also from Ballynacally (see 5.3 above).
1908 passenger listing (#23, #24): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JXPS-235
In the 1910 census, Irish born Michael O’Dea (age 25, USA arrival in 1908) and Thomas O’Dea (age 28, USA arrival in 1905) were living in the household of their cousin, Mary O’Dea Fee, on Madison Avenue in Chicago.
Michael O’Dea, of 1257 E. 46th Street in Chicago, with a reported birth date of 10 July 1886, became a U.S. citizen on 17 October 1913. Date of arrival in U.S. was 9 May 1908. His two witnesses were his Irish born and U.S. citizen cousins, Dan O’Dea and Pat O’Dea of 4737 Langley Avenue.
Michael J. O’Day, age 33, married Della Neylon, age 29, on 30 October 1917 in Chicago (per Cook County marriage index, 1871-1920). The Catholic marriage register of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church reported the priest as Edward O’Brien and the witnesses as James Fitzgerald and Catherine Hogan:
St. Patrick’s marriage register: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2Y9-78C1
When Mrs. Della O’Dea, wife of Michael, died on 25 July 1942, her Cook County death certificate reported her age as “51 years” (in fact, age 63), birthplace as County Clare, and father as “Patrick Neylon”. Her sister Nellie Kearns (age 56, a widow) was living with the O’Dea family in Chicago in the 1940 census. Nellie Kearns had returned to Ireland in 1908 to visit her father, Patrick Neylon, of Ennistymon. The specific townland, transcribed as “Mary”, was difficult to read on the passenger listing and appeared to be more like “Shary”. Nellie Kearns had returned to Clare as her father was dying. Patrick Neylon, of Skagh, married, laborer, age 73, died on 30 December 1908; informant his son Thomas Neylon (1909 Ennisytmon registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 529961.pdf
Brid Neylon, no residence reported, daughter of Pat Neylon and Anne Tierney, was baptized on 9 December 1877; sponsors John Keating and Mary Leahy (Inagh-Kilnamona baptisms, 1865-1880). Per the Ennistymon civil birth registration, Bridget Neylon was born on 28 December 1877 (reported late to avoid a penalty) and residence was “Skeagh”, and her father was a “farmer”. Bridget Neylon, age 22, was living with her family in Skeaghvickincrow, Cloonanaha townland in Clare in the 1901 census:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 088991.pdf
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... w/1073879/
Michael O’Dea (1884 – 1942) and Bridget Neylon (1877 – 1942) of Chicago were the parents of two children. Michael O’Dea was a machinist in the steam railroad industry according to census reports.
…………………….………. 7.3.1 Eileen O’Dea (age 8 in 1930 census)
…………………….………. 7.3.2 Michael O’Dea, Jr. (age 6 in 1930 census)
………………. 7.4 Mary O’Dea (1887 – 1956 in Chicago) of “Carhukilla”, was born on 20 April 1887, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>O’DEA—Michael J. O’Dea, Dec. 14, of 9316 Yates avenue, beloved husband of the late Della (nee Neylon), fond father of Eileen and Michael Jr., son of Ellen and the late Patrick, brother of Mrs. P. Sharry, Mrs. P. Duffy [Daffy in later O’Dea obits], John, Patrick, Dan, and James of County Clare, Ireland; Thomas, Marie, and Frances O’Dea of Chicago. Funeral Thursday, Dec. 17, 9:30 a.m., from chapel, 7705 Cottage Grove avenue, to St. Ailbe’s church, 90th and Harper. Burial Holy Sepulchre.
Chicago Daily News, 15 December 1942
Mary O’Dea, age 20, of “Ballynacally Co. Clare”, destination Chicago, arrived in Boston on the SS Cymric on 5 May 1911. Nearest relative back in Ireland was her father, Patrick O’Dea, of Ballynacally. She was travelling with her younger sister, Fanny O’Dea, age 18.
1911 Passenger Listing (#15): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XQ-6M3
On 5 April 1922, Marie O’Dea applied for a USA passport in order to visit Ireland to “see her parents”; her father Patrick O’Dea was reported to be residing in Clare, Ireland. She had become a U.S. citizen in April 1919. The travel plan was to leave from New York on 19 May 1922. The witness on her passport application was Mary Walsh Sheahan, a telegraph operator living at 2912 West 38th Street in Chicago. Mary O’Dea and Mary Sheahan would have been school chums back in Clare. Mary Walsh Sheahan was born on 8 May 1888 to Connor Sheahan and Honor Walsh of Tonlegee townland. In the 1920 census, Mary Sheehan, age 30, single, born in Ireland, telegraph operator, was living at the West 38th address in Chicago along with her two American born cousins. One American cousin was Walter Hanrahan, age 36, the son of Martin Hanrahan and Ellen Walsh. Elleanor Walsh Hanrahan (born 1848; ≈1858 per USA records) and Honor Walsh Sheahan (born 1851) were the daughters of Richard Walsh and Honor Ryan (per Clondagad and Kilchreest baptisms). Mary W. Sheahan born in Tonlegee was likely a cousin of some sort to Michael Sheahan of Tonlegee who was arrested in 1913 for the shooting into the home of Michael A. MacNamara of Leamnaleaha.
1922 passport application (right side page; go to next page for passport photo):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV5B-3KVN
Mary O’Dea (age 31) and her sister, Frances O’Dea (age 26), returned to Clare in May 1922 for a family visit and arrived back in New York on 22 October 1922 on the SS Baltic.
1922 passenger listing (#19 and #20): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JNJY-3QQ
Mary O’Day and her two surviving siblings in Chicago were named in the obituary of their maternal uncle, Martin J. McMahon (1882 – 1944), the much younger brother of their mother, Ellen McMahon O’Dea (1859 – 1944):
Marie O’Dea (age 57) returned once again to visit family in Ireland in 1947 with her sister France O’Dea (age 50); both had the home address of 4721 Ellis Avenue, Chicago.McMAHON—Martin J. McMahon, beloved husband of Catherine Roche McMahon, fond father of Edward F., uncle of Thomas, Marie, and Frances O’Day and T./5 Edward Conlon, U.S.A., native of Ballynacally County Clair, Ireland. Member of P.B.A. [Police Benevolent Association, a union] and Precious Blood Holy Name Society. Funeral Monday, 9:30 a.m., from chapel, 3246 Jackson blvd., to Precious Blood Church. Burial Cavalry.
Chicago Daily News, Friday, 1 December 1944
In the 1950 census, Mary O’Dea (age 63) was living with sister, Frances O’Dea (age 57), on Ellis Avenue in Chicago.
………………. 7.5 Patrick O’Dea (1890 – 1962 in Carrowkilla) of “Carhukilla”, was born on 15 January 1890, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>O’DEA—Marie O’Dea, June 6, loving daughter of the late Patrick and Ellen of County Clare, Ireland; sister of Frances of Chicago, and Mrs. Patrick Sharry, Mrs. Patrick Daffy, Patrick, Dan, and James of Ireland, and the late Thomas and Michael of Chicago and John [of Ireland]. Funeral Saturday, 9 a.m., chapel, Jeffrey boulevard at 77th street, to St. Bride’s church. Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre. South Shore 8-8822.
Chicago Tribune, Thursday, 7 June 1956
Patrick O’Dea, age 30, single, farm labourer, of Ennis, County Clare [the nearest city or town] arrived in Philadelphia on the SS Haverford on 26 August 1920. His Irish contact was his father Patrick O’Dea, of “Carhukilla, Ballynacally, Ennis, Co. Clare”. His destination was his sister (“bro +” also scribbled in), Catherine O’Dea, c/o Mrs. R. Fee, of 1418 E. 65th Place, Chicago, Illinois [Mrs. Mary Fee was his cousin].
1926 Census: TBD in April 2026. Patrick O’Dea had likely returned to Carrowkilla by the 1926 census; he does not appear in Chicago records. Patrick O’Dea, of Carrowkilla, bachelor, age 72, occupation brick layer, died at Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis on 11 June 1962.
………………. 7.6 Frances “Fanny” O’Dea (1893 – 1970 in Chicago), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 18 January 1893, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
Fanny O’Dea, age 18, of “Ballynacally Co. Clare”, destination Chicago, arrived in Boston on the SS Cymric on 5 May 1911. Nearest relative back in Ireland was her father, Patrick O’Dea, of Ballynacally. She was travelling with her older sister, Mary O’Dea, age 20.
1911 Passenger Listing (#16): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:23XQ-6M3
In the 1920 census, Frances Oday, age 28, occupation bookkeeper in a law office, was boarding with the Fitzgerald family in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. Frances O’Dea, of El Paso, Illinois, with a reported birth date of 15 September 1896, became a U.S. citizen on 5 April 1921 in a court in Woodford County, Illinois. Date of arrival in U.S. and witnesses were left blank.
Why was Fanny O’Dea living in El Paso, Illinois, a small “city” (the population has never exceeded 3,000) located 125 miles southwest of Chicago? Was she possibly related to the Fitzgerald family? Mike Fitzgerald (age 67 in 1920) was born in Illinois. Bridget Fitzgerald (age 70 in 1920) was born in Ireland and her maiden name was “Murtagh”, a surname that appears in County Clare records. Honor Murtagh was baptized on 2 December 1846 in Clondagad and Kilchreest Parish, parents Thomas Murtagh and Honor O’Dea. See prior discussion on Murtagh family at 2.4 above.
One year after becoming a U.S. citizen, and while still living in El Paso, Frances O’Dea applied for a USA passport at the U.S. district court at Peoria, Illinois, on 10 April 1922. Her intent was to leave New York on 1 May 1922 to travel to the British Isles. Her father, Patrick O’Dea, was living at “Carhukilla, Ireland”.
1922 passport application (right side page; go to next page for passport photo):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKDF-RF3X
Fanny O’Dea had traveled back to Clare with her elder sister, Mary, and given their timing would have arrived just at the start of the Irish Civil War. The O’Dea sisters returned to New York on 22 October 1922 on the SS Baltic. Upon returning to Illinois I suspect that Fanny O’Dea was hesitant to talk about the civil war happening in her home country and her trip was not entirely pleasant. She certainly would have experienced a few inconveniences.—Miss Frances O’Dea, a former stenographer for I.B. Hammers here, went to Ireland for a visit last May. She has returned to this city and reports that she had no inconveniences on account of the conditions in Ireland, but spent a very pleasant visit in her native state. Miss O’Dea will work in Chicago this winter.
The Pentagraph, Bloomington, Illinois, 18 November 1922
1922 passenger listing (#19 and #20): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JNJY-3QQThe bridge at Ballynacally, West Clare, a fine structure, which was trenched some time ago, has been blown up.
New Ross Standard, Friday, 1 September 1922
In the 1930 census, Frances O’Dea (age 33) was living with her sister, Catherine O’Dea (age 32), at 4721 Ellis Avenue in Chicago; they were both stenographers. Their apartment was located in the Hyde Park adjacent neighborhood of Kenwood, not far from the University of Chicago; Frances had the same address in the 1950 census.
In 1947 Frances O’Dea (age 50) and his sister, Marie O’Dea (age 57), once again returned to Ireland for a family visit, returning to New York on the SS Mauretania on 24 November 1947:
1947 passenger listing (#16, #17): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:245C-N7L
In the 1950 census, Frances O’Dea, age 57, was a secretary for a building contractor, and living with her sister, Marie O’Dea (age 62), still in her apartment at 4721 S. Ellis Avenue.
1950 census: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6X16-FX1W
………………. 7.7 Catherine “Kate” O’Dea (1896 – after 1970) of “Carhukilla”, was born on 9 January 1896, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 3; Corebeg, Doora, House 1>O’DEA
Frances O’Dea, loving daughter of the late Patrick and Ellen O’Dea of Ireland, dear sister of Catherine Sharry, Lena Daffy, Dan and James of County Clare, Ireland, and the late Thomas, Michael, John, Marie and Patrick O’Dea. Funeral Monday, 9:30 a.m. from Kelly-Carroll Funeral Home, 9315 S. Ashland Av., to St. Bride’s Church. Mass 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Chicago Sun Times, 5 July 1970
In the 1901 census, Catherine O’Dea, age 7, was living in Carrowkilla with the widow Anne McMahon (age 62), who was her grandmother although Catherine was reported as a “visitor”. Also in the household were three unmarried children of Anne McMahon. Her children included Catherine McMahon who will marry James Conlon of Corebeg, Doora, in 1904; and Patrick McMahon who in 1903 will Mary Gavin, who I believe was a granddaughter of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1890).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... a/1075575/
In the 1911 census, Kate O’Dea, age 15, was living with her aunt’s family, Kate McMahon Conlon (a mother of five young boys), in Corebeg, Doora (transcribed as “Canlon” in error; correction submitted).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... eg/354320/
Katherine O’Dea, age 20, of Ballynacally, Ennis, arrived in New York on 4 June 1916 on the SS New York. Her Irish contact was her father, Patrick O’Dea; her USA contact was her sister, Maria O’Dea, of Park Avenue, Chicago (her destination).
1916 passenger listing (#6): https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JJ4L-4ZF
In the 1920 census, Catherine O’Dea (a stenographer, born in “Illinois” in error, age 21) was living with her cousin, Maria O’Dea Fee, at East 65th Place in Chicago.
Catherine Teresa O’Dea of 1566 E. 62nd St., became a U.S. citizen on 3 January 1924, reporting her birth date as 25 April 1897; arrival in U.S. on 4 June 1916; one witness was Frances O’Dea at the same address.
In the 1930 census, Catherine O’Dea (age 31) was living with her sister, Frances O’Dea (age 33), in Ellis Avenue in Chicago; they were both stenographers.
Catherine O’Dea returned to Ireland where on 27 October 1932 she married Patrick Sharry of Lisheen at the Catholic Church at Ballycorrick:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 236592.pdf
“Mrs. Patrick Sharry” of Ireland on 1956 obituary of sister Marie O’Dea of Chicago; “Catherine Sharry” on 1970 obituary of sister Fanny O’Dea, also of Chicago.
………………. 7.8 Ellen O’Dea (1898 – after 1970), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 12 January 1898, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
“Mrs. Patrick Daffy” of Ireland on 1956 obituary of sister Marie O’Dea of Chicago; “Lena Daffy” on 1970 obituary of sister Fanny O’Dea, also of Chicago.
………………. 7.9 Daniel O’Dea (1900 – after 1970), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 14 March 1900, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, House 7, House 7>
………………. 7.10 James O’Dea (1904 – after 1970), of “Carhukilla”, was born on 21 April 1904, farther reported as “farmer” (Kildysart registration). <Carrowkilla, Ballynacally, x, House 7>
***********************************
It was interesting that Thomas O’Dea (≈1832-1875), the eldest of the sons of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797-1890) of Carrowkilla was the herdsman / farm laborer. And it was the younger son, Patrick O’Dea (≈1851-1930) who would inherit the farm. Did Thomas lose the right to “inherit” the farm when he left the household to work as a laborer for others (per the civil birth records of his younger children, Thomas moved around a bit). As the elder son did he have the right to Carrowkilla to take over his father’s farm? Unfortunately, we will never know the answer to that question as Thomas O’Dea died in 1875, fifteen years prior to his father in 1890.
From the O’Dea family tree, it appears that the children of a farm laborer were far more likely to emigrate from Ireland as they would not inherit the land. And none of the six children of Thomas O’Dea (≈1832-1875) who settled in Chicago appear to have ever returned to Ireland as their parents were deceased and they had no siblings living there.
The opposite was true for Patrick O’Dea (≈1851-1930) and Ellen McMahon (1859-1944), who both reached an old age and remained on the Carrowkilla farm. Their ten children all reached adulthood. Three of their youngest children never left Clare. Seven of their children went to America; three of whom returned to Ireland permanently; two returned for family visits, twice; and two settled in Chicago and never returned to Ireland. The two O’Dea children who never returned to Ireland were married with children; the two who returned for two family visits were single and never married.
It was similar scenario for the eight children of William Dwyer (≈1841 – after 1911) and Margaret O’Dea Dwyer (≈1843 – 1904), although one child died in infancy and two children died very young. Of the five remaining, the three eldest went to Chicago; one returned permanently, one (married, no children) returned for a visit, and one (married, with children) never returned to visit Ireland. Their two youngest children remained in Clare, and their son inherited the farm.
Of the three children of Thomas O’Dea (≈1832-1875), two children of Margaret O’Dea Dwyer (≈1843-1904), and two children of Patrick O’Dea (≈1851-1930), who remained in Chicago and married, their seven spouses were all Irish born (six brides and one groom). Five brides were born in County Clare, one bride in adjacent County Limerick, and one groom somewhere in Ulster province. Of the five brides born in County Clare, two were from the same Clondagad and Kilchreest parish as their husband, and three from outside parishes.
Of the eight grandsons of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797-1890) who remained in Chicago, only James Dwyer (1880-1948) would become a policeman for the City of Chicago. His brother-in-law, John Murphy, was a lieutenant in the Chicago Police Department. Another grandson, Patrick J. O’Dea (≈1860-1932) had the occupation of “Special Policeman” and worked for “Private Families” according to census reports. The brother-in-law of Thomas O’Dea (1882-1951), John J. Moroney (age 28), was living with the O’Dea family in 1920 and reported his occupation as a policeman for the City of Chicago. Thomas O’Dea’s young uncle, Martin J. McMahon (1882-1944), was also a policeman for the City of Chicago.
Sergeant James Dwyer (1880-1948) and the others were policemen in Chicago during the prohibition era which was famous for its gangland violence. In particular, the Italian “Chicago Outfit” led by Al Capone against their “Irish” rivals, the North Side Gang led by Bugs Moran. The famous St. Valentine’s Massacre, which targeted the North Side Gang (its victims don’t sound very Irish), took place on 14 February 1929.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Val ... y_Massacre
The Chicago Tribune of 26 October 1930 had the headline “Bandit Suspects Caught in Chase on Michigan Ave” with a great photo of six standing Chicago policemen who made the arrests, all with Irish sounding surnames: “Sergt. Joe Hoban, Detective James Dorsey, Sergt. James Dwyer, Detective Martin Joyce, Sergt. William Tobin, and Detective Ed Kelly”. The three young men sitting in the photo all had very Italian sounding surnames: Bennie Fellichio (age 19), Angelo Cirousa (21), and John Paldo (21), who, of course, were innocent until proven guilty.
1930 Police Photo with Sergeant James Dwyer: [add later, no space]
To be continued,
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Jimbo,
Quick note re Patrick Kavanagh: Yes, Yeats would be considered by far the more important poet, but Kavanagh is held in very high regard here, and his poem/song, "On Raglan Road", is much loved. But I want to reply to the main part of your post and am leaving more on that poem to a footnote below*.
You have done great work on the O’Deas of Carrowkilla in the parish of Kilchreest, especially as you’ve had to get by, or get over the mistakes made by other researchers along the way. My heart did a little jump at the mention of Thomas O’Dea, as I’ve often wondered if the birthplace of Thomas O’Dea, who was a prisoner in Andersonville, has been discovered, but he was a different and a much earlier Thomas O’Dea, of course (1848-1926).
You mention the three questions you posed at the outset of your research of the descendant of Patrick O’Dea, and I was amused by No. 3, “The likelihood that an O’Dea male descendant who immigrated to Chicago, and remained there, would become a policeman for the City of Chicago”.
The emigration of seven of the ten children of Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara reminded me the surprise/shock I got about ten years ago when I was new to genealogy and was curious about the McCarthy family who lived in the townland of Lanna, in Clondagad, near the village of Lissycasey: the 1911 census showed that all of the children of Michael McCarthy, barring John, had left home and the household was now completely changed. The immigrations from Clondagad through Ellis Island, donated to clare library by Eamon Healy, showed that most had gone to Chicago, and (of course!) I found that one son, Daniel McCarthy, was an officer in the Chicago City Police (US 1910 census). Now I am quite used to the high level of immigration at that time and no longer very surprised.
Good work finding that John O’Dea had emigrated and returned as harness maker. Again, it is becoming clear that many more emigrants returned to Ireland than generally assumed – assumed by me, at least.
Your summation at the end is great and your question No. I is answered: Yes, the likelyhood of emigrants to marry a person from Ireland is huge.
You mention the St. Valentine’s Massacre and I am reminded that I read somewhere that the massacre wall was moved to Las Vegas – that seems all wrong, doesn’t it ?
* “On Raglan Road” is sung to the air of “Fáinne Geal an Lae”, Irish for “The dawning of the day” (the refrain in On Raglan Road). Fáinne Geal an Lae was usually sung at a faster tempo. It is a simple air and often the first tune learned by tin whistle players and accordion players. The poem is an Aisling poem, i.e. a poem in which the poet sees a vision of a beautiful woman; she is usually representing Ireland, but in this case she is just a beautiful woman, so the air is an apt choice for “On Raglan Road” . The aisling form of poetry was a breakaway from the old bardic poetry, and the form was much looser. I don’t think the purists approved.
Sheila
Quick note re Patrick Kavanagh: Yes, Yeats would be considered by far the more important poet, but Kavanagh is held in very high regard here, and his poem/song, "On Raglan Road", is much loved. But I want to reply to the main part of your post and am leaving more on that poem to a footnote below*.
You have done great work on the O’Deas of Carrowkilla in the parish of Kilchreest, especially as you’ve had to get by, or get over the mistakes made by other researchers along the way. My heart did a little jump at the mention of Thomas O’Dea, as I’ve often wondered if the birthplace of Thomas O’Dea, who was a prisoner in Andersonville, has been discovered, but he was a different and a much earlier Thomas O’Dea, of course (1848-1926).
You mention the three questions you posed at the outset of your research of the descendant of Patrick O’Dea, and I was amused by No. 3, “The likelihood that an O’Dea male descendant who immigrated to Chicago, and remained there, would become a policeman for the City of Chicago”.
The emigration of seven of the ten children of Thomas O’Dea and Mary McNamara reminded me the surprise/shock I got about ten years ago when I was new to genealogy and was curious about the McCarthy family who lived in the townland of Lanna, in Clondagad, near the village of Lissycasey: the 1911 census showed that all of the children of Michael McCarthy, barring John, had left home and the household was now completely changed. The immigrations from Clondagad through Ellis Island, donated to clare library by Eamon Healy, showed that most had gone to Chicago, and (of course!) I found that one son, Daniel McCarthy, was an officer in the Chicago City Police (US 1910 census). Now I am quite used to the high level of immigration at that time and no longer very surprised.
Good work finding that John O’Dea had emigrated and returned as harness maker. Again, it is becoming clear that many more emigrants returned to Ireland than generally assumed – assumed by me, at least.
Your summation at the end is great and your question No. I is answered: Yes, the likelyhood of emigrants to marry a person from Ireland is huge.
You mention the St. Valentine’s Massacre and I am reminded that I read somewhere that the massacre wall was moved to Las Vegas – that seems all wrong, doesn’t it ?
* “On Raglan Road” is sung to the air of “Fáinne Geal an Lae”, Irish for “The dawning of the day” (the refrain in On Raglan Road). Fáinne Geal an Lae was usually sung at a faster tempo. It is a simple air and often the first tune learned by tin whistle players and accordion players. The poem is an Aisling poem, i.e. a poem in which the poet sees a vision of a beautiful woman; she is usually representing Ireland, but in this case she is just a beautiful woman, so the air is an apt choice for “On Raglan Road” . The aisling form of poetry was a breakaway from the old bardic poetry, and the form was much looser. I don’t think the purists approved.
Sheila
Re: Information is wanted of Thomas McNamara, of Glandree,
Hi Sheila,
Thank you for the added information on Patrick Kavanagh. I was especially interested that “On Raglan Road” was often the first tune learned by Irish accordion players. I was taking piano accordion lessons a few years back now at an accordion school which used the Palmer-Hughes manuals which are popular in America, but I don’t recall any Irish songs. Here is “On Raglan Road” by a beginner using a button accordion on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WHh03iOFMk
On youtube an Irish instructor Allan Kelly has a beginner course for piano accordion and the first song taught was “Oró Sé Do Bheath Abhaile”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjshEzhU6c
He provided many good points, but what was amazing to me that there was no sheet music since his method is to play “by ear”. This would be extremely challenging for a beginner and I would need the sheet music to learn these songs. My local library has “Irish Favorites for Accordion” with 21 songs, and “100 Irish Tunes for Piano Accordion”. Surprisingly, the 21 songs don’t appear in the book of 100 songs and neither had “On Raglan Road” or “Oró Sé Do Bheath Abhaile”. Must be copyright issues or maybe the American published books don’t know what songs are popular in Ireland. “The Humours of Tulla” made the top 100. I’ll keep searching on-line for the accordion sheet music for “On Raglan Road” as have been meaning to pick up the accordion again.
Getting back to the O’Dea family of Carrowkilla:
John O’Dea (1880 – 1950), the harness-maker who learned his trade in Chenango County in New York, was reported to have lived in House #1 of the “Range Cottages” in Ballynacally. And according to the Clare Echo news article referenced in my last posting the Estuary Way Café is now located in House #1 and #2:
https://www.clareecho.ie/estuary-way-ca ... lynacally/
The “Visit Clare” website for Ballynacally provides a description and photo of the café:
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... y_Village/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... y_Village/
In the 1901 census, there were 22 households; Mary Anne Lyons at House #22 (married, age 32, born in Kings Co., mother of 7 Clare born children) was the wife of Sergeant P. Lyons of the R.I.C. (as stated in the census House and Building Return). In 1911 there were 21 households and one R.I.C. barrack (one married man with his family, and six single individuals in House 22, all non-native to Co. Clare as required by R.I.C.).
Between 1901 and 1911 the number of houses was consistent at 22 as was the “class of houses” as reported in the House and Building Return (four “3rd Class” houses in both census years, rated lower due to having at thatched roof). In the 1911 census, houses 10 through 13 were identical with a “2nd Class” based upon building material, numbers of rooms, slate roof, and having two windows.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... 001772265/
Possibly the “range cottages” where John O’Dea would later live? I have some doubts though as the four residents of 1911 (Joseph McCauley, Michael Toole, Norah Fawl, Mary Fawl) don’t line up very well with the 1901 census. For example, Michael Toole, who was stated to live in House #2 of the range cottages, in 1901 was living in a three window house. Were the four “range cottages” built after 1911? Will they show up in the 1926 census (available in April 2026) in Ballynacally village? Sheila, could you please take a look at the tourist website links above and give your opinion on the likely age of the range cottages? Is there any difference between a “laborer’s cottage” and a “rural district house”?
The Clare Echo news article of 2020 stated that “House Number 1 was owned by the O’Dea family and latterly John O’Dea worked here as a harness maker”. In the 1911 census, living in House 1 in Ballynacally Village was a John O’Dea (age 50), his wife Bridget (age 39) and a farm servant (Michael Collins, age 21); this was a house with three windows.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ge/359277/
According to the 1911 census, John O’Dea had been married for two years. John ODea, farmer, of Knocksaggart, Ballynacally, son of farmer Patrick O’Dea (deceased), married Bridget Clancy, of Clonfurrishis, Ballynacally, daughter of James Clancy, at the Catholic Church at Ballycorick on 25 June 1908 by the parish priest, A. Clancy; witnesses were William O’Dwyer and Annie Clancy.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 658169.pdf
Was John O’Dea the son of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1892) of Carrowkilla? And thus also the uncle of John O’Dea (1880 – 1950), the harness maker who had learned his trade in Chenango County and reported to have later lived at the one of the range cottages in Ballynacally village?
Evidence to support this theory was that in 1908 the marriage witness was a William O’Dwyer who was either the William O’Dwyer (≈1847 – after 1911) who in 1879 married to Margaret O’Dea (≈1843 – 1904), the daughter of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1892) of Carrowkilla, or else their son, William O’Dwyer (1886 – after 1955). Also, when William O’Dwyer married Margaret O’Dea in 1879, one of the witnesses was a John O’Dea who was previously unaccounted for in the above O’Dea family tree.
John O’Dea was reported to be only 50 years old in the 1911 census, but not sure his age was accurate. He was married to a much younger woman, Bridget Clancy born in 1875, so I reckon the 1911 census may have fibbed his age by at least a decade. Was John O’Dea born prior to the 1846 start of the Kilchreest baptism register or perhaps born between September 1853 and January 1856 which has missing pages? Unfortunately, there is no other record to confirm the age of John O’Dea. I could not locate him as a single man in the 1901 census. Had he gone to America, like so many others, and returned to Ireland? John O’Dea and Bridget Clancy had a son born on 27 February 1912 who died the next day (both Kildysart registration). But I could not locate a death record for either John O’Dea or Bridget Clancy O’Dea in the Irish records, did they, perhaps not for the first time, immigrate to the USA?
And was John O’Dea, married to Bridget Clancy, the witness at the magisterial investigation into the shooting of M. A. MacNamara in 1913 and reported to have been his cousin? Had he heard James Gavin say he would pay £5 so the boys would give MacNamara a clitter? Did this reluctant testimony force John O’Dea to leave Clare and the reason I can find no further Irish records? I suspect not. His wife, Bridget Clancy, was the daughter born in 1875 to James Clancy and Catherine Gavin. She was thus a sister of the Michael Clancy, the “returned American”, who was initially charged for the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara but released, and also the aunt of the young Michael Sheehan, the son of Thomas Sheehan and Mary Clancy, who was convicted of the same shooting and imprisoned for one year of hard labor. Her cousins (the children of Martin Gavin) included: (1) Bridget Gavin, married to Patrick Kelly, the tea-man, and (2) James Gavin; both men were sent to trial for the MacNamara shooting. Surely, when John O’Dea testified on the second day of the ministerial investigation into the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara, the news accounts would have mentioned that not only was he a cousin of MacNamara, but through his marriage to Bridget Clancy, also related to all four of the suspects.
In addition, if John O’Dea who testified was indeed the son of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797-1890) of Carrowkilla, then he would have been the brother of Jane O’Dea (<1846 – 1916) who married John Gavin, son of Martin Gavin, and also brother of the accused James Gavin. Surely, this family connection would have been mentioned at the magisterial investigation and trial.
Plus, a visit to the Kilchreest cemetery leads to a John O’Dea headstone belonging to an O’Dea family who I reckon would have been of a social class more likely to be related to the gentleman, Michael August MacNamara.
The Kilchreest cemetery is only about a 10 minute walk from the Estuary Way Café in Ballynacally village. The Clare Echo news article stated that the café located at the Fair Green has become a meeting place for young and old and there is quite the buzz about the place at the weekend. It would be interesting on a trip to Clare to visit and ask any of the long-time residents what stories they have heard about the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara in 1913.
The Ballynacally Fair was held twice per year, presumably at the Fair Green, and I was surprised at its size with “upwards of four thousand head of cattle” offered for sale in 1879:
Fortunately, the School’s Collection of folklore collected by students across Ireland between 1937 and 1939 provided greater detail on who was fighting who, and removed any doubt on whether or not a faction fight of historic proportions took place at the Ballynacally Fair of 1880:
Patrick Conlan, the student, was the son of James Conlan and Mary Clancy of Lavalla, Ballynacally. And James Conlan was the son of Martin Conlan and Mary Considine of Lavalla/Lavally. Thus, there might be some bias when James Conlan told his son that the Conlans and Considines were the best faction fighters from Lavally with no mention of either the O’Dea’s or Roche’s.
Mick O’Toole of Ballynacally, described as “hail and hearty”, died at the age of 72 years old (only 67 per civil death record) on 8 February 1938, the year following the 1937 start of folklore collecting scheme. Michael O’Toole was born on 3 October 1865 to John O’Toole and Honoria Behan of Lack (Kildysart registration). In the year of the great faction fight of 1880, Mick O’Toole would have been fourteen years old. As stated previously, Michael O’Toole was reported to have lived at House #2 of the Range Cottages in Ballynacally Village and a neighbor of John O’Dea, the harness maker, in House #1.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 307167.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 278636.pdf
“Paddy Shalloo” of Ballynacally was born on 18 January 1867 to Thomas Shalloe and Mary Sullivan of Cornfield (Killadysert registration). “Mary Shallue”, age 27, died in the fourth quarter of 1870 per Kildysart registration (on-line record not yet available). Very shortly after his wife died, Tom Shalloe, age 31, widower, son of farmer Tom Shalloe, married the widow Catherine McGuan [Landers], of Lissycasey, daughter of John McGuan (≈1797-1880), on 21 February 1871.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 283959.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 161006.pdf
At Griffith Valuation for Cornfield townland in Kilchreest Parish, a Thomas Shalloe leased a house and small garden from Major William Ball (valued at only £1 and 4 shillings). Thomas Shalloe at Griffith Valuation must have been the father of the 31-year old widower Thomas Shalloe who married in 1871. Thomas Shalloe, of Cornfield, a married farmer, age 88 years, died on 12 December 1878; informant Catherine Shalloe at Cornfield. Given the age, this must be the senior Thomas Shalloe, and the informant was his daughter-in-law. Anne Shalloe, of Cornfield, widow of a farmer [Thomas, presumably], age 94 years, died on 14 June 1890; informant her grandson M. Shalloe [Michael, son of Thomas Shalloe and Mary Sullivan born in 1868], per Killadysert registration.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 190451.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 739097.pdf
Catherine McGuan, age 25, of Binedon, daughter of John McGuan, had married Patrick Landers, age 25, of Binedon, son of Thomas Landers, on 9 February 1866. According to the Clondagad and Kilchreest marriage register the witnesses were Michael Landers and Catherine Hehir. The irishgenealogy civil marriage record has been incorrectly transcribed as “Sanders”. The marriage entry above it on the register was for a “Slattery” and the handwriting of an “S” is indeed similar to “L” but slightly different:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 239136.pdf
There is only one “Sanders” living in Clare in the 1901 census and this is another transcription error and should be “Landers” (correction submitted). I submitted corrections to irishgenealogy for seven of nine “Landers” civil records in Kildysart parish transcribed as “Sanders” (two were questionable). There are correctly reported “Saunders” families in Ennis and Scariff parishes. I wonder how many other “L” surnames are being transcribed incorrectly as beginning with an “S” in the civil records. Sysaght? Synch? Sarkin?
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... mit=Search
A Thomas Landers died in 1866 at the age of 80 years old, so born about 1786 (on-line record not yet available). This Thomas Landers (≈1786-1866) could be the father of Patrick Landers (≈1841-1867), and, I reckon, might also be the father of a Thomas Landers (born ≈1806 or ≈1809 according to a descendant) who immigrated to Quebec as searched for by Marie W in the 2016 thread “Looking for Information – Thomas Landers and Bridget Cleary”:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6794&hilit=Beneden
In the 1901 census, Catherine McGuan Landers Shalloe, age 60, widow, was living in House 2 in Cornfield, Ballynacally with her son, Thomas Shalloe, age 25 (born 3 April 1873 per civil birth record). I could not locate a civil death record for her second husband, Thomas Shalloe (likely an odd transcription). Catherine Shalloe was also living in Cornfield with her son Thomas in the 1911 census and Thomas was the informant when she died on 27 December 1911 (Kildysart registration).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... d/1075582/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ld/359250/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 497799.pdf
Patrick Shalloe, who was reported to be one of the best faction fighters of Ballynacally, was not living with his step-mother in Cornfield in either the 1901 or 1911 census. Patrick Shalloe of Cornfield does show up in the Irish dog register as obtaining a license on 29 March 1918 at Kildysart courthouse for female brown sheepdog. No further sign of him in the Irish civil records. Will he show up in the 1926 Irish census? Or was Patrick Shalloe “dead in America” as suggested by the storytelling of Patrick Conlan of Lavalla?
Michael Shalloe, the younger brother of Patrick Shalloe who was born in 1868, and was the informant at the death of his grandmother in 1890, ended up in Manhattan. In the 1905 census, Michael Shalloe (age 32) was living with his wife Mary (Ward) Shalloe (age 29) and their four children. First born son, Thomas (age 8 ), was named after the child’s paternal grandfather, Thomas Shalloe (≈1840-unknown); and second born daughter, Anna (age 3), was named not after the child’s paternal grandmother, Mary Sullivan Shalloe (≈1843-1870) who died young, but instead after the child’s paternal great-grandmother, Anne Shalloe (≈1786-1890). The Irish naming pattern, somewhat modified, is circumstantial evidence and Michael’s descendants (on the ancestry website) have not been able to trace their ancestry back to County Clare. The ancestry website does have the NY death index for the death of “Michael Shallae” on 12 October 1922 in Manhattan with a certificate #25072. New York City death records are now searchable on-line by certificate number, and for “Michael Shallae” the actual death record reports his father as “Thomas” and mother as “Mary Sullivan”. So Michael Shalloe of Manhattan was definitely the brother of Paddy Shalloe, known to be one of the best faction fighters of Ballynacally, but whose later whereabouts after obtaining a dog license in 1918 are a mystery.
1922 Manhattan death record: https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc ... ew/5538349
It would be interesting on a visit to Ballynacally village to ask the locals of their knowledge of the faction fighting which took place there. The Wikipedia page for Ballynacally states that in the 19th century, the village developed a reputation for its fine "faction fighters" (see bataireacht), who possessed a "superior skill with the stick". The source of this information was the history book, “The Irish Faction Fighters of the 19th Century” by Patrick O’Donnell (Anvil Books, 1975).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballynacally
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shillelagh
None of the news accounts of the famous 1880 faction fight at the Ballynacally Fair reported on its cause other than to say that the “quarrel had its origin in a family dispute of long standing”. Will any of the long-time residents of Ballynacally know the true origin of the animosity between the lads of Lavalla/Ballynacally and Lissycasey? According to the 1913 testimony by John O’Dea (identity still unknown) at the magisterial investigation into the shooting of his cousin, Michael A. MacNamara, “the women tell the secrets on both sides”. A visit to the Estuary Way Café located at the Fairgreen of Ballynacally Village around afternoon tea-time might provide us a few clues as to the historical origins of the faction fighting as well as the 1913 shooting of Michael Augustus MacNamara.
To Be Continued,
Thank you for the added information on Patrick Kavanagh. I was especially interested that “On Raglan Road” was often the first tune learned by Irish accordion players. I was taking piano accordion lessons a few years back now at an accordion school which used the Palmer-Hughes manuals which are popular in America, but I don’t recall any Irish songs. Here is “On Raglan Road” by a beginner using a button accordion on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WHh03iOFMk
On youtube an Irish instructor Allan Kelly has a beginner course for piano accordion and the first song taught was “Oró Sé Do Bheath Abhaile”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgjshEzhU6c
He provided many good points, but what was amazing to me that there was no sheet music since his method is to play “by ear”. This would be extremely challenging for a beginner and I would need the sheet music to learn these songs. My local library has “Irish Favorites for Accordion” with 21 songs, and “100 Irish Tunes for Piano Accordion”. Surprisingly, the 21 songs don’t appear in the book of 100 songs and neither had “On Raglan Road” or “Oró Sé Do Bheath Abhaile”. Must be copyright issues or maybe the American published books don’t know what songs are popular in Ireland. “The Humours of Tulla” made the top 100. I’ll keep searching on-line for the accordion sheet music for “On Raglan Road” as have been meaning to pick up the accordion again.
Getting back to the O’Dea family of Carrowkilla:
John O’Dea (1880 – 1950), the harness-maker who learned his trade in Chenango County in New York, was reported to have lived in House #1 of the “Range Cottages” in Ballynacally. And according to the Clare Echo news article referenced in my last posting the Estuary Way Café is now located in House #1 and #2:
https://www.clareecho.ie/estuary-way-ca ... lynacally/
The “Visit Clare” website for Ballynacally provides a description and photo of the café:
There are several articles on the Estuary Way Café but none mention the year the four identical two-window cottages were built, so I searched the 1901 and 1911 Irish census of Ballynacally Village for any clues:The Estuary Way Café, situated at the Range Cottages in the village’s Fair Green is a perfect stop-off point for travellers along the Shannon Estuary Way. If the weather is good, take a seat outdoors while the children are entertained in the adjoining playground.
https://visitclare.ie/places/ballynacally/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... y_Village/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... y_Village/
In the 1901 census, there were 22 households; Mary Anne Lyons at House #22 (married, age 32, born in Kings Co., mother of 7 Clare born children) was the wife of Sergeant P. Lyons of the R.I.C. (as stated in the census House and Building Return). In 1911 there were 21 households and one R.I.C. barrack (one married man with his family, and six single individuals in House 22, all non-native to Co. Clare as required by R.I.C.).
Between 1901 and 1911 the number of houses was consistent at 22 as was the “class of houses” as reported in the House and Building Return (four “3rd Class” houses in both census years, rated lower due to having at thatched roof). In the 1911 census, houses 10 through 13 were identical with a “2nd Class” based upon building material, numbers of rooms, slate roof, and having two windows.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... 001772265/
Possibly the “range cottages” where John O’Dea would later live? I have some doubts though as the four residents of 1911 (Joseph McCauley, Michael Toole, Norah Fawl, Mary Fawl) don’t line up very well with the 1901 census. For example, Michael Toole, who was stated to live in House #2 of the range cottages, in 1901 was living in a three window house. Were the four “range cottages” built after 1911? Will they show up in the 1926 census (available in April 2026) in Ballynacally village? Sheila, could you please take a look at the tourist website links above and give your opinion on the likely age of the range cottages? Is there any difference between a “laborer’s cottage” and a “rural district house”?
The Clare Echo news article of 2020 stated that “House Number 1 was owned by the O’Dea family and latterly John O’Dea worked here as a harness maker”. In the 1911 census, living in House 1 in Ballynacally Village was a John O’Dea (age 50), his wife Bridget (age 39) and a farm servant (Michael Collins, age 21); this was a house with three windows.
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ge/359277/
According to the 1911 census, John O’Dea had been married for two years. John ODea, farmer, of Knocksaggart, Ballynacally, son of farmer Patrick O’Dea (deceased), married Bridget Clancy, of Clonfurrishis, Ballynacally, daughter of James Clancy, at the Catholic Church at Ballycorick on 25 June 1908 by the parish priest, A. Clancy; witnesses were William O’Dwyer and Annie Clancy.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 658169.pdf
Was John O’Dea the son of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1892) of Carrowkilla? And thus also the uncle of John O’Dea (1880 – 1950), the harness maker who had learned his trade in Chenango County and reported to have later lived at the one of the range cottages in Ballynacally village?
Evidence to support this theory was that in 1908 the marriage witness was a William O’Dwyer who was either the William O’Dwyer (≈1847 – after 1911) who in 1879 married to Margaret O’Dea (≈1843 – 1904), the daughter of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797 – 1892) of Carrowkilla, or else their son, William O’Dwyer (1886 – after 1955). Also, when William O’Dwyer married Margaret O’Dea in 1879, one of the witnesses was a John O’Dea who was previously unaccounted for in the above O’Dea family tree.
John O’Dea was reported to be only 50 years old in the 1911 census, but not sure his age was accurate. He was married to a much younger woman, Bridget Clancy born in 1875, so I reckon the 1911 census may have fibbed his age by at least a decade. Was John O’Dea born prior to the 1846 start of the Kilchreest baptism register or perhaps born between September 1853 and January 1856 which has missing pages? Unfortunately, there is no other record to confirm the age of John O’Dea. I could not locate him as a single man in the 1901 census. Had he gone to America, like so many others, and returned to Ireland? John O’Dea and Bridget Clancy had a son born on 27 February 1912 who died the next day (both Kildysart registration). But I could not locate a death record for either John O’Dea or Bridget Clancy O’Dea in the Irish records, did they, perhaps not for the first time, immigrate to the USA?
And was John O’Dea, married to Bridget Clancy, the witness at the magisterial investigation into the shooting of M. A. MacNamara in 1913 and reported to have been his cousin? Had he heard James Gavin say he would pay £5 so the boys would give MacNamara a clitter? Did this reluctant testimony force John O’Dea to leave Clare and the reason I can find no further Irish records? I suspect not. His wife, Bridget Clancy, was the daughter born in 1875 to James Clancy and Catherine Gavin. She was thus a sister of the Michael Clancy, the “returned American”, who was initially charged for the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara but released, and also the aunt of the young Michael Sheehan, the son of Thomas Sheehan and Mary Clancy, who was convicted of the same shooting and imprisoned for one year of hard labor. Her cousins (the children of Martin Gavin) included: (1) Bridget Gavin, married to Patrick Kelly, the tea-man, and (2) James Gavin; both men were sent to trial for the MacNamara shooting. Surely, when John O’Dea testified on the second day of the ministerial investigation into the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara, the news accounts would have mentioned that not only was he a cousin of MacNamara, but through his marriage to Bridget Clancy, also related to all four of the suspects.
In addition, if John O’Dea who testified was indeed the son of Patrick O’Dea (≈1797-1890) of Carrowkilla, then he would have been the brother of Jane O’Dea (<1846 – 1916) who married John Gavin, son of Martin Gavin, and also brother of the accused James Gavin. Surely, this family connection would have been mentioned at the magisterial investigation and trial.
Plus, a visit to the Kilchreest cemetery leads to a John O’Dea headstone belonging to an O’Dea family who I reckon would have been of a social class more likely to be related to the gentleman, Michael August MacNamara.
The Kilchreest cemetery is only about a 10 minute walk from the Estuary Way Café in Ballynacally village. The Clare Echo news article stated that the café located at the Fair Green has become a meeting place for young and old and there is quite the buzz about the place at the weekend. It would be interesting on a trip to Clare to visit and ask any of the long-time residents what stories they have heard about the shooting of Michael A. MacNamara in 1913.
The Ballynacally Fair was held twice per year, presumably at the Fair Green, and I was surprised at its size with “upwards of four thousand head of cattle” offered for sale in 1879:
The following year’s spring fair at Ballynacally was mired by violence:KILDYSART.
(Special to Bassett’s Daily Chronicle.)
The Ballinacally Fair which came off a few days ago was the largest ever held there, no doubt owing to the pressure of the numerous creditors in this and other localities, prior to the coming sessions in October. Unfortunately, many, who went there with the hope of being able to pay at least a portion of their debts on their return, were not even asked the price of their cattle. Upwards of four thousand head of cattle were offered at fully 30 shillings a head less than could be obtained for the same cattle six weeks ago. The supply of sheep was small, and most of them remained unsold, notwithstanding the small prices looked for. There was a fair supply of pigs, but the demand was poor. Prices were much behind those of former fairs; all descriptions being obtainable at from 40s to 54s per ewt.
This seems somewhat melancholy prospect for the farmers, and it is greatly to be hoped that better times are in the immediate future.
At the Killadysart butter market, on Thursday, there was but a poor supply in quantity, which proved to be of fair, good quality. Buying was brisk, prices ranged from 66s to 71s per cask, the latter price obtained in only a few cases.
Bassett’s Chronicle, Tuesday, 23 September 1879
Newspapers across the United Kingdom reported on the faction fight at the Ballynacally Fair and their accounts became more detailed as the days passed:SERIOUS FACTION FIGHT.
A faction fight between parties named Roche and O’Deas, of Lavalla, took place at Ballinacally fair. Several wounds on both sides resulted. The ringleaders were, however, arrested.
Dublin Evening Telegraph, Wednesday, 16 June 1880
The Era of London was a weekly newspaper specializing in theatre news and provided the most dramatic coverage of the Ballynacally Fair:A FACTION fight took place on Tuesday at Ballinacally Fair, near Kildysart, between two rival parties, known respectively as the Roches and O’Deas of Lavalla. Sticks and stones were freely used, and fractured skulls and mutilated faces were the result. The quarrel had its origin in a family dispute of long standing.
Oxford Times, Saturday, 19 June 1880
The attack on Michael A. MacNamara at his home in Leamnaleaha on 9 January 1913; the moonlighting attack of the houses of John McMahon and Pat O’Dea of Carrowkilla on 23 Mary 1889; and a large faction fight at the Ballynacally Fair in June 1880. All these incidents involved lads from Lavalla townland (Lavally per the census). From searching newspaper archives, it has become obvious that newspapers copy the local coverage of other papers, so despite hundreds of newspapers reporting on the faction fight at the Ballynacally Fair in 1880, was the news accurate? Were the O’Dea's fighting the Roche's? Only Lavalla townland was mentioned in the news accounts. It doesn’t make sense that O’Dea's from Lavalla would be attacking Roches from Lavalla when they met at the county fairs since they were already neighbors.WHAT a pity it was that the ROCHES and the O’DEAS should have met at Ballinacally fair last Tuesday afternoon. Like the terrible feud in the drama of The Corsican Brothers, the grievance between the O’DEAS and the ROCHES of Lavalla was of very old standing. It had been handed down from father to son, and the enmity of the past had lost nothing in descent. Still does an O’DEA consider a ROCHE his bitterest foe, and with much heartiness a ROCHE returns the compliment. But there had been a sort of sullen peace between the factions for a time, and we have not heard the precise cause of the “scrimmidge” at Ballinacally fair. Possibly some hero of the O’DEA faction thought it incumbent upon him to stand up for the honour of his ancestors, and, therefore, requested a ROCHE “to tread on the tail of his coat;” or it might have been a ROCHE that put the same golden opportunity in the way of an O’DEA. Anyhow, likes sparks of fire to gunpowder, the taunts soon caused a general flare up, and sticks and stones were employed, and well as fisticuffs. It is said there was scarcely a man, woman, or child at Ballinacally fair but was interested on one side or the other, and the amount of sticking-plaster required to head the abrasions was not measured by inches, but by yards. The wounded are, however, doing well; and, happily, there are no dead to report.
The Era, London, Sunday, 20 June 1880
Fortunately, the School’s Collection of folklore collected by students across Ireland between 1937 and 1939 provided greater detail on who was fighting who, and removed any doubt on whether or not a faction fight of historic proportions took place at the Ballynacally Fair of 1880:
The “greatest fight ever seen” must be referring to the 1880 fight. The storyteller, James Conlan, gives a better and more detailed explanation than the 1880 newspaper articles which only reported the O’Dea and Roche families of Lavalla. It makes much more sense that the faction fighting at the local fairs would be between lads from different townlands such as Lissycasey versus Lavalla/Ballynacally.Faction Fighting
About forty or fifty years ago it was a usual thing faction fighting to be at fairs. The Lavalla boys and Ballynacally boys used [to] fight together against the Lissycasey lads. They used [to] meet at every fair and used [to] have terrible fights.
One day they met at the fair of Ballynacally and they had the greatest fight that was ever seen. They fought with ash plants that they had prepared beforehand. They used have them over the smoke for a long time. The Hennessys were the chief men from Lisscasey. They were big, strong, able men. The Conlans and Considines from Lavalla and Mick Toole and Paddy Shalloo from Ballynacally were the best men on the Ballyncally side. The day they fought at the fair of Ballynacally the Lissycasey boys were beaten and badly wounded. Some of the Lissycasey lads were nearly killed from the wounding they had got. Mick Toole from Ballynacally was able for any of the Hennessy's. This man still lives in Ballynacally hail and hearty.
The other men are dead in America.
Where ever they met they fought, whether they were drunk or not.
Patrick Conlan, Lavalla, Ballynacally
Told to me by my father, James Conlan, Lavalla, Ballynacally (age 60)
School: Pitfield, Inis, Cloondrinagh, Clare
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0606, Pages 176-177, National Folklore Collection, UCD.
https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4922334/4871115
Patrick Conlan, the student, was the son of James Conlan and Mary Clancy of Lavalla, Ballynacally. And James Conlan was the son of Martin Conlan and Mary Considine of Lavalla/Lavally. Thus, there might be some bias when James Conlan told his son that the Conlans and Considines were the best faction fighters from Lavally with no mention of either the O’Dea’s or Roche’s.
Mick O’Toole of Ballynacally, described as “hail and hearty”, died at the age of 72 years old (only 67 per civil death record) on 8 February 1938, the year following the 1937 start of folklore collecting scheme. Michael O’Toole was born on 3 October 1865 to John O’Toole and Honoria Behan of Lack (Kildysart registration). In the year of the great faction fight of 1880, Mick O’Toole would have been fourteen years old. As stated previously, Michael O’Toole was reported to have lived at House #2 of the Range Cottages in Ballynacally Village and a neighbor of John O’Dea, the harness maker, in House #1.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 307167.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 278636.pdf
“Paddy Shalloo” of Ballynacally was born on 18 January 1867 to Thomas Shalloe and Mary Sullivan of Cornfield (Killadysert registration). “Mary Shallue”, age 27, died in the fourth quarter of 1870 per Kildysart registration (on-line record not yet available). Very shortly after his wife died, Tom Shalloe, age 31, widower, son of farmer Tom Shalloe, married the widow Catherine McGuan [Landers], of Lissycasey, daughter of John McGuan (≈1797-1880), on 21 February 1871.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 283959.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 161006.pdf
At Griffith Valuation for Cornfield townland in Kilchreest Parish, a Thomas Shalloe leased a house and small garden from Major William Ball (valued at only £1 and 4 shillings). Thomas Shalloe at Griffith Valuation must have been the father of the 31-year old widower Thomas Shalloe who married in 1871. Thomas Shalloe, of Cornfield, a married farmer, age 88 years, died on 12 December 1878; informant Catherine Shalloe at Cornfield. Given the age, this must be the senior Thomas Shalloe, and the informant was his daughter-in-law. Anne Shalloe, of Cornfield, widow of a farmer [Thomas, presumably], age 94 years, died on 14 June 1890; informant her grandson M. Shalloe [Michael, son of Thomas Shalloe and Mary Sullivan born in 1868], per Killadysert registration.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 190451.pdf
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 739097.pdf
Catherine McGuan, age 25, of Binedon, daughter of John McGuan, had married Patrick Landers, age 25, of Binedon, son of Thomas Landers, on 9 February 1866. According to the Clondagad and Kilchreest marriage register the witnesses were Michael Landers and Catherine Hehir. The irishgenealogy civil marriage record has been incorrectly transcribed as “Sanders”. The marriage entry above it on the register was for a “Slattery” and the handwriting of an “S” is indeed similar to “L” but slightly different:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 239136.pdf
There is only one “Sanders” living in Clare in the 1901 census and this is another transcription error and should be “Landers” (correction submitted). I submitted corrections to irishgenealogy for seven of nine “Landers” civil records in Kildysart parish transcribed as “Sanders” (two were questionable). There are correctly reported “Saunders” families in Ennis and Scariff parishes. I wonder how many other “L” surnames are being transcribed incorrectly as beginning with an “S” in the civil records. Sysaght? Synch? Sarkin?
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... mit=Search
A Thomas Landers died in 1866 at the age of 80 years old, so born about 1786 (on-line record not yet available). This Thomas Landers (≈1786-1866) could be the father of Patrick Landers (≈1841-1867), and, I reckon, might also be the father of a Thomas Landers (born ≈1806 or ≈1809 according to a descendant) who immigrated to Quebec as searched for by Marie W in the 2016 thread “Looking for Information – Thomas Landers and Bridget Cleary”:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6794&hilit=Beneden
In the 1901 census, Catherine McGuan Landers Shalloe, age 60, widow, was living in House 2 in Cornfield, Ballynacally with her son, Thomas Shalloe, age 25 (born 3 April 1873 per civil birth record). I could not locate a civil death record for her second husband, Thomas Shalloe (likely an odd transcription). Catherine Shalloe was also living in Cornfield with her son Thomas in the 1911 census and Thomas was the informant when she died on 27 December 1911 (Kildysart registration).
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... d/1075582/
https://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/ ... ld/359250/
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 497799.pdf
Patrick Shalloe, who was reported to be one of the best faction fighters of Ballynacally, was not living with his step-mother in Cornfield in either the 1901 or 1911 census. Patrick Shalloe of Cornfield does show up in the Irish dog register as obtaining a license on 29 March 1918 at Kildysart courthouse for female brown sheepdog. No further sign of him in the Irish civil records. Will he show up in the 1926 Irish census? Or was Patrick Shalloe “dead in America” as suggested by the storytelling of Patrick Conlan of Lavalla?
Michael Shalloe, the younger brother of Patrick Shalloe who was born in 1868, and was the informant at the death of his grandmother in 1890, ended up in Manhattan. In the 1905 census, Michael Shalloe (age 32) was living with his wife Mary (Ward) Shalloe (age 29) and their four children. First born son, Thomas (age 8 ), was named after the child’s paternal grandfather, Thomas Shalloe (≈1840-unknown); and second born daughter, Anna (age 3), was named not after the child’s paternal grandmother, Mary Sullivan Shalloe (≈1843-1870) who died young, but instead after the child’s paternal great-grandmother, Anne Shalloe (≈1786-1890). The Irish naming pattern, somewhat modified, is circumstantial evidence and Michael’s descendants (on the ancestry website) have not been able to trace their ancestry back to County Clare. The ancestry website does have the NY death index for the death of “Michael Shallae” on 12 October 1922 in Manhattan with a certificate #25072. New York City death records are now searchable on-line by certificate number, and for “Michael Shallae” the actual death record reports his father as “Thomas” and mother as “Mary Sullivan”. So Michael Shalloe of Manhattan was definitely the brother of Paddy Shalloe, known to be one of the best faction fighters of Ballynacally, but whose later whereabouts after obtaining a dog license in 1918 are a mystery.
1922 Manhattan death record: https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc ... ew/5538349
It would be interesting on a visit to Ballynacally village to ask the locals of their knowledge of the faction fighting which took place there. The Wikipedia page for Ballynacally states that in the 19th century, the village developed a reputation for its fine "faction fighters" (see bataireacht), who possessed a "superior skill with the stick". The source of this information was the history book, “The Irish Faction Fighters of the 19th Century” by Patrick O’Donnell (Anvil Books, 1975).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballynacally
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shillelagh
None of the news accounts of the famous 1880 faction fight at the Ballynacally Fair reported on its cause other than to say that the “quarrel had its origin in a family dispute of long standing”. Will any of the long-time residents of Ballynacally know the true origin of the animosity between the lads of Lavalla/Ballynacally and Lissycasey? According to the 1913 testimony by John O’Dea (identity still unknown) at the magisterial investigation into the shooting of his cousin, Michael A. MacNamara, “the women tell the secrets on both sides”. A visit to the Estuary Way Café located at the Fairgreen of Ballynacally Village around afternoon tea-time might provide us a few clues as to the historical origins of the faction fighting as well as the 1913 shooting of Michael Augustus MacNamara.
To Be Continued,