Descendants of John O'Brien Sr
1760-1826
Generation No. 1
1. JOHN1 O'BRIEN SR was born Abt. 1760 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died Aft. 1826.
John O'Brien was listed in the Tithe Applotment Book of Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish on 4 June 1826. At this time he was living in the Townland of Killernan with 4 acres and 1 Rod of land. John paid 1 shilling and 3 1/4 pence a year for the tithes of that part of the parish to the Established Protestant Church regardless of his religion. This land was rated at one half the tithe because of the poor quality of the land and was payable to the Right Honorable the Earl of Egremont or to William Casey, Esquire as his lessee. His immediate neighbors were his sons: Patrick O'Brien, 3 acres and 3 rods; John O'Brien, 2 acres; Michael O'Brien, 10 acres, James O'Brien, 10 acres; and Daniel O'Brien 6 acres and 3. rods.
These properties were consolidated into two farms by 1855 when they were listed in Sir Richard Griffith's Primary Valuation of Tenements. This was undertaken in County Clare in 1855. This was to determine the amount of tax each tenant should pay towards the support of the poor and destitute within his Poor Law Union. This Valuation forms the basis of the present-day rating system in Ireland today. John's sons, Michael O'Brien and James O'Brien were the heads of farms after the consolidation. What ever happened to their brothers and their families is not known at this time. Ireland was ravaged by the famine from 1845 through 1851. Death from starvation and emigration out of Ireland numbered in the millions during this time period. There are not any civil vital statistic records for this time period and the church records only account for a few baptism records to support our research. His wife's name is not known.
Tithe Applotment Book 1826
Children of JOHN O'BRIEN SR are:
2. i. MICHAEL2 O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1788, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 28 Feb 1864, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
3. ii. JAMES O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1793, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 08 Mar 1845, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
iii. DANIEL O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1800, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 05 Jan 1851, Ballyvaskin, Miltown Malay, County Clare.
The following article from The Clare Journal, January 13, 1851 is the account of death, of my great-great grandfather, James O’Brien’s brother, Daniel O’Brien. Over the years I have been searching and advertising for the whereabouts of Daniel O’Brien. This past summer the search ended when I found reference to Daniel O’Brien death in an article: “Where are the People Gone to?” County Clare 1850-1852 by Ciaran O’Murchadha, published in The Other Clare, Vol. 26, 2002.
The last know record for Daniel O’Brien was in the 1826 Tithe Applotment Books of Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish. Daniel was listed as having 6 acres of land in the townland of Killernan, Co. Clare. He and his brothers, Patrick, James, Michael and father, John all lived on about 50 acres of land. Ireland’s population was growing at a rapid rate and the potato was feeding the masses. Twenty years later and after the Famine, the farms were consolidated to make them more efficient and profitable for the landlord. In 1855, the Griffith’s Valuation of land for Killernan townland only listed the families of Honoria O’Brien and her brother-in-law Michael O’Brien having two distinct farms. The land had been cleared of the unwanted Irish tenant, many through emigration and others by death from starvation as this newspaper article describes. (check Page THE CLARE JOURNAL, ENNIS, MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1851, DEATH FROM STARVATION)
iv. JOHN O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1800, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. Aft. 1826.
4. v. PATRICK O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1800, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. Aft. 1846.
Generation No. 2
2. MICHAEL2 O'BRIEN (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1788 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 28 Feb 1864 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Michael O'Brien was listed in the Tithe Applotment Book of Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish 1826. He was responsible for paying tithe on 10 acres of farm land in Killernan townland. His tithe was 2 shillings and 3 1/4 pence. This tithe was rated at one half because of the poor quality of the land in this part of the parish. In the next valuation of property in 1855, the Griffith's Valuation list him as holding a little over 21 acres. The total annual valuation of rateable property was 6 pounds, 5 shillings. This description of the property listed house, office and land. The immediate lessor was Col. George Wyndham.
Michael death record lists the cause of death as "old age". He was only sick for one week before he died and James O'Brien was present at his death and recorded the death on March 3, 1864. The information on his death record said he was married at the time of death. At this time I don't have any proof who his wife was but I believe it was Margaret O'Brien who died on a farm in Killernan on May 6, 1871 at 85 years old. Their children were probably born before the start of the Catholic church records which was 1831 for this parish, to years after Catholic emancipation. Margaret's Family name is not known.
Children of MICHAEL O'BRIEN are:
5. i. ELLEN3 O'BRIEN, b. 1823; d. 12 Jan 1897, KIllernan townland, Co. Clare, Ireland.
6. ii. JAMES O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1824, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 08 May 1899, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
3. JAMES2 O'BRIEN (JOHN1)1 was born Abt. 1793 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland2, and died 08 Mar 1845 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland2. He married HONORIA BURKE Abt. 1820 in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland. She was born Abt. 1803 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland3, and died 23 Aug 1893 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland4.
There is not much known about James O'Brien because he died before the start of civil records. He also died the year of the first potato crop failure. His grave stone is the first vertical stone for the O'Briens in the O'Brien family plot. The first public recording of his name is found in the Tithe Applotment Books for Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish where he is listed as accountable for 10 acres.
Sometime between 1826 an 1855 the farm was enlarged to 26 acres, 2 rods, and 35 perches. The immediate lessor was Col George Wyndham and 7 pounds was the total actual valuation of rateable property. The only other record of James is when he and his wife are listed as parents for the baptism of their son, James on 7 Sept 1839. James's gravestone was erected by his son Patrick in Killernan graveyard with the other O'Brien stones. It reads, " Erected by Patrick O'Brien Kilarnan in memory of his father James who died March 8, 1845 aged 52 years and his mother Honor O'Brien nee Burke who died 23 Aug 1893 aged 90 years.
He married Honoria Burke, circa 1820, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. Born, circa 1803, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Died, 23 Aug 1893, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Christened, circa 1803, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare, EIRE. Burial: circa 1893, in Killernan GRAVEYARD, Co. Clare EIRE. Occupation: Farmer's-wife. Honoria was about twenty years old when she was married. She was a neighbor of the O'Brien's and the Burke family had a farm in Killernan townland. Honoria was widowed in 1845 at the beginning of the Irish potato famine. Her youngest son, Stephen O'Brien was only 5 years old at this time. Her other son Patrick became a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) in May 1851a few months after his Uncle Daniel died of Starvation and it was with his help that Honoria was able to keep the family and farm together during these hard times. Honoria turned the Killernan farm over to her son, Stephen in 1886 Honoria lived with her family until she died at 90 years old. Her death record listed her as a farmer's widow and she had rheumatism for two years and had no medical attention at her death. Her grandson, Pat O'Brien recorded the death on September 8, 1893. My grandfather, was very fond of his grandmother, Honoria. He told stories of how in her last years she was just a little old woman and he would light her pipe for her every night and rub whiskey on her sore gums each night. He said this is where he acquired the taste of a good pipe and good wiskey. When she became weaker he would lift her on and off of the chamber pot because she was too feeble. Honoria stayed in the West bedroom of the house. The back of the fireplace was on the inside wall and it kept her warm. The children slept in a loft above the kitchen. The boys on one side and the girls on the other.
Figure 1 Killernan Graveyard James O'Brien 1845
Honoria was born in Killernan townland, the daughter of a farmer. She married her neighbor, James O'Brien when she was in her early twenties. She was widowed when she was in her early forties just when the Irish famine was to start. She lived to be 90 years old and died at home in Killernan townland. She was survived by her oldest son Patrick, retired policeman of Killernan, Stephen, farmer of Killernan, Margaret (Thomas) Reddin of Cascade, Iowa and Catherine (Thomas) Dowling of Kaukauna, Wisconsin.
Figure 2. Irish Death Record for Honor O'Brien
Children of JAMES O'BRIEN and HONORIA BURKE are:
i. PATRICK3 O'BRIEN6, b. Abt. 1825, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 01 Mar 1895, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland7.
Patrick was 70 years old when he died. His death record states he was a bachelor, police pensioner, the duration of his illness was 2 months, he died of liver disease, his brother, Stephen O'Brien was present at his death in Killernan. His death was recorded on the 8 March 1895, fifty years to the day after his father died.
Patrick joined the Royal Irish Constabulary on the 21 May 1851. His retirement papers are #15045. Patrick's retirement papers listed him as 23 years of age at his time of appointment, 5 foot 8 inches, Native of County Clare and a Roman Catholic. He was recommended by L. Crone (Crowe), J.P., who had to be personally known to him. His trade or calling was laborer. He was promoted an Acting Constable on 1December 1871 and a Constable on 1 December 1872. The rank structures in the RIC before 1883 were Sub-constable, Acting Constable and
Constable and after 1883 they changed to Constable, Acting Sergeant and Sergeant. Therefore, he was in effect a sergeant. Patrick was pensioned on 16 November 1881 with 30 years and 5 months service at 71 pounds per annum.
The British government had a practice of not allowing a police officer to be stationed in his home county so that the officer was less likely to be compromised. Patrick was stationed out side of County Clare in the South East part of Ireland in County Kildare.
When Patrick retired from the R.I.C. he moved back to the O'Brien family farm in Killernan, Co. Clare. Living in the house was his brother, Stephen, and wife, Margaret and their six children. His mother, Honoria was also living there at the time. Patrick was the favorite Uncle of Stephen's children and it was his generosity that helped three of his children to emigrate to the United States and also financed the marriage of Catherine O'Brien, the oldest niece to the prominent Ryan family of Dromoher, Co. Clare. Patrick was also responsible for the tombstone in Killernan graveyard for his parents that is still standing tall and proud.
Figure 3. Patrick O'Brien, Royal Irish Constabulary 1825 - 1895
The picture of Patrick on this page was taken in the 1870's. His niece, Bridget (Delia) O'Brien took this picture to America with her when she left Ireland in 1896. She then had this picture enlarged by an artist at an art studio in Elmira, NY and had it and framed for hanging in her house in Waverly, NY. In 1920 Delia moved to Riverside, NY with her daughter, Catherine she took this picture with her and put it in storage in her basement. In 1980, sixty years later her daughters, Catherine and Margaret Cahill presented this picture to me on one of my visits to her home in New Jersey. I now have it hanging proudly in my home.
7. ii. MARGARET O'BRIEN, b. 1834, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 12 Apr 1913, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.
8. iii. CATHERINE O'BRIEN, b. 03 Mar 1834, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 24 Nov 1916, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin.
iv. JAMES O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1839, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland8.
James's baptism was recorded in the Mullagh Church records where it listed him as conditionally baptized. His sponsors were James O'Brien of Killernan and Margaret O'Brien of Killernan. The officiating priest was Father E. P. Barry. There is not further mention of James and it is presumed that he died at a young age
Figure 4. Baptism for James O'Brien Sept 7, 1839
v. WILLIAM O'BRIEN, b. 1839, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
On March 15, 1909 from the Five Points Station in Denver, Colorado, William sent a St. Patrick's Day post card to his sister, Margaret Reddin in Cascade, Iowa. It said "Erin Go Bragh" on the front and he wrote on the back " Hello Mame, How are you? From Brother, Bill.
The family story is that William settled in Colorado near his niece, Delia Kelly. There was a William O’Brien living in Denver, Arapahoe County, Colorado for the 1880 Federal Census.
9. vi. STEPHEN O'BRIEN, b. 1840, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 06 Jul 1905, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
4. PATRICK2 O'BRIEN (JOHN1) was born Abt. 1800 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died Aft. 1846. He married HONOR O'BRIEN Bef. 1846. She was born Abt. 1810, and died Aft. 1846.
Child of PATRICK O'BRIEN and HONOR O'BRIEN is:
i. MATILDA3 O'BRIEN, b. 31 Jan 1846, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Generation No. 3
5. ELLEN3 O'BRIEN (MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born 1823, and died 12 Jan 1897 in KIllernan townland, Co. Clare, Ireland. She married PATRICK EGAN. He was born in Killernan townland, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Burial: Jan 1897, Killernan Graveyard, Co. Clare, Ireland
Ellen O'Brien Burial Vault, Killernan Graveyard buried with brother, John O'Brien
Children of ELLEN O'BRIEN and PATRICK EGAN are:
i. BRIDGET4 EGAN, b. 1852.
ii. MICHAEL EGAN, b. 13 Oct 1853.
iii. JOHN EGAN, b. 21 May 1856.
iv. DANIEL EGAN, b. Nov 1858.
v. MARY EGAN, b. May 1861.
vi. PATRICK EGAN, b. 25 Aug 1863.
vii. MARY EGAN, b. 22 Apr 1865.
viii. PATRICK EGAN, b. 13 Jan 1866.
6. JAMES3 O'BRIEN (MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born Abt. 1824 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 08 May 1899 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland. He married MARY MOLONEY Abt. 1865 in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland. She was born Abt. 1844, and died 11 Mar 1880 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
The O'Brien farm was transferred to James O'Brien in 1865. This was one year after his father, Michael died. James and his wife, Mary had a large family and she died when she was only 36 years old leaving James with a young family. James death certificate list him as a 75 years old widower. The cause of death was heart disease with a duration of seven days. There was no medical attention given and his son, James signed the certificate with his (X) on May 15,1899. His other son Michael had the tomb stone erected in Killernan graveyard.
It is one of three or four O'Brien gravestones in a small area. The inscription reads: "Erected by Michael O'Brien Kilernan in memory of his father James O'Brien who died 8 May 1899 aged 75 years and his mother Mary Moloney who died 11 March 1880 aged 36 years".
James was a neighbor to his cousins farm in Killernan. This family was referred to as the "Brogan O'Briens. The other O'Brien farm was referred to as the Stephen's O'Brien". I don't know how or where this term "Brogan" came from but I first heard James O'Connor the current owner of the Stephen's farm use this term.
He married Mary Moloney, circa 1865, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. Born, circa 1844. Died, 11 Mar 1880, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Burial: circa 1880, in Killernan GRAVEYARD, Co. Clare EIRE. Occupation: Farmer's-wife. Mary Moloney was from Reanagishagh Townland, Kilmaley Parish, County Clare, Ireland . The daughter of James Moloney and Margaret Neylon.
Children of JAMES O'BRIEN and MARY MOLONEY are:
Figure 5. Killenan Graveyard Michael O'Brien
He married Bridget Sexton in Co. Clare EIRE. Michael secured the farm in Killernan in 1896 from his father. He was not listed in either of the Irish census records of 1901 or 1911. Michael "Brogan" O'Brien was living in boston Mass in 1904 when his brother, Thomas O'Brien immigrated to the USA. Michael was responsible for erecting the tombstone to his parents in Killernan graveyard.
ii. JAMES O'BRIEN, b. 05 Jul 1868, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. Aft. 1911.
iii. BRIDGET O'BRIEN, b. 22 Jan 1870, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
iii. BRIDGET O'BRIEN, b. 22 Jan 1870, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Christening: 22 Jan 1870, Sponsors were Mike and Bridget Egan, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
iv. TIMOTHY O'BRIEN, b. 28 Feb 1872, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Christening: 28 Feb 1872, Sponsors were Mike Haren and Mary Egan, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
v. PATRICK O'BRIEN, b. 28 Feb 1872, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Christening: 28 Feb 1872, Sponsors were Patrick and Catherine Keavy, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
10. vi. DANIEL O'BRIEN, b. 11 Oct 1873, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 09 Sep 1946, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland.
vii. JOHN O'BRIEN, b. 09 May 1875, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Christening: 09 May 1875, Sponsors were Patrick and Bridget Gleeson, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
11. viii. THOMAS JOSEPH O'BRIEN, b. 26 Dec 1878, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 05 Jun 1937, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma.
ix. TIMOTHY O'BRIEN, b. 26 Dec 1878, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 26 Dec 1878, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
7. MARGARET3 O'BRIEN (JAMES2, JOHN1) was born 1834 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 12 Apr 1913 in Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa. She married THOMAS REDDIN 11 Jun 1858 in St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa, son of THOMAS REDDIN and MARGARET REDDIN. He was born 1832 in Ireland, and died 13 Mar 1865 in Kinston, North Carolina.
DEATH OF MRS. MARGARET REDDIN
Mrs. Margaret Reddin died at her home in East Cascade, Saturday. She had been in poor health for several years and failed perceptibly. During the past winter months. Mrs. Reddin's maiden name was Margaret O'Brien and she was born in County Clare, Ireland in 1834. She was therefore in her 79th year. She came to the United States in 1857, locating in Cascade, Iowa. In June, 1858, she was married to Thomas Reddin. When the Civil War Broke out, Mr. Reddin enlisted in Company D, Ninth Iowa Infantry regiment, and was killed at Kingston, North Carolina, March 13, 1865. He left a widow with a family of children, Mrs. Reddin worked hard and nobely to their support during the years of their dependency as well as caring for her aged mother. (This was her mother-in-law, Margaret Reddin) Her devotion during many long years was exemplary and called forth Many expressions of commendation not only upon the occasion of her death but during her lifetime. She was a devoted Catholic and always a consistent communicant and zealous observer of the tennents of her faith. Mrs. Reddin is survived by her daughters Mrs. Bridget Kelly, Denver, Mary Reddin of Cascade: Grandsons George Rice of Kadoka, S. D. And Marshal Thomas Reddin of Cascade. One daughter Catherine Rice died August, 1900. One sister Mrs. Catherine Dolan (Dowling) of Seamount, Wisconsin. survives her. The funeral was held Tuesday morning from the residence to St. Martin's Church where services were held at 9:30. The Pall bearers were: S.T. Kean, P.L.Devaney, Jacob Loes, B.F. Crawford, William Drummond, and T. J. Durkin. The family of Mrs. Reddin desire to thank their many friends and neighbors For kindnesses extended during their bereavement.
Census 1860 - free: 17 Jul 1860, Washington Township, Jones County. Iowa
Census 1870: 06 Jul 1870, Whitewater Township, Dubuque County, Iowa
Census 1880: East Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa
Figure 6. Grave of Thomas Reddin, New Bern, NC
THOMAS REDDIN:
Dubuque Herald, March 12,1865, Newbern N. C. Yesterday the enemy fell across the Neuse River , after burning thebridge on that stream. It is reported They were all destroyed. The Rebel ram was at the same time guarding the bridge. Lumber is now going forward to rebuild the bridge. The railroad is completed within a short distance opposite Kingston. The enemy will not be able to remain in Kingston long, even if they decided to make another stand of which there is much doubt. Deserters and refuges continue to come into our lines. The enemy suffered most, owing to their repeated charges on our works in which they repulsed each time with sever losses. Our troops stood their ground manfully, and are in high spirits over the prospects of meeting Sherman soon. General Sherman has opened communication with Wilmington and Fayetteville. He sends word that he is alright and is marching on. We expect to have some gratifying news. Dr. Page of the Sanitary Committee has sent a force with supplies to the front for the wounded. He has also collected a list of killed and wounded which will be sent for publication. General Schofield spent the Sabbath in Newbern. The weather is warm and pleasant. (Mar. 16, 1865) This is the battle in which Thomas Reddin was wounded, guarding the bridge. He was transferred to the Hospital at New Bern.
Burial: 16 Mar 1865, Old Cemetery, New Bern, North Carolina
Marriage Notes for MARGARET O'BRIEN and THOMAS REDDIN:
Witnesses for the marriage were Edward Clancy and Elizabeth Cashen.
Marriage: 11 Jun 1858, St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa
Figure 7 Military Death Record for Thomas Reddin 1865
Children of MARGARET O'BRIEN and THOMAS REDDIN are:
12. i. CATHERINE4 REDDIN, b. 19 Jul 1859, Richland townland, Jones County, Iowa; d. 24 Aug 1900, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.
ii. BRIDGET (DELIA) REDDIN, b. 12 Feb 1861, Cascade, Jones County, Iowa; d. 18 Jan 1945, Denver City, Denver County, Colorado; m. WILLIAM KELLY; b. 1864, Missouri; d. 09 Sep 1933, Denver City, Denver County, Colorado.
She spent her younger years in Cascade and from information taken from post cards, spent time in Nebraska. She had asthma and probably went to Nebraska and later to Colorado for health reasons. Her husband, William Kelly had two sister living in Nebraska at the time of his death. Delia and Will may have met during a time of these visits. There were Reddins living in Denver but I haven't been able to make the connection. .Delia Reddin and William Kelly were married in Denver, Colorado, November 20, 1886. Delia was then Twenty-five years of age. They owned a home at Five Points but round 1810 they moved to an apartment. Her husband Willian Kelly was a State Food Inspector, Bailiff of West Side Criminal Court , Adjuster,and was the Court Bailiff when he died suddenly of a heart attack.Delia made several trips back to Iowa . When her mother Margaret died she stayed at the hotel in Cascade as she said she needed the steam heat. At times she was very lonely living away from her family. She wrote either a card or letter to her Mother and sister Mary saying how she missed them , especially at the holidays. She and her husband
traveled to many places around the state and would mail a card to Cascade to her family. Her letters were destroyed. My husband said that his father Thomas Reddin had a large trunk that was full of letters and belongings . The farm was sold when my husband found other work. Before his mother moved to Cascade, she went through the trunk and burnt most of its contents. I just don't know why she did it, probably didn't realize the value. The only thing that was salvaged were a few pictures and post cards sent every week. From these cards I found that Thomas Reddin and George Rice visited Delia and Will. Delia and William Kelly never had children.
Figure 8. Delia Reddin
Bridget (Delia) Reddin Kelly died at Denver, Colorado January 18, 1945. William Kelly died September 9, 1933 at Denver Colorado. Their address at the time of William's death was 330 East, 19th Street, Apt. #25. The had resided there for 45 years. They are buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.
After Anna (Mrs. Thomas Reddin) died we found an address book with the Kelly's address. We know after looking through the post cards where she was but couldn't understand why she never kept in touch with Tom and Anna. Must have been some friction when Margaret died and her estate was settled.
Delia was in the St. Anthony's hospital in 1909 and Mary Reddin visited her at that time.
Burial: 22 Jan 1945, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Denver, Colorado
Notes for WILLIAM KELLY:
Denver Newspaper, Sept 9, 1933
William Kelly of 330 East Nineteenth Avenue a balliff for District Judge George F. Dunklee ever since the judge was first sworn into office on December 16, 1922, and widely known in Democratic political circles died suddenly of a heart attack in his apartment.
Mr. Kelly came to Denver from Lincoln, Neb. forth years ago. At one time he was the head of the city food inspection department and had served as state pure food inspector. He was a Demotratic political captain and widely known.
Figure 9 Delia Reddin
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: William T Kelly
Home in 1930: Denver, Denver, Colorado
Age: 66
Estimated birth year: abt 1864
Birthplace: Missouri
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Delia
Race: White
Household Members: Name Age
William T Kelly 66
Delia Kelly 68
13. iii. MARY ELLEN REDDIN, b. 14 Apr 1863, Cascade, Jones County, Iowa; d. 24 Dec 1914, Whitewater Township, Dubuque County, Iowa.
Figure 10 Mary Reddin
iv. THOMAS REDDIN, b. 05 May 1865, Cascade, Jones County, Iowa; d. 1865, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.
Sponsors for the baptism were Thomas Dowling and his wife Catherine O'Brien Dowling.
Baptism: 17 May 1865, St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa
8. CATHERINE3 O'BRIEN (JAMES2, JOHN1) was born 03 Mar 1834 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 24 Nov 1916 in Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin. She married THOMAS DOWLING July 27, 1864 in Ireland at the RCC in Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland. Thomas Dowling was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary stationed in Miltown Malbay, County Clare. He was born Dec 1832 in County Kildare, Ireland, and died 27 Oct 1903 in Taylor Street, Kaukauna, Wiscosin.
The 1900 census of the United States lists Catherine O'Brien Dowling and her husband as living on Sarah Street, Kaukauna, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. The records states that she immigrated in 1864. The census states she was 63 years old in June 1900 and was born in July 1836. Catherine and Thomas Dowling leftr Ireland sometime after July 27, 1864 and were in Iowa in May 1865. Their names were on the baptism record from St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Iowa. The record recorded "Thomas Dowlan and Catherine Dowlan" as Godparents to her nephew, Thomas Reddin in 17 May 1865.
The first official records for Catherine is the 1870 census taken on 2 July 1870 in the 5th. City Ward of Oskosh, in the County of Winnebago, Wisconsin. There she was living with her husband, Thomas, son, James and daughter Mary A. Dowling.
The Kaukauna, Wisconsin newspaper carried the following death notice for Catherine O'Brien Dowling. (Died November 24, 1916.
Figure 11 Dowling Grave Stone,
MRS JAMES DOWLING DIES AT HOME IN SEYMOUR
Mrs. James Dowling a former resident for years on the north side, departed this life last Friday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chas. H. Paulie at Seymour, with whom she resided. Deceased was 82 years of age. Dropsy was the cause of her demise. The remains were brought to Kaukauna Saturday and interned in the family lot at Holy Cross Cemetery besides her husband who died about thirteen years
ago. Mrs. Dowling is survived by one daughter. Mrs. Paul of Seymour, and one son, James Dowling, whose present whereabouts is unknown; also seven grandchildren (There was an error in the printing of Catherine O'Brien's death notice. They called her Mrs. James Dowling and they never used her own first name. Catherine had not lived in Kaukauna, WI for a number of years)
Burial: 25 Nov 1916, Holy Cross Cemetery, 1121 Lawe Street, Kaukauna, WI 54130
Census 1870: Ward 5, Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Census 1880: Boyd Street, Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Census 1900: 06 Jun 1900, Sarah Street, Kaukauna, Outagamie County, Wisconsin
Immigration: 1864, Jones County, Iowa
Death Notice THOMAS DOWLING:
Kaukauna, Wisconsin
THOMAS DOWLING
Thomas Dowling, died at his home on Taylor Street, north side, on Tuesday, October 27th after an illness of over two years, of catarrh of the mouth and throat. The deceased was 72 years of age. He was born in County Clare, Ireland and came to America in 1864, settling with his wife and family in Kaukauna 23 years ago. Mr. Dowling was of a happy cheerful disposition, and bore his long and painful illness with exemplary patience and fortitude. He has made many friends during his long residence here, who sympathize with the bereaved family in their loss, and who will long hold him in kindly remembrance. Funeral services were held at Holy Cross Church on Thursday at 9 A.M.
Burial: Oct 1903, Holy Cross Cemetery, 1121 Lawe Street, Kaukauna, WI 54130
Funeral: Oct 1903, Holy Cross RC Church, Kaukauna, Outagamie County, Wisconsin
Immigration: 1864
Naturalization: Pennsylvania
Marriage: 1866, Iowa
Children of CATHERINE O'BRIEN and THOMAS DOWLING are:
i. JAMES4 DOWLING, b. 1868, Iowa. Census 1880: Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
ii. MARY A. DOWLING, b. 1869, Wisconsin. Census 1880: Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
14. iii. MARGARET DOWLING, b. 23 Jun 1871, Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin; d. 21 Sep 1947, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin.
9. STEPHEN3 O'BRIEN (JAMES2, JOHN1) was born 1840 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 06 Jul 1905 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland9. He married MARGARET O'HALLORAN 28 Jan 1865 in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, daughter of JOHN O'HALLORAN and MARY SEXTON. She was born Abt. 1840 in Knockanalban townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died Abt. 1920 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
There was a lapse in the church records at the time of Stephen's birth. He was most probably born on the farm in Killernan townland and baptized at the church in Mullagh. He was only about five years old when his father died in 1845 and he and his family went through the worst years in Irish History with the famine ravaging the country until 1851. He was 24 years when he was married to Margaret O'Halloran
the daughter of a farmer on a farm about a mile west of the O'Brien farm. Stephen and Margaret both signed their name with an (x) on their marriage record. They were married in the Church at Mullagh by Parish Priest Patrick Moran. The witnesses were Patt Halloran and John McGuane. The next record I have on Stephen is from the Valuation Office on Ely Place, Dublin. Here listed in the property transfer books taken from the Griffith's Valuation was the transfer of property from Honoria O'Brien to her son, Stephen in 1886. In the Census of Ireland, 1901 on Form "B" House and Building Return the O'Brien property was listed as a three room private dwelling with walls made of stone or brick and a thatched roof. There were three windows in the front of the house and it was listed as a 2nd class house with five people living in the house. On Form "A", Stephen was listed as: head of family, Roman Catholic, Read nor write, male, married, born in County Clare, and speaks Irish and English.
Stephens death certificate was filed in Miltown Malbay on July 7,1905 by M. McDonough whom was present at death. The cause of death was listed as "probably heart disease 2 years" and no medical attention was given. Martin Cahill of Kildimo a prominent farmer and cousin to the O'Brien family told me a story about Stephen O'Brien. This was in June of 1980 at his home in Kildimo, County Clare. Martin was only about 8 years old when Stephen died but he remembered him and the story that was told of how Stephen would visit his brother, Patrick O'Brien a Royal Irish Constabulary Policeman. Patrick was stationed far away in County Kildare about 100
miles south east of County Clare. Martin said that he would take a small cloth and pack some food in it, then tie it to a stick and place it on his shoulder and just start walking. He said he did it every year and Stephen loved to walk. This same story was told to me by Moira Sexton of Bonavilla townland in the parish another cousin of the O'Briens through the Cahills and O'Hallorans.
He married Margaret O'Halloran, daughter of John O'Halloran and Mary Sexton, 28 Jan 1865, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. was born, circa 1840, in Knockanalban, Co. Clare EIRE. She died, circa 1920, in Killernan, Co. Clare EIRE. Christened, circa 1840, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. Burial: circa 1920, in Killernan GRAVEYARD, Co. Clare EIRE. Occupation: Farmer's-wife. Margaret was from a large family. (O'Halloran and Halloran were used interchangeably on the civil records) that lived in the townland of Knocknageragh. Knocknageragh is a local name for an area in the townland of Knockanalban, (Hill of the Scotsman) also known as Mount Scot. The farm was close to Ahy Bridge. Peggy as she was called by her friends and family was very well liked and had a reputation of being very generous. Martin Cahill of Kildimo remembered her well and told me she always had something to give to the less fortunate when they would stop at her home and ask for food of money. Margaret's, mother Mary Sexton died in 1852 and is buried in a stone vault in Killernan graveyard. This is a large vault with a slate roof. I spoke with Tadgh O'Halloran of Knockanalban in June 1980 and he said that the last person that was interned in the vault was his father. He remembered there being a large number of family members interned in that fault. Peggy had at least two sisters Mary O'Halloran married Martin Cahill of Frehane, Knockanalban. They were the parents of the rent collector from Kildimo and the grandparents of Martin Cahill the person that was so helpful to me in tracing the O'Brien family.
The other sister was Eleanor O'Halloran and she married Patrick Collins of Killernan. They had a large family and her claim to fame was that she had seven daughters that all married into good families with substantial farms in the parish.
Martin recited the names off without taking a breath: Margaret Collins married John McGuane of Killernan, Catherine Collins married White of Cloonlaheen (The Hand), Bridget Collins married James O'Brien of Coore, Mary Collins married McInerney of Annagh, Sarah Collins married Breen of Ballymackea, another daughter married Kennelly of Letterkelly, and another Gallagher of Toreen.
Her older sister, Bridget married John Power from Emlagh and immigrated to Australia with her husband and two children in 1854. This move was paid by the Landlord to remove the tenants form the property. Their descendants still live there in Victoria, Australia.
Margaret's and Stephen's oldest son, James was born mildly retarded. He was a strong worker and an asset on the farm. Margaret was worried all her life that James would not have anyone to take care of him if anything ever happened to her There is no death record for Margaret but I can guess she died around 1920. I do have a certificate to have a Mass said for Mrs Margaret O'Brien on December 26, 1919 at a Benedictine Convent in Missouri. I haven't found a death record for James either but I believe she had her wish and her son predeceased her.
Marriage: 28 Jan 1865, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Children of STEPHEN O'BRIEN and MARGARET O'HALLORAN are:
15. i. CATHERINE4 O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1865, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 25 Nov 1953, Upper Dromher, Co. Clare EIRE.
ii. JAMES O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1867, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. Abt. 1920, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Notes for JAMES O'BRIEN:
James was baptized in the church at Mullagh, his sponsors were Michael and Catherine Collins. James was living with his parents in the 1901 Irish census where he was listed as Dumb. In the 1911 census he was listed as idiot , deaf and dumb. James was moderately retarded and was a strong worker on the farm. It is believed he died sometime before 1920 when we was about 50 years. James was the favorite of his father's and Stephen and his oldest son spent many hours in the fields working together. The story was told that James never realized it but my grandfather, John the youngest son in the family would get James to do a lot of John's work so he could go off and play with friends. James was affectionately know as "Sonny" by his family. When his parents found John was taking advantage of his brother he would have to pay the price.
After Stephen died in 1905 his wife , Margaret worried about Jame's care.. She prayed that she would out live her son so he wouldn't be a burden on anyone.
16. iii. BRIDGET O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1870, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 24 Jun 1953, Riverside, Burlington NJ.
iv. PATRICK O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1871, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 05 Apr 1944, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland.
Patrick stayed on the farm in Killernan and never married. He was known as "Paddy Stephens" and was well over six feet tall with a reputation of one of the strongest men in the parish. His civil birth record recorded January 10, 1872 for his birth and was registered on January 19, 1872. This is a month after his baptism record that was recorded in the church at Mullagh and is in all probability the real date because the church recording was more important to the Irish then the English registration. The sponsors for his baptism were Michael and Catherine Collins, cousins and neighbors to the O'Brien's.
In 1923 Patrick O'Brien was registered as owner in fee simple of the lands comprised in the Folio #10521, County of Clare, Killernan townland, Barony of Ibrickane. He was to pay an annuity of five pounds fourteen shillings and ten pence beginning on the 1st. of June 1923 and payable to the Irish Land Commission until an advance of 164 pounds has been repaid. This land was from the Estate of Lord Leconfield E.C. 10142, L.R.182-22040. Patrick acquired the farm after his mothers death and had the property until his death.
On his death record he was listed as a seventy-three year old bachelor on old age pension. The cause of death was chronic endocarditis one year, cardiac failure certified. Francis Keavey of Dunsallagh townland was responsible for the burial of the body and registration of the death. Francis Keavey was a neighbor and close friend of the O'Brien's. Martin Cahill of Kildimo told me in June of 1980 that he remembered Paddy Stephens well and said he was a good man and a hard worker. He said Paddy liked to drink and one time he was in Miltown Malby and had a few too many and started an argument with one of the R.I.C policeman, Officer Patrick Doran. He evidently beat RIC Doran seriously and was arrested for the act. When the other policemen subdued Patrick they were equally as violent and mangled his arm to the extent he never had full use of it again. Partick Doran was 32 years old in 1901 and lived at the constabulary arracks in Miltown Malbay. He was married and born in County Roscommon.
My grandfather John was his youngest brother and he had a lot of respect for Paddy when he was in charge of the farm. There is a story that was told by my father and uncles that their father John was using Paddy's horse to carry seaweed from the ocean back to the farms to sell for fertilizer. On this particular day it was an unusually heavy load and the horse somehow died. The story goes on to say that John was so frightened of Paddy Stephens that he shoved a potato down it's throat and said he choked on it when he was feeding the horse. Some say John came to America to hide away from Paddy Stephens after that incident.
John S. O'Brien and his wife Kathleen visited Ireland during the summer of 1976. They rented a car and were staying in the Mullagh area at a bed and breakfast owned and operated by Mrs. Torpy. John didn't know exactly where the O'Brien farm was so he visited a pub in Mullagh called Kitty Conways across the street from the guest house. There he met some locals and started asking questions about the
O'Brien farm. Then he mentioned his father's brother's name "Paddy Stephens". They told him he couldn't be from that family he don't have the size. They then told him stories about Paddy Stephens and how he was one of the strongest men in the parish. During this night John met Michael O'Halloran and his son. This is the brother of Tadgh O'Halloran of Knockanalban. A 2nd cousin of John's.
v. STEPHEN O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1873, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 13 Jan 1945, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland10.
He was christened in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, 21 November 1873. Stephen's civil birth records his birth taking place in Killernan on the 29 January 1874. The registration was on the 6th of February 1874 and his father, Stephen signing his (X) in the informant column. Like the other children's births his father didn't want to pay a fine for not registering his child's birth in time and he used a convenient date on the day he registered. The baptism record in Mullagh church was more than two months before this and is probably correct. The sponsors for the baptism were Aunt and Uncle Edmond and Mary Cahill. Stephen was given money to emigrate to America from his Uncle Patrick's estate. He left Queenstown, Ireland on the 23rd of May 1896 and landed in New York City on the 1st. June 1896. He traveled on the ship Lucania. He and his older sister, Bridget made the trip together and shortly after they arrived in New York they went to Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Catherine O'Brien their father's sister was married to Thomas Dowling and they raised a family in North Kaukauna, Wisconson. Stephen petitioned for his naturalization at Phillips Wisconsin in the circuit court of Price County, Wisconsin on the 3rd of November 1900. He was granted his citizenship on the 5th day of December 1917 in Buffalo, Erie County, NY. His witnesses were Thomas J. Dillon, a fireman that resided at 75 Johnson Park, Buffalo, Erie County, NY and James Kennedy, a saloonkeeper of 266 West Genesee St.. Buffalo, Erie County, NY. Sometime after November 1900 Stephen and Delia moved to Elmira, NY and stayed with their cousins the Cahill's.
In 1903 Stephen made a trip back to Ireland for a visit. This was an important trip for him because this was the last time he was to see his mother and father alive. I am sure he was a welcome visitor as he carried all the news of Stephen's sisters and his other two siblings.
On this trip he purchased a pair of brass candlesticks for his sister, Delia. Delia was living at 516 W. 3rd Street, Elmira, NY in 1903. These are now in my possession. Catherine Imhoff gave these to my mother, C. Dorothy O'Brien. and she gave then to me. Stephen was there a few years before he and his brother, John moved to Buffalo, NY. Stephen and John were working at the Gas Works and boarding in Finnegan's Flats at 197 Front Street at this time. They worked different shifts and slept in the same bed when the other was working. Stephen found a well paying job on Buffalo's waterfront as a scooper in the grain elevators. This was a seasonal job and slowed down during the winter months. Stephen was doing very well at this job until he had an accident at work when his feet were crushed while working in a aull of a ship. After this Stephen didn't work steady and he wondered around Buffalo enjoying the drink. Sometime he would be on a "bender" for a few days and my grandmother would find out where he was an then send someone down to get him so she cold bring him home and dry him out until he got back on his feet and would go out again. My Uncle John remembers these times because Stephen would sleep with him in his bed in the up stairs bedroom.
For the 1920 Federal Census, Stephen O'Brien was boarding at 266 West Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY. He was listed as Steve O'Brien. He was a handsome man and looked very much like his brother John which he used to his advantage. He was going to the saloons where John had credit and he was running up bar bills. When Stephen heard that John was on to his free drinks, he left Buffalo and went to Riverside, NJ with his widowed sister, Delia O'Brien Cahill; this was sometime after 1926. In Riverside, Stephen worked at a night watchman in a watch factory.
In 1930 Stephen O'Brien was listed in the Federal Census as living with his sister Bridget Cahiill and her two daughters, Margaret and Catherine at 316 Lippencutt Ave, Riverside, NJ. He was listed at a watchman. Stephen went back to Ireland in the late thirties to retire on the farm. Stephen and his niece, Margaret Cahill took a train to Boston where he sailed on a ship back to Ireland. Margaret went with him because of his health and she kept his accounts for him.
When I was talking with Martin Cahill of Kildimo in 1980 at his home he told me that Stephen came back to Ireland with a pile of money. The first thing he did was go to the bank in Miltown Malby and deposit his money to keep it safe. Every week Stephen would take the six or so mile walk into Miltown Malby and go to the bank and withdrawal all his money. He would then proceed to count it and then redeposit it after he was sure it was all there.
After his brother Paddy Stephens died in 1945 the farm was turned over to his youngest sister, Maria O'Brien. When this was done Stephen O'Brien was given a small room and the right to the use of the kitchen and to be supported. Stephen died at the farm in Killernan. He was listed as a bachelor on old age pension. The cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage, one month cardiac failure certified. Francis Keavey of Dunsallagh a neighbor was present at death and had the body buried on the hill at the ancestral plot in Killernan graveyard.
Mr. Hayes of Dunsallagh was the caretaker of Killernan Graveyard in the 1980' and he wrote a letter to me telling me he remembered that Paddy and Stephen were both buried in Killernan Graveyards with their parents.
Figure 12. Stephen O'Brien
Buffalo, NY City Directory Entries for Stephen O¹Brien
1886 through 1904 no entries (years listed were the books on the shelf)
1903 O'Brien, Stephen returned from Killernan, Co. Clare, Ireland through Ellis Island, NYC
1905 O'Brien, Stephen, Firemanr. 197 Front St.
1913 O'Brien, Stephen, fireman266 W. Genesee,
1917 O'Brien, Stephen, colr. 266 West
1919 O'Brien, Stephen, fireman266 W Genesee
1920 O'Brien, Stephen, fireman266 W Genesee (listed as Laborer at Gas House)
1930 O'Brien, Stephen was residing in Riverside, NJ with his sister Bridget Cahill.
1944 O'Brien, Stephen died in Killernan, Co. Clare, Ireland
More About STEPHEN O'BRIEN:
Burial: Abt. 1945, Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland
Census 1920: 266 West Genesee St., Buffalo, NY
Census 1930: 02 May 1930, 316 Lippencott Avenue, Riverside, NJ
Christening: 21 Nov 1873, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Immigration: 01 Jun 1896, NYC, Price County WI, Buffalo, Erie County, NY Naturalized11
Occupation: laborer-scooper
17. vi. JOHN J. O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1875, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 10 May 1959, Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, Erie Co., NY USA.
vii. MARIA O'BRIEN, b. Abt. 1880, Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland; d. 08 Dec 1961, Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE.
Maria's civil birth certificate records her birth date as August 1, 1880. Her father was the informant and put his (X) on the form on August 9, 1880. Again this was two months past her baptism date which should be the actual date. It looks like her father didn't make it to town very often to record his children's births on time. Her Aunt and Uncle Edmond and Mary Cahill were the sponsors for her baptism that was held at the church in Mullagh.
Figure 13. Maria O'Brien
Maria was listed in the 1901 and 1911 Irish census living with her family on the farm in Killernan. In August of 1944 Maria became full owner of the property in Killernan townland. During this time James O'Connor of Knockbrack, Miltown Malby was working on the farm as a farmhand. He purchased the farm from Maria in August of 1946 for 380 pounds plus fees (with reservations). Maria was given the west bedroom to live the rest of her life. She lived there in the early 1950's until James and his wife Mary started to have a family. The story was told that Maria coud be a difficult person and that Mr O'Connor neglected to fix the roof on the end of the house that was over Maria's bedroom resulting in rain coming in the room.This helped make the decision to in with her niece, Delia Ryan Lahiff of Kilnaboy parish. Maria was close to Delia because Delia as a young girl would spend time in Killernan with her aunt Maria. Delia told me that they would go to church every Sunday at the Coore Chapel and take the couple mile walk to mass. On the way back from mass they would stop at Catherine Looneys store and have tea and a small lunch with her. Catherine Looney married Tadgh O'Halloran of Knockanalban a cousin of Maria's. I visited them in June 1980 and Catherine O'Halloran remembered Maria and Delia visiting her. She said that Maria had the most beautiful long reddish blonde hair she had ever seen. Maria only lived with Delia a short time. She then went up to Dromoher to the Ryan farm to live with her sister, Catherine O'Brien Ryan. Catherine was living with her son Paddy Ryan and his wife Anne. Catherine died in 1953 and Maria stayed on with her nephew, Paddy and wife until she died. Maria died when she was 80 years old. Paddy Ryan recorded the death on 23 of May 1961 five months after she died. She is buried with her sister in Kilnaboy graveyard. Maria kept in touch with her brother, John and sister, Delia in America. John in return would send money and house slippers to her as gifts for my grandfather. My grandfather would wear the slippers to break them in so they wouldn't have to pay a customs tax on new slippers when they were mailed to Ireland. Delia O'Brien Cahill would send her tea because it was so hard to come by during the war. I have a number of post cards with pictures of the local areas that Maria sent back thanking Delia for the tea that was snet to her. Maria also corresponded with her niece, Catherine Cahill and sent her a Belleek China candy dish as a gift one year. Catherine Cahill's niece passed Maria's dish on to me and I
still have it displayed at my home.
One of the nicest things that I have in my possession that belonged in the O'Brien household in Killernan is the picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that hung in the main room like it does in almost every Irish household. This picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was from June 6, 1933 when a Eucharist Congress was held in Dublin, Ireland. Maria enrolled her parents and brothers and sisters on this document. After Maria left the farm it was hanging in the house and James O'Connor gave it to Margaret Cahill of Riverside, NY when she was visiting in 1964. Margaret gave it to me in 1980 when my mother and I were visiting her that spring.
Burial: Abt. 1961, Kilnaboy GY, Co. Clare EIRE
Christening: 23 May 1880, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Generation No. 4
10. DANIEL4 O'BRIEN (JAMES3, MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born 11 Oct 1873 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 09 Sep 1946 in Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland. He married SARAH KING 02 Feb 1899 in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, daughter of MICHAEL KING and MARGARET LOONEY. She was born 22 Feb 1865 in Rath-Mullagh, Co. Clare EIRE, and died 14 Apr 1943 in Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland.
Figure 14. Daniel O'Brien and Sarah Sexton
The O'Briens of Mullagh were known as the "Baker O'Briens" because Dan O'Brien owned a bakery in the village of Mullagh known as the "Bake house". The dwelling house and shop were built by Dan O'Brien, on the site where the Scales family once had a blacksmith's forge. Dan O'Brien had trained as a baker in England, and he had quite a successful bakery business, together with the grocery and hardware shop. Dan was a very flamboyant character, who was the life and soul of the village life. Sarah on the other hand, was quiet gentle and of a generous nature.
Burial: Abt. 1946, Kilbridget Cemetery, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland
Christening: Abt. 1873, Sponsors were Daniel and Bridget Moroney, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Occupation: Baker
Figure 15 Sarah Sexton O'Brien at Bakery in Mullagh, Co Clare
Marriage: 02 Feb 1899, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Figure 16. Dan and Sarah O'Brien, Kilbridget Graveyard
Children of DANIEL O'BRIEN and SARAH KING are:
18. i. JOHN JOSEPH5 O'BRIEN, b. 04 Jun 1900, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland; d. 29 Jan 1968, New York City, NY USA.
19. ii. MARY O'BRIEN, b. 11 Dec 1902, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland; d. 13 Oct 1967, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland.
iii. MARGARET (PEG) O'BRIEN, b. 24 May 1904, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland; d. 10 Sep 1973, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland.
Margaret was known as Peg and never married. She assisted her brother Michael in the running of the family business, and slept at her cousin Bridie Kings's house each night. She was a good business person and took an active part in church affairs. When her sister-in-law, Nora died in 1956, she became mother to Michael's eight children, caring for them and continuing to manage the family business until her death on the 10th of September 1973. The verse on her memorial card sums up her personality:
A life made beautiful by kind deeds,
A helping hand for others needs,
To a beautiful life came a happy end,
She died as she lived, everyone's friend.
Figure 17. Margaret Peg O'Brien
Burial: Mullagh GY, Co. Clare EIRE
Christening: Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Occupation: Shopkeeper
20. iv. MICHAEL O'BRIEN, b. 10 Aug 1906, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland; d. 08 Jan 1975, Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland.
11. THOMAS JOSEPH4 O'BRIEN (JAMES3, MICHAEL2, JOHN1) was born 26 Dec 1878 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 05 Jun 1937 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma. He married MARY O'DEA, daughter of MICHAEL O'DEA and NORA FOX. She was born 1885 in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland, and died 18 Jan 1936 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma.
Burial: Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma
Christening: Abt. 1880, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Occupation: Packer
Figure 18. Thomas O'Brien and sons
More About MARY O'DEA:
Burial: Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma
Immigration: 1910
Naturalization: 1915, Boston, Middlesex County, MA
Children of THOMAS O'BRIEN and MARY O'DEA are:
i. MARY CATHERINE5 O'BRIEN, b. 13 Sep 1911, Cambridge, Boston, Middlesex Co., MA; d. 15 Dec 1992; m. JOSEPH A. TURNER, Immaculate Conception RCC, Cambridge, Ma; d. Aug 1965.
More About MARY CATHERINE O'BRIEN:
Burial: 18 Dec 1992, Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma
Funeral: 18 Dec 1992, Sacred Heart Church, Watertown, MA
Resided: 27 Nov 1936, 387 Norfolk Street, Cambridge, Boston, Middlesex Co., MA
More About JOSEPH A. TURNER:
Burial: Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma
More About JOSEPH TURNER and MARY O'BRIEN:
Marriage: Immaculate Conception RCC, Cambridge, Ma
Figure 19. Wedding Mary O'Brien and Joseph Turner
21. ii. NORA IRENE O'BRIEN, b. 04 Sep 1913, Cambridge, Boston, Middlesex Co., MA; d. 02 Nov 1975, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma.
iii. JAMES FRANCIS O'BRIEN, b. 21 Sep 1918, Cambridge, Boston, Middlesex Co., MA; d. 26 Oct 1978; m. DOROTHY SULLIVAN.
More About JAMES FRANCIS O'BRIEN:
Burial: Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma
Military service: U.S. Army 3rd. Division, Europe
Occupation: Post Office
More About DOROTHY SULLIVAN:
Burial: Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Ma
22. iv. THOMAS J. O'BRIEN, b. 18 Apr 1920, Cambridge, Boston, Middlesex Co., MA.
12. CATHERINE4 REDDIN (MARGARET3 O'BRIEN, JAMES2, JOHN1) was born 19 Jul 1859 in Richland townland, Jones County, Iowa, and died 24 Aug 1900 in Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa. She married CHARLES C. RICE 17 Sep 1877 in St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa, son of LUCIAN RICE and ELIZABETH RICE. He was born 1854 in Bowen Prairie, Jones County, Iowa, and died 1888 in Butte City, Montana.
Baptism sponsors were Patrick and Catherine Cashen.
In 1880 Catherine and son George were living in Cascade with her mother Margaret Reddin. They later moved to Montana. Charles had a brother George living in Montana at Deere Lodge Co. Mt City of Butte. In 1888 after her husband died, she moved into Denver near her sister Delia Kelly. Between 1886-87 everything changed for the cattlemen and cowboy. The summer was bone dry but the winter of 1886-87 was the most devastating ever recorded on the northern plains. Storms broke up herds and snow buried them; sixty per cent of the cattle in Montana alone died. Many ranchers lost all that they owned and therefore gave up all together.
DEATH OF MRS. C. C. RICE
Mrs. Charles C. Rice died at the home of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Reddin in East Cascade at 6:30 o'clock Monday morning, during which time she was a keen suffer. Her maiden name was Kate Reddin and she was born in Cascade July 19, 1959. She married to Charles C. Rice Sept.17,1877. Two children were born to them. Kitty who died in infancy in Butte City, Montana in 1888. And a son George .Since that time, Mrs. Rice lived in Denver, until about one year ago when she returned to Cascade hoping the change of climate would benefit her health. The funeral took place at St. Martin's Church Wednesday at 9 A.M. and was attended by a large concourse of friends and neighbors. (Charles Rice also died in 1888 at Butte City , Montana)
Baptism: St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa
Burial: Aug 1900, St. Martin's Cemetery, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa
Marriage: 17 Sep 1877, St. Martin's RCC, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa
Children of CATHERINE REDDIN and CHARLES RICE are:
i. CATHERINE5 RICE, b. Butte City, Montana.
23. ii. GEORGE HENRY RICE, b. 26 Feb 1879, Clarion, Iowa; d. 29 Feb 1944, Edgemont, Fall River County, South Dakota.
13. MARY ELLEN4 REDDIN (MARGARET3 O'BRIEN, JAMES2, JOHN1) was born 14 Apr 1863 in Cascade, Jones County, Iowa, and died 24 Dec 1914 in Whitewater Township, Dubuque County, Iowa. She married MR. MYLADY.
She spent her entire life in Cascade, Iowa. She helped her mother take in washings and clean houses for people. She worked at the Cascade, Hotel and the Patterson Mansion, which has since been torn down. (It became a public school for many years. If it were still standing it would have been a tourist attraction and museum, what foolish mistakes people make) Mary was well liked by everyone and a very devout person. She was always willing to help anyone in need.
We have heard several versions of the birth of her son Thomas Reddin. His marriage license states he was Born in Bloomington , Ill. But Birlington, Iowa was once called Bloomington. I knew a neighbor that said he was born right in Cascade as her sister-in- law was her friend and helped in the birthing. This family had always lived across the street from the Reddin family. My husband thought he heard his father give information in a doctor's office in which he said his nearest relative was his half-brother George Rice. This can't be true as according to the 1880 census, Catherine and son George were living with her Mother and Charles Rice was out west. In the 1885 Federal Census I found the listing for Margaret Reddin in Cascade, living with her two grandsons, George Rice age 9 and Thomas Mullady age 4 living at home for the present. Evidently Grandmother Margaret told the truth as to parentage of Thomas, but throughout his life he used the name Thomas Joseph Reddin. It really doesn't matter as he was a very quiet and wonderful man., highly respected by everyone. He was a life long friend of a Joseph Mullady a neighbor . His children and my husband could have passed for brother and sister. Mary died December 24, 1914. According to my mother-in-law it was a cool rainy afternoon . Mary had ordered a air rifle gun for a neighbor boy as a Christmas present She walked several blocks down town in the rain and cold. She became ill later on in the night and died of double pneumonia. Mary had purchased the Snowdon home in East Cascade, across the street from her mother. She added a second story with a bathroom and lived there with her son Thomas. When Thomas married he and his wife lived in Grandmother Margaret Reddin's old home as he had either inherited it or bought it from the estate. At one time Mary had worked at Casper, Why. (Natrona Co.) according to what Ethel Rice had told her daughter, Dolores AnDyke. By this time Ethel had re-connected with her children and in her old age was taken care of by Dolores. Dolores wrote this information in a letter to our daughters when they were doing research.
*Note: If according to her obit she was born in Jones County. The family must have stayed on the farm in Jones County , working for the Clausons until Thomas joined the Army during the Civil War then they moved to Cascade and purchased the home in East Cascade. It is hard to tell which Reddin bought the home as Thomas father was Thomas and his mother was Margaret. Very confusing.
DEATH OF MARY E. REDDIN
This community was surprised and Many friends were deeply grieved When it was announced that Mary E.Reddin had passed away at the family residence in East Cascade at 1:10 o'clock this morning, after a brief attack of double pneumonia. She was taken ill with a severe cold last Monday and pneumonia setin before the attack could be checked. All day Tuesday her condition was precarious and the family and friends feared the final outcome. Mary E. Reddin was a daughter of the late Mrs. Margaret Reddin and was born in Jones county 49 years ago. She is survived by her sister Mrs. Kate Kelly , of Denver, Colo.and Marshal Thomas Reddin of this City. Mary Reddin was held in high respect by all who knew her. Her live was a noble devotion, and extreme sorrow fills the hearts of her survivors and a host of friends upon this sad occasion . She was a devout Catholic and life-long member of St. Martin's Congregation. The funeral will probably be held Saturday or Sunday morning at St. Martin's church.
Some of the following information was recorded from and interview with Reggie Durkin, whose parents lived across the street from the Reddin Family in Cascade, Iowa. He is the one Mary Reddin had ordered a Christmas present for and became ill walking through the rain and snow to pick it up at the post office. Reggie said he spent most of his time at the Reddin home. Tom Reddin took him many places. He spent many happy times with Mayme (Mary Reddin) and also at the George Rice farm, known as the George Patterson Farm . "Mayme would go out to help Ethel with the work as she became lonesome" He also stated that George was many years older than Ethel. Ethel had said that her mother had just up and disappeared when she was a little girl and was never heard from again. Some people by the name of Hickok raised her. Years later Ethel did the same thing to her family when she and George lived in South Dakota. After six or seven years George and Ethel moved from Cascade to South Dakota. We have a post card written by Ethel Rice to Anna Reddin from the train as they were going to their destination. Reggie stated that some years later word was received in Cascade that Ethel had left George. He tried to take care of the children and hired someone to look after them. It must have been about this time during the depression that George sent word to Tom and Anna Reddin and asked if they could take them. Charles was very little. He could remember his parents going to the orphanage in Dubuque to see if they would take the children. The old farm house near Cascade had four bedroom and was colder than blazes. It sure wasn't equipped to make life pleasant for a large family. Grandma Reddin was 41 and Tom must have been about 45. It may also have been their thinking that they were too old to start another family. Grandma Reddin was overly protective of her son Charles. She dressed him like a sissy and was always afraid others would influence him (according to Charles). They were not the sole owners of the farm. Anna's father and sister and Tom all had an interest in the farm. I know they had a hard time making ends meet. Grandma Reddin's father seemed to be the boss and made many mistake, mortgaging things he had no right to but the bank went along with his deals behind Tom and Anna's back.
Child of MARY REDDIN and MR. MYLADY is:
24. i. THOMAS J.5 REDDIN, b. 01 Apr 1881, Cascade, Jones County, Iowa; d. 28 Sep 1942, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa.
14. MARGARET4 DOWLING (CATHERINE3 O'BRIEN, JAMES2, JOHN1) was born 23 Jun 1871 in Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, and died 21 Sep 1947 in Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin. She married CHARLES PAULIE 27 May 1891 in Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. He was born 29 Jun 1871 in Freedom, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, and died 02 Jun 1953 in Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin.
Notes for MARGARET DOWLING:
MRS. CHARLES PAULIE
Mrs. Charles Paulie, nee Margaret Dowling, died early Sunday morning,
September 21; at her home in Seymour, at the age of 76 years. Mrs
Paulie had been in poor health for a long time but her death came
suddenly.
She was born, June 29th., 1871. She was united in marriage to Charles
H. Paulie at Kaukauna May 27, 1891.
Besides her husband she is survived by three sons, Sylvester of
Milwaukee, Robert of Appleton, Harry of Seymour and two daughters,
Mrs. M. M. Hoffman of Seymour and Florence at home.
Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 9:30 at St. John's
Catholic church. Interment was at the parish cemetery.
More About MARGARET DOWLING:
Burial: 23 Sep 1947, St. John's RC Church, Seymour, Outagamie County, Wisconsi
Census 1880: Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin
Funeral: 23 Sep 1947, St. John's RC Church, Seymour, Outagamie County, Wisconsi
Notes for CHARLES PAULIE:
CHARLES PAULIE, 81 DIES SUDDENLY TUESDAY
Charles H. Paulie, 81 died suddenly about 7:15 Tuesday evening at his
home. Born June 29th. 1871, in Freedom; he operated a repair shop in
Seymour for many years, and had retired about a moth ago.
Survivors are 2 daughters, Mrs. Ann Hoffman, Seymour; Miss Florence
Paulie, at home; 3 sons Robert Paulie, Appleton; Sylvester and Harry
Paulie of Milwaukee; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; 1
sister, Mrs. Carrie Hill, Los Angeles, California.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 Saturday morning at St. John's
Catholic church with Rev. A. M. Grill officiating. Burial will be in
the parish cemetery. Friends may call at he Muehl Funeral home after
7 o'clock Thursday evening. The rosary will be recited at 8 o'clock
Friday evening.
More About CHARLES PAULIE:
Burial: 06 Jun 1953, St. John's RC Church, Seymour, Outagamie County, Wisconsi
Occupation: Printer
Marriage Notes for MARGARET DOWLING and CHARLES PAULIE:
the witnesses to the wedding were Otto Stimmer and Chris Roemer. The
marriage was performed by Justice of Peace, Joseph Roemer, Appleton,
Outagamie County, Wisconsin.
More About CHARLES PAULIE and MARGARET DOWLING:
Marriage: 27 May 1891, Appleton, Outagamie County, Wisconsin
Children of MARGARET DOWLING and CHARLES PAULIE are:
25. i. HARRY T.5 PAULIE, b. 1893, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin; d. 24 Nov 1958, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
ii. ANNA A. PAULIE, b. 1895, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin; m. M. M. HOFFMAN.
iii. SYLVESTER S. PAULIE, b. 1902, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin; d. 07 Jul 1967, Ocanto Falls, Wisconsin.
iv. NORBERT PAULIE, b. 1903, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin; d. 22 Sep 1946, Green Bay, Wisconsin; m. ELSIE ROLOFF.
v. EVA M. PAULIE, b. 1905, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin.
vi. FLORENCE PAULIE, b. 1908, Seymour, Outgamie County, Wisconsin.
15. CATHERINE4 O'BRIEN (STEPHEN3, JAMES2, JOHN1) was born Abt. 1865 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 25 Nov 1953 in Upper Dromher, Co. Clare EIRE. She married JOHN RYAN 12 Feb 1895 in Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland, son of JOHN RYAN and MARY HEALY. He was born 11 Jun 1862 in Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE, and died 30 Sep 1927 in Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE.
Notes for CATHERINE O'BRIEN:
Catherine O'Brien was the only child of Stephens whose civil birth
record was close to the church baptism record. The civil record listed
November 20, 1865 (one day after the church record). Stephen was the
informant and signed his (X) on the 7th of December 1865.The sponsors
for her baptism were Luke Darcy and Mary Collins both cousins on the
O'Halloran side of the family. Catherine marriage was arranged to
John Ryan of Dromoher by a cattle dealer from Ennistymon named Healy.
John Ryans mother was a Healy and this match maker was her relation.
Her marriage was secured with a dowry from her Uncle Patrick O'Brien,
retired Royal Irish Constabulary. The Ryan family raised cattle on
their farm in Upper Dromoher. in Kilnaboy parish. She was married in
the church at Coore by Father Michael Murray, the witnesses were
Bridget McGuane and John Healy.
Mary Ruane a granddaughter of Catherine's told me she was very close
to her grandmother and spent many a night and day in her home. She
would sleep with her in her bed and her grandmother, Catherine would
teach her prayers. She also remembers Catherine fondness for tea and
she that she was the expert. Catherine died at 77 years old of syncope
myocarditis certified. Bridget Ryan Lahiff of Roughan was the
informant and registered the death on the 28th of November 1953. She
was buried with her husband in Kilnaboy Graveyard in the Ryan family
plot.
Picture of Katie Paddy, Delia Mary
She married John Ryan, son of John Ryan and Mary Healy, 12 Feb 1895,
in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE. Born, 11 Jun 1862, in Upper
Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE. Died, 30 Sep 1927, in Upper Dromoher, Co.
Clare EIRE. Christened in Kilnaboy, Co. Clare EIRE. Burial in Kilnaboy
GRAVEYARD, Co. Clare EIRE. Occupation: Farmer. John was from a large family,
he was the second child and oldest son of eleven children. The Ryan
family had over 120 acres of land in Dromoher, Co. Clare. The Ryan
family was on this farm from at least 1835, before this his
grandparents, John Ryan and Bridget Neylon were both from the townland
of Leamaneh in Kilnaboy parish. This is the same townland where the
famous Leamaneh Castle still stands and was once the home of Conor
O'Brien and his wife Marie Rue O'Brien.
More About CATHERINE O'BRIEN:
Burial: Abt. 1953, Kilnaboy GY, Co. Clare EIRE
Christening: 19 Nov 1865, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Occupation: Farmer's-wife
More About JOHN RYAN:
Burial: Kilnaboy GY, Co. Clare EIRE
Christening: Kilnaboy, Co. Clare EIRE
Occupation: Farmer
More About JOHN RYAN and CATHERINE O'BRIEN:
Marriage: 12 Feb 1895, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Children of CATHERINE O'BRIEN and JOHN RYAN are:
i. PATRICK5 RYAN, b. 27 Feb 1896, Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE; d. Abt. 1980, Kilmaley Co. Clare EIRE; m. ANN CARROLL; b. Abt. 1903, Kilnaboy, Co. Clare EIRE; d. Feb 1996, Liscullane, Corofin, Co. Clare, EIRE.
Notes for PATRICK RYAN:
. He married Ann Carroll. Paddy lived out his life on the Ryan farm
in Upper Dromoher. He and his wife Ann never had children and the
farm passed onto a niece in Ann's family. Ann died in1996
More About PATRICK RYAN:
Burial: Abt. 1980, Kilnaboy GY, Co. Clare EIRE
Christening: Kilnaboy, Co. Clare EIRE
Occupation: Farmer
More About ANN CARROLL:
Burial: Feb 1996, Kilnaboy GY, Co. Clare EIRE
Occupation: Farmer's-wife
26. ii. JOHN RYAN, b. 19 Jan 1897, Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE; d. Kilmaley Co. Clare EIRE.
27. iii. STEPHEN RYAN, b. 06 Jun 1898, Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE; d. 1969, Bronx, NY USA.
28. iv. MARY RYAN, b. 20 Mar 1900, Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE; d. Apr 1990, Orlando, Florida USA.
29. v. BRIDGET RYAN, b. 08 Feb 1903, Upper Dromoher, Co. Clare EIRE; d. 22 Dec 1990, Ennis, Co. Clare EIRE.
16. BRIDGET4 O'BRIEN (STEPHEN3, JAMES2, JOHN1) was born Abt. 1870 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland, and died 24 Jun 1953 in Riverside, Burlington NJ. She married JOHN CAHILL 09 Nov 1905 in St. Patrick's, Elmira, NY, son of MICHAEL CAHILL and KATHERINE DARCY. He was born 24 Jun 1854 in Frehane, Co. Clare EIRE, and died 23 Oct 1913 in Waverly, Tioga Co. NY USA.
Notes for BRIDGET O'BRIEN:
Bridget O'Brien was called Delia all her life. Delia's civil birth
certificate records her birth as February 14, 1870. Her father
recorded the birth on the 21st February 1870 and signed the record
with an (X). Again this was a month after her baptism record. The
sponsors for her baptism were Cornelius and Sarah Collins, 1st.
cousins of theirs. They were children of her Aunt Eleanor O'Halloran
Collins of Killernan.. They were first cousins and neighbors of the
O'Brien's. Bridget was given money from her uncle Patrick's estate to
emigrate to America.
She came to America on May 2, 1896 and landed in New
York City. She traveled with her brother, Stephen on the SS Lucania. They are listed on page 247 of the ship manifest, liine 608. Their destination was listed as Kaukauna, Wisconsin. They left New YOrk City and traveled to Wisconsin and stayed with her father's sister, Catherine O'Brien. She was married to Thomas Dowling.
There are a few pictures of her with her cousin, Maggie Dowling Paulie when she was living in Wisconsin. Somewhere around 1900 she moved to
Elmira, NY and stayed with her cousins the Cahill's. There were four
Cahill sisters living and working in Elmira as domestics. They helped
her find a job and she stayed there. The Cahill sisters had a cousin
of theirs living about 20 miles away in Waverly, NY. This was a
railroad town and their cousin, John Cahill formerly of Frehane, Co.
Clare lived and worked there. He was widowed in 1905 and was left with
two small children,, Margaret and Thomas. Somehow through the Cahill's
sisters Delia met John Cahill and they married a few years later. My
grandfather, John O'Brien was the best man at the wedding. They lived
in their own house on railroad property on the New York Pennsylvania
border. They ran a small grocery store and Delia took in laundry. She
was only married five years before tragedy struck and John died
leaving her with three children. She worked hard and with help from
her brother, Stephen, Margaret was able to attend Cortland Teachers
College. She lived in Waverly, NY until 1926 when she and John's only
daughter, Catherine moved to Riverside, NJ into a new duplex on 316
Lippencutt Avenue. Margaret had just purchased the house for them.
Delia lived with Margaret until she died.
John Cahill
1854 - 1913
Delia married John Cahill, son of Michael Cahill and Katherine Darcy,
on 9 Nov 1905, in St. Patrick's, Elmira, NY. Born, 24 Jun 1854, in
Frehane, Co. Clare EIRE. Died, 23 Oct 1913, in Waverly, Tioga Co. NY
USA. Christened, circa 1854, in Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Co. Clare EIRE.
Burial: 27 Oct 1913, in St. James graveyard, Waverly, NY USA. Immigration: 4
Jul 1882, in Boston, Mass. USA. Occupation: Railroad-worker.
Delia Cahill and brother John O'Brien
Riverside, NJ circa 1945
John Cahill emigrated to America and arrived in Boston, Massachusetts
aboard the ship Anna. After his arrival in Boston he soon left for the
western part of the United States to find work in the Idaho Territory.
This was an exciting time in American History because gold was
recently discovered in the territory and the United States Army was
still fighting the American Indian for control of their land. After a
few years out west John returned to Boston, Massachusetts and married
Bridget Fitzpatrick, at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Sommerville.
Massachusetts, Bridget was also from Kilmurry Ibrickane parish. She
was born in Bonavilla townland. John and Bridget moved to Waverly, NY.
There they operated a grocery store and John worked on the Erie
Railroad. They had two children, Margaret born in 1895 and Thomas born
in 1898. Bridget died in November 1903 after a short illness and John
was left to raise two children. This he did with the help of his four
cousins, Margaret, Delia, Anne and Catherine Cahill. They were his
first cousins, the daughters of his uncle and aunt, Martin Cahill and
Mary O'Halloran.
John married again in 1908 to another first cousin of the Cahill
sisters. This time his wife was related to the O'Halloran side of the
family. There was a question to this marriage to Delia O'Brien but
their best man, John O'Brien found a woman in Buffalo, NY by the name of
Maggie Mescal that could trace the genealogy and prove that there was
no blood relation between the engaged couple. (They were second cousins because their grandmother's were sister from the Sexton Family of Knockanalban) This satisfied the
priest and he was glad to marry them. John continued to work on the
railroad and was also working on a project where he was redesigning
the wheel axle box for railroad cars. His invention was approved and
patented in 1898 and he was offered $20,000 for the patent rights at
this time. John never accepted the offer and was working on more
improvements when he died in 1913. So he and his family never
received any royalties for his patent. The working model was in the
barn at their home for years and all the papers were left at his home
in a metal box. John is buried with his first wife, Bridget
Fitzpatrick in St. James Cemetery, Waverly, NY.
Children of John Cahill and Bridget Fitzgerald:
i. Margaret Marie Cahill was born in Waverly, NY in April
1895.Margaret was the first daughter of John Cahill and Bridget
Fitzgerald. Margaret was an amazing person to know. I had the
opportunity to stay with Margaret and sit with her and discuss the
family history. She was very proud of her heritage. Margaret was
only 8 years old when her mother died and she remembered sitting at
her mothers beside holding her hand with two nuns form the Catholic
school when her mother quietly passed away. The day after the funeral
her father took her into the kitchen and cut off her long curly blonde
hair trying to explain that he would not have the time or patience to
take care of her beautiful hair. That day she placed it in box to
save. Eighty-two years later she told me the story and I followed her
directions town in the basement and retrieved the box with the long
golden blonde curls.
Margaret Cahill and Tom Cahill
circa 1900
Margaret was a bright student and she graduated from Waverly High
School in 1912. Again Margaret had an experience with death as she
sat at her fathers bed side when he died. John came home from a
railroad meeting with chest pains. He died during the night and she
had to tell her 3 year old sister that he Daddy wasn't coming back.
Little Catherine didn't understand and Catherine led Margaret through
the house holding her hand looking in under all the beds and behind
the doors for her father. Margaret said it was one of the saddest
days in her life She went on Cortland Normal School, graduating in
1915 and became a teacher. Her first teaching job was in a rural
community in Pennsylvania. She boarded with a family and taught 1 - 8
grade in a one room school house. The man in the house would drive
her to school with his horse and buggy and help her start the fire in
the stove every morning. She only spent a few years there and then
tool a job teaching in Camden, NJ She move there in 1919 and boarded
with a family. The house was across from a cemetery in Riverside.
The Flue epidemic of 1919 was ragging across America and thousands of
Americans were dying. Margaret said she was sick and all night long
she couldn't sleep because all she could hear were the graves being
dug for the next days death toll. She said they couldn't built
coffins fast enough so people rented them. They had a trap door in
the bottom and they would lower the coffin and then take the coffin
back out empty. In 1924 she purchased a house that she would live in
the rest of her life- 316 Lippencutt Avenue, Riverside, NJ. Two year
later in 1926 her sister ,Catherine. And step -mother , Delia moved
down with her. Margaret's home had three bedrooms and they all had
their own bedroom until Uncle Stephen O'Brien moved to Riverside after
his accident in Buffalo. He was only there a few years before he went
back to Ireland. Margaret taught school until 1959 when she retired
with 44 years of teaching. She was a remarkable teacher and students
and children of students kept in touch with her until she died in
1985. Margaret received over 80 birthday cards every year from her
friends and students. I visited her in the spring of 1984 while doing
business and I found her busy at the dinning room table studying.
Margaret had a large world atlas and maps spread out on the table
trying to memorize the new countries in Africa and Asia. She had read
something in the paper and she didn't know where it was and thought it
important that she knew what it was. John O'Brien told me that
Margaret would visit them in the early 1920's when they were children
and everyone loved her. She would bring them gifts like tooth brushes
and explain how important it was to brush their teeth. They all had a
great respect for Margaret.
Tom and John O'Brien
Margaret Cahill and Delia Cahill and Catherine Cahill Imhoff
i. Thomas Cahill was born around 1898 in Waverly, NY. Tom's life
like his father was on the railroads. He worked his whole life on
railroad. He wasn't interested in going to college like his sister,
Margaret. Tom just wanted to work on the railroad. Tom married Mary
_____________. She was divorced and had four children. Tom was in a
railroad accident and fell between two railroad cars and had is arm
cut off at the shoulder. Tom had a number of surgeries to repair his
shoulder but he was never out of discomfort and pain. Tom retired
from the railroad and was active in many organizations in Waverly, NY
and Sayre, PA. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Waverly. One day
in October 1976 Tom and Mary had their usual breakfast and Tom
finished and walked out to the barn to do some work and he while out
their took his own life by hanging himself. His sisters told me he was
in pain everyday and he just wanted to be out of the pain. He is
buried with his parents at St. James Cemetery. Waverly. Mary died in
More About BRIDGET O'BRIEN:
Burial: Abt. 1953, St. Peters GY, Riverside NJ
Christening: 30 Jan 1870, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Immigration: 01 Jun 1896, NYC, NY USA
Occupation: laundress
More About JOHN CAHILL:
Burial: 27 Oct 1913, St James GY, Waverly NY USA
Christening: Abt. 1854, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland
Immigration: 04 Jul 1882, Boston, Mass. USA
Occupation: Railroad-worker
More About JOHN CAHILL and BRIDGET O'BRIEN:
Marriage: 09 Nov 1905, St. Patrick's, Elmira, NY
Child of BRIDGET O'BRIEN and JOHN CAHILL is:
i. CATHERINE C.5 CAHILL, b. 25 Jan 1910, Waverly, Tioga Co. NY USA; d. 14 Dec 1987, Riverside, Burlington NJ US; m. EDGAR FRANKLIN IMHOFF, 26 Dec 1936, Riverside, Burlington NJ US; b. 21 Nov 1908, Philadelphia, PA USA; d. 31 Mar 1957, Riverside, Burlington NJ.
She married Edgar Franklin Imhoff, 26 Dec 1936, in Riverside, Burlington NJ US. Catherine was only three years old when her father died at home. The next morning her sister Margaret went into her bedroom to tell her father had gone away and wouldn't be back. Margaret said Catherine was too young to understand and she grabbed Margaret's had and led her through the house looking for her father. Margaret had to open all the closet doors and look under the bed to show her father wasn't hiding on her. The day of the funeral Margaret told me she and Uncle Stephen O'Brien were walking down the church isle holding young Catherine's hands, and at this time she made a promise to God that she would always protect Catherine. She kept her promise until she died in 1985. Catherine was always a visitor to the Buffalo area. She and her Uncle jack's daughters Mary and Kate would have great times as children. Catherine finished high school in Riverside and she went on to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for a teaching degree. Catherine taught school in Riverside, NJ. During
the mid 1930's she meet and fell in love with Edgar "Bud" Imhoff. They were wed in 1936 and soon had a home built down the street from her mother and Margaret.. Bud and Catherine were very proud of their home. Bud was stricken with Cancer and died in 1963. Catherine missed him dearly and never a day went by that she didn't talk about her Dear Bud. After Bud's death, Catherine continued to teach and she made a trip to Ireland. This was something she always wanted to do and she finally did. She stayed in Ennis at the Old Ground Hotel and hired a taxi service to take her out to the O'Brien farm in Killernan. There she found a nice neat white thatched cottage with James O'Connor and his family living there. They were very good to her and made her visit very memorable. She also visited her cousins the Cahills and Sextons on her visit. One summer holiday Catherine visited Buffalo with her cousin Mary Ryan Hartigan and sister, Margaret Cahill. Catherine wanted Mary Hartigan to meet all the O'Brien cousins. I remember being on my best behavior this day with all those "proper" ladies and my Aunt Mary, Sister Aloysia
More About CATHERINE C. CAHILL:
Burial: 17 Dec 1987, St. Peter's GY, Riverside NJ USA
Christening: Abt. 1910, St. James, Waverly NY USA
Occupation: Teacher
Notes for EDGAR FRANKLIN IMHOFF:
Edgar F. (Bud) Imhoff, 421 Lippincott Avenue, Riverside, died Sunday, March 31, at his home, at the age of 48, Born in Philadelphia, he had resided in Riverside for the past 45 years. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of St. Peter's Church, Bishop Neuman Council No. 1436, Knights of Columbus, and Riverside L.O.O.M. No 279.
Surviving are his wife, Catherine, a teacher in the Riverside Elementary School; his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Imhoff, Burlington; a sister, Mrs Wilson Crooks, Wilmington, Delaware, and four brothers, Albert, Riverside, NJ; Raymond, Burlington, NJ; Charles, Wilmington, Delaware; and Elmer, Camden, NJ.
The funeral will be held today (Thursday) at 9: a.m., at his residence under the direction of the Cole Funeral Home with Solemn High Mass of Requiem being celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Church. Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery.
More About EDGAR FRANKLIN IMHOFF:
Burial: 04 Apr 1957, St.Peter's, Riverside NJ USA
Christening: 26 Jul 1935, Riverside, Burlington NJ
Occupation: B.F.Goodrich
More About EDGAR IMHOFF and CATHERINE CAHILL:
Marriage: 26 Dec 1936, Riverside, Burlington NJ US
17. JOHN J.4 O'BRIEN (STEPHEN3, JAMES2, JOHN1) was born Abt. 1875 in Killernan townland, County Clare, Ireland12, and died 10 May 1959 in Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, Erie Co., NY USA. He married MARY MARGARET MORONEY 12 Aug 1908 in Blessed Sacrement RC Church, Buffalo, Erie County, NY13, daughter of THOMAS MORONEY and CATHERINE CONOLE. She was born 01 Apr 1879 in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland, and died 23 Dec 1942 in Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, Erie Co., NY USA.
Notes for JOHN J. O'BRIEN:
Built by Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Limited, Newcastle, England,
1900. 13,799 gross tons; 600 (bp) feet long; 64 feet wide. Steam
quadruple expansion engines, twin screw. Service speed 15 knots.
1,960 passengers (160 first class, 200 second class, 1,600 third
class).
Built for Cunard Line, British flag, in 1900 and named Ivernia.
Liverpool-New York service. Later Liverpool-Boston and Trieste-New
York services. Torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine on January 1,
1917
. The first census record for John living in Buffalo, is the :1 Jun
1905, New York State Census. He was living at 197 Front Street,
Buffalo, Erie County, NY with his brother Stephen O'Brien. He immigration: 23 May
1900, through NYC, NY USA on the SS Ivernia. sailing from Cobh or
Queenstown, County Cork, Ireland. On the ships manifest John is
listed as having twenty dollars and he was going to stay with his
sister Bridget O'Brien in Elmira, NY (Order Admitting to Citizen ship
County Court of Erie Co. 7 July 1907). Occupation:
Stationary-engineer. On April 7, 1904 John O'Brien solemnly swore that
it was his bona fide intention to become a Citizen of the United
States of America. John filed his Declaration of Intention with the
State of New York, County Court, County of Erie. At this time he was
residing at 197 Front Avenue, Buffalo, Erie County, NY. He stated on his petition
that he emigrated to this country, and on or about the 23rd of May
1900 at the port of New York. James P. Kane of 234 Trenton Street and
John J. Sullivan of 227 Niagara Street submitted affidavits in the
matter of John O'Brien to be admitted to become a citizen of the
United States of America. Citizenship was granted July 7, 1906 by Hon.
Edward K. Emery, County Judge. John lived in Elmira, NY with his
sister, Bridget and brother, Stephen before he moved to Buffalo, Erie County, NY.
Delia and Stephen had emigrated to the United States five years
earlier. The O'Brien's were living in Elmira, NY because the Cahill's,
were their cousins living there. There were railroad jobs for John and
Stephen and Delia worked as a domestic. The Cahill's were first
cousins of theirs on their mother's side. Her sister Mary O'Halloran
married Martin Cahill of the same parish. John was only in Elmira a
few years before he moved to Buffalo. Buffalo was a big "Clare Town"
and there were many families from the parish and towns in West Clare
where the O'Briens were from. John's first job was working on the new
Bethlehem Steel Plant in Lackawanna, NY. After this and the time of
his citizenship he was working as a fireman.
There is a story that was told about John's first trip to Buffalo.
John was working on the railroad as a fireman. At this time they
still used steam locomotives and the engine's boilers had to be feed
by shovel. This was John's and a friend of his job. On this
particular trip John and his friend were having too much fun and drink
and somehow they broke the shovels, lost them, or burned them up and
the train came to a halt on the route to Buffalo from Elmira. John
and his friend were dismissed on the spot from their duties. John was
too embarrassed to return to Elmira so he stay in Buffalo
John and Mary Margaret O'Briens wedding picture
1908
Gas Works on Genesee St.
He married Mary Margaret Moroney, daughter of Thomas Moroney and
Catherine Conole, on 12 Aug 1908, in Blessed Sacrament, Buffalo NY
USA. Born, 1 April 1879, in Miltown Malby, Co. Clare EIRE. Died, 23 Dec
1942, in Mercy Hospital, Buffalo NY USA. Christened, 3 April 1879, in
Kilfarboy, Co. Clare EIRE. Burial: circa 1942, in Holy Cross GRAVEYARD,
Lackawanna NY. Immigration: circa 1900, in NYC, NY USA. Occupation:
housewife. Mary Margaret Moroney had a twin sister Bridget; they were
the second and third child of 10 children. Their birth was never
recorded with the vital statistics office and the information on their
birth is from St. Joseph's R. C. church in Miltown Malby. Her father
was a farm laborer on her grandparent's, Michael Conole's and Bridget
Gorman's farm in Islandbawn, a few miles North East of Miltown Malby.
This is how her mother Catherine Conole met her father. Her parents
lived in Miltown Malby and her father worked as a laborer and a Jarvey
car driver for the West Clare Railroad. Margaret spent most of her
youth on the Conole farm with her grandparents. When she was old
enough to work she got a position as a domestic servant with the
Matthews family. The Matthews were the rent collectors and had a large
estate in the townland of Kildimo. Her older brother, Thomas also
worked on this farm as a farm hand. He was very capable and had a
reputation as the best horse and dog trainer in the parish. Martin
Cahill of Kildimo told me everything he knew about farm machinery he
learned from Thomas Moroney.
Margaret was the first of the Moroney family to emigrate to America.
Her uncle Paddy Conole was living in Buffalo, Erie County, NY and she made the trip
in 1900. Paddy Conole was here because his mother, Bridget Gorman had
family living in Buffalo and Buffalo was a "Boom Town" at the turn of
the century. In fact the Pan American Exposition was held here shortly
after Margaret arrived. It was a this exposition that President
McKinley was assassinated. In Buffalo she worked as a domestic on
Buffalo's Delaware Avenue the prominent area with the large homes. As
I said Mary Margaret was the first but not the last in her family.
Paddy, Elizabeth, Catherine, Michael, Bridget, Anne, and Ellen Moroney
followed her to America.
John and Molly as most people called her first lived on Elk Street
and attended St. Stephens Church also on Elk Street. They were listed
in the 1901 Federal Census along with their first daughter, Mary
Margaret O'Brien. Before John was married to Molly he was working as
a stationary Engineer at the hotel Iroquois in downtown Buffalo, Erie County, NY.
Molly didn't like him working there as she considered the clientele at
the hotel not the best citizens in the community. One day a cousin of
Margaret's through the Gorman side of the family, Paddy Maddigan asked
Molly when she and her man were going to get married. Molly told him
as soon as he gets a respectful job. Maddigan a Forman at the Atlas
Refinery told her to send him down for a job. This Molly did and John
went to see paddy Maddigan and John secured a job at the refinery.
The wedding date was set but there was a delay. When John received
his first pay check he went to Gormans Saloon to celebrate. The
drinks were going down good when someone started to play Irish music.
John got up to dance a jig when the bar room floor gave way to John's
dancing. John's foot crashed through the floor and he broke his foot
and ankle. This put John in the hospital for and on his back for
awhile. Molly told her son, John S. that it was at this time when She
and John became very close to each other and they made all their
future plans over the hot homemade soup she would bring to John every
evening after work. John signed up for social security sometime after
1937 after only paying into it for a short time. He collected for the
next twenty years. He was only retired a few years before Molly died
from cancer in December 1942. John and his son lived as bachelors for
a few years and John thought about going back to Ireland and living on
his American pension but decided he couldn't go back. John was
getting use to the comfortable American life with indoor plumbing and
central heating. When his son, John S. got married in May 1945, John
was 70years old. At this time he decided to give his house to his
youngest son Edward and his wife Dorothy and live with them. Not long
after this the house was moved for industrial expansion to another
location in the neighborhood. Here John had a full basement with
central heating. One of the first in the neighborhood. This was
John's home for the next few years until another expansion of the
company and then the family moved out to a three acre country setting
in West Seneca in September 1951. Here John lived there until may of
1959 when he died
More About JOHN J. O'BRIEN:
Burial: Abt. 1959, Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, Erie County, NY14
Census: 01 Jun 1905, 197 Front Street, Buffalo, Erie County, NY15
Christening: 23 Oct 1875, Kilmurry-Ibrickane Parish, County Clare, Ireland16
Immigration: 23 May 1900, NYC, NY USA17
Occupation: Stationary-eng
Notes for MARY MARGARET MORONEY:
The 1920 census record listed Molly as immigrating in 1899. Mary Margaret was better known as Molly to her family. As the Moroney family grew and living space was precious Molly moved in with her maternal grandmother, Biddy Conole and her uncles Ned and Mike Conole, there she helped with the farm work. When Molly was older she found a job as a charwoman on the Matthew's farm in the Kildimo townland. Her older brother, Thomas was already working there as a farm hand and skilled horse and dog handler. This was the farm where the land agent lived. Here Molly learned the domestic skills that would secure her employment in America. She was the first child of Thomas and Catherine Moroney to emigrate from Ireland to America. Molly left Queenstown (Cobh), County Cork on the S. S. Teutanic on the 13 October 1898 and arrived in Ellis Island, New York after a harsh week on the Atlantic Ocean. After processing in at Ellis Island, she went to stay with her twin sister, Bridget Moroney at 142 West 33rd. Street, NYC. She didn't stay long and boarded a New York Central train for Buffalo, New York. There she was met by her uncle, Patrick Conole. He had emigrated from Ireland three years earlier. Patrick settled in Buffalo because his mother, Biddy Gorman Conole and a number of Gorman nieces and nephews living in Buffalo. When Molly meet her uncle Patrick at the train station in Buffalo, NY she spotted a fruit dealer selling the brightest red apples she had ever seen. Her uncle purchased one of these apples for her and Molly took a bite of the apple and it spilled over the front of her. Molly's apple turned out to be the first tomato she had ever seen or eaten.
In 1900 Molly worked as a domestic servant for Seymour G. Van Arnam, his wife, Harriet E. and son William, 6 years old. He was the manager of the Buffalo Pitts Machine Company. They lived at 76 Highland Avenue, Buffalo, NY. This was just a block away for the Blessed Sacrament RCC on Delaware Avenue where she was married in 1908. The Van Arnam family were still living at 76 Highland in 1946 when Harriet Van Arnam died. I don't know how long Molly worked for the Van Arnam family but Uncle John always said she worked to bring her next sibling over. Catherine was the next sister to immigrate in September 1904.
Molly met John J. O'Brien the son of Stephen O'Brien and Margaret O'Halloran of Killernan, Co. Clare, Ireland. He also emigrated to America in 1900. She was seeing John O'Brien for quiet some time when
one of her cousins asked when she was going to get married to John. She told her cousin named Maddigan as soon as he gets a good steady job. Some time after this John was offered a job at the Atlas Refinery and they soon married. John started work as soon as possible and set a date for the wedding. The plans were delayed for awhile because one day after being paid, John stopped to cash his check and have a drink at Gormans Bar on Elk Street. John happy with his job and engagement to Molly started to dance an Irish Set. He became so involved his foot went through the floor while dancing and he seriously broke his ankle. John spent a few weeks in the hospital and Molly visited him everyday and nursed him back to health. Molly said this was the time that she and John became very close.
They were married 8 August 1908 at the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. Molly's sister, Anna M. Moroney was the Maid of Honor and John's friend, Thomas J. Mackey was the best man. In the 1910 federal census Molly was living at 132 Elk Street, Buffalo, Erie County, NY. John and Molly were living with their 10 month old baby, Mary Margaret and Anne M. Moroney, listed as the sister-in-law. The O'Brien family attended St. Stephen's R.C.. Church Elk Street until St. Monica's was built a few years later. Their first three children were baptized there. On January 2, 1920 the O'Brien family was living at 30 Peabody Street, Buffalo, Erie County, NY when the Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920 was taken. John was working as foreman at the Oil Works living with Molly and their five children.
Kevin,
I would like to make a correction to your story. When Grandma O'Brien died in Dec.23, they where living at 46 Peabody St. My mother and family moved into 46 Peabody in January to take care of Grandpa and
Uncle John. I finished the 4 th grade at St. Monica's and the following year Carol started school at St. Monica's and I finished the fifth Grade. Aunt Kathleen & Uncle John got married, while we were living there. I started the sixth grade at St. Monica's and we moved out sometime in September or October. I remember that school had already started and I was so excited that I got put back in with all my friends. Then Uncle Tommy and Aunt Dorothy moved in for about three or four months and he joined the Army. Aunt Dorothy moved with the kids some where uptown, close to her Mother. That's when your Mom
and Dad moved in. They only had Ned and Greg and I think your Mom may have been pregnant with Debbie or had just had her. I don't know if this helps your chronological order or not. My Mom,had told me that they lived at 30 Peabody St when they were small and then Grandpa bought 46 Peabody and they grew up there.
Peace and Love,
Joan
More About MARY MARGARET MORONEY:
Burial: Abt. 1942, Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, Erie County, NY18
Census 1900: 02 Jun 1900, City of Buffalo, Erie County, New York, Ward 24, ED 202, Sheet 2B
Christening: 03 Apr 1879, Kilfarboy Parish, Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland
Immigration: 13 Oct 1898, S. S. Teutanic, Ellis Island, New York, New York
Occupation: housewife
More About JOHN O'BRIEN and MARY MORONEY:
Marriage: 12 Aug 1908, Blessed Sacrement RC Church, Buffalo, Erie County, NY19
Children of JOHN O'BRIEN and MARY MORONEY are:
i. MARY MARGARET5 O'BRIEN, b. 30 May 1909, Buffalo, Erie County, NY, USA; d. 15 Dec 1971, Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, Erie Co., NY USA.
Notes for MARY MARGARET O'BRIEN:
. Mary was the first child of John and Molly O'Brien. She was
baptized at St. Stephens and the family was living on Elk Street for
the 1910 census. Mary went to St. Monica's elementary school and on
to South Park High School, then transferred to Mount Mercy High school
where she graduated form. Her first job after high school with the
telephone company as an operator. In October of 1929 Mary joined the
Sisters of Mercy Convent a Roman Catholic religious order
head quartered in Buffalo, Erie County, NY. The night before Mary was to enter the
convent there was a big party held at her parents home. All the aunts
and uncles were there and the celebration was going on late into the
night. Mary's great Uncle Paddy Conole had his last dance with Mary
and he left the party to walk his lady friend home. When Paddy
crossed the street he was hit and killed by a taxi cab. This was a
big loss to the Moroney family. In the Mercy Convent Mary took the
religious name, Aloysia. Mary attended Canisius College where she
received her undergraduate degree in education. Mary taught school in
many of Buffalo's Catholic elementary schools. She also taught in
Olean, NY and Batavia, NY. Mary was in constant contact with her
family as she delighted in keeping up and sharing the news. It was
Mary's phone and address book that gave me all the addresses of the
cousins in Ireland and around the country. As all the O'Brien
children grew up; Aunt Mary would make the veils for the First Holy
Communions and provided the nieces and nephews with their first prayer
book and rosary. After the Vatican II Ecumenical Council held in the
early 1960's the religious orders laws and rules were changed to give
more personal freedoms to the nuns and priests. After this Sister
Aloysia cold visit more often and even stay over night with her
family. She took trips to Riverside, NJ to visit the Cahill's and
stayed with her "Brown-eyed baby brother's" family in West Seneca. In
the early 1960's Mary's health started to fail and the doctors sent
her to Georgetown University Hospital near Washington DC for an
examination. There Mary had open-heart surgery and had a heart valve
replaced. This was a new surgery at the time and Mary came through
without any problems. When we were young children Mary would let us
put our ear to her chest so we could hear the ball open and close the
chamber in her heart. May was very kind and loving to all the nieces
and nephews and every greeting and good-by was a hug and kiss. Mary
was a regular visitor to our home and we treated her like one of the
family. My cousin, Colleen O'Brien Sylvis remarked about this years
later that when she would visit her Aunt Mary she was shocked at how
her Uncle Eddie's kids would climb all over Aunt Mary and pull her
habit off to see how short her hair was or what she was wearing
underneath her religious habit. IN the early 1970's Mary's health
started to decline. Mary lost weight and ended up in Mercy Hospital.
Mary died in December 1973. She was waked at the Mercy Convent on
Abbott Road, South Buffalo. She had a black felt coffin and there was
only one flower piece from the "Open-Hearts Club" an organization for
people that had at the time the rare procedure of open heart surgery.
It was a very large funeral with over fifty cars following to Holy
Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna, NY. I can remember my father saying how
proud Aunt Mary would have been at her own funeral. Fr. Crumlish said
the funeral mass and eulogy and said Mary was going home for
Christmas. There wasn't a dry eye in the church.
More About MARY MARGARET O'BRIEN:
Burial: 18 Dec 1971, Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, Erie County, NY
Christening: Abt. 1909
Occupation: Mercy Nun
30. ii. CATHERINE TERESE O'BRIEN, b. 22 Oct 1910, Buffalo, Erie County, NY, USA; d. 16 Apr 1975, Hazelton, PA USA.
Catherine O'Brien Fitzgibbons
iii. JOHN STEPHEN O'BRIEN, b. 03 Sep 1912, Buffalo, Erie County, NY, USA; d. 19 Dec 1995, 135 Jewett Ave, Buffalo, Erie County, NY; m. KATHLEEN M GEARY, 25 May 1946, St Louis's, Buffalo NY USA; b. 04 Aug 1908, Buffalo, Erie County, NY, USA; d. 09 May 2005, Grand Island, Erie County, New York.
John Stephen O'Brien
Notes for JOHN STEPHEN O'BRIEN:
. His funeral Mass was from St. Mark's. He was buried on 22 Dec
1995, in Holy Cross Graveyard, Lackawanna NY (Section 00, Lot 28 (next
to parents)). John's occupation was with the Army Corp of Engineers
where he retired form in 1972. He married Kathleen M Geary, daughter
of Patrick Bernard Geary and Mary Susan Schusler on 25 May 1946, in
St. Louis's, Buffalo NY USA. John was the eldest son of John and Mary
Margaret O'Brien. When John was school age he ;attended St. Monica's
Elementary School. St. Monica's was built a few years after John was
born and the family stared attending this new parish. John played
sports in the neighborhood fields and was active as the Boy's Club on
Babcock Street in the "old neighborhood". As good as John was at
sports he always said that when the kids were choosing up sides for a
game. His older sister, Kate was always picked before him. He said
Kate was a natural and could do anything she tried. John remembers
when his favorite Uncle pat Moroney married Nora O'Dea. He said that
it was a rainy day and all the kids came home from school for lunch.
The kids didn't want to miss the excitement of the wedding so Kate
suggested that on the way back to school that they all run through the
rain puddles and get wet and report back home all wet unable to go to
school.
John & Kathleen O'Brien
wedding picture
This they did and they were able to witness
all the preparations and excitement of the wedding. John told me as a
young man that many times there would be a knock at the door and when
he would answer the door some new Irish immigrant would hand him a
letter introducing himself. Some one from back home in the parish in
Ireland would recommend that they stop at the O'Briens' in Buffalo and
get help from them. Of course the guest was welcomed and he was given
a place to stay and made comfortable until further arrangements could
be made. John was a good student and he graduated from South park
High School about 1930. When John was in 9th. Grade, his mother,
sister, Mary and himself went for a ride in the country with a cousin
of their mothers. The car was owned by Thomas Gorman. There were few
cars in the mid 1920's and it was a real treat to be asked to go for
a ride in a car. The drive was out in West Seneca which was the
"country" back then. As they enjoyed their ride the car was hit by a
train as it crossed the railroad tracks. The accident happened on
Langner Road. This road now doesn't cross the tracks. John
sustained the worst injuries and had a compound fracture of his femur.
An infection started in his bone and took many years to heal. John
was in Mercy hospital for many months. After school John joined the
Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC. He was assigned to work on the
Tennessee Valley Project. This was during the Great Depression and he
was grateful to have this opportunity. There he worked as a medic.
There were a number of other young men from the neighborhood in
Buffalo that enlisted with John at the same time so he wasn't lonely
and had a good time. John never learned to drive a car but was great
at directions and reading a road map. He and Kathleen went on many
trips together. The Peeks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Skyway was a
favorite. They also went to Ireland twice, Hawaii, Spain and Morocco.
John was an avid reader and there wasn't much he did not have an
interest in. After he retired he volunteered at the Buffalo Zoo and
worker as a docent giving tours to school groups. Many times he was
there to intersect one of the O'Brien nieces and nephews on a school
outing. John had a large interest in the family. He valued family
relationships and was always ready to support the many nieces and
nephews. Kathleen and John were very generous with their savings and
many times helped out one of John's brother or sisters during
financial difficulty. John's claim to fame was that he attended every
christening, first Holy Communion, school graduation, or wedding he
was invited to - no matter what the weather was Kathleen would drive
him there!
re About JOHN STEPHEN O'BRIEN:
re About JOHN STEPHEN O'BRIEN:
Burial: 22 Dec 1995, Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, Erie County, NY20
Christening: 22 Sep 1912, St Stephen's, Buffalo NY USA
Occupation: Army Corp Eng
Notes for KATHLEEN M GEARY:
Obituary
GRAND ISLAND, NY - Kathleen M. O'Brien died Monday evening at the home of her niece Patricia Kostenbauder. Kathleen was living there for the past three years. She was 96.
She was born Kathleen M. Geary in Buffalo, NY the daughter of the late Bernard Geary and Mary Schusler. She attended school at Stella Niagara, Lewiston, NY and graduated from East High School in 1927.
Kathleen worked on the New York Central Railroad as a young girl in the 1930's, and then worked for the Army Corp of Engineers from where she received her pension.
She lived in the Delaware Park district and was a member of St Marks Roman Catholic Church since the early 1960's. Kathleen was a regular walker on the Delaware Park ring road for decades. During her retirement Kathleen and her husband, John made a number of trips to Ireland.
Her husband of 49 years, John S. O'Brien formerly of South Buffalo died in 1995. Kathleen was the brother and sister of the late Bernard and Bernice Geary of Buffalo, NY. Survivors include many loving nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10:00 A.M. in St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, Baseline Road, Grand Island. Internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna.
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR
KATHLEEN M. O'BRIEN
August 4, 1908 - MAY 9, 2005
Today, Thursday, May 12, 2005 Kathleen Geary O'Brien was buried next to her husband John S. O'Brien in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna. NY. It was a private ceremony with about 15 nieces and nephews at the grave site. The coffin holding the body of Kathleen O'Brien was brought to the cemetery by the undertaker in an SUV. The coffin was carried to the grave site by 6 nephews: Ned O'Brien, Greg O'Brien, David Colin, Thomas O'Brien. Larry Geary, and Paul Zimmer. At the grave site Paul Zimmer and Kevin O'Brien presented the American and Irish flags. Coleen O'Brien Silvis coordinated the music as the pall bears placed the coffin on to the metal frame. The Irish Ballad, "I WILL TAKE YOU HOME AGAIN KATHLEEN" a favorite of Aunt Kathleen was played. Debbie O'Brien Dole and Molly O'Brien Colin handed out green carnations to all the attendees. The Irish prayer, "A Celtic Farwell" was read by Kevin J. O'Brien. Ned O'Brien led the mourners with the Our Father and Hail Mary. Patricia and Jack Kostenbauder laid flowers on top of the coffin and everyone followed in this tradition. After the placing of the flowers, Ned O'Brien sprinkled Holy Water over the casket of Kathleen O'Brien. This Holy Water was taken in 2002 from a Holy Well in Killernan Graveyard, County Clare, Ireland the ancestral burial place of the O'Brien family.
When the music ended, crystal leaded glasses were placed on top of a neighboring tombstone and fill with ice. Mike, Ned and Tom O'Brien made Uncle John's favorite whiskey/vermouth Manhattans (with cherries) while the others indulged in "Mudslides", (Aunt Kathleen's favorite drink). There was diet Pepsi for the non-drinkers and Guinness and beer for anyone else. A number of toasts were made in remembrance of Aunt Kathleen and Uncle John. There was also a toast make to Jack and Pat Kostenbauder for the loving care given to Aunt Kathleen in her last years.
The mourners stayed at the grave site in conversation and drink until the grave digger lowered the coffin onto the vault and sealed the coffin. After the rigging was removed the mourners threw dirt on to the vault and said their personal good byes.
The flags and coolers were retired and the mourners went over to an Irish Pub in South Buffalo for lunch and a few more drinks.
REST IN PEACE
More About KATHLEEN M GEARY:
Burial: 12 May 2005, Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, Erie County, NY20
Christening: 09 Aug 1909, Holy Trinity, Buffalo NY USA
Occupation: Secretary
More About JOHN O'BRIEN and KATHLEEN GEARY:
Marriage: 25 May 1946, St Louis's, Buffalo NY USA
31. iv. THOMAS HUGH O'BRIEN, b. 02 Aug 1915, Buffalo, Erie County, NY, USA; d. 03 May 1979, Eldred, PA USA.
32. v. EDWARD PATRICK O'BRIEN SR, b. 06 Apr 1919, Buffalo, Erie County, NY, USA; d. 02 Oct 1974, Williamsburg VA.
