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Hi Peter!

I am still gathering information on the Gannons (like many of us who are hooked on this family history stuff, eh?).

Patrick Gannon's mother was Catherine and his father was Darby, who probably died in Ireland before Patrick and mother left for England in 1850-1851. Patrick did have a brother Michael who came to the US and worked the mines in Schuylkill County PA in the late 1860s and 1870s.

Michael Gannon married Mary Tracey.

Patrick and Michael's mother Catherine died and was buried in Minersville PA in the 1870s.

I have yet to go back to Ireland to look for the roots but we could be connected somehow. Michael was a name often used in my Gannon family, but I'll admit it is a popular name.

Lemme know if I can help further.

Len

Hi!

Many thanks, Half Pint!  This is a Catholic family, so there may be a connection.

Len

To:  Arranroots

Hi!

Thanks for your interest.  Yes, the reply I got seemed to cover my question well.  I cannot seem to locate an Owen Connolly in the 1861 census.  At this point I have more information, although I am far from solving the mystery.

The family is a little different than previously described.

My ancestors were Owen Connolly, wife Mary Carolan Connolly, and son Michael J. Connolly born April 17, 1861 in Wales.  Owen and Mary were born in Ireland and, I believe were from County Monaghan, Meath, or Cavan.  I do not have ages for either Owen or Mary.  I believe they married in 1860.  I know the family left for the United States 1862-1863.  I believe they immigrated through Canada as no US passenger arrival seems to fit.  They settled first in Johnstown, PA.  Owen worked in the iron works, I presume.  They then moved to Pittsburgh where Owen continued in an iron works company.  Owen died about 1868-1870.  Mary died about 1871-1873.  There were three children orphaned:  Michael J. b. April 1861, Richard, b. May 1867, and a girl.

I guess I'm way off topic now.  Sorry.

I have done an exhausting amount of research to get to this point and would appreciate any advice you have.  To even know if Michael J. was Michael Joseph or Michael John would be very helpful.  Every clue counts.

Best wishes,

Len

To:  Tom (tommytoronto)

Hi Tom!

Wow!  I do believe you've got it!

I know little about the 1861 UK Census but I've got lots of experience with the US Census and passenger arrival lists (immigration).  I was using data from the passenger arrival in New York because it gave ages in years and months but perhaps they "lowered" some ages to get better fares.

Here is the entire family with best guesses on dates of birth based on the 1870 US Census:
Catherine Gannon, b 1812, mother of Patrick (not alive in 1870)
Patrick Gannon, b 1830
Ann Gannon, b 1830
Mary A., b 1853
Catherine, b 1855
Thomas, b 1857
Michael, b 1859

GREAT JOB!!!!  It has to be a fit.  Who knows exactly how accurate the 1861 Census data was, but most certainly you've got the right family.

Many, many thanks!

Len

Hi!

On both sides of my family this same story appears so I'm not sure if it is a fact or a story made up to deny ever living in Wales.  Here are the stories:

Connolly
Owen and Mary Connolly were said to be visiting their sister (of Owen or Mary) in Wales when Mary gave birth to Michael J. Connolly in May, 1861 (or 1860).

O'Leary
Daniel O'Leary (b 1829 in County Cork) and Catherine Walsh Sullivan O'Leary (married to Daniel in 1846) were said to be visiting Wales when Catherine gave birth to Patrick O'Leary on March 17, 1850.

Both sets of parents were from Ireland.  The Connollys came to America (through Canada) about 1863.  The O'Learys came to America (through Canada) in 1853.  Both families were poor.

Any educated guesses?  Do you believe they were just visiting or visiting their sister?

Many thanks!

Len