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Ireland (Historical Counties) => Ireland => Carlow => Topic started by: josearcadio on Saturday 13 April 13 07:11 BST (UK)
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Hello
I apologise in advance for the length of this post as I am trying to provide as much backgrounf information as possible.
I am trying to trace my Dad's and Grandfathers paternal family, originally from Ardnehue, (Johnstown), Carlow, but seem to have hit a wall.
The family grave is in St Mary's church, Bennekerry. (Tinryland records)
The names on the family headstone are as follows.
James Kelly - d. - aged 41 in 1890 or 1899 (so born approx 1849 or 1858)
Anne Kelly - b. 1850 - d. 29.11.1923 - Maiden name unknown (born in Kildare)
Michael Kelly b. 1883 - d. 8th or 9th June 1950 (possibly known as Dr O'Kelly)
John Kelly b. 1884 - d. Unknown (poss. moved to America or Australia)
James W. Kelly - b.1885 - d. 18/7/1905 - reported in the Nationalist - as 'Carlow Tragedy'
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There is apparently a possibility of 1 other brother -name unknown - possibly went to Australia.
They had a family farm in Ardnehue, sold by Michael to Kehoe's in 1929, (the Kehoe family are still there and have been very helpful). The Kelly's then moved to Dublin, following the sale and have no knowledge what happened next.
The family was noteworthy for an unfortunate death.
The youngest son James W Kelly was killed playing for Tullow in a match with Carlow 1905. Sunday matches and GAA county final for Carlow was stopped for 1905, 1906 and 1907 on a recommendation of the Coroner!
They were friend of Hickeys in the local area.
After the death of the brother James, Michael and John emigrated, possibly both to the USA.
Michael worked as a Texas Ranger (we think) whilst in America and was apparently a naturalised US citizen, possibly returning to Ireland around 1915 to continue Medical studies.
He married Muriel O' Kelly - daughter of Edward Peter (EP) O'Kelly, of Baltinglass, (MP in Redmond's Home Rule -IPP 1910-1914).
I am told Michael and Muriel set up a nursing home as she had nursed in the Bon Secours.
I would like to find out what happened to John, (my grandfathers brother), if possible, and also any other family information available or history of the area at the time.
In particular, relating to the GAA match in 1905.
Many Thanks
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I see a US passport application from Feb. 1919 for Michael Joseph Kelly, born Ardnehue on 24 Apr. 1884. It says he came to the US aboard the SS Cedric from Queenstown on 15 Feb. 1906. He was naturalized before the Sec. Judicial District of Butte, Montana on 26 Jul. 1912. He had lived in Arizona, Montana, & St. Louis and was currently living in Littleton, Colorado and working as a salesman. He wanted to return home to visit his ill mother, Annie, who was 80 years old and whose farm was neglected.
There is another passport application that appears to be for the same man from October 1914. His occupation is listed as miner and medical student. His permanent residence was in Montana, but he was in New York at the time.
This appears to be Michael's WWI draft registration card - https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K3RR-RD6
If you have a more exact date of birth for John, it might be helpful.
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Hello Shelleyesq,
Brilliant. I can't thank you enough for your post and all your research. It has made us all very happy as my Dad knew little of his fathers life in America.
I have done some research in the National Library in Ireland and found some details of the family and another brother, Paul Kelly, who served in WWI - (Gallipoli and The Battle of the Somme), but luckily, was medically discharged so survived the war. He settled in Australia we think.
Their first cousin James Nolan, died on board HMS Candy-tuft which was torpedoed off the Algerian Coast in 1917, and his brother was killed in the Boer War. Lots of adventures, and many tragedies.
I will collate the details for John when I get a little time and I have some birth dates, but once again, thank you. We had none of these details and no idea where to start. The dates and details will really help in our search.
Best Regards
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Anne Kelly was from Co. Kildare and a daughter of John and Mary Doyle, who lived variously at Tipper and Craddockstown just outside Naas, Co. Kildare. They were also farmers. There are a couple of very good reports of the death of James in the local newspapers.
Paul was very lucky to be invalided home from WW1 with the mumps. I think I have located him in Australia, NSW. I had found his war records but had not realised he had stayed on. I have requested a copy of his cert. which should let me know if he had any family. I found what I think is a record of his marriage. I will post the result when I get the cert. so you can update your records. His first cousin, Eric Douglas Doyle MC died in 1917. There is a lot online for him in Australia. His father, Anne's brother Andrew practised as a doctor in Queensland and married there. Eric wrote very lively letters home, some of which have been published in a local history magazine in Australia.
I was interested to learn about Michael's whereabouts, as I could not find him, between the census in 1901 and the report of his death. I am trying to flesh out from the Doyle side. If you find out what happened to John I would be very interested.
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I found a certificate of registration of American citizen from the US consulate for Michael Kelly. It says he was born 24 Apr. 1885 in Ardnehue. It stated that his US residence was 5 West 101st Street, New York, NY. It says he left his US residence on 9 Jan. 1915 and arrived in Ardnehue on 22 Jan. 1915 to complete his medical studies. He was not married and had no children. The person to be informed in case of death or accident was John P. Kelly of 5 West 101st Street, New York, NY.
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That's Fantastic news 'History Fossicker' and 'shellyesq'. The family were all so excited to get two pieces of great information in one day.
I definitely owe you both a drink.
I have a copy of the Newspaper article which takes up most of a page of the 'The (Carlow) Nationalist', which I copied in the National Library in Dublin and is more in depth then the article available on-line.
I will be delighted to send you if you send me a Personal message thingy so I don't breach any copyrights etc.
I will send some updates soon.
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You're welcome.
I can see a Jno. P. Kelly living at 5 W. 101st Street in New York, NY city directories from 1915-1917. His occupation was clerk or salesman. He doesn't seem to be in the 1918 directory at the same address.
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Glad to be of help. Do not worry about the article. I also found it in the National Library and found it very interesting reading.
I had found a newpaper report of Michael's death. There were three children listed, but I assume you have that info. Anne's will is also available in the National Archives. I do not want to ruin the sense of exhilaration when one emerges like a mole from the National Library or Archives with a nugget of information which helps one further on the way but if you would like my transcript, I can send it.
Best of luck.
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Yes, thank you. We'd love any details you can offer, especially on the newspaper report of Michael's death and a transcript of Anne's will, if you get a chance.
Not sure if you have this, but here is some family info you may not have.
Michael attended Knockbeg college (http://www.knockbegcollege.ie/) as a boarder which is part of Carlow College.
Paul Kelly - was a boarder at Newbridge college, Kildare.
John Kelly was Captain of the Tullow Team on the day his brother James was Killed.
I had a chat with my Mum, who said that from what she recalls, Paul, his wife and very possibly their children, came to stay with Michael and his family in Dublin for a few months, sometime in the late 30's, early 40's. Possibly with a view to staying, but they did return to Australia in the end.
Also, his brother John also seems to have had a family in America, as one of Michael's family went to stay with them while working in the US.
Yes, Michael had 3 children, one of whom may still be alive, two have passed.
Am I correct in thinking you are on the Doyle side of the family? If so, do you know how Michael was related to Dr Joseph Nolan as his wife, (Christina - I think), was a lead mourner at the funeral.
Is there any chance, Christina Nolan was Anne's sister?
Please do let me know if you need any information on Michael's family and if there is anything you can tell me more about the Doyle's, I will be very grateful.
Best Regards
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I live in the UK so hence my visits to Dublins archives and Library are rare, but that maybe just as well, or I'd get no work done.
I was fascinated to read about Eric Douglas Doyle MC died in 1917. He was such a hero and how tragic that he died so young. Thank you so much for that, I loved it . I will take a trip to the Imperial War Museum and look him up.
I have attached a link for a photo from the Delaney archive Flickr pages, for James J.Nolan a surgeon probationer on Board HMS Candytuft, which I thought you'd like to see.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/delanyarchive/7176372457/in/set-72157629784522282.
There were some great photos of Dr. Nolan, his dad, also on Flickr until recently, with a very early Armstrong Sidley car, but they have vanished, so if they re-appear I will send you the link.
Best Regards
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Also the Nolan family grave, shown on the Nolan families web site.
http://nolanfamilies.org/gallery/displayimage.php?album=35&pid=521#top_display_media
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Thank you for all that information. The Nolan lady may have been related on the Kelly side. I think I may have followed that connection up, but not taken notes. I will return to it and see what I turn up. She is not Doyle, to my knowledge. I think I have tracked down most of that family. That is interesting that Paul may have had a family. I will know all when I get what I hope is a copy of his death cert., as the Australian ones are very informative and give details of children, if any.
Cannot attach anything this evening, as the files are the wrong type. I will see what can be done.
Glad this is proving so fruitful, apart from file transfer!!!
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I tried to convert my transcription of the notes on Michael's funeral to a doc. suitable for attachment. You can let me know if you get it .
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Hi,
Thank you so much, that's really great to have.
I have a photo of the family headstone in Bennekerry from the 1950's when it was still legible that I will dig out and send to you.
Mum and Dad were dating about a year at the time when his father died, he was just 19 and heartbroken at the loss. It's also sad to see their was no mention of Michael's brothers in the notice, so I wonder if they had also passed?
I hadn't realised Michael was still known as 'Michael Kelly', I thought he had also used the name O'Kelly, as his wife, Muriel and all the children had the surname 'O'Kelly'.
Mum tells me 'Fr. M. Kelly S.J.' shown here was a Jesuit priest based in Gardner street in Dublin and Michael's first cousin.
'Mrs. Keane', was we think, 'Babs Keane' who was my father's favourite relation and apparently according to my Mum, a lovely warm lady. I don't however, know 'Bab's' relationship to the family. I know when she died she had a relation (nephew) we think, who worked in Arnotts in Grafton street.
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Btw, Mum thinks Paul had one child when he returned to Dublin.
John seemed to be still alive by the mid to late 50's when Anne (now probably Annette) went to the states to nurse.
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Notes on the death Notice.
Notes on other attendees;
E J O'Kelly, who was in attendance at the funeral was Michael's brother in law.
He was the owner of a Public house in Baltinglass, which is still there to this day, now called Germaine's and owned by the same family.
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A copy of Paul's death cert. has arrived. He had married but had no children - possibly an after effect of the mumps.
His date of death was 24th September 1967 and he was aged 81.
He had worked as a chemist/pharmacist, which tied in with his military papers, which stated that he had trained as a chemist with McHugh's pharmacy in Athy.
Hope that is of interest.
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Thanks, appreciate that.
Yes, that makes sense, in accordance with the WWI military records, his occupation and considering the type of Mumps he had as per his Medical notes.
Was he still in the Victoria area of NSW when he died or does it give a location on the death cert.
I would love to see a copy of the cert if you get a chance.
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Mc Hugh's Chemist was still in Athy and within the same family until recently.
http://athyeyeonthepast.blogspot.co.uk/1994/01/mchughs-chemists.html
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Hi,
I'm not sure how much you know about the Doyles, but in brief:
Anne, known as Nannie, was one of ten children of John and Mary Doyle of Craddockstown as mentioned above. She was the only girl to marry and two sisters entered a convent. Two brothers went to Australia and two stayed and married in Ireland. Edward married Marianne Whelan from Tullow in Carlow and stayed around Naas all his life. They had five children. Here's a memorial card for Anne's parents.
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I have been doing some research on the Doyle family and as the previous poster seemed to have knowledge of them, I wonder whether they have any information on Edward's brother John Doyle, as I have been trying to trace him after the birth of his daughters, without any success so far.
Any pointers would be good.
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Hi,
I'm sorry I can't help with that. My information is from others who have done the legwork and sadly they also came to a stop with John.
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Thanks for letting me know, even if my hopes were dashed! There are sometimes moments of serendipity, when one happens by chance on something and we certainly need luck researching Irish ancestors.
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I haven't read everything posted here but I'd like people to know that I am the descendent of John Patrick Kelly who was born in 1884 and came to America. My father was also named John- John Michael Kelly. I have two sisters and together they have 12 grandchildren. I have the same information as Jose has and I got it from our relative who was a priest and Galway. Has anyone mentioned another brother whose name is Paul and lived in Australia? I will be reading over what you wrote, and come back with more questions or answers.
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I should add a little bit about Paul Kelly actually he was known as Paul O' Kelly.. Yes he did live in Australia. I met him once when he came to New York to visit his brother John Patrick Kelly.that was 1952 or 53.I went to visit Australia in 1989 and when in Sydney I looked up his death records.He was married to a woman by the name of Dewer. They did not have children and he lived in the Bondi Beach area that is north of Sydney. When I met him in 1952 or 53 he told me that he was a pharmacist and he rode his horse to work every day.he also brought my sisters and I boomerangs. I met Anne O'Kelly in 1962 or 63. She came to also to visit my grandfather. She told me at the time that she was working for a newspaper in Dublin. It was Anne who pit me in touch with my priest cousin in Gallway. We had a few letters going back and forth but then they dropped off. He did send me a brief family map and when I find it again I will post it. I tried to visit him in Ireland in 1984 but he died a couple of years before I got there.
My grandfather John Patrick Kelly was initially a doorman in New York City. He became a corrections officer for the city of New York soon after and was known in that area as "big John" as he stood 6 feet three and weighed about 300lbs.. He worked in the NYC jails known as the "tombs" until he was 75 years old. He died when he was 89. My father, John Michael Kelly lives until he was 92 years of age.
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Hello,
I can not begin to tell you how pleased I am to get your post.
I have spent many years trying to solve this puzzle and find out what happened to John when he went to America. I am only sorry my father is not alive as he would have been so happy.
I was given a copy of that family tree you mention in your post at a family gathering this summer. Fr Paddy O'Kelly SJ, completed it in 1968 just before I was born as the rest of my siblings are listed but as I was not born yet, I am not shown.
My grandfather was Michael Kelly, brother of John, Paul and James W and son of James Kelly and Annie Kelly (nee Doyle).
Michael married Muriel O'Kelly and they had three children, Ned, Patrick and Anne.
Patrick was my father and he passed away 15 years ago.
Anne, who you met in the 60's, was my Aunt.
Michael, my grandfather died in 1950.
I am writing this from my phone but so I will keep it short but I am delighted to be able to write to a relative of John as it has taken me many years to find your side of the family.
I have some details on Paul, lots on all the brothers early lives and much on the extended side of the family.
I will send more when I am sitting at my desk tomorrow includingsome photos.
I will also send you my contact details in a personal message.
Happy New Year
All the very best to you and your family.
Btw, There are nine great grandchildren of Michael on our side.
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Thank you for this information. I have forwarded it to my sisters. We are very interested in continuing your research and hearing more. jackie.kelly.756412@facebook.com - Is is one of my public Facebook sites. You can message me here for a private conversation and I will redirect you to my private email account and private facebook site. Thanks so much for all your work.
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Hi Jackie,
Thank you for the message. I have replied to your Facebook address, however, I don't use FB, so I hope you receive it okay.
Just in case, I have also sent you my email details in a personal message on this site and will send you a link to some family records and photo albums when you send me an email address. I am not too keen on posting private stuff on public websites.
Great to hear from you.
A