Searching for Thomas Joseph Maher.

[ZaraPM]

Hi,

I’m searching for my paternal grandfather. He was in and out of my dad’s (and his sibling’s) lives as children, so they didn’t know much about him.

What I know for sure is that he was born somewhere in Tipperary, likely around 1910.
His dad was called William Maher and they are both listed as ‘general labourers’ on his marriage certificate.
This certificate (of marriage to my nan) states he was 21 years old in July of 1931, when they married, and I have no reason to believe that is untrue.

He married my nan in England, so at some point in the years preceding 1931, he moved over here. He had 5 children with my nan, (possibly others elsewhere!) and he died in England.

My aunt believes that his mother was called Mary (although she’s not 100% sure). She recalls that the father (William) was not particularly or at least consistently present.
And she also had the impression that they were quite well-off, as ‘Mary’ regularly sent gifts over to England to her grandchildren.

I know how common the surname Maher is, and I do understand this is a bit of a needle-in-a-haystack search, as I don’t have much info, but I’d be really appreciative if anyone could suggest ways I could move forward with the search.

I have looked on Ancestry and I’m aware there are 2 or 3 entries that fit, or partially fit.
I just don’t know how to narrow it down, or where else to look.

Any and all thoughts would be very welcome.

Thanks!

[jonw65]

Hi
Welcome to Rootschat!
If Thomas married in July 1931 in England, there is only one
Sep 1931 Epsom 2a 162
Evans, Elizabeth M. - spouse Maher
Maher,  Thomas   - spouse Evans   

Have you looked for them in the 1939 Register?
The free index has a Thomas Maher born 1911, living in Fulham with Elizabeth M Maher (also born 1911), and 4 more people (1 closed)
Are they transcribed as Maker on ancestry?

Irish birth certs can be found for free on irishgenealogy.ie
Among possible candidates is this one. You can search for others.

Thomas Maher, born 28 May 1911, Stradavoher, Thurles
Father William Maher, a Labourer (I think, it is a poor scan)
Mother Mary Maher, formerly Ryan
Here, you need to to get past the captcha and sign in with a name
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1911/01528/1619790.pdf

There is a death in England of a Thomas Maher born 28 May 1911, that was in June quarter 1973 in Greenwich. Don't know how likely that is.
John

[jonw65]

Continuing with that Thurles line
A catholic marriage there, 26 September 1909
William Maher, bachelor, Labourer, residence Stradavoher St, Thurles, father John Maher, Labourer
+
Mary Ryan, spinster, Servant, residence Stradavoher St, Thurles, father John Ryan, Labourer
Both of full age

It says no image available, info from transcript
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/transcript-civil/13f5f61604514

[jonw65]

Possibly William and Mary in the 1911 census
Stradavoher (Thurles Urban, Tipperary)
William Maher 26
Mary Maher 22
John Maher 1
Says married two years
Here, with link to image
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1911/Tipperary/Thurles_Urban/Stradavoher/828535/

Birth of John, 14 March 1910, at Stradavoher
Parents William Maher and Mary Maher, formerly Ryan
Father Labourer
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/birth_returns/births_1910/01581/1636683.pdf

[jonw65]

Have you looked for them in the 1939 Register?
The free index has a Thomas Maher born 1911, living in Fulham with Elizabeth M Maher (also born 1911), and 4 more people (1 closed)

We can only give information from the free index on Rootschat. But the website we use for this does give address, which is 73 Bramber Road, Fulham.
The 1939 electoral register for 73 Bramber Road, W.14, has there
Rose Maher
Thomas Maher
also Florence Elizabeth Ryan
Michael Ryan
and Henry Allen

In 1938 the Mahers are Meyer on the electoral register.
So is Rose really Elizabeth as per the 39 Register?
John

[ZaraPM]

Thank-you so much for your thoughts and research! And sorry for such a slow response from me.

The first William and Mary look very promising, especially as there are Ryans living later on in Fulham.
Perhaps Thomas came over with relatives from his mother’s side, or had them to stay.

The Fulham address of Bramber Road is the house my nan owned until the early 90s. I went there many times, so that is definitely her!

I’m not sure on the 1973 death. I’ll have to ask my aunt if she might have been mistaken about the time range. It was a long time ago.
The Thomas Maher locations and birth dates tie up well, but they could well be different Thomas Mahers.

I’ll do some more research into the William and Mary, and the Ryans that were registered in Fulham.
I just feel somehow I may never know for sure I’ve got the right Thomas.

I really appreciate your help. That Ryan lead is very helpful.

Thank-you also to the person who sent me a private message. I’ve no idea how to reply to it, but thanks!

[Savvyangel11]

Hello my Grandad Jack Maher who's family was originally from TIPPERARY IRELAND had a brother called Thomas who emigrated to Australia.