Bridget Dunn

Bridget the daughter of John Dunn and Bridget Lonergan was christened on the 3rd of March 1836.  Later records give many different birth years from 1833 to 1838, it is more likely that she was born in 1836 or late 1835 as Catholic christenings  are usually soon after birth.

Bridget was about 10 when the family emigrated from Mocklershill, Tipperary, Ireland to Ontario, Canada.  Little is known of their life in Canada before her marriage to Michael Murphy in Stratford in 1861.  Within the next seven years Bridget had four children, Mary and Ellen born in Stratford, then John  and William born in Port Huron, Michigan.

All indications are their's was not a happy household.  It appears that Michael was in trouble, most likely in Stratford and most definitely in Port Huron.  I haven't been able to dig up what exactly the trouble was, but I wouldn't be surprised to find he was part of the "Irish Mob". 

Before 1870 daughter Ellen passed away and in 1880 son John died of dropsey.  Sometime after the 1880 census was taken, Bridget kicked Michael out of the house.  Michael went to Chicago where he disappeared into the streets.  Someday, perhaps, he will be found.  Bridget remained in Port Huron.

William followed his father to Chicago where he died under suspicious circumstances in 1904.  His death certificate says he is married and is a fireman. Bridget brought his remains back to Port Huron to be buried near his brother.

Daughter, Mary, married in 1888 and settled in Bay City, MI.  

Family tradition states that Bridget was divisive, always creating problems in the family.  I heard this from family of my Great Aunt as well as family members of Bridget's sister Mary Kelly.  Bridget was the second generation in my story of Sarah (Bridget) Lonergan's Legacy.

Bridget Dunn Murphy
holding
James Howard Madden
abt 1925   -- Age 90+

In 1910 it appears that she was living alone in Port Huron.  By 1910 she is living with her daughter Mary Haffey in Bay City.  I haven't located her in 1920, but in 1930 she is again living with Mary and her family.  Shortly after the census was taken she entered Grand Traverse Hospital  in Grand Traverse, Michigan.  

Bridget was well liked within the hospital according to all known remaining records.   Her reputation for creating turmoil in group situations does not seem to have followed her there, perhaps she had mellowed as she reached the century mark.  Her entry into the hospital was arranged by her grandson Joseph, and it was noted that dementia had begun about twelve years earlier but had only lately become impossible to manage at home.  It was also noted that the family was attentive, writing and visiting often.d

Bridget died 13 Oct 1931.  Her death certificate gives he age as 98, but it is more likely she was 95.  It is thanks to the notes in her hospital file that we have been able to locate not only her christening, but those of all of her siblings in Ireland.

A Dunn Family Genealogy

Following is a reconstrution of our Dunne family.  Uncertain connections are givenin Orange. If a child connection is proven but the additional family is uncertain, the family is Orange. A link to a fully documented genealogy can be found at the bottom of this post.  It will be updated as more information is found.






Patrick m.  Elizabeth Meagher  The children given here are all christened in Killinaule Parish.  The age for John fits well with our John. A birth in 1798 works well with the birth of his son Patrick in 1822.  Unfortunately no marriage for John has been found. The names of John's children works well with the family of Patrick and Elizabeth as well.  The only question is the lack of a daughter named Elizabeth in the records found.  

1. Cornelius  c. 20 Oct 1787 most likely married Mary Ryan 6 Feb 1806 in Fethard
2. Ellen c. 30 mar 1789
3. Patrick c. 19 Feb 1795
4. Maria c 3 Feb 1796
5. John  m. Bridget Lonergan [Dropbox Folder]  
• Patrick (1822 IRE-1883 ONT) m Mary  
• James 1851
• John 1852
• Charles Emmet 1857 ONT m Mary Steele 1884 ONT
• Mary Patricia 1861 ONT m. Richard H Nicholls 1889 ONT
• Edward G 1863 ONT m. Louisa Kenny 1889 ONT
• Margaret 1867
• Sarah Ellen 1871 m. George Edward McGregor 1897 ONT
• Mary Ann (1824-1906) m Robert Kelly (1824-1900) (Michigan)
• Annie 1849 ONT
• James 1851 ONT m. Lena Eckoff 
• John W 1853 ONT - 1922 MI  m Mary Ellen Bradley 1879 MI
• Thomas 1856 ONT - died before 1861 (not in census of that year)
• Bridget 1858 ONT - 1895 MI m. John Cochrane 1878 MI
• Robert 1861 ONT died bef 1867
• Margaret 1864 MI
• Robert 1867 MI m. Mary
• Margaret (1826 - aft 1910) m John Cavanaugh (1818-bef 1900) (to Kansas, Missouri, California)
• Bedelia Margaret 1845 ONT m. William Hamilton bef 1874 KS 3 known children
• Thomas 1847 ONT m. Lydia Lucas 1884 KS
• Owen 1852 ONT - 1921 CA m Jennie Rainey 1878 KS m. Mary Derry 1894 KS
• Mary A 1853 ONT m. John O'Connor 1889 KS (to AZ, CA)
• Sarah 1854 ONT 
• John F 1857 ONT - d 1881 KS
• Michael D 1860 ONT m Lillie C. 1888 IL
• Patrick 1862 ONT
• James 1865 ONT
• Robert 1867 ONT
• Hellen 1870 KS m. Harry Gossuch 1897 
• Cornelius 1828 IRE
• Thomas 1831 IRE
• Bridget 1836 IRE m. Michael Murphy 1861 Stratford, ONT (to Port Huron, MI) 4 known children See Michael Murphy
• Ellen 1840 IRE

Proposed Dunn Genealogy with Source Documentation

Dunn Family Folder in Dropbox

John James Haffey

sketch by Lucas O'Brien, 1st president of the Royal Canadian
Academy, showing judicial business at the Eighth Division
Court at Mono Mills in 1855. 
#4 (3rd from left) is John J. Haffey acting as baliff
tendering the oath to a witness.

John James Haffey was born in Ireland about 1819. Birth information is taken from the 1861 census. His daughter Camilla indicated that he came from Northern Ireland (Ulster).  Family tradition says he was born in Armagh, but there is no corroboration of that fact.  Other researchers claim he was related to some of the other Haffey's in the area, this seems likely but again is uncorroborated.






He settled in Adjala about 1840 and on `5 Feb 1844 he married Margaret Keenan the daughter of John and Eleanor in Toronto.
John married Margaret Keenan (daughter of  John and Eleanor) on 15 Feb 1844 in Toronto.


On the 11 Jun 1853, John bought W1/2 of Lot 14 Concession 5 in the township of Adjala from Michael Harvey for $400. The Mortgage was divided with $215 payable to Michael Harvey and $165 to James Mitchel. Michael Harvey was the patentee of the land. The Simcoe county book pt2 pg 51gives his name as Michael Haffey. "As early as the year 1828 some settlers had begun to take up lots in the gook lands juxt north of Bailey Creek. Among these families of Connors, Kelly and Keenan:" ....."Michael Haffey settled on the west half of lot 14 concession 5 at this early period."  It seems most likely that the book was mistaken as the deed seems very clear.


The 1861 census reported that John (40) and Margaret (40) were farmers living in a log house with their children Allice (16), James (15), Joseph (13), Ellen (11), John (9), Thomas (7), Elizabeth (4), and Peter (2).  Also living in the house is John Keenan (88) a gentleman bn in Ireland. (1861 Population, Canada,, District 1 page 10 line 16)  

The agricultural census of the same year adds that he is living on 100 acres on the W 1/2 of Lot 16 Concession 6, twelve acres were under cultivation, 48 acres were under crops, four were pasture and 36 were either wooded or wild. The farm was worth $2500 and the farming implements worth $150.  He had 7 acres of fall wheat which produced 250 bushels and 24 acres of spring wheat which produced 400 bushels.  There were 80 bushels of peas on 4 acres and 350 bushels of oats on 8 acres.  Three-quarters of an acre produced 200 bushels of potatoes.  He also grew 2 tons of hay.   John's produce totals were about average for the area.

John served in various community capacities over the years, including JP, baliff and more.  By 1881 it appears that he is no longer farming.  He is living with what seems to be an unrelated family, while Margaret and her son Francis are in another household and Allice, who never married, in a third. Although no explanation is given it seems likely that John needed more care than Margaret was able to give.

John died 20 Oct 1884 in Toronto.  The death certificate states he was a retired farmer age 65 born in Ireland.  The  informant was Dr. E Kennedy.  

John James Haffey - Dropbox

Mary ( ) Madden - Ellice, Perth, Ontario

This is one more as yet unrelated Madden family.  It is given here in the hope that a connection might yet be found.  Among the mysteries of the Madden family is the entry in the 1880 census for Thomas Madden, stating he is from Canada.  We know that is not true, however, we do not know where he was in the few years before that census.  Might he have been with relatives in Canada.  Why did he go to Bay City?  It seems important to explore Madden connections in an effort to find more on the family of his father James.  

This family was in Canada and also involved in shipping on the Great Lakes.

Mary bn 1795 Ireland  - Although it is not stated that Mary is John’s mother, she was living with the family in Canada in 1861.  The relationship of Jeremiah is also unknown at this point.  He is in the same area as Mary and John, so it seems likely that they are related if not brothers.  We know that James is the son of Mary.  She is living with him in 1871 and the relationship is stated.  There is a James Madden living in Ellice, Perth, Ontario in 1848[1]  In 1850 There is also a Jeremiah.[2]  I believe these are the sons and not a possible father.  James is already 30 in 1848 and Jeremiah would be 26 and has three children by 1850.

1. James Madden bn abt 1818 Ireland  m. 1847 Elleanor bn abt 1818 Ireland – Living with James and Elleanor in 1861 is John McDermott age 18.  He is listed as family so perhaps a son of Elleanor by a previous marriage or a nephew?[3]  In 1871 his mother Mary and wife Ellen are in the household.
2. Jeremiah Madden bn abt 1824 Ireland d. before 1870 m. 1842 Mary Dunn (15 Aug 1824 Ireland- 9 Feb 1890 MI)[4].  Except for Agnes all the children were born in Canada.  Since Agnes was born by 1866 we know that the family had moved to Port Huron by that date. [5]
1. Catherine 23 Dec 1845  (not with family in 1870) – 30 Aug 1907 Perth, Ont
2. Joanna abt 1846
3. Margaret (18 Jan 1849 Canada – 17 Mar 1926 MI)[6] m. Leonard White (LeBlanc)  (Aug 1833 Can -1911 MI)[7] a sailor before 1870.  In 1900 Leonard is listed as a Captain on the Lakes and his brother William LeBlanc a boat builder is living with the family.[8]
1. Joseph Leon (12 Mar 1869 – 24 Jun 1943 ) Joseph may not be Margaret’s child. He is not living with them in 1870.
2. William (15 Nov 1873 MI – 20 Oct 1939)
3. Jeremiah (1875-  ) Is not living with family in 1900
4. Eugenia M (f) (Sep 1879 MI - )
5. Emily Victoria (Aug 1881 MI - )
6. John  Michael (Aug 1885 MI -  )
4. Jeremiah (9 Jan 1851 Canada-15 Feb 1900 MI)[9] Jerry was working in a saw mill in 1870.  He married Rosa Hobin on 26 Apr 1880 in Port Huron.[10]  Jerry’s occupation was Railroad engineer at the time of his death.
1. Cecile (12 Oct 1887 MI – 5 Feb 1963 CA )[11] m. William Bowen 25 Jun 1912 in Port Huron.[12]
1.  Elizabeth Patricia (1912-  )
2.  Mary Jane (1920-  )
5. Michael James abt 1852   Ship Captain in Port Huron see blog for more information.
6. John J  (22 Jun 1855 Canada-8 Mar 1933 MI)[13]  John married Lizzie Campbell on 27 Jun 1888 in Adams Corners, MI.  They had two children ........ John married Julia Ball on 17 Jun 1903 in Chicago[16].  In 1910 Margaret is living with her father and there are two children with Julia.[17]  In 1930 John is living with his daughter Margaret, John C is also in the household. 
1.  Margaret Ann (18 Feb 1890 -  )  Margaret married Fead and was living in Port Huron in 1930.[14]
1.  Mary (1918 – 
2.  John (1924 – 
3. Margaret (1927 – 
2. Mary Agnes (18 Feb 1890-22 Dec 1909).[15] 
3. Esther P (1906 MI – 3 Feb 1995 MI) Esther married Elmer Dietrich (1915-1995) 
4. Helen June (1907-1911MI)[18] 
5. John C. (11 Dec 1911 MI - 20 May 1981 MI )[19]  John is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Port Huron.  John married Leona Jones (1911-1993) 
7.  Mary Ann (27 Oct 1857 Canada – 9 Apr 1929 MI)[20] 
8. Eunice abt 1859
9. Margret E  abt 1861 
10. Agnes abt 1865 Michigan
3. John Madden - bn Mar 1826 Ireland   d 15 Jan 1914 Celedonia MN  [21]  According to his obituary, John was born in County Cork and emigrated to Canada about 1840 with his parents.   About 1847 he married Louisa deVilliers (1825 Quebec – May 1897 WI)[22]  They lived in Ellice until at least 1861 and probably until 1865/7.[23]  This is in disagreement with the obituary which says he lived in Kingston County, but the family found in Ellice, Perth County in 1861 is definitely his.  Louisa his second to last child was born in Canada in 1863 while Eugene the youngest was born in Wisconsin.   John had a farm in Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin[24], were he was active in the activities of the town,  serving as a town supervisor for at least  two years.[25]  In 1910 John is living with his son Eugene who is a Catholic Priest.  Louise is working as his housekeeper.  John is listed as a lumberman living on his own income.[26] John and Louise had eight children: 
1. Ellenor was born abt 1847 in Canada.  When the family moved to Wisconsin she went to live in the …. Family as a servant…..[27]  Ellen married CP Frye….. 
2. James (May 1850 Can - 1939 WI) m Ellen Donlan (1858 Masewaipee. Door, WI - ) James and Ellen (Ella) stayed on the family farm where they raised eleven children.[28] James was active in the politics of the county serving as Supervisor of Assessments in 1910.[29] 
1. John 1876
2. Louisa 1879
3. Francis 7 May 1881 Weekly Expositor v8i31 5/10/81  
4. Jerry T 1884
5. George A 25 Jan 1887 The Independent v14 issue 20 2/11/87
6. Nora L 2 Apr 1890
7. Daughter 6 Jun 1892
8. Bernard E 17 Jun 1893.  Bernard was appointed Superintendent of Education         for Door County Schools in June 1914.[30]
9. Mary 5 Jun 1895
10. Ellen Mary 1898  m. Forest Wodsedalek  3 Aug 1917[31]
11. William 10 Jul 1900 
3. Mary abt 1851 not home in 1880  m Geo Nelson???
4. Jeremiah (Jerry) Madden 30 Aug 1854 emigrated 1867 naturalized m 22 Jun 1885.  Jerry was living in Menominee, Michigan at least through 1921 when he is listed as president of Commercial Bank[32],  and most likely was still a resident until close to the time of his death on 29 Jul 1923 Chicago, IL .[33] He is buried 2 Aug 1923 Riverside Cemetery Menominee Menominee County Michigan, USA Plot: Section E-2, Lot Number 6 Grave Unk Find A Grave Memorial# 86061346  Jeremiah had moved to Menominee, Michigan before 1900.[34] m Margaret L. McDermott bn abt 1866 died 16 Jun 1923 bur 20 Jun 1923 Find A Grave Memorial# 86061365
1. Eugena  b. 1886 d. 2 Apr 1908 b. 2 Apr 1908 Plot: Section E-2, Lot Number 6 Grave Unk (note buried day died)             Find A Grave Memorial# 8606134
2. Arthur P 1891 In 1920 Arthur is living at home.
3.  Margaret H 1895 In 1920 Margaret, a teacher is living at home
4. Joseph bn 1899 d 26 Nov 1945 In 1920 Joseph is a salesman with Wilson-Henes Co. and is living at home.
5. Louise bn 1901 In 1920 Louise a teacher is living at home.
5. John bn 1855  Physician  to Mankota MN
6. Honora (Norah) M  (1857 Can – 1986)[35]  Nora married  William F Shea  (Apr 1855 - 1928)[36] on 6 April 1880 in Door Co.[37]  Nora and William moved to Ashland, Wisconsin where William had a law practice.[38]  Nora and William are buried in St. Agnes Cemetery in Ashland, Wisconsin.   
1. William Apr 1881
2. Eugenie Dec 1882-31 Jan 1922 Antigo, Langlade, WI)[39]. Eugenia married Michael Andrew Flatley (1876-1950) on 9 Oct 1906 in Ashland.[40]   The family continued to live in Antigo after Eugenie’s death.[41]
1. Maria (1 Apr 1908 Wi – 1 Jan 1991 CA)[42]  Maria married Murphy after 1953.  She is on the passenger list for a cruise that year with the name Flatley. Marie is buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Roseburg, OR.[43]
2. William  John (20 Nov 1910 – 6 Jul 1989 Springfield, IL)[44]  William, a lawyer, was living in Appleton, WI in 1940.[45]
3. Robert  (26 Oct 1913 Antigo, WI - 20 Jun 2003 Rock Island, IL).  Robert married Eleanor.  Dr. Robert E. Flatley, 89, of Rock Island died Friday, June 20, 2003, at his residence. Survivors: wife, Eleanor; four daughters, Marie (husband, Dr. Len) Deftos of Del Mar, Calif., and Rosemary Lenaghan, Jane (husband, Paul) Adam) and Joan Flatley, all of Springfield; a son, James Flatley of Seminole, Fla.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services: 9:30 a.m. Monday, DeRoo-Funeral Home, Moline. Additional services: 10 a.m. Monday, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline. Burial: National Cemetery, Rock Island. [46] 
3. Louise Aug (1886-1979)[47]  Louise married Eugene R Stone (1883-1967) about 1916.  They were living in Washington DC for many years, where Eugene was a dentist.[48] 
4. Catherine Mary (Aug 1889-1972)[49]  
5. Edmund B Mar 1892
6. Edith Mar 1896
7. Isabell F (Jan 1900-1919)[50]
7. Louisa bn (30 Jun 1863 CAN -  9 Apr 1921 WI)[51]  Among the attendees at Louisa’s funeral was James Fitzsimmons of Milwaukee.
8. Josph Eugene (1867 WI- 3 Aug 1946)[52] Eugene was a Catholic Priest.  In 1910 Eugene was in Fairmont, MN, his father and sister Louisa were living with him. He was in Lewiston in 1920, Louisa still with him, and in 1930 back in Fairmont.  In 1940, now a Msgr he was back in Winona County in St. Charles.  Living in the household was Eugene Schommer age 13 born in Oregon.[53]

[1] Illustrated Historical Atlas of Perth County, 1879, Mika Silk Screening Limited, Belleville, 1972. Pg 65
[2] Extracts from the 1850 Census of the United Counties of Bruce, Huron, and Perth, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Pg 5
[3] Library and Archives Canada; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Census Returns For 1861; Roll: C-1064-1065 pg 28 Ellice, perth Canada West.
[4]  Find A Grave Memorial# 83799689  
[5] Year: 1870; Census Place: Port Huron Ward 1, St Clair,Michigan; Roll: M593_699; Page: 320B;  Year: 1880; Census Place: Port Huron, St Clair, Michigan, Roll: 605 Page: 397D Enumeration District: 388
[6] Find A Grave Memorial# 22558721  
[7] Find A Grave Memorial# 22558674  
[8]  Year: 1880; Census Place: Port Huron, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 605; Family History Film: 1254605; Page: 400B; Enumeration District: 388; Image: 0693. Year: 1900; Census Place: Port Huron Ward 1, Saint Clair, Michigan; Roll: 741; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 0094; FHL microfilm: 1240741.
[9] The Library of Michigan; Michigan Death Records, 1897-1920; Rolls: 1-302; Archive Barcode/Item Number: 30000008346300; Roll Number: 31.
[10] Year: 1880; Census Place: Port Huron, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 605; Family History Film: 1254605; Page: 341C; Enumeration District: 384; Image: 0570. Year: Year: 1900; Census Place: Port Huron Ward 5, Saint Clair, Michigan; Roll: 741; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0099; FHL microfilm: 1240741. (note Rosa head in 1910); Census Place: Port Huron Ward 1, Saint Clair, Michigan; Roll: T624_673; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 0111; FHL microfilm: 1374686.
[11] State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA, USA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics. Los Angeles SS 385015550
[12] 1920; Census Place: Port Huron Precinct 5, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: T625_795; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 119; Image: 807.  930; Census Place: Port Huron, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 1025; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 33; Image: 261.0; FHL microfilm: 2340760.
[13] Find A Grave Memorial# 83799693  
[14] Year: 1930; Census Place: Port Huron, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: 1025; Page: 19A; Enumeration District: 33; Image: 289.0; FHL microfilm: 2340760.
[15] Find A Grave Memorial# 83799687  
[16] Illinois, Cook County Marriages, 1871–1920.” Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010. Illinois Department of Public Health records. "Marriage Records, 1871–present." Division of Vital Records, Springfield, Illinois.
[17] Year: 1910; Census Place: Port Huron Ward 1, Saint Clair, Michigan; Roll: T624_673; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 0111; FHL microfilm: 1374686;  Year: 1920; Census Place: Port Huron Precinct 5, St Clair, Michigan; Roll: T625_795; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 119; Image: 816.
[18] Find A Grave Memorial# 83799690  
[19] Michigan Department of Vital and Health Records. Michigan, Deaths, 1971-1996[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1998.Original data: Michigan Department of Vital and Health Records. Michigan Death Index. Lansing, MI, USA.
[20] Find A Grave Memorial# 83799692  
[21] Door County Democrat   Volume: 22  Issue: 5  Publication date: 1914-01-23 
[22] The Advocate 1897-05-15 Volume: 36  Issue: 6  Publication date: 1897-05-15
[23] 1861 Census Library and Archives Canada; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Census Returns For 1861; Roll: C-1064-1065.  Upper Canada pg 23
[24]   1870; Census Place: Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: M593_1712; Page: 14A; Image: 31; Family History Library Film: 553211Year: Year: 1880; Census Place: Clay Banks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: 1424; Family History Film: 1255424; Page: 18B; Enumeration District: 037.1900; Census Place: Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: 1785; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0039; FHL microfilm: 1241785.  widower
[25]  The Expositor v1 issue 25 4/10/74;  Expositor v2 issue 25 4/9/75
[26] Year: 1910; Census Place: Fairmont Ward 1, Martin, Minnesota; Roll: T624_710; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0114; FHL microfilm: 1374723.
[27] Door County Advocate 1868-01-23Volume: 6  Issue: 36  Publication date: 1868-01-23 
[28] 1900 -  Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: 1785; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0039;  1910 -  Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: T624_1705; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 0043 - 11 children 7 living  (either John or Louisa deceased by 1910; 1920 -   Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: T625_1983; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 56; Image: 593;   1930 -  Claybanks, Door, Wisconsin; Roll: 2569; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 3; Image: 606.0; FHL microfilm: 2342303; Documentation for births of the last nine children. "Wisconsin Births and Christenings, 1826–1926." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2010. Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records. 1302863
[29] Reelected Supervisor of Assessmets Door Co Democrat v18 issue 48 11/25/10
[30]   Sturgeon Bay Advocate v56 is12 6/14/14
[31] Door Co News 8/30/1917 v4is9
[32] Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.1920: Menominee, Michigan, City Directory, 1920 and 1821 - President Commercial Bank, res. 219 Broadway
[33] Ancestry.com. Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
[34] Year: 1900; Census Place: Menominee Ward 4, Menominee, Michigan; Roll: 731; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 0140; FHL microfilm: 1240731.  Cedar Jobber;  Year: 1910; Census Place: Menominee Ward 4, Menominee, Michigan; Roll: T624_664; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 0216; FHL microfilm: 1374677.   (5 children - 4 living)  Owner of a lumber mill
[35] Find A Grave Memorial# 11037426
[36]   Find A Grave Memorial# 11037429
[37] Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Wisconsin Vital Record Index, pre-1907. Madison, WI, USA: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Vital Records Division  Vol 1 pg 142
[38] Year: 1900; Census Place: Ashland Ward 3, Ashland, Wisconsin; Roll: 1777; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 0002; FHL microfilm: 1241777
[39] Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916–1947." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2010. Index entries derived from digital copies of original records
[40] Year: 1920; Census Place: Antigo Ward 6, Langlade, Wisconsin; Roll: T625_1993; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 113; Image: 444.
[41] Year: 1930; Census Place: Antigo, Langlade,Wisconsin; Roll: 2580; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 8; Image: 181.0; FHL microfilm: 2342314.
[42]  State of California. California Death Index, 1940-1997. Sacramento, CA, USA: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics. Place: Alameda; Date: 1 Jan 1991; Social Security: 389162192.
[43] Find A Grave Memorial# 10539635
[44] Social Security Administration. Social Security Death Index, Master File. Social Security Administration. Number: 361-12-0130; Issue State: Illinois; Issue Date: Before 1951.
[45]  1940; Census Place: Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin; Roll: T627_4508; Page: 81A; Enumeration District: 44-15.
[46] Find A Grave Memorial# 7629880
[47] Find A Grave Memorial# 11037433
[48]  Year: 1920; Census Place: Washington, Washington, District of Columbia;Roll: T625_206; Page:5B; Enumeration District: 64; Image: 733.Year: 1930; Census Place: Washington, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: 297; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 191; Image: 382.0; FHL microfilm: 2340032. Year: 1940; Census Place: Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia; Roll: T627_571; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 1-532.
[49] Find A Grave Memorial# 11037423
[50] Find A Grave Memorial# 11037448
[51] Door County Advocate 1921-04-15  Vol: 60  Iss: 4; Door County News v7 issue 42 4/14/21
[52] State of Minnesota. Minnesota Death Index, 1908-2002. Minneapolis, MN, USA: Minnesota Department of Health. 017422
[53] Year: 1910; Census Place: Fairmont Ward 1, Martin, Minnesota; Roll: T624_710; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0114; FHL microfilm: 1374723.   Year: 1920; Census Place: Lewiston, Winona, Minnesota; Roll: T625_865; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 187; Image: 526.Year: 1930; Census Place: Fairmont, Martin, Minnesota; Roll: 1107; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 75.0; FHL microfilm: 2340842.  Year: 1940; Census Place: St Charles, Winona, Minnesota; Roll: T627_1969; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 85-18. 

John Keenan Family

When John Keenan died in Aug 1863 the parish priest wrote the following in the St. James Colgan parish register......"Burial 28 August, 1866 of old John Keenan aged one of the oldest settlers in Adjala, died after a long illness, strengthened with the consolation of his holy faith.  Aged ninety-three full of age and merits before God and man."  John had out lived his wife by over 35 years and at least two of this ten children.

Nearly forty years earlier John and his family joined the swelling ranks of North Ireland Catholics and Presbyterians that were escaping increasing religious persecution into a new country.

Upon their arrival in Upper Canada John was granted land, but his own illness and that of his family prevented them from moving to the land and working it.  They were forced to ask the York Benevolent Society for support.

So after a period of time in York, twenty-five years before that city was incorporated as Toronto, they settled in the area near Adjala in Simcoe County, where other Keenans had settled.  John nearly lost his homestead as he and his eldest son were too ill to clear it. Read more in Keenans to Adjala.

Life in the frontier was not easy and in 1829 Elenor (possibly Montague) died. John, health improved,  established his farm on Concession 3 Lot 16 in Adjala and raised his children.

Andrew Hunter's, A History of Simcoe County gives a glimpse of the neighborhood which includes many of John's relatives "...As in the other parts of this county, settlement in what people formerly called the wilds of Adjala began at the south end of the township.  The first to arrive in the south east came by way of Albion and King Townships in the twenties......In the southwest, in the vicinity of Mono Mills, a few settlers arrived about the year 1820 and within the next few years the following took up lots in the adjacent parts of Adjala.......James McKenna. con 3 lot 7......The last named person on the above list, James McKenna, died May 12th 1885, aged 89 years.  As early as 1828, some settlers had begun to take up lots in the good lands just north of Baily's Creek.  Among these were the families of Connors, Kelly and Keenan.  It was from the last family that the village of Keenansville had its name.  Robert Keenan was District Councillor (1846-9) and reeve of Adjala, (1857), for twelve years altogether.  He died January 10th, aged 83 years. Michael Haffey settled upon the west half lot 14, con. 5, at this early period.  On the opposite lot in con. 6 where John Haffey lived at a later time, Henry J Pect of Stanley NY, found in 1887 parts of the skeleton of a mammoth.  This is the only instance known of mammoth bones having been found in Simcoe County.  On of the molars is in Elmira Collete, NY. The other bones are in tech Geological Museum of Lafayette College, Eason, PA.....On the lot south of Haffey, George Kidd Settled during this first arrival of settlers, and here arose the village of Athlone......."

Nine of John's ten children have been identified.  All  married and their descendants are spread throughout Canada and the United States.  The Kelly Genealogy written in 1950 mentions over 500 with thirteen priests and eighteen religious sisters.  Unfortunately they did not name those that they had found.

This list includes just John's children and grandchildren.  For later generations and stories about the family read The Descendants of John Keenan and Eleanor

1. Ann Kennan (1800 IRE - 1860 ONT) m. James McKenna (1796-1885)
• Mary (1826 ONT- 1907 ONT) m James Hanrahan at least 7 children
• John (1830 ONT - 1913 ONT) m Catherine Doyle at least 9 children
• Ellen (1831 ONT - aft 1908) m Henry Cosgrove at least 11 children
• James (1833 ONT- bef 1854 ONT) 
• Margaret (1835 ONT- ) m James Burke at least 10 children
• Sarah (1836 ONT -1921 ONT) m Bartholomew Keogh children unknown
• Robert (1838 ONT-1913 ONT) m Bridget Doyle at least 6 children
• Ann "Janie" (1842 ONT-1899 ONT) m Hugh Duggan at least 7 children
2. James Keenan (1802 IRE - 1842 ONT) m Margaret Hammell
• Eleanor (1840 ONT - 1867 ONT) m.  Thomas Kidd 5 children
• Margaret (1842 ONT - 1903 ONT) m. Thomas Kidd 5 children
3. Anne Rose Keenan (1805 IRE - unk) m Thomas McCausland (bef 1815-1835)
• Mary Elizabeth (1834 - )
• Ellen (bef 1835 - )
• Susan (1835 ONT - 1873 ONT) m Seth Ashton
4. Sarah Keenan (1806 IRE - 1871 ONT) m. Francis McLaughlin (1802-1864)
• Ellen (1834 ONT- ) m. Patrick Burke Tracy at least 1 child
• Francis (1836 ONT - 1877 ONT) m Eleanor Mulloy at least 7 children
• John (1837 ONT - 1874)  m Mary Brazille at least 2 children
• James (1838 ONT - )
• Michael (1842 ONT -) 
• Sarah (1844 ONT - )
• Robert (1847 ONT -)
• Peter (1850 ONT - )
5. Mary Keenan (1812 IRE - 1899 ONT) m. Michael McLaughlin (1810-1893)
• John (1832 ONT - )
• Annie (1834 ONT -1882 ONT ) m John Kelly at least 9 children
• Margaret (1836 ONT- bef 1845 ONT) 
• Eleanor (1837 ONT - 1925 ONT) m George Morrow at least 13 children
• Mary (1839 ONT -  1867 ONT)
• Alice (1842 ONT - bef 1857 ONT)
• Margaret (1845 ONT - 1923 ONT )
• Michael (1847 ONT - 1935 ONT) m Mary Beatty at least one child
• Sarah (1851 ONT - ) m Charles Foster
• James Francis (1852 ONT - 1909 ONT) m Isabella Small / Catherine Small
• Thomas (1854 ONT- 1937 ONT) m Mary O'Brien at least three children
• Alice (1857 ONT - 1933) m George Constantineau at least one child
6. John Keenan (1820 IRE - 1886 ONT) n Jane Harkins (1826-1879)
• Catherine (1855 ONT - 1923 ONT)
• Daniel (1856 ONT - 1904 ONT)
• James Joseph (1858 ONT - 1930 ONT) m. Catherine Reilly at least 4 children
• Ann Jane (1860 ONT - 1897 ONT) m Denis Prior at least 2 children
• John Francis (1861 ONT - bef 1871 ONT) 
• Margaret (1863 ONT - ) m Patrick James Mulvogue at least 2 children
7. Margaret Keenan (1819 IRE - 1896 ONT) m. John James Haffey (see Haffey)
8. Robert Keenan (1821 IRE - 1904 ONT) m. Mary Brady (1831-1916)
• James (1854 ONT - 1944 ONT) m. Mary Moran at least 6 children
• Margaret (1856 ONT - 1917 ONT) m John Joseph Skelly at least 9 children
• Catherine (1856 ONT -  ) m James Holland at least 5 children
• Mary (1860 ONT - 1927) m. Daniel C O'Leary at least one child
• Ellen (1862 ONT- ) m Richard Hanley at least 8 children
• Robert Joseph (1867 ONT - 1947) m Mary Margaret McFarlane at least 5 children
9. Ellen Keenan (1825 IRE - 1897 ONT) m. Peter McCabe
• Thomas (1846 ONT-1897 ONT) m Sarah Doyle at least 8 children
• James (1847 ONT - 1922 ONT) m Ann Hanley children unknown
• Peter (1848 ONT - 1926 ONT) 
• Ellen (abt 1850 ONT - 1886 ONT) m Thomaas Quinlan McGoey at least 8 children 
• Sarah Ann (1853 ONT - 1887 ONT) m Bernard Doyle at least 5 children
• Margaret (1855 ONT - )
• John (1855 ONT - )
• Teresa (1861 ONT - ) m Daniel Harrigan at least 5 children
• John Paul (1862 ONT - 1924 ONT)

A Townland for the Dunns

I have been searching for  Irish ancestors for over thirty years and had all but given up on finding the townlands of Michael Murphy and John Dunn... more on Michael at a later date.  Today I have found the Dunns.

Family tradition, as outlined in Sarah Lonergan's Legacy, said the Dunn(e)s were from the town of Golden in county Tipperary...and as it turns out that was very close and perhaps correct.  What I found in the Irish Parish Registers, which are available on the website of the Irish National Library, are christening records for the seven children of John Dunn and Bridget Lonergan.  The downside is now the story Sarah Lonergan's Legacy must become Bridget Lonergan's Legacy. (1)


The christenings, which are contained in two registers for Killenaule Parish are as follows list the place of residence as Mocklershill(2) (various spellings are used in the records, this spelling is found on today's maps).

• Patrick Dunn was christened 10  Apr 1822(3) sponsors John Dunne and Mary McDonough. Patrick is found in 1851 in Brantford, Brant, Ontario CAN.  He is a wagon maker.  He died in Brant County in 1883.  He married Mary - and they had 7 known children.

• Mary Dunn christened 14 Feb 1824 (3) sponsors Edmund Boc and Ellen Dwyer.  Mary Ann married Robert Kelly. They were living in Perth, Ontario in 1861.  By 1870 they had emigrated to Port Huron, St. Clair, Michigan.  Mary died there in 1906.  They had 8 known children.
• Margaret Dunn christened 26 Jun 1826(3) sponsors Patrick Ryan and Margaret Londrigan (this was the only record where the mother's names was not Bridget Lonergan, it was listed as Bridget Londrigan) Margaret married John Cavanaugh.  They were living in Perth in 1861 and Independence Kansas in 1870. John died before 1900 and Margaret is found in 1900 in Kansas City, MO and in Los Angeles CA in 1910.  No death has been found to date.  Margaret and John had eleven children.
• Cornelius Dunn christened 2 Nov 1828(3) sponsors John Lonergan and Joanna Ryan.  There is a possible census record in Buffalo, New York for Cornelius in 1870, but to date no proof it is the right person and no other records have been found.
• Thomas Dunn christened 20 Apr 1831(3) sponsors William Dunn and Mary Bowes .  I have not found records for Thomas.  Thomas was remembered by his Grandniece Grace as being quite talented. He played seven different instruments.  The family considered him wayward because he wandered from place to place, never settling down for long in one spot.  He would pop in from time to time, always good natured and with a devil may care attitude.  It would be difficult to trace when or where Thomas died.
• Bridget Dunn christened 3 Feb 1836(3) sponsors Pat and Mary Dunn. See more in a later blog.
• Ellen Dunn christened 10 Dec 1840(3) sponsors Michael McGonich and Catherine Ryan.  Ellen was found in one census record with her sister Margaret Cavanaugh, otherwise no records have been found to date.

When she was in Grand Traverse hospital at the end of her years, Bridget, remembered leaving Ireland when she was eleven, but unless she was near a year old when she was christened it seems they must have left earlier.  Mary Ann was married in Brantford, Brant, Ontario, Canada on 25 Oct 1846.  So it would seem the family emigrated sometime between 1841 and 1846.  Bridget also suggested that they lived in Buffalo, NY for a time.  

I have been unable to find John Dunn in Canada or the US in 1850/51 or later.  I also have not found the children who were not married in 1850/51.  I have not seen a copy of Mary Ann's marriage in Brant in 1846 but I did find Patrick in Brant in 1851 which gives credence to the fact that they lived there.  Bridget said that John was a miller, so the next step might be to look for any miller in 1850/51 with the name of John, born in Ireland.  This will be quite a task.

Returning to Ireland, Golden lies within 20 Kilometers of Mocklershill.  I did not find the marriage of John and Bridget in the registers for Killenaula Parish, so perhaps they were married in Golden.  With the christening date  of the oldest child Patrick confirmed the search shouldn't have to cover too many years.

I did find John in the Tithe Applotment listing for Mocklershill which was taken in 1830.  His holdings included a little over 34 acres for which he paid £1-17-9. Also listed is Cornelius Dunn, most likely a brother as his holdings were smaller than Johns at 25 acres.

One other fact became apparent.  There was NO Simon Dunn in the list of children. The christenings found match the list of siblings that Bridget gave the nursing staff at Grand Traverse Hospital. Simon Dunn was connected to Al Smith, and family tradition said he was a brother of Mary Ann and Bridget.  Perhaps he was a cousin?  We do know that he was born in Dublin, not Tipperary so the burden of proof will definitely be upon us if we wish to claim the connection.

Knowing the names of sponsors might also help in finding more on the families.  The search is on.

1. Sarah Lundriken was the name given on the death certificate of Mary Ann Dunn Kelly, the oldest child of John and Bridget.  Daughter Bridget's death record gives the correct name Bridget.
2. A link will be provided to a future Mockershill post, in the meantime you can find a map of Mockershill here.
3. Killenuale Parish Registers, Library of Ireland 

Adjala

The website The History of St. James Church: Colgan notes "The settling of Adjala (note: named for the wife of Chief Tecumseth) by Catholic homesteaders can be traced back to the vision and experiences of Bishop Alexander Macdonell. In 1826, he became the first bishop of the newly created diocese of Kingston. It stretched from the Ottawa River in the east, to the Detroit River in the west. As part of a series of missionary visits Bishop Macdonell had the opportunity to learn first hand how fared the lives of the earliest pioneers. He travelled through Adjala and being impressed by the land and its fertile resources, he counselled new immigrants to settle there." (1)

Hoog's Map- County of Simcoe, Ont.  1871

The year 1826 is interesting here, however, as James Keenan first received land in the county in 1824 and other family members were not much later.

The History of Simcoe County notes.... " As in the the other parts of this county, settlement in what people formerly called the wilds of Adjala began at the south end of the township."

 In 1993 Adjala was merged with Tosorontio township and today it is known as Adjala-Tosorontio township.

Loretto  (44°03′00″N 79°53′25″W) is one of the oldest communities in Adjala–Tosorontio, and has one of the oldest and most famous taverns in Simcoe County,

• Canadian Digital Atlas - Adjala
• Street View Maps in Adjala-Tosorontio Township
• Map of Simcoe County 1951 - Archives of Ontario
• Simcoe County on We-Relate
• A history of Simcoe County : Volume II, Its pioneers - Adjala pg 51 Keenan & Haffey

Sarah Lonergans Legacy

Oops...newly confirmed name change

Sarah Bridget Lonergan was lace curtain Irish.  She could have been the owner of the Mills of Golden, Co. Tipperary, but instead married poor farmer, John Dunn and had her life disrupted by emigration to Canada.  The poor lady never recovered from the poverty and sadness .... or so my grandmother told me.

Some fifteen years ago I encountered a fourth cousin and sharing notes, the story told by her great grandmother was the same.

As we delved into the story of John and Sarah, reality set in.  There is absolutely NO evidence that Sarah had any claim at any time to any mills in the town of Golden.  At no time did anyone with the name of Lonergan own the mills.  And even more telling, there was no eligible bachelor owner or son of an owner at any time that Sarah might have married. 

Ah, a tradition broken.  But then this is not the story of John and Sarah, but rather the story of the legacy that Sarah left to her family.  A legacy of discontent.  As Ruth and I compared notes a pattern emerged, a pattern of unhappy unsatisfied women, disrupting lives of husbands and children with cries of woe as the world mistreated them.

Bridget Dunn Murphy

Sarah's daughter Bridget was born in Ireland and accompanied her parents and older sister Mary to Brant County Ontario about 1840.  Little is known of her life there until she married Michael Murphy.  Michael, the son of James Murphy and Mary Brien was born in Ireland about 1838-.  Bridget and Michael emigrated to Michigan early in their married life, settling in Port Huron.  There Michael worked as a chauffeur until suddenly the family pulled up stakes and moved to Bay City.  Word is that Michael was in trouble.  Perhaps with the law, perhaps with the family he worked for, perhaps with Bridget.  

Mary Murphy Haffey

It was not too long before Bridget kicked Michael out of the house in Bay City. In the early days Michael sent money home to Bridget, but she would send it back.  And so Michael disappeared into the streets of Chicago, final destination still undiscovered.   Bridget lived on to age of ninety eight.  

According to Ruth's grandmother, Bridget was always unsatisfied with her life and always creating turmoil in the family...Ruth laughed in the telling and said that so she remembered was her grandmother.

Bridget's daughter Mary Murphy was born in Ontario in 1868.  While living in Port Huron, Michigan she met a promising young law student.  

Joseph Phillip Haffey was born in Adjala, Ontario in 1854,  the son of Irish immigrants John Haffey and Margaret Keenan. Joseph attended St. Michael's College in Toronto and then remained as a tutor for another five years.  In 1880, he pulled up stakes and emigrated to the US, to attend the University of Michigan School of Law in Ann Arbor. 

Isabel Haffey Madden

Joseph was an honest and ethical man.  Much as he loved the law, he grew to hate the legal scene, it was a time of corruption at every level and he refused to he corrupt.  Thus the family was comfortable but did not reach the ranks of the wealthy.  Mary lived the life of leisure but longed for the life of the rich, poor Joseph never met her expectations as a provider.

Mary had five children, both sons and one daughter never married.  But the legacy lived on. The eldest and the youngest daughters both carried the germ.  

Isabel, the youngest,  was my grandmother.  Though I loved her dearly,  I can honestly say she was always unsatisfied with the cards life dealt her and she created major turmoil in my family ......

Will the legacy continue..... or will the telling of the tale allow it to be finally at an end.