Post
by Jimbo » Tue Apr 14, 2020 7:50 am
Hi Sheila,
With many Irish immigrants from the same townlands moving to the same American cities, I can see why many Irish and Irish-Americans, especially in Pennsylvania and western New York, married into German-American families of the shared Catholic faith. In this way, they could be certain that they weren't closely related.
I've updated the descendants of Patrick McNamara and Bridget Rodgers of Derryfodda townland with new information. The updated family tree starts from the Rodgers family of Drummin townland; I had done a very poor attempt with their family tree back in November 2018 on page 12 and this finally will fix those many mistakes.
Of particular interest with these updates:
• Winifred McNamara, daughter of Patrick McNamara of Derryfodda, married Patrick McNamara, son of Patrick McNamara, of Knocknahane.
• Patrick McNamara, son of Patrick McNamara, remained in Derryfodda, and married Anne Moroney. Anne Moroney was the daughter of Catherine Doyle Moroney whose husband Michael Moroney was shot at Leighort on the night of 25 February 1882 and who William Forster, Chief Secretary of Ireland, visited at Tulla Workhouse Hospital the day before he died on the 4th of March - see drawing on page 21. Anne's father was Catherine's second husband, also named Michael Moroney, from Cloonagro.
• John Rogers of Drummin townland lived in Wales for several years, where he married and had two children, before leaving for America in 1884, and settling in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers of Drummin & McNamara of Derryfodda Family Tree:
In 1855 Griffiths Valuation in Drummin Townland (Feakle Parish), were six families sharing one farm of 565 acres. In House 1b, was Thomas Rogers. In 1876, a Thomas Rodgers died at the age of 85, Scariff registration district. When the civil death record becomes available on-line it will hopefully provide the location as well as marital status and informant.
Most likely, this Thomas Rodgers [1791 - 1876] of Scariff registration district will be the Thomas Rogers of GV Drummin as well as the father of Michael Rodgers [1816 - 1879] of Drummin, who named his first born son Thomas. Another possibility is the Thomas Rogers of Gortvalla Townland (Feakle Parish) recorded in 1855 Griffiths Valuation living in House 2a.
Michael Rodgers married Winifred Nee [1817 - 1882] prior to the 1842 start of the Caher Feakle marriage register. Their son Thomas Rodgers was born about 1841, also prior to the 1842 start of the Caher Feakle baptism register. Three other children are recorded in the register: Biddy in 1848, John in 1858, and John in 1859. It would be fairly typical for a young couple to have children over a 20 year span, but for Michael Rodgers and Winifred Nee, there are large gaps with no children born, from 1842 to 1847, as well as from 1849 to 1857. Drummin townland appears to have been mostly mountains and not the most fertile for growing crops. Did the Rodgers move to a neighboring parish or perhaps did Michael Rodgers seek work in Britain (similar to his son John in Wales) which might explain the gap in births?
Michael Rodgers, of Drummin, age 63 years, married, farmer, died on 20 December 1879; informant Thomas Rodgers of Drummin. Winifred Rodgers, of Dromod, age 65 years, widow of Michael Rodgers, farmer, died on 21 April 1882; informant Thomas Rodgers of Dromod.
Michael Rodgers [1816 - 1879] and Winifred Nee [1817 - 1882] had at least four children:
1.0 Thomas Rodgers was born about 1841 based upon his death record; prior to the 1842 start of the Cahermurphy baptism register. Thomas Rodgers, of Drummin, was informant upon death of father in 1879 and mother in 1882. Thomas Rodgers married Kate Noone of Beagh (aka Shanaglish) in Galway in 1883 (source: FHL index; civil record is not yet available). "Noone" surname could be spelt as "Noo", "New", or "Noonan" in civil birth records of children. In the 1911 Irish census, Thomas and Kate Rogers reported that they were the parents of nine children, five living. <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, House 5> Thomas Rogers, of Drummin, married, age 88, died on 3 July 1929; informant John Rogers, of Drummin, son of deceased.
............ 1.1 John Rogers (age 15 in 1901) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, House 5> John Rodgers, farmer, of Drummin, Flagmount, son of Thomas Rodgers, married Mary Cooney, of Inchaboy, daughter of Thomas Cooney, in Kilbeacanty Church, Galway (Gort district) on 28 June 1944; witnesses Martin McNamara and Kathleen Sinnott. John Rodgers, of Drummin, Feakle, farmer, married, age 69 years, died on 31 January 1954; informant wife Mary Rodgers.
............ 1.2 Michael Rogers (age 12 in 1901) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, x> Died prior to 1911.
............ 1.3 Thomas M. Rogers (age 10 in 1901). <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, House 5> Per 1955 obituary, Thomas Rodgers "came to Pittsburgh 44 years ago and worked for the Pittsburgh Railway Co. 43 years. Mr. Rodgers leaves his wife, Celia Mahon Rodgers; three sons, the Rev. Kieran OSB, assistant at St. Boniface Church, the Rev. Thomas Michael, assistant at Annunciation Church, and John[and four grandchildren]; and a daughter, Sister Mary Thomas, teacher at St. Mary Magdalene's School in Homestead". Surviving siblings are reported below.
............ 1.4 James Rogers (age 8 in 1901) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, x> Died prior to 1911.
............ 1.5 Edward Rogers (age 6 in 1901) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, x> Died prior to 1911.
............ 1.6 Martin Rogers (age 3 in 1901) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, House 5>, "of Pittsburgh" per 1955 obituary of brother Thomas Rodgers.
............ 1.7 Timothy Rogers (age 0 in 1901) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, House 5> , "of Pittsburgh" per 1955 obituary of brother Thomas Rodgers.
............ 1.8 Mary Rogers (age 7 in 1911) <Drummin, Cahermurphy, House 5, House 5>, "Mrs. Mary Gurley of Ireland" per 1955 obituary of brother Thomas Rodgers.
............ 1.9 Unknown Rodgers (in 1911, parents reported 9 children, 5 living)
2.0 Bridget Rodgers, of "Curra", baptized on 22 June 1848; sponsors Tim and Terrisa Rodgers. Bridget Rodgers, of Derryfadda, daughter of Michael Rodgers, married Patrick McNamara, of Derryfadda, son of Thomas McNamara (deceased), on 21 February 1871 at Killenena Chapel; witnesses Patrick McNamara and Mary Noone. <Derryfodda, Killanena, House 5, House 1> Patt McNamara, of Derryfadda, married, farmer, age 73, died on 9 February 1916; informant, son Patt McNamara. Bridget McNamara, at Knocknahanee (at her daughter Winifred's?), widow of a farmer, age 80, died on 1 January 1928; informant son Patt McNamara of Derryfadda.
............ 2.1 Mary McNamara, of Derrafadda, baptized on 10 Nov 1871; sponsors Martin and Eliza Rodgers. Maria McNamara, of Derryfodda, daughter of Patrick McNamara, married Joseph Sammon (transcribed as "Gannon"; correction submitted), of Pollatrumpha [Cahermurphy], son of Martin Sammon, on 24 November 1909 at Killanena Chapel; witnesses Richard McArthur and Winifred McNamara. <Pollatrumpa, Corlea, Mary in 1901?, House 2>. Maria Sammon, of Poutatrumpa, widow, age 65 years, died on 17 November 1937; informant Michael McNamara, nephew of deceased.
............ 2.2 Thomas P. McNamara, of Derryfadda, baptized 23 Mar 1873; sponsors Michael Mack, Eliza Rodgers. Thomas McNamara arrived in NYC on SS Teutonic on 30 May 1895 (age 22). Thomas McNamara, born in Ireland on 17 March 1875, residing at 3350 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, occupation a bartender, and Catherine Lydon, born in Pittsburgh on 1 November 1880, married on 2 October 1902 in Allegheny (source Pennsylvania marriage records). Thomas, of 3350 Penn Avenue, was American contact for sister Della McNamara when she first arrived in New York in 1901. Family would consistently use the "Mack" surname. In 1930, Thomas Mack was a car inspector for a steam railroad and his family was living on North Huntington Township Road in Westmoreland County:
......................... 2.2.1 Thomas Mack (age 20 in 1930)
......................... 2.2.2 Steven Mack (age 16 in 1930)
......................... 2.2.3 Andrew J. Mack (age 13 in 1930)
......................... 2.2.4 Catherine Mack (age 11 in 1930)
......................... 2.2.5 Patrick Mack (age 9 in 1930)
............ 2.3 Michael McNamara, of Derryfadda, baptized 16 May 1875; sponsors John Rodgers, Nancy Boland. No sign of this Michael McNamara in the Irish or American records as of yet.
............ 2.4 Eliza McNamara, of Derryfadda, baptized 25 July 1880; sponsors John Corry, Mary O'Dea. Eliza McNamara, age 23, arrived in NYC on SS Oceanic on 12 October 1904, to uncle John Rodgers at 1129 Rush Street, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. Married Matthew Carmody, son of Patrick Carmody and Bridget Correy.
......................... 2.4.1 Francis Patrick Carmody (17 March 1919 in Avalon, PA)
............ 2.5 Bridget McNamara was born at Derryfadda on 20 May 1883 per Tulla district civil registration. Della McNamara, age 18, reported as being from County Limerick, was on the ship Etruria arriving in New York on 5 May 1901; her American contact was her brother Thomas McNamara of 3350 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh. She was traveling with her future husband, Andrew Rogers, age 20, a blacksmith, going to sister Maggie Rogers of Pittsburgh. Della McNamara had returned to Ireland and was on the SS Campania going to Pittsburgh in 1907 with cousin Mary McNamara of Washington DC; American contact was Aunt Mrs. O'Donnell in New York (see discussion on page 19). Married to Andrew Aloysius Rodgers (born 23 June 1881 in Scariff, son of Michael Rodgers and Bridget Minogue) in Pittsburgh. Andrew Rodgers fought with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in WWI; family was living in Buffalo, New York in 1920.
......................... 2.5.1 Andrew Mack Rodgers (14 September 1909 in Pittsburgh)
......................... 2.5.2 Earl Martin Rodgers (29 September 1911 in Pittsburgh)
............ 2.6 Winifred McNamara (age 14 in 1901) <Derryfodda, House 5, House 1>. Winifred McNamara, of Derryfadda, age 32, daughter of Patrick McNamara, married Patrick McNamara, of Knocknahanee, age 33, son of Patrick McNamara, at Killanena Church on 12 February 1918; witnesses Martin Coolleen, Kathleen Brett. Winifred McNamara, married, age 67 years, died at Knocknahanee, on 25 May 1946; informant Patrick McNamara.
......................... 2.6.1 Mary Ellen McNamara, baptized 19 May 1919, Knocknahanee.
............ 2.7 Patrick McNamara (age 12 in 1901) <Derryfodda, House 5, House 1> Patrick McNamara of Derryfodda, son of Patrick McNamara, married Anne Moroney, of Leighort Feakle, daughter of Michael Moroney [and Catherine Doyle Moroney], at Feakle Catholic Church on 13 February 1917, witnesses Martin McNamara and Kate Farrell. Annie Moroney McNamara, age 42, died on 19 January 1928 at Derryfadda. Patrick was informant listed on 1916 death record for his father, and January 1928 death records for his mother and wife.
............ 2.8 Martin Joseph McNamara (age 10 in 1901) <Derryfodda, House 5, x> Arrived in New York on the Adriatic on 28 April 1910, father Patrick McNamara, going to sister Elizabeth McNamara of Pittsburgh. Traveling with John J Rodgers of Scariff and Mary Minogue of Feakle who were also going to relatives in Pittsburgh. During WWI, Martin McNamara had enlisted in May 1918 and served overseas between May 1918 and September 1919. According to WWI service and compensation records: "'Co C 315 M G Bn to Apr 21/19; 291 Co MPC to July 17/19; 205 Co 103 Bn MPC to discharge." Engagements: "Artois Sestor", possibly Artois sector on the Western Front in Belgium. Honorably discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey on 3 September 1919. Living with sister Elizabeth Carmody in 1920 Census. Married Catherine O'Malley; five children.
............ 2.9 Unknown McNamara (in 1911, parents reported 9 children, 8 living)
3.0 John Rodgers, of "Glonn(?)", baptized on 16 February 1858; sponsors Pat McMahon and Mary Broderick. Appears to have died in infancy.
4.0 John Rodgers, of Dromin, baptized on 3 February 1859; sponsors Pat McMahon and Mary Broderick. John Rodgers, age 23, single, born in County Clare was living in Holyhead, Wales in the 1881 Census for Wales, and working as a "Platelayer (Railway)". Later in 1881 or in 1882, John Rodgers married Mary E. Stewart, born in Londonderry. With their two children, Patrick and Mary, both born in Wales, the Rodgers family arrived from Liverpool to New York on the ship Oregon on 29 September 1884. John Rodgers was living on Rush Street in Pittsburgh in 1908 when he filed a declaration of intent to become a USA citizen; his last foreign address was reported as Holyland [Holyhead], Wales. His niece, Eliza McNamara arrived in 1904 and gave John Rodgers of Rush Street as her American contact. John Rodgers died on 15 December 1935 in Pittsburgh; the death certificate was completed by his son Michael, who knew his grandfather was named "Michael Rodgers" but both grandmother and where born in Ireland were reported as "unknown".
............ 4.1 Patrick T. Rodgers, born in Wales on 16 March 1883, per Pennsylvania 1912 death certificate. Arrived in New York from Liverpool with parents and younger sister on ship Oregon on 29 September 1884. "Patrick Rodgers, a young boy convicted of the larceny of some goods was sent to the Huntington reform school" (The Pittsburgh Press, 6 May 1899). Patrick Rodgers (#3003) was born 17 March 1883, in Ireland, per the 1899 register for the Pennsylvania Industrial Reformatory at Huntington, PA. Patrick Rodgers was working as a brakeman on the B & O railroad tracks, when on 19 January 1912, his body was found near the Thirty-third street bridge that crosses the Allegheny River.
............ 4.2 Mary E. Rodgers, born in Wales on 13 February 1884, per father's 1913 federal naturalization record. Arrived in New York from Liverpool with parents and older brother on ship Oregon on 29 September 1884. In 1900 living with parents and reported as born in Wales. Per death certificate, born 13 February 1885 (should be 1884, when family lived in Wales), in Pennsylvania (should be Wales), parents as above, died 2 November 1939; informant sister Mrs. Winifred Haerlen.
............ 4.3 Winifred Rodgers, born in Pittsburgh on 30 December 1885, per father's 1913 federal naturalization record. Married Christian Haerlen. In the 1930 census, Winifred was a widow living at Morrison Avenue in Pittsburgh with daughter Nancy, parents, and three younger brothers.
......................... 4.3.1 Nancy Haerlen (age 9 in PA 1930 census)
............ 4.4 George Andrew Rodgers, born in Pittsburgh on 31 July 1889. During WWI, George Rodgers enlisted in May 1918 and was stationed at Camp Humpries in Virginia with the 4th Engineer Training Regiment. He was in France with the 8th Co. Transportation Corps between July 1918 and July 1919. Honorably discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey on 22 July 1919.
............ 4.5 Michael J Rodgers, born in Pittsburgh on 1 June 1894. During WWI, Michael Rodgers enlisted in April 1918 and fought overseas with the 80th Division, Co A, 305th "Am Tn" between June 1918 and June 1919. Engagements: Meusse Argonne Offensive. Honorably discharged at Camp Dix, New Jersey on 10 June 1919.
............ 4.6 Sarah "Sadie" Rodgers, born in Pittsburgh on 11 December 1896.
............ 4.7 Joseph F Rodgers, born in Pittsburgh on 21 September 1900. During WWI, Joseph Rodgers enlisted in July 1918 at Columbus Barracks in Ohio. "Tr D 301 Cav to Aug 25/1918; Btry D 46 Artillery to discharge". Did not go overseas. Honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio on 14 March 1919.