Hi Sheila, thanks for the story of your relatives' preparation for when American relatives visited Ireland as well as American parcels sent to Ireland.
Hi Sharon, thank you once again for the McNamara odds and ends leading into Kentucky. As masons, the Tennessee McNamara's would work on the construction of the Cincinnati & Southern Railway which went from Cincinnati, Ohio, passing through Lexington, Kentucky, and ending up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. So you are "right on track" with the McNamara's of Lexington and Cincinnati.
When you mentioned "died in a courthouse murder", I immediately thought of the "Red Mack" family of Lexington. In researching McNamara's in Kentucky, or in Tennessee and Ohio, it would be impossible not to stumble upon the family of Mathew McNamara, known as "Red Mack", as they frequently made the newspapers, often in association with a murder. I read the latest Reddit discussion posted by Barbara Jean requesting information on her grandfather John McNamara (≈1884 - 1947) and was impressed that so much detail was provided in order for us to solve the "brick wall" in her family tree:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Genealogy/comm ... ther_john/
It appears that the sons of "Red Mack" are the focus on finding the father of John McNamara (≈1884 - 1947). "Learning more about the Williams end of the McNamara story would be a good direction in and of itself, if not also leading to something on the McNamara generation you need" was very good advice given to Barbara Jean. In order to see if the McNamara's of Lexington had any connection to the McNamara's of Tennessee, I followed this same research approach. The family tree started off small and then got bigger and bigger through cousin and uncle/aunt relationships noted in the newspapers.
None of the McNamara's ever provided the Irish county where they were from in any USA documents; but fortunately the death record of James Williams, a brother of Bridget Williams McNamara, provided both his father and mother. This led back to Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick and luckily their parents just made the cut-off for the start of marriage records in that parish. Whether or not Matthew McNamara was also from County Limerick remains to be seen. And still not sure if there is any connection to the McNamara's from Tennessee. Anyways, it was just plain good manners to help an 83-year old McNamara from the South who had been searching for six decades. And I truly reckon this effort will provide some needed clues, or perhaps just good luck, in the ongoing search for the missing Civil War soldier Thomas McNamara of Glandree, the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise.
With regards to the suggestion that the 25 year old John Mack, who in 1900 was living with his aunt Mary Dudley in Winchester in Clark County, Kentucky, might be Barbara Jean's grandfather John McNamara? Y'all, that dog won't hunt. The race of John Mack was reported as Black in the 1900 census, same for Mary Dudley and the entire household living at Mack's Alley. Mack was a common surname for African-Americans in the South:
1900 census:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9W5-M17
Barbara Jean went to Lexington in 1960 and interviewed a Catholic priest and relative of the Riley's, both in their 90's, who knew the McNamara family, her findings were summarized in this reddit discussion:
Judge Riley was Executor of the Estate of Bridget Williams McNamara. Bridget's heir was her only living child, Anna 'Dolly' McNamara. Dolly married Harlan Wesley Curtis on 28 Nov 1927. Judge Riley had Dolly declared mentally incompetent and committed to a mental institution in Florida where she died on 2 Jul 1962. Judge Riley then seized control of the entire McNamara estate. All of Red Mack and Bridget's children were deceased except for Dolly and King (and no one knew where he was). Judge John J. Riley died on 12 Jun 1923, and his entire estate went to his common-law-wife Maude Blandin (one of the saloon women)!
Judge John J. Riley was the first cousin of Bridget Williams McNamara, a fact which Barbara Jean is aware of. When Bridget Williams McNamara died in August 1908, four sons (one in hiding) and two daughters were still living, Anna "Dolly" McNamara was not the only heir. Bridget Williams McNamara inherited an estate valued at $40,000 when her husband died in 1887, but by the time of Bridget's death, much of the wealth had been spent (from various newspaper accounts). I reckon two different stories are being combined above as some of the dates don't make sense. In the 1910 census, Judge John J. Riley was shacked up with Maude Blandin, a saloon woman, and had likely been living with her soon after his mother had died in September 1905. The census taker reported John J. Riley and Maude Riley as "married" but this was not accurate as they went to Hamilton County in Ohio and got married in April 1911. When Judge John J. Riley died on 12 June 1923, newspaper accounts of the probate headlined "HOUSEKEEPER GETS ESTATE", which was both mean-spirited and inaccurate as they had then been married for over 10 years.
When Maude Blandin Riley died in 1950, Anne McNamara Curtis would have indeed been the only McNamara heir then living, and she was indeed in a mental institution in Florida by 1950. But Judge John J. Riley, who died in 1923, certainly didn't put her there. Another cousin, Miss Elizabeth J. Smith, filed a suit that Maude Riley was in a poor mental state when she made her final will in 1949 (if no will, the estate would go to surviving cousins of Judge Riley).
'Public Scandal,' Woman Says of Cousin in Suit Over Will, was the newspaper headline; "Miss Smith testified that she and other members of her family didn't 'recognize' Mrs. Riley before her marriage to the Judge but were friendly with her after the wedding. . . . . His life (Judge Riley's) and hers was a public scandal, so naturally we didn't visit her. But my father urged Judge Riley to marry her because he had lived with her for so long, and we visited with her frequently after the marriage" per
Lexington Leader of 28 February 1951. When Barbara Jean visited Lexington in 1960, it was this scandal and controversy over the Riley estate that I reckon would have been fresh on the minds of those she interviewed.
Daley and Williams Families of Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick and Kentucky:
1.0 Bridget Daley (≈1810 in Ireland - after 1881) married
Thomas Williams on 15 February 1831 in Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick; informants Gulielmus "William" Gura (sp?) and Jeremiah Carty; by Rev. J. McMahon (Daley transcribed as "Dawley"). The 1907 death record of their Irish born son, James Williams, of Lexington confirmed parents as Thomas Williams and Bridget Daley.
In the Griffith Valuation (not sure of the exact year) for the town Dromcolleher, in the parish of Dromcolleher, a Bridget Williams had a small house & garden, plot 7c, valuation 10 shillings, which she was sub-leasing from Patrick Fitzgerald (of plot 7a, 118 acres, valuation £44); the primary lessor was Robert Jones Staveley.
Based upon the Griffith Valuation and baptism records, it appears that Bridget Daley Williams was a widow with fairly young children. She immigrated to the USA, since Bridget Williams appears as a witness at the marriage of her daughter Catherine Williams to Michael Sullivan in 1858 in Kentucky. In the 1870 census, a Bridget Williams, born in Ireland, widow, reported age 55, was a grocer living in Lexington, along with a Kentucky born Millie Williams, age 9 years. Relationships are not shown in the 1870 census, but "Millie Williams" was most surely her granddaughter "Mollie Sullivan", born on 19 June 1860.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MX71-1SB
In the 1875 Lexington city directory, a Mrs. Bridget Williams, widow, grocery, is reported at S. Mullberry, opposite Market house. In the 1881 Lexington city directory, a "Williams, Mrs. Bridget, grocery", was residing at "s e c Water and Limestone", the same address as saleslady "Mollie Sullivan", who must be her granddaughter. This same Bridget Williams, must be the widow, Irish born, grocery keeper, living at Branch Alley in Lexington in the 1880 census; her age was only 48 years (born ≈1832), but age accuracy appears to have been very poor in the Kentucky census.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCCF-FDY
............
1.1 Mary Williams (1834 - 11 February 1927), Mariam was baptized on 7 January 1834, at Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick; father Thomas Williams; mother Brigida Daly; sponsors Egan? (unclear?) and Mary Daly. Married to
John Sexton (≈1833 in Ireland - 5 May 1892), unknown marriage record.
The John and Mary Sexton family lived on Oldham Street in Louisville, Kentucky which is about 80 miles west of Lexington. Mary's sister, Bridget Williams, appears to have been living with them in the 1860 census. Bridget Williams McNamara's daughter from Lexington would visit her cousins in 1901:
Miss Dollie A. McNamara, one of Lexington's prettiest girls, arrived in the city Thursday from Nazareth Academy, where she has been pursuing her studies, to spend several days with her cousins, the Misses Sexton, Oldham Street, where she has received much social attention.
Kentucky Irish-American, Louisville, 22 June 1901
Mary Williams Sexton of Louisville was reported as age 26 (≈1834) in the 1860 census; as age 35 (≈1835) in 1870; age 42 (≈1838) in 1880; age 55 (December 1844) in 1900; age 65 (≈1845) in 1910; age 73 (≈1847) in 1920; and age 80 years (≈1847) according to her obituary; when, in fact, Mary Williams Sexton would have been 93 years old when she died on 11 February 1927.
......................... 1.1.1 Thomas Sexton (age 22 in 1880)
......................... 1.1.2 Mary Sexton (age 2 in 1860 census, died young)
......................... 1.1.3 Bridget Sexton (age 19 in 1880)
......................... 1.1.4 John Sexton (age 15 in 1880). A Louisville detective.
......................... 1.1.5 Daniel Sexton (age 12 in 1880). A Louisville policeman. Death record of 7 September 1927 reported parents as John Sexton and Mary William.
......................... 1.1.6 Patrick Sexton (age 8 in 1880)
......................... 1.1.7 Mary Sexton (age 7 in 1880)
......................... 1.1.8 James Sexton (age 5 in 1880)
......................... 1.1.9 Ellen Sexton (age 1 in 1880)
............
1.2 Catherine Williams (1836 - 6 October 1902), Catharinam was baptized on 30 December 1836, at Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick; father Thoma Williams; mother Brigida Daly (transcribed as "Daby"); sponsors Johannes Griffin and Catherine O'Connxxx (scribbled).
Michael Sullivan, of Anderson County, Kentucky; born in Ireland; about 26 years old, and
Catherine Williams; of Anderson County, Kentucky; born in Ireland; about 19 years old, were married on 23 September 1858 in Franklin County, Kentucky by the Rev. James M. Lancaster of the Catholic Church (of Frankfort); witnesses were
her mother Bridget Williams, and a
James Williams (likely her brother).
Civil marriage license (3 pages)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2QD-3PY9
In 1860, Mike and Katie Sullivan, and their two Kentucky born children, were living in Jessamine County with four others: James Williams (age 24), not stated but surely Catherine's brother; Michael Longue (age 24); John Donhoe (age 45); and Mary Donohoe (age 60). The birthplace for these four was reported as "ditto", below the young Sullivan children, and thus "Kentucky" in databases, when surely they were all born in Ireland.
In later census periods, Michael Sullivan was not living with Catherine Williams Sullivan in Lexington in either the 1870 census (marriage status not reported) nor the 1880 census when she was reported as a widow. Her two daughters living with Catherine Sullivan in 1880 were living elsewhere in 1870. In the 1875 city directory for Lexington she was "Mrs. Catherine Sullivan, widow, h. 164 Brisby, in Davis Bottom".
"Catherine Sullivan sues Mrs. B. McNamara on a note for $450" per The Daily Leader of Lexington of 16 August 1895. Not stated in the newspaper, but Catherine had sued her younger sister Bridget.
"AXLE BREAKS: The Chemical Engine Broken Again on Run to a Fire. . . . The cause of the alarm was the burning of the two-story frame grocery store and residence of Mrs. Catherine Sullivan on de Roode street in Davis Bottom, mother of William Sullivan, driver of the chemical engine of the fire department. . . " per the Lexington Leader of 23 July 1901.
Catherine Sullivan, "age 60", born in Ireland, living at de Roode street, died on 6 October 1902; parents not reported on "copy of certificate of death". No obituary discovered (on-line newspaper coverage for Lexington is hit and miss).
......................... 1.2.1 James Sullivan (age 1 in 1860; age 11 in 1870; age 21 in 1880). Family was living in Jessamine County in 1860, so was not baptized at St. Paul's in Lexington, unlike subsequent children. Likely double counted in the 1870 census, as living with mother in the 1870 census taken on 19 August 1870, and living with uncle Mathew "Red Mack" McNamara in the 1870 census taken on 5 July 1870.
Reported Dying. At 3:30 this afternoon James Sullivan, nephew of Mrs. M. [Mathew] McNamara, was reported dying in his room on Vine Street. Several years ago Sullivan was shot through his body by a pistol in the hands of John Lowe, a former policeman, at the Cincinnati Southern passenger depot, and the effects of this wound is said to be the cause of his present condition.
The Kentucky Leader, Lexington, 21 November 1889
......................... 1.2.2 Mary "Mollie" Sullivan, was born on 19 June 1860, and baptized on 4 July 1860 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Michael Lyons and Bridget Williams; by the Rev. Peter Perry. In the 1860 census taken on 17th of July, her reported age was 1 month. Most likely in 1870, she was living with her grandmother Bridget Daley Williams (age 55) and reported incorrectly as "Millie Williams" (age 10). Mary Sullivan was reported as "age 17" in 1880. In the 1881 Lexington city directory, "Mollie Sullivan" was a saleslady residing at "s e c Water and Limestone", the same address as "Williams, Mrs. Bridget, grocery", who must be her grandmother. "Mollie Sullivan" in 1877 and 1882 was a baptism sponsor to the children of her aunt Bridget Williams McNamara.
......................... 1.2.3 Ellen Sullivan, was born on 12 January 1862, and baptized on 26 April 1862 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsor Ellen Ready. Not living with mother in 1870 census taken on 19 August 1870, nor with her aunt Bridget McNamara in the census taken on 5 July 1870, nor with her grandmother Bridget Daley Williams. Possibly living with uncle James Williams as cannot locate their household in the 1870 census. Reported as "age 16" in 1880. Was married to a "Barnett" when she visited her aunt in 1889 and 1891, but then later was married to Fred J. Sinclair and they were living in San Francisco in 1910 and 1920.
Mrs. Ella C. Barnett, nee Miss Ella Sullivan, formerly of this city, but now of Niagara Falls, is in the city the guest of her aunt, Mrs. M. McNamara.
The Kentucky Leader, Lexington, 30 May 1889
Mrs. Ella Barnett, who has been at Niagara Falls this summer, is in the city with her aunt, Mrs. B. McNamara. She will leave next week for her home in New Orleans.
The Courier-Journal, Lexington, 7 November 1891
SINCLAIR—In this city, August 14, 1920, Ella Cecilia, dearly beloved wife of Fred J. Sinclair, a native of Lexington, Kentucky. The funeral will take place today (Tuesday), at 10 o'clock a.m., from the chapel of Halsted Bros., corner Divisadero and McAllister streets. Interment private, Holy Cross Cemetery.
The San Francisco Chronicle, 17 August 1920
......................... 1.2.4 Michael Sullivan, was born on 10 November 1863, and baptized on 2 December 1863 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Matrino Spurt (sp?) and Catherina Williams (mother reported as Marie Williams, in error, Marie was the sponsor). Living with mother in 1870 (age 5), 1880 (age 15), and 1900 (age 28) . Death record of 28 April 1915 stated father as William Sullivan (in error) and mother as Katherine Williams.
......................... 1.2.5 Thomas "William" Sullivan, Thomas was born on 15 August 1865, and baptized on 18 September 1865 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Denis Sullivan and Cath. Henney; by the Rev. L.D. Helle (Wille?). Later whereabouts of "Thomas Sullivan" are not very clear. In 1870, possibly living with uncle James Williams of Lexington, whose household I haven't found yet in the 1870 census. "William Sullivan" appears to have had a close relationship with his Williams cousins, he lived with them from at least his WWI registration until the 1940 census. If he also lived with them in his youth, it might explain why "Thomas Sullivan" went by "William Sullivan" since there was already a "Thomas" in the James Williams household.
His mother, Catherine Sullivan, appears to have been a widow in 1870. Yet, in the 1880 census, she had an 8-year old son, "William Sullivan", born in 1872? Very unlikely, no baptism record exists for this child. Catherine Williams in the 1900 census, was the mother of five children, four living (first born son, James, appears to have died in 1889, although not confirmed with a death record). "Thomas Sullivan", born in 1865, must be "William T. Sullivan" who was reported as having varying ages in census reports: in 1880 (age 8, born ≈ 1872), in 1900 (age 25, born ≈1875). In 1900, William T. Sullivan was double-counted living with his mother and at the firehouse where he worked.
"William Sullivan", with an occupation of fireman, was reported as the
nephew of Mrs. Mary Williams in her 1903 obituary, most likely because she raised him as a child. Living with cousin "Ellie Williams" at the time of WWI registration with a birth date of 10 March 1875. In 1930 and 1940 was a "roomer" in the household of Dan Williams in Lexington, his cousin. Death record of 1949 stated father as James Sullivan (in error) and mother as Catherine Williams.
............
1.3 James Williams (≈1838 - 29 June 1907), unknown baptism record, and uncertain birth order in relation to his sisters. If born in 1835, James would be a year older than sister Catherine born in December 1836.
James Williams was reported as a witness at the marriage of Michael Sullivan to Catherine Williams, his sister, in 1858 in Jessamine County. And James Williams (age 24) was living with Michael and Katie Sullivan, and their two children in Jessamine County in the 1860 census.
The birth year for James Williams in USA records was fairly consistent: ≈1836 in 1860; unknown in 1870; ≈1839 in 1880 census; ≈1835 in 1900 census; ≈1840 per 1907 obituary death at age 67. Initially thought to be the "Jani" baptized in 1844, see below, but then he would have been too young to be the marriage witness in 1858 for sister Catherine Williams. Plus, "Jani" is more likely a "Jane"?
James Williams and
Mary Coughlin (≈1847 in Ireland - 5 May 1903) were married on 3 August 1864; obtained their civil license in Jessamine County, Kentucky (just south of Lexington); witnesses Daniel Coughlin and John A. Willis. Not sure what church they were married in (they do not appear in the marriage register of St. Paul's Church in Lexington).
Civil marriage license (3 pages)
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q28D-FL4R
According to Mary William's 1903 obituary, "Mrs. Williams was the wife of James Williams, formerly of the fire department and
the aunt of William Sullivan, who is now a member of the department." (
The Morning Herald, Lexington, 9 May 1903)
The informant on the 1907 death record for James Williams, who reported his parents as
Thomas Williams and
Bridget Daley, was
John J. Riley, his first cousin.
......................... 1.3.1 Thomas Williams, was born on 18 July 1865, and baptized on 17 September 1865 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Michael Hayes and Mary Connors.
......................... 1.3.2 Ellen Williams, was born on 25 December 1866, and baptized on 1 February 1867 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Thomas Lestor (sp?) and Honor Coughlan.
......................... 1.3.3 Mary "Mamie" Williams, was born on 8 November 1868, and baptized on 22 November 1868 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Michael Luby (sp?) and Mrs. Mary Lynch.
......................... 1.3.4 Daniel Williams, was born on 11 June 1870, and baptized on 27 June 1870 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Riley and Mrs. Ellen Coghlan.
......................... 1.3.5 Bridget Williams, was born on 28 January 1872, and baptized on 23 March 1872 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors James Roche and Mrs. Johanna Roche.
......................... 1.3.6 Honora "Annie" Williams, was born on 19 October 1873, and baptized on 14 November 1873 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Patrick McNamara and Bridget Savage. "Honora" must be the six year old "Annie" in the James Williams household in the 1880 census.
......................... 1.3.7 Margaret Williams, was born on 27 May 1876, and baptized on 21 June 1876 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Fitzgerald and Julia Ahern. "The engagement is announced of Miss Margaret Williams to Mr. Herbert [Hood] Jones . . . at St. Paul's parsonage. . . Miss Williams is the attractive daughter of Mr. James Williams and
niece of Mrs. M. McNamara." according to the
Lexington Leader of 16 November 1903.
........................................ 1.3.7.1 Nellie W. Jones (age 14 in 1920)
........................................ 1.3.7.2 Nathaniel D. Jones (age 8 in 1920)
......................... 1.3.8 Elizabeth "Bessie" Williams, was born on 12 October 1877, and baptized on 26 October 1877 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Patrick McAuliffe and Annie Coughlin.
............
1.4 Joannam Williams (1839 - ? ) was baptized on 22 February 1839, at Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick; father Thoma Williams; mother Bridget Daly; sponsors Thaddous Carty and Jana Williams.
"Joannam" was likely a "Johanna" which could be shortened to "Hannah". A "Hannah Ryan" (age 45, born in Ireland) and "Mary Ryan" (age 16, born in Kentucky) were living with the Mathew "Red Mack" McNamara family in the 1870 census. Similar to Bridget Williams McNamara, who was also reported as age 45, see discussion below, the ages could be very incorrect. The "James Williams" (age 10, born in Kentucky), who was living in the same household in 1870, was a nephew of Bridget Williams McNamara (see above). Thus, there is a very good chance that Hannah Ryan was also a relation.
............
1.5 Bridget Williams (1842 - 15 August 1908) was baptized on 24 April 1842, at Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick; father Thomas Williams; mother Bridget Dawley (transcribed as Dacely); sponsors
James Williams and
Mary Dawley; by JBM.
Bridget Williams married
Mathew "Red Mack" McNamara (≈1822 per 1870; ≈1845 per 1880 census - 29 June 1887) at St. Paul's in Lexington on 9 February 1864, witnesses James Williams (likely her elder brother) and Margaret Connell.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q28D-6WSX
Bridget Williams (age 35, born ≈1825) was living in Louisville with her sister, Mary Williams Sexton, in the 1860 census. A married Bridget Williams McNamara, living in Lexington, was reported in the 1870 census at the consistent age of 45 (born ≈1825). However, ten years later in the 1880 census she was only 31 years old (born ≈1849). Bridget McNamara had a daughter in 1882, she was most definitely not born in 1825, and I'm confident she was baptized in 1842 at Drumcollogher Parish.
Bridget McNamara's death record of 15 August 1908 appears to have been completed by her daughter Mary or possibly son Matt. The record stated mother as "Bridget Williams", father was left blank. Date of birth was reported as 3 November 1855 and age of 53 years; birthplace was Ireland and Bridget had been in the USA for 57 years (longer than her age!).
......................... 1.5.1 Bridget McNamara, born 13 November 1864, baptized on 23 November 1864 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; baptism sponsors Thomas O'Day and Mary Fitzgerald. Appears to have died young as not with family in 1870 census.
......................... 1.5.2 Mathew McNamara, born 19 April 1866, baptized on 3 July 1866 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; baptism sponsors John Hoolihan and Mrs. Bridget Hoolihan. A Lexington city councilman and later the city weigher. Bred and raced horses. Died in Lexington on 18 September 1912 of acute heart trouble; informant John J. Riley.
......................... 1.5.3 Thomas Michael (or W?) McNamara, born 7 September 1867, baptized on 22 September 1867 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors James Williams (uncle) and Mary Horan. A "prominent Democratic politician" who died of gunshot wounds inflicted by Robert McNamee at the brothel run by the madam Blanche Patterson on 23 March 1910.
......................... 1.5.4 John William "Jady" McNamara, born 10 June 1869, baptized on 20 June 1869 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors Charles Gormely and Anna McLoughlon. William McNamara was a Mayor's Clerk in 1897, and later Magistrate, a position he resigned after firing at and wounding George Knickerbocker, a black soldier, in a saloon brawl. Was shot and killed by John Meagher at J.W. Darby's saloon on Wilson street on 17 August 1901; a grand jury dismissed all charges against Meagher.
......................... 1.5.5 Francis Edward "Ed" McNamara, born 1 December 1870, baptized on 4 December 1870 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors James Shannon and Mrs. Bridget Savage. Engaged in the saloon business, died on 11 March 1914 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
......................... 1.5.6 James Bernard "Bert" McNamara, born on 16 August 1872, baptized on 5 September 1872 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Sexton (his uncle) and Mrs. Mary Clohessy (sp?). Died on 12 January 1897 of pneumonia.
......................... 1.5.7 Albert McNamara, born on 19 July 1874, baptized on 23 July 1874 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsor Kate Welch. Died prior to 1880 census.
......................... 1.5.8 John Henry "King" McNamara, born 15 September 1877, baptized on 5 October 1877 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Riley (mother's cousin) and Mollie Sullivan (his cousin). Murdered Jacob S. Keller in 1899, and when released on bond by Judge J.J. Riley (his godfather and mother's first cousin) he went into hiding. In 1912, turned himself in after 13 years "on the run"; he had been living for several years in Louisville as "Dr. James Baker". Granted parole for good conduct in December 1914.
......................... 1.5.9 Mary McNamara, born on 4 August 1879, baptized on 14 August 1879 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Sexton (her uncle) and Bridget Williams (her grandmother?). Died on 19 September 1908, only one month after her mother.
......................... 1.5.10 Anne "Dolly" McNamara, born on 24 December 1882, baptized on 23 January 1883 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Sexton (her uncle) and Mollie Sullivan (her cousin). Graduated from Georgetown College in Washington DC. "Mr. John Henry McNamara announces the marriage of his sister, Miss Anna Cleophas McNamara, to Mr. Harlan Willis Curtis of Los Angeles. The wedding took place Tuesday, December 20, in Toledo, Ohio. . . . "
The Courier Journal, Louisville, 10 January 1928.
............
1.6 "Jani" Williams, baptized on 8 August 1844, at Drumcollogher Parish in County Limerick; father Thomas Williams; mother Brigida Dawley; sponsors Patrick Dawley and Maria Willey (possibly Williams); by P Quin. Jane Williams? Possibly their son James Williams, see 1.3 above?
2.0 Elizabeth Daley (≈1821 in Ireland - 8 September 1905) married
John Riley (≈1830 in Ireland - 24 May 1895) on 28 May 1857 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Lexington; witnesses Timothy Connell and Mary Daley; by the Rev. Peter McMahon.
Civil marriage license on 27 May 1857 in Woodford County (to the west of Lexington).
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJS-JW4Y
The marriage witness, who confirmed that Elizabeth was of a legal age, was a James Williams. Her nephew, James Williams, if indeed born in Limerick about 1838 would have been old enough to be a marriage witness. An alternative theory: at the baptism of Bridget Williams in 1842 at Drumcollogher Parish, one sponsor was a James Williams. In the 1850 census in Louisville, Kentucky, there was an Irish born 26 year old James Williams, born about 1824, an inmate at the County Jail, his occupation was "Bar Keeper".
Mrs. Elizabeth Riley, mother of Judge John J. Riley, of the Police Court, died at 11:35 Thursday night at the residence of her niece, Mrs. B. McNamara, at the extreme age of 84 years.
Mrs. Riley had been ill for some time, suffering from the infirmities of age, but her death was not expected when it came. She had been a resident of Lexington for 50 years having come from Ireland. She was a devoted member of St. Paul's Church and was distinguished for her many acts of charity.
The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Riley will take place from the residence of Mrs. McNamara of Loudon avenue Saturday morning and the service will be held at St. Paul's Church at 9 o'clock. The procession will leave the house at 8:30. The interment will be in the family lot in the Catholic cemetery.
Lexington Leader, 8 September 1905
............
2.1 John J. Riley (13 September 1860 per death record - 12 June 1923) married
Maude Blandin, residence Palace Hotel, on 26 April 1911, in Hamilton County, Ohio.
3.0 Patrick Daley (≈1828 in Ireland - prior to 1880) was married to
Mary Cummins (≈1830 in Ireland - 11 October 1903) on 22 January 1853. The civil marriage license was issued in Franklin County, Kentucky and provided no details on where married or witnesses; the bond was paid by Patrick Dailey and John Coughlan. They likely were married in Frankfort, Franklin County, and their daughter Mary, born ≈1856, was likely baptized there also.
Civil marriage license records from Franklin County:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2QD-347B
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2QD-3P9B
"Mrs. Daly was seventy-eight years of age, and has been a resident of Lexington for a great many years. She was the mother-in-law of Mr. Thomas Smith, of the Home Construction Company, and an
aunt of Judge John Riley" according to obituary (
The Morning Herald, Lexington, 12 October 1903).
............
3.1 Unknown Daley. Mary Cummins Daly (age 75) in the 1900 census was reported to be the mother of 7 children, 1 living (Catherine Daly Smith). Parents married in January 1853, it's possible that a child was born between late 1853 and 1855, and who died prior to 1860 census.
............
3.2 Mary Daley (≈1856 per 1860 census - died prior to 1870?). Could not locate baptism record at St. Paul's Church in Lexington, whose records start in November 1854, so likely baptized in Frankfort.
............
3.3 Catherine Daly (1857 - 23 August 1927), born on 22 September 1857, baptized on 25 October 1857 at St. Paul's Church in Lexington; sponsors John Reilly and Elizabeth Daly.
Kate Daly married
Thomas Smyth (≈1842 - prior to 1927) on 5 May 1881 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Lexington; witnesses Joseph Keenan and Anna Smyth; by the Rev. Ferdinand Brossart (on-line marriage register).
Fayette County civil marriage license:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QG1D-TQZ2
Mrs. Smith was the widow of Thomas Smith, president of the Home Construction Company, and widely known Lexington business man. She was a native of Washington County, Kentucky, but had been a resident of Lexington for many years. Surviving. . . Lexington Leader, 23 August 1927.
Death record of 23 August 1927 for Mrs. Catherine Smith, informant her son Thomas Smith, correctly reported parents as Patrick Daley and Mary Cummins, both born in Ireland.
......................... 3.3.1 Margaret Smith (age 36 in 1910)
......................... 3.3.2 Mary Smith (age 33 in 1910)
......................... 3.3.3 James Smith (age 28 in 1910), died prior to 1927.
......................... 3.3.4 Luke Smith (age 25 in 1910)
......................... 3.3.5 Elizabeth J. Smith (age 24 in 1910). In 1951, she contests the will of Mrs. Maude Blandin Riley, stating on the witness stand "that
her maternal grandfather was a brother of Judge Riley's mother" per
Lexington Leader, 28 February 1951.
......................... 3.3.6 Tom Smith (age 22 in 1910)
......................... 3.3.7 Katherine Smith (age 18 in 1910)
......................... 3.3.8 Edward Smith (age 17 in 1910)
......................... 3.3.9 Anthony Smith (age 13 in 1910)
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3.4 Timothy Daley (age 9 months in 1860, age 10 in 1870 census), unable to locate baptism record. Not living with widowed mother in 1880 or mentioned in her 1903 obituary. Unknown baptism record. Was Timothy the first born son?
............ 3
.5 Michael Daly, born on 19 September 1863, baptized on 29 September 1863 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Lexington; sponsors Thomas and Margaritta O'Dea. Appears to have died prior to 1870.
............
3.6 Eliza Daley (1865 - 5 February 1889), born on 4 October 1865, baptized on 8 October 1865 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Lexington; sponsors Michael Buckley and Kate Murphy.
............
3.7 Unknown Daley, see comment at 3.1.
The mysterious John McNamara (≈1884 - 1947), a Mason, whose parents are unknown, was said to have had auburn hair according to his granddaughter; in the WWI registration, the physical description was gray eyes with light hair and a medium build. Mathew McNamara, known as "Red Mack", of Lexington, Kentucky, obviously also had red hair.
John McNamara (1870 - 1963) of Oliver Springs, a Mason, who had "home folk" in Kentucky, was too old to register for the WWI military draft which would provide a physical description, including hair color. However, his father, Thomas McNamara of the Virginia Sharpshooters, who enlisted as a prisoner of war with the 4th Regiment of Volunteers, and was stationed in the Dakota Territory in 1865, his 4th regiment muster roll sheets provide his physical description as blue eyes, light hair, light complexion, and height of 5 feet 8 inches:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903 ... &cat=78749
Who were the "home folks" in Kentucky of John McNamara (1870 - 1963) of Oliver Springs, Tennessee mentioned in the 1910 Knoxville newspaper as having been visited? Is there any family connection to the Red Mack family of Lexington or to the mysterious John McNamara (≈1884 - 1947) who lived on a farm near Eaton and then later Cincinnati/Covington and finally Alabama?
To be continued,
Edit 1: reflect discovery of St. Paul's Church baptism and marriage records (see next posting).