Thank you for researching and sharing your discovery that Patrick McNamara of Knockreddan married in 1919 and died a widower in 1947 at the grand old age of 97 years. Many Crusheen civil records are in Ennis Parish, we might find the death record for his wife, Mary Clancy McNamara, in that civil parish.
Previously, I speculated that Patrick McNamara of Knockreddan, evicted by the Misses Butler of Castlecrine in 1891 along with his family, then later assaulted when a laborer in 1894, had possibly immigrated to America, prior to his reinstatement to their Knockreddan lands in 1909. Similar to the Loughery family. However, in having another look at the Irish census of 1901, I now believe Patrick was a 37 year old laborer working for John Hanrahan of Gortnamearacaun townland. His age is off by a good 10 plus years, but I don't believe that John Hanrahan when reporting to the census taker would have been terribly fussed about accurately reporting Patrick's age, a laborer.
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... n/1087411/
When the McNamara's of Knockreddan were evicted by the Misses Butler of Castlecrine in 1891, they were reported as "P. McNamara", and a household of 4. I believe the four would have been (1) Patrick McNamara, Sr. (2) Either his wife Anne McNamara, or unmarried daughter, Bridget McNamara (3) Patrick McNamara, Jr. (4) Thomas McNamara.
In the 1851 census, Patrick McNamara, Sr., was 32 years old, or born about 1819. Thus when evicted from Knockreddan in 1891, he would have been about 72 years old. Did Patrick McNamara, Sr., emigrate along with his children? In searching for the missing McNamara children **, a better approach might be to focus on what happened to their parents, Patrick (≈1819 - unknown) and Anne McNamara. Anne's age was not reported in the 1851 census, but with her first child was born in 1838, so likely born about 1819.
** The missing include Darby McNamara (born ≈1839), Daniel McNamara (≈1842), Bridget McNamara (≈1844), and Thomas McNamara (early 1850's).
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Sheila, while you were researching the McNamara's of Knockreddan, I revisited my assumption that James McNamara of Rathclooney, who wrote "An Old Song", and was the son of Michael McNamara per his marriage record, had grown up in a shebeen of Michael McNamara of Rathclooney who had been a defendant in an 1861 petty session complaint. This was very unlikely. There were many Michael McNamara's in Rathclooney.
My further curiosity was sparked by an 1884 article in the Freeman's Journal where the residents of Rathclooney all signed a letter to the editor complaining of the "blood tax" which they believed was unfairly being levied against them. It is interesting in its own right, but also acts as a census substitute midway between the available 1855 Griffith Valuation and 1901 Irish Census.
Sheila, you had stated that since there were "so many Michael McNamaras in the Quin-Clooney parish baptisms" that it would be "impossible to decide which one James belongs to". James McNamara, who wrote "An Old Song", was identified as the son of Michael McNamara when he married in 1903. An important clue was the identity of those who signed the above letter to the Freeman's Journal in 1884 and tracing each McNamara back to the 1855 Griffith Valuation. However, the key clue to solve the mystery was discovering that James McNamara was not just from Rathclooney, but from Leen, Rathclooney, which was in the northern part of the townland, just south of Derrymore townland in Crusheen Catholic Parish.EXTRA POLICE FOR SPANCELHILL
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMAN
Rathclooney, county Clare, Sept 10th
SIR—Never in the administration of that drastic Draconian code called the Crimes Act was there so gross an act of oppression and injustice as that which had been inflicted on the poor impoverished townland of Rathclooney. This townland is situated about five miles from the place where John McMahon was murdered, for the protection of whose family it is about being so heavily muleted. It is isolated from all the other townlands charged with the extra police. Between Rathclooney and other townlands charged are two other townlands which were exempted and stepped over to save the pockets of a local magistrate residing in one of the favoured townlands. Again, in the parish Inchicronan, where the murdered man lived, there is not a single townland charged, visibly to save this magistrate who holds a considerable amount of land in the parish.
Now, this John McMahon always was on the best and most intimate terms with the people of Rathclooney, many of whom are closely connected with him—facts which his wife can and will certify. If it is the work of the Executive, it must be through revenge of the murder had been committed here three years ago. Well, if the people of Rathclooney were such desperate assassins why did not the family of the murdered man seek protection of any sort?
Also the parish of Clooney, in which this townland is, has been paying all last year for another protection hut for a fellow who alleged a shot had been fired at him. It may well be well to mention that Rathclooney paid its full share of that tax, too. It also paid five levies of a most iniquitous "blood tax."
In the interests of justice and fair play we hope you will insertion to the above.—We remain, sir, you obedient servants,
Daniel Sweeney, John D McInerney, Patrick McInerney [married to Mary McNamara], Mrs Anne McNamara, John Clune (x his mark) [married to Mary McNamara], William McCormack, Mrs Mary McNamara, James Duffy, Pat Torpey, Connor McMahon, Michael Moloney (son to the man shot in Rathclooney), John Duffy, Michael Duffy, John Duffy, John McNamara.
Freeman's Journal, Dublin, Friday, 12 September 1884
Griffith Valuation Plot 4, Mary McNamara, House and Land, 8 acres, valuation £2 10 shillings
The identity of Mary McNamara was determined by proving that Plot 4 was located in what was known as "Lavinee" in the Tithe Applotment books of 1825 for Clooney (Upper Bunratty), and as "Leen" in the Quin-Clooney baptism register.
In the Tithe Applotment Book of 1825 for Clooney (Bunratty Upper), it states in the remarks that the townland of "Lavinee" was "Part of Rathclooney per O.S.". The families living in "Lavinee" in 1825 were McCormick, Conners (2), Molony, Torpy, and Healy; there were no McNamara's. "Leen" is used as a residence in the Quin-Clooney baptism register for these families.
By 1855 Griffith Valuation, "Lavinee" was absorbed into Rathclooney townland and the "Leen" specific surnames of McCormick and Torpey appear at the beginning at Plot 3 and Plot 5, respectively. This is the northern section of Rathclooney townland. There are no Connors families in 1855. Michael McNamara appears to have "married in" when he married Mary O'Connor, who was the "Mary McNamara" residing at Plot 4 at Griffith Valuation.
Michael McNamara ( - died prior to 1855) and Mary O'Connor (≈1808 - 1898) were the parents of six children reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1816 - 1855). Their residence was reported mostly as "Leen", and only once as "Rath". There are also several "missing" baptism records (John, Honor, and James) for this family (the only ones noted in this research). This is likely due to "Leen" being to the far north of Rathclooney townland (Quin-Clooney Catholic Parish) and just south of Derrymore and Derryvett townlands (Crusheen Catholic Parish). This McNamara family appears to have had a connection to both Derrymore and Derryvett townlands, as two of their children would end up living there. Thus, it is very likely that the "missing" baptism records were simply due to going north to Crusheen parish whose baptism records do not start until 1860.
In 1884, Mrs. Mary McNamara signed the letter to the editor of the Freeman's Journal decrying the unjust "blood tax" levied against Rathclooney rate payers. Mary McNamara, age 90, widow of a farmer, of Rathclooney, died on 2 December 1898, informant son James McNamara (Tulla civil registration).
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 644802.pdf
4.1 Pat McNamara (1831 - unknown), baptized on 2 December 1831; residence Ballyvrahane; sponsors Tom O'Neil, Honor Conors.
4.2 Michael McNamara (1833 - unknown), baptized on 1 November 1833; residence "Lee(?)verry", sponsors John McNamara, Catherine McCormick.
4.3 Anne McNamara (1837 - unknown), baptized on 11 June 1837; residence "Leen", sponsor Mrs. McCormic.
4.4 Michael McNamara (1839 - 1907?), baptized on 5 June 1839; residence "Rath", sponsors John and Catherine McNamara. Possibly, a "Michael John"? Or was John McNamara baptized in Crusheen parish whose records start in 1860?
John McNamara, bachelor, farmer, of Lean, son of farmer Michael McNamara, married Anne O'Neill, of "Attynacote", daughter of herdsman Thomas O'Neill, on 28 January 1874 at Clooney chapel by the curate John McMahon; witnesses William McCormack and Susan McCormack (Tulla civil registration). The Catholic marriage record of Quin-Clooney parish has consistent information.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 117936.pdf
In the 1825 Tithe Applotment book for Clooney (Upper Bunratty), the townland of "Ailynacull" has the remark, "Part of Rathclooney per O.S.". Similar to "Lavinee" (later "Leen") of Rathclooney townland.
John McNamara and Anne O'Neill had no children reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1855-1880). However, the Crusheen marriage register (1900 -1939), available on ancestry, includes the father and mother of both bride and groom. With the below entry from 1920:
Michael McNamara, son of John McNamara and Anne O'Neill of Derrymore, married Delia McNamara, daughter of Pat McNamara and Mary Noone of Calura, on 17 February 1920 at the Catholic church in Crusheen by the parish priest James Monohan; witnesses Michael Quigney of Clooney and Katie Noone. The civil marriage record includes consistent information, specifying the church at Ballinruan, without naming the mother of bride and groom:
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 353483.pdf
John McNamara, of Derrymore, obtained his last dog license at the Crusheen court house for the year ending March 1907. John McNamara, farmer of Derrymore, married, age 72 years, died on 7 April 1907; informant son Michael McNamara (Tulla registration). Anne McNamara <Derrymore, Rathclooney, House 5; House 5>, of Derrymore, age 78 years, widow of a farmer, died on 29 November 1922; informant son, Michael McNamara, of Derrymore.
...........................4.4.1 Michael McNamara (1874 - after 1920), "Michael Mack" was baptized on 22 November 1874; residence Derremore, father reported as "John Mack", mother reported as "Bridget O'Neill", likely in error; sponsors T(?) O'Neal, Bridget Butler, per Crusheen baptism register (1860-1880). Was unable to locate civil birth record. <Derrymore, Rathclooney, House 5; House 5> As noted above, Michael married Delia McNamara in 1920.
4.5 Honor McNamara (≈1841 - 1931), unknown baptism. Possibly baptized at Crusheen Parish whose records start in 1860?
Honor McNamara, of Rathclooney, daughter of Michael McNamara, married Patt Hehir, labourer, of Derryvett, son of labourer Patt Hehir, on 9 October 1867 at Clooney Chapel by the parish priest Daniel Corbett; witnesses Pat Torpey and Susan McCormack (Tulla Registration). <Derryvett, Tuberbreeda, House 5; House 6> Norah Hehir, of Derryvett, widow, age 87 years, died on 1 April 1931; informant son Michael Hehir (Scarriff registration). Patrick and Honor Hehir were the parents of nine children:
...........................4.5.1 Michael Hehir (1868 - after 1931), baptized on 8 September 1868; residence Derrymore, mother reported as "Honora McNamara"; sponsors Stephen McCormick, Mary Costello. <Derryvett, Tuberbreeda, House 5; House 6>
...........................4.5.2 Mary Hehir (1870 - ), baptized on 6 March 1870; residence Derrymore, mother reported as "Mary McNamara" in error; sponsors Michael O'Neill, Margaret Costelloe.
...........................4.5.3 Honor Hehir (1876 - ), baptized on 18 June 1876; residence Derrymore, mother reported as "Honor Mack"; sponsors Thomas O'Neal, Margaret Costello.
...........................4.5.4 Hanora Hehir (1880 - ), baptized on 9 June 1880; mother reported as "Honor Mack".
...........................4.5.5 Pat Hehir (1882 - ), baptized on 12 September 1882; mother reported as "Honor Mack".
...........................4.5.6 Catherine Anne Hehir (1884 - ), baptized on 13 October 1884; mother reported as "Honor Mack". Catherine Hehir, age 16, was living with her bachelor uncle, James McNamara, in Rathclooney in the 1901 census. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 17; Derryvett, Tuberbreeda, House 6>
...........................4.5.7 Susan Hehir (age 16 in 1901) <Derryvett, Tuberbreeda, House 5; x>
...........................4.5.8 Unknown Hehir (parents of 9 children, 6 living at 1911 census)
...........................4.5.9 Unknown Hehir
4.6 James McNamara (≈1843 - 1919), unknown baptism. Possibly baptized at Crusheen Parish whose records start in 1860?
James McNamara was the informant when his 90 year old mother died in 1898. James McNamara (age 40) was living with his niece, Catherine Hehir, in the 1901 census. And with his wife in the 1911 census. James McNamara, farmer, of Rathclooney, son of Michael McNamara, married the widow Sarah Moloney, of Kiloo (sp?), daughter of Pat O'Donohue, on 14 August 1903 at the chapel at Clare Castle, by the curate D. McNamara; witnesses Michael Hehir and Annie Monohan (Ennis registration). <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 17, House 11>
James McNamara of Rathclooney was famous for writing the song "An Old Song", sometime after 1910, about his journey by push-bike from Rathclooney to Kilkeedy.
James McNamara, of Leen, Rathclooney, married, farmer, age 74 years, died on 12 November 1919; informant his wife, Sarah McNamara, of Leen, Rathclooney.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 414419.pdf
4.7 Bridget McNamara (1846 - unknown), baptized on 4 June 1846; residence "Leen", sponsors John Ryan, Bridget Minogue.
4.8 Bridget McNamara (1846 - unknown), baptized on 20 December 1846; residence "Leen", sponsors John Ryan, Bridget Minogue.
Griffith Valuation Plot 6Cd, Margaret McNamara; House, Offices, & garden; 22 perches; valuation 10 shillings.
Margaret McNamara also held a small garden at Plot 9b (valuation 2 shillings); and 3 acres of Land at Plot 10 (valuation 2 shillings).
Martin McNamara ( - died prior to 1855) and Margaret Hehir ( - died after 1855, prior to 1864?) were the parents of five children:
6.1 Thomas McNamara (1825 - 1869 in Rhode Island), baptized on 7 December 1825; residence Rathcloney; sponsor Pat McNamara.
Thomas McNamara (no residence reported) married Bridget Connors of Newgrove on 26 February 1859 in Tulla Parish (1846-1861 Tulla marriage records). Thomas McNamara and Bridget Connors of Rathclooney were the parents of five children. Eldest son was named Martin McNamara, this is the key evidence that Thomas was the son of Martin McNamara of Rathclooney. A very good chance that Bridget Connors was the daughter of Martin Connors and Mary/Margaret McMahon of Tyredagh (in Newgrove DED) baptized on 13 February 1834 in Tulla Parish.
...........................6.1.1 Mary McNamara (1859 - ), baptized on 30 December 1859; residence "Raclouney", mother reported as "Bridget Connors"; sponsors John Swyney, Bridget Doloughty.
...........................6.1.2 Martin McNamara (1861 - ), baptized on 24 May 1861; residence "Rathcluny", mother reported as "Bridget O'Connor"; sponsors Michael O'Connor, Anne McNamara.
...........................6.1.3 Patt McNamara (1863 - ), baptized on 8 March 1863; residence "Raclouney", mother reported as "Bridget Conners"; sponsors James Hehir, Margaret Clune.
...........................6.1.4 Thomas McNamara (1865 - ), baptized on 8 December 1865; residence "Ballyvahrane" (Tulla civil record states "Rathclooney"), mother reported as "Bridget O'Connors"; sponsors Michael Moloney, Kate Moloney.
...........................6.1.5 Hanna McNamara (1868 - ), baptized on 29 March 1868; residence "Rathclouney", mother reported as "Bridget Conners"; sponsors Michael Clune, Mary Clune.
No sign of the Thomas McNamara family in later Irish records. Did they emigrate? Yes, arriving in New York on 3 May 1869 on ship Minnesota were Thos. McNamara (age 36), Brid (34), and four of their five children: Martin (7), Patrick (5), Thos (3), and Hana (1).
1869 passenger listing: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV3Q-3TDS
By the 1875 state census for Rhode Island, Bridget McNamara (age 41) was a widow living in Providence with her five children; daughter Mary (age 15) must have arrived in America separately. Thomas McNamara appears to have died soon upon his arrival in the USA as "Mrs Thomas McNamara" of 17 Weeden would have only been reported in the Providence city directory of 1870 if she was a widow. In the 1870 directory, 1875 state census, and 1880 federal census, Bridget O'Connor McNamara was living at 17 Weeden; at the same Providence address were Irish born Thomas O'Connor (age 80 in 1880) and Hannah O'Connor (age 78), likely relatives.
1880 census for R.I. (Bridget with three children, O'Connor neighbors):
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4SX-N8Y
Poor Thomas McNamara, of Rathclooney, died on 5 August 1869 in Providence, Rhode Island, only three months after his arrival in America:
6.2 Patrick McNamara (1828 - ), baptized on 27 February 1828; residence Rathcloney; sponsors Patrick Conors, Catherine Rochford.FATAL ACCIDENT.—Thomas McNamara, who was engaged [by the City Highway Department], yesterday afternoon, in blasting rocks on Doyle Avenue, was accidentally killed while running from the fuse after it had been ignited. A large fragment of rock struck him in the back of the head, and he immediately expired. McNamara was a laborer, and lived on Weeden street. He leaves a wife and four or five children.
Evening Bulletin, Providence, Rhode Island, 6 August 1869, page 2
6.3 Michael McNamara (1830 - ), baptized on 24 October 1830; residence "Ballyvrohane"; sponsor Ellen Doughty.
6.4 Bridget McNamara (1833 - ), baptized on September 1833; residence Rathcloney; sponsor Pat McNamara, Mary Hehir
6.5 Anna McNamara (1836 - 1915?), baptized on in May 1836; residence Rathcloney; sponsors Terence Sweeny, Mary Molone.
Possibly. . . . Anne McNamara of Rathclouney married Patt Mullins of Rathclouney on 22 January 1855, witnesses Margaret McNamara (likely, Anne's mother) and Mary Heihir (Quin-Clooney marriages, 1855-1881). No children were reported with this couple in the Quin-Clooney baptism register.
Possibly again. . . . Anne McNamara of Rathclouney married Daniel McNamara of Rathclouney, the presumed son of Cornelius McNamara of Griffith Valuation plot 13, on 16 February 1858; witnesses Thomas McNamara (her brother?), Mary Clune (her cousin Mary McNamara married to John Clune?). See Plot 13 for their descendants.
Otherwise, there is not much trace of any of the children of Martin McNamara and Margaret Hehir in Rathclooney by the time of the 1901 Irish census. Nor did any family member (except, Anne McNamara who likely married Daniel McNamara and moved to Plot 13) sign the 1884 letter to the editor of the Freeman's Journal complaining about the "blood tax" levied upon Rathclooney rate payers. Did they all emigrate?
Griffith Valuation Plot 9a, Michael McNamara; House, office, and land; 2 acres; valuation £1, 3 shillings.
Michael McNamara ( - died after 1855?, prior to 1864?) and Mary O'Dea ( - unknown) of Rathclooney were the parents of three children reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1816-1855):
9.1 Michael McNamara (1828 - unknown), baptized on 24 July 1828, residence Rathclony; sponsors John McNamara, Norry Moloney.
At the time of 1855 Griffith Valuation, it is not clear if Michael, Sr., or Michael, Jr., was the leaseholder of Plot 9a. Michael McNamara lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Clune, as evidenced by several petty sessions cases as both complainants and defendants.
Michael McNamara and his brother-in-law, John Clune, appear to have lived in the same household which was rumored to have been a shebeen:
The attack by Patrick McInerney (who would later marry a Mary McNamara, see way below) in 1865 proves that Michael McNamara and John Clune, married to Mary McNamara, lived in the same household:That the defendant [Michael McNamara, same complain for John Clune] had in his possession in his dwelling house at Rathclooney on the 16th of March last [1861], a quantity of illicit spirits and that said Defendant's house is under the repute of being a shebeen house and not duly licensed for the sale of spirits.
Crusheen Petty Sessions, 18 April 1861
That the defendant [Pat McInerney of Rathclooney] did maliciously attack the dwelling house of the complainant (Michael McNamara) of Rathclooney on the night of Sunday the 22nd of October 1865, by furiously pelting stones at said house on the above night with intent to harm one John Clune and the said Michael McNamara, and to injure said house.
Crusheen Petty Sessions, 13 September 1866
9.2 Mary McNamara (1831 - 1909), baptized on 13 October 1831, residence Rathclony, father reported as "M McNamara"; sponsors John Ryan, Briget Hehir.
Mary McNamara of Rathclouney, reported as "Bridget" by priest in error, married John Clune on 28 February 1854; witnesses Patrick McNamara and Anne McNamara (per Clooney-Quin marriage, 1833-1855). John Clune (≈1822 - 1908) and Mary McNamara (1831 - 1909) <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 11; x> were the parents of eight children reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1855-1880):
...........................9.2.1 Mary Clune (1856 - ), baptized on 17 March 1856, residence Raclouna, mother reported as "Mary McNamara"; sponsors Pat McNamara, Ellen McNamara. Witness at the marriage of her sister in 1895.
...........................9.2.2 Michael Clune (1857 - ), baptized on 11 December 1857, residence Racloona, mother reported as "Mary Mack"; sponsors Michael Clune, Ellen O'Brien.
...........................9.2.3 James Clune (1859 - ), baptized on 5 August 1859, residence Raclouny, mother reported as "Mary Mac"; sponsors Thomas Clune, Mary Clune.
...........................9.2.4 Bridget Clune (1863 - ), baptized on 12 June 1863, residence Raclouny, mother reported as "Mary Mack"; sponsors Michael Clune, Bridget Halloran.
...........................9.2.5 Patt Clune (1865 - ), baptized on 3 September 1865, residence Rathclouney, mother reported as "Mary Mack"; sponsors Patt Donohoe, Anne Mack.
...........................9.2.6 Ellen "Lena" Clune (1867 - after 1911), baptized on 1 November 1867, residence Raclune, mother reported as "Mary McNamara"; sponsors Michael Roughan, Mary Roughan. Lena Clune married Michael McMahon, a farmer and tailor, of Ballyscanlon, son of Thomas McMahon, on 23 February 1895. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 11; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.1 Patrick McMahon (age 15 in 1911) <Rathclooney, House 11; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.2 Mary Ellen McMahon (age 14 in 1911) <Rathclooney, House 11; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.3 Bridget McMahon (age 12 in 1911) <Rathclooney, House 11; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.4 Anne McMahon (age 11 in 1911) <Rathclooney, House 11; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.5 Alice McMahon (age 8 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.6 Margaret McMahon (age 7 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 5>
..................................................9.2.6.7 John McMahon (age 5 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 5>
...........................9.2.7 John Clune (1871 - ), baptized on 8 September 1871, residence Rathclouney, mother reported as "Mary McNamara"; sponsor Anne McNamara.
...........................9.2.8 Thomas Clune (1874 - ), baptized on 29 May 1874, residence Rathclouney, mother reported as "Mary McNamara"; sponsors John Clune, Mary Clune.
"John Clune" of Rathclooney signed with an "x" the 1884 letter to the editor of the Freeman's Journal complaining of the exorbitant "blood tax" levied on the townland. John Clune, of Rathclooney, married, age 86 years, died on 8 June 1908; informant son-in-law Michael McMahon. Mary Clune, of Rathclooney, widow, age 78 years, died on 24 December 1909; informant son-in-law Michael McMahon.
9.3 Bridget McNamara (1835 - unknown), baptized in July 1835, residence Rathclony; sponsor Briget O'Connor.
Griffith Valuation Plot 13, Anne McNamara; House and Land; 14 acres; valuation £6, 15 shillings.
"Connor McNamara" was reported in Rathclouney townland in the 1825 Tithe Applotment book for Cooney (Upper Bunratty).
Cornelius "Connor" McNamara ( - died prior to 1855) and Anne "Nancy" Carney ( - died after 1855 GV, died prior to 1864?) of Rathclooney were the parents of seven children (including one baptism when the priest mistook the father's name) reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1816 - 1855):
13.1 John McNamara (1817 - unknown), baptized on 19 May 1817; father reported as "Connor MacNamara", and mother as "Bridged Carney", residence Rathclouny; sponsor John McNamara.
A little too young, I reckon, to be the John McNamara of Plot 14 who was married to Mary Sullivan since their first child was born in March 1834. And definitely too young to be the John McNamara married to Catherine Sheedy with a first born child in January 1833 (see family tree following Plot 14 family).
13.2 Daniel McNamara (1819 - 1882), baptized on 30 January 1819; father reported as "Cornelius McNamara", and mother as "Nancy Kearny", residence Raghcloon; sponsors Cate McNamara and John Torpey.
Probably. . . . Daniel McNamara, of "Raclouney", married Anne McNamara, of "Raclouney", on 16 February 1858; witnesses Thomas McNamara and Mary Clune, per Quin-Clooney marriage register (1855-1881). Possibly, Anne McNamara was the daughter of Martin McNamara and Margaret Hehir born in 1836 — see Griffith Valuation plot 6 above.
Pre-1864 marriage records do not report the father of bride and groom. Daniel did not name his first born son Cornelius, which appeared to have lost favor by all the McNamara's of Quin-Clooney parish. However, Daniel McNamara who died in 1882 reflected the approximate birth year of about 1818. Researching land records would provide further evidence that Daniel McNamara was the son of Cornelius McNamara.
Daniel McNamara (1819 - 1882) and Anne McNamara (1836 - 1915) <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 12; House 6> were the parents of eight children reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1855-1880), all with residence of Rathclooney (under various spellings):
...........................13.2.1 Michael McNamara (1859 - 1916 in Massachusetts), baptized on 3 April 1859; sponsors James Hehir and Catherine Hehir.
..................................................13.2.1.1 Alice McNamara (age 6 in 1900 census)Michael J. McNamara, driver of Hose 3, Fitchburg fire department, died at his home, No. 132 Laurel street, Saturday evening at 8:10 after an illness of several weeks. . . . .Mr. McNamara is survived by his wife, a daughter, Alice who is a school teacher in Prosaic, N.J.; three brothers, Daniel, of Waltham, John and Thomas of Ireland; three sisters, Mrs. David Moloney of Fitchburg, a Mrs. Carey of Boston, and a sister living in Ireland. . . . Michael J. McNamara was born in Ireland, near the town of Ennis, County Clare, April 16, 1860, and spent his boyhood days there. He came to this country about 1880, landing in New York where he stayed a short while before coming to Worcester to live. . . . In 1889, Mr. McNamara removed to Fitchburg where he has since lived. . . Mr. McNamara will be given a fireman's funeral, according to a decision by the family today. A high mass of requiem will be celebrated at St. Bernard's church tomorrow . . . burial at St. Bernard's cemetery. . .
The Fitchburg Daily News, Massachusetts, 8 May 1916
...........................13.2.2 John McNamara (1861 - ), baptized on 19 April 1861; sponsors Michael McNamara and Ellen McNamara. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 12; House 6> John McNamara, of Rathclooney, son of Daniel McNamara, married Catherine Vaughan, of Maghera, daughter of Patrick Vaughan, on 9 November 1901 at Clooney chapel; witnesses Thomas McNamara and Annie Vaughan
..................................................13.2.2.1 Daniel McNamara (age 8 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 6>
..................................................13.2.2.2 Patrick McNamara (age 7 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 6>
..................................................13.2.2.3 Thomas McNamara (age 3 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 6>
..................................................13.2.2.4 John McNamara (age 2 in 1911) <Rathclooney, x; House 6>
...........................13.2.3 Mary McNamara (1863 - ), baptized on 13 September 1863; sponsors John Moloney, Bridget Torpey.
...........................13.2.4 Margaret McNamara (1865 - ), baptized on 13 August 1865; sponsors Tom McNamara, Mary McNamara.
...........................13.2.5 Thomas McNamara (1867 - ), baptized on 5 April 1867; sponsors Thomas McNamara, Ellen Clune. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 12; House 6> Thomas McNamara or Rathclooney was the informant on the 1915 death record of his mother, Anne McNamara.
...........................13.2.6 Anne McNamara (1869 - ), baptized on 25 March 1869; sponsor Mary Clune. Mrs. David Maloney reported in 1916 obituary of brother, Michael J. McNamara; living next door at 126 Laurel street in Fitchburg in 1910 census (three children).
...........................13.2.7 Daniel McNamara (1871 - ), baptized on 2 June 1871; sponsor Mary Clune.
...........................13.2.8 Bridget McNamara (1873- ), baptized on 17 January 1873; sponsors Michael Clune, Kate Molony. Delia McNamara, age 25, was living with her brother, Michael J. McNamara, a widower, and her niece at 130 Laurel Street, Fitchburg, Worcester in the 1900 census.
"Daniel Mack", of Rathclooney, age 65 years, married, farmer, died on 8 August 1882; informant "Anne Mack" of Rathclooney (Tulla civil registration, reported as Galway). This would have left Anne McNamara a widow with eight children. Her eldest son, Michael McNamara, had already left for America in 1880 and likely sent money back to Ireland for his widowed mother.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 834924.pdf
Daniel's son, "Thomas MacNamara", paid for a headstone for the McNamara family in the Clooney cemetery. "Beloved Father Daniel" was reported as "Died July 15th 1885" and "Aged 70 Years". The headstone was likely commissioned in 1916, upon the death of Michael McNamara in 1916 (in the USA, although not noted on the headstone). This delay would explain the incorrect year of death for Daniel McNamara by three years.
See McNamara headstone, photo #50, in Clooney Graveyard photo collection, contributed to the IGP Archives by: Jane Halloran Ryan; transcribed by Valerie Ackroyd.
http://www.igp-web.com/IGPArchives/ire/ ... looney.htm
If Daniel McNamara of Rathclooney had died in 1885, then he would have signed the petition in 1884 to the editor of the Freeman's Journal decrying the unjust "blood tax" levied on the residents of Rathclooney. Instead, it was "Mrs. Anne McNamara" who signed the letter. She died in Rathclooney on 20 April 1915 at the age of 78 years; informant her son Thomas McNamara.
13.3 Thomas McNamara (1823 - ), baptized on 21 May 1823; father reported as "Connor McNamara", and mother was left blank, residence Rathcloney; sponsor James McNamara.
A Thomas McNamara, age 45, died in the third quarter of 1867 in Tulla civil parish; on-line record not yet available.
13.4 Bridget McNamara (1825 - ), baptized on 3 June 1825; father reported as "Michael McNamara" in error, mother as "Anne Carney" was correct, residence "Rathcloney, Clooney"; sponsor John Carney.
13.5 Margaret McNamara (1827 - ), baptized on 1 March 1827; father reported as "Conor McNamara", and mother as "Nancy Carny", residence Raclouney; sponsors John Moloney, Nancy Hanrahan.
13.6 Jenny McNamara (1828 - ), baptized on 27 March 1828; father reported as "Conor McNamara", and mother as "Nancy Carney", residence Raclouney; sponsors John Torpy, Nancy Hanrahan.
13.7 Michael McNamara (1830 - ), baptized on 27 November 1830; father reported as "Conor McNamara", and mother as "Anne Carney", residence Raclouney; sponsors John Torpy, Nancy Hanrahan.
Griffith Valuation Plot 14, John McNamara; House, office, and land; 21 acres; valuation £10, 5 shillings.
John McNamara ( - died after 1864, prior to 1887 marriage of son) and Mary Sullivan ( - after 1864) were the parents of six children in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1816-1855).
Both John and Mary McNamara were noted as still living when daughter Bridget immigrated to Australia in 1864. A "John McNamara" of Rathclooney signed the 1884 letter to the editor of the Freeman's Journal complaining of the exorbitant "blood tax" levied on the townland. I could not locate their civil death records in either Tulla or Scarriff registration districts (whose earliest civil death records are not yet available on-line).
14.1 Michael McNamara (1834 - ), baptized in March 1834, residence Rathcloney; sponsors Thomas Sullivan, Honor O'Connors.
14.2 Ellen McNamara (1836 - in Australia), baptized in May 1836, residence Rathcloney; sponsors Cornelius and Mary Doloughty.
When her sister Bridget McNamara arrived in Australia in 1864, a NSW assisted immigrant listing stated that Bridget, the daughter of John and Mary McNamara, of Rathclune, both still living, also had a sister named Ellen who lived in Sydney.
14.3 Patt McNamara (1838 - 1893), baptized on 18 March 1838, residence Rathcloney; sponsors Conor and Mary Doloughty. Patt McNamara, farmer, of Rathclooney, son of deceased John McNamara, married Mary Rodgers, of Derryveagh (sp?), daughter of farmer Michael Rodgers (living), on 16 February 1887 at Clooney chapel by the Rev. Daniel Corbett; witnesses Patt Clune and Bridget Halloran.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 937327.pdf
Patt McNamara, married, "age 57", of Rathclooney, died on 20 October 1893; informant Mary Mack, widow of the deceased.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 701481.pdf
The widow Mary McNamara, daughter of Michael Rodgers (living) married James Whelan, of Tyreda, son of Thomas Whelan (living), on 24 April 1894; witnesses John McMahon and Lizzie McMahon of Rathclooney [Tulla registration]. In the 1901 census, the Whelan household consisted of the parents, four Whelan children, and 10-year-old step-daughter, Bridget McNamara, as well as Mary McNamara, age 56, "servant" (the sister of Patt McNamara). <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 10; House 4>
...........................14.3.1 Bridget McNamara (1891 - ), of Rathclooney, born on 15 January 1891 (Tulla registration). <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 10; x> Whereabouts after 1901 are a mystery.
14.4 Denis McNamara (1840 - ), baptized on 1 March 1840, residence Rachcloney; sponsors Tom and Bridget Sullivan.
14.5 Bridget "Biddy" McNamara (1842 - in Australia), "Bidy Mac" was baptized on 1 June 1842, residence Rathclunadh, father reported by priest as "Michael Mac" in error (creating a "brick wall" as far as baptism for her Australian descendants), mother correctly reported as Mary Sullivan; sponsor Bidy Sullivan.
Bridget McNamara, "age 18", of "Clouna, Co. Clare", obtained sponsorship from Archibald Chisholm for her passage to Australia, along with a John O'Sullivan, also "age 18"; a character reference was obtained from the parish priest of Clouna. A remark stated that Bridget had arrived on the ship "Sir Robert Sale" which arrived in NSW on 29 October 1864. Indeed on the passenger listing, were Bridget McNamara, age 19, and John O'Sullivan, age 19, both of "Clouny, Co. Clare".
Bridget McNamara (age 19) appears to be travelling with an Ellen McNamara (age 18), but this is only because the Australian passenger listings are in alphabetical order. Ellen McNamara was from "Kilmore, Co. Clare" — see McNamara of Kilmore family trees on age 18. Although, on the "Deposit Journal" for the sponsorship of Ellen McNamara, it states that her sponsor was "Anne McNamara", and she was from "Kiltouily" or "Kiltouiby" or some such variation of spelling, in County Clare, and that she had arrived on the Sir Robert Sale.
Finally, a NSW government form for assisted immigrants (there are three documents associated with her sponsorship and travel), stated that Biddy McNamara (age 19), a farm servant of Clouny, Co. Clare; with parents John and Mary, both living; Roman Catholic; did indeed have a sister Ellen living in Sydney, who had obviously arrived prior to 1864.
14.6 Mary McNamara (1845 - 1903), baptized on 20 April 1845, residence Rathclouney; sponsors Thomas and Bridget Sullivan. Mary McNamara, age 56, single, was reported as a servant in the household of James and Mary Whelan of Rathclooney in the 1901 census. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 10; x> But Mary was, in fact, the sister-in-law of Mary Whelan, who had previously been married to her brother, Patrick McNamara. She died on 26 March 1903 in Rathclooney, spinster, 60 years, and the informant on her death record was her sister-in-law, Mary Whelan, of Rathclooney (Tulla civil registration).HYLAND—M'NAMARA—On the 14th instant, at St. Augustine's Church, Balmain, by the Venerable Archdeacon Rigney, JOHN, the third son of Mr. MICHAEL HYLAND, of Darling-street, Balmain, to BRIDGET, the second daughter of Mr. JOHN McNAMARA, of Rathclune, county Clare, Ireland.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 February 1870 (per trove newspaper archive)
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 593442.pdf
Not Reported in Rathclooney Griffith Valuation — John McNamara and Catherine Sheedy Descendants
John McNamara and Catherine Sheedy of Rathclooney were the parents of three children in the Quin-Clooney baptism register (1816-1855). A small family of only three children might indicate that one or both of the parents died young and thus are not reported in Griffith Valuation.
A.1 Bridget McNamara (1833 - ), baptized on 25 January 1833, residence Rathcloney; sponsors Terence Sweeny, Eliza MacNamara.
A.2 Mary McNamara (1833 - 1921), baptized in August 1834, residence Rathcloney; sponsor Mary Doloughny. Patrick McInerney and Mary McNamara had five children between 1869 and 1876 reported in the Quin-Clooney baptism register, however, I could not locate either the Catholic or civil marriage record (evidence that Mary was indeed the daughter of John McNamara).
In 1866, likely prior to his marriage to Mary McNamara, Patrick McIneney was a defendant in two cases in the Crusheen Petty Sessions, from the complainants Mary (McNamara) Clune as well as John Clune and Michael McNamara, all of Rathclooney, their witnesses included Anne McNamara, Daniel Sweeny, Anne Hehir, and Mary Healy. The two cases were similar, the second case:
Patrick McInerney of Rathclooney signed the letter in 1884 to the editor of the Freeman's Journal complaining of the "blood tax" levy. He appears to have died between 1884 and 1901, although I could not locate his death record. Patrick McInerney ( - prior to 1901) and Mary McNamara (1833 - 1921) <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 8; House 3> were the parents of five children. Mary McInerney, of Rathclooney, widow of a farmer, age 86, died on 24 September 1921; informant daughter [in-law] Elizabeth McNamara of Spancelhill (Scariff registration).That the defendant [Pat McInerney of Rathclooney] did maliciously attack the dwelling house of the complainant (Michael McNamara) of Rathclooney on the night of Sunday the 22nd of October 1865, by furiously pelting stones at said house on the above night with intent to harm one John Clune and the said Michael McNamara, and to injure said house.
Crusheen Petty Sessions, 13 September 1866
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/ ... 399077.pdf
Their residence in the Catholic baptism register was reported as "Clouneylough". In the 1825 Tithe Applotment book for Clooney (Upper Bunratty), similar to "Lavinee", "Clounalougha" has the remark "Part of Rathclooney per O.S.". All six leaseholders at "Clounalougha" in 1825 had the "McInerheny" surname.
...........................A.2.1 Mary McInerny (1869 - ), baptized on 21 February 1869, residence "Clouneylough"; sponsors John McInerny, Jane McInerny.
...........................A.2.2 Thomas McInerny (1870 - ), baptized on 31 July 1870, residence "Clouneylough"; sponsors John McInerny, Jane McInerny. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 8; House 3>
...........................A.2.3 Patrick McInerny (1872 - ), baptized on 2 February 1872, residence "Clouneylough"; sponsors Patrick McNamara, Bridget McInerny. Pat McInerney married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hope, daughter of Thomas Hope of Crusheen, on 24 February 1903 at Crusheen chapel by the curate McNamara; witnesses Thomas McNamara and Mary A. McMahon (Ennis civil registration). Patrick McInerney was a blacksmith in both the 1901 and 1911 census, who possibly learned his trade from his uncle, Michael McNamara, the iron molder. In 1912, Patrick McInerney of Spancel Hill was the informant on the death record of his uncle. <Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 8; Muckinish, Spancelhill, House 11>
.......................................................A.2.3.1 Patrick John McInerney (age 7 in 1911) <x; Muckinish, Spancelhill, House 11>
.......................................................A.2.3.2 Mary Ellen McInerney (age 5 in 1911) <x; Muckinish, Spancelhill, House 11>
.......................................................A.2.3.3 Daniel McInerney (age 3 in 1911) <x; Muckinish, Spancelhill, House 11>
.......................................................A.2.3.4 William McInerney (age 1 in 1911) <x; Muckinish, Spancelhill, House 11>
...........................A.2.4 Honor McInerny (1873 - ), baptized on 18 May 1873, residence "Clounalough"; sponsors Michael McNamara, Mary McNamara.
...........................A.2.5 Dan McInerny (1876 - ), baptized on 30 July 1876, residence "Clounalough"; sponsors Frank Cunnigam, Mary Mack.
A.3 Michael McNamara (1836 - 1912), baptized in August 1836, residence Rathcloney; sponsors John McNamara, Mary Hehir. Unknown location in 1901. In the 1911 Irish census, Michael McNamara, "age 64", a widower, occupation "iron moulder", was reported as a "boarder" in the household of Mary McNamara McInerney, "age 67". His later death record will prove that he was, in fact, the brother of Mary McInerney. <Unknown in 1901; Rathclooney, Rathclooney, House 3> Unknown marriage, does not appear to have had any children. Had Michael McNamara returned to Ireland after working abroad? Michael McNamara, of Rathclouney, widower, "age 73", labourer, died on 25 February 1912; informant his nephew, Pat McInerney of Spancell Hill.
https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie ... 497877.pdf
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Sheila, my above comment was clearly incorrect. However, I have another theory how James McNamara would have obtained a music education.Since James McNamara appears to have grown up in a shebeen house in Rathclooney, filled with music and song, it is easy to picture him having penned the "old song" about his "push bike" journey from Rathclooney to Derryowen.
A search of "Rathclooney, Clare" on google maps, "Leen" will appear on the map where there is now a holiday home rental. The google street view was taken in 2009 when the owners appear to have been renovating the old cottage, but it is now available as a holiday rental. From comparing to the "historical map", the rental cottage must be the old home of the McCormick's at Plot 3 (valuation £7), and not their next door neighbors, the McNamara's of Plot 4 (valuation £2, 10 shillings), where James McNamara lived, whose home has likely been torn down.
Traveling due west from Leen, and crossing several townlands you will reach Ballyscanlan townland. On the satellite view, one farm has a ringfort. This was Plot 5 in Ballyscanlan townland in Griffith Valuation. In 1901, the farmer of this land was Michael McNamara (age 52), who along with his family had a visitor named James O'Shea (age 72), occupation "musiciner".
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... n/1087131/
Shiela, you may recall that we discussed Jimmy O'Shea in the thread "McInerney 1898 Postcard from Killawinna to Belgium", which includes a biography of O'Shea as well as maps of Ballyscanlon with the ringfort. "When Jimmy arrived all the neighbours used gather in for a dance." Highly likely that James McNamara of Rathclooney would have met the musician Jimmy O'Shea, who, I reckon, might have even helped McNamara with his music education.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7101&start=15
Sheila, thank you once again for the additional "crumbs" of knowledge for the McNamara's of Knockreddan. I'll edit the Knockreddan with this new information another day. I had a look for the James O'Brien of Knockreddan who was reported to be a cousin on the civil death record for Patrick McNamara in 1947. The only James O'Brien in Crusheen in 1911 was the 23-year-old James living with his parents, Patick O'Brien and Mary O'Dea (per Crusheen baptism register), living in Gortaficka townland. However, I did not get far in this research as I could not find the marriage record for this couple who in 1911 stated that they had been married for 25 years.
http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/p ... ka/352264/
In the 1851 Irish Census included with the family of Patrick McNamara of Knockreddan was a 14-year-old cousin named Margaret Heffernan. This Heffernan cousin connection might provide an important clue about the McNamara's of Knockreddan and where several of them ended up. And in 1878 at the trials of Patrick McNamara of Gortnamearacuan, the only witness to testify with a positive identification of Patrick McNamara was Thomas Heffernan of Crusheen. Could Heffernan have been settling an old score against the McNamara's over a land dispute from decades prior?
To be continued.