Irish Immigrant Mathias Cunningham

Mathias Cunningham was born about 1818 in County Waterford, Ireland. The exact location of his birth and his parents are currently unknown. Mathias married his wife Margaret Litchfield in Ireland. Margaret was born about 1818 in County Waterford, Ireland. The exact location of her birth and her parents are also currently unknown.

The couple had six children who were also born in Ireland:

1. Ellen M. Cunningham. b. 24 Aug 1847 m. to Michael O'Neill d. 6 Jan 1924
2. Margaret Cunningham b. abt 1848 m. Patrick Andrew O'Neill
3. Mary Cunningham b. abt 1850
4. James Cunningham b. between 1853-1855 d. 14 Nov 1924
5. Catherine Cunningham b. between 1856-1857
6. Bridget Cunningham b. 1859

Research completed by others also indicates that the couple may have had another child born prior 1847.

Ellen M. Cunningham and Margaret Cunningham married two O'Neill brothers who were also Irish immigrants.  Ellen married Michael O'Neill on 20 April 1871. Margaret married Patrick Andrew O'Neill about 1875. Michael and Patrick are the sons of Thomas O'Neill Jr and Bridget Conboy. The O'Neill lineage was extensively researched by two descendants - George K. and Patrick G. O'Neill. The cousins published their research findings in a book "O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000".

Arrival to Pennsylvania

The application for citizenship indicates that Mathias Cunningham departed Ireland in 1869 and arrived in the United States of America June of 1869.

Mathias Cunningham settled in Clarion County, Pennsylvania after his arrival. On 8 June 1870 he was enumerated with his family in the 1870 United States Federal Census. The family was recorded at Dwelling No. 110. Family No. 112. The members of household include:

• M. Cunningham, male age 52
• Margaret Cunningham, female age 52
• Ellen Cunningham, female age 23
• Mary Cunningham, female age 19
• James Cunningham, male age 15
• Catherine Cunningham, female age 13
• Bridget Cunningham, female age 11

The occupation for M. Cunningham is recorded as a Laborer. The occupation for Margaret Cunningham is recorded as a housekeeper. The personal estate of M. Cunningham was $10. All members of the household were born in Ireland. Mary, James, Catherine and Bridget Cunningham were attending school. The census also indicates that M. Cunningham was denied from voting.

The box for denied voting was checked because Mathias was not a United States Citizen when the Census was recorded.

Naturalization

On 1 September 1871 Mathias Cunningham became a Naturalized Citizen at the Clarion County Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. The oath from his citizenship application reads:

Let it be Remembered, That on the 4th day of September in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy one personally appeared Mattias Cunningham  before me, the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Clarion, who upon his solemn oath did depose and say, that he is a native of Ireland now residing in the County of Clarion, aged fifty three years or thereabouts, and that it is a bona fide his intention to become a Citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Price, Protentate, State or Sovereignty whatever and particularly to the King of Ireland and Great Britain of whom he is now a subject. 

Sworn and acknowledged this 4th day of September 1871

His Mark + Mathies Cunningham

The mark that Mathias placed on the page which was used in place of his signature. This very likely indicated that Mathias never learned to write and could not sign his name.

Application for Citizenship - Mathias Cunningham

A time of change

A decade after arrival Mathias' life changed considerably. His children grew and married. He also lost his wife Margaret. There is no record of Margaret in the 1880 United States Federal Census. The date of her death is currently unknown and would have occurred after 8 June 1870. 

In 1880 Mathias Cunningham was living with his daughter Ellen Cunningham and her husband Michael O'Neill and their numerous children. The family was enumerated in the 1880 United States Federal Census on 16 June 1880 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Mathias is recorded as 70 years old in the census. This defers from the other references to his birth however it is not uncommon for immigrants of this time period to have a range of dates associated with their birth.

At this time the death date and burial location for Mathias Cunningham is unknown. Mathias was not recorded in the 1900 United States Federal Census. Unfortunately the 1890 United States Federal Census Fragment does not include any records from Pennsylvania.

Additional References to Mathias Cunningham

The death certificate for Ellen M. O'Neill records she born in Waterford, Ireland. Her parents are recorded as Mathias Cunningham born Waterford, Ireland and Martha Litchfield born Waterford, Ireland. The informant on the death certificate was her daughter Eleanor Monica O'Neill [Mrs. E. M. Mullen].

The death certificate for James Cunningham records he was born in Ireland. His father is recorded as Matthias Cunningham also born in Ireland. The informant on the death certificate was his niece Eleanor Monica O'Neill [Mrs. E. M. Mullen].

Mathias Cunningham is my 4th Great Grandfather. He is the father of Ellen M. Cunningham my 3rd Great Grandmother. My paternal grandmother Mary Eugenia McDonald is a descendant of Ellen M. Cunningham and Mathias Cunningham. 

References:

1. George K. and Patrick G. O'Neill, O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000 (, April 15, 2008),
2. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1326; Page: 408A; Family History Library Film: 552825. Record for M. Cunningham lines 22-28.
3. Pennsylvania, Clarion County, Court of Common Pleas. Application for Citizenship - Matthias Cunningham.
4. 1880 United States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1117; Page: 78C; Enumeration District: 065. Record for Michael O'Neill.
5. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964. Record for Ellen M. O'Neill [Ellen M Cunningham]. Certificate number 8274.
6. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1964. Record for Jas Cunningham. Certificate number 110917.

Formal Portrait: Gertrude Anna O'Neill

A painted image of Gertrude Anna O'Neill the daughter of Irish immigrants Michael O'Neill and Ellen M. Cunningham. Gertrude Anna O'Neill was born 29 January 1879 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

The high necked dress style with long sleeves and the hat align with women's fashion that was popular between 1900 and 1910. In 1910 Gertrude was living with her mother Ellen Cunningham in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The family lived at 711 Dallas Avenue, today this would be 711 North Dallas Avenue. Gertrude's 16 year old niece Evelyn McNaughton was also living in the household. Evelyn was recorded as a dressmaker in the census. Perhaps she made the lovely dress that Gertrude is wearing in the painting. As a dressmaker Evelyn would have been known the latest fashions.

Painted Image of Helen Gertrude O'Neill

This painted image is shared with permission. The original is in the care of Ginny Geary Laskovics my 2nd cousin 2x. Ginny is a granddaughter of Gertrude Anna O'Neill. The photograph is originally from the Virginia McDonald Geary Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky

Virginia McDonald Geary is my 1st cousin 3x removed. She is the daughter of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great aunt. My relationship with Virginia McDonald Geary  is unique in that we are double 1st cousins 3x removed. We share two sets of common ancestors. Our common McDonald grandparents are Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Our common O'Neill grandparents are Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham. Winifred Agnes O'Neill is my 2nd Great Grandmother  Robert Alphonsus McDonald is my 2nd Great Grandfather.

References:

1. 1910 United States Federal Census. Year: 1910; Census Place: Pittsburgh Ward 12, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1303; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0440; FHL microfilm: 1375316. Household of Ellen O'Neil 

Prayer Card: Gertrude A. O'Neill

Gertrude Anna O'Neill, the daughter of Irish immigrants Michael O'Neill and his second wife Ellen M. Cunningham, was born 29 January 1879 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Gertrude married Ambrose Aloysius McDonald on 15 January 1915 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Gertrude lived to be 74 years old. She died on 21 July 1953 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. She is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

This prayer card from Gertrude's funeral originally belonged to her daughter Virginia McDonald Geary. Virginia's daughter kindly sent the prayer card to me to incorporate into the family archives. 

Gertrude A. McDonald
Prayer Card Front

Gertrude A. McDonald
Prayer Card Back

Virginia McDonald Geary is my 1st cousin 3x removed. She is the daughter of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great aunt. My relationship with Virginia McDonald Geary  is unique in that we are double 1st cousins 3x removed. We share two sets of common ancestors. Our common McDonald grandparents are Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Our common O'Neill grandparents are Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham. Winifred Agnes O'Neill is my 2nd Great Grandmother  Robert Alphonsus McDonald is my 2nd Great Grandfather.

References:

1. Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, Orphan's Court. McDonld, Ambrose & O'Neill, Gertrude A. Marriage License.
2. Find A Grave. Memorial Number 172106415.

Prayer Card: Winnifrede A. O'Neill

Winifred Agnes O'Neill, the daughter of Irish immigrants Michael O'Neill and his second wife Ellen M. Cunningham, was born 3 September 1874. Winifred's birth location is believed to be Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Winifred married Robert Alphonsus McDonald on 25 June 1895 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Winifred lived to be 75 years old. She died on 31 March 1950 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She is buried at Calvary Cemetery with husband Robert Alphonsus McDonald and her sister Caroline Loretta O'Neill. She was affectionately known as "Aunt Win"by some branches of the the family.

This prayer card from Winifred's funeral originally belonged to her niece Virginia McDonald Geary. Virginia's daughter kindly sent the prayer card to me to incorporate into the family archives. The prayer card uses the name first name variation Winnifrede A. This name variation is also used on her grave stone.

Winnifrede A. McDonald

Prayer Card Front

Winnifrede A. McDonald

Prayer Card Back

Virginia McDonald Geary is my 1st cousin 3x removed. She is the daughter of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great aunt. My relationship with Virginia McDonald Geary  is unique in that we are double 1st cousins 3x removed. We share two sets of common ancestors. Our common McDonald grandparents are Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Our common O'Neill grandparents are Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham. Winifred Agnes O'Neill is my 2nd Great Grandmother  Robert Alphonsus McDonald is my 2nd Great Grandfather.

References:

1. Find A Grave. Memorial Number 107591643.

Obituary: Caroline L. O'Neill (1887-1984)

Caroline Loretta O'Neill was the youngest daughter born to Michael O'Neill and his second wife Ellen M. Cunningham. Caroline was born 4 August 1887 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Caroline was 5 years old when her father died.

The 1900 United States Federal Census records Caroline living with her mother and siblings on the family farm in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Caroline was attending school.

Family tradition maintains that in 1903 Caroline went to Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. Her sister Winifred Agnes O'Neill was expecting her fifth child, Charles Eugene McDonald. Caroline stayed with the family and worked a teacher at the local one room school house. Caroline's niece Virginia McDonald Geary offered commentary on the family: "Ellen Cunningham, Winifred's mother used to send her daughters around to assist each other when they were expecting."

Caroline Loretta O'Neill most likely photographed between 1900 and 1910

The 1910 United States Federal Census records Caroline living with her sister Mary Lucinda O'Neill and her brother in-law Joe Ward in Leadsville, Randolph County, West Virginia. She was employed as a teacher working in a private school.

After living in West Virginia Caroline moved back to Pittsburgh, Allegheny County where she lived for the rest of her life. The 1920 United States Federal Census records Caroline living in the family home at 321 Meade Street. She was living with:

• her mother - Ellen Cunnigham
• her niece - Helen McDonald, daughter of Robert A. McDonald & Winifred A. O'Neill
• her sister - Eleanor Monica O'Neill 
• her niece - Bella Mullen, daughter of Eleanor Monica O'Neill

The 1930 and 1940 United States Federal Census record Caroline living with her sister Eleanor Monica O'Neill recorded as Eleanor Mullen at 321 Meade Street. Caroline was working as a Stenographer at an Electric Company - most likely Westinghouse. Later in her career she worked at Westinghouse Electric Corporation and was the secretary to the sales manager.

Caroline never married. She lived to be 97 years old. Caroline died on 13 November 1984 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She is buried at  Calvary Cemetery. She is buried with her sister Winifred Agnes O'Neill and her brother-in-law Robert Alphonsus McDonald. She was affectionately known as "Aunt Carrie", "Aunt Pokie" and "Aunt Honie" by the family.

A copy of the obituary for Caroline Loretta O'Neill. Caroline was affectionately known by her family as "Aunt Carrie" or "Aunt Honie". The newspaper printed her obituary as Karrie L. O'Neill. The name of the newspaper the obituary was printed in is unknown.

Caroline Loretta O'Neill
Obituary

This photograph of Caroline Loretta O'Neill is shared with permission. The original photograph is in the care of Ginny Geary Laskovics my 2nd cousin 2x. Ginny is a great niece of Caroline Loretta O'Neill. The photograph is orignally from the Virginia McDonald Geary Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky

The obituary originally originally belonged to Caroline's niece Virginia McDonald Geary. Virginia's daughter kindly sent the copy of the obituary to me to incorporate into the family archives.

Virginia McDonald Geary is my 1st cousins 3x removed. She is the daughter of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great aunt. My relationship with Virginia McDonald Geary  is unique in that we are double 1st cousins 3x removed. We share two sets of common ancestors. Our common McDonald grandparents are Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Our common O'Neill grandparents are Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham.  Caroline Loretta O'Neill is my 2nd great aunt. She is the sister of 2nd Great Grandmother Winifred Agnes O'Neill. Robert Alphonsus McDonald is my 2nd Great Grandfather.

References:

1. 1900 United States Federal Census. Year: 1900; Census Place: Clarion, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1394; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 0007; FHL microfilm: 1241394. Record for Ellen O'Neill. 
2. 1910 United States Federal Census. Year: 1910; Census Place: Leadsville, Randolph, West Virginia; Roll: T624_1696; Page: 21B; Enumeration District: 0123; FHL microfilm: 1375709. Record for Carrie Oneel.
3. 1920 United States Federal Census. Year: 1920; Census Place: Wilkinsburg Ward 3, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1530; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 867; Image: 1003. Record for Ellen M O'Neill.
4. 1930 United States Federal Census. Year: 1930; Census Place: Wilkinsburg, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1993; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0872; Image: 226.0; FHL microfilm: 2341727. Record for Eleanor Mullen. 
5. 1940 United States Federal Census. Year: 1940; Census Place: Wilkinsburg, Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3421; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 2-622. Record for E M Mullen.
6. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2011. Record for Carrie Oneill. 
7. Find A Grave. Memorial Number 107591661.

Prayer Card: Caroline L. O'Neill (1887-1984)

Caroline Loretta O'Neill was the youngest daughter born to Michael O'Neill and his second wife Ellen M. Cunningham. Caroline was born 4 August 1887 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Caroline never married. She lived to be 97 years old. Caroline died on 13 November 1984 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. She is buried at Calvary Cemetery with her sister Winifred Agnes O'Neill and her brother-in-law Robert Alphonsus McDonald. She was affectionately known as "Aunt Carrie", "Aunt Honie" and "Aunt Pokie" by the family.

To learn more about Caroline visit the post: Obituary: Caroline L. O'Neill (1887-1984)

Caroline Loretta O'Neill

The portrait may have been taken in the 1920's

Caroline Loretta O'Neill
Prayer Card Front

Caroline Loretta O'Neill
Prayer Card Back

This photograph of Caroline Loretta O'Neill is shared with permission. The original photograph is in the care of Ginny Geary Laskovics my 2nd cousin 2x. Ginny is a great niece of Caroline Loretta O'Neill. The photograph is originally from the Virginia McDonald Geary Collection. Photographer Unknown. Editing and digital restoration by Michelle M. Murosky

The prayer card from Caroline's funeral originally belonged to Caroline's niece Virginia McDonald Geary. Virginia's daughter kindly sent the prayer card to me to incorporate into the family archives.

Virginia McDonald Geary is my 1st cousin 3x removed. She is the daughter of Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, my 2nd great uncle and Gertrude Anna O'Neill, my 2nd great aunt. My relationship with Virginia McDonald Geary  is unique in that we are double 1st cousins 3x removed. We share two sets of common ancestors. Our common McDonald grandparents are Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Our common O'Neill grandparents are Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham.  Caroline Loretta O'Neill is my 2nd great aunt. She is the sister of 2nd Great Grandmother Winifred Agnes O'Neill. Robert Alphonsus McDonald is my 2nd Great Grandfather.

References:

1. Find A Grave. Memorial Number 107591661.

Five Generation Chart: Mary Eugenia McDonald

The five generation pedigree chart below showcases Mary Eugenia McDonald with four generations of her direct ancestors. The color coding is used to group the birthplaces of the featured individuals. If the birth location is unknown black has been used. This format has been adapted from the original version shared by genealogist J. Paul Hawthorne.

The oldest ancestor featured in the chart is Anton Guth born 1792 in Untersimonwald, Margraviate of Baden, Holy Roman Empire. His 2nd great-grand daughter Mary Eugenia McDonald was born 130 years later on January 22, 1922 in Strattanville, Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

Mary Eugenia McDonald
Five Generation Pedigree Chart

As shown from the chart the ancestors of Mary Eugenia McDonald arrived over several generations.

• David McDonald and his wife Bridget Dunn are first documented in Clarion County in 1833. David and Bridget traveled with their son James most likely arriving prior to 1833. They may have traveled with other family members as well. 
• Robert Haggerty is the son of Irish immigrant Thomas Haggerty. Thomas Haggerty arrived in the late 1700's with his first wife and at least one son named John.  
• Rebecca Easly is a descendant of the Kuhn and Easly families. These families were living in the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. 
• Michael O'Neill arrived in the United States May of 1851. Several of Michael's siblings also relocated to the United Sates. 
• Ellen Cunningham arrived in the United States June 1869. She traveled with her parents and her siblings. 
• Joseph William Selker arrived in November 1885. Joseph set out alone seeking opportunity. He would eventually return to Germany and bring two of his nieces back with him. 
• Leopold Guth arrived approximately 1850. Leopold and his brother Francis Xavier left Germany together and settled in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. 
• Theresa Loll arrived with her mother and sibling on October 7, 1852.  Her father Antoine may have traveled ahead as he was not recorded on the ship's manifest. 

An additional chart is also shown that includes the birth and death dates for the featured individuals.

Mary Eugenia McDonald

Five Generation Pedigree Chart

Mary Eugenia McDonald is my paternal grandmother. The individuals featured in the chart are my direct ancestors. 

Family Photo: Robert A. McDonald & Winifred A. O'Neill 50th Wedding Anniversary

These photos were taken at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in 1945. The couple was married June 23, 1895. Robert Alphonsus McDonald was 77 years old and Winifred Agnes O'Neill was 70 years old on their wedding anniversary.

Robert was born September 27, 1867 the son of Michael McDonald and Anna Haggerty. Winifred was born September 3, 1874 the daughter of two Irish immigrants - Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham.

 My 2nd great grandparents, Robert Alphonsus McDonald and Winifred Agnes O'Neill are on the right side of the photo between the two members of clergy. The woman to the right with the hat ruffled shirt is Caroline Loretta O'Neill.

The back row: Caroline Loretta O'Neill, Eleanor Monica O'Neill,  Gertrude Anna O'Neill, Alice Grace O'Neill, Ambrose Aloysius McDonald
The front row: Sr. Alfrieda (Anna Elizabeth McDonald), Robert Alphonsus McDonald, Winifred Agnes O'Neill, one of Robert & Winifred's granddaughters.

Sr. Aldfrieda (Anna Elizabeth McDonald), Robert Alphonsus McDonald,  Ambrose Aloysius McDonald, Gertrude Anna O'Neill

The women are listed with their maiden names.

Caroline Loretta O'Neill, Winfred O'Neill's youngest sister and my 3rd great aunt. Caroline affectionately known as "Aunt Carrie" to family members. Caroline would have been 57 in this photo. Caroline never married.

Eleanor Monica O'Neill was Winifred O'Neill's sister and my 3rd great aunt. She married James M. Mullen.

Gertrude Anna O'Neill was Winifred O'Neill's sister and my 3rd great aunt. She married Robert McDonalds's brother Ambrose Aloysius McDonald. Gertrude O'Neill and Ambrose McDonald are the parents of Virginia McDonald. Learn more about Virginia.

Sr. Alfrieda (Anna Elizabeth McDonald) was the sister of Robert McDonald and Ambrose. McDonald She was also my 3rd great Aunt.

Immaculate Conception Cemetery: Clarion, PA - Direct Ancestors

On July 2, 2012 I visited the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Clarion, PA with my father and my aunt.  A distant relative from my Selker family connections was very helpful and was our guide in the cemetery. The Immaculate Conception Cemetery is the final resting place for many direct ancestors, their siblings and their children.





My third great grandparents Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll are buried next to my 2nd great grandparents Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth. Frances is the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll.

The burial location of my 2nd great grandparents Joseph William Selker and Frances Philomena Guth.  Joseph William Selker was born October 8, 1865 in Fürstenau, Kingdom of Hanover. In 1885 he departed Germany to come to America. After settling in Clarion, Pennsylvania he married Frances Philoma Guth the daughter of Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll on November 4, 1890 in Clarion. Frances was born February 25, 1863 in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. To learn more about Joseph William Selker read the Blog post The Selker Family: Hermann George and his son Joseph William, cigarmaker.

The burial location of my 3rd great grand parents Leopold Guth and Theresa Loll. Leopold Guth was born November 14, 1830 in Untersimmonswald, Grand Duchy of Baden. Around 1850 he departed Germany. A watchmaker and jeweler he opened a shop in Clarion, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. He married Theresa Loll daughter of Antoine Loll and Mary Ann Jehl on January 20, 1853 in Clarion. Theresa Loll was born May 12, 1835 in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France. Learn more about Mary Ann's family read the Blog posts The French Connection and Antonine Loll: German Cavalryman.

The burial location for my 3rd great grandfather Michael O'Neill. Michael was born September 19, 1827 in County Leitrim, Ireland. He sailed from Liverpool on May 12, 1851 and became a naturalized citizen February 11, 1859. Michael resided in Clarion Township on his farm. He married twice - his first marriage was to Lucinda Jane Aaron and his second to my third great grandmother Ellen Cunningham. Ellen is buried in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in an unknown location. Michael died on February 8, 1892. To learn more about the O'Neill family read the following blog post The O'Neill Connection To St. Patrick

Michael O'Neill's tombstone is very faded and sections are difficult to read. Showing the image as a cross process makes the faded portions of the tombstone legible.

The O'Neill Connection To St. Patrick

In honor of St. Patrick's day, I wanted to highlight the O'Neill family connection to St. Patrick.

All information on the older O'Neill ancestors, my 3rd great grand-parents and beyond, is from Patrick G. O’Neill, my 1st cousin 3x removed, who wrote the O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000 with George K. O'Neill, another distant O'Neill cousin, I was able to purchase the book he wrote and learn more about the O'Neill family.

The O'Neill line begins with my 2nd, great grand-mother, Winifred Agnes O'Neill. Winifred was born 03 Sep 1874 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Michael O'Neill and Ellen Cunningham, my 3rd great grand-parents.



Winifred Agnes O'Neill and her husband Robert Alphonsus McDonald

Michael O'Neill was born 19 Sep 1827 in County Leitrim, Ireland. Michael was the son of Thomas O'Neill Jr. and Bridget Conboy, my 4th great-grandparents. Thomas O'Neill Jr. and Bridget Conboy had nine children, all were born in County Leitrim, Ireland. Birth records for some of the later children indicate the birth location was Sruhan, Fenagh Parish, County Leitrim, Ireland.


Michael O'Neill

Michael sailed from Liverpool on May 12, 1851 on the ship "Roscius". He would have departed Ireland during the "Great Famine" which struck the country between 1845 and 1852. This would have been a period of incredible hardship for the Irish people and we should be thankful our ancestors lived through this period considering the large amount of death that resulted.

He settled in Clarion County Pennsylvania. He married  Lucinda Jane Aaron on 13 Feb 1855 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. They had six children together before Lucinda died on 20 Apr 1870. Michael married Ellen Cunningham on 20 Apr 1871 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. They had ten children together.  Michael died on 08 Feb 1892 in Limestone Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania at the age of 64.

Michael's father Thomas O'Neill Jr. was born about 1799 in Ireland the son of Thomas O'Neill Sr. and Leticia York, my 5th great grand-parents. Thomas O'Neill Jr. died on 19 Jul 1873 in County Leitrim, Union of Mohill, District of Rowan, Ireland at the age of 74.  Thomas was buried at the Fenagh Abbey Cemetery, Fenagh Parish, County Leitrim, Ireland.

Fenagh Abbey is one of the most ancient monastic sites in Ireland. (Additional images Fenagh Abbey) It is said that nineteen Gaelic Kings are buried in the graveyard. History has it that St. Patrick's early work preaching was at a site several miles north of the present day abbey ruins which date from the fifteenth century.

At least two generations of our direct O'Neill line lived in this general area before departing Ireland for the United States. Only two of Thomas O'Neill Jr. and Bridget Conboy's nine children remained in Ireland.

 

References:

1. O'Neill Descendants of Con & Katherine 1700-2000

The Minor Lines

There are a number of minor family names that occur on both the Paternal and Maternal Sides of the family. The minor lines typically contain two surnames in succession. It is plausible with more research more will be discovered about the minor lines.

Paternal Minor Lines

The Paternal minor lines are an exception to what is noted above. In this case, these two lines are listed as there are only four known names currently known in the Paternal lines Bukowski and Murosky as discussed in separate posts and the two surnames listed below.

Kwiatkowski
Nationality - Polish
Arrival to the Unites States -May 1, 1895

The Kwiatkowski line begins with my 2nd great grandmother Franciska Kwiatkowski. She is the oldest currently known individual in the Kwiatkowski  line. She was born in Poland  around May of 1864.

Zielinski
Nationality - Russian/Polish
Arrival to the Unites States -May 1, 1895

The Zielinski line begins with my 2nd great grandmother Eva Zielinski. She is the oldest currently known individual in the Kwiatkowski  line. She was born around 1870 possibly in Poland.

The Maternal Minor Lines
The minor material lines contain more names in succession.

Allonas
Nationality - French (although it should be noted this portion of France changed borders with Germany often over the course of history)

The Allonas line begins with my 5th great grandmother Madeleine Allonas. The records from Marcholsheim Church in Marcholsheim, Alsace, France document the marriage of Madeleine Allonas to Franciscus Antonine Loll, my 5th great grandfather, on  16 Jun 1786.

The oldest currently known individual in the Allonas Line is Madeleine's father Anthony Allonas, my 6th great grandfather.

Cunningham
Nationality - Irish
Arrival to the Unites States - June 1869

The Cunningham line begins with my 3rd great grandmother Ellen Cunningham born 24 Aug 1847 in County Waterford, Ireland. The oldest currently known individual in the Cunningham Line is Ellen's father Mathias Cunningham, my 4th great grandfather.

Haggerty
Nationality - Irish
Arrival to the Unites States -Date is currently unknown, however the family was in the United States by the 1840's  

The Haggerty line begins with my 3rd great grandmother Anna Haggerty born around 1845 in Farmington, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The oldest currently known individual in the Haggerty Line is Anna's father Robert Haggerty, my 4th great grandfather.

Hofhaus
Nationality - Fuerstenau, Germany

The Hofhaus line begins with my 3rd great grandmother Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus born 20 Oct 1829 in Fuerstenau, Province of Hanover, Germany. The oldest currently known individual in the Hofhaus Line is Katherine Elizabeth Hofhaus's father Wilhelm Hofhaus, my 4th great grandfather born in Fürstenau, Germany.

Rösch 
Nationality - German

The Rösch line begins with my 4th great grandmother Theresia Rösch born 1801 in Untersimonwald, Margraviate of Baden, Holy Roman Empire. The oldest currently known individual in the Rösch Line is Theresia's father Johann Rösch , my 5th great grandfather.