Ballyfacey Glenmore
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Notes from Ballyfacey, Glenmore, by Danny Dowling (1927-2021)
On 22 February 1971 Danny Dowling (1927-2021) interviewed Tom Freyne and his sister Mrs. Mai Vereker, natives of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. The information from their 1971 interview is provided below and additional information gleaned from headstones and newspapers etc. has also been provided in [square brackets]. This interview provides some interesting insights into what Danny called “extinct families” whose surnames disappeared in their townland or from Glenmore Parish.
The interviewees Tom Freyne and Mary “Mai” Vereker née Freyne were the children of Michael Freyne and his wife Mary Farrell of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Michael Freyne, of Kilbride, Glenmore, married Mary Farrell, of Ballyfoyle, Rosbercon on 1 February 1894 at Rosbercon. Michael was a 30-year old farmer, and the son of James Frehne of Kilbride. The bride, Mary Farrell, was 25 years of age and the daughter of Edmond Farrell (farmer).
The Freyne Family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Michael Freyne (c. 1853-1925) and his wife Mary Farrell (c. 1866-1943), had at least 7 known children.
[1] James Frehne (b. 1894) never married.
[2] Bridget Freney (sic) (1896-1974) married Bill Doherty of Ballinlammy on 21 Nov. 1928. They had a family. It is believed that Bridie was the only Freyne sibling to marry and have children.
[3] Thomas Freyne (1897-1971) never married and farmed in Ballyfacey and Ballyfoyle. He died just 8 months after Danny Dowling interviewed him.
[4] Edmund/Edward “Ned” Freyne (1899-1985) never married. He spent several years in New Zealand and returned to Ballyfacey.
[5] Mary “Mai” Freyne (1900-1987) married Patrick “Patsey” Vereker of Davidstown in 1947 (Munster Express, Fri. 14 Feb. 1947, p. 8). Patsey Vereker (c. 1901-1961) was the son of John and Catherine Vereker of Davidstown.
[6] Johanna Freyne (c. 1903-1972) never married.
[7] Margaret Freyne (c. 1909-1993) never married.
My resident expert believes that when Ned Freyne came home from New Zealand he farmed the home place at Ballyfacey and his brother Tom moved to Ballyfoyle and farmed his mother’s home place. Today, Andy and Fidelis Doherty reside on the Freyne homeplace in Ballyfacey where Andy’s grandmother Bridie was born and raised.
The Interview
Mickey McGrath (c. 1864-1936) of Newtown, Glenmore
Mickey McGrath (c. 1864 -1936) of Newtown, was said to have been born in a little house located in the Cruckuck’s haggard which bounced Jack Dollard’s yard in Ballyfacey. Tom Freyne said that Mickie used to often go up to Ballyfacey to see where he was born and where his people came from. [Mickey McGrath was a thatcher who lived in Newtown. His little house was located near where Michael Hoynes’s gate is located (next to Martin Cass’s home). It was reported that Mickey often joked that he went to bed in Aylwardstown and had his breakfast in Newtown as his house straddled the two townlands.]
[Danny Dowling recorded in another notebook that Mickie’s son, John McGrath, worked for Kelly’s of Aylwardstown and he died as a result of an accident which he sustained while working. John McGrath, of Newtown. died on 4 August 1942 at the age of 39 of colitis. Patrick McGrath was present at his death.]
[In the 1926 Census Michael McGrath was 67 and his wife Kate was 65. He declared that he was born in Kilmakevogue and Kate stated she was born in Ballinlammy. They were married for 26 years and had one child. Unfortunately a marriage record could not be located.]
Darbystown, Tullogher
A family called Cleary had a farm in Darbystown, now [in 1971] owned by Martin Woods of Ballymartin. Martin Woods’s father acquired it.
The Harte’s of Darbystown were substantial farmers in their time. They used to milk 40 cows at one period. The Harte’s had the land in Haggard that Mary Statia Ivory now has [in 1971]. The Harte’s lived up the lane from the stream in Darbystown. The Doherty’s of Moulerstown [acquired] this farm.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The Walsh Family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
[Jimmy Walsh of Ballyfacey and his wife Margaret Browner had the following family:]
[1] Kitty Walsh [Catherine b. 1839] never married and spent her life in Ballyfacey.
[2] Paddy Walsh [b. (1841)] never married. He had a bad leg and spent his life in Ballyfacey.
[3] Jimmy Walsh (1845) married Mary Dermody of Crowbally, Ballyhale. [They were married on 4 November 1875 at Knocktopher. Their fathers were James Walsh (famer) and James Dermody (farmer).] The Walsh farm in Ballyfacey had 22 Irish acres.
Jimmy Walsh and his wife Mary Dermody lived in the Ballyfacey home place and had four children:
[3a] James Walsh (1876-1946) married Lil Linegar (1892-1968). [On 18 Sept. 1918 James Walsh (carpenter) of Graiguenakill, Glenmore, and his wife, Mary Ellen Linegar, had a son they named James. Glenmore will forever remember him as Jim B. See our post of 12 Oct. 2025 regarding Jim B. (1918-1988)].
[3b] Margaret Walsh (b. 1878) married Mike Maher. They had no children.
[3c] Hannie Walsh (Johanna b. 1883) never married and
[3d] Mary Walsh (b. 1884) married a man named Whelan from Kilmacow.
The Walsh family members were great musicians. Old Jimmy Walsh, the father of the last generation, played the flute. All his children played the fiddle and the melodeon. Victor Power, the writer, visited the Walsh homestead regularly. [For further information on Victor O’Donovan Power (1858-1933) see our post of 12 Oct. 2026 and 27 Oct. 2020. ]
Old Jimmy Walsh told Tom Frehne that in the Walsh field at the head of the lane on the Haggard side a fair was held there in olden times. He also told Tom that there was a crock of gold buried in this field near the ditch of the road going over toward Aylward’s gate, and that a life had to be lost to get it.
Anty Walsh (c. 1851-1925) of Parkstown, Glenmore
Anty Walsh, of Parkstown, lived down near to the Mullinahone Stream. She had 7 acres of land, which Mullally’s now have. She died about 53 years ago at Mullally’s of Parkstown. [Further information was found in Notebook 13 with an undated entry. Anty Walsh died at the Mullaly home. And they got her land. Anastasia Walsh died at Parkstown on 5 Feb. 1925. She was a 74 year-old spinster. The informant for the death registrar was “Thomas Mullally, Davidstown, who caused the body to be buried.”]
Thomas Laherty (c. 1814-1892) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
A man named Tom Laherty lived down near Frehne’s. He had a sister named Nell. [Thomas Laherty (c. 1814-1892) died on 22 November 1892 at his home in Ballyfacey. He was 78 years of age, employed as a farm labourer and married. His widow Ellen Laherty was present at his death. Ellen Flaherty (sic) of Ballyfacey died at the age of 80 on 6 April 1920 of pernicious anaemia. She was the widow of a labourer. It appears likely that Tom Frehne and his sister Mai Vereker thought Ellen Laherty was Tom Laherty’s sister rather than his widow.]
The Greene Family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The Greene’s of Ballyfacey were related to the Tobin’s of Ballyogreek, Mullinavat.
[The parents were Thomas Green (c. 1832-1896) and his wife Mary Delahunty (c. 1836-1922) who were married at Glenmore on 9 February 1869. Thomas Greene was a native of Jamestown, Glenmore, and his father was Patrick Greene. Mary was the daughter of Michael Delahunty of Ballyfacey, Glenmore.]
There were five members of the Greene family of Ballyfacey:
[Patrick Green b. 13 Dec. 1869 died prior to the birth of the twins in 1875.]
[1] Mick Green (b. 1873);
[2] Pat Greene (b. 1875); [Pat and Tom Greene were twins.]
[3] Tom Greene (b. 1875) emigrated to the United States, and there was never any account of him afterwards.
[4] Briget Greene (b. 1871) and
[5] another girl. [Margaret Greene (17 Feb. 1877-1945).]
[Per the 1901 Census their mother was Mary Greene and aged 65. Mary was still alive in 1911. Her son Patrick Green (sic) was 40; Michael was 38 and Margaret 36. Per the Death Register Mary died in 1922 at the age of 86.]
[In the 1926 Census Patrick Green was the Head of the house, and aged 52. His brother Michael (48) was still in the home as was his sister Margaret (aged 42). They were farming 38 statute acres.)]
Please send any corrections, additional information or photographs to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Please see our surnames and obituary pages for further information on Glenmore natives and residents. From our main blog page surname pages are under the Glenmore Families tab and the obituaries page is found under the Roots tab.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
From Danny’s Files: The Register of Infants, Ballyfasey Female National School (1871-1928)
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) for over 7 decades collected a vast amount of information and material regarding Glenmore and other local areas. One large item that Danny collected was a copy of the Register of Infants in Ballyfasey (sic) Female National School. This register consists of 7 pages with student entrances dates from 15 July 1871 to 8 October 1928 of 247 girls (with legible names). There are also 5 students whose names are not legible. The pages are 16 ½ inches (42cm) tall by 11 ½ inches (29 cm) wide. This register is just one of the Ballyfacey School Registers that Danny collected. Today, we are going to focus on page 1 of the Register.
The old Ballyfacey National School was built in 1868 on “Jolla Hill.” Micil Moore, of Knockbrack, Glenmore, built the school building at the cost of £95. Local men drew the stones and sand required and at the end of the building the extra $5 from the grant was spent on a barrel of beer for the men who drew the stones and sand. See our post of 6 September 2020 for further details regarding the building and repairs to the old Ballyfacey National school and early local hedge road schools..
The Register
Page 1 consists of 38 legible names with entrance dates from 15 July 1871 to 6 June 1878 recording 39 students. There are 8 primary columns for recording information including: date of entrance; pupil’s name; age of pupil on last birthday; religion; residence; occupation or means of living of parents; and annual examinations. The column examinations is divided into First, Second and Third perhaps reflecting the division of the academic year. Each of the three examination periods is divided into number of days present and result. No results were provided on this page, but attendance across the three exam periods was recorded and is reflected in the charts below. School attendance was not mandated until the Irish Education Act of 1892.
One of the more interesting aspects of this register reflects that children started school throughout the year. It appears that classes were held all year with no apparent summer break. How teachers coped with students beginning at different times is unknown and attendance for some students was very poor. Some of the girls started school at the age of 3 which seems very young. It also appears that in some entries the name Johanna is misspelled, and on page 1 Ballyfacy is spelled in three different ways.
Below are tables reflecting the information contained on page 1 of the Register. Due to the fact all children were recorded as RC (Roman Catholics) this column was eliminated from the tables. The days of attendance in the table reflects the three exam periods.
1871 Ballyfacy, Glenmore, National School
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 15 July 1871 | Kate Walsh | 4 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 37—147—0 |
| 29 July 1871 | Mary Cashin | 5 | Weatherstown | Shoemaker | 26—83—178 |
| 27 May 1871 | Margaret Wallace | 4 | Ballyfacy | Shopkeeper | 62—183—0 |
| 3 July 1871 | Margaret Phelan | 6 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 0—0—119 |
| 2 Oct. 1871 | Mary Grace | 6 | Kilbride | Farmer | 0—0—161 |
1872
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 29 May 1872 | Stasia Power | 6 | Kilbride | Labourer | 0—0—85 |
1873
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 24 April 1873 | Ellen Mullins | 6 | Flemingstown | Farmer | 0—0—47 |
| 5 May 1873 | Johanna Croak | 4 | Kilbride | Labourer | 37—169—126 |
| 2 June 1873 | Bridget Duggan | 5 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—20—111 |
| 28 July 1873 | Bridget Hartley | 4 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—75—110 |
1874
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 25 May 1874 | Kate Young | 4 | Ballyfacy | Carpenter | 0—33—0 |
| Not legible | Margaret Ivory | 4 | Kilbride | Cooper | 79—0–183 |
| 1 June 1874 | Johanna Culleton | 4 | Kilbride | Farmer | 10—0—120 |
| 8 June 1874 | Kate Hennessy | 3 | Ballyfacy | Labourer | 25—136—189 |
| 30 June 1874 | Bridget MacDonald | 4 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 75—0—147 |
1875
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 6 April1875 | Stasia Malone | 5 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—168—0 |
| 21 June 1875 | Kate Mackey | 4 | Weatherstown | Farmer | 0—87—0 |
| 21 July 1875 | Stasia Irish | 4 | Ballinlammy | Farmer | 0—0—142 |
| 21 July 1875 | Stasia Ryan | 6 | Ballycurran (Tullogher) | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 27 April 1875 | Alice Donovan | 5 | Haggard | Labourer | 0—0—181 |
1876
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 28 Feb.1876 | Stasia Phelan | 3 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 129—0—201 |
| 28 Feb. 1876 | Johanna Grace | 3 | Kilbride | Farmer | 63—172—0 |
| 28 Feb. 1876 | Johanna Hurly | 3 | Ballyfacy | Farmer | 156—0—155 |
| 1 March 1876 | Mary(?) Power | 4 | Kilbride | Labourer | 0—0—131 |
| 27 March 1876 | Kate Dempsey | 4 | Ballyveria | Labourer | 0—0—0 |
| 27 March 1876 | Stasia Grennan | 4 | Moulerstown | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 27 March 1876 | Bridget Murphy | 5 | Moulerstown | Labourer | 0—0—0 |
| Not legible | Margaret Purcell | 5 | Moulerstown | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 29 March 1876 | Margaret Crowley | 5 | Ballymartin (Tullogher) | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 8 May 1876 | Kate Donovan | 4 | Haggard | Dealer | 0—174—0 |
1877
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 6 Feb.1877 | Bridget Greene | 4 | Ballyfasy | Farmer | 0—0—0 |
| 21 May 1877 | Margaret Power | 5 | Knockbrack | Labourer | 0—0—138 |
| 18 June1877 | Mary Walsh | 5 | Haggard | Labourer | 0—0—74 |
| 18 June 1877 | Joanna Dempsey | 3 | Ballyveria | Labourer | 1—0—84 |
| 8 Oct.1877 | Joanna Berrigan | 5 | Ballyfacy | Labourer | 0—2—6 |
| 11 Oct. 1877 | Stasia Culleton | 3 | Kilbride | Farmer | 5—219—28 |
1878
| Entrance date | Name | Age | Residence | Occupation | Attendance |
| 28 May1878 | Kate Duggan | 5 | Weathetstown | Labourer | 0—41—92 |
| 6 June1878 | Mary Jones | 5 | Ballinlammy | Fowl dealer | 0—49—0 |
| Cut off page | Cut off page | 5 | Weatherstown | Labourer | 0—115—150 |
Most Popular First Names
The most popular first names recorded on page 1 of the Register resulted in several ties. For example, Stasia and Kate tied for first place with each name representing 7 students each. There was also a tie for second most popular name with Margaret and Joanna/Johanna each representing 6 students each. There was another tie for third most popular name with Mary and Bridget representing 5 students each. The least popular names were Alice and Ellen each representing just 1 student each.
Glenmore Townlands Recorded
There are 11 townlands recorded for residency on page 1. Nine of the townlands are within the Parish of Glenmore and two (Ballycurran and Ballymartin) are not. The top three townlands on the page are Ballyfasy (10); Weatherstown (7); and Kilbride (8) or 25 of the 39 students or 64% of the students recorded on page 1. Haggard and Moulerstown each had 3 students; Ballinlammy and Ballyveria had 2 students each and all the rest had 1 student each (ie Ballymartin, Ballycurran, Flemingstown and Knockbrack).
Ages of Students on Starting at Ballyfacey National School
There were 4 ages recorded for admissions on page 1 of the Register of Infants namely: three-year-olds; four-year-olds, five-year-olds and six-year-olds. The largest group was comprised of fifteen 4 year olds (38.5%); the second largest group was comprised of the twelve 5-year-olds (30.7%); there were seven 3-year-olds which represented 17.9 % of the admissions and the five 6-year-olds represented the lowest group (12.8%).
The 3 Year Olds
Given that 3 seems extremely early to start school we attempted to verify the ages of the girls recorded as being 3 on their admission to the Ballyfacy National School from 1874 to 1877.
Kate Hennessy (Catherine Hennessy was born 12 Nov. 1871 at Ballyfacy to Richard Hennessy (labourer) and his wife Anne Doherty. She entered school on 8 June 1874 at the age of 3 years, 7 months.)
Stasia Culleton (Anastatia Culleton was born on 16 Oct. 1873 at Kilbride to John Culleton (farmer) and his wife Bridget Walsh admitted 11 Oct. 1877 just five days before her fourth birthday.)
Stasia Phelan (Anastatia Phelan was born 8 Jan. 1872 at Ballyfacy to John Phelan (farmer) and his wife Catherine Forristal. She entered school on 28 Feb. 1876 at the age of 4 years, 1 month.)
Joanna (sic) Grace (Johanna Grace was born at Kilbride on 2 Feb. 1873 to Patrick Grace (farmer) and his wife Mary McDonald. Johanna entered school on 28 Feb. 1876 and had just turned 3.)
Joanna (sic) Hurley (Johanna Hurley was born 12 Nov. 1871 at Ballyfacy to James Hurley (labourer) and his wife Margaret Shea. She started school on 28 Feb. 1876. Johanna was 4 years 8 months old when she started school.)
Joanna (sic) Dempsey (Johanna Dempsey was born on 15 Oct. 1873 at Ballywairy, Glenmore, to Patrick Dempsey (labourer) and his wife Mary Norris. Johanna entered school on 18 June 1877, thus she was 3 years 8 months old when she started school.)
Subjects Taught
In another register the subjects the girls had in 1872 included reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography and needlework.
The Old Ballyfacey National School
Ann Grennan wrote a wonderful article “The Story of Ballyfacey School,” that was published in Glenmore Times: Millennium Memories ((2000) Glenmore Millennium Committee) pp. 19-21. The article focuses on the early 20th century but provides some interesting facts concerning the fate of the old school house. She noted 26 years ago that there was no trace left of the old school building. When the new school was built about 1957 the stones of the old school were reused for a pig house. “The only remains were a small bit of a wall belonging to the toilet and also the gate leading into the school.”
Please send any corrections or additional information or photos to glenmore.history @gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The old photo featured above was taken in front of the old Ballyfacey National School. Special thanks to Jackie Walsh for sharing the old photo.
If you believe that your ancestor may have attended Ballyfacey National School please send on his/her date of birth and townland and we shall check the registers Danny collected for information for you.
Rev. James J. McDonald (1866-1902) from Ballyfacey, Glenmore to Clontarf, Minnesota
On 30 September 2024 we posted information on the McDonald family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. James J. McDonald was born at Ballyfacey on 2 June 1866 to Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and his second wife, Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?). Today we are going to feature the work that James was sent to do in Minnesota and his premature death due to TB.
Education
The Irish Standard newspaper published the following information in 1902 concerning Fr. James J. McDonald. Rev. James J. McDonald was born in 1867 (sic), at Glenmore, in the county of Kilkenny and the ancient diocese of Ossory, Ireland. He was educated in the national schools [Ballyfacey], and at the classical schools of Kilmacow and Waterford. In 1887 he entered the diocesan seminary at Kilkenny [St. Kieran’s], and took up his ecclesiastical studies at that institution from which he was graduated in 1894 (Irish Standard, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 8). He was described by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times: Millennium Memories ((2000), p. 41) as an outstanding athlete.
Fr. McDonald was ordained on 1 July 1894 at the age of 28 by the Bishop of Ossory, Abraham Brownrigg (1836-1928). While a seminarian at St. Kieran’s College, Fr. McDonald was sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. After his ordination Fr. McDonald “set out for the field of his labours” the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. In September, 1894, he was appointed curate of the Immaculate Conception church of Faribault. He remained there until March 1898, when he was appointed pastor of Clontarf, Minn. This appointment he held until his death (Irish Standard, Sat. 12 April 1902, p. 8).
For any readers not familiar with Minnesota it is situated in the north of the US. Its eastern boundaries bounce Lake Superior and Wisconsin and to the north is Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. North and South Dakota lie to its west and Iowa to its south. It is known for its extreme winters.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul
One of the more unusual facts discovered regarding where Fr. McDonald was going to serve concerns the fact that St. Paul was originally a small settlement called “Pig’s Eye.” For a concise and interesting history of the work of the Church gentrifying Pig’s Eye see the “History of the Cathedral of St. Paul.” St. Paul is located on the south eastern side of the state. When Fr. McDonald arrived in the Archdiocese of St. Paul on 19 September 1894 another Kilkenny man was the Bishop.
Archbishop John Ireland (1838-1918)
Archbishop John Ireland was born in Burnchurch, Co. Kilkenny in 1838. He emigrated to the US as a child with his family and ultimately, they settled in Minnesota. For a brief biography of Archbishop Ireland see, The Minnesota Historical Society (2012) or Historic Kilkenny. In 1876, Archbishop Ireland established the Catholic Colonization Bureau in southern Minnesota to act as an agent for the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad to sell 117,000 acres of unsold land grants. The Bureau sought Irish immigrant families toiling in the cities along the east coast of the U.S. to come to Minnesota to farm and set up Catholic communities.
In early 1879 it was reported in the Drogheda Argus & Leinster Journal (Ireland), that Archbishop Ireland’s Catholic colonies in Minnesota were proving a popular success. In Swift County 12,000 acres were settled. Although Big Stone County colony was being established in 1879 it already had 175 families. In Nobles County 70,000 acres were procured and 52,000 acres in Murray County. One of the reasons that Archbishop Ireland’s colonization plan was a success, was that he sent a priest first to the place earmarked for a colony. This provided assurance from the start that the spiritual affairs of settlers would be attended to (Sat. 1 Feb. 1879, p. 3).
For further information on the Catholic colonies of Minnesota, see Eileen R. McCormack “Holy Alliance: How a Bishop and a Railroad Teamed Up to Form Clontarf, MN” (2015)(Minnesota Historical Society).
Fr. McDonald’s Assignments
Faribault, Minnesota
According to a brief biography on Find-a-Grave (assumed to be from the St. Paul Diocese Records) Fr. McDonald arrived in the Archdiocese of St. Paul on 19 September 1894. He was first assigned as an Assistant, at Immaculate Conception, Faribault, Rice County, Minnesota. He served in this capacity from 1894 to 1898.
Faribault, Minnesota is named after fur trader Alexander Faribault who came to the area in 1826. In 1835 he established a trading post, and in 1852 he founded the town.
Clontarf, Minnesota
In 1898, Fr. McDonald was transferred to Clontarf, Swift County, Minnesota as Pastor, of St. Malachy. He served in this capacity from 1898-1901. It is said that at Clontarf “he laboured zealously to build up the parish. The many improvements made during his administration bear ample testimony to his zeal and devotion to his work (Swift County Monitor, Fri. 28 March 1902). He is credited with building the new St. Malachy church.
It is obvious from the names of the assigned churches that Fr. McDonald was serving in the Catholic Colony areas. Fortunately, excerpts from some contemporary letters of one of his parishioners concerning Fr. McDonald survive and have been published on the Clontarf History webpage (26 June 2012, “Noble Patriot and Irishmen”). It is wonderful to read how the parishioner felt about the young Fr. McDonald and give us nuggets of information. Fr. McDonald liked to play checkers and did not like to lose.
Clontarf became well known for its hay. With the railroad in the town the hay was shipped to cities and the Chicago Fire Department fed it to its horses. For some old photos of St. Malachy, see Clontarf History webpage.
Returned Home?
Local newspapers to Glenmore did not carry articles regarding Fr. McDonald. However, we did locate on 1899 article in the Munster Express.
The members of the Mullinavat Choir went on their annual excursion on Tuesday the 27th of June. For 1899 they selected Dunmore as their destination. They chartered a “wagonette and an outside car”. They left Mullinavat at 10 a.m. and arrived at Dunmore at about 12:30. Father Mullins, C.C. and Father McDonald, of the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, accompanied the excursion party (Munster Express, Sat. 8 July 1899, p. 7).
A railway station was located in Mullinavat. We believe the choir took the train to Waterford and from there travelled by the horse drawn vehicles to Dunmore. Without first names it is difficult to identify the two priests, However, we believe that Fr. McDonald was Fr. James J. McDonald of Ballyfacey, and we believe that Fr. Mullins was John Mullins (1868-1911) of Flemingstown, Glenmore. Fr. John Mullins also attended Ballyfacey National School and St. Kieran’s College. He entered the seminary in 1886 and was ordained for the Diocese of Ossory. He was appointed curate of Mullinavat and later Cullohill (by Fr. Michael Mernagh in Glenmore Times: Millenneum Memories (2000), p. 41). Like Fr. McDonald he too died young from TB.
The 1900 census for Clontarf, Minnesota provides that Rev. James McDonald was back at work in Clontarf and his younger brother Patrick McDonald (1868-1952) was visiting. The record provides that Patrick entered the USA in 1899. Did Patrick travel to the US with his brother James? We know Patrick was back in Ballyfacey by 1904 when he married.
Death of Rev. James J. McDonald
In September 1901 Fr. McDonald was compelled to give up his parish duties at Clontarf due to ill health. He went to the Arizona Territory for the autumn and winter, but the change in climate did not improve his health. Two weeks before his death on 25 March 1902 he returned to St. Paul to die among friends. He died of TB at St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Paul, aged 35 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Fr. McDonald was buried in the priests’ section of Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul.
The original headstone had Fr. McDonald’s correct name and other information. Sometime around 2012 a new headstone replaced the original stone that was quite weathered and unfortunately Fr. McDonald’s first name is provided on the new stone as “Joseph” instead of “James.” See, Find a Grave.
Obituaries
Several newspapers published death notices and/or obituaries such as The Saint Paul Globe (Fri. 28 March 1902, p. 2) and The Irish Standard (Sat. 29 March 1902, p. 5).
Below are some excerpts. The Minneapolis Journal (26 March 1902) described Fr. McDonald as “widely known as an earnest, kindly man, and faithful priest” who died of consumption after a years’ illness with it.
The Irish Standard (Sat. 19 April 1902, p. 4) outlined in an article how his former parishioners and friends at Faribault celebrated Fr. McDonald’s life.
“Faribault, Minn.—A solemn high mass of requiem for the repose of the soul of the late Rev. J.J. McDonald was celebrated Monday morning of last week, at 9 o’clock, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception. A large audience of the former parishioners and friends of the late priest were present, and the children of the “Hill School” attended in a body, Rev. F. Elshorst, pastor of the Church of St. Lawrence, was the celebrant, with Rev. J.J. Slevin as deacon and Rev. E. Monge as sub-deacon. Rev. Chas. Cavanagh, of St. Paul, was master of ceremonies, and Rev. John Walsh delivered the eulogy. Taking for his text the words, “Blessed are they who die in the Lord,” Father Walsh preached a most instructive and effective sermon on the life of his deceased friend, eulogizing his many virtues and exhorting his hearers to follow the precepts of his teaching and the many good examples of his exemplary life.”
The Swift County Monitor (Fri. 28 March 1902) wrote that “It is with feelings of deepest regret that we announce the death of Rev. J.J. McDonald, lately of Clontarf, who departed this life on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s hospital, St. Paul. His many friends in Clontarf and Swift County will deplore the loss of so gentle and true hearted a friend…”
“He had the special faculty of making friends and all who came in contact with him deeply loved him. He loved his people and was beloved by them in return. They will mourn his loss, but must be satisfied with God’s will. It is sad to have a young man cut down in the midst of a career full of hope and bright prospects for the future, but wonderful are the ways of God and it is His will, not ours, that must be done.”
“The funeral took place on Thursday from the cathedral, St. Paul, and his remains were laid to rest in Calgary Cemetery. He is gone from us forever, and while we mourn his loss, let us not forget to pray for him. His many friends will be shocked when they read of his death, but they must be reconciled to God’s Will and say ‘Peace to his ashes and rest to his soul.’”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The photo of Fr. McDonald was taken by R.E. Brandmo, of Benson, Minnesota. Benson is the County Seat of Swift County, Minnesota. Thus it is likely the photo was taken between 1898 and 1901.
The photo of the original headstone was taken by FJE on 25 June 2012.
The featured colour photo is of St. Malachy Catholic Church of Clontarf, Minnesota and is courtesy of the St. Isadore the Farmer Area Faith Community website.
The obituary from the Swift County Monitor was added to Find-a-Grave by Joseph Gallatin on 19 Sept. 2023.
The McDonald Family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Today, we are going to feature the McDonald family of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. Tracing members of this family proved difficult because the name has been spelled in numerous ways from McDonald to Macdonell. Special thanks to McDonald descendants Perri Williams and Sean McCarthy as well as Barbara Barden O’Donahue for the information they shared regarding their research. The McDonald family of Ballyfacey provides an excellent example of how members of large Glenmore families sought opportunities in Glenmore, adjacent parishes and on foreign shores.
Earliest McDonald’s in Ballyfacey, Glenmore
Glenmore was until the middle of the 19th century part of the parish of Slieverue. We are lucky that the parish records started in the mid-18th century survive. Thus, we know that Patrick McDaniel (sic) and his wife Joane Murry were the parents of at least two children baptized at “Old Ballyfacey:” Margaret McDaniel (bapt. 4 Oct. 1769) and Catherine Macdaniel (sic) (bapt. 26 Aug. 1772).
A record of a wedding on 18 February 1798 was found in the Slieverue parish records where Margaret Macdonnell (sic) “Old Ballyfacey” married John Bardin of Lismategue, Knocktopher.
The parish records provide that other McDonald children were born during this era: in Kilbride, Glenmore (Patrick, bapt. 26 Nov.1776, son of Edmond O’Danniel and Margaret Joanes); and in Mullinahone, Glenmore (Anstice, bapt. 31 July 1771, daughter of Edmund Mackdaniel (sic) and Margaret Grant).
In the 1830 Tithe Applotment Books for Lower Bally Facey (sic) John McDaniel was the lessee 22 acres plus leased about 100 acres in the townland in common with others.
The Last McDonald’s in Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The last McDonalds in Ballyfacey were two bachelor brothers. James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (26 June 1909-21 Sept. 1990) and Patrick “Pat Mac” McDonald (11 Sept. 1918-22 March 1986). Both are buried in Glenmore with their parents Patrick McDonald (c. 16 Mar. 1868-14 Dec. 1952) and Margaret McDonald née Henneberry (22 June 1875-10 Dec. 1957).
Their mother, Margaret was baptized in Jamestown, Glenmore, to Patrick Henneberry and his wife Bridget Joice(sic) [Joyce] on 18 June 1875. Their father, Patrick Macdonald (sic)(c. 1868-1952) was baptized at Ballyfacey on 16 March 1868. He was the son of Thomas Macdonald, of Ballyfacey, and his second wife Anastatia Neill, of Mullinavat.
Margaret Hennebery (1875-1957) of Jamestown, married Patrick Macdonald (sic) of Ballyfacey at Glenmore on 22 November 1904. The groom’s father was recorded as Thomas Macdonald (deceased, farmer) and the bride’s father was Patrick Henneberry (farmer).
Patrick McDonald (1868-1952) and Magaret McDonald née Henneberry (1875-1957) had 9 known children.
[1] Thomas McDonald (c. 1906-1953) never married and died at the age of 46 at Ballyfacey after a 2 year illness. His death cert lists angina pectoris as his cause of death. His brother James was present when Thomas died on 20 February 1953. A short death notice was located in the Munster Express ( Fri. 13 Feb. 1953, p. 12). “The death occurred rather unexpectedly at his residence, Ballyfacey, Glenmore, on Tuesday last, of Mr. Thomas McDonald, at the age of 44. He was eldest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Patrick McDonald, and was a prominent footballer and hurler with his native parish, as well as being a founder member of Glenmore’s Ploughing Association.”
[2] Anastatia McDonald (1908) married O’Sullivan of Ballyhale.
[3] James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (1909-1990) never married.
[4] Bridget McDonald (1910-1 Nov. 1991) married John Kennedy (c. 1908-1970) of Ballinclare, Glenmore. The couple farmed at Ballinclare and raised 7 known children.
[5] Patrick “Pat Mac” McDonald (1918-1986) never married.
[6] Catherine “Katie” McDonald (23 July 1918—30 Mar. 2013) married Paddy Cororan (c. 1912 -1970) of Mullinahone. The couple had no children.
[7] Mary “May” McDonald (b. 11 May 1914) married Quinn of Ballyhale.
[8] Margaret McDonald (b. 31 Aug 1915) married at Glenmore in 1941, Thomas Fitzgerald of Glynn, Tullogher.
[9] John McDonald (b. 2 Feb. 1920) was married and resided in Ferrybank.
After Jimmy Mac died in 1990 the McDonald farm of Ballyfacey passed to his nephew Tom Fitzgerald.
The Previous Generation: The Two Families of Thomas McDonald
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and Judith/Johanna Denieffe/Neiff (c. 1826-after 1857)
On 3 November 1852 at Glenmore, Judith Deniefe married John MacDonnell (sic). Although the father of the bride and groom are not recorded we believe Judith Deniefe was baptized at Bally Verea (sic) Glenmore on 9 August 1826, the daughter of John Deneff and Honor Donovan.
The Glenmore Deneiffes
John Deneef (sic) married Honor Donnevan (sic) on 8 February 1824 at Glenmore. They are recorded as residing at Ballivera. The note on the register records they were second cousins. There were several John Kneefe’s in Glenmore in the early 19th century. Only one was born in Ballyveria. John Kneefe (sic) was baptized at Ballyverera on 10 July 1794 the son of Edmund Kneefe and Johanna Tromulty. (An earlier son bore the name John and was baptized 5 June 1792). There are multiple Honor Donovans in Glenmore, but only one was born at Ballyverera (sic) before the wedding. Honor Donovan was baptized 23 February 1795, at Ballyveria, Glenmore, the daughter of James Donovan and Mary Kennedy.
The Children from Thomas McDonald’s (c. 1808-1889) First Marriage
[1] Catherine Macdonald (bapt. 13 Nov. 1853-1931) was born at Ballyfacey. Family lore provides that Catherine emigrated to the US at the age of 9, soon after her mother died. She was with her sister Mary who was only 7. We did find a record that Cath McDonald, age 11 arrived in New York on 11 June 1866 aboard The Royal Standard. She was traveling with Bridget MacDonald (servant) aged 22; Patrick MacDonald (labourer) aged 20. It is not clear who Patrick and Bridget were.
Catherine McDonald married John Stack (1855-1923) on 10 June 1884 in Peoria, Illinois. John was a native of Knox County, Illinois and worked as an engineer on the railroad. The couple lived and raised their family in Peoria, Illinois. When Catherine died her obituary appeared in the Munster Express and her funeral was conducted by Msgr. Patrick O’Connor Culleton (1877—1960) a native of Kilbride, Glenmore. Catherine’s obituary from the Munster Express may be found on our S Surname page. For more information on Msgr. Culleton see our post of 26 August 2024.
[2] Mary Macdonald (bapt. 13 June 1855-16 Sept. 1937) was born at Ballyfacey. While it is correct that Mary emigrated to Peoria, Illinois she did not go out with her sister. Mary never married, and worked as a domestic in Peoria. Sometime before 1913 she moved from Illinois to Pasadena, California to work as a housekeeper for a priest. According to the naturalization petition she filed in Los Angeles on the 26th of September 1913 she was born at Glenmore on 22 June 1859 (which is not correct according to her baptismal record.) She stated that she emigrated in May 1870 to New York on board a ship from Queenstown called the Queen. No record could be located.
[3] John Macdonald (bapt. 19 April 1857—3 Oct. 1906) was born at Ballyfacey. John McDonald was sent to Kilivory, Glenmore where his Aunt Brigid and her husband had a small holding. His aunt and uncle were childless. John married Honor Fitzgerald, of Newtown, at Glenmore on 25 June 1879. The Civil Mariage Registry provides the fathers were Thomas Macdonald (farmer) and Patrick Fitzgerald (farmer). Two daughters were born to the couple Johanna McDonald (1881-1955) and Catherine “Kate” McDonald (1883-1958). Kate McDonald was a well-known Glenmore dressmaker.
John McDonald died 3 October 1906 . At the time of his death his profession was labourer, he was married and aged 48. He died “probably of bronchitis” without any medical attention. His daughter Johannah was present at his death in Kilmakevogue.
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) and Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?) of Garrandara, Mullinavat
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808–1889) married his second wife, Anastatia O’Neill (c. 1837-1902?) on 4 February 1863 at Mullinavat. Their fathers names are not recorded in the records nor is the fact that Thomas was a widower.
The Children from Thomas McDonald’s (c. 1808-1889) Second Marriage
[1] Margaret Macdonald (21 April 1864-1939) of Ballyfasy (sic) married John Williams (1867) (farmer) of Miltown, Kilmacow, at Glenmore on 18 February 1896. The marriage records provide that their fathers were William Williams and Thomas Macdonald. John Williams was born 14 November 1867 to William Williams and his wife Ellen Gaul of Miltown, Kilmacow.
[2] Rev. James J. McDonald (1866-1902). We hope to do a post on Fr. McDonald, and are awaiting requested information from the Diocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, where Father McDonald ministered and died.
[3] Patrick McDonald (1868-1952). As outlined above, Patrick married Magaret Henneberry (1875-1957) in 1904. They farmed the McDonald farm of Ballyfacey, and it was passed on to their son James “Jimmy Mac” McDonald (1909-1990). Patrick McDonald visited his brother James in the US in 1900 and appears to have visited his kin in Peoria, Illinois.
[4] Bridget McDonald (b. 1870) when 29 married Philip Walsh, of Ballyfacey (farmer, aged 32) on 6 March 1905. Their fathers were Richard Walsh (c.1821-1893) and Thomas McDonald. Richard Walsh (c. 1821-1893) was married to Margaret Murphy (c. 1831-1894). It is believed that Bridget McDonald & Philip Walsh only had one child Richard Walsh (c. 1913-1988) who married Kathleen Mullins (c. 1915-1985) of Flemingstown. Bridget McDonald and Philip Walsh were the paternal grandparents of the current Andy Walsh of Ballyfacey.
[5] Thomas McDonald (1874-1958) was born 17 February 1874 at Ballyfacey the son of Thomas Macdonald (farmer) and Anastatia Neill. Margaret Neill, of Garrandara, was present at his birth and registered the birth on 6 March 1874. As a young man Thomas was sent to Garrandara to work the Neill farm where his mother came from. According to his obituary Thomas was a footballer for his native Glenmore. Thomas McDonald (farmer) of Garrandarra married on 30 April 1918, Mary Henebery (c.1884-1953) of Buckstown at Mullinavat. The father of the groom was Thomas McDonald (farmer) and the father of the bride was James Henebery (farmer). Witness were Wm. Williams and Brigid Knox.
Mary McDonald née Henebery died on 16 September 1953 of myocardial degeneration. She was ill for 18 months. Five years later Thomas died. A copy of Thomas McDonald’s complete obituary can be found on our M Family Surname page.
The Deaths of Thomas McDonald (c. 1808—1889) & Anastatia McDonald née O’Neil (c. 1837-1902?)
Thomas McDonald (c. 1808-1889) died 11 October 1889 at Balllyfacey at the age of 81. He died of senile decay “gradual” and he received no medical attention. His sister-in-law, Margaret O’Neill, was present at his death. His second wife, Anastatia, died we believe in 1902 under the name Statia McDonald, aged 65. Unfortunately, the link to the death register is corrupted, so no further information was available at this time.
The last official record we could locate was the 1901 Census which provides that at Ballyfacey, Anastatia McDonnell (sic) was 65, a widow and head of the household. Her sister, Maggie Neill was 38, her daughter Bridget was 26 and single. Thomas McDonnell, her son was 24 and single. Also present was William Williams, her grandson, aged 4, and Patrick Murphy, aged 24, a servant, tailor, who was “deaf and dumb.”
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Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
The feature photo above was shared by Sean McCarthy, the date of the photo is unknown, but it had to be taken prior to 1953. Photo back row left to right: Sean’s grandmother, Mary “Mollie” McDonald née Henneberry (c. 1884-1953), his mother Anna McCarthy née McDonald, William Williams (of Milltown, Kilmacow)(nephew of Thomas McDonald) the next lady he thinks is Margaret Williams née McDonald (William’s mother). His grandfather Thomas McDonald (1874-1958) is seated holding the child. Sean is not certain regarding the identity of the others in the photo. If anyone can identify the children or the nun please send on their names.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Update: John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) native of Ballyfacey, Glenmore
In 1938, just five years before John J. O’Connor’s untimely death, the Citizens Historical Association compiled a book of biographical sketches of Kansas City Citizens. The Citizens Historical Association was organized in Indianapolis in 1934, to establish a national library of historical and biographical information. With a small fee, the company prepared biographical sketches which could include genealogical information on a person’s ancestors. The association disbanded in 1952 and the biographical sketches were sold to the Indiana State Library.
John J. O’Connor was a member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Citizens Historical Association. Thanks to the Kansas City Public Library for copying and sending the biography he wrote in 1938. The helpful library staff also sent a later photo of John J. O’Connor’s business premises of 1104 Union St., Kansas City, Missouri. See our post of 5 August 2024 for further information on the O’Connor family.
Biographical Sketch
The complete sketch is below and retains the abreviations used in the original publication. Non-original additional information has been placed in [ ].
John J. O’Connor, President, O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Co., 1104 Union Street, Kansas City, Missouri (1938)
John J(oseph) O’Connor, b,, in County Kilkenny, Ireland, Mar. 2, 1886; s. of John Joseph and Brigid (Roche) O’Connor.
John Joseph O’Connor, b. in County Kilkenny, Ireland. He was a farmer in his native country prior to his death, which occurred in 1912. His wife, Brigid (Roche) O’Connor, who was b. in County Kilkenny, Ireland, died in 1905.
[John O’Connor and Brigid Roche were married at Glenmore on 4 March 1878. John was the son of George O’Connor of Ballyfacey and Brigid Roche was the daughter of Edmond Roche of Rathinure. Brigid “Conners” née Roche died at the family home in lower Balleyfacey on 1 June 1905 at the age of 58. Her son Pat was present when she died of suspected heart disease. Her husband, John “Connors” (widower) farmer died at Ballyfacey on the 16th of November 1911. His son George was present at his death. His age was recorded as 82. A baptismal record was located for John “Conors” the son of George Connors and his wife Catherine Dollard at Ballyfacey on 25 June 1830].]
John J. O’Connor, the subject of this sketch, attended rural grade schs., and the national schs. in Ireland, after which he was a student at Waterpark Coll., in Waterford, Ireland. He came to America in 1905, settling in Kansas City, Mo. and in 1908, graduated from the Kansas City School of Law with an LL.B. deg., after which he passed the bar examination. While attending law sch., he became employed as a bill clerk by the S & S Packing Company, of Kansas City, with which firm he remained 3 yrs.
He then was associated with the Commerce Trust Company, as a tell, three and a half years., following which he was identified with the Flanagan Brothers Manufacturing Company, in Kansas City, 18 mos. Mr. O’Connor subsequently was identified until 1936, with the McManus-Heryer Brokerage Company, of which he was sec., after which he organized the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company, of which firm he is pres. He serves also as a dir. of the South Side Bank. Mr. O’Connor, who is an ind. Democrat, is a mem. of the following: Central Industrial Dist. Assn.; K. of C. (3rd deg.); Ancient Order of Hibernians; Milburn Gold and Country Club; Kansas City Chapter, Citizens Hist. Assn.; and Guardian Angel (Roman Catholic) Church. His hobby is golf.
In Mar. 1912, Mr. O’Connor married Catherine Queenan, who was b. in County Mayo, Ireland. Children: (1) John J., Jr. He married Loretto Fetters, and they reside in Kansas City, Mo. (2) Catherine B., who resides in Kansas City. (3) Margaret Mary, who is employed in the Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library. (4) Mary Ellen, who is in school, in Kansas City. (5) Edward Patrick, who also attends school in Kansas City.
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The featured photo above is of 1104 Union Street, the premises of the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company of Kansas City, Missouri.
Website Update–We have added a large number of obits and other information to the family surname pages over the last few weeks. We are currently reviewing the website as we are outgrowing it.
If you have any corretions, additional information or thoughts on the re-structuring of the webpage please email glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
The O’Connor Brothers of Ballyfacey, Glenmore: Edward & John J. O’Connor
Recently we were asked about a grave marker in Kansas City, Missouri. It marks the graves of two Glenmore brothers Edward O’Connor (1882-1943) and John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. They were younger brothers of George O’Connor (1881-1966) of Ballyfacey. Today, we are going to highlight the lives of these two brothers and their tragic deaths within two weeks of each other in 1943.
Ballyfacey, Glenmore
The name O’Connor was generally called Connors or Conners in Glenmore even in the Parish Records. The O’Connors’ originated in Wexford (Michael Hoynes, 4 Aug. 2024). The name George Connors has long been associated with Ballyfacey, and at one point two cousins bearing the name lived side by side. To distinguish the families the locals referred to them as Big George and Little George.
The first record located in the parish records of a George Connors was a baptism on 11 November 1793 at Ballyfacey. The child’s parents were Thomas Connors and Johanna née Bolger. Two years later another George Connors was baptized at Ballyfacey on 2 May 1799, the son of John Connors and Mary née Culleton.
Parents of John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) & Edward O’Connor (1882-1943)
The parents of the brothers who died in 1943 were John Connors (1830-1911) of Ballyfacey and Bridget Roche (1847-1905) of Rathinure, Glenmore. John and Bridget married on 4 March 1878 at Glenmore. John was the son of George Connors (farmer) & his wife Catherine Dollard. Bridget Roche was the daughter of Edward Roche and his wife Elizabeth Malone of Rathinure, Glenmore.
John Connors and his wife Bridget Roche had five known children all born at Ballyfacey: [1] Catherine Connors (b. 1879); [2] George Connors (b. 1881); [3] Edward Connors (b. 1882) [4] Patrick Connors (b. 1883); and [5] John Connors (b. 1886).
John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) Kansas City, Mo.
According to the Naturalisation documents that John Joseph O’Connor filed in the Federal Courts of Missouri seeking US citizenship, he emigrated from Ireland in 1905 aboard the Campania, landing in New York on 17 September 1905. He was granted citizenship at Kansas City, Missouri on 4 March 1908.
A review of the Campania’s register reveals that the ship arrived in New York on 16 September 1905. John was 19 years of age, and stated that his father paid his fare. He declared that he had $10 and was traveling to his cousin, Rev. P. Culleton at St. Mary’s Rectory, Westville, Illinois.
It is not clear how or why John went to Kansas City, Missouri, however, he attended and graduated from the Kansas City School of Law in 1908. This independent law school was founded in 1895 by three young local lawyers. Its most famous graduate was Harry S. Truman. In 1911, John married Catherine Queenan, (a native of Mayo) and the couple had 6 children. Catherine died 21 November 1941 at the age of 53.
It does not appear that John practiced law. He became a broker of food and was president of the O’Connor-Thompson Brokerage Company, located at 1104 Union Avenue. A quick newspaper search revealed that John was busy in the community. He was a member of the Committee for Friends of Irish Freedom along with Patrick J. Harpy; James Ahren; P.A. M’Kenna; C.A. Lawler; M.J. M’Nellis; and R.E. O’Malley. During de Valera’s trip to New York in 1919, the Committee telegraphed de Valera and asked him to come to Kansas City for a “monster rally.” (Kansas City Journal, Mon. 30 June 1919, p. 1). Some of the men on this Committee and other organisations that John belonged were John’s pallbearers when he died in 1943.
According to John’s obituary his other business interest was that he was a director of the South Side Bank. He was also a member of the local Democrats, Co-operative club, the Allied Food club, the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. He held city, state and national offices in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In fact, he was first elected President of the Missouri Branch of the OAH in 1916 (Kansas City Journal, Fri. 1 Sept. 1916, p. 10).
Kansas City Scandal
The only negative news story that could be located was from 1938 when a former friend sued John. Maurice J. McNellis sued Roy W. Crimm, executor for the estate of William D. Boyle; J.L. Cashen and John J. O’Connor. McNellis stated that from 1921 until December 1935 he was President of the South Side Bank of Kansas City. He alleged the defendants conspired to destroy his professional reputation and asked for damages of $200,000 (The Kansas City Times, Thu. 29 June 1938, p. 2). It is not clear what transpired that led to this suit, but it was during the Great Depression when many banks failed. We found another case that may have been the cause of the lawsuit against John.
William D. Boyle left an estate of $484,499.61 when he died on 3 June 1938 after being hit by a bolt of lightning while watching a golf tournament. Boyle was a member of the Boyle-Pryor Construction Company. This company received city contracts and was being sued by the city to recover $356,000. Boyle’s partner Pryor was indicted in the $356,000 water leak scandal. Two notes in the Boyle estate were alleged to have been executed by McNellis. Both were listed at no value (Kansas City Star, Thurs. 6 July 1939, p. 3).
The City believed that Rathford Engineering was a dummy company operated by William D. Boyle and John J. Pryor of the Boyle-Pryor Construction Company. Rathford was set up to defraud the City (Kansas City Star, Thu. 15 June 1944, p. 6). Ultimately a ten day trial was held and Judge Thomas J. Seehorn found for the defendants. The City appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court where a new trial was ordered (Kansas City Star, Tues. 6 March 1945, p. 3).
John J. O’Connor was not named and apparently had nothing to do with the “water leak scandal.” He and the other defendant, J.L. Cashen were Directors of the South Side Bank and it appears likely they took actions to protect the bank from the scandal. The deceased, William D. Boyle had stock in the bank and secured two notes from McNellis when he was President of the bank. Maurice McNellis went on to form the McNellis Real Estate Investment company, and no further newspaper coverage of his case against John J. O’Connor could be found.
Death 24 October 1943
Just two years after his wife’s untimely death, John O’Connor was killed on 24 October 1943 at 3:55 a.m. when “a motor car in which he was riding crashed into a trolley pole across the street from 5335 Ward Parkway. The motor car spun in the roadway and struck the pole broadside. The side on which O’Connor was riding was crushed. More than an hour was required to extricate him.”
Police reported that the pole was on a curve and a downhill grade. Earlier in the year it also was the scene of a crash “which killed LeRoy Simons, the president of the Simons-Wiles Buick Company.” O’Connor was the passenger in a coupe driven by Eugene P. Sheridan, 49 of 305 West 37th St., a credit manager for a rubber company. Sheridan told police that they were returning to O’Connor’s home at 4133 Mercier St., after an afternoon and night at the Milburn Golf and Country Club (Kansas City Times, Mon. 25 Oct. 1943, p. 1).
John’s wake was held in the family home. He was buried next to his wife and infant daughter, in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. John’s pallbearers were: Frank Sullivan; John J. Sullivan; Edwin M. Thompson; James P. Aylward; R.B. Lustig; John V. Hill; James A. Edwards; and Joseph M. Morrissey (Kansas City Star, Tues. 26 Oct. 1926, 1943, p. 7). A photo of the O’Connor grave marker can be viewed on Find a Grave.
[Editor’s note: The name Aylward has long been associated with Glenmore. The James P. Aylward (1885-1982) pallbearer was an attorney and served at various times as the chairman of the Kansas City Democrats, the Jackson County Democrats and the Missouri State Democrats. In 1934 the “Pendergast” machine asked him to stand for the US Senate. Aylward declined and instead recommended a county judge named Harry S. Truman” (Kansas City Times, Mon. 26 July 1982, p. 10.) James P. Aylward (1885-1982) the pallbearer was the eldest son of Tobias John Aylward (1860-1923) a native of Rochestown, Glenmore. See our A family surname page for further information.]
Children of John J. O’Connor (1886-1943)
[1] John J. O’Connor, Jr. (1912-1959) graduated from Notre Dame and the University of Kansas City School of Law. He worked for a time as a teller at the City National Bank, and in 1940 he went into the food business as a vice-president at George Hogue Mercantile, Co. . On the death of his father in 1943 he became chairman of the board of the South Side Bank. In 1957, he sold his interest in the mercantile and became president of the South Side Federal Savings and Loan Association in Waldo. He was married and had a large young family at the time of his death aged 47 (Kansas City Star, Tues. 24 Mar. 1959, p. 13).
[2] Catherine B. O’Connor Wyrsch (1914-1976) married Frederick R. Wyrsch, Sr. who was President of the South Side Bank and died in 1964. They had a large family. After Catherine was widowed she married Leo J. Cusick who was a manager of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and was a consultant to the Chicago Regional Transportation. Catherine died on vacation while in London, England (Kansas City Times, Thur. 6 May 1976, p. 84).
[3] Eliz. E. “Betty” O’Connor (1916-1918) died in infancy.
[4] Margaret Mary O’Connor Barry (1916-1989) married Robert C. Barry. Prior to her marriage she attended Alvila College and was a 1938 graduate of the College of St. Catherine of St. Paul, Minnesota. During the 1940’s Margaret worked as a librarian in the Kansas City Public Library. She had 5 children (Kansas City Times, Fri. 5 May 1989, p. 50).
[5] Mary Ellen O’Connor Ervin (1921-1999) continued to live in the family home 4133 Mercier until at least her brother’s death in 1959 (Kansas City Star, Tues. 24 March 1959, p. 13). She married Robert Edward Ervin in 1945. He died in 1984. The couple had five known children. Mary Ellen died in Leawood, Kansas in February 1999. In her obituary it was noted that her best friend remained her brother Edward (Kansas City Star, Sun. 21 Feb. 1999, p. 28).
[6] Edward Patrick O’Connor (1924-2020) was a freshmen at Notre Dame in Sept. 1941 (Kansas City Journal, Tues. 16 Sept. 1941, p. 8) just two months before his mother’s death. He graduated from the ROTC Naval Program in May 1944 and served as a Lt. on the USS Alvin C. Cockwell, a destroyer escort ship. He was on the deck of the USS Missouri and watched General McArthur accept Japan’s surrender. Returning to civilian life in Kansas City he became President of the Heritage Federal Savings and Loan, married and raised a family (Kansas City Star, Wed. 29 Jan. 2020, p. A3). He was he last of his family and died at the age of 95 in 2020.
Edward O’Connor (1882-1943) Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL
Edward O’Connor filed naturalization papers in Kansas City, Mo. stating that he was born 23 April 1882. Edward stated that he arrived in the U.S. on the 27th of September 1907.
According to the Diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore [Danny Dowling’s Notebook 2], “Edward Connors of Ballyfacey and W. Grace of Kilbride sailed for the U.S. on 18 September 1907.” The 1901 Census provides that only one Grace family resided in Kilbride, Glenmore. W. Grace was William Grace (b.c. 1881).
Armed with this information we were able to find the two young men on the Baltic’s passenger list. The Baltic landed in New York on 28 September 1907. William Grace, aged 26, stated that he was a farmer. Edward O’Connor was 24 and stated that he too was a farmer and was planning to go to Kansas City where he had a brother.
Edward was naturalized on 6 July 1914 at Kansas City, Missouri. One of his witnesses was Maurice O’Connor of 1822 Summit St., Kansas City, Missouri. Maurice O’Connor per the 1911 City Directory was with the Fire Department. According to the 1910 Census, Maurice (b. 1870 in Ireland) was single, an Assistant Chief, and lodged with his cousin Joseph R. Scanlon who was also employed by the City.
Edward O’Connor remained a bachelor and lived for several years with his brother John J. O’Connor and his family in Kansas City. He worked as a clerk, an accountant and later sold life insurance. In the 1940 Census he recorded that he finished his education after the sixth grade.
Around 1926 Edward moved to Chicago, and died there in 1943. He appears to have remained close to his brother and his family the newspapers reported that he was “an out of town guest” at his niece’s wedding (Kansas City Journal, Sat. 25 Oct. 1941, p. 19). No newspaper articles could be found for Edward prior to 1943. By all appearances he led a quiet life, but here in Glenmore it was reported that he was robbed and killed on his way home one evening. Another rumour was that he was shot. We were unable to find any Chicago newspaper articles that indicated that Edward was the victim of a robbery or other violence that caused his death.
Death of Edward O’Connor (1882-1943)
The Kansas City Times (Tues. 9 Nov. 1943, p. 4) reported the following:
A Second Brother Killed: Tragedy Strikes John J. O’Connor Family Twice in Two Weeks—Tragedy has struck twice in two weeks in the family of John J. O’Connor, 4133 Mercier St. Mr. O’Connor was killed in a motor car crash near 53rd St and Ward Parkway October 24th, and yesterday his family was informed that M. O’Connor’s brother, Edward O’Connor, 61 years old, was found dead along a railroad right-of-way on Chicago’s near North Side early yesterday morning.
Friends of Edward O’Connor in Chicago said he was apparently in good health and spirits when they last saw him. Edward O’Connor, a bachelor, has made his home in Chicago for the last 16 years. He was in the life insurance business. Born in Ireland, Mr. O’Connor came to the United States and Kansas City in 1905. For many years he worked for Bruce Dodson & Co., and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He left Kansas City in 1926.
He is survived by a brother, George O’Connor who lives in Ireland. A nephew, John J. O’Connor, Jr., East 61st St. Terrace, left last night for Chicago. He said that funeral services would be held in Kansas City.
The Culleton Cousin
The Rt. Rev. Mons. Culleton of Peoria was Patrick Culleton (1877-1960) of Kilbride, Glenmore. He was the son of James Culleton (1845-1912) and his wife Margaret Connors (1839-1918). His parents were married 3 February 1876 at Glenmore. Patrick was ordained in 1900 and appointed to diocese of Peoria on American Mission. He had two brothers, Michael & George Culleton (b. 1881). Margaret Connors Culleton (1839-1918) was a sister of John Connors (1830- 1911) the father of John J. O’Connor (1886-1943) and Edward O’Connor (1882-1943). Thus, the three men were first cousins.
Patrick served in the Peoria Diocese all his religious life. He officiated at the marriage of John J. O’Connor’s daughters in Kansas City in the early 1940’s. Patrick died in 1960 in Miami Beach, Florida. He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery of West Peoria, Illinois. To view Monsignor Patrick O’C Culleton’s headstone, see Find a Grave.
It is not known why Patrick used O’C for his middle initial. It is believed that there may have been other priests with the same or similar names, and he wished to distinguish himself by using his mother’s maiden name as his middle name. One of his nephews later became a priest and was also assigned to the Peoria Diocese.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com. Special thanks to Michael Hoynes of Ballybrahee, Glenmore for helping sort out the Ballyfacey Conners. The featured photo above is John J. O’Connor’s (1886-1943) yearbook photo from the Kansas City School of Law (1908).
We located a chapter in a book concerning John J. O’Connor which is held in the Kansas City Library. It is not available on line and when we secure a copy we may update this post.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh