Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947)
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Interviews of Andrew Heffernan (1893-1975) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Danny Dowling (1927-2021) for over 7 decades interviewed and recorded various Glenmore residents. We have discovered two short interviews that Danny recorded on 28 February 1964 and 28 August 1964. Both took place in Waterford. These interviews address some queries that we received earlier this year concerning the origin of the Heffernan family of Aylwardstown and the relationship between the Kennedys of Dunganstown and Rathinure. Dates of birth and death have been added, and other information not from the interviews has been placed in square brackets [ ]. Andrew Heffernan was able to provide information back to the early years of the 19th Century.
From Haggard to Aylwardstown
According to Andy Heffernan, the Heffernan family came to Aylwardstown from Haggard, Glenmore. The Heffernan family had been evicted from Haggard. They lived in Haggard where John Byrne (1893-1976) was in 1964.
[John Byrne married Mary Aylward (c. 1898-1983) of Haggard on 8 February 1932. Her father was John Aylward (farmer). John Byrne was a native of Taghmon, Wexford. He was the son of Laurence Byrne (farmer). As an interesting aside, (per Thomas Walsh (1908-1992)) John Byrne during WWII drove his horse to either Slieverue or Ferrybank seeking cigarettes. No cigarettes were available, but he heard that cigarettes were available in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary. He drove his horse all the way to Carrick-on-Suir and back. For our international readers Carrick is today (via the N24) about 43 km from Glenmore. However, if John cut across country on smaller lanes the journey would have been shorter. We hope and assume it was a successful mission.]
In Aylwardstown there was a farm of about 100 [Irish] acres at the time the Heffernan family moved. This farm was divided among the Heffernan’s, two Morrissey families and the Delahunty’s. They all came to Aylwardstown together. Each family had 25 [Irish] acres [or 40 statute acres]. Later, Delahunty’s bought the second Morrissey place.
Heffernan Glenmore Burials
The Heffernan’s were buried in Kilivory. Andy told Danny to look for the headstone of Tim Heffernan. [Danny did find the headstone and recorded it as follows:
Erected by Tim Heferin of Haggard
in memory of his father Patrick Heferin
who dep’d this life April 7th 1797 aged 60 yrs
Also the body o Bridget Heferin who dep’d this
life March 17th 1797 aged 34 years]
Andy stated that his brother was the first of the family to be buried in Glenmore Cemetery. His brother died 52 years previously [or in 1912]. He came home from America owing to being delicate. [James Heffernan (1882-1912) died on 2 August 1912 at Aylwardstown. He was single, 30 years of age at the time and worked as a draper’s assistant. He died of heart disease, and his sister Mary O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, was present when he died. In 1908, James Heffernan (25, a draper) traveled with James Delahunty (35,farmer) aboard the Adriactic to New York landing on 1 October. The address in the old country was Glenmore, Waterford and they were going to Chicago, Illinois. Both gave James’s brother Richard Heffernan (1889-1947) as nearest relative or friend. Richard James Heffernan (1889-1947) resided in Chicago. ]
Rathinure Link with Dunganstown, Wexford?
Andy told Danny that he was a first cousin to Peter Kennedy (1878-1962) of Rathinure. [Andy’s mother was Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947) her father was Pierce Kennedy (b. 1809). Bridget Kennedy married Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) on 12 February 1879 at Glenmore. Their photo is above.] Andy often heard his mother say that the Kennedy’s of Dunganstown used to visit Rathinure regularly. She said that they were related. Andy believed that a Kennedy went to Dunganstown from Rathinure originally. Andy also stated that all the Kennedy families in Rathinure were originally the one family. [It is not surprising that Dunganstown came up in this interview. President Kennedy was assassinated just 3 months earlier in November 1963.] For more information on the Heffernan family see our H surname page. For further information on Dunganstown see The Kennedy Homestead webpage.
[Around 1996 an elderly lady named Mrs. Doyle stopped to ask me directions. She said that her grandmother, Hannie Kennedy, came from Rathinure and married her grandfather, Tom Shanahan, of Dunganstown. I took her to Danny who after asking a few questions started searching his copy of the parish records. He found a marriage that took place on 15 February 1843 at Glenmore between Thomas Shannon (sic) and Johanna Kennedy of Rahanure (sic). A notation in the record noted a certificate was provided by Rev. James Cullen, P.P. of Sutton Parish, Wexford for the groom. He explained to Mrs. Doyle that there were a lot of marriages across the Barrow. Before the automobile it was easier to travel by boat than by road.]
Grants of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Andy stated that the Grants lived where Dick Brien (Fitzgerald) lived. [Per Ann Fitzgerald, Dick Brien was the name Richard Fitzgerald went by. The Fitzgerald family came to Aylwardstown in the early 1800’s from Ballinaraha, Glenmore. They used their mother’s maiden name (Brien) to distinguish themselves from other local Fitzgerald families.]
The last of the Grant’s was a woman. She had a public house there. [We believe that Andy was referring to the Half Way House of Aylwardstown located on the old Stage Coach or High Road.] Jim Dunphy (1855-1943) of Ballyverneen, born over the Rock, gave his life to the Clyde Shipping Company. Jim Dunphy told Andy that a British soldier got a drink in Grant’s public house on one occasion and was leaving without paying for it. The Grant woman told him he would pay or it would be on his soul. The soldier replied, “Will you give me another on my soul?” [Jim Dunphy’s obituary may be read on our D surname page. We are uncertain what “born over the rock” means in this context, but it is likely that he was referring to Jim Dunphy being born on the far side of the Pink Rock.]
The Brien Fitzgerald’s of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
Andy explained to Danny that Dick Brien’s uncle was the present Jim Brien’s father. [We believe that Andy was explaining that Dick Brien and Jim Brien (1896-1979) were first cousins. We were able to verify through parish records every statement made by Andy regarding the Brien Fitzgeralds.] See our F Surname page for further information on the Brien Fitzgerald’s.
Michael Coady of Carrickcloney, Glenmore was married to one of the Brien’s (Fitzgerald’s) of the Half-Way House. [We found in the parish records that Michael Cody married Catherine Fitzgerald of Aylworthstown (sic) on 3 February 1823.]
Pierrie Barron, of Carrigcloney, married into a Mrs. Kirwan née Brien of the Half-Way House. He was her second husband. He came from where Richie Barron had the farm in Carrigcloney. Pierrie Barron was Mikey’s father. [We found where Bridget Fitzgerald, of Aylwardstown, married Michael Kiervan (sic) on 29 February 1848 at Glenmore We also found where Peter Barron married Bridget Cervan (sic) on 22 January 1852. Michael Barron was baptized on 26 May 1855 at Carricklony (sic) to Pierce Barron and his wife Bridget Kerivan.]
Uncles Emigrated to U.S.
Andy told Danny that he had grand uncles who went to America in the early part of the last century [ie early 1800’s]. [See our post of 9 February 2025 regarding his grand-uncle James Heffernan (1825-1891). It is not altogether clear if Andy was also referring to John Dollard (1801-1888) who was married to his great-aunt Bridget Dollard née Heffernan (1811-1891) native of Aylwardstown. See our post of 17 February 2025 regarding John Dollard and Bridget Dollard née Heffernan.
Andy also had two uncles who later went to America. They settled near Stone Wall City on virgin territory and called the settlement Glenmore. They also called the church there St. James’s. When Andy’s uncle John first went out first they could only go to Mass once a year on Christmas Day as they lived 40 miles from the nearest church. This man John on one occasion with a man called Brennan rode 40 miles to the Christmas Mass. Andy said that this took place in South Dakota. [We believe based on contemporary documents that these events actually took place in Glenmore, Wisconsin. We were not able to find a Glenmore in South Dakotas, but we did locate an obituary for Andy’s uncle John Heffernan (1842-1930) who was an early settler of Grant County, South Dakota.]
Grant County Review, Thurs. 19 June 1930
[A VALUED CITIZEN PASSED SATURDAY—Pioneer Settler Near Big Stone Victim of Heart Attack Last Saturday
Big Stone township and Grant county lost one of their most honorable citizens with the sudden death last Saturday evening of John Heffernan, a pioneer of this section. Exactly one month and one day previous to his death Mr. and Mrs. Heffernan celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. At that time and since the deceased appeared to be enjoying ordinary health, was about daily and assisted his sons with work about the farm, taking a lively interest and apparently with many years of life and usefulness before him. Saturday afternoon, accompanied by Mrs. Heffernan, he visited the pastures and looked over the stock, and made no complaint of felling ill until about 8:00 o’clock that evening. He then told Mrs. Heffernan that he had a pain in his chest, and went and laid down for a short rest, which was not an unusual procedure on his part.
When the pain persisted Mrs. Heffernan volunteered to apply a mustard plaster or something of that sort. About that time, however, Mr. Heffernan remarked that it had left his chest and gone into his arm, and then without further word or complaint dropped peacefully into that long, last slumber. Mrs. Heffernan was alone in the house at the time, but despite the shock managed to summon her son James, who was about the place, and also just at that time her son John and daughter Alice, who had been to town trading, arrived home. Aid was immediately procured, but the spark of life had fled and all efforts to rekindle it were unavailing.
John Heffernan was born October 12, 1851, at Glenmore, county Kilkenny, Ireland. In 1874, when 23 years of age, he came to America and located at DePere, Wis. In 1879 he came among the pioneers to this county and filed on a homestead in Big Stone township. The following year he returned to DePere and was united in marriage with Miss Mary Shea, his surviving wife. Together they returned to this county and since that time have resided continuously in Big Stone township. For better than a half century the deceased has commanded the respect, friendship and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances in this section in a most unusual manner, and never hesitated to lend his support to any worthy project or enterprise. Religiously he was always a devout and faithful practitioner of the Catholic faith, and his home was truly a model husband and father.
Besides his wife the immediate family members are seven sons and two daughters, namely, James, John, Raymond, William and Norbert, all of Big Stone township; Thomas, Omaha, Neb., and Dr. Bernard Heffernan, Milwaukee, Wis.; Miss Alice at home and Mrs. A. H. Flatley, Stockbridge, Wis. All the children and their families were home to attend the funeral.
During his residence in Big Stone township deceased had served as a member of the school and township boards and at the time of his death was president of the Gib Stone Creamery Association, a position he had filled continuously since the association was organized and the creamery built 33 years ago. It will be remembered also that when the Grant County Telephone Co. was organized in this city many years ago, Mr. Heffernan served it for some time as president and in able and praise-worth manner. During the World War he served faithfully in the Liberty loan drive. He was a member of the Milbank Council, Knights of Columbus, and also charter member of Milbank Camp 1887 Modern Woodmen of America.
The funeral services were held at 10:00 o’clock yesterday forenoon at St. Charles Catholic church, Big Stone City, with a solemn Requiem Mass celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Fr. Estergard, with Fr. Joseph O’Neill, of Danvers, Minn., as deacon, and Fr. P. J. Callanan, of Ortonville, Minn., as sub-deacon. A short but very appropriate sermon was preached by Fr. Estergard at the conclusion of the services, and the remains then taken to the church cemetery and laid at rest. Members of Milbank Council, Knights of Columbus, attended in a body. The pallbearers were John Gowan and Dr. O’Donnell, Ortonville, Minn.: Edward Rourk, Big Stone City, and John Huben, C. W. Martens and W. S. Dolan, Milbank. As a mark of respect and the high esteem in which deceased was held in that community, the business places of Big Stone City remained closed yesterday forenoon.
Other relatives from a distance in attendance at the funeral were Mrs. Ellen Daugherty, Medford, Oregon; Mr. and Mrs. Will Daugherty, Brainard, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Calnan and daughter Marguerite, DePere, Wis.; William Calnan and Miss Esther Calnan, Miss Ella Conley and George Peters, all of Green Bay, Wis.; Mrs. Margaret Irish, Stockbridge, Wis., and Mrs. Carl Coe, Minneapolis.] To view John Heffernan’s grave see Find-a-Grave.
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Special thanks to Ann Fitzgerald for the information on the Brien Fitzgerald’s and texasceltfirl for posting John Heffernan’s obituary.
The featured photo above his Andy Heffernan’s parents, Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) and Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. A copy given to me in around 1993 by Nellie Doherty (their granddaughter). Nellie thought the photo was taken around 1920.
Please send any corrections, additional information or photos to glenmore.history@gmail.com .
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
James Heffernan (1825-1891) from Aylwardstown, Glenmore to Glenmore, Wisconsin
Recently a reader in the US, Lucy Neale Duke, found glenmore-history.com and we were able to provide some information on her ancestor’s family the Heffernan’s of Aylwardstown, Glenmore and she shared an amazing letter that was written on 1 February 1874 to her ancestor James Heffernan. James Heffernan emigrated to Glenmore, Wisconsin in 1850. We have attempted to determine whether James had a hand in the naming of Glenmore, Wisconsin or whether he was attracted to the name and settled there. We reached out to the city clerk as well as the local Brown County library but are still searching for an answer to that question. We were provided with a copy of a photo on the left of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin that James Heffernan helped to establish.
James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
It was difficult to find a baptismal record for James Heffernan. However, his death cert in 1891 (information was usually provided by the widow) provided several important facts and dates. James Heffernan was the son of Mary Delaney and John Heffernan. He was a farmer with a date of birth listed as 20 March 1829. He was born at Glenmore, Kilkenny, Ireland. He married Bridget O’Leary. He died on 14 November 1891 at his home in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin and was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery. (Wisconsin US Death Records, 1872-2004 for James Heffernan, Brown Co. , Vol 1-Vol 2 NO. 1744). See, Find Grave to view his headstone.
Slieverue/Glenmore Parish Records
For whatever reason no Heffernan baptism could be located in 1829 for James. However, utilizing his mother’s name on 13 September 1825 at Aylwardstown, Glenmore, a James was baptized the son of Mary Delaney and John //. The sponsors were Michael Delany and Ellen//.
John Heffernan and his wife Mary Delaney married 17 February 1808. Their eldest child was Patrick Heffernan was baptized 1 April 1809. Thus, at the time of his birth James’s eldest brother was 16 years older than James.
Aylwardstown Glenmore Farm
Patrick Heffernan married Alicia “Ally” Irish on 7 February 1842. Alicia “Ally” was from Nicholastown, Slieverue. The witnesses were Patrick Delaney and Catherine Hickey. The couple had at least 5 children. [1] John Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1842); [2] Mary Heffernan (bapt 23 Nov. 1844); [3] Michael Heffernan (bapt. 2 Sept. 1847); [4] James Heffernan (bapt 22 Dec. 1852); and [5] Thomas Heffernan (bapt 1855).
It is not clear what happened to John Heffernan (bapt 1842), but Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) got the Aylwardstown farm. He married on 13 February 1879, Bridget Kennedy (1854-1947) of the Pierce Kennedy family of Rathinure, Glenmore. The couple had at least 14 children. There was an awful blizzard that winter of ‘47 when Bridgie died. According to Danny Dowling (1927-2021) Bridgie was the last deceased person in Glenmore carried across the fields to the Church in Glenmore for Mass and burial. The trek was over 2 miles and she was carried by her sons, grandsons and neighbours through the drifted fields.
The Children of Michael Heffernan and Bridgie Kennedy
[1] Patrick Heffernan (bapt 18 Jan. 1880) (Lived in London when his mother died in 1947).
[2] John Heffernan (b. 13 June 1881) married and moved to Chicago. His wife tragically died and he brought his two small children home. His parents reared them until they were teenagers and he remarried and brought them back to Chicago. His son Raymond was shortly after returning to Chicago hit and killed by a car.
[3] James Heffernan (b. 10 July 1882)
[4] Peter Heffernan (b. 31 Dec. 1883-1966) was Garda Superintendent
[5] Mary Heffernan (b. 10 May 1855] married an O’Connor from Ballyfacey.
[6] Alice Heffernan (bapt. 21 Nov. 1886) married Ned Roche of Rathinure.
[7] Thomas Heffernan (b. 28 March 1888) married into a farm in Kearneybay, Glenmore.
[8] Richard Heffernan (b. 12 June 1889)
[9] Michael Heffernan (b. 7 Oct. 1890-1974) lived in Kilkenny City. See our post of 22 October 2023.
[10] Bridget Heffernan (22 May 1892)
[11] Andrew Heffernan (20 Nov. 1893-1975) married Bridget Roche (1896-1987). He farmed
the Aylwardstown farm.
[12] Nicholas Heffernan (b. 27 June 1896) (lived in Dublin when his mother died in 1947).
[13] Mon. William Heffernan (1893-1973) ministered and died in Australia. See our post of 15 October 2023 and family photo at his ordination.
[14] Stephan Heffernan (b. 15 Jan. 1898) Baby of the family. After the War of Independence, Stephen moved to Chicago, married and had two daughters. See guest author Brian Forristal, “A Place to Hide” & “The Tans are Coming.“
Quite a lot of information can be found on our H Glenmore Surnames regarding the Heffernan’s https://glenmore-history.com/families/h-surnames/
The Early Years of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin
From a brief history provided by Glenmore, Wisconsin it appears that forests originally covered Glenmore. As the forests were removed the land was sold to settlers who established farms. James Heffernan was one of the early settlers who established a farm. See, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976). We know from James Heffernan’s 1891 obituaries that he emigrated in 1850 and settled in Glenmore on a farm he farmed for the rest of his life.
“The first settlers to come to Glenmore, or in that vicinity, are said to have located there as early as 1850. Those who were Catholic among that number were provided with no particular place of worship at that time, but were attended by visiting priests.” Mass was said in private homes The first Mass is said to have been held in the residence of Mr. O’Leary. [We believe this was James’s father-in-law’s home]. This continued until 1874 when a church was erected. It was torn down in 1886 and entirely rebuilt (The Catholic Church in Wisconsin: A History of the Catholic Church in Wisconsin from the Earliest Time to the Present Day, Catholic Historical Publishing Co., Milwaukee, WI. (1895-1898) p. 640).
The 1873 Letter
On 1 February 1873, Thomas Heffernan (1856-1876) of Aylwardstown wrote to his Uncle James Heffernan in Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin. The letter is below and provides some fascinating details regarding the death of Peter Strange as well as the terrible weather. Tragically, Thomas died of TB at Aylwardstown at the age of 21 of TB. The death register (online) provides Thomas died 29 Oct. 1876 and his brother, James Heffernan (bapt. 1852) was present when he died. Thomas was employed as a draper’s assistant.
Aylwardstown Glenmore
Ferrybank
Ireland
February 1st, 1873
My dear uncle James,
It is under my fathers fond directions and kind permission I now take the opportunity of sending to you this little messenger of inquiry hoping to learn by it that you and all your family and friends are in quite as perfect a state of health as this leaves me and all our family in at present thank God.
Though there are numbers of people here in Ireland dying around us with all sorts of sickness in consequence of the most unwholesome air which nearly overspread the whole land all caused by a continual fall of rain for the past two years without scarcely getting one month together fine. You may easily guess how the people stand here and what a position they hold when you hear that there is no less than Nine families living in one of our neighboring Parish Chapels all driven from their homes by the immence torrents of rain and floods of water that knocked and swept away their houses and far worse still, there is no prospect of cultivation whatsoever.
It is thought by all here that there will be a famine amongst us and even the priests are of the same opinion though they are nearly tired from praying for fine weather but now we have nothing more to do than to hope for better days to come which I am personally looking out for in my new career of life which I must suppose it is totally unknown to you as there was no communication between you and my father for the past few years with the exception of a few words The Rev. P. Dollan told of you and also a newspaper came from your sister Mary immediately after the burning of Chicago [the Great Chicago fire burned 8-10 October 1871] and even then she but merely wrote her name without any address then we could even return thanks for her persevering remembrance of the dear people and land that gave her birth. We would have written to you long before this time but for anxiously waiting daily for a letter from some of you as an answer to one my father sent some time long previous to this and then by not receiving it we were more than astonished why you could be so ungreatful (sic) as not even to drop us a line no matter how trifeling the news may be anything from you is interesting to us.
I am the youngest of the family and I am serving my Apprenticeship in one of the oldest and largest Drapery houses in Waterford Walter O’Donnell and company Quay and have about eighteen months more to serve. There is three more brothers in Aylwardstown still and one sister all of which are too old to fill any situation respectable enough to live in Ireland. Some of them say they will follow your footsteps and fly to that land where there is freedom and plenty for all.
I am sorry for having to relate to you a sad tale of Mr. Peter Strange who was interred in Kilmacavogue on Christmas day last and deplorable it is, to explain that he did not receive the blessed Sacraments since his confirmation and for the past six years did not even go to Church or Chapel but used to ride on one of his horses off to Rochestown on Sundays when the public join in union to go to Mass so that Rochestown proved fatal to him in the end and Mr. Conn invited. him to Supper on the very Sunday night before Christmas and at ten O’clock that night he walked out of Mr. Conn’s parlour and breathed his last in the Hall. The inquest was held in his own house and the verdict was he died with the disease of the heart some of his own friends begged of the Parish priest to pray for him but the application was in vain the priest’s reply was, he was a man that broke the Commandments and died as he lived and it was not his duty to pray or even bless the clay for such a man!
Dear uncle James I suppose you will think it very strange when you get this letter from me, a person that you never saw and though I never saw you there is still within me a fatherly love for you in consequence of hearing you so often praised and spoken of among all our friends and surrounding neighbors. Here as a small token of my affection I enclose my likeness which I hope you will accept not for its value but as a memorial of your own boyhood among all your dearly loved friends here in Ireland though I may be somewhat changed contrary to the picture as it is more than two years taken but in any case it will give you an idea of the person who is now communicating with you and sincerely hoping you will send your likeness also at your earliest convenience and you will bring much happiness to the mind of my father not alone to him but all the members of the family.
Dear Uncle – my father and mother are quite as strong as ever and met with but very little sickness I may say while I remember and we are fighting hard through life which is very difficult on account of the climate being so very much changed so much so that if you were to return here again I don’t suppose you would know the dear old spot, as for the people there is none of them here to be found unless a few that would be no good elsewhere. They are leaving this country in thousands daily and now wonder when they would not get freedom which is so long due to them, but left in Slavery that which the Christ Heart could not go through.
Dear Uncle – I have nothing more of any importance to communicate at present as it is my first time in addressing you but that my father and all the family join me in sending their tenderest love to you and wishing you all the compliments the present season can afford. Sincerely hoping will send a letter soon and let us know all particulars of yourself and my Aunts position in life you and state of health.
I am
Yours Sincerely affectionate Nephew
Thomas Heffernan
Obituaries of James Heffernan (1825-1891) of Glenmore
We have included two obituaries for James Heffernan as they provide additional information including that James was 6 feet 3 inches tall considered a very tall height in the 19th century.
Death of Another Old Settler–De Pere News, 21 Nov. 1891, p. 1
James Heffernan died at his home in Glenmore Saturday, the outcome of a severe attack of grip last winter. He was 63 years of age. James Heffernan was born in Ireland, and removed to this country in 1850, making his home at Glenmore, in this country, up to the time of his death. He was a public spirited citizen, and a good neighhour and a man not found wanting in any of the relations of life. His wife and eight children are left to mourn his loss. The funeral was held at the Glenmore Catholic Church, Monday morning, Rev Pellegrin, assisted by Revs. Rice and Masschelein, officiating.
An Old Settler Gone–Green Bay Advocate, 26 Nov. 1891, p. 3
An Old Settler Gone—On Saturday, November 14th, Mr. James Heffernan passed away at his home in the town of Glenmore after an illness of several months duration, his suffering having caused by a complication of diseases.
Mr. Heffernan was an Irishman by birth, and at death was about sixty-five years of age. He left his native land in 1850 and came to the United States. Soon after arriving in America, he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm in the town of Glenmore, Brown Co. where he has since resided. He was a splendid specimen of old Irish stock, standing about 6 ft. 3 inches in height, and fashioned in a strong and robust mould. He was a man of broad character and in all walks of life was a true type of manhood. He was a very popular man and took deep interest in the affairs of his town.
The funeral occurred from the Glenmore Catholic Church Monday and was a very large one. Deceased leaves a wife, six daughters and two sons to mourn the demise of a kind and indulgent husband and parent. One of his daughters, Miss Stella Heffernan, is a teacher in one of the public schools of this city.
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Please send any additional information or corrections to glenmore.history@gmail.com
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh
Special thanks to Lucy Neale Duke for reaching out and sharing the 1873 letter.
We also would like to thank Jeff Gilderson-Duwe, Local History Specialist of the Brown County Library for locating and sending on the obituaries as well as the excerpt regarding the church and photo of the Immaculate Conception of Glenmore, Brown Co., Wisconsin.
Also thanks to Cindy Ossmann, Glenmore, WI. City Clerk for forwarding, The Story of Glenmore, by David Koenig (1976).
Mon. Wm. Heffernan (1895-1973): Native of Aylwardstown, Glenmore [Updated]
The Right Reverend Monsignor William Heffernan died 50 years ago this month in Epping, New South Wales, Australia at the age of 80. Mons. Heffernan was educated at the Glenmore National School and attended St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny City. He was ordained in June 1919 for the Archdiocese of Sydney. After being ordained he left immediately for Australia and served in a number of parishes until he was appointed Parish Priest of Epping where he remained until his death (Fr. Michael Mernagh, “Go Ye Therefore” Pen Pictures of Glenmore Priests, Nuns, and Brothers of the Twentieth Century, Glenmore Memories (2000) p. 41).
According to Mon. Heffernan’s obituary in the Munster Express (Fri. 26 Oct. 1973, p. 16 ) he last returned home about 40 years before his death. Ship records reveals that Rev. William Heffernan departed England on 20 December 1933 on the ship Hobsons Bay, of the Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line, bound for Sydney, Australia travelling in third class.
The Heffernan Family of Aylwardstown, Glenmore
William Heffernan (1895-1973) was the 9th son of Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) and his wife Bridget Kennedy (1854-1947) of Aylwardstown, Glenmore. The couple married at Glenmore on 12 February 1879 and had a total of 14 children comprised of 11 boys and 3 girls. There were 18 years between the eldest and youngest of their children. The couple also helped raise two of their grand-children after their daughter-in-law tragically died young. They lived to see their children settled in Ireland, Australia, Chicago and England.
Grandparents of William Heffernan
Michael Heffernan (1847-1924) was the son of Patrick Heffernan (farmer) and his wife Alicia Irish of Aylwardstown. Michael’s parents were married on 7 February 1842 at Slieverue. At the time of the wedding Patrick Hefernan’s (sic) address is listed as Nicholastown.
Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy (1854-1947) was the daughter of Peter “Pierce” Kennedy of Rathinure, Glenmore and his wife Bridget Walsh, a native of Ballytarsnia, Mooncoin.
SIBLINGS
[1] Patrick Heffernan (bapt. 18 Jan 1880- ) per Bridget Heffernan née Kennedy’s obit in 1947 was living in London. A descendent posted that Patrick Heffernan married Ella née Rouse (1885-1951). Patrick Heffernan married Ella on 25 July 1908 at St. Michael’s of Aldershot Hamshire, Southhampton, Surrey, England. The couple had at least two sons.
[2] John Heffernan (13 June 1881—15 Aug.1951) married Mary Frehne, of Fahee, Kilmacow married on the 24th of July 1907. “They sailed for America, July 31at, 1907” (DD Notebook 2, Diary of James Aylward of Ballyhobuck, Glenmore).
Mary Frehne (1 Dec. 1880-18 June 1913) was the daughter of James W. Freyne (1841-1884) and Alice Ryan Freyne Mackey (1848-1920). See, our post of 12 Dec. 2021 regarding manslaughter of James Freyne at Christmastime 1884.
In September 1911, John Heffernan (29), his wife Mary (29), daughter Frances (2); and his brother Richard Heffernan (22) sailed on the Carmania. From the record it appears that John was returning to Chicago, “resident returning 120 D. Anseley Ave. Chicago, Illinois.” John was described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, fair complexion, fair hair, with blue eyes. Mary and Frances are listed in the 1911 Census living with her brother James Frehne in Mullinavat. It is likely that John, Mary and Frances came home in 1911 and returned to Chicago with Richard Heffernan..
In 1912 the couple had a son Michael Raymond Heffernan (1912-29 March 1927). Shortly after Raymond’s birth Mary died in June 1913 at the Heffernan house in Aylwardstown of T.B. John left his children Frances and Raymond with his parents. He returned to Chicago to work. John married his second wife, Florence, née Populorum sometime about 1920. The couple had four daughters. In 1925, John brought his second family home, and at the age of 15 Raymond returned to Chicago via Canada with his father, step-mother and sisters. The family resided at 930 Mapleton Ave., Oak Park, IL. Raymond died tragically in 1927 per Danny Dowling’s notes Raymond was struck by a car.
[3] James Heffernan (10 July 1882-2 Aug. 1912) according to his death cert worked as a draper’s assistant. He never married and was being treated for heart disease for 18 months before his death. His sister Mary O’Connor, of Ballyfacey, was present when he died just 5 weeks after his sister-in-law Mary died.
[4] Peter Heffernan (31 Dec. 1883—17 Aug. 1966) married Margaret Quinn in 1920 and became a Garda rising to the rank of Garda Superintendent prior to his retirement in 1944. The couple had children.
[5] Mary Heffernan (9 May 1885-1 Sept. 1936). Mary married Patrick O’Connor (1883-1937) of Ballyfacey, Glenmore. The couple had a large family.
[6] Alice Heffernan (21 Nov. 1886—28 Nov. 1972) Alice married Edward “Ned” Roche (c. 1888-1969) farmer, of Rathinure. There were 8 or 9 children in this family.
[7] Thomas Heffernan (1888-1965) married into the Murphy farm of Kearneybay when he married on 28 April 1915, Catherine “Kate” Murphy (c. 1887 – 1961). The couple had several children.
[8] Richard Heffernan (6 June 1889*—4 Jan. 1947) immigrated to the US with his brother John in 1911. Richard was described as being 5 foot 7 inches tall, with a fair complexion, fair hair and blue eyes. Richard served in the US Army during WWI. He was home in June 1919 (in uniform) for his brother’s ordination. Richard married Marie Elizabeth King (1896-1966) on 15 October 1920 in Illinois. The couple had 6 children. *On some US records his year of birth is listed as 1893, but the Glenmore Parish records lists his date of birth as 6 June 1889 and his date of baptismal as 7 June 1889.
The 1930 US Census records that Richard was 41, his wife Marie E. was 34 years of age and had been born in Illinois. Richard immigrated in 1911 and in 1930 was working as a produce salesman. His brother Stephen Heffernan was living with them (age 32) having immigrated in 1926. In 1930, Richard and Marie had six children between the ages of 8 years and 5 months.
[9] Michael Heffernan (b. 7 Oct. 1890) was living in Kilkenny City when his brother Peter Heffernan retired in Feb. 1944. Michael Heffernan was married and was an undertaker. Although we were unable to discover the name of his wife we did locate an advertisement in the Kilkenny People (Sat. 11 June 1921, p. 9) “Michael Heffernan for cabinet making, upholstering, and French polishing, also Funeral Undertaking, at 6 Lower John St., (gate entrance) Kilkenny.”
[Editor’s update–17 Oct. Special thanks to Patty Lee Brown who found the marriage license for Michael Heffernan and shared it. On 11 February 1918 Michael (cabinet maker) of Michael St. Kilkenny married Teresa Byrne (nurse) of Dublin Road, Kilkenny. Michael was the son of Michael Heffernan (farmer) and Teresa was the daughter of Michael Bryne (farmer). The couple were married at St. John’s of Kilkenny City. The witnesses were Andrew Heffernan and Alice Byrne.]
[10] Bridget Heffernan (b. 22 May 1892)
[11] Andrew Heffernan (20 Nov. 1893—7 Sept. 1975). He married Bridget Roche (c. 1897-1987). Bridget Heffernan née Roche was a sister of Edward “Neddy” Roche who married Andrew’s sister Alice Roche née Heffernan. Andrew farmed the home farm and after he retired he and Bridget moved to Rochestown to their youngest daughter Mary Aylward.
[12] William Heffernan (26 March 1895-17 Oct. 1973) became a priest and spent 50 years working in Australia.
[13] Nicholas Heffernan (27 June 1896) per his mother’s obituary in 1947 was living in London. According to the Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, Nicholas died aged 88 in July 1984. He is buried in Middlesex.
[14] Stephen Heffernan (15 Jan. 1898—Oct. 1977) emigrated to Chicago in 1926. In the 1930 Census he was living with his brother Richard and family. Stephen was working in the building trades. He married Agnes Kiely, and the couple had two daughters. According to his obit in the Chicago Tribune he was survived by his brother Nicholas Heffernan in England. See our guest author Brian Forristal for further information regarding Stephen’s activities during the Irish War of Independence.
Mon. Heffernan’s Work in Australia
Very little could be found regarding Mon. William Heffernan’s early work in Australia. Luckily, from the Australian, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 we know that in 1934 Fr. Wm. Heffernan was living in Boolaroo, Hunter, New South Wales, Australia. We found a second entry which indicates that in 1949, he was living at 33 Oxford St., Epping, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.
The address 33 Oxford Street, Epping is the location of Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping. Our Lady Help of Christians was established on 15 June 1916, and the parish celebrated its centenary in 2016.
A triptych centenary cake records that Fr. W. Heffernan was Parish Priest from 1948-1973. From the dates provided on the cake it appears that Fr. Heffernan was their longest serving parish priest. During his 25 year assignment to this parish it grew substantially.
A year after Fr. Heffernan became the Parish Priest the parish had 920 parishioners. In 1956, the new primary school building opened with 337 pupils and an extension was added to the school in 1967. Extensions were added to the Church in 1969. The school continued to grow requiring a 2 storey extension in 1972 when pupils numbered 505. See, Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta, webpage (5 Aug. 2016) Parramatta was founded by the Sisters of Callan, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Death
Fr. William Heffernan died as he apparently lived—quietly. His death notice was just a couple of lines. He is buried in Macquarie Park, Sydney. Unfortunately, the transcription of his grave marker incorrectly lists that he died in January 1973 instead of October 1973 (Sydney, Australia, Cemetery Headstone Transcriptions, 1837-2003).
The inscription includes:
“Very Rev. Monsignor, P.C., P.P. Our Lady of Help of Christians, Epping. B. Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny 26 Apr. 1895. Ordained St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny 8 June 1919.”
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Several full obituaries for the Heffernan family can be found on our H Surname Page.
The feature photo above was taken in June 1919 at William’s ordination. He is seated between his parents and several of his siblings and their spouses are behind him. The children are his nieces and nephew including Raymond. Michael Heffernan, late of Marian Park, Waterford gave me a copy of this photo.
The photo of the parish church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping, NSW, Australia is courtesy of the Epping Civic Trust.
Please send any corrections, further information or photos etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com.
Special thanks to Kerry who sent the exact dates of death of John Heffernan and his son Raymond.
Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh