Thursday, May 1, 194. "Madeline & Eleanor called for me & we went down the square. We laughed ourselves silly over nothing at all. Went to Piccolo's and had a soda."
On this date, a new breakfast cereal by General Mills named Cheerioats was introduced. Its name would be changed to Cheerios in 1945.
Saturday, May 3, 1941. "Went in town and bought a new dress.
Hannie & I went dancing. I had a good time. I danced with Joe & he told me that he had tried for months in every way to make me fall for him & I wouldn't give him a tumble. He said I wouldn't go out with him, he could never see me alone, Hannie was always tagging along, etc. & so he decided to forget about me. He told me if I could figure a way out of it or wanted to go out with him let him know. he'd be right at my heels. ---------- He's a swell kid but Ma doesn't like him so that doesn't give me any choice in the matter."
Poor Joe Cahill. I feel for him.
Sunday, May 4, 1941. "Madeline & I went for a walk this afternoon. We thought it was going to rain so we turned around & came home. Some fun. Herb gave me a ride home."
Herb Vaughan was Madeline's brother.
On this date Adolph Hitler made an address to the Reichstag reviewing the Balkan campaign and declaring that the German Reich and its allies were superior to any conceivable coalition in the world.
There were no entries for May 5 through May 28, 1941, but there were a couple of pictures from the May Procession which was held in May.
Hannie
Mary Blackburn and Hannie
Mary Blackburn was Hannie's best friend.
So I went to www.ancestry.com as usual and was able to find a lot of information on Blackburns. I found a marriage registration in the City of Newton, Mass on February 10, 1891 for Henry Blackburn and Ann Teresa Barry. The marriage took place in Newton Highlands. Charles and Ann were both living in Newton. He was 27; she was 22. He was an engineer; she was at home. He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia; she was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His parents were Edward Blackburn and Susan Cole; her parents were John Barry and Mary Kelly. It is the first marriage for both. Reverend George G Phipps of Newton Highlands performed the ceremony.
The couple had a son on June 16, 1891. Charles Edward Blackburn was born on Chestnut Street in Newton's Ward 5. Parents were listed as Henry V Blackburn and Annie Barry. Henry was an engineer. He was born in Milford, Nova Scotia. Annie was born in Ireland!
The red icon toward the top center shows Chestnut Street - Boylston Street is route 9 which is the yellow road at the bottom - Harry Blackburn was living near the intersection of these two streets.
I found a petition for citizenship in the Police Court of Newton for Henry V Blackburn, laborer, an alien, and now residing on Eliot Street in Newton. He was born at Milford, Nova Scotia on or about the 7th day of February 1863 now being about 32 years of age. He arrived at Boston on or about the 25 day of March 1884 and intended to become an American citizen. He renounced allegiance to Queen Victoria. This was recorded in the US Circuit Court of the District of Massachusetts on the 25th day of November 1892. Henry V Blackburn stated that he intended to call James Leach and Joseph Taylor, both of Newton, as witnesses at the final hearing on this application. Henry V Blackburn signed the form.
In the Police Court of Newton James Leach of Ellis Street in Newton and Joseph Taylor of Ellis Street in Newton, both US citizens, swear that they have know Henry Blackburn for the past five years during which time he had resided in Newton, that he is a man of good moral character, that he was attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well deposed toward the good order and happiness of the same. James Leach and Joseph Taylor signed the form October 26, 1895.
Henry V Blackburn renounced any allegiance to Queen Victoria and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States on October 26, 1895.
The Naturalization Index states that Henry V Blackburn was living on Eliot Street in Newton. Certificate No 1-411 of the District Court of West Newton, Mass. Henry was born in Nova Scotia on February 7, 1863. He was naturalized October 26, 1895.
We saw in the Petition for Citizenship in 1892 that Harry Blackburn had moved from Chestnut Street. The 1899 Newton Directory lists Harry V Blackburn, engineer, Newton Rubber Works, house 338 Elliot Street corner of Hale Street.
336 Elliot Street is marked on the stone just off center. So 338 Elliot Street where the Blackburns lived must have been around this area.
The 1900 US Census of Newton shows the Blackburns still renting 338 Elliot Street. Harry is now 38 years old - he was born February 1862 in Canada. He immigrated in 1884 - has been in the US for 16 years and is a naturalized US citizen. He is an engineer. He has not been out of work.
His wife Anna T Blackburn is 33 - she was born December 1866 in Ireland. She and Harry have been married for 9 years. She has had 2 children - both are living. She immigrated in 1880 and has been in the US for 20 years.
Their son Charles E Blackburn is 8 - he was born in June 1891 in Massachusetts. He is attending school. Daughter Catherine is 2 - she was born in October 1897 in Massachusetts.
The 1903 Newton Directory reports that Harry Blackburn had removed to Watertown. It also listed an Amanda F Blackburn, widow of Henry L, house 59 Bowers Street - she was listed in a couple of directories, but I didn't see Henry L Blackburn listed except as deceased.
The Watertown Directory for 1903 did indeed list Harry Blackburn, watchman at 57 Spring Street, house at 5 French Street.
The white house on the right is #11 - #5 would be where the blur is or where the building now on Main Street is. I don't know why there is a blur.
By 1905 the Blackburns had moved to 15 French Street - Harry was still a watchman at 57 Spring Street.
The 1910 US Census of Watertown shows that the Blackburn family was still renting 15 French Street. Henry V Blackburn was the 48 year old head of the family. He had been married for 20 years - this was his first marriage. He was born in Canada and immigrated in 1883 - he was a naturalized US citizen. He was a night watchman for a laundry. He was not out of work in 1909.
43 year old Bridget A Blackburn was his wife - she had 3 children - 3 were living. She immigrated from Ireland in 1880. Their 3 children were all born in Massachusetts and were living with them. Son Charles E Blackburn was 18 and working as a driver for a retail merchant. Catherine E Blackburn was 12 and was attending school. And Susan M Blackburn was 3 years old.
Do you notice anything? Harry V Blackburn is now Henry V Blackburn which seems okay because Harry is a nickname for Henry. But Ann Blackburn is now Bridget A Blackburn - she was Ann Teresa Barry on her marriage certificate. The other information we traced seems the same. So I am presuming this is the same family.
By 1912 the Blackburns had moved again. The Watertown Directory listed Harry V Blackburn, watchman, 99 Spring Street, house 29 French Street.
The 1915 and 1917 Watertown Directories listed Henry V Blackburn, watchman, with a house at 29 French Street. It also listed his son Charles E, driver, boards 29 French Street.
I found a WWI draft registration card for Charles E Blackburn - 25 years old - 29 French Street, Watertown - born June 16, 1891 - natural born citizen - born in Newton, Mass. He was a teamster for Plymouth Rock Gelatine Company in Boston. He had no dependents. He is single - Caucasian - no military service. He claimed an exemption from the draft due to defective eyesight. Charles E Blackburn signed the form.
Page 2 reports that Charles is tall and slender with blue eyes and brown hair - he is not bald. He registered at Precinct 1, Watertown, Mass on June 5, 1917.
https://www.historicnewengland.org/explore/collections-access/gusn/247016/
I came upon a Headquarters Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, New Jersey Passenger List of Organizations and Casuals on www.ancestry.com. Company "E" 312th Ammunition Train - 87th Division. Name of Transport: Waimana. Date of Sailing: Aug 25, 1918. Port: Montreal, Canada. Charles E Blackburn was line #13 - his designation number was 2956689. Rank: Private. Organization: 312th Ammunition Train. Notify in case of emergency: Henry V Blackburn - father - 29 French Street, Watertown, Mass.
https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23229885
The 1920 US Census of Watertown shows the Blackburn family still renting 29 French Street. Henry B Blackburn is the 58 year old head of the family. I can't make out when he immigrated - perhaps 1883. He was born in Canada. It looks like he is a watchman for a Fan Manufacturing Co.
Charles' wife is 51 year old Bridget A - she immigrated from Ireland in 1873 and was naturalized in 1880. They have 3 children living with them - they were all born in Massachusetts and are single. Charles E Blackburn is 28 - he is a repairman for the gas company. Catherine E Blackburn is 22 and is a spinner at a woolen mill. Mary S Blackburn is 13 and attends school.
I found a marriage certificate for Charles Edward Blackburn and Catherine Elizabeth Devaney on www.ancestry.com. They were married October 27, 1920 in Watertown. They were both white and living in Watertown. Charles was 29; Catherine was 26. He was a fireman; she was assistant forelady. He was born in Newtown Upper Falls; she was born in Watertown. Charles' parents were Henry V Blackburn and Anna T Berry; her parents were Patrick J Devaney and Mary A Burke. This was the first marriage for both. They were married by William J Duffy, priest, of Watertown.
Charles V (Catherine) Blackburn were boarding at 41 French Street in the 1921 Watertown Directory - Charles was on Engine 1. Does that mean Charles is working for the Fire Department?
Henry V (Bridget A) Blackman were living at 29 French Street - Henry was a watchman.
The 1926 Watertown Directory cleared up the question of where Charles Blackburn was working - he was listed on Engine 1 WFD (Watertown Fire Department.) The family had moved to 70 Green Street.
Henry V (Bridget A) were still at 29 French Street - he was still a watchman.
Mary S Blackburn was a clerk in Boston and was boarding at 29 French Street. She was Henry and Bridget's youngest daughter.
I can't get a good picture of 70 Green Street - I'll have to take one the next time I am in Watertown. In the picture below looking up Green Street From Pleasant Street, #70 is the 3rd house up that you can hardly see. It is a 2 family house like the others.
Looking down Green Street it is the 2nd house from left.
The 1928 and 1930 Watertown Directories had the same information as 1926.
In the 1930 US Census for Watertown Charles Blackburn was renting 70 Green Street for $35/month. He had a radio. He was 37 years old - was born in Massachusetts - his father was born in Canada and his mother was born in the Irish Free State. He was a fireman for the town of Watertown.
His wife Catherine was 36 years old - she was born in Massachusetts - both parents were born in the Irish Free State. Charles and Catherine had 3 children: Charles was 8, and Mary was 7 - they were both attending school. Joseph was 4 years and 7 months.
I'm looking at the other families in the census - I recognize the Tierneys, Devaneys, and Ryders from when I was growing up on Green Street. Suddenly I noticed that Dennis Devaney next door at 72 Green Street has his mother Mary Devaney living with him. Is she Catherine's mother? Her parents were Patrick Devaney and Mary Burke. I don't remember ever hearing that the Blackburns and Devaneys were related, but perhaps they were.
Just an aside out of curiosity. I found Catherine Blackburn's birth on www.ancestry.com. She was born Catherine Davaney on January 1, 1894 in Watertown. Her parents were Patrick Davaney and Mary Burke who lived in Watertown. Patrick was a laborer. Both parents were born in Ireland.
Then I looked up the Devaneys in the 1900 US Census of Watertown. They were living at 21 French Street! Patrick was the 44 year old head of the family - he was born September 1855 in Ireland. He immigrated in 1873 - I can't make out if he was naturalized. He is a day laborer. He owns his house!
His wife Mary is 43 - she was born September 1856 in Ireland. They have been married for 20 years. She has had 11 children - 6 are living! Mary immigrated in 1872.
Their children are: Dennis who is 15, Mary is 14, James is 13, Catherine is 6 - they are all attending school. Joseph is 4, and baby Walter is 6 months old.
21 French Street is the white house below left beside a blur. You can look down French Street and see the house where the Blackburns lived - the house with the white upper floor and brick lower floor.
So on initial inspection, the Blackburns look like they could be related to the Devaneys.
I couldn't find a 1930 US Census for Henry/Harry V Blackburn in Watertown, and he was not listed in the directories after 1930. I did find a census record for a Henry "D" Blackburn, Bridget A Blackburn, and Mary S Blackburn living on Allston Street in Somerville in 1930. I don't know if this is our family but the names are pretty similar - except for Henry D instead of Henry V.
In 1933 the only Blackburn listed was Charles E (Catherine E) - he was still on Engine 1 WFD and living at 70 Green Street.
In the 1940 US Census of Watertown, the family was still renting 70 Green Street - $25/month. Charles Blackburn was the 49 year old head of the family. He was born in Massachusetts. The family lived in the same house in 1935. He worked 72 hours the week of March 24-31, 1940. He was a fireman in the Watertown Fire Department. He worked 52 weeks in 1939 and made $2200.
His wife Catherine was 45 years old - she was born in Massachusetts. They have 4 children living with them. Charles E Blackburn was 18 - he had completed 2 years of high school and was attending school but was listed as a new worker. Mary was 16 and had also completed 2 years of high school, was attending school, but was also listed as a new worker. Son Joseph was 14 and had completed 6 years of school - he was still attending school but again was listed as a new worker. Ruthie was 9 and was still in school.
Anne Goode was also living with the family. She was listed as an aunt-in-law - she was a 76 year old widow. She was born in Eire. She lived in the same house in 1935.
By 1942 the Blackburns had moved. The Watertown Directory reported Blckburn, Charles E (Catherine E) Engine 1 WFD with house at 125 Westminster Avenue. (1942 was the last year that Watertown Directories are available on the Watertown Library website.)
The red icon at the top center is where the Blackburns moved. The map shows that it is not that far from French Street or Green Street where my mother and Hannie lived.
I presume that Mary Blackburn went to St Pat's with my aunt Hannie, but I did check for Watertown High School - I didn't find a yearbook for 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943. Anyway she and Hannie were life long friends - Mary married Eddie Wallace - Hannie married Norman Huliston who was a friend of Eddie's I think. I went to school through about 5th grade with young Eddie Wallace. Bobby was next - he is good friends with my brother-in-law Richie Schiavoni. My sister Patty went to school with and was a lifelong friend of Mary Beth Wallace. There was a younger brother but I can't think of his name.
Thursday, May 29, 1941. "Rita O'Hara had a party & invited me & Gin. We had a nifty time. Met a lot of nice kids - one in particular - her cousin John Manning. He asked me to go out with him. We danced, etc & HAD ONE SWELL TIME!"
My mother used to tell the story of how she was downstairs at Rita O'Hara's party talking to Tom Manning when someone started down the stairs to the party - he was wearing those two tone saddle shoes - that's what she noticed first. She asked Tom who he was, and Tom said in an aggravated voice "That's my brother Jack - I suppose you want me to introduce you."
My father, John Manning, was from Lower Mills in Dorchester. I found a copy of the Area Form from Boston Landmarks Commission prepared as part of a 1994 survey of Dorchester which states that "Lower Mills West retains the visual image of an early-mid 19th century industrial village ... it has significant historical associations with industries operating along the Dorchester and Milton shores of the Neponset River from ca 1780-1900 ... River Street, the oldest thoroughfare in the area, had been a Native American trail centuries before English settlement ... Lower Mills' identity as a manufacturing district had already emerged by the close of the eighteenth century. By 1830, Lower Mills was the most densely settled area in the town of Dorchester ... Between 1830 and 1850, the residential community of Dorchester Lower Mills increased considerably. Several new streets bounded by Washington and River were cut through loosely forming a grid including Neponset Street (now Old Morton), Church Street (now Temple Street), and Sanford and Cedar Streets ... During the 1840s and 1850s, this new residential area became a community of furniture and building trades workers who operated shops behind or alongside their houses. Some of these residents were employed in the larger cabinet and carpentry shops along Sanford and Washington streets.
"One measure of the growth in population at Lower Mills was the construction of St Gregory's Roman Catholic Church ... in 1847, Dorchester was still almost exclusively Protestant. However, by 1863, Dorchester contained a large Catholic community, made up primarily of middle class Irish and their families ... In addition, new residential development was encouraged by the annexation of the town of Dorchester to Boston in 1870 and by an increasing number of factory jobs in the Lower Mills area.
"By the early 1870s, Washington, Old Morton, Temple, Sanford, Monson and Cedar Streets were extensively built up ... In general, the new residents between Old Morton and Cedar were locally employed furniture makers, carpenters and factory workers. ( John Manning would be working for a soap making company.) ... Commuters who worked in clerical, civil service, sales and management jobs in downtown Boston lived on Richmond or Butler or on Adams street in the Lower Mills East area ... Between 1865 and 1880, numerous Italianate double houses and a few multi-unit rows were built in the Lower Mill West area. On Cedar Street, several double houses were built as rental income properties for local businessmen and carpenters, presumably for mill workers. The ownership pattern that emerges is that of Yankee Protestants who have these houses built and live elsewhere in the area or in Milton, followed by Irish owners who may live in one of the units. By the 1930s these houses seem to have been occupied largely by Irish and Italian families.
"Set out over the Cape estate between 1885 and 1889, Idaho Street represents a late addition to the Lower Mills West's Street grid. By the turn-of-the-century, Idaho Street was almost completely built up with front gable Queen Anne single family houses." (My uncle Joe Manning lived on Idaho Street.)
My father's parents had emigrated from Ireland. My father said that one grandfather, Michael Mannion, was born about 1857 and traveled back and forth from Roundstone, County Galway to New York to work on the Brooklyn Bridge which connected Manhattan with Brooklyn over the East River. Construction began in 1863 and finished in 1883. Workers were paid $2 per day for the dangerous work. I suppose that was a lot of money to an Irish laborer in those days. Mike Mannion had to pay for his digs as well. Skilled workers made much more money and sometimes had lodgings included as well. Mike probably saved his money to buy property in Roundstone. My father thought that he went back and forth for 20 years. I looked up Street Directories from Brooklyn for those years - there were several Michael Mannions as well as Michael Mannings in each one. But not knowing any more background, it would be difficult or impossible to determine if any of the listings were my great grandfather.
My sister Christine bought this postcard in New York to send to me.
This print of Roundstone is from the Lawrence Collection from the early 1900s - I bought the print during one of my trips to Roundstone.
According to Tim Robinson in his book Connemara, "Roundstone village: Prior to the 1820s, this area was known simply as The Quay, from the little pier by the old store ... there were almost no houses and the nearest settlement was at ERRISBEG, to the west. The Fishery Board had a new harbor built in 1822-5 to the design of Alexander Nimmo ... Nimmo bought out a lease of land around the harbor, laid it out in plots and sublet, with special encouragements for tenants undertaking to build two-story houses. After his death in 1832 the village developed under John Nimmo, who was probably Alexander's nephew, and by 1841 the population was 396. Nowadays (1995) this is a favorite place with visitors, for its superb views over the bay to the mountains, and for its regattas featuring the traditional workboats, the Galway hookers."
I had never really thought about how Michael Mannion was able to buy the property in Roundstone village when he grew up on a farm in Derrada West - I assumed the area was a farming and fishing community - how many jobs could there be? I was always more interested in the family relationship - who was who - how is this one related to that one. Until this year (2022) when my son Dan and I drove to Roundstone for a very quick visit. Dan was asking me about our family history with Roundstone and later blogged that Michael Mannion worked on the Brooklyn Bridge to buy the property in Roundstone. It dawned on me that Dan was probably right - my father had thought that his grandfather had gone back and forth for 20 years to work in the US - it must have been financially worthwhile if he kept going back and forth!
Tim Robinson reported that the population of Connemara was almost decimated from the Great Hunger. Many of the landlords were bankrupt. Almost all of the Martin estate which included Roundstone was now the property of the Law Life Assurance Company London.
Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill wrote in Beyond The Twelve Bens "After the Famine, attempts were made to clear the land of tenants and replace them with livestock as the income from rents were unreliable and troublesome to collect. This was done by encouraging the tenants to emigrate with the aid of financial assistance; the peasants did not need much encouragement ... Connemara was now almost deserted ... The small numbers remaining in the area made it possible for holdings to be increased and great strides were made by the tenants, usually with the assistance of members of the family then living in America, to purchase cattle, in order to reduce their dependence on crops. Although other vegetables were added, the potato was still the mainstay of their diet ...
"The first half of the 1860s saw steady improvement in the conditions of the town (Clifden) and adjoining tenant farmers." I presume this probably applied to Roundstone as well. But in 1866 it was reported that" two thirds of the potato crop was a total loss and the remainder was almost unfit for human use ... The winter that followed was extremely severe and a great effort was made to keep the cattle alive. Cattle were now considered the principal capital and wealth of the district. When the fodder had been consumed, the oats and potatoes which would normally have been reserved for human consumption, were given to the cattle to keep them from perishing." The bad weather continued and any potatoes left to plant were given to the cattle ... Coming into the summer of 1867 the remaining cattle were said to be in a wretched condition due to cold and hunger ... During the bad weather, boats with provisions from Galway were unable to make the journey to Clifden and this resulted in great scarcity. Large numbers of people travelled daily along the Roundstone road making their way to Clifden to buy Indian meal ... in the Roundstone area, among tenants of the Assurance Company, fuel was said to be in very short supply. Normally there would be no great demand for fuel this early in the year (May 1867) but now the population was eating Indian meal which required a great deal more cooking than potatoes and there were fears that it would not be cooked sufficiently, which could result in widespread sickness."
There was another severe famine in 1879 bringing more hardship and starvation. Although the harvest of 1880 looked promising, "the exodus of Irish agricultural laborers had begun ... the people having lived on credit for the passed three years were now in debt. Rent would soon be due and perhaps last year's had still to be paid. If the harvest was plentiful there would be no relief and no employment. Part of the crop would be sold to pay their debts, leaving themselves short. Then next summer, faced with no provisions, no work and no money they would once again seek credit and once again be in debt." So Irish laborers sought work elsewhere and emigration continued.
"The conditions of the tenant farmers in the West ... contributed greatly to establishment of the Land League ... It began with a series of Tenants Rights meetings organized by Michael Davitt ... Its objectives were to bring about a reduction in rents, to protect the tenant against eviction for non-payment of unfair rent and to enable, by reform in the laws, each tenant to own his holding by paying a fair rent for a number of years." Throughout the country more riots were occurring at evictions and acts of violence were a common occurrence.
"During the summer of 1881 ... evictions for non-payment of rents became commonplace; the tenants backed by the Land League were refusing to pay rents and the landlord pressed forward with evictions.
"The Life Law Assurance Company, owners of the once Martin Estate of Ballynahinch had sold out to a Mr Berridge of London. George Robinson remained on as agent and was now living in Roundstone." Like the rest of Connemara, the tenants were in arrears with their rent and they attempted to negotiate with Mr Berridge who agreed but had several conditions - the tenants refused the conditions. In the middle of January 1882 Roundstone Bay was visited by gunboats and thirty two families were evicted. The Parish Priest Reverend Joseph Malone described the scene for the newspapers. "The shots were fired not at the tenants but at their livestock who scattered and were promptly chased by the soldiers 'into the sea - they rush to render captive the victims of their buckshot; namely the geese which they wantonly killed and which belonged to the honest though poor, industrious evicted tenantry' ... more evictions were expected to take place in the coming days.
"Sub-Sheriff Mr Reddington spent the first two weeks in May 1892 carrying out evictions on the property of Mr Berridge" and others. Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill goes on "The Sub-Sheriff was accompanied by a large force of the 84th Connaught Rangers under the command of Major Pope. They traveled aboard the Seahorse which was accompanied by the gunboat Redwing. They evicted by day and returned to the ship by night ... The evictions were said to be of the most extensive character, one hundred and fifty families in all having been evicted. Once again Berridge's tenants appeared to make up the greater number. At Carraroe the Sub-Sheriff and his escort had to walk over ten miles inland to carry out their work. There were many emotional scenes as many of the families were very poor but the military were not opposed."
Renmore Barracks, Co Galway circa 1900 - the barracks were built in the late 19th century as a depot for the Connaught Rangers. http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/exhibition/galway/government_politics_institutions/lroy00780_RenmoreBarracks.html
In August 1881 the The Arrears Bill/Gladstone's Act was passed by the British Parliament. The website - http://www.historyhome.co.uk/peel/ireland/gladire2.htm - reports that "This Land Act gave the 'Three F's' which the Land League had demanded:
- Fair rents would be fixed by land courts for a period of 15 years.
- Fixed tenancies gave rights of land to the tenant. They could only be evicted if they did not pay rent.
- Free sale of his lease would be permitted to a tenant who wished to give up farming."
The Arrears Bill helped stop some of the evictions as tenants agreed to pay what they considered a fair rent. Lord Ashbourne's Act in 1885 authorized a state-assisted scheme of Irish land purchase. It was a modest reform but provided the basis for tenants to purchase the land they were renting.
Employment improved in Connemara when it was decided to build a railroad from Galway to Oughterad and on to Clifden. The local people and the Midland Great Western Railway Company wanted the railway to run from Oughterad south along the coast through Spiddal, Carraroe, Roundstone, and on to Clifden - this area is where the majority of the population lived, but the government decided to have it run through the bog lands of central Connemara - perhaps because it was less expensive. Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill wrote "On May 11 (1891) works were opened and men employed in the Roundstone area." I don't know if this affected anyone in our family.
If he was born around 1857, Mike Mannion was a young man growing up during these hardships - I suppose this is why he chose to travel back and forth to the US - he was probably supporting his family to avoid them being evicted. He married Bridget King in the Catholic Chapel of Roundstone in the Regisrar's District of Roundstone in the Union of Clifden in the County of Galway. They were married December 19, 1880. Mike was a 22 year old bachelor - he was a farmer in Derrada West - his father was also Michael and was alive - he was also a farmer.
Bridget King was a 26 year old spinster - she was a dressmaker and lived in Roundstone - her father was Stephen King - he was alive and he was also a farmer. The priest who married them was Joseph Maloney, PP (Parish Priest.) Witnesses were Bridget King and Michael Price who could not write and made his mark.
Roundstone Church built about 1832
Michael Mannion
My father said that his grandfather, Michael Mannion, was over 6 feet tall - he was active in Connemara and was on the County Council in Clifden. A Johnny Barrett who worked with my father at the Brighton Abattoir told my father that Mike Mannion was a vet - he was great with animals and was called any time an animal was in trouble. A cousin Winnie Keefe told my father that Mike Mannion was called "the Mayor of Roundstone."
Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill wrote that "Under the Local Government Act 1898 the grand juries were replaced by publicly elected County, Urban, and Rural District Councils ... The rural District Council held their monthly meetings in Clifden ... The names of the first Councillors are unknown, but on August 20 1902 the following list of members was published in local newspapers." There were 18 Councillors including Michael Mannion! I don't know if this is our Michael Mannion, but ......
One of these ladies is Bridget King.
The red icon below shows Derrada West in relation to the main Clifden road in yellow and Roundstone at the bottom.
My cousin Mary King gave me this picture of the original Mannion homestead in Derrada West in the early 1980s.
Aerial view of Roundstone where Bridget King lived.
I went back onto www.familysearch.org on June 14, 2022 and found a notation for a baptism for Mary Mannion. No document was available. Interesting that it says the Christening took place in England.
Cousin gathering below at Mary Carr's grave in Concord, Mass.
2) Mike and Bridget returned to Roundstone. Then Bridget gave birth to Michael Francis Mannion on 10 October 1884 in Roundstone. And his father Michael Mannion was back in Brooklynn, US America. Mother was Bridget Mannion - maiden name King. Father was a laborer. Bridget Mannion of Roundstone was the Informant. The birth was registered the third of December 1884.
I have an old note that says that Michael Francis Mannion was born 29 September 1884 and baptized 5 October 1884 - sponsors were Martin Devaney, Cecilia Connor. I'll have to check with my cousin who has done so much research on our Mannion/Manning family history - I'm sure she has the correct information.
Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill in Beyond the Twelve Bens reports that the Allen ship line did make some stops at Galway on its voyages to America. My father had thought that his father John J Mannion had immigrated from Galway - perhaps his grandfather Michael Mannion was the one who had boarded ship in Galway before his son Michael Francis was born - the Allen Line did sail to New York.
Much later the 1910 US Census of Boston listed young Michael (Francis) Mannion boarding at 38 Cedar Street with the Kernells.
Harry Kernell was the 40 year old head of the family. This was his first marriage. He was born in Pennsylvania - his parents were born in Ireland. He was working as a flagman for a steam rail road. He had not been out of work. He owned his home and had a mortgage on it.
His wife was 36 year old Annie E Kernell. This was also her first marriage - they had been married for 17 years. Annie had had 5 children - 4 were living. She immigrated from Ireland in 1890.
Their children were all born in Massachusetts and were attending school. M Henry was 15, Cecilia was 12, Charles E was 10, and Carrie A was 4.
Harry's mother-in-law Cecilia King was a 62 year old widow. She had 2 children and both were living. She immigrated from Ireland in 1894 - she was not working - she did not read or write.
Mary E O'Brien, a niece, was 19 and was born in Massachusetts. Her father was born in Massachusetts; her mother was born in Ireland. She was a saleswoman in a candy store. She had not been out of work.
Michael Manion was a 21 year old boarder - he was single. He immigrated from Ireland in 1907 - he was an alien. He was a laborer for a contracting company. He had not been out of work.
Indeed Michael was not just a boarder but also a cousin of Annie King Kernell through his mother Bridget King. I think it was Joe Manning who said that everyone came to Annie King when they immigrated to the US because she knew what they should do.
I have a note that says young Michael Mannion was a blacksmith. My father said that his uncle Michael went back and forth to the US - he said "Mikey" had itchy feet - he would stay in the front bedroom on Cedar Street in Dorchester that the Mannings kept for boarders. He chewed Juicy Fruit gum - my father would steal it from his pockets as a kid. He went back to Ireland - my father thought he married a woman from Ballyconnelly. Then he came back out to Dayton, Ohio to work in the rubber plants making rubber tires. My father said he was in high school when Mikey stopped in Boston on his way back to Ireland. My father said Mikey was killed in an automobile accident in England after WWII.
I found the marriage record for Michael F Manning and Mary E Joyce on November 1, 1914 in Brookline. He was 29; she was 27. It was the first marriage for both of them. He was living in Mattapan; she was living in Brookline. He was a blacksmith; she was a laundress. They were both born in Ireland. Michael's father was Michael Mannion - his mother was Bridget King. Mary's father was Festus Joyce and her mother was Mary O'Donald. The priest who married them was Thomas F McManus, 774 Boylston Street in Brookline.
According to the website for St Mary of the Assumption Parish, "When St. Lawrence Parish, in the western part of Brookline, was carved out of St. Mary Parish, Fr. Morris erected the attractive wood-stone church on Boylston Street and named it in honor of St. Lawrence, his own patron saint. It was opened on May 2, 1897 and Reverend Thomas F. McManus was named pastor of the new parish on December 23, 1897. In the early 2000s, St. Lawrence was slated to be closed in late 2004. However, it was eventually decided to keep the church open as a second worship site of a large parish. In June 2005, St. Lawrence Church was reopened as part of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish."
My father remembered that Mikey's son Jim Mannion came out in 1949 to Boston and stayed with his family on Cedar Street, but it was too crowded so Jim stayed with Aunt Margaret Mannion Joyce. My father said that a seanachie in Keogh's Pub in Ballyconneely told him years later in 1977 that Jim Mannion had come back to Ireland but only stayed a couple of days - he didn't know where he went. My friend Beth McCusker and I were with my father at Keogh's that day in June 1977 - unfortunately I wasn't that interested in family history so took no notes and couldn't understand what was so interesting. But my cousin and I more recently found out that Jim went to Chicago and became a policeman. Jim had 2 sisters who were nurses - my father said that they came out to the US around WWII and went to Florida. Dad's sister, Catherine Manning Walsh, told me that one sister returned to Ireland - married - was living in Ballyconneely.
Years later my cousin and I made contact with Jim's daughter in Chicago. We are friends on Facebook now.
We also made contact with another cousin. He emailed me Wednesday, April 22, 2009 that he remembered "my Mother saying that her father, Michael or Mikey, did live in Boston for a time where he met and married Mary Joyce." Jack said that his "Uncle Jim Mannion told him that there was an uncle in New York who was very good with horses and that he was an officer in the US Army in WWI. I cannot remember the name. He is the one who told me that his Grandfather married 3 times ... My grandfather Michael left Boston and they ended up in Scotland for a few years. As I said Mimi was born there and my grandmother came back and my mother was born in Scrahalia. I guess my grandfather came back from Scotland and they lived in Doohoola. My mother and her sister Nan went to London during WW2 and became nurses. Mikey and the rest of the family came to England during the war. It was shortly after the war that Mikey died in an accident. His son Michael (Festus) stayed in England and lived in Lincoln. Nan married an American Ranger from Alabama and moved to Florida. They moved around a lot but retired in Florida. She died several years ago. Her son Pat Cain lives around Jupiter, Florida and her son Kevin Cain lives in the panhandle around Tallahassee. My mother came over here and ended up in Chicago where she married my father. I know my mother, Peggy, came to Boston when she first arrived in the US. She stayed with some relatives I think named Barber. I don't know if they were on the Joyce or Mannion side. Next time I am in Ireland I will make it a point to go to Roundstone and have a pint in King's pub."
I know everyone of the Watertown Mannings enjoys a trip to Roundstone and a pint in King's Pub!
3) A daughter, Margaret Mannion, was born to Michael Mannion on 15th July 1888 in Roundstone. Her mother was Bridget Mannion formerly King. Her father was a farmer. Her mother registered her birth on 29 September 1888.
I don't remember hearing anything about this Margaret Mannion. I'll have to check with my cousin to see what history she has for this Margaret Mannion.
4) Another son, Stephen Mannion, was born on the fifth of July 1890 in Roundstone. His father was Michael Mannion of Roundstone; his mother was Bridget King Mannion. Michael Mannion was a farmer. Bridget Mannion, mother, of Roundstone registered the birth on the fourth of September.
I found what might be a marriage record for Stephen Mannion - it took place in the Church of Ballinafad in the Registrar's District of Roundstone on 2nd February 1944. Stephen Mannion was of full age - bachelor - farmer - residing in Roundstone - his father, Michael Mannion, was a farmer. Anne Walsh Conneely was of full age - a widow - residing in Cushatrower - her father, Patrick Walsh, was a farmer. Witnesses were Brian King and Mary Keane.
The red icon shows where Cushatrower is located.
Church of Ballinafad
Stephen Mannion adopted Mary King - she took care of his wife, Ann Walsh, who was blind at some point. My father thought/wondered if there was a relation there between Shephen or Ann and Mary. Mary married Joe King, a bus driver.
My father said that Stephen Mannion reminded him of Michael Mannion - Stephen had a roundish face with a handlebar mustache.
5 and 6) Twins #290 Thomas and #291 John Mannion were born the 19th of June 1893. Their births were registered in the Superintendent Registrar's District of Clifden - Registrar's District of Roundstone No 1 - Births Registered in the District of Roundstone No 1 in the Union of Clifden in the County of Galway. Their father was Michael Mannion of Roundstone - their mother was Bridget Mannion - formerly King - their father was a farmer - the Informant was Michael Mannion - the births were registered 27th June 1893. The Registrar noted that the hour of birth was omitted(?) - "twin of No 290" was noted beside John Mannion.
"Parish of Roundstone, Co Galway, Ireland - Diocese of Tuam - It appears from the Register of Baptisms of above Parish that John Mannion of Michael Mannion and Bridgid King was born on the 19 day of June, 1893 and baptized according to the rite of the Catholic Church on the 25 day of June 1893 by the Rev. George A Moloney, PP (Parish Priest,) the Sponsors being Michael King and Brigid Connelly.
Given this 25 day of April 1959, William Diskin(?) Admin, PP.
My father had told us that his father worked at O'Dowd's and a hotel in Roundstone before emigrating. O'Dowd's website - https://connemara.net/odowds-bar-and-restaurant - reports that:
"O’Dowds Seafood Bar, Restaurant & Cafe is located in the centre of Roundstone village overlooking the harbour with panoramic views over Roundstone Bay & the Twelve Bens. It has been run by the O’Dowd family for four generations since 1906. A bar has been operating on the premises since 1840 and it is widely regarded as the oldest pub in Connemara. It is now famous for its excellent fresh local seafood and it has one of the best pints of Guinness in the locality.
O’Dowds has been serving both locals and visitors since 1840. Originally known as “Kelly’s Hotel” it became O’Dowds in 1906 and has retained that name ever since. For most of that time it was a combined Bar and grocery shop, only ever changing temporarily to a Funeral Parlour during the making of the movie ‘The Matchmaker’ in 1996.
The grocery shop is now gone – although you can still see the hooks in the ceiling for hanging meat- Wood paneled walls and open turf fires give it an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness."
O'Dowd's in 2020 - it now extends next door to the two story building.
My father behind the taps in O'Dowd's.
Picture above is from 2020. From the right - green building is where McDonagh the butcher was located, little white house belongs to Valentine Mannion's family, yellow building is the old Mannion house and pub, the next green house is where Mary King lives now.
Picture above is from 2022 - Notice the construction on the Valentine Mannion house.
My father said that his uncle Tommy (his father's twin) came out to the US about the same time as Martin Joyce - they joined the US Army. Tommy was gassed in WWI. After the war, Tommy was working around Boston and staying at my father's house on Cedar Street. Tommy was smart - he had technology books.
I found a passenger list for the SS Cymric sailing from Queenstown on May 24th 1911 - arriving at the port of Boston on June 1, 1911.
Thomas Mannion was 19 - he was a laborer - his last permanent residence was Roundstone - his nearest relative in Ireland was his father Micheal of Roundstone, Galway - his final destination was Mattapan, Massachusetts. He does not have a ticket to his final destination - his brother paid his passage over. It looks like he had $10 but it is crossed out and replaced with $9. He is joining his brother Michael at 38 Cedar Street in Mattapan. He is 5' 7" - he has a fair complexion - brown hair - grey eyes - he was born in Roundstone.
My father said that his uncle disappeared one day - my father went to school and that was the last he saw of Uncle Tommy. He thought Tommy might have gone to Minneapolis. Later the family heard that he got married in New Jersey. My father said that Tommy had big hands and a "walrus" face - a handlebar mustache. He died in New Jersey of pneumonia and was buried in Jersey City Cemetery. My father said the 2nd or 3rd time he was in New York, Uncle Valentine said that he had found Tommy's grave.
Bridget King Mannion died a couple of years after the twins were born. I found a death record that could be hers.
Line #271. Date of death: 1896 Nineteenth December - Roundstone - Bridget Mannion - married - 46 years old - wife of Michael Mannion, a farmer & a butcher - cause of death: primary icterus, secondary ??? - death was certified - duration of illness was 4 days - informant was Michael Mannion, husband, of Roundstone who was present at birth - registered 22nd December 1896.
Icterus is jaundice - a yellowing of the skin and yellowing of the white of the eyes. It can be caused by infection, blood diseases, hepatitis, cirrhosis, among other causes. I couldn't make out the 2ndary cause of death.
Widower Michael Mannion married again shortly after Bridget died. I found a marriage record that could be theirs. The marriage was solemnized at the Roman Catholic Chapel of Ballinafad in the Registrar's District of Roundstone No 1 in the Union of Clifden in the County of Galway. It took place on the 20th of June 1897. Michael Mannion, 38, was a widower. He was a farmer living in Roundstone. His father was also Michael Mannion and was a farmer.
Margaret Joyce was a 38 year old spinster. She was living in Shanakeela. Her father was Michael Joyce who was a farmer. Witnesses were Joseph McCullough and Bridget Joyce.
My father had thought that Michael Mannion's 2nd wife was a Connelly - he said he was always going to Connelly wakes in South Boston. I remember in the 1950s my father driving us to Charlestown on the hill near the Bunker Hill Monument - he left me, Johnny and maybe Patty in the car while he went into a wake.
The red icon shows where Shanakeela is located.
7) I'd say Margaret Joyce was pretty brave taking on this large family. But it soon grew even bigger when Margaret Mannion was born on 19th February 1898 in Roundstone. Father was Michael Mannion of Roundstone; mother was Margaret Mannion formerly Joyce. Michael Mannion was a farmer. He was also the one who registered the birth on 9th September 1898.
Margaret Mannion emigrated to the US where she married Martin Joyce from the Recess area of Galway. I don't remember where I got these pictures - Skip Carr? One of my cousins?
Margaret "Maggie" Mannion Joyce
8) Another child came along in 1900. Joseph Patrick Mannion was born on the 16th of February 1900 to Michael Mannion of Roundstone and Margaret Mannion formerly Joyce. Michael was a farmer. Margaret registered the birth on 26th March 1900.
His father Michael Mannion of Roundstone was his nearest relative in Ireland. Neither he or any member of his family was mentally defective, he did not have tuberculosis, he was not physically defective, and had not been debarred under Canadian Immigration Law. Joseph Mannion signed the form.
Joseph eventually made his way to Boston where he later died on June 12, 1925. He was single - his age was 24 years 3 months and 27 days. He was residing with my grandfather, John Manning and family, at 11 Cedar Street, Boston. He was a laborer. He died at Boston City Hospital. He was born in Ireland - his father was Michael Manning born in Ireland. His mother was Margaret Joyce born in Ireland. Cause of death was A - Aortic Regurgitation (years) and B - Acute Bacterial Endocarditis. He was buried in New Calvary Cemetery in Boston. Date of the record: June 16, 1925.
My cousin obtained copies of the death certificate.
The 1901 Irish Census of County Galway, Connemara Parliamentary District, Poor Law Union of Clifden, Electoral District of Roundstone, Townland of Roundstone, Constabulary District of Roundstone, Sub-district of Roundstone, Village of Roundstone, Barony of Ballynahinch, Parish of Moyrus listed our Mannions in house 51. Michael Mannion was the head of the family - he was Roman Catholic - he read and wrote - he was a 43 year old shopkeeper and farmer - he was married - he was born in Galway - he spoke Irish and English.
Margaret Mannion was his wife - she and the rest of the family were Roman Catholic - she read and wrote - she was 40 years old - she was born in Galway - she spoke Irish and English.
Michael Mannion was Michael's 16 year old son - he read and wrote - he was a scholar - like his brothers and sisters he was born in Galway - he spoke Irish and English.
Stephen Mannion was Michael's 10 year old son - he read and wrote - he was a scholar - he spoke Irish and English.
Thomas and John Mannion were Michael's 7 year old twins - they read and wrote - they were scholars - they spoke Irish and English.
Young Margaret Mannion was Michael and Margaret Mannion's 3 year old daughter, and Joseph was their 1 year old son.
Michael McDonagh was a boarder - he was a Roman Catholic - he read and wrote - he was a 50 year old fisherman - he was not married - he was born in Galway - he spoke Irish and English.
Building #51 was a public house - with stone or concrete walls and a slate, tile or iron roof - with 4 windows in the front. It was a 2nd class dwelling. Michael, his wife and 7 children occupied 7 rooms.
Below, the end of the block was McDonagh the butcher's, then Val Mannion's house, then the house and pub, then the house where Mary King lives.
I took the picture from Roundtone Harbor back in the late 1990s. The Postcard below is about 100 years old. Can you pick out the Manning buildings?
This map is slightly larger and shows all of plot 30 where Michael Mannions buildings are located - the map does not show the names of any tenants in plot 30. The other plots have tenants' names associated with them. So the buildings that Michael Mannion purchased were built by the mid 1850s. This was the land that Alexander Nimmo rented and then plotted out the village.
9) Another son was born to Michael Mannion and Margaret Joyce on the 5th of July 1903. Valentine's father was Michael Mannion of Roundstone; mother was Margaret Mannion formerly Joyce. Michael was a shopkeeper and he was also the informant - he registered the birth on 29th of September 1903.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 my cousin said that he remembered his mother and aunt Mimi talking about their uncle Val. "I guess that Val was on the run during the Black and Tan days and that he was in the kitchen at the house, I guess either in Roundstone or where my mother grew up in Doonhoola near Ballyconneely, and Mimi who was only a few years old, born 1916, said something like look at the pretty soldiers. Val then escaped out the back as the Tans came looking for him."
The 1911 Irish Census lists our Mannions in house #43. Michael was the 52 year old head of the family - he was a farmer. His wife Margaret was 51.
The younger family was listed first. Margaret Mannion was 12 and was NOT listed as going to school - perhaps she was home helping her mother with housework. Joseph 11 and Valentine 9 were both scholars. 21 year old Stephen and the 17 year old twins, Thomas and John, were general laborers.
We just saw that young Michael Mannion was in Mattapan staying with the Kernells at 38 Cedar Street in 1911 - he had immigrated in 1907 and was a laborer working for a contracting company.
The House and Building Return for 1911 shows Michael Mannion owning 3 properties.
Building #41 was a shop - it was a 1st class building with 2 windows in the front of the building. It was occupied by Thomas Goram. 8 family members were occupying 5 rooms. Michael Mannion was listed as the landholder.
Building #42 was a public house - it was a 2nd class house with 2 windows in front. It was occupied by Stephen Keaney (?sp.) His family of two occupy 4 rooms. Michael Mannion was listed as landholder.
Building # 43 was a private dwelling - the walls were stone, brick or concrete but the roof was thatch or wood - it was a 3rd class house with 2 windows in front. Michael Mannion and his family of 8 were occupying the 3 rooms. He was also the landholder.
My grandfather, John James Mannion, was one of the twins born in 1893. We read that he was working around Roundstone until he immigrated to Boston where he joined the Army.
My father thought that my grandfather emigrated from Galway, but I found this passenger listing for the SS Cymric sailing from Queenstown on 20 May 1920 and arriving at the port of Boston on 28 or 29 May 1914. Line 1 listed John Manning - 21 - single - he was able to read and write - British citizen - Irish race - last permanent residence was Roundstone, Ireland. His nearest relative in Ireland was his father Michael Manning of Doonbeg, Roundstone, Co Galway.
Page 2 tells us that John Manning's final destination was Boston - he had a ticket to his final destination paid by his brother. He had $10 - he had never been to the United States before. He was joining his sister Mrs Mary Cain at 5 Drummond (?) Street, Boston, Mass. ... he was in good health - 5' 8" with a dark complexion - dark hair - gray eyes. He was born in Roundstone, Ireland.
I'm not sure where Doonbeg is. And I couldn't really make out the street where Mrs Cain lived - I also don't get the name of Cain - we know Mary Mannion married a Frank Carr. But I think this is my grandfather.
John Manning declared his intention to become a United States citizen.
In the District Court of Massachusetts, John Manning stated that he was 21 years - his occupation was a gardener - he was white with a light complexion - he was 5' 2" and weighed 160 lbs - his hair was black - his eyes were gray - no visible distinctive marks.
He stated that he was born in Co Galway, Ireland on the 24th of June 1894 - he was residing at 38 Cedar Street, Mattapan, Massachusetts. He emigrated to the United States from Queenstown, Ireland on the vessel Cymric; his last foreign residence was said Galway. It was his intention to renounce allegiance to King George V. He arrived at the port of Boston on or about the 29th of May 1913. He stated that it is his intention to become a citizen of the United States and to permanently reside therein. John Manning signed the form in the office of the Clerk of Court at Boston, Mass 8th October 1915.
John Manning completed his petition for citizenship in 1918.
In his United States of America Petition for Naturalization, John Manning stated that he, John James Manning, was residing at 38 Cedar Street, Mattapan, Mass - his occupation was a soldier - that he was born on the 24th day of June 1894 in Roundstone, Ireland - he emigrated to the United States from Queenstown, Ireland on the 19th day of 1914 - he arrived in the United States at the port of Boston on the 29th of May 1914 on the vessel Cymrick. He declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States on September 1915 at Boston in the District Court of Massachusetts. He was married - his wife's name was Catherine - she was born in 1894 in Clunburn, Ireland and now resides at 38 Cedar St, Mattapan, Mass.
Act of May 9, 1918
John Manning stated that he believed in the principle of the Constitution of the United States, and it was his intention to become a citizen of the United States and renounce all allegiance to King George V. He stated that he had resided continuously in the United States for 5 years preceding the date of this petition since 29 May 1914.
John James Manning signed the petition and it was filed 12 June 1918.
Affadavits of petitioner and witnesses at Massachusetts District Camp Devens. James J Minot, Jr, occupation Capt Quartermaster, NA residing at Camp Devens, Mass and Francis M Austen, occupation Lt Quartermaster residing at Camp Devens, Mass swore that they knew that John James Manning had resided continuously in the United States since the 29th of December 1917 - that he was of good moral character, attached to the principles of the United States Constitution, and was qualified to become a citizen of the United States. They signed the petition on 12 June 1918.
John James Manning took the oath of allegiance 26 June 1918 and was admitted as a citizen of the United States.
My cousin Jack Manning shared this picture of my grandfather with us.
June 2, 1918 John J Manning married Catherine Donelan at St Gregory's Church at 2223 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester. Reverend Francis Dolan performed the ceremony. Witnesses were Mary Donelan and John Gorman.
I love this picture of my grandparents - it was probably taken around the time of their wedding. I was surprised by my grandfather's big head of curly hair!
My grandmother was from Glennamaddy, Co Galway in Ireland.
The Superintendent Registar's District of Glennamaddy, Registar's District Glennamaddy, Births Registered in the District of Glennamaddy in the Union of Glennamaddy in the County of Galway on line 209 states Catherine was born on the third of October 1892 in Timiderane. Her father was John Donelan of Timiderane; her mother was Celia Donelan formerly Raftery. John Donelan was a landholder. Celia Donelan, mother, of Timiderane was the informant on 25th November 1892.
Catherine Donelan immigrated to Boston and worked as a housemaid. In 1979 I was reading an article in the Boston Globe about the Junior League of Boston's Show House for that spring. I asked my father if he knew where the Ralph Emerson Forbes house was located. He said that his mother, Catherine Donelan Mannion, used to be a maid there. The article said that the 11 acre estate on Adams Street in Milton was once neglected but "has been transformed into a veritable home design palace."
The 1920 US Census of Boston shows the Mannions living at 105 River Street in Boston. John Manning was the 26 year old head of the family. He was renting their home. He immigrated from Ireland in 1914 and was naturalized in 1918. He was a chauffeur for a soap business. Catherine was his 25 year old wife - she immigrated from Ireland in 1912 and was naturalized in 1918 when she got married. Also living with them was Catherine's brother Martin Donlan - he was 30 years old and single - he immigrated in 1913 and became a naturalized US citizen in 1919 - he was working as a lineman for street cars.
My father said that on the Donlan side - a brother and sister came out to Catherine. Uncle Martin came about the same time as Rita O'Hara's father - Jack O'Hara and Uncle Martin worked together on Boston Elevated Railway.
My father said that Martin Donlan did not marry - he stayed in rooming houses in Roxbury - he never settled down - he was a free spirit.
My father's sister Kay said that one day a woman from a rooming house on Dudley Street came to the door and talked to "Pop" - her mother came out and they talked in the kitchen - then they went to Boston City Hospital to see Martin Donlon - he died sometime after that. He was buried out of Cedar St - he had been tall and thin.
My cousin found a death certificate for Martin Donlan. The Registry for Deaths in the City of Boston reported that Martin Donlon died December 29, 1935 - he was single - 45 years old - he lived at 376 Dudley Street, Boston, MA. He was a cabman for the Boston Elevated Rail Way. He died in Boston City Hospital. He was born in Ireland. His parents were John Donlon and Cecilia Raftery - both of Ireland. Cause of death was acute lobar pneumonia and alcoholism. He was buried in New Cavalry Cemetery in Boston. Date of Record was January 2, 1936.
My father said that Martin was waked at their home on New Year's Eve and buried either January 1st or 2nd 1936.
My father said that his mother's sister, Mary Donlan, had also immigrated to Boston about the time my great aunt Nellie Keohane and John Reardon came out - after the The Troubles in Ireland. She was boarding somewhere and working - my father thought she worked at the hospital on River Street in Mattapan - the Boston Sanatorium. She would come by Cedar Street on her days off.
According to the website - https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/MA-01-DR25, "In 1906 the city acquired this former private estate to construct a hospital for consumptives. The retirement home of John Connes, former California senator and close friend of Abraham Lincoln, still stands on the estate where it was used as a superintendent's residence (249 River Street). Maginnis and Walsh designed the original hospital buildings, constructed between 1907 and 1920, their major surviving work being the Tudor-style Administration Building, built in 1910. In 1928–1930 James Ritchie and Associates, the firm that designed most of the sanatorium buildings in the 1920s and 1930s, erected the additions to this building.
According to the website below the picture, "the Boston Consumptives Hospital (Boston Sanatorium) is a historic tuberculosis hospital in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. It consists of a complex of eighteen historic buildings on 52 acres (21 ha) of land. Most of these buildings were built between 1908 and 1932, although the Superintendent's House predates the hospital's construction; it is an Italianate house built c. 1856. They are predominantly brick buildings that are Colonial Revival in character, although the 1929 main administration building has a variety of different revival elements ... The complex was the largest tuberculosis hospital in the state, built in response to reports that the disease was responsible for more deaths than any other in the city. The facility was used for the treatment of tuberculosis through the middle of the 20th century, and then stood largely vacant until 2002, when plans were laid to rehabilitate the property for other uses." The hospital is now on the US National Registry of historic places.
My father's sister Kay Walsh said that Mary Donlon went back to Ireland - a letter from someone in South Boston came saying that someone had died - Kay wondered if it was Mary Donlon. She never knew.
My father, John James Manning, was born September 11, 1920 - he was male - white - father was John J Manning born in Ireland - mother was Catherine Donlan born in Ireland. Place of birth was Boston, Mass - residence of parents was Boston - father was a chauffeur - informant was J J Dowling, MD - date of record - September 14, 1920.
He was baptized on the 26th of September 1920 at St Gregory's Church in Lower Mills. His Godparents were Patrick Donlan and Mary Donlan.
Thomas Manning was born a few years later.
The 1924 Boston Directory listed John J Manning, chauffeur, house 105 River Street, Mattapan. So the young family was still living on River Street.
But by 1925 the Mannings had moved a few streets away to 11 Cedar Street: John J Manning, chauffeur, house 11 Cedar Street, Mattapan.
The house on the left is 11 Cedar Street in Dorchester. The view is looking toward River Street.
The 1930 Census of Boston showed that John J Manning owned the house at 11 Cedar Street in Mattapan which was worth $2000 - he also had a radio. He was 34 years old - he immigrated from Ireland in 1914 - he was a naturalized US citizen. He worked as a chauffeur for a factory. He was a veteran of the World War.
Catherine A Manning was also 34 years old - they had been married for 10 years - she had immigrated from Ireland in 1913.
They had 4 children: John P was 9, Thomas was 7, Catherine was 6 - they all attended school. Joseph V was 4.
The census doesn't show Mary Manning who was born 23rd May 1928 to John J Manning and Catherine Donlan. She was baptized 25th May 1928 at St Gregory's Church in Dorchester. Godparents were Uncle Mikey Manning/Mannion and cousin Annie Kernell. Unfortunately, little Mary died August 8, 1929.
I have audio tapes of my father talking about his family as well as some notes I took when he would be telling me about what he remembered as a kid.
He said that his mother was very quiet - Joe and Sis were the same. We used to call my grandmother "Cup a Tea Ma" because she would always give us tea when we visited. She was quiet then too - "Jack" did most of the talking. I used to love to visit Cedar Street - we didn't seem to go that often - I suppose some of it had to do with my father always working a couple of jobs. I remember my father turning down Cedar Street one Sunday and yelling out "Hey Jack!" when he saw my grandfather up on a ladder at a neighbor's house across the street.
My father talked about Thursday night being "girls night out" - Cedar Street would be a mad house - his mother's friends on Cedar street would come at lunch time. His mother would send him to a Jewish meat market for blood pudding and kidney lamb chops - lamb was cheap.
He later mentioned a Sam's market on River Street - he said it was now a nail salon - Sam sold meat - maybe this was the Jewish market. My father remembered his mother making creamed carrots for dinner.
At night his father would get home about 7 pm - the kids would be sent to bed after finishing their homework. Then there would be music, jokes, laughing, screeching, and drinks - my father would sit on a step and listen to the racket. He said that Delia Kenny, a cousin of his mother's from Glennamaddy, would be there.
My mother said that the same thing happened at her house when she was growing up. The maids would go to their married sister(s) like the Keohanes and Kielys. Aunt Nellie Keohane would also bring lamb chops.
My father said that Sunday was another big day - the Manning house would be a gathering spot. Aunt Margaret, Martin Joyce and their 3 kids would be there. Bridgie Hurley and Aunt Margaret would be laughing - big and loud, roaring and screeching. 3 Herron(sp) girls - Down East girls - had an apartment up the street - would come by. My father said his Godmother was a Down Easter - his mother's best friend with whom she had worked. She eventually married and moved back to Prince Edward Island. (Note: the above Baptismal certificate listed Mary Donlan as my father's Godmother.)
My father's sister Kay said "Pop" (her father John J Manning) would never go back to Ireland. She said that Margaret Joyce, Mrs Kernell and Pop would talk about Ireland - her mother, Catherine Donlon Manning, would say that "they talk about it as so beautiful and they couldn't wait to get out of there." She said when Aunt Margaret and the Joyces came over, Martin Joyce would dance on the kitchen floor after a few glasses of whiskey.
My father also talked about a house that was on the corner of River and Cedar streets. There was a store in the front of it. When he and my mother would go to see my grandparents, my grandmother would send Richie to this store.
In addition to 11 Cedar Street, my grandfather owned a duplex and a triple decker. My father's sister Kay told me that Jack Manning did not charge rent or charged very little for the triple decker he owned - friends from Ireland could stay for 1 year to get themselves situated with housing and jobs - it was important to take care of the kids. Looking back now on my notes, I'm not sure what she meant about taking care of the kids - did "kids" refer to the immigrants or did they have families?
Kay also told me that most Irish didn't move - they lived for years in a house and paid it off in 20 years. They might move sometime after their kids finished high school.
She said there were no cars so everyone walked everywhere - doors were never locked.
She said that a neighbor signed himself into the nut house hospital on Morton St. There was a "Murphy who would go on a tout and stand in front of the our house and call Pop everything and swear at him but when he was sober, he was Pop's best friend. Everyone else on the street was quiet." I did find a William Murphy at 48 Cedar Street in the 1940 census. But she said that the Shaws (30 Cedar St) and the Donahues (24 Cedar St) were fighting all the time. I found the Shaws and Donahues in the 1940 census as well.
#24 Cedar Street is the door on the left of the grey house - # 30 is the house with the American flag.
She also said that Idaho and Morton Streets were Protestants.
Kay said that her mother's cousin Delia Cody was from Glennamaddy - married to Patrick Cody - I think she said that he worked for the Post Office? I found a Patrick and Delia Coady in the 1940 Census living nearby at 111 River Street - they were renting the apartment for $15/month - they had 3 children - they both were born in Ireland but Patrick was working as an attendant at the state hospital. I found them at the same address in 1950 - at this time Patrick was an elevator operator for the Post Office!
Kay said that the kids did homework in the kitchen and dining room - there was always someone coming in - football players - Kay's mother was in the rocking chair - they had a record player - all around would listen to the music - guys would steal records and hide them in the newspaper. Joe Cunningham lived on Cedar St and loved to dance and sing.
My father said that the house at 11 Cedar Street had a big porch - the kids gathered in the rain playing cards while my grandmother sat on the other side.
Mike Mannion died in Roundstone in 1934. He was buried in Cashel Cemetery. One year in the early 1980s Mary King took me to the cemetery, but it was very overgrown, and she could not find the grave. The picture below shows Mary in the yellow jacket looking for Mike Mannion's gravestone.
After Mike Mannion's death, his children all signed everything over to Stephen Mannion.
My father said that my grandfather gladly signed away any claim to his father's land or property in Roundstone. My father said that his father told him that "there is nothing there but hardship." I think this might be one reason that my father never wanted to go to Ireland. He and my mother were going to go for their 25th anniversary. My aunt Hannie Keohane booked as well in case my father backed out! Amazing how that one trip changed his opinion!
The Boston Directories through 1940 show John J Manning still chauffeuring - living at 11 Cedar Street. I thought my father might be listed in 1939 or 1940, but he isn't listed.
My father graduated high school in 1938. I couldn't find a yearbook online for him - plus I don't remember if he went to Boston Latin or Boston English!
The 1940 US Census of Boston shows our family's home at 11 Cedar Street was worth $4500. John J Manning was now 46 years old - he worked 48 hours from March 24 - 31 as a soap maker in a soap manufacturing company. He worked 52 weeks in 1939 and made $1664 plus he received more than $50 in income from other sources.
His wife Catherine was 46 - she provided the information to the census taker.
My father, John Manning, was 19 - he worked 48 hours the week of March 24 - 31 as a peddler's helper - he sold fruit and vegetables - he worked 52 weeks in 1939 and made $520.
Tom was 18 and seeking work - he was unemployed for 38 weeks up to the week of March 24 - 31, 1940 - he was a new worker.
Catherine is 16, Joe is 14, Francis is 9 - they are all attending school. Richie is the baby - he is 1 year old.
The 1941 Boston Directory had the same listing for John J (Catherine) Manning, chauffeur, house 11 Cedar Street at the bottom of the left column but there was also a listing for my father - John J Manning, Jr, helper, rooms 11 Cedar Street. So my father must be working for the same person/place peddling fruits and veg.
The last information on my grandfather I want to include is his WWII draft registration. John James Manning - 11 Cedar Street, Mattapan - no telephone - he was 48 years old - he was born in Galway, Ireland on 7/24/1894. The person who would always know his address was Catherine Manning, 11 Cedar Street, Mattapan. He was working for the New England Rendering Company in Brighton, Mass - this was the Brighton Abattoir. John J Manning signed the form.
So my mother's diary entry for May 29, 1941 said that she had ONE SWELL TIME at Rita O'Hara's party - and met one particular nice kid - John Manning. There are no more entries for May so next time we'll see what June brings!
Hi, I really enjoyed reading your family history and what an amazing story, you really felt every bit of emotion and the reality of how things were, back then for each and every person. My grandad was Thomas Joyce, from Cushatrower in Roundstone and had 4 children, Michael Joyce, lived in Chicago, Peter Joyce, lived in New Jersey, New York and my dad John Joyce in England and Mary Joyce in England. My mums side is the McDonagh family, who knew Bridget Mannion very well and I remember as a child visiting Bridget Mannions house near Clifden, it was a beautiful house with big glass windows all around, so you could see the beautiful views, such lovely memories, best wishes to all your family and thank you for sharing your lovely story, from Carmel Joyce
ReplyDeleteStephen Mannions dad was Michael Mannion, Michaels father (in Roundstone) was also Michael Mannion.
ReplyDeleteThere was a 'Mannions Auctioneers' in Roundstone around the 1850s (newspaper clipping), if they were related to Michael Mannion- I don't know.
Stephen Mannion had two adopted daughters. The other lady returned to Roundstone about 1995, and explained that she had to leave Roundstone as she got pregnant out of wedlock at 17 - she went to Maynooth near Kildare. Her son Brian later ran The Matchmaker Pub at the top of Roundstone village. Mary King was born in 1940 so most probably adopted before Stephen & Ann got married - which doesn't sound quite right (Mary was adopted before her 1st Birthday, as far as I know).
DeleteStephen Mannion was also wanted by the Forces and hid out back near Ballyconneely (not sure where exactly). He got shot in the leg at 21years old and had a limp then all his life (eventually lost the leg totally a year or two before he died). His nickname was Py-ree (pyromanic, so must have burnt a Barracks or something). Court documents show he was Up in Court at 14yo - 'No Lights on a Vehicle ' was the Charge. Again at 19 - 'drunk & disorderly'. Later up again - 'drunk & disorderly '.
ReplyDelete