Emigration to the USA via Ellis Island

Extract from Emigration chapter of Killererin - A Parish History pps. 530 - 531

Parcel label 1961

Chest brough home from America

Photo: Bernadette Tully, nee Boyle, Togher

RMS Cedric was an ocean liner owned by the White Star Line. She was the second of a quartet of ships over 20,000 tons, dubbed The Big Four, and was the largest vessel in the world at the time of her launch.[1] After her maiden voyage in 1903, she was in service until 1932.

https://www.google.ie/search?newwindow=1&safe=active&rlz=1C1CHNU_enIE343IE343&biw=1099&bih=609&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=dMk9W_7HCISWgAanuoOIBA&q=The+Cedric+ship&oq=The+Cedric+ship&gs_

The American Wake

The “American Wake” was a common occurrence throughout the country. Many families could just manage to get together the means to send one member to America or Canada and that son or daughter it was hoped, would quickly secure work and send money home that enabled others to “take the boat” too. We can easily imagine the awful sadness felt by parents and family on the departure of a son or daughter to a new land, probably never to return. Family and friends would get together for a last goodbye, almost like a funeral to send their best wishes with the traveller. Those who departed because of the ravages of famine were sick and diseased and confused on arriving at their new surroundings. Some had family and friends already in their newly adopted country but sadly, no way of contacting them. Often, brothers and sisters and other family members became separated and never saw each other again.

Emigration to the United States via Ellis Island

Between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million people entered the USA at the small harbour of Ellis Island in New York[1]. Up to 1924 the names of these people are available for researchers seeking information on their family history. The Ellis Island Foundation has made the information available on their website and as well as the name of the person entering the US they include, in some cases, their nationality, age on entering the country, the name of the ship they travelled on, their height and colouring and information on the person they were meeting or where they intended traveling on to. Details of some of the people from the parish taken from the Ships’ Manifests are included below.

Mary Cunnane

Was from Barnaderg in Co. Galway and arrived in New York on 16^th December 1924. At that time Mary was aged 21 years and unmarried. She travelled abroad the Doric and departed from the port of Cobh in Cork. Passage was paid by her Aunt Miss Kate Cunnane who was living in Pike Street, Cincinitti, Ohio. It is recorded that Mary was 5 feet 3 inches tall with fair hair, a fair complexion and brown eyes. She was in good health and arrived in the US with the intention of staying permanently[2].

Thomas Mulloy

Was from Garrane and arrived in New York on 5^th April 1906 aged 24 years. Thomas was unmarried and had departed from the post of Cobh abroad the Baltic[3]. Unfortunately the original manifest does not list Thomas and no further information can be obtained.

Kate Kelly

Was from Barnaderg and was aged 19 years when she entered New York on 1^st June 1905 abroad the Oceanic. Kate had departed from Cobh and she recorded her occupation as a servant. She could read ad write. Kate’s final destination was New York and she had paid the passage herself. She had $10 in her possession and intended joining her cousin Patrick Lally who resided at 87 Elm Street, New York. Kate was recorded as being in good health at that time[4]. In 1901 Kate Kelly was listed aged 15 living in the townland of Tigreenaun with her mother Bridget who was aged 60 and her brother who was aged 21[5]. According to the Census Kate was a farmer’s daughter and could no t read or write. There is no mention of Kate or any of the Kelly family in the 1911 Census in Tigreenaun which would lead us to believe that this was the Kate Kelly who left abroad the Oceanic in 1905.

Another Kate Kelly

Was listed arriving in New York on 30^th March 1911. Kate was 24 years of age on arrival in the US and was unmarried. She left from the port of Cobh abroad the Saint Paul and was originally from Barnaderg. Co.Galway. Kate paid the passage herself and had $11 dollars in her possession on arrival. She hoped to join her cousin Mrs. Jordan who lived in New York. Kate was 5 feet tall with dark hair and blue eyes. It is recorded that Kate had been to the US before in 1910, staying at that time in New York[6].

Timothy Connolly

Was also from Barnaderg, Co. Galway and arrived in New York aboard the Oceanic. He left Cobh and arrived in Ellis Island on 29^th June 1905 aged 22 years. He was unmarried. Timothy recorded his occupation as a labourer and could read and write. He hoped to join his cousin Mrs. Mason who lived in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Timothy had $`0 in his possession on entering the US. He was in good physical condition entering Ellis Island[7]. There is no record of a Timothy Connolly on the 1901 Census for Co. Galway.

Mary Delaney

Arrived in the US on 9^th May 1921 aged 10 years. Mary was from Barnaderg, Co. Galway and she left the port of Cobh aboard the Cedric. Passage was paid by her aunt, Mrs. Healy, 510 High Street, Holyoke Massachusetts. Mary had $ 30 in her possession on entering the US. Mary was 5 feet 2 inches tall with fair hair and blue eyes and was in good health on entering Ellis Island[8].

Michael Burke

Was aged 27 years when he arrived in New York on 4^th May 1892 aboard the Teutonic. Michael was a married man and had departed from the Port of Cobh firstly and later Liverpool. Michael was from Barnaderg, Co. Galway and recorded his occupation as a labourer. He hoped to travel on to Philadelphia and he had only 1 piece of baggage with him[9].

Agnes Fleming

Was from Brackloon and was 21 years old on entering the US on 17^th October 1915. Agnes travelled aboard the Philadelphia and left from the Port of Liverpool. Agnes’ final destination was Philadelphia where she hoped to join her sister Kate Fleming, 33^rd Street, Philadelphia. Kate had $10 in her possession and was 5 feet 5 inches tall with a fair complexion, fair hair and blue eyes[10].

The following people stated they were from Grange, this could be Grange, Killererin but there is no way to know this with any great certainty.

John Forde

Arrived in the US on 9^th September 1908 aged 41 years aboard the Caronia. John was single and from Grange, Ireland. John had $50 in his possession and planned to travel to Parsons where he hoped to join his Aunt, Hannah McCabe. John was 5 feet 10 inches tall with a dark complexion, dark hair and dark eyes[11].

John Fahy

Was also from Grange, Ireland. John travelled aboard the Arabic from Queenstown, arriving in the US on 22^nd May 1904 aged 20 years. John was single. Unfortunately the ship’s manifest does not include any further information[12].

Sarah Fahy

Was from Grange, Ireland and left Cobh aboard the Cymric, arriving in the US on 27^th May 1901 aged 18 years. Sarah was single and she listed her occupation as a maid. She hoped to meet up with her sister in Union Street, Brooklyn, New York and she had $5 in her possession[13].

Other emigrants to the US from outside the Parish

Some of those how left from just outside the Parish are also included below. It would not be possible to include everyone here so a small sample has been included.

Bridget Mulry

Was from ‘Derheen’ and aged 18 years when she entered the US on 9^th May 1904. She had departed from the port of Cobh abroad the Celtic[14]. Unfortunately the original manifest does not name Bridget and no further information can be obtained.

Catherine Mulry

was aged 22 years when she arrived in the US on 13 October 1924. Catherine was from Ballyglunin and was single. She travelled aboard the Celtic from Cobh. Catherine hoped to join her Aunt, Mrs. Fox at 756 10^th Avenue, New York. Catherine had $25 in her possession, was 5 feet 7 inches in height, with a fresh complexion, brown hair and brown eyes.

Michael Rabbitt

Was from Ballyglunin and arrived in the US on 15^th September 1911 aged 24 years. Michael was single and had left Cobh aboard the Baltic. On arrival Michael had $10 in his possession and hoped to join his brother in law, a Mr. Connolly in New York. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall and had a fair complexion with fair hair and light coloured eyes[15].

Nellie Rabbitt

Was aged 25 years when she arrived in the US aboard the Ivernia on 13^th April 1903. Nellie left from the Port of Liverpool. Nellie listed her occupation as a servant and she hoped to travel to St. Louis where she hoped to meet her sister Mrs. Sheehan, 4719 St. Louis Avenue, St. Louis. Nellie had $50 in her possession on arrival[16].

Another John Mannion

Left Brierfield and arrived in the US on 22^nd August 1915. John was aged 21 years when he departed the Port of Liverpool aboard the Philadelphia. John was single and he hoped to travel to Boston where he hoped to join his brother M. Mannion, 16 Fisher Avenue, Roxbury[24].

Delia McHugh

Arrived in the US on 9^th October 1904 aged 19 years. Delia departed from the Port of Cobh aboard the Cedric and was from Ballyglunin. Delia recorded her occupation as a servant and she hoped to travel to Brooklyn. She had $3 in her possession on arrival. Delia hoped to meet her brother Mr. M. McHugh, Brooklyn[25].

Nora McHugh

Was also from Ballyglunin and arrived I New York on 21^st April 1909 aged 26 years. She was single and had travelled from the Port of Cobh aboard the Carmania. Nora had paid the passage herself and she had $25 in her possession on arrival. She hoped to travel on to Brooklyn and join her sister Mary McHugh, 76 Stockton Street, Brooklyn, New York. Nora was 5 feet 6 inches tall with a dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes[26].

Patrick McHugh

Was also from Ballyglunin and arrived on 27^th September 1907 aged 20 years. He travelled aboard the Baltic from the Port of Cobh. Patrick paid for his own passage and had $80 in his possession on arrival. He hoped to meet with his cousin, Martin Devaney, 454 West 22^nd Street, New York. Patrick was 5 feet 8 inches with a dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes[27].

Delia Howley

Was from Ballyglunin and arrived in New York on 1^st October 1923 aboard the President Polk. She was aged 20 years and was single. Delia had $32 in her possession. Unfortunately the ship’s manifest is illegible but it seems Delia hoped to join her sister in the US[28].

Michael Howley

Left Ballyglunin aged 20 years and arrived in the US aboard the Cedric on 22^nd November 1921. Michael’s brother paid for his passage and he had $35 in his possession. Michael hoped to join his brother Martin Howley, 554 18^th Street, Brooklyn, New York. Michael was 5 feet 10 inches tall with a fresh complexion, dark hair and blue eyes[29]

Mary Forde

Was also from Ballyglunin and arrived in the US aboard the Baltic on 18^th June 1920 aged 22 years. Mary was single and had departed from the Port of Queenstown. Mary paid her own passage and had $6 in her possession on arrival. She hoped to join her Aunt, Mrs. Hernon, 3517 Shade Lane, Hyde Park, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mary hoped to stay in the US permanently. She was 5 feet 2½ inches had a fair complexion, black hair and grayish eyes[30].

Nora Hession

Was aged 23 years when she arrived in the US on 3^rd May 1911. She had travelled aboard the Caronia from the Port of Cobh. Nora was originally from Ballyglunin. Nora paid for the passage herself and she had $25 dollars. She hoped to join her cousin Mrs. J. Kelly in New Jersey. Nora had a fair complexion, fair hair and blue eyes[31].

Patrick Hession

Was from Moyne Park and had travelled from the Port of Liverpool aboard the Aquitania. Patrick arrived on 24^th July 1920 aged 24 years 9 months. Patrick hoped to meet his sister Mrs. J. Mulry, 4245 Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago and wanted to stay in the US permanently. Patrick was 5 feet 7 inches tall and had a dark complexion, dark hair and dark eyes[32].

Mary Fahy

Was from ‘Derheen’ and arrived in the US on the 3rd October 1913 aged 18 years. Mary had let the Port of Cobh aboard the Adriatic. Unfortunately the Ship’s Manifest does not list any further information[33].

Mary Fahy

Was from Moyne and arrived in the US on 17^th September 1922 aged ‘29 or 30 years’. Mary had travelled from the Port of Liverpool aboard the Celtic. Unfortunately the Ship’s Manifest does not list any further information[34].

[1] Ellis Island, ‘Ellis Island;, (http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ellis_island_history.asp) (30 Oct 2013)

[2] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/shipManifest.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&FNM=MARY&LNM=CUNNANE&PLNM=CUNNANE&first_kind=0&last_kind=0&town_kind=0&ship_kind=0&RF=15&ETHS=49&pID=103394060517&) (30 Oct 2013)

[3] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=MOLLOY&PLNM=MOLLOY&last_kind=3&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&RF=162&ETHS=49&ALTS=97%7Cmoloy&ALTS=97%7Cmulloy&pID=104945010549 (30 Oct 2013)

[4] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=KELLY&PLNM=KELLY&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=BARN&SHIP=null&RF=6&ETHS=49&TWN=BARN&pID=104114020911) (30 Oct 2013)

[5] National Archives of Ireland, ‘1901 Census’ (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Galway/Hillsbrook/Tigreenaun/1401027/) (03 Nov 2013)

[6] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=KELLY&PLNM=KELLY&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=BARN&SHIP=null&RF=6&ETHS=49&TWN=BARN&pID=8001700300) (03 Nov 2013)

[7] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=CONNOLLY&PLNM=CONNOLLY&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=B&SHIP=null&RF=297&ETHS=49&TWN=B&pID=102423110125) (03 Nov 2013)

[8] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=DELANEY&PLNM=DELANEY&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=B&SHIP=null&RF=127&ETHS=49&TWN=B&pID=100182040197 (03 Nov 2013)

[9] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=BURKE&PLNM=BURKE&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=BAR&SHIP=null&RF=3&ETHS=49&TWN=Bar&pID=103555140206 (11 Nov 2013)

[10] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=FLEMING&PLNM=FLEMING&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=null&SHIP=null&RF=1092&ETHS=49&pID=605306040625 (11 Nov 2013)

[11] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=FORDE&PLNM=FORDE&last_kind=1&town_kind=1&ship_kind=0&TOWN=null&SHIP=null&RF=532&ETHS=49&pID=101825060046 (11 Nov 2013)

[12] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?MID=13541325100883197376&LNM=FAHY&PLNM=FAHY&last_kind=0&town_kind=0&ship_kind=0&TOWN=null&SHIP=null&RF=551&ETHS=49&pID=102530040029 (11 Nov 2013)