The American Wake

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 enabling others to ‘take the boat’ too. It is easy to imagine the awful sadness felt by parents and other family members 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 attending a funeral, to send their best wishes with the traveller. Some of those who departed because of the ravages of famine were sick and diseased, and confused on arriving at their new surroundings. Often, brothers and sisters and other family members became separated and never saw each other again. Some had family and friends already in their adopted country but, sadly, they had no way of contacting them.

12 million people enter the USA at 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, this includes, 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 travelling on to. Details of some of the people from the parish taken from the ships’ manifests are included below.

Mary Cunnane, Barnaderg

Mary Cunnane was from Barnaderg in Co. Galway and arrived in New York on 16th December 1924. At that time Mary was aged 21 years and unmarried. She travelled aboard 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, Cincinatti, 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, Garrane

Thomas Mulloy was from Garrane and arrived in New York on 5th April 1906, aged 24 years. Thomas was unmarried and had departed from the port of Cobh aboard the Baltic.[3] Unfortunately, the original manifest does not list Thomas and no further information could be obtained.

Kate Kelly, Tigreenaun

Kate Kelly was from Barnaderg and was aged 19 years when she entered New York on 1st June 1905 aboard the Oceanic. Kate had departed from Cobh and she recorded her occupation as a servant. Kate’s final destination was New York and she had paid the passage herself. She had $10 in her possession and intended to join 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 1901 census, Kate was a farmer’s daughter. There is no mention of Kate or any of the Kelly family in the 1911 Census in Tigreenaun.

Kate Kelly, Barnaderg

Another Kate Kelly was listed arriving in New York on 30th March 1911. She was 24 years of age on arrival in the US and was unmarried. Originally from Barnaderg, Co. Galway, she left from the port of Cobh aboard the Saint Paul. 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, Barnaderg

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 29th 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 $10 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, Barnaderg

Mary Delaney arrived in the US on 9th 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

Michael Burke was aged 27 years when he arrived in New York on 4th May 1892 aboard the Teutonic. Michael was a married man and had departed first from the port of Cobh and later from 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 one piece of baggage with him.[9]

Agnes Fleming, Brackloon

Agnes Fleming was from Brackloon and was 21 years old on entering the US on 17th 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, 33rd 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

John Forde arrived in the US on 9th 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

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

Sarah Fahy

Sarah Fahy was from Grange, Ireland, and left Cobh aboard the Cymric, arriving in the US on 27th 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

As it would not be possible to list all those who left from just outside the parish, only a small sample of them is listed below.

Bridget Mulry, Derheen

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

Catherine Mulry, Ballyglunin

Catherine Mulry was aged 22 years when she arrived in the US on 13th October 1924. Catherine was from Ballyglunin and was single. She travelled aboard the Celtic from Cobh.[15] Catherine hoped to join her aunt, Mrs Fox at 756 10th 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, Ballyglunin

Michael Rabbitt was from Ballyglunin and arrived in the US on 15th 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.[16]

Nellie Rabbitt,

Nellie Rabbitt was aged 25 years when she arrived in the US aboard the Ivernia on 13th 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.[17]

Katie Rooney, Ballyglunin

Katie Rooney was from Ballyglunin and arrived in the US on 9th May 1909, aged 20 years. She was single and had travelled aboard the Cedric from the port of Cobh. Katie had $25 in her possession and had paid the passage herself. She hoped to join her sister, Ellen Rooney, Prospect Avenue, New Brighton. Katie was 5 feet 8 inches tall with a fair complexion, fair hair and grey eyes.[18]

Margaret Shaughnessy, Ballyglunin

Margaret Shaughnessy was also from Ballyglunin. She arrived in the US on 18th June 1920, aged 20 years. Margaret was single and had arrived in the US aboard the Baltic. Margaret hoped to meet with her sister, Mrs Patrick Kennedy, 120 East 119th Street, New York. Margaret is recorded as being ‘on a visit’ and planning to stay 9 years. She was 5 feet tall with a ruddy complexion with dark brown hair and blue eyes.[19]

Mary E. Shaughnessy

Mary E. Shaughnessy was from Ballyglunin and arrived in New York on 27th April 1913, aged 19 years. Mary travelled aboard the Carmania from the port of Cobh. Mary hoped to meet up with her sister, Mrs Sheehan, 1211 Hall Street, Louisville. She was 5 feet 7 inches with a dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes and she had $5 in her possession on arrival in New York.[20]

Mary Shaughnessy, Ballygunin

Mary Shaughnesssy, also from Ballyglunin, arrived in the US on 19th October 1924, aged 20 years, having travelled aboard the Adriatic from Cobh. Mary had paid her own passage and had $25 in her possession on arrival in the US. She hoped to meet with her sister Mrs [Fa]nnody [original writing illegible] in the Bronx, New York. Mary was 5 feet 2 inches tall with a fresh complexion, brown hair and grey eyes.[21]

Patrick Shaughnessy, Ballyglunin

Patrick Shaughnessy was from Ballyglunin and arrived in the US on 27th April 1913, aged 17 years. Patrick arrived aboard the Carmania after leaving the port of Queenstown. Patrick’s passage was paid by his sister and he had $15 in his possession on arrival in New York. He hoped to join his sister, Mrs Sheehan, at 1211 Hall Street, Louisville, Kentucky. Patrick was 5 feet 8 inches tall with a fair complexion, fair hair and blue eyes.[22]

Mary Delaney, Ballyglunin

Mary Delaney was aged 21 years when she arrived in the US on 8th May 1922. Mary travelled aboard the Baltic from the port of Cobh. Mary was single and from Ballyglunin. Mary’s aunt paid her passage and she hoped to stay in the US for 4 years, joining her aunt, Mrs C. Hughes, 369 West 50th Street, New York.  Mary was 5 feet 2 inches tall with a fresh complexion, brown hair and brown eyes and had $25 in her possession on arrival.[23]

John Mannion, Ballyglunin

John Mannion was also from Ballyglunin and travelled to the US aboard the Carmania. He was aged 21 years when he arrived in the US on 8th September 1911. John was not married and had paid for the passage himself.  He had $10 in his possession and hoped to join his sister, Mrs Chidders, 225 East 5th Avenue, Hampstead.  John was 5 feet 11 inches tall with a dark complexion, dark hair and brown eyes.[24]

John Mannion, Brierfield

Another John Mannion left Brierfield and arrived in the US on 22nd August 1915. John was aged 21 years when he departed the port of Liverpool aboard the Philadelphia. John was single and he planned to travel to Boston where he hoped to join his brother, M. Mannion, 16 Fisher Avenue, Roxbury.[25]

Delia McHugh, Ballyglunin

Delia McHugh arrived in the US on 9th 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, in Brooklyn.[26]

Nora McHugh, Ballyglunin

Nora McHugh was also from Ballyglunin and arrived in New York on 21st 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.[27]

Patrick McHugh, Ballyglunin

Patrick McHugh was also from Ballyglunin and arrived on 27th 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 22nd Street, New York. Patrick was 5 feet 8 inches with a dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes.[28]

Delia Howley, Ballyglunin

Delia Howley was from Ballyglunin and arrived in New York on 1st 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.[29]

Michael Howley, Ballyglunin

Michael Howley left Ballyglunin at the age of 20 years and arrived in the US aboard the Cedric on 22nd 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 18th Street, Brooklyn, New York. Michael was 5 feet 10 inches tall with a fresh complexion, dark hair and blue eyes.[30]

Mary Forde, Ballyglunin

Mary Forde was also from Ballyglunin and arrived in the US aboard the Baltic on 18th 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, Cincinatti, Ohio. Mary hoped to stay in the US permanently. She was 5 feet 2½ inches had a fair complexion, black hair and greyish eyes.[31]

Nora Hession, Ballyglunin

Nora Hession was aged 23 years when she arrived in the US on 3rd 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.[32]

Patrick Hession, Moyne Park

Patrick Hession was from Moyne Park and had travelled from the port of Liverpool aboard the Aquitania.  Patrick arrived on 24th 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.[33]

Mary Fahy, Derheen

Mary Fahy was from ‘Derheen’ and arrived in the US on the 3rd October 1913, aged 18 years. Mary had left the port of Cobh aboard the Adriatic. Unfortunately, the ship manifest does not list any further information.[34]

Mary Fahy, Moyne

Another Mary Fahy was from Moyne and arrived in the US on 17th September 1922, aged ‘29 or 30 years’. Mary had travelled from the port of Liverpool aboard the Celtic. Unfortunately, the ship manifest does not list any further information.[35]

Photo 1 – Baggage Label, 1961[3]

[1] Ellis Island, ‘Ellis Island’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/genealogy/ellis_island_history.asp).
[2] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/shipManifest).
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] NAI, ‘1901 Census’ (http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/)
[6] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord).
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord).
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Ibid.
[18] Ibid.
[19] Ibid.
[20] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord).
[21] Ibid.
[22] Ibid.
[23] Ibid.
[24] Ibid.
[25] Ibid.
[26] Ibid.
[27] Ellis Island, ‘Original Ship Manifest’ (http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord).
[28] Ibid.
[29] Ibid.
[30] Ibid.
[31] Ibid.
[32] Ibid.
[33] Ibid.
[34] Ibid.
[35] Ibid.
[36] Photo in the possession of P.J. McGrath, Tuam
[37] Emigrant Bank Celebrates 150 years by Kate Grimes, http://irishecho.com/2011/02/emigrant-bank-celebrates-150-years
[38] Out and About magazine  2001, ‘The Life and Times of Margaret Agnes Keig nee McHugh’.
[39] Griffiths valuation, 1851.
[40] Out and About magazine  2001, ‘The Life and Times of Margaret Agnes Keig nee McHugh’
[41] E-mail received from Walter Burke, Massachusetts, October 2013
[42] E-mail received from Walter Burke, Massachusetts, October 2013.
[43] Ibid
[44] Mary Dolan, Lissavalley, interviewed about her mother Sarah McWalter, 9-9-2008. Mary was interviewed by her daughter Bina Devaney also from Lissavalley