John and James McDonagh, Gurteen, Sligo - Genealogists' Forum

#1 10-07-11, 10:36

I'm would love to trace two sons of John and Bridget McDonagh nee Finn. They were baptised in the RC Church at Gurteen and were raised on a small farm in the Gurteen towland of Gurtigara/Gurtygara. I have been told that neither brother married. These men were Peter's grandfather, Mathew McDonagh's two brothers, John, bapt 27/11/1866 and James, bapt 8/6/1869. John emigrated to England and worked and died in the north of England or possibly Northumberland. James emigrated to the USA and died in a nursing home in San Francisco - probably a Catholic facility. It seems sad to think that so little is known of the two men, who died so far away from their family and homeland. I think they would have been labourers and probably they do not have a headstone, but it would be great to put it on record where there last resting place is. Many thanks if anyone can assist. I wouldn't know where to start.

kiterunner · #2 10-07-11, 10:46

This could be John on the 1891 census:
Irlam Moss, Barton upon Irwell, Lancashire
John McDonough Lodger S 25 Canal Labourer Ireland Sligo

kiterunner · #3 10-07-11, 10:53

And this could be James on the 1900 US census:
Welst(?) St, San Francisco, California
McDonough James Head born Jan 1871 age 29 single born Ireland both parents born Ireland, year of immigration 1899 occupation sexton, can read and write.

kiterunner · #4 10-07-11, 10:55

Hmm, but that James in San Francisco is married to a Johanna on the 1910 census. Working as a car repairer for the SF Railroad.

#5 10-07-11, 13:48

Kate that is really great. The information I acquired was from conversation when I was in Ireland from his 80 year old niece. It is possible that he married and she didn't know. He did write back to his brother, her father, because she knew he ended up dying in a nursing home.

Janet · #6 11-07-11, 01:49

Welsh Street?

#7 11-07-11, 06:14

Not sure what you mean?

kiterunner · #8 11-07-11, 07:25

That place I put as Welst(?) Street. Welsh sounds a lot more likely!

#9 11-07-11, 07:50

Duh me!! Sorry Kate I didn't read your post properly. Kate where would be the best place to look to see if I can find James Immigration in 1899? The problem would be that I couldn't be sure if he would be sailing from Ireland or England. He is aged 29 and a sexton, not sure if he would have that training in Ireland. I suppose it is possible if he worked for the railways.

Janet · #10 12-07-11, 00:33

Welsh Street exists in S.F. It's in the right place, not far from the docks and the Embarcadero. Exactly where you would expect to find a sexton.

You remember that old video I posted of San Francisco just days before the big 1906 earthquake, Julie? About half way down Market Street take a right and walk 15 minutes, you're on Welsh Street.