Downtown Taghmon

Downtown Taghmon
Main Street, Taghmon, County Wexford, 2011

About James Connor and Anastasia Colfour (Colfer)

About James Connor and Anastasia Colfer

James Connor (c1818-1897) and Anastasia Colfour (Colfer) (c1821-1884) married in the Parish of Taghmon in 1842 and emigrated from County Wexford, possibly the town of Taghmon, between c1852-1854. History states that James preceded Anna by two years. Shortly after arriving in America, they settled in Evanston, Illinois. They lived and farmed in an area of Evanston now known as Stockham Park until about 1862 when they moved to the corner of Ridge Avenue and Lake Street in Evanston. Several siblings of James' also came to the U.S. around the same time and resided in Evanston. They include his twin siblings Katherine and Thomas, both of whom never married; and, his brother Patrick who married Margaret Welsch. James and Anna had six children, the first five of whom were born in Ireland. They include Ellen (Sullivan) (1843-1919), James C. (1846-1890), Bridget Lucy (Headen/Hayden) (1849-1876); John A. (1852-1932); Mary E. (Haughey) (1854-1934); and, Thomas E. (1857-1929). Anna died of typhoid pneumonia on April 15, 1884. James, lived to be 79, spending the last thirteen years living with his son Thomas. James died on October 2, 1897.

Monday, February 20, 2012

St. Mary's Church History, 1900

On December 8, 1900, an article on St. Mary's Church History was published in the Evanston Index.  The newspaper article mentions the Connor family several times.
  • Mr. and Mrs. James C. Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Connor, Mr. and Mrs. John Connor...all settled in Evanston in the early 50s or before.
  • The fine memorial windows were given by .... Mrs. J. C. Connor in memory of Mr. J. C. Connor....and Father Donahue, who gave a window in memory of Mrs. Margaret Connor, who owned the house adjoining the church and devoted a greater part of her time to acts of piety.

These mentions are highlighted with red arrows above.  To enlarge, click on newspaper image.

Source: Clipping from Evanston History Center, viewed February 17, 2012.

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