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.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Patrick Connor 1880 Death Certificate

Patrick Connor (1823-1880) is the older brother of James Connor (1818-1897).


The Physician's Certificate of Death, issued in Evanston, Cook County, Illinois shows Patrick's last name spelled "Conners." A not uncommon spelling.

The certificate states he died in Evanston on March 28, 1880, which was a Sunday, at 7:45 p.m.  He was married. Although his wife's name is not listed, he was married to Margaret Welsch Connor (1825-1890). Given he is thought, at the time of his death, to be 56 years, 3 months and 7 days old, this would calculate a birth date of December 21, 1823.

It also states he was born in Ireland and had resided in Illinois for 28 years. From what I can tell, the Connors came directly to Illinois from Ireland which would give a c1852 immigration date.

The cause of death is given as "exhaustion from tuberculosis" which the certificate says he had for fifteen years. He was buried in Calvery Cemetery, Evanston, Illinois. The undertaker was John Hebbelthwaite located on Davis Street in Evanston, IL.

Source: Family History Library, digital folder #004004754, image #01216.