Research on the Connor Children Birthdates

Nancy Connor Post (1946-2004), a third cousin, and avid researcher, provided this document to me in 2002. She had been researching her Connor ancestors and decided to ask for assistance in Wexford, Ireland. She wrote to the Taghmon Historical Society and they referred her inquiry to Mr. Hilary Murphy. Mr. Murphy provided "birth dates" for the five Connor children that were born in Ireland per the following letter.

Click on image to enlarge

However, Mr. Murphy did not provide sources for the birth dates so it is not clear where he found them. But he did get this information in Ireland. Now that the National Library of Ireland has church records on line, I thought I would check out the information provided by Mr. Murphy, some 14 years ago, and compare the birth dates with other records that are available in the states.

I have compared four sources to see if a good "guess" at a birth date could be established for each of the Connor children. These include the above letter, the Taghmon Church records online at the Irish National Library, pages from the Connor Family Bible held by Chuck and Lori Reiss, and any death certificates I could locate.


Ellen Connor
Murphy Document: born August 15, 1843
Taghmon Church Baptism Registry: baptism August 25, 1843
Connor Family Bible: born August 24, 1843
Death Certificate: born August 15, 1848

Assumed birth date: August 15, 1843
Comments: August 15 is the date that Mr. Murphy found in some unknown Irish record. It is also the month and day that is recorded on Ellen's death certificate, so it must have been the month and day she had told others was her birthday. However, Ellen must have also said she was born in 1848, 5 years after her actual birth year. When her sister Mary recorded information in the Connor Family Bible in 1877, she knew Ellen's correct birth year of 1843. The birth year of 1848 was used for her death certificate as this seems to be the year Ellen told others she was born.

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James Connor
Murphy Document: born April 6, 1846
Taghmon Church Baptism Registry: baptism April 7, 1846
Connor Family Bible: born April 6, 1846
Death Certificate: No certificate can be located

Assumed birth date: April 6, 1846
Unlike the Connor women, James' birth date seems fairly straight forward.

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Bridget Connor
Murphy Document: born Mary 26, 1849
Taghmon Church Registry: baptism May 28, 1849
Family Bible: born May 27, 1849
Death Certificate: None can be located

Assumed birth date: Either May 26 or 27, 1849
Comments: I wish I knew the source of Mr. Murphy's date. He seems to be right on the first two Connor children.

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John Connor
Murphy Document: born October 16, 1852
Taghmon Church Registry: baptism October 16, 1852
Family Bible: born January 22, 1854
Death Certificate: None can be located

Assumed birth date: October 16, 1852
My theory is, Mary needed John to be born a little later to make the birth year she chose for herself to use in the family bible, work for her. I have searched the Taghmon baptism registry and there was no John Connor baptized in 1854 or later.

Click on image to enlarge

Mary Connor
Murphy Document: born May 21, 1854, Ireland
Taghmon Church Registry: baptism May 21, 1854, Ireland
Family Bible: born September 27, 1859, Illinois
Death Certificate: September 27, 1858, Illinois

Assumed birth date: May 21, 1854, Ireland
Comments: Initially, I thought perhaps the Mary Connor born in Ireland died, and a second Mary Connor was born in Evanston. This is still possible but I have my doubts. Since Mary was the recorder of the early births and deaths in the Connor Bible, I think if there had been a child that had died, she would have recorded the death of the earlier Mary in the Bible. Since the Connor family is believed to be in the US by 1859, she could not record herself as being born in Ireland, so this is why I think she noted she was born in Illinois.  I am not sure why there is such a discrepancy of birth month and day.

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Thomas Connor
Murphy Document: no information as he was born in Illinois
Taghmon Church Registry: no information as he was born in Illinois
Family Bible: born April 16, 1857
Death Certificate: born April 27, 1857

Assumed birth date: April 16, 1857, Illinois
Comment: It is likely Thomas was baptized, but the church records for St. Mary's in Evanston don't start until 1872 and there are no birth certificates before the Chicago fire of 1871 for Cook County. I need to see if I can find a baptismal record, perhaps in a nearby church.

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.

Thomas Connor - Jennie Colbert Marriage Registration 1885

Thomas Connor, son of James Connor and Anastasia Colfer, married Jennie Colbert, daughter of Edmund and Margaret Colbert, on May 27, 1885 in Racine, Wisconsin.

Of note is the spelling of the last name of Thomas' mother, Anastasia "Coffer."  Other spellings include "Colfour" (in her obituary), "Colfor" (in the family bible), and "Colfer" as the common spelling in County Wexford, Ireland.

1. Full name of husband: Thomas Connor
2. Name of the father of husband: James Connor
3. Name of the mother of husband before marriage: Anastasia Coffer
4. Occupation of husband: Book keeper
5. Resident of husband: Evanston [Illinois]
6. Birthplace of husband: Evanston [Illinois - ditto marks used for birthplace]
7. Full name of wife previous to marriage: Jennie Colbert [indexed as Jonnie]
8. Name of the father of wife: Edmund Colbert
9. Name of the mother of wife before marriage: Margaret Colbert [ditto marks used for last name]
10. Birthplace of wife: Racine [Wisconsin]
11. Time when the marriage was contracted: May 27, 1885
12. The place, town or township and county, where the marriage was contracted: Racine [Wisconsin]
13. The color of the parties: White
14. By what ceremony contracted: Catholic
15: Names of subscribing witnesses: John Connor; Minnie Colbert
16. Name of person pronouncing marriage: Geo W. Mathews
17. Residence of person last named: Racine [Wisconsin]
18 Date of certificate or affidavit of marriage: May 27, 1885
19 Date of registration: June 1, 1885
20 Any additional circumstances: [Blank]

Source: Pre-1907 Wisconsin Marriage Records, Racine County, vol. 3, page 272, microfilm, Wisconsin State Historical Society.

James C. Connor Will, 1889

James C. Connor signed his will on February 15, 1889, the same day he applied for his passport to go to the Holy Land.  It appears he was getting his "house in order" in anticipation of the trip which was only a week away.

In the name of God Amen. I James C. Connor of the Village of Evanston in the County of Cook and State of Illinois of the age of Forty two years do make and publish and declare this my last will and testament.  I being at the time of the making thereof of sound mind and memory.

First
I give and bequeath to my wife Hannah Connor all the property of every kind nature and description of which I shall die seized, the above including all the real estate, personal property choses in action.  Life insurance and everything I have at the time of my death to be and remain hers in fee simple - absolutely and forever.

Second
I hereby appoint Hannah Connor my said wife, sole executrix of this my last will and testament, and request that no bond shall be required or demanded of her, from any court as such executrix, or for the carrying out of the provisions of this my will.

In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this 15th day of February in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Eighty-nine (1889)

(Signed) James C. Connor (Seal)

The above and foregoing instrument consisting of one page was at the date thereof signed, sealed, published and declared by the said James C. Connor as and for his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

Thomas Bates, 330 Maple Ave. Evanston, Ills.
Thomas B. Brougham, 5131 Washington Ave. Hyde Park, Ills.

Dunbrody (Dunbrodie) Famine Ship

On James Charles Connor's 1889 passport application, it states he "emigrated to the United States, sailing on board the 'Dunbrodie' from Queenstown or Liverpool, on or about the 1st day of May 1856."

In New Ross, County Wexford, a replica of the famine ship is anchored.  They even have a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dunbrodyfamineship

I have written them to see if they have any information regarding the trans-Atlantic crossings of the ship in 1856.

There is also a webpage for the ship: http://www.dunbrody.com/ 

Images from various Dunbrody websites.

James C. Connor Goes to the Holy Land, 1889

When the 1889 passport for James Charles Connor was applied for, it was requested that the completed passport be sent to Rev. Charles A. Vissani.  Fr. Vassani. O.S.F., was a Franciscan who organized the first Holy Land Pilgrimage from the United States.  James Connor and about 100 others participated in the event.  This article from the New York Times outlines their travels.  Unlike the article in the Industrial Chicago: The Building Interests noted in a previous post, there is no mention of Mr. McCann being a part of the Holy Land Pilgrimage.

James C. Connor, Passport Application, 1889

James C. Connor applied for a passport on February 15, 1889 in anticipation of a European trip.  He was 42 years old and planned to travel with his business associate, Mr. McCann, as mentioned in the write up of his travels noted below.

This passport application states the ship he traveled on coming to America, the "Dunbrodie," embarked from the ports of Queenstown/Liverpool, on or about the first day of May 1856.

Further, he states "I was naturalized as a citizen of the United States before the District Court of the United States at Chicago, Illinois on the first day of November, 1860 as shown by the accompanying Certificate of my Father's Naturalization; that I am the son of James Conners, the identical person described in said Certificate and having been 14 years of age at the time of my father's naturalization."


"In 1889 Mr. McCann, accompanied by Mr. James C. Connor, enjoyed a European trip, visiting the Mediterranean, Rome, Naples, Alexandria and Cairo, passing through the Suez canal to the Holy Land, where they spent some time visiting the principal historical spots.  They were with a party of tourists known as the First American Catholic Pilgrimage, and were gone six months.  On his return he visited his native land, passing also through England and Scotland."
Industrial Chicago: The Building Interests, Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Company, Vol. 1, 1891, page 746-747.

When the passport application was first viewed, it seemed odd that the "applicant desires passport sent to the following address:" area noted it was to be sent to a priest in New York City.  But, now knowing he was participating in the "First American Catholic Pilgrimage" this accounts for the passport being sent to Rev. Charles A. Vissani, No. 309 52nd St., New York, N.Y. and why it says "please forward at once."

The Pilgrimage group left Hoboken, NJ aboard the ship the Wieland on February 21 and planned to return to the US by the middle of June.  However, the article above states James Connor continued on to Ireland, England and Scotland, so he probably didn't return until at least July.  See the article: Off to the Holy Land: Pilgrims from this Country to Jerusalem, February 17, 1889, New York Times.

With the above information, it is time to find his passenger list and, hopefully, his father's Naturalization papers.  How exciting.

James and Anastasia Connor Bible

Lori Reiss, wife of Chuck Reiss, great, great grandson of James and Anastasia Connor, shared the Connor Bible with me today! 

Marriages -- Page 1.  In the lower right hand corner it reads: "Written by Mary, Aug 13th 1877"

Births - Page 2

Deaths -- Page 3

Miscellaneous -- Page 4

Title Page, Published 1871

What was the occasion for this Bible?  My Theory.........

The first entry on the Family Record page reads:
"Mr. James Connor and Anastasia Colfor was (sic) joined in holy Matrimony By Rev. Fr. Scalyon in the parish of Tagamon (sic), County Wexford, Ireland in the year 1842 Aug 7th"

At the bottom of the first page it reads: "Written by Mary, Aug 13th 1877"

Mary was James and Anastasia's youngest daughter and the date of their wedding and the date the information was provided by Mary in the Bible is almost exactly 35 years apart.  So, my theory is, Mary, or possibly all of James and Anastasia's children, gave the Bible to senior Connors as a 35th anniversary present with Mary providing some historical information on the Marriages, Births and Deaths pages.

It seems somewhat unlikely that James and Anastasia would purchase a bible and have it embossed in gold with their names at this point in their lives.  However, it seems very reasonable that someone would give them a bible, with their names embossed, as a gift.

Lori Reiss kindly brought the Bible to my home so I could photograph and scan the pages which included genealogical information.  Lori, thank you so much.

Taghmon, Wexford History

The Connors, in various documents, state they are from County Wexford and it is believed that it was the Taghmon area.  Taghmon is what is written in the bible that  was held by Philip M. Sullivan and then his son Joseph Sullivan.  Here is some information about Taghmon, County Wexford.



ST MUNN 
St. Munn, also known as Fintan Munnu, the son of Tulcanus and Fidelma, was brought up as a Christian, in the North of Ireland. He presented himself as a candidate for admission, as a disciple, into the community of St. Columba/Columcille on the island of Hy, also known as Iona. Columba had died before Munn arrived. His successor told Munn, that it was Columba's wish, that Munn return to Ireland - and had prophesied that he would 'be the leader of a great people there'. On his arrival in Ireland, Munn travelled southward. 'He came to a rich and sloping plain. Here he rested. Pleased with the situation and finding a gentle and docile people, he erected a humble tabernacle to God's glory' Later he built a monastery in the vicinity, Teach Munna - the House of Munn - known to-day as Taghmon. Ever since the end of the sixth century the people of Taghmon have endeavoured to have a dwelling for God to live among them. The present Church of St. Fintan is a worthy testimony to their faith, fidelity and generosity.

ST. FINTAN'S CHURCH 1869 - 1971 
There are three main events in the development of the Church, spanning a century. The building of the Church - organised by Rev. William Murphy P.P. (1866-1896) The improvement and beautification projects during the administration of Rev. Thomas Scallan P.P. (1925 - 1956) The renovations and alterations undertaken on the occasion of the centenary of the Church by Rev. James Murphy P.P. (1966-1972).

THE LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE 
On May 9, 1869, the foundation stone of the new church of Our Lady of St. Munn, was solemnly blessed by Bishop Thomas Furlong, and laid, with the prescribed ceremonies, in the north eastern angle of the building. Though the morning was heavy the attendance was large, and all seemed to be impressed with the importance of the occasion. His Lordship complimented the people of the parish on the contributions they had already made towards the erection of their new Church, and felt satisfied, they would continue to co-operate with their Pastor in what they had so liberally begun....In the conclusion of his Lordship's address, he paid a marked compliment to the architects and also the contractor and assured the people they might rely on them for the satisfactory execution of the work in hand. Having blessed the spot marked out by a wooden cross, as the site of the future altar, he proceeded to bless the foundation stone, in which a zinc box, containing the date, name and coins, usual on such occasions, had been inserted, and finally he blessed the foundations themselves, after which an Indulgence of Forty Days was announced, as imparted by His Lordship to all present at the ceremony. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament closed the functions of this interesting day'.

PENAL LAWS 
The Penal Laws, which had deprived Catholics of civil and religious rights were recent history. 'On March 10, 1744, William Hore, Portreeve of Taghmon, (an agent who collected rent for a landlord) reported Fr. Patrick Redmond as a "Popish clergyman in the Mass-house of Taghmon, residing at the house of his brother, James Redmond of Harveystown". Hore locked up the Mass-house and "allowed" as he writes, "no admittance into it, in the shape of the popish (or any other) worship'. The Irish referred to the community as 'an pobal' and to their place of worship as 'teach pobail' (people's house) or 'teach De' (God's house).

BARN CHURCHES 
From the mid 18th century onwards the Penal Laws were relaxed and Catholics began to build churches or chapels, as they were called. These were basic in design and construction. They had no spires or towers, just a small belfry at the gable end. Built of local stone, covered with lime plaster, they had clay tiled floors and plain windows. Many had thatched roofs and, being like barns, are often described as 'barn churches'. In these modest buildings Catholics practised their religion quietly and unobtrusively. In the diocese of Ferns, during the 1798 Rebellion, thirty four of these 'chapels' were burned or destroyed. The parish of Taghmon escaped. In 1831, Samuel Lewis writing in his Topographical Dictionary describes Taghmon; 'the church is a small but handsome edifice with a square embattled tower: the chapel is a spacious and handsome edifice, partly concealed by some fine beech trees; there are chapels also at Trinity and Caroreigh, and at Forest, about a mile from the town is a place of worship for the Society of Friends'.

CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION: AUGUSTUS WELBY PUGIN 
In 1829, due to Daniel O'Connell's relentless campaign, an act granting Catholic Emancipation was passed. This coincided with the arrival in Wexford of Augustus Welby Pugin, a convert to Catholicism, who was 'art architect' of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, and a renowned church architect. His patron, the wealthy Catholic Earl of Shrewsbury, was connected by marriage to the Talbot family of Castle Talbot, Blackwater. They introduced Pugin to the diocese of Ferns. He came to an Ireland which was experiencing an upsurge in Church building. There was a spirit of triumphalism - grandeur could now displace discretion. Pugin introduced the Gothic Revival style and developed a close professional relationship with Richard Pierce, who became his principal associate in ensuring the successful execution of his designs.

REV. JOHN SCALLAN (1815 - 1849) 
Rev. John Scallan was Parish Priest of Taghmon from 1815-1849. During his pastorship two new churches were built in the parish, Trinity in 1838 and Caroreigh in 1843. Before Fr. Scallan could turn his attention to the church in Taghmon the Famine 1845-1850 intervened. Taghmon was not spared.

CHOLERA 
In 1849, Taghmon, then a thriving little town of 1500 inhabitants, was visited by a dreaded disease that claimed almost 300 of its residents. Cholera, at that period, was prevalent throughout the land and levied a heavy toll on human life. During the terrible visitation, the two priests of Taghmon, Father John Scallan, P.P. and Father Peter Warren, C.C. were constantly engaged in ministering to the sick and dying. The strain of duty and daily scenes of death and misery, told upon their weakened conditions. Fr. Scallan was the first to fall a victim, passing away on May 1 1849, aged 71. Fr. Warren survived him a few months. He died on September 3, 1849, aged 36. The parishioners were deeply grieved by the deaths of their two beloved priests.' Two monuments to their memory were erected in the old chapel. At the time the old church was demolished these were taken down and not reinstalled in the new church. The old tablets can be seen on the boundary wall at the back of the Church and there is a new tablet in their memory in the present church. FAMINE The famine brought distress and poverty. Catholics had been relying on voluntary contributions for their building projects. These ceased almost entirely and building came to a halt. Those who could afford to give, diverted their donations to the relief of the hungry and bereaved.

Source: Rita Curtis' St. Fintan's Church, Taghmon 1869 - 1971.  Complete Entry at http://taghmon.com/vol1/14rita/14rita.htm

James C. Connor - Mini-Biography

In the newspaper clipping files, with information by street, at the Evanston History Center, Evanston, Illinois, there were two small pieces of paper which had mini biographies of James C. Connor, son of James Connor, immigrant.  They were cut or torn from some other documents, but those documents were not identified.  Although it is known that all of the information is not correct, i.e., James C. Connor was born in Ireland, not Evanston, the majority of the information is believed to be accurate.

The only item that has not been proved is that he was the builder of St. Mary's Church in Evanston.  In a history of St. Mary's Church, it states that Michael Foley, a resident of the parish, was the builder.

The two typed clippings read:

• 1220 Maple Ave.  Home of James C. Connor for many years.  One of Evanston's pioneer builders.  Village trustee in 1876.  Built St. Mary's Church.  Founder of Connor Hardware store, first at 618 Davis, later at 624 Grove.  He was born in Evanston in 1850s.  Early pioneer family here.

• 1220 Maple Ave.  Home of James Charles Connor, one of Evanston's pioneer builders for more than 40 years.  Son of pioneer James Connor who came to Evanston from Ireland in 1855.  Founder of Connor Hardware store, early and important hardware store here.  Was the builder of St. Mary's church.  A village trustee in 1876.

 Source: Evanston History Center, accessed February 17, 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.

Tablet with Founders of St. Mary's Church

This newspaper article about the plaque hung in St. Mary's Church, Evanston, appeared in the Evanston Index on June 24, 1939.

Additional information on the plaque can be viewed on this blog at: Plaque Rubbing and Plaque Transcription.  To enlarge newspaper clipping, click on image.


Source: Evanston History Center files, accessed February 17, 2012

Townlands of Taghmon Parish

Information on the townland of the civil parish of Taghmon, c1853, can be found at this site.

Old Cemetery in Taghmon, Co. Wexford

When we were in Taghmon in August, 2011, we went to the main Catholic Cemetery, but realized it was too new, i.e., started in the 1950s or so.  We asked some individuals who were in the cemetery if they knew where the older one was.  They directed us to a cemetery behind St. Munn's.  St. Munn's is a Church of Ireland, but this section of the cemetery was supposed to be the Catholic section.

It was almost impossible to read any of the stones in the cemetery.

The factory near the church in the video is the Irish Pride Bakery.




Video: Elaine Beaudoin, August 1, 2011

St. Fintan's Church, Taghmon Town

The Connors are supposed to be from Taghmon, Co. Wexford.  This has not been proven.  If true, However, it is not known if it was the town of Taghmon or the Civil Parish.

The church in Taghmon Town, originally opened in 1872, was totally restored in 2010.  It's name is St. Fintan and it is on the main street of Taghmon town.

St. Fintan's Church, Taghmon

Plaque on the wall of church

As can be seen from the commemorative plaque, there was a Catholic church fund raising effort as early as possibly the 1850s.  During this time period, I believe the Connors were still in Ireland.

 
Photos: Elaine M. Beaudoin, August 1, 2011

Evanston City Directory, 1884

Members of the Connor family are listed in the Evanston, Illinois city directories.  In the next several posts, I have included pages from directories covering 1884-1937.  Since J. C. and Thomas Connor were business people in the community, in some of the directories their advertisements appear and have been included.  Also, in 1900 and 1937, a history of the town, as reported in the directory, is provided.

Connor entries from the 1884 Evanston, Illinois city directory.

To enlarge images, just double click on each.
Source: Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois

Evanston City Directory, 1892

Connor entries from the 1892 Evanston City Directory.

Double click on images to enlarge.
Sources: Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois

Evanston City Directory, 1897

Evanston city directory entries for Connor, 1897.

Enlarge images by double clicking on the.
Source: Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois

Evanston City Directory, 1900

Connor entries from the 1900 Evanston, Illinois, city directory

Directory information about Evanston 1900

Full page advertisement

Advertisement at bottom of every 10-15 pages

Double click on images to enlarge.
Source: Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois

Evanston City Directory, 1903

Connor directory entries, Evanston, Illinois 1903.

Title page of 1903 City Directory

List of Advertisers in 1903

Initial Connor entry in 1903 directory

Connor entries and advertisement  where were side-by-side in 1903 directory

J. C. Connor full page advertisement

Continuation of Connor entry in 1903 directory

To enlarge any of the images, double click.
Images from Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois