Genealogical Gems

Setting aside the to do list this #SundayMorning to research my Irish female ancestors, beginning with my great grandmother Catherine #OFlaherty . It is after all #IrishAmericanHeritageMonth and #WomensHistoryMonth Catherine O'Flaherty Catherine was born on 2 August 1880 to Dennis and Martha (Durkan) O'Flaherty in Phoenixville, Chester County, PA. This is confirmed through various records and family members, including my grandmother (her oldest child. Her marriage application however notes she was born on 2 October in 1885. She was the youngest of eight known children. Her siblings (in birth order) are: James - 1868 to 1870. Twin to Mary Theresa. Mary Theresa - 1868 to 1945. Twin to James. Married Patrick Rogers. They had five children. Through Ancestry.com, I have connected with one of her descendents.  Hugh - 1869 to 1947. Married Katherine Dee. They had six children. Michael - 1871 to 1904.Married Margaret McQuade. He died just two years after they married, le...

March has been Irish American History Month for many years. On Thursday, 28 February, President Obama finally proclaimed - as so many presidents before him - that March be Irish-American History Month! The Proclamation reads: For more than two centuries, America has been made and remade by striving, hopeful immigrants looking for a chance to pursue their dreams. Millions among them were born in Ireland, separated from our shores but united by their belief in a better day. This month, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we reflect on the ways a nation so small has inspired so much in another. Generations of Irish left the land of their forebears to cast their fortunes with a young Republic. Escaping the blight of famine or the burden of circumstance, many found hardship even here. They endured prejudice and stinging ridicule. But through it all, these new citizens never gave up on one of our oldest ideas: that anyone from anywhere can write the next great chap...