John Kelley was born about 1830 in Mayo County Ireland. He may have been born in or near the city of Castlebar, or perhaps Ballinrobe.
During the Irish potato famine, many went to Canada, including John Kelley. It is unknown if he sailed with other family members, or alone. Ship name and exact year of travel is unknown.
Border crossings around the Niagara River and Lake areas were common in the 1800's. Many Irish immigrants came to the USA from Canada this way. Crossings were often made in the winter. It is believed that during the winter of 1858 that John Kelley trekked across the ice into the USA.
John Kelley probably married Mary Rowan around this time. She was also from Ireland by way of Canada. Mary Rowan's mother Bridget and some of her sisters also immigrated from Ireland. County and year are unkown. There is a small chance John Kelley and Mary Rowan were married in Ireland, but it is more probable they met and were married in Canada or the USA. Their marriage was probably performed in a Catholic Church. A copy of that marriage record would be very helpful, as it would probably list their parents' names, as well as their places of birth. They may have spent some time in the Wilson and Lockport, New York area, before settling in Erie, Pennsylvania.
In 1860, John and Mary Kelley were listed on the census for Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, along with Bridget Rowan, and a few other members of the Rowan and Ray families. Their young son Edward was with them. At that point they were living in a large boarding house, with several other families. John's occupation is listed as laborer.
On the 1870 census, John and Mary Kelley were living in the city of Erie, Pennsylvania, 4th Ward. Their ages are listed as 35 and 30. John's occupation is "coal heaver", and the value of his real estate is $600. He is not yet a citizen of the USA. Their children are Edward, Bridget, Mary, John, Michael, and Annie.
On September 4 1872 John Kelley became a citizen of the USA. His sponsor was Samuel A. Davenport.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1830 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 1st Jan 1875 (circa) | |
Is anything known about Edward Kelley's family in Ireland? My great-great-grandmother was Margaret Kell(e)y, married to Edward Forde. They had two daughters, Susan (born 1839), and my great-grandmother Anna (Mary), born in 1832. All from Castlebar. I'm hoping it may turn out that my Margaret and this Edward Kelley may have been related.
Thank you!
Amy Patterson O'Keefe
My great great grandmother was called Bridget Kelley and was born in Mayo around 1837. Her father was called Thomas Kelley. Bridget married John Logan in the UK. He was also born in Mayo. Father's name on marriage certificate was Larkey / Lackey Logan. Am seeking any further info on these ancestors.
Thanks
Steph Grantham
