It is believed that Kate was born in November 1882 in Cloonfellive just outside of Castlerea. Her parents were Catherine/Bridget Connerton (Connaughton) and J (John) Kelly. They were not married at the time of Kate's baptism. I have been unable to locate this family until I found Kate on the 1910 census in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. From there I was able to locate a marriage record of 1909, also in Jersey City. On this record, she lists John Kelly and Catherine Connaughton of Castlerea as her parents. I have been unable to locate either parent nor any siblings. Kate immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. On the 1910 census previously mentioned, Kate also has a young daughter who is listed as her current husband's step-daughter. That daughter is listed as being born in 1905 in Jersey City. I have never been able to find a 1st husband for Kate (father to the young daughter also named "Catherine K", nor have I been able to locate a birth certificate for that young daughter.
Through DNA, I have been able to connect with a "cousin" which happens through Catherine Connaughton's niece who's grandson is my DNA connection. I feel confident that this is my connection but have been unable to locate the whereabouts of my own particular line.
In Ireland, young Kate might have been known as either name of Connaughton OR Kelly. Here in the USA she used Kelly. It is possible she was raised by the grandmother, hence using the last name of Connaughton.
Now, I believe that the grandmother's name was also Catherine with the maiden name of Kennedy. She married Patrick Connaughton. They had five children one of whom was my Catherine (Bridget) Connaughton.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Nov 1882 | |
| Date of Death | 1st Dec 1953 | |
| Place & Date of Baptism | December 1882 in Castlerea, County Roscommon; mother is listed as Bridget Connerton, father is listed as J. Kelly. It is believed the parents were not married (at least at the time of the baptism). The sponsor was Honor Finnegan. | |
| Townland born | I have reason to believe that Kate was born or at least lived in Cloonfellive just outside of Castlerea. | |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | Kate could have been married before 1909, I do not have any information on that. She did have a daughter prior to her 1909 marriage to my great grandfather Ed Nixon in 1909 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. No prev marriage/nor birth for dau. found | |
