There were at least six Marys in my family - all grandmothers and aunts.
However, the one I wish to record at this time is my great aunt Mary Anne Dolan, 1893 - ?
I wish to pay a tribute to her as she looked after my father and his siblings between c.1916 - 1919, whilst grandfather served in France during WWI.
Great aunt Mary Anne was born in Aughrim on 27 March 1893.
Through XO notes, I suspect she may have been named after both her mother Mary (nee Casey) and her aunt Anne, who was not married. Possibly the latter was living with the family in Aughrim at the time of her birth?
In the 1901 census, aged 8, she was living with her parents at 18 Clonameriguan, Aughrim.
In the 1911 census, aged 17, she was living with her widowed mother Mary and other family members at 5 Lissavahaun, Oatfield.
No occupation was given but she may have been either an assistant to her mother, a seamstress, or in service whilst living at home. Her elderly aunt Anne, still unmarried, was also living with them at this time.
My grandfather, Martin Dolan, went to France with the Connaught Rangers in 1916. I believe he was living in Aughrim or thereabouts at the time. My grandmother, Jane (nee Staunton), died unexpectedly in 1918, leaving my father, aunt (another Mary Anne) and uncle, with no parents to care for them. Through my late uncle, we know that aunt Mary Anne looked after the children until my grandfather returned from France. It is possible this act of care lasted longer as my grandfather was discharged with disability. I am pretty sure that my aunt Mary Anne, born 1914, was named after great aunt Mary Anne who was my grandfather’s youngest sister.
Great aunt Mary Anne was a witness to the marriage of her sister, Bridget Dolan, at The R.C. Church of Ballinasloe in 1920. She was still not married then. Perhaps through Ireland XO, I might find out more about her and trust that she lived a deserved full life, as this has been the last record I could find.
Can anyone help post 1920?
Is there any hope of the 1926 census being released soon?
Many thanks from Graham Dolan
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 27th Mar 1893 | |
| Townland born | Clonameriguan, Aughrim | |
