Matthew Mason : Short Biography

My history begins with family stories having my Mason family coming to Dublin in the mid 18th. century from Scotland. Refusing to give up Catholocism they were forced west.  On the way some remained in Co. Tipperary before settling in the civil parish of St. Patrick's, Co. Clare.  One did not give up his religion and was given a house and profitable jewelry business in Limerick City. 

My g g grandparents James Mason m. Bridget Hayes in the Parteen R.C. parish Jul 5 1830.  James, son of Michael was from Parteen and Bridget daughter of James from Clounaughter - both Co. Clare and both b.c.1900. James and Bridget had the following children baptised in the R.C. Parish of Parteen.  Residences were Clounoughter and Athlunkard.                                                                                                                                                                                           

My g grandfather Matthew b. May 11 1832 m. Feb 28 1870 to Mary Jane O'Brien of Newport, Co. Tipperary;  James b. Sep 2 1833 m. Margaret Griffin of unknown Co. Clare;  Hanora b.Jul 6 1835 m. Michael Moloney of Knockballynameath (?);  Bridget b. 19 Jan 1837 m. unknown;  John b. Dec 11 1838 m. Mary Jane Brazill of Gillogue;  Edmund b.Feb 2 1841 not married;  Thomas b. Feb 11 1843 m. Annie Brazill of Gillogue;  Mary b. Mar 3 1845 m. Michael Smith/Smith of unknown Ireland;  Catherine b. 0ct 4, 1846 m. unknown;  Judith/Johanna b. Oct 24 1847 m. Thomas O'Halloran of unknown Ireland;  Patrick b. May 18 1851 m. Annie McInerney of unknown Ireland.  There was also a Michael b.c.1830's m. Mary Condon of unknown Ireland.  All but Matthew, Hanora, Bridget and Catherine were married in Chicago, IL.  All but Hanora, Bridget, Catherine, Edmund emigrated to Chicago, IL between mid 1850's and late 1870's

My research led me to belive the following Masons could be siblings of g g grandfather, James:

• Michael b.c.1790 m.Feb 11 1856 Catherine O'Brien of Coologoree 

• Thomas b.c.1791 m. Mary Ellen O'Brien  Note:  these brother's left Parteen to retreive/purchase land in Sheaun and Cappabane, Scariff, Moynoe C.P.       

• Judith b.c.1910 m.c.1830/1840 Patrick Kelly of Shanakyle and resided there until their death's .             

• Unknown sister b.??  m. Unknown Dineen and was to have remained in the Parteen family home with and older brother.                                                                                                      

• Matthew b.c.1820's m.c.1840's Judith/Johanna Boland and resided in Shannakyle and Gillogue     

• John b.??  m.?? Mary Reidy and lived in the Woodfield, Kiladerry, O'Shea's Acres area.     

• Other possible siblings could be Patrick m. Margaret aka Norry Hogan, Ellen m. Michael Fitzgerald, Cate m. Michael Madigan - all residing in the Broadford area.

Also have possible Mason connections in Cloghoolia, Derrynaveigh (sp) abd Cappnanaghan (sp).

Well, this ends my story other than to say I have more Co. Clare Mason information than I know what to do with and will answer any querys and share whatever information I have.