Hello,
Very interesting information about the Neary family in Clooncullan. I believe I'm related to the Nearys of Tanseyfield. The birth records listed for this family are aligned with my Neary family who all immigrated to Philadelphia between 1840 -1845. The parents are listed on the birth records as James Neary and Anna Feeny and the Neary children are:
Thomas b 1815; Mary Margt b1816; Edward b 1818; Patrick b 1821; Mary Ann b 1822; Margaret b 1825; Catherine Hester b 1828; Bridget b 1833. This entire family including Parents and an Uncle all were living in Philadelphia by the 1850 Phila. Census. Edward Neary, my 2nd great grandfather, married Honora Nicholson from Ballinasloe. Edward Neary even though born at Tanseyfield is listed in Lord Viscount Morpeth's Testimonial Roll 1841 as a stone cutter. I know Ballinasloe had a large active quarry at that time. Edward and Honora Nicholson marry in Ireland and are found on ship to Phila. 1842. Their first child is born in that city 1843. Edward, his brother Patrick, Edward's sons Michael and Daniel and Patrick's sons are stone cutters. Plus, Edward's brothers in law named Thomas Ormsby and Thomas McCormick are stone cutters, too. Not to mention Edward's son in law Edward J. Walsh.
The olderst brother Thomas and their father James must have been farmers in Tanseyfield. Thomas workered as a baker in Phila. Edward's daughter married a Martin McGann who I believe was from Elphin or Strokestown area.
Would be interested in hearing from anyone with connections to these Neary, Feeny, Nicholson families. Thanks again for the information on the Neary surname and the history of the Nearys.
Kind regards, Pat Merriwether