Owen Byrne/Burns 1801 : Short Biography

Owen was the born in 1801, in Bornamoe, Ardee, Co. Louth, the son of Patrick and Ann Mathews Byrne.  He was one of five children.  He married Catherine Commins, also of Ardee.  They would have 6 children, Patrick, Peter, Anne Marie, Thomas, James1 and James2, my great grandfather.   Owen emigrated in 1850 aboard the ship Plymouth Rock to NYC.  He eventually made his way to Elizabeth, Union Co. New Jersey.  He would remain there with his family until his death 17 February 1875.  He was a "laborer" by trade as most immigrants were.  He was joined by his eldest son, Patrick, in 1856, and his wife, Catherine and the rest of his family would follow in June, 1857 with the exception of Anne Marie who died as a child in Ardee. His sons, Patrick and Peter were stone masons by trade and were successful in their endeavors.  It is unknown why the name was anglicized to Burns but research has proven that the name was used as an alternative to "Byrne" even in Ardee, Co. Louth. On the eve of All Souls Day, it is with love and great pride that I remember my great, great grandfather, Owen. He is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Newark, NJ, with his wife, Catherine and his son Patrick, his wife Anne Gray Burns and their young daughter, Catherine.  May Owen and his family rest in peace.   Ard dheis de go raibh a anam.