Peter Walsh was born on 3 Jan 1891 in Callan, Ireland to Richard Walsh and Johanna Ryan. He left Ireland, following his oldest sister Bridey, and arrived in New York, USA in November 1905, changing his name to Pierce as he never wanted to be called "Paddy".
In 1910 he was a resident of E 66th St with his sister Bridey and brothers Michael, Jack and William, working as a shipping clerk in a department store.
He married Madoline Rowlette in April 1916 and his son John Lester was born on 1 March 1918 in Chicago. He was also naturalised in 1918. In the 1920 Census he is listed as being a yard conductor for Penn. RR.
By 1927 he had divorced Madoline, as he married Letty Ruby Evans on 12 August 1927. Letty’s brother Richard John and sister Pearl May were witnesses, and her cousin Virginia was flower girl.
In the 1930 Census he is listed as being a railroad switchman. Their daughter Letty May was born on 12 July 1930.
In 1940 he was a railroad conductor. With his railroad connections, Pierce and his family were able to travel the U.S.A. extensively, visiting various relations in many different states. On 29 August 1948 in Chicago, in much pain, Pierce died of suicide by hanging. His wake was attended by many family members on both his and his wife’s side, as well as many friends and neighbours. Cousins present on Pierce's side were: Kathleen & Annie Kealy, J.J. Kealy, Anna M. De Grasse, Mr & Mrs Niles M Dwyer, Lester D Walsh, Isabel McCaulay, Mrs John A McCaulay and Earl Walsh.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Walsh, Pierce Wake Booklet 1948 annotated-compressed (1).pdf (2.26 MB) | 2.26 MB |
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3rd Jan 1891 | |
| Date of Death | 29th Aug 1948 | |
