Thomas Donlan / Donlon is my great-grandfather (mother's maternal grandfather). In the 1881 census for Montreal (Ste-Anne Ward), he is listed as "Thomas Donlon" age 26, born in Ireland and living with his wife (married June 3, 1878, in Montreal) Bridget Ellen (McGrath) Donlon age 21 (born 10-22-1859 in Quebec), his daughter Mary Ellen Donlon age 2, and his brother John Donlon age 30, born in Ireland. I do not find Thomas in the 1861 or 1871 censuses, but I do find Bridget and her family. On their Catholic marriage record, Thomas is listed as the son of "Simons Donnolan" (possibly "Simon S."?) and "Ellen Enright." Their second child, my grandmother, is Margaret Ann Donlan (Hale) born 05-26-1881 in Montreal. Their third child is Katherine Agnes Donlan, born in 1883 in Montreal. Their fourth child is Edward John Donlan, born in 1885 in Illinois, USA. Their fifth child is Thomas Simons Donlan, born 1887 in Iowa, USA. Their sixth child is John James Donlan, born 1889 in Iowa. Thomas Sr. died in Sheldon, O'Brien, Iowa, USA on 09-23-1890.
Based on Canadian Census records and his marriage record, I'm hypothesizing that my great-grandfather, Thomas Donlan, immigrated to Canada sometime between early 1871 and early 1878. I have been unable to locate his immigration record or any information about where in Ireland he was born or was living prior to his immigration to Canada. If anyone who believes s/he is related to the Donlan or McGrath families has any information about these families' Irish origins I would very much appreciate your contacting me to share any information or sources you have. Thank you!
Marlene Mears
