Thomas William GLEESON was my great grandfather. We don't know his date of birth but could have been around 1840 plus/minus 12 years! His marriage certificate states he was born in Tipperary, as do census returns.
We are certain of his date of death(have the death certificate). We are trying to find the exact location of his birth (where in Tipperary). Also looking for a headstone if possible.
We know nothing of his early life.
In July 1885 he married Margaret Louisa CONNOLLY in Portsmouth England. They had been living in Guildford England for a little while at least prior to the wedding and had had a child earlier that year who died.
Following their marriage in Portsmouth they returned to Guildford where they lived for at least another 3 or 4 years, having twin daughters Marian and Delia Constance in 1886 and Ethel in 1887. Back in Ireland they then had William in 1889, Robert Louis in 1891 and my grandfather Frederick Charles in 1894.
They lived in Killester House Dublin before moving to Clontarf. Thomas' occupation was listed as "independent gentleman" and owned multiple properties in St Lawrence Road Dublin. The boys attended BlackRock College and the daughters were educated in Europe.
Thomas died in 1905 and in 1906 Margaret and the 6 children migrated to New Zealand.
His death notice in the Irish Independent stated:
Obituary, The Irish Independent, Monday 13 March 1905
GLEESON - March 11 1905, at Montrose, St. Laurence Road, Clontarf, Thomas Gleeson, to the inexpressible grief of his wife and children and a large circle of friends. R.I.P Funeral to Kilbarrack (tomorrow) morning at 1.30 (sic)
Another obituary I found years ago ( but now can't find the source) said:
Death of well-known Clontarf man
A prominent figure in Clontar has passed away with the death of Mr Thomas Gleeson. The deceased was a member of the old board of Commissioners and a devoted worker in the Nationalist cause. Much sympathy is felt for his bereaved widow and children.
Any help anyone can give would be most appreciated.
