William Shea : Short Biography

William Shea lived in the townland of Knockaunbrack in the parish of Duagh in County Kerry. His gravestone says he was born in 1808, but US Census Records put his date of birth at between 1810 and 1820. A professional genealogist specializing in County Kerry research believes his birthdate is most likely 1818/1819, based upon his marriage date. He was married to Julia Joy in St. Brigid's parish church, Duagh, 19 Feb 1843. They had 4 children: Johanna (baptized 6 Dec 1843; twins Julia and Catherine (baptized 26 Sept 1848; and John (baptized 26 July 1852). William is found in the 1848 Tenure book of Duagh parish living in Knockaunbrack next to Edmund Pierce. Pierce appears to be paying his rent (along with other people living in the area). It is possible he was working for the Pierce family. William was not listed in the 1852 Griffith's Valuation of the same area. It's possible that he was kick off the property, as were so many tenant farmers during the Great Famine. William, Julia, Johanna and John emmigrated to the United States on the Ship Sandusky which left from Tralee and arrived in New York in July of 1859. They are found in the town of Colebrook, Litchfield County, Connecticut in the 1860 US Census. The 1870 and 1880 censuses find William in the nearby town of Winchester, Litchfield County, Connecticut. He died 24 June 1886 in Winsted, Litchfield, Connecticut. He is buried at St. Joseph's Old Catholic Cemetery in Winsted.