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I am seeking information about my relatives, the Leonards of Limerick.Thomas Leonard (1830-1902) was born in Limerick. I think his father's name was Patrick (about 1800-1870). Thomas married Catherine Barrett (1840-1921) in 1864, probably at St. Michael’s parish in Limerick. These Leonards eventually had 11 children, but I think only 7 survived into adulthood. The Leonard family all emigrated from Ireland to Vermont, USA, starting first in about 1882 with daughter Mary Leonard (1865-1951). Teen Mary left and worked in the household of Middlebury College president Ezra Brainerd and sent money back to help the others reach America. The rest of the family, including my grandmother Kate Leonard (1868-1892) followed in groups ending in about 1888. The other Leonard daughter was named Honora (Nora)(1869-1958). The sons of Thomas/Catherine were Patrick (1862-1940), Thomas (TJ)(1871-1951), David (DJ)(1875-1945), John (1877-1956), and James (1879-1933). They all ended up in Burlington, Vermont. Son Thomas (T.J.) Leonard was ordained a Catholic priest in 1902. Father T.J. Leonard and other family members often traveled back to Ireland several times (I know of trips in 1905, 1910) to visit friends and family in Ireland. I would love to learn more about them, their lives in Ireland, why they left, etc. Thanks for any help. Mike O’Brien.

Mike O'Brien

Saturday 11th Aug 2018, 06:41PM

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  • Hi Mike, 

    Thomas Leonard was born 6 Nov 1830 in the parish of St Johns, Limerick City, to Pat Leonard and Catherine Flood. He had at least two siblings, Patrick, born 14 March 1828 and Catherine, born 1 Sep 1835. Thomas married Catherine Barrett on 4 Jun 1864 witnessed by Pat Coughy and Margaret Barrett.

    aliciamccormack

    Saturday 11th Aug 2018, 08:18PM
  • Alicia- thank you so much for this helpful information! Mike.

    Mike O'Brien

    Wednesday 15th Aug 2018, 04:59PM

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