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Wondering  if any of the Catholic Orphanages kept records?  My GGM Mary Bronnock (also spelled Brunick) died 2/6/1915 leaving 2 girls - Mary Anne and Ellen Cleary from her 1st marriage to Michael Cleary behind. She had remarried a Michael Bronnock in 1913. My GM Mary Anne Cleary (whom I never met) told family that she and Ellen were in a Catholic orphanage and in 1925 they left Ireland (18 and 17 years old) to work as maids for distant relatives in NYC. I am trying to find any mention of them in records. Michael Brunick/Brunnock married a Bridget Murphy in May of 1915 after Mary Brunick death. I am wondering why he did not take the girls with his new family.

I appreciate any info. Mary Jane (Loughnane) Cleary/Brunick/Brunnock. On their marriage record it says the lived on Market Street in Cahir. She is on the 1911 census as Mary Jane Cleary at 10 Market Street, Cahir.  Thanks for any help, Mary Anne

 

Mary Anne I

Tuesday 27th Apr 2021, 02:35AM

Message Board Replies

  • See info about Tipperary orphanages here: http://www.childrenshomes.org.uk/list/Tipperary.shtml

    I'm not sure what legal rights Michael would have had to his stepdaughters. He wasn't their father. Also, you don't know what year the children went into care. Perhaps he kept them for a while or perhaps their grandparents or an aunt took them. Hopefully you can find the records.

    Patricia

    Tuesday 27th Apr 2021, 05:54PM

  • Hi Mary Anne,

    I attach record from the SS Caromia - Cobh to New York on March 1st 1925.

    At the numbers 11 and 12 there are two names - Mary Anne Cleary and Ellen Cleary who are passengers. Their last address in Ireland was Thurles and they gave the name Patrick Cleary as an uncle.

    In part 2 they are going to a Mrs Shannon. Their place is Cahir.

    Due to the fact that there are so many families named "Cleary" in Co. Tipperary, it may not be of any significance.

    Regards,

    Credits: www.findmypast.ie

    McCoy

    Thursday 29th Apr 2021, 07:19PM

  • Hi Mary Anne,

    Attached Civil record of the birth of Patrick Cleary - Father - John, a Carpenter and Mother - Mary Devereux - Clogheen. This Patrick Cleary appears to be a brother to the late Michael Cleary and uncle to Mary and Ellen Cleary of Cahir, as stated in ships manifest.

    Regards,

     

    McCoy

    Friday 30th Apr 2021, 07:04AM

  • Thank you McCoy for all the help you've given me!

    Mary Anne I

    Tuesday 22nd Jun 2021, 02:47AM

  • Catholic orphanages often kept records, which can sometimes be difficult to access. Check with your local Catholic dioceses or archives, they may have records from orphanages in the area where your grandmother lived. You can also contact local historical societies, as they may have information or resources related to orphanages and records from that period. I know from personal experience how hard it can sometimes be to find my roots, as I grew up in an orphanage and wanted to learn about my parents. Even though I didn't see much, I decided to participate in foster care support. Keep digging, and I hope you find the information you seek.

    SamuelJohns

    Friday 12th May 2023, 10:20AM

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