In August of 1840, Edward Farrell married Margaret Mahedy in St. James Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York. These are my great-great-grandparents. From information in family stories, plus some guess work, I believe they both came from County Longford, Ireland. Although they emigrated to the U.S. at different times, I believe they probably knew each other in Ireland before they left. I have no information on the names of their parents, except that there is another Mahedy grave in the West Point Cemetery. It is possible that this Edward and Mary are Margaret's parents.
Edward Farrell was born in 1815, according to their headstone. After arriving in the U.S. in early 1839, he joined the U.S. Army at West Point in November 1839. I have no information on his life between those dates. From Nov 1839 until his death on 6 Dec 1876, Edward Farrell served continuously in the U.S. Army on West Point.
Margaret Mahedy was born in Dec 1817, according to their headstone. After Edward's death, she continued to reside in the area around West Point in Highland Falls, New York. She died on 28 January 1908 in Highland Falls.
Both Edward and Margaret are buried in the Post Cemetery on West Point.
I assume that they knew each other in Ireland, since I cannot figure how they would have met, he being in West Point and she in Brooklyn. Transportation at that time was not sophisticated and didn't serve those two localities very easily. The only other possibility that I can see is that they met in Brooklyn after Edward emigrated. As I have said, I have no information on where Edward lived of worked during that time, so I cannot dispute that possibility. However, I think it more likely that they were acquainted with each other in Ireland.
I am hopeful that someione on this message board may be able to provide me with information regarding their parents and/or siblings.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide.
Bob Gallagher
bobcat14856
Wednesday 10th Oct 2012, 05:18PMMessage Board Replies
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Hello Bob,
Thank you for your enquiry. The main difficulties in dealing with it are the lack of comprehensive sources for the period in question, and the fact that you do not have a precise place of origin for either person. Only a small number of parishes in the county have records pre-1820.
The surname Farrell is common throughout Longford, however Mahedy/Mahady is not. There are important sources that are contemporary with your ancestors - the Tithe Applotment Books, 1823-'35. They list all of those occupiers of land who had to pay a tax called tithe to the Church of Ireland (Anglican), regardless of their own religious denomination. According to it, there were 14 Mahady households in Longford, most of which were in the eastern part of the county in two civil parishes - Mostrim (Edgeworthstown) and Street. The other Mahady houses were in Cashel parish (3, all in the same townland) and Kilglass (1). There was also one Mahedy household in a part of Killoe civil parish that is in Mostrim Catholic parish.
The civil parishes are equivalent to the Church of Ireland parishes and were used for administrative purposes. They do not correspond exactly with the Catholic parishes. None of the Catholic parishes of the places in question have records going back to 1817. All I can suggest is that you see if there are any other US sources that may identify the origins of your ancestors.
Kind regards,
Martin Morris
Tuesday 12th Feb 2013, 12:02PM -
Thank you for the information. I will continue to search on this side to find the exact locationin Ireland that they left. Again, thanks for your assistance.
Bob
bobcat14856
Tuesday 12th Feb 2013, 03:32PM