Share This:

Hello,

I am researching my great-grandfather, Michael Thomas Murphy (born in Cork, abt 9 Mar 1863, died 2 Jul 1945 in Somerville, Massachusetts, USA).  Here's what I know about Michael:

He was born in County Cork - possibly on 9 Mar 1863, per US records, but that date and year could easily be wrong.

He was married 24 Nov 1887 at St Peter's in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Mary T Crowley (1864 - 1950).  The parish and civil marriage records list his parents as Thomas Murphy and Hannah.  Per other records I understand her name to be Joanna/Johannah Keefe (which could also be Keeffe, O'Keefe, etc.).  The witnesses to the marriage were a Michael Keefe and Joanna Sheehan.  Joanna Sheehan is most likely a relation of the bride, Mary Crowley.  Mary was born in 1864 in the townland of Ballindvragnosig, which is near Riverstick, Kinalea Parish - between Kinsale and Carrigaline.  Mary's parents were James Crowley and Catherine "Katie" Sheehan.  The other witness, Michael Keefe interests me as he could be a close relation of the groom, Michael, through Michael's mother, Hannah/Joanna Keefe, and he may be a lead.

The most likely Michael Keefe/O'Keefe living in or near Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the time of the marriage, that I have identified was born and baptize n Carrigaline Parish in June 1855, son of Cornelius Keefe and Mary Jeffords.  He was most likely born in the townland/vicinity of Ahaghamore Cottage, south of Carrigaline in Templebreedy.  Based on this I looked for a Thomas Murphy in Carrigaline in the Griffiths Valuation.  I found a Thomas Murphy living in Frenchfurze / French Furze - which is not distant from Ahaghamore Cottage.  Looking at 1901 and 1911 Census records I find a Patrick Murphy, born about 1831, and living in Frenchfurze in 1901 and Crosshaven town in 1911.  I cannot prove (yet) that Patrick is the son of Thomas Murphy of the Griffiths Valuation - but as there is only one Murphy in Frenchfurze in Griffiths and one Murphy household in Frenchfurze in 1901, it seems likely.  Patrick Murphy (1831 - Unknown) married Mary Long about 1860 and had, at least, these several children:  Kate 1861, Daniel 1863***, Timothy 1868, Margaret 1871, Ellen Josephine 1873, Bridget 1876.  As mentioned by 1911 Patrick was living in Crosshaven town in the household of his son Timothy, a water curator, and his wife Julia O'Sullivan (born 1878, daughter of Daniel O'Sullivan).  

(***Note that the name Daniel runs in my family, my grandfather was a Daniel Murphy.  Other names running in the family that may have Murphy/Keefe associations in Carrigaline include William, Francis, Henry, George, Paul.)

I am curious to prove/disprove that my Michael Thomas Murphy is from Carrigaline or environs and if he may be connected to the Murphy's of Frenchfurze.

Thank you,

Patrick Murphy, Chicago, Illinois - formerly of Massachusetts

padraigm

Saturday 9th Dec 2017, 10:13PM

Message Board Replies

  • Duplicate message. See message in Carrigaline parish.

    Castlemore Roscommon, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘

    Sunday 10th Dec 2017, 02:35PM

Post Reply