James O'Donnell : Short Biography

My Great-Great Grandfather, James O'Donnell, married my Great-Great Grandmother, Margaret Fitzgerald, on February 16th, 1844. They were married at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church, which is located in the village of Kildorrery; County Cork. I am unsure of James' place of birth, but I believe his father's first name was John. This is strictly an assumption. It is based on the fact that James' and Margaret's first male child was named John, and it is an Irish tradition to name the first male child after his grandfather. Margaret's father was Thomas Fitzgerald. James' and Margaret's second male child was named Thomas. Margaret was born in the townland of Tankardstown, which is located a short distance from Kildorrery.

Margaret and James had a daughter in 1845. The child was baptised in St. Bartholomew's church, on February 14th 1845. My Great-Great Grandparents named their first child Bridget. Bridget was James' and Margaret's only child born in Ireland. My Great-Great Grandparent's fled to Canada, during the 1847-50 "Great Hunger". They settled in Clairville, Ontario; Canada. 

The village of Clairville has largely disappeared, and has been swallowed up by the municipality of "Greater Toronto". Clairville was/is located on the boundary of Vaughan and Etobicoke Townships. Margaret and James had a number of additional children, all of which were born in Clairville.

In order of birth, they were: Ellen, b.1849; John, b.1851; Thomas, b.1853; Mary Ann, b.1854; James, b.1855 (G-Grandfather); Michael, b.1857; David, b.1859; William, b.1861.