My Irish Roots

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today I am celebrating my Irish roots from my mother's side of the family. My Aunt Rosie, the oldest of my mother's siblings, wrote what she remembered about our family history. The writing of Aunt Rosie was given to me after her death by her daughter, my cousin. All four of my mother's siblings are gone, and the writings/stories of my Aunt Rosie is all that we have. How I wish I would have asked questions about my mother's life when I was young. Today I want to share with you the beginning of her writings.

"The first mention of your Mahaney connection was of a Lady Mary Connors, who married your great, great-grandfather who was a printer. I think your great-grandfather did not follow that trade for he never did in this country.

When the Crimean War (1854-1856) broke out your great-grandfather, William Mahaney, went to fight for the British. I believe he was wounded or suffered from a fever, for he was never in good health thereafter.

When he returned to Ireland, he and the other survivors were awarded a medal for outstanding service, by Queen Victoria in person.

It did not take long for great-grandfather to become involved in what is now the I.R.A. Whether he distributed pamphlets published by his father, or was caught in some other unfortunate endeavor, he landed in jail. When brought to trial, his lawyer pleaded for his life on the grounds that he had fought for the crown and had been awarded a medal. The judge taking this information into consideration, handed down this decision. He had two choices; leave the country immediately or be hanged. As you know, the next boat out found great-grandfather listed among the passengers bound for Canada. Leaving great-grandmother alone in Ireland with five children."

As the story continues my great-grandmother and her children arrive in Canada and ultimately settle in Toledo, Ohio.

With the help of my Polish cousin, Ruth from Dian's Timpanalley, who is a genealogist, records of dates and places of birth have been found. For her help in finding this information I am very gratfeul.